Loudoun Now for March 3, 2016

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 1, No. 17 ]

[ loudounnow.com ]

[ March 3 – 8, 2016 ]

INSIDE: Loudoun’s sure-footed equine economy

24 COMING SOON: Downtown boom ........................... 3

LOUDOUN REJECTS TRUMP Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) hands out autographs after speaking at a rally at Patrick Henry College on Sunday. Two days later, he won 88 of Loudoun’s 94 precincts.

Local Voters Favor Rubio, Clinton

BY DANIELLE NADLER

I

f Trump has any home territory in Virginia, it’s Loudoun County.

He spent millions renovating 800 acres in Sterling to open two championship courses at Trump National Golf Club. He visited the county last summer to unveil his newest course on the property, and in a short speech he described it as a gift for local residents, golfers and non-golfers alike.

But that wasn’t enough to win the support of most Loudoun voters this week.

While Republicans statewide joined the unforeseen national wave of support for TV personality and businessman Donald Trump, Loudouners did their part to buck that enthusiasm and instead favored Marco Rubio for the GOP ticket.

Rubio, who made a campaign stop in Purcellville Sunday, pulled in 40.59 percent of the GOP vote in Loudoun and 31.5 percent at the state level. He won 88 of the county’s 94 precincts, including the precinct in which the Trump National Golf Club sits. Trump won Virginia with 35.2 percent of the vote, but trailed in Loudoun with 27.93 percent. Ted Cruz held 17 percent of voters’ support in Loudoun, John Kasich took 9.2 percent and Ben Carson tallied 6 percent.

Loudoun Democrats fell in line with the rest of Virginia to support Hillary Clinton. She walked away with 58.53 percent of the local vote and 64.7 percent of the vote statewide. Sanders fell short, winning the support of 40.81 percent of Loudoun Democrats and 34.8 percent of Virginia Democrats.

Thirty-nine percent, or 86,464 people, of the county’s registered voters cast ballots Tuesday, higher than any primary election in recent history. The February 2008 presidential primary saw a 31.4 percent turnout.

Trump’s the Word Many at the polls Tuesday said their decision to cast a ballot was fueled by the most repeated five-letter word of the day: Trump.

The fear that the outspoken conservative could very well keep the momentum to win the GOP nomination for president was enough to draw Jennifer Cheplick out of her house to vote. The Leesburg

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PRIMARY >> 39

Visit Ignites Local GOP’s Support

BY RENSS GREENE As Republican presidential hopeful and real estate mogul Donald Trump gained momentum among conservatives nationwide, local party leaders united behind the candidate they think can outpace Trump in the long run—Marco Rubio.

The first-term Republican Senator brought his campaign to the RUBIO VISITS LOUDOUN >> 39

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March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

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[ LEESBURG ]

3 March 3 – 9, 2016

Expect big things this year in the heart of Leesburg

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Below is but a sampling of the activity in the downtown area.

King Street Oyster Bar

Jorge Esguerra, Allison plans a 2,500-square-foot space that will boast seafood selections including raw and grilled oysters, crab and shrimp in the summer months, along swith steak, chicken, pasta and

DOWNTOWN LEESBURG >> 4

[ INDEX ] Endangered bats threaten school construction................. 5

Public pushes for more school funding.................................... 12

Leesburg Police consider body cameras................................... 10

Supervisors seek veto of proffer bill.............................. 12

Crime ........................................ 6 Loudoun Gov ......................... 12 Education ............................... 14 Our Towns .............................. 20

Biz ........................................... 24 LoCo Living............................. 26 Classifieds............................... 32 Opinion .................................. 36

loudounnow.com

Location: 12 S. King St. Opening Date: March

Nestled alongside South King Street in the former Cooley Gallery space, Rick Allison’s newest restaurant venture promises to bring a marine flavor to the downtown.

Working with business partner

The 112,000-square-foot development in the former Loudoun Times-Mirror property on East Market Street is in the midst of some minor design changes which have, at least for the moment, put a groundbreaking on hold.

That’s according to Blair White of Landmark Commercial. White said the design changes require the submission of some plan revisions to the Town of Leesburg.

The anchor of the project is the first location outside of Pennsylvania of Victory Brewing Company, a privately held craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, PA. The company formally began op-

xpect an abundance of ribbon-cuttings and grand opening signs in downtown Leesburg in the coming months, as vacant storefronts and under-construction buildings give way to new, or reborn, businesses.

Economic Development Director Marantha Edwards says it’s an exciting time to be a part of downtown Leesburg with all the new businesses coming on line. Just this week, the Town Council was set to celebrate another grand opening—for Señor Ramon Taqueria at 15 N. Loudoun St. Edwards believes that what downtown Leesburg has been doing for years—creating an environment conducive to the growth of independent shops and restaurants—is what other mixed-use developments are trying to model.

“The genesis of it is what’s happening in downtown Leesburg,” she said.

sandwiches to round out the menu. In addition to the indoor space, the oyster bar will have a patio in the back with to-go selections. The oyster bar is expected to open in the beginning of March.

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

MAPPING DOWNTOWN’S FUTURE

4 loudounnow.com

DOWNTOWN LEESBURG << FROM 3

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

erations in 1996 and in its 20 years has attracted a loyal following throughout the 34 states in which it is distributed.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Victory is still very much committed to the project, White said.

Edwards said she and others are anticipating Victory’s arrival and the growth of the microbrewery industry in general could lead to potential future suitors for space in the downtown area. Edwards said she was recently contacted by two other microbreweries interested in Leesburg locations.

“It’s a huge opportunity with the growth in that industry,” she said. “For downtown to be the epicenter is going to be awesome.”

Although Victory is the only confirmed tenant for the development as of yet, Courthouse Square will have leasable space for office and retail businesses with a structured parking facility at the rear of the building. White said recently that developers have been in talks with “a number of sizable prospective tenants.”

Tequila Bar Location: 7 W. Market St. Opening Date: Late summer

SALE ENDS 3/27/16

Although the name has not yet been settled, one new establishment that will certainly become well known is a tequila bar project by builder Paul Reimers and restaurateurs Jason Lage and Rebecca Dudley. Lage says the tequila bar and restaurant will give the public a different concept of authentic Mexican food, as well as tequila and mezcal, another liquor.

“What people know about tequila is what they used to do in college. But tequila when made properly is like buying good Scotch; when it’s made well, it’s good,” Lage said.

As for the food at the restaurant, Lage said they will be using seasonal ingredients in food preparation and supporting local farms, much like how authentic Mexican food is made.

“The authenticity of the restaurant and the food is what’s going to be really cool about it,” he said.

Reimers said he expects construction to begin on the restaurant March 1.

The tequila bar will open in the former BB&T bank building on West Market Street. He anticipates construction will take about five months to complete.

Courthouse Commons Location: East Market Street Further east on Market Street and across from the Loudoun County Courthouse is Courthouse Commons, boasting more than 20,000 square feet of office space spread over four floors and two buildings. Ellis Dale Construction is spearheading the project.

The development required the demolition of four buildings, which necessitated approval by the Leesburg Town Council. The end result is hoped to be an attractor to businesses looking to locate in the Old & Historic District, not to mention the town’s federally designated Historically Underutilized

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Shoppers stroll along King Street in Leesburg. The downtown is about to get a slate of new eateries, bars and office developments this year, not to mention the re-opening of two businesses.

Business Zone, or HUBZone.

Edwards said potential tenants for the development interested in being located in the HUBZone have already reached out, and she understands leasing efforts for the property have been going well. HUBZone businesses are given certain advantages when it comes to bidding on government contracts, making the area of Leesburg the HUBZone encompasses—including the Courthouse Commons development—an attractive place to locate a business looking to get into the government contracting waters.

Leesburg Diner/Caulkins Jewelers Location: 9 and 11 S. King St. Re-opening date: Leesburg Diner, spring/summer; Caulkins Jewelers, TBD Two longtime anchor businesses that were displaced by a summer 2015 fire also hope to re-open in the near future. Michael O’Connor is the property owner of the two South King Street buildings and said he is still waiting to hear back from his insurance company before moving forward with reconstruction efforts.

“It’s the only way to do this. If you start a project without knowing exactly what you have to back it up, you inevitably run out [of money] or over,” O’Connor said. Once the insurance situation is resolved, O’Connor said he hopes to get the diner re-opened by late spring or early summer, but does not have an anticipated reopening date for Caulkins Jewelers or the apartments above the two establishments.

Store owner Stanley Caulkins, for his part, has settled into life in the store’s temporary space in the Virginia Village shopping center off Catoctin Circle. While Caulkins said his customers enjoy the ample parking available at the shopping center, he does miss the visibility of being in the downtown area.

Margaret Morton contributed to this story. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Threatened Bat Species Could Delay Schools’ Construction

5 March 3 – 9, 2016

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

Loudoun County has a bat problem.

A northern long-eared bat problem, to be exact.

The threatened species that rears its young among Northern Virginia trees could hold up the construction of desU.S. Fish and Wild Life Service perately needed schools in the fastest Federal law to protect the northern longgrowing part of the county. eared bat is interfering with construction “This is not a joke. This is real.” timeline for three Loudoun County schools.

School Board member Jeff Morse (Dulles) said when he broke the news to his colleagues at their Feb. 9 meeting. hold.

The U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service “That’s not functional,” Morse said. recently informed Loudoun County So, blame the bats. But just as the school officials that their construction Board of Supervisors try to squeeze schedule for three Dulles-area schools the school system’s capital funding interferes with the bat’s “transit peri- requests within debt constraints, the od,” which is from April to September. School Board is making another reClearing construction sites of trees quest. during the bats’ most sensitive months School Board members voted unanis prohibited under new federal guide- imously last week to request an adlines set in place Feb. 16. vance of $3 million to begin site work That means the schools’ construc- on MS-7, and wrap up the work ahead tion either needs to be accelerated or of the bats. Board of Supervisors took pushed back. But Morse stressed that emergency action on Tuesday to allodelaying the Dulles South middle cate the money early. Morse said, that school (MS-7) one year to a 2020 open- could put the middle school on track ing would leave the nearby schools for a Fall 2018 opening. with enrollments more than 37 percent Superintendent Eric Williams said over their capacities. the construction department will come That equates to 500 more students Avie LN HalfPg (CS).pdf than the3.3.16 buildings were designed1 to3/1/16 3:25 PM BATS >> 35

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March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

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Veronica Hepworth

Age progression sketch

Last known boyfriend

Cold Case Investigation of Unsolved Murder Continues

State Police Seek Witnesses to Fatal Loudoun Crash

Cold case detectives with the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and the Virginia State Police continue to investigate the unsolved murder of a Fairfax County woman whose body was found along Rt. 50 34 years ago.

Veronica Hepworth was 20 years old when her partially-clothed body was found along a driveway one quarter mile east of Rt. 15 near Gilberts Corner on Feb. 25, 1982.

As part of the investigation an age progression sketch was developed of Hepworth’s last-known serious boyfriend, a white male with dark hair who would likely be in his mid-50s to early 60s today.

The age progression sketch was developed utilizing forensic science, aging, anatomy and art from a certified law enforcement forensic artist.

Hepworth was last seen alive at approximately 1:30 a.m. that day at the Fancy Dancer Bar on Rt. 1 in Fairfax County. She was there with a group celebrating a friend’s birthday. It is still unknown whether she left the bar alone and hitchhiked to get home or left with another person. Based on tips and witness information, a red pickup truck, possibly a late 1960s or 1970s model, was seen near the farm where her body was found.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Fairfax Field Office at 703-3761690 or the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office at 703-737-8487. All calls will remain confidential.

More information on this case can be found at http://sheriff.loudoun.gov/hepworth

Virginia State Police investigators are looking for witnesses to the Feb. 15 crash on Rt. 7 near Clarkes Gap that claimed the life of a West Virginia high school student.

The crash happened at approximately 7 p.m. when a westbound 2006 Toyota Matrix rear-ended a backhoe traveling in the right hand lane of the highway. The crash happened near the Hidden Gap Road intersection, just east of the Rt. 9 interchange. The driver of the Toyota, Geneva F. Owens, 18, of Harpers Ferry, WV, died at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation and state police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who stopped at the scene to contact the Area 10 Office in Leesburg by calling 703-7712533, or sending an email to Area10@ vsp.virginia.gov.

Three Charged in Sterling Fight A Delaware man faces felony charges following a Feb. 21 fight involving a large group of people on Holiday Drive in Sterling.

Deputies were called to the 45400 block of Holiday Drive just before 10 a.m. to investigate a report of a verbal altercation that escalated into an assault.

One assault victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Jahmi A. Ellis, 40, was charged with malicious wounding, possession of a schedule I narcotic and disorderly conduct. He was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Two others were charged in the case, one for misdemeanor assault and another for disorderly conduct.

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The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating the theft of an antique truck and a reward has been offered to help locate the suspects.

The 1948 Model F-4 was reported stolen on Feb. 10 from the area of Northstar Boulevard and Grassland Grove in Aldie. The truck is red with “Willowsford Virginia” displayed in white lettering on both doors. The truck has Virginia tags F-76504 and was missing a taillight.

The restored truck was used

mainly for display purposes.

NVR, Inc., on behalf of Willowsford Operations, LLC, has established a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment for those responsible for the theft of the vehicle.

Anyone with any information about the case should call Det. S. Dikeman at 703-777-0475. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703777-1919.

Purcellville PD Kicks off Community Outreach Initiative

[ CRIME LOG ] Tuesday, Feb. 23 DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY 170 block of Edinburgh Square, Sterling Deputies were called to investigate gunfire and found two men involved in an altercation. One damaged the second man’s vehicle and the second man discharged a firearm into the air. The first suspect was charged with misdemeanor destruction of property and being drunk in public. The second man, Mario A. Rivera, 33, of Sterling was charged with discharging a firearm in a public place.

Thursday, Feb. 25 LARCENY 46700 block of Ashmere Square, Sterling

ing on foot. After a foot pursuit, Stuart P. Saunders, 47, of Ferrum, was charged with DUI, refusal, possession of marijuana, and disregarding law enforcement signal to stop.

LARCENY 22800 block of Queensbridge Drive, Ashburn All four tires and rims were removed from a vehicle.

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Just after 1 a.m. deputies were called to the scene of a domestic dispute in which a man stabbed an adult female, who was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening. Jose D. Castro-Valencia, 38, of Sterling, was charged with malicious wounding.

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A deputy on patrol conducted a traffic stop for an erratic vehicle just after 1:30 a.m. During the stop, the driver sped away on Woodbridge Parkway, Riverside Parkway and Riverpoint Parkway before pulling off on a service road and flee-

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A taxi driver reported that a vehicle pulled in front of him and stopped just before 10 p.m. He got out of his taxi and confronted the man. An altercation ensued. The taxi driver took a photo of the man with his cell phone, but the suspect pulled out a firearm and took the driver’s phone and money. Deputies are looking for a 6-foot-tall black man who was driving a burgundy Lincoln or Chrysler. The phone was recovered in the area.

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A resident reported that someone entered a vehicle overnight and took cash and a credit card.

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

will break down traditional barriers and allow a relaxed one-on-one interaction on which to build a good partnership.

The first program will begin at 7:30 a.m. March 7 at Market Street Coffee, at 1020 E. Main Street.

“It is my hope that the community always feels comfortable to ask us questions, bring their concerns to us, or simply get to know our officers,” McAlister stated.

The program is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

For more information, contact the department at 540-338-7422 or cmcalister@purcellvilleva.gov.

March 3 – 9, 2016

The Purcellville Police Department will kick off a new community policing program—Coffee with a Cop—Monday, March 7.

