LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE
[ Vol. 2, No. 34 ]
[ loudounnow.com ]
Dogs flex disc-fetching prowess
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[ July 6 – 12, 2017 ]
Stars and Stripes Loudoun Style Cyclist Gene Rhodes rides past a string of American flags hanging on a fence along Otley Road south of Purcellville. Loudouners’ Independence Day celebrations started late last week and stretched to the Fourth of July on Tuesday, with parades, potluck dinners, pool parties, concerts and fireworks. See the Fourth in photos on Pages 20–21. Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Changing of the Guard
School System Loses 3 Administrators, Gains 2 BY DANIELLE NADLER
L
oudoun’s public schools are seeing more turnover among its top administrators. Last week, two of the last standing executives who served in the cabinet of the previous superintendent announced their retirements. Executive Director of Planning Sam Adamo, who was hired in 1997, is retiring, as well as Rich Contartesi, assistant superintendent of technology. This month also marks a changing of the guard in the school system’s largest department, the Department of Instruction. Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Ambrose resigned to take a position in Charleston, SC, and last week Superintendent Eric Williams announced that Ashley Ellis would be promoted from director of instructional programs to step into the assistant superintendent role. “It is that time of year for transitions,”
Williams said in announcing the administrative changes. “We are welcoming a number of individuals either new to Loudoun County or in new roles in Loudoun County.” The School Board hired Williams in 2014, after the retirement of Edgar B. Hatrick, who led the school system for 23 years. It’s to be expected that a change at the very top of any organization will trigger changes throughout the leadership team. But this is the first time in three decades that almost every cabinet-level administrator leading the 78,000-student school system is a new face in the central office.
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction At its June 27 meeting, the School Board officially hired Ellis as its new assistant superintendent for instruction. She replaces Ambrose, who is leaving to the position
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of deputy superintendent for learning services for the public school system in Charleston, SC. Ellis steps in after working alongside Ambrose to improve the school system’s instructional coaching, project-based learning, virtual learning, gifted education, school improvement and assessment and accountability programs since March 2016. Before coming to Loudoun County, she served as a systemic partnership coach for the Buck Institute for Education, supporting and coaching district-level leadership teams from multiple school districts. Ellis also worked as a secondary English teacher, online learning specialist and coordinator of licensed staff development in York County Public Schools, where Williams previously served as superintendent. ADMIN TURNOVER >> 15
Supervisors Expected to Oppose Metro Sales Tax Plan BY RENSS GREENE County supervisors were expected to vote this week on a resolution formally opposing a 1-cent sales tax increase, which has been proposed as one option to shore up the region’s struggling Metrorail system. A report by a technical panel of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments recommended the regional sales tax—imposed on all counties and cities served by Metro—to create a new revenue stream needed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance $15.6 billion in capital and maintenance needs over the METRO TAX >> 38
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OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW July 6 – 12, 2017
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Lohr: From Class Clown to Municipal Mentor
INSIDE
July 6 – 12, 2017
BY MARGARET MORTON
R
Loudoun Now/Danielle Nadler
During his seven years there, he created the town’s first personnel policies, updated its comprehensive plan, secured financing to build a new town hall without using public funds, expanded parks, built a new wastewater treatment plant and coordinated a special events program. During that time, he and Michelle married. “We were competing with each other,” Lohr joked, as Michelle was assistant town manager in Woodstock. Purcellville’s town manager post came open in 1992, after Jerry Schiro took the job as village manager in Chevy Chase, MD. Lohr interviewed in December, coming over the mountain following a blizzard. “It looked like Siberia,” he said. Mayor Ron Masters offered him the
job a few weeks later and he started in March. Michelle stayed in Woodstock and for two-and-a-half years they were a commuting couple. Today, she is the deputy zoning administrator for Loudoun County. At the time, Purcellville was about the same size as New Market, but that’s where the similarities ended. The town was planning for a growth wave that continues today when Purcellville is home to more than 9,000 residents.
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Loudoun firerescue starts training for Metro
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Sterling’s rising poverty rate triggers 2 more Title I schools
Managing Growth Many of the signature features of today’s Purcellville came about during his LOHR >> 38
Loudoun’s little-known economic weapon
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Loudoun Now/File Photo
Addie Rodgers sticks labels on rye whiskey at Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville. A new law raises the max proof of neutral grain spirits that Virginia ABC retail stores may sell without a permit from 101 proof to 151 proof.
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Alcohol HB 1842, HIGHER PROOF
Raises the max proof of neutral grain spirits that may be sold through Vir-
for hunting deer with a muzzle-loading rifle.
Hunting
Health
HB 1938, SLINGBOW
HB 2267, BIRTH CONTROL
Authorizes the use of a slingbow to hunt deer and small game when a hunter is licensed to hunt with a bow and arrow.
Allows doctors to prescribe women 12 months’ worth of contraceptives.
HB 1939, BLAZE PINK
Allows hunters to wear blaze pink instead of blaze orange hunting apparel when required during firearms deer hunting season or the special season
HB 2317, NEEDLES FOR ADDICTS
Allows local health departments to provide clean needles to drug addicts.
Opioid NEW LAWS >> 39
INDEX Loudoun Gov..................... 6 Leesburg......................... 10 Politics........................... 13 Public Safety................... 14 Education........................ 16 Biz.................................. 20 Nonprofit......................... 24 Our Towns....................... 26 LoCo Living..................... 28 Obituaries....................... 31 Legal & Public Notices.... 32 Classifieds...................... 33 Opinion........................... 36
loudounnow.com
July 1 means a new set of laws in Virginia. Close to 900 bills were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Terry McAuliffe earlier this year, and they address a range of issues, from birth control to hunting attire. Here are some of the highlights:
ginia ABC retail stores without a permit from 101 proof to 151 proof.
A Slew of New State Laws Went into Effect July 1
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Purcellville wants to keep tax collection efforts in house
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Robert W. Lohr Jr. got his start in government management at 21 years old, when he took a job as New Market town manager. He retires this month after serving as Purcellville’s town manager since 1992.
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obert W. Lohr Jr. was going to be a lawyer, but a lapse in a high school math class put him on a different path. More than a quarter century later, he leaves his post as Purcellville’s town manager as one of the region’s most respected municipal administrators. His retirement was short-lived, however. Lohr has signed on with the Berkley Group in Charlottesville, a professional consulting firm specializing in evaluating and operating government service delivery processes. His start as a kid, Lohr said he was known as “the class clown, a bit of a cutup”—and dubbed as “the least likely” to succeed. Originally intending to study law, a poor math grade kept him out of his first choice of college. Instead, he entered James Madison University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration, and minored in paralegal. Law school was still on his mind, but during a summer internship in Fairfax working in the fire chief ’s office, he discovered a bent for office work and administration. “It was a revelation,” Lohr said. “It was a difficult decision—I was in my final year. I loved the work in fire-rescue, and I lived at the fire station.” Also, he’d met his future wife, Michelle Rogers. Eventually, abandoning the dream of law school, Lohr earned a master’s degree in public management and public safety. It’s not a decision he’s ever regretted. His first foray into the world of local government was as town manager of New Market, with a population of 1,800, where he served from 1986 to 1993. He was 21 when he took that job—Virginia’s youngest town manager. “I didn’t have a day’s worth of planning experience, but I learned on the job, with a supportive council and staff.”
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Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
County supervisors are getting serious in their push for a bridge over the Potomac River.
Loudoun Plans for New Potomac Bridge BY RENSS GREENE
A
s county supervisors gathered to hash out the county’s transportation questions, one thing was clear: they feel it’s time for a new Potomac River bridge. Supervisors voted unanimously last week to add in the Countywide Transportation Plan a statement of the board’s support for a new Potomac River crossing. That river crossing would be east of Goose Creek and Leesburg.
— County Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn)
Supervisors also directed the county staff to identify potential corridors for a bridge route. This year’s draft Trans-
Action document from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority suggests connecting to Rt. 28.
Speaking at the board’s June 29 transportation summit, David Birtwistle, CEO of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, said “decades of study document a clear need” for a new bridge. He referred back to a raft of studies laying out a plan for more river crossings—back as far as 1950, before any current member of the Board of Supervisors was born. Birtwistle said it’s time now to make bridges a regional priority, and start working on finding a route and getting BRIDGE >> 6
Loudoun County to Redefine Rt. 7 Building Rules BY RENSS GREENE
July 6 – 12, 2017
“I always talk about the greater good. This is the greater good on steroids. This crossing would help hundreds of thousands of people in the region, and that’s not exaggeration.”
The look of Rt. 7 in Loudoun between Leesburg and the Broad Run could be changing. The county has seen a long trend of developments along that section of Rt. 7 requesting exceptions to a zoning rule that prohibits building closer than 300 feet to the highway. It has granted several—including at Lexington 7, One Loudoun, and Commonwealth Center. Commonwealth, which includes iFly and Top Golf, was granted an exception down to 100 feet. County planners have warned that granting piecemeal exceptions to a uniform rule could make a mess of one of Loudoun’s major road corridors, but several supervisors have made it clear
they believe it’s time for change. The current setback rules were established for a “Keynote Employment Center,” which envisioned a Rt. 7 lined with suburban office campuses. But county leaders now think that probably won’t happen. “We do agree that the corridor needs to be looked at holistically, because I think there is a danger in planning by rezoning,” said Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer, commenting on another recent application by Commonwealth Center to build a retail center. “I think that the plan as it’s currently written is probably not something that we’ll ever see come to fruition in the Rt. 7 corridor.” Currently, the county allows buildings no closer than 300 feet and park-
ing lots no closer than 100 feet to Rt. 7. The proposed changes would shrink the building setback to 200 feet, increase the parking setback to 150 feet, and establish new rules that would require a manicured, landscaped screen of native plant materials in the setback area. Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) said the new rules would both give developers more space and increase the green space along Rt. 7. “I’m in love with this initiative,” Meyer said. “I’m glad we’re advancing it.” The proposed changes will now go to public hearings at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. rgreene@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now/File Photo
One Loudoun is one of several developments along Rt. 7 that has been granted an exception to the rule.
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Longtime Loudoun Administrator Retires Thirty-three-year Loudoun County employee Julie Grandfield retired June 28. Grandfield began her career with Loudoun County government in 1984. Since that time, she has served in many 6/30/17
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The Board of Supervisors has awarded $19,500 in funding from its restricted Transient Occupancy Tax funding to three projects around the county. The tax is levied on guest accommodations in Loudoun, such as stays at hotels or bed-and-breakfasts. That tax revenue forms the basis of funding for Visit Loudoun. A portion of the tax revenue is restricted and must be used to promote and support tourism and travel to Loudoun. Three of four applicants were granted funding from tourism tax revenues: Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, the Town of Purcellville, and NoVa Wellness & YogaFest Retreat. Friends of Leesburg Public Arts requested and was awarded $2,500. The nonprofit plans to use the money to support Arts in the Alley, a downtown street fair to include 75 artist booths and between 15 and 25 performing arts groups. The Town of Purcellville requested $10,000, but received only $7,000. The town would use the money to help develop its Train Station into a more robust tourist center. The funding was not fully met because it includes, in part, funding for visitor center staffing. Restricted tourism tax grants are intended for one-time projects, rather than ongoing costs like staffing. 7.6.17 Avie LN HalfPg (Halo).pdf 1
NoVa Wellness & YogaFest Retreat requested and was granted $10,000 to start an event of the same name at Morven Park in Leesburg in October. The organization plans activities and classes like yoga, music, meditation, nature walks, hikes and cooking, and has indicated it plans to donate 5 percent of its profits to charity.
July 6 – 12, 2017
Supervisors Award $19,500 in Tourism Tax Funding
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Loudoun to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Regional Transportation Plan As the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority seeks public comment on its draft TransAction plan, Loudoun County will hold a town hall to provide the community with information about the regional transportation wish list. Loudoun County is a member of the Authority, which is overseeing TransAction, a long-range plan aimed at improving the regional transportation network in Northern Virginia. The plan encompasses more than 350 projects as potential candidates for future spending. The list includes 95 projects that
Bridge << FROM 4 right-of-way. Although the idea of a new bridge has been studied time and again— Birtwistle highlighted nine of those studies—the idea has never gained momentum, attributable in large part to resistance from Montgomery County, MD. But Supervisor Geary M. Higgins
would impact Loudoun, including 80 road projects and 15 transit-related projects. Many projects include multiple features, such as bike and pedestrian trails, traffic demand management or intelligent transportation systems, which uses technology to improve how transportation systems operate. The authority is expected to adopt TransAction later this year. The plan will be used to develop the NVTA’s first six-year program, covering fiscal years 2018-2023. It is projected to include approximately $1.5 billion in funding. Under the transportation
(R-Catoctin) said, “I believe that the critical mass of support for this is there.” Studies have shown broad support among residents on both sides of the river for a new bridge, with relatively few in opposition. “Looking at some of those maps that have been drawn many, many years ago, if we’d done some of the things that are on there, our traffic situation would be a lot better,” Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) said. And County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said she was con-
funding bill adopted by the Virginia General Assembly in 2013, projects must be in the TransAction to qualify for regional revenue funding. While NVTA member jurisdictions such as Loudoun are holding public information meetings about the plan, the NVTA is accepting public comment through July 23 by email, by phone, online and in person at its open house and public hearings. The open house begins at 5:30 p.m. and the public hearing begins at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13, at 3040 Williams Drive, Suite 200, in Fairfax.
cerned about environmental impact, but considering all the time cars spend idling in traffic now: “I have to think that the environmental impact of not having this bridge is probably far more harsh than having the bridge.” The idea also garnered public support at the summit from Will Turner, chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Commission’s ad hoc bridge committee, and the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. “This takes political will, and in my view that political will has not been
More information about TransAction and how to submit comments directly to NVTA, can be found at NVTATransAction.org. In June 2016, the Board of Supervisors approved a list of projects to be submitted to the NVTA for inclusion in the plan. More information about the Loudoun County projects proposed for inclusion in TransAction can be found at www.loudoun.gov/ NVTA. The town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, at the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St., S.E. in Leesburg. The town hall start with an open house from 5 to 6 p.m. in the lobby of the government center, followed by a public information meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. in the boardroom.
