Loudoun Now for Oct. 13, 2016 by Loudoun Now

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 1, No. 49 ]

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Time to cut school ties with TJ?

[ Oct. 13 – 19, 2016 ]

Tips Lead to Schoolhouse Vandalism Suspects BY DANIELLE NADLER

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock talks to TV reporters after the debate against her Democratic challenger LuAnn Bennett. Comstock has urged Donald J. Trump to drop out of the presidential race.

DID TAPE, COMSTOCK TORPEDO TRUMP IN LOUDOUN? BY RENSS GREENE

ven before the race for president began more than a year ago, Loudoun County was targeted by strategists in both parties as a must-win locality in the push to take Virginia’s 13 electoral votes. Last month, polls showed that Republican nominee Donald Trump gaining ground on Democrat Hillary Clinton, but the gap has widened in recent weeks and the campaign was dealt two blows on Friday. First was the surfacing of a 2005 recording of Trump making crude sexual remarks about women. That was quickly followed by region’s top elected Republican, 10th District Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, calling for the business mogul to drop out of the race. During her re-election campaign,

Comstock had avoided commenting about whether she supported Trump, with her staff referring questions about the candidate to a Washington Post article from May in which she said “Donald Trump needs to earn the votes of me and many others” and that she would be “watching.” “This is disgusting, vile, and disqualifying,” Comstock said in a statement Friday, hours after the voters heard recorded Trump comments. “No woman should ever be subjected to this typwe of obscene behavior and it is unbecoming of anybody seeking high office. In light of these comments, Donald Trump should step aside and allow our party to replace him with Mike Pence or another appropriate nominee from the Republican Party. I cannot in good conscience vote for Donald Trump and I would never vote for Hillary Clinton.”

Comstock’s opponent, LuAnn Bennett, used similar language in a statement after the video was made public, released prior to Comstock’s statement. “Trump’s actions are vile and disgusting. These latest revelations are shocking, but they are sadly not surprising,” Bennett stated. “Donald Trump has demeaned women since before he ran for public office, and the Republican Party, with a few exceptions, have stood with him and enabled him every step of the way.” Although Comstock had previously declined to take a stance on Trump, Bennett’s campaign has tried throughout the campaign to tie Comstock to the GOP presidential nominee, most recently this week at a debate hosted by the Loudoun County Chamber of TRUMP >> 22

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Five teens have been connected to the vandalism of the historic Ashburn Colored School, the Sheriff ’s Office announced Oct. 5, less than a week after the schoolhouse was found covered in racist and vulgar graffiti. Three 16-year-olds and a 17-yearold from Sterling and a 16-year-old from Ashburn have been interviewed by detectives. Investigators will work with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Loudoun County Juvenile Court Service Unit Intake Department to obtain charges in the case. The names of the suspects are not being released because they are younger than 18. “We would like to thank the community and our local leaders for their outpouring of support and for understanding the significance of these offenses,” Sheriff Mike Chapman said in a statement. The vandalism was discovered the morning of Oct. 1 at the one-room schoolhouse on Ashburn Road. The simple, wood-framed building served the community’s black students from 1892 to 1959. The graffiti included racist and vulgar messages, including swastikas and the words “White Power.” Deep Sran, founder and academic lead of the Loudoun School for the Gifted, which has been working to restore the 124-year-old schoolhouse, thanked the community for speaking up to help investigators quickly find the suspects. “Everyone at the school was genuinely surprised at how quickly these kids were found,” he said. Chapman said the first suspect was identified through a tip. “We had several tips, but this one in particular was very good,” he said. “We followed up on it, and it led us to a parVANDALISM SUSPECTS >> 29

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Accessory pleads guilty in Park View student’s murder

Comstock, Bennett face off in Chamber debate

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INDEX

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Loudoun Gov.............. 6 Leesburg.................... 8 Public Safety............ 12 Education................. 16 Our Towns................ 18 Biz........................... 24 LoCo Living.............. 30 Obituaries................ 36 Classifieds............... 37 Opinion.................... 40

dation announced they The hateful messages that were spray-painted would donate $35,000 on the Ashburn Colored for the restoration of the School have been erased. historic Ashburn Colored Armed with paint scrapSchool, pushing it over its ers and brushes, hundreds $100,000 goal. of volunteers spent SunThose donations have day at the school site covalso pushed the restoering the racist and vulgar ration of the schoolhouse messages with a fresh coat well ahead of schedule, of paint. and will help restore the Loudoun NAACP orexterior and interior of ganized the Community the historic structure, and Restoration Celebration, furnish the old school and its 300 volunteer slots within a year—a process filled in an hour. Yvonne Neal, who atthat originally would have tended the Ashburn Coltaken nearly three years to Yvonne Neal Thornton, who attended the Ashburn Colored School in the 1930s ored School, returned and ’40s, is greeted by friends and volunteers after she visited during clean up. complete. In addition, the to the property to greet funds will help in the dethe workers and see the velopment of a museum schoolhouse she spent of education at least five most of her days in from 1938 to 1945. ty and launched a fundraising effort to years ahead of schedule. In a 2015 interview, the 83-year-old de- repair the schoolhouse and turn it into Those who did not get a chance to scribed the now 124-year-old building a museum on the history of education. lend a hand Sunday, but still want to, Since news of the vandalism spread as a safe haven for black families over will likely get their chance. Help will the years. “It’s like a landmark for those in the past week, the project’s GoFundMe page had seen a surge of giving, be needed in the coming months, esof us who went there,” she said. pecially when the landscaping and The vandalism that took place raising more than $72,000. overnight on Sept. 30 came about 20 Then, on Tuesday, Washington site work begins. Follow the project at months after the Loudoun School for Redskins owner Dan Snyder and the loudounschool.org/crc. the Gifted had purchased the proper- Washington Redskins Charitable Foun—Danielle Nadler

New Leesburg chief offers his take on community policing

Photos by Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Softball field memorializes Ashburn teen athlete LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

Hundreds of volunteers lent a hand at the Community Restoration Celebration at the Ashburn Colored School on Sunday.

3 Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

REPAIRING THE ASHBURN COLORED SCHOOL

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Some of the softball teams Madison played with and against gather for a group picture at the Madison Small Softball Complex dedication.

‘LET’S PLAY BALL’

Madison Small Softball Complex Dedicated BY RENSS GREENE

bout 300 softball players, coaches, family members, and county officials were on hand on a rainy Saturday morning for the dedication of the Madison Small Softball Complex. In March, the county named two softball fields at Trailside Park in Ashburn after the longtime and well-loved softball player, who died suddenly of a rare bacterial meningitis infection in her senior year of high school in April 2015. “Madison had such a love for life and people, from her family, to her friends, to her school, to her teammates,” said Madison’s father, Tim Small. He credited Supervisor Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn), Supervisor Suzanne M. Volpe (R-Algonkian), Loudoun Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Service Steve Torpe and his staff, and Tim Small’s lifelong friend Tommy Moorcones, with the softball complex’s new name. Madison’s co-captain, Suzanne Gobstein, recounted how Madison skipped prom to play for her team and had a rib surgically removed so that she could

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The plaque marking the Madison Small Softball Complex.

continue to play softball, in addition to being a friend, leader, and mentor to everyone she played with. “She was an outstanding player, and if there’s one girl who can truly embody the meaning of a softball player,

it was Madison,” Gobstein said. “Madison was strong on and off the field.” The annual Ashburn Girls Softball League Scholarship has also been renamed the Madison Small Scholarship. Buona read a resolution passed by

supervisors on March 17 naming two softball fields at Trailside Park. The resolution, he said, memorializes Madison “from here to pretty much eternity.” “This will outlive all of our mortality,” Buona said. “Madison will be enshrined in this park today, and I think she’s looking down at us right now and she’s saying, ‘good job, Loudoun County. Good job, Ashburn, mom, dad, we love you.’” Tim Small closed out the ceremony. “Play the game to its fullest,” he said. “Have fun. Set the right example and do the right thing. Help others and be kind. Once again, thank you to everyone for making this possible and for sharing this morning with us. We hope the Madison Small Softball Complex will continue to be a place for fun, family, learning, teamwork, competition, camaraderie and friendship, as it has been to Madison and our family, and that her spirit will continue to inspire us. “Thank you again to everyone, and let’s play ball.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun Board: No Homes at Old Arcola School BY RENSS GREENE Loudoun County will look for another way to save Old Arcola School after deciding against a partnership with the Windy Hill Foundation to renovate the structure and build affordable housing on the site. When the county government asked for proposals to preserve the abandoned Old Arcola Elementary School through a public-private partnership, Windy Hill proposed to convert the building to apartments and build a separate two-story, 36-unit apartment building on the property. The foundation would also include five units for the intellectually and developmentally disabled, build an athletic field, and preserve the school’s gym for community use. But the building is about two and

a half miles from the end of one of Dulles Airport’s runways, directly under air traffic and right in line with a planned fifth runway. And while supervisors lauded Windy Hill’s intent, they saw reasons to question this proposal. “If you think it’s noisy when that A380 comes over in Sterling, go stand on this site,” said board Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn). “You’ll be able to tickle its belly.” Buona, a former airline pilot, Dulles District Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R), and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority have argued forcefully against creating an exception to county zoning which discourages residential development around the airport. “If we voted for this, we’d be voting to undo decades of proper planning,”

Buona said. “And if you want to save the old school, fine, let’s find another way to do it, but not this way. If we want low-income housing, fine, but let’s find another way to do it.” Letourneau and Buona have also dismissed arguments that Windy Hill plans to soundproof the buildings, as well as a 2005 study that showed less noise around the airport than anticipated in county planning policies. “This is the shell game that’s being played on this issue,” Letourneau said. That study, he said, is a snapshot in time, whereas the county’s noise rules are based on an eventual full buildout at Dulles Airport. “That’s now what we should be looking at,” Letourneau said. “That’s a very short term to look at when we’re making decisions that you can’t undo.”

Other supervisors also opposed the plan because of its residential density, its complete conversion from commercial to residential zoning, and questions over financing the project. Seeing too little support for the project on the board, Supervisor Tony R. Buffington Jr. (R-Blue Ridge), whose district includes Old Arcola School, withdrew his motion to move forward with the partnership and instead moved to reject Windy Hill’s plan and look for other options on the site. “I know how the other vote was going to end, and I want to make sure we give staff some sort of direction for how to go on this, and I want to make sure that includes preservation of the Old Arcola School,” Buffington ARCOLA SCHOOL >> 7

“The goal of our homeless shelter is to help eradicate all barriers to securing and maintaining permanent housing, and this grant allows us to extend services to the entire Loudoun community,” stated Russell K. Snyder, president and CEO at Volunteers of America Chesapeake. In the first year, the Hope’s Chariot Transportation Program hopes to increase the employment of shelter residents and decrease the length of shelter stays by 5 percent, as well as increase permanent housing placements from 20 to 25 percent.

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The county will consider building an above-grade crossing for the W&OD trail at Sterling Boulevard. The Board of Supervisors has directed the county staff to study and report preliminary cost estimates for the project to its finance committee, and will consider including the project in the fiscal year 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program. Sterling District Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D) said the at-grade Belmont Ridge Road and Sterling Boulevard crossings see by far the most accidents of W&OD Trail intersections in Loudoun. A bridge at Belmont Ridge Road crossing is part of a widening project that broke ground in September and is scheduled to wrap up in December 2018. Saines said he also will be looking for funding sources for the work. “We still have a long way to go, but I’ve reached out to my colleagues, our state delegation, asking them to help with seeing if there’s any funding possibility,” Saines said. “We’ve reached out

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and sent letters to our congresswoman and our senators regarding the trail as well, to see if they can help in any way.” In the short term he said, flashing warning lights will be installed at the crossing to alert drivers when pedestrians or bicyclists are crossing.

Supervisors Close Land Deal to Expand Community Center Loudoun County will pay $1.8 million for property next to the Sterling Community Center, allowing the center to grow. “To me, this thing couldn’t go far enough, so I’m very thrilled that we’re going to be purchasing this land,” said Sterling supervisor Koran T. Saines (D). Saines said there are a lot of possibilities with an expanded Sterling Community Center. “I would love to get more space to have a computer lab, possibly, a classroom, a bigger meeting space where we could do self-defense, yoga classes, more meetings for people to continue to get together,” Saines said. The center stays busy, he said, and more space could mean more activities.

ADU program into line with state and federal programs to open up housing grant funding in Loudoun, but decades of the old rules have meant only the Windy Hill Foundation, working outside the county’s ADU program, has been building workforce housing with HUD and VHDA money. Windy Hill’s proposal for Old Arcola School enjoyed an outpouring of public support in public hearings and letters to supervisors. “I don’t want to grow up and move away because I can’t afford to live in the same community in which I grew up,” said Potomac Falls senior Alex Burns, who said he has autism and Tourette’s Syndrome. “This is our chance to lead as a county, to tap into the spirits and talents of those with special needs. You have no idea what we’re capable of unless you give us a shot.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

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said. Supervisors present for the vote agreed unanimously, 7-0-2. Supervisors Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) and Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) were absent for the vote. The Windy Hill Foundation has built the preponderance of Loudoun’s affordable housing in the last decade and will soon break ground on its next project at the Kincora development near Sterling. Because of discrepancies between Loudoun’s Affordable Dwelling Unit program and federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and Virginia Housing Development Authority grant rules, Windy Hill has been the only organization bringing HUD and VHDA grant money into the county for years. The county is working to bring its

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An anonymous local private foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Loudoun Homeless Services Center to expand its Hope’s Chariot Transportation Program, allowing the staff to shuttle homeless clients and identify transportation routes clients need for jobs, appointments, training, and education. The unnamed foundation made the donation with the help of Sterling Foundation Management LLC. The homeless services center is operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Loudoun County Family Services.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH IS TOP PRIORITY FOR BROWN, GRIGSBY AT LEESBURG PD

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Gregory Brown stepped in as Leesburg’s new police chief last week, taking the reins from Deputy Chief Vanessa Grigsby, who has served as interim chief since Joseph Price’s retirement in March.

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ new administration officially took over at the Plaza Street headquarters of the Leesburg Police Department last week and the new team already appears to be working like a well-oiled machine. Gregory Brown took the helm of the department Oct. 3 as only the fifth chief in the department’s history. Major Vanessa Grigsby, who had been serving as interim chief since Joseph Price’s retirement earlier this year, was promoted to deputy chief, and she and Brown already report a solid working relationship. The comfort the two have with each other was clear, moments after beginning a recent sit-down with the chief and deputy chief. Brown and Grigsby had worked cross-jurisdictionally while Brown was employed with the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, most recently as its Eastern Loudoun substation commander. When she heard that he would be taking the reins as chief of the department she has worked at for 20 years, Grigsby said she was thrilled. She said she has seen the excitement not only from within her own department, but the greater Leesburg community.

“For me, my perception is there is a lot of excitement for where we’re about to go,” Grigsby said. Of his first week on the job, Brown said it has been a busy one. “It’s a good type of busy. With the support of Vanessa and the rest of the staff they’re making it very, very, easy for me,” he said. “I’m very excited. I think I’m going to fit in just fine.” And his deputy chief certainly seems to agree. “Chief Brown and I think a lot alike. We have a similar style and we work well together. We take our cue from our staff,” Grigsby said. “We’re both open, approachable and I don’t think either one of us has all the answers.” While Brown said much is still to be determined about the hierarchy of the new police department administration, and the overall leadership structure, the two view their roles as they relate to each other quite clearly. “My job is to support him, to be a conduit to get things done,” Grigsby said. “As chief he has a lot of responsibilities, a lot of events to go to. I’m here to support him.” “We support each other,” Brown added with a smile.