Police Chief Cynthia McAlister hopes to bring police officers together with members of the community in an informal, neutral space where they can chat and share a cup of coffee, talk town issues and learn more about the department’s work in the town’s neighborhoods.

McAlister noted that the majority of interactions with the public experienced by law enforcement happens during emergencies or emotional situations—not the best times for relationship building. She hopes that the informality of the new program

7

Offices in Ashburn, Burke, Fairfax, Leesburg and Purcellville

8

[ LEESBURG ]

loudounnow.com

Burk Formally Announces Mayoral Run

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Joseph Price ends his 40-year law enforcement career this week. He served as Leesburg’s police chief for the past 16 years.

Retirement Reflections Chief Price ready to go from gangs to grandpa

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

F

or Leesburg Police Chief Joseph Price, Monday’s Leap Day was an extra special anomaly of sorts.

While others were celebrating a day that occurs once every four years, for the town’s 16-year police chief it marked the first in almost two decades that he was packing up an office and preparing for the next step in his life.

But, unlike 16 years ago when he was leaving his hometown of Montgomery County, MD, to make the hour-long (on a good day) drive south to Leesburg to start a new life, this week served as the curtain call for a 40-year law enforcement career.

As Price let the totality of his final day on the job set in, he sat comfortably in his now sparsely-furnished office, where in a few months, presumably, will sit a new chief of police.

Making a Difference Although Price will no longer be at the helm of the department, he is leaving a memento behind for his successor. Hanging on the wall behind his desk is a Norman Rockwell painting, called “The Runaway,” which depicts a young boy sitting alongside a police officer at a diner counter, gazing admiringly at him with the police officer looking fondly at the child. For Price, the heart of the message of that painting is what kept him going.

“It reminds me of the statement of ‘make a difference,’” he said. “The child, I suspect in those days, the 1950s—I would hope still today—that they know if they’re in trouble they can turn to the police. Police know that it’s their job to be a guardian and make a difference in a child’s life,” Price said.

As it turns out, it was a child that was at the center of a defining moment in Price’s policing career. In the mid-1980s when he was a young patrol officer, with young children at home himself, Price was working with the Montgomery County Police Department and helping in

the search for a missing child.

“We searched for hours and hours and couldn’t find him,” he recalled. “But I remember vividly … going into a parking lot and I saw something under a tree. The hand of God probably directed me. There’s a body and the limbs are all askew, and I’m thinking the kid is dead.

But I called out his name and he stirred. He was fine, and the sense of relief that came over us and his parents. … The words were not spoken but the sense of relief in their face was something that has stayed with me forever. I knew I made a difference in their lives.”

The Evolving Police Scene Much has changed since Price put on his first uniform in the 1970s. He recalls his first policing job when he worked in the Ocean City (MD) Police Department following his senior year of college before beginning police academy training.

“It was so far removed from what policing is today,” he said. “They did give you a gun, but you checked it out and checked it in at the beginning and end of your shift. They gave you six bullets and told you how to load the chamber.”

Following college and a career with the military, Price decided to take advantage of a government program called LEAP, which would fund his advanced education if he pursued a career in law enforcement. He would spend the first 25 years of his law enforcement career there, before being hired as Leesburg’s police chief in March 2000.

Price gives the lion’s share of credit to his wife, Lori, and their three children for making the move from his hometown to Leesburg easier.

“To pick up and move was a tremendous challenge for them all, it was the easiest for me,” he said. “They have just been a tremendous support system for me.”

And the Town of Leesburg has become an CHIEF PRICE >>> 9

Leesburg Vice Mayor Kelly Burk has made it official— she will campaign to be the town’s next mayor in November.

Although Burk indicated in a social media post in December her intention to run, she cut the formal press release announcing her candidacy last week.

She is planning a campaign kickoff for Saturday, March 12, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Crescent Place model townhome, located at 235 Crescent Place in downtown Leesburg.

According to the announcement, Burk will outline her mayoral platform at the kickoff, which includes the importance of open and responsive government and meeting both residential and commercial needs. She also plans to outline her financial goals, including the effective use of tax dollars to provide the town with services and development paid for by developers instead of taxpayers.

Burk was first elected to the Town Council in 2004 and served three years of her four-year council term before her election to the Board of Supervisors as its Leesburg District representative. She lost her re-election bid four years later, but shortly thereafter returned to the council following a special election to fill the remainder of Ken Reid’s council term in 2012. She was re-elected to a new, four-year council term in 2014.

Making sure that the town takes advantage of opportunities to increase the commercial tax base is an important issue for Burk, she emphasized, and it was a driving force to propel her mayoral run.

“We’ve been making steady progress moving forward, coming from a small town to a super-size almost city.

There’s going to have to be some new way of thinking about things,” she said. “Now is a good time to be able to start talking about all our issues around economic development. …We’ve got this opportunity with infill development beginning. How do we do that the right way?

We have to look at what’s good for the town and make sure we’re getting the best we can for the residents that are here and new residents coming in. We need to make sure we’re not doing away with commercial opportunities that could make a difference.”

Other priorities for Burk include continuing to add to, and enhance, the energy in the downtown area; and ensuring that the town’s economic development staff is armed with the tools it needs to be able to attract and recruit businesses to Leesburg.

Burk is the second candidate to enter the race. Former councilmember candidate Kevin Wright will formally kick off his campaign at noon Saturday, March 5 at the Tally Ho Theatre.

For more information on Burk and her campaign, go to kellyburkformayor.com. For more information on Wright’s campaign, go to: wrightforleesburg.com.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Leesburg Vice Mayor Kelly Burk formally announced this week her run for mayor.

9

Chief Joseph Price

Eye on Community Policing While Monday was certainly a day of joy and looking back, for Price and his brothers in blue, many were still reeling from the tragic events over the weekend in Prince William County, where a young police officer was shot and killed on her first day on the job. Price said it was never lost on him that such a tragedy could occur in Leesburg and his goal every day did not change.

“We’ve always tried to stress to our officers that the best win you can have in every situation is everybody go home at night—even the bad guy,” he said, although he noted that, obviously, the bad guy could be going to a different kind of “home,” namely a jail cell.

While nationwide views of law enforcement, in terms of tactical operations, have certainly received their fair share of scrutiny over the past few years, for Price his best successes as a chief have been when force could be avoided.

Even still, his happiest memories on the job have been when he was able to give back to Leesburg’s residents.

“A police department has to be part of the community, not an occupying force that comes in and does what it needs to do and leaves,” he said. “Feeding kids and moms at Thanksgiving, taking kids shopping for the holidays, that’s being part of the community.

That’s what community policing should be; looking to solve problems before problems evolve.”

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adopted hometown for the Prices, who still plan to spend some time in Leesburg, although Price said they are looking forward to enjoying the majority of their time in their other home near Hilton Head, SC. For Price, his unabashed first priority in retirement is being a grandfather which, despite his success in Maryland and Leesburg, he is proud to say is “the best job in the world.” Price has three children and three grandchildren, who live locally.

He is confident that he is leaving the department in good hands, with Captain Vanessa Grigsby serving as interim police chief until the new hire is made.

March 3 – 9, 2016

Chief Price << FROM 8

The department, which has almost doubled in size since his first day in the office just as the town’s population has done, now includes 87 sworn officers.

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

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10

[ LEESBURG ]

Body Cameras Proposed for Town Police Force this budget season, assuming Dentler’s $200,000 proposWith all the press— al is endorsed by the Town positive and negative— Council—to give the departthat the law enforcement a clearer picture of all ment community has officer/public interactions. received in the past few But he cautioned that body SPOTLIGHT ON LEESBURG BUDGET years, one proposed cameras are “not the be all to budget enhancement in end all.”

Leesburg is something that is building steam “It’s not going to solve many of the issues nationwide. seen out there today; it’s just one piece that will Town Manager Kaj Dentler has proposed to help with accountability,” he said. equip the town’s police force with body camInterim Chief Vanessa Grigsby, serving in eras that will allow interactions between Lees- Price’s stead until a replacement is named, also burg Police Department patrol officers and is a supporter of body cameras. members of the public to be recorded. While “I think the community has come to expect the make and model of the body cameras has more transparency and it helps having this tool not yet been determined—Dentler is deferring available. It’s a win-win for everyone,” she said. the expenditure until later in FY 2017, after the While police body cameras are a relatively hire of Leesburg’s next police chief—ones that new tool for departments throughout the U.S., are being used by other departments through- and many localities are still wrestling with how out the U.S. can resemble small pagers or mi- the cameras should be regulated, Virginia apcrophones and be worn on an officer’s uni- pears to be an early adopter. According to a form, usually on the shoulder or chest. Some recent Washington Post article, Virginia is one departments even equip officers with cameras of only nine states nationwide that has passed affixed to tactical glasses. mandates or policies on how police should use The name of the game is safety, accountabil- body cameras. The current model policy sugity and transparency for the Leesburg Police gests that the cameras be turned on during any Department. public interaction, so long as it does not affect Outgoing Chief Joseph Price said he believes the officer’s safety, or that of the public. the cameras will work in concert with the fleet’s in-car cameras—set for a major upgrade krodriguez@loudounnow.com

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

Leesburg Rotarians Aid Area Nonprofits The Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club this week awarded grants totaling $7,500 to eight community nonprofit organizations.

The grants are intended to support ongoing community service projects that would benefit from additional funding.

The 2016 grants went to: • Crossroads Jobs was awarded $1,000 to provide free employment services to unemployed individuals who are not served by conventional employment agencies and government job banks.

• Loudoun Literacy Council was awarded $1,000 to support family literacy nights serving Head Start families and homeless families living in Loudoun County.

• Loudoun Interfaith Relief was awarded $900 to increase operating efficiencies through the purchase of equipment for sorting and storing donations.

• YMCA was awarded $1,000 to boost its scholarship fund, extending services to a greater number of low-income children for

summer camps and after school programs.

• INMED was awarded $1,000 to provide nutritious daily snacks to the children participating in their after school program.

• Arts for All/VSA of Loudoun was awarded $1,000 to support the week-long creative arts camp for special needs children.

• Volunteers of America Chesapeake was awarded $600 to support the Loudoun Emergency Homeless Shelter located in Loudoun County.

• Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) was awarded $1,000 for providing interpretation services to non-English-speaking child abuse victims and their family members.

The mini grants are among the community projects undertaken by the Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club each year. To learn more about the club, go to leesburgdaybreak.org or contact Bob Pizzimenti at 703-840-5448. The club meets each Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Tuscorora Mill Restaurant in Leesburg.

[ TOWN BRIEFS ] Town Council Initiates Zoning Changes Last week the Leesburg Town Council initiated a series of Zoning Ordinance amendments designed to provide more flexibility in what uses are allowed in specific areas of the town, as well as to pave the way for a commuter parking lot to access Metro’s Silver Line.

The process was kick-started by two recent petitions to the Town Council. Michael Banzhaf, an attorney with ReedSmith, requested that the council consider initiating changes to the I-1 District to allow public commuter lots as a by-right use. In a recent council meeting, he noted that Loudoun County was interested in constructing a commuter lot near the Village at Leesburg to offer commuter access to Metro’s Silver Line stations. The land is located east of Wegmans and Crosstrail Boulevard and is under power lines. That makes it a less than ideal location for other uses, but perfect for a commuter lot, Banzhaf said. Currently, commuter lots are only allowed in the town’s B-3 district. While in its report to the council, the planning staff noted its hesitancy with allowing the use by right in the I-1, as it could negate other economic development opportunities for the town, Banzhaf emphasized that if certain performance standards were put in place it could limit the locations available for the lots within the district.

Banzhaf also requested an ordinance amendment to allow council members the flexibility to modify the ratio of commercial to office square footage in the town’s PRC (Planned Residential Community) districts. This would allow the council the ability to consider current market conditions, and the economic development needs of the town when an application comes forward, a staff report noted. PRC zoning currently allows for a ratio of 2.5 to 1.0 commercial to office square footage. There are three developments zoned PRC—Village at Leesburg, Potomac Station and Oaklawn. A fourth, Leegate, located in the southwest quadrant of Rt. 7 and Battlefield Parkway intersection, is proposed for PRC zoning.

The final ordinance amendment was brought forward by attorney Bob Sevila, along with commercial real estate brokers Kevin Goeller and Matt Holbrook. That amendment would allow a variety of special exception uses in a flex industrial building or park to obtain one “umbrella” special exception for these uses, according to a staff report. This way, a property owner would only need to seek approval for one special exception for a given building, than multiples for each prospective tenant.

The council agreed to initiate all three Zoning Ordinance amendments, which will first make their way to the Planning Commission review before a Town Council public hearing and vote. The commuter lot and “umbrella” special exceptions for flex industrial uses amendments were initiated unanimously by the council. The vote to initiate the amendment to give flexibility for the office/ commercial ratio in PRC districts was agreed to by a 4-3 vote, with council members Bruce Gemmill, Katie Hammler and Kelly Burk opposed.

According to the staff report, the unanimously initiated amendments are expected to begin their legislative review in the spring, while there was no date given for the potential changes to PRC district zoning ratios.

Crescent Parke App Stalls The applicant for the Crescent Parke development has requested more time to address concerns and changes requested by the Planning Commission.

According to Susan Berry-Hill, the town’s director of planning and development, the application has been pushed to the commission’s April 7 meeting. When the applicant for the project was last before the commission in February, a request was made to allow for more time to address outstanding concerns related to the application before returning to the commission in April for a potential vote and recommendation to the Town Council.

The 53-acre Crescent Parke application seeks approval for 198 townhouses, 96 stacked townhouses and 96 multifamily dwelling units. Nonresidential uses would include a maximum of 110,550 square feet of office space, 137,175 square feet of retail, an area for a future hotel, TOWN BRIEFS >> 11

11

Flu Season Hits High Gear; Visits Restricted at Hospital Because of an increase in flu-like illnesses at Inova Loudoun Hospital, temporary restrictions on visitation were to be enacted beginning Wednesday, March 2 at 7 a.m.

These rules will apply to visitors at the hospital until further notice: • No visitors under the age of 16 • No visitors with any symptoms of influenza-like illness • Patients will be limited to a maximum of two visitors at a time • Visitors may be issued masks for use while visiting, and asked to wash hands frequently

• For patients in the Women’s and Children’s Units and the Adult Critical Care, and Oncology, additional measures may apply.

A patient care companion is not a visitor, and is allowed to stay with the patient.

“These temporary measures will help protect against influenza infection of the most vulnerable among us, including inpatients with compromised immune systems as well as our caregivers,” stated Dr. Loring Flint, Inova’s chief medical officer. “We appreciate everyone’s consideration and cooperation as, together, we work to assure the health and safety of our community during flu season.”

Text to 911 Service Available in Loudoun Loudouners now can report emergencies to county dispatchers via text messages.

Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center on Tuesday activated the capability to receive text messages sent to the number 911.

A voice call remains the best way to report a problem, however.

“A phone call is preferred during an emergency because the caller can relay important information more efficiently to the dispatcher,” Loudoun County Combined Fire-Rescue System Chief W. Keith Brower Jr. stated. “The best guidance is to call if you can, text if you can’t.”

The text service should help in specific situations such as for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability; those who cannot speak due to an

injury or medical condition; those in a threatening situation and a voice call could increase the threat; or those in areas with poor mobile phone reception.

In the event of an emergency, the first text to 911 should be brief and include the specific location and type of emergency. When sending a text to 911, the sender should not copy anyone on the text to 911 and not include photos or videos. Translation services are not currently available within the text to 911 system; therefore, any text reporting an emergency should be in English.

Although the county’s dispatching center now has the capability to accept 911 texts, wireless carriers have up to 180 days to activate the service.

