Publications by John Toler

Caring for Newborns—And Their Parents

“When families are preparing for a new baby, no one expects anything to go wrong, but every year, one in ten newborns are admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit because they are born too soon, too small, or with a birth defect,” according to the March of Dimes. “The hospitalization of a baby in a NICU can be one of the most frightening, confusing and overwhelming experiences a parent can have.”

Recognizing the fact that families with newborns in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) face difficult times, the Inova Loudoun Birthing Inn in Lansdowne recently partnered with the March of Dimes to create a NICU Family Support Program.

Response to ‘Pandemic’ Already in Place in Loudoun

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

New Children’s Book Offers Unique Perspective

In an effort to acquaint children with environmental issues from an animal’s perspective, Crawford B. Rivers, 67, a 19-year resident of Sterling, recently published his first book, “Introducing Squirrel Dance,” which he hopes will grow into a series.

County Schools Enjoy ‘Field Days’

Holding outdoor activities as part of a “Field Day” is an enduring year-end tradition in Loudoun County Public Schools, and a nice break in the weather provided school administration, faculty and students with the opportunity to celebrate springtime.

Principal Paul Vickers supervises activities

VDOT Cuts 450 Positions 

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has notified 230 of its hourly employees across the commonwealth that their employment ended on June 6, as part of the agency’s move to reduce staffing costs.

Road Projects Progressing

By John Toler

In spite of a wet spring, highway improvement projects in eastern Loudoun at Gilbert’s corner and on Sycolin Road are moving ahead, both with year-end completion dates. But as work progresses, drivers will have to plan on some significant detours and road closures before the projects are finished.

State, County Health Departments to Focus on Prevention

As of June 8, the number of confirmed cases of Novel Influenza A H1N1in Virginia stands at 57–more than double last week’s total. The number includes a third case in Loudoun, and the first death in Virginia attributed to “swine flu,” involving a woman living in Chesapeake.

Loudoun’s Pleasant Valley

From when it was first named in 1818 until around 1880, the little community of Pleasant Valley was considered to be in both Loudoun and Fairfax counties.

Awards Presented for Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

Sixty-four members of Loudoun County’s Fire–Rescue companies and several of their support staff were honored at the Annual Fire and Rescue Services Awards Banquet, held May 14 at the National Conference Center at Lansdowne.

Second Case of ‘Swine flu’ is Reported, First VA Fatality

A second case of H1N1 “swine flu” in Loudoun County–this time involving a student at Broad Run High School–has been confirmed by Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department.

Route 7-607 Interchange is Moving Ahead

Funded by Loudoun County through a 2006 bond referendum, the $23.3 million “Route 7-607 Interchange” project on Route 7 at the Loudoun County Parkway went out for bids in December 2008, with the winning bidder, Shirley Contracting Company LLC, starting the work in January 2009. Once completed, one of Loudoun County’s “Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections” will be eliminated.

Arrests Made in Sunoco Robbery, BB&T Robbers At Large

Two Reston teenagers have been charged in the May 6 armed robbery of the Sunoco gas station located in the 20800 block of Hardwood Forest Drive in Sugarland Run.

Donnell Foster

John Stewart

Donnell Foster and John M. Stewart, both 18, have been charged in connection with the robbery.

Evergreen Store is a Family Affair

After being closed for several months, the former Pangle’s Store at the corner of Gum Spring Road and Evergreen Mill Road has reopened as the Evergreen Store–with new management and a commitment to the Arcola community.

Loudoun County Reports First Case of Swine Flu

The number of cases of H1N1 “swine flu” reported in the Commonwealth of Virginia increased from 21 a week ago to 26 as of May 26, including the first case of the disease reported in Loudoun County.

Service Club Hears From Chairman York

In a warm-up for his upcoming “State of the County” address, Supervisors Chairman Scott York discussed various aspects of the county’s business with members of the Sterling Rotary Club at their May 18 lunch meeting at Logan’s Roadhouse in Sterling.

Chairman Scott York

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Contact John at jtoler@loudouni.com.