Publications by John Toler

‘Move Over’ – It’s the Law

Virginia’s “Move Over” law is receiving additional attention with the help of public/private partnerships between Houff Transfer Inc., Lawrence Transportation Systems, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, the Virginia Trucking Association and Virginia State Police. The joint efforts are an extension of the Virginia State Police public awareness campaign that began more than a year ago to call attention to the 2002 statute.

Loudoun Historian to Share “Chair and Cabinet Maker” Expertise

An example of Johnson's woodworking with Chairs and Cabinets.

Fred Johnson, author of “Nineteenth Century Loudoun County Chair Manufacturing” and “Shafer Pottery,” will make a special presentation on Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Loudoun Museum in Leesburg. Hosted by the museum, Dr. Johnson will share his insights and experience in identifying Waterford chairs and Loudoun case furniture during his lecture, “Chair and Cabinet Makers of Loudoun County.” For 30 years, Dr.

Boyd School Students Learn Chinese Art

Kindergarten students at the Broadlands campus of the Boyd School recently were instructed received in the ancient art of Chinese painting. Forty-two students had the opportunity to use Chinese brushes, rice paper and ink under the guidance of guest instructor Bob Bernhards. The students learned the special way to hold the Chinese brush, and some basic brush strokes. After watching Bernhards demonstrate a particular stroke, they copied what they saw on their own sheet of rice paper. Subjects included a kitten, goldfish and flowers.

Real Impact from Tax Law Changes

Quinton Earl Yancy, CPA, discusses the beneficial changes to the U.S. tax code designed to promote the economy.

Recently adopted changes in the U.S. tax code and measures aimed at stimulating the economy were to focus the presentation given before the Sterling Rotary Club on March 23, as part of their “Tools for Tough Times” series. Rotarian Quinton Earl Yancey, CPA, is the president of Accounting Associates, which has offices in Reston and Winchester. The title of his presentation was, “Maximizing Your Personal Wealth,” and he began by listing the changes in federal taxation that American wage earners, homebuyers and others should be aware of.

Northern Virginia State Trooper Earns Top Honor

At the annual State and Provincial Police Conference held March 13 in Alexandria, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) selected Virginia State Police Trooper Justin T. Mahalik as its “2008 IACP/Motorola Trooper of the Year.” He is the first trooper to achieve the honor since the Virginia State Police was established 77 years ago.

Will we see the end of hard times soon? Maybe.

Starting with the basics, Consultant James Barnett of Raymond James Financial Services told the gathering at the Rotary Club of Sterling on March 16 that stocks are in a real “Bear Market” – defined as down for more than three quarters, resulting in a drop of market value of 20 percent or more.

Indeed, the U.S. investments have been going down since the record high in October 2007. The stock market was down 36 percent by the end of 2008, and is currently down an agonizing 56 percent.

Creighton Farms Sold at Aldie to Massachusetts Development Company

On March 23, Southworth Development LLC of Newton, Massachusetts announced that it had purchased Creighton Farms, a 181-unit residential golf community on U.S. 15 in Loudoun County north of Aldie. The 964-acre property includes a Jack Nicklaus Signature designed 18-hole golf course known until recently as The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Creighton Farms.

The Village of Watson, In Between Developments

One of the participants in the focus group was an 82-year-old African-American lady who pointed out that public transportation, which she needed to get to her medical appointments since she didn’t drive, was not available. When asked where she lived, she replied, “In my home, in Watson.” And when asked for how long? “Over 50 years,” she replied.

Counties, Towns to Receive Public Safety Grants

Earlier this month, it was announced by U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Jim Webb that the U.S. Department of Justice has released $39.8 million in federal stimulus investments to Virginia public safety agencies.

CIA Contractor Connection to Slain Lansdowne Resident

Slain Lansdowne resident William Bennett was connected with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) following his military service, according to reports. In a conversation with the Loudoun Independent, the CIA's George Little confirmed that Bennett worked as a contractor for that agency for several years. His service to the company ended in the year 2000.

State Police Warn of Hoax Text Messages

The Virginia State Police is advising Virginians to pay no attention to a phony text message that has recently begun to resurface across the southeastern United States. The text message claims that there will be a gang initiation at Wal-Marts sometime this week that may possibly involve a shooting or other serious criminal activity. The message states that it is from “police” and is a warning for “women.”

Assault with Airborne Statue Results in Conviction

On March 16, in Loudoun County Circuit Court, Johnny Lopez, 21, entered pleas of guilt to Malicious Wounding (Felony) and Identity Theft (Misdemeanor), resulting from an incident at the Dulles Town Center Mall on March 1, 2008.

Murder in Lansdowne

An attack on a middle-aged Potomac Station couple left a man dead, abandoned on the side of Riverside Parkway, and his wife clinging to life in a wooded area across the road.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Lansdowne area at approximately 5:30 a.m. after one resident of Rocky Creek Drive reported suspicious activity—a white panel van with several occupants was seen twice traveling down Rocky Creek Drive, circling around Riverside Parkway and stopping.

Committee Rejects Unsolicited PPTA Proposal

At the March 4 meeting of the Finance/Government Services Committee, the first item on the agenda was an unsolicited Public-Private Transportation Improvements plan submitted by the Loudoun County Transportation Network LLC (LCTN).

A Lack of Human Capital

How did the economy get this bad? Americans concerned about the state of the economy certainly have the question on their mind. It's a question that calls for a focus on the past, and although there will be time for history to judge, certain underlying aspects of the current situation are beginning to emerge.

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Contact John at jtoler@loudouni.com.