More information, including resources for the public to support the county’s awareness campaign, is online at loudoun.gov/text911.

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and a 2,000-square-foot community room. The land stretches from the terminus of Gateway Drive to Davis Drive along the edge of the Leesburg Bypass. The land assemblage also includes the Olde Izaak Walton Park, land currently leased by the town but which the developers would donate to the town.

The Town Council has been keeping tabs on the application’s progress through the commission, initially hoping to have had the application before them for review by now. The council once had hoped to have the commission’s recommendation on the rezoning before them in January but, towards the end of last year, amended a previous motion to ask that the rezoning application be advertised for a council public hearing not later than March 8. That motion was amended again by the council last week, this time with no set date of when the application should be sent to the council. The newly agreed upon motion, voted on unanimously in the Feb. 23 consent agenda, now only asks that the commission finish its work on the rezoning and forward it to the council “as expeditiously as possible.”

March 3 – 9, 2016

<< FROM 10

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12

[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

Supervisors Urge Veto of Restrictive Proffer Bill

BUDGET INPUT Speakers urge full funding for record school request

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

BY RENSS GREENE

T

he Board of Supervisors has held three public input sessions on the budget, and one message was clear at all three: Fully fund the requested school budget.

Teachers, staff members, and parents spoke at all three public hearings, dominating two.

Most wore matching shirts, demanding the board support the School Board’s $1 billion budget request. County Administrator Tim Hemstreet has said that will require raising the real estate tax rate.

Bring on the tax increase, speakers said, if that’s what it takes to fully fund the school budget request. Jenna Nemes, president of the Hamilton Elementary School PTA, said her property tax bill has climbed steadily.

“Despite that, I’m here to ask you to increase the tax rate to $1.17 to fully fund the school budget,” Nemes said.

The current real estate tax rate is $1.135 per $100 of assessed value. Hemstreet said that rate would have to rise to $1.17 to fully fund the school budget request.

Other parents, teachers, and staff agreed with Nemes. Michelle Copeland is the mother of a boy about to enter middle school.

“I am willing to pay whatever it takes to ensure that his middle school is staffed Renss Greene/Loudoun Now with a dean to Lisa Carter holds up a list of keep him safe,” SOL standards, asking the Copeland said. board to fund an increase in “My students full-day kindergarten. are children, not statistics,” said teacher Julie Ruhlen. “They are not faceless entities; they are living, breathing humans.” She asked the board to adopt a tax rate that “does the least harm to our schools.”

Some pushed the board to focus on installing artificial turf fields for the four schools that do not yet have them, a project that falls under the county Capital Improvement Plan. Other teachers turned up to tell the board the pay scale and cost of living in Loudoun is forcing them to leave. Celeste Liscouski said she has “had enough.”

“It makes me sad to say it, but I will be leaving at the end of the school year, because I no longer want the job where I am underpaid and under appreciated,” Liscouski said.

But not everyone wants a tax increase. A handful of Loudouners turned out to ask the board to keep taxes down. Mark Sell, former chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee, said during Monday’s hearing that even with equalized tax rates, his property value and tax bill go up.

“I’m sure you get a lot of people that want you to raise it for a lot of things, but some of us aren’t made of money,” Sell said.

“Anything, it seems to me, beyond $1.14 would be a big impact on these people,” Will Estrada said. “These are real people, real families.”

A delegation of speakers also came from the

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Kade Zisko, who brought his own step-stool, addresses the Loudoun Board of Supervisors during its Feb. 27 budget public hearing. He joined his brother and mother in urging supervisors to support funding for library programs.

How much does the tax rate cost you?

Find out using our online tax rate calculator: loudounnow.com/2016/03/01/ taxcalculator Service Employees International Union to ask the board to protect county staff, including increasing staffing and ending the pay-for-performance system.

“We love what we do,” Patty Nelson said.

“We’re not here to get rich, but we do need to be able to take care of our families, and we need the resources to do our jobs.”

Lillian Ferrell said at 63 years old, she is a lifetime Loudoun resident, but cannot afford a house on a county salary, and still rents. Upon retirement, she said, she will have to leave the county.

“Our wages have not kept up with the cost of living, and have not kept up with neighboring jurisdictions,” Ferrell said.

Other speakers also spoke about traffic safety concerns at John Champe High School, the need to increase the number of counselors available to work with students, calls to continue funding for gifted and talented programs, and support for funding at the county’s libraries.

“For less than one percent of the county budget, the library serves more customers than any other county department,” said Loudoun County Public Library Board of Trustees Chairman Mark Miller.

The board will balance those requests as it hashes out the fiscal year 2017 budget. A final vote is scheduled for April 5. rgreene@loudounnow.com

BY RENSS GREENE Last Tuesday the General Assembly passed a bill that would limit localities’ ability to negotiate and accept proffers, an important tool in the Loudoun’s ability to keep up with its explosive growth.

This Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) to veto the bill. The governor must decide whether to sign the bill by midnight on March 8.

The resolution says the bill will “put an end to the constructive and collaborative development process” and “completely eliminates the ability of developers, despite a genuine desire to do so, to offer proffers for public facilities or improvements” except where those facilities are specifically named in the bill.

“What happens with this bill will not help the developers, because we will more likely have to say no” to the rezoning requests, said Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). She said arguments from other counties around the state have “fallen on deaf ears” in Richmond.

“This proffer bill was discussed through [the Virginia Association of Counties], which says to me that the members of the General Assembly are not listening to the counties, thus not listening to their constituencies,” Randall said.

“We have one more chance with the governor,” said Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run). “This is so vital to all the discussions that we’re having right now about our budget situation.”

The board also has directed the county staff to come up with a list of fiscal impacts and projects outlawed by the bill to attach to the resolution. It will be sent to the Governor and the Loudoun delegation to the General Assembly, several of whom have opposed the bill.

County supervisors and the staff are still grappling with the implications of the bill, but supervisors have been unanimous and strident in their objections. Several have spent time in Richmond meeting with legislators to try to amend what they see as some of the most damaging parts of the bill.

Del. Thomas A. “Tag” Greason (R-32) has fought the bill as it progressed through the House. He said the county needs flexibility in the proffer system to keep up with growth.

“The citizens are still going to demand all of those amenities or improvements,” Greason said. “We’re simply going to have to pay for them across all of the community through higher taxes, and that’s just not something I think is good. The existing homeowners will have to pay for the improvements associated with the new development.”

Proffers are agreements struck between developers and the county to offset the impact of new developments on the county’s services, amenities, and infrastructure. In Loudoun, they are routinely a part of the rezoning requests developers make to allow them to build high-de nsity or mixed-use areas like One Loudoun.

The first draft of the bill was written by the Homebuilders PROFFER BILL >> 18

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Loudoun Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) speaks out against a bill passed by the General Assembly that would limit proffer agreements at a Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce event.

[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

13 March 3 – 9, 2016

Supervisors to Make Shellhorn Road a ‘Priority’ Other supervisors echoed the sentiment that “THE ONLY The Board of Supervisors’ precise dollar figures and finance committee moved a QUESTION FOR dates may need adjustDulles Greenway alternative ME IS WHETHER ments. Nonetheless, the to the top of its list last week. WE MAY motion carried unani“The number one issue I ULTIMATELY mously. get from constituents is the HAVE TO “This may not be a perGreenway,” said Vice Chairfect motion, and we may man Ralph Buona (R-Ash- ADJUST THESE have to make tweaks to burn). “Number one when NUMBERS.” it, but remember, we can I’m knocking on doors. They amend the [Capital Imconsider it extortion, they consider it provement Plan] at any point,” Buona highway robbery.” said.

The Shellhorn Road extension—a Letourneau also asked the staff to signature project of Supervisor Ron A. push funding for a new Dulles North elMeyer Jr.’s (R-Broad Run) campaign—is ementary school, ES31, back one year to meant to provide an alternative to Dulles FY2018, although said he wouldn’t want Greenway tolls and Waxpool Road grid- to move it any further back than that. lock. The county staff will now include County leaders don’t yet know where $24 million through fiscal year 2020, ES31 will be built. much of it through projected Northern Supervisors authorized the staff to reVirginia Transportation Authority fund- move a juvenile probation facility from ing, for design, land acquisition, and the CIP, citing a trend of courts emphautility relocation. The county will then sizing community-based programs rathhave to figure out where to find money er than overnight probation facilities. to build the $76 million extension.

The staff will also look at moving the “I support what the goal is,” said com- planned construction of a new Rt. 7/Rt. mittee Chairman Matthew F. Letour- 690 interchange near Purcellville up one neau (R-Dulles). “The only question for year to FY2018. me is whether we may ultimately have to adjust these numbers.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

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14

BOUNDARY DEBATE

Loudoun Now/Danielle Nadler

From left, School Board Chairman Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) and members Brenda Sheridan (Sterling), Debbie Rose (Algonkian) and Tom Marshall (Leesburg) listen to a presentation on school attendance boundaries.

School Board reconsiders dispersing Leesburg’s poorest students

BY DANIELLE NADLER

T

he discussion over how to redraw Leesburg’s school attendance boundaries has turned into an emotional dispute over race and class.

Several members of the Loudoun County School Board said for the first time publically last week they want to make major attendance changes to fix what they say is an unfair distribution of the town’s poorest students. Others support reassigning just enough students to bring down enrollment at the overcrowded Evergreen Mill Elementary School.

They gathered in the boardroom last Thursday for a public hearing on school attendance changes. But it was the board members, not the public, who took more time at the mic arguing over what type of school assignments would most benefit students.

The issue stems from presented his dea philosophy held by partment’s proposed the majority of board “THIS LOOKS LIKE A boundary map, which members who served calls for few changes.

GERRYMANDERED from 2006 to 2011 It leaves students in that schools’ student MAP, AND I’M NOT apartments near Plapopulations should be SURE THAT WE’RE za Street in Leesburg as socioeconomically BEST SERVING OUR divided into three difbalanced as possible. STUDENTS WITH IT.” ferent schools several So when they redrew miles away. attendance boundar“This looks like a ies in 2006 and again gerrymandered map, in 2011, they assigned and I’m not sure that students in poorer we’re best serving our neighborhoods—including a cluster of students with it,” Debbie Rose (Algonapartments on Plaza Street with more kian) said. than 200 elementary students—to She was the first to challenge the preschools as far as 3.5 miles from their vious board’s philosophy. She pointed homes. In some cases, those students out that schools with the largest poppass three elementary schools as they ulations of minority students in the are bused to their assigned school each county pull in impressive test scores. day.

For example, enrollment at Guilford The issue was resurrected last week Elementary in Sterling is made up of when Sam Adamo, executive director 79 percent English Language Learners of Legislative and Planning Services, and 74 percent of students who qualify

for the federal free and reduced lunch program. Yet they tallied passing rates between 88 and 95 on the most recent state standardized exams.

“I’m going to confront this notion head on. We’re not doing anyone any favors,” she said, adding that the school system should instead provide some Leesburg schools with more staffing support as it does for schools in Sterling.

Tom Marshall (Leesburg), who was on the board during the 2006 and 2011 boundary decisions, appeared to stand alone in his opinion to evenly disperse the town’s low-income students. He defended the board’s 2011 decision, saying that it cured a stigma that some of the town’s schools had because of their high enrollment of poor students.

“My belief is that our Leesburg schools should be equal. We don’t want any schools or any students to be stigBOUNDARY DEBATE >> 17

‘Segregation and Racism Were a Way of Life’ Civil rights pioneer shares her story in Loudoun

BY DANIELLE NADLER Hundreds packed the auditorium of Rock Ridge High School Saturday afternoon to hear and see a woman described in the history books as “an ordinary hero.”

Civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer Mulholland’s police mug shot from the summer of 1961 is one of the most famous in U.S. history. She told those gathered for the “Through Our Eyes: An Ordinary Hero” event what led to that arrest and

others.

Mulholland, a great-granddaughter of Georgia slave owners, grew up conflicted. “Segregation and racism were a way of life,” she said. And her family believed that, “no matter how bad things might be, at least you weren’t black.”

While growing up in Arlington, she remembers trying to reconcile what was taught at church with how her family, friends and neighbors lived.

“I didn’t understand. … In Sunday school, we’d sing, ‘Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world—red and yellow, black and white,’” she said. “I guess I’ve always taken things somewhat literally. But sometimes I think it’s been to my SEGREGATION >> 16

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, who took part in three dozen sit-ins and protests during the civil rights movement of the 1960s, speaks at Rock Ridge High School Saturday.

[ E D U C AT I O N ]

[ SCHOOL NOTES ]

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Students Get ‘Reality’ Check

BY DANIELLE NADLER “This is tough,” 17-year-old Bryson Dolly sighed.

He and dozens of other students at Douglass School in Leesburg took part in a Reality Store event Friday. The program was developed to give Loudoun’s high school students a glimpse at life after school.

Each student was asked to imagine they were 25 years old and living on their own. They were assigned a career, salary and a family situation, which meant children for some.

In their scenario, Bryson and classmate Tavious Lane each had a child.

They decided to room together to help afford their $900 monthly rent pay-

ment. Bryson made $29,000 a year as a photographer, while Tavious made a similar salary as a loan officer and crossing guard. When this reporter caught up with him, Tavious was in the process of securing a second job to help pay the bills.

“I had to get another job because I ran out of money,” he said. “Seems like I’m just working all the time.”

The students lined up at booths throughout the Douglass School gym that represented a shopping mall, employment center, medical insurance provider and car dealership, among other common destinations.

Bryson acknowledged that expenses like insurance, food, car payment and rent added up pretty quickly. But

he said he’s not completely unfamiliar with the challenges of affording life in Loudoun County. The high school junior works at Top Golf in Ashburn; he used to spend his paychecks on food and entertainment, but recently he’s saved more.

“I’m trying to put money away for college and help my mom and dad out,” he said. “So, I sort of get it.”

The Reality Store is supported by Loudoun Education Foundation, Claude Moore Foundation, Middleburg Bank, Summit Bank, Apple Federal Credit Union, Kohl’s, Leesburg Daybreak Rotary, GAM Printers, Northwest Federal Credit Union, Lisa Schnibbe, Robert Charnoff, and Gina Faber.

Arts Program’s Registration Open Online registration for Summer in the Arts opened Wednesday, March 2.

Summer in the Arts is an arts enrichment program for rising sixth through 12th graders. It offers a wide range of classes including instrumental, vocal, theater, visual arts, dance, literary and robotics.

The program, put on by Loudoun County Public Schools, runs June 20-30. Classes meet daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage High School in Leesburg.

Register at lcps.org/Page/78249.

dnadler@loudounnow.com

A Modern Food Drive

Modern Mechanical is Proud to Support Loudoun Interfaith Relief with a Month-Long Food Drive March 1-31 “Giving back to the community we call home means everything to us.

If we can make even a small difference in helping to restock these shelves, we will be incredibly happy.”

Shawn Mitchell and Pete Danielson, Co-Owners

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(571) 421-2882

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Modern Mechanical is collecting non-perishable food, personal hygiene, and pet food from customers and opening our Ashburn location to serve as a drop off location for anyone wishing to donate. In 2015, Loudoun Interfaith Relief distributed more than 1.4 million pounds of food and products to County residents.

The Modern Mechanical Ashburn office is located at 21730 Red Rum Drive - Suite 182. Everyone who makes a donation of any kind will receive a coupon good for up to $1,700 off in rebates on Lennox Home Comfort Systems and $25 off our service and diagnostic fee for a service call.

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

Douglass School students Tavious Lane, left, and Bryson Dolly work on their fictitious budgets as part of the Reality Store finance education event Friday.

