By-Right Data Centers Eliminated
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan amendments that will eliminate data centers as a by-right use within the county.
Historically, there have been areas where data centers are allowed on a by-right basis. This means that if an application meets standards identified in the Zoning Ordinance, it is subject only to staff-level review.
Applications in areas where data centers require legislative action are reviewed by the staff and then sent to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation on whether to approve them. The plans then advance to the Board of Supervisors which also holds a public hearing before making a final determination.
Now, all data center applications will be subject to that process.
However, the board also carved out an allowance for data center applications submitted prior to Feb. 12, the night of the board’s public hearing on the proposed changes, to be evaluated under the regulations in place at that time. That aligns with a recommendation from the Planning Commission and supported by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.
The vote to enact the change passed
BY-RIGHT DATA CENTERS continues on page 42
County Leaders Plan to Tap Landfill Gas Through Public-Private Partnership
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Methane gas released from the county’s landfill could be turned into renewable energy in as soon as five years.
The possibility had been considered 10 years ago, but because of the relatively young nature of the county’s
landfill, it was not pursued. The idea resurfaced in 2022 when Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) brought an initiative forward to explore public-private partnerships and green hydrogen possibilities.
Loudoun’s landfill, which opened in 1971, spans 180 acres and will receive over 9 million tons of solid waste over its lifetime. Currently, it receives 200,000 tons of
waste each year and is expected to continue to do so for the next 60 years.
“Whenever trash decomposes it produces a lot of gasses in particular a gas known as methane which is one of the most harmful greenhouse gas emissions
LANDFILL GAS continues on page 5
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Trash is dropped off and ground down at the Loudoun County Landfill located off Evergreen Mills Road six days a week.
Supervisors Lower Car Tax Rate by Over $1
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampampaloni@loudounnow.org
During the Board of Supervisors’ last markup session for the fiscal year 2026 budget, county leaders made a last-minute change to drop the personal property tax rate on vehicles, from the $4.15 to $3.09.
County Administrator Tim Hemstreet’s proposed $4.7 billion budget, which he presented to the board in February, already reduced the vehicle tax rate by 67 cents, bringing it down to $3.48. His budget also included eliminating the $25 vehicle license fee and a real property tax rate of 80.5 cents – a six-cent reduction from the current rate.
Because the proposed Virginia budget includes an additional $15.1 million for Loudoun County Public Schools, supervisors earlier this month voted to reduce the local tax funding allocation to the school division by $9.5 million.
During the board’s March 13 work session, Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) successfully proposed using those funds to lower the vehicle fee to $3.09 while keeping the real property tax rate at 80.5 cents.
“It gives greater and broader tax relief to our citizens,” he said. “… Depending on the
value of your car and how many cars you have, you could have anywhere between $14 to $368 savings per car.”
Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) proposed an alternative option, increasing the general personal property rate from $4.15 to $4.20 and decreasing the vehicle fee to $3.25. Her proposal would also lower the real property tax rate by an additional half cent, bringing it down to 80 cents per $100 of assessed value.
“Supervisor Kershner and I are trying to do the same thing. We’re trying to lower the vehicle tax and give relief to residents,” TeKrony said.
The general personal property rate had been set at $4.20 for the past 35 years until the board reduced it in 2023, she said. Increasing it beginning in tax year 2026 would yield an additional $5 million, mostly from data centers. The impact on small business with computer equipment would be an $8 increase in their bills, TeKrony said.
Hemstreet said he does not support increasing the rate to $4.20 because it would make the county more reliant on data center tax revenues and the board has indicated the county should diversify its tax base.
But TeKrony said the $5 million is a relatively small number compared to the total
amount of data center revenue received by the county each year. She said the board has taken steps to protect the budget from revenue fluctuations.
“We have a fully funded revenue stabilization fund. This is the reason we have this fund, to reduce the risk,” she said.
Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said with the board expected to adopt special exception requirements for data center applications next week, increasing the tax rate for the industry at the same was not “necessarily the best look.”
He said initially he sought to reduce the real property tax rate because the value of homes and land typically increase year over year.
“However, when I looked at the charts that staff provided about the savings in every scenario, the real property versus the vehicle property tax, unless you don’t own a car and you own a $1.5 million house, which seems pretty unlikely, you’re going to save money with [Kershner’s] motion,” Letourneau said.
Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) agreed, saying she had applied the proposed scenarios to her tax bills. Under Kershner’s proposal, Umstattd said her real property bill increased by $33 but her vehicle tax bill decreased by $530.
TeKrony’s proposal failed on a 3-5 vote with Kershner and Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) joining her in support and Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) absent.
Kershner’s proposal passed 8-0 with Briskman absent.
During the mark up session, supervisors also approved a proposal by Glass to use grant funds to cover the full cost of tuition for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services childcare programs for families the meet the eligibility requirements for assistance in FY 2026. The staff was also directed to look into the possibility of continuing that assistance level in future fiscal years. The coverage will apply to Youth After-School programs, County After Schools Activities, and the PRCS summer camps.
“This would make finding childcare for families already on the eligible programs and who may really need it, much easier and much more attainable. We are financially blessed in this county, and we could use some of that money toward helping children, some of whom are homeless,” Glass said.
Filing Opens for November Elections: Candidates Launch Campaigns
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
The filing window for candidates looking to run in November’s elections opened Monday and will stay open through June 17 for candidates running in nonpartisan races and until April 3 for candidates running for partisan seats.
On this year’s ballot will be all of Loudoun’s delegates, five School Board seats, the governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general and several town council seats.
Each of the county’s seven delegates are seeking reelection with challengers emerging against Democratic Del. JJ Singh in the 26th District and Republican Del. Geary Higgins in the 30th district.
Singh was first elected to his seat in January during a special election prompted by Sen. Kannan Srinivasan’s (D-32) resignation from the position to pursue a state senate seat. Republican Ommair Butt will challenge him for the full two-year term in November.
Butt resides in Ashburn with his wife and two children. He works as a private
contractor for the U.S. Army and has listed his priorities as a stronger economy, im-
torically voted for Democratic candidates on a roughly 60% to 40% ratio.
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
The filing window for candidates for November’s general election opened Monday, March 17 and will stay open through June 17 for candidates running in nonpartisan races and until April 3 for candidates running for partisan seats.
proving education, immigration reform, safety, military and veteran support and eliminating the statewide car tax.
The 26th District includes parts of Brambleton and South Riding and has his-
Democrat John McAuliff will be challenging Higgins for the district that covers part of western Loudoun and northern Fauquier counties. Higgins was elected to the seat in 2023 after serving on Loudoun’s
Board of Supervisors from 2011 to 2019. Before that, he was elected to the School Board and served from 2000 to 2004.
McAuliff lives near Warrenton and runs a bed and breakfast in the historic downtown. He worked for Del. David Reid (D28) for three years and then at the Department of Agriculture. He said protecting rural and agricultural businesses will be a focus point during his campaign.
The 30th District has historically elected Republican candidates with Higgins beating Democrat Rob Banse by roughly five percentage points in 2023.
Reid, Del. Atoosa Reaser (D-27) and Del. Marty Martinez (D-29) will also be seeking reelection. No Republican challenges have announced their candidacies in those districts.
School Board seats held by April Chandler (Algonkian), Linda Deans (Broad Run), Melinda Mansfield (Dulles), Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) and Arben Istrefi (Sterling) will also be on November’s ballot.
NOVEMBER ELECTIONS continues on page 43 CAR TAX CUT continues on page 42
Loudoun
Bakerture Photography Event Venue Plan Raises Residents' Concerns
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
An application by Bakerture Photo and Video owners Steve and Rita Baker to open a small event venue near Lovettsville is getting mixed reactions by the community.
The application requires minor special exception approval by the Board of Supervisors to permit a 7,200-square-foot indoor facility and a 36,000-square-foot outdoor facility, accommodating up to 199 guests on 50 acres along Rickard Road. The property is zoned for rural agriculture use. The application includes a request to modify the roadway access width from 40 to 30 feet.
The Bakers envision an event venue, named Magnolia Rose 1880, primarily focused on weddings with the goal of continuing active farming on the property. The husband-and-wife team have been in the photography business for over 10 years and are looking to expand their services.
“Through that time, they’ve created a clear vision of what works in an event venue and what doesn’t work, how venues can fit in with their surroundings and be compatible, and that’s something that we’ve been working really hard to bring
before you today,” Land Use Planner Ben Wales Curata told the county board during a March 12 public hearing.
Wales said the Bakers had voluntarily limited the number of events to no more than 100 per year after hosting a community meeting last year to hear concerns from residents. They also limited the size to 199 attendees, while the Zoning Ordinance allows 260, he said.
“We have done our very best to be proactive, to listen to concerns and to work collaboratively with our community,” Rita said. “… We are not just business owners. We are also residents of Lovettsville. This is our home and it is where we are raising our children. We are here to stay.”
EVENT VENUE continues on page 6
Leesburg Area Data Center Garners Public Support
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
A rezoning application by JK Land Holdings to permit up to 927,000 square feet of data center use on a tract south of Leesburg received a showing of support from speakers during a March 12 public hearing.
The project, known as Cross Mill Center, would be built along Crosstrail Boulevard and Sycolin Road just south of Leesburg Executive Airport. The request would rezone 22 acres from Joint Land Management Area to Planned Development - Industrial Park. The application also requests to increase the floor area ratio from 0.6 to 1.0 and the lot coverage from 0.45 to 0.6. The zoning change would alternatively permit a range of uses allowed in PD-IP including light and medium industrial uses.
It received endorsement from the Planning Commission but not from the county’s planning staff who said it did not align with the General Plan.
For it to align with the plan, Planning Manager Marchant Schneider said he recommends adding extensive buffering and walls to screen the visual impact of parking, loading and other industrial areas. He said the General Plan envisions buildings in that area of the county to be limited to four stories, which has typically been interpreted by staff as 48 feet. The proposed building height is 60 feet.
“The applicant has agreed to work with us to try to use the topography of the site to bury the scale and massing into that topography and reduce the visual impact from Sycolin Road,” he said.
Members of the public came to support the application, including Pastor Michelle Thomas who recently signed an agreement with JK Land Holdings CEO Chuck Kuhn gifting 10 acres from another data center property of company to the Loudoun Freedom Center, which Thomas founded.
Thomas said those kinds of contributions are only possible because of partnerships with the data center industry.
Soil, Water Conservation Funding Meeting
The Loudoun County government and the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering in a program to provide funding to homeowners interested in implementing water quality improvement projects on their property or in their neighborhood.
The organizations will host an informational meeting about applying for grants for the projects at 6 p.m. Monday, March 24 at Rust Library in Leesburg.
Experts from the Loudoun County Stormwater Management Program, LSWCD, the Virginia State Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension Loudoun are scheduled to speak about the grant application process and about other ways people can promote environmental stewardship on their property.
Private residential, industrial and commercial property owners and homeowner associations in Loudoun are eligible to apply for funds for the projects. Eligible projects include tree planting, pet waste stations and livestock extension fencing.
More information about the grant funding available through LCSWCD is online at loudoun.gov/waterqualitygrants.
Hazardous Waste Collection Planned Saturday
She said Cross Mill Center is near the Sycolin Cemetery associated with First Baptist Church Sycolin, which includes 65 gravesites.
“The good thing about data centers coming into the community is that they’re problem solvers, not just job employers,” she said. “The things that the community needs to uplift itself, that is the power of having data centers in our community.”
Rev. Roy Trammell Sr., who pastors the First Baptist Church, also supported the rezoning.
“I’m looking forward to any kind of development around there because as I’ve said before here, it’s lonely out there. I believe this will be beneficial to the community,” he said.
The proposal was also supported by Kuhn Aviation General Manager Noah Holt, who said having a data center near the airport is preferable to residential
DATA CENTER continues on page 5
The county’s first household hazardous waste collection event of 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Leesburg Park and Ride lot.
Typical HHW includes: fluorescent light bulbs, dry-cell batteries, oilbased paints and stains, varnish, paint thinner, mineral spirits, metal polish, rust remover, wood strippers and preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, sealants and solvents, bleach, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, pool chemicals, muriatic acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, mercury, mercury thermometers and thermostats.
The limit per household is 15 gallons of liquid HHW and 40 pounds of solid HHW in containers not to exceed 5-gallon.
Because of safety concerns related to the handling of various types of hazardous materials, the events feature a drive-through process in which residents are instructed to remain in their vehicles and allow event staff to unload any items accepted for disposal. n
Douglas Graham/America's Routes A cyclist travels along Rickard Road near Lovettsville.
Data Center
continued from page 4
development.
“I’ve been involved with the airport for a little over a decade and in that time, nearly a thousand new homes have been added to the immediate surrounding area,” he said. “That along with additional residential properties that have been approved for development, we’re very concerned about the number of noise complaints that we’ve
been receiving.”
The proposal was opposed by Piedmont Environmental Council Senior Land Use Field Representative Tia Earman, who said there are better options for the land.
“If the applicant were willing to proffer out the data center use, we would feel very differently about this application,” she said. “This is a great location so close to Loudoun’s excellent soccer facilities with so many opportunities for public-facing businesses to better use this valuable space.”
The board will vote on the application during its April 15 meeting. n
Landfill Gas
continued from page 1
that we have. So, most landfills flare their greenhouse gases, but we can do much better than that,” Assistant Director of General Services Marc Aveni told the Board of Supervisors’ finance committee March 11.
If the methane is captured, it can be refined and used as a clean energy source for a variety of purposes including electricity generation.
“Renewable Natural Gas, or RNG, is the one that we’re most interested in,” Aveni said.
Prince William County operates an RNG plant where it converts methane from its landfill.
There are two paths forward, Aveni said. The county could begin the process of a capital project to build an RNG plant estimated to cost at least $20 million, which would be paid back over the years, or develop a partnership with a private company that would build the plant and share a percentage of the profits with the county.
A request for proposals for a thirdparty company could likely be published in early 2026. Some companies have already expressed an interest in the possibility, Aveni said.
“RNG has a lot of value currently. There’s a lot of demand for this renewable natural gas,” he said.
Part of that demand stems from
Renewable Identification Numbers, which are essentially natural gas credits that can be sold or traded on the open market.
“We can take those RINs and basically in a closed loop system get credit for them and use them to fuel our RNG buses,” Aveni said. “So, that’s what is particularly attractive about these items.”
A feasibility study found that since the landfill has aged over the past 10 years, there is enough gas to produce a financial benefit from capturing and refining the methane.
An RNG plant could be built at the landfill, but it would require special exception approval.
General Services Director Ernie Brown said he did not see the economic benefits of renewable natural gas decreasing under the current presidential administration.
“What you’re actually doing is you are producing, at a much cheaper rate essentially, gas that is local and can directly go into the [compressed natural gas] pipeline,” he said.
A motion by Saines to advance the proposal to the full board passed unanimously.
“I think this will be beneficial for the county to use, obviously to capture, some of the gas and turn it into renewable energy for our buses and possibly even to the grid as well,” Saines said.
The full Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved that recommendation authorizing staff to move forward with a request for proposals for a third-party to build, own and operate the facility at the landfill. n
A rendering by JK Land Holdings shows what data center buildings could look like along Sycolin Road and Crosstrail Boulevard if a rezoning application is approved.
Local Leaders Continue to Eye Federal Gov't Impacts
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
As President Donald J. Trump’s administration continues work to reduce federal government staffing and spending, Loudoun’s leaders are working to mitigate potential impacts of those changes on the county’s economy and its residents.
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) said he is still trying to figure out what exactly the impacts will be.
“It’s pretty clear that this community will be hurt in so many ways by what the administration is doing to the federal workforce. I’ve heard from contractors who are getting their contracts canceled and civil servants who are getting fired or who are fearing for their jobs,” he said. “That alone will hurt our entire economy and community in a lot of ways.”
Quantifying exactly how many people will be affected is difficult, he said. Loudoun has an estimated 17,000 federal workers and more government contractors. The reach could be far beyond that though, Subramanyam said.
