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.