Loudoun Now for Jan. 5, 2017 by Loudoun Now

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 2, No. 9 ]

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M A Y O R

Behind the scenes at B Doughnuts

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017 ]

County, Consultant Reports Conflict on Housing

B U R K

BY RENSS GREENE

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Burk Wants to Set a New Tone in Leesburg BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

fter an often frustrating year serving on the Leesburg Town Council, Kelly Burk hopes for a brighter 2017 as she takes over the mayor’s gavel. Burk was successful in her first bid for mayor, besting David Butler, who was appointed mayor by the council last February, and former Town Council member Kevin Wright. It was a convincing win for Burk—runner-up Wright trailed her by more than 2,000 votes —who is no newcomer to elected office. Burk moved to Leesburg with her husband in 1979 and worked as a special education teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools. While she did not immediately enter politics as an elected official, it was always a part of her makeup. Burk recalls dinnertime conversations with her family as a child, when it was not uncommon to have the topic of politics brought up.

“I came from a family that lived and breathed politics,” she said. “We were always taught that you can complain all you want, but you better do something to make the change. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut.” Burk said it was that family rule—along with her dissatisfaction with how some of the development in town was progressing—that ultimately pushed her to run for a council seat for the first time in 2004. “Rather than complain and do nothing, I was willing to put my name forward and see if I can help make some changes,” she said. And she has been casting votes to make those changes for the better part of the past 12 years. Three years into her first four-year council term, Burk won election as the Leesburg District representative on the Board of Supervisors. She said having both the experience of helping to run the town and the county has given her a good perspective. BURK >> 30

A draft report on Loudoun County’s future housing needs projects a major shortage of residential units by 2040— but other reports may show just the opposite. The report, prepared by consulting firm Lisa Sturtevant & Associates LLC and the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, shows the county with a shortage of up to 17,860 housing units by 2040. But that analysis is based on a projected 23-year demand for 185,460 units with only 167,600 units available, and is starkly inconsistent with the county’s own calculations. In a separate report, the Loudoun Department of Planning and Zoning has counted 131,440 housing units in the county already, with at least 51,787 more permitted under current zoning and in developments already underway. Allowing for some upzoning, county planners estimate up to 185,749 homes may be built in the county under current conditions—before even considering the Board of Supervisors ambitious plans around future Silver Line Metro stops. “These forecasts assume no substantial changes to local or other policies to target particular household types,” notes the GMU housing needs assessment. But substantial changes are coming down the pike, to say the least: The county is planning for up to 15,109 additional housing units, mostly townhouses and apartments, around the Silver Line through 2040. Measuring those Silver Line and current buildout numbers against the GMU study, the county is planning to be seriously overbuilt, with up to 198,336 housing units available by 2040 but demand for only 167,600—leaving nearly 31,000 houses, townhomes, and apartments standing empty or unbuilt. And all these numbers come against HOUSING NEEDS >> 31

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INSIDE

3 Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

MacDowell Brew Kitchen closes shop, for now

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GEARING UP FOR BUDGET SEASON

Expect Teacher Raises, Full-Day Kindergarten as Priorities BY DANIELLE NADLER

oudoun superintendent of schools Eric Williams will unveil his budget roadmap for the school system’s next fiscal year

next week. In the months leading up to the budget season, the superintendent has hinted at some of the big line items that could be included in his funding plan for the county’s school system, which has an enrollment expected to breech the 80,000 mark this fall. Williams and Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services E. Leigh Burden have told School Board members that the district may need as much as $94 million more next fiscal year to keep up with student growth and maintain the current level of service. That’s above the current operating budget of $1.06 billion. The superintendent has said that some of the more expensive items in the budget will be pay raises, an ex-

pansion of full-day kindergarten, the opening of new schools, and just keeping up with growing enrollment.

Pay Raises The School Board was told in November to expect a request for as much as $27.2 million next fiscal year for pay raises for teachers, in an effort to keep pace with nearby jurisdictions. That would equate to a raise of roughly $4,184 per teacher, on average. The request would be in line with the School Board’s goal in recent years to improve pay, especially for mid-level teachers, where Loudoun trails behind its neighbors. But to continue making notable progress, it would likely require a countywide tax increase. Compared to four of its neighbors to the east, Loudoun County Public Schools’ ranks fourth in its pay for teachers with a master’s degree and at least 10 years of experience, with a salary of $62,404 and only Prince William County trails behind. Williams’ goal is

to increase Loudoun’s rank to at least third in that category, by surpassing Fairfax County’s pay of $64,664. He said that pay certainly is not the only factor teachers consider when choosing a school district, but it is a big one. “There are other steps that need to be a part of recruitment and retention,” he said, “but this certainly is one part.” The county is expected to welcome almost 3,000 more students this fall, plus open a new middle school and prepare for the opening of three other schools. Burden has told School Board members they will need to brace for $26.7 million in new expenditures just related to student growth. Early forecasts estimate the division will enroll 80,600 students next school year, that’s up almost 3,000 students over the current school year. SCHOOLS BUDGET >> 6

BUDGET GAP>> 7

INDEX Loudoun Gov..................... 4 Leesburg........................... 8 Public Safety................... 10 Education........................ 12 Our Towns....................... 14 Biz.................................. 18 LoCo Living..................... 20 A Loudoun Moment.......... 24 Obituaries....................... 25 Classifieds...................... 26 Opinion........................... 28

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“That’s still a lot of money, but it’s very, very manageable,” Greason said of the deficit. “We expect we’ll be able to cover it and protect the core services—education, mental health, public safety—without a lot of trouble.” The best news out of McAuliffe’s proposals is that they leave funding for K-12 education whole, a decision that will be well received in the General Assembly, Greason said. “There’s agreement that we’re not going to do this on the back of any K-12 cuts.” Higher education institutions will

30 years of conquering people’s No. 1 fear

Bridging a more than $1 billion state budget funding gap will be the first item on legislators’ to-do list when they return to Richmond next week. The General Assembly’s 30-day session begins Wednesday, Jan. 11. Just before Christmas, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) presented several proposed amendments to the state’s biennial budget to make up that deficit, created by revenue shortfalls. Among his ideas are a handful of tax reforms, including providing incentives for individuals to pay back taxes and mak-

ing internet purchases subject to the same state sales taxes imposed on those made at brick-and-mortar retailers. The deficit will also mean that state employees will have to do without pay raises, which were contingent on a budget surplus. All told, the governor’s proposals would bring the deficit down to about $625 million, according to Del. Thomas “Tag” Greason (R-32), who represents the Ashburn area. He is a state budget conferee, which means he is one of six delegates and seven senators who take the lead on negotiating the final budget.

Town of Hillsboro triples in size

New Students, New Schools

Budget Hole Awaits Assembly Members in Richmond BY DANIELLE NADLER

New Year’s Day shooter charged

Kindergartners line up at Hillsboro Charter Academy in western Loudoun.

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Supervisor warns townhomes could ‘bankrupt’ Loudoun

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[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

Meyer Worries Silver Line Townhouses Will ‘Bankrupt’ Loudoun BY RENSS GREENE

upervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) is worried that a board vote to allow more townhouses around Loudoun’s future Silver Line developments will cost the county more than it can afford. “It breaks the bank,” Meyer said. “It’s going to bankrupt the county.” On Nov. 29, the Board of Supervisors revised its plans for development around the Silver Line to allow townhomes in urban residential zones, which are meant to be high-density, walkable communities surrounding the tallest, densest areas of mixed-use development around the Ashburn station. The board has also contemplated allowing townhouses in mixed-use areas for special cases, and has asked the Planning Commission to give both ideas a closer look. Previously, the planning staff recommended allowing condominiums, senior housing, apartments, and urban-style townhomes in urban residential areas. Buildings would be expected to be three to six stories with minimal or no setbacks and vehicle access by rear alleys to encourage a walkable environment. The Transportation and Land Use Committee, on a motion by Meyer, recommended removing townhomes from urban residential areas, but the full Board of Supervisors voted to keep the townhomes in. Meyer worries that adding more townhouses into that mix—beyond the roughly 1,500 townhouses that are already permitted in the area—would put a big strain on county infrastructure and schools. “A majority of supervisors, who don’t live in the area, are basically telling our area that we have to add townhouses to pay for Metro, which just doesn’t make sense in any sort of basic realm of fiscal responsibility,” Meyer

File photo

Supervisor Ron A. Meyer, Jr. (Broad Run)

Townhouses, as we know from our data, have generated way more children than we expected. — Supervisor Ron Meyer Jr. said. “Townhouses, as we know from our data, have generated way more children than we expected.” Meyer also argued that while residential development is essential to attracting business, townhouses won’t get the job done. “Townhouses aren’t the answer to bringing in more commercial to Loudoun County,” Meyer said. “If

townhouses brought in more commercial to Loudoun County, then we’d have more commercial than we know what to do with.” But planning staff members and other supervisors say the townhomes around Metro wouldn’t be like those elsewhere in the county. “The townhouses that are being built in the county are like 2,500 square feet,

and it’s attracting people who have families,” said finance committee chairman Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). He said around Metro, he imagines an urban townhouse, with a cap on square footage and number of bedrooms. “It sounds like that’s something we can do, in which case, it’s almost a matter of semantics whether you call it a townhouse, or multifamily, or two-over-two or whatever.” And making sure there’s enough infrastructure, said Planning and Zoning METRO DEVELOPMENT >> 5

Comstock Breaks Ground on Ashburn Station Metro Garage BY RENSS GREENE Comstock Partners, the developer behind Loudoun Station, broke ground last week on the first parking garage for the future Metro stop at Loudoun County Parkway in Ashburn. Comstock conveyed the property to the county government and is leasing it back over a 40-year term. The developer will operate the garage over that time. It’s expected to have more than 1,500 parking spaces when complete. The garage will also have 18,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, which Comstock Vice President of Communications Maggie Parker said the developer hopes to attract an urban grocer. The garage, called the Ashburn North Garage, is expected to be complete in a year, well ahead of Metro’s scheduled arrival. In the meantime, it

will be used for parking at Loudoun Station while another garage, wrapped by apartments and resembling another mixed-use building, is built on top of a current surface lot. Under the agreement inked with the Board of Supervisors last year, Comstock will pay rent equivalent to 10 percent of the net operating income, after the developer recoups its expenses and yields a 12 percent return on it up-front construction expenses. Daily parking will cost no more $7 initially, with increases permitted every three years. Another commuter parking garage for the Ashburn Station will be built on the south side of the Dulles Greenway under a design-build contract with the county, which has not been issued. rgreene@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Construction equipment sits near Loudoun Station, where the developer is building one of the parking garages that will serve Metro riders.