The two say they plan to use the leadership shown by Price to guide the way they hope to run the department after his retirement. For Grigsby, who worked under Price for 16 years, his ability to “look outside the 12 square miles of Leesburg,” and look at trends occurring on a state, regional and federal level, helped to place Leesburg in high regard. Brown got to know Price well through the Northern Virginia Training Academy in Ashburn, where he had served as an instructor and Price chaired the executive committee. And that approachability, that both he and Grigsby pride themselves on, is one thing Price did so well, he said. “Even though he was a chief he was able to get the students of the class to respond to him. To me that leadership that keeps people at arms’ length is not effective and to me he was not that,” Brown said. “His mentoring over the last twoand-a-half to three years really, really helped me to prepare for this position.” While he was content to devote his career to working in the sheriff ’s office and eventually retire there, Brown said the opening for the Leesburg leadership post was too good to pass up. “The only agency I would’ve applied for would’ve been Leesburg. I know the people; I’m familiar with the community,” he said. “For me it was a no brainer.” Brown said he sees a lot of similarities between the Sterling community he most recently served and Leesburg. Traffic and parking challenges certainly, not to mention incidents of thieves entering unlocked vehicles and homes. “You can’t leave a worm on the end of the hook,” Brown said, reinforcing the department’s repeated urgings for residents to lock up. When asked whether Leesburg has a problem with gangs, Brown said local law enforcement agencies have targeted the issue effectively. “I don’t like to use the word ‘problem,’ because that would signify it’s deep rooted. I’ve been to those places before; I OUTREACH >> 10

Forum Highlights Leesburg’s Growth Opportunities BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ The need for a different approach to office development and for more housing downtown were two central themes echoed during a business forum Thursday morning. In its sixth year, the Leesburg 360 forum was held at K2M’s headquarters off Miller Drive. Representatives from the real estate and land development sectors joined with the town staff to examine current market conditions in the county seat. Economic Development Manager Marantha Edwards began the forum with a glimpse into town demographics, and local agents spotlighted some of the available office, retail, and restaurant space available or under developed in town. Edwards noted that commercial vacancy rates in town stands between 12 percent and 15 percent, a number some

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The new Crescent Place development near downtown is an example of what some Leesburg leaders say the town needs more of.

disputed is high. During a panel discussion, speakers traded observations on trends in the commercial market in Leesburg and elsewhere. Leesburg Executive Airport Manag-

er Scott Coffman shared his thoughts on development around the airport. He noted that decades ago the airport was strategically located far from popuGROWTH >> 10

[ BRIEFS ] New Downtown Parking Lot Opens There’s now more options for parking downtown. Last week, a new surface parking lot opened at the corner of Church and Loudoun Streets, next to the County Government Center. The lot contains 44 public parking spaces, including two handicapped accessible spaces. Parking rates are the same as the on-street metered spaces at $1.50 per hour, but there is no time limit. Rates apply Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free on weekends, holidays and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Patrons can pay using the lot’s pay station using cash or credit cards, or they can pay with the ParkMobile app on their smartphones. The ParkMobile app charges a service fee; but there is no service fee when using the pay station. The new lot is part of a lease agreement the town recently entered into with the Courthouse Square developer. Previously, the owners leased the lot to Loudoun County for employee parking. Some parking spaces are still reserved for county motor pool vehicles, but the majority of the spaces are now available to the public. In conjunction with opening the new parking lot, a pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of Church and Loudoun streets was also installed.

Hilton Kicks Off Campaign Town Council hopeful John Hilton kicked off his campaign Oct. 5, surrounded by friends and supporters. Hilton’s kickoff was held at a Cornwall Street home, and supporters included a slew of local and state officials. Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens, Commissioner of Revenue Robert Wertz, Sheriff Michael Chapman, Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman, Sen. Dick Black (R-33), Town Council members Tom Dunn and Suzanne Fox, and fellow running mates Kevin Wright and Ken Reid were among the supporters that turned out. Hilton said his three main priorities, which form the core of the themes for his campaign, are enhancing public safety in the town; promoting better cooperation between the town and Loudoun County; and bringing forth appropriate land development for Leesburg. He said he was pleased to have so many county officials supporting his campaign. “We need cooperation and harmony between the town and Loudoun County. There’s no room for that dysfunctional relationship,” Hilton said. On the item of land use, which Hilton said “bleeds into everything we do,” he said, if elected, he is “willing to work with anyone who takes a balanced approach” to development. He said it is imperative that any type of development “preserve the charBRIEFS >> 10

Leesburg Commission Postpones Decision on Costco Expansion, Downtown Housing a parking garage and commercial space along the Town Branch. Jan Zachariasse, president and CEO of Waterford Development, had envisioned a walkable, pedestrian-oriented commercial space that would bring foot traffic to an area more used to passing cars and crossing cyclists off the W&OD Trail. Now Knutson is hoping to build on the popularity of the residential offerings at Crescent Place to bring that same energy to the South King Street area. An existing 3,100-square-foot office building on the site will also be part of the project. Knutson is also proposing to make improvements to the Town Branch and add a small pocket park on the site, right across from the town’s Georgetown Park. He also is working with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to make improvements to the area near the trail. That application will be back for debate at the commission’s Oct. 20 meeting. One application that was approved last Thursday was a request to waive the requirements to install sidewalk improvements in the area of 102 Cornwall Street. The applicant, Cornwall Partners, LLC, contended, and town staff concurred, that constructing sidewalk improvements in that area was not practicable because of the proximity to the Old Methodist Parsonage property graves and headstones. Instead, the applicant will replace the existing concrete sidewalk along the property’s Wirt Street frontage with a new, brick sidewalk.

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The Leesburg Planning Commission had some major land development applications in front of it Thursday night, but both will be returning in the next few weeks for further deliberation. The Costco on Edwards Ferry Road has applied for a request to amend a previously-approved special exception to allow the store to expand by 6,100 square feet. According to a staff report, the proposed expansion would be a 4 percent increase in the total square footage. The building addition includes a 3,340-square-foot increase to the general retail sales area, a 1,920-squarefoot increase to the cooler area, and an 840-square-foot increase to the tire store adding one additional tire bay. The application also calls for 2,800 square feet of seasonal outdoor sales along the front of the store on Edwards Ferry Road. The application was deferred by the commission to its Nov. 17 meeting. Also coming before the commission for its initial review was an application to bring more housing to the downtown area. Crescent Place developer Don Knutson is proposing to construct four four-story buildings with 64 multi-family units and 7,100 square feet of commercial uses and recreation amenities on two acres on the east side of South King Street along Town Branch and the W&OD Trail. The property, which currently houses a small strip retail center and the Battery Warehouse, has some history to it. In 2008, Waterford Development received special exception approval to construct

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Outreach << FROM 8 understand what deep-rooted problems look like. I refer to them as issues,” he said. “The mid-2000s to 2008, we took very aggressive approach to identifying and investigating criminal cases and we were very successful with reducing gang-related crime and activity to a very miniscule amount. We are taking those approaches now. The pieces look a little different, but we still take the same approaches.” Grigsby said the department remains a close partner with the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, which has helped to share resources related to combating the rise of gangs and gang-related violence. Acknowledging their place in the history books as the first two black officers to lead the department, Brown said it is

Growth << FROM 8 lated areas of town, but now more development is headed the airport’s way. He pointed to the ongoing construction of a commercial center featuring a Super Walmart near the airport’s runways. Concerns about commercial development near the airport is that lights or tall buildings could obstruct the path for pilots. Rounding out the speaker list were

not something he focuses on. “I base why I’m here on my competencies. By the same token there is the perception that people believe this can help move the department to another level and I understand that and I appreciate that. What we really want to do is fill positions; we want to diversify. We want to diversify with competent, professional officers that want to serve the public,” he said. The two list recruitment and staffing as a top overall priority for the department, with the aim of filling the 17 vacancies to get the department back to full staffing. A full roster will help Brown and Grigsby tackle another department goal—bolstering its community outreach efforts. “We definitely want to look at some [community outreach] programs we can roll out, but in order to do that we have to have proper staffing. One can’t roll out

one without the other,” Brown said. He said he also hopes to build upon the things the town department has already done in community policing, noting that the Leesburg Police Department is often used as a model for other jurisdictions in approaching the subject. As the national attitude toward law enforcement has greatly shifted in the last few years, so has how officers recruit others. Gone are the days of recruitment videos focusing on the action and adventure of police work, with SWAT teams breaking down doors. Brown notes most of the recruitment videos you will see now focus on officers interacting with community members. The “guardian versus warrior” concept is one ingrained in officers at the Ashburn academy, more so since the Ferguson, MO, shooting in August 2014. During a speech at his swearing-in ceremony, Brown used “peace officers” to describe the work of his department. “I think that has a lot to do with why

we don’t have a high level of incidents in Northern Virginia,” Brown said. Brown said he encourages his officers to make simple gestures, waving, smiling, or taking a moment to chat with a member of the public, all to help enhance their relationships, and comfort, with community members. It’s a model that has served him and Grigsby well throughout their careers, and one that he hopes to lead the department in an exciting, new direction. “You’d be shocked how far a smile will go,” Brown said. “I try my best to lead by example. I wave, I shake hands. If a person wants to give me a hug I don’t have a problem with that. You just have to be aware, but my upbringing has allowed me to read people really well. A young officer might not be comfortable with that, but they look at that situation and say, ‘if he can do that I can do that’. A lot of it is just showing them.”

Molly Novotny, a planner with Cooley LLP; Don Knutson of Knutson Companies, which was responsible for the Crescent Place development; and Bob White of Landmark Commercial, the developer behind Courthouse Square downtown. Asked for his opinion on the lagging office market, White pointed to relatively flat rents and abatements or concessions given by property owners as reasons that market has not recovered from the recession in the same way that other segments have. “This has been a long, tough slog,” he said. “When rental rates creep up, I think

you’ll have a different situation.” White also noted that there has been little new office construction, with an exception being build-to-suit spaces, as such as the location of the forum, K2M and the new EIT headquarters set to open nearby. There has been a sea of change in how office space is used, with company’s scaling back their per-employee space needs. That number stands now at an average of 170 square feet per employee and is threatening to go lower, White said. “We’re densing up the existing office space. We have more people and less space,” he said. Novotny concurred, saying users are looking for less space than they were before. However, she said the town has an advantage in its large supply of boutique office space. “Leesburg should try to cater to that, not change.” On the retail end, Novotny said that market is also changing. With the rise of the online commerce and the ability to purchase goods with the click of a mouse, the public is choosing to patronize brick-and-mortar establishments that offer experiences. She pointed to grocery stores that also offer a café or restaurant component, and recreational spots like

Pump It Up and CraftyStitches. On the residential and mixed-use end, Knutson said more people are looking for the type of developments like Crescent Place, which offers residential living within walking distance to downtown Leesburg, as well as retail and restaurant establishments. He said he is a big proponent of adding more residential development in and near downtown Leesburg, and said he has seen an increased interest from young professionals in the downtown. To that end, White said he hoped Leesburg leaders do not take the attitude that residential development is bad for the town. Particularly in the downtown area, it puts feet on the street, he said. “If downtown Leesburg is to remain economically viable, those people are needed,” he said. Novotny also said that with few large tracts left to develop, the town should prepare for redevelopment. The City of Falls Church has been fully developed for many years, but recent redevelopment has re-energized the area, she said, and the same can be true for Leesburg.

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acter of the town” and would like to see more commercial development to lessen the burden on the residential tax base. Hilton is one of seven candidates running for three Town Council seats. He is joined in the race by incumbents Dunn and Katie Sheldon Hammler, and fellow challengers Reid, Gwen Pangle, Evan Macbeth, and Ron Campbell.

Police Appreciation Day Planned Oct. 20 The town hopes to give local police officers a day of positive recognition as part of its second annual “Leesburg Police Appreciation Day.” Set for Thursday, Oct. 20, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided to town officers and their families. Blue ribbons will also be hung on trees at Town Hall, in front of the police department and fire station on Plaza Street, and at other town facilities. The public is also

asked to hang blue ribbons on their property and wear blue on the 20th as a show of support. Community members may also post thank you notes or words of encouragement to officers on the “Leesburg Police Appreciation Day” Facebook page. The notes will be printed out and displayed in the police department headquarters, according to Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett. The police appreciation initiative was first introduced last year by Councilman Tom Dunn. In an email sent to Loudoun Now, Dunn said the day can serve as a time to let town officers know how much they are valued, and encouraged schools, and community- and faith-based organizations to also find ways to become involved in the appreciation day. A $1,000 donation was made this year by John Marshall Bank to help support the effort. Councilman Bruce Gemmill, a vice president with the bank, helped to arrange the donation, according to Arnett.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The former Leisure World globe sculpture is lowered into place at its new home at Leesburg's Crescent Place.

Earth Moving: Globe Sculpture Finds New Home in Leesburg ment along Harrison Street. Mitchel placed the sculpture in a garden at the end of Crescent Station Terrace, where it will be surrounded by benches and plantings. The pocket park borders the W&OD Trail and will be a public space. Mitchel said he wants the globe to be an additional community asset, building on the ArtsPARK sculpture garden at Raflo Park. The steel and fiberglass structure will be refurbished in the coming days. Meanwhile at Lansdowne Woods, the community is eager to better promote the community’s new name. “We’re very excited about the stunning new stone entry feature that will bear our Lansdowne Woods name, and we are glad we can still visit the globe, in nearby Leesburg,” said Bert Schlabach, president of the Lansdowne Woods board.

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owner of nearby Spanky’s Shenanigans—and his sister-in-law, who built the business based on her years of experience running a Long Island deli. They use Zarou family recipes to create the taste of New York-style pizza. Two specialties that have attracted a following are Rocco’s supreme pizza and its sesame seed crust. Rocco’s Pizza and Subs is at 62 Plaza St. NE. It can be reached at 703-443-8500, or online at roccosny. com. —Kara C. Rodriguez

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A Leesburg pizza joint has gained national notoriety, as Rocco’s Pizza and Subs was recently cited as serving up the best slice in the state. Online review site Yelp recently released the results of an algorithm developed by reviews left for pizza establishments throughout the U.S., which determined the restaurant in each state that serves the best pizza. The Leesburg establishment ranked first in the state of Virginia, to the delight of its owners. The Plaza Street restaurant is coowned by Azmi Zarou—also the

the

The residents and managers of Lansdowne Woods have been working hard to build that brand and erase the Leisure World name that was used to identify the complex for nearly three decades. The name change came to Loudoun’s largest active-adult community last year. That rebranding effort continued today when the large iconic globe sculpture prominently displayed on the grounds since the project’s inception was loaded on a truck and hauled away. What do you do with a 15-foot globe? Developer Hobie Mitchel knows. The sculpture didn’t move far. After a short but somewhat nerve-wracking trip into town a crew from Broad Run Contracting—in the role of earth movers for the day—installed the globe in position to be a new community focal point at the Crescent Place develop-

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[ PUBLIC SAFETY ]

Forum Seeks to Build Bridges Between Law Enforcement, Community BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ ublic unrest following officer-involved shootings across the nation was the fuel behind an Oct. 5 community forum in Leesburg. “We felt like sitting and talking about our anger wasn’t enough; that sitting by and waiting for the next [incident] was not what we wanted to do,” said Zerell Welch, a founder the Community Engagement Coalition that organized the meeting attended by Loudoun’s top law enforcement authorities and political leaders. The forum at Tuscarora High School was the first of many planned by the group in its effort to spur community dialogue on the subject. Much of the evening’s discussion focused on how law enforcement officers and members of the public can create positive relationships, change some negative perceptions on both sides, and make sure Loudoun County does not become known for the next violent incident. Panelists included Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10), County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (D-At-Large), Sheriff Michael Chapman, Leesburg Police Chief Gregory Brown, Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman, defense attorney Buta Biberaj, and Victor Powell, a former assistant principal at Park View High School and representative of Operation UpLift. Both Chapman and Brown noted that deputies and police officers go through extensive training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy in Ashburn to ensure that the high-profile violent incidents that have occurred throughout the nation do not happen in Loudoun. “We’re making sure we’re hiring the right people, that we’re bringing the right people with the right mentalities on the job,” Chapman said. Brown said he was assigned to the academy as an instructor when the Ferguson, MO, shooting occurred in August 2014. He said the situation created an opportunity to introduce some necessary training. “We stepped our game up and we implemented training for recruits that addressed implicit and explicit biases,” he said. On the latter, Brown called implicit bias “very real” biases that we are unconscious of—something we all have that can affect our interactions with each other. Powell cited an example from his second year as an assistant principal at Park View in Sterling, when he sported long dreadlocks. At the end of the school year, the school resource officer assigned to the school asked to speak with Powell, and made a difficult admission. “He said, ‘having a relationship with a black man with long dreads has changed my perspective in a positive way,’” Powell recalled. The two are now friends, who even golf together, Powell said. Several panelists stressed the positive impact the school resource officers can have on youth, creating a positive per-

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Loudoun County Deputy Sheriff Cumberludge makes a routine traffic stop in Ashburn.

ception of law enforcement officers at a young age. Powell said during the workshops organized by Operation Uplift, kids are given the opportunity to engage with public safety officers and see how they are trained to respond in certain scenarios. It’s an important time of sharing, understanding, and building positive relationships, he said. “You can’t really get beyond the walls of bias if you’re not spending time with someone tearing down the walls of misconception,” Powell said. Biberaj pointed to a law program run by the Loudoun Bar Association at the Douglass School that had a similar aim. She echoed Powell, stressing the importance of “finding safe opportunities for youth to meet with law enforcement so they understand we are a community.” “If we don’t do something as a community this stuff we see on TV is going to be Loudoun tomorrow,” she said. Brown said it is just as important for law enforcement officers to take the time to have positive interactions with the public, even simply by waving or smiling. “If we make sure that our interactions with the public are positive, we win the public over,” he said. Brown said he pushes the “guardian versus warrior” perspective for his officers. “We started pushing that after Ferguson. Many law enforcement agencies were reluctant because they thought it compromised their position in the community, but it actually doesn’t,” he said. “There comes a point where you have to be a warrior but 90 to 95 percent of the time you are a guardian.” And being a guardian is exactly what the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and other public safety agencies in Loudoun are doing the majority of the time. Chapman noted that, last year alone, there were 109,000 calls for service and only in 120 of those did officers report the use of force. “It really comes down to 1/100th of 1 percent of calls for service we have,” Chapman said. “When you look at the sheer volume of what we handle, you’d probably consider us pretty professional in the ways these are handled.” The sheriff also noted that his office has a “robust” online reporting system for both compliments and complaints, with the former far outnumbering the latter.

