LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE
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LoudounNow CITY OF LEESBURG Not This Year
MURDER CHARGE FILED Second Domestic Homicide of 2016
Vol. 1, No. 13
BEER AND BBQ Voltaggio Does Vanish
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February 4, 2016
Budget Adopted: Small Schools Win Big—For Now BY DANIELLE NADLER
Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now
Wendy de la Torre, in back, is a Cuban-American who teaches at Seneca Ridge Middle School in Sterling. Loudoun public schools want to attract more minority personnel.
School Leaders Look to Diversify Classroom Workforce NAACP Says Efforts Fall Short, Threatens Legal Action BY DANIELLE NADLER Loudoun public school leaders want more of the county’s teachers to look like the students they teach. Twelve percent of the school system’s teachers and administrators are racial minorities, a far cry from the 48 percent of minorities who make up the student body. “We want to develop a diverse
workforce to serve our diverse community,” Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services Kimberly L. Hough said. She reported data on the racial makeup of school district employees to the Loudoun County School Board last Thursday. The report is in response to an inquiry from the NAACP, which raised concerns last fall about the lack of diversity among the district’s workforce. Hough’s report also showed that minorities apply for licensed positions at a higher rate than they’re being hired. From October 2014 through Septem-
ber 2015, 19.5 percent of the applicants for licensed positions were racial minorities. Of the employees hired during that time, 8.32 percent were minorities. Hough’s department is requesting $162,350 to help turn those figures around. The money would cover the costs of a personnel specialist who would target diversity recruitment, as well as $40,000 worth of consulting services to DIVERSITY continues on page 21
Virginia’s fastest growing county reached a milestone this week: Loudoun County Public Schools’ budget hit the $1 billion mark. The School Board adopted a $1.07 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2017, trimming the spending plan drafted by Superintendent Eric Williams by just $214,849. The spending plan is $86.7 million, or 8.8 percent, higher than the current fiscal year’s budget and would require a $58 million increase in county tax funds. The funding hike aims to cover the cost of enrollment growth—projected to tick up by 3.8 percent this fall—as well as pay for an expansion of full-day kindergarten, the opening of a new elementary school and lay the groundwork for the long-awaited Academies of Loudoun. Board member Jeff Morse (Dulles) said the adopted budget takes important steps to move the county forward, not just maintain the status quo. “If you want full-day kindergarten, if you want the Academies of Loudoun, you have to pay for it,” he said. “Those specific items are leading us to the Loudoun we need to be.” Several line items added to Williams’ initial proposal reinstate positions and programs that the board cut in recent years in the face of tight fiscal constraints. Perhaps the most surprising addition was to reinstate fulltime principals and add full-time media/technology assistants to the county’s small western Loudoun schools. Five years ago, principals at the four smallest schools were cut to part-time positions, and two years ago, librarians and technology resource teachers were reduced to part time. Throughout the budget process, residents have raised student safety concerns around school leaders in the building only parttime. “I think it’s extremely challenging to run an organization part time,” Morse said, referring to the part-time principal position. “This is safety, this is security, this is continuity.” SCHOOLS BUDGET continues on page 21
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Loudoun’s Nightlife Action Plan Goes Public BY RENSS GREENE What makes Loudoun the place to live? “I think of this as probably one of the most important things in Loudoun County,” said John Wood, CEO of one of Loudoun’s largest employers, Telos Corporation in Ashburn. “And I think of it from this perspective: our people, basically, because of technology, can live wherever they want to within reason.” Last year, Loudoun’s Economic Development Advisory Commission brought together business and development leaders to create the Nighttime Economy Advisory Commission, or NEAC, to answer that question. Now, after months of intensive meetings and research, the commission is ready to take its ideas to the public. Although NEAC’s recommendations have not yet been released publicly, at their heart is promoting a community development philosophy of integrated lifestyles based on walkable, urban environments. In other words: places people can live, work, and play, without ever needing to get into a car and brave DC-area traffic. In short, more places like One Loudoun in Ashburn. The first draft of NEAC’s ideas for how to make that a reality for more Loudouners will be unveiled at a meeting at BLVD in One Loudoun on Tuesday, Feb. 9. There, people can tell the group charged with bolstering the county’s nightlife what they want to see in the county’s future. “When I was chairman of the Economic Development Commission, I used to say that Loudoun County does a great vanilla ice cream, but we need a lot more flavors out here,” Wood said. He was talking about housing in Loudoun, which has historically been characterized by suburban sprawl. That sprawl has started to push against the boundaries of Loudoun’s rural west, as illustrated by the single-family home subdivisions that have sprouted up in Loudoun’s Transition Policy Area, which splits the county between the rural west and suburban east. Urban walkable environments, NEAC Co-chairman Todd Pearson contends, can match the strong demand for worklife integration while taking pressure off the rural economy. “There’s places for them to live, but there’s not a lot for them to do,” Wood said. “There are housing opportunities for people, but they’re expensive, so eiCORRECTION: The story “Loudoun Declares a Turning Point for Mental Health Support” in the Jan. 28 issue of Loudoun Now reported the incorrect name of Loudoun County’s new mental health program. The program is called Linking Individuals and Navigating Care (LINC). Loudoun Now regrets the error.
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
A bartender pours drinks on a busy Saturday night at Bar Louie in One Loudoun.
ther they head out west, or they head out east to Arlington.” Wood held up Leesburg’s active downtown historic district as an example of a lively, walkable place to live. Ara Bagdasarian is one of the people who helped make it so. Bagdasarian is the CEO and co-founder of Omnilert in
Leesburg, along with several other technology businesses, and served as chairman of Leesburg’s Economic Development Commission from 2004 to 2012. During that time, the town created the Arts and Cultural District, which helped bring live music downtown and kick start Leesburg’s nightlife.
“It’s about the private sector having a critical mass of enough venues,” Bagdasarian said. “You have to reach that level where you become a destination by having multiple venues, multiple reNIGHTTIME ECONOMY continues on page 25
Divided Council Pushes Toward Mayoral Appointment KARA C. RODRIGUEZ While the first quarter of 2016 will bring important votes on the expansion of the Loudoun County court complex and next year’s budget, the most difficult decision tasked to the Leesburg Town Council may be who will occupy the center seat of the council dais. In a 24-hour flurry of activity that kicked off Monday morning and was, at least for the moment, resolved Tuesday, the Town Council called a special meeting for Monday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. for the stated purpose of appointing a new mayor. The meeting will be held in Town Hall Council Chambers. The town’s top post remains vacant. Vice Mayor Kelly Burk is serving as acting mayor, following Kristen Umstattd’s election in November as the Leesburg District representative to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Umstattd’s term expires Dec. 31, and whomever the council selects will serve the remainder of the term. The council initially scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 3, with council members David Butler and Suzanne Fox calling for the meeting, but it was changed because Burk and Councilman Marty
Martinez said they couldn’t make it. “This should have happened already,” Butler said of the special meeting. Frustration among council members reached by phone this week was evident. It was almost one month ago when the six sitting members of the council failed to appoint someone to fill the mayor’s seat. With the majority indicating an interest in appointing someone currently on the council, none of the council members put forward for appointment received the necessary four votes. Plus, Martinez failed to gain enough support for his motion to advertise for interested Leesburg voters to apply to be appointed for the mayor’s seat. This week, Burk said she would also like someone from the public to be selected for the seat. The vice mayor announced in December plans to run for
mayor in November’s general election, joining former council member Kevin Wright (see article, Page 10), but has said she does not want to be appointed for the remainder of Umstattd’s term. More than anything, Burk said she hopes that next week’s special meeting will resolve who will serve as mayor for the remainder of the year. “Ideally, I would like us to go to the meeting knowing what we’re going to do, knowing we’re going to select soand-so and move on,” she said. “There’s too much politics going on, all this stuff behind the scenes, the deal making, I don’t think it’s to the benefit of the town. The cleanest way to do it is to pick someone from the public and move on to elections.” Butler pointed to the “significant issues” coming up, including votes on the courthouse expansion, the Crescent Parke land development application, and the budget process that is expected to kick off at the end of the month. “We need to have seven people on the council; it’s the only fair thing for constituents,” he said. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT continues on page 25
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Groom Petronilo Ramirez cleans tack in the sun on a cold morning at Goshen Farm.
A Loudoun Moment A photo essay by Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Equine dental technician Graham Alcock of Philomont floats teeth on a broodmare at Goshen Farm in Loudoun County.
Englishman Graham Alcock has worked with horses since he was 16 years old. He has been a trainer, jockey, owner and, for the past 20 years, an equine dental technician.
Groom Petronilo Ramirez walks a horse into the barn for dental appointments at Goshen Farm.
February 4, 2016 |
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CountyBriefs Loudoun to Resurrect, Expand Rt. 50 Task Force
Supervisors Battle Bill to Cut Proffers BY RENSS GREENE Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) spent the past few days in Richmond pushing back against bills that would “hamstring” Loudoun’s ability to keep up with its explosive growth. “It hamstrings us—and the developers—because with a county that’s growing as fast as Loudoun County, and as we develop the Silver Line corridor, we may not know exactly what we need,” Randall said. Woodstock Del. C. Todd Gilbert (R15) introduced House Bill 770 to restrict proffers that localities can request or accept from developers. The bill, written by the Homebuilders Association of Virginia, prohibits “unreasonable” proffers that do not address “an impact that is specifically and uniquely attributable to a proposed new residential development.” In other words, any proffer that doesn’t
address a problem directly created by that development and doesn’t directly benefit that development would be illegal. In addition, if a developer takes a locality to court over a proffer dispute and wins under these rules, the government would automatically be responsible for the developer’s court costs and attorney fees. Harrisonburg state Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R-26) and Springfield Sen. Richard L. Saslaw (D-35) introduced an identical bill in the Senate, SB 549. Loudoun has relied heavily on proffers to keep up with roads, schools, and other needs as the county continues to grow faster than anywhere else in the state. Under this bill, supervisors say many proffers would be prohibited. “We’ve gotten a lot of amendments that make the bill more palatable to us,” Buona said. “That said, there are still some issues that we are not happy with in this bill.” Buona and Randall have worked with
delegates in the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns to extend the exceptions to the bill. The latest version of the bill no longer prohibits transportation projects, public safety, parks, and the Metro tax district, but notably still stops proffers like stormwater management, community centers, or libraries—such as the Brambleton Library, which was built through a proffer agreement. “I think the developers want to pay their fair share when they do a rezoning for an impact that they create,” said Homebuilders Association of Virginia Vice President Ryan Flogale, who represents the association in Northern Virginia. “They just don’t want to do more than that.” Flogale said that developers sometimes end up paying more than their fair share by agreeing to do work not directly related to their development. “Ultimately what it does is increases
Presidents Day
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 21 unanimously approved a resolution to create a new Loudoun-Fairfax Route 50 Task Force. In 2004, the board created a task force to make recommendations to guide growth around Rt. 50 in southern Loudoun, with the goal to create an attractive gateway to the county. That task force made its final report in July 2005. Fairfax County was not involved in that effort, although the task force recommended Loudoun cooperate with Fairfax. Supervisors Tony Buffington Jr. (R-Blue Ridge) and Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) recommended the new initiative, which directs the county staff to develop a proposal for the task force. The new task force is envisioned to include representatives from Fairfax County to help tackle commuter delays between Loudoun and Fairfax.
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Loudoun Still Leads State in Growth Loudoun continues to hold its position as Virginia’s fastest growing jurisdiction. From July 2014 to July 2015, the county’s population grew at more than 1,000 people per month—as it has since 1998. Since the completion of the 2010 Census, Loudoun added 62,140 people to reach a total population of 374,451, according to data published Jan. 27 by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Ser-
vice. Fairfax County, Virginia’s largest jurisdiction with 1.1 million residents, added only 47,604 people during that period. Prince William County added 41,461 residents, bringing its total population to 443,463. Loudoun is Virginia’s fourth largest jurisdiction, behind Fairfax County, Prince William County and the City of Virginia Beach (443,463).
