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VOL. 6, NO. 2
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Case Growth Nears Trigger to Close Classes BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
The former Aldie Tavern building could get new life under a deal county supervisors are working with an area developer. The county government purchased the property in 2015 as part of its now abounded plan to build a new fire-rescue station there.
Supervisors Strike New Deal to Restore Aldie Tavern, Protect St. Louis BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
A complicated new deal worked out between the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and a controversial developer could end up restoring the Aldie Tavern and protecting the village of St. Louis from development, but some rural Loudoun activists are worried. The new deal entwines two spots
where neighbors have fought for preservation and against new construction. In June 2019, after more than a year of effort by residents in and around the village of Aldie, the county abandoned its plans to build a new fire station next to the abandoned Aldie Tavern, opting to buy land near Gilbert’s Corner instead. Also, rather than their earlier plans to remove the Aldie Tavern from the Aldie Historic District to skirt a decision by the Historic
District Review Committee that made the fire station project more difficult, supervisors voted to expand the historic district to include more county-owned land. And in October of this year, county supervisors decided to buy 16.4 acres near St. Louis for $1.5 million, averting developer Mojax’s plans to build a 30-home NEW DEAL continues on page 35
With the increase in COVID-19 cases across Loudoun, the school division is coming close to reaching the metric thresholds that would impose an automatic suspension of in-person learning. According to the latest Health Department data, reported through Dec. 6, the percent of coronavirus tests that returned positive results exceeded 10% in 10 of the previous 11 days since Thanksgiving. The seven-day average positivity rate reached 11.7% on Dec. 3. The county’s average daily positivity rate last exceeded 10% in July. The School Board has adopted a policy that would move all students who are in classes as part of the hybrid learning program to distance learning if the number of new cases per 100,000 residents exceeds 200 during a 14-day period and the 14-day positivity rate exceeds 10%. Under a proposal presented to the board last week and not yet formally adopted, those conditions would have to hold for five consecutive weekdays before the closure would be implemented. The suspension of CLASS TRIGGER continues on page 35
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Leesburg Mulls Police Oversight; New Legislation Needed BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
What role town residents can play in working alongside members of the Leesburg Police Department looks to be a topic that will continue well into 2021. The Town Council Monday night broached the topic of creating a civilian oversight board for the Police Department. However, it’s a tool that is not yet available to the council, Town Attorney Christopher Spera said. Spera said the legislation signed into law by Gov. Ralph Northam in October that will take effect July 1, 2021 does create authority for certain civilian oversight bodies with direct regulatory authority over law enforcement agencies. But, as the law is currently written, towns are not authorized to create such oversight bodies. Localities in the legislation are defined as either cities or counties and, while town police departments are subject to oversight, only the county Board of Supervisors, not the
“The bottom line is a lot of people don’t trust the police. I think that we can maybe take a step into getting the community more involved, knowing that there are a group of people who are listening.” — Councilman Marty Martinez
Town Council, is authorized to create an oversight board for the town’s Police Department. The county would have the same authority to create such a board for the county’s two other town police departments in Purcellville and Middleburg. But, interestingly, the new law does not subject a county sheriff ’s office to an oversight board. Spera said he was not sure whether
those were the outcomes desired by legislators in creating the new law and said he and other city and county attorneys throughout the commonwealth expect there to be some modifications at least considered when the General Assembly reconvenes in January. One tool the Town Council does have at its disposal, however, is the ability to create an advisory board or commission to work alongside the police department. This would not have the same powers as an oversight body, which could mandate disciplinary actions on officers, but instead would serve as liaisons between the police department and the community, and report any recommendations back to the council. The Town of Purcellville is working to establish such a panel. Police Chief Gregory Brown said he supported the creation of an advisory commission or task force, but expressed some hesitation on moving toward an oversight board. “There’s always room for improve-
ment, but that improvement has to be tailored to the needs of this community,” he said. Brown said it is difficult to create a statewide standard for law enforcement agencies, all of which are in different stages of recruitment, retention and training, among other things. Each community’s different qualities and needs also need to be considered. “When you have so many different agencies … you are not going to have the same quality agency to agency because there is no national standard. The legislation now is trying to establish a statewide standard,” he said. Brown acknowledged that the events of May 25, when George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis, MN police officers brought forward months of unrest over racial injustice and police brutality have again created an “impetus for very difficult discussions,” but he resisted the POLICE OVERSIGHT continues on page 34
5 Years In, StoneSprings, New CEO Look to Bright Future BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The arrival of HCA’s StoneSprings Hospital in Dulles South was a game-changer for the hospital landscape in Loudoun County five years ago, and its new CEO thinks the next five could be just as impactful. Nathan Vooys started his post as StoneSprings’ new CEO Nov. 1. He had already been a part of the HCA team for a number of years, most recently serving as CEO at HCA’s Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Indiana, and previous stops in executive or administrative roles in Florida and Georgia. Vooys said the attraction to running the show at the 124-bed hospital, which celebrated its five-year anniversary Dec. 7, came down to the local market. “There is so much opportunity in this market, in this area and I think StoneSprings is in a geographically good position, strategically positioned. That’s a lot of fun for me as a hospital administrator, to grow service lines, invest in new equipment. That’s what gets me excited to get up and go to work every day; to be in a
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
New StoneSprings Hospital CEO Nathan Vooys stands by a window at the hospital, itself only five years old.
thriving, growing community and deliver [medical services] to the area,” he said. Vooys is keenly aware that StoneSprings’ southern Loudoun location was viewed as “the next frontier” for medical
services in the growing county, and said providers at the hospital have expressed a desire to have a physical, onsite presence on the hospital campus to be able to serve patients closer to where they live.
In his first few weeks at his new job, Vooys has been making the rounds STONESPRINGS continues on page 34
PAGE 4
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Loudoun
ON THE Agenda
Leaders on Vaccine: Stay Patient, Stay Safe LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Virginia Department of Health has announced its priorities for COVID-19 vaccination, as well as plans to begin distributing and administering the vaccine before the end of the year. And local health officials are urging Loudouners to be patient, stay calm, and stay safe. “Virginia has made clear its commitment to ensuring vaccine is distributed in a manner that is fair, ethical, equitable and transparent,” stated Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “Loudoun will adhere to the state’s guidelines that focus on those who are at the greatest risk of severe illness and those who are at the greatest risk of being exposed to the virus; this is the right thing to do while vaccine supplies are limited.”
At a press conference Wednesday, Dec. 2 Governor Ralph Northam urged Virginians to stay vigilant despite pandemic fatigue, pointing to outbreaks after social or family gatherings. “What all of these settings have in common is that people are getting together, often indoors, in places where they feel safe and they let their guard down. Virginia, you know the truth,” Northam said. “If you don’t wear masks, and you don’t social distance, and you think your right to ignore public health advice trumps your neighbor’s right to not get infected by you, these cases will just continue going up. It’s just selfish. Rights are important, but we also need to emphasize responsibility. And in some parts of the state, if you get this virus and need to go to the hospital, there’s not a bed for you near your home.”
DECEMBER 10, 2020
With the first doses of the vaccine expected in the coming weeks, the Loudoun County Health Department published a guide of things to know about the vaccine. First, Virginia has adopted recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the first vaccinations will go to health care workers and longterm care facility residents. Those priorities are meant to use the first doses of the vaccine in a way that maximizes the benefits and minimizes harm. The state is expecting to receive about 480,000 doses of the vaccine by the end of December. And the safety of that vaccine remains a top priority for health officials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will approve only vaccines that have passed rigorous standards for use in the U.S., they VACCINE continues on page 7
Letourneau Gets GMU Regional Leadership Award LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government during the second annual Regional Leadership Awards on Dec. 2 recognized Loudoun County Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell recalled Letourneau as “my best student at Catholic University 20 years ago.” Letourneau said that connection gives the award special meaning to him. “I appreciate the opportunities I have been given by my colleagues throughout the Washington region to serve in leadership positions with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and now the Metro Board,” Letourneau said. “I have always tried to improve each organization I’ve been part of it, treat everyone fairly, leave politics at the Renss Greene/Loudoun Now door and do my homework.” Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) takes the oath of office at the beginning of his new term in Letourneau represents Loudoun on January 2020. the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, which he chaired in 2019 after serving as vice chairman and secre- ton Metropolitan Area Transit Authority tors. He serves on the National Capital tary-treasurer, the first Loudoun County Board of Directors, the first Loudoun su- Region Transportation Planning Board Supervisor to serve as an officer of the pervisors to serve on that board. In 2018, commission. He also represents Virginia he chaired the Metropolitan Washington LETOURNEAU as a principal director on the Washing- Council of Governments Board of Direccontinues on page 6
Community Surveys Coming Loudoun County is asking residents to participate in The National Community Survey, in which the local government asks residents their views on government services, the county’s quality of life and priorities for government initiatives. Loudoun is one of more than 700 jurisdictions in 46 states that use this survey to help improve governmental performance, guide policy, strengthen communications with the community and identify priorities for goal and budget setting. It was developed with the assistance of the International City/County Management Association. Households that are selected to participate will receive a survey questionnaire in the mail in mid-December. Responses are anonymous and will be analyzed to provide a full picture of the Loudoun County community. The mailed survey is being sent to a statistically representative sampling of Loudoun County households. A follow-up online survey will be made available in mid-January so that anyone who is interested may participate. For more information on the 2020 Loudoun County survey, call 703-777-0539 or email megan.cox@ loudoun.gov. To view results of previous surveys conducted by the county, go to loudoun.gov/survey.
Virtual Rt. 50 Meeting Set for Dec. 17 Loudoun County is holding an online meeting to gather input from the public on the Rt. 50 and Trailhead Drive roundabout Thursday, Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The public is invited to join the virtual meeting to learn, ask questions and provide input about the project to construct a roundabout at the intersection. Login information and meeting materials are available for review at loudoun.gov/rt50trailheadroundaboutmeeting and loudoun.gov/remoteparticipation. Meeting materials include a concept design, speaker sign-up form and a comment form. To ask questions, advance sign up is ON THE AGENDA continues on page 5
DECEMBER 10, 2020
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Dozens of Businesses Awarded Outdoor Seating Grants LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
As businesses prepare for a winter of social distancing and limited seating, 53 have been awarded funding upgrade their outdoor seating during the COVID-19 pandemic from the Loudoun Is Ready Outdoor Seating Grant. Eligible businesses included restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries and tasting rooms, all of which have been negatively impacted by the regulations on indoor dining, which help curb the spread of the virus. Businesses that bought outdoor seating equipment like tents and heaters were eligible for up to $5,000 for equipment and $1,000 for fuel. The Board of Supervisors allocated approximately $250,000 of remaining CARES Act funding for the program. The Loudoun Is Ready Outdoor Seating Grant application process was executed within three weeks through a collaborative effort by Loudoun Economic Development, Visit Loudoun, the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, the Loudoun Fire Marshal and the county departments of Building and Development and Finance and Budget. It was the sixth business relief grant offered by the county since the health outbreak began in March and increased the county’s grant investment to nearly $11.8 million. “This grant grew out of a need identified in the business community, and we’re very proud of the impact that this funding will have, going into the colder months ahead,” stated Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer. “Loudoun County has been at the forefront of responsiveness to the business community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This started
ON THE Agenda continued from page 4
required by noon Wednesday, Dec. 16. Online participants will also be able to ask questions as chat messages, which will be answered during the meeting as time allows. The Rt. 50 and Trailhead Drive roundabout will include two westbound lanes to provide for left-turning and through/
with proactive outreach to thousands of businesses in the early weeks of the lockdown, which opened crucial lines of communication. Since then, Loudoun has delivered wide-ranging resources to our businesses as we’ve identified the need.” One grant winner was Bleu Frog Vineyards near Lucketts. The veteran and woman-owned business is built on farmland purchased in 2016, with the first grapes planted in 2017. Over the years, Jan Kernan and her husband have built a pavilion and other renovations, planning for the expansion of on-site tastings, weddings and other events. But that was before COVID-19 struck, leaving them to find creative solutions, including how to become an outdoor-only venue in the winter months. That led to a substantial investment in café tables, tents, gas heaters and fire pits. The Outdoor Seating Grant will reimburse $5,000 of those expenses and help Bleu Frog keep the lights on this winter. “We’re so thankful for Loudoun County and the Economic Development office for its empathy and efforts towards small businesses and the rural economy,” Kernan said. “This grant will help us tremendously, so we can continue service and operations during the winter months, as best as we can, without having to shut down. We really needed the cash flow after all of the expenditure over the last three years, so we’re very grateful for the grant.” Grant recipients will be notified this week, with instructions on how to receive the grant proceeds. For the full list of grant recipients or to see recipients from previous COVID-19 business grants, go to LoudounBusinessFund.org. n
right-turning traffic. The northbound approach from Trailhead Drive will include a bypass lane to eastbound Route 50. The roundabout will also be constructed so as to allow future expansion. For more information about the Route 50 and Trailhead Drive roundabout project, including a link to sign up for updates about the project and upcoming public meeting, go to loudoun.gov/rt50trailheadroundabout.
PAGE 5
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The Board of Supervisors on Dec. 1 unanimously approved a number of initiatives that grew from County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large)’s request for a broad overview of sustainability in Loudoun. In 2018, Randall pushed for a review of Loudoun’s 2009 County Energy Strategy, finding that much work—such as installing automatic light switches and energy-efficient HVAC in county buildings—was already being done quietly, although sometimes without formal tracking or with vaguely stated-goals. The follow-up vote last Tuesday includes an overhaul of that plan. It also includes work like expanding the county’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program, which helps fund green energy projects; pursuing Power Purchase Agreements, financing tools that allow renewable energy developers to build projects and sell the power; and creating an Environmental Advisory Council, to oversee those and other environmental
Letourneau continued from page 4 and the Route 28 Transportation Improvement District Commission. In Loudoun, he chairs the Board of Supervisors’ Finance, Government Operations and Economic Development Committee. The awards ceremony capped the third year of the Schar School’s Regional Elected Leaders Initiative, a series of policy-focused webinars for the region’s elected representatives, including those newly elected in early November. Throughout the fall, the series gave elected leaders information about major public policy issues that face the region like transportation, energy, the environment, affordable housing, and economic development. The Schar School’s RELI bipartisan efforts to bring new perspectives and build consensus on vital regional issues is important said RELI’s Mary Hynes. Hynes and former Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette are RELI’s coordinators.
initiatives. Randall said the effort builds on the achievements of previous boards, including work in 2009 to create the first County Energy Strategy. “As innovations come online, we want to be able to take advantage of what’s already going to be there, and so I want to get to a place where the County of Loudoun has a small-as-possible carbon footprint,” Randall said. “And because we’re such a tech-heavy county and have so many data centers, I think Loudoun really should be leading in this effort.” The Environmental Advisory Council was part of the proposal since supervisors approved an environmental review in April, which led to the series of proposals approved last Tuesday. “It really is a bipartisan effort,” Randall said. “I have been talking to colleagues across Northern Virginia, and some of the stuff we’re doing, we’re not recreating the wheel. So, there’s nothing we’re doing right now that we have to go to the state and ask permission. Everything we’re doing right now. Some counties have been doing already.” n
“Regionalism doesn’t just happen,” said Mary Hynes, who along with fellow former Arlington County Board of Supervisors member Jay Fisette coordinates the initiative. “At RELI we use the Schar School’s unique thought-leader position to foster regionalism by bringing all of Northern Virginia’s elected legislative-body leaders together. “Our hope is that our webinars and Regional Leadership Awards prompt learning, conversation, and coordinated local actions focused on our shared challenges in, among others, housing, transportation, and climate action.” Next year’s program is already in planning. “RELI looks forward to helping shape how 2021 approaches our regional needs and their statewide implications as the pandemic comes under control, schools are able to safely reopen, the economy gains ground, and our transportation needs are clarified,” Hynes said. Letourneau was recognized alongside Annandale Del. Vivian Watts (D-39), the longest-serving woman in the General Assembly. n
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Vaccine continued from page 4
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PAGE 8
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Leesburg
AROUND Town Leesburg’s Triple-A Rating Affirmed
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
The county Board of Supervisors and JK Moving Services CEO Chuck Kuhn could transform a little more than 134 acres of the former 142-acre Westpark Golf Club property into a park in the coming years.
