Loudoun Now for Oct. 31, 2024

Planning Focus Moves to Village-Scale

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A decades-long effort by some Loudoun residents to create small plans for each of the county’s rural historic villages is gaining traction as members of the county’s planning and zoning staff begin a Comprehensive Plan Amendment process.

The Comprehensive Plan Amendment is designed to review and update the criteria for identifying communities as rural historic villages. Currently, Loudoun has 12 areas with that designation – Loudoun Heights, Neersville, Taylorstown, Lucketts, Waterford, Paeonian Springs, Lincoln, Bluemont, Philomont, St. Louis, Aldie and Bowmanton.

However, there are several other “crossroads communities” in the county that could be included depending on what new criteria is established during the amendment process, Department of Planning and Zoning Project Manager Heidi Siebentritt told a gathering of Loudoun residents last week.

Siebentritt hosted what will be the only formal community meeting on the amendment at the Carver Center in Purcellville.

“A rural historic village is a

Early Voting Expected to Surpass 90,000 by Saturday

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Loudouners will get their final chance to cast ballots Tuesday, but a record number will be staying home having already completed the task.

As of Tuesday at 8 p.m. 67,466 residents had voted early, representing over 28%

of the county’s 308,289 voters. Of those, 5,814 voted Tuesday and Elections and Voter Registration Outreach Coordinator Samantha Shepherd said the office anticipates higher numbers over the weekend. Currently, the county is trending 3.6% below the number of early votes cast in 2020, the last presidential election.

“We do expect to make that up and kind of surpass early voting from 2020,” she said.

Shepherd said the office expects over 90,000 ballots to be filed before early voting closes Saturday evening, approximately 30% of all registered voters in the county and more than all of the county residents who cast ballots in the

EARLY VOTING continues on page 43

ROOF LOCAL

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Loudoun residents vote early Oct. 29 at the Office of Elections ahead of Tuesday’s presidential election.

Microsoft is 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.

Endhardt Vineyards: An Award-Winning Wine Journey

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

When Hannes and Sarah Endhardt moved to the area from Chicago, they were surprised to find Virginia has a wine industry. Now, they’re at the forefront of the effort to build Loudoun’s reputation for high-quality wines.

During Friday night’s Loudoun Wine Awards, Endhardt Vineyards won best-inclass awards in three categories, as well as the Grand Award for its 2023 Upper Block Sauvignon Blanc, judged to be the top wine among the record 147 entries. Those honors build on its gold medals earned in the 2023 and 2024 Governor’s Cup competition.

Hannes is from Germany. Sarah grew up in Minnesota. They met in Chicago and moved to Northern Virginia for work.

“When we met, we were both traveling a lot overseas. He’s from Germany, and so we spent a lot of time going to the wine regions in Europe, particularly Italy, and driving around enjoying the culture and the lifestyle. We met a lot of wine makers. We just love to sit down, drink wine and

talk to the owner,” Sarah said. They valued the opportunity to sit down for an afternoon, have a glass of wine, relax and enjoy beautiful views.

“I never thought we’d have a winery, but I thought that was a pretty, cool thing,” she said.

As they explored Virginia’s wine

region, they began to think they had something to offer.

“We started going to some wineries and were like, ‘Oh, man, there’s a thriving industry here,’” Hannes said. “And then we found that some of them weren’t super pretty or didn’t have that great wine. And I remember thinking how hard can it be? It turns out actually really hard. It is really hard.”

“To me it seemed the industry was just kind of starting to come into its own. So I thought we could create the thing that we loved, which is the opportunity to make incredible wine and create an environment,” Sarah said.

In 2018, they bought 46 acres of farmland near Lincoln. They planted their first vines in 2019. They opened a tasting room in 2021, welcoming patrons happy to be out of the house following the pandemic.

Today, they have 11 acres under vine with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Gruner Veltliner.

The property’s 150-foot elevation

ENDHARDT VINEYARDS continues on page 42

Industry Leaders Honored at Loudoun Wine Awards

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

With the 2024 harvest complete, the leaders of Loudoun’s wine community celebrated their successes during the annual awards banquet held last month at Lansdowne Resort.

It was the largest year for the Loudoun Wine Awards with a record 147 entries in 16 categories from 30 wineries.

Endhardt Vineyard was the year’s biggest winner, earning the top prize—the Grand Award—for its Upper Bloc 2023, the best-in-class Sauvignon Blanc. The Lincoln-area winery also won best-inclass rankings for its Reverie White 2023 (White Vinifera) and its Fervor Red 2021 (Bordeaux Blend).

Hannes and Sarah Endhardt bought their 46-acre farm in 2018 and planted five varietals of grapes. Working with winemaker Ben Renshaw, they’ve been winning awards since their first harvest.

“There’s just so much passion and love in this room for what you do,” Sarah Endhardt said. “Drinking wine is sexier than making wine. We all know that. But gosh,

it›s really fun to be here tonight, and it’s really fun to be recognized and after so many years of blood, sweat and tears. We know everyone in the room feels the same way and we’re just so humbled.”

In addition to celebrating the best vintages, the Loudoun Wine Awards put the spotlight on individuals credited with helping to improve the county’s wine industry.

Bluemont Vineyard’s Director of Winemaking and Viticulture Scott Speilbring was named the 2024 Winemaker of the Year.

“It’s been stated a few times tonight, numerous times, it’s about community and family,” Speilbring said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what this county in going to do over the next several years.”

Tremain Hatch, the viticulturalist at his family’s Zephaniah Farm, was named 2024 Winegrower of the Year. That award comes just months after he was named state Winegrower of the Year, recognized as a critical industry resource by the Virginia Vineyards Association.

Hatch, who helped plant the first grape

Smith didn’t know much about wine when first taking a weekend vineyard job nearly a decade ago.

“During my month in that position, I listened to the associates as they poured wines and spoke not only romantically about the wines, but also technically. And that really intrigued me and inspired me to try to learn more,” Smith said.

Visiting other wineries around Loudoun, Smith “noticed it wasn’t only my co-workers who had this passion, but every tasting room that I walked into showed the same authentic enthusiasm.”

That inspired Smith to learn more and to share it.

vines on his family’s Leesburg-area cattle farm as a teen in 2002, said he continues to learn more every day in the vineyards that he works with. “We’re all moving forward together,” he said.

Brigette Smith, the tasting room manager at Williams Gap Vineyard near Round Hill, was named the Wine Ambassador of the Year.

“Most of you are sitting in this room right now taught me what I need to know: How to talk to guests about winemaking, how to talk to guests about managing the vineyard, and also how to talk technically and romantically, about wine,” Smith said. “For me, what separates Loudoun wineries from the rest of this state is our desire to educate others and to educate

WINE AWARDS continues on page 41

Norman K. Styer

Hannes and Sarah Endhardt pose with three best-in-class-winning wines from this year’s Loudoun Wine Awards, including the Grand Champion 2023 Upper Block Sauvignon Blanc.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Over the past decade, Williams Gap Winery’s Brigette Smith has grown from a tasting room newbie to become Loudoun’s 2024 Wine Ambassador of the Year.

Loudoun County Supervisors to Restructure General Services Department with Energy Focus

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

During the Board of Supervisors’ strategic retreat held earlier this year, members discussed the possibility of creating a new county government department that focused on environmental and energy issues. Instead, the board is considering restructuring and renaming its General Services Department to address those priorities.

Currently, the department is separated into regulatory and non-regulatory programs. Regulatory elements any services that are regulated by county, state or federal laws. Those typically require plans, plats or legislative approvals for the work being performed. Non-regulatory elements any services the county is allowed but not mandated to provide, including public vehicle charging stations, watershed management planning, and tree planting programs.

Environmental and energy programs already fall within the General Services Department. The Environmental Commission, created by the board in 2021, provides an Environment and Energy Work Plan for the department on non-regulatory and energy issues.

This year’s report included six recommendations for

the board to consider to improve the county’s environmental program management. Those include increasing guidance across county government for non-regulatory actions; prioritizing actions needed to effectively enforce local regulations; improving community to increase coordination and effectiveness; identifying and gaps in subject matter expertise; and demonstrating success.

Based on those recommendations, General Services Director Ernie Brown brought four recommendations to the Board of Supervisors during its Oct. 16 meeting.

The first recommendation includes four new positions and one reclassified position within the department – a deputy director of environment services, a waste management assistant director, a waste management division manager, an energy/environment division manager and stormwater engineer program manager.

Those specific positions came at the recommendation of Alvarez & Marsal consulting, which conducted an organizational study that was completed earlier this year.

Those positions are already being partially implemented, Brown said.

The second recommendation creates an Environmental Leadership Team.

“What this is does is it takes those key leaders of the environmental organizations within Building and Development, Planning and Zoning, Health Department,

[General Services, Transportation and Capital Infrastructure] and Parks and Rec and then actually creates an Environment Leadership Team to create that synergy, create that conduit for communication and collaboration,” Brown said.

The ELT would help members across the county’s departments work together to achieve environmental goals.

The third recommendation would focus on filling gaps in the county’s subject matter experts. Examples include having experts in dam safety or flood mitigation.

The final recommendation asked supervisors to consider a renaming of the General Services Department to better reflect its work.

“As part of our organizational assessment [by Alvarez & Marsal] and the implementation of their recommendations, we are going through a pretty significant strategic planning and visioning process,” Brown said.

Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River), who proposed the new department during the strategic retreat, said she supported the recommendations.

“I think it gets us closer to what I think we need as a county. I like the four main implementation pieces,” she said.

Without the need for a formal vote by the board, the department will move forward with implementing the recommendations. n

Cemetery Conservancy Launches Training, Stewardship Program

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Amid a growing effort to locate and protect Loudoun’s small, historic—and sometimes forgotten—cemeteries, a new nonprofit is launching an effort to support their long-term preservation.

The Loudoun Cemetery Conservancy held its kick-off meeting earlier this month at Oatlands. Organizer Al Van Huyck gathered a room filled with the county’s conservation advocates, community leaders and cemetery trustees Oct. 18 to explain his vision for the organization.

While other community groups, with the support of the county government, in recent years have focused on documenting the location and history of burial grounds, the conservancy will be training a roster of volunteers to restore and maintain the sites and offer grants and other resources to assist with proper cemetery stewardship.

“There are people who love cemeteries and are working in cemeteries or volun-

“We are not the people who actually know what we’re doing. We don’t. But we’re going to have an advisory committee of people who are really trained and know what they’re doing,” Van Huyck said. “The whole idea is that they’re not making a time commitment, per se, but they have agreed to answer questions. They’re experts who we can go to them and say, can you answer this question?”

Even routine maintenance takes special care. “You don’t just get on your zero-turn mower and zip around in a cemetery. People need to know how to use the weed whacker and what kind of plastic you should have so you don’t damage stone,” he said.

The organization also plans to become a voice for the cemeteries.

the cemetery is respected, and things are done right.”

Last year, Van Huyck stepped down as chair of the Loudoun Preservation Coalition, capping more than three decades of work promoting rural conservation in the nonprofit and government sectors, including a stint as the county Planning Commission chairman.

teering their time,” Van Huyck said. “We want to get these folks to sign up.”

The first training session is being planned for February.

In addition to lining up volunteers, the conservancy is building an advisory committee of area experts.

“We want to make cemeteries really important in Loudoun County. More important than they already are,” Van Huyck said. “We want to have a good PR system, and then we’re prepared to advocate where a cemetery is being challenged or is threatened. We’ll become an advocate group for trying to make sure that

“I’m just super excited about this. Frankly, for those who know me, I’m too old to grab my pitchfork to go fight the day-to-day battles of with the [county] supervisors. I can’t do it anymore,” he said. At age 91, he’s happy to leave the development battles to a younger generation. “But I really want to do this. I think it’s important. I think it’s a major contribution to the heritage of Loudoun County, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The conservancy is signing up community members interested in serving as volunteers or advisors and making connections with churches and families seeking help with their cemeteries.

Learn more at loudouncemeteryconservancy.org. n

File Photo

The Mount Sinai Free Will Baptist Cemetery in village of Britain, southwest of Lovettsville, shown before a restoration in 2021. The newly formed Loudoun Cemetery Conservancy plans to provide more resources to restore and maintain such burial grounds.

County Leaders Celebrate Belmont Ridge Road Expansion

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

County supervisors and other dignitaries gathered Monday to mark the completion of the newly expanded Belmont Ridge Road between Truro Parish Lane and Croson Lane.

The project turned the two-lane rural road section into a median divided, fourlane suburban road. The 1.5-mile expansion is the last piece of Belmont Ridge Road to be widened between Rt. 7 and Evergreen Mills Road.

The $43 million project was launched in 2017 and paid for by a combination of local and regional taxes, developer proffers, and county bonds.

Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) said he was happy with the completion of the project. “I take this road every day, at least once, if not more than once. And when I came up here today, I could see and feel the difference,” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by Supervisors Sylvia Glass (D-Broad Run) and Mike Turner (D-Ashburn), and Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Monica Backmon.

