Loudoun Now for Oct. 6, 2022

Finding Common Ground and Grounding at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center is no stranger to the area. It’s been offering therapeutic riding for 48 years in Leesburg and now in its new location near Lovettsville.

But what sets it apart is what it offers to those who ride there.

It was the first therapeutic horsemanship center established in Virginia. The nonprofit helps adults and children with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges, helping them build self-confidence, self-discipline, strength, mobility and coordination. Each year they serve around 350 children and adults, with veterans with PTSD among their fastest-growing groups.

Christie McKitrick, community outreach and fundraising at LTR, knows each of the 12 horses in the program. She’s been working with them for a little over a year and can tell you which ones have big personalities, which ones are silly and which ones are bomb-proof—meaning they keep their cool no matter what.

Each horse was selected for specific reasons, but mostly its personality.

“Temperament is the most important thing. They have to be very quiet and confident and also very generous, similar to a human working in this field or any field that requires you to give you have to want to do it. And [horses] have a very generous and giving spirit. You can tell when a horse wants to do something and when a horse doesn’t want to,” McKitrick said.

She describes Lars as a big goofball. The horse is on lease to LTR and enjoying his retirement from fox hunting at the center.

“He overflows with personality. He’s very friendly and everyone loves him. If you were to spend time with him, even just one session, you would see it too. They don’t hide it,” McKitrick said.

Gnomeo is the oldest herd member at the spritely age of 27. She calls him “little

prince” and said he is known as being the resident “super sweet unicorn.” Gnomeo is a pony with just the right temperament and size for small riders or for wheelchair users who come to the center.

Most of the horses at LTR are retired from sport careers like fox hunting, racing or jumping. Some are leased to the center

FINDING GROUND

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Supervisors Set Data Center Vision

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

After months of committee meetings, county supervisors have set their vision for where and how data centers will develop in Loudoun into the future.

As supervisors and county planners continue the years-long effort to overhaul both the county’s comprehensive planning and zoning ordinance, they sought a holistic look at where data centers should be allowed, how they fit into other development and what they should look like.

Supervisors in the last term wrestled with where to allow future data center development throughout the comprehensive planning process, and now look to amend that plan only a few years after it was passed in 2019 and before the accompanying zoning ordinance based on that plan has been completed. Last term, while seeking not to stymy the industry’s growth, they were cautious about where to allow data centers in the plan—where data centers are among the allowed uses, county planners often assume data centers will appear because those companies offer top dollar for developable land,

DATA

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Anna McConnell brushes a horse at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center in preparation for her riding session. The nonprofit center offers various types of therapeutic riding services.

Purcellville Council, Staff Seek Improved Working Relationships

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

With three months left in its term, the Purcellville Town Council is working to set a new foundation for the council-staff relationship that replaces frustration and distrust with a commitment to trust, re spect, and civility.

Last Thursday, the council received the results of an independent management analysis that studied the increasingly pub lic frictions playing out in the council chambers. And on Saturday, the council held a day-long meeting to set a better project management structure, to be in place when a new mayor and up to three new council members take their seats in January.

Four years after helping to guide Pur cellville through its last management cri sis, municipal government veteran John Anzivino returned to Town Hall on Sept. 29 to deliver his assessment of the town’s current governmental operations.

Anzivino served as interim town man ager in 2017-18 and helped guide the national search that resulted in hiring Town Manager David Mekarski. He was retained in January to provide recom mendations to help more clearly define the roles of the council and the town staff

amid publicly displayed tensions, and to assess current staff levels and duties.

During the session, Anzivino present ed an overview of his 35-page report and pointed to management policies in place in other jurisdictions he said could help clarify roles, reduce frustrations, and more efficiently use the staff’s time and talent.

In addition to suggesting policies that would improve communication among the council, staff, and the public, core recommendations focused on setting new

procedures for managing the staff’s work load, including requiring the full coun cil—rather than the mayor or just a few members—approve of new tasks that re quire more than 90 minutes of staff time.

Anzivino attributed much of the fric tion on display in Town Hall to the shift from a “more traditional” council-manag er form of government to one of an “ac tivist council.”

“Prior to 2017, the Town followed a more traditional model of the Coun cil Manager form of government with

Lerner Inducted as Loudoun Laurels Honoree

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun Laurels Foundation on Friday celebrated the lifetime contribu tions of Sandy Lerner as its 30th honoree Friday night during a gala ceremony at the Lansdowne Resort.

An entrepreneur-turned-farmer, Lerner was recognized for directing her efforts and resources toward philanthropy, sus tainable and humane farming, land con servation, and historic preservation. She was a co-founder of Cisco Systems and moved to Ayrshire Farm west of Middle burg in 1995. Through her conservation and preservation endeavors, as well as her pioneering organic, predator-friendly, and humane farming initiatives and her work to save endangered breeds of domestic livestock, Lerner is credited with blend ing tradition and technology to serve the interests of Loudoun residents, both hu man and animal.

Lerner’s love of animals began at early in life. She said her earliest

memory is riding a horse with her father in the Arizona hills at age 2. After the di vorce of her parents, she lived with her aunt on a northern California farm, where she developed her traits of independence and self-reliance.

“We’re not a family that is good with kids. We’re all very independent and very interested in what each person is doing themselves. And I don’t really think that any of the people who raised me had the mindset that they were somehow giving me a set of values and preparing me for the world. That was my problem,” she said in an interview recorded for the Loudoun Laurels archive. “You know, I spent the majority of my childhood in a barn with the animals.”

Growing up in California in the 1960s, Lerner said keeping busy kept her out of trouble.

“There was a lot of opportunity to get into big-time trouble. At six in the morn ing, I had to feed the cows. And when I got home from school, before I could even think about doing anything else I

had to go out, change the sprinklers and feed the cows,” she said. “And at the end of the day, I think being needed is the most important thing for a child. Most children, I think, especially in the cities, are just superfluous. It really doesn’t mat ter if they get up or not. I can’t imagine going through life like that. But if I didn’t feed the cows, they didn’t get fed.”

She put herself through college, fund ed in part by selling shorthorn cattle from a herd she built through her years partic ipating in 4-H. She said after earning a degree in comparative communist philos ophy—one that came with few job pros pects—she qualified for a state scholar ship and headed to Claremont Graduate School. There a professor introduced her to quantitative research methods, and she was soon running a computer facility. She got her first internet account in 1975.

“I learned Fortran programming and I learned some work on systems. I repaired the IBM card readers. I hurt my back carrying cases of computer cards to the horrible IBM system. But we had a

Council interaction with staff on a more limited basis. As growth occurred and new residents moved to the community, bringing new ideas, the Council became a more activist body with a broad range of new ideas, a differing view of the Council Manager relationship and new ideas rela tive to Town operational procedures and project needs,” he wrote.

That shift resulted in the retirement of long-term Town Manager Rob Lohr and launched “a period of management in stability” during which personnel actions initiated by the then-council or its repre sentatives resulted in a series of scandals and lawsuits.

The town employed five managers or interim managers, including Anzivino, over the course of a year. The nationwide search that resulted Mekarski’s 2018 hir ing brought in an experienced municipal manager, but one with no previous ties to the town, he wrote.

“Town workforce which, while re maining dedicated to the task of providing a high level of service to Town residents, was confused and somewhat distrust ing of new leadership and the governing body,” he wrote.

DEC 10 [mainframe computer] timeshar ing system and I’ve been a 36-bit junkie all my life, all my professional life. If you’re not playing with 36 bits, you don’t have a full deck,” she said.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Purcellville Council member Tip Stinnette talks during the Sept. 29 briefing in the management assessment report presented by John Anzivino as Mayor Kwasi Fraser and Council member Christopher Bertaut look on.

Photo courtesy of Blue Lion Multimedia Sandy Lerner

Loudoun

Feds Close Afghan ‘Safe Haven’ Site in Lansdowne

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

After seven months of operation, the “safe haven” program set up at the National Conference Center for Afghan nationals fleeing their country has wrapped up.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Sept. 27 that all evacuees had left the center and transitioned to other communities around the U.S., and the department was demobilizing and vacating the site.

Despite initial fears from some area residents and the county sheriff, the operation ran almost invisibly, with district Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), both also Lansdowne residents, confirming the county had received no complaints since evacuees began arriving.

Since the center opened in March, 4,500 Afghans were temporarily housed at the Lansdowne hotel complex. Overall, some 88,500 Afghan nationals were

provided services in the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome, the agency stated. The flight of Afghans began after U.S. forces withdrew from the country in August 2021, and the Taliban returned to power.

At the NCC, services included assistance applying for work authorization, attending English language classes, getting matched with their new U.S. communities; learning about the U.S. legal and immigration systems, and participating in cultural orientation classes.

Loudoun residents first learned that the conference center could operate as a safe haven site in a Feb. 17 press release from county Sheriff Michael L. Chapman, who raised concern about the site and the Afghan allies passing through it, including about vetting their backgrounds, the location in a residential area, and the federal government’s law enforcement authority on the campus.

County and federal officials and National Conference Center management on Feb. 24 hosted a public information

meeting at the center that lasted until midnight, taking questions from Lansdowne community and elsewhere. That meeting featured back-and-forth between people expressing fears about the evacuees, federal officials expressing confidence in the program, and members of the public supporting the evacuation effort and wanting to know if there was more they could do to help.

Turner, a retired Air Force officer, pointed out at that meeting the evacuees are people who assisted the U.S.’s 20-year war in Afghanistan and their families, and

who could be killed by the Taliban for that work if they stayed in Afghanistan.

“How confident do you feel that the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA can protect the community from these war heroes and their scary teenage boys?” one attendee quipped.

But the federal government and National Conference Center were also often secretive about the operation—a Department of Homeland Security spokesman declined to give advance notice of when evacuees would begin arriving, and su-

Supervisors Seek Civil Offense for Metro Fare Jumping

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun supervisors in a split vote deferred passing new local laws in Metro stations and trains as they seek a civil penalty—as opposed to a criminal charge— for fare jumping.

Localities with Metro service typically pass similar local ordinances governing conduct on Metrorail stations, trains and buses, giving local law enforcement like the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office the authority to enforce those laws alongside Metro police. Some of those are relatively uncontroversial—such as the bans on smoking or littering, vandalizing, tampering with emergency exits or riding on top of trains. But the proposal to create a Class 2 misdemeanor offense for riding without paying the fare halted a vote to approve the new ordinances Sept. 14.

The second-most serious of misdemeanor offenses, Class 2 misdemeanors are punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and

up to six months in jail. Some supervisors worried about the prospect of giving people criminal records for hopping over the turnstile; others said in practice, that is uncommon and civil penalties are unenforceable on Metro.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), who also serves on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors, which governs Metro, said the system is estimated to miss out on about $50 million a year in revenue because of fare jumping.

“We have had a significant uptick of crime on Metro, including fare evasion, which has become a very serious threat to us both in terms of the fiscal situation and creating an atmosphere of lawlessness on the system,” he said. He likened skipping the fare to petit larceny—a more serious Class 1 misdemeanor.

“You are stealing from us if you enter our system and you do not pay, so it is treated like any other theft would be, and whether or not that’s adjudicated harsh-

ly is up to the criminal justice system,” he said.

And Sheriff’s Office Captain TJ DeLitta advised that deputies will not enforce civil offenses. Letourneau said transit police also do not enforce civil penalties where they exist.

“We wouldn’t necessarily put our deputies into that position, to try to enforce a civil infraction within the Silver Line,” DeLitta told supervisors. “Too many things can happen that we don’t want to put our deputies into that particular situation.”

In practical terms, even the criminal penalty would be seldom-enforced, some argued, and judges are likely to be lenient with all but the most unrepentant repeat offenders. Letourneau said in 2021 there were only 22 citations for fare evasion across Metrorail. DeLitta said deputies will not be standing guard at the station, meaning they would have to either happen to be there on patrol to see someone jump a turnstile, or respond to a call,

unlikely to be made over a routine hop over a turnstile.

“They’re going to have to call in, we’re going to have to get there, somebody’s going to have to make a complaint, and by that time your train’s two stops away,” he said. “We’re not going to be able to get them anyway.”

“I’m not sure what we’re doing here with this, unless we’re going to go and say we’re going to hire private security to handle civil and then we’re going to fund private security to be in our two Metro stops,” said Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge). He also pointed to the cost of fare evasion—a cost picked up by DC-region taxpayers who help fund Metrorail.

But a slim majority on the county board voted to hold off on adopting an ordinance while county staff members prepare an option for a civil penalty, which could be either instead of or in addition to

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now The National Conference Center in Lansdowne functioned for months as a stopping-off point for thousands of Afghans evacuating from their home country to resettle into the U.S.

Safe haven

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pervisors at the Feb. 24 meeting said they had only learned a half-hour before it be gan that the contract to use the site had already been signed. Although Chapman publicized the news on Feb. 17, he said he learned about the possibility on Feb. 4 when federal authorities first toured the site. Once the site was in operation, re porters were not allowed in.

Lansdowne Conservancy and home owners association members at the February meeting decried the lack of transparency.

Ultimately, the only public disruption at the campus was a fire-rescue response to an electrical smell at the National Con ference Center in April. People staying there were briefly evacuated and no fire was found.

“I can’t say enough about my team and all that they have accomplished through out these past months and the immense gratitude for the ongoing support from the community,” National Conference Center General Manager John Walsh stated after

Fare jumping

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the criminal charge. They expressed con cerns about possibly creating permanent records for fare evasion—and about who those rare cases of enforcement would fall on.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said the idea of a criminal offense “goes straight to the reason that I believe we really over-incarcerate in this coun try.” And she said “we are being way too blasé in saying what we know what we don’t’ know” about what a judge would do. She recalled her time working in mental health and substance abuse with inmates in county jail.

“I want to know who actually might get the tap on the wrist the one time, versus who may not get that tap that one time, because the system is not even, and I don’t just trust the system,” she said. “I wish I could, but I worked in the system for years, and I saw who came through those doors and for what offenses.”

Supervisors voted 5-4 to see the civil option, with Buffington, Letour neau and Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) and Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) opposed. n

the operation wrapped up. “We could not have done this without the aid of our civic leaders and the partnerships with various organizations throughout Loudoun Coun ty. This effort was about putting our best foot forward in a critical time, and we could not be more honored to have played a small part in the transition of thousands of our allies as they begin their new lives throughout the nation.”

The NCC returned to normal business operations Oct. 1.

In announcing the completion of the operation, county supervisors praised the

operation and the community’s support.

“We are grateful that so many friends of the U.S. who had no choice but to flee their county were able to join new com munities across our country,” Randall stated. “I am proud their first stop in our great nation was right here in Loudoun, from where our federal partners resettled more than 4,500 people without incident and with no discernible impact on the sur rounding community.”

“Loudoun County residents, and par ticularly the Lansdowne community, should be very proud of their role in the

extraordinary success of this humanitari an operation,” Turner stated. “I’d like to thank the National Conference Center, the dozens of faith-based and nonprofit orga nizations, and the hundreds of Loudoun citizens that donated their time and re sources to help our Afghan allies during their challenging transition to a new life. I’d particularly like to thank Ms. Valerie Pisierra and the entire Loudoun Cares team who volunteered to coordinate all local community support efforts for the operation.” n

Her coding skills then got her into Stanford. That’s where she met Leonard Bosack, her future husband and Cisco co-founder, who led efforts to connect the university’s 5,000 computers spread over 8,000 acres through a local area network. When the couple sought to sell the routers they developed for that system through the university, Stanford’s leaders denied the request. It was then, Lerner said, she went to San Francisco with $5 in her pocket and founded Cisco.

“We ran the company on our credit cards for three years. Nobody would fund us. Nobody would give us funding. First of all, there was a woman involved. And secondly, it was a public protocol. And thirdly, Len is not your average business guy. Len can make me look pretty normal. And so— although Len’s a great guy, there’s nothing wrong with Len—it’s just we didn’t look or talk or sound like the people that had MBAs that they wanted to fund,” Lerner said. “So we ran it on credit cards. And by the time we finally got funding—I always say it was like literally our 70th or 80th venture group that we talked to—we were

selling a quarter million dollars a month over the internet with no sales force.”

The investment partnership was to be short-lived.

“We had been very naive when we had taken venture money,” she said. “We used the venture capitalists’ lawyers. So everybody says, what’s the biggest thing you’ve ever learned in business? The answer is: Get your own lawyer.”

The deal came with a four-year vesting agreement, and she was pushed out halfway through that period. Bosack, then her ex-husband, quit the company to walk out with her.

Bosack went to Seattle and Lerner wanted to go back east. She settled at Ayrshire just west of Middleburg.

The transition wasn’t necessarily a smooth one.

“It was, it was tough. I had purple hair. I was a girl. I was alone. Not a great area to be single. I was obviously after everybody’s husband—I was not. And I didn’t allow fox hunting on my farm. I rode motorcycles and I was from technology. So the fox hunting thing was what everybody made a huge, huge issue about. But, you know, this is a breeding animal farm,” Lerner said. Then her decision to open a restaurant, Hunters Head Tavern in Upper-

ville, drew nasty community opposition.

As she got involved with area churches and community events like the annual stable tour, she was welcomed in.

“So it did take a long time. And I started making friends. The lady who was the first person who invited me anywhere, just passed away recently, and I really, really liked her, that was Mrs. Horkan. And some people just decided to take a chance on me. And, you know, I’ve been here 25 years,” she said.