there for the last 40 years,” said Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn), who introduced the motion to include a bridge in the Countywide Transportation Plan. “No matter where you put it, there’s going to be some people that are upset, but at the same time—I always talk about the greater good. This is the greater good on steroids. This crossing would help hundreds of thousands of people in the region, and that’s not exaggeration.” rgreene@loudounnow.com
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PLUS: Special Fireside Chats & World War II News Broadcasts Presentation in Oatlands Mansion at 6:30 p.m. Light Hors d’Oeuvres and your first glass of beer or wine is included. $25 additional fee. Space is limited! Advanced reservations required to lkimball@oatlands.org or 703-777-3174. Oatlands Historic House & Gardens 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane Leesburg, VA 20175 703.777.3174 • www.oatlands.org
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The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has named Robert and Marlayana Diaz as the Loudoun County Foster Parents of the Year. The Diaz family was celebrated with a ceremonial resolution in the Loudoun County boardroom June 22. Since becoming foster parents on July 1, 2012, the Diazes have fostered nine children. They currently have seven children in their home. They also have three birth children, have adoptWHITENING Visit ourwebsite: website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Visit our TheLeesburgVADentist.com Conveniently located in ed one child, and are in the process of SPECIAL The Village at Leesburg facing adopting two more who are in foster Use your benefits before the end Route 7 between Wegmans and care in their home. 1503 Dodona Terrace of the year and receive a FREE LA Fitness Robert and Marlayna DiazSuite are both Teeth Whitening Kit with every 210 Mon & Wed: 8-6pm themselves adoptees. scheduled cleaning or procedure. Leesburg, VA 20175 Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Offer Expires January 1, 2016. Please present coupon to receive the offer. Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Not to be combined with any other offer. 24hr Emergency Service
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Sean Diaz holds up a ceremonial resolution celebrating Loudoun County Foster Parents of the Year Robert and Marlayna Diaz, next to his sisters Faith Grandison and Lily Diaz.
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Virginia American Legion Baseball Day at the Course Lansdowne Resort Golf Club 44050 Woodridge Pkwy, Lansdowne, VA 20176 Thursday July 13th 8am - 3pm Fundraiser for VA Legion Baseball Tournament $120 - Range Balls, 18 Holes, and Lunch
Fireman's Field and Tabernacle 250 Nursery, Purcellville, VA 20132 Tuesday, August 1st 6pm - 9pm Celebrate with the Mid Atlantic's Champions and meet our Veteran Community!
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istrator. “I thought it would be as stable, somewhat routine, kind of slow-paced job, 60 employees, piece of cake,” Grandfield joked at a ceremony in the boardroom. She found anything but. In that time, during which Loudoun experienced explosive growth, she is credited with overseeing major human resources and administrative policy changes, including creating the current Employee Position Classification System and the Employee Performance Evaluation System, among other accomplishments. Supervisors honored her with a ceremonial resolution on June 22.
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BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW July 6 – 12, 2017
The Leesburg Town Council has awarded a contract to purchase bodyworn cameras and in-car cameras for the Leesburg Police Department. The $176,255 sole-source contract was awarded to Motorola Solutions. The money for the contract was already appropriated in the adopted fiscal year 2017 budget’s Capital Asset Replacement Fund.
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
The Town of Leesburg continues its work to create more parking spaces in downtown.
Under Continued Criticism, Downtown Parking Fees Moved to Escrow Account BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
W
hile a consultant continues to study Leesburg’s downtown parking strategies, the Town Council continues to make tweaks. At a June 27 meeting, members agreed to move parking funds paid by developers into an interest-bearing escrow account and to give the money back if the town doesn’t use it to create more spaces. For decades, the town has told developers who cannot provide required parking spaces on their lots that they must pay a fee—now up to $6,000
per space—to the town. In theory, the money is to be used to provide more off-site parking, such as helping to finance the construction of another parking garage. Increasingly, those investing in the construction of new downtown businesses and homes have questioned the merits of the program, saying it creates a big hurdle. According to a staff report, there is $275,000 in the town’s parking fund— money paid by just three developers, Town Attorney Barbara Notar pointed out. In moving the money to an escrow fund, the depositors would be entitled to a refund of the fees they paid, plus
interest. Any deposits made after last week’s resolution passed would also be entitled to a refund plus interest, she said. Paul Reimers, who has built, restored and remolded numerous downtown properties, spoke in favor of the reserve account, but said he didn’t think the council was going far enough. He recommended rolling back the fees back to the 2015 level of $3,000 per space, before the fees were doubled by the council. He called the payment in lieu of parking fees, “one of most unfair fees the town has ever put on anybody.”
es. You have fusions. We even have an Asian dish or two. It’s everything from everywhere.” The idea is to capture the family where mom, dad, and kids all may be craving a different type of food, and The Tasting Room at Palio with its expansive menu is there to accommodate everyone, he said.
A 2015 report of The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing got the ball rolling for many police departments nationwide to make the move toward body-worn and in-car cameras. The department began researching the initiative in earnest early last year, but Town Manager Kaj Dentler had said he wanted to hold off on the purchase until the new police chief was hired and could share his or her input. Chief Gregory Brown joined the town department in the fall and has supported the initiative. According to a staff report, Motorola Solutions was identified as the sole vendor with a fully integrative system with capabilities that no other vendor could provide. The Motorola Si500 Video Speaker Microphone Body Worn and In-Car Camera Solution is the only product that can seamlessly communicate with the department’s current APX 7000 Portable Radio and the new Motorola Solutions Records Management System and Computer Aided Dispatch. The department’s new RMS/CAD System will be implemented in fiscal years 2018 and 2019. The Digital Evidence Management System, which provides storage of data, is also included in Motorola’s contract. Sam Shenouda, public information officer for the Leesburg Police Department, said the contract is expected to net the department 55 body-worn cameras, enough to equip every member of its patrol division. While there is not yet an exact number on how many in-car cameras will be purchased, it is also expected to cover the patrol fleet. The contract was approved unanimously as part of the council’s consent agenda, with Councilman Ron Campbell absent.
PALIOS >> 9
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PARKING >> 9
Palio Rebrands for Family Dining Downtown BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ Downtown restaurant Palio has shaken up its image once again, with a new menu, a new executive chef, and a new name. The menu at the Tasting Room at Palio will not be familiar to even the most loyal of the restaurant’s patrons. Not a single item remains from the old menu, General Manager David Saavedra said. “It is the biggest change of everything,” he said. When the restaurant debuted in the downtown area eight years ago, owner Michael O’Connor presented a menu with authentic Italian dishes. The restaurant later rebranded to cater a bit more to the steak and seafood crowd. The latest change, he said, is in hopes of establishing Palio as less of a fine-dining establishment and more as a family-friendly venue. “Leesburg is attracting such a broad
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Palio owner Michael O’Connor and new Executive Chef Ian Dieter recently rebranded the downtown restaurant, with a new menu and new name, Tasting Room at Palio.
range of diners, and we were looking to evolve with Leesburg as it evolves,” O’ Connor, who also owns the nearby Leesburg Diner, said. “When we decided to do the new Tasting Room at Palio, it was with the idea of not being closed to one type of ethnic food,” Saavedra explained. “Right now, we’re offering dishes from all over the world—a couple Italian, a couple French, a couple Spanish dish-
Motorola
A Motorola Si500 video camera that may adorn Leesburg Police uniforms starting next year.
Parking
Palio << FROM 8
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tations to beer and wine dinners and cooking classes at Palio, Saavedra said. For beer lovers, the restaurant still has six taps and is planning to debut a slew of new bottled microbrews. Since the restaurant unveiled its new look in early June, the response from both Palio regulars and first-timers has been phenomenal, both Saavedra and O’Connor said. “The proof is in the pudding, and the proof is there,” O’Connor said. The Tasting Room at Palio is at 2 W. Market St. in downtown Leesburg. For more information, call 703-7790060 or visit The Tasting Room at Palio’s Facebook page. krodriguez@loudounnow.com
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“We want to serve the family,” Saavedra said. Newly hired Executive Chef Ian Dieter comes with an impressive résumé, having served as sous chef at Salamander Resort & Spa and executive chef of The Goodstone Inn. The restaurant has also beefed up its wine menu, with an innovate way of pouring wines, O’Connor said. A Wine Club has been created where, for $25 a month, members are entitled to one free bottle of wine a month and $10 corkage fees are waived. Wine Club members also receive priority invi-
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“It creates a disincentive to create a diversity of housing, and penalizes people changing use or trying to do something new,” he said. Councilman Ken Reid made a motion to reduce the fees back to $3,000 per space, but received only the support of Councilman Hugh Forsythe. Councilman Tom Dunn made a motion to reduce the fees even further, to $500 per space, but received no support. Another motion by Reid, to issue refunds only to those developers who paid into the fund after the June 27 resolution deadlocked, and thus also failed.
July 6 – 12, 2017
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Although the motions put forward by Reid and Dunn did not pass, it was clear from council discussion that the current payment in lieu of parking program does not have many fans, and may be on its way out, pending the recommendation of the conclusion of the study expected this fall. “I myself would prefer to do away with it altogether,” Mayor Kelly Burk said. “But I think we need to stay the course and wait until we get the report back.” The vote to establish the restricted reserve account passed 5-1-1, with Dunn opposed and Councilman Ron Campbell absent.
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Council Backs Staff Recommendations for $58M Interchange Project BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ The Leesburg Town Council last week selected its preferred design alternatives to East Market Street intersection upgrades. The council voted 5-1-1 to select options for the future configurations of both Battlefield Parkway and Cardinal Park Drive’s intersections with Rt. 7. In both instances the council selected the staff-endorsed alternatives: a single-point urban interchange for Battlefield Parkway and right in/right out access at Cardinal Park Drive. The vote also requested that the project be constructed as a design-build contract with VDOT. The $58 million project is still $25 million short of the needed funding to proceed with construction, but the council was under a tight deadline to select design options to be prepared for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s next round of funding requests. While there were options to retain a traffic signal at Cardinal Park Drive, but removing the light has been in the county and town plans for decades and NVTA representatives warned that funding might be delayed or withheld if the council sought to keep the stoplight. Tuesday night, several business and property owners, pleaded with the council to delay its decision and consider other design options. Leslie Dunn, who owns property at 2 Cardi-
nal Park Drive, said she was not even aware that the council was planning to select a design option until 3 p.m. that afternoon. She noted that in Florida, where she also owns commercial property, landowners are required to write letters to and meet with surrounding property owners anytime a business seeks to make a change to its property, even for an insignificant change like a new sign. “The fact that we were not given a letter or notified I think is unfortunate and wrong,” she said. “It would’ve been nice to be a part of the conversation,” fellow Cardinal Park property owner Joe Kumke said. Leslie Dunn said the traffic signal provides direct access for her clients and, absent that, those coming to Cardinal Park Drive from points east would have to drive further into the Town of Leesburg and make a U-turn to be able to access her business. Throughout its discussion on proposed designs, council members have pointed to a future extension of Russell Branch Parkway to Trailview Boulevard that will serve as another way to access the Cardinal Park Drive area. That road extension is to be built by the developers of the nearby Leegate property ahead of the construction of any nonresidential or residential development on the site. According to Capital Projects Manager Tom Brandon, the developer has submitted its first set of design plans to the town and appears
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In good conscience, even though I support this interchange, I don’t think I’ll be able to vote for this resolution tonight.” — Councilmember Ken Reid
to want to move quickly on the project. Another developer, Taylor Chess of the Peterson Companies, also petitioned the council Tuesday night about the project. The Peterson Companies owns the Leesburg Gateway property on the northwest side of the Battlefield Parkway intersection. He said they were supportive of the interchange option ultimately chosen by the council, but asked the council to consider the construction of a graded ramp to provide access to the future development. Chess said the 100-acre property could be the site of a future mixed-use development, but no plans have been estab-
lished quite yet. Councilman Ken Reid was the lone opposition vote on the chosen designs. He said he felt like the council was “ having a gun put to its head” to make a quick decision on the design. Reid said he wished for a review process similar to the recent development of Edwards Ferry Road and Fort Evans Road intersection designs on the Leesburg Bypass, when there were two rounds of public input a year apart to gather as much feedback as possible. At the lone public input meeting on the project in May, 26 community members attended, with 10 submitting comment cards. “In good conscience, even though I support this interchange, I don’t think I’ll be able to vote for this resolution tonight,” he said. “But that should not be construed as council not supporting this project and not wanting it funded.” Councilman Marty Martinez also said he wished the council had more time to consider the designs, but said he hoped the next two to four years leading up to construction would give the needed time to work with the affected property owners. “All of us on here understand your concern, understand your frustration, and really do want to work things out,” Mayor Kelly Burk said in addressing the property owners at the meeting. Councilman Ron Campbell was absent for Tuesday’s vote. krodriguez@loudounnow.com
BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
Bond Refinancing Yields Town Savings The Town of Leesburg recently closed on a bond refinancing that cut the interest rate charged on a 2006 bond issue by nearly two-thirds. The General Obligation bonds were issued at 3.81 percent interest rate. Refinanced through an American National Bank loan, the balance will be assessed an interest rate of 1.14 percent. As a result of the refinancing, the town will save approximately $85,000 annually in debt service costs, for a total savings of $340,000 over the remaining four-
Council Sets Priorities for County Meeting The Town Council last week set its priorities for an upcoming meeting with the Loudoun Board of Supervisors, expected to occur this fall.
The council agreed-upon topics are: county land acquisition inside the town’s corporate limits; public transit; economic development; Rt. 15 north congestion mitigation; and the remote tower project at Leesburg Executive Airport. The list may be further refined, as County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) has requested that Mayor Kelly Burk, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet, and Town Manager Kaj Dentler convene at a pre-meeting to go over the agenda. The council vote on the list of topics passed by a 6-0-1 vote, with Councilman Ron Campbell absent.
