Loudoun Now for Jan. 19, 2017 by Loudoun Now

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

[ loudounnow.com ]

A new you

25, 2017

[ Vol. 2, No. 11 ]

2017

Jan. 19 –

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

New Year, New You section inside

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017 ]

‘We Shall March Forward’

Raises, Mental Health Services Top Williams’ Priority List BY DANIELLE NADLER

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Hundreds marched through downtown Leesburg Monday as part of the town’s 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” celebration.

MLK Day Program Stresses Unity BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

n the days leading up to a presidential inauguration that has left the nation deeply divided, the keynote speaker at the 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” ceremony in Leesburg reminded his audience of a key area where we can find commonalities: education. Blake Morant, dean of the George Washington University Law School, standing before the hundreds of men, women and children gathered in the auditorium of the Douglass Community

Center, said King would have been proud “of the rainbow of people” attending the program. As King was an educated man who inspired many with his words, Morant said he took time in preparing his speech to look back at some of King’s earlier works, those from before he had completed his education. He drew reference to King’s thesis at Morehouse College in which he wrote that “Intelligence is not enough. It must be matched with character.” “That’s the true mark of education,” Morant emphasized. He also recalled the earlier advice of his late grandfather,

a longtime minister and pastor, who advised his grandson, “You can have all the book learning, but if you don’t have common sense it does you no good.” Morant said there was an opportunity for us all to focus on the commonalities we all share, and to do that through education. And education isn’t contained just to classrooms, but from what we can share with each other through conversation and learning from each other, he emphasized. MLK DAY >> 10

Superintendent Eric Williams wants to address the top concerns recently brought up by Loudoun County parents and the school system’s 10,640 employees, but he says he will need a boost in funding to do it. In front of the School Board on Thursday, Williams unveiled his proposed fiscal year 2018 spending plan for the state’s third largest school division. It would funnel money to support more mental health services in the high schools, expand full-day kindergarten, and provide pay raises and more hours for bus drivers to address a severe staffing shortage in the Transportation Department. His proposed operating budget totals $1,124.2 billion. That’s up $93.6 million or 9.1 percent over the current fiscal year budget. Two of the priciest line items are related to enrollment growth, which he expects will cost $32.3 million, and employees’ salary and benefits. Projections show the school system will grow by almost 3,000 and reach a total student population of 81,622 by August. The budget includes $38.7 million in increases just related to employee pay. About $14.9 million would give every eligible employee a step increase on the salary scale, to average a pay raise of 2.2 percent. Another $10.3 million would provide pay raises for teachers, with an eye toward making salaries for mid-level educators more competitive with neighboring school systems.

Bus Drivers Williams wants to spend $2.3 million to give bus drivers more hours and a pay raise. After a slew of families said their children are facing longer bus rides—as long as 90 minutes each way—school leaders reported that the division is desperate for drivers. In November, Transportation Director Michael Brown said, ideally, they could use as many as 160 more drivers than the 1,289 who are already on the pay roll. SCHOOL BUDGET >> 27

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INSIDE

BY LEAH FALLON

ebbles the pig garnered regional attention after being rescued from his second house fire two weeks ago. The fire on the La Cheval Farm near Aldie displaced four people, 18 horses, 15 cats and 3-year old Pebbles the pot-bellied pig. But if anything good can come from something so catastrophic, homeowners Ruth and Tommy Peters have found it. In the days since the fire, they have experienced the strength and selflessness of their neighbors, the local business community, and others who were once strangers. Chris Jefferson and his fiancée Courtney Kockler have lived next door to the Peters for two years, but they had never met their neighbors. After seeing billowing smoke coming from the Peters’ garage on the morning of

Submitted photo

Pebbles has had his share of close calls. In this 2014 photo, he is recovering after being rescued from a house fire near Warrenton.

Jan. 7, Jefferson and Kockler hurried over to find the couple, both in their

late 70s, safe outdoors but fearful for the safety of Pebbles. The 150-pound pig was too frightened to escape. With little hesitation, Jefferson entered the smoke and fire. “I couldn’t see. I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I didn’t know where I was going because I’d never been in this house before.” He knew he couldn’t come out without Pebbles. When he finally found the pig lying on the kitchen floor, he didn’t know how he was going to get the stubborn pet to safety. Using a lead rope, and after lots of struggling, lifting and pulling, Jefferson was able to maneuver the frightened pig outside. Ironically, it was a house fire that first united Pebbles with Ruth and Tommy Peters. On Thanksgiving Day, 2014, he was rescued from a fire that

Lansdowne lands Ford’s Fish Shack

Sterling venue could be next hot spot

PEBBLES >> 19

Feds Approve Expansion of Balls Bluff Landmark BY MARGARET MORTON

INDEX

Loudoun Gov..................... 4 Leesburg........................... 8 Public Safety................... 12 Education........................ 14 Loudoun Now File Photo

The view across the Potomac River to Edwards Ferry Landing, an integral part of the October 1861 Battle of Balls Bluff.

Our Towns....................... 16 Biz.................................. 20 LoCo Living..................... 24

of Fort Evans, south of the battlefield. Landowners in the landmark may be eligible for tax

Obituaries....................... 28

BALLS BLUFF >> 34

Opinion........................... 32

Classifieds...................... 29

loudounnow.com

With a stroke of U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell’s pen, the Balls Bluff Battlefield National Historic Landmark near Leesburg last week grew from 76 acres to more than 3,300 acres. The action culminated a five-year effort by the Loudoun County Heritage Committee. The landmark district was established in 1984 to recognize the national significance of the 1861 battle that occurred on the land along the Potomac River just east of Leesburg. The landmark expansion does not alter the current size of the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Park, which remains at 223 acres. The designation is honorary and does not limit development or impose use restrictions beyond local zoning laws. The expansion takes in land along both shores of the Potomac River, the river itself, and Harrison Island. On the Maryland side, there were locations which saw artillery bombardment across to the Virginia side of the river. On the Virginia side, the landmark now includes the site

Students react to LGBT vote with hope

Fire Sparks Support for Pig and Family

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

Leesburg man convicted in brother’s murder

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Chris Jefferson poses in front of his neighbors’ home that burned Jan. 7 in Aldie. He was asked by firefighters to keep his neighbors, Tommy and Ruth Peters, from reentering the engulfed structure when they begged him to save their pet pig still trapped inside. Jefferson ran in and saved Pebbles the pig.

One Loudoun sportsplex out, parkand-ride in

[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

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One Loudoun Eyes Park and Ride Lot Instead of Sportsplex BY RENSS GREENE

fter meeting skepticism and resistance from county planners and supervisors, One Loudoun’s developer has offered to build a commuter parking lot and contribute $10 million to the county’s capital facilities construction fund instead of building an indoor recreation center. Miller & Smith last year proposed to build an 80,000-square-foot, turnkey indoor recreation center and hand it over to the county instead of paying $16.3 million in cash proffers. Among

other changes, the application would have allowed the developer to build 725 more residential units, including 40 townhouses. In the latest revision of its offer, Miller & Smith is offering to build a parkand-ride lot that the county is planning to build in fiscal year 2019, budgeting $3.29 million for the project. The developer would count that $3.29 million against its capital facilities payment, bringing it down to $10.26 million. The lot would open by July 2020. In the latest version of the application, the developer also has cut the number of new multifamily units it is requesting, bringing the total number

of additional residential units down to 640, 64 of which would be restricted to residents age 55 and older. And although the county’s plans call for at least 200 parking spaces in the park and ride, one of Miller & Smith’s concept plans allows for more than 500 parking spots without increasing the developer’s credit against its cash payment. The developer and others in the county, including Visit Loudoun CEO Beth Erickson, had argued that the indoor recreation center could help the businesses and tax base by attracting year-round sports tourism and events. “I think there’s no doubt that an in-

Loudoun Board Reverses Course on Higher Tax Rate BY RENSS GREENE A week after getting bad news on the county budget front, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors received a rosier update Jan. 11—one that may help them keep the real estate tax rate down. Previously, supervisors were told that slumping real estate values meant they would have to hike the tax rate to keep tax bills level. The board voted last week to direct the staff to prepare a draft budget with a one-cent real estate tax rate increase, to $1.155 per hundred dollars of assessed value. But last week—technically the same meeting, since the board had only recessed its Jan. 3 meeting so it could reconvene and hold its annual performance reviews for the county administrator and county attorney—the board heard that rather than the county’s property valuation dropping as much as 0.9 percent, the latest estimates by the Commissioner of the Revenue now show it growing by as much as 0.6 percent. “It’s not unusual at all for the estimates that we receive to fluctuate up until the commissioner finalizes the portfolio, which will be toward the end of January,” said County Administrator Tim Hemstreet. “However, the staff and I cannot wait until the end of January to put together a proposed budget.” The change meant that to keep average tax bill level and tax revenue roughly level, supervisors could cut the rate to $1.140, a half-penny lower than the current rate. Supervisors approved that

door rec center could attract significant Transient Occupancy Tax money to the county,” said Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run), whose district includes One Loudoun. But, he said, a sports center should be a private endeavor. “It seemed like the consensus was that we don’t want to do something the private sector could do,” Meyer said. “Plus, it’s really not going to offset [the impact of] the development.” The Board of Supervisors was scheduled take up this latest draft of One Loudoun’s application Thursday, Jan. 19. rgreene@loudounnow.com

[ BRIEFS ] Finance Committee Approves Potomac Bridge Committee

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Board vice chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) and Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

change unanimously. Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) asked Wertz how confident he is in the new estimates, considering the size of the swing in projections, and Wertz said he is confident. Wertz said the major causes for the change resulted from mistakes in calculating real estate values in his computer system, including one error that resulted in a valuation of zero for a Dulles Greenway parcel. “That represented about $290 million of value, and then there was another $100 million in commercial revaluation that had not been reflected in that

report,” Wertz said. Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) pressed him on those errors. “Unfortunately, the way it’s handled in the system relative to the tax districts is a little bit cumbersome, so we were part of the way through the process when that report was run on the 18th, resulting in a zero valuation on one of the parcels, which we later caught,” Wertz explained. He said he plans to finalize assessments by Jan. 20, mail assessment notices Jan. 30, and meet with the board again Feb. 7. rgreene@loudounnow.com

The county finance committee approved on consent an Economic Development Advisory Committee request to form an ad-hoc committee on a possible Potomac River crossing. The county has long asked for a new bridge crossing the Potomac, but has been unable to make any progress without cooperation from Maryland. The advisory committee had asked the county for the go-ahead to form the ad hoc committee amid another surge of support for a new bridge among businesses and as the county puts a bridge back on its legislative priority list. The committee has also directed EDAC to present a draft strategic plan to the finance committee in July.

County to Purchase Land, Renovate Sterling Safety Center The county finance committee has signed off on a possible agreement with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company and BRIEFS >> 7

County to Fill Capital Improvement Gaps BY RENSS GREENE

BY RENSS GREENE

committee Chairman Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) cautioned against to avoid complications as construction costs and code requirements change over time. Staff ’s example for how it might fill in extra room in the plan, although intended only as an example, reduces extra capacity in each year of the plan to less than $1 million. The finance committee will this year hear staff ’s proposed capital improvement program on Feb. 14, one day ahead of the rest of the county administrator’s proposed budget presentation. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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(R-Ashburn) characterized the decision as a “philosophical” one. Although it provides guidance, it does not set out specific projects. The committee voted unanimously to prioritize fast-tracked projects over new projects, and roads over sidewalks. As an example, staff provided the option of moving forward extensions of Dulles West Boulevard and Evergreen Mills Road, an interchange at Rt. 7 and Rt. 287, a roundabout at Rt. 9 and Rt. 287, and surfacing four new turf fields in fiscal year 2019. Some of those accelerations involved dividing larger projects into smaller portions, which finance

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Finance committee chairman Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles).

Former Purcellville councilmember and planning commissioner Thomas Priscilla is scheduled for confirmation to the Blue Ridge seat on the Loudoun Planning Commission on Thursday. Priscilla will replace Chad Campbell (Blue Ridge), who took the seat on a temporary basis after Charles Douglas resigned for health reasons. Campbell, who also serves on the comprehensive plan stakeholder steering committee, said at the time he intended it to be a short-term appointment while Supervisor Tony R. Buffington Jr. (R-Blue Ridge) sought out a more permanent appointee. He joins the Planning Commission as the county is reworking its comprehensive plan. Priscilla said he had no “preconceived ideas” for the county or the district in his tenure. “I don’t think I’m coming with any ideas,” Priscilla said. “The county’s initiated the update of the comprehensive plan, so I think that will really determine some of the priorities on a countywide basis.” Priscilla served for 10 years on the Purcellville Town Council and 12 years on the town’s planning commission. He is also a past president of the Purcellville Preservation Association. He has spent 34 years of his 36-year career working in the military and civilian airport industries, currently employed as an airport development team leader with the Federal Aviation Administration. In that capacity he assists in the planning, design and construction of airport improvements in consultation with federal and state regulatory agencies.

5 Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

The county finance committee has given county staff direction on how to use extra capacity for funding in its capital improvement plan. The current capital improvement program, which the board uses for one-time expenses like new buildings and roads and much of which it finances through grants or bonds runs for five more years, until fiscal year 2022. In each year, there is some extra room for new projects. But board members have individually requested even more new or accelerated projects, so as county staff begin work on a draft fiscal year 2018 budget, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet asked the finance committee how they would like staff to prioritize those projects. According to county budget staff, supervisors’ requests for moving projects ahead of schedule amount to $152 million, and their requests for new projects add up to $445 million. County staff estimate Loudoun still has the capacity to finance roughly $1 million in fiscal year 2018, $1.2 million in 2019, and $2.4 million in 2020. Further into the future, the county has more flexibility, with about $24.1 million available in 2021 and $25.5 million in 2022. Supervisor Ralph M. Buona

Priscilla Nominated to Planning Commission

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[ BRIEFS ] the Sterling Park Rescue Squad to purchase the Sterling Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station property at 104 Commerce Street. The county would consolidate it with an adjacent county-owned property, demolish the old buildings and construct a new station, and lease it back to Sterling Park Safety Center, Inc., the non-profit organization formed jointly by the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company and the Ster-

ling Park Rescue Squad. The current building was built in 1970 and renovated in 1990. If approved, the county would pay up to $188,619 for the property. In total, it has budgeted $16,371,000 for the project, including roughly $14 million in bonds and $2 million in proffers. The county had previously set forth a tentative schedule to finish the replacement facility in summer of 2019. The agreement will now go to the full Board of Supervisors for approval.

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The office of Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) and Enroll VA have partnered to host an Affordable Care Act open enrollment event for Sterling res- Saines idents. The deadline to enroll for healthcare in 2017 is Jan. 31. Those who do not register before that deadline will not be able to enroll in healthcare for 2017 unless they undergo a life change (such as a marriage, change of salary, or birth of a child.) Individuals who choose to not be insured for 2017 may be subject to a penalty of at least $695 per adult. Certified Assisters will be available at the event to provide free one-on-one assistance with the online enrollment process. In addition, translators will be available. The ACA Enrollment Event will take place Sunday, Jan. 22 from 2:30 to 6 p.m. in the library at Park View High School, 400 W Laurel Avenue, Sterling. Reservations are required. Individuals must call Enroll VA’s hotline at 703-647-4748 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are not guaranteed assistance because of limited space. To enroll, be sure to bring Social Security numbers for all family members, recent tax returns or last two paystubs, immigration documents if applicable, name and number of current employer, and an email address and password.

