Loudoun Now for Nov. 7, 2024

Leesburg Voters Return Incumbents, Add Krukowski

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

Leesburg voters reelected Kelly Burk to a fifth mayoral term and returned incumbent council members Zach Cummings and Kari Nacy to serve new terms during Tuesday’s elections. They’ll be joined on the

Bertaut Beats Milan for Mayor

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

In the hotly contested Purcellville races, voters chose Christopher Bertaut as the town’s next mayor over incumbent Stanley Milan by 505 votes, according to preliminary results Tuesday night.

Caleb Stought, Carl “Ben” Nett and Susan Khalil were the top three vote getters in the regular Town Council election, as of Tuesday night.

PURCELLVILLE ELECTIONS continues on page 34

Loudoun Goes Blue for Harris, Kaine and Subramanyam

Although the outcome of the national election remained uncertain Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris found strong support in Loudoun County, picking up 56% of the vote over former president Donald J. Trump in the

Incumbent Timothy M. Kaine (D) won a third U.S. Senate term, getting 58% of the Loudoun vote and turning back a competitive challenge by Republican Hung Cao statewide.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Subramanyam was

STUDENT SUCCESS STUDENT SUCCESS TTALKS ALKS

Navigating LCPS Together

Join LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence for the Student

Join LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence for the Student

Success Talks, community conversations designed to help Success Talks, community conversations designed to help families support student success. Topics include academic families support student success. Topics include academic progress, mental health, testing and college readiness. progress, mental health, testing and college readiness.

November 14

Dulles J Michael Lunsford Middle School

December 17 Ashburn Trailside Middle School

January 22

February 18

Broad Run

Catoctin

Eagle Ridge Middle School

Blue Ridge Middle School

March 18 Algonkian River Bend Middle School

April 3

May 8

May 12

Leesburg JL Simpson Middle School

Little River Brambleton Middle School

Sterling Sterling Middle School

Join the conversation and expand your knowledge as we work together toward a brighter future, focusing on practical strategies and insights to support student success.

SCC Hearing Examiner Recommends Above Ground Route for Eastern Loudoun Power Lines

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A month after the State Corporation Commission concluded its hearing on a proposal by Dominion Energy to build transmission lines from a substation south of Leesburg and along a portion of Rt. 7, Hearing Examiner Renae Carter released her recommendation that the lines be built above ground.

The proposal, known as the Aspen to Golden line, propose construction of 230- and 500-kilovolt lines over a 9.4-mile route with a section of line running along Rt. 7 east of Leesburg.

The Loudoun County government, along with the Lansdowne Conservancy, proposed that a portion of the line near Rt. 7 be buried underground to protect property values, limit the project’s environmental impact, preserve scenic easements and reduce safety concerns at Inova Loudoun Hospital’s helipad.

That proposal would shift the addi-

tional costs associated with burying the lines, estimated to reach over $1 billion, to high-wattage users in the area.

Carter did not support that proposal, instead recommending that the entire route be built above ground.

“Given the concerns about the Updated Hybrid Proposal’s route, constructability, and cost and given the lack of environmental analysis and environmental justice analysis, I do not find the Updated Hybrid Proposal meets the statutory criteria for issuance of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, nor do I find that the total public interest is best served by the Updated Hybrid Proposal,” according to her 175-page recommendation released Nov. 1.

Carter made several assessments in her report, finding that the project was needed to ensure grid reliability in the area and that building the line would support economic development within the county.

She listed the three strongest arguments in support of Dominion’s under-

grounding proposal as public input, the viewshed protection, and conformance with the county’s Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.

“However, when the layers of these contentions and assertions are pulled back, they are not as strong as they at first appear. Additionally, multiple concerns about the proposal, in my view, outweigh the benefits the proposal alleged to provide,” according to the report.

Carter’s report outlined her skepticism with the county’s witness, who testified that home values would decrease on average by 8.2%. The witness made a number of assumptions that “seemed to rely on judgment without a factual foundation relative to Loudoun County,” she stated.

Undergrounding the transmission lines would also not completely mitigate their visual impacts, Carter said. Transition stations would be needed to transfer the lines from below ground to above ground.

“From a purely aesthetic standpoint,

whether the underground-with-overhead-transition-station option is preferable to an all-overhead-lines option likely depends on personal preference, and, most importantly, where a person lives,” according to the report.

Underground lines may also be more unreliable than above ground lines and require higher routing and corrective maintenance costs, she said.

Conservancy General Counsel Bryan Turner released a statement Nov. 2 second saying the organization was “disappointed but not surprised” by the recommendation.

“Dominion Power aggressively opposed the undergrounding proposal,” he stated. “… Lansdowne is working with the County to determine how best to proceed and will provide an update as soon as the review is completed.”

A Dominion representative said the POWER LINES continues on page 38

Industry Leaders Tout Innovative Energy Solutions at Chamber Forum

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Small modular nuclear reactors, district energy and advanced battery storage are all pieces that could help solve the region’s power puzzle, industry leaders said during a Loudoun Chamber of Commerce forum Oct. 29.

Since Dominion Energy announced in 2022 that it may not be able to serve new data center projects in Loudoun until new infrastructure could be built, county leaders have been looking for a way to revitalize and support the electric grid.

Northern Virginia is home to the largest data center market in the world, surpassing the next largest market three times over. The exponential increase in power demand by the centers combined with electrification across the region at an unprecedented rate has electric utilities and the region’s entity responsible for coordinating power looking for ways to address the challenge.

Representatives from Dominion Energy, Virginia’s Department of Energy, Loudoun County government and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said in the

rapidly changing environment, finding new ways to both use energy more efficiently and harness new forms of energy are critical.

“Oil and gas dominate,” U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute President Marty Durbin said. “Coal has been retiring here in the U.S. A nuclear re-

naissance, I would say, is now beginning. … Renewables are currently growing. They’ve been growing quite a bit. They’re now, from an electricity standpoint, roughly 20% of electricity.”

As utility providers like Dominion bring large renewable energy projects online, like its offshore wind farm along

Virginia’s coast, industry leaders say renewable sources of energy are still a long way from being able to completely power the grid.

“Wind is great. Solar is great, but when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining, something’s got to turn those lights on,” Virginia Department of Energy’s Glenn Davis said.

In the interim, natural gas is filling the gap, powering 40% of the country’s electricity use, while coal has dropped from a high of 60% to below 20% currently.

Durbin said a company he had talked to recently said orders to expand existing natural gas facilities and build new ones have “gone through the roof.”

Advanced battery storage facilities are one avenue hoped to help make renewable energy sources more viable. Batteries store power when demand is low and there is excess and store it until demand increases. However, most systems can only store up to four to six hours of power usage.

“What I’m really excited about is advanced battery storage. Dominion

ENERGY continues on page 35

Loudoun

Supervisors Continue Work on Expedited Attainable Housing Application Process

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

As housing prices continue to increase across the county, the Board of Supervisors is working to provide more attainable housing opportunities. The latest attempt is to have affordable housing applications expedited through the legislative review process.

After a housing application that requires legislative approval is submitted, county planning staff members work back and forth with applicants to revise aspects of the proposal. Advertisements are then published in advance of a public hearing to notify residents and give them time to attend the meeting hosted by Loudoun’s Planning Commission. The commission typically hears presentations from both county staff and the applicants as well as public comment before scheduling a second meeting to vote on the application. With either a recommendation of support or denial, the application advances to the Board of Supervisors. Advertisements are once again published ahead of a second public hearing while the board goes through a similar process to the commission before a final determination is made.

Typically, this process takes three years. However, a project along Atlantic Boulevard, submitted by Good Works LP Partner Kim Hart earlier this year in collaboration with Bowman Consulting’s Packie Crown, advanced through receiving approval in a mere six months after the board agreed to test an expedited review process.

In April, the board told the county staff to begin preparing a county policy that would allow attainable housing applications to be expedited. Now the supervisors’ Transportation and Land Use Committee is working with the staff to iron out how that policy will work without overwhelming the planning department’s already full plate.

Department of Planning and Zoning Assistant Director Jacqueline Marsh told the committee Oct. 17 that she believes the policy should only apply to applications specifying that all planned units would be affordable and available to rent.

“We understand there is a desire for

these to go faster and consider more alternatives such as allowing applicants to provide for sale units but at this point in time, we want to limit this process to what we can control because of our staffing levels,” she said.

Committee Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said he did not want the planning staff to be working weekends to meet the tighter deadlines and told Marsh and Director Daniel Galindo to ask for the additional staff they need during the fiscal year 2026 budget process.

“The purpose of this is to come up with an expedited review that allows our existing staff to work within normal business hours and get it done in eight months,” he said.

The expedited review is planned to be specifically geared toward developers seeking funding assistance from the county, the Virginia government or other similar funding programs with deadlines to finance affordable rental housing available to households earning less than 100% of the area median income.

“We want to anticipate an eight-month minimum from the time that the application is accepted to final board approval,”

ON THE agenda

Human Services Nonprofit Grant Applications Open

Loudoun County’s annual grant application process for community nonprofit organizations is now open.

The fiscal year 2026 Human Services Nonprofit Grant application is available at  loudoun.gov/nonprofitgrants.

Nonprofits certified as 501(c)3 organizations that provide human services to Loudoun County residents in the areas of need identified and approved by the board are eligible to apply for funding. Those areas of need are crisis intervention and diversion, improved quality of human services, long-term support and prevention and self-sufficiency.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2025. The amount of funding for FY 2026 will be determined by the Board of Supervisors as part of the county’s adopted FY 2026 budget. In FY 2025, the budget for human services nonprofit grant funding was $2.8 million.

Overnight Work Begins on Government Center Garage

Marsh said.

That timeline includes the opportunity for the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors to hold two meetings on an application, although they don’t need to, Marsh said, which would shorten the timeline.

In a year, Marsh said the planning staff could report back to the board on how the process was going and potentially consider expanding it to applications for developments with a mix of attainable and market rate units.

The policy allows the planning staff to halt the expedited process at any time if the applicant misses deadlines or is deemed to be not working in good faith.

Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) asked how the team would work through complications if an application were part of a larger plan where proffers that would affect the attainable housing units would be tied to a separate project that may or may not receive approval, such as traffic improvements.

“I think that’s something we would

ATTAINABLE HOUSING continues on page 7

Overnight construction began this week on the government center parking garage in Leesburg.

The work is expected to impact some visitor parking places and stairwells between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles in the impacted parking spaces must be moved by 10:00 p.m. on the evenings posted. All impacted spaces will be clearly marked with the dates of work indicated.

The work is scheduled through Friday, Nov. 15. On evenings when public meetings are in progress inside the government center, the work will begin after the meeting concludes.

The garage will remain open to the public throughout the duration of the project. Accessible parking spaces and the use of the garage by the public on weekends will not be impacted. The garage’s elevator will remain operational at all times. County policy prohibits overnight parking in the Government Center parking garage. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A plot of land planned for a 100% affordable housing project known as Atlantic Boulevard Apartments.

