STANDARD PRESORT RESIDENTIAL U.S. POSTAGE CUSTOMER PAID ECRWSS PERMIT NO. 82 WOODSTOCK, VA Blue Ridge Since 1984 & LEADER LOUDOUN TODAYJUNE 2017 Geese On Main Street, With Data Centers At Their Heels – By Andrea Gaines Randall began by touting the County’s extraordinary financial success, as defined Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall by traditional economic indicators, (D-At-Large) delivered a crisp, 35-minute including our AAA bond rating, $3 billion State of the County speech on May 24. The in new commercial investment from 80 message? Loudoun County had arrived at companies, and Loudoun’s ranking as third a very modern place in its 260-year history, in the nation in job growth, according to and now faces not just the question of how to 2015 statistics. preserve the things that have sustained it so But the very diverse set of topics that successfully, but how to meet the distinctly Randall addressed in the speech also urban and suburban challenges demanding revealed that Loudoun County, while answers now, in real time. Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall Continued on page 26 Purcellville Cannons Talent, Talent And More Talent – By Andrea Gaines seven unlucky batters. Cannons home opener vs. • Also now on board is infielder Ray At their 2017 home opener, the Los the Winchester Royals at Hernandez of Alabama State University. Angeles Dodgers absolutely trounced the San Fireman’s Field, Friday, June 3. Hernandez contributed four home runs Diego Padres. Said one sports commentator: and twenty-one RBIs to the Cannons’ “Their opening-day bats were so special ... it stats last season. was easy to forget the Dodgers also benefited The full team roster includes: The infield – from the planet’s best arm.” Ray Hernandez, Paul Cabrera, Trevin Esquerra, That, of course – the talent an organization Daniel Myers, Jean Carlos Correa, Kyle brings to the field – is the most important Ouellete, Tyler Ratliff, Nolan Ritchie, Andru predictor of a team’s possibilities for the Summerall, Trey McDyre; Pitcher – William season. And, if that’s true, the Purcellville Reed, Alex London, Bradley Davis, Tanner U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Cannons are poised to have a pretty great one. Skidmore, Salvatore Lovaglio, Kyle Morton, Seaman Bill Sanders/Released Because between returning players, and the Tom Sutera, Drew Windham, Austin Stephens, team’s newest recruits, the Cannons have put Devon Perez, Dalton Whitaker, Jase Carvell, Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety together quite a roster for their second season. Sean Gabel, Mike Taylor, Colin Reid, Trey Equipment) Airman Eric Stephens, from • One of the best is the Cannons All-Star Will Reed Alderman, Parker Dyson, Andy Crum; Catcher Aldie, assigned to the Redcocks of Strike Closer and Co-MVP pitcher Will Reed, • Former Cannon infielder Sam Fragale of – Onassis Matos, Jake Goodreau; Outfield – Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 22 conducts who you’ll see on the cover of the 2017 Virginia Tech fame returns to the Cannons Mitchell Painter, Langston Watkins, Payton maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet Cannons Program. (Reed shared the MVP for a second season. Fragale and is leading Marshall, Andy Szamski. in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS title with Tyler Ratliff.) the NCAA in home runs and total bases. Thirteen home games and eleven away Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore • Another is Loudoun Valley High School • Woodgrove alumni Colin Reid is joining games are scheduled for the month of June. Roosevelt is underway conducting a tailored alumni and Liberty Flames baseball infielder the Cannons as a pitcher. In his last 17 For details and team schedule go to www. ship’s training availability off the coast of Trey McDyre, currently batting over 300. innings of work Reid struck out twenty- PurcellvilleCannons.com. California.

CALL JOHN. JOHN CONSTANT 703.585.6278 Associate Broker bluemontproperty.com UNDER CONTRACT SOLD BY JOHN GET MORE. 2 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 ASK DR. MIKE

– By Michael Oberschneider, While most public school Psy.D. systems will not allow a student to repeat a school year if he or she is Dr. Mike, doing well enough academically, My husband and I are private schools may be more open planning to hold our son back to the idea. In my experience as to repeat eighth grade. He a child psychologist, athletics Attention low inventory alert! We have sold out of plays on a travel sports team, Dr. Mike have been the main reason for almost all of our homes and need more homes to sell! and the extra year would give holding a child back in eighth him an advantage for high school. My grade. I’ve seen first-hand, children Now is the time to call us to help you put your plan in action. We will help you sister did it for her son, and her son benefit athletically and academically by prepare and price your home to take advantage of the Summer Market. We offer ended up playing varsity as a freshman. affording them more time to develop. personalized service with years of experience, a fantastic marketing platform He also ended up making honor roll. However, I’ve also seen children suffer including advertising, social media, drone and video options and we provide Our son attends private school, and the socially and emotionally from the access to a wonderful support team of handy persons, contractors, home stagers, school is fine with it; they even told us decision – watching friends move on inspectors, cleaners and movers! Whether you are moving up the street or across that more and more parents are doing it while they remain behind to relearn the country we can help you every step of the way. ~ Sam & Ray to give kids that extra edge with grades everything already learned the previous and sports. Our son is 100 percent on year can be difficult for many. The LEESBURG UNDER CONTRACT LEESBURG WATER VIEWS $659,900 board. Your thoughts? practice works best when a child can – Concerned in Loudoun transfer schools to avoid peer pressure or judgment. Dear Concerned in Loudoun, I generally don’t support the decision Redshirting kindergarten or taking a to redshirt in middle school for athletics gap year between high school and college because the risk of doing harm (socially Picturesque views of rolling fields, ponds and Sugar has been common practice for some and emotionally) far outweighs the Loaf Mountain. Exquisitely remodeled with 2 fantastic Loy Estates Phase 2 releasing this Summer: time. And yes, for a growing number of benefit of becoming a better athlete. It 6 lots ranging from 1-21 acres. Largest lot with additions- Family rooma nd Master Suite wing. This home exudes charm! Reclaimed wood floors, multiple parents, eighth grade or middle school is also teaches a child that there is a way to 3 home sites offers possibility of one primary now being seen as another redo-moment residence and 2 accessory homes. wood burning fireplaces, private balcony and fantastic cheat the system – especially if the child Custom builder from the high 600’s entertainment scaled deck. 12.5 acres, 4 beds/4 full to help their children mature, for that attends a private school and has money. baths, 2 car detached garage, workshop and 3 stall extra edge in life. stable. Close to MARC TRAIN Continued on page 26 ROUND HILL SOLD PURCELLVILLE SOLD

Ebenezer Church Rd Round Hill - Listed for $674,000 Colchester Road- Listed for $599,900 HAMILTON SOLD ROUND HILL SOLD

Hughesville road- listed for $849,900 Williams Gap road listed for $699,900 PURCELLVILLE SOLD HAMILTON SOLD

Greggsville Road listed for $649,900 306 W. Colonial Highway Listed for $399,900

Call Sam & Ray Rees, ASSOCIATE BROKERS ON THE MARKET... WITH SAM & RAY REES 703.408.4261 [email protected] onthemarketloudoun.com June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 3 LaRock Announces VDEM Disaster Grants To Purcellville And LCPS

Mayor Kwasi Fraser and Delegate Dave LaRock

On May 23, Delegate Dave LaRock met that the state worked hard to expedite the with Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser to distribution of this funding. Thanks to congratulate Purcellville on being awarded Mayor Fraser and Town of Purcellville staff nearly $95,000 in Virginia Department of for their work securing funds to cover these Emergency Management disaster grant unexpected costs.” funds for damages sustained during Winter State Coordinator of Emergency Storm Jonas. Management Jeffrey D. Stern, Ph.D., Delegate LaRock stated, “I appreciate commended “the hard work and dedication” the hard-working folks who get the job of Purcellville and Loudoun County staff, done clearing our streets and providing vital saying their “…extensive documentation of services even in times of crisis. We all know all the steps of this process allowed VDEM that our local government and emergency to partner with and move the initial claims services budgets are strapped for funds, and to final distribution.” Loudoun County a huge weather event or other disaster can Public Schools will also receive nearly cause serious fiscal impacts. I’m pleased $290,000 in disaster grant funds.

JOIN US IN JUNE AT A ... ENVISION THE FUTURE WORKSH OP Join others who care about the future Loudoun and provide insight on enhancing our quality of life, making great places, improving economics; and bringing our community together. Envision LOUDOUN will Attend the session most convenient to you have a lasting impact on Monday, June 5 Harper Park MS the Loudoun community, 701 Potomac Station Drive, Leesburg

helping to promote a continued Wednesday, June 7 high quality of life in the county. Cascades Senior Center 21060 Whitfield Pl, Sterling The workshops are a great opportunity to get involved Monday, June 12 Broad Run HS in the process and shape 21670 Ashburn Road, Ashburn the future. Tuesday, June 13 Registration is not required but Harmony MS requested to help prepare. 38174 W Colonial Highway, To learn more and register, visit: Hamilton Registration 7:00 , meeting at 7:30pm Envision-Loudoun.org Thursday, June 15 *Registration opens at 6:30, meeting Mercer MS starts at 7pm unless noted otherwise 42149 Green stone Drive, Aldie

4 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 Cultivate Innovation-Driven Solutions – By Delegate Dave LaRock (R-33) process. The level of of some state education dollars to help pay raise with no local match required, energy and passion special needs kids whose educational needs effective February 2018. We are investing Schools are letting out for summer for education evident are not being met by public schools. There over $18 million in new funding for K-12, break and many families are celebrating among the students and are rapidly growing special education while giving local school divisions added graduations and making plans for college. teachers at Hillsboro demands and accompanying budget flexibility to spend the money as best fits Few would disagree with the importance of Charter Academy was pressure. In Virginia, the number of students them. We are providing over $20 million in quality affordable education. While it may striking. It is impressive most expensive to serve (autism and other new funding for higher education to hold not be prominent in the conversations, our listening to teachers talk health impairments) has skyrocketed by 23 down tuition costs for Virginia families. state and local governments play key roles Del. about how kids become percent to 46,865 students in just the last Along with budgeting for education, in the delivery of education to consumers Dave LaRock excited to learn as they five years. The number one critical shortage I support greater variety and efficiency. from kindergarten to higher education. react to innovative area among teachers is Special Education. These school choice options hold potential As your elected Delegate, I work to meet teaching methods, such as project-based The most significant laws I’ve proposed to enhance, not attack, the public school the challenges of our local businesses, learning. To my amazement, although they come from listening to people’s needs, and this system when added as an option alongside transportation networks, and education would appreciate more funding, the amount bill was no exception. Parents from the 33rd existing public schools – they are systems, and that means finding innovative of money it takes to sustain this school is District have come to me with descriptions of improvements. The modern-day effort to approaches to delivering high-quality roughly half the cost per pupil compared to how they’ve had to waste years fighting their promote school choice across the country service efficiently. I’m glad to say there the larger non-charter public schools. school district to receive accommodations has nothing to do with taking one type of are ways to conserve education dollars School choice is a term which generally that their special needs child requires, but school and elevating it above the rest. It while improving academic outcomes. refers to the range of options for K-12 the district couldn’t or wouldn’t provide is about pairing students with schools that That might sound hard to believe, but with education and includes charter schools, and the parents couldn’t afford. This ESA work best for them regardless of the type of School Choice, it’s already happening virtual education, homeschooling, private proposal would allow parents to access other school, or how it is funded. across the nation. As one might expect schools, and education savings accounts. education resources to provide their special though, making even small changes to how Many of these have already demonstrated needs children with personalized education Delegate Dave LaRock was elected education dollars are spent stirs up vocal the efficiency and success I witnessed at plans. Education Savings Accounts are being in November 2013 to represent the 33rd opposition from those who are currently on Hillsboro Charter School. used in other states to provide students and House District, including parts of Loudoun, the receiving side of education spending. Virtual schools have enormous potential parents with the resources they need to pursue Clarke and Frederick Counties, and the Last Wednesday, I toured the new Hillsboro for the streamlining of education. Just as additional education opportunities. All this is towns of Leesburg (partial), Purcellville, Charter Academy with Mayor Roger many adults enjoy the freedom of working being accomplished while saving education Berryville, Lovettsville, Round Hill, Vance, Loudoun School Board member full or part-time from home, so can students dollars. Hamilton and Hillsboro. LaRock serves Eric Dekenipp and others. One key to the as the right programs and monitoring I support making quality education a on the Transportation Committee, the success of charter schools is the downsized procedures are put in place. The Virginia high priority. I am happy to report that the Science and Technology Committee and the administrative control which allows parents Legislature has passed several bills to put House of Delegates passed a conservative, Education Committee. Dave and his wife, and the local community into the education this in motion, although most have died responsible, and structurally-balanced Joanne, have lived in Loudoun for 31 years,