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
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A better educational effort is needed, he said, and Thiel said he has already reached out to both Leesburg Police Chief Gregory Brown and Loudoun Sheriff Michael Chapman to see “what can I do as a citizen to help?” “I’m not a pedestal guy,” Thiel said. “I want you to see me right there with you.” Thiel ended his stump speech with a “kick off ” for his kick-off. The former kicker, who attended training camps with several NFL teams, launched a pigskin far into an adjoining field. Thiel joins two other first-time candidates on November’s ballot: Neil Steinberg and Vanessa Maddox. The deadline to file to run in the special election is Aug. 18.
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development. Economic development and stability is another pillar of his campaign. And this could take a little thinking outside of the box, the economic development commissioner said. “Just because we’ve done something for 30 years doesn’t mean it’s right,” Thiel said. Preserving the town’s heritage while investing in its future is of equal importance, he said. And, for the sake of future generations, “we need a plan that’s going to be sustainable for 20 to 30 years.” A third priority for Thiel is addressing the nationwide opioid and heroin epidemic. Thiel has been personally affected by this crisis, with five of his fellow Heritage High School alumni losing their battles to the addiction.
year life of the bonds. The Town’s financial advisor, Davenport & Company, recommended the action last spring. David Rose, with Davenport, said at the time that about one-third of the projected savings could be attributed to Leesburg’s status of hold triple-A bond rating from all three major rating agencies.
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Election season is well underway in Leesburg, as Josh Thiel rallied supporters for his Town Council campaign kick-off last week. Throngs of supporters turned out to Foxridge Park on June 27 to hear Thiel’s campaign platform and what his priorities will be if elected in November. Thiel is running to fill the remainder of Kelly Burk’s council term, vacated when she was elected mayor last fall. The term expires Dec. 31, 2018. Thiel noted his long history in the town, as a 17-year resident and alumnus of Cool Spring Elementary, Harper Park Middle, and Heritage High schools. He and his wife, Abigail, are now property owners in town, residing in Crescent Place. “I’m looking to give back to the community that’s given so much back to me over the years,” he explained in his justification for entering the council race. He said the town is in a fairly good position, not necessarily having “issues” but rather “things that need to get ironed out.” Top among his priorities is tackling transportation concerns with a proactive, rather than reactive, approach. Thiel pointed to the 2,000 houses set to be built in town through the end of 2018, and said there are “better ways we can develop roads” rather than reacting to the congestion that follows
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Loudoun Fire-Rescue Opens Metro Car Training Center
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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Combined Fire-Rescue System Chief W. Keith Brower Jr. introduces Loudoun’s new Metro car training simulator Wednesday, June 28.
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Loudoun Firefighters approach the decommissioned 4000-series Metro cars at Loudoun’s new training simulator.
BY RENSS GREENE
L
oudoun County and Metrorail representatives were on hand to celebrate the first county Metro car fire-rescue training facility June 28 at the Oliver Robert Dubé Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Leesburg. Firefighters demonstrated the steps to put out a track fire, working around a simulation of the 750-volt electrified third rail that powers Metro trains.
Loudoun Combined Fire-Rescue System Assistant Chief Keith Johnson said the new training facility, made of 95 feet of simulated rail and two decommissioned 4000-series Metro cars, “will certainly pay dividends for the safety of our fire and rescue personnel, as well as everyone who will ride Metrorail for years to come.” “I think it reflects very well that Loudoun county stepped to the plate years ahead of the services coming online,” said Metro General Manager
Paul Wiedefeld. Metro’s Silver Line is expected to start running in Loudoun sometime in 2020. County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) acknowledged that Metro has had “challenges and struggles,” adding, “we are going to get them all right.” “But the moment we have everything right, … the moment that Metro is the best transportation system in the world, will mean nothing if people do not feel like they can be safe on the
system.” Metro has its own police department, but no fire department. Up to now, Loudoun first responders have been travelling to Greenbelt, MD, to train. Loudoun Combined Fire-Rescue System Chief W. Keith Brower Jr. said first responders from across the region will be invited to train at Loudoun’s facility. Loudoun Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Director Joe Kroboth said Loudoun’s is the first jurisdiction-level facility of its type in the Washington, DC, region. It will be used to train for a variety of scenarios, from fires to mass casualty incidents to active-shooter drills. rgreene@loudounnow.com
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Suspect Sought in ‘Upskirting’ Case at Target The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in an “upskirting” case reported June 26 at a Target store in Ashburn. The victim reported around 1:10 p.m. that she saw a man allegedly attempting to take upskirting photos of her at Columbia Place in the Dulles 28 Centre. The suspect was confronted by the victim and an employee before he fled.
The suspect was described as a black male, 5-feet, 6-inches tall, with a medium build and a beard. He was wearing khaki pants and a polo shirt with white and gray stripes. The Sheriff ’s Office released a surveillance video still of the suspect and asked anyone who knows his identity to call Detective R. Schmidt at 703777-0475 or submit a tip through the Sheriff ’s Office’s app.
LCSO's #9PMRoutine to Deter Thefts
Trucks Sidelined by Inspectors on Rt. 606
Hoping to deter crimes that are both common and easily preventable, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office has joined other law enforcement agencies promoting the 9 p.m. routine. During the summer, the number of larcenies from vehicles and residential burglaries typically increases. In many cases, the thieves simply enter unlocked vehicles and enter homes through open garage doors. The #9PMRoutine hashtag is being promoted to remind residents to make sure their vehicles, home doors and garage doors are closed before they go to bed. As part of the campaign, the sheriff ’s office will post nightly reminders on Facebook and Twitter encouraging residents to participate and share on social media with the hashtag #9PMRoutine. Also, Sheriff Mike Chapman recorded a video reminding residents about the importance of locking up. The video can be viewed at sheriff. loudoun.gov/9PMRoutine.
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority conducted a joint truck safety exercise June 29, with more than 30 percent of the inspections resulting in trucks being placed out of service. The inspections were conducted on Old Ox Road near Overland Drive in Sterling. On average, more than 58 percent of trucks inspected by the sheriff ’s office each year are taken out of service for violations such as defective tires, defective suspension and unsecured loads. Members of this unit are responsible for detecting and inspecting unsafe commercial motor vehicles.
Internet Predators Targeted in Operation ‘Safe Summer’ The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office partnered with the Fairfax County Police Department, the FBI Washington Field Office Child Exploitation PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS >> 13
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[ PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS ] and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Northern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force last month to conduct a joint operation targeting internet predators. Operation Safe Summer resulted in the round up of suspects who resided, or planned on traveling to, Loudoun County. The suspects were seeking to engage in criminal sexual activity with a person whom they believed to be a juvenile. • Hatim Abdelrahman, 22, of Reston, charged with communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact and attempted indecent liberties;
• Ian M. Florance, 34, of Falls Church, charged with communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact and attempted indecent liberties; • Jack D. Guard Jr., 54, of Ashburn, charged with two counts of communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact; • Jeremy M. Hawkins, 26, of Point
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• Bhanu C. Muddam, 28, of McLean, charged with three counts of communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact; • Anishkumar Patel, 44, of Fairfax, charged with communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact and attempted indecent liberties; • Nathaniel C. Sams, 33, of Sterling, charged with communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact and attempted indecent liberties; • Avinash S. Thakoorie, 24, of Chantilly, charged with communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact and two counts of attempted indecent liberties; • James A. Zientek, 46, of Centreville charged with one count of communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact.
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• Arthur L. Berrier, 62, of Ashburn, charged with two counts of communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact and attempted indecent liberties;
• Rajender Mahavadi, 36, of Sterling, charged with two counts of communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact. Mahavadi was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center;
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Arrested during the operation were:
of Rocks, MD, charged with two counts of communication with a minor under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexual contact;
July 6 – 12, 2017
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[ SCHOOL NOTES ] Kissel Named Culbert Elementary Principal
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Tiffany Cruz, a second-grader, listens during a meeting on Leesburg school attendance boundaries in March 2016.
Williams: Accelerated Boundary Process Would Help Deliver Full-Day Kindergarten BY DANIELLE NADLER
L
oudoun County School Board members can’t seem to agree on how much flexibility to give the superintendent to redraw attendance boundaries to free up classroom space for fullday kindergarten. In meetings throughout June, School Board members have debated a proposed policy change that would allow Superintendent Eric Williams to recommend an expedited process for boundary changes under specific circumstances. Those include: converting a traditional school to a charter school,
rooms are installed, or classroom additions are built. “It gives a tool to the board to expand FDK. … It’s not a commitment to approve any plan; it would just give you an option,” Williams said. Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) said the School Board always has the option to adjust boundaries to free up more kindergarten classrooms through the traditional, longer boundary process. Current policy requires the board to hold several public hearings and work sessions ahead of adopting any boundary changes. BOUNDARIES >> 15
Park View, Sterling Middle Designated as Title I Schools BY DANIELLE NADLER
July 6 – 12, 2017
addressing a new housing development that would otherwise cause overcrowding at a school, addressing minimal overcrowding that can be resolved with reassigning 10 percent or less of a school’s students, and in any unforeseen emergencies. That last one could give the superintendent an option to recommend that the board shift attendance boundaries to make room in several schools for full-day kindergarten programs. Williams told the School Board last week that at least five schools in Ashburn and the Leesburg area will not get full-day kindergarten unless attendance boundaries are adjusted, modular class-
The Loudoun County School Board has signed off on a request to funnel federal Title I funding to Park View High School and Sterling Middle School. This is the first time the school system will have secondary schools that receive Title I dollars. Title I schools receive more federal dollars because they enroll high levels of students from low-income families. Before the board’s vote Tuesday, the county had just six schools that carried the Title I designation, and they are all elementary schools in Sterling. The population of poor students at both Sterling Middle and Park View High has ticked up in recent years. The percentage of students who qualify
for the federal free and reduced-meal program at Park View was 53 percent four years ago, and is up to 65 percent. At Sterling Middle School, the rate has jumped from 57.7 percent four years ago, to 70 percent this year. School Board members didn’t discuss the matter before voting at their meeting last week, but they discussed the move at length in a June 13 meeting. By designating those two schools Title I schools before their free-and-reduced-meal rate climbs to 75 percent, the school system has more flexibility in how it spends the federal dollars. “I just want to thank you for being proactive and serving Sterling Middle School and Park View High School before they hit that threshold,” School Board Vice Chairwoman Brenda Sher-
idan (Sterling) said to Supervisor of Federal Programs Evonne DeNome at the June 13 meeting. This fiscal year, the school system received $1.9 million in Title I funding, a figure based on the division’s total number of students who qualify to receive free and reduced-price meals. This year, that is 13,529 students, or 17 percent of enrolled students. Adding two more Title I schools will not take away money from the six elementary schools already in the program because, as of this year, the school system receives an additional $300,000 in Title I funds. “Park View and Sterling Middle will share that $300,000 increase,” DeNome said. dnadler@loudounnow.com
Monica Kissel has been hired to lead Kenneth W. Culbert Elementary School, following the retirement of Jackie Brownell. Kissel is no stranger to the Culbert school community. She’s served as its assistant principal since 2014. Pri- Kissel or to that, she was the assistant principal of Steuart Weller Elementary School from 2010 to 2014. She served as a consulting teacher in the Department of Pupil Services for one year and as a special education teacher at both Steuart Weller and Potowmack Elementary Schools for four years. Kissel holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in education administration from Shenandoah University. Superintendent Eric Williams announced Kissel’s appointment at the School Board’s meeting last week. “We wish you well in this transition,” he said.
2018 Graduation Dates Set The schedule for graduation ceremonies for Loudoun County’s public high schools has been set.
The graduation dates and times are listed in chronological order: • Thursday, June 7, 7 p.m., Monroe Technology Center, site to be determined; • Friday, June 8, 7:30 p.m., Loudoun Academy of Science, LCPS Administrative Offices, Ashburn; • Sunday, June 10, 2 p.m., Dominion High School at Dominion High School; • Monday, June 11, 7 p.m., Tuscarora High School at Tuscarora High School; • Wednesday, June 13, 7:30 p.m., Heritage High School at Riverside High School (Heritage’s field will be under construction for artificial turf installation); • Thursday, June 14, 8 a.m., Loudoun County High School on the lawn at Loudoun County High School; • Thursday, June 14, 9 a.m., Loudoun Valley High School in Leonard Stadium at Loudoun Valley High School; SCHOOL NOTES >> 15
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dnadler@loudounnow.com
[ SCHOOL NOTES ] << FROM 14 • Thursday, June 14, 9:30 a.m., Stone Bridge High School at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena; • Thursday, June 14, 10 a.m., John Champe High School at John Champe High School; • Thursday, June 14, 2 p.m., Freedom High School at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena;
Admin turnover << FROM 1 She holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary; a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech; and a doctorate of education, educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William & Mary.
Assistant Superintendent of Technology
• Friday, June 15, 9 a.m., Potomac Falls High School at Potomac Falls High School; • Friday, June 15, 2 p.m., Briar Woods High School at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena; • Friday, June 15, 7 p.m., Broad Run High School at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena..
<< FROM 14 But board member Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) said there is not enough time to do a full round of multiple public hearings and work sessions ahead of kindergarten registration for the 20182019 school year. School system planners have told him that expedited boundary processes to make “slight, targeted” adjustments would allow for Lucketts and Cedar Lane elementary schools to have fullday kindergarten, Hornberger said. “If we do not adjust the policy in this instance, we have effectively taken away a tool to bring full-day kindergarten to at least these two schools and maybe others … and that’s a shame.” Eric DeKenipp (Catoctin), who is skeptical that any boundary changes would be minor, fears it would be another contentious process like the one that played out in Leesburg a year ago. “It would throw central Loudoun into chaos again. I don’t see how this is a feasible solution for full-day kindergarten,” he said. At DeKenipp’s suggestion, board members decided to push off a vote on the new policy until its next meeting in August. They asked senior staff members to provide more detail about which schools could be targeted for accelerated boundary changes, with the goal of expanding a full school day to more kindergartners. dnadler@loudounnow.com
26 after working as chief information officer for Albemarle County Public Schools in the Charlottesville area.
