Purcellville Council to Retain Police Department
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
In the face of strong community opposition, the Purcellville Town Council on Tuesday night reversed plans to disband the police department.
During an unprecedented showing of public support with more than 300 people packed into Town Hall, the Town Council voted to fully fund the Police Department in fiscal year 2026. The council chambers were standing room only as residents overflowed into the lobby, conference rooms and upstairs office. The meeting was streamed into each of the locations and cast via a projector onto a large screen to a community members gathered on the lawn outside.
The decision to fund the department was in opposition to the draft motion included in the council’s agenda, which would have adopted an ordinance eliminating Chapter 42 of the town’s code which lays out the roles and responsibilities of the Police Department. That effort was put in motion two weeks ago by Councilmember of Susan Khalil. Since then, elected officials and community members have raised concerns about the action and voiced support for the agency.
PURCELLVILLE POLICE continues on page 38
Bus Ridership Doubles as Federal Workers Return to Office
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Loudoun County’s commuter bus ridership levels have doubled since January, bringing the projected March total to 30,781 and sharply increasing the number of buses with standing room only
capacity – causing the Board of Supervisors to reverse action taken last year to reduce the number of bus routes each day. Supervisors in July last year – in response to a post-COVID period of continuously declining ridership level — voted to reduce the number the bus routes by 10.
After the decision to scale back the
service, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order mandating that all department heads and agencies within the executive branch terminate remote work and require in-person work instead, once again changing the landscape of
COUNTY BUSES continues on page 39
Kuhns Propose Donating White’s Ferry to Loudoun County
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The effort to relaunch service at White’s Ferry took another turn Friday with the announcement that the Kuhn family has offered to donate the operation to the Loudoun County government.
That offer comes after the owners, Chuck and Stacy Kuhn, learned that leaders in Montgomery County, MD, decided not to move forward with a plan to accept the donation offer the Kuhns made a year ago. Instead, the county and state government announced a new plan to offer up to $3 million to help restart the ferry.
The White’s Ferry business operation and assets are valued at $4.5 million, according to the announcement.
The Kuhns said their goals are to get the Potomac River crossing operational, preserve the history of the ferry, save jobs and reduce traffic.
They were surprised to learn last week that Montgomery County would not take over the operation. They said the donation had been accepted verbally, and plans were moving forward to complete the transfer. Instead, Maryland authorities announced this month they are offering up to $3 million to relaunch White’s Ferry operations.
The Potomac River ferry just north of Leesburg closed in December 2020 following a Loudoun Circuit Court ruling that the operators did not have rights to use the Virginia landing and efforts to negotiate a new lease deal failed.
The ferry owners sold their holdings, including the Maryland landing, to the Kuhn family. The Virginia landing is owned by a family partnership, Rockland Farm LLC, led by Libby Devlin. Although both property owners have stated a desire to resume ferry operations, talks between Kuhn and Devlin to resolve the dispute have not been successful.
“We spoke to Loudoun County leaders, and they are open to considering the donation,” Chuck Kuhn stated. “This will make it easier to work through zoning issues since the exemption on the Virginia landing side—owned by Rockland Farms—has now expired. Donating the land to the county will make the zoning process simpler and faster. Our goal since purchasing the defunct ferry has always been to get it reopened. This crossing has served as a local economic engine and is a piece of our history. Too many businesses and residents have been hurt by its closure. After numerous proposed solutions, we hope that this one ensures the ferry finally becomes operational.”
If the Board of Supervisors accepts the donation, it would be up to the county to work with Rockland Farm to secure access to the Virginia landing.
Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said he is happy that conversations about opening the ferry have resurfaced and said he was grateful to both Kuhn and Devlin for their willingness to restart
discussions.
“I’ve talked with Ms. Devlin and her brother and talked with Chuck Kuhn. Both of them really do have a desire. There’s still a lot of details that need to be worked through,” he said.
He said there are several paths forward that the county is considering but it’s too soon to say what those are.
“We could certainly operate [the ferry]. Obviously, there is still a lot of moving parts,” he said. “… We have several ideas and there are several offers on the table which I wouldn’t disclose because it’s still premature.”
Del. David Reid (D-28), vice chair of the House Transportation Committee, also is working to find an agreement that would get the ferry running again.
In the weeks since the end of the General Assembly session in February, Reid said he has taken a deep dive into the situation, including meeting with Devlin for a tour of the historic Rockland property that has been in her family for more than seven generations.
“I wanted to start afresh,” he said of the effort to help resolve the four-year standoff.
“I recognize this as a transportation issue,” he said, noting the role the ferry plays in moving goods and services between Virginia and Maryland, as well as at least marginally improve traffic on Rt. 15.
Reid said the donation offer is a positive step that demonstrates a willingness to form a long-term solution. He also sees merits in arrangements that could provide ongoing revenue to support the family’s ownership of Rockland. The family previously pushed for a 50-cent per car payment.
But the situation will require the cooperation of more than just the two landowners.
Reid said he sees as many as eight stakeholders that will be involved in the process. In addition to Kuhn, Devlin and the governments of Montgomery and Loudoun counties, Maryland state authorities, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard, and even Congress could have roles.
Congressional involvement, he said, could be needed if the deal involves Loudoun County taking ownership of land in Maryland and if that would trigger action under the U.S. Constitution’s Compact Clause, which was invoked when Arlington and a portion of Alexandria were transferred from the District of Columbia back to Virginia in 1847.
One option that Reid doesn’t think will play a role is condemnation by the state or county government to obtain the Virginia landing.
“I don’t believe there is a need to take the Devlin’s private property,” he said noting that Virginia is a strong property rights state.
Reid, like other parties involved in the talks, is optimistic a deal can be reached.
“It’s all doable,” he said. n
It’s Flower and Garden Festival Weekend in Downtown Leesburg
Thirty-five years ago, the Town of Leesburg experimented with a new community event. They shut down traffic through the historic district and invited venders to bring their bulbs and blooms.
From those roots has grown one of the community’s most popular spring traditions — and Loudoun’s largest tourism event.
The Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival returns this weekend, expected again to bring 30,000 visitors over its two-day run.
More than 125 vendors will fill the streets with seasonal blooms, herbs, gar-
dening supplies, outdoor furniture, and more. There will also be entertainment, activities for kids, a rooftop beer garden and
festival food. The weekend’s musical entertainment includes a full roster of popular performers, including Hilary Veltri, David Thong, Joey Hafner, Tejas Singh, Zach Jones, Gary Smallwood, Meisha Herron and Lenny Burridge with Tim Rumfelt.
Downtown streets will be closed starting Friday evening as vendors begin setting up landscaping displays and booths and will reopen Sunday night.
Parking will be available in the Town Hall parking garage using the Loudoun Street entrance. Additional parking will be available in parking garages at the County
Government Center and the courts complex, as well at Ida Lee Park, where a free shuttle service will run continuously.
The Flower & Garden Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine. Pets are not permitted. The event is free and organized by Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation Department, with support from the Leesburg Police and staff from the Public Works and Utilities departments.
For a listing of vendors, a festival map, full entertainment schedule and more, go to flowerandgarden.org. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
The White’s Ferry boat sits on the Maryland banks of the Potomac River. The ferry ended operations in 2020 and efforts to restart the service have been unsuccessful.
Loudoun
Lawsuit Enforcement of Mountainside Overlay District Violations Suspended Temporarily
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
New county lawsuits filed against property owners alleging violations of the county’s Mountainside Overlay District will be suspended pending a September review of the Zoning Ordinance.
Supervisors approved the action April 15 during discussions on the Department of Planning and Zoning’s work plan amid concerns that doing so would carve out protections for a single individual, negatively impact the mountainside and set legal precedent.
The proposal was made by Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) whose district includes much of the land regulated under the overlay district.
His original motion was to have the county’s planning staff prepare amendments that would provide greater flexibility within the overlay and bring it back for the board’s consideration. That did not receive majority support. A proposed amendment
MOUNTAINSIDE OVERLAY continues on page 7
Loudoun County GIS
A view from Loudoun County’s GIS system shows the location of the Mountainside Overlay District with highly sensitive areas depicted in red, sensitive in yellow and somewhat sensitive in green.
Old Ashburn Added to List of Villages Slated for Small-Area Plans
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Old Ashburn will be added to the list of villages getting special attention from the Department of Planning and Zoning to help residents create new visions for their communities as developmental pressures increase.
As part of the effort to create a series of small area plans for historic neighborhoods, the Board of Supervisors in February approved new classification criteria for what a “village” is, amending the Comprehensive Plan after months of work with the community and the Loudoun Historic Village Alliance.
Three additional communities were added to the existing 12 with its adoption. The complete list includes Aldie, Bluemont, Bowmanton, Lincoln, Loudoun Heights, Lucketts, Neersville, Paeonian Springs, Philomont, Taylorstown, St. Louis, Stewartown, Unison, Willisville and Waterford.
The motion to add Old Ashburn to the
list was made by Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) during an April 15 board meeting. She said there are several parts of the community that she would like to see preserved.
“I believe there are several aspects of old Ashburn that are worth saving and need analysis done specifically for that area to best provide a path forward,” she said.
Part of the community is included in the
County's Workforce Comparator List Expanded
The Loudoun County government will now consider some Maryland counties and Washington, DC, when comparing employee compensation plans with surrounding jurisdictions. The Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized the change the last week.
Previously, the county’s human resources handbook stipulated that comparator markets include Arlington, Prince William and Fairfax Counties and the City of Alexandria. The change would add Montgomery, Frederick and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Washington, DC, to that list. That aligns the HR policy more closely with the county’s Collective Bargaining Ordinance adopted in December 2021.
Supervisors also increased the compensation philosophy target market from 95-100% to 100-105%. This will keep employee compensation at or higher than the average comparator markets, with the goal of retaining more employees.
The initiatives were brought forward by County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) who said the changes would help support the county’s staff.
Village Conservation Overlay District, but not all of it, Glass said. The old Ashburn Elementary School and Ashburn Presbyterian Church are two important structures that are not within the overlay, she added.
“We kind of were hoping that there were other parts of eastern Loudoun that we could look at but it looks like old Ashburn is probably one of the last places where it has enough to try to save,” Glass said.
Her proposal received unanimous support from the board during a discussion April 15 on the Department of Planning and Zoning’s workplan.
Department Director Daniel Galindo said his team would be bringing back a larger proposal on how to tackle the small-area plans for board approval at a later date. The St. Louis plan is already underway and Lucketts, Paeonian Springs, and Willisville are next on the priority list.
The plans are listed as the ninth non-historic priority for the department and the project does not yet have an estimated completion date. n
Randall said when she had first brought the issue up in 2017, a study by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority showed that after Fairfax, Prince George’s County ranked as the most common location that Loudoun employees would leave and take a job with. While that’s not the case today, she said it’s still important to consider that employees might leave for jurisdictions outside Virginia.
Loudoun Career Firefighters Association President John Myers supported the change and said it would help ensure that none of the county’s employees are paid below area averages.
$5.8M Contract Awarded for Western Loudoun Rec Center
County supervisors last week approved a construction support services contract for the Western Loudoun Recreation Complex planned just west of the Town of Purcellville’s limits.
The $5.8 million contract was awarded to Hill International, Inc. after four other companies submitted
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now
The Ashburn Presbyterian Church in Old Ashburn Village. It was founded in 1876, with the historic sanctuary built in 1878.
Supervisors to Reevaluate Scope of Next Data Center Regulation Changes
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After the Board of Supervisors in March enacted the first of a two-phase initiative to rework the county’s data center regulations, the second phase is heading to a committee for a new look.
Initially the board divided the review of the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance regulations for data centers into two parts so that the first phase could be finalized quicker. Adoption of those amendments eliminated data centers as a by-right use in the county, while allowing applications filed before Feb. 12 and that meet certain standards to continue to proceed under the previous rules.
The second group of regulatory changes is intended to look in more detail at the site and building design, sustainability, energy, water, air, light and noise concerns. It will also look to create design standards for utility substations and microgrids.
Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) proposed sending the second phase of the initiative to the Transportation and Land Use Committee, which she chairs, to review its work plan.
“I think sending it to TLUC gives us an opportunity to really define the scope and to also have a larger discussion like do we want to have an innovation summit? Do we want to bring in data center stakeholders to talk about on-site power generation and how that might look? So, there’s a lot of different ideas and different topics to be discussed,” she said.
Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) asked if sending the work plan to the committee would delay its completion. Director of Planning and Zoning Daniel Galindo said it could but that the committee
might refine or remove some of aspects of the project as well.
Saines said the board had already discussed the topics included in the work plan and that he didn’t see the need or forwarding to the committee.
Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) agreed, saying she was frustrated that the completion date already had been delayed six months, pushing it back to the fall of 2026.
“Sending it to TLUC could delay it another two months probably,” she said.
“What I’m looking for out of TLUC is to delete, not add,” Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). “So, the reality is there were things we were contemplating as part of the CPAM that I don’t think are necessary anymore because of the previous
item that we adopted.”
Directing the staff to develop standards and uses for by-right data centers when there won’t be any is a waste of time, he said.
County Chair Randall (D-At Large) said it can be difficult for the board to do all the work needed on an item during a business meeting and that committees help with that.
“I don’t mind having the discussion on TLUC if the TLUC members are committed to pulling this down, narrowing it, taking some things out and getting this back out,” she said. “If that’s what’s happening, that’s not an issue for me.”
The board voted unanimously to have the committee review the project’s scope during its May meeting. n
NVRC Completes Feasibility Study for Potomac Heritage Trail Extension
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org
Local leaders have a new map of options to fill in the missing links of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in western Loudoun County.
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission has published the findings of a year-long feasibility study examining ways to extend the trail from its current terminus at Balls Buff Battlefield Park in Leesburg to Harpers Ferry.
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, coordinated by the National Park Service, is made up of a network of locally managed trails and routes in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and spans a corridor between
the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands.
The trail is largely complete in eastern Loudoun, with a few gaps to fill in. But building connections north and west of Leesburg remain challenging.
In leading the study, consultant Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects looked for routes that would be functional, safe and sustainably manageable, and would only cross private property with the permission of the owners. The resulting study primarily focused on links that follow existing roads, although there are options for new overland corridors through public and private land.
The report outlines three corridor options. Keeping the trail along the river shoreline would be the most challenging, requiring cooperative agreements with
On the Agenda
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proposals. The agreement includes full time on-site inspections, project administration, and construction engineering duties and related work.
“This is the next critical milestone in turning years of vision and advocacy into a real, transformative facility for our rural community,” Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) stated in an April 15 Facebook post.
The complex is an approximately 83,000 square-foot indoor recreation facility with an adjacent park on 142 acres. The facility will include meeting/classrooms, administrative office space, a gym, a kitchen, a fitness center, multi-purpose rooms, a running track, and an aquatics center with a competition pool, leisure pool, spa, spectator seating, wet classrooms, splash play area, and associated locker rooms.
The park will include up to ten athletic fields, field lighting, fencing, public utilities, parking, access from a public road, groundwater wells irrigation, public restrooms, concession facilities, staff offices, meeting rooms, storage, scorekeeper and umpire areas, a maintenance facility, picnic pavilions and bleachers.
Final designs are still underway and project leaders have held several community meetings to receive feedback from residents. Once the design is set, the project will undergo a special exception review process which takes the plans through the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. If approved, construction is expected to begin summer 2026.
Letourneau Plans
Dulles Town Hall
numerous private landowners. A Blue Route features a network of gravel and low volume roads that are closest to the river.
A Yellow/Orange Route provides a mix of river routes requiring cooperative agreements with private landowners and inland options along low volume and/or gravel roads.
A likely next step is extending the trail from Balls Buff Battlefield Park north to Limestone School Road as part of the planned widening of Rt. 15.
The report is intended to provide a starting point for future planning efforts involving the Loudoun County government and the National Park Service with the assistance of the NVRC staff.