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Director Ricky Barker, is part of approving a new townhome. “It’s very important to look at our key infrastructure and the services to provide for this growth,” Barker said. “So we have, within the plan, said, ‘here’s what the potential needs are.’ And we will need to evaluate each development case as it comes in to ensure, as it gets proposed, that we have the infrastructure and services in place to accommodate that.” While acknowledging the importance of carefully examining the impact of any new development, Barker said the impact of new construction is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. “During the case review, that’s when we evaluate the transportation system, as well as the capacity of the schools, and say, ‘OK, is this an appropriate time for this?’” Barker said. “…It’s very responsible planning, and that’s what Loudoun’s known for.” “I think that there is overall a sense of wariness and frustration in the public about the rate of growth, and the fact that growth has outpaced infrastructure in the county,” Letourneau said. “And I completely agree with that. That has created a feeling that we need to be careful about what we’re adding.” Meyer has also questioned the scale

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of Loudoun’s Metro ambitions. “If bringing Metro here means we have to build the Reston Town Center in Loudoun, no one would have supported it,” Meyer said. “...There’s no doubt that we want an active Metro and an active town center, but people move to Loudoun for a reason. We have to build Metro stations that are in the style of Loudoun’s values.” But long-term conceptual plans for the area closest to the Ashburn station are urban, with 10- to 15-story mixeduse buildings laid out in a grid, and homes in 400- to 1,000-square-foot apartments. “I think the key to this development is to make sure that it’s phased in over time while infrastructure is being added with the appropriate amount of residential and business together,” Letourneau said. “The community we’re talking about is going to be like Reston.” Meyer recently moved to a single-family home at One Loudoun as he and his wife start a family. He said there is a huge demand for townhouses, but the board can’t automatically respond by allowing supply, because taxpayers will have to foot the bill. “We have to be welcoming of more people, but we also have to make sure that we do it in a way that doesn’t break our budget and overcrowd our schools,” Meyer said. “We have to find a happy medium.”

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Schools budget << FROM 3

The budget will also likely include another $1.8 million to pay for new schools. The money will be used to pay for staff positions at Brambleton Middle School, set to open in August, as well as at a new elementary school, new middle school and the Academies of Loudoun that will open the following year.

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Eighteen months after county officials up for re-election pressured Williams to accelerate plans to provide universal full-day kindergarten, the superintendent says he will continue to take big steps toward a county-wide program this fall. In this current school year, full-day kindergarten is provided for 2,507 students, about half of the county’s kindergartners. Williams’ plan is to expand that to 75 percent of kindergartners by this fall and to every public school kindergartener by 2020. He has said that a countywide, fullday program will add $11 million more to the operating budget annually. So expanding the program could require tax hikes for county residents or the superintendent will have to find savings elsewhere in the operating budget. During a presentation to county supervisors last fall, Williams said of the gradual expansion of the program, “Is

it a glass half full or a glass half empty? We feel that it’s both in this case. We can be pleased in the progress that we’ve made, all while having a sense of urgency in moving forward.”

Other Costs Williams’ spending plan is also expected to include money for new buses and updated textbooks. The School Board asked the county Board of Supervisors to spend over $5.6 million in fiscal year 2017 surplus funds to purchase 34 buses and new textbooks. Supervisors declined the School Board’s request, saying buses and books are reoccurring costs and should be part of the operating budget, not covered with money earmarked for one-time capital projects. Burden has also told the School Board to expect an increase of $10 million to make required contributions to the Virginia Retirement System and another $8 million for increased health care costs. The superintendent will present his spending proposal at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the school administration office, 21000 Education Court in Ashburn. The School Board is scheduled to make changes and adopt the budget Feb. 2. From there, it is sent over to the Board of Supervisors as a formal funding request. Follow the budget process at LoudounNow.com/budget. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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see a 5 percent funding cut. That is better than the 7.5 percent in savings most state agencies were required to find in their operating budgets for fiscal year 2018. Still, Greason said he and his colleagues want to keep tabs on whether that funding cut will trigger state colleges and universities to hike tuition fees. “Cost of higher education is important to me and so many others. I think that one needs a little more work,” said Greason, who has three kids. One of the potential budget amendments that Greason and some of his Republican colleagues are less excited about is McAuliffe’s so-called sales tax nexus. It would require out-of-state businesses that use warehouses or fulfillment centers in Virginia to pay sales taxes on their internet sales into Virginia. “I understand the theory behind it, but I’m worried about the long-term reaction in the market,” Greason said. “They are probably going to take those centers, that employ thousands of Virginians, and move them to a state that isn’t going to tax their distribution centers.” Del. J. Randall Minchew (R-10), of Leesburg, has a couple of bills in mind that will likely be a part of the state budget discussion. One would drop the corporate income tax from 6 to 5 percent. Another would allow the dividends and interest income of share-

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Brew Kitchen Looks Toward New Future in Wake of Closure, Layoffs BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

he beginning of 2017 has not been what Gordon MacDowell would have wanted for his downtown Leesburg restaurant. A sign in front of MacDowell Brew Kitchen, located on Harrison Street across from Market Station, announced that the restaurant will be closed until Jan. 12. MacDowell also confirmed reports that his entire restaurant staff had been let go. The dire course of action is a direct result, MacDowell said, of the town forcing the closure of his “beach” outdoor dining area last summer. It all began three years earlier, when town staff discovered that more than 6 feet of MacDowell’s patio area was actually on land owned by the town. Legally, alcohol cannot be served on town property without exception. MacDowell agreed to lease the land from the town and change the insurance policy so the restaurant could continue to operate as is, and the Town Council voted to allow the restaurant to serve alcohol on that sliver of town property. Plus, the beach portion of the property had to be rezoned from residential to commercial. As part of the rezoning agreement, MacDowell agreed to make improvements that would better buffer the residential neighborhoods from commercial activities, as well as protect the town’s stormwater system from sand runoff. For MacDowell Brew Kitchen to hold up its end of the deal, however, it had to finish on-site improvements—including a system to contain the sand—by June 1. When the June 1 deadline came and went, the town agreed to give MacDowell an extension to July 11. The town brought the situation to the Loudoun County Circuit Court, requesting an injunction to enforce the proffers. On June 5, Judge Douglas L. Fleming Jr. ordered MacDowell to pay $500 a day beyond the July 11 deadline and close the beach until the work had been com-

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The popular MacDowell Brew Kitchen sits empty this week after temporarily closing and laying off its entire staff. Owner Gordon MacDowell is hopeful the restaurant will re-open.

pleted “to the Town’s satisfaction.” That deadline was also not met, and resulted in the closure of the beach area for several weeks. Town Council members ultimately prevailed upon town staff to allow the beach to be open on weekends while improvements were ongoing. But last summer’s closures ultimately had a lingering effect, resulting in this week’s layoffs and closure. “We depend on summertime sales to save up for the winter,” MacDowell said. He notes that, while the restaurant does offer indoor dining, the beach outdoor area is a major draw, with many equating the brew kitchen to a “fair weather” dining establishment. But with the beach being closed four days a week during the summer to comply with the town’s order, “a staggering amount of revenue” was lost, he said. Patrons found other places to drink and dine, and the decline in business continued through the fall and early winter months. “The business is broke,” MacDowell said bluntly. “I sold my personal home so I could finance the business and the construction to this point. All the re-

sources are gone.” To put the business back in the black, MacDowell said he will be reducing hours and going with a smaller staff, as well as taking another look at the menu to draw more of a “lunch-time crowd.” This week he is also working on a minor remodel of the restaurant’s kitchen. MacDowell’s agreement with the town to finish on- and off-site improvements has been extended twice since the summer, and he now faces a deadline of this Sunday, Jan. 8. In addition to completing the work, the consent order signed by Town Attorney Barbara Notar and MacDowell’s attorney Bob Sevila notes that MacDowell must pay the total invoices of fines generated by the restaurant, also by this Sunday. That stands at $15,500. MacDowell said Tuesday that 98 percent of the improvements have been completed, and a town staffer was expected to come by the restaurant for an inspection Wednesday. Once the town staff concurs that improvements have been satisfactorily completed, the Town MACDOWELL >> 9

Four to Be Considered for Leesburg Council Seat KARA C. RODRIGUEZ The Leesburg Town Council has narrowed to four the list of candidates it will consider to fill the vacant seat. Mayor Kelly Burk’s election in November created the vacancy on the council. She had two years remaining on her council term. While a special election, either in the spring or during November’s general election, will ultimately allow voters to select her replacement, someone must fill the seat until an elected council member is sworn in. The outgoing Town Council voted on a process to appoint a new council member. Each council member was asked to select a top three from the list of 13 town residents who put their hat in the ring for the interim appoint-

ment. Of that list, four received the most votes and will be asked to make a brief presentation to council members at their Jan. 9 organizational meeting. The selected candidates are Jed Babbin, Rusty Foster, Hugh Forsythe and Gwen Pangle. Pangle finished fourth behind the three council members elected in November, and has also indicated an interest in possibly running in the special election sometime this year. She and the three others being considered for the council seat are heavily involved in both town government and community organizations. Babbin is a member of the town’s Diversity Commission, Foster is a member of the Commission on Public Art, and Forsythe chairs the board of directors of Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers.

Following the candidates’ presentations at the Jan. 9 meeting, the council is expected to deliberate and may vote to appoint one of the candidates to fill the vacant council seat until the special election is held. Four votes are needed to select a new council member. At the same meeting, the council is also expected to discuss, and may decide on, the date of the special election. Council members have up to 90 days from when the council vacancy was created—Dec. 31, 2016—to appoint a new council member. They have far less time—only 15 days from when the vacancy was created—to petition the Circuit Court for a writ of election to set a special election date. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

[ BRIEFS ] Leesburg PD Commander Retires The Leesburg Police Department said goodbye to a longtime officer and supervisor last week. Lt. Jeff Dubé retired Jan. 1. Dubé joined the force in 1993 after eight years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his tenure, he served in many roles, including field training officer, shift s u p e r v i s o r, training officer, civil disturbance unit commander, Dubé recr uitment and hiring, property and evidence, and accreditation manager. He has been responsible for the School Resource Officer Program, the Traffic Management Unit and the Information Services Section, which includes the Records Section and Emergency Dispatch Center. Most notably, Dubé served as the department’s public information officer for many years. The department celebrated his retirement during a Dec. 20 banquet at the Ida Lee Recreation Center. “While I have known Jeff for many years, during the short time I have been with Leesburg, I have been more than impressed by his attention to detail, customer service philosophy and work ethic,” Chief Gregory Brown stated.

