Loudoun County Magazine Summer 2021
LCMG’s Guide to Waterparks in Northern Virginia
Spotlight on Great Escapes in Loudoun County Your Favorite Loudoun Summer Concerts and Outdoor Events Art, Community, Activism and Volunteer Opportunities Interview with Ara Bagdasarian, Kris Loya, and more!
“A Little Piece of Heaven,”Acrylic, Kim T. Richards
Letter About This Project
Summer 2021
Loudoun Community Press launched a new program in 2020 partnering with Loudoun County Public Schools, the Loudoun Literacy Council, and the Loudoun County Public Library, “Writing, Storytelling and Art for Community.” Loudoun students, library patrons, residents, and multilingual learners worked together to produce Loudoun County Magazine, the print and digital magazine that you are reading that will be delivered across Loudoun County this summer. Loudoun Community Press selected student editors through an application process in 2020 with the intention of developing diverse and inclusive voices in local media. Loudoun Community Press is pleased to announce that this year’s Student Editors are Ebaadah Martínez-Jaka-, a homeschooler from Hamilton, Emiya Diaz from Potomac Falls High School in Sterling, and Layne Sheplee from Independence High School in Ashburn. Loudoun Community Press’s Director, Jessica Monte, says of this project, “We are dedicated to providing space for Loudoun’s vibrant and diverse community to come together through text and visual arts as well as at live storytelling events. This year’s program with Loudoun County Public Schools, the Loudoun County Public Library, and the Loudoun Literacy Council allowed us to bring together the region’s existing educational, media, and literacy institutions and organizations for meaningful dialogue opportunities.” Additionally, Loudoun Community Press provided writing instruction and tutoring for students and residents interested in improving their journalism, social media, and storytelling skills. This new program creates opportunities for Loudoun students aspiring to write or work in journalism, communications, and the arts, including students and residents from historically underrepresented communities of color and culture, to enter writing spaces and gain industry experience. Ultimately, this program enables diverse and inclusive voices to depict and reflect their experiences, rather than having their experiences interpreted and presented by others. “The project between Loudoun County Magazine and Loudoun County Public Schools epitomizes the LCPS mission for students to make meaningful contributions to the world,” says Dr. Michelle Picard, Supervisor of Secondary English and Reading for Loudoun County Public Schools. “The project allows students to read, write and speak with authentic audiences and to share diverse experiences.” Nikki Daruwala, Executive Director of the Loudoun Literacy Council, stated, “We are pleased to partner with Loudoun County Magazine to amplify the voices of our students, empowering them through storytelling and shared experiences. The project aligns with our goals of building identity, advancing agency, cultivating belonging, and fostering community through literacy.” Susan VanEpps, the Division Manager for Programming and Community Engagement for Loudoun County Public Library said: “Loudoun County Public Library was happy to invite the winners of our annual adult writing contest, Write On, to submit their stories for this brand new community project.” The “Writing, Storytelling and Art for Community” project is also a career development initiative. The program offers pre-professional experiences as a pathway to meaningful careers in writing, journalism and the arts and provides mentoring and guidance, networking opportunities, and access to local leaders, business owners, and professionals from the Loudoun community. It promotes dialogue about diverse communities and encourages examination of underlying social and historical issues. About Loudoun Community Press Loudoun Community Press offers access to writing, journalism, and art education with numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative learning and other hands-on learning experiences for students and residents living and working in Loudoun County. Loudoun Community Press oversees Loudoun County Magazine and is dedicated to building community with the publication of print and digital media. For more information, visit http://www.loudouncommunitypress.org
Table of Contents Explore: Escape Rooms in Loudoun County 6 Food: Petite Lou Lou Creperie
8
You Can Do Anything Here: Step-by-step Watercolor Painting Guide
10
Be Cool in Loudoun this Summer Waterpark and Pool Guide
12
Music: We’ve Been Protesting
14
Health: How to Adjust to the New Normal
17
Featured Tastemaker: Madison Belle
18
Art: Meet Kris Loya
19
Essay: New to Loudoun Community: Loudoun Literacy Council
22
Leadership with Ara Bagdasarian
25
Fiction, Poetry, and Art
28
Events: Summer Concerts and Festivals
30
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School: Freedom High School Favorite Summer Hangout Spot: One Loudoun Summer Dessert: Kona Ice Snow Cone Book: Good To Great by Jim Collins Dream Destination: Venice Beach, California
Brandon Esguerra Student Editor
School: Homeschooled Favorite Summer Event: Summer camp with Scouts BSA Troop Favorite Summer Hangout Spot: Bears Den in Bluemont Favorite Summer Dessert: Key lime pie with vanilla ice cream Art/Play/Show You Hope to See in the D.C. region soon: Panic! At the Disco concert Favorite Book or Podcast: the Alanna series by Tamora Pierce Dream Destination in 2021: Iceland for the Northern Lights!
Ebaadah Martínez-Jaka Student Editor
School: Independence High School Favorite Summer Event: Vacation to Bethany Beach Summer Hangout Spot: Downtown Leesburg Summer Dessert: Black Raspberry Ice Cream Art/Play/Show You Hope to See in the D.C. region soon: Hamilton at the Kennedy Center Book or Podcast: Harry Potter Dream Destination in 2021: Rome, Italy
Layne Sheplee
Student Editor School: Potomac Falls High School Favorite Summer Event: Rolling Loud and the Carnival Favorite Summer Hangout Spot: One Loudoun Summer Dessert: Shaved Ice Art/Play/Show You Hope to See in the D.C. region soon: Bonnie and Clyde Favorite Book or Podcast: Percy Jackson Series Dream Destination in 2021: Paris
Emiya Diaz
Student Editor School: Independence High School Favorite Summer Event: Any concert/music festival Summer Hangout Spot: Downtown Leesburg Summer Dessert: Cotton Candy Ice Cream Art/Play/Show You Hope to See in the D.C. region soon: Swan Lake or the Cinderella Ballet Podcast: Imagined Life
Ella Huck
Student Photographer
Jessica Monte
Director of Loudoun Community Press
Beth Huck, Sarah Giardenelli, Matthew Monte & My Pham Board of Directors Loudoun Community Press
Summer 2021 Issue #2 Published By Loudoun Community Press For sponsorship, contact info@loudouncommunity-
Amazing Escapes in Loudoun County Over a year into the pandemic, most people are itching for a way out. Though we can’t solve the pandemic overnight, visitors to escape rooms across Loudoun can break free from quarantine and solve problems at the same time! By deciphering puzzles, finding clues, and putting your brain power on blast, the activity serves as a captivating way to escape the pandemic for 60 minutes. What is an escape room? Slightly self-explanatory, an escape room, also sometimes called an escape game, is an activity where players have limited time (one hour most commonly) to break out of a themed room. Players work together to find clues, accomplish tasks, and solve puzzles to reach a certain goal pertaining to the room’s theme and break free! Sometimes, individuals quite literally escape from the room, running from zombies or serial killers in an enclosed space. Other times, “escaping” comes from reach-
ing an overall goal like finding treasure or launching a spaceship!
Where can I find one? Escape rooms are appearing across Loudoun County and options are vastly available. With a variety of great companies and games, the hard part is choosing which one to visit. To help you select your next escape room adventure, we’ve created a rundown of three tried and trued escape room locations in the area.
