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Citizens and Mayors to Planning Commission Please don’t destroy “One of the most special places in the world” BY ANDREA GAINES and new. member Matt Clark may have said it To the residents fighting to convince But the November public hearing best: “We are here to stand up for one the Board of Supervisors to strike of the Loudoun County Planning of the most special places in the world, a balance between the growth and Commission showed the deep, ongoing and we need your help.” development that wants to come here, controversy behind what is shown But, as last month’s public hearing and the growth that on that new website and the reality showed, select members of the Plan- GOVERNMENT is appropriate, the behind the scenes in the Envision ning Commission, including Chairman newly-designed Loudoun planning process – which Cliff Keirce have a vision of Loudoun Loudoun County government website is rewriting the zoning laws that will woefully out of sync with citizen sen- must really pull at the heartstrings. apply in Loudoun County between timent and the image portrayed on the The website is polished, and clean. now and 2040. government website – and in perfect IN THIS ISSUE And, with exquisite photos of one-of-a- harmony with the industry-dominated kind historic stone bridges, juxtaposed Western towns speak out Envision Loudoun Stakeholder’s Com- BUSINESS...... 16 GOVERNMENT...... 9 CLASSIFIEDS ...... 28 OPINION...... 6 with kayakers and bright new athletic Speaking at that packed public mittee and pro-development groups. COLUMNISTS...... 4 REAL ESTATE ...... 15 facilities, it is the perfect balance of old hearing, Hamilton Town Council CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 » Interim solution to Redskin Josh Norman sheds cleats for dance Rt. 287 north and in The Nutcracker – LVHS, Dec. 14 Rt. 7 west in place An interim solution to the congestion BY ANDREA GAINES proceeds for the evening will benefit He is six feet tall and comes in at Norman’s Starz24 Foundation, which at the intersection of Rt. 287 North and a trim and muscular 200 pounds. helps youth develop interpersonal Rt. 7 West was put in place Nov. 30. As a cornerback skills and “awareness of the world VDOT engineers determined that one of the existing signal heads for COMMUNITY for the Washing- around them.” ton Redskins, he The longer and perhaps more northbound Rt. 287 could be replaced is famous for forcing fumbles and complicated answer is that Norman with combination otherwise making the lives of wide has a love of the inner strength, and DEVELOPMENT signal heads. This receivers miserable. discipline, and personal growth that modification includes So how is it that Josh Norman will can develop out of athletic movement. a left-turn arrow, without having to take the stage at Loudoun Valley In the spring of this year, Norman rebuild poles and mast arms. This High School on Friday, Dec. 14 as the showed that no athletic challenge allows northbound drivers a distinct Photo exclusive to the Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today. & Loudoun to the Blue Ridge Leader Photo exclusive Arabian Prince in a Loudoun Ballet could scare him off when he competed indication when left turns can be made without conflict from southbound Performing Arts Company (LBPAC) that Norman is a decent, down to earth on the 27-season television sensation traffic, and when they have to yield. production of The Nutcracker? human being who sees his celebrity Dancing with the Stars. He finished The short answer to the question is status as a way to do good. A part of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 » PROPANE COSTS TOO MMUUCCHH!! This Winter is the Ideal Time to Make the Switch. 540-687-3608 “So very happy we switched to Hunt Country. My only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. How “I have been buying propane from Hunt Country for about a year now. 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I highly recommend that you call Hunt Country Propane, if you as the initial account set-up was easy and the lady in the office was so pleasant!” —Caroline T. don’t, you’re making a BIG($) mistake. Thanks Hunt Country!” —Ed, Leesburg Less • Local • Honest 2 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018 ThankThank YouYou && HappyHappy HolidaysHolidays FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS

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But, his students are not It leads us to a place of emotional growth most joy in life out of music.” restricted to the instruments he plays. – including the ability to experience He also said, when asked from where Rather, his business is set up as a music- empathy. It hones our fine motor skills, he drew the inspiration for his many learning community, pulling in teachers our ability to connect minute physical scientific achievements, “The answer is – including his son – with an expertise movements to our thoughts, and our simple. Mozart.” in a wide variety of instruments. In this decision-making. And, it enhances Few people know that Albert Einstein way, no matter what the student wants our ability to compose – to put things had many intellectual loves, the most to learn, all can join in. together. foundational of all was music. As Ogden told the Blue Ridge Leader, Tend to your garden, and you create But, Alan Ogden, musical training is not just about a landscape. Tend to your mind BUSINESS one of the area’s most learning how to read notes, and play through music, and you create beauty beloved, and sought- a particular instrument. It’s about of a different kind – a smile, a loving after music teachers, knows. “setting off a little explosion in your emotion, an understanding of how Ogden, most at home in front of the mind.” someone else... feels. piano or organ but familiar with dozens He has “a particular slant,” he said, a It is for this reason that Ogden of instruments, has been teaching fine set of beliefs about this thing called preaches, and unapologetically in our curriculum is classical music, music for well over 30 years, living in music – what kind of endeavor it is, so, about the essential connection because we want to teach creativity.’ “ Loudoun for most of that time. why we should care about it at all, how between music and what most people Here’s that theme again. Music Ogden’s studio is centered in his it should be taught, and what outcome would consider the more intellectual, unlatches that latch so that the house. people who are drawn to it should aim scientific, mathematical pursuits in life. prerequisite to learning – an open, He purchased “a wonderful piano” for. Said Ogden, “If I were in charge of the curious, and yearning mind – is there to some years back, he said. But, it’s not That something, according to Ogden, public schools – I’m not, but if I were – receive and run with it. just about piano. “There is no limit to is unleashing our natural brainpower. this would be the first sentence of the Albert Einstein said something like how many people may get involved,” Music is a snap unsnapped, a latch first paragraph of the schools’ mission this, feeling that Mozart’s music, for said Ogden. “My business is flexible in unlatched, a door in the mind now statement: ‘The most important subject CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 » Please pass the strudel On Friday, Nov. 30, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Little Austria, “Through their commitment LLC will create five new jobs and to using Virginia-grown invest over $371,000 to build a new commercial bakery in Sterling. The apples in producing their company, founded by Austrian-born gourmet Austrian-style apple Helene Gallent, had been operating out strudels, Little Austria is of a shared-use commercial kitchen in ensuring that their success Ashburn and selling will also be supporting at area farmers BUSINESS markets. With the Virginia’s agricultural assistance of grants community.” from the Governor’s Agriculture and — Bettina Ring, Secretary of Forestry Industries Development Agriculture and Forestry (AFID) Fund and the Loudoun County Economic Development Department, on their success and am confident they R to L, Delegate John Bell and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring trying the company has opened a new, stand- will continue to thrive from their new their hand at making strudel. alone commercial bakery in Sterling, home in Loudoun County.” enabling them to enter retail and “Little Austria’s growth and Virginia apples are grown on more by the Commonwealth of Virginia, we wholesale markets. Little Austria, which investment in Loudoun County is great than 16,000 acres in over 100 commercial will be able to expand that vision while participates in the “Loudoun made, news for Virginia’s agriculture sector and orchards across the state, producing supporting our local, hard-working Loudoun grown” program, is committed for our economy overall,” said Secretary over 5 million bushels of apples and produce growers,” said Little Austria to source apples from Virginia. of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. contributing an estimated $235 million founder Helene Gallent. “We greatly “It’s exciting when state and local “Through their commitment to using to the state’s economy each year. appreciate the continued support efforts supporting entrepreneurs can Virginia-grown apples in producing “Little Austria was started in 2017 from Loudoun County Economic help our small businesses grow and their gourmet Austrian-style apple with the idea to bring traditional Development. Vanessa Wagner and her reach new markets – bringing additional strudels, Little Austria is ensuring that Austrian strudels made with high team have been a tremendous help over jobs, investment, and opportunity to their success will also be supporting quality local ingredients to market. the last months.” their communities,” said Governor Virginia’s agricultural community.” With this generous AFID grant provided Northam. “I congratulate Little Austria CONTINUED ON PAGE 27 » 4 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018 — Ask Dr. Mike — By Michael Oberschneider, Psy .D . To spank or not to spank … that is the question The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a However, I have spoken to many parents over the me and began to walk into the parking lot on his own. formal policy statement this month against corporal past couple of weeks who have expressed concern and I grabbed him quickly, spoke to him firmly about the punishment citing evidence that spanking is only even disagreement with the AAP’s most recent position danger of his actions and also gave him a couple of taps minimally effective in the short term with later larger on corporal punishment. “I was spanked and I turned on the bottom to send my point home. In that moment, negative consequences. More specifically, recent out okay” and “It’s good for a boy to fear his father” and I do not believe that my firm voice and messaging or research has shown a correlation “I don’t know where I’d be today if it the spanking itself was harmful; rather, I between spanking and negative wasn’t for those nuns and their paddles “As your kids grow up believe it altogether helped to make my cognitive, social, behavioral and when I was a kid in catholic school” are they may forget what point, and it worked. But while my son did emotional outcomes for children. just a few of the comments parents have you said, but they won’t not walk in a parking lot alone again after I agree with the AAP’s position that made in my office in response to the that exchange, it certainly was not one of fear based parenting as a practice is AAP’s guidelines. Some parents have forget how you made DR . MIKE my proudest parenting moments. unacceptable, and there are many also expressed guilt and remorse over them feel.” In summary, the AAP’s most current time tested strategies for successfully extinguishing spanking too frequently, questioning - Kevin Heath position that parents should never turn negative behaviors and increasing desirable ones for whether they have caused their children to corporal punishment as a form of children such as: permanent damage. discipline with their children may seem extreme, What I have told parents is that spanking has always • Rewarding and praising good behaviors but keep in mind that it was determined by research. been, and continues to be, a controversial topic with • Ignoring and consequencing negative behaviors recent surveys showing that as many as 65 percent Sure there is a difference between using averse and and allowing natural consequences to occur of parents in the US still approve of spanking their harmful disciplinary strategies such as hitting, yelling • Planning and preparing for transitions and children as a form of punishment. Currently no state or shaming a child and the rare spanking, but it is difficult moments has a law that explicitly bans corporal punishment in probably best to avoid physical force of any kind. If and the home, and surprisingly, 19 states still allow public when you find yourself getting triggered or too upset • Modeling school personnel to use corporal punishment with with your child, it is better to disengage, think through • Compromising and providing options students from Kindergarten through high school. your anger and address things once calm. • Withdrawing from conflict to help with self- I have also reminded parents that while the research regulation (e.g., time out) in this area has shown that the potential risks for Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist lasting harm far outweigh the immediate benefits in private practice. He has been featured on CNN, Good • Teaching new skills for compliance when it comes to spanking, no parent Morning America and several other outlets. He can be • Taking away privileges is perfect. I can recall a time from several years ago reached at 703 723-2999, and is located at 44095 Pipeline when my four-year-old son purposefully disregarded Plaza, Suite 240, Ashburn.

