Loudoun Now for Sept. 13, 2018 by Loudoun Now

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 3, No. 43 ]

[ loudounnow.com ]

September 13, 2018 ]

One Loudoun welcomes B Doughnut, Trader Joe’s

Bracing for Florence Catoctin Creek runs alongside the historic road bed of Downey Mill Road just outside the village of Taylorstown. Loudouners are bracing for Hurricane Florence, which as of Tuesday afternoon was a Category 4 hurricane and growing stronger. Flooding in Loudoun could be made worse by a rainy week leading up to the hurricane’s landfall. State and local officials have issued warnings and advisories for making it through the storm, and many events are cancelled. Check LoudounNow.com for cancellations and storm updates.

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Planning for the Amazon Housing Equation

BY RENSS GREENE s Loudoun’s leaders write the county’s new comprehensive plan—a plan that allows for even more growth than the current plan—some are wondering if even that will be enough if Amazon decides to build its second headquarters here. The county is in the middle of what now stands to be a three-year process rewriting its comprehensive plan, a document that sets out the county’s policies on development, transportation, public

services and infrastructure that was written in 1991 and last saw a major revision in 2001. It is also a county holding its breath to see if it will be home to the new headquarters of the largest online retailer in the world—one that could require up to 8 million square feet of space, bring in more than $5 billion in capital investment, and create many as 50,000 full-time jobs, to say nothing of other businesses that will likely follow along to sell to the company and its employees. Amazon’s direct hiring and investment, construction and ongoing operation of

the campus is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional investment in the surrounding community, according to the company. Those hefty figures apparently dwarf some of the county’s planning efforts. County planners estimate under the policies in the draft plan that went to the Planning Commission roughly 52,261 new homes between 2018 and 2040. Between 2021 and 2040, it only adds an estimated 8,727 homes to the current plan. During a meeting two weeks ago, Loudoun Deputy Director of Planning

and Zoning Alaina Ray told planning commissioners “options are very limited” for finding new spaces to build homes in Loudoun’s increasingly built-up east. But Ray expects Loudoun can nonetheless accommodate Amazon—especially taking into account the homes that are permitted in that area but not yet built. “For the most part, that area is already planned for what we would need, so between what has already been entitled and what the comprehensive plan is proposAMAZON >> 34

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INSIDE

BY NORMAN K. STYER Loudoun’s newest historical marker, highlighting the significance of the Belmont Chapel in Ashburn, was formally unveiled during a ceremony at St. David’s Episcopal Church and School on Sunday. The event was a celebration of the life of Margaret Mercer, the progressive educator and abolitionist who built the church in 1841. Speakers highlighted Mercer’s opposition to slavery, efforts to resettle freed Africans in Liberia, and her bold, even lawbreaking commitment to educate the children of slaves. Mercer, the daughter John Francis Mercer, a Maryland governor who also represented Virginia in the Continental Congress, purchased the 400-acre Belmont Plantation from the Ludwell Lee family in 1836. She established a boarding school, using the tuition from families who could afford to pay to attend the school to educate those who could not. In addition to freeing the slaves she inherited from her father, Mercer was a founder of the African Resettlement movement. Those ties with Liberia remain today, as the congregation of St. David’s Episcopal Church, which was established at Belmont in 1990, supports a school in the west African nation. U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA10) said Mercer’s life set an example for women to follow today. “This dedication inspires each us to learn more about our past and trailblazers like Margaret Mercer, but we know there are so many others that our

Coding begins early in Loudoun

Homes go up in Purcellville

Arts in the Alley: bigger and better

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

From left, Margaret Mercer (portrayed by Diva Lynch), Rev. Mary Kay Brown and Clyde Smith of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources prepare to unveil Loudoun’s newest historical marker during an Sept. 9 ceremony.

daughters and granddaughters need to know. They need to know their stories. They need to walk in the steps of these leaders to understand what their lives were like at that time.” Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyliss J. Randall (D-At Large) pointed to Mercer’s decision to free her family’s slaves as a remarkable defiance of her father, who believed that slavery was ordained by God. Her commitment to educate the children of slaves—at a time in Virginia when it was illegal to teach black people to read or write—was courageous.

“Her most important legacy was courage. She had such remarkable courage,” Randall said, adding that Mercer set a moral example that should provide inspiration for residents today. “I believe that she would say good intentions only go so far. Good intentions have to be matched with actions when you know people are experiencing injustice. I believe she would say it is not good enough to be good silently; you have to be good loudly. Your goodness should scream. Your goodness should MERCER >> 32

Joseph B. Phillips: An Appreciation BY MARGARET MORTON Brett Phillips, a journalist and publisher who told Loudoun’s stories for more than five decades, died early Sunday. His long career included service as editor of two Loudoun newspapers— first the Loudoun Times-Mirror in the 1960s and 1970s, then Leesburg Today, which he founded in 1988. It was in Leesburg Today that Phillips found his mature voice. He outlined clearly where the county was heading, combining his knowledge with the ability to present complex issues in understandable but eloquent terms. A natural leader, he combined intelligence and practicality, deep knowledge of the county, journalistic excellence and a talent for friendship. Those interviewed for this article remembered him with affection, citing his curiosity, integrity and sense of humor. Even when he disagreed with them—or they with him—he never let it get in the way of friendship. Above all, he had a passion for the truth, particularly for holding those in power to their word. Like a dog sniffing a buried bone, Phillips was good at uncovering sometimes unpalatable truths and in disseminating the facts.

Transition area survives commission vote

INDEX Brett Phillips at his desk in Leesburg Today’s first office in the loft at Market Station in Leesburg.

A Daring Venture In 1988, not everyone was convinced by Phillips’ plan to start a newspaper dedicated to covering local government. “I had my doubts,” attorney Bob Sevila recalled. “But he was the energy and force behind what became the very successful Leesburg Today.”

Nor was Sevila, who was Leesburg’s mayor during the paper’s early years, spared from censure. “He was my harshest critic; he set the standard for local government.” Former Loudoun Valley High School Principal and Leesburg Councilman George Atwell treasured the friendAN APPRECIATION >> 43

Loudoun Gov.......................... 6 Leesburg.............................. 10 Public Safety........................ 14 Education............................. 16 Nonprofit.............................. 20 Biz....................................... 21 Our Towns............................ 24 LoCo Living.......................... 30 Public and Legal Notices...... 36 Obituaries............................ 37 Classifieds........................... 38 Opinion................................ 40

Mercer’s Legacy Celebrated with Historical Marker Dedication

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Ashburn resident Monte Johnson this week announced a bid for the 87th District seat in the House of Delegates. The seat is held by John Bell, a first-term Democrat who is running for state Senate, seeking the nomination to challenge Republican incumbent Dick Black in the 2019 election. Johnson, a project manager and member of the Democratic 10th Congressional District Committee, was the party’s nominee in the 2013 race against Republican Randy Minchew in the 10th House District. “Virginia is at a crossroads. We need commitments, not catchphrases,” Johnson stated in his announcement. “I’m running to fight for universal health care, a higher minimum wage, statewide Pre-K education, universal background checks on gun purchases, and a halt of destructive pipeline projects. I’ll work every day for the people of the 87th District, not special interests that too often call the shots in Richmond. I won’t take a dime from Big Pharma companies, fossil fuel com-

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panies, or pro-gun groups. ” Suhas Subramanyam also has announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2019 race. Among the list of community leaders backing Johnson’s campaign are all three Democratic Loudoun Supervisors—County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (At Large), Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (Leesburg) and Supervisor Koran Saines (Sterling).

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[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

[ BRIEFS ] Loudoun to Relocate Homeless Shelter for Renovations

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The Sycolin Road bridge over Goose Creek, in the Transition Policy Area, will be next to a data center complex.

Planning Commissioners Debate Ditching Transition Area

BY RENSS GREENE s planning commissioners write the county’s new comprehensive plan, they contemplated doing away with one of the hallmarks of the current plan: the transition policy area. When the county’s current general plan was first passed in 1991, it created the transition policy area “that will serve as a separation between the suburban and rural policy areas and that has a transition of uses, incorporating elements of both suburban and rural design to create truly unique country-side developments.” It has become a defining feature of Loudoun’s land use planning. It covers about 36 square miles, and divides the county from north to south around Leesburg and runs along the county’s southeastern border. It comprises a bit less than 7 percent of the county’s area. Its western

edge is the “Urban Growth Boundary,” beyond which central water and sewer are not allowed. It has also been the site of some of Loudoun’s mostly hotly contested development proposals, like county supervisors’ split vote to allow a data center complex next to Goose Creek and Sycolin Road. “Ever since the Transition Policy Area was created, it’s been nothing but a battle, and an argument, and a fight for the county,” said Commissioner Chairman Cliff Keirce (Broad Run). “And I would just prefer to see that name go away.” Commissioner Fred Jennings (Ashburn) said the transition policy area “has been hijacked for various uses, political or otherwise.” And he worried the current draft of the county’s new comprehensive plan too much resembles the current transition policy area. “In order to meet my concern, I think you’re going to do some work to re-word, engineer, a lot of the plan that

refers to the Transition Policy Area because it sounds exactly like it is today, and that will only cause more pain and havoc and confusion going forward,” Jennings said. “So if we could diminish, change, neuter transition policy to something else and just detune it, I think that would be a great first step.” Commissioner Kathy Blackburn (Algonkian) said she has “waited a long time for this discussion.” She said the area “has been nothing but a political football.” “it doesn’t have a solid definition,” Blackburn said. “It was originally meant for a holding pattern for future development, but it was really more of smoke and mirrors and became a buffer between the east and the west, and so it would be great if we could get rid of it.” Other commissioners, however, worried that doing away with the Transition Policy Area, which has come to be both TRANSITION AREA >> 7

Loudoun Government Could Shift Stormwater Costs to Businesses BY RENSS GREENE Loudoun is the only county in Northern Virginia that pays to maintain underground stormwater facilities at commercial properties, but that could change going forward. According to a report by county staff members, the county government pays to maintain pervious surfaces and underground water storage facilities that handle runoff from storms—facilities built by private industry on private property. They are typically made of storage chambers several feet in diameter and hundreds of feet long, which hold and slowly release water. Those underwater chambers are more expensive than other types of stormwater control facilities—like ponds—and are typically used to maximize the area available for a developer

to build, since they are buried up to 20 feet below ground and can be under parking areas. The county is also on the hook for repairing and updating the 34 underground facilities. That can be expensive—according to the report, the county recently spent $550,000 repairing a collapsed facility, and the Department of General Services is preparing to spend more than $2 million reinforcing that and two other facilities. Fairfax only maintains underground stormwater facilities on public property, and the Prince William County government will not accept responsibility for any underground stormwater facility. Loudoun also cleans pervious pavements and pavers, designed to replace typical parking lots and sidewalks to allow rainwater to drain into storm-

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Heavy rains cause flooding on Market Street in Leesburg.

water systems underground. If they are not cleaned, they can clog and stop working, and cleaning those surfaces requires specialized equipment to keep from damaging the surface. Other county governments also clean those, but as part of their street sweeping programs. Loudoun only provides street sweeping on county-owned property. While the rules can’t be changed for existing facilities, the county’s General STORMWATER >> 8

The Loudoun County Homeless Services Center near Leesburg will temporary relocate for about six months while the building is renovated. The facility’s services and participants will move beginning in October. The center serves as the county’s 44-bed emergency shelter and provides housing to adults in need. The center also operates as a cold weather shelter from Nov. 15 to March 31, and as a daily drop-in shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The Department of Family Services, which oversees the facility, is working with the Loudoun County Continuum of Care network—a community coalition of public, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations—to find alternate housing options for 48 individuals who are housed at the shelter. The department and Volunteers of America, which operates the facility, are working to ensure the services provided at this location continue uninterrupted. The Homeless Services Center’s in-take operations will move to the Shenandoah Building at 102 Heritage Way NE in Leesburg. “We care deeply about the people we serve at the center,” said Loudoun County Department of Family Services Director Glenda Blake. “These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community who rely on us for assistance in times of need, which is why are committed to continuing the compassionate services we offer elsewhere throughout the much-needed renovation of the building.” The county has determined that renovation work throughout the building will make it uninhabitable. The scope of the needed renovations and the total costs involved are still being determined. Referral agencies and individuals seeking emergency shelter should call the department’s Coordinated Entry Line at 703-7770420, TTY 711. More information about the center’s programs and services is posted online at loudoun.gov/coc. The shelter is located at 19520 Meadowview Court.

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Transition area a practical and symbolic edge between the county’s suburban and urban development and its rural west, may be politically unrealistic. “What we lack is a uniform definition that is as broadly accepted in both the planning and political portions of our jurisdiction,” said Commissioner Jim Sisley (At Large). “So if the word ‘transition’ is the crux of the matter, I wouldn’t mind changing the word, but I don’t think that’s it. I think the deal is you take the existing naming convention and you put a hard definition on it.” Ultimately commissioners voted 6-2 not to delete the Transition Policy Area from the new plan. After the meeting was reported, the debate drew strong objection from people in Loudoun’s rural area—and from the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said it was “laughable” to discuss. “There are a lot of people who would like to see change in the Transition Policy Area, and I think there’s probably some very minor change that could make it better,” Buffington said. “But I don’t think there needs to be a major change in the Transition Policy Area, and I’ll do everything I can to keep residential development as far east as possible.” But while commissioners decided not to ditch the transition policy area, changes are likely coming to the area.

The new plan is based largely around “place types,” which move away from geographically separating different types of land use. Instead, place types emphasize a cohesive vision for building an area, with more flexibility about what is actually inside the buildings. They reflect a move away from office parks and suburban sprawl toward integrated, mixed-use developments and contextually appropriate designs. The Transition Policy Area also looks set to see much more construction, with commissioners and county planners targeting parts of the area for industrial or residential growth. Some argue that those areas have already seen that growth. “Some of the Transition Policy Area, based on previous approvals from prior Boards of Supervisor, has already been built beyond what we would think as Transition Policy Area,” Buffington acknowledged. “And I would just say that what’s already been built, we can’t do anything about, but we need to do whatever we can to preserve what remains.” Planners have targeted parts of the area to absorb some of Loudoun’s continually growing demand for housing. “I don’t buy that somehow we need to build enough houses to accommodate a certain amount of economic development,” Buffington said. “I think we need to build the number of houses that the people of Loudoun County feel is appropriate, and everything else will work itself out.”

