Loudoun Now for Oct. 24, 2024 by Loudoun Now

Supervisors Move to Develop Energy Infrastructure Regulations

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

As the Planning Commission gets to work on revising Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments for data centers, county supervisors are considering another set of amendments that would seek to regulate power infrastructure.

The Board of Supervisors’ Transportation and Land Use Committee last week heard a presentation from the county staff and Kimley-Horn consultants on the state of energy infrastructure in Loudoun and recommendations on how to best manage it going forward.

Two recent transmission line projects – one in eastern Loudoun and one in western Loudoun - have brought the county’s and the region’s power grid to the forefront of public dialogue with many residents raising concern about the broader community impacts association with the data center industry’s increasing demand.

During an Oct. 17 meeting, Kimley-Horn Consultant Michael DeNichilo told the committee Loudoun has approximately 37 miles of 500 kilovolt lines, 125 miles of 230 kV lines and 2 miles of underground

‘An Oasis’: Reservoir Park Opens to the Public

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

After a decade of planning and community collaboration, Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks on Monday celebrated the opening of Reservoir Park, a 600acre natural area that offers residents greater access to the county’s largest lake and seeks to promote awareness of water quality protections.

The main entrance to the 600acre park is located on the southeast side of Beaverdam Reservoir, at 22211 Water Vista Dr. in Ashburn.

Loudoun Water owns and maintains the 300-acre reservoir as a source of drinking water for Loudoun County residents. NOVA Parks will run the park operations. The park includes a welcome center, a crew facility, a boat rental facility, picnic pavilions, trails, waterfront board-

walks, a bridge, a restroom building and educational exhibits.

Built in the early 1970s, the reservoir served as the primary water source for the City of Fairfax for four decades. With the city getting more of its water from Fairfax Water and the Potomac River, Loudoun Water acquired the reservoir and water

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Supervisor Laura Tekrony (D-Little River) and former Blue Ridge District Supervisor Tony Buffington were among the first take out canoes during Monday’s grand opening celebration for Reservoir Park.

Former Propane Company Worker Faces Manslaughter Charge in Fatal Home Explosion

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A former Southern States employee has been criminally charged in the February home explosion that killed a volunteer firefighter and injured 13 more people.

A Loudoun grand jury on Monday handed up five indictments against Roger Bentley, 67, on charges of involuntary manslaughter and four other misdemeanors relating to the unlawful transfer, release, maintenance and control of liquid petroleum gas.

According to court documents, Bentley handled propane without proper certification. He faces up to 10 years in prison on the involuntary manslaughter charges. In the days following the explosion, the Fire Marshal’s Office temporarily halted all Loudoun County gas deliveries by his then-employer Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service.

The grand jury found that Bentley, either by engaging in an unlawful act or improper performance of a lawful act, unintentionally caused the death of firefighter Trevor Brown. No further details of Bentley’s alleged role in the incident have been made public or included in the court record as of Tuesday.

On Feb. 16 at 7:38 p.m. dispatchers received a call about a gas odor outside of a residence in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling. Firefighters located a 500-gallon underground propane tank

with a leak on the side of the home and requested additional units from Sterling, South Riding, and the Hazardous Materials Response Team as well as multiple command officers.

A short time later, units on the scene

reported a “catastrophic explosion” with multiple maydays from firefighters inside the home. Additional units were then brought in from Fairfax and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, according to a release.

Crews worked to locate and rescue the trapped firefighters from the home. Ten firefighters were transported to area hospitals along with two civilians. Brown died at the scene.

The criminal charges come after an investigation by the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Marshal’s Office determined that the explosion was the result of a leak involving a 500-gallon underground propane tank. Uncontained propane migrated into and around the structure and was ignited by an unknown ignition source.

Following the explosion, the Fire Marshal’s Office imposed restrictions on all branches of Southern States that deliver and transfer propane in the county.

“The LCFR-FMO is working directly with representatives from Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service (‘Southern States’) to review and update the company’s fire code related information,” according to a March 12 statement.

The restrictions were lifted three weeks later on April 1. n

‘Innovative’ Data Center Campus Prepares for County Review

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A rezoning application for a firstof-its-kind data center campus is in the beginning legislative review process by county government and envisions a 362acre complex in the Brambleton area.

The application requests a rezoning from Transitional Residential – 10 to Industrial Park. The property, located on the east side of Evergreen Mills Road north of Ryan Road, falls primarily within a part of the county designated for large lot neighborhoods, while the western portion is envisioned for rural agricultural uses.

Active Infrastructure, a New Yorkbased data center company, submitted the application. Representative Hawwi Edao said in a pre-application letter that, while the campus is large, the company plans to implement several methods outlined in a recent white paper authored by Supervi-

sor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn).

“This project, the first of its kind in Loudoun County and is pursuing best-inclass data center and energy innovations directly addressing priorities outlined in this aspirational document along with other sustainability features,” according to the letter.

Those include onsite carbon-net-zero power generation through microgrids, potential on-site excess power generations sources for the county, maximizing power usage efficiency, and maximizing water usage efficiency.

Edao said the company plans to use natural gas-powered hydrogen fuel cells, a battery storage system, and air-cooled chillers.

“This innovative project will be discreetly situated within the landscape, preserving a minimum 200-foot buffer of mature trees along all adjacent roadways and properties, with a majority of the buf-

Brambleton.

fers being between 400 and 1,000 feet to adjacent properties, ensuring it remains completely concealed from public view,” she wrote.

Edao said the company acknowledges that

the Transition Large Lot Neighborhood Place Type is not the “typical location” for

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue

An overhead view shows the damage after a home exploded in Sterling Feb. 16, after an unknown ignition source sparked leaking propane.

A rendering shows a proposed 362-acre data center campus along Evergreen Mills Road near

Loudoun

County Supervisors Eye New Long Route Commuter Service

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampalonI@loudounnow.org

County leaders last week heard preliminary plans for a commuter bus service that would provide rides for out-of-county residents into Loudoun.

A proposed two-year pilot would test out two locations, one in Dale City and one in Warrenton.

The initiative stems from a board vote in 2022, led by Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), to expand the county’s current bus services, which includes local fixed routes as well as commuter service for county residents going to jobs in Washington, DC.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now County supervisors are considering expanding Loudoun’s current transit service to out of county locations.

worked with consultant Michael Baker International Consulting to identify where the out-of-county workforce is traveling from and to assess the needs and desire for the service.

“The purpose of this study was to look at longer route commuter service into Loudoun County from counties that either abut or are proximate to Loudoun County,” Michael Baker representative Nick Britton said.

Britton said he has looked at 10 surrounding counties including Jefferson and Berkley in West Virginia, Frederick and Montgomery in Maryland and Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Fauquier, Prince William and Stafford in Virginia.

Divided County Board Rejects PDR Program Restart

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A years-long effort by some supervisors to revive the county’s Purchase of Development Rights rural conservation program failed Wednesday night after a majority of the county board voted to remove the item from the Department of Planning and Zoning workplan.

The program would allow county government to pay landowners for development rights, and then retire those rights – aimed at preserving open spaces in eastern and western Loudoun. The PDR Program was put in place in 2001 but the board voted to defund it in 2004.

“Businesses in Loudoun County have reported significant challenges with recruitment and retaining employees, and providing this service could help with a lot of the transportation costs and peace of mind for commutes that folks have while also supporting that recruitment and retention,” Transportation Service Administrator Gladys Hurwitz told the board on Oct. 16.

Briskman Leads Effort to Expand Satellite Voting

The Board of Supervisors is looking to expand satellite voting, approving a proposal by Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) to direct staff to identify possible new locations.

The proposal comes after controversy between some supervisors and the Electoral Board over the number of early voting Saturdays available to residents.

The initiative by Briskman will have the staff specifically looking for a minimum of one satellite voting location in each election district and to establish a ratio of residents to locations at one per 50,000 residents. The staff will also take into account a location’s proximity to public transit routes, commuting corridors and multi-modal transportation networks.

Public Meetings Planned for Arts Center Study

The county’s Transportation and Capital Infrastructure department is hosting four community meetings for residents to provide input on a potential community arts facility in eastern Loudoun.

This input from county residents will

The county’s General Services staff

ON THE agenda

be used to guide future programmatic requirements for a potential community arts center as part of the Eastern Loudoun Community Arts Center Planning Study.

The meetings will be held Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the county government center, Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ashburn library, Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, and Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at Sterling Middle School.

Residents may also provide input through a survey at bit.ly/4eJvT9R.

Input Sought on Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is seeking feedback on potential route options for completing the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail through Loudoun County, with a second public input meeting planned Tuesday at the Ida Lee Recreation Center.

The commission is working with the National Park Service and the design and planning firm Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects to identify a corridor to extend the trail from its current terminus in Leesburg to the area of Sweet Run State Park or Harpers Ferry, WV.

The study took a three-pronged approach – demographic data, existing services in both Loudoun and the outside

COMMUTER SERVICE continues on page 6

The general public, including community members, businesses, and other interested parties, are encouraged to provide their input on the initial outcomes of the study.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29.

Learn more at potomacheritagenova. com/loudoun-feasibility-study.

Eastern Gas Plans Turbine at Loudoun Cove Point Station

Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage is holding an open house on its proposal to install a larger turbine at its Loudoun Cove Point Station near Leesburg.

The meeting will take place Monday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Douglass Community Center.

The proposed 5,000 horsepower, electric-driven turbine is part of the larger EGTS Capital Area Project designed to increase pipeline capacity in the region. The project involves updates to the compressor station in Leesburg and three compressor stations in Pennsylvania.

Residents may also provide comments through on online form at erm.commentinput.com/?id=DukWAbtdT. n

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) has been trying for years to revive the program, but earlier this year, supervisors voted to give the program a “TBD” deadline designation on the DPZ workplan and did not approve the funding to staff the program.

Supervisors Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn), Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) and Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) in collaboration with representatives of the Piedmont Environmental Council worked to have a smaller-scale pilot project presented to the board for consideration.

The pilot would focus on one eastern Loudoun parcel – possibly one that could be used in the future to fill in missing links in the county’s linear parks and trails – and would look to leverage federal and state funding that is specifically allocated for PDR programs.

“PEC, to their credit, basically carved out a very nominal and manageable pilot program,” Turner told the board Oct. 16. “I think, based on the presentation I received, it could be set up so it has minimal staff oversight. There are ways to administer a pilot program with relatively low staff input.”

Turner said the program would be “one more tool” that the board doesn’t have to preserve open space and said having it would open the door for access to grants. He said a recent property purchase by the board, which cost $29 million for 335 acres along Evergreen Mills Road, could possibly have only cost the county $6 million

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Microsoft

investing in the people of Loudoun County through education and training opportunities

Hiring local is just one part of the Microsoft Datacenter Community Pledge. Microsoft is proud to partner with Loudoun Freedom Center’s NoVA Datacenter Academy to offer IT skills training. In addition, Microsoft is also partnering with Northern Virginia Community College’s IET program career paths in Critical Environment, creating opportunities for students across Loudoun County.

Build the skills to work as a Datacenter Technician or Critical Environment Technician. Learn more at aka.ms/LoudounCounty

Microsoft Datacenter Community Pledge

Our datacenters uniquely enable the backbone of the Microsoft Cloud, which provides services such as Office 365, Azure, Xbox Live, and Bing to millions of customers around the world. We pledge to build and operate digital infrastructure that addresses community challenges and creates local benefits.

Contributing to a sustainable future

Microsoft designs and operates our datacenters to support society’s climate goals and to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste all before 2030. Our newest AI datacenters in Loudoun County will consume zero water for cooling. This means more water for homes and communities.

In addition, Microsoft will procure 100% renewable energy coverage globally by 2025.

Did you know?

Advancing community prosperity and well-being

Microsoft works to deliver local, economic, social, and environmental benefits. In the last five years, Microsoft has donated more than $1.8 million across Loudoun County. Microsoft works with local groups like the Loudoun Education Foundation, Loudoun Hunger Relief, and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Datacenters are estimated to contribute $859 million in tax revenue* in Loudoun County in 2025, supporting local schools, public safety, and parks.

* Loudoun County FY2025 Appropriations Resolution; Commissioner of Revenue.

The NoVA Datacenter Academy opened in 2022 and has graduates currently working full time at Microsoft. By the end of 2026, we project hundreds of employees and contractors across Loudoun County.

Operating responsibly as a good neighbor

In all we do, Microsoft strives to be a responsible neighbor. We listen, learn, build relationships, and follow through on our commitments. Microsoft partners with nonprofits and suppliers who share our commitment to expand opportunities for all.

And to be a good neighbor, we want to keep you in the loop. Scan the QR code below to visit our blog and learn more.

Microsoft datacenters in Virginia and other locations renewed their zero-waste certification through the UL’s Zero Waste to Landfill program.

Since 2023 Microsoft has donated 1,548 STEM supplies and kits to Loudoun Schools.

Baseball to Return at Mickie Gordon Park

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Baseball is set to return to Pop Gordon Field at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park next spring after county supervisors approved a concept plan that would convert the lighted cricket field back to a baseball diamond on Oct. 16.

The controversy surrounding the park began in 2023 when the county’s parks department’s plans to develop a cricket competition center on the park was met with strong community opposition. The 100-acre park is located along Rt. 50 east of Middleburg and is owned by Loudoun County Public Schools.

To meet the growing demand for cricket pitches, the park’s centerpiece ballfield was converted to a multi-sport field. More recently, it was converted to just cricket.

Loudoun County Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Steve Torpy has been working with community members ever since to develop an alternative plan for the park.

Torpy presented three options to the

Commuter Service

continued from page 4

counties and obstacles and challenges associated with a longer route service.

The team also surveyed employers and employees from 11 industries.

“Almost three-quarters of employers said that they believe the commuter service is valuable or something that their employees would want to consider or would use,” Britton said. “And then on the other side, transportation continuously came up as a core component of recruiting and retaining people over time.”

From the survey results, West Virginia ranked as the top location that employees commute from, with Prince William County and Stafford County second and third.

The downtown Leesburg transit hub, Loudoun Gateway Metrorail Station and Old Ox Road in Sterling tied for the most desired destination for commuters, followed by the Ashburn Metrorail station.

“Over half the people [surveyed] would consider using public transportation to get to work at least a part of their commute to work a week. That doesn’t mean all days,” Britton said.

The proposal includes seven different routes including start locations in Dale City, Frederick, MD, Harpers Ferry, Marshall, Martinsburg, Warrenton and Winchester.

“Some of the key pieces of this is making sure that the stops are accessible, the

board. Each of those included returning the lighted cricket pitch to a baseball field, adding historic interpretive signage, adding parking, relocating the recycling center on the property, and adding buffering along Little River Turnpike.

Concept A, the option recommended by the staff, would not make any additional changes, while concepts B and C would add further amenities.

Town residents pushed for the baseball field to be reimplemented but also asked that the lights be taken down, the driveway remain unpaved and that fewer improvements in general be made to the park.

John Rizik, who owns a 90-acre farm bordering the property, said town residents do not support any of the concepts.

“Offering only concept A, B, and C, to me, is like asking me if I would rather get kicked in the knee or get kicked in the shin, and I have to pick one,” he said.

The Middleburg-area park is underused, he said, and the residents like it that way.