Escape Room LoCo “This adventure will challenge your mind and get your adrenaline pumping as you race the clock. You can only win if you work as a team!” Located next door to MacDowell’s Brew Kitchen in the heart of bustling Downtown Leesburg, Escape Room LoCo should be at the top of your es-
cape room list. The site features four unique escape rooms with ever changing themes that offer new and exciting challenges year round. The complex puzzles, attention to detail, kindhearted staff, and stellar location set Escape Room LoCo apart. My group tried out the “Matter of Time” room for an amazing and “timely” adventure. We broke out in record speed, but only after serious problem solving, strong teamwork, and an extremely fun escape game. Think you can beat us? Grab your team of 2-12 and head over to Escape Room LoCo for more information and to book a reservation now! Escape Room Loco is located at 201 Royal St SE Leesburg, VA 20175, Leesburg, VA 20176. To contact Escape Room LoCo, call 703-468-8538, email contact@escaperoomloco. com or visit them online at https://escaperoomloco.com/
Escape Room Herndon “The most immersive fast-paced hour you will which again, are changed out periodically. ever experience. Only the wiliest, most coordinated Escape Room Ashburn is located on Truro Parish teams will escape to the other side. Does your team Drive in Ashburn. have what it takes?”
My group escaped from the now updated room, Escape Room Herndon is ranked as Trip Advisor’s “The Speech.” The activity was not as challenging #1 Escape Room in Virginia, and for good reason! as some of the other escape rooms I’ve come across, Three rooms with revolving themes exist inside but it still required a great deal of problem solving the Elden Street location, and each promise an en- and made for an exciting, memorable time. thralling experience. Looking to build your escape artist skills? Visit EsMy team escaped a now updated room called “The cape Room Ashburn and try out their rooms! Crypt.” It was down to the wire, but we managed to break out with an exciting, challenging adventure All of the Escape Room companies accommodated COVID restrictions and only allowed for private under our belts! room bookings. Some even feature virtual escape Do you have what it takes? Book a room at Escape rooms, which are available to book online. Room Herndon to find out! If you’re looking for a fun, unique, COVID-safe Escape Room Loco is located at 404 Elden St. Her- option for your upcoming summer that will keep don, VA 20170. To contact Escape Room Herndon, call your critical thinking skills engaged between school 571.306.2279 or visit them online at sessions, try out a Loudoun County escape room! https://www.escaperoomherndon.com/ Some of your brain cells may even stay intact!
Escape Room Ashburn
“Here at Escape Room Ashburn we pride ourselves on delivering immersive and exciting activities for your friends, family, and co-workers to enjoy.” If you’re seeking a beginner-based escape room, Escape Room Ashburn is the place to go! The location features four divergently themed rooms,
Escape Room Loco is located at 442882 Truro Parish Dr Ste. 205, Ashburn, VA 20148. To contact Escape Room Ashburn call 571.306.2606 or visit them online at https://www.escaperoomashburn.com/
Article by Layne Sheplee Photo by Ella Huck
A Parisian Cafe in Western Loudoun La Petite Lou Lou is the sweetest creperie in Loudoun (although it also serves savory plates). Antique decor, French music, and authentic French cuisine replicate the culture of 1930s Paris. The Loudoun location may be located on Main Street in Purcellville but its ambience magically transports visitors to the heart of France.
Sliced Brie & Apricot Jam Crepe Signature crepe with warm, gooey brie cheese and tart apricot jam
La Petite Lou Lou pumps out French infused coffee, flavorsome sweet and savory crepes, hand-made croissants and pastries, and serves a vast selection of French and regional wine selections to guests seven days a week.
Berry Crepe Signature crepe with sweet blueberry sauce and whole berries
At the time of our team’s visit to the creperie, La Petite LouLou featured charming greenhouse dining areas in the outdoor courtyard. Our own reserved greenhouse provided the perfect, socially distanced enclosure to sample the extensive menu. Each tested dish was delicious and captured a mouth-watering taste of France in every bite.
French Ham and Brie Crepe Signature crepe with savory ham and melted brie cheese
Croque Madame Sweet rosemary ham, melted gruyere cheese, classic French Bechamel sauce, and crisp sourdough bread, topped with a drippy fried egg Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich Sliced tomato, mozzarella cheese, and a home-made refreshing pesto sauce
Note: Although we sampled several beverages and dishes at La Petite Lou Lou, not all that we tasted is pictured in this article.
Smoked Salmon Sandwich Smoked salmon, citrusy lemon crema, and sour pickled onions
Drinks Homemade Elderflower Soda
La Petite Loulou is located at 713 E Main Street, Purcellville, Virginia.
“French-Toast” Crepe Signature crepe spiced with cinnamon, fragrant maple syrup, and melted better
Article and photos by Layne Sheplee.
Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich
Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Croque Madame
Berry Crepe
You Can Do Anything Here--
The only prerequisite is that it makes you happy. Painting in the beloved style of Bob Ross provides an opportunity to relax and unwind from a stressful day, while creating something beautiful and meaningful that can be shared with friends and family. Bob Ross’s style of painting isn’t typical. In oil painting, one waits between layers to let them dry before putting on more layers. Bob Ross however, uses a wet-on-wet style, which is painting on top of layers before drying to create more textures, and to make a quicker painting. Painting in watercolors and following along with his tutorials gives painters the freedom and control of oil paints. Bob Ross uses simple techniques, making it easy for viewers to follow along. Here are a few tips to guide you should you tune in to an episode of Bob Ross’s Joy of Painting. 1. Gather your supplies To make a Bob Ross painting in watercolors, you’ll need a few simple supplies. Here’s what you’ll need: Painting pans, tubes, or liquid watercolors — primary colors are all that’s needed, but a variety pack will give more options; Watercolor brushes — size 2 and size 6 straight brushes, size 4
fan brush, and size 2 and 5 round brushes (sizes can be substituted); (Optional) Highlighter white gouache paint — in water colors, it can be hard to use white, as it’s very transparent, so using gouache (an opaque paint that acts similar to watercolors) will help with highlights; Watercolor paper — paper designed specifically for watercolors is preferable, as other paper cannot hold the water and will fall apart; 2 small glasses of clean water and a towel — one glass to mix with the paint, another glass to clean brushes; last, you’ll need a towel to dry brushes. 2. Plan your painting Now it’s time to choose which Bob Ross tutorial to follow along. The pictures are from painting along with Season 31, episode 1 “Reflections of Calm.” To have a smoother painting experience, choosing and mixing colors beforehand is key. Especially for watercolors, the best time to add more colors and blend is when the paper is wet. The paint can be reactivated in case it dries before applying more. When this happens, it is important to cover the whole piece of paper with more water. When it is glossy but not pooling in corners, it is the right amount. Bob Ross has a few different colors, and with watercolors it will