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The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services is soliciting suggestions for naming a new recreation center and a senior center, both located in the Dulles District. Phase I of the recreation center project, currently known as the Dulles South Multipurpose Center, opened in 2008 and features classrooms, meeting rooms, a large multipurpose room, an activities room, indoor recreation area, senior activity center, a kitchen, restrooms and offices. The expansion will result in the first public recreation center and full-service senior center in south Loudoun. The 81,000-square-foot Phase II addition includes an elevated running track, a competition and leisure pool, and a climbing wall. A name is sought for the area comprising both Phase I and Phase II areas. A second name is sought for Phase III, which provides a full-service senior center, including office and program space, a small gymnasium, a large multipurpose room with adjoining commercial kitchen, an exercise/ fitness room, classrooms, a game room and a computer lab. Construction is expected to be complete this summer. The center is located at 24950 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. Names may be submitted by email to prcs@loudoun.gov or by mail to Steve Torpy, Director, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 20145 Ashbrook Place, Ste. 170, Ashburn, VA 20147. Include your full name, email/mailing address and phone number in your correspondence. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Feb. 17.

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

James Grant guides an ambulance back into the bay at Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad’s newer Cascades station.

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[ BRIEFS ] Costco Expansion Clears Town Review

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Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Mayor Kelly Burk, right, leads her first Town Council meeting as mayor Jan. 9. The council will vote next week to appoint a vice mayor.

Council Retreat Set, Meeting Times Changed BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

he Leesburg Town Council is making some changes to begin the year. The most notable change agreed to by all council members is to its meeting times. Beginning at the Jan. 23 work session, council meetings will begin at 7 p.m., rather than 7:30 p.m. There was also some enthusiasm for amending the format of council meetings, perhaps mirroring the structure used by the Board of Supervisors by establishing certain days or nights for public hearings and ceremonial resolutions. Further discussion on that, and other possible changes to the council rules

of order, is expected at an upcoming meeting. The council will meet for a retreat from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. A professional facilitator will run the meeting, and council members will be asked to complete a pre-retreat survey. The council hopes to emerge with a streamlined list of goals and priorities for 2017 and 2018, according to a staff report. Some council members said they would prefer to use a staff member, rather than an outside facilitator, to save money. That price tag is expected to be up to $4,000. But a council majority agreed to use a facilitator. Money will come from the Town Manager’s Contingency Fund.

Board, Commission Reps Appointed The Town Council made some of its appointments to Leesburg’s 14 boards, commissions and committees last week. Council members appointed their representatives for four-year terms, or, in the case of the mayor, a twoyear term. Most of the appointments made last week were by council members elected in November or to fill vacancies. Appointed to the Airport Commission were: Eliot Danner (Mayor Kelly Burk), Gary Rogerson (Councilman Ron Campbell), Tom Dunlop (Councilman Tom Dunn), Vaughn Allen (Councilman Ken Reid), and Jed Babbin (Councilwoman Suzanne Fox). Russ Woodard (Burk), Donna Bohanon (Campbell), and Mary Pellicano (Reid) join the Thomas Balch Library Advisory Commission.

Dale Goodson (Dunn) and Doug Skinner (Reid) were appointed to the Board of Architectural Review. Rusty Foster (Burk), KD Kidder (Campbell) and Tom O’Neil were all re-appointed to the Commission on Public Art. The Diversity Commission saw the return of Enrique Gonzalez (Campbell), Oliver Peters (Dunn) and Chang Liu (Reid), and the arrival of new member Tara Dwyer (Burk). The Economic Development Commission is getting several new faces: Tosha Woodard (Campbell), Joshua Thiel (Dunn), John Bischoff (Reid), and Eric Byrd (Fox). Eunggill Choi was re-appointed by Burk. Bettina Guerre (Burk), Maria Bergheim (Campbell), and Helik Sheamer (Dunn) are all new to the Environmental Advisory Commission. The Parks and Recreation Com-

One big vote that is yet to come is who will serve as second-in-command to Mayor Kelly Burk. Originally scheduled for Jan. 10, the vote on appointing a vice mayor was postponed by two weeks. Councilman Hugh Forsythe had phoned Burk earlier in the day to request a postponement so he could participate in the vote, as he was not present at the Jan. 10 meeting. All council members supported the postponement. The vice mayor serves in the mayor’s stead in an absence. On the current council, only Burk and Councilman Marty Martinez have ever served as vice mayor. krodriguez@loudounnow.com mission sees the return of Brody McCray (Campbell) and Clint Walker (Dunn), and the arrival of Teena Clayton (Burk) and Kevin O’Dell (Reid). JoAnn Walker (Dunn) and Rick Lanham (Reid) are new to the Planning Commission, and join returning commissioners Ad Barnes (Burk) and Lyndsay Welsh Chamblin (Campbell). The Technology & Communications Commission has gained three new members thus far: Noel Shantananda (Campbell), Sean Duarte (Dunn), and Michael Feuz (Reid). Debra Decker (Burk) was appointed to the Tree Commission, along with returning member Earl Hower (Reid). Sandy Grossman (Burk) returns to the Standing Residential Traffic Committee, along with new member John Burnham (Dunn). —Kara C. Rodriguez

The Town Council last week gave the thumbs-up to expansion plans for Costco on Edwards Ferry Road. The store owners sought to amend a previously approved special exception to allow it to expand by 6,100 square feet, about 4 percent of its total square footage. The building addition includes a 3,340-squarefoot increase to the general retail sales area, a 1,920-squarefoot increase to the cooler area, and an 840-square-foot increase to the tire store, adding one additional tire bay. The application also calls for 2,800 square feet of seasonal outdoor sales along the front side of the store facing Edwards Ferry Road. After the application’s initial public hearing before the Planning Commission on Oct. 6, many residents of the nearby Edwards Landing neighborhood raised serious concerns about the potential negative impacts of the project in terms of added noise. Costco made efforts to address those concerns, conducting a noise study and hosting a community meeting for nearby residents Nov. 15. As a way to allay the concerns, Costco agreed to install noise mitigation materials in the loading dock area, on the rooftop between the chillers and the residential properties, and on the interior walls of the tire bays. An 8-foot fence to deter trespassers into the neighborhood will also be built. Mayor Kelly Burk, who attended the initial Planning Commission meeting when she was serving as its council liaison, commended Costco on its community outreach and proactive approach to finding solutions. “The fact that you have no one here [to speak out against the application] says a lot,” she said to Costco representatives at last week’s meeting. The vote to approve the special exception passed by a 5-0-11 vote, with Councilman Marty Martinez abstaining and Councilman Hugh Forsythe absent. Prior to the vote, Martinez said he would abstain because he has family employed by Costco.

Town Council OKs Sign Rule Changes The Town Council voted 6-01 on Jan. 10 to adopt changes to Leesburg’s sign regulations that will bring Leesburg into compliance with a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ, opinion prohibited localities from regulating signs based on their content. The suit was brought by a pastor to the Town BRIEFS >> 11

Leesburg Praised for Finances “which we are preliminarily discussing doing in 2018.” He also lauded the council for sticking to its financial policy guidelines and ramping up annual contributions to the Unassigned Fund Balance. The fiscal cliff, first identified in 2010, showed the possibility that, without proper financial planning, the council could be looking at a five-cent real estate tax rate increase in future years. But planning and paying down debt service through a town reserve has avoided that, Rose noted. “That was pretty terrifying,” when the possibility of the steep rate increase was first identified, Mayor Kelly Burk said. “To avoid that was a significant achievement.” “Our long-term sustainability plan requires we set aside money in years we had lower debt service to fund years that have higher debt service. That’s how we’ve managed to avoid the 5-cent tax increase,” Rose explained. Going forward, in addition to looking at the financial policy guidelines, Rose said he and the town staff would review the Capital Improvements Program and present a comprehensive financing strategy for certain projects. That is expected sometime in the springtime. The council also voiced enthusiasm for a separate presentation on the town’s Utility Fund, an enterprise fund that continues to be self-supporting, Rose noted.

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It was a great year for the Town of Leesburg in terms of its proactive approach to financial planning. David Rose of Davenport & Co., the longtime financial advisor for the town, on Jan. 9 gave council members an overview of the past year in preparation for the fiscal year 2018 budget review that will begin in earnest next month. About a year ago, Rose presented the Town Council with some refinancing options for interest rate savings. When enacted on two occasions last year, it netted the town more than $1 million in savings, he noted. The town’s AAA credit rating, reaffirmed by the Fitch rating agency late last year, made this possible, he said. In terms of next steps, Rose said he would like to take another look at Leesburg’s fiscal policy guidelines. “One of the reasons you have the AAA [rating] is because you have adhered to a series of financial policy guidelines. Those are the kinds of things we look at, review and amend every several years. It is time for us to talk about amending those guidelines to make sure we continue to follow best practices and stay within AAA,” he told the council. Rose also noted that $5 million in borrowing needs have been identified for future capital projects. “Over the next several years we’ve layered in future CIP debt service,” he said referring to the $5 million,

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MLK Day << FROM 1 That’s a stance shared by the late Maya Angelou, with whom Morant was invited to share dinner when he was the dean of the Wake Forest University Law School. “She referenced the message of commonality in education as a way of building character and helping us learn from each other,” Morant recalled of the night they met. Angelo also advised Morant that educators have a special role in helping others to “understand the beauty of humanity and the commonalities we share.” Another instance that drew comparison for Morant was when a Winston-Salem, NC, elementary school was “adopted” by a local law firm, which took the students under its wings to provide mentorship and guidance. The elementary school saw its test scores go from some of the lowest in the region to some of the highest, Morant noted, but said the law firm members reported that they learned more from the children than they ever dreamed. “The kids educated us about the spirit of community,” Morant recalls hearing from the law firm. He ended his talk on a hopeful note. Morant pointed to the community spirit exhibited during the morning’s march and the ceremony at Douglass. “It lets me know that really reinforcing our commonalities through education is a very important task we have.

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Kevin Pullen of Brambleton marches through downtown Leesburg with a sign displaying Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech. The town’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day march and celebration marked 25 years on Monday.

“No matter what shall come, we shall march forward,” he said. “The spirit which [King] lived and died for, which Dr. Angelou manifested, and which you all exhibited today will serve us for many years to come.” The ceremony also featured some rousing performances from area community groups, bands and choirs, that brought many in the audience to their feet. Local and state politicians were in attendance for the morning’s events, including Rep. Barbara Comstock (RVA-10), as well as many members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and Leesburg Town Council. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

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Bike Shop Receives Tolbert Award

Jr., Environmental Achievement Award given by the Environmental Advisory Commission. Plum Grove’s owner Mike Dickerson was on hand at the Town Council’s Jan. 10 meeting to formally accept the award. In presenting the award, EAC Chairman Charles Greenough noted the bike shop’s extensive use of repurposed materials and comprehensive recycling program. Dickerson noted that, in the bike shop’s move a little more than a year ago to 120-C East Market Street, across from the Loudoun County Government Center, the space they moved into needed to be built out for their use. It was an opportunity to integrate recycled and refurbished materials into the new space, Dickerson said, and proudly showed Town Council members some visual examples. “We used a lot of recycled wood, wood pallets. Our pride and joy is 80-year-old bowling alley benches made of old bowling alleys,” Dickerson said. In addition to the green techniques used in the renovation, Dickerson said the shop also refurbishes bikes and sells them “so they can keep going indefinitely.” He thanked friend, customer and Leesburg resident, Brett Burk for the Tolbert Award nomination.

11 Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

<< FROM 8 of Gilbert, when he argued the town applied stricter regulations on signs that displayed political or ideological messages. In the case of the pastor, temporary signs directing residents to church services were called into question. In the high court’s majority opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the town’s sign “code imposes more stringent restrictions on these signs than it does on signs conveying other messages. We hold that these provisions are content-based regulations of speech that cannot survive strict scrutiny.” The town staff, in coordination with the Local Government Attorneys Association, determined while a sign cannot be regulated based on its content, regulating it based on location is fair game. This change means that signs are no longer listed in the town’s Zoning Ordinance by type—meaning no more regulations specifically for political or religious signs, for example—but instead all are lumped into temporary signs. Planning Commissioners extensively reviewed the proposed changes over a couple of months, ultimately recommending approval of the changes to the council.

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Leesburg Man Convicted of Murder in Brother’s Stabbing BY NORMAN K. STYER

Loudoun County Circuit Court jury on Friday found Sergio Ramon Zuniga Robles guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his half-brother on Feb. 1, 2016. The jury deliberated for about 10 hours after hearing three days of testimony. The murder conviction carries a sentence of five to 40 years in prison. The jury recommended a sentence of 25 years. When the case returns to court for final sentencing on April 26, Judge Jeanette A. Irby may reduce, but not increase, the jury’s sentence. Prosecutors said Zuniga Robles came home from work and got into an argument with the victim, 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 restaurant tab. Zuniga Robles told the jury that he was doing dishes in the kitchen of the Plaza Street townhouse they shared when Ochoa Robles began insulting him and then pushing him, trying to provoke a fight. He said he tried to stop

[ BRIEFS ] 2 Students Injured in School Bus Hit and Run The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a hit and run crash involving a school bus on Evergreen Mills Road near Black Branch Parkway during the morning run Jan. 12. The bus was transporting 54 students, and two were treated for injuries described as minor. The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. Thursday in the area of Reservoir Road when the driver of a southbound cement truck struck the Loudoun County Public School bus, which was heading north. The driver then left the scene in the truck. He was later located by investigators. The crash caused minor damage to the bus. The students on the bus were transferred to a second bus to continue to school. The roadway was closed for about 45 minutes. Anyone with any information regarding the crash should contact to contact Sgt. R. Gessner at 703-777-1021.

LCSO: Dog Stabbed in Domestic Altercation A Sterling man faces charges of malicious wounding and animal cruelty after a domestic dispute Jan. 13. Deputies were called to a Paxton Court home where Malik W. McCoy Adams, 20, allegedly attempted to stab a family dog with a knife. The victim reported being injured by the knife while pulling the dog away. McCoy also sustained injuries from the dog. Loudoun County Animal Services responded and transported the dog to a veterinarian for treatment of a stab wound. McCoy was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

the fight and get his brother to leave the house even while Ochoa Robles was swinging at him with a kitchen knife. The argument ended with Zuniga Robles over Zuniga Robles standing Ochoa Robles’ badly injured body with two bloody kitchen knives in his hands, a scene that was described by Zuniga Robles’ fiancée who came downstairs to see what all the yelling was about. Ochoa Robles was taken to the hospital, where he died. He had multiple stab wounds in his chest; many were superficial slashing type cuts, but one was deeper—and fatal. Zuniga Robles told the jury that he had picked up six knives that had been scattered around the apartment during the fight and was holding them in a bundle in front of his stomach when his brother lunged or fell into him. The circumstances Zuniga Robles described—an unprovoked attack

followed by an accidental stabbing— lacked the malice and intent required to sustain a murder charge. However, prosecutors stressed that Zuniga Robles’ story has changed numerous times during the investigation. He initially told investigators that his brother walked through the front door, said he had been attacked and then fell to the ground. Later, he said that there was a man—a suspected drug dealer—standing behind his brother when he came through the door. Prosecutors said that Zuniga Robles had a whole year while he sat in the county jail to think up the latest version. During his testimony, Zuniga Robles said he had lied to investigators to protect his brother. Ochoa Robles was on probation and could have been sent to prison if he was convicted of assaulting him, Zuniga Robles said. Zuniga Robles said he had spent $50,000 on legal and court fees to help his brother in a previous malicious wounding case in California. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Shamis told the jury that the common thread in all the stories Zuniga Robles told was that he failed to implicate himself in any way.