Planning Continues for Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail Extension

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounow.org

Groups working to develop plans for the final link of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within Loudoun County met Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Ida Lee Recreation Center to review the latest update.

The trail runs over 900 miles from the Allegheny highlands of Western Pennsylvania to the Potomac River in Virginia. Of the trail’s 900 planned miles, 140 traverse through Northern Virginia in what Northern Virginia Regional Commission Coastal Program Manager Rebecca Murphy called “a braided trail network.” That network is intended for walking, hiking, biking and some equestrian uses.

“The main goal is to be able to highlight the importance of the Potomac River watershed, including its various ecological, historical and cultural resources that it provides for the communities,” Murphy said.

But the trail contains gaps in western Loudoun County that need filling. The ongoing feasibility study, being conducted by Lardner/Klein landscape architects, identified potential routes for a corridor between Harpers Ferry and Leesburg.

Lardner Klein developed three levels of criteria to evaluate feasibility for trail routes during the study. That criteria included that the trail must meet the adopted requirements, including that it not go into West Virginia; the trail would traverse through property with the agreement of landowners; and that the trail experience is functional, safe and sustainably manageable.

Jim Klein, the owner of Lardner/ Klein Architects, led the presentation of findings.

He identified the two standout routes from the study: a network of low volume gravel roads closest to the river, which he called the Blue Route; and a set of inland alternative options if the Blue Route becomes less ideal, which he called the Orange or Yellow routes. He said the Blue Route could potentially take longer to complete than the inland alternatives.

“It’s a great thing to do, to extend the trail from Leesburg out to Harpers Ferry,” Klein said. “Some of the routes have what we call limited feasibility. There’s something that has to be solved before you can really go and move any further.”

Klein said the goal was to have the trail as close to the river as possible and

on public land when available. Among the obstacles are the amount of time it would take to build certain routes, the ability to obtain cooperative agreements with routes that go through private land, areas with heavy traffic volumes, the ability to cooperate with HOAs and the potential to conflict with main roads.

Klein mentioned that crossing the Short Hill Mountain area near Harper’s Ferry was identified at the previous public meeting as a potential problem zone, and that comparing the inland route to the river route was a critical part of the study. He added that high floodplains for routes closer to the river would force the trail onto steep hills.

A question-and-answer segment with a panel of three representatives of cooperative organizations followed the presentation. Those representatives included Kevin Stanfield, a geographic information systems specialist from the National Park Service, Jill Kaneff, a senior regional demographer from the NVRC, and Loudoun County Chief Park Planner Mark Novac.

Members of the Red Rocks HOA community asked questions about the trail going through neighborhood. Members of the panel weighed the different stakeholders in the process but noted that they were generally opting for more natural paths as opposed to neighborhood ones.

Following the question-and-answer segment, Murphy explained that they expected the full results of the study to be completed in December of 2024. She said the results of the completed study would appear on NVRC’s website. A map of the existing, proposed, and planned areas of the trail can be found on the National Park Service’s website.

Residents asked about the time frame they could expect some of these trail connections to be built within.

“Certainly, some of the areas, such as the Route 15 Widening, will be completed very soon,” Kaneff said. “Other areas, such as in Leesburg, the Battlefield Parkway intersection, those are being heavily worked on by the town. So, you got ones like that that will be done in probably five to ten years. And then the other areas, some could be decades, or not even in our lifetime.”

NVRC is accepting feedback on the through a Survey portal through Nov. 11, and the Potomac Heritage NOVA website is posting feasibility study updates on their page. n

Planning Commission Recommends Approval of 2 Substations

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpamaploni@loudounnow.org

The county Planning Commission is recommending approval for two applications to build two new utility substations near data centers.

Both applications were submitted by Dominion Energy. One is planned along Pacific Boulevard in Sterling and the second along Shellhorn Road in Ashburn.

Substations connect to high voltage transmission lines and convert the power to lower voltage distribution lines used to

Attainable Housing

continued from page 4

have to identify earlier on, having that discussion with the developers in case this other part of the geographic area is delayed or you can’t build this road in time to provide access, I think that’s something we would have to consider,” Marsh said.

The drafted policy will be reviewed by affordable housing representatives in the area before the staff returns with the results of those meetings to the committee for a final recommendation.

Hart said providing incentives to industry leaders will help meet the housing demand.

“If we’re going to solve the attainable housing portion of that crisis, we’re going to have to work together between private industry and government. We have to both do our part. And we have to find more incentives for the industry to do more than they’ve been able to do under the current process,” he said.

Offering a process that will take landowners six months, rather than multiple years, is one of those incentives, Hart said.

“I’ve already had two other landowners approach me and say, ‘I think we can

power local facilities.

Commissioners said they felt that the proposed locations were the appropriate place for substations – located near data centers, other substations and transmission line corridors.

On both applications, commissioners discussed the appropriate amount of buffering to limit the visual impact. Typically, it’s a 12-foot decorative wall is used by Dominion to screen the substations from passersby, but commissioners said they would like to see increased efforts made in the future.

do the same thing.’ We’re talking about it now. We’re putting our toe in the water about a new incentive that could be very big,” he said.

Crown said she agreed this policy could be a valuable step toward providing more attainable housing options.

“It’s a big deal because time is money,” she said. “Any time you’re working in a process that is very protracted, it adds costs to the project and that gets passed to end user. It makes a huge difference, not just to expedite affordable units, but for all units, because the end user is the one that ends up paying the higher prices because of the increased costs of going through the process. It costs more money to keep your team working on it.”

Both said an important factor that made the Atlantic Boulevard project successful was their close collaboration with county staff and the support from the Board of Supervisors.

“The county devoted a staff team to work with us,” Crown said. “I thought that was really the key to it, that we had a dedicated team that we reacted with very frequently. We talked to them multiple times a week. There was a real willingness on the part of county of staff to really make it work.” n

“As we get in more of these substations, you’ll probably be surprised if you don’t get more requests for taller walls especially when they’re in visual locations just to provide more screening from the viewpoint, particularly as you’re walking or driving by,” Clifford Keirce (Sterling) said.

Commissioner Mark Miller (Catoctin) said even though he agreed taller walls are better, the visual impact of utilities such as substations go beyond what a wall can mitigate.

“A 12-foot wall or a 15-foot wall isn’t going to change anything. You’re still go-

ing to see everything from above 12 feet, you’re just going to see it from the angle from which you are,” he said.

Chair Michelle Frank (Broad Run) said new and better standards need to be set.

“I think we need to do better,” she said. “I think the industry that is the end user, I think the utility provider, I think all of us need to get around a table and figure out what makes sense… I think we need to figure out something better.”

The applications will now advance to the Board of Supervisors for final determination. n

Leesburg

BAR Offers Positive Feedback for Proposed North King Street Building

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Board of Architectural Review on Monday continued its review of the proposed infill development project behind 19 N. King St., providing favorable review of the latest round of changes.

Updated design features include gable-style roofs, keeping in line with town’s residential guidelines and neighborhood wishes. The height of the building has also been lowered, now including a basement-level parking lot and three stories instead of four stories. The building design also has been lowered into the grade, making the perceived height lower.

The proposed addition is referred to as Building Two in the project that also includes a new building along West Market St. in the parking lot behind the Lightfoot restaurant. Construction of Building One also envisions the demolition of a non-historic stone bank building at 10 W. Market St.

Monday’s public hearing focused on the Building Two updates as the next step in a series of work sessions that began in July. Neighbors raised concerns about the mass, height, and design of the structures.

Parade Night

AROUND town

Varner Hired as Director of Information Technology

Allen Scott Varner is the town’s new director of Information Technology. Varner brings 24 years of local government experience to Leesburg. The U.S. Navy veteran served as a cryptologic technician in the 1990s and worked as the director of Information Technology and Management Information Systems for Frederick County the past eight years.

Those concerns continued to be heard in a September work session where both buildings were discussed. During their October work session, BAR members were presented with significant changes to the Building Two designs. Monday night’s meeting examined them in more detail.

Michael Wood, vice president of Clay Construction, led the presentation on changes made since last month’s

working session.

Among the complaints for the project during previous public hearings was the building’s inability to mesh with the adjacent building as a seamless addition. The updated design changed the painted brick and stone foundations to all brick,

“His background will allow our IT Department to continue the great strides accomplished by our staff under the previous leadership as we look to advance our staff under the previous leadership as we look to advance our technology and cybersecurity capabilities throughout town government,” Town Manager Kaj Dentler said.

Leesburg PD Donates to Ukraine Vets

The Leesburg Police Department last week donated 17 pieces of surplus police safety equipment for volunteer veterinarians in Ukraine.

Mayor Kelly Burk and Lt. Bob Thompson worked with Worldwide Vets, a 501(c)3 organization, to recognize the Town Council vote on Oct. 21 to make the donation. A total of 17 pieces of equipment were donated, marking the second time town police has donated equipment to contribute to efforts in Ukraine. The donated equipment cannot be used by officers, as it no longer meets U.S. standards, but is still functional and can provide protection to humanitarian workers in Ukraine, according to the town

“I am thrilled we can once again donate surplus equipment to aid in humanitarian efforts abroad,” Mayor Kelly Burk said. “We hope this equipment will keep those working abroad safe as they deliver veterinary care.”

Varner

Fianna Investments LLC

A rendering of proposed Building 2 in the Fianna Redevelopment project as would be viewed from the back yards of homes along Cornwell and Wirt streets.

PROPOSED BUILDING continues on page 10

AROUND TOWN continues on page 10

Photos by Norman K. Styer

The 68th annual Leesburg Kiwanis Club Halloween Parade in downtown Leesburg featured a 1,456-pound jack-o-lantern, dancing librarians, scary costumes and lots of politicians. The parade is one of the oldest in the United States, first held in 1957.

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.

Leesburg Expects $1.27M in Savings with Bond Sale

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.com

The Town of Leesburg sold over $23 million worth of refunding 2015 Series General Obligation Bonds to TD Securities on Oct. 31.

The Town Council in February authorized the refunding bonds as long as the sale achieved a net present savings of at least 3%.

The sale realized a 4.02% savings rate, expected to provide debt payment savings of more than $1.27 million over the bond’s 12-year lifespan.

Leesburg Chief Financial Officer Owen Snyder said a 3% net present savings minimum was chosen because it ensured the town could substantially lower annual debt service costs. He

said the proceeds would be used to refund bonds purchased in 2015 to cover construction projects

“This successful sale and the strong interest from bidders is evidence of the town’s diligence in adhering to its strict fiscal policies,” Snyder said.

The issuance drew 18 bidders, the highest number of participants in a competitive sale in the town’s history. Leesburg has maintained a triple-A credit rating from all three major rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, since 2015.

Snyder said TD securities was picked for having the lowest true interest cost among the 18 bids.

TD Securities is a Canadian investment bank that provides services in corporate and investment banking worldwide. n

Proposed

Building

continued from page 8

alongside more significant changes to the roofing for a more seamless integration. The lower height makes the building more difficult to see from surrounding streets.

