Entries in Living in LoCo for May 2007
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:12 p.m. on May 31, 2007
Workin' the Wi-Fi
Do you ever work in a neighborhood wi-fi hot spot? This morning there were more than a dozen people working on laptop computers and holding meetings at Panera at Ryan Park in Ashburn. Among the group: government contractors, construction managers, writers, students, salespeople, and two Ashburn residents who are in ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 9:21 a.m. on May 31, 2007
Cascades Competing Online Forums
Back in March, the Cacades homeowners' association removed its "forums" section from the community web site. There was much squabbling over alleged censorship, resident comments and alleged attacks on board members and managment personnel (through postings). I attended an April 26 board meeting and was surprised to witness some members ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 6:00 p.m. on May 30, 2007
Lansdowne Home Business Update
The board president of Lansdowne on the Potomac homeowners' association sent an email to residents around 4:45 Wednesday afternoon outlining the next steps for home based businesses to come into compliance with the HOA covenants. There will be clarification of the rules at the board meeting next week, an application ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:33 p.m. on May 30, 2007
Spending Time Locked Up
I went to jail last Friday. My mother was not happy about this. My husband couldn't believe I called Mom and not him. But at the time, they only knew part of the story. It was a rare and unique experience, one that reminded me of the high-school programs "scared ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 11:35 a.m. on May 30, 2007
Uncle Sam Wants Your Students
The U.S. Army is requesting that Loudon schools distribute a survey that will help military recruiters identify students who are interested in the military. A story about how some parents are fighting this request ran in Monday's Washington Post. Donald Eaves, a Loudoun parent, refers other parents to this document ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 7:00 a.m. on May 29, 2007
Bluemont Author's Ode to Drinking
Local author, Barbara Holland (Carol Guzy/Post) Barbara Holland, from Bluemont, is getting a fair amount of attention for her latest book, "The Joy of Drinking." The gist of her theory is explained in today's Washington Post story: Booze, she writes, is "the social glue of the human race." As soon ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 8:26 a.m. on May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Holiday
Wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day holiday. Living in LoCo will return tomorrow. Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 11:00 a.m. on May 25, 2007
Freedom High Celebrates "Firsts"
Freedom High School in South Riding hosted the school's first junior/senior prom last weekend at the National Conference Center at Lansdowne (which is undergoing some massive construction to build a 19,000 square-foot ballroom). The "For Your Eyes Only" moniker was a double entendre for the class of '07 Eagles. More ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 8:30 a.m. on May 25, 2007
News Tap: Road Improvements, Library Closing, Home Prices, Stable Tour
Checking out news from around the county: Loudoun Leaders Talk Route 7 Improvements Eight improvements out of the nine recommended will go to the Board of Supervisors for Review. Among the suggestions discussed by local supervisors and the transportation committee: -Width increases on Rt. 7 -Modification of the right turn ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 5:15 p.m. on May 24, 2007
Leesburg Plane Crash Details
An update on the small plane crash outside of Leesburg last night from airport director Tim Dieke: "On May 23rd at 5:33 pm ET, the pilot of N398S, a Cessna 172, lost engine power three miles from Leesburg Executive Airport. He did a forced landing in an open area between ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 2:00 p.m. on May 24, 2007
Discovering Dings in Inaugural Polo Match
The early, subtle rumblings of disappointment from polo match customers are coming on stronger now, and over the past three days I've heard from more than half a dozen people talking about mishaps and mistakes at the May 12 America's Cup of Polo. Some customers without food or a chair ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:35 p.m. on May 24, 2007
Choppers ISO Criminals & Fallen Planes
Early this afternoon a police helicopter was spotted circling parts of Ashburn in search of two or three men who allegedly robbed a residence on Hedgerow Terrace. Neighbors were alerted to the incident because of noise from the chopper. Those who ventured outside found multiple sheriff's deputy cruisers on the ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:07 p.m. on May 23, 2007
Leesburg Firehouse Plans Rejected