The jury began deliberations Thursday afternoon and continued Friday, when courts normally are closed in Virginia for Lee-Jackson Day. Zuniga Robles was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder. The key element of the jurors’ work was to determine whether he was guilty of that charge or of lesser offenses of second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter in the death, or whether to issue a not guilty verdict if they believed the stabbing was an accident or that Zuniga Robles acted in self-defense. A first-degree murder verdict required that the jury find Zuniga Robles acted with malice and intended to kill his brother. In handling down a second-degree murder conviction, the jury found that he acted with malice—ill will, vindictiveness or vengefulness—but not with the intent to kill his brother. A lesser voluntary manslaughter conviction was possible if the jury believed that the stabbing occurred during an uncontrolled heat of passion. Zuniga Robles also was convicted of stabbing in the commission of a felony, a charge that carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Levay Gets Judgeship Nod from Loudoun Bar After hearing presentations from six Loudoun attorneys seeking appointment to a Circuit Court judgeship vacancy Jan. 11, a majority of Loudoun Bar members voting on a recommendation backed Alexander N. Levay for the bench seat. The General Assembly next month is expected to appoint a successor to Burke F. McCahill, who retired Jan. 1. Levay earned his law degree from the George Washington University National Law Center in 1987. He came to Loudoun in 1990 to serve as Loudoun’s public defender. In 1996, he went into private practice with David Moyes and today runs his own firm specializing in criminal, family law and personal injury cases. Former Assistant County Attorney Lorrie Sinclair, now of Biberaj, Snow & Sinclair, garnered the second most votes among bar members. Other candidates are Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Sean P. Morgan, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Alejandra Rueda, Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Germaine “Gigi” Lawless, and Assistant County

Malfunctioning Furnace Blamed in House Fire After a close call for a Sterling Park family Saturday morning, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue crews plan to go door-to-door in the neighborhood to offer smoke alarm installations. Just before 12:30 a.m. Jan. 14, county dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a fire in an East Staunton Avenue home. The two adult residents awoke to find smoke in their house and were advised to evacuate. Fire and rescue units from Sterling Park, Kincora, Cascades, and Fair-

Levay

Attorney Zaida Thompson. Attorneys Robert Hartsoe and Thomas Plofchan initially applied to be considered for the Bar’s nomination, but did not participate in last week’s

meeting. McCahill’s retirement marks an end of an era in Loudoun’s Circuit Court. He was appointed to the bench in 1998 and served most of his 18 years alongside judges Thomas D. Horne and James H. Chamblin. Together they formed one of the most experienced Circuit Court rosters in the commonwealth—serving a combined 75 years on the Loudoun bench at the time of their retirements. Until McCahill’s replacement comes on board, the circuit will be served by three judges with a combined six years of experience. Former prosecutor Stephen E. Sincavage was fax County responded to the incident. There was fire on the first and second floors and crews quickly extinguished the blaze. There were no working smoke alarms in the house. Both residents were checked out at the scene and one was transported to Reston Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Because of the extent of damages, the family is displaced and will be staying locally. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was caused by a malfunctioning furnace unit. Damage was estimated at $235,000 Fire-Rescue Department represen-

appointed to replace Chamblin in 2013. Jeanette Irby replaced Horne in 2014. Douglas L. Fleming Jr. was tapped to fill a newly created fourth judgeship last January. Horne, who faced mandatory retirement in 2013, continues to serve as a substitute judge—even before McCahill’s retirement spread an already heavy workload among fewer hands. According to statistics from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, the caseload between July 2015 and July 2016 required the service of more than four judges on 55 percent of the court’s days. It’s not just population growth that is driving the workload, the cases are becoming more complex and time consuming. Jury trials increased from 12 percent in fiscal year 2014 to 37 percent in fiscal year 2016, for example, and civil cases categorized as level 3/highly complex increased by 24 percent during that period. nstyer@loudounnow.com

tative said the incident emphasized the importance of having a working smoke alarms in every home. The department’s “Put a Finger on It” program offers free home safety inspections and smoke alarms to all county residents. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated, the county will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the department hotline 703-737-8093 or go to loudoun. gov/smokealarms.

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13 Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Leesburg Farmers Market Shines, Rain or Shine The weekend drizzle didn’t deter the shoppers at the Leesburg Saturday Farmers Market. The market goes rain or shine and promotes local, sustainable and organic agriculture. Its goal is to provide economic opportunities for farmers and small food businesses, offer experiential learning about and access to healthy local foods, and build a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors. It started in 1994 and became a year-round event in 2006. See its full schedule at loudounfarmersmarkets.org.

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Supporters of a change to Loudoun County School Board policy to specify protections for LGBT people hold signs at the board meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10.

In Midst of LGBT Debate, Pride Prom Organizes BY RENSS GREENE

reedom High School senior Blair Smith’s ambitious project to expand pride prom to the whole county is already having a big impact in Loudoun schools. Although his work began in the summer, the 18-year-old’s effort to unite the county schools’ gay-straight alliance clubs comes in a contentious year for LGBT rights in Loudoun. The School Board last week narrowly voted against including “sexual orientation and gender identity” in its antidiscrimination policies for employees and job applicants. Opponents to the new rules 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. Others have argued that any labels— including in antidiscrimination policies—are harmful. “I don’t put labels on anyone … and they should demand freedom from labels,” School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) said. “All they do is divide the students, the teachers and the community.” In 2010, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted a policy that protects employees and applicants from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But over the summer, current county supervisors, facing strong opposition from the Loudoun County Republican Party, decided not to adopt

a resolution recognizing June as LGBT Pride Month, substituting and narrowly approving a resolution creating “Love Loudoun Month,” penned by Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run). That resolution avoided specifically mentioning LGBT people and reads in part “Loudoun County’s diversity is so rich we could honor a different group of extraordinary citizens each day.” David Aponte is co-chair of the Northern Virginia chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN NOVA, which advocates LGBTQ issues in kindergarten through 12th grade. He said despite the failed vote last week, the School Board’s debate represents progress. LGBT DEBATE >> 15

‘Annie Jr.’ Cast Members Perform at Alma Mater BY DANIELLE NADLER The student performers of Harmony Middle School’s “Annie Jr.” took their show on the road last week. Five of the musical’s cast members performed during Lovettsville Elementary School’s morning announcements, which is broadcast live into each classroom. Middle school students Lindsay Price, Maddy Jones, Serena Parrish, Samantha Huffer and Bethany Hurt sang the iconic tune “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” The mini performance was meant to promote Harmony’s performance of “Annie Jr.,” which runs Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 29. The students who sang last Thursday morning are all alumni of Lovettsville Elementary. They said their experience at the school gave them an early foundation in theater, especially under the tutelage of music teacher Sarah Stillman. She directs musicals at the school each year.

“She always made sure each of us had equal roles and lines,” Harmony sixth-grader Maddy said. “She wanted everyone to feel like they were an important part,” Harmony seventh-grader Lindsay said. Serena, the Harmony seventh-grader who plays Annie, said the performance is not your typical middle school musical. Many of the cast members are also part of professional community theater groups, and she encouraged people who don’t typically attend middle schools to check it out. “There is a lot of talent in some of our middle schools, so I think anyone would enjoy it,” she said. Plus, she added, seats are cheaper than those at performances by professional theater groups. Tickets to “Annie Jr.” are $8 and can be purchased only online at showtix4u.com; search for “Harmony Middle School.” The show times are 7 p.m. Jan. 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 28, and 2 p.m. Jan. 29. For more information,

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Harmony Middle School students and cast members of “Annie Jr.” perform at Lovettsville Elementary School on Thursday, Jan. 12.

contact Maria Jones at mariagj@comcast.net or 703-409-6992. Watch a video of the students performing “It’s a Hard Knock Life” at loudounnow.com/2017/01/12/harmony-middle-schools-annie-jr. dnadler@loudounnow.com

With an eye on preventing suicide and other mental health concerns among young people, the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation and Inova Loudoun Hospital are teaming up to bring two touring mental and physical health awareness theatrical productions to Loudoun County’s public schools. The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation has committed to donating $32,444 and Inova Loudoun Hospital has pledged $32,000 to bring the production “Behind the Label” to Loudoun’s middle schools and “A Will to Survive” to its high schools. “Behind the Label” features a teenage ensemble that shares how they live with various challenges and disabilities but do not let themselves be defined by those labels. “A Will to Survive” is a rock opera that explores depression, suicide prevention and learning to accept yourself no matter what life challenges you face. It is named in honor of Will Robinson, a Loudoun Valley High School student who took his own life a year ago. The productions are put on by Same Sky Project, which creates and performs original work thematically rooted in empathy, kindness, joy, and hope to raise awareness about differences. It is part of A Place to Be, a Middleburg-based, music therapy and counseling non-profit. Loudoun County has seen a rise in teen suicides in the past year. Dawn Meyer, executive director of Loudoun Education Foundation which is funneling the donation to the Same Sky Project, said their intentions are to address suicide and prevent future lives lost. The productions are expected to begin performances this winter and continue through 2018.

From left, Patrick Henry College Chancellor Michael Farris, moot court champions Meridian Paulton and Thomas Siu, and co-coach Frank Guliuzza.

Patrick Henry Wins 10th Moot Court Championship Patrick Henry College once again swept the national competition in intercollegiate moot court earlier this month, winning its 10th intercollegiate SCHOOL NOTES >> 15

LGBT Debate

Student Led

People interested in a job as a school bus driver or bus attendant for Loudoun County Public Schools are invited to a Transportation Department open house Thursday, Jan. 19. They can attend the open house from 10 a.m. to noon or from 2 to 4 p.m. at the school system’s central garage, at 42000 Loudoun Center Place in Leesburg. The school system has faced a bus driver shortage this year, reporting as many as 160 vacant positions. At the open house Thursday, leaders in the Transportation Department will share information about available bus driver and attendant positons. Staff will be on hand to discuss vacancies, assist with the application process and answer questions. The starting salary for the positions is $18.10 per hour. The school system offers paid Commercial Driver’s License training and a newly restructured benefits package that includes health insurance, dental and vision

their schools’ official proms. For his senior capstone project, Smith has taken up the mantle, working to revamp the county schools’ gay-straight alliances, connect students across the county, and making pride prom available to students from every school. “I think that just having these in the county has really strengthened the movement,” Smith said. “And I think that given everything that’s happening right now, it’s almost bringing us closer together. Because we have to, you know.” Smith’s work to expand it has also meant revamping the struggling gaystraight alliance club at his own school and rebranding it as Milk Club, after gay rights activist Harvey Milk. In Milk Club, students gather to talk, organize, and support one another. “Being in Milk Club, and being an ally, I’ve seen that it’s helped me and my boyfriend, who comes as well, be more aware,” fellow Freedom student Serena Thapa said. “It’s so different than I expected a [gay-straight alliance] or any

Byard Explains Snow Days Wayde Byard, Loudoun County school system’s public information officer, has a message for you: When it comes to snow days, he is just the messenger. He and his crew at LCPS-TV created an animated video to explain to students, teachers and parents how the decision is made to cancel classes or cut the school day short. Byard has become a bit of a local celebrity in recent years because it is his voice that is on the other end of the line of that anticipated phone call that goes out to parents and staff, announcing a snow day, late start or early release. In the three-minute video, Byard takes the form of a mustached snowman and says, “While I’m the one who receives the public credit—or blame—for those decisions, I am just the messenger.” Ahead of any snow day decision, school system staff keeps an eye on national weather sites and consults with the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and VDOT about road conditions. If bad weather is in the forecast, a team from the school system’s Transportation Department drives some of the more treacherous roads to assess their conditions. They also make sure buses will start if the temperatures are extremely cold. organization to be, because we don’t just focus on the issues, but why they’re important and how that’s impactful to the community.” “I’ve seen firsthand some people that have sort of come out of their shell more, in the sense that maybe they think, oh, there’s other people like me,” said Lieselotte Elliehausen, a member of Loudoun Valley’s gay-straight alliance club Prism. Amy Cannava, formerly the head psychologist for Loudoun County schools and now a school psychologist at Montgomery County Schools in Maryland, has been advising Smith in his work with the gay-straight alliance club and pride prom. “We had police officers there last year, and they cracked me up. When they heard ‘pride prom,’ they thought it was the Heritage Pride prom,” Cannava said, referring to Heritage High School’s mascot. “Cannava said the officers ended up having a good time, and said that unlike regular proms, they didn’t have to break up any fights.

Submitted photo

Director Jennifer Lapple poses with members of Flutopia.

Flutopia Performs at Carnegie Hall Members of the high school musical group Flutopia had the opportunity of a lifetime Monday when they got to perform on the coveted stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Founded by George Mason University professor Judith Lapple 17 years ago, Flutopia is comprised of advanced high school wind, brass and percussion musicians from Loudoun County and the Northern Virginia area. Judith Lapple’s daughter, Jennifer Lapple, now serves as its director.

Smith has tentatively planned to hold pride prom at Briar Woods High School on May 26. He continues to work with regional organizations, including NOVA Pride, which is working on helping establish a fundraising account. “I think there’s a lot more awareness, and I think that’s the important thing,” Smith said. Aponte’s organization GLSEN NOVA is considering joining forces with Smith—expanding the student’s work beyond even the county to be part of a regional event. “Somewhere between the politics of it all, and the everyday experience of an LGBT student in a Loudoun County school,” Aponte said, “there is a gap between what the larger community understands about the experience of an LGBT student, and what these students are actually experiencing.” For more information, contact the Freedom High School Milk Club at fhsmilk@gmail.com. rgreene@loudounnow.com

loudounnow.com

But if LGBT people in Loudoun are feeling left out, high school students across the county are working to fill that gap with their own voices, organizations and, yes, prom. Pride prom, Loudoun’s alternative, charitable prom, is in its third year. The event is still five months away, but students from LGBT organizations across county schools have begun connecting. Pride prom began in 2015 at Loudoun Valley High School with Lily Hamilton, who created it after hearing that LGBT students didn’t always feel welcome at

Prospective Bus Drivers Invited to Open House

tation Department about the open house states, “As an added incentive, upon completion of training, drivers can bring their children on the bus. School bus drivers have the opportunity to have their mid-days free to manage home life while working in a rewarding field.” Superintendent Eric Williams is also proposing an increase in bus drivers’ hours and pay to better recruit and retain drivers. The School Board will take up that proposal as part of its budget discussions this month. Learn more by calling the Transportation Department at 571-252-1720.

<< FROM 14 “I think the fact that the community had such a good conversation around it, and the fact that the vote was so close, says that the conversation has advanced,” Aponte said. “I think this is probably the most civil I’ve seen the conversation.”

Sarah Hough, a Rock Ridge High School junior, recently published her first book of poetry. Her book, “She Danced for the Night,” went live on Amazon on Jan. 8. The Hough book is an emersion of her poetry and art, taking on social issues and coming of age. With help from her father, Brad Hough, she started a Kickstarter campaign to help underwrite the publication. She raised $2,605, well beyond her goal of $1,000. Her book is on sale for $15.95 at amzn.to/2jBZSG7.

Their findings are reported to Kevin Lewis, assistant superintendent of Support Services, and later Superintendent Eric Williams. “The superintendent ultimately makes the decision and communicates that to me. I in turn share with you via the Blackboard Connect system,” Byard says. Watch the video at vimeo.com/lcpstv. Loudoun has not had any canceled school days this year, but has had a few delayed starts. It doesn’t look like Loudouners will get a call from Byard this week. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-50s the rest of the week.

moot court national championship. In addition to winning first place, Patrick Henry students finished with three of the top four teams at the tournament. Juniors Meridian Paulton and Thomas Siu won the top national prize. They beat out students from some of the country’s top universities, including University of Chicago, University of Virginia, Duke University, and Holy Cross. Two Patrick Henry students made it to the semi-finals, along with a team from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a hybrid team with one student from Patrick Henry and one from California State University, Long Beach. “The field keeps getting stronger but Patrick Henry rose to meet the challenge,” Michael Farris, chancellor and founder of Patrick Henry, stated. Patrick Henry defeated U.S. Air Force Academy in finals. Third place at the tournament went to Patrick Henry team Shane Roberts and Clare Downing, with fourth place going to hybrid team Sarah Geesaman and Myles Chaney. In addition to winning the championship, Paulton and Siu are the second team in the history of the American Moot Court Association to win both the brief writing and oral argument national championships. The prior team was Alex and Brett Harris in 2011, also from Patrick Henry College. About 400 teams took part in the 2016-2017 season in 11 national qualifying tournaments to earn coveted spots at the American Moot Court Association’s Championship Tournament. “Intercollegiate moot court is one of the great ‘academic sports’ like debate and mock trial,” stated Frank Guliuzza, who co-coaches the Patrick Henry team with Farris. “Each year the competition gets increasingly difficult. We are very honored and humbled by this level of success.”