In her remarks during Friday’s gala, Lerner highlighted the importance of volunteerism and the value of service clubs.

She noted that if three-quarters of Loudoun residents donated an hour a month to volunteer service, the work would equate to more than 1,800 full time jobs.

“Volunteerism has benefits to health, happiness, and wellbeing. You become part of the community,” she said.

“People who recognize the extent to which we in this room, in this country and in this county are blessed. We have the financial means and the personal freedom to enable us to think not just of ourselves if we want to. We have a choice,” she said.

Lerner said it was especially important to get kids involved—and off their phones.

“You can’t really see the needs of others from behind a phone,” she said.

Involvement in service clubs helps young people find their strengths and build self-reliance, she said.

“My experience in helping other people started in 4-H,” she said. “If not for 4-H I would not be here today.”

“You bring leaders together in service clubs and you share strengths and skills. You deepen your roots within the community with service clubs and you get to work with community leaders, and you get to learn from other people,” Lerner said.

“We need to help our young people choose and cherish the opportunity to volunteer—to give. Giving transcends gender, politics, religion, color, and species. Giving teaches kindness and responsibility. People who are giving don’t have time for boredom, no time for the negative, no time for hate,” she said.

The event is a fundraiser for the Loudoun Laurels Foundation, which has provided $1 million in scholarships to Loudoun high school graduates. Two new four-year $40,000 scholarships were presented this year, to Tuscarora’s Jasmeet Kaur and Potomac Fall’s Carlos Morales, both headed to George Mason University.

Learn more at loudounlaurels.org. n

Leesburg

BAR Weighs in on Downtown Hotel Concept

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

A week after garnering interest from members of the Town Council, developer Kevin Ash on Monday took his concept of building a downtown hotel to the Board of Architectural Review.

Ash said he was just seeking preliminary feedback as the project continues to take shape.

The development is proposed on a 0.6-acre lot at 208 S. King St. Ash said he is looking at a mixed-use project with a restaurant, two floors of office space and five fourth-floor condos that could be built by-right with only administrative review. He said the other option, which he called Hotel Burg, is a 40-room boutique hotel that would require special exception review by the Planning Commission and Town Council. Last week, the council authorized the study of changing parking requirements and building height limits that could facilitate the hotel concept.

Both concepts would require a certificate of appropriateness from the BAR.

A rendering Ash provided to the BAR showed a four-story structure being built behind the property’s circa-1895 Queen

Anne-style building. BAR members raised concerns that the large addition would overwhelm the existing building.

Suggestions to overcome that concern included locating the larger building to the rear of the property, building multiple smaller structures or even adjusting the new building alignment to move closer to the front in line with the streetscape.

Ash, who has experience building downtown as the developer of the Leesburg Central at the corner of Loudoun and Harrison Streets and Courthouse Commons on Market Street, said he is working with architect Dieter Meyer, a former BAR member, on the project and would take the input into consideration.

No applications have been filed. n

Church & Market Parking Lot Closed; Construction Begins

Leesburg’s Church Street parking lot closed this week in advance of the start of construction on the Church & Market development.

The town leased the surface parking lot at the corner of Church and Loudoun streets for the past four years.

Construction on the Church & Market development is expected to begin in the coming weeks and the lot will be completely blocked off to traffic by early next week.

Church & Market, incorporating the former Loudoun-Times Mirror property, was approved in 2019 as a mixed-used development with 115 apartments, 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail/restaurant space and 10,000 square feet of office space.

To assist visitors to the downtown area, the town has updated its parking brochure. Locations of downtown parking facilities may be found at leesburgva.gov/visitors/ getting-here/downtown-parking. n

AROUND Town

Tickets on Sale for Hauntings Tours

The Loudoun Museum will hold its popular—and always sold out—Hauntings Tours on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, with a new stop this year.

The 90-minute guided walking tours will take guests through historic downtown Leesburg to various “spirited” locations.

The tours will be going inside multiple tour locations throughout downtown Leesburg, including the Johnston House where the footsteps of one of its former residents can reportedly still be heard going up and down the stairs and walking on the second floor.

In addition to the Johnston House, the tour will be going inside the Loudoun County Courthouse and Leesburg Presbyterian Church, and stopping at the Eliza House, considered one of the most haunted buildings in Virginia, and the Glenfiddich House, where the blood stains of a soldier wounded at Balls Bluff are reportedly seen in the room where he slept. Tour guides give visitors background on each building and the historical context behind each of the scary stories.

The tours begin at 5:40 p.m. outside of the log cabin next to the Loudoun Museum and leave every 20 minutes until 8:40 p.m. Space is limited.

For tickets and more details, go to loudounmuseum.org/hauntings. All proceeds benefit the Loudoun Museum.

Downtown Car Show Rescheduled

The 34th annual Leesburg Car Show that was washed out by the remnants of Hurricane Ian last Saturday has been rescheduled for Oct. 22.

The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and benefits the students and staff at the Academies of Loudoun.

For more information, including how to register a vehicle for

AROUND TOWN

Town of Leesburg

A rendering of the concept for a boutique hotel builder Kevin Ash is considering on South King Street.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

no-parking signs were posted this week in the former public parking lot along Church Street.

Second Tennis Bubble Opens at Ida Lee

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Town of Leesburg leaders last week celebrated the completion of a second tennis bubble at Ida Lee Park.

The project covered three courts, bringing to seven the number of indoor courts at the park’s Tennis Center. The park’s first tennis bubble, with four courts, was built in 2007.

Mayor Kelly Burk said the new bubble would add 300 hours of playing time per week and provide a year-round home for the Leesburg Tennis Academy that serves 40 junior players. Perhaps, a future Olympian would come from the program, she said.

She also noted that facilities like those at Ida Lee Park were a big part of the reason Fortune magazine this week ranked Leesburg as the eighth best community in the U.S. for families to live.

Parks and Recreation Director Rich Williams thanked the council for its continued investment in the park and the Tennis Center staff and pros for developing robust programs that make the most of that investment.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Town of Leesburg leaders on Sept. 29, celebrated the completion of a second tennis bubble at Ida Lee Park. The project covered three courts, bringing to seven the number of indoor courts at the park’s Tennis Center

“Lastly, but just as importantly, I want to thank the tennis community for the support they’ve given us over the years, making such a facility possible,” Williams said.

For details on court rentals and Tennis Center programs, go to idalee.org. n

AROUND Town

show, go to lcps.org/carshow or

571-252-2080.

Document Shredding Offered Saturday

The Town of Leesburg’s Department of Public Works & Capital Projects will host a free community doc-

Cochran

ument shredding event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Heritage High School.

Residents may bring three boxes or bags of documents, each equivalent in size to a standard file storage box. If the shredding trucks are full before 1 p.m., the event will close early.

a list of items acceptable for shredding, as well as tips on identity theft protection, go to leesburgva.gov/shredevent. n

Fuel Spill Hits Creeks Downtown

Loudoun County Fire-Rescue hazard ous materials teams were called Tuesday morning to clean up a spill of diesel fuel that had entered Town Branch and Tusca rora Creek through downtown Leesburg.

The spill happened Oct. 4 during the refilling of a generator on Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Cornwall campus. The fuel

traveled through the stormwater collec tion pipes and entered Town Branch just west of King Street.

Crews set up three sections of absor bent booms on the waterways, with the containment zone stretching from George town Park along South King Street to an area of Sycolin Road and Plaza Street. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Absorbent booms are laid across Town Branch near Georgetown Park following a diesel fuel spill on Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Cornwall campus Oct. 4.

Education

School District Hires First Ever Ombuds

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County Public Schools has hired Carey Williams as the division’s first ever ombuds. Williams will serve as the designated neutral resource for students, families, employees and community members.

As ombuds, she will “advocate for fairness, equity and consistency to assist in the resolution of education, student and employee related concerns, problems complaints and issues,” according to an announcement from the school division.

“I am honored and excited to join LCPS as the inaugural Ombuds and look forward to supporting families, employees, and community members to ensure the success of all LCPS students,” Williams stated. “I truly believe that all students can be successful throughout their K-12 experience, with no exceptions, and I am eager to get to work in Loudoun County.”

“Carey Williams has a well-documented history of advocating for students’

Loudoun County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools’ first ever Ombuds, Carey Williams.

needs and championing efforts toward equity for all,” Superintendent Scott Ziegler stated.

As the divisions first ombuds, Williams salary will be $161,064. She will report

to Dan Smith, chief of staff at Loudoun County Public Schools.

Williams is a native of western Maryland. She earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Wingate University, a master’s degree from Ohio University in health and physical education, and a post-master’s certificate in educational leadership from George Washington University.

She has been an educator in Northern Virginia for more than 20 years, in both Prince William County Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. She has also served as a coordinator for Equity and Student Conduct in Fairfax County Public Schools and as a Title IX investigator for the Equity and Student Relations department in Prince William County Public Schools.

Williams is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and has developed extensive knowledge of the inner workings of large school divisions, according to the release.

To learn more about the Office of the Ombuds, go to lcps.org/ombuds. n

Board Sends Strategic Plan Back for More Work

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

On Sept. 27, the School Board voted unanimously to send the division’s strategic plan draft metrics back to committee for more work.

Assistant Superintendent Ashley Ellis, Chief of Staff Dan Smith and Director of Research Assessment Ryan Tyler on Tuesday presented the draft metrics for the One LCPS 2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence. They sought to answer the question: “How do we know we are making progress toward the mission, vision and goals outlined in the strategic plan?”

The board previously approved the vision, mission, goals and aligned actions for the plan in June of this year, but the Strategic Plan Implementation Steering Committee hadn’t developed the metrics yet.

The lengthy discussion ranged from concerns over data being taken primarily from surveys and that the response to those surveys was not adequate, to “key drivers,” clarifications and possible ad-

justments of some key performance indicators (KPIs), to whether a substitute motion could be made on a substitute motion. During the presentation key drivers were defined as what happens as a result of an activity, and a KPI was defined as the big picture change that happens as a result of the key driver.

School Board member Tom Marshall (Leesburg) raised the question about getting data from surveys and expressed concern over it because, he said, “surveys are perceptions, and perceptions do not always equal reality.”

Ellis pointed out that certain KPIs were measured by surveys, while others were not.

Tyler said about 13-16% of families participated in surveys in the past and later noted that participation for staff members was 50%, and closer to 70-80% for students.

Denise Corbo (At Large) expressed concern over how much the metrics were evaluating the school’s performance based on surveys, and expressed her frustration that other divisions had created a strategic

plan in a year while Loudoun County was still in the talking phase.

“I have said from the beginning, I still believe we have an incomplete plan … and I just don’t understand why it’s taking us so long to create a plan, to provide the data and the criteria for how we are going to evaluate,” Corbo said, adding, “To me that starts with leadership. Leadership drives the strategic plan. And I can’t help but wonder how other school divisions can do it and have data and have a completed plan in such a short amount of time and we can’t.”

Chair Jeff Morse (Dulles) said he was struggling with the methodology of the plan, what were being called key drivers, and the assessment of key drivers using KPIs.

“A key driver to me is an opportunity or an environment which is going to benefit our solution or is going to help us get to that solution. I think what we have done is, it appears we have taken key drivers

SCHOOL notebook

Loudoun Teacher Wins Mount Vernon Award

George Washington’s Mount Vernon has named Loudoun teachers both the 2022 History Teacher of the Year and the runner-up.

Nellie Beaman, a sixth-grade history teacher at Eagle Ridge Middle School in Ashburn, was named the 2022 History Teacher of the Year.

Beaman, who is in her 12th year of teaching, also serves as the sixthgrade collaborative learning team teacher, has been involved in programs like Odyssey of the Mind, and has been key in the district’s professional development, providing teacher mentorship, curriculum development support to middle school social science and global studies, according to a press release.

The Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year is given annually to one teacher in the Washington, DC area who brings creativity and passion to their teaching, generates a love of learning and deepens their students’ understanding and appreciation of the subject, according to the release. The winner receives a $5,000 cash award and a fully-funded field trip to Mount Vernon for their students.

This year’s runner-up, James Sassak, is an eighth-grade civics teacher at Blue Ridge Middle School. He will receive a cash award of $500 and distance learning programs for his students.

This is the 14th anniversary of the Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year award, provided through support from the Robertson Foundation. The award review panel was made up of Mount Vernon education staff who design programming and resources for K-12 students and teachers.

Suggestions Sought for New Middle School Name

The Loudoun County School Board is asking for input on a name for its newest middle school.

The middle school, currently referred to as MS-14, is under construction and set to open fall 2024. It is located southwest of the Evergreen Mills Road/Red Hill Road/Ryan Road intersection in the Dulles North Planning District.

The School Board has appointed a

Artists Sought for Douglass High School Wall Mural

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County Public Schools and the Douglass High School Commemora tive Committee are looking for artists to paint an outdoor mural on a wall of the for mer Leesburg school, which is undergoing a full renovation.

Douglass High School was Loudoun County’s Black high school from 1941 un til 1968, when school segregation ended in the county.

The goal of the mural project is to highlight sports that were played at the school—football, boys and girls’ basket ball, baseball, golf, track and field and cheerleading. The mural area, which will be next to the outside basketball court, is about 98 feet long and about 20 feet high and includes several sections.

The selected artist will be responsible for purchasing DiBond or other similar quality panels for the mural. Installation costs and coordination will be provid ed by the division as well as a local sign company, according to a document

provided at the Sept. 27 School Board meeting by the DHSCC and the Depart ment of Support Services.

Submissions are due by 1 p.m. Oct. 17 and need to include a sketch of the proposed artwork, a cover letter or written statement describing the proposed mural, up to three separate visual designs, artist resume with a portfolio, estimated time to begin and complete the project including creation and installation, full budget among others. Submission materials will not be returned.

Submissions will be reviewed by the DHSCC with the finalist being reviewed by the School Board, the Board of Supervi sors, the Leesburg Commission on Public Art, and the Leesburg Town Council.

The selection process is estimated to take several months, with an update on the review timeline being provided to artists by Dec. 1.

Proposals should be submitted to Don na Torraca with Loudoun County Pub lic Schools Division of Planning and GIS Services.

For more information, email DouglassRenovation@LCPS.org. n

huge Thank You to the Loudoun County Government, all of the departments that have supported us over the years as well as Loudoun County Sheriff, Town of Leesburg, Leesburg

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Parents Return to Bring Your Parent to PE at Area Schools

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

For the first time in two years, parents at one local school were able to play with their children during “Bring your Parent to P.E. Week.”

The program is part of Family P.E. Week by Active Schools in partnership with OPEN Phys Ed to help schools cel ebrate their physical education programs by encouraging being active together. This year it is Oct. 3-7 nationwide, but some schools in Loudoun County decided to do it a week earlier to accommodate the Yom Kippur holiday next Wednesday.

Last Wednesday, after a warmup on mini scooters, parents at Round Hill El ementary played a life-sized and very ac tive game of Battleship.

Eric Turrill, a P.E. teacher for 27 years at Round Hill Elementary, said they give the parents three minutes on the scooters “to remind themselves it’s fun to be a kid.” He said they get the parents warmed up and down to the kids’ level, so they are ready to play a game like Battleship.

One of the favorite rules of Battleship highlights teamwork. If the kids and par ents worked as a team to clean up a de stroyed “battleship” they were given the chance to run around the whole game and

sneak a peek at the opposing team’s lay out so they could better hit their targets.

“So far every class has had at least one parent attend, so we’ve had 100% in volvement,” Chris Lose, a P.E. teacher at the school for five years, said.

Lose said it was nice to be back do ing the things they used to do before the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time Fam ily P.E. Week happened was in 2019.

Turrill said they’ve been inviting par ents to come play since 2018. He said it was hard when COVID hit and stopped the program.

The Round Hill Elementary School P.E. department keeps busy planning ac tivities for the community.

“We love to have something just about every month. We do morning walk to school events, after school fun runs, fam ily bowling night, family disc golf, we have two different family hiking nights and finally we are back to normal with all these parents coming down to play and it’s just fabulous,” Turrill said. “It’s building the community of Round Hill and bringing everyone together—kinder garten through fifth grade. It’s just mag nificent.”

But it’s not just a physical activity. According to Turrill, it’s also about brain power.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Kids and parents play a life-sized version of Battleship on Sept. 28 at Round Hill Elementary School during “Bring your Parent to P.E.” week.

“It’s a physical and mental activity. The markings on the floor are replicas of each other, so it’s similar to a spreadsheet or when you are coding how you put in the code to move your character in different directions. You have to look at the mark ings on the floor and count three spots up or two left or whatever direction, then you go back to your side and do the same thing. There is a lot of STEM involved,” Turrill said of the Battleship game.

Round Hill Elementary School had two more days last week for parents to come and play, however, Turrill empha sized “we have an open-door policy and parents are welcome to come play any time.”

Other Loudoun County schools par ticipating include Willard Middle School, Lincoln Elementary, Ashburn Elementa ry, Lovettsville Elementary and Water ford Elementary Schools. n

Strategic plan

which could be our performance indica tors, and we are kind of lumping them to gether and throwing them over into a KPI,

is an assessment,” Morse said.

He pointed out that he has previously expressed concerns that the division isn’t getting a good sense of the community through conducting surveys. He said there seems to be a disconnect with that aspect.

“So what I am struggling with is, the key drivers appear to have the meat of what we really want to see and what the actions of the division are looking for,” he said.