be easy to match them by mixing until it is a preferred shade. Watching the colors he has in the tutorial will help you plan what you need, as the colors are shown before he starts painting. One of the amazing things about Bob Ross is that he doesn’t sketch before painting. In this way, all that needs to be done before starting, is to choose a tutorial, and keep in mind, “You can do anything here — the only prerequisite is that it makes you happy.” - Bob Ross 3. Begin with your background This starts with a sky, followed by adding more paint and blending enough for the sky to melt into a river or pond at the bottom. Bob Ross loves for mountains to be in the background, with mist slowly creating a transition to the foreground. The technique he uses for the sky is “Criss Cross strokes,” where he goes back and forth in a small area with a brush in X strokes. To paint mountains, Bob Ross uses a palette knife, scraping with a small roll of paint on the edge and using pressure to paint the tops of the mountains. He then uses a brush to blend the excess paint downward, toward the bushes or trees. Next, he uses the palette knife with white or grey paint and scrapes down on one side to create an effect of snow. In watercolors, it can be hard to mimic the use of a palette knife. To create this effect, use a brush and blend downward as normal for the mountains. For the highlights, use white gouache paint with a dry brush, and it will work the same way. Don’t worry if you make a “mistake,” after all: “We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents.” - Bob Ross 4. Paint your foreground The foreground often includes bushes, trees, cabins, and more. The technique that Bob Ross uses to paint trees is to take a fan brush and paint side to side while moving slowly down, tilting the fan brush right and left. For bushes, he takes a large brush, and uses the ends of the bristles to dab on paint. Using different shades of yellow and green, this makes an effective texture for bushes. Try different techniques, make a new world that makes you happy. As long as it makes you happy, it’s a great painting. In the words of the amazing artist: “You can do anything you want to do. This is your world.” - Bob Ross 5. Add your finishing touches Add highlights, shading, and anything you want that makes this your own painting. Now it’s time to sign your painting. Bob Ross uses a round brush to sign with his initials in red paint. However, you can make your own signature or logo with whatever color you like. After all, you just made a beautiful painting! As Bob Ross wisely said, “It’s so important to do something every day that will make you happy.” What will you do today? Article by Ebaadah Martinez-Jaka, Photos by Loudoun Community Press
Be Cool in Loudoun this Summer Your Guide to Water Parks & Outdoor Water Features
Summer in Northern Virginia brings sun, heat, and fun oppor-
tunties to cool off. While a dip in the neighborhood pool may be your go-to option for relief from hot summer temps, if you’re looking to change up the scenery and add adventure, a visit to the area’s waterparks and splash pads may be exactly what you’re looking for. Not sure where to go? No need to worry because we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to Northern Virginia’s Waterparks and Waterpads for Summer 2021. Waterparks Atlantis Waterpark Located at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia, Atlantis Waterpark features a 500 gallon dumping bucket, a 230-foot open slide, a 170-foot enclosed slide, a play island, sprayers, cannons, a baby pool, sand play area, and a large pool for swimming. Atlantis Waterpark is following CDC guidelines for the health and safety of park employees and guests. For more information or to plan your visit, view https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/atlantis-waterpark. Atlantis Waterpark, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA 20121, 703-631-0552, atlantiswaterpark@nvrpa.org Volcano Island Waterpark Volcano Island Waterpark is located within Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, Virginia. Park features a large play feature with tube slides, open slides, fountains, squirters, and platforms. The island is positioned in shallow water and features a small kiddie pool. Additionally, the splash pad includes water cannons, showers, sprinklers, buckets and more. If you’re up for more adventure after a trip to Volcano Islan, you can stop by the Volcano Island Mini Golf course, located next door to the waterpark. Volcano Waterpark is following CDC guidelines for the health and safety of park employees and guests. For more information or to plan your visit, view https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/volcano-island-waterpark Volcano Island Waterpark, 20015 Volcano Island Drive, Sterling, VA 20165, 703-430-7683, volcanoislandwaterpark@nvrpa.org The Watermine Family Swimmin’ Hole Experience the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with more than an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables, and water playground. Guests can relax on a float down the 725foot lazy river, slide off covered wagons or slides of various sizes and intensities at Pete’s Peak. Thrill-seekers can test their balance on the log walk obstacle course. Tenderfoot Pond, meanwhile, provides respite for guests with toddlers. Children can explore spray fountatins, bubblers, and a tot spray area. The Watermine Family Swimmin’ Hole is following CDC guidelines for the health and safety of park employees and guests. For more information or to plan your visit, view https:// www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine The Watermine Family Swimmin’ Hole, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA, 22039, FCPA-Waterminereservations@fairfaxcounty. gov
Outdoor Water Features, Pools, Mini Golf, and More! Village at Leesburg Kids’ Play Area/ Pop-up Fountain The Village Leesburg provides a Pop-Up Fountain and Bubble Spectacular! Guests are encouraged to obey all signage. Prior to your visit, check the website for COVID-19 restrictions and hours. Village at Leesburg, Village Market Blvd. near Rita’s, 1602 Village Market Boulevard, Leesburg, VA 20175, https://www.villageatleesburg.com/ Franklin Park Pool Located in western Loudoun County, Franklin Park Pool is located within a 203 acre outdoor recreational facility. A large swimming pool is accompanied by slides of varying sizes, water features, a splash pad play area and a spraying mushroom. Guests can enjoy a visit to the pool, visit the nearby Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts, sand volleyball courts, a sportsplex and fields, tennis courts, picnicing, disc golf and more. Franklin Park Pool, 17501 Franklin Park Dr, Purcellville, VA 20132, https://www.loudoun.gov/1568/Franklin-Park-Pool Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center Pools Conveniently located, this park features a giant water slide, children’s play area, hot tub, vortex, lazy river and free swim/play area. A 25-yard by 50-meter competition pool is also available. Visitors can also challenge themselves to the climbing wall, visit the Frogmore Nature Center, hike trails, and visit the Lanesville Heritage area. Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center Pools, 46105 Loudoun Park Ln, Sterling, VA 20164, https://www.loudoun. gov/1259/Claude-Moore-Recreation-Community-Center
We’ve Been Protesting
When George Floyd was killed at the hands of four Minnesota po-
Watching the protests and riots unfold across the country last year reminded me of Latasha Harlins and Rodney King in 1991 and 1992. Latasha Harlins, age 15, was shot and killed by a store owner that suspected she was trying to steal a bottle of orange juice. Rodney King was beaten by four Los Angeles police officers. Despite video evidence in both cases, the store owner who killed Latasha Harlins had her sentence overturned by the presiding judge, who decided to give her 400 hours of community service. The four officers involved in the beating of Rodney King were all acquitted.
George Floyd’s death may have been the catalyst for domestic and international protests last summer, but it was not the first and sadly, not the last. His murder was preceded by the deaths of Maurice Gordon, age 28, on May 23, Rayshard Scales, age 30, on May 14, Joshua Johnson, age 35, on May 22, Joel Acevedo, age 25, on May 19, Daniel Prude, age 41, on March 23, Breonna Taylor, age 26, on March 13 and Ahmaud Arbrery, age 25, on February 23. Two days after George Floyd died, Tony McDade, age 48, was killed by police officers in Tallahassee, Florida.
What struck me most during my reflections on the ongoing and constant police brutality against African Americans was hearing the surprise that the protests and riots were taking place in response. A sentiment that was often shared with me in conversation was though individuals felt empathetic to what happened to George Floyd and denounced Derek Chauvin’s actions, many didn’t think that what happened warranted escalation. Although the need for protests saddened me, I can’t say that I was surprised to see it.
lice officers in the summer of 2020, protests ignited across the U.S. and around the world. Despair and outrage in Minneapolis set off protests in Atlanta, New York City, Buffalo, Washington D.C. and Portland to speak out against police brutality. In Paris, 20,000 people marched in protest; in Germany, 100,000 people in 40 cities came out to march and take a stand. Although George Floyd should still be alive today, his untimely death now must inspire social justice work around the world.