County, Kuhn Look Toward Westpark Transaction Former Golf Club Land Could Become County Park
BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Town of Leesburg may get its Christmas wish—one of the largest spaces of open land in town could stay undeveloped, after all. But it would be the Board of Supervisors and JK Moving Services CEO Chuck Kuhn, not the Town Council, getting the deal done. Last week, county supervisors voted 8-0-1 to submit a letter of interest to Kuhn’s Clubhouse, LLC, to purchase a little more than 134 acres of the former Westpark Golf Club land. Kuhn has been under contract to purchase the entire 142acre property since earlier this year, after the former contract buyer, Lennar Homes, opted out of the purchase when the Town Council denied its rezoning application in 2019. Kuhn, whose family has focused on land conservation efforts in recent years, is set to close on the purchase of the property Dec. 28. With last week’s county action, it appears he will hang on to the eight acres of land zoned for commercial development.
“We have spoken with [Leesburg] Mayor Kelly Burk and [County Administrator] Mr. Tim Hemstreet with the County of Loudoun. Both groups are working hard to help protect the open space,” Kuhn said. The more than 50-year-old golf club property in southwest Leesburg first went up for sale in 2017, and initially was under contract to CalAtlantic Homes, later acquired by Lennar, and envisioned as a townhome development. That application was opposed by neighbors and ultimately a rezoning application for the project was denied by the Town Council. That proposal included a gift of 129 acres, mostly floodplain, to the town to maintain as a passive park, if desired. Those on the council who supported a town acquiring the property have advocated maintaining the land as open space or a town park. After the rezoning was denied, the homebuilder backed out of the purchase of the property and, earlier this year, Kuhn put in an offer to purchase the land. He offered to sell the Town of Leesburg 134 acres for $3.4 million but, after months of debate, a majority could not be found to support that offer. Those who did not
support moving forward with a purchase cited tight government revenues during the pandemic and potentially high capital and maintenance costs. But in its annual capital funding request, the Town Council did ask Loudoun County to contribute $6 million toward the purchase of the property. In her Dec. 2 motion, Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said the town had approached the county government with a request for county assistance on the purchase. Supervisor Mike Turner (D-Ashburn) credited Burk with making the first phone call. Supervisor Matt Letorneau (R-Dulles) was absent for the vote. Burk, for her part, expressed enthusiasm following the board action. “The Town Council has identified this as one of their projects they’d like to see preserved as a park. The fact that the county is considering negotiations with the owner is a great step forward to ensuring that Westpark remains a park and open for the public to use as a passive park,” Burk said. “If this is the way to do it we would welcome it.” n
The Town of Leesburg has again achieved perfect marks on its credit rating. All three major rating agencies— Fitch Ratings, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s—have affirmed Leesburg’s Triple-A ratings with stable outlooks on the town’s upcoming $13.5 million Series 2020 General Obligation Refunding Bonds. The rating of Triple-A with stable outlook is the highest rating a municipal government can receive. The bonds are scheduled for competitive sale on Dec. 8, and are being issued to achieve interest savings by refinancing the Series 2011 G.O. bonds and a portion of the Series 2014, Series 2015, and Series 2019 bonds. “Going to the rating agencies in the midst of the worst economic downtown in more than a decade was a risk, but the prudent financial action to take,” stated Clark Case, Leesburg’s director of Finance and Administrative Services. “We were confident that our management of the fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic showed the strength of the town’s economic base and our established financial policies. The risk paid off as the savings in debt service costs for these bonds will increase our financial flexibility as we continue to weather the pandemic.” All three agencies cited the town’s diverse tax base, population growth, and continued economic development as factors in the ratings. Standard & Poor’s called out the town’s management in particular, noting that the town’s “financial practices are strong, well embedded, and likely sustainable.”
Town Zoning Counter Closed Amid Pandemic In light of the continued COVID-19 pandemic, public access to the second floor of Town Hall is closed indefinitely, the town announced Tuesday. Anyone who needs to visit the zoning counter will be required to make an appointment. Applicants are encouraged to submit their zoning related applications and Certificate of Appropriateness applications electronically by emailing forms and atAROUND TOWN continues on page 10
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 9
Wexton’s Bill to Rename Post Office for Norman Duncan Passes Senate LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The U.S. Senate passed a bill authored by Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA-10) to rename the Downtown Station post office in Leesburg in honor of Norman Duncan, a longtime Virginia resident, World War II veteran, and advocate for caregivers. “I’m so pleased that my legislation to recognize beloved Loudouner Norman Duncan by renaming a post office in his honor has cleared another hurdle and is awaiting the president’s signature,” Wexton stated. “Mr. Duncan dedicated his life to serving others, in uniform during World War II and back at home here in Loudoun County, particularly as an advocate for caregivers. Mr. Duncan was a friend and inspiration to countless members of our community, and I hope that all those who see and visit the post office will be reminded of his wonderful life and legacy.” The bill would rename the post office the “‘Norman Duncan Post Office Building.” Duncan’s long life was marked by service both in the military and to his community. Duncan was drafted during World War II and served with the 29th Infantry Division. After a training accident, he was
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have both passed a bill authored by Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA-10) to rename the Downtown Station post office in Leesburg in honor of Norman Duncan.
reassigned to Eisenhower’s extended staff and special services division. He was in charge of logistics and supply for U.S. bases in Great Britain and supported Operation Torch in North Africa, and Operation Overlord storming the beaches of Normandy, France as a master supply sergeant. In 2018 he was bestowed the rank of Knight of the French Legion of Honor at a
ceremony at the French Embassy in Washington, DC, in recognition of the services he provided during military campaigns throughout France during the war. It is the highest French Order of Merit for military and civilian individuals, and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. After his service, he moved to Virginia, working as a transportation logistics spe-
cialist and volunteering his skills and expertise for the Carter administration and Reagan inaugural committee. He was also a longtime advocate for caregivers and was his wife Elsie’s primary caregiver as she lived with Alzheimer’s until her death in 2015. He served as chairman of the International Caregivers Association, and advocated for Labor of Love weekend, observed in Loudoun each Labor Day weekend to honor and call attention to the work of caregivers. He remained active in Loudoun until the end of his life, serving on the board of the Loudoun Symphony and in the American Legion, as well as on a number of county government committees including the Transit Advisory Board and the Economic Development Advisory Commission. He was also repeatedly honored with resolutions from the county Board of Supervisors. Duncan died in August 2019 at the age of 100, two months after attending the 75th anniversary and commemoration of the D-Day landings in Normandy. The bill was passed by unanimous consent by the House of Representatives in October; it now goes to the president to be signed. n
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Town Lights Christmas Tree BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
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FOR RENT, LEESBURG One of the nicest rentals you will find in Leesburg. Landlord always delivers a pristine place to call home. Eat in kitchen with table space leads to great deck, shed and fenced back yard. Updated bathrooms, upper bath has double sinks. Wood floors on main and upper level. Cathedral ceilings in master. Fully finished basement. Great community offers pool, tennis courts and walking trails. Terrific location minutes from historic down town, shopping and restaurants. No pets and non-smokers only.
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ACREAGE & 30X50 OUTBUILDING Perfect home and location. Minutes from town, in a great, private community with no HOA sits this unique 4 level split home. All brick and solid wood floors. New roof and windows. Wonderful kitchen with tons of cabinet and counter space. Gorgeous picture windows in living room and dining area. 4 nice size bedrooms on upper level and two full baths. Office with separate entrance. Fabulous landscaping, pool, large deck and gazebo area. Fenced yard. Incredible 30X50 metal building with separate electric ideal for mechanic or hobbies. 21X35 carport building. Almost two acres. HIGH SPEED COMCAST INTERNET AVAILABLE.
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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
The Town of Leesburg held its annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the town green Dec. 3, this year a smaller affair with COVID-19 precautions in place.
we do have things to be thankful for. I’m grateful for How Leesburg has shown how we care for each other.” She encouraged Leesburg residents to support local businesses, many of which are struggling during the pandemic. “Let us keep each other safe, so there’ll be no one missing next year’s tree lighting,” Burk said. n
Dodona Manor Lights Up to Commemorate Marshall Plan The Leesburg home of George C. Marshall is featuring a festive light display all through December as part of efforts to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. The European Recovery Program was a U.S. effort that supplied nearly $13 billion to help finance rebuilding efforts in 17 European nations in the wake of World War II. The Marshall Plan Tree Walk features trees decorated to represent each of the Marshall Plan nations. The trees are being lit every evening from dusk until 9 p.m. for the public to view.
The George C. Marshall International Center operates Dodona Manor—the home of George and Katherine Marshall from 1941 to 1959—as an historic house museum at 312 E. Market St. Following a small kick-off ceremony Sunday evening that was attended by diplomates from France, Luxenberg and Portugal, the grounds have opened for the tree walk from 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. During the pandemic, the house is open for tours by appointment only. Learn more at georgecmarshall.org. n
$499,000
HAMILTON/BACKING TO FARM LAND
SOLD
The Town of Leesburg kicked off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony on the town green Thursday evening. Usually a popular and crowded event with musical performances and speeches, this year’s event was closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Kelly Burk said 2020 has been tough for everyone. “This virus has smacked us down and tried to keep us there, but we are from Leesburg and you cannot keep us down for long,” Burk said. She pointed to some of the inspiring stories around Leesburg, such as the Ampersand Pantry which has now handed out more than 60,000 meals, and the charitable work of organizations like Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army. “Some of us have made distant and heartbreaking goodbyes to our family and friends we have lost to this virus this year, and we will never forget them,” Burk said. “Through this all, we must remember,
Gorgeous .41 acre lot with beautiful home in convenient Hamilton. You will feel like you live in the country with this stunning backyard and views. Just as pleasing, beautiful home to be in! Granite counters and white cabinets. Large living room and dining room with beautiful natural light. Spacious family room with brick, gas fireplace. Lovely master suite with gorgeous updated master bath! Wonderful closet upgrades for maximum storage. Three additional bedrooms, one with cedar closet. The back yard oasis offers wonderful paver patio with sitting wall, arch and surprise water feature. Large deck to enjoy the incredible view of farmland behind it. Extensive landscape offers color throughout most seasons.
$499,900
AROUND Town continued from page 8
tachments to permitting@leesburgva.gov. Applications may also be submitted, in person, during normal business hours at Town Hall, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. They may be dropped off at the cart located in the lobby adjacent to the
parking garage entry doors. Additionally, there is a phone on the cart to allow applicants to be connected to speak directly with a member of the zoning staff for any questions regarding the permitting process. For more information, go to leesburgva.gov/departments/planning-zoning or call 703-771-2765.
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 11
Education
School Board Adds 4 Holidays for Next School Year BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The School Board last week approved a calendar for the 2021-22 school year that adds three holy days and Election Day as student and staff holidays. Starting next school year, schools will close on Sept. 16 for Yom Kippur, Nov. 2 for Election Day, Nov. 4 for Diwali, and May 3 for Eid-al-Fitr. It is the first time specific religious holidays have been listed on Loudoun’s school calendar, but follows recent actions taken by other school divisions in the region. Election Day was designated as a state holiday starting this year. Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) made the motion to adopt the calendar, which was approved on a 7-2 vote. Denise Corbo (At Large) and Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) opposed the motion, noting there appeared to be no secular reason to support the ad-
ditions of the religious holidays and the action could violate the federal Constitution’s Establishment Clause. Another option considered by the board would have added Rosh Hashanah as a holiday on Sept. 16. An alternative proposal was to add the additional days off, but to not identify them as being religious holidays. School Division counsel Stephen Davita told the board during the Dec. 1 meeting that the law requires a secular reason to add the religious holidays, but it doesn’t have to be the only reason. He said avoiding absences could be one such reason. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Talent Development Scott Ziegler said there had been no recorded increase in absenteeism on those holidays, with the exception of Yom Kippur. Under the calendar, the first day of school will be Aug. 26 and the last day of classes on June 17. n
SCHOOL notebook Woodard Earns National Honors Bellen Woodard, a fifth-grader at Evergreen Mill Elementary, received two major national honors over the weekend. She was selected as one of five finalists for the Nickelodeon/Time Magazine Kid of the Year award and was one of three honorees at the Anti-Defamation League’s Concert Against Hate, held Saturday in Washington, DC. The Kid of the Year award seeks to recognize “extraordinary young leaders who are making a positive impact in their communities.” Bellen is recognized for her More than Peach Project, though which Bellen has spread awareness about the need for “more than peach” crayons to accurately reflect the skin tones of all people. She formed a nonprofit to promote the empathy, leadership and creativity. As a finalist, Bellen will receive $5,000 and will serve as a correspondent for Time for Kids for the upcoming year. On stage at the ADL event on Saturday, she joined fellow honorees Gerda Weissmann, a Holocaust survivor whose organization, Citizenship Counts, engages young people in America’s history of immigration and Team Brownsville, five Texas educators who provided meals and
makeshift schools to those seeking asylum across the Rio Grande. Past winners of the ADL award include Gordon Parks, Ruby Bridges and Congressman John Lewis.
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Top Scholars Honored Sunday would have been the celebration of the academic achievement of scores of Loudoun’s top high school seniors. However, the Excellence in Education Banquet was another longstanding annual event canceled by the pandemic. Each year the Loudoun Education Foundation hosts the program to recognize students who rank among the top 5% of the senior class academically during the first three years of their high school careers, as well as their most influential teachers. Students also are recognized for their selection as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist or National Hispanic Recognition Scholar. In lieu of the banquet, this year the school division will honor those students with smaller, school-based events later in the school year. LCPS is celebrating the members of the Class of 2021 who achieved this distinction here, and through school-based celebrations later in the school year.
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PAGE 12
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Public Safety
Aldie Man Convicted of Felony Embezzlement; to Repay Youth Soccer Club $52K BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
Jeffery Kern pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to felony embezzlement for stealing money from the Old Dominion Football Club. Under the terms of a plea deal with county prosecutors, Circuit Court Judge Stephen E. Sincavage sentenced Kern, 41, to seven years in prison with all of that time suspended for 10 years. Sincavage also required Kern to pay restitution to the club in the amount of $51,942.54 by Dec. 5, 2023. During the first year, he is required to pay back $500 each month. In the second year, he will pay back $1,500 each month and in the third year he’ll pay back $2,250 each month. Kern will remain on supervised probation for all three years.
