Emergency preparedness NO SALES TAX holiday ends this Sunday!

If you didn’t already know, hurricane season is upon us. A statewide Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be set from May 25th through May 31st. No sales tax will be charged on the purchase of emergency supply kit items such as:

• Bottled water
• Flashlights
• Batteries (including cell phone batteries)
• Duct tape
• First-Aid kits
• Food and beverage coolers
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios
• Two-way radios
• Weather band radios and NOAA Weather Radios
• Tarps, plastic sheeting, and drop clothes
• Generators
• Cell phone charges
• Artificial ice
• Empty gas, propane, or diesel fuel tanks or containers

Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management strongly encourages local residents to be prepared possible flooding from tropical storms. Check out www.loudoun.gov/oem for more information on how to be prepared this season for hurricanes and tropical storms.

For more information on the Virginia Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday go to www.tax.virginia.gov

Statewide recognition given for outstanding response from a domestic violence program in Loudoun

The Loudoun Domestic Response Team (DART) is a program that works with local agencies and organizations to keep domestic violence victims and their families safe.

The members of of the Loudoun DART who were presented with awards from William Mims, the Attorney General of Virginia are:

• Susan Chasteen - Victim Witness Protection
• Lori Kaplan - Community Corrections
• April Higgs - Community Corrections
• Wendy Pineda - Juvenile Court Services
• Kyle Wallace - DART Coordinator
• Jeannie Mullane - Community Corrections

For more information about the DART program, contact DART Coordinator, Kaye Wallace at (703) 737-8234.

To read the full article, go to www.loudoun.gov

Enjoying the lovely weather? Here's some ways to protect yourself while enjoying outdoor festivities

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department would like to share these helpful safety tips to help protect yourself while enjoying outdoor activities.

• Always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are. Never feel that you are unsusceptible to an attack.
  
• Stay in groups. A group of people are less vulnerable then one individual just by themselves.
  
• Be sure to tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back. If plans change, make sure you let that person know.
  
• Always carry your cell phone and some type of picture ID with you.
  
• Limit outdoor activities to daylight hours whenever possible.
  
• If you walk or run, vary the paths you travel.
  
• Note any suspicious activity and report it immediately.

Have any more questions about saftey? Contact the Sheriff's Office on their non-emergency line (703) 777-1021 or (703) 777-0445.

We have the real story about the Metro extension, and right from the main source!

On April 22, 2009, the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) held a Forum on the Dulles Rail & Tysons Corner Redevelopment. Mr. James Bennett, President & CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority spoke at the forum about the Metro Rail Extension project as it extends from Tysons Corner to Dulles Airport. The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority is responsible for the portion of the rail project located on the Dulles Toll Road and Airport property. When completed the extension project will include 23 miles of rail with 11 new stations. The project has been divided into two phases. Phase 1 has been fully funded and includes the project as it connects to the current Metro Rail system, runs through Tysons Corner, and continues out to Weihle Avenue in Reston. On March 11th of this year the contractor was given authority to begin construction, evidence of which can be seen throughout Tysons.

Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by 2013 and will include 5 new stations. Four of the stations will be located in Tyson’s while the 5th will be located at Weihle Avenue. The remaining 6 stations will be completed as part of Phase 2. The majority of the rail will be above ground; however, a tunnel will run under the Route 7 & Route 123 Intersection. Rail located along 123 will run down the right side of the south-bound lanes and rail located on Route 7 will be on an elevated track in the center of the road. Route 7 in Tyson’s will be expanded to 4 lanes (current service roads will be eliminated) with wide pedestrian friendly sidewalks. All rail located on the Dulles Toll Road will run down the center of the road. A great resource for more information, including artist renderings of the project and road closings due to construction, is www.dullesmetro.com. Stay tuned for information on the re-development of Tyson’s Corner Redevelopment and plans to turn it into a 24/7 Urban Center!

Loudoun County Spring Farm Tour * May 16 & 17 from 10am-4pm

Come take a self guided tour with the family around local Loudoun County wineries and farm. Learn the process of how food gets from the farm to your table every day, pet and feed local farm animals, or buy seeds and plants for your own garden.