In the weeks that followed, I took some time off work. George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbrery’s deaths in particular, weighed heavily on me. I was sad, angry, and frustrated; I found it hard to focus and concentrate on my work. I reflected on my own life and my own experiences with law enforcement. I reflected on law enforcement within my community back home in Oakland, California. The African American community in Oakland has a long, more than strained history with local law enforcement. I thought a lot about Oscar Grant, who in 2008, was shot and killed by a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) police officer while handcuffed face down on a subway platform. Protests and riots followed but stayed relatively local and garnered very little attention beyond our Bay Area community.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I think that America must see that riots do not develop out of thin air. Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned, as vigorously as we condemn riots. In the final analysis, a riot is a language of the unheard. And what is it, that America has failed to hear?” He would go on to say, “It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of “white” society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality, and humanity. And so, in a real sense our nation’s summers of riots are caused by our nation’s winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again.”
So, what is it that America has failed to hear? Repeatedly, African American people and people of color have peacefully told stories about the injustices and violence they’ve encountered. One way Black people have peacefully protested injustices for generations, has been through art, most notably, music. From old negro spirituals to jazz, rock ’n’ roll, blues, and hip-hop, one can find Black artists speaking on issues relevant to their time. In and through that music, you can hear the anger, frustration, sadness, despair and pain; but, you can also hear the optimism and hope.
One goal of We’ve Been Protesting is to provide visitors with a chance to engage with the music and the stories and to participate by contributing directly to the timeline. Though George Floyd’s death is a national tragedy, it inspired us to document protest messages in works of art across the history of the United States. The mission of We’ve Been Protesting is to help educate and create dialogue opportunities: a positive force for change among devastating circumstances.
To learn more about the We’ve Been Protesting Project and to beco me a part of the change, visit them at: http://www.wevebeenprotestTo catalog African American and Black people’s history of protest, ing.com I helped found and launch the We’ve Been Protesting Project. The project features a website displaying a timeline and juxtaposes his- Instagram: @wevebeenprotesting torical events with protest songs over a 100-year period. Viewers and Facebook: www.facebook.com/wevebeenprotesting listeners can scroll through the history of events and music and click Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39MnMu5 on its links to two playlists on Spotify and YouTube Music. Users YouTube Music: https://bit.ly/31NW4sz can listen and learn from each song featured on the project, think about the corresponding historical context surrounding the musi- -cians’ work, and take in the protest messages, in a chronological order. Article by Brett Washington
“Getaway,” Acrylics on canvas, Jill C. Perla
The Importance of Self-Care During Trying Times The past 14 months have been tough on everyone, especially par-
ents with school-age children and individuals who are “social animals”, who thrive on face-to-face contact. Electronics have been vital to our connection with the outside world. But that can bring stressors. Self-care hasscenes become Behind the on so theimportant. And it can be easy. Here are just a few set ofsuggestions: The Machinery of Dreams. MEDITATE. Take 5 minutes, close your eyes and just breathe. Inhale some fresh air or maybe just the warm scent of your cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Don’t look at your phone, just BE. MOVE. Exercise of any kind will raise the endorphins in your brain and increase your mood and lower your blood pressure. Walk, run, dance – whatever you like. When working from home, get up from your desk during the day and dance to a song that comes across from your smart speaker. And don’t worry if anyone is watching. Just enjoy yourself. SLEEP. Proper rest is so important to not only our physical but also our mental health. Your brain needs to turn off so that our internal systems can rest and regenerate. Have trouble sleeping? Use a non-addictive sleep aid if necessary. Natural sleep aids such as melatonin work for many people. Others, myself included, diffuse essential oils like Lavender with Cedarwood or Orange and doze off like a baby with a full belly. BRAIN DUMP. Sit down with paper and a pen and just write. It may be a list of all the things you have to (or think you have to) do. Get it on paper. Then, the next day, look at it, sort and prioritize it and deal with
the most important first. The other stuff can wait. Or journal about your day. The key is to empty your brain. WRITE LETTERS. Grab some paper, a pen and an envelop and write a note to a dear friend. Just say hello, tell them you miss them, fill them in on how you are doing. We have become too attached to emails. People of all ages love seeing something in their mailbox, handwritten, because it tells them that the sender cared enough to take the time to sit down and write. Other things you can do for your mental health: • • •
Put on a facial mask – yes, even men can do this. It is spending energy on yourself and you may get a good laugh if you look at yourself in the mirror. Read. Develop a list of positive affirmations and read them at least in the morning. Post them on your bathroom mirror. Positive self-talk can help.
With all of that said, if the depressed, anxious, or sad feelings persist, please reach out to someone and don’t be ashamed or fearful of seeking professional help. If it is still tough to get an appointment with a local therapist, there are some extremely reputable and helpful on-line services whereby a professional can assist you in talking through the causes of the feelings. They are all confidential so your conversations are safe. The point here is that you must take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Article by Katrina Cole, President, Friends of Loudoun Mental Health For more information about Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, visit https://www.loudounfriends.org/
Tastemaker Profile Madison Belle
What do you value most as a style and fashion provider in Loudoun County? Developing personal relationships with our customers and helping women understand their personal style and how to dress their body shape so that they save time, shop smarter and feel more confident. What styles are you most excited about for Summer 2021? Classic is always in style. New for summer are washable silk joggers and tees, colored denim, casual dresses and exciting statement jewelry pieces. What causes are closest to your heart? Ride on Ranch Equine Assisted Therapies. They are amazing people and offer occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech pathology and equine mental health services to those in need. How can our readers get involved? Ride on Ranch relies on donors to make their program possible. Donations can be made via rideonranch.org. As a local business owner, you are very busy. What’s your tried and true way to relax after a busy week? Gardening and exercise. What are you reading right now? Right now I am into landscaping design and gardening books.
Madisonbelle in historic Leesburg is a mainstay in town for Loudoun women. Designed with the intention of welcoming friends into a stylish closet, the store is artful, classic and cool. Featuring classic and contemporary designers, Madisonbelle helps clients discover their personal style. For this profile, our editors sat down with owner Shelly Scheerschmidt. How long have you lived in Loudoun County? 22 years You own and operate a popular boutique in Loudoun County. How did you select Loudoun for your fashion boutique? I sought out Madisonbelle specifically. I had shopped here for years and was friends with the original owner. The style offered at the store aligned with my own fashion sense. Describe your experience opening a business in Loudoun County and what changes you have been most excited about. I am thrilled to be a business owner in my favorite place to be - downtown Leesburg. To me, the most exciting recent changes we have implemented are expanding our free professional styling services to virtual styling sessions and personalized style boxes sent directly to customers’ homes. We also provide weekly style tips via our “Style Tip Tuesdays” and our “Fashion Fridays” live on Facebook.
