Loudoun Now for Jan. 12, 2017

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 2, No. 10 ]

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Firefighters save Pebbles’ bacon, again

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Jan. 12 – 18, 2017 ]

‘It’s Downtown’s Time’ Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

School Board member Jeff Morse (Dulles) was appointed by his board colleagues as its new chairman this week.

Morse Elected School Board Chairman

BY DANIELLE NADLER In a surprise move Monday tonight, the Loudoun County School Board elected a new chairman.

During the annual organizational meeting, second-term School Board member Jeff Morse (Dulles) was elected by his colleagues to lead the nine-member board. Morse was nominated to the position by Eric Hornberger (Ashburn), who has served as the board’s chairman since he was first elected to the panel in 2012. The board re-elects a chairman every January.

Following the vote, Hornberger said he’s enjoyed leading the board for the past five years, but it was time to pass the baton. “It has been a great honor to have the opportunity to serve as chairman, but it is a good time to step down,” he said. “I’m thrilled that we have Jeff Morse, a great board member who has the experience to serve in this capacity.”

In an interview Tuesday, Morse noted that Loudoun County Public Schools has big things on the horizon, including the Academies of Loudoun, set to open in fall of 2018, and major enrollment growth, especially in his district.

“I think the board is headed in the right direction. We just need to continue to improve the quality of education as well as the efficiency of Loudoun County Public Schools,” he said. “I think we’re headed down that road, and I—the full MORSE >> 33

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Downtown Leesburg appears to be turning a corner, in the positive direction, according to the many property and business owners working behind the scenes to bring new life to the historic downtown.

Pictured from left are Mike McLister, Don Devine, Jack Devine, Paul Reimers, Hobie Mitchel, Don Knutson, Michael O’Connor, Nicole Gustavson, Jason Miller, and Fabian Saiedi.

Openings Bring Optimism

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

O

ver the past decade, downtown Leesburg merchants and property owners have had to weather a few storms. From the economic recession, to a slew of construction projects that tore up their sidewalks, to the rise of competing mixeduse centers like Village at Leesburg and One Loudoun that fought for their customers, it hasn’t been easy.

But, it appears the tide may be turning in favor of the downtown, with a slew of new restaurants, breweries, retail shops and in-demand residential projects that could again make the heart of Leesburg Loudouners’ go-to hangout spot.

Rick Allison’s King Street Oyster Bar, the tequila bar planned by Paul Reimers and Jason Lage on Market Street,

!

LE W A O S N N O

Leesburg Lands World-Renowned Beer Café

BY DANIELLE NADLER

and the recent debut of B Doughnut on Loudoun Street are but a few of the recent good news stories to come out of downtown Leesburg. And just last week news spread that world-renowned beer restaurant Delirium Café had chosen the county seat for its U.S. location. It will join a booming craft brew industry downtown with Black Walnut Brewery, Loudoun Brewing Company, and Crooked Run Brewing up and running and Black Hoof Brewery and Victory Brewing Company in the works.

“I sense a vibe that some really great things are happening in downtown,” said Clagett “Skeeter” Moxley, a retired Leesburg police officer who helps manage his family’s properties downtown.

One of his properties is now home to B Doughnut, which has become an in-

Delirium Café, known for its Belgium-style beer and pink elephant logo, has chosen downtown Leesburg for its first U.S. location.

The franchise is slated to open within the next four months at 101 S. King St., the former location of Crème de la Crème.

“With all the sprawl going on outside of downtown Leesburg, it’s fun to bring something like this to the heart of Leesburg,” said Curtis Allred, the longtime Leesburg restaurateur opening the franchise.

“It’s an opportunity to elevate everything in the restaurant community here in downtown.”

Allred has led some of downtown Leesburg’s most popular eating and drinking establishments. He was

DOWNTOWN >> 34

DELIRIUM >> 35

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OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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Hundreds Protest Brewer’s Potential Firing

BY DANIELLE NADLER

A

half hour before the Loudoun County School Board meeting started Tuesday, all 844 seats in the boardroom and an overflow room were filled.

Speakers continued taking their turns at the mic well past 10 p.m.

Few board meetings, if any, have drawn so many upset parents, students and staff members. The vast majority were there to formally protest a recommendation by Superintendent Eric Williams to terminate the employment of John Brewer, principal of Dominion High School since 2003.

The former Loudoun Principal of the Year award winner has been on leave for the past six weeks. School system administrators have declined to specify why Brewer is on leave, but the move came as Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office launched an investigation of Brian Damron, who served as Dominion’s band director from July 2012 to January 2015 under the leadership of Brewer.

School records show that Brewer wrote a letter of recommendation for Damron that the band director submitted to Duval County Public Schools in Florida, as part of his application. Damron was later accused of making sexual advances toward a 15-year-old student there. No charges were filed, but the band director has since resigned.

Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office’s investigation is ongoing and is looking into whether any criminal activity took place in Loudoun.

LCPS Music Supervisor Michael Pierson also wrote a letter of recommendation on Damron’s behalf, according to records from Duval County Public Schools. He has not been placed on leave, according to the school system’s Public Information Officer Wayde Byard.

‘Bring Back Brewer’ In an unprecedented outpouring of support, close to 200 speakers Tuesday night described Brewer as the best educator and mentor they have ever

known.

They recounted stories of the principal buying yearbooks and game tickets for students who couldn’t afford them. They said he lent his family car to a pregnant student so she could attend doctors’ appointments. Library assistant Esther Kim told the board how Brewer supported her after her husband’s death, and even served as a pallbearer.

“Dr. Brewer is the kind of principal I have found washing dirty dishes in the staff lounge alone, with no expectation of thanks,” Dominion English teacher Amy Secrest said.

Dominion student body president Brandon Gromadzaki said Brewer even offered to share his pants.

The student needed pants, instead of shorts, for chemistry lab so his principal lent him his spare pair. “It’s one thing to be an outstanding leader and another to know each and every one of their names,” Gromadzaki said. “But seriously, it’s another to give one your pants.”

16

County funds two western parks

DIVERSITY >> 33

INDEX Loudoun Gov..................... 4 Leesburg........................... 8 Public Safety................... 12 Education........................ 14 Our Towns....................... 16 Biz.................................. 20 LoCo Living..................... 22 Obituaries....................... 28 Classifieds...................... 30 Opinion........................... 32

loudounnow.com

they preferred to specifically spell out in policy that employees and applicants will not be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sheridan, who initially made the amendment to add the protective language to policy, said she knows of several teachers who feel they cannot put a picture of their spouse on their desk or bring their spouse to a work holiday party because they are homosexuals who fear that their jobs could at risk.

“Those are real stories in our school system,” she said. “I see you, I hear you,

In a split vote Tuesday night, the Loudoun County School Board declined to add “sexual orientation and gender identity” to the protected characteristics listed in its equal employment policy.

Instead, the board unanimously voted to add a paragraph to the policy that states the school system hires employees based on merit and excellence. It also states that the board “recognizes and values the diversity of the students and broader community it serves and encourages diversity within its workforce.”

The School Board had twice delayed voting on the proposal policy in the wake of concerns raised by critics.

Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) offered the compromise. He said the new paragraph was intended to go beyond the requirements of state and federal law to highlight the school system’s values.

“This is an opportunity to say more … that we hire because of merit because we want the best people working in our schools,” he said.

Four of the School Board members— Brenda Sheridan (Sterling), Beth Huck (At Large), Tom Marshall (Leesburg) and Joy Maloney (Broad Run)—settled for adding the paragraph, but said

14

Paxton plans behavioral clinic in 50th year

BREWER >> 27

Board Rejects Specific Sexual Orientation Protection

BY DANIELLE NADLER

11

Reid kicks off 2018 House race

PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Supporters hold up signs in support of Dominion High School Principal John Brewer during the School Board meeting Tuesday night.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

8

Leesburg Council gets seventh member

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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Real estate market hurts county coffers

3

[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

Sluggish Real Estate Prices Hit Loudoun Budget Planning

OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

Randall Promises Commission on Women, Despite Board Vote

BY RENSS GREENE

L

oudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) has promised that she will create a Commission on Women and Girls from her own office after that commission was voted down by the full Board of Supervisors on Jan. 3.

The idea for the commission has received an outpouring of support at public hearings, but Randall said she went into the meeting knowing it would not pass the full board after discussing it with other board members individually.

“The citizens, most especially the women of the county, said that they wanted this,” Randall said.

Republican supervisors argued that the Commission on Women and Girls did not fit into the mission of county advisory commissions.

“It seems like something that wasn’t necessarily focused on [providing] advice on specific policies, but instead more a leadership group that would try to recommend things to the greater community outside of our government,” said Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run). He said he applauds Randall’s decision to run the commission from her own office, and was one of the Republican supervisors Randall credited with the idea to handle it that way.

“Generally speaking, I’m not somebody who believes that government does things better, and that includes

things like commissions,” agreed Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). “It just isn’t, to me, the best way to approach societal problems that there isn’t a specific policy prescription for.”

Only Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg), who was the other supervisor to support the idea in the three-member Ad Hoc Committee on Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees, voted in favor of creating the commission. She pointed to the gap in women entering science, technology, engineering and math fields, and said lower involvement by women and girls in technical fields or lower RANDALL >> 7

Committee on Committees Wraps Up Work

BY RENSS GREENE County supervisors last week adopted most of the recommendations of its ad-hoc Committee on Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

The board dissolved several advisory panels after finding they were redundant, had served their purpose, or just weren’t doing much. The committee on committees was a yearlong effort begun early in the board’s first year and aimed at cutting down on the more than 50 citizen advisory committees the county has, many of which require support from county staff members.

Some changes were more contentious than others among board members. In particular, board members were divided on whether to fold the

Lyme Disease Commission into the Loudoun Health Council, dissolve the Transportation Improvement and Safety Commission, or remove cable franchise agreement oversight from the Communications Commission and establish a timeline for that panel to produce recommendations for expanding broadband service in the county.

On the latter, county staff members worry that the commission was stretching beyond its authority, seeking to enforce franchise agreements with cable television providers. Supervisors entered a heated debate over whether to make those changes. Some argued the commission could get ahead of itself and put the county into a legally tenuous situation; others said the committee is making up for shortfalls

in enforcement by the county staff, and interfering with the commission’s work could interfere with efforts to expand rural broadband service. Ultimately, the board sent the matter to its Finance, Government Operations and Economic Development Committee for further review.

The board also voted not to fold the Lyme Disease Commission into the Loudoun Health Council. A majority of supervisors agreed that Lyme disease is, in Supervisor Geary M. Higgins’ (R-Catoctin) words, an “epidemic” that is “not something we can be casual about.”

Supervisors also voted to dissolve the Transportation Improvement and Safety Commission. Randall, the lone COMMISSIONS >> 7

The Loudoun County government’s budget season isn’t getting off to a rosy start.

County supervisors were told Tuesday, Jan. 3, that increases in property values that were expected to hit the books in 2017 failed to do so. In fact, the annual real estate reassessments will likely decline by almost 1 percent.

Using the latest figures, if supervisors hike the real estate tax rate by 1 cent, to $1.155, the average homeowner won’t see a tax bill increase. However, that tax rate would still leave a large budget gap, especially for the county schools.

Erin McLellan, Loudoun’s director of management and budget, said that holding tax bills level should produce enough revenue to open new facilities—including the Dulles South Multipurpose Center expansion, the Brambleton Library and the Kirkpatrick Fire Rescue Station—but not to fund requested agency increases to maintain the current level of service for the population atlarge, which is expected to continue growing at a rate of almost 1,000 people per month. On the schools’ side of the budget, the hole will be deeper. Based on current projections, funding for the school budget would be $17 million short, even after a $58.2 million funding increase over the current fiscal year.

Increasing the tax rate by 1 cent would generate an additional $7.5 million in revenue. However, no supervisor was discussing the possibility of increasing tax bills on Tuesday night.

Over the objections of Supervisor Ron Meyer (R-Broad Run), the board instructed County Administrator Tim Hemstreet to build his proposed budget based on the $1.155 equalized tax rate and to provide options for supervisors to make reductions from there. Meyer wanted Hemstreet to use the current tax rate, $1.145, and let the board decide whether increases beyond that were merited.

County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said that county agencies are understaffed and have been for years, and there is no fat left to cut from the general county government’s side of the budget. “We don’t have waste, fraud or abuse in our budget. We just flat don’t,” she said.

But she said she was holding out hope for a “miracle” to ease the budget strain—either locally or at the state level. “I hope that some magic happens,” Randall said.

5 Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

County of Loudoun

An example of the information available in the county’s online street maintenance database.

report concerns about maintenance to the correct entity.

Users may search by a street address, view responsibility by color-coded system or click on a specific road and a pop-up box will appear indicating road maintenance responsibility. The responsibility for road maintenance in Loudoun County varies by road. Most roads are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, one of the county’s incorporated towns, and private entities, such as homeowners associations.

As new roads are constructed, maintenance responsibility may change from one entity to another, such as from a developer to a HOA. The Loudoun County map will be updated monthly.

For a link to the map and contact information for the various entities involved in road maintenance go to loudoun.gov/roads.

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Loudoun County has launched a website to help residents figure out who’s responsible for their road, such as for repairs or snow removal.

“This tool is particularly useful for identifying maintenance responsibility in residential neighborhoods, which sometimes have two different responsible entities for two adjacent roads,” stated Department of Building and Development Director Mike Seigfried.

“In advance of snow events, for example, residents can learn whether their HOAs will plow snow on their streets and then contact their HOAs to learn about their snow-removal plans.”

The interactive, searchable map provides users with a resource for navigating the complex maintenance responsibility system for the road network in the county. In addition, the map links to a webpage with contact information for the various entities to help residents

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OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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Board Reorganizes Dais, Keeps Committee Assignments

BY RENSS GREENE The Board of Supervisors’ annual organizational meeting brought some visible changes to the boardroom: Supervisors’ seating arrangements have been changed.

