Monday, December 24, 2007

Week of 12-19-2007: Loudoun County News from Loudouni.com

Read all news, editorial, sports, calendar and special events at Loudouni.com!

Alternative Gift Fair Receives NEW Support

The St. Gabriel’s Alternative Gift Fair has been extremely successful this year. The Alternative Gift Fair provides a venue for donors to make contact with various charitable agencies in Loudoun. By providing a central location for donations, St. Gabriel’s has been able to encourage donors to give gifts of charity for the holidays, helping people make donations in memory of a loved one or as a special gift for the people in their lives. Thus far, the Alternative Gift Fair has raised over $25,000.

The Alternative Gift Fair’s most generous donor this year has been NEW Customer Service Companies, based in Sterling. NEW donated an initial amount of $2500 in a community challenge with local businesses and residents. After that, employees at NEW donated $2000 to the gift fair which was matched by the NEW Corporate Foundation. NEW has donated $6500 to be distributed among 13 area agencies.

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Farewell to the Board of Supervisors 03-07

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors elected to office in 2003 convened their last Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18. For Mick Staton, Jim Clem, Steve Snow, and Bruce Tulloch, this was the last meeting as members of the Board of Supervisors after their respective losses in the Nov. 7 election. The four departing supervisors offered comments on service, record, accomplishment and appreciations.

Mick Staton (R-Sugarland Run) spoke first and announced that he and his wife welcomed a new baby on Dec. 14, Adam Joseph Staton. Staton said he knew what he would be doing with his time now that he will not be serving on the Board of Supervisors. Staton said he was “proud of my time here,” describing an interesting time of “ fights and laughs, but more laughs”.

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The Toy Drivers

Tim and Mary Holmes, owners of Go Bananas Toy Store in Brambleton, delivered $3500 worth of toys to the “Out of the Box” Toy Drive. Go Bananas held a toy drive at their store where customers purchased $1500 worth of toys for charity. The remaining $2000 worth of toys was donated by the store. Thank you to Go Bananas and the community for their generosity this Holiday season.

The Secret Santa

For the third year, a mysterious benefactor delivered a large amount of toys to Galilee United Methodist Church in Sterling. An attached note read "To God give glory and praise. The Lord has seen fit to bless us in so many ways we would like to share that blessing with others. We know that Galilee will see that these toys reach those who need them most. And may they know that Jesus loves them very much. The donor remains anonymous, but their selfless gifts have warmed the hearts of the people at Galilee United Methodist.

Suspicious Death of Ashburn Teen

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s office is seeking the public’s assistance as the investigation continues into the “suspicious death” of Rodrigo Nicolas Vitullo, 19 of Ashburn. Virtullo’s body was found on Thursday, Dec. 13, lying under a few pine trees over an embankment near a sidewalk in a residential Ashburn neighborhood.

Authorities have learned Virtullo was with friends at a home in Ashburn Village Wednesday night before two of the friends dropped him off at his home on Ardmore Street in Broadlands around midnight. Virtullo may have been walking to a home in the Ashburn Farm neighborhood where his body was found. He was wearing only a t-shirt and jeans, no jacket. Investigators are hoping someone may have noticed Virtullo or seen him, given he was underdressed for the cold night temperatures.

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Deputy Arrested for Embezzlement

Michael Cedric Henry, 46, of Fredericksburg, Va, a former Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputy was charged last week with embezzling over $6,000 from the County.

Henry, who is charged with felony embezzlement, turned himself over to Fauquier County authorities on Friday. He was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.

Henry allegedly falsified his timesheet between February and September 2007, according to the Sheriff’s office announcement. Loudoun authorities began an administrative investigation in October, which was then handled by the Sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division.

Henry worked in the Corrections Division and had been employed by the Sheriff’s office since July 2002, according to the Sheriff’s office announcement.

