Barbara Barr's Column

Senior citizens luncheon: The Lovettsville Community Center provided the senior citizens in the area with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, the works. This is a great time for the senior citizens to get together on the first and third Thursday of each month for lunch and fellowship.

Calendar: The Taylorstown Store will be putting out a calendar again this year for 2008. If anyone has any old or historic pictures of things in the past in the Taylorstown area and would like to share them, please contact Anne Larson at 540-822-5249.

Craft fair: There will be a craft fair at the Taylorstown General Store Friday night, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1,2. Refreshments will be served on Friday night. There will be a lot of new crafters this year. In addition to the crafts, winter greenery will be sold. Contact Shirley Langston at 540-822-5983 for additional information.

50th anniversary: Harry and Donna Loy were recently surprised on their 50th wedding anniversary when their daughter, Barbara, flew in from Iowa on Saturday. On Sunday, approximately 30 relatives and friends gathered at the home of their son, Bruce, for a wonderful meal.

Baptism: Vincent Walter Benny, son of Brian and Kristen Benney, was recently christened at the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church during the mooring worship services. There was a gathering of family and friends in the social hall of the church after the service.

Happy birthday: Happy birthday to Silas Lang, Neil Miller, Shelly Coates, Abraham Shipley, Katie Merchant, Lauren Lang, Judy Ross, Kathy Shipley, Holly Tyrrell and Ronnie Williams.

Happy Anniversary: Happy Anniversary to Jim and Emilie Towe, Rex and Kathy Shipley, Roger and Bonnie Lanham and Allen and Kathryn Baker.

Well wishes: Get well wishes to Robert Spinks, recuperating from surgery, Ellen Jackson in rehab, Ruth Stanley in rehab, and Larry Potts recuperating from surgery.

Barbara Barr's Column

Blessed: I am very blessed with no broken bones after a terrible fall down a flight of stairs in Baltimore. I ended up with many bruises, aches and pains including black eyes, but no broken bones. Loudoun County never looked so good. All I can remember saying is take me home.

Another party: Mount Pleasant's Harvest Party will take place Oct. 28 a 4 p.m. Everyone should meet at the church for a hay ride and then back to the church for refreshments.

Support Group: The Support Group will be traveling to Duchess Daughters in Frederick, Md. for lunch on Oct. 25.

A wedding: Congratulations to Ben Larson and Jessica Sullivan who were recently married in Hawaii.

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Briana Biggs, Kathleen Potts, Darren Ridgeway, Junior Wilt, Cairie Merchant, Daniel Sixma, Amie Capilongo, Beth Wenner, Joyce Nichols, Phyllis Spinks, Joe Tyrell, Johnny Potts, Marrianne Williams, Norma Jean Neuf, Betty Tribby and Jim VanWagoner.

Anniversaries: Happy anniversaries to Chip and Barbara Talbot, JJ and Michele Merchant, Kevin and Debbie Barr, Harry and Donna Loy, and Mary and Becky Hile.

Well wishes: Get will wishes to Joan Rollins, broken wrist; Ellen Jackson, light stroke; Floyd Demory, eye surgery; Shirley Langston, pending surgery; Larry Potts, recuperating; and Karen Tyrrell, recuperating.

Barbara Barr's Column

Proud grandma: First order of business, of course, is the fact that I am proud grandmother of my fourth great-grandchild Tyler Lucas Coates. He was born at Inova Loudoun Hospital on Sept. 25 and weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces. The proud parents are Luke and April Coates.

Mount Pleasant: The trustees of the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church will be meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. and the administrative council will be meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Baker trips: Allen and Kathryn Baker recently traveled to New York to visit their granddaughter, Michelle, and her husband. Michelle's husband is in the Air Force and he and his family will be stationed in Turkey for two years.

Umbaugh/Potts reunion: The Umbaugh/Potts reunion was held at the Lion's Club Picnic area in Petersville, Md. Quite a few people in the Taylorstown area attended this reunion to gather with other relatives and friends. Of course there was lots of good food and people sat around and talked about old times while the younger ones played games. It is good to know that people still take time out for family gatherings.

Fall dinners: Bethel United Methodist Church at Stumptown will be having its final fall dinner on Saturday, Oct. 13, 5-7 p.m.

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Isabella Fletcher, Rick Ryker, Carol Whitmer, Eugene Ayers, Kathy Wilt, Levi Shipley, Rose Coates, Brian Biggs and Brittany Loy.