Both Brown and Chapman said they have focused recruitment efforts to ensure the diversity of their agencies represent the community it protects. Randall said that, as a mother of two black men, she has educated them on the proper way to interact with officers if they are ever pulled over. She said she instructed them to put their hands on the dashboard, stay still, and let the officers know if they are going to reach for identification or proof of registration. “What one person will see as a challenge another person may not,” Randall said. She tells her sons that if they want to challenge why they were pulled over that should come later. “But at the moment do exactly as they say and as slow as they say.” To applause, Randall noted how disheartening it was that a young black man “has to think that much about a police stop.” The two attorneys on the panel, Plowman and Biberaj, disagreed on a point that has been hotly debated nationwide—whether members of the public should videotape or record officers during traffic stops. Biberaj said she has instructed her clients to let officers know they are recording their interaction and put the phone down on the seat while it is recording. She has also said using a pen and a paper to jot down names and what was said is also a good idea. “I think phones and recordings have turned out to be one of our greatest assets. It gives everyone an in-the-moment perspective,” she said. “It may de-escalate it rather than escalate it.” Plowman offered another perspective. “There are so many cases where there was an incident that escalated for no good reason” when cell phone recordings were used, he said. “You don’t want to get into a confrontation. The place to argue about a situation is not on the street; it’s in the courtroom. That’s why you have attorneys who represent you and judges to sort these things out.” But Plowman and other panelists, including Brown and Chapman, said they were all for the use of police body cameras. Both the sheriff ’s office and Leesburg Police Department have approved the use of the body cameras, with some sheriff ’s deputies already equipped with them and more expected to be asked for in the FORUM >> 14

[ BRIEFS ] Accessory in Sterling Murder Pleads Guilty O n e of three suspects charged in the Sept. 4, 2015, murder of a 17-yearold Park View High School student in Henry Ernesto S t e r l i n g Dominguez-Vazquez pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor charge. Henry Ernesto Dominguez-Vazquez, 21, appeared in Loudoun County Circuit Court on Oct. 5 to plead guilty to a charge of accessory to murder after the fact. The charge was reduced by prosecutors from a felony to a misdemeanor. Judge Douglas L. Fleming sentenced him to 12 months in jail. Dominguez-Vazquez has been in custody for 13 months and was expected to be released with time served. The alleged shooter in the case, Jose Miguel Espinosa de Dios, 18, is set for a 10-day trial starting Dec. 5 on a charge of first-degree murder. A charge of accessory to murder against a third suspect, Dominguez-Vazquez’s brother Juan Moiser Aguirre Zelaya, was dropped last spring. Espinosa de Dios is accused of gunning down Danny Centeno-Miranda as he walked to the school bus stop on the morning of Sept. 4, 2015. According to testimony in prior hearings, the 18-year-old is an MS-13 gang member known as “the Mexican” or “the enforcer” in Sterling. He allegedly shot Centeno-Miranda twice in the back. Centeno-Miranda was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he died. Espinosa de Dios was 17 at the time of the shooting but has been charged as an adult. According to evidence submitted in support of the Dominguez-Vazquez’s plea agreement, deputies canvassing the neighborhood knocked on the door of a North Sterling Boulevard home and were greeted by Zelaya, who allowed officers to enter. Inside, a detective recognized Espinosa de Dios from a previous investigation of MS-13 gang activity. Investigators got a search warrant and found the murder weapon in the freezer. Dominguez-Vazquez was taken for questioning and told detectives that Espinosa de Dios arrived at his home about 8:30 a.m., after the shooting and discussed with Zelaya where to hide the revolver. Dominguez-Vazquez reported that Espinosa de Dios said he attacked the victim first. He BRIEFS >> 14

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continue. Comstock said that, on the federal level, she expects a focused effort on criminal justice reform to be coming up for debate by next year. But, she said, the problems need to be dealt with from the local level on up. “We need to deal with it on every level,” she said.

The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a pedestrian fatality that happened early Saturday morning in Sterling. The crash occurred about 2:25 a.m. Oct. 8 in the area of Sterling Boulevard and East Beech Road. The preliminary investigation indicates that Andres Zambrana, 65, of Washington, DC, was in the crosswalk on Sterling Boulevard when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. The driver stopped at the scene and called 911. Zambrana was transported to a local hospital where he died. A witness told investigators the driver had a green signal light at the time of the crash. Investigators said alcohol is believed

to be a factor with the pedestrian. They are waiting for toxicology reports before reviewing the case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

Sheriff’s Office Creates Business Crime Prevention Handbook The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office has developed a Business Crime Prevention Handbook as part of its effort to support business owners and employees. The handbook—available online at sheriff.loudoun.gov/businesshandbook—provides recommendations on what businesses can do to prevent crime, what to do while crime is in progress, and what to do after the crime has occurred. This project was initiated by Deputy First Class Gary Ace,, who noticed that many business owners, managers, and employees needed guidance on how to react to and handle criminal situations. He created the handbook using resources from the National Crime Prevention Council, and the Sheriff ’s Office’s Crime Prevention and Community Resource units.

Oct. 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19, 2016

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[ E D U C AT I O N ]

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Students take part in a computer science class at Blue Ridge Middle School. By the start of their eighth-grade year, many Loudoun students are weighing whether to apply for Thomas Jefferson High School in Fairfax County.

IS IT TIME TO CUT TIES WITH TJ?

New In-House Academies has Loudoun Asking BY DANIELLE NADLER

uring a groundbreaking ceremony in June marking the start of construction of the Academies of Loudoun, at least one person voiced what many were likely thinking. When the $115 million magnet high school opens in 2018, “we’re going to bring all our kids home from Thomas Jefferson,” Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) said, with many nodding in agreement. Loudoun taxpayers cover the $14,887-per-pupil tuition to send roughly 250 students to the prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County each year. Meanwhile, county and school leaders have worked for years to secure funding for the Academies of Loudoun. When it opens in two years, it will house three magnet programs, expanded versions of the existing Academy of Science and C.S. Monroe Technology Center, and the new Academy of Engineering and Technology. As construction on the academies progresses, the Loudoun County School Board has not officially broached the subject of whether to keep footing the bill for students to attend school across county lines. But on each side of the debate, it seems there are people who assume both will happen. Last month, the School Board re-

newed its contract with Fairfax County to continue to send students to Thomas Jefferson. It requires Loudoun, and the other jurisdictions that send students to the governor’s school, to pay $14,887 in tuition, plus $2,074 for freshmen through juniors to cover the cost of the school’s $76 million renovation. Loudoun also spends about $429,200 each year to bus students to the high school in Alexandria. “That comes out to $18,661 per student. That’s ridiculous,” School Board member Tom Marshall (Leesburg) said in a recent interview. He was the lone vote in opposition of renewing the contract. He believes it was previous School Boards’ intentions to provide an academically challenging secondary school within county borders in lieu of Thomas Jefferson, but the current board has not yet made its intentions known. “I think it’s time we had the discussion,” Marshall said. “I think many people assume we’ll cut ties with TJ, and that’s a reasonable assumption. But now, I have detected a feeling that just because we’re opening the academies, that may not stop us from sending kids to TJ.” Chris Croll, who four years ago formed the nonprofit Loudoun County Parents of Gifted Students, says there are a lot of parents in Loudoun hopeful that Thomas Jefferson will remain an option for their kids. “It’s one of the best high schools in the country and that’s attractive to all of

us who have students who are academically oriented,” she said. Plus, she added, Thomas Jefferson has offerings that the Academies of Loudoun will not have, at least initially, including courses like quantum mechanics. It is also designed for students to attend full time, as opposed to Loudoun’s Academy of Science where students attend every other day while remaining enrolled at their home high schools. “Yes, there is a cost to send students to TJ and it’s significant,” she said. “But I think the more educational options we offer to our students in Loudoun County, the better.” Daniela Silitra, a Leesburg parent, is already grooming her 12-year-old son to get into a magnet high school. She’s enrolled him in a Curie Learning after-school program designed to prepare him for a higher caliber secondary school. He will likely apply for either the Academy of Science or the new Academy of Engineering and Technology because they align better with his dream jobs of becoming either a doctor or a movie producer. Silitra says she sees both perspectives regarding Thomas Jefferson. As a taxpayer, she thinks it’s too expensive. But as a parent, it’s a good opportunity for kids. Plus, if Loudoun no longer sends 250-plus students to Thomas Jefferson, it could make it that much more competitive for her son to make the cut into the Academies of Loudoun. “It’s really not clear cut. It’s not an

easy decision,” she said. School Board member Debbie Rose (Algonkian) agrees it is certainly worth considering keeping that door open to Loudoun students. The Academy of Science and Thomas Jefferson have different focuses; in short, in-depth research is the bread and butter of the academy, and Thomas Jefferson is a comprehensive high school that offers the full spectrum of courses. “So they meet very different needs,” Rose said. “It’s certainly an opportunity you don’t want to shut off to students, but at the same time, it is just a few students that we’re sending there.” She suggested forming a stakeholders’ committee or sending parent surveys to provide the School Board feedback ahead of a decision. If county school leaders decide to end its relationship with Thomas Jefferson, Silitra suggested enacting the change years from now, so that students who have worked to prepare themselves for the difficult entrance exam are not caught off guard. “That wouldn’t be fair,” she added. Marshall wants to have the conversation sooner rather than later, especially as the School Board begins to talk about next fiscal year’s budget. “We have not resolved what we’re going to do,” he said, “and I want some assurance that we’ll see some savings by terminating this relationship with TJ and Fairfax County.” dnadler@loudounnow.com

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The rate at which Loudoun County public school students passed Advanced Placement exams outpaced their peers at the state level, according to results released last week. All but three high schools—Park View and Dominion in Sterling and Loudoun Valley in Purcellville—exceeded the AP pass rate for the state, 63 percent. Stone Bridge High School achieved the highest pass rate of 80 percent. The overall AP pass rate for Loudoun County Public Schools improved from 67 percent during the 2014-15 academic year to 69 percent for 2015-16. The AP pass rate increased as LCPS increased the number of AP tests taken from 13,982 in 2014-15 to 15,076 in 2015-16. The pass rate and number of students tested for each high school is as follows: • Briar Woods, 651 testers, 75 percent passed; • Broad Run, 615 testers, 76 percent passed; • John Champe, 485 testers, 67 percent passed; • Dominion, 635 testers, 52 percent passed; • Freedom, 535 testers, 71 percent passed; • Heritage, 332 testers, 70

Loudoun’s public schools enrolled 336 more students this academic year than initially projected. The county’s School Board was expected to get an updated enrollment report at its meeting Tuesday, following the annual state “count day” Sept. 30. It showed that 79,001 students showed up at the county’s 87 schools in the past six weeks. The 79,001 figure is 2,738 more students than the 2015-16 school year. Most of the above-projections growth was at the elementary school level, with 290 more students than forecasted. One school, Hutchison Farm Elementary School in South Riding has 85 more students than projected, and Loudoun County High School has 73 more students. About 20 schools reported pupil counts below projections. That was good news for one school in particular—Buffalo Trail Elementary in the high-growth area of southern Loudoun. The school counted 1,191 students, 115 fewer than expected. Freedom High School, in the fast-growing area of South Riding, saw 1,711 students, 143 fewer than expected. During a Sept. 13 School Board meeting, Sam Adamo, executive director of Planning and Legislative Services Department, walked board members through the complicated formula he and his staff use to come up with annual enrollment forecasts. His staff looks at birth rates, number of housing units approved by the county Board of Supervisors, economic growth, and developments that could draw more families, like Metro’s Silver Line. “There is a lot of information to monitor, but it is important that we keep an eye on all of this,” he said. Adamo has said that growth is slowing, but not much. For next school year, projections show 81,622 students.

loudounnow.com

[ OUR TOWNS ]

[ TOWN NOTES ]

Waterford Fair Marks Successful Return

Purcellville

BY MARGARET MORTON

Prescription Drug Collection Planned

lthough wet and cold weather kept many folks home on Saturday, the Waterford Fair drew large crowds on both Friday and Sunday as fairgoers welcomed the return of the craft fair and homes tour. The 72-year-old fair was cancelled for the first time last year because of Hurricane Joaquin, and for a while organizers held their collective breaths last week as it looked as if a repeat scenario were coming their way. Fearful of the predicted Hurricane Matthew impacts for Saturday, Friday’s ticket sales saw a noticeable spike as fairgoers rushed to make sure they got at least one good day at the fair. And even on Saturday, a surprising number of diehards turned out, well protected against the weather. Sunday was a beautiful, sunny fall day. Overall, organizers were pleased with the event’s return. “Turnout has been even better than we hoped,” Waterford Foundation Executive Director Tom Kuehhas stated, adding the 2016 fair was made possible through a $150,000 grant from Loudoun County. First-time Fair Director Tracy Kirkman was happy on Monday morning, quoting a vendor’s comment: “If we’d

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

A master cooper shows off his skills at the Waterford Fair on Sunday.

had weather like yesterday on Saturday it would have been gangbusters.” Overall, she said, the artisan vendors reported good sales. One vendor said it was his best Friday since 2010, and the 29 new craftspeople were impressed with the event. Another plus was the number of firsttime visitors. “There were lots of new faces and new interest—and that was one of our goals this year,” Kirkman said. Popular new features included local wine and beer tastings and a chefs’ tasting.