Kern
He also is required to perform 100 hours of community service within the
next 12 months and is prohibited from having any form of contact with members of the Old Dominion Football Club or the Loudoun Youth Soccer Club. After being sentenced last Thursday, Kern said he sincerely regretted his actions and that the whole experience had been “humbling.” “I fully intend to see this through with integrity and honesty,” he said. “This is a chance to find humbleness and humility and move on.” Kern worked as a travel team coach with the club. His wife, Berkeley Kern, volunteered with and was an authorized user of one of the club’s bank accounts. Investigators found the couple had stolen more than $50,000 from the club accounts between July and December 2018. A year later, the couple surrendered to author-
ities and were charged, arrested and released on bond. Jeffery Kern was charged with five counts of felony embezzlement. Berkeley Kern, 47, was charged with two counts of felony embezzlement. Jeffery Kern waived his right to a preliminary hearing when prosecutors agreed to not prosecute four of his charges in August. In September, prosecutors agreed to reduce Berkeley Kern’s felony charges to accessory after the fact of a felony and disorderly conduct—both misdemeanors. She pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with the entirety of that time suspended for two years. She was also required to pay restitution to the Old Dominion Football Club in the amount of $2,800 by March 2021. n
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 13
10 Cats Shot Since April; Reward Offered In an eight month-span, at least 10 cats have been shot in Loudoun, five fatally. Loudoun County Animal Services last week reported the latest cat shooting. Because of “catastrophic injuries” caused by a wound from a pellet gun, the cat, named Sweetie, was euthanized. The department stated that it has consulted with the Sheriff ’s Office and a K9 officer with the Department of Wildlife Resources to find the perpetrators of the shootings, most of which have occurred in eastern Loudoun. Animal Services’ Humane Law Enforcement team “is taking this investigation very seriously.” “We cannot continue to have cats dying slow, painful, preventable deaths,” the department stated. “…[T]o needlessly inflict devastating injuries is not only heartbreaking and worrisome for our local families, it is also a felony, carrying potential jail time.” Under Virginia law, any person suspected of cruelly and unnecessarily beating, maiming or mutilating any dog or cat that is a companion animal—and as a direct result causes serious bodily injury or death, even via euthanasia, to the dog or
cat—may be charged with a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services is offering a $3,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for one or more of the feline shootings. One incident in May saw an Ashburn cat named Hope shot in the back right leg with a pellet or BB gun, which shattered her femur and required a $5,100 surgery to remove the bullet and reconstruct the bone. Animal Services is urging parents to talk to their children about responsible pellet gun usage. “We know most kids love their pets, and may not realize that ‘target practice’ on outdoor cats is legally and ethically different than organized hunting,” it stated. “… This case is keeping us all up at night, and we will not rest until justice has been served for all these cats and their heartbroken families.” Those who have seen or heard of anyone shooting cats should call the department at 703-777-0406. Those calling may remain anonymous. n
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SAFETY notes
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
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Leesburg Police Department
The Leesburg Police Department released surveillance video stills of the suspect in the Dec. 4 robbery at the Burberry store at Leesburg Premium Outlets.
Thief Wields Knife in Burberry Outlet Robbery The Leesburg Police Department is investigating a Friday afternoon robbery at the Burberry store at Leesburg Premium Outlets.
Just before 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4, officers were called to the scene where a man had entered the store, obtained an undetermined amount of clothing items from the displays, confronted employees with a knife, and fled with the stolen items. The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, black sneakers, and a blue surgical mask. Investigators released surveillance video stills of the suspect. Anyone who has information that may lead to the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective M. Kadric at 703-771-4500 or at mkadric@leesburgva.gov. Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.
7-Eleven Robbery Suspects Arrested Two Sterling men are in custody in connection with the Dec. 4 robbery of the 7-Eleven store on Cascades Parkway. Marvin R. Garcia-Dominguez, 27, and Carlos A. Centeno-Torres, 29, were apprehended over the weekend as part of
an investigation in coordination with the Herndon Police Department. Garcia-Dominguez was charged with robbery and abduction. Centeno-Torres was charged with robbery, abduction, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Both suspects were also charged in connection with a similar robbery that occurred on Dec. 2 in Herndon. In Loudoun County, investigators said the suspects entered the convenience store around 1:10 a.m. Dec. 4 and walked around for a short period of time. One of the suspects then pushed the employee behind the counter and pepper-sprayed him. The suspect then forced the employee to open a cash register and remove cash. Both men then fled the store. The incident was later reported to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office around 2 a.m. The victim declined medical treatment at the scene. Garcia-Dominguez and Centeno-Torres were held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Preliminary hearings in Loudoun County District Court are scheduled Jan. 19.
DECEMBER 10, 2020
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PAGE 15
Moss Building and Design Adopts Nearly 60 Families for Holidays
Dear Santa, All I wan t for Chri stma s is...
Wishing You All A Very Happy Holiday Season! May Your Holidays Be Merry and Bright! May Your Burdens Be Light! May Love Fill Your Hearts! All The Days Of Your Life!
BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR
• Frien ds and fam ily to be happy and heal thy,
Special Thanks For Your Support in 2020... YOU ROCK!
Special to Loudoun Now
Moss Building and Design is adopting more than 50 families across Northern Virginia this holiday season, fulfilling Santa wishlists, running a free Christmas gift market, and stocking families’ kitchens with groceries for holiday meals. Moss launched the event this year with the goal of giving dignity and a hand up to parents seeking help this holiday season. Families submitted their wishlists for both children and adults. Moss partnered with members of the community to shop for families. The gifts and food will be distributed at an outdoor celebration on Dec. 12. Families will have a chance to take photos with Santa while children “shop” at the market for gifts for parents. Moss partnered with the Women’s Center and Casa Chirilagua to provide groceries so families can cook festive holiday meals. Several members of the Moss team have experienced being on the receiving end of similar holidays charities before. In planning the event, it was crucial to the team that they foster a sense of dignity for parents seeking out a little extra help this holiday season. “When you’re the provider for your family and you’re in that situation, it’s not a great feeling. We wanted to do something that would honor the parents,” said Vice President Mara Bauserman. Moss initially planned to sponsor 40 families. Bauserman finds, though, that she isn’t able to turn folks away easily. This past weekend alone, she accepted an additional 15 families who reached out to join the program. Many of the recipients are families with single mothers or parents who have lost jobs due to the coronavirus crisis. Bauserman has been working with the adopted families, addressing their individual needs to make the holidays special for children. She’s even sent decorations to families who can’t afford them. “You’ll get me every time you say your child needs a Christmas tree,” she said. Moss will try to accommodate as many additional families as possible leading up to Saturday’s event, but can only do so with more donors. Members of the community can help by purchasing items off of the Moss Amazon wishlist, or by donating through sponsors’ GoFundMe pages. Anyone interested in contributing should email HELLO@Mossbuildinganddesign.com n
• Ever y one in the world to get along • No one to be alone or sad or hung ry or cold or scared • A new guita r, lots oʻ place s and frien ds to play ‘em with ... Oh, and Sant a: than ks so much for all the awe some stuf f you gave me last year ! P.S.: Iʻll have cook ies and carrots read y for you and Rudo lph on Chri stma s Eve. (I hope you reme mbe r my hous e - the one with the flat roof ).
— Juliana
UPCOMING SHOWS: Tally Ho Theater w/ Chris Timbers: Thurs. 12/10 7:00-10:00 Creek’s Edge Winery: Sun 12/13 Doukenie Winery: 2-5 (live stream)
Barns of Rose Hill: Sat. 1/23/21 7 p.m.
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PAGE 16
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Business
Leesburg’s New Sweet Spot
Veritas, HoneyBee Creamery Take Over Shake Shop Space BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
A Loudoun chocolatier has expanded her local empire to include a new Leesburg location. Andrea Howard and her Veritas Artizen Chocolates now have the larger production space, with their recent opening in the former Hershey’s Shake Shop space at 700 Fieldstone Drive #114, along Battlefield Parkway. It’s the second time in a little over a year that Howard has taken over a former ice cream shop space. After her former Purcellville space went up for sale last year, and following a brief stint at ChefScape in Leesburg, Howard was on the hunt for a space that she did not need to totally recreate. When Jr’s Soft Serve and Italian Ice went up for sale on Ashburn Road, it was the perfect opportunity. She opened the space as HoneyBee Creamery, selling Hershey’s and Jack & Jill ice cream, Italian ices, her custom fruit bouquets, and a limited supply of her Veritas Chocolates line. More recently, the Ashburn shop added liquid nitrogen ice cream to its offerings. “Luckily before I left Purcellville, I made 25 to 30 pounds of chocolate, so I didn’t have to make chocolate for a good while. We just kind of kept the ice cream shop going through the winter [of 2019] and really kind of hanging on with the fruit bouquets. That’s a model that seems to be pretty successful. You have the high
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Andrea Howard uses the larger space of her new Leesburg shop to produce her array of artisan chocolates.
time in the spring and summer for the ice cream, and in the low season for ice cream you flip and have high seasons of chocolate and fruit bouquets. That’s what got us through the last year really well,” she said. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandem-
ic provided an opportunity for some introspection, but Howard quickly pivoted her business model to offer online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery. “I’m not exaggerating to say there was many a night I’d put a sign on the door,
put some ice cream in a bag and run down the street to deliver in the 20147 ZIP code,” she said. Community support, and her popular ice cream party packs, were key to survival for her company, she said. As she navigated her businesses throughout the summer months, Howard became aware of the exit of the former Hershey’s Shake Shop owners, who were taking their business fully mobile. “We jumped in with some rapid negotiations with the landlord. We signed the lease on Thursday, we were open on Saturday,” Howard. Talks with Hershey’s were just as swift, with Howard signing an agreement to run a Hershey’s Ice Cream program in the shop. “That just means we’re bound to buy their ice cream, but we can do anything else with the shop that we want,” Howard said. And a big need for Howard was the ample production space offered in the shop, almost twice as big as the space in Ashburn, so she can grow her Veritas Chocolates business. “Adding chocolate is a value add for the shop,” she said. “Our intention is to make it like a craft chocolate production space for people to see [chocolate being made]. We can do mini tours, classes, date nights. It’s much more of an event type of space and a destination than just a shop.” SWEET SPOT continues on page 17
AH&T Insurance Partners with BRP Group Armfield, Harrison & Thomas, Inc., one of Leesburg’s oldest businesses, has entered into a partnership with BRP Group, Inc., a rapidly growing independent insurance distribution firm delivering tailored insurance solutions. AHT will be converted post-acquisition to a limited liability company with the name Armfield, Harrison & Thomas, LLC. AHT will maintain its brand and operate as “AHT - A Baldwin Risk Partner.” With annual revenues generated of approximately $52.3 million, excluding $5.5 million of pro forma annualized revenues
associated with recently completed acquisitions, AHT represents the largest new partnership in BRP Group’s history and brings BRP Group’s total annualized revenues from 2020 announced partnerships to $172 million. AHT’s President and Chief Executive Officer David Schaefer will serve as a regional president within BRP Group’s middle-market operating group. With major offices in the Seattle, Washington, DC, New York and Boston metropolitan areas, AHT brings to BRP Group immediate middle-market scale
in the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions. AHT also brings deep specialization and expertise across a number of high-growth industry verticals, including technology, not-for-profit, life sciences & healthcare, manufacturing and construction. “Partnering with AHT is exciting for BRP Group and dovetails with our longterm strategy of both rapid organic and Partnership growth. We expect the addition of AHT—one of the top independent middle-market firms in the country with an amazing roster of talent—to further
accelerate our growth trajectory and provide us with immediate scale in new geographies,” stated BRP Group CEO Trevor Baldwin. “AHT’s depth of expertise and industry focus are clear complements to our ongoing specialization efforts in middle-market, and the leadership team at AHT is aligned with our culture and ensuring that our clients always come first. We’re thrilled to welcome the AHT team to the BRP family, and with their addition, we have taken a major step toward further growing our platform across the U.S.” n
DECEMBER 10, 2020
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PAGE 17
Aperiomics Closes $3M Financing Deal LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Aperiomics, a Sterling company that works with advanced DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence technologies to identify the root causes of infectious disease, has raised an additional $1.2 million in funding to close its Series A at $3 million. VentureSouth led the group of new and existing investors, which also includes Pipeline Angels, Atlanta Technology Angels, The Launch Place, Central Texas Angel Network. Aperiomics is now raising a $1M Bridge Note to fund operations until a Series B closing. Anchor investor Tamiami Angel Fund IV has already invested the first $300,000 in the Note. Multiple Aperiomics executives are also investing in the newest bridge funding, the company stated. “Our mission is to fundamentally shift the paradigm of infectious disease testing, so that healthcare providers have the most advanced tools to ensure patients do not suffer unnecessarily from treatable conditions,” CEO Dr. Crystal R. Icenhour said. “Thanks to the financial support of Aperiomics’ family of investors, our next-generation testing platform will be available to more doctors and can be integrated into the healthcare system as a new gold standard in diagnostic testing care, drastically improving our understanding of rare
Sweet spot continued from page 16 The larger space also offers an educational opportunity for her customers, Howard said, and pointed to local residents’ curiosity and interest in seeing and understanding the process for craft brewing, distilling and winemaking. “We love educating people about chocolate. It’s part of the vision for this space in Leesburg. It’s chocolate production but it’s also going to be educating and teaching people about chocolate, where it comes from, how it’s grown, who are these farmers growing it. Most people love chocolate but don’t even think about it,” she said. It’s the craft nature of Veritas’ chocolate making that makes it unique from larger, international producers. “It’s very, very labor intensive. It’s very hands on. Because of that it sometimes can be a little more rustic, too, because of the craft nature of it. If you were looking at a truffle that I might do versus something of that of a very high-end chocolate com-
VIRGINIA REDISTRICTING
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Sterling-based biotechnology company Aperiomics expanded its operations last spring to include PCR testing for COVID-19.
and hard-to-diagnose medical conditions caused by infection.” Aperiomics’ technology tests a wide range of clinical sample types—skin, urine, fecal, blood, spinal fluid, environmental, and more—against its database of all known microorganisms totaling over 40,000 bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. Newly invested capital will be leveraged to support Aperiomics’ CLIA-certified clinical laboratory, expand COVID-19 PCR testing capabilities, and enhance marketing programs that educate healthcare providers on the value of this important technology and the data it provides to help practitioners accurately diagnose infections, according to the announcement. n pany, theirs might look more polished, pizzazzed. Mine might look more handmade. They’re just two totally different things. “Theirs is good in their way; ours is different because of the chocolate we make. It’s so pure. Seventy percent chocolate is just cacao and sugar; I don’t add soy or stabilizers,” she said. Veritas’ specialties run the gamut from bark to truffles to chocolate covered bacon and chocolate bars. Howard also has a hard time keeping her handmade hot chocolate bombs on the shelves, especially this time of year. She is starting to ramp up chocolate production for the Christmas season and her two biggest holidays of the year, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Going forward, Howard said she plans to keep her HoneyBee Creamery shops in both Ashburn and Leesburg up and running, with Veritas Chocolates offered at both stores. For more information about the businesses, go to veritasartizenchocolate.com or honeybeecreamery.com. n
2020 VIRGINIA
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION Virginia has voted to have a redistricting commission and you can be part of it! If you are interested in becoming a citizen commissioner go to our website for more information.
Accepting applications November 30th through December 28th Apply Today https://redistricting.dls.virginia.gov
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Our Towns
TOWN notes
After 33 Years, Bonnie’s Country Kitchen Closes; Soul Food Sensations to Open BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Ever since Black Monday plagued the stock market and Bon Jovi fans started “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bonnie Hawker has been serving up food in Lovettsville. That changed two weeks ago—and now, there’s going to be a new kind of food served in the same spot. Hawker opened Bonnie’s Country Kitchen in June 1987 after years of wanting to open her own restaurant. Since then, she’s served hundreds of thousands of meals to town residents, visitors and commuters on their ways to and from the city. But it was in the past few months that she decided to step back to focus solely on her Keedysville, MD, restaurant, Bonnie’s At the Red Byrd. She closed up shop in Lovettsville on Nov. 22. Now, Soul Food Sensations is slated to open in the same location. Hawker started working in the restaurant industry at the age of 13 as a waitress at a Jefferson, MD diner. When she walked through the door for her first day of work, the cook was walking out the door on his last day. The diner’s owner taught Hawker how to cook. “It was something I took to,” she said. “I just loved it. It got in my blood.” Hawker worked at that diner on and off for a decade, then worked different odd jobs in the restaurant industry until she landed a position working at McClain’s Grocery in Lovettsville. And that’s how she met her landlord, Fred George, who also owns the building where Hawker runs her
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Bonnie Hawker closed Lovettsville’s beloved Bonnie’s Country Kitchen restaurant Nov. 22 after 33 years of business in town. She’ll now focus on her Bonnie’s At the Red Byrd restaurant in Keedysville, MD.