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Loudoun. “It could only be a negative impact,” she said. Loudoun is especially vulnerable to the bill’s effects, since it relies so heavily on proffers and takes them so often. “Let’s face it, nobody takes proffers more in the commonwealth than Loudoun County,” Buona said. “The vast majority of jurisdictions don’t take proffers at all.” “In the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the past year, Loudoun has had over half the proffers,” Randall said. This impacts us more than any other county in Virginia, because we are the fastest growing county.” However, she added, other counties may start to feel the bill’s effects as they grow, too: “I think it would behoove other counties to look up.” Del. Jennifer Boysko (D-86), who serves on the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns, voted against the bill.
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the cost of the home and makes it unaffordable,” Flogale said. Flogale said the bill would help protect a beleaguered housing industry, which still feels the effects of the 2008 recession. He also disagrees that the bill would hamper Loudoun’s ability to keep up with growth. “Any proffers that are brought forward that directly impact their subdivision, they’re willing to pay for, as far as roads and so forth,” Flogale said. He argues the bill would keep housing affordable and stimulate economic growth. Loudoun opposes the legislation outright, but Randall and Buona both say there is no chance of defeating it entirely. “At this point, we’ve moved the bill as far as we can to our liking in the House,” Buona said. “We now have to go focus on the Senate side.” Randall said the county doesn’t yet know what the bill’s impact will be on
Countybriefs continued from page 5
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County staff presented the final report of a study that will guide amendments to county’s Comprehensive Plan around the Silver Line on Jan. 21. The Scenario Planning Study is the latest step in a planning process begun in October 2013. Staff studied the tradeoffs and impacts of land uses around the Sil-
rgreene@loudounnow.com ver Line. A consultant recommended a “complete community” with the full range of uses and amenities—working, shopping, learning, and playing—close by. The consultant’s report recommends high-density urban development within walking distance of the planned Metrorail stations, airport-compatible uses to protect Dulles Airport in the long term, embracing data centers in strategic areas, and focusing on a safe, efficient grid network for transportation, among other things. The report is available on the county website, loudoun.gov.
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Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) addresses the crowd gathered at the Loudoun County Government Center during a hearing on opiate abuse.
OPIATE ABUSE continues on page 14
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The solution? “It is going to take a big culture shift,” Kaine said. To examine the issue, Kaine assembled a panel ranging from Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) to Lisa Wilkins, a Berryville resident who lost her son, Chip, to an overdose in 2011. Herring said he learned of the scope of the opiate abuse in Virginia as he toured the state shortly after taking office. “I join you in sounding the alarm about the heroin and prescription drug crisis, and I want every family in Virginia talking
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The U.S. Senate came to Loudoun on Monday to hear testimony on the epidemic abuse of opiate medication. The inquiry took the form of a field hearing of the Select Committee on Aging, which was represented by one of its 20 members, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). The hearing was part of a broader effort to address the rapid increase in the number of fatal overdoes resulting from opiate and heroin abuse. “It’s an issue of passion for me,” Kaine said, noting the problem has hit every corner of the commonwealth, all age groups, all races and every economic class. The problem, he said, “begins in our medicine cabinets.” Potent and highly addictive painkillers, ranging from Vicodin to OxyContin, originally designed for short-term relief and palliative care for cancer patients, have come to be prescribed—and overprescribed—as part of routine care, he said. Four out of every five heroin overdoses are linked to prior opioid use; and increasingly opiate overdoses are becoming a concern for older Americans, with the 55-64 age group now the fastest growing segment for prescription medication overdoses.
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StateHouse
“The bottom line is, I don’t foresee Leesburg becoming a city anytime soon.” – Del. J. Randall Minchew (R-10)
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Leesburg leaders wanted to study the possibility of transitioning the town to a city, but a state law stands in the way.
Leesburg’s City Status Bill Killed in House of Delegates’ Committee BY RENSS GREENE The possibility of Leesburg applying to become Virginia’s next city appears dead for another year. Del. J. Randall Minchew (R-10) submitted a bill at the Town Council’s request to lift the longstanding moratorium on the issuance of new city charters. The bill was narrowly worded to apply only to Leesburg, the commonwealth’s most populous town with slightly more residents than the City of Charlottesville. The Loudoun Board of Supervisors opposed the bill. The bill narrowly cleared a subcommittee review Wednesday, but was ta-
bled by the House Counties, Cities and Towns Committee Monday morning. In subcommittee review, two members of Loudoun’s delegation—Del. John Bell (D-87) and Jennifer Boysko (D-86)— voted against the bill, which survived on a 6-5 vote. Minchew said the bill was tabled because of committee members’ concerns about lifting the prohibition—in place since 1987—on a piecemeal or by-exception basis for one jurisdiction. Minchew said that he understood that concern. Town Councilman David Butler, a vocal proponent of considering making Leesburg a city, said he was disappointed to see the legislation was unsuccessful.
“I’m confused as to how the state can allow cities with five or six thousand people but won’t allow a town of close to 50,000 to pursue the same status for their residents,” he said. “Why would people outside of Northern Virginia care when it doesn’t affect any of them?” He expects someone from Loudoun’s delegation, possibly Minchew, to carry a similar bill next year, and more residents will voice their support for the idea. He’s heard from more residents who like the idea over the past few weeks as they’ve learned about the possible benefits. “The more people learn about the services we don’t get from the county that we already pay for, the more they think it
makes sense,” he said. “I think next year we’ll have a lot more opinions from residents and a lot more pressure put on the state.” Butler and other council members want to study the cost and benefits of converting to a city in more detail, but not until there is a possibility that the General Assembly would consider issuing a charter. “This is something I think the council has a legitimate interest in looking into,” said Loudoun Supervisors and former Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg.) “I think they’re being very logical in not wanting to expend any funds on that unless they are legally able to do it. It now looks like they will not be legally able to pursue status if their financial analysis indicated it could be beneficial to the taxpayers.” The first moratorium on new city charters was put in place in 1987 to allow the state to study Virginia’s unique county-equivalent cities, but Minchew said with no progress being made on that front and the General Assembly opposed to piecemeal exceptions, there’s little hope for new cities in Virginia. He does not plan to introduce a similar bill next year, and said his bill had a fair hearing in committee. “The bottom line is, I don’t foresee Leesburg becoming a city anytime soon,” Minchew said. rgreene@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler contributed to this report.
State Legislation Aims to Eradicate Lyme at its Source—Mice BY DANIELLE NADLER Step aside, deer and ticks. It’s the mice that the medical community wants to get their hands on in their efforts to prevent Lyme disease. Recent studies suggest that vaccinating mice can lower the number of ticks carrying the bacteria responsible for the disease. Legislation drafted by a Loudoun County state delegate would provide money for a similar two-year study in Virginia. House Bill 354 would direct the state
“The deer carries the tick. The tick carries the disease. But the tick got the disease from the mouse.” Del. Thomas “Tag” Greason (R-32) Department of Health to conduct a “point of disease” Lyme prevention pilot program. “The deer carries the tick. The tick carries the disease. But the tick got the disease from the mouse,” said Del.
Thomas “Tag” Greason (R-32), chief patron of the bill. “If you can cure the mouse, you’re stopping the disease at the point of prevention.” The General Assembly passed a bill filed by Greason last year to form the
Virginia Task Force on Lyme Disease. That group of medical professionals, the Virginia secretaries of health and commerce recommended that the commonwealth set aside funding to see whether mouse vaccines could curb the rate of Lyme. “In the end, we think it would bring down the number of cases of Lyme,” said Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department. He was one of about 20 individ
LYME DISEASE continues on page 9
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Governor, Republicans Announce Gun Compromise The gun safety deal encompasses the following bills:
uals on the task force. US BIOLOGIC, one of the companies • Voluntary background checks at firearms shows [HB 1386, Del. Scott in line to perform the pilot, led a study Lingamfelter (R-31); SB 715, Sen. John Edwards (D-31)]: Currently, only that baited mice with vaccine-laced oatfirearms dealers with a federal firearms license can access the National meal that was distributed in four plots Instant Checks System to perform background checks on firearms purchasof land in New York. After two years, 23 es/transfers. The Virginia State Police cannot access the system on behalf percent fewer tick nymphs were infectof private citizens selling or transferring firearms. This bill would give the ed with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteVirginia State Police statutory authority to perform background checks on ria that causes Lyme. After five years of behalf of private citizens at firearms shows, which is required by the FBI. The bill also requires the state police to be present at every gun show in treatment, 76 percent fewer tick nymphs the commonwealth to perform background checks on request. were infected. Greason said one of his tasks during • Protective orders [HB 1106, Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34) and SB 49, the General Assembly’s 60-day session is Sen. Janet Howell (D-32)]: Currently, a person subject to a protective orto secure funding for the pilot program, der is prohibited from purchasing or transporting a firearm, but not from which costs $100 an acre. “If I could raise possessing a firearm. The legislation would prohibit a person subject to a $1 million, then we’ll be able to cover a permanent protective order from possessing a firearm for the duration of larger area,” he said. the order. The bill doesn’t include where in Vir• Reciprocity: [HB 1163, Del. Webert (R-18) and SB 610, Sen. Reeves ginia the pilot would be conducted. But (R-17)]: Bill maintains reciprocity for all states with a concealed carry perLoudoun would be a good candidate. mitting process. It prevents state-shopping. If a person has had a permit Th e county has one of the highest rates revoked in Virginia, he or she cannot go to another state to get a permit of Lyme disease in the country. and then have that permit be recognized in Virginia. Gov. McAuliffe will also The number of cases peaked at extend the effective date for the planned implementation of the revocation 261 in 2011, and were down to 193 in of reciprocity agreements with other states to March 1. 2014. The total cases in 2015 will not be confirmed and tallied until March, acginia concealed carry permit-holders in mutual willingness of both parties to procording to Goodfriend. tect victims of domestic violence. This a place. Find more information about Lyme at “We have achieved an agreement that good deal for the Commonwealth.” loudoun.gov/lyme. will ensure the constitutional rights of dnadler@loudounnow.com Virginians are protected,” he stated. “We dnadler@loudounnow.com are also sending a clear signal about the
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BY DANIELLE NADLER Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Republican state legislators have struck an agreement on gun regulations. The governor Friday afternoon announced a bipartisan deal that would pave the way for gun-safety regulations sought by Democrats while effectively reversing Attorney General Mark Herring’s move to end concealed carry reciprocity agreements with more than two dozen states. McAuliffe said the deal lays the groundwork for “the first meaningful steps on preventing gun violence in 23 years.” It aims to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and people who cannot pass background checks, and sets up a system of voluntary background checks at firearms shows. “Give and take is essential to every negotiation, but the balance of this deal changes Virginia law permanently in ways that will keep guns away from people who would use them for harm,” the governor said. House Speaker William J. Howell (R28) acknowledged the unlikely agreement in a prepared statement, and reiterated many of his Republican colleagues’ support for keeping reciprocity for Vir-
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February 4, 2016
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Leesburg
Courthouse Expansion Clears Planning Commission KARA C. RODRIGUEZ The Leesburg Planning Commission on Thursday recommended approval of three key applications tied to the expansion of the Loudoun County Courthouse. In a special meeting Thursday, the commission offered its final feedback on the applications, which now head to the Town Council for final action. The council is expected to hold a public hearing on the applications at its Feb. 9 meeting. The first application, a Town Plan amendment, would change the land use designation of the 9.9-acre area including the Pennington parking lot, off North and Church streets, from Low-Density Residential to Downtown. The other applications are a concept plan and proffer amendment to increase
the square footage of the proposed courthouse structure at 2 N. Church St. to 92,000 square feet, and a rezoning request to convert the Pennington lot from R-6 (residential) to Government Center to allow for the construction of a structured parking garage. Throughout the applications’ three trips to the Planning Commission, concerns about the impact on local traffic and neighborhoods; the aesthetics of the parking garage, in particular its size and design; and lighting atop the parking structure have been major concerns, cited by both commissioners and residents alike. Commissioners recommended approval of the Town Plan amendment by a 6-0-1 vote. Commissioner Mary Harper was absent from the meeting. The concept plan and proffer amendment was
given the thumbs up by a 4-2-1 vote. And finally, the Pennington lot rezoning was recommended for approval by a 5-1-1 vote, with Commissioner Gigi Robinson opposed. The size, scale, design and location of the Pennington lot garage has garnered perhaps the most commission debate. Even Thursday, while the majority voted in favor of approval, several commissioners expressed their wish that the county government should reduce the height of the garage by one level, from four to three, and to find other areas in town where parking could be provided. “I feel we’ve done all we can at the Planning Commission level,” Commission Chairwoman Lyndsay Welsh Chamblin said. “I look forward to the Town Council and Board of Supervisors working together to address the outstanding
issues of the four-story parking garage.” In making the motion to recommend approval of the Pennington lot rezoning, Commissioner Sharon Babbin added three conditions to the recommendation, including that the county provide more detailed designs, including brick facades and vegetative screenings. The Pennington lot lies outside the town’s H1 District and will not be subject to review by the Board of Architectural Review. Commission Parliamentarian Brett Burk applauded the work of all involved in the application’s review—the commission, the county’s architects and the feedback from the general public. The final products, he said, are “better now for the town, better now for the applicant, and better for the neighbors.” krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Wright to Challenge Burk in Leesburg Mayoral Campaign KARA C. RODRIGUEZ Former Leesburg Town Councilman Kevin Wright will seek the town’s top leadership position in November. Wright announced Monday that he has submitted the necessary paperwork to run for mayor in November’s elections. He served on the Town Council for eight years before being defeated in his re-election bid for a third four-year council term in 2014. He is the second person to open a campaign for the mayor’s seat. Vice Mayor Kelly Burk, who is serving as acting mayor until the council appoints a new mayor to serve the remainder of Kristen Umstattd’s term, announced in December she would seek the post. In 2014, Wright finished fourth among six candidates vying for three council seats. In seeking a return to the council dais, Wright said the year spent out of office provided some helpful perspective. “I’ve had the opportunity to step away and almost be somewhat of a normal citizen, and kind of see what it’s like to stay informed on the issues as a general passerby, see and experience issues from the perspective of Joe or Jane Citizen,” he said. Wright said numerous Leesburg voters have approached him since his election defeat urging him to run for elected office again. When Umstattd was elected as the Board of Supervisors’ Leesburg District representative
Renss Green/LoudounNow
Kevin Wright is challenging Leesburg’s current Vice Mayor, Kelly Burk for the city’s top spot.