Supervisor Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) signed on for another year as vice chairman of the Loudoun County board.

County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) nominated the second-term supervisor for the post on Tuesday. She said Buona was “generous and very kind” during their first year working together and that he helped make the board more successful. She also noted with a smile that, in contrast to Buona’s sometimes gruff public disposition, he shows a strong sense of humor behind the scenes, sometimes inappropriately so.

Buona, who was chairman of the finance committee during the previous board’s term, said it had been a very productive and pleasant first year with the new board.

During its organizational meeting, the board also voted to keep its current committee structure in place, with Supervisor Mathew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) chairing the Finance, Government Services and Economic Development Committee; Supervisor Suzanne Volpe (R-Algonkian) leading the Transportation/Land Use Committee; and Supervisor Geary Higgins (R-Catoctin) co-chairing the Joint Board of Supervisors/School Board Committee.

Randall also assigned new seats for board members. She said seating positions were selected by drawing names at random, except for herself—the chairman customarily sits at the center of the dais—and Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn), who sits at her right hand.

From the left of the dais, supervisors are now arranged: Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run), Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg), finance committee Chairman Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), Transportation and Land Use Committee Chairwoman Suzanne M. Volpe (R-Algonkian), Buona, Randall, Tony R. Buffington Jr. (R-Blue Ridge), Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin), and Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling).

Committee assignments remain unchanged. They include, on the Finance/ Government Operations and Economic Development Committee, Chairman Letourneau, Randall, Buona, Buffington, and Saines; on the Transportation and Land Use Committee, Chairwoman Volpe, Randall, Higgins, Meyer, and Umstattd; and on the Joint Board and School Board committee, Chairman Higgins, Randall, and Buona.

The board approved appointments of its members to local and regional committees and commissions.

Randall will serve on the Metropolitan Council of Governments Board of Directors, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Dulles Area Transportation Association, the Northern Virginian Transportation Authority, and the Route 28 Trans-

portation Improvement District Commission. Locally, she will represent the board on the Community Policy and Management Team and the Disability Services Board.

Buona will serve on the Climate Energy and Environment Policy Committee, as the alternate on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and the NVTA Planning Coordination Advisory Committee. Locally, he will represent the board as an ex-officio member on the Fiscal Impact Committee, on the Other Post-Employment Benefits Investment Committee, and the Length of Service Award Program Committee.

Volpe will serve on the Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee. Locally, she will represent the board on the Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board and the Dulles Town Center Community Development Authority.

Letourneau will serve on the Metropolitan Council of Governments Board of Directors, the Region Forward Coalition, the Dulles Area Transportation Association, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and the Route 28 Transportation Improvement District Commission.

Locally, Buffington will represent the board on the Coalition of Loudoun Towns, which is a non-voting position.

Meyer will serve on the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission,

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and the Route 28 Transportation Improvement District Commission.

Higgins will serve on the Human Services and Public Safety Committee and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Locally, he will represent the board on the Agricultural District Advisory Committee and the Annexation Area Development Policy Committee.

Umstattd will serve on the Potomac Watershed Roundtable. Locally, she will represent the board on the Annexation Area Development Policy Committee and as an ex-officio member of the Family Services Board.

Saines will serve on the Northern Virginia Manpower Consortium Workforce Investment Board and the Route 28 Transportation Improvement District Commission. Locally, he will serve as an ex-officio member on the Family Services Board.

These assignments represent few changes from last year. Previously, Higgins served as one of two representatives to the Northern Virginia Regional Coalition alongside Randall, but this year was replaced by Buffington. He had also served on the Potomac Watershed Roundtable, but was replaced

by Umstattd. Meyer was added to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. Locally, Randall replaced Volpe on the Disability Services Board, and Volpe took on the Dulles Town Center Community Development Authority. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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dissenting vote, said she could see that commission doing some good; Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) countered that in his time on the board, he had “not heard from this commission a single time.”

Also the board’s less controversial changes: The Trespass Towing Adviso-

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achievement professionally is “a terrible loss of brainpower in this society.”

“The bullying that happens in the schools, yes the schools address it, but not always effectively so,” Umstattd added. “It continues to occur, again women students are threatened with violence as my daughter was in high school, and I just see a need for the county to try to reach out to women and girls.”

“At the end of my term, just like it would have been no matter what, it is my hope that I could pass this on to a private entity,” Randall said. “Because I actually think the role of government right now is to be a place that brings all these disparate groups together,” re-

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ferring to private organizations in the community that promote women’s issues.

Randall said she would have preferred to create the commission with input and involvement from other supervisors.

“I don’t want to be unclear, and I don’t want to be coy, and I want to be up front with you all, and I want to be up front with the people of Loudoun,” Randall told her colleagues. “This is too important to me for it not to happen. This will absolutely happen. Unfortunately, it will happen without your input and participation.”

The motion to create the Commission on Women and Girls failed on a 2-6-1 vote. Only Randall and Umstattd voted yes. Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) was absent.

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Board of Equalization Board of Zoning Appeals Communications Commission Commission on Aging Community Criminal Justice Board Community Policy and Management Team Community Services Board Disability Services Board Dulles Town Center Community Development Authority Economic Development Authority Economic Development Advisory Commission Electoral Board Facilities Standards Manual Public Review Committee Family Services Advisory Board Finance Board Fiscal Impact Committee Heritage Commission Historic District Review Committee Housing Advisory Board Housing Choice Voucher Resident Advisory Board Library Board of Trustees Loudoun Health Council Loudoun Water Lyme Disease Commission Other Post-Employment Benefits Investment Committee Parks, Recreation & Open Space Board Planning Commission Police Directed Towing Advisory Board Rural Economic Development Council Transit Advisory Board Transportation Improvement & Safety Commission Water Resources Technical Advisory Committee Zoning Ordinance Action Group

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Commission, Residents Oppose Monopole

[ LEESBURG ]

OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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Retired General Appointed to Council Seat KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

I

t was another contentious, and at times controversial, process to appoint a new member to the Leesburg Town Council. But by the end of Monday night, the Town Council dais was again full, with Hugh Forsythe tapped to fill the vacancy on an interim basis.

Forsythe was one of five finalists to fill the council seat—formerly held by Kelly Burk, who took over as mayor Jan. 1—until a special election is held in November. Jed Babbin, Gwen Pangle, Joshua Thiel, and Rusty Foster also were on the list.

Each candidate was asked to answer three questions in a presentation to the council that began Monday’s organizational meeting.

In his presentation, Forsythe said, “what you see is what you get” when it comes to him. A retired major general who spent 41 years in the U.S. Air Force, he continues to work as an operations controller for United Airlines.

His career spans the commercial/civilian and military sectors in the aviation industry. He has also helped to plan the town’s annual Air Show. He is chairman of the board of directors of the Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers.

Forsythe said he had been approached by several people in his Rotary Club, as well as members at his church, Cornerstone Chapel, to re-enter public service.

“I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t sit and complain and moan; I’m the kind of guy that takes action,” he said in addressing the council. “I figured that

rather than sitting around and complaining about the issues, I would get in there and do it myself.”

He cited transportation solutions and finding a better balance between residential and commercial development as his priorities.

Forsythe initially did not receive the four votes necessary for appointment.

Both he and the other four candidates were all put forward for appointment in separate votes, but all votes deadlocked on 3-3 votes. Thiel was put forward for consideration twice, but both votes deadlocked.

The council ultimately voted to go into closed session to discuss the appointment. Both Councilmen Tom Dunn and Ken Reid voted against FORSYTHE >> 10

Brew Kitchen Again Misses Deadline

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ MacDowell Brew Kitchen has again missed a deadline to comply with a court order, which means its beach area will remain closed.

Last week, the brew kitchen unexpectedly announced the entire restaurant would be closed until Jan. 12, and owner Gordon MacDowell confirmed that the restaurant’s staff had been let go. MacDowell pointed to the burden placed on the business by the town to make improvements to its beach area to comply with a court order, and the impact of closures to the beach 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

Loudoun Now/File Photo

In this July 2016 photo, a worker makes improvements to MacDowell Brew Kitchen’s outdoor beach area. The restaurant’s owners missed another deadline this week to comply with a court order to finish the work and pay more than $15,000 in fines.

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 storm water 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, MACDOWELL >> 9

A proposal to erect a 106-foot-tall telecommunications monopole near Tavistock Farms found stiff opposition both from those who live closest to the proposed site and members of the Planning Commission.

Commissioners on Jan 5 heard a presentation from Milestone Tower Limited Partnership III. The applicant is hoping for approval of a commission and special exception permits to install the monopole, which would be located on the Dominion Virginia Power district office property off Sycolin Road. The monopole would have the capabilities to hold equipment for four cell phone carriers, although initially only Verizon would use the tower to help with a gap in wireless coverage and improve capability in the area. If the permits are approved, the applicant would also need to pursue a boundary line adjustment on the site to comply with setback requirements from the interior property line, as the site has two parcels.

Milestone representatives said the proposed design, with a neutral color and narrow pole, was the least obtrusive option, but neighbors disagreed.

Several residents from Tall Oaks Square, off Tavistock Drive, noted the monopole would be just 100 feet from the closest residence. Critics said they worried about the project’s impact on their property values and questioned why a site closer to industrial development on Sycolin Road wasn’t selected.

“You’re taking people 10 years out of a housing crisis who’ve been completely upside down on their houses and dropping their house values 20 percent more. This is unreasonable,” Tall Oaks Square resident Justin Herman said.

Many residents also said they did not receive adequate notice about the Planning Commission hearing or an earlier information session hosted by the applicant at Cool Spring Elementary.

Ultimately, commissioners sided with the residents, voting 5-1-1 to deny the commission permit and recommending that the Town Council deny the special exception. Commissioner Sharon Babbin voted against the denial and Commissioner Brett Burk was absent for the vote.

“Even though we are an urban location I can’t believe there aren’t other locations that can’t serve the purpose.

I would certainly vote for a suitable place but I can’t vote for this because of the way it’s imposing on residents,” Commissioner Doris Kidder said. “We want happy people in Leesburg, not unhappy people in Leesburg.”

The applicant now has the right to appeal the commission permit denial to the Town Council, Assistant to the Town Manager Scott Parker said. Ultimate approval authority on the special exception rests with the Town Council.

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<< FROM 8 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 completed “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.

MacDowell’s agreement with the town to finish on- and off-site improvements has been extended twice since the summer, with the most recent deadline to complete the work, and pay more than $15,000 in fines, this past Sunday, Jan. 8.

On Tuesday, Town Attorney Barbara Notar reported that the deadline to comply with the consent order had again been missed, with the improvements still not completed and the fines unpaid. An email from Zoning Administrator Chris Murphy to MacDowell was shared with Loudoun Now following a FOIA request. The email, dated Jan. 5, details a 10-point punch list of items yet to be completed as of last week. These range from the installation of parking meters to the removal and replacement of the handicapped ramp at the intersection of South and Harrison streets to completing pavement installation and repairs in the rear parking lot.

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

MacDowell

In the email, Murphy notes that he would consider waiving the fines for September and October 2016 if all improvements were completed by Jan. 8. Reached Tuesday, Murphy said the required final inspection had still not been conducted by staff to determine if all improvements had been made. As it would appear the deadline was missed again, Murphy said he is no longer considering waiving any fines.

But this week MacDowell was still hopeful that there could be some room for negotiation between him and the town in waiving some of the fees.

“Once the last couple of items [on the punch list] are done, it will be the perfect time to have that conversation,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll be understanding.”

As to one of the outstanding items on the punch list—the handicapped ramp—MacDowell said that was an error made by the contractor, that the contractor is responsible for fixing. He expects to have the remaining items completed shortly, and still plans to reopen the interior portion of the restaurant Thursday. The outdoor beach portion will remain closed per court order until all improvements have been made.

Once the town staff concurs that improvements have been satisfactorily completed, the Town Council must then release the $320,000 bond MacDowell posted for the improvements.

That action, MacDowell says, “will free up money that is very much needed to sustain our business.”

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[ BRIEFS ]

OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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In one of the first orders of official business for the new Town Council on Monday, members decided to do away with council member liaisons to the town’s advisory boards and commissions.

Mayor Kelly Burk, in proposing the change, said she believed her presence as a council representative at some of the boards and commissions to which she was assigned would unintentionally influence some of the commission members in their votes or recommendations to the council.

The change will mean that a council member will no longer be assigned as a representative to each board and commission. Council members did however make their assignments to local and regional commissions.

Burk will serve as the town’s representative to the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Advisory Commission, and Virginia Municipal League’s Human Development & Education Committee.

Councilman Ken Reid will serve as Leesburg’s representative on NVTA’s Planning Coordinator Advisory Committee, and VML’s Transportation Committee.

Newly appointed Councilman Hugh Forsythe will serve as one of two town representatives on the joint town and county Annexation Area Development Policies Committee, and the sole town representative on VML’s Environmental Quality Committee. Councilman Tom Dunn will serve as the other town representative on the AADP committee.

Councilwoman Suzanne Fox will be the town’s representative to VML’s Finance Committee. Councilman Ron Campbell will serve as the town’s representative on VML’s Community and Economic Development Committee.

And Councilman Marty Martinez will serve as the representative on VML’s General Laws Committee.

Forsythe << FROM 8 going into closed session. When the majority prevailed, Dunn said he would not participate in the closed session. Council members met behind closed doors for about 20 minutes. After emerging, Burk put forward another motion to appoint Forsythe and this time his appointment was approved unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting, council members decided to leave it up to whomever was appointed as to whether they wanted to begin their service immediately or wait until the next meeting in two weeks. Forsythe chose to begin serving immediately and was sworn in

by Tara Belote of the Town Manager’s Office. He was unable to attend Tuesday night’s meeting because of a prior commitment.