I achieved all that I dreamed, life would use my intellectual capabilities. While I finally “allow” me to be happy. As if tried to put on a brave face throughout Where is the joy? excellent circumstances ever guarantee the experience, both the job and the immediate and perpetual happiness. environment began to plunge me into a BY SAMUEL MOORE-SOBEL professional goals still to be reached, None of this is to say that ambition is a negative state of mind. Do you ever find yourself longing for the certifications not yet possessed. bad thing, or that we should refrain from At the time, I thought the work something more? The deeper friendships we desire, or the continually striving to better ourselves, experience was a complete waste. I failed Human nature often prevents us from presence of a significant other. All good personally or professionally. Rather a to see how I could use the skillset that I being truly satisfied with what we have. things for which to long, unless we allow caution to enjoy life as it comes. For acquired in the future. Years later, after Even if we have achieved great success, these wants to dampen our joy in the whether we realize it or not, our present securing a new position, the failure in we still struggle to remain present. circumstances are molding us for the my logic was revealed. Many of the skills content in the present. In I once believed that circumstances future we envision. cultivated during those early days helped theory, it seems rather are powerful enough to shape our In a recent conversation with a prepare me for my current role, leading simple to enjoy the gift of sense of happiness. As a teenager, I friend, I hearkened back to one of the me to believe that if I had obtained the life; yet, in reality, it is far made an internal list of all I wanted my first jobs I secured after graduating job I have now just after college, I likely harder to carry out this life to one day resemble. Things such from college. I was working in a role would have been ill-prepared to succeed. MOORE-SOBEL practice on a daily basis. as earning a college degree, with the that looked promising to all outside Sometimes, the things we dislike the With the holiday season in full swing, hope of obtaining a high-paying job. A observers. However, as the opportunity most are preparing us for a better it is tempting to focus on the elements group of close friends, and a life filled unfolded, I soon realized that in that opportunity to be revealed in time. We of our lives we feel are lacking. The with plenty of adventures. I thought if role I was never going to be able to fully CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 »

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— Just like nothing (else) on earth — Arcola BY TIM JON Ghosts from the past: that’s what many of the structures here reminded me of; it seemed as if I could feel the sweep of time rushing by as I stood next to some of these familiar shapes. How many times had I sped by on my way through this little, unincorporated community? And how many others have done the same, over and over again? Spending a few moments libations (perhaps after taking a shot at JON close to these buildings, winning a million bucks). Standing smack- I sensed a turn of the clock, speeding up dab at this familiar crossroads, having to a brisk breeze in much the same way witnessed goodness knows how many as the commuter traffic blurs by on their vehicles pass its windows – the structure way to more urgent needs. Or, so my still displays its uniqueness after all these imagination tells me, as I took a brief stroll years (having yet to enter its doors, I feel along some of the properties just off the as if I should attempt to befriend the little busy intersection of Evergreen Mills Road market after intermittently whizzing by and Stone Springs Boulevard in the don’t- for over two decades, mere feet from the blink-or-you’ll-miss-it village of Arcola. steps). The iconic Evergreen Store, with its ‘Live And just up the hill, an abandoned Bait’ signs – one upside-down, the other home, falling to disrepair, yet (at that time) still maintaining its equilibrium – as well as still exhibiting its former grace, opulence placards hawking the opportunity to play and comfort for whomever enjoyed their the lottery (I wasn’t sure how I felt about days there; a derelict barn, smaller shed my chances here), or to purchase alcoholic CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 »

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Mon. to Sat. 9 to 5 • Sun. 10 to 4 • 9 to noon Dec 24th 6 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018 The Planning Commission’s Deceit BY CHARLES HOUSTON densities and thousands of new houses. Transition Policy area is …intended to be a by current growth; new houses are their The Planning Commission’s public Supervisor Matt Letourneau once famously land use transition between the Suburban single biggest cost-driver. hearing on its new Comprehensive Plan asked the group: “What planet are you and Rural Policy Areas ... It is predominantly COLT showed the Planning Commission filled the Board Room on Harrison Street, from?” Yet, the Stakeholders’ version residential … and large amounts of open how infill development elsewhere can mostly with conservationists but with became a draft Comprehensive Plan with space, trails and parks are encouraged … ” make a sizable contribution toward solving a smattering of the which the Planning Commission could play. Developers see the TPA as the Promised the affordable housing issue, adding OPINION Greed Brigade – special Land and want to cram it full of tract perhaps up to 12,000 new housing units to interests with nothing PC Public Hearing, November 7, 2018 housing. Ordinary citizens get a handful of accommodate some growth without ruining on their mind but maximizing the dollars to The hearing began with housing policy, public hearings, developers get one-on-one the TPA. Purcellville’s Kwasi Fraser spoke be made from weakening Loudoun’s zoning an item so fraught with contention that access and influence. of “velocity of growth” and warned that laws. almost no other issue was mentioned. Two builder-types followed each other the TPA is a major concern, remembering The hearing continued the ongoing The PC Chairman (King?) Cliff Keirce, at the lectern to remark on the TPA. that the True North Data Center vote was a Envision Loudoun disaster, a not-so- wants the county to meet unconstrained The unplanned verbal juxtaposition of tragic inroad. sneak attack to line builders’ pockets. The housing demand. That’s planner-lingo for their words was hysterical. The NVBIA citizens’ input was promptly ignored after letting in everybody who would like to live representative claimed that he “wants to Public Anger the developer-dominated Stakeholders in Loudoun, opening the floodgates in the protect the TPA.” The next builder lost The importance of the public meeting Committee took control of that process, its all-important Transition Policy Area, and his copy of the script, and blurted the was not discussion about Comp Plan job to mesh comments from various sources destroying it as the key buffer between the developers’ true intentions, “The TPA must particulars, but public distrust in general. into a preliminary document to be refined suburbs and the farms. absorb new demand as it was designed to The public was always skeptical of the by staff and presented to the Planning Every citizen would have to pay higher do.” Envision operation. Now we fear the Commission. taxes to build the schools and infrastructure renegade Planning Commission ... and its The fix was in for higher residential new residents would require, and there would A Deal with the Devil power. be less land for outdoor spaces. Congestion According to many scholarly papers, The Board of Supervisors will save would become exponentially worse. The affordable housing can be solved only by Loudoun County or kill it. west would be the developers’ next target, greater supply. When more houses are built I like a number of Supervisors but there paving historic rural roads, creating on a given amount of land, home prices can is a core of pro-growth Supervisors whom I huge housing tracts, ending traditional fall. pray will have a change of heart on land use agriculture and doing terminal harm to rural But wait. Despite their virtuous intent, issues. Not too long ago an entire Board was Publisher & Editor businesses’ $1.8 billion in tourism revenues. affordable housing advocates may have ejected over growth issues. It can happen Valerie Cury Unconstrained growth equals knowingly cut a deal with the Devil. again. The current Board of Supervisors Creative Department unconstrained nightmares. Protecting the Developers earn 15 percent average returns. will be up for reelection in November 2019 Pam Owens, Layout/Design TPA is a battle we must win and the citizens Building one $800,000 house per-acre is less and here is a popular warning: “Winter is Advertising seem ready. profitable than four $400,000 houses on coming.” Sabine Bibb Tonya Harding Almost every speaker made the same quarter-acre lots. The math is simple: One [email protected] [email protected] requests. Save the west permanently. acre and one house is worth $800,000. The Treachery 571-437-9953 703-314-5200 Protect the TPA as a buffer and as a nice developer’s 15 percent margin is $120,000. Three days later the Planning Commission place in its own right. Encourage farming But use Affordable Housing as an emotional met in a “work session.” Keirce slammed Here’s How to Reach Us and the rural economy. Save Loudoun’s appeal, and that one acre suddenly becomes COLT’s thoughtful proposal of using infill Email [email protected] or call 540-338-6200 history and rural roads. Plant vineyards four quarter-acre lots. Add a smaller house development to help provide Affordable Editor: and open wineries. Respect Loudoun’s on each for a package price of $400,000, and Housing, saying that the Suburban Policy (letters to the editor & press releases) famed equine industry – worth $180 million the developer grosses $1,600,000 and his 15 Area and the Metro areas are fully planned [email protected] annually as noted by the Loudoun County percent profit is $240,000. out. That’s silly – plans change, which is Special Editorial: Equine Alliance. It takes two to make a bargain and exactly what the PC’s new plan is trying to Andrea Gaines – [email protected] There were too many conservation we know one party is the development do. Hot News Tips: groups to name, but only a few pro-growth community. Who else is in on the scam? Citizens’ requests were ignored. Several Valerie Cury, 703-943-8806 – [email protected] organizations: The Northern Virginia I ran into someone with an affordable imaginative land use concepts were not just Webmaster: Building Industry Association, the Loudoun housing shirt. I was naïve and concerned excluded, but the PC sentiment seems to be [email protected] Chamber of Commerce, the Dulles Area that developers were using affordable a Comp Plan that specifically rules out these Mailing Address: Association of Realtors, and lawyers housing and taking advantage of the good concepts. Does the Planning Commission PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 pitching specific projects – slammed by will of sincere advocates for less expensive even care about the people who live here? Commissioner Eugene Scheel. housing. I shared my concern with this Copyright 2018 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today. All rights reserved. When pro-sprawl groups asked their man. He startled and hurriedly backed away. Solutions supporters to stand ... only a few individuals Affordable housing advocates claim the Debates on the Comp Plan continue responded … and quickly sat back down. moral pinnacle, but at ground level, perhaps almost daily. Important things will blueridgeleader blueridgeleader.com Every 1,000 houses cost taxpayers at they have already cut a cynical deal with have happened by our next issue. In the least $40 million initially, more money developers: “We’ll support higher densities meantime, all of us can think of many We Welcome Your Letters To The Editor! every year, and generate 10,000 additional if you give us a few cheap houses along the solutions to the growth problem. I’d like Submissions may be sent to: automobile trips per day. Some estimates way.” A deal with the devil. to hear them all. You can comment on this [email protected], or via mail to are that 60,000 new houses will come, PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 article in the paper’s on-line edition, or unless the Board of Supervisors will save COLT Please include your name, address and phone number. email me at [email protected]. the county. When the east feels crowded We reserve the right to edit submissions as necessary. The cavalry came to the rescue in the Next year will be a battle royale but we Deadline for print edition is the third week and congested, the west sees its own future. form of COLT – The Coalition of Loudoun can win. We have a few weeks’ respite and of each month, or, online any time. We are on the same team. Towns. A politically savvy group which I can’t think of anything better to say than, shares conservationists’ goals to save our “Merry Christmas.” The Transition Policy Area rural character. COLT is represented by the The TPA has various uses, though it’s mayors of Round Hill, Hamilton, Purcellville, Charles Houston developed office buildings predominately large-lot residential or Middleburg, Hillsboro, Lovettsville and in Atlanta, and has lived in Paeonian rural. Under current plans and codes “The Leesburg. These towns are being hurt badly Springs for 20 years. DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 7 Save – don’t pave our gravel roads BY JOHN P. FLANNERY, II and streams, that pass by three and four board fences, There is a growing effort to save Loudoun County’s inclosing livestock paddocks, that they cross historic old gravel roads from being paved. bridges like the Feather Bridge near Waterford, and By some accounts, Loudoun has more unpaved roads slide past long used churches and stores and civil war than any other County in the Commonwealth – about battlefields. 250 miles – down from what some say was once 500 Proponents of the gravel roads find it impossible to miles. understand why someone moves into a home at the The County has, especially in the West, resisted end of an historic and scenic gravel road in horse and attacks to develop and destroy the County’s pastoral hunt country in Western Loudoun, and then wants to setting; but, if something isn’t done, there will be fewer pave the road. miles of unpaved roads. The most frequent objection, mostly by newcomers, Some walk or ride down Lovettsville’s Georges Mill, Along Long Lane Road but not exclusively, is that you can’t drive a car as fast nearby Axline Road, Picnic Woods Road, or Ash George and dust gets on your car. Road. There are an array of roads south of Lincoln, Virginia. These gravel and dirt roads, supporters say, were Over by Waterford, there’s the Clover Hill Road, and In every direction near Middleburg, there are unpaved there when some who object bought their homes. Downey Mill Road. roads to discover worth a walk, a run, a trot, or a ride. There are many who knew what they were getting Tim Jon, a columnist for the Blue Ridge CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 » Leader, has been cataloguing the beauty of the roads of Loudoun County for years. The effort to save these roads has prompted a partnership by and between America’s Routes and the Mosby Heritage Area Association, hoping to underscore the hundreds of years of history and beauty and country peace that these roads represent. The objective is to inform and persuade Loudoun County leaders that this network of gravel roads should be preserved, not further compromised, that they must protect these weaving, tree lined avenues, Feather Bed Bridge on an historic dirt road over Catoctin Creek running parallel to stone walls, and creeks Georges Mill Road 8 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018

