STANDARD PRESORT RESIDENTIAL U.S. POSTAGE CUSTOMER PAID ECRWSS PERMIT NO. 82 WOODSTOCK, VA

APRIL 2019 www.blueridgeleader.com blueridgeleader SINCE 1984

Comp Plan decision time – TPA residents prepared for a fight BY ANDREA GAINES sented to the Board of Supervisors by the series of public hearings and work ses- It is hard to understate the enormity Loudoun County Planning Commission sions, to review the draft and either ac- of the gap between the thousands of in- on March 21 is recommending a plan that cept or deny the specific recommenda- dividual Loudoun County residents who seeks, not just to direct the growth to tions of the Commission. A final vote is have expressed their concerns about come, but to give it a place within which expected in early July. Loudoun’s runaway growth, and the to explode. Comprehensive Plan that will be publicly The development community is jubi- ‘Land available for development’ vs. debated this month. lant – while the people and neighbor- ‘quality of life’ With the Silverline Metro on the way, hoods that lie in the path of that growth One of the first indications that the an Urban Policy Area added to the mix, are incredulous, and promising to be out PC would seek to fundamentally change and dozens of data centers on the way, in full force for public hearings scheduled Loudoun’s approach to growth was INSIDE: One big, messy, tax Loudouners knew they were in for a change. for April 24 and April 27. the Envision Loudoun May 2018 draft haven? Go to page 15 But, the draft Loudoun 2040 plan pre- The BOS now has 90 days, through a CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 »

Coming to your neighborhood?

CALL JOHN. S O L D JOHN CONSTANT 703.585.6278 | [email protected] G E T M O R E . A S S O C I A T E B R O K E R 2 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 Abbey’s Flooring Division Spring Sale!

CARPET HARDWOOD TILE Starting at Starting at Starting at

$2.49 SQ. FT. $6.99 SQ. FT. $8.99 SQ. FT. INSTALLED INSTALLED INSTALLED (MINIMUM 250 SQ.FT.) (MINIMUM 250 SQ.FT.) (MINIMUM 150 SQ.FT.) Sterling 703-634-6787 21465 Price Cascades Plaza (In front of Costco) Leesburg 703-810-3729 161 Fort Evans Rd. NE (Next to Wolf Furniture) AbbeyDesignCenter.com

KITCHEN BATHROOM BASEMENT REMODELING REMODELING FINISHING

Our team of remodeling experts will complete your project on time & on budget. Don’t take our word for it, check out our Houzz profile and website AbbeyDesignCenter.com, for inspiration and 5 Star Reviews! APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 3 Lincoln Elementary School Educational excellence was born here ... and has never left

BY ANDREA GAINES One of the most enchanting learning opportunities Lincoln Elementary School has ever pre- sented to its students is what has been known as an “1818 School Day.” As they arrive at school, youngsters don period dress and walk down Lincoln’s main street to the histor- At Lincoln Elementary, all paths lead to academic Students enter Oakdale School for 1818 School Day. COMMUNITY ic 1815 Oak- Local author and illustrator Henry excellence and a stronger community. dale School, a Cole thrills the kids. one-room brick schoolhouse on hand. But, because the sense and maybe what trouble they’d Lincoln student from kinder- the National Register of Historic of educational purpose and to- gotten into recently ... garten through fifth grade ... Places since 1974. getherness that ran through this “I didn’t just have my mom to It makes me smile when I pass Each student gets the biog- place in 1818 ... never left. answer to ... all the parents were a first grader in the hall and I raphy of a boy or girl from the ‘watching out for me,’ said Sara.” say, ‘Good morning, Jack,’ and year 1818 – the children of early ‘The Lincoln mothers rug-braiding Today, as the parents of a he says, ‘You know my name?’ “ Lincoln families such as Brown, network’ daughter who graduated from And, Jenna Alexander, Hunt Janney, Hirst, Purcell, Nichols or When long-time Lincoln res- Lincoln and now attends Blue District PTO President and also Taylor. ident Jean Brown and her late Ridge Middle School, and a son a candidate for Catoctin Dis- With a sense of wonder, the husband Bill’s daughter Sara at- who now attends Lincoln Ele- trict School Board Represen- students assume this child’s Dave Michener talks with a student tended the school, Jean formed mentary, Sara and her husband tative, said, “The minute you identity and get to work – sitting about his science fair project. the “Lincoln mothers rug-braid- Scott Maison say “We still all pull into the parking lot at Lin- on old wooden benches, flipping ing network.” look out for each other’s kids.” coln Elementary, you know you through original Oakdale School relevance to today’s Lincoln Ele- As the ladies braided away, Said Jennifer Reed, a fourth are someplace special ... Every text books, and writing out les- mentary School parents. Not just they shared information about grade teacher, “Lincoln reminds school in Loudoun has a strong sons with hand-made quill pens. because they or their children how their kids were doing in me of why I became a teacher. sense of community, but what This exercise has had special might have experienced it first- school, where they’d be that day, I can see the growth in every CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 » A “Weiner Roast” to cure Makersmiths’ KidWind teams Cystic Fibrosis bring home three awards Two four-student teams sponsored BY JOE LAFIANDRA by Loudoun County’s Makersmiths, The movie “Five Feet Apart,” Inc. competed March 15 at the North- which opened in theaters on ern Virginia Kid- March 22, Wind Challenge tells the COMMUNITY held at Shenandoah COMMUNITY story of two University. They came home with three cystic fibro- awards. Teams in KidWind competi- sis (CF) patients who meet and Coach Diane Painter, and team members: tions are challenged to design and build Soren Ogelman, Katie Choi, Neil Murtha fall in love during a hospitaliza- functional wind turbines, and demon- and Dane Tayler. tion, but are restricted from be- strate their understanding of wind en- ing within 5 feet of each other ergy technology and renewable energy by strict infection control rules issues. for many CF patients. CF is a Makersmiths’ four-member middle degenerative genetic disease school team, known as Wind Overload, that effects the lungs, pancre- received the Blades Award from Domin- as and other bodily organs and ion Energy for best blade development, shortens lifespan. Photo by Angela Wade are going to fight to give them a chance and the Knowledge Award. Maker- This is a movie but, one Northern Vir- L to R: Coach Mike O’Brien, and team at a normal life.’” From that day on, the smiths’ four-member high school team, ginia family with two children that have members Aidan O’Brien, Colin O’Brien, Weiner Family has been fundraising for known as Too HAWT to Handle, won CF have been living with the real-life Andrew Bennett, and Joda Wade. the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Dona- first place for its overall performance in challenges of parenting siblings with tions to the foundation have resulted in the Advanced Challenge Division. the life-threatening disease for the past POWER Conference and Exhibition in the development of new drugs that have The high school team now qualifies 20 years. “It has definitely not been easy Houston, Texas. At that competition, alleviated many of the symptoms and de- for the 2019 national KidWind Chal- keeping siblings 5 feet apart,” said Janet the Makersmiths’ Advanced Challenge structive effects of the disease and have lenge that will be held May 21-23 at Weiner. “When Matt and Melissa were high school team will need to show how helped CF patients to lead a more normal the American Wind Energy Association diagnosed, my husband and I cried and the team members worked together to life. (AWEA) annual tradeshow and WIND- then looked at each other and said ‘we CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » 4 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS BLUE RIDGE DISTRICT

The Loudoun County Republican Committee will hold a convention on Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. with registration from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Two candidates will vie for the nomination for the Blue Ridge District seat for the Board of Supervisors. To sign up as a delegate go to www.LoudounGOP.com and click on Delegate Filing Form. They are due no later than Sunday April 14, 5 p.m. The convention is at Stone Bridge High GOVERNMENT School, 843100 Hay Road, Ashburn.

Purcellville resident Tony Buffing- villages, along with the area’s rural, Florian Hauswiesner is challenging plan. Nevertheless, the County keeps on ton was elected in 2015 to the Loudoun historic, and scenic character. Having incumbent Tony Buffington for the BOS spending our tax dollars, tweaking the County Board of Supervisors for the Blue been raised in neighboring and rural Blue Ridge District Republican nomina- design of the station, instead of closing Ridge District. He was raised in Clarke Clarke County, and having graduated tion. Hauswiesner lives in Aldie with his the purchase for an alternative site. County and attended high school in high school in the small town of wife and family. He attended American Had I been on the Board of Supervisors, Berryville. In 1998, Buffington joined Berryville as a member of the Future University Law School in Washington, I would have prevented the purchase the United States Marine Corps, and he Farmers of America, I’ve always been a D.C. and practices business law in Ty- of the village site. Had I come to the currently works in Wash- staunch advocate for the sons Corner. He is the Board later on, like my ington, D.C. as a federal preservation of rural areas. past president of the opponent, I would have law enforcement officer, Since taking office in Jan- Aldie Heritage Associa- not wasted months to serving in a supervisory uary of 2016, myself and the tion. decide whether a new site capacity. current Board have not ap- needs to be found or not. I Blue Ridge Leader: proved a single new home don’t think it’s credible if Blue Ridge Leader: What What are the most in western Loudoun, to in- you constantly talk about are the most pressing is- pressing issues facing clude both the Rural and preserving the rural West sues facing the district? the district? Transition Policy Areas! but are indifferent about Tony Buffington: When TONY BUFFINGTON I’ve supported our strong Florian Hauswiesner: FLORIAN HAUSWIESNER a County plan to bulldoze I’m talking to residents, rural economy in order to Our district is not only a large part of the historic they want us to reduce ensure large landowners the largest but is also village of Aldie. My traffic congestion and lower tolls; to (wineries, equestrian facilities, tradition- the most diverse district in Loudoun, opponent only changed his mind on this preserve western Loudoun’s rural, his- al agriculture, bed and breakfasts, etc.) with suburban, transition, and rural issue when NBC 4 came out to interview toric, and scenic character; to update are able to earn a living on their prop- policy areas. This means our residents our residents. our countywide Comprehensive Plan in erties, who otherwise might sell to a de- have a different set of priorities and We also need to address the incon- a manner that reflects their wishes; to veloper for clearing and construction of perspectives. The number one priority sistencies in our zoning laws. For ex- attract more local jobs so they can work dense residential. I’ve led the Board on for most residents is the fact that our ample, there are three different zoning closer to home and spend more time with conservation efforts and recently passed roads and schools are overwhelmed by areas for the small village of Aldie, and a family; to ensure policies that promote a conservation easement assistance pro- the population increase we have seen historic district that only encompasses the proper balance of a strong economy gram to help middle class families per- in the last 20 years. Unfortunately, parts of the village. Data centers should and a high quality of life for families; manently preserve their families’ rural my opponent was not successful in not be permitted next to established to expand rural broadband coverage; lands. We also recently passed Supervisor accelerating funding for pressing road residential areas, on mountain ridges, to ensure more parks, trails, and recre- Higgins and my effort to further explore projects on Rt. 50 or in the Purcellville or at locations for which you need to ational options; to maintain safe neigh- options for establishing a Transfer of De- area. As the next Blue Ridge Supervisor, build high-voltage power lines to reach borhoods, safe schools, and high-quality velopment Rights program for Loudoun. I will make fixing the traffic gridlock them. Although I am a supporter of our education; to support our veterans and In 2018, I was honored to receive the and the school overcrowding the top vineyards and breweries, we also need first responders; and to continue lower- “Friend of the Blue Ridge Mountain” priority, while finding the right balance to take into consideration whether our ing taxes and reducing the cost of living award for my conservation accomplish- between promoting economic growth rural roads and established residential for families. I’ve worked extremely hard ments. and preserving the rural and historic areas can handle the additional traffic to listen, lead, and deliver results on Having learned of a loophole in Rural character of the West. caused by new businesses. all of these issues. And I’m running for Commercial zoning which allowed for BRL: Pick one of those issues and BRL: What makes you the most re-election to ensure that we continue nearly unlimited by-right residential explain how you would address it? qualified person for the seat? making progress on each of them! construction, I worked with the Board to establish a cap, and I am continuing ef- FH: Because of the population explosion FH: My professional experience as BRL: Pick one of those issues and forts to further restrict that cap in west- in the greater Aldie area, the County a business attorney has definitely explain how you would address it? ern Loudoun. decided to build a new fire station, but sharpened my ability to understand and TB: Since the Blue Ridge Leader serves As many are aware, the County is cur- spent millions of our taxpayers’ monies manage complex issues and to recognize mostly rural Loudoun, I’ll cover my rently engaged in the process of updat- on buying two different sites that are problems before they materialize. previous and ongoing efforts to preserve ing our Comprehensive Plan (Envision not suitable for that purpose. I spent a Ever since I moved to Aldie in 2011, I western Loudoun’s small towns and CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 » lot of time to lead the fight against this CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 » APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 5 A Rigged Game?