Since 1984 with a stroke of the governor’s veto pen. amended budget that invests in education. building a successful family-owned general Blue Ridge The House and Senate also passed a bill While avoiding any tax or fee increases contracting business. The LaRocks reside & I introduced to allow Education Savings on hard working Virginians, the budget near Hamilton with Laura, Abby and John, LEADER LOUDOUN TODAY Accounts in Virginia. This proposes a shift secured $32 million for a 2 percent teacher the youngest of their seven children. PUBLISHER & EDITOR Valerie Cury CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Letters To The Editor Meredith Hancock, Layout/Design Loudoun Needs an idyllic country road is a highway with the County leads meetings to collect the self- ADVERTISING turn lanes, passing zones, and additional interests from residents and non-residents. Judy D. Harbin, 703-727-1321, More Than A Plan traffic lanes – more of the wondrous VDOT Hopefully the output will provide valuable [email protected] Dear Editor: planning that makes Northern Virginia input toward a vision. The problem is, Donna Hirsch, 703-209-1050, I am concerned for the future of Loudoun, a traffic the second worst in the Nation. the output of the meeting is often the very [email protected] future that may already be lost if major factors Leadership does not have to be anathema basic ingredients to any landscape recipe: Here’s How to Reach Us! that now determine the path of the County are to vision, but they must be empowered and Schools, utilities, parks, and preservation Email [email protected] not managed. Loudoun is already looking trusted by the people to make uncomfortable of historic places. A cathartic spilling of or call 540-338-6200 like any sprawling landscape in any part of decisions. Politicians are rarely visionary, traffic woes, the desire for more roads and EDITOR: the country. Loudoun needs more than a plan, though they can help actuate the future that the expansion of existing roads. But, the (letters to the editor & press releases): it needs a vision. people want. Keeping a job as a politician is expansion of roadways never alleviates [email protected] The word “vision” is defined as “the difficult and risky when working to realize traffic; it only increases capacity and feeds SPECIAL EDITORIAL act or power of seeing” – in planning a vision. Politicians generally submit to the growth and more traffic problems. Andrea Gaines terms, defining what you want your future will of their benefactors, public opinion, party Loudoun can be economically diverse, [email protected] landscape to look like. allegiance and self-interest. But, politicians, preserve its character, history, culture, and HOT NEWS TIPS: Executing a plan without a vision will however uninspired, are still needed to realize be a place for people and families of all Valerie Cury, 703-943-8806, result in more of the same. And, even if any dream of a future for Loudoun. types. But, it will only be different from [email protected] there is a vision, problems like arbitrary Managed growth is a lie. Puppeteers the rest of Metro D.C. if it is not everything WEBMASTER: ideals, bureaucratic barriers, impotency of continue to drool over prospects to exploit to everyone. Growth must be managed, and [email protected] leadership, exploitation and the unfortunate Loudoun by manufacturing more tasteless government needs to be strong enough to pedestrian town centers, strip malls, and achieve the objective. MAILING ADDRESS: reality of population growth will happen. PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 Preservation of rural roadways is critical tracts of horrifically monotonous colonials So, what is the vision, Loudoun? What Copyright 2017 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today. to a vision of Loudoun, at least in my view. or McMansions ... on wasted acreage with will the plan be? How will the plan be All rights reserved. Unfortunately, a conversation with VDOT trite names feigning deference to a farm, carried out? Who will lead it? representatives about making Harpers Ferry forest, ridge, meadow, grove, wood, hill, Christopher Griggs @BRLeaderNEWS Road a beautiful rural parkway for cyclists, run, creek, acre, view ... or the variety of Purcellville hikers, joggers, tourists, local commuters, tree uprooted to make way for a barren We Welcome Your Letters To The Editor: and residents – to preserve the natural, grass yard ... empty features that sound Move Forward Submissions may be sent to historical, and rural cultural that is the heart fabulous on a real estate rack card. With Taintor [email protected], or via mail to, of Loudoun – proved futile. The vision of The arbitrary ideal that Loudoun needs PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325. an idyllic country road was overlaid by a to be everything to everyone will result Dear Editor: Please include your name, On June 13, the people of the 33rd address and telephone number. cacophony of sheep masticating on the cud in the County being nothing to anyone; a We reserve the right to edit submissions as necessary. of stale bureaucratic responses, data models, design-by-committee county, a whirlwind District will have an opportunity to select a Deadline for print edition is the third week of of undecipherable wreckage. forward-thinking, problem-solving, issue- each month, or, online any time. statistics, and concerns about commuter complaints. A bureaucratic approach to In order to capture what everyone thinks, Continued on page 30 June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 5

Why Your Water Rates Did Not Increase This Year Understanding Chargeback Accounting Practices – By Kwasi Fraser, Mayor of Purcellville operational and administrative support to This inconsistency in the use of chargebacks and improvement systems. This $324,558 the Utility Fund. Their time for processing needs to be improved. Chargebacks should reduction frees up cash in the Utility Fund to Over time, chargeback accounting practices water bills, issuing checks to vendors, and be supported by a transparent measurement service debt and actual plant operational costs used by the Town of Purcellville have resulted for utilities-related maintenance is charged and reporting system. As things stand, we and reduces the need for significant increases in the transfer of over $11 million from the back or applied to expenses for the Utility have not been able to account for the actual in water and sewer rates. Utility Fund (water and sewer) into the Fund. For example, if a staff member in hours spent by General Fund employees in Per the action of this Town Council, our General Fund (Finance, Police, Maintenance, Finance, which is a part of the General Fund, support of the Utility Fund. Consequently, citizens and businesses will see no increase in IT, Human Resources, etc.). is generating an accounting report for the the actual time and effort spent by a staff water and sewer fees for our new fiscal year. The constant need to “chargeback” or Utility Fund, that staff member would be paid member attached the the General Fund – on The resulting $324,558 increase in siphon off monies from the Utility Fund from the Utility Fund. If an employee in the behalf of the Utility Fund – is estimated only expense in the General Fund, covering has led to yearly utility rate increases. In maintenance department, which falls under and not monitored or measured for accuracy. administrative and financial management addition, by using this practice for over the General Fund, is checking and calibrating Going Forward activities, is supported by revenue increases eleven years, the utility fund operated the water meters, his or her time would During the eleven year period the current and responsible cuts in administrative and with a chronically large deficit, presenting likewise be a chargeback to the Utility Fund. chargeback system has been in place, the operational costs. the town with only one way to bring more There exist, however, several General Fund saw surpluses, while the Our goal is to make sure systems are money into the Utility Fund: growth ... in inconsistencies in the application of Utility Fund had to rely on ever-increasing implemented to measure and monitor all the form of more utility hookups. Today chargebacks. Unlike the administrative sewer and water rates to service its debt and chargebacks. In addition, we want to ensure is the first time the Town Council has been and financial activities charged back to the cover its operational costs. that some chargeback activities now viewed able to address the chargeback issue with a Utility Fund, maintenance/public works The town manager recommended a 7 as part of the normal administrative and majority that seeks to revamp the chargeback activities can be tracked and measured via percent increase in utility rates for Fiscal operational function of employees in the process, and this is what we have decided to the existing work order system. Further Year 2018. This council countered that General Fund, are absorbed by that fund do. The majority of this council have taken when a police officer patrols the reservoir by reducing the proposed $1.2 million in and not the Utility Fund. Our current Town steps to define, measure, analyze, improve, and waste water treatment plant, or when Utility Fund chargebacks for FY 18 by Council is committed to implementing a and control the chargeback process. IT disseminates information related to the $324,558 thereby eliminating the need for a system that would provide accurate reporting Understanding Chargebacks Utility Fund, costs are not charged back to rate increase. Going forward, we will also information. In the words of Peter Drucker, Town employees – paid through the the Utility Fund because these employees further define, measure, and analyze the entire “What gets measured gets improved.” General Fund – are tasked with providing are part of the General Fund. process and implement the proper controls May Is All About The Budget, Budget, Budget – By Valerie Cury for getting re-elected. than just increasing and rubber stamping.” since 2016, and the proposed cuts from the Council Member Nedim Ogelman He continued, “Projecting the double-digit enhancements are $100,000, which was less At its May 23 meeting, the Purcellville responded in his comment time, “Former increases is not what the citizens have asked than one percent of the proposed budget. Town Council voted 5-1-1 (with Council Council Member Lehr is absolutely right. for, and not what they deserve.” The Police Department budget has grown Member Doug McCollum voting no) to None of us should be up here doing Mayor Kwasi Fraser quoted management faster than the Town budget as a whole.” adopt the FY 2018 Budget. This brought a anything with this budget with the idea of guru Peter Drucker: “If you cannot measure She pointed out that the ratio of officers in conclusion to the ten budget meetings that being re-elected. However, we should all it, you cannot improve it, you cannot control Town is larger than cities that have 50,000 began in November 2016. be cognizant of the commitments we had it, and you cannot manage it.” Fraser said residents. The Police Department gets 23 Most Council members had offered made and the goals we had set in the process that the Town has been using the accounting percent of the Town budget. their suggestions on what to cut, and most of getting elected. It would be wrong to practice of chargebacks for the past 11 Cool pointed out that overtime pay for the of the straw poll votes on proposed cuts have told citizens one thing when we were years, and “it has not been measurable. Police Department in this budget remains had resulted in a 5-2 vote, with a handful running for election, and turn around and Again, it has not been measurable.” the same as last year – $120,000. There are supported by McCollum and Council do a polar opposite.” He said his goal is to look at the chargebacks three officers coming from the academy, Member Chris Bledsoe. He said the majority of Council’s objective this year and in the future, because this and one police officer will go from desk During the May meetings, Mayor Kwasi is “to make things clearer, and to look for practice has taken $10 million from the Utility duty to the street. Council also approved Fraser thanked the Town Council for its work ways to not put pressure on higher water rates Fund and put it in the General fund. “So, in one additional police vehicle. on the budget. “I know there were a lot of and higher sewer rates ... “This town has a essence, this practice has been propping up Council Member Kelli Grim pointed out sleepless nights to go through the budget line significant debt burden in its water and sewer the General Fund, while the Utility Fund has that the word ``enhancement,’’ in the context item by line item … making strategic cuts – infrastructure and funds. And we are trying to been operating at almost a deficit – and this of the budget, means to grow above and and to some degree – cost avoidance.” look for ways for good governance, while also is why rates keep on rising ... That is why beyond what is currently working. She said In the end, there was no increase in sewer trying to reconcile that with transparency, and we are looking at chargebacks to reduce this that the Council’s goal is for the department and water rates. The Town Manager’s right-sizing our government.” He continued, immeasurable accounting practice.” to be properly funded, the optimal size for budget called for a seven percent increase “The people of this town in the election made Council Member Doug McCollum wanted safety, success and efficiency. She also in both water and sewer, but the Council a very clear signal that they would not like to to use money from the Reserve Fund. “It’s pointed out that there’s no plan to eliminate ultimately whittled any rate increases pursue aggressive irresponsible growth. They money that has been set aside for specific the Police Department. Fraser weighed in, down to a very sweet ... zero. Said Fraser, want slow growth. So, our effort to try to future purposes; and this could be one of and said that the Council needed to “right- “Right now we have a surplus based on the reconcile slow growth with being responsible them,” said McCollum. Fraser said that the size things, but that does not mean that we expenses that we cut, and by putting the with the debt and also making sure that money from the fund is in a high interest- have a goal to cut the Police Department chargebacks into the General Fund.” For peoples’ utility rates don’t go up, is to figure bearing account, bringing in nearly $50,000 or do away with the Police Department. example: The $75,000 budgeted for a water out how to right-size government.” yearly to the Town. “By cutting the expenses, That’s far from the truth … We need to flow study was moved to 2019, when all the Ogelman explained that the majority we don’t have to touch the Reserve Fund …” make sure that the Police Department is new homes from Mayfair come online and on Council is looking at “how to have a Grim pointed out that the Town’s consultant well sourced ...” Catoctin Corner is built out. By waiting, the government that is sufficient and adequate to said under no circumstances does the Town Ogelman commented, “The signal we Town will have accurate numbers of what its needs, but not so big that it stimulates some want to use its reserve funds. “That would got in the last election is that people were the true capacity is, and not have to redo kind of artificial demand for higher rates and send the worst message, based on our credit concerned about their taxes and rates. it at a later time. So, by postponing it, the increased growth.”... “This is coming now rating,” said Grim. Community policing is something we Town will get more flows online and more with this budget because this is the first time Purcellville Police Department should pursue with zeal. We need to figure accurate readings of the capacity. that there is a Council that has a majority that Vice Mayor Karen Jimmerson said that out how to right-size the resources. We are Budget Discussions – May was elected to pursue those values.” there was an article in a local paper that said County citizens as well as Town citizens; In public comments, former Council Council Member Ryan Cool asked, that the Purcellville Town Council intended and we should demand, as County citizens, Member Joan Lehr urged the Town “Are you part of the problem or part of the to cut the Police Department altogether. that the Sheriff’s Department provide as Council, when looking at the budget, not solution? ... We are looking at these water “That is incorrect,” said Jimmerson. “The much service, as much policing support, as to propose cuts based on considerations rates and ... at how to manage the rates, rather department has increased by six percent we can ask for.” 6 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 A Pivotal Moment In Numbers And Buzz Words – By Andrea Gaines At the conclusion of its own TPA (R-Algonkian): “This is a high-level discussion, however, the BOS agreed in a planning document. This is not a rezoning Envision Loudoun will hold a second 6-2-1 vote to eliminate any reference within ... We are the only county in the lower Envision Loudoun round of public input-sessions in June, the Vision Statement to the TPA – deleting 48 states that has a ‘transition’ policy wrapping up the Board of Supervisors’ terms such as “rural,” “suburban,” “urban,” area, okay? ... [Does it mean] transitional Public Workshops listening-and-learning portion of the multi- and “transition/transitional” – in favor housing? Housing for people that have year effort to rewrite the County-wide of more generic “in a variety of settings” Alzheimer’s ... I don’t know ... “ Round 2 – Comprehensive Plan. In preparation for language. Some Supervisors saw this as a The discussion of how to treat TPA- June 5, 7, 12, 13, 15 these input-sessions, the BOS is drafting dumbing down of the TPA concept. Others related language in the Envision Loudoun official vision and goals statements, and saw it as a neutral move. While still others Vision Statement was brought to a close by A second round of Envision Loudoun establishing other guidelines, including minimized the effect that the language Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) who, County workshops will be held in June. how much growth Loudouners should be would have on the Envision Loudoun while indicating his support of the TPA, Pre-registration is not required. prepared to absorb in the coming years, and process. also maintained that it is “not working very Each session will begin with a where that growth should go. Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) – well.” Suggesting that the discussion had 30-minute open house, during which Two Lighting Rod Issues who favored the more generic language – devolved into a competition of who could time attendees have to opportunity Two topics are getting lots of attention said that by removing terms such as rural, show the most support for the TPA, he said: to register and get a briefing on the at this pivotal moment in the Envision suburban, transition, and urban from the “I think we need to be a little bit careful of topics to be discussed. Workshops last Loudoun process. The first concerns what Vision Statement, the Board was setting going overboard ... I don’t think we have approximately 2 hours. to do with the Transition Policy Area. This up a more general vision, and not making to tattoo it on ourselves every time we do • Monday, June 5: Harper Park largely undeveloped area in the center of zoning policy. “I strongly support the anything ...” Middle School, 701 Potomac Station the County is intended to act as a buffer Transition Policy Area – always have. That On-Demand Housing Drive, Leesburg. Registration, 6:30 between the suburban east and the rural will not change,” said Randall. The quandary facing the County as p.m., workshop, 7 to 9 p.m. west through the use of lower densities, Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) it rewrites its Comprehensive Plan – in • Wednesday, June 7: Cascades walkable community-based design returned to his defense of the TPA, saying concert with the thousands of citizens Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield standards for commercial and residential that he thought it was significant that there participating in the Envision Loudoun Place, Sterling. Registration, 6:30 development, and generous open-space was such a concerted effort to “strip” any process – is this: Loudoun County is a fast- p.m., workshop, 7 to 9 p.m. requirements. The second is the issue of reference to the TPA out of the Vision growing and very popular place to live. It is • Monday, June 12: Broad Run new residential units. Are we stuck with all Statement. “A high-level statement is the also a unique place, the features of which High School, 21670 Ashburn Road, of the growth that wants to come in? Can perfect place to once again say that the – including open land, beautiful scenery, Ashburn. Registration, 6:30 p.m., , we accommodate all of these new houses Transition Policy Area is important to us,” abundant wildlife, and clean air and water workshop 7 to 9 p.m. and still look like Loudoun County? said Buffington. – fall into increasingly short supply as we • Tuesday, June 13: Harmony Middle Gender Identity Or Zoning Confusion? Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) was grow. School, 8174 W Colonial Highway, In Round I of the Envision Loudoun perhaps the most vocal supporter of the Between 2000 and 2015, the BOS and Hamilton. Registration, 7 p.m., public input-sessions, citizens showed TPA language. “Even in our generalized the Loudoun County Planning Commission workshop, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. overwhelming support for the preservation vision statement,” said Umstattd, “We need approved 65,700 residential units for • Thursday, June 15: Mercer Middle of both the TPA and rural western Loudoun. to establish our uniqueness ... We have development. Some of these numbers School, 42149 Greenstone Drive, Citizens have expressed the same beautiful rural areas, we have a transitional are reflected in a report developed for the Aldie. Registration, 6:30 p.m., sentiment repeatedly since then, including area between suburban and rural. We have County’s Envision Loudoun consultants workshop, 7 to 9 p.m. at a May 2 public input-session that took the suburban areas. I think [this] highlights who say that current zoning policies provide More information is available at place just prior to a BOS discussion on the that we are a combination of different areas for the addition of 51,000 new residential www.Envision-Loudoun.org. development of official Envision Loudoun with different assets ...” units, 29,000 of which are already approved Vision & Goals Statements. Ron A. Meyer (R-Broad Run) was at and in the pipeline. 51,000 new residential At the May 2 BOS meeting, TPA resident once technical, and then perhaps curiously units that may be built by-right, of which for well over a decade. A wave of smart- Don Gough, speaking on behalf of the technical when he said: “Transition setting nearly 30,000 are already being built. growth voter sentiment swept Burton and Transition Area Alliance and Loudoun – what does it mean? ... I’m not sure what A controversial County George Mason other smart-growth advocates into power to Residents for Reasonable Growth, called that means in the English language ... What University Study, touted by developers as a preside over what news reports of the time the TPA Loudoun’s equivalent of a Central is a transition setting? Does it have to do much more accurate reading of our future, described as an era of “explosive growth Park – invaluable for its 50 to 70 percent with someone’s gender identity?” predicts a “severe housing shortage under and the accompanying political tumult — open space, natural ability to act as a The most cut and dried response on current planning and housing policies,” over public schools, land-use planning, wildlife mecca, and role as protector of the issue came from Suzanne M. Volpe indicating a need for 18,300 additional and transportation ... seesaw shifts in party County surface and ground water resources. homes – above current growth projections. domination of local politics ... and fierce In a separate exercise, County planners debates over the pace of development ... “ expect the demand for new housing to be about Watching the Envision Loudoun process 50,000 additional units over the next 20 years, unfold, and commenting, specifically while the GMU study puts the need at 64,000. on the power given to the groups such The numbers are dizzying, regardless of as the Stakeholders Committee, Burton what time frame you look at or whose study expressed concern that the BOS would you believe. As with the Board’s recent not have the motivation and fortitude discussions regarding the TPA, citizens seem to preserve that framework, and protect to now understand that the real question is Loudoun’s unique historic, cultural, and how to translate the desire to protect what rural assets. Said Burton, “It looks to me is valued here in Loudoun County, without like they intend to open the transition area being run over by buzz words and numbers. to greater residential density. This seems On To Public Input, Round II to be the whole reason for this exercise.” Former Blue Ridge Supervisor Jim Burton Burton added, in reference to the Envision was a strong supporter and the main driver Loudoun Stakeholders Committee, and of the breakthrough Transition, Suburban, other pro-growth powerbrokers: “Just look and Rural Policy Area framework that has at the people they have appointed to all the defined Loudoun’s Comprehensive Plan study committees.” On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 7

