Leesburg, VA (May 16, 2013) – On Saturday, June 8, 2013, the traffic signal on the Route 7/15 Bypass at Sycolin Road will be removed permanently. Once the signal is removed, traffic on the Bypass will not have access to Sycolin Road, either north or south. Access from the Bypass to Sycolin Road, the Leesburg Executive Airport, Loudoun County’s Philip Bolen Park and other destinations in the southeast sector of Town will be routed via the Dulles Greenway or Route 7 to Battlefield Parkway. As a reminder, both Exit 1 (Leesburg Bypass) and Exit 2 (Miller Drive/Battlefield Parkway) from the Dulles Greenway are toll-free.

Leesburg, VA (May 16, 2013) – Nearly 300 people were in attendance at 12th annual Leesburg Business Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. At the reception, the Leesburg Town Council and Leesburg Economic Development Commission honored businesses and business owners in eleven award categories.

Leesburg, VA (May 15, 2013) – The Leesburg Department of Utilities recently launched a new online service that allows customers to view and monitor their daily water usage. The new service is part of the Town’s Customer Self-Service Portal (www.leesburgva.gov/customerportal) implemented earlier this year.

New customers to the portal must first register by creating a User ID and password. After registering, customers can link to their utility account, using the account number and customer ID printed on their water bill. Once linked, customers will have 24/7 access to their account information. Existing customer portal users may use this feature without any additional registration. Water usage can be viewed by day, week, month or year. There is a 48-hour delay in the availability of water usage data, and data is available for the past three years. Displayed in a simple bar graph format, usage data can help customers visualize their usage and determine which water conservation strategies work best.

“The online water usage data is one more way that we are improving our customer service through technology,” said Amy Wyks, Leesburg’s Director of Utilities. “Previously customers had to contact Town staff to monitor their water usage after receiving a quarterly bill. Now, they have the ability to manage and monitor their daily water usage at their convenience.”

Contact:
Amy Wyks, P.E.
Director of Utilities
awyks@leesburgva.gov
703-737-7119

 ~ Junior Police Camp is for rising 6^th-8^th graders and the Kidsmart Safety Camp is for children aged 6-10. 

Junior Police Camp

·        Session I – June 17-28, 2013 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM M-F).

·         Session II – July 8-19, 2013   (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM M-F).

 The 13^th Annual Junior Police Camp is accepting applications for middle school aged students.  The police department is looking for students who are motivated individuals who are ready to be challenged.  Children accepted will work directly with police officers for the entire two week course.  They will learn about the job of a police officer and much more.  Each session is limited to 15 participants. Once both sessions are filled, an alternate list may be maintained in the event of cancellations. Due to the popularity of this program, the Junior Police Camp is for first time attendees only. Applications are accepted on a first-come first serve basis and are available at police headquarters and also available online at the police department’s web site located at www.leesburgva.gov/police.  

Specific questions concerning the Junior Police Camp may be directed to Officer Russ Bolden at (703) 771-4562.

Kidsmart Safety Camp

 August 12-16, 2013, (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, M-F)

The Kidsmart Safety Camp is a weeklong camp for children ages 6 to 10. This camp will span five days and on each day a specific safety topic will be covered with the children. These topics include animal / wildlife safety, fire safety, firearms safety, personal safety, and bicycle / scooter safety.

At the end of the weeklong course the children will be awarded a certificate of completion. The safety camp will be open on a first come, first basis to the first 20 registrations filed at Police Headquarters.  Information concerning each of the five days of camp can be obtained at police headquarters located at 65 Plaza Street N.E. Leesburg, Va.  

Specific questions concerning the Kidsmart Safety Camp may be directed to Officer John Pearson, (703) 771-4554.

For more information, including links to download camp applications, please visit the Leesburg Police Department’s website, located at www.leesburgva.gov/police.

Every year, millions of Americans become the victims of identity theft. Documents with sensitive information tossed into trash cans, recycling containers and public disposal locations are among the most common sources of information used by identity thieves.

In an effort to reduce identity theft and to promote recycling, the Leesburg Public Works Department offers semiannual free community document shredding events. Typically, during a four-hour event, nearly 10,000 pounds of documents will be shredded on-site by portable shredding units and then recycled.

The next event will be on Saturday, May 18, 2013, in the parking lot at Heritage High School. Residents (no businesses please) may bring up to three (3) boxes or bags of documents, each equivalent in size to a standard file storage box. The event will close promptly at 1:00 p.m. Cars must be in line by 12:45 p.m. to ensure service. For a list of items acceptable for shredding and tips on identity theft protection, please visit the Town website at www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=249.

The new state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center is located on the west side of the medical center complex and includes 14 medical exam rooms, four mental health exam rooms, one gynecology room, a two-bay trauma room, a two-bed triage area, and an expanded lab. The new facility is more than 3,000 square feet larger than the former Emergency Care Center. In addition, the new Emergency Care Center features enhanced diagnostic imaging services, including a new CT scanner, and utilizes EpicCare, Inova’s electronic medical records system that is linked to all of Inova’s facilities.

