10/13/09 IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Yes, this has some good information. BUT, more information is now available - and getting the latest and greatest updates is important - PLEASE, refer to my more recent post and the update at the bottom. It might be the tidbit of knowledge that saves your life: CLICK: http://livinginloco.blogspot.com/2009/10/h1n1-vaccinations-in-schools.html .
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I applaud the efforts of the Health Department, CDC and public school systems in bringing the FREE H1N1 vaccines to our schools. 
The school has sent home a package, and if I sign the consent form my daughter can receive the immunization for free. For parents who want their children to have this, and who are financially struggling (that's all of us, right?) or have struggles with finding the time to take their kids to the doctors, this is wonderful. Their choice seems fairly clear. (Well, except that any reactions are likely to happen within minutes to hours after receiving the vaccine, and I am just wondering who will be carefully monitoring the kids during this time? The teacher with 25 students in her class, all of which act weird everyday?)
But many parents have concerns about vaccines of any type. There are also the kids like my 3 year old that can't have vaccines because of allergic reactions.
And, then there are the parents like me. The ones that don't ever get flu shots, as I think it's better for us to build up our immunity naturally. And, the ones that are worried that the vaccine hasn't been studied enough. I fall into both categories.
I actually think I actually already had H1N1: See "H1N1:It's in Loudoun- Party Anyone?" At the time of that posting, I was not planning on having anyone getting the vaccine, even if it was ready in time. But, since then, I keep hearing stories of kids - friends of friends of mine - dying from this flu. Dying. Kids. I keep asking "Was the kid healthy BEFORE they got sick? Did they have underlying issues?" and my friends look at me like I am trying to decide if I care about the kid dying. OF COURSE I CARE. My heart is grieving for those parents. I think no parent should ever have to bury a child. Ever.
I am just trying to assess the risk here; the risk for my kids. I really don't know what to do. I would rather have my kids be exposed and build up immunity naturally. I CAN'T let the youngest have the shot (or nasal mist). But, should I let my first grader?
The info sent home from the school is not helpful. It says they are probably offering either mist (a live attenuated vaccine) or shots (inactivated vaccine). Both require two doses, a month apart. It does not include Thimerosal in the nasal mist. Both have risks, and "rarely" cause death. (Rarely? Seriously? Isn't that the same odds if they get the Flu?).
Better yet, it says if your kid does get really sick or die from it, your liabilities are legally limited; but they set up a federal fund to pay for the medical costs associated with a bad reaction. I am not even sure what I should think about that.
What are you going to do? On Facebook, I posted this question and the answers I got included thoughts like:
-They'd never get my daughter to have the shot! Maybe the nasal mist.
-There are concerns about the nasal mist.
-Don't want my kid to be the guinea pig...
-My kids are getting them; ASAP.
-I don't know which is worse, leaning towards allowing the vaccine...I have friends who's kids have gotten it, and it is bad in Tenn.
-My daughter's getting the vaccine (if the scratch test goes well), and she's even allergic to eggs! (Note: they have cautions if you have life threatening allergies to eggs.)
And, from my husband "Don't you dare let them give that to Rachael. I've watched the whole thing on the news every morning and I think they rushed it."
While my husband gets a vote, it's not the deciding one. I want to hear what you're planning to do, and why. Please, share your thoughts.
Regardless of where you stand on this issue, remember we're all just trying to do what we hope and believe is right for our children. Even if we disagree with each other, I respect your thoughts, and I pray for the safety and well being of your children and those you love.
***
If you are undecided, these are the resources the school provided:
http://www.flu.gov/
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
www.cdc.gov/flu
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents
http://www.vaers.hhs.gov/
Email: flu@loudoun.gov
I was a Girl Scout for a short time as a child. My leaders, while they tried and their hearts were in the right place, didn't create much opportunity.
My first leader was a nice lady, our meetings were afterschool at her house. She had a special needs son who was there and no one to help her manage him or her other daughter during our meetings. We did a lot of coloring. That's really all I remember. 
My second leader was a single mom who kept missing meetings because of her work schedule. Eventually, she had meetings on Saturday mornings, but I could only meet every OTHER weekend because I went to my dads on alternating weekends. So, I dropped out.
It was quite a disappointment. I did a lot of the stuff to get badges (on my own), and I wanted to be a good little Girl Scout. 