The council also voted to hold the special election on Nov. 7, the same day as the General Election. That winner will fill the remainder of Burk’s council

Arts Organizations Can Apply for Grants The Public Art Commission is inviting arts organizations to submit requests for funding.

The town will apply for $5,000 of state funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Local Government Challenge Grant Program, and match it with $5,000 local funds. The total amount of $10,000 will be distributed to independent arts organizations to support arts activities within the town. In fiscal year 2017, the town gave $4,000 to Bluemont Concerts, $4,835 to the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, and $1,165 to VSArts of Loudoun County.

Applicants must be organizations whose primary purpose is the arts (production, presentation or support of dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, or visual or related arts), that are incorporated in Virginia, and have their headquarters and home seasons, or activities equivalent to a home season, in the state. Funding cannot be provided for payment to performers for specific performances.

Interested arts organizations should submit an online application via www. leesburgva.gov/artsgrant, outlining the amount requested, the arts activity that the funding will support, and the audience(s) that will be served, along with a description of the arts organization.

Applications must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered. Funded arts activities must take place in Leesburg during fiscal year 2018.

The commission will review the funding requests at its March meeting and then make a recommendation on the distribution of the funding to the Town Council. The deadline for the town to apply for the Local Government Challenge Grant is April 3.

For more information about the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Local Government Challenge Grant program, go to arts.virginia.gov/grants_ local.html.

term, which expires Dec. 31, 2018. In an interview prior to being appointed, Forsythe said he was unsure whether he would run in the special election.

The lead-up to Monday night’s appointment of Forsythe had its share of drama. At the end of the week leading up to the meeting, it was discovered that an incorrect scoring method had been used in tallying up council member votes on who the finalists to present Monday night should be.

In late November, the council voted on an appointment process in which each member would select his or her top three candidates, in order of preference, from the list of the residents expressing interest. At the start of the New Year, it was announced that the top four candidates—as there was a tie for third–were Babbin, Forsythe, Foster, and Pangle.

But when it was realized that a weighted system was improperly used to score the candidates, an error Town Manager Kaj Dentler placed squarely on his shoulders, Thiel was also invited to present to the council. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Democrat Reid Announces House of Delegates Challenge

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Ashburn resident David Reid has announced he will challenge Del. Thomas A. “Tag” Greason (R) for the 32nd district seat in the Virginia House of Delegates this fall.

“I started to recognize that a lot of the issues that are being addressed down in Richmond are not really the issues that are important to the people of Loudoun County,” Reid said. “If you ask people, is your commute better today than it was eight years ago, then the answer’s probably no.”

Reid said he wants to bring full-day kindergarten to the county, focus on improving transportation in Northern Virginia, and send more state funding to colleges. He described himself as a moderate and pragmatist, and said that more of the tax dollars Loudoun sends to Richmond should come back to Loudoun. He said Richmond should invest in Loudoun, because Loudoun is an economic engine for the state.

“If things get bogged down in Loudoun … and people start leaving, and new businesses don’t locate here because it’s one of the worst possible transportation areas in the nation, then that’s going to have a downstream effect on the state budget and all those other pet projects that people want to do,” Reid said.

As to specific solutions to the area’s perennial transportation problems and other challenges in Richmond, Reid said “I don’t’ have answers to those questions, because I’m not down there, but I do know those questions have been asked

for years and we’re not getting a good answer.”

Reid and his family are 17-year residents of Ashburn. He retired from the Naval Reserves after 23 years as an intelligence officer. He Reid claims 30 years of experience in in banking, telecommunications, and as a small business executive.

He was born in rural Rockbridge County. After his parents divorced when he was six, he lived with his father and four siblings in a cinder block house with no indoor plumbing and heated by a wood stove.

From there, he moved to the United Methodist Children’s Home in Richmond, then to Oklahoma with his youngest brother to live with foster parents. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern Oklahoma State University, a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College and participated in graduate studies on international development at American University.

Greason, also a military veteran, having served with the Army Corps of Engineers, was first elected to the seat in 2010.

He serves on the Appropriations, Education, and General Laws committees and is a budget conferee.

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

BY RENSS GREENE

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[ PUBLIC SAFETY ]

El Salvadorian Immigrant Sentenced to 10 Years in Leesburg Attack

BY NORMAN K. STYER The 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty in a November 2015 machete attack on a Leesburg man was sentenced last week to serve 10 years in prison.

Two other defendants previously were sentenced to 10-year prison terms in the case, which involved the group attempting to force the victim to join the MS-13 gang.

Defense attorney R. Penn Bain said Jose Roel Guevara Machado came to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2014 to get away from gangs in his neighborhood and to provide support for his girlfriend and their two children who remain there. Bain said Guevara Machado was not a member of MS-13, but participated in the attack because gang members had threatened his family.

According to evidence in the case, Jose Israel Alvarenga, 19, was the ring-

leader of the attack. Prosecutors said Alvarenga approached a Leesburg man he believed to be a member of the 18th Street gang. The victim denied any involvement in the Guevara Machado 18th Street gang and Alvarenga demanded that he join the MS-13 gang. When the victim told Alvarenga that he did not want to join a gang and walked away, he was kicked in the back. Alvarenga threatened to kill the victim if he did not join MS-13. The victim fled.

A few days later, the victim was attacked in a parking lot by Josue Jeremias Cruz Gonzalez and Guevara Mach-

ado. He suffered multiple stab wounds to his head, neck and hands, losing a finger and having his face, ear, head, neck and hands scarred.

Alvarenga was arrested on Nov. 16, 2015, on warrants related the assault.

Alvarenga told inmates that he had instructed Cruz Gonzalez and Guevara Machado to kill the victim. Prosecutors said that while in jail, Alvarenga also offered to pay other inmates to kill the victim prior to his trial; he requested a photo of the victim’s head cut off as proof. Guevara Machado was isolated from Alvarenga while in jail and was not involved in that plot, attorneys said.

Cruz Gonzalez, 20, pleaded guilty to malicious wounding and gang participation. He was also sentenced to 10 years.

Guevara Machado, 21, pleaded guilty to malicious wounding and gang

participation on July 25.

During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Circuit Court Judge Jeanette A. Irby said Guevara Machado could not escape accountability for his poor choices. Although Bain said his client came to America to get away from gang violence, Irby said he chose to associate with gang members and then participated in the violent plot to force someone else to enter gang life. “It’s just disturbing on so many levels,” she said.

In addition to imposing consecutive five-year sentences for the two charges, Irby required one year of supervised probation following his release. It is expected that Guevara Machado will be deported following his release, but if he crossed the border again, the probation requirements would be enforced. nstyer@loudounnow.com

[ SAFETY BRIEFS ] Leesburg Murder Trial Opens A Loudoun County Circuit Court jury on Monday began hearing testimony in the murder case against Sergio Ramon Zuniga Robles, charged with fatally stabbing his half-brother on Feb. 1, 2016.

Zuniga Robles faces a sentence of life in prison if convicted on the first-degree murder charge.

Prosecutors said Zuniga Robles came home from work and got into an argument with Mario Arturo Ochoa Robles—either over his brother’s failure to take the dog out for a walk on schedule or over a request to pay back a $40 loan.

The argument ended with Zuniga Robles standing over Ochoa Robles’ badly injured body with two bloody kitchen knives in his hands. Ochoa Robles was taken to the hospital, where he died.

The half-brothers shared the Plaza Street townhouse with their girlfriends.

They were both in the house but did not witness the fight, according to testimony the women gave Monday.

The trial was scheduled to continue until Friday. Zuniga Robles was expected to take the stand in his defense.

Grand Jury Issues Murder Indictment in Overdose A 30-year-old Leesburg woman faces charges of felony homicide, distribution of heroin and possession of heroin in connection with a fatal overdose last fall.

The charges against Heather Nicole Timbers stem from the death of a 32-year-old Hamilton man on Sept. 30, 2016.

The Leesburg Police Department has not released details of the case. Timbers was subject to a direct indictment, meaning evidence was presented to the grand jury to determine whether the felony charges were warranted.

Timbers was not present in court Tuesday morning when the indictment was returned and an arrest warrant was issued.

In Virginia, the charge of felony homicide is defined as the killing of someone accidentally, contrary to the

Loudoun County Fire-Rescue

Crews from 10 stations were called to fight a house fire near Aldie on Saturday morning.

Pebbles the Pig Rescued from Second House Fire, Family Displaced Following a 911 call to the county dispatch center just after 9 a.m., fire and rescue crews from Middleburg, Philomont, Brambleton, Aldie and Fauquier County were dispatched to the 40000 block of Snickersville Turnpike where there was fire in a garage attached to a two-story home. intention of the parties, while they are engaged in another felonious act. It is prosecuted as second-degree murder and carries a sentence of five years to 40 years in prison.

Suspected Ashburn Phone Robber Nabbed An 18-year-old Ashburn man is being held without bond following his arrest for a series of thefts in the area.

According to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, Kwame Adjei was charged with felony robbery and threecounts of grand larceny for incidents occurring on Dec. 12, Dec. 26, and Jan. 2.

In two of the cases, Adjei allegedly met with an acquaintance and asked to use a cellphone and then ran away with the phones. On Dec. 26, investigators say he met a victim at the Ashburn Shopping Plaza and asked to see the vic-

Additional crews were called from Hamilton, Moorefield, Leesburg, South Riding and Dulles Airport to help truck water to the scene. Also, the Medical Ambulance Bus was brought in to help firefighters operating in the cold conditions.

The family of four had evacuated from the home, but firefighters rescued the family’s pet pig, Pebbles, during their operations.

In a story that got international tim’s phone so he could make a phone call while they were walking in the area of Ashburn Village Boulevard. Adjei then allegedly assaulted the victim, displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s wallet before fleeing.

Court records show that he was out on bail following his arrest for the Dec. 12 incident when the others occurred.

On Jan. 3, at 4:00 p.m. the Sheriff ’s Office’s Rapid Response Unit and patrol deputies located Adjei in the stairway of a building on Silkworth Terrace. As deputies approached, he ran, but was taken into custody after a brief chase.

That resulted in an additional charge of obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to appear in Loudoun County District Court on Jan. 26 and Feb. 14.

He also has pending court dates for a probation violation hearing and a possession of marijuana charge.

Loudoun County Fire-Rescue

Pebbles nestles under a warm blanket following Saturday’s house fire.

attention, Pebbles was adopted from the Middleburg Humane Foundation by the family in 2015 after the potbelly pig recovered from injuries sustained in a Thanksgiving Day 2014 house fire in Warrenton. The foundation raised more than $7,000 in community contributions help treat the pig’s third-degree burns. Once healed, the pig was put up for adoption.

There were no injuries reported in Saturday’s fire.

Sterling Man Goes to Federal Prison for Gun Smuggling Joan Manuel Ramirez Lema, 41, of Sterling, was sentenced last week to serve 20 months in prison for charges related to smuggling guns from the United States to Bolivia.

According to court documents, from 2010 to 2015, Ramirez Lema smuggled 115 firearms from the United States to Bolivia. Ramirez Lema, a U.S. citizen, concealed the weapons in door panels of used vehicles he shipped across the border using freight forwarding companies in Baltimore, MD, and Newark, NJ. He told investigators that he usually purchased between two and three guns a month and bought most of the guns in Leesburg and Sterling.

Ramirez Lema pleaded guilty Sept.

22.

SAFETY BRIEFS >> 13

LCSO: Firearm Thefts A Safety Threat tion Unit is urging residents to lock their vehicles. Also, valuables and garage door openers should be removed or locked out of sight in a glove box or trunk. If firearms must be left in a vehicle, they should be secured in a lock box without ammunition. When possible, vehicles should be parked inside a locked garage or in an illuminated area.

The Sheriff ’s Office provides free gunlock safety kits donated through Project ChildSafe. The kits will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis during business hours at the agency’s headquarters at 803 Sycolin Road or at the agency’s community substations.

To find nearest station, go to sheriff. loudoun.gov/findmystation.

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

[ SAFETY BRIEFS ] << FROM 12

Rescue Team Gets Wet to Save Goose’s Goose Fire-rescue crews from the Dulles South and Aldie fire stations went into the cold—and into icy water—Sunday to help a goose on a frozen pond south of Dulles Airport.

According to a Facebook post by International Association of Firefighter Local 3756, crews were called to the scene to aid a goose that appeared in distress—either sick or injured—and apparently stuck on the ice in the pond.

The union reported that several methods of retrieving the bird were tried, but ultimately, the decision was made to don ice rescue suits and walk out to the

IAFF Local 3756

goose.

Photos show the goose being rescued and placed in a carrier for transport.

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It’s not just sunglasses, laptops or GPS units thieves are stealing from cars these days—increasing it is firearms.

The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office issued an alert Monday calling attention to the recent rash of firearm thefts.

Since November 2016, 14 firearms have been reported stolen from vehicles around county. In most cases, the vehicles were either unlocked or showed no signs of forced entry.

“This poses a great risk to the community,” Sheriff Mike Chapman stated.

“Gun owners should properly secure and store their firearms in safe locations.”

The Sheriff ’s Office Crime Preven-

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[ E D U C AT I O N ]

[ SCHOOL NOTES ] Latin Teacher Receives Excellence Award

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A historic barn at Paxton Campus is being renovated to house the Paxton Advantage Behavior Clinic, opening later this year to offer services now available to only Paxton students to the broader community.

Old Barn Gets New Life Helping Children with Disabilities

BY RENSS GREENE

A

145-year-old stone barn, long open to the elements and overgrown with vines, is getting new life as Paxton Campus’ newest program.

As it launches its 50th year, the Arc of Loudoun is readying for some big new services, including the Paxton Advantage Behavior Clinic, which will open after renovations in what was once a barn full of livestock and hay. The barn is part of the Carlheim estate built in 1872 by Charles and Rachel Paxton, and which Rachel Paxton willed into a charitable trust to benefit needy children.