BY SAMUEL MOORE-SOBEL want the best for their children, and The game is rigged. would do almost anything to help their At least that is the conclusion one can children get a leg up in the college easily reach in the wake of revelations admissions process. What is startling are that William Rick Singer, founder and the lengths those parents will allegedly owner of a business intended to assist go to pave the way for their children. It students in their quest to attend the most all seems not only morally repugnant, elite colleges in America, but nearly inconsequential. Whether or was assisting students not privileged children go to Harvard, in obtaining college will they not be afforded opportunities acceptance letters through simply by being the offspring of a famed illegal means. Allegedly and successful person? bribing college officials, Despite the troubling aspects of this MOORE-SOBEL hiring corrupt proctors to story, there is something getting lost enable cheating on SATs, in the process. After all, does attending among a myriad of other tactics. A bizarre an elite school guarantee a student and utterly confounding scenario, forcing will embark upon a successful career? many to reconsider the validity of college If true, the millions of others who acceptances. attend institutions outside of those Most are grappling with the idea embroiled by these allegations would be of wealth and money parlaying into doomed. America remains “the land of acceptance to a prestigious university. It opportunity,” where people still prove was widely accepted that this occurred every day that where you start does not already, albeit through legal means. The necessarily preclude you from reaching idea of legacy helps students gain access soaring heights. Some of the greatest if their parent attended; and, it’s hard to businesses were built by people lacking believe that colleges are entirely blind money and connections, even college when it comes to applicants who happen degrees. Obtaining an Ivy League to be children of politicians, entertainers, education does not guarantee future and successful entrepreneurs. Name success; for, that is entirely dependent means much, especially if that name upon the person. will help secure large donations. Which The implications for the college makes the idea of wealthy Americans admissions process are likely far- resorting to illegal means to send reaching. It remains unclear how their children to the top schools a bit many other students obtained college ludicrous. Don’t they already have acceptances through wrongful means. enough advantage built into the system? Does this turn of events cast a shadow Perhaps this speaks to something over every university involved, serving to a bit larger than just being accepted erode the prestige of certain institutions? into college. When considering the Lawsuits are already being filed with perspective of those at the top of their this in mind, leaving alumni grappling professions, the stakes are likely quite with the effects this all may have on the high. If Lori Loughlin or Felicity Huffman marketability of their degrees. told their influential friends that their In a final bit of poetic irony, the children had been rejected from the internet is all atwitter over a long- schools of their choice, would this affect forgotten Full House episode. “Aunt their social standing? Becky” (Lori Loughlin) and her husband I wonder if this is reflective of the Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos) craft a emptiness of material success. Once plan to get their twin boys into preschool. obtained, a person still desires more. They make exaggerated claims on the Apparently, it is not enough to have application. To assuage his guilt, Jesse several million dollars in the bank. tries to rationalize his bad behavior. Is it less about the money, and more “The most important thing in the about the doors money opens? The world right now is their education,” Jesse social connections, the prestige, the said. “I’m their father – if I don’t lie for elevated societal standing, and the them, who will?” respect received from one’s peers. Once Cue real-life Lori Loughlin. achieving such a “level,” as it were, is Isn’t it a wonder when television one destined to keep pace, as if running comes to life? on a perpetual treadmill just to retain the vaunted place one has secured? Samuel Moore-Sobel is a freelance writer. The desire may not be totally To read more of his work, visit www. malicious, mind you. Most parents holdingontohopetoday.com 6 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 The Divine Comedy: Inferno

BY DANTE ALIGHIERI HOUSTON today as it was in 1320. It could even de- did not pull you down here to be merciful. I the truth.” scribe Loudoun County, where I moved will tell him to release you.” They tendered remorse, “We knew bet- (Editor’s note: This opinion piece follows three centuries ago to escape the conges- “You can do that?” my friend desperate- ter but we just went along.” the story of Dante’s The Divine Comedy, tion of my native Florence. ly asked. I’d seen six members of the Planning completed in the year 1320.All of the facts Our quietude is threatened by “Envision “Certainly. He is a creature of my pen, Commission by now. I had not seen Fred and proceedings referenced here are ac- Loudoun,” the Planning Commission’s ba- after all.”And, down further I went. Jennings, Jeff Salmon or Cliff Keirce. They curate as reflected in County documents.) sis for a Comprehensive Plan that would I did not see another commissioner un- had to be in the lowest level of Hell. destroy the county’s character. til the eighth level, where I saw two. This “Wait,” one of the two men called as I I started this work seven hundred years I was searching for the commissioners eighth circle was “Fraud.” Did they know started downward. He spoke. “We need ago and judging by centuries of acclaim, along Evergreen Mill Road, an area un- why Satan had put them here? to confess something else. The Transition it’s pretty good. I con- der their assault, when I espied a large “Jeff Salmon told us that the county Policy Area is the target. It was to be a OPINION ceived three parts, In- hole. Three morose men stood at its edge. needs more houses in order to have more transition of uses and a buffer between the ferno, Purgatory and I came closer and saw a red glow at the economic growth. When I said that to Sa- suburbs and the farms. Jennings changed Paradise, following the tenets of the Holy bottom. This was my Inferno, somehow tan, he slapped me.” that, saying the TPA’s purpose was to act Church. Most readers turn to Inferno. moved from Italy to Virginia! “Have you considered that Loudoun is as a repository for growth. Salmon wrote Inferno might be as applicable to life I knew two of the men. I introduced my- already the wealthiest county in America, that it had to be developed. Then he made self to the third, “Hi. I’m Dante.” and that our economy needs no help?” I a threat – if the TPA didn’t get a lot more Errata: In our March issue we featured a These were three commissioners who asked. “Or that the citizens want to stop houses, they’d have to go into the Rural business (The British Pantry) in the Small usually voted to slow Loudoun’s growth. this growth?” Policy Area. We think his idea is to get the Business Grapevine. This business had One of them pointed into the hole as an- Both looked confused and one ex- rural people to abandon the TPA.” closed over a year ago. We regret this error and apologize. other muttered to me, “They’re down plained, “But that’s not what Salmon, Fred “Confession is good for your soul.But, there.” Jennings and Cliff Keirce told us.” now I must leave. Why have you revealed “The six other commissioners?” I asked. “Don’t be naïve,” I snapped, “Tell me so much, when you voted otherwise?” “Yes, all of them. What happened?” more of your fraud.” “Imminent torture made us re-think ev- “This is Hell, or Inferno in Italian. There “We talked about affordable housing, erything.” are nine levels of sinners and at the bot- which sounded nice. Developers were I got their attention with sarcasm.I did tom is Satan himself. He easily could have pushing it hard. But now the question is not like what this threesome was trying to summoned all of you here and determined whether the plan favors citizens or people do to the county. I would not be gentle. Publisher & Editor who needed punishment.” who want to come here. We chose wrong- “You said your plan has to meet market Valerie Cury My three companions shivered.One ly.” demand forecasts. Why must we do that, Creative Department asked, “So that’s how we got here. Do we One commissioner revealed more. especially if the citizens are bitterly op- Pam Owens, Layout/Design have to go down there?” “Look at the fiscal impact. Under the mid- posed? Advertising “No, but the others did. Let me enter the dle-growth scenario, we’d be $3 million “You lied about the input you received, Sabine Bibb Tonya Harding pit, find them and learn their sins.” positive, but that’s over 21 years so the using vague terms like ‘land use’ rather [email protected] [email protected] 571-437-9953 703-314-5200 I jumped into the hole. At the fourth cir- benefit’s less than $150,000 a year. So slow than what the people really said, which cle (“Greed”) I saw a familiar face. It was a that it’s meaningless.” He kept confess- was ‘stop growth.’ ” friend.“Why are you here?” I asked. ing, “The numbers aren’t real anyway. We One of these milquetoasts started to Here’s How to Reach Us Email [email protected] or call 540-338-6200 “Satan has not yet told me.” told the consultants to make whatever as- speak but I shushed him with a raised Editor: I said he was on the level of Greed; he sumptions they needed to make the plan palm, “I was at three of those sessions. I (letters to the editor & press releases) blanched. “Perhaps you have conflicted seem fiscally positive.” was at other community meetings. I have [email protected] interests if you vote for more growth at the “You did that?” lived here three centuries. I know what cit- Special Editorial: same time you could profit from it.” Both nodded; I shook my head, “Then izens want. Andrea Gaines – [email protected] “But, but,” he sputtered, “You know I’m you deserve to be in Fraud. Satan is mer- “You made absurd statements, as when Hot News Tips: honest and vote what I believe is best.” ciless so you need to repent to his satisfac- your plan said ‘the primary housing Valerie Cury, 703-943-8806 – [email protected] “I do, but apparently Satan disagrees. He tion. Good luck to you if you have accepted CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » Webmaster: [email protected]

Mailing Address: PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 A 13-year-old’s answer to identity politics Copyright 2019 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today. All rights reserved. Dear Editor: Whites. It was always black water stereotypes. That is completely wrong. The following was written by 13-year- fountain, white water fountain, black I feel that everyone should take more old John Dennis Donovan from Waterford bathroom white bathroom. Rosa had time to learn more about other cultures. blueridgeleader blueridgeleader.com as an impromptu essay for an SSAT test felt like this was the last straw. She Not all blacks are the same, not whites administered in eight grade. The writing felt insulted that a white man was or any ethnicity or religion. Those things We Welcome Your Letters To The Editor! prompt was wide open, commanding her to move to the back of are labels to separate humans further, Submissions may be sent to: OPINION of the two given, John the bus. She was no soldier and he was if they were to travel and meet people, [email protected], or via mail to PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 Dennis chose “She no general. So she sat in her seat and they might have a more worldly view. Please include your name, address and phone number. decided it was time for a change”. His father, didn’t move. She was arrested for this. I myself have been to such places. I We reserve the right to edit submissions as necessary. Sean Donovan, was so taken by the what he Any person be they black, white, have been to Iceland, France, Britain, Deadline for print edition is the third week came up with that he thought it ought to be Hispanic, Indian, oriental, Irish, Greece, Turkey, China, South and North of each month, or, online any time. shared with the larger community. Catholic, Sunnis or Shia is still a person. Korea, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Hawaii, We are all human, we may look or act Alaska, Bon Aire, Aruba and I anticipate different, but we are all the same species. my travels to new places. Wherever I go Ever since the American Civil War Why we cannot accept this I do not know I study the language, the culture and the ended blacks were segregated from but I do know that everyone thinks of CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 7

Largest Selection Of Quartz & Granite BEAUTIFUL DESIGN SHOWROOM Countertops & Kitchen Cabinets Mon. – Sat. 8am - 6pm SPRING SALE

50 sq ft of QUARTZ or GRANITE Countertops for only $1,999 FREE Laser Template FREE Sink Cutout FREE Sink Attachment FREE Removal of Existing Countertops FREE Sealing

Limited number of colors and slabs available Call us today to reserve your slab

22446 Davis Dr. #109 • Sterling Mon. – Sat. 8am - 6pm 703-956-9470 www.GraniteCenterVa.com 8 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 Purcellville Mayor brings local perspectives to Washington

BY ANDREA GAINES The Congressional City Conference is an annual event organized by the Nation- al League of Cities designed to give local leaders the opportunity GOVERNMENT to “advocate for local priorities at the federal level.” Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser at- tended the March 2019 NLC event Washing- ton, D.C., along with thousands of local city leaders from across the country. Presentations and discussions for the 2019 conference included both modern-day and time-honored concepts such as “Data-Driv- en Government,” and “The Ethical Leader.” The event also included a Capitol Hill Ad- vocacy Day, during which local leaders had to opportunity to discuss their needs with federal legislators and their staffs. Said Fraser, “I also advocated for the pas- Fraser used the conference to “network,” sage of a transportation and infrastructure as the saying goes. But, ever the pragmatist, bill to fund capital improvements in the he also went right after the specific needs of areas of bridges, roads, the ‘information su- Purcellville. perhighway,’ and water and sewer utilities in “The conference enabled me to network Purcellville and western Loudoun County.’’ with mayors and other municipal leaders on As part of the conference’s Capitol Hill solutions for the common challenges fac- Advocacy Day, Fraser met with Virginia Sen- ing our communities – such as storm water ator Tim Kaine and Representative Jennifer management, traffic congestion, contracts Wexton, who represents the 10th District of management, and process automation.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 »

Why Wait? SPRING SPECIALS

$ $ off off 10off 2 20% Color or highlights any cut Product 2019004 with any service with purchase of regular 2019002 price adult cut 2019001 FREEshampoo Bank of Charles Town with any service

pk 2019003 Tr Wink

Berling Wolf Rock Dr 287 Chipotle 1201 WOLF ROCK DR, STE 155

Dunkin Donuts op Dr

T PURCELLVILLE, VA

Colonial Hwy Green 7 571-707-7999 • supercuts.com Coupon valid only at 1201 Wolf Rock Dr. location. Not valid with other offer. One coupon valid per customer. Please present coupon prior to payment of service. ©2019 Supercuts Inc. Expires 4/30/19 APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 9 Loudoun’s elder statesman, Al Van Huyck, speaks out on County’s “highly risky” Comp Plan

BY ANDREA GAINES Al Van Huyck is one of the most Board of Supervisors Loudoun 2040 positive Loudouners you will ever meet. Draft Plan Public Hearings, Government An elder statesman who can run circles Center around anyone even half his age. Wednesday, April 24 at 6 p.m. We interviewed Mr. Van Huyck recently Saturday, April 27 at 9 a.m. to get his take on the County’s newly drafted Comprehensive Plan. Founded by local preservationist He served as Chair of the Loudoun Lori Kimball, the Coalition is made County Planning up of 50 non-partisan, not-profit GOVERNMENT Commission from member organizations representing 1996 to 2003, helping approximately 5,000 Loudoun residents to oversee the development of the working to convince the Board of County’s innovative, three-part growth Supervisors – the Comp Plan’s ultimate management strategy consisting of the decision-makers – to get growth under Suburban Policy Area, the Transition control, protect Loudoun’s varied Policy area, and the Rural Policy Area. landscape, and avoid fiscal catastrophe.