Call us today to get your project Blissful Oasis underway!

FREE FINANCING Until June 2019 Simple Application 90% Approval Rate W.A.C. See store for details O er ends 7/4/17

The bathroom is the room where you can relax and relieve stress. With the right design, lighting and additions you can have a relaxing and elegant space that will help you look and feel better. Choose from a vast variety of faucets, tiles, fi xtures, shower systems and tubs. We only design bathrooms that you would want to make your own personal oasis.

Service Excellence since 1989

Leesburg Best of Best of Best of Best of Sterling 703-854-9118 703-854-9267 161 Fort Evans Rd. NE 2014 2015 2016 2017 21465 Price Cascades Plaza (Next to Wolf Furniture) SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE (In front of Costco) 8 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017

CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA COMSTOCK Your Voice in Congress

PROUDLY REPRESENTING VIRGINIA’S 10TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

SOME OF THE WAYS WE CAN HELP:

› Internship Opportunities › Passport Assistance › Assistance with Various Federal Agencies › 10th Congressional District Young › Assistance with Veterans Benefits Women Leadership Program › Assistance with Medicare and Medicaid › Military Academy Nominations › Applying for Federal Grants

Washington, DC Loudoun County Shenandoah Valley 229 Cannon House 21430 Cedar Drive 117 E. Piccadilly St Office Building Suite 218 Suite 100 D Washington, DC 20515 Sterling, VA 20164 Winchester, VA 22601 202.225.5136 703.404.6903 540.773.3600 COMSTOCK.HOUSE.GOV June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 9 Purcellville: Another Dense Project Proposed For Roundabout – By Valerie Cury Federal Emergency Management Agency that this review of architectural design for sources. With the [potential] addition of the flood zone. a mixed use commercial complex with a O’Toole property, the Town is at 93 to 95 Packie Crown of Bowman Consulting, Through Bowman Consulting, the property three-story hotel on the O’Toole property percent capacity.” on May 16 at a meeting at the Carver owner is applying for one of the most dense is happening before the Town Council has The developer submitted its application to Center, discussed a proposal to rezone and zonings – MC, Mixed Use Commercial. even considered the rezoning (that would rezone the O’Toole property to town staff in develop property at the southeast corner of The development proposal consists of be) necessary to pursue this project. So, 2015. The recent May 16 meeting was the Purcellville’s roundabout, across from the approximately 90,000 square feet of there have been no public hearings – no first time the public had been introduced to Catoctin Corner development currently commercial space for restaurants, office and votes on this proposed rezoning.” the proposed project. Citizens attending the underway. The developer’s application to retail property, a daycare facility, an assisted Town staff added water availability as meeting expressed concerns over density, rezone the property in question - the O’Toole living facility, as well as a three-story hotel. a concern. In a memo to the Purcellville traffic congestion and safety, whether the property - would require a Comprehensive The rezoning application requests access Planning staff, Purcellville Capital Projects project fits with the desires of the Town’s Plan amendment and a zoning amendment. to the site from an existing entrance on and Engineering Manager Dale Lehnig citizens, and whether it conforms to the It is also part of Purcellville’s Historic Business Rt. 7, and a secondary entrance said, “Although the mass balance for water Comprehensive Plan. More information is Corridor Overlay District and is located at a on the Southern Collector Road. The shows that using a peak factor of 1.2, there available at the Town’s Current Applications gateway to the town. application proposes a right in right out- is sufficient water, the Town will need to website, at www.purcellvilleva.gov/767/ The Lazaro Town Council annexed the only from the property. The application also work towards developing additional water Current-Applications. O’Toole property into Purcellville in 2008. requests an entrance from the SCR of a left- It is located at the southeast corner of Rt. and-right turn, in and out of the property. 287 and Business Rt. 7 and consists of Said Purcellville Town Council Member two lots totaling 12.46 acres. When under Kelli Grim, “I am very concerned about the Loudoun County control, the property safety of our community with the increased SELLING had zoning allowing one residence. As a traffic this proposed project would bring; and part of Purcellville, the property is zoned this is more than two times the density of what is HOMES, FARMS Transition X, as is generally the case for being built across the street (Catoctin Corner).” annexed properties. A Transition X zoning At a previous Board of Architectural designation is a placeholder, with its Review meeting, Town Council Member and LAND ultimate zoning use decided by the Town Nedim Ogelman, liaison to the BAR, said, Council. A portion of the site is within a “I just want to make clear for the record Marcy knows the Local Market Lovettsville, $930,000 Middleburg, $850,000 Fraser To Hold Stage Side Chat June 14 30+ac, 7 Stall Barn, Stream Tennis Ct, Pool, Rm for Horses Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser will hold a stage side chat at the Carver Center Wednesday, June 14 from 7-8 p.m. All residents are invited to attend, ask questions and provide suggestions.