LEAP, the Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents, will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, March 9. The gathering will focus on counseling and mental health.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the county school administration building, 21000 Education Court in Ashburn.

LEAP meetings are open to the public and are geared toward parents of Loudoun public school students. Follow LEAP at facebook.com/LEAP4edu or email the group’s leaders at leap. news@gmail.com.

March 3 – 9, 2016

Parent Group to Talk Mental Health

15

[ E D U C AT I O N ]

loudounnow.com

16

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

From left, student Aris Pavlopulous, teacher Cindy Backus and student Keira Bergtolio paint with magnets in a kindergarten class at Destiny School for the Arts. The preschool is expanding into a full elementary school.

EMBRACING THE ARTS

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Jennifer Wigfield, a former public school teacher, is the director of Destiny School for the Arts.

Leesburg preschool announces elementary school plans

BY DANIELLE NADLER

S

even years ago, a small arts enrichment preschool opened in a Leesburg strip mall. Three teachers taught art, music and dance to 15 students.

It was the beginning of the Destiny School for the Arts.

Today, the school’s leaders have their sights set on expanding the program into a full elementary school.

Destiny School, now housed in a his-

Segregation << FROM 14 advantage, to see things clearly.”

Mulholland joined the civil rights movement as a Freedom Rider at 19 years old, when she was a freshman at Duke University. Freedom Riders were activists who rode buses into Southern cities to challenge racial segregation.

Mulholland participated in more than three dozen sit-ins and protests, and was put on death row in Mississippi’s Parchman Penitentiary with other Freedom Riders. She was involved in one of the most famous and violent sit-ins at the Jackson Woolworth lunch counter in 1963 and, that same year, helped plan and organize the march on Washington, DC. For her actions she was disowned by her family, attacked, shot at, cursed at, and hunted down by the Ku Klux Klan for execution. She was branded as mentally ill, and was taken in for testing after her first arrest.

“A Southern white woman doing this kind of thing—the only explanation was that she was mentally ill,” Mulholland said. She later added, “I knew

toric plantation manor on South King Street, offers preschool and kindergarten programs. But, starting this fall, it will enroll first-grade students. The plan is to add a new grade level over the next five years until it’s a comprehensive elementary school.

Jennifer Wigfield, the school’s director, said when Destiny School started, there wasn’t a plan to add a kindergarten program let alone a full slate of elementary classes. But parents kept asking for it.

what I was doing was keeping to my understanding of Christianity, and the founding of this country and the Declaration of Independence.”

There was an advantage to those involved in the movement, she added.

“Once you took that fatal step of stepping outside the bounds of acceptability there was no turning back. So you could only go forward. And that’s what we did.”

After leaving Duke, Mulholland became the first white student to enroll in Tougaloo College in Mississippi, and the first white member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. That news prompted loud applause from other Delta Sigma Theta members in the audience, including Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), the first African-American to hold the position.

Saturday’s event was intended to ignite a conversation on social justice and the civil rights movement, according to organizers with the Sigma Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Loudoun International Youth Leadership Summit. The afternoon included performances by members of the Rock Ridge High School step team and students Jessica Howard and Kevin

“There’s obviously a demand for it,” she said. “No one else in this area is offering a school experience like this.”

The school enrolls 111 students ages 2 to 5 and incorporates the arts into its regular academic lessons. For example, during a recent morning, 3 year olds sang a song about a construction worker that not only fit into a recent lesson on various career paths, but also helped students work on their math skills, as they counted the man’s tools.

Students take art, music, creative

Lacey, who led the auditorium in a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

movement or dance, and Spanish courses every day. Families can expect the same for the elementary programs.

“We’ve found that what we’ve done has worked well, so we’re going to build on that model,” Wigfield said.

Before she taught at Destiny School, Wigfield taught both fifth grade and students identified as English Language Learners in Loudoun County’s public schools. She said it was frustrating to see the school system cut back on the arts, foreign language in elementary school and support for ELL students in recent years.

“Instead of taking it out we’re emphasizing it,” she said. “There is loads of research about how the arts, foreign language and creativity encourage better brain activity.”

The 260-year-old manor and the 5 acres that Destiny School calls home is as much of a story as the program’s curriculum. The property was once part of Greenway Farms, owned by Capt.

William Greenway in the 1700s. It underwent a $2 million renovation. As the school grows into a full elementary over the next five years, the program will expand into various parts of the property. Class for the second-graders will be in what once served as the master bedroom. Third-graders will meet in the former maids’ quarters; fourth-graders in what was once the fruit cellar; and fifth-grade in the carriage house. Plus, school staff is planting a garden this spring in the same site the Greenways once grew their own fruits and vegetables.

“I love that 250 years later this property has come full circle,” Wigfield said.

Enrollment for the Destiny School for the Arts is now open. Tuition for the first-grade class is $8,000 per school year, or $800 per month. Learn more at destinyschoolofthearts.com.

dnadler@loudounnow.com

dnadler@loudounnow.com

[run both shots if possible]

Courtesy of anordinaryhero.com Joan Trumpauer Mulholland’s 1961 police mug shot. She was arrested for refusing to leave a bus stop in Jackson, MI.

[ E D U C AT I O N ]

<< FROM 14

parents who would do that,” she said.

“Imagine what can happen if you have students who are living and going to school in their neighborhood.”

Jean Matteson, one of eight parents who spoke during the public hearing, applauded the board for taking a stance on what she saw as unwarranted school assignments.

“Walk from Leesburg Fire Department up to Frances Hazel Reid on Rt. 15 with no sidewalks, and then talk to us about school community. These people can’t get to their school,” she said, adding, “Why are we so afraid to have a Title I school in Leesburg?”

Federally designated Title I schools have higher levels of poor families and receive additional federal dollars. Loudoun County has six Title I schools, all in Sterling.

A couple of parents who addressed the board favored the staff ’s plan because it reassigns just 149 students. It moves a neighborhood on Clubhouse Drive (known as planning zone CL 28.3) from Evergreen Mill Elementary to Catoctin Elementary, and reassigns students in a planning zone north of town (CL 03) from Lucketts Elementary to Frances Hazel Reid Elementary.

It would still leave Evergreen Mill’s enrollment at 120 percent of its building capacity.

In response to questions about his plan, Adamo told board members they may want to wait a few years before making huge attendance changes. Another elementary school may be needed within the next five to seven years as houses in Tuscarora Crossing come online.

He also brought up another boundary process that unearthed a similar debate, ahead of the opening of Dominion High School in Sterling.

“That was a fairly bitter and divisive attendance zone process, and race and class were at the core of those disagreements,” he said. “Race and class are very difficult issues and that will likely emerge again.”

School Board members will likely present plans of their own this week.

The board will hold two more public hearings—Thursday, March 3, and Monday, March 14—ahead of adopting a map March 29. Public hearings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Loudoun County Government Building, 11 Harrison St. in Leesburg.

View the proposed maps and follow the discussion at LoudounNow.com/ Education. dnadler@loudounnow.com

Thousands of creative youngsters gathered at Park View High School Saturday for the Odyssey of the Mind Dulles Region 16 competition. Several Loudoun County teams did well enough to secure spots in the state tournament.

Teams from the following schools are headed to state: Trailside Middle, Moorefield Station Elementary (Team A), Lowes Island Elementary, Newton-Lee Elementary (Team A, Team B and Team C), Belmont Ridge Middle, Legacy Elementary, Steuart Weller Elementary (Team A), Briar Woods High, Belmont Ridge Middle, Farmwell Station Middle, Eagle Ridge Middle (Team A), and Potowmack Elementary (Team A).

David Tsuda, Odyssey of the Mind director for Virginia Regions 14 and 16, said Loudoun students’ interest in the program is so high that four years ago the county was divided into two regions. The Catoctin Region 14 tournament is scheduled for March 12 at Tuscarora High School.

The state tournament will be held April 16 in Newport News.

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

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

matized,” he said, adding that schools with a disproportionate number of low-income families have fewer parent volunteers and have a tougher time raising PTA funds.

Almost every other board member spoke against that model.

A visibly emotional Brenda Sheridan, board vice chairman representing the Sterling District, confronted Marshall.

“When we use words like ‘stigmatized’ and ‘those kids’ and ‘burden’ and ‘problem’ and ‘drain,’ it’s wrong. We are talking about children,” she said. Referring to Marshall’s comment about Leesburg schools that once had a stigma, she said, “You are talking about numbers that don’t even touch my district. It is insulting to my constituents and the families in my community. I’m asking everyone to please stop using that language.”

Also speaking to Marshall’s point, Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge) said, as a teacher at Cool Springs Elementary, she taught many of the students that he referred to. She said many of the families wanted to be more involved in their children’s school, but the distance made it difficult.

“I had at least two families who walked across town to come to parent conferences. I don’t know too many

Loudoun Students Advance to State Odyssey Tourney

17 March 3 – 9, 2016

Boundary debate

[ SCHOOL NOTES ]

No Contracts No Memberships

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18

Proffer bill << FROM 12 Association of Virginia. HBAV Vice President Ryan Flogale argued that proffers, which are calculated as dollar figures on a per-unit basis, drive up the bottom line to developers and the price to consumers. But Greason and others have said, if proffers are putting pressure on developers, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down development in Loudoun.

Legislators and supervisors have also pointed out that under the bill’s rules, the county is forbidden from accepting any proffer arrangement that isn’t specifically exempted in the text of the bill—even if developers raise the idea first.

“They’re trying to sell homes,” Greason said. “So they want to add

additional improvements and additional amenities, and things that might attract the next buyer into the community.”

Loudoun Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) has used every opportunity to speak out against the bill. Buona said at a Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce event that the bill might mean the Board of Supervisors approves very few rezonings in the future.

“Not that we necessarily think that’s in the best interests of the county,” Buona said. “But these bills have unintended consequences, and it may backfire what they were trying to accomplish if we have to sit here and say no to everything. I don’t want want to do that, but if we can’t accept everything, and we can’t afford to build everything, we may be backed into a corner.”

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

From left, Supervisors Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run), Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg), and Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) speak at a breakfast hosted by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.

ROAD WORK AHEAD Supervisors Talk Priorities at Chamber Breakfast

BY RENSS GREENE

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The cost is $39 per 52 issues.

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The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2016 PolicyMaker Series with a breakfast featuring eight of Loudoun’s Supervisors last week at the Belmont Country Club.

Supervisors took the opportunity to preview some of their priorities for the next four years. Some themes were nearly universal: supervisors discussed an impending comprehensive plan review and a bill in the state General Assembly that limits proffer agreements.

But supervisors promised their board would have results on the ground—literally.

“You’re going to see more dirt flying in the next 18 months than in the last 20 years,” said Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn). Transportation projects are on the front burner again.

“For the first time in decades, the number one item in the capital budget is not schools. It’s transportation,” Buona said.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), chairman of the finance committee, talked about Loudoun’s growing economy and the challenge of shaping the county’s Capital Improvement Program.

“It’s a little bit of a jigsaw puzzle, but all the pieces don’t fit,” Letourneau said. He also said that despite a lot of bad news for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which administers Metrorail, there is an opportunity now for “cultural change” at the organization.

Supervisor Suzanne M. Volpe (R-Algonkian), who chairs the Transportation and Land Use Committee, announced that the team that begins the process of reviewing the comprehensive plan will feature members appointed by each supervisor to ensure each district is represented.

Supervisor Geary Higgins (R-Cato-

ctin) talked about economic development and protecting “arguably one of the best school systems not just in the state, but in the country” but also asked the board to show “fiscal restraint,” which he said could be balanced by attracting more businesses.

“Many of them are fleeing from high tax states, high tax areas, and they’re coming here for that reason, so we don’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg,” Higgins said.

Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) celebrated the most diverse and “the best board who’s ever taken the seat on the dais.” She also mentioned the board’s unanimously-adopted ethics pledge, which she said had drawn admiration from local officials in other counties, and said the county should do more for nonprofits.

“When we think about how much money our nonprofits save our county every year, we have been sorely underfunding our nonprofits,” Randall said.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) agreed that the county should give more to nonprofit organizations, and said full-day kindergarten likely is not in this year’s budget.

Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) reminded the community that Sterling still lacks sidewalks and other basic conveniences.

Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) said the board should keep an eye on the big picture while working on the budget, which he said means transportation and economic development. He and Letourneau also defended data centers in Loudoun, although they said some data centers could be better located.

“What I always tell people, is close your eyes and just imagine that they’re printing money for our roads and schools,” Meyer said, “because that’s exactly what they’re doing.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

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[ OUR TOWNS ]

[ TOWN BRIEFS ]

Public Art Movement Gains Traction in Purcellville

Purcellville Town to Hold Second Comp Plan Workshop

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

BY MARGARET MORTON

I

t will take a public hearing and Town Council approval, but, if all goes well, the Purcellville Arts Council should soon become an official standing committee.

Liz Jarvis could not be more pleased. She has chaired the ad hoc committee since last fall.

“I am genetically predisposed to the arts,” she said, noting that her mother was a fine arts professor in Charlottesville and a founder of the city’s McDuffy Art Center.

Elevating the committee to a permanent status “gives us more oomph,” she said.

Jarvis says the panel is having an impact, relating a recent conversation during which someone told her, “I’ve seen more art in Purcellville over the past couple of years than in my entire life.”

The town’s push to include art in its public spaces started several years ago with wine tastings and art exhibits at the Train Station.

Since then, the effort has greatly expanded— with four juried exhibits per year mounted at the Town Hall on Nursery Avenue. Penny Hauffe’s artworks form the current exhibition that will run through the end of the month.

“We would love to bring as much art to town as possible—art in empty retail shops, the Train Station, and we’re encouraging artists to participate,” Jarvis said.

The arts council is sponsoring the “Youth Art Month” show at the Train Station. This month, beginning Saturday, there will be an art show each weekend, when the Train Station will be filled with artwork by area middle school students in conjunction with Loudoun County Public Schools’ “One to the World” program to bring students’ art to the community. The shows will run each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.

The committee also will organize the arts exhibit at the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival in May. “We hope that the arts portion of the festival becomes quite large,” Jarvis said.

The town’s Economic Development Advisory Council has joined with the arts council in planning the “Painted Wine Barrels around Purcell-

Credit: Loudoun Arts Council

Penny Hauffe stands by her paintings on exhibit at the Purcellville Town Hall.

ville” program. Area artists are invited to submit their ideas for the wine barrels. A committee will select the best concepts, and those selected will be given a barrel to convert to art.

“The wine barrel project is a balance of art and tourism,” Jarvis said.

Each barrel will have a paid sponsor and be placed in a public location after having been shown and judged at the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival, scheduled for May 21 at Fireman’s Field. In the fall the barrels will be auctioned off, with the proceeds to be used for future community projects. Cash awards will be given to the artists of the top three barrels voted on by the public. For sponsor information and artist applications, contact Michael Oaks at 540-751-0707 or reloveit@aol.co.

The council also invites area arts organizations to apply for funding from the town by March 10 for activities that will take place in Purcellville from July 1 through June 30, 2017. The town will apply for a matching grant of $5,000 from the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Local Government Challenge Grant Program.

Funding requests for the Local Government Challenge Grant should be sent to the Purcellville Arts Committee, 221 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, VA 20132, emailed to mscoggins@ purcellvilleva.gov or delivered to Town Hall.

The Town Council will review the requests at its March 22 meeting.

The arts council also is preparing guidelines to help Purcellville businesses and artists better cooperate on displaying art around town.

The Purcellville Planning Commission has picked March 19 for a second round of public comment on the town’s effort to review its comprehensive plan.

There will be two workshops that day—at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—at the Town Hall on South Nursery Avenue.