To view the study, go to potomacheritagenova.com/loudoun-feasibility-study. n
Dulles District Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R) is planning a town hall focused on the county’s economy Monday, April 28.
The community meeting is proposed to help answer questions residents may have surrounding impacts from federal changes, the state of data center development and efforts to drive more retail and office. It will be attended by Executive Director of Economic Development Buddy Rizer. Residents will also have the chance to ask questions about any issues they are concerned about.
The meeting will be held in the auditorium at Mercer Middle School at 7 p.m. The event will be livestreamed from Letourneau’s Facebook page for community members who are unable to attend in person. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
The inside of an Equinix data center in Ashburn, home to the world’s largest collection of data center buildings.
Mountainside Overlay
continued from page 4
by County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) would have first sent the item to the board’s Transportation and Land Use Committee for review.
Kershner said that because of the regulation’s rigidity, residents were having trouble meeting the standards and the planning staff did not have the freedom to work toward solutions.
“In some of these situations, special exceptions, for example, aren’t even allowed,” Kershner said.
“Right now, there is no ability to modify or even to consider any differences to what the standards are,” Director of Planning and Zoning Daniel Galindo said. “So, we would be looking at what staff could recommend for a better to option that would at least allow potential for a modification, not something that’s automatic, but something gives the board or, maybe even the Zoning Administrator, some leeway to make things work and not be quite so rigid.”
Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) said she was not sure why special board action was needed because review of the district is already included in the ongoing Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Western Loudoun and Rural Uses amendment process. The Mountainside Overlay District is expected to be reviewed in September by the stakeholder group.
Galindo said the overlay district was included in the rural amendment process to discuss broad issues, while Kershner was attempting to solve a concern associated with a few specific regulations. Doing it on its own would likely be faster, he added.
“There are so many people who have come to us and said it is rigid, our Zoning Ordinance is rigid. … We’re fixing that, so I’d rather fix it in a comprehensive, wholistic view than look at it as a one-off. Because I could bring a bunch of these as one-offs,” TeKrony said.
Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said by pulling this one item out of the rural CPAM and ZOAM review process, the board gives it priority over everything else in that process.
Kershner’s proposal failed 4-4-1 with TeKrony, Turner, Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) and Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) opposed, and Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) abstaining.
County Attorney Leo Rogers proposed an alternative approach that would suspend lawsuits related to violations of the Mountainside Overlay District until after the September discussions.
Kershner said one of the reasons he had brought the original motion forward was because he has a constituent who is in violation of the district who has been working with the county to come into compliance. However, because of the rigidity of the
regulations, is unable to.
“As long as we are going to discuss this potential solution to these minor fixes in September, the county attorney could hold off on filing a lawsuit if we are continuing to make progress,” Kershner said.
“I’m not saying you have to do this,” Rogers said. “What I’m saying is, right now we have a code violation for which there is not a solution under the mountain overlay district so I’m supposed to bring a suit for enforcement, and this would delay the filing of that suit.”
Galindo said the board could add language to Kershner’s motion that would clarify the lawsuit enforcements would only be suspended for existing violations.
Supervisors said they would rather have known that information prior to the meeting.
“So basically, we’re trying to change zoning and let this mountain overlay district issue leapfrog everything else for one constituent who was just about to get sued?” Briskman asked.
Turner said he felt the motion was “wholly inappropriate.”
“If the board took a vote on this dais at a public meeting to absolve one person from a zoning violation, doesn’t that establish a legal precedent that if anybody in the county has a zoning violation that we’re going to prosecute? They’d have every right to come before this board with precedent and say, ‘I’d like a vote of the board to waive your enforcement of my violation in that Zoning Ordinance?” he asked.
Rogers said he did not think so because the board is already slated to discuss the regulations in September.
“That would be the better approach when looking for compliance,” he said.
“I’m frankly appalled that we’re even having this discussion,” Turner said. “I think it’s unprecedented.”
But Randall said if supervisors had agreed to send the item to committee for review, they would have had more clarity on the issue and that she was appalled that the board had not offered Kershner “grace” and “professional courtesy.
“There was no reason today not to send this to TLUC. None at all. It would not have hurt a thing to send this to TLUC,” she said.
Kershner said his intention was not to create a carve-out for a single constituent.
“I apologize if my communication was not as clear as it could have been,” he said. “… All I was asking as a result of this motion, since it’s the will of the board to address this in September, can we have a motion so that we don’t have to file a lawsuit and someone has to answer and we have to go through all that process that’s going to take two years anyway because we might be able to come to a solution.”
Kershner’s motion to suspend lawsuit enforcement of existing violations of the Mountainside Overlay District pending the September discussions passed 6-3 with Turner, Saines and Briskman opposed. n
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Leesburg Seven Tea House Earns Accolades in Global Championships in Las Vegas
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
Reflecting on winning three awards at the 2025 Global Tea Championship at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, Cody Yu, the owner of Leesburg-rooted Seven Tea House said, “if you keep doing good things, good things will happen.”
The site of the biggest tea event in the world, the expo in March saw over 1,000 companies submit samples to the championship. Judges evaluated submissions in numerous categories including leaf teas such as white, green, oolong, black, and pu’er, while also holding awards for matchas.
The Imperial Dragon Well, a staple Seven Teahouse item, won two awards – one
Planning Commission’s Draft Zoning Ordinance Review Dives into Uses, Floodplains
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
The town Planning Commission continued its review of the draft Zoning Ordinance rewrite last week, taking a deep dive into sections that cover land use regulations and standards.
Director of Community Development James David said the proposed ordinance’s use categories offer additional flexibility allowing the zoning administrator to “make determinations on uses as the market evolves, as long as they meet the characteristics of the categories.”
“Basically, if the use is listed, and somebody comes along and they propose their business, and the zoning administrator can look at the use, look at the definition, say, ‘yep, you meet that,’” David said.
He said that, under the current Zoning Ordinance, people who have an unlisted use are required to seek an amendment to add it.
“One example is the continuing care facility that we were talking about earlier
at Meadow Brook,” David said. “We didn’t have that term in the Zoning Ordinance. The owners and developers were ready to go, but they had to wait for the town to catch up and put the continuing care facility term and associated standards in the Zoning Ordinance.”
During the April 17 work session Commissioner Brooks Spears asked whether a developer would have to satisfy the definition of a specific use or the definition of a use category.
Zoning Administrator Michael Watkins said meeting the characteristic for a use category would be “the first test.”
The commission also reviewed Article II Section 7-3 of the draft ordinance, which covers the Floodplain Overlay District. The regulation applies to “all privately and publicly owned lands within the jurisdiction of the Town of Leesburg that are susceptible to being inundated by water from the base flood and having a drainage area greater than 100 acres.” In those areas, the ordinance would permit agricultural uses, recreational uses and accessory residential uses such as gardens
Extended Sidewalk Dining Returns
The Friday night sidewalk dining program is returning to King Street in downtown Leesburg starting May 2 and continuing through the summer.
King Street between Market and Loudoun streets will be closed on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. to accommodate designated outdoor dining areas for participating restaurants. Retail businesses within the closure area will be allowed to display merchandise in front of their stores.
The extended dining program will not take place on May 23, July 4, Aug. 8, Aug. 29, and Sept. 26. Inclement weather can also cancel the event.
Police Department to Host Retail Theft Forum
The Leesburg Police Department is inviting retail and loss prevention professionals to attend the second annual Retail Theft Forum on Tuesday, May 13.
and play areas among a few others.
Commission Chair Gigi Robinson said no uses should be allowed in floodplains.
“Floodplain to me is a washing machine for water,” Robinson said. “It’s supposed to go through these marshes, get clean, and then it travels onward. To have a use within the washing machine is like throwing cleats in your washer. It doesn’t work. Especially something that is of high nutrients, golf courses, nurseries, all that runoff going right into what I’m trying to purify the water from is defeating.”
David made the point that floodplains cover a significant portion of the town, and said the town tries to strike a balance between what uses could occur in those areas that allow people “reasonable use” of their properties without disrupting the watershed.
“I would hesitate to say no uses in all of this land area because it would be a significant impact to a lot of these landowners,” David said.
The Planning Commission will continue its review of the draft Zoning Ordinance at its next meeting, Thursday, May 1. n
The forum, taking place at 8 a.m. at the lower-level banquet hall of the Ida Lee Recreation Center, aims to continue building partnerships between law enforcement and the business community to address growing challenges of retail theft and organized retail crime.
The forum is free and open to community stakeholders, security personnel, loss prevention specialists and retail professionals.
Veterans Park Community Meeting Planned
The public is invited to a preconstruction community meeting for the upcoming Veterans Park at Ball’s Bluff project.
The first phase of that project includes a two-lane access road from Ball’s Bluff Road to the Potomac River, parking facilities, an accessible boat ramp, and other related improvements. Construction on Phase One is expected to begin in mid-May, and be completed by summer 2026.
The second phase of the project, to be completed in fall 2029,
AROUND TOWN continues on page 10
William Timme/Loudoun Now
Seven Tea House Owner Cody Yu, prepares tea in his Leesburg shop weeks after victories at the Global Tea Championship.
SEVEN TEA HOUSE continues on page 10
Plan to Lower Out-of-Town Utility Rates Advances
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
The Town Council on Monday night was briefed on a billing transition that will lower water and sewer rates for 3,300 out-of-town utility customers starting July 1.
The rate reduction is a result of the town’s Compass Creek annexation agreement with Loudoun County government.
A stipulation of the settlement between the county and the town requires that the county make a $2 million annual payment to the town by July 1. The town will use that economic development grant to end the practice of imposing a 50% surcharge on out-of-town utility customers.
The change will affect around 3,300
out-of-town accounts, representing 17% of the 17,000 accounts the town currently serves, Director of Utilities Amy Wycks said during the April 21 work session. The town plans to send those customers a letter explaining the rate changes later this month and add a webpage for the out-of-town customers that will include answers to frequently asked questions.
The $2 million economic development payment is subject to a 3% inflation escalator each year.
In January, the Town of Leesburg annexed more than 400 acres of land at Compass Creek for economic development– the culmination of six years of negotiation with the county. Anticipated tax revenues from data centers in the area could reach up to $16 million by fiscal year 2031. n
Seven Tea House
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for the best overall pan-fired green tea, and another for having the best leaf profile among green teas. The Leesburg shop also took home the best pu’er leaf profile award for its Golden Spring Pu’er-shou.
Those wins mark the first time a Virginia-based tea house has been victorious at this level.
Yu said he wants to bring the 5,000year history of tea in China to the Leesburg community and explained the lore behind his award-winning Imperial Dragon Well tea.
“It’s one of the most famous green teas in China,” Yu said.
He said Dragon Well leaves originate from a small town in West Lake, China. Yu also said that the name dragon could only be bestowed by an emperor.
Dragon well green teas are the top green tea in China every year, according to Yu. He said people “fight for it” every spring, adding that it took Seven Tea House a lot of effort to get the first harvest.
Seven Tea House cooperates with tea farmers in China and sources “a very high standard” of fresh leaves, Yu said.
Yu and his aunt began their venture in the farmers market in One Loudoun two years ago. He said many people came to know and love the tea, leading the two to open the shop in the Village at Leesburg last year.
“We always wanted to have a shop,” Cody said. “Even though there’s a lot of tea shops in the United States, a lot of tea shops – but as people know, most of the tea shops are bubble tea. They don’t know what real tea should taste like.”
Cody runs the shop with an educational angle, utilizing his tea knowledge to give customers in-depth explanations of how different types of tea are made, where those teas come from, and the health benefits packed into each product. He also hosts tea classes, called Tea Sense.
Cody said the classes serve as a sensory
Around Town
continued from page 8
will include roadway upgrades, additional parking, a picnic pavilion, upgrades to the existing silos, and trail improvements.
Adjacent to the Potomac River in northeast Leesburg near the Potomac
experience, where participants can “slow down their lives” and see, touch, taste, and smell the tea. The class also emphasizes the myriad health benefits provided by different teas.
“What’s the best for your body, and what’s the best taste for your mouth?” Yu asked. “Everybody’s going to give me a different answer. It’s not about, ‘I recommend this, this is good tea for everybody.’ You should find a good tea for yourself.”
He gave an example, making note that pu’er tea is good for people with digestive and bloating problems. Pu’er also boasts a richer, earthier taste, which Yu said makes for a great coffee substitute.
Yu said he wanted to do more promotion for their pu’er tea, because he wants people to know they have more options than green and black tea. Seven Tea House’s victory in the pu’er category is a result of that dedication, especially given the high standard of competition, Yu said.
The three judges, also known as tea masters, would have thrown away samples of tea before trying them if the leaf shape wasn’t up to par, Yu said. After that, they test the tea for mouth feel, flavor, aroma, and then do a second brewing with the same leaves to see how well the flavor sticks. There’s also a purity test, where the masters judge how clear looking the tea is.
The winning teas, including the Seven Tea House originals, were presented for a tasting at the tea bar during the expo.
“We always have a good standard for tea,” Yu said. “We feel pretty excited because we didn’t expect that these things would come so fast. It’s only the second year for us, so we are happy to share the news to the local community– let people know where you can find good tea. If you’re living in this area, come here to check it out.”
Seven Tea House is located at 1607 Village Market Blvd., Suite 104 in Leesburg. To learn more, go to seventeahouse.com. n
Crossing neighborhood, the land for the park project was acquired by the town in 2001.
The preconstruction community meeting will be held in Room #31 of Ball’s Bluff Elementary School on Wednesday, April 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
More information about the project can be found at leesburgva.gov/veteranspark. n
Youth Report Highlights Drug Concerns, Recommends More Teen Spaces
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
While youth overdose cases in the county are declining, easy access to drugs and alcohol remains a top concern of students, according to the latest survey conducted by the Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth.
Reported overdoses decreased from 22 in 2023 to six in 2024, but students participating in the State of the Youth survey still view drugs and alcohol as very attainable to them. Thirty-eight percent of students said alcohol was readily available to them, and investigations by the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office found that nearly half of vape shops checked were selling to minors.
Along with drug availability, the report, compiled by the Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth, also found that few dedicated spaces for teens, such as libraries and community centers, are open late or on weekends.
The report is based on data collected from a 2024 survey. There were over 300 respondents, 268 youths between the ages of 13 and 20 and 68 parents. Topics included mental health, substance use, and perceptions of drug availability. It also used data such as school statistics, emergency room visits related to selfharm, overdoses and census data.
The report highlights concerns over
early exposure to alcohol and drugs, including vape pens, that can lead to addiction into adulthood. It also identifies vape pens as harmful because of the chemicals they contain, including nicotine, are linked to lung disease and cancer.
Data from the last two surveys the question of substance availability was asked, in 2016 and in 2022, showed that high school students could easily obtain alcohol and drugs at school, and 2024 was no different. Thirty-eight percent
of respondents said that alcohol was the most readily available, with 17% answering drugs and 18% answering vapes as the easiest to obtain.
Written answers on the survey identified other students as the primary place to get substances, with vape shops also identified as a source. One respondent answered, “from the 100s of kids at school
YOUTH REPORT continues on page 12
School Board Approves New School Names: Gum Spring, Mildred and Richard Loving
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
As of July 1, Mercer Middle School will be renamed Gum Spring Middle School, and Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School will be known as Mildred and Richard Loving Elementary School.
The School Board approved the name changes Tuesday night, the latest actions in a five-year effort to remove division connections to slavery and systemic racism.
FHR was identified for renaming because its namesake, best known for her
decades-long career at the Loudoun Times-Mirror, founded Loudoun’s chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Mercer was marked because of its association with Charles Fenton Mercer, a congressman from Loudoun County who owned enslaved people during the 1800s.
Two renaming committees comprised of teachers, parents, and community members were tasked with reviewing their school’s name and coming up with three suggestions for a new name – one main suggestion and two alternates.