Participating Farms & Wineries:

• Alpacas of Higgly Farm, Round Hill
  Alpaca handling and healthcare demonstrations.
• Baileywyck Farms, Middleburg
  Watch the riders, horses and volunteers of "Golden Dreams," a Therapeutic Riding facility.
• Bluemont Vineyards, Bluemont
  See the emerging vine growth and enjoy live music.
• Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville
  Enjoy live music, Cajun Gumbo, Andouille sausage sandwiches, hayrides and wine tastings while visiting with greyhounds from the Blue Ridge Greyhound Society.
• Butterfly Hill, Waterford
  See the award winning multi-colored herd of Butterfly Hill. Alpaca handling demonstrations as well as spinning, weaving and carding demonstrations.
• Casanel Vineyards, Leebsurg
  Enjoy Chegada Collection of Wines in a peaceful setting, complimentary gourmet appetizers and free wine tasting for Farm Tour participants!
• Chicama Run, LLC, Purcellville
  See over 600 chickens, llamas and heritage pasture raised hogs, take a hayride, and gather fresh eggs. Grass-fed Beef Kielbasa available for purchase.
• Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm, Broadlands
  Tour the working garden that includes fresh herbs and heirloom vegetables along with two recently restored barns.
• Corcoran Vineyards, Waterford
  Milcreek Farm will be cooking farm fresh lamb lunch for purchase 11 am – 4 pm on Saturday and 11 am – 2 pm on Sunday. Sheep shearing demonstration Saturday 2 pm & 4 pm.
• DeBaggio’s Herb Farm and Nursery, Chantilly
  The gourmet gardener can choose from a selection of herbs, vegetables, perennials and annuals not typically found in other nurseries. Tour the herb display garden.
• Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery, Leesburg
  Tour Loudoun’s newest winery and learn about the growth process of grape vines.
• Ellmore’s Garden Center, Hamilton
  Find a diverse selection of perennials and popular herbs. Have your picture taken with L’il Chief for a tax-deductible donation to the Gingersnap Girls Foundation on Saturday from 12 pm-3 pm.
• Endless Summer Harvest, Purcellville
  Tour this technologically advanced hydroponic agribusiness and see crops grown without soil or pesticides. Delicious lettuce for sale.
• The Equine Rescue League, Lovettsville
  Visit ponies, donkeys, and lots of horses of all ages and sizes at the new facility! Learn about horse rescue and rehabilitation.
• Gardens of Delight Nursery, Paeonian Springs
  Growers of herbs, perennials, and heirloom vegetables without use of pesticides. Learn how to prepare a kitchen garden, workshop with handouts, design ideas and plant suggestions.
• Great Country Farms, Bluemont
  Family fun on the farm is the name of the game at Great Country Farms where you can Buy Local, Eat Local and Play Local! Admission Fee.
• Heider’s Country Store and Farm Market, Leesburg
  Enjoy this special little country store that has been operating since the late l920's. Fresh baked pies daily.
• Heritage Farm Museum of Loudoun County, Sterling
  Plant a seed in your young farmer's imagination and watch it grow at one of the Metro area's newest museums. Free to the public Farm Tour weekend.
• Ivandale Farm, Hamilton
  Tree identification game for children, observation bee hive, demonstration bat houses and bird houses, information about energy saving windbreaks and trees for wildlife.
• Loudoun County Master Gardeners, Leesburg
  Master Gardeners will be on hand to lead tours of the 1/3 acre garden and talk about the plants and techniques used in the garden, activities for children will also be featured.
• Loudoun Nursery – Bellwether Tree Farm, Purcellville
  Guided tour of the growing areas. Learn about tree varieties and factors to consider when choosing a tree, see unique air root pruning containers that enhance growth and survivability.
• Lost Creek Vineyards & Winery, Leesburg
  Tour the winery and learn the process that goes into making a bottle of wine. Live music by David Duval.
• Meadow Fox Farm, Leesburg
  See the ponies in a natural breeding environment and visit the garden where vegetables are grown for Heider’s Country Store. Meet home bred champion, Meadow Fox Jubilation, and see a newborn foal.
• Natural Mercantile, Hamilton
  (Saturday only, 10 am to 5 pm)
  Visit the oldest, continually operating "health food" store in the region to sample assorted organic foods, wines, and dairy products; meet a local beekeeper.
• North Gate Vineyard, Purcellville
  Live music Saturday features The Acoustic Burgoo, Sunday hear Mary Alyce and Jim from Moon Music. Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption will be on hand with a Meet and Greet.
• Notaviva Vineyards, Purcellville
  Live Music Performances: Mary Ann Redmond Saturday from 2-4 pm and Seth Fromal Sunday from 2-4 pm. Vineyard tours will be offered.
• Shepherds Corner Farm, Purcellville
  Ongoing tours of the 18th century cabin, tips on fresh flower care, yoga for gardeners, meet the Fell Ponies, and a soccer demonstration by Lily, a Border Collie, at Noon, 1:30 pm and 3 pm.
• Sunset Hills Vineyards, Purcellville
  Educational, guided tours of the working winery and vineyard showing the renovated barn and other historic outbuildings, wine making facilities, and vineyards.
• Sunny’s Corner Farm, Middleburg
  Situated on 92 acres in the heart of Horse Country, see the indoor arena, outdoor arena with a new Burlington Jump course and stadium lighting, 34 stalls, with abundant turnout.
• Sweet Home Alpacas, Paeonian Springs
  Meet the herd of award-winning Suri Alpacas. Alpaca ownership and fleece information as well as fiber processing demonstrations.
• Taylorstown General Store, Lovettsville
  Lots of family events will be ongoing to highlight this 1730s Quaker settlement along the Catoctin Creek. See local crafters, producers and musicians; BBQ and wine for purchase.
• Tarara Winery, Leesburg
  Live a day in the life of a Loudoun local with a taste of luscious wines and an afternoon lounging next to Shadow Lake! Lakeside wine tastings from 11-6 pm. Live music from 12-5 pm.
• Village Winery, Waterford
  Historic post and beam display, newly hatched chicks and a special presentation of Natures Images by Tim McCracken.
• Wegmeyer Farms, Hamilton
  Pick your very own fresh-as-it gets strawberries. Oakland Green Farm will be serving their Angus burgers hot off the grill.
• Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Leesburg
  Award winning wines and amazing views, complimentary local cheese and wine pairing tastings and special discounts on all wine purchases for tour participants.
• Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, Leesburg
  Tour the vineyard, taste wine in the 1830 historic manor house, and learn about recent wine growing studies in the Hawks Bay area of New Zealand.