Power Outages Across Loudoun

Sunday’s ice and high winds left thousands of Loudoun residents without power. Two western Loudoun schools closed early due to their lack of power and heat. Wind gusts Sunday evening approached 50 mph at Dulles International Airport. Trees and power lines were reported down in several western areas of the County.

An important traffic light in eastern Loudoun County was a victim of the winter weather as were the Loudoun County Sheriff's department deputies who were called into action to direct traffic at the Route 7/Ashburn Village Boulevard intersection. Sheriff's spokesman Kraig Troxell said deputies were on the scene from the early Sunday morning hours until around 10 a.m., Monday, when traffic light became operational.

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12-19-2007 - Neighborhood News from Loudouni.com

Ashburn

Babes in Toyland

The Ashburn Library will be screening “Babes in Toyland at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27. Bring along your pillows and blankets to get comfortable and don’t forget the snacks.

Double Indemnity

The Ashburn Library will be screening “Double Indemnity” on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 7pm as part of its Film Noir series. This 1944 film stars Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G, Robinson. The program is recommended for adults.

Family Concert

Mr. Knick Knack, an energetic family entertainer, will be performing at Ashburn Library at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28. Free tickets are required and may be picked up a half hour prior to the performance. This show is recommended for all ages.

Teen Reading Buddies

The Ashburn Library is looking for teen volunteers to read books to young children (ages 3-5) on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. in January in February. Stop by the Ashburn Library Information Desk for more information.

Yoga for Kids

Ashburn Library will host Charlotte Freckman and a “Yoga for Kids” program at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7. The program is recommended for children, ages 4-6. Registration is required. Call 703-737-8100 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us to register.

Sterling

The NEW Sterling Annex Community Center

The Sterling Annex Community Center has now moved to its new location at 46111 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling, part of the Claude Moore Recreation Center. The center will now be called the Claude Moore Community Center. All of the activities, licensed preschool, special events, camps, and other programs have now moved to the new location. The contact number for the Claude Moore Community Center is 571-258-3500.

Kindertots & Kindermotion

New Kindertots and Kindermotion classes are forming at the Claude Moore Community Center. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from Jan. 2 through March 5. The cost is $125 per child. Pre-registration is required. Kindertots for age 2, allows tots to explore creative movement and develop gross motor skills while learning colors, numbers, shapes and songs. Kindermotion for ages 3 to 5 is an academic blend with floor gymnastics and fitness movement activities to stimulate faster thought patterns and reflex actions. Call 571-258-3500 for more information.

Lions Club Wrestling Tournament

The Wrestling Team of Park View High School hosted the Sterling Lions Club’s 29th Terry McGowan Invitational Wrestling Tournament on Dec. 15. Eight teams from Virginia and Pennsylvania traveled to Sterling to compete. Park View High School tied for second place with West Potomac High School of Alexandria, VA. The tournament winner was Bishop Dennis O’Connell High School of Arlington, VA. Freedom High School of South Riding also participated. Eric Guzman was as the Most Valuable Wrestler for Park View. For Freedom High School, Joseph Sheptock was named Most Valuable Wrestler. Ernest Brown of South Riding received the McGowan Invitational Sportsmanship award.

Cascades

Christmas Eve Luncheon @ Senior Center

Seniors will celebrate the holiday at this special luncheon on Monday, Dec. 24 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Please bring a side dish to share and don't be late; seating is limited and tickets will be sold at the door for $4 ($2 for members who purchase advance tickets). This event is open to people who have enjoyed 55 or more years on the planet.

Multi-Sport Holiday Camp at Claude Moore Park

The folks at DMB Sports Camps have some great activities planned for the upcoming student holidays on Dec. 27 and 28 at Claude Moore Recreation Center. Camps are open to boys and girls ages 6-13 and meet from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, with aftercare available from 4-6 p.m. Participants will be playing various sports and games, climbing the rock wall, doing arts and crafts, and swimming. All activity costs are included in the camp rate of $55 per day, and optional aftercare is available for $10 per day. Space is limited, so register soon by calling 703-444-8805 (ext. 112) or visiting www.dmbsportscamp.com.