“At that meeting we promised that it would come back, and the architecture would agree with the buildings on King Street,” BAR member Donald Scheurman told residents gathered at the Town Hall. “It does.”

Accessibility additions were made to the project as well. An outdoor stair design was changed into a wheel-chair friendly ramp and an accessible elevator was added.

“So often, accessibility is seen as just an afterthought, especially in historic districts,” BAR member Judd Fuoto said. “To have elegant solutions where you can have that elevator, but still that the overrun is integrated in such a way that it doesn’t stand out as that’s what that is, a ramp that just seamlessly integrates into a plaza. Those are solutions that we need to see more everywhere, to be clear.”

Neighbors during the public hearing offered both positive feedback and additional changes they wanted to see. There were seven total speakers at the hearing.

Loren Hudziak said he still had concerns about the overall mass and size of the structure but acknowledged that there had been “significant strides” in improving the overall design.

Spider Marks agreed, adding that the proposal was in a more acceptable shape and form, although he said his primary concern of the construction remained.

Around Town

continued from page 8

Ida Lee Park Playground Design Survey Underway

Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input through an online survey for the future design improvements of a playground at Ida Lee Park.

The park’s existing equipment, located between the recreation center and the outdoor pool complex, was installed 20 years ago. Improvements are planned for ages 5 and under and will include accessibility elements.

The survey will remain open until Nov. 18 and can be found online at leesburg.gov.

There will be three public input sessions hosted by Parks and Rec. Two will

“Decisions made here have a cascading effect into other decisions that will be made,” he said. “My primary concern would be traffic as it affects Wirt Street.”

BAR Chair Tom O’Neil said project developer Kevin Ash had been meeting with town staff for months and confirmed that discussions about the downtown traffic impacts were taking place, but he noted the BAR’s review does not extend to traffic issues.

“I don’t want to just take off saying we don’t have anything to do with [traffic], but we don’t directly have anything to do with it,” O’Neil said. “I think it would be a great idea if you spoke to someone like [Vice Mayor] Neil Steinberg who can have a much more direct impact on the topic.”

BAR members said they were pleased with the progress being made on the design of the project.

“First of all, I just want to express my faith in our process,” BAR member Helen Alkman said.

Alkman added that, in design, “there’s more than one way to skin a cat.” She approved of the incremental approach of “working on the design iteratively” to get a better result.

“I never had any doubt that we were going to get a successful resolution out of this,” she said.

BAR member Julie Pastor said she thought the project started off on the wrong foot. “I think we’re way on the right foot now, and that’s really important,” she said.

The BAR will continue its review at the next work session. n

be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The third session will be held Saturday, Nov. 16.

W&OD Trail Lighting Project Community Meeting Set

A community meeting for the W&OD Trail Lighting Project will be held in the lower-level banquet hall of the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center on Nov. 14 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Town staff members will provide information on the project’s background, lighting standards, and discuss three different light fixture types at the meeting. The meeting will be the final opportunity for the public to provide input on the design.

The project will install lighting along 1.25 miles of the trail through the downtown area with the goal of improving safety.

Input will be compiled into a staff report and presentated to the Town Council. n

Seeing is BELIEVING

Falcons Landing, an award-winning, non-profit, CARF-accredited Life Plan Community, is nestled in scenic Loudoun County. The community is thrilled to announce that independent living is now available to individuals who meet specific criteria. These include:

• Military or Government Service: Anyone who has served at least four years in the uniformed services or the United States government.

• Special Relationships: Individuals with significant connections to the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, or other government agencies associated with national defense. This category also extends to spouses and surviving spouses. Call us at 703-293-5704 to schedule your visit and SEE for yourself why we are the premiere Life Plan Community in Northern Virginia.

Education

Loudoun Representative Appointed to Virginia Student Advisory Board

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

A Woodgrove High School senior will have direct input on state education policies.

Izabella Piatkowski was among eight students appointed Nov. 1 by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Board of Education’s Student Advisory Board

Created in 2022, the board provides a student perspective on current and future policies by the Virginia Board of Education. It is comprised of high school seniors from the eight geographic superintendent districts in Virginia. The students may be public, private, or homeschool students.

The advisory board members are selected from applicants who must have a GPA of at least 3.0, be a current high school senior, be able to meet at least twice during the school year, and answer three short essay questions. The governor then appoints the eight members from the pool of applicants.

Piatkowski is the first Loudoun student to be selected for the panel. Other appointees are Kainat Ali of Stafford, Nicole Ballagh of Concord, Landrie Bell of Roanoke, Connor Mattox of Hurt, Razvan Verde of Newport News, Tenaj Williams of Midlothian, and Clint Wilson of Abingdon.

Earlier this year, Piatkowski was named a 2024 Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation. n

Leesburg Elementary Student Organizes Toy Drive for Ashville Hurricane Victims

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Harper Stack Bolden, a Leesburg Elementary School second grade student, organized a toy drive for the children of Ashville, NC. She came up with the idea, pitched it to her principal, and designed the donation box and logo herself, with some help from her mom and her friends.

On Oct. 7, Harper, after talking about it for a few weeks, was urged by her mother, Rebecca Stack, to ask her principal if she could organize a toy drive for the children of Ashville. Stack Bolden’s older brother and an uncle live in the area that was hard hit by Hurricane Helene. She wanted to help replace the toys lost during the storm.

“So, she kept talking about it, and kept talking about it. … We were walking into school, and I said, you should ask your principal. And she asked the principal,” Rebecca Stack said.

Her principal, Bryan Lacey, thought that was a great idea and said yes immediately. The next step for Harper was creating a plan. Her list included drawing a logo, making flyers, talking to the school, getting the word out and decorating

the box.

The logo and the flyers were designed by Harper. According to her mother, she worked hard on the donation box and had help from her older brother’s girlfriend. The teachers and members of Leesburg Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization helped spread the word and let them bring the box to various school events.

When asked how her friends felt about the toy drive, Harper said they were happy about it. She said that one of her friends didn’t believe her at first, since a toy drive isn’t an easy task to accomplish but was proud of her when she saw the flyers. According to Rebecca Stack, the entire school community has been supportive in making it happen.

To get the word out, flyers were sent home with all the students at the school. One of Harper’s classmates on the Student Council helped her get the word out to them. She also made a video talking about the drive that played on her school’s news.

“Of course in our family, we helped her decorate the box and all that, but the PTO at the school and the student council also helped her and multiple teachers. Ms. Keenan and Ms. Crist put the video on the school news and everybody at

VSCA Honors Harmony Middle Counselor

The Virginia School Counselor Association honored Dr. Bryan Pecoraro, a counselor at Harmony Middle School in Hamilton, with the 2024 Student Scholarship Award. This recognition is for his continued work with a now-college student while in his school.

This award is one of many given by the VSCA and is available for students of VSCA members.

The student, who received a $1,000 scholarship, cites Pecoraro as the reason he was able to make it through middle school to college. Pecoraro uses a holistic approach to his counseling and prioritizes building relationships with his students.

“Our school is immensely proud of Dr. Pecoraro and the influence he has had on our students’ lives... Dr. Pecoraro’s dedication to guiding students toward success, not only during middle school but as they embark on their future journeys, is a reflection of his genuine care for education and student development,” said Harmony Middle Principal Eric Stewart.

Foxcroft Names Kaenzig New Head of School

Foxcroft School in Middleburg has ended its extensive search for its new head of school by naming Dr. Lisa Kaenzig will be the school’s eleventh head. She will take over on July 1, 2025.

Kaenzig’s background in empowering young women’s education aligns with the all-girls boarding school’s values. Founded in 1914, Foxcroft teaches girls from 9-12 grade and offers advanced courses in many fields including STEM.

The new head holds a Ph.D. in educational policy, planning, and leadership from the College of William and Mary, a master’s degree in human resource development from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University.

the school got the flyers, and the families at the school have been helping,” Rebecca Stack said. So everybody’s been a group effort.”

The toy drive is running through Nov. 7. Donations may be placed in the box in the school lobby. After the drive ends, Stack Bolden and her family will take the toys to Ashville and connect with someone there to get them distributed. n

“My career has been devoted to the advancement of educational and leadership experiences for girls and young women and I look forward to this next chapter at Foxcroft. I am excited to join a talented team… as we strive to advance the impactful experience of a Foxcroft education for the girls of today and those who will join us in the future,” said Kaenzig. n

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now Izabella Piatkowski, the Loudoun representative on the Student Advisory Board.

Rebecca Stack

Harper Stack Bolden with the box she decorated for the toy drive to benefit Ashville, North Carolina.

Ashburn Students Plant 40 Trees to Replace County’s Lost Greenery

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Loudoun County Public Schools’ students met at Belmont Country Club on Sunday afternoon to plant 40 sycamore trees – part of an effort by the newly created Kids Plant Trees nonprofit to replace lost greenery around the county.

The effort is student-led but supported by Belmont Ridge Middle School Principal Katie Johnson and the students’ parents.

“When my son Reese was about six, he started to notice that a lot of trees had been cut down, and at the time, we had no idea what was happening,” Saa Kessie said.

Then she learned from other parents that tree loss was something their children talked about with each other.

“When talking and playing, they decided to come up with this. We totally said we would help them as best we could,” she said.

“My kids find a personal connection [to the loss of the trees], especially when the place near Belmont Ridge was emptied out. That really stood out for us. We

used to go for hikes and walks and so on and seeing all the trees missing was a personal connection. So, that’s how it kind of kicked off,” said Partha Panda, who also has sons involved in the nonprofit.

Fred Maiden and his son, Alex, worked with Johnson last year to have a tree

that are being taken down by the builders,” Fred Maiden said.

“We are just encouraging these young men to research more, and they’re excited. This is fun for them,” Kessie said.

Forty trees were planted in a wooded area within the Belmont Country Club, and Fred Maiden said the group is hoping to plant even more near Lansdowne next year.

The planting also requires follow up because of the recent droughts experienced by the region.

“It was 100 degrees during the summer, so all of us took turns and made sure that that tree [at Belmont Ridge Middle School] lived,” he said.

The group will also work together to check on the newly planted trees throughout the winter and next summer to make sure they’re growing healthily.

planted at the middle school in memory of school counselor Damian White, who died from an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Now, the group is expanding its efforts to plant more trees around the county.

“It’s primarily because of all the trees

“It was beautiful for the kids to watch the labor of their efforts and take shape and the tree survived,” Panda said. “And so, it kind of took steam from there, and it feels great to be outdoors, and then in a Sunday like this, it’s beautiful. And giving back to the community in terms of trees is amazing.” n

New Patrol Sworn in at Middleburg Charter School

Following a town tradition, the new safety patrol team at the Middleburg Community Charter School was sworn in by Police Chief Shaun D. Jones on Oct. 30.

