Entries in Living in LoCo for September 2007
Young Eagles Take Flight
Since small airports, like Leesburg's, have been in the news lately, it reminded me of the phenomenal local assets we have to get kids interested in flight. Read full entry and discussion »
More to Sycolin Road Than Dirt
Sycolin Road gets more than 2,900 car trips a day and now there is some serious oomph behind the effort to get a temporary paving solution in place before the VDOT plan to begin the process in 2009. But according to the newsletter and petition sent by Supervisor Lori Waters (Broad Run) in an email to her constituent list this week, VDOT is refusing to budge on this issue beyond an accelerated plan to possibly begin in late 2008 for completion in 2009. Read full entry and discussion »
Kids Use Credit for Swifter Service
Have you seen the check card commercials where there are lines of people dancing through a store in happy synchronicity because everyone is using a card to swipe and go... then the tragic disruption when some dolt pays with cash? Well, that scene plays in technicolor when I imagine the school lunch lines operating at maximium speed and efficiency for all of our children who use a pre-paid system to buy their meals and snacks. On the county's school site there is a promotion for Cafe Prepay, www.pay4lunch.com, under "special news" that says "Faster Lunch Lines? Pre-Payment Is Answer!" Read full entry and discussion »
Solicitors Try to "Clean Up" Neighborhoods
A van of solicitors has been making the rounds of Eastern Loudoun neighborhoods in the last couple weeks. One particular group is going door to door selling cleaning supplies. One pitch involves offering to clean a your biggest mean and ugly stains, another has no product in hand. And while many residents are reporting that some of the sales people are polite, a few have had run ins with others who have gotten angry over a non-sale. Read full entry and discussion »
New PAC Goes on Attack
The "Loudoun Coalition," a political action committee formed to oust a group of incumbent Board of Supervisor candidates, launched its web site last week at www.lc2007.org. This morning Paul Siker, a Catoctin district resident who is the executive director and only person whose name is publicly affiliated with the PAC, made an appearance at the courtyard of the county government building in Leesburg to explain the organization's goals to the local press (six of us). There is already major buzz on tooconservative.com about who is behind this PAC and whether or not it can be successful. Read full entry and discussion »
Deathly 24 Hours in Loudoun
The last 24 hours have brought sadness and tragedy to our community with two separate incidents that have resulted in the deaths of three people. Last night a woman was killed in a two car accident on Rt. 15, and this afternoon two other people were killed in an unknown incident at a home in Purcellville. Shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday, two cars were involved in a collision on Rt. 15 at Rt. 704, near Woodlea, and the road was closed down in both directions. According to reports from the scene, a woman driving a minivan was found dead on the scene, and the female driver of the other vehicle was out of her car and on the road while the car was on fire. Read full entry and discussion »
Making Fun Is Sterling Business
Tired of the same-old gifts like clothes, dinner, or the latest in tech gadets? The Washington Post Magazine recently profiled Sterling-based Excitations, a company that specializes in adventurous and unique experiences. Read full entry and discussion »
This Priest Serves the Clowns
Father Jerry Hogan is not just a circus priest -- he is THE circus priest. The man who serves the thousands of clowns, acrobats, stuntmen and women, musicians, directors, animal trainers, and costumers of the greatest shows on earth. He is the man who, for 14 years, has listened to their confessions, counsels generations of families, and is there for some of the most significant days of their lives -- weddings, baptisms, and funerals. It felt like a bit of luck and strategy to catch up with him this week because Father Jerry is a man on the move. Wednesday morning he was in Florida for the funeral of a circus owner who had died of cancer, by early afternoon he was on a plane to Dulles, and at 5:30 he stood under the big white tent of the Big Apple Circus in Dulles to perform the annual show blessing before the season opener of the 30th year celebration, which is today. Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 10:48 a.m. on September 20, 2007
Making Wine in South Riding
South Riding correspondent Val Cavalheri spent some time with Quattro Goombas, neighbors who make wine in their basement.The story is in today's Loudoun Extra newspaper section, but we bring some pieces of it here to you in the blog so you can learn more about "urban microwineries." Read full entry and discussion »
Is That You Sitting in Traffic?
