Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Hometown Friday

Leesburg and Loudoun are all a-buzz!  This Friday, Fox 5 News will be broadcasting live from our courthouse lawn between 6am and 10am.  Visit Loudoun is working with Fox 5 on the things that will be featured... and I don't have details on that.  What I do know is they want an audience!  So, if you can, join us Friday morning on the courthouse lawn.

This Friday is ALSO First Friday in Downtown Leesburg.  The First Friday of every month there are live concerts, art exhibits, wine tastings and all sorts of special events...FREE.  Festivities get kicked off at happy hour, and businesses stay open late.  It's a great time every month.

And, to add to the excitement, this is a holiday weekend... and Leesburg KNOWS how to celebrate it.

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I am working with local downtown businesses to bring some extra exposure to their businesses and these events... and will be doing some fun giveaways via social media on Friday.  Stay tuned to this blog and to our Facebook fan page to learn more as things develop.

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If you're looking to move into the Loudoun area, work with a REALTOR who has her finger on the pulse of the community.  Call me, I can help!

Vicky Chrisner, Keller Williams
703-669-3142
VChrisner@KW.com
http://www.vickychrisner.com/


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Loudoun Is Alive With Music!

Loudoun is alive with music! 

This summer's gonna be "hot-hot-hot"!  But wherever you are in Loudoun, there's sure to be cool music playing. Check out this list of outdoor music series offered throughout the county.

Thursdays

BRAMBLETON'S SUMMER SIZZLIN CONCERTS
Location: Brambleton
Live concerts bi-weekly on Thursdays, Jul 1- Aug 26
Cost: FREE
http://www.brambleton.com/towncenter/

Fridays

LANSDOWNE SOUNDS OF SUMMER SERIES
Location: Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, VA
Live evening concerts every Friday starting June 18th
Cost: FREE
http://www.lansdownesensations.com/sounds-of-summer/


Saturdays

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES BY COCA-COLA
Location: Leesburg Premium Outlet Mall, Leesburg, VA
Live concerts 6 different Saturday afternoons (check schedule), June 12 to Aug 28
Cost: FREE
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=14


ACOUSTIC ON THE GREEN
Location: Town Green, Historic Leesburg (25 West Market Street)
Live concerts Saturday evenings June 12-August 28
Cost: FREE
http://www.acousticonthegreen.com/

BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES (Middleburg)
Location: Middleburg Community Center, Ballfield (300 W Washington St)
Live concerts Saturday evenings in July (check schedule)
Cost: $2-5
http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Middleburg.html

Sundays

BLUEMONT SUMMER CONCERTS AT DADONA MANOR
(previously located at the Courthouse Lawn)
Location: Historic Leesburg
Live concerts Sunday evenings June 28-August 30
Cost: Admission $2 for kids; $5 for adults
http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Leesburg.html

LOUDOUN SUMMER MUSIC FEST
(Previously the Belmont Concert Series)
Location: Belmont area, Ashburn, VA
Live evening concerts begin in May: Mostly Sunday evenings, but some Saturdays, too.
Cost: Season passes from $150; Prices for individual concerts start at $12.50
http://loudounsummermusicfest.com/

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And more!

'Happenings!' is a list of upcoming art shows, theatrical and musical exhibitions, show and performances in and around Loudoun ~ Check there often for new updates!
http://www.loudounarts.org/happenings.html

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Monday, June 28, 2010

New Laws About Alternative Septic Systems

There are new laws - "Emergency Laws" - in effect now in the state of Virginia which regulate the maintenance and legal operation of so called "alternative septic systems". 

Alternative septic systems are anything that are not "conventional" systems.  Some common types include: Advantex, Delta Whitewater, Puraflo, Eco-flow and Sandfilter.  If you have one of these types of system (available only for the past 20 years), then these laws DO apply to you. 

Under these new regulations, HOMEOWNERS:


  • Must maintain an Operations and Maintenance Manual.

  • Must maintain a relationship with a licensed operator.  In most cases this means that you have to have a service contract, unless you are or you directly employ a licensed operator.

  • Assure that the licensed operator visits, collects samples and makes adjustments as needed for proper maintenance of system and to be in compliance with the regulations.