Loudoun’s Future representative John Benedict suggested the board delay a vote

length of the trip isn’t too much, the number of stops,” Britton said.

Dale City and Warrenton were chosen for the pilot because they have a lower average cost per trip than the other routes and because they are expected to have a high ridership rate.

Britton said he recommended capping the one-way fare at $8.25.

The pilot is estimated to cost $1.7 million for the first year, which would cover operating costs, outreach and marketing and a Title VI Service and Fare Equity Analysis.

Hurwitz said the cost estimate does not cover the possibility of needing additional third-party drivers.

Supervisors said they were unsure about choosing Dale City and Warrenton and the two pilot routes.

“There’s one sort of factor to me that’s out there when we talk about commuting patterns and that’s sort of an X factor of pain,” Letourneau said. “Pain for the commuter, how painful is this ride? How much traffic do I encounter? And then the other sort of side of it is, for the Loudoun resident who is sort of sharing traffic with commuters that are coming through the county, an opportunity for relief.”

He said he had thought Frederick, MD, and Winchester would have been the more natural choices.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) agreed and noted that commuters coming from Dale City are traveling against traffic.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At

on the concept plans, taking it out of the Capital Improvement Plan, and instead make minor, occasional improvements through the Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ annual maintenance budget.

“Mickie Gordon isn’t the place to spend $10 to $13 million for traditional recreational facilities development,” he said. “… People support Concept A as the best of three choices presented precisely because it’s more modest in scale. Instead, we should be thinking about a Concept A-light.’”

The park also includes a little league size baseball field and a smaller cricket pitch, both unlit.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) opposed the changes without a plan to replace the cricket pitch, which he said is needed to support residents’ demand. The parks department is working to add additional pitches throughout the county and two additional fields that can be used for soccer and cricket are planned to open at Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park in the spring.

“The Loudoun County Adult Cricket

Large) said she did not want to send bus services out of the state to Maryland.

“I’m certainly willing, especially to Dale City, for a lot of reasons, willing to do Dale City. But, I’m not sure how I feel about this yet,” she said.

Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) asked why Loudoun County Public Schools and members of the sheriff’s office and fire and rescue were not included in the survey.

Brown said he had contacted Loudoun County Public Schools about including their employees in the survey, but that the school system did not have time to administer it. Running bus services for first responder shifts would be tricky, he said.

Letourneau said another factor to consider is that at $8.25, the cost for a oneway fair would be lower for out-of-county residents than for those using the downtown commuter service, which is set to increase to $12 in July 2025.

“Is there some sort of insult to injury kind of element?” he asked.

Hurwitz and Director of General Services Ernie Brown said that is a factor that needs to be considered.

“It’s a hurdle that we would have to appropriately represent in a pilot construct because that is a perception that we’re subsidizing residents from outside the county with county funds,” Brown said. “The benefit is clear, but it is still a perception that we would have to overcome.”

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said she did not think two years would be long enough to decide if

League has over 50 teams. It’s at capacity. The Loudoun County Youth Cricket League has zero teams because we don’t have capacity for a single child in Loudoun County to be playing cricket despite massive demand,” Letourneau said.

“We are not meeting the needs of the community,” he said.

But County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) said the only community members she heard from on the issue supported re-establishing a baseball field at the park.

“I don’t know why we’re not listening to the constituents on this one,” she said. “This is not that hard to me, quite honestly. In fact, the constituents have actually made it easier … if they’re saying to me they don’t want lights and they’re like, ‘don’t give us lights and save us some money,’ OK. I’m not going to force lights in a community that doesn’t want them.”

“This is not a Middleburg park. It’s not even in the town. It’s in the county. It is a system. Parks and Recreation is a system… and yes we should give great weight

MICKIE GORDON PARK continues on page 7

the program would be successful.

“You raised, I think, a really legitimate point in your presentation, which is, how do you get people the last mile? So, presumably they’d all get dumped in a parking lot and have to get an Uber or a Lyft to get to work. Would they be willing to add that cost onto the cost of a bus ride?” she asked.

Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said the board needed to identify how to measure the program’s success. If the goals include supporting county employees, boosting the county’s economy and reducing environmental impact, measuring success by those metrics would look different for each one, he said.

“My point here is, it’s going to be easy to drop into this program and think we’re doing a good deed here and just keep it going because we’re doing a good deed for our employees,” he said. “But at some point, I would think this has got to be self-sustaining. Otherwise, we’re just going to be plugging in $1.6 million into this program every year.”

Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) asked if the long-route service would save commuters money at the $8.25 rate. Brown said it would not.

Supervisors voted unanimously to send the discussion to the board’s finance committee for further development.

“I think we need a little more time with this. This is an incredible amount of information. This is good analysis. I think there is going to be sentiment to move forward in some capacity,” Letourneau said. n

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continued from page 4

if a PDR Program had been in place.

“I don’t know that for sure, but I did a broad-brush analysis with the person [at PEC] I was talking to, and they said, ‘yeah, that probably could work,” he said.

The program was opposed by Supervisors Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian), Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg), Syliva R. Glass (D-Broad Run) and Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling).

Letourneau said he does not support a PDR Program, but that even if he did, the proposed pilot, while creative, would not accomplish its intent.

“The strongest argument that I’ve heard is that we may be able to get certain grant money for this that we wouldn’t otherwise. I’m not necessarily certain that that’s the case, but I think that that’s offset by the fact that I don’t buy that it’s minimal staff time and staff involvement, because these things never are,” he said.

Kershner said the board needed to take action to protect western Loudoun, or it would turn into Fairfax County.

“We’re kind of leaving money on the table, quite frankly, if we’re not going to explore this,” he said.

“I think this provides an opportunity to preserve land across all of Loudoun County,” TeKrony said. “I see this as an opportunity to just preserve the vision of Loudoun County.”

Briskman said the county already has

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continued from page 6

to those who are closest, but we also have to make sure that the system as a whole is meeting the needs of the community,” Letourneau said.

In turn, Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River), whose district includes the park, said the park was Middleburg’s and residents had unanimously requested that baseball be returned to the field. She said while Concept A is not perfect, its details could be further refined during the required special exception process when it comes before the Planning Commission and full board.

“They’ve asked to get their historic baseball field back,” she said.

A motion by TeKrony to move forward with Concept A and initiate the special exception process passed 7-2, with supervisors Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) and Letourneau opposed.

A second motion by TeKrony to convert the cricket pitch back to a baseball field with parks department funding by

the ability to do what the pilot program would accomplish.

“Our policy supports the [Linear Parks and Trails],” she said. “Our policy supports us buying easements and/or land itself, or the LPAT. And the grants, I also believe our policy supports going out and finding grants for outdoor recreation of any type that we’re trying to do, so I listened with an open mind, and I just believe that our policy already supports pretty much everything that this program is trying to say that it does.”

In turn, Randall said part of what makes Loudoun unique is its distinct policy areas that create a special look and feel throughout the county. This program would help preserve that, she said.

“We have the infrastructure to support homes or we’re really trying to put the infrastructure down to support homes in the east,” she said. “We have the roads. We have the schools. We have fire and rescue. We have what we need in the east. That’s why we put houses there, and that’s why, the urban policy area is more dense and more vertical. We don’t have that same infrastructure in the west. So, when homes go up in the west, even if it’s by-right, it costs us more, and that’s not what we want to do.”

A motion by Turner to implement the pilot failed. A counter motion by Letourneau to remove the item from the workplan passed 5-4 with Turner, TeKrony, Randall and Kershner opposed. n

next spring passed more narrowly in a 5-4 vote, with Letourneau, Umstattd, Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Alongkian) and Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) opposed.

Letourneau said that timeline was too short to find an alternative location for the cricket players.

“I’m just really concerned about kicking them off by March and not having capacity to put them to,” he said. He said he was not opposed to converting the field to a baseball diamond, after an alternative location was found for the cricket players.

Saines said he agreed with Letourneau and successfully proposed an amendment that directed the staff to work with the school division to find potential locations for future cricket pitches by next spring.

Briskman said she was also uncomfortable with taking away the cricket pitch until another location was found.

“I can’t support part two of this motion unless I am confident that by spring of 2025, we’re going to have another pitch because this pitch is being booked,” she said. “… I don’t think it’s really fair to kick the cricket folks off that field immediately.” n

Commission Completes Crescent District Master Plan Update

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

Proposed revisions to the town’s Crescent District Master Plan are moving closer to adoption following a Leesburg Planning Commission public hearing last week.

After two years of work by the town planning staff, a team of consultants and

the commission, the new plan now goes to the Town Council for final action.

The plan is intended to guide redevelopment on land south and east of the downtown historic district. The concept was developed in 2003, with the first plan adopted in 2006. Over the years, members of the Planning Commission and Town Council have wrestled with the scale and

design of development permitted in the plan. Following the approval of plans to redevelop the Virginia Village shopping center, the council initiated a review to update the policies.

Land Use Manager Richard Klusek from the Department of Community Development presented the new recommendations for the master plan. He said town

planners found that medium density developments in the Crescent District, ranging from three- to four-story buildings, were the most economically feasible when paired with public investment. A feasibility study found that development at other density levels would not be financially viable or would require significant public investment.

Klussek said that older versions of the plan contained unrealistic expectations for building form and development densities. The new plan was better adjusted to market realities, he said.

“The vision of the Crescent District Master Plan has not actually changed,” Klussek said. “This is the same vision we had back in 2006; three statements setting the stage for long term development.”

Those three statements included a foundation for long term development, keeping the historic core, and developing a setting for “a true mixture of uses.”

Although medium density structures were found to be the most economically viable, visual preference surveys of residents showed a partiality for smaller buildings. The Department of Community Development opted against going smaller, but focused on meeting affordable housing needs, better managing traffic congestion and providing new parks and other amenities.

To improve Catoctin Circle and East Market Street, the new plans recommend reducing the overall size of the Crescent District, while focusing growth in two designated activity centers, in the area of the Virginia Village shopping center on South King Street and the Giant shopping center along East Market Street.

Planning Commission Chair Gigi Robinson said she was concerned that affordable housing in activity centers would not provide adequate parking for residents working in trades, such as plumbers and electricians, who need places to park trucks and trailers. Robinson presented an alternative motion to provide those accommodations within the document.

Klussek said parking needs would be accommodated while maintaining the Crescent District as a transition between historic downtown and a more walkable and vehicular-oriented area.

The motion to recommend approval of the Crescent District Master Plan Revisions passed unanimously. n

AROUND town

Burk Elected VML Vice President

Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk is the new vice president of the Virginia Municipal League Board of Directors.

The election was held during VML’s Annual Conference in Virginia Beach.

Burk has served as an At-Large board member since 2019.

VML’s board oversees the statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan association of city, town and county governments. It was established in 1905 to assist local governments through legislative advocacy, research, education and other services. Today, the organization includes representation from 38 cities, 170 towns and eight counties.

Balls Bluff Battlefield Events Planned Saturday

The Friends of Ball’s Bluff will commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff on Saturday with a full day of special events.

Starting at 11 a.m., the guide will offer interpretive tours of the park, which is the site of the Oct. 21, 1861 Confederate victory in the fields along the Potomac River. At 1 p.m., the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band from George Mason University will perform. At 2 p.m. there will be a cannon firing demonstration with Mayor Kelly Burk invited to participate. At 3 p.m. there will be a planting of American Chestnut seedlings. The program closes with a luminaria and cemetery ceremony at sundown.

Learn more at novaparks.com/ parks/balls-bluff-battlefield.

Kiwanis Club Gears Up for Halloween Parade

For the 68th year, the Leesburg Kiwanis Club will hold the Leesburg Halloween Parade through downtown Leesburg on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Leesburg’s parade is one of the oldest in the eastern United States, first held in 1957.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 31, starting in the front field at Ida Lee Park and proceeding down King Street to Fairfax Street.

King Street will be closed to traffic between Battlefield Parkway and Catoctin Circle beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Those participating in the parade are encouraged to bring food donations for

Loudoun Hunger Relief, which will collect items at the Ida Lee Park field.

For more information about the event, including participation guidelines and registration forms, go to k04757.site.kiwanis.org.

Trick or Treat Downtown

Be on the lookout for costumed youngsters Saturday afternoon in the downtown area.

On Oct. 26 more than 50 downtown businesses along Market, Loudoun, and King streets offer candy to trick or treaters from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It is the fifth year for the free event. Downtown streets will be closed from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m

Preservation Planners Offer Downtown Office Hours

Members of the Community Development Department’s Historic Preservation Division will offer special office hours downtown to help residents, property and business owners with certificate of appropriateness applications or other historic preservation questions regarding the Leesburg Old and Historic District.

The planners will be available in the town’s Economic Development Department office at 15 N. King St. on Monday’s from 10 a.m. to 2 pm., Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“With our department’s move earlier this year to 222 Catoctin Circle, we understand that some members of the public and business community may miss our proximity to them from back when our offices were located in Town Hall. We hope these historic district office hours are helpful in closing that gap,” Preservation Planner Lauren Murphy stated.

Consolations are available on walk-in basis or by appointment by calling 703-771-2765. Learn more at leesburgva.gov/preservation.

Balch Features ‘A Path Through Willisville’

The Thomas Balch Library will host authors Carol Lee and Lori Kimball for a discussion their book “A Path Through Willisville” on Sun-

AROUND TOWN continues on page 10

Explanation for ProposedConstitutionalAmendment to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election

Explanation for ProposedConstitutionalAmendment

Explanation for ProposedConstitutionalAmendment to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Explanation for ProposedConstitutionalAmendment to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election

to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election

Explanation for ProposedConstitutionalAmendment

Explanation for ProposedConstitutionalAmendment to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Commission Takes Deeper Dive into Data Center Study

to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election

ARTICLE X.TaxationandFinance.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL

ARTICLE X.TaxationandFinance.

AMENDMENT

Section6-A.Propertytaxexemptionfor;certainveterans andtheirsurvivingspouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

ARTICLE X.TaxationandFinance.

Section6-A.Propertytaxexemptionfor;certainveterans andtheirsurvivingspouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

ARTICLE X.TaxationandFinance.

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Section6-A.Propertytaxexemptionfor;certainveterans andtheirsurvivingspouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

BALLOT QUESTION

Section6-A.Propertytaxexemptionfor;certainveterans andtheirsurvivingspouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

ARTICLE X.TaxationandFinance.

BALLOT QUESTION

ARTICLE X.TaxationandFinance.

BALLOT QUESTION

Shouldthe Constitutionof Virginia be amended so that the tax exemptionthatis currently available to the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty?

Section6-A.Propertytaxexemptionfor;certainveterans andtheirsurvivingspouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

EXPLANATION FORVOTERS

PresentLaw

QUESTION

EXPLANATION FORVOTERS

Generally,the VirginiaConstitutionrequiresthatallproperty betaxed.Italso sets out specific types of property that may be exempted from taxation. Currently, the Virginia Constitution allows the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the surviving spouse of any soldier who is determined bythe U.S. Department of Defense to have been killed in action.

ProposedAmendment

As Leesburg leaders continue to learn more about data centers and their impacts, the Planning Commission last week invited Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse to present information about energy trends in the Northern Virginia data center market and recommendations for reviewing new applications.