Perhaps the most appreciated new offering was the shuttle service that ferried fairgoers to and from the parking lots. Other than Saturday’s wet and soggy conditions—and walnuts that came crashing down in various areas in Sunday’s high winds—it was a good weekend, Kirkman said. “I see lots of room for improvement,” she said, “but last night I felt really happy—and I’m looking forward to next year.” mmorton@loudounnow.com

Gillespie to Retire as Mosby Heritage Area Association Executive Director BY MARGARET MORTON Long considered one of Loudoun’s leading historians and preservationists, Richard T. Gillespie is preparing to retire from his post leading the Mosby Heritage Area Association. Gillespie will step down as executive director on Jan. 1. The former Loudoun Valley High School history teacher will remain in a consulting role as historian emeritus and will continue to help shape the organization’s schools and public programming. Gillespie’s passion for history dates back to his high school days in Lexington, MA, and continued at the College of William and Mary and into his 30-

year teaching career at Loudoun Valley. Following his retirement from Loudoun County Public Schools in 2004, Gillespie began a new career as the first educator for MHAA, before being tapped to serve as executive director. His departure will trigger several staff changes at the organization. Jennifer Worcester Moore, currently director of administration, will take over as executive director. Moore is a former student of Gillespie’s who earned a history degree at Mary Washington College in 2003. After graduation, Moore worked first with the Waterford Foundation before joining the

Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership for five years. In 2012, Moore joined MHAA. “As his former student, this transition speaks to the impact that Mr. Gillespie has had on thousands of students, helping them find their niche in the world and empowering them to pursue history as a passion, and, if possible, as a profession,” Moore said. Gillespie expressed confidence in Moore’s ability to lead the organization, saying her experience, organizational skills and institutional knowledge of the heritage area will allow for a smooth transition. RETIREMENT >> 19

Purcellville Town Manager Lauded for 30 Years of Service Purcellville Town Manager Robert W. Lohr Jr. has long been recognized as the dean of Loudoun’s municipal managers, and a recent recognition of his 30 years of service in local Robert W. Lohr Jr. government by the International City/County Management Association has solidified that reputation. Lohr has served as town manager of Purcellville since March 1993. Prior to

that he served as town manager in New Market for seven years. During his 23 years as Purcellville’s town manager, Lohr has guided the town through a period of unprecedented growth as the community grew from a population of 1,600 to an estimated 9,000 residents. Among the town’s accomplishments during his term are bringing the town’s wastewater services into compliance with federal and state mandates and the construction of the Basham Simms Wastewater Treatment Plant; construction of a Purcellville Maintenance Facility; purchase of the Fireman’s Field complex, including the historic Bush Tabernacle; renovation of the former

Purcellville Baptist Church as the new Town Hall; enhancing the historic downtown through streetscape improvements and preservation projects; and achieving financial strength and stability, recognized by a triple-A bond rating and awards for the town’s fiscal management. The association also highlighted Lohr’s emphasis on creating a culture of customer service to ensure that residents get the service they need from town staff in an efficient and friendly manner, and with integrity and honesty from his staff—all while working closely with council members in their efforts to improve the quality of life in Purcellville.

The Purcellville Police Department will hold a prescription drug collection on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Fireman’s Field. Town residents may bring potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to be safely disposed. The drugs should not be flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink. The free service is anonymous, no questions asked. The drug “take back” campaign is conducted by police departments in response to the rapid rise in prescription drug abuse rates, along with accidental poisonings and overdoses. For more information, call the department at 540-338-7422.

New Features on Town Website The town’s revamped website, purcellvilleva.gov, has added two new community information tools, according to Assistant Town Manager Danny Davis. The Purcellville Jobs portal has been revived, allowing town businesses to publicize available job openings. Also, a Community Events calendar has been added to publicize both town-sponsored activities and other community activities. The town staff will review applications to submit community-sponsored items, which also may be submitted to events@ purcellvilleva.gov.

Lovettsville Clock Committee Seeks Help Former Planning Commissioner Buck Smith is looking for people to join his new subcommittee that is charged with raising the funds for the clock faces on the town’s Glockenspiel. Smith is particularly in need of members who have marketing and graphic design skills to help execute his fundraising plan. He can be reached at bsmith@lovettsvilleva.gov. The Parks & Beautification Committee is in the process of finalizing clock face designs.

Bingo Night at Lovettsville Elementary The Lovettsville Elementary School PTO will hold its Halloween-themed Basket Bingo on Oct. 21. Doors open at 6 p.m. with games starting at 6:45 p.m. Families and kids are invited to participate and raise funds for the school at the same time. Mayor Bob Zoldos, who will be the caller for the event, says he is looking forward to seeing everyone’s Halloween costumes. TOWN NOTES >> 19

BY MARGARET MORTON

Retirement << FROM 18 Also in January, Education Specialist Kevin Pawlak will take on Gillespie’s former role as director of education. Pawlak has strong interpretive programming skills, National Park Service interpretive training and a rapidly expanding knowledge of the area’s history. A published historian and licensed battlefield guide for Antietam National Battlefield, Pawlak is an acknowledged expert on the Battle of Shepherdstown that followed Antietam. He attended

Loudoun Now file photo

Penny Hauffe’s Woodpecker Wine Tasting (A Hint of Oak) was the top seller during Saturday’s auction of Purcellville’s painted wine barrels, with a winning bid of $4,000.

That is also the deadline for artists to submit digital images to be reproduced on banners lining the downtown’s North 21st Street, using a theme of “Winter Warmth in Purcellville.” The banners will remain on new street lamp brackets well into the new year. Send digital images for jurying to pvilleartscouncil@ gmail.com. The committee meetings are held at the Town Hall on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. mmorton@loudounnow.com Shepherd University and also worked at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Founded in 1995, the association works to preserve historically significant and scenic land in Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke, Warren, and western Prince William counties through educational programs that promote awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the heritage area. During the 20152016 school year, the organization’s educational programs reached 4,800 students. Learn more at mosbyheritagearea. org.

[ TOWN NOTES ] << FROM 18

Waterford Fair Photography Contest Winners Announced

loudounnow.com

The judges for the Waterford Fair Photography Show awarded the following artists the coveted blue ribbon in their category. The Best of Show award went to Jessica LaRue McCann for Waterfall. The photograph also garnered a first place in Portraits category. The Loudoun Now Best of Loudoun

award, and its $500 cash prize, went to Roger Lancaster for his photo of Ebenezer Baptist Church near Round Hill. Jim Williams won in Landscape for Little Blue House, while John Gerson won the Photo Journalism category for 611 at Delaplane. Dora Ramirez won the Still Life category with Keeping the Books, and Waterford Fair/Scene for Filing Away. Kathy Kupka won Nature with Frankly, My Dear, Lori Sanders took first place in Abstract with Oil, Water, Tree, Sky and Judy Guenther won the Architecture category with The Eye Staircase.

Purcellville’s painted wine barrel community arts project came to a successful conclusion Saturday when the auction of the artwork raised $36,000. Proceeds from the sale of 35 barrels will be used to fund future public art projects, and the money raised by the 36th barrel—$1,100—will be donated to the Blossom and Bloom Thrift Store in support of programs for disabled residents. Michael Oaks, co-owner of Re-Love it Consignment Store, organized the program as a member of the Purcellville Economic Advisory Committee. He called the outcome of the auction “unbelievable.” Area artists painted the wooden wine barrels with stunning agricultural scenes and themes. The artwork was displayed around the town during the summer. Saturday’s auction, conducted by Damewood Auctioneers, was the project’s finale. “We had estimated we’d make between $10,000 and $12,000, or roughly $300 per barrel,” Oaks said. Instead, “We made $36,000.” “That’s awesome,” Oaks said, noting the buyers were all individuals—some coming from as far away as Frederick, MD, and Ocean City, MD. The $10 admission fee covered all the costs of the auction, Oaks said, leaving the sales revenue available for future promotions, including the upcoming Christmas ornaments arts project. Artists should contact Oaks at reloveit.com to participate in decorating large ornaments in different holiday shapes for public display around town. The completion deadline is Nov. 1.

19 Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

Purcellville’s Painted Barrel Art Promotion Ends with Auction

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

U.S. House of Representatives 10th District candidate LuAnn Bennett listens to Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10).

COMSTOCK, BENNETT TRADE JABS AT CHAMBER DEBATE BY DANIELLE NADLER

seven-year politician and a newcomer to the political scene went head to head last week in a debate hosted by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. Republican Barbara Comstock, running for a second term representing the 10th Congressional District, and her challenger, Democrat LuAnn Bennett, shared a stage for an hour on Thursday, taking questions on everything from clean energy and immigration reform to minimum wage and union regulations. Although no question was asked about the presidential race, both candidates did their part to repeatedly broach the subject and tie their opponent to their party’s nominee for the White House. “The trillion dollar tax plan that Hillary Clinton would put forward and that my opponent supports would kill the small businesses,” Comstock said, taking a question about simplifying the tax code. Bennett, a real estate executive living in McLean, accused Comstock of standing with Republican presidential hopeful Donald J. Trump. “The Trump agenda deeply divides our country. Unlike my opponent, I will always put what’s best for our country ahead of politics.” Comstock had not endorsed Trump or publically opposed him as of the Oct. 6 Chamber debate, and did not utter his name during the event. But the next day, after the 2005 recording of Trump making obscene comments about women was made public, Comstock released a statement urging him to drop out of the race. She said she “cannot in good conscience vote for Donald Trump.” See story, Page 1. Taking questions about how to improve Metro’s service and safety, the Republican stressed that she was the one with experience on Capitol Hill and has been working on some of the country’s most challenging issues for years. In response to a statement by Bennett that Comstock voted against Virginia’s landmark transportation bill, which helped fund Metro’s extension to Loudoun County, Comstock said, “I am the only one on the stage working closely with Metro to restore safety.” Bennett accused Comstock of being a political insider, and said while her opponent was in Congress or a Virginia

legislator, Bennett was running a real estate business and, for part of it, working as a single mother after the death of her first husband. “I want to take my experience as a small business owner and get Congress working again and help build an economy that works for everyone,” she said. “Barbara Comstock went to Congress and fit right in with a dysfunctional and obstructionist government.” Before being elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates, Comstock worked for former Rep. Frank Wolf. She won his seat in 2014 when he retired after representing the 10th District for 34 years. On immigration reform, Bennett said it is important to secure the southern border and then address the 11 million undocumented workers already in the U.S. “Many of which are productive workers in our economy,” she added. In response, Comstock said it is important to enforce the current law on the books and pass a bill in support of H-1B visas, which allow U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as IT, engineering and medicine. “Let’s compromise and do what we can today. Today we have the votes for H-1B visas,” Comstock said. “If we have the votes to do it, why isn’t it done?” Bennett retorted. Addressing a crowd of Loudoun business leaders, both candidates agreed there is too much federal regulation that handicaps small businesses. Bennett said as an owner of a small regional business, she is required to have 18 certifications and licenses. “So that has to stop.” Comstock shot back, “My opponent’s business is in DC, where she’s been supporting and funding those very candidates giving those regulations.” The candidates took questions from panelists: Stacey Miller, the government and community relations liaison for Inova Loudoun Hospital; Maggie Parker, vice president of communications and community outreach for the development firm Comstock; and Sheryl Schwartz, the chief operating officer of Blue Canopy Group. Last week’s debate is the only time the two candidates are scheduled to appear in public together ahead of the Nov. 8 election. The 10th Congressional District includes all of Loudoun County and stretches from McLean to the east to Winchester to the west. dnadler@loudounnow.com

Chamber CEO Reprimands Conservative PAC for Videotaping Debate this video,” Howard stated. “In the 17 years that I have managed Chamber-sponsored political debates and forums, this is the first time that anyone has ever so blatantly violated our rules and disrespected the Chamber, both candidates, their campaigns and all of our guests.” The 10th Congressional District, which includes all of Loudoun County, is considered a political battleground, with Democratic party leaders counting it among the potential districts they could snatch back from Republicans. Howard has attempted to contact the PAC through Twitter and its website, but has not received a reply. He also stated in the press release:

ngly C i r a C

“The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce prides itself on conducting even handed, issue-focused political debates and forums. We have consistently received praise from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents for establishing fair-minded rules that allow candidates to express their views on business issues, without fear that their words and images will be exploited for political gain. Fortunately, the vast majority of audience members—particularly both the Comstock and Bennett campaigns— demonstrated the respect and integrity to abide by our guidelines.” dnadler@loudounnow.com

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Howard moderates the 10th Congressional Debate on Oct. 6.

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The president and CEO of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce had sharp words for conservative political action group America Rising for posting video of the 10th Congressional District debate held Oct. 6. Tony Howard said the PAC recorded and posted footage of the debate between Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and her challenger Democrat LuAnn Bennett on Twitter

and its website, breaking the rules of the event agreed upon by both candidates. “All audience members were warned, clearly and emphatically, at the beginning of the event of the debate rules,” a press release sent this morning stated. He had said at the start of the event that only credentialed members of the media would be allowed to record. “It is disgraceful that an audience member at a Loudoun Chamber event would disregard our reasonable request and brazenly produce and post

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

BY DANIELLE NADLER

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Trump << FROM 1 Commerce. See story, Page 20. And Democrats are trying to keep the Trump hot potato in her hands. “It’s one of those things that, you know, I wish Barbara Comstock had done earlier,” said Leesburg councilman and Loudoun County Democratic Committee Chairman Fernando “Marty” Martinez. “I think what she was trying to do was ride the fence and hope she didn’t have to endorse Trump.” Polling data showed that Trump had moved within striking distance of Clinton in Virginia just a month ago. Real Clear Politics, which aggregates results from numerous polls, found that Clinton’s lead over Trump in Virginia narrowed from 13 points in April to just 3.5 in mid-September. But Trump’s numbers have been in a freefall since the first presidential debate. On Tuesday, RCP gave Clinton a 9-point statewide advantage. If Trump loses Loudoun County, which makes up the majority of Comstock’s 10th District, he’ll have a hard time winning Northern Virginia—and without Northern Virginia, Trump will have a hard time winning the crucial swing state. Voters in Loudoun County have reflected the statewide results in each presidential campaign going back to the 1960s, with the majority backing Democrats only in 1964, 2008 and 2012. The polls show incumbent Comstock

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Democrat LuAnn Bennett talks with reporters after last week’s 10th Congressional District debate. She had pressed Republican Barbara Comstock for months to denounce Donald Trump because of demeaning comments he has made about women.

maintaining a slight lead over Bennett, but RCP describes the district, represented by Republicans since 1980, as only a “weak hold” for the GOP. Comstock defeated her Democratic opponent by 16 percentage points two years ago. Polls show this year’s race may be the tightest 10th District House contest since Republican Frank Wolf won his first term by fewer than 5,000 votes, 2.2 percent. Martinez says he feels sorry for Republicans “who are positive, good people, who are looking for solutions and are looking for somebody who can carry their message, and unfortunately the candidate that they have now is not doing that very well and has let them down.”

But Loudoun County Republican Committee Communications Chairman Tom Toth III said the split between Comstock and Trump doesn’t sink the 10th District for Trump. He said the Loudoun Republicans are “extremely excited to endorse, support, and work for both Barbara Comstock and Donald Trump” and that Trump still faces a close race in the 10th. “We are excited to be working for both of them, and we absolutely in no way think that Donald Trump’s chances in the 10th are mitigated because of any major factors in the last few weeks,” Toth said. And Martinez doesn’t think a flagging Trump campaign equates to a free pass for Democrats farther down the

ballot—such as in the upcoming Leesburg Town Council election. “You can talk down-ballots, you can talk polls, but the bottom line is that if you’re going to sit there and ride on the backs of those, you’re going to lose,” Martinez said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m telling our candidates: you don’t assume anything, you work your butt off, get yourself out there, get your name known, get your face known, and talk about the issues.” Toth said even without a Trump victory, Republican candidates can win locally. “I think [mayoral candidate] Kevin Wright and [town council candidate] Ken Reid [for example], in your strict hypothetical, could win under any circumstances,” Toth said. “I think if they were the only two Republicans to win, they could win, because they are members of our community who contribute to our community in ways that go far above and beyond party politics.” And he acknowledged that other candidates have a hard-working party machine behind them too. He said the Republican committee will be working hard to make sure voters who support Republican candidates are able and excited to make it to the polls, and that Republican candidates have the support they need. “We are making sure that they have the foundation, and they have a committee that is working harder for them than any other party-endorsed candidates have working against them,” Toth said. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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‘DREAM, BUILD, BELIEVE’— A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE BY MARGARET MORTON

hen Stephen and Shannon Mackey started their vineyard and winery operation— Notaviva Vineyards—in 2003, they knew nothing about agriculture or the wine business. But while they lacked any kind of knowledge about what they were getting into, they didn’t lack confidence that they’d figure it out somehow. Call it hutzpah, or a case of “fools rush in where angels fear to tread” mixed with matchless energy, the couple made it through. Today, the Mackeys own a flourishing vineyard and winery business, have three children, and a beautiful home on Sagle Road northwest of Hillsboro. The story of how they did it and their underlying philosophy is contained in Stephen Mackey’s book, “Dream, Build, Believe. Love, Wine, Music and the Founding of Notaviva Vineyards.” Mascot Books released it Oct. 1, in conjunction with Virginia Wine Month. “We purchased the land in 2003, put the vines in in the spring of 2005 and built the tasting room in March 2008,” Stephen recalled in a recent interview. The story started with Stephen’s background in the music industry, then the “romantic whim, leap of faith, and the ah ha moment” of the inception of the winery itself. He was on a date with Shannon at Breaux Vineyards in 2002, and she asked him, somewhat disbelievingly—“Do people really do this for a living?” That led to a “do you want to do it” question, then the answer, “yes”. “We bought the land nine days later. We had no farming knowledge—just how to grow a few tomatoes,” he said. Shannon was from West Palm Beach,

Notaviva Vineyards

Husband-and-wife duo and owners of Notaviva Vineyards Stephen and Shannon Mackey recently released a book “Dream, Build, Believe. Love, Wine, Music and the Founding of Notaviva Vineyards.”

