Loudoun Now for Nov. 30, 2017 by Loudoun Now

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 3, No. 3]

[ loudounnow.com ]

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017 ]

‘Tis the season for festive flicks

34 Purcellville Police Chief Reinstated, Back on Leave BY PATRICK SZABO

Loudoun Pediatric Obesity Collation, Loudoun Valley Homegrown Markets Cooperative, Real Food for Kids and A Farm Less Ordinary. “We were trying to pull together a network of local nonprofits to be able to get this program off the ground,” said Erika Huddleston, associate director of Loudoun Hunger Relief. For the past six months, the 25 families who were enrolled in the program received weekly deliveries of produce boxes, brimming with fruits and vegetables. The boxes were stocked with produce from A Farm Less Ordinary, a nonprofit farm in Bluemont that employs adults with developmental disabilities,

The Thanksgiving holiday did little to slow the drama in Purcellville’s town hall. Just before the town offices closed for the long weekend, Police Chief Cynthia McAlister was reinstated to her position, nearly three weeks after Interim Town Manager Alex Vanegas fired her. The re-hiring is designed to allow the town to commission and complete an independent audit of the investigation of McAlister’s conduct before she continues to pursue re-instatement as part of the town’s grievance procedures. The original investigation was led by Vanegas and human resources consultant Georgia Nuckolls, who was hired to assist in that process. That investigation became tainted when information surfaced that Nuckolls had a previously undisclosed criminal history and amid allegations that Vanegas and Nuckolls had a personal relationship. McAlister’s reinstatement came one day after Vanegas was placed on administrative leave while the Town Council reviews his conduct since being appointed to the position in May to replace longtime town manager Rob Lohr, who retired amid friction with the council. According to McAlister’s attorney, John V. Berry, the police chief will receive back pay, but will remain on paid administrative leave until the audit is complete. “We are very pleased with the town’s decision and will work with them through the audit process,” Berry said. “Chief McAlister is pleased with this decision.” In response to the events, Mayor Kwasi Fraser this week addressed the community in a letter to the editor. “Over time, all communities experience change … with change, however, comes challenges,” he wrote. “I am confident that we are still on a path to improve our government and move Purcellville forward. I am very proud of our successes as a community thus far and remain focused on the positive even in the most challenging times.” When asked directly what his message

OBESITY >> 19

CHIEF REINSTATED >> 40

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Asia Thomas, 12, helps her grandmother, Sheron, prepare vegetables for dinner in their Sterling home. They were one of 25 families who took part in a pilot program that provides locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with cooking classes to make sure the fresh produce gets on kids’ plates.

Pass the Peas, Please Fighting Youth Obesity with a Helping of Fresh Produce and Education

BY DANIELLE NADLER

f the 7,000 young patients who the pediatricians at HealthWorks for Northern Virginia in Leesburg see, almost half are clinically diagnosed as overweight or obese. That’s roughly 3,500 Loudoun kids whose health is at risk because of their weight. The doctors offer verbal nudges to encourage kids to stay active and for their parents to serve them healthy food, but all that talk doesn’t always stick. So, they decided to partner with the county’s largest food pantry, local farms and farmers markets to come up with a program that provides low-income families with veg-

etables and fruits—and pair them with cooking classes and nutrition lessons to make sure that fresh produce gets on kids’ plates. “The rate of pediatric obesity in our low-income patient population is roughly double that of the county’s population as a whole,” said Carol Jameson, CEO of HealthWorks, which serves Loudoun’s uninsured and underinsured residents. “We want to give families the tools to recognize when weight may be creeping up.” The pilot program is called Integrated Pediatric Care and is made possible through a $60,000 grant from the Northern Virginia Health Foundation, plus the help of an army of local charities, including Loudoun Hunger Relief, the

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New Slate of State Delegates Prepare for General Assembly

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

oudoun saw a dramatic change in the political landscape in November’s election, when voters swept out all but one Republican in the House of Delegates races. Experienced Republican legislators lost their seats to Democratic newcomers who had never run for public office before, while incumbent Democrats easily held onto their seats. The wave of Democratic enthusiasm carried in three first-time lawmakers: Wendy Gooditis in the 10th District, Karrie Delaney in the 67th, and David Reid in the 32nd. Each campaigned hard for their seat, but now they must get ready for taking the reins in Richmond in a newly rebalanced House of Delegates.

Fresh off her Election Day victory in one of the day’s most stunning upsets, unseating three-term Republican Randy Minchew, Wendy Gooditis has her eyes set on Medicaid expansion, which she cites as her top priority. “We can do it immediately if only we can do it,” she said. “It would insure 400,000 Virginians, hire 40,000 more health care workers, and give millions more to combat substance abuse. It has to be done.” Gooditis, a Boyce resident, said health care was the number one issue she heard about from residents as she knocked on doors, and she said the exit polls back up her claim. Another top priority for her is education, and better pay for teachers is a big part of that. “We are losing teachers in Virginia. They are underpaid compared to the rest

of this country,” she said. “We entrust our kids and therefore our futures to these people; we have to treat them well.” She has also said redistricting—which will occur after the 2020 census—and mental health and substance abuse are top issues for her. Although Election Day saw the majority of her Democratic counterparts elected, Gooditis said that once she takes her seat in the House of Delegates it will be about working across party lines. “If I’m going to represent my district fairly, which is my intention, I’m certainly not willing to cut off anyone. Health care is a bipartisan issue. Most issues are. It’s my absolute intention to work with everyone to care for the people of Virginia and this district,” she said.

BY RENSS GREENE

Love Wegmans? The feeling is mutual.

INDEX

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Delegate-elect David Reid (D-34) met with county supervisors and department heads Tuesday, after unseating longtime Republican incumbent Tag Greason in the Nov. 7 election.

Loudoun Gov..................... 6 Leesburg......................... 10 Public Safety................... 14 Education........................ 16 Nonprofit......................... 20 Biz.................................. 26 A Loudoun Moment.......... 28 Our Towns....................... 30 LoCo Living..................... 34 Obituaries....................... 40 Classifieds...................... 41 Opinion........................... 44

loudounnow.com

DELEGATION >> 22

Crowded schools get creative

STATE DELEGATES >> 21

Loudoun Leaders Meet New State Delegation After an election that flushed out many longtime state legislators and brought in a wave of fresh faces, Loudoun supervisors met with the new General Assembly delegation as a group for the first time Tuesday. Supervisors laid out what they would like to see delegates and senators get done in the state capital next year—some new issues, some that have long plagued the county. “We actually need people—delegates and state senators—to carry our legislation, and we’d like to have the full body support that legislation,” said County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall

Beards and badges work for a cause

Democrat Wendy Gooditis, the 10th District delegate-elect, holds up her brother’s ring who died when he couldn’t get proper health care in Virginia. In an unexpected win, she unseated three-term Republican Randy Minchew.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

Second thoughts on sister cities?

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The Town of Leesburg owns a new park. Well, it’s actually an old park— Olde Izaak Walton Park—but it is no longer paying rent for the property. Lansdowne Development Group, the developer of Crescent Parke, acquired the property on Monday for $2.7 million and, on Tuesday, was finalizing a

[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

[ BRIEFS ] Loudoun Leans Toward Cloud Computing

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Budget director Erin McClellan, Treasurer H. Roger Zurn Jr. and Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. at a Board of Supervisors meeting in June.

First Quarter Report Shows Loudoun Budget in Good Health

BY RENSS GREENE ounty staff members have reported that after the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the county budget remains in good fiscal

health. According to those projections, Loudoun’s government is expected to run a budget surplus of $52.2 million in the current fiscal year, which will end June 2018. Of that, $10 million will go into cash reserves, leaving up to $42.2 million for next year’s budget. “We are in good shape so far,” said Assistant Director of Management and Budget Megan Bourke. The surplus is based on forecast rev-

enues $32.3 million above the revised budget, and forecast expenditures $19.8 below what is authorized in the county’s $1.5 billion General Fund. After the first quarter last year, the county expected a $47.1 million surplus. The final audit of the fiscal year 2017 budget will be presented in December. Bourke pointed out this year’s strong growth in personal property tax revenues, which are now expected to be almost $21 million higher than projected in the budget. Finance committee Chairman Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) also pointed to growth in revenue from data centers, with $19 million of that $21 million coming from high-

er-than-expected revenues from taxes on computer equipment. The county is expecting to spend nearly $9 million less on personnel and $10.9 million less on operations and maintenance than the Board of Supervisors authorized in the 2018 budget. The county has also received several large cash proffers, including $1.23 million from a rezoning at Brambleton, approved in 2014. It also includes $1 million from Carr Homes Inc., which in 2014 won rezoning approval for a development on Old Ryan Road. In total, the county received $8.4 million in cash proffers from July to September. rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun’s Sister Cities Program Gets Renewed Scrutiny BY RENSS GREENE County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) again is scrutinizing Loudoun’s sister city partnerships—with an eye toward culling those that exist in name only. In 2016, after Randall voiced concerns that the county’s sister city partnerships were ceremonial or being neglected, the board adopted criteria for designating them as active or inactive, based on visits of elected officials, student and cultural exchanges; collaboration on economic development; and staff exchanges. Five of the six sister cities were designated active. The county designated its relationship with the sixth, Karsiyaka Municipality

in Turkey, as inactive. Loudoun uses its sister city partnerships as an avenue for cultural exchange and economic development. One of Loudoun’s five active partners—Gangneung City in South Korea—will be hosting many of the indoor events in the 2018 Winter Olympics. During an annual review of the county’s sister city agreements in the board’s finance committee Nov. 14, Randall said Loudoun should take advantage of the hotel room and tickets that Gangneung City plans to make available and send a delegation. But another partner, New Taipei in Taiwan, could be on the chopping block. SISTER CITIES >> 7

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

The county government is working to go someplace many businesses and localities have already gone: the cloud. A water leak caused a power outage at the county government’s own data center in January and shut down operations in many departments for days. The power outage came the month after the county’s Department of Information Technology started work to devise a strategy to move the cloud. Technology staff said moving to cloud computing will help the county recovery faster when its systems go down, along with making the county more adaptable to growing and updating. It would also move some of the cost of regularly updating county technology out of its capital budget and into the budget of the commercial data center, possibly saving money. The county will first work to move from its own aging, purpose-built data center to a commercial data center. At the same time, the county will work to create redundancy in its public safety computer and communications systems. The Department of Information Technology is expected to request the funding to begin that process in the fiscal year 2019 budget.

County Lays Out Project Fairness Replacement County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. has recommended the Board of Supervisors fund a new job in his office: a Personal Property Tax Compliance Specialist. The county recently decided to do away with Project Fairness, which assigned two sheriff ’s deputies to check window decals on vehicles parked throughout the county. Loudoun will stop issuing windshield decals in June. Instead, Wertz recommends hiring two tax compliance specialists. They would be supported by state legislation that allows utilities to release information about new customers to local tax authorities and the authority to get parking pass information from area schools. Wertz is also recommending new legislation in the county that would impose a $100 fee for vehicles garaged in Loudoun but displaying out-of-state license plates. Already, the Commissioner of the Revenue receives weekly updates from the Virginia

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“I actually don’t believe that one of our sister cities that we have right now, just by having one visit to us in many, many years, continues to meet the criteria,” Randall said. According to county administration and economic development staff, the Department of Economic Development’s international business development manager, Robert McCollar, visited New Taipei in 2016 for the SelectUSA roadshow, which was intended to bring representatives to the U.S. in touch with Taiwan’s technology industry. In March, Randall hosted New Taipei Deputy Mayor Shu-chuan Lee at the Loudoun County Government Center to discuss strengthening the partnership. “Simply having a delegation from another country visit us once every few years is, in my mind, not enough to keep the sister city in place,” Randall said. “We have had an up-and-down relationship over the years with New Taipei, and that has a lot to do with their internal politics and their priorities,” said Department of Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer. He agreed it is the least active of Loudoun’s sister city partnerships. “There frankly were some political calculations, I think, on their part really at the time,” said finance committee Chairman Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). “They were seeking out a

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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<< FROM 6 Department of Motor Vehicles about vehicles that move into or out of the county. That office also already has a Tax Compliance Division that makes sure businesses are properly registered. Wertz has requested two positions at an estimated cost of $160,000. The out-of-state fee is expected to bring in $5,000 in revenues the first year, with minimal revenues after that. Those changes were unanimously recommended by the county finance committee.

The deadline for paying the second half real property tax is Tuesday, Dec. 5. Payments postmarked after Dec. 5 will incur a 10 percent penalty. Additional interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum will be assessed. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization. Anyone who has not received a tax bill or has questions should contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or by email at taxes@ loudoun.gov.

The Board of Supervisors has renamed the county’s Metro service districts to reflect the names of the future Metro stations as they draw nearer to completion. The Rt. 606-Airport Station Service District has been renamed the Loudoun Gateway-Airport Station Service District. The Rt. 772 Station Service District has been renamed the Ashburn Station Service District. The renaming came as supervisors reenacted those tax districts, along with a third, larger Metrorail Service District encompassing all of Loudoun’s future Metro stations. Loudoun relies, in part, on real estate tax revenues from its Metro tax districts to defray the cost of extending rail service into the county. The county can charge up to 20 cents per $100 of assessed value in those service districts on top of other real estate taxes. Currently, the county levies that 20-cent tax in the Metrorail Service District, but charges no separate tax under the two smaller districts.

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[ BRIEFS ] Greenway Extension Removed from Plans

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The Virginia Village shopping center has been cited as a key area for redevelopment in Leesburg’s Crescent Design District. But zoning regulations in the district need to be tweaked to encourage the kind of development the town wants, the Economic Development Steering Committee’s report stresses.