“When we get to the point of breaking ground and cutting ribbons, that means congestion reduction … everyone can enjoy,” Backmon said. “Sometimes, oftentimes, most times, I hesitate to say all the time, these things take a long time to come to fruition. So when we get to the point of breaking ground and cutting ribbons, it really brings us joy.” n

ON THE agenda

EV Stations Installed at Cascades Library

The county has installed new electric vehicle charging stations at Cascades Library in Potomac Falls.

The stations will allow four vehicles to charge at once at a cost of $2.10 per session. Sessions begin when the vehicle is plugged and end when removed or charging is complete. Payments can only be made through a mobile app connected to a credit or debit card.

EV stations are also available at Ashburn Library, Ashburn Senior Center, Lucketts Community Center, Round Hill Aquatic Center, Bluemont Community Center, Middleburg Library and Sterling Community Center. n

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now Supervisors, VDOT workers, and other contributors to the Belmont Ridge Road widening project cut a ribbon Oct. 28 to celebrate its completion.

Leesburg Divided Town Council Nixes Plan for Stormwater Study Committee

mendations of the study.

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Leesburg Town Council last week shot down a consultant recommendation to create a citizen Stormwater Management Ad Hoc Committee.

The proposal was part of a broader effort to expand the town’s stormwater management operations to comply with the town’s state permit and prepare its application for a new one.

Last month, David Bullova, a consultant from WSP, discussed the need for additional funding to meet the conditions of the permit program. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has required Leesburg to operate on this program since 2004. Leesburg initiated a stormwater utility feasibility study last June. The creation of a Stormwater Ad Hoc Committee was among the recom-

Director of Public Works and Capital Projects Renée LaFollette recommended that the staff be directed to assemble a team of citizen members to evaluate the level of service and funding options for stormwater management. The panel would help form recommendations about how to fund the needed system upgrades and maintenance costs.

“As we’ve discussed on a number of occasions, every year the requirements [for the program] get more and more stringent,” LaFollette said. “Staff recommends we go forward with this.”

LaFollette said the committee would be comprised of residents, commercial property owners, representatives of HOAs and faith-based organizations and would have between 10 and 20 members.

Under the proposals, the members would be selected with the assistance of

the Town Manager’s Office and would meet a minimum of seven times to bring back a phase one report by next October. LaFollette added that the team also would bring a recommendation on options to establish a new stormwater management fee as a potential funding option.

Council Member Todd Cimino-Johnson asked if the staff knew what the annual cost of the stormwater program would be. LaFollette said the plan was so early in development that she didn’t know how much it would cost, but she estimated $1.5 million to $2 million every year. She said the $2 million would go into staff costs, inspections, maintenance and a fund to help pay for the Capital Improvement Projects.

Ciminio-Johnson also asked if Loudoun County imposed a stormwater fee.

“That’s a tricky one to answer,” LaFollette said. “They don’t technically, but

they utilize, I believe, a penny on their tax rate that they put towards their stormwater program, but it’s not by ordinance for them to do that.”

Councilmember Patrick Wilt asked how a year-long committee review would be a better solution than holding public hearings. LaFollette said that the technical nature of the program made public hearings a poor vehicle to convey understanding of the project.

The proposal failed on a 3-3 vote, with Cimino-Johnson, Wilt and Zach Cummings opposed.

Cummings said he voted against creating the committee because he is opposed putting new taxes on town residents.

It was not clear how the council will proceed with the program review.

“I hope you all are prepared to create these programs yourself now,” Mayor Kelly Burk said. n

Cannon Fire, Music, Tours Mark Battle of Balls Bluff Anniversary

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounow.org

The Friends of Ball’s Bluff on Saturday commemorated the 163rd anniversary of the Civil War battle that resulted in the Union’s second major loss of the war.

The event featured a guided tour of the battlefield led by Jim Anderson, live 1800s-style brass music performed by George Mason University’s 8th Green Machine Regiment Band, presentations of Confederate soldier gear, musket demonstrations, and six cannon firings with Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk winning a lottery bid to fire the final shot.

The Battle of Ball’s Bluff is historically significant as the only battle in U.S. history in which a sitting member of congress, Senator Edward Dickinson Baker, was killed in fighting. The loss at Ball’s Bluff also resulted in the creation of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of War.

See a video of the activities at youtube.com/loudounnow. n

fire a cannon to commemorate the 163rd

William Timme/Loudoun Now

anniversary of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff Oct. 26.

AROUND town

Council Advances Utility System Upgrades for Microsoft Campus

The Leesburg Town Council on Oct. 22 approved changes to the Capital Improvements Program to add water and sewer projects needed to serve Microsoft’s data center campus.

The action added $1.2 million in Utility Fund projects, with $158,750 coming from the availability fees fund balance and $1.05 million in reimbursements from Microsoft.

The project will extend the town’s water line from the Compass Creek data center to Sycolin Road, creating a loop for that area of the water system. It also includes upgrades to the Lower Sycolin Sanitary Sewer Pump Station with refurbishments of its three pumps and the installation of a fourth pump, along with other miscellaneous improvements at the station.

The upgrades are needed to accommodate increasing water use at the campus, and to provide service to other utility customers in the area, staff members said.

An agreement with the town in 2020 provided Microsoft with the availability of 591,000 gallons of water per day, and 99,500 gallons of sewage treatment capacity per day. Under a new agreement, the campus will be allocated up to 1.23 million gallons of water and 617,000 million gallons of sewage capacity daily.

Balch Library Hosts Loudoun History Awards

The Thomas Balch Library will host the 2024 Loudoun History Awards on Nov. 3.

The event, beginning at 2 p.m., will honor Patrick Mountain, Sharon Virts and Alexandra Gressit. The public is invited to attend.

Mountain, a Balls Bluff historian and member of the Virginia Piedmont Heritage board, will be recognized for promoting appreciation of Loudoun County history. He has supported the maintenance and interpretation of The Ball’s Bluff Regional Battlefield Park for the past 20 years.

Virts will be recognized for support of the Loudoun Museum and Oatlands, and her nationally recognized restoration of Selma.

Gressit, who retired as Thomas Balch Library Director in June, will receive a certificate of special recognition for her more than 20 years of service to the library and the preservation of Loudoun County history.

Log Cabin Features FirstFriday Pop-up Exhibit

The public is invited to a pop-up exhibit on Friday, Nov. 1 featuring Thomas Balch Library’s oral history collections. The program will be held at the Donaldson Log Cabin, 14 Loudoun St. SW, from 5 to 7 p.m. in conjunction with First Friday events.

The exhibit will include a gallery of samples from oral history interviews and will highlight some collaborative history projects recently completed or underway using the library’s oral history collections. Visitors may also try their hand at activities such as recording their own short interview or transcribing historic audio.

For more information call 703-7377195 or email balchlib@leesburgva.gov. n

Council Split Over Proposed Parking Rules for Downtown Development

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounow.org

As the Leesburg Town Council continues to debate how best to manage downtown parking, it is taking one option off the table.

Last week the council shot down a Zoning Ordinance amendment it initiated in January to provide more flexibility to downtown developers.

Currently, the town’s rules exempt commercial properties within 500 feet of municipal parking facilities from requirements to provide on-site parking as long as they pay a fee for the number of new spaces required or that are removed as part of an expansion. The amendment brought before

the Town Council would have extended that exemption to all existing non-residential uses within the B-1 Zoning District.

The Planning Commission recommended denial of a version of the amendment last month. That original proposal would have expanded the exemption to include buildings within 1,000 feet of town parking facilities in the B-1 Zoning District.

Deputy Director of Community Development Brian Boucher said the Planning Commission opposed the original proposal because it wanted more information on downtown parking capacity and was

PARKING RULES continues on page 8

VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION

Monday, November 11 • 10:00 a.m.

Dodona Manor 312 E Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 Free, outdoors & open to the public • Rain or shine

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The George C. Marshall International Center, the Town of Leesburg and the County of Loudoun invite you to join us in honoring the selfless service and courage of our military veterans.

georgecmarshall.org/events 703-777-1301

Ken Falke Founder and Chairman Boulder Crest Foundation Loudoun County Government Garage on Loudoun Street. Transportation from the garage provided by Cartwheels.

Sprouts Celebrates Leesburg Opening

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounow.org

Sprouts Farmer’s Market opened its Leesburg store Friday, Oct. 25.

Located at 1021B Edwards Ferry Road NE, it is the third Virginia location for the chain that specializes in healthy and organic groceries.

The grand opening celebrations, started with a 6:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, featured a “pop-up party” outside the store with a seasonal fresh produce tasting bar, and held a “guess the weight” contest of an oversized piece of produce. The pop-up tents were located next to the vendor village, an outdoor store that featured live music during the event.

Sprouts planned giveaways and discounts for opening weekend customers including goodie bags with specialty items for the first 100 shoppers, a long stem rose for the first 400 guests, and a chance to win a $500 Sprouts gift card by signing up with the Sprouts website before midnight Oct. 27. Sprouts’ customers who texted “LEE” to 777-688 could have received up to 20% off purchases during open-

ing weekend, which were redeemed by scanning a barcode on the Sprouts app at checkout.

“If you shop with us, you’ll learn a lot of us get to know the customers by name,” Assistant Store Manager Jesse Bates said. “It builds that customer service relationship that’s just better, right? We try to build that atmosphere in our stores.”

Bates said Sprouts is expanding rapidly,

with two recent store openings in Maryland and a host of new stores in Florida.

Bates said Leesburg will benefit from Sprouts’ organic options and alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Sprouts works with area farmers to obtain fresh produce and sells Sprouts-branded items, such as a new deli line-up, which Bates added was doing “quite well.”

Bates also touted the store’s green and sustainability initiatives, including composting and donations. Sprouts’ Food Rescue Program donates edible but unfit for sale groceries to area food banks. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will work with Sprouts to provide food for families and individuals at risk of hunger, coming to the store daily to pick up items before they perish. Food deemed inedible will go back into the environment through composting.

The USDA estimates 30% to 40% of the American food supply is wasted.

“I’ve worked for other grocery stores in the past, and I would say the sustainability of ours is definitely top notch compared to the others,” Bates said. n

Parking Rules

continued from page 7

concerned over the lack of a report on economic impacts. Boucher added that the commissioners were concerned there was no firm plan to establish additional public parking areas in town.

Councilmember Patrick Wilt, who is planning a redevelopment of his Black Walnut Brewery property on South King Street, said he supports the goal of bringing more businesses downtown. He said he had hoped loosening the requirements would provide incentives for property owners to convert their existing parking lots to other uses. However, he said the requirement for developers to pay fees to the town on a per-space basis undermines that goal. The council is planning to increase the per-space payment fee from $8,254 to $16,800.

“If they’ve got 15 parking spaces, they’ll have to pay a quarter million dollars in lieu to remove those 15 spots,” Wilt said. “So that’s disappointing.”

The vote in making the change ended with a 3-3 tie, with Councilmembers Ara Bagdasarian, Todd Cimino-Johnson, and Zach Cummings supporting and Mayor Kelly Burk, Vice Mayor Neil Steinberg, and Wilt opposed. Councilmember Kari Nacy was absent from the meeting. n

VIRGINIANS DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION

We are a group of independents, moderates, conservatives, and former or current Republicans who are united to uphold and defend the United States Constitution by electing Kamala Harris and defeating the former president who attempted to stay in power after losing a free and fair election by overthrowing the Constitution.

OUR MISSION

We love our country and are deeply concerned with the direction it is taking. We understand the importance of determining which party will be in power. But, we are most concerned about which person will be in power.

Has the person demonstrated love for or contempt for the United States Constitution and all democratic institutions that flow from it? What is the moral character of that person? Are they truthful? How do they treat people? Do they acknowledge differences and treat others with respect? Is there an effort to be inclusive? Do we want our children and grandchildren to be like that person?

Answering these questions, despite being lifelong Republicans - with no love for certain portions of the Democratic party platform - we will be voting for Kamala Harris in November, and we invite you to consider doing the same!

William Timme/ Loudoun Now Leesburg's new Sprouts location opened Friday.

Students Learn AI Skills at River Bend MS Mobile Exploration Lab

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Representatives from Learning Undefeated, an organization that aims to get kids interested in STEM, visited River Bend Middle School in Sterling on Oct. 23 to teach an AI-learning course to its sixth graders. This event was sponsored by data center operator Equinix and is part the school division’s workforce readiness programming.

Learning Undefeated CEO Brian Gaines said the main goal of this program is to teach kids about the STEM job opportunities in the region and to promote equity in the field.

“We have a number of different programs that really address those kinds of challenges, and we find that to be really important, because a lot of our employers here, specifically the DMV, they’re looking for that next generation of employees,” Gaines said.

The mobile lab that visited River Bend is one of seven, with 10 more in the works. It is a 53-foot double-expandable trailer with an entire wet-lab set up and the latest AI technology inside.