This should come as no surprise -- D.C. metro traffic is ranked second behind Los Angles in a nationwide study. But we're not alone, the ranking is a tie with Atlanta and the Oakland/San Francisco area. Oppressive traffic, vehicles swarming roads to the point of stifiling congestion, and how to cope with commutes are frequent discussion topics on local chat boards and among neighbors who share tips on shortcuts, best times of day to avoid certain intersections and even stories about all the "other" bad drivers on the local roads. Read full entry and discussion »
New Blog Is Nothing to Sneeze At
Food is love in some families, and sharing food in many communities is a social event that brings people together. In the case of food allergies, food is the enemy; it is not a social conduit, but an exclusionary divider. Remember "Cookie-Gate" and the discussion about where free food samples are doled out to customers? Well, among the comments were a few that addressed food allergies, which is, unfortunately, a pretty big deal with kids in the area and it seems to be a growing problem. One Loudoun parent decided to do something about giving voice to those allergy issues and launched the blog Allergy Free in Loudoun. Read full entry and discussion »
AOL Employees Weather News of HQ Change
Today's announcement that AOL will move its headquarters from Dulles to New York City spread like wildfire throughout the Loudoun campus and around town. Employees, both current and former, reacted with a range of emotions -- but really, few were surprised. And as you can imagine, more questions than answers at this time. For the most part, it was business as usual for many who went to Wegmans for lunch today and spent their break talking about anything but the NYC move. A few noted that CEO Randy Falco's e-mail to staff concentrated mostly on how this will affect the advertising side of the business. But one person said that this email is just about semantics -- most of the executive team is already in New York and they fly into Dulles when they have to. Read full entry and discussion »
Parents Fight to Keep Daycare Director
A couple weeks ago, Micheal Mullen of Ashburn learned that the well-loved and respected director of his son's daycare in Sterling was to be transferred to another facility. He and other parents who had just committed to the "school year" and the program were not happy and decided to speak up about it. Mullen and his wife, Colleen, scripted a letter to the corporate honchos explaining the plight of parents on a quest to find good daycare. "Our search ended with Diana Zalles at the KinderCare Center in Sterling, VA," wrote Mullen. "There was a different vibe at her center. Kids knew her; teachers sought her advice; parents were talking to her and not yelling." Read full entry and discussion »
"House Calls" Feature Locals
Finding the right look is not easy, otherwise we'd all live in fabulous model-home looking abodes. As it is, there is help nearby. South Riding residents, Leslie and Dennis Kotecki were featured in this week's "House Calls" home decorating Q&A. For those of you who don't want such public exposure of your private living spaces, local designers make house calls to help families in Loudoun refine their look. Read full entry and discussion »
Email Is Not Private Correspondence
There have been two instances in the last month where Jim Burton, who is the Blue Ridge district representative on the county board of supervisors, sent emails to his constituents (and others on his email distribution list) telling them that their personal information had been released to someone outside of his office. Burton was hit by two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by Loudoun residents wanting to know who he has been in contact with on certain issues. Read full entry and discussion »
Like, Totally Awesome Dude!