Andrew Hoyler (Broad Run) agreed with Morse and expressed concern that there was no mention of English Learner students or economically disadvantaged students in the document. He also pointed out that some of the baseline KPIs were still showing “to be determined,” which he though was strange for something like graduation rates within the division.

Hoyler ended up making a substitute motion to send the document back to the committee for further work.

“If we are only getting 13-16% re sponse on these surveys that’s not a very good number for us to be basing such an important plan for the next five years on,” Hoyler said.

After more discussion, Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) made a substitute motion to clarify what he felt the direction of the board was. He proposed having the com mittee finalize the KPIs and metrics and present the final ones for each goal during future meetings for board approval.

The substitute motion caused confusion and more questions and a greater discus sion on the timeline for getting the KPIs more quickly, with Hoyler pointing out they were needed before budget season starts.

After further discussion, Hoyler tried to make another substitute motion which caused confusion about whether a substi tute motion could be made on a substi tute motion. Then further confusion when Hoyler tried to amend Sertokin’s substitute motion, over whether an amendment could be made to a substitute motion, which re quired consulting Robert Falconi, legal counsel for the school division.

Once it was determined both a substi tute motion on a substitute motion and an amendment to a substitute motion could be made, Hoyler amended Sertokin’s motion.

Under that direction, the finalized met rics and KPIs will be brought back at the Oct. 25 School Board meeting. n

SCHOOL notebook

naming committee to review suggestions and has been tasked with considering names with geographic or historical sig nificance or names of deceased persons who made significant contributions to improving life in Loudoun County Pub lic Schools, Loudoun County, Virginia, or the United States. The School Board does not consider names of a person unless that person has been deceased for at least five years.

Anyone interested in suggesting a name must provide background informa tion to help with the committees review and selection process.

Name suggestions can be emailed to LCPSPLAN@LCPS.org by Oct. 17, or mailed to the Division of Planning and GIS Services at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148.

The Dulles North Area Middle School Naming Committee meetings are at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 and Nov. 2 at the Brambleton Middle School Library. Committee meet ings are open to the public.

New LEAF Members Approved

The School Board last week appointed four more members and one alternate to the Loudoun Education Alliance of Fam ilies.

Appointed were: Hermant Biswall from Farmwell Station Middle School, Amy Otto from Legacy Elementary, Adri enne Hannan from Waxpool Elementary and Angela Araya from Meadowland El ementary Schools. The alternate is Shima Andreassan from Evergreen Mill Elemen tary School. n

Public Safety

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Reduced Charge

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Joshua Mark Hunter, the co-defendant in the July 8, 2020, fatal shooting of Jose I. Escobar Menendez on a Sterling street pleaded guilty to reduced charges during a Sept. 29 Circuit Court hearing.

Hunter had been scheduled to begin a 14-day jury trial Monday on charges of first-degree murder, street robbery with a gun, two counts of using a firearm in the

commission of a felony, and street robbery.

During last Thursday’s hearing, he entered pleas of guilty to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter and the charge of robbery with a gun. The use of a firearm charges and second robbery charge were dropped by county prosecutors.

A voluntary manslaughter conviction, a Class 5 felony, carries a sentence of one to 10 years in prison.

The other defendant in the fatal shoot-

Loudoun Fire-Rescue Marks Fire Prevention Month

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue system is marking October as Fire Prevention Month with open house and outreach events at stations across the county.

On Saturday, Oct. 8, both the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company and Sterling Volunteer Fire Company and the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad will host open houses.

In Leesburg, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plaza Street station, visitors can take a tour of the station, ride the ladder truck, see a demonstration of an extrication, play games, see safety demos, and learn how to become a Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company member.

And in Sterling, during SterlingFest, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 120 Enterprise Street, visitors will get the chance to explore fire trucks and ambulances; meet local firefighters, EMTs and paramedics;

see the 911 simulator; play in a fire safety bounce house; spin the prize wheel; and pick up Sterling Volunteer Fire Company and Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad swag.

Then on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will host an open house at Station 6, 20688 Ashburn Road. Events will include tours of the station, equipment demonstrations, free eye screenings from the Sterling Lions Club, fire safety education and a Lego competition, among other activities.

Then the next weekend companies in Purcellville, Lovettsville and Arcola will join in.

On Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company and Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad will host an open house at the safety center at 500 N. Maple Ave, with the chance to meet local firefighters, EMTs and paramedics; see equipment

One Smile

ing, Gavin Collins, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder during his trial in August. That conviction carries a sentence of life in prison.

On the day of the shooting, Menendez traveled from Winchester to Sterling early that morning to meet up with Collins. Detectives allege that Collins and Hunter arrived at the Village at Potomac Falls apartment complex at about 1:55 a.m., when an area resident heard at least two people start

talking, then yelling before she heard a gunshot. Another resident later found Menendez’s body in the street along Emerald Point Terrace near the intersection with Winding Road.

Upon questioning by investigators, Collins and Hunter said they were on a five-day methamphetamine bender and looking for ways to get money. Stealing a car and selling it to a contact in Prince William County was the plan they devised. n

demonstrations; explore the vehicles and ride a fire truck; spin the prize wheel and pick up Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company swag; practice fire safety skills such as “stop, drop and roll,” the 911 simulator or the kids’ home exit obstacle course; and enjoy treats, a bounce house and face painting.

Meanwhile at the Lovettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Open House from noon to 4 p.m. at 12837 Berlin Turnpike, visitors will also get a chance to meet first responders and see equipment demonstrations, and to see fire, rescue, Swiftwater Rescue Team, Fire Marshal, and law enforcement apparatus. They can also try

the Junior Firefighter assault course and home escape obstacle course and expect a visit from an AirCare medevac helicopter.

Then on Sunday, Oc.t 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department Open House at the Station 9 Annex, 24300 Stone Springs Blvd., will offer the chance to see rescue vehicles and ride a fire truck, meet first responders, play games, see safety demonstrations, learn about fire safety, and see a visit from an AirCare medevac helicopter.

Learn more at loudoun.gov/fire. Learn more about kids’ fire safety at loudoun.gov/kidsfiresafetycorner.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

An Ashburn firefighter hands out plastic firemen’s helmets in his turnout gear at the grand opening of Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue’s Company 6 building in May 2016.

Herndon Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Stabbing

Mario R. Hernandez-Navarrate, 19, of Herndon, was charged with second-degree murder and grand larceny after a Leesburg-area man was found dead Sept. 30.

The Sheriff’s Office was called to an Evergreen Mills Road home on Friday after receiving a check the welfare call. Carroll T. Davis, Jr. 62, was found deceased inside. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Hernandez-Navarrate was apprehended Friday after he was involved in a vehicle crash in the victim’s vehicle in Fairfax County. He was arrested by the Virginia State Police on unrelated charges and held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Student Assaulted at Independence High School

One student was taken into custody, and another was taken to a hospital with serious injuries after the two were involved in an altercation at Independence High School on Sept. 28.

Deputies and an ambulance responded to the school shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday after an altercation between two students in the school’s first-floor bathroom.

According to the Sheriff’s Office the suspect was served Sept. 29 with a juvenile petition for aggravated malicious wounding and taken to the Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center.

Aggravated malicious wounding is a Class 2 felony if the victim is severely injured and is left with permanent and significant physical injury.

Numerous students recorded the incident on their cell phones, according to an email school Principal John Gabriel sent to parents. He asked them to review their student’s social media accounts and what they are posting and encouraged them to observe the “See Something, Say Something” protocol and to tell staff immediately when incidents occur.

Substitute Teacher Charged with Assaulting Student

Following an investigation by the Leesburg Police Department and the school division, a substitute teacher was charged over the weekend with assaulting a student at Tuscarora High School.

The incident happened Sept.16. The school resource officer was told that a student had been forcefully removed from a classroom by the teacher, Hans Mirzaei,

68, of Leesburg. The student reported no injuries, according to the department.

After the incident was reported, Loudoun County Public Schools removed Mirzaei from the building and worked with Leesburg Police to investigate the incident. Investigators presented the case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office. Mirzaei was issued a summons on Sunday and was released.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who has information about the case is asked to contact Officer M. Hackney at 703-771-4500 or at mhackney@leesburgva.gov.

Leesburg Police Investigate Jewelry Store Burglary

The Leesburg Police Department is investigating a Monday morning burglary that happened at Leesburg Jewelers.

According to the report, officers were dispatched to the store in the Shoppes of Dodona Manor retail center along East Market Street shortly before 5:30 a.m. Oct. 3. They found that someone had shattered the plate glass entry door and had taken an undetermined amount of property.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who has not already spoken

with law enforcement and has information about the incident is asked to contact Detective C. Hill at 703-771-4500 or at chill@leesburgva.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477).

The Police Department also recommends that business owners discourage would-be burglars by leaving on interior lights, leaving empty cash drawers open while your business is closed, installing motion activated lighting, installing security cameras, and installing audible alarms. n

GIVING backNonprofit

Dulles South Soup Kitchen Expands

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Dulles South Soup Kitchen has a new home.

Founder Devina Mahapatra was joined by supporters and county leaders Sept. 22 to celebrate the nonprofit’s opening in new space at the Shoppes at Ryan Park in Ashburn.

The organization launched in late 2020 to augment the county’s charitable food distribution efforts at the height of the pandemic. It provided 20,000 prepared meals during its first year.

The new location, in the former The Pavilion at BeanTree space, will allow the nonprofit to do even more.

“We are just bursting with excitement for this new place because we’re able to scale to meet the demand of the community,” Mahapatra said.

“Hunger in Loudoun County shows up in many ways that we don’t expect. These are people who constantly make the decision is it going to be rent or is it going to be milk? Is it going to be utilities or is it going to be prescription medicine? That is what hunger looks like. It is camouflaged. You can’t see it,” she said.

She thanked the supporters who have donated and volunteered.

“Because of the support of people like

you … we’ve been able to serve people.

We’ve been able to serve people with love, warmed and dignity,” Mahapatra said.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said dignity was an important ingredient in Loudoun’s support to the food insecure.

“What we found out during the pandemic was how many people were living paycheck to paycheck,” Randall said, noting that Loudoun Hunger Relief saw its clientele grow by more than 800 people a

week. “That is an amazing number when you think about Loudoun County.”

“People don’t want to come to a food kitchen. Most people in Loudoun County, they’re working. Sometimes they’re working two or three jobs and are doing their very, very best,” Randall said. “So, if they come receive food from a food pantry or soup kitchen it is because they have to. They have to feed their families. For us

SOUP KITCHEN EXPANDS continues on page 20

Loudoun Hunger Relief Celebrates New Van, Gives Fleet Van to Legacy Farms

NOW STAFF REPORT

Donations to Loudoun Hunger Relief during the GiveChoose campaign were a windfall for two nonprofits, as the hunger nonprofit both bought a new refrigerated van with the funds raised and donated one of its current fleet vans to Legacy Farms.

GiveChoose is the annual day of giving hosted by the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. Loudoun Hunger Relief called the new van a vital addition to its fleet, which last year moved almost 3 million pounds of food from donor grocery stores, farms and farmers markets to families in need.

During a Sept. 22 ribbon cutting ceremony for the new van, the nonprofit

Sharma Named Salvation Army Board Chair

Anil Sharma is the new chair of the Salvation Army of Loudoun County Board of Advisors.

Anil is a first-generation immigrant who came to the U.S. in 1997 from India with $100. Today, he is CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, a government-focused IT integrator with more than 6,000 employees.

He has served on the nonprofit’s board of advisors for the past five years. He also supports and volunteers for other nonprofits including Feed the Hungry of Loudoun, Missionaries of Charity, Special Olympics, FACETS and HOPE. He and his company support STEM programs in Loudoun County Public Schools and offer internships to high school students. He was recently recognized with the distinguished service award in recognition of his philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and service to the community by the National Council of Asian Indian Associations.

people. Legacy Farms grows vegetables and flowers for a CSA, and needed the van to expand their operations.

“The gift of this vehicle will allow us to streamline and add efficiency to our operations,” Legacy Farms Executive Director Laurie Young said. “We can’t wait to give it a little makeover and begin delivering our flower and veggie CSA’s in this awesome van.”

“Anil will bring a vision and a passion as he works with me, my wife, our staff and the other members of the Board of Advisors to nurture and to perpetuate the services that the Salvation Army of Loudoun brings to people in need in our community,” Sergeant John McKee said. “There are so many people who are struggling and desperate for assistance. Quite frankly, it is increasingly more difficult to meet the demand financially. We know that Anil will be able to lead us as we remain steadfast in our ability to meet the demand. We live in an amazing and generous community.”

Learn more at salvationarmypotomac.org/loudouncountycorps.

Loudoun Habitat Opens Housing Applications

Hunger Relief donates a van

Legacy Farms

a surprise celebration

22.

held a surprise second celebration to announce donating a “Vintage Van” to Legacy Farms, a Loudoun nonprofit offering internships and training to neurodivergent

“Today was an amazing day. Not only did LHR enhance our ability to serve our community by adding a new refrigerated vehicle to our fleet, but we were able to provide another great Loudoun nonprofit

HUNGER RELIEF continues on page 20

The Loudoun Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for homeownership opportunities through Oct. 31. Applications are open two times a year with the next application period to be held in April 2023.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) joins with Dulles South Soup Kitchen founder Devina Mahapatra in celebrating the nonprofit’s new location in the Shoppes at Ryan Park in Ashburn.

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GIVING back

continued from page 18

During October, Habitat will offer virtual information sessions to explain more about the program and how to apply. Also available is free credit report counseling.

Since 1993, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity has helped build or improve homes for dozens of families helping them achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance needed to build better lives. For more information, to donate or volunteer, go to loudounhabitat.org.

County Launches Free Nonprofit Grants Management Training

Loudoun County will offer free professional development for local nonprofit organizations in October and November. The Grants Management Best Practices Series of educational sessions will highlight resources and tools to help organizations win and manage federal and state grants.

The in-person and online training

Soup kitchen expands

continued from page 18

to make sure they do that with dignity is so important.”

David Gregory, the building owner who is making the space available to the soup kitchen, said most people choose not to see the suffering of others. “We don’t see that person starving. We’re hungry every now and then … but what we don’t do is empathize with that hungry person because we don’t like the pain it brings to us,” he said.

Randall also highlighted the importance of the work being done by the county’s business, faith and nonprofit communities, noting that the government cannot meet all the needs.

sessions are designed to help nonprofits learn more about the government grants available beyond the county’s own grants, get technical assistance with federal grants, determine American Rescue Plan Act eligibility and compliance, and get guidance on performance and fiscal management.

Other nonprofits and local grant providers will be there to facilitate.

The series is intended as the first in a series of professional development opportunities for nonprofits the county will offer, with the next sessions expected in 2023. The in-person and virtual sessions last between 90 minutes and two hours and are meant to help nonprofits staff members write stronger grant applications, hone the skills to find, apply for and manage grants, and learn from subject matter experts.

Detailed information about each session, the schedule of sessions so far and advance registration is online at loudoun. gov/granttraining. For more information about grant opportunities, go to loudoun. gov/grantopportunities. n

“If not for you, people would go hungry. Women would go without housing. People would go without clothing and shelter,” Randall said. “We don’t say it enough and we don’t see it enough, but I will tell you on behalf of the full Board of Supervisors we see you. We see what you’re doing, and we understand why, and we see the people you are serving.”

The Dulles South Soup Kitchen provides healthy, hot meals to anyone seeking nourishment. It specializes in freshly made single-serve or family-style meals, incorporating pasta, rice, poultry, lean meats, and produce to provide residents with a balanced, hearty meal distributed through local partner hunger relief organizations or directly to the community.

Learn more at dullessouthsoupkitchen.org. n

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

Hunger relief

with a vehicle to enhance their mission,” Loudoun Hunger Relief President and CEO Jennifer Montgomery said. “It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors, and we are honored to serve.”

Loudoun Hunger provides emergency groceries to almost 3,000 Loudoun residents a week. Last year, it delivered 2.3 million meals, serving around about 600

to 700 families each week. For more information, go to loudounhunger.org.

Legacy Farms offers targeted, custom-designed apprenticeships to neurodivergent people, who work in the garden, in the community and in organizational management. In the summer, Legacy Farms offers CSA shares with monthly fresh produce paired with recipe cards and offerings from other local businesses like hot sauce, mushrooms, artisan chocolate and other products. For more information, go to legacyfarmsvirginia.org. n

Arc of Loudoun Hosts They Might Be Giants for Shocktober

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

With the loss of the nationally recognized Shocktober haunted house, Leesburg lost a Halloween landmark, and the Arc of Loudoun lost its signature fundraiser. But Shocktober will return—now with a musical performance by a household name, the band They Might Be Giants, at one of the largest venues in Loudoun.

“The owners of Paxton Campus, who have donated use of the property to The Arc of Loudoun since 2008, have plans to bring multiple nonprofit organizations that serve children onto the campus,” Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Kimball said. “As a result, Carlheim Manor is no longer available for The Arc’s use, leaving us without a place to hold our award-winning Haunted House, Shocktober.”

She said the loss of Shocktober left the Arc, which offers a wide range of programs serving both children and adults with autism and disabilities, with a projected half-million dollar net loss for the year. The nonprofit explored several possible new locations for the haunted house but found none suitable.