Oct. 23.

The experiment the kids were performing on this visit, led by Education Program Lead Ashley LaVerdure, involved teaching an artificial intelligence system how to tell the difference between cats and dogs, as well as teaching it to recognize open and closed eyes for a red light, green light-style video game.

To show students that AI only knows

what humans teach it, LaVerdure had them play a game called “mim,” where you try to not be left taking the last gem.

One student in each game was given a “very smart piece of paper” that provided the solution for winning. Giving the

LAB continues on page 11

School Board Approves Lottery for MATA Admissions

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

The School Board hopes to make seats in the Monroe Advanced Technical Academy available to a broader range of students next year with an application policy change approved Oct. 22.

The academy in Ashburn provides courses in the trades, horticulture, cybersecurity and medical fields that are open to students throughout the county.

Board Member Sumera Rashid (Little River) requested a briefing on the current application requirements and proposed changes to the process.

Rashid said that the program’s inclusiveness is steadily dropping.

“Just wanted to reinforce it again that the students with disabilities, if you look at the offer of MATA from 2019 to 2024 it goes from 17% and goes all the way down to 9%,” she said. “And it’s em-

barrassing. And that’s not what LCPS is about.”

After being asked why the urgency in changing the requirements, Rashid listed the above numbers, stating that she wanted to “uplift all students” and “open doors for everyone.”

The current application requires students to provide a résumé, be enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher, have a counselor recommendation that the student will graduate on time, have a career goals statement, provide their PSAT scores and a transcript. The applications are reviewed by a committee that makes the enrollment selections.

Chief Academic Officer Ashley Ellis presented to the board two proposed changes that could open the career development opportunities to more students.

The first suggestion was to streamline the process and only required Algebra 1,

SCHOOL notebook

Changes Proposed to Disciplinary Policy

The Student Behavior and Accountability Committee on Monday endorsed proposed changes to the student disciplinary appeal policy that will be considered by the full School Board.

The changes include specifically naming the SBAC as the panel responsible for appeals, giving the committee chair the power to accept last minute evidence not included in the original packet, and requiring all decisions to be made within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the appeal.

Schools to Celebrate Psychologists, Family Communication

The School Board last week voted to designate Nov. 11-15 as School Psychologist Week. The program is meant to bring attention to the roles school psychologists play in taking care of students’ mental health.

November was also proclaimed to be Family Engagement in Education month to celebrate the role parents and families play in keeping kids on track in their student careers. n

GPA/PSAT scores, and an on-time graduation date. All the eligible applicants would then be drawn from a lottery until all spots are filled.

The second suggestion was to require applications from Dual Enrollment students to continue to be managed through the committee selection process, and non-Dual Enrollment students would be chosen by lottery.

Although the proposed changes were presented as an item for review during the Oct. 22 meeting, Rashid pressed the board to suspend its rules of operations and take immediate action so the new process can be used during recruitment for next year’s classes.

The board voted unanimously to modify the application requirements and approve the lottery selection for all students.

The admission process for the 2025-26 school year opens Nov. 25. n

Waterford Elementary Parents Provide Input on Renovation Plans

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

During a community meeting Monday night at Waterford Elementary, representatives of construction contractor Hord Coplan Macht met with parents and teachers to learn more about their expectations for the upcoming renovations.

Opened in 1965, the school has four classrooms and uses cottages outside the school to house three classes of students. The cafeteria, gym, and auditorium share the same space, and there are no designated spaces for art and music.

The project will include a 14,000-square-foot addition along with renovations of the existing building, fields and various multi-purpose rooms. The project is in the survey and programming phase, with the concept and schematic de-

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS continues on page 12

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now Students listen to the rules of a game called “mim” during their mobile exploration lab experience on

MOBILE

Administrators Roll Out Bonus Plan for Special Education Staff

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Loudoun County Public School administrators have launched new bonus programs to recruit and retain special education instructors and teachers in Title 1 schools.

Flexible staffing and teacher retention were both listed as top School Board priorities to be included in the fiscal year 2026 budget during an Oct. 22 work session. In line with those goals, funds set aside for teacher bonuses from the last budget are being used for an Employee Incentive Program.

The program has benefitted nearly 2,844 employees this year. It focuses on three different incentives for teachers: a retention bonus, an expanded sign-on bonus, and an adjustment to the step placement for teachers.

The $2,000 retention bonus is available to teachers who held a special education or Title 1 school position on June 30 and remained in their position on Oct. 1. Approximately 2,500 teachers received this bonus in 2024, and 20 different positions are eligible for the retention bonus.

The $2,000 sign-on bonus was expanded to include teachers who were not in a special education or Title 1 school positions but accepted an internal transfer to one of those positions for this school year.

The new addition to this aims to support teachers who fall in the gap

Mobile Lab

continued from page 10

directions to win was meant to simulate a computer being given the solution. The game was intended to demonstrate that it was data provided by humans that allowed the AI system to win the contest.

The sixth graders were able to input information to the computer themselves and watch the system learn from what they taught it. They learned that putting a variety of information into the computer was important and saw the effects of diverse data on AI learning firsthand.

A sixth grader at River Bend really liked the activity and said it could help know what he wants to do when he grows up.

Principal Dave Shaffer said he appreci-

between the sign on and retention bonuses. “By offering this incentive, we acknowledge their choice to transition into hard-to-fill special education roles or positions within Title I schools,” Public Information Officer Dan Adams said. Thirty-four teachers received transfer bonuses.

Teachers who were transferred from special education to another special education program or Title 1 school are not eligible for the bonuses, but would qualify for retention bonuses if they stay in their positions next year.

The step placement adjustment is aimed at attracting experienced teachers from other school divisions. Previously incoming teachers could not be placed higher than the 15 years of experience tier in the division’s pay scale. The change removed the cap. In addition to helping to attract experienced teachers, Adams said the change will help Loudoun remain competitive with salaries paid in neighboring counties.

The funds initially were earmarked for a state program that would provide matching funds for teacher bonuses. When that program was canceled, administrators pivoted to provide smaller bonuses than originally planned.

In Loudoun, Title 1 schools are Cool Spring, Countryside, Dominion Trail, Frederick Douglass, Forest Grove, Guilford, Leesburg, Meadowland, Potowmack, Rolling Ridge, Sterling, Sugarland and Sully elementary schools, Sterling Middle School and Park View High School. n

ated the hands-on approach of the lab.

“This is unique, because we’re learning about some things that are very specific to our area. As an example, we were learning about the data centers in Loudoun County and just the energy impact that that has, and then even different things with the importance of data,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for Equinix’s support. They spent $50,000 for the lab to visit three different schools.

“We’ve worked in the community college sphere for quite some time, so it’s very exciting for us to be able to branch out and get those children … at a younger age, and get them really interested in that before they get ready to graduate from high school,” said Rey Cheatham Banks, the head of state and local public policy and government affairs for Equinix. n

NOVEMBER

School Renovations

continued from page 10

signs to be complete early next year and construction slated to start next fall and be completed in fall of 2027.

HCM representatives gave parents a presentation of their past school renovations and asked attendees to shares their hopes and fears for the new addition and renovations. The main hope parents said was designated spaces for everything at the school, especially art, music and special education.

Other hopes included more bathrooms for students and less disruptions from traveling in and out of the building, more parking, more storage, a designated

clinic and a place for teachers away from their students.

Worries included safety during the occupied renovation, whether the addition would ruin the character of the building, construction delays and the safety of the parking lot during drop off and pick up. Because of a lack of sidewalks, one parent described the process as a game of “frogger.”

Protecting the front façade and the tile wall mural were top priorities. Parents also said it was important to maintain the school’s small and tight-knit atmosphere.

Another community meeting is expected this winter to get feedback on the proposed design concepts. Feedback on the planning phase can be submitted at lcps.org/o/support/page/waterford-elementary-school-renovation-addition. n

Lawsuit Filed Over School Board’s Truncated Public Comment Session

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

The conservative public interest nonprofit America First Legal filed a federal lawsuit alleging the School Board violated the constitutional rights of five plaintiffs who were not permitted to speak during the public comment period of the board’s Oct. 8 meeting.

That comment session was terminated by Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) after she issued several warnings to speakers that their comments violated the School Board’s rules by referencing an individual student who could be identified from their remarks.

On a night when the School Board was taking final action on a policy to promote gun safety in homes, several speakers sought to challenge administrators’ commitment to school safety by highlighting

reports of a student, potentially with gang affiliation, who was found bringing a handgun to school last year had been permitted, at least temporarily, to return to classes.  School Board members and administrators have declined to discuss the case, citing student privacy policies.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of plaintiffs Abbie Platt, Anne Miller, Cari Michon, Jessica Smith and Suzanne Satterfield, all parents who signed up to speak at meeting.

The lawsuit alleges the School Board’s action was “viewpoint discrimination.” It seeks rulings that the board violated the parents’ rights under the First and 14th amendments, that the board’s policies governing public comment are unconstitutionally vague, along with injunctions to prevent such actions in the future. It also seeks unspecified damages.

LCPS has declined comment on the pending suit. n

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now

The tile wall at the entrance of Waterford Elementary School is listed as a part of the school to preserve during the upcoming renovations.

Committee Begins Work to Rename Mercer Middle School

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

The committee appointed by the School Board to recommend the renaming of Mercer Middle School in Aldie held its first meeting Oct. 24 with the goal of removing any links to slavery.

The previous School Board in 2020 began a review of all school names and mascots. History Matters was hired to look for schools named for Confederate leaders or the Confederate cause, people who lived in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries when slavery was part of the economic, cultural and political systems in Virginia, and any facilities named for individuals or movements that promoted segregation.

The consultants flagged Mercer Middle School because of its association with Charles Fenton Mercer, an Aldie businessman who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. His name was flagged because of his support for the colonization of free Black people in Liberia and for being a slave owner.

During last week’s meeting Melinda McClellan, a member of the original naming committee for the school two decades ago, said the school wasn’t directly named in Mercer’s honor. She said the name was selected because the school is located in what was the Mercer election district. That district name was dropped in the county’s 2001 redistricting process when the area was split into the Dulles and Blue Ridge districts.

Although the school wasn’t directly named after Mercer, School Board member Linda Deans (Broad Run) said she was concerned about providing students with a “psychologically

safe place to learn.” Because the Mercer name is intertwined with slavery, she said it creates an unsafe place.

“Living and learning in a psychologically unsafe place causes PTSD,” she said. “The name of the school in which a child attends can cause that PTSD.”

Area resident Bill Wilkin proposed establishing a connection to Charles Mercer’s cousin Margaret Mercer, who lived at Belmont. He said she freed her father’s enslaved workers after his death and used her inheritance to pay them wages.

However, committee members raised concerns that she also was controversial because of her work with the American Colonization Society, which sought to send freed slaves to Liberia in Africa.

Several committee members questioned whether students knew who Charles F. Mercer was and if the connection would affect them at all. Others, including several parents of children at Mercer and its feeder schools, said that their children did know.

Pastor Michelle Thomas, committee member and Loudoun NAACP president, said children will find out and “they will be horrified.” She said the ACS was just as bad as slavery and the school shouldn’t be connected to any member of the Mercer family.

She said the process of changing the name could be useful for lessons for students in the school’s eighth-grade civics classes.

The committee members agreed to do their own research and submit feedback to the committee before its next meeting Nov. 21.

A separate committee has been appointed to review the name of Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School in Leesburg. n

Who will stand up to Big Labor?

Every day, millions of working Americans are forced to pay tribute to a union boss just to earn a living and feed their families. Union bosses confiscate this hard-earned money and funnel it into the campaigns of Tax-andSpend politicians who protect and expand Big Labor’s compulsory unionism power and the BILLIONS in forced–dues dollars it generates.

Nearly 80% of Virginia citizens think that is just plain wrong.

Who is Right for Virginia?

l Kamala Harris cosponsored the so-called “PRO Act” while in the Senate, which would wipe out every state Right to Work law in the country, including Virginia’s.

Tim Kaine not only cosponsored the so-called “PRO Act,” but also voted for it.

Support the National Right to Work Act, which would remove from federal labor law the authorization for forced union dues.

Oppose monopoly union bargaining in the public sector.

Support the Freedom from Union Violence Act.

Right now is when politicians pay the most attention to the folks back home!

Contact Kamala Harris and Tim Kaine today. Demand they apologize for their past support of forced unionism and publicly pledge to change their ways.

Ask Kamala Harris and Tim Kaine where their true loyalties lie -- with Virginians or with the union bosses in Washington, D.C. Call them at:

Kamala Harris 202-456-1111 Tim Kaine 202-224-4024

Urge Kamala Harris and Tim Kaine to change their ways and stand with the 80% of Virginians who oppose compulsory unionism.

Public Safety

MS-13 Gang Member Arrested for Sterling Double Homicide

enforcement partners throughout the region to include the U.S. Marshals Service and the Alexandria Police Department … I also want to thank Bob Anderson, our Commonwealth’s Attorney, for his assistance with this case and so many others as we work together to keep Loudoun safe.”