Council Explores Development Review Policy Changes

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

ow to improve Leesburg’s development and regulatory process continue to be key themes stressed by those inside and outside of Town Hall. Just a few weeks after the unveiling of the Economic Development Steering Committee’s 112-page report on how to reform the land development review process, town staff members offered their own take. Economic Development Director Marantha Edwards and Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett recently conducted 26 interviews with representatives of the business and development community to understand areas of reform on which the town should focus. Some of their findings were strikingly similar to the steering committee’s recommendations, which also were based on dozens of interviews over the summer. In presenting the steering commit-

said that predictability was also a central theme of their findings in their interviews. Some regulatory reforms are already in the works, they noted, including the eventual implementation of a consolidated permitting program with Loudoun County. The town staff is also expected to further scrutinize the development review process as part of a Lean Six Sigma study being conducted in December. Edwards said the town still has not totally overcome the perception that its development review process is cumbersome and unpredictable. The current development review process is geared more towards larger developers, and smaller developers are getting lost in the process, Edwards said. Arnett listed several areas of potential reform in both the Zoning Ordinance and Design and Construction Standards Manual that guide the development process. There even exist some conflicts between the two documents that staff acPOLICY CHANGES >> 13

Leesburg Council Prepares for Budget Season BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

tee report earlier this month, Committee Chairwoman Sharon Babbin, also a member of the town’s Planning Commission, stressed that “speed, flexibility, and predictability” became a mantra for the committee based on their findings. Among their recommendations were the implementation of a fast-track review system for development applications; a reform of regulations guiding the Crescent Design District; the adoption of public-private partnership guidelines to foster economic development opportunities; an increase in the number of units in town in the county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit program; and the pursuit of state workforce housing incentives. Following closely on the heels of another recent study, this one by an outside consultant, the committee also recommended that downtown parking regulations be scrutinized and the town take a proactive role in constructing needed parking, according to the report. During Monday night’s Town Council work session, Edwards and Arnett

As the Leesburg Town Council prepares to delve into the fiscal year 2019 budget in February, Town Manager Kaj Dentler offered a primer on some of the items the council should expect to consider in the coming months. On Monday night, Dentler provided one of the final budget updates prior to unveiling his proposed budget. The council is expected to spend much of the spring combing over the budget, with adoption historically taking place

in early April. Dentler stressed that the council needs to switch its budget mentality, leaving “recession mode” and entering into “growth mode.” The growth in the town in the coming decade is expected to be significant, with the town population expected to surge to around 60,000 residents by 2024. More than 2,000 new residential units are expected to be constructed in the next five years, and an additional 15 lane miles of road will be added in just the next 18 months, Dentler said.

The workforce is expected to be a big discussion point in Dentler’s proposed budget, and he highlighted Monday just exactly how much the town does with a comparatively small employee base. Leesburg has the fewest number of employees per capita among localities in the region and among similar sized towns, Dentler noted, at one staffer per 144 residents. That’s almost half of what the Town of Vienna has at its disposal, at a ratio of 1:86 by comparison. BUDGET SEASON >> 13

The Town Council formally took a planned road off its books recently, one that many agreed was never a viable solution. When planners envisioned the extension of the Dulles Toll Road to Leesburg in the late 1980s, they included a segment that would bring the highway all the way downtown. While there has never been a movement to build the link between the Dulles Greenway’s terminus at the Leesburg Bypass and Catoctin Circle, the merits of the plan were most recently questioned during the Town Council’s deliberations on the Crescent Parke development plan last year. The right-of-way that had been reserved for the road extension forms the eastern edge of the 53-acre Crescent Parke property. During the review of the application to build 344 residential units and 161,725 square feet of commercial space, the developer and area residents agreed that the land should be kept in its natural state, rather than cleared and paved. Hobie Mitchel, of Lansdowne Development Group, the developer behind Crescent Parke, even contributed $75,000 to the town via a proffer to study the road link’s removal. The results, presented to the Planning Commission and shared with Town Council, show that the roads in that area of town would perform better without the link. That is because traffic would be dispersed on several streets in the area, rather than be funneled directly on to Harrison Street. In a swift action Nov. 14, council members voted to amend the Town Plan to remove the planned road extension from its Roadway Network Policy Map.

Full Slate of Holiday Events Planned Downtown Leesburg will be the site of fun, festive holiday events beginning this week. Friday, Dec. 1, the Town Council will host the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting ceremony on the Town Green, beginning at 6 p.m. As the J.L. Simpson Middle School choir sings, Mayor Kelly Burk will flip the switch to light the tree. Also this weekend, the free Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show returns to Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10

BRIEFS >> 12

Town Hall Campus Could Get Fresh Look

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The Rose Garden at the Town Hall could get more public art exhibits.

Market Street. The parking garage will undergo construction in the spring to install an automated payment system that will see the removal of the current payment booths on either side of the garage, as well as the redevelopment of the concrete islands. The master plan also includes the addition of welcoming signage on both entries to the garage. Markel also said that, despite public suggestions to remove one of the vehicle lanes from the Loudoun Street side, all three lanes would be

TOWN HALL >> 12

construction costs, materials, or design details. All projects would need to go before the Board of Architectural Review for approval prior to construction, he added. The Town Green along West Market Street is proposed to remain largely unchanged, with the desire to keep an unobstructed view of Town Hall and to maintain the green space for public gatherings. The addition of signage and a possible water feature close to Market Street are possibilities, as well as redeveloping the hardscape near

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

The Leesburg Town Hall property now has a plan to guide its future development. Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel unveiled the Town Hall Campus Master Plan at the council’s Monday night work session. The master plan process was kicked off in earnest last year when the Board of Architectural Review advised the council to create a plan for the entire Town Hall property, rather than considering projects on a piecemeal basis. At the time, the board had been asked to review both the performance stage project on the Town Green, as well as an interactive water feature, or splash pad, proposed for Mervin Jackson Park. The latter project never got off the ground, losing its funding in this past spring’s budget deliberations, and the new master plan does not recommend adding it back in. The master plan process involved public input in the form of meetings, focus groups, and even online surveys. Town boards and commissions were also involved, and the plan was put together entirely by town staff with no outside consultant help. The major themes that evolved from public input included the need for gathering spaces, public art, performance and event space, and family-oriented features, with things to engage children. Markel emphasized that the presented plan is “at the 30,000-foot level” with ideas and concepts, but with no

maintained for safety reasons. The garage’s facades were of particular interest to public art advocates, and there are opportunities to incorporate murals, hanging gardens, or other public art features, Markel said. The Mervin Jackson Park, flanking the West Loudoun Street garage entrance, was divided into two planning areas for the master plan. The east panel has the most potential for future enhancement, and a plaza-style gathering space, movable furniture with umbrellas, power receptacles for special events, and informational kiosks are among the features that could go there. The plan eyes the west panel as staying more of a passive park, per the Jackson family’s wishes, but smallscale public art could be incorporated where appropriate. The Loudoun Museum property and Rose Garden were also eyed as separate planning areas. The area closest to the museum could be developed as more of a plaza space to allow flexibility in use, with electrical outlets for special events. Markel said the small bump out to the rear of the 20 Wirt St. property could also be an ideal location for a public restroom. Should that come to fruition, Town Hall could be closed on the weekends rather than staying open to allow visitors to use the restrooms. The ginkgo tree near the museum is proposed to be removed, owing in part to its unpleasant smell, Markel said. The upper Rose Garden area, below

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

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After Court Rulings, Leesburg to Lift Ban on Roadside Donation Solicitations

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

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BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ A recent federal court decision has spurred the town to take a new look at its regulations for canvassers and peddlers. In 2013, both the Town Council and Loudoun Board of Supervisors adopted ordinances restricting the ability of canvassers, peddlers and solicitors to solicit donations, either for themselves or for charitable organizations, on streets and in highway medians. But recent rulings by both the Supreme Court and the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit have

ruled similar laws to be unconstitutional. Town Attorney Barbara Notar has worked with Leesburg Police Chief Gregory Brown to draft some changes to the Town Code that would bring the town’s rules in line with the law. The council initiated those amendments at its Nov. 14 meeting, but the discussion will come back for a full vetting by the council and public hearing prior to a vote. The recent court rulings have determined that soliciting in public areas like town streets, medians and parks, is “protected speech” under the U.S.

Constitution, and thus ordinances that prohibit these activities are unconstitutional. “Any regulation we have that restricts speech in those protected spaces is going to be under immediate scrutiny,” Notar told the council Nov. 14. Notar and Brown have both suggested the council consider modeling its ordinance after one adopted by the Town of Christiansburg to withstand legal challenges. That ordinance states that no pedestrian and operator of a motor vehicle shall exchange or attempt to exchange any item while the motor vehicle is located in traffic or

a travel lane on roadways. This ordinance then restricts behavior on the conduct or action, not free speech, Notar said. The proposed Town Code amendments would also exempt from registration all legitimate charitable solicitors; and notify the public of the right to ban solicitors from their homes or in neighborhoods where homeowners associations control private streets. Individuals cannot be banned from public streets and sidewalks. An amendment is also proposed as it pertains to town parks, to clean up language that makes it clear that protected speech activities are permitted in the parks, but littering and attaching pamphlets to trees or rocks is not. According to a staff memo, the Loudoun County Attorney’s Office is also reviewing the recent legal challenges, as well as the Town of Christiansburg’s ordinance. The vote to initiate the code amendments passed by a 6-0-1 vote Nov. 14, with Councilman Ken Reid absent. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

[ BRIEFS ] << FROM 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, more than 90 local and regional artisans selling handmade items including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, leather products, and table linens will exhibit. The fun continues the following weekend, as the annual Christmas and Holiday Parade takes to King Street at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Parade participation is open to the public including businesses, civic groups, teams, organizations and community groups. Prior to the parade, the historic downtown will feature festive entertainment including roaming characters, strolling musicians, horse-drawn carriage rides, and photos with Santa. A full listing of all Holidays in Leesburg activities can be found at leesburgva.gov/holidaysinleesburg.

Town Hall << FROM 11 Mervin Jackson Park and the museum, is dedicated to former town employee Bob Lilly. It was developed as a passive park, which the plan recommends continuing. There are opportunities to add in public art or a small water feature, Markel said. The lower Rose Garden area could be an opportune location for a seating area or public art, among other features. It’s a minimally used space, he stressed, so any enhancement could be a plus to enhance usage. The council decided Monday night to have the Board of Architectural Review look at the master plan before deciding on any tweaks prior to settling on a final plan. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

<< FROM 10

Budget season << FROM 10

or no less than the equalized tax rate which could be lower while keeping most tax bills level. But he also pleaded with council members to not drastically cut the town’s revenue sources unless it wanted to have a tough conversation about what services should be dropped or cut significantly, or whether taxes would need to be raised. It’s imperative that tax rates remain stable through fiscal year 2024 to stick to the town’s Long Term Sustainability Plan, he said. But a shift to growth management mode is needed, with the population surge and overall town growth expected in the coming years. Along with that, the council and Dentler will need to find ways to fund some capital projects

to keep up with that growth. Perhaps the biggest project of note is the expansion to the town’s police department headquarters on Plaza Street, a project that is currently unfunded with no construction date. The 20-year-old building houses double the number of staff members it did during its opening in 1997, and Dentler said he expects Police Chief Gregory Brown will need to add more officers in the coming years to keep up with population growth. “We need to get that into the six-year [capital] plan,” Dentler said. Other new or unfunded construction projects that expect to be addressed during next year’s budget deliberations are: the refurbishment of the Town Shop

across from the Lowe’s Home Improvement store; the construction of more corporate hangars at the Leesburg Executive Airport; storm drainage improvements on Liberty Street between Loudoun and Market streets; and streetlight improvements along Royal and Liberty streets. On the utilities side, Dentler happily reported that the Utility Fund’s revenues continue to meet or exceed projections. A new rate study is expected to commence in the spring, with new adopted rates to be effective come July 1, 2019.

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The town will continue to navigate a “fiscal cliff ” through fiscal year 2023, but has avoided significant tax rate hikes thanks to its Long Term Sustainability Plan and annually putting aside reserves to pay down debt service. “If we did not proactively put money aside to help pay down debt, the tax rates we’ve had could not exist unless we significantly drop services,” Dentler said. As such, Dentler is proposing to hold the tax rate at its current 18.4 cents per $100 of assessed value level next year,

mittee’s list of 52 recommendations. Some of those items are already underway in Town Hall, while others require council guidance or action. Among the recomendations Monday that found majority support were holding a work session, with the county staff invited, on how to increase the number of Affordable Dwelling Units available in town, as well as to better address the needs of the town’s overall workforce. There was also talk of revising the form-based code zoning in the Crescent Design District, although both staff and the steering committee members have recommended that an outside consultant be used for that work. No funding has been identified for that project.

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

knowledged it would like to fix, she said. The amount of work required at the front end of development applications was also noted. “We heard a lot about the level of detail required for special exception and rezoning [applications],” Arnett said. “We know that zoning staff feels very protective about protecting the future of the town, but there probably is some middle ground that can be found.” Arnett said that the council may also want to review all of the town’s list of special exception uses, and decide whether more can be allowed by right. Bond approval is also something that

have budget-time implications: the need for more staffing resources. “We are stretched so thin,” Dentler said. “Not everything can be expedited, nor can you afford to make everything expedited.” Edwards said more staff would also be needed for the creation of an ombudsman role, as well as to revise the regulations. But the need for a clearly defined goal and vision, in terms of future development, is perhaps most important. “We need to clarify desired development outcomes. What is it the town would like to see,” Edwards said. “Technical improvements only get us so far. The definition of a goal and vision would be critical.” Also Monday night, the council began to comb through the steering com-

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Policy changes

could be done administratively, rather than by council action, speeding up the review process by a month or more. The implementation of a fast track system was an item the staff has recommended, in addition to the steering committee. But that can only be done once the council nails down what types of development it wants to encourage, Arnett said. The creation of an ombudsman— someone assigned to each project to shepherd it through the process—is a key cog of such a system, Arnett said. Unlike the project manager assigned to each application, the ombudsman would be someone not directly involved in the review of the application. Both Edwards and Town Manager Kaj Dentler stressed a theme that expects to

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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[ PUBLIC SAFETY ]

[ SHERIFF’S LOG ]

Driver Pleads Guilty in Double Fatality BY NORMAN K. STYER The driver charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of two passengers following a high-speed crash in Arcola in January has pleaded guilty. The case against David G. Brown, 25, of Ashburn, had been scheduled for a three-day jury trial this week. Following the guilty plea, Brown is scheduled for sentencing in Loudoun Circuit Court on Feb. 23. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The incident began just before 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 22 when Deputy Glenn Keough tried to pull over a BMW that was detected going 91 mph in a 45mph zone on Old Ox Road near Dulles West Boulevard. A short chase ensued, but the deputy lost contact with the car and cut off the chase. A minute later,

David G. Brown

the Keough found the car crashed into a tree in the area of Evergreen Mills Road and Stone Springs Boulevard. Keough saw fire under the hood of the car and used a fire extinguisher

from his vehicle to put it out. That allowed Brown to crawl out through the broken front windshield. Brown then told the deputy there were two passengers. The fire engulfed the car, despite Keough’s continued efforts with extinguisher. The front seat passenger, Kyle W. Youngblood, 29, of Berkeley Springs, WV, was killed on impact. The rear seat passenger, Cody R. Cooling, 27, of Washington, DC, was conscious as he burned to death in the car, a scene captured on the deputy’s in-cruiser camera. Brown also was indicted on a charge of speeding more than 20 mph over the speed limit. According to data recovered from the BMW’s computer, the car reached speeds of 119 mph just before the crash. nstyer@loudounnow.com

Tuesday, Nov. 21 BOMB THREAT - 18 E. Market St., Leesburg Just after 12:30 p.m. a bomb threat was made by phone to the Loudoun County District Court clerk’s office. The complex was searched by K9 units from the State Police, Leesburg Police, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office. Nothing suspicious was found. PUMPKIN PRANK - 19200 block of Creek Field Circle, Lansdowne Just before 11 p.m., deputies were called to investigate reports of juveniles throwing pumpkins at the doors of two homes, damaging one. It’s a serious prank. In Virginia, the charge of throwing missiles at a dwelling can be prosecuted as a Class 4 or Class 6 felony.