Bluemont, $200,000 Boyce, $585,000 Remodeled, River access 21+ac, Privacy, in-law suite

Round Hill, $649,500 Historic Beauty, Lovely Yard

SOLD Build Your Dream Home LAND-Build Your Own in 25 Days Paris, 1.57ac, $97,500 Purcellville, 10ac, $160,000 Summit Pt WV, 8+ac , $125,000 Bluemont, 12.77ac, $200,000 Licensed in Virginia & West Virginia [email protected] 540-533-7453 www.MarcyC.com 10 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 Tues., June 13 – Primary Elections Voting Information A Primary Election for both parties - Justin E. Fairfax All Your Outdoor Yard & Patio Needs is scheduled on June 13. Voters will choose - Gene J. Rossi a candidate for the Republican Party for the - Susan S. Platt offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Member, House of Delegates District For the Democratic Party voters will choose 33 (vote for one) - precincts in House a candidate for the offices of Governor, District 33 ONLY Lieutenant Governor and House of Delegates - Tia L. Walbridge for the 33 and 67th Districts. - Mavis B. Taintor The election is open to all registered Member, House of Delegates District voters in Loudoun County and voting will 67 (vote for one) - precincts in House take place at the normal polling locations. District 67 ONLY Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To - Karrie K. Delaney verify registration and precinct information - John W. Carey visit the State Board of Elections website at - Hannah K. Risheq www.elections.virginia.gov. Note there are Republican Party Ballot a few changes in voting locations: Governor (vote for one) - all precincts • Precinct 413 – Tuscarora is being moved - Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie to Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School - Corey A. Stewart (across the street) – also a polling place for - Frank W. Wagner Precinct 502. Lieutenant Governor (vote for one) - • Precinct 209 – Potomac Falls is being moved all precincts to River Bend Middle School (next door) – - Bryce E. Reeves also a polling place for Precinct 207. - Glenn R. Davis Jr. • Precinct 309 – Aldie is being moved to - Jill H. Vogel The Church of Our Redeemer as the Aldie Absentee Voting Information Methodist Church is under construction. Ballots for both In-Person and By-Mail Candidates Appearing on Ballot : Write- Absentee Voting are available. Last day to apply in candidates are not permitted in primary to have a ballot mailed to you is Tuesday, June elections in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 6 at 5 p.m. – and the last day to vote absentee Voters may request either the Democratic ballot in person is Saturday, June 10 (office will Party Ballot or the Republican Party Ballot be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) but not both. In-Person Absentee Voting Location and Democratic Party Ballot Schedule (no satellite voting location for Governor (vote for one) - all precincts this election); Voter Registration Office, 750 - Ralph S. Northam Miller Dr. SE, Suite C, Leesburg, VA 20175. - Tom S. Perriello The office is open Monday through Friday Lieutenant Governor (April 28 through June 9), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (vote for one) - all precincts – Saturday, June 10 - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

$20 OFF

your purchase of $100 or more. Expires 6/4/2017

Limit 1 coupon per customer. No duplicates or reprints.

NEW STORE … LARGER SPACE … EXPANDED INVENTORY.

STOP BY & CHECK US OUT!

261 N. 21st Street 540-338-7136

June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 11 All Your Outdoor Yard & Patio Needs

Visit Our Design Center Today And Get Inspired!

• Decks • Patios • Pavilions • Fireplaces • Sunrooms • Water Features • Outdoor Kitchens

www.HollowayCompany.com 42351 Azalea Lane • Dulles, VA 20166 703-996-8099 Abernethy & Spencer Specializing in Native & Organic Gardens trees5 • shrubsacres • grasses veggie plants • annuals perennials • mulch • soil nutrients • pest control tools • gloves • hoses gifts • statuary • pots garden accents • Best of Loudoun again! 18035 Maple Ave. Purcellville 540-338-9118 www.abernethyspencer.com 12 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 Put Up The Barricades - Translation: Protect What You Love – By Charles Houston hear me out. two parts of the county. For every dollar a Loudoun house pays in What is Loudoun County anyway? It’s The east is crisscrossed by perfectly taxes, it consumes $1.62 in county services; Loudoun County is a paragon of land not just our 521 square miles of land; it’s landscaped boulevards lined with new, $600,000 home, $6,600 in taxes, $10,700 in use – a rare combination of suburbs close our 385,000 citizens. And, is definitely “neo-Colonial” houses. There are spiffy required services. Wherever your live, we to a major city, a scenic rural area and a more than just a bull’s-eye location where shopping centers, and car dealerships selling taxpayers subsidize each home to the tune transition zone – between the two. If it’s developers can make their next buck. Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Zip code and of $4,100 per year. so perfect, though, why are so many people Somehow we’ve lost sight of the fact that income data shows almost identical median The Envision Loudoun planning frantic about its future? the county belongs to its people. We have a income in our suburban east and rural west, charade forecasts 50,000 new houses and The county’s new Survey of Residents right to say, “Enough is enough,” and our $90,000. So much for the myth that we in over 160,000 new residents. The math is says that 53 percent think living here is Supervisors should listen. Barricades don’t the west are rich and snooty, looking down frightening: 50,000 new houses penalizing great. But, a higher percentage – 69 percent have to be orange cones and KEEP OUT on our suburban neighbors from million- us at $4,100 per house per year, means we – think that too much growth and traffic are signs. They can be tough comprehensive dollar racehorses ... face a new loss of $205 million per year, our biggest problems. Everyone wants to plans and strict zoning codes. Arriving home via my own unpaved road, I forever ... while (using industry statistics) be the last one in. So why not acknowledge I drove around eastern Loudoun last saw horses, and cows, vineyards and wineries, the real estate crowd pulls in $8 billion. reality and put a stop to the change we don’t week, contrasting it to pastoral western corn and soybeans, bicyclists and runners. Envision Loudoun’s basic question – want. Put up the barricades! Loudoun. It changed my thinking about the Our only automobile dealerships are used car “How can we accommodate the people who Before your NIMBY radar goes up ... lots. Yes, east and west are quite different, want to move here?” – is backwards. Here but all 385,000 of us have made conscious are the real issues: decisions about which half we prefer. This It’s time for barricades – made up of a stasis – this state of stability – works well. better Comprehensive Plan and a strict From the west, we can head eastward for Zoning Ordinance. more shopping and for more entertainment, How large do we want to be, and can we or to buy a fancy car to park next to our pick- afford even that? ups. Easterners enjoy dust-free driving, cul- Voters see growth and traffic as the de-sacs full of playing children and a slew county’s biggest problems. Nobody of amenities. Or, they can head westward to clamors for more growth, except profit- sample local wine, or to take a country drive. hungry developers who couldn’t care less if This is symbiosis – a mutually beneficial their bulldozers lead to the metastatic death relationship between east and west. of a great county. Easterners probably enjoy Loudoun’s Want to help? Just call the Supervisors’ two faces – rural and suburban – and I doubt comment line (703-777-0115) and say four they want to see western Loudoun become magic words, “Protect What We Love.” a clone of the east. We all have preferences, but there is one certain commonality: Charles Houston developed office Money, and how this all plays out within buildings in Atlanta, and has lived in Loudoun’s fiscal house. Paeonian Springs for 20 years. June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 13 Saving Old Sterling Schoolhouse – By Mark Gunderman the small village cohesiveness and allowed Cloak Room and had a spigot for pouring students of farming families to travel to water into paper cups during break time. On the backroads off route 28, in an area school by foot. Local ladies brought in soup at lunch and known to the locals as “Old Sterling,” there Tom Hummer was born on a Sterling kept it warm by placing the pot on one of resides a 137-year-old piece of history: farm in 1935. His mother Grace Hummer the stoves and the children ate in the Cloak the original Sterling schoolhouse. The one taught at the Sterling school from 1926 Room. story detached frame building with metal until 1934. However, Tom, who attended The school closed in 1947 and the county roof and buckled walls was the first public public school from 1941-1953, never sold the building to H.F. Kenne on November school in Sterling built by Loudoun County, matriculated to the Sterling school because 20, 1947, for $3,100. Kenne, a farmer, and it’s currently in danger of meeting the he would have had to walk one and a half renovated the building by partitioning it wrecking ball. miles east. Instead Tom caught a private off into six rooms. It was a family rental All through the nineteenth century the bus driven by P.J. Coleman going only until 1980 when Grandma Betty Geoffroy Photo collage courtesy of Bill Ewing one to two room school was frequently the one way west from Old Ox Road through leased the building and established the very focus for people’s lives outside the home. the modern all brick Sterling Elementary. Sterling to the elementary/high school in successful Sterling Schoolhouse Antiques Besides being used for educating children, The small 26’x72’ building on stone Ashburn. Tom said that there were only two from 1980 through 2007. Since then, the it was a place where Church services, foundation with tin-lined high ceilings was other private buses working in the eastern property has been used by a landscaping Christmas parties, dances, community heated by two stoves and lit by electricity, sector during this time. T.J. Crouch drove company and a heavy equipment operator suppers, lectures, and spelling bees were but by 1940 was in poor condition. The west on Route 7 from Sterling to Broad Run to park vehicles. held. school which once enrolled forty students to Ashburn and L. Solomon came east from Residents of Old Sterling appreciate this The Old Sterling schoolhouse still stands had no running water or bathroom but two the Broadlands area. over a century old relic and want to preserve at 1000 Ruritan Circle, not far from the outhouses did exist in the backyard, one for Another Sterling resident Hugh L. the timeworn schoolhouse before it ends up corner of Atlantic Blvd. and West Church boys and one for girls. Ball was born in 1937 and attended the as yet another storage facility. Local folks Road. According to Loudoun Historian There were 81 small schools in 1880 school from 1944-47. His mother Peggy consider this building a historic treasure Eugene Scheel, Broad Run School District Loudoun County. Back then before busses Testerman taught at the school from 1936- and because the property is for sale, the No. 6 purchased the acre lot on October 11, and improved rural roads, the schools 1937. Hugh informed me that the front schoolhouse’s current situation is tenuous. 1879 from Dr. James E. Warner at a discount themselves had to be scattered out within room was for grades 1-3 and back room for We have one last opportunity to rescue a price of $60. The school was completed walking distance of the students’ homes or grades 4-7. The children carried water from small fragment of old Sterling. If interested and ready for the spring term in 1880 and they did not make it to school at all. These a neighbor’s house using a three-gallon in saving this old structure, contact Bill and served until 1947 when it was replaced by community-based schools contributed to clay crock. The crock was placed in the Jackie Ewing at [email protected].

We provide highest quality patient care RN develop Care Plans for our patients receiving Personal Care using the Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waivers.

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Personal Care • Tube Feeding • Oxygen & Ventilator Support Gerry Pierce • Dressing Changes Over 25 years experience. Cardiac/Diabetic Management • Infusions/Pain Management Providing complete service • Physical Therapy/Occupational that includes the engine, • Therapy/Social Work And more generator, and transfer switch. We are available 24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week Whether it is propane, natural gas or diesel, Serving Loudoun, Clarke, Fauquier, Fairfax & Warren Counties 540-316-7515 We won’t leave you powerless. www.MiddleburgHomecare.com

