Send announcements or events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call 703-917-6454.
The Salvation Army of Loudoun County is collecting school supplies through its Tools for School program at the main entrance to Dulles Town Center and the customer service areas of the Leesburg and Sterling Walmart stores in August.
The program, formerly called Apple Tree, allows shoppers to choose a child's name from the familiar tree and purchase a new outfit including shoes, plus notebooks, calculators, pens, backpacks and other items for that child, then return the items to the tree. The names are provided by the children's families, who must qualify for the program through The Salvation Army office at 12 Cardinal Park Drive. Beginning Aug. 27, Salvation Army volunteers and staff will distribute the supplies to the children.
The "Tools For School" locations are open during the following hours: Dulles Town Center, 10-8 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays; and both Walmart stores, are open store hours. Call 703-771-3371.
Area stores, in cooperation with the Loudoun County Department of Family Services and local nonprofit human service agencies, are holding a drive in August to collect school supplies for children who cannot afford them. Shoppers can donate needed supplies at local Giant stores, the Leesburg Pharmacy, Cascades Library, Curves in Purcellville and all Loudoun County community centers.
Look for a donation box or shopping cart with the School Supplies posters and fliers in participating stores and community centers.
Loudoun nonprofits, government agencies and elementary schools, working with low-income families, will distribute the supplies in time for school in September. Participating agencies include YMCA-Big Friends, Northeast Coalition, Loudoun County Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services, the Loudoun County Youth Shelter, Young Adults Project, Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelter Programs, Loudoun County Department of Family Services, MotherNet Healthy Families Loudoun and several area elementary schools.
Call the Department of Family Services at 703-771-5375.
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is offering the USDA Special Milk Program at St. Theresa School, 21370 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn. The program provides milk to eligible children in schools and child-care institutions who do not participate in other federal meal service programs.
The Giving Circle of HOPE, which helps needy people in Northern Virginia by awarding grants and conducting service programs, has opened its 2008 grant cycle. Grants of $1,000-$5,000 are awarded to nonprofit organizations in December through a competitive process. Grant guidelines and applications are due by Sept. 1 and may be accessed at www.givingcircleofHOPE.org or requested by e-mail at givingcircle@hotmail.com.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics committee has announced the 2008 competition for senior adults 50 years of age and over will be Sept. 20-Oct. 2. More than 20 events will take place during the 10-day competition at various venues. Registration is $10, which includes one event; additional events are $1. Registration forms will be available at senior centers and senior residences or by calling 703-228-3600, Ext. 9996. Registration deadline is Sept. 5.
The Loudoun County Department of Building and Development has launched an awards program to identify and recognize development projects in Loudoun County for their efforts to preserve the county's natural resources through erosion and sediment control.
The program encourages nominations from individuals, industry representatives and county staff to identify those projects that have demonstrated sensitivity to environmental protection issues and continued attention to these issues throughout the duration of construction.
The award categories are single-family residential; single-family residential community; multi-family residential community; commercial/recreational/public projects; linear or atypical projects and tree preservation.
More information, including a link to the online nomination form, can be found at www.loudoun.gov/bd-environmental-awards or by calling the Department of Building & Development, 703-777-0397.
The 2008/09 Loudoun Farms Product Guide is available. This guide helps consumers find local farm products and services throughout the growing season. Among the goods included are eggs, meats, flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, wool products, soaps, herbs and grains. Visit www.loudounfarms.org or to request a copy of the Product Guide call Loudoun County Department of Economic Development at 703-777-0426 or e-mail info@LoudounFarms.org.
The Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association has launched their redesigned and revamped consumer Web site, www.VisitLoudoun.org. The Web site is more user-friendly, easier to navigate and includes many features. In addition to new sections on Food & Wine, Heritage and Gatherings, 36 videos and three color online guides, users are able to create their own visit around Loudoun and map it with Google maps.