Committed to making sure my daughter had a better experience, when Rachael entered Kindergarten, I stepped up and offered to be a co-leader. I had no idea what I was in for! OH, THE FORMS!.... It's a paperwork blizzard!... and they refer to things like A130, B240... huh? What's that? They didn't tell us exactly what to do and the program for earning "petals" was not very structured. ("Daisies" are the K & 1st grade level of Girl Scouts, and they earn petals to complete a flower as they complete the main goals.) As I tried to learn things, the rules were changing. It seemed "Daisies" were an exception to everything. It was so frustrating.
One of my closest friends is a leader, and has been for a long time. I asked her how she could stand it. She said she does it because she loved it, not for her daughter. I just didn't get that at all. I was doing it for my daughter.
But, then, something amazing happened. I was in the grocery store and one of my girls saw me. She was so excited.... and came running to me, yelling, hugging, bragging to the entire store. Then it happened again when I was at school for something, and then it kept happening. One day I came home and there was a banner on my lawn that said "The Best Girl Scout Leader Lives Here". Then, they started giving me presents - pictures, trinkets, homemade poppyseed bread. Let me tell you.... it's all worth it. Every single silly GS rule, every lettered and numbered form.
Being a leader is a heart melting feeling. Who needs drugs with a high like that?
I admit, there was so much to learn, last year I felt like I was just following along. This year, I'm (at least trying) to really lead. We're off to a great start.
We had our registration meeting as a potluck dinner at a local park. We have an agenda; a strategy; and a great group. I lost a few girls who moved, but most of my troop returned (maybe I did do something right last year?). And, we're adding a couple new girls.
In October, we have 2 troop meetings, a SHARE fundraiser (to provide scholarships for those that need it), a leader meeting, and an outing to a Pumpkin Patch/Petting Zoo. Most month's have a calendar that looks pretty much like that.... and there is paperwork to do for everything... and emails, and calls... and my girls will squeal when they feed the animals, and giggle while they decorate their pumpkins, and hug me at least twice each time I see them.
If you're ready to volunteer, as a leader or even in a lesser capacity, go to the national web site, http://girlscouts.org/ to find opportunities in your area.
******
Doyou live in Loudoun already?
Are you thinking of moving here?
Check out these resources:
LivingInLoCo.blogspot.com
TheRealEstateWhisperer.blogspot.com
VickyChrisner.com
So, you want to know what kind of people live in Leesburg?
The following Leesburg Statistics were printed in the September Guide To Loudoun and were based on information from The Town of Leesburg Economic Development Department, the U.S. Census Beareu, the Bureau of Labor, the American Community Survey and the Loudoun County Department of Economic Developement.
Population:
1980: 8,357
1990: 16,202
2000: 28,311
2008: 38,206 (Esimate)
Households
2000 Census: 10,325
2008: 13,828 (Estimate)
Racial and Ethnic Distribution
White 78.5%
Black: 9.6%
Hispanic: 9.9%
Asian: 5.1%
Other: 4.2%
Bi-or Multi-racial: 2.6%
Age Distribution
19 and under: 29.8%
20-44: 43.7%
25-64: 5.9%
Median age: 32.3
Educational Attainment
HS Grad or higher: 92.4%
Bach Degree or higher: 51.7%
Grad/Prof degree: 16.9%
====================
In a nutshell, it's mostly well educated, younger families with lots of kids. (Thus the continual political and public focus on our school system, which is reportedly one of the highest ranked in the nation.)
While median income levels were not offered in this article, Loudoun County remains the county with the highest median income in the entire country for two years in a row... competing for many years with Fairfax County for that title.
To read a more personal view on who lives in Leesburg, CLICK HERE. To learn more about what it is like to live in Leesburg or the surrounding area, stay tuned to www.LivingInLoco.Blogspot.com.
If you happen to get up and out early here in Loudoun, you might wonder where everyon's going in such a hurry so early on a Saturday morning. Let me tell you - Fall Soccer is in full swing, and the traffic is heading to one of the many soccer or other sport fields in the county.
The Loudoun Youth Soccer Association has "teams" starting as young as age 3. My little Devon is involved. Each Saturday morning, we head out to the field early. At this age, they don't play real games, although there is a rumor that at the end of the season they will have a scrimmage of some sort - I can't imagine that, but I'll have my video rolling for sure.
They have their little uniforms... my son often won't wear his uniform shirt and instead opts for a Spider Man undershirt and a sweat jacket. Oh well. We get to the school where they play, and get out onto the field. It's not just my kid that is a little apprehensive. They all head onto the field, each one clinging to the legs of an adult - usually one of their parents, but not always. After a few minutes, most of the kids let go and get into the rhythm.... although my Devon refused last week, and we sat on the sidelines and watched the whole time. I wouldn't let him partake in the team snack at the end of the game, saying it was only for the kids that played. He cried the whole way home - bet he plays next week!