On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com 14 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 Addicted Amy And Dan Smith’s Planning For Life – By Mary Rose Lunde When most people think of Misconceptions About 529 Plans addictions, they choose the more well-known types, such Just like the 5.64 percent when determining expected percent penalty (penalty waived in the as alcohol or drugs. But there kids you’re saving family contribution (part of the financial instance of a scholarship). are other addictions that people college funds for, aid formula). In comparison, investment Myth: I can’t participate in a 529 plan 529 plans are often assets in the student’s name, such as because my income is too high. LUNDE don’t always want to talk about. These can include: screen time, misunderstood. UTMA/UGMA accounts, are assessed at Reality: Anyone can invest. There is video games, caffeine, food, etc. These types of Read on to learn 20 percent. actually no income limit to establish or addictions can be just as unhealthy and deadly as 529 plans are more Myth: I have to invest in the plan contribute to a 529 plan. AMY & DAN SMITH the more well-known addictions; and more and flexible than you sponsored by the state where I live. more people are falling prey to them. may think. They can be set up by anyone, Reality: You can invest in any state’s Earnings in 529 plans are not subject to My mother and I recently watched a 20/20 for anyone, and used for a variety of 529 plan, but look at what your state’s federal tax and in most case, state tax, so episode focused on addictions, in which people education costs at all kinds of institutions, plan offers first since some provide state long as you use withdrawals for eligible were given the opportunity to admit their not just typical four-year colleges. tax breaks and other benefits to residents. college expenses, such as tuition, room and addictions and how much hold they had on their Myth: Only parents can establish a 529 Plans offered by other states may not board. However, if you withdraw form a 529 lives. And they were also given the opportunity account for a child provide these same benefits. plan and do not use it on an eligible college to make steps to take back their lives. The Reality: Anyone can open and contribute Myth: If I invest in a 529 plan, the expenses, you generally will be subject to episode was inspiring and uplifting, but that to an account for any beneficiary-no age beneficiary is limited to attending a public, income tax and an additional 10 percent isn’t the main point that needs to be considered. limits or family connections necessary. four-year university. federal tax penalty on earnings. Changes The increase in the number of people struggling Often, grandparents open 529 accounts to Reality: Funds can be used for qualified in tax laws or regulations may occur at any with these addictions is growing. It has become help fund college for grandchildren (with expenses at eligible institutions in the U.S. time and could substantially impact your commonplace to see people with screens in front the added bonus that their assets won’t be and even some abroad, including private or situation. You should discuss any tax or legal of their faces, or a cup of coffee in their hands factored into financial aid calculations and public colleges, universities, and technical matters with the appropriate professional. This is not okay. they may often benefit from reduced taxes or vocational schools that qualify for federal @2017Raymond James Financial Inc. This should be a wake-up call to all because there are so many dangers in these kinds of on their estate). financial aid. Check the department of Amy V. Smith Wealth Management, CFP, addictions. People need to understand that the Myth: Once the child is in college, he education’s website (fafsa.ed.gov) and CIMA offers securities through Raymond numbers will only rise as the technology gets or she has control of the 529 account. click School Code search to find qualifying James Financial Services, Inc., member more advanced and more available. So, what can Reality: The account owner has-and institutions. FINRA/SIPC. Her office is located at 161 we do to limit this addiction? Instead of running maintains-control of the assets as long as Myth: If it turns out the beneficiary doesn’t Fort Evans Road, NE, Suite 345, Leesburg, to the woods and unplugging completely, how the account exists. go to college or receives a scholarship, all VA 20176. (Tel.703-669-5022, www. can we limit exposure and risk? Simple: rules Myth: Contributions to a 529 plan will the money I’ve invested is lost. amysmithwelthmanagement.com) Any and motivations need to be changed. People need limit financial aid opportunities. Reality: Since the owner – not the opinions are those of Amy and Dan Smith to want to change, and want to keep themselves Reality: While 529 assets can have an beneficiary- controls the account, you and not necessarily those of Raymond from these addictions. They need to change their effect, it isn’t as significant as the impact can change who receives the funds to James. Raymond James does not guarantee habits, and they need to understand the risks of of some other educational savings tools. any eligible family member. Another, that the foregoing material is accurate or what they are getting involved in. Since 529 assets are under control of although less attractive, option is to take complete and does not provide legal advice. There was an article a while ago about a the account owner (not the beneficiary), a nonqualified withdrawal. Earnings are Dan Smith is not affiliated with Raymond teen who died because of a caffeine overdose. they’re assessed at a maximum rate of then subject to the usual taxes and a 10 James. He drank sodas, coffee, and, I believe, energy drinks. All of these drinks alone seemed harmless, but combined caused death. Think about how accessible these drinks were to this Music With LCSO Introduces Youth Fitness teen. This teen wasn’t underage, he wasn’t looking for anything dangerous, and he wanted Camp – Hosted By NFL Legends a drink. This is how dangerous these addictions A Cause June are. They are available for simple money, and This camp will feature a pro seem harmless, but they aren’t. Concert: Bud’s football style combine and Even video games, which are often thought of as will be held at the Washington a way to relax, can be harmful. A person spending an Collective Redskins Training Facility hour a night is fine, but when a father, as referenced The Music with a Cause Concert in the 20/20 episode, spends all of his nights online, in Ashburn. The camp will instead of with his family, that isn’t okay. It isn’t okay, celebrates the culmination of its give youth football players, and needs to change. Video games are played in the first year with a concert to be held ages 6 to 17, an opportunity guise of entertainment, and they are entertainment in at Otium Cellars at 5:30 pm on to showcase their skills and short bursts. Think about it: this addiction can start in Sunday, June 4. Bud’s Collective abilities. The combine consists the guise of fun. is a powerful trio of pickers of physical test and drills Truthfully, anything can be seen as an addiction; from the hills of West Virginia. intended to help determine everything has the potential to be bad. To accept The evening will also feature an a player’s speed, quickness, this truth is the first step to acknowledging the auction of a piece from David strength and agility as well as risk and understanding that self-control and Norton Pottery. Norton is an avid demonstrate their ability in admittance are the keys to preventing an addiction. fan of the Bluegrass music of Bud’s one-on-one competition. Don’t get me wrong: You can enjoy your coffee Collective and a renowned artist The free two-day and your down time, just be aware and be careful. featured at The Torpedo Factory camp will be held June 24 If it does become an addiction, ask for help; and Arts Center. The June concert will from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the people who love you will support you. All in raise money for scholarships for June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 all, addictions are dangerous, and can be hiding in families needing tuition support p.m., and is open to 500 boys places that don’t seem like addictions. Hope is not at the Neighborhood Learning and girls between the ages lost. And just as the saying goes, ``everything in Center. Tickets are $15 per person of 6 to 17. To register go to moderation’’ can be okay. with those under 18 free. Otium http://yournflexperience.com/ Cellars is at 18050 Tranquility registration6-24. Loudoun Mary Rose Lunde is a recent alumna of Virginia Road, Purcellville. residents only. Tech, and will start her masters in Literature in the fall. June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 15 The Perfect Colonial To Start The Summer – By Hannah Hager Address: 14161 Alisha Creek Court, Leesburg Bedrooms: Four bedrooms Who says a fresh start only comes around Bathrooms: Two full and one half baths once per year? You and your family deserve Acreage: 2.28 acres a clean slate with this lovely Colonial that’s List Price: $569,900 Agent: Sam Rees, On the Market Loudoun just been delivered by Purcellville-based Phone: 703-408-4261 builder Dennis Powers in the Loy Estates neighborhood of Leesburg. carpeting. The master bathroom boasts both Sunny are the summer days you’ll spend kitchen, which is outfitted with top-notch hardwood floors and fireplace. a soaking tub and separate shower, and in this yellow home with wrap-around porch details such as white wood cabinets, granite It’ll be hard to resist serving dinner in your double vanities for both you and your loved in the front and window-lined morning countertops, a butler reverse apron sink, deluxe dining room, where you can enjoy the one. The kids will be just as comfy in the room in the rear. Indoors, you’ll feel just stainless steel appliances and recessed bay window and wainscotting trimming. three other bedrooms, too. as bright thanks to the open floorplan and lighting. You’ll have watch over the The attention to detail doesn’t stop on Hurry to have a look - this gem will likely cathedral ceilings. family’s activities in both the breakfast nook the main level. Prepare to relax in your be snatched up by a savvy shopper before Make a beeline straight to the eat-in and family room with walls of windows, master suite with vaulted ceiling and plush summer is in full swing.

JOIN THE SOLAR MOVEMENT PURCELLVILLE 10 ACRES THIS SUMMER! $850,000

Gorgeous brick front colonial with over RESIDENTIAL 5400 finished Sq Ft. Custom deck & gazebo over looking beautiful country COMMERCIAL setting with creek. Spacious kitchen with sunroom. 3 car attached garage and AGRICULTURAL 2 car detached. A very special property. CHARGING STATIONS

COMMERCIAL MORE POWER TO SAVE! HALF ACRE 30-DAYS FROM INSTALLATION, CORNER LOT YOUR UTILITY BILL COULD BE $600,000 No others like it on the market. New electric, roof & more. ELIMINATED! Addition to home or additional structure(s) permitted. Located on the best, large corner lot. CALL US TODAY: 703-729-3300 i-solarsolutions.com

UNDER CONTRACT $375,000 SOLD $375,000 Beautiful setting with 1.87 acres. 4 bedrooms, Beautiful setting with 1.87 acres. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Custom kitchen, two replaces, fully 2.5 baths. Custom kitchen, two fireplaces, fully finished lower level. Won’t last long. finished lower level. Won’t last long. 16 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 Bridge Of Memories – By Andrea Gaines­­ Green Farm, a B&B and beef cattle operation just up the road from the bridge. The steel stringer structure known as the Striking up a conversation with the Forest Mills Road Bridge floods every time VDOT folks working on the new bridge there’s a heavy rain. recently, Brown asked what was to become During storms, the Crooked Run waterway of the old wooden beams piling up on the rockets under the bridge from the west and side of the road. fans out in a marshy area to the east. “As eager as I was to be done with the The bridge, before it was dismantled. Sarah Brown Photo credit Erin Welsh Everline. takes a selfie with Donny, “the man with a truck” Throughout it all the bridge has held construction,” said Brown, “I couldn’t strong, protecting the land on the other who helped move the newly-delivered wood (in help but feel somewhat wistful ... So many Brown plans to rebuild the bridge on her background). side from the heavy current and high-flying parties and ponies and walks and banjo and family’s historic farm in a suitable spot – debris, and, in the spring, creating natural creek engineering projects [at that bridge].” maybe over any one of a number of springs future generations to enjoy. safe zones in the tadpole-filled wetland on Told that the beautiful old timbers from that run through the property, or near the At least four of these are in Loudoun the bridge’s east side. the original bridge were going straight to farm’s historic springhouse. County, including the 1820 Broad Run Bridge Now almost 100 years old, the Forest the dump, “I asked if I could have some,” Said friend Jill Wesser Patience, “A bridge and Tollhouse in Sterling, the 1900 (original) Mills Bridge is being dismantled and said Brown. One thing led to another, and of memories. How great.” Said Ainsley Catoctin Creek Bridge in Waterford, the replaced with a new structure. And, thanks then came Brown’s triumphant, May 18 Fisher Tillman to Brown, “You, are my hero.” 1810 Goose Creek Stone Bridge in Atoka to a ninth-generation Loudouner named Facebook post: “Guys. I got the bridge Over thirty Virginia bridges are listed on and the 1829 Hibbs Bridge in Mountville.­­­ Sara Brown – preserved and rebuilt as well. delivered. I got the bridge. Who wants to the National Register of Historic Places, Now, one more bridge – or at least part of one Brown’s family owns the historic Oakland help me build a bridge?” protected, along with their stories, for – will be around for all of us to enjoy. SHOP LOCAL

Auto ome usiness Life MENTION THIS AD AND SAVE Call us for a quote today. 10% ON A FATHER’s DAY SITTING Nikki Englund Purcellville, VA niienglundinsurancecom When Sarah Huntington --

shoots you, you live forever. S Not all comanies are licensed or oerate in all states Not all roducts are offered in all states o to erieinsurance 540-338-7809 • [email protected] com for coman licensure and territor information June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 17 SHOP LOCAL Congrats Katie & Sara!!! And the Class of 2017!

9

Advertise Your Shop Local Business! 18 FOCUS ON… May 2017

Focus On: Bramhall Trucking Bramhall Trucking has been in business since 1985. The company started out with one dump truck and have expanded to 4 dump trucks, 4 over the road trucks, as well as two skidsteer loaders. Mike was born and raised in Lovettsville and his wife, PJ, has lived in Loudoun since she was 9. Mike and PJ’s son Jake has joined the team full time and sometimes all 4 of their children pitch in. Bramhall Trucking delivers gravel, mulch, top soil, leaf compost and landscape stone. They also install culverts, build riding rings, grade driveways, and “can spread gravel with the truck like butter on bread.” Said Bramhall, “We also are good at finding practical low cost solutions to drainage issues around farms.” They have added pasture seeding and fertilizing to their offerings. Bramhall’s motto is, Let Us Help You Carry Your Load!

LOUDOUN COUNTY ADULT DAY CENTERS For Seniors with Physical Limitations or Memory Loss

Our licensed adult day centers provide: ! A safe, social environment with therapeutic activities

! Respite for caregivers needing support & free time

! Reasonable sliding scale fees

Offering engaging activities, individualized personal care, nutritious lunch and snacks, exercise, medication administration, health monitoring and limited transportation. Open weekdays from 7:30AM – 5:30PM.