Executive Director of Planning Adamo’s retirement marks a major change for the Loudoun school system. For 20 years, he has been in charge of predicting enrollment growth—how many students will need seats, where they’ll need them, and when—during decades when Loudoun ranked among the fastest growing counties in the nation. “Clearly, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the volume of schools being built, but that’s all based on being able to project that growth and careful planning,” Williams said. “Our success in terms of planning and buildings being ready, generally speaking, is a result of the tremendous contributions that Dr. Adamo has made in his tenure here.” Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) jokingly apologized to a smiling Adamo for “bugging him” about boundaries even before he was elected to the board. “He is responsible for all of the enrollment projections—not for the growth,” Morse said. “He knows how contentious the boundary processes can be. If there is one man with a level head who could guide us through countless boundary changes, it is Sam. We sincerely appreciate all the knowledge and guidance you’ve provided over the years.” The position, along with 18 other administrative positions, is now advertised at lcps.org. dnadler@loudounnow.com
Class of 2017
The members of LSG’s Class of 2017 (a total of nine students) have been offered over $1,500,000 in scholarships from prestigious colleges and universities. And 90% of these students were accepted by their first choice college. Visit http://www.loudoungifted.org/college for more information on our one-of-a-kind college admissions program.
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Contartesi is retiring after working for five years as assistant superintendent for technology. He was the first to hold the position, then newly created by the board to help guide the division’s expansion of the Bring Your Own Technology program and other classroom technology initiatives. “The board knew we had a long way to go in terms of technology. You put us on a trajectory of where we needed to go,” Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) told Contartesi during last week’s meeting. He said that he used to frequently hear about computers breaking down and shoddy internet access. “I don’t hear that anymore, and I think that’s a wonderful thing. Of any single person in LCPS who is responsible for making that happen, it is you.” Vincent Scheivert has been hired for the position, under the new title of assistant superintendent for digital innovation. The title was changed “to reflect the spirit and focus of its work,” Williams said. Scheivert begins his new position July
• Thursday, June 14, 6 p.m., Rock Ridge High School at Rock Ridge High School; • Thursday, June 14, 7 p.m. Park View High School at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena; • Friday, June 15, 8 a.m. Riverside High School at Riverside High School; • Friday, June 15, 8 a.m., Woodgrove High School at Woodgrove High School;
Boundaries
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reveal undergarments and/or private areas” negates any need for specifying strap width. Plus, she added, it’s too difficult to mandate every type of blouse. “And we’re kind of saying that a thin-strapped top, like a camisole, is not professional. Well, yes, you can wear a camisole to work,” she said. Beth Huck (At Large) disagreed. “I don’t feel like a camisole is an appropriate piece of professional clothing.” Debbie Rose (Algonkian) said students are free to wear those outside of school. “But it’s inappropriate in an educational environment.” The final vote on the policy was 7-11, with Eric DeKenipp (Catoctin) opposed and Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge) absent. See the full language for the new dress code at LoudounNow.com/Education.
July 6 – 12, 2017
The School Board has settled on a new dress code that is in one sense stricter and in others more relaxed. Board members have been working with school principals to rework the policy that outlines what clothing is appropriate—and what’s banned— with the goal of creating a more consistent standard throughout the county’s 89 public schools. At their meeting last week, board members debated for several minutes whether to allow students to wear hats and spaghetti-strap tank tops. The policy that has been on the books gives school principals a lot of the leeway to determine what students can and cannot wear. For example, some high school principals allow hats, others don’t. But the board ultimately voted to allow hats in high schools, as long as
students’ faces are clearly visible. That decision goes against the recommendation of the school safety staff, who told the board hats make it difficult to identify students through the building’s camera systems. Vice Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling), who voted to prohibit hats, said it will now be left up to teachers to tell students to lift their hats so their faces are visible. “Now teachers will have to deal with this. … This is going to waste time in class,” she said. Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) and Debbie Rose (Algonkian), on the winning side of the debate, said they haven’t heard that the hats have caused any problems. The addition of a line specifying that tank tops must have at least a 1-inchwide strap also caused disagreement. Joy Maloney (Broad Run) told her colleagues that the new policy’s general language that states “clothing cannot
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Dr. Chad Parsons and Jackie Paige of Advanced Corrective Chiropractic display their Platinum award, the top prize in the Healthy Business Challenge.
7 Earn Top Honors in Healthy Biz Challenge Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Loudoun is fortunate enough to have a Foreign Trade Zone because Dulles Airport calls the county home.
Inside FTZ 137: ‘Hidden Champion’ of Loudoun’s Economy BY JOHN PATTERSON Foreign Trade Zone 137 turned 30 this year, and through decades of stimulating the region’s import-export business, it’s established a central yet little-known role in Loudoun’s economic development. A Foreign Trade Zone is an area, typically centered around a port, that U.S. Customs and Border Protections exempts from tariffs. Because of this, firms can import and export goods from the zone without paying duties. The local Foreign Trade Zone 137 is associated with Dulles Airport, and any company within a 60-mile radius of the airport can apply for Foreign Trade Zone status. Today, 137 has two tenants, who are both headquartered in Loudoun County: shipping company CDS Airfreight and tableware company Fortessa Tableware Solutions. Gene Rigoni, Fortessa’s chief op-
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Fortessa Tableware Solutions’ new headquarters in One Loudoun sits in the center of Foreign Trade Zone 137, a littleknown tool to spur Loudoun’s economic development.
erating officer, said the companies’ foreign competitiveness relies on importing products duty-free. “If we had received something and paid the tariff, then tried to export it again, it’s 33 per-
cent more expensive than somebody could’ve gotten it directly from China, Germany, or somewhere else.” For example, Fortessa can import flatware sets from a manufacturer in one country, and import fish knives from another country, then add the fish knives to the flatware sets at its Winchester operations center and then export the new set without paying any U.S. duty. “All that flatware comes from a country into the U.S., we don’t pay a duty on it, and we export it out so it’s still at that lower cost,” Rigoni said. According to Fortessa CEO Scott Hamberger, the money saved through the zone enables Fortessa to trade in international markets that would be impossible to compete in if it had to tack on a duty into its prices. “If you can’t offer [international conFTZ 137 >> 39
Nordstrom to Close Dulles Town Center Store While fashion giant Nordstrom is expanding in other markets, it announced last week plans to close its location at the Dulles Town Center mall. “In looking at the greater D.C. market, we feel we can serve our customers better at our other area stores and online,” Jamie Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom, stated. “We’ve been fortunate to build great relationships with our customers and employees at our Dulles Town Center store for the past 15 years however, our operating agreement is set to expire and closing this store is the best decision for us.” The store is scheduled to close Sept. 8. Many of the store’s 150 non-seasonal workers are expected to be offered jobs at Nordstrom’s other operations around the region, at the Tysons Corner Center,
Montgomery Mall in Maryland, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Annapolis Mall in Maryland and The Mall in Columbia in Maryland. The company also operates a dozen Nordstrom Rack stores around the region, including one in Sterling. Founded in 1901 as a Seattle shoe store, Nordstrom operates 354 stores in 40 states. It has opened 298 stores and closed 17 since 1990. “Our local market assets, our stores, salespeople, product and services, represent the core of our brand. We’re fortunate to have a high quality portfolio of full-line stores, with all of our stores open more than a year generating positive cash flow,” Nordstrom stated. The Dulles Town Center issued a statement highlighting the continuing strengths of the regional mall. “It
was announced today by Nordstrom that a decision has been made to close its smaller department store at Dulles Town Center in September after 15 years. During that time, the 1.4 million square foot mall has evolved in many ways to meet the ever-changing shopping and dining demands of its customers. In addition to traditional anchors Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney and Lord & Taylor, the mall includes Dick’s Sporting Goods, Havertys, LA Fitness and a 10-screen Regal multiplex theater that collectively serve the Loudoun County community,” the statement read. “Combined with 12 sit-down restaurants, including Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s, and over 30 total eateries, the vibrant 185-store Dulles Town Center remains the area’s top entertainment and retail shopping destination.”
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce presented the 2017 Healthy Business Awards last week at StoneSprings Hospital Center. In its fifth year, the program saw a record 93 businesses receive recognition for participating. The Healthy Business Challenge initiative was launched in 2013 to encourage, educate and recognize businesses that have adopted effective programs and policies to promote healthy work environments and choices among their employees. The challenge features an online scorecard where businesses earn credit for supporting their employees’ health. Seven businesses earned Platinum awards as the county’s “The Healthiest” employers: Fitness Design Solutions, LLC, entrepreneur category; Advanced Corrective Chiropractic, 2-5 employee category; Innovation Health, 6-10 employee category; Clerk of the Circuit Court, 11-49 employee category; Spring Arbor of Leesburg, 50-149 employee category; StoneSprings Hospital Center, 150-499 employee category; and Loudoun County Public Schools, 500+ employee category. A special event for companies interested in learning about ways to increase health and wellness in their business will be held Sept. 19, with winners from this year’s challenge making presentations. For a full list of all the companies that were recognized and more information about the Healthy Business Challenge initiative, go to loudounchamber.org.
Social House Opens in South Riding Social House Kitchen & Tap has opened in the Eastern MarBIZ BRIEFS >> 18
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<< FROM 16 ketplace Plaza in South Riding. “I’m very pleased that we have now launched Social House Kitchen and Tap and can offer the South Riding community a new gathering place for great food, lively entertainment and a superb atmosphere,” said restaurant owner, president and CEO Jim Speros. “Our patio, with our opening garage doors, gives the customer an indoor/ outdoor experience that is unique to South Riding. In addition, our worldclass beer selections, which incorporate many local Virginia breweries, are second to none in Northern Virginia. We look forward to accommodating and serving the Loudoun County community for years to come.” A grand opening celebration is being planned for late July.
StoneSprings Establishes Xi Robotic Training Site StoneSprings Hospital Center has established the only Xi Robotic Training Epicenter for general surgery in Northern Virginia. It is one of only 40 general surgery epicenters in the world and the second in Virginia. “I’m proud to be a part of the Epicenter at StoneSprings Hospital Center. This speaks volumes to the support of not only the surgical team, but also the administrative team here,” Dr. C. Bernard Cross stated. “Being an Epicenter allows us to help train fellow surgeons in advanced surgical techniques, which ultimately means helping more patients achieve minimally invasive surgery with excellent outcomes, less pain and return to normal life sooner.” Led by Cross, the center will host surgeons from across the nation as they study specialized surgical techniques by observing robotic surgeries in action in the da Vinci operating suite. “It’s our goal to remain at the forefront of surgical technology not only for the benefit of our surgeons, but also for our patients,” Dr. Timothy Shaver, medical staff president at StoneSprings Hospital Center, stated.
Job Fair Planned July 24 The Loudoun County Job Fair will be held Monday, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Co., 215 Loudoun St. SW in Leesburg. The event offers the opportunity to get face-to-face with dozens of employers. Participants are encouraged to bring résumés. Hundreds of positions are available, ranging from administrative assistants, communication specialists, full-time and seasonal openings, guest services, management positions, adjunct professors and faculty, admission representatives, military outreach, corporate outreach, marketing, IT, financial aid, cable installer trainees, security officers, management trainees, construction, machine operators, retail, food/ restaurant, drivers, dispatchers, heavy equipment operators, sales and many more.
For more information, email info@ relianthiring.com, call 800-572-9041 or go to loudounjobfair.com.
Workforce Resource Center Offers Readiness Workshops To help those searching for jobs, the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center will offer several special programs in July.
Workshops include: • 30-Second Commercial: 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 11, • Orientation to Center Services: 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 12; • Résumé 101: 9 a.m., Friday, July 14; • Navigating LinkedIn for New Users: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 19; • Your Transferable Skills: 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 25; • Successful Phone Interviewing: 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 26; and • Résumé 101: 12:30 p.m., Friday, July 28. All workshops are offered at no cost. For a description of each workshop and to register, go to loudoun.gov/ wrcworkshops.
CareNow to Open in Sterling Park CareNow Urgent Care will open its second clinic in Sterling, at 101 Enterprise St., on July 18. The company also operates a center at 46200 Potomac Run Plaza. CareNow is part of HCA Healthcare and is affiliated with Reston Hospital Center, StoneSprings Hospital Center and Dominion Hospital. An open house at the new clinic is planned for Monday, July 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Founded in 1993 in Dallas‐Fort Worth, CareNow has grown to become one of the largest urgent care networks in the country. HCA acquired CareNow in 2015.
Först Consulting Group Forms in Bluemont Construction dispute expert Matthew Furlong, of Bluemont, has established the Först Consulting Group to help resolve disputes about construction-related deficiencies among homeowners, builders and architects, and legal and insurance teams. “As a building contractor, I began to notice that a lot of homeowners began to come to me with questions about previous or current construction work, and I saw that there was a real need for a construction dispute expert when it came to resolving disputes or producing proof for legal cases,” Furlong stated. The company will provide forensic physical investigation of construction-related deficiencies, comprehensive reporting, litigation support, expert opinion and expert witness testimony, and code and contract analysis. More information can be found at forstconsultingllc.com.
19 July 6 – 12, 2017
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Loudoun Celebrate Red, White and Bl Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Thousands lined the streets of downtown Leesburg on Tuesday for the town’s annual parade. A long line of floats, flashy cars, fire engines, tractors and a few politicians made for a festive kick off for the Independence Day celebrations.
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk greets the crowd at the Leesburg Independence Day Parade.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
A Tinkus San Simon VA dancer reacts to applause from the crowd during Leesburg’s parade.
County Chairwoman Phyllis Rand in hand, was a familiar sight in c Loudoun during the holiday week
21 July 6 – 12, 2017
es the lue
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Scouts from Pack 39 toss candy to the crowd during Purcellville’s July 4th parade.