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<< FROM 6

Supervisors Seek Options to Retain County’s Oldest Business

Stormwater << FROM 6

BY RENSS GREENE County government staff members will look for ways to keep Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company in Loudoun, as the company considers leaving the community it has served for 169 years. Since 1849, Loudoun Mutual has operated in a building on High Street in Waterford. Since then, Loudoun’s zoning has changed—including putting that land in a residential district, causing the business to operate as a legal but nonconforming use. Under county code, while the company can stay in the building it occupies, it cannot expand its footprint. “There’s some reason that this property was zoned inappropriately for a use that is not available to the zoning that it has, or it was overlooked,” said Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin), who brought the issue to the county Board of Supervisors. “If there was a reason, then we’d like to know. If it was just overlooked because of a mapping mistake, then that would maybe bring a [zoning map amendment] onto the table as a correct way to address this problem.” But while supervisors supported keeping the business where it is, the idea of changing the county’s zoning map gave some pause. “There are other ways to solve this problem that don’t go to that extreme,”

Google Maps

Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company in Waterford.

said Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn). He said the only other board-initiated zoning map amendment he recalls during his time on the board is the ongoing planning work to accommodate the professional soccer team at Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park in Leesburg. Developers have requested and received zoning map amendments to accommodate their plans. “I’m very concerned that when you start initiating [zoning map amendments] for private landowners and private situations, that you’re opening

up the door to have to do it for others,” Buona said. Other supervisors supported the idea of a retention package from the Department of Economic Development. The company has bought adjoining property, but cannot expand. Higgins said the company is considering leaving. Supervisors voted unanimously to ask county staff members for options to keep the company. rgreene@loudounnow.com

Services staff is recommending that going forward property owners be responsible for maintaining any new stormwater management facilities. Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) expressed concern about putting that responsibility on some property owners—specifically homeowners’ associations. “I am concerned that our HOAs are now going to have to assume a pretty heavy cost burden,” Meyer said. “… I just want to make sure that staff ’s initiating conversations with our HOAs, making sure that they’re onboard and working with us.” But Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) defended the idea. “The county is footing the bill to maintain stormwater management facilities that were done to benefit developers, and now the developers could fit more on their land because these stormwater retention facilities were built underground where they’re hard to maintain,” Buona said. “And now the taxpayers are on the bill to foot the maintenance of these facilities the developer has put in place to maximize development on their property.” Supervisors unanimously instructed the county staff to draft amendments to county ordinances. If supervisors decide to move ahead with new rules, those ordinances must face public hearings before adoption. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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hle-Reston East Silver Line Metro station and the West Falls Church Orange Line station. Free rides on Metro Connection routes will continue through the end of October Also, during Try Transit Week Sept. 17-21, 2018, anyone who pledges to try transit at trytransitweek.org is eligible to win a year of free transit service from the Virginia transit operator of their choice, along with a pair of round-trip tickets aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train. Pledges will be accepted through Sept. 21. Anyone who lives or works in Loudoun and who pledges to try transit is eligible for prizes from Loudoun County Transit. Four winners will each receive a $50 SmarTrip card that can be used on Loudoun County’s Premium Commuter buses and most Metro Connection buses. Two additional winners will each receive $30 worth of punch passes for Loudoun County’s Local Bus Service. The free bus rides are offered through the ISHARE66 Commuter Incentives program, designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote alternative modes of transportation through the Interstate 66 corridor. Details about other incentives and commuter rewards can be found at ishare66.org. More information about transit options in Loudoun is available at loudoun.gov/transit.

County Offers Home Improvement Help Loudoun County has home improvement and repair programs designed to help pay to preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing. The program provides funds to renovate and repair the primary residence of low-to-moderate income homeowners. Eligibility for the program is determined by income and loans are awarded based on credit worthiness. The home improvement loan has a ten-year term and may be forgivable and/or interest free. Repairs and renovations can include correcting code violations, addressing health and safety issues, making the home more energy efficient as well as needed repairs to plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, and interior and exterior components. All work is performed by licensed, bonded and insured contractors. The Emergency Home Repair and Accessibility Grant provides a onetime grant of up to $5,000 for emergency repairs and/or accessibility improvements for a homeowner who meets income requirements, is at least 62 years old and/or has a household member with a disability. More information about the programs, including income charts used to determine eligibility, is available at loudoun.gov/HomeImprovement or by calling Robert McCarthy of the Loudoun County Department of Family Services at 703-777-0353.

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BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ ould the commonwealth’s largest town be getting even larger? That’s top of mind for members of the Leesburg Town Council, who are eying a boundary line adjustment with Loudoun County that they believe could be an economic development boon to the municipality. During their Monday night work session, council members were briefed on areas outside of the town that have long been eyed by both town and county planners as potential sites of

boundary line adjustments or annexation into Leesburg. The land is located in the Joint Land Management Area, where town and county leaders try to cooperate on planning issues. A 2013 fiscal impact study identified two key areas in the JLMA as the locations of a majority of new nonresidential development. Included within those two areas is what is referred to as Area 1A at Leesburg’s southern boundary. That property includes the under-construction Compass Creek development off Miller Drive near the Leesburg Executive Airport. Plans for that project include a new Super Walmart and the ION International

Training Center. “Area 1A will provide the needed foundation to assist in meeting the town’s economic development goals,” Economic Development Director Russell Seymour told the council. Seymour said the addition of the nonresidential land could also provide the opportunity for larger office and flex developments. Although the office market has been weak since the start of the economic recession a decade ago, Seymour said a recent meeting between the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Loudoun BOUNDARY EXPANSION >> 12

Council Looks into Leasing Cemetery Site BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ How to maintain a long-abandoned burial site in town has been the subject of much back-and-forth between the Leesburg Town Council and community leaders over the past several months. Now, council members appear willing to entertain the thought that an outside entity may do a better job of maintaining and preserving the cemetery. In the spring, the topic of maintenance of the Sycolin Cemetery across from the Leesburg Executive Airport was brought before the council following concerns about illegal dumping and the overall appearance of the property. The land, purchased by the town almost 30 years ago, is the final resting place for 55 people in two cemeteries. The town purchased the eight-acre site CEMETARY >> 12

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

A pre-America cemetery sits just across from the Leesburg Executive Airport along Sycolin Road. The Town Council is considering leasing the property to someone willing to maintain it.

9/11 Reflections:

‘We Must Never Forget Their Sacrifice’ BY NORMAN K. STYER Local commemorations of the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks began Tuesday morning in Leesburg with a wreath laying ceremony in the town’s Freedom Park. Mayor Kelly Burk spoke before an audience of police and fire-rescue personnel, Town Council members, town staff and community members. “September 11th impressed upon us that life is a precious gift—every life has a reason and a purpose. And we all have a duty to devote at least a small portion of our daily lives to ensuing that neither American or the world ever forgets September 11th,” she said. “As time marches on and years pass, we might have a tendency to forget those innocent people going about their daily lives on this day so many years ago. People who would never again see their loved ones. We might be tempted to forget the first responders that, without a thought to their safety, ran into those building

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Mayor Kelly Burk is joined by Police Chief Gregory C. Brown and Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company Chief James Cook in laying a memorial wreath at the Freedom Park memorial on Sept. 11, 2018

buildings to help get other people out. We must never forget their sacrifice or how this one day made America different. We realized we were no longer immune to terror attacks. We must never forget those lives that were lost, yet we live on while they are no longer here. We owe them this day, this time, this place.” Burk was joined by Police Chief Gregory C. Brown and Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company Chief James Cook in laying a memorial wreath at the Freedom Park memorial. The Town of Lovettsville also held a morning memorial ceremony in the Town Square to reflect on the Sept. 11 attacks and the lives lost. Tuesday evening the Town of Purcellville held a ceremony at the town’s First Responder Memorial at Fireman’s Field. The memorial includes a piece of steel taken from the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York City. nstyer@loudounnow.com

[ BRIEFS ] Candidate Forum Rescheduled The League of Women Voters planned Leesburg candidates forum has been rescheduled because of the potential for bad weather from Hurricane Florence. Originally set for Thursday, Sept. 13, the forum has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, still at Rust Library. All five candidates on the Leesburg Town Council ballot, along with the three mayoral candidates, are invited to participate.

Bypass Meeting Next Week A community meeting regarding the planned widening of the Leesburg Bypass is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the board room of the Loudoun County Government Center, residents will receive an update on the project, which would widen the bypass from four to six lanes, with three lanes in each direction, between the Dulles Greenway and West Market Street interchanges. In January, the Board of Supervisors received a Rt. 7 Capacity Study that introduced the idea of an eight-lane project, with four lanes in each direction. The board directed the staff to study the issue, and a report back is expected in early 2019. The community briefing has been organized at the request of Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D). The capacity study can be found online at loudounnow.com/bypassproject.

Town App Wins Award The Town of Leesburg has won statewide recognition for its walking tour app, Tour Leesburg. The Virginia Municipal League presented the town with its Lifelong Learning award, one of five categories presented by VML for excellence in local government. Each category recognizes innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, citizen participation, and improved services to citizens. Leesburg was awarded for its walking tour app, which allows residents and visitors to download a free app on their smart phone or tablet for touring the downtown. The town’s app, developed by OnCell Systems, provides text, pictures, full narration of each site, and video clips. The app is integrated with Google maps and it also has a geo-location feature that alerts users to tour stops as they around town. The first two tours launched by the town were the “Highlights of Historical Leesburg” and the “AfBRIEFS >> 11

Downtown Golf Cart Biz Could Have Life The wheels may be in motion after all for a business looking to offer an unusual type of transportation through downtown Leesburg. Last month, Cartwheels’ business launch was stalled when the town staff informed its owner, Asa Rusk, that he would first need to pursue a Zoning Ordinance amendment before his golf cart transportation service begin in town. Road-ready golf carts, as it turns out, are not permitted on town streets, under Leesburg’s current zoning rules. At a work session Monday, the Town Council discussed whether to change those rules. Town Attorney Barbara Notar explained the difference between golf carts and low-speed vehicles, as defined by the state code. Low-speed vehicles are regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles and allowed on town streets without an ordinance change. They can be operated on town streets with a speed limit of up to 35 miles-per-hour, while golf carts—defined in the state code as self-propelled vehicles—cannot operate on streets with a speed limit greater than 25 mph. Golf carts are currently prohibited on public roads. To make a change to the zoning ordinance to allow them, and to potentially greenlight the start of the Cartwheels business, “you must make a finding that [golf carts] will not impede the safe and efficient flow of motor vehicle traffic,” Notar told the council. The town staff has recommended against such a change, citing the high traffic volumes of motorists coming into and out of the downtown area. The Cartwheels operation wants to provide rides from both the Pennington and Liberty Street parking lots to eating and drinking establishments in the downtown, according to Renee LaFollette, director of the Capital Projects and Public Works Department. Any change to the Zoning Ordinance would require that the streets where golf carts would be allowed to travel be explicitly listed. While a majority of the council

voiced support for initiating an ordinance change Tuesday night, after this paper’s deadline, some, including Vice Mayor Suzanne Fox, urged more public and business outreach and input on the subject. Fox said that the Cart-

Mental Illness Should Not Be Allowed to Take Our Teenagers William was a friendly, goofy, and popular kid who was diagnosed as bipolar and ADHD. We did everything our doctors advised us to do. But my beautiful, creative, 17-yearold son hanged himself in a park near his school.

There’s an issue of being business friendly and an issue of being friendly to businesses that are friendly to us,”

No parent in Loudoun should have to face the horror of losing a child to suicide.

— Tom Dunn Leesburg Town Councilmember wheels service could be a part of the solution for the parking problem that plagues downtown, by offering downtown visitors an opportunity to park a bit outside the more highly-trafficked areas of the downtown but with safe pick-ups and drop-offs. Mayor Kelly Burk agreed, and pointed to other cities and towns throughout the nation which already have similar successful business models in place. “I think this would be a lost opportunity if we decide this is something we didn’t want to do,” she said. Councilman Tom Dunn, however, said he was not supportive of the idea. “There’s an issue of being business friendly and an issue of being friendly to businesses that are friendly to us,” he said, explaining that allowing golf cart operations on downtown streets could exacerbate an already big problem downtown—traffic congestion. Even if the council supports the ordinance initiation tonight, it would be far from a done deal. Public hearings before both the Planning Commission and Town Council would need to be scheduled, with the matter coming back to the council for a final vote.

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Airshow Planned for Sept. 29 The ninth annual Leesburg Airshow takes to the skies Saturday, Sept. 29. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The airshow’s static display area features a variety of experimental and antique aircraft. Other tarmac attractions include aviation-related displays, exhibits, inflatables for the kids, and a wide variety of food vendors. There will be a demonstration of radio-controlled aircraft at noon. Beginning at 1 p.m., the skies above Leesburg will come alive with daring

aerobatic performances. Featured performers include Adam Messenheimer, who grew up in Northern Virginia and began flight training out of Leesburg. This marks his first season of air show flying. Scott Francis will demonstrate thrilling aerobatics in his MXS, along with performances by RJ Gritter, members of the Flying Circus, a wing walker, and the CAF National Capital Squadron. This year’s announcer will be Howard “Howdy” McCann Jr., an Honorary Army Golden Knight who has been announcing airshows for more than 30 years. There is a requested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family. Find details about the performers, the airshow schedule and parking at leesburgairshow.com.

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across from the Leesburg Airport in 1989 and 1990 to provide a buffer for the south end of the airport runway. The land remains undeveloped and the discovery of the two cemeteries was made in 2007. The burial areas were affiliated with the community of black families who lived in the Lower Sycolin in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Two years ago, Pastor Michelle C. Thomas, of the Loudoun Freedom Center, approached the town about an opportunity to preserve the burial area. A clean-up of the site ensued, with many volunteers donating their time. It was at that time that the first instance of deer carcasses being dumped on the property was discovered. Instances of illegal dumping were also reported in 2017 and earlier this year, resulting in four arrests. Following the latest instance of illegal dumping, Mayor Kelly Burk broached the idea of creating a master plan for the site. During Monday night’s work session the town staff presented options for doing so, including creating a task force with council member appointees to determine future maintenance for the site and any improvements. But that idea did not seem to gain traction among council members. Instead, the council seemed inclined to look into leasing the property to an outside group to preserve

“I think this gives us a great economic leg to stand on and a great way to grow.” — Councilman Josh Thiel

nomic leg to stand on and a great way to grow,” Councilman Josh Thiel said. The council was expected Tuesday night, after this paper’s deadline, to adopt a resolution to initiate a boundary line adjustment process with Loudoun County for Area 1A. There was also support Monday night for studying two other areas in the JLMA for potential inclusion into the town in future years—the area including the county’s Philip A. Bolen Park and the planned DC United Stadium, as well as vacant land along Crosstrail Boulevard near the Village at Leesburg, and residential areas including River Creek and parts of Lansdowne. Both the Town Council and county Board of Supervisors would need to approve a BLA, in a process that includes public hearings at both entities, and ultimately petitioning the Loudoun County Circuit Court to approve the agreement. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

and maintain the sacred grounds. Because the town purchased the land using Federal Aviation Administration funding, any sale of the land would require full market compensation back to the FAA or an airport project. However, the FAA would allow a Memorandum of Understanding or easements to a third party to be placed on the land for the purpose of cemetery upkeep. While town public works staff is responsible for clearing debris, mowing and maintaining access to the graves, some in the community, including Thomas, have criticized the unkempt state of the site. “Is the town able and capable of maintaining the cemetery,” Councilman Ron Campbell, who is the executive director of the Loudoun Freedom Center, questioned Monday night. “For 29 years that doesn’t seem to be the case.” “I know there are people out there who want to help take care of this property,” Vice Mayor Suzanne Fox said. “I think there needs to be a legal mechanism to do so.” Town Manager Kaj Dentler said the town would need to issue a Request for Proposals process to solicit interest from those who want to lease the site to oversee cemetery upkeep and maintenance. A draft RFP will be back before the council for its consideration within two to four weeks, according to Dentler. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

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Michael L. Jackson

Aldie Man Arrested (Again) After DUI Pursuit An Aldie man who has been arrested six times in Loudoun County so far this year is back behind bars after an alleged drunken driving pursuit with a deputy Friday night. According to the report, Deputy T. Nichols observed a vehicle failing to maintain proper lane control and almost hitting his cruiser on Sycolin Road just before 10 p.m. Sept. 7. As the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the driver slammed on his brakes and changed lanes and then accelerated, striking a left side guardrail. The vehicle then crossed into the right lane and continued until it stopped in the roadway near Rt. 15 and Fort Evans Road. The deputy approached the vehicle and found the driver and his passenger both slumped over.