Wednesday, Nov. 22 FRAUD - 43800 block of Lees Mill Square, Lansdowne A resident reported getting a phone call from “Sgt. Chapman” of the Sheriff’s Office claiming the resident was the subject of an arrest warrant for failing to fill out jury paperwork. The caller said the arrest could be avoided by making a payment with Green Dot debit cards. The resident complied before learning it was a scam.

Thursday, Nov. 23 STRONG-ARM ROBBERY - North Fillmore Ave. at Fletcher Road, Sterling Just after 9 p.m., three victims were getting out of a car when a man approached and demanded money. He took a purse and a cell phone and struck one of the victims before fleeing. The suspect was described as a tall black man, 25 to 40 years old, with a heavy build. He was wearing a gray hoodie, dark parts and Nike Air Jordan sneakers. He was not found during a search of the area.

Friday, Nov. 24

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

From left, Leesburg Police Officer Chris Hill, Office Steven Holmes, Master Police Officer Matt Hackney, Sergeant T.J. Moore, and Master Police Officer Ken Zodrow show off their beards as of Nov. 27 for No-Shave November.

Police, Deputies Lock Up the Razors for No-Shave November

Members of the Leesburg Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office gave their razors a break for the month of November. Several officers and deputies took part in the “No-Shave November” cancer awareness campaign in collaboration with Inova Loudoun Hospital. Participating officers donated money to the hospital in exchange for foregoing shaving for the month. The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office also took part in the campaign, with a goal of raising $5,000 to give to several cancer prevention organization’s in partnership with the No-Shave November nonprofit organization. As the month neared its end, they had far surpassed that goal, collecting $12,803 as of Tuesday, according to Sheriff ’s Office spokesman Kraig Troxell. — Kara Clark Rodriguez

LARCENY - 46200 block of Potomac Run Plaza, Sterling Just after 8:15 p.m., deputies were called to the Potomac Run Plaza shopping center to investigate a theft from a store. They determined the suspect fled to a nearby hotel. Cristian D. Hernandez-Meja, 32, of Herndon, was charged with grand larceny.

Saturday, Nov. 25 SUSPICIOUS EVENT - 100 block of Environs Road, Sterling At 10 p.m., a resident reported finding a Swastika written with a substance believed to be fruit juice on the sidewalk.

Sunday, Nov. 26 DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY - Tripleseven Road at Environs Road, Sterling Several community signs in the area were found painted with an unknown red or pink substance. Two vehicles also had the substance on them. One sign and one vehicle had swastikas drawn on them.

Monday, Nov. 27 FRAUD - 43000 block of Lake Ridge Place, Leesburg

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Seventeen deputies—plus others not pictured—with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office grew out their facial hair to raise money for the No-Shave November cancer awareness campaign.

A resident reported that she was notified by phone in July that she won a grant. To get the money she was required to pay a fee using iTunes gift cards. She did. She was asked to make subsequent payments as well, and did until realizing it was a scam.

15 Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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[ E D U C AT I O N ]

[ SCHOOL NOTES ]

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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Foxcroft School

Foxcroft School’s students and staff members will put on the annual Christmas Pageant this Sunday.

Foxcroft Presents Christmas Pageant

Ali Khaligh/Loudoun Now

Mercer Middle School in South Riding enforces strict traffic patterns to move students between classes. Its eighth-graders attend classes part-time at an annex housed at John Champe High School.

Enrollment Spike Has School Leaders Grappling with Options

BY DANIELLE NADLER oudoun’s school leaders have a history of creativity when making room for the thousands of new students who move into the county each year. They’ve turned building wings into annexes and bussed students in from nearby crowded schools and, in one instance, they operated a middle school as an intermediate school for eight years until Woodgrove High School opened. Now, they’re debating how best to accommodate a surge of growth in the

southern end of the county while they wait for a new high school to be built. The problem is the middle and high schools in the Aldie and South Riding areas are crowded. Willard Middle School will provide some relief when it opens along Braddock Road next fall, but the high schools won’t get any relief until Lightridge High School opens nearby in 2020. When School Board members drew attendance boundary lines for the area earlier this year, they decided to operate Willard as an intermediate school, housing grades eight and nine while John Champe High School houses

grades 10 through 12, until Lightridge High School opens in 2020. But now senior staff members say they have a better option. Secondary school principals worked with Middle School Director Neil Slevin and High School Director Nereida Gonzalez-Sales to draft an alternate plan that has raised concerns among some teachers and board members. The alternate plan, which the board was scheduled to vote on Tuesday, would use excess capacity ENROLLMENT >> 18

Schools on Track to Meet Class Size Goals BY DANIELLE NADLER A few years ago, Loudoun County Public Schools had one of the highest average class sizes in Northern Virginia, and board members set out to change that. “We have the second highest average class size this year, second only to Prince William,” School Board member Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) said during a budget meeting in January 2015. “We have an issue.” They’ve since dedicated more money to hire additional teachers with the goal of having fewer students in each classroom. And they adopted a Strategic Plan last year with stated goals that 95 percent or more of kindergarten through third-grade classes should have no more than 26 students, and

95 percent or more of fourth and fifth grade classes should have no more than 29 students. The “staffing standard” board members are aiming to meet at the elementary school level is to have one teacher per 23 students. W. Mike Martin, director of elementary education, said the school system has technically met those goals, but has room for more progress. He gave the School Board an update at a meeting earlier this month. Right now, 96.28 percent of kindergarten through third grade classrooms have 26 or fewer students, and 97.3 percent of fourth and fifth grade classes have 29 or fewer students. “The actual district-wide average for elementary school is 22.8. … But it’s probably no surprise to you that the progress fluctuates when you look at it

by planning zone,” he said. Average class sizes are the highest in the Dulles South planning area in the far southern end of the county, at 25 students, and the second highest in the Dulles North planning area, which sits north of Rt. 50 and west of Rt. 28, at 24 students. The average class size in Ashburn is 22.3; followed by Central Loudoun, which includes Leesburg, at 22.1; eastern Loudoun, which includes Sterling, at 21.4; and western Loudoun at 21.2. Martin also noted that 56 elementary classrooms “failed” to meet the goal of 26 or fewer students. “And 34 of the 56 are in one school [Buffalo Trail Elementary] because that’s where we’re seeing the growth,” he said. CLASS SIZE >> 18

Foxcroft School invites the public to its presentation of a Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 3, followed by a visit from Santa Claus. The free performance begins at 2 p.m. in the Engelhard Gymnasium, at 22407 Foxhound Lane near Middleburg. The pageant is a tradition that was started by Foxcroft founder Charlotte Haxall Noland soon after the school opened in 1914. Each year, Foxcroft’s new students and chorale present the nativity story as a gift to the community. The performance often features donkeys, goats, and sheep. The visit with Santa after the performance includes goodie bags for kids and photos with the big guy. For more information, call 540-687-4511.

Loudoun County Public Schools

U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10) presents Emerick Elementary School with its National Blue Ribbon Award.

Emerick Officially Gets its Blue Ribbon Award Emerick Elementary was awash in a sea of blue, and success, on Nov. 20. More than 500 students—all dressed in blue—watched as Principal Dawn Haddock unveiled the symbols that go along with being named a National Blue Ribbon School. Those were a flag, a plaque and a Congressional Record citation from U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10). But, most of all, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment. “So many people here had a hand in making this happen,” Haddock said. To show just how many people, officers from the Student Council, each bearing a large star, walked across the front of SCHOOL NOTES >> 19

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Enrollment

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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<< FROM 16

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at Willard to open an annex for John Champe freshmen, who alternate daily between attending classes at Willard and at John Champe. In an interview Monday, Slevin acknowledged that each plan has its pluses and minuses. But he said the benefit of the alternate plan, of having freshmen split their time between Willard and John Champe, is it would help the freshmen feel more connected to their high school. “This would help make sure ninth-graders are getting a more traditional high school experience, and help connect them to John Champe because they would spend every other day in that building,” Slevin said, adding that it would especially help students who want to take part in sports and other extra-curricular activities. He and Gonzalez-Sales said they’ve seen similar situations work well: for the past two years, Mercer Middle School eighth-graders have attended an annex at John Champe High School every other day, and last year, Stone Hill Middle School eighth-graders attended Rock Ridge High School every other day. “We evaluated the success of those annexes to draft this plan,” Slevin said. But the alternate plan has teachers at John Champe on edge. David Palanzi, president of the Loudoun Education Association, met with a group of teachers from the high school who are concerned that the alternate plan will mean high enrollment at John Champe for two more years. Under the alternate plan, the high school would serve a total of 2,418 students next year, but only 2,118 at any

Class size << FROM 16 Superintendent Eric Williams also noted that the obstacle to meeting these goals in elementary schools in the southern end of the county is simply space. As new schools come on line, class sizes will drop. “We’re committed to minimizing these num-

given time because 300 of the freshman would be attending part-time at Willard. The following year, it would serve a total of 2,736 students, but only house 2,064 at any given time. The building is designed to hold 2,204 students. Jeff Reed, who’s taught social sciences at John Champe since it opened in 2012, said that, as is, many teachers are asked to move classrooms several times a day as the school works to free up classroom space for a Mercer Middle School annex. “I am in three rooms, and I know several teachers who are in four different places every two days,” Reed said. “There’s no place to meet with students, to administer tests or makeups. It’s like Rt. 50 in the hallways. It’s just a mess.” School Board member Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge), whose district includes students who attend John Champe, favors the original option of using Willard as an intermediate school for two years. She said the back-and-forth between schools is too complicated for students and teachers. “It’s a lot of movement,” she said, adding that she’s heard from several teachers who are not happy with the option. Two of her children attended Harmony as freshmen when it served as an intermediate school from 2002 to 2010. “We’ve seen the intermediate model work with Harmony and Blue Ridge for many, many more years than we’ll have for the Dulles South area and had no issues with it. … I just think it’s best to keep it simple and don’t complicate it.” See an update on the School Board’s decision at LoudounNow.com/Education. dnadler@loudounnow.com

bers, and Dr. Martin and his staff are distributing staff accordingly,” he said. “Class sizes in Dulles North and Dulles South are higher because of a lack of space—it’s not a matter of staffing or funding availability.” The School Board will get an update on progress made to reduce high school class sizes at a meeting next month. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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Joshua Johnson, instructional coach and curriculum developer, teaches a full classroom at Meadowland Elementary School in Sterling.

<< FROM 1 and food from local farmers markets, as well as recipes that offered tips on how to prepare each item. “We started getting these boxes full of colorful vegetables every week—and vegetables that I had never bought before,” said Sheron Thomas, who was in the program with her four grandchildren. “I didn’t know how to prepare some of them like spaghetti squash— and then the classes started.” The families also attended six monthly classes that brought in chefs from the Real Food for Kids organization to teach hands-on cooking and nutrition lessons. They encouraged kids as young as 5 to roll up their sleeves and help their parents and grandparents in the kitchen. “We made burrito bowls with squash and beans. We made a big salad. I cut sweet potatoes into fries,” 9-year-old Asia Thomas said. “It was a lot of fun.” They learned that kale can be baked into chips or blanched and frozen, and that baked sweet potato “fries” are just as tasty—maybe even tastier—than typical French fries, among other cooking tips. “There was a dinner menu every night around our curriculum,” Huddleston said. “The partners every month borrowed the best practices in the nutrition field to really support the medical treatment that was already going on at HealthWorks.” The instructors also encouraged the

to hydrate you,” 12-year-old Aurora explained. “From science, we now know that if you eat or drink something that has too much sweet or salt in it, it dehydrates you instead of hydrates. It is better to drink plain, fresh, refreshing water.” She has also shed a few pounds— and, what’s more, she feels better. “I have had so much more energy and feel much happier,” Aurora said. Most kids in the program have lost weight and, for many, it’s meant they no longer have to regularly see a pediatrician. After hearing the challenge to “eat the rainbow” from the program’s organizers over six months, they’re quicker to try new foods, and after experiencing the fun of a Zumba class, they often favor dancing to music or playing outdoors over watching TV.

[ SCHOOL NOTES ]

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C.S. Monroe Technology Center is hosting its popular holiday plant sale through Friday, Dec. 1. The sale opened Wednesday and continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Monroe Technology Center, 715 Childrens Center Road SW in Leesburg. The sale includes poinsettias, wreaths, floral arrangements, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, amaryllis, and fresh roping. All of the items were grown by Monroe Technology students and proceeds support the school’s Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources scholarship fund. They accept credit cards, cash or check.

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FOR CATS TOO!

<< FROM 16 the multi-purpose room and recited the names of supporters. Listed were students, teachers, parents, school administrators, custodians, central office support workers, cafeteria workers and bus drivers. Haddock noted it takes all these people to earn the rare distinction of being a Blue Ribbon School. Emerick is one of only seven Virginia schools to earn the designation this year. After all the accolades had been passed out, Haddock revealed the most-appreciated perk of being a Blue Ribbon School; most appreciated, that is, if student applause was any measure. She gave everyone an extra half hour of recess.