Church Moves to New Space A Leesburg-based church has a more permanent home for its worship services to start the New Year. Rising Church announced it has moved to a new space at the Elijah Gate Christian Center, located at 115 Harrison St. NE. Led by Pastor Jason Lamb, Rising Church is a church plant of the North American Mission Board and the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. It began as a small group in August 2014, and Sunday morning worship services commenced a year later. The church had been renting space in the lower level conference room of Ida Lee Park Recreation Center for the past 18 months, but the move to Elijah Gate will enable the church to keep its set up intact every week. While consistency and stability are certainly plusses of the move, the need for more space was really necessitated by the growth of the church’s Kids Ministry. “When we began…we had four children. Now we can run as many as 15 children on any given Sunday that range from birth through third grade. Lamb said. For more information on Rising Church, go to therising.cc. BRIEFS >> 9

[ BRIEFS ] << FROM 8

<< FROM 8 Council must then release the $320,000 bond MacDowell posted for the improvements. That action, MacDowell says, “will free up money that are very much needed to sustain our business.” He said he is confident that the restaurant will be ready to reopen Jan. 12. MacDowell said he appreciated the support of the restaurant’s loyal patrons, many of whom encouraged him to keep

the beach area going when it may have been less costly to do away with it. “This year for me personally is going to be about making it positive,” he said. “I hope we’re done with the negative with the town, the fight. It’s been a fouryear battle and, to say the least, it’s been very taxing. I can’t imagine there being much more negative issues to deal with. I know the business will come back once the weather improves, and we’ll be really ready for it.” krodriguez@loudounnow.com

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Property owners within land inside a new proposed floodplain area in the town are invited to attend an upcoming public information session. The town staff will hold a public information session regarding the proposed Floodplain Overlay District at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the lower level conference room of Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. During the meeting, staff members will provide an overview of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments establishing the Floodplain Overlay District and answer questions. Property owners within the proposed district will receive a letter from the town providing detailed information regarding the proposed amendments and legislative

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

Floodplain Hearings Scheduled

review process. The changes are needed to comply with federally mandated requirements for town participation in the National Flood Insurance Program after FEMA updated the county’s Floodplain Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study. The proposed amendments apply to properties in proximity to any stream draining an area of 100 acres or more and subject to recurring flooding. Following the public information session, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed district at its Jan. 19 meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers. The Town Council’s public hearing on the proposed district is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 14. For more information, visit www. leesburgva.gov/floodplain, or contact Senior Planner Irish Grandfield at igrandfield@leesburgva.gov or 703-7712765.

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[ PUBLIC SAFETY ] Leesburg Man Charged in New Year’s Day Shooting A 23-year-old Leesburg man faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison following an early morning shooting New Year’s Day. According to the Leesburg Police Department, Justin Robin shot a 33-yearold Springfield man in the torso at the Clarion Inn at 1500 E. Market St. Officers were Robin called to the scene at 5:30 a.m. The victim was transported to the hospital, and a large-scale search was made of the area to find the suspect. The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, Virginia State Police and the Fairfax County Police Department helicopter assisted. Later that night, Robin surrendered at the Leesburg Police headquarters. He was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, a class 2 felony. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 16 in Loudoun County District Court. No information about the motive in the shooting has been released, although the department said it was not gang related. On Monday, the victim was listed in stable condition. Anyone with information about the

shooting is asked to contact Detective D. Shaw at 703-771-4500 or dshaw@ leesburgva.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous, may call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS. Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.

LCSO: Drunken Driver Crashes into Deputy

investigation into the cause of the fire was continuing.

Armed Robbery Suspects Nabbed in Maryland Three Maryland residents are in custody and facing charges in connection with the Dec. 28 armed robbery at the Bridge End Centre gas station near Lovettsville, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office.

A 27-year-old Sterling man faces a DUI charge after an early morning crash on New Year’s Day. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, Simerjeet S. Sidhu was driving in the wrong lane of West Church Road just before 3 a.m. when he hit a deputy’s cruiser head-on. Sidhu was arrested and later released from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on a personal recognizance bond.

Ashburn Townhouse Fire Under Investigation A fire alarm on Dec. 27 alerted emergency crews to a fire at an Ashburn Farm townhouse. Units from Ashburn, Lansdowne, Moorefield, Leesburg, Kincora and Sterling Park were called to the vacant Chokeberry Square home just before 8 a.m. Dec. 27. They found fire on the ground floor. Crews forced entry and quickly extinguished the fire. The Loudoun Fire Marshal’s Office estimated damage at $100,000. The

held pending extradition to Virginia. The robbery occurred around 9:30 a.m. last Wednesday when Rives allegedly entered the store, brandished a firearm and demanded money. The suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money. Sheriff ’s Office detectives worked with the Washington County, MD, Sheriff ’s Office, the City of Frederick, MD, Police Department, and the Frederick County, MD, Sheriff ’s Office during the investigation.

Maryland Driver Killed in Rt. 15 Crash Near Lucketts

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators say Michael A. Rives was the man caught on video robbing a Lovettsvillearea convenience store last week.

Michael A. Rives, 38, faces charges of robbery, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Two other suspects—William L. Russ, 47, and Elizabeth D. Hawbaker, 27—are facing charges for conspiracy to commit robbery. They were apprehended in Maryland a day after the robbery and are being

A 38-year-old Brunswick, MD, woman was killed early Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash on Rt. 15 south of Lucketts. The crash happened just before 7:30 a.m. near the New Valley Church Road intersection. Investigators said the driver of a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Sport was traveling south on Rt. 15 when he apparently fell asleep and crossed the center line. The Jeep struck a northbound 2014 Kia head on. The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, 26-year-old Nathaniel W. Nelson, of Charlottesville, was taken to Inova Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne where he was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening. A passenger in the Jeep was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital for treatment of serious injuries but is expected to recover. Nelson was charged with reckless driving.

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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.

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home for our Orthodox community in Loudoun County. This will allow us to enhance our spiritual growth and charitable and philanthropic giving to those in need in the county,” Alexson stated. Founded in 2006, the church celebrated its 10-year anniversary at a gala held Oct. 29 and attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos and Supervisor Suzanne Volpe (R-Algonkian). The church has grown to 150 families and more than 22 ministries, committees, and organizations that are actively involved in the church and community outreach programs. Parishioners currently worship in a temporary facility at 21580 Atlantic Blvd., Unit 160, Bldg. D in Dulles. Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Greek School classes are also offered. For more information, go to holyapostlesgreekorthodox.org.

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

The Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County is celebrating more than its 10th anniversary. It has a new name, as well. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey bestowed the community with the name of the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. The church also was given permission to pursue land in Loudoun County to establish a permanent worship site. Father George Alexson, presiding priest at Holy Apostles, said parishioners see the new name in part as a reflection of the church’s deepening roots in Loudoun. “Clearly, our parishioners have worked hard for 10 years to establish and sustain our parish. Bestowing a name upon our parish is the culmination of all our hard work. Now that we have a permanent name, we must continue our diligent efforts to secure a permanent

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Hillsboro Charter Principal on Temporary Leave BY DANIELLE NADLER

illsboro Charter Academy announced to parents this week that it is appointing an interim principal, just four months after it opened its doors. Trisha Ybarra-Peters, principal of the public charter school, is on medical leave, according to Roger Vance, vice president of the school’s board of directors. But the board is hopeful that she will be back to work before long. “We anticipate her full return,” he said. Parents were notified in mid-December that Ybarra-Peters would be on temporary leave. In an email sent to parents late Monday night, Rebecca B. Fuller, president of the school’s board of directors, said Virginia “Ginger” Minshew has been appointed as the interim principal. Minshew retired in 2014 as one of the longest tenured high school principals in Loudoun County Public Schools’ history. She served as principal of Park View High School in Sterling from 2005 until her retirement. Before that,

she was principal at Farmwell Station Middle School in Ashburn. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member of Shenandoah University, so she will work on a part-time schedule at the charter school. “We’re excited to have Dr. Minshew, even though it’s not ideal because we all miss Trisha,” Fuller said. “Snafus happen, and we’ll work through it.” A panel of two faculty members, parents and members of the board met with Minshew over winter break, Fuller said. “We all felt that her familiarity with the policies of LCPS, as well as a positive working relationship with all of our contacts in the division’s administration will prove to be invaluable.” She said that she does not know Ybarra-Peters’ return date, but “I have been assured that she is getting good care and rest. We will continue to share updates as they unfold.” Hillsboro Charter Academy is Loudoun’s second public charter school. The first, Middleburg Community Charter School, also had an unexpected change in leadership in its first year. The original principal, Barbara

Loudoun Now/File Photo

Hillsboro Charter Academy Principal Trisha Ybarra-Peters greets kindergarteners during orientation in August.

Smith, resigned in spring of 2015 after she was denied reentry back into the U.S. from Canada because of a lapse of her visa. dnadler@loudounnow.com

Purcellville Teen Achieves Top Sea Cadet Rank BY PATRICK SZABO A Purcellville girl recently snagged a top achievement in a male-dominated field. Skyler Powell, a 17-year-old Loudoun Valley High School student, reached the top rank of chief petty officer in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. She is the first cadet Powell in the history of Purcellville’s VIKING Division to do so. Her promotion ceremony took place Dec. 17 at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville. According to Chad Ellis, the VI-

KING Division’s unit executive officer, only about 20 females have ever been appointed to CPO. There are about 10,000 cadets enrolled in the USNSCC. “Becoming a CPO in the Sea Cadets is not easy,” Ellis said. “Chief Powell worked long and hard to achieve this rank.” The USNSCC is a federally-chartered, civilian organization that is sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and jointly supported by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Teaching cadets from the age of 13 through their completion of high school, the USNSCC was established in 1962 to “create a favorable image of the Navy on the part of American youth.” During her time as a sea cadet, Powell attended multiple advanced trainings on different topics, served as staff cadet at recruit training and volun-

teered more than 250 hours of her time for community service projects. This past summer, she also attended the USNSCC mandatory two-week recruit training session, which includes 106 hours of instruction with a focus on the U.S. Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. In addition to achieving the rank of CPO, Powell has earned the Veterans of Foreign Wars Naval Sea Cadet Medal and the Sons of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award. She also leads the VIKING Division CyberPatriot team, is a member of the LVHS marching band and has maintained a 4.1 GPA while enrolled in honors and Advanced Placement classes. “Chief Powell exemplifies the ideals of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps,” Ellis said. “She proved herself to be a dedicated and capable leader and exemplary sea cadet.”

