STANDARD PRESORT RESIDENTIAL U.S. POSTAGE CUSTOMER PAID ECRWSS PERMIT NO. 82 WOODSTOCK, VA Blue Ridge Since 1984 & LEADER LOUDOUN TODAYMAY 2017
Sadie’s Race Finding The West’s Economic Sweet Spot 5K & Fun Run
Envision Loudoun Update May 21st 2017
– By Andrea Gaines – “without putting houses on it,” giving 8:30am investors and people who make a living off As the County’s Comprehensive Plan re- the land more opportunities to participate in write enters its six month, fiscal conserva- the rural economy. tives, preservationists and leaders on the From a planning perspective, this means Rural Economic Development Council are stepping back and taking the long view – a working overtime to spur economic innova- concept identified in what planners know tion in the rural west – spark some change that as The Long View book. And, a concept while a bit surprising, will also have a feel that that also serves as the framework for the is quintessential Loudoun. REDC’s detailed working document, The Cannons In the Board of Supervisors’ Chair Phyllis Long View – A Business Development PlanSaddies Race Ad 2.5 x 2.5_Draft B.indd 1 4/28/17 9:50 AM Randall said in a recent interview, that the for Loudoun County’s Rural Economy. key to saving the west is to “monetize” – Batter’s Box For Continued on page 18 or increase the economic value of land Second Season Town Manager Retires Amid Controversy – By Valerie Cury Council with respect to Lohr’s retirement. McCollum then accused the majority of At the April 25 Purcellville Town Council stating, “Little did I know that a Council Meeting, Robert W. Lohr, Jr., who majority of the Council had already decided has served as Town Manager for nearly 25 to separate the Town Manager from his years, announced his retirement, effective position and to negotiate a buyout. I heard July 1, 2017. His letter to the Council the Town Manager indicate repeatedly at the – By Andrea Gaines stated, “It has been an honor and privilege April 11 closed session that he had ideas for This year marks the Purcellville Cannons’ to serve the wonderful Town of Purcellville addressing issues raised in the evaluations. 2nd season in Purcellville. Baseball fans, since 1993 but I now need to explore the None of those council members who had rejoice. next chapter in my life so I am announcing developers, pro-development associations critical evaluations extended him the “If I could identify one thing that I hope my retirement …” He continued, “I can and support businesses, and former council courtesy of hearing his ideas.” to accomplish this year,” said General assure you that this has been one of my members who pursued pro-growth policies The Blue Ridge Leader contacted Manager Ridge Fuller, “it would be to family’s toughest decisions in our lives, but and their local supporters as well as current Mr. Lohr on April 26, 2017 to verify or sustain the level of community support we I am blessed with a loving wife and children and former Town staff members. otherwise explain conflicting statements got in 2016. To come in new to town and be that have encouraged me to take this leap of Following the comments from Lohr and made by Council Member McCollum. almost instantly known and recognized, was faith into the next chapter of my life, much Fraser, Council Member Doug McCollum, Refuting McCollum’s account, Lohr stated, just amazing.” like I did when I came here almost 25 years who was not up for reelection last May but “I retired. It was my decision.” Purcellville loves its baseball ... and the ago.” has a voting record that closely resembles Council Member Kelli Grim said, “As honeymoon isn’t even over yet. During the After Lohr’s announcement, Mayor that of former pro-growth council members, I listened to the accusations, I am not 2016 season, the Cannons attracted a record Kwasi Fraser shared a statement thanking made allegations that sharply diverged going to violate the closed session and 500 to 700 fans per game, and hit it out of the Lohr for his long service. Said Fraser, “It from the tenor of Lohr and Fraser’s public the employment exemptions that exist. It park by attracting 1,200 guests on opening has been a privilege working with you.” comments. McCollum claimed that in the clearly states that Mr. Lohr gave us his night. One-thousand two-hundred cheering The April 25 meeting was largely Town Council’s closed session meetings, intention to retire for reasons that are attended by pro-growth advocates including he attempted to change the course of the Continued on page 22 Continued on page 22