Thomas said she hopes more families will get an opportunity to see the bounty of produce that’s available right in Loudoun County, and learn how to get kids to eat it. “We can’t always afford to buy all that stuff, so it really was a blessing,” she said. “This program would do every family good.” It took a year of planning to bring all of the nonprofit organizations on board and orchestrate the Integrated Pediatric Care program, said Jameson, but if the grant funding is available, they’d love to do it again. “Now that we’ve successfully done it, I think it will help us replicate it and help other communities replicate it,” she said.

Obesity

adults to get their kids more involved in meal preparation. Thomas said it showed her that even her 5-year-old grandson can, with a special tool, cut sweet potatoes or snap the ends off of green beans with a bit of guidance. It’s all translated into healthier lifestyles for her family. Asia, a fourth-grader at Guilford Elementary School, grabs a baggie of chopped veggies for her after-school snack instead of a Little Debbie, and now opts for veggie pizza over pepperoni. “She’s lost 10 pounds in the first two months of the program. I couldn’t believe it,” Thomas said. Aurora and José Resendiz, siblings who live in Leesburg, learned a thing or two about the negative side effects of soda. “We saw that the sweet drinks we drink and love are not the best option

[ NONPROFIT ] FACES OF LOUDOUN As part of the Community Foundation’s Faces of Loudoun campaign, Loudoun Now is publishing monthly articles highlighting men, women and children who have found a helping hand when they needed it most. Learn more or donate to help End the Need at FacesofLoudoun.org.

Brianna’s Story

I Refuse to Allow Two Seconds to Define My Life

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I became the victim of cyber bullying in eighth grade. To make matters worse, my counselor actually told me that it was all my fault. The next year, I made the decision to come out as gay. I never realized how hard that would be—how cruel kids could be. By my sophomore year, I was deeply depressed. On March 9, 2015, I decided I couldn’t handle it anymore and took an overdose of Advil and my migraine medication. It was two seconds of weakness. I knew immediately I had made a terrible mistake. After I was released from the hospital, I was sent to a psychiatric hospital for a week where the doctors helped me understand what was happening to me and how to cope. Although there is a terrible stigma associated with such facilities, I don’t regret going there at all. I was able to get the help I needed. I still struggle with depression and anxiety, but I do not want to hurt myself anymore. No one in Loudoun should lose their future to a few seconds of desperation.

The Next Chapter Instead, I find that helping others helps me. It

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As part of the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties’ Faces of Loudoun campaign, Brianna, a Loudoun County resident, shares her journey with bullying and depression.

Working For You

Mental Health: A Powerful Prescription BY WENDY GRADISON There’s been a lot in the news about mental health—even here in Loudoun. The more stories I read, the more I want to make sure everyone knows about the resources available to them and their loved ones that can save or change a life. As the head of PRS, a nonprofit that helps families and individuals in Northern Virginia recover their lives when facing mental health challenges, I recognize the toll it takes on our families and communities. That’s why learning about available programs and options is essential. We are involved in a number of great programs in Loudoun County to help those struggling with mental illness. In partnership with Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia, PRS is hiring peer specialists who work closely with the Loudoun Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services. Trained peer counselors—people who have lived the experience—provide outstanding support and proven opportunities for recovery to individuals living with substance-use disorders. These

counselors have a bond and ability to help their clients based on their common experiences. Another innovative Loudoun program is helping teens and young adults suffering from a first psychotic episode. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20 percent of youth between the ages of 13 and 18 have or will have a serious mental illness; 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14; and 75 percent begin by age 24. Unfortunately, the average length of time between onset of the illness and getting help is almost a decade, complicating recovery efforts. Loudoun’s coordinated specialty care program—called LINC (Linking Individuals and Navigating Care)—seeks to lessen the gap by providing help much earlier. Started a year ago, the program helps young people who have experienced a first psychotic episode, and it’s already making a difference. In fact, one local mom whose son came home from college suffering from a psychotic break started the journey to find help. After many struggles and months of dead ends, she found the LINC program and now her son is on

the road to recovery. LINC’s goal is to help young people and their families understand and manage symptoms of mental illness, while also building skills and supports that allow them to be successful in work, school, and life in general. The program also focuses on clients’ families so they can better understand mental illness and learn ways to support their loved one and instill a hope for recovery. Loudoun participates with PRS’ CrisisLink program, the region’s hotline—(800) 273TALK—and text line—text “CONNECT” to 85511—for individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. Information is a powerful prescription for hope. To learn more about Loudoun’s mental health efforts, call 703-771-5239 or go to prsinc.org.

Wendy Gradison is the CEO of PRS Inc., a nonprofit helping those living with serious mental health issues.

makes me feel better when other students trust me. So, I joined a peer-to-peer nonprofit program that works to prevent teen suicides. I focus a lot of my time on helping special needs kids and students struggling with depression and anxiety. I love the message we deliver—that it’s perfectly OK to be different. It helps me see a better side of the world and makes me want to be a better person myself. But, I was surprised when I learned that I had been nominated for a scholarship award because of my work with the program. I was so honored when I actually won. I will be using the money to pay for school when I attend Longwood University in the fall to study criminal justice. I want to be a police officer or an agent. I know I can’t save everyone, but I also know I can help some people. That’s why I want to be in law enforcement. I don’t have to worry about my own well-being anymore. And neither do my parents. I avoid social media and big parties and all the teenage drama. Instead, I focus on maintaining a small circle of close friends. I know life is great, and I feel very optimistic about the future. I just wish everyone could feel the same. Won’t you be a part of the solution and help us End the Need in Loudoun?

[ NONPROFIT NOTES ]

DryHome Accepting Nominations for Annual Roof Giveaway Sterling-based company DryHome Roofing and Siding is accepting nominations through Friday, Dec. 1, for its 14th annual Free Roof for the Holidays program. Each year, the company gives a free roof to a deserving Northern Virginia resident, family or nonprofit. The roof will be awarded based on nominations DryHome receives from customers and the community. To nominate an individual, family or nonprofit organization, go to dryhome.com and click on the nomination form or send an email to info@dryhome.com. Nominators should include their name and phone number as well as nominee’s name, address, phone and reason why they are being nominated. DryHome will evaluate all applications before selecting the nominee. A Vienna mother of three who was struggling following a difficult divorce was the recipient of a new roof last year. Prior years, DryHome has awarded roofs to widows, veterans, nonprofit volunteers, and Cornerstones, a local nonprofit that works to alleviate homelessness.

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Democrat Karrie Delaney, who unseated Republican incumbent Jim LeMunyon, said she was hopeful she would win but she never expected to outpace her opponent by such a large margin; she carried 4,000 more votes than LeMunyon. He had comfortably held the seat for eight years, running unopposed two years ago and winning by 2,145 votes two years before that. And most Democrats challenging Republican incumbents didn’t think they would topple enough seats to have a chance at evenly splitting the House of Delegates. A legal battle is underway to determine who won a close race in the Fredericksburg-area 28th House District, the results of which could determine which party controls the House. “We’re definitely in a position now that we’ll be able to have a seat at the table,” Delaney said. “We want to come together with Republicans and find where our common ground is and move Virginia forward. We haven’t had that opportunity in recent years, so I’m really excited about it.” Delaney was a registered Republican in Florida before moving to Virginia. She said she wants to work with Republicans, Independents and Democrats. She has worked at a group home for foster children, for a state’s attorney office with juvenile offenders, and as communications director for Shared Hope International, a nonprofit organization combating sex trafficking. She later started her own consulting firm. As soon as she’s sworn into office in January, Delaney said she wants to get to work addressing the top concerns she heard from thousands of voters as she knocked on 100,000 doors. “I heard a lot about people wanting to protect and ensure a world-class education; they want transportation solutions—multimodal solutions to help ease congestion—and health care. People are concerned about access to affordable health care.” Another new delegate also described the election results as unexpected. “I was always hoping that I would win, and we worked very hard to win,” Reid said. “Yes, very much I was surprised by the margin of victory.” Reid ousted incumbent Thomas A. “Tag” Greason (R-32) by 17 percentage points and more than 5,000 votes. Reid said after the election, Greason called to congratulate him and offer to help any way he could. Reid, like legislators before him, has his sights set on helping Loudoun public schools pay to expand full-day kindergarten and bringing distance-based tolling on the Dulles Greenway. He also wants to bring down the cost of college,

See what others are saying…

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Delegate-elect David Reid (D-34) meets with county supervisors Nov. 28.

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something he said is informed by his own experience. “I am the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree, and it made all the difference in the world to me,” said Reid. He grew up in a children’s home in Richmond before moving in with foster parents in Oklahoma, then going on to graduate college, serve in Naval Intelligence and start his own small business. He credits his story with helping form his policies and connect to voters. Over the several weeks, the delegates-elect and incumbent state legislators will meet with the Loudoun Board of Supervisors, School Board, and Leesburg Town Council to hear their priorities ahead of the 2018 General Assembly session. The session kicks off Jan. 10 and is scheduled to wrap up March 10.

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Delegate-elect Wendy Gooditis (D-10) meets with county supervisors and department heads.

Delegation << FROM 3

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Rt. 7 west, right on Charlestown Pike, Right on Berlin Turnpike, Right on BroadWay, Left on Lovettsville Road to #40371on right.

NEW LISTING $499,000 Perfect Farmette. Almost 4 acres w/ fencing, 4 stall barn, chicken coop, inground pool & pool house. This warm & inviting home offers: main level master walking out to screen porch and huge deck, sunroom, cozy living room w/ gas fireplace & granite counters. Large 2 car garage w/finished 23X24 room, kitchenette & full bath above it. Brand new roof with 50 year warranty!! Dreams are made here.

SOLD $475,000 10 beautiful acres, one level living is offered in this large, sunny rambler with new paint, carpet and master bath. Family room with FP and new flooring. Fantastic level lot on hard surface road with no HOA. Great for animals. Comcast internet available.

(D-At Large) during the meeting at Rust Library in Leesburg. Supervisors found patrons and supporters for almost all of their priorities during the session. Those include preserving local land use and taxing authority; making sure the state lives up to its funding and service obligations, such as clearing regulatory backlogs; requiring companies to register the location of fiber optic cables, which have delayed projects and ballooned costs when it has been unexpectedly dug up; allow for competitive negotiation of professional services contracts; and regulatory changes that would make it easier and cheaper to extend broadband internet access to rural areas, among others. The priority list also includes filling Loudoun’s fourth, unfunded seat on the Circuit Court bench, rounding out five judges in the 20th Circuit in total. Clerk of the Court Gary Clemens pointed out the National Center for State Courts has studied workloads in the courts and recommended that seat be filled. “That’s incredibly good news,” Clemens said. “What we need now is to make sure our delegation stays united on this issue.” The General Assembly yanked funding for that seat early last year while it was vacant after the retirement of Judge Burke F. McCahill.

Proffers Loom Large

MINUTES TO THE TOWN OF GREAT FALLS $1,140,000 Stately all brick colonial with private, one acre lot close to 7. Small neighborhood with no HOA. Sunny kitchen and family room with beautiful fireplace. Large master suite with sitting area. Convenience for many amenities.

LOUDOUN COUNTY .37 ACRE LOT $37,500 Rolling hills, trails, wildlife.... Quiet community offering interest in the environment and energy efficient building. Well Installed. May bring your own builder. Convenient to Leesburg and commuter train.

The Board of Supervisors has no proposed legislation on one issue that has dominated many of its discussions, but asked legislators to keep an ear to the ground. Since the General Assembly passed a bill crippling most localities’ ability to negotiate proffer agreements with developers in 2016, Loudoun supervisors—and increasingly, leaders in other fast-growing areas—have decried the legislation. Loudoun has long relied on proffer agreements with developers requesting zoning changes to help pay for infrastructure like roads and schools. The proffer bill, written by the Homebuilders Association of Virginia, prohibits accepting or requesting many common proffer agreements. After Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed the bill into law, rezoning applications—a necessary part of almost all large developments in

Northern Virginia—dried up. Loudoun took advantage of an exception written into that law to keep negotiating proffers in its suburban areas. “We flat got no rezoning applications—not a one,” said board Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn). “At least th3e [Northern Virginia Building Industry Association] realized that they shot themselves in the foot. They realized that because no rezonings were coming, and you have to remember this applies to upzonings.” Supervisor Suzanne M. Volpe (R-Algonkian) also pointed out that county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit program is fed through rezoning approvals. “If we don’t have a rezoning, we don’t get ADUs,” Volpe said. “If everything goes by-right, we get no ADUs, we get no workforce housing.” She suggested a bill that would allow the fastest-growing localities in the state to resume proffer talks. And Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) said some developers would prefer to contribute pubic facilities through proffers because they make their developments more attractive. “These builders brought to the table amenities that they were trying to improve their development, so they could compete with the other guys,” Higgins said. The two newest public libraries, for example, were built by developers in Stone Ridge and Brambleton. But Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) cautioned that if Loudoun reopens the proffer fight, it wants to be sure it will win. “I think we have to be really careful, if we open the can of worms, that we don’t lose our exemptions,” Meyer said. “Because right now our exemptions are the only way we’re going to pay for capital in the Metro area.” Sen. Richard H. Black (R-13) and Del. John J. Bell (D-87) both said they would be willing to co-patron a bill rolling back that regulation if the county devises one. Loudoun will have three new delegates—all Democrats who unseated longtime Republican incumbents—representing them in Richmond when the 2018 General Assembly session begins Jan. 15. Delegates-elect David Reid (R34) and Wendy Gooditis (R-10) attended Tuesday’s Legislative Luncheon, and took a lot of notes. Democrat Karrie Delaney (D-67) did not attend. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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[ BIZ ]

[ BIZ NOTES ]

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Photo Tesla

JK Moving Services Going Greener with Electric Tesla Trucks

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Loudoun may get its third Wegmans before too long. The company has signed a contract to buy a piece of the Arcola Center development. Right now, Wegmans operates stores in Leesburg and Dulles.