Medrano-Ortiz was arrested Oct. 23 by Alexandria Police Officers who recognized him from a bulletin shared by the Sheriff ’s Office.

Chapman said Medrano-Ortiz had self-identified as a member of MS-13 and that connection was confirmed by Loudoun investigators and Homeland Security.

Chapman said gang activity is a serious concern in the region and that he has seen an uptick in Loudoun recently. He said MS-13 operates throughout Northern Virginia and referenced a fatal carjacking in Sterling in July. The Sheriff ’s Office has not confirmed that the suspect involved in that incident was a member of MS-13.

BY WILLIAM TIMME, HANNA PAMPALONI wtimme@loudounnow.org, hpampaloni@loudounow.org

A member of the MS-13 gang has been arrested in the August fatal shooting of two people in Sterling, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office announced Friday.

Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, 18, is charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Sheriff Mike Chapman said his department coordinated with the Alexandria Police Department to identify and arrest Medrano-Ortiz.

Deputies were called to the area of Huntington Square and Ridgetop Circle just after 4:30 a.m. Aug. 28 after callers reported a disturbance in a parking lot. They arrived on the scene to find Mijal Conejero-Romera, 22, of Sterling, and Diego Alexander Woollett, 22, of Arlington, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment of traumatic wounds. They died at the hospital.

“In the hours and days that followed, our office put extraordinary, around-theclock resources into investigating what happened, and identifying the person or persons responsible,” Chapman said. “Our investigation involved several of our law

“I am on record strongly opposing the presence of MS-13 and other violent gangs in our nation and local communities. MS-13 is an El Salvador-based gang that uses intimidation, crime, and violence as tools of the trade, and there should be no safe place for them here,” he said.

Anderson also said over the past year he has seen an increase in violent crimes.

“We’re at a point in time, where since Jan. 1, there have been a number of cases involving a charge of murder,” Anderson said. “And that’s no longer a totally extraordinary event that occurs within this county.”

The suspect was arrested Oct. 23 and arraigned Friday morning in Loudoun County District Court. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5. The Office of the Public Defender was appointed to represent Medrano-Ortiz.

Chapman said much of the information that led to identifying Medrano-Ortiz as the suspect came through engagement with the community. However, the $25,000 reward offered by the Sheriff ’s Office in the days following the shooting was not awarded.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing with the possibility of additional suspects being involved. n

l Kamala Harris and Tim Kaine Donald Trump and Hung Cao

William Timme

Sheriff Mike Chapman displays a photo of Marlyn Medrano Ortiz, a confirmed Member of MS-13.

SAFETY briefs

Jail Deputy Charged with Having Sex with Inmate

A Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office deputy has been charged with having sex with an inmate at the Adult Detention Center in Leesburg.

Mason Zimmerman, 30, was arrested Sunday after he allegedly had sex with a female inmate Friday. According to the criminal complaint filed in Loudoun County District Court, Zimmerman admitted to the charge in an interview with another deputy.

Zimmerman has been a correctional deputy in Loudoun since 2016 and resides in Smithsburg, MD. He initially was held at the Alexandria Detention Center. On Tuesday, District Court Judge Eric Shamis authorized his release on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 23 at 8:30 a.m.

Zimmerman faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

The Sheriff ’s Office issued a statement stating that Zimmerman had to be terminated as an employee and that the investigation was ongoing.

Hearing Set for Suspect in High-Speed Chase, Crash

A preliminary hearing has been set for the suspected driver who fled an attempted traffic stop at midnight Saturday leading to a high-speed chase, a fourcar crash and an extensive search by law enforcement.

Miky Mendoza, 25, of Leesburg, was arrested just after 1:30 a.m. Oct. 26.

The incident started on northbound Rt. 28 when a deputy attempted to stop a car for reckless driving. The driver sped away, continuing eastbound on Rt. 7 where he reached speeds of 110 miles per hour.

Just after the Sheriff ’s Office ended the pursuit, the car crashed into three other vehicles in the area of Sterling Boulevard. Those vehicles had 11 occupants, with three transported to a hospital for treatment.

Mendoza and a passenger of the car fled the crash scene before authorities arrived. Deputies searched the neighborhoods on the north side of Rt. 7 with the help of the Fairfax County Police helicopter for more than an hour before locating the suspects.

Mendoza is charged with driving under the influence, a third offense; eluding or disregarding police and three counts of failing to stop after an accident involving

injury. He faces up to 10 years for each of the failure to stop charges.

He was held without bond with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 19.

Retail Theft Suspects Advance to Circuit Court

Two New York residents arrested with eight others in September for thefts at the Leesburg Target store are advancing to trial in Circuit Court after both waived their rights to a preliminary hearing last week.

Edison Pinto Padron and Yetsai Del Ca Guerrero-Toledo are charged with accessory to grand larceny and conspiracy to grand larceny in connection with thefts reported Sept. 1 at the Leesburg Target store. Pinto Padron was additionally charged with second degree possession of burglary tools. Guerrero-Toledo was additionally charged with possession of burglary tools.

In exchange for waiving the preliminary hearing on the conspiracy charges, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office dropped the other two felony charges for both suspects. Both now advance to the Circuit Court.

Guerrero-Toledo is expected to appear Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. and Pinto Padron is expected to appear Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Both remain incarcerated.

The conspiracy to commit grand larceny carries a sentence of one to 20 years in prison.

Eight adults and two juvenile suspects, all from New York, were arrested in the case. The juveniles were released to family members.

The six other suspects are scheduled to appear in the District Court Nov. 20 at 1 p.m.

Aldie Man Gets Prison Sentence in Investment Fraud Case

An Aldie man was sentenced Oct. 25 to seven years and six months in federal prison in a fraud case involving dozens of investors that caused $15 million in losses.

Babu Ramaraj, 47, owner DAB Inspection and Consulting Services, LLC, was indicted in June on charges of wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions.

According to court documents, Ramaraj’s company is a small home contractor with modest revenues doing patio and deck projects. Ramaraj claimed to investors and potential investors at DAB had contracts worth tens of millions of dollars each with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and others, and was a joint venture partner on a Washington DC

Water Clean Rivers Project. The contracts purportedly were to perform engineering inspection work on huge infrastructure projects.

Ramaraj claimed he needed to make large bond payments quickly to secure the work but could not obtain bank financing because of the relative youth of his company. Ramaraj supplied to victims falsified contract award letters, invoices, financial records, and other documents to induce dozens of investors to loan funds. No bonds were ever paid.

According to the Department of Justice, Ramaraj electronically transferred

funds he raised to his online brokerage accounts to engage in securities trades; wired over $1 million to accounts in India; purchased several automobiles, including several Teslas; obtained real properties; and incurred millions of dollars in stock market trading losses. In all, Ramaraj took in nearly $40 million and caused losses to investors of approximately $15 million.

He has been held in custody as a flight risk since his arrest on May 30. In addition to the prison sentence, Ramaraj was ordered to pay over $15 million in restitution. n

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

• 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

Lollobrigido Sentenced to 85 Years in Wife’s Brutal Murder

BY WILLIAM TIMME AND HANNA PAMPALONI wtimme@loudounnow.org

hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Peter J. Lollobrigido was sentenced Thursday to serve 85 years in prison for the 2021 murder of his wife, Regina Redman, in the Loudoun Circuit Court.

In June, Lollobrigido pleaded guilty to seven charges, including first-degree murder, two counts of malicious abduction, two counts of assault and battery on fam-

ily members and violating a protective order. The sentence is effectively a life term for the 52-year-old.

Lollobrigido was arrested for domestic assault charges on July 23, 2021, but was released from custody while awaiting trial, under the previous Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office administration. Six days later, Sheriff ’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call from Lollobrigido saying he had just killed his wife. Redman was found severely beaten and unconscious in a hallway. A bloody hammer was found

next to her on the floor. She survived in the hospital for a week before being removed from life-support.

During the Oct. 24 sentencing hearing, Redman’s aunt, Robin Chase, said Redman was a fighter that endured abuse from Lollobrigido for years.

“[She told me] I know he’s going to kill me; I just don’t know when,” Chase said.

The hearing was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. but was delayed after Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Snow was told Lollobrigido had indicated he would not appear. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office asked Snow to move forward with the hearing anyway. Instead, Snow ordered the Sheriff ’s Office to bring Lollobrigido to the courthouse within the hour.

Public Defender Adam Pouilliard said Lollobrigido is remorseful for his actions.

“I think I’m a good person that did a bad thing,” Lollobrigido said.

Commonwealth Attorney Bob Ander-

son said it was “a case that never should have happened.”

“Individuals that repeat violence need to be controlled,” Anderson said of the decision to release Lollobrigido on bond.

He said decisions about when to hold suspects without bond pending trial should be based on the history of their conduct, the severity of the crime, and the wishes of the victim.

Chase described Redman as a strong, giving person, who shared extra food with people whenever she could and would buy extra concert tickets for those who couldn’t afford one.

“She was failed by a protective system,” Chase said. “She survived the fight for a few days. She wanted to live.”

Snow said he respected that this case could have gone on longer if not for both parties reaching an agreement. He stressed that this was a situation with no good outcome for anyone. n

Man Charged in Fatal Home Explosion Assessed Leaking Tank Earlier that Day

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The propane company technician who faces criminal charges in the Feb. 16 explosion that killed one firefighter and injured 13 other people was aware of the home’s leaking underground tank, according to a search warrant that was unsealed this week.

Roger Bentley, 67, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and four other misdemeanors relating to the unlawful transfer, release, maintenance and control of liquid petroleum gas.

On Feb. 16 Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units responded to a 911 call about a gas leak in a Sterling home at 7:38 p.m. According to court documents, when they arrived, firefighters smelled propane in the air and evacuated residents from the home. Fifty minutes later the home exploded trapping several firefighters in its debris. Volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

It was determined that a propane leak stemmed from an underground 500-gallon tank and was ignited by an unknown source.

In the search warrant, Fire Marshal Ryan Boehret stated two Southern States employees had been at the home to examine the tank earlier that day.

According to the document, at approx-

imately 2:30 p.m. Southern States employee Michael Litten showed up at the home unannounced and started filling the tank. Litten began smelling propane and asked the homeowner why her tank was “locked out and unhooked” and he seemed “very frantic.”

Litten said he had contacted his supervisors at the company and that the tank would need to be dug up, or have remaining propane pumped out of the tank. He said the leak was likely attributable to the age of the tank.

Two hours later, Bentley, then a service technician at Southern States, arrived at the home. After assessing the tank, he told the homeowner he had decided to let the tank leak out the remaining propane and to “let it seep out of the ground and be on their merry way.”

The conversations between Bentley and the property owner were captured the home’s doorbell camera, according to the warrant.

During the incident, prior to the explosion, Lieutenant Chris Kerkstra and Captain Karam Mashaal spoke with Bentley about the tank.

Bentley said crews from Southern States would return to the home on Feb. 26 to address the issue.

HOME EXPLOSION continues on page 17

Home Explosion

continued from page 16

According to an indictment handed up by a grand jury Oct. 21, Bentley handled propane without proper certification. He faces up to 10 years in prison on the involuntary manslaughter charges.

According to the search warrant, Southern States identified a problem with the tank in 2021 but because the homeowner was not using the propane heater, the problem was not corrected, and the tank was not filled.

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 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

Can A Newspaper Be A

Just like PBS is viewer supported and NPR is listener supported, newspapers can be reader supported. Loudoun Now has become a nonprofit so we can continue our free non-partisan journalism and community commitment for years to come.

Towns

Purcellville Council Begins Work on Zoning Ordinance

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Purcellville Town Council last week began the work of reviewing the draft Zoning Ordinance approved by the Planning Commission in July.

Major changes to be implemented in the ordinance include the addition and modification of overlay districts; addition of a Historical Properties Overlay affecting processes for approval and demolition of residential structures; modifications to the Floodplain Overlay District to include stricter standards and regulations; removal of duplexes as a permitted use in the R-3 district and classifications of all PDH districts as “legacy” districts to prohibit their expansion.

During the council’s Oct. 22 meeting, Director of Planning and Community Development Summer Wilkes took the council through each of the first two sections of the ordinance covering an introduction to the ordinance and town’s base districts.

Changes proposed by the commission in these sections include rewriting the

nonconformities section to more similarly reflect Loudoun County government’s text, adding graphics to ease use, and defining rules of measurement.

The commission also designates cluster subdivisions with a legacy status, which preserves existing neighborhoods but prohibits the creation of any new ones. Wilkes said her team recommended allowing new cluster subdivisions with a more accurate definition. Cluster subdivisions allow for more flexibility on lot size and unit location with a lot.

“By right you can have 10,000 square feet minimum. If you do the cluster option you can have down to 7,000 square feet so it’s a slight tweak regarding lot size, but there’s not really a provision to set aside this amount of substantial open space so it’s not a true cluster,” Wilkes said.