The Station 1 firehouse at 215 Loudoun Street in Leesburg has been used as a "home response station" (meaning no on-site staff, just the equipment) since 1997, when Station 20 was built on Plaza Street and firefighters and EMS crews were moved there. But now the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Department ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 10:37 a.m. on May 23, 2007
Student Guitarists Show Big Talent
The Ashburn Library hosted Belmont Ridge Middle School advanced guitarists last Friday and they put on an amazing show. The performance room was so packed that organizers had to open the partition to a second room and bring out dozens more chairs, and people were still lined against walls and ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:06 p.m. on May 22, 2007
Politician Indicted in Loudoun
This just in from our Loudoun reporters Sandhya Somashekhar and Bill Brubaker: Mark David Tate, 41, a restaurateur and former vice mayor of Middleburg, was indicted Monday on two counts of election fraud and nine counts of perjury by the grand jury. He is out of jail on his own ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 3:54 p.m. on May 22, 2007
Former CIA Disguise Expert's Ashburn Business
Robert Barron, a former CIA master of disguise, helps clients restore their features in his Ashburn prosthetics office. Fascinating work and an interesting photo gallery showing a 5-year-old girl being fitted for an ear. Read previous reader responses to this blog entry. Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 3:03 p.m. on May 21, 2007
Republicans Nominate Phillips for Senate
Saturday afternoon local Republicans voted for the person who will represent the party in this year's 33rd district state senatorial race against Democratic incumbent Mark Herring. Patricia Phillips defeated John Andrews, in a surprise to some local bloggers, including hosts of Gateway to Loudoun. Even the active Republican pundits have ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 12:00 p.m. on May 21, 2007
Loudoun Technology: Boom or Bust?
There has been much ado about Loudoun being a top spot for technology in recent years, including the great lure of residential high-speed and fiber networks for telecommunications services being built for new communities. In today's front page Washington Post story, different communities weigh in on the good and the ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 3:30 p.m. on May 18, 2007
McD's Awful Awnings & Donut Update
What I adore about the Broadlandshoa.com forums is that they cover everything, but mostly their in-depth dissection of what food establishments will be where and how they rank (unofficially of course) in the minds of the residents. This week the yellow awnings of an upcoming McDonald's in Southern Walk has ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 3:00 p.m. on May 18, 2007
Regency Approved, New Road Access Eastbound
The Regency at Ashburn, a three-tier age restricted community in Ashburn has been approved for development by the Board of Supervisors. The win out of this is that when the corresponding road improvements are made, it will provide another expansion of Gloucester Parkway eastbound toward Route 28, but this section ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:13 p.m. on May 18, 2007
Ashburn Rape Claim Is False
The sheriff's office released this information today regarding the April 28 rape report: Loudoun Sheriff's Investigators have determined the reported rape of a 16-year-old female in Ashburn Farm to be unfounded. The 16-year-old victim initially told authorities on April 28th that she was walking on a trail near Claiborne Parkway ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 9:30 a.m. on May 17, 2007
Do You Want a Bike Helmet Law?
Lets say there is consensus that wearing a bike helmet is a good idea for the safety and protection of children under the age of 14. Should our community go the next step in creating a law stating that in Loudoun County bike helmets are mandatory on public sidewalks and ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 9:25 a.m. on May 17, 2007
News Tap: Crosstrail, Huntland Sale, Dying Pets, Bike to Work
A look at news around the county. Rethinking Crosstrail Development There are a few dangling issues on the table regarding the proposed 1,000 home, mixed-use development near Leesburg Airport. Supervisors want environmental issues addressed and opponents say the road improvements aren't enough to offset the additional traffic (you might remember ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:20 p.m. on May 16, 2007
Rain Brings Closings to Loudoun
Alerts have been going out all afternoon for Loudoun youth sports - most fields are closed as a result of the afternoon thunderstorms. Play and practices for Loudoun Youth Soccer and Ashburn Soccer Club are cancelled tonight. District playoffs for boys and girls lacrosse games that were scheduled for tonight ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 10:45 a.m. on May 16, 2007