Wegmans Eyeing Arcola Center Store

BY DANIELLE NADLER

s much as Loudoun loves Wegmans, it seems Wegmans loves Loudoun just as much. The Rochester, NYbased company has plans to open a grocery store in Arcola Center, near where Rt. 50 and Loudoun County Parkway intersect. It would be the third Wegmans in Loudoun County, and the 11th in Virginia. Two county supervisors sent a joint statement last week to confirm that the rumors that a Wegmans is coming to the southern end of the county are true—with some caveats. Supervisors Tony R. Buffington Jr. (R-Blue Ridge) and Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said that the popular grocery store has signed a contract to buy a piece of the Arcola Center development. But the contract is contingent on some changes to the development itself, and there is no timeline for construction. Wegmans’ leadership wants to wait at least two years after its new Chantilly store opens before proceeding with the Arcola Center store, according to Letourneau, who spoke with Wegmans personnel directly. The Chantilly Wegmans store is scheduled to open in mid-2018 as an anchor tenant in The Field at Commonwealth, near the intersection of Rt.

28 and Westfields Boulevard. “Wegmans has been one of the most requested retailers in the area, so this is an exciting development,” Buffington and Letourneau said in the joint emailed statement. Wegmans has 95 stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England. It recently celebrated 20 years of being on “Fortune” magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.” This year it ranked No. 2 on that list, only behind Google. The Arcola Center developer is also talking to several other large tenants for its retail section. Landing an attractive tenant like Wegmans makes it easier to recruit other retailers. The Wegmans proposal comes alongside a variety of modifications requested in a longstanding rezon-

ing application, which has yet to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and county board. As part of the request, there are also proffers and changes to existing proffers related to the development of infrastructure and road network. Proffers are part of the negotiation process between county leaders and developers to get developers to pay for new streets, schools, libraries or other community amenities that will serve the people who live in the residential development they plan to build. At full build out, the plans for the Arcola Center mixed-use development include 2.1 million square feet of office space, 1.1 million square feet of retail, three hotels and 1,169 residential units. dnadler@loudounnow.com

JK Moving Services is among the first in line to order new Tesla Semi day cab tractors and announced its intention to purchase multiple over-the-road sleeper Tesla Semi models as they move to production. Tesla unveiled the all-electric day cab tractor-trailer on Nov. 16 and provided some details that made the trucks an attractive option for the Dulles-based moving company. “As a leading logistics enterprise, it’s important for us to embrace new technologies that make us a better and smarter choice for our customers,” stated Founder and President Charles Kuhn. “These trucks will lower operating costs and improve the driver experience. This means we not only increase savings for our customers, we further our aggressive carbon emissions-reduction goals.” Tesla estimates the trucks to have a range of 500 miles and a higher safety standard than other heavy-duty trucks on the market. The trucks will be equipped with measures to prevent jackknifing as well as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping technology. “From a safety perspective, these trucks are the way forward,” Kuhn said. “Anything we can do to make driving safer for the public and our move professionals is a definite worthwhile investment.”

Battery Warehouse Announces Move Long a fixture on South King Street off the Town Branch, Leesburg’s Battery Warehouse has announced its move to East Market Street. The business’ relocation comes in advance of construction of King Street Station, a multifamily and commercial development being undertaken by developer Don Knutson. Should those development plans move forward as expected, demolition of the current BIZ NOTES >> 27

[ BIZ NOTES ]

StoneSprings Hospital Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Chest Pain Certification.

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StoneSprings Earns Chest Pain Certification

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers in western Loudoun County for the 2017 Farm Service Agency county committee elections. “County committee members play an indispensable role in our efforts to provide assistance to producers,” said FSA Acting Administrator Steve Peterson. “They provide local input as decisions are made about the services we provide, including disaster and emergency programs. I strongly encourage all eligible producers to cast a vote for a candidate that brings expertise and a

Michigan-based Art Van Furniture has expanded to the Mid-Atlantic region in a big way with the acquisition of Levin Furniture and Wolf Furniture, two century-old family-owned companies based in Pennsylvania. “Today’s acquisitions of these two well-established furniture retailers— both intricately woven into the fabric of their communities—underscores a transformative new era of thoughtful expansion at Art Van Furniture,” stated Kim Yost, president and CEO of Art Van Furniture. “From their commitment to their customers to their long-standing histories and corporate cultures, Levin and Wolf are a perfect fit for Art Van’s growing family of brands. Wolf Furniture was co-founded in 1902 by Charles Wolf and Jon Fox, and is currently led by CEO and fourth-generation family member, Doug Wolf. The company operates 18 showroom stores, including one in Leesburg. Levin and Wolf Furniture will both maintain their names and all current management teams plus staff will remain in place. All Levin and Wolf customer accounts and product warranties will continue as well. With the acquisitions, Art Van becomes a top 10 national furniture retailer based on sales, with 176 stores in nine states and $1.3 billion in expected annual sales.

Dec. 4 Voting Deadline for FSA County Committee

diverse perspective to their local committee.” This year’s candidates for the County Committee in western Loudoun County are: Sam Grant (incumbent), a Purcellville beef cattle, swine and hay producer; and Emily Coryell, a Purcellville hops, fruits and vegetable grower. To ensure their votes are counted, producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 4. The Fauquier-Loudoun-Prince William-Fairfax FSA County Committee has four elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, and emergency programs and eligibility.

Art Van Acquires Wolf Furniture

circumstance. This certification reinforces that our community is in excellent hands. This further supports our Stroke Certification obtained in July and our commitment to our community.”

LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

Battery Warehouse space could come as early as February. This week, owner Oleg Tatchin announced that he is moving his shop to a familiar location: the former Melodee Music building on East Market Street. The music shop closed that location last year, moving all its operations to its Sterling facility. In a press release announcing the move, Tatchin said hopes are to be moved in to the new location by Christmas. The business’ phone number and email address will remain the same. The address of the new building is 320 East Market St. “We look forward to serving Leesburg and Loudoun County for another 25 years,” Tatchin stated.

“Our team’s goal is to save lives and prevent the devastating effects of heart disease in our community,” stated Dr. Tarek Abou-Ghazala, chairman of the Department of Medicine. “Receiving this certification reinforces our commitment to the highest standards of care when treating patients who experience chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack.” StoneSprings Hospital Center underwent an on-site review Nov. 21 when Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with chest-pain-specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed. “We are so pleased to receive the Chest Pain Certification from The Joint Commission,” stated CEO Lance Jones. “Our cardiac and emergency physicians and associates are highly trained and ready for every possible

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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[ A LOUDOUN MOMENT ]

A Squirrel Surprise and Tricky Timber Work

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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A PHOTO ESSAY BY DOUGLAS GRAHAM/LOUDOUN NOW Tino’s Tree Service, based in Sterling, has been in business for 15 years. Their team of seven removes, prunes and trims trees throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. A recent job in Bluemont had them taking down a towering silver maple that was in bad shape and threatening homes.

A tree trimmer with Tino’s Tree Service got more than he bargained for during a tree removal in Bluemont.

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[ TOWN NOTES ] LOVETTSVILLE

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Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

WintertainmentFest to Entertain Families Friday

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Construction on Hillsboro’s traffic-calming project is scheduled to begin this summer. Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance’s hope is to slow traffic along Rt. 9, which bisects the small town.

Agencies Step Up Rt. 9 Enforcement; Hillsboro Hopeful for Safety Funding

BY PATRICK SZABO

fter decades of planning, Hillsboro’s traffic-calming project is moving ever closer to construction. But it can’t come soon enough for town leaders, and it didn’t for two motorists who died in crashes near town in recent weeks. Some 16,000 vehicles rumble through Hillsboro on Rt. 9 each day, few adhering to the 25 mph speed limit and some even illegally passing slower cars in narrow lanes in the middle of the historic town. For Mayor Roger Vance, it’s been a growing problem for at least the 22 years he’s lived in town. “We are accosted everyday by people who are just reckless, aggressive drivers,” Vance said. “It’s been an issue for a long time. It’s not safe.” The traffic has also affected businesses. According to Alta Jones, owner of Alta-

Terra Farm Bed & Breakfast just west of town, her guests have talked about it on several occasions. “Visitors to our property were starting to make comments that they were actually feeling that Rt. 9 was dangerous,” she said. This month’s two fatal crashes have raised the urgency to address the long-recognized safety concerns. Vance said the county sheriff ’s office gave Hillsboro two weeks of extra enforcement. It also recently set up a digital sign on the west side of town to highlight the 25 mph speed limit. According to the Sheriff ’s Office Spokesman Kraig Troxell, more than 500 traffic stops have been made and more than 300 tickets written on Rt. 9 this year. Troxell said most of the county’s aggressive driving tickets in 2017 have come from the road. Supervisor Tony Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), who has worked closely with Vance on the town’s traffic calming ef-

forts, said deputies have been “extremely responsive.” In general, though, Vance said the town needs to do more to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety. “There’s little to inhibit high speed going through town,” he said. Since February, Vance and other Hillsboro leaders have been working with VDOT to extend the town’s 25 mph speed limit to the new town limits following last December’s boundary line adjustment that tripled the town’s size. The town is also trying to slow traffic before entering Hillsboro by extending the 35 mph speed zones on the edges of town. More substantial speed deterrents will come with construction of the larger Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Safety Project, which has been 10 years in planning and five years awaiting construcHILLSBORO TRAFFIC >> 33

WintertainmentFest is this Friday in Lovettsville’s Town Square. Come out to see the Christmas tree lighting at 7:45 p.m. and enjoy old-fashioned short movies, songs from the Lovettsville Elementary School chorus, a light show, a reading of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and a holiday sing-along. Attendees are invited to show up even earlier at the Community Center for the lantern-making workshop from 6:30-7:15 p.m. before proceeding down East Broad Way to Town Square. Donations for local families in need will be accepted in the forms of peanut butter and jelly, boxed meal kits, boxed macaroni and cheese and cans of soup, ravioli or spaghetti. They can be dropped off at the Soup and Salad Winter Food Drive table.

Holiday Market Open This Weekend The Loudoun Valley German Society is putting on its 10th annual Christkindlmarkt this weekend at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and will feature vendors selling arts, crafts and baked goods. The traditional holiday market will also feature live music, food, drinks and a selection of artisan sausage from the Quaker Creek Store in Goshen, NY. Expect to see St. Nicholas, Krampus, Belznickle and the Christkindl angel at the market. Event proceeds will benefit German programs at area schools. Admission is $3. Children 13 and younger get in free.

MIDDLEBURG

New Commuter Lot on Track in Purcellville BY PATRICK SZABO Purcellville is one step closer to getting a new commuter parking lot. Town Council on Nov. 14 approved Virginia Regional Transit’s year-and-ahalf-old request to convert its parking lot off Hirst Road into a public commuter lot. The lot will be located on three parcels, totaling 2.8 acres, off Browning Court and Bailey Lane, and will eventually provide 250 parking spaces. Loudoun Transit will operate the lot until the county builds a larger one near the planned Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange within the next few years. VRT Corporate Attorney Mary Gayle Holden said construction needed to complete the project is minimal and will COMMUTER LOT >> 32

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The mile-long community parade is the centerpiece of the annual Christmas in Middleburg festivities.

It’s Christmas in Middleburg Weekend Middleburg is hosting its annual Christmas in Middleburg events this Friday and Saturday. The festivities begin with the annual tree lighting on Friday at 5 p.m. behind the Pink Box VisDouglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Purcellville Town Council gave the green light to turn the parking lot at Virginia Regional Transit, at 109 N. Bailey Lane, into a commuter lot.

TOWN NOTES >> 32

Purcellville Gateway Kicks Off Christmas Santa and Mrs. Claus were spotted at Purcellville Gateway on Saturday evening at the shopping center’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. The pair drew a long line of youngsters eager to share their Christmas wish lists. The event also included seasonal live music from Tony M. Duo, holiday cookies and other refreshments.

The lit tree, decked out in red and gold ribbon, can be spotted each evening in the southeast corner of Purcellville Gateway, near the intersection of Berlin Turnpike and East Main Street. There’s a chance Friday, Dec. 1, to catch a second tree-lighting ceremony in Purcellville. Mayor Kwasi Fraser flips the switch on the big tree in front of Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

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The Tony M. Duo sings Christmas carols at the Purcellville Gateway tree-lighting ceremony.

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Lola, the Dachshund, finds a new friend at Purcellville Gateway’s tree-lighting ceremony.

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Santa and Mrs. Claus take present requests from kids at Purcellville Gateway.

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[ TOWN NOTES ] << FROM 30 itor Center. The mile-long community Christmas parade through the middle of town will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Before the parade, children are invited to have breakfast with Santa at the Middleburg Community Charter School from 7:45-10:30 a.m. About 150 horses and riders will also make their way through town at 11 a.m. as part of the annual hunt procession. Visitors can enjoy caroling, shopping, food and more throughout the day at the many cafes, pubs and restaurants in town. Parking is located in three fields around town and is $20 per car. Shuttle service is provided. For more information, or to purchase a parking pass, visit christmasinmiddleburg.org.

ROUND HILL Tree Lighting, Community Dinner Planned Saturday Round Hill will hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this Saturday in the Round Hill Town Park. The event is set to go from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cookies and hot cocoa will be available. The Woodgrove High School choir will also be caroling at the ceremony. A hot dog and hamburger dinner at the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department will follow at 5 p.m. A special guest is scheduled to show up at dusk to light the town’s tree.

PURCELLVILLE Barbecue Restaurant Back Open for Business Purcellville’s Smokin’ Willy BBQ celebrated its grand reopening this week with a new look and a much larger size. The restaurant reopened after un-

Commuter lot << FROM 30 include restriping the lot, installing two pre-built bus waiting shelters, adding about 50 feet of sidewalk and planting a few trees. Once operational, buses will enter the lot from Browning Court and exit on Bailey Lane before turning west on Hirst Road. They will not be allowed to park or queue on Bailey Lane. Cars will enter and exit on the Browning Court side. According to VRT CEO Bruce Simms, the lot will take a portion of commuter traffic off Main Street, reducing congestion and making it easier for people to visit shops and businesses in town. The new lot will replace the current commuter parking operation at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Main Street. “They will be totally over here in our lot,” he said. “It will be a very easy, more simple thing to do.” Patrick Sullivan, the town’s community development director, said moving the lot would eliminate commuter bus traffic on Main Street by rerouting it to Hirst Road. Of course, some residents feel the lot will increase traffic in other areas of town.

dergoing weeks of remodeling and an expansion that doubled its previous size. Smokin’ Willy not only operates as a restaurant in town, but also as an award-winning catering company, winning the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards between 2014 and 2016. Smokin’ Willy 2.0 is open for business Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To read a menu, go to smokinwilly.com.