“I am optimistic that the Board will limit the excesses of the draft Plan, if the public demands it.” – Al Van Huyck

The three-part system has served the If you love this place, fight for it You envision it. We build it. County well. In 2018 Van Huyck received a Loudoun But it is under enormous pressure • Award winning builder with Laureates award for his long-standing today, as the County debates proposals national recognition preservation efforts. In accepting the for increased housing densities and • Expert staff implementing smooth award Van Huyck said that “the one new uses in the low-density Transition projects from start to finish unifying theme” about the people Policy Area, and considers reducing the • Excellent work at best possible price receiving the award that year was “how size of the Rural Policy Area, effectively much they all loved Loudoun County rezoning farmland for high-density and how much they felt the special place residential and commercial uses, where we are privileged to live.” including data centers. His comments are reflective of both Van Huyck serves today as the Chair his tenacity and his optimism. Post Frame Construction of the Loudoun County Preservation & Metal Buildings and Conservation Coalition (LCPCC). CONTINUED ON PAGE 27 » Horse Barns, Arenas, Garages, Hobby Barns, Wineries Pre Engineered Metal Buildings Authorized Butler Builder, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural Site Work Excavation, Roads, Outdoor Arenas, Water, Sewer, Ponds, Storm Sewer, Commercial, Live Game Fish for Stocking Residential, Industrial, Agricultural Ponds and Lakes Offering Over 32 Species of Fish! Quality Fish at the Best Price. Catalog Upon Request. Truck Delivery or You Pick Up Authorized Butler Builder Zetts Tri-State Fish Farm & Hatchery 540-338-2306 | 800-432-3864 | Fax: 540-338-3015 | [email protected] P.O. Box 237, Purcellville, VA 20134 | www.FuogInterBuildInc.com

878 Hatchery Rd, Inwood, WV 25428 • (304) 229-3654 Serving our customersnearly for www.ZettsFishHatchery.com 40 years 10 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 11 Perfectly restored circa 1850 beauty BY ANDREA GAINES working fireplaces, some of which run on gas and windows bring the outside in, and built-in mirrors Loudoun County’s villages are known for their some of which are wood-burning. The bedrooms are reflect the beauty you see ... everywhere. beautiful historic properties. The home at 353 West beyond charming, including the master bedroom, A Florida Room on the main level welcomes the sun Colonial Highway (Old Rt. 7) in Hamilton is one of which features a dressing area and a walk-in closet. from every angle, and sweeping porches and decks these, but, rarely does a property of this caliber come Everything around you speaks to quality and comfort. welcome quiet morning coffees and al fresco dining. on the market. As a true, fully-restored antique, you’ll see fine The yard is fenced, and there is also a detached, The historic house was for many years the home of craftsmanship in every corner and in every detail – two-car garage, and a workshop. the well-known Hamilton Garden Inn. The property including old-fashion moldings. For those with big dreams, the property is zoned is located in the heart of the village. But, with mature But, you’ll also see a bright and open, completed commercial/residential, providing the next fortunate trees and landscaping, a sweet little garden shed, updated kitchen, with a built-in wine rack, an airy owner with lots of possibilities for how to live, and stone walls, brick patios, beautiful breakfast room, a living room and family room – on potentially, work here. walkways, and other features, it’s the main level – and a roomy laundry area. Large The property is a must-see. REAL ESTATE no wonder the name “Garden Inn” came to mind when previous owners ran the home as an inn. This is a bird-watcher’s paradise. And, from hydrangeas to towering pines to spectacular roses to mature hedges, the outside is just as inviting as the inside. And, oh ... the inside. Here you’ll find 4 to 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 offices, wood and stone floors, exquisite woodwork and cozy room after cozy room, accented by 5 decorative and

Hamilton, $740,000 Purcellvlle, $237,500 1.5ac in Town of Hamilton Historic Gem on 3.75ac

Leesburg, $3,395,000 Round Hill, $389,500 Custom Home in Creighton Farms Charming Cottage w/Updates

SOLD-Bluemont Cross Junction, $150,000 353 West Colonial Highway, Hamilton Escape to Lake Holiday Estates MLS: LO268548 Year built: 1850 Beds/Baths: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths LICENSED IN VA & WV Historic Note: Home is the former Hamil- ton Garden Inn [email protected] Total Acreage: 1.5 acres 540.533.7453 List Price: $740,000 Agent: Marcy Cantatore, Atoka WWW.MARCYC.COM Properties/Middleburg Real Estate FACEBOOK @MARCYCANTATORE Phone: 540 533-7453 Website: www.MarcyC.com INSTAGRAM @MARCYCSELLS Email: [email protected] 12 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

A breath of fresh air SMALL BY ANDREA GAINES Soo Hoo first sold at farmers mar- 41153 John Mosby Highway in Aldie, As a writer, one of the most inter- kets. Then he had a food truck. And, 703 542-8691, www.hammerdownbbq. BUSINESS esting things about Loudoun County now he has his own restaurant. com. is this: every time you think you’ve His gluten-free BBQ sauces, which GRAPEVINE uncovered and reported on all of the translate into dozens of mouthwater- Angelic women’s clothing small businesses readers might get ing meats – and vegetarian options, Misguided Angels is a really unique Hammerdown BBQ excited about, a dozen more pop up. too – are his hallmark. And, his menu women’s clothing shop. There’s a ALDIE There’s always something new, some- lacks ... nothing. Brambleton store, and soon the will be thing undiscovered, a breath of fresh Hammerdown serves beer and wine a Leesburg store. Misguided Angels air. – from mostly local sources. There Owner Kim Hutchins has a very LEESBURG AND BRAMBLETON These two small businesses – a cool are homemade desserts and sides, fashion-forward point of view when To have your small business featured BBQ place and a cool little women’s including cole slaw, baked beans, po- it comes to the shop’s clothing line. in our Small Business Grapevine, clothing store caught our eye this tato salad, fresh fruit, mac & cheese, There is a California, weekend-kind- contact Andrea Gaines via email at month. Enjoy. seasonal greens, and more. Within of-feel to both the shop and the [email protected]. this list, only the mac & cheese is not clothes. Devilishly-fine BBQ gluten-free. “My clothes are more casual, ‘sexy Washingtonian Magazine has called And, of course, there are the meats sophisticated’ I’d say,” said Hutchins. Hammerdown BBQ one of three – including smoked sausage, chopped “I started out my career in fashion smokehouse-type restaurants worthy beef, sliced brisket, chicken, pulled merchandizing. But, I’ve wanted to THEME FOR MAY of going out of your way for. pork, and ribs. have my own shop since high school. “Flowers, Flowers That’s a pretty awesome endorse- The genius of Hammerdown is that And, now I do!” and More Flowers” ment considering the DC area’s repu- you can get Soo Hoo’s great food any The clothing brands Hutchins fea- tation for great, great eats. way you want it. tures at Misguided Angels include THEME FOR JUNE Owner Ken Soo Hoo grew up in the Choose single-serving or family Bailey 44, Bella Dahl, Young Fabulous “Hello for Summer” Chinese restaurant world. “As soon as style. Get a table at the restaurant, & Broke, Chaser, Veronica M, and I could answer the phone,” he said, “As get your food to go, or have your food Level 99. And, her shop’s website THEME FOR JULY soon as I could reach the wok ... I was catered. warns – or maybe has a little fun with Hammerdown BBQ is located at “Freedom for All” in the business.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 »

STYLISH, CUSTOM EQUINE STRUCTURES

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

AWARD WINNING 540.364.8181 STRUCTURES ConestogaBuildings.com APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 13 Alexander announces run for Congressional art competition accepting submissions school board – Catoctin District The office of Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) is now Jenna Alexander is running for School Board because reer pathways that support Loudoun’s rural economy. accepting submissions for the 38th Annual Congressional she believes “that every student and every school com- “We need a new plan that starts renovating older Art Competition. Students grades 9-12 are invited to munity needs to be celebrated as an important part of school buildings now, rather than waiting another ten participate for an opportunity to have their artwork hung our Loudoun learning community.” She has lived in years. We need a strategy that re-evaluates bus trans- in the U.S. Capitol. Hamilton for the past 11 years, with portation routes, so students have more direct com- All submitted artwork must: GOVERNMENT her husband, and two children, who mutes and aren’t expected to walk down gravel roads. attend Hamilton Elementary and We need new strategies that focus on hiring a diverse • Be framed (Frame may not exceed 26 inches high, 26 Blue Ridge Middle School. She is fluent in German and workforce, and supporting our teachers with mentors inches wide, and 4 inches deep) Romanian. and professional development. We need a communi- • Be two-dimensional with the Student Information For the past five years, she has been an advocate for cation strategy that empowers principals and engages and Release Form taped to the back our western Loudoun community parents as partners when policies are being developed.” • Be ready to hang with attached hanging wire and schools, and has represented the Prior to serving as the Director of the Hunt District specified mounting hardware needs of students, teachers, and PTA, Alexander served as Treasurer, and then as Pres- • Have a marking arrow on the back of the work schools across Loudoun at the lo- ident of the Hamilton Elementary PTA for two years. indicating which direction is up cal, state and national level as the Alexander said she was instrumental in forming a co- Submissions can be delivered to Enterprise Hall, George Director of the Hunt District PTA. alition of five rural small school communities to keep Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology As the current Vice President of schools open, and ensure all schools in Loudoun have a Campus, located at 44983 Knoll Square, Ashburn, Virginia Advocacy for the Virginia PTA, she full time principal. has helped parents across the state “Just as I have been supporting school communi- 20147 on Monday, April 22 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. understand legislation and poli- Jenna Alexander ties and volunteers across Loudoun, as a member of The artwork from all participants will remain on display cies that impact their students and the Loudoun County School Board, I will dig deep into for public viewing at Enterprise Hall, George Washington helped them advocate for changes to support their stu- the details, listen to the concerns of our communities, University, from April 22 through May 12. Following the dents and school communities. ensure that you are educated on the issues, and look exhibit, all artwork must be picked up from Enterprise Hall Said Alexander, “It’s time to re-write LCPS’s strategic for creative ways to ensure that our children have safe on Sunday, May 12 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. plan. As a county, we have made great strides providing schools, mental health support, academic opportunities More information about the Competition, including the students with the technology they need to be successful to meet the needs of every learner, and that policies are Rules and Regulations, can be found at: https://wexton. in tomorrow’s workforce. However, we need a new strat- respectful of the beliefs of every family and our tax dol- house.gov/services/art-competition egy that integrates the arts and K-12 world languages lars are used in a fiscally responsible manner,” she said. If you have any questions or issues with the established into the curriculum. We need to provide opportunities To find out more go to Alexander’s Facebook drop-off or collection times, please contact Tami Davis in for our students to connect with nature and explore ca- page, Jenna Alexander for School Board. Rep. Wexton’s Office at 703 234-3800.

Your local Lawn & Landscape EXPERTS Abernethy Spring Has & Spencer We Take Specializing in Native Sprungat & Organic Gardens Nichols! Care of 5 acres Your Trees trees • shrubs • grasses Tree Trimming & Removal veggie plants • annuals Stump Grinding perennials • mulch • soil Hardwood Mulch nutrients • pest control Come shop for your spring ARBOGAST LAWN tools • gloves • hoses garden seeds, tools and supplies! & TREE INC. gifts • statuary • pots 530 East G Street, Purcellville 540-338-5714 | 540-454-0514 (c) garden accents [email protected]

18035 Maple Ave. Licensed & Insured Purcellville M-F 8-5:30 • Sat 8-5 • Sun 10-4 540-338-9118 131 N 21st Street, Purcellville

www.abernethyspencer.com 540-338-7131 14 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 Forget the fancy shirt; I’m here to talk about protecting our County – Kroiz announces run for the Catoctin District BY ANDREA GAINES Mountain, or, at the very least, to prevent the future. “Supervisors should be focused on We came prepared with a nicely- AT&T’s ever-changing “transmission “I’m also keenly aware of how hard serving their constituents and solving pressed shirt just in case the candidate substation” activities that have long it is to sustain a farm and preserve a problems. But, too often, both parties are would want us to take, you know, a dominated the mountaintop from family property day-to-day and between distracted from service by partisan issues professional campaign photo while morphing into an all-out data center. generations,” he continued. “Loudoun and interests. During election time, you we went about So, we were eager for his thoughts is famous for its timeless charm, but hear a lot of good talk from politicians GOVERNMENT interviewing him for on that and other things having to do timelessness doesn’t mean invincibility, from both parties about controlling this article. with the special connection he has to or that it can’t or won’t change. Selling growth, improving roads and schools, “Not really me,” said Lovettsville Loudoun County. the family farm is heartbreaking, but it etc. But, after the election it’s back to the businessman Sam Kroiz, an eighth- We asked, you are an eighth generation is the easiest option for many families. same old politics that give us some of the generation farmer on a small piece of farmer on your family’s land at George’s “I’m not sure many people realize how highest taxes in the state, overcrowded Loudoun County Mill. How much easily it could all fall apart, Kroiz said. schools, and horrible traffic. heaven known as does your Loudoun “With a cascade of families deciding to “I’m sick of it, and am sure many George’s Mill Farm. County farm/family give up and sell out, we are approaching others are as well. I’m confident that And, the newly born heritage play into a point of no return, and we will not I can win as an independent, and will kid goats, snuggling your decision to run? know when we have passed it.” never be beholden to anyone but the up against the And Kroiz said, Kroiz then said, “Many folks think citizens of the Catoctin District.” candidate’s warm “When the County we’ve passed it already, but I don’t. We With respect to the whole of the flannel shirt seemed plans for 2040, it can still save rural Loudoun, but we County, we also asked Kroiz where the to agree. doesn’t feel distant have to act together and act now. And, interests of the east, the west, and the Kroiz announced to me. My wife Molly it’s important to point out that keeping middle meet. in mid-March that and I are building rural Loudoun rural is crucial to all of Said Kroiz, “Every part of the county he is running as an our farm, making Loudoun – not just because it’s a nice has unique issues, but for the most part independent for the Sam Kroiz decisions every day place to visit – but also because if it is we all just want a high quality of life, good Catoctin District seat on the Board of with 2040 and beyond in mind. My kids all built out, the costs in new schools, schools, less traffic, safe neighborhoods, Supervisors. will be young adults choosing their paths roads, and other services will bankrupt and reasonable taxes. The problems we Kroiz made quite a name for himself in life. Will Loudoun County be a place the county. have in all these areas are driven by the in connection with the fight to keep that they will want to live and farm? Our “Party is largely irrelevant when it constant influx of new residents, who tech giant AT&T off historic Short Hill decisions today are vital, and they shape comes to local politics,” said Kroiz. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 »