Rock Ridge Student Wins Disney Youth Services Award Anne Kickert, known in Loudoun for her efforts to collect candy for U.S. soldiers, is one of 340 young people nationwide who won the Disney Youth Services Award. The award comes with a $500 grant to help Anne set up her envisioned nonprofit organization, The Sunshine Brigade. Her goal is for the organization to be student-led, complete with a student advisory board, with a mission to encourage and support military men and women fighting overseas. When she was 10 years old, Anne got the idea to mail her uneaten Halloween candy to soldiers. Her candy collection and donation effort is now an annual event, with seven Loudoun County

schools participating. Since she started the program, more than 7,400 pounds of candy and 2,900 cards have been collected, and 585 care packages have been sent. She is now a sophomore at Rock Ridge High School. “I’ve heard from some soldiers who just want to say thank you because my care package was the only one they’ve ever received,” she said. She encourages others to think of how they can show their gratitude to service men and women. “Something so small as donating candy or making a card can make a big impact on someone’s life. Find small ways you can make a big impact.”

Courtesy of Joan Kickert

Anne Kickert has sent hundreds of care packages to U.S. soldiers.

Ashburn Student to Attend Inauguration Summit A Virginia Academy student has been invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit in Washing- Brown ton, DC, later this month. Eighth-grader Kaila Brown will attend the five-day program that will take place the same week of president elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration Jan. 20. The agenda includes speeches from global leaders, including Malala Yousafzai, Gen. Colin Powell and Abby Wambach. The summit scholars will also take part in a Delegations for Change, a simulation where they will brainstorm workable solutions to the challenges their generation and the new administration will face. “Something that is really wonderful about so many young people gathering in Washington, DC, for this event is that it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern our country over the next four years,” stated Andrew Potter, the chief academic officer for Envision and the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit. “We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders.” Kaila is a member of the National Junior Honor Society at Virginia Academy, a private Christian school in Ashburn. She is also a team captain of the school’s volleyball team and a member of the Northern Virginia Volleyball Association.

Preschool Fair Set for Jan. 12 The MOMS Club of Leesburg South will host its fourth annual Preschool Fair on Jan. 12. The free fair will feature representatives from at least 12 area preschools. It is scheduled for 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Rosie Uran Jewish Education Center, 19357 Evergreen Mills Road in Leesburg. Children are welcome and donations of non-perishable food items for Loudoun Hunger Relief will be accepted at the door. Julie D’Ascanio, president of the MOMS Club of Leesburg South, said of the fair, “There are so many options in this area and we feel strongly that having them in one place for an event really helps our community in two ways: by helping our local parents save the time of having SCHOOL NOTES >> 13

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Poetry Festival Features Award-Winning Writer

Jennifer Chang, an award-winning poet and professor of English and creative writing at the George Washington University, will serve as the poet-in-residence at the 10th annual Paul K. Bergan Poetry Chang Festival. The festival is planned for Jan. 27-28 at Foxcroft School near Middleburg. The public is invited to attend the festival, which also includes a poetry slam, readings of original and published works in English and foreign languages, as well as the formal poetry reading competition, a decades-old tradition at the allgirls high school. Chang’s debut poetry collection, “The History of Anonymity” (2008), was selected for the Virginia Quarterly Review’s Poetry Series. Her second collection, “Some Say the Lark” is scheduled to be released in October. On Saturday, Jan. 28, Chang will give a reading and conduct a writing workshop at the Audrey B. Currier Library in the morning. She will also serve as a judge for the poetry reading competition in the afternoon. C

Safe Teen Drivers Sessions Planned Safe Teen Drivers sessions will be held at three Loudoun high schools this month. The Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentation includes safety presentations and videos. It prepares parents and teens for the behind-the-wheel course. The sessions are scheduled for: Thursday, Jan. 5, at Park View High School in Sterling; Thursday, Jan. 12, at Tuscarora High School in Leesburg; and Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville. All presentations will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with doors closing promptly at 7:05 p.m. A parent/guardian and student must attend the presentation together. The Code of Virginia regulates these presentations and no late arrivals are permitted. The fee to attend is $30. Checks

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to go to three or four different schools to check them out, and by helping our local community preschools to showcase their programs and keep children in our local preschools rather than going to different communities.” MOMS Club of Leesburg South is part of MOMS Club International, nonprofit organization that organizes support groups for stay-at-home moms. Learn more about the group at momsclubleesburgsouth.org.

12/15/16

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

School notes

should be made out to the school where the presentation takes place.

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MIDDLEBURG

A Fireside Look at Revolutionary Loudoun

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The Old Stone School, long the center of town activities including Town Council meetings, is now within the Hillsboro town limits.

Hillsboro Expansion Sets Stage for Bigger Things BY MARGARET MORTON

ormally established in 1802, Hillsboro has long been Loudoun’s smallest town—and the fourth smallest in the commonwealth—with a population hovering around 80 and an acreage of about 56 acres. But at 2 p.m. Dec. 28, that all changed when Clerk of the Loudoun Circuit Court Gary M. Clemens recorded Judge Thomas D. Horne’s court order finalizing the boundary line adjustment between the county and the town that tripled the size of the municipality. With the expansion, the town covers 172 acres and its population is estimated to rise to approximately 115 people. Round Hill now ranks as Loudoun’s smallest town, with about 130 acres. Hamilton has 190 acres. Mayor Roger Vance thanked county supervisors and Town Attorney Liz Whiting for leading the way through the process. Councilwoman Amy Marasco noted that the achievement is just the first piece of the town’s larger plans for street and utility improvements and to promote business growth. Both Supervisor Tony Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) and County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) supported the town’s efforts to create more natural boundaries, addressing several lots that were bisected by the town limits and bringing in homes and buildings that are closely associated with the town. Those included the Old Stone School, the community’s civic center where the Town Council holds its meetings, and the Hillsboro Charter Academy. Town leaders have spent a decade planning traffic-calming measures

I want to do what we can to revitalize it, and make it a great place to work, live and play. — Supervisor Tony Buffington on its main street—busy Rt. 9—and on water and sewer system upgrades. The revised boundaries will permit the town to set defined service areas for the water and wastewater systems, as well as to bring the entire traffic-calming project within the town’s jurisdiction, making those projects easier to manage, according to Vance. The new additions to town are significant. In addition to the town-owned Old Stone School and the Hillsboro Charter Academy, the expansion incorporates the Hillsboro Bed & Breakfast on Stoney Point Road, the United Methodist Church and the Stoneybrook Farm and Market. Overall, the increased boundaries will be beneficial to the town, Marasco said. “We can’t survive as residential only,” she said, noting the council could now “reimagine” the Old School for new uses that may better capitalize on the 16,000 vehicles that pass through town every day. Among the possibilities she sees are restaurants, and small retail shops, perhaps stores that could serve hiking and biking enthusiasts who are expected to visit the new state park to be developed northwest of town. “I’d like to see appropriate sized rural businesses, such as a craft brewery,” she said. And the success of Stoneybrook Farm and Market over the past several years is likely to lead to expansion and that would now be dictated by town zoning rules, not the county’s. “They’ve

told the town they’re excited to expand into a full-service deli and additional dining seats,” Marasco said. “We’re not overly strict, but we want it to be in keeping with the look of the town.” Marasco’s 32-acre bed and breakfast property had been split between the town and county. And now, if she wants to build a barn, she’ll be working within the town’s Zoning Ordinance. With two B&Bs in town, the town will increase its Transient Occupancy Tax revenues and will collect a 4 percent meals tax on food sales at Stoneybrook, Vance said. More of Rt. 9 also is within the town’s jurisdiction. “We’re going to be requesting speed limit reductions to 25 miles per hour,” Vance said. The potential for business development is also increased, Vance said. Last year, the town aided in the formation of the Greater Hillsboro Business Alliance, a loose confederation of business ventures in the area. Buffington was very pleased with the final accord. “This is very important for the town and for me. Ever since I came into office I’ve been working with Roger, Amy Marasco and Liz Whiting. We’ve had a good working relationship,” Buffington said this week, crediting Whiting with tireless work with the county’s legal and planning staff to make sure everything was done correctly. Buffington considers Hillsboro a HILLSBORO EXPANSION >> 15

The Mosby Heritage Area Association will put the spotlight on Loudoun’s role in the American Revolution during a Jan. 12 fireside chat program. Douglas Breton will give the talk, “Revolutionary Loudoun, 1774-1784.” The summer intern from the College of William and Mary developed a driving tour guide of the county’s Revolutionary War sites. In 1775, Loudoun was a newly settled area close to the frontier that had more than doubled in population over the previous decade. It was a land of immigrants from many areas and countries, featuring about seven different religions and divided along a wide variety of social classes. Loudoun contributed more men to the American Revolution than any other Virginia county. Why was that so and what places still exist in Loudoun that harken back to those days will be the subject of Breton’s talk. The program begins with wine at 5:30 p.m. followed by the talk at 6 p.m. at MHAA headquarters, The Caleb Rector House at 1461 Atoka Road in Marshall. The program is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, go to mosbyheritagearea.org.

Sewer Pump Project An important utility project is moving toward construction. The town’s sewer pump project is in the design phase and is expected to start construction this year. “It’s very old and needs an upgrade,” Town Administrator Martha Mason Semmes said, noting the project would improve sewer service at the west end of town and provide greater reliability. MWH Americas Inc. of Fairfax did the engineering design work for the prefabricated pump station under a $149,000 contract.

Wayfinding Project Under VDOT Review A new town signage package is under review by Virginia Department of Transportation, Town Administrator Martha Mason Semmes said. The new wayfinding system is intended to be more compatible with the architectural and

TOWN NOTES >> 16

Hillsboro expansion

mmorton@loudounnow.com

Town of Hillsboro

The boundary line adjustment tripled the size of Hillsboro.

beautiful little town. “It’s even older than America,” he said, referring to settlement records that date to 1746. “I want to do what we can to revitalize it, and make it a great place to work, live and play.” Next on the agenda, Buffington said, is to bring back Hillsboro’s post office and ZIP code designation. The town’s post office at the Hill Tom Market was closed in postal service cutbacks. Today, the town is served by the Purcellville Post Office 10 miles away.

15 Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

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“They need a post office to have an identity for the town,” Buffington said, adding he is working with the mayor and U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10-VA) to achieve that goal. Vance and the council see all these movements as interrelated, all adding to the town’s momentum. The next challenge is finding the funding needed for the street and utility projects. But, the boundary expansion and the coming of the new state park, “put the town in a better position, and brings the picture into better focus,” Vance said.

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[ TOWN NOTES ] << FROM 14 iconic features of the historic town. The town budgeted $75,000 for the first phase design and installation.

PURCELLVILLE

annual sports league funding to 5 p.m. on Jan. 9. Organizations applying for a share of the $5,200 budgeted for the purpose, must serve the Purcellville area, have town residents as players and provide a letter from the IRS confirming the organization’s tax-exempt status. Priority will be given to sports teams that allow all players to play regardless of skill levels. Applications are found at purcellvilleva.gov/fundingapplication.