Rural Summit engaging, inspirational, poignant

Loudoun County Board of Supervisor’s Chair Brewery shared their local success stories, Visit Loudoun, the U.S. Department of Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) held a third in a series of including the hard work that goes into their Agriculture, Virginia’s Department of Commerce summits Nov. 16 at the Salamander Resort & Spa in businesses every day. and Trade for Rural Economic Development, the Middleburg. Randall hosted a Substance Abuse and • Industrial hemp. Buddy Rizer, Chair of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Loudoun Mental Health Summit in April, and a community Loudoun County Economic Development Farm Bureau, Virginia State University’s Small faith-based Substance Abuse Information Session floated the fascinating idea that Loudoun Farm Outreach Program, The New Ag School, the and Training Summit in September. County could emerge as a producer and Loudoun County Equine Alliance, Clarke County, Speakers at the Rural Summit included experts in processor of industrial hemp, saying “Hemp the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Loudoun rural preservation strategies, professionals from the ... is real.” County Preservation and Conservation Coalition, fields of zoning, economic development, and agri- and others were also represented. tourism, as well as many organizations working • Special tribute. The family of Malcolm hard to keep rural Loudoun thriving. Baldwin paid a special tribute to the much- Highlights of the event included: beloved Loudoun County leader. Baldwin passed away in mid-November. • A discussion of available conservation tools. Jeremy Criss, agriculture manager in Montgomery County came with information on that state’s Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program. • Helping future farmers. Pamela Hess, Executive Director of the Arcadia’s Veteran Farmer program, focused on how to support and grow Loudoun’s next generation of farmers. • Rural businesses share their strengths/ challenges. Sara Brown from Oakland Green Farm, and Jonathan Staples from Vanish

Summit organizers and facilitators engaged participants and solicited ideas from them on what direction western Loudoun should take. Ten generations of Sara Brown’s family have lived at and worked Oakland Green Farm.

The summit featured both formal presentations and informal panel discussions.

The summit played to an exceptionally large audience.

Malcolm Baldwin’s daughters, Rebecca and Alice pay tribute to the much-beloved Loudoun County leader.

Some last words from a true friend of the land ... In an especially personal and poignant moment, Chair Randall shared some of Malcolm Baldwin’s final words to her on the topic of conservation in Loudoun County: “Looking forward,” said Baldwin, “My hope is that you will be able to bring together a bipartisan approach to solving our key issues, most immediately county aid to help donors meet their high upfront costs that Board of Supervisor’s Chair Phyllis Randall now inhibit the growth of conservation easements.” DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 9 LCPS middle schoolers celebrate computer science education week While Computer Science Education such as virtual reality, gaming, artificial Week is this Dec. 3-9, many of Loudoun’s intelligence, and prosthetics. middle schoolers are learning computer Angie Fraser, Coding at the Middle science year round, assisted by the School teacher at Blue Ridge and J.L. Coding at Middle School (CAMS) Simpson, said, “There is no doubt program. that computer science is propelling In CAMS, students learn the innovation throughout all industries, fundamentals of computer programming, including education. CAMS gives including problem solving, collaboration, students the opportunity to have and project design. first-hand experiences as technology GOVERNMENT Students also learn designers and innovators in preparation how computer science for the workforce of the future.” impacts various industries. At Blue Among the many hashtags circulating Ridge and J.L. Simpson Middle Schools, on social media sites is #CSForAll – a during the week, students will listen to nod to the endeavor to make computer This Holiday Season, presentations from persons associated science education available to all with Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, and students across the nation. Said Mrs. other corporations. Students will then Fraser, “Well, in Loudoun County, we can Thank the EARTH conduct their own research into the proudly share #CSforLCPS’’ because of Set your table with our exclusive selection of succulent, use of computer programming in areas the CAMS program.” Certified Organic, Certified Humane®, Certified Non-GMO Heritage Breed Meats from Ayrshire Farm. Tantalize your taste buds with delicious house-prepared sides, delectable County Government Calendar, December 2018 house-made desserts, and party-pleasing platters.

Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Development • Dec. 1, 7:15 a.m., Parks, ORDER IN-STORE • BY PHONE • ONLINE Board • Electoral Board, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. Recreation & Community 8372 West Main Street Marshall, VA • 540-837-4405 • GentleHarvest.com • Dec. 11, 8 a.m., Shenandoah - 5 p.m., Office of Elections Services Building Disability Services Board Planning Commission NON Animal Advisory Committee • Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m., • 2040 Comprehensive Plan GMO U.S.A. Project • Dec. 19, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Government Center Work Session – Dec. 6, 6 p.m., V E R I F I E D nongmoproject.org Government Center Facilities Standards Manual Public Government Center Healthy Plate, Healthy Pocket Board of Supervisors Business Review Committee • Work Session – Dec. 13, 6 Meeting • Dec. 13, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., p.m., Government Center • Dec. 4, 5 p.m., Gov't Center Government Center • Public Hearing & 2040 • Dec. 20, 5 p.m., Gov't Center • Dec. 19, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Comprehensive Plan – Dec. Board of Supervisors Public Hearing Government Center 18, 6 p.m., Gov't Center • Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m., Finance/Government Operations & Rural Economic Development Government CenterBoard of Economic Development Committee Council Leesburg Town Council Zoning Appeals • Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Gov't Center • Dec. 4, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., • Dec. 20, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., Heritage Commission Government Center Government Center • Dec. 4, 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. – Rural Economic Business Communications Commission Strategic Planning, Tuscarora Development Strategy Committee swearing-in ceremony Dec. 20 • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Mill Restaurant • Dec. 11, 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m., Legislative Recommendations • Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. – Government Center On Thursday, Dec. 20, the newly term as Council Member. The Committee, Gov't Center Government Center School Board Capital Improvement elected members of the Leesburg Honorable Gary Clemens, Clerk of • Dec. 26, 7 p.m. - 8:30 Historic District Review Committee Presentation to Board of p.m., Cable TV Franchise • Dec. 10, 6 p.m., Gov/t Center Supervisors Town Council will be sworn in for the Loudoun County Circuit Court, Performance & Renewal Housing Advisory Board • Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., their terms beginning on Jan. 1. will administer to the oath of office Committee, Gov't Center • Dec. 12, 4 p.m., Shenandoah Government Center • Community Criminal Justice Building Transportation & Land Use The Honorable to Suzanne D. Fox for her second Board, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m., Joint Board of Supervisors & School Committee Jeanette A. Irby, term as Council Member. Government Center Board Committee • Dec. 10, 6 p.m., Government GOVERNMENT • Community Policy • Dec. 5, 5 p.m., Gov't Center Center Loudoun County The ceremony will begin at 6 Management Team, Dec. 20, Local Emergency Planning Zoning Ordinance Action Group 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Shenandoah Committee (ZOAG) Circuit Court Judge, will administer p.m. at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Building • Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m., • Dec. 5, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., the oath of office to Kelly Burk Center, in the Lower Level Banquet Economic Development Authority Government Center Government Center • Dec. 13, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Lyme Disease Commission • Dec. 12, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. for her second term as Mayor; to Hall. The recreation center is Department of Economic • Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m., (Rural Uses Subcommittee), Fernando “Marty” Martinez for located at 60 Ida Lee Drive, N.W. A Development Government Center Government Center • Economic Development Multicultural Advisory Committee • Dec. 19, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., his fifth term as Council Member; reception will follow the swearing- Advisory Commission • Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Gov't Center Government Center and to Neil Steinberg for his first in ceremony. Dec. 14, 8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department of Economic Board of Directors 10 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018

