RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Blue Ridge ECRWSS LEADE R & Loudoun Today December 2012 An Elected Assessor? Delgaudio Investigation – BOS Poised To Give New Powers To The Commissioner of Revenue – Handed Off To Special Prosecutor – By Mary M. Bathory Vidaver between Loudoun County and the commis - During a hastily called town hall meeting didn’t happen,” York told the crowd of about sioner of revenue, they would lose protection on Nov. 20, Board of Supervisors Chairman sixty people who had assembled to ask him Should political appointees have any job from county grievance policies. According to Scott York took personal responsibility for questions about the topic of their choice. protections? The Loudoun County Board of former and current employees of the county, withholding the package of documents he The majority of speakers expressed concern Supervisors (BOS) will vote on two such such a change might leave assessors without items at its Dec. 5 business meeting: An had received from former Eugene Delgaudio about York’s leadership in his handling of protection from political pressure to reduce staff aide Donna Mateer in March. Describ - the Delgaudio affair. Allegations about the amendment to the county’s ordinances property assessments. This could subject replacing a non-elected, professionally certi - ing himself as “a rehabilitated carpenter” supervisor came to light in a Washington them to similar pressures faced by board who had entered politics, York said that he Post article published in late Sept. fied real estate appraiser known as the coun - aides, the subject of an on-going investiga - ty assessor with the elected commissioner of “owed the citizens an apology” for failing to In response to sometimes heated ques - tion. turn over the package to Arlington County tioning, York disclosed that he initially did - revenue and a revision of employment poli - Board Chairman Scott York (R-At-Large) Commonweath’s Attorney Theo Stamos, n’t see anything of importance when he cies for board aides. Based on public com - touched on this issue at the public hearing, ments and off-the-record conversations, the commenting that a question had “come for - who is now heading an investigation into reviewed the documents, but upon later board appears poised to send the public a ward with respect to the employment status Mateer’s allegations of improper fundraising review he noticed “something I just didn’t very contradictory answer to this question. of these individuals ... transferring from the for Delgaudio’s political campaigns. Still, see before,” an item that led him to turn over A story published by The Blue Ridge current assessor’s office [to] the commis - York maintained that Stamos bears responsi - the documents to county attorney Jack Leader last month pointed out that a propos - sioner’s office and that they are up for renew - bility as well. Roberts. While declining to elaborate fur - al to shift the real property assessment func - al every four years. It is my understanding “My simple mind simply thought that ther, York said that the document that caught tion to the commissioner of revenue’s office that we would have about 35 employees somebody making probably ... over a hun - his attention had to do with campaign would transform the assessors from county affected in that but currently the county has dred thousand dollar salary would have got - finance misconduct. employees into at-will political appointees. ten the complaint and picked up the phone Another account of how the documents Under a Memorandum of Understanding Continued on page 19 and called Donna ... But that simply, clearly Continued on page 19 Woodgrove High School Shines On It’s Academic and junior Julia Heiser. This was Woodgrove's second consecutive appearance on It's Academic, having won their first round competition during the 51st Wild & Wonderful Wood Ducks Photo courtesy of Ducks Unlimited season. Merry Christmas! Woodgrove bested the other . teams (Stonewall Jackson High Happy Holidays! Wild Loudoun, page 8 School from Manassas and the School Without Walls from Wash - ington, DC), winning by a 200 Purcellville December First Friday point margin. Woodgrove will tape the next round playoff game To Bring Special Holiday Offers Left to right: Hillary Howard, It's Academic host, Woodgrove team in spring 2013. Twinkling lights, trolley rides through the gems this town has to offer. The real members Carolyn Saunders, Christopher Miller, and Julia Heiser. Christopher Miller is a second gen - town, and hardworking merchants promise shine is in the hard-working Old Town mer - to make Dec. 7 another busy First Friday in chants.” Woodgrove High School recently eration It's Academic team member. His mother, Gwen Poore Miller, was on Purcellville. “Merchants want to showcase Participating businesses will feature hors appeared on It's Academic, the Washington, their business by staying open late one night d’ouerves, wine, art or music, and some will Loudoun Valley High School's first It's Aca - DC high school quiz program now in its a month. Busy families need somewhere offer more than one treat. The fun begins at 52nd season. The program aired on NBC on demic team in the 1970s. Woodgrove's Aca - local and free to enjoy family time,” said 6 p.m and continues until 9 p.m. Merchant Dec. 1. Woodgrove's team members are sen - demic Team is coached by teachers Louise Above Ground Winery owner, Mary Beth discounts and offers will be posted on the iors Christopher Miller, Carolyn Saunders, Spicer, Robert Kane, and John Lanham. Barbagallo. “We’re hoping that these last First Friday Facebook page. few months have made residents aware of page 2 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012
and what he repre - Ask Dr. Mike sents, can also be good for young chil - Dr. Mike, my husband feels that we should not lie to our dren. By discussing 3-year-old child about Santa Claus. He is concerned that your husband’s child - our child will resent us for it later and that it will compro - hood experience and mise her trust in us as parents. He says he “wants to pre - thoughts on the topic, pare her for life” as soon as possible. I, however, can’t as well as your own, I stand the idea of raising our child in a Santa free environ - am hopeful that the ment. He and I grew up with childhoods that included two of you can come Santa at Christmas, so his over the top pragmatism just to some sort of com - doesn’t make any sense to me. I also have such fond promise or resolution memories of Christmas and want the same for our chil - that is right for you and your family. dren. Thoughts? Dr. Mike, my entire family from out of state will be joining – S in Loudoun County us for Christmas this year, which I am mostly happy about. My sister is super liberal as a parent though. For S, I do not think your husband is seeing the forest for the example, she let’s her 19 year old daughter drink a glass trees, as the old saying goes. I suppose Santa is “a lie,” and of wine at festivities, and she let’s her daughter’s boyfriend for that matter, so is the Easter Bunny, fairies, and the Tooth spend the night at their house. I just learned from my sis - Fairy, if you choose to think in such a literal way. But ter that her daughter’s boyfriend will be staying with us Santa, and these other characters and what they represent, for the holidays as well and let’s just say that I am not are fantasies that actually help children develop creativity, pleased. I have two pre-teen boys in the house and DO language and cognitive skills. Children learn in part NOT want them exposed to their cousin drinking or to her through imagination, pretend and fantasies via characters possibly having sexual relations in our home. I want to and stories – that’s why Aesop’s Fables are timeless and say no to the boyfriend altogether but know that it will cre - Pixar and Disney are so popular with children. There is a ate drama in my larger family if I do. I also don’t want my message in Santa for our children – the Christmas Spirit, niece to despise me for years for ruining her holidays in good will, being rewarded for good behavior, etc. Santa’s college. Any ideas? – Y in Loudoun County origins as St. Nicholas and Father Christmas harken even more meaningful messages of charity and care to those in Y, I do not see why your situation needs to be dramatic or need. I would start by talking to your husband about his why it has to have an all-or-nothing outcome. I would reach Christmas experiences as a child. Perhaps this will help you out to your sister to tell her of your concerns, all of which begin to understand why is it so important for your him to seem reasonable to me -- you do not want your under age exercise logic and reason over emotion “to prepare [his niece drinking alcohol or sharing a room with her boyfriend daughter] for life” at age 3? I would also ask your husband in your home. Fair enough. Instead of taking the moral to think about the message and tradition of Santa in your high ground though, why not mention your very real con - families and the goodness in that message and tradition for cerns regarding your pre-teen boys. To avoid running the his own children. I would also validate your husband’s risk of upsetting your sister, it might be better to get her to position that lying to kids is not good practice but that Santa, Continued on page 22
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On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 3 Developer Advertising Significant Changes to Historic Downtown The project would replace current retail space, small businesses, parts of Purcel - lville's original agricultural and industrial-related struc - tures and other properties. The project would also cre - ate a new cut through from 21st Street to a commer - cial/residential portion of Hatcher Street. Purcellville's historic downtown has undergone significant changes in recent years. But, the scope of this project appears to be much larger. The Vienna Virginia According to the plan on based Renaud Consult - Renaud's website, as pro - ing Company – posed Vineyard Square described as " a full would include a new (pre - service real estate com - sumably) multi-level park - pany" – is promoting ing structure, one 71,000+ on its website a signifi - square foot 5 story build - cant, to-be-built com - ing, one 37,000 square foot mercial rental property 5 story building, one known as "Vineyard 11,000+ square foot 5 story Square." building (retail), a forth Vineyard Square is footprint for a 3,400+ envisioned as a 100,000 square foot operation and at square foot retail/hotel development north of least 4 other parking areas. the intersection of Main and 21st Streets The Vineyard Square property/land is within Purcellville's historic downtown. owned by developers John Chapman and Continued on page 18
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 4 EDITORIAL Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 Unreasonable Fiscal Guidance View From the Ridge
– By Karen Jimmerson chain auto parts store opening in the Purcel - – By Jim Burton “Supervisors claimed that the school lville Shopping Center may cause the closure Since people are free to move, we can In October, the Board of Supervisors system is rife with inefficiencies and a of the two small auto parts stores in town. assume that they have sorted themselves into issued fiscal guidance to the School Board bloated administration that can absorb Purcellville has three grocery stores and the areas that meet their preferences. Politicians to prepare its FY 14 budget at a level that significant reductions without harming closure of the Food Lion in Leesburg is an make determinations about the appetite for would be lower than the current FY 13 the actual education of the county's example of what happens when an over- growth on the basis of what they hear from budget, despite the fact that over 2,500 new children. Yet, not one Supervisor stored environment is created. We have four their constituents. If we clamor for job and students will enter the system, two new offered a definition of "efficiency" such pharmacies now; I guess the senior living population growth in order to improve eco - elementary schools will open, and contribu - that an objective evaluation of that complex may not be rumor after all. With nomic opportunities and amenities, then go tions to the Virginia Retirement System claim can be accomplished. In my opin - the addition of the Clarke County Bank we for it. If we ask for this growth without signif - must increase significantly to repay tempo - ion, the Supervisors are wrong.” are clearly over-banked, unless we increase icant increase in population, or if we believe rary reductions taken by Governor our population. even though 8,700 new students entered that the quality of life is about as high as it can McDonnell during the economic crisis of Job growth and increasing population is the system causing the average expenditure possibly be, then better to listen. 2009. The guidance was issued without any not required to sustain a local economy. per student to decrease from $12,780 in FY Purcellville Town Council has been spend - discussions with the School Board or Douglass North, who won a Nobel Prize in 09 to $10,833 in FY 11 and $11,014 in FY ing on street walk improvements, an expen - School Administration with regard to con - economics, wrote, "A society is better off 12. sive water/sewer system upgrade, a new town sequences. Supervisors claimed that the only if it produces more output per person.” The local economy has rebounded with hall, and now a second roundabout. I believe school system is rife with inefficiencies and In other words, increasing people and busi - the unemployment rate dropping below 4 the quest to bring in more residents is to off - a bloated administration that can absorb nesses without increasing income simply puts percent, which most economists consider set this debt and fulfill a promise made to busi - significant reductions without harming the more stress on public services without full employment; home values are rising nesses who have recently moved into town or actual education of the county's children. increasing actual wealth. Job growth does again; foreclosures have dramatically wish to. Though it is a private developer who Yet, not one Supervisor offered a definition not cause income growth, especially chain decreased; the number of new residential wants to build the proposed Catoctin Creek of "efficiency" such that an objective evalua - stores with low-wages, and given the costs building permits has more than doubled Apartments off Hirst Road, because it will be tion of that claim can be accomplished. In associated with increasing a population, the over the past two years; and once again, done with HUD financing, taxpayers foot the my opinion, the Supervisors are wrong. Loudoun has been identified as the richest town should minimize growth to sustainable bill with our local, state, and federal dollars to levels as they attempt to increase incomes “There is no formula for determining an county in the nation with an average house - provide that financing. But the cost goes much hold income of $119,600. Under these cir - and wealth. appropriate annual school budget. further. cumstances, and considering the fiscal con - For our local retailers, the increase in pop - Supervisors must consider a wide range Mayor Lazaro said in the Loudoun Times straints imposed upon the school system by ulation may mean a short-term increase in of factors – student enrollment, student Mirror in April 2011 that the new Purcellville business, but this increase in population will the previous board, it is difficult to justify Gateway would allow “for the town’s tax rate to teacher ratios, trends in expenditures make us more attractive to big-box retailers, the draconian fiscal guidance issued by the to be equalized or cut for its residents.” Any per pupil, average homeowner's tax bill, current board. which if allowed to move in will kill small politician who makes that claim is selling ones. Ninety-percent of our businesses are Federal and State mandates, etc. In the There is no formula for determining an snake oil because taxes won’t be lowered end, it is a judgment call.” appropriate annual school budget. Supervi - small, locally run, and this means more money because the town gets used to increased stays local. If we allow a major shift to occur, sors must consider a wide range of factors spending. He also stated that the council’s The previous Board of Supervisors we will have only national chains with low- – student enrollment, student to teacher goal was to keep “folks who live in Purcel - worked very closely with the School Board wage jobs that create little wealth for our ratios, trends in expenditures per pupil, lville in town to spend their dollars there.” to usher the county through the worst town. average homeowner's tax bill, Federal and The dilemma becomes a question of how recession in decades during which the Plans for the future should embrace the State mandates, etc. In the end, it is a judg - much is enough development for them to county lost 14 percent of its tax base, home residents of today and not disregard them. ment call. In my opinion, taking everything keep us all shopping here? values collapsed, foreclosures reached 240 Opposing the proposed apartment complex into consideration including the context of Municipalities believe that increasing com - per month, unemployment grew, and the is fundamentally about preserving the small the past few years, I believe the Board's mercial and retail development will increase county's financial situation became tenuous. town character of Purcellville, which may guidance, made without consulting either revenue, but this is misguided and will only The School Board willingly tightened its also save “The Last Hardware Store.” the school administration or the School lead to more businesses closing. A national belt, giving up all pay raises for three years, Board, is excessively harsh and will cause and agreed to budgets that were lowered unnecessary harm to the school system. below the level of FY 09 over that period We Welcome Your Letters to the Editor! Submissions may be sent to edi - address and telephone number. We Since 1984 [email protected], or via mail to reserve the right to edit submissions PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134- as necessary. Deadline for print edi - Blue Ridge 0325. tion is the third week of each month, Please include your name, or, online any time. LEADER & Loudoun Today Letters to the Editor Publisher & editor Creative Director Advertising Against Moving Assessor’s Function to restructured under strong, independent, Valerie Cury Joyner Andrea E. Gaines Judy D. Harbin Carol Morris Dukes the Commissioner of Revenue leadership. During the Government Reform Commission interview, the COR Dear Editor: couldn’t recall his office budget. He said, “I Here’s How to Reach Us! The Loudoun County Board of Supervi - knew you were going to ask that ques - sors should vote against moving the assessor To Advertise: email us at [email protected] or call (540) 338-6200. tion,” and deferred to staff. Does the cur - function to the commissioner of revenue Judy D. Harbin, (703) 727-1321, [email protected] rent COR have the qualifications, manage - office. Eight points to consider: Andrea Gaines, (703) 209-9992, [email protected] ment expertise, licenses, or certifications 1. The prior county assessor was selected Carol Morris Dukes, (703) 727-5576, [email protected] to function as the county assessor? Valerie Cury, (703) 943-8806, [email protected] via a nationwide executive search. He was 2. The perception problem identified in the Editor (letters to the editor & press releases): [email protected] highly qualified and effective. During his Hot News Tips: [email protected] seven years of service, he brought assess - GRC recommendation is a red herring. Webmaster: [email protected] ments and related programs into compli - Citizens don’t care if the assessment is X Mailing Address: PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 ance with the state and local mandates. and the tax rate is Y. They care about Copyright 2012 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today. All rights reserved. The office was professionally managed and Continued on page 5 On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 EDITORIAL Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 5 Committees at a Glance A Ponzi Scheme of Suburban Growth