Target & Traffic: Development on Route 2
Keeping an ear to the ground and an eye on what is developing around Rt. 28 and here is what we know: The SuperTarget, a 130,000 square-foot building, across from Wegmans at Waxpool Road, is built and help wanted signs are up. In addition to the regular fashion goods and ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 6:00 p.m. on May 15, 2007
Lansdowne Developer Approved Some Home Businesses
An interesting piece of literature arrived in the mail today: A copy of an e-mail from Lansdowne developer Hobie Mitchel that was sent to the Landsdowne homeowner's association board of directors on Friday, regarding the decision there to ban home-based businesses. Board president Eric Florence posted a public notice Friday ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:54 p.m. on May 15, 2007
Impact of Workforce Housing in Loudoun
For those of you in need of workers for you local businesses, or those of you who want to learn more about the options and issues around building affordable housing in Loudoun, here is a note on an upcoming meeting from Loudoun Extra's Arianne Aryanpur: The Loudoun County Chamber of ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 12:00 p.m. on May 15, 2007
Massage Fundraiser in Ashburn
If you're thinking about how to help the victims and families of the April 16 Virginia Tech shooting, set aside some time for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund charity fundraiser in Ashburn on June 2. Chiropractors Eugene Su and Binh H. Nguyen, VT graduates from 2001 and 1998, will open ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 2:08 p.m. on May 14, 2007
Loudoun School Talk Site Launched
Check out the new school feedback blog that launched this month. (Brought to you by the people who run dullessouthonline.com.) There are some interesting finds, including a teacher chat area that uncovers much discussion about Loudoun schools. With topics like "Beware Loudoun" and bashing about long hours, overcrowding, and (ahem) ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 10:18 a.m. on May 14, 2007
Keeping Tabs on Grocery Prices
A citizen "pricing brigade" is checking on nearby grocery store prices for a set list of items. The list is being circulated through the Broadlands homeowner discussion forums. While the consumer research is unofficial, it is interesting to see the comparisons. A sample of their results: ORANGE JUICE- 64 oz. ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2007
Lansdowne HOA Moves Against Home Businesses
It's official: The Lansdowne homeowners' association plans to scuttle home-based businesses, including daycare operations. Not "home offices," but businesses that provide a "direct supply of services to a client at a home office." The detailed announcement, posted today on the Lansdownehoa.com web site, is dividing the community and drew a ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 5:15 p.m. on May 10, 2007
News Tap: Gates Installed, Bypass Proposed, Safety Center Opens
A look at the news around Loudoun today. A New "Gated" Community: Connemara Woods Closes Path Access to Non-Residents Board Endorses Bypass: Residents Oppose Rt. 9 Toll Road Plans Loudoun's 250th Birthday: Hear New Celebration Song, Read About Ways to Celebrate South Riding: Public Safety Center Opened This Week Read ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 5:10 p.m. on May 10, 2007
Rt. 50 Cleared at Gum Springs Road
A few minutes after 5 p.m., the accident has been cleared. Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:39 p.m. on May 10, 2007
Crash Diverts Traffic at Rt. 50 & Gum Springs Rd.
Change your route if you have to travel near Gum Springs Road on Rt. 50. Yes, this will affect most of Stone Ridge and South Riding. The notice from the Sheriff's Office: Traffic on Rt. 50 westbound at Gum Springs Rd is being diverted due to a serious crash. We'll ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 12:05 p.m. on May 10, 2007
Playoffs Begin For High School Sports
This week marks the beginning of district playoffs for many high schools in Loudoun. Check out the current rankings for all spring sports and the playoff schedule. Leading AA teams & District Record Baseball: Park View (10-2) Softball: Broad Run (11-0) Soccer (boys): Potomac Falls (10-2) Soccer (girls): Broad Run ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 12:00 p.m. on May 10, 2007
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
The Loudoun Wildlife Foundation is hosting bird walks this weekend, one that will take you to a great blue heron rookery. And the best thing about this beauty, it is close -- just off the Loudoun County Parkway. As part of International Migratory Bird Day, anyone can join the experts ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 9:00 p.m. on May 9, 2007
Should HOAs Ban Home Daycare?
