Top ten wild animals that will attack pets: Special warning for Ashburn and Northern Virginia area Loudoun County pet owners and companion animal residents

Brambleton, Loudoun County Parkway residents, and Dulles Technology Corridor neighbors, read on. PR Newswire has released a report about the top ten animals likely to attack pets. With so many wooded areas nearby, by food sources growing more and more scarce sue to development, it’s likely that everyone will encounter a wild animal at some point or another — even more so at night while walking dogs in our area. As such, be careful to keep your pet leashed and close in order to prevent an accidental bite from an undesirable non-domestic animal kingdom stranger that crosses your path. Be conscientious while visiting local Virginia and Maryland beaches as well, as swimming dogs are just as likely to come across sea life that can cause injury as adult humans and children are while playing and cooling off in the water.

BREA, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sometimes our pets go looking for a fight, but other times the fight comes to them–from land, sea, and even air. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently reviewed more than 500 laceration/bite wound claims in search of animal-inspired incidents to determine which wild animals most frequently attacked and injured companion pets in 2008. In addition to the usual suspects–snakes, coyotes and raccoons–VPI received claims for pet injuries caused by a squirrel, scorpion, javelina, porcupine, ground hog, skunk, rat, goat, beaver, woodchuck, black bear, mountain lion, hawk, rabbit, sea urchin, and jellyfish. Following are the 10 animals aside from dogs and cats that were most responsible for pet injury claims in 2008:

Top 10 Animals To Attack Pets —————————– 1. Snake ————- 2. Coyote ————- 3. Raccoon ————- 4. Squirrel ————- 5. Scorpion ————- 6. Javelina ————- 7. Porcupine ————- 8. Ground Hog ————- 9. Skunk ————- 10. Rat ————-

Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Snakebites may require antivenin and scorpion stings may cause allergic reactions requiring antihistamines. Treatment protocols vary depending on the severity of the attack and costs can range from hundreds of dollars for bandages or stitches to thousands of dollars for surgery for damaged organs or broken limbs.

Though animal attack claims came from all areas of the country, javelina and scorpion claims were exclusive to the state of Arizona. Javelinas, or peccaries, are feral pig-like omnivores native to the southwestern United States. They have been known to viciously attack both pets and people. For a detailed account of a javelina attack on a VPI-insured pet, visit http://press.petinsurance.com/pressroom/267.aspx.

“Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “VPI’s data reveals that not all members of the animal kingdom observe backyard fences, or appreciate the curiosity of a pet that may enter their territory. Always make sure that a pet’s rabies vaccine is up to date and if you know that potentially dangerous wild animals are present, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, take extra care to keep your pet close and secure.”

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet Well Care Protection for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

2009 ‘4th of July’ Weekend in Loudoun County: Fireworks schedule and more from the Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Service

PRCS SPECIAL EVENTS IN JULY 2009

LOVETTSVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
(All ages) Celebrate Independence Day early in Lovettsville with a hometown parade, followed by activities at the Community Center ball field. Live music, food, refreshments, and awesome fireworks add to the fun! This event is sponsored by the Lovettsville CC Advisory Board. Advance tickets are $3.00. Call 540-822-5284.
Location: Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville, VA
$4/Ages 13 & up, $3/Ages 3-12, Free/under 3
Friday 7/3 5:30P- 9:30P

JULY 4th OPEN HOUSE AT HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM
(All ages) The Heritage Farm Museum is a great place to spend the Independence Day holiday with friends, family, and out-of-town guests. Celebrate the contribution of Loudoun farmers during WWII with a “Heroes on the Home Front” exhibit that provides opportunities for sharing family histories, making crafts, and learning about your local community. The museum will offer special holiday hours. Call 571-258-2800.
Location: Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA
Free event
Saturday 7/4 Exhibit hours: 11:A-12:00P, Museum Hours:10:30A- 3:00P

OL’ TIME 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
(All ages) Celebrate an old-fashioned July 4th with pony and wagon rides, music, crafts, “Reptiles Alive,” nature exhibits, family style games, and historic tours. Please use the Loudoun Park Lane entrance. Call 571-258-3700.
Location: Claude Moore Park , 2154 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, VA
$5/suggested family donation
Saturday 7/4 10:30A- 3:00P