T A

The driver was identified as Michael L. Jackson, 49. He was arrested and charged with felony eluding, driving under the influence, driving on a suspended driver’s license, obstruction of justice, refusal of a breath test, and cited for failure to maintain proper lane control and not wearing a seatbelt. He was held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center pending the posting of a secured bond. The passenger in the car, Damon A. Walker, 50, of Haymarket, also was arrested and charged with public intoxication. He was released from the jail on an unsecured bond. According to Loudoun County District and Circuit court records, Jackson has an extensive arrest record. In fact, he was charged just two days earlier with public intoxication and released on a personal recognizance bond. That was his third arrest on that charge this year, with the prior arrests in January and April. In March, Jackson was detained on a fugitive warrant and then charged with assaulting a deputy at the jail. In addition to public intoxication arrests that date back to 2008, Jackson has prior arrests for assault, obstruction of justice, abduction and larceny—26 charges in all during the past 10 years. A hearing on the most recent charges is scheduled for Oct. 31 in Loudoun County District Court.

Former Ashburn Insurance Agent Sentenced to Federal Prison An Ashburn woman was sentenced

last week to serve two years in prison for engaging in a fraud scheme that resulted in an attempted loss of approximately $182,000. Semyya Cunningham, 41, was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 1. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Cunningham was an agent and licensed representative of the Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, a company that issued life and other forms of insurance. In April 2014, Cunningham sold a life insurance policy to a close friend, identified as Victim A. The policy included an accelerated death benefit option that permitted the holder, in the event he or she were ever diagnosed with a terminal illness, to claim the proceeds before death. In July 2014, Victim A was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Shortly thereafter, Cunningham engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain the proceeds of the insurance policy for herself. Cunningham changed the contact information on the policy to her information, changed the beneficiaries on the policy from Victim A’s family members to friends of hers, and submitted a claim for the accelerated death benefit without Victim A’s knowledge or consent. Western Reserve paid the claim, and because the contact info had been changed to Cunningham’s information, the check was mailed to Cunningham’s residence. Cunningham then deposited the money into her own account, and then transferred the bulk of the money through sever-

al accounts in an apparent attempt to prevent the transaction from being reversed, according to the evidence.

Dulles Unveils Biometric Screening Technology The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, last week formally unveiled a new biometric screening system that uses facial-recognition technology to streamline passenger verification and boarding on outbound international flights. The screening system has been in use by some airlines since July and in August was credited with identifying a man traveling with a false passport. The veriScan system was designed by MWAA’s Office of Technology in response to a congressional mandate for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement biometric exit processes for commercial airline flights leaving the U.S. Using a portable tablet, veriScan encrypts and sends high-resolution photos of passengers boarding international flights to the CBP Traveler Verification Service for nearly instant identity verification. When integrated with airline boarding systems, veriScan streamlines and expedites the boarding process by eliminating the need for boarding passes. The entire veriScan screening process takes less than two seconds and requires only a 30-minute training session before it can be used by airline gate agents.

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Riding transit can be an easy way to get where you need to go. Take a break from paying for gas, tolls and parking. You’ll save money and reclaim your time! Participants who pledge to try transit during TRY TRANSIT WEEK will be automatically entered for a chance to win a year of free transit passes from a participating Virginia transit operator as well as a pair of round-trip Amtrak tickets aboard the Northeast Regional! Loudoun County Commuter Services will present four (4) winners $50 value SmarTrip® cards. Two (2) winners will each receive $30 worth of 5-punch passes to ride Loudoun County Transit local buses. Pledges will be accepted through September 21, 2018.

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15 INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

than 35 family moves while her husband, Wendall Lasher was serving in the United States Air Force. Those journeys inspire much of the beautiful artwork that fills her apartment and now graces our halls. Hers is but one chapter in our amazing collection of patriots and heroes. We invite you to experience a connection that can be found through the common bond of service to country.

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Norma Lasher found her love for art overseas during one of her more

[ E D U C AT I O N ]

[ SCHOOL NOTES ] Ashburn Student Awarded Full Tuition Ride

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Josslyn, a fourth-grader, talks about coding in front of a packed house at the State of Innovation of Education Breakfast.

Kindergarteners Coding? Workforce Development Starts Young in Loudoun

Education Foundation Awards 31 Grants

BY DANIELLE NADLER

n front of a large audience of business and education leaders last week, Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools Eric Williams initially summed up the state of local education in just a couple of words: fast-growing and innovative. Williams was one of the featured speakers at State of Innovation of Education Breakfast, part of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s PolicyMakers Series. The superintendent put a spotlight on some of the major milestones Loudoun’s public schools has hit in just the past few months that illustrate its growth and innovation, including opening the Academies of Loudoun and achieving universal fullday kindergarten, both of which have been goals school leaders have pursued for years. “Hey, can I get a cheer?” he said of the latter, noting that just 11 percent of kindergartners had access to a full day

The Loudoun Education Foundation has announced the 31 projects it will fund during the fall semester, totaling nearly $25,000 in award grant monies. The foundation award grants for programs and projects that supplement students’ classroom experience. Most of the equipment and supplies required for these projects are not typically funded by the school system’s budget. The foundation’s grant program is financially supported by the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation and the Apple Federal Credit Union Foundation. The teachers who received the grants and their project names were: Uzma Askari, Potowmack Elementary, Battle of the Books for Fourth vs. Fifth Grades; Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

STATE OF EDUCATION >> 18

Superintendent Eric Williams presents at the State of Innovation of Education Breakfast on Sept. 5.

Jennifer Cherry, Brambleton Middle School, Integrated Studies: English and U.S. History; Augusta Dadiego, Riverside High School, Art Digital Creative Center;

that George Mason and Northern Virginia Community College are working to address. She pointed out that administrators at George Mason discovered that the average student who transfers from a community college to a four-year university loses 43 percent of his or her credits. HIGHER EDUCATION >> 18

Luke Black, Riverside High School, Software for Sight Reading Success; Steve Charlish, Arcola Elementary, Hands On, Minds On, Mobile Maker Space;

Improving the State of Higher Education Michelle Marks, vice president for Academic Innovation and New Ventures at George Mason University, told the crowd at the State of Innovation of Education Breakfast last week how she’s working to improve the state of higher education. Marks, the event’s second featured speaker along with Loudoun County Superintendent of Schools Eric Williams, put a spotlight on a problem

Evalynn Bogusz, a student at Loudoun School for the Gifted, has been selected as one of this year’s Caroline D. Bradley Scholars, earning her a full-tuition high school scholarship. The Institute for Educational Advancement selected 30 scholars from a competitive pool of gifted seventh-grade applicants from across the country to receive full-tuition scholarships to any high school program that best fits their academic and personal needs. As part of the program, they join a group of fellow scholars for lifelong learning and support. Since the program state in 2002, it has awarded 293 scholarships, all funded through the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation. “What makes the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship program unique is that the emphasis is on ‘fit’ for each individual Scholar,” said Bonnie Raskin, Caroline D. Bradley scholarship manager. “There are no limitations to how far a Scholar can reach academically, because every educational option can be considered.”

Turner Donaldson, Liberty Elementary, Third-Grade Research Clubs;

Michelle Marks

Karen Espinoza, Arcola Elementary, Become STAMPED (Scientific, Technological, Artistic, Mathematical, Physical SCHOOL NOTES >> 17

[ SCHOOL NOTES ] Engineering Dragons) with STEAM; Jennifer Jo Ferrell, Belmont Ridge Middle School, Coding BirdBrains at the Middle School; Janie Gaudens, Potowmack Elementary, Celebrating Disability Awareness Month with Beauty; Heather Giles, Frederick Douglass Elementary, Joining the Flexible Seating Movement;

Elementary, Sully Elementary 50th Anniversary Celebration; Kameron Peterson, Mountain View Elementary, Operation PBIS Information Distribution; Nicole Diehl Pinto, Sugarland Elementary, Fire Up Our Learning; Lori Redman, Countryside Elementary, Elementary School Battle of the Books: Countryside, Meadowland, Algonkian and Horizon;

Trudie Goff, Meadowland Elementary, Meadowland’s Nutritious Garden and Sanctuary for Pollinators;

Cori Rovang, Harmony Middle School, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Harmony Book Clubs;

Jennifer Heidary, Potowmack Elementary, Stopping the Summer Slide;

Michele Rzewski Copeland, Potowmack Elementary, School Libraries Rock: Summer Reading Program at Potowmack;

Cristina Keeton, River Bend Middle School, Stations in Spanish; Helen Kim, Little River Elementary, Learning Play Skills Through Video Modeling; Mary Masi, Stone Bridge High School, Encouraging Student Voice and Choice Through Independent Reading Projects; Elizabeth Mayfield, Potowmack Elementary, Creating a Coat of Arms; Meribeth Miller, Leesburg Elementary, From Summer to Fall: LEE Soars and Celebrates our Seven Strengths; Marlon Mohammed, Sully

Abby Spessard, Rolling Ridge Elementary, Breakout Rolling Ridge; Emily Stevens, Catoctin Elementary, STEAM Enrichment Morning Centers; and Darielle Timothy, Sugarland Elementary, Sugarland Garden Stewards. The foundation’s fall 2018 grant cycle and applications are now open. Teachers are invited to submit proposals by Friday, Oct. 5, to Linda Russ at lef.russ@gmail.com. Application forms can be found at lef-va.com/teacher. html.

<< FROM 16

Higher Education << FROM 16 “That is unacceptable,” Marks said. “So we thought, since we’re such good partners with [Northern Virginia Community College], what is it that we can do about it?” She also noted that George Mason enrolls the most transfer students of any university in Virginia, taking more than 3,200 each year, and that 80 per-

cent of Virginia students who transfer from a community college intend to complete a four-year degree but only about 15 percent achieve it. So teams from George Mason and NVCC created a new program called Advance with a goal of increasing the number of transfer students who earn a bachelor’s degree, while decreasing students’ time and cost to get there. Marks said the two schools are making improvements program by program to better align the curriculum at the community college and the university levels to ensure there are no wasted credits. They are also providing better advising

and support to transfer students. “We can make a guarantee to students that they can graduate with 120 credits—no wasted credits, no wasted money, no wasted time,” she said. That will only improve George Mason’s ranking as one of the colleges with the lowest student loan default rates in the country. Ninety-eight percent of George Mason students pay back their loans, Marks said. “The reason they are able to pay them back is because they’re getting jobs—terrific jobs. ... That’s why we’re here.” —Danielle Nadler

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State of Education << FROM 16 when he was hired four years ago. But Williams spent much of his presentation looking ahead to the school system’s next big goal: to equip students today to fill tomorrow’s workforce demands. He offered a glimpse inside the classrooms of three elementary schools—Meadowland, Moorefield Station and Round Hill—that have been named computer science immersion schools. That means that every student in every grade level—yes, even kindergarten—is taking part in computer coding activities for at least 30 minutes every school day. Students are learning how to create videos, websites, games and even direct robots. Answering questions from Williams, fourth-grader Josslyn said the most difficult part has been “debugging” her programs. “We worked for three hours once to try to find a problem” within the code, she said. “But it’s fun...because we’re learning.” Round Hill Elementary School teacher Christy Hollar told the audience that she’s seeing her students tackle, in some cases, college-level problem-solving through coding. Her fourth-graders have used coding to create videos and games to illustrate what they’ve learned about various animals as part of their science lessons or important Virginia figures as part of history lessons. The Loudoun school system has also rolled out new computer science classes in the middle schools and introduced cybersecurity classes in the high schools that have already enrolled 1,200 students, Williams noted. “This is not just about developing future coders,” he said. “This is about developing students’ ability to engage in computational problem-solving … and really it’s about confidently facing complex, open-ended projects.” It was fitting that John Wood, CEO of Telos Corp. in Ashburn, introduced Williams. He said he was happy to see the school system harness computer science in almost every subject area. He noted that there are 40,000 unfilled cybersecuirity jobs in Virginia—and they pay, on average, $100,000 per year. “There’s a huge need,” Wood said. “So the work that’s being done here in LCPS is very important and very near and dear to our hearts.” dnadler@loudounnow.com

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[ NONPROFIT ] FACES OF LOUDOUN

Meet Josette We Must Free Ourselves from Domestic Abuse For more than a decade, I was a victim of domestic violence. I stayed in the marriage because I did not know I could get help. But I was lucky: My doctor referred me to a nonprofit that helps abused women. There is no doubt they saved my life and helped me protect my three children from growing up in that environment. When I finally left my marriage and my home, I had two young boys, 2 and 3, and was pregnant with my daughter. A local shelter took us in, and a nearby food pantry made sure my family was fed for more than 10 years. The shelter made sure I had a protective order in place and custody of my children. The organization even paid for my children’s summer school so they could keep up academically with their classmates—and for counseling when my fourth grader started to struggle with suicidal thoughts. I was determined to overcome my situation. Eventually, I was able to get a job with United Airlines. Today, I am celebrating 19 years with that Courtesy of AlphaGraphics company. I went back to school and earned my MBA. I now rent a house, and my children are all Josette, a Loudoun County resident, shares how a local nonprofit helped save her from domestic violence and set out grown up and doing well. on her own.

The Next Chapter I am grateful for the assistance I received from the community, the pantry, the church, and the

shelter. It sure does take a village to survive some challenges. The way I see it, it’s not about me anymore. People are moving into “aﬄuent” Loudoun County all

the time, but they are not all rich. Too many immigrants think they are completely on their own. Also, people just don’t know what services are available in this area. So a lot of mothers and kids are staying in abusive relationships because they do not know they can get help. So, I work as a member of the shelter’s board, and I travel to various events as a spokesperson for abused women. I want them to know they can get help—that there is a way out. I want them to learn how to ask for help. I have also set up my own nonprofit serving women who don’t have a voice in third-world countries. I want to give them and their children the chance I had to build a better life when I came to this country. I am so proud to be a citizen of the United States. But, we need to make it easier for women in abusive environments to find the help they need. All life matters. No woman in Loudoun should have to face the brutality of domestic violence. Won’t you help End the Need? As part of the Community Foundation’s Faces of Loudoun campaign, Loudoun Now is publishing monthly articles highlighting men, women and children who have found a helping hand when they needed it most. Learn more or donate to help End the Need at FacesofLoudoun.org.