Shouldthe Constitutionof Virginia be amended so that the tax exemptionthatis currently available surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of who died in the line of duty?

nizing that new data centers are considered industrial use, which impacts other adjacent uses. Data centers also interrupt connectivity, lower walkability and increase land prices, she said.

“We’ve seen that it’s very challenging to get other types of development into these areas where data centers are allowed by right, even though there’s a bunch of other uses that are also allowed by right,” Bolthouse said.

Borrowing from data centers in New Jersey, PEC recommended on-site power generation for new data centers, including solar panels.

Constitutionof Virginia be amended so that the tax exemptionthatis currently available surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of who died in the line of duty?

ProposedAmendment

The proposed amendment would expand this current tax exemption so that it is availableto all surviving spouses of soldiers who are determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have died in the line of duty, including those who have been killed in action.

EXPLANATION FORVOTERS

Bolthouse presented a data center general concept plan from Stafford County as a good example containing information about water usage, and hypothetical transmission lines. She stressed the importance of efficient water usage, awareness of adjacent developments and the provision of enough power throughout the meeting.

Planning Commission member Candace Tuck asked whether solar panels would significantly reduce power consumption. Bolthouse said that solar panels likely only provide 1% to 2% of a data center’s required power.

PresentLaw

A "yes"vote would allow the surviving spouse of a soldierwho died in the line of duty to claim the same real property tax exemption on their principal place of residence that is currently only available to the surviving spouses of soldiers who are killed in action.

Northern Virginia data centers operate with a 22-gigawatt power load, but newly approved data centers demand an additional 23 gigawatts. The demand will require doubling the power grid by 2038, Bolthouse said.

“Even if it is only like 1% it’s that much less land we have to take out of agriculture or forest,” Bolthouse said.

FULLTEXT OF AMENDMENT

A "no" vote will not allow such additional surviving spouses to claim the real property tax exemption.

FULLTEXT OF AMENDMENT

[Proposed new language is underlined. Deletedold languageisstricken.]

“We have the largest market in the world,” Bolthouse said. “It’s not even close to the next one down, which is Beijing.”

[Proposed new language is underlined. Deletedold languageisstricken.]

A "no" vote will not allow such additional surviving spouses to claim the real property tax exemption.

Generally,the VirginiaConstitutionrequiresthatallproperty betaxed.Italso sets out specific property that may be exempted from taxation. Currently, the Virginia Constitution the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the surviving spouse of any soldier who is determined bythe U.S. Department of Defense to have killed in action.

[Proposed new language is underlined. Deletedold languageisstricken.]

FULLTEXT OF AMENDMENT

[Proposed new language is underlined. Deletedold languageisstricken.]

A "no" vote will not allow such additional surviving spouses to claim the real property tax exemption.

Planning Commission members asked about best practices for communicating with utilities and data center clients. Bolthouse said getting the two parties in the same room would be effective, but that PEC had difficulties in the past hearing from utilities. Bolthouse also explained why cryptocurrency was listed as a use in data centers.

A "no" vote will not allow such additional surviving spouses to claim the real property tax exemption.

ARTICLE X TAXATION ANDFINANCE

[Proposed new language is underlined. Deletedold languageisstricken.]

ARTICLE X TAXATION ANDFINANCE

Generally,the VirginiaConstitutionrequiresthatallproperty betaxed.Italso sets out specific property that may be exempted from taxation. Currently, the Virginia Constitution General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the spouse of any soldier who is determined bythe U.S. Department of Defense to have killed in action.

Section 6-A.Propertytax exemptionfor;certainveterans and their surviving spousesand; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in actionwho died in the line of duty.

Measures to meet the energy demands include 34 newly approved substations and the announcement of plans to begin installing 765-kilovolt lines, the largest power lines in the region. Bolthouse said decommissioned coal plants, such as the John E. Amos Plant in West Virginia, will remain online to meet energy demands.

She stressed the importance of recog-

Commission member Ron Campbell thanked Bolthouse for helping the commission learn “with the most information available at the time.”

“We’re working our butts off to learn,” Campbell said. n

Section 6-A.Propertytax exemptionfor;certainveterans and their surviving spousesand; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in actionwho died in the line of duty.

ProposedAmendment

(a)NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofSection6,theGeneralAssemblybygenerallaw,and within the restrictions and conditions prescribed therein, shall exempt from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any veteran who has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law to have a one hundred percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence. The General Assembly shall also provide this exemption from taxation for real property owned by the surviving spouse of a veteran who waseligiblefor theexemption provided in thissubdivision, so longasthe surviving spouse does not remarry. This exemption applies to the surviving spouse's principal place of residence without any restriction on the spouse's moving to a different principal place of residence.

proposed amendment would expand this current tax exemption so that it is availableto all surviving spouses of soldiers who are determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have the line of duty, including those who have been killed in action.

town continued from page 9

proposed amendment would expand this current tax exemption so that it is availableto all spouses of soldiers who are determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have line of duty, including those who have been killed in action.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, the General Assembly by general law, and within the restrictions and conditions prescribed therein, may exempt from taxation the real property of the surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action as determined bydied in the line of duty with a Line of Duty determination from the United States Department of Defense, who occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence. The exemption under this subdivision shall cease if the surviving spouse remarries and shall not be claimed thereafter. This exemption applies regardless of whether the spouse was killed in actiondetermined to have died in the line of duty prior to the effective date of this subdivision, but the exemption shall not be applicable for any period of time prior to the effective date. This exemption applies to the surviving spouse's principal place of residence without any restriction on the spouse's moving to a different principal place of residence and without any requirement that the spouse reside in the Commonwealth at the time of death of the member of the armed forces.

day, Oct. 27 beginning at 2 p.m. The story of the village is one of a community working together to make a better place for all. In 2019, residents of the area formed the Willisville Preservation Foundation and nominate the village to the National Register of Historic Places. This book allows the reader to explore the village parcel by parcel, learn-

ing about the original property owners, their immediate descendants, and how the land evolved over time. “A Path Through Willisville” will be available for purchase at the event. Pre-registration is required. Call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or register online. n

"yes"vote would allow the surviving spouse of a soldierwho died in the line of duty to claim real property tax exemption on their principal place of residence that is currently only to the surviving spouses of soldiers who are killed in action.

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First One LCPS Day at Belmont Ridge Brings the Energy for Students

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Belmont Ridge Middle School in Lansdowne is rolling out the red carpet today for the first ever One LCPS Celebration. According to Principal Katie Johnson, this is to celebrate all the great achievements and community within LCPS, and schools are participating across Loudoun County.

“The kids are so fun. They make learning fun. They make our day fun,” Johnson said. “We get very busy with the day-today stuff, but the kids do well academically. They’re very kind to each other. So, I just want to make sure we’re highlighting all that stuff.”

The celebration of students features what Johnson calls a “woot wagon,” where teachers line the halls and cheer on students as they enter the building. There was also music playing to greet students as they got off their buses. To prepare for the day, staff members were given spirit bags packed with foam fingers, buttons, signs, and more LCPS-themed gear.

While this is the first One LCPS Celebration, this is not the first woot wagon to happen at Belmont. According to Johnson, there’s a lot of positive feedback from students for the spirit shown at the school.

She loves showing the kids that she is excited they are there and is enthusiastic about her position as principal. She said that spirit at the school is high all the time. Eighth graders even decorate ceiling tiles every year to show their love for the school.

Surveys done at the end of every year show that kids like coming to class, which is a huge win for the school, she said.

Eighth grade students Tyler Beck and Olivia Lyttle said they appreciate the Belmont Ridge spirit and will miss it when they move to Riverside High School next year.

Lyttle even won a spirit raﬄe on Wednesday, earning a free pizza at lunch on Friday. More raﬄes for students dressed for the daily themes are happening throughout the week.

Staff members and students alike were decked out in their best spirit gear, with students assigned which of the three school colors — red, white, or blue — to wear based on their grade level. Sixth graders

were assigned blue, seventh graders wore red, and the eighth graders showed up in white. Teachers also dressed up for the occasion, some of them donning colorful hats and wigs, as well as boas and lots of red, white and blue.

One teacher in particular showed the students she was excited they were there. English teacher Amanda Wacker was the definition of “woot” as she cheered for students, called to them in the halls, and was seen doing dances popular among middle schoolers across the country.

Beck was not surprised at her spirit in the hall, as she is known as one of the most spirited teachers in the school. “Engaging in the culture of middle school is a lot of fun for the kids to see,” Wacker said.

Wacker, who noted she loves incorporating movement and song into her classes, praised the administration for being fun and supportive of her classroom style. She is also a mother of a middle schoolaged student, so she has the parent and educator point of view on classroom settings.

Teachers like Wacker weren’t forgotten

Performance Monitoring Panel Sets Priorities

The School Board’s newly formed Performance Monitoring Committee met for the first time Oct. 15 to establish its priorities.

A primary focus will be to look at data from the schools and establish where support needs to go. It will be up to the committee to sort through the various metrics they are given and determine the ones that are important to keep watching and which are irrelevant. The initial areas of focus were selected during the board’s retreat earlier this year. The committee members will have the opportunity to review those choices and recommend changes.

Chair Arben Istrefi (Sterling) and Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) agreed there should be an additional measure to gauge the social climate of schools, including incidents of racial slurs, hate speech and mental health. Istrefi said the committee needs to be proactive by monitoring a wide range of measures.

Members agreed that a deeper conversation on what needs to be monitored should happen at the end of the school year when they can better assess the relevance of the data sources.

The panel will report its initial work to the full School Board on Nov. 12.

in the celebration. Administrators took a cart with fall themed snacks with the phrase “not to be corny, but we just wanted to say thank you for all you do” around to each teacher’s classroom.

To sum up the attitude of the teachers, Wacker said to the student body, “I’m happy you’re here every day. You have a million reasons to show up, and if you only have one, it’s for me.” n

Parental Advisory Group Continues Study of Concerns

The Loudoun Education Alliance of Families met on Monday night to continue discussions of community concerns brought up at its Sept. 19 meeting. The meeting was attended by Superintendent Aaron Spence and School Board member Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg).

The alliance, established by the School Board in 2022 to replace the Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents, meets monthly to discuss topics within the school system. It is made up of parents and guardians of current students.

The group’s previous meeting ended with five main topics identified for discussion: student safety and security, curriculum and academic progress, school nutrition and wellness, parent involvement and

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now

A teacher embraces a student during the One LCPS "woot wagon."

SCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 15

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now Starting in 2020, eighth graders every year decorate ceiling tiles to line the halls at Belmont Ridge Middle School.

Schools Highlight Varied Workforce Pathways in Summit

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence presented the first Workforce Summit on Friday at the National Conference Center to showcase non-college employment readiness for paths available to students.

Spence said the event stemmed from a survey that found that about half of all high school students had heard a lot about college, but fewer knew about other opportunities available after high school.

“I’m not saying that students shouldn’t be prepared to go to college, but they also want to know what other opportunities exist, and they’re telling us we don’t do a good enough job talking about them,” Spence said.

Attendees at Friday’s event included business leaders, school division administrators, and organizations dedicated to workplace readiness.

A workforce development panel highlighted the broad variety of programs available to promote career readiness for students. The panel members were Department of Economic Development Business Development Manager Brandon Ferris; Northern Virginia Community CollegeLoudoun Provost Julie Liedig; T.J. Ciccone, vice president of critical operations at STACK Infrastructure; Catherine McConnell, the senior policy advisor at the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education in the Department of Education; Dominion High School and the Academies of Loudoun student Nina Zasypkina, who is a member of HOSA previously known as Health Occupations Students of America; Nishita Kashyap, a career and technical education student at Stone Bridge High School; and Casey Sorenson, CTE department chair and a marketing teacher at Broad Run High School.

Ferris highlighted the Working Loudoun program, which connects employers and job seekers to get people working. McConnell explained Unlocking Career Success, a program in schools that makes more accessible work-based learning.

Liedig explained some of the programs available through Northern Virginia Community College, including new cyber security and AI education, “because that’s where the jobs are,” she said.

Zasypkina and Kashyap both had positive things to say about the various work-based learning programs they’ve experienced.

While in HOSA-Future Health Professionals and the Medical Laboratory and Technicians programs, Zasypkina got to experience real-life medical work. “Last week I got to print my own blood and figure out what blood type I am, which I never thought I would be able to do,” she said.

Buddy Rizer, executive director of Loudoun Economic Development, said schools and businesses need to partner to make sure students get experience through mentorships and internships. He said that was especially important in a world with so much changing technology.

“When we invest in the education of our students, when we equip them with the skills they need for a rapidly changing world, we’re building a stronger and more adaptable workforce,” Rizer said. “We’re creating a future where young people in Loudoun County can thrive, whether they’re coding the next AI breakthrough or starting a local business, and in doing so, we’re ensuring that our community remains a great place to live, work, learn and play.”

Participants also were able to meet in smaller industry-based groups and discussed what the school system could be doing improve career readiness in their fields. n

Loudoun County Public Schools

Members of Loudoun County’s School Board, Superintendent Aaron Spence, Del. David Reid (D-28) and Del. Atoosa Reaser (D-27) pose for a photo at the school system’s 2024 Workforce Summit Oct. 18.

Frances Hazel Reid Renaming Committee Begins Work

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

The newly appointed Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School Renaming Committee met Oct. 17 to establish the processes and guidelines for its work.

The School Board voted 8-1 on June 11 to move forward with the potential renaming of the school and eight others after the previous School Board in 2020 initiated a review of school names and mascots that could be associated with systemic racism. Frances Hazel Reid Elementary was added to the list because of her involvement in the Daughters of the Confederacy in the 1920s, and concerns that it could be seen as glorifying racial persecution.

Each member of the School Board chose someone from the community to be part of this group, and volunteers from the community also came forward. Members include parents and teachers of students at the school, along with Principal Nicole Mullin, and Loudoun NAACP President Pastor Michelle Thomas. The chair of the committee is Larry Roeder, CEO of the Edwin Washington Society and author of “Dirt Don’t Burn,” about Loudoun’s history of segregated education.

Committee members will decide if the name should change at all, and if so, will present a preferred name and two alternate names to the full school board to vote on. The School Board will either accept the preferred name or appoint their own name should it not be approved.

If a person is selected as a recommended name, then the family must be informed if possible and given the chance to

SCHOOL notebook

communication, and teacher retention and staffing.

Parents were concerned with not only physical campus safety, but also with things like bullying. The grading policy and virtual access were also cited as topics of concern. Limiting access to junk food and fostering mental health were echoed at Monday’s meeting, as well as a desire to establish a PTA representing students taking classes online.

Spence expressed his gratitude at being able to hear directly from parents on these issues.

“You could be at [your children’s] events, or making dinner with them,

comment. Any name regarding a person, place, or object must also have rationale clearly stated in the presentation.

Public community members were also given a chance to comment, and all three presenters were against the name change. All of them also referenced the fact that all research on Reid was done during library closures in 2020 and is incomplete.

Michael Poland, a Loudoun County resident for the past 35 years, wants the committee to keep the name. “You have to look at history from the time in which someone lived, and what they did for the community,” he said. “You have to be looking at history through the eyes of the people who lived at the time, not 2024 eyes.”

