Good morning, Leesburg.

This morning, the Loudoun Chamber hosted its Valor Awards to honor community heroes for brave acts from last year, including 14-year-old Paxton Smith who rescued a driver from a burning car.

Leaders celebrated the lifesaving actions of first responders and local civilians.

Red Bar Sushi closed Bellewood Commons on East Market Street and will move to a new venue at the Village at Leesburg (near CMX Village 14 movie theater) with a focus on Thai food and nightlife; meanwhile, the Middleburg spot rebranded as Chan Nara will keep the menu and address.

Data from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development shows Northern Virginia unemployment has risen following federal workforce cuts; Fairfax County added 6,005 residents in January while Loudoun’s rate climbed to 3.7, with officials noting that upcoming federal rehiring may ease the impact — Leesburg is part of the change.

Almost 600 students from elementary and middle schools gathered at Academies of Loudoun on Saturday for the annual Innovation Day robotics competition; they built robots in PROPEL for elementary and Level Up for middle school + the Precision Points team won the battle bots championship.

A junior from Rock Ridge High School has launched Know Your Rights Loudoun, a free legal education program that will host Q&A sessions with attorneys at local libraries and provide referrals for legal services on topics including tenant, student, and business law.

Leesburg is launching a temporary campaign to tag recycling bins that contain non-recyclable items.

Crews will inspect bins on an upcoming collection day and leave a red + label for residents to fix them before collecting the bins two business days later.

Loudoun County plans to plant a Liberty Tree at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on April 24 during its Arbor Day picnic, inviting local residents to celebrate nature and community values.

County supervisors approved two speed humps and signage on Old Ryan Road in Moorefield Station West to slow speeding after data showed 15% of nearly 2,000 daily motorists exceeded 25 mph (following homeowner support after a 2023 pedestrian fatality).

The Transportation Department will set a timeline soon.

County leaders celebrated the start of construction for Rivana at Innovation Station on April 20 — a 103-acre mixed-use project at Rt.

28 and the Dulles Toll Road that will include offices, homes, retail and a hotel. Timberline Real Estate Partners and Origami Capital Partners plan the first phase for 2027.

The Plot Thickens: Founding Gardeners Book Club

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Thomas Balch Library — Free entry — Dive into history-focused literature with fellow book enthusiasts in Leesburg.

Walk for LGS Research

10:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Douglass Community Center Playground — Free event — Connect with fellow families and advocates in support of LGS research.

Springtime in Provence

6-10:30 p.m. — Shiloh Manor Farm — $170 per person — Celebrate the charm and flavors of Provence with a gourmet dinner and live French swing music.

Root to Table: Field & Flame

5:30 p.m. — Riverside on the Potomac — Price TBA — Experience a unique culinary adventure with celebrated chefs and explore local farms.