In 1967, a group of parents of special needs children formed the Arc of Loudoun to start a preschool for their children, and in 2009 the Arc of

Loudoun moved to Paxton Campus, where it has been growing ever since.

Its latest addition has been in the works for two years, clearing reviews by the Leesburg Board of Architectural Review and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. With the approvals in hand, Paxton Advantage Behavior Clinic’s future program director, Kendra McDonald, said it should be open in about six months.

“Aurora School and Open Doors are stellar at providing services for our students that are enrolled in the Aurora School and preschool,” McDonald said, referencing programs Paxton Campus has for educating children with autism and other disabilities. “So we do a really good job with the behavioral and clinical assessment and clinical treatment; however, the community at large doesn’t have access to them. So the be-

havior clinic will extend the services from Aurora to the community.”

The program will benefit people like McDonald’s own son, who attends Clarke County High School, but who sometimes has difficulty socializing.

“When he hits bumps in the road, he can come and our team can figure out a behavioral plan,” said Paxton Campus Executive Director Jennifer Lassiter.

The new program will also bring diagnostic and medication prescription services to Paxton—helping families skip the months-long waiting period for a diagnosis before any treatment can begin, and bringing all of a person’s needs into one place and onto one team.

“You really don’t know what you need to know at that time,” Lassiter said.

“What you do know is that things aren’t PAXTON CAMPUS >> 15

Envision Loudoun Comes to Tuscarora Students

BY RENSS GREENE Envision Loudoun, the county government’s effort to hear residents’ views as it shapes the future with a new comprehensive plan, came to Tuscarora High School to hear from those people who it affects most.

Tuscarora High School students on Tuesday heard presentations on the basic facts of the county’s growth and offered their own ideas for where they’d like to see the county go.

“I think doing it through the school, you really do get a kind of a wide variety of demographics, because they’re all coming at it from a different place,” said librarian Karen Yurish, who adapted the county’s Envision Loudoun presentation for the school. “I think that it’s a way to capture a good cross section.”

By contrast, the county is trying to keep track of the demographics of the people who attend other Envision Loudoun meetings, so it can reach out

The Envision Loudoun session was held during Tuscarora High School’s weekly schoolwide advisory lesson, where every student of every grade takes the same lesson. Tuesday’s lesson was on their community.

“Even some of my teachers didn’t realize how fast the county had grown,” said Tuscarora Principal Pamela Croft.

She said Envision Loudoun was a natural fit for the advisory lesson, which has included everything from service projRenss Greene/Loudoun Now ects, to scheduling, to voting, to other A student visits the Envision Loudoun website types of community involvement.

“Being able to get students’ feedon her phone to give her feedback. back and providing it to this initiative, I thought, was a really impactful thing,” to members of underrepresented com- Croft said. “Not only for the program, munities who, for one reason or anoth- but for our students.” er, don’t go to the meetings.

Those students’ ideas mostly came “They self-identify, whereas these from their own experiences around the kids, we got them where they are,” said high school, ranging from a teen center, librarian Mary Pellicano. “It was good to more sidewalks, bike paths and public to have that diversity of thought and input.”

ENVISION>> 15

Andrea Weiskopf, the Latin teacher at River Bend and Seneca Ridge middle schools, was recently awarded for her work. She was named one of two recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award at the pre-collegiate level from the Society for Classical Studies.

The award recognizes teachers for growing and promoting schools’ classics programs, creating innovative classroom activities, and their students’ successes in competitions, among other qualities.

Weiskopf will receive a certificate, a $500 personal prize, and $200 for educational resources to use with her students. Weiskopf will be recognized in June at the 2017 American Classical League Institute to be held in Grand Rapids, MI.

Author to Discuss Relationship Abuse Nationally known author Leslie Morgan Steiner will speak twice in Loudoun on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Steiner will speak from 4 to 5 p.m. at Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW in Leesburg, and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road in Steiner Ashburn.

Steiner is an author, blogger, and public speaker on violence against women, and other issues including motherhood, parenting and infertility. Her 2009 memoir about surviving domestic violence, “Crazy Love,” was a New York Times bestseller.

Her appearances Saturday are free and open to the public. They are sponsored by the Loudoun Community Services Board, the Loudoun County Public Library, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter and Loudoun County Public Schools.

School System Earns Meritorious Award The Association of School Business Officials International awarded Loudoun County Public Schools its Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in budget presentation during the fiscal year 2017.

The award promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation. After a rigorous review by professional auditors, the award is conferred only on school districts that have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria.

The Association of School Business Officials International is a professional organization that provides programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices.

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Paxton Campus

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vention while on a waiting list for a diagnosis, children will get treatment from a team of specialists all on the same page, and families can get help as they start grappling with their child’s needs.

“This multidisciplinary team will work together, they’ll be in the same place,” Lassiter said.

“And that’s the Aurora model,” McDonald said. “That’s what we do. We have a multidisciplinary team.”

Paxton Campus now houses the ALLY Advocacy Center; Open Door Preschool; The Aurora School, for students with autism and disabilities; STEP-Up vocational training, the Supported Training and Employment Program; and Maggie’s Closet, a nonprofit store. It also holds annual events like Shocktober and Music at the Manor.

Learn more at paxtoncampus.org.

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agreed.

Government teacher Wendy Yacoub, who serves on the comprehensive plan review’s stakeholder steering committee, worked to bring Envision Loudoun to the school. She sees it as a possible pilot program for other high schools around the county.

Croft said the Envision Loudoun session went very well, aligning well with the school’s advisory lesson and requiring nothing extra from staff or students.

“I think that any school that has the forum already built to give the students opportunity for feedback—it worked really well for us here today,” Croft said.

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<< FROM 14 transportation, to increasing the number of bus and taxi drivers and incentivizing people to take mass transit.

“I think they responded well to the opportunity to really engage, because I don’t know that they always are asked for their input,” Pellicano said. “I think maybe after us spurring some of their ideas, I think that they were surprised that they could come up with ideas, because I don’t know that they’re always empowered to do that.”

“I think we need to know it, because they are the future of Loudoun,” Yurish

rgreene@loudounnow.com

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progressing normally, so you’re waiting to see these professionals who can help you. That waitlist is probably the most frustrating time for a parent in terms of finding out what’s going on and what they’re going to do about it.”

Lassiter went through that struggle with her own child.

“When I left with Katelyn’s diagnostic packet, it was probably 40 pages in total, because each of the professionals had given their assessment and recommendations in four to eight pages each,” Lassiter said. “I had to read all that, and it was like, OK, go off into the world and figure out how to do this.”

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[ OUR TOWNS ]

Mayor Fraser Gives Upbeat State of Town Report

BY MARGARET MORTON Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser gave town leaders high marks for their performance during the past year and outlined initiatives that he wants to make a focus of in 2017.

He led off his annual State of the Town address Jan. 4 by highlighting the town’s vision statement: “Purcellville—your small town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper.”

Fraser said the council is guided by that goal while advocating policies that

protect residents’ quality of life, promotes open government that encourages participation, and provides a level of service that residents expect.

Fraser identified two important short-term goals.

He wants the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee to work with landlords, commercial real estate brokers and economic development agencies to identify the causes of office and retail vacancies and to help attract new businesses.

The second goal is to use the town’s 200-acre Aberdeen watershed proper-

ty to generate revenue. The land was acquired to provide additional water sources for the town. Fraser said the EDAC, the council and town staffers should work with residents, businesses and industry experts to explore options such as agricultural or academic uses, a drone flying area, or a solar energy site.

Last year, the council worked to generate revenue on other town-owned properties, such as leasing its former maintenance building to Makerspace.

It also plans to timber the J.T. Hirst waSTATE OF PURCELLVILLE >> 18

Dugay Retires from Purcellville PD The Town of Purcellville gave longtime Administrative Assistant Kitty Dugay a big send off Jan. 4.

Dugay retired after almost 19 years of service with the police department.

Often the public face of the department, Dugay’s reassuring voice usually was the first thing members of the public heard when they called in.

Her service mirrored the growth of the agency that has tripled since she began work there on a part-time basis in 1998. She was the department’s first administrative support employee and served as the department’s administrative assistant/records manager.

During her career, Dugay worked with four police chiefs. McAlister’s immediate predecessor Chief Darryl C. Smith Sr. was on hand Jan. 4 to wish her well in her retirement, while former Chief Dwayne Atkinson—who hired her in 1988—called in from Florida. Another former Pur-

cellville police chief, David Simpson, now mayor of Hamilton, was unable to attend.

On Jan. 5, Dugay was enjoying her first day at home. “It’s a different feeling,” she said, laughing.

In addition to many complimentary remarks, the department presented her with a shadow box, complete with her police badge and two patches, her lifetime rescue squad badge and EMT badge, 10-year pins and a 15-year pin from the Town of Purcellville.

Dugay plans to spend some time on herself, improving her health and traveling with her husband, Jim. The couple plans eventually to head off to warmer climates, doing some sightseeing from their 34-foot camper.

And the department’s welcoming voice won’t miss a beat, as Christa Kermode, previously a receptionist for the town, began training with Dugay a couple of weeks ago and is now

Hooper McCann/Town of Purcellville

Purcellville Police Chief Cindy McAlister and Lt. Joe Schroeck with Kitty Dugay.

on the job full time. mmorton@loudounnow.com

Board Advances Funding for Two Western Parks

BY MARGARET MORTON

T

he Loudoun Board of Supervisors last week approved spending $5 million to build Phase 1 of the Lovettsville Community Park and another $3.3 million to expand Scott Jenkins Memorial Park near Hamilton.

The Lovettsville park is a joint project between the town and county governments that dates back well over a decade.

The funding approval will finally get dirt moving at the 90-acre park site. Supervisor Geary Higgins (R-Catoctin) pressed for the funding.

“It has been a long time coming but we are finally going to see that great park developed,” Lovettsville Mayor Bobby Zoldos said.

The parkland is mostly in the county, but the town contributed $200,000 to acquire land and has continuously pushed for the project to move forward.

Work has already begun on realignment of the intersection of Milltown and Lovettsville roads to eliminate the blind turn on Lovettsville Road. The project, which also will serve the Lovettsville Community Center that is being renovated and expanded, includes the installation of a stop sign and crosswalk.

The intersection improvements are the key to getting the project moving, Higgins said this week.

The $5 million funding will complete Phase I, including the access road through the park, utilities, construction of three lighted fields and one new ballfield, restrooms, concessions and parking. Phase II likely will cost $3.5-$4 million and will be discussed as the board develops its six-year capital improvements program this spring.

[ TOWN NOTES ] PURCELLVILLE Barrett Publishes Third Volume of History John K. Barrett has just completed his fourth local history book, “Purcellville: A Journey from a Wilderness to a Rural Town: 1940 to 1970: Vol. III.” The book includes map sketches, numerous photographs and news articles/advertisements, and the names of more than 2,000 individuals during that period.

Second editions of the previous two volumes also are available.

The first volume details Purcellville’s phases of growth from wilderness to incorporation, and the second covers the fires of 1911 and 1914, World War I, the Roaring ’20s and the Great Depression.

Barrett’s first local history book, “A History of Loudoun County Baseball: 1869 to 1987,” covered the organized adult baseball leagues that became the center of social entertainment for Loudoun communities.

The books will be available at Darrel’s Barber Shop, 147 W. Main St. and Twigs, 613 E. Main St., both in Purcellville, and at Thomas Balch Library at 208 W. Market St. in Leesburg.

For more information, call Barrett at 540-338-6530 or barrettjkb@ verizon.net.

Arts Fest Organizers Call for Performers The Purcellville Music and Arts Festival organizers have put out a first call for musicians and musical acts to participate in the May 20 entertainment lineup.

All styles and local performers— from solo acts to bands—should apply by the Feb. 15 registration deadline. A Parks and Recreation Board subcommittee will evaluate all applicants and select performers. The event will be held at Fireman’s Field behind the Bush Tabernacle at 250 S. Nursery Avenue.

For more information, contact Melanie Scoggins at mscoggins@ purcellvilleva.gov. to register, go to purcellvilleva.gov/651/Signature-Events.

Town Wins Budget Award

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors have set aside $3.3 million to expand Scott Jenkins Memorial Park.

County supervisors also awarded a $3.3 million construction contract to Purcellville-based TMG Construction Corporation to complete Phase II of Jenkins Park. The work includes construction of one soccer field, three small baseball fields, a concession stand, two pavilions, and a parking lot addition providing about 190 parking spaces.

Higgins said the project was important to chip away at the youth sports field shortage in western Loudoun and to meet the commitments made to the Dennis Virts family when land was donated to help recreate the park. mmorton@loudounnow.com

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has awarded Purcellville the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2017 budget—an award it has earned every year since 2010.

Additionally, the GFOA presented a Certification of Recognition for Budget Presentation to Director of Finance Elizabeth Krens and the Finance Department. Krens recognized her colleagues on the budget team, Debbie Capitan and Paula Hicks, for their outstanding contributions.

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State of Purcellville

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<< FROM 16 tershed property in the spring, for example.

The bulk of Fraser’s presentation, which included a 27-slide PowerPoint presentation, focused on the accomplishments of the past year.

Fraser ticked off some key promises on which the town has delivered, including: the study of ways to lower sewer and water rates; advancing the town’s comprehensive plan revisions; improving financial transparency; launching a newsletter and an online business directory; collaborating with the county government on plans to move the Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange toward construction; promoting the town and business community through marketing videos; and working to bring more broadband service to town.

The town incurred no new debt and maintained its AA/AAA bond ratings while keeping up the quality of town services, he said.

Fifty-six new businesses opened in town during 2016, creating 243 new jobs, he said. Frasier also highlighted the re-investments made by two longtime businesses—both the McDonald’s restaurant and the Southern State store were razed to make room for modern buildings.

Faber Launches Pie Business Longtime town resident, environmentalist and gardener, Gina Faber has branched out into a different enterprise—starting her company, Gina’s Pies.