LOVETTSVILLE North Gate Features Staulcup Exhibit North Gate Vineyard is featuring an exhibit by its newest artist-in-residence, Linda Staulcup. “Moments in Time” showcases her watercolor works and will be on display through March. In 2013, Staulcup was awarded a second-place ribbon for a piece she entered in the Loudoun Sketch Club’s art show and was juried in as a signature member of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists, where she currently serves as program chairman. Staulcup also is a member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society, the Loudoun Sketch Club, and the Patuxent Art League. An opening reception will be held 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14. The North Gate artist-in-residence program was created to support area artists by providing a venue to show their work in a public setting and to give them a place to conduct classes and seminars. North Gate is located at 16031 Hillsboro Road.

Sports Funding Application Deadline Extended The Town of Purcellville has extended the deadline to apply for the town’s

Key Intersection Construction Project Begins Work has started on road improvements at the intersection of Lovettsville and Milltown roads. The road work is part of the long anticipated development of the Lovettsville Community Park and the renovated and expanded Lovettsville Community Center—including a multi-use path connecting the community center to the elementary school. Mayor Bob Zoldos publicly thanked Supervisor Geary Higgins (R-Catoctin) and the county board for getting the work underway.

Clock Tower Fundraising, Refinement Continues The sale of ornaments showing the faces of the town’s new clock tower is continuing. The town has added a purchase option on the government’s website, lovettsvilleva.gov. The $25 fee will be earmarked for completing the clock tower. While the town celebrated the installation of the clock faces last month, the contractor will be returning to make adjustments in response to complaints that the faces are not adequately visible.

17 Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

Young runners led the way during the start of the Ringing In Hope 5K.

Joaquin Garcia of Montclair was the fastest runner in the Ringing In Hope 10K race in Ashburn Farm, crossing the finish line with a time of 36:06.

For many Loudouners, their 2017 began the same way their 2016 ended—on the run. Two holiday traditions are the Ringing in Hope race on New Year’s Eve and the REHAU Rotary Resolution Race on New Year’s Day. Both draw large, enthusiastic crowds and raise money and awareness for community organizations. This year, the Ringing in Hope race raised money for Inova’s Living with Cancer program; the Rotary Club of Leesburg’s race benefited ECHO Works, Loudoun Hunger Relief, ARC of Loudoun, and the Rotary Club of Leesburg Perry Winston Scholarship Fund.

Andres Wright, of Frederick, MD, set the pace in the Rotary Resolution Race 10K, completing the course in a time of 39:17.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Rochelle Basil of Fairfax was the top female finisher in the Ringing in Hope 10K race in Ashburn Farm, crossing the finish line with a time of 36:37.

Anne Akagi of Leesburg was the top female finishers in the REHAU Rotary Resolution 5K race, completing the course in 22:19, 10th place overall.

Amara Gordon, of Charles Town, WV, celebrates her first race of the year as she approaches the finish line in the REHAU Rotary Resolution Race.

Adam Conklin, of Purcellville juggled through Saturday’s Ringing in Hope race where he picked up a 15th place finish. The next day, still juggling, he finished seventh in the Leesburg race.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

Running Away from 2016 and into 2017

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[ BIZ ]

[ BIZ NOTES ]

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Loudoun Now/File Photo

The building on Loudoun Street that housed Crème de la Crème for 14 years will now be home to Delirium Café.

Leesburg Lands WorldRenowned Bar Café

Submitted photo

From left, Chip Vann, Gary Risaga, Kathy Kupka, Rob Linn and Gerard Shi, of the Loudoun Club of Toastmasters International, pose for a photo during a recent meeting.

Cheers: Loudoun Toastmasters Celebrates 30 years of Speaking Clearly BY LEAH FALLON

oes public speaking give you sweaty palms, tie your stomach in knots, or cause your hands to shake? Fear of public speaking is shared by many. In fact, according to a Chapman University study, public speaking is the number one fear people face, just ahead of heights. The Loudoun Club of Toastmasters International has a mission to help people get over those fears, guiding them to be leaders at home and at work. Loudoun Toastmasters is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. Loudoun County needs good leaders for businesses to succeed, government to function, communities to come together and for families to thrive. Toastmasters gives back to the community by producing confident leaders to not only speak better, but to be better listeners, club leaders say. Jim Bapst, the club’s president, joined because he was looking to change his life. He took up running after a long hiatus, and aspired to be a leader at his job at K2M in Leesburg. Learning to

speak with assurance was the skill he needed most. “I stepped outside my comfort zone. … I got back in running and gained confidence. And that’s what Toastmasters gives you. Confidence.” Having the opportunity to improve public speaking also gives Bapst and other members the opportunity to reflect and accept feedback. He said the positive and supportive environment of Toastmasters clubs provides encouragement for success. Toastmasters is also a résumé builder and is recognized globally by hiring companies. After encouragement from Bapst, Alice Benson, also of K2M, joined the group and quickly earned herself a promotion at work and a leadership position within Toastmasters. The name “toastmaster” was a common term in the early 1900s, referring to people who gave toasts at special occasions. The Toastmasters organization began in Illinois when Ralph C. Smedley worked for the YMCA and wanted to help young men gain confidence for public speaking for community programs and committees. What started out as a small community-based meeting for men has grown into a huge, multi-national nonprofit

organization. Today, Toastmasters International boasts 345,000 members in clubs in more than 140 countries. These men and women come from all backgrounds, ranging from college students to retirees, English language learners to people working to advance their careers. Kevin O’Neil of Leesburg works as a retirement planning consultant and is in his fourth year with Toastmasters. He says he joined because, “I have reached the age when I need to face the fears I live with. Public speaking is one I don’t want to die with.” Work with the club has helped him be a better listener and be more attuned to what people say. “It helps with the ‘hows’ of life. We always have lists of what to do, Toastmasters gives you the how to do them well.” For more information about the Loudoun Toastmasters go to loudoun. toastmastersclubs.org. The 30th anniversary celebration meeting is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Thomas Balch Library, 208 W. Market St. in Leesburg. The club encourages members of the public to come by to observe the meeting and help celebrate this milestone.

Delirium Café, known for its Belgium-style beer and pink elephant logo, has chosen downtown Leesburg for its first U.S. location. The franchise will open at 101 S. King St., the former location of Crème de la Crème, according to the building’s owner, Donald Devine. “We’re really excited about it,” Devine said. “It’s going to be great for downtown.” The bar café is expected to open March 1, according to its Facebook page, facebook.com/ deliriumcafeusa. Curtis Allred, an operating partner of Shoes Cup & Cork, is opening the franchise location. Delirium Café’s flagship location is in Brussels, Belgium. It’s known for its long beer list, standing at more than 2,000, according to The Guinness Book of Records. The Leesburg location will be its fourth international franchise; with others in Rio de Janeiro (2010), in Japan (2011), and in São Paulo and Warsaw (2014). The bar’s name comes from Delirium Tremens, a Belgium golden ale. The store at the corner of Loudoun and King streets for the past 14 years was the home of the Crème de la Crème specialty shop, which closed last year as the owners moved their operations to Frederick, MD.

Green, Harvey Ready to Open at Crescent Place Another new shop will celebrate its grand opening this weekend at the Crescent Place. Studio Twenty8Fifty7 is a venture by the wives of two former Washington Redskins players. Jewell Green, the wife of Darrell Green, and Janice Harvey, the wife of Ken Harvey, are combining their two home-based businesses to open their first shop together. The owners of Posh Couture and Janice Harvey Designs, respectively, Green and Harvey are merging to create an “experience-based concept store” that combines both womBIZ NOTES >> 19

[ BIZ NOTES ] Santa Surprizes Loudoun Woman

Just in time for all those New Year’s resolutions, Club Pilates is celebrating its grand opening this weekend. Located in the Shops at Ryan Park near Loudoun Station, the boutique-style gym is the first Pilates club of its kind in Loudoun County. Owner Ryan Ask and General Manager Leigh Anne Zdobysz are confident that the unique gym, which offers classes from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, will cater to a wide demographic eager to strengthen their core and watch

dramatic changes in their body. Each class is a 50-minute, full-body workout, Zdobysz says, and the classes offered range from stretching to reformer to cardio sculpt, and much more. Members of the public are invited to check out the club this weekend. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, and demo classes will be held throughout the weekend. For more information, go to clubpilates. com/ashburn or call 703-828-0779. Club Pilates is located at 43670 Greenway Corporate Drive, Suite 124.

Solarize Ends Year Well Solarize NoVA has finished out the year in a strong position. The partnership between the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and its not-for-profit partner, the Local Energy Alliance Program, completed its second full year of operation. Since its inception, the program has resulted in 108 contracts for 826.9 kW of new solar cells with a construction value of $2,837,858. The new solar capacity represents a 7.5 percent increase in com-

parison with 2013. Through Dec. 22, more than 2,700 residents signed up for LEAP and 630 completed a free home energy checkup. NVRC also completed the first regional solar map in Virginia, providing property owners with a bird’s eye view of their building that can help assess solar options and calculate potential savings. Solarize NoVA will gear up again in the spring, working with local government partners the Town of Vienna, the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax.

New Pilates Club Coming to Ashburn

How many times have you gotten a losing lottery ticket in a Christmas stocking or birthday card? That wasn’t the case for a Stone Ridge woman. According to the Virginia Lottery, Sara Brown was visiting her inlaws near Charlottesville when she scratched off the ticket she found tucked in her stocking—something of a family tradition. This year, the gift was a $200,000 winner. “I was in shock,” Brown told Lottery officials as she claimed her prize. “I asked my husband to check the ticket and asked, ‘Is this real?’” The ticket was part of the Jewel 7’s line of tickets. She was the first person to claim the top prize in game #1676, which means nine $200,000 tickets remain unclaimed.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

en’s clothing and home décor, according to a press release. The store’s name is a tribute to their husband’s former jersey numbers: Hall of Famer Green wore 28, and Harvey 57. The public is invited to attend the grand opening celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Both former Redskins will be on hand for meet and greets with their fans, and artists from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will offer makeup sessions. The shop is located at 450 Madison Place SE.

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

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[ LOCO LIVING ]

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Doughnut Delights Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

A now familiar early morning sight on Leesburg’s West Loudoun Street, patrons line up outside the B Doughnuts shop waiting for the doors to open.