15 Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

<< FROM 14

[ SCHOOL NOTES ] care, retirement, personal leave and Rock Ridge Student sick leave. Publishes Book A press release from the Transpor-

[ OUR TOWNS ]

[ TOWN NOTES ] LOVETTSVILLE

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B&O Railroad’s Civil War Role Explored

Hooper McCann/Town of Purcellville

Betty and Jim Wiley are honored by Mayor Kwasi Fraser and the Purcellville Town Council on Jan. 10.

Purcellville Honors Wileys for Volunteer Service BY MARGARET MORTON

wo of Purcellville’s longest serving volunteers received a huge round of applause last week when Mayor Kwasi Fraser and the Purcellville Town Council handed them a key to the town and publicly thanked them for their decades of service. Betty Wiley is an accomplished artist and a major force behind the Western Loudoun Studio Arts Tour. Her husband, James O. “Doc” Wiley, is a retired dentist who served two terms on the council before stepping down in 2014. But their contributions to the town and the county go far beyond those accomplishments, as they were associated with projects and endeavors that are now household words. Betty Wiley, in her mid-80s, revels in her painting, and her painting4joy.com email address sums up her attitude perfectly. A native of York, PA, she is most proud of one of her earliest projects: she was the founder and first director of Loudoun Valley Community Center. She initiated a series of programs for senior citizens, including day trips, speakers and parties. She also renovated the kitchen to serve lunches and to create an after-school snack bar and fun spot for teens. Wiley is responsible for initiating the first fully socially integrated programming in Loudoun— which would serve as a model for many

community centers that would follow. She was a member of the inaugural Loudoun Chorale group. She was also a member of the Loudoun Hospital Board’s Candy Stripers program and the children’s choir director at Leesburg Presbyterian Church, as well as a volunteer for the Red Cross, American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation. She served in several leadership positions for the Loudoun Junior Woman’s Club, and was named the outstanding Junior Woman in Northern Virginia. As one who suffered from hearing problems, she worked with the Washington, DC, American Hearing Society to help establish the Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center in Leesburg and served on the board and as president over the years. She also served on the state committee for the American Disabilities Act and on the first Purcellville Urban Growth Area Management Plan. The Wileys are one of six families that founded St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, and Jim Wiley became a ruling elder. The couple has three children, all of whom graduated from Loudoun Valley High School. Jim Wiley was born in Covington, TN, in 1932, and went on to become a dentist. He began his dental practice in 1958 in Purcellville—for 15 years at the current post office location, then at the drug store, and finally above the Purcellville Restaurant. He and Dr. James

Towe built the Loudoun Valley Professional Building in 1974. He served on the Loudoun Memorial Hospital staff for 20 years and was a volunteer at the Loudoun Free Dental Clinic for 15 years. He retired in 2003. In 1965, Wiley chaired the Purcellville Area Commission and helped establish the County Parks and Recreation Department. He was a member of the Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, serving as its chairman from 1969 to 1972. He also served on the Purcellville Town Council for eight years, and was a founding member and first chairman of the Purcellville Arts Council in 2014. It is his work on parks that gives him the most satisfaction. In 1972, he was the first appointee from Loudoun to the board of directors for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, where he served for three decades, helping oversee 23 regional parks, seven of them in Loudoun. He helped found the Purcellville Business Association. He also was a member of the Lions Club for 20 years. An avid golfer, Wiley served on the Loudoun Golf and Country Club board of directors from 1985 for a decade, and as president from 1986 to 1992. Known for his golfing expertise, Wiley has made five holes-in-one—winning a Cadillac for his efforts on one occasion. mmorton@loudounnow.com

The Lovettsville Historical Society will open its 2017 lecture season with a presentation titled “The First Front: The Baltimore & Ohio Railway during the Civil War” on Sunday, Jan. 29, at St. James United Church of Christ. The 2 p.m. lecture will be given by Daniel Carroll Toomey, author, historian, curator, and designer of the exhibit “The War Came by Train” at the B&O Museum in Baltimore, MD. W i t h the onset of war, the B&O Railroad quickly became the most impor tant in the country, representing the Toomey only direct link between Washington, DC, and states loyal to the Union. In the early months of the war, the fate of DC, Maryland and West Virginia were primarily determined by the Union troop movement on B&O trains— making the railroad a prime target for the Confederacy. The author of a dozen books, contributor to radio and television programs and winner of numerous awards for his research and exhibits, Toomey has lectured for many historical groups and educational facilities. “The War Came by Train” exhibit is the largest Civil War railroad exhibit ever presented. Admission to the Jan. 29 program is free, but donations are welcomed. The church is located at 10 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville. For information, contact Edward Spannaus at 540-8229194 or 703-727-9758.

PURCELLVILLE Town Launches New Online Resource The Town of Purcellville has debuted two new online tools to promote community dialogue. Using the Polco system, the town can quickly and easily poll residents on issues facing the town, receiving real-time feedback. Voting requires only a one-time user registration. Responses are tallied both in the aggregate and broken into intown resident/ and out-of-town responder categories. The first question seeks inTOWN NOTES >> 18

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Town Government Seeks Input from Purcellville Businesses The Purcellville Town Council has asked its Economic Development Advisory Committee to conduct a new survey of town businesses. “This survey is one of a number of ways we are gaining input on the challenges that businesses face and ways to address those needs,” committee Chairman Daniel Abramson stated. The survey asks 18 questions relating to the business climate in town and solicits recommendations for improvement. Topics include the quality of town services, amenities that could attract visitors and challenges faced by business owners. EDAC is partnering with stu-

dents in Loudoun Valley High School’s DECA program to distribute the survey and help tabulate the results. Abramson said the students also would participate in EDAC’s presentation and recommendations to council. Councilman Chris Bledsoe serves as the council’s liaison to the EDAC. “We value the input of our business community and look forward to hearing on ways we can improve Town services, support our business community, and help attract new businesses and visitors to Purcellville,” he stated. To access the survey, go to purcellvilleva.gov/bizsurvey. The town will collect responses through Jan. 31.

[ TOWN NOTES ] << FROM 16 put on a potential “brand” for Purcellville that would be promoted using car stickers and magnets. The second seeks to gauge interest in developing a “pump track” for cyclists. The Community Voice “brainstorming” portal also allows residents to create and discuss various ideas important for them, as well as provides a platform for town leaders to post ideas for feedback. To access the programs, go to purcellvilleva.gov/citizenvoice. For more information, contact Assistant Town Manager Danny Davis at dcdavis@purcellvilleva.gov or 540-751-2354.

MIDDLEBURG

‘Saving Grace’ to be Screened at Hill School The Land Trust of Virginia will present a free screening of “Saving Place, Saving Grace” on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Hill School in Middleburg. The documentary chronicles the story of the Trappist monks’ efforts at Holy Cross Abbey to reform their home by engaging in an intense sustainability initiative that focused on core tenets of land stewardship, prayer and work ethic. The effort is a race against time for the monks to retain their rural home along the Shenandoah River in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they bring ecology into the contemplative prayer and lifestyle of the abbey. Without the active engagement of both internal and external communities, the 1,200-acre community could disappear. Animal Ambassadors from Blue Ridge Wildlife will meet and chat with

attendees at 6 p.m. before the 6:30-7:30 p.m. screening, which will be followed by a conversation with the film’s producers, Deidre Dain and George Patterson, along with Holy Cross Abby representative Kurt Aschermann. The program, co-sponsored by the Goose Creek Association and the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, starts at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Hill School Performing Arts Center, at 130 S. Madison St. in Middleburg. To preregister, contact Kerry Roszel at kerry@landtrustva.org or 540-687-8441.

Gillespie Talk Provides Roadmap to Historic Loudoun Historian Rich Gillespie will be speaking at the Purcellville Library on Jan. 29. A long-time educator, Gillespie just retired as executive director of the Mosby Gillespie Heritage Area Association. Starting at 2 p.m., Gillespie will recount stories from close friends and associates who have shared them with him over the past 40 years. “They illustrate a nice selection of Loudoun’s history and show off key pieces of the county’s historical landscape you may want to visit,” he stated. Those who spend time with the local historical landscape will find its depth and richness rewarding, he said. It’s a landscape against which key pieces of the nation’s history have played out, as well as one bearing the marks of sometimes inexplicable and haunting events. The program will be held in the upstairs room of the library, at 220 E. Main St. in Purcellville. Reservations are not needed for the free program.

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well. And Gerberick’s franchise, which includes the Ashburn, Leesburg, and Sterling territories, also organizes free playgroups after the class where the young ones can participate in a craft or activity, so the social component is also present. Newer to the scene is the Bella Bundle classes, which allows baby-wearing moms an exercise opportunity with their baby and toddler strapped to them. Owner Jenna DeLashmutt

had been working for Bella Ballerina, a studio for young dancers, when she started taking barre classes during her pregnancy. Seeing the wonders it did for her own pregnancy, she began teaching classes while wearing her baby, and the concept was born. Now, Bella Bundle has attracted a loyal following. It incorporates the resistance of their baby or toddler for a high-rep, low-intensity workout. “It’s an interesting concept because

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as you get stronger the babies get bigger,” she noted. “So you and your baby work together.” Both Gerberick and DeLashmutt can tailor an exercise regimen to individual moms, as they go through the body healing stages post-birth. Fit4Mom even offers a Body Back series, where moms’ workouts are supplemented by nutrition plans and, perhaps most importantly, support and motivation. Forever Yoga co-owners Ashley Miller and Kristen Murphy began their business last spring. Their parent-child and family yoga classes have been popular. Some classes are even held outdoors. “Our thing was we wanted to involve children. They get the benefit of yoga as well,” Miller explained. “When babies or young toddlers are watching you exercise they’re learning that healthy lifestyle right from that start.” And the yoga classes involve them as well, with the young ones encouraged to climb over or under mom or dad as they strike their poses. The family yoga classes, geared to children age 2 and up, also integrates games, dances, and poses named after animals that of course evoke the appropriate animal sounds. Mommy and me fitness classes are becoming more prevalent at county recreation facilities and other fitness establishments. For more information on the three above businesses, go to ashburn.fit4mom.com, bellabundle.com, or foreveryogava.com.

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joy the experience, whatever it brings.

Resolving to meet the possibility of change—always ripe in the New Year— with an open mind, open heart and positive outlook can transform our realities into supportive, nurturing spaces to cultivate peace and happiness in dayto-day life. Like all resolutions, however, the intention to encourage kindness and compassion in your thinking often is easier said than done. Even the very process of setting New Year’s resolutions, and the rigid self-enforcement that accompanies them, can create feelings of stress and malaise. “When life gets overwhelming and becomes more than we can handle, our mental health suffers,” Dr. Suzanne Nixon said. She is a licensed professional counselor, marriage and family therapist and the founder of Northern Virginia Integrative Therapy Center in Lansdowne. “Having healthy lifestyle practices to manage and cope with feelings of overwhelm increases our ability to stabilize our mental and emotional health. Without them, the gateway to anxiety and depression widens.” Those healthy practices can include a wide range of activities and behaviors, but the degree of achievement you attain in sticking to them needn’t become yet another measure of your overall success as a human being. This year, avoid browbeating yourself to submit to the strict constraints of a traditional “New Year’s Resolution.” Rather, resolve to accept yourself where you are at this present moment and face the next 12 months with the following suggestions in mind for a calmer, more peaceful you.

Treat yourself

Put down your device and go outside There are myriad benefits to spending just a short time in nature, and those tend to multiply as the number of nearby electronics is diminished. Grab your dog, kid, spouse, friend or just a warm coat and enjoy an unplugged walk through one of Loudoun County’s many beautiful parks and preserves, then take note of how you feel after. This is also a great opportunity to try journaling and drawing (two more proven methods to boost our emotional well-being). Nature can spark creativity, so take a pack of colored pencils and a sketchbook along and see what pours out.

Take a yoga class and/or meditate There are few better ways to minimize harmful mental chatter and tune into your body than a good yoga class. Loudoun has several studios with many styles from which to choose—do a bit of research, pick a location and class that speaks to you and don’t worry if you’ve never tried yoga before. Resolve to en-

Aziz Ansari’s character, Tom Haverford, on the hit television series, “Parks and Recreation,” said it best when he suggested that, once a year, everyone ought to take a day and treat themselves to … whatever! Shopping! Good food! Movies! Whatever gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings. Of course, everything in moderation, but an indulgence here or there isn’t going to torpedo your entire 2017.

Exercise and eat well This is perennially on everyone’s New Year to-do list, and for good reason. We know being active and eating healthy foods is a major key to overall health— if you’ve experienced difficulty sticking to a new exercise regimen or nutrition plan in the past, this year, consider adding a bit of suggestion No. 4 to your grocery list. Try your best, but don’t punish yourself for the occasional dessert or day off from the gym. Nobody’s perfect. Just do the best you can!

Seek help if you need it Fear of judgment or feelings of embarrassment keep many people from seeking the help of a licensed therapist or counselor. Still, these professionals can help fortify your mental health toolbox and give you the capacity to handle life’s unpredictable nature, as well as cope with day-to-day indignities that can pile up over time. Particularly if you’re in crisis or feeling anxious or depressed more days than not, it’s important to seek help. If you can’t make it to a doctor’s office, a quick internet search will reveal several hotlines to get you started. It’s an old axiom that “laughter is the best medicine.” Today, many scientific studies also buoy this claim. Laughter produces mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and encourages bonding with the folks slapping their knees alongside you. This is another great opportunity to leave the smartphone behind, bust out a board game and spend time talking, laughing and mindfully connecting with loved ones. A final reminder from Nixon: “Know that good mental health is comprised of healthy thoughts, healthy feelings and healthy behaviors.” And, she adds, it is within all our capacities to choose affectations and behaviors that will enhance our well-being and help to minimize depression and anxiety. Life comes at you fast—in 2017, resolve to pause, take a breath and choose to respond, rather than react, to the changes and challenges that manifest. Your body and brain will thank you for it.

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Before I had kids, I was the calmest, most laid-back person you could imagine. I was an elementary school counselor and was unflappable. I could handle any issue, emergency, or crisis with complete calm. So, when I told my fellow teachers that my wife was expecting, the universal response was: “Oh, you are going to be a great dad.” And then I made my first parenting mistake. I believed them. Of course, I would be a good dad, I assumed. I’m knowledgeable about kids and cool under pressure. What I didn’t know was the fact that it is a completely different situation when the kids are your own. Facing my temper came quickly, as Max seemed to have a mind of his own when it came to the simple issue of swaddling him. Every time I tried to wrap him in the blanket, kind of like a burrito, he would squirm out. I’m sure a lack of sleep contributed to this, but I began to think he was doing it on purpose! I began taking it personally. This is one of the most difficult things about staying calm when it comes to our own kids: It is very difficult to not take their actions personally. But the truth is, most of what they do is not meant for us to take personally. Leaving dishes out, the messy room, the unfinished homework are not messages to incite your anger. They are typical things that kids do. Here is the problem: When we lose our temper, we lose our chance to be a good leader. Our thoughts become mud-

dled and we often say things we end up regretting. If we stay calm with our kids, our ability to create change increases dramatically. When we stay calm, the focus stays on our child, not on us. Our goal should be to avoid what I call “The Incredible Hulk Complex.” If you remember the original show, Bruce Banner used to say: “Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry.” It was a clever saying, but it is not a great way to lead our kids. When our kids are focused only on not making us angry, they are not focusing on the other benefits of behaving well, keeping their things nice, and doing well in school. Does this mean that you should be a pushover? Absolutely not. My goal, as a father, is to have high expectations for my kids, but I try to show those expectations in a calm manner. I have worked with many parents who would lose their temper and not enforce any rules. Their kids would learn to “weather the storm,” and then go back to behaving poorly. In future columns, I will discuss effective options to discipline besides temper. In the meantime, resolving to stay calm is a great first step. Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Leesburg, author of Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out!, and coauthor of The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s.

