🌱 Ida Rec Center Honored + Expansion To The Police Department

Good morning, everybody! It's Friday in Leesburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly cloudy. High: 82 Low: 58.
• Saturday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 72 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories today in Leesburg:

1. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office arrested Theresa A. Smith of Haymarket on two embezzlement counts after she reportedly stole nearly $30,000 from a child subsidy program. Smith is a worker with the Loudoun County Department of Family Services, and she was released on a $5,000 bond. (Patch)
2. Ida Lee Park Recreation Center and Ida Lee Park Tennis Center have secured coveted spots on Virginia Living magazine's prestigious "Best of Virginia" list for 2023. In the fiercely competitive Northern Virginia region, the Rec Center claimed an impressive third place in the Best Gym category, while the Tennis Center clinched an admirable second place for Best Tennis Facility. Kaj Dentler, the Town Manager, expressed heartfelt congratulations to the Parks and Recreation Department staff, emphasizing their commitment to providing exceptional customer service and top-notch recreational facilities for the residents of Leesburg. (Town of Leesburg)
3. Leesburg's plan to enhance the Plaza Street headquarters of the Leesburg Police Department surged forward on Tuesday evening as the Town Council awarded Hoar Construction a $17.9 million contract for the construction of a sprawling 14,500-square-foot addition. The anticipated timeline for the project is set to commence in late autumn and extend over a span of two years. Hoar, recognized for its recent accomplishment in constructing the new Vienna Police Department headquarters, secured the contract with the lowest bid among ten qualified builders. (Loudoun Now)

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Today and tomorrow in Leesburg:

Friday, May 12

• Pre-K Skill Builders At Rust Library (10:00 AM)

Saturday, May 13

• Guided Hike At Seven Bends State Park (9:00 AM)
• LoCo Food Truck Festival At Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (11:00 AM)
• Homeward Bound Pet Adoption At Loudoun County Animal Services (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Michael Chapman, the Loudoun County Sheriff, received a special honor. He was invited to attend the Federal Protective Service (FPS) Wreath Laying Ceremony per the request of the Major County Sheriffs of America. (Loudoun Sheriff via Instagram)
• In preparation for the 13th annual Kids to Park Day, which is hosted on May 20, the town's Parks and Rec Department will host a “Discovery Walk." The plan is to get families out and about so that they can explore the 138 acres of Ida Lee Park. (Town of Leesburg, Virginia via Facebook)
• Nearby Purcellville will be home to a new ramen restaurant. Koyo Ramen will be located in the Purcellville Center, about 10 minutes from the heart of Leesburg, and will be opening this fall. (The Burn)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.