FL. The story of their romance is in the book, and Shannon said in her foreword she knew from the beginning Stephen spelled T.R.O.U.B.L.E. While building Notaviva Vineyards, they commuted to corporate jobs in Rockville, MD. Shannon was pregnant and they were starring in the HGTV reality series Dream House, which documented the construction of their home and the winery. “And all the while we were learning how to plant vines and make wine for the first time,” Stephen said. It was investment by sweat equity, the first steps on a journey that had its share of ups and downs.

“Love is the only sweat equity that lasts—for us it’s the kids and the land, a deep-rooted belief that we could overcome all these challenges when it seemed impossible. That’s the glue of the PERSEVERENCE >> 27

Leesburg-Based Honey Grail Headed to National Competition BY RENSS GREENE Chris Ekechukwu walked into a room in Washington, DC, with a two-minute pitch for his mead, and left with a ticket to the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream finals in Boston in December. Ekechukwu created the company Honey Grail and its main product, Boudica’s Uprising Honey Mead. It is a light, semi-sweet, sparkling take to the ancient alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey. “I had been home brewing for a little bit, and I had this notion you could kind of improve this if you made it more like a cider,” Ekechukwu said. “So ours is less sweet, it’s sparkling, and we pack it in beer bottles instead of wine bottles.” He was selected by a panel of expert judges from among six DC-area food and beverage small business owners. If he wins against the three other regional winners in Boston, he will receive a $10,000 business grant and mentoring

from brewing company Samuel Adams. It was the first time the Pitch Room competition has come to DC. “It was a tough decision, but ultimately the judges could see that Chris of Honey Grail was extremely passionate, had a great product and could really benefit from coaching from the Sam Adams team,” stated Jennifer Glanville, brewer and director of brewery programs for Samuel Adams and one of the Pitch Room judges. Boudica’s Uprising requires an unusual operation to make—it uses brewery equipment, but mead is regulated as wine, so it has to be produced at an operation licensed as a winery. “There wasn’t anyone in Virginia with extra capacity that was licensed as a winery that could make it with the proper equipment,” Ekechukwu said. His mead is brewed on the West Coast in Washington. Right now, Ekechukwu says his biggest challenge is getting his mead into stores. Every time someone tries it, he says,

they ask where they can buy it—and he doesn’t always have an answer. “It’s not like a regular product, if you had something that you came up with that you could just sell it straight to Walmart if you wanted,” Ekechukwu said. “Here you have to legally work through a three-tiered system through a wholesaler.” Convincing those wholesalers that putting his mead in grocery stores across the country is an uphill battle. At the moment, he said, you can find it in grocery stores sometimes—if a wine manager has taken a liking to it and ordered it for that store. But he’s working hard, spending all his time traveling and at trade shows. And if all goes well in December, he’ll be a big step closer to seeing his mead at the local grocery store. Boudica’s Uprising is available in Loudoun at Brew Loco, 19382 Diamond Lake Drive in Lansdowne. rgreene@loudounnow.com

[ BRIEFS ] Leap Street Goes Statewide Lovettsville-based Leap Street, which connects entrepreneurial students with neighbors looking for help, has expanded its service statewide. Leap Street founder Robin Greene said she made the decision after enormous interest at her display during Lovettsville’s Oktoberfest. “We talked to dozens of parents who had already heard about Leap Street and expressed interest in hiring our students,” Greene said. “One parent told us that she had just hired one of our female students the night before for a babysitting job and that the student had done a great job.” Greene, along with Leap Street students Jalen Alford, 16, and Abigail Thomas, 13, offered a golf game, a financial literacy puzzle, and a $50 Starbucks gift card for students who correctly solved the puzzle. “Getting so much positive feedback at Lovettsville Oktoberfest reaffirmed that we are on the right track,” Greene said. “Parents who have hired our students think they are awesome, which is evidence of the quality of our student database. At the same time, parents who have heard about Leap Street are hungry to hire our students. Meanwhile, teens are jumping at the money-earning opportunity Leap Street provides.” Leap Street was launched in May. Since then, the company reports 90 students have signed up and are providing services to Loudoun County neighborhoods, while more than 200 neighbors have gone through the background check and are using the site to hire students. Learn more at leapstreet.org.

Neustar, Facebook Team Up on Analytics Sterling-based Neustar has entered a partnership with Facebook under which it will provide advanced analytics to help marketers better understand the performance of digital campaigns. Integrating the Neustar MarketShare models allow advertisers to better understand how Facebook drives conversions and also to predict future marketing performance. The system takes into consideration both the offline marketing tactics and the non-media drivers—such as weather patterns, economic indicators—to help clients examine the value of their digital marketing performance. “In a world where brands need to connect both online with offline, understanding how to build a connected customer experience across people, places and things is more complex BRIEFS >> 26

HealthWorks Marks a Decade of Service in Loudoun

25 Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

BY DANIELLE NADLER

(757)563-3330 info@110FIT.com

www.110FIT.com

[ NONPROFIT NEWS ]

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

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dnadler@loudounnow.com

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HealthWorks for Northern Virginia celebrated 10 years of service in Loudoun County on Thursday evening. HealthWorks is a non-profit community health center, with locations at 163 Fort Evans Road NE in Leesburg and at 1141 Elden St. in Herndon. It was created to provide health care for those who cannot afford treatment at a for-profit clinic either because of their income or a lack of health insurance. Addressing a crowd of about 100 at HealthWorks’ Leesburg office, County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said she knows first hand the difference a good community health center can have on residents. As a mental health and substance abuse therapist, she’s checked many patients in to publically funded health centers. She commended those at HealthWorks for treating their patients with respect and dignity. “You’re treated like a human being and not a number. … You don’t always see that,” she said. The center has served 15,000 people, 90 percent of whom have a salary at or below the national poverty line, according to Jeff Clayton, president of the HealthWorks board of directors. He told the story of one patient, William, who had just arrived from El Salvador and had never been to a dentist. He had several cavities that were so painful he had a hard time sleeping. Clayton said William also avoided smiling because the cavities had turned his front teeth black. “After treatment, when the dentist handed him a mirror, it was a gratifying moment—he grinned,” Clayton said. William now smiles with ease and has no more pain. During the event, HealthWorks gave special recognition to six partners that have supported the organization in the past decade. They included Inova Loudoun Hospital, Cardinal Bank, Leesburg District Supervisor and former mayor Kristen Umstattd, Bobbi Schaufeld, Lynn Rubin, and 100WomenStrong. HealthWorks CEO Carol Jameson and Clayton thanked them for their support, without which the health center would not be possible. “We’re ready for the next decade,” Clayton said. “As long as there is a need in the community, we’ll work to fill that need.” Learn more about HealthWorks for Northern Virginia at hwnova.org.

Hospice Explores End-of-Life Care

NONPROFIT NEWS >> 28

loudounnow.com

Blue Ridge Hospice and Dr. Martha Calihan, of Five Stones Healing and Wellness, will offer a free screening of the documentary “Being Mortal” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Cornwall Medical Pavilion in Leesburg. The film will be shown in the first floor meeting room at Blue Ridge Hospice’s office, Suite 200A, 224A Cornwall St. NW. The film explores hopes and ex-

[ BRIEFS ]

loudounnow.com

<< FROM 24

BEING MORTAL

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

Free Film Screening & Discussion

Join us for a free screening and discussion of the PBS FRONTLINE documentary Being Mortal. Based on the best-selling book by Dr. Atul Gawande, this film explores the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with doctors, nurses, and family members who care for them. See the film and be part of a national conversation taking place in our community that asks: “Have you and your family had these important conversations and planned ahead?”

Wednesday, October 19 5:30 pm Cornwall Medical Pavilion 224 Cornwall Street, NW Leesburg, Virginia For more information, please call (540) 313-9266. This event is a program of Dr. Martha Calihan, 5 Stones Healing & Wellness, and Blue Ridge Hospice.

than ever,” stated Steven Wolfe Pereira, Neustar’s chief marketing and communications officer. “With the proliferation of devices, the fragmentation of media, and the dizzying amount of content consumers are exposed to, it is no wonder marketers struggle to accurately identify their customers, measure, and optimize the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns. We are thrilled to be partnering with Facebook to improve how marketers build connected customer experiences as we continue to drive the next generation of advanced attribution solutions forward.”

Baris Joins Hanley as U.S. Sales Director Hanley Energy has hired Michael Baris as its director of sales. The company, which provides power management services to data centers and has developed a line of containerized data centers, established its first U.S. office in Ashburn in March. Baris

is expected to expand the Irish company’s reach in America, putting particular focus on developing the firm’s Powerlink+ turnkey data center monitoring system and its Powerhive micro data centers. “Mike is a well-respected individual who will be a great asset as Hanley Energy continues to establish its presence in the U.S. market serving the data center and IT managed service companies,” stated Dennis Nordon, Hanley Energy’s co-founder and vice president. Baris spent his early years in the data center arena with Abovenet and led the East Coast sales team at Digital Realty before moving to business development roles at managed hosting provider Conscious Networks and internet provider Atlantech Online. “We are proud of our accomplishments within the data center community,” Nordon said. “Mike’s strong relationships gives us the opportunity to continue our growth.” Baris can be contacted at mike. baris@hanleyenergy.com.

Business Development Center Gears up for Superpitch Loudoun Small Business Development Center is offering more than $1,500 in cash and prizes for its online pitch contest. Superpitch is designed to highlight the stories of Loudoun’s business community and to give small businesses the opportunity to win prizes for pitches in three categories: Services, Products, and People’s Choice. “Traditionally pitching contests are focused on start-ups seeking investors. We wanted to open things up to every small business in Loudoun County. After all, every organization needs to present to someone,” Loudoun Small Business Development Center Manager Eric Byrd stated. “Whether they’re trying to attract customers to a small business or find sponsors to help a nonprofit, everyone needs an engaging pitch. The super hero theme is a fresh, fun way for us to play with the concept and emphasize that everyone can improve their pitch and make it super.” To help contestants prepare a winning pitch, the SBDC will host

a series of skill building workshops in October. Workshops are also open to non-contestants who want to improve their own pitch. Courses offered will include: “What’s Your Superpower?” uncovering what’s special to customers about your business; “Telling Your Fantastic Tale,” how to know what to say to make a great pitch; and “Putting the Punch in Your Pitch,” how to present so people get excited and act. Loudoun businesses may enter at superpitch.info. Contestants will be given instructions for uploading videos the last week of October. A judging panel, made up of Virginia SBDC counselors statewide, will score each pitch on criteria important for any persuasive presentation. The people’s choice winner will be decided by popular vote. The SBDC will award three cash prizes (one per category) plus a subscription to the soapbox video platform, and a 6-month virtual membership at the Mason Enterprise Center. Winners will be announced publically at the MEC-Leesburg Anniversary celebration on Dec. 1.

<< FROM 24

100WomenStrong Begins Grant Process

mmorton@loudounnow and how the project will make a difference to Loudoun and its residents. Letters should be emailed to lettersofIntent@onehundredwomenstrong. org as a PDF attachment with the name of the organization in the subject line of the email. “Once we have vetted the Letters of Intent, we will ask specific groups to take the time to provide a full application and budget for what they hope to accomplish if they receive funding from us,” Vice President Lynn Rubin stated. Applicants will be informed on or before Jan. 3, 2017, whether they have made it to the second stage of the process. Successful applicants will be sent further instructions and will be asked to submit a completed application by 5 p.m. Jan. 27. Learn more about the organization at onehundredwomenstrong.org.

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Loudoun-based 100WomenStrong will begin accepting Letters of Intent from area nonprofits Monday for 2017 grants. The group is comprised of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. Organizations that are headquartered or operate in Loudoun and wish to receive grant funds from 100WomenStrong in 2017 must file a preliminary Letter of Intent between Oct. 17 and Nov. 30. Letters should be no more than one page long, should be in 11-point font or larger and should include: the name and purpose of nonprofit organization; the amount of grant request; how the grant money would be used;

For Virginia’s Wine Month, Loudoun Now teamed up with Tuskie’s Wine Trail and asked readers to share what they love about Loudoun’s wine scene. After three weeks of online voting, the results are in!

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

book,” he said. “The only way to achieve anything is to take the first step into the unknown; you’re going to do 10 things wrong, but the journey is the point of it all,” Stephen said. The “believe” part is sticking it out when the going gets tough. At the end of 2008, the couple quit their jobs. “We had $10,000 a month in bills, a huge mortgage, no money and two babies,” Stephen said. “So how do you pick yourself off the

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

Perseverence

27 ground? You keep moving forward, you never give up. We almost lost Shannon over the birth of our third son, but we created two small businesses—Notaviva Vineyards and Mesh Omnimedia—and we were nominated for the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce’s small business awards.” The book retails at $24.95 and is available through Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble and at Notaviva. It’s doing nicely—Oct. 6 it achieved a “#1 new release” in Amazon’s wine pairing category. Go to the book’s website at dreambuild-believe.com.

loudounnow.com

[ NONPROFIT NEWS ] << FROM 25 pectations of patients and their families, as well as the care for the dying and the relationships between patients and their doctors. After the screening, the audience can participate in a conversation on how to identify and communicate wishes aboutend-of-life intentions and preferences. The free screening is made possible by a grant from The John and Wauna Harman Foundation and the Hospice Foundation of America. For more information, contact Jeanne Mezzatesta at 540-313-9266.

Breast Cancer Charity Raises $100K Loudoun-based IIIB’s Foundation raised $100,000 at its sixth annual Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic at Bull Run Golf Club. Proceeds from the sold-out event will further the organization’s mission to provide comfort from the pain associated with breast cancer surgery. The group gives Bosom Buddy Baskets to breast cancer patients when they wake up in the hospital to let them know they are not alone in their journey. “This tournament is not only a great way for local companies to gather and fundraise for the IIIB’s Foundation, but also a great way for the survivors to come out and strengthen their community as well,” said Carolyn Rodenburg, founder of IIIB’s Foundation. The “IIIB’s” of IIIB’s Foundation stands for Bosom Buddy Baskets. The

baskets are personally designed and assembled by volunteers and are inspired by breast cancer survivors and Rodenburg, who left her lucrative career to dedicate her life to helping other cancer victims during their darkest hours. Learn more at keepthecandleglowing. org.

Children’s Winter Clothing to be Distributed The Leesburg-based nonprofit It Takes a Village, Baby! will hold its annual winter clothing event at Rust Library in Leesburg on Saturday, Oct. 15. Over the past few months, supporters have donated thousands of new and gently used winter clothing items for babies and children, including coats, hats, and gloves. During the event, families in need will have the opportunity to “shop” for these items, free of charge. The organization expects more than 100 families to attend. The organization seeks volunteers to help at the event, between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Volunteers and donors can learn more about this event and how to get involved at itavb.org.