in November [a residential neighborhood that – by Andrea Gaines If we continue to grow to the point Committees at a Glance overlooks this area], attorney and developer where development sprawls up to the informs our readers about the inner Mark Nelis, representing the developer of the Small towns and cities in American have mountain ridge, beside every stream, and suffered from a Ponzi scheme of suburban workings of local government and proposed Catoctin Creek Apartments, held up onto every farm, then we loose that an ariel image of an auto body shop, the impli - growth. Most small towns are bankrupted or how actions and decisions impact our which is our greatest asset. There will be cation being that if the apartments were not heavily indebted because the growth did not alleviate fiscal gaps. The local government no rolling countryside, no eco-tourism, no everyday lives. Here we discuss approved Dominion Valley residents might have benefits from the increased revenues associ - wineries, no visit to horse country, and recent meetings of the Purcellville a more industrial use as their neighbor. In fact, ated with new growth, but it also assumes the CM –1 district has many uses, including the certainly, no scenic drive through ‘Every - Board of Architectural Review. the long-term liability for maintaining the body’s Home Town, Purcellville.’ ” below photo of an office building, which is quite new infrastructure. This exchange — a near- compatible with the current neighboring build - Purcellville Board of Architectural term cash advantage for a long-term financial of Purcellville provide constant exemptions ings.) Review – November 20, 2012 obligation — is one element of the Ponzi for zoning and ordinances results in residents BAR members in attendance: Walter scheme. not trusting our government representatives I Topic: Discussion on proposed Catoctin Voskian, Patrick Giglio, Daniel Piper. (Mr. The cycle demands ever-increasing growth and developers and councils distrusting the Creek Apartments Giglio abstained from any comments until rates to maintain bloated and inefficient residents who fight their projects. Everyone The Purcellville Board of Architectural further review. ) infrastructure systems, a pattern that seem - ends up on the loosing end. Review (BAR) recommended delaying Concerns raised by BAR members: ingly seems to never stop. Town centered growth can only be effec - action on the proposed project known as I Visual repetition of buildings and recom - The other part of the scheme is the real - tive if the community is clearly defined and the Catoctin Creek Apartments until the mendations for a more linear layout; ization that the revenue collected does not the plans for the future transparent. The area surrounding Purcellville is rich in agriculture property is rezoned to a zoning district that I View from Route 7 bypass – some build - come close to covering the costs of main - and natural resources and its integration into allows apartments, and the applicant resub - ings will sit up quite high so the complex taining the infrastructure. In America, we have a ticking time bomb of unfunded liabili - the town needs to be done carefully and not mits to the BAR for approval. (Note: The will be seen easily from Route 7; ty for infrastructure maintenance. The Amer - treated as transitional reserve for continued property is located near the corner of Hatcher I Scale of the complex is quite large for ican Society of Civil Engineers estimates the growth. If we continue to grow to the point and Hirst, near Taco Bell and the medical Purcellville; cost at $5 trillion, but that's just for major where development sprawls up to the moun - I offices. Up until late October 2012, the proper - The haphazard layout of the buildings; infrastructure, not the minor streets, curbs, tain ridge, beside every stream, and onto ty was reported as zoned Transition X. The the developer states that the topogra - walkways, and pipes that serve our homes. every farm, then we loose that which is our property is now identified as zoned CM –1. The phy of the land dictates the layout – Transportation improvements are primari - greatest asset. There will be no rolling coun - photo below shows the kind of development BAR recommends they not fight the ly made to increase safety and reduce con - tryside, no eco-tourism, no wineries, no visit that is typically found in this zoning district. At sight and not perform major cut/fill; gestion. After generations of trying to build to horse country, and certainly, no scenic the Old Dominion Valley HOA annual meeting Continued on page 20 our way out of congestion, we have discov - drive through “Everybody’s Home Town,” ered that constant growth has negated any Purcellville. attempted gains. To add to the problem, fed - Community values, culture, and identity eral transportation policies reward states need to be accounted for in the town’s vision with funds for building additional roads, and we need to maximize environmental regardless of their efficiency. Political med - assets and economic assets to emphasize a dling further distorts transportation spend - sense of place. With several vineyards just ing by prioritizing improvements based on outside of town and the destination restau - political clout, not return on investment or rant Magnolias, and soon The Wine Kitchen, actually need, hence the reason why we got we solidify our town as inviting to tourists the Southern Collector Road and not the and residents alike. Route 7 interchange at 690. The dilemma is that the current pattern of Growth and change is always difficult and never ending development in Loudoun if it is chaotic and unpredictable then no one County does not create real wealth. It has wins. Zoning codes and plans need to be only created the illusion of wealth. How do rewritten to reflect the community and pro - we best manage our future without stripping vide true predictability for residents. The away what sets us apart from every town and way in which Loudoun County and the Town city along Route 7? Letters to the Editor, continued from page 4
total tax. A perception of political crony - best to downplay the idea that this conflict magnitude should be professionally man - provided by the state and how will the ism is the problem. The assessor is is a cause of concern. aged. The largest locality with an assess - consolidated operation be more efficient? responsible for valuing over $60 billion in 4. The assessor’s office staff will be reorgan - ment process under a COR is Stafford Will the COR be eliminating positions? real estate, the basis of the county's largest ized under the COR and will lose its abili - County, which has an assessment roll of What is the COR's plan regarding restruc - local revenue source. The current COR is ty to file grievances. If an employee is approximately $13 billion. Loudoun's turing and reorganization? the finance chair of the GOP 10th Con - directed to modify an assessment by a portfolio exceeds $60 billion. Every major 8. The voters didn’t vote for a COR serving gressional District Committee. The per - superior and refuses, he or she may be locality in Virgina has the real property in the reorganized capacity recommended ception that political “friends” will receive fired by the COR with no recourse. assessment function under an independent by the GRC. The fact that the GRC rec - favorable assessments and ordinary citi - Under the recommended reorganization, office and assessor, not a COR. Why is ommendation failed to identify any of the zens will bear an unfair share of the tax staff must sign an affidavit and waive their Loudoun suddenly inclined to make a above points discredits their recommen - burden is insurmountable. The assessor current employment rights or their posi - regressive, politically motivated organiza - dation. The BOS should reject it. MUST be objective, independent, impartial tion with the county will be eliminated tional change that undermines the revenue – Jonathan Weintraub, Lovettsville and insulated from political influence. under a "reduction in force." and taxation process, immediately follow - ing the controversial termination of the Opposes Catoctin Creek Apartments 3. As finance chair of the GOP 10th Con - 5. The county is in the midst of a criminal former assessor? gressional District, the COR serves under investigation involving supervisor aides Dear Editor: John Whitbeck, a member of the GRC. Mr. who allegedly have no grievance or 7. The GRC stated that the consolidation of I am writing this letter to express opposi - Whitbeck is the political boss in a patron - whistleblower protections. The BOS the COR and assessor functions would tion to the proposed Catoctin Creek Apart - age system that powers the re-election of knows that this is an organizational defect. increase efficiency and provide additional ment complex, which would be located near the COR. In spite of this conflict of inter - Do they want to repeat it? revenue from the state for the services the corner of Hirst Road and Maple Avenue est, Mr. Whitbeck did not recuse himself provided by the COR. No support was in Purcellville, VA. To put it simply, an apart - 6. Loudoun County's real estate roll is the from GRC assessment reorganization provided by the GRC for either statement. ment complex at this location is not in the second largest in the state. An asset of this hearings or votes, and the COR tried his What is the amount of funding that will be Continued on page 20 On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 6 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today December 2012 Welcome Winter!
FAQs About Propane – By Dale Schulz from operating on natural gas Question: Where does to propane. propane come from? Question: How is the price of Answer: Propane is a by- propane determined? product of drilling for oil and Answer: Propane is a com - natural gas. Propane, along modity. Its priced fluctuates with methane, butane, and on a daily and seasonal basis. others are separated at the Propane is generally cheapest well head and furthered in the warm weather months processed at a refinery. Virtu - when the demand is the ally all propane currently weakest. It just takes a 5- used in North America is pro - minute call to see what your duced in North America. The price is. We often suggest to day is rapidly approaching Hunt Country Propane mem - where the U.S. will be a net bers they Pre-Buy their exporter of natural gas and propane needs for a season propane. and lock-in the lowest price. Question: Why do I have Question: Why do most propane and not natural gas? back-up residential back-up Answer: Although propane generators use propane? and natural gas are very simi - Answer: Back-up generators lar, propane when placed go months, and even years, under slight pressure in a con - with only minimal use. Other tainer returns to its liquid fuels, such as gasoline and form and can easily be trans - diesel, tend to degrade over ported by rail or truck. Natu - time sitting in a tank. ral gas is best transported via Propane can go years with no pipelines. If there is not change in its character. You enough density of homes or need the generator to operate businesses in an area, the best when you lose power – every alternative to natural gas is time. propane. Many gas appli - Question: When I purchased ances can easily be converted Continued on page 25 On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 7 Gov. McDonnell Praises Virginia Farm Bureau For Successful Property Rights Campaign Gov. Robert McDonnell has praised the and private condemning authorities to ensure Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s successful that any eminent domain takings are for pub - efforts to pass the Virginia state constitution lic purposes rather than private gain. It also amendment known as “Question 1.” requires that property owners be paid fair The Question 1 campaign was launched in market value for their land, limits takings to opposition to a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court land necessary for public purposes, and decision in Kelo v. New London, which requires compensation to landowners for lost upheld the decision by a Connecticut town to business and access. use “economic development” as a justifica - "We finally got it on the ballot for the vot - tion for transferring land from one private ers, and I'd say a 3-to-1 majority is a terrific owner to another. In that case, the Supreme effort. And I commend you for that," said Court ruled that the general benefits a com - McDonnell. munity enjoyed from economic growth was a McDonnell also praised Farm Bureau for permissible “public use” – the standard entering a partnership to present the State Fair applied under the takings clause of the 5th of Virginia after the previous owners declared Amendment to the United States Constitu - bankruptcy. "You did in eight weeks what no tion. Dozens of other states have also repu - one else thought was possible and put on a diated the Supreme Court decision by pursu - State Fair. It was really a terrific effort on ing similar pro-property rights campaigns. your part,” he said. "I t's cider month, so it's only appropriate to McDonnell also commended the organiza - make a toast to great cider makers in Virginia tion for helping sponsor the annual Gover - and to you for putting your heart and soul into nor's Conference on Agricultural Trade, enshrining private property rights in the [state] which attracts trade officials from around the constitution," McDonnell told participants at a world. November VFBF gathering. "I want to salute Virginia's agricultural and forestry exports you for the significant work you've do ne on totaled $2.35 billion last year, and the Gover - passage of the amendment ... ” nor plans to continue promoting Virginia Seventy five percent of Virginia voters products globally. supported Question 1 on last month’s With nearly 150,000 members in 88 coun - statewide ballot. ty Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia's largest The amendment requires all government farmers' advocacy group.
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 8 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selects Top Ranked Players Jonathan Allen and Ryan Burns of Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn, have been selected to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All- American Bowl, joining an elite group of All-Americans, and William Ghrist of Briar Woods High School, Ashburn, has been selected to be a member of the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Ghrist will join an elite group of musicians who will perform during halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. William Ghrist, a mellophone player from Briar Woods High Those selected will play in the School in Ashburn, poses for a photo with Staff Sergeant Spencer game on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at Emert, Staff Sergeant Demario Ingram and Mr. Stephen Wolkoff the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. after being officially named to the 2013 U.S. Army All-American The annual East vs. West match-up Bowl Marching Band. will be televised live on NBC at 1:00 p.m. EST and will feature the nation’s top 90 honor. We are proud to welcome all of the U.S. high school football players. Army All-American Bowl players and com - “Jonathan and Ryan are talented athletes mend each of them on their selection.” whose leadership and teamwork qualities have The U.S. Army All-American Marching made them standouts at Stone Bridge High Band recognizes the top 125 high school sen - School,” said John Myers, Director of Market - ior marching musicians and color guard mem - ing, Army Marketing and Research Group. bers from across the country, showcasing their “Only the strongest wear the Army colors, and talents during the largest celebration of high Jonathan and Ryan possess mental, emotional school football in America, the U.S. Army All- and physical strengths similar to the Army American Bowl. Strong Soldier, that have afforded them that “The U.S. Army has a distinguished musi - Continued on page 23 Wild Loudoun Wild & Wonderful Wood Ducks – By Andrea Gaines below, got the signal and just jumped – it’s pudgy body and tiny unformed wings provid - There’s a wide rambling creek and large ing some kind of lift or direction. It then land - wetland area near my house, about 3 1/2 miles ed with a hefty bounce ... no much the worse south of the town of Purcellville. The creek is for wear. All of a sudden there was another called Crooked Run, the same small waterway that runs through some of the last remaining farmland in the town, Crooked Run Orchard. It is part of the larger Goose Creek system of Loudoun County waterways and connects to both the Potomac Watershed and the Chesa - peake Bay. One late spring morning I was walk - ing along a dirt road there, and glancing towards the trees edging the wetland, I saw a large bird emerge out of a hole in a dead tree and float in a half-graceful- half-plunge to the shallow water below. The bird hit the water and joined what looked to be a mate, disappearing into some marsh grass. Front cover, male and female wood duck pair; Above: male The bird leaving the tree was mostly a wood duck. Photos courtesy of Ducks Unlimited. pretty soft brown, but with a subtle flash of blue on its wing. The bird it joined down baby launching itself, and another and anoth - below had bright spots of color play all over er – eight in all. Like clockwork they got to its head, back and sides, punctuated by flash - their feet and formed a line to es of white. their mother, who was waiting just feet I had heard about the colorful species away in the underbrush. Seconds from that known as the wood duck, but had never seen moment – after a furious, waddling dash to one. some water – mom and babies where pur - In doing research for this article I decided posefully but slowly gliding along the edge of it probably was a wood duck pair I’d seen on a wetland towards a safe hiding place. What that spring morning. a transition: Nest in a tree, 60 feet up, to for - Then, a few weeks ago I happened upon a est floor to safer aquatic habitat in about 30 television nature program profiling ducks, seconds. Amazing. with a focus on the wood duck. The opening I was fascinated by the scene of the babies scene (incredible film photography) showed a jumping from the tree and thought of that baby wood duck emerging from its tree cavi - scene in the spring several years before. ty nest about 60 feet from the ground. It Maybe I had happened upon the same looked down at its mother on the forest floor Continued on page 26 On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 9 The Perfect Place To Study The Future
– By Hannah James “In this economy especially, “What do you many students are also concerned about want to be when tuition and boarding costs. There are schol - you grow up?” is arships a plenty, but hundreds of students one of the most apply for each one, making it hard to count commonly asked on outside money.” questions of youth. A firefight - interested in schools located near a city, as er, a policeman, a opposed to a suburban or country environ - teacher, a doctor ment. When asked her preference, junior are some of the Tessa Haas replied that she was looking at a frequent answers. college in an urban setting, “because of my As the children museum major. It usually requires an intern - grow up, the once ship.” Other students prefer a rural area. “It’s normal question more quaint,” said senior Victoria Lamb. becomes infrequent, that is, until perhaps the “Cities are big and hectic. They aren’t very sophomore year of high school. Then, once peaceful.” again, the question is a center point of many In this economy especially, many students conversations, causing flexible plans to be are also concerned about tuition and boarding drawn. costs. There are scholarships a plenty, but By this time, many years later, most stu - hundreds of students apply for each one, mak - dents better know who they are and what they ing it hard to count on outside money. Some are interested in. Often what they are interest - students already have scholarship money ed in is what they seek to major in. “I am through various government educational bene - thinking of majoring in astrophysics,” said fits. However, sometimes this money comes sophomore Ellie Grace. “The fact that it with a catch. “If I go out-of-state, I can not get involves so many different branches of science any more help unlike I could if I stay in-state,” makes it seem like something that I would like said junior Michaela Pierre. to do for the rest of my life.” Many students Size of the college is often a pertinent fac - like to make sure their projected majors are tor in deciding where to apply. “I don’t want practical and will be useful when searching for it to be so big that I don’t get the classes I jobs. Junior Maya Loncar is thinking about want,” said senior Peter Sotos. Similarly, jun - double majoring in the music and math fields. ior Hamna Ahmad said, “A small student [to “Math has always been my best and favorite teacher] ratio would be ideal.” Too big and subject (other than music) and most likely students feel as though there is no community, secures a job in the future.” too small and teenagers feel boxed in. When finding colleges to apply to, there are As well as location, tuition, and size, stu - many variables to consider. Some students are Continued on page 23
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 10 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today Shop Local, Shop Purcellville ...