Deadline to Enter Float Contest is Friday Don’t just show up to watch the annual Christmas Parade, enter to win it. The town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee is holding a float contest for the Dec. 9 parade. Applicants need to enter by this Friday, Dec. 1, on the Events and Activities page of the town’s website. First place wins $200, second place wins $100 and third place wins $50. Members of the committee and WK Hearth & Steak, which is sponsoring the event, will judge the floats.

Woman’s Club Plans British Tea The Purcellville Woman’s Club will hold its signature annual event, British Holiday Tea, on Dec. 9 at the Loudoun Country Club. The club was founded in 1909 and has sponsored college scholarships since 1989; the holiday tea helps raise money for that program. The guest speaker will be Hillary Coley, owner of Dominion Tea, who will talk about the “Adventures of Tea Importing.” Tickets are $25 on eventbrite.com by searching for “Purcellville Woman’s Clubs British Holiday Tea.” During the past few months, residents from the Country Club Hills neighborhood have addressed Town Council with concerns that the lot might make their cut-through traffic problems worse. While the debate between residents and VRT is ongoing, residents won’t have to deal with any cut-through traffic by the time the lot is done, since the town plans to install removable barriers at the 33rd Street/Country Club Drive intersection next month. Some neighboring business owners also raised concerns the new parking lot would increase congestion in front of their locations, but now some feel the project will help. Mark Osborne, owner of Adroit Theory Brewing Company, said the lot could bring in more customers since commuters might want to stop in before heading home. “We’re very excited about it,” he said. Next, VRT will meet with county representatives to develop a site plan. According to Eric Zicht, the lot’s engineer, the plan should take about two weeks to draft. Sullivan said once VRT submits the plan, the town’s community development department will review and either approve or deny it. pszabo@loudounnow.com

<< FROM 30

We’re hopeful that July 1, at our Independence Day celebration, that we’re going to break ground. That’s what we’re driving for.” – Roger Vance, Hillsboro Mayor

“I’m sure that this can be used to get that roundabout funded,” Jones said. “That’s a real critical piece.” The town will submit its application for the NVTA funding by the Dec. 15 due date. Vance expects to hear back by spring. Construction will move ahead in July, whether that is just the in-town portion or the entire project. He said if the town receives the NVTA funding, both parts of the project would be worked on together and completed in two years. He also said there would be big cost savings if the entire project is done at the same time. “We’re hopeful that July 1, at our Independence Day celebration, that we’re going to break ground,” he said. “That’s what we’re driving for.” A meeting of the town, the sheriff ’s office, the state police, VDOT and the county staff is now scheduled for the second week of December to discuss the project in greater detail. pszabo@loudounnow.com

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tion funding. It includes installing sidewalks on each side of the road, three to four raised crosswalks, and about 60 on-street parking bays throughout town. It also includes roundabouts to the eastern and western edges of town on Rt. 9. The idea is to use the roundabouts to slow traffic as it enters town and then use the raised crosswalks, sidewalks, parking bays and some landscaping to promote compliance with the 25 mph speed limit. “It will kind of create the sense that you’re no longer on a rural road with shoulders. You’re in a more urban environment,” Vance said. “People will then drive more accordingly.” Jones said it’s important that the project is completed before the planned Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange in Purcellville is built in the next few years. “When that happens, the traffic will come right to Hillsboro,” she said. “The work in Hillsboro has to get done before that interchange gets put in.” While the federal, state and local governments have already provided $10 million for the in-town portion of the project, the roundabouts still need funding. Hillsboro is working with the county on an application to get an additional $12 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for these. Jones, who chairs the county’s Rural Economic Development Council, said the town’s efforts would be bolstered by a consultant study commissioned by VDOT to look at accident and speed

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Hillsboro traffic

data along the 13 miles of Rt. 9 between the West Virginia border and Rt. 7.

loudounnow.com

[ LOCO LIVING ]

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

loudounnow.com

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Bryan Loy, the new creative manager for the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun, has put together a full calendar of classic holiday movies to ring in the season.

From Classic to Kitsch Alamo Serves Up Holiday Favorites

BY JAN MERCKER

n a holiday rut? A good laugh— or a good scare—may be just what it takes to shake it. Throughout December, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Ashburn is screening holiday favorites (and cult classics) from the wholesome to the quirky and everything in between. So, whether your tradition is “It’s a Wonderful Life” with the kids or “Die Hard” with friends, there’s something for just about everyone on the big screens. “What we have the opportunity to do around the Christmas season is to present the classic Christmas movies that everyone loves, and we put our own Alamo Drafthouse spin on it,” said Bryan Loy, the new creative manager for the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun. Alamo’s signature style combines new releases with fun repertory fare, allowing patrons to re-watch their favorites on the big screen, which is usually a very different experience from watching at home, Loy said. The theater’s December calendar doesn’t disappoint—with everything from Jimmy Stewart to Bruce Willis. If you haven’t seen “Die Hard” lately, you may have forgotten that the film’s Christmas in Los Angeles setting makes it a holiday classic for fans (it’s showing at Alamo on Dec. 5). And ’80s

kids may recall that the 1984 comedy/ horror favorite “Gremlins” also has a Christmas setting. You can catch it at Alamo on Dec. 8 or 9. For a little something unexpected, Loy plans to add the somewhat obscure 1974 cult classic “Black Christmas,” a slasher film set in a sorority house, to the calendar. “We try to have something for everyone,” Loy said. “I wanted to show those standards that our guests have come to expect and anticipate all year and throw in a couple of other films for variety.” “Love, Actually,” which Loy describes as “one of the best romantic comedies ever made,” is another fan

favorite, and Alamo’s Dec. 12 movie party is a perfect girls night for ladies who’ve already done the “Bad Moms” thing. Part of the fun, Loy said, is that that the theater often makes repertory screenings a party, with creative and humorous props or food specials. This year, audience members can recreate the snowball fight scene from the 2003 hit comedy “Elf ” at several screening parties or watch the 1990 John Hughes classic “Home Alone” while munching on cheese pizza, in a nod to the movie’s famed pizza delivery scene. “I think that’s what sets the Alamo apart is that we try to make it a mem-

Attention Movie Makers:

Entries Sought for Cabin Fever Film Fest Area artists are invited to submit short films and home movies for the Cabin Fever Film Festival sponsored by Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center and Town of Purcellville Arts Council. The entry deadline is Dec. 1. The festival will kick off with a slate of films that highlight local tales and talent. The focus will be on short films, student productions and vintage home movies all shot by Purcellville-area residents.

Entries should be no longer than 60 minutes and a minimum of one minute. All films should be in digital format on a flash drive or on a DVD. Any subject matter is acceptable keeping in mind that the Cabin Fever Film Fest is a family-friendly event. Films can include live action, stop motion, animation, etc. Entry fee is $10 for first film entry, $5 for each additional film entry. Films should be dropped off to Franklin Park Arts Center, at 36441

orable experience for the guests—not only with the different types of movies we show but also with that sense of interactivity we bring to it and making it more of an experience,” Loy said. “The audience is part of the film instead of just watching it.” The cherry on the sundae of Alamo’s holiday programming may be the annual screening of “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Eve. The 1983 classic is still a family favorite after nearly 35 years, the story of Ralphie Parker’s 1940s childhood and Christmas adALAMO >> 37

Blueridge View Lane in Purcellville, by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. An application and fees can be completed at the time of film drop off. All films will be reviewed and filmmakers will be contacted by Dec. 15 as to their acceptance and scheduled showing time block. Show times will be Friday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. 20. Questions should be directed to Franklin Park Arts Center Manger Elizabeth Bracey at Elizabeth.Bracey@loudoun.gov or 540-338-7973, or Liz Jarvis, chairwoman of the Purcellville Arts Council, at arts@purcellvilleva.gov.

[ THINGS TO DO ]

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

CHRISTMAS IN MIDDLEBURG Friday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Town of Middleburg. Details: christmasinmiddleburg.org The celebration kicks off with a tree-lighting and carols Friday at 5 p.m. at the Pink Box. Saturday’s events start at 8 a.m. with breakfast at Middleburg Charter School followed by the Hunt and Hounds review at 11 a.m. The Christmas Parade starts at 2 p.m. on Washington Street, followed by a progressive wine, spirits and food tasting at local restaurants from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit the website for a complete schedule and details. Parking is $20 at Mickie Gordon Park or Salamander Resort & Spa.

LEESBURG CHRISTMAS TREE AND MENORAH LIGHTING

LOVETTSVILLE LANTERN WORKSHOP AND PARADE

Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m.; Leesburg Town Green, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: leesburgva.gov/holidaysinleesburg

Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30-9 p.m.; Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville. Contact: 540-822-5284

Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk will light the menorah and Christmas tree, followed by theater, dance and musical performances from area schools. Event is free and open to the public.

Lovettsville kicks off the holiday season with a traditional German lantern parade. The free parade starts at 7:30 p.m. at

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

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<< FROM 35

The community is invited to purchase soups made by local restaurants and cups made by Loudoun potters and students to benefit the Western Loudoun Food Pantry.

Lovettsville Community Center and ends with a tree-lighting in the town square. A lantern workshop will be held from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Fee for the workshop is $8 per person and includes supplies. Advance registration is recommended.

ON STAGE

an evening with

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Edwin McCain 12/01/17 Doors: 7PM

Almost Queen

Courtesy One Loudoun

ONE LOUDOUN TREE LIGHTING

12/02/17 Doors: 7PM

Here Come the Mummies 12/07/17 Doors: 7PM

Jingle Jam

Two Really Big Shows! 12/09/17 2:30 PM Matinee & 8:30 PM

Get the Led Out:

The American Led Zeppelin 12/15/17 Doors: 7PM

Back to the 90’s 12/16/17 Doors 7:00PM

Give Back with Hungry on Monday & Teddy Chipouras 12/22/17 Doors: 7PM

80’s New Years Eve Party w/

the Reagan Years

12/31/17 Doors: 7PM

A Tribute to Rush:

Sun Dogs

01/05/18 Doors: 7PM

Amish Outlaws 01/16/18 Doors 7:00PM

A Tribute to Journey:

Trial by Fire 01/13/18 Doors 7:00PM

Saturday, Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m.; One Loudoun, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn. Details: oneloudoun.com Courtesy Ida Lee Recreation Center

IDA LEE HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Ida Lee Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg. Details: leesburgva.gov This annual juried show features more than 90 local and regional artisans selling candles, jewelry, table linens and other handmade items. Admission and parking are free.

LOVETTSVILLE CHRISTKINDLMARKT Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Lovettsville Game Club, 16 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville. Details: lovettsvillegameclub.com The Loudoun Valley German Society presents its 10th annual Christmas market featuring hand-crafted items, artisan foods including sausages, gingerbread, stollen and chestnuts and drinks including mulled wine. Holiday greenery, decorations and Christmas trees will also be available for sale. Admission is $3 for visitors 13 and over.

TAYLORSTOWN CRAFT FAIR Friday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 13266 Taylorstown Road, Lovettsville. Details: taylorstowncommunity.org This annual fair just north of Leesburg offers handmade candles, pottery, jewelry, scarves, local honey and other unique gifts.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT WEST BELMONT PLACE Saturday, Dec. 2, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; West Belmont Place at The National, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg. Details: westbelmontplace.com This popular event features a hot breakfast buffet, family photo with Santa, gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making, festive music and a movie. Cost is $23 per person 13 and over, $17 for children 3 to 12, free for children 2 and younger. Advance reservations are required.

BRAMBLETON WINTER WONDERLAND

Now Open Tues. through Sun. for Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy live entertainment, children’s crafts, refreshments, photos with Santa and fireworks at this fun holiday event. Bring a new or gently used coat for Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter.

ASHBURN VILLAGE SANTA PARADE PARTY Saturday, Dec. 2, 6-6:40 p.m.; Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion, 20585 Ashburn Village Blvd. Details: ashburnvillage.org The Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department will escort Santa to this annual party. Enjoy hot chocolate and pick up a map of Ashburn’s holiday lights. Bring a new toy for Toys for Tots or Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter.

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg. Details: wldwst.co Create a gorgeous wreath using dried grasses and pods, evergreens and natural vines led by floral designers Lori Tran and Colleen West. Tickets are $65. Advance purchase is recommended.

Courtesy Loudoun Center Theatre

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Friday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Details: thelct.org Loudoun Centre Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale of redemption—a perfect post-Thanksgiving family outing. Tickets are $12 in advance, $16 at the door.

TEDX ASHBURN Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Loudoun School for the Gifted, 44675 Cape Court, Ashburn. Details: ted.com/tedx/events This installment of TEDx Ashburn features several speakers sharing powerful ideas, including retired Marine Rob Jones, who lost both his legs in battle, and Krista Woods, inventor of GloveStix that has made national headlines. Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

INOVA LOUDOUN’S LIGHTS OF LOVE

NAUGHTY OR NICE CHRISTMAS CABARET

Sunday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m.; Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg. Details: ladiesboard.org

Sunday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.; Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37110 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. Details: stagecoachtc.com

Attendees are invited to buy a candle in honor of someone who has made their lives brighter this year. Event includes a tree lighting, live music and refreshments.

StageCoach Theatre Company’s fun cabaret for grownups features songs from the sentimental to the hilarious to help get you in the holiday spirit. $39 ticket price includes heavy appetizers and dessert. Wine and beer will be available for sale.

LOCO CULTURE LEESBURG FIRST FRIDAY Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m.; downtown Leesburg. Details: leesburgfirstfriday.com Downtown Leesburg will be extra festive for December’s First Friday event, featuring live music performances, gallery openings, wine tastings and other fun activities.

TEEN OPEN MIC NIGHT Friday, Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m.; Embark Center for Self-Directed Education, 103 Loudoun St. SW, Leesburg. Details: embarkcenter.org

Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m.; Brambleton Town Center, Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn. Details: brambleton.com

Teens 12 and up are invited to share poetry, music and comedy at this open mic just for teens. Suggested donation is $5.

Celebrate the season with a giant snow globe, hot chocolate bar, horse drawn carriage rides and live music from local schools and churches.

HARMONY MIDDLE SCHOOL EMPTY CUPS EVENT Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m.; Harmony Middle School, 38174 W. Colonial Highway, Hamilton.