Have a Colonial Holiday

Claude Moore Park is putting out the welcome sign. Visit a colonial house decorated for the holidays, play old-fashioned games, make a toy, and taste a colonial treat on Thursday, December 27 at 1:30 p.m., when the park shows off the season as celebrated in bygone days. The cost of the program is $10.50 per person, and it's perfect for ages 6-9. Call 571-258-3700 for additional information.

School’s Out Movies at Cascades Library

The Cascades Library will feature a movie day during the week off from school. On Thursday, December 27 at 2 p.m. catch Ratatouille on the library's big screen. The movie is rated G, and admission is free—Bring your own Popcorn and drinks.

After Hours Teen Center Rocks

The Cascades Library continues to host its award-winning After Hours Teen Center on Friday nights from 7-10 p.m. throughout the month of December. On Dec. 21 high school students can enjoy a Coffee House, and on Dec. 28 the middle school students can attend a New Years Eve Party. Be sure to have your parents stop by the library to sign a permission slip if you haven’t been to the Teen Center before. And don’t be late—nobody will be admitted after 7:30 p.m. Visit the library’s website at www.lcpl.lib.va.us/teens for info on these and other programs.

Countryside

Give the Gift of Life

INOVA Blood Donor Services needs your support and will offer a special perk to all Dulles Town Center location donors in December: coupons for a free Robek’s Smoothie, a free gift of appreciation if you visit Friday, Dec. 21, and complimentary lunch next Tuesday, Dec. 25. Call for information, 1-866-256-6372.

Celebrate the New Year in Leesburg

Bluemont Concert Series sponsors First Night Leesburg, Mon. Dec. 31 with a festive mix of music, magicians, and entertainment for all! Welcome the New Year at midnight with the Grand Illumination on the courthouse lawn. Admission is $8 adult, $6 seniors 65+, and $3 children 3-12. Need more information? Call 540-338-4640 or view the flyer online at http://www.bluemont.org/Events/events_FirstNightLeesburg2007.html.

Lansdowne

Inova Loudoun Hosts Let's Talk Babies Seminar for Expecting Parents

Inova Loudoun Hopsital’s next “Let’s Talk Babies” seminar, a free educational session for the expectant family is scheduled for Jan. 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This is a chance to hear professionals in the area of Labor and Delivery and childcare speak on related topics. There is an opportunity to ask questions and tour The Birthing Inn. Door prizes and giveaways are included. Don't miss out on this informative experience. Registration is required either by calling (703) 779-2694 or through www.thebirthingin.org

Register Now Open for Lansdowne Lightning Winter Clinic

Lansdowne Lightning swim organization is currently accepting registrations for its winter swim clinic scheduled to run on Sundays, beginning Feb. 10 through May 18 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sessions will be held at the Claude Moore Recreation Center in Sterling. Lansdowne Lightning offers programs (ages 4-18) directed at all levels of swimming from beginners to those who are qualified to compete at national meets.

Registrants will be placed into one of two groups, based on age, after registration is complete - one group will practice from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the other from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The final practice schedule will be finalized by mid-January 2008.

Please note the clinic is limited to 80 swimmers. Registrations are being accepted on the website on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register visit http://www.lansdownelightning.com/Registration/registration.html

Belmont Ridge School Toys for Tots Drive

Belmont Ridge Middle Schools LEO Club is sponsoring a Toys for Tots drive thru December 17th. Students are asked to participate by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to any house office or the front office. Everyone is invited to help make these children’s Christmas a little brighter.

CORRECTION: Please disregard the posting for a Seldens Landing Holiday Concert that appeared in Dec. 5 issue. This information was incorrect. There is no holiday concert planned. We apologize for the error.