Short staff presentations will be given every half hour to report on the results of the first round input collected last month, and attendees can move freely among stations focusing on specific areas—with the aim of learning what people like and don’t like and what whey would like—or not like—to see in the future.

Senior Planner Daniel Galindo said he hoped even more people would turn out on March 19 to give their thoughts for updating the plan that was adopted in 2006.

A third comment round is tentatively scheduled for the end of May. For more information, contact Galindo at 540-338-7421 or go to planpurcellville.com.

Lovettsville Town Council Presses for Connector Bus Route The Lovettsville Town Council recently adopted a resolution urging the Board of Supervisors and the county’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure to create a new Loudoun Connector Bus Route for Lovettsville.

The route would run from Purcellville through Lovettsville to the MARC Train Station in Brunswick, MD—a route was abandoned because of funding problems. Mayor Bob Zoldos noted that the county will considering funding for new connector routes as part of its budget talks.

The Purcellville Town Council voted unanimously to support Lovettsville’s request.

Community Park Moves Forward—Slowly Mayor Bob Zoldos reported that the development of the Lovettsville Community Park will begin soon with improvements to the intersection of East Broad Way, Milltown Road and Lovettsville Road.

A three-way stop is planned, along with a crosswalk to improve safety at the intersection and entrance to the park.

As part of that initial phase, the county will build an asphalt trail to link the community center and the elementary school. Construction is slated to commence over the summer and take six to nine months to complete.

A second phase involves construction of a large part of the park, including grading, utilities, parking and

Municipal Election Ballots Set for May As of Tuesday night’s deadline for candidates to file in mayoral and council races in five western Loudoun towns, 28 are seeking to appear on the ballots.

The mayors’ positions are for two years, while council terms are for four years. An asterisk in the list below denotes incumbents among those who had filed their paperwork by the 7 p.m.

March 1 deadline.

Note: As of Tuesday at 7 p.m., Brown said she still had to make a final check on the petitions for candidates Melanie A. Fuller, Sam P. Chapman, Ryan Cool and Kelli Grim in Purcellville and the address for Tony C. Pearce in Middleburg before she could qualify them. All the paperwork was received in a timely manner. By law, Brown has three days in which to perform that task.

PURCELLVILLE The Purcellville election is the most hotly contested of all five towns, representing a power struggle for control of town policy on a council that since its election in 2014 has struggled to find cohesion and unanimity.

The May 3 ballot also features a special election to fill the unexpired term of former Vice Mayor Ben Packard.

Mayor Kwasi A. Fraser* Joan S. Lehr Council (3 seats) John A. Nave* Patrick F. McConville II* Chris J. Hamilton

TOWN BRIEFS >> 22

mmorton@loudounnow.com

Chris T. Bledsoe Nedim Ogelman Sam P. Chapman Ryan J. Cool

not filed his Statement of Organization within the required time. After a search, General Registrar Judy Brown found the missing paperwork and issued an apology to Hamilton.

MIDDLEBURG

Special Two-Year Election (1 seat)

Mayor

Melanie Fuller* Sandy Nave Kelli M. Grim

Council (3 seats)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairman Eamon Coy, after announcing earlier he would run for council, has taken himself out of contention after suffering a torn meniscus.

Patrick Henry Senior Chris J. Hamilton, who is running for council, got a scare in his first attempt for office. He received a notice from the Registrar’s Office announcing he would be assessed a $100 penalty because he had

*Betsy Allen Davis

Trowbridge M. Littleton Tony C. Pearce J. Kevin Daly Phillip M. Miller Trowbridge M. Littleton is the son of current Councilman Trowbridge Littleton, who will not run for another term.

ELECTIONS >> 22

21

Leesburg Office WATERFORD

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WHITE POST

$ 774,900

LEESBURG

Hamilton Office $659,000

ROUND HILL

$400,000

PURCELLVILLE

$685,000

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Large Home on open 39+ Acres with New Kitchen, Hardwood floors, Freshly Painted and Huge Great Room.

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Hardwood throughout! Stone fireplace. Unfinished basement.

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MARTINSBURG, WV $334,950

BLUEMONT

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PURCELLVILLE $699,000

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NEW

Old Stone Home. 2.45 in town acres. Large stone fi replace.

Lots of charm! 2 adjoining ¼ acre lots also available.

4 bed Arts and Crafts home near Wintergreen Resort on 5+ acres woods and open. New paint and hardwood floors.

Lovely 3 acre setting, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home, updated kitchen, stone gas fireplace and custom landscaping.

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MARSHALL

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

Custom brick colonial on 7+ acres with spectacular hilltop views and sunsets, Very Special!

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Spacious home in Jefferson County minutes from Purcellville, 4 beds, 3 baths, 4-car garage/workshop.

22

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<< FROM 20 athletic fields, and will be put out to bid early next year. That work is envisioned to start in the spring of 2017 and take a year or more to complete.

Waterford Concert Series Kicks Off Season with Opera

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

Stars from the Washington National Opera will come to Waterford Sunday, March 13 for a 4 p.m. performance in the Old School auditorium. The inaugural “opera concert” has become a fixture of the Waterford Concert Season, and this will be the series’ first performance as an independent entity.

Six singers and two pianists from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists program will join bass Soloman Howard in a spirited program of arias, duets and ensemble singing from the masters of grand opera, including Verdi, Mozzart, Strauss and Puccini. The second, lighter, half of the program includes some lovely and familiar Broadway numbers, from composers such as Lehar, Weill, Gershwin and Rogers and Hammerstein.

Howard starred in the WNO production of “Appomattox” last fall, singing the roles of Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King to critical acclaim. Noted for his “superhuman ability to reach low,

then lower notes,” according to the Denver Post, Soloman has upcoming major parts in two operas of Wagner’s epic “Ring” cycle, to be produced by WNO in the spring.

Single tickets for the March 13 performance are $30/adults; $15/ students; free/ages 12 and under.

To purchase tickets, go to waterfordconcertseries.org or call 571510-0128.

Lucketts Community Center Hosts Chili for Charity The Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County and the Lucketts Community Center are teaming up to offer a Chili for Charity event Saturday, March 12 from noon-3 p.m.

Visitors will receive free chili and bread as part of the parish’s 10-year anniversary. Despite its small size and modest location in an industrial park near the Dulles Town Center mall, the parish wants to give back to the community, noting that many Loudoun residents participate in the parish’s Greek events, the Good Shepherd Alliance’s Leesburg Walk for the homeless and twice-yearly visits to the Loudoun Youth Shelter.

For more information, contact Ava Walter at 703-919-8801.

Courtesy of Amie Ware

Hillsboro Fire on the Mountain Fire and rescue crews from around western Loudoun, and from Maryland and West Virginia were called to help battle a field fire

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ELECTIONS

near Hillsboro on Monday. The fire was started by an electric line that was brought down by a falling tree.

Up to 1.5 acres were burned, but no structures were damaged. Because of the dry and windy conditions, crews worked for several hours to extinguish the blaze.

<< FROM 20 *Bob Zoldos II

ROUND HILL

Council (3 seats)

Mayor

*Mike T. Senate *Jim D. McIntyre Robert D. Gentile

*Scott Ramsey Council (3 seats) *Mary Anne K. Graham Mike K. Minshall Kim D. Fortunato

LOVETTSVILLE Mayor

HAMILTON Council (3 seats) *John D. Unger *Matthew L. Clark *Kenneth C. Wine

23

March 3 – 9, 2016

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

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24 loudounnow.com

[ BIZ ] EQUINE EXPO

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

6:30-9 p.m. March 31 Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville Details: loudounequine.org

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Equine dental technician Graham Alcock of Philomont floats teeth on a broodmare at Goshen Farm near Leesburg.

Dental services are just part of the economic impact attributed to Loudoun’s equine industry.

EQUINE GOLD Loudoun’s thousands of horses make up a $180M industry

BY MARGARET MORTON

orsing around is paying off for Loudoun .

A new equine survey found that the county’s horse industry has an annual economic impact of $180 million and supports 27,000 jobs.

The study was conducted by the Center for Research at the Cooper Weldon Center in Charlottesville. It estimated there were 14,452 horses based in Loudoun, with an approximate valuation of $13,242 per animal and a total estimated valuation countywide of $191.4 million.

The survey also revealed that equine events in the county during 2013 attracted more than 78,000 spectators—about one-third from out of state. The survey estimates that the equine industry in Loudoun has a total economic impact of $180.4 million, excluding real estate tax revenues—estimated at about $2.4 million in 2013.

Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randal (DAt Large) and Supervisor Geary Higgins (R-Catoctin) were among those on hand Feb. 24 during a reception sponsored by the Rural Economic Development Council when the results were announced by Agricultural Development Officer Kellie Boles at Morven Park.

Loudoun County Equine Alliance President Kelly Foltman and the equestrian community in general, has been pressing the Department of Economic Development for the information.

This week, Foltman said the equine revenue could be even higher if the county’s horse facilities are upgraded and a destination trail system is developed—two of the

H

Future Hotel Envisioned Near Appalachian Trail

BY MARGARET MORTON In news that undoubtedly will please hikers and cyclists, during the Feb. 24 Rural Economic Development Council reception for the Board of Supervisors, Chairman Destry Jarvis announced the coming of a “really nice country inn” to northwest Loudoun in the future.

While he did not disclose details that night, the

biggest needs in the county, according to the survey.

The results of state-wide equine surveys show that the number of horses in Loudoun and the industry’s economic impact has declined since 2001, when there were 15,800 horses and a total value of $294 million.

Foltman attributed the decline, at least in part, to the economic downturn, as well as development squeezing out acreage for horses.

On the other hand, Foltman said, it was still amazing that a smaller horse population could produce such a strong result. She noted the difficulties of pinning down exact numbers considering the many facets of the industry, including feeding, shoeing, housing, veterinary care, fencing and stabling.

“I see this as a critical time for county officials to look closely at horse ownership if they want to continue to receive its hefty monetary and open space benefits,” she said, urging a county government partnership to make Loudoun a horse-friendly place. While she said she did not know the value of the burgeoning farm brewery and wine industry to Loudoun’s economy, “we do know the negative costs of losing open space to housing.”

Department of Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer is enthusiastic about the survey and its implications.

“Equine has such a rich history in Loudoun, and, on a personal level, it’s something that I truly love,” Rizer said, noting one of his favorite possessions is a copy of Life magazine’s photograph of Jacqueline Kennedy on her horse in Middleburg, that now hangs on the wall of his home office.

“I truly appreciate the great impact the industry has EQUINE GOLD >> 25

following day Jarvis said the proposed 40-room hotel would be constructed on a 197-acre property on the south side of Rt. 9 just west of the Harper’s Road intersection, near the Appalachian Trail. The DeLashmutt farm has been sold to a wealthy Chinese family, whose daughter lives in the U.S. Former County Chairman Scott K. York held discussions with the family last year while in China on a trade mission, according to Jarvis, who said the family had visited Loudoun and fallen in love with the northwestern part of the county, in particular the Appalachian Trail.

York this week confirmed that in his capacity as county chairman last year he did meet with

Loudoun’s Equine Industry

By The Numbers Of the major findings in the first comprehensive survey of equine owners in Loudoun County, the Center for Research at the Cooper Weldon Center in Charlottesville revealed that the county in 2013 attracted more than 78,000 equine event spectators—about one-third from out of state.

Most respondents (68 percent) said they rode for pleasure, following by riding lessons (55 percent), trail rides (52 percent) and shows/competitions (48 percent).

In a detailed list of equine activity, 63 percent favored trail riding, followed by dressage at 35 percent, hunter/jumper at 33 percent and fox hunting at 28 percent.

The most common amount of land per owner shown was between 10 and 19 acres. The average annual income for most equine owners is between $100,000 and $250,000.

Challenges cited by respondents included the need for upgraded facilities in the county, pressure from development for land and lack of appreciation of the equine culture.

The survey sought to cover every aspect of the equine business, to gather information on horses, owners, as well as the vast number of suppliers for the industry. It was broadly circulated and the LCEA spread the word so it could reach as many people as possible.

the family, who, he said, was already looking at Loudoun County as a good location for their plans.

“They want to build a high-quality inn close to the trail, so hikers and bikers can access it easily,” Jarvis said. The legal firm of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh PC is representing the new owners. Jarvis said the family is in the process of selecting a design firm and contractor for the project, as it moves through through the design and permitting phase.

The Department of Economic Development had no comment on the project at this time. mmorton@loudounnow.com

25 << FROM 24

GET READY TO EAT Northern Virginia Restaurant Week is March 7-14 Mark your calendars. The Reston, Loudoun, Arlington and Prince William chambers of commerce are teaming up to put on the 2016 Northern Virginia Restaurant Week March 7-14.

The week-long dining experience is designed to drive new customers to the region’s restaurants, which will showcase their offerings through

mmorton@loudounnow.com

BALCH’S TRANSMISSION SERVICE Servicing Loudoun County since 1995

special menus. The event takes place at a variety of local establishments, from fine dining to fast casual.

The following Loudoun County restaurants are participating: Buffalo Wing Factory (Ashburn and Sterling), Captain Mas Seafood & Crab House (Sterling), DoubleTree

by Hilton (Sterling), Eggspectations (Leesburg), Family Meal (Ashburn), King Pinz (Leesburg), Lightfoot Restaurant (Leesburg), Magnolia’s at the Mill (Purcellville), Ford Fish Shack (Ashburn and South Riding), Grandale Restaurant (Hillsboro), La

Villa Roma (Leesburg), Okada Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Leesburg), Plaza Azteca (Sterling), Salamander Resort & Spa (Middleburg), Shoes Cup & Cork (Leesburg), Smokehouse Live (Leesburg), The Wine Kitchen (Leesburg), The Zone (Ashburn), Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (Leesburg), Tuscarora Mill (Leesburg), and WK Hearth (Purcellville).

For more information, go to http://novarestaurantweek.com or facebook.com/NoVARestaurantWeek.

Your trusted information resource on all Your trusted information commuting options. resource on all

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

on our economy as one of our rural economy’s most significant sectors— from the tens of thousands of annual visitors to the more than $180,000 million dollars in economic impact. It’s part of our heritage and a very important part of our future,” Rizer said.

Foltman said she was pleasantly surprised to see that while the largest percentage of riders (32 percent) was between the ages of 51 and 65, a healthy 23 percent of total ridership was younger than 18—a figure that should bode well for the future.

As for upgrading horse facilities in the county, that is already in the works at Morven Park. Executive Director Stephanie Kenyon noted the Leesburg-area estate is undergoing a huge transition as it prepares to renovate and rebuild the equestrian center. A new partnership with the Virginia Equine Alliance will see flat racing return to Morven Park in 2017.

“It’s a big project,” she said.

The survey results will be a main topic during the Loudoun County Equine Alliance’s annual meeting March 31 at Otium Cellars near Purcellville. At the same time, the organization will hold its first Equine Expo from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information, contact 315-4307515.

To learn more about the survey findings, contact Agricultural Development Officer Kellie Boles at 703-777-0426.

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Equine Gold

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March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

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[ LOCO LIVING ]

On a Mission

Author David Hazard sparks writers’ creativity

BY JAN MERCKER

F

or nearly four decades, local author David Hazard has been helping aspiring writers find their voices—and their

audience.

This month, Hazard gives a series of free workshops through Loudoun County Public Library to help local writers create, publish and sell their work.

Throughout his career as a writing coach, Hazard has served as teacher, psychologist and spiritual counselor to clients around the world. And his specialty is in helping writers remove the blocks that keep them from reaching their full creative potential.