“One of the reasons is the numbers [of fired workers] probably shift week to week,” he said. Probationary employees who thought they were fired two weeks ago are now still at the agencies. So, do you count them as fired? Or people who are expecting to get fired and instead quit
Event Venue
continued from page 4
Project Manager Allison Britain said she recommends approval of the application with a series of conditions including enhanced buffering along a portion of the property line adjacent to the road, limiting the hours of operation, limiting the number of attendees and number of events, prohibiting fireworks, noise restrictions, stormwater management requirements, exterior lighting restrictions and implementing a turn lane requirement.
“The Loudoun County 2019 General Plan supports business uses consistent with the rural and natural character of the area provided certain performance criteria are met,” she said.
Lovettsville Mayor Christopher Hornbaker led off 13 other public speakers, largely from the wedding industry, who said Magnolia Rose would benefit the county.
“Look at Creamer Lane in the Catoctin District on one of the most dangerous stretches of Rt. 9 in the county,” Hornbaker said. “There’s a 30-acre substantially simi-
or take the ‘fork in the road’ offer are hard to quantify, so it’s been difficult to get really any information about what is happening,” he said.
The newly elected representative said he sees his job as sharing the stories of community members impacted within his district. That includes business owners such as Becky and Scott Harris who run Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville. The Harris’ shared concerns about the impact of tariffs of their business during a recent roundtable discussion with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) in February saying it had killed their expansion into Europe.
“Even the uncertainty is shutting off all of those markets and even if you put a pause on tariffs, it still hurts the business, because no buyer wants to put in an order for something that’s going to be 10 times the price,” Subramanyam said.
“I think we’ve been successful,” he added about his efforts to share the impacts on local residents. “We’ve shown a light on veterans getting fired and have helped get people their jobs back in some instances. So, I think we’re going to continue to be aggressive in sharing information, sharing stories, and pushing back against things that we think this administration is doing to hurt our community.”
Subramanyam said he questioned the legality of many of the administration’s actions. Loudoun supervisors were urged
lar use that operates today and I don’t see, besides having another 20 acres, what the difference between that use is.”
“I have known Steven and Rita for seven years. They are outstanding members of the event community and do amazing work with their photography company,” Olivera Music Entertainment Owner Kevin Olivera said.
Community members praised the Bakers' involvement in the county and their work to give back by volunteering their time for various initiatives and events.
“Attention to detail, commitment to excellence and outstanding quality are the hallmarks of their work,” I Do’s With David Owner David Greenspoon said.
Greenspoon said that the project complements the county’s tourism goals.
“This project aligns with the rural character of its locations, preserves the pastoral feel of its farming environment and it is also a beautiful site,” he said.
But 21 speakers, including many residents who live near the property, raised concerns about adding traffic to the narrow and unpaved road.
Rickard Road resident Don Murray said cyclists, horseback riders, children and pedestrians often use the road. He said
last month by their federal lobbying consultants to be patient adding that many of the issues would land back in the hands of Congress who would likely take back “whatever authorities they need to.”
But Subramanyam said he would advise local leaders not to rely on Congress and to “prepare for the worst.”
“They have not shown that they will stray very far from this administration’s positions,” he said adding that it is likely that any unconstitutional or illegal actions would be rectified by the court system.
“I’ve also been of the opinion that these actions are illegal and unconstitutional, and the courts have backed that up,” he said.
County supervisors have also expressed concerns that cuts to federal grant funding would have an impact on the community.
During a meeting last week, the board’s finance committee received a brief update from Budget Director Megan Bourke on potential fiscal impacts on the county government.
“The level of uncertainty around a lot of the topics in this item cannot be overstated,” Bourke said.
County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) said she agreed there is a lot of unknowns.
“There’s much more that we don’t know right now than we know, and we can only take it moment by moment,” she said. n
adding an event venue does not fit with the rural character of the neighborhood.
“It’s going to change our way of life. I’m not opposed to wedding venues, but this just isn’t the right place,” he said.
“We have a bad problem with drinking and driving on that road already,” Ryan Vellia, who also lives next to the site, said. “… This venue will amplify the risk along with the treachery of Rickard Road.”
Others said they were concerned about noise the venue could bring.
“We will hear the noise,” Brooke Darby said. “It will disrupt the quiet of our homes and the enjoyment of our yards.”
Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), whose district includes the property, said he also had concerns about the application.
“This is definitely an incredibly tough one,” he said.
Kershner said he needed to consider the balance between the benefits and the impact on the community.
“I do appreciate them trying to limit the impacts while at the same time also trying to figure out how to make your business work,” he said.
The board will continue discussions on the proposal during its April 15 meeting. n
By The Numbers
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org
As local leaders work to quantify the risks of federal government cutbacks, here are some of the data points presented to county supervisors during last week’s briefing on the potential impacts of the Trump Administration’s spending and staff reductions:
The county has an estimated 17,596 federal government workers among the 236,508 members of the civilian workforce.
In a 2016 survey, 30.5% of households reported having one or more family members working for the federal government or as a federal contractor.
The county government has 54 active grants across 20 departments totaling $54.2 million in fiscal year 2025.
Most grant funding is in the health and human services arenas, but some is for capital projects including $13.9 million for construction of a compressed natural gas fueling station at the County Transportation Facility and $1 million for the Rt. 50/Loudoun County Parkway interchange.
A total of 280 staff positions in county health and human services agencies receive some portion of federal funding, totaling $11.2 million in the Department of Family Services, Department of Health, and Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services.
In the Department of Family Services, $10.3 million of its $45.9 million is from federal sources. Thirty percent of the agency’s 280 staff positions are partially funded by federal dollars.
The county staff is responsible for distributing $20 million per month in Medicaid disbursements.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides $14.8 million to support local programs.
Loudoun County Public Schools has $42.6 million in federal funding in its current budget, with plans for $48.8 million next year, 2% of the total budget.
The building at 44132 Mercure Circle in Sterling, home to the National Passport Center, was included on a list of “Non-Core” federal properties targeted for sale in a since deleted publication on the Department of General Services website. n
AROUND town Leesburg
Casa De Avila to Open Downtown
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
Stephanie and Abraham Avila aim to have Casa De Avila, a Guadalajara-infused Mexican restaurant moving into the former Trungo’s space on Leesburg’s Loudoun Street, fully ready and operational by May 5.
Styled “House of Avila,” Abraham said the name of the restaurant keeps him accountable and inspires him to represent his family well. The restaurant has operated out of the Commissary Kitchen and ChefScape food incubator in the Village of Leesburg, operating a suite for takeout and delivery in 2021. Abraham said the move to the ground floor of the former Trungo’s space will allow the family to expand their menu and retain quality and speed.
“Our food comes from our heart,” he said. “It’s a piece of our family, our tradition. We were blessed to now be able to share with the locals.”
The new space also presents an opportunity for the family to curate a memory-infused experience.
The restaurant is the culmination of Abraham’s experiences growing up in Guadalajara and vibrant family history. His grandmother, Mama Julia, sold food in Mexico.
“Our cooking style comes from Guadalajara,” Abraham said. “It’s how my mom has done and cooked for us growing up, how her mom did it, and she taught it from her on… I tell people now we get to share what I grew up eating with you guys.”
Abraham, who works on the business side, said the restaurant gets its creative craft from his sister Jessica, his wife Steph-
anie, and his mother Luz Maria, whose recipes he translated into a menu.
“My mom’s recipes are just, you know, a handful of this and a handful of that,” he said. Abraham took his mother’s hand and a measuring cup to figure out what “a handful” meant to make his family’s creativity replicable.
“The creation and everything, it’s [family], it comes from them,” Abraham said.
He said people who try Casa De Avila’s food for the first time should give their birria a taste. Birria, which sprang culturally from Jalisco and Guadalajara, is a meat stew marinated in an adobo made of vinegar and cooked in a broth. The Avila’s birria-making process is a 16-hour labor. Abraham said they’re “biased” even with their broth, making it different than any he’s tried, and that they harvest their own fat in making the birria.
Abraham called Casa De Avila’s Birria
tacos the “gateway” to the rest of the menu.
In 2021, the Avilas were one of six winners in a competition held for the Washington Commanders rebrand as the team sought a change in food options at the stadium and wanted to find new food vendors. Casa De Avila worked with the Commander’s stadium for three years during that time and that helped to put them on the map.
Moving into Trungo’s former space, the Avilas’ decoration plans also borrow from family lore. Abraham said even the paint and colors of the walls draw inspiration from family homes in Guadalajara. A decoration reading “Patio Azul” hung up to reflect a blue curtain in their old home in Mexico.
As for Trungo’s, a community favorite downtown, the owners are planning to open Trungo’s 2.0 in the basement of the building. n
‘My Old Carpetbagger’: Local Family History Builds Broader Connections to History
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
Taylor Chamberlin will host a discussion of his new book exploring the roles his great-grandparents played during the Civil War and Reconstruction at the Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg on March 23.
Chamberlin’s story, “My Old Carpetbagger,” with the subtitle “How a Yankee Saved the Capital from Rebel Invaders,
Led Virginia Republicans during Reconstruction and Fought Government Fraud,” touches on key American events through the lives of his great-grandfather, Simon Elliot Chamberlin, and great-grandmother Edith Matthews. The book was published last spring.
“It’s a term of, I hope, endearment that Edith used for her Yankee husband,” Chamberlin said, explaining the title. “She used it in a letter or two, I quoted it from that.”
The book explores Matthews, a Water-
Lenders Sue ION Center
Three ION International Training Center investors have filed a lawsuit against the business and its owner Mitra Setayesh, alleging default on a $577,655 loan.
Setayesh recently announced plans to convert the ice skating center into a conference and events center.
The lawsuit, filed March 4 in the Loudoun County Circuit Court, alleges that lenders Frederick R. Gibbs, Kevin Goeller and Joel Salamone made the loan Dec. 20, 2023. Repayment of the loan, with 10% interest, was due Feb. 29, 2024, according to the suit.
On March 7, the plaintiffs a petition seeking to amend the lawsuit. A hearing on that request is scheduled March 21.
On Feb. 25, several parents of hockey players at ION’s skating rink spoke at a Leesburg Town Council meeting urging the council not to commit taxpayer dollars to aid in the facility’s transition to an events center.
Tennis Community Meeting Planned at Ida Lee
The tennis community is encouraged to come to March 20 meeting to learn more about and to provide information feedback on tennis programs throughout the town.
The bi-annual meeting allows the staff an opportunity to talk about upcoming programs and court reservations. Community input is encouraged during the information session.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the lower-level banquet hall at Ida Lee. Interested residents may call 703-7376068 for more information.
Pickleball Court Plans Under Review
ford Quaker, who married Chamberlin’s great-grandfather, and her extended family’s experiences during and after the Civil War. Chamberlin documents in depth the Civil War’s impact on Loudoun’s civilian population and the identity issues that impacted his great-grandparents long after their marriage in 1867. Spanning from the war and reconstruction into the Gilded Age, Chamberlin’s tale focuses on the lives
CARPETBAGGER continues on page 9
The first submission of plans for the Department of Parks and Recreation pickleball court in town is under review.
The project includes the construction of an asphalt pad to accommodate multiple regulation size pickleball courts. The courts will be located between Freedom Park and the Dulles Greenway.
The town is in the permitting process and plans to conduct tree clearing before April 15 to get ahead of construction. The courts are expected to open in the fall. n
Brandy Holder @b.holder.images
Members of the Avila family at Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery during a partnership last year in March.
Carpetbagger
continued from page 8
and experiences of women in his story, chronicling the time Matthews’ family spent under Confederate occupation and their resistance—experiences he hopes to emphasize for Women’s History Month.
Chamberlin said the book is divided into parts, the first covering his great-grandfather’s wartime history. He completed that work in 2000, and said it represents the “dark side of the Civil War,”
“I came away from it wondering how the North won the war,” Chamberlin said.
Chamberlin’s great-grandfather joined a veterans group after the war, and was appointed the task of writing the history of the regiment. Simon Elliot never wrote that history but had a collection of letters and documents sent to him that members of the regiment hoped he would include.
“I felt sort of almost duty bound to write that up,” Chamberlin said. “Nobody had ever written the history of the unit, its role in saving the capital.” After Chamberlin finished that story, he turned his focus to Edith.
The work was stalled by an accident in 2013 that left Chamberlin legally blind. He relearned how to use a computer and finished compiling the stories with plans to publish them in 2019. Then COVID-19 struck, and the George Mason University Press closed for the next four years, he said.
All that time, Chamberlin had been sitting on a tale spanning the Matthew family’s journey in the pro-Unionist
enclave in Waterford. That story begins with a focus on Edith’s grandmother, who negotiated with the Confederates to keep half of the Waterford Meeting House open for Sunday services.
The Matthews family was able to send their three daughters to Maryland to get an education during the war, but the money dried up and Edith had to return.
The story also explores the work of Edith’s aunt, Maggie Gover, who was a spy during the occupation. Gover, knowing that the Confederates would burn the town, rode to Union territory to tell the troops to “hurry up,” Chamberlin said.
“You kind of get lulled into thinking, well, these are Quakers, they’re not going into doing anything,” he said. “Waterford became pretty openly rebellious against the Confederates.”
Chamberlin said he had learned his research style by checking out the National Archives to read up on his great-grandfather’s military history. He also tapped the resources of the Thomas Balch Library records and found repositories of Quaker records in other places.
“The Quakers are very good at record keeping. They’re the type of people that keep minutes of all their meetings and stuff like that,” Chamberlin said. His search led to the discovery of the Waterford News, an underground newspaper published by the women of Waterford. Chamberlin said there was a rumored “eighth issue,” which he discovered because his great-grandfather had kept a copy.
Chamberlin helped republish the complete run of that newspaper with the Waterford Foundation.
Chamberlin said the story develops beyond the war, eventually expounding on Simon Elliot’s years as a customs agent and his involvement in American politics. He said it evolves beyond his family history and into a broader work that encapsulates key moments in Loudoun, Virginia, and American history.
“I would assume that most people that attend this lecture are more specifically interested about Loudoun County, but they’re going to learn something new, I’m sure, about both American and Virginia history as well,” Chamberlin said. He added that the book would be for sale at the talk.
The event requires pre-registration. Those interested can call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov. n
Taylor Chamberlin/George Mason University Library-Mason Pub
The cover of Taylor Chamberlin’s novel “My Old Carpetbagger.”
School Board Torn Over Dominion's Power Line Routing Decision
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
The Loudoun County School Board on March 11 was briefed on the routing options presented by Dominion Energy for its Golden to Mars Transmission Line project. Two routes would run along the campus that houses Rock Ridge High School and Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School near the Loudoun Valley Estates neighborhood.
Of the five options, the third and fourth would touch the campus near the back of the property and run parallel to the campus—on the west for Option 3 and the east for Option 4—before heading southwest toward Broad Run.
None of the plans are finalized yet, according to school division Chief Operations Officer Kevin Lewis. He said Option 3 would be about 369 feet from the elementary school and the Option 4 would be slightly over 400 feet from the elementary school but would run close to the football stadium.
Lewis told the School Board that the
Board of Supervisors has selected the Option 4 route as its top choice and the Option 3 as its second and sent a letter asking the school system to do the same. He said the School Board only has a voice on these two options because they would require easements to be granted by the school division. Inaction might prompt Dominion to choose another route that has a greater impact on neighborhoods in the corridor.
Nearly 40 students, parents, and residents of the Loudoun Valley Estates neighborhood attended the March 11 School Board meeting to address the issue.
Almost every speaker advocated undergrounding the lines, but many also mentioned that Dominion ruled out that possibility as infeasible leaving the third and fourth options as having the least impact on the community.
“Routes 1, 2 and 5 along Loudoun County Parkway could be especially devastating, affecting 1,200 plus families within 500 feet of the center line and a total of 17 communities with the ripple effect
extending to thousands of folks. This is not an easy choice,” parent Sirisha Bhumireddy said. “My own daughter attends Rock Ridge High School, but to minimize impact on her communities, I request the School Board to support the county’s recommendation Route Four, blue, as the first choice, if no other options, including partial or full undergrounding, is feasible.”