in November, creating a vacancy at the mayor’s seat, the wheels were set in motion. “I had considered running for mayor even before leaving council. But after seeing Kristen move on and knowing there was going to be a need for leadership and after spending a lot of time thinking about it, praying about it, talking with family, we made the decision a little bit after Thanksgiving and started the prep work,” Wright said. He said the decision to run for mayor rather than a council seat is about bringing leadership to the council dais
and helping to “work through issues” and “find commonalities” toward making decisions in the best interest of the town. “The most important thing for that center [mayor’s] chair is not talking but listening, seeing where the commonalities lie and see if consensus can be built so as a council and team we can work forward together regardless of our differences of background and partisanship,” he said. “Those seven people are who the town [residents] have chosen and who they expect to work together as a team. That’s incumbent on
the mayor to find leadership and find common ground.” Positions of leadership are nothing new to Wright. Having served in a variety of corporate management positions, and as vice mayor of the council and chairman of the Leesburg Planning Commission, he said the call to lead and to public service have long been hallmarks of his career. Following high school, Wright served as manager of the Tally Ho Theatre and quickly became involved with community efforts in the downtown Leesburg area. A lifelong Loudoun resident with more than 26 years spent in Leesburg, Wright said his priorities as mayor would be to drive financial responsibility and accountability; improve transportation by funding necessary road projects; attract and retain more business; ensure new development pays its own way and has a fiscal benefit to the town; preserve the town’s quality of life; and offer proven leadership. If elected, Wright would be the second person in his family to serve at the town’s highest post. His mother, B.J. Webb, served as mayor from 2000 to 2002. Wright will host a formal campaign kick-off Saturday, March 5, at noon at the Tally Ho Theatre, at 19 W. Market St. The event will be open to the public. See more information on Wright and his mayoral campaign at wrightforleesburg.com. krodriguez@loudounnow.com
February 4, 2016 |
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February 4, 2016
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Education
Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now
Mary Chavez works with 9-year-old Aniyah as part of the Study Buddies program. Chavez is one of nine K2M employees who volunteer for the program over her lunch break. Of Aniyah’s success, Chavez joked, “We banned calculators.”
School, K2M Team Up to Mentor Kids BY DANIELLE NADLER Wednesdays are special at Evergreen Mill Elementary School. It’s the day volunteers make their way to the school’s cafeteria to catch up with their favorite students over lunch, juice boxes and a bit of math. The Leesburg elementary school has pioneered a mentoring program that has seen such success that other Loudoun school administrators are looking to it as a model. The program, Study Buddies, pairs each mentor with two students. The mentors meet with their buddies once a week to eat lunch, play games and brush up on their math skills. Most schools have some sort of an initiative to bring in volunteers and mentors to work with students. But what makes Study Buddies different, according to Evergreen Mill Assistant Principal Daniel Lani, is its new partnership with K2M, a Leesburg-based medical device company. “One of the things we are always looking for is to connect with professionals outside of the school,” Lani said. “That’s really key.” Hanging out regularly with an engineer or a medical professional shows students where their math lessons could take them one day. “We’ve seen an improvement in SOL [Standards of Learning] scores and students’ attitude toward school work,” he said, noting that he has a running waiting list of students who want to be in the program. “Everybody wants a buddy.” Students must be recommended for the program by a teacher. The 38 spots are saved for third- through fifth-graders who have a need for extra academic help and have shown they are well-behaved and hard-working.
While the volunteers are asked to support students’ math skills, Study Buddies is more than a tutoring program. Lani says about 10 percent of its focus is on tutoring, and about 90 percent on mentoring. “How students feel about themselves carries over into how successful they will be in the classroom,” he said. “We want kids to know that, besides their teacher, there is another adult who shows belief in them.” Jency, a fifth-grader at Evergreen Mill, was one of the program’s first students. She said her buddy’s support has helped her bring up her grades. “The things I don’t really get, my buddy helps me get,” she said. “It’s just a lot of fun.” Mary Chavez, an inventory control technician at K2M, said she signed up for Study Buddies because she wanted to spend more time with kids, and her company made it easy to participate. “I’ve loved getting to know the kids and see their progress,” she said during a recent Study Buddies session. She grinned toward one of her buddies, 9-year-old Aniyah. “This week we worked up to
multiplication.” Study Buddies started two-and-a-half years ago as an idea initially pitched by a parent. In its first two years, it was manned by volunteers from St. James Episcopal Church who served as students’ buddies. This year, with the nine volunteers provided by K2M, the buddies now total 19. Lani has nominated K2M to receive an award from the Loudoun School-Business Partnership Executive Council recognizing the company and its employees for their work with students. He also wants to share the Study Buddies model with other Loudoun County school administrators during a meeting next month. “It’s certainly not a difficult model to re-implement, and we’ve found it very effective. It’s made real changes in our kids’ lives.” Study Buddies is always looking for more mentors. Interested volunteers can contact Kathy Jackson at kbrehljackson@ yahoo.com. Learn more about the program at lcps.org/evergreen. dandler@loudounnow.com
Ashburn Woman Named Acting NVCC Provost Ashburn resident Molly Lynch has been appointed acting provost for Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas campus while the college searches for a permanent provost to replace Roger Ramsammy. “I am delighted to have this opportunity and look forward to supporting the Manassas Campus faculty and staff as they continue to serve our students and community,” Lynch stated. Lynch joined the community college’s faculty in July 2003, and has served as dean of the Manassas Campus Communications Technologies and Social Sciences Division since 2014. She has taught at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Palo Alto College, St. Philips College, and the University of the Incarnate Word, and was a research assistant at the Vanderbilt Institute of Public Policy Studies before joining NVCC. As acting provost, Lynch will be chief executive officer of the campus, responsible for campus management and all academic and student services, serving more than 10,500 students in credit programs and another 2,500 in noncredit programs, with nearly 100 full-time faculty and administrators, 290 adjunct faculty, and 70 staff members.
Molly Lynch
No Makeup Days Needed—Yet Loudoun County schools reopened Monday after six school days were canceled. Classes were first called off Friday, Jan. 22 ahead of the looming Blizzard Jonas that hit the East Coast that weekend. The schools remained closed all last week to give crews time to clear the roughly 3 feet of snow that the storm system left behind. Because of the days missed during the snow emergency, the first semester will be extended by four days, ending Thursday, Feb. 4. The “moveable student holiday” (planning/records/conference day) initially planned for Jan. 29 will be moved to Friday, Feb. 5. No additional school days for students will be added to the calendar because of the days missed— not yet anyway. The school division builds about 15 extra academic days into its calendar each year. Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
February 4, 2016 |
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February 4, 2016
Crime
Leesburg Stabbing Suspect Charged with Murder
The Leesburg Police Department has filed a first-degree murder charge against the suspect in the fatal stabbing at a Plaza Street home early Monday morning. Sergio Ramon Zuniga Robles, 34, faces life in prison for the stabbing death of his 27-year-old stepbrother. The two got into an altercation at the townhouse about 12:30 a.m. Mario Arturo Ochoa Robles was stabbed twice in the chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he died at 1:52 a.m. Police were alerted to the case when a woman ran across the street to the police station and called for help. Robles is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. This is the first homicide in Leesburg in 2016 and the second domestic-related homicide in Loudoun County this year. On Jan. 11, investigators say a Lansdowne man killed his wife and then took his own life in their home.
Loudoun Deputies Seek Subject in Skimming Probe The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office last week released photos of a man who may have information regarding a skimming device that was found on an ATM at a Sterling convenience store. Detectives are asking for the public’s
loudounnow.com help in identifying the individual. They released video stills of the man, who arrived and left in a blue minivan, possibly a Dodge Caravan. Additional video surveillance shows stills of the subject and his vehicle can be viewed at sheriff. loudoun.gov/ATMSkimming. The skimming device, which collects credit card information, was discovered Dec. 30 by a customer at the convenience store located in the 23100 block of Rock Hill Road. Anyone with any information regarding his possible identity is asked to con-
tact T. Mengel at 703-777-0475. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703777-1919.
OPIATE ABUSE
Mellie Randall is the director of the state’s Office of Substance Abuse Services. Dr. Katherine Neuhausen is an assistant professor of Family Medicine and population health at Virginia Commonwealth University. Jane Terry is director of government affairs at the National Safety Counsel. They universally supported one of Kaine’s initiatives now working its way through Congress. The Co-Prescribing Saves Lives Act, which would expand the availability of naloxone to those prescribed opioid medication and to the family of addicts. Naloxone—now being carried by trained Loudoun deputies as well as fire-rescue workers—can quickly reverse the effects of an accidental overdose. Residents can easily learn how to administer the life-saving drug, they said, noting that Kaine underwent the training last year. The experts also advocated more physician education on the addictive qualities of the medication, new guidelines that would curb incidences of over-prescribing, and greater access to and funding for addiction
continued from page 7
about it now—not once there is already a problem, and God-forbid, not after a loved one is lost,” Herring said in his testimony. “We have to start now, because I’ve heard from so many heartbroken parents who have lost a child, and so many devastated families who have lost a loved one, and they all say ‘I never thought this could happen to my family.’” Both of Wilkins’ sons battled with addiction that grew out of being prescribed opioid medication—one following a car crash and another following a dog bite. And her mother was prescribed opiates for her chronic pain. She told Kaine that doctors need to work more closely with families to make sure they understand how to use the medication. “We got no information about how dangerous those drugs were,” she said. “We got 30 or 60 pills in a bottle.” Three other panelists were experts in the field.