‘THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER’ Thursday, Dec. 7, Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville. Details: facebook.com/lighthousedrama Lighthouse Drama presents Barbara Robinson’s beloved play following the unruly, comical Herdman family as they unleash havoc on a local Christmas play as “the worst kids in the whole history of the world” help an entire community discover the true meaning of Christmas. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Seating is by general admission.

MORE TO DO >> 38

Alamo

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

<< FROM 34

Loudoun Now is adding to its small, dedicated newspaper team. We’re looking for advertising sales executives who value the mission of community journalism and the marketing power the newspaper’s print and online products offer to area businesses.

If that’s you, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sstyer@loudounnow.com

Dec. 2: The Polar Express Dec. 4: Elf Dec. 5: Die Hard Dec. 8: Gremlins Dec. 11: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Dec. 12: Love, Actually Dec. 14: Star Wars: The Last Jedi Dec. 19: Home Alone Dec. 21: It’s a Wonderful Life Dec. 24: A Christmas Story

Purchase tickets and see show times at drafthouse.com/northern-virginia. to younger viewers like himself is especially fun. Even though he wasn’t alive when it was released in 1989, for Loy the holy grail of holiday kitsch is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the gut-bustingly funny story of the Griswold family’s holiday disasters. Every year, Loy makes it a personal challenge to see how many times he

can watch the comedy before Christmas. “When I’ve lost count, that’s when I know that the game is done,” he said. Audiences seem to agree that “Christmas Vacation” is a must see. Screenings of that show sold out so quickly before Thanksgiving that Loy is scheduling a second run. Tickets for

all of the holiday repertory movies are selling fast, so Loy recommends getting tickets online soon. Find tickets and a full calendar of Alamo’s holiday repertory schedule at drafthouse.com/northern-virginia. jmercker@loudounnow.com

loudounnow.com

There’s a veteran support team in place to help, but we’re looking for self-starters and go-getters.

Alamo Drafthouse’s Holiday Movie Parties

ventures including avoiding the school bully and pining for a Red Ryder BB gun. Alamo’s “A Christmas Story” party has launched a new tradition for Jeanette Herndon of Leesburg and her multi-generational family. The Herndons went to last year’s Christmas Eve screening and already have tickets for this year’s party. “We had so much fun that when they announced they were doing it again this year we were there like jackrabbits,” Herndon said. Herndon and her husband, Gordon, their adult children, daughter-in-law and granddaughter will head to the Alamo on Dec. 24 ready to laugh and enjoy each other’s company. For the Herndons, Christmas Eve at the Alamo means a fun, stress-free, laughter-filled evening. And a big part of the fun is the props Alamo offers, including bunny ears (a nod to the bunny pajamas Ralphie gets from his Aunt Clara), broken glasses and a bar of soap (to be taken out when Ralphie’s mom washes his mouth out with soap). “It strikes such a chord,” Herndon said. “It’s just a feel-good movie. It’s the way Christmas should be—the excitement of Christmas, the innocence of Christmas. We just love it.” Loy, 24, has been the creative manager at One Loudoun since September, and said introducing holiday classics

loudounnow.com

[ MORE TO DO ] SALSA NIGHT AT WINERY 32

<< FROM 36

Saturday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m.; Winery 32, 15066 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. Details: winery32.com

NIGHTLIFE

COMING UP

Join dance instructor Adam King for a fun evening of salsa—along with great wines. $25 ticket price includes a glass of wine.

LIVE MUSIC: ALMOST QUEEN Saturday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyhotheater.com

The best of Queen featuring four-part harmonies, intricate musical interludes and plenty of energy on stage. Tickets are $25 in advance. Courtesy of Edwin McCain

LIVE MUSIC: EDWIN MCCAIN Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. Details: tallyhotheater.com Called a great American romantic by critics, McCain is a contemporary troubadour with a series of hit love songs, known for his authentic spirit and sense of humor. Tickets are $35 in advance.

LIVE MUSIC: ALAN SCOTT BAND Friday, Dec. 1, 9 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Scott has shared stages with the greats and now brings his own brand of danceable rock combined with time-honored blues, funk and Brit pop influences to fans. No cover.

Courtesy of Holly Montgomery

LIVE MUSIC: HOLLY MONTGOMERY BAND Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com The singer-songwriter and bass player originally from Louisville, KY, now graces the DMV with her mix of modern and classic rock and funk, along with fresh originals. No cover.

HILLSBORO CHRISTMAS MARKET AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37110 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. Details: shorthillhistoricalsociety.org Shop for handcrafted gifts at the holiday market. A tour of historic homes takes place Saturday only from noon to 6 p.m. Admission to the market is free. Tickets for the homes tour are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the event.

MIDDLEBURG CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS:

Sounds of Christmas Featuring Guest Artists:

with Artistic Director Alan Saucedo (cello), Cynthia Saucedo (violin), Karen Chase (voice), and Steven Cooksey (organ)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH AT 4PM

MIDDLEBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | 15 W WASHINGTON ST, MIDDLEBURG, VA

Concert Sponsored by:

Admission Free Donations Welcome For more information contact

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

middleburgconcertseries@gmail.com or call

540•303•7127

Refreshments provided by the Goodstone Inn and Restaurant. With thanks to our generous sponsors:

39 Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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LOUDOUN NOW | NEWS |

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Chief reinstated << FROM 1 to the community was, Fraser said the key takeaway is that town council is searching for two independent, third parties to investigate Vanegas’ conduct and review the original investigation of McAlister. Councilmembers Karen Jimmerson and Doug McCollum are heading the search along with town management. “In the coming week, we will be able to report progress,” Fraser said. “Management is actively looking for investigators for both investigations.” On Tuesday, Fraser said the town was vetting investigators from three separate firms for the audit of the McAlister investigation. One is a former police chief from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, a worldwide association dedicated to enhancing the law enforcement profession. Fraser hopes the reviews of the police department investigation and of Vanegas’ actions will conclude by the end of January. According to a Nov. 19 town statement, Vanegas’ relationship with Nuckolls, who was paid $13,000 for her consulting work, was first discovered in “emails from persons outside the Town which contained allegations of employee wrongdoing and statements of potentially criminal threats.” Town Council also learned that Nuckolls had a criminal history that included felony convictions for fraud

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Purcellville Police Chief McAlister, right, talks with Attorney General Mark R. Herring in March 2016 during the Coffee with a Cop program at Market Street Coffee.

and forgery. The same statement read, “With this knowledge, the Town recognizes that the integrity of this investigation may be called into question, and will promptly hire an outside independent firm to audit and review the investigation.”

The original investigation of McAlister was said to have “substantiated” allegations against her. Those included that she acted outside of the scope of her job as chief of police; engaged in selective enforcement; violated General Orders concerning internal affairs investigations; practiced employee in-

timidation; had been untruthful; and violated town and police procedural policies, according to a statement from the town. pszabo@loudounnow.com

[OBITUARIES] James F. Brownell James F. Brownell passed away on November 19, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Hospice Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Jim was born in Washington, DC on December 23, 1917 to the late James V. and Anna Myers Brownell. He graduated from Central High School. He attended the University of Maryland and received a Masters degree in Animal Husbandry. Jim was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US Army and served in Naples, Italy in 1944. Returning home, he married the late “Mac” Zora McCall. Jim chose dairy farming as a career. Jim and Mac farmed in Maryland and settled in Loudoun County in 1959 at Whitehall Farm, Bluemont, Virginia. There they raised their five children. Jim and Mac were active participants in community, agricultural , and political activities which included Jim serving on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for several terms. He represented the Blue Ridge District. Jim is survived by Mark Brownell of Purcellville, Scott Brownell of Bluemont, daughters-in-law, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and many relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mac, sons, Jimmy, Bruce and daughter, Susan. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 Cork St. Winchester, VA, 22601.

Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA. Please visit www.hallfh. com to express online condolences to the family.

Frances E Higgins Frances E Higgins left us on Saturday, September 23, 2017. This gentle, kind hearted soul was tragically taken, leaving behind family, friends, and community saddened and bereft. Fran was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 23, 1955, the middle sister of nine siblings. The family moved to Winter Park, FL where she attended St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, followed by Winter Park High School. She graduated from Florida State University, where she met the love of her life, Glenn J. Higgins. They married in June, 1979, moved to Minnesota and Massachusetts, finally settling in Leesburg, Virginia to raise their three much-loved children, Tracy, Daniel & Andrew. Fran’s family was her whole world but she had room in her heart for so, so many more. There wasn’t anyone she met who was not greeted with a genuine smile and a big hug. Friends, neighbors, colleagues, church members were amazed by her boundless patience and gracious kindness. With natural grace and ease, Fran had the gift of making everyone comfortable. Family and friends along with members of the Leesburg community were touched time and time again by her unstinting nature.

The bereaved include her beloved husband Glenn, and adored children, daughter Tracy Higgins and , her wife Sara Boddorf Higgins and her two sons, Daniel and Andrew Higgins as well as her dearest mother-in-law, Juanita Higgins; her cherished sisters, Susan & John Rumpf of Huntindon PA, as well as their children Janet & Greg Husemeier, Alec, Katia, Nico and Sebastian Husemeier, John Rumpf Jr, and his children Hayden, Trevor, Alexa & Ben Rumpf; Beth and Peter Carrozza of Mt Dora, FL and her children, Anna & Stacy Jayne, William & DeAnne Jayne, Winston and Walter Jayne; Anne & Mark Barrette of Highlands, NC and their daughter Emma Barrette; Mary & James Slattery of Winter Park, FL and their daughter, Megan, Slattery. Fran is also survived by her dear sisters, Terry & Jay Castle of Chicago, IL, and their children Jason and Brett Castle and Chris Scolscok of Winter Park, FL, and her daughter, Nicole & Scott Pantke, Malia, Ava, Hayden Pantke as well as her brothers John Evans of Mt Dora and Joel Evans, of Mt Joliet and his children, Sarah, Justin, Zachary & Marissa Evans. This list does not include the many, many people Fran touched in her daily life as she made the world a warm and welcoming place. Her friendship was a treasured gift and so many are honored that she made us a part of her life. We are diminished with her passing and will miss her generous heart, ready smile

and open-armed welcome. She is forever in our hearts. The family has planned a memorial service for Fran. It is scheduled for December 9th at 4M at Leesburg Community Church 835 Lee Ave., SW Leesburg, VA 20175 Tel: 703-777-2209. All are welcome.

Fountains of Living Water

(Non-denomination, Full Gospel)

Meeting at: Sterling Middle School 201 W. Holly Ave. Sterling,VA 20164 Sunday 10:15am www.fountainsoflivingwater.org (703) 433-1481 “Whoever believes in me (Jesus)... streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38

Project-Based Voucher Proposals.

11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7 & 12/14/17

General Excavation, Inc. has an immediate opening for an

EXPERIENCED HEAVY EQUIPMENT/DIESEL SHOP MECHANIC. Applicant must have ample tools, be familiar with all makes and models of engines, transmissions, power train, hydraulics, and be able to pass a drug test. CDL helpful but not required. Great benefits package including 401K and paid holidays. Wages commensurate with experience. Only experienced applicants will be considered. Apply online at

gei-va.com/employment G.E.I. is an EOE and supports a drugfree workplace.

NEW Full Time Position Hydraulic Hoses Tech ABC LICENSE Minamoto Sushi LLC, trading as Tokyo Sushi, 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plz Ste 123 Ashburn VA 20147-7918 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer on Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 11/23/17 & 11/30/17

ORDER OF PUBLICATION VIRGINIA:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Robert J. Rankin and Wenli Dong Case No. CA17-55 In re: Yinghan Wang The reason for this cause is for adoption. An affidavit having been made and filed alleging that the party to be served Lin Wang cannot be found, and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the party to be served; Upon consideration, this Order of Publication is granted and it is ORDERED that publication shall be made in Loudoun Now for four consecutive weeks;

It is ORDERED that the above-names party Lin Wang shall appear here on or before January 5, 2018, at 10AM after proper publication of this Order, to protect his interest in this cause. 11/23/17, 11/30/17, 12/07/17, 12/14/17

Classifieds:

Benefits Available. Inquire in person. DO NOT CALL.

FT LPN or MA Large family practice in Loudoun County seeking FT LPN’s or MA’s for our new site located in the professional building at Stone Springs Hospital in Aldie, VA. We also have openings in our Ashburn, Lansdowne, Cornwall and Purcellville offices. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits. Please send your resume to lgray@ lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-7260804, attention Lisa.

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It is ORDERED that the contact information for the parties to be billed is: Robert Rankin and Wenli Dong 50 Stone Oak Place Round Hill, VA 20144 Telephone Number 571-442-2101

Candidate will grow and be trained for hydraulic hoses and other aspects of our retail business. Job requires to have good mechanical skills, good hands on for installation of all sorts, assembly of hoses, strong computer skills, inventory management and physical labor. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs. Position will grow into managerial from a hydraulic tech once the training, position and requirements have been established. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required to make deliveries if needed.

Crossword

The Loudoun County Department of Family Services is accepting proposals from the owners of rental property to contract with the County for ProjectBased Vouchers (PBV). Successful proposals must provide fully accessible and 504 compliant housing units; and/ or studio units; and/or 1 bedroom units. Proposals will be evaluated based on owner experience and capability to manage or build rental housing as identified in the proposal on a first-come, first-served basis. DFS reserves the right to not award PBV. For more information about the application procedures and proposal review process are online at www.loudoun.gov/pbv or by contacting Antwaun Jackson at 703-737-8213 or Antwaun.Jackson@loudoun.gov.

Employment

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Legals

loudounnow.com

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CLEANING SERVICE Cleaning

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General Yard/Storm Clean-Up, Mowing, Mulching,Weedeating, Bush Trimming, Garden Tilling and more

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[ OPINION ]

loudounnow.com

The Learning Curve Four weeks after voters sent shockwaves through the commonwealth, the new faces of Loudoun’s General Assembly delegation are quickly changing gears from campaigners to legislators. Perhaps, much like our president, some of this year’s victors didn’t expect that they would be thrust into the job. But they grabbed the public pulse and now stand obligated to deliver on their promises. Loudoun’s three new Democratic delegates replace three Republicans who, combined, accumulated nearly a quarter century of experience. However, when that trio entered Mr. Jefferson’s capital as a group in 2010 (after winning three Democratically held seats), those Republicans, too, were serving in public office for the first time. Their schooling began the same way as the Class of 2018— with meetings with other locally elected representatives, including county supervisors, School Board members and town councils. In these sessions, it quickly becomes evident that the job encompasses far more than the partisan talking points that scored big on the campaign trail. Instead of Medicaid funding and tax bills, they hear about problems with government procurement quirks or the need to tweak regulations for drones flying in public parks. That’s the nitty-gritty that will demand most of their time in Richmond. In short, the learning curve is steep, but—as the three departing members undoubtedly would attest—the reward of having served can be great. The most successful legislators are not just the ones who put in the work to understand the wonky details of government, but also those who work across party lines to find the solutions and build the compromises that can have positive impacts on their constituents. And the success of our legislators in Richmond, regardless of their political stripe or their years of experience, is important to our quality of life. With the election behind us, the best we can ask is that they put in the work and represent us wisely.