He also believes that the money spent on renaming is better spent on teacher salaries and security, a sentiment shared by Julia Graves, who has a grandchild in attendance at the school.

She also notes that she has always loved that her grandson went to Frances Hazel Reid, and that it was named after a woman. “I think that women get the short end of history,” she said.

Graves also shared her own research, which included Reid giving to and supporting women and minority groups. “We don’t want to honor confederacy kinds of things, but the [Daughters of the Confederacy] was such a small part of who she was.”

The committee members adjourned with the task of doing individual research and sharing findings at the next meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. in the library at Smart’s Mill Middle School. n

continued from page 13

and all of those other things. But instead, what you chose to do tonight was to show up, to show up here and be a part of this conversation. And so, I’m really grateful for you exercising that choice,” he said.

During the Oct. 21 session, participants were split into three groups. They were reviewing policies with Assistant Superintendent Ashleigh Ellis and Shernoff, discussing of the alliance’s working agreement, and discussing special programs.

The next LEAF meeting is set for Nov. 18. n

Business Chamber DEIA Summit: Diversity Push Starts at the Top

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The county’s business and nonprofit community gathered at the National Conference Center last week to learn about ways to increase diversity and inclusion in both their workforce and their customer base during the Loudoun Chamber’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Summit.

Attendees first heard from keynote speakers Nancy Dalton, who works as Amazon Access’ director of external affairs, marketing and social impact, and Rick Wade, who is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president of strategic initiatives and outreach.

Dalton and Wade focused on how organizations can practice inclusive leadership, how to implement those practices, and how to measure the results.

“It takes action and I think that continuous feedback loop is important,” Wade said.

Dalton said an important part of advancing equity and inclusion is pushing through the initial resistance by others.

“I think that some of that pushback just comes from lack of understanding at times,” she said.

Often, the way to overcome that is by relying on data, she said.

“It’s about using that qualitative and that quantitative data to say, ‘here’s why that means this. Here are the capabilities that amount to those needs, and based upon that, here’s what I think that workshop could be.’ And painting a vision for where we need to go, and the roadmap and the kind of steps to get there,” Dalton said.

Wade added that the vision to have greater inclusion and diversity needs to start at the top of organization.

“I think pushback is minimized, it’s mitigated when leadership sets the right tone,” he said. “And so, I think it’s really important when we say pushback, what’s the leadership saying? The CEO? The board?”

Members from audience asked how businesses can advance equity despite potential pushback against DEIA initiatives from state and federal legislators.

“Well, first of all, it’s already happening, and you can expect it, not just at the federal level, but one of the things that

we’re seeing, is legislation, regulation, being propagated at the state level like we’ve never seen before,” Wade said. “… This conversation about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is, as I mentioned earlier, some may call it a politicalization of it, but it is front and center on the policy agenda now.”

Wade said there is a push at the state level to pass legislation that would preclude companies with a DEIA programs from bidding on state contracts.

“That’s a concern,” he said.

“The policies, the procedures and the practices that we have internally should be built so that everyone has an equal opportunity,” Dalton said. “And they don’t have to be seen as the DEI programs, because that feels bolted on. Bolted on, I think, is not a sustainable way of incorporating DEIA. It is really around, how do I embed, inculcate it in every single decision process, practice that we have. That is so much harder to do. That means that everyone has a role in making sure that this becomes our culture.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions. Tanisha Lewis, who works as Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s vice president of diversity, inclusion and social impact, led a session focused on supplier diversity and corporate responsibility. The Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Max and Didlake Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy Rachel Payne led a breakout session on disabilities in the workplace and Associate Director for Inclusive Education Erikca Brown led a discussion on barriers to inclusive leadership. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Tanisha Lewis leads a breakout session during the Loudoun Chamber’s DEIA Summit on Oct. 17.

Innovation Challenge Deadline Extended

The deadline to apply for grants through the Loudoun Innovation Challenge, with $85,000 available for local businesses, has been extended to midnight Oct. 28.

In this fifth year, the event, sponsored by the Loudoun Economic Development Authority and the Department of Economic Development, is intended to support companies that are seeking technical and financial support for their growth.

Businesses may now apply in the Industry Transformation category. This category covers a broad range of industries but is focused on finding disruptors

who create new markets, displace existing ones, or make the old way of doing business obsolete. This category comes with its own $15,000 award, bringing the total categories to five, and total award amount to $85,000.

Other categories are Life Science Technology Innovation, Cyber and Defense Innovation, Highly Specialized Manufacturing Innovation, and Clean Technology Innovation. There also will be a People’s Choice Award worth $10,000.

Finalists will be announced in November and the winners announced during a Nov. 18 gala. Learn more and apply at biz.loudoun.gov. n

Cochran Family Dental

Welcoming all new patients!

What we offer

• Cheerful, serene, state of the art office

• Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%)

• We file all dental benefit claims

• Cosmetic Dentistry (veneers, white fillings, and Zoom Whitening)

• Crowns and Bridges, all phases of Implants, Root Canals and Dentures

PROJECT COMMUNITY CONNECT

• We offer periodontal therapy to restore your oral health as well as oral cancer screening.

• Certified Invisalign Provider

Conveniently located in the Village of Leesburg 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 • Leesburg, VA 20175 • 703-771-9034 Mon-Wed: 8am - 6pm • Tues-Thurs: 7am - 4pm • Fri: CLOSED • 24hr Emergency Service

Saturday, October 26 8:00pm $30

Tony Trischka is considered the consummate banjo artist and perhaps the most influential banjo player in the roots music world. For more than 50 years, his stylings have inspired a whole generation of bluegrass and acoustic musicians with the many voices he has brought to the instrument.

Tony will be honoring the music of Earl Scruggs, pioneer of the three-finger banjo style and one of the most important musicians in bluegrass, or, in Tony’s opinion, in any genre.

Presented by the Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center.

Tony Trischka’s EarlJam–A Tribute to Earl Scruggs

JOIN US, SATURDAY, NOV. 2nd 10 am - 2 pm

Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus (Loudoun, VA)

Main Street Chamber Orchestra: Peter & the Wolf/Wolf Tales

Sunday, October 27 at 3:00pm $10

This 75 minute program features the classic Peter & The Wolf music with some added wild and wonderful wolf songs! The bassist performs “B B Wolf” (Big, Bad Wolf) by John Deak, soprano Mariana Zoeter sings two art songs, and the pianist plays and sings Duran Duran’s hit, “Hungry Like a Wolf ”. A musical afternoon adventure for the whole family.

Halloween Spooktacular: Laser Light Show

Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00pm $10

Treat your kids to this outdoor laser BOO -nanza featuring brilliant animations of classic spooky characters grooving to popular music. Outside, weather permitting.

Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: SuperPig!

Tuesday, November 5 at 10:00pm $5

Meet Chester, an ordinary, every day, soon-to-be HERO who has been writing his own Superhero Story: “SuperPig and The Three Kind Mice! ” He is having a great day until he runs into the class bully, Buster, at the library.

Public Safety

Grand Jury Indicts Two Suspects in Murder Charges

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A Loudoun Grand Jury on Monday handed down murder indictments for the suspects in a fatal carjacking in July and a fatal shooting in February.

Jose Aguilar-Martinez, 21, was indicted

on nine criminal charges related to the July 28 incident, during which Silver Spring, MD, resident Melody Waldecker was killed. The charges are first degree murder, carjacking, robbery resulting in death, two counts of grand larceny, reckless driving, not reporting an accident and not reporting an accident that resulted in death.

At approximately 11:39 a.m. July 28, deputies were called to the 7-Eleven at Towncenter Plaza in Sterling for a report of a carjacking. Waldecker was struck and killed. She died at the scene.

Aguilar-Martinez remains in custody. The Sheriff ’s Office in July said he is an undocumented non-citizen believed to

be from El Salvador. He also faces a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer issued by Homeland Security Investigations.

Rashaun D. Owens was indited on four counts related to a Feb. 14 shooting that resulted in the death of Michai Dandridge-Carter. Those charges are first degree murder, second degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and robbery resulting in death.

According to evidence in the case, just before 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, county dispatchers received calls reporting that a pedestrian had been struck or that a shooting occurred on Keller Square in the Ashburn Meadows neighborhood. Responding deputies found the victim, Dandridge-Carter, dead in the parking lot.

According to witness testimony, Owens and a friend met up with Dandridge-Carter and a fourth person to buy marijuana. A dispute occurred when Owens attempted to get a closer look at the marijuana held by Dandridge-Carter, who kept it from him, according to testimony. Owens then attempted to take the bag tearing it in the process. Directly after that, a shot was fired and Owens and the other two ran from the car, according to multiple witnesses.

Owens remains in custody. n

Outlet Mall Theft Suspects Held Without Bond

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Two Maryland residents suspected of thefts from multiple stores in Leesburg will not be released on bond before their trials.

Loredana Sardaru, 39, and Ilie Anisoara, 31, were arrested last week after Leesburg Police officers recovered stolen merchandise from Nike, The Children’s Place and Williams-Sonoma at the Leesburg Premium Outlet Mall in their purses.

District Court Judge Lorrie Sinclair-Taylor on Monday denied a bond motion by Sardaru’s attorney Eric Demetriades citing concerns that she would not return for trial because of pending charges in Texas and Ohio, as well as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.

Sardaru has a prior theft conviction in Maryland from 2006.

Anisoara is also being held without bail. She had a bond motion scheduled for Oct. 18 which was continued. She has two prior offenses in California from 2015.

Both are facing multiple charges including two felony counts of grand theft, one felony count of grand larceny, one felony count of larceny with intent to sell, one felony count of possession of burglary tools, two felony counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, and one misdemeanor count of larceny.

Anisoara was charged with an additional felony count of wearing a mask to hide her identify in the commission of a crime.

Preliminary hearings in the cases are scheduled for Nov. 14 in District Court.

According to the police report, a store employee said they were among four suspects that took over 148 items from the store.

The two women also are suspects in a Sept. 20 theft from Ulta Beauty in Leesburg, according to the police department.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with further information is asked to contact the department through its non-emergency line at 703-771-4500, its investigations line at 703-771-6417, via email at policeinvestigations@leesburgva.gov or through its text tip line at 274637. n

Towns

Frye Court Residents Raise Concerns Over Special Tax

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A month after the Frye Court sewer system pump failed costing Lovettsville thousands of dollars to repair, residents told the Town Council they’re concerned further damage could result in unforeseen tax rate increases.

The neighborhood is subject to a special tax district which was formed in 2003 for the pump that connects the homes to the town’s utility system. While most of Lovettsville relies on a gravity fed sewage system, the topography requires some home to use the additional pump system.

In 2019, the Villages of Lovettsville neighborhood was built, and it was agreed that those homes would also be served by the pump station, which was improved as part of a proffer agreement.

The tax, which is currently 23.3 cents per $100 of assessed land value, is charged to 28 homes within the town’s limits. The revenue is intended to cover maintenance,

repairs and replacements needed at the pump station. The council voted earlier this year to reduce the tax rate from 24 cents.

During the Oct. 12 Town Council meeting, Jim McCarten, who lives in one of the homes relying on the pump, said he and his neighbors wanted to know where their tax money is going.

“We were made to believe that there is a reserve in which the funding was held and if there’s not a reserve is that money placed into the General Fund and then allocated as needed?” he asked.

McCarten said when he and his neighbors moved into their homes, they were not informed about the special tax and it caught them by surprise.

“We’re kind of looking for some kind of resolution as to how we can get that pointed back into the town’s infrastructure budget,” he said.

He asked for a joint meeting between the council and his neighborhood to talk about the town absorbing the pump’s maintenance costs into its annual budget.

“If that is not the case, what could we do to lessen the tax burden on those individuals that are currently paying it? Because we believe that the watershed is fed by more than just the 20 to 25 homes that are currently paying that tax forward,” McCarten said.

Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said the funds garnered by the tax are set aside for pump station alone and could not be used by the town for other utility projects.

Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said it costs the town about $7,000 a year to operate the pump station. The town collects over $9,000 each year, putting the surplus into a reserve fund.

On Sept. 10 the pump failed, requiring emergency manual operation by town staff, consultants and members of Purcellville’s utility staff. The repairs cost $14,900. Cournoyer told the council he also recommended another improvement to the station which would cost an additional $9,300. The combined total of $24,200 would effectively deplete the tax district’s reserve fund.

Purcellville Resident Wins $81K on Wheel of Fortune

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Purcellville-area resident Mallory Rosetti won big on Wheel of Fortune taking home $81,000 and a trip to England, Scotland and Wales. The episode aired Monday night.

Rosetti said she and her grandmother have been long-time fans of the show and when the opportunity came up to try out, she did. She said the network called her the day after submitting her video, which was then followed by two more interviews over the next four days. It didn’t take them long to invite her to Los Angeles to film the episode, she said.

“I think I had big energy,” she laughed.

The episode was recorded in August and Rosetti took two of her six children on the quick 48-hour cross-country trip.

“It was the fastest 22 minutes of my life,” Rosetti said.

Seeing Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest in person was a dream come true.

“Did I fangirl over both of them? Yes, I did. I’m going to make a total crazy person of myself tonight,” she said before the show aired.

Family and friends gathered at their home Monday night to watch the episode. Rosetti said her grandmother, who lived with them until recently, was diagnosed

with dementia and the family will gather at her nursing home for a private watch party soon.

“The coolest part was I think the experience overall, because just the exposure to LA, the filming, how they do it, and the people were all just high energy. It was fun,” she said.

Rosetti said answering the questions on TV is harder than she thought.

“It is one thing to watch it on the couch, it’s another thing to do it live in person,” she said. “I really thought I would, stumble on my words up there, stumble on my

letters, but I was hyper focused somehow. I don’t know how.”

But Rosetti said the most important part to her was winning the vacation.

“My husband is active duty Navy. And so the second reason I applied was because I just wanted to win a vacation. That was my main goal. I wanted a paid for vacation, guilt free,” she said.

Once the winnings are transferred to her in February, Rosetti said she is planning the getaway with her entire family.

Apply to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune at wheeloffortune.com. n

“Would there ever be a situation, if the reserve were insufficient and the income and capital revenue was also insufficient to cover any maintenance and repairs as we experienced in the last month, would there be a special assessment that would be levied against the Frye Court District tax members?” McCarten asked.

Cournoyer said he was unsure whether the council had the authority to impose a special assessment.

“We don’t have a policy to that effect, but without a reserve in place, basically after these emergency repairs, that could happen,” he said.

“That could cause some serious heartburn,” McCarten said.

Town staff members are working with Frye Court residents to set a time for a meeting on the issue. When finalized, the time and place will be posted on the town’s website.

The council also voted to authorize the emergency repair funds and the improvements recommended by Cournoyer in a 5-0 vote, with one vacancy on the council. n

LOVETTSVILLE

Space Force Added to Veterans Memorial

The town’s contractor has begun work on the Veterans Memorial at the Squirkle to include space for members of the Space Force.

The project also will add wiring to assist with ceremonies held throughout the year. The project is expected to be completed before the Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony.

PURCELLVILLE

Online Citizen Portal Launches

The town has launched an Online Citizen Portal designed to improve convenience, efficiency and accessibility, enhancing residents’ day-today interactions with the town.