“Because the need for advocacy, education, therapy, and support for people with disabilities and their families in our region continues to grow exponentially, we needed to find a creative way to raise funds without our beloved Haunted House,” she said. And they did—the new Shocktober Haunt Party and Concert at Ion International Training Center on Saturday, Oct.8

The connection to They Might Be Giants, a band that since 1982 has recorded more 23 studio albums, one certified platinum, sold more than 4 million records and won two Grammys, began with theCoderSchool, a Silicon-Valley based children’s coding and programming afterschool program with a branch in Ashburn.

After hearing that the Arc of Loudoun would no longer have access to the haunted house, Chad Hamel, the owner of theCoderSchool location’s in McLean and Ashburn suggested a concert instead.

Hamel and his wife Ellen have long supported The Arc by providing coding classes for people with disabilities, along with other volunteering. Chad Hamel also serves on the organization’s development committee.

He also suggested the band, because he happened to have an inside track.

“The bass player for They Might Be Giants just happens to be my brother-in-law, so when I heard that The Arc had lost this venue and potentially the ability to hold one of its largest fundraisers, I just had to help,” Hamel said. “The band was happy to lend their talent to the fundraiser and the concert came together.”

Kimball said the Hamels’ ongoing support of The Arc has earned them the title of “Arc Angels.”

“When we first learned that Carlheim Manor, where we’ve held our haunted house fundraiser for the past 12 years, was no longer going to be available to us, we were looking at a giant hole in our budget,” she said. “Thankfully, the Hamels came through with the suggestion of a haunt party and concert. With committed community partners such as Chad and his wife Ellen and the Giants, The Arc will be able to continue doing the amazing work we do, day in and day out, for decades to come.”

The Shocktober Haunt Party and Concert will begin Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $50 for arena seats, $65 for premium arena seats and $125 per person for Really Important People (R.I.P.) packages. Tickets are available from the Ion International Training Center or at thearcofloudoun.org. n

John Flansburgh/Creative Commons John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might be Giants, pictured in 2020.

Towns

Middleburg Mayor Provides Update on Boundary Line Adjustment Feedback

BY NORMAN K. STYER ntyer@loudounnow.com

Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton last week provided a public briefing on community feedback received about two potential development projects that would require land to be incorporated into town through boundary line adjustments.

Addressing a crowd of 60 residents at the Middleburg Community Center on Sept. 28, Littleton stressed that no plans have been submitted to the town.

On the southwest edge of town, the nonprofit Windy Hill Foundation is considering development on 10 acres of a 33acre tract to provide 60 units of affordable housing. On the 212-acre Homewood property on the northeast edge of town, the owners may be looking at bringing 22 acres into the town limits with an eye to develop 66 residences, according to the presentation.

An online survey showed area residents are divided in their opinion of the concepts, with the Homewood plans drawing greater opposition.

About 40 percent of respondents were

Ready to Ride

The ramps are in place and the opening celebration is just weeks away.

Just five months after the groundbreaking for the project, Adam’s Bike Park is scheduled to open Saturday, Oct. 22.

Starting at 2 p.m. that day, kids are encouraged to bring their bikes to test their skills on the park’s trails and ramps.

Inspired by the memory of 15-yearold Adam Caudill and championed by his mother, Michelle, the bike park along Maple Avenue near Loudoun Valley High School has come to fruition with broad—and continuing—community support.

During last week’s Town Council meeting, United Bank Market President Kurt Marx presented a check for $15,000 to support the project. And following the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Elysium Axe Bar plans a

favorable to the Windy Hill Foundation concept and 35% opposed. Supporters cited a need for affordable housing and the long community service track record of the nonprofit. Critics cited concerns about traffic safety, opposed development

and its impacts and questioned whether the town would benefit, according to the presentation.

On Homewood, opposition was greater, with 49% opposed and 22% in favor. Supporters liked the concept of putting most of the land under conservation easement, having the Town Council rather than the county government control the development and having the development hooked up to public water. Opponents cited concerns about the scale of development, the impact on the utility system, traffic safety and setting a precedent for other annexations, according to the presentation. The town also commissioned a team to examine how the Homewood property could be developed under its current Loudoun County zoning, showing a 14-lot subdivision or a mix of houses and commercial uses.

Homewood owner Erik Prince was in the audience and addressed the group.

“I’ve owned that property for 22 years. We are committed to doing something with the property. We’re committed to leaving it long-term to our kids. We are

BLA FEEDBACK continues on page 25

AROUND Town

LOVETTSVILLE

Historical Society to Hear Story of Harpers Ferry

Next in presentation in the Lovettsville Historical Society’s lecture series will be “Robert Harper and the Quakers of Hopewell Meeting: An Unlikely Story of the Founding of Harpers Ferry,” on Sunday, Oct. 9

David T. Gilbert will tell the story of how Harper made his way to the area and set about establishing an industrial community where water power thrived for the next 175 years.

The presentation starts at 2 p.m. at the St. James United Church of Christ.

For more information, visit LovettsvilleHistoricalSociety.org or email events@lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org.

PURCELLVILLE

Celebrate Purcellville Wraps with Park Party

The finale of the second annual Celebrate Purcellville will include live music, prize drawings for passport participants, games and activities, food, drink, and more.

The event will be held in Dillon’s Woods at the Fireman’s Field complex on Sunday, Oct. 9 from noon to 5 p.m.

Those who participated in the Celebrate Purcellville Passport program and obtained at least 20 stickers from businesses and organizations and/or at least five codes in the scavenger hunt may turn the passport in between noon and 1 p.m. for a chance to win prizes donated by participating businesses and organizations. The grand prize is $500 donated by the Sengpiehl Insurance Group. Prizes will be drawn at 2 p.m. You must be present to win.

fundraiser starting at 4 p.m. to continue to collect money to support future bike park improvements and maintenance.

For more details, go to the Adam’s Bike Park in Purcellville Facebook page.

The celebration will also include games, face painting, food and drink available to purchase, and a variety of vendors. Performers include Ben Demase, Justin Trawick and the Common Good, The Retrones, The Loudounettes at the Dance Academy of Loudoun, and the Chris Timbers Band.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton on Sept. 28 provided a public briefing on community feedback received about two potential development projects that would require land to be incorporated into town through a boundary line adjustment.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

It’s Waterford Fair Weekend

Starting Friday, the quiet village of Waterford will be filled with thousands of visitors as Waterford kicks off the 78th year of its award-winning fair.

During the three-day event, village residents open their historic homes and gardens to visitors and bring juried crafters from around the U.S.

The fair was an online-only affair in 2020 and operated as a scaled-back event in 2021. This year, the fair is back to full speed, with organizers even expanding the fair’s musical offerings with Friday afternoon shows by award-winning California-based bluegrass band AJ Lee and Blue Summit performing. Local favorites Fiddlin’ Dave and Morgan take the stage Saturday, and the Danny Knicely Trio performs Sunday.

For history buffs the fair includes an exhibit on Waterford’s “remarkable Quaker women” and talks from living historian and salt maker Jim Bordwine, who appeared on the History Channel’s “Mountain Men,” and historian Rebecca Suerdieck, who explores perfume-making practices in 18th Century Virginia.

The 78th Waterford Fair takes place Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Single day tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for students 13 to 21 and free for children 12 and under. Three-day passes are available for $30. Pre-registration is also available for in-demand talks and workshops.

For a complete schedule, tickets and information, go to waterfordfairva.org. n

Wireless Broadband Network Pitched in Purcellville

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

There may be a new answer to Purcellville residents’ frustration with slow internet connections.

Last week, the founder of McLean-based Aer Wireless briefed the Town Council on technology that uses a combination of fiberoptic cable, Wi-Fi and solar panels to provide internet access at speeds he said are not available from other in-town providers.

Keith Walker said the technology could blanket the town with high-speed access—100 Mbps upload and download.

“The technology that we’re using is quite different from the internet that you know,” Walker said. “The Wi-Fi that you know has a range of 100 to 300 feet. The Wi-Fi that we would look to deliver has a range of two by two kilometers.”

The platform includes television packages to customers and a free public Wi-Fi that can be used by the town and businesses for promotions and connecting with visitors. He said it also sets the foundation for smart city solutions—such as sensors that can detect and report gunshots or help improve traffic flow.

Walker said the technology is well suited for rural areas because its signals

are unimpaired by obstacles such as trees.

It also is not a hotspot system but allows users to move anywhere in the service zone and receive uninterrupted service, he said.

Founded in 2017, Walker said the company is still a startup, having deployed services to 224 homes including an Indigenous reservation in Calgary, Canada.

He said prices range from $79 to $125, depending on the speed requirements.

“There is one thing I can assure you:

It is still going to be less than going full fiber to every doorstep and every place, and yet still exceed” the service levels of other providers, Walker said.

The roll out would not require town funds, he said.

The next step would be for the company to study the town and develop a deployment plan, determining where fiber connections and wireless routers are needed. Walker said he would return after that work is completed to work with the town to refine the network.

The Aer Wireless proposal comes as Google is working with town and county leaders to establish a free Wi-Fi network serving Purcellville’s downtown business district. The offering is part of the company’s good neighbor initiative in counties across the country where it has data centers. n

You Can Become a Homeowner

3-31,

Loudoun Habitat

Charlotte Moonyeen Slaney-Lewis

November 11, 1936-September 23, 2022

Our beloved wife, mother, grand mother, and great-grandmother Char lotte Moonyeen Slaney-Lewis passed away on September 23 at the age of 85.

Charlotte was an independent, selfmade woman in an era of women’s liberation. She was born in Memphis, Texas on November 11, 1936 to Chrystal Arlene and Lesley Harrell Calhoun. A military family, they moved often and were stationed as far away as Otsu, Japan and Fairbanks,Alaska. In Fairbanks she married her first husband Tom Slaney at age 18; together they crossedthe coun try multiple times including California, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginiaas he played trumpet during the Big Band Jazz era and piloted commercial aircraft. They raised three children— Deborah Christine, Kara Lynn, and James Jay—in Springfield, Virginia. By the 1970s Charlotte had completed business school, becoming a leading mortgage loan underwriter, processor and origina tor in northern Virginia and raising her children on her own.

There she married banker James R. Lewis in 1983, sharing a home and life with her husband in Springfield and Leesburg, Virginia for 39 years. Char lotte was a loving, happy, and nurturing “Grammie” to her granddaughters Chrys tal and Selina, and to her great-grandchil dren Emily, Timmy and Luke. She loved gourmet cooking, decoupage, sewing mid-century fashions, and disco dancing in the 1960s and 70s. She loved Yorkie terriers, dinner parties with her Virginia and Florida friends, weekends in Ocean City, summers in Saratoga Springs, New York and Sebastian, Florida, and autumn in Arizona and New Mexico with her family. Her travels took her to China, England, France, Italy, Spain, Holland, Denmark, and Switzerland. Extra special time was spent in Texas, where she visit ed extended relatives and the ranch and

Obituaries

homesteads of her Calhoun and Howard ancestors. In addition to her treasured family time, Charlotte also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Dodona Manor, and the Women’s Club of Leesburg. Charlotte is survived by her husband James, children Deborah Slaney and husband James Iwerks, Kara Gentile and husband Arnie Gentile, James Slaney, grandchildren Chrystal Slaney,Selina Brooks and husband Timothy Brooks, great-grandchildren Emily Amaya, Timothy Brooksand Luke Brooks, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, and her beloved poodle,Prince. We will never forget her home-made Thanksgiving dinners, popovers, biscotti, eggs benedict, kitty cat pancakes, overthe-top Christmas celebrations, and the many ways she showed her love to us all. Donations in her memory may be made to a pet rescue of your choice may be made to a pet rescue of your choice.

Bank of Leesburg. In 1950, she met and married C. Edward Hall (deceased), they raised 3 children together in Purcellville. Upon marriage, Jean started working for Loudoun County Public Schools, as the school secretary for Round Hill Elemen tary, where she worked for 32 years, re tiring in 1991. Jean loved her family, and had an extremely full life. To Jean faith was very important, illustrated by her 80+ years of active service and support to Bethany United Methodist Church. She was an impassioned shopper, a stylish dresser, a top-notch seamstress, an avid golfer, a regular bridge player, and a devoted Redskins fan. That said, her #1 job was mother, she nurtured, supported, and bragged on her children, grandchil dren, and great grandchildren. She made friends easily, and was a good friend to many through the years. And, it will come as no surprise to those who knew her, Jean has yet to meet a person she didn’t want to talk to. A service will be held on Friday October 7, 2022 (4:00 pm) at Bethany United Methodist Church, followed by a reception at Loudoun Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany United Methodist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 487, Purcellville, Virginia 20134.

Jean T. Hall

Jean T. Hall, of Purcellville, Virginia, passed away at the age of 96 from natural causes on September 27, 2022 with family by her side. She was a classy lady with a caring soul. Jean was a true example of love, humor, joy, and spunk. Jean Hall was born in Georgetown (Washington, DC) on August 5, 1926 to the late Mary Eliza and Earl Michael Todd. She is survived by her two brothers Stanton L. Todd (Shirley) and E. Michael Todd, Jr. (Evelyn) both of Purcellville Va; three children, David T. Hall (Brenda de ceased) of Purcellville, Susan H. Verdin (John) of Waterford, and Jeffrey L. Hall (Pam) of Hamilton; 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law, Marie J. Hall. The Todd family moved to Purcellville, Virginia in 1932, Jean was 5 years old. She graduated from Lincoln High School, valedictorian of the class of 1943. Jean started her work career early, taking a job at the Purcell ville Bank at the age of 16. She concluded her banking employment as secretary to the President of People’s National

Richard Carl Riemenschneider

Richard Carl “Dick, Remo” Riemen schneider, a respected Loudoun County attorney, avid hunter and lifelong polo player, father, grandfather and friend, died September 23, 2022 at his home in Bluemont, Virginia. Remo was born No vember 30, 1936 in Milwaukee, Wiscon sin, the son of Mildred Oberst and Carl Riemenschneider, and grew up in Sher wood, Wisconsin. He attended the Uni versity of Virginia, where he earned a B.S. from the McIntire School of Commerce. He attended the University of Virginia School of Law, graduating in 1964. While at The University, he was a member, and later president, of the Chi Psi fraternity,

a member of the intra-fraternity counsel, a member of the ribbon society, an Eli Banana, and a member of the Lawn Soci ety. After graduating from law school in 1964, he began his law career at the law firms of Weaver, diZerega & Major, an, later formed his own firm with partners, George Martin and Thomas Murtaugh. In 1976, he became a sole practitioner at 16 Wirt Street. He served as President of the Loudoun County Bar Association, served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia State Bar (Representative of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court), on the board of Leesburg-based Jefferson Savings & Loan Association, and as Director of the Marshall National Bank, Marshall, VA and on its Trust and Audit Committees. A man deeply involved in the Town of Leesburg, Dick was a fixture at Leesburg Restaurant’s “lunch table” joining his many friends and peers where dice are rolled for a free lunch and debates held on town, county and state issues. Remo’s lifelong love of polo began when as a child he worked at Joy farm. His passion for polo continued at UVA where he was a team captain, president and the intercollegiate most valuable player. In the summer of 1958, he played on an American all-star team that competed in England for six weeks. In 2016, he received one of polo’s highest honors and was inducted into the U.S. Polo Associ ation Hall of Fame. He held numerous executive positions with the U.S. Polo Association, including, President (199395) and Chairman (1995-97). He was a founder of the University of Virginia Polo Center (1965) in Charlottesville, VA and served on Virginia Polo’s Board of Directors from 1965 until the time of his death. He also served as Chairman of the Virginia Polo Endowment Fund. In 2021, he was the first recipient of Virginia Po lo’s Cavalier Award, Remo also served on the following establishments, including: Trustee for the Foxcroft School (Middle burg, VA) and as a member of the Board for The Hill School (Middleburg, VA) and the Piedmont Fox Hounds (Upper ville, VA) Finally, he was a long-standing member of the Catoctin Farmers’ Club (Leesburg, VA), one of the oldest Farm er’s Club in the country. He is survived by his loving wife, Andrea, his four children: Robin Burge (Richard), Polly Gardin

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries continued from previous page

er, John Van Sant (Elizabeth), and was predeceased by his daughter, Stephanie Van Sant Auen. He has ten loving grandchildren who adored him, and with whom he has shared his passion for hunting dogs and horses. He spent many evenings on his porch regaling them with his stories and life lessons. A service was held on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 11:30 am at Trinity Church, Outdoor Sanctuary, Upperville, VA. A reception followed at Trinity Church’s Coxe Hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Polo Training Foundation, 852 E. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470.

Arrangements by Royston Funeral Home, Middleburg, VA.

Purcellville Council Votes to Extend Fields Farm Review Deadline

Town Council.

Brett Alan Anderson

Brett Alan Anderson, 58 of High View, WV died Sunday October 2, 2022 in Hospice of the Panhandle.

He was born March 11, 1964 in Leesburg, VA the son of Howard and Peggy Allder Anderson.

Brett loved time with friends, bowling, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his daughters Kimberly Bittinger of Ithaca, NY, Melissa Anderson of Bunker Hill, WV, and Heather Anderson of Middletown; siblings John Anderson, Terri Seagraves, Lori Cole and Vicky Muller; grandchildren, Shawn, Scottie, Kelsie, Lexi, Zariah, Kylee, William, Madyson, and Morgan.

His parents, son Brett Jr., and a brother Glenn Anderson preceeded him in death.

Friends will be received Wednesday October 12th from 7-9:00 pm in Phelps Funeral Chapel 311 Hope Drive, Winchester. Interment will be private.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hospice of the Panhandle for their outstanding care. Arrangements are by Phelps Funeral & Cremation Service.