That proposal was not supported by the Planning Commission.

The second article of the draft ordinance lists 15 base zoning districts within the town. On nine, Wilkes said her team largely aligned with recommendations by the commission. On an additional four she said they were aligned in goals with slightly differing views on how to

achieve them.

The remaining two districts, Wilkes said her team disagreed with the commission’s recommendations. Those are the Local Service Industrial and Limited Industrial district, which the Planning Commission recommended combining and renaming Industrial Business.

“The planning staff recommends to keep them as two separate for differing levels of intensity – heavy and light,” she said.

Wilkes also proposed creating two new districts: a Mixed-Use Neighborhood and a Planned Units Developments.

The MUN district would implement goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan she said, while the PUD would replace Planned Development Housing that the commission recommended designating as a legacy.

“Since the PDH is perhaps going away, staff recommends that we adopt some form of planned unit development strategy because essentially that allows a master plan to be before the council, it’s a tool in the toolbox,” she said.

Council members have taken no action so far to amend the draft proposal. n

Planning Commission Liaison Designated as Non-Voting Member

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Purcellville Town Council removed the voting right of its appointed liaison to the Planning Commission and created a new voting seat on the body during a meeting Oct. 22.

Traditionally, the Planning Commission has consisted of seven members, including a chair, vice chair and one member from council. Under the new changes, the body will have eight seats comprised of seven voting members and an additional non-voting representative from council.

The council representative will be able to ask questions and participate in discussions with the rest of the commission and will be responsible for facilitating communication between the two bodies.

“The rationale for there not being a

voting member was it doesn’t take away from citizen appointment; it allows for staff and Town Council to review, update and consolidate the entire Town Code as it applies to all committees; and it continues the long standing policy of not having Town Council members serve as voting members in committees with the exception of the Planning Commission,” Town Attorney Gifford Hampshire said.

Loudoun’s other western towns—except for Lovettsville, which does not have a council liaison on the commission—also have liaisons with a vote on the commission. Leesburg’s Town Council liaison does not serve as a voting member on its planning commission.

Council Member Carol Luke said she did not see what was wrong with that system.

Mayor Stanley J. Milan said the

HILLSBORO

Artists Plan Benefit for Helene Victims

The town is teaming up with area artists, performers and Winchester Old Time Jam to host a performance benefiting the North Carolina Arts Foundation Disaster Relief Fund.

The event is planned Nov. 10 at the Old Stone School with door opening at 6 p.m.

The Barnstormers and Furnace Mountain Trio will perform along with renowned caller and fiddler Ron Buchanan.

Food will be available from Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery and Ford’s Fish Shack, beers from Old 690 Brewing Company and local wines. Advance tickets are available, with a suggested donation of $15.

“We are honored to have been approached by local artists to partner in this program,” said Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance. “Much like our own arts community, North Carolina’s is dependent upon vibrant venues, galleries and visitors for their survival. This is an effort to give them a hand to help make a rapid recovery.”

Some Asheville artists are also expected to attend.

Michelle Pellatt of Stephens City, and Gina Faber of Lovettsville are area musicians leading the effort and will be performing with The Barnstormers.

majority of localities in Virginia had implemented the same rules. He said allowing the council member to vote at the commission level essentially gave the member two votes on a single issue.

“We’ve experienced that error in our own voting. Our liaison voted for a motion in the Planning Commission and then voted against it in the Town Council meeting, so that’s two votes. It should be one vote per person for any issue,” he said. “… We’re aligning ourselves with the rest of the state and the rest of the county for that.”

“From a legal point of view, the way it’s structured is that the Town Council receives a recommendation from the Planning Commission.

COMMISSION LIAISON continues on page 19

For more information about the event, go to oldstoneschool.org.

LUCKETTS

Ruritan Scholarship Applications Open

The Lucketts Memorial Scholarship applications are available on the Lucketts Ruritan website.

Students may apply for a scholarship to attend a four-year college or university, or students may apply for a scholarship to attend a community college. Applicants will only compete with other students in their category.

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 20

Halloween Party Returns to Dillon’s Woods

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Witches, superheroes, monsters and aliens once again roamed Dillon’s Woods over on Saturday night as community members gathered to celebrate Purcellville’s Halloween Party hosted by Michael Oaks and Kim Patterson.

The event included costume contests for all age groups, the best dressed pets and a division for coordinated groups of three or more. The event also featured dance and mixed martial arts performances and screaming contests to find Purcellville’s eeriest screamer.

Commission Liaison

continued from page 18

So, if you have a member of the Planning Commission receiving a recommendation that he or she voted on, it becomes difficult,” Hampshire said.

Council Member Christopher Bertaut, who currently serves as the commission liaison, said creating an eight-member commission conflicts with the Town Charter.

“A member is a member. The charter does not distinguish between voting and non-voting,” he said. “… what is the liaison if they’re not a member?”

Hampshire said the liaison was not really a member of the body. Planner Jordan Andrews said that position was consistent with other boards in the town like the Board of Architectural Review.

“The BAR is a five member [body] and they have a liaison who is non-voting. They don’t count towards a quorum,” he said.

Bertaut also asked if there was any documentation to prove that the majority of planning commissions around the state have non-voting liaisons.

Milan said it would be an easy thing to research and said the county does not have a voting member from the Board of Supervisors on the Planning Commission.

Vice Mayor Erin Rayner said just because the town had been doing something one way for a long time does not mean it’s the right way.

“My general feeling on this is that it’s generally seen as a conflict of interest for a council member serving as a liaison to the Planning Commission to be also a voting member,” she said. “… We need to maintain clear boundaries between advisory and decision-making bodies.”

Families had the opportunity to shop from food trucks, buy beer from the American Legion, craft and even see a Batmobile up close. n

The motion to approve the change passed 6-1 with Bertaut opposed and will take effect Jan. 1.

During that same meeting, the council also worked to create a term for the newly created seat on the commission.

Council Member Caleb Stought said when the seventh member of the commission was a Town Council member, a majority of the Planning Commission had the opportunity to shift every two years since the six regular members were appointed to staggered four-year terms. The seventh member, the liaison, was appointed by the mayor, who was elected every two years.

Now a majority of the Planning Commission could remain for four years, Stought said.

Assistant Town Manager Diana Hays said the commission terms were not specifically set up to mirror the Town Council, although they could be changed to do so.

Milan said he did not think that was a good idea because it did not cultivate difference of opinions.

“Getting members to coincide with the philosophy of the Town Council would be counterproductive to getting an open and fair evaluation of what is needed for the town,” he said. “… it doesn’t sit right with me.”

Council Member Kevin Wright disagreed, saying who residents elected as council members could indicate that they wanted to see changes on the Planning Commission.

Stought said the seventh member could be appointed to two-year terms, rather than four, to address that concern. Alternatively, Hampshire said existing terms could be extended.

A motion directing staff to research the options more thoroughly passed 6-0-1 with Bertaut abstaining. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Contestants offer their best scream at Purcellville’s ‘Halloween Party in the Woods’ Oct. 26.

1000 Miglia Race Kicks Off in Middleburg

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Two dozen racers lined up in Middleburg Oct. 24 to kick off the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA, cheered on by residents and students.

This is the town’s fifth year to welcome drivers who are competing over three days for a spot in the famous Italian Mille Miglia next year.

The racers gathered in town on Tuesday for briefings and training ahead of Thursday morning’s 300-kilometer run

to Barboursville Vineyards and back. On Friday, the drivers competed for the Middleburg Cup in timed races during a downtown block party from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday’s racecourse included stops at the Congressional Country Club and the Italian embassy.

Racers competed 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 included a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750

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

AROUND towns

continued from page 18

Lucketts-area residents who are seniors in public or private high school, or a homeschool student planning to continue your education are eligible.  Applications and supporting documents are due by March 15. Apply at luckettsruritan.org/scholarship.

PURCELLVILLE

Applications Open for Christmas Parade

Applications to participate in the town’s Christmas parade, planned for Dec. 14, have opened.

The slots are available on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until Wednesday, Dec. 4 or until the parade is at capacity. The applications can be found online at purcellvilleva.gov under the events tab.

WATERFORD

Final Lyceum Series Planned Sunday

GS Spider Zagato and a 1950 Ferrari 166 touring coupe.

Race Advisor Mark Gessler introduced each of the drivers Thursday morning. He said the Mille Miglia race is looked forward to by Italian citizens all year.

“It’s like having the Indianapolis 500 come through little towns just like this one all over Italy, and they’re running on dirt roads. Can you believe it?” he told the crowd.

The cars lined up for the start on North Madison Street on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. n

The Lyceum Program Series, sponsored by the Waterford Foundation Education Committee, is hosting its final 2024 event and will focus on former Loudoun resident Arthur Godfrey.

The event will take place Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Waterford Old School at 3 p.m. and will include a short video with period film footage narrated by Godfrey himself, followed by candid interviews and behind the scenes stories from his daughter Patti Godfrey Schmidt, and his granddaughters Laura Dunlop and Mary Amons. The program will be moderated by Tom Edmonds. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Jeffrey Morgan Gault and Aidan French drive their Jaguar MK1 past the starting line as students from Middleburg Charter School cheer them on their way as part of the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA Oct. 24.

Gold Cup Runs at Glenwood

The Virginia Gold Cup moved from its traditional home at Great Meadows in Fauquier County to Glenwood Park near Middleburg on Sunday. While the 99-year-old event’s temporary venue could accommodate a smaller crowd, spectators enjoyed ideal fall weather for a day of horse racing

and—perhaps more importantly for some—tailgating.

The races offered purses of more than $400,000. Among the top winners were Upland Partners’ Mystic Strike in the International Gold Cup, and Molly and Paul Willis’ Carloun in $150,000 The William H. Allison Stakes. n

Photos by Norman K. Styer

LIVE MUSIC

JEREMIAH PROPHETT

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

DAVE MININBERG

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

NATE DAVIS

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

ROOK RICHARDS

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

DANIEL MENSH

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

JASON MASI

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

GREG KNELLER

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

ONE BLUE NIGHT

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

SCOTT KURT

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

RED CLAY JAZZ

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

NOAH “RED” HAWES

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

Juliet Lloyd’s ‘Carnival’ Explores the Highs and Lows of Love

BY DANA ARMSTRONG darmstrong@getoutloudoun.com

carnival season is just beginning. Lloyd’s new album, “Carnival,” released on Oct.

Summer might be a distant memory, but for singer-songwriter Juliet Lloyd, carnival season is just beginning. Lloyd’s new album, “Carnival,” released on Oct. 25, marks her first major recording project in 17 years. She is celebrating her new era with an album release show at the Barns of Hamilton Station on Friday night.

When Get Out Loudoun last spoke with Lloyd in 2022, she had just transitioned back into becoming a full-time musician. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she spent the early 2000s gigging around Boston and recording two studio albums.

In 2009, she traded that lifestyle for the stability of a corporate job in the DMV. But like many, the pandemic served as a reckoning point for Lloyd. With so many of her creative outlets shut down, she couldn’t justify returning to her day job.

“There’s something about having [live performances] taken away, you sort of reassess what’s important,” Lloyd said.

“For me, there was still something pulling me back into music. … Maybe I even have more to say now than I did when I first tried to do this as a profession years and years ago. I was much younger then and hadn’t lived a life,” she said.

Lloyd now performs over 150 shows a year. Though she lives in Maryland, she regularly serenades patrons of Loudoun’s breweries and wineries with a mix of covers and originals.

What was the catalyst for returning to the recording studio? Many things, but most notably, Dachshunds and Todd Wright.

Around Valentine’s Day in 2023, Lloyd participated in a Beatles Love Songs show with a local promoter. The evening featured a talented array of DMV musicians, including herself and Loudoun singer/ songwriter and producer Todd Wright.

“I remember [Wright] was on stage introducing one of the songs he was about to sing. He mentioned that his Valentines are his Dachshunds, which is really cool because I have Dachshunds,” Lloyd said.

“Dachshund people are a special kind of people, and you sort of know when you meet another one, you’re like, ‘OK, you’re cool.’”

Naturally, Lloyd met up with Wright backstage to exchange photos of their dogs. This, along with their shared love of music, sparked an instant comradery between them. The two soon started hanging out and writing songs together.

go on the rides, and it’s so fun. But then it leaves, and you’re left with this empty parking lot.”

In many ways, she discovered the carnival was a deeply personal metaphor for the highs and lows of relationships throughout our lives, the memories we retain from them, and how we move on.

“Search Your Soul” is a disco-inspired tune that references “funhouse mirrors” and confidently calls out toxic exes. Ballads like “When Love Comes Round Again” describe the often-difficult self-healing process of reopening your heart. Her single “Pretty,” released earlier in the year, warns about the dangers of narcissists and young love.

“Someone [reached out about ‘Pretty’ and] didn’t think it was fair. I have a different impression of that,” Lloyd said.