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Senior Fraud and Abuse: A Growing Concern in Loudoun BY MARGARET MORTON Cybercrime is on the rise, and Loudoun’s seniors are being hit with multiple evolving scams. But the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, government agencies and seniors themselves are fighting back. It used to be that crooks would case a house to find an unlocked basement window or door by which they might enter to rob the owners. Today, the assault is more likely to be more multifaceted, and increasingly through cyberattacks on your financial house.

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Threats Close to Home Insurance executive William R. Henry Jr. got interested in the subject after an incident in his family, perpetrated by a caregiver. The Leesburg resident’s ensuing book, “The Crown of Life Society,” co-authored with elder law attorney A. Frank Johns Jr., has resulted in appearances on radio talk shows and invitations to write guest articles. Many cases involve physical or emotional intimidation from those closest to the victims, Henry said. Some thefts can be relatively simple— such as stealing small amounts of cash or cashing checks made out to a relative or helper to buy supplies and then pocketing small amounts of the money, or persuading the check writer the amount was different from what they remembered. Similarly, a helper can make an ATM withdrawal and pocket a small amount, or use a power of attorney to pay off their own loans or debts. The fastest growing segment of abuse is in the cyber field. “It’s so easy—and inexpensive—today to get hold of mass phone and email lists,” Henry said. Middleburg Bank Manager Tammy Payne at the Catoctin Circle branch in Leesburg advises clients not to use a debit card online, as even if the thieves don’t have the pin number, they can still run up charges. There are many ways criminals can try to steal account holders’ money. “They start small and work their way up, testing what they can get,” Payne said.

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

Preying on Seniors In his five years as the county’s top law enforcement officer, Sheriff Mike Chapman said he’s seen all kinds of scams. “It’s amazing how ruthless and how creative some of these scammers are,” he said in an interview. He said most of the calls come from overseas—and the money goes oversees—making it difficult to prosecute. Seniors are trusting but often not technologically savvy, even though many like to use email and Facebook. When hit by thieves, they may be embarrassed at having been taken in, and reluctant to report incidents or tell their families through fear of losing their independence. “Criminals prey on seniors,” Chapman said. He cited threatening phone calls, such as the one in which the caller claims the victim missed a court day and must send money to avoid arrest. The scammers usually ask for a pre-paid debit card available at grocery and convenience stores. Now, iTunes cards are

becoming popular with scammers. IRS fraud notices are another popular trick. One 88-year old woman received a call from a man who said he was from the IRS and that it was urgent for the woman to talk to him or she would be fined a huge amount because of a mistake she’d made. Wisely, she checked with her adult sons, who confirmed that the IRS never notifies by phone. She preferred to remain anonymous for fear that she could be targeted again. Social security is a good target. One of the Sheriff ’s Office’s recent cases concerned a man who was laid off at the end of the year, with no compensation. When he went to claim unemployment, the associate said “I see you’ve been applying for several months.” “But, I haven’t, this is the first time,” he said—only to be told “someone’s been using your social security number.” Or, scammers use the email of a person known to the target, and ask them to wire money because the sender is in trouble and needs help. More serious are phone calls from purported online technical support groups saying there’s a virus or a security problem on the senior’s computer. Sometimes the scam comes in an email with the hope that the victim will click on a link. The criminals gain remote access to the computers and the sensitive information they contain. Sgt. Dale Spurlock is the Sheriff ’s Office “boots on the ground.” Spurlock noted one disturbing trend is an uptick in direct physical threats against seniors or their family members. He cited construction crews that turn up and demand payment to buy supplies

for what they insist are needed roofing repairs or driveway sealing, then promise to come back next day to do the work—which they don’t. “People are victimized through lack of knowledge. Or it might be storms or significant snow—we call them ‘storm chasers,’” he said. “A lot of these scams are so believable,” said Sheriff ’s Office Public Information Officer Kraig Troxell. There’s the “grandparents” scam. A senior can get a phone call with a difficult-to-hear bad connection, and hear something like “Grandma, it’s your grandson, Mike. I’m in Mexico, and got into a bit of trouble over some pot— they’re holding me.” The caller then gets off the phone and hands it to a “police officer,” who says the senior needs to wire money or provide payment with a pre-paid debit card or even an iTunes card. One woman received a call, supposedly from an auto repair shop, saying her granddaughter had had a minor accident, but her car needed repairs. “If you give us your credit card number we can get her back on the road,” the caller said. Bad check scams are also numerous. Sometimes residents are hired for a job online or through emails. Then they are asked to use their own credit cards and be reimbursed later. When that “company payment” finally comes in, the check is bad. One of the older, but continuing scams, involves online purchases, such as through Craigslist. The buyer sends a check well in excess of the purchase amount and then asks the seller to de-

posit the check and send back the difference. Often, by the time the bank informs the victim that the check didn’t clear, money already has been sent to the scammer. “They got what you sent,” Troxell said. Then there is the lottery or sweepstake scam. An email arrives saying the recipient has won, but taxes and fees need to be paid before collecting the winnings. Once received, the lottery check is bad. “If it looks too good to be true, it usually is,” Troxell said.

Fighting Back But an increasingly robust defense line is being activated—mainly by the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office in cooperation with the Area Agency on Aging, Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Adult Protective Services, and other area police departments. Education is key, Chapman said. “The educational process helps people not to be afraid. We believe it’s very successful, and we ask those who don’t fall prey to the crimes, still to get back to us,” he said. If people lose money, they should talk with a deputy by calling 703-7771021. Even if they didn’t lose money, the scams still should be reported at sheriff. loudoun.gov/reportonline. That way police can keep an eye on new scams and also track the number of people who realize it’s a scam. In cases where a family member is being threatened, seniors are advised to call 911 immediately. SENIOR ABUSE >> 9

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Public Education Programs Spurlock serves as the liaison with government agencies to present public awareness programs around the county—in senior centers, retirement homes, churches and community centers. “The most effective outreach is education to as many seniors as possible about criminal behavior so they can recognize it,” Spurlock said. It’s the biggest weapon we have; criminal methods evolve so quickly.” “When we give the presentations, people will say, ‘Oh yes, I got an email like that,’” Spurlock said. “We want to make sure seniors are very clear on what the scams are, so they don’t provide their Social Security number, or home address, or bank information—that only gives the scammer more information by which they can craft a plausible approach to get their money.”

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Valerie Burton is the program manager for Adult Protective Services, a division of Loudoun’s Department of Family Services. APS receives mandatory reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation for ages 60 and up—from hospitals, physicians, urgent centers, police, neighbors, teachers, home health agencies, etc. If the complaint meets the APS criteria, the office will begin an investigation. “We do a lot of joint investigations with the sheriff ’s office—we work as a team, when it’s a criminal case,” she said. To make a physical abuse report to APS, call 703-777-0353. Reports on financial or technological scams should be reported to the sheriff ’s office at 703777-1021.

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Spurlock works closely with Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Bressler, who has 80 volunteers trained to help seniors. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for the county’s E-alert system, and information is circulated on new scams as soon as the AAA staff learns of them. “We’re trying to make sure there are ambassadors everywhere seniors gather,” Bressler said. For instance, the Potomac Greene community is home to four ambassa-

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dors, one of whom posts notices from the sheriff ’s office in the community newsletter. When people gather for coffee and a chat, someone brings up the latest scam. In Leesburg’s Tavistock neighborhood, there’s a book club where ambassadors also keep members informed. Ambassadors monitor the Virginia Attorney General’s website and the Sheriff ’s Office webpage for scam alerts and spread the word on Twitter and Facebook feeds. They also help coordinate community presentations by Spurlock. The next training session for AAA volunteers is Jan. 27, with Spurlock coordinating.

Get to Know Loudoun’s Best Kept Secret: Senior Centers

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BY DANIELLE NADLER Interested in learning the ukulele, brushing up on pickleball or taking a cruise through the Florida Keys? Few would guess that there’s a one-stop shop for all of that, and it’s a Loudoun County government-run program. The county’s three full-service senior centers and one senior activity center put on low-cost programs for Loudoun residents 55 and older (yes, 55!), and their offerings go far beyond bingo. They provide a slew of classes, offering instruction on everything from fitness to art to language, and it’s all meant to boost seniors’ mental and physical well-being. Deborah Williams, the county’s senior services manager, said some of the more popular programs are aerobics, “easy yoga,” Zumba, line dancing and other courses designed to get seniors moving. She said even the low-impact exercises like tai-chi and yoga can go a long way to improve or maintain a person’s balance and strength, which can prevent injuries. The centers also offer support groups, daily hot lunches, monthly visits and free check-ups by the Inova health van, and teen tech Tuesdays, where seniors can tap into teens’ expertise on all-things digital. Their programs also take seniors out of the county on occasion. The centers organize day trips to places like the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC, or Wolf Trap in Vienna, as well as multi-day trips, that have included trips to Ireland and Florida.

“Those are very, very popular,” Williams said. “We offer a lot more than people might think.” Williams described the senior centers as one of the county’s best kept secrets. Many have a misconception that the centers are for elderly folks who are heavily dependent on the help of others. “That’s not the case,” she said. “It is for active adults who are looking to get out and socialize.” Socializing, and just having a sense of community, is important for every human being, she added. Many seniors can become isolated, especially after retirement and as their children or other family grow up and move on. Donna Hoyt, 79, stops by the Senior Center of Leesburg at least four times a week. “This is our recreation—our socialization,” she said, and she credits the men and women who run the county’s senior centers for making them a place where Loudoun’s oldest residents want to be. “You can have new and flashy, but it really comes down to the staff. We have outstanding senior centers because of the staff.” The county’s full-service senior centers are in Purcellville, Leesburg and Sterling. The senior activity center is in South Riding. Two more full-service senior centers are planned; one is scheduled to open in Dulles South later this year and a second is slated to open in 2020 in Ashburn. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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had engulfed a home in Warrenton. He was taken to Middleburg Humane Foundation for treatment of severe burns, and was adopted by the Peters the next summer. The couple said they consider the pet pig a part of the family, and they’re eager to reunite with him. Pebbles was unharmed in the recent fire and is again in the care of Middleburg Humane Foundation until the Peters have a place to call home. “He’s my baby,” Ruth said, “and I’m the only person he likes.” The couple lost three cats in the fire, including Molly, Pebble’s best friend. “Molly would groom Pebbles. They were always cuddling up,” Ruth said. But the Peters have focused their attention, and gratitude, toward the outpouring of help they’ve received from the community. From the moment word spread about the fire, neighbors have been jumping to lend a hand. By that evening, Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast Managers Henriette Buell and Ali Werner provided them with a room at the Middleburg inn, with a promise of a warm place to stay as long as they need it. “The generosity of the community has been unbelievable,” Tommy said. “I couldn’t possibly thank everyone.” Each morning, Federal Street Café prepares the Peters’ breakfast, and each afternoon Trotter’s Perk Bistro provides lunch. And there have been

endless donations of food, clothing and money. But the needs of the couple’s 30-acre horse farm go beyond meals and clothing, and the folks of Middleburg and Aldie have contributed in abundance. Southern States Co-op has provided feed for the animals, while White Stone Farm has donated gallons of water. Other neighbors have contributed bales of hay, a generator, and blankets for the animals, and some are housing several of their horses. Horses can’t handle the kind of stress a fire brings, Kockler said. “In stressful situations, animals need routine more than ever.” Ruth Peters, who used to show horses for a living, lost one of her horses shortly after the fire. She said he had health problems, and believed the trauma of the fire was too much for the horse to handle. As she and her husband watched their home burn, Ruth said she has never hugged so many strangers. The two-story house built in 1975 held their legacy; so much of their lives burned with the fire. “We’ve been married 58 years. At this stage of our lives we have lots of family memories, things we want to pass to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” she said. But all is not lost. Although many of their belongings were ruined, they hope to recover some items and begin rebuilding their home. Until then, they will continue to build relationships with their neighbors. The Peters have asked that any donations be directed to the Middleburg Humane Foundation, at middleburghumane.com/donate-now.html.

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High school students got to rub shoulders with some of the nation’s top experts in astrophysics this week, as part of the Go For Launch! program at Orbital ATK in Sterling. The three-day program uses space exploration to launch young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The students were tasked with designing a space experiment, and the winning experiments will be launched to the International Space Station to be conducted in space by astronauts.

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Loudoun Now/File Photo

Hail & Hog Kitchen and Tap opened in Ashburn last May.

Hail & Hog Seeks Bankruptcy Protection Named in honor of the Washington Redskins’ famed run-pushing offensive line, the Hail & Hog Kitchen and Tap in Ashburn isn’t off to a fast start. The football-themed restaurant opened in June on a prime corner on One Loudoun’s main street. On Jan. 10, the owners filed for federal bankruptcy protection. The Chapter 11 filing seeks to restructure debts with creditors, including the construction contractors. The restaurant will remain open while those talks continue. The company listed assets and liabilities of between $1 million and $10 million. Hail & Hog is the latest NFL-themed eatery opened by the G.R.E.A.T. Grille Group, which also operates Eddie George’s Grille 27 in Columbus, OH;

Ford’s Fish Shack on the Hook at Lansdowne Saul Centers has landed another tenant to fill one of the anchor restaurant spaces at Lansdowne Town Center. Ford’s Fish Shack this week announced plans to open its third location at 19308 Promenade Drive, space that formerly housed Emilio’s Brick Oven Pizza and Pike’s Fish House. Ford’s Fish Shack started in 2010 as a family-owned, seafood restaurant. It operates in South Riding and Ashburn, garnering awards from Zagat, the Washington Post, Northern Virginia Magazine, and as Loudoun’s Favorite seafood restaurant as voted by Loudoun Now readers. While working to keep spaces filled at its existing Lansdowne Town Center property, Saul Holdings also has applied with the county government to add more office and retail space, along with a child care center

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Owner and Executive Chef Tony Stafford plates a meal at the Ford’s Fish Shack kitchen in Ashburn.

and restaurants with drive-through windows on the south edge of the town center, south of the Harris Tee-

Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 in Pittsburgh, PA; the Colts Grille in Indianapolis, IN; and the Houston Texans Grille in Texas.

Retro Soda Pops at Rocket Fizz Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop will celebrate its grand opening at the Village at Leesburg on Friday, Jan. 27 and plans an afternoon of family activities on Saturday, Jan. 28. The retro candy shop concept was founded in 2007 by Rob Powells and Ryan Morgan, who opened their first store in Camarillo, CA, in 2009. Today, Rocket Fizz is the largest and fastest growing soda pop and candy shop franchise brand in America.

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ter and Shell gas station. That application has not yet been reviewed by the Planning Commission. on a summer vacation and thought fun family-friendly concept would be a perfect fit in Loudoun. “I loved the idea of bringing people back to a nostalgic time, or introducing them to something new. We are excited to launch this new business in Leesburg and look forward to welcoming everyone at our grand opening,” she stated. The Jan. 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned at 4 p.m. The grand opening celebration on Saturday will run from 2 to 4 p.m. and will include a balloon artist, tastings of the store’s more than 500 varieties of soda. The store also carries more than 90 flavors of salt water taffy. The store is located at 1604 Village Market Blvd. SE #122 in Leesburg.