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

As residents in the adjacent Mayfair neighborhood continue to combat the county government’s plans to build a youth sports complex and commuter parking lot on the Field Farm property, the Purcellville Town Council has agreed to slow review of the applications.

Following a Sept. 27 closed briefing with legal advisors, the council voted unanimously to extend the deadline for the Planning Commission to act on the county’s applications for commission permits until Feb. 1, 2023.

Commission permits are required for public facilities. In the review, the Planning Commission is tasked with determining whether the proposed uses conform to the town’s comprehensive plan. Once the commission votes, its action may be ratified or overturned by the

Commission permit review also comes with a statutory deadline. Under the Town Code, “Failure of the commission to act within 60 days of such submission, unless such time shall be extended by the council, shall be deemed approval.”

For the Fields Farm projects, the commission permit applications were filed with the town on June 30, 2021. That put the action deadline at Aug. 30, 2021.

The extension by the council following the closed session meeting seeks to avoid the automatic approval provision and to move the review deadline from Aug. 30, 2021 to Feb. 1, 2023.

Council member Tip Stinnette said the goal of the extension was to give the commission more time to go through its due diligence.

While the commission permits are somewhat pro forma—the town’s comprehensive plan specifically designates the Fields Farms property for institution-

al and government uses—the county’s plans also are subject to applications for rezoning and special uses permits that allow town leaders to place conditions on the projects or deny them. Those applications, filed in August 2020, also are under review of the Planning Commission.

Mayfair residents are opposing the county’s plan to extend the community’s main access road, Mayfair Crown Drive, to connect with Rt. 690 to the west. Although the extension is shown in the town’s planning documents, residents are worried about the safety and traffic implications of changing the road’s current dead-end status. They also question the need for more sports fields or commuter parking spaces, suggesting the plans be scaled back or scrapped altogether.

The Town Council is planning a formal survey of the residents. The Planning Commission was scheduled to take up the related Fields Farm applications at its meeting Thursday. n

Round Hill Council Approves Playground Purchase

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Round Hill’s Loudoun Street Park is about to get a refresh.

The Town Council last month unanimously approved the appropriation of up to $75,000 to replace the playground equipment, which was installed at the downtown park two decades ago.

The town has budgeted $110,000 for park upgrades this year, boosted by federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The makeover is a priority for Town Administrator Melissa Hynes, who said the new equipment might be in place in time for the holiday activities in December, but certainly would be up and running by next spring.

In addition to installing the new playground, Hynes is

BLA feedback

not developing it, selling it off and running away. We plan to be Middleburg residents and we care about the viewshed for decades and decades to come because we plan to leave it to our kids, and grandkids and beyond,” he said. “We’re not going to put a whole bunch of McMansions there, because remember it is going to be our view as well. But we are committed to doing something with the property.”

The town also hired a consultant to

working on plans to create a memorial paver program to recognize the services of the town’s military veterans and an outdoor display depicting the town’s history. n

assess the fiscal impacts the projects— perhaps bringing 126 new residential units—could have on the town. Looking at real estate tax and utility revenues and per capita expenses for public safety and utilities, the report found the Windy Hill project would have a $13,700 negative annual impact, attributed in part to the tax-exempt nature of the nonprofit, and the Homewood development would have a $14,700 positive impact.

Littleton said Town Council undertook the studies, at a cost of about $20,000, to understand the potential impacts without having to rely on consultant reports generated by developers. Now, he said, the

council will wait to see if any formal requests are made.

“This exercise was to understand and to gather the public’s feedback and thoughts on these concepts before any actual application process started. We wanted to take a pulse of the community and provide it to owners so that they can adjust their proposals or thoughts based on the community feedback.”

The town is posting information about the properties at middleburgva.gov/386/ Proposed-AnnexationsBLAs.

A depiction of the proposed playground at Round Hill’s Loudoun Street Park.

LoCo Living

It’s Wild and Wooly at Rivenwool Animal Rescue

The Loudoun Fall Farm Tour Runs Oct. 15-16

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

It started with three bouncy goats. Then some wild and wooly Icelandic sheep needed a home. Now Lovettsville-based Rivenwool Animal Rescue counts eight sheep and seven goats with plans to take on more down the road. Rivenwool, run by teen siblings Eden and Lincoln Reck, makes its Loudoun Fall Farm Tour debut Oct. 15 and 16, giving Loudouners a chance to check out this new nonprofit farm focused on fiber animals.

Eden, 16, a Woodgrove High School junior, runs the farm with support from her brother Lincoln, a 14-year-old Woodgrove freshman, their mom Erica and dad Lucas.

“Eden makes all the decisions about how to run the animals and their maintenance and their care,” Erica said. “Lincoln is her second in command and her money person. … It’s a family thing but it’s not a parent thing. They run this.”

The teen siblings, the youngest of four Reck children, rescue fiber animals and other farm animals, including chickens, ducks and dogs. Eden, also a talented artist, uses fiber from the sheep and goats in her work, including needle felted pieces. The young farmers process their own wool, washing and carding with a handcranked carding machine. This year, the family plans to send their merino and Icelandic sheep’s wool to a mill to be made into yarn. But Lincoln said he eventually wants to learn to hand spin to make yarn in-house.

The family has raised cashmere goats for the past several years and launched the rescue in 2020 as a pandemic project with their first rescue of a small herd of Icelandic sheep. The rescue now has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and plans to start accepting donations later this year. The Reck family’s herd includes a mix of rescued fiber animals and purchased show animals, including a meat goat that Lincoln fell in love with during this summer’s Loudoun County Fair and purchased with his own savings.

“He’s the goat Lincoln saved from being dinner,” Erica said with a laugh.

The young farmers also specialize in showing Merino sheep purchased from Lucketts-based Black Sheep Farm and show their sheep and goats at 4-H and other events. Lincoln’s star merino show sheep Daisy won top honors as white fine wool ewe champion at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May. The family is currently breeding Daisy and their other merino ewes with a champion ram in hopes of spring lambs.

Eden spends 30 to 45 minutes every day on basic care. The siblings also do monthly herd health days that include shots, vitamins, and weight checks. Eden, whose goal is to become a veterinarian, helped save their beloved goat Oreo from meningeal worm (also known as brain worm) caused by a parasite carried by deer. Eden diagnosed the condition, which was confirmed by the family veterinarian,

and helped nurse Oreo back to health.

Erica has been an avid knitter since her children were young, so a fiber-focused farm made sense.

“They were raised around fiber because I knitted and crocheted their whole lives,” she said. “Eden is so artistic, she started learning things [with fiber art] that are way beyond what I was involved in.”

The family started out their fiber animal journey with cashmere goats. But while a sheep can provide five to 20 pounds of fleece per shearing, cashmere goats are hand-brushed once a year and only produce around four ounces of fiber. So the young farmers are saving up cashmere fiber for eventual milling.

Erica says that while she started out as a “goat person” she’s grown to love sheep just as much.

RIVENWOOL

THINGS to do

LOCO LIVE

Live Music: Nathaniel Davis

Friday, Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Rd.

Details: harvestgap.com

With his top-notch vocal and guitar work and inventive approaches to both classic and popular music, Davis is a Loudoun favorite.

Live Music; Acoustic Soul

Friday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg

Details: lostbarrel.com

Acoustic Soul’s Steven Shaffer and Bruce Turner are a guitar and vocals duo who pay tribute to legendary classic rock, blues, R&B and American roots artists.

Live Music: Benton and McKay

Friday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m.

Loudoun Brewing Company, 310 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: loudounbrewing.com

Ryan Benton and Casey McKay return to LBC for a fun First Friday evening.

Live Music: Jason Masi

Friday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m.

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro

Details: doukeniewinery.com

Enjoy a mellow evening of acoustic soul and R&B from local favorite Jason Masi.

Live Music: John Moreland

Friday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg

Details: tallyhotheater.com

The Tulsa-based singer/songwriter is on tour with his new album “Birds in the Ceiling” a compelling blend of acoustic folk and avant garde pop playfulness. Tickets are $29.50 for general admission, $75 for VIP seats.

Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro

Details: breauxvineyards.com

Fox returns to Breaux with her signature high-energy blend of rock and country.

Live Music: Jessica Paulin Saturday, Oct. 8, 3 p.m.

Notaviva Craft Fermentations, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro

Details: notavivavineyards.com

Known for her soulful voice and little red piano, Paulin covers a variety of well-loved favorites.

Live Music: The Bill Pappas Project Saturday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com

The Bill Pappas Project brings a unique high-energy fusion of blues, rock, funk and jazz, taking audiences on a musical road trip from Texas to Chicago and beyond.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Eden and Lincoln Reck feed the goats and sheep at their Rivenwool Animal Rescue farm in Lovettsville. The two siblings run the nonprofit that is focused on fiber animals.

THINGS to do

Live Music: Shade Tree Collective

Saturday, Oct. 8, 5 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg

Details: lostbarrel.com

This Maryland-based five-piece ensemble gets Lost Barrel dancing with traditional bluegrass.

Live Music: Big Laird Band

Saturday, Oct. 8, 5 p.m.

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights

Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing

The Big Laird Band returns to Harpers Ferry Brewing with classic rock and modern hits.

They Might Be Giants Bene t Concert and Haunt Party

Saturday, Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m.

Ion International Training Center, 19201 Compass Creek Parkway, Leesburg

Details: thearcofloudoun.org

TMBG and their barnstorming live band will deliver all of your favorite songs plus some unexpected surprises. Tickets are $40 general admission, $50 for arena seats, $65 for premium seats and $125 for the Really Important People “R.I.P.” package, including exclusive access to an R.I.P. Party, front of stage seating, food and two drinks. Event benefits the Arc of Loudoun.

Live Music: Shot Thru the Heart

Saturday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg  Details: tallyhotheater.com

STTH provides a high-energy concert experience, playing Bon Jovi’s greatest hits and staying true to the original recordings. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $35 for VIP seats.

Live Music: Berlin Calling

Saturday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m.

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling

Details: crookedrunbrewing.com

Dress in your favorite 80s gear and rock out to 80s favorites from Berlin Calling.

Live Music: Juliet Lloyd Trio Sunday, Oct. 9, 1 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts

Details: vanishbeer.com

Singer/songwriter/pianist Juliet Lloyd returns to Vanish with pop, rock and classic soul favorites.

Live Music: Laura Cashman

Sunday, Oct. 9, 1:30 p.m.

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville

Details: sunsethillsvineyard.com

Cashman is a local favorite who plays a wide range of genres. Hits from the ’70s and ’80s are sure to be part of her playlist, but her favorite decade is the 90s.

Live Music: Scott Kurt

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m.

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro

Details: doukeniewinery.com

Southern by way of the Rust Belt, Scott Kurt’s brand of country blends old-school outlaw grit with elements of guitar-driven rock.

Live Music: Matt Mills

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro

Details: breauxvineyards.com

Kick back with awesome acoustic tunes from guitar virtuoso Matt Mills.

Live Music: Amanda Murphy and the Lost Indians

Sunday, Oct. 9, 3-6 p.m.

Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont

Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com

Check out great bluegrass in a gorgeous setting.

Live Music: Robbie Limon

Sunday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg

Details: macsbeach.com

Robbie Limon returns to downtown Leesburg with favorites from 70s-era songwriters including The Eagles, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roy Orbison, The Doobie Brothers, Jim Croce and Willie Nelson

LOCO CULTURE

Waterford Fair

Friday, Oct. 7-Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Village of Waterford www.waterfordfairva.org

The 78th Waterford Fair features 60 top American artisans, historic home tours, children’s activities, live music, food and libations. Online tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students. Tickets at the gate are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Children 12 and under are free.

Scream Loco

Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8, 7-11 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9, 7-9 p.m. 40834 Graydon Manor Lane, Leesburg Details: screamloco.com

Loudoun’s newest haunted attraction recreates a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Event runs through Sunday, Oct. 30. Tickets are $25 for Friday, $30 for Saturday and $20 for Sunday.

Virginia Fall Races

Saturday, Oct. 8, 12:30 p.m.

Glenwood Park, 36800 Glenwood Park Lane, Middleburg Details: vafallraces.com

Experience the fall racing tradition in Middleburg. General admission tickets are $50.

Celebrate Purcellville Finale

Sunday, Oct. 9, noon-5 p.m.

Fireman’s Field, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville Details: purcellvilleva.gov

The Town of Purcellville caps off a week of fun with live music, games, face painting, vendors and more.

Why I Love Loudoun

Interview with Bill Hatch, President, Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association

Bill Hatch is president of Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association and co-owner and winemaker at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard.

In 1949, when Bill Hatch was an infant, his father bought a dairy farm south

of Leesburg. Fifty-three years later, in 2002, Bill and his wife Bonnie planted the first grapes and named it Zephaniah Farm Vineyard. Pioneers of the Loudoun wine scene, they have won multiple awards for their estate vintages and host tastings at the historic property, which doubles as a cattle farm.

Favorite place to eat in Loudoun:

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm. They grow most of the ingredients they serve, defining what I would like to see more of in Loudoun. Fireworks Pizza in Leesburg and Market Table Bistro are both excellent.

Favorite place for a craft beverage:

I drank beer most of my life and my son will still hand me a beer during grape harvest, but I mostly drink wine now. Tuscarora’s in Leesburg and Magnolias in Purcellville—both former grain mills where we used to buy cattle feed and seed corn for the farm—are now restaurants with excellent local wine lists. I usually order something from Loudoun other than my own. I like to exercise my palate and wonder how the winemaker did it.

Best hidden gem in Loudoun:

The Hatch Family Farm of which Zephaniah is part. Dunlop Mill Road is a gravel state road that bisects the farm, so we have vineyards and wine on one side and my brother’s cattle on the other. It’s a beautiful drive. I love Loudoun’s dirt roads and we have more miles of them than any other county in Virginia.

A must-see place for an out-oftown visitor:

The majesty of western Loudoun as it reveals itself along the Rt. 15 corridor as you drive north towards Leesburg from Prince William County. The rolling hills, farms and views to the west are quite beautiful.

Favorite event in Loudoun:

The Leesburg Halloween Parade. I remember first going to it when I was four years old. I loved the music, the floats, the costumes. It’s still wonderful.

What’s a fun fact to share about Loudoun:

Maybe it’s not a “fun” fact but there were over 400 dairy farms in Loudoun when we first arrived here in 1949. Now, I know of only two. That said, a neighbor

has started milking and wants to make and sell farm ice cream. That’s pretty exciting.

What wine region in the world is similar to Loudoun:

None. We’re unique, with our own terroir and climate. It’s not easy to grow wine in Loudoun. But our slogan is, “it’s farming – just plant the damn grapes.” A professor of agri-archeology in Italy told me that, so that’s what we do.

Tell us about your second career outside of wine:

I studied at UNC and worked in local TV there. I have been in TV production ever since and am senior video operator on ABC’s “This Week.” I have been there 40 years. My job is to make Martha Raddatz and George Stephanopoulos look good on camera. 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.

NURSES ARE LEAVING LOUDOUN BECAUSE THEY CAN’T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE

Meet Ashley.

Ashley grew up in Loudoun County, went to college, and fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse. She wanted to live and serve in the community she’s called home for 23 years, but couldn’t afford the cost of housing and left Loudoun. Ashley is not alone.

Workforce Housing Now is not an issue about charity. It’s about the future economic prosperity of Loudoun. Talent loss affects us all.

Workforce Housing Now is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

Bill Hatch

THE STEEL WHEELS

Friday, Oct. 7, 7-9 p.m. Barns of Rose Hill barnsofrosehill.org

BETS

THE BILL PAPPAS PROJECT

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2-6 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach macsbeach.com

JOHN MORELAND

Friday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

MIGHT BE GIANTS

Saturday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m. Ion International Training Center thearco oudoun.org

Waterford Concert Series

SEASON

JESS GILLAM, SAXOPHONE – SUNDAY, OCT 16, 2022, 4PM

At 24, Jess Gillam is a British phenomenon, the youngest ever musician to present her own show on BBC Radio 3 and the first saxophonist to be signed by Decca Classics. Her debut album, Rise, rose to No.1 on the UK classical chart. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Services to Music in 2021.

CASTALIAN STRING QUARTET – SUNDAY, NOV 20, 2022, 4PM

London-based, the Castalian has been appointed the first Hans Keller String Quartet in residence at Oxford. These rising stars have quickly won worldwide praise in New York, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, etc. Their name derives from the Castalian Spring in ancient Delphi, source of poetic inspiration. “To hear this music, so full of poetry, joy and sorrow, realized to such perfection, felt like a miracle.” – The Observer (2020)

ZLATOMIR FUNG, CELLO – SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2023, 4PM

Zlatomir Fung was the youngest ever to win First Prize in the International Tchaikovsky Competition and the first American winner in 40 years. Now 22, Fung continues to win awards and grants as he tours the globe performing with major orchestras and giving recitals. Of Bulgarian-Chinese heritage, Fung began playing cello at 3. ” …one of those rare musicians with a Midas touch.” – Bach Trak

MICHAEL FABIANO, TENOR – SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2023, 4PM Fabiano, perhaps one of the greatest tenors in the world today, sings at the Met, Covent Garden, La Scala, Kennedy Center, Teatro Real. We are thrilled he will sing in Waterford. Michael has “a voice of astonishing lucidity” – Time Out Sydney

JONATHAN BISS, PIANO – SUNDAY, APRIL 30 2023, 4PM

Renowned as one of the great Beethoven interpreters of our time, Jonathan Biss continues to expand his reputation as a teacher, musical thinker and performer. “Biss has all the technique required yet he unfailingly puts the composer first.” – BBC Music Magazine.