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From left, Mayor Roger Vance and Supervisors Geary Higgins and Tony Buffington lead a delegation down Rt. 9 during Hillsboro’s Independence Day Parade on Saturday.
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A father and daughter take a break before fireworks at the Lovettsville Community Center on Monday night.
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The Waterford Post Office was properly decked out as the community gathered on Monday for a concert and fireworks.
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The Marine Corps League color guard marches in Purcellville’s parade on Tuesday.
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VA Route 9 through Hillsboro was closed for an hour during the parade.
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dall, with bubble machine community parades around kend.
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[NONPROFIT ]
Special Needs Program Darby’s Dancers Comes to Ashburn Ashburn Academy of Dance, now in its 16th year, has announced that it is bringing nonprofit Darby’s Dancers to the studio. Darby’s Dancers is a nationwide program for special needs children. It was founded by the parents of Darby Jones, who was born with Down syndrome and found joy in dancing. The Darby’s Dancers program is funded 100 percent through donations, enabling special needs children to participate with tuition, costumes and dance shoes provided to them at no cost. Each dancer in the program will be paired with an Ashburn Academy of Dance dancer during the classes. “We are thrilled to be able to bring Darby’s Dancers to our studio,” said Anne Marie Kimmell, co-owner of Ashburn Academy of Dance. “Parents of special needs children have dealt with so much after receiving a diagnosis, and in many cases parents have to readjust what their hopes and dreams are for their children’s future. A program like this can restore a parent’s lost dream. Seeing their children onstage is so rewarding.” She said that the Darby’s Dancers program aligns with the dance studio’s motto: “Making great dancers… Making great people!” “We couldn’t be happier to enrich the lives of more members of our community,” Kimmell added. Two Ashburn Academy of Dance in-
Courtesy of Darby’s Dancers
Ashburn Academy of Dance is bringing the Darby’s Dancers program for special needs children to its studio starting this fall.
structors, Colleen Giardina and Katie Hooper, will be teaching the Darby’s Dancers classes this fall. Ashburn Academy of Dance offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary and aerial skills classes. They are currently accepting enrollment for summer and fall classes. Ashburn Academy of Dance is at 21690 Red Rum Drive, Suite 172 in Ashburn. They also offer classes in Purcellville at the Carver Center.
For more information about Darby’s Dancers or any of their other programs, visit ashburnballet.com or call 703-723-8089.
Rummage Sale Trailers Open This Week The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is officially accepting donations for its 79th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale.
Donations will be collected from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway in Lansdowne and Inova Loudoun Medical Campus – Leesburg, 224 Cornwall St. in Leesburg. Drop-off events will also take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Aug. 12, Sept. 9, and Sept. 30. Schedule a private drop-off by emailing RummageLadies@gmail.com or NONPROFIT >> 23
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calling 703-771-2985. The Ladies Board Rummage Sale is one of the largest sales events in the Mid-Atlantic, and it has been named the Best Annual Charity Event in Northern Virginia by the readers of Virginia Living magazine three years in a row. The Ladies Board accepts furniture, clothing, books, antiques, linens, lamps, sports equipment, and most general household items. Some items, including mattresses and large appliances, cannot be accepted. See donation guidelines at LadiesBoard.org/do-
nors.cfm. Organizers request that most items be packed in boxes with lids and flaps shut, and that clothing be packed plastic bags tied shut. All donations received will be offered for sale at the 79th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on Oct. 14-15 at Morven Park Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane near Leesburg. All net proceeds support Ladies Board projects in the community. The Ladies Board raises several hundred thousand dollars each year to support special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and pledged $1 million for the Cornwall Cares project. The Ladies Board awards more than $100,000 annually in nursing scholarships.
July 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12, 2017
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As a proud supporter of HeroHomes, Loudoun Valley Floors will donate a portion of sales from June 1 to Sept 30 to this admirable organization.
HeroHomes is a Loudoun County based, not-for-profit 501(c)3 foundation, building homes for wounded Veterans.
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Antique dolls line up at the 2016 Ladies Board Rummage Sale.
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U.S. Department of Justice
Kara Swankowski is presented with a U.S. Department of Justice Collaboration Award for her work in a Diplomatic Security Service investigation. Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Downtown Purcellville, 21st Street looking north. The town government wants to continue running its own tax billing and collections operation, as opposed to consolidating the efforts with the county.
Purcellville Won’t Join Consolidated Tax Collection Effort BY PATRICK SZABO
L
oudoun’s seven incorporated towns have been in talks with the county government about consolidating tax billing and collections efforts, but Purcellville has decided to not participate. The Town Council voted unanimously June 27 to not take part in the effort, which was intended to provide a way for Purcellville residents to pay one bill for both town and county taxes. The decision was made largely because of the town’s 2016 investment in the MUNIS system—a financial system that includes tax billing and collections. Town staff members said they want to focus on making the system as efficient and productive as possible with its current setup. Mayor Kwasi Fraser said the MUNIS system cost the town $400,000. Purcellville’s Treasurer and Director of Finance Elizabeth Krens said the staff is focused on implementing the MUNIS system and recommended they not take on the additional work of building a combined system with the county, at least not yet. She and other staff members urged the council to defer being a part of the
effort for a few more years, not only because of the investment in the town’s MUNIS system, but also for the convenience of residents. They said Purcellville is able to provide an extra level of customer service that might not be available in larger organizations. The staff report noted that folks in the town office are familiar with specific taxes, nuances of customer accounts and other challenging issues. There would have been up-front costs to participate in the consolidation effort, too. The town staff calculated these to be around $15,000. Under the plan, the county also would charge the towns one percent of the taxes collected to cover the costs of the program. According to staff ’s estimate, joining the effort would generate savings of $50,000 per year for the town, about $5.50 per resident. These savings would be created by a combination of additional revenue, hard cost savings and personnel time savings. In response to a request made by the council at the April 25 Town Council Meeting to get citizen feedback on the topic, town staff posted a polling question on the town’s website. Among 36 registered voters, 24 supported having the town join the consolidated billing effort. Most of the
comments on the poll, however, disagreed with it. One resident in favor wrote, “Save the money, the Town is already in a ridiculous amount of unnecessary debt. Whenever I have issues with the tax office in Loudoun, I have received prompt response versus a longer wait or voice mail game at the Town office.” A resident opposed to it wrote, “I think it would result in less accountability from the Town Council for our taxes. I like the idea of paying one bill but we need to keep this local.” While Purcellville will continue to employ the MUNIS system to bill and collect taxes, town council and staff both agreed that future participation in the county effort is not out of the question. “At some point, we may decide that this is a good decision for the town,” Krens said. “Until then, let’s let [the other towns] move through and work on the particular program and see that it actually works.” That delay could be costly. Krens said the county has now proposed an additional 10 percent fee for any town that joins the effort after the initial launch. For Purcellville, that penalty would be about an additional $1,500. pszabo@loudounnow.com
July 6 – 12, 2017
Parade Marshalls Celebrate Citizenship Serving as grand marshals of Hillsboro’s Independence Day parade on Saturday were Mohan and Pampha Shrestha. The couple immigrated from Nepal in 2008 and work at the town’s Hill Tom Market. Last May, Mohan became a U.S. citizen and his wife followed on June 17—Flag Day.
Swankowski Honored for Work in DEA Agent Prosecution Purcellville native Kara Swankowski, an intelligence research specialist with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General for her instrumental role in the successful investigation and prosecution of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent. The case involved a DEA resident agent in charge assigned to Monterrey, Mexico, who had made false statements to Department of State employees that resulted in the revocation of U.S. visas for two prominent Mexican citizens. During the investigation, Swankowski assisted special agents with two search warrants in Mexico and analyzed evidence that developed into leads during the investigation. She also provided additional analysis needed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute the case and worked with multiple agencies to have the false derogatory information removed from the victims’ visa files. For her work on the case, the DOJ OIG presented her with its Collaboration Award during a June 8 ceremony in the department’s headquarters building in Washington, DC. She is the daughter of Steve, a former DSS special agent, and Tammy Swankowski a 2008 graduate of Loudoun Valley High School. She attended Lynchburg College, where she graduated with a degree in communications. She began her career with the Diplomatic Security Service in 2012, analyzing investigative data for DSS’s Visa and Passport Analysis Unit, which investigates crimes pertaining to visa and passport fraud.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
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[ TOWN BRIEFS ] Council Delays Fiscal Impact Model Talks
ROUND HILL Bank Building Foreclosure Halted The owner of two of Round Hill’s largest commercial buildings filed
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
The former bank building on Main Street in Round Hill.
bankruptcy last week, just days before a scheduled foreclosure. The former bank building, at 21 Main St., was scheduled for a public foreclosure auction on Friday morning. However, the owner MAR MEG LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection two days earlier. The company, which also owns the Patterson Building at 1 W. Loudoun St., listed assets of $1 million to $10 million and liabilities of $500,000 to $1 million in its filing with the Eastern District of Virginia bankruptcy court. The former bank building, which is vacant, is listed for sale or lease with Landmark Group Commercial Real Estate. It has an assessed value of $901,610. Other commercial buildings in town are also seeing changes. Veterinarian Valerie Campbell in
Round Hill Appalachian Trail Committee to Form Two community meetings are planned to encourage residents to join the effort to establish the town as an Appalachian Trail Community. The program is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the Appalachian Trail and encourage economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation along the corridor. The Round Hill A.T. Committee will work to submit the application to become an A.T. Community and develop future A.T. programs/projects. Two meetings are scheduled to accommodate peoples’ schedules and vacations: July 20 at 9 a.m. and July 27 at 6:30 p.m. Both will be held at the Town Office, 23 Main St. Those wishing to participate but who are unable to attend the meetings may contact Melissa Hynes at mhynes@roundhillva.org to set up an individual meeting.
Loudoun Now is adding to its small, dedicated newspaper team. We’re looking for advertising sales executives who value the mission of community journalism and the marketing power the newspaper’s print and online products offer to area businesses. There’s a veteran support team in place to help, but we’re looking for self-starters and go-getters.
If that’s you, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sstyer@loudounnow.com
Life Leaves a Mark
LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS | PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION
The Purcellville Town Council last week agreed to push until July 25 its debate over the merits of developing a fiscal impact model to better quantify the impacts of development proposals. The delay was made to give council members more time to review town staff ’s information about the project. Town staff has recommended to the council that it approve the revision of the Comprehensive Plan Update contract to include additional services for the creation of this fiscal impact model, which would allow the town to review proposed development to see if it would be fiscally positive or negative. The council has already approved $50,000 for the model in its adopted fiscal year 2018 budget. To create the model, Purcellville has been in negotiations with TischlerBise, a fiscal, economic and planning consulting firm. “I think the tool is needed,” said Councilman Doug McCollum. “I think it’s money well spent.”
July 6 – 12, 2017
May purchased the former Round Hill Grocery store following the deaths of longtime owners Robert and Frances Milligan. The store is expected to reopen this fall, following renovations. Also on the market for sale is the Old Furniture Store on West Loudoun Street. Wally Johnson and Carolyn Kruger have listed the building for sale after opening and running the Round Hill Design Studio there for 14 years.
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but it doesn’t have to be permanent
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July 6 – 12, 2017
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Air Time Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Sunny, a miniature Australian shepherd/border collie mix, practices her disc fetching with Kathy and Andy Moore ahead of the Appalachian Air Canines Flying Frisbee Fest Saturday.
K
athy and Andy Moore are founding members of the Appalachian Air Canines disc dog club and organizers of the annual Flying Frisbee Fest slated for July 8 in Lovettsville, featuring up to 40 human/ canine teams showing off cool tricks and great catches. The Moores, who live near Lovettsville with two human kiddos and four pups, have been putting on the fest for 13 years and will also be competing with their partners Star and Sunny. In the world of disc dogs, herding breeds are valued for their intensity and intelligence, and the Moores are partial to border collies and Australian shepherds. Andy teams up with Star, a lean border collie, whose speed and accuracy help her rack up points at every competition. Kathy works with Sunny, a miniature Australian shepherd/border collie mix who’s skilled at the jumps and freestyle tricks that fans love. “When you see the world class champions, most of the time they’re members of the herding group,” Andy said. “However there’s no hard and fast rule. We’ve seen all kinds of breeds compete at a world class level and in our club.” Visitors at AAC competitions can check out amazing moves from a range of breeds including Labrador retrievers, pointers, shelties, pit bulls, standard poodles and plenty of mutts. And dogs are only part of the equation. Disc dog competitions also require plenty of skill and training on the part of human handlers.
The Flying Canine Frisbee Fest BY JAN MERCKER
Don’t think dogs can fly? This weekend a group of incredibly agile canines will prove you wrong.
Star
Sunny
“It’s absolutely teamwork—it has to be good on both sides,” Andy said. Disc dogs have always been a big part of the Moores’ life together. The couple met when they were competing with National Capital Air Canines disc club. In the late ’90s, Andy got involved with the disc dog scene through a co-worker and adopted his longtime border collie partner, Jessie. Meanwhile, Kathy found her talented Aussie, Jazz, through a Maryland breeder and joined the club in 2000. Jazz and Jessie were even included in their handlers’ 2005 wedding. “They walked down the aisle with us,” Andy said. “They were the ring bearers.” The Moores’ honeymoon was a trip to the Skyhoundz world championship competition in Atlanta where the super talented Jazz was a competitor. “Jazz was a natural,” Kathy said. “I always say I was her handicap.” Meanwhile the NCAC club had disbanded, and the Moores and some other members launched Appalachian Air Canines in 2004, seeking a more laid back approach than some other highly competitive clubs. In the world of disc dog competitions, AAC is relatively relaxed despite regularly hosting some world class competitors at its events. “We get out there and we’re competitive. … But we make it fun and it’s laid back,” Kathy said. The more relaxed atmosphere and shorter competitions were also a plus when the Moores’ twins Claire and Stanley were born in 2007. The brother FRISBEE FEST >> 27
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Frisbee Fest
July 6 – 12, 2017
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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Sunny is known for her jumps and freestyle tricks.