Leesburg, VA (April 25, 2013)

“I am eager to encourage the next generation of passionate, tech-savvy students,” explained Ryan McGeary, founder of BusyConf. “The hackathon gives students a chance to work together in a real-life setting.” McGeary began computer programming when he was thirteen. In addition to sponsoring HackTJ, McGeary is hoping to hire a high school student as a part-time intern.

“I am looking for someone who has already shown a talent for programming, but wants to learn more,” McGeary said. “I am testing a new hypothesis. I believe that someone who starts with a strong passion for programming at a young age and on their own initiative will be a better job candidate in the long run than someone who chose a college major because there is a potential job market for that skill.”

McGeary’s company, BusyConf, provides technology solutions for conference organizers, including applications that manage calls for proposals, event planning, scheduling, registration, and payment. BusyConf is McGeary’s seventh start-up company. For more information, please visit www.busyconf.com.

“The Mason Enterprise Center encourages our clients to get involved both in the community and in their specific industries,” said Susan Henson, Regional Manager of the Mason Enterprise Center Leesburg/Loudoun County. “By sponsoring HackTJ, Ryan is making a commitment to the future of not only his company, but the local software industry as well.”

The Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) is a university-based economic development enterprise that focuses the energy, skills and intellectual capital of George Mason University on enterprise creation and expansion. The MEC provides business owners with access to faculty, students, alumni, researchers, information sources, inventions, and other resources required to help them expand their businesses, improve their organizations, and strengthen the regional economy. The MEC Leesburg/Loudoun County is located at 202 Church Street SE in Leesburg’s Historic District. For more information, please visit www.masonenterprisecenter.org.

Leesburg, VA (April 22, 2013) – At 11am on Saturday, May 4, 2013, Town of Leesburg officials will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of The Art Station, a new create-your-own-art studio in Village at Leesburg.  The Art Station is located at 1601 Village Market Boulevard SE, Suite 112.  Mayor Kristen Umstattd will officiate the ribbon cutting.

The Art Station is a unique, create-your-own-art studio offering both adult and children’s visual arts classes in a variety of mediums, including painting, candle-making and stenciling.  Designed to fit all skill and interest levels, The Art Station also provides the perfect creative excursion for special events, including birthday parties, ladies’ nights out, date nights, bridal or baby showers and corporate team-building.

“At the Art Station, we give children and adults the opportunity to indulge their inner artists for an hour or two and then walk out with their own work of art,” explained co-owner Julie Lele.

“Sometimes people are intimidated by the idea of creating art.  Our creative guides walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy for everyone.  You can even enjoy the creative process over wine and chocolate at The Art Station.  It can be a new and different way for you to socialize and celebrate,” added co-owner Gigi Toth.  

The Art Station will be open 10am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.  In addition to parties and special events, The Art Station will be offering a series of five-day summer camps in June and July.  For more information, please visit www.theartstation.com.

Leesburg, VA (April 19, 2013) –

“The dictionary’s definition of the word ‘integrative’ is ‘to bring together or incorporate parts into a whole; to combine into one unified system’,” commented owner Lauri Bosserman.  “In the Western world, we tend to focus solely on the parts – taking mini-steps to improve our health through fad diets, gym memberships and prescription medications, hoping to find a magic cure. But as we all know, magic is just an illusion.”

Lauri Bosserman, RN, is a certified holistic health coach and detox cleanse specialist. Her passion, which is backed by extensive research and training by some of the most renowned health scholars, has changed the lives of men and women across the country. She understands people are not just looking for good health, but wellness. Wellness entails tackling root causes for achieving optimal weight, reducing cravings, increasing sleep and maximizing energy. Lauri helps her clients connect the puzzle of parts that make up the whole person, including relationships, physical activity, careers and spirituality.

With a nursing degree from North Dakota State University, Lauri has worked in the areas of oncology, hospice, intensive care, medical sales and marketing. She trained as a Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge Health Coach Training Program and completed an Advanced Detox Certification course through Natalia Rose, NY. She is a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), the Center for Mindful Eating and the Virginia Nurses Association.

Lauri’s passion for wellness prompted her to open her new private practice. During the Open House on Friday, May 3, 2013, beginning at 5:00 pm, a variety of other wellness professionals and vendors will be present, including For Goodness Sake Health Food, Flow Yoga, Purée Artisan Juice Bar, The Hot Spot, Ferriaolo Fitness, doTerra Essential Oils and Bausc Skin Care Products. 

Purée Artisan Juice Bar, based in Bethesda, Maryland, will offer free samples of their fresh pressed juice. Well & Good has partnered with Purée to bring customers the best juice from fresh, 100% organic and whole ingredients.  Local customers can place an order with Purée and select Well & Good as the pick-up location.