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN MIDDLEBURG
(All ages) Celebrate Independence Day in Middleburg. The Community Center pool will be open from 11:00A-6:00P. The evening features music, games, contests, food, and fireworks at dusk. Call 540-687-6375.
Location: Middleburg Community Center, 300 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA
Free event
Saturday 7/4 6:00P- 9:00P

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT FRANKLIN PARK
(All ages) Celebrate America’s Independence Day while enjoying the local folk group, The Polka Dots, along with bluegrass sensation and headliner, Acoustic Burgoo. Food and concessions and fireworks at dark add to the celebration. Call 540-338-7973.
Location: Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville, VA
$5.00/carload
Saturday 7/4 6:00P

ART EXHIBIT: “LENS ON LOUDOUN”
(All ages) Life in Loudoun is the subject of this juried photography exhibition of local and regional photographers. An artists’ reception will be held on July 10 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This exhibit is presented by the Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center. Call 540-338-7973.
Location: Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA
Exhibit runs 7/10-7/31

OUTDOOR MOVIE IN THE TOWN GREEN
(All ages) A family-friendly movie begins at dark. Bring chairs and blankets. Co-sponsored by the Town of Lovettsville and Lovettsville Community Center. Call 540-822-5282 or visit http://www.loudoun.gov/lovettsvillecc for movie title.
Location: Lovettsville Town Green, 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA
Free event
Friday 7/10 7:00P-10:00P

MISSION IMPROMPTU
(All ages) Catch the hilarious antics of the Leesburg Theatre Company’s improvisation group. Light refreshments will be available. Call 571-258-3400.
Location: Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, VA
Donations appreciated
Wednesday 7/8 7:30P- 9:00P

THE GROWING STAGE CAMP: THE WHO’S TOMMY
(All ages) Young drama campers present Peter Townsend’s tale of a young boy’s journey from pain to triumph in an electrifying evening of rock and rolle. Call 540-338-7973 to reserve your seats.
Location: Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA
Free event
Thursday 7/9 7:00P
Friday 7/10 1:00P

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

(Ages 3-11) Children will be treated to dinner and lots of fun activities while parents enjoy a night on the town. Call 540-338-5882.
Location: Philomont Community Center
$20.00
Friday 7/10 5:00P- 9:00P

COMMUNITY YARD SALE
(Ages 18 & up) The space rental price includes a general ad in local classified section. Free admission for shoppers. Table rental is available for $5. Call 703-771-5913.
Location: Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA
$10.00
Saturdays 7/11, 7/18, 7/25 8:00A- 2:00P

JULY BOOK SWAP
(All ages) Swap books for your summer reading. Children’s and adult books on tape/CD, music CDs, VHS/DVD movies are all welcome. Books and magazines in large print are needed.
Location: Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling, VA
Free event
Saturday 7/11 10:00A-12:00P

CHEERLEADING MINI-CLINIC
(Grades 1-6) This special summer clinic is presented by the Loudoun Valley High School cheerleaders for all levels/abilities. Session covers stunts, tumbling, motions, and dance, and ends with a five-minute performance. Participants should bring beverage and lunch. Call 571-258-3400.
Location: Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, VA
$20.00
Saturday 7/11 9:00A-12:00P

SUMMER KICKS SOCCER TOURNAMENT
(Ages 4-6) Join Douglass Community Center’s third annual soccer tournament. Practice on Thursday; play on Friday. All players receive a T-shirt. Register in advance. Call 703-771-5913.
Location: Douglass Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way, Leesburg, VA
$10.00
Thursday, Friday 7/16-7/17 6:30P- 7:30P

GYPSY
(All ages) A cast of talented local teens and adults present this award-winning musical. Join Rose, June, and Louise in their trip across America in the 1920’s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Call 540-338-7973 to reserve your seats.
Location: Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA
$15/Adults, $12/Students/Seniors
Thursday 7/16 7:00P
Friday 7/17 7:00P
Saturday 7/18 2:00P & 7:00P
Sunday 7/19 3:00P

CELEBRATE ICE CREAM DAY
(All ages) Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at historic Lucketts Community Center with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Call 703-771-5281.
Location: Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg, VA
Free event
Monday 7/20 12:00P- 2:00P