Tickets and full-season subscriptions are available online

All concerts Sundays at 4 pm in the Waterford Old School Auditorium, Waterford, VA

OPEN THE DOOR TO

Rivenwool

“Goats are very curious and they want to see what’s up,”

Eden said. The sheep tend to be less adventurous, but they’re not the followers that popular culture sometimes suggests, the young farmers said. The Rivenwool herd’s bellwether (or leader) is an Icelandic sheep named Elise.

”Sheep are very stubborn and bossy,” Eden added.

Eden and Lincoln were featured on this year’s Loudoun Farms farmer trading cards, which were distributed at elemen tary schools around the county. The teens said it was fun getting recognized by friends’ younger siblings and other chil dren who got the trading cards at schools, unlocking local celebrity status.

“It let us get out there,” Lincoln said.

The family also is looking forward to their first year on the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour next weekend. They are planning an animal petting area, activities for children including touching and distinguishing dif ferent kinds of wool, and will have felted wool bookmarks and bar soap for sale to benefit the rescue. For Eden and Lincoln, it’s all about providing educational oppor tunities for their peers and younger kids.

“It’s really a matter of wanting to show people what these really cool animals are all about,” Lincoln said.

Eden said she’s hoping to work with other nonprofits, especially organizations working with youth, and build partner ships with groups doing therapeutic and community-focused work to help get young people in touch with nature and animals.

“We’re here to provide a place for these animals,” Erica said. “We also want to give back and make it a place that other groups can come.”

The entire Reck family is made up of “Lord of the Rings” fans, and they named the rescue for Rivendell, the elven valley in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novels. It’s a fitting name for the magical little farm tucked away on a country road east of Lovettsville.

“It’s our little spot of heaven,” Erica said. n

The self-guided Loudoun Fall Farm tour runs Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and a map of participating farms, go to loudounfarms.org. For more information about Rivenwool Animal Rescue, go to Rivenwool Animal Rescue on Facebook.

Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities

Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online.

Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.

Regular Full-Time Positions

Position Department Salary Range Closing Date

Assistant Aquatics Supervisor

Deputy Director of Public Works and Capital Projects

Emergency Management Coordinator

Parks and Recreation $50,000-$81,495 DOQ Open until filled

Public Works & Capital Projects $93,438-$169,567 DOQ Open until filled

Town Manager’s Office $101,476-$184,151 DOQ Open until filled Maintenance Worker I

Public Works & Capital Projects $50,000-$75,040 DOQ Open until filled Management Analyst (Sustainability & Resiliency)

Emergency Management $67,175-$121,947 DOQ Open until filled Police Officer Police $62,000-$94,966 DOQ Open until filled Police Records Assistant Police $50,000-$81,495 DOQ 10/17/2022

Project Manager Utilities $76,426-$138,530 DOQ Open until filled Senior Engineer Plan Review $70,374-$127,560 DOQ Open until filled Senior Planner (Preservation and Zoning Administration)

Planning & Zoning $67,175-$121,947 DOQ Open until filled Stormwater and Environmental Manager

Urban Forester/Landscape Management Specialist

Public Works & Capital Projects $82,999-$150,445 DOQ Open until filled

Public Works & Capital Projects $67,175-$121,947 DOQ Open until filled

Utility Inspector II Utilities $56,956-$103,363 DOQ Open until filled Utility Plant Technician or Senior Utility Plant Technician Utilities $50,000-$95,178 DOQ Open until filled Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee, I or II Utilities $50,000-$95,178 DOQ Open until filled

Flexible Part-Time Position

Position Department Hourly Rate Closing Date

Library Assistant Thomas Balch LIbrary $20.51-$33.42 DOQ Open until filled

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

NOW HIRING

Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer

Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction proj ect 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

• Entry-level/mid-level Position

Contact Info: Katherine Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175

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

ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER

Dulles, VA

Legend Management Group is looking to hire an Assistant Service Manager for their Elms at Arcola location in Dulles, VA. Ideal candidate will assist in overseeing the overall appearance and maintenance needs of our apartment community. 2+ years of facilities, residential, or multi-family maintenance experience and HVAC, EPA certification (CFC Universal). Please visit www.legendmanagementgroup.com/ careers for the full job description, benefits, and to apply.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday October 25, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

ZMAP-2021-0022, ZMOD-2021-0086, ZMOD-2021-0087, ZMOD-2022-0042 ZMOD-2022-0043 & ZMOD-2022-0044

UNIVERSITY CENTER LAKEVIEW (Zoning Map Amendment & Zoning Modifications in the Rt. 28 Tax District)

LAKEVIEW 1 LC, of Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 21.54 acres from PD-RDP (Planned Development – Research and Development Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-24 (Townhouse/Multifamily) zoning district under Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 617 multifamily dwelling units at 28.6 dwelling units per acre. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s):

ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§3-702(A), R-24 Multifamily Residential, Size and Location.

§3-707(B), R-24 Multifamily Residential, Building Requirements, Building Height.

§5-1102, Table 5-1102, Off Street Parking and Loading Requirements, Number of Parking and Loading Spaces Required.

§5-1403(D), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffer Width and Plant Requirements, Table 5-1403(D)

And

§5-1404(D), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Buffer Yards, Buffer Yard Widths and Plant Requirements.

§5-1408(B)(2)(d), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, General Landscape Provisions, Plant Unit Requirements.

To allow access to lots created after rezoning to be provided by private roads.

To increase maximum building height to 60 feet without additional setbacks from streets or lot lines for each foot of increased height.

To modify the parking requirements for Multifamily Residential to permit a minimum of 1.1 parking spaces per ADU, independent of bedroom count.

To decrease the width of portions of the required Type 1 Road Corridor Buffer to zero feet and number of plant units to zero.

And

To decrease the width of portions of required Buffer Yard Type A to zero feet and five feet and the number of plant units to zero.

To increase the maximum percentage of shrubs from 30 percent to 80 percent permitted within the Buffer Yard Type A.

The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, the Route 28 CB (Corridor Business) Optional Overlay, and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 airport noise contour. The subject property is approximately 21.55 acres in size and is located north of Leesburg Pike (Route 7), south of George Washington Boulevard (Route 1050), and east of Riverside Parkway (Route 607) in Ashburn, Virginia, in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 039-35-5892 and PIN: 039-25-8839. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)) which designate this area for compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational uses at a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

SPEX-2022-0001 & SIDP-2022-0002

BELMONT AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION

Exception, Sign Development Plan)

Belmont Green Commercial, LLC of Baltimore, Maryland, has submitted applications for the following: 1) a Special Exception to permit an automobile service station in the PD-H3 (Planned Development –Housing 3) administered as PD-CC(CC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center (Community Center)) zoning district; and 2) a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to increase the total aggregate sign area and to increase the number of signs. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-204 (B), and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District (Luck Note Area). The subject property is approximately 2.13 acres in size and is located south of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), west of Portsmouth Boulevard (Route 1937) in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 152-20-4348 and a portion of PIN:152-20-4210. The area is governed by the polices of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which supports Retail and Service Commercial uses at a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

SIDP-2022-0001

EVERGREEN MEADOWS (Sign Development Plan)

Evergreen Mills Road LLC of Rockville, Maryland, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to: 1) increase the total aggregate sign area; 2) increase the maximum number of signs; 3) the maximum area of any one sign; and 4) increase the maximum sign height. The subject property is located in the PD-IP (Planned Development –Industrial Park) and the CR-1 (Countryside Residential – 1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 4.03 acres in size and is located south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), west of Briarfield Lane (Route 3442), in Aldie, Virginia, in the Little River (formerly Blue Ridge Election District). The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 202-29-4526 and PIN: 202-29-7203. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for residential uses arranged on medium-to-large lots at a recommended density of up to six dwelling units per acre for infill development.

CMPT-2021-0012, SPEX-2021-0047, & SPMI-2021-0007

NOVEC NORTHSTAR SUBSTATION (Commission Permit, Special Exception & Minor Special Exception)

Northern Virginia Electric Company, of Gainesville, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a Utility Substation, Distribution in the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district and 2) a Special Exception to permit an ingress/egress easement for a Utility Substation, Distribution in the R-1 (Single Family Residential) zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The proposed use requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101 and is listed as a Special Exception use in the R-1 zoning district under Section 3-103(P). The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modification(s):

ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§5-616(D), Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, Utility Substations. and

§5-1404(B) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix, Table 5-1404(B) Use Buffer Yard Matrix. and

§5-1404(D) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Buffer Yards, Buffer Yard Widths and Plant Requirements, Table 5-1404(D) Buffer Yard Width and Plant Requirements.

Eliminate the Buffer Yard Type C landscape requirement on the western side and a portion of the southern side of the perimeter of the Utility Substation, Distribution use. and

Increase the Buffer Yard Type C width from 25 feet to 30 feet, and increase the minimum plant units from 120 to 144 plant units per 100 linear feet of buffer yard along the northern side of the perimeter of the Utility Substation, Distribution use.

The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher, and between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 7.37 acres in size and is located north of Racefield Lane (Route 877) and west of Youngwood Lane in the Little River and Dulles Election Districts. The subject property is more particularly described as follows:

PIN TAX MAP NUMBER ADDRESS

203-35-4208 (portion) 100/Z/1/////1/ 41840 Growth Mindset Lane, Aldie, VA 202-15-9451 (portion) 101/D/3////16/ 24365 Racefield Lane, Aldie, VA 203-37-1445 (portion) 101/T/1/////A/ 24359 Racefield Lane, Aldie, VA

Legal Notices

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)) which designate this area for employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

CPAM 2020-0002 RED HILL COMMUNITY (Comprehensive Plan Amendment)

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-2225 and 15.2-2229, and a motion adopted by the Board of Supervisors on December 1, 2020, the Planning Commission hereby gives notice of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPAM) to amend the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (2019 GP) to amend the policy area and planned land use designations of the Red Hill Community. The proposed amendments would: 1) move the Red Hill Community from the Rural Policy Area (RPA) to the Transition Policy Area (TPA); 2) change the Round Hill Community’s designation from Rural North Place Type to Transition Large Lot Neighborhood Place type; and 3) designate the Red Hill Community as a new TPA subarea, with a planned residential density of one dwelling unit per three acres. The Red Hill Community area is located southeast of Green Mill Preserve, west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), and north of the watershed boundary of Goose Creek, which serves as the present boundary between the RPA and the TPA.

The CPAM proposes revisions to the land use policies in Chapter 2 of the 2019 GP and the existing maps of the 2019 GP and the Loudoun County 2019 Countywide Transportation Plan (2019 CTP), as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct geographic boundaries, typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, and further clarify the policies and maps of the above-mentioned section(s). The proposed CPAM would apply within the Red Hill Community of the Rural Policy Area. The proposed text and map amendments under consideration include, without limitation, the following:

Amendments to the 2019 General Plan - Chapter 2 – Transition Policy Area:

Ø Establish new and/or revise certain existing policy language in moving the Red Hill Community from the RPA to TPA, establish a new Red Hill Community subarea within the TPA, and designate the Red Hill Community as a subarea of the Transition Large Lot Neighborhood Place Type with a planned residential density of one dwelling unit per three acres.

Amendments to 2019 General Plan – Maps:

Ø Revise existing Policy Area and Place Types maps to move Red Hill Community from the RPA to TPA, designate it as Transition Large Lot Neighborhood Place Type, designate it as within the Dulles Small Area Plan, and designate it as within the Loudoun Water Central System Service Area.

Amendments to 2019 Countywide Transpiration Plan - Maps:

Ø Revise the 2019 CTP maps to amend the existing Policy Area boundaries to reflect the move of Red Hill Community from the RPA to TPA.

Unless otherwise noted above, full and complete copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-7770220, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246.

Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-7770246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and the Clerk’s records. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.

BY ORDER OF: FOREST HAYES, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:

PURCHASE OF STREAM & WETLAND MITIGATION CREDITS FOR DULLES WEST BOULEVARD, IFB No. 553783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, October 25, 2022.

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) 7770403, 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.

ABC LICENSE

Banjara, LLC trading as Banjara Flavors of India, 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plz, Ste 191, Ashburn, Virginia 20147

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on and off Premises/Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Janki Khanna, Owner

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800552-3200.

9/29 & 10/6/22

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2021-0002 AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSE-2021-0002 MEADOWBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0002 and Special Exception application TLSE-2021-0002, Meadowbrook Neighborhood Center.

The subject property consists of approximately 23.56 acres of vacant land located at the intersection (southeast corner) of South King Street (Route 15) and Evergreen Mill Road. The property is zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential and is further identified as Loudoun County Property Identification Numbers (PIN) 272-10-4379, 272-10-5189, 272-10-8158, 272-10-6609, 272-10-7319, 272,10-8129, 271-108839, and 272-10-9649. A portion of the property also lies within the Gateway District (Overlay).

Rezoning Application TLZM-2021-0002 is a request by Traditional Land, LLC to rezone, subject to a Concept Plan and Proffers, approximately 23.56 acres from R-1, Single-Family Residential to:

• PRN, Planned Residential Neighborhood (residential) 6.98 acres

• PRN, Planned Residential Neighborhood (commercial) 4.51 acres

• PRN, Planned Residential Neighborhood (open space) 8.62 acres

• B-3, Community Retail/Commercial 1.44 acres

The application requests 65 residential units (single-family attached) and up to 34,000 square feet of commercial uses, including retail, office and dining uses that may be interchanged. A maximum of 11,000 square feet of dining is proposed. The site is located in what the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan (LLTP) describes as an “Area to Enhance” on the Area Based Land Use Initiatives Map (LLTP pg. 72). The property is further designated within LLTP as a “Neighborhood Center” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (LLTP pg. 76). There is no recommended density for residential use or a Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.) for commercial uses associated with a PRN within LLTP. The requested residential density for the residential portion of the PRN is 1.53 dwelling units per acre (which includes the 8.62-acre open space parcel of Land Bay F). The proposed commercial (F.A.R.) of the PRN (Land Bay C) is .17.

The application includes 11 requested modifications to the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) regulations.

Special Exception Application TLSE-2022-0002 is a request by Traditional Land LLC for a gas station (with convenience store) of 5,000 square feet and a car wash of 1,450 square feet on a 1.44-acre portion of the 23.56-acre property (Land Bay G). The F.A.R. for the proposed uses is .10, and there is no F.A.R. requirement for the B-3 district.

Additional information and copies of these two applications are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov.

At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

10/6 & 10/13/22

Public Notice

The Town of Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting resumes and letters of interest for an appointment to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position is appointed by the Loudoun County Circuit Court to a fiveyear term ending December 31, 2027.

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 or eboeing@leesburgva.gov, or the Town of Leesburg website at www.leesburgva.gov

Please submit your letter of interest and resume materials by 5:00 p.m., October 28, 2022, to the Clerk of Council, at the Town of Leesburg, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 or via email to eboeing@leesburgva.gov. All resumes and letters of interest will be forwarded to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for consideration.

10/06, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27/22

St Louis Road over Goose Creek Bridge Rehabilitation Loudoun County

Virtual Public Information Meeting

Monday, October 17, 2022, 6:30 p.m. https://www.virginiadot.org/StLouisRoad

Find out about plans to rehabilitate the St Louis Road over Goose Creek bridge to improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge The project includes replacing the concrete beams with steel beams, replacing the concrete deck and repairing piers. VDOT will obtain all required environmental clearances and permits from federal, state and local agencies prior to commencement of the bridge rehabilitation

The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting. Information for accessing and participating in the virtual meeting is available at https://www.virginiadot.org/StLouisRoad The project team will make a short presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and answer questions for about an hour after the presentation

Review project information and meeting details on the webpage above or during business hours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please call ahead at 703 259 3256 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel

Give your comments during the meeting, or by October 27, 2022 via the comment form on the project website, by mail to Mr. Vicente Valeza P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or by email to meetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov. Please reference “St Louis Road over Goose Creek Bridge Rehabilitation” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703 259 1775

State Project: 0611 053 230

UPC: 118787

Federal: STP 5B01 (206)

In case an alternate date is needed, the meeting will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the same time.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Loudoun County Building and Development Department, hereby gives notice of the Loudoun County’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between Old Ox Road and Sully Road. Specifically, the flood hazard information shall be revised along Indian Creek from a point approximately 800 feet downstream of Pacific Boulevard to a point just downstream of Sully Road.

As a result of the revision, the 1% annual chance water-surface elevations shall increase and decrease, and the 1% annual chance floodplain shall widen and narrow within the area of revision.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the Loudoun County Government Center at 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, VA 20175, 2nd Floor. Interested persons may call the Floodplain Administrator at 703-777-0222 for additional information from 10/10/2022 to 11/10/2022.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

The PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers of Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:

VERIZON SIXTH AMENDMENT TO TOWER SITE LEASE AGREE

MENT - LEASE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY. The prior Tower Site Lease Agree ment between the Town of Purcellville (“Lessor”) and CELLCO PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware general partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless (“Lessee”) is dated June 22, 2020. The Lessee desires to enter into a new Water Tower Communications Site Lease Agreement with the Lessor to make certain changes, additions, and modifications to the Existing Facilities which occupy a portion of the Town’s water tower (“Water Tower”) and the grounds below, for an expiration date of March 25, 2023. The Water Tower is located on a 1.7 acre parcel, owned by the Town and addressed as 311 North Maple Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia (“Proper ty”), further identified in the Loudoun County land records as Tax Map Number /35A2/8/////1A and Parcel Identification Number 488-40-5578-000. Under the proposed lease, the Lessee will occupy a portion of the Property, to include space on the Water Tower, to which the Lessee shall attached antennas and ancillary equipment.