South Riding

Three Local Students Write Children’s Book

Sean Pickering, Scott Morrill and Dylan Peacock, three students at Arcola Elementary School, wrote and illustrated a children’s book, “The Adventures of Danny and Spike Underground.” The book has been published.

The idea for the book was formulated while Sean was in the fourth grade at Pinebrook Elementary. The book is the story of a regular boy, Danny, and his dog Spike, and their many adventures as they journey underground to defeat the Dark Wizard.

Scott helped Sean write the book, Dylan provided the illustrations and with parents’ help the 79-page children’s book was printed by iUniverse Publishing. A copy of the book was recently presented to the Arcola Library and a visit to Pinebrook Elementary is planned. The three students are already collaborating on the next adventures of Danny and Spike.

Local Schools Give Back

The Freedom High School Cluster (Freedom High School, Mercer Middle School, Little River Elementary, Hutchinson Farm Elementary, Arcola Elementary, Aldie Elementary, and Middleburg Elementary) sponsored a coat/ hat/glove drive, collecting over 60 gently used items. Additionally, the Student Council Association sponsored a powder puff game, collecting over $700 for the Holiday Coalition in Loudoun County and attracting 350 spectators.





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Thursday, December 13, 2007

12-12-2007 - Neighborhood News from Loudouni.com

Ashburn News:


Holiday Shopping for a Cause

This year you can buy last minute Holiday presents while helping a local family. Taylor Love, a two-year-old Ashburn resident, has been fighting neuroblastoma for the past year. Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Approximately 650 children are diagnosed with this cancer each year in the US. Because such a small number of children are diagnosed with this terrible disease there is a lack of funding to find new treatment options. The families of children with neuroblastoma, the Band of Parents, have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness and the $3 million that is needed to fund a new treatment called humanized 3F8 antibody treatment. According to the Band Of Parents website, “most drugs used on children today were developed for adults twenty to thirty years ago.” For a set of beautiful notecards made from a local artist go to http://www.simply-create.com/neuroblastoma/LONELIEST%20ROAD%20NOTECARDS.html.

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Sterling News

Let’s Have Some Tea

It’s a Holiday Tea Party and you are invited. Festivities commence at the Sterling Library at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18. The program teaches children about the different kinds of tea: Green, Earl Grey, Sugar Plum, and Peppermint. Children can try some (in the form of apple juice) and will be able to take some recipes home. Recommended for ages 4-6. Advance registration required, limited to 24. Sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-430-9500.

Girl Scouts Pack Boxes for Marine Corps

Girl Scout Troop 4186 (and one Brownie) has adopted the 3rd Battalion 2nd Platoon Marine Corps, currently deployed in Iraq. The Girl Scouts collected and boxed 52 boxes of items to send overseas. Troop 4186 is still taking collections. Items may be delivered to the Sterling Community Center.

Cascades News:

Hansel and Gretel’s Gingerbread House Workshop

Follow the trail of breadcrumbs over to the Cascades Library on Tuesday, Dec. 18 or Thursday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. and build your own gingerbread house using graham crackers, candy canes, and gumdrops. This workshop is for ages 7 & up and requires advance registration. Just call the library at 703 444-3228, ext. 309 to reserve your place in edible architecture history.

Winter Sing-Along @ the Library

Celebrate the winter season with a sing-a-long at the Cascades Library on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. This activity is free, and it's recommended for singers of all ages! Come sing your favorite winter holiday songs!

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Countryside News:

River Bend MS Robotics Team

The team of 8th Grade River Bend Middle School students won first place at the First Lego League regional competition in November. Congratulations to Daniel Jang, Kevin Lin, Woody Chuang, Eoghan Foley, Jonathan Russ, Alex Portillo, and Harrison Williams, and Coach Mrs. Marion Clark. The team competes next at the state level competition held at James Madison University in December. Good luck team!