PLANNING COMMISSION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 3.’’ This is area “intended to accommodate future plan that are going to expand growth westward in an The George Mason University housing study, Town growth,” LaFiandra went on the say, and “This ill-advised and unconstrained manner,” said Littleton. and testimony from the Northern Virginia Building provision of the proposed County’s General Plan is “There was a commitment to work with the towns on Industry Association at the BOS’s 2017 Housing seriously flawed ... Developed areas should not be greenbelts, and a commitment to work with the towns Summit, advocating for policies that would add tens included in a Town’s JLMA plan. It’s common sense on joint planning. Eighteen years later that has yet to of thousands of new residential units – “everywhere” that JLMA zoning should only apply to annexation of materialize. – continues to drive the conversation, now in the form undeveloped land. How can you manage the use of land “We cannot continue to think that we will grow of cheaper housing options for the workers needed for that has already been decided? our way into prosperity through more residential Loudoun’s growing economy. “I and all of the neighbors I’ve talked to, don’t development. Residential development is the number want to be included in any plan that makes us part one County cost-driver, not revenue driver.” Two western Loudoun economies of Purcellville’s expansion. We don’t need the Town’s On the issue of taxes and revenues, Littleton did not As citizens and mayors of Loudoun’s western Towns water and septic systems because we have our own ... In mince words. “In your Tischler report from the May made clear, there are two Loudoun economies, and terms of the ‘land management’ part of JLMA, we don’t version of the plan, it already says that there will be two Loudoun qualities of life vying for the Planning want to be managed any further; the ‘management’ of $400 million of net cost to the County, which is not Commission’s attention: a suburban, mixed-use our property was determined decades ago when our accounted for in taxes .... Regarding the TPA, there residential/commercial/data center economy, which residential communities were approved by the Town is ... $725 million net would take the Washington metro/suburban growth and the County ... This zoning error is a time bomb that negative in cost to from east to west to its limit, and the modern version of will explode in our faces some time in the future.” the County with four western Loudoun’s economy, with agri-tourism, small dwellings units per towns and villages, and open space fueling the area’s Coalition of Loudoun Towns: COLT acre.” livelihoods. Middleburg’s newly elected mayor Bridge Little- Purcellville Mayor With respect to ton also spoke out Kwasi Fraser likewise what should happen in against both the did not mince words. western Loudoun, the County’s approach “We recognize that a Planning Commissioners toward working with managed and assessed heard this: its western towns, growth strategy is “My name is Joe as well as the fis- necessary for the LaFiandra. I live just cal impact of more continued vibrancy Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser outside the Town of and more growth, of the County, but are Purcellville ... my home and more and more concerned with the conditions in the draft County and 134 other homes houses. Comprehensive Plan that meter the pace of future around Purcellville are “We are deeply development in the County, particularly the higher velocity of that growth enabled by the current draft located in the Purcellville Purcellville Resident concerned about JLMA and zoned JLMA- Joe La Fiandra the elements in this Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » Let’s design your custom structure, and we’ll engineer it at surprisingly affordable prices.

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203 Harrison Street Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Tuskies.com 703-771-9300 DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 13 Remembering Malcolm Forbes Baldwin Malcolm Forbes Baldwin, 78, passed away on While working under Russell Train at the procedures that remain in force today. His later IRG Monday, November 12 at his home in Lovettsville, Conservation Foundation, he convened the first assignments included leading development of a after a decade-long battle with prostate cancer. national conference on environmental law, and USAID-funded Environmental Partnership Program Born April 5, 1940 in Rochester, NY, Baldwin co-wrote and edited Law and the Environment, a and establishing an Environmental Business was the son of Schuyler Forbes Baldwin and Doris book that helped guide the then-emerging field of Program. Hawkins Baldwin and brother environmental law. He and his Upon retirement in 2002, he dedicated his energies of Gordon Brewster Baldwin wife Pamela co-authored Onshore and the rest of his life to growing wine grapes and and Beryl Baldwin Punt, all now Planning for Offshore Oil, based raising sheep at WeatherLea Farm, and to preserving deceased. He is survived by his on the Scottish experience with rural land and businesses in Loudoun County. He wife Pamela Lane Baldwin and North Sea oil development. He served on the Loudoun County Rural Economic his children Peter Lane Baldwin served as senior environmental law Development Council and on the boards of the of Dummerston, VT, Rebecca and policy specialist at the White Piedmont Environmental Council, the Land Trust Baldwin Fuller of Waterford, VA House Council on Environmental of Virginia and Save Rural Loudoun. He was also an and Alice Baldwin O`Keefe of Quality (CEQ) during the Carter active member of the Loudoun County Democratic Bend, OR, as well as grandchildren Administration, and as Acting Chair Party and he ran for County Supervisor in 2011 for Malcolm, Aidan and Kyleigh of CEQ in the opening months the Catoctin District. Fuller and Penelope O`Keefe. of the Reagan Administration Above all, Baldwin will be remembered by From the ages of 2-18, Baldwin while attempting to preserve the family and friends the world over for his kindness, attended Harley School in Council`s work in the face of new generosity of spirit and twinkle in the eye, as well Rochester, an independent school leadership. He also chaired the as by the many people whose lives, careers and where his mother taught. He followed his father and board of Defenders of Wildlife in the 1980s. interests he touched and nurtured. brother in attending Haverford College, where he In tandem with Pamela, a Foreign Service Officer A celebration of Baldwin’s life was held at The nurtured his lifelong interest in history. He was also with the U.S. Agency for International Development Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, (USAID), he lived in Sri Lanka from 1988 to 1993. MD on Dec. 1. In lieu of flowers, donations may be choosing afterwards to apply his legal knowledge There he led a team fielded by the International made to a conservation fund for the preservation of to the then-nascent field of environmental law and Resources Group (IRG) in helping local officials family farms being established in his memory by the policy. establish national environmental laws, policies and Land Trust of Virginia at www.landtrustva.org.

Remembering Charles Frank “Frankie” Ellmore Charles Frank Ellmore, JR, passed hobbies were antiquing, floral design, Private away on Monday, Oct. 29, at the age and a love for interior decorating. of 71. Preceding him in death are his moments Ellmore, affectionately known as parents, Charles Frank Ellmore, SR Father, daughter Frankie, was a lifelong and Rachel Smallwood resident of Purcellville, Ellmore. Surviving and doggies where he graduated Frank in death are his from Loudoun Valley brother, David “AD” What a special place this High School in 1966. Ellmore of Winchester, Throughout his life, his nephew, Andrew western Loudoun County, is. Ellmore worked for Ellmore of Falling This photo shows Lincoln Creative Urethane, Waters, WV, and niece resident Chris Dukes, Middleburg Bank, and Allison Braithwaite of daughter Alex Dukes, and Abertnethy and Spencer Inwood, WV. doggies Boris and Pedro Greenhouses. Ellmore In lieu of flowers, sharing a private moment was full of life and could donations are requested tell a story like no one to go to Blue Ridge over the Thanksgiving else. Included in his Hospice. holiday.

CALL JOHN. JOHN CONSTANT Associate Broker 703.585.6278 [email protected] Merry Christmas! GET MORE. 14 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018

Have a Wild & Wonderful holiday SMALL BY ANDREA GAINES of Alpine dairy goats. BUSINESS We have a simple message for December 2018: may you For the holidays, the farm is offering holiday gift baskets in enjoy the beautiful place known as Loudoun County in a wild partnership with Lone Stone Farm, ranging in price from $20 to GRAPEVINE and wonderful way this holiday season. We won’t elaborate. $90. The Goat Lover’s Box features a caramel, a tomme, goats We leave that to you, and three small businesses that make the milk soap, and, yes, goat tattoos. Imagine that under the tree. Breaux Vineyards holidays so easy wrap your arms around – the winemakers at Learn more about everything – including the farm’s bed & HILLSBORO Breaux Vineyards, the cheese folks at George’s Mill Farm, and breakfast – at www.georgesmillcheese.com. Raven’s Revenge, Inc. baked goods. George’s Mill Farm To go with your wine and cheese Artisan Cheese Here’s to the fruit of the vine Beer bread, pumpkin pecan bread, eggnog bread. As we LOVETTSVILLE Breaux Vineyards is having their Annual Holiday Open wrote when we first launched Small Business Grapevine, just Raven’s Revenge House Dec. 8 and 9 – consider a stop here as you are out holiday about 1 year ago this month, “What could be more delicious.” Each of these creations, and many more holiday specialties are ROUND HILL shopping. It is free and no reservations are required. the the product of Round Hill professor and businesswoman The event features local craft vendors, mulled wine and music. Marlena Bremseth. Breaux will also have wine barrel tastings, wreath-making Bremseth is a semi-retired lecturer. She has always To have your small business featured workshops, food specials and special sales on wine. in our Small Business Grapevine, contact loved to bake, to nourish – and to live life to the fullest. Andrea Gaines via email at andrea@ And, the man and woman in red and white – Mr. & Mrs. andreagaines.com. We featured her business, Raven’s Revenge, Inc. in Small Santa – will also be there. Business Grapevine in Dec. 2017. The name is inspired Breaux Vineyards is located at 36888 Breaux Vineyards by the notion that “the best revenge is to live well.” THEME FOR JANUARY Lane, Purcellville, VA. Call (540) 668-6299 or visit www. In addition to the breads listed above, this holiday season “All Things New” breauxvineyards.com for more information. Raven’s Revenge, Inc. is offering Almond Joy Pound Cake, Glazed Butter Pecan Pound Cake, Glazed Bourbon Cake, THEME FOR FEBRUARY 2019 Here’s to the goats Chocolate Cherry Cake, Whiskey Walnut Spice Cake, and “Loudoun's Heartbeat” Georges Mill Farm in Lovettsville is a pre-Civil War treasure Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, and more. THEME FOR MARCH – in the same family for eight generations. To order your own sweet revenge, call (540) 338-8403 or The goats rule here – as is proper and fitting – in the form of email [email protected]. Bremseth’s delicacies are also “I've Got A Secret” luscious, handmade artisanal cheeses crafted (sort of) by a herd sold at Nall’s Farm Market, Its Bazaar, and other local stops.

– Holiday Tip – Colorado Blue Spruce trees from a Virginia Century farm

BY ANDREA GAINES gazing upon your tree that it Crooked Run Orchard had come from a farm that is an official Virginia has been in operation for Century farm, owned and over 100 years. That the land operated by the same upon which your tree was family for generations, grown was first settled by and protected by Pennsylvania Quakers who permanent conservation came down here in the 1740s and 1760s. That the Brown easement with the Sam Brown preparing Scotch Land Trust of Virginia. pine branches harvested on the family has long-standing For people who know farm. connections to the Village Sam and Uta Brown – of Lincoln. That Lincoln the current proprietors still houses the Goose Creek of the place – the steady Meeting House, which Sam supply of pick-your-own Brown’s father attended from produce they provide to the time he was born in 1908 their customers is one of until shortly before his death the distinct pleasures of ... just shy of the age of 95. living in western Loudoun “This is the third year we County. Colorado Blue Spruce sports have sold Christmas trees,” What many people a heavenly blue color adding said Sam Brown. “We have drama and beauty to the holiday don’t know is that for the beautiful Blue Spruce trees home. last several years Crooked up to 8 feet tall. We also have Run has been selling a limited number of our handmade Christmas wreaths and swags absolutely beautiful, 5-to-8 foot, fresh-cut –from Scotch pine grown on the farm. I look Colorado Blue Spruce trees for Christmas. As forward to seeing everyone.” the phone recording from Uta Brown says, What a great way to share your holidays any tree can be purchased for $70, and “we’ll with the families that make Loudoun County provide the saw!” so special today and have done so for over 100 What a cool thing to be able to tell anyone hundreds years. DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 15 Stunning in any light, beautiful from every angle BY ANDREA GAINES Completely unexpected and undeniably captivating, 19967 Telegraph Springs Road in Purcellville is a custom-built gem located in the heart of Western Loudoun’s hunt country. This “Hampton Style” home is an architectural marvel, featuring a beautifully updated interior with hardwood floors REAL ESTATE and thoughtfully designed formal and informal spaces. It’s easy to imagine cozying up to the stone fireplace in the charming Morning Room, or gathering in the Family Room around a welcoming hearth with an attractive wood stove insert. Perfectly married to those spaces meant to be enjoyed casually, is a oven and updated appliances means Address: 19967 Telegraph Springs Road, floor plan that was clearly intended meal-prep for your guests will be Purcellville, VA MLS: 1009950552 for entertaining on a grand scale. The stress free, so you can spend more Year Built: 1989 expansive front foyer creates a natural time with those you care about. Beds/Baths: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths flow into the spacious dining room After a long day, the Master Bedroom Total Acreage: 3 acres List Price: $824,500 and living room, both great places for suite offers a relaxing retreat. Off of Agents: guests to gather if they aren’t already the main bedroom area is a sitting • Sam Rees, [email protected], 703-408-4261 enjoying the multifaceted front porch, room that leads to an elegant space • Ray Rees, [email protected], three-season porch, or large detached for dressing with two large closets 703-470-0680 Website: onthemarketloudoun.com deck. A gourmet kitchen with a double CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 »