Keedysville restaurant. When George bought the 1950s building at the northeast corner of Berlin Turnpike and Town Square in 1986, he asked Hawker if she’d like to open her own restaurant in the road-facing portion of the building. “Of course, I did,” Hawker said of the opportunity. Eleven months later, Hawker was all moved in. At the time, there were only two restaurants in town. Now, there are close to a dozen. But Hawker said the influx of new restaurants opening through the years never hurt her business, since her customers
were so loyal. And it wasn’t the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent restrictions on businesses and social gatherings that led Hawker to close her doors last month. In fact, she said her last three months were some of the best she has ever experienced in Lovettsville. “Lovettsville people are some of the best customers in a pinch. They’re right behind you in a hard time,” she said. Hawker, who turns 65 this month, said BONNIE'S continues on page 20
Round Hill Trail, Sidewalk Project Progressing BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
Construction of the long planned shared-use trail connecting Franklin Park with Round Hill is underway, but not without challenges. In July, town and county leaders ceremoniously broke ground on the $7 million Main Street Enhancement and Franklin Park Trail projects, which are improving pedestrian safety along Main Street between Loudoun Street and the former W&OD Railroad station and building a
trail from the Franklin Park Pool to Lakefield Road, across a small horse farm to Lakepoint Village, under the Rt. 7 tunnel onto Newberry Crossing Place and west on Loudoun Street into the town. The county is serving as the lead project manager on both projects. The section of trail from the park to Lakefield Road is “well under construction,” Round Hill Project Specialist Rob Lohr said last week. Now, the town and county are preparing for water line relocations and storm sewer installations for the in-town por-
tion of the project. Crews will conduct test pittings in the next two weeks. Because of misinformation on the exact locations of the town’s underground utilities, the project was set back a few weeks, Lohr said, adding that the town and county planned a final meeting Dec. 4 to pinpoint those locations. Much of the work on the in-town portion will be performed in the rights-ofways with limited work hours to reduce disruptions to traffic flow. Conversely, crews are able to work longer days on the trail through the park. n
HILLSBORO Town to Host Holiday Events, Zoom Event The Town of Hillsboro lighted its Christmas tree and Menorah on Sunday and now it has a few more holiday events lined up. The porch decorating contest will see front porches in town decorated by Dec. 18 and photos of them posted to the town website, hillsborova.gov. Town residents will also participate in a secret Santa gift exchange. Finally, the Hillsboro Holidays At Home Zoom Get-Together will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at which point the secret Santa and porch decorating contest winners will be announced. Attendees are encouraged to dress festively for the Zoom call. For more information, call the town at 540-486-8001.
LOVETTSVILLE Water Tower Modifications Complete Next Week Modification work on the Lovettsville water tower, located in the New Town Meadows neighborhood, is expected to wrap up next Friday, Dec. 18 after four weeks of work. Staring Jan. 4, crews will begin sandblasting and painting the tank. That work is expected to continue through Jan. 22. And in February, AT&T, Sprint/T-Mobile and Verizon will remove their equipment from the temporary tower next to the tank and install it back onto the water tank. For more information, call the town office at 540-822-5788.
Light Up Lovettsville on Display this Weekend The town’s annual Light Up Lovettsville competition will take place across town at 6 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 12. The holiday lighting contest will see residents decorate their homes and businesses decorate their storefronts to be judged. Residents and visitors can find a list of competition categories on the town website, TOWN NOTES continues on page 20
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 19
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE
Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Controller
Finance
$79,227-$135,636 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Inspector II
Utilities
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities: Water Pollution Control
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
Experienced Lab Tech Or MA – Busy Family Practice office in Lansdowne, VA looking for an experienced lab tech or MA to collect and process Covid 19, Flu & Strep samples. Must be familiar with manual and automated methods. EMR experience preferred. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits.
Please send your resume to lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804
INTERNSHIP: PROJECT ANALYST/ PROJECT ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual with strong analytical skills. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Creating, managing and disbursing reports related to the project
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in the following fields: Business Management, Project Management & Civil Engineering.
• Maintaining project assets • Communications and related database(s) • Evaluating and monitoring the overall project • Reviewing & reporting the project’s budget and finances • Routinely performing complete or component analysis • Notifying the entire project team about abnormalities or variances
NOW HIRING FLAGGERS Full time, to provide traffic control & safety around construction sites. A valid driver license & clean driving record a must.
The analyst/assistant will help the entire project team complete the project within its planned scope, schedule and budget, while serving as a liaison for the project’s technical, functional and non-functional teams. Part-time to full-time, and internship positions available immediately. Individual initiates, coordinates, and executes administrative and project support to the project manager/team.
CONTACT INFO Kathy Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 www.meridiengroupllc.com khicks@meridiengroupllc.com Office: (703) 777-8285
Star ting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses. Company-paid medical & dental premiums. Please fill out an application at trafficplan.com or come to our office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (8am-10am) 7855 Progress Ct. Suite 103, Gainesville, VA
See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
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TOWN notes continued from page 18
lovettsvilleva.gov, and Facebook page. A virtual awards reception for that contest will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 on the event Facebook page, facebook.com/lovettsvillewinter. For more information, call the town office at 540-822-5788.
PURCELLVILLE COVID Closes Town Hall The Purcellville Town Hall closed Tuesday and will remain closed until further notice to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. During the Town Hall closure, staff members will be available by telephone and email during normal business hours. Those needing assistance should call 540338-7421. The Police Department headquarters also was closed Dec. 7 for precautionary cleaning and disinfecting after a department member exhibited symptoms of COVID-19. The department reopened Dec. 8. Police Chief Cynthia McAlister said department staffers disinfected the building themselves using an AeroClave decontamination tool. McAlister said the precautionary action was taken because the department is understaffed by eight sworn officers and she can’t risk having more than one officer out of work. If two officers are out, an entire shift is left open. “We have to be super, super careful,” McAlister said.
Council to Interview 14 Applicants for Policing Group The Purcellville Town Council will convene in a special virtual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 to interview the 14
Bonnie’s continued from page 18 she just wanted to “back away from it a little bit” and focus on her Keedysville restaurant, which she opened in 2011 next door to her home. “I just knew it was just time, I want to get a break from it,” she said. “It’s time for someone else to get a chance.”
Soul Food Sensations And that chance is going to the husband-and-wife duo of Mark and Sybil Terry, a former wine distributor and the as-
applicants deemed qualified to serve on the newly formed Community Policing Advisory Committee. In all, the town received 16 applications from people interested in being appointed to one of nine spots on the committee. Two of those applicants will not be interviewed—one who requested to be dropped from consideration and another who was not a town resident. Monday’s meeting will be held on Go ToMeeting. Instructions for attending will be posted on the town website, purcellvilleva.gov.
Town Hires Planning, Economic Development Director The Town of Purcellville announced last week it had appointed Don Dooley as the director of Planning and Economic Development. Dooley will start work in town on Jan. 25 and will be paid up to $120,000. His hiring follows the August retirement of Patrick Sullivan, who started work in town in February 2011. Dooley comes to Purcellville from the City of Whittier, CA, where he worked as the planning services manager since 2004. He has 30 years of professional experience in municipal city planning and public administration, including 17 years of management experience in local government. He also has more than 20 years of experience in historic preservation and meets the Professional Qualifications of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, according to a Dec. 4 town statement. Dooley is a graduate of the University of California and holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University and a master’s degree in historic preservation from Goucher College in Baltimore. He plans to obtain his AICP certification from the American Planning Association. Town Manager David Mekarski stated the town is “very excited” to welcome sistant principal of Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon, respectively. The couple is planning a Dec. 19 grand opening of Soul Food Sensations. The couple has been selling food at the Farmers Market at One Loudoun since March and has seen success there. “People were angry if we took the day off,” Mark said. In early October, when they heard Hawker was moving out of Lovettsville, the couple decided to “give it a whirl,” Sybil said. Throughout the past two months, George has been working to clean the space and support the Terrys. “He [and his wife, Anne, have] been be-
Dooley. “He brings the experience and leadership to work collaboratively with the town and the committees, commissions and boards to help with historic perseveration efforts, business attraction and retention, and facilitating partnerships,” he stated.
Council Meetings to Remain Virtual Through January Purcellville’s Town Council and committee, commission and board meetings will remain in virtual format through at least the end of January, Town Manager David Mekarski said last week.
Town Awards $90K to Nonprofits The Town of Purcellville has awarded grants to six nonprofits, totaling $90,000 from the town’s CARES Act funds, according to Town Manager David Mekarski. In all, the town received 15 applications from nonprofits seeking grants. The remaining nine applications remain under review. In all, the county allocated $1.78 million in federal CARES Act funding to the town across two equal installments of $891,932. Of that amount, town leaders dedicated $1.2 million to support businesses and nonprofits.
Franklin Park Arts Center to Host Christmas Concert The Franklin Park Arts Center will host a Christmas Concert featuring Irish tenor Mark Forrest at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 12. Forrest will sing many favorite Christmas songs, along with soloist Maureen Codelka and featured guests Jennifer Timberlake and Cecilia Bracey. There is limited social distanced seating in the theater and face coverings are required. Virtual ticket purchases will also enable people to watch a livestream of the concert via a private link. Tickets are $20 for general admission hind us 100%,” Mark said. The Terrys advertise “fine southern cuisine,” like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy and much more. “We’ve just taken what we were taught [by our families] and tried to incorporate that into the restaurant,” Sybil said. As for Lovettsville residents still wanting a taste of Hawker’s food, Bonnie’s At the Red Byrd is only about 20 miles out of town. “Whenever you’re missing my food, I have the same food there,” Hawker said. n
DECEMBER 10, 2020
and $5 for a virtual ticket. To purchase tickets, go to franklinparkartscenter.org.
More Christmas Events Planned Through December The Town of Purcellville’s Christmas parade was canceled last week, but four other events remain on the schedule. The Holiday Lights Tour is encouraging families to cruise through town to visit decorated homes and businesses this Christmas season. A map of decorated locations is available on the town’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page, on its Christmas in Purcellville Facebook page and on the town website in the “Events and Activities” section. The Virtual Holiday Market will end this Saturday, Dec. 12. Access the market on the Christmas in Purcellville Facebook page. The town will also host a Virtual Ornament Workshop and Virtual Lego Train Display on Dec. 12. Access those events on the Christmas in Purcellville Facebook page and the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The town has also hung hand-painted holiday ornaments that represent different parts of the community on light poles in the downtown area, in front of businesses and along Main Street.
Schantz Re-appointed to Planning Commission The Round Hill Town Council last week voted unanimously to re-appoint Todd Schantz to another four-year stint on the Planning Commission, with a term ending Dec. 31, 2024. Councilman Mike Hummel said the Planning Commission is working effectively now, with all five commissioners attending every meeting lately. “We’ve got a good Planning Commission now,” he said.
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Mark and Sybil Terry will open Soul Food Sensations Dec. 19 in the former Bonnie’s Country Kitchen restaurant location off Berlin Turnpike in Lovettsville.
DECEMBER 10, 2020
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After Resignations, Lovettsville Council to Revamp Committees BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Following controversy surrounding an unexpected committee appointment and the resignations of five community volunteers, the Lovettsville Town Council last week discussed ways of improving the town’s committee structure. The council on Nov. 19 voted to re-appoint Andru-Scot Spangler to the Oktoberfest Committee, five months after it voted to remove him for a comment he posted on a North Carolina-based newspaper’s Facebook page, on an article with the headline “Confederate Battle Flags Removed From Graves,” in which he wrote “Blacks are filled with more hate, than any other race in America.” Councilman Chris Hornbaker made the motion to re-appoint Spangler immediately following a vote to appoint then-Planning Commissioner Kris Consaul to the Love Winter Committee. Consaul had previously made a Facebook post of an image featuring the bird from the town logo reading “Nazi Punks F— OFF!” for which the Town Council voted to censure her. Hornbaker last week reasserted his statements from Nov. 19: that both the comment Spangler posted on The Shelby Star’s Facebook page and the post by Consaul on her personal Facebook account were “disparaging and embarrassing to the town.” “When people represent the town, there’s certain expectations and that is that you’re professional and that you respect the town, staff and each other,” he said. “Both of them were met with the same standard.” Still, Mayor Nate Fontaine last week said he felt the two instances were not “apples to apples comparisons.” Following the vote to re-appoint Spangler, Consaul resigned from the Planning Commission and Jim McIntyre, Natalie Metzler and two others resigned from the Oktoberfest Committee. Consaul said those resignations were made in opposition to “racism and white supremacy.” On Nov. 21, Fontaine vetoed the vote to re-appoint Spangler, noting that the vote was “procedurally incorrect” because Spangler had not even applied for the spot. “[Spangler was] completely caught off guard after our meeting,” Fontaine said last Thursday.