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GET MORE. 2 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY May 2017 ASK DR. MIKE
– By Michael Oberschneider, from home and unsupervised Psy.D. in this sort of environment. I recommend that you let her know Dr. Mike, that you are proud of her for the Our daughter, who is a choices she’s made for herself in sophomore in high school, life thus far as a teenager; that it’s is furious with us for not Dr. Mike really the situation you don’t trust allowing her go to beach week and not her. this year with her boyfriend You can point out that research has who is graduating from high school consistently shown that teens who drink are in June. While we trust our daughter vulnerable to exercising poor judgement and really like her boyfriend, we’re not and impulse control and to acting-out comfortable with her being at the beach physically, sexually and/or aggressively. with a large group of unsupervised And teens who drink are also more likely to rowdy teenagers where drinking and be the victim of sexual or physical assault. drugs will be present. Her position is Perhaps you could also let her know that that she’s super responsible at home graduating from high school is a rite of with chores and helping out, she gets passage moment, and senior beach week excellent grades and doesn’t drink is a time to celebrate that accomplishment alcohol or do drugs. Her other point is with peers – and that in two years you are that she will be in college in two years confident that she will be ready when it’s anyway where there will be alcohol and her senior beach week. drugs so why be so controlling. All of We all remember things we wanted her points are valid, so are we being to do when we were younger that our overly controlling? parents denied us. But sometimes – Concerned Parents parents need to make the hard decisions, even if it doesn’t win us points with our Dear Concerned Parents, children. As a sophomore, I agree with you that your daughter is too young to be away Continued on page 34
m o t h e r ’ s day Open House Friday, May 12th and Saturday, May 13th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Please join Waltonwood Ashburn for a “Waltini” — our signature sparkling wine drink — mimosas, and light brunch. Waltonwood Ashburn will provide luxury senior living, a carefree lifestyle, social opportunities, upscale amenities, and personal care services when needed. The Open House will be held at our Information Center: 44144 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147
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Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care Information Center located at 44141 Russell Branch Pkwy., in Ashburn www.Waltonwood.com | www.SinghJobs.com | www.facebook.com/waltonwoodseniorliving May 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 3 Sponsor A Painted Bench Or Planter Discover Purcellville local art are going to make a is proud to announce that huge artistic impact around the 3rd community art Purcellville this summer project “Painted Benches according to Michael Oaks, & Planters Around Vice President of Discover Purcellville” is under way. Purcellville. “Last year we Fifty local Artist have had the “Painted Barrels volunteered their creative around Purcellville” and talents to paint 30 custom the “Painted Holiday made wood benches and 20 Decorations Downtown planters. Starting in late May each Painted which were both tremendously popular,” Bench & Planter will be placed at their said Oaks. To sponsor a bench or planter, sponsoring business around Purcellville to contact Michael Oaks or Kim Patterson at be enjoyed by the public. Fifty pieces of 540 751-0707.