[ NONPROFIT NEWS ] Food Lion Gives to Dulles South Food Pantry

LUNCH & LEARN Join Tribute at One Loudoun for our monthly Lunch & Learn on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 12:00 – 1:30 pm.

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The Dulles South Food Pantry received $2,700 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation just in time to help the pantry handle 40 percent more visits from local residents than it did just one year ago. The Dulles South Food Pantry will use the funds to purchase food items for families in need within the Dulles South community. The pantry, founded in 2014, is a local, multi-faith charity nonprofit organization. Its mission is to provide free, nutritious food, personal supplies and other services to local families experiencing financial distress, regardless of income, faith, race or other criteria. Due to the growing local demand, Dulles South Food Pantry needs to expand both its outreach and capacity as soon as possible. “We are grateful for Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation’s generous donation of $2,700 to the Dulles South Food Pantry for food purchases,” stated Executive Director Charlene Jones. “Our community’s population is rapidly growing from new housing development, and likewise, the number of people served by the Pantry is rapidly growing.” Established in 2001, the Food Lion Feeds Charitable FoundaJUMP TO >> 21

[ NONPROFIT NEWS ] tion provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants.

Leesburg Organization Awards Wounded Warrior Grant The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, a Leesburg-based not-forprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded veterans of the War on Terror, recently presented a $7,500 grant to Wounded Warrior Homes in California. The grant will be used primarily to house and feed veterans in the program, along with case-management services, available community resources and the development of a plan for each participating veteran to transition into a self-sufficient member of the local community. “Homelessness in the veteran population is a national disgrace, so the Coalition has been extremely active in this space for several years,” stated David Walker, president and CEO of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. “We have given nearly $150,000 over the last five years to directly support transitional housing for our veterans, including $5,000 to Wounded Warrior Homes two years ago. We are very pleased to see how far their pro-

gram has advanced since that time and WWH will remain a very important part of our effort to eradicate veteran homelessness in the years ahead.” WWH also provides contacts to support upgrades to disability benefits, assists veterans with their employment search and college enrollment and encourages the establishment of savings plans. Learn more about Coalition Salute America’s Heroes at saluteheroes.org.

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Broad Run Farm Names Scholars The Broad Run Farms Civic Association recently awarded scholarships to two college-bound freshmen. Emily Plante received a $1,000 scholarship and Ulysses Chaslus received a $750 scholarship. Both graduated from Potomac Falls High School in June. The scholarships, presented at the association’s summer picnic on Aug. 25, are given annually to neighborhood students based on their academic performance and service to the Broad Run Farms community. Plante is headed to High Point University to major in sports business management. Chaslus is going to Virginia Commonwealth University to study biology and chemistry. The association owns and maintains two recreational properties, provides several annual recreational activities for the residents of Broad Run Farms and, generally, encourages civic participation within the community.

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Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The aisles were packed at Trader Joe’s in One Loudoun on its opening day last Thursday.

Waiting Ends: Trader Joe’s Opens First Loudoun Store After years of rumors and waiting, Trader Joe’s opened the doors to its first Loudoun County location last Thursday. The aisles of the store in One Loudoun’s downtown center quickly filled with shoppers exploring the fresh, organic and hard-to-find items that allowed California-based grocery chain to build a devoted following. With the Sept. 6 opening—referred to by the company as “dropping anchor” in conjunction with its tiki-nautical store decor theme—Trader Joe’s now operates nine locations in Northern Virginia. Store manager Captain Chris was joined by County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) and Supervisor Ron Meyer (R-Broad Run) for the traditional lei cutting ceremony The One Loudoun store is located at 44755 Brimfield Drive in Ashburn.

Opening day at Trader Joe’s at One Loudoun included a little wine education.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

B Doughnut Opening One Loudoun Location BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ Popular Leesburg doughnut purveyor B. Doughnut is taking its sweet treats east. The doughnut shop will open a longterm “pop up” location at Ashburn’s One Loudoun development. It will have a decidedly different look than its Leesburg sister store, as it will be located inside a shipping container. It will be one of two, 200-squarefoot shipping containers making up One Loudoun’s “Four Corners” across from Matchbox restaurant and behind Uncle Julio’s. Seating and a deck will be built outside of the two shipping containers to provide a unique experience to guests. The upscale containers have a glass front and hardwood flooring. The B Doughnut container will feature retail sales only, with no traditional on-site kitchen. The tenant of the other shipping container has not been disclosed. B Doughnut is targeting an end of September opening for its One Loudoun pop up. The Leesburg location will remain. B Doughnut opened its first store-

Loudoun Ranks Third in Virginia in Domestic Travel Spending LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Contributed Photo

This upscale shipping container will become the new storefront for B. Doughnut at One Loudoun.

front in the Hampden area of Baltimore, MD, but became a Loudoun sensation with its home deliveries. The downtown Leesburg location opened in December 2016. Since the Leesburg store opening, B Doughnut has sprout-

ed up in several other storefronts and pop up locations throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Data released by the U.S. Travel Association last week pointed to Loudoun’s tourism industry as an economic engine for the entire state. According to a report from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, in 2017, Loudoun ranked third among Virginia localities in visitor spending, bringing in almost $1.8 billion, up 4.6 percent from 2016. Tourism also supported 17,497 jobs and generated $695.4 million in wages, up 4.8 percent. “This was another record-breaking year for Loudoun tourism and we once again ranked third out of 133 localities in the Commonwealth,” Visit Loudoun TRAVEL SPENDING >> 23

Loudoun Chamber Announces Small Business Awards Finalists There are 27 finalists for recognition in the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce’s 24th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards. The winners in seven industry categories—along with the Loudoun Entrepreneur and The Small Business of the Year—will be announced during a Nov. 1 ceremony at The National Conference Center. A committee of the county’s top business leaders and industry experts examined a record number of applications to select the 27 award finalists. The public can vote through Sept. 14 for the People’s Choice Award at LoudounChamber.org/SBA.

Finalists for Loudoun Destination Business of the Year: EatLoco LLC EXIT Plan, an Escape Room Adventure The Conche Tarara Winery

Finalists for Main Street Business of the Year: Dominion Tea King Street Oyster Bar Watermark Woods – Native Plants

Let’s Stay Together ParkMyCloud Simba Enterprises (SimbaCom)

Finalists for Superior Service Business of the Year: 37 Media & Marketing Group Comfenergy FreshEye Innovative Solutions The Leesburg Junction

Finalists for Health and Wellness Business of the Year:

Finalists for Virtual Business of the Year: Blue Lion Multimedia Clark Virtual Business Solutions LLC KeyLyme Mr. Appliance of Leesburg & Martinsburg

Finalists for Technology Innovator of the Year:

Allegiance Home Care Insight Into Action Therapy Loudoun Sports Therapy Center Northern Virginia Orthodontics

Finalists for Nonprofit Organization of the Year: A Place to Be Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Mobile Hope The Catoctin Foundation DBA Loudoun Free Clinic

The 2018 Small Business Awards sponsors include Middleburg Bank, a division of Access National Bank, Backflow Technology LLC, Bank of Clarke County, Bank of Charles Town, Brickyard, Cropp Metcalfe Services, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Main Street Bank, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, Copy General, Loudoun Times-Mirror, Bank of America, National Sports Medicine Institute, Saul Centers, and The National Conference Center. Tickets are on sale now and key sponsorship packages are available. Find out more by calling the Chamber at 703-777-2176 or visiting LoudounChamber.org.

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Travel spending << FROM 22 President and CEO Beth Erickson stated. “Loudoun is unique in its diversity of product. Our equestrian experiences, craft-beverage and restaurant scene, agriculture and historic attractions and outdoor recreation assets, make us a very attractive destination to leisure and business travelers as well as those coming to Loudoun for sporting events, meetings or weddings.” In addition to increased travel spending, tourism-related state tax receipts for Loudoun in 2017 were about $47.2 million, up 3.3 percent, and local tax receipts were at $27.9 million, up 2.8 percent. “While Visit Loudoun’s marketing and sales efforts continue to position Loudoun as a ‘must visit’ destination, we are also supported by a community that recognizes the economic and quality of life benefits that come from sharing our home with visitors,” Erickson said. According to the US Travel Association, tourism across the state generated almost $25 billion in travel spending in 2017. Tourism also supported 232,000 jobs in the commonwealth and $1.7 billion in state and local taxes. The increase is largely attributed to Virginia’s tourism development across the state—new hotels, restaurants, agritourism, craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, sports, outdoor recreation, festivals, and music venues.

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Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Oscar Homer, a 40-year member of the Loudoun Golf & Country Club, takes a few practice shots as construction crews work on the initial phase of the Blue Ridge Estates development in Purcellville.

Blue Ridge Estates Under Construction in Purcellville

BY PATRICK SZABO onstruction on the 20home Blue Ridge Estates subdivision in Purcellville’s historic corridor is underway and slated for completion by early 2020. Ground moving began last month on the 10-acre Ball property along 32nd Street directly behind the 7-Eleven. Unlike other recent developments in town, the neighborhood of 4,000-square-foot homes is being built “by-right”—meaning that it needed no special review by the Town Council. According to Hobie Mitchel, the developer of the project, the development will bring several benefits to the town. In addition to rebuilding the his-

toric stone wall along 32nd Street and working to preserve the trees in the area, work crews will add in a storm water detention area and a pedestrian trail along the roadway and through the development. Through an agreement with the town, Mitchel’s crew will also replace the 50-year-old pump station with a new one that will better serve the thousands of residents on that side of town. “That will take care of a lot things in the west end of town,” Mitchel said. “It was a win-win for everybody.” Because the development is being built by-right, providing the town and residents with little say in the planning process, there has been some concern about construction, specifically the

blasting taking place. Town Manager David Mekarski said that a meeting was recently held with residents, representatives from the county fire marshal’s office, a handful of Town Council members, Capital Projects and Engineering Manager Dale Lehnig and the contractors that will carry out the blasting to address concerns and to ensure that the blasting would be done legally and with “minimal disturbance to property owners.” “It looks like everything has been resolved,” Mekarski said. “[The contractors] really extended just tremendous customer service.” In addition to the blasting being BLUE RIDGE ESTATES >> 26

Hamilton Council Postpones Vote on Coffee Sale Permit for Gun Shop BY PATRICK SZABO After more than two years of selling guns, Bullets & Beans will continue to operate without being able to deliver what the second part of its name suggests—coffee. The Hamilton Town Council on Monday night opted to continue discussions about shop owner Kevin Jones’ request to start selling coffee in the 2,700-square-foot building that the Farmers & Merchants Bank used to call home. During a public hearing on the request, the council heard comments from four residents opposed to issuing a special use permit to allow coffee sales and nine in favor.

Mayor David Simpson said the Town Council needs to consider several factors, including concerns about parking and hours of operation, before it takes action on Jones’ application. “There’s a lot of questions unanswered,” Simpson said. “We need to look into it further.” The council also pushed back a vote on the shop’s requested parking waiver, which, if approved, would allow Jones to open the coffee component of his shop by paying a $2,550 fee to eliminate the need for three parking spaces. The Town Council and Jones will BULLETS & BEANS >> 27

Get ready for another weekend full of family fun, shopping, great food and music in western Loudoun. Provided Hurricane Florence doesn’t interfere, the 49th annual Bluemont Fair will take place this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the downtown area along Snickersville Turnpike. As always, the fair will feature an antiques and flea market, an art show and sale, artisan demonstrations, appearances by local authors, a large bake sale, blacksmith demonstrations, a Native American village, wagon rides, live music on three stages, beer and wine tastings and much more. The fair will also feature the popular pickle and pie contest, which requires entrants to bring their creations to the E.E. Lake Store on Saturday morning for judging. Winners will be awarded crafts created by fair artisans. Admission to the fair is $7 for adults and free for children 9 and younger. For more information, go to bluemontfair.org or call 540-5542367.

Dunn Selected for National Starbucks Program Bluemont resident and Starbucks employee Katey Dunn recently was selected to be a part of the nationwide Starbucks Service Fellows program—a new partnership between The Starbucks Foundation and Points of Light, a volunteer service organization that includes Volunteer Fairfax as its affiliate. Dunn will continue working 20 hours each week at her Starbucks location in addition to serving 20 hours each week with Volunteer Fairfax, which focuses on serving youth, refugees, veterans and military families and helps to solve issues revolving around hunger, the environment and disaster recovery. Volunteer Fairfax is one of 13 community organizations across the nation to participate in Starbucks’ six-month pilot program. Points of Light CEO Natalye Paquin said that the program will spark a positive change through more than 17,000 hours of community service and will serve as a model for an employer-led program that Starbucks can use in the future for a worldwide program.

HILLSBORO Hillsboro Announces Constitution Lecture Series

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Bullets & Beans Owner Kevin Jones has operated the firearm sales and training component of his Hamilton shop since 2016, but has never been allowed to sell coffee.

For those who don’t remember everything about the U.S. Constitution or were too afraid to ask a particular question about it in school, now’s the time to get caught up. The first of the town’s Eat, Drink TOWN NOTES >> 28

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Blue Ridge Estates << FROM 24 a potential nuisance to surrounding homeowners, it’s also put the historic Swan house at the center of attention. Purchased in 1918 by Harvey MacDaniel Ball Sr. as a place to raise his children, the property will soon be surrounded by four lots and a residential cul-de-sac. Because the home’s basement walls are sensitive to blasting, Mekarski said the contractors would use a hoe ram to excavate in the areas immediately around the house, which will take a bit longer to complete than blasting. He also said that the contractors will monitor the blasting with seismographs and will be in constant communication with the surrounding homeowners. As for the adjacent Loudoun Golf & Country Club, construction doesn’t seem to be affecting golfers much. Oscar Homer, a 40-year member of the club, said that construction isn’t bothering him because it’s happening at the northeastern edge of the course—an area that features the practice green, but not close to any of the 18 holes. Overall, Mitchel has been working with residents and town leaders to ensure construction goes smoothly. “We’re doing things at 40 percent of what you normally do and taking a lot

BACK TO SCHOOL

of precautions,” he said. Discussions about the use of the Ball property have been ongoing since 1952, the year that the town established its first zoning ordinance. The zoning of that area has remained the same since 1991, allowing for the construction of two single-family homes per acre. Although the Ball family worked with a developer a few years ago that proposed to build a 40-unit community restricted to residents age 55 and older, but the backlash from residents put an end to those plans. It wasn’t until June that the town approved Mitchel’s plans for the current 20-home layout, which features a single entrance off of 32nd Street. Mekarski said that the town is pleased with Mitchel’s coordination with staff and residents and that the development will be a good fit in the historic district. “It’s being done in a very attractive way that I think will compliment and probably enhance the home values up and down the street,” he said. Mitchel said he’s hoping for the neighoborhood’s roads to be paved and a few spec homes to be built by the end of this year. By this time next year, about half of the development should be completed and ready to be sold from the low $600,000s. “ T h e y ’ r e going to be really very nice houses,” he said. pszabo@loudounnow.com