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Chamber Foundation Awards $10K in Grants The Loudoun County Chamber Foundation has selected five local nonprofits serving to receive financial grants to support their work in our community. The foundation awarded $2,000 each to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Crossroads Jobs, Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, the Mason Enterprise Center Loudoun, and the Windy Hill Foundation. The Loudoun Chamber Foundation was created in 2014 to provide financial assistance to area nonprofits focused on economic development, education and workforce development, public safety and healthy communities. The Loudoun Chamber Foundation is a field-of-interest fund with the Com-

munity Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. “The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce is committed to investing in our community and investing in those organizations that are focused on the economic, educational and health-related needs of Loudoun’s citizens,” Chamber President Tony Howard stated. “These five organizations selected to receive Chamber Foundation grants are providing valuable services that are making a real difference in the lives of Loudoun County’s entrepreneurs and our neediest citizens. The Chamber is proud to support their work and that of many other outstanding nonprofit groups.” The Catholic Charities of the Dio-

cese of Arlington was founded in 1947 to serve the poor in Virginia. In 2007, it opened its Leesburg Regional Office to connect Loudoun residents in crisis situations with services, such as food and emergency financial assistance with rent and utilities. Crossroads Jobs offers free individualized employment services to unemployed and underemployed individuals not served by conventional agencies and job banks. The all-volunteer Friends of Loudoun Mental Health provides assistance, awareness and advocacy for a broad range of mental health issues. The Mason Enterprise Center Loudoun in Leesburg includes a business incubator, related entrepreneur-

ship programs and the Loudoun Small Business Development Center. It offers space, support and expertize to help businesses start, launch, grow and scale. The Windy Hill Foundation mission provides safe and affordable housing to low income families in Loudoun, Fauquier, and Clarke Counties. It owns 166 units of affordable rental housing for families, older adults, and persons with disabilities in Middleburg and Brambleton and provides 124 residents in Middleburg with comprehensive services to help them access resources such as healthcare, education, employment, and financial assistance.

[ NONPROFIT NEWS ] Arc of Loudoun Announces Leadership Changes

Kimball

White

Kimball, White Join Community Foundation Board The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Board of Directors added two veteran business and community leaders to its governance. Lisa Kimball, an Ashburn resident, is vice president of Identity Management Systems at Telos Corporation, serves as chairwoman of Virginia Identity Management Standards Advisory Council, advisor to Leesburg-based ECHOWorks and the Loudoun County Medical Reserve Corps, is vice chairwoman of Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, and serves on the board and executive committee of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. Tracey White, also of Ashburn, is vice president of Community and Government Relations for Hospital Corporation of America’s Capital Division that includes Stone Springs Hospital. She is a member of the Cornerstones board and executive committee, an executive committee member and past chairwoman of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Northern Virginia Chamber board. She has previously served as a member of the Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation board, the George Mason University College of Health and Human Services Advisory Board, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and as the board vice president of Loudoun Hunger Relief. Her various awards include the 2000 Chamber Executive of the Year. The Community Foundation fosters a community of grantmakers by promoting strategic local leadership and investing in partnerships for community benefit. Its core mission is to build

The Arc of Loudoun on Paxton Campus announced last week the resignation of its executive director, Jennifer Lassiter. She is taking a new post as executive director of the Paxton Memorial Trust, a charitable trust established in 1921, under the will of Rachael Paxton to serve the “needy children” of Loudoun. Since 2000, Lassiter has worked to grow The Arc of Loudoun into the organization that it is today, moving the nonprofit’s major program, The Aurora School, from Purcellville to the Paxton Campus in Leesburg, and establishing three new programs since 2009: Open Door Learning Center, ALLY Advocacy Center and the STEP Up Program. The programs help children and adults with disabilities. Melissa Heifetz, who is the administrative director of ALLY Advocacy Center, will serve as the interim executive director. She has been with The Arc of Loudoun since 2014 and in that time has worked to grow its advocacy and supported employment programs. Heifetz said she is honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the organization in the interim. “I fell in love with this campus from the moment I arrived as a volunteer several years ago and have continued to be impressed with the commitment and hard work of the staff and all the local everlasting endowment based on each donor’s personal charitable interests.

Floresca Joins SkillsUSA SkillsUSA has named Christa L. Floresca as the new director of business partnerships and development at the SkillsUSA National Leadership Center. She began work Dec. 7 at the national headquarters in Lucketts. “Christa brings to this position a passion for fundraising as well as extensive experience with partnership development and community relations,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA. “I am confident her talents and leadership will allow SkillsUSA

Loudoun Now/File Photo

Students at Paxton Campus play a ring-toss game during one of their classes. The campus is home to several nonprofit organizations dedicated to educating children and adults with disabilities, including The Aurora School, Open Door Learning Center preschool, STEP Up vocational training program for adults, and ALLY Advocacy Center.

good that we accomplish together,” she stated. “I look forward to a bright future for all of our programs.” In a prepared statement, Lisa Herndon Broyhill, President of the board of directors of The Arc of Loudoun, thanked Lassiter for her longtime leadership and vision and her dedication to grow The Arc of Loudoun. “We would also like to inform our community that we will continue to move forward with our programs in 2017, celebrating The Arc of Loudoun’s 50th Anniversary,” she stated. “Our future is certain and our mission is clear: Paxton Campus maximizes the potential of children while supporting to nurture and strengthen many current relationships and create many exciting new partnerships. Her work will help even more SkillsUSA students, instructors and ad- Floresca ministrators take advantage of the many personal and professional benefits of the SkillsUSA program.” Floresca’s background includes grant writing, corporate sponsorships, annual and planned giving, individual major

families and individuals with disabilities so that they may thrive in the community.” Fiftieth celebration festivities will continue throughout 2017, kicking off with The Arc of Loudoun’s annual meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The annual meeting will take place in the ALLY Advocacy Center building on Paxton Campus, 601 Catoctin Circle NE in Leesburg. Contact Rachel Roseberry to RSVP or for more information, rroseberry@ paxtoncampus.org. Learn more about Paxton Campus at paxtoncampus.org. —Danielle Nadler gifts, and public grants and contracts. Her work experience includes leadership and development positions with the Society for Women’s Health Research, Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Bill of Rights Institute. “I have spent my career helping nonprofits, like SkillsUSA, expand their base of support across the country. And, I believe SkillsUSA’s mission is truly vital if we wish to remain leaders in the growing global workforce. I am honored to join such a prestigious organization with over 50 years of history helping young people reach their full potential.”

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[ LOCO LIVING ]

[ THINGS TO DO ]

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ON STAGE LAST HAM STANDING

Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter Don’t miss this hilarious show full of laughs for the entire family. A group of talented performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and funny improv games. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for students and $10 for children.

LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS: REMINGTON RYDE Saturday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m.; Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. Details: luckettsbluegrass.org These crowd pleasers from Pennsylvania entertain audiences with showmanship, wit and an uplifting manner. Admission is $15 at the door. Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Owner Dean Craft and sales director Diane Lorenzo pose for a photo in their video studio at Atlantis. They have big plans for the revamped event space, formerly known as The Studio.

Celebrate Hand Dancing and Much More at Sterling’s Atlantis BY JAN MERCKER

ot sure what hand dancing is? 2017 may be the year to learn. The longtime DC-area tradition is making a comeback around the region and has found a niche in Loudoun at the Atlantis event space in Sterling. Atlantis’ First Friday dance parties draw a crowd of enthusiastic hand dancers—and others looking to enjoy great R&B, Motown and soul music from some of the region’s top disc jockeys. And there are usually hand dancing classes for newbies looking to learn. First Friday dance parties are just a small part of what’s happening at Atlantis, an event venue and audio-visual production studio near Dulles Town Center. The venue does a bustling business in event rentals for weddings, birthday parties and celebration of life ATLANTIS is at 45449 Severn Way in Sterling. Find more information and a calendar of events at atlantisva.info. Retro Fridays at CAPTAIN MAS takes place every Friday at 9 p.m. at 46303 McClellan Way in Sterling. Admission is free before 10 p.m. and $5 after. Find details at captainmas.com.

memorial events, and owner Dean Craft, a seasoned audio-visual producer operates a thriving AV production studio in the space. But last year, Craft and sales director Diane Lorenz were looking to expand entertainment offerings at the space, and the First Friday events were born. “A lot of our [event rental] bookings happen on Saturdays. Instead of just remaining dark [on Fridays] I said, there’s not a lot of entertainment for adults 30, 40 plus in the area. People have to go to DC and Maryland. There are plenty of bars but not a lot have nice dance music from the ’70s and ’80s,” Craft said. A form of swing dance, hand dancing’s history goes back to 1920s Washington, and it was recognized by the DC City Council as the city’s official dance in the late 1990s. Known for its signature gliding footwork and continuous hand connection between partners (which gave the dance style its name), hand dancing has returned to the scene in recent years, especially among baby boomers and generation Xers looking for a fun evening with other adults in their 30s and beyond. With a limited range of venues offering hand dancing, Craft said, fans are often willing to travel around the region for an opportunity to strut their stuff. Atlantis’ events draw hand dancers from Maryland, D.C. and beyond—as well as locals. Atlantis often partners with area nonprofits for its First Friday events,

including the Loudoun Chapter of the NAACP and local chapters of historically black fraternities and sororities that operate as service organizations in the county. Atlantis started out 15 years ago as an AV production space in Sterling known as The Studio and retained that name throughout a series of local moves until last year when Craft bought out a business partner and took over operations on his own. The venue has been in its current location off Atlantic Boulevard for the past seven years. Craft, a United Kingdom native who studied video production at University of Maryland, worked as a DJ, camera operator and promotions director at the legendary WKYS radio station before launching his own production studio. “Coming from a background in music, I really have that in my bones. I still like to get out and DJ every once in awhile but I usually have other DJs come in and play,” Craft said. Lorenz, Craft’s second in command, has a background in cable television marketing and helps run both the event and AV production side of the business. Television production remains a big part of Atlantis’ business. The studio produces former Washington Redskin Tony McGee’s “Pro Football Plus,” which airs on Mid-Atlantic HAND DANCING >> 26

LIVE MUSIC: BOB QUINLAN Saturday, Jan. 21, 7-8 p.m.; Trinity House Cafe, 101 E. Market St., Leesburg. Details: trinityhousecafe.com Quinlan’s fresh take on praise and worship music features original songs with a few covers thrown in. Admission is free.

Courtesy of Danny Knicely

LIVE MUSIC: DANNY KNICELY WINTER CONCERT PHOTO Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter Internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Danny Knicely hosts his 11th annual Loudoun show, featuring guest artists Will Lee, John Flower and Ricky Lee. Admission is $20.

MORE TO DO >> 25

[ MORE THINGS TO DO ]

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

<< FROM 24 Courtesy of Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church

MUSIC WITH A CAUSE: BRIAN GANZ Sunday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m.; Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, 711 W. Main St., Purcellville. Details: standrew-pres.org Internationally renowned pianist and award-winning Chopin specialist Brian Ganz presents a concert of the Romantic composer’s nocturnes, polonaises, mazurkas and etudes. Performances benefit the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter. Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 for seniors and free for youth 17 and younger.

Courtesy of Smokehouse Live

LIVE MUSIC: RANDY THOMPSON BAND

Virginia-based singer/songwriter Randy Thompson brings to life the rich musical history of the Piedmont region— with a 21st Century twist. No cover.

GALLERY COFFEEHOUSE: ‘MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS’

cades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Details: thelct.org

Sunday, Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter

Loudoun Centre Theatre holds open auditions for its production of “Footloose” in May. Roles are available for men and women 12 and older, with a few roles for children 8-12. Check out the LCT website for details on how to prepare.

Performance group Imagine That! presents a behind the scenes look at legendary producer David O. Selznick’s inspiration for the 1939 classic film “Gone with the Wind.” Show is recommended for ages 16 and older. Admission is $8 at the door.

AUDITIONS: ‘FOOTLOOSE’ Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m.; Cas-

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

HANDMADE OASIS

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

LIVE MUSIC: JEFFERSON STREET STRUTTERS Thursday, Jan. 19, 9 p.m.; King’s Tavern, 19 S. King St., Leesburg. Details: kingstavernandwinebar.com The beloved Jefferson Street Strutters return to King’s Tavern for a one-night showcase of Dixieland, early jazz, ragtime and American popular songs from the 1900s through the early 1940s. No cover.

LIVE MUSIC: TRIAL BY FIRE: A TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY Saturday, Jan. 21, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com This North Carolina-based band brings Steve Perry’s Journey to life with favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Wheel In The Sky.” Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show.

LIVE MUSIC: DELTA SPUR Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd.,

MORE TO DO >> 26

Nichols Fine Art by Andrew

Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com

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2017 Battle of the Bands Kicks Off One of the Loudoun’s best-loved musical events is on the horizon: YouthFest 2017 kicks off this month with the first of its Battle of the Bands preliminary rounds. And while applications for contestants are closed, it’s a great chance to come out and hear some of the best teen bands and performers around. YouthFest kicks off with series of preliminary rounds in the first three months of the year followed by a final battle in April, and then the big event

at One Loudoun on June 17. Each year, YouthFest features a national touring act as the headliner, with a lineup of local winners as openers. This year’s headline act has not yet been announced. Preliminary competitions will be held Friday, Jan. 27, Friday, Feb. 24, and Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at Atlantis, 45449 Severn Way in Sterling. Admission is $5. The final battle of the bands of will

take place Friday, April 21 at 6 p.m. at the Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market Street in Leesburg. Admission is $8. All local finalists will play the June 17 event, which takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Barn at One Loudoun, 20450 Savin Hill Drive in Ashburn. In addition to great music, the event features interactive exhibits, dancers and other stage acts, and information on healthy living, after school programs, community organizations and diversity, along with games, food and prizes. For more information, go to loudounyouth.org.

[ MORE TO DO ] << FROM 25 Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Enjoy an evening of fresh, contemporary country inspired by favorites like Zac Brown and Keith Urban. No cover.

LIVE MUSIC: CHRIS TIMBERS Thursday, Jan. 26, 9 p.m.; King’s Tavern, 19 S. King St., Leesburg. Details: kingstavernandwinebar.com A Northern Virginia native, singer/ songwriter Chris Timbers draws inspiration from soul music, contemporary jazz, blues, rock and country. No cover.

LOCO CULTURE CHILI CHALLENGE FUNDRAISER Saturday, Jan. 21, noon-4 p.m.; Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Dr #114, Ashburn. Details: oldoxbrewery.com Old Ox’s third annual fundraiser in support of Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue features tasty chilies from favorite area restaurants. Old Ox also will release its new War Wagon Kolsch. Admission is a donation to Ashburn VFRD.

BLUEMONT COUNTRY DANCE Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.; Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. Details: bluemont.org This month’s old-time dance features music from the Rigatoni Brothers and calling from Woody Lane. A workshop for new dancers will be held at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $12, $8 for Bluemont friends, students and seniors and $5 for children 12 and younger

Amateur Radio Group Offers Free Ham License Training The Loudoun County Amateur Radio Group is offering its annual class this weekend to help area residents qualify for their Technician Class license. The free program has room for 70 participants and is open to all ages. The training is geared toward those who want to learn how to use ham radio for fun, disaster preparedness, and security. Classes will be held Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 at the VFW Post 11177, at 354 Old Waterford Road NW in Leesburg. Participants are encouraged to review “The No-Nonsense, Technician Class License Study Guide,” which is available online, before class. The program concludes with a license test, administered by the Red Cross for the cost of $15. The training is such that almost all who participate

K4LARG

Bill Fenn and Grant Russell during the 2009 Loudoun County Amateur Radio Group field day exercise.

in the program leave the weekend with their license from the Federal Communications Commission. For more details, contact Jay Greeley at 703-473-8015.

DESSERTS ON BROADWAY

COMING UP ‘THE EMPRESS’S NEW CLOTHES’ Saturday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Feb. 11, noon and 3 p.m., Cascades Library; Saturday, Feb. 4, noon, Purcellville Library. Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach Theatre Company presents an original children’s play based on the classic fairy tale. Empress Regina needs a new dress for the upcoming summit and when two wandering swindlers spin a yarn, the empress allows herself to be taken in, along with everyone else, for fear of being thought a fool. Admission is free. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.; Tuscarora High School, 801 N. King St., Leesburg. Contact: 571-252-1904. The Tuscarora High School Choral Department hosts its annual fundraising event featuring choral and musical theater students performing solo, duet and ensemble selections from a variety of Broadway shows. Desserts and beverages will be served during intermission. Tickets are $15 for reserved seating; $10 for general admission and students. Children 5 and younger are free. Emergency snow date is Feb. 4.