Patrons Continue to Line Up for Handmade Goodness BY JAN MERCKER

n a drizzly Thursday morning in late December just after dawn, there’s already a crowd gathering on Loudoun Street in downtown Leesburg. And doughnuts are what all the fuss is about. Since opening last month, B Doughnut has been a local sensation, drawing hungry foodies and families for fresh, handmade doughnuts. At 8 a.m. sharp, owner Pin Chanthapanya opens the door and patrons flow into the cozy, warmly lit cafe. Pin’s husband Brian and two assistants have been in the kitchen since the night before, cutting the dough and hand rolling each doughnut. They’ll sell about 1,300 fresh doughnuts before noon and often sell out before closing time. The bakers get the process going the day before, starting the dough, which ferments in buckets. Around 11 p.m., they cut and hand-roll the dough, leaving it to rise. Brian and crew start frying the doughnuts at 4 a.m. and then add sugar or glaze. Pin arrives around 6 a.m. to add the filling (the creams and jams are also made from scratch) and then runs the front of the shop. Word has spread over the past few weeks about the bakery’s trademark sugar-crusted chocolate and vanilla bean cream doughnuts, along with exotic special flavors of the month—

like gingerbread for the holidays. The shop also offers non-filled doughnuts like traditional glazed and chocolate glazed with sprinkles. And its savory everything bagel doughnuts, filled with cream cheese with chives or bacon (or a special lox filling on weekends) are also drawing a following. Just two years ago, both Pin and Brian were working corporate jobs. But the couple’s love of good food and passion for baking led them in another direction. “We’re foodies so we travel around a lot trying different places,” Pin said “He just woke up one day and was like I want to open a doughnut shop.” They opened their first B Doughnut location in Baltimore, Brian’s former home, in the Hampden neighborhood in the fall of 2015. Around the same time, Pin began doing deliveries in Loudoun and promoting the service using social media. The couple found their space in downtown Leesburg last summer and opened last month—a homecoming for the two Northern Virginia natives. Brian, 30, grew up in Sterling and graduated from Park View High School. Pin, 26, grew up in Fairfax County. The couple lives in Ashburn with their three children. And just before opening their Leesburg shop, they closed the Baltimore location to make logistics easier. The Leesburg shop is open Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and weekends from 9 a.m. to

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The results of a long night’s work are lined up at the counter as B Doughnuts opens for another morning of rapid sales. The shop often runs out of its daily inventory in just a few hours.

noon; although, the sign out front and the website warn that the doughnuts often don’t last that long. And Pin says there’s a line at 8 a.m. every morning. Winter break offered a chance for new and returning doughnut lovers to hit the shop, and Debbie Kalriess of Leesburg visited for the third time. “The first time was a Saturday and I actually was able to get doughnuts at 10:30,” Kalriess said, although she

wasn’t taking chances last week, arriving before the doors opened. Kalriess said she usually gets a sampling of B Doughnut staples (the chocolate glazed is a favorite) and special offerings, but sticking with the shop’s limit of one dozen per family can be a challenge. John Alford had made his first trip from Sterling to pick up doughnuts as a post-holiday treat for his wife and children. “It’s kind of a destination. It’s a unique business model,” he said. “Everybody raves about it.” The early morning Christmas week line had merry, anticipatory vibe— even on a cold, wet day, as customers walked out with boxes or stayed for a cup of coffee. Pin says she’s run into a few impatient customers who get frustrated when doughnuts run out, but overall, the new shop has been welcomed by the community. “We’re hoping they’ll understand that this process is long and everything is handcrafted. We’re not using any machines like other places. None of our doughnuts have preservatives so they’re fresh and all the fillings are made from scratch.” For more information and to check out the menu, go to bdoughnut.com. jmercker@loudounnow.com

[ THINGS TO DO ] ESPN’s Bram Weinstein. Tickets are $59.

COFFEE WITH THE AUTHOR: DANIELLE NADLER Saturday, Jan. 7, 9-11 a.m., Veloville USA – Bicycles & Coffee, 609 E. Main St., Purcellville. Details: facebook.com/withoutatrace.sierra Loudoun Now’s managing editor discusses her new book “Without a Trace: The Life of Sierra Phantom.”

Saturday, Jan. 7, 9-10:45 a.m.; Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive Suite 114, Ashburn. Details: oldoxbrewery.com

Courtesy of Loudoun Arts Council

ARTIST RECEPTION: JIM SISLEY Friday, Jan. 6, 7-9 p.m.; Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Suite 114, Ashburn. Details: oldoxbrewery.com Jim Sisley’s new show, “Making Connections,” highlights the artist’s large format paintings. The show is the latest in Art Works partnership between Old Ox Brewery and the Loudoun Arts Council and runs through February.

LEGENDS OF THE GRIDIRON TALK Friday, Jan. 6, 8 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com Washington Redskins legends John Riggins, Joe Jacoby and Dexter Manley share stories at an evening hosted by

The Rotary Club of Ashburn hosts this breakfast catered by the Wandering Chef to benefit the Good Shepherd Alliance. Tickets are $20 and include food, a beer, orange juice and coffee. Advance purchase is required. New and used coat donations are welcome.

MHAA FIRESIDE CHAT: REVOLUTIONARY LOUDOUN Thursday, Jan. 12, 5:30 p.m.; The Rector House, 1461 Atoka Road, Marshall. Details: mosbyheritagearea.org The Mosby Heritage Area Association hosts a talk by young historian Douglas Breton of the College of William and Mary who compiled a driving tour guide of Loudoun’s Revolutionary War sites. Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Thursday, Jan. 12, 7-9 p.m.; Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Way, Leesburg; and Sunday, January 15, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., location TBD. Details: loudounwildlife.org. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy offers a two-session program to get familiar with the variety of waterfowl winter brings to the area. The first session will be an indoor presentation covering the basics of waterfowl biology, including taxonomy, molt, migration, and breeding. For the second session, participants will drive to several waterfowl hotspots. Fee is $20 for non-members, $15 for members. Advance registration is required.

ON STAGE LIVE MUSIC: JAYME STONE: THE LOMAX PROJECT

Jan. 7, 9 a.m.; Carver Center, 200 E. Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. Details: geronimoloudoun.org Geronimo Productions holds auditions for its February staging of the Oscar Wilde classic. Roles are for actors from 17 to 65.

GALLERY COFFEEHOUSE: COMEDY CULT IMPROV Sunday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter Join Loudoun Valley High School’s Comedy Cult improv team as they take audience suggestions and create theatrical scenes and stories on the spot. Admission is $8 at the door and includes coffee.

AUDITIONS: ‘SEUSSICAL’

Thursday, Jan. 5, 8 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter Jayme Stone reimagines traditional music of field-recordings done by folklorist Alan Lomax. Stone weaves a story through Appalachian ballads, fiddle tunes, sea chants and gospel songs from well-known musicians and ordinary cowhands and fishermen. Tickets are $35-65.

Monday, Jan. 9, 6-9 p.m.; Carver Center, 200 E. Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. Details: mainstreettheater productions.org Main Street Theater Productions holds auditions for its production of “Seussical” slated for May 5-14. Auditions for children 8 to 14 will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Auditions for teens and adults will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

BEALE STREET PUPPETS: DIG THOSE DINOSAURS Wednesday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge

AUDITIONS: ‘THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST’ Thursday, Jan. 5, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday,

MORE TO DO >> 22

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<< FROM 21 View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter Elvis-saurus and Ted Pterodacty lead in the Fossil Follies with these madcap Mesozoic marionettes. Tickets are $5 per person. Call 540-338-7973 to reserve a spot.

WINTER TUNES LIVE MUSIC: EM HORTON Saturday, Jan. 7, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Market St. Coffee, 1020 E. Main St., Purcellville. Details: marketstreetcoffeeshops.com The Immortals alumna, now based in Richmond, return to Loudoun for a solo show featuring favorite covers and originals. No cover.

Chipouras, Grant Frazier, Eve Walker, Hungry On Monday and other local, regional and international acts. Tickets are $10.

LIVE MUSIC: STEVE GEORGE AND FRIENDS

ROCK FOR RYAN BENEFIT CONCERT Saturday, Jan. 7, 3-10:30 p.m.; Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville. Details: ryanbartelfoundation.org This annual fundraiser for the Ryan Bartel Foundation supports suicide awareness. Performers include Teddy

This Rockville, MD native is known for great guitar chops and fresh original songs steeped in the traditions of the ’60s and ’70s guitar greats. No cover

Sunday, Jan. 8, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyard, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Classic rock and country favorites from a local favorite. Courtesy of Smokehouse Live

AMERICANA BRUNCH WITH JASON MASI

LIVE MUSIC: SWAMPCANDY

Sunday, Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com One of Loudoun’s favorite singer/songwriters, Masi’s influences range from Marvin Gaye to James Taylor. His material is thought-provoking yet light-hearted and upbeat. Free with brunch.

CORCORAN BREWERY IRISH MUSIC SUNDAY Courtesy of Teddy Chipouras

Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com

Sunday, Jan. 8, 1-4 p.m.; Corcoran Brewery, 205 E. Hirst Road, Purcellville. Details: corcoranbrewing.com Gina Faber hosts a lively session of Irish tunes featuring talented local musicians. No cover.

NIGHTLIFE LIVE MUSIC: MIKE WESTCOTT

Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Courtesy of Tally Ho Theatre

PEOPLE’S BLUES OF RICHMOND Saturday, Jan. 7, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com Blues infused psychedelia from the state capital. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

LIVE MUSIC: CLARK PEKLO Friday, Jan. 6, 7-10 p.m.; Lost Rhino Retreat, 22885 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn. Details: lostrhinoretreat.com Enjoy an eclectic mix from a local favorite, blending power pop, alt-country and Americana. No cover.

Friday, Jan. 6, 8 p.m.; Smokehouse

This primitive blues-influenced Americana duo returns to Smokehouse with soulful vocals, percussive bass and aggressive, finger picking guitar. No cover.

COMING UP LIVE MUSIC: THE IMMORTALS WITH LARRY MITCHELL Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter This teen band, made up of top students from Loudoun Music Instruction, wows audiences with rock, soul, contemporary, R&B and jazz standards. They’ll be joined by Grammy-winning producer and guitarist Larry Mitchell. Tickets are $10 at the door.

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23 Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

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[ A LOUDOUN MOMENT ]

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

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A Mom-and-Pop Shopping Experience Georges Mill, off Georges Mill Road west of Lovettsville, is a ninth generation Loudoun family farm specializing in artisanal goat cheese. The farm store is stocked with fresh cheeses, meats, crackers, goat’s milk soaps and local crafts and is run on the honor system. The small family farm makes the goat cheeses on site from a herd of Alpine Dairy goats that stocks the self-service store that’s open daily. The family also operates a bed and breakfast on site.