Coalition Launches ‘Make A Veteran Smile’ Program The Leesburg-based Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has launched a new program offering free reconstructive plastic surgery procedures to qualified veterans. “Make a Veteran Smile” program invites candidates to submit their stories about how a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure would improve their life. Each month, one veteran will be selected to receive a complimentary plastic surgery procedure by Dr. Adam Summers at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. “My father proudly served as a veteran for our country and I wanted to find a way to honor all of our veterans,” Summers stated. He also is offered a program through which residents can pay for spa and plastic surgery services that will help vets, with a portion of the cost donated to the coalition. See eligibility requirements and applications at saluteheroes.org/get-help/ make-veteran-smile.

Leesburg Church Sponsors Heath Fair A Health and Life Balance Fair will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, at First Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Leesburg. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., families are invited for a day of fun and education that will include a variety of speakers and activities. There will be a moon bounce, Zumba and other fitness activities. A pharmacist will discuss the proper handling of medication and there will be information on nutrition and exercise. Diabetes and blood pressure checks will be available. A mental health professional will address depression, including how to recognize symptoms and find help to deal with this condition. Also planned in an information session on financial aid for college. The fair will be held at 216 Loudoun St. SW. For more information, call 703777- 6241.

Thompson: Politicians Forgot NAACP at Ashburn School

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

“

General Lee walked across the street and picked an apple, you’ve got a plaque. But over 200 years of human bondage… this is just kind of swept underneath the rug. And we’re going to be sure this year to continue to raise this as an issue.

”

Vandalism suspects << FROM 1

Thompson said he will be pushing for a study of all black historic sites in the county, which he said are falling into disrepair and neglect. “They let this stuff deteriorate, and then they get a Swastika on it, and all of a sudden everyone’s running out and talking about ‘historical site’ and ‘blah blah blah,’” Thompson said. “It’s just a bunch of disingenuous nonsense going on.” Thompson hopes the county will recognize, protect and preserve historic sites before they gain attention through vandalism. “This county just does not want to recognize its African American past, and the impact of African Americans

dnadler@loudounnow.com

neath the rug. And we’re going to be sure this year to continue to raise this as an issue.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

loudounnow.com

yet to speculate on motive, but credited his investigators and the public outreach from the department and public officials with bringing in tips so quickly. Phillip Thompson, president of the Loudoun NAACP, offered a word of caution to prosecutors and the community at large as the case against the five teenagers moves forward. “My concern is that everyone is going to overreact and really hammer these kids,” he said. “They need to be punished but they also need to be educated. There’s so much emotion built up they may have a tendency to go overboard. But these are just kids.” Since news of the vandalism spread, Loudoun School for the Gifted has raised more than $100,000 to renovate the schoolhouse and turn it into a museum on the history of education. The biggest check came in Tuesday, when Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation announced a $35,000 donation.

in this country,” Thompson said. “General Lee walked across the street and picked an apple, you’ve got a plaque. But over 200 years of human bondage… this is just kind of swept under-

ticular suspect, and then from there we did all the background and interviews and so forth, and that’s how we came up with the five.” The Sheriff ’s Office is still analyzing evidence from the scene, as well as seeking corroborating evidence such as purchases and camera footage. Chapman said the interviews were “extremely helpful” in identifying the five suspects. Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman Kraig Troxell said all five of the teens attend public schools. He also said it will be determined later whether anyone will receive the $1,000 reward money from Crime Solvers and $1,000 from the Loudoun Democrat and Republican committees. Investigators will work with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Loudoun County Juvenile Court Service Unit Intake Department to obtain charges in the case. The sheriff also said he is not ready

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

NAACP President Phillip Thompson.

Loudoun NAACP President Phillip Thompson said he is “more than a little upset” about how last week’s press conference held after the Oct. 1 vandalism of the historic Ashburn Colored School turned out. Thompson said elected officials used the press conference to grab the spotlight, stealing the focus from the NAACP’s efforts to bring the county’s political parties together and organize a day of service to repair the damage. In a Facebook post beginning “Here’s why you can’t trust any freaking politicians,” Thompson wrote: “NAACP helps setup and plan Community Day to clean up and paint the school. Cameras show up and politicians run in front and freeze NAACP out. Now I could do something ugly, but, notice must be served. Do not take us and our support for granted in the future. If I am reelected President, things will get interesting for all politicians in Loudoun County.” At his urging, the Loudoun County Republican and Democratic committees offered a joint $1,000 reward for information about the vandals, and the NAACP organized Sunday’s day of work to restore the school. The 300 volunteer spots for that day of work filled up almost immediately.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

BY RENSS GREENE

loudounnow.com

[ LOCO LIVING ]

STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

[ THINGS TO DO ] FALL FUN

Campbell, Williams Take Center Stage with New Americana Record BY JAN MERCKER fter decades of backing up some of the biggest names in American music, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams are making their own voices heard. The husband-and-wife duo recently released a new self-titled album, harkening back to the great classic country duets while bringing in their own eclectic Americana sound. The record is also a testament to their unexpected and ongoing 30-year love story. Campbell and Williams play Leesburg’s Tally Ho Theatre with Grammy-winning dobro virtuoso Jerry Douglas on Thursday, Oct. 20. Campbell and Williams have been singing together since their marriage in 1988. But for years, their duo work has been mostly for personal pleasure, taking a backseat to their work with musical greats like Bob Dylan (with whom Campbell toured for eight years in the late ’90s and early 2000s). Williams recalls visiting Campbell during his time on the tour and playing around with fellow traditional mu-

FYI Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 Tally Ho Theatre, downtown Leesburg Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door Details: tallyholeesburg.com sic lovers on the tour bus—but it was mostly just for fun. “My career up until this point has been—in a very satisfactory way— just about backing up other people and creating music on a supportive level. That’s pretty much all I ever aspired to,” said Campbell, a sought-after multi-instrumentalist who has recorded with a long list of industry greats. But the couple became inspired to record their own material after eight years of working with famed vocalist and actor Levon Helm (best known as the lead singer for The Band) starting in the mid-2000s as part of Helm’s Midnight Rambles concerts at his home/studio near Woodstock, NY.

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

LOUDOUN FALL FARM TOUR Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; countywide. Details: loudounfarms.org

Courtesy of Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams

Both Campbell and Williams were part of Helm’s band until his death from cancer in 2012, and Campbell won three Grammys for his production work with Helm. During that time, Helm and other band members encouraged the couple to perform some of the original material they’d been developing. “When we’d sing together for the NEW RECORD >> 32

This free, self-guided farm tour features over 30 farms and 17 wineries and breweries. Check out the website for details and a map and plan your visit.

EPICURIENCE VIRGINIA Saturday, Oct. 15, 1-7 p.m.; The Barn At One Loudoun, 20405 Savin Hill Drive, Ashburn. Details: epicvirginia.com In a new location, this annual food and wine extravaganza features top Virginia wineries, breweries, farms and restaurants, along with cooking and butcher demos. General admission tickets are $75.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA FALL BREWFEST Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Details: novabrewfest.com Beers from the region’s favorites, including Loudoun’s own Ocelot Brewing, Old Ox Brewery and MacDowell Brew Kitchen. Tickets are $25 and include six tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are $2 each.

INOVA LADIES BOARD RUMMAGE SALE Visit Loudoun

The fourth rendition of Epicurience Virginia Saturday will be at a new location, One Loudoun.

Epicurience Spotlights Best of Food & Wine BY MARGARET MORTON Epicurience Virginia, a showcase of Loudoun and regional wines, spirits, brews and agricultural products, is hitting a number of firsts in its fourth rendition—a new location, new time frame and new management. For the first three years, the event was held on the majestic grounds of Morven Park in Leesburg. The $200,000 needed to support the event was funded each year by the county government, with money coming from tourism funds generated by hotel stays. This year, the event will now be held only on one day—Saturday, Oct. 15—

from 1 to 7 p.m., and will move east, to Ashburn to the striking timber barn at One Loudoun. It also has new management—instead of Visit Loudoun, the culinary and wine/beer festival from now on will be produced by Hype Promotions, owned by Kristina Geske. Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson praised Geske’s company, which has more than a decade of experience in producing successful food, beverage and music festivals on the East Coast. Earlier, Erickson said, “We built a brand of what’s valuable in the county, and established Loudoun as a premier East Coast destination.” She is partic-

ularly pleased with the move eastward, noting that having the festival at One Loudoun opens up an entirely new demographic. Jackie Saunders, vice president of marketing at Visit Loudoun, praised Hype Promotions’ work at the new location, citing the Made in Virginia offerings of oyster shucking, mixology and wine tastings, plus bringing in some new chefs—Matchbox and Purcellville’s West End Wine Bar & Pub—or exhibitors including Ford’s Fish Shack in Ashburn and South Riding, the double exhibit by Tarara Winery and the Wine Kitchen, EPICURIENCE >> 33

Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Morven Park Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg. Details: ladiesboard.org The 78th annual ladies Board Rummage Sale is an annual fall tradition with some of the best finds around. General admission is free. Tickets for Saturday’s early bird hour from 8 to 9 a.m. are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and are available at the Twice Is Nice and All Things New Again retail shops in Leesburg, or at the hospital gift shop. The sale benefits Inova Loudoun Hospital and The Ladies Board Nursing Scholarship Fund.

MORE THINGS TO DO >> 34

Oct. 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19, 2016

loudounnow.com

loudounnow.com

New record << FROM 30

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fun of it, it was this new kind of thing that was bringing me this joy that I hadn’t experienced before. And then in those years with Levon, it was perfect fertile ground to take the potential of what this could be and develop it,” Campbell said. “After we lost Levon, it just seemed organically natural for us to take this to the next step, and the record is a result of that.” Both Campbell and Williams turned 60 this year, and there’s a sense of surprise and gratitude at truly coming into their own at this stage in life, with a new record label and a new tour. The new album draws from great country duets from greats like George Jones and Tammy Wynette but also from blues, gospel and other American roots music. “We’re certainly drawing from tradition,” Campbell said. “The stuff that knocks me out and really has always influenced me is stuff that comes out of the soil. It’s what we now call the Americana genre—music that comes from a need or simple expression rather than cranial expression.” For Williams, on a certain level, it was Dylan who was the inspiration for their album’s eclectic roots sensibility. Recalling the years Campbell spent on tour with the folk icon, she said, “He had all of it in his show and I was like ‘Oh, you can do that. You can put the kitchen sink in. I like Americana for that reason—it just includes the good stuff. You don’t have to limit yourself.”

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Williams and Campbell are a bit of an odd couple. Campbell grew up in Manhattan with a lifelong passion for the music of the American South. Williams grew up in a musical family in west Tennessee where singing under the cedar tree on her grandmother’s farm was a way of life. They met in 1986 when a mutual friend called Campbell about playing a gig Williams was doing at the famous Bottom Line in New York’s Greenwich Village. Campbell was hesitant at first—it was the tail end of what he calls the “Urban Cowboy trend” and he was skeptical of country singer poseurs that still filled the clubs. “First I saw Teresa and then after I got my jaw off the floor, I heard her sing and I thought, ‘Man this is the real thing,’” he said. The pair have been together ever since and married in 1988, and their tight bond and mutual respect are clear. While working with a spouse can have its challenges, the musicians agree it’s absolutely worthwhile, and the critics seem to agree, with the new record drawing raves from the New Yorker, Wall Street Journal and other publications. “For me it’s the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done as a musician,” Campbell said. “I never get tired of hearing Teresa sing. … It’s inspiring and to be able to do that with her—that in itself overrides any difficulties that might come up to make this happen.” “Music is each of our cores. ... That’s what got us together and that’s the glue, really, in our marriage,” said Williams, who recalls singing with family throughout her Southern childhood. “It’s just like breathing and to share that with your spouse—it’s only natural.” jmercker@loudounnow.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

<< FROM 30

Epicurience Virginia Saturday, 1-7 p.m. The Barn at One Loudoun, 20405 Savin Hill Drive, Ashburn Tickets: $75 in advance, $95 day of Details: epicvirginia.com said the historic barn would be a perfect backdrop for the festival. Several One Loudoun restaurants and bars will showcase local libations and other special menu items as a tie into the festival. For example, Old Ox & Friends will be at One Loudoun’s World of Beer from 6 to 9 p.m.; Burgers and Bourbon produce their sought-after mini burgers and a bourbon nip for $15 to anyone with a festival wristband; and Hail & Hog from 7 to 11 p.m. will feature two custom pairing menus—a burgundy (reds) menu and a gold (whites). Catoctin Creek Distillery will have a 7 p.m. “happy hour” at Sense of Thai with $10 Dealer’s Choice personal cocktails highlighting its Roundstone Rye and Watershed Gin. And Voltaggio will introduce his latest concept—Aggio—from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in which patrons can enjoy special dessert and beverage pairings. The next day, Aggio will produce a brunch prepared by Voltaggio for $35 per person. For more information or various discounts, volunteer opportunities or to purchase tickets, go to epicvirginia.com. mmorton@loudounnow.com

PROVIDING CLEANING SERVICES for carpet, rugs, upholstery and hard surfaces on site or at our in plant facility

Loudoun Carpet Care™ understands the importance of providing consistent, reliable personal service to our clients, both returning and new. Our pledge is to offer honest advice about all of the services we offer, and to complete each job the best of our ability.

129 N. Bailey Lane, Ste C Purcellville, VA 20132

(540) 338-4300

and the wine education relating to Virginia wines as a whole. Hype Promotions managed the Americana Beer & Music Festival at Morven Park in June, and Geske said this week she is looking forward to managing the event in Ashburn. “We produced craft beer fests for years, and we’d done lots of hospitality consulting,” she said, although wine is newer to the company. General admission to Epicurience is $75 in advance ($95 day of), with a combination price of $149 available for those who also attend the Loudoun Wineries Association’s Wine Awards dinner the night before. A VIP ticket costs $125 in advance ($150 day of), with special parking, exclusive tastings, VIP lounge access, golf cart shuttles, demonstrations, special guest appearances and a swag bag. The Barn will be the premier viewing area for the chefs’ demonstration lineup, which will be headed by Top Chef Masters alum Bryan Voltaggio. He will be joined by Executive Chef Jim Drost of Matchbox, Chef Jason Lage of Market Table Bistro and Chef Chris Edwards of Salamander Resort & Spa, among others. Visit Loudoun will be the presenting sponsor, joined by Integrus Holdings and its subsidiaries Sterling Restaurant Supply and Fortessa Tableware—that will host the popular Chefs Demonstration stage. One Loudoun Managing Director and Miller & Smith Vice President Bill May, welcomed the event to its new home and

FYI

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

Epicurience

20700, Unit 156 Loudoun County Parkway Ashburn, VA

Loudounvalleyﬂoors.com

loudounnow.com

703.724.4300 703.777.8056

loudounnow.com

[ MORE THINGS TO DO ] << FROM 30

Vineyards, 12202 Axline Road, Lovettsville. Details: loudoun.k12.va.us/hillsboro

OATLANDS HARVEST FESTIVAL Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Details: oatlands.org This annual celebration of fall features live music, hayrides, games, local food and wine, and a bake sale. Tickets are $10 for single admission or $20 for a family pass (including two adults and children under 16).

HILLSBORO CHARTER ACADEMY BARN DANCE Friday, Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m.; Hiddencroft

The barn dance in support of Loudoun’s newest public charter school is open to the public and features live music from The Wandering Peacocks, food for sale from Big Mike’s BBQ and Hiddencroft’s award-winning wines. Admission is $5 per person at the door. Space is limited so arrive early to snag a spot.

ASHBURN VFRD OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Oct. 16, noon-3:45 p.m.; Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Station 6, 20688 Ashburn

Road, Ashburn. Details:ashburnfirerescue.org

GALLERY COFFEEHOUSE: READERS THEATER

Event includes a touch-a-truck, stop drop and roll station, Jaws of Life demonstration, children’s activities and an auction.