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 11
Orange County Hounds Team Chase Results
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The Orange County Hounds Turned Out: Coria Team 2 of Team: "Joint Ventures" Andrea " !$ #$ $ annual Team Chase event was held Christie Fitzsimmons and Eduardo Gilman on Jamieson, Kathleen %" & on Sunday, Nov. 18 at Old White - Coria – Casanova Hunt. O'Keefe on Dudley, Eduardo Coria wood Farm in The Plains as nearly – Limit Hunters: Best Hunt Team: on Arcadia's Gold-Casanova and old 100 horses and riders took to the "Fox Jumpers" Graham Alcock on Dominion Hunt; Best Turned Out: " heart of Orange County’s territory. Matchstick , Hayley Alcock on Foxy, The Champagne Chasers" M'lesa For the second consecutive year, Nancy Alcock on Millpoint Farbet - Boike on Bennet, Jim Drunagel on Caroline Fout won the Junior Hunter ter, Beverly Alcock on Martigraw – Skip Along Slew, Pann Drunagel on ' " Championship on her late grand - Piedmont Fox Hounds; Ideal Time: Jimmy Slide, Mike Olding on The mother Eve Fout’s elegant thorough - "Robin and Allegra" Allegra Solari Cane Prince; Ideal Time winners: bred hunter, Morning Pleasure. The on Doncaster, Robin Ross on Maver - "Tally Ho Trio" Mark Thompson on Junior Hunter Reserve Champion ick, Enrique Solari on Ruby – War - Eli, Joy Crompton on Seamus, and Giving Books This Holiday? ... Some was Allegra Solari on her lovely bay renton Hunt; Best Turned Out: Tracey Cover. BRL Staff and Reader Favorites Doncaster. Helen Bretell earned the "Making Ends Meet" Ashley Board - – The Genuine Hunter Champi - Genuine Hunter Championship on man on Greystone, Jane B raswell on onship: Champion: Helen Brettell I Sally Hemings: A Novel by Killer by James L. Swanson her picture perfect chestnut mare Turf and Caroline Fout on Morning on Brooke – Middleburg Hunt; Barbara Chase-Riboud (with the new Lincoln Brooke. The Eduardo Coria Team Pleasure- Middleburg Orange County Reserve Champion: Leslie Hazel on movie just being released, I with Kathleen Lyons on Luke and Beagles; Junior Champion: Caroline Bob – Orange County Hounds. Still Alice by Lisa Genova this very timely); (very profound about Eduardo Coria won the Best Hilltop - Fout on Morning Pleasure – Middle - Photos, left to right: Best Hunt Team (left to Alzheimers, Alice is a pro - I Gods in Alabama by Joshi - per Pair. Final results: burg Orange County Beagles and right) Hayley, Nancy and Beverly Alcock fessor at Harvard and this is lyn Jackson; and – Hilltopper Pairs: Best Hunt OCH; Junior Reserve Cham pion: (minus father Graham); Junior Hunter Cham - her journey); Team: Eduardo Coria Team 1 – Allegra Solari on Doncaster – Warren - pion Caroline Fout; Genuine Hunter Champi - I Half Broke Horses by Jean - Kathleen Lyons on Luke and Eduar - ton Hunt. on, Helen Brettell. Photos by Richard Clay – I Manhunt: The 12-Day nette Walls (fantastic do Coria- Casanova Hunt; Best – Genuine Hunters: Best Hunt www.richardclayphotography.com. Chase to Catch Lincoln's book!!)
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 12 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 An Interview With Robert “Bobby” Zoldos II, Mayor of Lovettsville – By Tim Jon Robert J. “Bobby” Zoldos II began Q: Your day job must (for example: water supply, annexation Q: Open space and recreation needs are his first term as mayor of Lovettsville put outstanding issues, other utility considerations)? important considerations – even in a 'small' this past spring; he served four terms demands on your A: Our biggest limiting factor for growth is Town like Lovettsville; what are the plans on town council prior to his current time and energy; that we are mostly built out (or in the plan - for these items – and what else might you position. His day job – firefighter for how do you manage ning stages for most of the open areas). like to see for the community's residents? Fairfax County Fire and Rescue – to squeeze in time for Through wise decisions concerning our utili - A: We have several new areas of town for has placed him on international mis - mayoral service – ties in the past few years, we are in an excel - recreation and enjoyment that we will be sions of mercy to earthquake and given your family lent position to support any growth left in very proud of soon. other disaster areas- as Task Force obligations at home, town as well as a school adjacent to the town. Leader on Virginia Task Force One as well? – First of all, in conjunction with the County Q: We've heard a lot of talk in recent years of Loudoun, we are moving forward with the (commonly known as the Urban A: As a firefighter, I Search and Rescue Squad). Robert about the need for a high school in or Lovettsville Community Park. The land for work a strange 24- around Lovettsville; when should that hap - this park was purchased jointly by the Town Zoldos has had a couple of very good hour rotating shift mentors in public service: his pen – in your opinion? and the County-a first! We have met with that places me at Department of Parks, Recreation & Commu - father – Robert Zoldos Sr. – has home almost 20 days A: Right Now! The sooner the better served as Leesburg Town Councilman (and because we have kids on those buses for far nity Services throughout the planning a month. Being around town during the day process and believe that this 92-acre park on firefighter), and previous Lovettsville Mayor is so important because it allows me to work too long. The bigger worry here is that we Elaine Walker – who served 20 years as have sixth graders riding with twelfth graders our eastern boundary will be one of the high - at the town office during the day (when most lights of our town. Mayor and 10 years on Council. of the regular town business is done) as well and that is just not the situation that we par - ents want for our kids. While there is not – We are very happy with our Town Green Q: Your predecessor – elaine Walker – led as see how the whole town functions during this important time. The Town Council, staff enough land in the town to have it inside, a and Square. They are both, now, well used. the town for many years and certainly left perfect place for the school is just south of “Movies on the Green” and Mayfest occur on her stamp on local government; what's your and I have worked hard to plan events and meetings around our schedules as well as try - town (near the center of the school’s service the green and the square is home to the Tree- vision for Lovettsville's future – and how area). If the school board can locate these Lighting, Veterans Day, and our newest event much of a shift in direction do you see? ing to make our town business more accessi - ble to others as well. To this end, we are hav - new schools adjacent to the town, we are “Beserkle in the Squirkle” to be held on New A. Our vision for Lovettsville is a small- ing quarterly Saturday morning council ready to serve the school sites with utilities Year’s Day! town environment while providing for more meetings so that those residents with long immediately and truly look forward to bring - – Our newest park, the Quarter-Branch Park, of the needs of the town. We feel those needs commutes and evening activities have a ing the next high school and middle school is scheduled to open by next summer. It will take place in four categories: Transportation, chance to participate in our meetings. here. We even have a team name for the include a one-sixth mile soft track with six economic development, education, and par - school – the Lovettsville “Lions” has a nice Q: Do you think that residents in fitness stations. Plans are almost completed ticipation in government. We don’t believe ring to it. for this park and we have engaged with that you will see a shift in direction as much Lovettsville need to worry (any time soon, that is) about dealing with the growing Q: What's the future – and timeline – for George Mason University to assist with the as an increase in speed and engagement in the Town Square – and the rest of that fitness station design. new methods. pains being experienced in – say – Purcel - lville? I guess I'm asking: what are the mixed-use development on the west side? Q: Loudoun County has had (and has!) its limiting factors for growth in your Town A: During my first month as mayor, the share of colorful personalities in its elected Town Manager and I met with the owner of leaders; whom do you look for role models the Town Square retail area to discuss how in public service? we can move this critical development for A: I have been blessed to have gone on res - our town forward. The holdup on their con - cue missions around the world with some struction of the commercial buildings is that truly incredible leaders. I have tried to learn they would like to reduce the scope and as much as I can from their “In Extremis” lessen the materials that they have agreed to leadership, while that has made me who I am provide when the development was today-it doesn’t always translate into the approved. They also asked us to find second- elected world! My elected role models floor tenants for them, a space that is hard for include Mayor Elaine Walker (my predeces - them to lease. We have found a few tenants sor who did so much to make our town for them and hope that will move this project great!), Congressman Frank Wolf (whom I forward. As much as we all want the Town interned for and who is a good guy), Frank Square retail to be open tomorrow, we know Raflo (great bow-ties and he was “Mr. that the residents of the town want us to hold Loudoun”!), Dave Kennedy (a true southern to the agreement so that the center of our gentleman who was brilliant), and my father town will be something that we all be proud (I am the new and improved version ... ). of for years to come. Piper Dan’s Celtic Shop On The Move When Mary Shea Knight, proprietor of Piper a bridal registry for Irish Belleek, Galway Crys - Dan’s Keltic Shoppe Irish & Scottish Imports, tal, M ullingar Pewter and other gifts. found out she was losing her store space on N. The family moved to Virginia in 2005 from 21st Street, she started looking for another Massachusetts where Knight started the busi - space in Old Town Purcellville. ness in 1971. She had three locations at one In the end “everything works out,” she said. time in Massachusetts. She reopened in Fred - Her new space is right around the corner at 109 erick, Md. , but later she and her husband Dan E. Main St. In just three and a half weeks they purchased a home and found a business loca - transformed the space into Piper Dan’s Keltic tion in Purcellville. All of her children are Shoppe’s new home, moving in just hours involved in the business, and all of their names, before Hurricane Sandy hit the area. are tagged on various merchandise throughout The space is more than double the size of the the shop. Most notably, Danny, (Piper Dan) previous location. They offer a large selection who started bagpiping lessons at the age of 10, of Irish and Scottish knitwear, capes, traditional is a professional bagpiper and instructor. His Irish vintage caps, kilts and highland wear. Kilt services are available for hire through Piper rentals are also available, and custom tartan Dan’s Keltic Shoppe for weddings, birthdays, items can be ordered. There are handcrafted funerals, graduations, etc. leather goods and jewelry, Irish linens and foods Piper Dan’s Keltic Shoppe Irish & Scottish including soda bread, scones, teas, coffee, truf - Imports is open Tuesday through Saturday fles, jams, lemon curd, sauces, Christmas Pud - from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 12-4, and closed ding, brandy butter and more. There is a large on Mondays. The shop will be open seven days book and children’s section, Irish and Scottish a week until Christmas, and will offer some music, and bagpiping supplies. The shop offers extended evening hours. On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today page 13 Amy V. Smith’s Money Talks – The Post Election Agenda – – By Amy Smith expire at the end of 2012; • Estate and gift tax provisions will change Today’s post-election significantly (reverting to 2001 rules). For political landscape looks example, the amount that can generally be a lot like the pre-election excluded from estate and gift tax drops political landscape. from $5.12 million in 2012 to $1 million in President Obama will be 2013, and the top tax rate increases form working with a demo - 35% to 55%; cratically controlled • Itemized deductions and dependency Senate, and a Republican-controlled House of exemption will once again be phased out for Representatives for a minimum of two more individuals with high adjusted gross income years. The issues haven’t really changed, (AGIs); either. What has changed, though, is the • The earned income tax credit, the child tax amount of time left to deal with these issues. credit, and the American Opportunity With little time to act, the stakes are high. (Hope) tax credit all revert to old lover lim - Here’s a quick rundown of some fo the big its and less generous rules; and issues that need to be addressed. • Individuals will no longer be able to deduct Expiring tax provisions student loan interest after the first 60 With the “Bush tax cuts” (extended for an months of repayment; additional two years by legislation passed in Additionally, lower alternative minimum 2010) set to sunset at the end of 2012, federal tax (AMT) exemption amounts (the AMT- income tax rates are scheduled to jump up in related provisions actually expired at eh end of 2013. We’ll go from six federal tax brackets 2011) mean that there will be a dramatic (10, 15, 25, 28, 33 and 35 percent) to five (15, increase in the number of individuals subject 28, 31, 36, and 39.6 percent). The maximum to AMT when they file their 2012 federal rate that applies to long-term capital gain tax income tax returns in 2013. rates now apply to qualifying dividends, start - There seems to be a general willingness to ing in 2013, dividends will once again be taxed extend many expiring provisions. The sticking as ordinary income. point, however, has centered on whether lower Other breaks go away in 2013 as well: tax rate and other tax breaks get extended for • The temporary 2% reduction in the Social all or only for individuals earning $200,000or Security portion of the Federal Insurance less (households earning $250,000 or less). Contribution Act (FICA) payroll tax, in Recent posturing has indicated that compro - place for the last two years, is scheduled to Continued on page 29