The FHR renaming committee voted
Morven Park Opens Youth Retreat Applications
The application period is open for Morven Park’s Youth Leadership Retreat. The free summer program is open to seventh and eighth graders.
Two three-day sessions will be held: July 15-17 and July 23-25. The applications deadline is May 12.
The leadership retreat provides students the opportunity for community engagement, team and leadership skills building, lessons in effective communication and to network with expert guest speakers for the event.
The session from July 15-17 will take place at the Claude Moore Recreation and Community Center in Sterling and the July 23-25 session will take place at Morven Park near Leesburg.
The program is offered in collaboration with Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. It is part of the Morven Park Center for Civic Impact. The program gets its funding from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Loudoun Chamber Foundation.
For more information and to apply, go to morvenpark.org/education/youth-leadership-opportunities.html.
Division Offers Virtual Bullying Prevention
The English Learners Family and Community Engagement Office of Loudoun County Public Schools is offering a virtual session on bullying prevention and education on April 29.
to present Loving Elementary as the first renaming choice, in honor of Mildred and Richard Loving, whose landmark court case made interracial marriage legal in all 50 states. The second choice was retaining the current name, and the third suggestion was Limestone Elementary.
The Mercer committee did not include the original name in the options. The first choice for renaming is Gum Spring Middle School, after the road and surrounding area of the school. The second choice was
SCHOOL RENAMING continues on page 13
The session is through the EL FACE initiative called The Family Room, which is a safe virtual space where the school community can come together to learn. They hold sessions like this one on the last Tuesday of every month.
The English and Spanish session is at 6 p.m. and the English and Arabic session is at 7 p.m.
School counselors will be present and participants will learn about what bullying is, how families can create safe and supportive environments, and bullying prevention at each school level. Questions are encouraged.
For more information, go to lcps. org/o/dtl/page/family-and-community-engagement. n
The dedicated space for teenagers at the Brambleton Library in Ashburn. According to the 2025 State of the Youth Report, 97% of libraries have dedicated teen spaces.
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Youth Report
continued from page 11
who do it,” according to the report.
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office in 2024 orchestrated an undercover operation to find out which vape shops are selling to minors under 21 years old and found that 14 out of 32 vape shops targeted were selling to minors.
The youth report identifies the level of vaping in the county as “epidemic levels.” Cited reasons for this include marketing vape products directly to teens.
“We’re always trying to increase youth’s perception of harm using substances and decrease their perception of availability. They’re feeling that drugs and alcohol and things as dangerous as fentanyl are readily available. We’re not seeing that change. We’re not seeing that youth feeling that drug use is more harmful than it was in the past,” said ACOY Vice Chair Michael Reles in an April 1 presentation to the Board of Supervisors.
ACOY recommendations to help address this issue include better education regarding the effects of drugs and alcohol. The report says that peer-to-peer models are more effective than education from adults, and recommends implementing them in the schools. It also recommends educating parents on legal consequences of drug sale and possession, as well as training all school and county staff members on substance screening and intervention.
Funds to youth court initiatives that prioritize treatment in lieu of more serious consequences for drug crimes is also endorsed, along with banning marketing vape products and packaging directly to teenagers.
a concern. On Fridays, libraries close at 5 p.m., except for Brambleton and Sterling libraries, which both close at 9 p.m. Cascades is the only library with an after-hours teen program. Community centers are closed by 6 p.m. on Fridays except for Douglass and Sterling community centers, which close at 10 and 9 p.m. On Saturdays, all of these places are closed by 5 p.m. Both recreation centers in the county are open later on these days.
Because of the gaps in teen spaces and after-hours activities, the commission recommends funding for teen spaces at all libraries and centers, providing more after-hours activities at libraries and centers, allowing low-income families to have reduced or free admission to recreation centers, and extending all library and community center hours until 9 p.m.
Data in the report says that libraries, parks and centers are properly situated to allow access to most of the population. Thirty-two percent of youth are within one mile of a library, and 28% of youth are within one mile of a community or recreation center. Additionally, 58% of youth are within one mile of a neighborhood park, according to the report.
“What we found is, libraries and community centers are the absolute best as far as proximity to our youth, with one exception, neighborhood parks,” Reles said. “But, libraries and community centers are twice as likely to have youth within one mile as our regional parks.”
Please Consider Joining Us for the 2025-2026 Loudoun County Fellows Program.
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Tim Bradley
CSLI City Director, Loudoun County
Email: t.bradley@cslewisinstitute.org Phone: (301) 325-8565
Another recommendation from the report is extending hours and availability of places like libraries, recreation centers and community centers. Creating more teenager-friendly spaces that are open later will encourage youth to hang out in safe areas outside of school hours.
Almost all Loudoun libraries have spaces for teenagers with the goal of providing safe spaces, opportunities to bond with trusted adults like librarians, and access to the internet, which is not always available to lower income families or those in rural areas, the report said.
Only three out of the seven community centers in the county – Douglass, Sterling and Lucketts – have designated areas for teenagers. Claude Moore is the only recreation center that has a teen space.
The commission also identified restricted hours on libraries and centers as
However, because not every place is served by local transit the ACOY recommends revisiting routes to make all centers accessibly by bus service and more accessible to youth by extension. Bus ridership, which has had fallen since the pandemic, could also be positively impacted by more youth riders, according to the report.
According to the report, overdoses among Loudoun’s youth comprise a high percentage of total overdoses in the area, according to the last readily available data in 2022. It shows that there are twice as many overdoses in the 15-19 age range as any other age group. However, the report did note that 2024 data is showing signs of overdoses decreasing.
There were six reported overdoses among youth in Loudoun County in 2024 and 22 overdoses in 2023. In the first three months of 2025, there has been one confirmed youth overdose reported in the county, according to the Sheriff ’s Office. That overdose was not fatal.
See the full report at tinyurl.com/2025stateofyouth. n
School Renaming
continued from page 11
Stone Ridge and the third was John Mercer Langston, an abolitionist and founder of Howard University’s Law School.
Both schools have had long processes for renaming, with many different viewpoints on whether to change them. Cost of implementing the changes and the impacts names have on students were big topics in the debates.
For FHR, conversations centered on whether Reid’s involvement with the UDC in her youth justified taking her name off the school. Some argued that the good she did in her lifetime outweighed her UDC involvement, while other said that her involvement disqualifies her from having her name on the school.
For Mercer, the arguments centered on whether the money would be well spent renaming the school since it wasn’t directly named after Charles Fenton Mercer himself, but was named for the former Election District for the area. The other side said that students knew about the connection with Mercer, and that
names do affect children.
Public commenters at School Board meetings and the April 9 public hearing reflected the committee debates, with some speakers criticizing School Board members for their position on the names.
During Tuesday night’s meeting, eight of the 10 speakers addressing the topic supported the name changes.
“I’m here on behalf of my daughter and every child who walks into a school named after someone who believed they were less than human. No one would name a school after Joseph Goebbels just because he supported literacy, then, why are we honoring a woman tied to the United Daughters of the Confederacy,”
Princess Mirabal said. “This is about refusing to celebrate oppression. We know what these names mean, and so do our children.”
Tim Rush was one who supported keeping the names, and supported Mercer himself.
“Mercer was one of the most outstanding figures in American history,” he said.
The School Board had three options for voting on the names: pick a name from the recommendations, vote
not to rename at all, or pick something different entirely.
Members provided different viewpoints on the issue. Linda Deans (Broad Run) has been especially outspoken during the process, addressing both committees and urging an open mind and objectivity when making decisions. She said that she has tried to show grace and respect through the process.
April Chandler (Algonkian) strongly supported renaming after citing research that the names of schools do have effects on students, even inviting Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Latisha Ellis-Williams to share research supporting the name change at the April 22 meeting.
Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At Large) was also a strong supporter of renaming schools. She said she had heard from many community members on how the name affected them and would respect that.
“We had one of our own members who told us an anecdote of attending one of these schools and the impact that it had on her as person of color,” she said. “So, for one of us to sit here and say, ‘You’re telling me that that was your lived
truth, and I don’t believe that that is real.’ Just because I have not had that experience doesn’t mean that it’s not a valid experience.”
Deana Griffiths (Ashburn), Kari LaBell (Catoctin) and Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) voted against both of the renaming motions.
Griffiths said she opposed spending the money to change the school names, and that those funds should be used to support Title One schools. She also called the process “partisan and biased.”
Shernoff and LaBell specifically opposed renaming FHR to Loving because students were calling it “Dick Loving” after a popular nickname for Richard.
Donohue won support for an amendment that changed Loving Elementary to Mildred and Richard Loving Elementary. She did this in response to claims that Loving could be associated with Richard Loving’s ancestors who owned enslaved people and supported renaming wholeheartedly.
Both renaming votes passed 6-3, with Griffiths, LaBell and Shernoff opposed. n
Second Suspect in Fatal Shooting Faces Murder Charge
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office last week made a second arrest in connection with the April 12 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Broadlands.
Investigators arrested a juvenile male April 15 in Ashburn. He is charged with first degree murder—principle in the second degree. A principal in the second degree is someone who is present at the scene of a crime and either aids, abets, or encourages the commission of the crime. Because of the age of the defendant, his name has not been released and the case will be adjudicated in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Investigators previously charged 19-year-old Fadlalla Mohamed with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in the case.
According to police documents, on April 12 the victim and another juvenile drove to an apartment complex in Ashburn to wait for a person who had set up a drug transaction. Video surveillance allegedly shows Mohamed driving up in another vehicle, getting out and pulling
out a firearm and firing at the victim, shooting the victim in the neck. The juvenile drove away and parked in a nearby parking lot at the Harris Teeter store. There the victim was found alone and bleeding in the passenger seat. He died at the scene.
On Saturday, the one-week anniversary of the shooting, family members and classmates of the victim, Nicholas Mejia, gathered at the shopping center to hold a memorial service and release balloons in tribute.
Mohamed is scheduled to appear in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for a preliminary hearing is set for June 9. Mohamed was also charged in February with committing a consensual sex act with a minor over 15. He was released on bail March 3 pending a trial in that case.
Hearings for the second suspect will not be open to the public because he is a minor. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office declined to discuss details of the case against him. n
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now Friends and family members release balloons during an April 19 memorial service for 16-year-old
Nicholas Mejia who was fatally shot in Broadlands a week earlier.
SAFETY briefs
Fraud Case Against Loudoun Businessmen Ends in Mistrial
A federal district court jury in Texas last week issued one not guilty verdict but deadlocked on other charges in a trial involving two Loudoun business owners.
Edward Walsh Vaughan, owner of Droumavalla Farm near Lucketts, and Hadi Akkad, owner of Flying Ace Farm Distillery and Brewery near Lovettsville, were indicted in 2022 on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The charges stem from their involvement as executives with Electronic Transactions Systems Corporation, an Ashburn-based credit card processing company.
Federal investigators alleged the management team collected undisclosed markup fees on nearly 87 million card transactions for approximately 7,000 merchant clients. The City of Sherman, TX, was among the clients and raised concerns about the billing, spurring the investigation.
The jury found Akkad not guilty of money laundering, but did not reach a verdict on the wire fraud charge or the charges against Vaughan. The judge denied a defense motion for acquittal and the parties are scheduled to return to court next month to schedule a retrial.
Alleged Shoplifter Found with Narcotics Stash
An Ashburn man faces theft and drug charges following his arrest last week at the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets.
According to Leesburg Police, officers were called to the mall at approximately 3:15 p.m. April 17 for a report that a man had taken items from multiple stores.
Officers apprehended the suspect, Michael T. Paul, 36, who was found with bags containing stolen merchandise from the Cosmetics Store, Nike, Aeropostale, Sunglass Hut, and Old Navy. During a subsequent search of his vehicle, officers found burglary tools and more than 150 pills consisting of a large variety of scheduled narcotics, along with a blank prescription pad.
Paul is charged with narcotics possession with intent to distribute, possession of burglarious tools, and four counts of larceny/shoplift-
ing. He was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 2 in General District Court.
Additional charges pending are pending, according to the report.
According to court records, Paul in January was charged with eight crimes related to fraudulent prescriptions. That case ended in March with no further prosecution.
Sheriff’s Office Investigates Suspected Student Overdose
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a suspected fatal overdose of a Loudoun County Public Schools student.
The overdose happened off school grounds and outside of school hours. Superintendent Aaron Spence sent out a notification to parents Monday just after 5 p.m. No details of the incident were released.
“We thought it was important to notify you and to continue to bring to light the ongoing issue our community is facing. The abuse of substances is a local, state and national crisis, and we are grappling with how best to navigate it as a school division and community,” Spence stated in the email.
Naloxone is available at all LCPS schools. It is carried by at least one administrator, every school counselor, athletic trainer and health staff personnel. There has been one confirmed youth overdose in 2025, according to the Sheriff ’s Office.
Substitute Teacher Charged with Indecent Exposure
The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office on Monday charged a substitute teacher at Stone Hill Middle School with indecent exposure after an incident reported near the Ashburn campus this morning.
Wade Ponce De Leon, 31, was arrested just before 11 a.m. April 21 after deputies responded to reports of a man engaging in a sexual act alone in a parked vehicle near the school. The vehicle was parked about 200 feet from the school’s back entrance, according to the report.
Stone Hill’s school resource officers confirmed that Ponce De Leon had reported for work earlier that morning.
He was scheduled to appear for a bond hearing Wednesday at 11:05 a.m. n
Charles Town Family Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Sean Grady, DDS
Charles Town Family Dentistry is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Sean Grady, DDS, to our dental professional team. The brand-new office will be opening in May 2025 and is ready to serve the community by building exceptional patient relationships and providing top quality care to create your perfect smile. Dr Grady is pleased to be offering his services in a comfortable and modern setting.
Dr Grady has over 30 years of experience in a wide range of family dentistry, complex smile makeovers, and Invisalign. Dr. Grady offers expert treatment to restore your smile to its natural beauty. For those requiring more advanced options, the practice also provides dental implants and dentures to help you achieve optimal oral health and appearance. For those wanting cosmetic options or smile enhancement, the practice will be offering veneers and whitening too.
The office is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a digital lab that enables same-day treatment options, so patients can get the care they need without the hassle of multiple visits. This modern facility is designed with patient comfort in mind, offering a relaxing and welcoming environment for all ages.
Charles Town Family Dentistry is now accepting appointments, and Dr. Grady and the entire team are eager to serve the community with top-quality dental care. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today! 681-777-6453 or schedule online at charlestownfamilydentistry.com.
Nonprofits
Cyclists Alert: Ride to End ALZ Returns to Morven Park May 3
The Alzheimer’s Association Ride to End ALZ Nation’s Capital returns to the region on Saturday, May 3 bringing hundreds of cyclists from across the country to Loudoun County.
In its fourth year, the event raises money supporting Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Since 2022, the ride has raised more than $1.3 million. The goal for this year’s event is $750,000, with over 500 cyclists expected to participate.
The ride will start and finish at Morven Park near Leesburg. Participants will follow scenic routes in Loudoun County ranging from 10 to 100 miles, along with a breakfast and an after-party.
Marisa Daley, president of The MIL Corporation, is the executive leadership chair of this year’s Ride. “There is a need to expand awareness of the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and this event and I can help accomplish that,” she stated. “As an avid cyclist, I know my professional
and athletic networks can bring new faces and connections to expand the success of this ride in its fourth year.”
Carol Stone, whose mother and mother-in-law had Alzheimer’s, helped to launch the inaugural Ride to End ALZ
Nation’s Capital in 2022. “Meeting the volunteers and participating in the Ride is incredibly inspiring. Hearing their stories is emotional yet heartwarming. The connection to the mission and the support for each other is profound. It is magical! Build a team, donate, volunteer, spread awareness, advocate. You will be glad you did. There is so much we can and will accomplish together,” she stated.