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BY ANDREA GAINES You can read, play games, and celebrate the beauty of nature from it. You can garden in it ... in January. family birthdays in it. I’m talking about what is commonly You can watch the Super Bowl in it ... You can entertain in it. known as “the sunroom.” with the snow flying outside. You can birdwatch, stargaze, and enjoy The owners of large estates used a grand version of the idea – the conservatory – as a place to grow exotic plants and trees, including orchids and citrus. A newer version of the idea became popular in the 1940s and 50s, as families sought to turn outdoor BUSINESS places such as patios and porches into indoor places. And, in the 1960s, new glass, insulation, Three big benefits and structural technologies began to make Sunrooms, at whatever price point sunrooms not only commonplace across and in whatever form, have three major the country, but welcoming of whatever benefits. activity you chose to use them for. First, they add additional interior living Today, according to Dan Grubbs, and entertainment space to the home, Director of Business Development for while enhancing the other rooms they Winchester’s Four Seasons Sunrooms, flow from or into – a formal dining room, one of the country’s most experienced a kitchen, a living room. and successful sunroom companies, A huge selling point, too, is that these spaces have evolved into central sunrooms greatly expand your family’s features of the home. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 » DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 17

SUNROOMS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 6 caulking and re-caulking windows, putting in space ability to enjoy an outdoor feel within your home, heaters to regulate the temperature, and humidifiers/ regardless of the weather and the temperatures dehumidifiers to control moisture. outside – a fantastic benefit in Loudoun County and According to Grubb, this is “the sun room that surrounding areas where there is so much outdoor wasn’t” ... and he sympathizes. beauty to enjoy. But, sunroom structures are “so varied in terms of For gardeners and growers of all kinds, sunrooms cost,” he said, “so doable” regardless of the style, age, also keep your green thumb in top shape 365 days a and construction of the home that they are being year, giving you a greenroom for herbs, flowers, and added to, and “so practical,” homeowners who have container gardens. ever wanted to explore the concept should not deny themselves their sunroom dream ... or at least a simple The sun room that wasn’t . . is fading away inquiry into it. Driving around our area’s back roads, new Said Grubb, “It is rare that a homeowner comes to talk subdivisions, rural villages, and small to us about the possibilities for a sunroom project, and goes towns, you’ll see more and more versions away seeing fewer possibilities than before of the modern sunroom – a new, European- they came in. I love what my company can style garden room addition on an old do for a family’s quality of life, whether it is home, a rebuilt high-tech conservatory at a simple, all-weather, glassed in patio or a an equestrian estate, a glassed-in family/ conservatory-style addition.” entertainment room where a porch used Four Seasons Sunrooms are surprisingly to be, a simple log cabin – the stone patio adaptable and outdoor fire pit that is now enclosed with a wonderful new atrium. The LifeRoom is one of Four Seasons’ You’ll also see spaces that homeowners newest sunroom concepts. Remote use as the equivalent of a sunroom, control screens, special lighting, and without the structural components and humidity and air movement features technological advances now available. control every aspect of the ambient Even when homeowners never got environment in the space, giving it a spa- around to insulating that enclosed like feel. porch area, for example, they use that But, while all of Four Seasons’ part of their home in that way ... letting sunroom plans and options use the latest in as much light as possible, stacking technology and construction techniques, their potted plants in it in the winter, CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 » Loudoun Propane ® “Your Hometown Propane Company”®

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Marshall, $750,000 Berryville, $419,000 Summit45+ac, Potential Point, Horse $725,000 Farm No HOA, Pool, Custom LL 57+ac, “Wildwood” c 1869

Berryville, $419,000 Summit Point, $725,000 No HOA, Pool, Custom LL 57+ac, “Wildwood” c 1869 The dog ... and wedding ... whisperer Purcellville, $237,500 The request came in and canine the hectic time that involved the Historic Gem, 3.75 ac professional Joe Pillera knew just what rehearsal and the wedding ... but me. Purcellville, $659,000 Round Hill $395,000 he had to do: serve the dogs, and the The dogs – greyhounds – were rescues Backs to Golf Course HW Floors, FP, Great Back Yard people, and the special bond between and used to run at the racetrack. Leon sold in bluemont sold in bluemont them to the utmost and Gambell were their names. I was Purcellville, $659,000 Round Hill $395,000 COMMUNITY of his ability. responsible for picking the dogs up, Backs to Golf Course HW Floors, FP, Great Back Yard “I was asked a escorting them to all the activities, sold in bluemont sold in bluemont couple of months ago – by a client’s and bringing them home again. I did Mom – to be the dog handler at her get to walk them down the aisle, too. aldie, $650,000 Bluemont, $410,000 daughter’s wedding,” Pillera said. It was a real honor to be a participant One Level Living, Gourmet Kitchen Updated Farmhouse, 1 ac “Ashley Klevenhagen and Tommy in their special day and I had a blast Curtain were the bride and groom,” watching over Leon and Gambell.” UNDER CONTRACT he continued. “The rehearsal and Greyhound Leon is shown in the wedding were to be held at the Shadow photo on the right, Gambell on the Creek events facility, on Silcott Springs left and master canine handler, Joe, in LAND-BUILD DREAM HOME! Road, on the backside of Purcellville. the middle. Paris, 1.57ac, $97,500 Purcellville, 10ac, $160,000 The Klevenhagens have been clients Pillera, who owns Your Virginia Pets LAND-BUILDSummit Pt WV, 8+ac , $125,000 DREAM Bluemont, 1.45ac, HOME! $100,000 of ours for years. She said she would R My Pets can be reached at 703 867- Paris, 1.57ac, $97,500 Purcellville, 10ac, $160,000 have no one else be responsible during 7158, [email protected]. SummitBluemont, Pt WV,SOLD .77ac, 8+ac $75,000, $125,000 Bluemont,Lovettsville,Leesburg, 1.45ac,4.4ac, $645,000 $225,000 $100,000 bluemont 10+ac, Tons of Light, Views Bluemont,Licensed .77ac, in VA &$75,000 WV Leesburg, 4.4ac, $225,000 [email protected] in VA & WV [email protected] www.MarcyC.com540.533.7453 Advertise with us. Facebookwww.MarcyC.com @MarcyCantatore FacebookInstagram @MarcyCantatore @MarcyCSells [email protected] Instagram @MarcyCSells DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 19 Purcellville Christmas Parade – Dec. 15, noon Back by popular demand, the the winners. welcome. combined with other festivities Purcellville Economic Development Join one of Purcellville’s best The new parade route will start at throughout the day, make for a great Advisory Committee is hosting a traditions and one of Loudoun Loudoun Valley High School on North holiday experience. Christmas Parade Float Contest. County’s largest Christmas parades. Maple Avenue, turn right onto Main More information about all of the Purcellville Chick- The 15th Annual Christmas in Street, then right onto 21st Street, Christmas in Purcellville festivities, Fil-A is sponsoring, Purcellville Parade will be held on ending at the Train Station with COMMUNITY including the tree lighting, parade, the first-place award Saturday, Dec. 15, at noon. Businesses, parent pick-up and float dismantling Santa’s Visit, the ornament workshop, of $200, second place award sponsored organizations, clubs, individuals, and at the Cardinal Concrete Plant. by Magnolias at the Mill, is $100 is families are invited to join in the fun Christmas in Purcellville’s Festivities and more is available on the Town and the third-place award, sponsored with a float, a decorated car or truck, and the 15th Annual Christmas Parade of Purcellville website at www. by Dunkin Donuts is $50. Members of or you and your friends in your favorite take place in the heart of historic PurcellvilleVa.gov or contact Hibah EDAC will judge the floats and decide holiday-themed outfits – walkers are downtown Purcellville. The parade, Salah at [email protected].

The Holidays at Crooked Run Orchard Christmas Decorations Swags • Wreaths Table Decorations Governor Ralph Northam kicked off computer science Special Orders education week on Monday Dec. 3. He made a stop at Moorefield Station Elementary School in Ashburn and spoke Dec. 1–24 with educators and students. 9 am to 5 pm

Carver Events – December Cut Your Own Monday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., AARP Driver Safety Colorado Course. $15 AARP/$20 non- members. Check made out to AARP Blue Spruce due at COMMUNITY start of class. 5 – 8 ft. tall $70 Wednesday, Dec. 5, 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ukulele Saturdays & Sundays Performance.Carver Ukulele Group will play and sing their Ernice Sims and Michelle Cook Dec. 1–16 own Song of Thanks during lunch. Presented by Purcellville barbershop quartet Dominion 9 am to 5 pm Pharmacy. 4. Friday, Dec. 7, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monthly Lunch and a Wednesday, Dec. 12, 12 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 4 to Jan. 25, Movie: Frozen. to 12:30 p.m., Ukulele Holiday 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Basic Closed after Dec. 24 Performance. The Carver Watercolor. $50/$58 non- Friday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 2 Ukulele Group will serenade members. p.m., Lunch Bunch -- Dutch’s you during lunch with their fun Daughter, Frederick, MD. $4 Wednesdays, Jan. 9 to Jan. Holiday Songs. transportation. Lunch and tip 30, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., FOR FARM UPDATES on your own. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1 p.m. Intermediate Watercolor. to 2 p.m., Clear Captions $50/$58 non-members. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m. Presentation.Information on a Call (540) 338-6642 or visit to 12 p.m., Carver Center Mondays, Jan. 14 to Feb. phone and captioning service Advisory Board Meeting. 11, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for those with hearing loss. Drawing Class. $50/$58 non- www.CrookedRunOrchard.com Wednesday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m. to members. to 11 a.m., Diabetes and Food Across from Harris Teeter Shopping Center on 2:30 p.m., Holiday Party. Presentation. Entertainment by the Main Street, Purcellville, right after the traffic circle 20 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2018

Franklin Park, December 2018 An award-winning Ebenezer Scrooge and more

Franklin Park started the Christmas Once Upon a Christmas Carol features Performance “destination.” season early with an enchanting thirty-six actors portraying more than Other December events include the performance of 140 characters, including Ebenezer Puppet Show, the Old Dominion Chorus COMMUNITY Run Rabbit Run Scrooge himself, along with the Ghosts Holiday Concert, the Franklin Park Big Theatre’s Once Upon of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Band, the Planetarium Show, Last Ham a Christmas Carol on Nov. 29. Don’t miss this award-winning Standing Comedy Improv, and ­­others. The show will be here for six – December 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 & 9, with both production, recognized in years past For more information, go to www. additional performances this month matinee, and evening time-slots. as a DC Metro Theatre Arts Best franklinparkartscenter.org.