Allstate Insurance Brought to you by: Jason P. Sengpiehl 540-751-2167 Purcellville Music and Arts Festival Presented by The Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board & Purcellville Arts Council April 27, 2019 - Noon - 7 PM Bush Tabernacle & Dillon’s Woods Purcellville, Virginia 20132 • Live Music • Local Food • Art Show • Local Beer & Wine • Kids Activities Community Stage Sponsor: Premium Sponsors:

FREE ADMISSION! PurcellvilleMusicAndArtsFestival.com APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 15

The Gable Farm rural landfill – one Flannery files for big, messy, tax haven? re-election as Soil and BY ANDREA GAINES land in farm-related use and preserve back taxes.” Water Conservation In recent months, the Blue Ridge open space – protecting Loudoun’s Roll-back taxes are the difference Leader reported that Loudoun County beautiful countryside, while helping between the property taxes the owner Director had issued a Stop Work Order to Gable taxpayers avoid the millions of dollars would have paid year after year had John Flannery filed petition signatures Farm for unpermitted stockpiling of in public infrastructure costs that the property not been in land use. and other paperwork March 22 to be a soil on its land east of Hamilton. come with runaway development. Penalties, in the form of interest on candidate for reelection to another four- Documents in possession of the In exchange for putting their those taxes, also apply. year term as Director of the Loudoun Soil County appear to show that 18 acres property in land use, property owners Had the Land Use office known and Water Conservation District. of the Gable Farm, approved as a get huge property tax savings. what was going on, a Stop Work Order In doing so, Flannery said, “We don’t personal recreational field, are, being In the Gable Farm case, it appears might have been issued just as soon as regulate soil and water, but we do a used as a fully-functional landfill. that the owner was enjoying these the landfill began accepting the now lot of good to resist Beyond that, the County also has land use tax savings, while at the 28,000 truckloads of fill estimated to GOVERNMENT erosion, chemicals, and documents showing that Skinner same time securing approval to use have been dumped there. In other `nutrients’ from finding Enterprises, the operator of the landfill, the land, not for agricultural and words, it might have been stopped their way into our soil for crops and was charging fees for dumping. forestry purposes, but as a personal before the dumping even started. feed, and into our drinking water, from Now it appears that the Gable Farm recreational field. And, then, turning In early March, Richard Doucette, the groundwater, to the creeks, to the personal recreational field should the whole enterprise into a giant Land Protection and Revitalization Potomac River, and even the Chesapeake. never have been approved in the landfill. Program Manager for the Virginia “Our information, outreach, and funds first place because it may have failed It also appears that Gable Farm never Department of Environmental Quality, underwrite best practices like livestock to comply with County regulations, told the County officials processing the responded to our inquiry about what fences, water troughs, cover crops, and because it is in the County land use personal recreational field application his department found when it visited more. These efforts go back to the days program. that the parcels were in land use, and the site in February. after the long ago Dust Bowl catastrophe, The four ­­parcels that make up the the County department that handles Since the inspection conducted was when bad practices destroyed the lands personal recreational field/dump are in the Land Use program was never “visual” only, and did not take any and lives of many. These districts were the County’s forestal and agricultural informed either. “samples of landfill materials, or water created afterwards to assure that disaster Land Use Assessment Program. The County regulations state, “Changing surrounding the landfill for chemical wouldn’t happen again.” farm applied for the program in 1986, to a non-qualifying use, rezoning to a analysis,” DEQ said that it was not in Pictured here with Flannery is the and reapplied in 2016. more intensive use and the split off or a position to “certify that the landfill Electoral Board’s General Registrar, Judy The goals of the program are to keep subdivision of lots may trigger roll- does not contain hazardous materials.” Brown accepting his petitions.

FARM FRESH PRODUCE DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL FARMERS

4869 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville FRESH PRODUCE FRESH BAKED PIES GARDEN SHOP PLANTERS & POTTERY HERBS WE HAVE RAVENS REVENGE HOMEMADE FRESH BAKED BREADS (WEEKENDS ONLY) Open 7 days a week, 9am-6pm Have a question? Call our landline at 540-955-0004. A real person will answer the phone. 16 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 Chris Harmison announces candidacy for Loudoun County Sheriff On March 20, Chris Harmison, 61, vet- eran law enforcement officer and former Chief Deputy of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, announced his candi- dacy for the Democratic nomination for Loudoun County Sheriff. Harmison began his career in law en- forcement at age 21, when he was hired full-time as a police GOVERNMENT officer for Fairfax County in 1979, and also with the County Department of Fire worked his way up the ranks, eventu- and Rescue, the School Board and its ally becoming the Chief Deputy of the staff, the various local towns with their Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). own police departments and service pro- “We need a Sheriff who is commit- viders in the community. ted to fair and unbiased policing for all “I am respected by the sworn and ci- people,” said Harmi- vilian personnel in the Sheriff’s Office. I son. “My campaign is will establish Citizen Advisory Commit- about transparency, tees for the Office and in each of the four direct community in- Substations in the County. I will make a volvement, and im- commitment to openness and diversi- proving communica- ty in the operations and hiring for the tions at all levels,” he Sheriff’s office,” said Harmison. added. Sheriff candidate Harmison said Chris Harmison Harmison said his he believes he is the person for the job We Make Your top priorities include seeking better re- because he has spent his entire career in lations with governmental and non-gov- law enforcement, on the streets, in ad- Plumbing Problems ernmental partners – not only with the ministration, and as Chief Deputy for the Board of Supervisors, where improve- Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. ment in communication is critical, but Easier CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 » Plumbing problems are never fun. At JR Snider, our core values focus on making sure we fix our customer’s issues without adding any stress to an already difficult situation. We answer our phones, show up when we say we will, and assess the situation promptly. Our highly skilled, knowledgeable and courteous technicians always provide written estimates and clear explanations before we start any work. And then we fix the problem, respecting your home like it’s our home in the process. Treating people right on every call, every day while aiming for 100% satisfaction with the work we do has served us well for more than 30 years.

When you need us, we’ll be here. 703-771-3308 • 540-687-5232 www.facebook.com/jrsniderltd General Plumbing • Water Treatments • Sewer/Septic JRSNIDER.COM APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 17 — Ask Dr. Mike — By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Helping your children succeed without breaking the bank (or the Law) The recent college admissions scandal drink the water when they should. I planning and task persistence skills, Research has also shown that high has sent a shock wave throughout the offer the following tips: and music enhances language and school athletes display greater self- country, and the topic has come up Do the right things for your child reasoning skills, and creative thinking. confidence and self-respect, possess for me repeatedly with during the early years. Developmental Encourage and cultivate grit and significantly more leadership skills, parents. The scandal has research has shown that engaging emotional resiliency in your child. graduate at higher rates and actually caused the parents I see infants serves to stimulate IQ. Singing, Research has shown that having a growth end up earning more money later in life to more immediately deal cuddling, reading books, counting mindset – i.e. passion for something than their non-athletic peers. with the anxiety they aloud, introducing music, playing and persevering toward long-term and Encourage self-care and balance DR. MIKE experience regarding and having fun, using sign language difficult goals – is a key ingredient for your child. Sure, it’s important for their children’s academic and non-verbal communications for success. Teaching your child the your child to study well and apply him futures. College has historically been (e.g., pointing) and experimenting value of a dollar, giving your child age or herself to school, but over prioritizing the path many take toward achieving with spatial relations are all things to appropriate chores, encouraging your academics isn’t a good thing. It’s later vocational success. consider. For toddlers, research has child to go beyond their comfort zone, important for your child to have a How do you get your kid into college? shown that socialization with same sending your child to an away camp, well-balanced life where exposure to It’s not your job to get your kid in aged peers, exposure to novel situations rewarding your child for hard work, different activities and pursuits is the college, it’s your kid’s job to do that. and different opportunities, eating praising your child’s efforts more than norm. As the old adage goes, “You can bring and sleeping well, and implementing the outcome, expecting your child to Spend time together as a family. a horse to water, but you can’t make experimental learning via old fashioned get a part-time job during high school, Research has shown that children who him drink,” and I think that point is toys, are also good things to consider. and encouraging your child to do good eat at least three meals a week with applicable here. As parents, our job is Encourage your child to learn a deeds are ways in which you can instill their parents get better grades when to prepare our children for life as best musical instrument. Research has a growth mindset for your child. compared to children who don’t have we can; but we need to get out of the shown that children who learn a musical Encourage your child to join a family meal times. One study even way in order for our children to become instrument show a boost in IQ scores and sport. Research studies have shown found that family meals are more independently successful and happy that additional boost can help them to that highly athletic children do better positively impactful than reading to adults. The better question is how can excel across various academic subjects. academically, socially and emotionally younger children when it comes to we best prepare our children for life – Children who receive music lessons when compared to children who do academic preparedness. to get them thirsty enough to want to demonstrate increased organizational, not participate in organized sports. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 »