Join Us At the 6th Annual Sadie’s Race 5K and Kids Fun Run Fundraiser for Smile Train! Sunday May 21st 2017
Purcellville Train Station 200 N 21st Street, Purcellville, VA
7am - Packet pick-up and Registration
8am - Kids’ Fun Run
8:30am - 5K
Learn more about Smile Train and register for Sadie’s Race at sadiesmilefoundation.org
Saddies Race Ad . Draft A.indd : M 4 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY May 2017 Honoring Sadie’s Endless Smile – By Andrea Gaines be be held in the early morning hours of May 21, at the Purcellville Train Station. “I remember meeting a 63-year-old man who As a five-year-old, Sadie saw posters about had just had the surgery,” said Sara Ablard. “He the thousands of children worldwide being had been held back by his cleft palette all of his helped by The Smile Train, an organization life. He never knew that it could be fixed.” that the funds the $250 surgery needed to This man’s story is now part of the legacy repair the birth defect known as cleft lip or cleft of five-year-old Sadie Grace Ablard, Sara’s palette. When Sadie died, Ablard jumped on daughter, who, as her mom writes, “joined her that train, and she’s been raising money for the angel friends in heaven” on August 9, 201l, organization in Sadie’s honor ever since. after sustaining a head injury at the Purcellville Said Ablard, “I was afraid that people would Roller Rink. be sympathetic at the beginning, but fade into Photo by Alimond Photography The Blue Ridge Leader caught up with Sara the background as the years went by. But, it as she prepared for the 6th Annual Sadie’s Race hasn’t happened that way. People donate year Sarah Ablard 5K & Kids Fun Run for Smile Train, which will Continued on page 9 May 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 5
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NE 2014 2015 2016 2017 21465 Price Cascades Plaza (Next to Wolf Furniture) SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE (In front of Costco) 6 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY May 2017 Transportation: Problem Solving And Promises Kept – By Delegate Dave LaRock (R-33) The next year, 2015, warnings based on prior failed attempts Purcellville, the Route 7/Williams Gap Road I introduced legislation that this was just too difficult to get through turn lane, Battlefield Parkway between the Four years ago I came before the voters of (HB 1470) which passed the legislature without being ruined by Greenway and Rt. 15, Route 15 Interchange rd the 33 District, challenging the status quo unanimously to make amendments, with help from the business at Edwards Ferry/Fort Evans Road, paving transportation funding policies that sent our transit (commuter trains community and AAA, we did pass a clean a few high-volume gravel roads, replacing taxes to other parts of the state while leaving and buses) projects resolution with solid bi-partisan support. structurally deficient bridges, and more. us sitting in traffic. I called out projects go through the same That brings us to the present and what VDOT is also studying the need to improve like the Dulles Rail Project, Coalfields objective congestion I’m working on going forward. First, the Eastbound Rt. 7 between Purcellville and Expressway, and Rt. 460 which would spend Del. relief analysis as road Transportation Lockbox job isn’t done Leesburg, and Rt. 15 North of Leesburg. billions of dollars without fixing congestion. Dave LaRock projects, removing a – it needs to pass the legislature again in Upcoming Rt. 7 interchanges at Battlefield Here we are four years later, and where do we loophole that favored the 2018 session and then be approved by Pkwy, Belmont Ridge Rd, and Ashburn stand? We are seeing big progress. transit projects inside the beltway. But a voters in Nov. 2018. Secondly, there is a Village Blvd will also help my constituents My first session in Richmond the rating system loses its value if weighting of huge transportation funding issue facing who travel to the east. legislature completely transformed the different factors gets out of whack. For Northern Virginia, including Loudoun While there is still much to do, I’ve been transportation spending by passing House example, if development is weighted too County: The dire need for improvements working hard to get traffic moving with Bill 2, now known as “SmartScale,” which high, congestion relief loses out. So later in to the Washington Metro. Many leaders smart planning and careful use of funds, rates all projects through an objective cost- 2015, I fought to get the HB2/SmartScale are saying a regional sales tax to fund without raising taxes. We are seeing the benefit system. I was one of the dozen co- congestion relief factor in project rating improvements to Metro is necessary. That good results. patrons of this key legislation and moved increased from 35 to 45 percent, making is not the way to go. It would burden it forward to fulfill my campaign promise. traffic-reduction a stronger priority. my constituents with a new Metro tax Delegate Dave LaRock represents the 33rd Aubrey Layne is secretary of transportation In 2016, my legislation to protect kids even when they don’t use or benefit from