Sponsors for this year’s event include iHeart station Hot 99.5, Trek, and MIL Corporation.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older. Riders are required to pay a $75 registration cost and agree to raise the fundraising minimum of $500 to participate. Fundraising incentives include the exclusive Ride to End ALZ jersey.
For more information and to register, go to alz.org/ridedc or contact Jessica Wells, National Director, Ride to End ALZ, at 407.415.8611 or jwells@alz.org. n
Contributed
More than 500 cyclists from across the country will gather at Morven Park on May 3 to join the Ride to End ALZ on route of 10 to 100 miles through the Loudoun countryside.
Romero Joins CMO Effort to Boost Healthcare Workforce
Former Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia C. Romero has joined the board of directors of Claude Moore Opportunities, a nonprofit working to address the commonwealth’s healthcare workforce shortage.
Romero brings Hampton Roads representation and extensive experience in community health and healthcare workforce development to the CMO board comprised of other healthcare, finance, business, and philanthropy leaders leading the statewide campaign to bolster the healthcare workforce.
According to Old Dominion University Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, the Hampton Roads region will face a shortfall of 139 new nurses every year until 2031. This shortfall reflects statewide trends, as the George Mason University Center for Health Workforce projects significant statewide shortfalls in needed nurses, lab techs, pharmacy techs, and counselors in the years ahead as Virginia confronts a wave of retirements and increased demand associated with an aging population.
A 2023 study conducted for the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority found that approximately 30% of Virginia’s population lives in a federally designated “Health Professional Shortage Area” or a “Mental Healthcare Professional Shortage Area.”
“Dr. Romero’s experience as a physician, educator, and Virginia’s top healthcare advisor makes her perfectly suited to help guide our efforts at Claude Moore,” stated Dr. Bill Hazel, CEO of Claude Moore Opportunities in the announcement. “Her statewide experience and deep roots in Hampton Roads will help Claude Moore achieve its mission of supporting collaborative healthcare workforce development efforts in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
Since its founding in 2024, Claude ROMERO continues on page 19
Volunteers Plant Milkweed Garden at Claude Moore Park
Volunteers working through the global nonprofit Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan gathered at Claude Moore Park on Sunday to plant milkweed seeds to support pollinator populations and restore the natural habitat.
The event was part of DSNDP’s larger environmental campaign, including the National Tree Plantation and Conservation Drive that resulted in the
planting of more than 20,000 trees in 15 states and 34 U.S. cities. The outreach is rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
The planting effort at Claude Moore Park included 11 volunteers planting 500 milkweed seeds at the park’s visitors' center.
Learn more at dsndp.com. n
Volunteers plant a milkweed garden at the Claude Moore Park Visitors Center on April 20.
Romero
continued from page 18
Moore Opportunities has raised more than $1.1 million and distributed nearly $275,000 in charitable funds to create more pathways into good paying healthcare careers and to meet Virginia’s healthcare workforce needs. The organization supports regional healthcare workforce development initiatives across Virginia that bring together stakeholders including local and state workforce agencies, private employers, public school systems, colleges and universities, and other community partners. During CMO’s first year, nonprofit launched of a veterans healthcare workforce initiative, created a regional roadmap for healthcare job creation, and provided more than $100,000 in healthcare training equipment and supplies to K-12 school systems and community colleges.
Romero serves as director of the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health in the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. She served as Virginia’s health commissioner from 2013-2014, overseeing an agency with
an annual budget of $626 million, 4,500 employees, and 119 health departments across 35 health districts. She previously served as chief medical officer and vice president for quality and medical affairs for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. She was in private practice for 20 years at Romero Family Practice with her mother as her partner and her father as her office manager for 16 of those years.
Claude Moore Opportunities was created by the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation to expand its work addressing Virginia’s workforce shortage and to provide increased career opportunities. The foundation has invested more than $24 million in workforce programs designed to provide entry points and advancement in healthcare careers. CMO will continue that work by building regional and statewide collaborations among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and others to fill employment gaps in critical roles.
The foundation was created by Dr. Claude Moore, a Sterling physician and real estate investor, to ensure his estate would be used to benefit the community. Since 1990, the foundation has distributed more than $100 million in grants to more than 345 organizations. n
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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”
This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753. fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
Mullet Joins
Wellness Connections
Psychiatrist
Adam Mullet is the newest member of the Wellness Connection staff in Stone Ridge.
“I’m excited to be part of a community that prioritizes connection and well-being,” he stated. “I love the depth of this work— helping people understand themselves, overcome challenges, and build fulfilling lives. Every day is different, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and healing of my patients over time.”
Mullet said he is driven by the opportunity to foster a sense of
community and ensure that every patient feels heard and understood. “Seeing patients make progress—whether through small steps or major breakthroughs—keeps me inspired,” he stated.
In addition to his medical background as a board-certified psychiatrist, Mullet is an avid backpacker and has interests in philosophy, literature, and spirituality, having studied Religious Studies before becoming a psychiatrist.
The Wellness Connection was founded in 2009 by licensed therapist Susan McCormick to offer mental health counseling and holistic healing programs.
Learn more at wellnessconnectionllc.com. n
Loudoun United, VA Revolution Merge
Loudoun United FC and Virginia Revolution Soccer Club have announced a merger aimed at creating a “premier soccer institution that redefines the regional soccer landscape.”
The partnership comprises Virginia Revolution, DC United and Attain Sports and will be managed by Virginia Revolution’s principal owner Jim Miller. It will also transform Loudoun United from a team to a fully integrated club, based in Virginia Revolution’s 37-acre RavenTek Park sports complex south of Leesburg.
The transaction comes as Loudoun United enjoys its best performance to date in the USL Championship league. The team currently sits at the top Eastern Division standings. Midfielder Abdellatif Aboukoura also leads the league in goals scored and was named the league’s Player of the Month in March.
“This partnership represents an exciting new era for soccer in our region,” CEO and Managing Partner of Attain Sports Greg Baroni said. “By integrating facilities, player development programs and community opportunities, we are not just building teams. We are building a club where athletes of all levels can reach their highest potential.”
According to the announcement, a key goal of the merger is to create pathway for
local young athletes to reach the professional structure of the USL Championship.
“This is more than a merger,” President of Virginia Revolution and newly appointed president of Loudoun United Nicko Eckart said. “It is a commitment to building a legacy of soccer excellence. By uniting our resources, expertise, and vision, we are unlocking new opportunities for players and fans while cementing the region as a leader in the sport.”
Loudoun United just secured their first-ever home win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in a 2-1 victory at Segra Field near Leesburg. They play against Lexington SC on Saturday April 26 next. Lexington SC stadium is located at 200 Shives Drive in Lexington, KY. n
Mullet
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now The RavenTek Park sports complex south of Leesburg is now home to Loudoun United FC.
Towns
Lovettsville Pastor Brings the Steeple to the People
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After COVID-19 caused a decline in attendance at Zion and Bethel Lutheran churches, Lovettsville Pastor Andreas Armstrong decided he needed to get creative about how to serve his community. It was that need that led to him establishing the Steeple to the People initiative.
“We still wanted to be there for the people even though they were somewhat frightened about coming out so I would
AROUND towns
LOVETTSVILLE
Spring Cleanup
Planned Sunday
In honor of Earth Day April 22, Keep Loudoun Beautiful and the Town of Lovettsville are hosting the annual Spring Community CleanUp this weekend.
The family-friendly event will start with a check-in and orientation where volunteers will receive their cleaning supplies, area assignments and safety instructions. Residents will help beautify the community-shared spaces and promote environmental responsibility.
The work will take place from 1 to
usually go and try to take them communion and spend a little time with them and someone from the congregation said, ‘Why don’t we go with you?’ And that began an incredible opportunity.”
Armstrong said Steeple to the People brings worship, community and joy to the Lovettsville area by taking the church to the homes, garages, porches and backyards of whomever wants it. And, you don’t have to be a member of a church to benefit from it, he said.
4 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at the Town Green. Register to volunteer at shorturl. at/kS3yR.
Utility Operator Position Opens
The town is hiring a utility operator for it water and wastewater treatment plants.
The town is looking for someone with at least two years of water and/or wastewater operation experience, capable of performing technical work within the plants and assist with the upkeep of the associated buildings and grounds, according to the announcement. A Class 4 Virginia Wastewater or Water license is preferred upon initial hiring, with the expectation of obtaining both in a timely manner.
Apply at lovettsvilleva.gov.
“The fun of it and the joy of it came to our own sprits, not just those that we went to worship with,” he said. “One of our members said they would open their eyes and they would just be reading passages with us and singing hymns with us and it was just a joy to see how it brought peace and joy to their lives. It was transforming, I think, for all of us and many of them will say, ‘when are you coming back?”
Three Sundays a month, he and a small group of congregants will go to a home to
Town Calls for Boards, Committee Volunteers
The Town of Lovettsville is accepting applications for all positions on the Commerce and Business Development Committee, Infrastructure Committee, Events Committee, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Joining a committee, commission, or board allows residents to share ideas, voice opinions, and actively contribute to shaping the town’s future.
Completed applications may be emailed to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov, delivered to Town Hall, or dropped off at the Town Administrative dropbox, located beside the Lovettsville Museum. Questions may be sent to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov. Find applications online at tinyurl.com/y82725zx.
sing hymns and read the Bible. One Sunday a month is still reserved for in-church services, but Armstrong said Steeple to the People is about meeting the community where they are at and a lot of them can’t get out to church on Sunday mornings for a variety of reasons.
Armstrong said he brings a small speaker that plays music and has handouts with the words so everyone can sing. Then typically he will read scripture and pray with the group. There’s no expectation for the family or individual to provide refreshments or give any money to the church.
“We don’t pass around the hat or anything,” he said.
Armstrong said he’s just glad to be able to serve the Lovettsville-area residents. He hopes the initiative will continue to grow and that he’ll be able to reach more of the community. And he said they’re more than happy to work around whatever fits best with each individual’s need.
“We’ll go wherever they feel comfortable and wherever that we can bring God’s good news to them rather than having them come to us,” Armstrong said.
“We don’t want anyone to feel like they need to clean up… we can even sing outside their open window,” he added.
Gatherings typically last 30 minutes and begin around 11:30 a.m. Individuals interested in having Armstrong and a small group come to worship at their home can call him at 703-938-9444 or email steeple2people@aol.com. For more information, go to bzchurches.org. n
Valley Vipers Honor Miller as Hometown Hero
The Virginia Valley Vipers basketball team is honoring Los Angeles Clippers player Jordan Miller and his nonprofit organization, Industry 11, during its April 27 Hometown Hero Day.
Miller is a former Loudoun Valley High School basketball star. Industry 11 creates opportunities for youth, particularly those from underserved communities, through scholarships, training, and mentorship.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the Vipers to support a meaningful cause
AROUND TOWNS continues on page 22
PURCELLVILLE
Contributed
Lovettsville Pastor Andreas Armstrong brings worship and community to area residents through his Steeple to the People initiative, started to meet community members where their needs were during COVID-19.
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Lovettsville Celebrates with Eggstravaganza
Over 7,200 eggs went into creating Lovettsville’s 2025 Eggstravaganza on April 19.
The family event was sponsored by the Lovettsville Waterford Ruritans and featured goat petting, face painting, egg hunts and even unicorn rides.
Lovettsville Mayor Christopher Hornbaker served as emcee for the event. The Easter Bunny also made an appearance for pictures. Prizes for winning races, egg tosses and guessing how much candy was in a jar ranged from money to keeping the candy jar. n
Around Towns
continued from page 21
through Industry 11,” Vipers Director of Communications & Media Relations Josh Kirby stated in the announcement. “I’ve heard about the incredible impact Jordan has had on the western Loudoun and Purcellville communities, and we’re honored to spotlight him and the important work his nonprofit is doing.”
As part of the celebration, 11% of all
ticket sales from the Vipers’ home game on Saturday against the Frederick Flying Cows will be donated to Industry 11. The proceeds will support Miller’s upcoming local summer basketball camps for youth. Those camps will be held in June and August at Loudoun Valley High School and Harper Park Middle School. Learn more about the local basketball camps at 1ndustrye1even11.com.
Tickets for the April 27 matchup are on sale at virginiavalleyvipers.com. Miller will not be present for the game. n
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now
A little girl gets a “unicorn” ride at Lovettsville’s Eggstravaganza.
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now
Nine through 12 year olds race to pick up the most candy-filled eggs.
LIVE MUSIC
BINGO GIGOLOS
4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Lansdowne Woods Clubhouse, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne. lwva.org
JUST DOUG
5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
JOEY AND THE WAITRESS BAND
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen Leesburg, 1 N. King St., Leesburg. eatatrellion.com
CHRISTIAN LOPEZ
W/JUSTIN TRAWICK
7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com
TOMMY BOUCH
2 to 5 p.m. Friday, April 25
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
RYAN SILL
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
BLUEGRASS JAM
5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 25
Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com
NATHANIEL DAVIS
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25
Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com
FREDDIE LONG
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg. vanishbeer.com
ZACH JONES
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 25 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
DYLAN WOELFEL
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 25
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 24
Behind the Stage at the Loudoun School of Ballet
BY KATIANA DAWN
The Loudoun School of Ballet in Leesburg is a Loudoun staple of performance opportunity, a creative hub, and place with training of technical precision. The students who attend classes are part of a hardworking and determined community who thrive in a high intensity environment that pushes dancers to the peak of their ability.
The Loudoun School of Ballet opened in 1977 with the goal of bringing excellent dance training to the area. The school branched out to create the Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company in 2016 to give devoted dancers additional training and performance opportunities outside the traditional classroom and recital setting.
The quality of instruction directly impacts the success of the school and company. Two of the artistic directors for Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company speak to the quality of leadership and education that the students receive while attending and dancing with LSB.
Maureen Miller, current artistic director with the Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company and director of LSB’s ballet department, became ballet mistress for the school in 1993. Her journey as an artistic director for the company began in 2004 after winning a choreography competition at the school.
Originally from Australia, Miller completed her Royal Academy dance exams and went to France to study internationally at the age of 18. She then danced in Slovenia for almost five years at the Slovene National Ballet Company where she toured throughout Europe. Upon leaving the Slovene National Ballet company, Miller made her trek to America. On this side of the Atlantic, Miller has danced for Maryland Ballet in Baltimore and has taught at a multiplicity of schools in the D.C. area including Capital Ballet, Maryland Youth Ballet, the Washington Ballet, and Catholic University Ballet.
Miller’s teaching is a combination of all her ballet backgrounds and techniques.
“While it’s still under the ballet umbrella all the trainings are slightly different so you can have Russian training, English training–there’s so many; French, Italian,” she said. “There’s many different styles and our dancers are adaptable so they can switch between each style, but we do more English. The technique doesn’t change. It doesn’t matter where you dance in the world, the technique stays the same.”
Miller’s impact reaches beyond the walls of the dance school and into the Loudoun community. In recent news,
Miller was nominated by the Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls for the induction into the Loudoun Women’s Hall of Fame.
Artistic Director Emily Maroni grew up dancing at the Loudoun School of Ballet. Her career continues as she dances alongside others in the LBPAC community. Initially, her path led to Hollywood and the commercial dance scene there.
Maroni danced in music videos, commercials and projects of all sorts. The pandemic in 2020 brought Maroni back to Loudoun. As the performance scene has slowly reawakened, she jumped right back into dance. She is preparing for an upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center.
With her return back to the area, Maroni began teaching at LBS and served as artistic director for the past two years.
“I fell into teaching while I was still doing my schooling. I graduated and fell in love with choreography. One of our artistic directors had retired so I took the position of ballet mistress during our Nutcracker season,” she said.
Miller and Maroni are constantly collaborating and learning from each other as they work to inspire their students and audiences. As choreographers, both have had original works performed by the Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company, including a Harry Potter-inspired work titled “The Wizard” by Maroni.
The two artistic directors share a style described as very lyrical and soft and that has a lot of feeling in it. “But yet we can still turn around to a mean Don Quixote,” Miller adds.