AAC encourages new competitors in the beginner’s division, and non-members are welcome to compete for a small registration fee to help cover costs. “We love people to come out and try it,” Andy said. “We want people to do well and have fun.” jmerker@loudounnow.com
For more information, go to aircanines.com.
N C P ow lu r Be b D iori in ep ty gA o cc sits ep te d
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competitors can earn points in three separate challenges: toss/fetch (canine/ human teams see how many catches they can make in 60 seconds); freestyle (an observer favorite where teams execute cool tricks and are scored on presentation, athleticism, wow factor and success/accuracy—or PAWS); and a third accuracy challenge usually left up to the discretion of the event organizer.
THE APPALACHIAN AIR CANINES FLYING FRISBEE FEST takes place Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Turnpike in Lovettsville. Entry fee for non-members is $10, and the event is free for spectators.
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and sister have grown up attending disc events and have can even hold their own in competition. “I like it when I throw the Frisbee and see the dog catch it because they’re so graceful,” said 10-year-old Claire, who recently earned third place in the club’s beginner division. As Jazz and Jessie reached the end of their lives in the past few years, the Moores brought on new partners Sunny and Star who are becoming seasoned competitors. The Moore household is rounded out by Tango, a gorgeous Aussie who’s a great family dog but has no interest in discs, Kathy said, and 4-month-old Aussie Rex, a promising competitor who Kathy is training with rolling discs and short throws. AAC generally hosts one competition each month during the season which runs from March through October. Events are held in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, including some great locations in Loudoun in past years: Great Country Farms, Oatlands Historic House and Gardens and at area wineries. The Moores’ July event held each year at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association is a fun annual tradition for club members and also attracts new competitors and plenty of spectators. Teams are scored in several challenges and rack up points throughout the season to compete for the cumulative Club Cup. There are also a champion and reserve champion for each individual competition. At each event,
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A SHBURN
[ THINGS TO DO ]
Saturday, July 15 2 - 8 p.m. Fireman’s Field
OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW July 6 – 12, 2017
LIVE MUSIC MUSIC UNDER THE STARS IN THE GAP: OTR BAND Friday, July 7, 6:30, lawn opens, 7:30, music begins; Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. Details: oldstoneschool.org Hillsboro’s ongoing Friday evening concert series hosts Off The Record, a powerhouse cover band playing the best of the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and contemporary hits. Concerts are free. Food, beer, wine and ice cream will be available for sale.
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Entry tickets include a wine glass & tasting tickets.
Saturday, July 8, 6-9:30 p.m.; Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. Details: tarara.com Grab a bottle and enjoy one of the region’s favorite 80s tribute shows. Tickets are $20 in advance.
Saturday, July 8, 7-9 p.m.; Leesburg Town Green, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: acousticonthegreen.com
Hosted by the Town of Purcellville in partnership with the following sponsors:
Courtesy of Jason Masi
WWW.PurcellvilleWineAndFood.com
TARARA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE LEGWARMERS
ACOUSTIC ON THE GREEN: CAL EVERETT SINGS THE BEATLES
VIP Packages available.
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE:
The latest installment in the Music On The Heights house concert series features Trawick an his band, whose material ranges from folk/ bluegrass to hip hop and funk. Snacks and beverages will be served. Suggested donation is $15 to $20 with all proceeds going to the artists. Contact the organizers for the address.
LIVE MUSIC: JASON MASI
Singer, songwriter and recording artist Cal Everett has been perfecting the pop music formula for decades. He’s joined by Tom Lofgren and Todd Wright for a harmonious tribute to The Beatles. The event is free and open to the public. Pets, alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
Friday, July 7, 6 p.m.; Greenhill Winery And Vineyards, 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg. Details: greenhillvineyards.com The acoustic soul/R&B songwriter is a DMV favorite.
HEROHOMES LOUDOUN BENEFIT SHOW Saturday, July 8, 4-10 p.m.; Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. Details: herohomesloudoun.org Classic rock and blues band the Virginia HipNecks headlines a benefit for the non-profit HeroHomes Loudoun which builds houses for disabled veterans.
Courtesy of 2 Pound Sterling
LIVE MUSIC: 2 POUND STERLING Saturday, July 8, 2-5 p.m.; North Gate Vineyard, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville. Details: northgatevineyard.com This rocking duo mixes Irish, folk, pop and country favorites--with originals peppering their set list.
BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES: THE TATERS Sunday, July 9, 7-9 p.m.; Loudoun County Courthouse, 18 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: bluemont.org Courtesy of Justin Trawick
HOUSE CONCERT: JUSTIN TRAWICK AND THE COMMON GOOD Saturday, July 8, 7:30-10 p.m.; Ashburn. Details: facebook.com/ musicontheheights
An eclectic mix of roots rock, pop, country and Americana with influences ranging from the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, The Beatles, and Nick Lowe. Requested donation is $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont friends and seniors
MORE THINGS TO DO >> 29
admin@middleburghumane.org
www.middleburghumane.org
and $2 for children 12 and under.
LOCO CULTURE LEESBURG FIRST FRIDAY Friday, July 7, 6-9 p.m.; downtown Leesburg. Details: leesburgfirstfriday.com
POLO IN THE PARK Saturday, July 8, 6 p.m., gates open, 7 p.m., matches begin; Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg. Details: morvenpark.org Enjoy a great summer night with two polo matches, picnicking and dancing. Car passes are $35 in advance, $40 in cash at the gate.
ARTIST’S RECEPTION: JANE COONCE Sunday, July 9, 4-6 p.m.; North Gate Vineyard, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville. Details: northgatevineyard.com The award-winning Northern Virginia artist works primarily in oils, pastels and terra cotta and is known for the luminescent quality of her works and her skill at capturing the interplay of water and sky. The show runs through Sept. 25.
AN AFTERNOON IN ALDIE Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m.; The Institute Farm, 22265 Oatlands Road, Aldie. Details: mosbyheritagearea.org The Mosby Heritage Area Association hosts tours of The Institute Farm (now the home of the National Beagle Club) and the Furr Farm near Aldie. Historians at each site will cover a variety of topics relating to the Civil War, agricultural history, historic preservation, and beagling. Tickets are $30 for MHAA members, $40 for nonmembers.
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: BIZARRE AND SURREAL Sunday, July 9, 1-3 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter.org
WITH THE KIDS FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE AT LANSDOWNE: “THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS”
Start off with pre-show fun including a fountain, face painters, moon bounce and crafts followed by the movie. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, July 8, 8:15 p.m; Walker Pavilion, 11 Spring Farm Drive, Lovettsville. Details: lovettsvilleva.gov Lovettsville’s weekly movie/concert series features the award-winning animated film about a 12-year-old boy on a search for his father’s magical suit of armor.
ON STAGE “FAME: THE MUSICAL” Friday, July 7, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 8, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 9, 2:30 p.m.; Loudoun Valley High School 340 N. Main St., Purcellville. Details: lvtheatre.org Loudoun Performing Arts, a summer stock theater for local high school students, presents this highenergy musical about students at a performing arts high school. Tickets are $10 and are available online.
Honey 7.5 yr. old, Rottweiler
Joanie 8.5 yr. old, Calico DSH, Special Needs
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. 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.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
“MY FAVORITE SINGS” Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m.; Sterling Library, 22330 S. Sterling Blvd., Sterling. Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach Theatre for Young Audiences presents an interactive, family-oriented storybook cabaret, “My Favorite Sings” featuring characters based on recent popular animated films who get mixed up in the wrong stories. Event is free and open to the public.
NIGHTLIFE ‘90S PARTY WITH AS IF Friday, July 7, 7 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyhotheater.com The best in ‘90s rock, hip hop and pop from a regional favorite. Tickets are $10 in advance.
LIVE MUSIC: COLIN THOMPSON Friday, July 7, 9 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Slide guitar virtuoso and son of Americana great Randy Thompson, Colin Thompson is a rising star in his own right, known for his inventive style. No cover.
LIVE MUSIC: HEARTBREAKER Saturday, July 8, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyhotheater.com
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At Hillsboro’s Old Stone School 2017 Summer Concert Series
Music Under the Stars in The Gap FRI., JULY 7
THE OTR BAND Covers of the best ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and contemporary hits.
Lawn opens at 6:30 p.m. Performances begin at 7:30 (indoor stage for inclement weather)
Concerts are FREE (Donations Encouraged)
All Proceeds Benefit the Preservation of Hillsboro’s Old Stone School
THE GAP STAGE 37098 Charles Town Pike Hillsboro, VA 20134 For more information, 540-486-8001 or info@thegapstage.com
Special thanks to our signature sponsors ...
loudounnow.com
Friday. July 7, 6:30-10:30 p.m.; Lansdowne Town Center, 19286 Promenade Drive, Lansdowne. Details: shoplansdownetowncenter.com
LOVETTSVILLE SUMMER ON THE GREEN: “KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS”
Celebrate Franklin Park’s new exhibit featuring work in a range of media that reflect the theme bizarre and surreal. You’re sure to discover something interesting!
Courtesy IMDB.com
LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS | PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION
Lots of live music, gallery openings, wine tastings and other activities. This month features live music at the brand new Captain Catoctin’s crab house.
July 6 – 12, 2017
(540) 364-3272
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[ THINGS TO DO ]
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[ THINGS TO DO ]
July 6 – 12, 2017
OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW
loudounnow.com
<< FROM 29 Rock out with a tribute to ‘70s supergroups Heart and Led Zeppelin. Tickets are $10 in advance.
LIBATIONS BREAUX VINEYARDS KEY WEST FEST Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. Details: breauxvineyards.com Breaux’s popular annual fest features live reggae music from The Archives followed by The Beach Bumz. The event features children’s activities, wine tastings, craft vendors and islandinspired food for sale. Tickets are $16
in advance, $20 at the gate.
DIRT FARM BREWING SECOND ANNIVERSARY Saturday, July 8, noon-6 p.m.; Dirt Farm Brewery, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com
StageCoach TC Offers Storybook Cabaret This month, StageCoach Theatre for Young Audiences presents an interactive, family-oriented storybook cabaret, “My Favorite Sings” at two libraries and at a special benefit performance at the Hillsboro Old Stone School. Jennifer “Addie” Schafer, a classroom teacher at the Hillsboro Charter Academy and a regular StageCoach performer, wrote and directed “My Favorite Sings,” a oneact, all-ages cabaret featuring characters based on recent popular animated films who get mixed up in the wrong stories. This original cabaret runs Sunday, July 9 and Sunday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at the new Sterling Library. StageCoach offers two performances Saturday, July 15 at noon and 3 p.m. at Cascades Library. Library performances are free and open to the public, and no reservations are required. On Sunday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m., the show travels to the Hillsboro Old The popular farm brewery celebrates two years with the release of its new Purple Drank (come early) and music from the Short Hill Mountain Boys from 1 to 5 p.m.
Courtesy of StageCoach Theatre Company
Stone School for a benefit for Hillsboro Charter Academy, Loudoun’s second public charter school. General admission ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages
COMING UP PURCELLVILLE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Saturday, July 15, 2-8 p.m.; Fireman’s Field, 250 S. Nursery Ave. Purcellville. Details: purcellvillewineandfood.com
3-11. Guests 2 years old and younger are free. Tickets are available at stagecoachtc.com. Doors open 30 minutes before show start time for all performances. Enjoy a showcase of wineries, breweries and food, along with live entertainment and artisans. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the gate.
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[OBITUARIES] Mrs. Florence Jonas Ohirok
James Junior “Buck” Tumblin
Mrs. Florence Jonas Ohirok, 85 of Hemet, California, formerly of Ashburn, VA passed on Thursday, May 25, 2017.
James Junior “Buck” Tumblin, a life-long resident of Loudoun County passed away suddenly on July 1st, 2017 surrounded by loved ones. Though he had many medical challenges, his passing was still a shock to those who loved him most, and he fought until the end of his life here on earth.
Florence was born Tuesday, March 1, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the only daughter of the late Edward and Ernestine McLellan. A very active lady, Florence had many careers including the medical field as an EKG Technician, and later as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. She had a master’s degree in fine art for which she had a passion for painting multi-media including paper and canvas. Married in 2010, Florence was the wife of the late Theodore Ohirok, who passed in October of 2016. For 53 years, she was the wife of John Joseph Jonas who preceded her in death 2008. Florence leaves her family to cherish her memory including daughters, Patricia E. Jonas of Stephens City, VA, Kathleen Jonas of Ashburn, VA, son, John A. Jonas of Goshen, NY, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild with a 2nd on the way. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel located at 158 Catoctin Circle, SE Leesburg, Virginia 20175 with the Rev. Jim Burch officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA. Memorial contributions may be sent to American Heart Association 4217 Park Place Court Glen Allen, VA 23060. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
Wesley Barton O’Quinn,50,
of Leesburg, VA, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017. He leaves his family to cherish his memory including his mother, Eloise Day of Grantville, GA; his sister Cindy Peaden and her husband Harry Jr.; eight aunts and uncles; three nephews, Harry Peaden III, Johnny Peaden, and Taylor Peaden; and one niece, Nancy Suiugan, plus many friends. He is predeceased by his father Bartow O’Quinn. A memorial service was held to celebrate Wesley’s life on June 30, 2017 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel with Harry Peaden Jr. officiated. Interment will be held at a later date in Georgia Memorial Park in Marietta, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a Go Fund Me set up in Wesley Barton O’Quinn’s name to assist with his families expenses Please share condolences with the family at www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com.
Brian James Rosati passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017 in Leesburg, VA. Beloved husband of Lorraine R. Rosati and brother of Tom Rosati. Friends may call on Thursday, July 6 from 2-4pm and 6-9pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, Va. 20175. A mass of Christian burial will be offered on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11am at St. Theresa Catholic Church 21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA. Please share online condolences with the family at www. loudounfuneralchapel.com.