This is no flashback to the rad 80's -- it's the real deal. Friday's Broadland's Live concert will be the scene for retro band The Reflex and a big hair, designer jeans, Member's Only jackets and Lacoste collar-turned-up best-dressed contest. Read full entry and discussion »
Posted by Tammi Marcoullier at 1:34 p.m. on September 12, 2007
Loneliest Road Video
The dads who left Monday to bike Rt. 50 across the country are pedaling on day three of the Loneliest Road Campaign, and the word is spreading like wildfire. Local TV crews in Sacramento and Reno have met with the group and they have also recently been contacted by producers for The Today Show. I'll post additional video links in this blog page as they are available. Read full entry and discussion »
Ashburn Farm: Parking, Police & Pavement
Get the scoop on these issues: New Colony I residents are dealing with outsiders poaching their parking spaces. Sheriff candidate Mike George addressed illegal immigration and other crime issues. Fixing pavement where FiOS lines are installed. Big check is in the mail for the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue department. Read full entry and discussion »
Geocachers OK'd With Limits in South Riding
After a letter was sent to the South Riding Proprietary complaining about people hiking through the neighborhood taking part in a game known as geocaching, the South Riding Board of Directors met to learn more about this outdoor phenomenon and, in the end, OK'd the activity with some limits -- no "treasure hunting" after dark and no hiding caches in protected areas. Read full entry and discussion »
Found: Dog Friendly Places
The dogs ruled the pool in Cascades this weekend. Over the course of four hours, more than fifty dogs were spotted swimming laps and playing ball with their families. If you're looking for a year-round place to spend time with your favorite pooch, check out the Falcon Ridge Recreation Center in Leesburg where dog lovers can join the Canine Country Club. Read full entry and discussion »
Unusual Events Draw Donation Dollars
Fundraisers around Loudoun are getting creative with activities and events to draw big crowds and big bucks. Three unique events take place this weekend, in addition to the Plane Pull already profiled. Fathers of cancer patients will begin a cross-country bike ride to raise awareness and money for treatment. A fitness center will hold pole dancing classes to raise money for breast cancer. And a local motorcycle group will host a ride and party to benefit Children's Miracle Network. Read full entry and discussion »
'Skins Seen at Steakhouse
Football fans got an unexpected treat when some Washington Redskins players dropped in at The Original Steakhouse in Broadlands for dinner, drinks and the Saints-Colts game on the big screens Thursday night. "I went there and the place was packed, so I called a few people from our fantasy league ... Read full entry and discussion »
Hot Donuts Are Coming!
I know you're just waiting for me to say something about those "Dunkin" ones (zzzz... apparently the franchise owner is never going to call us back and straighten out the Broadlands issues), but for anyone who has ever had the pleasure of a hot-dipped donut made to order, this news is even more amazing. Beacon Hill resident and former AOL'er Troy Parkins will be opening a couple, maybe even three, Fractured Prune donut shops in Ashburn and Leesburg. With the unconfirmed rumors that the one-time Dunkin' Donuts location at Southern Walk could become a Starbucks, this bit of news is really sweet. Read full entry and discussion »
GPS Device Thefts on the Rise
The number of GPS thefts has more than doubled since last year. In 2006 there were a total of 17 reported GPS thefts. The 2007 data shows 44 reported to date. Kraig Troxell, Loudoun County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said that most units are mainly Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom. Read full entry and discussion »
Kids Going Solo: Independence or Irresponsible?
Today we let our first grader walk to the bus stop without us. In some communities this is not a good thing,. It could even be considered neglect, or abuse for the "danger" factor involved. She thinks she's a big kid and ready to take on some independence, so there was heavy negotiation for this privilege. It is a one block walk and there are 16 other children at the stop, along with one or both parents. (Before you start sending hate mail about what horrible parents we are, note that we did talk with one neighbor who went along with her own child.) The minutes ticked by while I sat there click-clacking on my computer and waiting for the fallout. Read full entry and discussion »
How to Win a Plane Pull Contest
Get ready for one of the area's most unusual events -- the 15th Annual Plane Pull is at Dulles International Airport Saturday. Clusters of Loudoun residents and businesses will be among the competitors to pull a 160,000 pound, 727 cargo jet for 12 feet. Whichever team pulls the plane to the line fastest wins. "Bulk is important, we want to look good. We don't expect to win, especially when you see the teams from Fairfax County Sheriff's office -- they're huge and strong and look like they pump iron all the time," said Chaletzky. "But we have fun and that is the most important thing." Read full entry and discussion »
Basketball Hoop Rule Nets Complaints
Some parents are crying foul over South Riding's decision to force residents to move basketball hoops from neighborhood streets to private driveways instead. This HOA bylaw on portable basketball equipment has been on the books for years, but not enforced until recently. The rule states that the "goal must be on the driveway at least half the length of the driveway away from the street." Jeanette Rowland, one of the those affected by the enforcement, said that "there are so many other important things they (the HOA) could be focusing on. This is not about safety of the kids. Is this any different from the bikers and skateboarders on our streets?" Read full entry and discussion »
Deal of the Day
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Maid To Please is offering LoudounExtra.com readers $25 off their first house cleaning, or $10 their third house cleaning.
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