Rumblings of this issue have been going on for months now, but many of you may be surprised to hear that a couple of Loudoun homeowners associations are looking into concerns about home-based daycare businesses in their neighborhoods. Both Lansdowne and Ashburn Farm HOAs are looking at complaints from residents. ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2007
Dog Days in LoCo
Today it is all about the animals and what is happening around town that you should know about. ISO a Bark Park? The county is on it's way to having the first dog park in the area thanks to a recent Leesburg Town Council vote to approve $50,000 toward the ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 2:00 p.m. on May 8, 2007
Friends Who Walked for a Cause
Last weekend much of Washington, D.C. was taken over by pink-frocked women and men who completed the 2-day Avon Walk for Breast Cancer marathon and a half. Many of our Loudoun neighbors took part in the weekend walk to honor their mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. The Brambleton Step Sisters ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:00 p.m. on May 8, 2007
A View Inside the Ring
A little bling from the boxing ring is coming to town Thursday night. World champion boxing trainer Angelo Dundee will be in Ashburn's L.A. Boxing gym along with other notable names and faces from the sport. Dundee, the best-known trainer in boxing, has worked with Muhammad Ali , Sugar Ray ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 6:00 p.m. on May 7, 2007
Time to Talk New High School
The clock is winding down on a decision about where to build a new high school, and residents throughout western Loudoun are feverently lobbying neighbors and other county residents to attend tomorrow's 6:30 p.m. public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. As part of a larger agenda, the board will ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:00 p.m. on May 7, 2007
Give Clyde's Your Two Cents
Before the barns were raised, cobbled together and crafted into a 600-seat restaurant, Clyde's Willow Creek Farm in Broadlands made a deal with the County Board of Supervisors in order to get the zoning and occupancy approved. The Deal: Have a neighborhood meeting every six months for the first two ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:00 p.m. on May 4, 2007
Neighborhood Teens Doing Good Deeds
When teenagers talk to Tim Chesnutt and the staff at the Loudoun Youth Initiative about what they want out of life in our community, one of the most common answers is "someplace to hang out, where it is safe." Tomorrow they'll get that and more at an event with activities ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 10:35 a.m. on May 4, 2007
Just Released: Rape Suspect Sketch
Today the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office released a sketch of an alleged rapist, based on statements from the 16- year-old victim who was assaulted while walking on a trail near Claiborne Parkway and the Dulles Greenway around 8 p.m. on April 28. The public notice states: The unknown subject came ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 3:54 p.m. on May 3, 2007
News Tap: School Fight, WAGE, Home Prices
A quick round-up of local news stories. School Location Debate Continues: Purcellville and county going to the mattresses over location of new high school. Former WAGE Staff Talks About Change: Washington Post; Leesburg Today, Loudoun Times-Mirror. Housing Slump: Sellers Need to Be Realistic. The real estate stat blog says "Any ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 9:30 a.m. on May 3, 2007
Little League Fence Going, Going...
The Windmill Ball Field fence is broken down in places, stretched and worn in others and is a huge eyesore. So what to do? How about taking it down. The Ashburn Farm Homeowners Association decided Tuesday night to solicit input from residents.The field is most often used by Dulles Little ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 4:53 p.m. on May 2, 2007
Drama Over Technology Fees Continues
What started out as residents questioning telecomm rates and services for a multi-year Open Band contract in Broadlands Southern Walk is degenerating into some harsh homeowner's association forum postings. Residents have been complaining and trying to get answers about this contract, which brings communications services to a section of Broadlands ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 12:30 p.m. on May 2, 2007
Fire House Fundraiser Warnings
The Leesburg Fire Department put a notice on its web site recently about fundraising. Apparently residents are getting calls from an organization claiming to be the "local firefighters" and asking for donations. Since the county fire departments do not see money from these telephone fundraisers, they're asking people to support ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 5:15 p.m. on May 1, 2007
Home Survey, With Incentives?
Beazer Homes are built throughout Loudoun, including homes in Leesburg, Lansdowne and Brambleton. So it caught the attention of one local reader when the Charlotte Observer ran a story last Sunday about how Beazer Homes in North Carolina sent out customer satisfaction surveys, then a separate letter offering the same ... Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 10:31 a.m. on May 1, 2007
Affordable Housing - Have Your Say
Who can afford to live in Loudoun? Apparently, for the past couple of years, not enough. With more than 25,000 homes already approved (but not yet built) and other developments continually going through the motions for zoning amendments and approval, the county is taking steps to assess the housing needs ... Read full entry and discussion »
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