Buck is survived by his wife, Linda Tumblin (née Church); his children, James “Bucky” Tumblin (Renea), Linda Walsh, Mark Tumblin (Gianna); his grandchildren, Corey Tumblin, Christopher Goode, Kirstin Walsh, Kensley Tumblin & Rowan Tumblin; his sister Betty Virts and countless other extended family. He is predeceased by his parents, and brothers; Tommy Tomblin and Joe Tomblin. Buck was born in Bluemont on February 15th, 1945 to Herbert Tumblin Sr. and Frances Tumblin (née Welch). He worked as a volunteer fire fighter at Round Hill Fire Department and spent many years as a foreman and heavy machine operator for various local construction firms. On April 20th, 1965 he married Linda, whom he met while working at HH Kelly. Even at the ages of 20 and 17, Buck and Linda knew they wanted to be together always, and spent the next 52 years raising their three children and being involved in sports and various other extra-curricular activities their kids participated in. Later in life, he enjoyed the time spent with his five grandchildren, teaching them about Bonanza and John Wayne. Buck could often be found driving his old black Ford pickup around town searching for “treasures”, and was happy to bring his findings home to work on and rehome. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and made it his mission to watch every western movie ever made. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 8th, 2017 with visitation beginning at 1pm and the service following at 2pm, both located at Halls Funeral Home in Purcellville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Round Hill Rescue & Fire Department located at 4 Main Street, Round Hill, VA 20141.
[ D E AT H N O T I C E S ]
Lorie B. Terry passed away June 29,
2017, at her home in Ashburn, VA. She is survived by her husband, Donald, and four children: David Terry (Talia) of Ashburn, VA, Rachel Gwilliam (Burt) of Herndon, VA, Rebekah Stay (Benjamin) of Greensboro, NC, and Sarah Porter (Jayce) of Martinez, GA. She is also survived by her brother, Jeffrey Buchholz (Kerrie), of Murrie-
Fountains of Living Water
(Non-denomination, Full Gospel)
Meeting at: Sterling Middle School 201 W. Holly Ave. Sterling,VA 20164 Sunday 10:15am www.fountainsoflivingwater.org (703) 433-1481 “Whoever believes in me (Jesus)... streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38
ta, CA, her stepmother, Pat Buchholz, and 11 grandchildren. Her parents, Lawrence Buchholz and Marian Guillermety, and a brother, John Buchholz, preceded her in death. The Terry family will receive friends between 9:00 am and 10:00 am on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
21015 Claiborne Parkway, Ashburn, Virginia 20148, where funeral services will immediately follow at 10:00 am. Interment will follow the service at Union Cemetery, Leesburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Loudoun Library Foundation, Inc., by mail at LLF, P.O. Box 104, Leesburg, VA 20148 or online at www.razoo.com/story/Phh3eg
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WANTED Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers
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JOIN THE TEAM
Loudoun Now is adding to its small, dedicated newspaper team. We’re looking for advertising sales executives who value the mission of community journalism and the marketing power the newspaper’s print and online products offer to area businesses. There’s veteran support team in place to help, but we’re looking for self-starters and go-getters. If that’s you, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sstyer@loudounnow.com
In Print Weekly. Online Always.
Contact (703) 770-9723 to place your employment ad.
Classifieds AUTOMOBILES WANTED Looking to buy an old foreign project car in any condition, running or not. Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and much more!
Neat, professional appearance Call (703) 304-8134
We also have openings in our Ashburn, Lansdowne, Cornwall and Purcellville offices. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits. Please send your resume to lgray@ lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-7260804, attention Lisa.
Crossword
Loudoun Now Classifieds In the mail weekly. Online always.
(703) 770-9723
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Fast and easy transaction, cash on the spot. If you have any of these or any other old cars sitting around please call me at 703-819-2698.
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Large family practice in Loudoun County seeking FT LPN’s or MA’s for our new site located in the professional building at Stone Springs Hospital in Aldie, VA.
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We need Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers for our 201718 school year. If you are interested in working part-time in a fun, loving, Christian environment with preschoolers, please contact Janet Stayrook, Preschool Director, at (703) 777-8439 or send your resume to her email: jgostay@ comcast.net. Thank you.
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[ OPINION ]
loudounnow.com
36
Addressing The Crisis Next week in a Dallas suburb, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman will be presented with a national award for leadership from D.A.R.E. America, the organization that for 34 years has led
It’s a rare achievement, but one that reflects the progress this coun-
OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW July 6 – 12, 2017
the effort to give students the basic tools to avoid drug abuse. ty has made in coping with the opioid crisis. When Sheriff Chapman came to office in 2012, addiction and overdoses were already on the rise, but largely under the radar of the general public. The families involved didn’t discuss it and those in law enforcement remained focused on the crime. As the problem continued to grow, to his credit, Sheriff Chapman played a leading role in changing both. Today, he is among a bipartisan group of elected leaders who have rallied to raise awareness of the crisis, change the stigma long associated with addiction, and implement life-saving first aid protocols. In the classroom, the D.A.R.E. program—a frequent target of programmatic cuts by previous boards of supervisors—has been expanded to middle schools. For parents, there have been numerous public forums to share information and to hear the heartbreaking stories shared by too many families. Rescue crews and deputies responding to overdose calls now carry the tools that reverse an otherwise fatal outcome. The dangers of opioid addiction are only increasing, with heroin replacing prescription pain medications as the accessible drug of choice. Adding to that inherent danger is more the frequent appearance of stronger synthetic pain killers and tranquilizers that are lacing the street drugs. The crisis continues to evolve. Through the work of the Sheriff ’s Office and many of Loudoun’s elected representatives, the county is better equipped to combat opioid addictions than most other communities. In its decision to honor Sheriff Chapman, D.A.R.E. America is putting a national spotlight on those efforts. However, while being held up as an example to others, those on the front line here at home know there is much more that needs to be done.
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
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[ LETTERS ] Appreciating Local Heroes Editor: A preschooler can tell you what a firefighter does—they put out fires. But most of us don’t realize just how stressful the life of a firefighter is. First off, fighting fires is just a small portion of what they do. According to Mick Mayers, a firefighter for several decades, “We not only run to fires, but to any other type of emergency that the public needs to be taken care of. When people run out of options, they call the fire department.” They find themselves called to assist in emergency births, rescuing animals and even fixing pipes, because they are the department available in a crisis. The reason they are available is because they work intense hours, 24-hour shifts at a time, on call for the entirety of their shift—day and night. They spend some holidays and weekends away from their family, because emergencies can occur at any time. As if that wasn’t enough, according to the U.S. Fire Department website, 71 percent of firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers. These amazing men and women risk their lives, sacrifice their sleep, and choose to be away from their families all so they can be available if there is an emergency. Most people, if asked, would say they appreciate their fire department. But how many people take the time to let their local fire department know that? Loudoun Coupons for Hope teamed up with St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church’s Small Hands Big Hearts Family ministry to make sure that our local station knew it. Ava Lane, 8 years old, donated the profits from her lemonade stand to help purchase ice cream for the firefighters. Loudoun Coupons for Hope helped stretch Ava’s donation budget to purchase as much ice cream as we could! After all the coupons and shopping, we showed up with a sweet treat for our firefighters, and gave them their own little ice cream party, plus gave them cards hand made by the kids expressing our thanks and appreciation for their dedication to keeping our community safe. Thank you, Sterling Fire Department, as well as other fire stations around the world that we couldn’t visit in person.
We appreciate you. — Lisa Olsen, board member Loudoun Coupons for Hope
Critical Services Editor: On behalf of the Loudoun Human Services Network, we are appreciative of the many positive comments made by the Loudoun Board of Supervisors in support of the services and programs we provide to the Loudoun community. We also greatly appreciate that our county and the board understand the importance of investing in our organizations by allocating funding for fiscal year 2018, and for their time and energy spent each year in refining the process. We are proud of the diverse and essential human services our members provide to thousands of Loudoun residents. Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in the health of our Loudoun community. We provide critical services, opportunities for members of the community to become involved through volunteerism, and a voice to those whose needs have been hidden. We pioneer solutions to social challenges. We are productive, reliable, effective and responsive and we save lives, restore independence, ensure safety, help children grow up strong and healthy, and ensure individuals are engaged and participatory members of our community. We strongly reiterate our recommendation that the county form a Human Services Advisory Council. This public-private partnership, composed of nonprofit leaders, county administration and other county staff, including key county departments such as the Departments of Family Services, Health, and Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services, will be an intentional and effective avenue to provide formal recommendations regarding the nonprofit grant process, address human service needs in Loudoun County, and identify annual priorities as they relate to funding for human services. — Carol G. Jameson, Chairwoman Loudoun Human Services Network
PARENTING WITH A PURPOSE
37
BY NEIL MCNERNEY
K
It doesn’t matter to teens these days. It is the message that matters, not the medium. We as parents get caught up on how the message was delivered instead of the message, just like our parents were worried that we would lose all social skills because we spent so much time on the phone instead of talking face-to-face. Can texting transmit the same amount of information as a conversation? Absolutely not. Faceto-face conversations transmit so much more data. Are kids becoming stunted because there is less face-to-face time? Not in my experience. Kids these days are going to do amazing things with their social connections. We parents are worried that it will get in the way of their success. We worry, just like every generation before us. In my opinion, we worry too much. Our strength, as parents, lies in our ability to inspire and lead our kids. Our strength doesn’t lie in our worry for our kids. We should be focusing our energies on encouraging them and less on worrying about them. Neil McNerney is a licensed counselor in private practice in Leesburg and author of Homework – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Out Without Freaking Out! He can be reached at neil@ neilmcnerney.com.
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ids these days are entitled, spoiled, have low attention spans, and are completely self-centered. This is what we hear all over the internet and TV these days. Article after article focuses on the fear we should have of the younger generation because of their selfishness and inability to focus. As someone who spends hours in conversation each day with kids and teens, I think I have a unique perspective on the issue. One of the rules I have during my counseling sessions is that they have to put down their phones. I know, I am a tyrant. But that allows me to have an understanding of how complex and insightful kids tend to be these days. Our worries about the next generation are not new. I remember my parents’ generation saying similar things in the 70s: Technology will rot your brain. Of course, they didn’t use the word “technology.” It was television that would rot our brains. Although not the healthiest pastime, I think we can agree that our brains did not rot. So why do we worry so much? I think there are two reasons. The first is that our media-driven society thrives on fear and worry. The way to get people to watch the news, or read an article, is to make them worry about the situation. This feeds into our already existing worries as a parent.
The second reason we worry so much is a lack of understanding. Just like every generation before us, we worry about what we don’t understand. Take, for instance, Swiss scientist Conrad Gessner. He was worried about new technology and spoke out strongly against information overload. He worried that the modern world would overwhelm people with data and that it would confuse and harm their minds. Dr. Gessner died in 1565. What technology was he worried about? The printing press. Strangely enough, there was great alarm in the 1500s about the printing press. People were afraid that everyone would spend all their time walking around with their noses in books. Sound familiar? I take a different view of kids these days. I think they are amazing individuals who are going to do things with their lives that will be stunning. Kids these days, in my opinion, are smarter, more driven and more connected than any generation previously. The problem is that we don’t really understand how radically different they view relationships. For instance, I often notice a new type of confusion in parents about how their kids communicate with their friends. I recall hearing a conversation between a father and his son. The son was sharing a story about talking with a friend and his father interrupted by asking, “Did you ‘talk’ with her or text her? Was it face-to-face?” The teen got annoyed and said: “It doesn’t matter!”
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Metro tax << FROM 1 next 10 years. The tax hike would be expected to generate $650 million annually. The proposal has generated little enthusiasm, especially in Virginia where consumers would be picking up about half of the tab. Early critic Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), who serves as MWCOG’s vice chairman, dismissed the proposal as dead on arrival. In his constituent newsletter in May, he wrote, “Quite frankly, the chances of the General Assembly approving such a tax, and then each locality adopting it, are virtually zero.” The Council of Governments report estimates that under a sale tax funding model, Northern Virginia alone would pick up about half the cost of Metro,
Lohr << FROM 3 tenure—planning and development of large tracts that had been set aside by the town council and planning commission in the 1980s; establishing zoning for industrial and office use areas; the unprecedented growth spurt of the early 2000s that saw the town’s population grow by 400 percent in eight years; capital improvement projects of more than $60 million in facility upgrades, including building a new wastewater treatment plant and the struggle to meet the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay; expanding water supplies; the acquisition by the town of two iconic landmarks—Fireman’s Field and the Bush Tabernacle, and the Purcellville Train Station; completion of the 20-year Downtown Streetscapes project; and the successful push to secure a triple-A bond rating. When he first arrived in town, Lohr recalled, “I hoped to be able to serve for five years if lucky and that turned into a marvelous career that spanned almost 25 years.” In the recollection of longtime members of the community, several characteristics stood out in Lohr’s tenure: his willingness to sit down with anyone to discuss problems, his immediate participation in community activities, and his insistence on service and keeping the public informed. Former council members vividly remembered that first meeting when Lohr interviewed for the job. Then Councilwoman Beverly MacDonald Chiasson said she found him “very impressive,” a recollection also echoed by former Councilman Paul Arbogast. She was a brand-new member of the council, and remembered Lohr immediately wanted to start work on a budget. He told the departments to send him their initial figures, and was nonplussed by the response to his request, according to Chiasson. “What do you mean—we’ve never done one past two pages?” While the reaction was funny, Chiasson said the town was in bad shape at the time. “We had no money, and I remember at one of our first council meetings
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) introduced a resolution that would formally oppose a 1-cent sales tax increase.