In sympathy: Sympathy and prayers are extended to the family of Joe Tyrrell.

Barbara Barr's Column

Graduations: Matalie Ann Hoopengardner, Allen and Kathryn Baker's granddaughter, recently graduated from Liberty University with a masters degree in business administration. Joshua Carl recently graduated from Westminster Seminary in Pennsylvania with master of divinity. This summer Josh is working as an intern at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Bowie, Md.

Baby shower: A baby shower for Vincent Walter Benny was recently held in the fellowship hall of Mount Pleasant Church with approximately 25 in attendance. Vincent received many nice gifts with some of them being displayed on a clothes line. What a neat idea. A delicious ice cream cake made by Teresa Gunnell was served along with other refreshments.

Reunions: Richard Weaver, present owner of the Carnes property in Taylorstown, hosted a reunion for the Carnes family. Many pictures dating back to the early 1900s were available to reminisce about. The Carnes family presented Richard with a copy of the original deed dating back to 1821 when the Carnes family bought the property. The Demory family also had a family reunion at Brunswick City Park. All in attendance had a great time. Plenty of good food and lots of story telling.

Well wishes: Get-well wishes are extended to Joan Linhardt who is recovering from surgery as well as Donna Joy.

Prayers: Prayers are asked from Julie Pry, Wanda Baker's daughter-in-law, who is being deployed to Iraq shortly.

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Robert Spinks, Gail Mayner, Samantha Sixma, Jenna Barr and Barbara Talbot.

Lucketts Fair: The fair is Aug. 26-27. Although it seems like a long way off, it is not. The church will be selling country ham sandwiches and "sweet" iced tea. This is a weekend endeavor with lots of hard work and many are needed to help. Mark your calendar.

Barbara Barr's Column

Everyone seems to be here, there and everywhere with vacations, camps, and summer jobs and yet some things remain a constant, year after year.

Mount Pleasant Church picnic: The Taylorstown church picnic has been held on the church grounds for over 150 years. This year the picnic is set for Saturday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to come, bring a friend, and enjoy a good old country ham or fried chicken dinner. Music this year will be provided by the Glory Road Singers from Stephens City. There will also be activities for children. This is also a time for reuniting with old friends.

Family reunion: This seems to be another tradition that goes on from year to year. Recently, the Merchants held their family reunion in the fellowship hall of the church in Taylorstown. The Lindsey family held its reunion in Hillsville and the Williams family gathered at Franklin Park.

Church softball: Church softball has finally come to a close with Mount Pleasant UMC winning the championship this year at Lucketts Park. Mount Pleasant has had a team for more than 30 years and it has always been a family time. There were over 75 people in attendance and the grand finale was fried chicken and homemade ice cream. Did the people leave when the game was over? Of course not. They stayed and replayed the game verbally and some of the children played in the dirt while others rode their bikes and skateboards. Thanks to Lucketts Park for a safe environment for all.

Boy Scouts: Sawyer Shipley is working this summer as a Boy Scout counselor at Goshen Camp near Lexington.

Barbara Barr's Column

Senior citizens: Mount Pleasant UMC recently honored its senior citizens with a delicious luncheon and homemade ice cream. Alpha Williams and Betty Lou Hood received flowers for being the oldest senior women, and Clarence Barksdale and Connie Neuf received boxes of candy for being the oldest men present.

High school graduation: Matthew Bretzin and Thomas Gunnell, graduates from Loudoun Valley High School this year, received Bibles from Mount Pleasant UMC as gifts last Sunday. After a short summer, Matthew will be attending Mary Washington, and Thomas Gunnell will be attending Longwood.

VBS: Vacation Bible School at Mount Pleasant UMC will be June 25-29, 9 a.m.-noon, under the direction of Jane and Brad Bretzin. All the children in the area are invited to attend their rewarding event. It's amazing that area children are asking when is vacation Bible school. Many thanks to the hard-working, dedicated leaders who make this week a week to be remembered from year to year.

Water workout: Here comes summer and fun as a fitness water workout welcomes you at the Lovettsville Pool beginning June 25. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and in Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. A sitter will be available for the morning classes by a punch card. For details, call 540-822-5284.

Visitors from Hawaii: Robin Barker Gordon, Dannielle and Dustin are visiting with their parents and grandparents Jim and Betty Barker for a few weeks. The Gordons are currently living in Hawaii since Mr. Gordon is stationed there.