What are your favorite restaurants in Loudoun County? Although I love all the downtown Leesburg restaurants, my favorites are Tuskies, The Wine Kitchen and Echelon. What’s your favorite all purpose handbag? I love Italian leather bags from Bolsa Nova. New for summer are lighter pastels in cross body styles for those on the go. What are your favorite essential oils or perfumes? Since I am allergic to scents, I stick to natural and unscented skincare. What’s on your music playlist? Harry Styles, The Shins, Billie Elish and Justin Timberlake. What shows or movies are you looking forward to watching this summer? I am currently watching Escape to the Chateau. I love watching the restoration of historic French chateaus. Do you have any travel plans this summer? If yes, where are you off to? I am looking forward to time on our boat and further exploring the Chesapeake Bay. What is your favorite local place to get away and relax (hotel, resort, neighborhood, golf course, gym, etc)? My house and garden are perfect places for me to unwind. Madisonbelle is located at 5 Loudoun Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. For more information, visit https://madisonbelle.com/
Kris Loya. Just Keep Painting Kris Loya is “kind of obsessed with flowers.” The 12-year Loudoun resident is a watercolorist with a specialty for floral paintings, who serves the community by teaching art through the Loudoun County Public Library. Persisting through the pandemic, Loya has had no problem taking classes virtually and representing the positive spirit and resilience of Loudoun County. “It’s always been in my nature to just draw and paint; and, [when I was] a kid, my mom encouraged it,” Loya stated while reminiscing on her artisthood. Loya is the first known artist in her family line. With encouragement from her mother, Loya developed a love for art early on, studied it in high school, and taught herself much of what she knows today. Watercolor, in particular, stuck with her. She explains how she discovered watercolors in childhood: “For kids, watercolors are available everywhere, and that’s what I had. Then, in high school, that was what was recommended.” Loya’s love and excitement for the style never faded. She remarked, “I just really like the layered look. And how ethereal looking watercolor is with all those transparent layers. It just excites me to see watercolor. So that’s why I stuck with it.” Nature has always been a huge inspiration for Loya. As a Carribean native, tropical flora and foliage were her first motivators, and started her obsession with flowers. Moving to Loudoun gave Loya a whole new variety of natural phenomena to replicate in her artwork. “It was really interesting to me to see things die in the fall and the winter, since I’ve never had that experience, and then come
right back to life in the spring. It still blows my mind completely that a tree that looks dead, you know, starts spreading little tiny buds, and then, different flowers that cycle through the year. It’s just hugely inspiring.” Several years ago, Loya started teaching watercolor, and her distinct style of the artform, which she says is “just a little different.” She taught at a couple of different settings including the Round Hill Arts Center, The Clay and Metal Loft, and a mass of private lessons. Ultimately, Loya landed a partnership with
Loudoun County Public Library and began teaching in-person lessons at the venue in spring of 2018. “That really allowed me to reach a huge audience. As you can imagine, lots of people rely on the library for everything, so I was able to help a lot of people get started with watercolor and that was really exciting to me.” Since the initiation of the pandemic, her lessons have continued in a virtual setting, and Loya is honored to be one of many artists teaching through Loudoun County Libraries. The transition to online classes was nearly effortless for Loya. In an act of what now seems like fate, she launched her first Skillshare class in February 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. and shut down in-person activities. Skillshare is an online learning community, where educational videos can be accessed through subscription. While the rest of us were trying to figure out how to maneuver Zoom, Loya was just fine-tuning her already established online process. Loya remarked, “I had the equipment, I had the setup. And so I was able to just immediately pick up and start.” In a chat with Loya, we discussed favorite pieces (and equipment), advice, and the remarkable opportunities of Loudoun County living. What is your favorite piece of artwork that you’ve made? “I would say that I have favorites from different times and so there’s this piece that I created last year that I love. It’s maybe not my favorite of all time, but my favorite recent piece. You know, last year was tough. It was really different for a lot of people. I’m sure you had to deal with going to school online, which
was weird, and so I really couldn’t make a whole lot of art last year with everything going on. I mean, yes, I had the free time, but I didn’t have the brain space for it. I had a show at the Middleburg library and I was able to create really great pieces, all in acrylic instead of watercolor, which was super different from me. The colors just kind of brought my world back to life after just being in this small little cocoon all year, and that was one of the few times that I actually ventured out of the house was to hang that artwork at the library. So yeah, so that’s my most special recent piece.” Do you have a favorite paintbrush? “I do have a favorite paintbrush. It’s really funny because watercolor brushes can be really expensive, insanely expensive. My favorite is a 3.99 [dollar] brush from Michaels, and I recommend it to everybody. It’s my favorite. And I mean I’ve even switched back and forth, and I always tend to gravitate to it. It’s called a Simply Simmons brush, and it’s an acrylic brush, but I use it for watercolor. It’s not made with any animal hair or anything, so it’s great for people who are vegan and love animals, and it’s just a great brush and handles very well. It’s really funny that, you know, people expect me to use really expensive equipment, and I go with this little 3.99 brush and they’re like, what?” Has living in Loudoun County shaped your life or your career? “Oh my gosh, yes. I feel like living in Loudoun County gave me the freedom to pursue art. You’re surrounded by so many amazing, amazing artists who have wonderful art careers. Prior to [moving to Loudoun], I didn’t see a whole lot of artists locally where I was from that made careers out of it. It was just sort of hobbyists. Coming here and seeing all these artists that have
these amazing art careers really sort of gave me that permission to pursue it in that way. There’s a lot of opportunity in Loudoun, and everybody sort of works together to help everybody out. It’s very much a small town feel in Loudoun, even though the county is so huge.” What piece of advice do you have for aspiring artists, especially during this time? “To keep painting. Now is a really good time to take classes from teachers that you couldn’t access otherwise because a lot of [artists] people that teach have taken their classes online. So you know, if you’ve thought about taking a class from an artist that you really admire that’s in Spain or Switzerland or somewhere, you can do that from your house in Loudoun County now. My advice is always to just keep painting and keep experimenting with different styles. And, you know, follow people that you like, and see what they’re doing. And a lot of times, artists are really open to answering questions about their process, so if there’s a piece of art that you see that you’re interested in, and you want to know how they did that, reach out and ask, you know, just send an email and people are happy to say, “Ooh yeah, this is what I used and this is how you do that or I have a class on it, [so] you can take my class.” Just don’t stop creating, don’t stop it. Whether it’s painting or drawing or throwing pots, or whatever your art is, just keep doing it. Because the more you do it, the more inspired you get.” Kris Loya’s lessons can be accessed through https://www. krisloya.com. Loya will have artwork at the Gum Spring Library in July and August, and at the Rust Library in September and October. @krisloyaart
Essay: “Being New to Loudoun County” Nearly two years ago in Brazil, my life was calm and easy. I was
surrounded by family and operated my own dental office, which I owned for 15 years. My children David and Lucas, ages 4 and 6, attended an excellent international school. However for a number of reasons, my husband and I ultimately wanted to live in the United States. My husband was building a new freight forwarding company called Porthos International Corporation. For 3 years, our life was upside down; Julio was in the U.S. much of the time and only in Brazil some of the time. Being away from each other for so long was hard. So, two years ago, we decided it was time to move our family to the U.S. It was December, between Christmas and New Years. It symbolized a new beginning but it was our first time alone on this holiday. It was a mark of the changes to come. Our lives would never be the same. I have never had the chance to live in a place with four seasons. Winter, though cold and dark, provided the pleasure of a hot chocolate or a cup of coffee, something I hadn’t enjoyed in snow before. Spring is a renaissance--every single color showed us the value of new beginnings. Then, came summer, which is as if I am at home in Brazil. We loved the hot weather and the bright sun which arrived earlier each day. We appreciated the longer days so that we are able to work and produce more. However, fall is my favorite season. I cannot describe to my friends and family in Brazil the beauty of the colors in this season. For me it is a new painting every day, happening right in front of my eyes. There is so much to learn, understand and discover. It has been
a learning experience for my entire family. Every single day, we learn different words, habits, attitudes, flavors and foods. It has been a pleasure to be part of my new community, which is so diverse and enthusiastic. Leaving Brazil for a new country has not been easy, but I am so grateful and pleased to live in the Loudoun community these last 2 years. We have met so many nice people from across the area who have helped us. I believe more good things will come our way. We are doing our best to be a part of the United States and our local community. We hope to achieve our goals in Loudoun by sending our children to great schools, building my husband’s shipping business in Sterling, and helping our neighbors. We are grateful to finally call Loudoun our HOME. Essay by Erica Morelli, a Loudoun Literacy Council student who lives with her husband and two children in Ashburn.