Suspected Drug Dealer Goes for Deputy’s Gun During Arrest A Herndon man faces multiple charges after a struggle with deputies investigating a drug case in Sterling on Sunday night. Deputies were called to the 200 block of East Holly Avenue for a report of possible narcotics activity. They made con-
tact with a man who ran away after a brief conversation. He fell as deputies chased him and during the struggle to take him into custody, he allegedly grabbed a deputy’s firearm from its holster. Juan D. Gutierrez-Leal, 41, was charged with possession with intent to distribute suspected cocaine, disarming a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, false identification to law enforcement, and drunk in public. He was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. treatment centers. Also highlighted was the need for physicians to make greater use of the state’s prescription drug monitoring database that can help identify patients who try to secure prescriptions from multiple doctors. Making that happen may require an investment in the system so that the data flows automatically into patients’ electronic health records. They also noted the importance of drug take-back programs during which authorities allow residents to drop off unused medication for safe disposal—getting the potentially dangerous drugs out of their medicine cabinets. Responding to a question from Kaine, Neuhausen said that not since soldiers returned from World War II hooked on morphine had a medicine turned into such a large scale health crisis. She said the rapid growth of the problem was comparable to that of the HIV epidemic. nstyer@loudounnow.com
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February 4, 2016
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Renowned Chef Going to Vanish in Lucketts
Biz
BY RENSS GREENE Vanish, the tasting room at Black Hops Farm in Lucketts, will be getting a little help from accomplished chef Bryan Voltaggio. Voltaggio runs several restaurants in Virginia, Maryland, and DC, including Family Meal in Ashburn. He is known to national audiences from his appearance on Top Chef, where he placed second to his brother Michael. He is also business partner to Hilda Staples and a longtime friend of her husband, Jonathan Staples, who started the brewery at Black Hops Farm. “I met him when he and Hilda first started talking about doing Volt [Voltaggio’s restaurant in Frederick, MD] together, and we became friends,” Jonathan Staples said. “We both skateboard, so ironically we kind of bonded over that.” “We definitely grew up on skateboards,” Voltaggio said. “Now, unfortunately, I have to be at restaurants on a regular basis, so I can’t afford to break anything.” Black Hops Farm is also the site of the region’s first hops processing center and Virginia’s first dedicated malting operation—both projects announced in person by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who is working to boost the commonwealth’s craft brewing industry. With Voltaggio’s help, the tasting room
Courtesy of Hilda Staples
Bryan Voltaggio
will be a little bit of a first, too. “I’m big fan of breweries, and what they usually have is food trucks,” Staples said. “When I was thinking about the food there at Vanish, what I’d hoped to figure out was a way to have something that was more integrated with what we were doing, as opposed to someone that popped in for the day and then left.” Working from their own menu, Staples said, will give Vanish a way to customize
and pair its beers and Voltaggio’s barbecue. “It was the idea of having food more integrated with the overall brewery,” he said. “It was the idea of the food being part of the experience.” “It’s gonna be cool, and I’m really excited about doing this,” Voltaggio said. “For me, I love cooking outdoors. Barbecue is a passion and a love that I don’t get to do on a regular basis.” The food will be prepared with help from the staff at Family Meal, while Voltaggio continues his practice of sourcing his meats from around the region. Staples and Voltaggio plan to have the smoker fully up and running by Valentine’s Day weekend, and both will be tinkering with their recipes from then on to match them perfectly. “I think naturally, beer pairs with barbecue in many different ways,” Voltaggio said. “Week one, it’s barbecue and beer. I think maybe week 10, you might see a little bit more focus on trying to play off the subtle nuances of the beer. Right now, it’s about smoky, charred, delicious meat.” rgreene@loudounnow.com
BizBriefs After Search, Windle Tapped To Follow Newton at DAAR The Dulles Area Association of Realtors has selected Christine Windle to succeed Jeanette Newton as chief executive officer. Windle will Christine Windle assume the position Feb. 22 following Newton’s retirement after 25 years of service. “After a thorough selection process, the Board of Directors is delighted that Christine will lead DAAR as we navigate through the evolving and expanding landscape of private property rights,” Board Chairman Lars Henriksen stated. “Christine has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that DAAR faces, as well as the needs of the brokers and agents in Loudoun County. I have no doubt that she is the right person to take the helm at DAAR.” The Board of Directors appointed a Search Committee that worked BIZ BRIEFS continues on page 17
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with an outside executive search firm to help guide them through the search process. The committee included members of the board and past chairs, as well as an outside vendor representative. “The search firm presented us with a range of talented candidates with years of association management experience. It was Christine’s knowledge of Loudoun County and her strong relationship with our Realtor members that stood out against the other contenders,” noted Sue Smith, who led the search committee. “I am honored that the DAAR Board of Directors chose me to follow in the footsteps of Jeanette, a truly iconic CEO and wonderful mentor,” Windle stated. “I’ve had the pleasure of serving the association in a position that was both fulfilling and enjoyable. DAAR is family to me, and I know that the leadership used the best resources to find the most qualified person to fill my position. I will be pleased to work with Christine during the transition,” Newton said. Windle, a Purcellville resident, has served DAAR for nine years as the director of Public Policy and Communications, and has focused on the development and implementation of the Association’s Government Affairs, Public Relations and Communications programs. Prior to joining DAAR, she was the Community Development Policy Representative at the National Association of Realtors.
“We are thrilled to open our first restaurant in Loudoun County and become part of such a vibrant, growing community,” Founder and CEO Tim McEnery stated. “Cooper’s Hawk brings an exciting new concept to the area— contributing to an already-fantastic dining scene.” Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and close at at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. on Sunday. The bar will remain open until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and until 11 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are recommended.
Free Roof Completed Just Before Storm Hits Each winter DryHome Roofing and Siding provides a free roof to a resident or nonprofit in need. This year’s recipient got a new roof on her Leesburg home just days before the blizzard hit. Sandy Leoni, a widow and mother of two elementary-aged children, was selected from among the nominations made by customers and the community. It was the second year in a row she was nominated by her neighbors and friends.
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Snowflake LLC Expands to Trinity House Consulting firm Snowflake LLC has opened a new office above Trinity House Café in the George Head House on Market Street in downtown Leesburg. Snowflake LLC helps socially responsible non-profit, public, and private sector organizations develop strategies, build marketing and engagement programs, and more effectively using people and financial resources. “We’re very excited to be at Trinity House,” Tom Morley, Snowflake’s founder and president, said. “It’s a great building, and it’s right at the center— geographically and culturally—of the community we want to serve.” Snowflake also maintains its headquarters in western Loudoun.
Cooper’s Hawk Opens in Ashburn Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant will open its first Northern Virginia location on Monday, Feb. 8 at 19870 Belmont Chase Drive in Ashburn. The restaurant has more than 300 seats and a private event area. In addition to modern, casual dining, it will feature one of the country’s largest wine of the month clubs, with monthly wines, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events, rewards, and annual domestic and international wine trips. It will be Cooper’s Hawks’ 20th location.
Contributed
Sandy Leoni got an after-holidays gift in the form of a new roof on her Leesburg home.
She lost her husband a year ago to a brain tumor after a 13-year battle with the disease. He was diagnosed shortly after they moved into the home. After her husband was unable to work, expenses mounted and home improvements took a back seat. Of particular concern, the roof leaks into her children’s bedrooms and the garage. “Sandy and her children have struggled through so much hardship and loss. We hope this new roof lessens some of the burden. Knowing that they will spend the holidays safer and warmer makes this even more special for our team,” DryHome President Steve Gotschi stated after installing the new roof Jan. 20. The Free Roof for the Holiday program is in its 12th year. Last year, DryHome awarded a roof to Cornerstones, a nonprofit that works to alleviate homelessness.
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OurTowns
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
The 250-year-old New Jerusalem Lutheran Church is among the sites preserved by the Lovettsville Historical Society.
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Historical Society Marks Four Decades of Telling Lovettsville’s Stories BY MARGARET MORTON As the Lovettsville Historical Society opens its 2016 lecture series next Sunday, Feb. 14, it also is marking four decades of telling the stories of the community’s people and places. The town’s history dates to 1732 when 60 German families came from Pennsylvania looking for good farmland, found it, and settled there. Elements of that German heritage remain visible in town. While the buildings are not original, the parish of St. James United Church of Christ is said to date from 1732, while the New Jerusalem Lutheran Church on the southeastern edge of town goes back to 1765. It was in 1974 that then-Mayor Richard Hickman established a committee to restore the Potterfield meat store building and start the Lovettsville Museum, according to former Lovettsville Mayor Elaine Walker. Early supporters of the museum included Postmaster Berkley Baker and his wife Edna, Dorothy Rickard, Elaine and Cliff Walker, Jane and Graydon Holler, Ruth and Bill Bishop and Fran and Bob Wire. “Now Fran and I are the only trustees left,” Walker said. In 1979, the museum became the “Lovettsville Museum and Library.” In 1985, Loudoun County Public Library took over the staffing of the center. Two years later, the building closed. Walker recalled packing away some of the historical artifacts, then putting them back out again when the new Lovettsville Library opened in 1990. In 1988, the “Lovettsville Museum and Library” became “the Lovettsville Historical Society,” re-opening in Christmas 1990. The Lovettsville Historical Society Inc. was incorporated in 2009 as part of its drive to gain nonprofit tax status. Current Society President Tom
Bullock’s route to the organization followed an indirect path. He took a history class at Northern Virginia Community College, and, as part of his assignment, he was directed to interview a museum curator. He had one right on his doorstep— Ruth Bishop, curator at the Lovettsville Museum. They met, and when a vacancy opened up on the board, he agreed to serve. He has his own restoration company so he likes keeping up with the area’s history. The museum is owned by the town, which pays utilities and covers exterior maintenance, while the society pays for interior work. The lectures are the responsibility of Society Secretary Ed Spannaus, whose love and knowledge of local history is deep. He wants to keep the lectures free, calling them an educational function for the community. “We pay the church $50, and sometimes pay travel expenses for lecturers. But donations cover expenses mostly,” he said. The series focuses on diverse aspects of the area’s history. The Feb. 14 talk is titled “1866: Change, Resistance, and Uncertainty in the Northern Virginia Piedmont.” Mosby Heritage Area Association Executive Director Richard Gillespie’s presentation begins at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at St. James United Church of Christ at 10 E. Broad Way in Lovettsville. It is the ruined and desolate landscape left at the end of the Civil War that is the focus of Gillespie’s lecture. Returning soldiers came home to find federal troops occupying familiar places, black people freed, the local economy in a shambles and their former world turned upside down. For information on the lecture series, contact Spannaus at 540-822-9194. mmorton@loudounnow.com
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Waterford Foundation Celebrates with Valentine’s Gala BY MARGARET MORTON The Waterford Foundation will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a repeat of last year’s big success—the “Sweetheart Ball.” The 73-year-old preservation group invites those with sweet thoughts and romance on their mind to sign up for the ball, which will be held on Saturday, Feb 13, at Belmont Country Club in Ashburn. The brainchild of Foundation’s Development Committee Chairwoman Connie Moore, who organized last year’s inaugural event, the ball is seen both as a successful fundraiser and a fun event that can be built on as a permanent social calendar fixture year after year. The foundation is not just celebrating its long history as a grassroots preservation nonprofit, but also hopes to raise significant funds to help it recover from the weather-related cancellation of the annual Waterford Fair last October. The fair losses wiped out 65 percent of the nonprofit’s annual revenues. Although year-end giving helped refill the coffers somewhat, the foundation is still in a severely limited financial condition, according to Executive Director Tom Kuehhas. Guests are invited to dress to the nines in 1940s-era finery or other festive garb. Tickets, at $150 each, $1,700 for a table of 12, include champagne, cocktails and a 6:30 p.m. silent auction held in the his-
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Townbriefs HAMILTON Firehouse’s Future Gets Study
Photo: Schuyler Richardson
Tom Simmons shows passenger Erin Potts the joys of ultralight flight. A flight with Simmons is one of many items up for auction at the Valentine’s Day gala.
toric mansion at Belmont, followed by dinner, drinks, dessert and a live auction. Auction items include vacation stays, air flights, parties in historic homes, antiques, fun vintage items and artwork. Gala attendees can compete for offerings by Waterford residents, including Tom Simmons, who will pilot a one-hour ultralight trip over Waterford, and young artist Alexander Behan, who will paint the winner’s favorite dog or cat. Other items include a week in a Santa Fe, NM, condo that sleeps four, a 72-piece Noritake china set, paintings by watercolor artist Catherine Hillis, antique Waterford chairs, and a full-length black lamb’s
wool coat with mink collar. Dancing follows with the 17-piece Martinsburg Jazz Orchestra. The Dance King will make sure everyone knows how to dance the foxtrot, swing and cha cha, while the three “Anderson Sisters” from Stage Coach Theater will serenade guests. To reserve tickets, go to waterfordfoundation.org or call 540-882-3018. Proceeds will go toward the foundation’s preservation and education programs in the 1,420-acre Waterford National Historic Landmark, that includes the village and surrounding open space. mmorton@loudounnow.com
During a special meeting Jan. 29, the Hamilton Town Council agreed to seek advice from the Loudoun County Design Cabinet about how to best use the two buildings it purchased last year adjacent to the Town Office. Town leaders already have plans to expand parking on the property, but options for the use of the former firehouse and a neighboring home are under study. Mayor David Simpson said he hoped the Design Cabinet would hold a planning charrette to help the town come up with some good ideas.