For more information check it out at http://www.loudounfarms.org/ or pick up a brochure at Loudoun County libraries, Loudoun County community centers, and the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Center in Leesburg.

* Protect Yourself From Identity Theft *

Have important documents to dispose of? Stop by for a free and secure shred session on May 16, 2009 from 8am-12pm provided by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Sugarland Run Townhouse Home Owner’s Association.

All documents will be shredded on site into particle-sized paper. There will be no need to remove staples or paper clips. Examples of documents to bring are old check/carbon copies of checks, bank statements, pay stub, receipts, credit card offers, medical information, and any old bills.

For more information about this event check it out at www.loudoun.gov , keyword: shred

*Please note that this shred event is open to the public but not to businesses.

How to properly secure your home before going on vacation

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents of these important safety tips while going on vacation this summer.

• Check all windows & doors and make sure they are locked and secure.
• Make sure all vehicles left behind are secure with no electronics, money, or garage door openers are in sight.
  
• Take care of the lawn and yard before you leave (mowed grass is a strong indicator of whether or not a home is occupied).
  
• Have a neighbor you can trust look over your property while you are away. Ask them to pick up any mail, newspapers, and flyers.
  
• Give the appearance that your home is occupied by having some interior lights on timers or sensors. It is also a good idea to leaving one or two lights on outdoors at night while you are away.
• If you have an automatic garage door, it is highly advised that you turn this feature off while you are away and manually lock your garage door.
• You can call the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's Office and ask for a patrol unit to check on your house while you are gone.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

• Emergency 911
• Non-Emergency (703) 777-1021 or (703) 777-0445
• Poison Control (800) 222-1222
• Animal Control (703) 777-0406
• Narcotic Tip Line (703) 779-0552
• Crime Solvers (703) 777-1919
  

Calling all golfers! Tee off for Loudoun Habitat for Humanity!