A photo essay by Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

[ OBITUARY ]

passed away on December 26, 2016. He was born on September 25, 1930 in Knox County, Kentucky. After leaving high school Oleen joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17; serving aboard the USS Badoing Strait and the USS Essex. He completed 4 tours in the Korean War. Johnny was a DC-2 R Division and served his country proudly. After being honorably discharged, he came to Crestline, Ohio where he met Betty Studer, who became his loving wife for 58 years. They moved to Inglewood, California in 1958. Oleen and Betty were blessed with two sons, Steve and Glenn. He was one of three to do the wiring and electronics on the first U.S. Satellite put

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; brother, Chic; sisters Lou and Doris; and his parents. Surviving are sons Steve, Glenn and his wife Stephanie; grandsons Cory and Thomas; his brother Charles from Oregon; sister Bonnie (Merl) Kleinknecht from Galion, Ohio and many nieces and nephews. Although he is gone, “Johnny’s” memories will continue to be cherished by the loved ones he leaves behind along with the many friends he was blessed to have known.

Oleen Johnson “Johnny”

Crossword

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

into orbit. After several years in California they returned to Ohio and later to Leesburg, Virginia with the coaxing of Oleen’s Uncle, long time resident Reed Johnson. Oleen was president of Leesburg Host Lions Club between 1991-97.

Family and friends were invited to gather Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. Funeral services will be held at the Sacred Heart Church with burial to follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Shelby, Ohio with a date and time to be determined. colonialfuneralhome.com

For Rent Waterford Store Front

960 sf commercial space available in village center. 1 big room with large display windows looking out on village. Smaller room, kitchenette, ½ bath, and HVAC. Internet access available. On street parking. Call the Waterford Foundation at 540-882-3018 X 111 or email mgood@waterfordfoundation.org by Jan 13, 2017 if interested. Written proposals then due by COB Jan 20, 2017

House of Worship Start off right with God

Loudoun Valley Community Center 320 W School St. Purcellville Sunday 10:30am

Grace Bible Church gracebibleva.org

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Improving Homes In Loudoun Since 1995

[ OPINION ]

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Forming a Platform for the Debate The horses are finally catching up with the cart as far as Loudoun’s multifaceted planning process is concerned. The first elements of the county’s housing needs analysis are trickling out, with the final numbers expected to be presented later this month. The studies will provide a critical foundation on which to build the new vision for Loudoun’s future. While teams of consultants and county staff members work to assemble that data, decisions about new development policies are advancing on several fronts. Zoning changes are in the works to allow more mixed-use centers in eastern Loudoun—allowing more residential units on land previously envisioned for office and commercial uses. The Silver Line comprehensive plan is aimed at laying the groundwork for urban-scale construction, while spurring a side debate over whether more townhouses represent a community opportunity or a fiscal threat. In the early community discussions of the Envision Loudoun effort to revamp the countywide comprehensive plan, a full range of residential topics has been raised, including whether to open the transition area to higher density subdivisions. Lately, there’s been an emphasis on providing housing designed to attract millennials and retain empty-nest baby boomers. There are a lot of balls in the air, and that juggling is occurring without a firm understanding of how previously approved developments meet or fail to meet the county’ short-term county needs, much less an analysis of the number, type and location of houses that will be needed over the next two decades. Are county planners overlooking an impending dearth of land-intensive single-family detached houses that long have been the backbone of the county’s housing industry? Is that demand going away? That’s why the housing needs analysis is so important. If planners today get the balance wrong, they could be setting up the county leaders of tomorrow for big challenges. These decisions will influence housing affordability, the community’s fiscal strength, the capacity of the transportation network, and the adequacy of classroom space, to list some of the outcomes of good—or poor—planning. Once that report is finalized, there will still be plenty of assumptions and conclusions to debate, but it will provide a better platform for the discussion than is currently available.

LoudounNow

Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 • Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723 Norman K. Styer Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com Margaret Morton Senior Writer mmorton@loudounnow.com Renss Greene, Reporter rgreene@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriquez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Douglas Graham, Photographer dgraham@loudounnow.com

Contributors Leah Fallon Jan Mercker Patrick Szabo Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@loudounnow.com Display Advertising Tonya Harding Katie Lewis Classified Manager Lindsay Morgan lmorgan@loudounnow.com Production Electronic Ink Leesburg, VA 20175

[ OPINION ]

The Journey Through Addiction: Never Give Up BY G. BRUCE WILEY, LEESBURG I saw your year-end article on opiate addiction in Loudoun and wanted to share my family’s journey through addiction with the hope it helps someone—anyone—suffering the despair of this disease. They need not feel alone. It began innocently, just two teen age boys trying their wings—or so I thought. Sipping fresh-brewed coffee while enjoying the warm morning sun streaming through the kitchen window, I watched my son, Brandon, and his friend Rob, stretched out on the cool morning grass after another Saturday night party with friends, and thought to myself: Life is good. Both were outstanding students, active in sports, popular, and handsome. The world was theirs for the asking. A new career path was the reason he and I moved from Denver to Bethesda, MD, and I thought he had adjusted well. Over the next two years I saw changes that concerned me, falling grades, lethargy, and a general lack of interest in most everything. Alcohol or drug abuse was the farthest thing from my mind. By the end of his junior year drinking was out of control. He spent most weekends sobering up. His grades continued to fall and communication between us was strained. Normally polite and non-confrontational, he was angry. His favorite sport was lacrosse. It was a rough physical sport that allowed an opportunity to vent his anger. Knowing alcoholism ran in our family, I began to worry. Beyond believing this was merely a stage that every young person goes through, and it will pass, my worry turned to fear and I suggested he attend a month-long rehab facility known for its success. Surprisingly, he agreed. He knew he had

a problem. A portion of his time at the rehab facility was a two-day period during which parents were invited to meet the staff, tour the facility, and have a one-to-one meeting with the addicted family member to have them personally tell their parents just how involved with alcohol and drugs they were. It was during the “one to one” meeting when my son described every drug he had used or experimented with, some familiar, most foreign to me. Hearing the range of drugs used at his young age was overpowering. More important and most alarming, it happened right under my nose. I was stunned. My first thought, common to most parents, was to take blame. If only I had stayed in Colorado and not separated him from his family, familiar surroundings, and school friends from the first grade, none of this would have happened. It took years of therapy to finally believe he was a wonderful human being who suffered from a disease, not unlike cancer, and it wasn’t my fault. I had high hopes that this visit to a proven long-term rehab facility would help him straighten out, having no idea it was but the beginning of a 28-year struggle with alcoholism and drug addiction. Somehow, my son finished high school, but the dream of an Ivy League education, studying law, was over. He’d settle for Colorado State University, if he could get in. The college years were a continuation of high school years, but worse. He escaped prosecution for stealing money from a professor’s purse. His drug habit drove him to steal money from the cash register when he worked part time in my business. The drug and alcohol abuse never NEVER GIVE UP >> 29

<< FROM 28

Addiction steals everything, expecially your dignity.

Share Your Views Loudoun Now welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should include the name, address and phone number of the writer and should be a maximum of 500 words. Letters may be sent by email to letters@ loudounnow.com or by mail to PO Box 207, Leesburg, VA 20178.

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Addiction is fair. It doesn’t discriminate. It destroys anyone it touches regardless of race, color, or ethnicity. Addicts don’t care about themselves, their children, or you, period. One cold winter morning after the snow stopped falling, he found his dumpster buddy frozen in the snow behind the 7-Eleven. Brandon and his deceased addict friend had something in common—both had lost hope. His friend lost his life. Brandon’s journey through addiction began at 14. I was 50. Alcohol stole his youth. Alcohol stole our lives together. On Oct. 10 he turned 42; I was 77. He’s been sober for over a year, his longest time sober in 27 years. For what it’s worth, don’t attempt to understand addiction rationally; it’s an irrational disease. Don’t give an addict money; it makes things worse. Don’t give advice; they’re deaf to it. Don’t try to make things right; right doesn’t matter. Try to understand one simple fact: It’s nothing personal, addicts care about nothing but the next fix or next drink. Learn to love them and tell them so. Until they choose to change, it’s all they have.  Brandon is sober today for reasons I’ll never know or understand. What I do understand is that his sobriety didn’t come from “words of wisdom” from Dad. As close as we are, someday he may tell me, if even he understands why. There’s a woman in his life he loves, and who loves him. He has a surprisingly good job with a future, a loving relationship with his children and his family, and, for the first time in years—hope. For me, “one day at a time,” is not a cliché; it has meaning. It’s all we have. The reality is, Brandon may drink again. I’ve lived for years with anguish and a head full of questions. I have fewer now since I understand two things: Love works and never give up.

Editor: As a resident and taxpayer of Loudoun County for the past 40 years I am outraged after reading the Dec. 29 article titled “County Gov’t, Schools Will Share 151 Acre Property.” How can our tax dollars be spent so irresponsibly? My outrage is simple, why is our School board and county administrator allowed to spend our tax money to purchase land that is assessed to be worth $4 million dollars at a purchase price of $10 million dollars? Really? In the real world, that we, the citizens live in, this is nothing less than irresponsible and outrageous spending of hard earned tax money! To add insult to injury, Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), stated that the parcel of land “is much larger than what we need to build a high school.” Of course, they went on to explain that future plans for the high school (HS-9) and middle school (MS7) would be opened ahead of schedule.” Even with HS-9 opening in 2020, the School Board has to get creative to find enough seats for middle and high

school students until then.” Creative shouldn’t mean overspending. Going on to mention that “certainly we’re always looking for opportunities to acquire land to build athletic fields, and this parcel may afford us that opportunity, or some other county use.” This sounds like an attempt to justify spending money for whatever they may want several years from now. Why should this excessive acquisition of land, at a monumentally inflated price, be allowed to take place? Plain and simple, it is fiscally irresponsible. As a taxpayer, I am outraged, and almost in disbelief, that our appointed officials can make such irresponsible decisions about how to spend our tax dollars. Truly there should be better negotiating processes and more fiscal accountability in purchasing land for county use. I am very proud that Loudoun County is one of the best school districts in the country but when you look at how much of our budget is spent on education I believe the taxpayers deserve a better system of checks and balances in how our school/ education tax dollars are spent. — Lynn C. Condon, Leesburg