“Just as there is in sports a sports psychology, I have developed in the last 38 years of coaching a creative psychology,” Hazard said. “What I have learned over these years is that the same interior blocks are almost universal. And so what I train writers and artists to do is

to find that inner spark of their creativity and then to remove the inner blocks to them being able to release it.”

A native of upstate New York, Hazard arrived in western Loudoun in 1978 to take an internship with the Christian publishing company Chosen Books, launched by the writer Catherine Marshall LeSourd in an old schoolhouse in Lincoln. Hazard was very quickly named editorial director of the company. But when Chosen Books was sold in the early ’80s and its headquarters moved to the Midwest, Hazard opted to stay in Loudoun and launch a career as a publishing consultant and writer.

Hazard has published more than 30 books of his own, including the 1984 “Blood Brothers” with Nobel Prize nominee Elias Chacour. But working with fledgling writers has always been a passion. Eight years ago, he launched his coaching business, Ascent, and now has clients from Loudoun County to Katmandu, Nepal.

“I realized I had all the aspects to put

Neil Steinburg

Longtime Loudoun County resident David Hazard has published more than 30 books of his own and is now working to help local authors create, publish and sell their work.

together a preparatory program for authors to take you from the idea in your head, help you understand who is your real audience and how do you connect with them. And from that, how do you take your idea and build a really fantastic, winning manuscript that can then sell. That’s the goal,” he said.

Shortly after launching Ascent, Hazard approached Loudoun’s library system about giving writing workshops as a volunteer. The idea behind the workshops is to give a condensed version of his coaching offerings—from putting inspiration into words, to working on technique to finding a publisher. Hazard will also offer a more interactive three-week writing workshop March 13-April 3 at The Cooley Gallery in Leesburg, where he’ll be offering quarterly programs for writers.

David Hazard’s Talks and Workshops The author and writing coach gives a series of talks on writing and publishing in March and April at libraries around the county. Attend a single talk or the whole series and get a start on that novel or memoir.

March 8, Purcellville Library: Secrets of Writing a Bestselling Book

Thursday, March 24, Cascades Library: Writing Creative Nonfiction

Thursday, March 10, Cascades Library: Success at Self-Publishing

Tuesday, April 12, Purcellville Library: Writing a Powerful Memoir

Tuesday, March 15, Middleburg Library: Getting Publishers to Say Yes!

Details: library.loudoun.gov

Hazard’s three-part workshop, How to Write a Great Novel or Memoir, takes place Sundays, March 13, March 20 and April 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Cooley Gallery, 9 N. King St., Leesburg.

Cost is $375 per person.

Details: thecooleygallery.com/writing--meditation

“I wanted to give people a good, holistic view of what writers need to know to be successful,” he said.

There’s definitely an element of the spiritual counselor in Hazard’s work as a coach. And helping aspiring authors craft their message often means pushing them to go to places they’re hesitant to go.

Hazard says he helped inspire one client, U.S. Marine helicopter pilot and Iraq war veteran Dan Sheehan, to change his focus from a collection of war stories to a soul- searching exploration of the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sheehan’s memoir, “After Action,” was published in 2012 and won numerous awards including the 2014 Independent Publisher Book Awards. Sheehan, who met Hazard at a Loudoun library program and has since moved to the West Coast, followed up last year with “Continuing Actions: A Warrior’s Guide to Coming Home.”

Hazard’s seminar at Cascades Library in 2012 inspired Cascades resident Louise Babirak to turn her concern about child trafficking in the DC area into a novel. Babirak self-published her novel “Shadow Children” in 2014.

For Babirak, who did extensive research in preparation for writing the book, getting bogged down in facts was a problem, and Hazard helped her learn to provide the details that make a novel.

“I took all these facts and said, ‘How do I make this a story that will inform the reader and also make them keep HAZARD >> 27

Courtesy of David Hazard

Former Washington Redskins linebacker Eddie Mason worked with Hazard to complete his inspirational work “Training for The Tough Game of Life,” published last year.

Courtesy of Louise Babirak

Cascades resident Louise Babirak published her novel “Shadow Children” in 2014 after working with writing coach David Hazard.

For more information on David Hazard’s Ascent coaching business, go to www.itsyourlifebethere.com. Follow Hazard on Twitter at @TheDavidHazard.

Libraries Offer Free E-Book Self Publishing Aspiring writers, take note!

In addition to classes and workshops, Loudoun County Public Library system offers free e-book self-publishing through the SELF-e platform.

SELF-e, created by Library Journal in collaboration with BiblioBoard (a multi-media database that allows local authors to contribute digital work to their library’s offerings), provides indie authors and aspiring writers the opportunity to upload their e-books, expand their readership, broaden their fan base and (with a little luck) get discovered.

Self-published books submitted through the library system’s SELF-e platform will automatically be made available to Virginia residents as an e-book on BiblioBoard, and select books will be published nationally.

Learn more at library. loudoun.gov.

jmercker@loudounnow.com

Presents Domingo Cafritz Young Artists and Soloman Howard, Bass, from the Washington National Opera

Brainstorm

A workout for the mind Thursday, March 31st 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at The Senior Center of Leesburg 102 North Street, Leesburg Representatives from Waltonwood Ashburn will be on site to present Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology’s Brain Neurobics program.

Join us and learn what simple activities and exercises you can do to help improve your memory and strengthen your brain.

Sunday, March 13, 4 PM Waterford Old School 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford, VA Tickets $30 adult, $15 student, children 12 & under free

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

<< FROM 26 reading,’” Babirak said. “I would write something, and David would take a scene and add some color, and then I learned to do it myself. He made me see the importance of fine detail.”

Hazard also worked with former Washington Redskins linebacker Eddie Mason, who now operates a gym in Sterling, to complete his self-help/ memoir combo “Training for The Tough Game of Life,” which was published last year.

Hazard had put his own writing on hiatus in recent years, but is now working on new material, with an increasingly spiritual focus, including a book of poetry and a series of essays exploring commonalities in world religions.

And his focus on the spiritual is also what pushes him to continue working to inspire other writers, particularly those who want to make global contributions.

“What I’m looking for is the fire, the gold. I’m happy to coach the person who’s got an interesting novel or family story, but my life is about finding people who have a mission to change this world.”

27 March 3 – 9, 2016

Hazard

“What I’m looking for is the fire, the gold.”

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

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28

Photos by Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

CASSIDY FORD: Todd has really, really great taste in people in general, but also in talent, so I know I’m going to come out [of songwriter camp] feeling like I accomplished something and wrote really great songs.

TAYLOR CARSON: [Songwriter camp] brings you out of your shell, but Todd makes everyone feel really comfortable. His being a good father really shows in this setting…

[Songwriting is] like a fun game — like solving a puzzle. The most fun puzzle you can solve and these guys are as good as it gets.

TODD WRIGHT: What we want to do is help people develop the craft of songwriting. The dream story is the 15-year-old at Loudoun Valley gets a song placed in a movie trailer. Or a housewife who gave up writing songs when she was in college, but picked up the pen again, comes in here and writes a couple great songs, and someone records it. What a story that would be! That’s possible.

Talent is talent — it’s out there and we want to give people a place to nurture that talent.

The Half King Way of Songwriting

BY SAMANTHA BARTRAM CONTRIBUTING WRITER Day one was rough. The campers had traveled long hours, enduring grueling flights and navigating dark stretches of highway before succumbing to fitful sleep. Fueled by doughnuts and fried chicken, their work came in fits and starts—a chorus here, some harmonies there—but satisfaction remained just out of reach.

Day Two at Half King songwriter camp would be better …

Cozy in his downtown Leesburg headquarters, Todd Wright, homegrown singer/songwriter and co-founder of the Half King production studio, happily presided over his road-ragged bunch of musicians as they breached the mid-point of his three-day songwriting camp Friday.

“Hopefully today everybody’s feeling a bit more fresh,” he says, laughing.

Scattered about were the campers: Ethan Mentzer, an accomplished player of “stringed, fretted instru-

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.

March 3 – 9, 2016

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

MIKE MEADOWS: It may seem like, for anyone with any kind of significant music or songwriting experience, that [the process of writing a song would be] different, but it’s not. It doesn’t matter if you are one of Todd’s students or if you’re Mick Jagger — writing music is what it is. It’s creating.

ETHAN MENTZER: Songwriting for me usually comes from a more organic place. I like picking up instruments.

I like coming up with a cool sequence of chords or melodies. I like having some input in the lyric.

I see things holistically.

It’s more satisfying for me to have been a part of [the entire songwriting process].

ments,” is perched on a nearby couch, contentedly munching on a hearty kale soup (no more junk food today).

Hovering amiably is Mike Meadows, whose regular gig is playing guitar in Taylor Swift’s touring band—“we’re on a break right now,” he says casually. Soon to arrive are Arlington-based Taylor Carson—who is about to drop his sixth album—and Cassidy Ford— back in her hometown to write and catch a breath from the hectic Nashville environs.

All these talented folk know what

“the Nashville method” of songwriting entails—quick and dirty threehour writing sessions where you bang out songs that might be good, but might really suck. “You get more [songs], and maybe one of those 30 or 40 songs winds up being the one,” Wright says.

This camp, however, employs the Half King method.

Three days of collaboration—writing, singing, noodling and laughing—and at the end, a ditty or six to show for it.

Half King songwriter camps take place throughout the year— come one, come all.

Go to musicplanetradio.com/hk/ for details and membership information.

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29

ON STAGE

instruments provided by Music & Arts. Admission is free but advance registration is required.

LOUDOUN YOUTHFEST BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 3

SALUTE TO GERSHWIN

Friday, March 4, 6 p.m.; The Studio, 45449 Severn Way, Dulles. Details: loudounyouth.org The popular teen music competition moves toward the final showdown in April with the last qualifying round. Admission is $5 at the door.

‘SPECTRUM’S JOURNEY’

Saturday, March 5, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls. Details: lcbandinc.org The Loudoun Symphonic Winds perform some of Gershwin’s greatest, including “American in Paris,” “Porgy and Bess,” and the “Rhapsody in Blue” (performed by the ghost of Gershwin himself!).

Admission is by donation.

LIBATIONS NORTH GATE ANNIVERSARY WINE DINNER Saturday, March 5, 7-10 p.m., North Gate Vineyard, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville.

Details: northgatevineyard.com

ENSEMBLES FOR EVERYONE

The Loudoun Youth Symphony Orchestra and A Place To Be Music Therapy bring music to those with special needs at this interactive concert. After the concert, children may participate in a drum circle and take part in a musical “petting zoo” with

Saturday, March 5, 7 p.m.; Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. Details: luckettsbluegrass.org Celebrate Saturday with traditional, Southernflavored bluegrass with tight vocal duets. Tickets are $15 at the door.

VSA Loudoun presents this family-oriented original musical. Spectrum, a beautiful but vain butterfly, embarks on a journey through the colorful Magnolia Forest to the land of the Desert Dwellers. On the way he encounters friends who teach him the valuable life lesson that it’s more important to be beautiful on the inside.

Tickets $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Performances continue March 11-13.

Saturday, March 5, 4 p.m.; Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. Details: ensembles4everyone.org

LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS: THE SPINNEY BROTHERS

MSVA CONCERT: ‘CIVIL WAR: THE HUMAN JOURNEY’

Celebrate the award-winning winery’s fifth anniversary with a four-course wine dinner by McLean-based chef Sebastian Oveysi, paired with North Gate wines. Tickets are $95 per person.

Saturday, March 5, 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Way Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn; Sunday March 6, 4 p.m. at Buchanan Hall, 8549 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville.

MIDDLEBURG CONCERT SERIES

VISIT THE BAROQUE ERA

THIS WEEK >> 30

Spring out of Winter!

NiNeteeNth aNNual

Featured Artist:

Douglas Wilson

Saturday, March 5th 9:00aM-4:00pM

Trumpeter

With Violins, Organ, Harpsichord, Viola & Cello

Ida Lee Park Recreation Center • FREE ADMISSION

Selections from Handel, Bach, Poglietti & More

Shop for beautifully handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts for Easter, Mother’s Day, and Graduations!

Corner of Washington & Pendleton Streets Admission FREE • Donations Welcome

Sunday, March 13 after at 4 PM light refreshments served performance for information contact: Middleburg United Methodist Church leah@rstarmail.com or middleburgconcertseries@gmail.com Corner of Washington and Pendleton Streets th

540-303-7127

Admission FREE * Donations Welcome Light Refreshments Served After Performance

______________________________________________ For information contact:

Our show brings you the most current trends in jewelry and fashion accessories. Find that unique piece that is all you! Browse the finest in home décor, candles, personal care, fine art, and more.

703-777-1368 • www.idalee.org

loudounnow.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH AT 4 PM MIDDLEBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Selections from Handel, Bach, Poglietti and more

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Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville.

Details: vsaloudoun.org

Through music, personal letters and speeches, the Master Singers of Virginia remember the individual costs of the Civil War. Highlights of the program include “Hallelujah” by Dan Forest, “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus, “The Turtle-Dove” by Ralph Vaughn Williams and “Prayer” by René Clausen. A lecture on the music will take place 45 minutes before each program and a reception follows the music.

March 3 – 9, 2016

[ THIS WEEK ]

March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

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Hire people who know and love what they are teaching, and then get out of their way.

[ THIS WEEK ] << FROM 29

Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Ida Lee Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg.

Details: idalee.org The annual show features handcrafted items including unique art and home decor, bath and body items, wood crafts, floral arrangements, gourmet foods and more. Admission is free.

AMERICANA BRUNCH WITH SHANE GAMBLE Sunday, March 6, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg.

Details: smokehouse-live.com Blending pop, country, Americana, and indie rock, Shane Gamble rhapsodizes about love, loss, and emotional redemption, riding high on the success of his top 10 single “Turn My Way.” Show is free with brunch.

LOVETTSVILLE CO-OP MARKET Q&A HAPPY HOUR Thursday, March 10, 5-7 p.m.; Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Anna’s Lane, Lovettsville. Details: www. lovettsville-grocery.com

www.loudounschool.org/now

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IDA LEE SPRING BLING HOMETOWN ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

The grocery cooperative forming in western Loudoun hosts a meet and greet for non-members who are interested in learning more about its plans and membership options.

Snacks and a glass of wine are provided by the co-op.

LOCO CULTURE BALL’S BLUFF BATTLEFIELD GUIDE TRAINING Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m.-noon; Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, Ball’s Bluff Road, Leesburg.

Contact: 703-779-9372 Training materials will be distributed and current guides will conduct a walking tour of the site.

Interested volunteers can RSVP or just show up.

JANE AUSTEN, EDWARD KNIGHT AND CHAWTON: COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY Sunday, March 6, 2 p.m.; Thomas Balch Library, 208 W. Market St., Leesburg. Contact: 703-737-7195 Linda Slothouber, of the Jane Austen Society of North America, discusses the life of Jane Austen’s brother, Edward Knight, and how his role as a landowner in 19th Century England influenced Austen’s work. The program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is recommended.

COOLEY GALLERY GRAND REOPENING Saturday, March 5, 1 p.m.; The Cooley Gallery, 9 N. King St., Leesburg. Details: The gallery owned by former Washington Redskins player and ceramicist Chris Cooley celebrates its opening in its new location, along with a list of new classes and events. Event is free and open to the public.

‘SECRETS OF WRITING A BESTSELLING BOOK’ Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m.; Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main St., Purcellville.

Details: library.loudoun.gov Author and writing coach David Hazard helps aspiring writers channel their ideas, identify their audience and more. Program is free and open to the public.

PET REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY Thursday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.; Saint James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg.

Contact: candle@wholisticpawsvet. com In its eighth year, the candlelight ceremony brings together families to remember the lives of beloved pets. Service includes music, readings and a slideshow. Please leave four-legged friends at home.