Several others asked the School Board to reject all options presented because even Options 3 and 4 would impact the schools and the walking paths near them.
Many speakers and board members also mentioned the Virginia Department of Education’s guidelines to avoid placing transmission lines near schools. Lewis said that he reached out to VDOE, and that the policy had no specifications on what constituted as “close” and that it was not a direct regulation.
All members of the School Board had similar reservations to the options pro-
POWER LINE continues on page 12
Middle Schools Report Success from Pilot Schedules
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
Trailside and Watson Mountain middle schools are piloting new schedules this year and both have seen an increase in student achievement since the fall. The pilots were introduced to collect data and to combat learning gaps from block scheduling and holidays by providing students extra support.
Trailside’s pilot schedule is an eight-period day, similar to traditional scheduling before the widespread adoption of block scheduling that Loudoun County adopted it in 2004. It features dedicated time for the multi-tiered system of supports in place at the school, with Tier 1 the least intensive support and Tier 3 the most, after the second class period.
The classes are 40 minutes each, with 33 minutes for lunch and 30 for the support periods. Bell changes are three minutes.
Principal Bridget Beichler reported to the School Board’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee on March 12 that students are showing significant improvement from the fall to winter in math and reading with this schedule and support periods at
least three days a week, according to Measure of Academic Progress, or MAP, data.
She also reported that 97 students in Tiers 2 and 3 advanced tiers in reading, with five going straight from Tier 3 to Tier 1, and 40 students advancing tiers in math.
AI Policy in the Works for Public Schools
A new generative AI policy for Loudoun County Public Schools is available for public comment until March 28. It is a new policy meant to guide the accepted use of AI in schools, and address that is a very quick changing topic.
The policy states that only division-approved AI programs are allowed for students and teachers. Students are also to only use AI with express approval from instructors. The policy on student rights and responsibilities will be updated to include AI in the academic integrity section.
Student responsible use of AI is listed as learning enhancement, collaboration to learn about generative AI and the policy says students must practice safety and online citizenship while using it. The draft policy states teachers will commit to teaching students a human-centered approach, evaluate tools for effectiveness, protect sensitive information and be transparent about the uses of AI in the classroom.
The use of AI in the division will also be reviewed annually, according to the policy. Regulations on citing AI sources and data and privacy protection are also being drafted to accompany the policy.
For more information and to submit comment, go to lcps.org/page/policy-and-regulations.
7 Schools’ Counseling Services Recognized
The American School Counselor Association Recognized ASCA Model Program designation went to seven of Loudoun’s public schools this year, including Forest Grove and Little River elementary schools; River Bend, Smart’s Mill and Stone Hill middle schools; and Freedom and Independence high schools.
The RAMP designation honors schools who use a data driven counseling approach to help serve their students. Honorees have aligned their counseling mission with ACSA guidelines.
English learner students and students with disabilities also showed growth above the national average, reaching the 74th percen-
PILOT SCHEDULES continues on page 12
This is the second win for River Bend Middle School. They first won the recognition in 2020. More than 1,300 schools nationwide have earned the recognition to date.
The designation for the schools is valid until the 2029-2030. For more information, go to schoolcounselor.org. n
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now Watson Mountain Middle School ispiloting a new class schedule during its first year in operation.
Community College Launches Laid-Off Federal Worker Scholarship
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
Northern Virginia Community College launched a $1 million scholarship pledge to support laid-off federal workers through the NOVA New Employment, Exploration and Transition program, known as NOVAnext, on March 13.
NOVAnext will provide scholarship opportunities for federal workers who have become unemployed on or after Feb. 1. Recipients will get a scholarship for one of 14 courses offered through the program, including IT, AI, human resources, project management and entrepreneurship.
The college will also be holding online workshops on résumé building when going from the public to the private sector and potential for business partnerships for oneon-one interviewing workshops, according to Steven Partridge, vice president of strategy, research and workforce innovation at NOVA.
Partridge said that they developed plans for NOVAnext after reading about the potential impact of the mass layoffs in the federal government.
“We’ve always had a lot of open jobs, and it’s always difficult to get people to move here because the cost of living. So, when we saw these people potentially los-
ing their job, we’re like, well, we don’t want them to leave,” he said. "So that sort of began a conversation inside the college about, like, what could we offer? You know, what type of training would they need? How would we pay for it? And a few weeks later, NOVAnext launched.”
In the first 48 hours that the program was live, nearly 80 people applied. As of Monday morning, 177 had submitted forms, 20 from Loudoun County residents. NOVAnext will provide classes and certifications for laid-off federal workers in Northern Virginia. It will be free for eligible applicants, with at least 1,000 students able to be served with the current funds, Partridge said.
Requirements for the program include living in NVCC’s service area, having been laid off from a federal office or federal contract job on or after Feb. 1, and meet residency requirements. Interested resident may fill out the online interest form, and unemployment will be verified. Courses in the program will begin as soon as the next class for their chosen program starts. Partridge said that the 14 paths also include many short classes that end with certifications students may need to advance their careers into the private sector, including human resources and project management. He also said that some of the programs might expand in the coming months based on feedback.
Partridge called NOVAnext a “last dollar scholarship.”
If any other scholarships apply to the student, then those will be used first. It will also work with the state’s FastForward program that subsidizes certifications for high-demand jobs. FastForward pays two-thirds of the tuition for the class, NOVAnext will cover the student’s third. This will make the funds go further, he said.
NVCC staff members will also reach out to partners and community donors to keep the program going should the first funds run out quickly, Partridge said.
"We know that over the long term, we can probably absorb people into other jobs, but if it happens all at once, it’s hard to absorb that many people all at once in other jobs. I think there’d be very much interest in helping across our corporate and philanthropy partners to see if there’s something we can all do together to keep this program going,” he said.
This program is part of NVCC’s mission for community service, Partridge said.
“Part of our goal and mission in the word community college is to help our community. We want our students to stay in the area. Want them to work for local companies. But we also, on the other side, serve employers. We’re trying to make sure they have a talent pipeline,” Partridge said. n
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now
The veterinary science building on the Northern Virginia Community College Sterling Campus.
Power Line
continued from page 10
posed. While they acknowledged that while the third and fourth routes impacted the fewest homes and residents, they still were shockingly close to the school.
Linda Deans (Broad Run) urged her fellow board members to keep the lines as far from the elementary school as possible.
“Because of the young developmental stages that the elementary kids are in, I think we should choose safety over aesthetics. Looking at the ugly lines won’t hurt us as bad as the vibrations off the lines, so I think we should choose the one that is farthest from the elementary school,” she said.
Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) expressed support for exploring more undergrounding options.
Kari LaBell (Catoctin) had many concerns about the Option 4 route’s proximity to the stadium and parking lots, as many practices and activities happen there every day.
Arben Istrefi (Sterling) said he sympathizes with all the speakers who expressed their opinions, as he is also a resident of Loudoun Valley Estates with a young child attending Rosa Lee Carter. He said he was torn about the least impactful option disproportionally impacting the schools. He advocated for the further exploration of
Pilot Schedules
continued from page 10
tile for math and the 75th for reading.
“We just celebrated this data with a whole staff a couple of weeks ago, and we had individual anecdotal stories the kids in our [support session] groups are really engaging in their own data, really getting excited. One student was talking about, ‘well, in the winter MAP, I normally don’t do as well, and was very surprised.’ So seeing that student agency happening with their data was really exciting,” Beichler said.
Data collected by Trailside also supports the schedule change. Student data shows that 62% of seventh graders, 64% of eighth graders, and 43% of sixth graders prefer the current eight-block schedule. Over half of seventh and eighth graders also said the model was best for learning. A strong majority from all three grades also supported continuing support sessions built into the day.
undergrounding options to keep the safety of children and the community in mind.
“Many community members, including myself, feel that we haven’t adequately explored undergrounding, and I definitely understand that the Board of Supervisors, in their recommendation, have included that desire as well. And so, I am also wondering what else we can do to advocate for the partial undergrounding solution, knowing that both of these routes are less than 500 ft from the schools,” Istrefi said.
Survey results showed that 62 out of 69 participants answered that student engagement is impacted by the new schedule, responding either four or five on a one-five scale. Fifty-three out of 69 respondents said that student behavior and classroom management is impacted as well, responding either four or five.
Watson Mountain’s pilot schedule still features four blocks per day like the traditional block scheduling, but instead of an A day/B day schedule, students there have an A-E day schedule. A day has blocks one through four and B day has blocks five through eight. C day is the inverse order of A day and D day is the inverse order of B day. E day features equal blocks of each subject.
“We really call this schedule a creative cadence, and we preplanned all of our weeks for the entire school year to ensure that creative cadence is evident for both our staff, our students and our community. Even with the disruption of weather this year, which we had quite a bit, every single one of our students had the same
seeing towers and data centers. I do not like being pressured to vote for this. And I will not be part of any vote,” she said.
Lewis said the next step in the process is meeting with representatives of Dominion Energy and Columbia Gas, as they may have a conflict over the easement the lines would cross.
During a Board of Supervisors’ meeting Tuesday night, community members urged the board to rescind their recommendations.
“This is unacceptable because it’s not just about power lines,” a junior at Rock Ridge High School said, adding that she was concerned about the health impacts the power lines cold have on students.
Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) said that she would have no part in putting power lines so close to the schools and would not vote on the matter at all. She cited the growth of the data centers and transmission centers in the past 20 years, and said that Ashburn is different now than the place she moved to.
“I understand that I might lose my voice here. This affects many homes and schools, and to me this is a health and safety issue. … You can’t really drive without
amount of time in their classes each and every week, we adjusted the schedule to provide that and communicate it with our community,” Watson Mountain Assistant Principal Kjersti Oliver said.
Students also championed the schedule in a video shown to the committee, with specific praise on being able to experience classes at different times of the day.
Data from Watson Mountain also supports keeping the schedule or only slightly tweaking it next year. According to the report, 83% of parents support keeping the schedule as is or with a few tweaks, and 96% of teachers say the same thing.
Student achievement has also seen an increase. Winter MAP data shows students in the 81st percentile overall with 51% of students in the top 20% nationally for math, and the 71st percentile for reading with 36% in the top 20% nationally for reading. This is above the average for the spring of 2024, according to Assistant Principal Gela Russell.
“This isn’t something that you can undo. Please reject this plan. Demand answers, demand real research, and demand that every possible alternative be explored,” she said.
Raj Paradkar said none of the aboveground routes are good options and that Dominion Energy rejected the underground routes preemptively.
“Please stop pressuring them to allow [Options 3 and 4] on school grounds,” he said. “… why don’t you also hate [those] options, too? Don’t our lives matter?”
The School Board is expected to vote on a recommendation for the transmission line options March 25. n
“So, while not a causal relationship, we do believe our schedule has contributed to the high levels of academic success for our students,” she said.
Among the changes the school is considering is moving the equal-blocked E day to Mondays, and making it a preview instead of a review. They also are keeping some supplies, such as binders, that the students would have to carry with them in the classroom to avoid confusion of what binder to take each day.
School Board members on the committee said they were pleased to hear that the pilots were improving student experiences.
“I am excited and for you to get those little babies around and see that level of improvement. I am just excited. Congratulations and I applaud you, because, as someone said when I was there last summer, I said, ‘no, they can’t do it,’ but you did, and you showed that you’ve done it well. As for that, I am very grateful,” Linda Deans (Broad Run) said. n
Loudoun County Public Schools
A map showing the projected location of Options 3 and 4 for Dominion Energy’s Golden to Mars transmission line. They would intersect with the Rock Ridge High School and Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School campus within 500 feet of the schools.
Grading, Assessment Policy Changes Head to Full Board
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
Five years to the day after the policy was first implemented and schools were shut down for COVID, revisions to Loudoun County Public Schools’ grading, assessment and retake policy are moving to the full School Board. Major changes include new deadlines for late work, adding criteria for the 50% minimum grade for assignments, and redefinitions of terms like “reasonable effort.”
The School Board’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee Chair Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) asked for a review of the policy in February 2024.
“Moving forward, I’ll remind us that no grading assessment policy is going to be flawless, but I’m encouraged by the productive dialog we have had. And I can say that, although we may not always be in agreement, every conversation has been student-centered, and that has really given me a lot of hope,” she said.
The public comment period in January gathered almost 100 submissions, which is more than average, according to Chief Academic Officer Ashley Ellis. Themes from the comments included refining the poli-
cy that requires at least a 50% grade, adding limits for students to request retakes on tests, assessing the impact on teacher workload, changing the administration of assessment and homework grades, and better defining student effort.
The current policy allows for students who make a “reasonable effort” to turn in late work to be given a grade of at least 50%. It also allows students who receive less than an 80% on a test to retake it. It states that teachers must accept late work and gives no deadline for late work acceptance.
Definitions that have been changed in the latest policy iteration include reasonable effort, reassessment, and major summative assessments.
Now, reasonable effort is defined as “when a student submits an assignment, formative assessment, or summative assessment in which they have made an attempt to complete it using the information provided during instruction.”
Major summative assessments are now defined as counting for more than 10% and less that 25% of the final grade. Anything less than 10% is now a minor summative assessment. Major summative assessments also may be something
completed outside of the classrooms, like projects.
Reassessments are still permitted when a student scores less than 80%, but now retakes may be limited per semester or quarter if a student requests multiple. This is in response to teacher and parent complaints that students were abusing the policy. Teachers, student support teams and parents may meet to discuss limiting retakes.
Late work deadlines have also been changed, with no late work accepted after the summative assessment for that unit of study. This ties into teacher workload, as there is now a hard deadline for late work so teachers don’t have to grade a semester’s worth of assessments at once, according to Ellis.
The 50% floor has also been revised to only apply to final quarter grades, not every assessment or assignment. Ellis said that this could possibly have been the original intent of the policy, and the floor does not apply to high school students in the final quarter. The rationale in the policy is so students who have demonstrated reasonable effort do not feel like they can’t catch up.
Other changes to the policy include
making sure extra credit is not required and is available to all when it is offered, adding “high expectations” into the language of the policy, adding goal-setting language and ensuring that assistive technology is available to those with an Individualized Education or 504 plans.
Sumera Rashid (Little River) said that it was time for the policy to finally advance and made the motion to move the policy and revisions to the full board.
Shernoff proposed two amendments, one that took retakes away from advanced placement courses and one to reduce the retake threshold from 80% to 75%, both of which failed.
According to Ellis, there were 18 comments from the members of the public who wanted to lower the ceiling as well, but the staff did not feel comfortable with that.
“We don’t know that that truly represents the philosophy of the policy, and certainly doesn’t set students up for a growth mindset. But I do think that there are pros and cons to that approach, and so I hope we are able to have a conversation about that,” Ellis said.
The committee voted unanimously to send the policy to the full board. n
Holiday Inn Celebrates Rebrand in Leesburg
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
Community leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Leesburg at its refurbished and rebranded hotel on Prosperity Avenue.
Owner Bob Patel has operated the hotel, previously a Comfort Suites, for nearly 15 years and credited his team, led by his daughter and manager, for the success of their operation.
“Without you guys, boss Patel is nothing,” he said.
Speakers at the ribbon-cutting included Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (DLeesburg), Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, President and CEO of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Tony Howard, Vice Chair of the Leesburg Economic Development Commission Angel Miranda, and Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson.
“You know, Bob not only had a hotel here, but when it became outdated and he could’ve moved away and gone somewhere else, he decided to reinvest here in Leesburg,” Burk said. “We are so grateful for him to do that and then to do it in such a fantastic way, this is a beautiful establishment.”
Howard also thanked Patel, calling him a stalwart business partner and thanked him for his time investment in the Leesburg community. He called it a lifetime investment. Notably, Patel has been a member of Leesburg’s business community since 2001.
Umstattd noted that this Holiday Inn is one of the few hotels that provides a shuttle to the Dulles Airport and goes up to Point of Rocks, to serve cyclists.