Winding Road Christmas Concert

Galilee Methodist Church offers the community an evening of contemporary Christmas music on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

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Lansdowne News:

Enjoy Carriage Rides with Santa at Lansdowne Town Center

Take advantage of some nearby fun for the whole family. Area residents are invited to Lansdowne Town Center on Wednesdays, Dec. 12 and 19 to enjoy carriage rides with Santa together with a Town Center open house. Welcome Santa at 6:00 p.m. as he arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to give FREE rides around the town square. Children are encouraged to bring their wish list and a camera too! Lansdowne Town Center stores will feature special savings and light refreshments for attending patrons.

Loudoun Hospital Hosts Holiday Party for 2007 Babies and Moms

The Birthing Inn at Loudoun will host its annual Mom’s Support Group Holiday party on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The event will be held in the hospital conference rooms. All Moms and babies from the entire year are welcome! Food will be provided.

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South Riding News:

2008 Chairs Appointed

The Board of Directors at their December meeting ratified the Chairpersons of the volunteer committees for 2008. Committees forwarded their nominations for leaders and without exception they were all formally appointed to serve beginning January 1, 2008. The following leaders were selected for the coming year:

Krista Kehrer- Block Captain Ram Kuppuswami-Neighborhood Watch

Kevin Ubelhart- Budget & FinanceRick Lewis- Rec & Grounds

Joe Strobel- CovenantsMike Becvar- Web & Technology

Val Cavalheri-Elections

Special thanks to outgoing multi-term Chairs Ewa Flom, Carolyn White, Ken Smith and Nicole Pilkus for their outstanding service to the Association.

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Week of 12-12-2007: Loudoun County News from Loudouni.com

Read all news, editorial, sports, calendar and special events at Loudouni.com!

Ashburn Teen at the Shakespeare Theatre


Ashburn teen, Michael Bunting is currently performing with Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre Company in Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II. Michael plays Young Edward, the king’s son, torn between warring parents and later crowned the new King of England. Michael began his career at age 8, singing and acting in local productions.

In the past six years, Michael has had a lot of practice. In addition to several community theatre and church productions, Michael has worked with the Broadway Juniors and performed in concerts and readings, off-Broadway and in North Hollywood. Michael was featured performer in the 2003 Herndon Festival. Michael explained that unlike his past experiences, the Shakespeare Theatre opportunity allowed him to really work on his character. In community theatre, performances are for four nights and then you move on. Edward II is playing for more than two months.

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Stone Bridge’s Champion Season

The Stone Bridge High School Bulldogs won the State Group AAA Division 5 championship football game last weekend in Charlottesville. The Bulldogs defeated the Potomac High School Panthers by a score of 38-0 in Scott Stadium at the University of Virginia. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 14-1 record, and the record for most wins in a season for the Ashburn high school.

The state football title was the first for Stone Bridge High School as well as Head Football coach, Mickey Thompson, who coached the Park View High School Patriots to states in 1999 and the Bulldogs in 2005. Thompson played college football for the University of Virginia, site of this year’s state title games. Coach Thompson’s victory was also a family affair. Thompson’s twin sons, SBHS juniors, Patrick, quarterback and Zach, defensive lineman, share in the team’s state championship title.

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New Leadership for Dems

The Loudoun County Democratic Committee (LCDC) elected new officers, Dec. 10. After a very successful election season, Thom Beres, stepped down having served 21/2 years as chairman. The members of the LCDC gave Beres a standing ovation for his work for the party, largely crediting him for increased committee membership and an improved relationship with the state party. Beres future plans include work on the Mark Warner for Senate campaign and continued work as a precinct captain.

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Home Renovations by Burglary

Martin L. Mendoza, 41, of Herndon was charged Dec.10 with possession of stolen property and is accused of renovating his home with at least $10,000 in stolen appliances and materials.

The investigation began after a truck, subsequently linked to Mendoza, was seen last month leaving a home under construction with an air conditioning unit. The truck was traced to Mendoza’s home in the 21630 block of Ashburn Road in Ashburn.


