http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/ 15 The pulse of Loudoun en Copyright 2007 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:30:23 -0400 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Today we are excited to launch LoudounExtra.com, a new web site dedicated entirely to Loudoun County news, sports, entertainment, and the people in these communities that comprise our neighborhoods, schools and social scenes. You will find Living in LoCo featured prominently in the center of the page, where we will continue our conversation about Loudoun's hot topics. You will also find information relevant to your life, such as traffic cameras in with views of main roads -- Route 28 at Waxpool and Route 50 west of the Loudoun County Parkway. Search the comprehensive guides to learn more about restaurants, schools, and places of worship. And, of course, we will bring you daily local news from Washington Post and washingtonpost.com reporters, as well as all Loudoun-related stories from our print editions. And this is just the beginning; lots of new features are in the works. We also want to hear what http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/locos_moving_to_loudounextraco.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/locos_moving_to_loudounextraco.html About Living in LoCo Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:30:23 -0400 From our correspondent, Paul Gottschling: As northern Virginia sprawl threatens to squeeze local youth bands out of suburban basements for fear of racking up noise complaints, it could seem that Loudoun might take a turn for the tuneless. But luckily for fledgling garage jammers, the Loudoun Foundation aims to give the county's adolescent musicians a career boost by attracting nationally renowned bands to Ashburn for a weekly series of concerts, the Loudoun Summer Music Fest. And as the Summer Music Fest draws larger crowds--12,000 ticketholders the first year, 55,000 last year--the concert series has intensified its music industry luster, scoring such high-profile acts for 2007 as Taylor Hicks (last weekend), Peter Frampton, and Pat Benatar. Yet curiously, the artists chosen for this otherwise youth-minded event generally are not hot acts with the younger set. "Most of [the bands] are very family-oriented, but you have some like Marshall Tucker and those http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/music.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/music.html Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:21:22 -0400 Trendy mohawks started sprouting around Loudoun in early June, but what made them stand out was that the guys sporting them were not maladjusted gen-Xers, but boys under 10. Once the pools opened, they started popping up everywhere. Brothers Caleb (9) and Jake (8) Barnes from Loudoun Valley Estates are in their second summer of 'hawks. Their dad Ned creates the cuts himself. The boys said they "love it" and could not wait for school to get out so they could have this special summer hairstyle. Caleb and Jake love their summer mohawks. (Photo/Marcoullier) Five-year old Andrew Isaacson from Ashburn begged his parents for a mohawk for months. One of his friends from daycare had one because the big brother did, then another school friend got the cut. Andrew's mom relented with the caveat that his would have more of a fade because the grandparents were coming for a visit. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/boys_sport_mohawks_for_summer.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/boys_sport_mohawks_for_summer.html Lifestyle Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:14:59 -0400 If you can't get enough of reality/performance/competition shows, or if you fancy yourself a top entertainer, think about setting your calendar for the launch of Performster.com. The site was created by Ashburn resident Brian Patterson and fellow '05 GMU graduate Reza Pourrabi to do YouTube-type entertainment one better by providing a site where performers upload video, viewers watch and judge, then prizes are awarded. Another aspect of the business is to provide said performers access to the talent Industry since this could be a place for agents and directors to scout without leaving the couch. The site was slated to launch July 4, but has been moved to early August. A statement on their blog says,"As much as we'd like to launch in July, the user-experience is the most important aspect of the website to us. At this point, it's good, but we want it to be great for you." http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/entrepreneurs_go_for_big_win.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/entrepreneurs_go_for_big_win.html Loudoun Business Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:23:41 -0400 Correspondent Paul Gottschling discovered some historical digs that anyone can experience this summer. Sifting for historical treasure at one of Loudoun's archaeological digs. (Photo by Gottschling) The boy let out a prolonged and enthused "Coool!" to his father at the sight of the white ceramic plate, which sat half-submerged in the soil like a crashed UFO. An archaeologist excavating the small test hole smiled and returned to informing another young spectator that archaeologists couldn't just lift the plate out of the dirt, they had to carefully monitor the plot as they dug, layer by layer. These and many more visitors stopped by the Loudoun Archaeological Foundation's public excavation, a part of Claude Moore Park's July 4th Celebration and one of a series of digs that the Foundation is holding this summer to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Loudoun County. The Foundation alternates between sites at Claude Moore Park, the Schafer http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/big_digs_unearth_countys_past_1.