Yuletide Call for Artists Sleigh bells ring, 14th Annual Western Loudoun Artist Studio Tour The application process is open for are you the 14th Annual Western Loudoun Artist Studio Tour. Loudoun County visual artists may apply to open their Western Loudoun studios or as Guest hearing? Artists. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2019. Sixty or more artists are expected to participate. by the Franklin Park Arts Center, The tour takes place Saturday and the Round Hill Arts Center, and The Sunday June 1–2, and is presented Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center.

Christmas in Purcellville

Friday, November 23 - Christmas Tree Sales- Every weekend until sold out For more info please visit, http://purcellvillefire.org

Friday, December 7 - Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony- 6:30 p.m. For more info please visit, https://www.purcellvilleva.gov

Saturday, December 8 - Breakfast with Santa- 7:30 a.m. For reservation requests email, [email protected]

Friday, December 14 - Holiday Lights Tour - 6 p.m. For more info please visit, https://www.purcellvilleva.gov

Saturday, December 15 - Holiday Festivities & Parade - 10 a.m. For more info please visit, https://www.purcellvilleva.gov

Sunday, December 16 - Holiday Lights Tour - 5 p.m. For more info please visit, https://www.purcellvilleva.gov

Proudly Seving Loudoun County Since 1964 Saturday, December 21 & Sunday, December 22 - Santa Rides Through Town on the Firetruck- 6 p.m. 19465 Deerfield Ave, Ste 201 • Lansdowne, VA 20176 For more info please visit, http://purcellvillefire.org Registered 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thank you to the Sponsors of the 2018 Christmas in Purcellville! www.speechhearing.org 703.858.7620 DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 21 Holidays happenings in Loudoun Tree lightings, parades, letters from Santa, music, dance ... even ice sculpture

Dec. 8, Leesburg Annual wonderful this time of year. Christmas and Holiday Local wineries, breweries, Parade, 6 p.m. COMMUNITY and distilleries are featuring Dec. 9, Nutcracker Ballet holiday tastings, book Dec. 7, Lovettsville Lantern by Ravel Dance Studio at signings, wreath workshops, through their cookie tin Parade, Lovettsville Dominion High School, 4 live music, and more. Go to collections and deciding who Community Center, 7:30 p.m. p.m. - 6 p.m. Trained dancers, www.visitloudoun.org for a is going to get what kind of - 9 p.m. Make this German lavish costumes, beautiful complete calendar. deliciousness from them this Special events sets and scenery. 703 437- custom part of your holiday Loudoun’s Christmas tree holiday season. Now thru Dec. 13, Kids, traditions. 540 822-5284, or 9664, www.tututix.com. sellers are ready for you It also just happens to be – register with Parks & Rec. to email [email protected]. get a Letter from Santa. You’ll Dec. 14, Lucketts Community with a great tree, hot cider, Ta Da – National Cookie get a letter written just for Dec. 7, Purcellville, Town Tree Lighting, Lucketts gifts and more. A full list of Exchange Week. Lighting Ceremony, Town Community Center, 6 p.m. - tree farms can be found at you, a North Pole Newsletter, Every neighborhood, every a craft idea from the elves, Hall, 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Call 703 771-5281 loudounfarms.org. or email lucketts@loudoun. old country road needs a and a holiday recipe from There will be a Live Ice Dec. 7, Ida Lee Park gov. cookie exchange. So, think Mrs. Claus. Register online at Recreation Center, Rock’in Sculpture demonstration about having a cookie baking [email protected], with Rudolph & Friends, Dec. 15, Purcellville on Dec. 21 at Landsdowne party or organizing a cookie or call 703-430-9480. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Santa Christmas Parade, 12 noon. Resort & Spa, 7 p.m. Watch exchange. ‘Tis the season. Dec. 1 - Dec. 30 (select dates), will be here dancing and Dec. 16, Middleburg a talented and experienced Morven Park Holiday Tours, taking pictures with the kids, Concert Series “A Christmas artist turn a block of ice Pre-registration required, into a work of art. Call 703 Government holidays Leesburg, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Serenade,” Middleburg through WebTrac|Leesburg, 729-8400 or go to www. See how early 20th century United Methodist Church, Loudoun County Government holiday customs became the VA, in person at Ida Lee or via 4 p.m. Voice, cello, destinationhotels.com/ Dec. 24 – Dec. 25 Closed ones we love today. Children, phone 703-777-1368. organ, piano, violin and landsdowneresort for details adults and groups welcome. Dec. 8, Ida Lee, Jingle Jam classical guitar. Visit www. Dec. 31 – Jan. 1 Closed 703 777-2414, www. Concerts, 11:30 am Junior middleburgconcertseries.com What an idea morvenpark.org. Loudoun County Public Schools Jam, 2:30 pm, and 8:30 pm. In early December the Observes Winter Break Dec. 7, Leesburg, Christmas Leesburg’s holiday rock n’ cookie mavens come Special mentions Friday, Dec. 21 - Tuesday, Tree Lighting Ceremony on roll concert features many out, exchanging recipes, Leesburg’s First Fridays, January 1 the Town Green, 6 p.m. local and regional. In-person sampling new ones, sorting tickets sales only, at Ida Lee. starts at 6 p.m. and is

Every Everyday is aday celebration is a celebration of life of life becausebecause it’s all aboutit’s all “Howabout “Howyou you Every day is a celebration of life live.” Ourlive.” caring Our caringprofessionals professionals because it’s all about “How you make thismake a placethis a whereplace where residents residents live.” Our caring professionals feel loved,feel loved,like an like extension an extension of of make this a place where residents family. family.Plus, there’s Plus, there’s a wonderful a wonderful feel loved, like an extension of peace peaceof mind of knowingmind knowing family. Plus, there’s a wonderful someone’ssomeone’s always always nearby! nearby! You will You will peace of mind knowing love howlove we how treat we your treat family your familyas as someone’s always nearby! You will our veryour own. very own. love how we treat your family as Springour verySpring Arbor own. Arbor of Leesburg of Leesburg 237Spring Fairview237 ArborFairview Street of StreetLeesburg NW NW Leesburg237 FairviewLeesburg VA 20176 Street VA 20176 NW 703-777-9300Leesburg703-777-9300 VA 20176 SpringArborLiving.comSpringArborLiving.com703-777-9300 SpringArborLiving.com 22 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018

Sat., Dec.15th & Sun., Dec. 16th 1-4 pm Santa to land at Virginia NEW construction, immediate delivery. Cul de sac of custom Village Dec. 15 homes, private location, mountain views. 2.7 acre wooded lot. Main Santa Claus will be trading his sleigh level master bedroom, 3 bedroom for a helicopter visit at Virginia Village on upper level, 2 full baths and (34 Catoctin Circle SE) on Saturday, Dec. office area. $5000 towards closing costs with acceptable offer in 15 beginning at 10 a.m. December. $649,800. Following his landing, he will visit with families at The Santa COMMUNITY House for photos and special treats. Kids JoWilla R. Beck, Managing Broker, Pearson Smith Realty will also have the opportunity to pick out • 204 Liberty Street, SW 703-618-0305 • [email protected] • Licensed in Virginia a gift for mom and dad in the kids-only • 146 Loudoun Street, SE store, at no cost. • 37 Catoctin Circle, SE In preparation of Santa’s landing, Participants are encouraged to bring Fairfax Street will be closed to traffic a new toy, office supplies or athletic from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Access into the equipment, which will be donated to the Virginia Village parking lot will also be local YMCA. The Farmers’ Market will closed during that time. Free parking will also be open, weather pending, from 9 be available in the following locations: a.m. to noon. • 10 Loudoun Street, SW To register for the event, visit www. • 61 Church Street, SE vavillageleesburg.com/santas-village.

INTERIM SOLUTION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in a statement that, “This is an interim While VDOT discussed the interim solution, while we await the permanent solution with County staff, VDOT solution for which Supervisor Tony resources were used to make the Buffington was able to secure $11 changes. The installation was done in million in funding. The permanent coordination with Purcellville Public solution will include turn lanes and Works. Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser said other longer term improvements.” DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 23 Sweet Rose Bake Shop Changing lives one sweet bite at a time

BY ANDREA GAINES business, and also serve delectable Tanya Goon and her husband Andy, coffees and drinks to go with your sweet their son Shae, and partner Liz Zadik, tooth. have quite the sweet thing going. Make But, what they also want to be it part of your holiday 2018, and your known for are their custom cakes, for life might just change forever.’’ anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, Tanya and Liz are partners in the and special events, including, perhaps, Sweet Rose Bake Shop in Purcellville. the most notable event of all – weddings. Tanya provides the decorating expertise The wedding cake is, of course, where the and Liz is the top baker. And, with masters of flavor, texture and decoration, a combined 40-plus years in the Liz and Tanya, shine. The shop offers “a business, together they are capable of consultation and tasting” for wedding creating pastries, cake orders to make sure customers BUSINESS cakes, and sweets Sweet Rose Gingerbread House “achieve the best tasting cake ... to as spectacularly Contest Dec . 1 – Dec . 14 compliment your event.” I love the way beautiful as they impossibly delicious the bakers show as much attention to Sweet Rose wants to see your very best holiday and flavorful. ginger bread house, and is now accepting entries! customer satisfaction as they do to the Andy works the shop and contributes All entries must be handmade – no kits, and no sweet and beautiful things that emerge to its success in a myriad of ways. And, electrical or moving parts on the houses. from their kitchen. in the partnership’s ultimate stroke of and sells every manner of baked good you Children and adult competitors welcome. Entries For this group bakers, business will be accepted from Dec. 1 to Dec. 14 (by 5 p.m.). genius – or luck – Shae provides a service can imagine, from donuts to croissants Winners will be announced on Facebook on owners – and yes, photographers – that that anyone in the business of selling to brownies to cookies to turnovers to Monday, Dec. 17 at 12 noon. sweet, creamy, fragile thing that exists something you need to taste with your cheesecake, and more. And, pies. This Adult 1st Place winners receive a $200 gift card, in uneaten form for sometimes just 2nd Place, $100 gift card, 3rd Place, $50 Gift Card. eyes as well as your mouth would die for: time of year, in particular, Sweet Rose Kids winners (4 to 12 years old) – 1st place winners minutes, is an absolute labor of love. captivating photography. Photography turns out hundreds and hundreds of pies, receive a $50 gift card, 2nd Place, a Christmas As the Sweet Rose Facebook page says, that drips with butter and sugar and including pumpkin, blueberry, apple and Platter, 3rd Place, a $10 Gift Card. in an equally sweet way, “Baking was coconut cream. See the Sweet Rose Facebook page for details – spice and flavor. www.facebook.com/SweetRoseBake. always something we did as parents, as They have a great walk-in retail Sweet Rose designs, bakes, decorates CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 »