densities, promoting farms as a local recommendation is now online ... with Towns – has been been particularly vo- COMP PLAN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 food source for the newer communities 19,000 additional residential units being cal about over-development in the TPA. Loudoun 2040 General Plan. to be built, mandating a high level of proposed in the Transition Policy Area.” The Coalition is made up of of the While speaking to the need to, open space, and creating self-sustain- On the data center side, the County’s mayors representing Purcellville, Lees- “Strengthen natural and historic re- ing, walkable communities that combine recent decision to allow a data center in burg, Round Hill, Hillsboro, Hamilton, sources,” County planners were at the residential and commercial. the TPA – the 750,000 square foot True Lovettsville and Middleburg, and has same time conducting an inventory of Large new residential communities, in- North facility – appears to be paving the proposed specific alternatives for where “land available for development.” cluding Red Cedar, Willowsford, Goose way for the PC’s recommendation to additional residential densities might be And, while speaking to the need to Bend, and others were now flourishing here. greatly expand “light industrial” in this located, preserving the TPA’s role as a protect residents’ “Quality of life,” the But, the draft plan now before the BOS policy area, too, opening up huge areas protective buffer between the suburban Envision Loudoun discussion was now sells these neighborhoods out, expand- of the TPA to even more data centers. east and rural west. dominated not by how many new hous- ing the TPA by grabbing parts of the RPA, At a recent community meeting or- Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton ing units, and data centers Loudoun- dramatically increasing residential den- ganized by the Piedmont Environmen- has met with several Loudoun County ers might agree to, but where to put sities – huge concessions to the DAAR tal Council and sponsored by the group Planning Commissioners, asking why the huge densities being demanded by and the NVBIA – and creating a second Keep Evergreen Mills Road Green, at- the Planning Commission was so intent groups such as the Dulles Area Associa- Loudoun County data center corridor tendees were in agreement that no on developing the TPA. How is it possi- tion of Realtors (DAAR), and the North- along Evergreen Mills Road. one wants data centers or high-density ble that the revised Comp Plan has gone ern Virginia Building Industry Associa- More than 80 percent of the residents housing in the TPA. off in this direction, Littleton wanted to tion (NVBIA). in the Red Cedar neighborhood are not The Goose Bend community was at know, when, based on over 10,000 in- in favor of converting area farms for data first opposed to the expansion of data dividual comments recorded from the The TPA, from rural residential haven to data center development. centers in the PC’s plan. But, the head center corridor #2 Planned for light industrial, this in- of the PC explained the process to them public during Envision Loudoun’s exten- The Vision Statement approved for cludes a farm north of the Hamlets at and how far down the road the planning sive public input sessions, 80 percent of the new Comprehensive Plan specifical- Red Cedar in three parcels totaling over was. The message: the TPA is going to County residents wanted no additional ly omitted any mention of the County’s 250 acres, another totaling over 450 grow, via lots of new houses or lots of growth in the TPA. long-standing Suburban, Transition, and acres, and a third that is comprised of new data centers – you decide what you According to Littleton, one of the com- Rural Policy areas. seven individual parcels. Some proposed want to be next to. missioners told him point blank: “I real- Supporters of preserving Loudoun as data center properties are located within In the end, Goose Bend agreed unan- ly don’t care what they [i.e., residents] a special place – by using the Transition 1,000 feet of Red Cedar homes. imously to recommend to the PC that want; they are all uninformed, and don’t Policy Area as a growth buffer between their own community be proposed as know what they are talking about.” the east and the west – saw this as a warn- TPA residents given a Hobson’s choice light industrial in the plan, opening the Littleton spoke at a Piedmont En- ing sign. And, it appears they were right. As the Aldie Citizens Association re- door to more data centers. vironmental Council gathering in the The TPA champions a mix of the old cently shared on the citizen-inspired TPA’s Willowsford neighborhood on the (rural) and the new (suburban) – re- Keep Evergreen Mills Road Green Face- Tone deaf evening of March 12, and shared the quiring low residential and commercial book page: “The Planning Commission’s COLT – the Coalition of Loudoun comments with the attendees. 18 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 Purcellville Town Council debates second cell tower BY VALERIE CURY at the waste water facility was discussed at length. that likelihood,” he said. Stinnette asked staff to do a The Town of Purcellville has four cellular carriers A second tower is needed to “provide the bandwidth risk transfer versus risk assumption study. on the Town water tower – AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, that is necessary for all of our homeowners,” Cool said that residents in the Hirst neighborhood and T-Mobile – netting yearly revenue of $180,000. said Town Manager David Mekarski, with Town “have captured zero reception.” He continued, “We Councilmember Nedim Ogelman has been looking Attorney Sally Hankins noting that the goals for a have hundreds that can attest to this, hundreds, and into putting another cellular carrier at the Town second tower would be “to improve cell coverage, they go on Facebook and people can’t get a hold of wastewater treatment plant. It particularly for residents in the southwestern their kids.” GOVERNMENT would be either a 125 or 175-foot quadrant of Town.” Hankins pointed out that it would Cool noted that many who have home-based tower. also ease water meter reading, ease communication businesses can’t conduct transactions, and have to go Since there is no facility in place to host the for the police radio system, and enhance revenue for downtown to work. “Are these people going to take carrier’s equipment, there are two options. the Town. screen shots? … No, these people can’t get a hold of One option is to use money from the Reserve Fund Council Member Nedim Ogelman said it is a health their families.” to invest in building the infrastructure needed to and safety issue, since the signal strength is so weak Stinnette said, “We say the health, safety, and host the carrier’s equipment. A study shows the cost in the southwestern quadrant. “There is significant welfare issue falls around the ability to make 911 to be from $198,805 to $233,533 depending on the likelihood that 911 calls might not get through,” he calls. So at the end of the day, the metric – if we are height. It would take slightly over two years to recoup said, pointing out that staff had done a study. The going to proceed with the ability to make 911 calls signals were weak, he said, “and this is the dominant the initial investment, (considering the Town already … not the ability to reach kids, not the ability to ground for pursuing it.” receives $180,000 annually for four carriers on the work from home, we are going to hang our hat on Council Member Ted Greenly wanted to see Town water tower), at which time the Town would get the ability to make 911 calls, then statistically you documentation that calls are being dropped, and 100 percent of the revenue. would turn around and say, over a period of time “This option would have the potential to generate confirmation that it is a safety issue. these are the number of 911 calls that were made the most ongoing revenue for the Town,” according Vice-Mayor Ryan Cool pointed out that the from the community, and these are the number of to a Town staff report. coverage in Hirst Farm is bad on a daily basis. calls that were not able to get through. Then you do The second option would have a third-party vendor Council Member Tip Stinnette said that the study the mathematical analysis and you come up with a pay for the infrastructure, manage the tower, and showed that there is a weak signal, “but we haven’t likelihood.” share the revenue 60/40, with the Town getting arrived at the assertion of ‘I can’t get through.’” Referring to calls not getting through, Cool said, “I the 40 percent. The cost of yearly maintenance is “The assertion that 911 calls are likely to not be approximately $500, with an estimated three percent completed, mathematically, I’d like to see if we are am telling you, “I hear it every day,” annual increase. going to take the risk from the public perspective. I’d The discussion and possible vote on the issue has At the Feb. 26 Town Council meeting, the cell tower like to try and quantitatively, mathematically qualify been pushed to another meeting. APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 19 Wittmann announces run for All-Star farmers on Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney Loudoun trading cards Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney the Ashburn executive who murdered his Nicole Wittmann has announced her wife, and then staged it to look like a suicide. Loudoun Economic Develop- candidacy for Commonwealth’s Attorney. While championing victims’ rights, ment’s award-winning farm- “I have been a prosecutor for 25 years Wittmann has espoused criminal justice er trading cards were unveiled and have spent the last 15 years working reform. “I have always believed that while at Loudoun County elementa- with Jim Plowman there are violent people who need to be kept ry schools on COMMUNITY March 28, to co- GOVERNMENT to keep families in away from society, the majority of people Loudoun County safe,” who offend are involved in the criminal incide with the said Wittmann. “I have spent my entire justice system due to addiction, mental start of the Major League Baseball Farmer Sophia at Mountain View season. career protecting women, children and all health issues, or socio-economic issues,’” Elementary – the students loved her members of our community from crime and Wittman said. “I am proud of my office’s The public was asked to nomi- gourds. look forward to continuing to serve Loudoun involvement in efforts to address those nate Loudoun farmers to be fea- County as the Commonwealth’s Attorney. I issues such as the Mental Health Court, tured on the trading cards. 8 Alpaca Ranch, Sophia Maravell am running for Commonwealth’s Attorney the Drug Court, the Juvenile Detention “The future of agriculture in – Potomac Vegetable Farms, Beth in an effort to continue to keep Loudoun Alternative Initiative, and the Overdose Loudoun depends on the children Sastre – Loudoun Cooperative County the safe and family oriented Response Unit. of today becoming the farmers of Extension Office, Erik Schlener community that it has always been and to Wittmann graduated from Mount Holyoke tomorrow,” said LED Executive – Root and Marrow Farm., Mike continue my work of ensuring that victims College and received her Juris Doctorate Director Buddy Rizer. “This is an- Smith – JK Community Farm, and have a voice and are heard in the criminal from Michigan State University College of other opportunity for our kids to Donnie Ulmer – Milcreek Farm. justice system.” Law. Wittmann moved to Northern Virginia interact with our farmers and see LED partners on the trad- Wittmann has devoted the majority of in 1998. She is married to Joseph Langone, them as the stars they are!” ing cards with LCPS. Dr. Becky her time to prosecuting violent criminals. who is also an attorney and a member of Interim Agriculture Develop- Domokos-Bays, RD, SNS, director She has specialized in the prosecution the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. ment Officer Vanessa Wagner re- of School Nutrition Services, said, of crimes against women and children, Joe and Nicole have two sons, Tony 15 and vealed that this year’s featured “Local farmers bring so much val- including sex crimes, domestic violence, Stephan 13, and two dogs, Rocko and Teddy. farmers are: Bill Bundy – Red Gate ue to our community. It is our plea- child abuse, child exploitation, and cases of The current Commonwealth Attorney Farm, Dr. Mike Gast – Brookfield sure to honor their work for the child pornography. She has also prosecuted Jim Plowman has been appointed to be a Farm, Eric Hilgartner – The Ag fourth year with the farmer trad- some of Loudoun’s most high profile cases judge with the Circuit Court and will not be District and Locksley Farmstead ing cards. Students look forward to of murder, including that of Braulio Castillo, seeking reelection. Cheese, Bonnie Kittrell – Double collecting them each year.” Do you have a dream? Let us help you build it!

• Free on-site consultation • Competitive pricing and can help with financing • Built to your specifications • No cheap or discount materials— but still offer the most competitive pricing in the industry • Where honesty, Integrity, and quality still matters

5280 Lee Hwy, Warrenton, VA (888) 919-4797 www.customgaragesofvirginia.com 20 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019 LoCo LoCo BEER forDINNER April 17th at 7pm $85 Inclusive

6 courses featuring local breweries and food sourced from Loudoun County only! Come out for a night and celebrate the County we call home!

203 Harrison Street Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Tuskies.com 703-771-9300 APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 21 Gentle Harvest Hanging out in Marshall with organic cows

­BY ANDREA GAINES Farm is well known in the area as for the earth. of sustainability by the Green The farmlands, village centers, and producing some of the cleanest and The Gentle Harvest Market not Restaurant Association. historic byways of our area are home most nutritious meat in the area. only features a butcher shop and a “We are committed to running to a growing number of businesses Ayrshire also owns Hunter’s Head bakery – with a local butcher and a business that is sustainable – including re-invented small farms, Tavern in Upperville. baker on premises – but also offers and customer-focused. One of eateries, and small grocery stores Gentle Harvest provides a place great wines, coffee, local items, our sustainability goals in the – enticing visitors, neighbors, and where local residents and visitors produce, canned and boxed goods Gentle Harvest store for 2019 savvy consumers to come in and can buy locally grown food that’s and environmentally friendly paper is to implement post-consumer enjoy truly local farm products. Certified Organic and non GMO. goods and household items. composting. We already do this at One of the best is Gentle Harvest, This is clean local food – free of There’s a restaurant for on-site our sister property, Hunter’s Head a combination restaurant, grocery hormones and chemicals. And, given dining and a convenient drive- Tavern in Upperville, and I am store – and more – that gives people a Gentle Harvest’s close proximity to thru where customers can pick up excited to complete this circle for our personal and informed way to related local farms, it is food that is more groceries or healthy food to go. new restaurant as well. to their family’s food and food- nutritious, and truly farm-fresh. There’s even a Gentle Harvest app “We are currently composting all related lifestyle – whether ordering It is the epitome of farm-to-table for organizing your purchases and of our pre-consumer food waste and a homemade sandwich or bringing a without the weeks and sometimes ordering ahead. this new goal is one more step in the chicken home to cook for dinner. months of transport that can degrade Sheree McDonald, who oversees right direction.” In many ways, Gentle Harvest the quality and nutrient values in all of the food operations at Ayrshire Gentle Harvest is located at 8372 reflects the way we used to relate to food. The products you buy from the told us, “I am always happy to West Main Street in Marshall. It is farmers, butchers, bakers and others typical grocery store may have sat on talk more about our farm and our open Monday through Saturday, 8 ... harkening back to a time when we the shelf for weeks or longer. But, company!” a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to knew – and trusted – what we were not at Gentle Harvest. “Our fast casual restaurant 7 p.m. Phone: (540) 837-4405, web: getting in every bite. This method of food distribution within the Gentle Harvest store www.gentleharvest.com, Email: Its parent organization, Ayrshire is better for the consumer and better has been given the highest rating [email protected].

SUMMER HEAT Pay as Low as $85/MO 0% Interest or Payments Save $P3er5 will be here soon!! For 90 Days!* stem *Valid on qualifying systems w/ approved credit. Plumbin gSy or HVAC Repair$59 AC TUNE-UP! Expires 4/30/19 Limit 1. Restrictions apply. Call Today for a Expires 4/30/19 FREE ESTIMATE 703-537-5904

• Energy efficient • • Innovative comfort features • • Great maintenance contracts • Get Summer Ready! Go with "The Flow!"

Water Heater Sale! AC Tune-Up $200 off Tankless - $69 Per System $200 $100 of Storage Regular $112 Can't be combined with other discount. Give Your System the Care it Needs! Expires 4/30/19 Expires 4/30/19 Local - Family Owned - Guaranteed Satisfaction -A+ Rated with the BBB - Referrals - Great Customer Service! 12 Cardinal Park Dr. #107, Leesburg, VA 20175 | www.meflow.com | 703-537-5904 www.meflow.com 22 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

Annual Loudoun County Bed & Rosemont Springs adds wedding venue Breakfast Guild Open House April 28 On March 29, historic Rosemont Springs, in a new Amish-built wedding BY ANDREA GAINES Learn more about the free Bed and venue barn in Berryville, saw its first Nothing looks better in full spring Breakfast Open House Tour and the couple say, “I do.” They shared a bloom than a classic Loudoun County Loudoun B&B Guild by visiting www. romantic kiss in front of the venue’s bed and breakfast property. loudounbandb.com, or www.facebook. picturesque waterfall, and celebrated Each year the Loudoun County Bed com/loudounBnBs. with family and friends under the barn’s & Breakfast Guild works with its 29 The Guild welcomes all to support post and beams. members to identify select properties these wonderful Loudoun County B&B Owner William “Biff” Genda chose to for a spring B&B Tour, scheduled this properties: Ginger Hill Adventure build the approximately 7,000 square manor also once served as a respite for year for April 28. Lodge, AltaTerra Farm, Silverbrook Farm foot space to provide an upscale and U.S. Presidents and celebrities while the Guests, visitors – and the curious – Bed & Breakfast, The Inn at East Lynn, elegant barn wedding and events venue late Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator are invited to come by – or stay and Restoration Bed & Breakfast, Loudoun for the area. Quarry View Building Group Harry Flood Byrd, Sr. owned the estate. sample Loudoun County’s inns, special Valley Manor Bed & Breakfast, The out of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, places, and undiscovered history. Locals Cottage at Twin Notch Farm, Mortgage began construction in 2018. Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon visited, are invited, too. All of the Guild’s B&Bs Hall, Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast, The Historic Rosemont Springs features as well as Winston Churchill, Albert would love to thank all for your support. Cottage at Dunthorpe Farm, WeatherLea seating for up to 400 guests, a grand Einstein, John Wayne, and others. Meet the innkeepers, and enjoy Farm & Vineyard: The Cottages, Middle Virginia bluestone fireplace, a garden The grand opening of Rosemont’s products and libations from the Guild terrace, a 10-foot waterfall, chandeliers, fourth annual bridal show – To Have members’ many partners – from wineries Grove Inn Bed & Breakfast, Ivy Hall open catering, indoor plumbing, and and To Hold – is slated from noon to 5 to breweries to distilleries to local Bed & Breakfast, Fieldstone Farm, central air. A second building adjacent p.m. on Sunday, April 14. The show will artisans and gourmet food purveyors. Stone Manor Boutique Inn, The Inn at to the barn houses a bridal suite, feature 50 wedding vendors, offering Take in some local culture and music. Waterford, The Inn at Oatlands Hamlet, groom’s suite, and catering kitchen. services including music entertainment, Enjoy the scenery, local byways and dirt Linden Farm LLC, Hillsborough Bed Couples also have access to overnight transportation, florals, wedding cakes, roads, and wildlife. & Breakfast, Springdale Village Inn, accommodations on the property. invitations, massages, and catering. Hidden View Bed & Breakfast, Creek On Sunday, April 28, these inns will be Functioning as a second wedding Tickets are $10 in advance at www. Crossing Farm, George’s Mill Farm Bed open for a free tour and sampling of the venue, Rosemont Springs is located on eventbrite.com and $15 at the door. & Breakfast, Airwell Bed & Breakfast, products, culinary treats, and beverages the grounds of historic Rosemont Manor, For more information about the show, of the area: AltaTerra Farm, Airwell Sylvanside Farm, Blue Hill Farm, Oakland built in 1811 by the first High Sheriff of visit the To Have and To Hold Facebook Bed & Breakfast, Fieldstone Farm, Green Farm Bed & Breakfast, Wheatland Clarke County, George Horton Norris. event page, visit www.rosemont1811. Highholdborne Estate, and Silverbrook Spring Cottage Bed & Breakfast, and Sitting on a 60-acre park-like setting, the com, or call Rosemont at 540 955-2834. Farm Bed & Breakfast. Mews Bed & Breakfast.