Burk highlighted Patel’s community service, recalling a time when a woman was kicked out of her house by her husband and was alone with her three kids. She said Patel gave the woman a free week at the hotel to get back on her feet.
The opening marks a return of the Holiday Inn brand to Leesburg after a previous location at Carrodoc Hall converted to a Clarion Hotel a decade ago.
The new Holiday Inn is located at 80 Prosperity Ave. SE in Leesburg. n
Bank of Charles Town’s Frazier to Lead Independent Community Bankers of America
Alice P. Frazier, president and CEO of BCT-Bank of Charles Town, is chairman-elect of the Independent Community Bankers of America and will begin her term March 14 at the conclusion of the association’s ICBA LIVE conference in Nashville, TN.
“I’m ecstatic for this opportunity to stand up for our nation’s community banks as ICBA chairman-elect,” Frazier stated. “Our institutions leverage relationship-based banking, and our success is tied to the communities we serve. Advancing ICBA’s advocacy with policymakers, and delivering on innovation and education to our members, will further an environment where community banks help local economies flourish.”
Frazier serves in many leadership roles at ICBA. She is a member of the ICBA
Executive Committee and board of directors, a member of ICBA’s Federal Delegate Board and its Policy and Nominating Committees. She also serves as the Executive Committee liaison for the Minority Bank Advisory Council and the Safety and Soundness Subcommittee. Frazier previously served on the ICBA Executive Committee as secretary from 2019-21.
Frazier is also active at the local level. She serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Board and is past chairman of the Virginia Association of Community Banks. She currently serves as treasurer
Catoctin Creek’s Harris Honored
The American Craft Spirits Association presented its Gable Erenzo Spirit of Community Award to Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. during its conference in Tucson, AZ.
The award recognizes the generosity of spirit, resilience, and resourcefulness to advance the interests of the association’s small business entrepreneurs and is presented to someone who puts the needs of the association and its business community before any personal aims. The award is named for the co-founder of Tuthilltown Spirits and founder of Gardiner Liquid Mercantile in Gardiner, NY, who is remembered for his support of others in the craft spirits industry. Harris, co-founder with her husband Scott of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville, is a member of ACSA’s Board of Directors, the chair of its Government Affairs Committee, and a co-chair of the Membership Committee.
on the WVU East Hospital System and for the Loudoun Economic Development Authority.
“Alice is one of the most dedicated advocates for community banking, and I’m excited that she’s helping to guide our industry,” stated ICBA Chairman Jack Hopkins, president and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, SD. “With her knowledge and the respect she holds among peers, we are fortunate to have her counsel on ICBA’s Executive Committee as we drive change in Washington and continue our steadfast dedication to community banking.”
ICBA is dedicated to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. Learn more at icba.org. n
“I am really grateful for the recognition, but it will make me even more grateful if you call your representatives … and [do] all the other things out there that we need to get done,” said Harris as she accepted the award. “It’s not about me, it’s about us. This is what we do together.”
During the convention, Catoctin Creek also received two silver medals for its Short Hill Mountain Peach Brandy—one for the quality of the brandy and another for its packaging design. The packaging design features a watercolor painting of a peach created by Allan Guy.
“We are always delighted when our products receive accolades,” Scott Harris stated. “The peach brandy is a product that we only make in limited quantities, but it is such a beautiful representation of our local fruit. We are honored to receive this recognition.” n
Harris
Frazier
William Timme/Loudoun Now
The New Holiday Inn, rebranded from a Comfort Suites, is located at 80 Prosperity Ave.
Public Safety
Sterling Townhouse Fire Displaces 3
A mechanical malfunction in the engine compartment of a vehicle parked in the garage of a Sterling townhouse caused a fire that resulted in $650,000 of damage and displaced a family of three last week.
According to Loudoun County Fire-Rescue, county dispatchers were alerted by multiple callers starting at 7:38 p.m. March 11 about structure fire on Peach Oak Terrace. Fire and Rescue units from Kincora, Ashburn, Sterling, and Moorefield, as well as Fairfax County, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority responded to the scene.
Arriving crews found a middle-ofthe-row townhome with significant fire showing from the front of the structure. A Rapid Intervention Taskforce was
requested to bring additional firefighting resources to the scene. They were able to contain the fire to the in the garage within approximately 10 minutes before moving inside the structure to check for extension and begin overhaul operations.
No injuries were reported.
The Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined the fire was accidental caused by the malfunction.
Two adults and one child were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Smoke alarms were present and operated as designed. Community members are reminded about the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately during an emergency incident, such as a house fire. n
Loudoun Chamber to Honor 175 Heroes at 40th Valor Awards
The Loudoun Chamber of Commerce will honor 175 local heroes for their courageous actions over the past year during its 40th Annual Valor Awards on April 9.
Of those honored, 18 are citizens who took brave and often live-saving actions to help their neighbors.
This year’s honorees will include Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, who died in a home explosion on Feb. 16, 2024. Brown will receive only the third Gold Medal of Valor in the 40-year history of the Loudoun County Valor Awards. A total 10 Medals of Valor are being awarded to volunteer and career members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire & Rescue Department for their response to the deadly incident.
“For 40 years, the Loudoun Chamber has proudly presented the Valor Awards, to express our community’s appreciation for the selfless acts of heroism and service that our first
responders demonstrate, every shift. That commitment has never been more apparent than on the evening of February 16, 2024, when Firefighter Trevor Brown lost his life, and nine of his colleagues suffered significant injuries, while in volunteer service to our community,” Loudoun Chamber President Tony Howard stated in the announcement.
The event, hosted by ABC7 news anchors Adam Longo and Victoria Sanchez, will be held at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more at loudounchamber.org.
The Chamber is also partnering with Inova Blood Donor Services to hold a Blood Drive immediately following the event, from 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the National Conference Center. To participate, book an appointment here. Allow one hour to donate blood. Photo ID required. n
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
Fire and Rescue units responded to a call for a fire at Sterling townhome March 11.
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n The C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program offers a tuition-free year of intensive training that leads to significant life-change. n The program prepares each Fellow to live a powerful transformed life in their church, their community and in their workplace. n It involves Bible stud y, classic readings, lectures, group discussion, personal mentoring and accountability–all in the context of a small group of likeminded believers. n The program is designed to be achievable even for busy professionals with families. n Join the Fellows Program and learn to live as a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and make an impact for Him in the world.
Family of Missing Loudoun Student in Dominican Republic Seeks to End Search
Nearly two weeks after she was reported missing at a Dominican Republic resort, the family of 20-yearold South Riding resident Sudiksha Konanki is asking authorities to close the case as a drowning death.
The University of Pittsburg premed student was on a spring break vacation with friends at the RIU República Resort in Punta Cana.
She was last seen just after 4:15 a.m. March 6. An extensive search of the area has turned up no signs of the missing woman.
She was last seen with a group of friends who left the hotel during a power outage. They returned to their room, leaving Konanki on the beach with another resort vacationer, Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student from Iowa.
In interviews with authorities, Riibe described standing with her in waist-deep water when they were swept away in heavy surf. He said he used his lifeguard training to get
them both back to shore. He said he got sick from swallowing seawater then fell asleep on a beach chair. He assumed Konanki had returned to her room, he said.
U.S. Federal law enforcement officials are assisting with the investigation. Also, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office sent detectives to the scene.
According to a statement issued by the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office on Tuesday, the final disposition of the case rests with Dominican Republic authorities.
“The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling,” Sheriff Michael Chapman stated. “We have supported them throughout to ensure a rigorous, wide-ranging investigation. We have also met personally with them and continue to provide emotional support through our Victim Advocate Unit.” n
Furnace Mountain Convenience Store Robbed at Gunpoint
The Sheriff ’s Office is looking for two men who robbed a north Loudoun convenience store early Friday morning.
According to the report, two men wearing ski masks, with one displaying a handgun, entered the Sunoco store on Rt. 15 near the Point of Rocks Bridge just before 5 a.m. March 14. They took cigarettes and fled the scene in a blue
Ford Escape with a spare tire on the rear passenger side.
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area and may have seen anything to contact Detective McCormack at 703-777-1021. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or submit a tip through the LCSO app. n
Please Consider Joining Us for the 2025-2026 Loudoun County Fellows Program.
To apply or for more information, please visit: www.cslewisinstitute.org/loudoun-county
Tim Bradley
CSLI City Director, Loudoun County
Email: t.bradley@cslewisinstitute.org Phone: (301) 325-8565
Purcellville Council Prepares for Town Manager Interviews
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After the solicitation for Purcellville’s town manager job resulted in 80 applications, the Town Council is preparing to review résumés and conduct interviews.
The position opened in January after a newly elected Town Council voted 4-3 to fire then-Town Manager Rick Bremseth during a special meeting. The council majority then appointed former Mayor Kwasi Fraser as interim town manager.
After the job posting was published and received over 60 applications, Mayor Christopher Bertaut said during a Feb. 25 meeting that the qualifications required in the listing were different than what the council had seen and would not be able to be met by Fraser.
Human Resources Director Ladonna Snellbaker disputed that saying the only changes she had made were formatting ones.
“The approach I’ve taken is basically the same as any typical executive level of search,” she said.
A motion that night by Vice Mayor Ben Nett to “recognize and accept as presumptively qualified for permanent appointment as town manager any individual who currently serves or has served as town manager or interim town manager” passed 4-3 with council members Caleb Stought, Erin Rayner and Kevin Wright opposed.
The job listing closed March 4 and
Snellbaker was scheduled to provide an update to the council on the hiring process Tuesday night. However, a last-minute amendment by Council member Carol Luke removed the update from the agenda.
According to the staff report attached to the agenda item, Snellbaker had ranked candidates based on their qualifications with a focus on identifying ones with prior municipal government experience at a senior level.
Rayner said that Fraser was not
included among the top 20 ranked candidates.
Residents attending council meetings since January have spoken against Fraser’s appointment, raising concerns that the council appointed a “campaign buddy” to the position after Fraser campaigned with Bertaut, Nett and Council Member Susan Khalil last fall.
TOWN MANAGER continues on page 20
Purcellville Residents Advance Main Street Program Amid Declining Council Support
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
As the Purcellville Town Council prepares to pull support from efforts to include the town in the Virginia Main Street program, business owners say they want to continue work to revitalize downtown anyway.
The town was accepted into the program last year with a community meeting held in August to learn about the benefits provided to members. VMS helps towns facilitate economic growth and sustainability in their downtown areas by preserving their unique characteristics. It offers a range of services, grants and training resources for
communities to use when revitalizing local economies.
Joining the group was part of plan by then-mayor Stanley Milan and Council Member Erin Rayner to turn historic downtown Purcellville into a gas lamp district that would bring new revenue to the town through an influx of tourism and local businesses.
During its March 11 meeting, the Town Council instead instructed the staff to create a resolution reversing the town’s support for the program.
The motion was made by Council Member Susan Khalil, who said she was concerned about financial commitments from the town.
Rayner, who said she did not know
HAMILTON
Hamilton Increases Real Estate Tax Rate by 2 Cents
The Hamilton Town Council on Monday night adopted a real property tax rate of 29 cents per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026, two cents more than the current rate.
Town Treasurer Sherri Jackson said the rate had been decreased from 28 cents in past years, but there are several items the town needs to fund this year including software upgrades and possibly a parttime employee. Increasing the rate to 29 cents would also align the town’s reserve fund with its policy.
A cent on the real property tax rate brings in approximately $7.4 million in revenue for the town.
“A house with a $550,000 value, that house is going to pay $55 more every six months,” Jackson said.
Council Member Rebecca Jones, who serves on the town’s Finance Committee said pursuing a boundary line adjustment to annex neighboring businesses would help in the future.
“If we had more commercial properties in town, that could alleviate some of the burden that we’re asking homeowners to pay here,” she said.
Council Member Cathy Salter said she had some “heartburn” about increasing the rate by two cents. No members of the public spoke about the proposed increase during the public hearing. The motion to increase the rate passed 6-1, with Salter opposed.
PURCELLVILLE
Council Holds Zoning Ordinance Public Hearing
prior to the meeting about concerns over the program, stressed there was no required financial commitment from the town.
“This doesn’t cost the town anything,” she said. “… This adds so much value to our community. Leesburg uses it very successfully. It aids in economic revitalization which is what we want to do downtown. It helps with resources and grants.”
Khalil and Council Member Carol Luke said the program required a full-time staff position to be dedicated to running it.
The Town Council last week held a public hearing on the draft Zoning Ordinance with some residents expressing concerns regarding duplex restrictions and the Historic Overlay District.
The draft was recommended by the Planning Commission last July and the council had been receiving a section-by-section walk through of the changes by Director of Planning and Community Development Summer Wilkes prior to the November election. Wilkes’ presentations included changes to the draft recommended by the town’s planning staff. Following
“They are supported by the local municipality. That is the government and AROUND TOWNS continues on page 18
MAIN STREET continues on page 20
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Purcellville Interim Town Manager Kwasi Fraser speaks to town residents Feb. 25.
Middleburg Police Department Returns to Full Staffing Levels
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org
The Middleburg Police Department will return to full staffing levels this month following a years-long town effort to boost recruiting and retention of officers.
The town has been adding experienced officers to fill the vacancies on its force with the recruitment effort supported by new initiatives including higher pay, more ranks and promotion opportunities, investment in training, and allowances for take-home cruisers.
Chief Shaun D. Jones, who is completing his second year leading the department, said it is important to find the right people to serve in the small-town community policing operation.
“I want people that are community policing oriented. I want people that know how to talk to people. I want people that really want to be here in our town,” Jones said. He highlighted an experience with a recent hire who first came to take a tour of the town and then returned to take his family on a tour.
“You have to come here because you want to be here. This is a unique town,” Jones said.
Last month, Jones hosted a roundtable of law enforcement leaders from around the region to discuss mutual challenges face by small-town forces and explore opportunities for collaborations.
He said the other chiefs were struck by Middleburg’s operations and are watching closely.
“Everybody left saying this is like the best kept secret. They said you’ve got a good town. You’ve got a good town manager. Your town is beautiful. You get support from the community, as well,” Jones said. “So, some of my colleagues were a little jealous, but that’s where we’re going. I’m excited about it.”
With his department getting back to full staff, Jones said town residents should expect to see him out and about more often and for newly promoted Lt. Mark Putnam to move away from filling in officer shift duty and focus on his management roles.
But Jones’ efforts to rebuild the department aren’t finished. He hopes the Town Council will authorize two additional officer positions in next year’s budget to increase the shifts when the town can have two officers on duty, a move intended to both improve service and to enhance officer safety. n
Around Towns
continued from page 17
a change in council members, those presentations were halted, and the public hearing was scheduled.
Ernie Flynn said he was representing some of the homes that will be included in the Historic Overlay District if the ordinance is approved.
“There’s nothing historical about these houses. There’s been no improvement to our street since I’ve lived there in ‘82,” he said.
The major changes to the ordinance recommended by the commission include the addition of seven overlay districts; a Historic Properties Overlay affecting processes for approval of demolition of residential structures; modification of the Floodplain Overlay District; removal of duplexes as a permitted use in the R-3 district; a base district rezoning changing building and bulk standards; consolidation of CM-1 and M-1 industrial districts into a single district; and classification of all Planned Development Housing districts as legacy districts.
The Town Council take a final vote on the ordinance at a future meeting. n
Montana Cochran, of Lincoln, was crowned Miss Teen Virginia International 2025 on March 2. The Loudoun Valley High School senior will represent the commonwealth in the Miss Teen International pageant in July in Kingsport, TN.
As someone recovering from Chronic Lyme Disease, she champions Lyme disease awareness and women’s health advocacy as part of her pageant platform. n
Goodwin Photography
Lincoln Teen Wins Pageant
One Week To Go... Increase Your Gift’s Impact Now!
This year’s goal of Loudoun Community Media, the nonprofit news publisher of Loudoun Now, is to raise $20,000 by midnight on “Give Choose Day” on March 25.
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We received a generous Give Choose challenge gift of $7,000 from our dedicated board of directors. And many Loudoun Now readers have responded already, by making charitable contributions during this Early Giving period, which began March 11.