Even with a stunning wife and two beautiful children to love and care for, his substance abuse worsened. Their marriage suffered and ended in divorce. That was the beginning of a long, ugly, downward, spiral. I had no idea how bad things would become. At first it was a brief stay in one of the many detox centers offered to addicts when police would pick them up off the street. The center would provide the safety and time for the addict to sober up just enough to blow a certain number on a gauge, and then turn the addict loose on the street once again, broke and homeless. The sobering up time may be few hours or overnight, depending on how much the addict drank. In Brandon’s case, he was always there longer than most because of the volume he drank, taking him longer to sober up. It was routine to have the center tell him they didn’t know how he was still alive. There were street confrontations where Brandon got in trouble and was sentenced to jail time, only to walk to the nearest liquor store upon release, get high or drunk, and be picked up by the police, once again, to be sent to detox until he sobered up. For him and most alcoholics, detox became a familiar revolving door. As a family, we were devastated, helpless, terrified, and desperate for answers the so-called experts didn’t have, and still don’t. Countless sleepless nights, mountains of worry, and a flood of tears shed by each of us, took their toll. Brandon’s mother spent time in a psychiatric hospital. Through the turmoil, countless trips to a therapist, a hundred trips through detox centers, more than one jail term, several periods in long term rehab centers, and more than $100,000 dollars invested, I learned to take the advice of Brandon’s long-term drug counselor who became a family friend and confi-

Outraged

stopped. How he graduated college I’ll never know, maybe a testament to his drive to succeed. In college, he met a beautiful young woman from a prominent Denver family, also an addict. They fell in love. Wanting to avoid all the problems they saw arranging a wedding with family and friends, they chose to marry in Bali, just them, a minister, and the South Pacific. Both were adventuresome and dreamed of travelling the world before having children. Despite the drinking and drugs, they saved enough money for a six-month adventure in central and South America, only to be interrupted by a plane crash in the Costa Rican jungle. After recuperating from the plane crash, they settled in Southern California. His wife, Brandy, found a job as a nurse and Brandon found one through his uncle. Wanting to be near her family when having children, they returned to Denver. Brandon found a job that held his interest but failed to keep him away from drugs and alcohol.

[ LETTERS ]

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

Never give up

dant, also 38 years sober. One day, I called her for advice, again. In her patient loving voice she quietly said, “Bruce, I’ll tell you now what I’ve told you a hundred times before. All you can do is tell him you love him, no matter.” I thanked her and knew I had reached a turning point. The turning point was mine. I knew I could do nothing to help my son except love him and be there for him. The next time he and I talked, all I could say was, “son, I love you, no matter.” He responded, “I love you, too, dad.” At the time, I still felt inadequate, feeling I should say more. In retrospect, he heard me, maybe for the first time. His addiction continued until he was finally living on the street, sharing a foul-smelling, discarded, filthy couch with several other addicts, jobless and homeless, eating from a dumpster behind a 7-Eleven. His mother and sister knew where he hung out and occasionally would drop off hot food and exchanged clean clothes for his soiled ones. Addiction steals everything, especially your dignity. Why bother to open your fly when you can simply piss in your pants. Addiction is thorough.

loudounnow.com

Burk << FROM 1 “You learn what the county is doing as a whole, but then you also learn what are the services the county is providing the town and what are the things that are important elements to that relationship with the county,” she said. “You’ve got to realize at the county level they’re looking in districts, they’re looking to preserve for their district. You’ve got to be able to convince them that helping Leesburg is good for their district.” Burk was unsuccessful in her re-election bid to the board, losing out to her council colleague of the past and future, Ken Reid. The four months between the end of her term and the special election to fill the rest of Reid’s council term gave her some time to process the results and determine how she wanted to move forward. She noted that several people, including some in the downtown business community, asked her to consider running for Reid’s seat and to continue serving the town. “It’s a harsh reality to lose an election after working so hard. Your ego’s a little bruised. But then when people do come forward, you’ve got to think about do you want to just lick your wounds or do you want to stand up and try it again,” she said. She ultimately decided to give it another go, and won the special election against Dwight Dopilka. She was successful in her re-election bid in 2014 and, with her recent election to the mayor’s seat, joins a select group of town residents who have served both as a Town Council member, district

Loudoun Now/File Photo

Kelly Burk hugs former Leesburg mayor Kristen Umstattd after seeing she won the mayoral race on Nov. 8.

supervisor, and mayor. This group includes longtime town mayor Kristen Umstattd, a very good friend of Burk’s, who is the Leesburg District supervisor. Burk said Umstattd has given her lots of advice as she heads to her first term as mayor. “Always respect people no matter how different they may seem to you; value the input that the public gives you; always be willing to smile and have a laugh; enjoy it,” Burk lists off. Burk notes that Umstattd made running meetings and serving as mayor “look easy” but it certainly wasn’t, Burk said. “When Kristen first started [as mayor] she had some rocky terms but she learned. She made it look easy toward the end, but it was never easy. She was always working.”

Burk said 2016 was one of her most challenging as an elected official. “It was a very tough year. I think it started with the appointment of the mayor and the way that process was done,” Burk said. “I think that set the stage and the tone for what was going to happen for the rest of the year.” It’s a process Burk hopes to not repeat in 2017, when the council will again grapple with appointing filling a council seat—hers—until a special election is held. Appointing a new council member has to be “open, transparent and fair,” and Burk said she hopes that the process the council recently voted on—having the three candidates with the most support address the council at its Jan. 9 organizational meeting— achieves it. And that goes toward one of her main goals as mayor. “We need to return some honest and open discussions back to the council. There’s a need for honest government and it hasn’t been there. Making deals behind the scenes and not discussing things in front of the public, really, I think hurt the integrity of the entire council,” she said. “I want to bring it back to the point where the public is important, and I want to make sure the public is informed.” And that doesn’t mean that the council may not have to enter closed sessions from time to time, she emphasizes, to protect the interests of the town or discuss legal or personnel matters. Another big goal for the new mayor

also relates to 2016, a year that ended with almost 900 housing units approved by the Town Council in less than two months, with a total of more than 2,000 residential units in the pipeline town wide. Burk has historically been hesitant about approving large housing developments; she voted against both the Crescent Parke and Leegate projects. She did support one such project—Don Knutson’s South King Street multi-family unit project—citing the positive foot traffic it could deliver for downtown businesses and the enhancements it could create for the surrounding area. “We’ve got to get this development under control,” she said. “Moving forward we need to be doing things that will attract people and make sure that we have alternatives for people. It’s not just about rooftops. It’s got to be about jobs, entertainment, things that keep people here. That’s been lost this past year.” Acknowledging that she is just one vote, Burk hopes she can find support from her council colleagues for a new rule that will do away with 11th-hour proffer changes from developers. “This whole concept of proffering at the last minute is not the way to do government business. It almost comes across to the public as bribery. Throwing proffers in at the very last minute and [asking council members] what do you want so I can get your vote, that shouldn’t be how development is determined,” she said. Burk would like to change the council’s bylaws so that all proffers must be set nine days prior to a public hearing and, if a change is desired by the developer in less time than that, the entire council must consent. Knowing that it’s a different world she’s about to enter, Burk said being a mayor is all about ensuring the council comes to a consensus, whether or not she agrees with the majority opinion. But, just as she was when she first started on the council in 2004, she is excited about being behind some positive change for Leesburg. “Leesburg is home to me, it’s home to a lot of us. While we want to keep that small-town feeling it’s not a small town anymore. We need to make sure the town is intertwined with jobs and entertainment and affordable housing and all the thing that make the town where you live the place where you want to be.” krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Housing needs

growing. Andrews said the current and the previous Boards of Supervisors, by focusing on transportation, are trying to get ahead of that curve. “I think if we acknowledge that growth is going to occur, we can plan for growth to occur,” Andrews said. “What happened in Fairfax, and what has happened in Loudoun … is people putting their heads in the sand about people having children and the Washington, DC, area growing, and not planning properly for growth, instead doing everything they can to stop it. And growth won’t stop.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION

Visit our website for available animals & applications.

www.middleburghumane.org

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Get Your Ice Skates On This Winter

Registration Also Open For

SPRING BREAK CAMPS SUMMER FUN CAMPS POWER PLAY HOCKEY CAMPS

WE HAVE DAILY PUBLIC SKATING, AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

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GALA

Gala is a wonderful 16 year old TB mare who came to us to be cared for after years of chronic neglect. We have worked diligently to get her healthy enough to be adopted and she is ready! She would make a fantastic companion/pasture mate for any horse. She is a very sweet mare who has impeccable ground manners. We were able to look up her history and her racing name was Dance Molly Dance. Her grandfather on her father’s side was Seattle Slew and we can now see the resemblance!

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the backdrop of Envision Loudoun, the 18-month effort to overhaul the county’s comprehensive plan. So is the county headed for a housing shortage? Or does it have seriously unrealistic expectations for its own growth? John A. Andrews II, chairman of the Housing Advisory Board who saw the draft GMU report, said neither. “There are some discrepancies in the draft,” Andrews said. The Housing Advisory Board will take up a final version of the draft next week, but Andrews had plenty of questions about the version he’s seen. “My initial reaction was, if this is 2017, and you’re looking at what the demand is going to be 23 years down the road, the numbers in the report seem to be underestimated,” Andrews said. In particular, Andrews said he believes the study underestimates the future demand for housing active adults over 55. “Everybody focuses on the millennials,” Andrews said. “Well, the millennials are going to age out over this next 23 years, and those that are in their 30s now will be active adults by the end of this study. ‘Active adult’ is actually an economic positive for the county.” Andrews points out that those households do not produce children, the biggest strain on the county’s budget as it grows.

houses. Andrews said even that is underestimated. “No matter what, I still believe that people want a single-family, attached townhouse or detached single-family home with a yard,” Andrews said. “I don’t think that everybody’s going to be living in a George Jetson unit.” Andrews said a home with a yard is still the American dream. “I don’t think that American dream has ended, and I think that it’s what attracts people. Housing opportunities, and good quality schools, and a strong economy is what attracts high-paying jobs and a diverse workforce.” One thing seems certain: while long-term projections differ in the details, Loudoun is still set for a lot more

Jan. 5 – 11, 2017

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The GMU report is only one of many reports the county will create and consider as it begins for a new phase of growth, including a transition in the suburban east to build more mixeduse, urban-style communities and town centers. However, the study does bring up some concerns that have plagued county leaders for years—not least among them, how to provide workforce housing in a county with famously high land values and cost of living. Betsy Self, another member of the Housing Advisory Board, also serves on the working group that is reviewing the GMU study to prepare a final draft, as well as on the board of the Windy Hill Foundation, which has built the vast majority of the affordable housing the county in the past several years. She pointed out that the county has made progress—it recently adjusted its zoning rules to allow developers to apply for Virginia Housing Development Authority and federal Housing and Urban Development grants for workforce housing, which for years they could not do. Also, the Economic Development Authority, of which she is also a member, is considering launching a workforce housing committee to act as a housing authority. But the county could do more, she said. “I’m hoping the board will, from my own perspective, take heed on the affordable housing side of things,” Self said. The GMU report also anticipates that the county will continue to see growing demand for single-family

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