Purcellville Ashburn Leesburg Carver Center (off S. 20th St.) (off George Washington Blvd.) (near Leesburg Airport) 200 Willie Palmer Way 45140 Riverside Parkway 16501 Meadowview Ct. 571-258-3402 571-258-3232 703-771-5334

Video online at: www.loudoun.gov/adultday Administered by Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services. June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 19

Just Like Nothing (Else) On Earth: Cooksville Road

– By Tim Jon And the portion of Cooksville Road that Which brings me back to that bell – a continues beyond the public use section symbol – as a sound-producing agent – of You see – there’s this bell: gets pretty hairy during slippery conditions, the here (and hear)-and-now concerns of A church bell, suspended as I discovered when my mail truck started those of us whose employment utilizes inside a little white tower turning sideways and sliding backward each minute, second and ever-increasingly atop the old Mount Olive down the hill from my intended direction; smaller increments of time – as well as a Baptist church building – TIM JON in those instances you usually wish you reminder of the greater constants (perhaps that you can see for just a were safely back at the office where you just outside the confines of mere space and time few split-seconds as you make your return might encounter more civilized conditions. – or any dimension); that’s a pretty hefty trip toward Lincoln Road and the rest of But, if you survive the gauntlets of moral load for an old, metal church bell your assignment; I don’t recall the first time inclement weather on this little stretch of perched atop an historic place of worship I noticed this friendly, reassuring feature on dirt roadway, you get to enjoy the various several hundred feet down a dirt road in a one of my favorite spots along my mail route rewards of other seasons: the spring small, rural community off the path of any – but it could have been as long as three wildflowers are small and ephemeral, but ‘main stems’ in Northern Virginia. Quite a or four years prior to this writing. There’s their images stick with you until they return responsibility I place on this ancient friend, something about the silhouette of that metal for their brief time; the transformation of but I believe it’s more than up to the task – clanging device (though I’ve never heard it the leafy greenery in autumn to a more or any I may dream up for it. ring) that seems to calm and center me every colorful fall palette lasts a bit longer and And - no – I don’t remember the first time time it comes to my attention; the message covers more of your sightline, and adds its I noticed this distinctive silhouette atop the is much more subtle than to simply remind bonus of that unmistakable, earthy scent Mount Olive Baptist Church in Lincoln – me to let go of momentary pressures and to of harvest time. And, during the peak (or nor do I recall the last; after all, isn’t there sign – with little room to turn around fix my attention on the eternal and timeless lull) of midsummer, on those hot, drowsy, something written in a book somewhere, and retrace your tire tracks; it crosses an – and, maybe I’ll never fully understand its still afternoons when you’re taking that about he who is first shall be later – and unnamed creek bed along the way, that can meaning. And, maybe it’s better that way. (usually) two-minute run down Cooksville he who is later shall be first. In any case, it actually transform into a flood-threatening Cooksville Road – Route 778 if you’re Road and back, it can seem as if everything seems to ‘ring a bell.’ corridor of liquid during heavy rains, just counting – cuts west from Lincoln Road on in the world has come to a halt: back in the I don’t recall any references to any of after you pass the Goose Creek Burying the southern end of that little community – woods, away from the ‘main road,’ nothing this, though, in the rural mail carrier’s Ground on your left – another reminder pretty much right across from the Lincoln discernable is stirring – even time feels instruction manual. It’s just something I that whatever troubles your facing today Post Office – and sort of zig-zags back into momentarily suspended – as if something picked up on Cooksville Road. You find all might not seem quite so staggering a the countryside for a half-mile or so – until greater than us is holding its breath to allow sorts of things out on the trail. And I’m still couple of hundred years down the line. you reach the ‘End of State Maintenance’ – at least temporary – eternity. looking. Transforming Scars – Engendering Hope – By Samuel Moore-Sobel hospital-based, peer support program that it’s just a reminder we are here,” she says. into the real world. “I was just excited to get allows patients who have recently suffered “We are looking at ways we can simplify out of the hospital,” Amy said. “I walked The woman’s voice burn injuries to connect with fellow burn and start the conversation with people into this restaurant – and the double takes, on the other end of survivors. Acton likens it to a “safety net, through different ways.” As I think back stares. For some, it sends them right back the line is warm and recognizing that there is someone else like on my own experience, her words resonate. home, and it is that much harder for them inviting, speaking softly you – who has gone through it, and is a Each issue was a reminder that there were to get back out there.” For readers who feel in crisp tones, with great few steps ahead of you.” The importance others with stories, thoughts, and feelings powerless, who feel as if they have lost excitement, and at a of this reality is magnified in the moment similar to my own ... even if I wasn’t quite their voice, take heart. For burn survivors, MOORE-SOBEL hurried pace. Her words in which patients experience their injuries ready to face them. just like all human beings, have control in are eloquent and profound. visually for the first time, wondering what The idea of sharing stories seems to run how they respond to anything that comes Furiously I type, trying to capture every the future holds. “I don’t know about you, through the heart of this organization, offered their way. word. “I am probably rambling on,” she but I couldn’t imagine that future …” Acton as an antidote to the tide of loneliness and fear In the seven and a half years since my says mid-way through our conversation. says. “As you look into the mirror, it is such invading the lives of others. Offering personal life changed forever, I have felt as if I was Hardly. I cannot get enough. an individual experience, and you get stuck experiences can be a way to bridge the gap on a track, running towards an elusive goal. Amy Acton, Executive Director of Phoenix there sometimes.” A prescient statement, between despair and hope, helping others What does it look like to reach a place of Society for Burn Survivors, says her vision applicable to all forms of trauma. believe that they too can overcome, and then true healing? Sometimes the past can feel for the organization is to “reach those who Amy’s own personal experience has make a difference. as if it has a choke hold on the present, a are alone, not just grow the organization, driven her to serve. At the age of 18, she Even though her own story has receded topic that deserves its own column, hence but grow the community that supports burn incurred burns through an electrical injury. into the past, there are subtle reminders that why next month will feature a continuation survivors and their families.” As the physical wounds of her burns healed, can help bring memories back to life. “Most of how the Phoenix Society changes lives, Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the emotional healing did not take center stage. of my burns are hidden,” she says, but “once including mine. Until then, a few more organization was founded in 1977. According “It wasn’t until I was on the burn unit, that I in awhile there is an incident – somebody’s thoughts: “We can’t escape our past. We to its website, 40,000 people a year visit a saw you have to heal that emotional piece,” comments, something that happens, you kind can only work hard – slowly and surely – hospital due to burn injuries. For thermal burn she tells me. of remember: Oh yeah, I guess that is still part to loosen its grip on our present,” a friend patients, the odds are in their favor. Nearly 96 One of the many ways the organization of me.” Her words speak to an experience recently told me. Healing happens a little percent will survive, if cared for in the United promotes emotional healing is through shared among all trauma survivors. bit at a time – mindful of the lessons of States. Yet for many, receiving treatment for Burn Support Magazine. BSM offers a The social impacts of her injury are the past, working towards wholeness in their burns is simply the beginning. “We are myriad of inspirational stories and a splash something she wishes she had been more the present, all while looking expectantly laser-focused on this after-care area, when of organizational news. For the last several prepared for in the initial stages of her towards the future. people are leaving the hospital and going years, I have received this magazine, and the recovery. To illustrate the point, she details home,” Acton tells me. same scene has played out repeatedly; mainly, a story of visiting a restaurant after she Samuel Moore-Sobel is thankful to the This non-profit organization attempts the initial reading of a few paragraphs, and the was discharged from the hospital. “Being Phoenix Society for the ways in which it to fill the gap by offering several unique inevitable pulling away. prepared for that response would have set supports burn survivors. To find out more programs. Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Acton says my reaction is common. “You my course differently.” She was unaware of about the society’s work, please visit www. Offering Assistance in Recovery) is a open it and peel it back a little bit – I think the reactions that would greet her re-entry phoenix-society.org 20 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 HS Students Cast Off, Reach For The Stars – By Andrea Gaines Science and Engineering Fair. Freedom High School, 2 p.m., June • According to US News & World Report, 11, Eagle Bank Arena, George Mason In March of this year, Woodgrove High 11 Loudoun County high schools earned University School in Purcellville mourned the sudden either a Gold or a Silver Medal for Heritage High School, 1 pm., June 11, death of science teacher and astronomer academic excellence. Heritage High School Bob McMillen. All of these awards and accolades won’t Loudoun County High School, 8 a.m., Pouring their grief into an effort to pay necessarily be on the minds of Loudoun’s high June 12, Loudoun County High School tribute to this special man, within weeks school seniors as they accept their diplomas Loudoun Valley High School, 9 a.m., they had delivered on their stargazer’s this month. But, the excitement will be in the June 12, Loudoun Valley High School biggest dream – to install a grand, inflatable air – and the sparkle will be in the sky. Monroe Technology Center, 7 p.m., planetarium in the school’s library. This sense reflecting exceedingly well on the From the Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun June 8, Tuscarora High School of purpose – to reach for something bigger County’s ability to teach and prepare Today to all graduating high school seniors Park View High School, 7 p.m., June than themselves – will play out in thousands students for college. ... congratulations. 12, Eagle Bank Arena, George Mason of small and large ways as Loudoun County’s • This fall, the County will open its long- The LCPS high school graduation University high school seniors accept their diplomas and awaited Academies of Loudoun, with ceremony listing: Potomac Falls High School, 9 a.m., step out into the world this month. an expanded Academy of Science, an Academy of Science, 7:30 p.m., June June 13, Potomac Falls High School It will all be over in less than one week upgraded Monroe Advanced Technical 9, School Board Meeting Room, LCPS Riverside High School, 10 a.m., June – starting on June 8 and finishing on June Academy, and a new Academy of Administrative Offices 12, Riverside High School 13. But, like the Woodgrove students Engineering and Technology, offering Briar Woods High School, 9:30 a.m., Rock Ridge High School, 5 p.m., June who pulled together so beautifully this special educational opportunities for June 12, Eagle Bank Arena, George Mason 11, Rock Ridge High School spring, Loudoun’s high school students science-oriented students. University Stone Bridge High School, 2 p.m., June are determined to make their mark in life • Students at Loudoun County High School, Broad Run High School, 7 p.m., June 12, Eagle Bank Arena, George Mason ... working extremely hard to excel in deep Stone Bridge High School, Woodgrove 11, Eagle Bank Arena, George Mason University and significant ways. High School, and Potomac Falls Academy University Tuscarora High School, 8 a.m., June 13, • The LCPS system’s SAT average of 1612 of Science were recently recognized for John Champe High School, 10 a.m., Tuscarora High School sits well above the national average of their scientific projects by the 36th Annual June 13, John Champe High School Woodgrove High School, 8 a.m., June 1484. Loudoun also outperforms state Loudoun County Public School Regional Dominion High School, 2 p.m., June 11, 13, Woodgrove High School and national averages on ACT measures, Dominion High School

Show Dad He’s One Cool Dude More – By Andrea Gaines 2. For The Gift, we have a really simple Opportunities but really fun idea: Buy Dad a pair of vintage Happy “There’s nothing more American than sunglasses from a local consignment store. Father’s To Be motherhood and apple pie.” We agree with This does not need to be expensive. Rather, that sentiment. And, as Father’s Day is the idea is to reveal your father for the cool Day! Ridiculous coming up on Sunday, June 11, we would dude that he is. Give them to him in honor like to propose this second universal truth: of Father’s Day and as an early gift for This Month “Put a Dad in front of a barbeque ... and you National Sunglasses Day, which is Tuesday, Don’t miss the opportunity to mix make him king.” June 27. Impress him with your knowledge. in some more fun to your Father’s Day Dad is often the one standing watch over For example, for 2017, the hottest trends in festivities – or any time in June – with the grill. this category are gold or silver tone clip-ons these crazy dates ... But, even if he’s the one flipp’in the ... round vintage style glasses ... oversized burgers – and making sure the house doesn’t aviators ... and flat-brow fashion sunglasses. burn down in the process –everyone else 3. For the Surprise, here are a few ideas can fill in the edges by planning a menu, we got from our readers: arranging for a cool gift and, and last but “We collect our favorite family pictures not least, arranging for a fun surprise. of Dad and tell a story about them.” 1. For The Menu, we suggest three “We all make handmade cards. He just options for Father’s Day: loves them.” The All American: Onion Bacon-Burger, “We organize and clean up his favorite Herb Butter Grilled Corn On-The-Cob and work area. He never gets to it.” Grilled Potato Wedges; “He gets to pick what activity he’d like The Make-It-Steak: London Broil (with to do for the day. Then, all of the adult kids June 11, National papaya nectar ­­marinade), Potato Salad and fall out of the woodwork to join in.” Corn-On-The-Cob Day Cheesy Tomatoes, and “In our family, we honor all Dads at once, June 13, National Kitchen The Easy-On-The-Waistline: Mesquite- from grandpa on down.” For Father’s Day, impress Klutzes of America Day Grilled Chicken with Grilled Romaine Salad. “It makes him laugh, so we call him Dad with your knowledge (Our source for these recipe ideas is a great ‘Your Majesty’ all day. “Can I get you of today’s hottest trends in June 20, National Vanilla website called Barbecue’n On The Internet some coffee, Your Majesty? Need another sunglasses – gold or silver Milkshake Day – “the leading edge in outdoor cooking” as pillow, Your Majesty?” tone clip-ons ... round vintage they say. It has fantastic ideas for anything It’s the perfect combination for Father’s style glasses ... oversized June 21st, National Selfie Day and everything BBQ. Check them out at Day, really. Dad, a BBQ, a great menu, a aviators ... and flat-brow www.barbecuen.com.) cool set of sunglasses, and, a surprise. fashion sunglasses.