Sunday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter The performance group Imagine That! presents a script and a handful of actors--no costumes, no scenery--just voice and expression. Tickets are $8 and include coffee.

ALDIE HARVEST FESTIVAL AND DUCK RACE Saturday, Oct. 15, 9-5 p.m.; Village of Aldie, Rt. 50 west of Gilbert’s Corner. Details: aldieheritage.com Enjoy antiques, crafts and jewelry vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, tours of historic Aldie Mill and artisan demos. The famous duck race features big prizes and lots of fun! Admission is free. Parking is $5.

DOENER BISTRO OKTOBERFEST Thursday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 14, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 15, noon-3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.; Doener Bistro, 202 A Harrison St. SE, Leesburg. Details: doener-usa.com Doener Bistro’s four-day extravaganza features Thursday and Friday happy hours, Saturday’s family day and Sunday’s trachten day (show off your dirndls and lederhosen) with Bavarian music from Die Drei and Brass.

The cost is $39 per 52 issues. For addresses outside Virginia, the cost is $50.

Friday, Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m.; American Legion Post 203, 112 N. 21st St., Purcellville. Details: vapost293.org Nashville-bound country and Americana singer/songwriter Chris Koethe performs up close and personal. Tickets are $5-10 at the door.

To get the paper delivered every week, visit loudounnow.com/subscribe Or mail this form to with your check to:

Loudoun Now

To receive our newsletter every day via email, visit loudounnow.com/newsletter

Saturday, Oct. 15, 7:30-9 p.m.; Loudoun Valley High School, 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville. Details: aplacetobeva.org

LIVE MUSIC: KIX

The life and suicide of a local teen are the thread around which this original rock opera conveys a message of hope and a call for teens who are struggling to reach out. Admission is free. Recommended for high school aged youth—may be appropriate for some middle schoolers with parents.

‘THE SCAMPS OF SCAPIN’ Friday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter Loudoun Centre Theatre presents Moliere’s comedy detailing the antics of a pompous servant who tricks his masters to get ahead. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children and students.

StageCoach Theatre Company presents its latest murder mystery--a seasonally themed performance centered around the return to the stage of three famous magicians. $60 ticket price includes dinner and the show. The show runs at various locations in and around Loudoun through Nov. 6. Pricing varies by location. See the StageCoach website for details.

MUSIC IN THE ROUND: CHRIS KOETHE

‘A WILL TO SURVIVE’

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

Sunday, Oct. 16, Leesburg Brewing Company, 2C Loudoun St. SW, Leesburg. Details: stagecoachtc.com

NIGHTLIFE

ON STAGE

Direct from our newsroom to your mailbox.

TRICK OR TREAT MURDER MYSTERY

Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15, 8:30 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com These Maryland-based hard rockers made it big in the 80s and reunited in 2003—the hair and the tunes are still drawing fans. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of show and $60 for a two-day pass (advance purchase required-limited passes available).

PHIL VASSAR: BOB NICOL MEMORIAL PERFORMANCE Sunday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m.; Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyholeesburg.com Country superstar Phil Vassar returns to the Tally Ho to play a benefit for the Bob Nicol Foundation. $50 donation goes directly to this new local nonprofit.

First name _____________________________________________ Last name _____________________________________________ Company name ________________________________________

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In absence of gum disease, Regular Fee $384 Some restriction may apply

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HEALTHY TEETH & GUMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Loudoun Now PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178

Dr. Shahla Ranjbar

1507 Dodona Terrace, SE • Ste 110 • Leesburg, VA 20175 703-669-8688 • dentistryofleesburg.com

35 Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

These 31,677 local homeowners chose our windows. = Our MD, VA and DC customers

No pressure. During your Free Window Diagnosis, we’ll give you an exact, down-to-the-penny price that’s good for an entire year. 113 years of window expertise. We’re the replacement division of Andersen, the window and door brand that your dad told you to trust. No middleman to deal with. We are the full-service replacement window division of Andersen. There’s no runaround between the installer and the manufacturer because we handle it all, from custom-building to installing to warranting all our products.* We won’t sell you vinyl. We’ve replaced thousands of poor-quality vinyl windows and patio doors, so we made our window’s Fibrex® composite material two times stronger than vinyl.

Must call before November 6th!

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DETAILS OF OFFER – Offer expires 12/31/2016. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. $275 off each window and $700 off each patio door with no money down and 12 months no payments, no interest when you purchase 4 or more windows or patio doors between 6/1/16 & 12/31/16 with approved credit. Savings comparison is based on the purchase of a single unit at regular list price. Available only at participating locations. Other discounts and financing options available for other purchase levels. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License MN: BC130983/WI:266951. Excludes MN insurance work per MSA 325E.66. VA License #2705155684, DC License #420215000125, MHIC #121441. All other license numbers available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2016 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2016 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. *See limited warranty for details.

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[ OBITUARIES ]

loudounnow.com

Esther Koci Collins, and her brothers, Andrew (Karen) and Justin Collins. She is preceded in death by her sister, Jenny Collins Dolan.

Nora Elizabeth Mason of Cock-

eysville, Maryland, passed on September 21, 2016, at the age of 53 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Glenn and her children, Daniel James and Michael Robert, 16 years, her parents, Roger and

Nora graduated from Loudoun County High School and received a B.S. degree from Mary Washington College and a B.S. in Nursing from Catholic University. After graduation she worked at Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital’s postpartum unit until being blessed with her own twin boys, Daniel and Michael. She later worked as a public health nurse at the Baltimore County Health Department. She will be remembered by her family and her numerous friends for her laughter, her great and timely wit, her adventurous spirit, her inspiring courage, and

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her love of reading, music, and art, sharing many cherished works among family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2:00 p.m., at the Leesburg Presbyterian Church followed by a celebration of Nora’s life at nearby Lightfoot Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hopewell Cancer Support in Lutherville, Maryland

To Place an Obituary, Memoriam, or Death Notice

Elaine E. Thompson departed this

life On Sunday Oct. 9, 2016 at her residence. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday Oct. 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 250 West Virginia Ave., Hamilton, VA 20158. Interment at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hamilton, VA. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service of Purcellville, VA 20132.

Contact: Lindsay Morgan (703) 770-9723

lmorgan@loudounnow.com

Crossword

MAIDS NEEDED

No evenings or weekends

Pay starts at $12-$12.50 per hour

Must have driver’s license Please contact: (571)291-9746

• Hiring PT Barista •

Driver bonus given at the end of snow season.

• Coffee shop experience is a necessity. • Beer knowledge a plus. • Located in Leesburg.

For the upcoming winter.

540-668-9005

Supervisor wanted for busy Lawn Service.

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

Must have valid drivers license. Must be able to lead crews on various jobs, as well as work along side them. Salary commensurate with experience. Possible insurance allowance after 6 months.

540-668-9005

Send resume to BrewLoCo@gmail.com

Bus Driver Wanted Bus Driver position at Loudoun Country Day School, approximately 20-25 hours perweek plus field trips. Position includes benefits. Must have a Class B CDL License and interstate classification. Please call Joe Kaylor at (703)777-3841 or email inquiries to Joe.Kaylor@lcds.org.

Yard Sale HUNT COUNTRY BARN SALE October 14, 15 & 16 9am-dark, daily

19 & 20th century antique furniture (fine roll top desk and pie safe), art glass pottery, coins & sterling silver, signed crystal, nice oil & watercolor paintings, Seeburg jukebox with lots of oldies. cash or check accepted

36876 Leith Lane Middleburg, 20117 (703) 727-2008

LARGE MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE Saturday, October 15, 8am-1pm

17274 Pickwick Dr. Purcellville Everything needed for newborn baby - 12 mo., sewing machine, student refrigerator, scrapbooking carry bag, car seat, stroller, & more..

Yard Sale Saturday & Sunday October 15 & 16 -- 9am-6pm -Rained Out October 8th19427 James Monroe Hwy.

Golf sets & accessories, fishing rods, Camping & backpacks, bicycles, tricycles, bike rack, 50 Barbie & Mattel toys, Yahama CG101A classical guitar, rollerblades, ski boots & misc garden.

Tag Sale Thursday • Friday • Saturday October 13 • 14 • 15 10am - 5pm

Cottage • Contemporary • Country Chic Antique • Home Decor • Christmas & much much more...

Great Stuff • Fabulous Prices!

130 E. Main Street Purcellville 20132 540.338.5333 Open Every Thursday • Friday • Saturday 10am-5pm till Christmas

House of Worship To Include Your House Of Worship

Email: classifieds@loudounnow.com Call: (703) 770-9723

loudounnow.com

Email: classifieds@loudounnow.com or Call: (703) 770-9723 to place your yard sale ad

YARD SALE / TAG SALE Purcellville Marketplace

Experienced Snow Plow Drivers Wanted

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

Employment

loudounnow.com

Resource Directory BARBER SHOP

BOBCAT

Ashburn Barber Shop 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, #139 Ashburn, VA 20147 Ashburn Village Center Same Shopping Center as Old Giant, Popeye Chicken, Burger King, Kinder Care & Ashburn Service Center

$1 OFF

Any Haircut

Not valid with any other offer or discount. With coupon only. One coupon per customer.

CHIROPRACTOR

Residential - Commercial - Move-In/Out Carpet Cleaning - Excellent Reference Reasonable Rates - Licensed & Insured FREE ESTIMATE

r amhall Trucking 540-822-9011

Marlene Vasquez (703) 303-1364

◆ Stone DuSt ◆ Mulch ◆ topSoil ◆ SanD ◆ ◆ light graDing ◆ graveling ◆ ◆ Drainage SolutionS ◆ Backhoe Work ◆

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm • Sat 8am-6pm • Sun 9am-6pm

Let us heLp you carry your Load!

CLEANING SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION

703-726-9828

Email: rdcleaningserv@gmail.com R&D Cleaning Service LLC www.RDCleaningservice.com

CONTRACTOR SOLID CONTRACTORS

Residential and Commercial Excellent reference - Reasonable rates Free in home estimates Family Owned and Operated Licensed, Insured & Bonded 703-901-9142 www.cbmaids.com cleanbreakcleaningcompany@gmail.com

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • DRIVEWAYS • EXPOSED AGGREGATE • PATIOS • FOOTINGS • SLABS • STAMPED CONCRETE • SIDEWALKS

Free Estimates

Ph: 703-437-3822 • Cell: 703-795-5621

CONSTRUCTION ConCrete & Masonry Driveways Patios Walkways Stoops/Porches Steps

Brick Flagstone Concrete Pavers Stamped Concrete

Design

Chimneys Retaining Walls Pool Decks Fireplace Footing/Slabs

FREE ESTIMATES

:DWHUSURRÀQJ Drainage Control Lot Clearing Grading Residential/ Commerical

ProudlyServing ServingArlington Loudoun County County since since 1988 1988 Proudly

10% OFF

6PDOO /DUJH 5HSDLUV 2ZQHU 6XSHUYLVHG %DNHUZRRGVEXLOG#DRO FRP

Baker & Woods Construction 703-350-9133

CONSTRUCTION C ustom C onstruCtion A dditions • r epAirs Blue Ridge Remodeling, Inc. 540-668-6522

www.brrinc.net Purcellville, VA

Since 1976 • Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

FITNESS Affordable Prices • Best Results Professional personal training both in home and studios individual & family yoga classes

sunnybeachfitness.com • 571.442.1901 sunnybeachfitness@gmail.com

Limit $300

VA Class A License #2705019491

DECKS Baker’s

Flower, Veggie, Butterfly, Native, Herb gardens, Ornamental Bushes, Design, Plant, Prune, Mulch, Maintain Low hourly rates. Pkg. avail.

703-297-9821. www.yourlushgarden.com

Fences Decks Basement Completions Media Rooms Additions Bathroom Remodeling New Kitchens Flooring Mold Remediation Roofing and much more For Your Free In Home Consultation

Contact Max Dalton

703.945.9800

CONSTRUCTION

PROS TM

Class “A” General Contractor

Your Renovation Specialists in Loudoun County

Baths Decks Kitchens Basements Renovations Handyman Lists & more!

WWW.SOLID.CONTRACTORS

Appointments: (703) 779-8211

EXCAVATING

EVENTS

Painting & Remodeling

Loudoun Event Management

BUILD DECKS & FENCES POWERWASHING & STAINING FREE ESTIMATES & DECK INSPECTIONS

Licensed & Insured Contractor who performs “Handyman Services, Rental & Re-sale Turnovers“ *We Accept ALL Major Cards* 571-439-5576 jbremodeling22@gmail.com

FLOORING

Benjamin Hall (571) 246-8409

GARAGE DOORS

Chase Floor Waxing Service

loudouneventmanagement@yahoo.com

Buffing, Polishing, Burnishing Polyurethane Wood Floor Finishes. Family Owned & Operated For 25 Years

No Dust • No Sanding Wood Floor Paste Wax Services also available

• Weddings • Catering • Corporate Events • Dinner Parties

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY!

(703) 777-3296 (540) 347-1674

Loudoun, Virginia • 540-514-4715 Lic/Bonded & Ins.

Professional, certified and experienced gardener.

Licensed and Insured RBC Contractor PMII Remediation Certified

CONSTRUCTION

Serving Northern Virginia area for over 10 years. Taking orders for spring deck projects

GARDENING HANDYMAN YOUR LUSH GARDEN Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

R&D CLEANING SERVICE, LLC

* Bobcat Services * * Gravel Driveway Repair *

CLEANING SERVICE

Virginia Handyman

Home remodeling • Doors • Trim Crown Moulding • Hardwood Flooring • Tile Deck Repair • Electric • Plumbing Drywall Painting • Powerwashing $25 per estimate

virginiahandyman1775@yahoo.com The Quickest Solution To A Problem Is To Fix It

HANDYMAN HHHHH FIVE STAR GENERAL CONTRACTOR & HANDYMAN SERVICES • Interior & Exterior Painting • Power Wash & Stain Decks • • Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling • Finish Basements • • Electrical • Plumbing • Mailbox Replacement • • Clean Gutters • Install Crown Molding • Drywall Repairs • Exterior Rotten Wood Replacement • • Small or Large Jobs We Do It All •

Owner: Edwin Ramirez (703) 944 - 5181 ramirezedwin80@yahoo.com

Licensed & Insured • Reliable & Reasonable Prices

HANDYMAN Baker’s

Painting & Remodeling

Serving Northern Virginia area for over 10 years. INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING ROTTED WOOD REPAIR DECKS • BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHS BASEMENT FINISHING & REMODELING

Licensed & Insured Contractor who performs “Handyman Services, Rental & Re-sale Turnovers“ Taking orders for spring deck projects *We Accept ALL Major Cards* 571-439-5576

jbremodeling22@gmail.com

Resource Directory JUNK REMOVAL

Oct. 13 – 19, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LANDSCAPE

Purcellville, Virginia

• Finished Basements • Garages • Additions • Remodeling

HANDYMAN Handyman Services 30 Years Experienced

Call Today

Carpentry • Finished Basements Plumbing • Kitchens • Electrical Bathrooms • Tiling Projects Small Additions • Decks

For Your Free Estimate:

540.338.3710

703.431.0565

Mark Savopoulos/Owner Licensed/Insured

Call Brendan 703-402-0183

Class A LIC #2705048174A

HOME THEATER

LANDSCAPE

HOME IMPROVEMENT Full Remodeling Additions Basements Kitchens Bathrooms

Electrical Plumbing Lawn Hauling Drywall & Painting

General Contractor & Handyman Services

YVAN DIAZ (571) 505-5565

Free Estimates

www.handymanloudoun.com Licensed & Insured

LAWN CARE

C.L.L.