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity will host its first annual Golf Classic at River Creek Club on Monday, May 11th. There will be two tee times with the first starting at 8:15am and the second at 1:30pm. The club house will offer a complimentary barbeque buffet and a cash bar from 11:30am-1:30pm.

Prizes will be awarded for hold-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive, and the winner of a putting contest.

Interested? Register Online or call (703) 737-6772.

2009 Spring Farm Tour May 16 & 17

Mark your calendars for a weekend in the country during Loudoun County’s Spring Farm Tour May 16 and 17, 2009.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p..m on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, enjoy a free, self-guided driving tour down country roads to participating Loudoun County farms and wineries. The Spring Farm Tour weekend serves as an introduction to Loudoun's growing season. Buy spring seedlings and plants for your home; say hello to farm animals and greet spring babies; tour a winery; learn how food gets from the farm to your table; and much more. Bring the whole family for a day or two of fun, education, and agritainment!

Brochures for the Spring Farm Tour, including a map and directions to all participating farms, are available at Loudoun County libraries and community centers, and the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association (LCVA) in Leesburg. To have a brochure mailed to you, submit your request by email (info@LoudounFarms.org) or call the Loudoun County Office of Economic Development at 703-777-0426. Detailed tour information as well as an interactive map can be found at www.LoudounFarms.org.

Participating Farms and Wineries are:

1. Alpacas of Higgly Farm, Round Hill
Alpaca handling and healthcare demonstrations.

2. Baileywyck Farms, Middleburg
Watch the riders, horses and volunteers of "Golden Dreams," a Therapeutic Riding facility.

3. Bluemont Vineyards, Bluemont
See the emerging vine growth and enjoy live music.

4. Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville
Enjoy live music, Cajun Gumbo, Andouille sausage sandwiches, hayrides and wine tastings while visiting with greyhounds from the Blue Ridge Greyhound Society.

5. Butterfly Hill, Waterford
See the award winning multi-colored herd of Butterfly Hill. Alpaca handling demonstrations as well as spinning, weaving and carding demonstrations.

6. Casanel Vineyards, Leebsurg
Enjoy Chegada Collection of Wines in a peaceful setting, complimentary gourmet appetizers and free wine tasting for Farm Tour participants!

7. Chicama Run, LLC, Purcellville
See over 600 chickens, llamas and heritage pasture raised hogs, take a hayride, and gather fresh eggs. Grass-fed Beef Kielbasa available for purchase.

Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm, Broadlands
Tour the working garden that includes fresh herbs and heirloom vegetables along with two recently restored barns.

8. Corcoran Vineyards, Waterford
Milcreek Farm will be cooking farm fresh lamb lunch for purchase 11 am – 4 pm on Saturday and 11 am – 2 pm on Sunday. Sheep shearing demonstration Saturday 2 pm & 4 pm.

9. DeBaggio’s Herb Farm and Nursery, Chantilly
The gourmet gardener can choose from a selection of herbs, vegetables, perennials and annuals not typically found in other nurseries. Tour the herb display garden.

10. Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery, Leesburg
Tour Loudoun’s newest winery and learn about the growth process of grape vines.

11. Ellmore’s Garden Center, Hamilton
Find a diverse selection of perennials and popular herbs. Have your picture taken with L’il Chief for a tax-deductible donation to the Gingersnap Girls Foundation on Saturday from 12 pm-3 pm.

12. Endless Summer Harvest, Purcellville
Tour this technologically advanced hydroponic agribusiness and see crops grown without soil or pesticides. Delicious lettuce for sale.

13. The Equine Rescue League, Lovettsville
Visit ponies, donkeys, and lots of horses of all ages and sizes at the new facility! Learn about horse rescue and rehabilitation.

14. Gardens of Delight Nursery, Paeonian Springs
Growers of herbs, perennials, and heirloom vegetables without use of pesticides. Learn how to prepare a kitchen garden, workshop with handouts, design ideas and plant suggestions.