“My mission is to provide amazing food from local ingredients to the diet-restricted public in Loudoun, and beyond,” Faber said.

Faber’s wheat-free baked goods can be found at Natural Mercantile, Mackintosh Fruit Farm, Loco Joe Coffee, Savoir Fare Catering, Fire Works Pizza in Leesburg, Grandale Vintners Table, Bees Healthy Market and 900 Degree Brick Oven Pizza.

To contact Faber, call 703-999-1915.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser gives his annual State of the Town address Jan. 4.

The re-opening of the DMV Select office also is good for town residents, he noted.

The mayor praised the work of other Town Council members and the town staff, which he said had made the town stronger. Fraser cited Council members Chris Bledsoe and Kelli Grim for their leadership in promoting community and economic well-being by diversifying and growing the community and local economy.

Vice Mayor Karen Jimmerson and Councilman Nedim Ogelman headed up the good governance

initiative to improve the town’s efficiency and accountability. The council’s community partnerships outreach, led by Ogelman, Councilman Doug McCollum and Fraser, worked to help residents gain greater understanding of and connection with their town government. Councilman Ryan Cool and Fraser are leading efforts to identifying additional revenue options and opportunities.

To see the full presentation, go to purcellvilleva.gov/council. mmorton@loudounnow.com

LOVETTSVILLE With Ava, Town Flies with Different Feathers The town got the year off to a running start, with more than 70 runners turning out for the Jan. 1 Berserkle event in the Town Square.

A depiction of the town’s mascot—a Distelfink (a stylized goldfinch) named Ava—was lowered to signal the German New Year.

Mayor Bob Zoldos said the small town wants to be different than larger communities like Leesburg or Purcellville. Ava, he said, demonstrates that the town is “unique and quirky” and can be a good place to set up a business.

The Loudoun Chorale supported by the Friends of Leesburg Public Art

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The Wine Reserve Readies for Opening

[ BIZ ]

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OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

BY MARGARET MORTON

Contributed

The Wine Reserve tasting room offers wide views of the Blue Ridge and the Loudoun Valley.

The former Loudoun Valley Vineyards on Rt. 9 near Waterford is opening under new ownership.

Cori and Jonathan Phillips have named their new vineyard and winery The Wine Reserve at Waterford. They plan to open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 21.

The couple bought the property in December 2015. “We’ve been fixing it up ever since,” Cori Phillips said. The one attribute the two co-owners do not yet have is wine making expertise, although Jonathan Phillips took wine classes at Virginia Tech.

They plan to start by collaborating with Loudoun winemaker Doug Fabbioli.

“I’m big in the beverage market and event planning,” Cori Phillips said. About five years ago, she said she worked in a tasting room and loved it.

At first, the Phillips thought they’d have to buy land and build, but then the Waterford property came available, so the couple jumped at the opportunity. They replanted some vines and planted some petit verdot in the spring.

At first, the couple plans to open on weekends only, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Later, they hope to expand to a Thursday through Sunday schedule.

For information, go to waterfordwinereserve.com mmorton@loudounnow.com

[ BIZ NOTES ] Redskins’ Wives Open Leesburg Studio

Constellation Brands Invests in Catoctin Creek Distilling Constellation Brands has acquired a minority stake in Purcellville’s Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. The investment provides the company with new capital to grow production, marketing, and to provide more jobs in Virginia, founders Becky and Scott Harris said.

The craft distillery’s products have received numerous medals and awards, most recently gold medals from the 2016 American Whiskey Masters in London and the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, along with a five star “Highest Recommendation” from F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

“In order to expand our production and portfolio, we needed the right partner for the next level of growth,” Becky Harris stated. “Constellation has a strong commitment to this category, and with their expertise and support, we look forward to bringing our Virginia whiskey to the world with the same team and exceptional product quality.”

A publicly traded Fortune 500 company based in Victor, NY, Constellation Brands is an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. It is the nation’s third largest beer company.

The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey.

Combining two of their passions and paying tribute to the ties that bind them, wives of two former Washington Redskins unveiled their new studio to the Leesburg community Saturday.

Studio Twenty8Fifty7 is run by Jewell Green and Janice Harvey, the spouses of Hall of Famer Darrell Green and Ken Harvey, respectively. The new boutique combines the duo’s passions—for Green style and fashion, for Harvey interior design—in a unique set-up that aims to cater to the everyday woman.

The studio is located in the Crescent Place development, fronting Harrison Street, next to Best Rack Around.

The ability to own their retail space, and to be able to run their businesses outside of a home, was a bonus for the two women, who had previously joined forces to work together but took some time off to raise their children, Green said in an interview.

“We’re excited about meeting the needs of all women and creating something different,” Green said.

That “something different” aims to be a one-stop-shop for the everyday woman. If you need a cute outfit for your child, a cocktail dress for a night out, a unique gift for a good friend, or even creative ideas and pieces to finish decorating a room, Studio Twenty8Fifty7 has what you need. And if it’s not in their ornately decorated showroom, they can order it for you.

“We like to take the search out of whatever you’re doing,” Green said. “We can find the right thing to take the work out of it for you.”

The chosen name for their studio space, utilizing both of their husbands’ former uniform numbers, is about the “As we continue to invest in and explore the high-end craft whiskey segment, we are excited to partner with Catoctin Creek— producers of authentic and award-winning products that provide us with deeper knowledge of emerging opportunities,” Ben Dollard, Constellation’s chief growth officer, stated. “Working with passionate entrepreneurs like Becky and Scott Harris allows Constellation Brands to support and accelerate their growth while staying at the forefront of the evolving

Kara C. Rodriguez/Loudoun Now

From left, Darrell Green, Jewell Green, Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, Janice Harvey and Ken Harvey take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new shop, Studio Twenty8Fifty7.

thread that brought the two together, Green said.

“It’s a very close-knit community,” Green said of their time as NFL wives. “You take people in and you become family. I always say the best part of [our time in the NFL] was the relationships.”

Studio Twenty8Fifty7 is located at 450 Madison Plaza SE in Leesburg. For more information, go to twentyeightfiftyseven.com.

— Kara C. Rodriguez

alcoholic beverage landscape.”

The company expects to begin expansion in early 2017, and will continue to operate out of its Purcellville location, at 120 W. Main St.

Coalition Forms to Aid Nontraditional Job Seekers Community leaders gathered at Trinity House Café in Leesburg on Monday morning to promote Crossroads Jobs and the Coalition for Com-

munity Success, which was created to help the program with marketing and outreach.

Crossroads Jobs has placed 200 applicants since 2012. Job seekers attend an orientation and free workshops to help prepare them for interviews as well as résumé preparation. Job counselors prescreen job seekers, and connect them to employers in Loudoun County. The next orientation will be BIZ BRIEFS >> 21

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[ BIZ NOTES ]

Chamber Launches Healthy Business Challenge

The Loudoun Workforce Resource Center will hold a “Meet the Employer” event featuring representatives from the county’s Department of Human Resources on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Rust Library in Leesburg.

The Loudoun County government is hiring more than 60 positions in multiple departments. The positions include transportation and land use planners; child protective services workers; civil, traffic and transportation engineers; library staff; sheriff ’s deputies; and parks and recreation facility supervisors.

The 4-6 p.m. event will provide job seekers the opportunity to discuss specific county government job opportuni-

Talbert Named To DMV Medical Board Dr. Trevor D. Talbert, of Ashburn, has been appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to serve on the Medical Advisory Board for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Talbert is an emergency medical physician at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The panel helps DMV avoid issuing licenses to individuals suffering from a disability or functional limitation that would prevent them from safely operating a motor vehicle. In addition, the board develops medical and health standards for drivers, and provides guidance and recommendations related to proposed driver fitness legislation.

HUBZone Update Meeting Features Svabek Talk The Town of Leesburg’s Economic Development Office will hold its next quarterly HUBZone business meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, from 6 to 8p.m. at the Mason Enterprise Center, 202 Church St. SE. The meeting is open to all small

businesses at no cost.

The guest speaker will be Scott Svabek, president and CEO of Svabek Consulting LLC. A retired U.S. Army colonel, Svabek started his company after serving for more than 28 years as a medical logistics officer and a defense procurement expert in the Army. He recently was nominated and served as the newly established Defense Health Agency’s first head of contracting and director of procurement.

This quarter’s meeting is sponsored

by Custom Software Systems, a certified woman-owned small business and certified HUBZone company that specializes in developing and implementing software solutions and IT support.

Created by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the HUBZone program helps small businesses gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities while also increasing employment opportunities in economically distressed areas. To learn more and register for the meeting, go to leesburgva.gov/hubzone.

Weichert’s Ashburn Office Tops Region The Ashburn office of Weichert, Realtors led the company’s sales region for new home dollar volume in December.

The region includes sales offices in Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Orange, Prince William and Warren counties.

Weichert’s Ashburn office is located at 43150 Broadlands Center Plaza, Suite 104.

PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION

The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce will launch its fifth annual Healthy Business Challenge on Thursday, Jan. 12, during its monthly Business Showcase Breakfast at Belmont Country Club. The event will have health and wellness ambassadors available to help businesses of all sizes get more information and begin the challenge.

The Health & Wellness Business Initiative was created to educate area businesses about the ways they can promote employee wellness and productivity, while honoring organizations that have

Loudoun County Gov’t Job Opportunities Highlighted

ties and to promote their qualifications with a human resources representative.

Job seekers are asked to register for the event ahead of time at tinyurl.com/ gpgou8g or call May Durkovic at 703777-0688.

Detailed descriptions of job openings in the Loudoun County government may be found online at loudoun. gov/jobs.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

held Monday, Jan. 23, at Loudoun Hunger Relief from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Among those attending Monday’s program were Del. Randy Minchew (R-10), Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg), Leesburg Councilman Ron Campbell, and Loudoun County Republican Committee Chairman Will Estrada.

“Unemployment can have wide-ranging costs to our community, for individuals, families, businesses and government. We appreciate the support of Loudoun County leaders to help spread the word about Crossroads Jobs and help us get people to work,” Crossroads Job board member Barbara Wayne stated.

Learn more at crossroadsjobs.org or by calling 703-771-4112.

implemented innovative programs to improve their workers’ health.

“Business leaders understand the connection between employees’ health and their company’s bottom line,” Chamber President Tony Howard stated. “But knowing how to start a corporate wellness program can be a challenge. The Loudoun Healthy Business Challenge offers effective, easy to implement ideas for healthy change that any business can implement.”

Businesses that perform well on the Healthy Business Scorecard will be honored at the 2017 Healthy Business Awards event in the spring. The Healthy Business Challenge will end on March 31.

Learn more at loudounchamber.org/ Healthcare

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Meadows’ Melodies Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Loudoun Now features writer Samantha Bartram has a sit-down interview with multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Mike Meadows for a previous story in this file photo.

He is a member of The Agency, Taylor Swift’s band.

Songwriter plays the first Songs, Stories & Gas Money Show of 2017

BY SAMANTHA BARTRAM

T

hink back to that heady, adolescent moment when first you realized that the power to control your own life was within your grasp. The epiphany that you had the ability to do what all the grown-up folk around you were doing, from driving a car and staying out late to cultivating a career, building romantic relationships and nurturing your own talents and interests.

Singer, songwriter and seasoned performer Mike Meadows experienced such visions in his teens, during his early experimentations with the guitar.

“It’s funny, but most guitar players that start out early in life inevitably start by playing hard rock or metal of some kind, because that’s the stuff that is cool to play when you’re hanging out with your musician buddies,” Meadows said. “I was no exception. It wasn’t until I was about 14 that I realized I could write songs and determine a path for those tunes.”

Armed with this insight and the fiery passion necessary for any artist to thrive, the Danville native evolved his musicianship from mastering Jimmy Page’s blistering guitar solos to the sunlight-streaked sound of his 2015 EP, “When You Need Someone, Vol. 1.” The five-track record recalls lazy fall evenings at high school football games, the golden, flowerscented hair of a first crush, the comfortable, ’90s pop sensibility that invites listeners to consider the simpler things in life—love, trust, commitment.

Songs, Stories & Gas Money Featuring Mike Meadows 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards $15/person in advance; $25/person at the door thebarnsathamiltonstation.com 540-338-5309

Arriving at this polished product—Meadows’ debut solo release—involved years of work and dedication. Meadows studied at James Madison University, earning a bachelor’s degree in cello performance in 2000 and, upon graduation, enjoyed success playing in regional acts including Small Town Workers, MoneyPenny and others. In 2007, he moved to Nashville, TN, to wield the ax for “American Idol” alum and country music star Josh Gracin. Then, in 2009, Meadows secured his current bread-and-butter gig, playing guitar, banjo and most any other instrument thrust into his hands for The Agency, superstar Taylor Swift’s tight backing band.

This weekend, Meadows will turn away from the expansive venues he’s become used to playing in favor of The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards’ more intimate environs. Loudoun Now caught up with Meadows to get a sense of his perspective and plans ahead of his performance.

Loudoun Now: Talk about what it’s been like to grow your professional career from playing in regional acts to working in Nashville and, most recently, playing and touring with The Agency.

Mike Meadows: Moving to Nashville turned everything on its head. I found that I could make a living doing music solely, albeit as a side man.

Moving to Nashville also brought a lot of new instruments to light for me. Banjo, mandolin, keys, etc. Making the change from playing clubs to playing arenas and stadiums was pretty easy as far as the music goes, but the jump to each level isn’t without a few nights of extreme nervousness. The nerves are a good thing. Sometimes they make you play better or pay more attention. My expectations for my career as a musician have been far surpassed and my bucket list has certainly been whittled down over time. However, playing big rooms all the time just makes the more intimate shows, like Songs, Stories & Gas Money, that much more special.

LN: Where do you find your inspiration when songwriting?

Meadows: My inspiration shifts from song to song.