LOUDOUN COUNTYL OAUDDOUULNT C ODUANTYY CADEULNT TDAEYR CESN T ERS For Seniors with Physical LimitationsFor Seniors with or Physical Memory Limitations Loss or Memory Loss Our licensed adult day Our licensed adult day centers provide:  A safe, social environment centers provide: with therapeutic activities   Respite for caregivers A safe, social environment needing support & free time with therapeutic activities  Reasonable sliding scale fees  Respite for caregivers LOUDOUN COUNTY ADULT DAY CENTERS needing support & free time L OUForOfferingD SeniorsO engagingUN Cwith activities,O UPhysicalN individualizedTY LimitationsADU personalLT Dor care,A MemoryY nutritious CEN Loss lunchTE RS LOandForU snacks,D SeniorsOU exercise,N withCO medicationPhysicalUNTY administration,ALimitationsDULT D healthorA YMemory monitoringCEN TLoss EandR S  Reasonable sliding scale feesOur licensedlimited adult transportation. day Open weekdays from 7:30AM to 5:30PM. For Seniors with Physical Limitations or Memory Loss centersOur licensedPurcellville provide: adult day Ashburn Leesburg  centersAco safe,Our-located licensed socialprovide: w/ Carver environment adult Center day off Loudoun County Pkwy near Leesburg Airport withcenters200 therapeutic Willie provide: Palmer Wayactivities 45140 Bles Park Drive 16501 Meadowview Ct.  A safe, social environment  Respite571 -for258 caregivers-3402 571-258-3232 703-771-5334 Offering engaging activities, individualizedwithOurA therapeutic safe,licensed social personal adult environment activities day care, centers nutritious provide: lunch needingwith therapeuticsupport & activitiesfree time and snacks, exercise, medication Respite •administration, A safe, for social caregivers environment health with monitoring therapeutic activities and  Reasonable Respite for sliding caregiversVideo scale online fees at: www.loudoun.gov/adultday Administered needing• Respite by Loudoun support for County caregivers &Area free Agency time onneeding Aging, Loudoun support County Department & free of Parks, time Recreation & Community Services limited transportation. Open weekdays• Reasonable needing support from sliding & 7:30AMfree scale time fees to 5:30PM.  Reasonable Reasonable sliding sliding scale scale fees fees Purcellville AshburnOffering engaging activities, individualizedLeesburg personal care, nutritious lunch and snacks, exercise, medication administration, health monitoring and co-located w/ Carver Center off LoudounOffering CountylimitedOffering engaging transportation. engaging Pkwy activities, activities, Open individualized individualizednear weekdays Leesburg personal personal from 7:30AM care,Airport care, nutritious tonutritious 5:30PM. lunch lunch and snacks, exercise, medication administration, health monitoring and 200 Willie Palmer Way 45140 Blesand Park snacks, Drive exercise, medication16501 administration, Meadowview health monitoringCt. and Purcellvillelimitedlimited transportation. transportation. Open OpenAshburn weekdaysweekdays from from 7:30AM 7:30AM to to5:30PM.Leesburg 5:30PM. 571-258-3402 571-258-3232 703 -771-5334 co-locatedPurcellville Purcellvillew/ Carver Center off LoudounAshburnAshburn County Pkwy nearLeesburgLeesburg Leesburg Airport 200co Willie-located Palmer w/ Carver Way Center 45140off Loudoun Bles County Park Drive Pkwy near16501 Leesburg Meadowview Airport Ct. co-located w/ Carver Center off Loudoun County Pkwy near Leesburg Airport 571200-258 Willie- 3402Palmer Way 57145140- Bles258 Park-3232 Drive 16501703 Meadowview-771-5334 Ct. 200 Willie Palmer Way 45140 Bles Park Drive 16501 Meadowview Ct. Video online at: www.loudoun.gov/adultday571-258-3402 571-258 -3232 703-771-5334 571-258-3402 571-258-3232 703-771-5334 Administered by Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, Loudoun County DepartmentVideo online of Parks, at: www.loudoun.gov/adultday Recreation & Community Services Administered by Loudoun CountyVideo Area Agency online on Aging, at: Loudounwww.loudoun.gov/adultday County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Administered by LoudounVideo County Area online Agency on at: Aging, www.loudoun.gov/adultday Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Administered by Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 23

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 averages of 80 percent, and putting the their young son James is unable to do so, school’s in-house lunch service was re- school in the top 30 percent in the state. but, said Monica, “Principal Michener, placed with County-supplied meals, and, makes Lincoln Elementary unique is the In 2018, the school received the Virgin- Secretary Mary Beard, everyone knows the school’s beloved “lunch lady,” who way their school community extends ia Board of Education Excellence Award – him. They are people you can lean on had prepared meals for the children for beyond the building ... it is a great fam- one of only eight elementary schools in for your entire family’s needs. They see decades ... was out of a job. ily-style environment for students from Loudoun County to earn the award. Lin- James as part of the Lincoln Elementary The possible permanent loss of its across Loudoun, who are looking for a coln Elementary earned the award in four family, even though he attends school kitchen seems to have brought out the smaller learning environment.” prior years, as well. elsewhere. best in the Lincoln Elementary commu- In recent years, Lincoln Elementary nity. Parents, Principal Michener, and Academic excellence has been identified as a National Blue For the parent for whom school size matters others came out in strong support of re- Lincoln Elementary students enjoy a Ribbon School, which says volumes about Western Loudoun County is still a rural storing in-house food service. School rich array of social and academic-relat- the power of a small school like Lincoln place. But, as the fastest growing coun- Board Member Chris Croll proposed that ed events, including partnerships with to not only beat statewide academic av- ty in Virginia, the student populations the cafeteria be reopened, and, yes, re- JK Farm and the Makersmiths organiza- erages, but close the gap for individual of most elementary, middle, and high storing in-house food service was just ap- tion, Wegmeyer Farm field trips, Tree of students who may be struggling. schools are getting larger. proved in the 2019-2020 budget. Life community service events, creative Both Principal Michener, and parent Parent Christi Porter, who has a second sessions with local author and illustra- A Principle agrees and local business owner Harriet Weg- grader at Lincoln Elementary, said that tor Henry Cole, engaging science fairs, Principal Dave Michener has served at meyer spoke to the value of having both the school community is special because STEM-related activities, and 4 rounds Lincoln Elementary for many years. Pri- large and small schools in the mix as a of its can-do approach. of after-school activities throughout the or to coming to Lincoln he served for 12 choice for parents. “We don’t take a ‘poor us’ attitude,” year – including Wildlife Ambassadors. years at the Hillsboro Elementary School, Said Wegmeyer, who has a sixth grader said Porter. “We have shown resilience Lincoln Elementary School students and he takes great joy in the buzz of posi- at Blue Ridge Middle School, and a fifth and fortitude in the face of small school are also looking forward to the school’s tive feeling he sees all around him. and second grader at Lincoln, “As parents, status issues, rezonings and budget cuts. 140th anniversary celebration. “We are definitely known for our ac- we chose Lincoln. Even though we are “We have the perfect class size for an At Lincoln, all this translates into high ademics,” he said, “But, also for our ex- just one mile from the school, we must elementary school, happy students who levels of student and parent satisfaction tracurricular activities, our PTO, and our seek special permission for our children continue to excel, and unmatched com- and fantastic academic numbers. afterschool clubs. As a smaller school, to attend ... Sure, Lincoln doesn’t have munity involvement. Lincoln Elementary students consis- we’ve been able to reach out to the com- all the bells and whistles of a new school, “When the challenges come,” said Por- tently earn high scores on Standards of munity and find great leadership oppor- but it is the perfect fit for our family,” she ter, “We pitch in and get it done.” Learning exams. tunities for our kids, too.” said. During the 2015-2016 school year Lin- Parents point to the role administration Kindergarten enrollment and special per- coln students achieved an 86 to 89 profi- plays in the Lincoln experience. Three of Let’s pitch in and get it done mission enrollment is now open at Lincoln ciency in both math and in reading/lan- Monica and Tom Seeley’s six children In the last few years, there was a big Elementary School. For details go to www. guage arts – surpassing the Virginia state attend Lincoln. As a special needs child, change at Lincoln Elementary. The lcps.org or call (571) 252-1021.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

POST TIME: 1:00 PM WOODLEY FARM, BERRYVILLE 1/2 MILE FROM RTENEW 340, PLEASE DATE! ENTER ON BRIGGS ROAD

FEATURING:SUNDAY, Kids’ Stick-Horse APRIL Race Easter 23 Egg Hunt POST TIME:Blue 12 NOONRidge Hunt WOODLEY Fox Hound FARM, Parade BERRYVILLE 1/2 MILE FROMNantucket-Trewerin RTE 340 PLEASE Beagle ENTER Parade ON BRIGGS ROAD Classic Car Show GENERAL ADMISSION: $20 PER CARLOAD RESERVEDGENERAL PARKING: ADMISSION: $150 (CONTACT: $25 JENNY PER IRWIN, CARLOAD 202-664-4664) RESERVED PARKING: $150 CONTACT: DIANA PERRY 540-631-1919 CHAIRMAN: BRIAN E. FERRELL, MFH 540-550-7015 BlueRidgeRaces.org 24 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

BUFFINGTON, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 career, serving as an appointed member of Loudoun’s Loudoun). At the beginning of that process, I was Heritage Commission, or serving my previous DR MIKE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 able to successfully exclude the vast majority of west- community as Vice President of the Brambleton HOA, Encourage moderation with technology. ern Loudoun (all of the Rural Policy Area) from being service has always been a part of my life. I’ve lived in Technology is a wonderful thing, but if used in excess considered for changes that would have weakened both the east and west portions of Loudoun, which it can become problematic. Research has shown that current protections for the area and resulted in rec- has given me a unique and thorough understanding children who spend too much time with technology ommendations for increased housing throughout all of issues affecting residents. And as the father of are at higher rates for experiencing a host of problems of western Loudoun. With only two of nine Super- two boys in Loudoun County public schools, I’m also – obesity, ADHD, learning problems, emotional visors on the Board that directly represent western familiar with the needs of our education system. problems and social problems. Loudoun, this was a very important accomplishment My staff and I have cultivated strong relationships Practice what you preach. Modelling good which to date, has resulted in no loss of current pro- with County staff and community organizations behaviors as parents is very important for children; tections throughout the process. I’m also working throughout Loudoun. And we have already they learn from what they see. If you want your to add a Mountain Ridge Overlay District to prevent experienced the long and difficult learning curve of child to study hard and to be a good student then it’s clear cutting of our ridgelines, and to prevent ridge- being newly elected, so we will be as effective on day important to model a strong work ethic. line buildings from rising higher than the tree line. one of the next Board’s term as we are today. There is no guarantee that your child will get into I’ve also worked hard to maintain western BRL: Does the proposed Draft Loudoun 2040 college even if you do the things I’ve suggested, but Loudoun’s historic 300-mile rural road (gravel road) Comprehensive Plan align with your vision of his or her chances to be successful and happy in life network. My office stays in close contact with VDOT will increase with a strong foundation. what the voters want for the Blue Ridge District? to address specific concerns and to provide the high- Success can take on many different shapes. The est level of VDOT maintenance possible. We also TB: No, the currently proposed draft does not reflect expectation that our children enter college at 18 and lobby state representatives for increased funding for what I’ve heard from residents regarding their desire finish in 4 years may be reasonable for some, but VDOT’s rural road maintenance budget in hopes of to slow the rate of new home construction; maintain not others. I work with young men and ladies who improving VDOT’s ability to better maintain our rural our farms and open spaces; build more parks, trails, return home from school freshman year because roads. and recreational facilities; and continue catching they couldn’t succeed; while they were smart enough I’ve also worked hard to improve western Loudoun’s up on much needed road infrastructure in order to to get into college, they weren’t mature enough to road network in order to reduce traffic congestion and reduce traffic congestion. The Board is currently thrive. For some, taking a gap year and working, improve safety for residents. I’ve had numerous suc- reviewing the proposed recommendations, and I will joining the military, attending community college cesses including full funding for future improvements work hard to ensure improvements that reflect the are better approaches. to the Rt 7/Rt 287 interchange, full funding for the Rt desires of Blue Ridge District residents. College isn’t for everyone, and that consideration 7/Rt 690 interchange, full funding for the Rt 9/Rt 287 needs to be okay for parents. Learning a trade is BRL: Why should Republicans vote for you over roundabout, approval to extend the Rt 7 eastbound ac- the best route to success and happiness, for some. the other candidate? celeration lane from Rt 9 onto Rt 7, and many other The world will always need electricians, mechanics, Rt 7, Rt 9, Rt 15, Rt 50, and other road improvement TB: My record of hard work, results, and positive plumbers and chefs, and careers such as these can projects. leadership over the last three years speaks for be rewarding. It’s not about getting your kid into itself. And I’m proud to have delivered projects that college, it’s about parenting them so that they have BRL: What makes you the most qualified person improved our quality of life while lowering taxes. Our the ability, and maturity to get themselves to where for the seat? District needs an experienced representative who’s they will be most happy. TB: My experience and strong record of unwavering in the fight for resident priorities, and accomplishment over the last three years of who has the necessary relationships with staff and Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist transforming resident and community concerns into other Board members to advance them. I’ve been that in private practice. He has been featured on CNN, Good meaningful solutions that have addressed the issues representative over the last three years, and that’s why Morning America and several other outlets. He can and improved quality of life for residents. Whether I remain the right choice to continue representing be reached at 703 723-2999, and is located at 44095 my time in the Marine Corps, my law enforcement the interests of Blue Ridge District residents. Pipeline Plaza, Suite 240, Ashburn. Loudoun's Local Businesses COME GROW WITH US! We’re looking for friendly folks who want to help local Auto • Home • Business • Life businesses with advertising. Call us for a quote today.