“I chose this location because of its proximity to For Goodness Sake health food store, Flow Yoga and the W&OD bike trail, which all attract people who are seeking optimal health and wellness, so there is some synergy for my business as well,” she explained.

Appointments are available on or off-site. Her work also takes her to private homes, area-companies, physician offices and spas.  For more information, please visit www.wellandgoodstudio.com.

“Lauri’s wholistic approach to wellness is good for the Leesburg community,” commented Marantha Edwards, Leesburg’s Economic Development Director.  “We are all so busy, and Lauri’s focus on balance and overall health is very positive.  She’s chosen a great location.  Her business is a nice complement to the other businesses focused on healthy lifestyles at Market Station.”

Officials from The Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County governments will also be in attendance. Refreshments will be served after the planting. Heritage High School is located at 520 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA.

Leesburg, VA (April 11, 2013)

For a taste of Loudoun County’s garden bounty, be sure to visit the Beer and Wine Garden located on Town Green. This tasting area will feature some of Loudoun County’s best wineries and breweries. Take home a commemorative glass and bottle of your favorite vino to enjoy after the festival concludes. Breweries to be featured include MacDowell Brew Kitchen/ Mud Hound Brewing Co., Lost Rhino, Starr Hill and more. Wineries include Bluemont Vineyards, Little Washington, and 868 Estates.

Another new addition to the festival is the expansion to Cornwall Street. Picturesque west Cornwall Street’s beautiful gardens, a historic church and mature landscaping all combine to make it the new star street of the festival. Home to 25 additional vendors as well as the popular children’s entertainment area, Cornwall is sure to be a happening street. Make it a point to stroll this avenue and see the historic beauty and great vendors.

A variety of food, music, children’s entertainment and crafts will also be on hand for this two-day event. Hourly entertainment on the Children’s Stage will keep youngsters enthralled while moving and grooving to the sounds of Uncle Pete’s “Up with Kids.” Kids will also be flipping out when they see the aerobatic performance of Urban Evolution. Both days will be filled with interactive, live entertainment just for our youngsters. The fun doesn’t stop there as crafts, face painting, and other activities will also be on the scene. The children’s area’s location on Cornwall Street will be one of the most popular spots within the festival.

Enjoy the sounds of local and regional bands on our Main Stage, located at the Loudoun County Courthouse. From relaxing reggae tunes to the classic rock favorites, the Main Stage is the perfect place to take in the awesome atmosphere of this Festival of flowers and fun! Loudoun locals Andy Hawk and Gary Smallwood will be taking the stage this year to show our guests a rockin’ good time. Also featured are the sounds of VOX POP and 19th Street Band.

The Flower and Garden Festival is Leesburg’s unofficial start to the spring season, so be sure to join your friends and neighbors for the ‘Leesburg Today’s’ Best of Loudoun “Best Community Event” for 14 years running. It’s an annual event and a perennial experience!

For more information, call Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368 or visit www.flowerandgarden.org.  Join us on Facebook to receive updates about the show as well as post pictures, participate in contests and more!

On April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Leesburg Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its sixth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. (Hypodermic needles cannot and will not be accepted for disposal.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Residents in the Leesburg area can drop off their unwanted or expired prescription drugs at;
• Leesburg Police Department Headquarters – 65 Plaza Street, NE Leesburg, VA 20176

There will also be collection sites at four other locations in Loudoun County. The Loudoun County Sheriffs office is hosting three collection locations;
• LCSO Eastern Loudoun Station – 46620 East Frederick Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
• Dulles South Public Safety Center, (LCSO Dulles South Station) – 25216 Loudoun County Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20152
• Lansdowne Public Safety Center – Company 22 – 19485 Sandridge Way, Leesburg VA, 20176

The Purcellville Police Department will also be hosting a collection site. Their collection site will be located at;
• Bush Tabernacle, 250 South Nursery Way, Purcellville, VA 20132

Last September, Americans turned in 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners. In its five previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in over 2 million pounds—over a thousand tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act. Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the Leesburg Police Department, the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office, the Purcellville Police Department and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

Officers were immediately dispatched and established a perimeter around the area in an attempt to locate the subject. Additional units from the Virginia State Police K9 section responded to assist in attempting a track. The residence was searched and noticed to be ransacked. Efforts are currently underway to notify the homeowner and to determine if anything is reported missing.

The suspect is described as a white male, tall, slender build, wearing a dark stocking cap.

The case is currently under investigation by members of the Leesburg Police Department Criminal Investigations Section. The Leesburg Police Department asks that anyone who may have information about this incident to call (703) 771-4500. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the Leesburg Crime Line at (703) 443-TIPS. Callers can also send a tip by text. Text your message to CRIMES (274637) and begin the message with the LPDTIP.