Standing in front of Town Council and their parents, the students repeated the oath of office: I promise: to do my best, to report my duty on time, to perform my duties faithfully, to strive to prevent injuries, to always set a good example myself, to obey my teachers and officers of the

patrol, and to report dangerous student practices.

The Middleburg Community Charter School is celebrating its 10th year. After the School Board moved to close Middleburg Elementary School, MCCS opened in the fall of 2014 as the county’s first public charter school. The school is open to all elementary students in Loudoun County and uses a DaVinci curriculum built on project-based learning. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Members of the Kidz Plant Trees nonprofit water freshly planted sycamore trees Nov. 2.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Members of Middleburg Community Charter School’s 2024-25 Safety Patrol gather at Middleburg’s Town Hall for an Oct. 31 swearing-in ceremony.

OpTech Awarded $4.5M Space Force Contract

Optimum Technologies in Sterling landed a $4.5 million contract from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command’s Space Safari Office to provide an optical imaging payload for a 2026 launch mission.

The payload consists of a telescope and camera, processing electronics and software. It will be built in OpTech’s recently expanded satellite manufacturing facility in Sterling.

The equipment supports the Tactically Responsive Space mission VICTUS SURGO, which is the first of the two projects to launch into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit using a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster and Helios upper stage. The missions incorporate modular interfaces to reduce the time and effort needed to integrate and test new payloads to space vehicles. Once on orbit, the two spacecraft, Mira vehicles provided by California-based Impulse Space, will conduct space domain awareness missions using high thrust and high delta-V propulsion capability.

The contract was awarded Oct. 28 under a Small Business Innovation Research Phase 3 agreement.

“We are excited to be able to offer our optical imaging product in support of VICTUS SURGO as well as future space surveillance missions,” OpTech CTO Simon Dawson stated.

Founded in Virginia in 2015, Optimum Technologies specializes in aerospace systems related to satellite, ground, and mission systems engineering.

Lansdowne Resort Names New Nat'l Sales Manager

Melissa Plymal is the new national sales manager for Lansdowne Resort. She brings a decade of experience to the post. Most recently, she served as director of Sales & Marketing at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in southwest Virginia.

“Given Melissa’s growth trajectory over the past decade and her enthusiasm for the hospitality industry, we are confident that her energy will be a great asset to Lansdowne Resort’s sales team,” Director of Sales and Marketing Carol Smith said.

Lansdowne Resort and Spa has 296 rooms and 45 holes of golf along the Potomac River east of Leesburg.

Chase Bank Opens Lansdowne Branch Office

Chase Bank recently opened its ninth Loudoun office with a new location at 19301 Promenade Dr. in Lansdowne.

The bank, which already boasts the largest branch network in the country serving over 80 million consumers, plans to open eight more branches in Virginia by the end of this year.

Alfonso Guzman, the Region Director for Chase in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, said the branch is hiring locally, investing in Northern Virginia communities, and bringing all the benefits of the firm to drive inclusive economic growth.n

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SAFETY briefs Public Safety Trial Set for Propane Worker Charged in Fatal Home Explosion

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A three-week jury trial is set for Roger Bentley, the former Southern States employee charged in the February home explosion that killed one volunteer firefighter and injured 13 more people.

The trial is scheduled to begin July 7, 2025. He is facing a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter and three other misdemeanors relating to the unlawful transfer, release, maintenance and control of liquid petroleum gas.

Bentley, 67, has been released on a $5,000 unsecured bond and is prohibited from dispensing propane until the trial. According to court documents, he handled propane without required certification.

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 died at the scene.

It was determined that a propane leak stemmed from an underground 500-gallon tank and was ignited by an unknown source. According to a search warrant, Bentley had assessed the tank earlier that day and had decided to let the tank leak out the remaining propane and have it seep out of the ground. He said crews would return to the home Feb. 26 to address the issue.

He faces up to 10 years in prison on the involuntary manslaughter charge. n

Leesburg Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Armed Robbery

A Leesburg area man was sentenced to 18 years in prison by a Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge on Oct. 31 for a 2023 armed robbery of a convenience store in Sterling.

On June 7, 2023, Green entered the store wearing a black hoodie and a mask. While the store clerk was mopping the floor, Green pushed her from behind and pointed what she believed to be a gun at her face. Green demanded that the clerk give him all the money in the register and struck her over the head with the gun, causing a wound deep enough to bleed. After trying to defend herself by hitting Green in the head with a coffee pot, the clerk told him to get the money himself. Green took $120 from the register and ran out of the store.

Green was arrested in February 2024. During the search, deputies recovered plastic baggies containing cyputylone, a

LPD: Tractor-Trailer Driver Fled After Fatal Crash

The Leesburg Police Department is searching for the driver of a tractor-trailer involved in a fatal crash on the Leesburg Bypass last week.

According to the agency, the crash occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. Oct. 23 when a northbound truck struck a Chrysler 300 near the Fort Evans Road intersection. The tractor-trailer did not stop, but later was found abandoned on Edwards Ferry Road.

The three occupants of the Chrysler were transported to an area hospital for treatment. On Saturday, 93-year-old Monica Lee of Lovettsville, who was a passenger in the car, died from her injuries. The two other occupants of the Chrysler have been released from the hospital.

Leesburg Police investigators are working on identifying the truck driver.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash and has not spoken with investigators is asked to contact Master Police Officer D. Troxell by calling 703-771-4500, submitting a tip at 703-443-TIPS (8477), emailing policeinvestigations@LeesburgVA.gov, or texting to 274637 and begining your message with LPDTIP.

Man Charged in Vandalism at Ashburn Starbucks Stores

A 30-year-old Alexandria man suspected of vandalizing two Ashburn Starbucks shops in May is in custody.

dent in Leesburg, Ricardo Osiel Avilez Blanco was sentenced to serve eight years in state prison.

The 28-year-old was convicted of attempted malicious wounding in the case.

According to evidence in the case, on Oct. 14, 2023, Blanco aggressively tailgated a car in congested traffic in Leesburg and did several “burnouts” around the vehicle. He followed the victim into the Heritage High School parking lot where he put the front bumper of his car against the rear bumper of the victim’s vehicle did another “burnout.” The parties exited their vehicles and Avilez Blanco threw a metal U-hook and drill battery at the victim. Avilez Blanco then returned to his car and struck the victim as he drove away.

The victim sustained injuries to his elbow, knee, and palms.

Avilez Blanco was later located in the Pinal County Detention Center in Arizona, where he was held on unrelated charges. He was extradited to Virginia for trial.

Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Snow also ordered Avilez Blanco to pay $7,274 in restitution to the victim. Following his release, Avilez Blanco will be subject to an immigration detainer.

Murder Suspect Nabbed at Dulles Airport

synthetic stimulant.

He was charged with two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, one count of  possession of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of robbery by threat, one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony (second violation), one count of malicious wounding and one count of failure to appear on a felony.

Green is also required to pay restitution in the amount of $120.

“Thanks to the comprehensive investigations conducted by the Leesburg Police Department and Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, this dangerous repeat offender was successfully apprehended,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson. n

According to the Sheriff ’s Office, Phillip Michael Igyarto was arrested Saturday by the Alexandria Police Department. He is charged with wearing a mask to conceal identity, a felony, and two counts of misdemeanor destruction of property in the cases.

According to the report, pro-Hamas, anti-Israel and anti-American graffiti was discovered six times at Starbucks locations on May 3 and May 21. The exteriors of the Starbucks were spray-painted with graphic words and symbols that were reported and later removed by store employees.

Fairfax County Police also arrested Igyarto on Oct. 30, on charges of possession of Schedule I/II drug, possession of a gun with Schedule I/II Drug, and making false statement on criminal history consent form, according to the report.

Driver Gets 8 Years in 2023 Leesburg Assault

A year after he set off a law enforcement search following a road-rage inci-

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dulles Airport arrested the suspect in a Prince William County homicide as he attempted to fly to El Salvador on Sunday morning.

According to the agency, officers noticed the suspect, Christofer Antonio Argueta Ramirez, 19, had purchased a one-way ticket on an El Salvador-bound flight that was departing at 1:30 a.m. Officers intercepted Argueta Ramirez at the departure gate and escorted him to CBP’s inspection station.

Argueta Ramirez, who CBP said is an American citizen, was turned over to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police.

“Customs and Border Protection officers encounter all types of travelers arriving to and departing from the United States, including travelers wanted for allegedly committing seriously heinous offenses,” stated Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. “CBP continues to work with our law enforcement partners to help capture dangerous fugitives and to return them to face justice.” n

Scouting For Food Collection Planned Saturday

On Saturday, Scouts and volunteers will be crossing the county to collect donations for local food pantries as part of the annual Scouting for Food drive.

Since 1988, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and their leaders of the Goose Creek District of the National Capital Area Council each November organize

How Can A Newspaper Be A Nonprofit?

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.

the collection in neighborhoods across Loudoun.

Earlier this week, many residents received a notification in the form of a Scouting for Food Post-It note with directions how to contribute.

The scouts will return to the communities on Saturday, Nov. 9 to pick up the

filled bags of non-perishable items—no glass please—and deliver them to area food pantries.

Last year, more than 800 Scouts and 500 volunteers collected 56,300 pounds of food during the event.

“These donations could not come at a better time each year. Often, we can start

using the Scouts’ food the very next week to restock items such as cereals, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, and meats, such as tuna,” Loudoun Hunger Relief Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Montgomery said. n

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

Towns

Middleburg Council Adds Take-Home Cars to Police Recruitment Effort

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Middleburg Town Council last week provided another tool to Police Chief Shaun D. Jones in his effort to fully staff the town’s small police force.

The council approved a pilot project to allow officers to take their police cruisers home—or up to 40 miles toward home— after their shifts.

“It’s an incentive the guys are really looking forward to,” Jones told the council Oct. 30, saying the new allowance would boost staff morale and recruiting efforts.

The action is part of a series of changes approved by the council to aid in recruiting amid increasing competition among area law enforcement agencies. Middleburg is an a particularly difficult location, competing both with well-funded larger agencies like the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and Leesburg Police, as well as small rural agencies in the valley where housing and the cost of living is cheaper.

Take home cars are permitted by many area departments, including Loudoun’s sheriff ’s office as long as the cruisers stay within the county. Other agencies have limits of 30 to 50 miles on take-home travel.

The Middleburg Council settled on a 40-mile policy as part of a six-month pilot program to evaluate the cost and to assess maintenance impacts.

Earlier this year, the council approved

LOVETTSVILLE

a new step pay plan to improve officer salaries and added incentives for them to complete certification and training programs. It also added new ranks, allowing non-command officers to qualify as officers first class or master police officers.

Town Manager Danny Davis said those opportunities can have a big impact in a small department with only three command positions—chief, lieutenant, corporal—and three officers.

Over the past year, Jones struggled to find qualified officers among the applicant pool, but the changes appear to be paying off.