There have also been multiple resignations throughout 2020 from town committees, which some residents have cited as being in response to the political lean of the new Town Council. Fontaine said the many recent resignations might be in response to that change on the council and in response to the lack of committee meetings being held amid the pandemic. But even with multiple resignations in recent months, Interim Town Manager Sam Finz said he has never seen such a “robust level of participation” in town committees in any of the other many jurisdictions he has worked in. “You got a good thing going,” he said. Last week’s discussion on resignations prompted a talk on the process the town uses to appoint members to event committees. Councilwoman Renee Edmonston said she felt the appointment process for the town’s smaller committees—like the Love Winter, Love America and Love Summer subcommittees—should be simplified while the larger committees—like the Oktoberfest Committee and the MayFest Committee, which plan events that draw thousands of visitors to the town each year—should remain formalized as they already are. Councilwoman Joy Pritz echoed that feeling, adding that people want to be involved in town event planning, but the commitment to do so is “overwhelming.” Councilman David Earl, too, said he felt membership on the town’s smaller committees should be on a volunteer basis only. “I think it would be much more simplified without the appointment of all these people that we’ve been doing,” he said. Fontaine said a little work to committee structure could benefit the town. “We can fine tune things, absolutely, but I wouldn’t throw things out,” he said. Finz agreed that “maybe [the appointment process] does need to be reviewed.” The Town Council is expected to schedule a work session to talk through potential changes to committee structure in January. The council last Thursday night also voted to direct the town staff to publish an advertisement soliciting responses from residents interested in serving on the Planning Commission to fill Consaul’s seat, which is set to expire June 30, 2021. The deadline to apply for that vacancy is Jan. 6. n
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PAGE 22
William T. Beaver, MD Since his death some weeks ago, at the age of 87, the tributes have been flowing for Dr. William Beaver—better known to older residents of Waterford as plain ‘Bill.’ The Covid-19 virus’ reach spares no-one, not even its medical professionals. A man of towering accomplishments in the medical and pharmacological fields, Bill Beaver wore those feats lightly. His professional service includes numerous consultancies and membership on various panels, committees and advisory boards, and testimony before Congress on issues of drug approval through the FDA, and on narcotic dependence and abuse. Throughout his medical career he received many citations and awards for his work. He is renowned for his work developing methodologies for performing clinical studies to test the efficacy of analgesic drugs in humans. Bill wrote the FDA’s research guidelines for such testing and approval. Sometimes referred to jokingly by his friends in Waterford as “the pain man,” It was Bill Beaver who established the scientific basis for the use of narcotics and NSAIDS in the treatment of acute post surgical pain, along with chronic pain in cancer patients. For the average patient, advances in easing pain after surgery was a huge benefit. It was Bill Beaver who did much of the original research in common use today for classes of drugs for pain control, including studies of combination analgesics, including codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone with aspirin, and acetaminophen, and the use of analgesic adjuvants such as caffeine. He also chaired the committee reviewing the medical uses of marijuana. Bill also was a dedicated lecturer, at Georgetown University in Washington DC., where he taught medical, nursing school and dental students in pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and analgesics. He also mentored PhD candidates in pharmacology. He was Professor Emeritus at Georgetown from 1997 until his death. And in the words of one colleague who knew him well, “Bill probably does not get enough credit for shaping the FDA’s understanding of trial designs and data,” adding he was “way” ahead of where the
LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com
Obituaries
rest of us were.” Bill and Nancy arrived in Waterford in the late 1960s. It was there just outside the village that they built their home 52 years ago, going on to raise three children — Diane, Hilary and Roderick — the latter two going on to become physicians themselves. The Beavers’ home on 48 secluded acres, allowed their children to grow up in a bucolic and happy atmosphere—surrounded by fields, woods, cattle and horses, and attending the small Waterford Elementary School. Bill spent his time clearing the land, building necessary outbuildings, and planting trees. Nancy, who was his life’s partner in so many ways, had gained her master’s degree in clinical psychology at Catholic University, and also worked as a mental health/substance abuse therapist. Neighbors knew Bill as a friendly, gregarious man—with many interests, including touring Civil War sites. He loved a good party, although he was renowned for a propensity to fall asleep at them—it was not uncommon to find Bill comfortably settled in an armchair, fast asleep. Over the years, the Beavers became an integral part of Waterford, and it was Bill and his close friend Mark Beach who began the annual fireworks show in the field below the latter’s house. In those early years, Bill would set off a dazzling round of pyrotechnics to light up the sky—home-made fireworks of his own composition. Other interests included woodworking, making bookshelves, tables, couches and bed stands. He built his own vacuum tube stereo system. He loved tending his gardens and orchards. A strong family man, he enjoyed his his relationships with his children and his grandchildren. The Beavers traveled extensively—in part because of the numerous scientific meetings and lectures Bill attended. A friend still remembers hearing of the time in Italy when the Beavers, after one medical dinner, full of good Italian hospitality, got lost on the way back to their hotel and found themselves instead bumping along on a railway track—which they hurriedly got off as soon as possible. He is survived by his wife Nancy Powell Beaver, and his three children: Diane Poirier, Hilary Beaver, MD, and Roderick Beaver, MD, and six grandchildren.
Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Charles Wayne “Chuck” Foster
Charles Wayne “Chuck” Foster, was born May 1, 1946 in St. Louis, MO. His childhood memories fondly include the cotton fields near Bernie, Mo to graduating Valedictorian at Bernie High School and the many special friendships made during those years that he carried with him his entire adult life. He continued his education at Missouri Science & Technology, earning a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Construction Management. He was an honor graduate of the United States Army Engineer School. He proudly served in the United States Army Corp of Engineers with assignments at Ft. Belvoir, VA; Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Zweibrucken, Germany; Ft. Campbell, KY; Seoul, Korea; Colorado School of Mines ROTC, and Washington, DC. He continued to serve the U.S. Army as a civilian and retired after a total of 46 years dedicated to our nation. He was honored with the The Bronze de Fleury Medal, Superior Civilian Service Award, and numerous other medals and awards for
his service and achievements. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was presented with a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol on June 13, 2017, in his honor. He was a dedicated friend, neighbor, mentor and co-worker and will be greatly missed by many. After retirement, he moved to Leesburg, VA, and became part of the Lansdowne Woods community. He deeply loved his family and spending time with them in Leesburg. He is survived by his wife, Londa; his daughters, Michelle Fluet (Matthew Fluet) and Sonya Judkins (Kevin Judkins), and his 8 grandchildren. Chuck was always willing to live with less in order to give more. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to one of his favorite organizations to continue his legacy: Wounded Warrior’s Project, Running Strong for American Indian Youth, Fisher House, and Central Union Mission. A service will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 11:00am at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA. with interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA . Please share online condolences with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
G. Bernice Holmes
April 14, 1923 to February 24, 2020 Bernice was born and raised in Canada, in St. John’s Newfoundland. She attended King’s College in Nova Scotia, where she graduated from the secretarial program. Bernice worked for the government in Washington, D.C., where she met her late husband Arthur Holmes. Arthur had relocated there from California, to pursue his career as an electrical engineer for the Department of Defense. They met on the rooftop sundeck of their apartment building. After marriage Bernice left her job, to start a family. Bernice and Arthur raised their two children Bonne and Bob in Annandale, Virginia. They had many friends in their neighborhood, and among the families of Arthur’s coworkers. Bernice volunteered with the Fairfax Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, and was often the “classroom mother” at her children’s elementary school. She loved her knitting, painting, romantic music, tea parties, and yearly family vacations at many state parks. Bernice moved to Purcellville in 1998, where she lived next door to Bob and his family. At church and in the neighbor-
hood, she made friends and enjoyed being involved in her grandchildrens’ everyday lives. Her husband, Arthur was able to spend his last years with Bernice in her home next to Bob’s family. Bernice relocated from Purcellville to Florida in 2005, and had lived with Bonne and her family for the past eleven years. She developed a close relationship with her grandson Sean. He loved to sit with her, to talk and laugh. Bernice has also enjoyed the company of several loving caretakers, with whom she enjoyed singing, joking, watching musicals and eating chocolate. On Monday February 24, 2020 Bernice passed away peacefully, at home and surrounded by family. She is survived by Bob and Lyn Holmes, and their children Declan, Lachlan and Tristan, as well as Bonne and David Alexander, and their son Sean. Bernice has a large family in Newfoundland, including her sisters and many nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her sister Margaret, whom she loved dearly. Bernice will be laid to rest with Arthur in Lakeview Cemetery in Hamilton at a later date, to be announced. Now your loving heart is free. Take our love with you Bernice.
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Margaret Howard Basil Age 84 of Middleburg, VA
Margaret Jeanette Howard Basil passed away peacefully on November 25, 2020 in the comfort of her home. She was born on May 17, 1936 in St. Louis, VA, the daughter of the late Lewis Campbell and Harriet Howard. Margaret graduated from Douglas Freeman High School, Leesburg, VA in 1955. She married James Willis Basil, Sr. on December 4, 1955. Margaret became a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Sterling, VA. Later, she moved back home and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church, St. Louis, VA, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Carter, where she served faithfully as a deaconess, choir member, and member of the usher board. Margaret worked as a file clerk for the FBI for several years. She also worked in domestic service to the George L. Ohrstrom family and the Cheryl Heckler family for many years. In 1979, Margaret and her husband, James, established the James W. Basil, Sr. and Margaret H. Basil Trans/Limousine Service. This business grew into one of the finest, most respected businesses in Loudoun County.
Margaret is survived by three sons, James Basil, Jr., of Winchester, VA, Everett Basil and Richard Basil of St. Louis, VA; one daughter, Sandra Basil of Richmond, VA; three sisters, Charlotte Bell of Temple Hills, MD, Teresa Howard of Bluemont, VA, and Rosemary Howard of Baltimore, MD; three brothers, James Larry Howard of Warrenton, VA, Robert Campbell of Washington, DC, and Franklin Campbell of Chino, CA; three grandchildren, Christopher James, James Willis, III, and Carissa Louise Marie; three sisters-in-law, Glory Howard of Fort Washington, MD, Patricia Branch of White Plains, MD, and Renee Stafford of Rectortown, VA; two daughtersin-law, Tina Jackson Basil of Winchester, VA and Carmen Hill Basil of Panama, FL; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation and viewing was held on Saturday Dec. 05, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m. at Lyles Funeral Chapel, 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Interment: Rock Hill Cemetery, Round Hill, VA Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia & surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA, MD, DC 1800-388-1913
Darrell Paul Meckle Darrell Paul Meckle, residing in Hillsoboro VA, passed away on December 1,2020 at the age of 83. He was born on Jan. 6 1937, in Narrowsburg NY, to Fred and Helen Meckle and was the second youngest of 6 brothers and sisters. He entered the Airforce in the late 50’s and then went on to work as an airline mechanic for Pan American Airlines. He retired as an airline mechanic from Delta Airlines and then worked for and retired from the County of Loudoun as a school bus driver. In his younger years he was a truck driver, his true passion. Whether it was a pickup truck, a dump truck, a tractor trailer or a school bus, driving was
LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com
what he was born to do. He never met a road he didn’t know. His is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor “Ellie” Meckle, his daughters Lisa Meckle and Lorraine “Lorrie” Roberts, his son in law James Roberts, his granddaughter Samantha Priber and her husband Kyle Priber, his grandsons James Roberts and Daniel Roberts, his great granddaughters Gabriella and Giana, and many nieces and nephews. A private ceremony will be held at the Hillsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Middleburg Humane Foundation at 5000 Cunningham Farm Dr, Marshall VA 20115, an animal rescue organization that has been very special to Darrell and his family.
Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.
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Lester Boyd Perry, Sr.
Age 87 of Manassas, VA ; formally of Charlottesville, VA Lester Boyd Perry, Sr. was born April 26, 1933 in Charlottesville, Virginia to the late Marie Louise Jackson and John Wesley Perry, Sr. Lester graduated from Jefferson High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Lester worked for the University of Virginia Department of Pathology for 31 years in the autopsy room. He assisted physicians by removing organs during autopsies and preparing slides. Lester was most proud of his mention in Acknowledgements in the Atlas Of The Human Brain In Section (Drs. Melville Roberts, Joseph Hanaway, 1970). Lester served in the US Army during the Korean War. As a soldier he boxed and served honorably stateside.
He is survived by two sons, Lester Perry, Jr., Gerald Perry; two daughters, Leslie Ann Perry, Veronica Perry; a surviving sister, Louise Twyman Long. Lester was preceded in death by his wives: Wivolene Mitchell, Sylvia Wright, and Eula Johnson; three brothers: John Wesley Perry, Jr., Norman Perry, and Robert David Perry. Visitation and viewing was held on Thursday Dec. 03, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lyles Funeral Chapel, 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Graveside services were held on Tuesday Dec. 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia & surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA, MD, DC 1800-388-1913
Ruth Basil Scott
Age 86 of Bluemont, VA
Ruth Basil Scott of Bluemont, VA, age 86 born on November 14, 1934, ended her journey of life on December 5, 2020. She was a longtime resident of the small village of Howardsville where she grew up in the family home that she later named Long Last. Before her illness, Ruth was very busy with her domestic work and her catering business-Ruth’s Private Catering. Her work ethic was admired by many. Ruth had such a giving heart and was forever giving goodies to her neighbors in the Howardsville Village, as well as to others. In addition, those who knew her well, knew that she loved her chickens, which she referred to as her babies. Ruth is survived by her daughter Darlene Walker of Winchester, VA; son Kelvin
Scott(Natalie) of Dulles, VA; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Two sons, Marvin Basil and Herbert(Aaron) Scott, preceded her in death. Ruth was the last survivor of her three siblings: Irving Basil, Robert Lee Basil, and Russell Basil. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Blue Ridge Hospice, Winchester, VA or to a local food bank. Date, time and location will be announced later in the spring for a celebration of life service. Interment at the Rock Hill Cemetery, Furr Road, Round Hill, VA 20141. Arrangements by: LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-388-1913.
Marie A. Scott
Age 82 of Bluemont, Virginia Marie departed this life on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at INOVA Loudoun Nursing and Rehab Center, Leesburg, VA. She was born and raised and a life long resident of Bluemont, VA. She graduated from Douglas High School in Leesburg, VA. She completed two years of business school in Washington, DC. She loved animals, and worked for Loudoun Veterinary Service in Purcellville, VA, for more than 20 years. She leaves to cherish fond memories 12
nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews and her life long friend, Katie. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elsie and father, James Scott, brothers; Sherman and James and sisters; Virginia, Ruth, Martha and Mary. Interment services were held on Sunday, Dec. 06, 2020 at Rock Hill Cemetery, Bluemont, VA. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-3881913.
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PAGE 24
DECEMBER 10, 2020
THINGS to do
Loco Living
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS ‘Nacho’ Average Holiday Event
Friday, Dec. 11, 3:45-6:45 p.m. Bluemont Community Center, 33846 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont Details: facebook.com/ bluemontcommunitycenter Stop by for a fun twist on a favorite holiday tradition. Schedule a time to visit with a socially distant Santa, grab a carry-out Christmas craft and take home a nacho kit. Time slots are limited and advance registration is required.
Bear Chase Old World Christmas Market
Saturday, Dec. 12, noon-5 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Check out handcrafted gifts from 25 area artists, including soaps, candles, photography, knits, jewelry, rugs, wreaths, home decor, jams and other food gifts. Then take a break for beer, fire pits and food. Admission is free.
Mark Forrest Christmas Concert
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Volunteers from the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital keep festive at the Twice Is Nice thrift shop in Leesburg.
‘How Can We Help?’
Leesburg Holiday Drive-Thru Parade
With Volunteers in Short Supply, Inova’s Ladies Board Gets Creative BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
The pandemic has hit local nonprofits hard. And for Loudoun’s charity thrift shops, COVID presents an extra challenge: finding volunteers willing and able to work in a retail environment as infections rise. For the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital, which runs the Twice Is Nice thrift shop in Leesburg, keeping money flowing to essential programs at the hospital is a priority. But it means getting creative and finding new ways to do business. 2020 has been the year of the pivot after the board had to cancel its legendary (and lucrative) rummage sale in October. Without the sale, which brought in a record-shattering $343,000 in 2019, the Ladies Board is turning to other revenue sources, including Twice Is Nice, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, and the Riverside Gift Shop at Inova’s Lansdowne campus. Board members are eager to start chipping away at a brand new 10-year, $1.2 million pledge to the hospital,
after meeting their most recent pledge in record time. “We’re trying to make it up in the thrift shop, and we see that happening,” said Ladies Board president Hazel Saffell. The annual rummage sale, which takes over multiple outbuildings at Morven Park Equestrian Center for a full week in preparation for the mammoth two-day sale, brings in dozens of community volunteers in addition to Ladies Board members. And those community volunteers are pitching in to help at Twice Is Nice, which reopened in June after a three-month shutdown. “Making the decision [to cancel the rummage sale] was really not hard. It was just not feasible with everything that’s going on. What is extremely rewarding is the number of people that volunteered at rummage who have come into the shop to say, ‘We know there’s no rummage—how can we help?’” Saffell said. Twice Is Nice is run entirely by volunteers, Saffell said, from front end workers to behind the scenes financial and administrative support. The gift shop, run with a
Saturday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org International Irish Tenor Mark Forrest presents a Christmas concert with favorite songs of the season with soloist Maureen Codelka and special guests Jennifer Timberlake and Cecilia Bracey. Limited social distanced seating is available in the theater with face coverings required. Streaming tickets are also available. Tickets are $20 for in-person seating, $5 for streaming.
combination of volunteers and paid staff, has also reopened at Inova Loudoun’s new patient tower. Visitors are strictly limited during the pandemic, but the shop serves authorized visitors and the staff with snacks, baby items, floral arrangements and other gifts and necessities. The gift shop is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. During the fiscal year that ended in June, the Ladies Board made the final payment on a $1 million pledge to help complete the hospital’s new emergency room, a 10-year commitment that the board was able to meet in just six years thanks to record rummage sales and other revenue. The board also funded $70,000 in nursing scholarships, along with donations to the hospital’s Birthing Inn maternity center and a program providing lymphedema supplies for uninsured patients, with total contributions for the year amounting to more than $200,000. LADIES BOARD continues on page 26
Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:30-8 p.m. Freedom Park, 101 Colonel Grenata Circle SE, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Stay in your car and check out glowing and glittery stationary floats from individuals and community organizations. Event is free and open to the public.