Information related to this Lease, including a copy of the Lease, is available for review on the Town’s website at www.purcellvilleva.gov, and also at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia by appointment, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

At this public hearing, all persons desiring to present their views concerning this matter will be heard.

All persons have the option of sending an email to the Town Clerk, townclerk@purcellvilleva.gov, with written comments or questions concerning the public hearing item. Emails may be sent by 4:00 PM the day of the Public Hearing.

10/6/2022 & 10/13/2022

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ045837-03-00; JJ045838-03-00; JJ045839-03-00; JJ045840-03-00; JJ045841-03-00; JJ045842-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Zubayer Rafik Ekren, Sumeyyah Nadiya Ekren, Asiyeh Hanan Ekren, Khadija Ulka Ekren, Fatima Zahra Ekren and Osama Othman Ekren

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v. Unknown Father(s)

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1282.1 and 16.1-281 for Zubayer Rafik Ekren, Sumeyyah Nadiya Ekren, Asiyeh Hanan Ekren, Khadija Ulka Ekren, Fatima Zahra Ekren and Osama Othman Ekren.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father(s) appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27/22

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ045610-01-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kelvin Menjivar

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v.

Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281

It is ORDERED that the defendant Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father appear at the above named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 16, 2022 at 3:00 pm.

10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27/22

Loudoun County Public Schools

Fall 2022 Secondary School Attendance Zone Change Process for Ashburn, Central Loudoun and Eastern Loudoun

The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the review of Ashburn, Central Loudoun and Eastern Loudoun area secondary school attendance zones. The current boundaries for Broad Run High School/Farmwell Station Middle School, Dominion High School/Sen eca Ridge Middle School, Heritage High School/Harper Park Middle School, Loudoun County High School/J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, Park View High School/Sterling Middle School, Potomac Falls High School/River Bend Middle School, Riverside High School/Belmont Ridge Middle School, Stone Bridge High School/Trailside Middle School and Tuscarora High School/Smart’s Mill Middle School will be reviewed in the attendance zone process.

Date Time Secondary School Attendance Zone Meeting

Thursday, October 13, 2022 6:30 p.m. School Board Attendance Zone Overview

Tuesday, October 18, 2022 6:30 p.m. Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, November 1, 2022 6:30 p.m. School Board Attendance Zone Work Session

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 6:30 p.m. Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Monday, November 14, 2022 6:30 p.m. School Board Attendance Zone Work Session

Tuesday, November 29, 2022* 6:30 p.m. School Board Review of Secondary School Attendance Zone Recommendations (Information Item)

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 6:30 p.m. Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, December 13, 2022* 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 (https:// 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 2022 – Secondary School Attendance Zone Change Process’ webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/246406).

Detail on how to sign up to speak at the hearings is provided at https://www.lcps.org/Page/223425. In-person sign-up will also be available between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., on the evening of each attendance zone public 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

10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1 & 12/8/22

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Virginia Electric and Power Company (VMRC #22-2270) is requesting a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to install one (1) aerial fiber cable to existing transmission poles across a 120-foot section of Goose Creek, a 52-foot section of Sycolin Creek and a 131-foot

of Sycolin Creek adjacent to Cochran Mill Road in Loudoun County.

You may provide comments on this application (VMRC #2022-2270) at https://webapps.mrc.virginia. gov/public/habitat/comments/ We will accept comments by the USPS provided they are received within l5 days of this notice to: Marine Resources Commission, Habitat Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg 96, Hampton, VA 23651.

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 10 DENSITY/INTENSITY & DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS RELATING TO EXTENSIONS INTO REQUIRED YARDS FOR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA-2022-0005 revising the following Sections of the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Sec. 10.4.5.C Extensions Into Required Yards;

2. Sec. 10.4.5.C.4 Balconies, Bay Windows, Steps and Landings; and, 3. Sec.10.4.5.C.5 Uncovered Decks and Patios

The purpose of the amendment is to clarify and establish that stairs and landings attached to decks accessory to single-family attached, and multi-family dwellings do not require a setback from interior lot lines.

Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment is available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-737-7920 and asking for Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2022-0005.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

9/29/2022 & 10/6/2022

VIRGINIA:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY

CASE NO. C142200155200

THOMAS EDWARD REID, et al. Plaintiffs, v. SHERREL S. HARMON, et al. Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to effect partition amongst the owners by sale of a 1.1216-acre parcel of land located in Loudoun County, Virginia at 20965 Greengarden Road, Bluemont, Virginia 20165, with a PIN of 65538-8138, of which Victoria S. Davis died in 1958 seised and possessed.

An affidavit having been made and filed stating that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Defendant GERTRUDE BASIL NOLAN who is believed to be living, and there is no post office known to the plaintiffs.

It is hereby ORDERED that the said nonresident defendant GERTRUDE BASIL, do appear and protect her interests on or before the 18th day of November, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. and do what is necessary to protect her interests.

9/15, 9/22, 9/29, & 10/06/22

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046150-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Marjorie Cruz

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Endenilson Alavarado, putative father & Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281

It is ORDERED that the defendant Endenilson Alavarado, Putative Father & Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or October 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. (Dispositional) 9/22, 9/29 & 10/6/22

LoudounNow.com

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO TOWN CODE APPENDIX B – FEE SCHEDULE SECTION 6-25(2) (MONTHLY RENTALS)

Pursuant to §§ 15.2-1123 and 15.2-1427 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176

at which time, the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on an ordinance amending Town Code Appendix B-Fee Schedule, Section 6-25 (Leesburg Executive Airport), Subsection 2 (Monthly Rentals):

New fees are shown in bold and underlined Fees for which an amendment or increase is proposed show the current fee amount in strikethrough and the new fee amount in bold and underline

Fee

North 65’ Corporate Hangars $2,300.00 $2,500.00

South 55’ Corporate Hangars $1,900.00 $2,000.00

North 48’ A, B, & C T-hangars $600.00 $700.00

North 53’ T-Hangars End Units C-1 and C-7 $634.00 $750.00

South 44’ T-Hangars $600.00 $650.00

North 42’ T-Hangars $600.00

T-Hangars #1-6 and #13-18 $500.00

T-Hangars #7-12 $650.00

T-Hangars #20-34 and #35-50 $600.00

T-Hangar #19 $850.00

Tiedowns $120.00

Copies of the ordinance are available for public examination prior to the public hearing in the office of the Clerk of Council at Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours. For more information about the ordinance, please contact Scott Coffman, Airport Director, via email at scoffman@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone at 703-737-7125.

Persons requiring special accommodations should contact Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

9/29/22 & 10/6/22

School Board Seeks Name Suggestions for New Middle School

The Loudoun County School Board is seeking name suggestions for a new middle school.

A Dulles North area middle school (MS-14), located southwest of the Evergreen Mills Road/Red Hill Road/Ryan Road intersection, is under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2024.

A School Board-appointed naming committee may consider geographic and historic names, as well as names of deceased individuals who significantly contributed to improving life in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), Loudoun County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the United States of America. The School Board will not consider naming a school facility for any individual unless the individual has been deceased for at least five (5) years.

School name suggestions should be sent to LCPS Division of Planning and GIS Services, 21000 Ed ucation Court, Ashburn VA 20148 or emailed to LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG by no later than Monday, October 17, 2022. Citizens suggesting a school name are requested to provide background informa tion to aid in the committee’s review process.

The School Board naming committee meetings are open to the public and are scheduled for the follow ing dates:

Dulles North Area Middle School Naming Committee Meetings

Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:00 p.m., Brambleton Middle School Library Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 6:00 p.m., Brambleton Middle School Library Brambleton Middle School is located at 23070 Learning Circle, in Ashburn. 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13/22

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVZA 2022-0001 AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE 42, ZONING, DIVISION 42-I, IN GENERAL, ARTICLE 42-VIII, GENERAL REGULATIONS, AND ARTICLE 42-VIII-2, ADDITIONAL STANDARDS, TO ADD SECTION 42-305, SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITIES

The LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on the following item at their meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically.

The purpose of the amendment is to establish standards for the installation of small cell wireless communication equipment on buildings, utility poles, and other structures. "Small cell facility" as defined by § 15.2-2316.3 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, means a wireless facility consisting of a whip antenna, panel antenna, or dish antenna provided by a wireless services provider or wireless infrastructure that is located inside an enclosure, or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, could fit within an imaginary enclosure of no more than six cubic feet and all other wireless equipment associated with the facility has a cumulative volume of no more than 28 cubic feet, or such higher limit as is established by the Federal Communications Commission.

Section 15.2-2316.4 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended prohibits localities from requiring conditional use permits or variances for small cell wireless facilities. The proposed amendment would require zoning permit approval, add definitions, and apply size, height, and design standards.

All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting.

The proposed zoning amendment is available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva. gov. You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened on the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

9/29, 10/6

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FY 2023-2024 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

LOUDOUN COUNTY HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD

Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at 4:00 PM

Location: Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development 1st floor, Olmstead Room, 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175

Information on how to attend virtually can be found on the County Calendar: https://www.loudoun.gov/calendar.aspx

Pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 United States Code §5301, et seq., and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 Code of Federal Regulations Subtitle A §91.105(e)(1), the Loudoun County Housing Advisory Board will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on October 12, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to obtain citizens’ views and to respond to proposals and questions for the purpose of addressing housing and community devel opment needs, including priority housing and non-housing community development needs, economic development needs, fair housing issues, development of proposed activities, proposed strategies and ac tions for affirmatively furthering fair housing, and review of program performance. Comments received at the Public Hearing will be considered in preparing Loudoun County’s CDBG 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan that will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for approval and subsequently submitted to HUD in the spring of 2023. The CDBG Application for 2023-2024 will open on October 11, 2022, and applications will be due November 16, 2022.

All citizens and organizations are invited to present their views and comments. Written comments may be submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development by not later than 3:00 p.m. on October 12, 2022.

If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental dis ability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Department of Housing and Community De velopment at 703-737-8323 (V/TTY). 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.

9/29 & 10/6/22

Route 7/Route 9 Eastbound Ramp Extension Loudoun County

Notice of Willingness

Find out about planned improvements to the acceleration lane from eastbound Route 7/Route 9. The project seeks to make it easier for drivers to merge into traffic from the ramp. The project will extend the acceleration lane from Route 9 onto eastbound Route 7 in Loudoun County.

Review project information and the National Environmental Policy Act document in the form of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion, including the potential effects on historic properties, online at https://www.virginiadot.org/Route7andRoute9RampExtension or during business hours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please call ahead at 703 259 1795 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request by October 28, 2022 to Mr. Calvin Britt, P.E., Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or by email to meetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov. Please reference “Route7/Route9 Eastbound Ramp Extension” in the subject line. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703 259 1775

State Project: 6007 053 198

UPC: 114103

Federal: NCBP 5A01 (973)

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ044816-02-00

Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alexander Beers

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

John Beers, putative father & Cathryn Beers, Mother

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Alexander Beers.

It is ORDERED that the defendant John Beers, putative father and Cathryn Beers, Mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before October 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

9/15, 9/22, 9/29 & 10/6/22

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046179-01-00

Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Starh Rahimi

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Mohamad Wali, putative father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Starh Rahimi; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Starh Rahimi.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Mohamad Wali, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before September 28, 2022 at 3:00pm (Adjudicatory) and October 27, 2022 at 10:00am (Dispositional).

9/15, 9/22, 9/29 & 10/6/22

Legal Notices

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

Real property owners who wish to apply for land use assessment for the first time must submit to my office an application along with the required fee by the filing deadline. Forms are available online, in my office, or can be mailed to you.

Owners of real property currently enrolled in the land use assessment program must renew their land use status every 6th year by submitting a renewal form along with documentation corroborating the qualifying land use along with the required fee by the filing deadline. Renewal forms will be mailed the first week of September to those currently enrolled who are up for renewal. You may check your renewal year online at www.loudoun.gov/parceldatabase by entering the property’s address or parcel identification number and selecting the LAND USE STATUS tab. Properties renewed in 2017 are up for renewal this year.

An additional deferral of taxes is available to current program participants if they sign and record an agreement to keep the property in its qualifying use for more than 5 but not exceeding 20 years. The commitment must be filed with my office by November 1, 2022 and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office by December 15, 2022.

Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.

DEADLINES

First-time Land Use applications and Renewal applications must be submitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue by Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Applications submitted after the deadline; November 2, 2022 through December 5, 2022, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to with the standard filing fee. No first-time applications or renewal applications will be accepted after the December 6th deadline.

FILING FEES

For submissions received or postmarked by November 1, 2022 $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof

For submissions received or postmarked between November 2, 2022 and December 5, 2022$125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof plus a $300 per parcel late filing fee

Online: www.loudoun.gov/landuse

Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov

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,

Sterling Office

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction.

This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.

YR. MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE#

2003 GMC YUKON XL 1GKEC16Z73R128779 ROAD RUNNER 703-450-7555

2000 HONDA ACCORD 1HGCG6690YA122544 DOUBLE D 703-777-7300

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA KMHWF25S42A512593 BLAIR’S TOWING 703-661-8200

2007 HYUNDAI 4DR 5NPET46C57H252328 D&M 703-471-4590

Misc. YARD SALE

Loco Service

CONSTRUCTION

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North’s

Opinion

A More Successful Road

The Purcellville Town Council is beginning to come to terms with its dysfunctional behavior following an independent report assembled by a veteran municipal manager who spent the past several months taking a deep dive into the underpinnings of their friction.

Well, not really.

In his assessment, Mr. Anzivino—who was last in town to extract a previous council from the disastrous and expensive ramifications of its management housecleaning—laid out a roadmap for how the council should operate to better accomplish its corporate goals. In doing so, he largely avoided direct criticism of the conduct of individual members, opting to build unity in the pursuit of new procedural guardrails that would put

the council on a road to mutual success.

Still, it’s all in the report. The micromanaging. The freelancing. The public belittling of staff members. The paranoia that others with nefarious intent are in control. It’s conduct not found in our county’s other local governments, where even politically divided bodies mostly operate with a spirit of cooperation and an expectation of civility.

Some members chose to read the report in a favorable light. The mayor requested that Mr. Anzivino revise it to accentuate his statement that the government closures and remote operations during the pandemic could have been an out-oftheir-control contributing factor to the dysfunction; the writer deemed that unnecessary. Others said asking tough questions should in no way be perceived as abusive, even if viewed that way by others. Some took the description of their work as

LETTERS to the Editor

an “activist council” to be a badge of honor, while failing to recognize where the boundaries of that micromanagement should be drawn.

There remains a view held by members of the council, albeit now a minority, that town’s staff is lumbering, unresponsive, or obstructionist—even as the council jumps from one this-must-be-doneright-now project to the next while dismissing claims of a workforce running at the limits of its capacity.

It is conduct that obstructs their chances for success.

While it appears the council has yet to reach that agreement on just what the problem is, we hope there is a shared realization that there must be a better way to conduct the town’s business.

The voters certainly should expect that. n

Local Ties

Editor:

This week, the trial of two key players in the Capitol Hill insurrection gets underway as the January 6th Committee wraps up its hearings, both of which have curious links to the Loudoun community.

Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, and his collaborator, Thomas Edward Caldwell of Berryville, whose trial starts this week in federal court in Washington, DC, spoke at the Purcellville Stop the Steal rally on Nov. 8, 2020, the Sunday following President Trump’s loss to Joe Biden. Both Rhodes and Caldwell have been charged with seditious conspiracy in their attempt to prevent the Congress from certifying the electoral vote on Jan. 6, 2021.

Speaker after speaker at the Purcellville rally spread the big lie that the 2020 election was stolen. The rally was hosted and organized by Loudoun’s Republican Delegate Dave LaRock, while Rhodes live streamed the rally on the Oath Keeper’s You Tube Channel to almost four thousand of his supporters. The rally poured fuel on the simmering flames of anger for those who thought the election was stolen. In the live chat, one person wrote “We are the militia and very well armed.” Another wrote “Time for all of this to stop, get your guns, and start killing everyone til no one is left.”

According to the indictment, Caldwell was responsible for the supplying “firearms, ammunition and related items” to the Oath Keepers’ Quick Response

Team which staged for action on Jan. 5. Caldwell helped stage LaRock’s rally by supplying porta johns for the Purcellville event. According to the Virginia Department of Elections Campaign finance reports, LaRock’s campaign reimbursed Caldwell on the day of the rally.

Several Republican Party activists who spoke at LaRock’s Stop the Steal rally, including 10th CD Chair Geary Higgins, became leading anti-school board activists spreading another lie that Critical Race Theory is being taught in our public schools.

— Steven Meyer, Leesburg

tion concerning the 2020 election missed the core of the issue. For the first time in our history, we had a sitting president cast doubt on the integrity of the national electoral process and suggesting that if he didn’t win, it was certainly corrupt.

That, by itself, was singularly unique but then he went on to say that he would not commit to a peaceful transfer of power. Also, without precedence in U.S. history.