The first available service is utility billing. The online portal, available at purcellvilleva.gov/ community-access, offers a convenient and user-friendly platform

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 21

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Purcellville resident Mallory Rosetti hosted a watch party at her home for the airing of her Oct. 21 appearance on Wheel of Fortune.

Lovettsville Council Debates Veto Timelines

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Lovettsville Town Council is continuing its revisions of the Town Code and Town Charter after an Ad Hoc Committee worked through the summer to recommend changes.

This fall, the council has voted to clarify a residency requirement to maintain elective office in the town, to retain the council authority to oversee non-officer staff hires within town government, and to retain the mayoral powers as they currently are. The mayor is a non-voting member of the council and has authority to veto council decisions. The council may override the veto by a two-thirds majority vote.

During its Oct. 10 meeting, the council debated how long of a window the body should have to override a veto.

Currently, the Town Code allows eight days for the mayor to issue a veto of adopted ordinances but does not specifically state a timeline for other acts of council. The Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the mayor and the council be given equal amounts of time to issue a veto and a subsequent override.

Council Member Brandon Davis, who chaired the Ad Hoc Committee, said the power between the mayor and the council should be split evenly.

Council Member Tom Budnar proposed language that would give the council eight days or until the next regularly scheduled meeting, whichever is later, to override a veto. His motion retained the eight-day deadline for the mayor.

Davis said by allowing the council latitude until the next meeting, the council would be giving themselves a disproportionate amount of time to override a veto if the mayor was still given only eight days. For instance, if the mayor issued a veto eight days after a meeting, but the next meeting was not scheduled until the following month, the council could have weeks to decide on overriding the veto.

Typically, council meetings are held every two weeks, except for August when the council recesses for the month.

“I do have my concerns about the imbalance of power on that option. If we’re going to defer to the idea of separation of powers, they should be articulable, equal and commensurate,” he said.

Budnar said the mayor would need less time than the body as a whole because he would not have to coordinate with anyone else’s schedule to issue a veto, while the council would be coordinating multiple member’s schedules.

“You’re giving the council a chance to

come together at a meeting as opposed to having to call a special meeting, is the logic behind that,” he said.

Vice Mayor Joy Pritz and members David Earl and Stuart Stahl agreed with Budnar.

The motion was opposed by Mayor Christopher Hornbaker.

“If the mayor is being held to take action, then the Town Council should be held to that same standard,” he said.

“Having six people that do need to have a discussion, whether that veto should be overturned, I think we do need a little bit more time to have that discussion with six people,” Pritz said.

Hornbaker said they would only be coordinating four members’ schedule since that is two-thirds of the council.

Davis said the language should specify eight days or the next meeting, whichever is sooner. He said the discussion on whether to overturn the veto should be held in an open meeting for the public to see. Davis also said extending the deadline to potentially 30 days, the town manager is left “in the lurch” holding out on performing an action or executing a contract.

“I don’t know that this body is actually considering the fact that there’s a leadership component and a transparency component that are tacitly being ignored in this discussion,” he said.

But Budnar said some discussion on the issue would have to be had by the members of council when a veto is issued.

“It’s not to shield anything from the public, it’s to do due diligence to come prepared to that meeting,” he said. “… I believe that there should be enough time for that body to do the research and come together prepared for that meeting.”

Hornbaker said earlier this year, when he issued a veto overriding action by council to enter into a $16,000 tree maintenance contract, he needed more than eight days to find receipts showing that information on which the council had based its approval was false.

“There may be matters that the mayor needs more than eight days,” he said.

Budnar’s motion passed 4-1, with Davis opposed and one vacancy on the council.

During that meeting, the council also voted to add a requirement of town residency and qualified voter to serve on the council and provide the council with authority to remove a member from the body if they have failed to attend three consecutive council meetings, four meetings in a quarter or six obligated meetings per term.

The council is expected to continue its code and charter review at its next meeting Oct. 24. n

AROUND

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where customers can pay bills securely online, view billing statements and history, manage payments and sign up for E-billing and payment reminders.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt Hosted at Chapman DeMary

Residents are invited to the Chapman DeMary Trail on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. to learn fun facts about creepy, crawly creatures around the town.

Staff from the Loudoun Valley Community Center will be on site and lead an educational walk through the trail. Participants will receive a goody bag.

The event is hosted by the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee and the Loudoun Valley Community Center. It is part of the Discover Natures Secrets Series held the last Sunday of every month.

WATERFORD

Transmission Line Alliance Eyes Next Steps

The Loudoun Transmission Line Alliance is hosting a fall community gathering Saturday to thank residents for their work in having a proposed transmission line project moved so that it is no longer planned to run through the historic village.

The event will take place at the Waterford Old School on Fairfax Street between 2 and 5 p.m.

Residents can take part in fall activities like cornhole, games and enjoy food. Attendees will also be invited to share what they love about rural Loudoun and hear about LTLA’s plans moving forward.

RSVP at waterfordfoundation.org/ transmission-lines. n

LIVE MUSIC

ADAM PHELPS

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

KEN FRANCIS WENZEL

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 1608 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. plazaazteca.com/leesburg

HUME & FRYE

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24

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

GARY SMALLWOOD

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

BLUEGRASS JAM

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com

NATHANIEL DAVIS

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

KEVIN LATSHAW

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

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

BRIAN FRANKE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

WILL SHEPARD

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

THE DILL PICKERS

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

SCORPION ROSE

6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 23

Middleburg Hosts Miglia Warm Up, Gold Cup in Packed Weekend

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

A week after hosting an international audience for the Middleburg Film Festival, Middleburg is gearing up for another weekend of large crowds as a lineup of classic cars and some of the nation’s top Thoroughbreds take to area racecourses.

It is the fifth year for the town to welcome racers in the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA who are competing over three days for a spot in the famous Italian Mille Miglia next year. On the equine side, Glenwood Park on Sunday will host the International Gold Cup, which attracts some of the sport’s top riders and horses.

Two dozen Miglia racers gathered in Middleburg on Tuesday for briefings and training ahead of Thursday morning’s 300-kilometer run to Barboursville Vineyards and back. On Friday, the drivers will compete for the Middleburg Cup in timed races during a downtown block party from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday’s racecourse includes stops at Congressional Country Club and the Italian embassy.

Racers compete in two classes: 1000

Miglia-eligible cars built between 1927 and 1957 along with sports and ground touring cars built during the same period, and select sports, grand touring and supercars built after 1957. This year’s entry list includes a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider Zagato and a 1950 Ferrari 166 touring coupe.

The cars line up for the start on North Madison Street on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. The full schedule middleburgva.gov/1000miglia.

The storied International Gold Cup, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, has been held at Great Meadow in Fauquier County for the past four decades. Earlier this year, the sanctioning body declared that course unsuitable for the races until repairs are made.

Organizers quickly pivoted to keep the race going this year, moving it north 12 miles to the Glenwood Park course.

With the switch, the event will have a significantly different flavor, at least for fans. Instead of a party with as many as 40,000 people, the crowd will be limited to about 5,000—although stiff competition still is expected for the coveted prizes in the tailgate and hat contests.

Also, the race was moved from Saturday to Sunday to add to the crowds that will be in Middleburg for the Miglia races.

For the riders and trainers, however, the course will be familiar territory. Many were at Glenwood earlier this month for its annual fall races.

Al Griffin, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association, said he has been pleased with the transition, including the cooperation of local officials and the team at Glenwood.

“It’s known as a very, very well-kept course,” he said.

The day will include eight races starting at noon. There will be six races over hurdles, the Gold Cup timber race, and the concluding Steeplethon, a challenging obstacle course with riders jumping both fences and hurdles.

The event will attract top horses from stables as far away as Georgia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

“It brings the best of the best for the horse racing community,” Griffin said.

Although tickets for the races are limited, they still were available early this week. Gates open at 10 a.m. For full details, go to vagoldcup.com. n

Norman Styer/Loudoun Now

Shawn and Leanne Till depart Middleburg in an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS during the first day of last year's 1000 Miglia Warm Up time trials.

SHANE GAMBLE

Friday, Oct. 25, 5:30-8 p.m. Willowcroft Winery, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. willowcroftwine.com

Shane Gamble performs during the weekly Vines & Vibes session at Loudoun’s oldest winery.

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MINI MUSIC FEST

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

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

ROOK RICHARDS

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

RYAN SILL

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Solace Brewing Company, 42615 Trade West Drive Suite 100, Sterling. solacebrewing.com

ANNIE SIDLEY

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MELANIE PEARL

6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

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

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

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

BAILEY HAYES

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

NEW POTATO CABOOSE

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $30. tallyhotheater.com

DREW STEVYNS

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

BEST BETS

NEW POTATO CABOOSE

Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Pioneers of the jam band scene return to perform in their DMV stomping grounds.

TONY TRISCHKA’S EARL JAM

Saturday, October 26, 8 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville franklinparkartscenter.org

Banjo master Tony Trischka honors the legacy of Bluegrass icon Earl Scruggs.

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

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

DUNLAP AND MABE

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

STEPHANIE BALL

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com

LAURA CASHMAN

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg. stonetowerwinery.com

16TH & T

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

SHANE GAMBLE

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

BENJAMIN WEIMER

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

BRUCE EWAN

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

STEVIE ONESHOES & THE OTHER SHOE

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

STANLEY WHITAKER

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

JASON MASI

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

ROOK RICHARDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

STEVE & FRIENDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

AIRMONT ROAD

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

MARK CULLINANE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

DEANE KERN AND ERIC SELBY

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

DAN FISK

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

BRAHMAN NOODLES

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

LUKE ANDREWS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysalisvineyards.com

TEJAS SINGH

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

GARY JAY & FIRE

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. Bozwines.com

JOSEPH R. MONASTERIAL

2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Bluemont Vineyard, 18755 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. bluemontvineyard.com

CHRIS COLLAT

3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com

ERIC TUBBS

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

SHADE TREE COLLECTIVE

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrelbrewing.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com

TRAILIN’ SMOKE

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

5 CENT LUCY

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

BOBBY G & THE HEAVIES

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road,

continues on page 24

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Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JULIET LLOYD TRIO

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

BILLY JOEL EXPERIENCE

7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

CROWDED STREETS

Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

HUBIE G FROM THE CORNER VAGABONDS

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

ANDREW ODAY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

JENNA AUDEY

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com

MIKE CARR AND FRIENDS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com

WINCHESTER MUSICA VIVA CHOIR

7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Trinity Episcopal Church, 9108 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville. $20. trinityupperville.org

TONY TRISCHKA’S EARL JAM

8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. franklinparkartscenter.org

MEDICINE MAN

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

CHRIS TIMBERS BAND

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

SUGAR COAT

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

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

JASON MASI

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

SUMMER & ERIC DUO

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg. stonetowerwinery.com

TRAIN WRECK ENDINGS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

SCOTT KURT

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

DEREK KRETZER & FRIENDS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

SHANE HINES

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane,

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

THE HOLLOW TRUTHS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

JON G

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

ANDY CARIGNAN

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

BRYAN ELIJAH SMITH

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com

STEVE BOY & FRIENDS

3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

JOSEPH R. MONASTERIAL

4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

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

HAPPENINGS

CSH CHRISTIAN BOOKS SIGNING

1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24

Shake and Bops Botanical Café, 19 Wirt St. SW., Leesburg.

THE SEUSSIFICATION OF ROMEO AND JULIET

7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24

Blue Ridge Middle School, 551 E. A St., Purcellville. brmspto.org

CSH CHRISTIAN BOOKS S 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25

SimplyBe Coffee, 208 Church St. SE., Leesburg. tolministries.org/simplybe-coffee

DISCOVERING TREASURES TOUR

10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25

The Davis Mansion, 17269 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. $15 to $25. morvenpark.org

HAPPENINGS continues on page 25

GET OUT HAPPENINGS

continued from page 24

CSH CHRISTIAN BOOKS

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Trinity House Café & Market, 101 E. Market St., Leesburg. trinityhousecafe.com

MONSTER MASH

4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles. shopdullestowncenter.com

TAI CHI SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR

6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Kore Self Defense, 21240 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn. $85. koreselfdefense.com

INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. $75. creeksedgewinery.com

A CITIZEN’S SHORT COURSE ON THE CONSTITUTION

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. $25 to $50. oldstoneschool.org

BIRDING SWEET RUN

8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. loudounwildlife.org

WICKED WARRIOR RUCK

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Bluemont Station Brewery, 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont. $35 to $45. bouldercrest.org

SIP, SUPPORT, AND CELEBRATE BLUE RIDGE WILDLIFE CENTER

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Good Spirit Farm, 35113 Snickersville Turnpike, Round Hill. juanitatool.com/fundraiser

LTLA THANK YOU AND NEXT STEPS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. waterfordfoundation.org/transmission-lines

CSH CHRISTIAN BOOKS SIGNING

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Books and Other Found Things, 13 Loudoun St. SW., Leesburg. booksandotherfoundthings.com

GHOST 5K & SCARECROW

SPRINT FUN RUN

3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Dynasty Brewing Company, 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn. $15. dynastybrewing.com

HALLOWEEN PARTY IN THE WOODS

4 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Fireman’s Field, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville. purcellvillehalloween.com

AART’S HALLOWEEN HOEDOWN

5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

River Farm, 16009 River Farm Lane, Leesburg. $75. allagesreadtogether.org

BIKENETICX - SUPER SERIES

8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 27

Loudoun County Fairgrounds, 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg. bikereg.com/67603

HILLSBORO FARMERS MARKET

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. oldstoneschool.org

DOG HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST

11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

CREEPY, CRAWLY SCAVENGER HUNT

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Chapman DeMary Trail, 355 N. Hatcher Ave., Purcellville. purcellvilleva.gov

OUTLANDER: THE REVOLUTIONARY

WAR & BEYOND

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St. SW., Leesburg. $45. loudounmuseum.org

OPEN HOUSE

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

St. Paul VI Catholic High School, 42341 Braddock Road, Chantilly. paulvi.net

Patrick Kelly

Obituaries

Patrick Joseph Kelly, 57 of Hamilton, VA passed away unexpectedly in Calabash, NC of natural causes. Patrick is survived by his sons, Brady and Declan of Purcellville, VA; his mother, Barbara K. Kelly of Hamilton, VA and father, E. Joseph (Joe) Kelly (Emma) of St. Augustine, FL; his sister, Deirdre Kelly Araby (Frank) of Leesburg, VA; and his niece and nephew, Brenna Araby of Leesburg, VA and Niall Araby of Nashville, TN. As well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins residing in the US and in Ireland.

Patrick was born in Winchester, VA on May 29, 1967, and grew up in Hamilton, VA. He attended Hamilton Elementary, Blue Ridge Middle School, and graduated from Loudoun Valley High School in 1986. He graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) where he became an avid “Sun Devils” fan.

While living in Tempe, AZ Patrick spent several years as a member of the Phoenix Police Department. Patrick returned to Northern Virginia and was a hardworking and dedicated employee of Airbus/Satair Corporation for 25 years.