House District, including parts of Loudoun, for the Commonwealth of Virginia getting on and off school buses (HB168) the system. When Loudoun opted into Clarke and Frederick Counties, and the and chairman of the Commonwealth passed, as did legislation (HB1069) to extending Metro, station-area property tax towns of Leesburg (partial), Purcellville, Transportation Board. In a recent news protect drivers from unreasonable fees districts were formed to offset costs. That Berryville, Lovettsville, Round Hill, Hamilton article, he hit the nail on the head saying, and penalties for unpaid tolls; another bill same approach is the way to make those and Hillsboro. LaRock serves on the “…we have worked with the General (HB181) increased Loudoun County’s businesses and developers who are profiting Transportation Committee, the Science and Assembly to radically change, for the better, representation on the Northern Virginia pay whatever is not covered by fares. Technology Committee and the Education the delivery and funding of transportation Transportation Commission. Finally, I am excited to see these landmark Committee. Dave and his wife, Joanne, have projects. These changes have resulted in This year I introduced a “Transportation reforms paying off. With support from local lived in Loudoun for 29 years, building a the most significant improvements to major Lockbox” resolution which proposes governments, we are making real progress successful family-owned general contracting urban corridors in more than 30 years.” amending the Virginia Constitution to restrict in improving transportation here in the 33rd business. The LaRocks reside near Hamilton use of monies appropriated for transportation District. Upcoming projects in Loudoun with Laura, Abby, and John, the youngest of Since 1984 - to be used for transportation. In spite of include the Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange in their seven children. Blue Ridge LEADER&LOUDOUN TODAY Letters To The Editor PUBLISHER & EDITOR Valerie Cury Council Moving Forward would be more creative and find simpler acre if they are “clustered.” Regular zoning solutions to our complex problems. The in AR-1 districts limits developers to 20 CREATIVE DEPARTMENT With People’s Values Meredith Hancock, Layout/Design overwhelming majority of people in acres per house; but by using the cluster Dear Editor: Purcellville are open to strategies and option, developers are able to build new ADVERTISING creativity in an effort to lower our tax houses with only five acres per house. This Judy D. Harbin After two years serving with Mayor (703) 727-1321 Kwasi Fraser in a minority position on the burden and utility rates, as well as keeping has turned into a disaster. [email protected] Purcellville Town Council, voters went our Town unique and full of character. The cluster option came from a th Here’s How to Reach Us! to the polls in May 2016 to express their On April 11 and 18 , what the Council did meritorious idea: Re-create little groupings Email [email protected] desire for continued change and allow us new was give the Town Manager his annual of houses surrounded a good bit of open or call (540) 338-6200 a platform to create meaningful change. review as required in his employment space (think Philomont, Bloomfield or EDITOR: More importantly, voters said it was time agreement. During his decades long career, Morrisonville), and the rural experience is (letters to the editor & press releases): all seven members of a council have never protected. The idea failed. Clusters, are [email protected] for new council dynamics. The public had witnessed a hostile council that for two completed his review at once, until this poison to country life. SPECIAL EDITORIAL years attempted to marginalize new ideas, year. What should have been a routine The first problem is obvious: cluster Andrea Gaines process became perverted by innuendo and zoning enables developers to quadruple [email protected] usurp the Mayor’s authority, and took every opportunity to disparage us in the public reckless rumors. density; with an unholy effect on our HOT NEWS TIPS: sphere. The promise of delivering a positive This Council has challenged the status quo pocketbooks and our quality of life. Valerie Cury, (703) 943-8806, and engaged in constructive confrontation. The second problem is execution. [email protected] way of doing business and reasonably handling the challenges that face the town We are determined to impose the people’s Developers pour over the zoning regulations, WEBMASTER: values with fundamental and strategic looking for loopholes to slide their project [email protected] prevailed with the 2016 election. This Council has been told by some that resolutions. Simply put, we will continue to through with the least hassle. Developers MAILING ADDRESS: it needs to “move beyond the fruitless repair the damage caused by a bad values work hard and spread around a lot of money PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325 effort to lay blame” toward previous agenda. This Council has devoted time and to get their way. A classic example was Copyright 2017 Blue Ridge Leader & Loudoun Today. All rights reserved. Councils. It