Please join our community’s 2025 Give Choose campaign. We welcome your donation of $10, $30, $100 or whatever amount fits your budget. Thank you for your support! Donate at GiveChoose.org.
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Town Manager
continued from page 17
“You need a professional town manager. Should we accept anything less? I don’t think so. I’ll finish by saying do not hire Mr. Fraser,” Rick Travers said.
Fraser, who served as Purcellville’s mayor for eight years until deciding not to seek reelection in 2022, took time during his portion of the agenda to provide key updates to the council to defend his qualifications.
“I know a lot of folks here do not know me, so I think I should reintroduce myself,” he said.
Fraser described how his family had immigrated to the United States when he was 12 years old and started listing his higher education accomplishments before being interrupted by Wright, who said it was not the appropriate time for Fraser to be presenting his résumé.
“I respect that,” Fraser said.
The position is advertised with an annual salary of $140,000 to $224,000 and lists essential functions as administrative oversight, budget and financial management, personnel management, policy development and implementation, community relations and communication and emergency management.
A bachelor’s degree in public adminis-
tration or a related field is required while a master’s degree in public administration is preferred.
“Extensive increasingly responsible local government experience, with at least five (5) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in public administration, including at least three (3) to five (5) years in a leadership or managerial role,” is also included on the posting.
A Feb. 25 staff report outlines the hiring process to begin with Snellbaker’s review of the applications. An initial background investigation was expected to be conducted before the council received the candidate matrix.
“The candidates selected will be invited to participate in the first interview round. We will have two interview panels (Department Heads and Town Council) that will run simultaneously to ensure a consistent and fair interview process,” according to the document.
Snellbaker is recommending the second interviews be conducted during an open public meeting. Once completed, Snellbaker is expected to meet with the council for feedback and to begin negotiations with the selected candidate.
The selected applicant is expected to begin work by the end of May. n
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Main Street
continued from page 17
other local community. It’s a great idea, but do we want to spend our money there?” Luke asked.
Director of Planning and Community Development Summer Wilkes said there is no required financial commitment from the town, aside from some staff time to provide support specifically during the startup phase. Ultimately, the full-time position to run the program will be a community member, not a paid town staff member.
That was confirmed the next day by VMS Program Administrator Blaire Buergler, who said a nonprofit would be established as part of the community’s participation in the program and it would be a nonprofit employee who would meet the full-time employee requirement.
“There’s no monetary requirement from the town in order to participate. Ideally, you would have support but that can be a variety of different ways,” Buergler said.
The motion to draft the resolution withdrawing support passed 4-3, with Rayner and council members Kevin Wright and Caleb Stought opposed.
Buergler, Wilkes and Economic Development Advisor John Heather hosted a VMS meeting for the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee the following day to talk about establishing a steering committee of community members to lead the program.
Business owners said, while they were frustrated by the lack of support by the Town Council, they are going to continue pursuing the effort on their own.
“The Main Street Program is citizen-led,” Wilkes told them. “It is yours. The town is only meant to foster it, but it can be
100% citizen led.”
EDAC member Grant Wetmore said businesses are important to the town and felt that the council did not appreciate that.
“I’m very frustrated this year on how things have gone,” he said.
Morteza Faraji, who owns Artaville Rugs & Upholstery in town, said he had moved his business from Occoquan four years ago and is experiencing some of the same challenges now that he had been there.
“As business owners, we all want things to be more dynamic for the businesses, of course. And every one of us that do a little better business, that means there is some extra people coming in town and that means that we are opening the gates for other businesses to benefit from those people,” he said.
In Occoquan that had fallen on “deaf ears” he said, with the council members not wanting anything to change.
“I hope to see things change. Hope is always what we have as business owners, right?” he said.
CaseCo Co-owner Casey Chapman said he would be willing to stand up the nonprofit to help bolster community involvement and continue partnership with VMS.
“Seeing this turnout even after what happened last night is awesome,” he said. “… I’d be happy to help if needed.”
“It sounds like there might not be that support that we originally thought from the local municipality, but there is a path forward if you all, the local stakeholders, want to take ownership of this and want to continue to drive it forward,” Buergler said.
Applications for the steering committee can be found on the town’s website here. Additional questions can be sent to Heather at jheather@purcellvilleva.gov. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Cars drive down Purcellville’s Main Street at the intersection with 21st Street where business owners are working to revitalize and bring in tourism.
Ready to Buy? How to Navigate the Local Real Estate Market
Loudoun County is known for its scenic landscapes, top-rated schools, and proximity to Washington, DC, making it a highly desirable location for homebuyers. The local real estate market can be competitive and challenging for both first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners looking for a new place to live.
If you’re moving into home-buying mode, preparing for the market and understanding local trends is essential for a successful experience.
Loudoun County’s real estate market has seen significant growth, with new housing developments and a strong demand for single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums offering choices of urban and suburban settings.
With high demand and consistently low inventory, prices have
been rising steadily. Even with growing uncertainty caused by interest rates and efforts to cut federal government staffing and spending, it is crucial for buyers to be prepared to act quickly when they find the right property.
Before beginning the house-hunting process, assessing your financial situation is essential. The average home price in Loudoun County is higher than the national average, so it’s important to establish a realistic budget for your purchase.
A typical down payment ranges from 5% to 20%, but some firsttime homebuyer programs may offer down payments as low as 3%. A larger down payment will lower
READY TO BUY?
continues on page 24
Spring into Action: The Most Important Projects for Homeowners
As the days grow longer and the weather turns warmer, spring is the perfect time for homeowners to tackle essential projects around the house. Whether you’re sprucing up your outdoor space, preparing for the upcoming summer months, or handling necessary maintenance, spring offers a fresh start for home improvement. Here are some of the most important projects homeowners should prioritize this season.
Lawn and Garden Care: A Fresh Start for Your Outdoors: Spring is the season when your garden begins to wake up, and it’s crucial to get ahead of any potential issues. Start by cleaning up any dead plants, leaves, and debris from your yard. Give your lawn a boost by aerating the soil, reseeding bare spots, and applying a balanced fertilizer. This is also a great time to prune any overgrown shrubs, trees, or perennials, which helps encourage healthy growth and maintains the shape of your garden.
For homeowners with vegetable gardens, it’s the ideal time to prepare your beds by clearing out any old debris, adding compost or nutrient-rich soil, and planting your spring crops. Consider investing in a drip irrigation system to make watering more efficient, reducing water waste while ensuring your plants stay hydrated throughout the warmer months.
Roof and Gutter Inspection: Protect Your Home from the Elements: Spring showers can be unpredictable, so it’s vital to ensure your roof and gutters are in good condition. Start by inspecting your roof for any damage, such as missing shingles or leaks. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them before the summer storms arrive. You may also want to schedule a professional roofing contractor to conduct a more thorough inspection.
Gutters should be cleared of any debris that has accumulated over the winter. Blocked gutters can lead to
water overflow, causing damage to your foundation, landscaping, and even your roof. Cleaning gutters is an easy task for homeowners to take on, but if your home is multi-story or the gutters are hard to reach, hiring a professional may be a safer option.
HVAC Maintenance: Get Ready for Warm Weather: Before the temperatures start to soar, make sure your air conditioning system is in good working order. Spring is the perfect time to schedule an HVAC checkup. A professional technician can clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure everything is functioning correctly, which will help keep your home cool and energy-efficient throughout the summer. While you’re at it, don’t forget about your furnace. Change or clean the air filter to improve air quality and ensure your system remains efficient. Spring cleaning your HVAC system will also reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns when
temperatures climb.
Exterior Paint Touch-Up or Repainting: Winter weather can take a toll on your home’s exterior, so spring is an excellent time to freshen up the paint on your home’s facade. Whether it’s touching up chipped areas or opting for a full repaint, the dry spring air makes it easier for paint to dry quickly and evenly.
Repainting your exterior not only improves your home’s curb appeal but also protects your home from weather damage. If you don’t have the time or energy for a full repaint, consider updating smaller elements like shutters, doors, or trim for a quick and budget-friendly refresh.
Deck and Patio Preparation: Spring is the season for outdoor entertaining, so make sure your deck or patio is ready for warm-weather gatherings. Start by inspecting your deck
SPRING IMPROVEMENTS continues on page 23
• Villa, Garden, and Single-Family Homes from the
• Outdoor Swimming Pool and Hot Tub, Outdoor Patio and Kitchen, Gas Fire Table and Seating Areas
• Pickleball and Bocce Ball Courts, Community Clubhouse with Fitness Center and Yoga Studio
• Unlimited Outdoor Recreation Options in the Scenic Shenandoah Valley
• Easy Access to Major Commuter Routes
• Minutes from Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Downtown Winchester and Nearby Rutherford Crossing Center
Spring Improvements
continued from page 22
for any signs of damage or wear. Look for loose boards, nails, or any areas that need resealing. If you have a wood deck, you may want to power wash it to remove grime and dirt that has built up over the winter. Once cleaned, apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect the wood from the sun and moisture.
For homeowners with patios, consider sprucing up the space with new furniture, outdoor rugs, or decorative plants. A well-maintained outdoor living area can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the spring and summer seasons.
Windows and Doors: Spring is the ideal time to assess your windows and doors. Check for drafts, cracks, or damaged seals that could be wasting energy and letting in the elements. If you notice any issues, consider replacing weather stripping or caulking gaps to improve energy efficiency.
Additionally, cleaning your windows inside and out will allow for more natural light to shine into your home. It’s also an excellent time to check locks and hinges on doors and windows to ensure they are se-
cure and functioning properly.
Basement and Crawl Space
Check: The spring thaw can lead to excess moisture in basements and crawl spaces, so it’s crucial to ensure these areas remain dry and well-ventilated. Check for any signs of leaks or water damage and repair any cracks or gaps in the foundation. If moisture is an ongoing problem, you may want to install a sump pump or dehumidifier to keep the area dry.
Safety Checks: While spring cleaning your home, don’t forget to inspect the safety features. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries as needed. This is also a good time to check your fire extinguishers and replace any expired models.
Spring is more than just a time to enjoy warmer weather—it’s an opportunity to prepare and protect your home for the months ahead. By tackling these home improvement projects, you’ll not only enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality but also avoid costly repairs down the road. So, grab your gardening gloves, schedule that HVAC maintenance, and start crossing off your spring to-do list— your home will thank you for it. n
Ready to Buy?
continued from page 21
your monthly mortgage payment, which could be especially beneficial in the higher-priced market.
ties and future developments; find listings that meet your criteria; and guide you through negotiations.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a critical first step in the process. Pre-approval not only shows sellers you are a serious buyer, but it also helps you set a clear budget. This is particularly important in Loudoun, where multiple offers on desirable properties are common. Working with a local lender can help you better understand the specifics of the market and ensure you’re securing the best possible loan.
Navigating the competitive market can be daunting without the help of a qualified local real estate agent. An experienced agent can provide valuable insights into the area’s neighborhoods, area ameni-
Once you’ve found a home that meets your criteria, it’s critical to schedule a home inspection to help identify any potential issues with the property, including structural problems, water damage, electrical systems, and more. In a competitive market, buyers may feel pressure to waive certain contingencies, but skipping a thorough inspection can lead to costly surprises down the road.
Buying a home is a key life milestone, but it requires careful preparation, research, and understanding of the market dynamics. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage, working with a local real estate agent, and familiarizing yourself with Loudoun’s neighborhoods, you’ll be in a strong position to find the perfect home. n
Looking to Sell? Get Ready
As the spring real estate season heats up, homeowners in Loudoun County looking to sell their properties are in prime position to attract eager buyers. With the region’s strong demand for housing and historically low inventory, proper preparation can make the difference in securing the best price and a quick sale.
Here are some priorities:
Enhance Curb Appeal: Spring is the perfect time to showcase your home’s exterior. Buyers often form their first impressions based on a home’s curb appeal, so small improvements can have a big impact. Consider freshly mulching flower beds and planting seasonal flowers; power-washing driveways, sidewalks, and siding; repainting or staining the front door and shutters; and ensuring the lawn is well-maintained and neatly trimmed
Declutter and Depersonalize: Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Removing personal items, excess furniture, and clutter allows them to see the space’s full potential. Store away family photos and unique décor. Organize closets and storage spaces to maximize the perception of space. You may have to rent a storage unit for bulky furniture or extra belongings.
Make Repairs: Small issues can turn buyers away or give them reasons to negotiate a lower price. Tackle minor repairs like fixing
leaky faucets and running toilets; repairing chipped paint or scuffed walls; replacing outdated light fixtures or cabinet hardware; and ensuring all appliances are in working order.
Brighten Up the Space: Buyers are looking for bright, airy homes that feel fresh and inviting. Consider replacing heavy drapes with sheer curtains; adding mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel bigger; or adding a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint to brighten up interiors.
Stage Your Home: Staging can help potential buyers visualize how to use each space effectively. If hiring a professional stager isn’t in the budget, try measures like rearranging furniture to create open, inviting spaces; adding fresh flowers or greenery to liven up rooms; and setting the dining table with stylish place settings for a welcoming feel.
Work with a Local Expert: Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands the Loudoun County market can help you price your home competitively and market it effectively. They can provide valuable insights on local trends, staging tips, and negotiation strategies to ensure a smooth transaction.
If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to start preparing—spring buyers are ready, and Loudoun County’s market is moving fast! n
Spring Tree Care: Tips for a Healthy Growing Season
As the days grow longer and the temperatures warm, spring marks a critical time for tree care. With the new growing season underway, it's important for homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers to focus on the health of trees to ensure they thrive throughout the year. Spring tree care is key to fostering robust growth, protecting trees from pests, and enhancing their overall beauty.
Here’s a guide to help you keep your trees in top shape this year:
moisture before deciding whether to water.
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning watering is best to prevent the growth of mold or fungi.
Fertilization: As trees awaken from their winter dormancy, they begin to need nutrients to support new growth. Consider applying a balanced fertilizer to your trees, particularly if the soil quality in your area is poor or if your trees are showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Be sure to follow the recommended application guidelines for the specific type of tree.
Celebrating 50 Years!
Our team has been working hard over the winter months completing some large construction projects. We are looking forward to helping our customers with their upcoming Spring projects.
We
appreciate the community and our loyal builders for supporting us over the last 50 years.
Pruning and Trimming: Spring is an ideal time to prune trees, but timing is important. Avoid pruning during the tree’s active growing season to prevent unnecessary stress. Late winter or early spring, before buds begin to bloom, is generally the best time to trim dead or damaged branches. Proper pruning promotes healthy growth, improves the tree’s shape, and prevents disease by removing infected areas.
Be sure to use clean, sharp tools, and always cut at the proper angles to prevent damage to the tree.
Fertilizing too heavily can lead to excessive growth, which may make trees more vulnerable to disease. A slow-release fertilizer is often the best choice for trees.
Pest and Disease Prevention: Spring is the time when many pests and diseases begin to emerge. Keep a close eye on your trees for signs of early infestations, including discolored or deformed leaves, sticky residues, or visible pests. Early detection allows for more effective treatment.
Mulching for Moisture and Protection: Mulch is a simple and effective tool for promoting tree health during spring. Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base of your trees can help retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, and protect against temperature fluctuations. It also suppresses weeds that compete for nutrients.
When mulching, be careful not to pile mulch directly against the tree’s trunk, as this can encourage rot. Aim for a 2 to 4 inch layer, spreading it evenly out to the tree’s drip line.
Watering: Spring is often a time of unpredictable weather, so it’s important to monitor soil moisture carefully. Trees that are newly planted or in areas with sandy soil will need regular watering to ensure they develop strong root systems. Established trees may need less water, but be sure to check the soil
Depending on the pests or diseases in your area, you may want to apply an insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide to deter harmful insects. Ensure that your trees are properly watered and mulched to strengthen their defenses against potential problems.
Check for Signs of Stress:
Even healthy trees can experience stress. As temperatures fluctuate, trees may show signs of stress such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or cracked bark. If you notice these signs, check for underlying issues such as root damage, poor soil conditions, or watering irregularities.