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<< FROM 24 discuss matters further in a special public meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 25 at the town office. While the shop opened in summer 2016 to sell guns and provide firearm safety and self-defense classes, Jones has never been allowed to sell coffee because of the town’s zoning regulations in the C-2 Retail Sales & Service Commercial District, which prohibits food sales in buildings adjacent to residences without a special use permit. The district’s rules do allow for firearm sales, treating it as a normal retail sale. According to the town’s zoning ordinance, the zoning administrator can authorize a parking waiver when an application for non-residential use is located on a property within 300 feet of a parking lot owned and maintained by the town. Bullets & Beans is located less than 150 feet from the town office parking lot. Warren McCrary, the shop’s nextdoor neighbor, was one of those who expressed his opposition to the shop’s ability to sell coffee, noting that he’s already seen a half dozen Bullets & Beans customers park in his driveway. “It’s a safety issue. It’s an inconvenience issue,” he said. “There’s just no reason to open a restaurant.” Georjan Overman, a former business owner in the town, said that customers typically park as close to the business they’re visiting as they can. She said this could pose a safety concern for drivers rounding the turn on Colonial Highway. “Is this going to support public health and safety—I don’t think so,” she said. “It’s not safe.” Caleb Kershner, Bullets & Beans’ attorney, also spoke at the meeting and pointed out that Blackberry’s Coffee Shop & Marketplace in Purcellville had no parking spaces—and no problems—when it opened. “This is not Dunkin’ Donuts, this is not Starbucks,” he said. “This is not going to have the kind of traffic everybody’s worried about.” Del. Dave LaRock (R-33) spoke in favor of the shop’s request, arguing that while McCrary has a valid concern about parking issues, the worst thing that a government can do is overregulate business. “I think [allowing for Jones to sell coffee is] the kind of organic activity that continues the tradition of the town where you can go thrive,” he said. Councilman Michael Snyder was one of those who spoke against approving the permit and waiver. In a recent statement, Snyder argued that because the shop does not have enough onsite parking, customers would have to park along Colonial Highway, which could block students walking to and from Hamilton Elementary School. He also noted that shop customers who use the town’s parking spaces would have to cross Colonial Highway in an area that has no crosswalks—the closest being 1,050 feet to the west and

at the Mosby Center. Since early 2016, Bullets & Beans has sparked concern from residents in and around the town, many opposed to allowing gun sales less than 500 feet from an elementary school campus. Despite the uproar, Jones was able to open his shop in mid-summer 2016. He invites anyone who’s skeptical about or opposed to his operations to visit the shop and see for themselves what it’s all about. “I don’t really understand the disdain,” he said. “Anybody is more than welcome to come in.” pszabo@loudounnow.com

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Bullets & Beans Owner Kevin Jones has operated the firearm sales and training component of his Hamilton shop since 2016, but has never been allowed to sell coffee.

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Bullets & Beans

27 750 feet to the east. “Death or serious injury for a cup of coffee is not a good tradeoff or consistent with public safety,” he wrote. Jones said that he has no plans to open his shop in time for the morning commute and that his coffee sales would be targeted toward customers waiting to have background checks completed. He said that he would probably open at 9 or 10 a.m. on his days of operation, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Jones also said that many residents and visitors already cross the highway in that same area, many of them parking in the Hamilton Baptist Church parking lot and crossing over to shop

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Holtzman Oil Plans Redevelopment of Main Street Property BY PATRICK SZABO The Shell Station on Purcellville’s Main Street could see a major renovation in the coming years. The Holtzman Oil Corp. is looking to redevelop the 1.25-acre Walsh property, which is home to a Shell Station that has been around for at least five decades. The town’s Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review held a joint meeting Thursday to hear more about Holtzman’s proposal, which includes plans to build a gas station with 12 pumps, a 4,200-squarefoot convenience store and a restaurant with an outdoor seating area. Holtzman also wants to add 35 public parking spaces and a Nursery Avenue entrance to the property. President Bill Holtzman said that the property purchase is dependent on talks with the town. “I’m hopeful that we can put something together that works really well for the town and really good for us,” he said. According to a staff report, the plan “is a unique opportunity to design and utilize an appropriate use of this site, which is a significant piece to [Purcellville’s] downtown.” Planning Commission Chairman Tip Stinnette said Holtzman’s current plans pose a few issues related to the zoning ordinance and traffic flow. The main concern is that the property sits within the Central Commercial zoning district, which prohibits gas stations. The existing Shell Station is allowed because it was built prior to the adoption of the ordinance and was grandfathered. The ordinance does, however, allow for the construction of a convenience store and restaurant of less than 6,000-square-feet. To allow for a new gas station to be built there, Holtzman will have to ap-

ply for a text amendment to the zoning ordinance, which the Planning Commission and the Town Council would review through a public hearing process. That district also requires a maximum front yard of 15 feet along Main Street, meaning Holtzman would have to put the fuel pumps behind the convenience store and restaurant. Holtzman would also need to construct a wall to separate the property from the residential district next door if more public parking is added. Because town staff feels that the secondary entrance along Nursery Avenue might pose line-of-sight concerns, it will use VDOT standards as sight distance guidelines. Stinnette said that if the property sale and redevelopment eventually does go through, and that if Holtzman decides to competitively price fuel at the location, the station could draw more traffic from Round Hill and cause traffic flow problems. Holtzman said that while gas prices would be competitive with surrounding stations, he doesn’t feel that it would increase traffic. He said the redevelopment would serve those who already visit the existing station and that anyone stopping off of Rt. 7 would most likely visit his company’s 5,400-squarefoot Shell Station at Catoctin Corner, which is scheduled to open by the end of this year. “I just don’t see us pulling people from Round Hill to this location,” Holtzman said. “I think that’s a fear that’s not going to materialize.” The company is modifying its concept plan with three different designs to present the Planning Commission in the coming months. pszabo@loudounnow.com

[ TOWN NOTES ] << FROM 24 & be Literary! Constitution Series will take place Friday, Sept. 28 from 7-10 p.m. at the Old Stone School. Guests are invited to attend the event to learn more about the nation’s governing document with a lecture from Ben Lenhart, a Constitution law professor at Georgetown University. For more information call the town at 540-486-8001.

3 Fall Concerts Announced The first of Hillsboro’s three fall concerts will take place Friday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. with a performance by singer-songwriter Juliana Walker MacDowell and her band The Family Jules. MacDowell began her solo career in 2014 and has since won the 2015 Key West Clammy Award for songwriting. The next performance is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5, as The Bordello Bandits perform their rockabilly music. Boo in the Gap will also be held on Friday, Oct. 26 with a performance by Off the Record, a local 10-person band that plays popular covers from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. For more information on the performances, visit oldstoneschool.org or call the town at 540-486-8001.

LOVETTSVILLE Two New Businesses Open Continuing Lovettsville’s economic boom, two more businesses have opened their doors in the past week. Lotus Town Yoga held its grand opening on Sept. 1 at its location in the 1,120-square-foot historic Quonset hut on South Loudoun Street. The studio is now providing residents with gentle and vinyasa yoga classes. It’s even offering a new student special of $10 for a week of unlimited yoga. To learn more, go to lotustownyoga.com. Asian Bistro, located in the 18,000-square-foot commercial building on the Town Square, also opened for business last Friday. The Asian fusion restaurant is now offering residents specialty items, including a chicken poke bowl, Royal Pad Thai, bubble tea and a Lovettsville Sushi Roll. Lovettsville has seen three consecutive weeks of businesses opening. On Aug. 23, Brainiacs, an education center for children of all ages, also opened near the Town Square. TOWN NOTES >> 29

[ TOWN NOTES ]

PURCELLVILLE American Disposal Stops Accepting Plastic Bags Purcellville residents are asked to stop recycling their plastic bags as part of their curbside pickup. The town recently announced that American Disposal would no longer be accepting plastic bags of any form in curbside recycling containers, since area recycle processing facilities are no longer accepting them. From now on, all recyclables need to either placed in paper or cardboard bags or loose in recycling containers. Curbside collection will continue as usual. Residents are asked to place bins on the curb no later than 7 a.m. each Wednesday.

Purcellville Library Improvements Complete Following more than three months of work, the Purcellville Library has been fully reopened with multiple renovations inside and out. The library recently reopened to the public after being partially closed from May to late August for different improvements to be carried out. It now has a new service desk, more internet stations, new book shelf end panels, an updated HVAC

system, a repaved parking lot, restroom upgrades and a reorganized interior with additional space. The library was only closed completely once during the renovations for a week in late May. For more information about the project, go to facebook.com/PurcellvilleLibrary.

MIDDLEBURG Humane Foundation Finds Homes for Animals After two weeks participating in national program to clear its shelter, the Middleburg Humane Foundation found homes for 25 pets, in addition to selling 14 goats. The foundation recently joined the nationwide “Clear the Shelter” movement with the help of an anonymous donation that helped the nonprofit run the campaign from Aug. 24 to Sept. 8. During those two weeks, the shelter was able to waive all fees for livestock purchases and equine, cat and dog adoptions. According to Business Manager Kim Zimmerman, finding homes for nearly 40 animals in just two weeks is a great feat for the shelter. She said that there are now 33 cats, 22 dogs and 25 horses still up for adoption. “We would love to get the animals out that we still have here,” she said. “This is really good.” To see the animals still available, go to middleburghumane.org.

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[ THINGS TO DO ] NIGHTLIFE Live Music: The Family Jules Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro Details: oldstoneschool.org Juliana MacDowell and her brand new band take the Gap Stage with songs from her new album and old favorites. Concert is free and open to the public.

Live Music: 2U U2 Tribute Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com This top-notch U2 tribute band leaves no detail left out from the Irish superstars’ shows, from the musical to the aesthetic. Tickets are $20 in advance, $35 for VIP seats.

Doukenie Concert Series: Bobby Thompson Saturday, Sept. 15, 8-10 p.m. Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro Details: doukeniewinery.com Thompson carries on the tradition of blues and folk greats like Taj Mahal and Lightnin’ Hopkins with his own songwriting and style. Tickets are $20 in advance. Doukenie’s monthly concert series continues through Dec. 10.

September Dance with Steve George and Friends Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

From left, artists and Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA) board members Linda Kreingold, Rita Sartori, Barbara Wilson and Katherine Andrefsky are organizing this year’s Arts in the Alley event Sept. 22.

The Leesburg Art Scene Heats Up—Inside and Out Second Arts in the Alley Festival Set for Sept. 22

BY JAN MERCKER

f you’ve spent time in downtown Leesburg lately, you may have noticed the feel is a lot more urban hotspot than suburban county seat. With a thriving dining and live music scene, sidewalks are bustling with tourists and locals seven days a week. And a flourishing arts scene is part of that fresh vibe, with new galleries popping up and the second annual Arts in the Alley festival slated for Sept. 22. This year, organizers have moved Arts in the Alley, which debuted last July, to a prime fall weekend, with a schedule full of art of all kinds and plenty of fun. “We really want it to be a family arts day—performing and visual,” said Barbara Wilson, president of Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA) which organizes the event. The event, centered around the alley leading from King Street to the Leesburg parking garage and the nearby Leesburg Town Green, features a slew of visual artists selling their work, along

Arts in the Alley 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 Throughout downtown Leesburg Details: leesburgpublicarts.org

with demonstrations from ceramicists, sketch artists and textile artists—and a surprise installation from Fine Gallery owner Kaeley Boyle. The day also offers a full schedule of performances at the Town Green Stage, including the Loudoun Chorale, Last Ham Standing comedy improv and last year’s crowd favorite, the Bharatanatyam Dancers Indian classical dance group. A second stage for solo singers and songwriters will be set up behind Kings Court Tavern. For families, the event includes kid-focused puppet shows from Blue Sky Puppets and a Paint the Mayor event for children with Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk at 11:30 a.m. For Wilson, it’s a chance to remind locals and tourists that Loudoun’s arts scene is as vibrant as its agri-tourism sector. “It’s important to support local

growers, but at the same time it’s also important to support local artists to support creativity within your community,” Wilson said. She envisions Arts in the Alley as a fall sister event to Leesburg’s popular spring Flower and Garden Festival. Organizers plan to eventually expand the arts festival to two days, with a goal of fostering community connections while supporting local artists. “Festivals bring people together,” Wilson said. “You’ll see people you haven’t seen in years.” This year’s festival also features the Windows on Leesburg Arts auction, a FOLPA fundraiser featuring hand-painted vintage windows and shutters painted by top local artists including ceramicist Chris Cooley, sculptor Jeff Hall and painter Leanne Fink as well as community groups like the Leesburg Elementary School Art Club and VSA Loudoun’s DaVinci Art Studio. The auction, scheduled for 4 p.m., will be hosted by Leesburg’s newest gallery, Art Sweet Art. ARTS IN THE ALLEY >> 32

Saturday, Sept. 15, 8-11 p.m. Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville Details: lovettsvillegameclub.com One of Lovettsville’s favorite hometown bands returns to the Game Club for a fun night of dancing. Tickets are $10, and advance purchase is recommended. Beer, wine and snacks will be available for sale.

Live Music: Live Wire AC/DC Tribute Saturday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Live Wire has brings the essence, power and energy of an old school AC/DC show to audiences around the world. They return to the Tally Ho for an evening of high voltage rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets are $15 in advance, $35 for VIP seats.

Live Music: Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen Saturday, Sept. 15, 8-11 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Solivan’s powerful passionate vocals drive this Alexandria-based quartet, which combines the hard drive of traditional bluegrass with 21st century sophistication. No cover.

Live Music: Surprise Attack Saturday, Sept. 15, 8-11 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com Get your groove on with jamming

MORE THINGS TO DO >> 31

[ THINGS TO DO ] “mountain funk” from Washington, DC. No cover.

LOCO CULTURE Middleburg Concert on the Steps: The Anderson Paulson Project Friday, Sept. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Middleburg Community Center, 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg Details: middleburgcommunitycenter.com

North Gate Vineyard, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Hillsboro Details: shorthillhistoricalsociety.org The Short Hill Historical Society hosts a talk from historian, author and stage producer Meredith McMath on “Seldom Told Stories from Loudoun Civil War History.” Light refreshments will be provided and wine will be available for sale. Suggested donation is $5 per person.

LIBATIONS

Enjoy an evening of music from the Anderson Paulson Project. Concert is free and open to the public. The Middleburg Lions Club will have food and drinks for sale.

Breaux Vineyards Sweet Wine Tasting

The Bluemont Fair

Details: breauxvineyards.com

Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Breaux invites wine lovers to sample a range of five sweet wines, including the rare Lineage White Port as a farewell to summer. Three special 30 minute tastings. Tastings start at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and advance purchase is recommended.

Village of Bluemont Details: bluemontfair.org Now in its’ 49th year, this old-fashioned country fair features food, reenactors, children’s activities, tons of live music, crafters and artisans. Admission is $7, free for children 9 and under.

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Saturday, Sept. 15, noon-6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Details: lostrhinoretreat.com

Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts

Celebrate the release of the award winning RhinoFest Marzen, the Dachshund Dunkel inspired by Lovettsville’s Oktoberfest and other seasonal beers. The event features live music from Old Lady Afro and Big Al’s Truck along with German food for sale and a German clothing contest. Admission is free.

Trips and Treasures with Meredith McMath Thursday, Sept. 20, 7-9 p.m.