NIGHTLIFE LEESBURG’S FIRST FRIDAY Friday, March 4, 6-9 p.m.; downtown Leesburg.

Details: leesburgfirstfriday.com Stroll through downtown Leesburg on the first Friday of each month and take in live music performances, art exhibits, wine tastings, lectures and signings.

More than 45 specialty shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants stay open late, and many offer refreshments and special sales.

LIVE MUSIC: ANDY HAWK AND THE TRAIN WRECK ENDINGS Friday, March 4, 6-8:30 p.m.; King’s Tavern, 19 S. King St., Leesburg.

THIS WEEK >> 31

31

Details: andyhawk.com

and unique combination of all his influences with his own spin. No cover.

The Americana specialists, known for high-quality originals and smart lyrics play their monthly First Friday show downtown. No cover.

COMING UP

<< FROM 30

WATERFORD CONCERT SERIES

LIVE MUSIC: THE BOBBY THOMPSON PROJECT

Blending original blues rock with classic rock and blues covers, Thompson is known for juicy grooves, thoughtful lyrics and searing guitar lines. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

LIVE MUSIC: JASON MASI Friday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.; Parallel Wine Bistro, 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Ashburn. Contact: 703858-0077 The winery circuit favorite brings his blues and soul influenced tunes to Ashburn. No cover.

LIVE MUSIC: NAKED BLUE Saturday, March 5, 7 p.m.; Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton.

Contact: 540-338-5309 The Songs Stories & Gas Money series ends its run with a performance by Naked Blue. Drawing from the Americana tradition and firmly grounded with a pleasing pop sensibility, the performing songwriter team of Jen and Scott Smith have become a mainstay on the folk/ pop scene. They quit their day jobs in 1991 and have been writing, recording & performing music ever since. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

COMPLETELY UNCHAINED: A TRIBUTE TO VAN HALEN Saturday, March 5, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: Four talented and creative musicians recreate the sounds of Van Halen from their heyday in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of the show.

LIVE MUSIC: COLIN THOMPSON Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.; Friday March 4, 7 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg.

Details: smokehouse-live.com The son of acclaimed Americana music artist Randy Thompson, Colin has developed a playing style all his own. Often compared to the great slide guitarists, his style is a fresh

Sunday, March 13, 4 p.m.; Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. Details: waterfordconcertseries.org The launch of series’ spring season features young artists from the Washington National Opera, who will be joined by bass Soloman Howard.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. Children 12 and younger are free with a paying adult.

Advance purchase is recommended, but tickets may be available at the door.

MIDDLEBURG CONCERT SERIES Sunday, March 13, 4 p.m.; Middleburg United Methodist Church, 15 W. Washington St., Middleburg.

Contact: 540-303-7127 Noted trumpet player Douglas Wilson performs selections by Bach, Handel and Poglietti in this baroquefocused concert. Admission is free.

Donations are welcome.

Call today for an additional 5% off!

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

Friday March 4, 7 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live. com

March 3 – 9, 2016

[ THIS WEEK ]

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32

Business Card Directory

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

Let us heLp you carry your Load!

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Stephany DeBerry

Virginia irginia Handyman

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Licensed & Insured Contractor who performs “Handyman Services, Rental & Re-sale Turnovers“ Taking orders for spring deck projects *We Accept ALL Major Cards*

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landscape Cell: 571-722-5897 www.hgblandscape.com

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Taking orders for spring deck projects DECKS & FENCES POWERWASHING & STAINING FREE ESTIMATES & DECK INSPECTIONS

Licensed & Insured Contractor who performs “Handyman Services, Rental & Re-sale Turnovers“ *We Accept ALL Major Cards* jbremodeling22@gmail.com

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EVENTS Loudoun Event March 3 – 9, 2016

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We deliver your business card to over 37,000 homes in Loudoun County for one low price. classfieds@loudounnow.com

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WINDOW CLEANING Chesapeake Potomac Window Cleaning Co. ~ Window Cleaning * inside & out by hand * residential specialists ~ Power Washing * no damage - low pressure * soft brushing by hand

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Employment

33 March 3 – 9, 2016

Leesbug Sterling Family Practice Is Expanding

DISPATCHER, PART TIME Salary: $11.00 non-CDL, $12.95 w/CDL P,S,A M-F, 1p-7p, Purcellville,VA Apply Online: www.vatransit.org Questions: 1-877-777-2708 EOE M/F/D/V

Our sixth location located in the Medical Professional Building at Stone Springs Hospital in Aldie, VA is scheduled to open this Summer. If you are compassionate, energetic and love working with a team, then we need YOU. FT positions are available for LPN’s and MA’s. Pediatric and or family practice preferred but willing to train the right candidate. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. FT positions are also available in our Broadlands location.

Delivered to mailboxes and newstands in Loudoun County

Easter Worship Section

March 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th

Contact: Lindsay Morgan Email: lmorgan@loudounnow.com Phone: (703) 770-9723

turn the page for this week’s section

For Rent

Email: classifieds@loudounnow.com to place your employment ad

Crossword

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

Please send your resumé to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax: (703) 726-0804 attention Lisa

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

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34

ADAMS Center Begins Expansion in Sterling The All-Dulles Area Muslim Society celebrated a major milestone Friday when construction kicked off for the next expansion of its worship center in Sterling.

As part of the groundbreaking activities, the mosque leaders featured a special Black History Month program, with Ibrahim Rasool, the former South African ambassador to the United States, delivering the sermon during Friday prayers.

He highlighted the sacrifices made

by Africans who were brought to the United States in chains and those who have worked to fight for justice in American and in South Africa. The program included a funeral prayer for enslaved Africans who were Muslim, especially those who were denied the prayers required by their faith at the time of their passing.

Rasool was among several speakers who encouraged worshipers to vote in Tuesday’s primary election, especially in light of increasing rhetoric from some candidates seeking to restrict the rights of Muslims.

“We understand that we need to change the wrong and the evil with our hands,” Rassol said. “Change is possible in American because you have the vote.”

Muslims in Northern Virginia have a special opportunity to have an impact on the public discourse because “you sit at the ear of the superpower,” he said.

Also joining in the groundbreaking were Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and

Loudoun NAACP President Phillip Thompson, along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Randall reflected on her calling for public service that resulted in her election to the Loudoun board. “It’s because of the people who came before me and laid down this path,” she said, adding it was important for her and others in the room to continue to improve conditions for future generations. “One day they will walk on the path that we laid down for them.”

It was members of the next genera-

Ibrahim Rasool, the former South African ambassador to the United States, delivers the sermon during Friday prayers Feb. 26 at the ADAMS Center.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Members of the ADAMS Center Boy Scout troop help break ground for the worship center’s expansion, which will include more space for youth activities.

tion who will benefit from the ADAMS center expansion. The mosque’s youth leaders had a big hand in designing the addition, which will feature activity areas for young members to engage in activities such as journalism, debate and cooking.

The new addition will double the size of the 15-year-old center on Sugarland Road to more than 51,000 square feet.

ADAMS is the second largest Muslim community in the United States, conducting 24 Friday prayers at 11 locations around the region in addition to offering a host of education and social activities.

House of Worship & Easter Worship

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March 3 – 9, 2016

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), center, helps with the ceremonial groundbreaking for an expansion of the ADAMS Center in Sterling.

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

back to the board in a few weeks to ask for an advance of about $6.5 million for the preliminary work for the elementary school known as ES-28 and high school known as HS-11. The goal, he said, is to keep the elementary school on track to open in the fall of 2018 and the high school ready for a fall 2019 opening.

“For MS-7, though, the construction department is saying we can’t even wait until early April. We need those funds now,” he said, recognizing that the Board of Supervisors would have to take action at their next business meeting this week to approve the money.

Two days after the board’s vote, Avi M. Sareen, president of Chantilly-based environmental engineering firm TNT Environmental Inc., said it might not be the northern long-eared bat that the school system has to worry about. He said Loudoun County does not have any of the species’ “known occupied maternity roosting trees” or hibernation sites

that fall under the federal guidelines.

But, he added, the county may be subject to new state land-clearing rules that go into effect in April to protect the little brown bat and Tri-colored bat. So his advice for school leaders: “Just go knock down as many trees as you can right now.”

Essentially, that’s the plan.

Sareen’s company contacted school system leaders after speaking with Loudoun Now about the nuances of the state and federal restrictions.

And Morse said this week that the board is standing by its decision to request advance funding and fast-track construction, in case of “a worst-case scenario.”

“We’re taking an aggressive stance to get the funding so we don’t have to worry about it should this become a habitat question,” he said. “If they are in the area, we want to make sure we can build a school.”

35 March 3 – 9, 2016

BATS << FROM 5

Cochran Family Dental

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Direct from our newsroom to your mailbox.

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Loudoun Now is mailed to 34,000 homes and businesses in selected ZIP codes each week. If you do not receive the newspaper in the mail, you may purchase a subscription.

The cost is $39 per 52 issues.

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This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

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March 3 – 9, 2016 OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | CRIME | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW

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36

[ OPINION ]

Fresh Perspective The Loudoun Board of Supervisors this week voted to embark on a broad-based community effort to rewrite the countywide General Plan.

In concept, it is a $1 million, two-year undertaking that will refine, more than redefine, our vision for Loudoun’s future.

The current plan was created in the early 1990s amid the first waves of Loudoun’s growth boom and was updated a decade later. The current community development policies have served residents well during the past 15 years. Updating them should be done with care and supervisors have made it clear from the start that they understand the opportunities and risks involved.

This new effort to revise the General Plan will differ from those two previous exercises in significant ways.

First, the proposal calls for the early work to be led by a citizen group with its appointed members representing a wide range of interests and perspectives. In the past, it has been the nine-member Planning Commission that did the heavy lifting, conducting outreach, working with consultants and then passing a complete draft to the Board of Supervisors for final review.

Second, this round of review will largely be conducted by county officials and staff members who weren’t involved with the creation of the previous plans. For example, the most tenured supervisors are in only their fifth year of service and the planning director is new as well. That’s sure to bring a fresh perspective.

For their part, county supervisors recognize that the results of this planning effort likely will serve as the legacy of their term. They’ve already set some important parameters, such as not tinkering with rural policies that have helped preserve thousands of acres of Loudoun’s countryside while giving rise to new tax-positive rural enterprises, and not expanding the boundaries of the county’s growth area.

Instead, supervisors hope to address concerns on which previous boards failed to focus, such as revitalizing existing neighborhoods.

Eastern Loudoun also will be the focus as the plan is adapted to accommodate 21st century business opportunities, recognizing that the demand for 100-acre office parks that once were viewed as the backbone of Loudoun’s economic development strategy never really materialized.

And this plan will be designed around a working commuter rail line, rather than the conceptual future one that was included as a line on maps in the earlier plans.

Tuesday’s vote was only the very beginning of a long process. Good planning is rooted in a community dialogue about a common vision for the future. By inviting others to sit around the table as that conversation gets started, supervisors are starting off on the right track.

LoudounNow

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

Contributors Samantha Bartram Jan Mercker Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@loudounnow.com Classified Manager Lindsay Morgan lmorgan@loudounnow.com Production Electronic Ink 9 Royal St. SE Leesburg, VA 20175

[ LETTERS ] Passing the Torch Editor: I was not born an environmentalist, but I have come to care greatly about the environment and the future, particularly for this great country of ours. That’s a big reason I am on the executive board of The Nature Generation, a nonprofit focused on preparing youth for the environmental challenges of the future by connecting them with nature today.

We all travel different paths in life to get to where we are, and my path towards environmental concern started as a boy growing up in Illinois in the 1960s. Looking back, there were a couple things I remember, that sort of amaze me now. The first was that there was always trash along the side of the road. Always. And a lot of it. The second was the fact that if you fished in the Illinois River, you would never catch anything but carp or bullhead because the river was so polluted. I liked to fish back then and anything we caught, we’d throw on the bank because you couldn’t eat them due to the pollution. That was just the way it was, and no one seemed to think anything else about it.

Then you became aware of things happening more broadly, like a river on fire in Ohio due to pollution, or eagles dying due to DDT. And you start to think, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Earth Day happens, and we all start to pick up trash, and plant trees. The EPA was formed (under a Republican president), and we started going after polluters, and low and behold, our air, and our water started cleaning up.

Forty-five years later, and the world is different. You don’t see near as much trash on the side of any road. The Illinois River is rejuvenated, and there are bass, walleye, crappies, and other game fish. There are bald eagles and waterfowl on the river, something I never ever saw in my youth.

My wife and I live on a small farm

in Virginia now, and about six years ago I joined NatGen. Living on the farm, my connection with nature and the environment is much closer. The weather affects you more, streams cross your property, and you notice other things. Woods that existed one day and are clear cut. Large chicken farms that have the potential to affect the entire watershed. Building projects with mud and sludge running into local creeks. You read in the paper about a chemical company that has poisoned an entire community in Pennsylvania.

Your friends that have lived on the Illinois River for more than 15 years have to move because of the development of frac sand mining nearby. You realize that the challenges to the environment are never over and this will continue forever. Clean water, clean air, and a clean environment—they should be a given, but they aren’t. NatGen is one of the organizations making a difference and educating our youth, so that they can make smart decisions in the future.

I like to think that passing a torch to the next generation is a pretty good thing for our youth and our environment.

– Max Hall, Executive Board Member, The Nature Generation

Betrayal Editor: Whether it’s the Tea Party or Black Lives Matter, Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders, we are surrounded by proof that the American people are fed up with politicians who say anything to get elected, but forget the “little people” once they are in office.

Unfortunately, what many among us don’t realize is that out-of-touch politicians are not isolated to Washington, DC. We have several of our own right here in Leesburg.

The Town Council voted last week LETTERS >> 37

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[ LETTERS ] If it were up to me, I’d name the Pennington Garage after the four of you so it would be inextricably linked to your forever tarnished legacies of public “service.”

But nonetheless, long after you leave office—and hopefully, that day will come soon—the people of Leesburg will remember.

– JD Norman, Leesburg

No Mosby?

Editor: After reading Margaret Morton’s article “A New Face for History? Mosby Heritage Area Association reconsiders symbol,” it raised a question in my mind. How do you have a Mosby Heritage Area without Mosby?

It is probably a good idea for the MHAA and other historically related organizations to do some soul searching in the light of recent racially charged events, as to how they may be perceived by the public. Has the MHAA received any negative comments concerning the symbol of the organization (Mosby) that has prompted them to do this, other than Charleston? The article did not say.

As an organization formed around the history of the Piedmont, but specifically named after Col. Mosby and incorporating the specific geographical base of operations of “Mosby’s Confederacy,” how can it now consider divorcing itself from the name or the symbol?

According to the mission statement of the MHAA, which is: “Preservation through Education – to educate about the history and advocate for the preservation of the extraordinary history, culture, and scenery in the Northern Virginia Piedmont for future generations to enjoy”, they have been and are able to study and promote any topic of history and cultural significance that has come to happen in Virginia since the founding of Jamestown. What’s stopping them? As for the sign graphic, I have never liked it. It looks like a high school mascot and is more apropos of how one thinks of Jeb Stuart, rather than Mosby. I think the man astride horse is a fitting logo, but more in the stance suggested by the Jackson statue at Manassas, but without the ridiculous Schwarzenegger-like proportions of that monument. If their Board decides to retire the present logo, then what single, unifying symbol could

they come up with to represent the Mosby Area? There’s the rub.

In my opinion, if they wish to keep an association with the Mosby name, then to me, nothing unifies the Mosby Heritage Area as well as a depiction of Mosby. Otherwise, it would seem that they would have to scrap the original premise for the organization and would have to come up with some generic name like the Piedmont Historical, Cultural Heritage and Scenic View Preservation Area. It doesn’t have quite the panache as the original.