Addressing stress early can prevent long-term damage to your trees. If needed, consider consulting an arborist for a professional assessment. n
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Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
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Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
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DILL PICKERS
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 21
Solace Brewing Company, 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling. solacebrewing.com
BIG BRAD’S BIG BAD JAM
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 21 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Purcellville. old690.com
JOEY HAFNER
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 21 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
NATE CLENDENEN
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 21
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 28
Wine Trail Celebrates the Culture, Contributions of Virginia’s Wine Women
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org
During Women’s History Month a new program is putting the spotlight on the contributions of women to the commonwealth’s wine industry.
Through March 29 visitors to 50 wineries, cideries, and meaderies participating in the Virginia Women in Wine Trail—including 10 in Loudoun—will find special offerings that highlight the work of women, from the vineyard to the wine cellar to the tasting room.
The event culminates with the Women in Wine Trailblazer Bash on March 29 at Bluemont Vineyard where three of the state’s industry leaders will be honored for their legacy-building contributions, including Doukénie Winery co-founder Nicki Bazaco.
Hailey Zurschmeide Holdsworth, the chief vision officer of Bluemont Vineyard and Henway Hard Cider, is chairing the wine trail event. She said the Women in Wine organization formed last year to build community among women in the industry.
“There were a lot of internal parties, dinners, and celebrations where the women in the wine community could come together and talk through different wine-making scenarios and that kind of thing,” she said. “Then it expanded to be a formal group more recently that recognizes both internal events as well as public events where we are hosting the guests to come out to the wineries and meet the women behind those efforts.”
“This is the first Women in Wine Trail to celebrate women in wine making positions, vineyard managers, ownership, but also in tasting rooms—the folks who are actually pouring the wines. It’s a trail that recognizes 50 wineries around the state, and the women behind the wine at each of those wineries.”
Among those is Luanne Gutermuths, co-owner with her husband Mike, of Good Spirits Farm near Bluemont.
“When Nancy Bauer [founders of Virginia Wine Love] and others launched Women in Wine, it really piqued my interest. From my own corporate career, I saw a lot of value in groups of women learning from each other and developing a network of support and advocacy,” she said. “I felt the same and was happy to see that this group was launched to highlight the role that women are playing in the industry, and to help to inspire or mentor other younger women to start
getting involved as well.”
Last year Gutermuths got involved with the group as a volunteer. This, year, she joined the board.
“I think the more we can do to support growth, it’s a rising tide for all of us,” she said.
On the wine trail, she said visitors will find that each winery is putting their own spin on how to highlight the contributions of women.
At Good Spirits Farm, they are offering a flight of wines selected by the female staff members. “All the women who work at Good Spirits Farm have nominated certain wines to be a part of like this,” Gutermuth said.
“We’re also featuring a local baker, Leah Wilford, of Cosmic Confections, pairing her baked goods with wine. It’s just way for us to just offer something fun for our customers, and to highlight talent in the area.”
To encourage visitation to a variety of wine locations, the organization is offering VWW Trail Card with the opportunity for those who visit at least five locations to qualify for prize drawings during the Trailblazer Bash.
That event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. March 29 and will include the presentation of a special report, Closing the Gender Gap in Winemaking, that was commissioned by Virginia Women in Wine.
The program culminates with the presentation of VWW Trailblazer Awards to Sharon Horton, owner and vineyard
manager at Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville; Debra Vascik, owner and winemaker at Valhalla Vineyards near Roanoke; and Loudoun’s Bazaco.
She will be recognized for her dedication, innovation, and passion for the wine industry. She and her husband, George, purchased 365 acres near Hillsboro in 1983, planting their first grapes in 1985. For many years they sold their fruit but expanded in 1995 by opening their home basement as a tasting room. Windham Winery was the 43rd winery to register for an ABC Farm Winery license in Virginia. A larger tasting room was built later, and the property was renamed to Doukénie, in 2007, honoring George’s Greek grandmother.
Nicki kept licensing and wine labels compliant and managed the tasting room every weekend. Today, she is recognized among the “Grand Dames” of the Virginia wine industry.
Nicki still makes time to visit the winery tasting room and occasionally attend industry meetings, still very much a part of the legacy of Northern Virginia winemaking.
For a map of wineries participating and information on their special programs in the trail, go to: virginiawomeninwine.com/winetrail-2025.
For details and tickets for the Trailblazer Bash, go to virginiawomeninwine.com/ event/virginia-women-in-winetrailblazer-bash. n
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
The industry contributions of Good Spirits Farm co-owner Luanne Gutermuths and her daughter, Caroline, are among those being celebrated during the Virginia Women in Wine Trail program that continues through March 29. b1
KARMA CREEK
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 21
Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. oldstoneschool.org
The Music in the Gap music series welcomes Karma Creak for an evening of great traditional bluegrass and hot originals. The Northern Virginia band is making waves in the bluegrass world with a new CD available at the concert.
GET OUT LIVE MUSIC
continued from page 27
KARMA CREEK
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 21
Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. oldstoneschool.org
CHRIS HANKS
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 21
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com
JET CAPRIEST
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 21
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com
LOUNGE FLY: TRIBUTE TO STONE
TEMPLE PILOTS
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 21
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com
CHRIS TIMBERS BAND
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 21
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
POINT OF ROCK
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, March 21
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
YERI MUA
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, March 21 Rio Cantina, 21800 Towncenter Plaza, Sterling. facebook.com/RioCantinaSterling
BENTON & MCKAY TRIO
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauvineyards.com
ERIC CAMPBELL
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road,
BEST BETS
LIVE WIRE
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com
With electrifying energy, thunderous riffs, and all the hits you know and love, Live Wire brings the legendary sounds of AC/DC to life on stage with high voltage performances of the hits from Highway to Hell to Back in Black.
ROBERTA LEA
7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville. $15. franklinparkartscenter.com
Enjoy an intimate acoustic evening with the award-winning singer/ songwriter known as one of Hampton Roads’ best kept secrets. The Country-Neo-Pop artist just released her debut album “Too Much of a Woman.''
Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com
8 TRACK JONES DUO
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
PEBBLE TO PEARL
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
ZACH JONES
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com
BRIAN HARRIS
1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com
GARY SMALLWOOD
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com
KEVIN GRIFFITH
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com
DOMINICA KNAPP
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
ALEX BARNETT
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedge.com
LENNY BURRIDGE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
STEALIN THE DEA DUO
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
MIKE LEVERONE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com
LIBERTY STREET
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com
ECLECTIC COMPANY LIVE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
THE BLAST DADDIES
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. twotwistedposts.com
ANNIE STOKES
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Bluemont Station, 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont. facebook.com/BluemontStationBreweryandWinery
JASON MASI
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com
TEJAS SINGH
4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22
The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com
MO & MARY MAC
4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Dr., Ashburn. lostrhino.com
THE BIG LAIRD BAND
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
DYLAN WOELFEL
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Honor Brewing Company, 42604 Trade West Drive, Sterling. honorbrewing.com
RICH RIDGELL
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
VOLUME’S 11
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewing.com
BRIAN JOHNSON
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socailhouseva.com
BOBBY CRIM
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com
BERLIN CALLING
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling. crookedrunfermentation.com
LIVE WIRE: THE ULTIMATE AC/DC EXPERIENCE
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com
CAVEMAN TV
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
SPEAKEASY BAND
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, March 22
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 29
continued from page 28
BRIAN FRANKE
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
MATT BURRIDGE
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com
RICHARD WALTON
2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com
ROB HOEY
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
PALMER
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
LAURA CASHMAN
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
MIKE TERPAK
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
SCOTT KURT
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
DEREK KRETZER
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
JASON MASI
6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com
ROBERTA LEA
7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville. $15. franklinparkartscenter.com
ELDEN STREET
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 27
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
HAPPENINGS
SIX THE MUSICAL: TEEN EDITION
7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 21
7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Riverside High School, 19019 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg. $10. riversidehs.booktix.com
CASINO NIGHT: BENEFITING FF BROWN MEMORIAL PARK
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 21
Patton Hall, 46700 Middlefield Drive, Sterling. $100. eventbrite.com
DAVID DRAKE COMEDY
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 21
The Barn at Brambleton, 24439 Evergreen Mills Road, Ashburn. thebarnatbrambleton.com
MASTER GARDENERS
GARDENING SYMPOSIUM
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Academies of Loudoun, 42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg. loudouncountymastergardeners.org
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL KICK-OFF
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
CLAIMING FREEDOM: LOUDOUN
DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Oatlands Historic House & Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. oatlands.org
BRICKS ‘N BREW
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Solace Brewing Company, 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling. $55. solacebrewing.com
BOXERS & BRIEFS 5K
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22
Broadlands Community Center, 43004 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, VA 20148, Ashburn. $35. runsignup.com
VIRGINIA MARATHON
6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 23.
130 Madison Street, Middleburg. $30 to $50. olddominionracing.com/virginia-marathon
WINE BOTTLING WEEKEND
12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. willowcroftwine.com
A CANDID CONVERSATION WITH LOUDOUN’S LEADING LADIES
2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW., Leesburg. loudoun.gov/Rust
MISTY MEADOW FARM
MUSHROOM DINNER
6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 23
The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, 42461 Lovettsville Road, Lovettsville. $125. patowmackfarm.com
ROUTE 50 SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL STUDY
6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, Middleburg Community Charter School, 101 N. Madison St., Middleburg loudoun.gov
POETRY WORKSHOP: KASHVI RAMANI
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
Brambleton Library, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton. library.loudoun.gov/Brambleton
SPRING WREATH MAKING CLASS
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. $65. larkbrewingco.com
COMPLIMENTARY LINE
DANCING LESSONS
6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 26. Solace Brewing Co., 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling. solacebrewing.com
50 West Vineyards Earns Governor’s Case Slot
2021 The Aldie Heights Cuvée by 50 West Vineyards is among the 12 top Virginia wines selected for the 2025 Governor’s Case showcase.
The results of this year’s Governor’s Cup competition were announced March 13 in Richmond.
The top honor went to Barboursville Vineyards near Charlottesville for its 2023 Vermentino, a white wine with 100% Vermentino grapes, grown on the vineyard’s estate.
In its 43rd year, the competition received over 600 entries from over 140 Virginia wineries, cideries and meaderies.
It was the sixth Governor Cup win for Barboursville Vineyard and the fifth for Luca Paschina, a third-generation winemaker who came to the Virginia winery in 1990 and has been a leader in helping to build the industry’s quality and reputation.
Only one Loudoun wine was selected this year for the Governor’s Case, the top 12 wines in the competition.
50 West Vineyards’ 2021 Aldie Heights Cuvée is a blend of Tannat, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 26 months in French oak barrels.
The grapes were grown at Shenandoah Springs and Shenandoah Ridge vineyards near Woodstock.
Other wines selected for the Governor’s Cup case were:
• Barboursville Vineyards, 2017 Octagon
• DuCard Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve
• King Family Vineyards, 2021 Mountain Plains Red
• Michael Shaps Wineworks, 2022 Chardonnay
• Paradise Springs Winery, 2023 Cabernet Franc, Brown Bear Vineyard
• Potomac Point Winery, 2023 Albariño
• Trump Winery, 2018 Sparkling Rosé
• Valley Road Vineyards, 2023 Petit Manseng
• Veritas Winery, 2023 Monticello White
• Winery at La Grange, 2023 Petit Manseng.
Two Loudoun wineries earned new Best in Show honors.
For the first time, standout wines in categories with the most submissions presented with Best in Show honors. This year’s winners include Breaux Vineyards’ 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and Carriage House Wineworks’ 2022 Petit Verdot Reserve. n
Antigravity Takes Battle of the Bands Title
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The county’s top teen musicians took over the Tally Ho Theater on Friday night for Loudoun Youth Inc.’s Battle of the Bands finale. After more than five hours of performances Antigravity took first prize.
The event featured nine bands and three solo performers who scored top rankings or fan favorite votes in three preliminary rounds starting last fall.
For top prize winner Antigravity, it was a return to the big stage after a long hiatus. As middle school students six years ago, the band landed a spot in the final battle. But in recent years, the bandmates‚— friends since elementary school—have focused on sports and other activities, putting music on the back burners. As they reach the end of the high school careers, they regrouped to make another run at the Battle of the Bands title.
Judges praised their musicianship and
stage presence and encouraged them to develop original material to perform. They’ll have that opportunity with the prize package that includes $500 and a day of studio time at Blue Room Productions. The band also will be invited to perform a full set during this year’s Purcellville Music Festival.
Suncrest, a recently formed Ashburn band, took second place with $300 and a half day of studio time.
Penelope Lyla, a high school junior making her second appearance in the battle finale, won the prize for best soloist, which comes with a songwriting mentorship session with Todd Wright at his Half King Studios.
Panaroma won the voting for the Fan Favorite and took home a $150 prize.
The Battle of the Bands is produced by Loudoun Youth Inc. and Loudoun County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
See clips of the performances at youtube.com/loudounnow. n
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Panaroma was voted the Fan Favorite during the final round the 2025 Battle of the Bands.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Penelope Lyla was awarded the prize for the best soloist during the Battle of the Bands on Friday night.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Antigravity performs during the Loudoun Youth Inc. Battle of the Bands on March 14, taking the night’s top prize.
Obituaries
Rose Deimier
Rose Marie Deimler of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Rose was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a woman of deep faith, unwavering love, and kindness that touched all who knew her. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Vince Lyle Deimler, and her son, Vince Lyle Deimler, Jr. She is survived by her three children, Douglas Deimler, Thomas Deimler, and Karen Dawson, as well as her seven grandchildren, Ashley Deimler Romano, Curtis Deimler, Ryan Deimler, Whitney Rose Deimler, Amanda Polzel, Lauren Gittelman, and Jason Dawson, along with nine great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Rose’s greatest joy was her family, and she dedicated her life to loving and supporting them. Her faith in Jesus guided her every step, and she lived by His example, showing compassion, patience, and grace to everyone she met. Those who knew Rose will always remember her warm smile, gentle spirit, and selfless love. Her legacy of faith and family will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, Virginia. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Leesburg Union Cemetery, Leesburg, Virginia immediately following the service.
Legal Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
Bids in the form of a proposed agreement are invited by the Town of Purcellville, Virginia, for the grant of a nonexclusive franchise permitting franchisee(s) to use the public rights-of-ways in the Town for the acquisition, erection, installation, maintenance of an electric current system to be used to provide electric current services, and further including the right to attach, operate, and maintain additional cables for broadband facilities and communication services, in the Town.
The terms and conditions for the franchise are attached to the ordinance and are on the Town’s website at: https://purcellvilleva.gov/33/Administration
The term of the franchise is 30 years.
All bids are to be submitted in writing in the format of the electric current services franchise agreement on the Town website above and additional documents required by the terms and specifications. The bid documents are to be sent to Diana Hays, Assistant Town Manager, dhays@purcellvilleva.gov by e-mail or by mail to 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia, 20132, before 3:00 pm eastern standard time on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. At that time, bids shall be publicly opened and announced.
In addition, identification of the bidders shall be announced in open session of the Town Council of the Town of Purcellville in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia, 20132, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. eastern time. At the April 8 Town Council Meeting, the Mayor shall refer the bids received to the Town Manager and/or Town staff to evaluate, review, and consider in the manner prescribed by law, including the selection of, and negotiation of a franchise agreement with a responsive bidder. As soon thereafter as practicable, the Town Manager and/or Staff will recommend the successful bidder and present the negotiated franchise agreement for consideration and approval by Town Council.
The Town reserves the right, in the Town Manager’s sole discretion, to reject any and all bids; to terminate negotiations at any stage of the selection process; and to reissue the request for bids with or without modification. The descriptive notice of the proposed franchise ordinance is as follows:
The proposed ordinance will grant a nonexclusive franchise, under certain conditions, permitting the grantee to use the public rights-of-ways in the Town of Purcellville, for the acquisition, erection, installation, maintenance of an electric current system to be used to provide electric current services, and further including the right to attach, operate, and maintain additional cables for broadband facilities and communication services.