Well Monitoring Ends The Hamilton Town Council voted last week to direct Triad Engineering to remove data logging probes at residential wells near the town’s Well 14. The monitoring was required by the county government because of concerns that operation of the municipal well would reduce groundwater supplies to homes in the area. The monitors were installed in 2009. According to the town, no adverse TOWN BRIEFS continues on page 20
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Townbriefs continued from page 19
impacts on nearby wells was detected during the course of the program. Work to dismantle the monitoring system and return the probes to the town will cost $3,200.
Council Joins Rt. 7 Campaign After a few edits, the Hamilton council last week signed on to a letter from western Loudoun towns urging the Virginia Department of Transportation, state elected representatives, and the Board of Supervisors to address eastbound congestion on Rt. 7 at Clarke’s Gap during the morning rush hour. The letter, which was initiated by Purcellville, has been endorsed by the towns of Purcellville, Round Hill, Lovettsville and Hamilton. Hillsboro also has been asked to join the group. Purcellville Assistant Town Manager Danny Davis said he hoped to send the letter out shortly.
LOVETTSVILLE Council Holds Planning Retreat Although still surrounded by mounds of snow, the Lovettsville Town Council held its annual retreat Saturday to decide on priorities for the year. Town Manager Laszlo Palko on Monday summarized the meeting as a “very successful time,” noting council members
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agreed on four priority areas: economic growth; financial management; capital funding; and events marketing and tourism. Palko said the first objective is to build space to attract start-up businesses and to develop light industrial sites. This year, the focus will be on getting market data and determining the types of business to target. After space being built in the first phase of the Town Center commercial center is filled, town leaders plan to provide some light industrial space for businesses, something similar to Hirst Road in Purcellville, Palko said. The business outreach is part of the town’s financial management strategy. “We need commercial and light industrial sustainable revenues,” Palko said. For the tourism and marketing strategy, the town is focused on building brand recognition. The council cited Town Square and its distinctive clock tower in the commercial area as part of the branding. Palko said he is working on an action plan. “Once the council approves the budget, I’ll update it for council’s approval at the beginning of next fiscal year.”
PURCELLVILLE Commission Readies for Plan Input Sessions The Purcellville Planning Commission will hold a meeting Thursday, Feb. 4 in advance of the first comprehensive plan
review/input sessions—which will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way. Councilman and Planning Commission Chairman Doug McCollum said he hopes to set some expectations for the sessions and to make sure “everyone feels comfortable expressing their views and visions for the town.” McCollum said he wanted to set the stage for a productive comprehensive plan review, emphasizing “it is important to get off to a good start.” The plan was reviewed in 2011, and mostly editorial changes made. The then-council took no action on those minor revisions, so essentially the public will be reviewing the 2006 approved comprehensive plan. The consultant for the 2016 comp plan review is a consortium of three firms: McBride Dale Clarion, lead facilitator Emily Crow; Kimley Horn engineering group, facilitator David Whyte; and Tischler Bise, economic and planning consultant, facilitator I. Carson Bise II. McCollum will give introductory remarks before introducing Town Senior Planner Daniel Galindo and Crow, the lead facilitator of the sessions. McCollum said there would be plenty of opportunities for the public to air their views on what they love about Purcellville and what they see as challenges and opportunities for the town. There will be a wall covered with white paper on which people can write or draw their suggestions
and, Galindo said, large posters to guide people will be set up around the room at the Carver Center. Any questions should be directed to Galindo at 540-751-2341.
MIDDLEBURG Inova Teams Up with Community Center for Music Therapy Middleburg Community Center will hold a special education session Wednesday, Feb. 17 to introduce plans for a music therapy program offered by Inova Loudoun Hospital Foundation. Discussion will center on medical music therapy and the impact it has on patients being treated for strokes, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. The event includes a panel discussion and a question and answer session. Guest speakers are Tom Sweitzer, executive director for A Place to Be; Cathy Christopher, director of rehabilitation Services at Inova Loudoun Hospital; and Ray Leone, music therapist at A Place to Be. Middleburg business and community leader Carey Crane and Teresa Wheeler, board member at A Place to Be, will lead the discussion—the second installment of a quarterly community health series sponsored by the two organizations. Reservations for the free event are requested—to Leigh Wolf at 703-289-2078 or leigh.wolf@inova.org. The event runs 5:30-7 p.m. at 300 W. Washington St. in Middleburg.
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February 4, 2016 |
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SCHOOLS BUDGET
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Chairman Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) was the one board member who voted against every one of the motions to add more staff members to the small schools. He said western Loudoun parents’ complaint that their children cannot check out books from the library every day because their school is staffed with just a part-time librarian isn’t unique to small schools. “If you look at schools with 1,000 elementary school kids, they don’t have access to the library all day throughout the week. So the idea that we’re understaffing in some of these areas, I really question,” he said. Two board members hinted that they wouldn’t hesitate to revisit their vote during the reconciliation process if the county Board of Supervisors doesn’t fully fund the School Board’s request. Both Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) and Debbie Rose (Algonkian) threatened to bring up the almost annual debate whether to shutter the four smallest elementary schools, Aldie, Waterford, Banneker and Lincoln. “While we have small schools, I want them to be safe,” Sheridan said of her vote in support of full-time principals. “That will not preclude us looking at closing small schools during reconciliation.” “This adds costs to schools we pay to maintain where students could be assigned to neighboring, larger schools and save us $2.9 million,” Rose said. “I will be looking at this issue later.” The board left in place Williams’ $9.2 million plan to extend a full, six-hour school day to 75 percent of the county’s kindergartners. Loudoun is one of only three school divisions in Virginia that do not provide universal full-day kindergarten. Rose made a motion to opt for a less aggressive, and less expensive, expansion plan but it failed 2-7 with just Rose and Turgeon in support. A motion by Joy Maloney (Broad Run) added five full-time equivalent positions to provide one dean per grade level at every middle school. Two years ago the dean positions were reduced to one, two or three per middle school, based on enrollment. “This is having a direct effect on teachers, students and administrators. Let’s go ahead and fix it,” Maloney said. The adopted budget also includes $1 million to follow through with the superintendent’s recommendation to begin the roll out of the Academies of Loudoun by launching the Academy of Engineering and Technology this fall, two years ahead of the full academies opening in 2018. The Academies of Loudoun will provide space to expand the existing Academies of Science and C.S. Monroe Technology Center, in addition to the Academy of Engineering and Technology. The latter is a new venture that will emphasize bio-mechanics, robotics, bioengineering and cyber-security. The biggest subtraction from Williams’ budget was to reduce the employee contingency personnel fund by $926,060, or 10 full-time employees. The superinten-
DIVERSITY “If you want full-day continued from page 1 kindergarten, if you want hiring managers on unconscious the Academies of Loudoun, train biases. you have to pay for it.” But Phillip E. Thompson, president – Jeff Morse (Dulles) School Board Member dent said earmarking money for those positions would help meet the needs that come with unexpected growth. But Morse, who made the motion to limit the contingency positions to 25, said he would be surprised if the schools grew much beyond the projected 1,978 students. Plus, it freed up funding to boost other programs, he added. After the board waded through four hours worth of amendments Tuesday night, the final vote to adopt the plan was 7-2, with Rose and Turgeon opposing. It was the hefty price of expanding fullday kindergarten that led to Turgeon’s no vote. “I can’t support a budget that includes $10 million focused on just one grade level,” she said. Of her vote in opposition, Rose said the final budget undermines the superintendent’s recommendation. The budget will now go to the supervisors as a funding request. Next year’s fiscal outlook will become more clear after the county administrator presents his proposed budget to the supervisors Feb. 10. dnadler@loudounnow.com
of the Loudoun County chapter of the NAACP, said one new hire will do little to change what he describes as a systemic problem of biased hiring practices. Thompson, an attorney who specializes in employment cases, said his office often receives complaints from experienced, minority teachers who Loudoun County Public Schools has passed over for white, less experienced applicants. He said the school system has been stubborn about giving him information, such as applicants’ resumes, that would confirm what he hears anecdotally. “They’re saying they’re hiring the best teachers. My position is, well, prove it,” he said. Thompson is considering filing a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. “The only way NAACP can bring this to the forefront is to have outside parties come in and investigate this matter,” he said. After seeing the personnel report, several board members said they were concerned to see such a gap between the student population and employees’ racial makeup. While School Board Vice Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) thanked Hough for her department’s transparency in bringing the issue forward, she pointed out that the schools in her dis-
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trict have an even wider disparity than most. About 75 percent of Sterling students are racial minorities. “When the teaching staff does not reflect the student body, that maybe explains why we don’t have more diverse students going into the teaching field,” Sheridan said. “The preliminary data is definitely concerning,” Joy Maloney (Broad Run) said. “I do think the effort is very genuine from staff to look at potential solutions to it and to work with the community.” Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge) sounded hesitant to earmark money for a new position during another tight fiscal year. She noted that the priority must be student achievement, and asked for evidence that shows students perform better if their teachers look like them. “Because it wouldn’t reflect that among our Asian population, which does very well and has the largest discrepancy,” she said, pointing out that 3 percent of the teachers and 19 percent of students are Asian. Tom Marshall (Leesburg), chairman of the board’s personnel committee, cautioned against adopting a quota system that could make principals feel forced to hire, say, a less-qualified Hispanic candidate over a white candidate just to meet a quota. “We want a diverse workforce,” he said, “but we want to make sure they are the best of the best.” dnadler@loudounnow.com
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LoCoLiving Courtesy of Chorus of the Old Dominion
Bob Rodriguez, Kevin Rudy, Ray Sitter and Dave Updegrove serenaded Sanders Corner Elementary School teacher Shauna Olevson at the request of her husband, Jimmy. The singing valentine has become a tradition now for the couple, going on its fifth year.
