Publications by Amy Burns

But with no existing foundation for cultural arts in Loudoun County, its youngest artists and musicians are fighting for venues to practice their craft, and draw financial support from a swiftly dwindling pool of resources.

Kincora & Housing, Part 4: Home Plate

While the concerns may hold true, they are also generalities. Even broke, doing business with Loudoun is mixed with roadblocks, red tape, and a skewed sense of power, possibly from homegrown traditionalists, a sense of elitism, or too many cooks in the kitchen. Unending challenges for those seeking to build have been met with a new strategy: appeal to everyone, leave nothing to chance, and damn the applicant’s cost.

Age 40 or Older? Every Woman Needs a Mammogram, Even Publishers

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), American women have little less than a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. ACS predicts that about 40,170 women in the United States will die from breast cancer in 2009.

Despite the toll that breast cancer takes on women and their families, not enough women take steps to ensure that breast cancer is identified early when treatment rates have a higher rate of success. Women over 40 should have a screening mammogram every year.

Kincora & Baseball, Part 3: For the Love of the Game

The diversity of Loudoun residents is critical to the county, but so are commonalities. Loudoun is in great need of a common interest; something with meaning but without controversy -a focal point that would welcome all ages, races and religions, and allow even the most combative and critical of our residents an occasional smile.

Kincora & Proffers, Part 2: A Diamond in the Rough

Developments have come to represent, by many, the ruination of our home, way of life and even Loudoun’s future. And the developers are, according to many, the embodiment of greed, excess and selfishness.

Discount that they build the homes we live in, the stores we shop in and even the parks and soccer fields our children enjoy, they commit the worst sin of all—they make money, sometimes.

Kincora & Land Use, Part I: If You Build It, They Will Come

In certain cases, it can prevent the truth from emerging and stifle a complete dissection, inspection and conversation, involving all elements of a project. On the other hand, the object can also represent hope and promise. Not the “pie in the sky” kind of hope, but real tangible opportunity, a crisp road map to guide us into the future and measure progress.

The Da Vinci Robot and HCA’s Reston Hospital Center Join Forces

Patient Elise Cocks was to undergo a complex and challenging surgery. And invited us to join her in her quest for answers.

Dulles Greenway Closed After Two Accidents, 2 Injured

An 18-wheeler overturned and personnel had to remove both its diesel gas as well as the trucks trash load before the truck could be put in an upright position.

The accident closed the westbound ramp from Route 606 and left only two eastbound lanes open even hours later as the incident as cleanup required hazardous materials handling. The tractor-trailer was loaded with construction waste.

ICE Goes on the Record About Mancia-Morales

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) went on the record this week with the Loudoun Independent, in an attempt to address lingering questions surrounding the Arnold Mancia—Morales case. Mancia-Morales, here illegally and now serving a life sentence following a conviction for rape, may have unknowingly exposed deficiencies in the system of deporting undocumented workers with criminal convictions.

McDonnnell and Wolf Imagine a Gang-Free Virginia

McDonnell and Wolf

Republican candidate for governor and former Attorney General of Virginia Bob McDonnell visited Loudoun last weekend to unveil the “Make Virginia a Gang-Free Zone” plan, his weapon of choice in battling Virginia’s growing crisis—street gangs.

McDonnell’s talking points included the March attack on William and Cynthia Bennett in Lansdowne and possibly the highest profile gang murder in Virginia’s history, the murder of Brenda Paz.

Gang Update: Who Are They?

More than 2,900 gangs boasting 73,650 members are criminally active in the East Region, according to the 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment published by the National Gang Intelligence Center and the National Drug Intelligence Center.

Fire at Leesburg Station Auto Wash

Black smoke filled the air in Leesburg as a two-alarm fire ravaged the After Care-Detailing Center of the Leesburg Station Auto Wash at 149 Catoctin Circle SE on Thursday evening, May 21. Explosions were heard as firemen battled the blaze from overhead using aerial apparatus, and from the ground. .

Is Suppression Enough?

There is a general consensus among law enforcement when it comes to naming names—don’t. The theory behind it is simple—naming the gangs and giving them credit for their crimes glorifies the gangs. The problem with this simple theory is clear—it strips the community of the one weapon it has to fight with–knowledge.

Walking in Their Shoes

Briar Woods High School in Ashburn wanted to draw attention to the genocide in Darfur by collecting pairs of shoes to represent those killed in the crisis. Shoes were positioned around the Reflecting Pool on the Mall in Washington D.C..The shoe drive, led and organized by tenth grade teacher Logan Williams, drew supporters from all over the country, including Riddick Bowe and Miss Africa.

Testing the Waters, Part III:

For almost two years, parents of Loudoun County swimmers have voiced concerns to officials at the Loudoun County Parks and Recreation and Community Services (PRCS), and have sent complaints to the Board of Supervisors about the poor air and water quality at the competition pool at Claude Moore Park Recreation Center.

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