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Regular Non-Holiday Hours: Tuesday - Sun: 11:30 - 2:30 Lunch; 5:30 - 9:30 Dinner Closed Monday ~ Open Sunday Brunch (a la carte) 107 Loudoun Street, S.W. ~ Leesburg, Virginia 20175 703.777.5142 Minutes away in Historic Leesburg www.EiffelTowerCafe.com On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 14 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012
Just Like Nothing (else) on earth – by Tim Jon Mist, shadow, woods surprise that I encountered mist in abundance stop at on family vacations. So – and water. And deer. at Algonkian: heck, half the county's covered you put all that together into a pack - Algonkian Lots of deer: that's my in a white veil at that time in the morning. age and this place really outstrips list of first impressions OK, that covers that portion, I'll move on to any would-be competition – in that of what was – to me – the shadows: Same deal, I'll admit. And half of the county, that is. one of the hidden gems woods – we've still got – thank God – any See, I'm one of those who, for in the eastern part of number of places filled with stands of mature better or worse, often thinks of East - Loudoun County. trees in Loudoun (if those are ever gone – I'd ern Loudoun as a place filled with You see, I'd never be soon to follow). lots of concrete, industrial parks, actually been inside But water – if you want to be directly roads (sometimes to nowhere in par - Algonkian Regional Park before; I'd driven exposed to large portions of water in this ticular), a confusing number of right past lots of times, and I'd made mental county – you've got to be pretty choosy: neighborhoods, and a general notes to 'go back and really spend some time there's Sleeter Lake out by Round Hill, crowding tendency that – given a there, ‘but, like lots of our best intentions, it'd Beaverdam Reservoir south of Leesburg, choice-makes me head the other long gone by the wayside. “I didn't have Goose Creek, and lots of other smaller little way. Not that I dislike all those traits – I'd other vegetation, I found myself at the shore - time,” would've been my excuse. 'runs' all over the place. I think it's that direct just rather be out in the open – with some line of the Potomac. You believe me,right? connection to the Potomac that really made space to relax, move around and breathe. And, you know what? I was almost alone, Well, let's get back to the mist, shadow, the morning for me at Algonkian (I'm from But that's just exactly what I found at and it was almost absolutely quiet. I mean- woods, water and deer – because they made Minnesota, remember – Land of 10,000 Algonkian Regional Park – right in Sterling- for Eastern Loudoun. You're going to have up for all the lost time and opportunity. lakes?). And, I'd never seen deer in abun - or Sugarland Run – or whatever they call that other park visitors, and you can always hear Since I almost religiously make my 'Just dance like this east of Leesburg – it was prac - 'area.' Just a short walk from my vehicle the planes heading into Dulles, but it's about Like' visits at about the break of dawn, it's no tically like one of those petting zoos we'd along a river flat covered by mature trees and as close to peace and solitude as you're going Continued on page 23 Send us your sports photos and updates to [email protected] ULYFL Undefeated Purcellville’s West B Loudoun Lads Win Inaugural Season
Pictured: Head Coach – Paul McCloskey, Assitant Coaches – Jeremy Jenkins, Uwe Halveland, Tony King, Joseph Back row, left to right: Assistant Coach Haley Kreuch, Head Coach Matt Kreuch, Thomas "the Flying V" Vegeres, Mazzara and John Santmyer. Team Roster: 1 Dawson Calvin, 9 Riley Smith, 10 JJ Santmyer IV, 15 Christopher Car - roll, 20 Cort Junker, 31 Nicholas Schiavone, 35 Bryce Lucas, 36 Evan King, 46 Rainer Halveland, 69 Ian McCloskey, "Captain" Jack Delmonte, Luke "the Wall" Vaillancourt, Alec "Special Ops" Oppenhimer, Hudson "the Hawk" Johns, 76 Matthew Mazzara, 85 Ryan Munro, 87 Carter Jenkins, 91 Tyler Rabatin, 94 Jonathan Bacigalupi, 98 Jacob Frye. Cameron "the Cannon" Caylor, John "Fire and Forget" Friberg, Assistant Coach Brian Murphy, Assistant Coach David Livermore, Sean "No Mercy" Murphy, Luca "Speed Deamon" Morelli, Samuel "the Stopper" Lynch. Front row, left to The Upper Loudoun Youth Football Lower Loudoun Boys Football League, right: Bill "the Intimidator" Zach, "Lightning" Thomas Murphy, Alex "Killer" Kreuch, Cole "Twinkle Toes" Elam, League (ULYFL) is proud to have their C- LLBFL) and ranked #1 in the state of Vir - "Mad" Matt Renner, Paul "the Wolf" Woldt and John "Laser" Livermore. Photo credit, Michelle Kreuch. League Huskies finish the season undefeated ginia (boys 7-9 year olds). 12-0 as Regional Champions (against the Purcellville's West B "Loudoun Lads" incredible season with an undefeated regular won Loudoun Soccer's inaugural season of season record of 8-0 extending into the play - the U13 Classic League, defeating Asburn D offs where they finished the season with an ODSL Division Championship for in the championship, 2-0. They had an unbelievable 11-0. Quest Thunder U13 ULYFL Cougars Win Championship – Sudden Death Overtime 13 to 6 Over Undefeated Bucs –
Front row, left to right: McKenna, Lulu, Missy, Cris, Georgia, Catherine, Maddie and back (l-r) Shannon, Aman - da, Sydney, Syd, Shannon, Cat, Natalie, Maddy. Coaches (l-r) Jay, Jim and TJ. In their first season together, the ODFC their division in the Hunt Country Classic (In no particular order) George Bryant, Braden Nesselrodt, Chima Kpaduwa, Christian Dietrich, Derrick Veney, East - Quest Thunder U13 Girls Soccer Team won Fall Tournament. The team is made up of on Kittinger, Ethan Moore, Evan Thomas, George Bryant, Henry Hill, Jack Candelaria, John Allerton, Ryan Robotti, their ODSL Division Championship for the girls from western Loudoun. Ryan Thomas, Thomas Ellis, Trevor Clifford, Zack Peturso, Larry Jenkins (Head Coach), and Assistant Coaches Brian Fall 2012 season, as well as first place in Burke, Rob Matthews, Chris Bray, Dan Candeleria and Seth Rocca. On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today page 15 Blue Ridge Middle School Solar Installation Ceremony The Blue Ridge Middle School in Purcellville celebrated the installa - tion of the six solar light poles that adorn the lower parking lot with a brief ceremony and plaque presenta - tion. The Solar Poles represent sub - stantial work and focus from past principal, Roberta Griffith, past PTOs, Dr. Hatrick and Loudoun County Public Schools, Purcel - lville's Mayor and town council, as well as the entire Blue Ridge Com - munity. The installation of the poles culminates years of fundraising to bring not teacher, Mr. Joe D'Arcangelis, whose house only light to the lower parking lot, but further is solar wired, and students showcased their the school system's mission of conservation research talent. Sixteen Blue Ridge Middle and smart campus energy use. students, facilitated by Science 8 teachers Dr. The ceremony that featured a speech from Suzanne Hiller, Mrs. Jackie Robertson, and the school’s Agnes Myer nominated science Continued on page 20 Upper Loudoun Little League Registration
ULLL began online registration for the Spring 2013 season on Dec. 5. Registration is for children who are age 5 to 12 AS OF April 30, 2013. For more information, please visit www.ulll.org.
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620 west Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132 (540) 338-7072 or (540) 338-3227 Mon. – Thurs., 11am –9pm, Fri. –Sat. 11am –10pm, Sun. 12 noon –8pm Full menu at www.AnthonysVA.com. On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today Page 17
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 18 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 Kindergarten Teacher Speaks At Sheriff’s Office Holds National Conference Internet Safety Classes for Parents Loudoun Country Day School kinder - The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office ware is easy to install and gives parents an garten teacher Angie Cross recently present - (LCSO) has sponsored a series of courses added safeguard to make sure their children ed at a national conference for early child - called Internet Safety: What Parents Need are using the Internet safely and responsi - hood educators. to Know . The courses introduce parents to bly. The software aids in protecting chil - She spoke at the National Association for basic internet safety as well as some dren from harmful material on the Internet, the Education of Young Children annual con - advanced techniques to help keep their chil - and also initiates a line of communication ference in Atlanta, Ga., from Nov. 7-10. She dren safe while online. between parents and children regarding the described to the conference how she and her Internet safety is a common topic of dis - positive and negative aspects of the Internet students have not only learned how to inte - cussion for today’s parents and in some and its appropriate use. grate iPads into their daily learning in the cases can be a source of anxiety. With tech - The final classes will be held Dec. 10 at classroom, but they use it side-by-side with nology moving ahead at such a rapid pace, John Champe High School and Dec. 12 at traditional approaches. it can be hard for parents to keep up, let Mercer Middle School. Cross started trying to integrate technolo - alone catch up. Topics discussed have Parents unable to attend the LCSO’s gy into the classroom several years ago as a case, sight words, Jackson Pollock splatter included: social networking; sexting/tex - internet safety courses can get copies of the learning tool, realizing that this generation of paint section and an assessment section for ting; cell phone technology and features; ComputerCop program (available on a first young children is comfortable with technolo - her to track where her students may be strug - laptops vs. desk top PC’s; current trends; come-first serve basis) at the following gy and are growing up in computer-literate gling with a particular letter,” Etesse said. predatory behaviors; PC and console gam - locations: Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office households. “In conjunction with this we started the ing; and monitoring techniques. Administration Building, 880 Harrison Cross partnered with a company called process of finding someone to basically build Also available at the classes was the Street, SE Leesburg, VA; Dulles South SmartyShortz owned by LCDS parent Jill us a prototype of a number 2 pencil that “ComputerCop” program. ComputerCop is Public Safety Center, 25216 Loudoun Park - Etesse, an educational company that com - could fit her grippers she used on number 2 a computer software program that allows way, South Riding, VA; Eastern Loudoun bines educational advances with technology. pencils, leaving no gap from technology to parents to view and permanently delete Station, 46620 East Frederick Drive, Ster - At Cross’s request, Etesse’s company created paper when implementing the letter forma - potentially harmful images and information ling, VA (adjacent to Rolling Ridge Elemen - a stylus that can be used with a gripper by a tion strokes. Nine months later, many that have been downloaded on any home tary School); and University Station, 45299 kindergarten child with the purpose of learn - mishaps, too, we found a perfect fit.” computer running Windows. The free soft - Research Place, Suite 100, Ashburn, VA. ing how to form letters using an iPad while At her presentation, Cross concluded to retaining the fine motor skills necessary for her audience, “There is a direct evidential Historic Downtown Purcellville, continued from page 3 that age group. link between the quality of instruction and “Angie asked that we create an app to the quality of learning. If the iPad captures Mark Nelis. Renaud Consulting is owned Purcellville 2011 action which created a basically replace multiple handwriting apps, students’ attention, provides invigoration to by Mark Fontaine's family. Fontaine is the special tourism district for the express pur - consolidating everything she needed into one the curriculum, and fosters excitement for president of the Purcellville Volunteer Fire pose of developing this area. While the with the Zaner Bloser font upper and lower learning, it will naturally be a strong instruc - Department. tourism district has been the subject of tional tool to teachers. The group of properties (and their own - many town committee and Town Council ers) will be the beneficiaries of special nine- meetings, Vineyard Square itself has not yet Kilimanjaro Bound year tax breaks and grants through a Town been vetted by the public in that manner. Taylor Justice had just returned from a training session in the Rockies, building her red blood cell base, in preparation for her historical hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanza - nia, Africa. Her 7th grade classmates at Blue Ridge Middle School, friends and teachers came together in the auditorium on Nov. 19, with her family, to hear her describe what she was about to endure. Her power point focused on her community service with the Ski Patrol in Aspen, Colorado and how it led to her being asked to join the “Green Girls” – a group of women brought together by Mariel Hemingway, to raise awareness of global warming and how it is affecting the snow cap and glacier on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Taylor described what she will experi - ence, from possible altitude–borne illnesses, to the 6 different climates through which she will be traversing. Her classmates are very supportive of her and her attempt to raise awareness of global warming as well as rais - ing money for the Black Rhino sanctuary. At the time of her presentation, Taylor had raised over $12,000. Upon completion of her presentation to her school community, she was presented with a t-shirt that every student had signed with well wishes for a safe journey.