Quartet Delivers Love Songs to Your Doorstep BY JAN MERCKER When your wife is a famous news anchor who’s seen just about everything, finding a Valentine’s Day gift that will wow her can be a challenge. Last year, former war correspondent Chuck de Caro surprised his wife, retired CNN anchor Lynne Russell, with a heartshaped pizza from their favorite spot in Purcellville and a singing valentine from a local barbershop quartet. It was a big hit, and this year he’s got an equally special musical tribute (with the help of the guys from the Chorus of the Old Dominion) up his sleeve. “If you can hold it as a surprise, it’s a very effective way of saying ‘I love you’ on Valentine’s Day,” de Caro said. Bob Rodriguez, Ray Sitter, Dave Updegrove and Frank Shipp are part of the growing group of For the past decade, quartets from the singers in the Chorus of the Old Dominion. Chorus of the Old Dominion have been delighting sweethearts with a cappella songs of love and devotion. This year, ladies, don’t worry—they’ll change the And Baker and his crew will once they’ll once again crisscross the coun- lyrics of old standbys to fit a male recip- again be delivering a song to Beth, Bakty delivering personal performances to ient.) er’s wife of 45 years. homes, restaurants and workplaces over The program is one of the nonprofit “I’ll probably do ‘Grow Old with Me,’ Valentine’s Day weekend. chorus’ biggest fundraisers. The group, which is very appropriate for us,” he said “It can be very emotional,” said Ron made up entirely of volunteers, uses pro- with a laugh. Baker, the chorus’s bass section leader ceeds to pay music director John David For many regulars, it’s hard to beat and a member of one of five roving quar- Maybury and cover other expenses. Each the charm of a barbershop quartet, even tets that will be out and about over the quartet consists of four male voices: the when the element of surprise is no longer big weekend. “50 percent of the women lead carrying the melody, the bass is sec- a factor. get choked up and emotional—people ond lead with lower notes, the baritone For Jimmy and Shauna Olevson of aren’t used to getting sung to.” tackling the harmonies that keep the Ashburn, the singing valentine is a traBaker says the majority of recipients tunes together, and the tenor hitting the dition now going on its fifth year. Jimmy, have traditionally been women. But the high notes. a banker and volunteer firefighter, had ladies are starting to catch on, and last “The sum is really more than the parts,” been dating Shauna, a teacher at Sandyear his group delivered songs to guys Baker said. “When you get the four guys ers Corner Elementary School, for a few and gals in roughly equal numbers. (And singing together it sounds really good.” months on Valentine’s Day 2012. He’d
heard about the singing valentines program through a colleague at Middleburg Bank, and thought he’d give it a shot. As it turned out, Jimmy and his crew from Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue were scheduled to read to students at the school the same day, and he got to be there when the quartet surprised Shauna in the teachers’ lounge. “Some of the teachers just lost it,” Jimmy said, adding that the romantic gesture may have contributed to Shauna’s decision to marry him the following year. Now it’s an annual tradition at the elementary school: reading firefighters and a visit from the quartet. And while restaurants and workplaces are popular venues, the roving quartets also visit plenty of homes. When Mike Petrusky of Sterling was looking to surprise Diana, his wife of 25 years, he decided to give Baker (a friend from church) and his quartet a try. And for Petrusky, having the couple’s teenage daughter present to see the gift from Dad to Mom was especially sweet. “He’s such a great guy who exudes a lot of joy when he sings,” Petrusky said of Baker, adding, “The guys are really talented and they made us very comfortable.” The quartets generally rely on old favorites like “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “Heart of my Heart” and “Grow Old with You.” But they will take special requests if they can make it work. And de Caro has something particularly fitting in mind for Russell this year (she won’t, by the way, be reading this article). Last summer, the couple survived a shootout during an armed robbery at a New Mexico motel, an event that made national headlines. De Caro was shot and hospitalized (but is now in good health), and the pair has a lot to celebrate. This year, his special (somewhat tongue in cheek) request is “Do Not Forsake Me O’ My Darlin’” from the 1952 classic western “High Noon.” The Chorus of the Old Dominion delivers singing valentines to Loudoun and western Fairfax counties from Friday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 14. The gift includes a red rose, a personalized card and a digital photo. Cost is $50, and singers will add a large Mylar balloon for an additional $10. Cost to send a singing valentine by phone is $30. To order, call 703348-0071, send an email to valentines@ odchorus.org or go to www.odchorus.org. jmercker@loudounnow.com
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ThisWeek
NIGHTLIFE
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LIVE MUSIC: ANDY HAWK AND THE TRAIN WRECK ENDINGS
LIVE MUSIC: BLUE OYSTER CULT
Friday, Feb. 5, 6-8:30 p.m.; King’s Tavern, Leesburg. Details: www.andyhawk.com Celebrate First Friday with Americana originals from this talented songwriter. No cover.
Friday, Feb. 5, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com The pioneering heavy metal band, known for hits “The Reaper” and “Burnin’ For You,” is a marquee show for the downtown Leesburg concert venue. Tickets are $59 in advance, $69 at the door.
LIVE MUSIC: THE REAGAN YEARS Saturday, Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com Shake off the winter blues by dancing all night with this beloved ’80s cover band. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
LIVE MUSIC: THE VIPS Courtesy of Andrew Leahey
LIVE MUSIC: ANDREW LEAHEY AND THE HOMESTEAD Friday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Suite 120, Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Leahey’s fresh brand of Americana will
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Saturday, Feb. 6, 8:30 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Suite 120, Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Four talented musicians perform hits of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
LIVE MUSIC: CARBON 11 Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; Spanky’s Pub, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg.
Photo courtesy Steve Moore
Kennedys Celebrate Anniversary On Stage Peter and Maura Kennedy will be back at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro on Feb. 12 for a special 7 p.m. concert celebrating their 20th anniversary together as a couple and as performers. The two met in Austin, TX, and joined forces with Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra for several years before setting out on their own. Tickets for the concert and light appetizers are $15 in advance—purchased online at OldStoneSchool.org—or $20 at the door. Drinks, including local wine from Hillsborough Vineyards and beer from Belly Love Brewing Company, will be sold by the glass. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Details: spankyspub.com Dance into the wee hours with rock ‘n’ roll covers from this Frederick, MD-based band. $5 cover.
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LOUDOUN NOW MEET AND GREET MORE TO DO on page 24
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More to do
continued from page 23
loudounnow.com
Road, Philomont. Contact: 540-3385882
artscenter.org Loudoun Centre Theatre presents the hit musical set in 1960s Baltimore featuring the larger than life heroine Tracy Turnblad teaching the city about integration and fair play. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.
Dads and daughter ages 2 to 16 can enjoy an evening of dancing, appetizers and drinks. Cost is $15 per couple and $5 per additional daughter. Advance registration is required.
RHAC FAMILY VALENTINE WORKSHOP
ARTS IN THE VILLAGE TRUNK SHOW
Friday, Feb. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Round Hill Arts Center, 35246 Harry Byrd Highway Suite 170, Round Hill. Details: roundhillartscenter.org
Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, noon-6 p.m.; Arts in The Village Gallery, 1601 Village Market Blvd. SE Suite 116, Leesburg. Details: artsinthevillage.com
Get cool new valentine ideas for all skill levels. $35 cost includes materials, pizza and drinks for a family of four. Additional family members are $8.
Find jewelry and other gifts for your valentine and check out the gallery’s new Connections exhibit. Free admission. Refreshments will be served.
COMMUNITY OF GARDENS: HARVEST Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m.; Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main St., Purcellville. Contact: 540-338-7235 Bring your photos and memories of gardens, family farms, and orchards as part of the Smithsonian’s Community of Gardens project. Participants can also submit garden stories online at communityofgardens.si.edu.
COMING UP LOUDOUN YOUTHFEST BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 2 Friday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m.; The Studio, 45449 Severn Way, Dulles. Details: loudounyouth.org Top local youth bands perform to see who moves on to the YouthFest finals in April. Admission is $5.
ART OF THE COCKTAIL Friday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m.; Catoctin Creek Distillery, 120 W Main St., Purcellville. Details: catoctincreekdistilling.com Celebrate carnival season by exploring New Orleans style cocktails with Sazerac and its kin with distiller/owner Scott Harris. Tickets are $25 and include four cocktails.
MORVEN PARK NATURE WALK
LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS: SPRINGFIELD EXIT
Sunday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m.; Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Details: loudounwildlife.org
Saturday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.; Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. Details: luckettsbluegrass.org
Saturday, Feb. 6, noon-5 p.m.; Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. Details: breauxvineyards.com
Walk will cover native woodlands, wetlands, birds and seasonal changes. Event is free but advance registration is required.
Tight vocal harmonies and a dynamic rhythmic groove are this band’s claim to fame. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Celebrate the traditional pre-Mardi Gras weekend with king cake, beads, dancing and wine. Tickets are $20 per person, $12 for cellar club members. Advance registration strongly recommended.
HISTORY TALK: OUR CIVIL RIGHTS LANDSCAPE
LIBATIONS WINE GLASS PAINTING CLASS
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2-5 p.m.; Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main St., Purcellville: library.loudoun.gov
Sunday, Feb. 7, 1-5 p.m.; North Gate Vineyard, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Hillsboro. Details: northgatevineyard.com
Historian Richard Gillespie discusses sites in western Loudoun with civil rights significance from 1850 to today. Event is free and open to the public.
Create a one-of-a-kind hand-painted wineglass with guidance from a local artist. $35 admission includes a glass of wine and light fare.
ON STAGE
PAINT NIGHT AT CREEK’S EDGE WINERY
HAIRSPRAY’ Friday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 6, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: franklinpark-
Thursday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.; Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. Details: jojoandvangogh.com Join artist Joanne Rodgers and paint a romantic scene. Tickets are $30 in advance. Wine sold separately.
BREAUX VINEYARDS SAMEDI GRAS
WITH THE KIDS LEGO MANIA Thursday, Feb. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.; Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E Broad Way, Lovettsville. Contact: 540-822-5284 LEGO enthusiasts ages 3 and older can bring their bricks and compete at this annual event. The Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area LEGO Train Club will build “a super display.” Cost is $7 per builder. Advance registration is required.
PHILOMONT FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE Friday, Feb 5, 6-8:30 p.m.; Philomont Community Center, 36592 Jeb Stuart
WATERFORD FOUNDATION SWEETHEART BALL Saturday, Feb. 13, 6:30-11:30 p.m.; Belmont Country Club, 19661 Belmont Manor Lane, Ashburn. Details: waterfordfoundation.org Guests are invited to dress up and have a ball in support of the Waterford Foundation. Evening includes dinner, drinks, live auction and dancing with the Martinsburg Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $150 per person.
CHOCOLATES GALORE AND MORE Friday, Feb. 19, 7-11 p.m.; Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg. Contact: 703-777-9622 The evening features hors d’oeuvres and dessert specialties from the area’s top chefs, music from Katz Band, sparkling wine, dancing and an auction. Event benefits the YMCA of Loudoun County. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at my.bidpal.net/chocolatesgaloreandmore.
“GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN” FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE Friday, Feb. 13, 6:30-9 p.m.; The Leesburg Junction, 215 Depot Court SE in Leesburg. Contact: makeheadway.org All fathers and daughters are invited to this ’80s-themed dance, a rad night filled with music, dancing, snacks and a photo booth. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Purchase advance tickets at eventbrite.com.
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Obituaries Charles Frye
in Hamilton. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel]
Charles Frye, 67, of Leesburg, died Jan. 21 at Inova Loudoun Hospital. He was born Feb. 16, 1948, in Leesburg. He was employed by the federal government and worked at the U.S. Capitol. He was a member of First Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He is survived by his daughters Pamela Frye of Sterling, Anita Lewis of Sterling, and Dominique Frye of Charlottesville; grandchildren Tim, Lakeisha, Jonathan, Austin, Delanta and Kayden; and siblings Florine Davis, Fannie Frye, Sadie Brent, Velmer “Bird” Frye, Henrietta Douglas and Gladys Frye. He was predeceased by six siblings. His former wife was Sarah L. Frye. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at First Mount Olive Baptist Church in Leesburg with the Rev. Harold S. Stinger officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery
Emory G. Budd Emory G. Budd Jr., 75, of Leesburg, VA, died Saturday, Jan. 23. He was born July 15, 1940, in Steelton, PA. He was the son of the late Emory G. Budd Sr. and Johanna Kosher. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Budd; daughter, Maria Trafka; sons Dennis and Chris Markley; five grandsons, three granddaughters, one great-grandson and seven great-granddaughters. He served in the U.S. Army as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam war era. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years. A memorial service will be held in April. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel]
NIGHTTIME ECONOMY
NIGHTTIME ECONOMY PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
sources, multiple everything.” Grafton deButts, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Brand Strategy, agreed that attracting young professionals is all about creating a lively social scene. DeButts was an organizing member of the chamber’s Loudoun Young Professionals. “It’s been my mantra since the time that we started Loudoun YP that young professionals aren’t moving to where their job is, but they are very focused on moving to a place where they have a community,” deButts said. The next step is to get developers and the community involved, starting with the meeting Feb. 9. “The fact that they have had such amazing engagement in this process, and started the conversation—in my mind, that’s success right there,” said Buddy Rizer, executive director of the Loudoun
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m. BLVD 43805 Central Station Drive, Ashburn
continued from page 3
MAYORAL APPOINTMENT continued from page 3
Rumored to have interest himself in seeking the mayor’s post come November, Butler said this week “of course it’s something I’m thinking about,” but said the priority right now is selecting someone to fill out the term. “The number one thing we have to do is get seven people on council and get council business done,” he said. “Then we can start to think about November.” Fox said she still would prefer to appoint someone to the mayor’s seat with council experience. She also pointed to the need for seven voices—and votes—when it
County Department of Economic Development. “We have actually started down this road, made people aware of it, and started this conversation.” Based on what they hear at Tuesday’s meeting, NEAC members will revise their recommendations to start their way toward the Board of Supervisors. “As we continue to grow, especially in the technology world, and we look at the younger workforce, I think it is fair to say we don’t have the full complement of housing options,” Rizer said. “I think the more information we have, the better decisions we can make as we go forward.” rgreene@loudounnow.com
VINO MARKET LOUDOUN’S BEST KEPT SECRET!