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 23

Ideas for the album’s second track, “The Spring,” emerged from her and Wright’s first studio session. From its slow

and haunting opening plucked guitar notes to its beautiful imagery and bleak refrain, the song set the stage for a truly dynamic album.

Interestingly enough, though, “The Spring” was one of the first songs they worked on, it also became one of the last they finished for the album. According to Lloyd, that was one of the luxuries of her and Wright’s 15-month-long recording process.

“I was writing, recording, and basically touring non-stop for that 15-month period. It was a lot of multitasking. But what I loved about this extended process: number one, it let me work with Todd Wright, who is amazing … and we had so much space to be creative.”

Lloyd would often write a song and test it out during her gigs around Loudoun. That real-time feedback let her know which songs most resonated with her audiences.

The album’s nine tracks transcend genre, moving between indie pop, folk, soul, and rock as effortlessly as Lloyd glides across the notes of her vocal runs. Thematically and sometimes sonically, the work is united by her title track, “Carnival,” which was directly inspired by a fateful car ride during the recording process.

“I remember I was driving on 270. I looked over and I saw a carnival set up in the Clarksburg Premium Outlet’s parking lots. It just brought back this flood of nostalgia,” Lloyd said.

“It was really interesting for me to explore this idea of the two sides of the carnival. On the one hand, you have the joys—the sights and the smells, and you

The final song she recorded for the album, “Call Your Wife,” was written in response to that reaction. She credits Wright for “working his magic” on the production side. Accompanied by Lloyd’s biting lyrics, the backing track mocks the tones of a carnival organ before twisting into a vengeful rock song.

Of course, the theme of the carnival provided Lloyd ample opportunities to play with imagery. The artwork on her singles mimic tarot cards, her music video features abandoned Ferris wheels and swings, and her album cover poses Lloyd on the back of an old-time circus wagon.

Now that “Carnival” is out, it’s only fitting that Lloyd takes her show on the road. She celebrates with four album release performances in November and December—two in Virginia and two in her home state of New York.

“When you have an opportunity to do a show that’s just all of your own music, it’s really fun to look back and put the songs together in a way that tells the story of you as a songwriter. I’m really excited to do that at all the release shows,” said Lloyd.

She will be joined by a backing band and perform all nine songs from “Carnival.” Additionally, she’ll resurface some favorites from her past albums.

“I’ve been placing a big bet on this album. It’s definitely my most ambitious project, especially coming back at this a second time around … the production, the sound, the vocal performances. I think the songwriting is so much stronger than what I was doing earlier in my career.”

“There’s something for everybody in this album. And so, I’m really hoping this can find its way into as many people’s earbuds or stereos or whatever else as possible.”

Juliet Lloyd’s album “Carnival” is available now on all streaming platforms. See her touring schedule at julietlloyd.com/tour. n

Photo by Anna Haas

Juliet Lloyd continues her post-pandemic return to working full time as a musician with the release of a new nine-track album.

BEST BETS

GOLD DUST WOMAN

Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Gold Dust Woman celebrates the legendary and beloved career of Stevie Nicks from the classic songs of Fleetwood Mac to her long solo career.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 22

JULIET LLOYD

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

THE POP CHICKS

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. $20. oldoxbrewery.com

JEREMIAH PROPHETT

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com

GAELIC STORM

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $35. tallyhotheater.com

JULIET LLOYD ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

SKRIBE

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

SIDEPIECE

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

TOMMY GANN

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

DEANE KERN AND ERIC SELBY

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN SHOW

Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org

The Country Gentlemen Show honors the past by preserving musical tradition while looking to the future with original material that stays true to the style of the original Country Gentlemen.

PARADOX DUO

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

DAVID THONG

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

RICHARD WALTON

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

Bluemont Station Brewery, 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont. facebook.com/BluemontStationBreweryandWinery

NEW LEGACY BLUES

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

BRIAN FRANKE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

JASON MASI

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

DAVID ANDREW SMITH

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com

CHRIS COMPTON

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

ZACH JONES

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

GARY SMALLWOOD

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

THE LAST MATCH

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

MARION SHEAFFER

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

BOURBON MOON BAND

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com

THE RAG WEEDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

KEN WENZEL

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

RYAN SILL

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

JIM STEELE

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

ROBERT MABE

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

LOW WATER BRIDGE

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

ROWDY ACE TRIO

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

CHRIS BOWEN

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

THE QUADROPHENIACS

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

CHRIS HANKS

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com

GOLD DUST WOMAN

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com

THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN SHOW 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. $22. luckettsbluegrass.com

LOUDOUN SYMPHONIC WINDS: THE PLANETS

7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Watson Mountain Middle School, 41480 Steeplechase Drive, Leesburg. $10. loudounsymphony.org

THE SHADE TREE COLLECTIVE 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

LOST LOCALS

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 24

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 23

REDSKINS ALUMNI MARCHING BAND

12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

DANIEL MENSH

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarm.com

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

Mt. Defiance Cider Barn, 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg. mtdefiance.com

ROOK RICHARDS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

FORK IN THE ROAD

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

JULIET LLOYD TRIO

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

LIBERTY STREET

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

KARAOKE WITH MICHELLE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

OWEN & LEIGH

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7

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

TEJAS SINGH

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7

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

HOLLY MONTGOMERY

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 1608 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. plazaazteca.com/leesburg

HAPPENINGS

THE DRACULA EXPERIENCE

7 & 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

7 & 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

7 & 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor, 312 E. Market St., Leesburg. $40. nauthuman.com

FIRST FRIDAY

4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

Downtown Leesburg, 7 Loudoun St. SW., Leesburg. leesburgfirstfriday.com

A CITIZEN’S SHORT COURSE ON THE CONSTITUTION

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1

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

JOE DOWNER

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

THE SHORT HILL MOUNTAIN BOYS

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

MODEL AIRPLANE & DRONE FLYING FEST FUNDRAISER

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Xelevate, 13870 Taylorstown Road, Leesburg. modelaircraft.org/club/xelevate-flying-club

PROJECT COMMUNITY

CONNECT RESOURCE FAIR

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Northern Virginia Community College, 21200 Campus Drive, Sterling. unitedwaynca.org

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

ELIJAH MYERS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

ROB HOEY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

MIKE TASH, MARY SHAVER AND BOB MALLARDI

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

LAURA FARRELL

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

PURCELLVILLE ARTISAN TOUR

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Purcellville Area purcellvilleartisantour.com

LBB VINTAGE MARKET

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

LOUDOUN SKETCH CLUB 80TH ANNIVERSARY

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

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

THE “REAL” ARTHUR GODFREY STORY

3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3

Waterford Old School Auditorium, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. waterfordfoundation.org

WRITING IN NATURE

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7

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

‘An Appetizer to Christmas’ Loudoun Residents Get Creative with Halloween Displays

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Bill Incatasciato is known for organizing a map of all the best Christmas decorations and displays in the county, but this year he’s expanding that effort to include Halloween displays as well.

Incatasciato’s Christmas light Facebook page, which usually remains quiet throughout the year, has come alive this month as he’s organized a Halloween themed, color-coded map of all the best spooky decorations around.

“It’s almost like it’s an offshoot because when I was doing the whole Christmas thing I realized that people who did big shows also do Halloween displays,” he said.

An avid decorator, Incatasciato said he likes bringing the community in to appreciate the work that goes into organizing, planning and executing a massive display.

“Some of these people go up and you have ‘30 Days of Terror’ or fun depending on what they like,” he said. “Some people do a haunted house where you walk through their garage or backyard. Others are just displays,” he said.

One decorator, who refers to himself as “CarnEvil,” has expanded his haunted house out of his garage into the neighborhood community pool area.

“Halloween is really just an appetizer to Christmas,” Incatasciato said.

Sterling, which Incatasciato refers to as “Shriek Town” has some of the best clusters of displays for families wanting to spend an evening going around and viewing multiple homes, he said.

Part of Ashburn has its own decorating contest, which the public is invited to weigh in on and vote for their favorite display.

For Loudoun’s most dedicated decorators, holiday displays, whatever the holiday, is the best time of year.

“Some people go and do crafting, they do decorating,” Incatasciato said.

It’s a lot of work for Incatasciato who searches for the best decorations around the county himself. He also creates a map, color-coded by the time of displays: lights, animatronics or projection displays.

It’s just something to do,” he said. “I want to make sure people can see where all these are. The people who do these displays put a lot of effort in it. I want people to come see what I’ve done. That’s why I did it, to share.”

But he said he relies on the community’s help to provide photos and information of their own displays to be added to the map.

Families can follow the list of displays at Incatasciato’s Loudoun Christmas Lights Facebook page. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Decorations

in full force at some houses along Rhonda Place in Leesburg ahead of Halloween.

Living 50+

A Transformative Time to Secure Your Future

As many individuals in their 50s approach retirement age, it’s crucial to reassess financial strategies to ensure a comfortable and secure future. With just a decade or so left before retirement, now is the time to refine your planning. Here are some essential tips for effective retirement planning during this pivotal decade.

Before making any changes, take a comprehensive look at your current financial status. This includes assessing your savings, investments, and any outstanding debts. Understanding where you stand will help you set realistic retirement goals.

If you haven’t maxed out contributions to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, now is the time to do so. For those aged 50 and over, catch-up contributions allow you to save more. In 2024, you can contribute an additional

$7,500 to your 401(k) and $1,000 to your IRA, giving you a valuable boost.

As you age, it’s essential to adjust your investment strategy. While maintaining some growth-oriented investments is important, consider shifting towards more conservative options to protect your assets. A balanced portfolio can help mitigate risks while still allowing for growth.

A realistic budget is vital for understanding how much you’ll need in retirement. Factor in essential expenses like housing, healthcare, and daily living costs, as well as discretionary spending for travel and leisure. This will give you a clearer picture of your financial needs.

Healthcare is one of the most significant expenses in retirement. Start researching Medicare options and consider supplemental insurance to cover additional costs. Estimating future

healthcare expenses now can save you from financial strain later.

If you’re worried about your retirement savings, think about continuing to work part-time during retirement. This can supplement your income and allow you to delay withdrawals from your retirement accounts, ultimately increasing your nest egg.

Navigating retirement planning can be complex. Consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized strategies based on your unique situation. They can help you assess your portfolio, plan for taxes, and ensure you’re on track to meet your goals.

Understanding your Social Security benefits is crucial. The age at which you choose to start receiving benefits can significantly impact your monthly payments. Educate yourself on how benefits are calculated and consider your

options carefully.

Reducing debt should be a priority as you approach retirement. Focus on paying down high-interest debt, such as credit cards, and aim to enter retirement with minimal financial burdens.

Retirement planning is not a onetime task. Regularly review your plans and make adjustments as needed. Life changes, market fluctuations, and new financial goals can all influence your strategy.

As individuals in their 50s prepare for the next phase of life, following these tips can help lay the groundwork for a secure and fulfilling retirement. With careful planning and informed decisions, this decade can be a transformative time for a prosperous future. n

The Villas at SVWC is our newest offering of luxury maintenance-free apartment homes. Open floor plans, nine-foot ceilings and designer finishes offer a personal oasis with easy access to dining venues, indoor pool, art studio and more. Call now to learn more before rates go up in the new year.

Embracing Autumn: The Best Fall Activities for Active Seniors

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, fall offers an opportunity for seniors to engage in activities that promote both physical health and mental well-being. This season, active seniors are finding creative ways to enjoy the outdoors while staying fit and connected. Here are some of the best fall activities for those looking to make the most of the season.

1. Leaf Peeping Hikes

Loudoun is hitting the peak of the vibrant fall foliage. Many area parks offer hikes that allow seniors to enjoy breathtaking views of changing leaves. These trails cater to various fitness levels, making it easy for seniors to participate at their own pace. Plus, the fresh air and natural beauty can boost mood and reduce stress.

2. Gardening

For those with a green thumb, fall is the perfect time for gardening. Seniors can enjoy planting seasonal flowers or harvesting vegetables from their gardens. Community gardening programs are also an excellent way to engage with neighbors and share tips while reaping the benefits of fresh produce.

3. Outdoor Yoga and Tai Chi

Many communities offer outdoor yoga and Tai Chi classes during the fall months. These gentle exercises enhance flexibility, balance, and strength, making them ideal for seniors. Practicing in a serene outdoor setting can also deepen relaxation and mindfulness, allowing participants to fully appreciate the beauty of the season.

4. Pumpkin Picking and Festivals

Even you missed Loudoun’s recent Fall Farms Tour, there is still timpe to visits a pumpkin patch to get in some light physical activity like walking and lifting. Many farms are hosing fall festivals featuring hayrides, corn mazes, and live music. These events provide seniors with a festive atmosphere to socialize and enjoy seasonal treats.

5. Nature Photography

With the picturesque landscapes of fall, seniors can explore photography as a new hobby. Whether using a smartphone or a traditional camera, capturing the vibrant colors and serene environments can inspire creativity and encourage regular outings. Local photography clubs often host workshops,

providing both instruction and social interaction.