15. Great Country Farms, Bluemont
Family fun on the farm is the name of the game at Great Country Farms where you can Buy Local, Eat Local and Play Local! Admission Fee.

16. Heider’s Country Store and Farm Market, Leesburg
Enjoy this special little country store that has been operating since the late l920's. Fresh baked pies daily.

17. Heritage Farm Museum of Loudoun County, Sterling
Plant a seed in your young farmer's imagination and watch it grow at one of the Metro area's newest museums. Free to the public Farm Tour weekend.

18. Ivandale Farm, Hamilton
Tree identification game for children, observation bee hive, demonstration bat houses and bird houses, information about energy saving windbreaks and trees for wildlife.

19. Loudoun County Master Gardeners, Leesburg
Master Gardeners will be on hand to lead tours of the 1/3 acre garden and talk about the plants and techniques used in the garden, activities for children will also be featured.

20. Loudoun Nursery – Bellwether Tree Farm, Purcellville
Guided tour of the growing areas. Learn about tree varieties and factors to consider when choosing a tree, see unique air root pruning containers that enhance growth and survivability.

21. Lost Creek Vineyards & Winery, Leesburg
Tour the winery and learn the process that goes into making a bottle of wine. Live music by David Duval.

22. Meadow Fox Farm, Leesburg
See the ponies in a natural breeding environment and visit the garden where vegetables are grown for Heider’s Country Store. Meet home bred champion, Meadow Fox Jubilation, and see a newborn foal.

23. Natural Mercantile, Hamilton
(Saturday only, 10 am to 5 pm)
Visit the oldest, continually operating "health food" store in the region to sample assorted organic foods, wines, and dairy products; meet a local beekeeper.

24. North Gate Vineyard, Purcellville
Live music Saturday features The Acoustic Burgoo, Sunday hear Mary Alyce and Jim from Moon Music. Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption will be on hand with a Meet and Greet.

25. Notaviva Vineyards, Purcellville
Live Music Performances: Mary Ann Redmond Saturday from 2-4 pm and Seth Fromal Sunday from 2-4 pm. Vineyard tours will be offered.

26. Shepherds Corner Farm, Purcellville
Ongoing tours of the 18th century cabin, tips on fresh flower care, yoga for gardeners, meet the Fell Ponies, and a soccer demonstration by Lily, a Border Collie, at Noon, 1:30 pm and 3 pm.

27. Sunset Hills Vineyards, Purcellville
Educational, guided tours of the working winery and vineyard showing the renovated barn and other historic outbuildings, wine making facilities, and vineyards.

28. Sunny’s Corner Farm, Middleburg
Situated on 92 acres in the heart of Horse Country, see the indoor arena, outdoor arena with a new Burlington Jump course and stadium lighting, 34 stalls, with abundant turnout.

29. Sweet Home Alpacas, Paeonian Springs
Meet the herd of award-winning Suri Alpacas. Alpaca ownership and fleece information as well as fiber processing demonstrations.

30. Taylorstown General Store, Lovettsville
Lots of family events will be ongoing to highlight this 1730s Quaker settlement along the Catoctin Creek. See local crafters, producers and musicians; BBQ and wine for purchase.

31. Tarara Winery, Leesburg
Live a day in the life of a Loudoun local with a taste of luscious wines and an afternoon lounging next to Shadow Lake! Lakeside wine tastings from 11-6 pm. Live music from 12-5 pm.

32. Village Winery, Waterford
Historic post and beam display, newly hatched chicks and a special presentation of Natures Images by Tim McCracken.

33. Wegmeyer Farms, Hamilton
Pick your very own fresh-as-it gets strawberries. Oakland Green Farm will be serving their Angus burgers hot off the grill.

34. Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Leesburg
Award winning wines and amazing views, complimentary local cheese and wine pairing tastings and special discounts on all wine purchases for tour participants.

35. Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, Leesburg
Tour the vineyard, taste wine in the 1830 historic manor house, and learn about recent wine growing studies in the Hawks Bay area of New Zealand.