is necessary to acknowledge energy in pushing forward the people’s the Short Hill Mountain imbroglio, where that we are limited by the enormous debt values and I feel confident in the direction AT&T tried to define a data center as a Purcellville is headed. “utility substation.” Housing developers @BRLeaderNEWS incurred by previous councils because we have to explain to the public why we Karen Jimmerson work hard to find loopholes, inconsistencies Purcellville Vice-Mayor and ambiguities, as well – to justify dense We Welcome Your Letters To The Editor: can’t build them sidewalks, bike paths Submissions may be sent to or parks, or improve road intersections development. They love clusters. [email protected], or via mail to, they request. When a resident or business Cluster Development: While the RZO does say that clusters PO Box 325, Purcellville, VA 20134-0325. complains about their high water/sewer The Worst Of The Worst should not look like typical subdivision Please include your name, streets, developers have been allowed to build address and telephone number. rates it is important to give background long rows of cookie-cutter houses – like any We reserve the right to edit submissions as necessary. as to why they are charged those amounts. Dear Editor: Deadline for print edition is the third week of generic subdivision – and call it a “cluster.” each month, or, online any time. The public has been clear to us about Under the Revised Zoning Ordinance, Our RZO is woefully deficient. Here are a their values. They voted in those they felt residential lots can be as small as about one May 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 7 April 11 Town Council Meeting – By Valerie Cury be used to reduce the Wastewater Fund. “It is my hope that all $300,000 will go to servicing the Ogelman said, “It is my hope that The Purcellville Town Council discussed Wastewater debt. This is exactly the kind of effort we all $300,000 will go to servicing the a variety of topics at its April 11 meeting, should be pursuing to keep the water and sewer rates low.” Wastewater debt. This is exactly the kind including taxes and revenues from property – Council Member Nedim Ogelman of effort we should be pursuing to keep the sales. water and sewer rates low.” He said that No Tax Increases this was just the kind of project “we need The Purcellville Town Council set the as personal property tax assessments on the of chargebacks in the Utility Fund, so our to ease the debt burden we have inherited.” property tax rate of $0.22 (rate is per $100 average person’s property went up five to businesses and our citizens can benefit Reservoir Property Timber Harvest And of assessed value) for the FY18 budget, seven percent. Said Jimmerson, “If we take from lower water and sewer rates.” Watershed Access Committee keeping the rate the same as last year. There a flat-line approach, everybody’s taxes will A chargeback is an accounting The Town will be doing selective was likewise no change in the Fireman’s go up roughly that amount of money. That’s mechanism by which the Town pays timbering on a portion of the 1,272-acre Field Service Tax District rate, as well as a big change for a lot of people … taking staff from other funds. For example, watershed property it owns. The contract the personal property tax for vehicles, and off a half penny would … lead to a two to if the finance team, which falls under went to Blue Triangle Hardwoods, which for the business tax. three percent rise instead of a five to seven the General Fund, provides a financial was the highest bidder – for $205,522.25. Council Member Nedim Ogelman said percent rise. We would still get more tax report or services for the sewer or water The selective cut will be at the northern part that he was in favor of not raising any of revenues, and it might soften the blow for department – the cost of that report or of the property. the rates, saying, “I look at all of these our citizens.” services is paid for from the Utility Fund Said Fraser, “We are not in the business taxes, and the water and sewer rates, and Mayor Kwasi Fraser said his preference – which is a chargeback. This practice of indiscriminately cutting our trees what we heard from the citizens during would have been to lower the property puts stress on the Utility Fund, resulting down. This will be all selective cutting. the election season. What we are trying tax rate. But, there was a need to make in pressure to either raise utility rates or Selective cutting keeps in mind the to do is to manage the debt, what we have sure the General Fund is “self-sufficient grow. However, eliminating chargebacks environmental benefits of the cut, it is not inherited from the previous council under and self-supporting’’ – so he would like would alleviate pressure to increase a flash cut.” Mayor Lazaro. So, we are trying to be able the rates to remain where they are. “As the utility rates. Currently, the 2018 On a side note concerning the watershed to manage that debt, and also trying to keep we look at chargebacks, I see them as proposed budget calls for $1.2 million in property, the Town Council moved forward peoples’ rates as low as possible.” Ogelman