Untangle your life and beat holiday stress with the cookie recipes on page 21 ... On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today Page 19 Assessor’s Office , continued from page 1 around 900 employees in that situation.” the human resources aspect fell outside their specific allegations are currently under member from compelling aides to perform York appeared to be referring to the scope. “We were asked to look at the func - investigation, the board initiated a revision of activities of a personal nature during work employees of the other constitutional offi - tion and the duties of the function and to the aide policies with an eye to preventing hours. cers. Of these, 746 work in the Sheriff’s some degree the political overtones ... what I future abuses. Most importantly, the new policies estab - Office. These employees do operate under a read in the paper seemed to be the possibili - Supervisor Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn), lish a formal process for aides to raise con - grievance policy according to the Loudoun ty of grievance procedures, etc. and I don’t chairman of the Finance and Government cerns about their board member’s actions or County Human Resources Department. The feel like we were tasked to do that.” Services/Operations Committee (FGSO) led work assignments. The process, as pro - Blue Ridge Leader was unable to obtain a Vice Chair Scott Hamberger (Ashburn) staff in the revision effort, presenting the posed, encourages aides to contact the Coun - copy of that policy prior to deadline. suggested, “There’s a well-established base results at the committee’s Nov. 20 meeting. ty Administrator. The county administrator Former Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue of employees across the Commonwealth With some slight changes the Committee will bring the matter to the board chair, vice Ridge), who served on the board’s Finance / operating under these parameters. It doesn’t voted to forward the policy amendments to chair, and/or the Finance and Government Government Services & Operations Com - make sense to single out this particular group the full board with a recommendation for Services/Operations Committee chair. mittee for 15 of his 16 years as a supervisor, or persons for special treatment.” Like York, approval. Either board leadership or their designee will said that he worried York was missing the he did not mention that the vast majority of undertake an investigation of the facts and point. “To claim that it is not germain that these employees do not assess property for Appropriate Assignments For Aides then recommend a “proper path” forward. assessors can be fired at will with no griev - taxation purposes. The revised policies, which the full board With the board poised to implement a ance protections reflects a gross misunder - During two lengthy phone interviews, will consider on Dec. 5, clarify what consti - grievance policy for its aides does it make standing of the issue. Assessors determine Julia agreed that the employment status of tute appropriate assignments for aides. The sense to eliminate one for assessment staff? the value of property for tax purposes, and as these employees “is a very relevant issue and 2008 policy prohibiting aides from using Neither York nor Clarke responded to emails. such, are subject to political pressures and is legitimate for study.” However, he county time on political activity or cam - Buona was hesitant to comment, “given this legal challenges as individuals, usually to believed that any study would require paigning is strengthened to prohibit paid is all a work in process.” He did note “that lower the value of their assessments. This is endorsement by the constitutional officers to aides from conducting “political activity or the staff aide policy that I brought forward, not the case for the bookkeepers and record be successful, because under Virginia law the campaigning of any type.” They prohibit does not put aides under a formal grievance keepers working for the treasurer or the clerk BOS has no authority to implement changes aides from working on outside business policy. It simply gives them a potential of the courts.” to the constitutional officers’ operations. activities for the supervisor and frown on recourse mechanism.” Whether it might be appropriate that a similar recourse mecha - Government Reform Commission The Board Retains Control undertaking any outside employment that might conflict with their service as a board nism for the assessors be a requirement of the Two nights after the public hearing the However, it is the Board’s choice whether aide. They also specifically prohibit a board transfer was not addressed. Government Reform Commission (GRC), or not to transfer the real property assessment the board-appointed advisory group that rec - function to the commissioner of revenue’s ommended the change in structure, consid - office. Any reassignment of the responsibil - Three Other Assessor’s Office Issues ered whether to revise or reiterate its original ity, such as that recommended by the GRC, recommendation based on the questions requires the board to amend the relevant In addition to the job status of real prop - impacts, Wertz wrote, “The need for an raised by The Leader . GRC Chairman Tom ordinance. Until then, the board retains con - erty assessors, documentation included in assessor would cease to exist.” However, Julia initiated the discussion, stating, “I just trol over the employment policies covering the public hearing item regarding the according to the staff report, while the new want to be sure that we were thorough and the assessment staff. transfer of the assessment function to the ordinance does eliminate the County that it didn’t appear we left some stone Could the board institute a grievance poli - Commissioner of Revenue raised three Assessor, it “does not eliminate a full time unturned here.” A ten-minute discussion cy for real property appraisers and assessors further issues. position currently budgeted for this func - ensued during which commission members as part of the new ordinance? Could they The existing county ordinance and state tion.” As a result, there would be no cost agreed that the loss of civil service protec - require an amendment to the Memorandum law mandate that the County Assessor savings specifically associated with the tions was not germain to their analysis and of Understanding between the county and the meet certain education and skills criteria. cessation of the assessor’s existence. this new information did not change their commissioner of revenue as a condition of The new ordinance removes the county’s Finally, commission members and recommendation. transferring the function to the commissioner professional certification requirement, county officials who advised them claim Individual rationales differed. Cliff of revenue? Efforts to reach York and Vice while, according to a 2008 memorandum that the County Assessor stopped report - Keirce (Broad Run) ignored the underlying Chair Janet Clarke (R-Blue Ridge) regarding prepared by Commissioner of Revenue ing to the County Administrator in 2006 issue altogether. “My only concern is are we these questions were unsuccessful. Bob Wertz, the state-mandated education and began “reporting directly to the Board going to start now responding to every com - The proposed changes to the board aide and skill requirements do not apply to a of Supervisors.” According to one official mentary in a newspaper about our decisions policies, also up for a vote on Dec. 5, result - Commissioner of Revenue serving as the speaking off the record, the claim derives and decide to make motions based on some - ed from allegations first reported by The County Assessor. from language in former County Assessor Washington Post, that Supervisor Eugene one’s opinion in a newspaper.” Keirce did Both Wertz’ 2008 memo and the recom - Todd Kaufman’s employment contract not respond to an email asking whether he Delgaudio (R-Sterling) had directed his mendation of the Government Reform with the board. This underlying assump - believed the information was irrelevant, board aide to use county facilities for politi - given that similar personnel policies have cal fund-raising while on county time. When Committee, which studied the proposal, tion drives the GRC’s first recommenda - proven insufficient in protecting board aides the aide sought to address these issues with suggested potential cost savings associat - tion that the assessment function should from political pressure. the county’s human resources department ed with the change. In a list of potential not report directly to the board. Barbara Munsey (Dulles) suggested that and others, Delgaudio fired her. While these Continued on page 21 Delgaudio, continued from page 1 became part of a criminal investigation identity he could not recall. York also release the documents, Miller’s attorney ment Services & Operations Committee had appears in a letter, dated Nov. 9, sent by denied that he had shared the documents argued unsuccessfully that because there voted to recommend a new county policy Roberts to the two investigators hired earlier with Delgaudio. Clarke had not yet respond - was no investigation at the time that the governing staff aides. Delgaudio, who sits by the county to conduct an investigation ed to a request by the Blue Ridge Leader for county failed to respond, it could not be used on that committee, voiced strong opposition into whether Delgaudio had violated county comment. as a reason to withhold the material. It was to a new provision that would prohibit policy. The contract with the investigators Meanwhile, the political action commit - also revealed in the course of that hearing supervisors from also employing their staff includes a clause that required them to sus - tee (PAC) seeking the release of those same that special prosecutor Stamos did not yet aides at their private place of business or pend their own investigation and turn the documents has been engaged in a dispute have the documents; however, Stamos con - campaign, objecting that a prohibition on matter over to law enforcement officials in with county officials over a tardy response firmed the following day that they had been “paying your staff more money to work for the event that they discovered evidence of to its Freedom of Information Act request. delivered. you in other venues” would be unconstitu - criminal misconduct. The letter confirms The request for the documents was sent ini - Real Advocate has filed an appeal with tional. Campaign finance reports indicate that this is what happened, and that the tially to York, who assured Real Advocate the Circuit Court, contending that the excep - that Delgaudio has employed some of his investigation authorized by the board has PAC representative Liz Miller that her tion to disclosure requirements for material aides as campaign workers. been suspended. According to the county request would be forwarded to the county under active investigation is intended to website, the Circuit Court appointed Stamos attorney for action. After receiving no withhold the content of evidence from the The town hall meeting was held in place as a special prosecutor on Nov. 8 at the response by the due date, Miller inquired subject of the investigation. “In this case, the of a previously scheduled board meeting at request of Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attor - and was told that, although the county was person under investigation already knows which Supervisor Shawn Williams (R – ney Jim Plowman. delinquent, the documents were now part of what’s in the documents,” said RAPAC’s Broad Run) had announced he would move When asked with whom York had shared an active investigation and therefore exempt attorney Stevens Miller. A hearing date had to have Delgaudio suspended from his com - the evidence he held back in March, he con - from disclosure requirements. not yet been set at press time for this issue. mittee assignments pending the outcome of firmed that he had shown it to Vice-Chair In a Nov. 28 appearance before the Gen - Earlier the same evening that York's town the investigation. Janet Clarke and one other person whose eral District Court seeking an order to hall was held, the board’s Finance, Govern - On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 20 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 Committees at a Glance, continued from page 5 New Auction Company
I Development is heavily oriented to the In Western Loudoun Committees at a Glance automobile and pedestrian access is lim - Auctions on Main, a live auction company lenging for families. “Just about anything can informs our readers about the ited both on site as well as off site, and, in downtown Purcellville, is accepting con - be sold at an auction – real estate, farm equip - inner workings of local government they don’t meet the guideline standards; signments beginning in 2013. For the home ment, home furnishings, collections – you or business with unused items, or those look - name it. We’ll come in and take good care of and how actions and decisions I Mr. Piper inquired as to the elevation impact our everyday lives. ing to furnish or equip their place, auctions are you.” change from the clubhouse to the back the perfect solution for buyers and sellers. Auctions on Main also looks forward to buildings, but no civil engineer was pres - Buyers can find bargains on previously owned holding ‘No-Work’ fundraisers for local non- I The eaves/overhangs look flimsy and ent and the question could not be items, all under one roof. profit organizations. they would like to see more detail for answered. Auctions sells just about anything – one Members can bring items to consign and visual interest. Developer Presentation: The scale of never knows what unique item will be discov - proceeds will go toward their organization. I Suggest metal roof as opposed to shingle the complex will be “as residential as possi - ered. Hoping to contribute to making Purcellville a for character appeal; ble and will be a new generation of rental Buyers can browse a photo gallery online, destination for buyers seeking a historic I Rotate clubhouse utilities for visual rea - homes offering a well thought out lifestyle” which features many of the items being auc - downtown shopping experience, Auctions on sons since the utilities side is facing Hirst offering high end living with granite and tioned that week. Sellers eliminate the hassle Main joins a collection of unique shop owners Road; stainless steel appliances. The pool will have of selling through the classifieds. Auctions on that specialize in vintage, antique and recy - Main does all the advertising, qualifies the cled items. Auctions naturally have the feel of I Fencing for clubhouse/pool is not indi - sprayers for kids and outdoor kitchens and cated; buyer, sells the item and processes the funds. an event due to the energy of its buyers, com - fire pits (they showed pictures of an existing Most importantly, sellers preserve their priva - peting for an item. Albright adds, “If you’ve I Elevations of building lack depth with lit - Nusbaum property that had a high end pool cy and save time in finding potential buyers. ever felt the exhilaration of winning a bid on tle visual relief; with pergolas and high end amenities as part Since all items are sold ‘as is,' buyers can E-bay, you’ll love a live auction.” I Proposed siding is least time-honored of their presentation.) “The apartments will attend scheduled previews to examine seller material – the materials they want to use be perfect for empty nesters and families.” items prior to bidding. Both buyers and sell - Auctions on Main Auction Company is local - are on the discouraged material list. (Mr. The siding would be commercial grade vinyl ers seek fair market value, which is best ly owned and operated, specializing in live auctions. Located ½ mile west of historic Piper stated he “would like to see it with some cement siding under the eaves of achieved at auctions. something that provides more sub - Auctioneer Mark Albright says, "Auctions downtown Purcellville, interested parties can the building and soffits of the stairs. The sign up for news and event notifications at stance.”); represent ‘what the market will bear’ for a par - brick would be a tumbled red brick with www.auctionsonmain.com. Mark Albright, I The amenities proposed by the develop - color-matched mortar. ticular item today." He adds: "We live in the most affluent county in the country and people Auctioneer, VA License #2907003884. For er at this meeting, said Mr. Piper, “have There was no mention by the developer more information, please visit www.auction - low probability considering the site plan here are always on the move. Folks need a of any affordable/tax-credit status. When place to turn their quality goods into cash, sonmain.com. Contact Claire Escobar, does not provide space for it.”; asked about using higher end materials for whether they are relocating for a job or mov - Media Relations PO Box 468 Round Hill, VA I Buffer was not sufficient, and they need roof and siding, the developer said it would ing into a retirement community.” 20142 Tel: 540-441-7635; info@auctionson - to create a large buffer to the stream; be “significantly higher financially." Estate liquidation can be especially chal - main.com.
Letters to the Editor, continued from page 5 best interest of Purcellville because this back on the property. Additional infra - have financially supported efforts to area does not have the infrastructure need - structure needs, such as water and other help those in the Northeast who ed to support a high-density population. utilities will be a significant cost to the will be recovering for years to Due to its location near one of the town to develop. The additional traffic will come. If you have not given, we town’s two exits to State Hwy 7, Hirst also be a safety risk to the town’s many strongly encourage you to do so Road is one of the primary roads leading residents and visitors who cross Hirst Road through Samaritan's Purse – they into and out of Purcellville. During both daily on the W&OD trail. are doing a great work. You can the morning and evening rush hours, Hirst Purcellville’s population, based on the donate time or money and know Road is inundated with traffic. In the morn - 2010 Census, was 7,727 people spread over that you're making a difference. ing, town residents experience significant 1,536 acres (2.4 square miles). To build an Here in Virginia, this 200+ year- delays and must wait several traffic light apartment complex that would house old barn lost its roof and doors. cycles at the corner of Hirst and Berlin approximately 500 people, the Town would This barn has been the center of Joshua’s Thank you for helping in our time of need. Turnpike just to reach Highway 7. In the be adding almost 6.5 percent to its popula - Hands Fall Festival for years in Loudoun If you are a local carpenter willing to help, afternoon, this problem is significantly tion on a property that covers less than 1 County. Although our loss does not compare contact us at [email protected]. worse. After 4pm, when Loudoun Valley percent of the town limits. This would to those who have lost homes, it is still a – Joyce Guthrie, Joshua's Hands High School dismisses and employees from place significant strain on the roads and loss. We know so many of you have giving www.joshuashands.org the offices and businesses on Hirst and Bai - other infrastructure supporting this area. hearts. We're placing this need before you - ley Lane are leaving work, it is common for The Town of Purcellville did the right like the Walmart principal. Many small gifts Solar , continued from page 15 the back up on Hirst Road to reach past thing by zoning this land as CM-1 for light can get this big project done. Maple, and for Maple itself to be backed up commercial use when the Comprehensive We plan to use this wonderful structure Mrs. Virginia Stevens conducted research towards the high school. There is simply no Plan was developed. This would be a much as a heritage arts center – for quilting, weav - on the science of solar energy. They pre - room for any additional traffic. Having 500 more manageable use of the land, which ing, spinning and clogging classes. Our major sented findings at the ceremony. Their work was an outstanding demonstration of people live at this intersection, in addition would involve no increase in population and project is quilts for wounded warriors. “STEM” principles, the study of science, to those who already live and work in the a small increase in infrastructure use by Without the roof and doors, the struc - technology, engineering and mathematics. area, simply will not work. employees and customers of any business - ture is at the mercy of the elements and will Blue Ridge Middle School principal Mr. What adds to this problem is the fact es. Adding 500 permanent residents to the not survive. Our long-range restoration plan Bell said, "The solar poles are a wonderful that there is no reasonable way to expand intersection of Hirst and Maple puts a sig - has to be kicked into action sooner than we addition to our campus. The poles them - Hirst Road, either. The road is too close to nificant strain on an area that is not built anticipated. Will you help us? selves, and what they symbolize to the Highway 7 to add lanes to its north. To add for it. – Kate & Kyle Struckmann We've set up a fundraiser through kids, carry Loudoun's message of always lanes to its south, the road would ironically Purcellville www.youcaring.com/other/hurricanesandy - doing what's best for kids." need to take away space from the proposed barn/33545 – Hurricane Sandy: Barn Reno - Joshua’s Hands Barn Need Help The Blue Ridge Middle School is also apartment complex. Also, because the fire vation. the first middle school in Loudoun to earn station is build very close to Hirst, any Dear Editor: You can make a donation of any amount an Energy Star Award, and only one of 5 expansion of Hirst would require razing the Many lives were impacted by Hurricane to help us save/restore the barn. Donations middle schools in the Commonwealth to new fire station and rebuilding it further Sandy. We know that many of you, like us are tax deductible as allowed by law. receive this award in 2012. On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today Page 21 Nothing Creates Better Memories Than Holiday Cookies Some of our favorites ...