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GRAVEL ROADS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 SUNROOMS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 into, wanted country living, and these gravel roads as their retreat from the one size does not fit all. homogenous sameness that engulfs These spaces need to make themselves a part of an existing structure, while society at every turn elsewhere. seamlessly enhancing it, transforming it at a cost that works budget-wise, while also Some “save the road” supporters looking like it has always been part of the home. claim a gravel road is not just scenic This is where Four Seasons’ expertise, experience, and market-reach pay off. and historic but safer for themselves, Homeowners working with the company on a more limited budget can opt for a their children, for their pets, to walk or glass atrium roof set atop pre-existing walls – transforming that part of their home run, and to trot a horse from a barn or into an entirely new space, and enabling them to use and enjoy it in totally new ways. adjoining meadow. People with larger budgets, who might have at one point considered selling their The Georges Mill Road, as one home and moving to something bigger, now have a brand new glass-enclosed example, going back at least since 1759, addition, complete with a fireplace and kitchen upgrade. ran down to the Potomac river where you The style can reflect European influences, have the sleek modern look of an ocean- could make your way along the bank to front property, or the Virginia side of Harper’s Ferry. the rustic and earthy It’s a road that appears pretty much look of woodsy cab- the way it was when Union soldiers in. “The features you encamped in the field by the historic John Mobberly Georges Mill School House. choose reflect what In November 1864, shortly after were Mosby’s men and his ‘berserkers’ you want the space President Lincoln’s re-election, Mosby’s sneaking around up there.” to give you,” said men climbed through the woods over “If you knew what was good for Grubb – an open yet intimate dining set- the Short Hill Mountain from the West you,” Mr. Sherwood said, “you’d put ting, a fireplace to to attack the Union troops. another log on the fire, pull your cozy up to, a place to Harrison Sherwood, who lives off blanket up around your ears, and hope grill, an indoor-out- Stevens Road, itself off Georges Mill to hell Mosby’s principal, a man named Road, has walked and studied this door living room, Mobberly, wasn’t here to relieve you of hallowed ground on a quest to discover or any combination your horses or your daughters, ‘cos if he historic treasure, and found a bayonet thereof. wanted ‘em, he took ‘em, and you had no and other civil war artifacts. The common factor is a space flowing with openness and light during the day and say in the matter.” Mr. Sherwood insists that he found the stars and moon at night. the path that Mosby’s men took over the Loudoun is thick with history that we Short Hill Mountain when they engaged must preserve and protect. Four Seasons Sunrooms/Total Remodeling Systems Northern Virginia is located at General Devin’s men by Georges Mill It’s also has miles of road intertwined 118 Creekside Lane in Winchester. Go to www.fourseasonssunrooms.com or call 703 School House. with that history. 665-1345 for a complimentary quote. Feel free to ask for Dan Grubb directly to If you had been sitting in Mr. discuss your sunroom project. The Four Seasons family of companies is happy to Sherwood’s living room in 1864, he John Flannery practices law in Leesburg review the special pricing and other promotions available during the holiday and suggests, “chances were very good and is a regular guest commentator in winter season. that those cracking twigs up the hill print, TV, and radio on law and politics. Loudoun's Local Businesses PIANO LESSONS children & adults WE HAVE CLASSICAL METHOD GREAT

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S882 Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance. com for company licensure and territory information. 26 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018

MOORE-SOBEL, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 “empathy,” parsed out as a result of TIM JON, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 its boarded windows remind us of the can choose to be content even when life the discovery “that we suffer, you and other outbuildings flanked the relentless turn of the years; its facilities gets challenging, once we consider that suffer, that we all do…” Leading him overgrown residence, adding to the no longer useful to one of the fastest- every day offers the opportunity to grow to embark upon a journey in which he allure of wondering what activities growing school systems in the country. and change, serving as preparation for actively shares his work with the world. took place here, and for how long, Now, a new Arcola Elementary School something far greater. “I think that my job is to reveal as much and why, now, the acreage no longer welcomes students along Tall Cedars I recently came upon an interview I as I know and hope that it’s helpful to served common human purposes. I Parkway in nearby Aldie. heard long ago, featuring a musician somebody,” he told Fresh Air host Terri could (and now, only in the mind) see And, heading back toward the named Sam Baker. During the interview, Gross. where the clothesline stood, out in familiar Evergreen Store, near our he happens to play a few lines from his A great reminder during this holiday the yard to catch the warm, summer starting point, time – in its accordion- song, “Pretty World.” season: To rest in the knowledge that breeze – but couldn’t quite make out like ability – has placed me again at “Before the sun…before the heat… our current circumstances may be the figure of whomever carried the the site of the former homestead – before we untangle from our sheets… preparing us for our next chapter. To basket of washing out to hang, with the only now, on a more recent morning, before the summer day unfurls…pretty treasure the lives we have, even if more classic, old wooden clothespins, used bulldozers and other giant machines world.” is desired. To cherish every breath we by our mothers or grandmothers, and work on dismantling the abandoned He goes on to repeat those two words breathe, no matter how unpleasant the even some of us, still. And, time had house of white, the nearby barn and - “pretty world” - throughout the song, a circumstances of our lives have become. sped by this old home as well, in my other outbuildings, even the post for haunting rendition of the beauty found To remember all that we have for which imagination, much quicker than had the clothesline. And I no longer tell on this earth. Remarkable, especially to be grateful; and, to never forget the the nearby vehicles, trafficking up the myself I can almost make out the form considering the life of the musician. His privilege it is to wake up and breathe in street. of loving matriarchy hanging out the musical career began shortly after he the morning air each and every day. For, Not so with the iconic firehouse wash. I have pictures of the neglected suffered injuries as a result of a bomb we undoubtedly live in a “pretty world.” a bit further along the pike; the property – in pixel form as well as the planted by a Peruvian terrorist group. historic structure has maintained etchings on the mind’s eye – and other His songs borne out of great suffering. Samuel Moore-Sobel is hoping you find joy pace with advancing years – adding sense memories of my visit, when I Along the way, he learned a few this holiday season. To read more of his work, vehicles, equipment, square footage simply walked about the yard, relaxing, important lessons. The value of visit www.holdingontohopetoday.com. and personnel, to keep up with musing, imagining the former lives times of growing population and spent in this space, the simple activities ever-diversifying types of facilities here. I never met them, but I’ll always REAL ESTATE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Polo and Jumpers and seasonal trail rides. popping up on surrounding properties. remember their home and my last look. and a bay window. The master bath The historic village of Philomont is Among these – a constant increase And time – seeking neither to create, features two vanities with Uba Tuba only three minutes away and offers an of new homes – some seen right here preserve or destroy – also allows me to granite countertops, a whirlpool tub active community center, the famous in ‘downtown’ Arcola, others a bit share one other memory of that classic and walk-in shower. Other upper level Philomont General Store and the further out from the edge of the little intersection in the little community: in bedrooms will accommodate the rest Volunteer Fire Station. community; the emergency crews of vivid contrast to the unceremonious of your family and/or guests in comfort Commuting is easy to businesses Company Nine answer the calls when destruction of the abandoned and convenience, while unfinished along the Leesburg-Sterling-Dulles and where needed – despite increasing residence, just across the street, we spaces on the lower walkout level and in corridor. Dulles International Airport is challenges from many sides. Time see a homey, carefully-maintained and the attic offer opportunities for further only 45 minutes away, and bus services has buffeted the bricks and doors and manicured house of blue and white expansion. in Purcellville support travel along the windows, but the volunteer fire house which evidently enjoys hosting a caring Nestled between Purcellville and Dulles Greenway into Washington, D.C. remains in operation. family. The passage of the years, for Middleburg, this location is convenient You won’t want to miss taking a peek The Fates have been less benevolent this home, has been far kinder than to to fantastic local shopping and activities, at this beautiful Loudoun County home. to the nearby, former Arcola Elementary its peer. And, so now - I hope – in my including notable world class equestrian See the wonderful video of this property School, as we head back down toward future traverses through Arcola, I can events such as the Gold Cup, Twilight at bit.ly/telegraphspringsvideo. our point of origin and the familiar always take in the familiar façade of intersection; the historic educational blue and white – while I remember its SWEET ROSE BAKERY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 anyone and everyone from the struggles building opened its doors in 1939, friend across the street – now erased by kids, and as family and as friends here in of our times. Because we are here to hosting countless children in its three time from the physical world – living on Sweet Rose Bakeshop. When the ground bring a smile to your day, and our story decades and more of teaching. Now in pictures of the mind. was soaked and the sky was dark, a cup is about your story.” of milk and a snickerdoodle was our Hinting at how running this kind of

ALAN OGDEN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 also sung in the bass section in others. indoor escape. When the air was cold business, while backbreaking at times, One of those performances was for a and the winds howled with shards of ice, is, in the end, what these folks were put example, represented a “part of the commemoration of President John F. a hot chocolate and a slice of butter cake on earth to do. Said Andy, “I have never inner beauty of the universe waiting to Kennedy, fifty years after his death, at the was our warm blankets around the wood regretted one minute of it.” be revealed.” Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston.” stove.” Sweet Rose Bake Shop is located at So, we wanted to know of course, Requiem, composed in 1791, is one The Sweet Rose site also goes on 201 North 23rd Street in Purcellville, what Ogden’s favorite piece of music of Mozart’s last pieces of music. He to say: “It was the long trek through phone: (540) 441-7996, info@ or composer, is. It was from Mozart, of died before it could be completed. hard times, tiring days of do-it-yourself sweetrosebakeshop.com. The shop is course. And, we loved his response. It is fascinating both musically and projects, and cold mind numbing open Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 “This is a question which is impossible historically. No wonder Ogden loves it. corporate retail jobs that wore down and p.m. and Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to to answer, in a way,” Ogden said at first. It is clear to see that Alan Ogden has refined our dreams into an escape for 6 p.m. “There are many pieces which, when I a great reverence for this thing called am hearing that piece, is my favorite music. And, we are all the more rich for it. piece at that moment. “In teaching music,” said Ogden, “If I have to choose one, though, I “we are giving students the power of Advertise in guess it is Mozart’s ‘Requiem.’ A grand thought, and empathy. We are giving piece for full orchestra, full chorus, and them to power to create ... beauty.” four soloists, which is really a prayer for The Blue Ridge Leader the salvation of humanity. To find out more about Alan Odgen and “I have played trombone in his musical instruction go to ogdenmusic. [email protected] performances of that work, and have org. DECEMBER 2018 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 27