with Maryland the District of Columbia splitting the rest. Loudoun would
generate 10 percent of Metro tax revenue, despite having only three stops,
there was discussion about how to get a loan to meet payroll,” she said. “The state was fining us for the wastewater plant, which we had to replace, and we only had one first-class [plant] operator. Plus, the town’s dam was ready to break.” Lohr advised members they needed to put money into infrastructure and staffing, and, in a signature move, told them they needed to make sure residents were aware of the town’s actions. Chiasson recalled his firm but positive attitude. “He gave us a budget recommending what he thought we should do—but he also always gave us alternatives if we didn’t follow his recommendations. He was always very clear—it made our lives so much easier.” Arbogast agreed. “We needed him; we had not been able to raise anyone’s pay, and every time we trained people for jobs at the wastewater treatment plant, we couldn’t keep them.” Lohr had good ideas, he recalled. “I also remember asking him if, as a town manager in the case of a major problem, such as a water main break— would he jump down into the trench.” The answer was a positive “yes.”
pride among the staff, stressing the need to provide excellent service—and he made it clear he didn’t want them if they weren’t prepared to live up to that standard.” Bill Murphy, owner of Valley Energy, was struck by Lohr’s professionalism. “His management skills were impeccable.” “He believed in being prepared. He had the town in a state of readiness for every emergency—whether it was blizzards, power outages—and he’d call us to make sure we were prepared—often days in advance,” Murphy said. Jeff Browning, owner of Browning Equipment, agreed. While much larger towns often had difficulty getting their streets cleared quickly during snowstorms, Purcellville’s were always ahead of others. He was helpful to the business community. “I can’t think of an occasion when he let us down,” he said. Jim Bowman, a retired banker who was one of the founders of the Purcellville Business Association, said that Lohr was always willing to sit down and talk. “You might not get everything you wanted, but he’d always tell you why something could not be done,” Bowman said. Lohr points to the town’s successful bid for a triple-A bond rating, working with the town’s financial advisors, as a microcosm of the town’s progress. “It forced us to tell the story of the town— here’s where we were and where we are now—and where we’re going.” He rented a bus, and took the financiers from the rating agencies around the town. “I love promoting Purcellville,” Lohr said, as he pointed out landmarks including Patrick Henry College, new facilities and the town’s historic properties. The money men were impressed, finding it a highly interesting story. And the boom years in the early 2000s caught their attention. “We grew from 1,800 to 8,000 in six or seven years—schools, churches and faith institutions, business and shopping and eating venues—everything was hopping,” Lohr said.
Hands-On Manager One of Lohr’s proudest achievements was building—and retaining— an excellent staff. “It’s what’s made my job easy and helped successive councils to accomplish their goals; it’s more than just a job, it’s a community you care about, and it’s the businesses and the people you serve. That’s prevalent at all levels,” he told staff. Lohr was a hands-on manager— known for jumping on a snow plow to clear streets, or picking up trash after events. “When so much happens by email or phone today, you need to sit down and show people you care— show the personal touch so people can see how government operates, see that we can provide good value for the public,” he said. “If a call comes in for help at 9 p.m. the Saturday before Christmas—how you respond is all important.” “He set the standards for everyone to follow,” Arbogast said. “He instilled
Manager, Mentor The Town Council and the staff sa-
currently under construction. The District of Columbia would contribute only 22.8 percent—less than Fairfax County at 27.6 percent. Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) introduced a resolution that would make plain Loudoun’s position. The resolution cites the significant taxes Loudouners already pay for transportation—including a 2.1 percent Northern Virginia gas tax, a 1-cent higher sales tax rate to fund Northern Transportation Authority projects, and high tolls along the Dulles Greenway. Loudoun residents already face some of the highest property values and tax rates in the region and the state. The resolution appeared on the board’s June 22 agenda, but Higgins asked to delay the vote in view of the board’s long meeting that night. The board was scheduled to vote on the issue Wednesday evening. rgreene@loudounnow.com
luted Lohr during annual Employee Appreciation and Awards Luncheon on June 14. The inaugural Robert W. Lohr Jr. Management Excellence Award was presented to Assistant Town Manager Danny Davis and Dale Lehnig, the interim director of Public Works. Interim Town Manager Alex Vanegas told Lohr, “We could never pay you back for all the coaching, knowledge and support you shared with us over the years.” Mayor Kwasi Fraser said, Lohr “leaves an indelible impression on us all as leader, manager, mentor and friend.” But the emotional highlight of the day was provided by Lohr’s executive assistant, Hooper McCann, who has worked for the town for 18 years. McCann said when Lohr arrived in town in 1993, “I doubt he had any idea what an impact he would have on not only the town, but most importantly the staff. Over his 24-plus years he has led us through the good times and bad. It is often easier to lead during the good times and the true measure of a leader is how they manage during the hard times. We have experienced it all and throughout everything, staff has been able to count on one constant, Rob Lohr.” McCann also said staff members know “Rob has high expectations for each of us and sets the performance bar high.” “When you have someone like Rob at the helm, you are willing to go above and beyond your own expectations because you know that your efforts and hard work truly matter, and are respected and genuinely appreciated,” she said. “He has always felt personally responsible for each one of us. He has always been willing to stand behind us and look out for us collectively as well as individually.” Lohr said he has appreciated the positive feedback he’s receive since announcing his retirement two months ago. “You don’t realize the impact you have on people on a daily basis—you can only pray and hope the decisions you make will have a positive impact on the citizens and businesses.” mmorton@loudounnow.com
<< FROM 3 HB 2165, TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS ON OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS
Mandates all opioid prescriptions be electronically submitted to pharmacies. HB 1885, TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS ON OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS
HB 1750, EASIER ACCESS TO NALOXONE
Allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote, to patients without a prescription. HB 1453/SB 848, DISPENSING OF NALOXONE
HB 1642/SB 1031, POSSESSION AND ADMINISTRATION OF NALOXONE
FTZ 137 << FROM 16 sumers] goods duty-free, they don’t buy,” he said. Today, international sales make up about 15 percent of Fortessa’s business, and it exports to more than 30 countries. This month, Fortessa is moving from its Sterling headquarters to a larger space at One Loudoun. “The FTZ has created growth opportunities for our company,” Hamberger said. “We knew, absent the FTZ, we wouldn’t be able to capitalize on that growth opportunity.”
An Economic Carrot
Allows school security officers to carry firearms at work if they were a law enforcement officer within the last ten years, retired in good standing, met training and qualification requirements, and the school board grants that officer the authority. HB 1401, FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS
Prohibits public higher-education institutions from restricting the free speech of any person on campus beyond what is called for in the First Amendment to the Constitution. HB 1663/SB 1493, TEACHER COMPUTER TRAINING
Requires Northern Virginia Community College and the state Department of Education to contract for computer science training and professional development for public school teachers throughout the state, with the goal of improving computer science literacy among pubwith those people in Spartanburg, SC, and Huntsville, AL, and other places,” Meurlin said. Spartanburg and Huntsville are both foreign trade zones and major manufacturing towns for BMW and Toyota, respectively. After “leveling the playing field” with places like these, “Then you can argue that we have the better environment, the better schools, the better employees, the better tax environment for them,” Meurlin said. Bob McCollar, international business development manager of Loudoun’s Department of Economic Development, uses this exact strategy. He tells international businesses about FTZ 137 on every single one of his recruiting trips. “The two questions I’m asked about from pretty much everyone internationally are [about] the Dulles Airport and our public schools,” he said.
Its Role Evolving
HB 1981, SCHOOL DIVISIONS OF INNOVATION.
HB 2282, CHILD TRAFFICKING PREVENTION
Requires the state board of education to develop guidelines for training school counselors, school nurses and other relevant school staff on the prevention of child trafficking. HB 2332, TEACHER PAY
Requires the state Board of Education to create regulations for designating School Divisions of Innovation. Local school divisions in this program can be exempted from certain regulations and adopt alternative policies for administrators, teachers and staff to meet the students’ needs and improve learning; performance; and college, career, and citizenship readiness. Introduced by Del. Thomas A. “Tag” Greason (R-32).
Defines the state’s stated goal to pay its teachers at a competitive rate as being at or above the national average teacher compensation. The law does not set out the source of that information; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for an elementary school teacher is $59,020; for a middle school teacher, $59,800; and for a secondary school teacher, $61,420.
HB 2040, ENROLLMENT AGREEMENTS WITH POSTSECONDARY SCHOOLS
Miscellaneous
Requires postsecondary schools to enter an enrollment agreement with each student they enroll. That agreement includes disclosures set out by the state council. Introduced by Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34).
Creates a new specialty license plate aimed at reducing distracted driving. Introduced by Del. Thomas A. “Tag” Greason (R-32).
HB 2174, STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO REPORTS
Requires school boards to create an “transition to more of a commerce-based economy” because of the recent political trend toward tightening federal government spending. “As the federal government keeps shrinking, it’ll be less and less of the economic driver,” he said. “Our action as a facilitator of economic growth and activity I think will increase.” McCollar has a different view. “I don’t see it changing,” he said. “So far even with the new [presidential] administration there’s been no decrease or new interest in the foreign trade zone.” The zone has the potential to benefit many more Northern Virginia companies that import materials. The trick is clarifying the costs and benefits of the zone. Two of Loudoun’s large high-tech manufacturing firms—EIT and K2M, both based in Leesburg, do not participate in the FTZ even though both operate internationally. “It would be of interest to us,” EIT founder Joe T. May said. “If we can gain any sort of advantage by using it, maybe it would be desirable to have the people who administer the zone to come and talk to the companies individually because it’s absolutely possible that we’re missing a good bet and just don’t know it.” However, the expenses of maintaining zone status, including stringent security requirements, can daunt potential companies. “There might be some minor advantage, but the administrative cost would consume it,” May said. “If there’s something we don’t understand about it, I would be delighted to be reviewed by the people who sponsor the free trade zone.” Fortessa’s operators welcome their number of “neighbors” increasing in the FTZ. “We believe in prosperity. We’re happy to have as many people as possible (using the FTZ),” Hamberger said, “As long
HB 1763, SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE
HB 2201, BLOCKING FAST LANE
Makes the fine for blocking the “fast lane” a mandatory $100, instead of up to $250. as they’re not in the tableware business.” Fortessa’s niche seems to be safe. According to county reports, the Department of Economic Development is more focused on attracting international firms working in industries that are emerging in the county economy: life sciences, health information technology, cyber security and big data. Of those, life sciences seem to be the most promising to be incorporated into the FTZ. “I’ve got to assume that in the near future we’re going to have a lot more activity in bringing medicines in, repackaging, altering, shipping them out. You would think the FTZ would be a benefit for them,” Muerlin said. “We’ll do whatever we can to help them. If they can save money on the manufacturing and the logistics of it, hopefully it will be reflected in the cost of the medicine.” Just last month, Fairfax County snagged a $35 million-dollar investment from Indian pharmaceutical company Granules India Ltd. to expand the manufacturing and R&D of its wholly-owned subsidiary Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the county. The contract is expected to provide 102 new jobs. No word yet on whether they plan to use the FTZ. Whether FTZ 137 sees an influx of tenants or not, both Meurlin and McCollar agree that the zone deserves more credit for fostering economic growth within the county. “The Germans have an expression, ‘hidden champions,’ businesses and organizations that a lot of people don’t know about, but yet they are champions of the economy,” McCollar said. “In my opinion, the Foreign Trade Zone is one of our hidden champions.” John Patterson is an intern with Loudoun Now. He is studying English and economics at the University of Virginia.
loudounnow.com
Why then, given Loudoun’s booming international market, does FTZ 137 only have two tenants? “We’re [Loudoun County] very dependent on government contracting,” Hamberger said. “There aren’t many companies that sell products.” The county’s largest industry is government. Of the county’s 161,643 jobs, 24,081 are in the local, state, or federal government, according to the Virginia Labor Market Information’s 2017 Community Profile of Loudoun. That’s a hair less than 15 percent of the workforce. “We’re on the consuming side right now here. We’re trying to … convert the area from a federal-centered economy to a more commercial one, and we’re getting more business in the area,” Muerlin said. Predictions about the future of the zone’s role in the county economy are mixed. Meurlin sees the region undergoing a
Requires that the rules on bullying in each school board’s student code of conduct will require the principal to notify that parent of any student involved in alleged bullying of the status of the investigation within five days of the alleged incident.
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Economic development agencies use foreign trade zones to attract businesses to their counties. The Washington Airports Task Force manages FTZ 137. Its president, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Keith Meurlin, said its mission is to facilitate economic growth in Northern Virginia. “The FTZ itself is a vehicle to spur economic activities within the counties. That’s what we’re really after,” he said. “This is more of a public service; this is not a profit center. The way we see the profit center is the benefit to the community and the county’s economic development.” Foreign trade zones aren’t a rarity. FTZ 137 is one of five zones in Virginia, and every state has at least one. According to Meurlin, FTZ 137 helps the region compete with other areas with foreign trade zones. “The idea is it puts Loudoun County, and it puts [Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director] Buddy Rizer and his economic development organization, on a level playing field
HB 1392, SCHOOL SECURITY OFFICERS CARRYING A FIREARM
HB 1709, PRINCIPALS REPORTING BULLYING
annual report on actual student/teacher ratios in middle and high schools. Introduced by Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34).
PUBLIC SAFETY | EDUCATION | OUR TOWNS | BIZ | LOCO LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | OPINION
Expands the people who may provide training for or dispense naloxone, along with several other provisions to expand access to naloxone, such as liability protections for a person who is acting in good faith and allowed to dispense naloxone. This law went into effect in February, and was introduced by Del. Dave A. LaRock (R-33) and Sen. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-33).
Education
lic school students. Introduced by Del. Thomas A. “Tag” Greason (R-32).
LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |
Prohibits doctors from prescribing more than a seven-day supply of controlled substances containing opioids. Exceptions would be made for cancer and chronic pain patients.
Allows employees of the Department of Forensic Science, employees of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and employees of the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services to administer naloxone.
July 6 – 12, 2017
New laws
OPINION | CLASSIFIEDS | LOCO LIVING | BIZ | OUR TOWNS | EDUCATION | PUBLIC SAFETY | NEWS | LOUDOUN NOW
loudounnow.com
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