6. Volunteering

Fall is a great time to give back to the community. Many organizations seek volunteers for food drives, community gardens, and events like Halloween celebrations. Volunteering not only helps others but also keeps seniors active and connected with their community.

This fall, seniors have a plethora of activities to promote health, socialization, and enjoyment of nature. Whether hiking through a scenic trail, participating in a local festival, or honing a new skill, the season presents an opportunity for active seniors to embrace life to the fullest. As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, it’s essential to stay engaged and celebrate the beauty that autumn brings. n

To register for this free program, call 703-777-0259 or email

If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of

or need language assistance to participate, please contact adaptrec@loudoun.gov, 703-777-0343, TTY-771.

Fall Back: Shifting From Daylight Saving Time

As the clocks fall back this Sunday, millions across the United States will transition to standard time, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. While many welcome the extra hour of sleep, the shift can disrupt sleep patterns and routines, prompting health experts to offer advice on adjusting smoothly.

The time change occurs at 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, when clocks are set back one hour. This annual adjustment can affect not only sleep cycles but also mood and productivity. Experts warn that the transition can lead to an increase in accidents and health issues due to the disruption of circadian rhythms.

To ease the transition, sleep specialists recommend gradually adjusting bedtime by 15-30 minutes in the days leading up to the change. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule,

minimizing screen time before bed, and creating a calming nighttime routine can help mitigate the effects of the shift.

Local communities are also responding to the time change. Many schools and businesses are reminding families about the adjustment, with some municipalities organizing community events that encourage outdoor activities in the earlier daylight hours.

While some advocate for the permanent adoption of Daylight Saving Time, this seasonal shift remains a biannual routine. As residents embrace the longer evenings, the focus now turns to adapting to the new schedule and ensuring a smooth transition into the winter months. n

Legal Notices

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

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

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

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (VMRC #2024-0754) is requesting a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to construct a clear span bridge across Broad Run adjacent to Westwind Drive in Loudoun County.

You may provide comments on this application (VMRC #2024-0754) at https://webapps.mrc. virginia.gov/public/habitat/comments/

We will accept comments by the USPS provided they are received within l5 days of this notice to: Marine Resources Commission, Habitat Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Hampton, VA 23651. 10/31/24

ABC LICENSE

900 Holdings LLC, trading as 900 Degrees Brick Oven Pizza, 609 E Main St. STE A, Purcellville, VA 20132. 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.

10/31 & 11/07/24

ABC LICENSE

Ford’s on Maine East Gate LLC, trading as Ford’s Fish Shack, 25411 Eastern Marketplace Plaza #100, Chantilly, 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.

10/31 & 11/07/24

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 PURCELLVILLE COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD VACANCIES

The Purcellville Town Council will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews for appointments to fill vacancies on the following:

o Board of Zoning Appeals

o Economic Development Advisory Committee

o Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

o Planning Commission

Information on each of the committees can be found on the Town’s website. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2024

Citizens interested in serving on any of the above should complete and submit an application along with a letter of interest and/or resume outlining your qualifications. An online application can be found on the Town’s website at http://purcellvilleva.gov/forms.aspx?FID=78 . You may also pick up an application at Town Hall 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

If you have any questions concerning the vacant positions or the appointment process, please do not hesitate to contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk at (540) 338-7421.

10/31 & 11/07/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS:

CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE TOWN CODE

In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, Sections 15.2-1427 and 15.2-1731 et seq., the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA

at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on proposed adoption of an ordinance adding new Town Code Sections 2-277 through 2-285 for the establishment of an auxiliary police officer program. The ordinance will allow the Town to hire and certify volunteers able to conduct a variety of support and administrative assignments for the Leesburg Polic Department, in accordance with rules and policies to be adopted by the Chief of Police.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available from the Town Clerk, located in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); or by calling Eileen Boeing, Town Clerk, at 703-771-2733.

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

10/31 & 11/07/24

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

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

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT OF THE PAYMENT IN-LIEU PARKING FEE IN THE H-1, OVERLAY, OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT INCORPORATED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FEE SCHEDULE

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-107, 15.2-2204, and 15-2.2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176

at which time, the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on an ordinance amending the Payment in-lieu Parking Fee in the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District, as applicable under Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance Section 11.4.3 and incorporated in the Department of Community Development Fee Schedule, from the current fee amount of $8,254.60 per parking space to $16,800.00 per parking space, with continued annual adjustments in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.

Copies of the ordinance and additional information regarding the amended fee are available at the Department of Community Development located on the 222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 200, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by contacting Brian Boucher, Deputy Director, via email at bboucher@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone at 703-771-2774.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 10/31 & 11/07/24

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.

YEAR MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE NUMBER

2019 TOYOTA CAMRY 4T1B11HK0KU839557 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

1998 INFINITI QX4 JNRAR05Y8WW039434 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

10/24 & 10/31/2024

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.

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE LEESBURG TOWN PLAN INCLUDING UPDATES TO THE CRESCENT DISTRICT MASTER PLAN AND UPDATES TO VARIOUS SECTIONS OF LEGACY LEESBURG TO REFLECT THE UPDATES

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 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 to consider amendments to the Crescent District Master Plan (CDMP) and the Legacy Leesburg components of the Town Plan. The CDMP is a Small Area Comprehensive Plan as described in Va. Code § 15.2-2303.4.E and is designated as a revitalization and redevelopment area. The CDMP is included in the Legacy Leesburg component of the Town Plan by reference. The CDMP will provide new and updated policy guidance for the Crescent District as depicted in the figure below. The updated CDMP will reduce the overall size of the Crescent Area Planning Designation in Legacy Leesburg, establish new “place types” and land use policy guidance to supplement the Town Plan, and provide new policy guidance regarding streetscape and roadway planning.

The proposed Town Plan Amendments will also include revisions to various other sections of Legacy Leesburg to recognize the CDMP and allow its policies to supersede certain policies already in Legacy Leesburg. Revisions will include but not be limited to a revised map showing a reduced size of the Crescent Area and revisions to various policies in Legacy Leesburg that reference the CDMP and planning efforts surrounding the CDMP.

The CDMP will include the following topics:

• An introduction with discussion of the CDMP purpose, planning process, history, current issues, emerging trends, and planning context;

• A discussion of the CDMP planning objectives including the vision, goals, guiding principles, organizational framework, and opportunities and constraints;

• Updated transportation policy including discussion of future streets and blocks, street design recommendations, pedestrian infrastructure, parking, and transit;

• New CDMP place types with supplemental land use guidance including “Activity Center”, “Commercial Corridor”, and “Mixed Density Residential”;

• Implementation policies that address zoning recommendations, streetscape recommendations, financing recommendations, architectural guidelines, site design guidelines, and building retrofit guidelines.

Additional information about these proposed Town Plan amendments and copies are available at the Department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by visiting the Town website: http://www.leesburgva.gov/crescentdistrict, or by calling Richard Klusek, Land Use Manager, at 703-771-2758 or by emailing rklusek@leesburgva.gov. This Town Plan Amendment is identified as case number TLTPAM2024-0002, “Crescent District Master Plan Update”.

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

10/31 & 11/07/24

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.

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.

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

Assistant Project Manager for Construction or Project Manager

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

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

Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer

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

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

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

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering/Construction Management or relevant field

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

• Entr y-level/mid-level Position

Contact Info:

Katherine Hicks

305 Harrison Street STE 100

Leesburg, VA 20175

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

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

SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.org

TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.org

VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.org

CRYSTAL MONNINGER Account Executive cmonninger@loudounnow.org

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

Opinion

Your Turn

The national electorate is split down the middle in polling for the presidential campaign. Heading into the election, voters on both sides largely share one concern: They are worried about the future of the country once the votes are tallied.

This is the time when you have a say in the direction we take—in the Oval Office, on Capitol Hill and even your town council’s chambers.

Go Vote.

End the Fighting Editor:

This November is important because it will be Election Day. But sadly, the world seems less safe and I think our country can do more to help.

I have just started middle school and I am now 12 years old. Even though I am too young to vote, I want all the adults to think about the issue of war when they go to the polls. Our country should realize that we should not support war in other countries by sending money and weapons to continue this fighting.

It has been almost a full year since the war in Gaza started, which is now going into Lebanon. Many people have lost their homes and they do not have enough to eat. They are suffering a lot. Tens of thousands of people including thousands of children have been killed. Many children in Gaza have not been able to return to school. As a middle-schooler, I don’t think other kids deserve to be sad or scared. They should be able to feel safe and go to school.

Seeing reports of these wars on the news makes me sad because there are many innocent people who just want to live normal lives. I get scared thinking that people have family that might have died or gotten hurt. If I could vote, it would be for whoever ends the fighting in the world. I

LETTERS to the Editor

hope the adults old enough to vote go and vote for peace, because this will help us all.

— Fareeha Iqbal, Chantilly

Safeguarding the Process

Editor:

I’m writing to express concern over a troubling incident a voter in Loudoun County recently faced while exercising her right to vote. Her experience is disheartening and illustrates the lengths some individuals go to discourage, or even prevent, citizens from voting.

On a recent Saturday, this voter went to cast her ballot, proudly wearing her Biden-Harris shirt – a choice completely within Virginia’s voting regulations, which allow voters to wear political apparel at polling locations.

Unfortunately, she encountered an aggressive Republican volunteer outside the polling station who repeatedly tried to block her entry and falsely claimed she couldn’t vote in her shirt, even suggesting her vote “wouldn’t count.” Despite her attempts to proceed, this individual persisted, creating an intimidating and uncomfortable experience that could easily have dissuaded a less informed or more vulnerable voter from exercising their rights.

A Democratic volunteer reported that the Republican volunteer had been

intimidating voters all day and encouraged the voter to voice her concerns to the election officer. Even after reporting this behavior, the response was limited due to technicalities about physical boundaries. Thankfully, this voter was brave enough to file a formal complaint, when other voters had been too afraid to do so out of fear of backlash or harassment.

Voting is a fundamental right, and no one should face intimidation or misinformation when they try to participate in our democracy. While political discourse may be heated, every election official, volunteer, and advocate should uphold standards of conduct that protect voter access, not restrict it.

This incident is a reminder of how critical it is to be vigilant about protecting the voting process and ensuring all voices are heard. Loudoun County must continue to ensure a safe, fair, and respectful environment for every citizen. I hope we can all recognize the importance of safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes.

— Heather Gottlieb, Leesburg

Add your voice to the conversation.

Send your letters to letters@loudounnow.org

READERS’ poll

Should the Loudoun government offer services to import workers from surrounding communities?

62.1% No, not a good use of tax funds

16.7% No, focus on affordable housing

8.6% Yes, it will help businesses

7.6% It's unlikely to make a difference

5.1% Yes, it will help employees

Going into Election Day, how are you feeling about the direction of the country?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

Wine Awards

continued from page 3

Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said it is that dedication and collaborative spirit that has made the county’s countryside a destination for visitors, now up to 1 million annually.

“You are growing year over year. You are doing it right,” she said.

The Top Tastes of 2024

In this year’s Loudoun Wine Awards competition, 19 wines earned gold medal ratings.

During the pre-program tasting at the Loudoun Wine Awards ceremony, attendees were drawn to the remarkable notes of Iron Will Winery’s 2023 Sparkling Viognier; it was named the best sparkling wine in the competition.

Here are the Best-in-Class award winners you’ll want to sample on your next winery tour:

Best Sparkling Wine: Iron Will Winery & Vineyard’s Sparkling Viognier 2023

Best Hybrid White: Quartzwood’s Chardonel 2023

Good Spirit Farm Winery’s Albariño 2023

Best Chardonnay:

Williams Gap Vineyard’s Chardonnay 2022

Best Sauvignon Blanc:

Endhardt Vineyard’s Upper Bloc 2023

Best Viognier: Kalero Vineyard’s Viognier 2020

Best Petit Manseng: Hillsborough Vineyards’ Opal 2022

Best Rosé:

Three Creeks Winery’s Rosé 2021

Best Cabernet Franc:

Bluemont Vineyard’s Cabernet Franc 2021

Best Merlot:

Williams Gap Vineyard’s Black Label 2021

Best Petit Verdot:

Three Creeks Winery’s Petit Verdot 2022

Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Greenhill Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Best Bordeaux Blend: Endhardt Vineyard’s Fervor Red 2021

Best Tannat:

Walsh Family Wine’s Tannat 2021

Giving Back to the Place That Helped Raise Me

BY JOSHUA ETEMADI

Born in Fauquier County and raised in Sterling where I attended Potomac Falls High School, I’m a proud resident of Loudoun County. My father, an immigrant from Iran, chose Sterling because it was diverse and welcoming—a place where our family could belong.