On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 21 BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL,The Blue LEESBURG Ridge •Leader LOUDOUN and VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL,Our SponsorsSTERLING • ROCK Would RIDGE Like HIGH To SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH TheSCHOOL, Graduating PURCELLVILLE • PARK Classes VIEW HIGH SCHOOL,of STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, Congratulate ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING2017 • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIARCongratulations WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, Class ASHBURN of 2017! • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • BROAD RUN HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH RIDING • HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL, ALDIE • LOUDOUN COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG • LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE • PARKPaid VIEW for by Friends HIGH of Tia SCHOOL, Walbridge STERLING • POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, STERLING • ROCK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURN • TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL, LEESBURG 22 COMMUNITY May 2017

Purcellville Annual Police Awards Dinner – May 22 LVHS Students Plant Milkweed Pictured from left to right: Rob Wagner, Kris On Chapman-DeMary Trail Fraley, Chief McAlister (front), Ryan Vasconi, LVHS students, (pictured left to right) Mike Owens, Clark Hannah Jimmerson, Fiona Taylor, and Lydia McDaniel, Paul Kakol. Council Member Nedim Wilson chose for their Senior Capstone Ogelman (front), Mayor Project working on improving the Bee & Kwasi Fraser and Monarch population in Purcellville. Their Council Members Chris Bledsoe and Kelli Grim. teacher sponsor is Liam McGranaghan, the Envionmental Science teacher at LVHS, and their community sponsor is Amie Ware, Congratulations To The Newest Eagle Scouts Purcellville Division Manager of Parks & Recreation, who are helping guide their efforts. Nicole Hamilton, Conservation Specialist with Monarch Watch, gave a presentation to the Tree-Envionment Sustainabilty eventually be destroyed. With the help of Committee that the students attended. The Town Council liaison to the Committee, Troop 969 l to r: Lance Czarnecki, Purcellville students learned about an opportunity to Vice-Mayor Karen Jimmerson, the students Troop 711 l to r: Joseph Baer, Zachary Light, Grange Newton, Evan Schell. Mayor Kwasi Fraser and Luke Harris. dig up hundreds of milkweed, the only successfully dug up over 75 mature plant the Monarch will feed and lay eggs milkweed to transplant to the Chapman- on, from a home in Fairfax where they will DeMary Nature Trail in Purcellville. Gina’s Pies: The Perfect Crime Crooked Run Orchard Owners – By Andrea Gaines I think I just discovered the perfect Win Stewards Of The Year crime. “A crime so ingeniously contrived The Land Trust of Virginia held their and carefully executed,” says the dictionary, Nineteenth Annual Garden Party on “that it cannot be detected or solved.” concoctions. And, vegan chocolate bread. Sunday, May 21, to present awards at the That crime is called Gina’s Pies, a gluten- Yes; a brownie-kind-of-desert hiding out – on Wind Fields Farm in Middleburg. The free, home-based bakery here in Loudoun the lamb, as it were – in chocolate bread ... Browns have placed the remaining two County that has been pulling the wool over Gina’s pies and desserts are featured at parcels of their farm in conservation law enforcement’s eyes since January of 2016. some of our area’s best and more favorite easement. All 94 acres of Crooked Run Let’s face it. We all love sweets, including local stops – including Magnolia’s at Orchard are now in permanent conservation pies, cookies and tarts. Gina Farber’s bakery the Mill in Purcellville, Fireworks Pizza easement. is all about that, but in a fantastically healthy in Leesburg and Natural Mercantile, in Pictured from left, H. Samuel Brown, way, with gluten-free crusts, fillings made Hamilton. Pick up locations include the Bee Jr. and Uta Brown, Crooked Run Orchard from local, farm-fresh berries and fruits – Healthy Market is Lovettsville, Healthy By (owners) Stewards of the Year, Turner T. even locally sourced butters and lards. Nature in Leesburg, Happy Creek Coffee Smith, Jr. Conservationist of the Year, and Everything Farber sells is gluten-free. in Purcellville and the Firehouse Gallery Dr. Thomas Graves Hilbert, Jr. Landowner And, you can also order them in a form that in Berryville. Customers order on line and of the Year. conforms to any other diet law you may can also arrange for custom delivery. follow – for example, lard free, if you are a Gina is everywhere with her pies and vegetarian, or nut, soy, and/or diary-free, if sweets and is a great local neighbor. She’s Art Tour And More that’s what you and your family need. And, a member of the Greater Hillsboro Business Farber uses almost all local ingredients – Association and has strong ties to the people Franklin Park Arts Center will be hosting fruits, berries, butters, milk – and, she goes and organizations that make Loudoun six local artists as Stop #23 on the 12th organic ever chance she gets. Says Gina, County such a community-oriented place, Annual Western Loudoun Artists Studio “Gina’s Pies is a buy-local success story. organizations like Master Gardeners, the Tour, June 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seventy-five percent of the cost of my Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Faith Like A Other arts center highlights for this month products stay in Loudoun. My ingredients Mustard Seed Farm, All Ages Read Together include the Beale Street Puppets Teddy Bear are bought from local farms, or organically if and Very Special Arts. She is also a regular at Circus, Wednesday, June 7, The Last Ham I can’t source locally. About one-quarter of Round Hill events. Standing Comedy Improv, Friday June 16, my customers require gluten-free. But, even It’s easy to commit the perfect crime with the Pickwick Players’ You Can’t Take It families that don’t require gluten-free buy Gina’s Pies – sweets so good for you and With You and Main Street Theater’s The my bakery products because of the quality of the community that you don’t even feel Jungle Book KIDS, Wednesday, June 28 the ingredients that go into them.” like you’re indulging in a fantastic dessert. through Friday, June 30. Gina’s Pies is not just about pies, but scones Father’s Day would be a good occasion, as For tickets­­­ and details go to www. and tarts and cookies, too, and wheat-free would graduation time. For more info go to franklinparkartscenter.org. pastry shells you can use to make your own www.GinasPies.com. June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 23

A MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Sunday, June 25th Exit Stage Death 6:00 p.m. Presented by the StageCoach Theatre Company at the Smokehouse Live Restaurant: 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg

Play begins at 6:00 p.m. | Dinner served at 6:45 p.m. Mystery solved at 8:30 p.m. ASHBURN Includes a presentation by your host, Waltonwood Ashburn Seating is limited. RSVP today. Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care 571-918-4854

Waltonwood.com | SinghJobs.com | Information Center located at 44141 Russell Branch Pkwy, Ashburn 24 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 Loudoun Library Card Design Contest Has Begun Loudoun artists are invited to submit “We had a wonderful response to the Cornered! By Myles Mellor and Sally York designs for Loudoun County Public inaugural contest last year,” said Chang Liu, Library’s Second Annual Library Card Library Director. “I can’t wait to see Loudoun Design Contest, which began May 22. artists’ beautiful designs this year. And I’m A panel of judges from the Loudoun County thrilled to announce that the public will have Art Advisory Committee will choose three a chance to view a gallery of all the entries finalists based on creativity, originality, and online and in select branches in September.” message. Artwork or photography submitted Some general guidelines: should reflect the spirit of Loudoun and the • Rectangular artwork is best. work of Loudoun County Public Library. • The finished card will be 2 1/8” x 3 3/8” (full The three designs will be posted on library. bleed), but work will be reduced to fit. loudoun.gov and in library branches July 11- • Do not include close-up photos of 16, when patrons will vote to determine the people. winner. • Use of copyrighted material is The winning design will become a prohibited. limited-edition commemorative library For complete rules, templates, and entry form, card available in September in celebration visit library.loudoun.gov/card-contest or any of Library Card Signup Month. Loudoun County Public Library branch.

EYES

ACROSS 3. Stiff hair 1. Phoenix neighbor 4. Blue ___, Ohio 5. Year type 5. Gap 9. Touches 6. Implant deeply TEETH EARS 14. Denmark monetary subunits 7. Like most graffiti: Abbr. 15. Oscar winner Paquin 8. ___ de deux 16. Salami choice 9. Shocked Incororate 17. Targeted 10. Wild things 20. Untilled tract 11. Newton, for one 21. Unstable particle 12. Bolted HEARIN HEATH 22. Urges onward 13. Get smart 23. Match game? 18. Corrects into your 24. Point to the right 19. Persian potentates 25. Cornered 23. Sort 32. Safari sighting 24. Conscious minds OERA WENESS 33. Windows forerunner 25. Lively 34. Lending letters 26. Sore spot 35. Litmus reddeners 27. Coniferous forest 36. Low-___ 28. Consummate When was the last time you 37. Off to one side 29. Less important had your hearing tested? 39. Coffee order: Abbr. 30. “Lohengrin,” e.g. 40. Swell place? 31. Date We don’t think twice about 41. Gadabouts 36. Some M & Ms regularly scheduling dental 42. Ensnared 37. Certain discriminator and vision exams, so why not 47. Rabbit ___ 38. Good shot our hearing? 48. Swelter 40. Goat antelope 49. Two-part 43. Flavored liqueur Adults, age 55 and older, 19465 Deerfield Ave. 52. Agents 44. Poetic feet should have their hearing Suite 201 53. Support system? 45. Old World herbs Lansdowne, VA 20176 56. Is out of options 46. Ruble kin checked annually as part of an 59. Illegal firing 49. Certain herring overall wellness program. 703-858-7620 60. Suffix with psych- 50. Container weight www.speechhearing.org 61. Lack 51. They, in Trieste Your ears are just as important 62. Legal papers 52. Mesh of veins as your eyes and teeth! 63. Escritoire 53. Thin fastener o is the perfet 64. Cutting part 54. Crosspiece tie to egin DOWN Contat us toda aout 55. ___ meridiem our hearing health 1. Drudgery 57. Coal carrier our hearing health 2. Haliatus albicilla 58. Be shy Answers on page 30 June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 25

Loudoun County Commuter Services delivers fresh ideas for reaching your workplace. From bikes and buses to carpools and vanpools, we’ll help you choose an easier way to go.

Find us on Facebook 26 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017

Support Local Business Owners & Neighbors!

Dr. Mike, continued from page 2 to do. Things are getting tense. Any ideas? vulnerable to go this year. is presently at an unhealthy level. But to each his own. I think it’s great that – Concerned in Loudoun I recommend that your son be assessed your son is committed to something at such Dr. Mike, by a child psychologist or child psychiatrist a young age, but I would challenge you to Dear Concerned in Loudoun, Our 14-year-old son is looking forward as soon as possible to determine if he is in think about how much of the decision to Your husband and your brother and to sitting around and playing video games need of any sort of mental health treatment hold your son back has to do with you or sister-in-law may enjoy drinking on their and watching YouTube videos all summer. – therapy and/or medication. If your son’s your needs as parents versus what is truly vacation; but I think your family should He plays way too many hours now; and mental health concerns turn out to be in his best interest. Once you’ve all thought consider your sister’s needs during this we fight with him all of the time to take significant, then I recommend adhering to the through your motivations, and once you’ve difficult time for her. As someone who is breaks from his technology. My husband suggestions of his psychologist or psychiatrist weighed out all the negatives and positives, new to sobriety and recovery, she will need and I would very much like him to have for the summer. If your son does not meet you’ll be ready to make the right decision. her family’s support. So, in my opinion, a different kind of summer. We suggested criteria for a mental health condition, and the real issue is more about compassion several camps, but he’s refusing to go. is thus not in need of treatment, then I fully Dr. Mike, than it is about who’s right or wrong, or He actually put a hole in his bedroom support your idea for an away-camp. As a My sister is a recovering alcoholic. which party is more correct. Perhaps the wall (and not the first) after our last talk psychologist, my two favorite summer camps She recently completed a 28-day alcohol drinkers in the family could modify their about camp. My husband and I both work, for children and teens who do not struggle rehabilitation program. The entire family drinking this year at the beach, given the and his older brother will be working. We with a significant mental health condition goes to the Outer Banks every year for situation; they could still drink, but not in know that leaving him alone in the house (e.g., depression), but who at the same time a beach week, where there is a lot of the presence of your sister. all day is not a good idea. – Concerned in would benefit from increased structure, are drinking. My sister just sent everyone an If there is agreement on this, I recommend Loudoun County Culver Military Academy and Randolph email asking that we have a “sober beach sharing your plan with your sister in a Macon Academy. Culver is in Indiana and week,” since she is not yet ready to be caring manner. You can also suggest to Dear Concerned in Loudoun County, is an exceptional place. Randolph Macon, in around alcohol. I’m fine with that, and will your sister that she use the week at the I agree with you that leaving your Winchester, is also top notch. do whatever I can to support her sobriety. beach to therapeutically reflect on where 14-year-old at home unsupervised for much However, my husband and several other she is in her life. Maybe let her know that of the day all summer is not a good idea. Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. is a family members are taking issue with there are AA meetings at the beach, and An additional concern is that your son put clinical psychologist in private practice. her request. My husband’s position (and that she could attend several for additional a hole in the wall in response to something He has been featured on CNN Nightly brother and sister-in-law) is that he works support with other recovering alcoholics. he didn’t want to hear, and that this has News, Good Morning America and several hard, doesn’t take much time off, and sees If, however, your sister is still unable (or happened before. Your son’s response was other media outlets. He can be reached beach week as his time to let loose and unwilling) to compromise on her absolute inappropriate and extreme. It leads me to at 703 723-2999 and is located at 44095 drink. I see both sides and don’t know what “sober beach week,” then maybe she is too wonder if his relationship with technology Pipeline Plaza, Suite 240, Ashburn.