For so long, I listened to so much sad music that it permeated my own songs, but then I met my wife and went on a streak of writing songs with a much more hopeful message. Once I moved to Nashville, I found myself writing with other people, which is a fun process in and of itself. Having a variety of life experience in one room makes the twists and turns of a song so interesting.

LN: Who are some of your greatest musical influences?

Meadows: Growing up my favorite record was Jeff Buckley’s “Grace.” That record was lodged in my MEADOWS >> 26

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[ THINGS TO DO ] Leesburg. Details: loudounchorale.org

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

Loudoun Chorale’s third annual Martin Luther King Concert features a diverse group of choirs and choral groups and addresses from local leaders.

Admission is free but donations will be accepted to benefit Loudoun Hunger Relief and Friends of Loudoun Mental Health.

LOCO CULTURE LEESBURG AREA PRESCHOOL FAIR

LOUDOUN MLK MARCH AND CELEBRATION Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.; Loudoun County Courthouse, 18 E. Market St., Leesburg. Contact: 540-539-5651 The county’s 25th annual MLK march from the Loudoun County Courthouse to Douglass Community Center kicks off at 10 a.m. Following the march, the community center hosts performances, speakers and a keynote address from George Washington University Law School dean Blake D. Morant. The morning also features a community dialogue between youth and elders from 9 to 10 a.m. at the community center.

LOUDOUN CHORALE MLK CONCERT Sunday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m.; Leesburg Community Church, 835 Lee Ave. SW,

Moms Club of Leesburg South hosts a preschool fair featuring 14 Leesburg area schools. Admission is free.

Participants are invited to bring canned food items to benefit Loudoun Hunger Relief.

MHAA FIRESIDE CHAT: REVOLUTIONARY LOUDOUN Thursday, Jan. 12, 5:30 p.m.; 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.

Loudoun Now file photo

VILLAGE AT LEESBURG ICE FEST Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg.

Details: villageatleesburg.com Village at Leesburg’s fourth annual Winter Ice Fest features eight professional ice carvers producing large-scale sculptures. Event is free and open to the public and includes musical entertainment after 1 p.m.

MINDFULNESS DAY RETREAT Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Ballentine Farm, 38777 Old Wheatland Road, Waterford.

Details: fivestoneswellness.com Start the New Year off right with a daylong retreat organized by Five Stones Wellness and focused on meditation, breath-work, guided imagery and mind-

ful movement including yoga. $100 admission includes lunch.

RUNNING CLINIC Saturday, Jan. 14, 8:30 a.m.; Transition Triathlon, 222 S. King St., Leesburg. Details: transitiontri.com

MORE TO DO >> 24

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Thursday, Jan. 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Rosie Uran Jewish Education Center, 19357 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg.

Details: momsclubleesburgsouth.org

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[ MORE TO DO ]

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Saturday, Jan. 14, 3 p.m.; Transition Triathlon, 222 S. King St., Leesburg.

Details: transitiontri.com

OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

Newton Running’s Chase Williams hosts a morning fun run to discuss running form and choosing the right shoe. Event is free.

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INTRO TO TRIATHLON CLINIC

Planning to do your first triathlon in 2017? The Transition crew can help you figure out race distance, race selection, gear and logistics. Event is free.

ARTIST’S RECEPTION: LINDA STAULCUP Sunday, Jan. 15, 4-6 p.m.; North Gate Vineyard, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville.

Details: northgatevineyard.com Meet North Gate’s newest artist in residence, whose charming watercolors will be on display through March.

LUNCH AND LEARN: LOUDOUN ARTISAN TRAIL Tuesday, Jan. 17, 11:30-1 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View, Lane Purcellville.

Details: artisanscenterofvirginia.org Bring a bag lunch and learn about the new artisan trail set to include artist studios, galleries, local farms, wineries, craft breweries, farmers markets, distilleries, cideries, restaurants, hotels, boutiques and other artisanal and agri-tourism based businesses.

RSVP is requested to elizabeth.bracey@loudoun.gov.

SAVVY WOMEN NETWORKING EVENT Tuesday, Jan. 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Burtons Grill and Bar, 21434 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling.

Details: savvywomennetwork.com This networking happy hour features drink specials, raffles, shopping and tips for growing your business in 2017. Event is free and open to the public.

The public is invited to this free event designed to spread the word about Relay For Life’s efforts to fight cancer.

LOUDOUN TOASTMASTERS CLUB OPEN HOUSE Thursday, Jan. 19, 7:30-9 p.m.; Thomas Balch Library, 208 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: loudoun.toastmastersclubs.org If improving your public speaking skills is on your list in 2017, check out Loudoun Toastmasters, a club focused on improving the confidence and speaking skills of members.

NIGHTLIFE LIVE MUSIC: THE 9 SONGWRITER SERIES Friday, Jan. 13, 8 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg.

Details: tallyholeesburg.com The popular regional songwriter showcase returns to the Tally Ho. This edition features alt-country duo Janet Emma Garbe and Kevin Dudley, organizer Justin Trawick, Andrew McKnight and other area favorites. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

SONGS, STORIES AND GAS MONEY: MIKE MEADOWS Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. show begins; The Barns at Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com The beloved acoustic series returns to the Barns with its first 2017 concert with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mike Meadows. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

LIVE MUSIC: ELIZABETH WILLIAMS Saturday, Jan. 14, 7-9 p.m.; Trinity House Cafe, 101 E. Market St., Leesburg. Details: trinityhousecafe.com Enjoy originals and covers from artists like Joni Mitchell and George Harrison from this folky singer-songwriter and loop artist.

RELAY FOR LIFE MIX AND MINGLE Thursday, Jan. 19, 6-9 p.m.; Dog Money Restaurant, 50 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg. Contact: 803-371-9793

MORE TO DO >> 26

LIVE MUSIC: THE BLACK LILLIES Thursday, Jan. 19, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg.

Details: tallyholeesburg.com A rich, rootsy blend of country and soul/rock from Knoxville, TN. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Courtesy of Tally Ho Theatre

25 Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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PROVIDING CLEANING SERVICES for carpet, rugs, upholstery and hard surfaces on site or at our in plant facility

Loudoun Carpet Care™ understands the importance of providing consistent, reliable personal service to our clients, both returning and new. Our pledge is to offer honest advice about all of the services we offer, and to complete each job the best of our ability.

Courtesy of Vertigo Red

LIVE MUSIC: VERTIGO RED Friday, Jan. 13, 8 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Shake off the winter blues with one of Maryland’s favorite rock ‘n’ roll cover bands. No cover.

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LIVE MUSIC: SHANE GAMBLE AND JASON MASI Saturday, Jan. 14, Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg.

Details: smokehouse-live.com Two of the region’s favorite singer/ songwriters team up for a great evening of music. Admission is $20.

ON STAGE

129 N. Bailey Lane, Ste C Purcellville, VA 20132

(540) 338-4300

20700, Unit 156 Loudoun County Parkway Ashburn, VA

703.724.4300 703.777.8056

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my-winning producer and guitarist Larry Mitchell. Tickets are $10 at the door

LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS: MICHAEL CLEVELAND AND FLAMEKEEPER Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.; Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts.

Details: luckettsbluegrass.org This award-winning fiddle virtuoso returns to the Lucketts stage for a great evening of top-notch bluegrass. Tickets are $15 at the door.

LIVE MUSIC: THE IMMORTALS WITH LARRY MITCHELL

DEEP RIVER: THE STORY OF MARION ANDERSON

Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville.

Details: franklinparkartscenter

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville.

Details: franklinparkartscenter

This favorite teen band, made up of top students from Loudoun Music Instruction, wows audiences with rock, soul, contemporary, R&B and jazz standards and originals. They’ll be joined by Gram-

Virginia Opera presents a musical retelling of the rise of the renowned singer, despite the racial attitudes of her era.

Tickets are $8. Call 540-338-7973 to reserve a spot.

Meadows << FROM 22 brain for at least a decade. Then I was introduced to a guy named Justin Currie, who was the singer for a band called Del Amitri in the ’90s. His songs really provided a road map in that they taught me how to get where I wanted to be musically. As a songwriter, duh, The Beatles were a huge influence.

LN: What’s your goal when setting out to write a song? In other words, how do you know you’ve got something— describe that moment when a song feels right.

Meadows: Well, there’s the emotion and message of the song that needs to be properly conveyed to a listener who may or may not be going through what the song is talking about. That

can be the tricky part. You definitely know when you hit those hard-toreach places that can put someone in the middle of this story. Hitting those marks is a big goal for me. There is nothing like the feeling of finding the little nugget of a chorus that just pops out at you in the right way. It’s like Christmas morning every time.

LN: You’ll be ringing in the New Year as the first Songs, Stories & Gas Money artist of 2017—how do you plan to boost concert-goers collective attitudes after the chaos of 2016? The people have been bummed out!

Meadows: I share in the bummery of 2016! The music community in Leesburg, Hamilton and Loudoun County in general has such a familial vibe. I can imagine these kinds of get-togethers are therapeutic in and of themselves. We’re gonna have a good time, for sure.

27 Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

Invitation For Bid (IFB) IFB #: VRT012717

Issue Date: January 2, 2017

School staff member hand out tickets to make sure crowds in the boardroom did not exceed fire code.

Brewer << FROM 3

Next Steps The board did not make a decision on Brewer’s employment Tuesday. If

dnadler@loudounnow.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

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.”

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

Note: VRT does not discriminate against faith-based organizations in accordance with the Code of Virginia (2.2-4343.1D) or against an bidder because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment.

Any addenda to this solicitation will be delivered via e-mail.

All Inquiries For Information Should Be Directed to Eric Levdahl.

540-338-7285 • eric@vatransit.org

Invitation For Bid (IFB) IFB #: VRT013017

Issue Date: January 2, 2017 Title: Asphalt Sealcoating and line striping Issuing Agency: Virginia Regional Transit 1099 Brandy Knoll Ct. Culpeper, VA 22701 Initial Period of Contract: Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) is seeking bids for Sealcoating and line striping. Bids can be received by mail or hand delivery to 109 N. Bailey Ln. Purcellville, VA 20132 until 2:00 p.m. Friday January 27, 2017. Submitted bids will be considered lowest and best price and should include all fees, labor and materials. VRT is exempt from all sales tax related to this procurement.

VRT reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If beneficial, VRT may award contracts to bidders for the item mentioned below. All bidders and products must abide by the following FTA clauses.

The full IFB can be found at vatransit.org.

Note: VRT does not discriminate against faith-based organizations in accordance with the Code of Virginia (2.2-4343.1D) or against an bidder because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment.

Any addenda to this solicitation will be delivered via e-mail.

All Inquiries For Information Should Be Directed to Eric Levdahl.

540-338-7285 • eric@vatransit.org

loudounnow.com

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.

The full IFB can be found at vatransit.org.

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.

Initial Period of Contract: Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) is seeking bids for Sealcoating and line striping. Bids can be received by mail or hand delivery to 109 N. Bailey Ln. Purcellville, VA 20132 until 2:00 p.m. Friday January 27, 2017. Submitted bids will be considered lowest and best price and should include all fees, labor and materials. VRT is exempt from all sales tax related to this procurement.

VRT reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If beneficial, VRT may award contracts to bidders for the item mentioned below. All bidders and products must abide by the following FTA clauses.

PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION

Joseph Williams, a 2009 Dominion graduate, flew in from Los Angeles to speak. He was suspended nine times during his freshman year and each time, Brewer talked with him about getting on the right track. “He never gave up faith in me. He continued to invest so much in myself and my family,” Williams said. “He ensured that I stayed in school and that I turned my entire life around … all because of Dr. Brewer.”

David Perry, of education professional group APL Associates, drove from Syracuse, NY, to speak. He said Brewer has become a model for education leadership. “When it comes to character and ethics, no one stands above him,” he said. “Bring back Brewer.”

Lisa Toohey, a Dominion parent, said school system administrators, like Williams and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Talent Development Kimberly Hough, should be the ones held accountable for allowing Damron to resign as opposed to being fired if policies or laws were broken. The band director moved to a Florida school system with an unblemished record. It was the school system who “passed the trash,” she said.

Brewer, as expected, appeals Williams’ recommendation, the matter goes to the School Board. The School Board can choose to have an independent hearing officer review the information and make another recommendation to the School Board, which makes a final decision, according to school division counsel Stephen DeVita.

Any discussion will take place in closed session because it is a personnel matter.

Debbie Rose (Algonkian), who confirmed last week that Brewer had been recommended for termination, said in an interview that, for that same reason, she cannot comment on the details of the situation. “I’m not going to say anything, not yet,” she said.

Dominion teachers also held a demonstration in front of the high school Friday morning, after they had heard of the plans to fire their principal. About two dozen school staff members gathered in front of the school dressed in black—the school color—adorned bike helmets, and waved signs penned with pleas to reinstate Brewer as the school’s principal.

The bike helmets were a shout out to Brewer, who often rode his bike.

A fundraising page at gofundme. com/support-dr-brewer was launched late last week to raise money for Brewer’s legal defense. The site says, “Dr. Brewer intends to vigorously defend his position, and has retained counsel to represent him.” As of Tuesday evening, it had raised $21,575. A petition at Change.org in support of the principal has more than 2,665 signatures.

Issuing Agency: Virginia Regional Transit 109 North Bailey Lane Purcellville, VA 20132

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Title: Asphalt Sealcoating and line striping Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

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[ OBITUARIES ]

OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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Church Road, Lovettsville, VA 20180 at 11:00 on Saturday, January 14th, 2017.

There will be a reception following the service in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, her family believes Berta would want to help children attend Christian Youth Camps. Donations can be made in her honor and sent to: West Shore Brethren in Christ Church, 1085 Orrs Bridge Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 or New Jerusalem Church, Lovettsville, Va.