Anise Pfeffernuesse soda & mix well. Add some of the flour, 1 cup sugar spice s & anise oil & mix well & then add 1 stick butter & 1 stick rest of flour mixing well. Makes a stiff margarine (or two dough . Refrigerate overnight or more (put sticks of butter) in 9x9 dish with wax paper on top & bot- 1 cup molasses t om). When ready to bake, cut dough 1/4 cup strong coffee ( i nto long strip & roll into thin cigar & dissolve 1 tsp baking th en slice off small pieces so you have soda in coffee) round slices. (Use flour on bo 1 tsp each cinnamon, clov ard & hands es & anise oil when rolling dou 1/2 cup flour gh.) Place on greased cookie sheet & bake 12 -16 m Directions: Cream sugar ins @ 325°. & shortening; Keep in air-tigh add molasse t container – they freeze s, mix & then add coffee with we ll. Andrea Thomas, Purcellville, Va
Buttery Sugar Cookies paper. Put each disk in a plastic bag and 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened chill until firm enough to roll into balls, 1 cup sugar about 1 hour. Heat oven to 350° . Line 1/2 teaspoon salt baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake 1 large egg and decorate cookies: While oven heats, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract work with 1 piece of dough. Roll 1 level 2 cups all-purpose flour tablespoon of dough into a ball, then roll 1 cup coarse sanding sugar in coarse sugar. (If dough becomes too soft Directions: Beat together butter, sugar, and to roll easily into balls, quick-chill in the salt in a large bowl with an freezer or chill in the refrigerator.) Place electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Beat balls 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and flatten into 2-inch rounds. then mix in flour. Halve dough and form Bake cookies until bottoms are golden, 12 each half into a disk, then wrap in wax to 15 minutes. Barbara Sloan, Middleburg
1 tsp. cloves 1 tsp. ginger HELP WANTED 1 egg mixer Directions: Cream above well with Advertising Sales Professional and add: 4 Tablespoons molasses 2 cup flour 2 tsp. baking soda (scant) hake The Blue Ridge Mix well. Make into small balls & s in bag of sugar. Lightly ly. Leader is now Ginger Snaps grease cookie sheets for 1st batch on hortening 3/4 cup butter or s Bake at 350° @ 14-15 mins. interviewing for an 1 cup sugar Andrea Thomas, Purcellville, Va 1 tsp. cinnamon Account Executive Position
Other Assessor’s Office Issues , continued from page 19 Independent Contractor –
However, the county ordinance creating cerns regarding “the potential for impro - Work From Your Home the assessor position specifies that the priety in the political manipulation of the position report to the County Administra - tax burden” remain. Splitting those tor or his designee. Changes to that responsible for setting the tax rate from Email resume to [email protected] reporting structure would require an those who calculate the value of the assets amendment to the county ordinances; no taxed makes good business sense. such amendment appears in the public Former Supervisor and Finance Com - record. Further, a copy of former County mittee Chairman Jim Burton (I-Blue Assessor Todd Kaufman’s 2011 Perform - Ridge) disagreed. Pointing out that the ance Assessment names County Adminis - Commissioner of Revenue is also an elect - trator Tim Hemstreet as his supervisor. ed official, he commented, “When you’re According to GRC Chairman Tom dealing with establishing the tax base, Julia, irrespective of whether the assessor that’s always a very touchy subject. With reported to the board or to the County the County Assessor currently being man - Since 1984 Administrator, “he is still a creature of the aged and evaluated by the County Admin - Blue Ridge Board.” As the County Administrator pre - istrator, that’s about as far from politics as pares the annual budget and proposes the you can get.” tax rate to fund it, the Commission’s con - LEADER & Loudoun Today On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 22 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 Sushi ... “Tails” From the Barnyard – What a Beautifully Bright Year It's me again Sushi, the brave and mighty watch for those nasty red fox, the sly ones. farm? Such excitement! al bird and deserv - Cairn Terrier. (Mrs. B. has her last 100 baby ducklings Yes, I said, when the hounds and horses ing of respect, but Oh, to ride to the cry of the hound on a growing out for the winter season and I can come through I am transported back, and I still a wild animal crisp winter day. Oh, to ride on a grand horse tell you, she is not interested in feeding the feel ... timeless. Memories blend and steep intent on eating one through vast Virginia farmland. Oh, to settle fox population.) into a very sweet cup of tea representing the of our farm animals! in by a running creek of clear waters and I love cold cozy nights like this as the tales past year. Puppies, family, soak in the beauty of the hills. begin to weave and spin. For now, Needle How so?, said Nellie. Well, I said (puffing fireflies, mermaids, A year has come and almost gone. Winter, Nose Nellie the border collie has trotted myself up a bit as I am quite the expert on all soaring eagles ... oh, yes, what a beautifully spring, summer, fall. November is over, towards me, along with Lynden's Sadie farm things) ... Just about a year ago I bright year it was here in the Virginia coun - December is here and a full moon lights up Hawkins, that fancy prancing farm pony. helped welcome a tiny little white thing (a tryside. What a beautiful and nourishing cup the hills as I lay here on the front porch of the Sadie, as gracefully as a horse or pony just ounces big Chihuahua puppy) to the of tea. What a beautifully bright year, big white farmhouse. Nights are growing can, has plopped her body down and onto the farm family, and announced I had found my despite the difficulties which I see, now, as colder and right now it is 32 degrees, a slight bed of grass under the feathery boughs of the new "sun spot" on the freshly constructed tests of both character and togetherness. breeze and getting chillier. ancient pine trees. Quickly, Nellie and I are farm patio ... In the spring I talked about Farm togetherness. I jumped down off the farm porch and curled up against her soft belly – it's good chasing fireflies just for the fun of it, digging I have to tell you. I think the Lord brought headed towards the ancient pine trees to thing to have warm fuzzy friends on a night worms and getting my paws as muddy as us Thanksgiving and Christmas so that we make my place for the night and to keep like this. mud could be, and listening to Freddy Frog could first count our blessings and give All was quiet, only the trickling sound of and Tommy Toad singing amphibious songs thanks and then give back to all who have Nellie ... let’s go brighten the Beaver Dam Creek and the creaking by the light of the moon ... as we approached meant so much to us. Timeless thanks and Sushi’s year! sway of hardwood branches as the moon fil - the deepest temperatures of the summer I giving back. tered through their canopy gently playing on must have been suffering from a self-impor - Nellie ... Sadie (with your warm belly that the hills yonder. Sadie has stretched her tant form of heat exhaustion, because I told now helps me drift off to sleep) ... Mrs. B ... thick neck around towards her belly gently the bittersweet story of myself as a "the mer - Mr. B ... all of the girls and all of the farm snorting her warm breath upon Nellie and dog." My foolish (and some might say reck - animals I am Sushi the Mighty Carin Terrier, me, and she has asked the million-dollar less) seaside self who swam in the ocean but more than that, I am so grateful to be a question that started a grand conversation waves and got a little too close to danger, part of this wild and wonderful farm unit - between us farm friends. only to be rescued by a real and genuine my family forever, my sweet, timeless cup of Sushi, Nellie, asked Sadie, what do you good hearted "mer" - a real mermaid – tea. love most about the Virginia countryside? To named Angel of Light ... and, this past fall I Come visit my Master, Elaine Boland and start, wasn't it brilliant today when the recounted how all of the farm animals band - the farm crew at Fields of Athenry Farm, hounds and riders galloped through the ed together to ward off an eagle - our nation - directions at www.fieldsofathenryfarm.com.
Ask Dr. Mike, continued from page 2
understand your own needs as a parent rather ting down with him to discuss what has hap - lic Schools Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick ple, you could go skiing or snowboarding at than being too direct with what you think she pened, be aware of your own emotions. You has already notified parents of Ms. Hwang’s one of the nearby resorts. You could cut is doing wrong. You may think she is an do not want to burden your son with your passing via email. So your son is not alone in down your own tree together. You could visit overly liberal parent, but she may think she is own upset, so be prepared in advance for the the news. I am sure that many of his class - DC and the museums for the day or take a a great parent. When speaking to your sister, heavy conversations on the topic that may mates and friends are experiencing very sim - long day trip someplace more rural. Charity, you could also suggest some outings for your still come. Also, engage openly in communi - ilar feelings to those of your son’s. Hatrick or the active of giving, might also be some - niece and her boyfriend when they are with cation and be curious about what he is feeling also intends to have a Crisis Resource Team thing for you and your family to consider this you. If there is time, perhaps they could have and thinking. Your son is relying on you to on duty Monday morning for students in need year in addition to gifts. Volunteer Loudoun a date day in DC where the two of them could be a pillar of support for him to lean on right of additional support. and Volunteer Fairfax are two great organiza - explore the city as a couple. This way they now, and he will also need your full interest tions with volunteer opportunities for chil - can have their alone and away time together and investment in him. Do not be concerned Dr. Mike, I am afraid my husband and I dren, teens and families. Their information is without any lines being crossed in your if and when your son’s emotions fluctuate have raised three very spoiled and entitled available on-line. And remember, modeling home. You could even be that super cool inasmuch as this is not uncommon after a children. This year our 12-year-old daugh - is one of the best parenting tools for eliciting Aunt that organizes a folder of possible activ - traumatic event. You also want to validate ter has requested an IPhone 5, and her older change. By modeling balanced spending and ities and things to see for them in DC or more your son’s emotions, and you might even sister would like two (not one) Tory Burch saving for yourselves as adults (not just over locally. consider talking about your own upsetting handbags. Our eldest is in college and the holiday season but over the year), you can feelings in support of his. It is okay if you do would like a pair of $250 tennis shoes. My hopefully begin to challenge your children’s Dr. Mike, My son’s principal, Ms. Kathleen not have all of the answers for your son; it is husband and I don’t even buy dress shoes view of material possessions. Instituting an Hwang, of Sanders Corner elementary more important that he sees you feelings that cost that much for ourselves! My hus - allowance can also be a good way of teaching School was killed this past week when she badly alongside him. Also, you might want band and I feel that it seems to be getting children how to be productive, responsible was hit by a car while crossing the street. to model some coping skills for him. For harder and harder to teach our kids the and resourceful. Instead of simply purchas - We told our son about the news, and he is example, you can encourage your son to value of a dollar, especially when so many of ing things for your kids, they can instead very upset. He is so upset that he doesn’t practice visualization and relaxation strate - their friends have the latest of everything. work and save for the items. The sense of want to return to school on Monday. Do gies to calm himself. The two of you may Thoughts on helping us with a reality check accomplishment and pride that comes from you have an advice on how to get us through practice some of those strategies together. for our kids without coming off like Scrooge earning your own money and making your this difficult time? – L in Loudoun County Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is an or the Grinch? – M in Loudoun County own purchases can be wonderful for a child’s L, First of all, Ms. Hwang’s tragic death is easy to do and excellent calming and center - M, Whether you want to blame it on the Inter - self-esteem and independence. With a few a tremendous loss to the community. She ing strategy that you could research on-line. net and the globalization of the world (and tactful adjustments this year as parents, there was an excellent principal, and was very well Remember, there is an old saying that “Time products), the superficiality of Hollywood is no need to come off as Scrooge or the liked by her colleagues and students. We all heals all wounds,” so try to keep things in and the media, or something else, it is true Grinch! perspective. The upset your son is experienc - process traumatic news differently, and while that our children have become increasingly Michael Oberschneider “Dr. Mike” is the there are some well proven predictable stages ing now is temporary and should pass over expensive to gift for. Rather than focusing on time. If, however, he continues to struggle Founder and Director of Ashburn Psychological for loss and grief, expect your son to experi - teaching the value of the dollar, however, Services (APS), a private mental health clinic ence a varied set of emotions over the coming with his feelings several weeks out, I recom - why not proactively focus more on the value mend you contact a child psychologist to comprised of 12 MD and PhD level mental health days and weeks as he processes and makes of time and charity in your home this holiday clinician. He and his team are here to serve our sense what has happened. determine if your son requires therapy. season. In my opinion, time is the most valu - I would encourage you to send your son to Loudoun children, teens and adults. To learn As an elementary school child, I imagine able commodity that we can give our children more about Dr. Mike and the APS team, please that the tragedy has initially brought on very school on Monday, since avoiding school as parents. You could come up with some may only complicate his feelings further. It is visit: www.ashburnpsych.com or call (703) 723- real fear and anxiety for him, as well as sad - new holiday traditions where you can all 2999. ness, worry and perhaps shock. Prior to sit - my understanding that Loudoun County Pub - enjoy meaningful time together. For exam - On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 23 Hannah James, continued from page 9 dents have their own unique interests that that they are going to follow in their parents’ make or break colleges for them. Communi - footsteps, but have no idea what they want to ty and tradition are two very important fac - do with their lives. But despite all of the tors junior Kate Scott takes into considera - fears, there is always something for every - tion. “I want to be a part of an institution one, a hidden niche where students find the with tradition. I have a soft spot for history field that captures their interest and passion. and rich traditions that are passed down.” Hannah James is a junior at Potomac Searching for the perfect place to start the Falls High School, and a member of the GSA future is a very stressful thing. Some stu - Student Board. dents look at dozens of universities, before narrow ing down a select few. Others know Algonkian , continued from page 14 to get without traveling a good many miles experience, I say that's a very good thing. westward – at least to my knowledge. It'll certainly contribute to the list of factors Standing on a little point, I even had the that brought me here in the first place. I sensations I'd experienced decades before think I'll stay awhile. in what was then called the Boundary Oh yeah – I almost forgot: for those of Waters Canoe Area- split between Northern you who need more than a chance to just All-American Bowl, continued from page 8 Minnesota and Canada (they added the chill next to the river's edge, there's other cal history,” said John Myers, Director word 'Wilderness' to the title at some point, stuff you can do at Algonkian: golf, boating of Marketing, Army Marketing and which I found kind of superfluous). And of all kinds, waterpark activities, hiking, Research Group. “The skills and that's saying something – because up there, fishing, cottage rentals, meetings, ban - strengths necessary to be a successful the quiet is truly deafening – and is some - quets – heck – you can even get married band member are mirrored in Army times split by the howling of wolves. And, here. Strong Soldiers. Only the strongest I don't know – there's probably a few (wily, Think I'll put tha tone on the back burn - wear the Army colors, which is why we I hope) coyotes hanging out in Algonkian. er, darling. Give me the River's edge. are proud to honor all of our 2013 U.S. So – if there's a place in Loudoun Coun - There. Can almost hear those wolves. Army All-American Band members and ty, Virginia that can offer me that kind of congratulate each of them on their selection.” Year End , continued from page 16 For more than a decade, the U.S. Hoping for a little snow cover to provide taught gardening and design classes at the Army All-American Bowl has been the a warm blanket for perennials and bulbs, and State Arboretum of Virginia, Oatlands in Nation’s premier high school football some time by the fire to catch up on great Leesburg, and Shenandoah University. game, serving as the preeminent launch - ing pad for America’s future college and NFL Quarterback Ryan Burns and Defensive Lineman garden books for all of us. Happy holidays. Author of The Virginia Gardener's Compan - Jonathan Allen from Stone Bridge High School in Ash- stars. Percy Harvin, Jamaal Charles, Patrick ion: An Insider's Guide to Low-Maintenance burn, pose for a photo after being officially named to Peterson, and Andrew Luck all made their Donna Williamson is a master gardener, Gardening in Virginia, contact Donna at the East squad for the 2013 U.S. Army All-American national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. Bowl. garden designer, and garden coach. She has dwfinegardening.com, 540-877-2002.