Courtesy Stage Coach Theatre
‘A Christmas Story’
Saturday, Dec. 12-Wednesday, Dec. 23 StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach presents a socially distanced stage production of the classic holiday tale of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Matinee and evening
THINGS TO DO continues on page 25
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 10, 2020
THINGS to do continued from page 24 performances are available, and tickets are selling fast. Check the website for a complete schedule. Tickets are $25 per person.
for pre-holiday relaxation.
Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2-5 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Fox brings her high-energy blend of rock and country to Breaux.
Winter Market at House 6
Sunday, Dec. 13, noon-4:30 p.m. House 6 Brewing, 44427 Atwater Drive, Ashburn Details: house6brewing.com Get festive with a market featuring local farms, coffee roasters, bakeries, flowers, apparel, jewelry, candles, cigars and more.
PAGE 25
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com It’s a mellow Sunday afternoon with acoustic soul and R&B from a local favorite.
Live Music: Juliana MacDowell and Mike Ault
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2-5 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville Details: creeksedgewinery.com MacDowell and Ault return for another acoustic Sunday of pop-infused Americana at Creek’s Edge.
TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 wwww.TallyHoTheater.com SALE NOW!
COWBOY MOUTH
FEB 1
LOCO LIVE
SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H
FEB 22
Live Music: Wim Tapley
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com Cullinane brings classic rock favorites on acoustic guitar to Two Twisted Posts.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 7-10:30 p.m. ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. # 115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com Playing upbeat hits from the ’90s to today, The Renegades keep fans singing along all night long. Seating is limited and advance reservations are required. Tickets are $5.
Live Music: Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The Tally Ho presents two evenings of this top-notch Zeppelin tribute. Tickets are $20-$30 for each fully seated show.
Friday, Dec. 11, 6-9 p.m. ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. # 115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com Tapley is a talented singer/songwriter who brings a cool vibe and tunes you know and love.
Live Music: Cary Wimbish
Saturday, Dec. 12, 1 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Richmond-based Wimbish serves up covers of traditional country, bluegrass, classic rock, and blues songs along with crowd-pleasing originals.
SHOW: 8PM
Courtesy 8 Chains North Winery
Live Music: Brahman Noodles
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford Details: 8chainsnorth.com The Brahman Noodles are back with their signature jug funk and “jamcoustic” sounds. They’ll be serving up new songs along with covers from Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and other favorites.
LIBATIONS Lost Rhino Holiday Beer Dinner
Sunday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Lost Rhino’s holiday dinner pairs carefully chosen dishes with their craft beers or wine with plenty of room to social distance. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple.
COMING UP Santa at the Old Schoolhouse
Friday, Dec. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts Details: facebook.com/luckettscc Stop by the Lucketts Community Center during a drive-thru event. Enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate, get a glimpse of gingerbread contest entries and see Santa from the comfort of your car. Santa’s elves have holiday gift bags for all visitors. Event is free, but advance registration is recommended.
Afro-lachian Christmas
Live Music: Greg Ward
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2-5 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Ward returns to Lost Rhino with groovy reggae tunes
Courtesy Jason Masi
Live Music: Jason Masi
Sunday, Dec. 13, 1-5 p.m.
ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA 2/8 RE FI TRIAL BY 2/14-15 o Nights Tw IA AN 6 EAGLEM YEARS 3/ AN AG THE RE
12/11 & 12/12/20
For a full schedule please visit
Live Music: Mark Cullinane
The Renegades Holiday Show
Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Two Loudoun favorites join forces for a great evening of music, with new songs from both bands and some holiday favorites in the mix. Tickets are $20-$30.
BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR
www.TallyHoTheater.com DOORS: 7PM
Saturday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Nashville singer/songwriter Kenny Ray Horton is taking Loudoun by storm. Catch him locally while you can.
Live Music: Chris Timbers Band and Juliana MacDowell
FEB 21
CARBON LEAF THE ULTIMATE FEB 28ZEPPELIN FEB 29 LED EXPERIENCE
UNCLE KRACKER
19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA
Courtesy Two Twisted Posts Winery
Live Music: Kenny Ray Horton
Loudoun Now File Photo
FAREWELL TOUR
FEB 13
12/10/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
ZOSO
Franklin Park Winter Lights Walk
Monday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Jan. 2 Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Step into Franklin Park Arts Center’s gallery exhibit of stars and the winter sky while sipping a warm beverage. Then continue outside to the back lawn of the Arts Center and wander among beautifully displayed lighted sculptures created by local artists. Every evening has two available blocks: 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Go to the website for dates and special group nights.
LOUDOUN HUNGER RELIEF FOOD DRIVE CHRIS TIMBERS & THE UFO JULIANA MACDOWELL WAILERS
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Storytellers Sheila Arnold and Adam Booth share Christmas and winter season songs, ballads and stories from the Appalachian and African-American cultures. This high energy program will stir memories, show shared connections between people, and warm the heart. Tickets are $10. Seating is limited and face coverings are required.
THE ULTIMATE AC/ DC EXPERIENCE:
LIVE WIRE 12/18 & 12/19/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
COMMUNITY SHOWCASE:
GRAFFITI SOUNDSTAGE, APEX, WOODGROOVE 12/20/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
COMEDY NIGHT PRESENTED BY THE DC IMPROV 12/26/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
THE REAGAN YEARS NEW YEARS EVE PARTY 12/31/20 DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM
A TRIBUTE TO 70S ROCK: FOREPLAY 01/02/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 26
Ladies Board continued from page 24 Like many area businesses and nonprofits, Twice Is Nice shut its doors in March and reopened with reduced hours in June, moving from six to three days a week. For now, the thrift shop’s regular hours are Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And while the shop still sees its share of treasure hunters thrifting for fun, Saffell said the shop has always focused on meeting the needs of shoppers who need low-cost clothing and other necessities. And that segment has grown during the pandemic. “People were lined up the day we opened,” Saffell said. “Our clientele in the shop has changed a little bit. We see more people coming in that are in need of reduced prices. We had a great clientele of people who can afford a higher end but they enjoy thrift shopping. Now it’s more of a need and not a want. ... Our mission statement is to provide a community ser-
vice. ... It isn’t just to get the money to the hospital.” But with many of the board’s rummage sale and thrift shop volunteers falling into the 65+ age group, some are understandably concerned about coming in to help out. “Most of our ladies are over that magic number and they don’t feel comfortable coming into the shop,” said Ladies Board member Darby Nelson-Folk who runs Twice is Nice with co-chair Connie Graham. And with younger volunteers working day jobs or helping children with distance learning, it can be tough to fill key slots. “Right now, we’re just going by the numbers, and until they improve or the vaccine gets approved and more ladies feel comfortable coming back to the shop, we just have to keep our days limited. But we’re doing well and the community has been very supportive,” Nelson-Folk said. But community volunteers, including rummage sale fans, are stepping in. Nelson-Folk says the shop is training new volunteers, including students, as many young
DECEMBER 10, 2020
adults find themselves taking online college classes from home. There’s a particular need for Saturday support, Nelson-Folk said, along with volunteers who are comfortable working the front end of the shop and interacting with customers. Nelson-Folk said she’s been impressed with community support for the shop, including Loudouners who stop to make a donation and then get in some shopping. “The thrift store craze has really stepped up. ... [Supporters] say they make a donation in the back and then go around and park in the front and come in and shop,” she added with a laugh. Nelson-Folk said the board also is getting creative with more sales and promotions, including a successful series of pre-holiday Tuesday evening pop-ups, with the shop opening for bargain hunters from 4 to 7 p.m. The evening pop-up boutiques are the brainchild of board member Alexia Orr, who runs the rummage sale’s popular The Look department featuring designer and high-end women’s clothing and the Step Up boutique department at Twice is Nice. The final Tuesday evening
pop-up shop for 2020 is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15. But Saffell said the board hopes to do more pop-up style special events in 2021. The board is already in discussions about future rummage sales, after several years of explosive growth that has surprised even organizers. The board has booked with Morven Park for October 2021 and will make a call this summer about whether the sale will move forward. Meanwhile, Saffell and her team are using the year off to reflect on possible changes to the sale. “It has grown exponentially,” Saffell said. “We’re looking at making it better but not necessarily bigger.” For more information on the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital and Riverside Gift Shop Hours, go to ladiesboard. org. Follow the Ladies Board on Facebook at facebook.com/ladiesboard for updates on Twice is Nice sales and special events and announcements about the 2021 rummage sale. n
Misc.
Mugs & more.
Seasoned Firewood for Sale 540-822-5663 or 703-431-5461
Loudoun Now branded merchandise now available online.
loudounnow.com/store
Legal Notices Notice of Public Hearing FY2021 Project Fund Budget Amendment Town of Hamilton, Virginia
ABC LICENSE
Pursuant to Code of Virginia, as amended, Section 15.2-2507, the Hamilton Town Council will hold a virtual public hearing via Livestream & Zoom call-in on Monday, December 14, 2020, beginning at 7:00pm to receive comments and consider taking action on a proposed FY2021 budget amendment to allocate remaining funds from the FY2017 Loudoun County Grant in the amount of $160,961 for the Pedestrian Improvement Drainage Project expenses. The regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will take place immediately following the public hearing. Information regarding the proposed budget amendment is available at the Town Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm and on the Town’s website at https://www.hamiltonva.gov David R. Simpson Mayor 12/03/2020
7-Eleven Inc and Grewal LLC, trading as 7-Eleven 38941A, 22065 Railcar Drive, Sterling, Loudoun 20164 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. David Seltzer, VP, 7-Eleven Inc and Bhardevbachan Grewal, Manager Member,Grewal LLC 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. 12/03 & 12/10/20
ABC LICENSE
Pegasus Restaurant Group, LLC, trading as Red Bar Sushi & Best Thai Kitchen, 525 E Market St Ste F, Leesburg, Loudoun, Virginia The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premises, Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Rebecca Metzger, Member Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 12/03 & 12/10/20
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 27
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 Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
ZCPA-2020-0007 JOHNSON LANDSCAPE BUFFER - POOL (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)
Mark D. Johnson of Chantilly, Virginia, has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-1991-0005 and ZCPA-1995-0006, South Riding, in order to modify an existing 25-foot landscape buffer to allow for the construction of an inground swimming pool, deck, and patio, with no resulting change in density, in the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district. The subject property is located within the (AI) Airport Impact Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 0.36 acres in size and is located on the north side of Priesters Pond Drive (Route 2239) and the west side of Flintonbridge Drive (Route 2238) at 25815 Priesters Pond Drive, Chantilly, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 129-30-1413. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for predominantly residential uses at a recommended density of four dwelling units per acre.
DEFERRED
(Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, at maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.60 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception); 4) An application to rezone approximately 70.16 acres from the PD-MUB zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in effect on February, 17, 2020 to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time; and 5) A Special Exception to permit impervious surface in the form of raised boardwalk crossings not to exceed 9,150 linear feet in the Floodplain Overlay District, Major Floodplain (FOD, Major Floodplain). Thees applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 5-1506(E). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms; Lot Access Requirements.
Allow structures requiring a building permit in the PD-MUB Zoning District to be erected upon any lot which has frontage on a Class I, Class II, Class III road, or private access easement.
§4-1354(B) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza, Table 4-1354(B), PD-MUB Planned Development Mixed-Use Business Public Plaza, Requirements Table.
Reduce the minimum area of the required public plaza for a PD-MUB district greater than 100 acres in size from 1% of the total land area of the district, or 3.55 acres (154,638 SF) to a minimum of 100,000 SF.
§4-1354(B)(3) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza.
Modify the requirement that buildings that adjoin the public plaza shall be a minimum of two stories and have a vertical mix of at least two uses so that buildings adjoining the public plaza may be one story and have one use.
§4-1354(C) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Vertical Mix.
Reduce the requirement for buildings within the district to contain a vertical mix of at least two (2) different use categories from at least 50% of the buildings to at least 20% of the buildings
§4-1354(F) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Sidewalks.
Reduce the requirement that continuous sidewalks be provided on both sides of all streets to one side of the street.
§4-1355(C), PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Lot and Building Requirements, Building Height.
Increase the permitted maximum building height from 100 feet to 160 feet in Land Bays B, F, J, and R
§4-1358(C), PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Use Limitations, Street Trees.
Reduce the tree density requirement from one tree per 25 feet along all areas dedicated for vehicular travel, excluding alleys, to one tree per 44 linear feet -of block length for streets with onstreet parking and to one tree per 35 liner feet of block length for trees with no on-street parking requirement
(Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)
§5-1303(A)(1), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.
Allow the 10% tree canopy for sites zoned PDMUB to be calculated using the entire PD-MUB Zoning District rather than per site plan
NA Dulles Real Estate Investor LLC of East Setauket, New York, have submitted applications for the following: (1) To rezone approximately 13.14 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit a 10,000 square foot (SF) civic building and a 100,000 SF central plaza to be located in Land Bay K and to permit additional employment, commercial, and/or residential uses to be located in Land Bays K and L.; (2) An application to amend the existing Proffers and Concept Development Plan (CDP) approved with ZMAP2008-0021, ZCPA-2012-0014 and ZCPA-2017-0008, Kincora Village Center in order to a) Shift location of the central plaza from Land Bay J to Land Bay K; b) Relocate the minimum 55,000 SF Science Museum from Land Bay J to Land Bay A; c) Align Roads 8 and 9 to create a street, and add Roads 14 and 17 in Land Bays F and L, and rename Roads A, B, and C with numerical labels; d) Shift the location of a monument sign/entry feature in Land Bay J; e) Revise locations and clarify the number of Public/Civic/Institutional Uses to be provided; f) increase the number of multifamily (MF) dwelling units permitted from 1,400 to 2,600 in the PDMUB zoning district; g) Adding Land Bays B, K, L, and/or R to the list of land bays where residential uses are permitted; h) delete the commitment to provide a center for the performing arts; i) Delete the commitment to provide a 35,000 SF plaza in Land Bay F; j) Revise language to clarify which buildings along Pacific Boulevard will be a minimum of four stories; k) reduce the percentage of buildings in the PD-MUB zoning district that are to have a vertical mix of two or more uses; l) clarify the commitment to construct Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) and/or Unmet Housing Needs Units (UHNUs) in compliance with the EarthCraft program and universal design principles; m) exclude data center square footage from the trigger for providing shuttle service; n) clarify that the road fund contributions will not apply to the New Residential Units or to non-residential uses beyond the non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) originally committed with prior approvals; o) reduce the width of non-asphalt trails from 8 feet to 6 feet; p) remove sign commitments allow the sign guidelines included in the “Kincora Design Standards” not applicable; and q) allow the Owners to use on-site, non-potable wells for irrigation purposes with a resulting increase in density from 0.43 Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.57 FAR; (3) An application to rezone approximately 22.72 acres from the PD-IP
§5-1407(B)(2) & (3), Buffering and Screening, Parking Area Landscaping and Screening Requirements, Peripheral Parking Area Landscaping.