Inquire by email: Nikki Englund [email protected] Purcellville, VA [email protected] 540-338-1130

S882 Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance. com for company licensure and territory information. APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 25 Loudoun's Local Businesses

COME JOIN US AT THE Northern Shenandoah Valley Quilt Show April 12-13 (10 am – 5 pm) & April 14 (11 am – 4 pm) Oct. 6thClarke County Rec Center 225 Al Smith Circle, Berryville, VA 22611

r ou open fo r 12th ow rcellv sea N in Pu ille!!! son Get local support! We Take Advertise Custom Orders! 201 N 23rd Street, Purcellville with us. (540) 441-7996 [email protected] www.SweetRoseBakeShop.com 141 W. MAIN ST. 107 S. KING ST. PURCELLVILLE LEESBURG

PIANO LESSONS children & adults CLASSICAL METHOD

Alan Ogden Purcellville & Loudoun

cell: (703) 401-7022 ogdenmusic.org

Trombone, Euphonium, Organ & Voice 26 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

KROIZ, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 what folks thought about those issues. require far more dollars in services than County leaders could look through the HAUSWIESNER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 visors from the West. That’s why we they pay in taxes. It’s not a good thing comments if they wished, though it became involved on a variety of local need a Supervisor who is an effective to be one of the top 10 fastest growing appears few did, because independent issues ranging from the plan to build negotiator and will be able to work counties in the country every year if our analysis shows that public opinion a high-voltage power line along Rt. 50, with the other Supervisors to achieve roads and schools can’t keep up. favors limiting growth, preserving the to traffic issues over the County’s plan real results for our residents. “The county’s goal for roads is a D Transition Policy Area, more public to use eminent domain to the ongoing I don’t promise everybody every- rating. The goal is D. Does anyone think parks, which are pretty much the fire station issue. thing. Instead, I will set priorities that is a good idea? And, we are moving opposite of the draft plan. As the former President of the Al- that will be backed by my principles. forward with projects that consultants “The Comprehensive Plan has die Heritage Association, and in co- I don’t believe policy decisions should reached the Board of Supervisors, and say will result in F ratings. operation with NOVA Parks and other be driven by “feel good” consider- the public should demand that their “Folks used to talk about smart stakeholders, I was able successfully ations that have little value or will opinions be respected, and the plan growth, but I’ve started talking about restore parts of the historic Old Car- simply shift problems from one area should be significantly changed to align of our district to another. sane growth. Our current growth and olina Road, create a loop trail at Mt. trajectory are insane, and we are all with what the citizens want. I have been For example, I oppose the taxpay- Zion Church, and restore the Tail Race living with the consequences. Nobody working to inform folks about the Comp er-funded conservation easement trail in the village of Aldie. I have also in Loudoun likes insane growth, not Plan Review process since it started, program that is cited by my opponent been working with a local land owner in the east, west, or middle, except for and it is a big part of my campaign. as his greatest “achievement”. Al- in establishing a park in Aldie that will developers. Which party will stand up Another important part of my campaign though I support the use of conserva- be second to none in all of Northern for the folks who already live here? Both is building a citizen movement, because tion easements, I do not believe that Virginia. parties talk the talk, but neither walk the the fight for Loudoun and the Catoctin our taxpayers should be on the hook Because of my involvement with lo- walk. You can be sure that I will stand up District’s future must happen every day, for the legal fees of a landowner to cal issues, I will be ready from day one for sane growth for all of Loudoun, east, not just during election season. save taxes. Taking into consideration and a great asset for the next Board of west, and middle.” And, what did the AT&T fight teach that over 72,000 acres are already And, the new Comp Plan, what, we you about Loudoun County politics? Supervisors. protected by conservation easements, “Well, on the negative side,” he said, wondered, does Sam Kroiz think about BRL: Does the proposed Draft I don’t believe that this “big govern- “The AT&T Short Hill fight was a great that? If you had been on the BOS as the Loudoun 2040 Comprehensive ment program” will make a real dif- example of the dark side of party politics. current draft was being written, how Plan align with your vision of what ference. “AT&T was represented by a firm that would you have worked to prevent the the voters want for the Blue Ridge Another example is the Transfer was led by a member of the Virginia House sweeping growth, use changes to the District? of Development Rights program that Transition Policy Area? of Delegates. Not only were a majority of my opponent is advocating. A TDR the Board of Supervisors members of the FH: I attended many of the workshops Said Kroiz, “The Comprehensive program would render zoning laws same party as the Delegate, they also had for the new comprehensive plan. Plan Review has been on the wrong pointless, make them subject to nego- to rely on him to do all sorts of things Everybody wanted better roads, track from the start. We are under no tiations and would create more work for them and the County at the State trails, parks, and more restaurant and obligation to accommodate every new for our already overburdened County level. I am not saying that the Delegate retail choices. I never met anyone home that developers project they would staff. From the perspective of a land- or Supervisors did anything improper or who advocated for more homes. The be able to sell if we let them build, yet owner in the western part of our dis- illegal, but even the appearance of this draft comprehensive plan proposes this concept is currently driving the new trict, such a program looks appealing. type of conflict of interest makes folks additional density in the Transition plan. County leaders should instead On the other hand, if you reside in the wonder about who their representatives Policy Area and converting rural policy determine how many new residents we eastern part of our district (such as can accommodate while maintaining are serving, and is destructive to folks’ areas into the Transition Policy Area. the Willowsford community and the our high quality of life and getting our confidence in government. As a resident of the Rt. 50 corridor, I Rt. 50 corridor), the only area where tax rate under control, and use this as “When I am Supervisor, I will never know that our infrastructure won’t you can pack additional density is in the basis for development planning. give my constituents reason to wonder if support additional density and that their backyard. So clearly something “During a review,” said Kroiz, I am working for anyone but them. most residents don’t want it. doesn’t add up when our Supervisor “one might expect the Stakeholder’s “On the positive side, and much more One of the things that I fought back promises the people in the eastern Committee to sit down with the current importantly, I learned that Loudoun is in 2014 was the upzoning applica- part of our district that he opposes plan and work together to remove full of talented, passionate folks. When tion for the Willowsford community. additional density in the Transition the bad parts and add improvements. we can get all these folks organized and The developer wanted to add density, Policy Area, but is the biggest cheer- Instead, the Committee was presented working toward a common goal, there is meaning much of the open space that leader for the TDR program that will with a whole new plan, and had very no limit to what we can accomplish for exists today would have been replaced serve as the Trojan horse to bring in little opportunity for discussion. Loudoun County. This is what gives me with additional houses. additional density to that area. “In terms of public input, there were hope for the future, and inspired me to I see a real danger that these open Because the next Board of Supervi- many meetings and the County did a run for Supervisor.” spaces will be replaced with homes if sors will be tasked with updating our good job soliciting public comments, To contact Kroiz, email samkroizforsu- the Comprehensive Plan advances in but these were simply placed in a file [email protected] or go to Facebook its current form. zoning laws for the next 20 years, we – Sam Kroiz for Catoctin Supervisor. His need a Supervisor with the necessary and ignored. There was no analysis to BRL: Why should Republicans vote determine the most important issues or website is SamForSupervisor.com. skill set, experience and knowledge to for you over the other candidate? ensure that we don’t repeat the mis- FH: As a fiscal conservative and takes of the past, and lay the ground- proponent of limited government, work for a successful and prosperous I disagree with my opponent Loudoun County. Only a successful Support on fundamental issues. Almost county will allow us to finally low- everything that he advocated for in er the tax burden for our residents, the last three years results in bigger which has not happened because our government which will ultimately lead real estate assessments have been go- to higher taxes. ing up. LOCAL We need a Supervisor who is a So this run is not just about the Blue Business problem-solver and who will hold his Ridge district but really about bring- ground if difficult issues arise. It is ing conservative common sense solu- see pages 24-25 a fact that there are only two Super- tions to the Board of Supervisors. APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 27

AL VAN HUYCK, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Huyck, “is all about space.” Van Huyck emphasized the cooperative “If you take up space,” he says, “with but direct approach LCPCC has taken in increased residential densities and PEACEFUL VALLEY its work to influence the BOS’s Comp commercial areas, you squeeze out space ANIMAL CREMATORY Plan decision-making. for parks and trails and the other things Local, family owned and operated Organized as a “swat team” – 10 to that speak directly to the individual Nothing too big or too Please call for pricing 15 members of the coalition have been families’ quality of life here.” Pick up and delivery small — we and appointments to and from your home “The Silverline Metro was adopted do it all! meeting regularly for three years with 681-252-3504 available or you can 2012,” said Van Huyck, “But, there is bring your pet to us. various players in the County’s planning 350 Old Shennandale Road —The Hough Family community – pouring their hearts and souls still no real plan for it. We bought a Charles Town, WV 25414 into the effort to save Loudoun County. Ferrari, but we’re about to enter it in a (located off of Kabletown Road) demolition derby. All the taxpayers are “If we don’t get it right now, it will be PEACEFULVALLEYANIMALCREMATORY.COM gone,” said Van Huyck. going to be paying for Metro ... over $l billion over the next ten years.” Find us on Please request our services at Rife with risk Facebook your local vet’s office The draft Loudoun 2040 plan According to Van Huyck, fundamental developed by the pro-growth Planning to the problem is that the relationship Commission, says Van Huyck, is rife with between the new revenues the County risk, for three reasons: would realize under the final buildout The County is losing control of its proposed by the Planning Commission future growth. People don’t realize, and the costs to the County for that noted Van Huyck, that the three-part development presents taxpayers with a growth management strategy adopted razor-thin margin. by the County in 2001 limited densities Loudoun would realize $5.192 billion and uses everywhere – not just in the in new revenue, but $5 billion in rural west and the TPA, but everywhere. public infrastructure would need to be paid for at the same time. And, the infrastructure costs do not take into “Loudoun County is a unique account how much taxpayers would and wonderful place. We need need to spend on new roads. to have a different paradigm On another issue, data centers, “We ... a different model. Certain have a problem,” said Van Huyak. County assets should never be “We are hooked on growth. Data developed.” centers are buying up land all over. The planners say that ‘this will be our – Al Van Huyck booming industry through 2040.’ But, my fear is this. They may be right. But, everyone wants data centers now. For the last 20 years, even the eastern Despite the subsidies we offer, Loudoun part of the County has been planned for County has the highest taxes for data under four housing units per acre. Now centers. What happens when in order to GENERATORS areas around Rt. 7 and Rt. 28 are being keep our data centers we need to reduce looked at for up to 16 units per acre, tax rates further? We’re up a creek. So mixing residential with commercial. many of these things have not been Servicing All Brands It reduces the effectiveness of the thought through.” Transition Policy Area as a functional Six meetings, 90 days, four choices Over 25 years experience providing complete service that buffer between higher densities includes engine, generator and transfer switch. in the east and the rural west. Van Huyck has lived in the planning The TPA, notes Van Huyck, was designed world for decades, and despite what he PROPANE – NATURAL GAS – DIESEL sees as enormous setbacks and missteps as a lower-density area with 50 to 70 INSTALL OR UPGRADE — REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT percent open space. Under new Planning with the Envision Loudoun process and t t Commission proposals, part of the Rural the draft of Loudoun 2040, he remains Policy Area will be lost to a much more optimistic. intensively developed TPA, with less “The Board of Supervisors will have six open space, and more commercial. meetings and 90 days to review the plan. It leaves the rural west vulnerable. And, they have four choices – adopt it, amend GWP The Rural Policy Area, says Van it themselves, return it to the Planning Huyck, was designed as a permanent, Commission for further work, or deny it. agriculturally-based County asset, “I am optimistic that the Board will POWER SOLUTIONS where farmers and working farms would limit the excesses of the draft Plan if the coexist alongside larger residential lots public demands it. and in-town development in places such “My goal right now is to try and get as 540-533-0232 as Purcellville. The changes proposed many people as possible to the public gwppowersolutions.com by the Planning Commission will push hearings on April 24 and 27. development west, making this model “I hope that Loudoun’s residents turn Gerry Pierce unsustainable. out for the upcoming Comp Plan public hearings. The Board of Supervisors has Aspirational vs. Practical not yet fully joined the discussion ... the We won’t leave you powerless. “A comprehensive plan,” says Van Supervisors’ minds are open,” he said.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS 28 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

HOUSTON, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 For realtors? You say developers need you truly mean give land to developers?” more ... flexibility.” Salmon could not speak. He started jab- objective is to ensure that an adequate CLASSIFIEDS I let that last word roll slowly off my bing his index finger at Keirce. supply of housing is available for existing tongue, a snarl.I felt suddenly hot. My “Assemble properties for housing that and future residents.’ Do you think we nostrils filled with a rank odor. I felt a addresses the County’s unmet housing have a primary obligation to anyone oth- presence behind me and turned. I saw Sa- needs,” the Devil thundered at Keirce. “Is er than our citizens? tan. He communicated with deep growls, this yours? You want taxpayers to assem- FOR RENT “Look at staff’s analysis. Accommo- “Dante, you heard one tell the Supervisors ble parcels for developers? What planet dating demand means 27,000 more how much he appreciated realtors’ help? are you from? Ork?” houses than are called for in the cur- Not one word about public opinion.” Keirce jabbed a finger at Jennings, who ExcEptional REntal rent Plan. You compared one projection Jennings bawled and tried to hide be- began screeching, “They did it! It was to another and made the changes look 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Apartment hind Keirce. them!” The three commissioners began smaller. What really counts is how many Very Clean! “I remember that, Satan,” I replied. “I brawling and scuffling. Located in The Piedmont Hunt more houses you want, compared to to- was sickened by his vainglorious praise of “Join me for dinner, Dante Alighieri GREAT AFFORDABLE RENT IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING day. You want 56,320 new houses – in- their plan.” Houston?” On a beautiful, gated, safe, quiet creasing the population from 400,000 to Middleburg farm with Blue Ridge views “Why do you use such big words?” que- “Thank you,” I said, “but I must go. I am over 600,000 and adding 563,000 daily ried Satan. sure we will see each other before the No- Call (301) 514-8114 vehicle trips. Letting you dictate our fu- “Just showing off.” vember elections.” ture is imbecilic. Back to Salmon. “Did you write this, HELP WANTED “Your plan says we need strategies to ‘Explore offering free or subsidized public Charles Houston developed office build- increase density and reduce development land to developers seeking to address the ings in Atlanta, and has lived in Paeonian costs. Are you in the bag for developers? unmet housing need in the County.’?Do Springs for 20 years. Landscape