Patrick had two amazing sons. Brady, an Infantryman in the Virginia Army National Guard and a Loudoun County Firefighter/EMT, and Declan, a recent graduate of Loudoun County High School’s Class of 2024 and currently a freshman at Penn State University, majoring in Engineering.Patrick always had a love for the outdoors. At a very early age, he showed an amazing aptitude at being an extraordinary marksman. He had a passion for hunting and became highly skilled as both a rifle/shotgun hunter and as a bowhunter. It was a rarity for him to end a day of hunting without success.

His adventurous spirit led him to all corners of the globe on trips to places such as Hawaii, Germany, Ireland and to the Caribbean.

Patrick was loved by many and he will be forever missed.

Information regarding Services for Patrick will be shared at a later time.

The family would welcome donations in Patrick’s name to the National Association of the Deaf (https://www.nad.org/make-a-donation/) or a charity of your choice.

On October 1, 2024, with his family and best friend by his side, James A. Crosen, passed into the loving arms of Jesus, and reunited with the love of his life, Shirley to whom he was married to for almost 66 years. Jim was born in Ashburn, Virginia on January 17, 1935, to the late Floyd A. and Mary F. Crosen. He grew up in Old Sterling and had many fond memories of working in his Daddy’s General Store and delivering orders. He graduated Leesburg High School in 1953. Jim joined the Army right out of high school. He served for two years and spent most of his time in Europe. He was in the artillery and got to play in the band. In December 1954, he married Shirley. They made a beautiful home in Hamilton, VA and went on to have four daughters. Their daughters felt very blessed to be raised by the parents they had. After leaving the Army, Jim worked for Shirley’s Dad, C. Maloy Fishback, building houses. Then he went on to have a long career with Safeway as a Meatcutter. When he retired from Safeway, he enjoyed driving part-time for the Red Cross and Star Pontiac. Jim was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church for the past sixty years. He was very active up until his wife got ill. Then he faithfully took care of her during her whole illness. He also was a member of the Ashburn-Sterling Mason Lodge since 1960. He used to be active with the Ruritan Club. He and Shirley also delivered food for Meals on Wheels and enjoyed volunteering to help each year counting money for the Ladies Board at Loudoun Hospital. Jimmy and Shirley loved to travel. They

John Ebersole, Sr.

JOHN SCOTT EBERSOLE, Sr. aka “Scott” age 68 of Charles Town, West Virginia passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia after a prolonged illness. Born Friday, March 30, 1956, in Binghamton, NY, Scott grew up in Huntsville, AL before moving to Leesburg, VA. He graduated from Loudoun County High School where he played football, wrestled, and was known for his gregarious nature. Following high school, Scott enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for 5 years, stationed in California and London, England. After serving his country, Scott joined the Town of Leesburg Police Department. Scott spent most of his career as a K-9 handler for LPD. Scott would go on to win awards in his field with his first working dog, Buddy, a Belgian Laekenois, and later, two German Shepherd dogs, Alex and Edo. Scott earned several citations and awards during his career, such as Police Officer of the Year, Bronze Medal of Valor, and Silver Cross Medal. He retired as a Sergeant from the police department in 2006. Scott was preceded in death by his father, John M Ebersole, his mother, Teresa J Ebersole, and his brother-in-law, Larry Smith. Scott is survived by his son, John Scott Ebersole Jr of Leesburg, VA, his brother, Robin Ebersole (De),of Maurertown, VA, his sister, Kelly Smith, of Ranson, WV, as well as a host of nieces and nephews who he adored. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Cr. SE, Leesburg, Virginia. A Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Loudoun Funeral Chapel. Interment will be after the service at Leesburg Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA. Anyone who would like to join the family afterwards for a remembrance is welcome. Location is pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Scott’s honor to the United States Police Canine Association Foundation at www.uspcak9.com/uspca-foundation Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com

visited every state capital in the U.S., except for New Mexico and also visited many foreign countries. Although they travelled great distances, their favorite places were Williamsburg, Virginia and Ocean Isle, NC. Their children and grandchildren were very blessed by them because they took them many places that otherwise they probably never would have been given the chance to visit. Jimmy is predeceased by his parents, Floyd A. and Mary F. Crosen; wife, Shirley Fishback Crosen; daughter, Carolyn Crosen Quesenberry (Kevin). He is survived by daughters, Susan Crosen Reimann (Rick) of Sarasota, FL, Cathy Crosen Kennan (Tim) of Leesburg, VA, and Sarah Crosen Wiley (Michael) of Winchester, VA; Twelve Grandchildren and Fifteen Great Grandchildren. Siblings; Linda L. Lawson of Purcellville, VA, Donald O. Crosen of Glenwood, MD, and Larry T. Crosen of Ashburn, VA; and very special friend, Colleen Wilmoth of Hamilton, VA. He also had two very faithful dogs he loved: Jango and Colleen. Visitation was held at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, VA from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service was held at Harmony United Methodist Church in Hamilton, VA at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024. Burial was held at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA. Officiants were Pastor Larry Craddock and Greg Wilmoth. Pallbearers were Greg Wilmoth, Kenny Wine, Mike Wine, Mark Crosen, Scott Lawson and Melvin Byrne. Music: Mrs. Barbara Jennings. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Leesburg Veterinary Hospital Benevolent Fund, 19463 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg, VA 20175 or The American Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 3550 S. Clark St., Suite 203. Arlington, VA 22202.

James Crosen

Thomas Balch

Thomas Balch, 72 of Lovettsville passed away on October 12, 2024, due to Glioblastoma brain cancer. Tom was born in Spokane, Washington, to Lewis and Juliet Balch. He spent the first half of his life all over the American West, ultimately settling first in Las Vegas, Nevada and then Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1983, he met his wife of nearly 41 years, Julie. In 1988, they moved cross country to Northern Virginia, where they spent the remainder of their life together. Members of the Loudon Community will best know Tom as the proprietor of Balch’s Transmission Service, which Tom and Julie ran together from 1995 to 2023. Tom’s Father taught him from the age of 9 about automotive work and Tom had begun his career in automotive work at the age of 15 with his first job. Tom began rebuilding transmissions professionally at the age of 22. He was well-known and well-regarded in his field. Tom was an avid hiker, often putting in twenty miles a day, even into his seventies. Over the past 30 years, he could be frequently spotted on the Appalachian Trail and any number of parks in Western Loudoun County. His final walk was at Othello Park with Julie on September 30th. Tom was an avid lover of music, having played the viola in his youth. He also played stand-up bass for a country western band in Las Vegas. He was a member of the Lovettsville Lions Club and attended Saint Joseph on Carrollton Manor Catholic Church. Most of all, Tom was a loving husband (aka Big Guy), father (aka Dad), and grandfather (aka Papa). In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Thomas Jr. in Albuquerque, NM; Michael (Arona) in Alexandria, VA; Virginia (Kenneth) Brennfleck in Frederick, MD; and Matthew (Ashley) in Richmond, VA. His grandchildren Kristen, Kathryn, and Kayla Brennfleck and Freya, Nimue, and Emrys Balch were much beloved by Tom. He is also survived by his siblings Mary, Bill, Russell, and Ann. Relatives and friends were received at Thompson Harman Funeral Home, 31 E. Main Street, Middletown on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm in Holy Family Catholic Community, 7321 Burkittsville Road, Middletown, MD 21769. Fr. Michael Rubeling officiated. Interment followed Christ Reformed Cemetery, Middletown, MD. Condolences to the family may be made at www. dbthompsonfuneralhome.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

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

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

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

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

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVZA 2024-0002, AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE

ARTICLE 42-XI, SIGN REGULATIONS

Pursuant to Section 15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, notice is hereby given that the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing at its meeting on November 6, 2024, at 7:00 pm, 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 consider changes to sign standards in residential and commercial zoning districts. Proposed changes include new standards for murals and art displays, revisions to government sign definitions, revised standards for wall, monument and pole signs, modifying the types of permanent signs in certain zoning districts, expanding the list of prohibited signs, and modifying temporary sign standards.

All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.

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

10/17 & 10/24/24

Mehak LLC, trading as Mehak Indian Restaurant, 43053 Pemberton SQ, Suite 130, South Riding, VA 20152. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant Application - Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises.

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

10/17 & 10/24/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ028308-07-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Emerson Lopez Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing in child in need of services matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1241 for Emerson Lopez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 19, 2024 at 3:00pm.

10/3, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24

ABC LICENSE

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 3:00 p.m. on November 14, 2024 for the following:

RFP No. 500640-FY25-24 UTILITIES WELDING SERVICES

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms for a wide variety of on-call welding services at the Water Pollution Control Facility, Water Treatment Plant and other remote facilities.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 10/24/24

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

AIRPORT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

TOWER DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - LEESBURG EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, for the following:

RFP NO. 320830-FY25-15

AIRPORT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

TOWER DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES – LEESBURG EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

The Town of Leesburg (the “Town”) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide design engineering services for an air traffic control tower at the Leesburg Executive Airport.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard

10/24/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ044193; JJ044192; J044457; JJ044458

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Roman Santiago Pisani Marquez, Rubenia Elicia Pisani Marquez, Camilo Pisani Marquez, and Gabriel S. Pisani Marquez

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Josue Valentin Marquez Decid, Father

The object of this suit is to hold a motion to Modify the Child Protective Orders for Roman Santiago Pisani Marquez, Rubenia Elicia Pisani Marquez, Camilo Pisani Marquez, and Gabriel S. Pisani Marquez pursuant to Virginia Code sect.16.1253. The Department of Family Services will be seeking to have all of the father’s contact with the children supervised. The Department of Family Services will also be seeking to have the father participate in certain services.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Josue Valentin Marquez Decid, Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 18, 2024 at 11:00am.

10/24, 10/31, 11/07 & 11/14/24

ABC LICENSE

Not Just N.E. Farm, LLC, trading as Not Just N.E. Farm and Vineyard, 43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA 20176 . The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Farm Winery Class II. Mark Witt, member

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

10/24 & 10/31/24

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

WILL BE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS PROPOSALS FOR: EAST BROAD WAY 2A STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS STATE PROJECT: EN18-255-290 / UPC 113840

Project Description: The East Broad Way 2A Streetscape Improvements project includes construction of approximately 550 LF of roadway improvements comprised of sidewalks, curb, gutter, streetlights, storm drainage, on-street parking spaces and landscaping, storm water management and drainage, and pedestrian and vehicular safety complete with all associated appurtenances and site work in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and contract documents to address the walkability in the corridor of East Broad Way from South Loudoun Street to South Church Street.

Bid Proposals for EAST BROAD WAY 2A STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IFB 2024-0003 will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on December 16, 2024. The solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting the Town’s website at www.lovettsvilleva.gov/project-request-for-bids/

Bid Proposals are to be submitted on the prepared Bid Form, in a sealed envelope bearing the Bidder’s name and address and registration number. The mailing of proposals is preferred, however, if a proposal is hand delivered, it will be received in the Town of Lovettsville Government Office at 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia 20180 and date stamped by a staff member Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. holidays excepted. Requests for information related to this Request for Proposal should be directed to: Charles Mumaw, Project Manager at (540) 755-3005 or cmumaw@lovettsvilleva.gov.

10/10, 10/17 & 10/24/24

DRPT FY26 PUBLIC NOTICE

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is accepting applications from qualified eligible applicants for transit, rail, and commuter assistance program (CAP) grants for the 2026 fiscal year. The state’s annual grant application period is open from December 1, 2024, through February 1, 2025. Transit and CAP funds are available through multiple state and federal funding sources to support transit service, human service transportation, and commuter assistance programs in Virginia. Eligible project categories include capital purchases, administrative and operating costs, technical assistance, demonstration grants, and commuter assistance program costs. Funds are available for rail initiatives through the Freight and Rail Preservation program. In addition, funding to provide access to freight rail shipping for Virginia businesses is available year-round through the Rail Industrial Access program. Complete details on eligibility and the application procedures for DRPT grant programs are available online. To learn more about transit, rail, and transportation demand management funding in Virginia, visit www.drpt.virginia.gov. Applications can be submitted online at https://grants.drpt.virginia.gov/ beginning December 1, 2024. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. DRPT will also provide reasonable accommodations and interpretive services for persons who require special assistance to participate in the grant application process as required by the ADA. For accommodations, additional information on how to file a complaint, please contact our Title VI Compliance Officer, (804) 7864440, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219, or visit our website at www.drpt.virginia.gov.

10/24/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE

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.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Legal Notices

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

Robert S. Wertz, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue

The Land Use Assessment Program provides for the deferral of real estate taxes on property that meets certain agricultural, horticultural, forestry, or open space use criteria.

• First Time Applicants: must submit an application and the required fee no later than November 1, 2024. Applications are available online, in my office, or can be mailed directly to you.

• Existing Land Use Program Participants: if your property is currently enrolled in the program, you are only required to renew your land use status every 6th year. Existing Land Use Assessment Program participants must submit a renewal form, documentation supporting the bona fide production income for agricultural and horticultural land use, and the required fee, no later than November 1, 2024. Participants who are up for renewal will be mailed personalized forms the first week of September (you may check your renewal year at www. loudoun.gov/parceldatabase by entering the property’s address, or parcel identification number, and selecting the LAND USE STATUS tab). Properties showing a Reval/Recert Year of 2019 are up for renewal this year.

An additional deferral of taxes may be available to current Land Use Program participants if they sign, and record, an agreement to keep the property in its qualifying use for more than 5 years, but not exceeding 20 years. The commitment must be filed with my office no later than November 1, 2024, and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office no later than December 16, 2024.

DEADLINES

Applications must be submitted no later than November 1, 2024, to avoid late filing fees.

Applications submitted between November 2, 2024, but prior to December 5, 2024, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to the standard filing fee.

Applications will NOT be accepted after Dec. 5, 2024.

FILING FEES

Received, or postmarked, by November 1, 2024

• $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof

Received, or postmarked, between November 2 and December 5, 2024

• $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof

plus a $300 per parcel late filing fee

Online: loudoun.gov/landuse

Email: landuse@loudoun.gov

Phone: (703) 737-8557

Mailing Address

PO Box 8000 MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

Overnight Deliveries

1 Harrison Street, SE, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20175-3102

In Person Drop Off

Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F

Leesburg Office – In Person 1 Harrison Street, SE 1st Floor Leesburg, VA 20175

Sterling Office – In Person 46000 Center Oak Plaza Sterling, VA 20166

9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 & 10/31/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 10.4.6

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, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA2024-0003.

Section 10.4.6.C Structures Excluded from Maximum Height Limitations – a revision to the Zoning Ordinance to add an exception to the maximum building height for enclosed rooftop amenities in the B-1 (Community (Downtown) Business) zoning district.

Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment are available at the department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Mike Watkins, Zoning Administrator. Mr. Watkins can also be reached by email at mwatkins@leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodation should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2773, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

10/24 & 10/31/24

ORDER

OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048199-04-00, 05-00, 06-00, 07-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Aljanabi Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold an Annual foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-282.2 for Diana Aljanabi, and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, Zaid Aljanabi, Father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Diana Aljanabi. Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father, are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Diana Aljanabi. Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father, are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Diana Aljanabi; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Diana Aljanabi; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Diana Aljanabi. Further, Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father, will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Diana Aljanabi, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Diana Aljanabi for adoption and consent to the adoption of Diana Aljanabi.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

10/10, 10/17, 10/24 & 10/31/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047581-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Haseena Ali

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Mahmood Ali, Father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing in child in need of services matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1241 for Haseena Ali.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Josue Valentin Marquez Decid, Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 20, 2024 at 10:00am.