  • Make these records available to anyone who purchases the property.
In addition, if you have an "alternative" system in Loudoun County, you are required to have have an annual "1067" inspection.  The inspector must be approved by Loudoun County to conduct such an inspection (see link below of approved inspectors). 

The costs of a maintenance contract and the various inspections vary depending on your system, but shouldn't be more than a few hundred dollars a year. In most cases it will still be less expensive than paying a public utility for sewage services.
A note about contractors:
Please note that all contractors are not equal.  In Virginia, there are separate licenses issued for installers and operators.  Although one may carry both licenses, not all do.  Further, Loudoun has specifically provided a list of approved inspectors to be in compliance with their law... approved inspectors may or may not also be licensed operators or installers.  Personally, I suggest one stop shopping... hire someone that is a licensed 1067 inspector, a licensed operator and even a licensed installer, in case you need a new tank or drainage lines.  In my opinion, this will usually offer more seamless service and overall better maintenance.  Companies that can offer you all relevant services may even offer you discounts on larger repairs that fall outside of the normal maintenance realm.  On local company that offers this "one stop shopping" with licensed operators and installers and are approved to conduct 1067 inspections for Loudoun, is http://www.ses-company.com/.

Additional References:

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Youth Sports Opportunities in Loudoun

If you're moving to Loudoun, you may wonder what there is for kids to do... well, the list is so plentiful, we have to break it down into segments.  Here's a list we compiled on the Leesburg, Va Facebook fan page of area sports opportunity for kids.  If you're moving here, you might just want to "fan" that page on Facebook... you'll get a real feel for the heart of the community there. 
In the meantime, enjoy this list of places where your kids can get involved in local sports! 

(And remember, if you're looking to move here... as a local REALTOR, I'd love to help you~Click HERE to go to my web page!)


BASKETBALL

Loudoun Freedom (travel, girls): http://www.loudounfreedom.com/
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491  
Upwards Basketball-LCC/Dominion Academy: http://leesburgcc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21429
Upwards Basketball-CFC: http://www.cfellowshipc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=8980

CHEERLEADING

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Upwards Cheerleading-LCC/Dominion Academy: http://leesburgcc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21429  
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

DANCE

Dance Academy of Loudoun: http://danceloudoun.com/
Creative Dance Center: http://www.cdcdance.com/

LACROSSE

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/Youth_Futsal.htm  
Loudoun Co Parks and Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

FOOTBALL

i9 Youth Football League: http://www.i9sports.com/HomePage.aspx
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491  

FUTSAL

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp

GOLF

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

GYMNASTICS

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

HOCKEY

(Ice) Ashburn Ice House: http://ashburnice.com/hockeyprograms.php
(Roller Hockey) Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp

SOCCER

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp
Loudoun Youth Soccer Association: http://www.lysa.net/
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

SKATING/SKATEBOARDING

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

SWIMMING

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

TENNIS

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

VOLLEYBALL

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

OTHER

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
General Family Fitness/For Kids Sake: http://fitforkidssake.com/

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Catoctin Creek Distillery

Did you know that Loudoun has a distillery now?  It's true... the first legal distillery in Loudoun since prohibition!  And, in keeping with the times, it's a certified organic product.

Catoctin Creek Distillery is located in Purcellville, VA.  It's family owned and operated...and the "local" feel of this company really has the community pushing for their success. 

Available in Virginia ABC stores, and now available in Maryland, too, they currently have 3 products on the market... a rye whiskey, Roundstone Rye; a light whiskey, Mosby's Spirit, and a gin, Watershed Gin.  They're aging some Brandy - a product made by partnering with local wineries - and we can't wait to until the holidays to see how it turns out!

Many local restaurants boast menus featuring locally grown produce, meats from local farms, and local wines... and now, one by one, they are adding products from Catoctin Creek Distillery to their menus!

The distillery uses local friends to help bottle the product, and volunteers are encouraged to sign their names to the labels.  I happened to buy a bottle from their very first batch, one bottled and autographed by their teenage son. There's just something special about buying a bottle with a person's signature on it - perhaps even someone you know!

You are encouraged to stop in for tours during the week, and from time to time they're open on the weekends, too.  Bring in a bottle of the stuff you've picked up at the local ABC store and they'll even autograph it for you!