Baker travels: Allen and Kathryn Baker were recently treated to a mini-vacation by their son and daughter-in-law. They traveled to Virginia Beach, Ocean City and other points of interest.

Well wishes: Get well wishes go to Donald Fletcher and Sara Wenner. Birthdays: Happy birthday to Connie Breeden, Terry Ridgeway, Marty Hile, Roger Lanham, and Christopher Schzda. Anniversaries: Happy anniversary to Stephen and Julie Mayner Bergel and to David and Teresa Gunnell.

Barbara Barr's Column

United Methodist Women: The Bethel-Lucketts Unit of the United Methodist Women has arrived. Its first official unit meeting will be June 10 at 1 p.m. All women are welcome. You do not have to be a member or attend Bethel UMC to a United Methodist to join the circle.
A great day: Sunday, June 10 Mount Pleasant UMC will be honoring the senior citizens and the graduates. It is also Scouting Sunday. There will be a luncheon at noon. Please bring a dish to share.
Proud grandmother: I recently attended my granddaughter's graduation at Hampshire County High School in Romney, W.Va. Samantha Dawn Sixma was the proud recipient of several awards including the Top of the Mountain Award for maintaining a 3.75 grade average, the Pioneer Scholarship and the Promise Award which paid for four years of college at the University of West Virginia.
Trip to Hawaii: Jim and Betty Barker and their grandson recently flew to the Island of Ohau to visit with their daughter Robin and her family. A great time was had by all. Jim and Betty were there for two weeks and had a wonderful time touring the island.Well wishes: Get well wishes to Junior Wilt and Roger Lanham.
In sympathy: Sympathy and prayers are extended to family and friends of Gary Wenner. There was a memorial service at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 30 at 11 a.m.Sympathy and prayers are also extended to the family and friends of Scott Jenkins.
Birthdays: Happy birthday to Clarence Barksdale, Kevin Barr, Brian Kearney, Reese Lindsey, Emily Kearney, Jay Merchant and Chris VanWagoner.
Anniversaries: Happy anniversary to Bobby and Bertie Baker and Brad and Lynn Curl.

Heat Advisory

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY. GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS TOMORROW AHEAD OF A STRONG AREA OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE GREAT LAKES WILL TRANSPORT VERY WARM AND HUMID AIR INTO THE REGION. TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO SOAR INTO THE MID 90S BY LATE AFTERNOON. THIS WHEN COMBINED WITH HIGH HUMIDITY LEVELS WILL RESULT IN HEAT INDICES NEAR 100 DEGREES. RELIEF TO THE HEAT IS EXPECTED ON SATURDAY AS COOLER AND LESS HUMID AIR MOVES INTO THE REGION WITH THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT. A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Virtual Tour of Taylorstown

Loudoun County launched an online, interactive guide to the county's historic districts: Aldie, Bluemont, Goose Creek, Oatlands, Taylorstown and Waterford.The interactive guide includes information about historic district guidelines, the role of the Historic District Review Committee and the stewardship responsibilities involved in owning a historic property. The project was made possible by a state grant. It also features interviews with historians and residents of the six Historic and Cultural Conservation Districts. The guide allows users to start their online tour at any of the districts and to choose from three categories of information: a brief history of each district, preservation efforts, and new construction. The new online guide is part of a comprehensive effort by the Planning Department to increase awareness of the county's historic districts, including the regulations governing new construction and alterations to existing structures. In addition, the department has created a calendar featuring the historic districts, which is for sale for $10 in the Planning Department and at the Loudoun County Store, located in the government center, 1 Harrison St., S.E. in Leesburg. For more information, visit www.loudoun.gov/historic.

Barbara Barr's Column

Honoring mothers: Mother's Day was recently celebrated at Mount Pleasant UMC during both services with gifts of hanging flower baskets at the first service to the oldest mother present, Elizabeth Williams, and the youngest mother, Kristen Benney. At the second service, gifts were presented to Isabella Fletcher as the oldest mother present and Becky Hile with the youngest child.

Memorial Day: The American Legion will be having a short service in the cemetery of Mount Pleasant UMC on Monday, May 28, at approximately 11:30 a.m. honoring those who have served their country. Memorial Day lunch: Lunch will be sold in the basement of Mount Pleasant UMC on Monday, May 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the cemetery fund.