LoudounNow Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 • Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723 Norman K. Styer Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com Margaret Morton Senior Writer mmorton@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene, Reporter rgreene@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Douglas Graham, Photographer dgraham@loudounnow.com Contributors Samantha Bartram John McNeilly Jan Mercker Patrick Szabo

Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@loudounnow.com Display Advertising Tonya Harding tharding@loudounnow.com Allison Jenkins ajenkins@loudounnow.com Production Electronic Ink Leesburg, VA 20175

[ LETTERS ] Full Confidence Editor: Over time, all communities experience change. During my tenure as mayor, I have made it a priority to engage all members of the community, to build on our existing assets, and to develop a vision for our future. Over the past few months, we have passed a budget that reflects the many voices in Purcellville, successfully retained our stellar credit ratings, and restructured our debt to address future uncertainties. Further, recently we moved toward securing a management contract for Fireman’s Field that will reduce the debt burden for taxpayers, adopted new height restrictions in our historic district to retain our historic charm, and adopted civil penalties to help enforce our zoning ordinances to maintain our town’s beauty and character. More importantly, we moved forward with our Comprehensive Plan review. With change, however, comes challenges. One such challenge is the alleged significant long-term managerial issues within our police department, which were brought to the interim town manager’s attention. Town Council was briefed as needed, and acting within his authority, the interim town manager conducted the investigation and hired a consultant to assist in that process. At the conclusion of the investigation, several significant managerial, communication, and other revelations were revealed to the Town Council. To ensure fairness and to do right by all involved, we have decided to implement an independent review of the former chief of police’s investigation and a topto-bottom organizational review conducted by an independent third party. As such, the chief of police has been reinstated and remains on administrative leave pending the results of the audit of the investigation. Lieutenant Schroeck will remain as interim chief of police during this time. As mayor, I have a responsibility to residents and business owners to safeguard our town and work with man-

agement to ensure the structure of our organization is sound. I have the full confidence of our dedicated town staff and police officers who work diligently every day for us. I am thankful to our experienced professional and management team, along with a dedicated Town Council. I am confident that we are still on a path to improve our government and move Purcellville forward. I am very proud of our successes as a community thus far and remain focused on the positive even in the most challenging times. As additional information becomes available I will keep everyone appraised of it. — Kwasi Fraser Mayor, Town of Purcellville

Astonishing Disconnect Editor: Rarely do we see a more classic example of putting the cart before the horse, than the Bianchis’ letter of this week. Their loathing for veterans of our armed forces demonstrates an astonishing disconnect with history, logic and the real world. There would be no suffragettes, labor movement, civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ community, farm workers movement, illegal alien rights movement, environmental and animal rights extremists, or the ole’ anti-war movement, without selfless and determined armed men and women who have long stood up to administer havoc on real world oppressors. In fact, there would be no right to protest as enumerated in the First Amendment, without those who stand sentinel every night and day of every year of our national existence. Without the men and women of our military, there would be no America. They are the ones who destroyed genocidal dictators, not the suffragettes. They are the ones who confronted typically blood thirsty communist regimes so that others could be free, not trust fund baby environmentalists and their violent animal rights cohorts. They are the ones who stand up and kill theocracies who oppress and murLETTERS >> 45

[ LETTERS ]

—Chris Manthos, Leesburg

Airport Economics Editor: I’d like to address Gary Kowalski’s letter about the Leesburg Airport. It appears that Mr. Kowalski knows very little about the economics of the airport and suffers from a bit of “have not” jealousy. He claims that the airport is “little more than a place for the 1 percenters to park their expensive airplanes.” I bought my first airplane in 1999 for $18,000, ($26,266 in today’s dollars). You can’t buy a nice car at that price. Many of the airplanes at Leesburg are owned by partnerships where individuals pool their money enabling them to own more capable airplanes. Most are certainly not 1 percenters but rather Joe six-packs who prefer flying as a hobby. What’s wrong with that? I owned three aviation businesses in Loudoun County for 18 years. I employed hundreds of pilots bringing in several hundred million in revenue to be taxed by the county. We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on fuel and maintenance at the airport. More tax revenue for the town. Had Leesburg airport not been

here, I would have had my business in Manassas. I will agree on one point. The town does not need to spend significant amounts of money for airport improvements. There is indeed a shortage of hangars at Leesburg. The town should work with industry to develop hangars and businesses on the airport. Let industry build hangars, and aviation office space at the airport for reasonable land leases. I would have had my businesses on the airport had there been space available, more tax money for the town. When the tower is permanent at Leesburg, many more charter and corporate aircraft will be able to utilize the airport. The town should allow private companies to build the hangar facilities to house those aircraft and businesses. Mr. Kowalski complains about the difference between car tax rates and airplane tax rates. While Joe six-pack pays a higher tax rate for his car, he also requires significantly more in infrastructure than the pilots at Leesburg. Finally, Mr. Kowalski complains about not being able to pick where his tax money is spent. I pay significantly more property tax than most people in the county. Sixty-eight percent of my property tax goes to public schools that my three children did not attend. I’d sure like to see my tax dollars spent on the airport but instead I’ve been paying for your kids to go to school.

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.

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—George Boras, Ashburn

2017

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der homosexuals, not illegal alien advocates. They are the ones who fought brothers on the very fields of Loudoun so others would no longer be just 3/5 of a human, not the perennials of the anti-war crowd. They are the ones who captured and turned over for hanging a dictator who tortured children with power tools in unspeakable ways in front of their parents, not corrupt labor bosses. How is it possible to despise the very entity which creates the precise environment for the things we celebrate? It defies logic. The Bianchis wouldn’t last long in today’s Iran, Russia, Yemen, Turkey, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Venezuela, China; not a single minute in North Korea, Thailand, or most of the Middle East. Try running your yap like this in some parts of Europe, and find out how enlightened they actually are. Yet in America, they’re free to spew contempt on the very people who defend them from the planet’s industrial-level murderous thugs. The armed forces are the guarantor of the Bianchis’ comfortable Bluemont lifestyle, just as they are for us all. They are the ones who are murdered, mutilated, blinded, lose limbs, burned to death, crushed by pressure waves, tortured, hunted, stalked, and in some cases, just vanish completely—and all so you can write a missive that would make the most fervent Soviet commissar blush. They put their lives on the line so you can tisk-tisk about them while you’re at a winery gathering with other uptight leftist cult members.

They leave their families for a year at a time, so you can complain about tourist traffic in the village, the elections, the price of Chardonnay, and lecture us about protesting. They die so you can live. And they’ll always say you’re welcome no matter what invective you throw at them.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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The Peoples Constitution

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Religion, the Pledge of Allegiance and Loudoun County BY BENEDICT LENHART Freedom of Religion protects all Americans whether they are deeply religious, atheist, or somewhere in between. The Constitution contains two guarantees of religious freedom. First, the Constitution bars the government from adopting a state religion or forcing any American to adhere to any religious faith or practice. Second, with some exceptions, the Constitution forbids the state from interfering with a person’s religious beliefs or practices. These twin guarantees are found in the First Amendment, which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .” The first section (the subject for today) is called the “Establishment Clause” and the second is known as the “Free Exercise Clause.”

The Founding Fathers and Religion Some argue that America is worse off because we keep religion out of schools, public buildings and the town square. In fact, our Founding Fathers believed just the opposite. Most supported a clear separation—a wall—between church and state. Why? Were the Founders atheist? Far from it, most of the Founders were religious men who came to believe that the best way to protect religion was to separate it from the state. They also believed the flip side: government worked best when separated from religion. The Founders had two interlocking goals: they wanted the new American government to prosper, but they also wanted religion to prosper in America. They were acutely aware of the endless religious wars that cursed Europe for centuries, and they wanted America to avoid that sad fate. The Founding Fathers believed that the best way to achieve all these goals was to maintain a wall between church and state. That, anyway, is the theory of our Constitution. James Madison put it bluntly: “The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries.”

Easy Cases/Hard Cases Despite raging controversy over the boundaries of the Establishment Clause, there is broad agreement about the “easy cases.” In America no government—federal, state or local—can set

up a church or officially promote one religion over another. Nor can government favor religion over non-religion. The state cannot force anyone to attend (or not attend) religious services, profess (or not profess) a particular faith, or pay (or not pay) a religious tithe. In America, we take for granted these “core” religious freedoms—they seem obvious. But the daily news is filled with accounts from other nations where church and state are officially joined together, and where citizens are thrown in jail or worse for deviating, even slightly, from the official state religion. Thanks to the constitution, we have avoided that fate in America, but hard questions persist about the exact boundaries of the wall separating church and state, and few examples are addressed below.

School Prayer The courts agree that public schools can’t require prayer in school or conduct official prayers during school. The Supreme Court has extended this rule to prohibit school-organized prayer at football games and graduation, reasoning that such prayer created “excessive entanglement” between the school and religion and thus violated the First Amendment’s wall between church and state. On the other hand, the court has made clear that students themselves may pray in school or organize their own private prayer activities, so long as they are otherwise consistent with school rules.

Nativity Scenes and the Ten Commandments These issues are on the knife’s edge of the Establishment Clause. In one famous case, the court allowed a nativity scene in Pawtucket, RI, where the crèche was displayed with many other figures including Santa, reindeer, peppermint sticks, and other wintery scenes. The court said the connection to religion was minor and the religious impact was lessened given the overall winter theme and the presence of many non-religious symbols. In contrast, another case found a constitutional violation where the nativity scene was not accompanied by many nonreligious symbols, and the words “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” (“Glory to God in the Highest”) were displayed as part of the scene. The lesson from these “hard” cases is that the court will look to the overall context of the nativity scene—whether the overall message is religious or not—in deciding whether it violates the Constitution. The court takes a similar approach

with displays of the Ten Commandments. Roy Moore, formerly a chief justice of the Alabaman Supreme Court and currently a candidate for an Alabama senate seat, was removed from office after refusing to remove from the courthouse a Ten Commandments monument. The trial judge said: “[Chief Justice Moore] installed a two-and-a-half-ton monument in the most prominent place in a government building … with the specific purpose and effect of establishing a permanent recognition of the ‘sovereignty of God,’ the Judeo-Christian God, over all citizens in this country, regardless of each taxpaying citizen’s individual personal beliefs or lack thereof. To this, the Establishment Clause says no.” In contrast, the Ten Commandments appear in the Supreme Court itself, where they are part of a larger display that shows the history and progress of law. The difference between Judge Moore’s case and the court display is one of degree: the latter is allowed because it does not focus primarily on religion.

President Trump’s Travel Ban President Trump’s so-called “travel bans” are the subject of legal challenges that are still pending. However, at least two lower courts have found that the travel bans raise concerns under the Establishment Clause because they appear to target and disfavor one religion (Islam). The president disputes these findings. However, to the extent these findings stand up on appeal, the travel ban would likely be found to violate the Constitution because the bans would be seen as choosing sides and favoring one religion over another. And government support for “favored” religions runs afoul of the core purpose of the Establishment Clause.

Pledge of Allegiance & Loudoun County Loudoun County featured a famous case challenging the Pledge of Allegiance. In 2002, Edward Myers sued Loudoun County arguing that the Establishment Clause was violated by a Virginia law requiring recital of the pledge in Virginia schools (the law allowed objecting students to remain silent). Myers objected, in particular, to the words “under God” (which were added in 1954) and argued that this amounted to the state favoring religion in violation of the Establishment Clause. The appeals court disagreed, noting that:

“the inclusion of these two words [under God] does not alter the nature of the Pledge as a patriotic activity. The Pledge is a statement of loyalty to the flag of the United States . . .” With some important exceptions, other courts have agreed with the Myers’ holding, finding that while the words “under God” may have religious meaning, the broader purpose of the Pledge is patriotic and that any “promotion of religion” is very minor.

“In God We Trust” and Sunday Closing Laws If we have a wall between church and state, why does our money state “In God we Trust?” Why do we have official Sunday closing laws? How can we allow these things and yet remain true to the Establishment Clause? The answer is part history and part recognition that the Establishment Clause is not absolute. After all, the Declaration of Independence states that all men were “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” and the Constitution itself refers to its completion date as the “Year of Our Lord 1787” and exempts Sundays when calculating certain time periods. The courts have struggled to square these symbols with the Establishment Clause. Some argue that these symbols have lost their religious meaning and instead represent civic or patriotic values. Others admit that they retain religious meaning, but argue that the religious aspect is small and does not raise any realistic danger of establishing a State religion. One thing is certain: while the exact boundaries of the wall between church and state are not always clear, the wall itself remains strong. Since its founding America has largely avoided religious wars, and Americans are not prosecuted for their religious beliefs. These are huge achievements and they have made America stronger. But the wall between church and state is only one side of the constitutional story on religion—the First Amendment also guarantees that Americans can practice their religion free from government interference. That is the subject of the next article. Benedict Lenhart is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has taught constitutional Law at Georgetown Law Center for more than 20 years. He lives with his family and lots of animals on a farm near Hillsboro.

47 Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

Schedule of Events on the Plaza, Downtown One Loudoun: 5:00 – 7:00 pm Amazing Entertainment, Food & Drinks (Refreshments, Hot Chocolate & More!) Music, Kid’s Crafts 5:50 pm Santa Arrives 6:00 pm Tree Lighting 6:00 pm Photos with Santa 6:50 pm Spectacular Fireworks Display

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Please drop off new or gently used coats to the One Loudoun booth during this year’s Tree Lighting!

Emceed by: Lisa Herndon & WINC FM

Saturday, December 2nd 5:00pm - 7:00pm

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5TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING AT ONE LOUDOUN

Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2017

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