In addition to performing works creat-
ed by their artistic directors, students in the company are diligent about bringing classic ballets to life. The annual Nutcracker performance is a popular holiday excursion that brings the community out and fills up auditoriums quickly. Varying between seasons, shows have included “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” “Little Mermaid,” and “Peter and the Wolf.”
This weekend—April 26-27—the company will perform “Don Quixote” at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville. As they work toward the show, Maroni said their days are hectic, filled with planning, choreographing, teaching classes, and extra rehearsal preparations. Even though the days are long, she finds the effort is rewarding because of the work ethic of the students and the support they give each other.
“I’ll say I’m so thankful for the group of kids that we have right now because they are so positive and eager to learn, They’re supportive of each other and in the dance world sometimes that’s hard to find. That just makes the energy with it so much easier on our ends. The kids are willing to work hard and you take it week by week,” Maroni said.
The troupe offers two performances of “Don Quixote,” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27. For tickets, go to lbpac.org.
The school is active on social media and specifically popular on its Tik Toks that provide viewers a feel for their community and work that goes into the shows.
To see more of the work and for details of upcoming events go to lbpac.org and lsofballet.com or follow them on their social media platforms. n
Contributed
Loudoun School of Ballet artistic directors Maureen Miller and Emily Maroni.
ART COMES ALIVE
Saturday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. Freedom High School loudounsymphony.org
The Loudoun Symphony offers an evening of performing and visual arts with this collaboration with creative artists from around the county. The performance includes “Pictures at an Exhibition,’ along with works by acclaimed composers Alberto Ginastera and Jessie Montgomery.
GET OUT LIVE MUSIC
continued from page 23
THE BAND RAE
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 25
Solace Brewing Company, 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling. solacebrewing.com
HILARY VELTRI
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 25
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com
TEJAS SINGH
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 25
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com
THE RUSH EXPERIENCE
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 25
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com
CHILA JATUN
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 25
DoubleTree by Hilton Dulles Airport, 21611 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling. facebook.com/chilajatunbo
SHADE TREE COLLECTIVE
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 25
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
JASON MASI
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, Loudoun Station Farmers Market, 43751 Central Station Drive, Ashburn. eatloco.org
CURT CUNNINGHAM
12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com
BEST BETS
GREEN RIVER
Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.org
Celebrate the classic rock hits of Creedance Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty with Rick “Noodles” Horvath and his nationally touring tribute band.
PURCELLVILLE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
12 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Firemen’s Field Park, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville. purcellvilleva.gov
ZACH JONES
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com
JUMPTOWN
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
DRESS CODED
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
VICTOR TORRES
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com
STANLEY WHITAKER
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Three Creeks Winery, 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton. 3creekswinery.com
TODD BROOKS
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyards.com
MATT DAVIS
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
ERIC SELBY W/JAY SUMMEROUR
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Good Spirit Farm, 35113 Snickersville Turnpike, Round Hill. goodspiritfarmva.com
TJ SIMPSON
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
ESCHER STRING QUARTET
Sunday, April 27, 4 p.m. Waterford Old School waterfordconcertseries.org
Known for its profound musical insight and innovative programming, the Escher String Quartet has gained international acclaim for performances characterized by a perfect blend of technical precision and expressive depth.
Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
MARION SHEAFFER
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
LIBERTY STREET
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com
LAURA CASHMAN
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
GARY JAY & THE FIRE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com
JASON FRYE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. twotwistedposts.com
JAKE PHILLIPS
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
LENNY BURRIDGE
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
JOEY AND THE WAITRESS BAND
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com
TEJAS SINGH
4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival, 9 E. Market St., Leesburg. flowerandgarden.org
SOUTHERN WHISKEY
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
STELLAR RIDE
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
ERIC SELBY, THE STEVEN GELLMAN TRIO
7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Leesburg Listening Room @ Goosecup, 216 S. King St., Leesburg. $15. leesburgmovement.com
RIKI J
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 26 Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
VICTOR TORRES
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com
BRIAN JOHNSON
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com
GREEN RIVER
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com
DENNIS WAYLAND
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling.
crookedrunfermenation.com
TEJAS SINGH
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Velocity Wings Potomac Falls, 20789 Great Falls Plaza, Sterling. velocitywings.net
GET OUT
LIVE MUSIC
continued from page 24
MISSY RAINES & ALLEGHENY
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. luckettsbluegrass.org
LOUDOUN SYMPHONIC WINDS POPS CONCERT
7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. $10. loudouncommunityband.org
LOUDOUN SYMPHONY: ART COMES ALIVE
7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly. $35. loudounsymphony.org
SCOTT KURT
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
EMPTY POCKETS
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
RICHARD WALTON
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
LOUDOUN JAZZ JAM
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27
The Dell: Food & Brew Hall, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. atthedell.com
MEISHA HERRON
1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival, Courthouse Square, Leesburg. flowerandgarden.org
LAURA CASHMAN
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. okd690.com
MIKE TASH, MARY SHAVER AND BOB MALLARDI
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
BRITTON JAMES
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
IAN VEST
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
LOST CORNER VAGABONDS
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro.
868estatevineyards.com
NICK ANDREW STAVER
2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Casanel Vineyards and Winery, 17956 Canby Road,
Leesburg. casanelvineyards.com
HUME-FRYE
3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
JOEY AND THE WAITRESS BAND
3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville.
creeksedgewinery.com
ESCHER STRING QUARTET
4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Waterford Old School Auditorium, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. $45. waterfordconcertseries.org
MICHELLE HANNAN
& ONE BLUE NIGHT
4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
STRANGELOVE:
THE DEPECHE MODE EXPERIENCE
7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com
VERY LAST RESORT
5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Matchbox, 44720 Thorndike St., Ashburn. matchboxrestaurants.com
SHOOT DA 5
6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Emilio’s Brick Oven Pizza, 22207 Shaw Road, Sterling. emiliosbrickovengourmet.com
JASON MASI
6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 30
The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com
BACK TO THE BEACH
7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 30
Lansdowne Woods Clubhouse, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne. lvva.org
L.A. GUNS
7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 1
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com
HAPPENINGS
STORYTIME ON THE FARM
2 to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, April 24
2 to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, May 1
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. novaparks.org
TIL DEATH DO US PARTA NIGHT OF MYSTERY
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. $60. larkbrewingco.com
KICKBALL WITH COPS
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25
Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School St., Purcellville. purcellvilleva.gov
WINE AND UNWIND
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25
Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. $10. heritagefarmmuseum.org
GOOSE CREEK PLAYERS:
CLUE: ON STAGE
7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Friday, April 25
7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, April 26
2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. $25. franklinparkartscenter.org
BIRDING SWEET RUN
8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26
Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. loudounwildlife.org
HUGE COMMUNITY YARD SALE
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Pleasant Vally Rec. Association, 4347 Cub Run Road, Chantilly. pvra.org
LUCKY GUY MEMORIAL RIDE
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Motorcycles Of Dulles, 22890 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles.
motorcyclesofdulles.com
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, 22831 Hanson Park Drive, Aldie. loudoun.gov
WALK ‘N’ WHEEL FOR LGS RESEARCH
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. lgsfoundation.org
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. loudounwildlife.org
NATIONAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
West Side Stories, 201 N. 23rd St., Purcellville. sweetrosebakeshop.com
SPRING WINE FESTIVAL
12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Vino Bistro, 1605 Village Market Blvd. SE., Leesburg. $25. vinobistroonline.com
BROADLANDS ANNUAL TRUCK SHOW
12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, Southern Walk Clubhouse, 43081 Village Drive, Ashburn. roadlandshoa.org
LOUDOUN BALLET: DON QUIXOTE
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Loudoun Valley High School, 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville. $25. lbpac.org
WINE AND CRIME DINNER
6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Casanel Vineyards & Winery, 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg. $150. casanelvineyards.com
BIRDING MORVEN PARK
9 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 27
Morven Park Grounds, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org
JCFM SCHOLARSHIP CHARITY CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
ResQ BBQ, 528B E. Market St., Leesburg. $50. jcfmscholarship.com
HAMILTON VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD OPEN HOUSE
12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Hamilton Safety Center, 39071 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton. joinhvrs.org
Obituaries
Colonel John “Jack” Powers, USMC (Ret.), 1934–2025
Colonel John “Jack” Powers, USMC (Ret.), passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife of 40 years, Carole Baker-Powers, and their adoring children. A believer, proud Marine, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and true patriot, Jack’s life was marked by service, strength, and compassion.
Born July 8, 1934, in Harrisburg, PA, Jack was raised in Jeannette, PA, and was a standout football player at William Penn High School. He earned a degree in Economics from Saint Vincent College before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957.
Jack served for over two decades, including three combat tours in Vietnam. During Operation Hastings, he led an artillery battery providing vital support near the Demilitarized Zone. Jack’s brave, decisive leadership, and unwavering commitment to his men in those early days set the tone for a long and decorated military career Jack served as an instructor at the USMC Command and Staff College, contributed to major naval battleship commissions, and served as the Marine Corps coordinator for its 1975 Bicentennial celebration. After retirement, he remained active in the Marine community through Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps Detachment in Purcellville, Virginia.
Jack brought the same leadership and work ethic into his civilian career in construction management, where his “can-fix anything”, problem-solving spirit earned him respect. A man of grit and generosity, Jack was a loyal friend, a mentor, and a deeply committed family man. He loved animals, Porsche racing, cheering on the Steelers, and spending time with his 14 grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa Jack”.
His legacy will be carried on by his wife, Carole and his five sons and their families Eric Powers, Mark Powers (Sarah), Troy Powers (Stephanie), Eric Major (Lara), and Lane Major (Sandy); and grandchildren Stephen, Blake, Kaleb, Natalie, Eric, Ethan, Madison, Callie, Jack, Peyton, Ally, Bella, Lucciana, and Grace.
A celebration of life will be held on May 8, 2025, at 2:30 pm St. James’ Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St NW, Leesburg, VA. A reception will follow at River Creek Club at 43800 Olympic Blvd. Leesburg, Virginia 20176.
A private burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or the Humane Society of Loudoun County: https://humaneloudoun.org
Share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING ROOM, on the first floor of the Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
BOZA-2025-0001
(Hurley – Variance from Ridge Feature Protection Area for a Non-Habitable Accessory Structure)
Patrick Hurley, as Trustee of the Patrick Hurley and Kaitlynn Marie Hurley Living Trust dated December 4, 2024, has submitted an application for a variance for a property approximately 3.23 acres in size and located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Stumptown Road (Route 662), and Waterford Woods Court (Route 1346) in the Catoctin Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: 14676 Waterford Woods Court, Leesburg, Virginia, PIN: 222-28-1312-000, and Tax Map # /19//23////12/. The applicant seeks a variance from Section 7.01.04.B.4 of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the construction of a shed (a non-habitable accessory structure) within the Ridge Feature Protection area, Section 5.04C, on the Subject Property.
Copies of the application and related documents listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. County staff reports will be made available Wednesday April 23, 2025. Documents may also be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding these matters. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign up in advance. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 no later than 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177, or by e-mail to stephanie. capps@loudoun.gov. Members of the public may also submit comments electronically at loudoun. gov/landapplications. If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance in order to participate in the public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning & Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) or, TTY-711. Three business days advance notice is requested.
Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chair
Loudoun
County Board of Zoning Appeals
4/17 & 4/24/25
LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE
This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction.
This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.
TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC HEARING WATER/SEWER RATES AND LAND USE FEES
The Town of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on Monday May 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, VA for the purpose of receiving comment on the FY2026 budget, water/sewer and land use fees. PROPOSED WATER/SEWER RATES - ALL PROPERTIES
Flat rates
$42.88 per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons
$14.30 surcharge every 2 months
$113.61 every 2 months
$14.30 surcharge every 2 months
PROPOSED CHANGES TO LAND DEVELOPMENT FEE SCHEDULE - FY26 exIstINg
Sign Permit-Temporary
Sign Permit - Permanent
Subdivision Application
Preliminary Plat - Minor (3 lots or less)
Preliminary Plat - Major (4 + lots)
Preliminary Plat Revision
or $50/ lot (larger of)
or $10/ lot (larger of)
$300 + $15/lot $1,000 + $50/lot Same
Subdivision - Final Plat $300 or $20/ lot (larger of) $750+$50./lot*
Final Plat/Construction Plan Revision None $400*+$50/lot
Subdivision Major (3 lots or more)
$500 Delete
Subdivision - Final Plat Review $500 or $50/ lot (greater) Delete-redundant
Other Plats
None $500*
As-Built submissions None $250*
Bond approval, reduction or release None $750*
Bond extension None $250*
Waiver requests None $300*
Trailer Permit $300 $100*
B&B Permit None Same-Delete
Variance Application $350 $350*
Zoning Determination-Administrative None $250
Zoning Permit - New Construction Residential
Commercial or Industrial Accessory Structures: decks, additions, etc.
Interior Alterations: roof, replacement, siding, etc.
Ordinance Amendment
$150 $200 $75 No charge (but permit req.)
Same Same Delete additions, add demolition $75
None $150*
* Plus actual cost (ads, attorney fees, etc.) | ** State Code Maximum.
Legal Notices
TOWN OF LEESBURG DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES NOTICE OF WATER MAIN FLUSHING
The Town of Leesburg will conduct controlled flushing of water mains throughout the Town beginning April 21st through June 2nd , 2025. This preventative maintenance program is essential for maintaining the Town’s high standards of water quality.
Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment, removes air which may accumulate in the water mains and restores chlorine levels in areas of limited water use.
Water is safe to drink and safe to use during flushing. However, flushing may result in temporary discoloration and sediment in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, the Town recommends residents avoid doing laundry until the discoloration subsides. Flushing may also introduce air into the water, which may temporarily cause erratic flow or a milky look. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.
Some residents and businesses may experience lower than normal pressure during the flushing in their neighborhood. The Town regrets any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.
Please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075 for further information. For after-hour emergencies, call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.
4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Case No.: CL25-2309
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Toni Valentin-Slaughter v. Matthew Valentin-Slaughter
The object of this suit is to divorce
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Matthew Valentin-Slaughter appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before June 6, 2025.
4/24, 5/1, 5/8, & 5/15/25
ABC LICENSE
Viet Lucky, LLC, trading as Pho Bar, 19385 Promenade Dr., Leesburg, VA 20176-6501.
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages On and Off Premises application.
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.
4/24 & 5/1/25
LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES
Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.
VIVI E-BIKE BLACK/BLUE
COLOR S/N TL21ALT08064989 SO250006012 4/7/2025 EDGEWATER ST/ SARAZEN DR 571-367-8400
BLUE ROADMASTER
MOUNTAIN
(SERIAL
BLUE TREK BIKE S/N: WTU007XC1576V SO250006350 4/12/2025 WOD/IVANDALE RD 571-367-8400
ORANGE TREK BIKE S/N: WTU06606557K SO250006350 4/12/2025 WOD/IVANDALE RD 571-367-8400
4/24 & 5/1/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0077
Stone Ridge-Section 40
Mr. Derek DiDonato, Van Metre Homes at Stone Ridge VII, LLC, of Fairfax, Virginia is requesting preliminary record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately four (4.389) acres into twenty-four (24) lots and associated easements. The property is located north of Greenstone Drive (Route 2628), south of Pebblebush Place (Route 2630), and east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625). The property is zoned PD-H4 (Administered as R-8) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 205-46-9303-000 in the Dulles Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0077. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Suzanna Brady at Suzanna.Brady@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 28, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).
4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/25
FIND LOCAL EVENTS GETOUTLOUDOUN.COM
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Interim Appointment to Round Hill Town Council
The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing on May 7, 2025 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia to announce the names of all persons being proposed for the interim appointment of a vacancy on the Town Council, as well as making resumes or other information available.
