Blue Ridge Leader

Blue Ridge and J.L. Simpson Middle students code solutions – For NASA’s future deep space journey

January 6, 2021

Students from Blue Ridge and J. L. Simpson Middle Schools have teamed up to create an App that provides solutions for NASA’s Deep Space Mission. Students at Blue Ridge Middle School in Purcellville and J. L. Simpson Middle School in Leesburg are participating in NASA’s App Development Challenge (ADC), led by the Johnson Space Center’s Office of STEM Engagement. NASA’s App Development Challenge is…

BRMS chorus students share virtual concert

January 6, 2021

Blue Ridge Middle School eighth grade chorus students shared their talent and joy with Purcellville’s nursing home residents this holiday season. Chorus 8 worked on a project this quarter in which they created their own audio/visual concert with recordings of themselves singing. The BRMS PTO President, Danielle Kabban, coordinated with Grace Guiney, the chorus teacher, to turn these projects into a joyful gift…

Only you can prevent fake news

January 6, 2021

By Joe Lafiandra If you are a Democrat or Trump hater, don’t bother reading any further; this piece doesn’t apply to you. If you are a Conservative, Republican, or independently minded person who wants to see and hear the truth from the press and visual media, read on. Freedom of the press is guaranteed in the First Amendment to…

Making positive change happen in 2021

January 6, 2021

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. On a societal and global level, COVID-19 has made this year a difficult one in so many ways. Worldwide, close to 1.7 million people have died, and close to 80,000,000 people have become sick with the virus. Statistics on COVID-19 are also imperfect given testing limitations and the lack of consideration…

BOS adds 144 homes to TPA – ‘Buffer’ between suburban east and rural west melting away

January 6, 2021

As it closed out the 2020 legislative session, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 7-1-1 to add 144 new housing units to the Transition Policy Area. Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) was the only no vote. Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-Chair At-Large), Supervisors Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian), Michael R. Turner…

County seeks public input on Linear Parks and Trails System

January 6, 2021

On Jan. 17, 2019, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors directed the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Board to develop a detailed implementation plan for an interconnected, countywide linear parks and trails system. PROS subsequently appointed representatives from key stakeholder groups to the Linear Parks and Trails Subcommittee to advance the initiative.…

Cochran’s Annual Sheep Walk in Lincoln- We love you, Mr. Cochran!

January 6, 2021

By Andrea Gaines Allen Cochran, two willing assistants, and his border collies drive his herd of sheep through the village of Lincoln on Jan. 2 each year.  It is one of Loudoun County’s most sweet, enduring, and captivating New Year’s rituals. Allen is a direct descendant of the original Goose Creek Quakers meeting members.  Raised…

It’s time to weigh in on 7/690 Interchange

January 6, 2021

Loudoun County is seeking public comment regarding the proposed Route 7/Route 690 Interchange Project. Information related to the project, including an exhibit and comment form, is available at https://loudoun.gov/5179/Route-7-690-Interchange. The deadline for comments is Jan. 16. You may submit your comment by email at DTCI@loudoun.gov or by the comment form. The project funds the design,…

Everyone is a winner!

January 6, 2021

Congratulations to the four winners of our Best Gift Ever writing contest. Chloei of Round Hill won first place, Landon of Leesburg and Rilyn from Round Hill tied for second, and Tavian of Hamilton won third place. A big thanks to our judges – Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser, and Purcellville Vice Mayor Mary Jane Williams.…

“Saving Grace” says never say die- never

January 6, 2021

By Andrea Gaines They have been working on restoring the old building for ten-plus years. They said to themselves, we must never give up … and, they didn’t. “They” are local African Americans whose families have been here for hundreds of years, the Lincoln Preservation Foundation, and the Friends of Grace (building trustees). The 1885…