It will be interesting to see what they decide.

– Russell Beal, Hamilton

an extended customer base need to be served.

Looking at Leesburg, it’s a nighttime dead spot. I would build another King Street at a separate location and plan for presenting a new vitality to that dream. The current location with the traffic and street shortcomings requires out-of-the-box thinking.

A dialogue on the need is the next order of business. We who spend much time attempting to offer our voices can make more sense than the committees who might serve interests with other views.

– Norman Duncan, Ashburn

Missed Market

Editor: As a 30-year resident of Leesburg, I congratulate the town for finally getting the idea of public art up and running with its Arts in the Parks Project.

In the past I have tried to get the town and Loudoun County to catch up with other communities around the country to recognize the importance of public art. It not only enhances the appearance and cultural spirit of the community, but also importantly supports its resident artists.

However, the program’s details are questionable and incomplete. Inherent in public sculpture are the possibilities of injury both to observers and to the sculpture. It is the town’s responsibility to insure against injury and damage to the art, and to make specific the artists’ indemnity. It is unfair to hold the artist responsible for the work on public property.

Also lacking is any remuneration for the loan of the sculpture. The honorarium offered of $750 would barely cover the cost for transporting, installing and de-installing each piece as required by the program. To be fair, the artist should also receive an annual stipend for the loan of the work, if not sold. At least an additional $750 per year would be a minimum starting point. As written, the town wants art at no cost to itself, and yet claims 20 percent of any sales. That hardly creates a proud image.

– Robert Sanabria, Leesburg

Editor: Economic development in Loudoun County has always been a key factor in determining progress. As a former member of the Economic Development Commission, my voice carried the tone that we required a more responsive planning vision to anticipate using the Silver Line to draw audience/ customers/tourists to our area. Frankly, we have missed a large segment of the transient market of youngsters visiting Washington DC. This major improvement will bring forth a better transportation infrastructure to accommodate venues that will attract the outside visitor to want to visit Loudoun. It should be a new gateway for the entire Washington, DC, commercial market.

Take an inventory of what we offer and what we require to still build for progress. At the moment, our winery and brewing market have been the vehicle, but what else? Certainly not Civil War monuments and what about the more recent campaigns not forgetting World War II. With the baseball situation still the annoying problem, the question is what to do with that site at One Loudoun. The owner would like to build the ball park but that rascal funding appears to be the problem Putting the stadium aside, in my opinion we do need a convention center for trade shows, basketball, concerts, meetings—and to feed our food and hotel base. This opens up the box for a review of both of these industries to determine infrastructure and growth. The One Loudoun complex and others who are waiting for

@ LoudounNow.com

“Easy subject to armchair quarterback on until it is your kids attending a school. Spiritual poverty is rampant. If people can’t move their way to a better school, they will resort to homeschooling or private schooling. Not long before the rest of public education collapses.”

— Tristan Roszkrowski

Thanks PVFC Editor: On Monday, a sparking electrical line combined with high winds and LETTERS >> 38

“This announcement is further evidence of the golden opportunity that exists to build a thriving and sustainable historic/agricultural/recreational tourism region in the greater Hillsboro area, protecting the rural and historical environment while driving economic development. Three key infrastructure projects in the town of Hillsboro will, once completed, transform this 250-year-old village back to its historical role as the hub of the surrounding agricultural region.”

—Mayor Roger Vance, on Loudoun Rural Economic Development Update: Upscale Inn Planned Near Hillsboro

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“Leesburg is already diverse. Our neighborhoods are diverse. We don’t need busing to integrate us.

If the schools are rezoned based on geographic areas there won’t be a single school that is 100% anything.”

— Leesburgian, on Debate Over Race and Class Surfaces in School Boardroom

Unfair

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to approve the Pennington Garage on North Street, thereby ignoring several viable alternatives, caving in to pressure from the county, and turning a deaf ear to significant opposition from local residents.

To be fair, Councilmen Tom Dunn and Marty Martinez deserve our thanks and recognition for standing with the local neighborhood and voting against this ill-advised project. I will personally be supporting their re-election campaigns in the fall, and I urge anyone interested in preserving the charm of our beloved Town to do the same.

Mayor David Butler and Council Members Kelly Burk, Suzanne Fox, and Katie Hammler: You should be ashamed of yourselves.

When given the opportunity to be the voice of the people of Leesburg— to courageously serve the purpose for which you were elected—you gutlessly caved, allowing the county to take the cheap, easy, lazy route at the expense of a once beautiful neighborhood.

The people of Leesburg will not forget your betrayal of our trust. In fact, we will be reminded of it every day.

As we drive through the charming streets of the historic downtown, this massive, ugly, four-story parking monstrosity, shoehorned into our once-beautiful neighborhood, will stand as a monument to your cynicism, your ineptitude, and your cowardice.

As my neighbors and I look out our windows and our once-unobstructed view is polluted by a hulking block of brick, metal, and concrete, we will remember when you abandoned us.

As we walk through the once-quiet North Street neighborhood and our children’s safety is threatened by a new influx of traffic far beyond the capacity of our once-placid streets, we will remember that you turned your noses up at hundreds of petition signers and hung us out to dry.

We will not forget your betrayal, and I, for one, will do all I can to make sure it never happens again.

I have committed to do all within my power to support your opponents in November. I will support them financially, with my time, and with my voice. I will remind everyone I can that when you had the chance to earn our votes and stand for us, you turned a deaf ear and threw us under the bus.

March 3 – 9, 2016

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[ LETTERS ]

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<< FROM 38 dry underbrush sent a wall of flames rushing up Short Hill Mountain toward my house in Hillsboro. Off-duty Captain Justin Green, Loudoun County Fire-Rescue, spotted the smoke on the mountain while driving west on Rt. 9 toward Hillsboro and stopped to investigate.

I am thankful that Green and volunteer firefighters from PVFC, as well as units from several other jurisdictions, quickly mobilized their resources and saved my house from certain disaster.

They were prepared, professional and courteous to me and my neighbors.

Thank you PVFC. – Matt Danielson, Hillsboro

A Little Help Editor: Here comes the cantankerous 85-year-old veteran of the Korean War complaining again that our distinguished Board of Supervisors has no “senior left behind” program in Loudoun County.

Despite the fact that an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 seniors make Loudoun County their home, are deeply interested in how our tax dollars are spent, and vote in every election, there has been no attention paid to seniors and our elderly handicapped gaining entrance to our public buildings.

As an example, Loudoun County purchased and spent thousands of our taxpayer dollars remodeling the build-

ing located at 801 Sycolin Road right next to the newly remodeled building housing our Sheriff ’s Office. In addition to a new, positive work environment for Loudoun County employees, the Loudoun Credit Union occupies Suite 101 just inside the front door which is the crux of this issue. Many seniors and handicapped folks cannot open the two heavy, spring loaded doors into the building and into the lobby.

Now relegated to using a walker or cane determined by the severity of medical issues each day, this 85-yearold man cannot open these doors and many times has to stand outside and wait for a county employee or Credit Union customer to enter or exit the building. Considering our seniors will be participating financially in our first ever $1 billion dollar school budget, a rising county budget, and requests from charitable organizations, it just seems it is time for our Board of Supervisors to recognize this problem and install automatic door openers in all our Loudoun County buildings having public access entrances.

Perhaps this oversight was caused by the relative young ages of our Board of Supervisors and Loudoun County staff, but us old folks just can’t wait until they are seniors to recognize the problem.

– Lou Gros Louis, Lansdowne

A Modern Food Drive

Modern Mechanical is Proud to Support Loudoun Interfaith Relief with a Month-Long Food Drive March 1-31 “Giving back to the community we call home means everything to us.

If we can make even a small difference in helping to restock these shelves, we will be incredibly happy.”

Shawn Mitchell and Pete Danielson, Co-Owners

March 3 – 9, 2016

Modern Mechanical is collecting non-perishable food, personal hygiene, and pet food from customers and opening our Ashburn location to serve as a drop off location for anyone wishing to donate. In 2015, Loudoun Interfaith Relief distributed more than 1.4 million pounds of food and products to County residents.

The Modern Mechanical Ashburn office is located at 21730 Red Rum Drive - Suite 182. Everyone who makes a donation of any kind will receive a coupon good for up to $1,700 off in rebates on Lennox Home Comfort Systems and $25 off our service and diagnostic fee for a service call.

Heating • Plumbing Air Conditioning • Solar www.modernmec.com

(571) 421-2882

Loudoun Times-Mirror

BEST OF LOUDOUN

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Hillary the ‘Best Choice’ It was the chance to back Sanders that brought 24-year-old Laura Arellano out to vote in Leesburg. She sees Sanders as someone who sympathizes with the challenges of the middle class and new Americans.

“I’m Mexican-American, so I definitely wanted to support someone who supports Latinos,” she said, noting Trump’s negative comments toward Mexican immigrants. “I’m really surprised that Trump has supporters. Honestly, it’s a little scary because everything he says is extreme.”

A voter in Lansdowne who chose not to give her name said she was eager

to back Clinton. “I think she’s the best choice to beat whichever guy comes out of the clown car,” she said. “I know of Hillary, I actually met Hillary. I think she knows what she’s doing. I think she actually understands the limitations of what that office can accomplish.”

She said she would still vote for Sanders in a general election.

Fernando “Marty” Martinez, Leesburg councilman and chairman of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee, would not say which candidate he supported. But he did say he was surprised at Clinton’s big win over Sanders.

“I was expecting Bernie to have a better showing. But you know, it’s just the way it goes,” he said, adding that the committee will support the party’s nominee. “One of the things I can say about our two candidates, even though they had some pointed discussions, it never turned into the brawl that some other debates did, and I’m really proud of both of them for that.”

Loudoun County has a history of be-

ing an accurate bellwether in presidential races, with just enough moderate and independent voters to tip the political scales toward the ultimate winning candidate. In the one previous statewide primary where the statewide results differed from Loudoun’s, the county’s voters were in step with national voters. In 1988, Virginia’s primary voters strongly backed Jessie Jackson’s presidential bid.

However, Loudoun was one of 17 counties to back the eventual party nominee Michael Dukakis, who placed third among Virginia voters.

1988 has significance on the national political scene as well. It is the last time the candidates who came out on top on Super Tuesday did not ultimately win their parties’ nominations. That could happen again this year. After all, this election cycle has been anything but typical.

Reporter Margaret Morton contributed to this story. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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TRUMP 14,420

Rubio visits Loudoun << FROM 1

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Buffington (R-Blue Ridge); and School Board members Debbie Rose (Algonkian), Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge), and Beth Huck (At Large). Comstock (RVA-10) endorsed Rubio in December.

“He’s expressed an optimistic vision for the country,” Letourneau said.

“Frankly, it’s important to have someone who’s able to communicate his vision, and I think he’s the most talented communicator we’ve had on the Republican side for a long time.”

Rubio’s supporters say he can win an election for the Republican party.

Meyer, the youngest-ever member of the Board of Supervisors at 26 years old, said Rubio reaches young voters: “Rubio is polling even with Hillary Clinton among younger voters, who Republicans lost by more than 20 percent in the last two elections,” Meyer said. “If Rubio maintains this favorability among young voters, it will ensure a conservative landslide in November.”

Comstock described Rubio as optimistic and a collaborator. “People are really sick of the divisiveness from this president but also from other candidates in the race,” she said, referring to Trump. She also said she sees Rubio as the best chance Republicans have to win back the White House. “The Clintons are yesterday and yesterday is over. He’s the future. The next generation of leadership is what I think we need if we want to win in the fall.”

Buffington said his experience as a Marine Corps veteran informed his choice.

“I just think it’s important that we do have a Commander in Chief who understands the military, is well versed

CLINTON 21,171

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“THE IDEA OF RUNNING ON SHUTDOWN POLITICS, OR RUNNING ON ANGER, I DON’T THINK THAT WORKS HERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA.” in foreign affairs, and, like Marco Rubio, is also well versed in intelligence,” Buffington said.

“The idea of running on shutdown politics, or running on anger, I don’t think that works here in Northern Virginia,” Meyer said. “No candidate can win the presidential election without winning Virginia, and you can’t win Virginia without winning Northern Virginia.”

Rubio’s campaign stop marks the second presidential candidate to visit Loudoun this election cycle. Ben Carson, also in the race for the Republican nomination, campaigned in Sterling in September. Local voters will likely continue to be wooed by presidential candidates ahead of the November election. The county is considered a political bell weather.

Danielle Nadler contributed to this report. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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for human rights.

The speech was interrupted on a handful of occasions by protests and, at one point, technical difficulties as Rubio’s microphone cut out for several seconds. “I told you they were biased,” Rubio joked toward the assembled media.

The crowd overwhelmed the protesting and, at some points, Rubio’s speech by chanting “Marco.”

He was introduced by Patrick Henry College President Jack Haye, Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10), and former U.S. senator and governor George Allen.

“Everyone here is but a generation or two removed from someone who made our future the purpose of their lives,” Rubio said, hearkening back to his own working-class parents.

“We cannot get this election wrong,” Rubio warned.

After the rally, Comstock said Rubio can win Northern Virginia, Virginia, and the presidency with relatability and by being “the most conversant on all of the top issues of the day.”

“It’s also an openness to believe in the power of our ideas, that he believes in it like he should because he’s lived them, because he’s walked that walk,” Comstock said, adding, “I think that resonates with people and gets people to say, ‘he’s like me, he understands me.’”

In the run up to his appearance, Rubio this week picked up endorsements from a number of local elected leaders, including Supervisors Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run), and Tony R.

CARSON 2,235

conservative Patrick Henry College in Purcellville on Sunday, ahead of Super Tuesday.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Rubio hit several themes of his campaign, not least his dim view of his leading rival for the party’s nomination, Trump, and President Barack Obama.

“We are on the verge of nominating a con artist,” Rubio said. He criticized Trump’s failed Trump University and use of illegal immigrant and outsourced labor.

“Donald Trump is nothing but a first-rate con artist who is trying to carry out the ultimate con,” Rubio said.

He also promised to repeal Obama’s executive orders, fight the Affordable Care Act, reform the Veteran’s Administration, a “Reagan-style rebuilding of the U.S. military,” and defend the First and Second amendments.

He said he would step up the War on Terror, including sending captured enemy combatants to Guantanamo Bay. “They are not going to have the right to remain silent, they are going to…?”

Rubio prompted. The audience responded “Gitmo!”

“And we are going to find out everything they know,” Rubio said.

He followed by promising a foreign policy of “moral clarity” and standing

CRUZ 7,696

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resident said she doesn’t always vote in primary elections, but she did not want to sit on the sidelines for this one.

“I came out to vote against Trump,” she said. Specifically, she checked the box next to Rubio’s name. “I would do just about anything to vote against that bigot.”

Cheplick’s daughter attended a Trump campaign rally at Radford University Monday. “She said it was a big circus. But she wanted to go; she wanted to be a part of history.”

Jennifer Schneider, of Ashburn, sounded just as eager to cast a vote for a Republican candidate other than Trump. She supported Gov. John Kasich. “I think he’s done a great job in Ohio,” she said. “I’m looking for a fiscal conservative—and I don’t want Donald Trump to win.”

Leesburg businessman Donald

Devine is a Trump supporter. As to why, Devine said, “Look at it this way—it’s a multiple choice test, and I think he’s the right answer.” He described himself as a pragmatist and moderate, and he considers Trump a moderate as well.

“I think we need a moderate to win the election.”

March 3 – 9, 2016

Primary results

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