The area’s BEST selection of beers, ciders & gluten free beers! Rated by Northern Virginia Magazine to have one of the Top 10 Pulled Pork Sandwiches! Also featuring our Brie, Apple, Honey Sandwich!
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comes to the town’s budget. The town tax rate, for example, needs a supermajority of the council, or five votes, to be adopted. “I feel that there needs to be seven members on the council in order to take care of the budget process in the way it needs to be taken care of. That’s the bottom line for me,” she said. “We owe it to the citizens of the town to make sure the process is intact.” If a current council member is selected to serve as Leesburg’s next mayor, another vote will be necessary—one appointing a resident to fill the newly empty council seat. krodriguez@loudounnow.com
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VACATION
February 4, 2016 |
loudounnow.com
27
Classified Townhouse For Rent
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Employment IT Director
The All American Steakhouse and Sports Theatre is looking to expand its staff at the Ashburn Location. We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and experienced servers and hosts to add to our existing staff. We will also be interviewing experienced cooks for the line, grill, fry and prep.
Qualifications The ideal candidate would possess experience in leading an IT Department or Division, managing multiple projects and priorities, and implementing a new software product. Being a small organization and with few resources, the Town desires a Director who can provide long-term strategic input and guidance while also handling day-to-day troubleshooting and user concerns. A focus on innovation and efficiency is key to this position. Experience in government and with elected officials is desired. Starting Salary The starting salary for this position is $80,000-$90,000, depending on qualifications. The Town of Purcellville offers a full comprehensive benefits package that includes VRS retirement plan, paid annual, sick and personal leave, life insurance, paid holidays, and medical and dental insurance. In addition, the Town participates in the VA Credit Union and a Deferred Compensation Plan with a match. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Town of Purcellville is an award-winning, thriving community whose 8,300 residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life that has become a hallmark of the town. Purcellville is a great place to work. If you are excited about working in this environment, submit an application and resume to Sharon Rauch, Human Resources Specialist, at the Town of Purcellville, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia 20132. For an application, visit www.purcellvilleva.gov. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on February 5, 2016 and are also accepted electronically at srauch@purcellvilleva.gov. Equal Opportunity Employer.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 29
Crossword
Send resumes to Ashburnsteakhouse@hotmail.com or stop by to fill out an application.
The Town of Purcellville is recruiting for a dynamic, innovative Director for the Department of Information Technology. The Department has been recently re-organized, to include a Director, Network/Systems Administrator, and a part-time service technician. The Town’s technology services include: Microsoft enterprise servers and applications; Laserfiche imaging software; and small-scale business productivity solutions. The Town will be embarking upon a conversion of existing financial software systems to the Tyler Technologies’ MUNIS product.
All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”
Born in February ACROSS 1) The Lone Eagle 3) Home run king before 21 Down 8) Felix Ungar on screen 9) Rachel, on Friends 12) Inka Dinka Doo singer 13) Tiny Tim creator 15) US Formula One champ 16) Most frequent postage stamp president
18) Two-time residential runner up 23) Pisa’s Galilei 24) Sound barrier breaker 27) A late Abe 28) Pursued peace through strength 32) Dubliners author 33) North Star publisher 34) A Miss Hungary 35) Adventure novelist
DOWN 2) Evolution pioneer 3) Bandit, on screen 4) GHWB’s VP 5) ‘Rogue’ VP hopeful 6) ‘70s pin-up 7) Westerns director 10) Italian racing pioneer 11) Nobel winner 13) Sec. of State 14) Man in black 15) Dollar coin figure
17) Tribune editor 18) Heisman winner 19) Patent powerhouse 20) President, briefly 21) Hammerin’ Hank 22) Barbarino, on TV 25) IT innovator 26) Gorbachev foe 29) Father of philanthropy 30) Landscape photographer 31) TJ’s VP
This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
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Opinion Time to Talk
A remarkable element of Monday’s Senate hearing in Leesburg on opiate abuse was the focus of those working to curb the overdose epidemic. The focus was on improving physician education and tightening prescription protocols. It was on building better systems to identify abuses in the pharmaceutical community. It was on getting life-saving antidotes into the hands of more community members. It was on increasing the availability of recovery treatment. The focus was not on blaming the overdose victims or those in the grips of addiction. Yes, that is a typical response, but it is not one that the those on the front line of this battle find to be effective. This addiction crisis is something unseen in the country for generations and is one that reaches beyond the illegal actions of recreational drug users. A broad-based effort will be required to address it. Cutting the supply is a good place to start. Monday’s hearing highlighted ways to curb the drugs’ flow from doctors’ offices, pharmacies and home medicine cabinets—not to remove the powerful pain-fighting tools from the medical arsenal, but to ensure its prudent use. There also are efforts to curb the availability of opiate-based medication and heroin—which has become a cheaper and more readily available substitute—on the street. Legislation to hold drug suppliers criminally accountable for fatal overdoses is important to surviving family members and could serve as an effective deterrent. Unfortunately, the nature of this addiction is that reducing the supply is only one side of the challenge. Providing treatment services is another critical element. It is the unfortunate nature of addiction that many family members are entirely unaware of a loved one’s struggles until he or she is found dead. In cases where the addiction is known, there is little support available locally to give families much hope for a successful outcome. This addiction strikes young and old, rich and poor and, increasingly, is hitting close to home for many Loudouners. As Attorney General Herring said this week, it is time to get everyone talking about it—before it hits close to your home.
Share Your Views Loudoun Now welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should include the name, address and phone number of the writer and should be a maximum of 500 words. Letters may be sent by email to letters@loudounnow. com or by mail to PO Box 207, Leesburg, VA 20178.
LoudounNow is published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
Letters Gratitude
Editor: As we continue digging out from under feet of snow from the recent storm, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude toward the emergency services personnel of Loudoun County. Just before midnight on Jan. 23, I went into labor two weeks early. On a whim, I had decided to stay with a friend so that I would be closer to the hospital “just in case.” When “just in case” actually happened, I was worried about how I would possibly make it to the hospital. With the storm having raged for more than 24 hours, all cars were buried, and roads were still covered. Feet seemed as insurmountable as miles in such conditions. I had no choice but to call 911. Within moments, several firefighters arrived and were busy digging out the parking lot and surrounding streets so that one of their smaller vehicles could pass through to transport me to an ambulance waiting on a main road. Though I expected to wait close to an hour for help to arrive, help arrived almost immediately. Despite treacherous road conditions and the need to circumvent abandoned vehicles, we
Norman K. Styer Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com Margaret Morton Senior Writer mmorton@loudounnow.com
made it to the hospital safely. Snow lovers often think it’s fun to experience a blizzard, but many of us only think of warm blankets, hot chocolate, and movie marathons by the fire. I witnessed firsthand the dedication of the emergency workers who put their lives and comfort at risk to help others. Thanks to their efforts, I was able to make it to the hospital in time to safely deliver a baby girl. I wish I could thank each of them by name—many did introduce themselves—but there were too many heroes involved that evening for me to have met them all. And so, I offer my gratitude to the rescue workers who dedicate themselves to helping others, come rain or hail—or winter storm Jonas. – Valerie Egger, Purcellville
Well Done Editor: Kudos to Town Manager Rob Lohr and his awesome hard working staff. You did a fantastic job of
Renss Greene, Reporter rgreene@loudounnow.com Douglas Graham, Photographer dgraham@loudounnow.com Contributors Kara C. Rodriguez Jan Mercker
LETTERS continue on page 30
Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@loudounnow.com Classified Manager Lindsay Morgan lmorgan@loudounnow.com Production Electronic Ink 9 Royal St. SE Leesburg, VA 20175
February 4, 2016 |
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4) QUAYLE 3) REYNOLDS
18) STEVENSON
2) DARWIN
16) WASHINGTON
DOWN
15) ANDRETTI
20) HARRISON 19) EDISON
See this week’s Crossword puzzle on page 27
23) PGALILEO
18) STAUBACH 17) GREELEY 15) ANTHONY
13) DICKENS
14) CASH
35) VERNE
12) DURANTE
34) ZSAZSA
9) ANISTON
33) DOUGLASS
8) LEMMON
32) JOYCE
3) RUTH
28) REAGAN
1) LINDBERGH
27) VIGODA
ACROSS
13) DULLES 11) STEINBECK 10) FERRARI 7) FORD 6) FAWCETT
31) BURR 30) ADAMS 29) PEABODY 26) YELTSIN 25) JOBS 22) TRAVOLTA
Barbara Comstock is a Republican member of the U.S. Congress from Virginia’s 10th District.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
21) AARON
vate sector must create a culture that ensures everyone considers cybersecurity a high priority. There are some great examples of companies and organizations implementing new cybersecurity practices that can be a guide for best practices. John Wood, the CEO of Telos Corporation, an Ashburn-based cybersecurity company, who also serves on the Commonwealth of Virginia Cyber Security Commission, recently testified before my subcommittee on the steps his company takes to prevent cyber intrusions and promote security. John also testified that, “these practices must be embraced in the boardroom and by management so that a culture of cybersecurity is created throughout the organization.” Telos is also working towards building a future cybersecurity workforce in Loudoun County, including a fiveyear partnership with George Washington University’s Science and Technology Campus in Loudoun as well as a partnership with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts to implement 63 STEM Classroom Residency Sessions in schools throughout the county to promote STEM careers at the K-12 level. Other examples include: Visa Corporation, which recently opened a Cyber Fusion Center in Ashburn that will bring together all of their global cyber defense teams into a new, state-of-the-art facility for rapid detection of new threats and information sharing with private and government partners; and Symantec, which has also launched a Cyber Career Connection program, partnering with nonprofit organizations to educate and train underserved populations to become cybersecurity professionals, including a program in the National Capital Region to train military veterans for careers in cybersecurity. The Federal government lags behind the private sector in cybersecurity. Last year, audits revealed that 19 of 24 major federal agencies failed to meet the basic cybersecurity standards mandated by law—OPM still does not even have a complete inventory of servers, databases and network devices in its system. I will continue to push for making sure that if federal officials neglect their duties, or are not the right people for the job, they are held accountable so that proper leadership is in place to not just meet, but anticipate and beat the next cyber threat. I will continue to support policies in Congress that unleash technological innovation, foster healthy public-private partnerships, and build a stronger national security apparatus. Cybersecurity must be a top priority in every government agency from the top Cabinet official on down. We need an aggressive, nimble, and flexible strategy to anticipate and stop cyberattacks to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
5) PALIN
BY REP. BARBARA COMSTOCK (R-VA-10) The United States is under attack. Every day cyber criminals, “hacktivists,” and state-sponsored cyber terrorists are attempting to gain access to the valuable and sensitive information of Americans, American companies, and the government. This is a 21st Century war, and one of the greatest challenges our country faces today. Last year, more than 178 million records on Americans were exposed in cyberattacks. The breach of the Office of Personnel Management alone exposed the personal information of more than 21 million Americans. The attack hit close to home in more ways than one, as I was one of the millions of current and former federal employees who had their personal information compromised. The OPM breach highlighted how vulnerable our nation’s most sensitive systems and information are to attack. It also made it clear that the time has come for every manager and every employee in both government and the private sector to make cybersecurity a top priority in their daily work, and for leaders to be held accountable for negligent failures to protect information. It is my privilege to be in a position to help find solutions to this challenge as chair of the Research & Technology Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and to serve in a district where so many of my constituents are the talented people who work on cyber issues at such firms as Northrop Grumman and MITRE Corporation to start-ups like PhishMe and dozens more of large and small businesses who are on the cutting edge of this essential 21stCentury industry. Since I became chair of the subcommittee last year, we have held five hearings on cybersecurity with some of the foremost cyber experts in the private sector, academia and the government. With the input of these innovative cyber experts, I believe that there are some key steps we can take to improve cybersecurity across the private and public sectors: 1. There must be a healthy partnership between the public and private sectors to share information and best practices; 2. A focus on “cyber hygiene,” which is day-to-day maintenance and monitoring of devices and IT systems using widely accepted cybersecurity best practices; 3. We should not only focus resources on defending against cyberattacks, we must also bolster our ability to detect vulnerabilities, and limit the damage of a breach; 4. We must continue to upgrade cybersecurity forensics so that we may quickly identify the perpetrators of these attacks and successfully prosecute them; 5. More research and development is needed on new technology for preventing and responding to cyberattacks, particularly in identity authentication; 6. We must do more to educate and train a cybersecurity workforce, as demand for professionals is expected to rise to 6 million by 2019, with a projected shortfall of 1.5 million; and 7. Leaders in government and the pri-