HONORING COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP INVESTING FUTURE LEADERS

Lost Rhino Retreat RhinoFest Lost Rhino Retreat, 22885 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn

This monthly kid-focused series is designed to introduce little ones to various musical genres and continues through Dec. 15. Admission is $5 per child.

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Saturday, Sept. 15, noon-2:30 p.m.

Rock ‘n’ Roll for Kids at Lucketts

Details: facebook.com/luckettscc

oudoun

MORE THINGS TO DO >> 33

This September & October,

MR. FREDRICK D. SCHAUFELD & MRS. KAREN G. SCHAUFELD

FALL IN LOVE WITH HISTORIC OATLANDS! Visit Oatlands for Daily Mansion Tours, Special Events & Much More! Fall Special Events: Book Talk & Signing: Remembering Lucile: A Virginia Family’s Rise from Slavery and a Legacy Forged a Mile High September 22 Autumn Afternoon Tea September 23 Contemplative Yoga in Nature October 7 Fall Harvest Festival October 21 Paranormal Mansion Tours October 26, 27 & 28 Special Witches’ Brew Afternoon Teas October 27 & 28 For additional details, visit www.oatlands.org 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane Leesburg, VA

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<< FROM 30

Arts in the Alley << FROM 30

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A TRIBUTE TO rush:

sun dogs

Located in the former Weathered Elegance antiques space near the corner of Market and King streets, Art Sweet Art will officially open next month, combining great art and gourmet Belgian chocolate. Leesburg-based sound engineer David Mercado has leased the space since the spring of 2017, but until this fall had put gallery operations in the hands of Belgian sculptor Kevin DeLandtsheer, known for his stunning metal and glass chandeliers. But the combo gallery/chocolate shop has stayed on Mercado’s mind and comes to fruition at the gallery’s official opening Oct. 12. Mercado is partnering with Tryst Gallery owner Jim Sisley to curate shows in the new space and has signed a deal with high-end Neuhaus Chocolate, continuing the corner’s Belgian theme with Delirium Cafe across the street. Mercado, a Puerto Rico native and son of a U.S. Navy civil engineer, moved to Northern Virginia at 11 and has lived in Leesburg for the past decade. He has

run the Soundview Services audio/visual production company since 2001 (Mercado will also be doing the sound for Arts in the Alley performances), but visual art has always been a parallel passion. “I’ve always been a lover of art,” Mercado said. “I’m very interested in the revival [of downtown] and my contribution to it, which has been supporting the arts... Now we’re entering a new phase.” And as the downtown gallery scene grows, there’s also been a surge in outdoor public art in Leesburg. FOLPA’s popular sculpture garden at Raflo park and sculptor Mike Clay’s bicycle-themed LOVEwork sculpture across the street along the W&OD trail draw tourists and locals alike for photos and lunchtime strolls, while Kevin Dunn’s bicycle mural brings vibrant color to the town parking garage. FOLPA is planning a memorial to longtime Leesburg businessman and civic leader Stanley Caulkins, who died earlier this year at 92, and Kaeley Boyle’s train mural on South King Street Bridge is also planned to move forward this fall. For Wilson, the value of public art lies

on both a human level and as a driver of economic development. “It is proven that [public art] brings people into a town or city,” Wilson said. “It’s accessible. ... If you take an average person, not the typical person who’s going to walk into a museum, perhaps they’re walking the dog in the park and look at a metal sculpture and say, ‘What is that?’ And maybe someone else is standing there. ... All of a sudden these two people who have never met are drawn together, questioning a piece of abstract art. … It promotes that kind of empathy and dialogue.” ARTS IN THE ALLEY takes place Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Leesburg. For more information and a performance schedule, go to leesburgpublicarts.org. THE WINDOWS ON LEESBURG ARTS auction is from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at Art Sweet Art, 2B Loudoun St. SW. The gallery’s official reopening is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12. Find more on the gallery at sweetartleesburg.com.

09/22/18 Doors 8:00PM

The clarks 09/28/18 Doors 7:00PM

the ultimate dave matthews band experience:

crowded streets 9/29/18 DOORS: 7:00PM

Who’s bad:

the ultimate michael jackson experience 10/05/18 DOORS: 8:00PM

michael allman and the high streets

10/06/18 DOORS: 7:00PM

eagle mania 10/12/18 Doors 7:00PM

DANCE-A-PALOOZA 2.0 LOWDOWN’S BIGGEST DANCE PARTY FOR FIRST RESPONDERS!

10/13/18 Doors: 7:00PM

The Wailers 10/20/18 Doors 7:00PM

The Bodeans 10/26/18 DOORS: 7:00PM

Contributed

Jeff Hall’s “Caress the Night” and Chris Cooley’s “Red Forest” are among 30 hand-painted windows and shutters available at the inaugural Windows on Leesburg Arts auction Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. at Art Sweet Art gallery.

Mercer << FROM 3 permeate. Your goodness should cause others to vibrate. Being good is noble. Being good loudly is correct.” “Margaret Mercer was one of a sisterhood of Episcopal women who embarked on this path contrary to the mores and expectations of Virginia culture—and sometimes the Episcopal Church,” said Julia E. Randle of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, noting that many of the church’s clergy at the time were slaveowners. Mercer and others like her, “seemed to live in their lives those vows we take today: to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself, and to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the digntiy of every human being. We take those vows today; they lived them without taking those specific vows then.” Supervisor Koran Saines (D-Sterling), whose mother is Liberian, reflected on his close ties to Mercer and St. David’s Church. He said that family research has documented that his ancestors—four brothers who were free tradesmen—were among the first

to be transported to Liberia as part of the resettlement movement Mercer had championed. Also, Saines said his grandmother had attended the Bromley Mission boarding school that is supported today by the St. David’s congregation. He thanked the church for its continued support of the country, including sending extra supplies in times of crisis. Minister Gabriel I.H. Williams of the Liberian Embassy also celebrated Mercer’s efforts. “She educated boys and girls from all walks of life—slaves or free. Margaret Mercer worked for freedom and dignity for all people,” he said. He highlighted the continuing close connections between Virginia and Liberia and he urged them to be strengthened by investments that would help build the nation’s industries, including fisheries, tourism and agriculture. While there are many schools to support by providing books and other resources, Williams said there were other ways to help Liberia. “We are not just looking for handouts. We need investment. We need opportunities,” he said. Clyde Smith of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources said that there are 2,700 historical markers across Virginia. “We’re very fortunate

to live in a state with such wonderful history. You’ve probably heard of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, but sometimes our real, real heroes are lost in the history,” Smith said. “It’s great today that St. David’s has put all this together.” The text of the historical marker, which is located in front of St. David’s at 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, reads: “Margaret Mercer (1791-1846), educator and reformer, purchased Belmont plantation in 1836. Here she ran a prominent academy for young women, waiving tuition for those unable to afford it. Best known for advocating the liberation of enslaved African Americans and promoting their resettlement in Liberia, Mercer also gained recognition for her book Popular Lectures on Ethics (1841). She commissioned the construction of Belmont Chapel, which opened here by 1841. The chapel hosted Episcopal services and a Sunday school at which African Americans were educated alongside whites. Long an important community center, the chapel burned in the 1960s. St. David’s Episcopal Church opened here in 1990.” nstyer@loudounnow.com

[ THINGS TO DO ] walk begins Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg

Dragon Hops Medieval Festival Saturday, Sept. 15, noon-11 p.m.

Details: afsp.org/loudoun

Dragon Hops Brewing, 130 E. Main St., Purcellville

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is sponsoring community walks around the country, with a local walk in Leesburg. Online registration for the Loudoun event is available through Friday, Sept. 14, and in-person registration is open on walk day. Registration is free, and donations are accepted.

Details: dragonhopsbrewing.com Things get medieval in downtown Purcellville with this inaugural festival featuring period food, battles, face painting, music, craft vendors and tasty beer. Admission is free.

FUN FOR A CAUSE

Building Confident Kids Bowling and Silent Auction

Oatlands September Soiree

Sunday, Sept. 16, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 14, 6-11 p.m. Oatlands Historic House And Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg Details: oatlands.org

Bowl America, 46940 Woodson Drive, Sterling Details: buildingconfidentkids.com Enjoy bowling from 1 to 3:30 p.m., prizes and giveaways to benefit the Building Confident Kids nonprofit which works to build confidence in children in crisis through partnerships with homeless and women’s shelters and hospitals. Cost is $40 per player. Individuals and teams are welcome.

Enjoy dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions at the Oatlands Pavilion. Tickets are $200 per person. Advance reservations are required.

Friends Concert for Mental Health Saturday, Sept. 15, 7-10 p.m. Bush Tabernacle, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville

Art from the Heart Fundraiser Sunday, Sept. 16, 1-4 p.m.

Details: loudounfriends.org This annual concert to benefit Friends of Loudoun Mental Health includes live music from Juliana MacDowell and The Frayed Knots, with Ted Garber as master of ceremonies. General admission tickets are $45 per person in advance and include dinner from Monk’s BBQ. The event also features a cash bar and live and silent auctions.

Out of the Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk

Stony Point Farm, 36554 Stony Point Road, Hillsboro Details: dandelionmeadow.org This fundraiser for the nonprofit Dandelion Meadow, created to provide a recovery home and support for women survivors of substance abuse, features local wines, light fare, entertainment and silent auctions. Tickets are $50 per person of $75 per couple at the door. Rain date is Sept. 23.

Sunday, Sept. 16, noon, check-in, 1:30,

Friends of Loudoun Mental Health presents

FRIENDS CONCERT FOR MENTAL HEALTH featuring

Frayed Knots and Juliana MacDowell

Ted Garber with Garber Partners Master of Ceremonies

Sat., Sept. 15 7:00pm - 10:00pm Bush Tabernacle Live Music 250 S. Nursery Ave. BBQ and Beverages Purcellville Live and Silent Auction Tickets - www.loudounfriends.org

<< FROM 31

Housing << FROM 1 ing, we’ve pretty much got it covered for that area,” Ray said. “We’ve already got—goodness—almost 42,000 multifamily units entitled for that area, and we’ve got another probably over 4,000 planned that would planned through the Loudoun 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and that’s just the multifamily.” Loudoun and Fairfax leaders collaborated with developer Open-Rebees to submit proposal for The Hub property, an 85-acre undeveloped site straddling the county borders near Dulles Airport. The property has been rezoned by the Loudoun Board of Supervisors for development of 3.5 million square feet of office space and 1,300 residential units. That project is adjacent to the Center for Innovative Technology, which was Renss Greene/Loudoun Now developed three decades ago during Gov. Chuck Robb’s administration and The Center for Innovative Technology stands near a site on the short list of possible locations for Amazon’s new headquarters. which the state government has identified for sale. There is a Silver Line rail Her study found under the current executive houses have to be built in hensive plan has reflected that pressure, station is under construction at that lowith proposals to put more homes and plan, compared to market demand, the Loudoun.” cation, and it’s next to the planned 335Van Huyck has now had a hand in industry in the Transition Policy Area county could be short nearly 18,000 acre Waterside development. Currently, that project is planned for waterfront units by 2040. She is also one of sev- crafting two plans: he served on the between east and west. The stakeholders mixed-use development—by filling eral people who have voiced concern Planning Commission during the 2001 steering committee also proposed addChantilly Crushed Stone’s quarry with about the emphasis in Loudoun’s plan revisions to the last plan, and repre- ing more land from the county’s Rural water—with 2,200 multi-family resi- on building apartments—her study sented the Loudoun County Preser- Policy Area into the Transition Policy dential units, 395 age-restricted units, found that there is still a demand for vation and Conservation Coalition on Area near Leesburg despite objections and 3.8 million square feet of non-resi- single-family homes in Loudoun. The the stakeholders steering committee to that idea from county supervisors. “There’s no way to do to the farming dential space, along with an automotive county’s own forecasts show it already that shaped the first draft of the new has more apartments planned that it plan during the past two years. He said and the tourism without the land, so service station, a fire and rescue station, will need. Amazon’s buildout will take time, and you take that away and it’s not like you and two schools. “Unless you’re working in Dulles, I Loudoun will have time to adjust. can move it not the sky,” Van Vlack said. Ray said planners do expect people just have a hard time imagining a base The problem will be if Loudoun’s adAnd with constant pressure to build will want to live along the Silver Line— of young people attracted to apartments justment is to the rural west. westward, and the Board of Supervisors an expectation shared by many develop“The issue is: are the policymakers go- changing every four years, policies proers, who are making big plans around at the end of the Silver Line,” Sturtevant the county’s future Metro stops. But said. She said the typical apartment ing to capitulate and say, well, it’s OK to tecting the west can always change. Even much as the plan is still a work in prog- dwellers are single or young couples, build out through western Loudoun?” the current Board of Supervisors has not ress, Ray said there are open questions and plans for expensive high-end apart- Van Huyck said. “Right now, everybody, always stopped expansion westward. “One thing is for sure, and that is reabout what sort of growth the county ments near the Silver Line only put including the present Board [of Superthem in competition with apartments visors] thankfully, is committed to holdgardless of what this board says and what can expect with or without Loudoun. closer to DC. ing western Loudoun in more or less its this plan says, the pressure to keep de“We don’t know at this point—at “Loudoun has a strong ability to atpresent form. If you have a huge wave velopment going to into rural Loudoun least from a planning side—how many of those may want to live in the county, tract families because of their high-qual- of development coming in, it’s going to will continue no matter what the plan and how many may want to live out of ity schools and other amenities, and so really put a lot of pressure on that deci- and what the policies,” Van Huyck said. the question some people ask is, well sion, so that will be the biggest implica- “And future boards will have to make the county,” Ray said. maybe families are going to make a shift, tion for us.” these decisions constantly.” Chris Van Vlack, who serves as both “I kind of wish they were focused Amazon vs. Housing Affordability? and they’re going to be more likely to live in multifamily housing,” Sturtevant president of the Loudoun Farm Bureau on an area that it would be like a real One thing seems likely, said Lisa said. “And again, I have a hard time see- and on the county’s Rural Economic jump start, like Baltimore or something, Sturtevant—with already-high housing evidence for that when we look at Development Commission, said both where you’ve got a place that is just desing prices in Loudoun, and demand data and we see the people moving from organizations have talked about Ama- perate for some revitalization and would already outpacing supply, Amazon will Arlington and DC, and we see people zon “with concern and trepidation.” also be semi-local,” Van Vlack said. “But only push prices further up. She point- moving to Loudoun County. They’re “Unlike Maryland, we sort of don’t wouldn’t just drive out the farmland ed to the famously high housing prices moving out to buy single-family homes.” know what incentives-slash-promises where it’s already being pressured to around Amazon’s current headquarters. There are still options. Loudoun is were made,” Van Vlack said. Loudoun’s leave.” “I think looking at Seattle is actually considering new types of housing, like elected leaders and economic developA request for comment to Sharon pretty telling, where HQ1 is,” said Stur- two-over-twos, stacked two-story town- ment staff have refused to disclose what Virts, who chairs the Economic Detevant, a housing consultant who stud- houses to make four-story buildings. offers the region has made to Amazon. velopment Advisory Commission and ied Loudoun. “The home prices and Sturtevant said exploring new types of “So we really don’t know that, which chaired an ad-hoc committee to chase rents in Seattle have increased faster housing is “a really interesting way to makes you a little nervous, whereas down a deal with Amazon, was forwardthan anywhere else in the country over attract people.” Maryland has come out and said ‘yeah, ed to the county Department of Ecothe last decade or so. It’s not just Am“That’s sort of a new way to attract we’re going to give you $3 billion,’” Van nomic Development, which declined to azon, of course, but if you don’t build people to new homeownership oppor- Vlack said. “So at least you know what comment. enough housing, you’re going to face tunities, for example, that are more you’re dealing with.” “Basically, we’re not discussing the challenges on affordability regardless of affordable and might be smaller,” SturWhatever offers Loudoun and the project,” said department spokeswoman what company moves in.” tevant said. “… and nobody else is really state have made—cash, tax breaks, de- Lois Kirkpatrick. Sturtevant is the principal author taking that on.” velopment policy changes or other“This is a big, big impact, and the imof a 2017 study on housing needs in wise—growth in the east has often put portant thing for Loudoun will be to not Loudoun created by the George Mason Amazon vs. the Rural West? pressure on the border between increas- get tied up into thinking about, we’re University Center for Regional Analysis going to accommodate all that impact,” But a project as big as Amazon like- ingly urban east and rural west. and Sturtevant’s consulting firm, Lisa “One of the things that we keep sayVan Huyck said. “That would be a huge Sturtevant and Associates. She is a for- ly will have impacts outside eastern ing is we’ve got to keep a critical mass mistake. I think we want to keep our mer vice president for research at the Loudoun. “The important thing about Amazon of land available for agriculture, or the own values and keep our own perspecnonprofit National Housing Conference whole rural economy thing that we’ve tive here, and work with Amazon as a and former deputy director of the Cen- is, it’s going to be a regional impact, not been promoting doesn’t work anymore,” regional partner.” ter for Regional Analysis and Associate a Loudoun impact per se,” said Al Van Van Vlack said. Research Professor at the George Mason Huyck. “In other words, if 50,000 jobs Already work updating the comprergreene@loudounnow.com arrive, they’re not talking about 50,000 University School of Public Policy.

