Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Board of Directors Meeting is This Thursday

2010BoDNewMembers The next Board of Directors Meeting is this Thursday, December 16th at 7:00PM in The Hunt Civic Center.  This will be the first meeting with the newly elected Directors.  All owners and residents are welcome to attend. 

The winners of the recent election are shown on the right, Alan Robbins, Ruthann Rebich, Katie Ayres and Gary Kyle.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Santa Claus is Coming Through Belmont Tonight! (Sat)

LogoSantaHat Santa Claus is coming through Belmont Community on Saturday December 11th, hosted by the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue.  One of Santa's favorite holiday activities is riding the AVFRD's yellow fire truck through the streets of Ashburn.  Bundle up and head out along the parade route to see Santa and several AVFRD elves spreading holiday cheer to the community.

Santa and his elves are expected to enter Belmont's Front Gate at approximately 5:25 pm on Saturday.  The parade will proceed down the length of Tournament Parkway and exit out of the West Gate.  It will turn left on Gloucester Pkwy and then right on Claiborne Pkwy toward Stone Bridge High School.  The AVFRD determines this route.

Click to see the Full Route

Friday, December 10, 2010

Belmont Book Club’s Next Book

Please join the Belmont Book Club at our next meeting on Wednesday, January 5th at 7pm in the clubhouse.  Please join us for a discussion of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It's 1/2 price burger night so come hungry!

Please RSVP to Susan Salazar by January 3rd at susan_salazar1960@hotmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Friday, October 15, 2010

72nd Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale is This Friday and Saturday!

From the Ladies Board Press Release:

The 72nd Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale is Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Morven Park International Equestrian Center . General sale hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days with a special “early bird” hour on Friday, October 15th from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. by ticketed admission only.

This is a much loved, annual event regarded by many as the “biggest treasure hunt and bargain shopping extravaganza in Loudoun County” if not all of Northern Virginia. You’ll understand when you see the nearly 40,000 square feet of trinkets and treasures – all under cover in the arenas and barns at the Equestrian Center. You can find furniture, antiques, clothing for the entire family, designer labels at the French Room, household items, décor and holiday pieces, small electrical appliances, tools, sporting and exercise equipment, collectibles, gift and boutique items. You can find just about everything here, including some years a kitchen sink!

Many fine items are also available at the one-day-only Silent Auction held on Friday, October 15. Bidding closes at 2:00 p.m. on Friday and items must be paid for that day.

This year’s “early bird” hour is a special fundraising effort to support the Polly Clemens Nursery Fund project which provides equipment and supplies at Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Nursery Department. You can participate by coming early Friday, October 15 from 8 am to 9 am for just Five Dollars ($5.00). This limited entrance event allows you to enjoy a more peaceful buying experience (before the mad rush at 9 a.m.) while supporting a very worthwhile cause. Tickets are available now at the Gift Shop at Inova Loudoun Hospital, the Twice Is Nice thrift shop and the Black Shutter antique shop in Leesburg. Tickets will also be available on site Friday morning.

Business and community leaders have generously supported us through the decades and this year is no exception. The Ladies Board is deeply grateful for their support. Individuals who volunteer their time are the backbone of this event, and in 2009 there were more than 425 volunteers who helped pick up furniture, unload tractor trailers, sort donations and sell the donations during the long days preceding and during the sale known as “rummage week.” Last year’s sale grossed $129,000 and all proceeds support Ladies Board projects.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Belmont Book Club's Next Meeting

Please join the Belmont Book Club at our next meeting on Wednesday, November 3rd at 7pm in the formal dining room.  We will be discussing The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  RSVP to Susan Salazar at susan_salazar1960@hotmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

From the publisher:

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women-mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends-view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Loudoun County Library Starting Overdue Fines

(From Loudoun County Press Release)

LibraryFineslogo Overdue fines will be implemented for all overdue materials at all branches of Loudoun County Public Library beginning Tuesday, October 5, 2010. All materials overdue on that date will be charged an overdue fine.

The new policy covers all branches: Ashburn, Cascades, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, Rust (Leesburg), and Sterling.

During the FY 2011 budget process, overdue fines were instituted by the Library Board of Trustees and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in order to prevent, to the extent possible, reductions in library services. Overdue fines will begin on October 5, 2010 and payment will be due on every overdue item. The fine will be 10 cents per day, per item. The maximum fine per item will be $5.00. An unpaid fine of $10 or more will block the library card so that no more items can be checked out or renewed. Overdue fines may be paid at any payment kiosk in any library branch or online.

Visit any branch of Loudoun County Public Library or library.loudoun.gov/fines for more details.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Open House This Sunday (10/3)

LogoAshburnFireHouse The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue is having their open house on Sunday October 3, 12 noon - 4 PM.  It will be held at their Ashburn Station at 20688 Ashburn Road.

They’ve packed the afternoon with fun for the whole family:

  • Ambulance and Fire engine tours
  • Fire Truck Rides
  • Shoot the Hose
  • Safety Smoke House
  • Live Burn with Sprinkler Display
  • Face Painting
  • Popcorn & Cotton Candy
  • Balloon Artist and much more!

Their featured safety stops are:

  • Call 911
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Meet a Firefighter
  • Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Off site parking with Shuttle bus service

You could be the star of their 2010 Open House video - check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIcQyH6_7jU

Website: www.ashburnfirerescue.org

Friday, September 24, 2010

The Women of Washington Redskins Charity Event

Join Women of Washington Redskins on Tuesday, September 28th for a Charity Event!

Players from the Redskins will lead a mini camp for children ages 4 to 12 from 5:00 to 5:40 p.m. followed by an autograph signing session from 5:45 to 6:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per child and all proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. (Cash or check payments only please).

Following the children’s camp, come cheer on the Redskins wives as they take on the Leesburg Swish in a fun basketball game at 6:15 p.m.

Space is Limited!

Held at:
Life Time Fitness
44610 Prentice Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 657-1619

Read the Flyer

Thursday, September 23, 2010

LCSO Announces 34th Women’s Self-Defense Workshop

(Loudoun County Sheriff’s office press release)

LogoSheriff The Loudoun Sheriff’s Office will hold their 34th Women’s Self-Defense Workshop on Monday, October 4, 2010.  

The class is open to all female residents of Loudoun County over the age of fourteen and space is limited to 100 participants. “The workshop is a free session whose purpose is to educate women on sexual assault issues and rape awareness,” said Sheriff Steve Simpson. “The October session is an opportunity for all women to learn to be aware of their surroundings and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim,” Simpson added. 

The session will be held from 7:00 PM to 10:00 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy on Monday, October 4, 2010. The academy is located at 45299 Research Place in Ashburn, VA.  

Participants are asked to wear gym style clothing and athletic shoes. Participants will be taught basic self-defense techniques through instruction, demonstration and actual practice of the methods taught.   

Those interested in participating in this workshop must register, as space is limited. To register for the workshop you are asked to contact Audra Vogel at 571-258-3049.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Electronic Recycling Event Near Belmont

LogoRecycling Loudoun County will be holding an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, September 25th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.   There are only two recycling events held by Loudoun County each calendar year, so this is a good time to take advantage of this program.

It will be held just outside the boundaries of our Belmont Community at the Telos Corporation at 19886 Ashburn Road.  It is just north of the intersection of Russell Branch Parkway and Ashburn Road.

There is a limit of 15 items per vehicle.

The recycling fees (cash or check only) at the event will be:

  • Computer Monitors: $3 each
  • Televisions (all sizes and types): $12 each
  • All other accepted electronics: Free

Items that will be accepted at the event include:

  • desktop computers and laptops
  • computer monitors
  • servers and mainframes
  • circuit boards
  • disc drives
  • hard drives
  • modems
  • UPS
  • computer speakers/keyboard/mouse/cables
  • TVs
  • VCRs
  • CD players
  • cassette tape players
  • receivers
  • cable boxes
  • DVD players
  • stereos
  • radios
  • video games and consoles
  • digital cameras
  • camcorders
  • cell phones
  • telephones
  • pagers
  • answering machines
  • microwave ovens
  • electronic typewriters
  • calculators
  • scanners
  • printers (toner cartridge removed)
  • copy machines (toner cartridge removed)
  • fax machines
  • banking equipment
  • surge protectors
  • power and network cables
  • power tools
  • small household appliances including hair dryers, curling irons, clothes irons, and toaster ovens, and rechargeable batteries.

Items that will not be accepted include

  • large household appliances (washers/dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, etc.)
  • stereo speakers
  • print/toner cartridges
  • non-rechargeable batteries
  • light bulbs
  • smoke alarms
  • thermostats
  • thermometers
  • boat switches
  • items containing mercury
  • items containing or emitting radioactivity
  • product packaging/cardboard boxes/Styrofoam packaging
  • user manuals.

If you can’t make it to the event, visit www.loudoun.gov/electronics or call 703-777-0187 for other recycling options.

This information is from a Loudoun County’s Press Release

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Belmont’s Book Club Next Book

Please join the Belmont Book Club at our next meeting on Wednesday, October 6th at 7pm in the formal dining room where we will be discussing "The First Family" by David Baldacci.  Anyone interested may order drinks, dinner or dessert from the menu.

RSVP by October 4th to Susan Salazar at susan_salazar1960@hotmail.com

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

BCC Moms' Club’s Monthly Meeting is Tonight

Hey Moms! Come check out the Moms' Club at our monthly meeting. Enjoy a kid-free evening out and have fun with other moms in the community!

It is tonight (Thursday, Sept 16th) at 7:30pm.  Contact jmserenyi@gmail.com for meeting location!

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Help LAWS Raise the Roof!

LogoLAWSRaisetheRoof The Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (LAWS) needs your help!  LAWS is holding its annual gala and auction October 16 at the Lansdowne Resort. Please consider donating auction items for this important event.

The following are examples of items they are seeking for their annual fundraiser.

  • Tickets to sporting events and concerts
  • Vacations
  • Beach property stays
  • Jewelry
  • Restaurant dining certificates
  • Salon and spa treatments
  • Gift baskets
  • Professional services

Your contributions are tax-deductible because LAWS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

If you would like to sponsor a table at the event or purchase individual tickets, visit their website at www.lawsraisetheroof.com

LAWS has the distinction of being the only confidential and dedicated housing for women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Loudoun County.

At the shelter, an abused woman can regain her footing, focus on building new skills and begin the all important recovery process that gives her the confidence and knowledge to start over. Children who stay at the LAWS shelter also feel more secure, go to school free of worry about their moms, and are no longer subjected to violent scenes that can negatively impact their own behaviors for generations to come.

Last year, LAWS' shelter had to turn away more than 40 women and their children because there simply was no available space for them at the aging 12-bed Leesburg facility. That meant one out of every three women who had come looking for somewhere to sleep and feel safe had to be turned away.

Through this year's auction, LAWS hopes to increase shelter capacity to 30 beds which will more than double the current space.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Lori Waters to Speak at Thursday's Board of Directors Meeting

EdZier The next Board of Directors meeting will be held Thursday, September 16th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Civic Center.

The meeting is open to all residents.   Contact the HOA office if you have any questions about the meeting.
 
Special Guest Lori Waters, Broad Run District Supervisor, will come speak about the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

Refer to the website’s  eNews Article to download the Agenda.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Learn About our Local Snakes

LogoLoudounWildlifeConservancyThe Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy presents a seminar about our local snakes!

An Introduction to our Local Snakes
Wednesday, September 22
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street

Liam McGranaghan will present a slide show on the snakes one is likely to see in our area. Learn more about these fascinating creatures and why they are a valuable part of the world around us. Come at 7p.m. for light refreshments and meet the speaker; the free program will start at 7:30.

Questions: contact Laura McGranaghan at lmcgranaghan@loudounwildlife.org.

Friday, September 10, 2010

See International Space Station Fly Over Tonight

ISS The International Space Station has become big enough now, that it can be seen periodically flying over our region.   For the next few days, there are some good opportunities to see it.

Tonight (Friday) is a good opportunity to see it because it will be bright and the weather forecast is for clear skies.  

You can see many satellites pass over in the evening because the sun has gone down for us, but not for the satellite, so it is still reflecting sun.  You can tell the difference between a satellite and an airplane, because the satellite has no blinking lights or sound.  In the case of the ISS, some passes are so bright, that there is no mistaking it for an airplane.

Fridays Pass

  • Rises: 08:52:27 in the NNW (in Belmont that would toward the intersection of Belmont Ridge and Hwy 7)
  • Maximum elevation: 51 degrees (90 degrees is the top center of the sky)
  • Set time: 08:54:52pm

There are other passes for the rest of the week, some are better than others.  You can go to Spaceweather Flybys for more information!

-contributed by Katie Ayres

Friday, September 3, 2010

Labor Day Hours for HOA and BCC

HOA Office

  • Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday:  9:00 am – 5:00 pm (regular hours)

Belmont Country Club

Monday:

  • Clubhouse: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Fitness Center: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Golf Shop: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Adult & Family Pools:  11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Turn:  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Beverage Cart:  10:00 AM -5:00 PM

Tuesday:

The Clubhouse, Golf Shop and Adult Pool will be closed. Regular Hours of Operation will resume on Wednesday, September 8th

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Pool Party!

RecCenterPool Belmont Country Club is holding a grand finale splash at the Family Pool this Sunday, September 5th, before we head back to school!  At the event, you will enjoy a DJ, glitter tattoo artist, summer buffet and more!

The Summer Buffet will be available from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM for you to partake in all your summer fun food favorites (photo Membership IDs required)

Summer Buffet
$9.95 Adults (13 and older)
5.95 Children (6 to 12)
Complimentary for children 5 and younger

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Family Field Day

The Belmont Country Club 2nd Annual Family Field Day on Saturday, September 11th, will be jam packed with competitions, a parent child race and much, much more! This event will be held at the Fitness Center fields from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please note: Light refreshments will be available for Member Charge. For more information or to make reservations, please contact the FitnessCenter or call (703) 723-5344.

Friday, August 20, 2010

2010 Aeration and Over-Seeding Schedule

The following table lists the Villages in which lawns will be aerated and over-seeded.  If you have an irrigation system, please contact the HOA office to pick up flags.
DateVillage
Wednesday, Sept 1stAugusta
Thursday, Sept 2ndSt. Andrews
Friday, Sept  3rdBay Hill
Tuesday, Sept 7thWestchester
Muirfield
Willowbend
Wednesday, Sept 8thValhalla
Cherry Hills
Thursday, Sept 9thGleneagles
Friday, Sept 10thCypress Point
Monday, Sept 13thInverrary, Spyglass Hill
Tuesday, Sept 14thPebble Beach
Wednesday, Sept 15thOakmont
Troon
Thursday, Sept 16thPine Valley
Friday, Sept 17thBaltusrol
Merion
Monday, Sept 20thRiviera
Medinah
Tuesday, Sept 21stTurnberry
Wednesday, Sept 22ndSawgrass
Thursday, Sept 23rdBirkdale
Doral
Pinehurst

This schedule is weather dependant.  Please Water Your Lawn 24 Hours in Advance of Service For Best Results.

Belmont News Magazine Delivery

The next edition of the Belmont News is scheduled for delivery this Saturday, August 21st.

Please be on the look-out for your copy at the end of your driveway. If you know of a neighbor who is on vacation, or otherwise out of town, could you please collect your neighbor's copy until they return?

The HOA office will have a small number of additional copies for new residents, or if any resident requires a replacement.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Belmont Book Club’s Next Book

The Belmont Book Club’s next meeting is on Wednesday, September 1st at 7pm in the Clubhouse.  They will discuss Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez. 

Deborah Rodriguez will be in Mexico but has expressed that she would love to join us at our meeting via Skype so we're working to get that set up.  Her son, Zack, will make himself available to answer questions as he was also in Afghanistan during this time.

Here's a little bit about the book from School Library Journal:

In 2002, just months after the Taliban had been driven out of Afghanistan, Rodriguez, a hairdresser from Holland, MI, joined a small nongovernmental aid organization on a mission to the war-torn nation. That visit changed her life. In Kabul, she chronicles her efforts to help establish the country's first modern beauty school and training salon; along with music and kite-flying, hairdressing had been banned under the previous regime. This memoir offers a glimpse into a world Westerners seldom see–life behind the veil. Rodriguez was entranced with the delightful personalities that emerged when her students removed their burqas behind closed doors, but her book is also a tale of empowerment–both for her and the women. In a city with no mail service, she went door-to-door to recruit students from clandestine beauty shops, and there were constant efforts to shut her down. She had to convince Afghan men to work side by side with her to unpack cartons of supplies donated from the U.S. The students, however, are the heroines of this memoir. Women denied education and seldom allowed to leave their homes found they were able to support themselves and their families. Rodriguez's experiences will delight readers as she recounts such tales as two friends acting as parents and negotiating a dowry for her marriage to an Afghan man or her students puzzling over a donation of a carton of thongs. Most of all, they will share her admiration for Afghan women's survival and triumph in chaotic times.–Pat Bangs, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Future meeting dates and book choices:

  • October 6th: The First Family by David Baldacci
  • November 3rd: Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Journey to Change the World . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson

Click Here to Sign Up

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Turning onto Belmont Ridge is About to Get Safer

NewLight Any Belmont Resident who tries to turn left onto Belmont Ridge from Gloucester Pkwy knows just how crazy and dangerous that intersection feels.  The steep descent to the left makes it difficult to see the on-coming cars and trucks.  You quietly wait until there is no traffic, hit the gas and say a little prayer.

Miraculously, in the last few weeks, trucks have arrived and digging has begun on the two corners of this intersection.  The long awaited traffic light is finally here.

Loudoun County Transportation has informed me that Toll Brothers is installing the signal under a Belmont proffer.  Phillip Clarke Electric was awarded the contract and estimate it will be finished in two months. 

-contributed by Katie Ayres, Web Committee Chair

Monday, August 9, 2010

Loudoun County Public Schools are Changing their Web Address

 logo_LCPSLCPS Announcement:

On Monday, August 9th, the main Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) website will change to http://www.lcps.org/.

On Wednesday, September 1st, LCPS will officially start doing business as lcps.org.

Why are we changing our domain name?

LCPS needs a shorter domain that is easier to spell, while being just as descriptive as loudoun.k12.va.us.

Will the old web and e-mail addresses still work?

Both domain names will remain active. This means that e-mail sent to the loudoun.k12.va.us address after the switch will continue to be delivered. (Any outbound responses will be from the lcps.org address.)

Web sites accessed with the loudoun.k12.va.us after the switch will be redirected to the lcps.org address.

Since loudoun.k12.va.us will remain active,it will not be necessary to reprint documents, including business cards, that bear the old domain name. The change in domain name will simply be made on the next printing so that the change is cost-neutral.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Protect Your Car and Help a Local Charity

LogoLadiesBoard As you know, Belmont continues to experience petty theft of contents from cars, and recently saw a wave of forced break-ins resulting in smashed windows.  The best way to protect your car from these threats is to place your car in the garage at night. 

But perhaps you heave a heavy sigh, because the pile of stuff that has accumulated over the years in your garage has muscled out your car.  I know, I feel your pain, it is one of those chores that just never seems to move to the top of the to-do list.

But it is a good weekend to tackle the job, because once you have made your “donation” pile,  you can bring it to the second donation day for the  Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital next Saturday, August 14 from 7 am to 7 pm at the Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, just across Highway 7 from Belmont.

All donations received will be offered for sale at the 72nd Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on October 15th – 16th.  Tax receipts are provided and all the money raised goes to support Ladies Board projects in the community.  The Ladies Board raises several hundred thousand dollars each year toward special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and awards more than $100,000 in nursing scholarships each year. 

The sale accepts furniture, clothing, books, household items, linens, lamps, sports equipment, etc., but some items cannot be accepted such as mattresses or large appliances.  For more information on what can be accepted or not, please call 703-771-2985.

If you can’t make it next Saturday, you can also donate your items to the Good Shepherd Alliance who provides help and hope for the homeless.  You can donate during their store hours from Monday to Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm at 20684 Ashburn Road.  It is very close to Belmont, just head on Gloucester Pkwy, make a right on Ashburn Road and it is about a mile down on the left (near the fire station).

Just remember once you have finished the job, it will feel so good to drive your car into your garage and seal it  up for the night!

-contributed by Katie Ayres, Belmont Community Webmaster

Friday, August 6, 2010

Virginia August Sales Tax Holiday: School Supplies and Clothing

LogoVirginiaThis weekend (August 6th-8th) is the Virginia Sales Tax Holiday.  During this three-day period, you can purchase the following without paying the sales tax:
  • School supplies for $20 or less per item
  • Qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per items
The following lists the school supply lists for school year 2010-2011 for Belmont’s schools:

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Drainage Ditches: A Message from Mark

MarkBailey Drainage ditches and storm water drain pipes have recently grown in popularity among some of the community’s children as interesting play areas.  The draw of the drain pipes, and in one case the drain tunnel that passes under Gloucester Parkway, can be enticing to the curious. 

The large rocks and debris that collects in these areas, and now with the warm weather, the various wildlife like poison ivy, snakes, ticks, and other biting insects that can flourish in these areas, has the potential of causing injuries.  Please educate your children that these areas are not meant for “wilderness explorations” and “hide and seek.”  With the chance of thunderstorms and flash-flooding arriving quickly, these areas can become engorged with rushing water very quickly.

Thank you!

Mark Bailey
HOA Manager

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Special Recycling

LogoRecycling Did you know that Patriot Disposal will collect the following special pick-up items for recycling? 

  • Small electronics including computers, monitors, small TVs, small printers, VCRs, DVD/CD players, cell phones, etc.
  • Used motor oil in a sealed, plastic container, clearly labeled “motor oil.”  Place at the curb alongside the recycling bin or container.  
  • Scrap metal including pots and pans, small car parts, grills, swings, bicycles, chairs, etc.
  • Car batteries

Large items may require a fee which will be negotiated up front.

You can fill out the on-line form with the items you wish to recycle, and Patriot Disposal will contact you.

Click Here to Request Special Recycling (login required)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Donation Day is Saturday, August 14th, for the Ladies Board Rummage Sale

The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is officially accepting donations for its Annual Rummage Sale.  Donations will be collected on Saturday, August 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m at:
Signs will be posted to direct traffic to the specially designated trailers.

All donations received will be offered for sale at the 72nd Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16 at Morven Park Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane (off Route 15) in Leesburg, VA.

“This is our 72nd year and what a great way to recycle,” said Sue Clewis, co-chairman of the event.  “The rummage sale will have about six tractor trailers full of fabulous finds.  It takes us a week to set everything up.”  It is the ultimate in bargain hunting and attracts a loyal, growing fan base each year. 

If you have donations to give before August 14th, just call 703-771-2985 and leave a message.  A volunteer will return your call to arrange an earlier drop off.

The first Donation Day in 1912 asked people to bring some donation, no matter how small or how large, including money, furniture, pictures, sheets, towels, pillow cases, a pound of tea, other groceries, eggs, vegetables, china, etc.  While the perishables aren’t accepted, unusual items are welcome.   Particularly rare or valuable items are needed for the Silent Auction department.

Tax receipts are provided and all the money raised goes to support Ladies Board projects in the community.  The Ladies Board raises several hundred thousand dollars each year toward special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and awards more than $100,000 in nursing scholarships each year. 

The sale accepts furniture, clothing, books, household items, linens, lamps, sports equipment, etc., but some items cannot be accepted such as mattresses or large appliances.  For more information on what can be accepted or not, please call 703-771-2985. 

(News Release from Ladies Board website)     

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

New Election and Annual Meeting Communication Plan

The Web Committee put together a Communication Plan for the election and Annual Meeting coming up in November.   It was approved by the Board of Directors during the July meeting.

The Web Committee has spent a year building electronic communications and now we will utilize those channels, as well as the old ones, to keep you informed of the new candidates as well as help communicate the state of our neighborhood. 

We have added new methods for you to learn about the candidates as well as submit questions to be answered at the annual meeting.  We will also be tweeting and blasting the election results immediately from the Annual Meeting.

Each household gets one vote.  Our goal is to make it easy for you to make an informed vote.  We will also make it simple to get your questions answered about our community from the current leaders. 


If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to Contact the Web Committee.

“Opportunities are never lost. Someone will take the ones you miss.” -Andy Rooney

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

New Mailboxes are Sprouting around Belmont

Mail Box Post -001_edited Many have noticed a new look in the Community’s mailbox posts. The post, pictured here, is the newly approved post selected by the Home Owners’ Association Covenants Committee as the standard. The post is a sleeve that can slip over your current mail box post. (The mail box itself can be bought separately.) The post is a vinyl so that it will not deteriorate due to weather or the string used in weed whackers (as shown below).

Mail Box Post -003_edited The cost of the new post about $130.00 and can be purchased through Toll Landscaping, who is merely storing the post and passing along the reduced cost of the post negotiated by the Committee on a bulk buy. Toll Landscaping will also install the post for an additional nominal fee. That installation will include aligning the post to the vertical and setting it in cement. Notice on the picture, Toll will also provide a square mulch area, giving a few inches around the base of the post to ensure no risk of damage from lawn equipment.

If your current post has been damaged, is tilted due to other mishaps, or does not otherwise meet your expectations, you can get the specifics on buying by clicking the menu To Do –> Replace Mailbox on www.BelmontHOA.org or contacting the management office (703.723.8300).

- contributed by Jerry Kessenich, Member of the Board of Directors

Monday, July 19, 2010

Hunter Audlin of Belmont Recognized for Charity Work

Hunter1 Hunter Audlin, age 10 and Belmont Resident is a young philanthropist who was recently recognized for his charitable work.  He has been selected as the winner to the I Am Modern Magazine’s Posh Tots Child's Dream Bedroom Giveaway.   Stories of young philanthropists were submitted to the magazine who then selected the five top stories.  Magazine readers than voted for the best story and Hunter was selected!  

Many of us in Belmont have seen him hard at work raising money through lemonade stands and other activities.  Since 2005, he has raised $15,000! 

Hunter and his family would like to thank all Belmont neighbors who have supported his fundraising efforts over the years by donating, helping out with the stands or simply honking as they passed by in acknowledgement of his effort! 

Congratulations to Hunter! 

Here is the article from I Am Modern Magazine:

I first saw Hunter Audlin in I Am Modern magazine as the Pint-sized Philanthropist. I was impressed with this young boy who had raised so much money for those in need. When I saw that I Am Modern was having a Dream Bedroom Giveaway for a deserving child I thought of Hunter-how great would it be to give back to someone who gives so much. Below is a list of Hunter's accomplishments:

Hunter has been 'saving the world one cup at a time' since August 2005 when he learned of Hurricane Katrina's devastating effects on the children in New Orleans. Since then, Hunter has sold lemonade to raise money for local and national charities such as

  • American Red Cross,
  • American Heart Association (top fundraiser at his Elementary School’s Jump Rope for Heart Program for 4 years in a row),
  • Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network,
  • Wounded Warrior Project,
  • Victims of VA Tech Shootings,
  • Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue,
  • NLES PTO track,
  • Breast Cancer Awareness,
  • Autism Awareness,
  • Habitat for Humanity,
  • Toys for Tots,
  • a family who lost their home in a fire, etc.
  • His most recent goal was to raise money for a fellow NLES student, Kailee Vance, who is battling cancer.  He took his stand outside of the neighborhood for this community outreach event. He partnered with Go Bananas in Lansdowne and raised over $1400 to assist the Vance Family with medical bills. Donors as well as passersby were  invited to make cards for Kailee which were presented to her while she was undergoing her chemo treatments.

He has raised close to $15,000 over the past 5 years thru his lemonade stands. But more importantly, he has shown what can be done by showing a bit of compassion and empathy towards others.  He has made others aware of the challenges that people face and created a sense of awareness to many causes…all that have touched his heart.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Board of Directors Meeting is Thursday, Sept 16th

EdZier The next Board of Directors meeting will be held Thursday, September 16th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Civic Center.

The meeting is open to all residents.   Contact the HOA office if you have any questions about the meeting.
 
Special Guest Lori Waters, Broad Run District Supervisor, will come speak about the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

Refer to the website’s  eNews Article to download the Agenda.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Did You Lock Your Car Last Night?

LogoSheriff The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to never leave their cars unlocked while unattended.  

“Larcenies from vehicles are often a crime of opportunity,” says Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson. “Locking your vehicle and removing or concealing high dollar items will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim,” Simpson added. Simpson reminded residents to park in well lit areas, activate your alarm system or use anti-theft devices, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.  

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of theft:  

  • KEEP YOUR VEHICLE LOCKED. Most stolen items are taken from vehicles that are left unlocked
  • Remove or put items out of sight, inside a lockable glove box or trunk
  • Park inside your garage or in an illuminated area. 
  • A visible GPS is an obvious target. Prowlers also look for any signs that one may be in your vehicle, such as a mount on the window or dashboard. Even the circle impression left on the windshield from the suction cup mount is enough for thieves to break-in. They assume a GPS is hidden somewhere inside.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Public Fireworks and Celebrations Near Belmont

There are two public fireworks displays close to Belmont.  The first one is tonight, Saturday, July 3rd at 9:25 at Lansdowne Resort.

On Saturday, July 4th, Ashburn Village will have a show at 9:30 pm which was announced by the Loudoun County Fire Marshall (see article). 

However, I cannot find an official press release about where it is, but traditionally, it is over the lake on Ashburn Village Road.  In the past years, people park along Ashburn Village Road.  Also in the past, some of the display is close to the water on the lake, so if you can get close in, it is a better show. 

If anyone finds specific information about the Ashburn Village 2010 please comment on this article to let others know.  Personally, I thought it was amazing that the small stack of newspapers that come to my house uninvited, did not have the details of the Ashburn display.

Leesburg has the biggest Fourth of July celebration.  Here is the info from www.leesburgva.org :

Independence Day Parade

Date: 7/4/2010 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Cost: Free to the public

Location: Downtown Leesburg
Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Show your patriotic spirit at the annual Independence Day Parade, held through historic downtown Leesburg. The parade will begin at Ida Lee Park and travel down King Street to Fairfax Street. Put on your patriotic best and join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the birthday of the United States!

Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

Date: 7/4/2010 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Cost: Free to the public

Location: Ida Lee Park
60 Ida Lee Drive
Leesburg, Virginia 20176

Celebrate America’s big day at Ida Lee Park while listening to some great tunes by up-and-coming country trio Savannah Jack!  Gates open at 6:00pm, so be sure to arrive early and grab a spot for a full night of fun, food and great music. A full food court will be onsite with funnel cakes, ice-cream, barbeque, and other goodies. Complete your evening by enjoying the areas largest firework show at 9:30pm.

Have a great holiday weekend!

- Katie Ayres, Belmont Web Committee Chair

Friday, July 2, 2010

BCC Fourth of July Pool Party!

LogoBelmontCountryClubSmall Belmont Country Club will be holding it’s annual Fourth of July Pool Party this Sunday.  Come and enjoy glitter tattoos, a balloon artist, music, a watermelon eating contest and more!

The Summer Buffet will also be available between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM  all weekend for you to partake in all your summer fun food favorites (photo Membership IDs required)

RecPoolParty * Schedule of Events *

DJ: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Glitter Tattoos: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Balloon Artist: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

*Summer Buffet*

$9.95 Adults (13 and older)

$6.95 Children (6 to12)

Complimentary for children 5 and younger

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Fourth of July Holiday Hours

LogoBelmontCountryClubSmall Belmont Country Club

Sunday, July 4th
Golf Course & Golf Shop Open
6:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday, July 5th
Golf Course & Golf Shop Open
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday, July 6th
Golf Course & Golf Shop Closed

HOA Office

Closed Monday July 5th.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

So What Happened to the Belmont Executive Center?

For those of us who have lived in Belmont for a few years, we remember a time when we all exchanged exciting rumors about the development of the Belmont Executive Center (BEC).  The BEC is the Toll Brother’s Office and Retail Development residing near the front gate.  The land was cleared, plans were briefed…but…

The recession happened.

GoogleMap Toll Brothers is still around and making progress, albeit very slowly.  There is one office building and it is primarily occupied  by our Virginia Homebuilding Division as well as by Toll Landscaping and Toll Commercial.

Alex Ross of Toll Brothers Commercial Division, was kind enough to answer some questions from the Web Committee about the status of the BEC development.

What is the status of the BEC? 

While we have zoning approval to develop all of BEC, given the economic slowdown we are in  somewhat of a holding pattern.  We continue to pursue retail tenants for our planned boutique shopping center, hotel developers/operators for our hotel site, and office tenants for our existing office building.  One encouraging sign is that we are trying to finalize a contract for a day care operator to develop the site on the northeast corner of Claiborne Parkway and Russell Branch Parkway.  Nothing is certain, but we are cautiously optimistic that we can close this deal later this summer. 

Do you have a development schedule? 

We do not have a development schedule at this time.  It just depends on how the economy shapes up.

Have you secured any vendors who will be making BEC their home? 

I wish we did, but we do not at this time.

BECWe appreciate Mr. Ross taking time out to answer our questions.  We will continue to work with him to keep you informed of any news from the BEC!

-Web Committee

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Guests this Summer?

Suitcase Do you have guests coming this summer?  The following is detailed information on the Security Gates, Parking Permits and Pool Passes. 

Visitors and Gates

JustFrontGate The Front Gate is staffed 24/7.   You must report all visitors to the Front Gate, otherwise they will not be let in.   You can send visitor information on-line by clicking To-Do->Report Visitor.

Is your guest coming for an extended stay?  You can add them to your Permanent Visitor List.  The people on this list will be allowed through the gate at all times.  You can manage this list on-line in the following ways:

The West Gate (near Belmont Ridge) and the South Gate (near Newton-Lee Elementary) are unmanned gates. These gates have a dial pad that visitors can use to call the home they are trying to visit.  If the resident is home and wishes to allow access they simply press "9" on their phones and the gate will open.  Click here to place your name on the keypad.

Parking

The parking policies are also the website at HOA Office->Park and Bark Policies.   You can request parking permits from the HOA Office by clicking To Do->Request Parking Permit.

Pool Passes

Pool You can purchase Guest Passes for the pool.

Adult Guest Passes (16 or older)

  • One day Adult: $8
  • Three day Adult: $15
  • Seven day Adult: $30
  • One month Adult: $60
  • Adult season: $100

Junior Guest Passes (6-15 years of age)

  • One day Junior: $5
  • Three day Junior: $10
  • Seven day Junior: $20
  • One month Junior: $40
  • Junior season: $80

All multi-day passes must be used during consecutive days.
For more information contact Krista Calfee Wile
at kcalfee@tollbrothersinc.com

- Web Committee

Friday, June 11, 2010

Loudoun County Announces Retail Fireworks Locations and 4th of July Public Shows

fireworks The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office has announced the Public Firework Displays

The two nearest Belmont are:

  • July 3rd - Lansdowne Resort, 9:25 pm
  • July 4th - Ashburn Village, 9:30 pm

Additionally, they have listed the approved retail fireworks locations.  It is not clear when the stands will open, but the following are the nearest locations to Belmont:

  • 43330 Junction Plaza, near Claiborne and Ashburn Farm Parkway
  • 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, near Gloucester and Ashburn Village Blvd
  • 1360 East Market Street, on Hwy 7, near Meadows Farms

Click on the map for the locations.  They are approximate, since the parking lot addresses are vague in Google Maps.  If you find the exact location, or find out when they open, send email to webmaster@belmonthoa.org.  


View Nearby Fireworks Stands in a larger map

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Sheriff's June Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

LogoSheriff The Loudoun County Sheriff releases a Neighborhood Watch Newsletter every month.
Click Here to Read June’s Newsletter

Check out the Belmont HOA Neighborhood Watch Webpage, loaded with information on how you can help keep our neighborhood safe!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Classifieds

Read the Latest Classifieds!  It doesn't get any more local than this...

The Classifieds (login required)

Monday, June 7, 2010

Book Club’s Summer Reading Schedule

The Belmont Book Club’s next meeting on Wednesday, July 7th at 7pm.  The chosen book is  The Gate to Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper. Amazon.com has this review:
“Tepper's finest novel to date is set in a post-holocaust feminist dystopia that offers only two political alternatives: a repressive polygamist sect that is slowly self-destructing through inbreeding and the matriarchal dictatorship called Women's Country. Here, in a desperate effort to prevent another world war, the women have segregated most men into closed military garrisons and have taken on themselves every other function of government, industry, agriculture, science and learning. The resulting manifold responsibilities are seen through the life of Stavia, from a dreaming 10-year-old to maturity as doctor, mother and member of the Marthatown Women's Council."

"Classic fantasy from the amazing Sheri S. Tepper. Women rule in Women's Country. Women live apart from men, sheltering the remains of civilization. They have cut themselves off with walls and by ordinance from marauding males. For the sake of his pride, each boy child ritualistically rejects his mother when he comes of age to be a warrior. But all the secrets of civilization are strictly the possession of women. Naturally, there are men who want to know what the women know! And when Stavia meets Chernon, the battle of the sexes begins all over again. Foolishly, she provides books for Chernon to read. Before long, Chernon is hatching a plan of revenge against women!”
Sign Up Now
Future meeting dates and book choices are as follows:
  • August 4th - Snowflower and the Secret Fan: A Novel by Lisa See
  • September 1st - Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez
See you then!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Father’s Day BBQ on Palmer’s Patio

LogoBelmontCountryClubSmall Celebrate Father’s Day at the Club!  Belmont Country Club has scheduled a Father’s Day BBQ on Palmer’s Patio on Sunday, June 20th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Reservations accepted every half hour

$16.95 Adults (13 & older)
$7.95 Children (6-12)

Complimentary for children 5 and younger

Menu

House Made Focaccia Bread
Yellow Tomato, Avocado and Watermelon Salad
Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable Salad
Orzo Pasta Salad with Grape Tomatoes and Basil
Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
Fresh Fruit Salad
Smoked Honey Barbeque Chicken
Barbeque Ribs
Rice Pilaf
Children’s Burgers and Hot Dogs
Chicken Tenders and Fries
Macaroni and Cheese
Assorted Cakes and Club Baked Cookies

For reservations or more information, please contact Amanda at or 703-723-5330 ext.104.  All cancellations must be received no later than Friday, June 18th in order to avoid any applicable fees. Cancellations are preferred to be received in writing.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

New Belmont W&OD Connector

Belmont Bicyclists can collectively breathe a sigh of relief now that they can safely get to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.  Until now, they had to either enter at the connection at Claiborne Parkway, or take a very risky ride down Belmont Ridge Road.

BeforeBut now, bicyclists can connect through The Chase Village.  A long awaited connection was completed on May 27th, 2010, just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend. 

For a long time, the path was half completed.  Toll Brothers had laid out the path on The Chase property, and then began working on the plans with the Parks Authority, which ended up taking quite a bit of time.  

The path starts at the end of Tall Pines Court (toward Belmont Ridge Road) or in the middle of Belmont Station Drive within The Chase.  Map

NewPath The newly-built path takes a surprising jaunt parallel to the W&OD Trail before banking right and connecting at a right angle.  Toll Brothers indicated that this was the wish of the Parks Authority. 

When it connects with the W&OD, the elevation is very level. This provides for an easy merge onto the W&OD traffic, which can be quite busy at times.

The connection is at mile marker 29.   Connection

The following are other mile markers to give you an idea of the distance to other places on the trail:

  • 24 – Crossing Hwy 28
  • 26 – Crossing Ashburn Village Road
  • 29 – Belmont
  • 29.6 – Overlook of Luck Stone Quarry
  • 33 – Crossing Hwy 15 in Leesburg
  • 44 – End of Trail at Purcellville

It is a great way to get outside and take a bike ride or go for a walk.  The trail is generally surrounded by lush foliage, with views of some of the remaining open land in Loudoun.  

But for now, you can take a virtual ride…

Take a Virtual Ride

-contributed by Katie Ayres, Belmont Web Committee Chair

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Pool Webpage

Now that the pool is up and running, you can use the To Do->Pool webpage (or My Community->Pool) anytime on http://www.belmonthoa.org/ to check up on hours and status. The Pool Staff will be twittering pool closings, but if you don't have twitter, you can check this page as well! Bookmark the page!

To Do->Pool

Friday, May 28, 2010

Loudoun Water Sets New Rates to Encourage Water Conservation

LoudounWaterYou may have noticed in your recent bill, that Loudoun Water has set new Water Rates.  You are awarded with less expensive rates if you conserve water. 

The rate schedule is as follows:

Level Quarterly Consumption (gallons) Rate per 1000 gallons
Tier 1 0-25,000 $1.77
Tier 2 26,000 – 50,000 $4.96
Tier 3 Over 50,000 $6.65

The Tier 1 rate is less than their cost to deliver the water, therefore, you save money if you use less.  Tier 2 is in line with your home’s allocation, so you pay just what it costs to deliver it to you.  Usage at this Tier 3 is more than your home’s allocation, so you will pay a premium for creating the additional demand on the system.

So how do you reduce your water consumption?  Probably the easiest thing to do which provides the greatest savings is to reduce your lawn watering.  Loudoun Water states that they’ve seen evidence of overwatering as high as 60 percent.

While automatic sprinkler systems are convenient, generally it follows a schedule that has very little to do with your lawn’s actual watering needs.  Probably the most important thing you can do is cancel the next watering if it has rained.  We receive rain here in Virginia all summer long, and often it is enough to keep your grass green.  Consider installing a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.

Also, Loudoun Water has requested that customers use the following schedule to help them manage the overall water demand.

ODD Addresses: Wednesdays and Saturdays
EVEN Addresses: Thursday and Sundays

Additionally, please do not water on your mowing day.

You can tell if your lawn needs watering by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.  You can test how much water your irrigation system is using by putting out a tuna can and measuring it.

Also, Brad Amico of Toll Landscaping has offered this advice on when to water your lawn:

Most lawns in Northern Virginia will need from 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week depending on the weather, soil type, slope, etc. It is best to apply this amount of water in a single thorough soaking in two equal applications of water three to four days apart, rather than in light watering everyday. 

Daily, light watering promotes shallow rooting, non-drought tolerant turf, and encourages crabgrass. The ideal time to irrigate a lawn is from 4:00 am - 8:00 am. Watering during the evenings, although more convenient to the homeowner is not recommended either, due to the potential problem of inviting a greater incidence of disease in the turf.

Over watering is the main contributor to damage caused by normal use, mowers and other machines used in caring for your turf. It is very easy to over water a turf area and the potential side effects of over watering include increased crabgrass presence, increased disease potential, shallow rooting and higher water usage that ultimately could lead to water restrictions. This shallow rooting also makes turf less drought tolerant.

- contributed by Katie Ayres, Belmont Web Committee Chair