a way over the past 10 years – to fund chargebacks. with Mayor Fraser’s proposal to form a also said that with all the taxes, and water the General Fund by taking money from Mary’s House Of Hope Funds subcommittee to look into an equitable and sewer rates, the main goal is to “figure the Utility Fund.” Fraser continued, “I Council voted to move $300,000 from policy for citizen recreational access to the out how we can service the debt, manage believe with these taxes, we can continue the sale of Mary’s House of Hope – at 781 reservoir property. Currently, only staff, th our government’s size, and not put any to fund the General Fund without relying South 20 Street – from the General Fund guests, and council can access the property. additional burdens on our citizens.” on chargebacks. I say that, because my to the Town’s Wastewater Fund. Mayor Fraser and Council Member Vice Mayor Karen Jimmerson said she recommendation on the budget that I will Fraser said that this was Council’s first Ogelman will represent Council on the considered lowering the rate by a half a cent be proposing to this Council is to reduce green box initiative (ideas for generating Watershed Access Committee. from the current and proposed $0.22 rate, chargebacks. My focus is on the reduction revenue), and that the entire proceeds will Letters To The Editor continued ... few examples of requirements that would help: Loudoun County that citizens don’t want and promotes the interests of housing developers, consider overdevelopment and traffic • Permit no more than three houses in a the county can’t afford, as the county revises repeatedly has “ranked” Loudoun as happiest congestion their greatest concerns. That row before there is a side street; long its Comprehensive Plan. This campaign county for about three years—based on also was citizen’s overwhelming message enough to accommodate two houses. appears to be warmly welcomed by Loudoun a slender and selective list of criteria (it’s during the Envision Loudoun public input Side streets should be mandatory – they County’s Planning Department. primarily an assessment of wealth; it doesn’t sessions in 2016 and early this year. create a true cluster. Industry members have sponsored include, for example, traffic congestion or If you are one of thousands of citizens • The zoning ordinance should use drawings and promoted spurious “surveys” and citizen concerns about overdevelopment). who took the time to tell the planning to illustrate cluster requirements. “research” in the past few years that first The housing need study that the Planning department about Loudoun’s future, you will • Large properties can have multiple say how wonderful it is to live in Loudoun Department has embraced was produced be dismayed to know how little regard was clusters, but each should have a and how happy everyone is (as a campaign by the George Mason University Center given to your input. Here’s what happened: maximum of 20 houses with at least 700 to create “demand”), and then produced an for Regional Analysis, which has received The comments were sorted robotically feet between clusters. “analysis” that says there is a huge demand more than $10 million from real estate/ according to keywords (often perversely), • The road into the subdivision should for new housing. mortgage executive Dwight Schar (there is and the first 144 characters of each were not be paved unless it intersects an It is a much more sophisticated approach even an endowed chair named after him). put into a spreadsheet. The Comprehensive already-paved road, to better fit into the than the one citizens experienced during Schar’s company, NVR Inc., is the parent Plan Stakeholders Committee (which has environment. the 2004-07 Board of Supervisors, with company of Ryan Homes. The parent and an overwhelming majority of development • There should be significant setbacks for Supervisor Steve Snow telling citizens to its child have massive interests in Loudoun, industry representatives), spent a total of the first houses, perhaps 700 feet. move to Canada if they didn’t like the Board’s with at least 14 large housing developments 75 minutes in a perfunctory review of the Finally, any new development should blend votes to approve thousands more houses, as (many near the Transition Area). thousands of partial comments and providing into rural Loudoun, not assault it aesthetically. massive numbers of citizens protested against The study’s methodology is deeply the county’s planners with several-word Apply effective design standards; like those the onslaught of overdevelopment. (Snow flawed. It contains major technical errors “ideas” that “captured” them. That’s it. required in nearby historic districts. and other supervisors were later investigated and the Planning Department has not On May 3, the Loudoun County Chamber Charles Houston by the FBI, and were voted out at the next validated the inputs, checked the forecast of Commerce, which is closely aligned and Paeonian Springs election.) for reasonableness, or examined its funded by the development industry, hosted Here are some of the recent “surveys” implications. It calls for total “build-out” an event promoting the