On Saturday, the town welcomed a new officer who had command experience at a previous agency. He joined the staff as an officer first class. Additionally, another town officer was promoted to first class in recognition of his experience and training. n

AROUND towns

Veterans Ceremony Planned Monday

The town is hosting its annual Veteran’s Day ceremony at the memorial on the squirkle Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

The event will feature a keynote by Capt. Daniel L. Jensen of the U.S. Space Force. Jensen is the Chief of Special Activities Branch with the Office of Space Launch, National Reconnaissance Office. He began his career as an intelligence officer supporting F-16 operations specializing in suppression of enemy air defenses and training of North Atlantic Treaty Organization members in defense of the European mainland.

The ceremony will also have Scouts BSA Troop 962G leading the Pledge of Allegiance and performances by the Lovettsville Elementary Chorus.

Twenty-four new memorial pavers will also be installed.

Lecture: McDonnell’s Photographic Journey

John McDonnell, former staff photographer for the Loudoun Times-Mirror and the Washington Post, will present a journey through the 1970s and thereafter using his collection of photographs on Sunday, Nov. 10

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 19

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Finding ways to improve officer recruitment has been a top priority of Middleburg Police Chief Shaun D. Jones since taking office last year.

Lovettsville Readies for Veterans Day with New Hometown Hero Banners

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

After launching the Hometown Heroes Banner Program last year with five banners displaying the name, rank and photo of United States military veterans, Lovettsville is expanding the initiative this year with an additional 13 service members.

Supported by the town, but organized primarily by the town’s American Legion post, the program displays the banners throughout the town between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day each year.

Sponsors and members of the American Legion gathered at the town’s Veterans’ Memorial on Friday evening to inspect the new banners before they are

installed ahead of the Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony.

Former Lovettsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1836 President Debra Zajic was the first to propose the idea after finding out that other towns were part of the program to honor military members.

“I think that it’s honoring our veterans who sacrificed, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, remembering our veterans,” she said.

Families interested in sponsoring a banner to be hung next year can email the Lovettsville American Legion Post 1836 Commander at commander.alpost1836. va@gmail.com or the Lovettsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit Post 1836 at president.alaunit1836.va@gmail.com or by visiting the Town Hall. n

Around Towns

continued from page 18

starting at 2 p.m. The program will be held at St. James United Church of Christ in Lovettsville.

McDonnell was raised in Purcellville and graduated from Loudoun Valley High School. While in high school in the 1970s, he started working as a photographer for the Loudoun Times-Mirror at a time when Loudoun County was dotted with dairy farms. His photographs captured people and events from 50 years ago, including the Mount Weather plan crash of 1974 and the Lovettsville Community Center fire of 1976.

In 1978, he went to work for the Washington Post, and continued there until his retirement in 2023, covering everything from street protests to presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome to defray expenses of the program and to support the activities of the Lovettsville Historical Society.

For more information, go to  lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org, or call 540-822-9194.

MIDDLEBURG

Council Adopts New B&B Rules

Last year, the Town Council rejected Planning Commission proposed policies that would permit larger downtown inns. Last week, the council adopted an overhaul of the town’s rules for bed and breakfast operations.

In part, the changes were intended to allow a B&B operation in the Washington Street building where the inn had been proposed, by adding an allowance for them to be manger-occupied, rather than owner-occupied. The changes also allow B&Bs to have up to five guest rooms, an increase from three.

However, as part of the new regulations, B&Bs no longer will be permitted in residential zoning districts. Letting out rooms in homes in those areas of town will be controlled by the short-term rental rules, which require a special exception permit. n

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

Ken Falke Founder and Chairman Boulder Crest Foundation

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.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Members of Lovettsville’s American Legion and Auxiliary Unit Posts 1836 hold up the newest 13 additions to the town’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program Nov. 1.

Obituaries

Arthur Carroll Peacock

September 22, 1951 - October 30, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the loss of our beloved stepdad, pappaw, great pappaw, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend to many, Arthur Carroll Peacock, who passed away at home on October 30, 2024. Carroll was predeceased by his parents, Aurthur and Mae Peacock, of Paeonian Springs, and his beloved wife of 35 years, Nancy Peacock. Carroll is survived by his stepdaughter, Lynn Mercer (Mike); grandchildren, Shelby Glenn (Katie) and Dylan Mercer (Megan); great granddaughter, Talia Mercer; brother, Charles Peacock; nieces, Heather Peacock (Brian) and Stevie Peacock; great niece, Kamryn Peacock; great nephew, Brayden McDonald, and many other family members. Carroll was a lifelong resident of Loudoun County. He grew up in Waterford, VA, and graduated from Loudoun Valley High School in 1969. Thereafter, he majored in bookkeeping at Draughons Business College in Tennessee. Carroll worked for Loudoun Furniture Company for over 25 years as a bookkeeper and occasional salesman where he met many people from the local community. He continued working with IMI Furniture when Loudoun Furniture was sold. He worked in the same building for thirty plus years until he retired in 2021. Carroll was an avid hunter. He was into bow and rifle hunting. He loved the sport of hunting and was known to donate deer to Hunters for the Hungry every season. He was also a skilled gardener. Having grown up around working farms during his childhood he gained the knowledge to grow very productive vegetable gardens. He was very passionate about gardening and made sure to donate extra veggies to Loudoun Hunger Relief every summer. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Colonial Funeral Home 201 Edwards Ferry Rd NE Leesburg, VA. 20176 November 11 Viewing 6-8 pm November 12 Funeral 11 am Graveside Service to follow immediately after the funeral at: Union Cemetery 323 N King St Leesburg, VA. 20176.

Elisabeth Rumford

Elisabeth (Elissa) Rumford (28) died on October 31, 2024. She is survived by her parents, sister and her loving family. Please see www.loudounfuneralchapel. com for the full obituary and Celebration of Life.

LIVE MUSIC

OWEN & LEIGH

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

HOLLY MONTGOMERY

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

TEJAS SINGH

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

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

RYAN JEWELL

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

HUME-FRYE

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

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

LINDSAY AUSTIN HOUGH

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

CHRIS BOWEN

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

MIKE MCCABE

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

SHANE GAMBLE

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

DAVE GOODRUM

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

KEN WENZEL

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8

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

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 23

Exploring Loudstone: A Fantasy Fete

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

A little bit of magic is coming to the forests and fields along Short Hill Mountain near Lovettsville next Saturday as the Stone Manor Boutique Inn hosts The Kingdom of Loudstone Fantasy Fete.

The event is expected to draw fantasy fans from near and far for a vendor expo, narrative scavenger hunts, actor interactions and an evening of dancing.

The program is brainchild of Stone Manor Events Manager Erin Simpson. Typically, she’s busy planning weekend weddings and weekday corporate events at the Lovettsville-area B&B. But she has a passion for the fantasy community and sees a big opportunity in inviting them to the property, which is anchored by a stately 1908 manor house.

“Fantasy balls are increasingly popular, projected to be a billion-dollar industry in 2025,” she said. “It is basically like prom or masquerade, but with fantasy theming, with mythical creatures, beasts, your favorite TV shows, movies, and books— everything like that.”

This month’s one-day fete will be followed by a two-day festival next spring. The events will introduce and build upon an original Appalachian folklore-themed narrative featuring the Kingdom of Loudstone—comprised of four distinct magical communities, and fifth band of

banished members—with actors helping to bring the story to life.

“We’re such a naturally inspired venue, and we’ve got character actors who people can interact with, dance with, talk with throughout the evening. We have a narratively driven scavenger hunt throughout the event,” Simpson said.

She compared the event to a prom or masquerade ball providing the opportunity to get dressed up and meet new people in a fun setting.

“When I build events, it is very important to me that all different kinds of people can enjoy it. So, the introverts who don’t want to spend all night on the dance floor can still have fun by doing other things and having structure to be able to make friends. You might interact with our character actors and make new friends along the way.”

In addition to creating a magical event for participants, Simpson is hoping to make community connections as well. That includes inviting a local animal rescue organization to showcase their adoption candidates during a Fantasy Beast Expo and partnering with area businesses to offer special deals to the festivalgoers.

“We are creating a map that’s going to look like a Lord of the Rings-type very fantasy style map showing all our partnering businesses that are offering special discounts or experiences for ticket holders on just the weekends of our events,"

she said.

Among the nearly two dozen partners offering special services or discounts are bookstores, including Books and Other Found Things, Birch Tree Bookstore and Scrawl Books; coffee shops including Shake and Bops and Weird Brothers Coffee; entertainment venues including Escape Room LoCo and Huzzah Hobbies; and restaurants including Side Bar and Schmidt’s BBQ.

“Our target audience is the Mid-Atlantic coast from Vermont down to Georgia. It’s people with interest in the fantasy community,” Simpson said.

She said she didn’t really understand the depth of the fantasy community until she attended a fantasy ball in New York City.

“In planning this event, I have gotten to make such wonderful friends. I went to another fantasy ball in Baltimore this past summer and I met so many people, some people that I consider my best friends now, even though they’re not located super close,” she said. “In this community, you’ll see a lot of the same values are upheld—the whimsy and positive environment. It’s a lot of people who have a lot of love and respect for the art and world-building and everything that goes into the world of fantasy, whether it’s books or movies or TV shows.”

For additional information and tickets, go to kingdomofloudstone.com. n

Photo by Natasha Sachi @LegendOfSachi

Characters explore the Kingdom of Loudstone while making preparations for the Nov. 16 fantasy fete.

BEST BETS

NELSON

Saturday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Twin brothers Matthew and Gunner Nelson from the legendary entertainment family scored a number 1 hit with “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” on their 1990 debut “After the Rain.”

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 22

BRYAN STUTZMAN

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

SIDETRACKED

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

DANIEL MENSH

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com

DUELING PIANOS

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Solace Brewing, 42615 Trade W. Drive, 42615 Trade W. Drive, Sterling. $30. solacebrewing.com

THE REAL INTELLECT,

8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Nov. 8 Moon Lounge, 20921 Davenport Drive, Sterling. moonloungesterling.com

PICTROLA

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

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

ROWDY ACE BAND

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

2MB BAND

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

LUKE ANDREWS

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills

Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarm.com

ERIC CAMPBELL

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

GARY SMALLWOOD

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

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

WEEKEND @ BERNIE’S

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

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

JASON MASI

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

DEANE AND ERIC

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

PATTY REESE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

FREDDIE LONG

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

DAVID THONG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

MO & MARY MAC

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

PROJECT LOCREA

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center franklinparkartscenter.org

A special performance by a global jazz-fusion ensemble dedicated to creating and performing original compositions and contemporary arrangements inspired by folk music of different countries.