Alberta “Berta” Warren Barth died on January 1st, 2017 in Mechanicsburg, PA. Berta was born on September 4th, 1936 in Ithaca, New York and graduated from Mattituck High School, Long Island, New York in 1948. She married Walter H. Barth of Monticello and after Walt’s job promotions took them to several towns in Virginia and Maryland, they settled in Lovettsville, VA to raise their family in 1969. During her time in Lovettsville, Berta and her family were members of New Jerusalem Lutheran Parish. After her 4th child, Kate, was born, Berta returned to college to attain a Bachelor’s Degree from George Mason University in VA and then a Master’s degree from Virginia Tech. She was very proud of these accomplishments.

Berta began a 25 year career as a second grade teacher for Lovettsville Elementary School and had a positive impact on many students and parents. Following retirement, Berta and Walt moved to Camp Hill, PA where they spent over ten years enjoying the community and making new friends. While in Pennsylvania, they were members of the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church and later the West Shore Brethren in Christ Church. Berta loved to travel with her husband and they were able to visit Europe, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico multiple times over. With her love for life, gift for conversation and exciting personality, Berta retained a wide group of close friends many of whom she stayed in touch with over decades. Berta along with Walt, enjoyed hosting holiday parties and social events and her laughter could be heard above the din for hours on end. As smart as she was intense, Berta prided herself on being a straight talker who would tell it like it is but along with a sensitivity that was a strong reflection of her life-long faith in God and Jesus Christ. Thankful that she is no longer suffering, we will always miss her engaging personality, her love for her children and grandchildren and all that she brought to this world.

Berta is survived by her son Eric Barth of Ashburn, VA, her daughter Elaine Bonds and her husband Kyle Bonds of Camp Hill, PA, her son Mark Barth and his wife Cheryl Barth of Wake Forest, NC and her daughter Kate Ramos and her husband Robert Ramos of Purcellville, VA. She is also survived by her sister, Marlaine Harvey of Anderson, SC and 8 grand-children: Grace Bonds and her husband Joseph Plowman, Lena Bonds, Parker and Natalie Barth, Thomas, Zack, Cooper and AnnaRose Ramos. Berta was predeceased by her husband Walter Barth, her brother David Warren of Palo Alto, CA, and her sister Rebecca Clancy of North Bellmore, Long Island, NY. Services will be held at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 12942 Lutheran

Walters, Gayle Cesiro and Diane Nelson and also survived by many great nieces, great nephews and numerous friends.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 2-4&7-9pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Va. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 10:00am at St. Theresa Catholic Church 21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, Va and burial to follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

Please share online condolences with the family at loudounfuneralchapel.com

He leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Judy (McLearen) McAbee; his children, Sheila Cowling of Leesburg, VA; Deborah Snow of Huntingtown, MD; Raymond McAbee Jr. of Upper Marlboro, MD; Andrea McAbee-Churchwell of Owings, MD; Eric McAbee of Florida; his step daughters Adelle Brown; Lindsay Long; and 14 grandchildren.

Services will be at Mt. Olivet, 11791 Mountain Rd., Lovettsville, VA on May 6, 2017.

Mary “Pauline” Weiskircher, age 92, passed away Tuesday January 3, 2017, at her long-time home in Leesburg, Virginia. She was born June 30, 1924 to Walter Lee and Sena Hash Jones in Grant, Virginia. It was there that she grew up with her brothers, Kyle and Clarence Jones, before relocating to Bel Air, MD. In Bel Air, she met and married the love of her life, Sylvester John Weiskircher. Pauline and Sylvester moved to Steubenville, Ohio, shortly after, to help run the family dairy business. In Ohio, Pauline and her husband were active members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where they made many lifelong friends.

Pauline was also an active member in the Junior Women’s Club of Steubenville.

In 1968, she made her final move to Leesburg, VA, with Sylvester, who passed away in 1975. In Leesburg, she spent many years working for the Health Department and was an active member in her church, St. John the Apostle, including being a member of the senior group.

She enjoyed trips to the beach with family and friends, loved keeping her garden beautiful, and shared many good times with her weekly card group.

Pauline showed kindness to friends and strangers alike, and a deep love for her family. She enjoyed making people laugh, and her love of life showed in everything she did. She is survived by her two daughters, Pauletta Sprochi (William) and Alvena Ritenour; four grandchildren, Brian Sprochi, Anne Marie Sprochi Meyers, and Michael and Kristen Ritenour; and five great grandchildren, Tyler and Kelley Meyers, and Anthony, Ava, and Matthew Sprochi, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anthony J. Novello On Friday, January 6, 2017 in Leesburg, VA. Beloved husband of Arlene M. Novello. Loving father of Denise M. Novello.

Brother of Ernest (Theresa) Novello and the late Carmella Woodall and the late Marie Pignato. Uncle of Gary (Janet) Novello, Tommy (Joanne) Novello, Donna

Eugenia Melvina “Ms. G” Glover blessed our world on March 16, 1933.

Born to her dearly departed parents Eulala Suber-Guest and Benjamin Guest Sr., she passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2016 at the age of 83. Over these past several years she was a resident of the Northern Virginia and Southern California areas where she was able to spend quality time with close family.

Ms. G. was a devout Jehovah’s Witnesses for more than 40 years and was a faithful member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in North Chicago for as long as her health permitted. Ms. G’s dedication to the North Chicago community led her to a rewarding position as Secretary to the Principal of Neal Elementary School for over a decade before retiring in 1993. Prior to her tenure with the local school district, she worked at the VA Medical Center in North Chicago, IL.

Raymond Edward McAbee Sr., formerly of Lovettsville, VA, passed away suddenly on December 12, 2016.

He was born on February 7, 1941 in Spartanburg, SC. He was a talented self-employed general contractor, who donated his time and treasure to many.

He enjoyed coaching Babe Ruth Youth baseball & Clark Griffith League baseball, he loved to explore the history of Virginia, gardening, and painting. He has built everything from a parsonage to moving and reassembling an antique log cabin. There was nothing he could not do or anything he would not help do for others. He was an active parishioner at Mt. Olivet in Lovettsville until his move to Florida and most recently to Texas and even in Texas he was a huge Washington Redskins fan.

Street NW, MSC #78Z Leesburg, VA 20176 Checks to be made out to ‘County of Loudoun’ In memo line write ‘In memory of Pauline Weiskircher’.

Family will received visitors on January 6 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass was held January 7 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg.

Burial immediately followed at Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Home Delivered Meals Program The Senior Center of Leesburg 102 North

As a result of her generous spirit and enjoyable personality, she was so loved by many. She will continue to be loved, honored and held in the highest regard by her only living sister Pauline Lyons who is 94 years-old, living in Detroit, MI., one living daughter Monica (Kenneth) Alston, daughter-in-law, Paulette North-Glover, and 6 grandchildren Caressa (Neal) Bell, Dequan Sicard, Eric Glover, Jr., Tiffany (Joseph) Glover-Hunter, Natasha (Anthony) Sorensen and Kinesha (Darcell) Elmore. She will remain in the hearts of her beloved 13 great-grandchildren; a devoted congregation; and a host of long time family and friends. She was preceded in death by Scipio Glover, father of her 4 children; son Eric Lloyd Glover, Sr, daughters, Teri Yolanda Glover and Sylvia Melvina Glover, 2 brothers; George and Benjamin Guest Jr., and 2 sisters, Eulala Guest-King and Cecelia Guest.

In honor of Ms. G a memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2222 Argonne Drive, North Chicago, IL 60064 on Monday January 16, 2017 at 11:00am.

The family welcomes flowers, or you can share your and condolences in memory of Ms. G at LoudounFuneralChapel. com.

Edith May Moore, known to family and friends as “Edie” and “Grammy”, was born July 1, 1929, in Loudoun County, Virginia, to the late Edgar Young and Amy Berryman. She departed this life early Monday morning on January 2, 2017, at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Leesburg, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Amy, father, Edgar, brothers George, Leon, Edgar and sister-in-law Virginia.

Edith was baptized at Mountville Baptist Church at an early age. After marring Richard Moore of Leesburg, Virginia, she then joined the First Baptist Church Sycoline. Edith and Richard were married on the 25th day of April 1964, by the late

In 1983, Edith left Long Term Care to do private duty in private homes, but returned to Long Term Care in 1988. She also worked as a cook in the Douglass Elementary school.

To Place an Obituary, Memoriam, or Death Notice

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Heritage Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation, 122 Morven Park Road, Leesburg, VA 20175.

Crossword

Please share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

She leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Richard, son Richard II, daughters, Amy Payne and Beverly Young.

Grandson, Earl Payne, granddaughter, Donna Payne and great grandson, Thomas Payne. Sister, Mary Smith, brothers Raymond Young (Margaret) and Robert Young. Sister-in-law Annie Young. A very special friend, Lena Ambers, a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family received friends January 11, 2017, at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, in Leesburg, Virginia 20175. Funeral services followed at the funeral home.

Contact: Lindsay Morgan (703) 770-9723

lmorgan@loudounnow.com

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Interment will be in Gleedsville Cemetery, Leesburg, VA.

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

Rev. Leroy O. Payton. Edith had a great love for church. She sang in the choir and was a member of the pastor’s Aide Club, the Sunday school, and a very good kitchen worker. She loved children and elder people. She worked at the Conley School for several years. She then joined the Long Term care Unit in Leesburg, in May 1977 as a nursing assistant. In 1979, she was promoted to GNA I. Then in 1980 she became a GNA II.

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32

Circles of Frustration The Leesburg Town Council on Monday completed another contentious round of voting to fill a vacant seat. It was the third time in a year that town leaders found themselves going around in frustrating circles to complete the task.

The first was the several-weeks-long effort to select someone to serve as mayor until last November’s election. That was followed by the appointment of someone to fill newly appointed Mayor Dave Butler’s council seat, a selection process that prompted criticism from council members and candidates alike about the backroom maneuvering that came to characterize the exercise. This week’s procedure to select someone to fill Mayor Kelly Burk’s former council seat was supposed to address those concerns. While the newly adopted guidelines assured that all council members had a voice in the process, the exercise also spurred frustration and criticism.

It wasn’t the deadlocked council’s decision to retreat to closed session to hammer out a final decision that caused the rub; it was that some of the steps designed to improve transparency in the selection process failed to do so.

Thirteen residents asked to be considered for the appointment. That list was whittled by having each council member name their top three candidates, with the idea that the top three vote-getters would be invited to make an interview-type presentation during the public meeting. A misstep in the process was narrowing the list through a behind-thescenes email exchange. While inclusive to council members, it was outside the public’s eye—and needlessly so. If council members had announced their top choices during a public meeting, the controversy over the ranking system that resulted in one top candidate almost being excluded from the final round of review would have been avoided.

The other element that hampered the council in all three appointment efforts was its members’ stubborn partisanship. On Monday, the council repeatedly deadlocked on votes to appoint each of the five finalists; one candidate was subject to two 3-3 votes. It wasn’t until the council retreated behind closed doors—an action permitted as an exemption to Virginia’s open meeting laws—that they lowered their political shields and agreed on an appointee to help lead the town.

There are many critical challenges facing Leesburg in the coming year.

Those won’t be smoothly navigated if the council remains so sharply divided. This new council has a small window to learn a lesson that many of its predecessors know well: The best way to protect Leesburg’s small-town character is to leave the big-city partisanship outside the council chambers.

Corrections Last week’s article on Hillsboro’s expansion listed an incorrect size for the Town of Round Hill. The town covers 236 acres. Hillsboro remains the county’s smallest town at 172 acres. A report in the last week’s Public Safety section incorrectly reported that a deputy’s cruiser was struck by a suspected drunken driver. The Sheriff ’s Office reports that the deputy swerved to avoid a collision. Loudoun Now regrets the errors.

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

Contributors Samantha Bartram Jan Mercker

Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com

Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@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

Display Advertising Tonya Harding Katie Lewis Classified Manager Lindsay Morgan lmorgan@loudounnow.com Production Electronic Ink Leesburg, VA 20175

[ LETTERS ] Do You Have a Voice?

Research Bill Offers Hope

Editor, Your lead article “County, Consultant Reports Conflict on Housing” renews the ever-running argument that more housing will bring more economic development which in turn will allow lower taxes for everyone. Evidence over the past 25 years does not support this conclusion.

Less than 50 percent of the county’s workforce works within Loudoun County. As this percentage increases the need for new housing is reduced.

When the Metro opens, it will bring workers to Loudoun for local jobs. So there are trends that suggest Loudoun can grow economically without massively increasing housing with all its related costs.

What the numbers do suggest is that the county has already committed to massive increases in density in the suburban eastern area, but they conveniently leave out the related public costs for transportation, schools, parks, ball fields and public facilities.

While the entire county already has deficits in these areas it would appear that services for a population not yet here will take the priority over the needs of those who are paying the taxes today.

The more interesting question is: Do the citizens who reside here now have any voice in the future of the county?

The answer to this question will become obvious in 2017 when the results of the Envision Loudoun exercise become public. Will the public interest be protected over the private interests? If so how? Stay tuned.

— Al Van Huyck, Round Hill

Editor: Imagine sitting in a doctor’s office and being diagnosed with cancer. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. As a 39-year-old mother, all I could think about were my three kids all under the age of nine. Fortunately, though, I’m a survivor as my cancer was removed through surgery. But, unfortunately my odds are still not 100 percent. Reoccurrence takes place at the highest rates in the first five years of recovery.

Now that my life has new meaning, I see greater value in the research-funding bill that passed Congress and was signed into law by the president than I ever would have seen before. This landmark, medical research bill will stimulate medical innovation and produce better detection, management, and eventually treatments and cures of devastating diseases. The 21st Century Cures legislation will also facilitate the process for developing and delivering new treatments to patients suffering from cancer and will allocate $1.8 billion dollars for cancer research to the National Institute of Health. Furthermore, this bill includes additional funding for the purposes of accelerating advancements in cancer research as part of Vice President Joe Biden’s National Cancer Moonshot launched in response to the untimely and tragic death of his son, Beau Biden, last year.