LITTLE AUSTRIA, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 “I’m so excited about this local success story that uses our locally grown produce in new and delicious ways,” said Congresswoman-elect Jennifer Wexton. “I’m so proud of everything Little Austria has accomplished, and honored that they chose to grow their business right here in Loudoun County.” “I’m excited that Little Austria has chosen Virginia and specifically Sterling as the best place for their business. Little Austria’s use of Loudoun-grown products which will then be crafted into high quality products by Loudoun bakers showcases the L to R, company founder Helene Gallent and her team getting the strudel ready to best of Virginia and further solidifies the put in the oven. Commonwealth’s position as a great place for business,” said Delegate John Bell. “I

warmly welcome Little Austria to the 87th Gallent with the finished product ready to eat. District and Virginia and look forward to a long and successful partnership.” “Little Austria is the latest example The Commonwealth is partnering of an organization leveraging Loudoun’s with Loudoun County, Loudoun County entrepreneurial ecosystem and capitalizing Economic Development and Little Austria, on partnerships with local agriculture LLC on this project through the AFID businesses to create an amazing farm- Fund, which is administered by the Virginia to-fork product,” said Loudoun County Department of Agriculture and Consumer Economic Development Executive Director Services. Governor Northam approved a Buddy Rizer. “This expansion will allow Little Austria to enter new markets, $13,700 grant from the Fund, which the including grocers and restaurants, and help Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will the company grow their #LoudounPossible match with local funds pending a vote by Chief of Staff for Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, Bo Machayo addresses the crowd. Head of Loudoun County Economic Development Buddy Rizer, far right. story.” the Board at a future meeting.

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Open weekdays from 7:30AM to 5:30PM. 540-533-0232 Offering engaging activities, individualized personalOffering care, engaging nutritious activities, lunch individualized personal care, nutritious lunch and snacks, exercise, medication administration,and snacks,health exercise,monitoring medication and administration, health monitoring and gwppowersolutions.com OfferinglimitedOffering engaging transportation. engaging activities, activities, Open individualized individualized weekdays personal personal from 7:30AMlimited care, care, nutritioustransportation. tonutritious 5:30PM. lunch lunch Open weekdays from 7:30AM to 5:30PM. andand snacks, snacks, exercise, exercise, medication medication administration, health health monitoring monitoring and and Purcellville Ashburn Leesburg Purcellville Ashburn Leesburg Purcellvillelimitedlimited transportation. transportation. Open OpenAshburn weekdaysweekdays from from 7:30AM 7:30AM to to5:30PM.Leesburg 5:30PM. co-locatedGerry w/ CarverPierce Center off Loudoun County Pkwy near Leesburg co-located Airport w/ Carver Center off Loudoun County Pkwy near Leesburg Airport co-locatedPurcellville Purcellvillew/ Carver Center off LoudounAshburnAshburn County Pkwy200 Willie PalmernearLeesburg WayLeesburg Leesburg 45140 Airport Bles Park Drive 16501 Meadowview Ct. 200 Willie Palmer Way 45140 Bles Park200co Willie- locatedDrive Palmer w/ Carver Way Center 1650145140off Loudoun Bles Meadowview County Park Drive Pkwy571 -258near -340216501Ct. Leesburg Meadowview Airport 571 -Ct.258 -3232 703-771-5334 co-located w/ Carver Center off Loudoun County Pkwy near Leesburg Airport 571200-258 Willie- 3402Palmer Way 57145140- Bles258 Park-3232 Drive 16501703 Meadowview-771-5334 Ct. 200 Willie Palmer Way 45140 Bles Park Drive 16501 Meadowview Ct. We won’t571 leave-258 you-3402 powerless. 571-258-3232571-258 -3402 703 571-258-771-3232- 5334703Video -771 online-5334 at: www.loudoun.gov/adultday 571-258-3402 571-258-3232Administered by Loudoun County703 Area-771 Agency -on5334 Aging, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Video online at: www.loudoun.gov/adultday Administered by Loudoun CountyVideo Area Agency online on Aging, at: Loudounwww.loudoun.gov/adultday County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Administered by LoudounVideo County Area online Agency on at: Aging, www.loudoun.gov/adultday Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Video online at: www.loudoun.gov/adultdayAdministered by Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Administered by Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services 28 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com DECEMBER 2018

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FOR RENT MISC Did you ever wonder if someone might The Blue Ridge Leader is pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s and HUD’s Equal Opportu- be interested in your life’s story? nity Housing Policies. Virginia’s Fair Housing Law makes it illegal to advertise any preference, lim- Did you ever wonder if someone might be ExcEptional REntals That your family,interested friends, even in your people life’s you story? did not know might itation or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status and • 3 Bedroom 2 Bath House ~ Move In Ready! That nd somethingyour family, in friends, various even stages people of your you didlife notthat know they couldmight handicap. This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the relate to and bene t from in their own life experience? Also Separately find something in various stages of your life that they could Fair Housing Law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in the paper are relate to and benefit from in their own life experience? • 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Apartment Very Clean! available on an equal housing opportunity basis. For more information about Virginia’s Both Located in The Piedmont Hunt Fair Housing Law, or to file a Fair Housing complaint, call the Virginia Fair Housing Of- GREAT AFFORDABLE RENT IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING NextLifeMemoirs fice at 804.376.8530; toll-free 888.551.3247; for the hearing impaired: 804.527.4290; All on a beautiful, gated, safe, quiet Middleburg farm with Blue Ridge views www.NextLifeMemoirs.life email – fair [email protected]; web: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org. Call (301) 514-8114

PLANNING COMMISSION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 “We recommend that any conversion of RPA lands be the Suburban Policy Area. COLT identified a 54-acre of the Plan. We understand that this version of the removed from the Plan,” Fraser said. site, which is currently low-density flex service and draft Plan is based upon the recommendations from Failing to address the rural economy point all industrial in a prime location near shopping, schools the Stakeholders Committee, and not necessarily together was Eric Johnson, representing the Loudoun and transportation corridors. COLT felt the site supported by County staff, but we are specifically County Chamber of Commerce. The “limited supply could yield residential units, along with affordable concerned with the conversion of the three identified of land remaining in the Suburban Policy Area,” and units and office or Rural Policy Areas to Transition Policy Areas.” the “lack of diverse and affordable inventory of rental commercial space Speaking directly to the draft Plan’s suggestion and owner-occupied housing” were forcing Loudoun’s along with open that nearly 1,000 acres of rural land now be part of graduates to leave the County, sending “the tax dollars space. the TPA, which, itself, would also be developed at we invested in their education” elsewhere. To the Said Vance, “As far greater densities, Fraser said, “The current draft Chamber, the march of growth from east to west needs this revised plan states that the Transition Policy Area includes 937 to be accelerated. works its way acres of land designated Rural Policy Area in previous forward, now is the plans. The Plan does not provide any rationale time for bold and behind the shift of Rural Policy Area to TPA, giving creative thinking ... the appearance that many of the concerns voiced to ensure the TPA in the three rounds of community engagement, as and RPA remain well as much of the on-line feedback received to this as the citizens and point, have not been addressed ... “ Fraser then said the seven towns of he wanted the County to provide a rational for this Lovettsville Mayor Nate Fontaine the County have dramatic policy change. requested – open “While the Stakeholders may have felt that and protected to encourage the economic engine of the identified areas more naturally favor TPA western Loudoun.” characteristics,” Fraser said, “any further advancement Lovettsville Mayor Nate Fontaine noted that of TPA into the RPA makes it difficult to ‘hold the 69,000 residents make their lives in western Loudoun line’ on westward encroachment, and results in loss County. “Western Loudoun is a unique place,” he of our valuable rural areas that define the character Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance said, representing “communities that are quickly of Loudoun County ... “ Here, Fraser made note of the disappearing across the Commonwealth and the True North Data Center, approved for a site adjacent Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance said that although the nation.” Western Loudoun is “The tourism engine” of to Goose Creek, one of the most distinct features commissioners “asserted that the unspoiled land in the County, he said. He noted that it generates $1.8 of Loudoun County as an historic and rural place the TPA constituted the only real alternative for filling billion in annual revenue, 18,000 jobs, and nearly connected to hundreds of millions of dollars in rural the anticipated housing needs,” COLT submitted a $700 million in wages. This is “the definition of business income. detailed example of a potential area redevelopment in successful land use planning.”

REDSKIN JOSH NORMAN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 was so intimidated at the first rehearsal performance.” serves nearly 60 dancers ranging in age as second runner up, bested, not by an for the Arabian Prince. Just like on the Startsman was equally nervous about from nine to 19-years-old. The company actor with a talent for dance, but an field, the timing and precision of every Norman’s first rehearsal because she will present fiveNutcracker performances Olympic bronze medal figure skater. step in the dance is critical. But I studied had never before had to so quickly teach over three days: Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 Whether launching his body across the film,” Norman laughed, “and by the a non-dancer to perform a classical p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, a football field to effect a tackle, second rehearsal, I was in the game! Lisa ballet partnering role. Norman has Dec.16 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Norman will or mastering the steps in the Paso Startsman, the LBPAC Artistic Director, far exceeded all of her expectations. be the special guest artist in the Friday Doble, Norman understands the artful is the perfect coach. As she breaks down Startsman said, “Josh really is a joy to evening performance. precision behind both. the steps and teaches the technique, I work with – so focused, strong, and has Tickets for The Nutcracker, including Norman has been practicing for his fully understand why football players a great intuition for partnering. I could Norman’s performance, may be role in The Nutcracker with both great are encouraged to study classical ballet actually go on and on! Josh is a true purchased at www.lbpac.org/, or by enthusiasm and great modesty. to improve their game.” Norman added gentleman as a partner.” emailing [email protected]. When asked how The Nutcracker with a smile, “My Mom and brothers LBPAC is northern Virginia’s largest Ticket prices are $65 for adults, and $45 rehearsals were going, Norman said, “I are coming up to see The Nutcracker pre-professional ballet company. It for children 12-years-old and under.

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