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James Bland Music Scholarship

The Lions Club of Sterling in cooperation with Melodee Music announced the annual James A. Bland Music Scholarship Competition at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Two categories of competition will be judged, instrumental and vocal, with ten contestants in each category. First and second place winners in each category will receive $75. and $50 Savings Bonds, respectively. Admission to the music competition is free, although seating is limited. Melodee Music, 46077 Lake Center Plaza in Potomac Falls will again host the local competition.

Lions Clubs sponsor music competitions in communities across Virginia each year, and local winners advance to District competitions in May followed by state competition in May, 2008.

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Construction Workers Evacuated

Eleven construction workers were evaluated for possible exposure to carbon monoxide Monday, Dec. 10 after Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Services personnel responded to two 911 calls received moments apart.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m., a 911 call came into Loudoun emergency for an illness in the 22900 block of Wilder Court, off Old Ox Road in the Le Bourget Business Park. Moments later a second 911 call from that location reported a carbon monoxide detector had activated.

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Early Snowfall Mobilizes Police, VDOT, & Rescue

While the season’s first snowfall deposited only a few inches of snow in the area and school delays were limited to a few hours in both Fairfax and Loudoun County, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office responded to more than 210 accidents in the snow and ice Dec. 5 and 6. On Wednesday alone the Sheriff’s office reported 170 vehicle crashes in the County, most weather related. No significant injuries were reported, as most accidents involved “fender benders,” and vehicles that slid off the roadway.

Despite the light snowfall, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advised it is “well stocked for winter weather” with a Northern Virginia “snow budget” of $27 million. VDOT is responsible for an estimated 16,000 miles of roads in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties. Virginia cities and town are responsible for roads in their respective jurisdictions.


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Saturday, December 8, 2007

12-5-2007: South Riding News, Loudoun County VA

South Riding News

Santa Tour & Grand Illumination
Santa will be out on a scouting mission through South Riding starting around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. He does this every year to familiarize himself with the area so he makes sure to stop at the homes of all the good children. As always our friends at the Arcola #9 Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station will aid him. Check out the community website to see when he will be near your home, or listen for wail of sirens and holiday music that precedes the Clauses.

Volunteers in Action
The Website and Technology Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Committee is seeking additional members. The Recreation & Grounds Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, Dec. 13 at Town Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m.

House Decorating Contest Deadline Looms
Every year the Association conducts a holiday decorating contest. The deadline to nominate your home or a home that you think should be considered is Thursday, December 13th. Judging begins on Dec. 14.

Send Your Community Announcement
If you’d like to see your South Riding community event or announcement get press coverage here, send news of the event to southriding@loudouni.com or the.sciencechick@verizon.net.

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12-5-2007: Lansdowne News, Loudoun County VA

Lansdowne News

Seldens Landing 2nd Annual Holiday Concert
Seldens Landing Elementary School holds its 2nd Annual Holiday Concert on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Tolbert Elementary School Auditorium. Students will perform a medley of holiday songs. Parents along with family and friends are invited to attend. Parents and students are asked to arrive by 6:20 p.m. and to dress in festive holiday attire.

HOA Teen Coalition Angels
The Lansdowne HOA Teen Coalition is sponsoring the Giving Tree again this Holiday Season. Residents are encouraged to stop by to select a paper Angel Tag from the tree located in the lobby of the Potomac Club. Residents must return unwrapped gifts, with the Angel Tag attached, to the Potomac Club by Tuesday, Dec. 11.

Lansdowne Community Coat Drive
The Lansdowne HOA Teen Coalition is also sponsoring a Coat Drive. The Potomac Club will be accepting donations of new or slightly used children’s or adult’s coats until Dec. 18.
Contact Kari Walker at kari_walker@smartneighborhood.net with Lansdowne area news or event notices.

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