TJ SIMPSON

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

LIBERTY STREET

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

HOPELESS SEMANTICS

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

JESS JAMS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

JIM STEELE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

HILARY VELTRI

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyinacefarm.com

DAVE MININBERG

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com

JULIET LLOYD

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

BAD PANDA

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

DELTA SPUR DUO

5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

SUMMER & ERIC

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

ROWDY ACE

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

JET CAPRIEST

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

NELSON

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

THE FLASHBACK BAND

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

ROCK 4 VETS FALL FUNDRAISER

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

LEROY BURKS BAND

12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

GARY SMALLWOOD

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

MIKE LEVERONE

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

MUSIC continues on page 24

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 23

ERIC ZATZ

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

JP JONES

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

ZACH JONES

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

TODD BROOKS

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

JAKE PHILLIPS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

LOST CORNER VAGABONDS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

SHAWN SMITH

5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

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

ROWDY

12 to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

CHRIS BONE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11

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

MO & MARY MAC

2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11

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

SONNY WILDE

4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11

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

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13

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

PROJECT LOCREA

7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13

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

MELISSA QUINN FOX

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14

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

JUST DOUG

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14

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

JOJO BAYLISS

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14

Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen Leesburg, 1 N. King St., Leesburg. eatatrebellion.com

HAPPENINGS

WRITING IN NATURE

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

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

WELCOMING SANTA

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles. shopdullestowncenter.com

BIRDING BANSHEE

8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

LBB OUT WEST FEST

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

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

GRIND ART SHOW: KEVIN BEDNARZ

5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 506-B Fort Evans Road NE., Leesburg. eventbrite.com

VETERANS DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 10

AVFRD Founders Hall, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. $12. founders-hall.com

PHOTOGRAPHING HISTORY:

LOUDOUN AND BEYOND

2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

St. James United Church-Christ, 10 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville. lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org

VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION

10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11

The George C. Marshall International Center, 312 E. Market St., Leesburg. georgecmarshall.org

LOVETTSVILLE

VETERANS CEREMONY

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11

The Squirkle, 1 W Broad Way, Lovettsville. lovettsvilleva.gov

LO VE L d n Why We

Why I Love Loudoun: Jason Maddens

Loudoun native Jason Maddens trained at L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, MD and worked at restaurants in Fairfax, Tampa, FL and Washington, DC, before opening wine-forward modern American bistro AhSo in Brambleton Plaza in 2017.

Favorite place to eat in Loudoun?

Buffalo Wing Factory in Leesburg – the closest restaurant to my house. I always get the Buffalo Cobb Salad and there’s a good draft beer selection. It’s great for the kids and if I’m lucky I can get Bruster’s Ice Cream for dessert right next door.

Favorite place in Loudoun for a craft beverage?

Any IPA that Bear Chase Brewing is pouring. You can’t beat those views. Best hidden gem in Loudoun?

Buford’s Biscuits in downtown Leesburg. Great owners and delicious food. What’s a must-see place for an out-oftown visitor?

Our data centers? Only joking! I have to go back to Bear Chase for this one. Get in a hike at Bears Den Overlook across the road first and then relax on the lawn with a beer.

Favorite event in Loudoun to go to?

All the farmers markets. We have the one in Brambleton on Sundays and I like to alternate between the Saturday markets in Leesburg and at One Loudoun.

What’s a fun fact to share about Loudoun?

When I graduated in 1999 there were only five high schools. Twenty-five years later there are 17.

Are you the sole founder/owner of AhSo?

My wife and I own it and we own the next-door Ahso Cellars wine shop independently. Where does the unusual name come from?

An Ahso is a two-pronged tool used to open a wine bottle when the cork may be damaged. I worked at the restaurant Clarity in Reston and trained to become a sommelier. People used to bring in old bottles and I would always need an Ahso to open them. I began to associate the tool with “old, good wine.” I thought it sounded unique and interesting and I knew it would be a conversation piece. How long have you done the Thanksgiving dinners to-go?

We’ve been doing them since our first Thanksgiving in 2018. What is the dinner?

It’s ordered per person, and it includes Turkey Roulade, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted root vegetables, sweet potato casserole, green beans with crispy onions, butternut squash soup, cranberry sauce and apple crisp. How many do you make?

Each year the number goes up a bit. Usually around 80 to 90.

Contributed

Jason Maddens

You do a dine-in Christmas Eve dinner. What’s on the menu?

It’s a three-course prix fixe with a bunch of menu favorites that may include Beef Shortribs or Pork Shank Cassoulet. Tell us about the “Seven Fishes” dinner you do.

The Thursday before Christmas – Dec. 19 this year – we do a Feast of the Seven Fishes tasting menu with wine pairings. We weave seven seafood items into a five-course menu. As an aside, I also host Seven Fishes at my house for my family on Christmas Eve. It started out very traditional Italian but as my family’s tastes have evolved, I’ve Americanized things. Think lobster mac & cheese, crab cakes, seared tuna, linguine & clams. What local ingredients do you use on your menu?

We grab things from farmers markets all the time and use a lot of Virginia producers for our meats.

What is your best-selling dish?

We change our menu constantly but there are favorites that always make a comeback such as our Lentil-quinoa “spaghetti & meatballs” and King of Rock n Roll dessert.

You have a dedicated following. What is unique about AhSo?

Very few local restaurants are chef-owner operated with a dynamic changing menu. We have also evolved

as an “any-occasion” restaurant. We do Ramen on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Burger & Whiskey Wednesdays and fried chicken on Sundays. You can come in on a random Wednesday for a beer and a burger or book the Chef Counter on a Saturday for a six-course tasting menu with pairings personally prepared by me. We do it all.

What was your inspiration for AhSo?

Like most young culinary school students, my goal was to open my own restaurant. The places I worked at and the chefs I worked under gave me the pieces needed to make this a reality. I’m also lucky to have a wife and kids on board with what I do. When I opened AhSo, I was worried about reviews and accolades. These days I just want a good wholesome business that can support my family and scratch that culinary itch! Do you have Loudoun wine or beer on the menu?

We always have several Virginia wines and Solace and Ocelot beer on draft. What is the best meal you have ever eaten?

My wife took me to a place in Nashville, TN, for my birthday called The Catbird Seat. It’s a tasting menu place run by a couple of brothers — one is the chef and the other the wine guy. That experience was the inspiration for our “Dinner at the Chef’s Counter” at AhSo. n

Jingle Jam Tickets on Sale Saturday

Christmas is getting an early start—or at least it will Saturday morning as Jingle Jam fans line up outside the Tally Ho Theater to score tickets to this year’s holiday concert.

For the second time in its nearly two-decade run, the all-star Jingle Jam Band is planning three full shows—on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.  Tickets are $30 with a limit of

10 per person.

The tickets sell out quickly each year, with the most enthusiastic concert goers camping out overnight to secure an early spot in the line at the Tally Ho Theater box office.

The annual holiday concerts were launched in 2007. Last year’s event raised $15,000 for Loudoun Hunger Relief and Breakthrough T1D. n

Loudoun Now File Photo

Cal Everett performs during the 2023 Jingle Jam concert at the Tally Ho Theater. He and other member of the Jingle Jam band are gearing up for this year’s shows.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 3:00 p.m. on December 4, 2024 for the following:

RFP No. 500640-FY25-28

BOILER SERVICES FOR THE TOWN OF LEESBURG UTILITIES DEPARTMENT

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide oncall, preventative maintenance and emergency boiler services as needed for the Town of Leesburg Water Pollution Control Facility and Water Treatment Plant as described herein. Most services will be completed at these two facilities.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 11/07/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047156-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Aleszandra Bywater

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v. Unknown 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 Aleszandra Bywater

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before December 17, 2024 at 2:00pm.

11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/24

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

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

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

ONLINE. ALWAYS. LOUDOUNNOW.COM

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048309-03-00, -04-00, -05-00, -06,00; JJ048310-03-00, -04-00, -05-00, -06-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Yanelis Banegas and Yadiel Banegas Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v.

Marbin Echeverria, putative father, and Uknown Father

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

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

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

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

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

COMPREHENSIVE ENGINEERING SERVICES

WATER AND WASTEWATER CONVEYANCE AND TREATMENT AND RELATED SERVICES

The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www. eva.virginia.gov), until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, for the following:

RFP NO. 500610-FY25-14

COMPREHENSIVE ENGINEERING SERVICES

WATER AND WASTEWATER CONVEYANCE AND TREATMENT AND RELATED SERVICES

The Town of Leesburg (the “Town”) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide comprehensive engineering services for water and wastewater conveyance and treatment and related services.

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

11/07/24

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the DULLES ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

BOZA-2024-0003

(Request for Variance - 21070 Unison Road, Middleburg, Virginia Addition to Single Family Dwelling)

County Zoning Ordinance (the Zoning Ordinance) in order to permit the construction of an addition to an existing single family detached dwelling on the subject property. The subject property is approximately 0.29 acres in size and is more particularly described as 21070 Unison Road, Middleburg, Virginia, PIN: 618-20-4909-000, Tax Map# /72/////////1E in the Little River Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is zoned Agricultural Rural -2 (AR-2) under the Zoning Ordinance. The applicant seeks a variance from the Zoning Ordinance provisions in: Table 2.04.02-1 – AR-2 Zoning District Dimensional Standards, to allow an increase from 10% to 23.29% for residential or non-residential structures excluding agricultural structures not open to the public.

Copies of the applications and related documents listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. County staff reports will be made available Friday, November 15, 2024. Documents may also be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding these matters. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign up in advance. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 no later than 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177, or by e-mail to stephanie. capps@loudoun.gov. Members of the public may also submit comments electronically at loudoun. gov/landapplications. If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance in order to participate in the public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning & Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) or, TTY-711. Three business days advance notice is requested.

Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chair Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 3:00 p.m. on December 5, 2024 for the following:

RFP No. 500610-FY25-29

UTILITIES SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION (SCADA) SYSTEM REPLACEMENTINTEGRATOR SERVICES

The Town of Leesburg is accepting proposals from qualified and interested firms to integrate (design, develop, program and implement) a replacement Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) system for the Town’s water and wastewater treatment facilities.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 11/07/24

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR STORMWATER AND FLOODING RESILIENCY PLAN

The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www. eva.virginia.gov), until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, for the following: RFP NO. 320814-FY25-17

CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR STORMWATER AND FLOODING RESILIENCY PLAN

The Town of Leesburg (the “Town”) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms to complete a stormwater and flooding resiliency plan for the Town.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 11/07/24

11/07 & 11/14/24

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

LEGI-2024-0017, STERLING MOTORCARS: ZMOD-2024-0010 (Zoning Modification)

Lithia VA Real Estate, LLC has submitted an application for a zoning modification for approximately 6.64-acres of land located north of the intersection of Waxpool Road (Route 625) and Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036) and west of Sully Road (Route 28) in the Sterling Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as 21826 Pacific Blvd, Sterling, Virginia, PIN: 043-28-9166-000 and Tax Map # /80//18//26A2/. For ZMOD-2024-0010, the applicant seeks to modify the signage requirements approved in ZMOD-1998-0002, Dulles 28 Auto Mall Signs, and the applicable provisions of Section 523 of the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (1972 Zoning Ordinance), that includes increasing the maximum permissible square footage, both per sign and in the aggregate, in the PD-CH (Planned Development – Commercial Highway) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance.