Loudoun Literacy Council: Enriching Lives and Community
The Loudoun Literacy Council has been changing lives in Loudoun County for over 40 years.
The Loudoun Literacy Council is a non-profit organization that teaches English and provides communication skills to adults and children, in partnership with many organizations, including the Loudoun County Public Library, the Loudoun County Health Department, and Loudoun County Public Schools. They also partner with other nonprofits, like Loudoun Hunger Relief. ”We are in constant partnership with a number of other organizations all to be able to come together to serve the needs of our students,” said Nikki Daruwala, the Executive Director of the Loudoun Literacy Council. Ms. Daruwala oversees the many events and programs that the LLC hosts, including it’s Favorite Book Friday, which encourages people to think about a selected book shared by the Loudoun Literacy Council; another popular program is Read Across Loudoun, when people record themselves reading a book and the recording can be shared to families with younger children. “As Executive Director, I have the absolute honor and the absolute privilege to lead a team of fantastic dedicated volunteers and staff that then provide the programs that we are able to do in the com-
munity,” shared Ms. Daruwala. “So, for me, it’s about how we are able to resource our organization, whether it’s people or financial support. This allows us to be able to do really important and critical work in the community.” For adults, the Loudoun Literacy Council provides classes via Zoom. They also offer training and tutorials to help people who may not know how to get onto electronic platforms. “We’ve been able to provide one-on-one attention through a variety of different media, whether it’s texting, or picking up the phone and having phone conversations with our students. There are several methods we use to be able to stay in touch and be able to support them,” explained Ms. Daruwala. The Loudoun Literacy Council has provided books to children served on a monthly basis in Head Start and STEP programs. These preschool programs are run by Loudoun County Public Schools to help children prepare for kindergarten. For new parents, the Loudoun Literacy Council provides baby book bundles, which are several board books. These could be bilingual books which enable a parent who speaks a language other than English to read in a language they are familiar with. Parents and guardians can learn English side by side as they read to their child.
person. The Loudoun Literacy Council would provide a meal for them, along with “edutainment,” which is educational entertainment. Additionally, the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts would lead programs that included drumming, reading and acting out a book, or participatory reading and learning. Because of COVID-19, the LLC has been hosting Family Literacy Nights online with Zoom. “We continue to remain concerned about the effects of COVID on a widening education gap,” affirmed Ms. Daruwala. “We really truly believe that the work that we do is not in isolation. We have it ingrained in our business model. And our work model is a partnership ethic.” Ms. Daruwala says clients may also have food insecurity. A partnership with Loudoun Hunger Relief and over 2 dozen other area non-profits allows the Loudoun Litearcy Council to provide food services to clients during these unprecedented times.
”Most of a child’s early learning happens really early on and so it’s extremely important that children are read to at a very early age,” Ms. Daruwala stressed.
The Loudoun Literacy Council is truly passionate about this work. Ms. Daruwala mentioned, ”Our immigrant population and communities in Loudoun bring cultural heritage and enrich the fabric of Loudon in such a tremendous way, that we want to be able to help them have a voice, a seat at the table, and be able to vocalize, communicate and participate fully and wholly in what makes Loudon such a beautiful place to live, work, and play.”
“Since COVID-19, the Loudoun Literacy Council has distributed over 16,000 books in the community, with the hopes that children would continue to read” Ms. Daruwala said.
When asked what she would say to everyone in Loudoun County regarding the importance of learning and reading, Ms. Daruwala said, ”In a world full of information, literacy is a basic skill. So think about it. We live in a world that is constantly communicating, whether it’s written, whether it’s verbal, you are always communicating. And if you don’t have the literacy skills that you need, you are left behind. And for us, that is not an acceptable thing. So in a world full of information, literacy is the most basic survival skill.”
Prior to the pandemic, the Loudoun Literacy Council hosted Family Literacy Nights, where families and their children come in
Article by Ebaadah Martina-Jaka, Photo courtesy of Nikki Daruwala.
The Loudoun Literacy Council has responded to COVID-19 by hosting programs and events over Zoom, as well as smaller in-person events with masks and social distancing.
al, professional and personal goals. As an immigrant herself, Natasha knows firsthand the challenges of living and working in community that speaks only English. She credits her language training with helping her to achieve her goals, and finds it deeply rewarding to share that opportunity with her employees.
Community & Business Corner Beginning in the month of May, the Loudoun Literacy Council is providing an 8-week English class through their Jobsite Literacy Program for employees at You’ve Got Maids .The class meets one evening each week via Zoom. Curriculum is customized for employees and incorporates vocabulary and terminology pertinent to their profession. Natasha Magrath, owner of You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia sees this program as a stepping-stone for employees. She hopes this program will motivate them to continue with their own education-
“By giving my team the best training and tools available, including enhancing their English language skills, I feel we are setting them up for not only advancement at You’ve Got Maids, but opportunities to thrive outside of work,” said Magrath. “We have a wonderfully diverse team of cleaning professionals at You’ve Got Maids, and I want them all to have the same opportunities for advancement. By giving them these extra tools, we are giving them a gift they will be able to take with them forever.” The Jobsite Literacy Program helps employees improve their skills, confidence, and productivity which, in turn, benefits the employer and the community at-large. It’s a win-win-win situation for all,” stated Nikki Daruwala, Executive Director, Loudoun Literacy Council. The Loudoun Literacy Council has been providing literacy services for 41 years.
something into the wall and it just works. But, you know, in the early days, it was really unique and transformational. My cofounder and I always envisioned that text alerts would one day be the new standard for safety to keep people out of harm’s way. Now we have the ability to notify people nationwide, perhaps worldwide, about dangerous situations. What is one way you manage your numerous commitments in Loudoun County? It’s all about time management. I always tell my kids to live and die by their calendars. Everything should go on your calendar, no matter what. If you’re going to take a little break, run to the store, brush your teeth, then put it in your calendar so you have everything organized out of your head. That allows you to be able to work on multiple projects, and everything is a project. That’s the thing, too: look at everything as a project. It makes it a lot easier to wrap your head around.
Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Ara Bagdasarian Ara Bagdasarian is a founder for Omnilert, the world’s first edu-
cation emergency notification system. Seventeen years ago, Bagdasarian developed technology that allows mobile phone users to receive emergency warning texts. Bagdasarian also serves on the Leesburg Town Council, is the President of the Arc of Loudoun, the founder of BENEFIT (which unites people with music to raise money for nonprofits) and the author of The Lemonade Stand, a book about entrepreneurship. Recently he sat down with Loudoun County Magazine’s Student Editorial Board for a candid chat about entrepreneurism, work-life balance, and serving the community. LCM Editors: What inspires you? AB: Problems are my inspiration. From an entrepreneurial perspective, when most people experience problems, they run away from them, but entrepreneurs embrace them. An added benefit is that the opportunity to solve difficult problems allows entrepreneurs to innovate and impact and even save lives, long term. Your technology existed for years prior to the Virginia Tech shooting, however, once this tragedy took place, competing technology emerged. How were you able to stay ahead of the curve? I think about electricity and how nowadays we take it for granted. But electricity is an amazing technology; you just plug
Do you talk about time management in The Lemonade Stand? Regarding The Lemonade Stand, I wrote that with my partner because we met potential entrepreneurs who had great ideas and would share their ideas with us. Then I would see them a year later and ask ’Hey, how’s it going?’ And they would say, “You know, I don’t have the time and I have to write a business plan. I have to raise money. I just can’t, I just can’t do it.” After hearing that about, you know, 100 times, we thought, hey, why don’t we do something about this? Because both my partner and I never went to business school. We didn’t study the field that we’re in, and we learned a lot of lessons the hard way. In fact, before we started Omnilert, we started like four or five other businesses. So it wasn’t like there’s one shot and that was it. We learned a lot. The whole essence of our core philosophy is that a problem is an opportunity. So how do you embrace opportunities? How do you embrace the problems and do something innovative? Can you do something better based on that problem that you experienced? The Lemonade Stand is not a step by step guide. It’s more about embracing problems, and that optimism is core to entrepreneurship. Optimism is when you’re hopeful about the future, and you ask ‘Will I take it one step further?’ And it’s more about seeing a better future and then actually being able to do that, selling your ideas, concepts, because it really is about selling your concepts to the people to get things done. Do you think you’ve learned more by actually being on the ground learning everything about business step by step? I think you have to do things rather than just study. The thing is, with entrepreneurship, you can get started today. You don’t have to wait until you have a degree in business or a degree in something else. Entrepreneurship is what I consider to be a mindset. It’s a mindset of embracing problems, embracing challenges and doing things--not just talking but actually doing things. I’m always reading books about business and entrepreneurship. Learning should be a lifelong process. So, learning the hard way, going back, and understanding why we did certain things, or how things can work better, is also very important. The key thing about entrepreneurship is: don’t wait. Start something if you have an idea. If I could go back, I would say, hey, anytime you have an issue or a problem, go ahead, start something right now. There’s a student at George Mason that I’ve been mentoring. He’s studying environmental science. And he started a new company to work with businesses on establishing green
practices even though he is still in school. The point is, get started now. Interview by Loudoun County Magazine Student Editors
Loudoun County Public Library “Write On” Submissions, Loudoun Literacy Council Student Work, and At-Large Submissions “Recuerdos Cubanos.”Oil on aluminum panel, Suzanne Lagos Arthur
During
the pandemic, students at the Loudoun Literacy Council pressed on and persevered with their language learning. The following submissions come from an intermediate to advanced class of adult learners who work at Fabbioli Wine Cellars in Leesburg. Students were asked to write about their favorite hobby. “My favorite hobby is hiking. It is so relaxing to see nature. I started hiking by helping my family take care of our animals: sheep, cows, and horses. Hiking was part of our work. It was fun to take the cattle different places and walk the sheep to the woods. Hiking is part of me.” ~Celia “I started making wine when I was 25 years old. My boss, Doug Fabbioli, was my teacher. Over the last 5 years, I have practiced and experimented. Now that I have experience making wine, I feel ready to teach others, including my wife, how to make wine.” ~Arturo
“Swimming is my favorite hobby. I started swimming when I was six years old. My cousin taught me. Since then, I have practiced and taught myself. After swimming for 19 years, I want to swim the sea.” ~Lupe “My favorite hobby is listending to music. I have been listening to music all of my life.” ~Rebecca “Cooking is my favorite hobby. Sometimes, cooking is not fun, but I want to learn more about it.” ~Felix
The New Normal Waking up startled Beeping in the background I lay there just trying to Convince myself to move outside of The warm cocoon I’ve created Slowly waking up minute by minute In the few moments of peace I have somehow obtained Then ending up before the laptop And the stress starts to creep in As I remember what lies ahead Focusing on the good only works Until the good is gone Then all is left is the the dreaded The day starts with the good And is gone in the blink of an eye Then the tedious arrives And with it, a neverending stare But somehow the day comes to an end Much quicker than it started I slide back in my cocoon Hoping for a better day Poem by Kundana Parupalli
“Lost But Found” It wasn’t here. It wasn’t in the flurry of bills littering her desk, their bright red numbers mocking her like the high school cheerleader behind her in the lunch line. It wasn’t in the pile of divorce papers awaiting her signature which, despite everything, she still couldn’t find a pen to sign. Wait, was this it… “We regret to inform you…” definitely not! She had to find it. Now more than ever, she needed it. She searched her desk for the sixth time in as many minutes with no success when suddenly, a red sticky note popped out “Don’t forget!” The words, “Permission Form 10th Grade Overnight Trip” peeked out from under the less than subtle sticky. How could she have forgotten! Her palm absentmindedly connected with her forehead in a self-flagellating ritual she now conducted daily. She grabbed one of a dozen pens littering her desk and scribbled her name across, hesitating only when she came to her last name before shaking her head and completing the signature she’d scrawled with ease for the past 24 years. Before she could get back to her search, the Alexa reminder redirected her attention.
grades…divorce…professional help?” Each word shredding her confidence as a mom until she felt as flawed as the ceramic “I’m so glad you’re my mom!” mug that held her pens since her first day at the company 15 years ago. The call had ended with her befuddled and holding the receiver in her hand until the incessant fast beeping began signaling once again someone had left before she was quite ready. The ping of her email brought her back to the present as she braced for what was sure to be another problem. Sure enough, her hus…ex…the boys’ father, had sent an email in which, in a mere four sentences, he conveyed that he refused to provide any funding for the out of state field trip (not surprising), asked if he could have the Tiffany bowl his aunt had given them as a wedding present because he and Kiki were hosting a dinner party on the 19th (seriously?!) and then last, and certainly least he complained about Grant’s attitude towards him (it was always about him). She quickly scribbled a note to herself “drop Aunt Enid’s bowl”… accidentally on purpose leaving the “off ” off. As she slowly lowered the pen she felt dread wash over her.
