Blue Ridge Leader

How to support our children during this school year

October 6, 2021

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Our children are back in school, and everything’s great, right? Yes and no. Sure, there are plenty of positives to being in school again – our children can access academic material better, receive more personalized and direct instruction, form and maintain bet- ter connections, and they are less distracted. While research…

Career Change Checklist: Are You Prepared?

October 6, 2021

If you’re considering a job or career change, it’s important to do some homework before you make the leap. Many benefits from your current position could be tied to specific dates and time frames. Gathering the right information can help you strategically time your exit and set yourself up for greater success. Consider these steps…

Loudoun has historical records intact

October 6, 2021

On July 27, Ketoctin Chapter, NSDAR Regent, Kecia Brown and chapter members joined Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, on the steps of the old Courthouse for a press conference. Also present were Circuit Court Historic Records manager Eric Larson and others from his department and Al Van Huyck representing his…

NIMBY

September 1, 2021

By Charles Houston “You’re home early,” Byne Rood said to her husband as she walked into their sunroom. “I took the afternoon off. I wanted to do some economic research.”  Robert Rood had an investment firm in Middleburg. “Boring! Did you fall asleep?” Byne kidded Robert smiled and asked his wife, “How was your day?”…

Small-Town Purcellville fighting for its life; Special Election Nov. 2

September 1, 2021

View from the Ridge Just when you thought the fight to retain Purcellville’s small-town character couldn’t get more urgent, it does. In a special election on Nov. 2 voters will decide whether to protect Mayor Kwasi Fraser’s agenda of lower taxes, slow growth, innovative solutions, and infrastructure improvements. Or to grow, grow, grow, which we…

For the love of vintage cars … and life

September 1, 2021

By Andrea Gaines I grew up with a father who adored old cars. He didn’t seem to mind that they broke down all the time. My mom sure did, but dad was a tinkerer.  And, he could fix anything.  He had a passion for old sports cars, but, as I also came to understand, he…

Purcellville PC to hold special meeting Sept. 9

September 1, 2021

As of press time, the Purcellville Planning Commission has scheduled a special meeting on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 7pm. in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 221 S. Nursery Ave. to discuss the Zoning Code Text Amendment 2021-05 – Inclusion of Certain Historic Properties in a New Historic Overlay District.  This meeting is to fulfill a promise…

It Seems to Me: The Ashli Babbitt killing cover-up

September 1, 2021

This piece is the opinion of the author. By Joe LaFiandra We are in the midst of a massive government sponsored cover-up over the killing of Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt. As most of you know, she was shot and killed by a Capital Police lieutenant (identified as Michael Byrd) as she tried to pass…

White’s Ferry and Philomont Fire Station-

September 1, 2021

Muddy Waters at the River, Fire on the Mountain By Laura Longley Beginning in September, Western Loudoun—from the shores of the Potomac River to the Blue Ridge Mountains—will be the focus of two controversial projects: White’s Ferry and the Philomont Fire Station.  Unless you’ve had an hour added to your commute to Maryland, you may…

Discover Purcellville presents “Words on a Fence”

August 4, 2021

This year’s community art project coordinated by Discover Purcellville is out on the streets for all to enjoy. Thirty talented local Artist donated their talent to paint a word on a fence, for Discover Purcellville’s Words on a Fence project.  Discover Purcellville provided the cut-out words and let the artist create whatever they visioned. Michael…