CORUM’S LAWN & LANDSCAPING

• Lawn Maintanence • Aeration & Seeding • Fall Clean-up • Landscape & Hardscape • Lawn Renovations • Tree Service • Drainage Solutions • Bobcat Services Senior & Neighborhood Discounts

James Corum (540) 347-3930 or (540) 905-0706 www.corumslandscaping.com

PET SITTING

REPAIR, APPLIANCE

ROOFING C2 Operations specializes in Asphalt, Slate, Flat, Metal, Cedar, and EPDM Roof Repairs and Replacements throughout Loudoun Co. and Northern Virginia. Services Include Roof Repairs • Roof Replacements • Siding Gutters • Windows • Doors Skylights & Maintenance

Share Our Country Home Chasing Squirrels and Sleeping by the Fireplace

Serving Northern VA/MD/DC Shuttle Services Available

HAPPYHOUNDSLODGE.COM

Come Join Our Pack of Happy Hounds

(703)297-4737 • (703)395-3912

ROOFING

*SDVOSB* c2operations.com

703.651.6677

HUDSON ROOFING COMPANY Over 30 Years Experience

Roof • Gutter • Repairs • Replacement Complete Services • Free Estimates www.douglasroofingco.com

703.255.9599 VA Class “A” License

drcroofing@aol.com

WINDOW CLEANING Chesapeake Potomac Window Cleaning Co.

(703) 777-3296

(540) 347-1674

Family owned & operated for 25 years Licensed * Bonded * Insured

Joe “The Appliance Guy” Senior Technician

703.963.1619

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS • GUTTERS Roof Repairs I New Roofs I Tear-Offs I Shingle Roofs Flat Roofs I Cedar Shakes I Storm Damage Roof Inspections I Insurance Claims No Job Too Small I Owner Supervised

10% OFF Roof Repair

175 OFF Any Complete New Roof $

Over 12,000 Satisfied Customers

We Take Pride in Our Craftsmanship

703-615-8727

ashburnappliance@aol.com www.ashburnappliance.com

info@c2operations.com

TREE REMOVAL

SOLAR Become Energy Independant! info@solarsolutionsforall.com

571.252.9717

www.solarsolutionsforall.com Making Renewables Affordable for Everyone!

NORTH’S TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING

Tree Experts For Over 30 Years Family Owned & Operated SPRING

• Tree Removal • Lot Clearing • SPECIAL • Pruning • Trimming • Clean Up • 25% OFF WITH THIS •Deadlimbing • Uplift Trees • AD! • Grading • Private Fencing • • Retaining/Stone Walls • Grading Driveways •

Your Complete Tree & Landscaping Company Honest & Dependable Serv. • 24 Hr. Emerg. Serv. Satisfaction Guaranteed

(540) 533-8092

Lic./Ins. • Free Estimates • Angie’s List Member • BBB

LoudounNow CL ASSIFIEDS

We’ve got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always.

loudounnow.com

~ Window Cleaning * inside & out by hand * residential specialists ~ Power Washing * no damage - low pressure * soft brushing by hand

We repair all major brands

We perform the job you need, when you need it, and at the price that you can afford.

ROOFING

DOUGLAS ROOFING CO., INC.

Ashburn Appliance, LLC

Improving Homes In Loudoun Since 1995

[ OPINION ]

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Building a Model Force Minutes after taking the oath of office as Leesburg’s new police chief, Gregory S. Brown defined the role of police in a context rarely heard in an era of increasing tensions nationally. He called them peace officers. That is exactly the right foundation upon which to build a department that does more than view “community policing” as buzz words that must be evoked periodically. To its credit, the Leesburg department has been at the forefront of the movement, with the past two police chiefs touting their commitment to that law enforcement philosophy. As with any government agency, there’s more that can be done; Brown and his leadership team recognize that. They’ll have the opportunity to shape the department right away as they work to fill more than a dozen vacant officer positions. Getting the right people in place is important. So will be the Town Council’s commitment to provide the department the resources it needs to successfully implement the program. Cutting corners at budget time undermines the community’s ability to recoup on the investment in community policing, which requires officers to spend time getting to know the residents and business owners in the town’s neighborhoods. That proactive work—which pays off with crime prevention and, often, quicker crime solving—may rub against the grain of traditionalists who measure police performance in ticket counts and arrest stats, but that’s an assessment method that makes little sense when the goal is to reduce crime. In localities across the country, debates over the best approach to law enforcement are driven by friction between the residents and their police forces—frictions rooted in some blend of distrust, violence, racism and incompetence. That has not been the case in Leesburg. With the support of the residents and town leaders, Chief Brown and his department of peace officers can continue to build a force worthy of serving as a model to help address those failings.

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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

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[ LETTERS ] Philomont Again in Jeopardy

gram, even though it did not meet the pilot program criteria? Why weren’t Editor: those with a Greggsville address offiDo not pave Greggsville Road. cially notified, as well as the impactOnce again, the people who should ed Philomont community allowed to question why they moved to western voice their opinion in a community Loudoun County are attempting to meeting or notified by letter from the ruin why so many of us moved here. Board of Supervisors or VDOT that All most of us want is to take life a little would seal Philomont’s fate? Is this a slower and enjoy our rural scenery. In- coincidence? I think not. Look up “Top stead, their need is to increase their Donors for Senator Dick Black,” the #3 speed on narrow roads that are shared donor lives on Greggsville Road. Sen. with walkers, joggers, horseback riders, Black is who submitted the funding dog walkers and those of us who like to amendment. enjoy the drive. Remember, there are VDOT’s rule for pilot programs is no sidewalks in Philomont, just com- that they can only pave a gravel road mon courtesy. if it intersects with paved roads on eiI only learned about all this “below ther side. In this case, Greggsville Road the radar” activity last Tuesday when dead ends at Jeb Stuart Road, which the engineers were spotted. I have the is a gravel road. Residents in the two letter to Janet Clark (in 2014) from the subdivisions, Willowin and HuntHunting Hill/Willowin HOA and their ing Hill, represent the majority of the petition, also a letter to the Board of signatures; they obviously would like Supervisors by a concerned individual to “Fairfax” Loudoun and even ask who worked very hard to share all these for some folks to donate property to facts. To be clear, my husband’s and my the cause so curves can be straightname appear as signing the petition, it ened. Why did they move to western was an error on their part; we did not Loudoun County if all they want to do sign it. We do not want Greggsville is make it a cookie-cutter suburb? Road paved. The community’s safety The general store is the hub of Phiis at risk. Speeds will increase, there is lomont. The fact that my staff or I no question. Supervisors should repeal never heard of this covert process to the decision. pave a road that the community uses How did this 2.9-mile gravel road throughout the day is just another exget such attention over so many oth- ample of how this group made sure to ers? Why did our little piece of western stay under the radar since 2014. Let’s Loudoun get financial “help”? How did right this wrong that has the possibility it end up as an amendment to the Vir- to bring harm to our residents. ginia state budget? After that wasn’t apMadeline Skinner Owner, Philomont General Store proved, how did it get to be a pilot pro-

Share Your Views Loudoun Now welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should include the name, address and phone number of the writer and should be a maximum of 500 words. Letters may be sent by email to letters@ loudounnow.com or by mail to PO Box 207, Leesburg, VA 20178.

BY DEBORAH SNYDER

• IN

BACK

and wildflowers. Such was the park’s appearance in 2009, when Al Van Huyck and Vern Conaway, board members of the fledgling Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, heard about it and, out of curiosity, visited it. They found it in poor condition, but recognized a great opportunity for FBRM to adopt the Park and help clean it up. So FBRM contacted the park authority, which supported the idea, and actively cooperated with FBRM to get the twice-a-year volunteer days started. FBRM then reached out to Robin Williams of the Virginia Native Plant Society (someone who knows what is native and what is invasive) to gain expertise to guide the work. She became a regular source of help. Also, the Virginia Department of Forestry staff was asked to visit the park, and prepare a forest management plan. Later, FBRM was contacted by Amelia Gavurin, a senior Girl Scout seeking a project for her Gold Award. Her efforts, supported by FBRM, resulted in identification and labeling of 22 trees, and a brochure providing information about them. Ms. Gavurin achieved the Gold Award, the Girl Scout equivalent of the Boy Scout Eagle rank. The twice-yearly volunteer work days conducted by FBRM, creation of the forestry plan, and work on the Girl Scout project led to Blue Ridge Regional Park’s receipt in 2013 of the Stewardship Award from the Virginia Department of Forestry. Comprising

the award are a sign posted at the Park noting it is a “Stewardship Forest,” and a plaque for the NVRPA office reading, “The Thoughtful Land Stewardship You Practice Leaves A Better World Than You Found To Those Who Will Follow.” Blue Ridge Regional Park is the first NVRPA park to receive this award. Renewed efforts by FBRM during the Stewardship Volunteer Days to maintain the trails and control invasive vegetation have had a positive effect. The precious tiny wildflower seeds, long dormant in the undergrowth, have finally seen the light of day and come forth in a profusion of native flowers. But as any gardener knows, because invasive plants perpetually compete for space, controlling them also is an ongoing job. The next Volunteer Day is Saturday, Oct. 15. To sign up, contact James Remuzzi at (202)746-1649 or james@ sustainablesolutionsllc.net. Deborah Snyder is secretary of Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 501(c)(3) organization. For information about FBRM and Blue Ridge Regional Park, go to friendsofblueridge.org and novaparks.com/parks/blue-ridgeregional-park, respectively. In Our Backyard is compiled by the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition. To learn about the organization, or to participate in the Rural Roads Initiative, go to loudouncoalition.org.

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There’s a little-known treasure three miles south of Rt. 7 on Blue Ridge Mountain Road near Bluemont in westernmost Loudoun County. Not visible from the road, and with a badly rutted lane leading to a locked gate, Blue Ridge Regional Park sits on 168 acres on a high ridge overlooking Loudoun Valley. On a clear day, Dulles Airport can be spotted in the distance. The land was donated to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in 1988 by Wilberta and Carlton Savage. Since 2009, Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an organization established in 2007, and dedicated to preserving, enhancing and celebrating the mountains, has mounted twice-yearly stewardship efforts to eradicate invasive, non-native vegetation from the park. When Mr. and Mrs. Savage donated the property, it was improved with a frame house and guest cottage they used as a weekend mountain retreat during Mr. Savage’s long public service as assistant to Cordell Hull, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Secretary of State. He cited the beauty, fresh air, and quiet solitude of the land as its draw: “It’s just a little closer to Heaven than

any place else.” When asked why he donated the land, he characteristically replied, “I wanted to give it where it would do the most good for the most people for the longest period of time. I love Loudoun County, and I wanted to give it for perpetuity.” Mr. Savage intended the park to be marked with a plaque stating, “Wilberta Ripley Savage and Carlton Raymond Savage gave to the public this land they love for the benefit of future generations. 1988.” Carlton Savage died at age 92 in 1990, but his intended legacy lives on. The buildings at Blue Ridge Regional Park are mostly gone. The only remnants are a large stone wall, and the stone fireplace, which the Park Authority stabilized and incorporated into a covered picnic shelter about four years ago. According to Karl Mohle of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, in 2007, a $5,000 grant from REI was used for improvements, including tent pads for Boy Scout camping and a kiosk. The Scouts blazed trails through the woods for a number of years. However, long-ago plantings of bamboo and other non-native species such as mile-a-minute and oriental bittersweet, while attractive, indiscriminately choked out native vines

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In Defense of Politics BY BUTCH PORTER We all deserved what we have gotten in the first two Presidential debates. Maybe our fallen sinful nature did not bring us #Herself7.1.1 and #CheetoJesus, but we still deserved it, and here’s why: At some point we decided that we should stop talking about certain things, precisely because they are too important. “I don’t get into politics” or “No politics or religion in polite company.” We avoid it at work so as not to offend anyone, avoid it at family dinners in order to keep the peace, and avoid it with our friends, so we can remain friends. Let us not go through the gory bullet points on why the focus-grouped automaton who hasn’t had an original policy idea since 1993, and the reality TV star who alternates between carnival barker and junta chief, are not ideal candidates for the chief executive spot. And let us not entertain fantasies that this is the work of “extremists” taking over the two parties. The extremists lost the primaries. On the contrary, the reason we got the most empty candidates imaginable is that we, as citizens, have intentionally forgotten how to talk about politics, and thus we don’t demand it from our candidates. For instance, maybe we could explain to our conservative co-worker that we do not actually believe that they want children, the elderly, and the disadvantaged to starve on the streets. If we listened, and they listened, we would likely come to some basic understandings about the goals of family, community, civil society, and even government. If we breached the topic of abortion to our pro-choice friend, there is a good chance that we might agree on a couple basic things: like the fact that the rights of the mother over her own body can’t be simply dismissed. Or that late-term abortion, simply based on choice, is an objectively barbaric enterprise and cannot continue in a civilized society. Let’s start there, and even if we still don’t agree, we will know already that our friend doesn’t tacitly support the murder of innocents, and will feel further comforted knowing that they do not believe us to be out to get them and their rights. What if a gay couple and an Evangelical couple discussed the topic of marriage to the point where they concluded, accurately, that one couple’s love for each other is not objectively more im-

portant than another family’s devotion to their faith. How much less could the parties use this as a wedge to divide us (not to mention fewer lawsuits)? Our country was founded by people who strongly disagreed with each other, and we’ve forgotten that these disagreements are not a pesky side effect, but a necessary prescription for a healthy republic based on the ideas of liberty, equality, and justice. But for the sake of social comfort, we have given up a substantive dialectic—a deliberate search for truth through discussion—which leaves us completely at the mercy of the eristic—where the focus is solely on winning the argument and the truth is irrelevant. We should not be surprised then that the standard bearers of our two major parties can manage more than 90 minutes on national television—twice—and deliver nothing but jabs, snark, gotchas, and one-liners. Sure, it’s true that deliberative politics in our daily lives can seem tedious, and at times even painful. However, we should not ignore that far from being simply a good idea, it is our sacred duty. Our republic has always depended on our allowance to openly talk about religion and politics, with comfort that though our friendships could occasionally suffer challenges, our communities and our republic depend upon this open disagreement. So, the next time you hesitate talking politics, do it anyway. Simply commit to express your thoughts respectfully, and more importantly to listen. We will either learn from each other once more, or we will witness a continued degradation of the quality of our political discourse. It is really up to us, and not the politicians. For no matter how much it occasionally looks like they are fighting it out, they are actually playing a very dangerous game, where the best standup routine is the winner, and the truth is not something to be discovered, but rather to be vaguely hinted at, alluded to, but mostly avoided at all costs. For us, as citizens, one truth is undeniable: that if we shun open disagreement, we shall eventually have closed consent. Butch Porter is a Leesburg business owner and local commentator.

Loudoun’s Largest Yard Sale Set for This Weekend FYI What: 78th Annual Inova Loudoun Ladies Board’s Rummage Sale Where: Morven Park Equestrian Center, Tutt Lane entrance When: Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct.16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early Bird Hour, 8-9 a.m., $12 in advance/$15 at the door. General Admission: free.

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with bidding held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no charge for the sale, but those who wish to be the first to view the offerings may purchase tickets for the Early Bird hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday. The cost is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Proceeds from the Early Bird sale benefit the Polly Clemens Nursery Fund, a Ladies Board project that provides for special needs at the hospital’s nursery. Sale organizers request that pets and strollers be left at home. Breakfast and lunch items also are available. The sale was named 2015 and 2016’s Best Annual Charity Event in Northern Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine. For more information, call 703-7712985 or go to ladiesboard.org.

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Thousands of bargain hunters will converge on Morven Park’s Equestrian Center this weekend for the Inova Loudoun Ladies Board’s Rummage Sale. In its 78th year, the sale attracts devoted followers from near and far to search through a massive inventory of merchandise. Items are donated throughout the year by community residents who heed the call to empty their attics and cupboards of unwanted items—all for the good of patient care at Inova Loudoun Hospital. The Ladies Board, founded only weeks after the hospital’s inception in 1912, has been the source of millions of dollars for the hospital over a century of service. Proceeds from the sale benefit Inova Loudoun Hospital and the Ladies Board Nursing Scholarship Fund. Sturdy shoes are recommended to peruse all that’s available in the five barns, making up the more than 50,000 square feet of shopping space at the equestrian center. From collectibles, paintings, furniture, linens and draperies, children’s items, gift certificates, jewelry, and glassware to clothing and shoes, tools, sports items, electronics, household items and small appliances—the list goes on. Known overall for the quality of the donations and reasonable prices items, some of the best and most unusual items are offered in a silent auction,

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