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Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

Town of Lovettsville: Proposed Boundary 2018

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AND ADOPT A BOUNDARY LINE AGREEMENT TO CHANGE THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA, AND THE TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE, VIRGINIA, PURSUANT TO SECTION 15.2-3106 ET SEQ. OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED AND NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

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Fry Farm

672

675

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Legend

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Current Town Limits of Lovettsville

ran Church Rd

Area to be Incorporated into Lovettsville

676

371492474 371488833

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371388483

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Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal With “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge With Rifle Bar, Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge With Grenade Bar, and Expert Infantryman Badge. John is survived by his wife Angel (Schneider) Fleming, son Ryan Fleming, father Jay Fleming (DuBose), sister Jeni Baker (Tim), brother Jason Fleming (Elizabeth), stepbrother Chris Krueger (fiancée Sarah), stepson Jonathan McKinnon (Emily) and son Matthew-John, and stepdaughter Savannah Coons, as well as by Allison DiRenzo, Ashly DiRenzo, Carol Miller, countless friends, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. John was an organ donor, and his gifts will help at least 72 people live better lives. He was preceded in death by his mother Janet Fleming. A service will be held on Friday, September 14, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home at 140 South Nursery Avenue in Purcellville. The service will be followed by a celebration of John’s life at the Blue Ridge Eagles Aerie 4368 at 120 East O Street in Purcellville. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https://www.gofundme.com/ john-fleming-family-fund.

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All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to this matter.

John David Fleming

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A full and complete copy of the above-referenced proposed Boundary Line Agreement is available for inspection in the Town Office during regular business hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm and Wednesdays by appointment and can also be viewed on the Town’s website at www.lovettsvilleva.gov.

John David Fleming, 49, of Purcellville died unexpectedly at home on September 2. John was a good, hard-working, and humble man with a heart of gold; a loving and patient father and grandfather; a proud and decorated veteran; and a cherished and devoted husband, son, brother, and friend to many. Born on March 11, 1969, John grew up on his family’s farm outside of Leesburg and lived in Loudoun County his entire life. He was the founder and owner of UCON Construction and also worked for Leo Construction for many years. He was known to many as “Backhoe John” or simply “Big John.” John quietly did a lot to help others, and he loved and raised his stepchildren as his own. Fishing at the Outer Banks – particularly on Avon Pier – was his favorite thing to do. He also enjoyed working in his yard and garden, hunting and shooting, and spending time with his family and friends. John was a proud good ol’ boy through and through. John served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 1991 to 1998, which included spending August 1996-June 1997 in Bosnia, where he served as an M60 Senior Gunner, Squad Leader, and was promoted to Corporal. In addition to his honorable discharge from active duty, his military honors for outstanding service include the

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Tow n of Lov ett sv il l e

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT A PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the Lovettsville Town Council in the Town Office at 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA, on Thursday, September 20, 2018, commencing at 7:30pm to receive public comment on the Boundary Line Agreement.

[OBITUARY]

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The area to be incorporated into the Town is depicted on the map provided.

09/06/18 & 09/13/18

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Lovettsville, Virginia, by and through its governing body, hereby provides notice of its intention to adopt a Boundary Line Agreement to change the boundary line existing between County of Loudoun and the Town of Lovettsville. The proposed boundary line change will bring into the municipal limits of the Town of Lovettsville a land area containing approximately 15.2399 acres, more or less, being all of property identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Numbers (PIN) 371-49-2474, 371-48-8833 and 371-38-8483, the property of the Lovettsville District Fire and Rescue Co., Inc., and a portion of the right-of-way for Lutheran Church Road, State Route 676 containing 0.158 acres of prescriptive and dedicated right-of-way, in addition to a portion of PIN 371-49-2474 lying within the right-of-way, adjoining the property to be added to the Town, and located generally to the south of the existing municipal limits of the Town.

BY ORDER OF NATHANIEL O. FONTAINE, MAYOR TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

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Note: This Geographic Information System (GIS) map was prepared by the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given that Argyll Transport and Support Services, LLC, 1603 Village Market Blvd. SE, #309, Leesburg, VA 20175, has applied for authority to operate as a common carrier over irregular routes, providing service to passengers whose trips originate in the counties of Clarke and Loudoun, VA, and dropping off in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester, VA, and the counties of Arlington, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Stafford and Warren, and statewide throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia for passenger transportation as a non-emergency medical transportation carrier, as defined in the Code of VA Section 46.2-2000. Any person who wishes to support or oppose the application, but does not wish to be a party to the matter, must send a written statement to: DMV, MCS-CMU, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001. The statement must be signed and contain the applicant’s name and DMV case number MC1800343AW. Any person who wishes to protest the application and be a party to the matter must contact DMV at (804) 497-7177 to receive information on filing a protest. The deadline for filing letters of support, opposition, or protest is September 27, 2018.

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Reso 37

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PT Bus Driver Wanted County Christian School has an opportunity available for a parttime bus driver for the 2018-2019 school year. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to afternoon/evening driving of athletic teams for practices and games and driving students and teachers to field trips during the school day. Drivers are expected to have an up-to-date CDL. Interested candidates should contact Tye Stone attstone@countychristianschool.org 703-724-4904 or 703-729-5968.

Wanted: FT LPN or MA Family Practice office located in Ashburn & Aldie, VA seeking FT LPN or MA. Pediatric, family practice and EMR experience preferred. Recent LPN graduates welcome to apply. 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 703-726-0804 attn: Lisa.

Come Grow With Us: (Purcellville, VA) • Equipment Operator – skid steer/ excavator experience required. • Quality Control Inspector – college degree in Geology/Environment Science degree or 1 year of experience in a QC role within the construction industry. Willingness to be away from home every week with a weekend home every two weeks Apply and check us out on our Careers website at www.geoconstructors.com or send your resume to employment@geoconstructors.com. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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[ OPINION ]

Adding to the Map The stakes are growing higher for the future of the historic Rt. 15 corridor, with county supervisors this month expected to set in motion plans to invest tens of millions of dollars to improve traffic flow and safety on the rural two-lane section north of Leesburg. The decisions they make could fundamentally alter the nature of the corridor, which has been recognized for its national historical significance. The decisions also will impact the quality of life of thousands whose homes line the road, as well as those who—despite the daily gridlock frustrations or, sometimes, the risk of life or limb—rely on it to get to where they need to be. While there is universal agreement that something must be done to address the operational deficiencies, there remains a wide divergence of opinions on just what that should be. County supervisors don’t appear to be close to building a community consensus on how to approach this critical project. In part, we are at this point because of decisions not made by previous boards of supervisors. Decades ago, B. Powell Harrison, a champion of many of the historic and land preservation policies that helped shape today’s Leesburg and Loudoun County, warned that the winding rural road would become the region’s de-facto western bypass if government leaders failed to press ahead with long-set plans for an additional Potomac River crossing west of the American Legion bridge. He, and others, predicted that without that commitment, pressures would build to four-lane Rt. 15 and forever scar this important countryside. Over the years, Loudoun leaders have found lots of reasons not to press for a new river crossing—or even to add it back on the county’s or the region’s planning maps. They’ve taken the politically expedient route of ignoring the problem, effectively leaving the issue for future leaders to solve. It’s possible that game of Kick the Can will end with this board. The draft comprehensive plan, now before the Planning Commission, includes a statement that the current board intends to include a policy stating the county’s “intent and support” for a future river crossing east of Goose Creek, pending the results of yet another consultant study. This new plan is designed to address Loudoun’s community development needs through the year 2040. Imagine the traffic on Rt. 15 a quarter century from now if the county’s government leaders again sidestep the issue. They won’t be debating about roundabouts or four lanes. Yes, there are many practical and political obstacles to the construction of a new river crossing, but the first is simply putting it on the map. Let’s overcome that one, finally.

LoudounNow Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 • Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723 Norman K. Styer Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com Margaret Morton Senior Writer mmorton@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene, Reporter rgreene@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com Jan Mercker, Reporter jmerker@loudounnow.com

Douglas Graham, Photographer dgraham@loudounnow.com Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@loudounnow.com Display Advertising Tonya Harding tharding@loudounnow.com Classified Advertising Ashley Fertig afertig@loudounnow.com

[ LETTERS ] A Rt. 15 Boondoggle Editor: Our Board of Supervisors on Sept. 20 will be making an important decision—whether to begin 4-laning Rt. 15 north of Leesburg for 3.5 miles to Montresor Road at a cost of $81. million, leaving 7.5 miles of the remaining roadway to the Potomac River unaltered. This decision, if made, will essentially avoid making desperately needed safety improvements for 7.5 miles such as widening and hardening grass shoulders on both sides of the road and eliminating bottleneck lights at Raspberry Falls and the Village of Lucketts. In place of lights, the county could install well designed and engineered roundabouts with slip lanes at all major intersections at a cost far less than the $81.million. To begin 4-laning only 3.5 miles of this heavily traveled roadway without correcting the needs over the entire 12-mile road to the Potomac River is like starting to solve a problem with no solution in sight because Maryland does not plan to build a new bridge in the next 20 years. We are stuck with a two-lane bridge for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, 20,000+ daily drivers on Rt. 15 north will continue to face safety hazards on this roadway beyond Montresor Road, the point where the 4-lanes are projected to stop, if, as expected our board votes to proceed with this taxpayer boondoggle. These desperately needed safety improvements over the entire 12.0 mile stretch of Rt. 15 north could be accomplished in the near future with existing funds with plenty of taxpayer dollars left-over! Folks—it costs a lot of money to 4-lane any existing highway, especially a Rt. 15 north with approximately 120 private entrances to the road—all of which will have to be restricted to right turn only access, or side roads constructed to get these local residences to the nearest intersection. There is also a lot of extra expense associated with 4-laning a road through a geological formation known as karst. Rt. 15 goes right through the

Karst Overlay Zone established by the county after many wells in Raspberry Falls were contaminated with construction of a golf course in that area. Ask any traffic engineer who has had experience designing a roadway through such a geological formation. It appears the supervisors are about to choose a direction with no solution in sight. A taxpayer boondoggle would best describe what is apparently now “cooked in” to the decision making process. A decision that threatens to work against all the money taxpayers have spent with the County supporting rural economic development in the Rt. 15 north corridor. If the board votes to begin the 4-laning process on Rt. 15 north at an estimated cost of $81 million, one has to wonder how we are going to protect western Loudoun from further development under the updated Comprehensive Plan. We get Rt. 15 north 4-laned, then Rt. 9 west—what a developer dream formulae. Bad decisions made now on major roadways will have unfortunate land use impacts in the future, including discouraging rural economic development. Let’s hope the board has enough common sense not to repeat this mistake with Rt. 15 north. — John Adams, Lucketts

Justice is Due Editor: Virginia’s support of the Equal Rights Amendment would redeem its historic promise of equality articulated in 1776, when Thomas Jefferson penned five immortal words—“All men are created equal.” There was a glaring irony underscored by the chasm between Jefferson’s soaring vision of the new order’s promise and the reality of a population comprising indentured servants, urban paupers, African slaves, and later, women. It’s been a persistent irony. The struggle to reconcile Jefferson’s foundational LETTERS >> 43

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

A Better Balance Needed to Improve, Protect Rt. 15 BY WILLIAM SELLERS This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, which stretches from Rt. 15 in Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, through Maryland and down to Monticello in Virginia. Loudoun’s segment of the 180-mile long corridor is one of the most beautiful and best preserved. What is the purpose and value of a National Heritage Area and a National Scenic Byway? It of course is to preserve its intrinsic qualities—scenic and historic—that the National Park Service, Congress, and the President agreed in 2008 are important assets to the United States. The vehicle used to accomplish this goal is the JTHG Corridor Management Plan, which provides the structure for encouraging economic development and tourism marketing and supporting necessary road improvements. The resulting prosperity along the corridor provides a strong impetus for preserving its unique qualities. Few sections of the corridor have surpassed Loudoun’s in building on these historic and scenic qualities to promote economic vitality, and the 12-mile-long section of Rt. 15 north of Leesburg has the most concentrated cluster of small businesses that showcase this success. Tourists and day-trippers coming to visit the historic crossroads villages of Lucketts, Waterford and Taylorstown, National Register properties such as Morven Park, Temple Hall, and Rockland also enjoy this agricultural area’s farm stands, nurseries, cafés and fine restaurants offering local food and locally produced crafts, antiques markets, vineyards, wineries, breweries, pick-your-own farms, and equestrian facilities on Loudoun’s historic rural road network. This area’s three parks (with the new Springdale Park being added soon) and two boat ramps into the Potomac River

The Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area is a 180-mile long, 75-mile wide area stretching from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.

provide a number of recreational opportunities. Recent state tourism figures reflect that vitality, with a 4.6 percent increase in visitor spending, and a 4.8 percent increase in jobs and wages last year. The economic impact of the four-state Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area is $703 million annually, with $460 million of that coming to Virginia. It is vital for Rt. 15 to be safely and easily accessed by visitors in order for that economic benefit to continue, and its current problems must be addressed. Like all who use Rt. 15, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership looks forward to a safer, less congested road north of Leesburg. Improved function of the highway meets the goals of historic preservation and heritage tourism as well as of commuters and residents. We support efforts by elected officials as well as county and state transportation staff to develop PROTECT RT. 15 >> 43

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Storms clouds and fog roll in along Williams Gap Road on the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun County. Purchase prints of Loudoun Now’s Photo of the Week at LoudounNow.com/PhotooftheWeek.