This will be an interim appointment with a term ending on December 31, 2025. This seat will be on the ballot for the November 4, 2025 General Election for a four-year term (January 2026-December 2029).
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have been a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least one year, must have lived within the Town’s corporate limits for a minimum of six months, and must be registered to vote. Information about the roles and responsibilities of Council Members can be found on the Town’s website, www.roundhillva.gov
To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application for Board Positions (www.roundhillva.gov) and send it with a letter of interest and resume to Town Administrator Melissa Hynes (mhynes@roundhillva.gov) by 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Submissions can also be dropped off at the Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Council will conduct interviews with qualified applicants on the evening of May 7, 2025 before making an appointment on May 21, 2025.
The regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will begin after the public hearing.
4/24 & 5/1/25
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING
The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, May 14, 2025, in order to consider:
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY
Conveyance of Easement within Trailside Park to Dominion Energy
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to Dominion Energy a fifteen-foot-wide easement across County owned property known as Trailside Park located off of Claibourne Parkway (Route 901) in the Ashburn Election District. The easement is for the purpose of installing, laying, constructing, operating, repairing, altering, and maintaining underground conduit and cable lines to power and operate the telecommunication monopole approved as part of commission permit application CMPT-2023-0009 and special exception applications SPEX-2023-0020 and SPEX-2024-0036. The property on which the easement will be located is more particularly described as: 20375 Claibourne Parkway, Ashburn, Virginia, PIN: 115-17-1969-000, and Tax Map # /79/J11////PK/.
Copies of the draft deed of easement and plat showing the location of the above-listed conveyance, and associated documents, are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY
Conveyance of Easements within Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park to Loudoun County Sanitation Authority d.b.a. Loudoun Water
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to Loudoun County Sanitation Authority d.b.a. Loudoun Water, a thirty-foot-wide waterline easement, a twenty-foot-wide waterline easement, and a twenty-foot-wide sanitary sewer easement (the easements), all to be located across County owned property known as Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park in the Leesburg Election District. The purpose of the easements is for installing, laying, constructing, operating, repairing, altering, and maintaining water and sewer lines, to service Tuscarora Crossing. The property on which the easements will be located is more particularly described as: 42405 Claudia Drive, Leesburg, Virginia, PIN: 191-16-9866-000, and Tax Map # /60////////12/.
Copies of the draft deed of easements and plats showing the location of the above-listed conveyances, and associated documents, are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 209 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Voting Precincts and Polling Places
Addition of a Satellite Early Voting Location
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427, 24.2-306 and 24.2-307, et seq., the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an amendment to Chapter 209, Voting Precincts and Polling Places, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendment would establish an additional satellite early voting location at the Ashburn Recreation and Community Center located at 21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20148.
A complete copy of the proposed amendment is on file and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or by calling (703) 777-0200 to request hard copies or electronic copies. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments. In addition, this information is available for inspection on the Loudoun County’s Office of Elections website at www.loudoun.gov/vote.
ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY New Chapter 694 Containment of Running Bamboo
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427, 15.2-901 and 15.2-901.1, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an ordinance to establish a new chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, Chapter 694, Containment of Running Bamboo. The proposed ordinance would require property owners to control and/or contain running bamboo on their property and prevent it from spreading to adjacent parcels and rights-of-way. The ordinance also imposes civil and criminal penalties for its violation. The ordinance would be effective upon passage.
A complete copy of the full text, of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
LEGI-2023-0071, ARCOLA GROVE REZONING: ZMAP-2023-0005, SPEX-2023-0015, & ZMOD-2023-0031 (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception, and Zoning Modification)
Powerhouse Arcola, LLC. has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, special exception, and zoning modification for approximately 30.4884 acres of land located east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625), west of Arcola Boulevard (Route 842), south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), and north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) in the Dulles Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:
162-25-4501-000 N/A 101/B/1////17/
162-15-4753-000 N/A 101/B/1////18/
162-15-1929-000 N/A 101/B/1////19/
203-10-9057-000 N/A
101/B/1////20/
203-10-7367-000 N/A 101/B/1////21/
For ZMAP-2023-0005, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from the RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Ordinance to develop data center uses up to a 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). For SPEX-2023-0015, the applicant seeks a special exception for the development of a utility substation, transmission. For ZMOD-2023-0031, the applicant seeks a zoning modification affecting the Subject Property to allow an increase maximum building height from 60 to 100 feet without additional setbacks from streets or lot lines. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution, dated December 13, 2023.
LEGI-2023-0093, MILESTONE BELMONT INTERCHANGE: CMPT-2023-0011 & SPEX-2023-0028 (Commission Permit and Special Exception)
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV has submitted an application for a commission permit and special exception for approximately 0.2017 acres of land within the Virginia Department of Transportation public right-of-way located between the travel lanes of eastbound Leesburg Pike (Route 7), the on-ramp to eastbound Leesburg Pike (Route 7) from northbound Claiborne Parkway (Route 901), and the cloverleaf exit-ramp from eastbound Leesburg Pike (Route 7) to northbound Lansdowne Blvd (Route 2400) in Ashburn, Virginia in the Broad Run Election District (the Subject Property). For CMPT-2023-0011, the applicant seeks a commission permit to allow a telecommunications facility with a 150-foot-tall monopole mounted with a two-foot-tall lightning rod. For SPEX-2023-0028, the applicant seeks to permit a telecommunications facility in the OP (Office Park) Zoning District under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance.
Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.
Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings.
Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the (continued on next page)
Legal Notices
public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-ups will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on May 2, 2025, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 14, 2025. Members of the public may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications.
Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.
BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS J. RANDALL, CHAIR
LOUDOUN
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Loudoun County Public Schools
4/24 & 5/1/25
Dulles South Secondary School Attendance Zone Change Process
Spring 2025
The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the review of Dulles South area secondary school attendance zones. The current boundaries for Freedom High School/J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, John Champe High School/Mercer Middle School, and Lightridge High School/Willard Middle School will be reviewed in the attendance zone process.
Tuesday, April 22,
April 30,
Monday, May 5, 2025 6:30 pm School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Work Session
Tuesday, May 20, 2025* 4:30 pm/6:30 pm
Monday, June 2, 2025 6:30 pm
Tuesday, June 10, 2025* 4:30 pm/6:30 pm
*Regular School Board Business Meeting
School Board Review of Secondary School Attendance Zone Recommendations (Information)
School Board Attendance Zone Briefing & Public Hearing
School Board Adoption of Secondary School Attendance Zone Changes (Action Item)
The meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 or 1070 (HD) and Verizon Fios channel 43, as well as viewable via the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.LCPS.org/webcast).
Attendance zone information and data, as it becomes available (including potential attendance zone plans being considered or reviewed by the School Board), will be posted on www.LCPS.org/2025DSBoundary.
Details on how to sign up to speak at an attendance zone public hearing will be provided at www.LCPS.org/citizenparticipation.
Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any disability in order to participate meaningfully in the School Board meetings or public hearings should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.
Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools
Division of Planning & GIS Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148
Telephone: 571-252-1050
Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG
4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 & 6/5/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: CL25-1497
Circuit Court of Loudoun County Deborah Vince, Movant/Proponent of Will v.
Unknown Heirs of Mary Ann Morey, et al, Respondents
THE OBJECT of this suit is to probate a copy of the June 6, 2013 Last Will of Mary Ann Morey and qualify an Administrator c.t.a. of the Estate; and
IT APPEARING TO THE COURT by an affidavit filed in accordance with law that the Proponent has made diligent effort to ascertain the identity and whereabouts of unknown parties, and that there are UNKNOWN HEIRS of MARY ANN MOREY, whether residents of Virginia or not; it is therefore
ORDERED, that each of said parties appear on or before 9:00 a.m on May 23, 2025, and do whatever is necessary to protect their interests, including responding to the Order to Show Cause Against Probate entered simultaneously with this Order of Publication.
4/10, 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1/25
ONLINE. ALWAYS.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ050219
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Melanie Mavros Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.
Rodney Wise (putative father); Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an Preliminary Child Protective Order hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-253(A) for Melanie Mavros; and hold a Nonemergency Preliminary Child Protective Order hearing for pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-253 for Melanie Mavros.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Rodney Wise, putative father; Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 2, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. (Adjudication) and May 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Disposition).
4/24, 5/1, 5/8, & 5/15/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ047165-04-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ivory Green
Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold a second permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Ivory Green.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
4/3, 4/10, 4/17 & 4/24/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ049287
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz
Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Luis Caballero, Putative Father and Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1278.2 and 16.1-281 for Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Luis Caballero, Putative Father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (Adjudication) and May 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Disposition).
4/17, 4/24, 5/1 & 5/8/25
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:
STREET CLEANING FOR VARIOUS COUNTY PARKING LOTS AND ASSOCIATED SHORT ACCESS ROADS, RFQ No. 673848 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, May 21, 2025.
Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun. gov/procurement . If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT
4/24/25
Legal Notices
LOUDOUN COUNTY PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE
May 5, 2025
Loudoun County Treasurer Henry C. Eickelberg reminds residents that Monday, May 5, 2025, is the deadline for payment of Personal Property Taxes.
Please note: Payments received or postmarked after May 5, 2025, will get a 10% late payment penalty, PLUS an interest charge of 10% (per annum) on both the unpaid taxes and all late payment penalties. Any Personal Property taxes that remain unpaid for more than 60 calendar days (after the original due date) will be charged an additional 15% penalty plus interest at 10% annually.
Taxpayers who may be experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the county’s Collections Team at 703-771-5656 for assistance.
CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS
• Online: www.loudounportal.com/taxes
• Telephone: 1-800-269-5971 may be called 24 hours a day.
• By Mail: County of Loudoun, P.O. Box 1000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000
• In Person: Treasurer’s Office Locations
Government Center Sterling Office
1 Harrison Street, S.E. 46000 Center Oak Plaza 1st Floor 1st Floor
Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Sterling, Virginia 20166
Additional Locations: Open Monday, May 5 only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Dulles South Recreation & Community Center 24950 Riding Center Drive South Riding, Virginia 20152
CHECK or CARD – Cash not accepted
Lovettsville Town Hall 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue Lovettsville, Virginia 20180
CHECK or CARD – Cash not accepted
• Drop Box: A secure 24-hour drop box is available outside both the Leesburg and Sterling office locations.
Payments can be made using electronic check (eCheck), paper check, or major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Please note: A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions, but there is no fee for payments made by eCheck or paper check.
Regular Business Hours:
The Treasurer’s Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Extended Hours:
To better serve taxpayers during deadline, the Treasurer’s Office will open early on:
• Friday, May 2, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. (Sterling and Leesburg)
• Monday, May 5, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Sterling and Leesburg)
Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or email taxes@loudoun.gov if you have not received your bill or if there are any questions.
Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.loudoun.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines. Please note: Additional message and data rates may apply.
For information regarding Real Property or Personal Property Tax Exemptions or Deferrals, please contact the Exemptions Divisions of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun. gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief
4/24 & 5/1/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary record plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0062
Fleetwood North – Phase 1
Ms. Angela Rassas, of Toll Mid-Atlantic LP Company of Leesburg, VA is requesting preliminary/ record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately fifty-six (56.15078) acres into fifty (50) lots, associated easements, and right-of-way dedication. The property is located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), south of the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Hartland Drive (Route 616). The property is zoned R-4 (Single Family Residential), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI # 244-40-0641-000, 243-10-7419-000, 244-40-6257-000, and 244-30-4062-000 in the Little River Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0062. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Blankenship at Eric.Blankenship@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 07, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).
4/3, 4/10., 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1/25
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE VACANCIES – TOWN COMMITTEES
The Purcellville Town Council will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews for an appointment to fill a vacancy on the
PLANNING COMMISSION
Citizens interested in serving on the Planning Commission or any other committee, commission or board should complete and submit an application along with a letter of interest and resume outlining your qualifications. An online application can be found on the Town’s website at http://purcellvilleva. gov/forms.aspx?FID=78 . You may also pick up an application at Town Hall 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.
Information on all the Purcellville committees can be found on the Town’s website. https://www. purcellvilleva.gov/544/Committees-Commissions-Boards
Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025.
If you have any questions concerning the vacant positions on any committee, commission or board or the appointment process, please do not hesitate to contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk at (540) 751-2333.
4/17 & 4/24/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary record plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0071
Fleetwood North – Phase II
Ms. Angela Rassas, of Toll Mid-Atlantic LP Company of Leesburg, VA is requesting preliminary plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately fifty-seven (57.2318) acres into one hundred ninety-six (196) lots, associated easements, and right-of-way dedication. The property is located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), south of the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Hartland Drive (Route 616). The property is zoned R-4 (Single Family Residential), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI # 24310-7274-000, 243-10-7419-000, 201-45-1579-000, 244-40-6257-000, 244-30-4062-000, and 244-400641-000 in the Little River Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0071. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Blankenship at Eric.Blankenship@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 21, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO). 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, & 5/1525
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Opinion
A New Magic Bullet?
As the Purcellville Town Council continues its search for magic bullet solutions to its deepening budgetary woes there may be another lifeline it can reach for.
After hearing strong—and unanimous—opposition to the proposal to dismantle the municipal police department Tuesday night, the council wisely took that ill-advised costcutting option off the table—at least for next year, maybe.
The tenuous agreement to retain the department hinges on an expectation that the council will work together quickly to identify other significant cost budget cuts that could support the majority’s plan to shift revenue from the General Fund to subsidize utility rates while also holding the line on property taxes.
As prior councils know, and this one will learn, there is little to cut in the town’s budget, and certainly nothing on par with the $3 million savings targeted in the police department elimination.
But during Tuesday’s meeting, another idea was floated by former supervisor and town resident Tony Buffington, now a member of the Loudoun Water Board.
He suggested the town consider having the county’s water and sewer authority take over the town’s utility system, either as owner or operator.
Brilliant
Editor:
The recommendation of the Frances Hazel Reid Renaming Committee was brilliant, taking into account our society’s current values by proposing Loving Elementary after a brave couple who risked their lives to marry the person of their choice. Some opposed have asserted that the process was partisan and a personal attack on Ms. Reid. Not true.
When asked to take on the role of chair, I was not asked to actually recommend the name be changed, instead to have an open mind, making sure the final recommendation was fair. To reduce tensions between competing views, we used research and facts, not emotion or partisanship, drawing on resources at the Balch Library, the Library of Virginia, etc. Every opinion had a fair hearing. We even invited the United Daughters of the Confederacy to speak. While many strongly worded opinions were offered, the “fix was not in” and the discussion was professional. The entire process could be improved and insisting on study and fairness meant the discussion took longer than some liked, but the final outcome was thoughtful and democratic. I am proud of my committee members, both in favor and opposed to the final outcome.
unique monthly visitors.
While respectful of Ms. Reid’s real contributions, there were specific reasons the majority recommended a name change. For example while advocates
That’s not a new concept. Loudoun Water has stepped in to operate municipal systems in the past including for Round Hill and Middleburg. At that time, however, the authority maintained a policy that each system remain self-sustaining. The towns were required to impose user rates required to run their individual systems. Eventually, the towns determined it was cheaper to take operations in-house or hire other contractors.
Since then, however, the authority has shifted its stance and offers its small-system users the same rate charged to those in its large eastern Loudoun service area.
If turning the town’s utility system over to Loudoun Water could result in a similar deal, Purcellville could go from having the region’s highest utility rates to being among the lowest. And under those conditions, there would be no reason for any of Loudoun’s other small towns not to follow suit.
All that is needed to accomplish that is for Loudoun Water’s eastern Loudoun users to absorb the extra costs to subsidize the municipal systems. After recently being hit with a recent rate hike of their own, that concept might not go over very well.