loyalty of the 62 percent of the men and not just to make his new business a success, will come with the arrival of Metro. Data Centers, continued from page 1 women firefighters and EMS personnel but to make it a success in the community Randall, herself, is not one to say, showing great economic potential, faces who work as volunteers (i.e. unpaid). in which he lives. specifically, how all of these things might fit big decisions in terms of what it hopes to Randall was distinctly suburban in the And then Randall’s State of the County speech successfully into the Loudoun County of the look like ten or 20 years from now. Will it way she addressed the new and growing addressed a brand new category of place and future. She did not offer specifics in that regard, follow the traditional development patterns, economic underpinnings of the County, attitude: the 21st Century urban communities except to say that “in order to be responsive and simply build out east to west until there citing statistics showing Loudoun County coming to Loudoun County with the arrival of to our current residents and neighbors ... and is nothing to build on ... or, will it surprise to be the largest and fastest growing data the Silver Line Metro in 2018. fully prepared to welcome new residents, it is everyone, and create something totally center market not just in Virginia, not As a politician and leader, Randall imperative that we, Loudoun’s staff, Board new. What, Randall seemed to be asking, is just in the nation, but in the entire world. embraces all, with a fun-loving and of Supervisors, and residents, come together Loudoun County’s mindset in this regard? She cited examples that demonstrate a determined personality that fully embraces to complete Envision Loudoun and our new For example, Randall’s speech celebrated citizen-mindset at once rural and suburban. the three-part Urban, Transition, and Rural Comprehensive Plan.” the distinctly rural mindset of the sheriff’s Randall talked at length, for example, about Policy Area framework now under review It will be interesting to see where Randall deputy called to ensure safe passage of a new business called Safe Ship developed as part of the “Envision Loudoun” process. and the County are when she makes her cows and geese running through Leesburg by entrepreneur Anthony McKenzie. And, at the same time, she seems undaunted third State of the County address one year and elsewhere. And, the perseverance and McKenzie, noted Randall, was determined in discussing the mind-bending change that from now. June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 27

Support Local Business Owners & Neighbors! LINDA CULBERT LINDA CULBERT REALTOR® REALTOR® RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR Associate Broker Associate Broker Associate Broker Associate Broker ABR ABR ABR ABR 100 Purcellville Gateway Drive Suite 100 B Office: 540-338-1350 Cell: 703-431-1724 Fax: 540-338-1620 [email protected] LindaCulbert.com

®

MARY WISKER MARY WISKER Sa Ra Rees REALTOR®, ABR/SFR RRREALTOR,REREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREALTOR,REREAREALTREALREALTORREALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR ABR/SFR Associate Brokers Multi-Million Dollar Producer Multi-Million Dollar Producer Licensed in VA & DC Licensed in VA & DC 508 E. Market St. Leesburg VA 20176 ------nthearetithsareesgail.co Cell: 703-577-6015 Office: 703-777-2900 nthearetithrayreesgail.co [email protected] www.MaryWisker.com

107 East Main Street Suite 1 A ® Purcellville Va 20132

Carter Bibb Mortgage Banker

NMLS # 1499833

Office: 703.802.5312 Apply Online at: www.gmmllc.com/cbibb Cell: 703.415.6682 Fax: 703.653.3050 [email protected]

Aureliano Resendiz

540 454-9390 N Construction N N Repair N 18560 Harmony Church Rd. N Painting N Hamilton, VA 20158  Licensed & Insured 540.687.8850 703.327.4050 [email protected] www.landscapeassociatesinc.net • Landscape Architectural Design • Planting & Gardens • Masonry • Outdoor Structures • Water Features/Pools • Horticultural Maintenance • Drainage & Water Management • Outdoor Lighting • Large Caliper Tree Transplanting • Special Events

On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com 28 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017

Support Local Business Owners & Neighbors!

CARPENTER DesignBuild Historic Renovation Custom Homes 540-441-3953

860 EAST MAIN STREET PURCELLVILLE VA 20132 www.carpenterbeach.com CLASS A CONTRACTOR #2705112340 BEACHCONST RUC TION www.BramhallTrucking.com

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • DRIVEWAYS • EXPOSED AGGREGATE • PATIOS • FOOTINGS • SLABS • STAMPED CONCRETE • SIDEWALKS Free Estimates Ph: 703-437-3822 • Cell: 703-795-5621

On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 29

Support Local Business Owners & Neighbors! Chesapeake Potomac Window Cleaning Co. Window Cleaning: Inside & Outside • By Hand • Residential Specialist Power Washing: No Damage, Low Pressure Soft Brushing By Hand Removes Dirt On Brick, Concrete, Wood & Siding Working Owners Assures Quality & Knowledgable Workmanship Chase Floor Waing Service Buffing, Polishing & Burnishing - Urethane & Polyurethan Wood Floor Finishes. All work done by hand using old fashioned paste wax method. No Dust, No Sanding. Marble • Wood • Tile • Stone • Brick amily Owned Operated for 0 Years 703-777-3296 • 540-347-1674 Licensed • Bonded & Insured ustom ainters

Interior/Exterior Residential/ Commercial Faux Finishes Pressure Washing Carpentry Repairs Joel Welter Drywall Repairs Owner 540-338-8091 Round Hill, VA Treakle Insurance Agency Inc Serving Northern VA Darin Treakle Loudoun County area since 1983 Auto • Home • Business • Life www.custompainters.biz 8363 W Main St, PO Box 121, Marshall, VA 20116-0000 [email protected] 540-364-1853 • Fax 540-364-4210 [email protected] Licensed Insured References Free Estimates

Lawn Mower, Small Tractors & Bushogs Blade Sharpening & Maintenance Oil Changes l Greasing l Repairs

RonnieSharp Fox WeBlades Come to You! 540 338-3408 www.sharp-blades.com

On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com 30 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY June 2017 CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Large family practice in Loudoun County seeking FT LPN’s or MA’s for our new site located in the professional building at Stone Springs Hospital in Aldie, VA. We also have openings in our Ashburn, Lansdowne, Cornwall and Purcellville offices. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits. Please send your resume to [email protected] or fax to 703- 726-0804, attention Lisa.

leader for their Girl Scout troop. Her husband Letters, continued from page 4 Residential District 2 (AR-2), i.e., all of • All staff receive 3 percent pay increase Western Loudoun County would come is a disabled veteran who continues to serve • Projected surpluses focused candidate who will work tirelessly under the requirements for AR-2. Why his country at the Department of Defense. • No actions/decisions taken are a in Richmond on our behalf. This is an should there be two separate districts, Tia Walbridge is one of two Democrats detriment to our overall financial important choice as so much is at stake. We one allowing more houses than the other? seeking to challenge incumbent Republican standing and rating cannot afford to continue with the extremist • Delete all references to “clustering.” David LaRock for the 33rd District seat. • Budget includes planning software agenda set forth by Mr. LaRock when there is The idea of clustering new houses was Primary elections for governor, lieutenant that will allow for prudent growth governor, the House of Delegates, and local crucial work that needs to be done. With that originally conceived (naively) as a means decisions and understanding fiscal and offices will be held Tuesday, June 13. The in mind, I feel that there is no better candidate of conserving “open space.” It has turned infrastructure impacts. rd general election is in November. to best represent the people of the 33 than out to be a very bad idea. Why should a My promises to the citizens of Purcellville Mavis Taintor. Mavis’ resume is impressive! developer be allowed to build four times Chris Bledsoe a year ago were: From her time as a Head Start teacher where as many houses if he is allowed to spread Purcellville Town Council • Fiscal management she saw the importance of early learning them out (cluster them?) anywhere he • Managed growth programs in impoverished rural areas…to her wishes? A cluster was never defined; A Winner Of A Budget • Maintain small town feel work in the banking industry where she rose neither was “open space” adequately Dear Editor: I feel that this budget achieves each of to an upper level management position during defined. On May 23, Mayor Kwasi Fraser and these goals. a time when there were no such opportunities • Delete “Minor Special Exceptions.” the Purcellville Town Council voted to The Town of Purcellville should be for women… to her time as the co-founder Why should some land owner wanting finalize the FY18 budget on behalf of our aware of the effort put forth by staff to get of an asset management company where to convert his property into an “events taxpayers. As an elected government, this us to this point. This process was not only she grew a business from scratch, employed center” not have to go through a normal is the greatest responsibility that we have. lengthy, but interactive – with plenty of dozens, and then sold the business with $4 Special Exception process? The new We also have the unlimited ability to tax. agreement and disagreement. I appreciate billion in assets under management…to her Comprehensive Plan needs to strengthen Thankfully, our Mayor and Council have everyone’s efforts in getting us to this time on her family’s horse farm in Waterford the requirements/limitations of what shown great restraint and responsibility point. where she’s spent the last 10 years…Mavis an events center is before they engulf when exercising that power. brings a full life’s experience to the table. This Western Loudoun County. Additionally, the leadership of our At the beginning of this process I will be a tremendous benefit to the people Realistically, does Loudoun County have Mayor should be applauded. Leadership challenged each of us to be bold. The status of the 33rd. Mavis is skilled at negotiations the intestinal fortitude to do any of the above? is different than being a politician. quo has not worked. A few highlights from which will be critical as she works across Henry Plaster Leaders avoid hitting the easy button and this budget for our citizens: the aisle to maximize positive results and Bluemont choose to provide innovative management • No tax rate increase is a proven leader who has never backed approaches. Thank you to our Mayor for • No increases in water or sewer (14 down from a challenge. Mavis also has a leading us to this point. Supports Walbridge percent was proposed) personal understanding of the challenges of Dear Editor: Ryan Cool • No negative impact to Town-provided families who are dealing with loved ones who I am proud to endorse and express my Purcellville Town Council struggle with addiction. She will use that full support for Tia Walbridge to represent services passion to bring forth much needed change rd the 33 District in Richmond. As a current Answers to puzzle from page 24 in Richmond as she will be a leader who will Town Council member in Purcellville, I rd fight for all people in the 33 and across the understand the concerns of Purcellville and Commonwealth. western Loudoun citizens and I believe Ms. I have grown weary of my representative The Blue Ridge Leader is pledged Walbridge fully understands those issues and to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s working to divide rather than working will work tirelessly to support our region. and HUD’s Equal Opportunity to make positive changes for people and Walbridge is a successful farmer and small Housing Policies. Virginia’s Fair rd Housing Law makes it illegal to families in the 33 District. We need to businesswoman with deep connections to our advertise any preference, limita- move Virginia forward and we can do just community; she will be a strong partner for us tion or discrimination based on that with Mavis Taintor. race, color, national origin, sex, in Richmond as we work to create a vibrant elderliness, familial status and Kristine Condie local economy that generates more and better handicap. This newspaper will Lovettsville job opportunities for all our citizens. Tia not knowingly accept advertis- ing for real estate that violates is a dynamic advocate for maintaining the the Fair Housing Law. Our read- Saving Western excellence of our public schools, for ensuring ers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in the paper Loudoun County that all Virginians have access to affordable are available on an equal housing Dear Editor: health care, and for preserving our beautiful opportunity basis. For more infor- rural home and environment. mation about Virginia’s Fair Hous- The following three major changes need ing Law, or to file a Fair Housing to be made during the on-going work on the Walbridge owns and manages a sheep complaint, call the Virginia Fair Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan in farm in Round Hill and runs a small business Housing Office at 804.376.8530; toll-free 888.551.3247; for the order to “save Western Loudoun County”: remodeling and renting out affordable homes hearing impaired: 804.527.4290; • Delete Agricultural Residential District 1 in Winchester. Her two daughters attend local email – fair [email protected] (AR-1) and combine it with Agricultural public schools, and Walbridge is a troop ginia.gov; web: www.fairhousing. vipnet.org. On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com June 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 31

DEMOCRAT MAVIS TAINTOR FOR VIRGINIA DELEGATE

Progressive Values, Real Solutions for Our Families

“I’ll be a voice for our progressive values in Richmond, and focus on getting real results for our families. In the June 13th Democratic primary, I’d appreciate your vote.” – Mavis

Paid for by Mavis Taintor for Delegate

Connect with Mavis: www.MavisTaintor.com /MavisBTaintor @MT_for_Delegate 540-579-2330