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/big_digs_unearth_countys_past_1.html Indoor & Outdoor Stuff Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:48:33 -0400 Crews broke ground last week on a new interchange at River Creek Parkway and Route 7 that must be completed before construction can begin on Wegmans at the upcoming Village at Leesburg. The interesting part of this road construction is the "triangle interchange," which will elevate the north-south traffic lanes above Rt. 7. Here is an artist's rendering of the interchange. According to the developer, "pedestrian and bicycle access will also be provided along all major streets and will connect to existing trails." The interchange will take three building seasons to complete, according to estimates. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/triangle_interchange_for_new_w.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/triangle_interchange_for_new_w.html Roads & Traffic Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:00:02 -0400 A look at the South Riding Independence Day celebration from correspondent Val Cavalheri. Bikes decorated for the Star Spangled South Riding parade. (Photo by Val Cavalheri) The 4th annual "Star Spangled South Riding" celebration on July 3 began with an old-fashioned neighborhood parade where about a thousand participants rode decorated bicycles, waved from wagons, and walked strollers through a half-mile trek on Center Street. By 6:30 p.m. cars lined nearby streets and approximately 5,000 people descended on the South Riding Golf Club for an evening of entertainment that included the band Kings of Swing and 15 minutes of fireworks set to patriotic music. "I can't believe all of this is happening right here in my neighborhood," said Joel Wasserman, a long-time resident of South Riding. Another homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, wondered who was footing the bill for the event. "Don't get me wrong," she said, "I had a http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/south_riding_celebration_drew.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/south_riding_celebration_drew.html Events & Entertainment Fri, 06 Jul 2007 07:25:46 -0400 A look at some interesting news around Loudoun: Cleaning Up Road Kill A morbidly enlightening article about who clears the roads, shoulders and medians of various types of road kill. If it is an emergency situation, like blocking traffic, VDOT handles it. But if the deer, or other wildlife, carcas is on the side of the road, even if decomposing and covered in maggots, Ashburn-based Allied Cleaning services comes to the rescue. Favorite line: "In the winter, Kahn says, when the deer stay fresh longer, it's not uncommon for the bodies to disappear before workers get can there to remove them." Got venison? Leesburg Contemplates Banning Drive-Thrus The town council is considering a ban on drive-thrus for new businesses, like banks and restaurants. (Current ones would be grandfathered.) Supporters say they want more foot traffic, but other council members are going to check with their business contacts to see what http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/news_tap_road_kill_drive_thrus_1.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/news_tap_road_kill_drive_thrus_1.html News Tap Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:04:16 -0400 Introducing Val Cavalheri, our new voice from South Riding. Cavalheri, a 10-year resident of South Riding, is an accomplished photographer and writer. Married with two children, one in college and the other beginning high school, Val says she is eager to learn more about all the moving parts of the community. She launches with a look at the debate for more retail development in Dulles South. Tuesday the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 against reconsidering the 80-acre Dulles Landing retail development. Rezoning for the land was approved June 19, which opened the path for approval of the big-box retail center. Both Chairman Scott York and Supervisor Jim Burton were absent during the original vote and were looking to have the board address the plan again because of issues with the application, such as not getting enough money from the developer to cover needed road improvements, and the number http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/retail_proposal_stirs_debate_i_1.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/retail_proposal_stirs_debate_i_1.html Building & Development Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:30:05 -0400 Today, correspondent Paul Gottschling brings us a view of local trails and expert opinions on where to walk. The Washington & Old Dominion Trail near Belmont.(Photo by Gottschling) An average weekday evening at the Gottschling home looks like this: My brother joins the family for dinner, visibly weary from a day of leasing apartments. Meanwhile, I've emerged from a mix of desk-riding, reading, and mostly idle about-the-house pacing. In short, we both need to get out for a walk. We simply mosey around the neighborhood on a relaxing route, though one that hardly brims with natural beauty. But Loudoun offers more than paved pathways, promising a wide array of short and long walks through scenic woods, historic paths, river views and gardens. Seeking a few gems among the many great diversions, I asked the people most fitting of the title "walking trail expert" -- Loudoun park officials -- about their http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/walking_the_paths_less_travele_1.