Homemakers: Even though the club is no longer in existence though the extension office of Loudoun County, the Potomac Valley Homemakers get together once a month on the third Tuesday. Recently about 14 members met at the UMCA in Brunswick for brunch.

Softball: Mount Pleasant UMC has had a softball team for approximately 30 years and it is amazing how times have changed. The team members who started years ago have children and grandchildren of their own playing on the team. Look for the next games at the Lovettsville Community Center Tuesday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m. against Blue Ridge Bible Church.

Picnic, dance: The Taylorstown Community Association will be having its annual picnic and dance on June 23. Mark your calendar in advance for a good time.

Well wishes: Get-well wishes go to David Miller, Carl Carnes, James Stream and Roger Lanham.Birthdays: Happy birthday to the Rev. Gay Lynn Tonelli, Adelle Miller, Eddie Chamblin, Andrew Towe, Pam Barker Smith, Brandt Lindsey, Kayla Bretzin, Matthew Bretzin, Katie Capilongo, Kristie Lindsey, Elizabeth Williams and Eli Lindsey. Anniversaries: Happy anniversary to Joe and Karen Tyrrell, Karen and Johnny Potts, Jerome and Kristie Lindsey, Robert and Evelyn Spinks, Troy and Susan Zimmerman, Mark and Bonnie Ridgeway and Terry and Debbie Ridgeway.

Barbara Barr's Column

Changing seasons: Spring, summer, winter? Which is it? You certainly can't tell by the temperature. However, it is definitely spring when you pass all the ball fields all over the county and you see all the children practicing. Regardless of the weather, they are earnest about keeping their schedules getting ready for the season which began this week.

Softball: Mount Pleasant UMC will be playing its first game on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lovettsville Community Center. If you haven't signed up and you want to play please do so immediately.

Spring dinner: Mount Pleasant UMC will also be serving its annual spring dinner on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 5 p.m. The dinner consists of country ham and turkey with side dishes and will be served family style. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the church.

Historic tour: Eugene Scheel recently escorted 30 teachers in Loudoun County on a tour of historic places in Loudoun County. We were delighted that they included Taylorstown on their tour.

Benney arrival: Congratulations to Brian and Kristen Benney on the birth of their son, Vincent Walter Benney.Birthdays; Happy birthday to Emily Barker, Sylvia Merchant, Bryce Lang and Karen Golden.Anniversary: Happy anniversary to Matthew and Teresa Grezch.

Barbara Barr's Column

Avon Walk: Bingo players should come and join in basket bingo at the Lovettsville Game Club on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. The bingo is to benefit the Avon Walk for the Cure. Refreshments will be sold by the Game Club.

Election: The Taylorstown Community Association recently met at the Mount Pleasant Church for its monthly meeting. The following officers were elected: President Tara Lindhart, Vice President Tami Carlow, Secretary Susan McKenzie and Treasurer Karen Hendershot.

KLB: If you are interested in helping to clean up the Taylorstown area during Keep Loudoun Beautiful week, please contact Tami Carlow for more details at 540-822-5939.

Lang baptism: The Mount Pleasant UMC recently celebrated the baptism of Silas Aconcaqu Lang, son of Larry and Lauren Lang during the Sunday morning worship service. A reception was held immediately afterwards in the social hall of the church where family and friends gathered for fellowship.

Body Genesis: Come and join Body Genesis at the Hillsboro Old Stone School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. And the Lucketts Community Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. The spring session began on Monday, March 6. For more information, call 540-822-5643.

South American trip: Blaine and Anne Larson recently returned from a month's vacation in South America. This was quite an eventful trip and scary at times when their ship was hit by an 80-foot wave on Cape Horn. They were able to visit the Amazon and the Antarctic.

In sympathy: Sympathy and prayers are extended to the families and friends of Thelma Brown, James Nelson, Gerri Tonelli and Marie Kennedy.

Well wishes: Get-well wishes to Brad Curl, Phyllis Spinks, Ruth Payne, Madison Fatz, Carl Carnes and Bebe Myers.

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Hannah Coates, Sawyer Shipley, Guy Pitcock, Troy Mayner, Karen Potts, Allen Baker, Hayy Loy, Jack and Craig Towe, Thomas Gunnell, Billy Coates, Joan Rollins, Jason Lang, Jimmy Barker and Bruce Loy.