Reduce the minimum plant units from 50 plant units to 20 plant units per 100 feet and to reduce the required continuous landscape strip width from 10 feet to 4 feet
CMPT-2020-0006 & SPEX-2020-0023 MILESTONE TOWER – GARDENIA DRIVE (Commission Permit & Special Exception)
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, and the Board of Supervisors, acting through the Loudoun County Department of General Services have submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 199 foot tall (195 foot tall with a 4 foot lighting rod at the top) Telecommunications Tower and a related equipment compound in the PD-H3 (Planned Development Housing - 3) zoning district; and 2) A Special Exception to permit a 199 foot tall (195 foot tall with a 4 foot lighting rod at the top) Telecommunications Tower and a related equipment compound as an accessory use to a Fire and Rescue Station. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use pursuant to Sections 5-618(C)(2)(c) and 5-618(C)(2)(d) (i), and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 5-618(C)(3)(j). The subject property is approximately 6.91 acres in size and is located on the north side of Gardenia Drive (Route 3460), the west side of Northstar Boulevard (Route 3171), and the east side of Lightridge Farm Road (Route 705) in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 249-26-9025. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Large Lot Neighborhood)), which designates this area for residential uses and substantial open space in low-density communities with a variety of house and lot sizes. Target densities of 1du/3ac with total nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 0.1.
ZMAP-2018-0014, ZCPA-2018-0013, SPEX-2020-0013, ZRTD-2020-0005 ZRTD-2020-0006, ZMOD-2018-0035, ZMOD-2018-0041 ZMOD-2020-0029, & ZMOD-2020-0032 KINCORA VILLAGE CETNER
And To reduce the minimum distance that a tree or shrub can be planted from a curb or paved area from 3 feet to 1.5 feet
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 300 acres in size and is located in the southwest quadrant of the Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and Sully Road (Route 28) interchange, on the west side of the Sully Road (Route 28), Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150)/ Nokes Boulevard (Route 1793) interchange, and north of West Severn Way (Route 1748), in the Broad Run Election District.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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PAGE 28
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Legal Notices The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PROPERTY ADDRESS
PIN 041-19-4573
21391 Pacific Boulevard, Ashburn, Virginia
040-19-0276
N/A
040-19-3991
N/A
040-18-8480-001 040-18-8480-002
45170 Kincora Drive, Ashburn, Virginia
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed-Use Place Type)) and Route 28 Corridor Plan, which designate this area for compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational amenities uses, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
SIDP-2020-0007 CHICK-FIL-A LANSDOWNE SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan)
CHICK-FIL-A, INC. of Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to increase the square footage of two drive-through menu boards for a Chick-Fil-A. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2003-0006, Lansdowne Village Greens in the (PD-TC) Planned Development-Town Center zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is approximately 21.798 acres in size and is located north of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and on the east side of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) at 19313 Front Street, Leesburg, Virginia in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 113-39-9265. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designates this area to provide compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of residential, commercial, entertainment, cultural, and recreational amenities uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
ZMOD-2020-0033 TUSCARORA CROSSING PARKING REDUCTION (Zoning Ordinance Modification)
Wellington Development, LLC of McLean, Virginia, has submitted an application to request the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-1102(B)(1)(b), Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, Number of Parking and Loading Spaces Required.
Reduce the required parking spaces for 180 multifamily Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Land Bay 6 of Tuscarora Crossing from 338 to 271
(More detailed descriptions of each modification are available upon request.) The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZCPA-2019-0010, Tuscarora Crossing in the PDH4 (Planned Development-Housing) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District-Luck Quarry and Luck
Note Area. The subject property is also partially in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject properties are approximately 83.24 and 77.42 acres in size and are south of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and east of Sycolin Road (Route 643) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 150-45-6472 and PIN: 150-47-9920. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan(Leesburg Joint Land Management Area Policy Area Employment Place Type),, which designate this area for flex space, manufacturing warehousing, contractor services, and other productive uses up to a 1.0 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) uses. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. To arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email dpz@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246, or you may view the file electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. For detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@ loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audiovisual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified. Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the Chairman. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. Please provide three days’ notice. BY ORDER OF:
ERIC COMBS, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 11/26, 12/03, & 12/10/20
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS/BIDS FOR:
Project-Based Vouchers Proposals. The Loudoun County Office of Housing is accepting proposals from the owners of rental property to contract with the County for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). The Loudoun County Office of Housing may award a contract for up to eight vouchers for newly constructed or rehabilitated housing that address special housing needs such as providing fully accessible, 504 compliant housing units. Proposals will be evaluated based on owner experience and capability to manage or build rental housing as identified in the proposal on a first-come, first-served basis. Loudoun County Office of Housing reserves the right to not award PBV. For more information about the application procedures and proposal review process are online at www.loudoun.gov/pbv or by contacting Janelle Beverly at 703-737-8213 or janelle.beverly@loudoun.gov.
LOUDOUN COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY CELL R2 BOTTOM LINER SYSTEM, IFB No. 339782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 14, 2021. The Invitation for Bid contains the information to register for the remote pre-bid conference.
12/10, 12/17 & 12/24/20
12/10/20
PURCHASE OF STREAM CREDITS FOR NORTHSTAR BOULEVARD FROM ROUTE 50 TO TALL CEDARS PARKWAY, IFB No. 346782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, December 22, 2020. TASK ORDER – DEVELOPMENT TRAFFIC ANALYSIS SERVICES, RFP No. 348783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 14, 2021. Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT.
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Legal Notices
PAGE 29
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.:
A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mateo Alexander Parada Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Chelsea M. Deleon, mother; Melvin Parada, father
Robert S. Wertz, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue Residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2020 Real Property Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the December 31, 2020 filing deadline. Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance. Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 100 Internet: www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804
JJ044339-02-00; JJ044339-03-00; JJ044339-04-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Mateo Alexander Parada, and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1283 for Mateo Alexander Parada. Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother 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 Mateo Alexander Parada. Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Mateo Alexander Parada; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Mateo Alexander Parada; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Mateo Alexander Parada. Further, Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Mateo Alexander Parada, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Mateo Alexander Parada for adoption and consent to the adoption of Mateo Alexander Parada. It is ORDERED that the defendants, Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother, appear at the above named Court and protect their interests on or before January 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm. 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20
12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fiscal Year 2022 – 2027 Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2022 – 2027 Capital Asset Preservation Program
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fall 2020 Elementary School Attendance Zone Change Process Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School (ES-23) and Hovatter Elementary School (ES-29) are scheduled to open in fall 2021, with the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School is sited within the Arcola Center development at 24200 Pissarro Drive in Sterling. Hovatter Elementary School is co-located on the Lightridge High School site at 41135 Collaboration Drive in Aldie. In establishing attendance zones for the two new schools, the current attendance boundaries for Aldie, Arcola, Buffalo Trail, Cardinal Ridge, Creighton’s Corner, Goshen Post, Hutchison Farm, Legacy, Liberty, Little River, Madison’s Trust, Pinebrook, Rosa Lee Carter, and Sycolin Creek Elementary Schools will be reviewed. The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the necessary attendance zone changes. Elementary School Attendance Zone Meetings
Date Wednesday, October 14, 2020
School Board Attendance Zone Overview
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
School Board Attendance Zone Work Session
Monday, November 9, 2020
Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
School Board Attendance Zone Work Session
Tuesday, December 1, 2020*
School Board Review of Elementary School Attendance Zone Recommendations
Monday, December 7, 2020
Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing
Tuesday, December 15, 2020*
School Board Adoption of Elementary School Attendance Zones
*Regular School Board Business Meeting All attendance zone meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and begin at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will be 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). In-person comment will be accepted at the identified public hearings. Speakers may sign up in advance by contacting the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 or sending an email to public.comment@lcps.org, in which case the sender will receive a reply with a link to complete an online Citizen Participation/Public Comment registration form. All speakers must sign-up prior to 5:00 p.m. the day of the School Board attendance zone public hearing. Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in School Board meetings or public hearings should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org
The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings for the FY2022–2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Asset Preservation Program (CAPP) budgets. Date
School Board Meeting Topic
Tuesday, November 10, 2020*
Superintendent’s Recommended FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP Presented to School Board
Monday, November 16, 2020
School Board FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing/ Work Session
Monday, November 30, 2020
School Board FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing/ Work Session
Tuesday, December 15, 2020*
School Board Adoption of FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP
*Regular School Board Business Meeting
November 30 and December 15 Meeting Update In compliance with Governor Northam’s Statewide Measures to Contain COVID-19, the November 30 and December 15 meetings will be held virtually. The meetings will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the LCPS website (www.lcps.org). Both meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. Persons wishing to address the School Board on the capital budgets must sign up in advance to provide live, virtual comment at the November 30 public hearing. Online and telephone registration will be available until 5:30 p.m. on November 30. Speakers may sign up in advance by sending an email to public.comment@lcps.org or calling 571-252-1030. Each registrant will receive a unique speaker identification (ID) number by telephone (if they call to register) or via email for those who register online. The unique speaker ID will allow participants to access the meeting and provide live comment. Speakers are prohibited from sharing the speaker ID with others and will forfeit the opportunity to speak if the information is shared. Speakers must be logged into the meeting at the time their name is called. Speakers must limit comments to the time allotted by the School Board Chair which will be announced prior to the start of the public hearing. The Chair determines the time based on the number of speakers and the agenda, but not to exceed five (5) minutes.
Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in School Board meetings or public hearings should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Kevin L. Lewis, Assistant Superintendent Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1385 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org
11/26, 12/3 & 12/10/20
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PAGE 30
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Kevin Lemieux (SBN: 225886) The Law Office of Kevin Lemieux APC 2221 Camino del Rio South, Suite 308 San Diego, CA 92108 619-488-6767 Kevin@lawyerkevin.com Case No.: 20FL004402C
The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
APPL-2020-0006 Business Service Establishment - Mercure Business Park Lot 21
Superior Court of California, Central Family Division
Mercure Business Park Association of Vienna, Virginia, has submitted an application for an appeal of the August 4, 2020, Zoning Administrator determination, ZCOR-2020-0110, which found that a parking lot for vans used to deliver packages from a nearby e-commerce distribution facility is a “Business Service Establishment, excluding retail sales or outdoor” use permitted in the PD-GI (Planned Development–General Industry) zoning district pursuant to Section 4-603(V) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and that a building structure is not a requirement to establish the use. The subject property is zoned PD-GI (Planned Development-General Industry) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and is also located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, located partially between the Ldn 60-65 and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 4.78 acres in size and is located northwest of Quicksilver Drive (Route 1076) and east of Mercure Circle (Route 1075) at 44129 Mercure Circle, Sterling, Virginia in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 091-49-0771.
County of San Diego 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Mounika Dadireddy v. Vijay Kamar Reddy Banda The court finds that the respondent cannot be served in any other manner specified in the California Code of Civil Procedure. The court orders that the documents listed in item 6 be served by publication at least once per week for four successive weeks in Loudoun Now newspaper.
Bobcat BOBCAT * Bobcat Services * * Gravel Driveway Repair *
Br am
hall Trucking
540-822-9011
◆ Stone DuSt ◆ Mulch ◆ topSoil ◆ SanD ◆ ◆ light graDing ◆ graveling ◆ ◆ Drainage SolutionS ◆ Backhoe Work ◆
Full and complete copies of the above-referenced application(s) and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (703) 777-0246.
Documents to be served by publication or posting: Summons (Family Law) (form FL-110) Other: Notice of Hearing, Notice of Case Assignment, D049, FL105, FL150, FL100, FL300, Declaration in suppott of RFO. 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:
Resource Directory
JJ040484-07-00
All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. If any member of the public requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.
CONSTRUCTION Construction
All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view and/or participate in the public hearing electronically. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who 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 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to kristine.smolens@loudoun.gov.
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Let us heLp you carry your Load!
12/03 & 12/10/20
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Christian Carter
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NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. David Craig Johnson, putative father
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.
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 Christian Carter.
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.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, David Craig Johnson, putative father, appear at the above named Court and protect his interests on or before January 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
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NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.
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PAGE 31
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Opinion The Freelancing Continues It used to be that the Loudoun government’s investments in land purchases were carefully planned and meticulously budgeted. When the Board of Supervisors got into the parks business in the early ’90s with the purchase of Claude Moore and Franklin parks, both deals were subject to voter referenda to approve the needed borrowing. When the population boom demanded new schools be build each and every year, finding suitable land for the campuses was a years-long process to ensure they would be located where needed. In step with the county’s fiscal and community planning, the capital improvements program identifies a long list of public facilities that will be needed next year and decades into the future. It is that history of thoughtful and prudent planning that makes the current Board of Supervisors’ conduct seem reckless. That’s not to say that efforts to avoid an unpopular subdivision in one rural village, to support adaptive reuse of an historic property in another village, and to preserve a large swath of open space in the county’s largest town lack merit. Those efforts may be wise uses of tax dollars. The actions do, however, lack vision. None of these purchases appear on a list of county needs. Are there other higher priority projects that could have been advanced with these millions of dollars? More ballfields? More body cameras for county deputies? How about more indoor swimming lanes like those being championed by the School Board? Since when did county supervisors have millions of dollars sitting around to spend at their unbudgeted whim? Most troubling is that those advocating these actions aren’t even able to clearly describe the ultimate use of these properties. This board continues to revel in the still-growing data center tax revenue boom that has insulated the government from many of the hard spending choices facing other localities. That luxury should not be used as justification for a free-for-all approach to public policy. It is careful planning and fiscal discipline that earned Loudoun its triple, triple-A bond rating and established the county as a national model for high-growth jurisdictions. In these challenging economic times, we need stricter adherence to that approach. Willy-nilly is no way to run a government. n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com
LETTERS to the Editor Patriotic Duty Editor: The COVID-19 virus continues to spread throughout our country bringing death, sickness, and economic destruction. Yet, a large number of Americans will not make the slightest sacrifice to thwart this nationwide attack. What has happened to American Patriotism? For us Old Timers who remember well the effects of World War II on our domestic life, it is beyond belief to see the few simple public health requirements ignored by so many. Wear a mask, keep your distance, avoid crowds and wash your hands is all that is required. Yet many will not do it. World War II was raging not on our streets in Leesburg as is the virus, but thousands of miles away in Europe, Africa, and the Far East. Yet the entire nation mobilized and sacrificed to win the war. I was 8 years old in 1941 and 13 when it ended. My dad was too old to join the fight, but was an air raid warden going out during drills to see that no light could be seen by enemy planes, and would report to higher ups that no lights were observed. In school, we memorized pictures of the enemy war planes so we could report them if seen. There was food and gas rationing and we had our ration books and carefully selected what we could buy or where we could drive. All the neighborhood
families had “victory gardens” to grow our own food so food would be available for the troops and refugees. We collected scrap metal to donate to the war effort and we took our small allowances to buy 10-cent War Bond Stamps which we put in a booklet until we had enough to buy a War Bond. Everyone participated and those who violated the rules were publicly shunned or even arrested if they were “black market” operators. I remember the deaths. I was at my friend Don Smith’s house, when the Western Union man arrived with the telegram announcing the death of his older brother and how we all cried together. But most of all I remember when Ed Brooks, a nearby neighbor who joined the Army, came to our property where a bunch of us little boys were playing. He was our hero as he sat with us telling us stories of the Army and how he was on leave prior to shipping to Europe to fight. He was drinking beer and smoking a cigarette and my mother came out and asked him to leave the property as his drinking and smoking was a bad influence on us children. He left and two months later was reported dead on the battlefields of Europe. My mother was crying and upset for a long time after knowing her last contact with this neighbor was to banish him from our property just weeks before he died serving LETTERS continues on page 33
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
Readers’ Poll
If your kids have been back in the classroom, how has their experience been?
n It’s been great
15%
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:
n Going fine so far
7%
n We’re working through it
5%
LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 32 to protect our freedom and way of life. Today, a war equal in its potential death and destruction is being fought, not thousands of miles away, but here in the cities, towns, and villages of the United States of America. Why can’t we mobilize with the same commitment of sharing and love of country that was the response during World War II? What has happened to American Patriotism? — Alfred P. Van Huyck, Round Hill
It’s Not Patriotism Editor: Al Van Huyck’s recent letter contrasting the current pandemic with America’s home front efforts during the Second World War portrays his concerns. The crushing vignette of his mother casting out a young soldier for drinking and smoking, only to hear of him killed on the battlefield was particularly moving. From there, the effort to superimpose 1941 America over 2020 America becomes problematic. In ’41, Americans knew what the problem was and how to fix it; total elimination of a foreign threat. Today, directly incited by a distant and power-hungry political class, Americans are told to view other Americans as the threat. It’s a direct attack on the social fabric of America by attempting to instill virtue and moral superiority by some over others, and it’s intentional. This isn’t patriotism. From Harrison Street, to Richmond, to Washington, governmental response to the ‘pandemic’ has been a never-ending saga of misinformation, duplicity, propaganda, civil rights abuse, general incompetence, and continually moving goal posts, all to the detriment of the American people.