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/walking_the_paths_less_travele_1.html Indoor & Outdoor Stuff Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:00:37 -0400 An early morning fire on Cherry Lane (Photo by Charles Speacht) Two massive fires broke out Monday morning in Leesburg, one just after 4:30 a.m. on Cherry Lane and the other at 5:22 on Seaton Court, bringing volunteer firefighting crews from Leesburg, Ashburn, Lucketts, Hamilton, Purcellville, Aldie, Sterling and even a ladder truck from Frederick County, Maryland. In firefighter Brian's blog, he writes of the extensive damage and drama playing out before sunrise: "I was trying to hit some more fire that was visible in the roof area when I noticed the floor I was standing on was spongy (a very bad sign for a FF) and I actually felt a lot of heat coming up my leg from underneath. I quickly realized there was fire underneath me in the basement and that the floor had started to burn through. Needless to say, I got the hell out of http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/huge_fires_in_leesburg.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/huge_fires_in_leesburg.html Police Issues Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:00:22 -0400 Today we're introducing Broadlands correspondent Erica Garman. You might also know her as the host of Comcast's channel 3 "Loudoun Magazine," where she interviews people whom she calls the "do-gooders" of Loudoun's philanthropy community. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post and Northern Virginia magazine. Garman and her husband have lived in Loudoun since 1995, as residents of both Ashburn Village and Broadlands, and have two daughters. We are looking forward to Garman's reporting and insight on all things Broadlands. Recently, a 39-year old mother of two hired a babysitter so she and her husband could have a "date night" at Bonefish Grill in Broadlands. While at the bar having dinner, a family with small children sat down next to them. Apparently all the table seating was occupied. The children fidgeted on their bar stools, jumped on and off to play in the nearby revolving door, whined and giggled. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/babes_in_bars_the_underage_kin.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/babes_in_bars_the_underage_kin.html Lifestyle Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:42:31 -0400 The longest line in Brambleton Friday night was not for a new movie or a popular restaurant, but for the Cingular/AT&T store where more than 100 people were queued up for the new iPhone around 5:30 p.m. George Liu with son Christian, Brennan and Whitt Whittington, and Liu's brother-in-law Yousef Osmani, were the first in line for the new iPhone Friday in Brambleton. George Liu, of Ashburn, and Whitt Whittington, of Brambleton, were among the first in line. Liu said they got there at 7 a.m., but had been strategizing for much longer. The "get it first" pheonmenon took place throughout the D.C. metro region with stories of people lining up overnight with sleeping bags in some locations. The store doors opened at 6 p.m. with a security guard manning the locks and allowing only two or three people in at a time. But within 30 minutes most of the http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/lining_up_for_the_iphone_1.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/07/lining_up_for_the_iphone_1.html Loudoun Business Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:30:27 -0400 There are ample opportunities around town to see massive light explosions, parades and concerts to celebrate Independence Day, so think about filling up your calendar with events big and small starting Saturday. Saturday, you can see fireworks at the Dulles Town Center. The festival will have live bands, moon bounces, food and "water features" to help keep you cool. The event will be held outside rain or shine. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, catch the fireworks at Sterling Park Golf & Country Club or the Hillsboro Community Center. Hillsboro's celebration at the Old Stone School begins at 6 p.m. and includes live music, carnival games, BBQ dinners, a bake sale, raffles, and free ice cream. According to promoters, "The evening will wrap up with a fantastic fireworks show that will take your breath away." Tuesday there are three celebrations: Lovettsville, South Riding and Waterford. Admission is $3 per person http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/06/loudouns_independence_festivit.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/06/loudouns_independence_festivit.html Events & Entertainment Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:00:50 -0400 Annabelle (5) and Nathan (6) Smith, DARE office Deputy First Class Paul Capitan, Elli (6) and Van (5) Livingston at McGruff Safety Camp. The McGruff Safety Camp is so in demand this year that organizers at the sheriff's department added another week to the original three-week schedule, but still could not accommodate nearly 200 children whose parents attempted to register them. The camp, held at Evergreen Mill Elementary School in Leesburg, does not have fees and is open only to children entering kindergarten and first grade. The kids learn about bike safety, police and firefighting units, and how to make an emergency 9-1-1 call. The miniature road course set up in the gym is one example of how the organizers make it fun for the kids to learn rules of the road. With the average half-day camp fees running at $150 a week at Loudoun recreation centers and private http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/06/safety_camp_expands_but_nearly.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/livinginloco/2007/06/safety_camp_expands_but_nearly.html Police Issues Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:34:24 -0400