LEGI-2023-0094, MILESTONE HAMILTON SAFETY: CMPT-2023-0012, SPEX-2023-0030 & SPEX-2024-0061

(Commission Permit, Special Exception & Minor Special Exception)

Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV has submitted an application for a commission permit, special exception and minor special exception for approximately 10.54 -acres of land located south of East Colonial Highway (Route 7) east of Harmony Church Road (Route 754), west of Brownsville Lane, and north of Digges Valley Road (Route 707) in the Catoctin Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as 39071 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, PIN: 382-27-7245-000 and Tax Map # /37//21/////2/. For CMPT-2023-0012, the applicant seeks a commission permit for a 164-foot tall (160-foot tall with 4-foot lightning rod) telecommunications tower, and antenna hub site. For SPEX-2023-0030, the applicant seeks a special exception to permit a telecommunications tower in the JLMA-1 (Joint Land Management Area – 1) and RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance). For SPEX-2024-0061, the applicant seeks a minor special exception to remove the evergreen hedge buffer requirement on the eastern portion of the antenna hub site and incorporate existing vegetation as the western antenna hub site buffer.

LEGI-2023-0065, GREENFIELD FARM REZONING: ZMAP-2023-0003, SPEX-2023-0008, SPEX-2024-0022, SPEX-2024-0023, SPMI-2023-0004, ZMOD2023-0012, ZMOD-2023-0013, ZMOD-2023-0014, ZMOD-2023-0015, & ZMOD2024-0009

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)

Orme Farm, LLC, has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, special exceptions, zoning ordinance modifications, and a subdivision exception for approximately 174.74 acres of land located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), east of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and north of Hogeland Mill Road (Route 649) in the Catoctin Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

236-15-4867-000 N/A /60//10/////3/

236-46-5707-000 41451 Shreve Mill Road, Leesburg /60////////53A

236-27-7526-000 N/A /60////////56A

For ZMAP-2023-0003, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 174.74 acres of land from the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) zoning district to the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district to be administered as R-4 (Single Family Residential -4) utilizing ADU (Affordable Dwelling Unit) regulations and the PD-CC(CC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center (Community Center) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance) for the development of 496 Single Family Detached (SFD) and 22 Multifamily Attached (MFA) Dwelling Units at a density of 3.37 dwelling units per acre and up to 44,265 square feet (SF) of commercial uses. For SPEX-2023-0008, SPEX-2024-0022, and SPEX-20240023, the applicant seeks three special exceptions in order to (1) permit a convenience

store with gas pumps, (2) permit a restaurant with drive-through facilities, and (3) allow the minimum lot width, Traditional Design Option for SFD units to be 30 feet for certain lot types. For SPMI-2023-0004, the applicant seeks a minor special exception to increase the maximum SF for commercial uses by 1,000 SF. For ZMOD-2023-0012, ZMOD-20230013, ZMOD-2023-0014, ZMOD-2023-0015, and ZMOD-2024-0009, the applicant seeks five zoning modifications in order to: reduce the minimum front yard requirements for SFD Traditional design option from 15 feet to 5 feet for SFD D1 and D2 typologies, to reduce the nine-foot minimum side yard requirements for Traditional Design Option SFD A, B, and C typologies to an eight-foot minimum side yard; for Traditional Design Option SFD D1 typology lots to a zero-foot minimum side yard on one side of each dwelling unit and an eight-foot minimum side yard on the other side of such dwelling unit if an eight-foot minimum distance is maintained between the adjacent dwelling unit; and for Traditional Design Option SFD D2 typology lots to a four-foot minimum side yard if an eight-foot minimum distance is maintained between adjacent dwelling units; to reduce the minimum rear yard requirements for SFD Traditional design option from 25-feet minimum to 15-feet minimum for SFD C, D1, and D2 typologies, to permit private street access for certain SFD units, increase the total land area dedicated to retail and service uses from three percent to six percent, eliminate street tree requirements for private streets serving as alleys, and to reduce the permanent open space buffer between shopping center uses and residential districts from 75 feet to 50 feet. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution, dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0102, CENTURY CORNER AT GOOSE CREEK VILLAGE: ZCPA-2023-0009, SPEX-2023-0035, SPEX-2023-0036 & ZMOD-2024-0006 (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Modification, & Special Exceptions)

ZD Acquisitions LP has submitted applications for a zoning concept plan amendment, zoning modification, and special exceptions for approximately 3.84 acres of land located west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and north of the Dulles Greenway (VA 267) (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as PIN: 154-483700-000 and Tax Map # /78/S/1CM///6/. For ZCPA-2023-0009, the applicant seeks to increase the number of Independent Living Units from 80 to 120. For SPEX-2023-0035, the applicant seeks to modify the plat design and layout associated with SPEX-2016-0007 for Continuing Care Facility, Assisted Living, and Nursing Home uses on the Subject Property. For SPEX-2023-0036, the applicant seeks to modify the building and parking layouts previously approved with SPEX-2016-0008, Continuing Care Facility, Nursing Home use. For ZMOD-2024-0006, the applicant seeks to reduce building setbacks from Belmont Ridge Road from 90-feet to 70-feet, to reduce the parking setbacks from 25-feet to 20-feet along Belmont Ridge Road, and from 50-feet to 20-feet along the Dulles Greenway. The 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, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www. loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5).

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

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views during the public hearing. Public comment will be received only for those items listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing; however, speakers may also sign-up at the public hearing. Written comments concerning any item before the Commission are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000, or by e-mail

continued on next page

Legal Notices

to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and for the Clerk’s records. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing to request additional time to speak on behalf of such organization.

Regularly scheduled Planning Commission public hearings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. In the event the public hearing cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing will be continued to the next day (Wednesday). In the event the public hearing may not be held on that Wednesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing may be continued to the first Thursday of the next month.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-7770246 (option 5). Three business days advance notice is requested.

BY ORDER OF: MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR

LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

11/07 & 11/14/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING NOTICE

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will hold a community information meeting to review a proposed Joint Use Service and Storage Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in the Library at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School (490 Evergreen Mill Rd SE, Leesburg) at 6:00PM

Special Exception applications have been filed with Loudoun County to allow a public service center with outdoor storage at the Loudoun County Government Support Center (42000 Loudoun Center Place, Leesburg). The Government Support Center is located on a portion of a 645-acre Loudoun County owned property, on the east side of Sycolin Road and north of Crosstrail Boulevard. Access to the site is from Sycolin Road on Loudoun Center Place. The site is more particularly identified as Tax Map Number /60////////12/ (PIN# 191-16-9866) and is zoned JLMA-20. The applications are subject to the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use requires Special Exception applications in accordance with Section 3.02 and Section 4.06.07. The proposed public service center site is governed under the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan. The subject property is designated for Leesburg JLMA Employment. This place type provides opportunities for a range of light and general industry uses (flex space, manufacturing, warehousing, contractor services) to include public facilities as a conditional use.

The proposed use is identified in the School Board Adopted FY 2025 – FY 2030 Capital Improvement Program. The primary purpose of the public service center, with outdoor storage, is to house the grounds and inclement weather maintenance operations of LCPS. The site would be used to store grounds maintenance equipment (trucks, trailers, mowers, snowplows, salt spreaders, and similar equipment) as well as sand, salt, and similar materials to be accessed during inclement weather for treatment of LCPS and County of Loudoun owned properties (driveways and parking lots). The proposed use would also include a small engine repair shop with outdoor storage that would service equipment. The public service center is proposed on a 21-acre portion of the 645-acre property.

The purpose of the November 21 meeting is to share information with the surrounding community on the proposed public service center. Please contact our office if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like more detail on the applications. Information is posted on the LCPS website (https://www. lcps.org/o/support/page/future-school-facilities).

Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability to participate meaningfully in the meeting should contact the Planning and GIS Services office at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting at 571-252-1050.

Loudoun County Public Schools

Division of Planning & GIS Services

Attn: Jefferson Miller

960 Sycolin Road SE, Suite 110, Leesburg, VA 20175

Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG

Telephone: 571-252-1050

11/07 & 11/14/24

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

MIDDLEBURG PLANNING COMMISSION

10/3 - 12/5/24

The Middleburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024 to hear comments on the following:

Zoning Text Amendment 24-03 An Ordinance to Amend Article II of the Middleburg Zoning Ordinance pertaining to Definitions for Financial Institution and Professional Office.

The hearing will take place at the Town Hall, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia. The application materials may be reviewed online at www.middleburgva.gov/publichearings or in the Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@middleburgva.gov

The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing.

11/07 & 11/14/24

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

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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.

BIKE, HUFFY

BICYCLE, WOMEN’S 25 SPEED WHITE SER#GP907775 SO240008229 5/8/2024 21800 TOWNCENTER PLZ. STERLING, VA 20164 571-367-8400

11/07 & 11/14/2024

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

CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1GCHG35U331235423 BATTLEFIELD TOWING 703-378-0059 2006 FORD FUSION 3FAHP06Z26R138920 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

11/07 & 11/14/2024

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”.

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

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

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

The Board of Zoning Appeals of the Town of Purcellville will hold a public hearing at Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:

A Special Exception Permit regarding the property located at 361 South Davis St., Purcellville, Virginia. The property is further identified by Parcel Identification Number 488-15-3067.

SPEX-24-01: Special Exception application submitted by property owner, Jennie and Brian Lesnak. The special exception seeks approval of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) totaling 511 square feet, located in the lower level of the existing residential structure. Under R-2 district regulations, an ADU is permittable only through the special exception process.

Additional information regarding this application is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia during regular business hours Monday through Friday between 9:00AM – 4:00PM, holidays excepted. For further information, please contact Boyd Lawrence, Planning Manager, at 540-338-7421 or blawrence@purcellvilleva.gov.

At this public hearing, an opportunity will be provided for all persons desiring to present their views on this matter. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Town Clerk at 540-3387421, three days in advance of the meeting.

11/07 & 11/14/24

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 (12/4/24).

Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/ inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.

Town of Leesburg

Employment Opportunities

Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.

Regular Full-Time Positions

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

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

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

Opinion

Closing the Divide

Another Election Day has passed with the vote totals starkly illustrating the nation’s deep political divide. We were here four years ago, battling over many of the same issues including healthcare, immigration, the fragile economy and inflation.

Will we be here four years from now? There’s no reason to think we won’t.

These polarizing issues are not unsolvable. But to have a chance we must move beyond the intense tribalism that prevents cooperation and compromise in the governmental arena. Unfortunately, we can’t look to our elected representatives to lead—or even participate—in such exercises. Those who have tried most often have been rewarded with political excommunication.

The path to a functional democracy can only start at the local level, with residents turning off their anger-fueling media channels, social and otherwise, and talking with their real-life neighbors. Those conversations should start with the neighbors who posted campaign signs of candidates other than yours in their yards.

It is only through those talks that we’ll begin to understand we share more common priorities than we thought. And only from there can a foundational commitment to a better government be re-established.