LETTERS to the Editor
for Ms. Reid stressed that the UDAC denounced the KKK, the majority felt that statement very misleading, especially after reading a report by the Virginia Division of the UDAC made to the organization’s national convention in Saint Louis, Missouri, in November 1921, the same time-frame when Ms. Reid advocated for a chapter in Loudoun. The head of the Virginia division listed accomplishments over the past year and a resolution was passed against the use of the name Ku Klux Klan; but the rationale was that the name “was sacred to the faithful band who delivered the South from Carpet-baggers and skalawags” after the Civil War. In the opinion of the majority, a fair historical review reveals that the people supported by Ms. Reid’s Division took actions that were anti-democratic and violent against poor whites and Blacks in order to support the values of the Confederacy, which were an assault on our nation. Ms. Reid was not a terrorist, nor did we apply that term to the chapter of the UDAC, but the majority did feel that when she advocated for her chapter, she must have been aware and supportive of her Division’s viewpoints, lest the Division would not have agreed to create the chapter. Those views are not consistent with today’s social norms, nor in the opinion of the majority, views to which we want our schoolchildren to aspire. Quite the contrary.
Ms. Reid rightly earned the respect of many in Loudoun and should be highly commended for her many personal
accomplishments and qualities, but the majority by democratic vote felt those facts did not outweigh being an advocate for the UDAC values of the 1920s, when racism was at a high point, as evidenced by the Racial Integrity Laws passed by the General Assembly to protect “whiteness.”
— Larry Roeder, Former Chair Frances Hazel Reid Renaming Committee
The American System
Editor:
As we mark the 250th anniversary of our Revolution and founding of our Republic, we must remember the economic policy that safeguarded the infant nation. That was the American System of Alexander Hamilton – the promotion of infrastructure and constant technological improvements in industry and agriculture, and improved skills of the workforce, with a banking system designed to funnel the necessary credit to carry out this program.
The American System of physical economy was the great adversary of the slave system of the South, and was seen by most of the Founding Fathers as the road to eventually eliminate the slave system without a wrenching civil war. The 1861 Confederate Constitution, which was largely copied from the Federal Constitution, tellingly eliminated the “General Welfare” clause of the Preamble, LETTERS continues on page 35
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and prohibited any government role directing development of infrastructure.
Only when Southern Senators exited the Congress at the beginning of the Civil War, was Lincoln able to reassert the American System full bore, with the launching of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Land-Grant Colleges to improve agricultural methods and technology, the Homestead Act, and the credit system known as Greenbacks, to fund an explosion of the productive powers of the nation. Had his assassination and its aftermath not cheated the nation of full application of these economic policies in the South after the Civil War, the conditions for re-institutionalizing racial exploitation and Jim Crow would not have occurred.
For the past 50 years, the U.S. has abandoned American System economics. We have not built a single mile of true high-speed rail; no major water projects since the 1960s; our nuclear fusion energy program, left to languish; and vast swaths of our industry, outsourced to access cheap labor abroad.
Before the Loudoun County School Board school renaming process kicked in and targeted Mercer Middle School, the name of Charles Fenton Mercer had fallen into obscurity. The great discovery, if the process had been properly conducted, would not have been that he kept on a family of enslaved people he inherited. It would have been his outsized contributions to exactly the American
LETTERS to the Editor continued
System of economics which was the mortal and avowed enemy of the slave system.
May we learn from all this, whatever the vote of the School Board this week, that our nation would be better served by re-taking the road of American System economics, as exemplified by Hamilton, John Quincy Adams, Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, and Kennedy – and Charles Fenton Mercer. We need to reverse our current policies, which direct credit to pumping up and then bailing out speculators on Wall Street, and once again place credit to build up industry, family farms, and infrastructure. It will also do much more to strip systemic racism of its fuel in a despairing country which believes its children will be worse off than their parents, than perversely changing the name on a school of a man whose every policy fought the slave interest, but leave current economic policies in place.
— Tim Rush, Leesburg
Concerned
Editor:
I'm extremely concerned about the Board action on April 15 to suspend lawsuit enforcement on the Mountain Overlay District.
After careful thought and discussion with county zoning officials, stricter rewritten ordinances were enacted in the MOD ZOAM in 2023 and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The MOD Ordinances are intentionally
from page 35
rigid to protect the mountains from continued misuse and development. The forest canopy, in particular, is an acknowledged source of clean water, carbon sequestration, and the oxygen we breathe. Their beauty drives the tourist industry here in Loudoun.
Enforcement is the only tool we have to enforce violations trying to monetize our mountains for personal or corporate enrichment.
A recent case in point. County Planning & Zoning is pursuing charges against a property owner on the steep slopes of the Blue Ridge in Bluemont. A real estate agent flipped the property after brazenly clear-cutting over 2+ acres of forest to obtain "million-dollar views." The property sold quickly for $1.4 million and the agent went AWOL.
When a person owns or buys mountainside property, they have become stewards of that land for succeeding generations. There are responsibilities entailed with that ownership to serve the public good.
Monetizing the mountains is an attractive business investment for commercial entities and individuals seeking financial gain, at a huge cost to the environment.
Yes, the regulations are intentionally rigid to protect and preserve our beautiful mountains.
— Peter Weeks, President Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Suffocation
Editor:
Fifty of my 55 years have been spent in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, with an untold number of trips into the nation's capital for work and play, under Republican and Democratic administrations. Sometimes politically smug, sometimes upset—even beside myself—I’ve always felt both robustly embraced by, and vigorously invited to improve, noble though imperfect America.
Last Saturday, I dropped my wife and daughter off at Union Station for a trip to visit family in Boston. Driving by august government buildings and monuments in the quiet and rainy darkness, which in their totality represent to millions this "last best hope of earth," my political soul reacted in a way I had never experienced: suffocation.
Demanding grotesque and total allegiance while employing lawlessness, fear, deception, false patriotism, a misunderstanding of history, and hubris, the president is choking the American experiment in self-government to death. How many people will have to go to jail or perhaps even die for it to be saved?
— Chris Stevenson, Purcellville
The Peoples’ Constitution
The Peoples’ Constitution –A Deportation Ruling That Impacts All Americans
BY BEN LENHART
This month the Supreme Court issued a short but profoundly important ruling on the government’s recent deportation actions. That ruling followed a March 14, 2025 proclamation by President Trump invoking the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) and ordering the deportation of Venezuelan nationals present in the United States “who are members of Tren de Aragua (TdA),” an entity designated as a terrorist organization. The order, made public the next day, did not apply to American citizens or permanent resident aliens. Hours later, 238 men identified by the government as members of TdA were flown to El Salvador and imprisoned there. Others, including five Venezuelan men who were detained but not yet deported, promptly challenged the deportations in federal court in Washington, D.C. The court quicky ordered the deportations to be temporarily stopped pending judicial review. The court also ordered the return of the planes bound for El Salvador but, for reasons that remain unclear, the planes did not return and instead landed in El Salvador.
The Venezuelan men made two main arguments in court. First, they argued that President Trump lacked legal authority to deport anyone under the AEA because the conditions necessary to trigger that law are not met. Second, they argued that even if the AEA can be used for deportations, the due process clause of the Constitution requires that, before deportation, a person must have a chance to show that he is not a member of TdA or otherwise is not subject to the deportation order.
Most Americans likely agree on at least two things about deportations: first, we support deporting aliens who are dangerous criminal or terrorists, but second, we don’t want to deport innocent, law-abiding people and we want to respect the Constitution. This case pits these two forces against each other. The Constitution has much to say about how to resolve these opposing forces.
DOES THE PRESIDENT HAVE THE POWER TO DEPORT UNDER THE AEA?
The AEA dates from 1798 and allows
deportation where: “there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government . . .”
In its 227-year history the Act has been invoked only three times and always during war time (War of 1812, World War I and World War II). The Venezuelans argued that the law did not apply here because there was no war or ”invasion or predatory incursion” of America, and even if there was, it was not perpetrated by “a foreign nation or government.” The government countered that the courts lacked authority to review the president’s findings on these factual issues. The government also argued that, even if the court could review, the president’s actions were lawful because the TdA activities in the U.S. amounted to an invasion, and TdA had sufficient connections to the Venezuelan government to qualify under the AEA. It’s worth noting that other, more traditional immigration laws empower the government to deport aliens under different conditions, but President Trump chose not to use those laws in this case, and instead relied on the AEA.
The government also made a procedural argument: it said that the federal court in Washington, DC, was the wrong court, and that because the five men’s claims were based on habeas corpus, the only proper location to hear the dispute would be federal court in Texas where the five men were detained. (Habeas corpus is a fundamental Constitutional protection that ensures that those who believe they are illegally detained by the government can go to court or another body and contest their detention.) The government argued that since the court in Washington, DC, was the wrong court, it lacked authority to order the stoppage of the deportations under the AEA. For all these reasons, the government asked the Supreme Court to stay the trial court’s order (in other words, the government asked for permission to continue the deportations without further delay).
ANCIENT QUESTION. The question faced by President Trump – were his deportations under the AEA legal? – is not
new. Nearly every president has faced legal challenges going back to our earliest days. In the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court told President Thomas Jefferson that he was wrong in refusing to deliver a job commission to William Marbury. During the Korean War, the Court told President Truman he was wrong when he tried to seize the steel mills to support the war effort. There are many more examples: the courts said “no” to President Biden’s student loan program, to President Obama’s policy of warrantless searches of cellphones, and to President Nixon’s refusal to turn over Watergate tapes. In all these cases and many more the courts concluded that the president’s actions – regardless of whether they were wise -- were unlawful because the President lacked the necessary power. It is a bedrock principle of our Constitution that a president’s action is valid only if it is authorized by (A) the Constitution, or (B) a power given to the president by a duly enacted law. Here, no provision in the Constitution gives a president the right to deport aliens, and so if President Trump has any such power to deport under the AEA, it must come from the specific provisions of that law.
DO THOSE FACING DEPORTATION UNDER THE AEA GET “DUE PROCESS?” Due Process is the right of the individual to certain protections before his life, liberty or property can be taken by the government. Due process is so fundamental that it appears twice in the Constitution: the 5th (applying to the Federal government) and the 14th Amendment (applying to the states). The Venezuelans argued that even if the deportations under the AEA are lawful, they have due process rights to individually challenge their status, including showing that they not members of TdA. In particular, they wanted the chance to go to court, hear the evidence against them, and demonstrate that they are innocent. If these arguments sound familiar they should: they are some of the rights and protections given to every Americans in the Bill of Rights, particularly by the 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments. In the 1700s the British threw American colonists in jail on trumped-up charges and without due process protections. We
fought the Revolutionary War in part for this reason. Since our Constitution was ratified in 1788 it has promised that no American citizen can be found guilty and imprisoned without adhering to the powerful protections of the Bill of Rights, including the right to counsel, the right to hear and dispute evidence against you, the right to an impartial jury, the right to remain silent, the right to gather evidence in support of your case, and many more. Although the government later conceded in its legal briefs that the deportees were entitled to limited due process, the planeloads of men sent to El Salvador on March 15 were given almost none. For example, they did not have the opportunity to argue before a judge that they were not members of TdA. Nor does President Trump’s March 14 order mention due process protections for those subject to deportation under the order. With this background, the case quickly made its way to the Supreme Court.
SUPREME COURT SPLITS THE BABY. On April 7, 2025, after the appeals court sided with the trial judge, the Supreme Court, in a 5 to 4 decision, issued a ruling that gave each side something important. On the one hand, the court ruled for the government and granted its request to stay the trial court’s order, which had temporarily stopped deportations under the AEA. In other words, the Supreme Court allowed those deportations to continue, at least temporarily, while the case continued in the lower courts (but with a hugely important “due process” caveat discussed below). The basis for this ruling was that the five Venezuelan men were in the wrong court, and any order issued by the wrong court was invalid. In that sense, the government won because the Court gave it the stay it had requested. The four justices in the dissent would not have granted the stay. For the time being the Court did not address the question of whether the AEA could lawfully be used for deportation in the current circumstances.
However, the court majority held – and all four justices in dissent agreed – that the
PEOPLES' CONSTITUTION continues on page 37
A Loudoun Moment
Photo by Douglas Graham
Peoples' Constitution
continued from page 36
Venezuelan men must be given their due process rights. As the court said: “[A]n individual subject to detention and removal under that statute is entitled to “‘judicial review’” as to “questions of interpretation and constitutionality” of the Act as well as whether he or she “is in fact an alien enemy fourteen years of age or older. . . .”
It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to “due process of law” in the context of removal proceedings. . . . The detainees are entitled to notice and opportunity to be heard “appropriate to the nature of the case.” . . . . More specifically, in this context, AEA detainees must receive notice after the date of this order that they are subject to removal under the Act. The notice must be afforded within a reasonable time and in such a manner as will allow them to actually seek habeas relief in the proper venue before such removal occurs.”
In other words, the Court ruled that there could be no more flights to El Salvador or any other country without first ensuring these basic due process rights to those subject to deportation. On this point the Supreme Court was unanimous – all nine justices agreed. This marked a sharp
contrast to the reatment of the men sent to El Salvador in the first wave of flights.
In a concurring opinion, Justice Kavanaugh summed up the ruling: “Importantly, as the Court stresses, the Court’s disagreement with the dissenters is not over whether the detainees receive judicial review of their transfers—all nine Members of the Court agree that judicial review is available. The only question is where that judicial review should occur.” And Justice Sotomayor’s dissent drove home the point: “[The ruling] means, of course, that the Government cannot usher any detainees, including plaintiffs, onto planes in a shroud of secrecy, as it did on March 15, 2025. . . To the extent the Government removes even one individual without affording him notice and a meaningful opportunity to file and pursue habeas relief, it does so in direct contravention of an edict by the United States Supreme Court.” This is strong and unusual language from the Court directed at the president and the executive branch.
While the government can rightly claim that the Supreme Court ruled in its favor on the issue of the stay, the Court ruled in favor of the Venezuelan men on the more fundamental question of due process of law. Days later (on April 10) the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of another man (Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia) on due process and other grounds. Mr. Abrego Garcia, who is Salvadoran, had
been deported to El Salvador the same day as the 238 Venezuelans. In his case, the government admitted he had been improperly deported to El Salvador. The Supreme Court ruled that the government must “facilitate” his return to the U.S. As of the date of this article, that return has not happened. Space does not permit discussion of that case here, but it raises fundamental questions of government compliance with court orders.
CONCLUSION – How All Americans Are Affected by this Ruling.
As stated at the outset, most Americans support deporting aliens who have shown themselves to be dangerous criminals or terrorists. But all Americans should also care deeply about the two Constitutional issues presented by the Venezuelan case –the legality of presidential actions and due process. The next order may be issued by a different president (maybe one you don’t like) and it may be directed at your own life, liberty or property, or that of a loved one. For 236 years we have lived under a Constitution where the president is subject to the law. When someone feels that a presidential or government action violates the law or their rights, they can go to court and – if they win – have the action invalidated. Over the years the Courts have struck down hundreds of presidential actions --presidents don’t like such court rulings, but until now they have virtually always obeyed them. If this were no longer true –
if illegal presidential actions were allowed to stand because a president believed he was above the law and could ignore court rulings – then when your life, liberty, or property is being taken by the government, you no longer have the courts to turn to for protection.
The appeal of due process for all Americans is even simpler. If you or a loved one are falsely accused of a crime, or falsely charged with conduct leading to deportation, your due process rights are sacrosanct. Those rights allow you the chance to prove your innocence in a court of law. Bogus arrests, detentions and deportations without any legal basis or due process are all too common in countries with dictators. America has, so far, avoided this fate. It has an incredible track record of success due in no small part to our adherence to the Constitution and rule of law. Due process is a core part of both. If due process is lost our nation and all Americans will suffer greatly. The courts are working hard to ensure that does not happen. n
Ben Lenhart is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has taught Constitutional Law at Georgetown Law Center for more than 25 years. He writes and speaks regularly on Constitutional topics. He lives with his family on a farm near Hillsboro.
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Fireside Farm had a few radishes for sale at the Leesburg Farmers Market at the Virginia Village Shopping Center this week.