Hand dancing << FROM 24 Sports Network, along with programs and commercials for a range of government and corporate clients. But beefing up the entertainment side of things is a goal for the new year for both Craft and Lorenz. The organizers have launched a quarterly comedy night, which Craft plans to ramp up to monthly down the road (the next one is scheduled for March 25). And the collaborators also plan to expand live music offerings in coming months. For the past few years, the venue has been home to the preliminary rounds of Loudoun Youth’s YouthFest teen Battle of The Bands, a series of fun evenings for all ages as teens compete for the final round held at Leesburg’s Tally Ho Theatre in April. This year, preliminary rounds at Atlantis are scheduled for Friday Jan. 27, Friday, Feb. 24 and Friday, March 24. Craft has also launched a weekly retro Friday events at nearby Captain Mas restaurant, offering a similar groove to Atlantis’ First Fridays, but with a little more pop and a little less R&B. [At Captain Mas] you’re probably going to hear Chicago, Foreigner, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye,” Craft said. “[At Atlantis], you’ll probably hear some of the same music, but with Kool and the Gang and Donna Summer.” And while hand dancing has traditionally been biggest in DC’s African American community, events at Captain Mas and Atlantis have an eclectic, comfortable vibe. “We want to have it very diverse so we have a mixed crowd. Its nice in this area to intertwine—it makes for a good crowd so everybody’s comfortable,” Lorenz said. “We want to be appealing to everyone.”

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Atlantis event space formerly known as The Studio.

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Superintendent’s budget increases by the numbers

<< FROM 1

In response to an increase in suicides and suicide attempts among Loudoun students, the superintendent wants to create unified mental health support teams in each high school. Williams said the Pupil Services Department is “woefully understaffed,” and he’s recommending five psychologists, eight social workers, eight school counselors, two supervisors and two student assistants be added. He would reallocate funds from vacant positions to pay for

enrollment growth

$14.9 MILLION step increases (pay raises)

$2.3 MILLION Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Superintendent Eric Williams discusses his $1,124.2 billion spending plan for Loudoun’s school system, which is expected to enroll 81,622 students by August.

the change. “This would build on existing efforts to promote mental wellness and resiliency, increase early detection, provide social and emotional support, and encourage help-seeking behavior and access to mental health treatment,” he said.

Kindergarten The spending plan would also carve out $8.9 million to provide a full school day for about 4,600 of the county’s 5,627 kindergartners. That would increase full-day kindergarten classrooms from 114 this year to about 200 next year. Williams initially said he wanted threefourths of Loudoun kindergartners to have access to a full school day next

year, but he was able to reallocate funds to get that to 82 percent. “I know many in the community would be extremely pleased with this information,” he said. Loudoun County is one of just a handful of school divisions in the state that does not provide universal full-day kindergarten. But since Williams was hired on as superintendent in 2014, he’s made it his stated goal to eventually provide every Loudoun kindergartner with a full day. He said he would come back to the School Board this spring with a plan to get to universal full-day kindergarten.

raises and more hours for bus drivers

$10.3 MILLION restructure teacher salary schedule

$8.9 MILLION full-day kindergarten expansion

$12.6 MILLION enhancements and reallocations

$10 MILLION operations and maintenance

SCHOOL BUDGET >> 28

Targeting Suicide

$32.3 MILLION

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

Many drivers have pointed to the low pay, few hours and increasing health care costs as reasons hundreds have left the job in recent years and have made them reluctant to recruit friends. The school system is on its way to address all three of those concerns, Williams noted. As of Jan. 1, the School Board agreed to reverse a two-year-old policy that required employees to work at least 21 hours a week to qualify for health care benefits, and then charged premiums on a sliding scale based on employees’ hours. That meant that drivers, who are not full time, paid more for insurance than most school system employees. Loudoun is likely losing qualified drivers to neighboring districts that do not charge for benefits on a sliding scale, according to the school budget staff. The superintendent promised more details on his plan to retain and recruit more drivers in the coming weeks.

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

School budget

loudounnow.com

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

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School budget << FROM 27

The Fiscal Outlook The budget also calls for $2.9 million to purchase textbooks and digital resources, pay summer school bus drivers and reinstate three more middle school deans to provide one dean per grade level in each middle school. All three of those requests are meant to restore some of the line items that were cut during the tightest budget years, Williams said. “We are trying to be strategic,” he added. “We are not going

over to the Board of Supervisors with our hand out saying let’s restore everything from [fiscal year 2009]. … This is what is most important to us.” On the revenue side, the outlook is much rosier than both county and school leaders initially expected. On Tuesday night, Assistant Superintendent of Finance reported that County Administrator Tim Hemstreet will craft his budget based on the equalized tax rate, aimed at keeping tax bills level for homeowners on average. Williams’ budget would require $64.5 million more in county funds for the school system next fiscal year. The equalized tax rate falls just $4.8 million

short of that request—far less than in any recent year. “This is excellent information,” Williams said. At the start of the budget season last year, that gap between proposed local funds and schools’ budget request was more than $35 million. The year before that, it was as much as $28 million. “We are in a better situation than we were two years ago and the supervisors fully funded the school budget that year,” Williams noted. “I’m very excited about that.” His presentation kicks off Loudoun County’s four-month budget season. School Board members will pore over

the details of Williams’ proposal in several work sessions ahead of adopting a final plan Feb. 2. The budget is then sent to the county Board of Supervisors as a funding request. Supervisors are scheduled to adopt their budget April 4. The School Board will hold two public hearings: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, and Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the school system administration building, 21000 Education Court in Ashburn. Continue to follow all-things budget related at LoudounNow.com/budgetdebate. dnadler@loudounnow.com

[OBITUARIES]

Carolyn May Green, a vibrant force who lit up the world around her, died January 12, 2017. She was 73.

SISTER PEGGY SANDS DRUMMOND

OBITUARY “Some people have a gift for making life a little brighter, For sharing someone’s burdens, and for making loads seem lighter, For lifting someone’s spirits with a gentle word or two That suddenly can seem to turn the grayest sky to blue…. For being there at lonely times to simply hold a hand Or give a hug that says, “I care and want to understand.” Some people have a gift –a special blessing from above – That makes the world more beautiful and fills it with God’s love. Our friend, wife, mother, grandmother, Peggy S. Drummond, the daughter of the late William Leonard Sands and Louise Dade Sands was born in Purcellville, VA on May 11, 1927. She departed this life on January 2, 2017 at Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Virginia. Peggy attended elementary school in Purcellville Virginia. Peggy next attended and graduated from Episcopal High, a college preparatory boarding school in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She was a member of a variety of clubs while in high school, (drama club, debate club and reporter for the school newspaper to name a few). During high school Peggy met the love of life, Fred E. Drummond of Pleasantville, New Jersey. They married September 3, 1945. Peggy and Fred move to Paducah, Kentucky where she attended junior college and West Kentucky Vocational School. In 1949 she was licensed as a certified beautician, and opened a successful beauty shop that operated for four years until her church asked her to run and teach at its newly created preschool program. Peggy accepted and had a class of 28 preschoolers. Many times Peggy felt that the children spent more time at her home than they did at school, and she loved every minute of it. Also during her stay in Kentucky, Peggy was very active in civic and social events. After Fred completed his master degree at Indiana University, they returned to Virginia in 1953 so that she could be near her mother who had been hospitalized for a heart condition. Also in 1953 Peggy gave birth to her only child, a son Jerome, who is now a federal judge in DC. In 1960, after Jerome became school age Peggy accepted a position as secretary at Douglass Elementary School in Leesburg, Virginia, from Douglass Elementary, Peggy moved to J. Lupton Simpson Middle School in Leesburg as secretary in 1982. Peggy loved working with the students at both schools. Peggy retired from the Loudoun County Public School system after 27 years as a school secretary. She worked at Douglass Elementary School for 18 years and for the next 9 years at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School. At both schools, she freely volunteered after school assisting students. For 50 years Peggy wrote a social column, entitled “Line From Loudoun,” for the Loudoun Times-Mirror. In 2004 she received a Loudoun History Award from the Thomas Balch Library Advisory Commission for recording and preserving Loudoun’s history. Peggy was an active member and leader of Grace Annex United Methodist Church in Purcellville and frequent volunteer. Peggy also volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Income Tax Program for the elderly and with numerous other civic and charitable groups. Peggy is survived by her loving husband of over 71 years, Fred; one adoring son, Jerome; daughter-in-law Kiwami; two grandsons Makani and Kahili along with a host of relative and friends.”

A memorial service will be held at the Loudoun Golf and Country Club in Purcellville, Virginia on Jan. 19 at noon. Green was a talented writer, gardener extraordinaire, compassionate horsewoman, fearless decorator, and gracious hostess. She loved life and tackled a dizzying number of projects with an energy that left most of the people around her exhausted. But her laughter, teasing, and sense of purpose inevitably brought everyone around her along in her wake. She was a careful, attentive listener who cultivated relationships with passion and loyalty. Green had a remarkable gift for turning her plans into reality. After moving to Hamilton in 1976, she turned a cornfield into an elaborate garden and a rundown farmhouse into a warm, elegant haven. After saving a starving thoroughbred mare, she threw herself into breeding and training race horses and became a fixture at local point-to-point races. After walking into the office of the newly hatched Leesburg Today newspaper in 1990, she became a relentless investigative journalist, a fine feature writer, and founding editor of Loudoun Magazine, fighting to preserve the best of Loudoun County. At Valdosta State University in Georgia, she fell in love with Stanley (Bud) Green, an Air Force fighter pilot. Together, they started a family and a lifelong 52-year adventure that led them around the globe. Green lived in and loved France, Italy, Germany and the Outer Banks. She sailed in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and under the Brooklyn Bridge. A keen tennis player, she was co-captain of her USTA team at the national championship and attended Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and Roland Garros. A loyal Nationals fan, she went to opening games and spring training. She threw amazing parties, transforming her family’s bank barn into a magical venue for her children’s weddings and famously popular fundraisers for Loudoun Habitat for Humanity. Green loved decorating for Christmas, gathering her family around the table at Thanksgiving, listening to Elvis Presley really loud, eating authentic Southern food, and helping raise her grandchildren into joyful, curious people. Green was born January 11, 1944 in Waycross, Georgia. She learned her perseverance and strong sense of self from her beloved mother, Elizabeth McIntosh May. May, a widow with three children, turned a talent for smocking into a clothes business that had a 52-year run. A writer to the end, she wrote “Morley: The Intimate Story of Virginia’s Governor & Mrs. Westmoreland Davis” and was at work on a book about her mother. Green is alive in the memories of her husband, Bud Green, children Craig and Heather Green, sister Betty Warwick, brother John May, and grandchildren Marley and Meghan Green and Lilly Greer. Memorial gifts may be made in her honor to the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club and Keep Loudoun Beautiful.

Ross E. Simms, Sr. of Centreville, Virginia formerly of Jackson, MS passed away on Jan. 7, 2017 at his residence. He is survived by his four children- Carolyn, Ross Jr., Derek and Shani, nine grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing was held Jan. 12, 2017 with the funeral Friday Jan. 13, 2017 at New Hope First Baptist Church in Jackson, MS. Interment at Garden Memorial

Park, Jackson, MS. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service of Purcellville, VA

To Place an Obituary, Death Notice or Memoriam Contact Lindsay Morgan lmorgan@loudounnow.com 703.770.9723

Big Indoor Moving Sale Rain or shine Fri., Sat. & Sun. January 20, 21 & 22 10:30am - 3pm will continue the following week. 104 Catoctin Circle NE Leesburg 20176 Furnitures, Household items, Baby items, books and much more. Everything Must go.

CLASSIFIEDS We’ve got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always. (703) 770-9723

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House of Worship

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Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

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House of Worship Directory

In Print Weekly. Online Always. Email: Classifieds@LoudounNow.com Call: (703) 770-9723

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This position (in Leesburg) will provide administrative support to the Office Manager and assist on the front line of church operations. Must be a practicing Christian. Ideal candidate will have the ability to work well with people, communicate effectively both in writing and verbally, and be conscientious and detail oriented in completing tasks. Skills we are seeking include proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (primarily Publisher, Word, and Outlook), grammar and editing, word processing, spreadsheets, and basic office equipment/tasks. This is a part-time hourly position paying $14/hour, typically 12-20 hours per week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, based on work load. Apply by January 22, 2017 Email a résumé to office@leesburgumc.org

Improving Homes In Loudoun Since 1995

YVAN DIAZ (571) 505-5565

[ OPINION ]

loudounnow.com

A New Budget Focus The 2017 budget season is opening with county supervisors and school district leaders facing the smallest projected funding gap in years. That’s good news for them and good news for county taxpayers. From this starting point, two good things can happen. First, although least likely, is that the work done by the School Board and the Board of Supervisors over next three months will yield significant cost-cutting and deliver a measurable tax break to county property owners. Don’t count on your tax bill going down next year. Or county and school leaders can step back from the protracted battles that characterize their budget work when revenue and spending projections translate to fears of debilitating shortfalls. The focus this year should be on addressing challenges they share in a more collaborative and coordinated manner. The effort to improve mental health services—already a plank in Superintendent Williams’ proposal—is one example. It also is time to thoughtfully assess the service cuts that were made on both sides of the budget after the nation teetered on the edge of a fiscal cliff eight years ago. Over the years it was easier to put the squeeze on bus drivers than teachers, but, as we see today, those types of decisions— made all across the spectrum—have costs in the long run. A careful look for unintended consequences of belt tightening in the county’s public safety agencies has merit, for example. There are less obvious areas of concern, such as whether noncompetitive pay is fueling high vacancy rates in some sectors. This certainly isn’t the time to reopen the spigot to refill the government trough, but this budget season provides the opportunity to change the tone of the exercise. Instead of looking for cuts that may provide the least harm (or threaten the least number of votes come election time), this is a year when county leaders can begin making targeted investments that can pay even bigger community dividends.