She grabbed the stack of papers and ran into the kitchen yelling “Boys let’s go!” She picked up the bagel before putting it back on the plate and cursing carbs. She pulled her hair back in a hair tie (wondering when they had stopped calling them scrunchies) as she yelled for her sons again at a decibel and tone her Italian mother would have been proud of. When her cry elicited an unenthused “mmm…k” but no actual sounds of movement, she smiled as she said in a less beseeching tone…”ok, good luck with the bus.” Plaintiff pushing and shoving ensued, followed by two remarkably handsome (she was biased of course, but they were striking) teenage boys thundering down the stairs. She held the stack of papers out and her oldest, Grant, grabbed them as if the final runner in a relay race and sped past her and out the door, his eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Her younger son, Luke, the non-morning person, was ambling at a more leisurely pace and rewarded her with a sideways glance and what she liked to think might have been the start of a smile as he took the paper sack from her other hand. The door slammed and all too quickly they were gone. The silence left in their place was more than she could take right now, even for a minute, and she grabbed her keys and rushed after them. *** Having wasted the last ten minutes mindlessly clicking through work email, slouched in her chair and hiding behind her cube wall, she now straightened up to attempt the 30 second meditation she’d read about last week in the overpriced glossy magazine. Here goes! Eyes closed, deep breath in….slowly…and out. She opened one eye, reading the digital stopwatch on her computer screen which told her she’d made it 14 seconds, and she congratulated herself on her new record. The celebration was short lived however, as her mind drifted back to the hot mess that was her life. Six weeks ago her millennial boss had excitedly promised a pay raise or a bonus or both (!) as she took the completed project binder from older, prematurely wrinkling hands. Now, with a sobering realization she knew that promise was as sincere as a Kardashian product endorsement. Annoyed and angry she deftly avoided the career disappointment downward spiral and instead focused her thoughts on what was really bothering her. Two days ago she had received a call from Grant’s school counselor. The counselor’s bubbly voice implied she was likely used to speaking in emoji’s or emoticons or whatever the heck they’re called, but the counselor’s words had snapped her to attention. “Son…having trouble adjusting…isolated…no friends…slipping
“Lilac Sketch.”Oil on linen panel. Suzanne Lago Arthur. She was worried about Grant. Her mind flashed back to him scraping his remaining dinner into the garbage, the counselor’s call…his obtuse father picking up a shift in attitude, the sunglasses and closed room door. When had the change occurred and how worried should she be? Take a breath. He was fine. They played cards together all the time. Wait. When was the last time they had played cards together? Dammit! Had she been so absorbed in her own problems that she had missed the signs in her son’s behavior? She started to spiral, beating herself up for being a bad mom. Pausing, she took a breath then frantically dug in her purse for the letter which she knew wasn’t in her purse. Maybe, she hoped, maybe it was safely on her desk at home. It had been there last night. The yellowed envelope bearing the postal stamp with the date, 7 May 1975, clearly emblazoned
above an address she no longer remembered. The wavy black lines carefully cancelling out the colorful, funky 10 cent stamp proclaiming, “It all depends on zip code”. She sighed as she took a moment to both celebrate that zip codes had indeed caught on while morning the demise of the cent symbol. The plain white, now yellow, paper inside always made her feel better. This past year she had read it so many times she could recite it like the Pledge of Allegiance. It seems like only a few short days ago you were born. On the day you arrived the whole world became a bit brighter, the birds sang very loud, sweet and happy because I suppose they heard the news too! I can remember holding you in my arms, my angel, your beautiful eyes as big as saucers. How tiny and fragile you were. And I knew that looking at you then, as I do now, what an amazing life you are going to have…what incredible things you are going to do…how many wonderful adventures you have ahead of you. Just remember you will have magnificent days and you will have troubling days, but everything is temporary. So on the difficult days, remind yourself that they will pass, and enjoy the spectacular days because they will end far too quickly. Embrace and enjoy every moment. Know that no matter what happens, I love you with all of my heart. Love, Her grandfather’s name was a mere ink blot now. She so frequently cried while reading his words that by the end, tears would plop down on his signature, and the forty-five year old ink had no fighting chance. He had been gone some thirty plus years now, but his words were relevant for her more than ever. She needed someone to believe in her. Someone to tell her it was going to be at least tolerable if not “magnificent”.
On the drive home from work she formulated a plan. When she got home she would research teenage depression. She would ask her single mom friends for counseling recommendations. She would interrogate his younger brother to see if he had noticed anything, and she would make his favorite dinner. Running into the house, she kicked the front door closed behind her. She threw her bag down on the counter with the mail and pre—heated the oven. She opened the fridge and threw ingredients on the counter before running into her office. On the floor she noticed a yellowed envelope with a colorful stamp and she snatched it up. But when she opened it, it was empty. She gently placed it on top of the divorce papers. Balancing her cell between her ear and shoulder (she really needed to go Bluetooth) she waited for Allison to pick up and was already skimming the Mayo Clinic’s page on teenage depression when she heard the raucous laughter of teenage boys. Wait…laughter? She ended the call faster than a bad first date and minimized the browser. Running into the kitchen she saw her oldest putting his bag on the floor, a Twizzler hanging out of the corner of his mouth. Grant spied the ingredients on the counter and an infectious smile spread across his face. He came over to her and said “Thanks for the letter mom. I almost handed it in with my permission form…man that would have been embarrassing! Did you cry writing it…I could barely read your signature!” His hug ended before she realized it had started and he left the room. Halfway up the stairs he paused and shouted down “Mom, you want to play cards after dinner?” And suddenly the day was magnificent. Story by Tara Ayn Bahr Originally published with the Loudoun County Public Library
Summer 2021 Family Events 5th Annual Colonial Kids Day Do you and your family enjoy learning about history? Join the Clarke County Historical Association to experience activities such as blacksmithing, craft making, colonial games, a scavenger hunt, and living history interpretation on July 10th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. 15 Tannery Ln, Millwood, Virginia For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/burwell-morgan-mill/colonial-kids-day/133202265143219/
Loudoun Movie Nights Gather around with friends and family to view your favorite movies on the big screen. Admission is free or has a nominal cost. Movies start at sunset, and reservations may be required. Visit websites for more informatiion and COVID-19 safety and precautions. South Riding: visit: https://www.southriding.net/sr-events/movie-night/ Ashburn Village: https://www.facebook.com/AshburnVillageSportsPavilion/ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: https://drafthouse.com/northern-virginia/movies/drive-in-movies
Crawlin’4 Gracie’s Gowns 2021 Jeep Show This is the fourth annual for Crawlin’4 Gracie’s Gowns. Support a worthy cause and have fun with your family this August 21st. Exciting activities for children, food vendors, and lots of Jeeps from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event is held once a year and never fails to impress newcomers. For additional information on this event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/finlay-fire/crawlin4-graciesgowns-2021/353433009004685/
World Heritage Festival & Kite Festival Kites, performances, and food from around the world at the World Heritage and Kite Festival. Come out to Ida Lee Park on August 21st from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm to experience different cultural customs. Various kid zones with activities and games all day.
Loudoun’s Summer Concerts Tarara Summer Concert Series Enjoy flavorful wine and concerts? Well, we’ve got the event for you, The Tarara Summer Concert Series. Hear live music every Saturday starting on July 3rd from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Shadow Lake in Tarara Winery from Memorial Day Weekend through the last Saturday of September. For more information on the concert, visit https://www.tararaconcerts.com/schedule
Brambleton Summer Concert Series What speaks more to the mind than free and music. Come out to The Brambleton Summer Concerts on these dates, June 18th, July 2nd, July 16th, July 30th, and August 13th to experience various artists.The Concerts last from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the children focused opening acts from 6:30 pm until 7:15 pm. *Brambleton Residents and their guests only. To be more informed on the Concert, visit http://brambletonhoa.com/258/Summer-Concert-Series
Acoustic on the Green Experience one of the most popular Leesburg Summer attractions, Acoustic On The Green, starting on June 5th with other artists performing through August, each event held from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on the Town Green. For more information, visit https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/parks-recreation/events/acoustic-on-the-green
Cancer Can Rock If you’re looking to have a good time while helping a good cause, come out to Cancer Can Rock held on June 13th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at 868 Estate Vineyards. This event raises money for musicians with cancer. Music all day, food, wine, craft vendors and more. This is a ticketed event and is open to all. For more information on this rock-out, visit https://868estatevineyards.com/event/concert-cancer-can-rock/ Article by Brandon Esguerra
“Feedstacks II.” Oil on linen panel, Suzanne Lago Arthur
“La Natalie.” Oil on canvas. Suzanne Lago Arthur
“A Breath of Spring,” Oil on canvas panel, Kim Richards
“Floral Medley,” Watercolor, Kris Loya