Purcellville Police
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Over the course of the past two weeks, Mayor Christopher Bertaut was suspended from participation in the coalition of local mayors, Sheriff Mike Chapman took a public stance opposing claims by the council that his agency could easily fill the law enforcement void, Vice Mayor Ben Nett, a fired town police officer, was deemed to be violating the Virginia conflict of interest act by Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson and he was placed under investigation by the Virginia State Police under the authority of the Attorney General’s office.
Residents spoke for two hours during Tuesday night’s meeting saying they wanted to keep the town Police Department.
County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), whose district includes Purcellville, also spoke in support of the department. Both said they had not been contacted by the councilmembers regarding the decision to transfer law enforcement responsibility from the town to the county.
Randall said the county’s budget process for fiscal year 2026 is complete and they did not include funding to support additional deputies to serve Purcellville.
“The sheriff did not request them because he was not informed by any member of this council or administration that he would need them,” she said. “In short, the [board] has not allocated positions for extension of law enforcement into Purcellville. … However, you have repeatedly stated the county will cover the cost of policing in Purcellville. While the county may be required to pick up law enforcement, please remember, the county has allocated almost $5 million to Purcellville for other services.”
Randall said, while the county may be required to provide law enforcement within the town, she asked that the council remember that the county has allocated nearly $5 million to the town for other services and continues to maintain Fireman’s Field.
“As chair of all 440,000 citizens of Loudoun, please know, I can’t allow the citizens of Loudoun County to cover this cost made by the Purcellville Town Council,” she said.
Kershner said eliminating the department is the “wrong solution” and that public safety should be the council’s top priority.
“Purcellville has been one of the safest, as we know, places in Virginia, and that’s been true in large part because of the presence of our Police Department,” he said. “… I went to bat for you [during the budget process] and secured millions of dollars for Purcellville capital projects, including in part, the shared use path and W&OD Trail, sidewalk improvements along Nursery Avenue, and Route 287 and East Gate Drive intersection improvements. But now without warning, you want Loudoun to cover
your complex and extensive proposal. That was short sighted and as your colleague and your district supervisor, I must expect better from you.”
None of the 48 speakers spoke in favor of eliminating the department.
“There’s a fundamental truth about democracy. … It’s called we the people. Look at this right here,” former Purcellville Sgt. Paul Kakol said gesturing at the crowd. “… These brave individuals have the courage. They came together. They stood up and they firmly said, ‘no more.’”
“If you can’t do that which we voted for you for, then either resign or we’ll throw you out,” Douglas Gilbert said.
“Dismantling the Police Department should be a last resort to balancing the budget. There’s always another way if you work hard enough. The Purcellville Police officers are the good guys. They get up each morning to protect us and help make this community what it is. You cannot put a price tag on living in the safest town in Virginia,” Annie Daley said.
Interim Police Chief Sara Lombraña said she was grateful for the strong showing of support for the department.
“It’s really amazing and humbling to be here and to feel that, especially the last few weeks,” she said.
Lombraña was hired as deputy police chief in August and appointed as Interim chief following Barry Dufek’s retirement from the position after the council voted to fire former Town Manager Rick Bremseth.
“Our police officers are going to continue serving professionally and with integrity so we’re here for the citizens,” she said.
Concerns about conflict of interest surrounding Nett were also raised during public comment. Nett served as a Purcellville police officer until April 4 when he was fired amid allegations that he misused sick leave to take part in council duties. The following Monday he voted with a council majority to support Khalil’s motion.
His firing also came after being placed on Anderson’s Brady List, reserved for officers whose testimony may not be relied on by the office, and after sending a memo to a third-party consultant hired to conduct an independent assessment of the Police Department, saying he intended to become the police chief.
Nett was absent from Tuesday’s meeting. That followed the advisory opinion from Anderson sent to Stought on April 21.
In the opinion, obtained by Loudoun Now through a Freedom of Information Act request, Anderson stated he believes Nett has violated the State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act.
Nett is prohibited from voting on behalf of the police department, attending a closed meeting regarding the department, participating in transactions relating to the department, and lobbying or discussing any matter relating to the department with other town officers, according to Anderson.
Anderson said even though Nett was no longer employed by the Police Department
when the April 8 vote was taken, he was still within the window to file a grievance with the town, and he said the vote appeared to be retaliatory after Nett’s desire to be appointed police chief was made public.
Town Manager Kwasi Fraser hired a third-party consultant to conduct an independent assessment of the Police Department in March. In a memo to the consultant, Nett laid out his vision for the department, which included a restructuring and an expectation that he would emerge as the department’s chief of police.
“In essence, Nett attempted to use his position as vice mayor to influence the independent consultant to recommend him as the chief of police, was subsequently terminated from the department by the acting chief for cause and within a week of that termination, used his role as member of the town council to vote that the police department be disbanded and eliminated. This appears to be a retaliation against the police department for his termination as well as a blatant conflict of interest,” Anderson stated.
Residents have been working to gather enough signatures to submit a recall petition for Bertaut, Nett, Khalil and Councilmember Carol Luke with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Recall organizer, Brian Morgan announced during the meeting that they had gathered over 1000 signatures for each of the four councilmembers – double the required amount, he said.
During Tuesday night’s meeting, an initial motion by Councilmember Erin Rayner to fully fund the department failed on a 3-3 vote with councilmembers Kevin Wright and Caleb Stought joining her in support.
However, after Town Manager Kwasi Fraser said supporting the department would be an opportunity for the council to listen to the residents, Luke and Khalil supported a second motion by Rayner.
That motion fully funded the department in fiscal year 2026 and planned a strategic meeting to discuss the budget in more detail and passed 5-0-1 with Bertaut abstaining
Fraser, who served as the town’s mayor for eight years, said he was speaking not as a politician, but as the town manager.
“I think there is an opportunity,” Fraser said. “You heard the voice of the people tonight and I believe that this, if a decision is to be made tonight from this dais, I believe you can make that decision tonight. And the reason I say that is I’ve sat here, and I’ve not heard any opposing views.”
Bertaut, Nett, Luke and Khalil have defended efforts to eliminate the departments saying the town needs to use the $3.2 million money to address other expenditures in the town – primarily water and wastewater costs that are not covered by the current utility rates.
After the previous council voted last year to increase water and wastewater rates by 16% and 18%, Bertaut, Nett, Luke and
Khalil ran for election on a platform to decrease the rates. The April 8 Police Department motion was joined by another to reduce the rates by 6% and 8%.
Some speakers on Tuesday said they would rather pay higher utility rates than lose the Police Department.
They also raised concerns about an investigation authorized by the Attorney General’s Office into Nett.
“Because of this open investigation, it is critical that ALL records of the Purcellville Police Department (PPD), including but not limited to personnel records, are preserved as required by the Virginia Public Records Act at section 42.1-88. Additionally, Vice Mayor Nett should be prevented from accessing all police department records, voting on all matters involving the PPD, and attending meetings involving discussion about PPD,” according to an April 21 email from Anderson to the council.
During Tuesday night’s meeting Bertaut read parts of a letter he had sent to the Attorney General’s Office that day expressing “growing alarm” at the investigation.
“The events surrounding this investigation strongly suggest that it is politically motivated, procedurally improper and fundamentally at odds with democratic principles that underpin public service in the commonwealth,” he said.
Bertaut said Nett was added to the Brady List before being allowed to respond to the allegations relating to it and that the key witness in the determination was Rayner.
“The push for Nett’s dismissal was advanced the then deputy chief of police – a position Mr. Nett had proposed eliminating during his campaign and before that individual became the deputy chief of police, creating a clear-cut appearance of political or personal retaliation,” Bertaut said.
He said the claims made by supporters of the recall petition are “weak” and “unsubstantiated.”
During the meeting a proposal was also made by Tony Buffington, former county supervisor and member of the Loudoun Water Board. He suggested considering transferring operation of water and wastewater services within the town to Loudoun Water.
“Water and sewer is your problem,” he said. “You can’t figure out how to fix it so you’re devouring yourselves. That’s not the solution, because what’s next? … I think you should begin talks with Loudoun Water about a feasibility study of what it would look like for them to potentially take over, maybe at varying levels, but potentially take over your water and sewer for our town. Maybe they just run it. Maybe we give them everything in full authority to decide rates and all that. Maybe the rates could be the same as the people in Eastern Loudoun if we did that. I don’t know.”
Buffington told Loudoun Now that he had discussed the proposal with Bertaut following the meeting and that he “seemed amenable” to Buffington having further discussions about the idea. n
Making the Trip: A Day on Commuter Buses
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After news that the county’s commuter bus ridership levels have doubled in the last three months resulting in less-thanideal riding conditions, I decided to catch a bus into Washington, DC, to talk with residents and try it out myself.
I left my home at 5:05 a.m. heading to the Dulles South Stone Ridge II park and ride lot on Millstream Drive and arrived at 6:05 a.m. – a one-hour trip that included a much needed stop for a cup of coffee.
There, I talked with commuters while the 6:20 a.m., 6:25 a.m., and 6:45 a.m. buses arrived and left, and I learned that the increase in ridership came at the same time that the county removed 10 bus routes from their roster amid continuously decreasing ridership rates that predated Presidents Donald J. Trump’s executive order requiring many federal employees to return to in-person work.
On this morning, which aligned with Loudoun County Public School’s Spring Break, lines were short with approximately 10-15 commuters taking each of the buses. But I discovered that concerns from residents were primarily focused on trips heading back from Washington, DC, and that they were also noticing an increase in wait times at their pickup locations in the afternoon.
Lauren Miller, who has been commuting from Loudoun to DC for nine years, said she’s noticed the increase in ridership over the past two months and she now arrives five to 10 minutes earlier to make sure she gets a seat.
“The mornings aren’t usually too bad,”
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Loudoun’s transit use.
Last week, following an update from Director of General Services Ernie Brown, the board voted to add nine of the routes that went out of service in December back into the county’s rotation with four beginning May 5.
Residents have begun to raise concerns that the buses – specifically the commuter buses taking workers to and from Washington, DC - are overflowing with passengers standing during the hour-long trip.
This is supported by statistics from the county’s Department of General Services. In December, not a single one of the county’s bus routes resulted in riders having to
she said. “It’s the afternoon that, based on traffic and I think staggered times when people go home, really seems to be impacted the most.”
The buses leaving from Washington, DC, also are running later than they have in past years, she said.
“It’s coming back home that you’re like, ‘are you coming? Where is it?’ You’ve already got construction that’s part of DC traffic anyway and then you’re trying to go in and you have people try to figure out their schedules. There are new riders. Those people are trying to figure out what the best time is for them,” Miller said.
She also said the park and ride lot in Brambleton that she had been using was closed by the county, requiring her to drive further to catch a bus. As a regular traveler who has ridden buses into DC before, during, and after COVID-19, Miller said reinstating the routes that were canceled beginning in December would be helpful.
The next rider I spoke with, Pari Nitch, said she used to commute regularly to DC, transitioned to remote work during COVID, and began commuting again in March following Trump’s executive order.
“It is difficult in a sense, where buses are not on time, and they are full. By the time I get on the last bus stop, buses are full,” she said.
Nitch said commuters are walking to earlier bus stops to make sure they get a seat on the ride home.
“They probably need to adjust the schedules a bit, because they’re not on time, and they need to plan for some of the traffic that is out there,” Nitch said.
I spoke with Natalie Gitersonke who also said the closure of some pick-up
stand. In March, that number increased to 68.
Loudoun resident Silvia Beiman, who works at the State Department, said the speed, efficiency and comfort of the commuter buses are a “lifeline” for federal workers required to be in-person five days a week. When she moved to Loudoun from Arlington in 2019, Beiman bought a house near One Loudoun so she could walk to the bus stop. That stop has since been removed from the list of pickups following a drop in ridership during the pandemic.
“Now I drive to Dulles Transit Center where I arrive at 5:10 a.m. just to get a seat on the bus at 5:48 a.m.,” she said. “Often, we stand in 45 minutes of cold, waiting for our seat. And on the way home, I walk over one mile, five stops, to make sure that I have a seat.”
During the April 15 meeting, Brown recommended that the board reinstate the
locations is causing overflow at others.
“I feel like a lot of those people have migrated to the other stops now and there have been a few days where people have had to stand in the aisle because there weren’t enough seats, which is obviously unsafe. So ideally, they would add more and more routes and more stops,” Gitersonke said.
When asked where county leaders should focus their efforts to provide more resources, she said new park and ride lots.
“A huge pain point was removing the park and ride lot from Brambleton, because that’s right down the street from my house, unfortunately. Selfishly, I would say that’s probably my answer, and that would help kind of mitigate some of the traffic,” Gitersonke said.
It wasn’t all concerns and worries though. Some commuters said their bus rides were only 70% to 80% full each day and they don’t mind the more crowded trips.
“At least for me, it suits me. It’s just fine,” one rider said.
I boarded the 7:15 a.m. bus, which is the last one departing from Dulles South that makes all of the Washington, DC, stops, and scanned my virtual SmarTrip card from my iPhone – paying my $11 fare. Signing up for the digital SmarTrip was surprisingly easy and as I watched commuters file into the bus after me, I learned I wasn’t the only one who thought so. The company did charge me a $2 activation fee, but I didn’t have to pay it when reloading my card for the ride home.
Before we turned toward DC, the driver made one quick stop at the East Gate park and ride lot where we picked up a few more passengers.
commuter bus revenue neutrality policy that was suspended last year.
“Right now, the board is subsidizing the commuter bus service to the tune of about $2.7 million of local tax funding for fiscal year 2026, it’s a little bit less than that for [fiscal year] 2025,” Brown said.
Brown said when the board made the decision to suspend the policy during its transit summit last year, the ridership levels were not high enough to support the system. Now, that’s changed.
“Ridership is back,” he said.
To achieve revenue neutrality, one-way transit fares would need to increase to $14. The board had already approved an increase to $12, which will go into effect in December, but some supervisors expressed concern that a sudden jump to $14 could be a shock to riders.
Assistant Director of Transit, Fleet, and Commuter Services Scott Gross added that
We arrived in the city after what seemed like an easy and short trip. At 8:14 a.m. I got off the bus at the intersection of K and 17th streets – three minutes ahead of schedule.
My original plan was to ride the Metro home to Loudoun Gateway and take another bus back to my car at Dulles South, however after speaking with the morning’s commuters, I changed my mind and decided to ride back the same way I’d arrived.
Nearly eight hours, two more coffees and slice of burnt pizza later, I climbed back into the 4:05 p.m. bus on its first pickup of the route at the intersection of H and 4th streets.
During the trip home, the over 60-seat passenger bus had 37 riders, including myself. One commuter attributed that to spring break which, she said, resulted in fewer riders this week than have been typical lately.
We made 13 additional stops before leaving the city – and true to Miller’s experience, riders were waiting past their scheduled pick-up times.
We began losing time almost immediately, lagging a few additional minutes at each stop and by the time we reached the intersection of 19th and E streets, the last stop of the day, commuters were waiting 17 minutes past their designated pickup times.
However, that time was easily gained back on the longer drive home when the expected 57-minute trip was accomplished in 48 minutes, delivering commuters back to their cars only eight minutes after they were scheduled to arrive.
At 5:53 p.m., 12 hours after leaving my house, I walked back to my car – this time more grateful for it. n
the $2.7 million gap to achieve revenue neutrality is dependent on several factors including ridership levels, fare rates and grants.
“[Those] come in and change every year,” he said.
Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said he wants to get back to revenue neutrality but that he wasn’t ready to make a policy decision without more details.
The board voted to pursue achieving revenue neutrality but did not decide to raise the rates to $14 just yet. In addition to authorizing the additional nine routes back into service, the board allocated an additional $101,000 of fare revenue to General Services for fiscal year 2025 and agreed to evaluate what revenue neutrality would look like for fiscal year 2027. n