VIRGINIA DGIF HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS
(Ages 16 & up) This is a must class for all local hunters. Advanced registration is required. Both sessions are needed for certification. Lunch and refreshments will be sold. Call 703-771-5281.
Location: Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg, VA
Free event
Saturday 7/25 8:00A-5:00P
Sunday 7/26 1:00P-5:00P

PRINCESS FOR A DAY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
(All ages) Families will join the court of the Virginia Dairy Princess Program for princess lessons and ice cream at an old-fashioned social. Girls are invited to show off their new princess skills in a pageant beginning at 1:00 p.m. The first 100 children receive a tiara. Call 571-258-3800 to register.
Location: Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA
$5.00/adult; $3.00 child
Saturday 7/25 12:00P- 2:00P

SUMMER THUNDER CAR SHOW
(All ages) Bring your best ride to the largest, single-day cruise-in show in Virginia! Car buffs, gear heads, racing fans, and anyone who loves driving or watching these special cars will enjoy a fun-filled, show-and-tell kind of day! There will also be food, entertainment, vendors, and – new this year – a kids’ area! Call 540-338-7603.
Location: Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville, VA
Free event
Saturday 7/25 3:00P-7:00P

THE GROWING STAGE CAMP: PIRATES OF PENZANCE
(All ages) Young drama campers present this hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric major general – all morally bound to the often ridiculous dictates of honor and duty. Call 540-338-7973 to reserve your seats.
Location: Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA
Free event
Thursday 7/30 7:00P
Friday 7/31 1:00P

Loudoun County Fireworks Shows and Date listed by Community: 4th of July

2009 Fireworks Displays in Loudoun County for Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations — General Listings about where to go and how to plan your festivities. Things to do for Dulles Technology Corridor residents.

Listed here by community area… fun activity for children and parents — a patriotic thing to do to celebrate the holiday with friends is to plan a meet-up with family and friends to watch the fireworks together as an annual event. Fireworks displays make a wonderful low cost date night alternative, too!

EARLY DATE!!! Tuesday, June 28th

• Brambleton Fireworks Display – 9:30pm (rain date June 29)
• Dulles Town Center – 9:30pm (rain date June 29)

Friday, July 3rd

• South Riding Display at SR Golf Club- 9:30 (rain date July 5)
• Waterford – 9pm (rain date July 5)
• Lansdowne Resort- 9:25pm (NO rain date) ** There will be a concert beginning at 7:30pm.  Fireworks will follow.
• Eastern Loudoun Independence Day Celebration – 9:15pm (event is hosted at Sterling Golf Club)
• Lovettesville Community Center -9:15pm (Parade will begin at 5:30 at the community center.  DC3 will provide entertainment at 7pm)

Saturday, July 4

• Franklin Park – 9:30pm (rain date July 5)
• Ashburn Village – 9:30pm  (rain date July 5)
• Middleburg Community Center – dark (rain date July 5)
• Hillsboro Community Center – dark (rain date July 6)
• Claude Moore Park (old fashioned 4th of July) – Events held all day from 10:30am – 3pm (donations suggested)
• Ida Lee Festivities – 9:30pm (rain date July 5) – Parade begins at 10am.  Gates open at 6pm for live entertainment before the fireworks display.

For more information about fireworks displays in Loudoun County for 2009, please visit https://brambletonbuzz.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/4th-of-july-weekend-in-loudoun-county-fireworks-schedule-and-more-from-the-loudoun-county-parks-and-recreation-service/.

Mid-Terms and Cold Weather of Winter Making Your Student Blue? Hire a Private Local Tutor to Help Improve Grades and Family Mood

Tri-Ed Tutoring of Northern Virginia can help you.

Welcome to the academic solution that cures low grades and helps elevate middle of the year student moods: PRIVATE TUTORING.

If your elementary, middle school, or high school age student is struggling this season to keep their grades up or would really like to see grades improve, having academic assistance from a private tutor from Tri-Ed Tutoring might just be the thing for you.

Tri-Ed Tutoring, LLC serves students all over the DC Metro Region.

Tri-Ed Tutoring has tutors in all major areas of Northern Virginia (Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlington, and Alexandria). They have tutors in Washington DC.  They have a wide range of teachers and education specialists available to help students with all their academic needs living and teaching in areas as far South as Richmond, Virginia and as far North as Baltimore County, Maryland. Recommendations for the high quality of their tutoring professionals are aplenty, too.

