And the government will help the homeowner pay for it. The 8-by-8-foot shed in Lawton’s yard cost just less than $7,000 after the 30% ($2,000) tax credit from the federal government.

The shed circulates water in small pipes under the roof covering to pick up the heat energy from the sun. When the water is about 8 degrees hotter than the setting on the water heater in the basement 64 feet away, the water drains down from the roof and into a 10-gallon tank next to the water heater. It transfers its heat to the water heater, and – when the sun is out and the pump kicks in – heads back to the roof for another sunbath.

Hmmm… an interesting idea.

To locate a food bank visit Feeding America (formerly named America’s Second Harvest). You can search for local food banks by entering in your zip code. The nearest one to us is the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank which serves some of the poorest families in Virginia. I was a little surprised to find that Loudoun County was already on their coverage map prior to the recent economic crunch. When all is said and done there very well could be more counties added to the list needing food banks.

A large percentage of American families live paycheck to paycheck and when a job is lost they need help with the most basic of needs. Please consider lending a helping hand.

Note: If you’re aware if any other local food related charities in our local area please send me a message and I’ll be sure to help spread the word.

—————————————————————–

In the scene below Mike becomes Michael Jackson. He won’t appreciate this pic, but it was hilarious!

As if the show wasn’t enough of a treat I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Mike’s dad as we left the performance. He’s a former teacher from this area and knew the teachers I had back in high school. He made it clear how proud he is of his son and I’m certain the feeling is mutual!

You can learn more about Mike and his extraordinary performances at this previous post on the performance last night at Freedom high school or at his Website: Mike Rayburn

I definitely recommend you catch his performance next time he performs in our area!

This full day event, features hands-on interactive stations, exhibits, demonstrations and live entertainment. The event focuses on family health & safety, nutrition, education, community awareness. It’s perfect for a family day of FUN!

Be one of the first 100 families and you’ll receive a free “goodie bag”.

For more information visit their site: Family Fest Loudoun

Mary is a Virginia gal that knows her wine and thrives on getting other people more enthusiastic about their wine experiences. Equally unique is her herb garden. She grows organic herbs right there at her home… er, her place of “employment”.

Check out her video and plan a visit one Friday evening with your guy or gal. It’ll be a good time.

Click here to view the embedded video.

See you there!

Admission: $7 for ages 7-59; $5 for ages 3-6; $5 for 60+; children under 2 free.
Dollar Day will be Wednesday, Aug. 13. Admission and rides are only $1 each!

The first closure will be from 9 pm Friday, Aug 8 until 5 am Monday Aug 11th.  Weekend detours are also scheduled for Aug 22-25 and Sept 5-8.

For more details and maps visit this DOT page: Route 29 Closed

The Loudoun Community Health Center is a nonprofit, charitable clinic that provides primary health care to anyone in need, regardless of your ability to pay, whether you have insurance or not. Services are typically provided on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.

To make a charitable donation online, go to www.LoudounCHC.org. For more information, call 703-443-2000.