The aim of this initiative is to improve our ability to prevent cancer and detect it at an early stage and spur a decade’s worth of advances in five years in the fight against cancer.

I want to commend Rep. Barbara Comstock for both cosponsoring the 21st Century Cures Act and for advocating the importance of this legislation at every turn to her colleagues before the final vote. While I’m fortunate enough to be here today, many others

[Editor’s note, the writer is a former Loudoun County planning commissioner and is a member of the county’s Comprehensive Plan Stakeholders Committee.]

LETTERS >> 33

[ LETTERS ] who have been diagnosed with cancer aren’t so lucky. This bill will not only bring hope to the millions of Americans battling cancer, but more importantly it may prove to be life saving for many cancer patients.

— Allison Tinney, Round Hill

Disappointed

Diversity << FROM 3

to buy cell phones for every teacher in every school to be hooked up to the weather department so they could be notified of any bad weather. Those funds should have been returned to the taxpayers or at least put toward the next year’s budget. We do not live in an area where there is no notification of bad weather coming. This was a colossal waste of money.

Any surplus funds do not belong to the elected officials; they belong to the taxpayers.

— Virginia Kramer, Leesburg

Morse

His wife, Karen, is a kindergarten assistant at Hutchison Farm Elementary.

The couple has three children; two attend Loudoun public schools and one attends Virginia Tech.

School Board member Eric DeKenipp (Catoctin) said he appreciated Hornberger’s hard work and dedication as the board’s leader throughout the past five years, adding that he feels “this transition will bring not only new leadership to the helm but also new perspective that will further enhance our ability to ensure all LCPS students are prepared to make meaning contributions to the world.”

The vote to appoint Morse was unanimous from the board members present; Joy Maloney (Broad Run) was absent for the vote.

Editor: I have been following the articles about the massive school budget be- << FROM 1 ing proposed for 2018—$1.1 billion!

According to last week’s article, the board, really—would like to continue School Board asked the Board of Su- to make those improvements.”

He also said he’d like to see an increase in teachers’ professional development, and continue expanding One ty, where the School Board recently to the World, which is an initiative of adopted similar language, said the Superintendent Eric Williams. It enchange in policy could lead to a slip- courages teachers to teach classroom pery slope that ultimately allows a lessons that empower students to make male gym teacher who identifies as a real-world impacts.

Morse is a 14-year resident of South woman to shower in the girls’ locker Riding.

He served on active duty in room with students. “You could potenthe U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring as tially be opening your students up to a commander in 2006. He is a lead assexual harassment,” she said.

The School Board also got the 2 cents sociate for Booz Allen Hamilton, manof Loudoun County native and Virgin- aging and procuring technology and ia Attorney General Mark Herring (D). services for the federal government.

Ahead of Tuesday’s decision, he wrote a letter urging them to add the specific language to policy to protect all of its employees and students, following an official legal opinion he wrote in 2015 about school boards’ authority to enact non-discrimination policies.

“I concluded in that opinion that local school boards have the authority to protect their students and teachers from discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity,” he wrote.

Still, Will Estrada, chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee, warned School Board members Tuesday night that they may face legal challenges if they add “sexual orientation, gender identity” anti-discrimination wording to its policy. Fairfax County Public Schools’ adoption of a similar policy is being challenged in court.

“What this is is a solution in search of a problem,” he said. “There is no evidence that Loudoun teachers, principals, and staff are being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.”

Connie Rice, a transgender woman who lives in Leesburg, told the board that transgender people should not be seen as the predators but vulnerable individuals in need of protection.

“They are the most attacked people group. There are no cases of transgender people attacking people in bathrooms,” she said. “What’s the problem here? Is it just our mere presence or our mere appearance? Because that is the definition of discrimination.” dnadler@loudounnow.com

dnadler@loudounnow.com

loudounnow.com

I speak for you. I may not have a majority with me tonight, but I will continue to use my voice and my position to stand with you.”

She also noted that the county board added the language to its employee policy seven years ago, saying, “I can’t believe we’re seven years behind the Board of Supervisors.”

Several board members said they received “nasty” and “hateful” emails, from people on both sides of the debate. Beth Huck (At Large) said those proved to her that the board should do all it can to specifically protect members of the LGBT community.

In response to Bible verses that were read by several speakers ahead of the vote by those opposed to the LGBT protection language, Huck asked that they consider what their underlying faith teaches them. “My faith teaches me to love and that judgment is not mine,” she said.

Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles), Eric DeKenipp (Catcotin) and Debbie Rose (Algonkian), who opposed the proposed policy change, said the board should wait for more clear direction from the state and supreme courts, which are both considering cases related to sexual orientation protections and rights. “It’s not the School Board’s role to identify our protected classes.

It’s not our job,” DeKenipp said.

More than two dozen speakers addressed the board ahead of the vote.

A similar number of people spoke in favor of adding the language and excluding it.

Charlotte McConnell, one of about a dozen people who spoke in support of specifying gender identity in the anti-discrimination policy, said that transgender people are more likely to face harassment on the job. “We are living in uncertain times. I think it’s time we all stand up and show that we appreciate them and we will protect them,” she said.

Bethany Kozma, of Fairfax Coun-

The Taxpayers’ Surplus

pervisors to spend more than $5.6 million in fiscal year 2017 surplus funds to purchase 34 school buses and new textbooks. Surplus? There is a surplus?

Why has this surplus not been refunded to the taxpayers or at least put toward the new 2018 budget? This is not the board’s money to do with as they wish; it belongs to us the taxpayers.

Buying new textbooks and digital learning resources is estimated to cost about $3 million. Why not use the surplus to buy them? The last time I became aware that there was a surplus, I neglected to write and should have. The surplus was used at that time

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS | PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION

Editor: I am writing to express my disappointment with a recent action taken

by U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock and the Republican controlled House of Representatives that gave them the power to cut the salary of a federal civil service employee to $1.

When Barbara Comstock was running for re-election to a seat once held

by Frank Wolf (a true friend of federal civil service employees) she promised to “protect the interests of federal workers.” But she voted for this mea-

sure, even saying before the vote that it was “misguided and ill-informed.”

I guess Mrs. Comstock is only caught up in the new way politicians do things today: Say anything to get elected, but then vote the way your party wants you to vote.

What happened to keeping your promises?

Members of Congress have not been able to produce a budget (their most important task) since before the Nationals started playing in DC. Since they cannot do their jobs, perhaps they and Barbara Comstock should have their salaries reduced to $1.

— Anthony V. Fasolo, Leesburg

Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

<< FROM 32

33

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loudounnow.com

34

Downtown << FROM 1 stant local favorite. “The more foot traffic you have, it’s only going to create an enhancement for everybody down there.”

Longtime merchant Mike Carroll, who opened his Leesburg Vintner wine shop at the corner of King and Loudoun streets almost 30 years ago, is one of the downtown mainstays who has weathered many a storm and survived. He considers news of a franchise of world-renowned beer restaurant Delirium Café’s opening just across Loudoun Street from the Vintner a game changer for all of downtown.

“This is the best news I’ve heard in so, so long,” he said. He plans to extend his store hours to catch customers in the evening.

“I think this place is going to be a big, big shot in the arm for everyone in our neck of the woods,” Carroll said, referring to those who run shops near his corner of downtown.

Longtime restaurateur Fabian Saiedi, who owns three restaurants along King Street, in addition to the Leesburg Colonial Inn, also believes that many of the restaurants coming to downtown are sparking a new life in the historic area. And it’s a misnomer to think that the arrival of more restaurants will be to the detriment of others.

“It’s about complementing, not competing,” Saiedi said.

After owning downtown properties for almost half a century, Saiedi said he has always been in favor of attract-

ing more restaurant operators to the downtown.

“The more restaurants you have, the more people come to town,” he said. “If you want to go out [to eat] you don’t want to go someplace where there’s only one or two restaurants.”

Michael O’Connor, who runs Palio and Leesburg Diner and owns several

Longtime downtown landlord Don Devine has landed several big fish recently, with Delirium’s lease agreement finalized last week and the upcoming arrival of a new crab shack by former Döner Bistro and MacDowell Brew Kitchen manager Nils Schnibbe in the old Cajun Experience building.

“Everyone wants the spaces we have

So many people for years have talked about what potential there was downtown and now it’s being realized. other downtown buildings, said there is a “broad-based interest in businesses coming into downtown Leesburg.” He is currently in talks with several different types of businesses interested in coming downtown and cashing in on the surge of energy.

“We’re in discussions with a number of smaller companies,” O’Connor said, including an ice cream parlor and a popcorn company.

O’Connor, who has been involved with downtown Leesburg for more than 25 years, said this is one of the most exciting times for the heart of the town.

“I think for the new people coming into Leesburg, they’re seeing what a vibrant, historic town can be. I think for those of us that have been involved for many years it’s like seeing the fruits of your efforts come to fruition,” he said.

“None of this happens by chance. As Leesburg is successful it’s a result of long hours of hard work by many people of all walks of life.”

before they become available,” Devine said. “I’m more excited about Leesburg than I have been in 10 years.”

And one of those who has worked behind the scenes to help businesses set up in the downtown, as well as greater Leesburg, is Economic Development Director Marantha Edwards.

“It’s downtown’s time,” she said.

“So many people for years have talked about what potential there was downtown and now it’s being realized.

There’s Mike McLister looking at residential [converting the former Eiffel Tower restaurant to apartments], Don Knutson looking at residential [on South King Street], and Don Devine getting great, cool restaurants there.

Downtown has such potential and now people are realizing it.”

Curtis Allred, who has worked as general manager at Fire Works Pizza and Shoes Cup & Cork, is opening Delirium in the former Crème de la Crème building. He remembers a meeting of downtown business lead-

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ers about 18 months ago that left many frustrated. They could not come up with a cohesive solution to attract more foot traffic. Allred said, unlike developments like One Loudoun and Reston Town Center, downtown Leesburg does not have one owner and operator implementing a single cohesive plan, so it’s up to the many individual stakeholders to make necessary changes to draw a crowd.

And that is what they’ve begun to do, Allred said. He pointed to 27 South Interiors, B Doughnut and the Oyster Bar—all three of which opened in 2016 and have been instant hits.

“If we put content here that people wish to consume, people will come to downtown. But we can’t rely on the town,” he said. “I think the take away is the onus is going to be on us, the business leaders, to do it.”

But the excitement isn’t just for the new retail and restaurants coming into, or thriving within, the town’s center. Residential development both in, and on the outskirts of, the downtown has helped to create some of that long-sought-after foot traffic. The rise and popularity of the Crescent Place development off Harrison Street, with a strong resident base of young professionals as well as older individuals craving a walkable community close to amenities, has been another recent boon to the downtown. And Don Knutson, who is a homebuilder with Crescent Place, is hoping to only add to that foot traffic with his own 64unit residential project near the existing Battery Warehouse on South King DOWNTOWN POTENTIAL >> 35

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Street that was recently approved by the Town Council.

“To the extent that there are more communities that are truly walkable, more and more dollars will be spent in downtown Leesburg,” Knutson said.

He said he also believes that “growth is organic” and investment will spur further investment by others.

“If things are actually happening more things happen. I think that’s the nature of infill development,” Knutson said. “Activity breeds activity.”

And if the saying rings true, downtown Leesburg can expect even more activity and excitement, particularly when the warmer months return.

O’Connor said there is enthusiasm by many downtown stakeholders to hold more events, and make First Friday festivities occur every Friday.

Carroll also believes that the downtown, which for a time was maligned by those who rued the fact that so many shops closed at 5 p.m. on weekdays, is shifting to meet the needs of a changing demographic. And expanded evenings hours, like he plans to do at the Vintner, could become even more prevalent for other shops, especially as more restaurants pop up.

general manager of Fire Works Pizza for four and a half years before, in 2014, he helped open and manage Shoes Cup & Cork.

Introducing the U.S. to its first Delirium Café has been an idea five-plus years in the making for Allred. He visited the world-famous Delirium Café flagship location in Brussels, Belgium, five years ago as part of a work trip for the Tuskies Restaurant Group, which owns Fire Works Pizza, Tuscarora Mill and Magnolia’s at the Mill.

“We were sitting there having had a really fantastic time and saying there’s no reason one of these should not be in the U.S.,” he said. “Then we came back home and, for some reason, the idea just didn’t go away.”

He returned to the café a few months later, met with the owners, and later signed a franchise license agreement.

The agreement collected dust over the next several years, as Allred and his wife had their fifth child and didn’t have the funding to get the operation off the ground.

“I had this idea that Delirium had to be in downtown DC or Reston, but we didn’t have several million dollars to open a restaurant like that, so we kind of shelved the idea,” he said.

Then, when Crème de la Crème moved out of the storefront on the corner of Loudoun and King streets last year after calling it home for 14 years, Allred had a revelation. “Nobody ever said that Delirium has to be huge.

krodriguez@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler contributed to this story.

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Curtis Allred stands in front of 101 S. King St., where he’ll open Delirium Café.

Here’s this building that’s got a massive amount of history, a ton of charm, and it’s the highest point in town,” he said.

The original Delirium Café in Brussels is 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 Leesburg café is expected to be a destination place, likely drawing beer and pub-style cuisine lovers from around the Washington, DC region and beyond. Allred said to expect a

beer list featuring close to 300 beers, from all over the world, about a third of which will be Belgium beers. The café’s second floor will feature a Hoppy Loft, similar to the café in Brussels, that highlights American-style pale ales and IPAs. The second floor can also be reserved for private events.

Allred plans to hire a staff of about 20 to 22. Gina Burgess will take over as general manager of Shoes Cup & Cork.

Follow updates on Delirium Café at facebook.com/deliriumcafeusa. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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Jan. 12 – 18, 2017

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