10/24, 10/31, 11/07 & 11/14/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048309-03-00, -04-00, -05-00, -06,00; JJ048310-03-00, -04-00, -05-00, -06-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Uknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Paula Banegas, Mother, Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas. Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Unknown Father, are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas. Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Unknown Father, are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor children, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas. Further, Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Unknown Father, will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas for adoption and consent to the adoption of Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 6, 2024 at 2:00pm (Permanency Planning); and January 2, 2025 at 10:00am (Termination of Parental Rights).

10/17, 10/24, 10/31 & 11/07/24

Download the LoudounNow mobile app today from the Apple App or Google Play Stores

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, November 13, 2024, in order to consider:

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 860 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY PERSONAL PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE TAX

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427 and 58.1-3505, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an amendment to Chapter 860.06, Exemption for Farm Animals, Certain Grains, Agricultural Products, Farm Machinery, Farm Implements and Equipment, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendment would modify Chapter 860.06, to add farm machinery, farm equipment, and farm implements used by an indoor, closed, controlled environment commercial agricultural facility, for the production of agricultural products, to the list of exempt property.

A complete copy of the proposed amendments is on file and may be examined at the Office of the County Administrator Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200 to request hard copies or electronic copies. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun. gov/bosdocuments.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS’ REQUESTS FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION BY DESIGNATION

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 58.1-3651, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an ordinance designating certain real and/or personal property owned by the following nonprofit organizations as exempt from local real and/or personal property taxes:

B. DESH FOUNDATION, INC.

The 2024 assessed value of the tangible personal property owned by B. Desh Foundation, Inc. for which an exemption is requested is $15,040, resulting in an actual total 2024 tax levy assessed against such property of $624.18.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICE, INC.

The 2024 assessed value of the real property owned by Northern Virginia Family Service, Inc. for which an exemption is requested is $1,767,220, resulting in an actual total 2024 tax levy assessed against such property of $15,286.45.

The 2024 assessed value of the tangible personal property owned by Northern Virginia Family Service, Inc. for which an exemption is requested is $911, resulting in an actual total 2024 tax levy assessed against such property of $37.80.

WOMEN GIVING BACK, INC.

The 2024 assessed value of the tangible personal property owned by Women Giving Back, Inc. for which an exemption is requested is $34,432.22, resulting in an actual total 2024 tax levy assessed against such property of $1,428.92.

A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance(s), as well as copies of the above organization’s tax exemption applications and supporting documentation, is on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the County Administrator, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 5th Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).

ALEGI-2024-0004, INTERIM ADDITIONS TO AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL

DISTRICTS

Applications have been received by the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning and referred to the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC) and the Planning Commission (Commission) pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia to amend the ordinances for the following Agricultural and Forestal Districts to add the following parcels:

Any owner of additional qualifying land may join the applications with consent of the Board of Supervisors (Board), at any time before the public hearing that the Board must hold on the applications. Additional qualifying lands may be added to an already created District at any time upon separate application pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia

Any owner who joined in the application may withdraw their land, in whole or in part, by written notice filed with the Board, at any time before the Board acts pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-4309.

The conditions and periods of the foregoing Agricultural and Forestal Districts to which parcels are being considered for addition are as follows:

NEW CATOCTIN SOUTH 4 Years 20 Acres June 2, 2024

NEW MOUNTVILLE 4 Years

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

Received applications were referred to the ADAC for review and recommendation. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Commission will be considered by the Board at its public hearing.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (8-12-2024 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).

Continued on next page

LEGI-2023-0092, MILESTONE CLARKS GAP:

CMPT-2023-0010 & SPEX-2023-0027

(Commission Permit, and Special Exception)

Legal Notices

Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV has submitted an application for a commission permit and special exception for approximately 0.13-acres of land owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The VDOT right of way is located north of main Route 7 travel lanes, south of exit ramp to Route 9, east of Route 9 overpass of Route 7, and west of split off of exit lane from Route 7 to Route 9 in the Catoctin Election District. For CMPT-2023-0003 & SPEX-2023-0017, the applicant seeks to construct a 152-foot tall (150-foot tall with 2-foot lightning rod at the top) telecommunications tower, equipment compound, and related support equipment. For SPEX-2023-0027, the applicant seeks to permit a telecommunications tower in the AR1 (Agricultural Rural - 1) zoning district under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance

LEGI-2023-0072, TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE WATERWORKS:

CMPT-2023-0004, SPEX-2023-0004 & SPMI-2023-0010 (Commission Permit, Special Exception, and Minor Special Exception)

Town of Purcellville has submitted applications for a commission permit, a special exception, and a minor special exception for approximately 21.02 acres of land located northwest of the Town of Purcellville, one mile north of the intersection of Alder School Road (Route 711) and Short Hill Road (Route 716) in the Catoctin Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

520-36-1714-000 16153 SHORT HILL RD /25////////59A

520-35-9856-000 16261 SHORT HILL RD /25////////59B

552-30-2674-000 16386 SHORT HILL RD /25////////59/

For CMPT-2023-004 and SPEX-2023-0004, the applicant seeks to expand the existing water treatment facility use. For SPMI-2023-0010 the applicant seeks to eliminate the required landscape buffer along the southern and western boundaries of the proposed development. The SPEX and SPMI applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun. gov/bosdocuments.

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

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on November 1, 2024, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on November 13, 2024. Members of the public may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS J. RANDALL, CHAIR

LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

10/24 & 10/31/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Fiscal Year 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program

Fiscal Year 2026 – 2031 Capital Asset Preservation Program

The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled meetings for the Fiscal Year 2026 - 2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Asset Preservation Program (CAPP) budget process.

October 22, 2024* 4:30 pm/ 6:30 pm

November 12, 2024* 4:30 pm

November 19, 2024 6:30 pm

December 2, 2024 6:30 pm

December 10, 2024* 4:30 pm/ 6:30 pm

Presentation of Superintendent’s Recommended FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Budgets.

School Board FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Work Session

School Board FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing / Work Session

School Board FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Work Session (if needed)

School Board Adoption of FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Budgets

*Regular School Board Business Meeting

The meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 and Verizon Fios channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org/webcast).

Details on how to sign up to speak at the November 19 public hearing will be provided at www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/citizen-participation. In-person sign-up will also be available on the evening of November 19 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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 should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Kevin L. Lewis, Chief Operations Officer

Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services

21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148

Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG

10/3 - 12/5/24

Legal Notices

Aviso Público

Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS) ha propuesto el Proyecto para el Área de la Capital (Capital Area Project) (Proyecto) a fin de aumentar la capacidad de su sistema de gasoductos actual en su área.

El Proyecto incluirá las mejoras de las estaciones de compresión en los condados de Centre, Clinton y Franklin en Pensilvania, y el condado de Loudoun en Virginia. Este proyecto no necesita instalaciones de gasoductos nuevas.

EGTS desea invitarlo a la próxima jornada de puertas abiertas para que obtenga más información:

28 de octubre de 2024 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Douglass Community Center 407 E Market St. Leesburg, VA 20176

La jornada de puertas abiertas se hará con la modalidad de feria de ciencias, los visitantes podrán moverse a sus anchas. No habrá ninguna presentación formal. Los miembros del equipo del Proyecto estarán a su disposición para proporcionar más información acerca del Proyecto y las mejoras en su área, responder preguntas y brindarle la oportunidad de dar su opinión.

El Proyecto incluirá las siguientes mejoras:

• Estación de Centre, condado de Centre, PA: instalar una nueva turbina Solar Centaur 50 con 6 130 caballos de fuerza (hp)

• Estación de Chambersburg, condado de Franklin, PA: instalar una nueva turbina Solar Taurus 70 con 11 110 caballos de fuerza (hp) y reemplazar las ruedas de las unidades 3 y 4

• Estación de Finnefrock, condado de Clinton, PA: reemplazar dos enfriadores de gas, mejoras auxiliares en la zona de la estación

• Estación de Leesburg, condado de Loudoun, VA: instalar una nueva turbina eléctrica Solar Spartan e50 con 5 000 caballos de fuerza (hp)

Si tiene preguntas o desea recibir información adicional sobre el Proyecto propuesto, contacte al equipo de EGTS llamando a nuestro número gratuito +1 (833) 963-6339 o envíe un correo electrónico a cap@erm.com. También puede visitar www.CapitalAreaProject.com para recibir más información.

10/17 & 10/24/24

PUBLIC NOTICE

Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS) has proposed the Capital Area Project (Project) to increase the capacity of its existing pipeline system in your area.

The Project will include upgrades to compressor stations in Centre, Clinton and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania, and Loudoun County, Virginia. No new pipeline facilities are required for this project.

EGTS would like to invite you to an upcoming open house to learn more:

October 28, 2024 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Douglass Community Center 407 E Market St. Leesburg, VA 20176

The open house will be held in a science fair, come-and-go format. There will be no formal presentation. Project team members will be available to provide more information about the Project and upgrades in your area, answer questions, and provide an opportunity to submit feedback.

The Project will include the following upgrades:

• Centre Station, Centre County, PA: Install new 6,130 horsepower (hp) Solar Centaur 50 turbine

• Chambersburg Station, Franklin County, PA: Install new 11,110 hp Solar Taurus 70 turbine and re-wheel units 3 & 4

• Finnefrock Station, Clinton County, PA: Replace two gas coolers, auxiliary upgrades around the station

• Leesburg Station, Loudoun County, VA: Install new 5,000 Solar Spartan e50 electric turbine

If you have questions or would like additional information concerning the proposed Project, please contact the EGTS team at our toll-free number +1 (833) 963-6339 or email us at cap@erm.com. You can also visit www.CapitalAreaProject.com for more information.

10/17 & 10/24/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

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

BLK MONGOOSE W/ ORANGE HIGHLIGHTS

MODEL #S810LGDSG

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048585-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Carlton Platt Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Sabrina Whitney, mother

& 10/31/2024

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Carlton Platt.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Sabrina Whitney, mother, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 19, 2024 at 10:00am. 10/3, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Civil Case No.: 00W21924

Circuit Court of Loudoun County in re:

Estate of William C. Whitmore Jr. (Probate File No. 21924)

W. Frankling Pugh, Administrator of the Estate of William C. Whitmore Jr., deceased Petitioner, v.

Oden K. Semones, et al, Respondents,

THE OBJECT of this suit is for the Administrator of the Estate of William C. Whitmore, Jr., deceased, to obtain power as set forth in Virginia Code § 64.2-105 over the real property of the decedent; and IT APPEARING TO THE COURT by an affidavit filed in accordance with law that the Petitioner has made diligent effort to ascertain the identity and whereabouts of unknown parties, and that there may be UNKNOWN HEIRS of William C. Whitmore, Jr. there may be parties whose post office addresses are unknown or are not residents of Virginia, namely MOLLIE WAGNER, MELINDA KOUTOUZOV, JEFFERESON BLAUER, ANDREW BLAUER, REBECCA PATRASCU, JULIA BLAUER BIGGS, HENRY JACOB FADELEY IV, SHANE DAVIS, STEVEN W. TURNER, REGINA LYNN TURNER, DEVVY D. T. RIDGILL, RANDY BROWN, LORA BROWN NEWMAN, NANCY LEE BROWN MOULTON, KEVIN S. BROWN, PAMELA J. BROWN, JEANNETTE KAY BROWN CARRINGTON CHICHESTER, GREGORY EUGENE BROWN, DIANE TITUS POZNIKO, CHANTEL TITUS FAIRCLOTH, JOSEPH C. TITUS III, DAVID MICHAEL TITUS, KARIN M. TITUS-BEEMAN, GARY LEE TITUS, RICKEY LESTER TITUS, REBECCA LYNN TITUS BOYER, CORRIE TITUS CHAMBERLIN, DAWN TITUS EMBREY, CATHERINE TITUS, MARK SMALE, MARK HINDMAN, GARY MATTHEW HINDMAN, TAMARA HINDMAN STOWERS, PAUL O. STAUBS, ERIC R. STAUBS, NANCY ELLEN FAIRFAX CANOVA, ROBERT C. BERWICK, JANICE CREGAR CUDDY, JAMES B. CREGAR, NANCY E. CIPOLLONE, JULIE LYNN CREGAR HAHNER, DEBORAH MCGEE HUETT, SUSAN M. HOFFMAN, WILLIAM CARL FADELEY, CHARLES ASHLAND FADELEY, GEORGE H. FADELEY, DONNIE TITUS, ALYNE MULLER, and WILLIAM MOTT SHAFER, and that these remaining parties have like interests to those of at least ten defendants on whom process was served or who waived service of process, it is therefore ORDERED, that each of said parties appear on or before 9:00 a.m. on December 6, 2024, and do whatever is necessary to protect their interests.

10/17, 10/24, 10/31 & 11/07/24

Legal Notices

Are you planning to vote this year? You have options!

Be sure to visit www.elections.virginia.gov/voterinformation to check your voter registration. Did you miss the deadline to register to vote on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, you can register and vote a provisional ballot up to and including Election Day through the Same Day Voter Registration Process. Visit www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/same-day-voterregistration, for more information

Three Ways to Vote! Pick the option that works best for you.

Vote at Home:

You can request a ballot online at www.elections.virginia.gov or by submitting a Vote By Mail

Application to the Office of Elections, 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite 150, Leesburg, VA 20175. We will mail you a ballot that you can mark in the comfort of your home and then mail back to us or hand deliver to our office or an early voting site. You can find more important information about voting by mail at www.loudoun.gov/voteathome.

Last day to request a ballot be mailed to you - Friday, October 25, 2024, at 5:00 p m

Vote Early:

All registered voters are eligible to vote early in person In addition to the ongoing early voting at the Office of Elections and Voter Registration, additional early voting sites will open Monday, October 21, 2024 and will operate through Saturday, November 2, which is the final day for in-person early voting The additional sites are:

Carver Senior Center, 200 E Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, 20132 Claude Moore Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling, 20164 Dulles South Recreation Center, 24950 Riding Center Drive, South Riding, 20152 The days and hours for early voting are online at loudoun gov/voteearly

Vote on Election Day:

All county polling places will be open on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 6 a m until 7 p m for those who wish to vote on Election Day. All voters must vote at their assigned precinct. You can find more on Election Day voting at www.loudoun.gov/voteonelectionday.

Please feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about voting.

Judith A. Brown, General Registrar

750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite 150

Leesburg, VA 20175-8916

703 777-0380

Email: vote@loudoun gov

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TOWN OF LEESBURG BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for an appointment to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position is appointed by the Loudoun County Circuit Court to a five-year term ending December 31, 2029.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets as necessary the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. Additional information concerning this quasi-judicial board is available from the Clerk of Council during normal business hours (Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 703-7712733, eboeing@leesburgva.gov, or the Town of Leesburg website at www.leesburgva.gov.

If interested, complete an online application on the Town Web site: https://www.leesburgva.gov/ government/boards-and-commissions. Online applications are due by 5:00 p.m., October 25, 2024. All applications will be forwarded to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for consideration and appointment.