24) YEAGER
Cybersecurity: A 21st Century War
29
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Letters VIEW FROM THE GAP There is a Place BY ROGER L. VANCE For just over two decades I’ve had a distinct experience nearly every day that signals to me it is now time to exhale. It’s the moment when the frenzy and worries of the workday can begin to be tuned out. It’s the moment when I know I am leaving one place and entering another. While it is not the world’s most grandiose vista, heading west on historic Charles Town Pike, at the point where the view ahead opens up to sweeping pastures left and right revealing a narrow gap in the Short Hills, is a breathtaking site nonetheless. That “ahhh” moment is one shared by generations of people over centuries. Today, for tens of thousands of us, it’s our last leg home on an often-grueling daily commute—or the first leg of a relaxing adventure in the countryside. Home for me is just around the next bend nestled in the cradle of the Short Hills, a place long known simply as “The Gap.” First settled nearly a quarter century before the American Revolution, as The Gap grew and prospered by the turn of the 19th century into the bustling hub of a bountiful agricultural region, its people adopted the more refined descriptive for a town nestled in the hills: Hillsborough. Today’s Hillsboro is little changed from the 18th- and 19th-century Hillsborough. In the 21st century, thanks to the vision and dedication of individuals who could have easily chosen to do otherwise, the expansive and beautiful approaches to this historic village have to an amazing degree remained open and unspoiled. And Hillsboro is once again poised to be the hub of a vibrant agriculture region. The chances of that were long in doubt as it appeared all but inevitable that the outward push of residential development would consume this ground. Ten years ago, along with that welcome relief of reaching The Gap panorama each day came the tinge of dread—wondering if this might be the day we learn it too will be transformed as so many other scenic swaths of the county have. But today, cynics aside, we see that an elegant and sustainable alternative
to development has firmly taken root, proving that viticulture, winemaking, organic farming and livestock production can once again make agriculture central to the Loudoun economy and that be the linchpin for the agro-tourism that will ultimately ensure preservation of Loudoun’s rural west. To a large extent, it will be a convergence of “old Loudoun” family ties to the land and energetic entrepreneurial innovation that sets the keystone to building a robust rural economy that ensures the remaining open spaces. The Virts family has farmed in Loudoun since 1797, likely taking their grains to grind in one of Hillsboro’s several mills. For nearly half a century the Virts have owned the farm and majestic stone homestead on the south side of Charles Town Pike on the Hillsboro approach. When the pressure to develop this prime real estate was at its height, the family resisted, holding firm to continue their 12-generation tradition of working the land. After years of study, preparation and hard work, the Virts family dream is coming to fruition with the opening of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Farms, an innovative approach to farming utilizing hydroponics and strict adherence to organic farming practices. Led by the vision and handiwork of Donald Virts, CEA Farm’s offerings of yearround fresh produce and quality organic meats have been met by an enthusiastic demand. And in addition to its great food and relaxed atmosphere, its farm-to-fork restaurant offers visitors a remarkable view. It is a view that would be instantly recognizable to the 18th- century travelers who traversed this route through The Gap—and it remains one that each day tells some many of us, it is now time to exhale. Roger L. Vance is the mayor of Hillsboro, editor in chief of the HistoryNet publishing group, and editor of American History magazine.
Worse, Supervisor (and former Leesburg Mayor) Kristen Umstattd was quoted on your front page as saying that continued from page 28 the town’s snow removal plan of clearing snow removal throughout the Town of primary roads first “seriously and unnecessarily” jeopardized public safety. Purcellville this past week. Mr. Lohr had a crew on Monday Really? Citizens of some towns in nearworking into the night clearing and by Montgomery County, MD, criticized even hauling the snow from 21st Street their own jurisdictions for doing just the downtown so we we’re all able to open opposite—raging that subdivision roads serving few people were clear, while mafor business the next day. Maybe the town can have you consult jor routes remained narrow and slushy. I’m proud of the way our town rewith some other municipalities on how sponded to this recent snow emergency. to get it done! – Michael Oaks and Kim Patterson, Snow removal equipment operated day Re-Love It and night. Neighbors helped neighbors, and most of us were adequately prepared Patience? to be house-bound for an extended period. Seldom has a snowstorm been so Editor: Regarding the need for “patience” af- accurately predicted, especially so far in ter the big winter storm; well, tell that to advance, and almost no one lost electricity. For that, we should all be thankful. my employer. – Terry Sisk, Leesburg Despite the state of emergency, my employer and others were wide open for Up To The Challenge business bright and early Monday morning. It›s hard to exercise patience when Editor: I want to take a moment and extend your options include risking a dangermy thanks for the professional manner ous commute or sitting at home wasting in which all of our fire-rescue system vacation time waiting for a plow that prepared for, responded to, and endured may or may not show up. last week’s winter storm that struck our – Ed Fleming, Leesburg area. Throughout our long history of Snowed In providing competent and caring assistance to the public in times of storms Editor: A snowstorm is an act of nature, (and other disasters), the public has and no one can predict when the next come to depend upon the fire and rescue mega-storm will arrive (next year, 10 service being there. While rare in their years?). So I was saddened to read this occurrence, these storms require that paper’s opinion piece blaming the Town our members stand up to the challenges. of Leesburg for a failure in road-clear- Last week was no exception. The recent storm posed tremendous ing strategy (i.e., “something went horchallenges for our fire and rescue sysribly wrong”, “poor performance”, etc.). tem. From the first snow flake on FriWe live in a culture of finger pointing, day afternoon through the early stage stressing that someone else is to blame, of the recovery period on Sunday into and that if those people only had our Monday, our combined system handled wisdom, things would be made right. more than 550 emergency calls, or alThat attitude is poppycock. most double that experienced during I’ve lived in northern Virginia for a “normal” time period. Many of these more than sixty years, so I know that calls were life-threatening in nature and thirty-four inches of snow from one required the use of a large response force storm is rare. When we’re faced with the challenge of removing such a quantity of to gain access and perform coordinated snow, we do the best that circumstanc- response actions. Many calls were also es allow. I live in one of Leesburg’s sub- more routine in nature; however, due to divisions mentioned in your editorial, road and other access conditions, they but the guys who usually shovel drive- again required time and resources to ways for me and most of my neighbors complete. While I will never know or be able to couldn’t get into our neighborhood. understand all of the individual effort They couldn’t even walk down a street and circumstances they faced, I do know covered in waist-height snowfall if that everyone who worked or volunthey tried. But it never occurred to me to blame town officials for my being snowed in. If anyone was to blame, it was Mother Nature.
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teered throughout the storm is a hero. In addition to providing response, many had participated in the planning aspects of the storm. I felt we were very prepared in terms of the up-staffing of additional response and support units. The “around the clock” staffing of the Emergency Operations Center placed additional demand upon members. And collectively, but less obvious, the outreach and public messaging to the public to assist with clearing around fire hydrants and gas vents, to be cognizant of reducing stress while shoveling snow and to stay off the roads so that highway crews could work so that we could get to where we needed to go was very important to the successes we had. It was truly a great effort. As the chief of the system, I have been blessed to have numerous accolades directed to our system from members of the public, the Board of Supervisors and County Administration. They also benefitted from our commitment to excellence. A key point is that our public does not identify us by anything other than how we conduct ourselves when they call for help. It is under these circumstances, when conditions are at their very worst, that we are at our very best. Fire-rescue workers are the ones who go out when no one else can or will. They are the ones who place their families second and place service above self. They are the ones who trudge more than a mile through unplowed roadways to reach a patient in need or to drag a hose line to a raging house fire. They are the ones who perform CPR on a victim without stopping when all others are delayed. They are the ones who understand that unless we place ourselves at risk to save an animal, the public will do so and then we will be rescuing them and possibly becoming victims. For all of this, and for what they continue to do every day, please know that I will never take their contributions for granted and will never for one moment stop holding them up as examples of the most professional and dedicated group of emergency services personnel anywhere. – W. Keith Brower, Jr., Chief of the System, Loudoun County
Little Urgency Editor: Loudoun Now published an interesting article on Jan. 20, 2016, titled “County, Utility Battle over Pipeline Price; Road Project May Stall.” It seems Joe Kroboth of the county Department of Transportation is accusing a gas utility company of misleading him while the utility denies any such thing. It seems that after two plus years Mr. Kroboth and the board of supervisors are now outraged about a cost increase of $1.44 million for the Croson Lane/Old Ryan Road project.
What has the process been for the past two plus years that now makes this cost increase such a shock? I question the process because the property owners of Lansdowne are currently involved in a utility easement dispute relating to the Rt. 7/Rt. 659 interchange project. An inadequate project design, which seems to have come from the county Department of Transportation, has resulted in Lansdowne property owners being harmed by property rights violations. And even though Mr. Kroboth’s department is likely wholly accountable for the problem, the county seems less than forthcoming in helping to resolve the matter. Like the Croson Lane/Old Ryan Road problem, the interchange issue is generating little urgency within the county. When the Board of Supervisors discovers that millions of additional dollars may be needed to complete the interchange project, hopefully the good people of Lansdowne will not also be accused of “extortion” and “blackmail.” – Tom Jeavons, Lansdowne
Toys for Tots Editor: In 1947, a group of Marines recognized a need in this country and found a way to fill it. The Toys for Tots program’s main purpose is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s less fortunate children.” Receiving the gift of a shiny, new toy (something many take for granted) can make a tremendous difference in child’s life. This year, the Loudoun County Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots program distributed more than 23,000 toys to area families and non-profit organizations. Two Juniors at Briar Woods High School in Ashburn conducted a bike drive resulting in 62 bicycles and helmets being donated to Toys for Tots, which made many children happy. This program wouldn’t be successful without our volunteers, the generosity of area families, and businesses/organizations. A special thank you goes out to Merritt Properties, LLC, which donated warehouse space where we collected, sorted, and distributed toys. It is important to note, that each year we are tasked with locating a space for our operation. To provide non-profit organizations with toys in time for their Christmas distribution, we must provide them toys by mid-November. Therefore, there has to be an inventory on hand, as we don’t receive community/public donations until mid-December. Sorting and storing of this inventory takes place after Christmas and into January. We are already planning for our next season which begins October 1st and would welcome assistance. If you would like to help with the 2016 Toys for Tots program, please email us in October at Toys4TotsLoudoun@gmail.com. – Frank Holtz, Toys for Tots Coordinator, Loudoun County
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