03/20 & 03/27/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary record plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0009
Cascades Marketplace Multi-family Residential
Mr. Avery Cooper, of Gordon, of Chantilly, VA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately thirteen (12.762) acres into forty-four (44) lots, and associated easements. The property is located west of Whitfield Place (Route 1796) south of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795), and east of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794). The property is zoned TC (Town Center) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 019-28-2708-000 in the Algonkian Election District.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.
All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”
This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753. fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0009. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Samantha Swift at Samantha.Swift@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by April 23, 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).
3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10 & 4/17/25
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF WILLINGNESS TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING
Lawson Road Pedestrian Crossing of Tuscarora Creek Town of Leesburg
Lawson Road near Tuscarora Creek
VDOT Project # 9999-253-365
Proposed Project: The Town of Leesburg was awarded funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation to construct a new stream crossing to provide bicycle and pedestrian access to the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail from residential communities. Bank erosion approximately 200 feet upstream of the crossing will also be stabilized to reduce further bank loss. More information can be found on the project webpage at www.leesburgva.gov/Lawson-Ped-Crossing.
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy and 23 CFR 771, a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) document was prepared for the project under agreement with the Federal Highway Administration. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is included with the PCE.
Plan Review: Individuals can review maps, drawings, and other project information in person by appointment at the Town of Leesburg Department of Public Works and Capital Projects at 552 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg, VA through April 4th, 2025 or request a link to download the plans by contacting Christine Roe at 703-737-6067 or CRoe@LeesburgVA.gov.
Requesting a Public Hearing: By this notice, the Town is indicating its willingness to hold a public hearing for this project if individual concerns cannot be addressed. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request prior to April 4th, 2025. Mail written request to:
Renée LaFollette, Director Department of Public Works and Capital Projects Town of Leesburg 25 West Market Street Leesburg, VA 20176
Further Notice: If a request for a public hearing is received, and the concerns addressed in the request cannot be adequately resolved, a public hearing will be scheduled at a time and place to be advertised in a future notice.
Questions or Special Assistance: Questions regarding this project should be directed to Christine Roe (see above). If special assistance is needed, please contact Kate Trask, Assistant Town Manager and ADA/504 Coordinator: 703-737-7144. For the Hearing Impaired (VA Residents Only) Dial 711.
The Town of Leesburg ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Kate Trask.
3/20 & 3/27/2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0008
Cascades Marketplace Towns
Mr. Avery Cooper, of Gordon, of Chantilly, VA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately thirteen (12.762) acres into forty-two (42) lots, and associated easements. The property is located west of Whitfield Place (Route 1796) south of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795), and east of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794). The property is zoned TC (Town Center) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 019-28-2708-000 in the Algonkian Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0008. 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 April 23, 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). 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10 & 4/17/25
TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LVZA 2023-0006, AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE (RESIDENTIAL OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS)
ARTICLE 42-VI, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; ARTICLE 42-IX, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION SPACE;
Pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2204, the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing at its meeting on Wednesday April 2, 2025, at 7:00 pm, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia, to consider an amendment to Chapter 42, Articles VI and IX of the Zoning Ordinance.
The proposed amendment includes requiring open space for residential subdivisions proposing 5 lots or more, removing a requirement that 50% of the open space be useable for ballfields and other active recreation, and adding a development option in the R-1 zoning district to permit development on smaller lots with the provision of open space.
Anyone desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically.
The proposed amendment is available for review at the Town Office, 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia 20180, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted, and on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/. You may also request a copy of the proposed amendment be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788.
3/20 & 3/27/25
TOWN OF LEESBURG
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AMENDING THE LEESBURG TOWN CODE
CHAPTER 24 (OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS), ARTICLE V (OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND ORDER), DIVISION 1 (GENERALLY) SECTION 24-182 (NOISE ORDINANCE)
In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, Sections 15.2-1102 and 15.2-1427, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA
To consider proposed amendments to the Town’s noise ordinance. The proposed ordinance would prohibit amplified outdoor music at any commercial or business establishment or special event without an approved Amplified Outdoor Music Permit from the Town. The proposed ordinance will establish a decibel level that could not be exceeded by permit holders. The sound would be measured by Town staff using a decibel meter of the Town’s choosing, from the right of way adjacent to the subject property closest to the source of the sound. Violations of this standard will be subject to a phased enforcement system, including a fine for the first cited violation, an increased fine for the second cited violation, and revocation of the permit upon a third cited violation. Revocation of the permit would also result in a ban on another permit for a period of 12 months.
A copy of the proposed ordinance and associated plat are available from the Town Clerk, located in Town Hall 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council, at 703-771-2733.
At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.
3/20 & 3/27/25
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA
Effective July 1, 2025
The Purcellville Town Council will hold a public h earing in the Council Chambers at 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, V irginia on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on the ordinance setting rates for: (1) Community Development Fees, (2) Performance Bonds and As-Built Site Inspections, (3) Permits, (4) Geographic Information System (GIS) services, and (5) Community Garden fee rental. Rates and fees are effective July 1, 2025.
At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views will be heard. Town Hall is open to to the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Fri day. Citizens wishing to provide comments on this item can email their comments to info@purcellvilleva.gov by 4:00 PM on April 4, 2025.
1) Community Development Fee: Changes for Construction Plans and Other Plats (Va. Code § 15.2-2241)
2) Performance Bonds and As-Built Site Inspections: fee changes for Site Plan & removal of Performance Bonds and As-Built Site Inspections (Va. Code § 15.2-2241, 15.2-2246)
Mapping
Fees: New fees for Geographic Information System (GIS) service.
& 3/27/25
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA
Estimated Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2506, the Town of Purcellville, Virginia hereby gives notice of a public hearing to rece ive comments on the Town Manager's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 ("FY26"). The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Purcellville Town Hall, located at 221 South Nursery Avenue. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning the budget will be heard. Town Hall is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
The budget contains a plan for all contemplated expenditures and all estimated revenues and borrowings. The budget is prepared and published for informative and fiscal planning purposes only.
REVENUES
The following is a brief synopsis of the budget proposed for FY26, relative to the Town's appropriations in FY25: 3/20 & 3/27/25
Town Manager March 20 & 27, 2025
EXPENDITURES
PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s eprocurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025 for the following:
RFP No. 100161-FY25-03
Timekeeping Management Services Software
The Town of Leesburg is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified and experienced firms to provide an employee timekeeping and reporting hardware and software system..
For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard
3/20/25
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR:
PREQUALIFICATION FOR ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND REPLACEMENT, RFQu No. 660838 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, April 22, 2025.
PROCUREMENT DISPARITY STUDY, RFP No. 676873 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, April 11, 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
3/20/25
Legal Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0016
Goose Creek Village West - Phase III
Mr. John Paltineanu, of Goose Creek Commercial LLC, of Ashburn, VA is requesting preliminary plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately thirty-four (34.1) acres into one hundred and one (101) lots, one (1) open space parcel, and associated easements. The property is located north of Sycolin Road (Route 625), north of Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659). The property is zoned R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 153-17-2472000 in the Ashburn Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0016. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Samantha Lockwood at Samantha.Lockwood@Loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by March 20, 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).
2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13 & 3/20/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0012
Rivana
Mr. Joelle Kellam, of DWC Holdings LLC, of Chicago, IL is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately sixty-nine (68.61) acres, into sixteen (16) lots with accompanying right-of-way, civic space, and associated easements. The property is located north and east of Dulles Greenway (Route 267), west of Rock Hill Road (Route 605) in Fairfax County, and south of Innovation Avenue (Route 209). The property is zoned TC (Town Center), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI #035-259545-000, 035-26-5792-000, 035-17-3948-000, and MCPI #035-16-7624-000 in the Sterling Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0012. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Vaughn Bynoe at Vaughn.Bynoe@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by March 27, 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).
2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0002
Goose Creek West Residential
Mr. John Paltineanu, Goose Creek Commercial LLC, of Ashburn, Virginia is requesting preliminary record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately thirty-four (34.01) acres into five (5) lots and associated easements. The property is located north of Sycolin Road (Route 625), north of Dulles Greenway (Route 267) and west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659). The property is zoned R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 153-17-2472-000 in the Ashburn Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0002. 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 March 27, 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).
2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27/25
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 Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
LEGI-2024-0062
AVENTON MOOREFIELD STATION: ZMOD-2024-0017 Sign Development Plan
Aventon Moorefield Station Owner, LLC has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan for a property approximately 3.81-acres in size and is located at the southeast intersection of Claude Moore Drive (Route 2394) and Charitable Street (Route 3805) in the Broad Run Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is zoned Transit Related Center (TRC) and more particularly described as 43601 Charitable St, Ashburn, Virginia; PIN# 120-20-8278-000, and Tax Map #’s /93//21///E-8/ Pursuant to Section 10.11.03 of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (the Zoning Ordinance), the applicant seeks approval for a Sign Development Plan to modify the sign regulations of Tables 8.04-1, 8.05-1, 8.05-2, and Section 8.08.B.1.b of the Zoning Ordinance as follows: to increase the individual sign area of ground signs from 60 to 76 square feet (SF), to increase the number of wall signs allowed from 4 to 17, to increase the maximum cumulative sign area of window signs from 10 SF to 89 SF, to increase the maximum individual sign area of window signs from 1.5 SF to vary between 4 and 35 SF, and to allow an illuminated wall sign at its highest point to be 65 feet from the ground.
Copies of the applications 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 Friday, March 21, 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
3/13 & 3/20/25
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.
FOCUS 1FADP3K28DL233146
Impount Lot 571-367-8400 2010 FORD ESCAPE 1FMCU0E75AKB44121 Body Works Towing 703-777-5727 2019 HYUNDAI SONATA 5NPE34AF9KH791223 Road Runner 703-450-7555
3/13 & 3/20/25
Legal Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2024-0366
Evans Pond Road Subdivision
Dr. Marianne Evans Mount, of Marianne Evans Mount, Trustee of Leesburg, VA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately One Hundred and Ten (109.67) acres into twenty-one (21) lots and associated easements. The property is located east of the intersection of Evans Pond Road (Route 658) and Farewell Dance Drive (Route 2947), west of Spinks Ferry Road (Route 657), and south of Lost Corner Road (Route 662) The property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI # 103-38-9924-000 in the Catoctin Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2024-0366. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Samantha Swift at Samantha.swift@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by April 10, 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).
3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.: CL24-6236
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Akouvi Akofa Nutekpor v. Naseem Arif
The object of this suit is to Divorce
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Naseem Arif appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 18, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
2/27, 3/6, 3/13, & 3/20/25
ABC LICENSE
Ameya Family Entertainment Center DTC LLC, trading as 810 Entertainment, 21000 Dulles Town CIR FL 1, Sterling, VA 201662416. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises application.
Mutyala Potnuru, Managing Member/ Director.
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.
13/13 & 3/20/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.: CJ24-127
Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20178
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jacqueline L. Garcia Merdano v. Jose Alexander Aguilera
The object of this suit is to appeal a custody order entered by the Juvenille District Court of Loudoun County
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Jose Alexander Aguilera appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
3/13, 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ048585-04-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Carlton Platt
Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.
Sabrina Whitney, mother
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 Carlton Platt.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Sabrina Whitney, mother, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
3/13, 3/20, 3/27, & 4/3/25
A message to Loudoun County older and disabled residents from Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue
Residents 65 and older OR totally and permanently disabled who are required to complete a 2025 Renewal Application or Renewal Certification, must submit their renewal to my office by the April 1, 2025, filing deadline.
Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor
Sterling Office 46000 Center Oak Plaza
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: (703) 737-8557 Internet: loudoun.gov/taxrelief Email: taxrelief@loudoun.gov
Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804
If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance to participate, please contact Tax Exemptions & Deferrals, trcor@louodun.gov, (703) 737-8557 / TTY-711. Three business days advance notice is requested.
3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 2/37/25
ATTENTION NONPROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY
Nonprofit charitable organizations seeking exemption from Loudoun County real and/or personal property taxes for the 2026 tax year must file an application with the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue. Completed applications must be postmarked by the April 1, 2025, deadline. If granted, any exemption would become effective January 1, 2026. Most charitable nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local property taxes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, even those that may be exempt from federal income taxes. Filing an application with the Commissioner of the Revenue is the necessary first step to obtaining a local real estate and/or personal property tax exemption.
Applications are available online. For information or assistance, please contact my office on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor
Sterling Office Loudoun Tech Center 46000 Center Oak Plaza
Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804
Phone: (703)737-8557
Email: trcor@loudoun.gov
PUBLIC NOTICE
INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)
The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s eprocurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on April 7, 2025 for the following:
IFB No. 100323-FY25-45
Annual Landscape Maintenance Services
The Town of Leesburg is accepting sealed bids from qualified bidders to establish a term contract to furnish all labor, equipment, and materials to provide annual landscape maintenanceservices along several sections of roadway within the Town.
For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 3/20/25
If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance to participate, please contact Tax Exemptions & Deferrals, trcor@louodun.gov, (703) 737-8557 / TTY-711. Three business days advance notice is requested.
3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.: CL24-2755
Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Loudoun County Tanya Diaz v. Dylan Terry
The object of this suit is to change last name of Mia Terry to Mia Diaz
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Dylan Terry appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
3/13, 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/25
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, April 9, 2025, in order to consider:
2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development invites residents to provide comments on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Annual Action Plan. The public comment period is open through April 9, 2025.
The FY 2026 Annual Action Plan must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by May 15, 2025.
HUD has designated Loudoun County as qualified for Urban County participation in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and entitled to receive CDBG funding and as a Participating Jurisdiction to receive HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds directly from HUD. HUD regulations require the adoption of the above referenced Plan, which outlines the County’s housing and community development needs, priorities and objectives, and proposed use of the federal funds for the ensuing program year.
Components of the FY 2026 Annual Action Plan include, without limitation, descriptions of:
Federal and other resources expected to be available.
Leveraging resources and how match obligations will be met.
The activities to be undertaken.
The geographic distribution of investment; and Planned homeless and other special needs activities.
Copies of Plan are available for review March 7, 2025, through April 9, 2025, at the following locations: Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg, Virginia; Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Virginia; Information Desks at all branches of the Loudoun County Public Library System. To find a branch, visit https://library.loudoun.gov/ from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Plan will also be available online at www.loudoun.gov/cdbg March 7, 2025, through April 9, 2025. Written comments on the Plan may be submitted to the attention of the Johnette Powell, Housing Programs Manager at the Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Virginia through April 9, 2025.
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1020 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY
Naming of Streets
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 15.2-2019, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Section 1020.05, General Naming Standards, and Section 1020.07, Street Naming and Renaming Process, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County in order to establish a new naming standard that prohibits the use of names of Confederate leaders, associated with the Confederate cause, or of individuals or movements that promoted or implemented racial segregation laws in Virginia as street names, as well as processes by which existing and reserved street names found to be in violation of this new standard will be renamed and/or deleted from the Master Street Directory, following notification of the Board of Supervisors. The amendments would have an effective date of August 2025.
A complete copy of the above-referenced proposed amendments is on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the County Administrator, County Government Center, 5th Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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”)
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 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 March 28, 2025, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 9, 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
3/20 & 3/27/25
Loco Service Providers
VEHICLE AUCTION
MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com
Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.
VEHICLE AUCTION
ADESA WASHINGTON DC 705-996-1100
20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale monthly on Wednesdays. Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit
Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications.
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Opinion
Regulatory Reset
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday attempted to reset the pace and scale of data center development with a series of Zoning Ordinance changes aimed at bringing more accountability into the review process.
It is unlikely the actions will have any substantial impact on the number of new data centers to be added to the world’s largest market or curtail the need for new power lines and electric substations needed to run them. Supervisors did not reduce the amount of land available to be considered for data center development; they only established requirements that all future plans to be subject to their review—all except for the 22 administrative proposals already filed under the previous rules that permitted by-right data center development in many areas.