Looking back, it’s clear we were likely part of what United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) calls the “ALICE” population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Like many families, we weren’t in poverty but lived with financial uncertainty. Both my parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. I’ll never forget my dad telling me at one point he had just one dollar in his wallet and hoped nothing bad would happen so we could get through the week. Through it all, they taught my family the importance of hard work, gratitude, and giving back.

As chair of the United Way NCA Loudoun County Regional Council, I see a community that mirrors my family’s experience in many ways. Loudoun is known as one of the country’s wealthiest counties, but many families struggle beneath that reputation. According to a recent ALICE report, of the 143,195 households in Loudoun County, 24% fall below the ALICE threshold of $117,708 annual income for a family of four.

In Sterling and other parts of the county, ALICE families are working hard but still falling short—juggling bills, childcare, and the rising cost of living. These are neighbors who are employed but living on the edge. Like my father with his sole dollar, some families are only one unexpected expense away from financial disaster.

The truth is, anyone can find themselves in the ALICE category. Life is unpredictable, and even those who work hard can struggle to stay afloat. As a father myself, I understand how stressful it can be to provide for a family, and I can’t imagine the pressure on parents who are barely scraping by. That’s why supporting community events that help our neighbors stay or get back on their feet are so important.

Loudoun Campus. For my friends and neighbors who are ALICE or experiencing homelessness and don’t know where to turn, this event offers a lifeline.

What makes this effort even more meaningful to me is that one of the local pantries we’re supporting through the Loudoun Regional Council is based at Park View High School. Even though Park View was one of my alma mater Potomac Falls’ biggest rivals, I’m proud to give back to a place that needs our support. Supporting this pantry and organizing resources across the community feels symbolic—showing that, in the end, we’re all on the same team.

I’ve also seen firsthand how connections between nonprofits and community partners can change lives. For example, at a previous United Way NCA’s annual Project Community Connect event in Washington, DC, I met a man experiencing homelessness whose story stuck with me. He wasn’t someone just looking for handouts—he had held a job and an apartment, and life was going well until unexpected circumstances knocked him off course. But through Project Community Connect, he was able to access the support needed to regain some stability. During a PCC event, participants have access to everything from utility assistance to healthcare support—all in one place, on one day.

Our county has changed a lot since I was a kid running around Sterling, but one thing remains constant: the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors. It’s the same spirit that welcomed my wife— an immigrant from Bosnia—when she arrived in Loudoun with her family as a refugee in the 1990s. Today, that spirit drives my family and me to continue giving back to the place that raised us, and it is now helping to raise my children.

I invite everyone in Loudoun to get involved with United Way NCA’s Project Community Connect. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your support matters. Giving back isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s what makes us a community.

Best White Vinifera: Endhardt Vineyard’s Reverie White 2023

Best Sweet Wine:

Joshua Etemadi is the chair of United Way NCA Loudoun County Council and a member of the Board of Directors. He is the owner of District Bonding, based in Leesburg. He resides in Loudoun County with his wife and two children. n ourselves.”

Best Albariño:

Walsh Family Wine’s Late Harvest Petit Manseng 2019

This year, I’m volunteering at United Way NCA’s Project Community Connect, which will take place on Nov. 2 at Northern Virginia Community College’s

Endhardt Vineyards

continued from page 3

change contributes to one of the pleasant surprises. The vineyard has two blocks of Sauvignon Blanc, one at the top of the property and one on lower land. It was the 2023 Upper Block wine that took top honors in the Loudoun Wine Awards.

They said the two blocks showcase how the environment shapes the grapes.

“It’s at the top of the hill. It gets full sun all day. It gets really great wind up there. And the soil is really rocky, so it drains really well,” Sarah said.

Hannes said he spent a lot of time with the pickaxe while working on the top of the hill. The shale soil, “is actually really good for the for the vines. It’s not good for digging holes,” he said.

The lower block of Sauvignon Blanc is nearly an opposite. “It’s obviously much lower. It’s shadier. It’s a flatter slope, so it gets more water. The soil is more clay,” Hannes said.

They decided early on not to blend grapes from the two sections, creating two distinctive flavors.

“It’s fun to try them because they’re just

Rural Villages

continued from page 1

planning designation. It would actually be called a place type. It’s a defined and bounded area that is or will be subject to a specific set of policies that are going to guide [the development] of that area,” Siebentritt said. “The purpose of this Comprehensive Plan Amendment is to determine if the current list of rural historic villages is correct or if the list should be updated to other communities.”

Part of that process allows residents to tag locations of historic communities – oftentimes forgotten by most – on a map to be considered as the new criteria is set. So far, community members have identified over 100 such communities.

The list includes Airmont, Bloomfield, Howardsville, Morrisonville, Unison, Willisville, Stewartown and Watson.

The criteria will combine “tangible and intangible” elements of the communities, Siebentritt said.

“What do these places look like on the ground? Is there a sense of place? Do you know you’re there when you’re there? Are there, or have there been in the past, land uses that are reflected in the settlement pattern?” she said.

Other criteria will focus on design patterns and architecture.

so different in how they come out, which was surprising to us. It’s kind of fun to experiment with,” Sarah said.

The key architect of the young winery’s early success is winemaker Ben Renshaw.

Renshaw started his wine journey in 1998 as the general manager of Tarara Winery. In 2004, he established a custom vineyard management and installation company and, with his father, planted the first vines at Furnace Mountain Vineyard on his sister’s Leesburg farm near the Potomac River. He opened 8 Chains North in 2010. He sold the winery in 2021 but continues as its winemaker.

“He’s been making wine in Virginia for 20 plus years and we’re really grateful for him,” Sarah said. “He does both the vineyard and the winemaking. He’s teaching Hannes.”

“I’m the intern and apprentice,” Hannes adds. “We met and we became very good friends. He’s a mentor and advisor.”

“It takes a long time to kind of understand the art of wine making,” Sarah said. Hannes said there are two ways to make wine.

“There’s the textbook you follow, like the exact instructions, and you have Scott Laboratories and a bunch of things. And

“When I get to Lincoln, I think about its Quaker roots … which really helped define the architecture of Lincoln and the surrounding area,” Siebentritt said.

Leading the process in close coordination with the county staff is the Loudoun Historic Village Alliance. This amendment process is the precursor to the actual work of developing tailored plans for each village, LHVA Chair Madeline Skinner said.

The plans are intended to help shape the villages for decades to come, giving guidance on how residents want their homes to look.

“We can’t answer [what the plans will look like] for another village,” she said. “The whole idea is, we’re asking the village residents, 'what do you love about your village? What are you worried about your village? Where do you see your village 20 years from now, 30 years from now?'”

The work has been put off long enough, she said.

“This cannot fall back again. It’s been over 40 years. The impact that it has already had to the villages by not having this, when you think about the fights that we’ve had, the battles with Aldie and their firehouse and Philomont, their firehouse, and Waterford with their traffic issue. When you think about that, I can name something in every single village,” she said.

During the Oct. 23 community meeting, some residents expressed concern that

then there’s the self-taught way. That’s what Ben did,” Hannes said. “He’s been doing this for 20 years and he’s more working with feeling the wine and what feels right.”

“His wine making style is very like an old world—Italian, Spanish, French— inspired way of making wine. I think it has been awesome to see that that’s actually how it works. You kind learn a lot of these little tricks and tips when you when you work with him.”

But the Endhardts have learned that what goes on in the winemaking process is a small part of operating a vineyard.

“I was surprised by the amount of farming in the winemaking,” Hannes said. “You kind of think it’s very glorious to make the wine the cellar, but 80% is done in the farm.”

And a farmer’s life is one of constant challenges.

“There’s good days and there’s bad days. It depends what’s going on,” Hannes said. “The one thing I learned is there is always something. There’s a drought or it rains too much. The tractor breaks down. The spotted lanternfly shows up. The frost happens in May. It’s just always something.”

the plans would cause unwanted changes in their community.

“I have family connections on two of the communities that are being proposed as historic villages, and one of the things that I was trying to wrap my head around is, where would the benefit be to a village in terms of having this type of plan?” one community member asked. “Because places like Howardsville, Willisville, we’re historically pretty self-reliant. So, it sounds good. I’m just trying to figure out where is the ultimate benefit?”

Planning Commissioner Robin-Eve Jasper (Little River), who lives in Unison, said the plans will give residents an avenue to have their hopes for the community reflected in actual policy.

“So that could be about whether a village wants sidewalks or traffic calming, or whether it wants to preserve a certain look and feel, whether it wants a community park,” she said. “I mean, there’s a ton of stuff that can go into that, and they’re all going to be specific to each community. Each small area plan is going to be unique based on community input from the members of that community, but then it will have the force of official policy.”

The plans will need to be considered as the county considers future projects and developments, she said.

There is also opportunity to develop small area plans for a few villages at time if

They said that experience has changed the way they handle stressful situations.

“The stuff that would really freak us out in our first year, and now we’re like, OK, what’s the alternative, right? What can we do? And you just sort of figure it out,” Sarah said.

In addition to Renshaw, the Endhardts have found support from many others in Loudoun’s wine community, including James Phillips, now the winemaker at Stone Tower Winery; Doug Fabbioli, who gave them the advice he has given many wannabe winery owners: “Don’t do it;” Kerem Baki at Hillsboro Winery, and Jon and Cori Phillips, who have followed a similar path at the Wine Reserve at Waterford.

And they’ve built valued relationships with their patrons.

“We’ve really built some great customers over the past three years that we’ve been open,” Sarah said. “We’ve met a lot of people who are really supportive and come back once a month and have become friends of ours. We’re really grateful to them for just being part of our journey.”

Endhardt Vineyards is located at 19600 Lincoln Road. Learn more at endhardtvineyards.com. n

they are similar enough.

“There might be like a Lucketts, Taylorstown, Waterford, Paeonian Springs plan, because they are very linked,” Skinner said. Another cluster could potentially link Aldie, Philomont, Unison and Bluemont together, she said.

Even for communities that don’t fit the new criteria for rural historic villages, Skinner said there is opportunity to have them included in the amendment with a new classification.

“We have other things that we can call you,” she said. “… We still want designations for them, even if they might not qualify for the criteria that the county has come up with.”

Skinner said the team hopes to hire third-party consultants to work on the small area plans with residents.

“We are excited that the county does realize that we have something to offer, LVHA and the villages in general. And we look forward to really making that relationship work, and I do call it a threelegged stool to make that relationship be at the benefit of everybody,” she said.

An online survey asking residents to provide input on existing villages and potential new villages is available through Friday. Find the survey at the county website loudoun.gov under Rural Historic Villages Comprehensive Plan Amendment. n

A Loudoun Moment

Early Voting

continued from page 1

2000 presidential election.

Those votes are not expected to slow the tally of results on election night. In fact, Shepherd said the more early votes that are cast, the easier the workload will be on Election Day. After polls close at 7 p.m., the team will begin counting the early votes while waiting for each of the county’s 107 precincts to report their individual results.

Early votes will not initially be categorized by precinct as they are recorded, but will be separated later, Shepherd said.

Another aspect of the tallying process are provisional ballots, which will not be counted Tuesday night but will be subject to approval from the Electoral Board. The

most common type of provisional ballot are ones cast by voters who register on Election Day. Authorized in 2022 by the General Assembly, this will be the first presidential election to permit same-day registration.

Last year, 1,112 provisional ballots were accepted. This year, the elections office is expecting more than 2,000. So far, 406 early votes have been from same-day registered voters.

Shepherd said the office is expecting a voter turnout of 75% to 80% of the county’s total registered voters, mirroring the nearly 80% seen in 2020.

Loudoun also has residents whose names were removed from the voter list following a controversial executive order by Gov. Glenn Younkin.

“In August and September, 98 people have been removed for being declared

noncitizens,” Shepherd said.

Among other election security measures, the order called for daily purges of noncitizens based on Department of Motor Vehicles data.

While a federal judge ruled to reinstate over 1,500 individuals statewide who self-identified as noncitizens, the issue has been moved to the Supreme Court pending a ruling.

The last day to early vote is Saturday, Nov. 2. Residents may vote at the Carver Senior Center in Purcellville, Claude Moore Recreation Center in Sterling, Dulles South Recreation Center in Chantilly and the Office of Elections in Leesburg, until Election Day. On Tuesday, residents must vote at their precinct’s poll between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

At the polls, voters must show an acceptable form of ID, typically a drivers’

license or voter ID card although other forms including student IDs and utility bills are permitted. Those without those documents may sign an ID Confirmation Statement and file a provisional ballot that will be tallied once the identification has been confirmed.

Voters will be casting ballots for president and vice president with six slates on the ballot; U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, a constitutional amendment, and four local bond referenda to authorize just over $224.6 million in borrowing. Also, voters in Leesburg, Purcellville, Lovettsville, Hamilton and Hillsboro will be electing members of their town councils. For more details, go to loudounnow.com/election2024.

For more information about voting, including polling locations and sample ballots, go to loudoun.gov/election. n

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now On a clear autumn day, a turkey vulture and an airliner appear to cross paths.