[ OBITUARY ]

Loudoun Journalist, Publisher Joseph Barreto Phillips Joseph Barreto “Brett” Phillips died Sunday in Kearneysville, WV, one year after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Phillips, 76, was living with his longtime friend Hilary Cooley, of Harper’s Ferry, WV, at the time of his death. Phillips built a multi-million-dollar publishing company from the launch of a small community weekly newspaper in Northern Virginia. In 1988, he launched a small weekly called Leesburg Today with a circulation of 3,000 serving the Loudoun County seat of Leesburg. By the time the newspaper and its parent company were sold to American Community Newspapers in 2006, Leesburg Today’s circulation had climbed to over 64,000, and had become the dominant print media title in the rapidly growing Loudoun market. The newspaper’s parent company, Amendment I Inc., launched a four-color monthly called Loudoun Magazine in 2001 and the following year, Loudoun Business, a monthly targeting the county’s business market. While Phillips’ publishing career had encompassed major metropolitan newspapers and national as well as international magazines, his passion was driven by community journalism. Phillips was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Loudoun County. Both his mother and father were journalists—the former Delores deCastro Phillips wrote a column for the old Washington Star newspaper and served as a correspondent for Time magazine. While attending Greenbrier Military School, Phillips began working as a summer stringer for the Washington Star, covering equestrian events in the Washington area. After graduation from Greenbrier in 1960, Phillips attended Virginia Military Institute and the thenGeorge Mason College before going to work full time for the Star. In 1962, he got his first taste of community journalism when he went to work as a reporter for the Loudoun Times-Mirror, a weekly newspaper based in Leesburg. “There is a different and much more serious level of accountability in community journalism,” Phillips said of that first experience. “When you get something wrong in a community paper, the offended party can walk up and punch you in the nose. You feel first-hand the impact of error, and you tend to work a lot harder to get things right.” Four years after joining the Times-Mirror, Phillips was appointed managing editor of the paper by publisher Arthur Arundel, who admitted to some misgivings about naming a 25-year-old to the top post at what was then the largest weekly newspaper in Virginia. “I’m placing this trust in you in spite of your age,” Arundel wrote Phillips in making the appointment. “I do not expect to be let down, nor does this community.” Phillips went on to manage a team of reporters that won more than 50 Virginia Press Association awards in the next eight years, as well as being named the top weekly paper in Virginia in winning the Copeland Memorial Award. During his tenure at the Times-Mirror, Phillips developed a talent for photography and honed a keen interest in the rugged equestrian sport of steeplechase racing, chronicling that sport over a period of several years for the newspaper. Phillips resigned from the Times-Mirror in 1976. Loudoun’s emerging struggle with its proximity to the Washington Metropolitan Area had been a major theme of the paper’s news coverage and it became a subject of intense concern to Phillips. After leaving the paper, he won a contract from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to write a Purchase of Development Rights program that would form the basis of a publicly funded effort to conserve rural land in Loudoun. While the program had support from a broad range of county

citizens and organizations, the supervisors voted not to pursue it. That decision was the first definitive evidence to Phillips that political will to preserve rural land in Loudoun was limited to regulatory tactics rather than market-based incentives that would allow farmers to become investors in the strategy rather than targets of it. In 1977, Phillips became managing editor of a small company based in Gaithersburg, MD, that was preparing to launch a new national magazine aimed at horse owners. Equus became an overnight hit, bringing cutting-edge veterinary information to horsemen while couching the content in lay terms. The next seven years saw the company, called Fleet Street Corporation, launch a string of monthly newsletters, a national conference program and a consumer products division that included uniquely designed instruction booklets based on editorial material that had appeared in Equus. Phillips bought one of Fleet Street’s publications in 1984 and moved it to Virginia. By 1987, his love of community journalism had begun drawing him to develop a business plan for a new weekly newspaper in Leesburg, which he considered was underserved by existing media even as it was continuing to grow and prosper. Phillips put together a group of local investors and formed a company called Amendment I Inc. In November 1988, he launched Leesburg Today on the cusp of the savings and loan scandal that wrecked Loudoun’s real estate market. “At the time, it didn’t look like we were especially bright in launching while the local economy was tanking,” Phillips said. But the gamble paid off as thirteen years later, Loudoun Magazine was still able to launch one month after the events of September 11, 2001, turned the nation’s economy on its ear. The newspaper’s success was driven by a heavy emphasis on coverage of local governments, from the county to the seven incorporated towns to a rapidly growing school system. The newspaper recruited and retained an extraordinary large editorial staff for a company with limited resources, blanketing government meetings with reporters. “There were times we would run as many as five reporters through a single board of supervisors’ meeting,” Phillips recalled, “because each of them had special areas of expertise that crossed paths with the day’s agenda.”

In interviewing prospective reporters, Phillips would point to a sign he had placed over the entrance to the newsroom: “The Job of This Newspaper Is To Report To The People.” That summed up both the mission of the paper and his own philosophy, which was that journalism’s constituency should be the readers, not those being covered. While Leesburg Today’s editorial page could pass harsh judgment on the performance of government policy makers and the bureaucracy, it also staunchly defended the government when issues that rubbed special interest groups the wrong way came to the table for debate. In 1991, the company received a State Corporation Commission certificate to allow it to sell stock to members of the community. Following that capitalization, there were more than 150 stockholders representing the political, civic and business fabric of the community. In 1998, Phillips left the helm of the publishing company, while retaining his equity. A year later, he returned and undertook a nonprofit rural land conservation project along with preservationist Jack Walter. Phillips wrote a tax-district based program centering on creation of a new Rural Economic Development (RED) Zone, that would secure conservation easements on a vast majority of a property owner’s rural land in exchange for additional non-residential development on residual portions of the land. Although the current board of supervisors was elected on a slow growth platform, the county again shunned the incentive-based approach to rural land preservation, enacting a new zoning ordinance the backbone of which was a major downzoning of rural property. Although that ordinance eventually was negated by the Virginia Supreme Court, by the time of the ruling the county had lost much of its rural land to residential developers. In 2000, Phillips returned to Amendment I Inc. and for the next six years presided over unprecedented growth in the company’s revenue and profitability. In late 2005, the board of directors was approached by American Community Newspaper with a purchase proposal. In 2006, shareholders voted to sell the company to ACN. “We had done what we set out to do as journalists and had turned a civic-driven project into a very lucrative investment for our shareholders,” Phillips said. Phillips moved to Georgetown, SC, where he started a home restoration business in that city’s historic district, and served as a board member and president of the Kaminski House, a historic house museum. He continued his longtime passion for tennis—having helped run the annual Waterford Tennis Tournament for many years—playing in USTA amateur competition as well as delving into sports car racing and deep sea fishing. He is survived by his former wife Anne Victoria Phillips, the mother of his children, daughter and longtime art director of Amendment I Inc., Elizabeth deCastro Pinner; son and New York-based musician Joseph B. Phillips Jr.; and two grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Pinner and her wife Valerie, and Joseph Michael Pinner. He also is survived by his sisters Katherine Dolores “Lita” Phillips of Denver, CO, and Marie Louise Barrett of Sudbury, MA; his brother John Ireland Phillips III, of Washington, DC; his sister-in-law Barbara Koones; and nine nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his older brother Robert Becker Phillips III and sister Emory Stein. Harman Funeral Home in Gaithersburg, MD, is handing funeral arrangements, which will be announced shortly.

<< FROM 3 ship that grew between the two men. He had joined the newspaper’s board to provide some business acumen. “If Brett was the accelerator, I was the brakes—we didn’t always agree, but we never argued, we seemed to understand each other.” Leesburg businessman and former Virginia Delegate Joe T. May recalled being struck by Phillips’ “unrelenting need to speak the truth.” While May was in the General Assembly, he wryly noted that, “Brett gave me bouquets and brickbats in equal numbers—but I thought of his tenure that he was [responsible] for what makes Loudoun today.” Longtime state Senator Charlie Waddell knew Phillips when he was editor of Loudoun Times-Mirror and Waddell was an upstart eastern Loudoun supervisor on the county board. “He had a good grasp of what was going on in the county … and supported my efforts in the east,” Waddell said, calling him an outstanding journalist. “I admired what he pulled off at Leesburg Today.” More than anything, Phillips “did so much to keep the county informed about changing times.” Longtime friend Hilary Cooley supported his newspaper idea from the beginning. She called Phillips a “consummate journalist—who researched every detail before writing a ‘razor sharp’ story with his distinctive wit, style and truth.”

Town and Country While coverage of county government was his foremost focus, Phillips also did much to support the small towns of rural western Loudoun. Former Lovettsville Mayor Elaine Walker said, “I always appreciated his support for the town, and he did so much to acknowledge the town and its growing pains.” Middleburg Town Manager Martha Semmes was the planning director in Leesburg in the 1980s and remembered Phillips’ emphasis on telling the stories that were important to the community, and in “preserving the best even as Loudoun grew.” He encouraged dialogue to give voice to public issues, Semmes said. “He was a public servant in the best way.” Architect Beckham Dickerson called Phillips “The Rachel Maddow of his time.” In 1969, Dickerson was hired as the county’s planning director and led the development of a new comprehensive plan. At the time, everyone was pushing to stop growth— but after Dulles Airport was built and public water and sewer service came to Loudoun, there was no way to stop it by zoning alone. Phillips understood that, he said. Later, Phillips developed his ideas for countryside preservation, work-

The ‘School of Brett’ Loudoun Now Editor and Publisher Norman K. Styer was the first full-time reporter hired by Phillips for Leesburg Today, joining the small staff in early 1989. “What we learned in those early days was that local government matters. It mattered more than anything happening in Washington or any other news hotspot of the day,” he said. “He required us to be students of government—watchdogs, budget analysts, planners and policy wonks. He expected us to dig deep into the details and then ‘report to the people’ in a context that provided value to readers, including the government leaders themselves. That’s not the type of content newspaper experts championed in the late 1980s—or now—but if formed the foundation for the newspaper’s success.” Susan Styer, advertising manager for Loudoun Now, joined Leesburg Today in 1995, knowing nothing about advertising or the newspaper business. “Basically, he raised me in the business,” she said. It was Phillips in that pre-digital age who taught her how to layout the paper’s pages using pencils and erasers. Noting Phillips’ well-known irascibility, she recalled four times she fell afoul of his ire. “Twice it was fair, but two other times I didn’t deserve it.” She also recalled the fun. One day, he came into the advertising department and said, “Come on, girls—let’s go for a ride.” She recalled being “white-knuckled” in the back seat of his red convertible Mustang. Loudoun Now Reporter Jan Mercker’s association with Phillips began when she was a Leesburg Today intern throughout her senior year at Loudoun County High School. “The Leesburg Today job was the best after-school job ever.” She returned three years later as a reporter to cover the school system for the paper. “Instead of going to journalism school—I went to the school of Brett,” she said. He taught her to “get to the heart of a story, and how to ask the important questions.” The work was tough with high expectations, but there was “an atmosphere of humor, high energy and fun.” After marrying and starting a family, Mercker said she is happy to “keep Brett’s legacy alive under the editorial leadership at Loudoun Now.” mmorton@loudounnow.com – 30 –

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The Point of Rocks bridge, where Rt. 15 crosses the Potomac River in Maryland.

Protect Rt. 15 << FROM 41 corridor-long improvements that improve its function as they preserve and enhance its qualities. We have grown increasingly concerned, however, that the designs proposed by the county’s transportation planners, which do not follow the guidelines of the existing Corridor Management Plan, will result in the degradation or destruction of a number of historic and economic assets along the corridor—whose owners have relied on the plan in investing millions of dollars in businesses that depend on maintaining the historic and scenic features that draw their visitors and customers. Moreover, the county’s recent congestion report acknowledges that the currently proposed improvements will merely push congestion farther north, and that the concepts proposed will sharply reduce access to businesses and sites along the corridor. The streetscape and road design improvements in the county’s proposals would destroy many existing natural and historic features and structures, such as fences and tree lines, instead of preserving and enhancing the natural landscape and built environment. The proposed improvements would also seriously impinge on several of the area’s historic properties of national

significance, whose faithful stewards have requested our assistance in preserving them. We presented to the Board of Supervisors and county planners on Aug. 31 the first steps toward a better approach to congestion relief and safety improvements. It will relieve the problems, preserve scenic and historic assets and property values, and promote the increased economic growth of Loudoun’s rural economy. To create that alternative approach we engaged nationally known transportation engineer Ian Lockwood, the designer many successful highway projects across the nation and of two rural highway projects in Loudoun—the awardwinning Route 50 Project and the new Hillsboro Traffic Calming Project, which broke ground this summer. His approach will best balance the needs of residents, commuters, and visitors, and can be built more quickly and for much less money than the current alternatives being considered. We encourage Loudoun’s citizens and all who value Loudoun’s scenic and historic beauty as well as its rural economic vitality to support this effort. If Loudoun County adopts this approach, we can look forward to a safer, less congested, beautiful Rt. 15 that residents, visitors, and future generations can enjoy. William Sellers is president and CEO of the The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership.

[ LETTERS ] << FROM 40 vision with the realities of manifest inequality is a prominent theme of our history. The popular groundswell to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment is yet another episode of the American story. To date, 37 of the 38 states needed have voted to ratify the ERA. Given the prominent role of Virginia in the founding of the Republic, as well as Its equally prominent role in the tragic violence to preserve slavery, it is entirely fitting and appropriate that the General Assembly should vote to ratify the ERA, thereby redeeming Jefferson’s egalitarian vision and our

own past, Were we to ratify today, it would be almost a century since the amendment was first introduced in 1921. It would be another stage in our nation’s long-standing mandate to form a “more perfect union.” In good conscience, we should not further delay acknowledging the equal status of the 4.3 million Virginia women, of which almost 150,000 living in Loudoun County are our neighbors, friends, wives, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, business owners and entrepreneurs—and voters. Justice is due. We’ve all been waiting too long. — Randy Ihara, South Riding

An Appreciation

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NOW

598 649 $ 849 $

NOW $ Full Set 698 Queen Set $

FAMILY OWNED IN LEESBURG FOR OVER 36 YEARS

699

King Set $ 999

NOW

898 Queen Set 999 $ King Set 1499 Full Set

Luxury Firm

2018

GUARANTEED LOW PRICES ON

BAER’S

FREE DELIVERY & REMOVAL IN A 2 HOUR WINDOW*

MATTRESS DEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 10-8 • SATURDAY 10-6 • SUNDAY 12-5

703-777-1600 www.baersmattressden.com At BAER’S Delivery is INCLUDED on most sets over $699 & Removal is ALWAYS INCLUDED with Delivery. * see store for details

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