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

Hold Off

[ LETTERS ]

Editor: As a member of the Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan Stakeholders Committee, I recently had the singular honor and privilege of meeting several hundred of my friends and colleagues, all fellow Loudoun residents, at four of the six community forums held by Envision Loudoun. This is the project name given to an initiative by the county supervisors to rewrite the county comprehensive plan for the first time since 1999. The county comprehensive plan guides virtually every aspect of county land use and development, including zoning, transportation, commercial development, residential development, parks and greenspace development, protection measures for western Loudoun, bike and hiking trails and a myriad of other associated issues. The citizen discussions at these meetings were insightful, inclusive and free-ranging. However, over the course of the four meetings I attended, a few common, major themes emerged and rose to the threshold of what I would call a consensus in this remarkably diverse county. First, our citizens are concerned by the quantity of growth—probably no surprise to anyone—but they are equally concerned about the quality of that growth. There was a great deal of discussion in my groups about specific development projects that, in their view, significantly damage the unique aesthetic of Loudoun County. The second major issue I discerned was transportation congestion, again probably not a surprise to anyone. But it was the depth of commonsense understanding of this issue by our citizens that caught my attention. Many citizens expressed strong feelings about new development overwhelming existing and even planned infrastructure. They acknowledged growth was going to occur, but they were notably frustrated by projects begun and completed with what they characterized as almost no regard to the burdens those projects would place on our major transportation arteries. Several projects coming before the board in the next few months will serve

to showcase these precise concerns expressed by our citizens in near unanimity. The one most pressing is a proposal to build 640 new residential units at One Loudoun at the intersection of Rt. 7 and Rt. 28. For those of us who commute down Rt. 7 and Rt. 28 in the morning, there is simply no way 640 new residential units at that critical road juncture will not add significant traffic to a county transportation node already overwhelmed. If the transportation algorithm being used by county staff doesn’t show that, they really need to get a new slide rule. I commute to Old Town every day, and the two worst stretches of my commute, by far, are Rt. 7 and Rt. 28. This many new units at that location will have a major impact on the daily quality of life of residents in Broad Run, Algonkian, Ashburn, Dulles, Sterling and Leesburg districts. In fact, since Brambleton residents heading for Rt. 28 and Catoctin residents in and around Leesburg heading for Rt. 7 will also be affected, the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Districts also have a serious stake in the game. We on the Comprehensive Plan Stakeholders Committee are honored to be asked to contribute to this county’s future, and we take our jobs very seriously. But Board of Supervisors approval of projects such as this, in the face of what is clearly a common consensus in the county by its citizens regarding the desired direction of future development, would be at best ill-advised and at worst render the Envision Loudoun project meaningless. I would respectfully suggest the board place on hold any controversial development projects until it has time to hear and digest the findings of the 26-member citizens group it commissioned to consider precisely these kinds of issues. — Mike Turner, Leesburg At Large Representative, Comprehensive Plan Stakeholders Committee

Open Hearts Editor: We, signers of this letter, have been LETTERS >> 33

[ LETTERS ]

It’s The Parking

loudounnow.com

Editor: I’ve called Leesburg home for many years now. So many in fact I actually used to get my shoes repaired at “Shoes” long before it became a coffee shop/bistro. And like many residents I’ve seen stores and restaurants come and go over the past decade. I enjoyed reading “Openings Bring Optimism” and I am encouraged to see so many new places either opening, or planning to open in downtown Leesburg. But if the business owners of Leesburg really want to ensure success in town: Fix The Parking! While an additional parking garage would be ideal, a quick fix, let’s remove all of the “private parking” signs that cover every parking spot in town. Now, I understand with the courthouse, small businesses can ill afford to lose parking spots to suspected law breakers, (sic) but not after 5 p.m. or on the weekends. I recently took some friends to eat at the King Street Oyster Bar. As I pulled into the lot behind their building, I saw a sea of empty parking spots with “private parking” or “violators will be towed” signs. Most were for businesses that had already closed for the day. It was so nerve-racking we ended up going to the Blue Ridge Grill. Even with the wait, having a place to park made the night less stressful. With increased competition coming from One Loudoun and other areas, there will be plenty of places to spend one’s money. My hope is the business owners in Leesburg, realize it’s in their collective interest to make it as easy as possible to attract and keep customers. A more communal use of acres of parking would be a great start. — Kevin Carr, Leesburg

Rev. Debbie Dodson Parsons, Pastor, Leesburg Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. David Milam, Pastor, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Purcellville Rev. Jacquelyn Hollingsworth, Pastor Christ Chapel AME Church, Sterling Rev. Jessica McClure Archer, Assoc. Pastor, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Purcellville Rev. Mark Feather and Rev. Kate Bryant, St. James’ Episcopal Church, Leesburg Rev. Molly W. Douthett, Furnace Mountain Presbyterian Church, Lucketts Rev. Samantha J. Tuttle - Pastor of On Earth United Church of Christ Rev. Sunday Cote, Senior Minister, Center for Spiritual Living Leesburg Rizwan Jaka, Chair, Board, All Dulles Area Muslim Society(ADAMS) Robert J. Marro, Executive Director, Alliance for an Indivisible America 2020 Sher JB Singh, Executive Director, Guru Angad Institute of Sikh Studies, Sterling Sikh Mission of Virginia, Warrenton St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church ~ Iglesia Episcopal San Gabriel, Leesburg St. James United Church of Christ, Lovettsville The Congregation of Goose Creek Friends Meeting (Quaker,) The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Loudoun County Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

<< FROM 32 and always will be committed to bringing people together across religious, racial, economic, and political party affiliations to build a strong Loudoun County. Intense emotions showing seemingly intractable divides have recently brought about hurtful and demeaning talk, at times, characterizing other people in our community in uncivil and inappropriate ways. We are reaching out to you, Loudoun county, pledging our commitment to reaffirm bridges of trust and respect. Let us begin by saying what we will not do: We will not disparage anyone’s emotional responses, whether they are positive or negative, joyful or fearful. Our ears remain open; Neither will we smooth over the tensions, without having the difficult conversations about the issues that matter to the whole of our population. Our minds remain open; And finally, we refuse to allow anger or fear to prevent us from relating to people who are different from us. Our hearts remain open. Faith, community, and civic leaders gathered in early December to open our ears, minds, and hearts to one another. We listened to the fears, experiences, and hopes of our neighbors in community. Then we asked one another how we might move forward together. We asked for humility and faith, for patience and understanding, for compassion and respect. Together, we pledge to uphold these very values in all our engagements in Loudoun County and beyond. Our conviction demands that we stand together as a community: people of the Atheist, Bahá’i, Buddist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist and all faith and belief systems; Native American and any Immigrant group, rich, poor, speakers of all languages, from every race, ability and people, Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Transgender, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green and Independent–Everyone! We do so firmly believing that we are stronger and wiser when we work together for the common good. Together, we also pledge to pay close attention to the needs of the most vulnerable among us. We are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We see and affirm the inherent worth and dignity in all our neighbors. Together we will work to build a community that respects our equality, and we will work until this same pledge and purpose is affirmed by all our neighbors in Loudoun County. Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation, Ashburn Congregation Sha’are Shalom, Leesburg Crossroads United Methodist Church, Ashburn Eva Maria Torres Herrera, Coordinator DREAMers’MOMS VA Jared Melvin, President/CEO Loudoun Youth, Inc. Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington Kurt Aschermann, founder Community Table of Loudoun Loudoun Interfaith BRIDGES Board of Trustees Rev. Dan King, Minister, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, Leesburg Rev. David A. Douthett, Pastor, Catoctin Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Waterford

A History of Waterford Schools

• IN

Early 19th century education in Virginia was largely organized by religious groups or private individuals; in Waterford, the Society of Friends (Quakers) established an education program around 1805. According to the late historian John Divine, during the 19th and 20th centuries, the village of Waterford supported at least 10 schools, some housed in purpose-built schoolhouses and some in private residences. Many of these structures are still standing. The relatively large number of schools in this small, rural community is testimony to the value the Quakers placed on equal education for all children. Waterford’s first known schoolhouse is the brick, one-room structure adjoining Fairfax Meetinghouse on Loyalty Road, dating from 1805. By the 1830s, two other private academies had opened and operated in residences: Hannah Mendenhall Worley’s School (15620 Second St.), and Ratcliffe School (40138 Main St.). The Trough Road School (junction of Hamilton Station Road and Clarkes Gap Road) somehow managed to hold classes during the Civil War, and the William Williams School (15612 Second St.) operated in 1865. After the Civil War, encouraged by activities of the Freedman’s Bureau, including publication of textbooks and school construction, African-American residents built in 1868 the first public school in Waterford. At one time called “Colored School A,” it is known today as the Second Street School (15611 Second St.). The Quakers of Philadelphia contributed funds, as did the Freedman’s Bureau and the white and black residents of Waterford. The school, a one-room frame building heated by a coal-fired stove and with an outhouse, operated until 1957. Karen Spriggs, who attended the school in the early 1950s, said one teacher taught all grades, with an occasional assistant. Although the school was crowded, students were well-disciplined. “We were there to learn,” Mrs. Spriggs added. According to local historian Bronwen Souders, the Sidwell sisters used their home next door (15603 Second St.) to teach children. Known as the Industrial School, and considered an adjunct to the Second

Balls Bluff

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

<< FROM 3 credits on rehabilitation projects involving any contributing structures that existed in the three-day period of the battle that began Oct. 20, 1861, when Union troops made a reconnaissance patrol across the Potomac at Balls Bluff that led to the following two-day battle. There are only a couple of such properties on the Virginia side, but former commission Chairman William E. Wilken said there could be an opportunity on Harrison Island, for example, where there is an abandoned house

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(ca. 1890, 15578 High St. in the small shingle-clad building in the rear yard). Other private academies were founded in Waterford during the first half of the 20th Century. Camelot School (40145 Main St.), and Lucille MacCallum’s boarding school (15533 Second St.) operated briefly in the mid-20th century. Significantly, an early incarnation of Loudoun Country Day School was opened in 1955 by Dorothy McDonald and Edith Newcombe in Greystone on Clarkes Gap Road just outside Waterford. According to John Chamberlin, a native Waterfordian who attended the school for grades 6 through 8 when it was called Millvale, the school employed the Calvert educational system, and was operated by Ms. McDonald through the 1958 school year. Ms. Newcombe returned to Leesburg in 1956 and re-established a school there under the Loudoun Country Day School name. Later, a Montessori school was started in 1967 by Marie Anderson in the Pink House (40174 Main St.). Although that school was relocated to Leesburg in 1968, Ms. Anderson, at the request of parents of her Montessori students, formulated for them an afterschool cultural program in the Pink House, where the children studied and discussed poetry, Shakespeare, music and social interactions. That program, called the Explorers Club, was offered

BACK

BY JANE COVINGTON

YARD

loudounnow.com

Street School, its curriculum amounted to informal classes teaching domestic skills to African American students. During the 1870s, to gain readmittance to the Union, all Confederate states were mandated to offer public education. To provide free education, Virginia levied taxes to finance its Literary Fund, and local school districts collected personal property taxes to supplement state funds. By the late 1870s, Waterford was able to support public education for its white children, and built the Waterford Academy at the corner of Fairfax and High streets. This building was destroyed by fire in 1909; the school was rebuilt the following year, and today is well-known as the Old School. Supplementing the Old School during its tenure was Huntley School and barn foundation dating to before the battle. It was where future Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Homes, who was injured in the battle, was sheltered before being taken by boat downriver to Poolesville, MD, and back home up to Beacon Hill in Boston, MA. State funds are available for easements or purchase of significant battlefield properties, but Loudoun County Preservation Planner Heidi Siebentritt, who worked hand in hand with the commission on the project, said that the county government has no plans to extend historic district zoning to the Balls Bluff Battlefield. Much of the landmark consists of water and parkland owned by public entities, including the North-

ern Virginia Regional Park Authority and Loudoun County.

The Five-Year Process Looking back, Commission member Lori Kimball said the project started five years ago with a request by the Leesburg Town Council to better protect the tree canopy along Edwards Ferry Road, which the council considered “a gateway into Leesburg.” County supervisors sent the issue to the Heritage Commission. “When we looked at the maps, we saw that the Civil War Advisory Committee in the ’90s had looked at the battlefield approaches,” Kimball said. “We looked

for several years. The Old School was in use until the mid-1960s, when the Loudoun County School Board decided to abandon it. In 1965, it was sold at public auction to the Waterford Foundation. A fire destroyed the Old School’s auditorium portion in 2007, but the Foundation rebuilt it. For more than 50 years, the Old School has been the village community center, the site of meetings, classes, plays, concerts and other events. The construction of Dulles Airport in the early 1960s precipitated intensified growth pressures in Loudoun, and the need for new schools became evident. In November 1963, with approval by Loudoun voters of a school bond referendum, the Waterford PTA advised the Board of Supervisors “they were most anxious for a new school.” A month later, the board voted to purchase 10 acres on Rt. 665 for new school construction. Built at a cost of $330,000 just across the road from the 1805 Meetinghouse School, the New School opened in November 1964. A grand open house was held Dec. 6, attended by about 300 people. In addition to speeches by school dignitaries, the school band played and original works by members of the Loudoun Sketch Club were exhibited in the library. Today, the front hall proudly bears the 6-foot by 18-foot Millennium Wall designed and constructed by artist Joan Gardiner and the Waterford students. Jane Covington is a local preservationist and the principal of Jane Covington Restoration. For more than 30 years, with assistance from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Waterford Foundation has conducted a living history program at the Second Street School. The program is free to Loudoun County students. Go to waterfordfoundation.org for details. In Our Backyard is compiled by the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition. To learn more about the organization or to participate in the Rural Roads Initiative, go to loudouncoalition.org. to see if we were eligible for a broader recognition.” That decision set off a complex matrix of applications and approvals in five jurisdictions—Montgomery County, the state of Maryland, Loudoun County, the town of Leesburg and the commonwealth of Virginia—and the National Park Service. The project was guided from the beginning by Wilken, who just stepped down as chairman of the panel. Kimball and Commission member Mitch Diamond took the first step, submitting the Preliminary Information Form to the Virginia Department of Historic ReBALLS BLUFF >> 35

<< FROM 34

39.147607

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(USGS 7.5-minute series Waterford, Leesburg, Sterling, Virginia; and Poolesville, Maryland quadrangles).

Siebentritt suggested the commission seek a $60,000 grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program to hire consultants for the process. Diamond and Wilken lauded the work of Rivanna Associates of Charlottesville who did the research and wrote the report that formed the nomination. Diamond also credited Siebentritt for her management of the grant and steering of the project once consultants were hired. “I loved doing it. I got to work with the Civil War Trust and Friends of Balls Bluff; it was a good learning experience for me,” Siebentritt said. After numerous applications and reviews in Virginia and Maryland, the

Virginia Department of Historic Resources approved the package, and it was sent to the Secretary of the Interior for final action. “It’s great recognition for Loudoun County; overall it was a big positive,” Kimball said.

Setting the Boundaries Being careful not to infringe on property owners’ rights required careful consideration of where the boundaries should be, Diamond said. “We didn’t make this up; it had been studied twice before,” he said. He noted an earlier map of the battlefield that encompassed 5,000 acres. Also years later, the American Bat-

mmorton@loudounnow Editor’s Note: W. Brown Morton III is the husband of the writer.

“Edwards Ferry was the heart of the battlefield,” Siebentritt said. The approaches to the battle, on both sides of the Potomac River, were not in the original landmark, but were integral to what happened, she and Kimball noted. The commission’s initial intent was to recognize the historic and scenic land along Edwards Ferry Road and the Potomac River shores near Leesburg. “But the whole Maryland side was left out,” noted Ball’s Bluff Civil War historian Jim Morgan, who served as battlefield adviser to the commission. His book, “A Little Short of Boats: The Battles of Balls Bluff and Edwards Ferry, Oct. 21-22, 1861,” has become required reading for understanding the conflict and its significance. The 1984 landmark consisted of land from the high water mark on the Virginia banks, up to the top of Balls Bluff and fanning out to the cemetery and the parking lot.

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tlefield Protection Program drew a boundary that was considerably larger than 76 acres. “We took the latest ABPP boundary and cut out heavily developed areas, but followed their advice as closely as possible, and drew boundaries that made historic sense and had integrity,” Diamond said. “We concluded that by linking Edwards Ferry to the battlefield and expanding it, we’d do the greatest amount to honor the landscape without infringing on private property rights.” The group held community outreach meetings and mailed out information letters to property owners, garnering broad support overall. “They understood the recognition of those who fought and died,” Kimball said. Of 60 private landowners concerned, Diamond said one on the Virginia side and one in Maryland, sought to be excluded. However, VDHR included the Virginia property because it was deemed central to the battle. Diamond said the biggest problem was the sheer size and intricacy of the project. Getting the grant was a major undertaking that required very careful documentation as well as a significant demonstration of community and official support. “[The approval] will help keep the whole idea of preserving these sites in front of people and the importance of promoting local history—and we have lots of it,” Morgan said.

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sources and to the Maryland Historical Trust. Then-Commissioner W. Brown Morton III, who was instrumental in drawing the boundaries of Loudoun’s National Historic Landmark district around Waterford, suggested broadening the battlefield’s landmark boundaries, rather than seeking to create a new designation. It was at that point that the team saw there was another story there.

Jan. 19 – 25, 2017

Balls Bluff

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Datum = NAD83 ID

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Jan. 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25, 2017