If successful, the actions will result in more compatible development, ending the encroachment on residential
The Right Thing
Editor:
In response to criticism of the county government’s Equity Office, the reference to executive orders from the president does not trump laws passed by the Congress.
DEI’s foundation is not new jargon or doctrine, but derived from Civil Rights laws that allow for equal access to opportunities for all Americans. An attack on DEI is an attack on our Constitution and equal access for all.
DEI is based on merit principles and hiring the best qualified candidate. Diversity, welcomes differences. Equity levels playing fields. Inclusion invokes fair and just principles. Inviting differences levels playing fields and intentionally allows everyone the same opportunities at the table to enjoy the meal and be respected in lively conversation.
Those who believe the president and his political rhetoric and propaganda are ill-informed and repeating nonsensical, blatant bias and prejudice doctrine; hating those who are different from you. Historically, minorities, including women, have faced exclusion in hiring practices and selection criteria.
Equity is defined as leveling playing fields and the application of fairness and justice in programs and policies. Often
neighborhoods that were largely unprotected under previous policies.
But without detailed criteria in place to establish clear and consistently enforced development standards— elements to be created as part of some future policy review—the board’s requirement that each project be filtered through a special exception process imposes, as one supervisor called it, a form of regulatory roulette. The fate of projects valued at many millions of dollars will be determined by the votes of as few as five county supervisors, whose verdict might be influenced by any number of factors not the least of which may be political expediency.
The new review process likely creates more uncertainty for both developers and residents. But it will leave no doubt that county supervisors will be responsible for every impact going forward.
LETTERS to the Editor
people opposing equity do not have a complete understanding of how fairness and justice plays out and believe they are identical to equality, which is defined as sameness, and that everyone should be afforded the identical resources. Equity is focused on imbalances and removing barriers and applying fairness and justice.
Opening doors in the application process and providing equity is the right thing to do in a civilized free world.
The Board of Supervisors and Loudoun County is acting responsibly in funding the Equity Office. Their decisions are based on facts. The 2020 decennial data from the Census Bureau speaks to the demographics of Loudoun County and the responsible needs of all citizens in the county.
— Linda Aasa, Leesburg
Trust
Editor:
Issues
I support Leesburg eliminating the $25 vehicle license fee for permits that haven’t been issued in over five years.
More than the fact that right now even $25 isn’t easy for everyone to come up with, I have a serious trust issue with a government that knowingly is collecting tax money for a program that no longer exists.
I’m already leasing a car that I have to pay personal property tax for, even though
it is not my property; it belongs to Toyota. And I pay highway use fee because I have an electric car and don’t buy gas, which I’m pretty sure is the point. Why am I being penalized for making a choice that benefits all of us?
But beyond that, charging us for something we don’t need or use is unethical and unfair. In fact, we should all be refunded for the amount we’ve paid since the program was discontinued.
— Nicol Pomeroy, Leesburg
Gobbledygook
Editor:
Thank you Supervisors Caleb Kershner and Matt LeTourneau for your votes against the expansive personnel requests for next year's budget.
DEI is gaining a deep foothold throughout county agencies with nothing to show for the expanded staffing other than policy gobbledygook. Merit is the benchmark.
The increase in taxpayer-funded personnel growth is outrageous. I ask for full audit of all agencies. Loudoun is receiving $10,000 taxes per resident vs Fairfax at $5,000.
Why do we need so many more county
Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county. Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community
READERS’ poll
Still adjusting to the time change? What is your preference?
WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you approve of the Board of Supervisors' efforts to regulate data centers?
Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls
employees? Perhaps Loudoun is creating a need because of the data center revenue stream.
Feeling like a sucker yet? All personnel added becomes permanent expenditures from our taxes.
— Robbie Milberg, Potomac Green Unnecessary
Costs
Editor:
I am writing to express my support for the recent decision by the majority of the Leesburg Town Council to eliminate the $25 per vehicle licensing fee, which has been a burden on residents for years. Originally, this fee was intended to cover the cost of issuing vehicle tags to show which vehicles were garaged in Loudoun County and Leesburg. However, since the Loudoun County treasurer and the Town of Leesburg stopped issuing physical tags for cars back in 2018/2019, this fee has no longer served its original purpose.
For nearly six years, Leesburg residents have continued to pay this $25 fee, despite the fact that the vehicle tags are no longer being issued. It is only right that the Town Council took action to eliminate this unnecessary fee and save residents money going forward.
While the elimination of this fee creates a $906,000 gap between revenue and expenses, the town is well-positioned
CHIPshots
— By Chip Beck, beckchip@aol.com
LETTERS to the Editor
to manage this change. With an increase of $3.83 million in new revenue from the annexation of Compass Creek and higher property assessments, the council can offset this gap by cutting new positions or deferring them to the next fiscal year.
In these times of high living costs, every little bit saved counts. Leesburg residents deserve a break from paying $25 per vehicle for a licensing fee that no longer serves its intended purpose. This thoughtful decision will make a real difference for many people in our community.
Thank you to the Town Council for making this move to reduce unnecessary costs for residents.
— Melissa Simonetta,
Leesburg
The Next Step
Editor:
When you think of the wealthiest county in the U.S., you might picture a place in California—perhaps Beverly Hills. But in reality that title belongs to Loudoun County. With such prosperity comes the responsibility to support practical, sustainable solutions for managing our resources—starting with food waste.
Food waste is a major issue nationwide, with up to 40% of all food produced going uneaten. Instead of being repurposed, most of it ends up in landfills, where it
continued from page 41
takes up space and contributes to rising waste management costs. Fortunately, composting provides an easy, costeffective solution that turns food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Compost improves soil health, supports local agriculture, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Many communities across the U.S. have already embraced composting to reduce landfill waste and create valuable resources.
Loudoun County has taken a first step with a food waste composting pilot program, but right now, participation is difficult because there is only one dropoff location, at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management facility. Many residents who want to compost simply don’t have a convenient way to do so.
Other counties, such as Fairfax, offer composting at every farmers market. Several states have also passed laws requiring composting for homes and businesses, recognizing both the practical and environmental benefits of keeping food waste out of landfills. If these communities can make composting accessible, so can Loudoun.
Now is the time to act. On April 16, Loudoun County’s Department of General Services will present an update on composting programs to the Transportation and Land Use Committee.
The issue will then go to the Board of Supervisors, where they will consider expanding the program to more locations. So far, the program has successfully diverted over 15 tons of food waste from landfills—but its future depends on community support. The more residents who speak up, the more likely the Board will approve funding for additional composting locations.
If you want to see better composting options in Loudoun County, now is the time to make your voice heard. Here’s how you can help:
• Attend the meeting on April 16 at the Government Center in Leesburg (1 Harrison Street SE) in the Board Room (1st Floor) beginning at 5:00 PM and show your support.
• Email or call the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and ask them to expand composting options.
• Spread the word—talk to your neighbors, post on social media, and encourage others to support composting. Composting is a simple, effective way to reduce waste and create something valuable in return. Many residents already want to compost—now we just need the county to make it easier. Let’s take the next step toward a cleaner, more sustainable Loudoun County.
— Monica Goswami, Sterling
Car Tax Cut
continued from page 3
Her motion passed 7-0 with Letourneau and Kershner abstaining amid concerns that there was not yet enough detail about the proposal to make a decision.
“I’m concerned about what the unintended consequences are here of just jumping into a long-standing policy change that I think could pose logistical issues, pose capcity issues and impact the entire program pretty quickly,” Letourneau said.
A motion by County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) to reduce funding for the Independence Day celebration at Hal and Berni Hanson Park failed to receive majority support.
Last year a homeowner’s association organized a community celebration spending approximately $50,000. The inaugural event saw 10,000 residents in attendance.
This year, PRCS Director Steve Torpy included an $80,000 allocation in his budget for the department to run the event. Randall’s proposal would have decreased
By-Right Data Centers
continued from page 1
7-2 with supervisors Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) and Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) opposed.
Supervisors also narrowly adopted a grandfathering resolution that exempted data center applications submitted by Feb. 12 for projects that are more than 500 feet away from residential units provided the project are “diligently pursued” through the review process. That policy was approved on a 5-4 vote, with Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and supervisors Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River), Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) and Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) opposed.
Twenty-two applications will be permitted to continue under administrative review. Loudoun County has approximately 46 million square feet of data centers constructed or with a building permit issued and about 61.5 million square feet of potential data center development, according to the staff report. That is the “unconstrained number” and the Department of Economic Development does not anticipate that to be fully built out, according to the document.
During public meetings over the past year, industry leaders raised concerns about implementing the change without a grandfathering ordinance, while others, led by the Piedmont Environmental Council, supported applying the new regulations across the board immediately.
Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Pres-
the funding to $52,300. The county runs Independence Day fireworks displays at Franklin Park and the Lovettsville Community Center.
“I don’t really believe fireworks is a great use of taxpayer money, just period, in general,” Randall said. “I think you’re quite literally sending taxpayer money up in smoke.”
She said the county has been subsidizing fireworks displays in Sterling at approximately $14,000 a year and Lovettsville at $17,000 a year because those areas did not have large HOAs. The county funds Franklin Park’s display at about $53,000.
“The idea that we’re going to now do $80,000 plus dollars for another area is something that I just cannot see doing,” Randall said.
The Town of Hillsboro hosts its own fireworks display without county help raising $25,000 for the endeavor, she said. Randall’s motion to reduce funding at Hal and Berni Hanson park included a provision to allocate $10,000 to Hillsboro to suppport that event.
“They do an amazing whole 4th of July
ident and CEO Tony Howard wrote a letter to the Board of Supervisors March 7, urging caution when implementing new industry regulations.
“I recall the County’s early and aggressive efforts to court the data center industry and solicit their investments in Loudoun. These efforts, and the results they generated, are a master class in economic development,” Howard wrote.
He said 15 years ago, Loudoun had the highest real property tax rate in Virginia at $1.245 per $100 of assessed value. The proposed budget expected to be approved by the board April 1 is based on a tax rate of 80.5 cents.
“None of this would be possible without the nearly $1.2 billion in County revenues—38% of all County funding— produced by the data center industry in FY2026,” according to the letter.
Howard said the chamber supports the grandfathering resolution but that he was concerned about a provision to exclude data centers proposed within 500 feet of residential units.
“The Zoning Ordinance adopted in 2023 stipulated a 200-foot setback requirement,” according to the letter. “That 200-foot standard was adopted after being duly advertised, heard, and adopted by the Board. The 500-foot standard has not been subject to such scrutiny, and its adoption creates an unfair situation for an applicant who has followed the rules the Board of Supervisors adopted after significant public debate and discussion.”
But other community members said adopting a grandfathering resolution was
celebration,” she said. “… Probably about 5,000 come to that show.”
Even with taking into account double the number of attendees, $80,000 still seems like too much to spend, Randall said.
Torpy said the cost estimate is based on the size and scope of the Hal and Berni event because of how much larger it was than any other the county had hosted. The amount spent on fireworks is the same at Franklin and Hal and Berni.
“Where the increase gets into is just the sheer amount of staffing that it takes for that many people, [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office] cost for that many people and then the other things that are associated for a special event, the entertainment and it’s different for the amount of people you have at Hanson as opposed to just Franklin Park,” Torpy said.
If the amount were reduced to $50,000, entertainment would need to be cancelled, he said.
Letourneau said the county does very little, especially in that part of the county, to build a sense of community.
unfair.
“Some believe that having no grandfathering would be unfair to developers who have already incurred significant costs. Should we not consider equally the unfairness of significant cost incurred by local residents due to the additional data centers and the resulting transmission lines that will negatively impact the whole county?”
Roger Smith asked.
PEC Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse led a brief protest on the county government building lawn ahead of Tuesday night’s public comment period highlighting the impacts of data centers on the community, specifically their demand for energy and environmental concerns.
“This has gotten so out of control that it’s like we’re in an alternate universe at this point,” she said. “… This is a state that was moving towards the Virginia Clean Economy Act. We were moving away from fossil fuels, and now we have completely reversed our progress.”
Briskman said she opposed the grandfathering resolution for data centers that had submitted by-right applications.
“In my mind, and some of my colleagues’ minds, it’s basically approving 22 new data centers, to the tune of, I think it’s about 61 million square feet of data centers. It’s more than doubling our data center square footage in the county,” she said.
A motion by Kershner to expand the grandfathering protections by extending the date of when applications could be submitted to March 18 failed to garner majority support with only Umstattd joining him in support.
“There’s nothing more gratifying to me to see, especially at Hanson, to see a whole heck of a lot of first-generation Americans, and I said Americans even though they may have born somewhere else, they’re Americans, come out to something like this with unbelievable demand,” he said. “… I would encourage everybody to not shortchange it for the type of money we’re talking about here.”
Randall said not everyone feels like their independence day is July 4th.
“What happens when Juneteenth comes to all and says they want some money for Juneteenth?” she asked. “… I just think if little tiny Hillsboro can raise money for the whole thing including a great day of entertainment for 5,000 people than other communities can partner together.”
Randall’s motion failed on a 4-5 vote with Kershner, Glass and Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) joining her in support.
The board is expected to take a final vote on the budget April 1. n
“I think quite frankly, today is the better date. I think in some ways, by choosing the February date, we are picking winners and losers,” he said.
But County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) said the same could be said by adopting the March 18 provision.
She said it is time for the board to make some “corrections.”
“I don’t mean that to be disparaging to supervisors that came before us. I think they did the best they knew to do at that time. No one could have known what this was going to become,” she said.
Data centers have become the most frequent complaint that she hears.
“When I first came on, I would call people and I would say, ‘but this is what it does for your tax rate and how much it lowers it and they do this for the community.’ And somebody would say, ‘oh, I didn’t know that. Thanks for letting me know,’ and that’d be it. Now I say, ‘this is what it does for your tax rate’ and they say, ‘I don’t care.’ I have people say, ‘I will pay more. Stop building these.’ At some point, we just cannot ignore the voice of the people,” she said.
Loudoun is appreciative and friendly to the data center industry, but it is time to say ‘enough,’ Randall said.
Supervisors also carved out a provision for four data center applications that had previously been before the board for legislative review. They are currently administrative applications and would be required to come back for a special exception to comply with the 500-foot setback requirement. n
A Loudoun Moment
is open for visits to the new crop of baby goats. The Kroiz family, eighth generation Loudoun farmers, opens the farm for meet and greets from 7 a.m. to dark on weekdays and for weekend visits that including feeding time by ticketed reservations.
November Elections
continued from page 3
Chandler is running for re-election for her seat, currently unopposed.
Samuel Yan is running for the Broad Run seat, currently held by Deans. Yan has been a Loudoun resident for 25 years and is a father of three. He has previously worked in engineering, and advocates for merit-based education.
Santos Muñoz is running for the Dulles District seat, which current Chair Mansfield holds. Muñoz is a life insurance representative for Primerica. He is based in Aldie and spent 24 years in the military before retiring to Loudoun. He also serves as chair for the governor’s Virginia Latino Advisory Board.
Amy Riccardi is running for the Sterling District seat, currently held by Istrefi. They faced off for the same seat in 2023 with Istrefi winning by seven percentage points.
Riccardi is a resident of Sterling Park
and has four children. She currently is an adjunct professor for the George Mason University School of Business.
Four Republicans have announced their candidacies in the gubernatorial race.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Amanda Chase, Dave LaRock and Merle Rutledge will face off in a party primary June 17. Abigail Spanberger is the only Democrat to announce candidacy for the race.
Attorney General Jason Miyares is running for reelection and as of Monday, Jerrauld “Jay” Jones and Shannon Taylor
are the only two Democrats vying for the party’s nomination.
In Middleburg, the mayoral seat, currently held by Bridge Littleton and three town council seats, held by Bud Jacobs, Darlene Kirk and Cindy Pearson will be up for election. As of Monday, Pearson had been the only one to file for reelection.
In Round Hill, the terms of Mayor Scott Ramsey and council members Paula James, and Sean Lloyd expire this year.
Early voting for the June primary elections will begin Friday, May 2. n
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Georges Mill Farm near Lovettsville
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