GMU study’s call Is The Loudoun County Planning and “studies.” of the Transition Area (which separates the for tens of thousands more houses in the Department Listening? A 2012 survey of “Best Counties in suburban East from the rural West) – as a Transition Area. America,” which also put Loudoun at the preliminary move to complete development If you are concerned about overdevelopment Dear Editor: top, was a “survey” that rated such few things of Loudoun’s rural area. and congestion in Loudoun, and do not want The Northern Virginia development as “new housing starts” as the definition Citizens have forcefully expressed their its quality of life and beauty destroyed, it is industry is conducting a well-funded effort of “best.” The survey was produced and opposition to this scenario. A scientific time to sit up and pay attention. to justify a new onslaught of development in promoted by a real estate blog. poll conducted recently by the University Martha Polkey The SmartAsset.com website, which of Virginia shows that Loudoun’s citizens Lucketts On the web with daily updates at www.brleader.com 8 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY May 2017
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA COMSTOCK Your Voice in Congress
PROUDLY REPRESENTING VIRGINIA’S 10TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
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Washington, DC Loudoun County Shenandoah Valley 229 Cannon House 21430 Cedar Drive 117 E. Piccadilly St Office Building Suite 218 Suite 100 D Washington, DC 20515 Sterling, VA 20164 Winchester, VA 22601 202.225.5136 703.404.6903 540.773.3600 COMSTOCK.HOUSE.GOV May 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 9 Community Information The 2017 Purcellville Music & Arts Festival Meeting For O’Toole Property LIVE MUSIC | LOCAL FOOD, BEER, WINE | EXHIBIT OF LOCAL ART | CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
There will be a community information meeting at the Carver Center, 200 Willie LIVE MUSIC Palmer Way, Purcellville, Thursday, May 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss the O’Toole Property project. Headliner: The O’Toole property is located at the southeast corner of Rt. 287 and Business Rt. 7, near the traffic circle on Main Street, and the property consists of two lots totaling Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Band 12.46 acres. The property is zoned Transition X – and located within the Historic Corridor Overlay District. A portion of the site is also located within the minor flood Harry J. Smith and the Bling plain – a Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zone. Franklin Park Big Band The owner of the property is asking for one of the most dense zonings – MC – Hungry on Monday Mixed Use Commercial, to consist of 72,000 square feet of commercial, to include restaurants, retail offices, an assisted living facility, and a three-story hotel. Fireman’s Field Sadie’s Endless Smile, continued from page 4 – they were amazed.” 250 S. Nursery Ave. after year after year, and new people come Smile Train, and people like Ablard are Purcellville, VA 20132 in. It puts the wind in our sails. They come spreading that message ... and more. Said out in the rain. It keeps us thankful.” Sara Ablard, “When we go into communities, “You must have seen a lot of really we teach local doctors how to perform the extraordinary things doing this work,” I surgery. Our work is sustainable. We’re said, referring back to the 63-year old. building medical capacity as we change the “Yes,” said Ablard. “We have travelled to lives of these children.” Tanzania, to the very remote areas of the To get involved with the Smile MAY 20 Maasai.” She continued, “Their culture Train and Ablard’s efforts, go to www. fears that a cleft palette is the work of the sadiesmilefoundatin.org. Registration for 10 am - 7 pm devil, and those born with the defect live the Purcellville race opens at 7 a.m., and the hard lives. Many don’t marry, and have fun run kicks off at 7:30 a.m. trouble eating, speaking, even breathing. When I showed them a picture of an infant Editor’s note: Many thanks to Caitlin born with a cleft palette, and a picture of the Roarke of Smile Train who helped set up child as a young boy – the cleft palette gone our interview with Sara Ablard. PurcellvilleMusicAndArtsFestival.com 10 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY May 2017 All Your Outdoor Yard & Patio Needs May 2017 Blue Ridge LEADER & LOUDOUN TODAY 11 All Your Outdoor Yard & Patio Needs Abernethy Visit Our Design Center Today And & Spencer Get Inspired! Specializing in Native & Organic Gardens
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If it’s true in life that “all you need in love,” then prepare your heart to fall for this historic homestead in Lovettsville. Built in 1850, Creek Hollow Farm is a lesson in going back to the basics of family life; togetherness, peacefulness and serenity. Situated on more than 20 acres of land in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your family will experience the best Loudoun has to offer. This home was built both within and amongst its surroundings. Upon arrival, you’ll spot a ye