Curious about the distilling process?  CCD even offers distilling workshops where they will teach you their craft.  Catoctin Creek Distillery offers shot glasses, Tshirts and other fun products... all available at their Purcellville location or online.  Visit their web site to learn more and visit often for updates on this next up and coming Loudoun business!


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Friday, June 25, 2010

What To Do In Loudoun This Weekend!

If you're bored this weekend in Loudoun, THAT is a personal problem... because there's no lack of things to do - inside or out, and for every budget or interest!

Saturday Mornings are for....

Farmers Markets and Yard Sales ....taking care of business - like getting rid of hazardous household waste at the county collection site..... and then onto the Used Book Sale (which supports our the summer reading programs at our Loudoun County Libraries!)...and then... on to the real festivities...what's your pleasure?

Saturday afternoons and evenings bring lots of fun options... like a visit to

One of our amazing parks for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, playing or just hanging out. 

Leesburg's Premium Outlet Mall for shopping, and where, between 2 and 4pm, you can catch the Summer Music Series (this week see "Moonlit in the Sun" play)!  Then, hop on the trolley and head over to "Downtown" Leesburg, where you can enjoy yet another FREE live music performance at Acoustic on the Green ("Naked Blue" is playing this weekend), and browse local shops and restaurants.  Music is 7-9 on the Town Green!


Brambleton's Town Center will be exploding with excitment Saturday.  The Loudoun Youth Fest starts at 2, and the Freedom Fest kicks off at 7:30 with a concert, followed by fireworks....all at the Town Center....where, did we mention it? you can eat, shop and catch a movie! 

Or just campout in your backyard... and be part of the 'Great American Backyard Campout' night on Saturday (designated by the National Wildlife Federation).  No backyard?  Check out a local campground, or head to grandma's house.

Sundays are for ...

Lazy, leisurely brunches.....

..........and checking out the neighbor's house that's for sale (it's OPEN - come on, let's go!)....ohhh, and what is this place for only $151,000?  Hmmm...maybe it's time to think of buying an investment property.

And, then, off to the Loudoun Summer Music Fest, where - this week - I plan to watch the Blues Travelers!


But some events are simply too good to be limited to one day and must go on all weekend....

Northern Virginia's Summer Brewfest is at Morven Park this weekend!

There's a Horse and Pony show in Middleburg for our Equestrian enthusiasts!

Any scrapbookers out there?  You know who you are!  Did you know The Great American Scrapbooking Event is at Dulles Expo?  WooHoo! Let's go!


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It's such a great action packed weekend here in Loudoun, you might not even be able to sleep....maybe you should try reading or watching a movie.   So, head back over to that book sale - it's going on all weekend long ....or, maybe we forgot to tell you that if you have FIOS from Verizon, you get free HBO and Cinemax this weekend!

.................zzzzzzzzzz................
With a weekend like this, you might sleep all the way through Monday; and who wouldn't want that?!?!?!

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Do you live in or near Loudoun?  Join us on Facebook where you can keep up to date on all the events going on - check our wall and our Events page... and join the conversation.

www.facebook.com/leesburgva

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Believe it or not, I just barely hit the highlights of Loudoun events this weekend.


If you're an art lover, check out this this site - where you'll see listings of exhibits and all kinds of performances: http://www.loudounarts.org/happenings.html?loc=calindex

Maybe you're looking for more kid oriented stuff - http://www.dullesmoms.com/  has you covered!

And, VISIT LOUDOUN always has information for you.









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Monday, June 21, 2010

Facebook GiveAways!

So ya like FREE STUFF?  You're not alone. 

On the Leesburg VA Fan Page (www.facebook.com/leesburgva), you can tune in on Wednesday afternoons between 4pm and 5pm, and try your hand at local trivia!  You just might win a prize if you're the first one that gets the answer right!




In recent weeks, some prizes have included:
*  4 Pack of Movie Tickets to Tally Ho Theatre
*  4 Pack of Concert Tickets to the Loudoun Summer Music Fest
*  Earrings from DK Designs/Beadology
*  2 Shotglasses & 2 Tshirts from Catoctin Creek Distillery
*  Aromatherapy candles from Gold Canyon Candles
*  Gift Certificate to The Wine Kitchen
*  Gift Certificate to Scentsy
*  Visa Gift Card from Keller Williams Realty

And, giveaways are soon to be increased to twice a week!  So, tune in!

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