10/03, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:

TASK ORDER CONTRACT FENCING INSTALLATION, REMOVAL, MAINTENANCE AND RELATED SERVICES - REISSUE, IFB No. 660842 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, November 13, 2024.

Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun. gov/procurement . If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT

10/24/24

Add your voice to the conversation.

Send your coments to editor@loudounnow.com

Loco Service Providers

VEHICLE AUCTION

MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com

Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

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VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC - 705-996-1100 44475 OLD OX ROAD, DULLES, VA 20166

20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale (monthly) on Wednesdays (11/6/24, 12/4/24). Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.

Town of Leesburg

Employment Opportunities

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

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

Regular Full-Time Positions

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications.

All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

Positions

Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer

Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction project management. Duties include Preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring the assigned projects.

Monitoring compliance to applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications.

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

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

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering/Construction Management or relevant field

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

• Entr y-level/mid-level Position

Contact Info: Katherine Hicks 305 Harrison Street STE 100 Leesburg, VA 20175

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

Published by Loudoun Community Media

15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 703-770-9723

KURT ASCHERMANN Executive Director kaschermann@loudounnow.org

NORMAN K. STYER Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.org

EDITORIAL

AMBER LUCAS Reporter alucas@loudounnow.org

HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

WILLIAM TIMME Reporter wtimme@loudounnow.org

ADVERTISING

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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.

Busing Workers

Opinion

Four decades ago, small groups of Loudoun residents working in the district joined together to establish vanpools to save money on their daily commutes. The county government started supporting those efforts and eventually created its own bus system. That grew into a service that offers more than 20 bus runs taking Loudoun workers to and from jobs in Washington and Arlington each day.

Our government found value in providing transportation services—at a subsidized rate—for residents seeking employment in other jurisdictions. It may be a constituent service. The program may ease congestion. There may be environmental benefits.

Now, county leaders are exploring plans to set up a similar service to import workers from other jurisdictions. Advocates

say it could provide our businesses with a new pool of workers as they continue to struggle to fill vacant positions. It chiefly would be an economic development program with a price tag of at least $1.7 million for a first-year pilot operation. It could be argued that the program would be a good reinvestment of business taxes these companies pay.

But it also could be argued, based on our decades of experience delivering workers downtown, that those other jurisdictions should be paying for the service, or at least sharing in the cost. Should Loudoun taxpayers really be paying to expand services, ease congestion and improve the environment in Prince William or Fauquier counties? If so, we’ve let Washington, DC, and Arlington off the hook for far too long. n

LETTERS to the Editor

Budget Balancing

Editor:

The Oct. 8, edition of Loudoun Now contained an article entitled "Supervisors Eye Car Tax Relief." As explained in the article, the vehicle personal property tax generates approximately $200 million per year in revenue. Personal property taxes on data center equipment generates approximately $668 million/year.

Various options were discussed as to how to reduce or eliminate the revenue from the vehicle personal property tax, which has been an issue for over two decades. Within the handwringing of the Board of Supervisors considering this issue it became apparent that these members might never have had to balance

a budget. Maybe a process would assist them in finding a solution:

1) The Board of Supervisors works with County Administrator Hemstreet to determine the level of projected revenue. A possible starting point for 2025 might be the 2024 revenue, plus the 2.5% change in CPI being used for Social Security increases.

2) Subtract $200 million from that number. That number, along with Board of Supervisor guidance on funding priorities is conveyed to county department heads and the School Board in a "Call for Budget."

3) Department heads and the School Board prepare their budget requests based on the projected revenue and county funding priority guidance,

4) Board of Supervisors considers the budget requests in line with the projected revenue estimates and board priorities, 5) If the budget requests are less than the projected revenue, then the real estate tax rate can be adjusted down. If the budget requests are greater than projected revenue, then the Board has a decision to make. Either cut the budget request or increase the personal property tax rate for the data centers. Increasing the property tax rate for the data center equipment might also disincentivize future data center construction, which seems to be a concern of many.

It sounds like a daunting task to

Loudoun Now

READERS’ poll CHIPshots

How will you cast your ballot this year?

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

Should the Loudoun government offer services to import workers from surrounding communities?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

Letters

continued from page 36

eliminate $200 million in revenue. However, this number represents approximately 2.9% of the board’s appropriated 2024 budget of approximately $6.9 billion (Source: Loudoun County Government website).

And no, Chair Randall, rising property tax bills are not (only) the fault of rising property tax assessments. The Board of Supervisors controls the revenue (output) and tax rate factors of the equation.

As Supervisor Letourneau said in the article he had "concerns with reducing the county’s revenue when the board’s budget discussions do not typically involve reducing expenditures." Several other supervisors (Briskman, Umstattd, and Saines) expressed similar thoughts.

It appears the Board might have met the enemy, and it is looking back at them in the mirror."

— Ken Myers, Leesburg

A Tribute

Editor:

When I was entrusted with the task of managing the construction of the National World War II Memorial, it was not just another project—it was a responsibility—a responsibility to create a lasting tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in

uniform, the 400,000 who gave their lives, and the countless others who supported the war effort on the home front.

The Memorial, standing proudly between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, tells its story in stone, bronze, and water. Now, there’s a new opportunity to honor this remarkable chapter in history: the creation of a Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin.

The idea of a coin is simple, but its significance is profound. It is a small yet lasting tribute to a generation that saved the world from tyranny.

The Greatest Generation is aging. Every day, we lose more of these brave men and women who risked everything to protect freedom. Soon, the living links to this era will be gone, but their legacy must endure. A commemorative coin is a tangible way to say "thank you" and to ensure that future generations remember the courage and sacrifices of World War II veterans.

Unlike monuments, which are fixed in place, a coin is something that people can hold in their hands, carry with them, and pass down through their families. It becomes a personal connection to history. I’ve seen visitors to the World War II Memorial weep as they gazed upon the Freedom Wall of Stars, realizing the immense cost of freedom. A coin, while smaller in scale, has the same power to evoke emotion and foster a deep sense of

connection to the past.

The war effort wasn't confined to the battlefield. It spanned across the country, where millions of ordinary Americans contributed in extraordinary ways. Women joined the workforce, factories shifted to produce war materials, and citizens grew victory gardens and bought war bonds. The Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin not only honors the soldiers, sailors, and airmen but also the unsung heroes at home who kept the nation moving forward. It’s a way to honor both the battlefield bravery and the unwavering spirit of those who worked tirelessly to support the war.

One of the primary missions of the National World War II Memorial is to educate future generations. A commemorative coin can serve as an educational tool, especially for younger people. It can spark curiosity and prompt discussions in classrooms and households across the country. Proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in the care and maintenance of the Memorial and to ensure educational and commemorative programming remains robust and substantial. Friends play an integral and vital role in educating the American public about World War II; preserving and maintaining the Memorial as a treasure for the American people; and facilitating key commemorative programs

at the Memorial.

As a construction manager, I know the importance of building something to last. Memorials like the National World War II Memorial are meant to stand for centuries, enduring as a reminder of those who came before us. But a commemorative coin has the potential to endure differently. It is a piece of history that people can keep with them, display, or hand down to their children and grandchildren.

This coin isn’t just a way to remember the past—it’s a way to keep the legacy of the Greatest Generation alive for future generations. And as someone who has dedicated years to honoring their memory, I believe there is no tribute too great for those who gave us so much. Let us honor them with a commemorative coin that will stand the test of time, just as their sacrifices have.

— Ken Terry, Aldie

Authorized by Public Law 117-162, the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, this program commemorates the National World War II Memorial, and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. The public law directs the Mint to produce $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as part of the program. Learn more at catalog.usmint. gov/coins/commemorative-coins/greatestgeneration. n

Reservoir Park

continued from page 1

treatment plant in 2014.

While the first step in the transition was a $10 million reconstruction of the dam, talks also opened between Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks about how to increase public access to the undeveloped tract. Those conversations spurred a decade-long collaboration to bring the park to fruition.

“Nearly every day, the media reports on conflicts between public agencies and their failures to deliver essential services. Not today. Instead, we’re celebrating the opening of a park centered on Loudon Water’s reservoir surrounded by recreational amenities to benefit the citizens of Loudoun and the region,” NOVA Parks Vice Chairman Paul Baldino said.

“Educational collaborations like this don’t just happen,” he said, noting the years of community input that has gone into the planning and design of a part that would provide more recreation facilities while also protecting water quality.

Combining the park’s 600 acres with the 300-acre Brambleton golf course and 140-acre Brambleton Park, the assemblage has more than 1,000 acres of parks and recreation uses.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said the new park addresses one of the top needs of county residents.

Energy Infrastructure

continued from page 1

230 kV lines – a total of 164 miles of transmission lines in the county.

While PJM Interconnection, the entity responsible for coordination power transmission across 13 states including Virginia, estimates that Loudoun will need 5,700 megawatts of power by 2027-2028, DeNichilo said Kimley-Horn estimates the demand will exceed that, reaching 8,190 MW.

Currently, there are 148 additional parcels in Loudoun with active data center applications, DeNichilo said. As a result, Dominion Energy has plans for projects to meet the demand. Those include a loop of four lines through eastern and part of southern Loudoun. That is expected to deliver approximately 5,920 MW.

Any demand over that would likely result in the need for additional or upgraded infrastructure, DeNichilo said.

Because of that, Kimley-Horn is rec-

“Quite a few years ago, Loudoun did a survey of our citizens, and it said, what do you want? What is the thing that bothers you the most? What are the most pressing needs? And we all thought that the answer would be traffic is a problem, or even data centers. But the number one thing people said they wanted was more parks, more walking trails, more passive parks,” Randall said. “And we kind of just took a breath and were like wow. The fact that three entities, NOVA Parks, Loudoun Water and the county, came together to create

ommending the county take several actions including developing constraints and exclusion maps to identify preferred transmission corridors for future projects; develop a future scenario plan for data centers buildout in the county focusing on siting data centers near preferred transmission corridors; amending the Comprehensive Plan to include electric transmission corridors to be used by power providers; and developing policies to support collocation of proposed transmission lines with existing infrastructure, undergrounding power transmission withing existing easements, undergrounding power transmission in routes across new rights-of-way, existing transmission line upgrades and other innovative solutions.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) asked if Dominion’s new transmission lines could realistically be built by the 2028 deadline.

“I can’t imagine we actually get to this level by 2028,” he said.

“I think the limiting factor is not going to be whether they can be constructed, it’s

fairly complete.”

“And think about it, we’re less than a mile and a half from the Metro station,” Bonfils said.

Loudoun Water Chair Terry Allen said every aspect of the park has been carefully planned and designed.

this 1,000-acre oasis is really amazing.”

“This park is here, 15 minutes away is complete suburbia. This feels like you are 1,000 miles away from the city or urban life,” Randall said.

Jim Bonfils serves on the boards of Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks.

“It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to see it,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine that we were able to fund it between the two organizations the way it’s funded to this extent. These things usually start up piecemeal, but it’s open and it’s

going to be whether the power is available,” Department of Planning and Zoning Director Daniel Galindo said.

Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) said she agreed that it was unlikely that the new transmission lines would be completed by the time the demand for the power was needed.

Dominion Energy has acknowledged the need for increased power and transmission capability. In its newly released 2024 Integrated Resource Plan, the company announced it is considering keeping all of its 19 fossil fuel generators online and building a half dozen new fossil fuel units to meet demand in the region. The plan also outlines investments into clean energy sources as mandated by the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

The company this month also announced its partnership with Amazon to explore ways to help advance the development small modular nuclear reactor technology.

Because of the rapidly increasing demand for power connections, Dominion

“As you walk through the park today, you will appreciate the intentional serenity, peacefulness and natural settings that we have preserved to complement Loudoun Water’s emphasis on environmental education was a natural fit here—a living lab, so to speak,” he said. “The story of Loudoun Water at Reservoir Park at the microcosm of the larger water cycle. As part of Loudoun Water’s dedication to source water protection and education, Reservoir Park is designed to follow the journey of a single drop of water. As you experience the Welcome Center, the pavilions and walk along the trails, you’ll see designed interventions that improve and protect water quality in the park. We hope to inspire park users take a role in source water protection and to be prominent stewards in the protection of our drinking water.”

Beginning Monday, the park is open dawn to dusk. Boat rentals will be available starting Oct. 26. Visitors may launch their own boats through the end of the season. Beaverdam Reservoir also is accessible for fishing and boating at the Mt. Hope Road entrance off Belmont Ridge Road. n

told large power users it could take four to seven years to bring new projects online.

Committee Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said it is also important to consider that with the growing popularity of artificial intelligence, the power demand from a single data center will also increase.

“There’s so many large moving muscle movements in this process, it’s very difficult to say where we are going to be in five years because everything is so big that is moving around,” he said.

Project Manager Pat Giglio agreed.

“The final answer is, and I think we’ve all come to that, we know there’s going to be additional demand for electricity and as part of that we need to prepare for additional transmission lines,” he said.

The committee voted 4-0, with County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) absent, to recommend that the full board initiate a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for electrical infrastructure. The proposal will now advance to the full board. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

A view of the Beaverdam Reservoir with the dam in the distance. Signage at the new park explains the inner workings of Loudoun’s public water system including the lake’s role as a major storage facility.

A Loudoun Moment

Data Center Campus

continued from page 3

a data center but said it is including specific components in their application because of that.

Those include a reduced floor-area ratio of 0.3 compared to other approved and existing data centers in the county at 1.0 FAR. The application also includes a commitment to maintain 60% of the property as open space.

“Notably, this integrated campus is located less than one mile from Dominion’s critical 500kV and 230kV transmission infrastructure, positioned just east of the

application site,” according to the letter.

Edao said the company is open to using the western parcel, which falls within the Rural North Place Type, in a way that advances the county’s rural economy.

“The Applicant is exploring several agricultural uses to further integrate the project with the General Plan’s objectives,” she stated.

Piedmont Environmental Council Senior Land Use Field Representative Tia Earman said, while the company’s proposal to make the data center more environmentally sustainable was “fantastic,” she still has significant concerns with its appropriateness for Loudoun County.

“The basic underlying question is land

use – is it appropriate or is it not appropriate?” she said.

Rezoning that land from TR-10 to IP would take away from the already decreasing available land for much needed housing, she said.

Earman said by her rough calculations the campus could use up to 1.3 gigawatts of power at peak load.

“Which is absolutely a phenomenal amount of power,” she said.

Supervisors have been told by County Attorney Leo Rogers that they are not allowed to consider a project’s demand on the electrical grid as part of their review of a land use application.

Earman said, while that may be the

case, the board is allowed to consider any infrastructure that will be needed to support a development.

“When it comes to infrastructure associated with that power: transmission lines, potential seizures of land to accommodate them, substations and all of that … it is not only allowed but it is their job to consider that,” she said.

Earman said over 32 additional substations are expected to be needed within the county’s Suburban Policy Area to support existing and approved data centers.

“Those are important and very valid land use considerations, and it definitely impacts the residents of Loudoun County,” she said. n

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

A brown Swiss calf at Brookfield Dairy Farm near Leesburg receives a hug during the Fall Farm Tour. The farm and ice cream company was one of dozens of locations open for visitors last weekend during the twiceyearly showcase of rural enterprises.