Dogs Running at Large - It is against the law to allow dogs to run loose off of your property or the private property of others.

Dog Noise - It is unlawful to possess or harbor a dog that frequently/continually barks or howls.

Dog Waste - It is unlawful for the owner of any dog to fail to remove immediately the dog’s feces from any property (Loudoun County code).

Cats - If you have a problem with roaming cats, the Animal Shelter will loan you a humane trap (for a $35 deposit) to capture the cat(s) and bring it to the Animal Shelter.

Corrective Action - Pet owners are urged to comply with these laws and the Association’s documents. In more cases than not, simple communication amongst neighbors can resolve the problem. Written complaints to the Association’s managing agent is an alternative if individual communication fails, but action beyond a warning is difficult unless the violation is witnessed. Or contact Animal Care & Control at 703-777-0406. All complaints are kept confidential.

By Rita Arsenault

Hands On Science (HOS) is an enrichment program for kids that directs their natural curiosity towards new experiences and a greater awareness of science and its product – technology. The idea is to enhance concepts the children are already learning by incorporating hands-on activities in a “fun” environment. HOS programs use math to explore scientific processes, and “play” activities like model building, songs, and games to encourage full participation by the students. Because children learn best when they are interested, the program encourages questions, develops critical thinking skills and stimulates the children to come up with their own ideas through the use of experiments and carefully posed questions by the instructor.

The classes run three times each school year, in the Fall, Winter and Spring; they are after school for an hour, once a week for eight weeks. Adults of varying backgrounds can volunteer to be instructors. HOS provides training in leading small groups, complete activity guides with instructions and background material, and suggested questions to pose to the children. They also give volunteers the chance to go through the material for the eight week course with other volunteer instructors before the program begins. All of the supplies for the experiments are provided, except for small items like rulers and scissors.

I taught this for 2 years at another Loudoun elementary school and I cannot tell you how much fun I had. The kids really enjoy it and they sign up again and again. It really motivates them to learn more about Science. If I can get enough adult volunteers to teach the classes, I would like to coordinate this for next year. Please email me at Rita_HOS@potomaccrossing.org if you are interested, or if you have any questions.