help wanted LETTER TO THE EDITOR, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 month. HARMISON, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Seasonal part/full time people to get a better understanding I wait for the day when religion Harmison is a native Virginian, of the world. I eagerly wait for the day doesn’t call for murder. I understand born and raised in Fairfax County. Call Chris 540-664-2340 when all humans can live without conflict is part of man’s nature it will He resides in Leesburg, with his wife segregation. I wish Americans would be like this to the end. I only hope Monica and their two children. For realize not all Muslims are terrorists it ends with less bloodshed. She more information visit www.harmi- or I would have visited a terrorist decided it was time for change, I do sonforsheriff.com. The Blue Ridge Leader is pledged to the letter uncle and his family in Turkey for a too. and spirit of Virginia’s and HUD’s Equal Opportu- nity Housing Policies. Virginia’s Fair Housing Law PURCELLVILLE MAYOR, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 strategies for tackling issues such as how makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limita- WEINER ROAST, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Virginia. He also met with the staff of Vir- to fund infrastructure, address housing tion or discrimination based on race, color, national Since Matt and Melissa were origin, sex, elderliness, familial status ginia’s other Senator, Mark Warner. needs, combat the opioid crisis, develop diagnosed in 1997, the average age and handicap. This newspaper will not NLC is one of the oldest such civic or- equitable tax policies, and comply with of survival for CF patients has risen knowingly accept advertising for real ganizations in the country, serving the federal, state, and local regulatory re- from 18 years to nearly 40. Three estate that violates the Fair Housing mayors, council members, employees, and quirements. Law. Our readers are hereby informed new CF drugs (Kalydeco, Orkambi volunteers working to make their individ- NLC is also a storehouse of informa- that all dwellings advertised in the paper are avail- and Symdeco) were recently ual communities better places to live. tion on how local governments do things able on an equal housing opportunity basis. For approved by the FDA that have the Two-thousand-plus member cities of – from how they share power between more information about Virginia’s Fair Housing potential to be a cure for 85 percent Law, or to file a Fair Housing complaint, call the all sizes, from hometown Purcellville to mayors and town councils, engage the of CF patients, but not for Matt Virginia Fair Housing Office at 804.376.8530; Los Angeles, look to NLC as a way to share public, manage annexation issues and toll-free 888.551.3247; for the hearing impaired: information about best practices and fund schools, to how they work with pri- and Melissa, who have a rare CF 804.527.4290; email – fair [email protected]. vate sector contractors. genotype and have to rely on older gov; web: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org. protocols. For the last 8 years, the family KIDWIND, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 members Neil Murtha, Katie Choi, Soren has hosted “Weiner Roast” – a back- do background wind energy research, and Ogelman, and Dane Tyler. SMALL BUSINESS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 yard fundraiser that brings in close The Advance Challenge high school planned, built, and tested their turbine. to $50,000 in donations annually. her potential customers by saying: “If team, Too HAWT to Handle, consists of That work included developing the blade The volunteer-run event features you want ordinary, this is not the store Makersmiths member Mike O’Brien as and generator, calculating the turbine’s unlimited hotdogs and fixings, soft for you!” the coach, and grades 9-12 team mem- power output, and showing the steps tak- drinks and homemade desserts as The Misguided Angels collection in- bers Joda Wade, Aidan O’Brien, Colin en to improve the design. The students well as activities such as swimming, cludes dress and skirts, tops and sweat- O’Brien, and Andrew Bennett. will also be tested on their knowledge and games, a DJ, a photo booth and one ers, jumpsuits and rompers, cardigans The Advance Challenge high school understanding of wind energy, renewable of Northern Virginia’s largest silent and jackets, and more. Clothing de- team is now in full fundraising mode to resources, and various topics related to auctions. scriptions such as “flutter sleeve button send the coach and four students to the jobs in wind energy fields. “We are encouraged by the rap- down,” “peplum top,” “salty air open national competition in May. The team The Northern Virginia KidWind Chal- id pace of scientific advancement back tank,” and “Tallulah tie back top” needs to raise about $3,000 for airfare lenge, organized by James Madison Uni- toward a cure, and we hope that it confirm that this shop has quite the and incidentals to attend the national versity in partnership with Dominion comes in time for our kids,” said personality. competition. Those interested in sup- Energy, was supported in part by judg- Janet Weiner. The Misguided Angels Leesburg lo- porting the team, may contact Mike es from the Shenandoah Valley Mak- To learn more about Weiner cation is 14 South King Street in Lees- O’Brien at [email protected]. ers, Nick Grzeda, a digital integration Roast, being held on June 8, make burg. The Brambleton shop is located Makersmiths, Inc. has two locations: specialist from Loudoun County Public an online donation, donate an item at 22855 Brambleton Plaza in Ashburn. in Leesburg, 1016 Royal Street, SW; and Schools, and Shenandoah University. for the silent auction including pro- You can also shop Misguided Angels’ Purcellville, 785 S. 20th Street. The middle school team, Wind Over- motional gift cards from local busi- cool clothing, shoes, handbags and Visit www.makersmiths.org or email: load, consists of Makersmiths mem- nesses, visit: https://passion.cff. accessories at www.shopmisguidedan- [email protected]. bers Diane Painter and Jennifer Chu as org/weinerroast. gels.com. coaches, and fourth and fifth grade team APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 29

SHOP AND SUPPORT L CAL BUSINESS OWNERS AND NEIGHBORS

LINDA CULBERT MARY WISKER LINDA CULBERT MARY WISKER REALTOR® REALTOR®, ABR/SFR REALTOR® RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR RRREALTOR,REREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREALTOR,REREAREALTREALREALTORREALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,REALTOR,RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR ABR/SFR RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR RRREREALTORREAREALTREALREALTORREREAREALTREALREALTOR Associate Broker Multi-Million Dollar Producer Associate Broker Associate Broker Multi-Million Dollar Producer Associate Broker ABR Licensed in VA & DC ABR ABR Licensed in VA & DC ABR 100 Purcellville Gateway Drive 508 E. Market St. Suite 100 B Leesburg VA 20176 Office: 540-338-1350 ------Cell: 703-431-1724 Cell: 703-577-6015 Fax: 540-338-1620 Office: 703-777-2900 [email protected] [email protected] LindaCulbert.com www.MaryWisker.com

See our ad on ® ® the back cover Sa Ra Rees Associate Brokers Lisa Jalufka, Realtor

703-408-4261 703-887-8506 mobile office [email protected] 703-858-2770 [email protected] [email protected]

ONE LOUDOUN OFFICE 20405 Exchange St., # 221 Ashburn, VA 20147 107 East Main Street Suite 1 A Licensed in Virginia and West Virginia Purcellville Va 20132

H MES Selling your home? H MES www.KathyHesHsle r .McomES Staging makes an impression. www.KathyHessler.com [email protected] Let us stage your home to sell for top dollar! [email protected] Dawn Billow, Broker kathy770h033e--6s61s15l5-e-11r44h993o3mes@g770m033-a-337i7l88.-c-888o81m100 Compass West Realty, LLC • HOME STAGING & REDESIGN 17 W. Boscawen St, Winchester, VA 22601 703-615-1493 703-378-8810 O: 540-692-9378 F: 540-369-6266 • COLOR CONSULTATIONS 1144552266 L Leee R Rdd S Suuiteite 1 1000, ,C Chhaanntiltliyll yV Virigrgininiaia 2 200115511 Compass West Realty is licensed in Virginia and West • INTERIOR DECORATING Virginia to help you with all of your real estate needs. Your Dream14,52 6 LMee Rd Suyite 1 00F, Chaontillcy Viurginias 20151 Your Dream, My Focus www.CompassWestRealty.com [email protected]

Your Dream, My Focus Pamela Newhouse CCE, CHSR Custom Painters, LLC NEWHOUSE President & N | H Creative Director The Western Loudoun Handyman HOME INTERIORS Home Improvement from A-Z Interior/Exterior Interior/Exterior 540 668-5159 CALL Residential/ OR EMAIL [email protected] CommerResidentialcial >>>>>>>>> www.NewHouseHomeInteriors.com Working Locally for over 15 years FCommercialaux Finishes n Tile n Flooring n Fencing “because ... COLOR can be complicated & n n Carpentry Masonry And much more PPressureressure WWashingashing STAGING makes an impression.” Call Rudy: 540-550-4324 or email [email protected] CarpenCarpentrytry RepairRepairss Drywall Repairs JoelJoel WelterWelter Drywall Repairs OwnerOwner PREMIER 540-338-8091 540-338-8091Round Hill, VA Round Hill, VA Serving the Loudoun County area since 1983 ServingOffering Northern10% winter VA Loudoun Countydiscounts area on all sinceinterior work 1983 www.custompainters.biz [email protected] A+RATING Licensed Insured References Free Estimates

Homes * Farms * Land

Kim Hurst 703-932-9651 YourCountryHome.net

Atoka Properties/Middleburg R.E. Licensed in Virginia • 540-687-6321 540 338-6300 703 771-1110 serving Western Counties sinCe 2003 Serving Loudoun County for over 20 years 30 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com APRIL 2019

SHOP AND SUPPORT L CAL BUSINESS OWNERS AND NEIGHBORS

Complete Remodeling – Home Improvement ROOFING ROOFING ROOFING ROOFING Interior & Exterior Painting • Flooring & Carpet • Carpentry SIDING SIDING Bathroom Remodeling • Granite Counter Tops & Installation SIDING SIDING SIDING Deck Maintenance • Roofing Replacement and Repair WINDOWS WINDOWS WINDOWS WINDOWS Plumbing • House Cleaning Services GUTTERS GUTTERS GUTTERS GUTTERS Paint & Stain LLC www.paintandstains.com Licensed, Bonded and Insured Since 1997

New Roofs/ 815 Grant St., Herndon, VA 20170 Hudson [email protected] Roof Repair Tel: 202 910-6083 Roofing Siding Repairs/ Cell: 571-243-9417 Juvenal Orozco Company Replacement 540.687.8850 703.327.4050 We Take Pride In Our Craftsmanship Skylight Repairs/ [email protected] Replacement FREE ESTIMATES www.landscapeassociatesinc.net Flat Roofs 703-615-8727 • Landscape Architectural Design [email protected] Cedar Shakes • Planting & Gardens • Masonry • No Job Too Small Wood Trim • Outdoor Structures • Owner Supervised Replacement • Water Features/Pools • Emergency 24 Hour Repairs • Horticultural Maintenance Flashing Repairs Over 30 years experience with more than • Drainage & Water Management 12,750 satisfied customers Storm Damage • Outdoor Lighting Claims • Large Caliper Tree Transplanting VA Class A License 2705-028844A • Special Events

Tree Experts For Over 30 Years SPR S ING Family Owned & Operated PECI 20 AL w % ith th OF 540-533-8092 is ad F Call Brian Today! ! General Contractor YVAN 571-505-5565 • WWW.AQSCONTRACTING.COM [email protected] Full Remodeling Bathrooms General Repairs Class A. Basements Additions Handyman Services Licensed Kitchens

Patios & Retaining Drainage Walkways Walls Solutions Bobcat Grading 30 R RC Services and more! • DRIVEWAYS • EXPOSED AGGREGATE • PATIOS • FOOTINGS • SLABS Call or text Chris: 540-664-2340 • STAMPED CONCRETE • SIDEWALKS Serving Northern VA for over 30 years! Free Estimates • [email protected] Licensed - Insured - References h 0343322 Cell 03921

[email protected] High Quality at Low Prices

Mulch & Topsoil Mowing Lawn Mower, Small Tractors & Bushogs Double Shredded Hardwood Mulch, Fertilizing Blade Sharpening & Maintenance Oil Changes l Greasing l Repairs Colored Mulch, Compost, Wood Chips, Aerating White Carpet Mulch and Decorative Gravel. Seeding Spring & Fall Cleanup Mulching 703-450-4758 Leaf Removal Brian W. Ebelhare www.vagroundcovers.com Sharp Blades Bed Preparation 703 989-1472 Ronnie Fox We Come to You! 21585 Cascades Pkwy, Sterling Landscape Maintenance [email protected] 540 338-3408 Pick Up or Delivery Locally owned and operated www.sharp-blades.com APRIL 2019 BLUE RIDGE LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY | www.BlueRidgeLeader.com 31

SHOP AND SUPPORT L CAL BUSINESS OWNERS AND NEIGHBORS

Affordable Sheds & Garden Products LLC Wooden & Vinyl Storage Sheds Email Referrals Available BALCH’S Run-In & Shed Row Barns TRANSMISSION SERVICE Modular Barns ~ Pole Barns Coops ~ Garages ~ Playhouses Servicing Loudoun County since 1995 Gazebos ~ Kennels ~ Lawn Furniture

Karen & Keith Laren & Jacob Lawson 540-822-4524 On-Site Installations 701A W. Main Street, Purcellville, VA • 540-338-7447 Custom Sizes & Kits Available 11750 Berlin Turnpike www.balchstransmissionservice.com www.affordablesheds.us Lovettsville, VA 20180

Solar Panel Systems Include: 30% IncomeTax Credit Property Tax Credits Guaranteed Return on Investment

Advertise your business here

[email protected]

Treakle Insurance Agency Inc Darin Treakle Auto • Home • Business • Life 8363 W Main St, PO Box 121, Marshall, VA 20116-0000 540-364-1853 • Fax 540-364-4210 affordableroofingremodeling.com [email protected] Just Listed: Purcellville - 10 Acres Magnificent Pool & Pond, Barn & Ride Out Just Listed: Purcellville - 4 beds/3.5 baths

Just Listed: Leesburg - Outstanding Interior, Summer Delivery: Leesburg 14 Acres, Stunning Pool & Two Streams Panoramic views, 1.56 Acres & 5 beds/5 baths

Under Contract: Umder Contract: Under Contract: One Loudoun Hamilton Purcellville

Under Contract: Purcellville Just Sold: Purcellville Just Sold: Middleburg