Purcellville Elections

continued from page 1

Kevin B. Wright squeaked out a win over Jonathan D. Arnburg by a mere 75 votes in a special election to fill the seat that Wright currently holds through term that expires Dec. 31, 2026.

“I’m happy that the people of Purcellville were given the choice between two candidates with very different views on how the town and the people of the town should be served by their elected representatives,” Bertaut said. “And I’m glad, frankly, that we’ve made it through this election season, and I look forward to further serving the people of Purcellville as their new mayor.”

A top priority for Bertaut is increasing transparency in the town’s operations and processes.

“I want to focus first and foremost on serving the people of Purcellville to the best of my ability and the best of the town’s ability,” he said.

Nett said he looks forward to addressing the town’s high utility rates.

“I feel deeply honored by this election tonight and look forward to fulfilling my campaign promises and working expeditiously to enhance our agenda that we campaigned on, and to help get utility rates under control,” he said. “That is, I think, the issue that’s been first and foremost in people’s minds. It’s the issue

that drove me to get involved in politics here locally.”

Nett also serves as an officer in the town’s Police Department. He said he is not making any decisions on whether he will resign from that position yet.

“The advice that I’ve gotten from the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council is that I would recuse myself from any matters that pertained exclusively to the Police Department,” he said. “But that does not include such things as the overall town budget, of

which the Police Department is a part.”

Stought, who led the general Town Council election with 2,480 votes, said he was looking forward to working with each member of the council in the coming year.

“I believe, that over the past three years I have earned the trust of the citizens of Purcellville in the 2022 election, and in the 2023 special election and now in the 2024 election, as well as my actions on council within the past year since winning special election,” he said. n

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.

Hanna Pampaloni/ Loudoun Now

Christopher Bertaut, left, won election to be Purcellville’s next mayor beating incumbent Stanley Milan. Carl “Ben” Nett, right, was elected to one of the four Town Council seats up for election this year, according to preliminary results Tuesday night.

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Innovative Energy

continued from page 3

today is working on a pilot project, a kind of 100-hour battery storage,” Davis said. “And battery storage will change the concept of solar.”

Nuclear energy is another possible solution that companies such as Dominion, Amazon and Microsoft are looking into – both on a large and small scale.

“I think there’s a lot more to come in nuclear,” Durbin said.

However, experts say the technology for small nuclear plants is still five to 10 years away.

“Nuclear is great, but we’re looking at the early 2030s before we have nuclear,” Davis said.

Another challenge is the public perception of nuclear energy – a topic the county Planning Commission addressed with Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) during an Oct. 22 work session regarding a Comprehensive Plan amendment regulating the location of data centers within the county.

“The solution to the problem is also the elephant in the room, which is nuclear,” Commissioner Clifford Keirce (Sterling) said. “Because they’re just an emotional response to nuclear. … Do you have

CHIPshots

any ideas how you get past that visceral response?”

Turner said he expects the federal government to begin mandating nuclear power plants on federal property to insulate certain locations from the power grid, were it to fail.

“What will happen over time is that it will introduce nuclear power at the local level through these federal installations.

So, you can imagine a small modular reactor at Fort Belvoir or Fort Myers,” he said.

On a more local level, the county government is looking for ways to more efficiently use the power that is already available on the grid.

“District energy is the use of waste heat that’s often produced by buildings and using that to heat another building,” Loudoun Assistant Director of General

Services Marv Aveni said.

Aveni said his team has been working with Equinix, a global data center company that used waste heat to heat a pool at the 2024 Paris Olympics, to look at options within the county.

“One of the things we’re looking at is a campus setting where we might have two or three different county buildings, and we might use district energy in that campus setting to heat those buildings,” he said.

Dominion Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Robbie Wright said looking for ways to more efficiently use power is a focus point for the company as well.

“Looking at new technologies, how we might leverage those technologies and the systems that are needed to be able to do that. So, it’s all about managing, being efficient with what we need to produce,” he said.

A tool that might help in that endeavor is artificial intelligence.

“Our [electric vehicles] right now, when you go park them, you can set them to charge at a certain time,” Davis said. “They don’t have to charge when you first get home. They can charge in the morning when there’s a lot of power on the grid that you don’t need. Same thing when it comes to washing dishes or using your dryers.” n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Dominion Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Robbie Wright speaks at a Loudoun Chamber forum focusing on the state of energy in the county Oct. 29.

Town Elections: Cooper Beats Arena by 2 Votes in Lovettsville

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

With the exception of Purcellville’s races, Loudoun’s western towns only saw two contested campaigns – a council seat in Lovettsville and the mayoral seat in Hillsboro.

In Lovettsville, preliminary results show Charles Cooper won a victory over Ann Arena by two votes to win a Town Council term that expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Leesburg Elections

continued from page 1

Town Hall dais by newcomer Nicholas Krukowski.

It was Burk’s first time running unopposed for public office. Twice she’s run in three-way races.

“I had an easier race than some people,” Burk told supporters gathered for an election watch party at the Green Tree Tavern. “Still, we could never do it all without all of your help.”

Burk said that she planned “a continuation of what she always wanted to do,” which was to make Leesburg a “vibrant, exciting place that people want to come and live and be part of.”

She touted Leesburg’s “fabulous” police department, and the uniqueness of neighborhoods throughout town. She said she wants Leesburg to “stay Leesburg.” While there will be some changes, everything should “blend and work together,” she said.

Burk also commended the newly elected Krukowski on his awareness of the issues facing downtown Leesburg, citing his experience as a firefighter.

“It’s always good to have new ideas, new thoughts, new people coming on,” she said.

Five candidates competed for three

Loudoun

continued from page 1

But statewide, the race with Cao was among the tightest of Kaine’s political career. Late Tuesday night, Kaine held a 53% to 47% advantage over Cao. In 2012, Kaine won 53% of the statewide race against Republican George Allen and in 2028 won 58% in the race against Republican Corey Stewart.

Mayor Christopher Hornbaker and council members Tom Budnar, David Earl and Stuart Stahl were all reelected to the seats they currently hold.

Vice Mayor Joy Pritz’s name appeared on the ballot and garnered 514 votes. However, Pritz withdrew from the election in September. The top write-in candidate will be elected to fill that seat. Preliminary results on Tuesday did not show who that will be.

Traditionally, Hillsboro picks its candidates entirely through write-in votes.

However, this year one name appeared on the ballot. Lisa K. Franke challenged incumbent Roger Vance for the mayoral seat. Vance has served as mayor for the past 18 years, following another eight years on the council.

While write-in ballots were not announced Tuesday night, Vance said when he last checked in with the Office of Elections, he and Town Council candidates Paul Hrebenak, Laney Oxman, Stephen Moskal, David MacDuffee and Kathleen Braddley were leading the results handily.

Town Council seats this year, including Cummings, Nacy, Krukowski, Brandon Garay and Robert D. Mays. Cummings, the night’s top winner, received 12,505 votes. Krukowski was just behind with 11,238 votes. Nacy won her reelection in third place with 9,660 votes.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Krukowski said to supporters.

He said he is excited to serve the constituents of Leesburg.

“I’ve dedicated my whole life to service since I was 15,” he said. “That transcends

10th Congressional District. Subramanyam garnered 53% of the votes on Loudoun and won districtwide by a slightly closer 52%-47% margin.

Gathered with supporters, including Wexton, at the Dulles Airport Marriott on Tuesday night, he thanked everyone who knocked on doors with him during the campaign happen. He also thanked Clancy “for stepping up to run.”

any party lines.”

Krukowski served as a Loudoun County fire-rescue captain and as a senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air force. He campaigned on a message of responsible growth for Leesburg. He cited responsible budget spending as a big priority, alongside making sure tax money from data centers is put toward tax relief and services that directly improve the lives of town residents. With the town expecting an estimated $10 to $15 million in new tax revenue stemming from the Compass

been divided.

“I want this to be a beginning. A beginning of a night where, when people look back at it, they say this was the night that we decided to rise up to the occasion and to all the challenges, and that we decided to come together and take love over hate and unity over division, and unity over division, and we decided to come together,” he said.

“I’m pleased and I just look forward to trying to complete the work that we’ve got underway and move forward. I’m grateful,” Vance said.

In Hamilton, Chris Shumaker and Heather Beardsley were both reelected to the seats they currently hold. Greg Wilmoth did not seek reelection and his term ends Dec. 31. Without a candidate registered to run for his seat, the top write-in candidate will be elected to a four-year term. n

Creek data centers, he said that money should go into residents’ pockets.

Cummings agreed with the sentiment, saying he was excited to work with a new member to find a way to use the data center money.

“We need to make sure we’re paying these residents back for these data centers,” Cummings said. He added that he was looking forward to making sure that living in Leesburg was affordable.

Krukowski also said he wants to be “the most accessible elected official that anybody knows.”

Nacy ran on a campaign of supporting the business community as well as introducing revenue sources to help reduce taxes.

The winners also weighed in on their feelings on the too-close-to-call presidential election.

“I’m on pins and needles,” Burk said. “This is an important election. They’re all important, but this is really important. I hope we prevail and Harris wins.”

“We have a big national election and that weighs over everybody,” Krukowski said. “My hope is that tomorrow, win or lose, either side, we start healing. The local races are the first step in that. Talk to your neighbors.”

Krukowski takes the seat held by Ara Bagdasarian, who did not seek re-election after serving one term. n

late January.

In the presidential race, Trump posted the best result in Loudoun among his three presidential campaigns, exceeding 41%. He garnered 38% of the Loudoun vote in 2016 and 36% four years ago.

State Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32) defeated Republican Mike W. Clancy in race to replace three-term incumbent Jennifer Wexton in the

Subramanyam said that almost 45 years ago, his parents first came to America, landing at Dulles Airport terminal, a short distance from the hotel.

He attributed his victory to people coming together in a country that has

Subramanyam’s victory will create an open seat in the state senate starting in January and candidates already are jockeying for support in the party nominating processes that will be held in advance of a special election likely to be held in

Statewide, Harris held a narrow lead over Trump, with 49% of the vote. In 2016, Hilary Clinton won Virginia by 5 points. In 2020, Joe Biden won the state by 10 points.

After a vibrant early voting season, Loudoun’s election officials anticipated a voter turnout in the 80% range. At the end of Tuesday, 72% of the county’s 308,000 voters cast ballots. n Blue

William Timme/Loudoun Now

Newly elected town council member Nicholas Krukowski speaks at the Loudoun County Democrats live election watch party at Green Tree Tavern Nov. 5.

A Loudoun Moment

Power Lines

continued from page 3

company believes the recommended route is the best option.

“We support the hearing examiner’s recommendation. We believe the overhead route we proposed will minimize impacts on the environment and the residents, scenery and historic resources of the community. This project is vitally important to the reliability of the grid that serves our customers in Loudoun County and across Northern Virginia,” according to the statement.

Carter’s recommendation holds weight but is not the final decision on the proposal. A final determination will now be made by the three SCC judges. n

PURCELLVILLE

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now Loudoun voters line up to vote at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro.