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!
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
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
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
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.
“Floral Medley,” Watercolor, Kris Loya