PAGE 33
61%
12%
n Not very good
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Has COVID-19 hit your family? Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls
n We’d rather be online
We were told masks were worthless, before they were essential. We are told religious services will kill you, but protesting in mass is healthy. We are told visiting a local restaurant is death, but Costco is cool. Sales at government liquor stores are the highest ever, but visiting a locally owned vineyard or brewery is dangerous to your grandparents. Small business owners, who pour their life savings and hearts into what they love are threatened, or worse, handcuffed and hauled to jail, while big corporation box stores are good to go. That’s not patriotism. Our own resident health ‘expert’ blamed a ‘spike’ in cases on a few “kids Halloween parties,” yet refused to say where or how. The county and state refused to say where the ‘hotspots’ were in Loudoun. Indeed, our county chair quickly condemned anyone who even stated the country of origin of the virus is China. Our board of supervisors used the bug to hold meetings on the down low, telling the local media to “file a FOIA” if they had a problem with it. That’s not patriotism. It’s loathing of transparency and the public process. The governor demanded we wear masks. The president thought they were marginal at best. Both contracted the virus. Government officials nationwide urged us to go to Chinatown or Broadway, before they destroyed those places. They told us to skip the salons while they got their hair done. They told us to forego dinner out, while they snuggled close at tables, racking up incredible bar tabs. They told us not to travel or see family while they quietly slipped away to second homes to see their families. Now they want you to skip Christmas. That’s not patriotism. It’s rancid hypocrisy. Our school system has failed. The school board acquiesces to teacher union demands, and requests larger budgets, as our kids sit at home falling behind, burdened with yet to be realized social and
mental damage. That’s not patriotism. It’s maleficence. Mr. Van Huyck asks where is the patriotism and love of country he once knew? He should review the deceit, the abridgement of civil liberties, the hypocrisy, and plain old bumbling by so-called experts and elected officials. He should examine the devastation of selfinflicted economic and social shutdown imposed on Americans, and who it benefits most. This isn’t about taking care of Americans. It’s about controlling Americans. Few things are more unpatriotic than that. — Chris Manthos, Leesburg
The Right Direction Editor: Last month I saw Loudoun Now’s article on the unionization of Loudoun’s publicsector employees and the potential costs of collective bargaining, as well as the reactions in letters to the editor. I’ve seen the work of the SEIU before, and write to say that collective bargaining is the right direction for Loudoun County’s workers. Last year at George Mason, it came out that our workers in the dining hall had seen inconsistent and delayed pay, dishonesty, and disrespect from their bosses, so when they decided to organize with SEIU 32BJ, students and I saw the process first-hand and came out for support. As a result, workers earned pay raises, holidays, and transparency. Things like this are a bright spot for us, as many young people today look out into the world and see more people precariously employed, more people going into debt to get the education they need to survive, and more people arriving into the workforce thereafter only to find the good jobs foretold to them unavailable. By what mechanism is it that working people secure a modicum of dignity? The answer today, as it always has been, is through a
union. Although the estimated costs for collective bargaining might spark questions from some, if Loudoun wants to create a balanced future with respect for working people then this is the obvious first step. Our public-sector employees are perhaps the most intimately involved with the minutia of Loudoun’s operations, we trust them to make our county what it is, yet we dismiss their concerns with regard to their own working conditions. What does this spell for the long-term? If qualified people don’t see the opportunities of a decent job working for Loudoun, then we could be liable to lose some of our best. Some might think, “well certainly the work of unions in the past was important, securing the 40-hour week, the weekend, and paid leave, but today we already have all these.” To which one can say: the economy is never in stasis, especially in a rapidly developing area like Loudoun, every minute our workers are denied a voice is another minute their protections can be whittled down and washed away. Our representatives should know this, yet last month Supervisor Matthew Letourneau fretted over the prospects, saying how he thinks the current relationship with workers is an “open relationship,” to which I’m sure any worker would reply “of course you think it’s open, you’re the boss!” With new law going into effect in 2021, the board will have the opportunity to make a change, let’s hope they take it. If the people who work for our local government can’t have their voices heard and their needs taken seriously by our officials, then who can? Time and again, Loudoun bends over backwards to bring in opportunities for businesses, but suddenly when workers come to us and ask to have their voices heard it seems we’re tugging on our collars and putting away our checkbooks. — Moses Hunsaker, South Riding
PAGE 34
StoneSprings continued from page 3 throughout the hospital and begun outreach to elected representatives, business leaders, and community organizations. “I really want to understand what the community perception of our facility is, what our opportunities are, things we need to focus on, what to fix. It’s been a listening tour on steroids,” he said. “It’s critical I listen first before I make any material changes to the hospital.” One already planned change that has Vooys excited is the October 2021 opening of a 17-bed adult behavioral health unit, a need not only for the local community, but to help fill a critical statewide shortage of mental health beds. Vooys points to his previous post in Indiana, in a county about a quarter of the size of Loudoun which was home to two hospitals. “We had a 19-bed unit that was 100% full about 98% of the time,” he said. “I won’t be surprised if we have a very full unit,” at StoneSprings. He expects the StoneSprings unit to be just as busy, and said down the road HCA could look at an expansion to the unit, and even offer focused areas specializing in mental health treatment for women, children or the elderly. The hospital also will start construction on a joint venture surgery center in January, with a focus on orthopedics and spine surgery. Two bariatric surgeons are opening a practice at StoneSprings at the start of the New Year, and a recently recruited gastroenterologist will bring some complex gastrointestinal and treatment programs to the center, Vooys said. HCA also continues to invest in its robotics pro-
Police oversight continued from page 3 urge to standardize law enforcement. “There are problems in policing,” he acknowledged. “What came out of that event [on May 25] is other jurisdictions trying to usher in policy and legislation which may not be applicable to their particular police department. But I get why they’re doing that.” Vice Mayor Marty Martinez said the council should consider some kind of police oversight board going forward. “I think a lot of times our public safety people have a tendency to be ambivalent about the real concerns of our community. The other one is de-
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gram, between both its StoneSprings and Reston hospitals. “The healthcare consumers in this part of the country they’re quite astute, they know how to research and find information. We know that people are interested in newer technologies and we want to develop those platforms,” he said. Vooys is particularly proud of the growth of StoneSprings OBGYN program and labor and delivery unit. “Just in the last 60 days we have brought back our pediatrician in house 24/7 through our partnership with Children’s National Hospital. They’re in our building 24/7, taking care of well newborns and NICU babies. [We also] now have an inhouse OBGYN that supports our community OBGYNs. We feel like those are really important because we’re invested in having specialists, providers literally in the building to be a resource for patients and medical staff members around the clock. We’ve already seen blockbuster demand and growth from OBGYNs who want to bring their patients here because they know we have those resources. It’s going to be transformational for our labor and delivery and women’s services programs,” Vooys said. Vooys said HCA has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic well, and said that has made his transition all the more seamless. “I’ve probably never been more thankful to be part of a more well-run, organized system like HCA as I have been in this pandemic. That’s where the company’s resources, clout have really shined. There’s a lot of very smart people doing behind the scenes work to make sure we have the right processes in place, access to testing, PPE for staff. COVID has been a nial because it’s hard to take criticism, so we have a tendency to deny the need for civilian oversight. It’s not that they don’t care; they just don’t see anything coming out of it. The bottom line is a lot of people don’t trust the police. I think that we can maybe take a step into getting the community more involved, knowing that there are a group of people who are listening,” he said. Martinez also said that, while he is not in favor of “defunding” the police as some called for nationally over the summer, he was interested in seeing if some resources could be reallocated to address mental health issues. In later comments during the work session, Martinez said he was proud of the town Police Department and be-
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Dr. Audrone LaForgia stands in StoneSprings Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
very difficult thing to deal with as a hospital system and health care community, but I’m very pleased with our response. We are well prepared from a PPE perspective, managing and taking care of patients who don’t have COVID,” as well as those that do, he said. “We’ve sort of figured this out and shown through nine months we can do both and do both really well and provide a safe environment for our patients.” Vooys is optimistic about the growth of telemedicine, a positive consequence fast tracked during the pandemic. That will allow StoneSprings to tap into resources at its Reston sister hospital without having to bring specialists in, or send patients on a long drive. Another trend he is noticing is a shift to more outpatient, as opposed to in-patient, procedures. “Patients recover faster if they’re at lieves the officers work hard. He said that either an advisory board or oversight body would help, not hurt, the department and reinforce to the community that both elected leaders and the police department do care about their concerns. Councilman Ron Campbell also pushed for some form of civilian oversight for the Police Department. “Civilian oversight paves the road to police accountability,” he said. He said such an entity would need to be community-driven to be successful, rather than have members appointed by the Town Council. He suggested a number of organizations like Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, the Loudoun NAACP and his own civic group, Citi-
home, and it’s less load on the health care system to have patients in and out more quickly, especially when we’re trying to deal with a surge in COVID volumes. It’s been a win-win both clinically, efficiency wise and capacity wise,” he said. Despite beginning his new gig in a wild year for medicine and hospital systems, Vooys’ excitement is palpable. “I feel like this place is a loaded spring,” he said. “There’s just a ton of interest and so many things in flight. I think the next five years are going to look totally different—bigger, more services offered, more comprehensive services—and I’m just thrilled and excited to be a part of this organization at this period in time. I’m beyond excited to get to work and see what the next five years have to offer.” n zens for a Better Leesburg, be involved in determining its makeup. He advocated the creation of a committee that could make recommendations to the council on what such an entity would look like, but did not receive enough support from his council colleagues to move that item forward. Mayor Kelly Burk acknowledged that the council was “kind of in limbo” on how to move forward, given possibility for changes to be made to the new law in the next General Assembly session. “This is going to be an issue that’s going to come to the new council. I know that they’re interested in pursuing and continuing this discussion,” she said. n
DECEMBER 10, 2020
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New deal continued from page 1 subdivision there. That deal did not end the battles around St. Louis—the land is still under review by the state and local agencies for violating environmental regulations by impacting wetlands, with a consent order from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality under consideration that could have the developer pay a $32,275 civil penalty, restore wetlands and purchase 0.6 acres of wetlands credits. And now that deal has fallen through. Longtime Loudoun developer Hobie Mitchel, one of the partners in Mojax, said that deal fell through because the company was going to be the beneficiary of conservation easement tax credits on the land—but that money is expected to dry up in the state budget in 2021. Instead, after midnight at their Dec. 1 meeting, supervisors held a surprise vote to buy the St. Louis land for the same $1.5 million, but also to give the developer the land around the Aldie Tavern and set aside another $600,000 to help fund the restoration of the tavern and install an entrance road on the property to land behind the tavern that is already under conservation easement. That will first involve a public hearing. District Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said he was open to that idea since it involves the public hearing, and the deal will only move forward depending on what happens at that hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. “Their plans that they have told the county, and part of what we have agreed to, is that we’re putting money into an escrow for the specific purpose of them
Class trigger continued from page 1 in-person classes would continue until the rate of community spread declines. The number of new cases per 100,000 residents has exceeded 200 for several weeks and, on Tuesday, stood at 367. The 14-day positivity rate has been holding below 10%, but climbed to 9.7% early this week. If that rate exceeds 10%, it would start a five-day countdown to close classes. If the positivity rate drops to 10% or below even for one day, a new five-day countdown would begin. Under the draft school division policy, a suspension of in-person learning would continue until the two measurements fall
“We’ll reach out the community—there’s a lot of history there— make sure we’re doing it correctly.” — Hobie Mitchel
Majax, LLC
renovating the [Aldie Tavern] building, so knocking it over would not be in the plan,” Buffington said. “The reason the county’s interested is because they have said that they’re interested in renovating it.” “I was so committed to not allowing housing in St. Louis,” said County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). “… I was so committed to doing that, that when that deal seemed to not be kind of going well, I talked to the county attorney, and it was the county attorney and Mojax themselves that started trying to put together something that would be beneficial to everyone, that would disallow any new housing in the Rural Policy Area.” Supervisors have no immediate plan for the land in St. Louis if they buy it, although Randall said her next project will be to devise a way to use the wells that have already been drilled on that land to get water to people in the village who do not have it or are having problems with their own wells. As for the Aldie Tavern, plans are still preliminary, but aim to change the property from deserted to a destination. below the specified thresholds for five consecutive weekdays. During its Dec. 15 meeting, the School Board is expected to discuss a change that would allow hybrid learning to resume if one of the two metrics returns to acceptable levels. Currently, students in grades K-5 who selected the hybrid learning option, along with special education students, English language learners, students at the Monroe Advanced Technical Academy, and seniors at the Academy of Science and the Academy of Engineering and Technology, receive at least two days of in-person learning each week. The school division plans to offer hybrid learning to middle and high school students beginning with the second semester, which starts Jan. 21. n
“Our goal is to recreate the tavern and make a nice high-end restaurant there at the tavern, and then also restore the other two buildings that are there,” Mitchel said. He likened plans at the tavern to something like the Inn at Little Washington, and use of other buildings on the property to the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria. “We’ll reach out the community— there’s a lot of history there—make sure we’re doing it correctly,” said Mitchel, himself an Aldie resident. Meanwhile, plans also include access to 60 acres behind the property, where Mitchell’s partner at Mojax, developer Jack Andrews, has long planned a park. But some rural preservation advocates are concerned by the new deal, and are organizing to oppose it. Speaking on background, one said they distrust the developer with the Aldie Tavern, and that the county is overpaying for the St. Louis land. The public hearing is expected in January. Meanwhile, the battle over the details of the consent order in St. Louis is still being fought, with the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition
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writing to the Department of Environmental Quality to argue it should be much tougher. “While the amount may be in line with other fines based on similar levels of destruction, in this case it’s not just the destruction, but the lack of honesty and moral conduct that is also at the heart of the problem,” the letter reads. “DEQ must not gloss over deliberate flouting of the regulations or they cease to be effective or deterrents to destruction.” The letter alleges that the developer’s destruction of the wetlands was “a deliberate calculation that any penalties or actions by the DEQ would be a minimal and manageable cost of doing business.” A public input period on the consent order closed last week. DEQ Regional Enforcement Specialist Jim Datko said during an Oct. 26 State Water Control Board public meeting that the finalization of the consent order would depend on the amount of community feedback DEQ receives. He said, “there’s no guaranteed date of execution.” n
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DECEMBER 10, 2020
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