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We trivialize these things at great peril to our republic and at a time when other great powers, China and Russia, are poised to exploit any weakness in our system of government and place on the world stage.

— Scott Billigmeier, Purcellville

Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county. Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.

Readers’ Poll

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

Finding ground

continued from page 1

by people who want their horse to still be active and be around people.

McKitrick said the staff members at LTR have become really good at identifying horses that are a good fit for their riders. She said once the horses arrive, they “slide into it like they’ve been waiting to do it their whole lives.”

Programs at the nonprofit range among therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, carriage driving, Silver Spurs and Equine Services for Heroes.

Hippotherapy is a licensed therapy program that uses occupational and physical therapy as well as speech-language pathology to help with autism and cerebral palsy as well as developmental disorders. Therapists direct purposeful movements of the horse as a patient rides to work on sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems, according to LTR’s website.

Consistency in day, time, horse and volunteers is incredibly helpful for riders at LTR.

Other programs like therapeutic riding help develop self-awareness, build self-confidence, strengthen muscles, improve posture and concentration among other benefits.

Each program offers something special.

“This is a leveling ground; everyone is on same footing here. Whether it’s the four-year old with Down syndrome or the 30-year-old with autism or the 80-yearold with Alzheimer’s. Everyone is on the same footing here and they can have the same conversations about the horses. It’s common ground, and it’s grounding,” McKitrick said.

McKitrick shared stories of the riders she has watched make great strides while riding Gnomeo.

“Many of our students’ first words ever have been ‘Gnomeo walk on,’” she said, adding some riders feel safer talking to the horses than people.

“They are talking to their horse, and it just comes out and they don’t even think about it. They just say, ‘walk on Gnomeo.’ He really brings out the best for them,” she said with tears in her eyes.

LTR serves about 80 riders in weekly lessons. They also do group work with various hospitals working with kids with behavioral issues and senior living centers in the area.

The Silver Spurs program partners with senior assisted living communities, especially memory care facilities, to help improve fine motor function, help reconnect with memories and allows for social interaction.

“They come out to the barn and spend a few hours here with the horses and get to engage with one another, and the difference in those folks when they show up and when they leave is tremendous. They are all of a sudden engaging and talking and communicating and making memories and remembering former memories. And that is so important for them because they can so easily get caught up in inertia, but here, there is not inertia, only presence,” McKitrick said.

When asked to explain the science behind why being around a horse has such tremendous effects on people, she described it as being like a mirror.

“The horse is very nonjudgmental. … The horse is like a reflection of you. So if you come to the table quiet and calm the horse is, too. If you come anxious, the horse will be anxious. The horse gives you something to lean on as it settles your soul. There is no science that explains that, it’s only anecdotal. But if you’ve ever had any experience with an animal like a cat or a dog you know how soothing it is. It’s the same with the horse,” McKitrick said.

She said there is a lot of trust between rider and horse because horses are flight animals, meaning they run when they get scared.

“You have to give trust to build trust,” McKitrick said.

McKitrick, a lifelong equestrian, said she can speak from her own experiences with riding and how it helped her. She said the confidence it gave her as a child helped her to overcome her struggle with shyness.

“You can’t have walls up with a horse. The horse will see right through it and if you want to have a relationship with a horse you have to take all of that down. Maybe you can keep those walls up around people, but the horse won’t let you,” McKitrick said.

McKitrick said working with horses helps in so many areas, including post traumatic stress disorder. LTR has several veterans who ride every week.

LTR’s Equine Services for Heroes is an accredited center for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) and welcomes all vets. There is no expectation to talk about their service and, according to McKitrick, they don’t have to be disabled in any way. They just have to show up wanting to ride and they will be taught.

“Being around a horse forces you to be present. You can’t be around a horse and worry about other things because if you aren’t paying attention to what your horse is doing, he might step on your foot or get away from you. You have to be paying attention and be present and that is what gives people that grounding feeling,” she said.

“There is no expectation, no need to perform. There are no parameters you have to meet to be successful. You are successful just by showing up, and the horse doesn’t care as long as you are kind to it. If you can come and set aside your concerns and work on your partner-

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

ship with your horse than you’ve created something new and that is something you have achieved for yourself. And maybe some days the achievement is that you got on your horse and walked around and you didn’t cry, and that is still an achievement,” McKitrick said.

LTR is entirely donation based, and according to McKitrick, service fees cover about 23% of its operating costs annually. The organization relies heavily on various fundraisers throughout the year, including the Dining in the Dark fundraiser coming up on Oct. 13 at Bourbon Bayou Kitchen in Ashburn.

She said the donated space at Morven Park for the past 26 years really helped LTR grow into what it is today. They were able to expand the program and move to the new location to better serve riders, but the move meant added costs and a mortgage.

CEO Paul Shane said inflation and the global atmosphere have caused people to close their wallets and circle the wagons, so to speak.

“Like everyone else in the nonprofit world, we are struggling to raise funds in this economy,” Shane said. And they are hoping for everyday miracles to keep their doors open and to continue to offer programs at LTR.

“We are not a typical nonprofit. We can’t just ask the horse not to eat. There’s a little more sense of urgency to raise the funds,” said Shane.

Dining in the Dark is an experience meant to create experiential empathy. Diners eat in low light with eye shades to better understand what a person who experiences blindness experiences. It is also a foodie experience, Shane said. n

Dining in the Dark is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Bourbon Bayou Kitchen in Ashburn. For more information, go to dininginthedark.net.

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Data center vision

now sometimes more than $2 million an acre. The county’s light industrial dis tricts, for example, county planners treat ed as de facto data center land.

Earlier this year, supervisors balked at a suggestion from the Department of Economic Development to permit data centers in an undeveloped area of south eastern Loudoun currently planned for less-intense development—an idea also pitched and shot down last term during the writing the new plan, this time dubbed “Dulles Cloud South.” Simultaneously, they sought the fastest way to update zon ing rules for land along Rt. 7 that current ly allow data centers, but where the new plan does not envision them.

The Board of Supervisors’ Transpor tation and Land Use Committee this year held a series of discussions with county planners to sort out the long-term vision for data center development. The full board voted on those recommendations Sept. 20, launching the work to once again amend the county comprehensive plan and zoning.

They voted first to write zoning ex cluding data centers in areas the new comprehensive plan designates for subur ban residential and mixed use, but to pro tect existing data centers already in those areas.

Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Al gonkian) raised concerns over allowing data centers there, fearing that would mean data centers in mixed-use develop ments like One Loudoun or Broadlands. County planners said data centers there are already subject to additional regula tions—among them, that they must make

Purcellville

continued from page 3

On the current council, only Mayor Kwasi Fraser was serving during that peri od. That council turnover, combined with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted normal operations with the closing of Town Hall and increase in re mote working, “led to a choppy process of administrative action,” he wrote.

Anzivino’s report is not overtly crit ical of the conduct of any individual council member, noting the members’ ef forts to be an “active and detail oriented governing body” often result in pointed

up less than half a given building, the building must be at least three stories tall and have no residential component.

Department of Economic Develop ment Executive Director Buddy Rizer said that means data centers that look less like the hulking warehouses of Loudoun and more like they do in other communities.

“What was envisioned in the gener al plan was not data centers as we know them, but more of an accessory use to an office or something like that,” he said. “I don’t think a traditional data center use would fit in, but more of the urban data centers that we’ve seen in Paris or Lon don, where you don’t really know that they’re there, could be possible. But a lot of design standards would be necessary to make it work.”

Supervisors also voted to write addi tional higher standards on building de sign and regulations on other impacts of data centers in those areas, in the existing Planned Development-Town Center zon ing district. County Chair Phyllis J. Ran dall (D-At Large) and Vice Chair Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) encouraged county planners to look at other communities for good examples.

“Our data centers are the ugliest things, compared to some that are built around the country and around the world,” Saines said.

They also voted to absorb one urban place type where data centers are allowed into another, the Urban Transit Center Place Type, where data centers are not. Those districts are envisioned as the tall est, densest areas in the county around its future Metrorail stops. There, again, some data centers already exist, permitted un der existing zoning.

The board majority decided that there is enough in place to protect data center

questioning of the staff and disagreements among members.

However, he acknowledged the tenor of the debates can undermine the coun cil’s goals. He specifically highlighted two comments council members direct ed at the staff during meetings this year: “What are you babbling about?” and “the liar speaks.”

“In many cases the discussions are pas sionate, for or against particular reports or information provided, and often engage staff and place them in what has been described as uncomfortable situations and in the middle of policy discussions,” he wrote.

“Council members’ passion for their

developments that already exist where the county board now does not plan for them. And they voted down a suggestion from Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoc tin) to direct county planners to meet with data center representatives to develop ad ditional protections for existing data cen ters in planned urban areas.

“It’s staff’s job and our job to write our zoning ordinance, and we have a process by which those who might be impacted or those involved can give us feedback,” Briskman said. “They can write letters, they can come to public comment, they can make suggestions to individual super visors, but I do not agree with them being inserted into the process.”

And Supervisor Kristen C. Umstat td (D-Leesburg) found no support in her attempt to add plans for data centers in Dulles Cloud South.

Supervisors also asked staff members to come up with new options for incen tivizing and converting outdated zoning in the Route 28 Tax District, which was created in 1987 to help widen the then two-lane road. There, landowners pay an additional real estate tax, and in exchange enjoy additional protections from zoning changes. That tax district was created un der zoning that will soon be from three revisions ago—when it was created, the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, which was subsequently replaced outside of the tax district by the 1993 ordinance in 1993 and the Revised 1993 ordinance in 2003. And county planners are work ing on a new zoning ordinance to reflect the county’s latest comprehensive plan update now, with some chapters already before the county Planning Commission for review.

Some supervisors sought to replace the existing legislative process for converting old Rt. 28 Tax District-area zoning with a

individual positions on an issue, or their distrust of other Council members, staff or citizen positions counter to their own have resulted in public comments toward other elected officials, staff or members of the public which are considered by some Council members to have created a less favorable image of the small-town environment which all seem to value,” Anzivino wrote.

The report also includes observations and assessments of the town manager’s administrative leadership and communi cation practices. In the publicly released version of Anzivino’s report, much of the eight-page section concerning Mekarski was redacted. Under questioning from

new administrative process, which would not require a vote of the board. But the majority voted to defer a decision while county staff members come up with more options.

“I think that staff might actually be able to come back to us with some op tions that would not only be beneficial to us as a board, but also … to property own ers,” said Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge).

Supervisors took a series of votes.

They voted to protect existing data center development in the Suburban Mixed Use, Suburban Neighborhood, and Suburban Compact Neighborhood place types, and to absorb the Urban Employ ment place type where data centers were permitted into the Urban Transit Center where they are not, 7-1-1, with Umstattd opposed and Supervisor Matthew F. Le tourneau (R-Dulles) absent. Kershner’s motion to work with data center industry stakeholders to come up with new protec tions for data centers in the Urban Tran sit Center place type failed 3-5-1, with only Kershner, Umstattd and Buffington in favor. Umstattd’s motion to designate Dulles Cloud South as Transition Light Industrial, which would permit data cen ters, died for lack of a second.

A vote to preclude data centers in those suburban residential and mixed-use areas passed 6-2-1 with Kershner and Umstat td opposed. The vote to include higher use-specific standards for data centers in the Planned Development-Town Center zoning district passed 8-0-1.

The vote to defer action and request more options to update the Route 28 Tax District Zoning Conversion process passed 5-3-1, with Kershner, Turner and Umstattd opposed. n

the council, Mekarski said he requested the redactions because he felt the mate rial—55 paragraphs in all—equated to a personnel evaluation that should be conducted in closed session. While the council agreed to meet with Mekarski in a future closed session to review the is sues raised, it also directed Town Attor ney Sally Hankins and the staff to review the redacted material to determine wheth er more of the comments should be made public.

Anzivino also has conducted a staff ing review. That report is scheduled to be

Good Works, Green Street to Break Ground on Loudoun’s Most Energy Efficient Building

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Loudoun-based attainable housing de veloper Good Works and Maryland-based Green Street Housing on Friday plan a groundbreaking for Waxpool Apartments, a 52-unit affordable apartment building and, they say, possibly the most ener gy-efficient building in the county.

According to the developers, it will be the first building in Loudoun County certified by four separate green building programs: National Green Building Stan dard Silver, U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergyStar Multifamily New Construc tion standards and Zero Energy Ready program, and the Environmental Protec tion Agency’s Indoor airPLUS. Those certifications variously examine energy, water and resource efficiency, renewable energy use, lot development, operations and maintenance, and indoor air quality.

“As of right now, I think it is safe to say the Waxpool project is certainly in rarified air; less than three in the state would be a good guess,” Conway Energy President Chris Conway stated. His firm will be responsible for monitoring and

Purcellville

continued from page 42

presented later this month and is expected to recommend the hiring of at least one additional position, a dedicated project manager to help as the town works to meet federally mandated deadlines tied its $10.5 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding. The town also may need additional consultant support to augment the available staff capabilities.

“You are an activist council. You come up with a lot of good ideas,” Anzivino said.

But he urged the council to come up with a better system for determining to which projects—or ideas—the staff should devote resources. He noted con cerns about the mayor often adding to or deleting items from council meetings without input from other council members or staff, council members coming up with projects individually and expecting staff support, and council members meeting with potential vendors outside standard procurement procedures. He proposed re quiring a majority vote from the council

testing throughout construction to ensure the building meets all those standards.

“It will require about 700 pages of documentation to get this building fully certified,” he stated.

All 52 units at the four-story Waxpool Apartments building will meet Universal Design standards, and 236 rooftop solar panels will provide more than 150,000 kWh of onsite power generation, offset ting nearly 70% of the projected need for the building’s common areas and public lighting. Parking will be underneath the

to take up any project requiring more than 90-minutes of staff time.

Debate about the use of staff time and meeting decorum continued during Sat urday’s strategic planning session as the council met with Mekarski and Town At torney Sally Hankins, who said they were appreciative to have a “courageous con versation” about the council’s expectation of the staff.

“We are a $24 million corporation, and we are extremely lean. And you should be very, very, very proud of what we can ac complish with the 85 member personnel. Every department that I visit is stretched to capacity,” Mekarski said.

While Mekarski reported a generally high level of morale among the staff, he warned that the departments are working at or above capacity with concerns about burnout. “We are pushing the envelope,” he said. When council members push for attention to new ideas or request “data dives,” it takes away time needed to ac complish their other day-to-day duties, he said.

“They don’t believe the council un derstands their core responsibilities,” Mekarski said. And when the tenor of the

building.

It also provides all of the county’s re quired Affordable Dwelling Units for the Waxpool Crossing development, plus 39 more, altogether three times the number of ADUs required. It is financed in part with a $2.5 million loan from the Loudoun County Housing Trust Fund.

The apartment building is planned at the corner of Waxpool Road and Ashburn Village Boulevard, less than a mile walk to the new Ashburn Metrorail Station. In addition to a playground on site, the

council’s questioning during public meet ings appears to cross over into personal attacks of the town’s managers, staff members sometimes feel “shamed” and “humiliated.”

Mekarski said the staff and council need to work together to reestablish trust, respect and civility.

Fraser questioned how the staff could feel ashamed when morale was reported at a high level. He also said that “civility” means different things to different peo ple and that council members have to ask their questions.

He acknowledged a “culture of mis trust” between the council and manage ment but said that was natural as there will be a mistrust of the government as long as there are taxes.

“When we’re asking the questions, it may be perceived as being aggressive and addressing someone’s veracity or integrity, but it was just to get an under standing,” said Council member Stanley Milan, who suggested the town engage in a formal conflict resolution process.

Council member Joel Grewe said that in addition to updating the council’s ethics policies, considering new guidelines for

building’s future residents will also have access to the amenities of Waxpool Cross ing including a basketball court, outside grilling area with a fire pit, a larger com munity playground, bocce ball court, trike track, dog park, and walking trails.

“Once upon a time, attainable hous ing had a bad reputation for being poor ly built,” Good Works Managing Partner Kim Hart stated. “While keeping our construction costs within the strict limits of Virginia Housing, we are proving that new construction in Loudoun County can still be green and sustainable. I hope this will help attract young people to our in dustry and make those who live here feel very proud.”

“The unit mix at the project consists of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units,” Green Street Housing co-owner Tom Ayd stated. “Our goal is to provide workforce housing to those individuals and families who will be attracted to this location so close to the Metro.”

Occupancy is planned for late fall of 2023. The waiting list for new residents will open next summer. n

council conduct online and in the media, and restructuring the agenda process, the members need to find ways to respectfully disagree so that the staff is not caught in the middle.

Another recommendation, one also cited by Anzivino, was that the council members need to spend more time talking with each other in person.

“I get it that this body of seven there is some discordance from one end [of the dais] to the next, but we need to look in ternally individually—to say we have the courage to reach out to the member of the Town Council that I have not talked to or I don’t know their perspective,” Fraser said. “If any of us are not willing to make that first step, all of this stuff we set today it is not going to be possible. It is trust and looking at the person in the face and saying ‘here we disagree, help me to un derstand why you disagree with this.’ If we’re not willing to do that, it ain’t go ing to happen. We can talk all day we can put policies in place and so on but if that individual approach is not taken it will not happen.” n

Contributed

Loudoun-based Good Works and Maryland-based Green Street Housing plan the 52-unit Waxpool Apartments building, which they say will be the most energy-efficient building in the county yet.