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 24 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today Page 25 Preventing Holiday Fires The approaching holiday season brings traditions, parties, occur on the 12 days from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. Check average by 272 percent. shopping, entertaining – and potential danger. The latest sta - wiring on lights for breaks and wear. Replace worn Supervise items on the tistics available from the National Fire Protection Associa - strings and don’t exceed manufacturer guidelines for stovetop. 58 percent of tion (NFPA) show the holidays are a high-risk time for home connecting multiple strands. Don’t leave tree lights kitchen fires involve fires. plugged in when you are away from home or when you ranges; homes with elec - I Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each go to bed. Keep live trees well watered to reduce the tric cooktops have a high - year, and other holiday decorations are the cause of chance of a fire. er risk of fire than homes another 1,170 fires. I Holiday Decoration Fire Facts: with gas cooktops. I Thanksgiving Day sees almost a threefold increase in – 45 percent of all holiday fires involve candles; that – Cooking fires on Christ - cooking-related fires. number rises to 56 percent in Dec. Use flameless can - mas Day and Christmas I Cooking fires are almost twice as likely to happen on dles. If you do use traditional candles, burn them in stur - Eve exceed the daily aver - Christmas Day as on non-holidays. dy candleholders, well away from drapes and other flam - age by 96 percent and 89 Prevention and common sense can help keep homes and mable materials, and never leave them unattended or percent respectively. Keep flammable items – pothold - families safe during the holidays and throughout the year. allow them to burn down to less than one inch in length. ers, packaging, wrapping, wooden utensils, loose cloth - Here are some sobering facts about holiday fires and tips to – 48 percent of all decoration fires start because the dec - ing – away from the stovetop. And, don’t let lack of help keep your home, friends and family safe throughout the oration is too close to a heat source. Keep all decorations sleep or alcohol consumption affect your ability to con - holiday season. away from heat sources like radiators, portable heaters, centrate on preparing the meal. I Christmas Tree Fire Facts: fireplaces, etc. – 33 percent of tree fires are caused by electrical prob - I Cooking Fire Facts: Information provided by the Purcellville-Area SERVPRO® lems; 13 percent involve decorative lights; 42 percent – Cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day exceed the daily Restoration Specialists.
Propane, continued from page 6 my home I was told that my tank was owned by the propane company. I wasn’t happy. How did that happen? Answer: When the builder built your home rather than purchasing a 500 or 1,000 gallon tank he had your propane company provide it without charge with the requirement that you, the homeowner, must purchase propane from only that propane company indefinitely. It is similar to purchasing a new car, for example, a Ford, and being told that for the life of the auto you can only purchase gasoline from one com - pany, for example, Shell. Typically, year after year homeowners who do not own their propane tank pay significantly more for propane than homeowners who own their tank. Company owned tanks were a good deal for your builder and the propane supplier, but a rot - ten deal for you, the consumer. In over 25- years of building custom homes in the area we never installed a company owned tank. All the custom homes we built in the area the home - owner owned their tank when the home was completed. Question: Can any propane company fill up my tank if I do not own it? What alternative do I have? Answer: No, only the company who owns your tank can fill it. Your best course of action is to negotiate the purchase of the tank with the company that owns your tank. Typically, your savings will pay for the tank purchase in a 2-3 year period. The sooner you own your own tank, the sooner you can start saving on your fuel bill. Question: Is propane clean energy? Answer: Propane, along with natural gas, are two of the cleanest burning fossil-fuels. Elec - trical generation plants throughout the Country are slowing being converted from burning coal to natural gas and propane due to their abun - dance and price. Propane produces 50% harm - ful emissions as home heating oil. If propane didn’t exist, we would have to invent it. No other substance comes close when it comes to energy density, ease of handling or flexibility. About the Author: Dale Schulz is the President of Hunt Country Propane, www.huntcoun - trypropane.com, located in Middleburg.
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com page 26 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012
December Fun At The Carver Center Round Hill Volunteer Fire Toys for Tots Campaign Department Hosts Santa Implementing more rigorous academic The Carver Center, located at 200 Willie Palmer Way stanAdbaorvdes Ganrdo uansds eWssminernyt si,s ccloslliencgti nagc hniewve, - in Purcellville, has the following special events planned for December ... The Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department will meunnt wgarappsp aendd t orayiss ifnogr tshtue dMenarti naec hCieovrepms Tenoty sin escort Santa to the tree lighting ceremony at chrfoonri cTaoltlys Cloawm-ppaeigrnf.o rMmoinsgt nsecehdoeodl sa raer ep reth- e teen girls items. You may drop off gifts at Looking for Beginning the town park on Saturday, Dec. 8 . Following greatest challenges facing public education in Vir1g0in5i aE,. aMcacionr Sdtirnege tt,o T thuer sstdaatye tBhoroaurdg ho fM Eodn u- - Writers this, the RHVFD will host a Spaghetti Dinner catidoany’ sfr oamnn 1u0a la .rme.p toor t6 tpo. mth. eL agsto vdaeyr noofr coanl -d With Santa at the firehouse from 5:30pm –7 This six-week long class Genleecrtaiol nA isss Demecbelmy. ber 10. For more informa - starts on Dec. 5. It meets the pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children Ttiohen , rpepleoarste ocna ltl hteh ec otnasdtiitnigo nrso oanmd ante (e5d4s0 o) f first and third Wednesdays under 12. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, garlic the5 s7t9a-t4e4’s6 7p. ublic schools highlights improv - in the Carver Library from bread, corn muffins, dessert and a drink. The ing 10:30 am – 12 pm. The fire department will also be collecting Toys For class will teach you how to Tots and non-perishable food items for the present your ideas, how to local food banks. structure your story and how to produce a Presentation: Is Your Jewelry Box a manuscript that you will be proud to have Treasure Chest? your children and grandchildren read. Nov - On Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 12:30-2 Wild Loudoun , continued from page 8 elists Jean Kipfer and Dixie Hallaj will lead p.m. a certified gemologist from NovaGold the group. You don’t need any writing expe - will discuss the market for antique and estate moment. Female wood duck joining male teardrop eye patch. The head is gray, and you wood duck in the marsh below while the see blue/purple patches in her wings. As rience to join, just an interest in trying out the jewelry, precious metals, diamonds, watches process and in meeting others with similar babies, one by one, launch themselves from with many birds, he is built for display and and coins. Learn how these items are valued their nursery nest into the world beyond. she is built for stealth and seclusion/protec - interests. To register, call 571-258-3400. and about options to sell, redesign or keep Wood ducks are here in western Loudoun tion. Miracle on 21st Street: A Local Shopping family heirlooms. Everyone is welcome to County a good part of the time. The Wood ducks eat insects, seeds, nuts and Extravaganza Just for Seniors bring one item for a free evaluation. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy reports that small amphibians such as frogs and tadpoles. Enjoy holiday shopping with friends. Carver Center’s Annual Holiday Party wood ducks have turned up in their Christ - They like wooded areas with lots of water – mas Bird Count. The birds' species that do including swamps, ponds, lakes and rivers. Meet at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Come enjoy a delicious mid-day dinner migrate do so in search of food, but not Depending on temperature and food sources, Carver Center for your itinerary. It is a list of followed by Carver’s very own play produc - because our human calendars tell them it is they can live year-round in the southeastern all of the participating establishments and tion from 12-2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21. It is time. When food begins to get scarce wood United States and are widespread on the west any needed coupons. Travel by Carver bus a Christmas comedy, starring a combination ducks will take wing and relocate to, among coast and in the Caribbean. During the sum - or drive yourself to 21st Street in downtown of Carver members and Carver staff. The other places, the swamplands of Louisiana, mer they can be found throughout the north - Purcellville. Spend the morning shopping play is being directed by Mary Long of the Florida and Arkansas to provide the food, ern United States and southern Canada, and quaint specialty shops where you will enjoy Big Bad Drama Company, with the help of shelter and protections they need. Winter in winter these ducks migrate to southwest special one-day-only discounts and delicious her trusty assistant Lisa Moen. To register or populations also exist in Texas, New Mexico Texas and Mexico. treats. Anyone interested in participating for directions to Carver Center, please call and elsewhere. And, how do wood ducks sound and In the bird world, with its wide variety of behave? Wood ducks have a thin, squeaky should pre-register by Wednesday, Dec. 5 by 571-258-3400. calling 571-258-3400. delicate or showy feathers, sweet calls and whistle and a raspy “quack” ... like many soaring flight patterns, every species is mag - birds they also use threatening hisses. (Males nificent. But, the male wood duck takes are territorial and will charge competitors.) bragging rights as one of the most brilliant. The wood duck is also known as a “perching (Wood ducks are so colorful that they have duck” – it can be found in trees in the right been introduced as “ornamental waterfowl” habitat. It locates its food while swimming, in parks, zoos, gardens and similar habitats.) but also moves well on land, searching out We supply the cider & greens The male’s bill is a slender combination of food in forests and below trees. red, white, black and yellow. He is up to just Like some other birds, wood ducks are less than 2 feet long and he has a 30-inch monogamous. They build their nests in tree wingspan and long head crest. His feathers cavities and will also use manmade nesting you supply the GOOD CHEER! are white, black, blue, brown, chestnut, boxes of the appropriate size. Wood ducks green, gray, yellow and red. And, he has lay up to 15 eggs and incubate them for 27- “painted” plumage with a dark iridescent 37 days. The female then takes care of the head and crest bordered by white and a chest - young for 55-70 days until they launch them - nut breast with white spots. The back, wings selves from that tree. and tail are dark and iridescent. His sides are yellow bordered by black and white, and his Our thanks to Ducks Unlimited and the eyes are red. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for advice Females are a soft, taupe-brown overall and for providing photos for this article. with white-streaked under parts and a white
Wood ducks are considered a common ing in almost a 1/3 of the atlas blocks in summer resident in Loudoun County and Loudoun County. Maryland shows them are uncommon to rare in the winter. as a nester in every county. While they Most move out of area from the 6th of probably nest throughout Loudoun Coun - Nov. through the 9th of March (Source: ty, they are pretty shy ... especially when Virginia's Birdlife @ 2007 by the Virginia nesting ... and somewhat skittish. Wreaths & greens are here! Society of Ornithology). They are cavity nesters and don't The Field List of the Birds of Maryland always nest near water. I've have had the @ 1996 by the Maryland Ornithological pleasure, on more than one occasion, of Society shows them as breeding in every watching families right after they have left county in Maryland and shows them their nests walk long distances to the near - around at about the same time as the Vir - est body of water. I've also enjoyed ginian source. In the winter they are more watching them search for appropriate nests Farm Stand Always Open 9am to 6pm common in the coastal plain than they are on several occasions. The male scouts out 540 338-7445 www.CrookedRunOrchard.com in the Piedmont but we have found them sites and then shows them to the female on 8 of our 15 Christmas Bird Counts but who frequently rejects the first sites he Crooked Run Orchard, 37883 Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132, at the never in very large numbers. shows her. intersection of Business 7 & Route 287. Support your local farm! For the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy – Joe Coleman, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Bird Atlas we have documented them nest - More online at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 27
= Saturday, Dec. 8 Round Hill Arts Center block-printed holiday card workshop and tree lighting ceremony. Workshop runs Holiday Gifts December 1pm – 4 pm. Call 540-338-5022 or go to www.roundhillartscenter.org to register. Tree = lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Round Hill Friday, Dec. 7, Rockin' with Rudolph and Junior Women’s Group begins at dusk in the Friends, 7 p.m. at Ida Lee Park Recreation Cen - town’s new park pavilion. Hot chocolate from ter. Santa will be on hand for the first 45 minutes. Savoir Fare, baked goods and crafts from 4pm to For children up to 8 years old, accompanied by a 5:30pm. Members of the Woodgrove High parent. Pre-registration required. Registration School Chorus will also perform holiday songs $16 per child (ages 3 to 8) and $10 per child (ages and Santa will arrive by fire truck. Bring dona - 2 and under). Visit www.idalee.org. tions of new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, = Friday, Dec. 7. Lantern Making workshop and non-perishable food items to be donated to and Parade. Lovettsville Community Center. Loudoun Interfaith Relief. Workshop is $8, parade is free. Workshop is = Sunday, Dec. 9 Civil war Christmas – 6:30-7:15 p.m. Parade is from 7:30-9 p.m. Go to Mt. Zion Historic Park on Rt. 50 east of Gilbert’s To Benefit Historic Preservation www.loudoun.gov/prcs. Corner. The Northern Virginia Regional Park = Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8, Authority will host members of the 28th Virginia Sale Lovettsville Museum Christmas Open Regiment as they hold a celebration of the holi - & Honor Those Who Have Served House, 4 East Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville. On day just as it would have happened during the Friday evening, the museum will be open from 5 Civil War. Research from letters home show G Antiques & Rugs p.m. until the beginning of the Christmas Tree some light-hearted glee by one writer in 1861 Saturday, Dec. 15, 10am to 3pm lighting ceremony. The museum will open on Sat - that “Tomorrow is Christmas and we are not G Fine African Arts Purcellville’s Historic Train urday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit going to drill. We are goin’ to keep Christmas & Crafts www.lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org. and we are goin’ to have a little fun ...” Station in Old Downtown = Friday, December 7, Emerick Elementary = Saturday, Dec. 15, Breakfast with Santa G Rare Collectibles winter wonderland, 4:30-8:30 p.m., 440 South at the Bluemont Community Center, G Nursery Avenue, Purcellville. Public is welcome. 33846 Snickersville Turnpike in Bluemont, 9-11 Jewelry off select items, with purchase of up to $100 = Saturday, Dec. 8, 9th annual Christmas in a.m. Registration required by Dec. 7. Price is $8. G Fine Stationary 10% Purcellville. Parade starts at noon from the Pur - Children 2 and under are admitted free. Visit off select items, with purchase cellville Train Station and ends at Loudoun Valley www.loudoun.gov/prcs. of $100 or more High School. Other activities include breakfast = Saturday, Dec. 15, 10am to 3 pm, Holi - 20% with Santa, a Lego train display, face painting and day Gift Sale to Benefit Black History and ornament making. Go to www.purcellvilleva.gov Those who Have Served. The historic train for more information. station in Purcellville (next to Magnolia’s at the = Saturday, Dec. 8, Hillsboro Historic Mill restaurant). Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, Homes Tour and the Annual Holiday Craft African art and more. 10% off select items with Fair at Hillsboro’s Old Stone School, 37098 your purchase of up to $100 ... 20% off select Charles Town Pike in Hillsboro. Home tour from items with your purchase of $100 or more. noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door (sold Sponsored by the Lincoln Preservation Foundation Sponsored by the Lincoln Preservation Foundation at the Old Stone School) or $15 in advance. Craft and Friends of the Grace Multicultural Center. Call and Friends of the Grace Multicultural Center. fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 540.338.4185 for more information. Call 540.338.4185 for more information. Visit www.HillsboroVa.org for details. = Tuesday, Dec. 18, Santa Rock concert = Saturday, Dec. 8. Hillsboro Country featuring Rockroses with a special appear - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Christmas Dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills - ance by Santa. Lovettsville Community Cen - boro United Methodist Church, 37216 ter, 57 E. Broad Way, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Charlestown Pike. Free will offering. Admission and refreshments, $6. Visit www.loudoun.gov/prcs for information. Make a wish with Gabriella
Gabriella Miller was recently diag - Gabrie lla wo uld leike you to help r re nosed with a rare and inoperable her m ake that h appe n. Her person - form of brain cancer. When she al goal is to have he qr friend s w rite A learned she qualified for the "Make A 10,000 letters to S ant a tha t she ca n Wish" Foundation, she was delighted perso nally d e live r to M acy's on to submit her wish for a trip to Paris, Dece mbe r 23rd . W hat ma kes th is France. But, Gabriella is the kind of endeavor ev en mo re rem arkable is
child who doesn't like to get some - that Ga br iella's family d oes not thing without giving something back. even ce lebrate Christm as – th ey So, she is asking all of her friends are Jewish. Thi s little gir l is inspiri ng near and far to join her in writing letters to people of all faith s to stop fo r a momen t , count Santa Claus, because, if Macy's receives a to tal the ir b le ssing s a nd w rite a quick H“D ear Sa nt a” e of 1,000,000 Make A Wish letters to S anta not e in s up port of t he Mak e-A-Wish Foun da - n before Christmas, the company will dona te tion, an or gani zation th at, "e nrich es the hu m an $1,000,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. e xper ien ce w ith hope , strength and joy .“ p p u d PLEASE JOIN US FOR COOKIES AT ONE OF THESE MAKE-A-WISH WITH G ABR IE LLA
“DEAR SANTA…” LETTE R- W RITIN G PA RT IE S ! D h A We supply the pa per – you supply the good wishes!
Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10am – 12pm (com e for 5 mi nute s or two hou rs!) at Lou do un
Country Day School, 20600 Red Cedar Drive, Leesburg, VA. Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10am – 12 pm (co me fo r 5 m in ut es o r tw o h o urs!) at Lo udo un s School for the Gifted, 44675 Cap e Court, Unit 105, Ashburn, VA. 1 t C een If your schedule does not allow you to jo i n us for on e of t hes e eve nts, there ar e tw o other ways to get your letters to Sa nta in support of Gabriella’s 10,000 letter goal. 1) Drop the letter off in the big mailbox in th e lob by of Loudoun Country Day School (between Dec. 4 – Dec. 18), 20600 R ed Cedar Drive, Leesburg, VA ~ www.lcds.org
2) Mail your letter to: Dear Santa “Make-A-W ish w ith Gab riella ,” 20 899 McIntosh Place , Leesburg, VA 20175. Pass this on to other groups of children who might want to write let - ters. For more information, please email [email protected]. Happy Holidays!
More online at www.brleader.com page 28 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today December 2012 8Real Estate Ticker 8 – By Carl Fischer Holiday season softening in the residential market ... As is often customary this time of year, most market metrics fell in the month of October. Total sales volume was down 8.5 percent com - pared to last month, but still, year over year we were up a whopping 38 percent. Days on Mar - ket (DOM) continues to decline, which is a great litmus test for pent-up demand. The ratio of SOLD prices to list, or “asking” prices continues to improve. Inventory of homes available for sale is still shrinking, down nearly 16 percent compared to this month last year. A look at Loudoun numbers for September from MRIS:
FHA on the move One area of interest that jumped at me this month was a series of articles I ran across focused on imminent changes in process that will have a real impact on buyers of affordable homes in this area. Inman news article looks at $16.3 billion dollar deficit In a November 16, 2012 article in this publication, speculation is raised as to whether or not a taxpayer bailout (for the first time in FHA's 78 year history) may be in the offing. The article went on to say: In order to avoid a bailout, FHA will raise annual insurance pre - miums, sign off on more short sales, streamline sales of foreclosed properties, offer "deeper levels" of payment relief through its loss mitigation program, expand sales of delinquent loans, and, for new loans, reverse a policy instituted in 2011 that canceled required pre - mium payments after loans reached 78 percent of their original value (emphasis mine). Next year, FHA plans to raise the annual insurance premium paid by borrowers on an FHA loan by 10 basis points, or 0.1 percent, which is expected to add $13 a month to the average borrower's monthly payments. Many buyers look forward to being able to save the Mortgage Insurance Premium as the loan matures, but apparently, that savings may soon be gone. And there's more ... The article went on to say: The agency has also vowed to expand its sales of delinquent loans under its Distressed Asset Stabilization Program, committing to sell at least 10,000 such loans per quarter over the next year. Because such sales require investor purchasers to delay foreclosures for a minimum of six months, they represent an opportunity for bor - rowers to possibly avoid foreclosure while reducing FHA's costs, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop - ment (HUD), of which FHA is a part. An upswing in the rate of foreclosed properties may have a tem - porary “dampening effect” on the upward momentum of home prices, but I suspect that in this area, that impact will be negligible. Bottom line: it does not look like you'll find a more affordable time than right now to buy your first home, or move up to the home of your dreams. Who represents you when you walk into a new-home model? It has been some time since I've worked with a significant num - Continued on page 29 More online at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 29 Amy Smith , continued from page 13 CLASSIFIEDS mise might be achieved by extending the As with the expiring tax breaks, new legis - It was a little over a year ago that the last lower tax rates for all, but increasing tax rev - lation is required to avoid the automatic cuts. debt ceiling impasse led to the creation of the – FREE FIREWOOD – enue by limiting the deductions to high- But while it’s difficult to find anyone who deficit reduction supercommittee and, ulti - income households. believes that the across-the-board cuts are a mately, the imposition of the automatic cuts 20+ trees down, you cut all and clean. good idea, there’s been no consensus on what described above. It remains to be seen Most not split. Located on Bell Road, Automatic spending cuts or “sequestra - tion” to do. The challenge for political leaders will whether a new debt ceiling increase is includ - Round Hill. Contact Jack at 540-338- ed as part of a larger agreement encompassing 9628. The failure of the deficit reduction super be to come up with a more palatable set of the expiring tax provisions and impending committee to reach agreement back in cost saving measure, or an alternate deficit spending cuts, or whether it is debated on its – HELP WANTED – November 2011 automatically triggered $1.2 reduction plan. own. trillion in broad-based spending cuts over a The debt ceiling Paid Nursery Attendant – Assistant: Amy V. Smith Wealth Management, LLC, CFP, CIMA, Round Hill United Methodist Church, multiyear period beginning in 2013 (the for - While it hasn’t received the same level of is an independent firm. Amy offers securities through Round Hill, VA. Salary $10.00/hr. mal term for this is “automatic sequestra - attention given to the expiring tax provision Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member Mature person needed each Sunday tion”). The cuts are to be split evenly between and the automatic spending cuts, there’s FINRA/SIPC. Her office is located at 161 Fort Evans morning from 7:40 to 12:30pm. Respon - defense spending and nondefense spending another problem looming—the government is Road, NE, Ste 345, Leesburg, VA 20176. (703-669-5022). sible for the care of children (birth to 48 and are projected to equal about $109 billion running out of money again. The federal gov - www.amysmithwealthmanagement.com. The opinions months). References and background in 2013 (Source: Office of Management and ernment will likely hit its borrowing limit and recommendations are those of the columnist. Con - check required. Please submit a current Budget, “OMB Report Pursuant to the (currently set at approximately $16.4 trillion) tents prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication resume to [email protected]. Sequestration Transparency Act of 2012 (P.L. sometime before the end of the year, although Solutions, Inc.. Copyright 2006-2012. All rights reserved. The information contained n this report does not purport PM Line Cook & PM Dishwasher: 112-155),” September 14, 2012). Although certain “extraordinary measures” can be to be a complete description of the securities, markets, The French Hound, Middleburg. Expe - Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare ben - implemented to allow the government to meet or developments referred to in this material. The informa - rience preferred. Stop by 101 S. Madi - efits are exempt, and cuts to Medicare its obligations into early 2013. (Source: U.S. tion has been obtained from sources considered to be reli - son Street, Middleburg VA & fill out an provider payments cannot be more than 2%, Department of the Treasury, Treasury Assis - able but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material application between 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. most discretionary programs including educa - tant Secretary for Financial Markets Matthew is accurate or complete. Any information is not a com - Phone: 540.687.3018. tion, transportation, and energy programs will Rutherford November 2012, Quarterly plete summary or statement of all available data neces - be subject to the automatic cuts. Refunding Statement, October 31, 2012.) sary for making an investment decision and does not con - – SERVICES – stitute a recommendation. MUSIC LESSONS – SAxOPHONE, CLARINET & FLUTE! Private les - 8Real Estate Ticker, continued from page 28 sons for kids and adults are available in ber of new home buyers, but that is beginning ful) day you decide to “pop-by” one of the to you. your home or at our studio in south Lees - to change once again. many new model homes showing up through - They only showcase the highlights of their burg. Instructor has B.A. in music and 20 If you were here in the 1989-1991 downturn, out the area, I recommend that you announce particular subdivision, only those that their years experience as a performer and you will recall that it took about five years for your loyalty to your agent when you are first builder wants you to see. teacher. Please call 703 777-4352 or email new home construction to re-gain credible mar - met with a smiling face at the front door. They Not all bad, but we live in a world of choic - [email protected]. Local ket share. By 1996, new home prices were ris - will jump to their feet to greet you in an instant. es... Give yourself permission to have the very references available. ing sharply, and re-sale homes were once again But remember, it is that salesperson's JOB to best representation available. appreciating at a rapid pace. make the process of buying THEIR new home They're called Realtors®! That's what's going on again here in seem as simple and effortless as possible. Carl Fischer is the Broker/Owner of United Put your classified ad here. Loudoun County. Often, those folks often not licensed. They Effective! Inexpensive! Country Real Estate, specializing in commer - Ask up front are merely employees of the builder. cial, investment, and selected residential prop - Contact While many homebuilders offer to cooperate And while they may be truthful, their prima - erties, as well as Northern Neck of Virginia [email protected] with licensed real estate professionals who rep - rily objective is to promote the interests of their waterfront homes. He is licensed in Virginia or call 540.338.6200. resent their buyers, not all do. employer, the builder. and West Virginia, and is a member of the If you have been happy working with a They will seldom be able to guide you Dulles Area Association of Realtor (DAAR) as licensee who has been helping you find that through the value analyses that take into well as the Northern Neck Association of Real - “perfect home”, but on this particular (beauti - account the broader range of choices available tors (NNAR)
Across 51. Bit 25. Uproars 1. Rage violently 53. Adorn 26. Nahuati speakers SecondCareers – ByMylesMellorandSallyYork 5. Sword handle 56. City in Belgium 27. Rent payer 9. Counters 60. Pop artist turns actor? 28. Kentucky forward 14. Infant's desire to be loved 64. Bill of ___ 29. Rabbit-like rodent (Japanese word) 65. Poker diva 30. Got it 15. Asian nurse 66. Not theirs 32. Baseball stat 16. Cricket position 67. Daisy variety 33. On edge 17. Outlaw turns soul singer? 68. Yemen gulf 36. South Korean currency 20. Cockeyed 69. White ice 37. Juliet, to Romeo 21. Spread a fertilizer Down 39. Agoraphobic? 22. Oolong, for one 1. Big Indian 40. Palindromic begetter? 24. enlist 2. Home of ISU 41. Touch 28. Maori war dance 3. Cher flick 46. Muslim pilgrimage 31. Spite 4. 100 centimos 47. Anatomical ring 34. exude 5. "The ___" (Uris novel) 48. Text changer 35. "Act your ___!" 6. Prayer leader 50. Perfume 36. Had on 7. Guru 52. "Aladdin" prince 37. Personae non gratae 8. Prefix with magnetic 54. Scolded 38. Director turns businessman? 9. Color of honey 55. Pad or cap starter 42. Sentence type 10. Faulks novel 57. Needle holder 43. Fruitless 11. ___ Annie 58. Undeveloped idea 44. Trick taker, often 12. Bully 59. european language 45. Any thing 13. Hampton ___ 60. This may be fragile 46. Mozart contemporary 18. "Concentration" pronoun 61. Nova, e.g. 48. Finnish river 19. Brickbat 62. Piggy digit? 49. Cognac cocktail 23. Acknowledge 63. Hosiery defect Answers on page 31
More online at www.brleader.com page 30 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today December 2012 Support Local Business Owners & Neighbors!
Marcy Cantatore Direct: 540-533-7453 [email protected] www.MarcyC.com
Selling Homes, Farms & Land Licensed in Virginia & West Virginia 115 N. 21st Street Purcellville, VA 20132
Lawn Mower, Small Tractors & Bushogs Blade Sharpening & Maintenance Oil Changes G Greasing G Repairs Sharp Blades Ronnie Fox We Come to You! 540 338-3408 www.sharp-blades.com
Hay Unlimited NOVA Matt Tilghman Computer Systems Still serving NoVa & beyond Diagnostics G Repairs Small or big, 100+ bales preferred Upgrades G File Recovery Split with your neighbor & save! We Service All PC Brands Great Hay for a BeTTeR PRiCe from PA's 703-777-8493 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat 10-4 Appalachian Highlands – Phone: 540-338-9232 9 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 www.novacomputersinc.com
On the Market ... with Sam Rees Samantha Rees Associate Broker Cell: 703 408-4261
Licensed in Virginia
Take up the gift of music. Build a sound foundation! – In-home lessons – – In-home lessons for piano & voice –
Caprice Fox, BFA, Executive Director [email protected] 703 431-9649
On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com December 2012 Blue Ridge LeADeR & Loudoun Today page 31
Did You Know... Karen’s Office is Collecting Toys for Toys for Tots! Contact her today to make your donation!
NEW LISTING 1BR, 1BA condo 3BR, 2BA, 1430 sq. ft. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, .09 acres RENTED! INVESTORS! 2488 sq. ft., .49 acres Lovettsville Leesburg Lovettsville $210,000 $129,900 $349,900 LO7833745
PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED 4 BR, 1.5 BA, 2524 sqft Working cattle farm 4 BR, 3.5 BA, 3588 sqft 6.46 acres – More avail! (until ’08) on 50+ acres! 3.58 acres w/ pool Lovettsville Predates the Civil War. Leesburg $485,000 Lovettsville $564,900 LO7912224 $999,000 LO7816890
LAND Lovettsville $135,000 TO BE BUILT 2.88 acres 4 BR, 2 BA, horse farm, 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 acre 11.41 acres (2 lots) Lovettsville Bluemont Lovettsville $132,500 $249,000 $549,900 2.81 acres CL7809335 LO7844509 TheBlueRidgeLeaderis pledgedtotheletterand spiritofVirginia’sand FOR RENT HUD’sEqualOpportunity HousingPolicies.Vir - ginia’sFairHousingLaw UNDER CONTRACT Lovettsville makesitillegaltoadver - tiseanypreference,limi - 5BR, 4.5BA, 4,824 sq. ft., UNDER CONTRACT 3BR, 1.5BA tationordiscrimination .24 acres. 4 BR, 3.5 BA, $1300/month Answers to crossword basedonrace,color, Ashburn 3872 sq. ft., .15 acres puzzle from page 29 nationalorigin,sex, $649,900 Leesburg elderliness,familialstatus LO7935860 $429,900 andhandicap.Thisnews - paperwillnotknowingly acceptadvertisingfor realestatethatviolates 3BR, theFairHousingLaw. 3.5BA, Ourreadersarehereby 1951 sq. ft., informedthatall UNDER CONTRACT .04 acres UNDER CONTRACT dwellingsadvertisedin 4 BR, 4.5 BA, 3924 sq. ft, 3 BR, 1 BA, .24 acres thepaperareavailable SOLD Handyman Special! onanequalhousing Lansdowne Berryville opportunitybasis.For $669,000 Purcellville $99,000 LO7889319 $239,900 moreinformationabout CL7949611 Virginia’sFairHousing Law,ortofileaFair Housingcomplaint,call theVirginiaFairHousing Officeat804.376.8530; toll-free888.551.3247; forthehearingimpaired: 804.527.4290;email – fair[email protected] - ginia.gov;web:www.fair - housing.vipnet.org. On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com