Tri-Ed Tutoring, LLC serves students of all ages and grade levels.

The business offers S.A.T. Prep classes and tutoring for all K-12 public school and private school students in the following subjects: English Improvement (ESL), Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Science, Basic Study Skills (Homework Assistance), GT (Gifted Enrichment), SPED/LD (Special Education/Learning Disabilities), Foreign Language, Elementary Education, Basic College Research (Advanced Thesis), Middle School and High School Group Study, Make Up Work (Homebound Study), Homeschooling, Adult Education (GED PREP) and Writing.

For more information about private tutoring services, please visit:

http://www.tri-edtutoring.com

VOTING BOOTH LOCATIONS: Where to Vote in Loudoun County during the 2008 Presidential Elections

Loudoun County Polling Places Excerpt from www.loudoun.gov Blue Ridge District Broad Run District Catoctin District Dulles District Leesburg District Potomac District Sterling District Sugarland Run District Polling places in Loudoun County are listed below by election district. A listing of Virginia House, Senate and U.S. Congressional Districts can be found here. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for all elections. Not Sure Where to Vote? If you aren’t sure which election district or precinct you live in, you can check your voter registration card or look it up online through the Virginia Election & Registration Information System. Link to Virginia Election & Registration Information System You may also call 703-777-0380. Blue Ridge District Precinct Polling Place Address Purcellville Emerick Elementary School 440 S. Nursery Avenue Round Hill Round Hill Center 20 High Street Hillsboro Hillsboro Elementary School 37110 Charles Town Pike Hamilton Hamilton Baptist Church 16 E. Colonial Highway Philomont Philomont Firehouse 36560 Jeb Stuart Road Between the Hills Neersville Fire & Rescue 11762 Harpers Ferry Road Middleburg Town Office 10 W. Marshall Street St. Louis Banneker Elementary School 35321 Snake Hill Road Aldie Aldie Methodist Church 39325 John Mosby Highway Broad Run District Precinct Polling Place Address Stone Bridge Stone Bridge High School 43100 Hay Road Russell Branch Ashburn Elementary School 44062 Fincastle Drive Cedar Lane Cedar Lane Elementary School 43700 Tolamac Drive Dominion Dominion Trail Elementary School 44045 Bruceton Mills Circle Farmwell Station Farmwell Station Middle School 44281 Gloucester Parkway Seldens Landing Seldens Landing Elementary School 43345 Coton Commons Drive Newton-Lee Newton Lee Elementary School 43335 Gloucester Parkway Belmont Ridge Belmont Ridge Middle School 19045 Upper Belmont Place Catoctin District Precinct Polling Place Address West Lovettsville Lovettsville Community Center 57 E. Broad Way Waterford Waterford Elementary School 15513 Loyalty Road Lucketts Lucketts Community Center 42361 Lucketts Road Greenway Leesburg Baptist Church 835 Lee Avenue, S.W. Balls Bluff Balls Bluff Elementary School 821 Battlefield Pkwy., N.E. Harper Park Harper Park Middle School 701 Potomac Station Drive Evergreen Evergreen Mill Elementary School 491 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E. Clarkes Gap Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 605 W. Market St., Leesburg Tolbert John W. Tolbert, Jr. Elementary School 691 Potomac Station Drive, N.E. East Lovettsville Lovettsville Elementary School 40 S. Loudoun Street Heritage Heritage High School 520 Evergreen Mill Rd, S.E. Dulles District Precinct Polling Place Address Sanders Corner Sanders Corner Elementary School 43100 Ashburn Farm Parkway Ashburn Farm Broad Run High School 21670 Ashburn Road Hillside Hillside Elementary School 43000 Ellzey Drive Eagle Ridge Eagle Ridge Middle School 42901 Waxpool Road Little River Little River Elementary School 43464 Hyland Hills Street Mercer Mercer Middle School 42149 Greenstone Drive Hutchison Hutchison Farm Elementary School 42819 Center Street Oak Grove Oak Grove Baptist Church 22870 Dominion Lane Briar Woods Briar Woods High School 22525 Belmont Ridge Road Freedom Freedom High School 25450 Riding Center Drive Leesburg District Precinct Polling Place Address West Leesburg Ida Lee Recreation Center 60 Ida Lee Drive, N.W. East Leesburg Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School 800 N. King Street Dry Mill C.S. Monroe Technology Center 715 Childrens Center Road, S.W. Smart’s Mill Smart’s Mill Middle School 850 N. King Street Cool Spring Cool Spring Elementary School 501 Tavistock Drive, S.E. Brandon Park Loudoun County High School 415 Dry Mill Road, S.W. Potomac District Precinct Polling Place Address Riverbend Riverbend Middle School 46240 Algonkian Parkway Algonkian Algonkian Elementary School 20196 Carter Court Potomac Falls Potomac Falls High School 46400 Algonkian Parkway Cascades Potowmack Elementary School 46465 Esterbrook Circle Buchanan Guilford Elementary School 600 W. Poplar Road Claude Moore Park Claude Moore Recreation Center 46105 Loudoun Park Lane Countryside Countryside Elementary School 20624 Countryside Blvd. Sterling District Precinct Polling Place Address Sully Sully Elementary School 300 Circle Drive Park View Park View High School 400 W. Laurel Avenue Rolling Ridge Rolling Ridge Elementary School 500 E. Frederick Drive Guilford Sterling Middle School 201 W. Holly Avenue Forest Grove Forest Grove Elementary School 46245 Forest Ridge Drive Sugarland Run District Precinct Polling Place Address Sugarland North Horizon Elementary School 46665 Broadmore Drive Sugarland South Meadowland Elementary School 729 Sugarland Run Drive Seneca Seneca Ridge Middle School 98 Seneca Ridge Drive Lowes Island Lowes Island Elementary School 20755 Whitewater Drive Mirror Ridge Sugarland Elementary School 65 Sugarland Run Drive South Bank Potomac Baptist Church 20747 Lowes Island Blvd.

Loudoun County Government 1 Harrison Street, S.E. • Leesburg VA 20175 703-777-0100

ABC News Tackles Tough Subject of S.A.T. Prep and “Extended Time” Options for Students with Special Needs Accomodations

Here in the Dulles Technology Corridor, students and parents are buzzing about what they just heard on the news. Hear what ABC News has to say about students in the DC Metro Area with regard to standardized achievement tests like the S.A.T. exam.

Discussing students with learning disabilities requesting extra time through legal channels, they work to build a case both for and against special accommodations for extended time. Do the needs of special education students weigh out the rights of many to “fairness” of measurement on the exams? Definately, ABC News has hit on a hot topic of debate in the education field as well as opened a can of worms for colleges across the world. The issue of extended time on exams may become the 21st century educational debate equivalent to debates about Affirmative Action and Title IX of the 20th century.

Visit www.tri-edtutoring.com for information on how to prepare for timed test success on the S.A.T. the old fashioned way — by studying with a trained and qualified tutor and practicing regularly throughout the school year and summer to improve your score and speed.

Oddly enough, the debate could be solved if the Educational Testing System “ETS” was allowed to disclose which exams were taken timed and which were not–and could potentially overcome legal obstacles regarding disclosure if all students were offered the option of registering for an untimed disclosed version of the test.

What are your thoughts in the Dulles Technology Corridor? Would Loudoun and Fairfax County students benefit from untimed tests? Even better, how much would or could steady practice and study of the test format throughout the year help to improve those test scores those extra two to three hundred points, and will a score alone make the difference in which college accepts a student to a private or Ivy League school? [Our thoughts are no–you must have good grades, a high exam score, extra curricular activities, be able to write at a college level, and have excellent manners and character references these days, too.]

Just something to think about and discuss with your college-bound teenage student over dinner and after the homework and extra-curricular studies are through.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP FROM ABC NEWS ABOUT THE S.A.T. AND DECIDE WHAT YOU THINK

Brambleton Yard Sale Community Reminder for Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg, Dulles, and South Riding Residents

Brambleton Yard Sale – RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBOR REMINDERS: Brambleton Fall Community Yard sale is scheduled for Saturday September 20, 2008 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (rain or shine).  For a list of home sites that have registered, please click here.  Residents will also be at the Community Center Marketplace selling various toys, household and miscellaneous items from the Visitor Center Parking area. Bring cash, bring checks, bring the pickup truck or SUV. Brambleton Yard and Garage Rummage Sales are legendary for offering local Loudoun County residents fantastic buys and wonderful items.