It's actually a great program. Everyone is friendly. I am impressed with the coaching. At age 3, they are 
simply getting the kids to learn to move the ball. They play red light/green light with the ball; they practice little kicks and big kicks, and dribbilng the ball around cones. They usually all play with their own balls, although last week they did do a few exercises using only one ball for the team. The kids are never told they're doing anything wrong. They get positive encouragement the entire time.
At this age, we have one "practice" a week, same time, same place. At older ages the schedule becomes hectic. One of the girls on our street is in first grade and she has practice on Monday and Wednesdays and a game on Saturday! The practices are same place/same time, but the game places and times vary. As it stands, I can't imagine that.
Being a kid today in Loudoun is nothing like it was when I was growing up. If we played soccer, it was because two kids bumped into each other and one had a ball. I don't remember anyone that played on an actual soccer team. Now, most everyone's into it.
There are so many opportunities for kids today. My kids are both in swimming lessons twice a week, and in church activities, and one is in scouts and the other in soccer. Our schedules simply couldn't take anymore! Dressing and equipping the kids and busing them from place to place every day is a full time job. Yes, many of these activities take money. But, there are scholarships available for most. You'd be surprised how involved your kids can be with very little monetary involvement if you're on a tight budget.
Either way, it is worth it. My daughter, in first grade, has friends everywhere she goes. The kids are learning great values in these various activities. They learn team work, being honest and fair, friendly and helpful, courteous and respectful, how to get along with others, how to support their communities, how to follow directions and even how to lead. These values will hopefully serve them well throughout their lives. We all have to learn these values somehow, but in these activities it is much more fun that learning later in life, the hard way.
And for those that are curious, yes, I love being a soccer mom.
Stay tuned to learn more about Living In Loudoun County:
Content coming soon - please visit www.chrisnerrealty.com for more information
Northern Virginia has always been my home. I can't imagine a better place to live, with all four seasons being so beautiful. The area is so rich in culture and history, and the local economic climate is so solid - especially in comparison to the rest of the nation which can be so volital - that there is always opportunity here when there is far less elsewhere. So, I have never left, and my husband and I have built our home and raised our family right here in the same area where we grew up.
Since 1991 I have made real estate my chosen profession. In addition to having the pleasure to assist thousands of families find their new homes, I have extensive experience working with builders, developers, landlords and institutional real estate investors. I have worked in nearly every aspect of the real estate industry, and understand both the emotional and financial investments that are involved in EVERY real estate transaction.
Over the years, I have had the opportunites to learn so much about identifying the unique qualities in every property that bring value, and then to identify the target buyer for that property. Acting far less as the typical real estate agent, and far more like a real estate consultant, I work with my clients and customers to understand their goals, and their concerns. With that information, I am able to propose creative solutions to bring a higher level of service than most agents can offer. I strive to bring true value to every aspect of service, preventing and solving problems and working to meet your goals.
Please visit www.chrisnerrealty.com for more information on Chrisner Realty Investing Service's currently featured listings.
Marty Schmamann
Very good. Very, very helpful. Found something for my mother very quickly during what was a very difficult circumstance. (She) did an outstanding job!Tom & Anna O'Brien
Dear Vicky,
Thank you for everything you have done to sell our house. You went above and beyond the call of duty, and even when we called with a question or needed assurance on something you always made our calls feel welcomed and never a bother. In our minds you are the best REALTOR(R) in the world!!!!!
Thanks again.
Love always,
Tom, Anna, Joshua & Jessica OBrien
During a recent follow-up call, Mrs. O'Brien added:
"She's excellent. Very willing to answer questions. She was patient, energetic and creative. She's the best!"
William Beach, Beach Carpentry
All experiences have been great. (Vicky has) done nothing but good for me. I have dealt with real estate agents for over 25 years & Vicky comes up with new ideas that always seem to work. She has gotten more on properties than I thought would be possible!Diane Buxton
Could not be better! She really cares about people. (Vicky is) warm & caring. It feels like she is my sister at this point. (She is) patient & kind. Changed my opinion of real estate people. Aboslutely nothing negative. Goes the extra mile. Said she would go online & find a light for my kitchen when that was probably the last thing she would want to be doing - and did it with a smile!Shane Frazier, RBC Builder Finance
Very knowledgeable.Lisa Hale
(Vicky was) very personable. Great for a first-time home buyer or seller! She didn't just say 'This is the way we sell a house', but made it personal instead.Mrs. Hall
I would rate her as excellent! I was impressed by her efficiency and truthfulness. She sold my home in less than 30 days, whereas the first agent we listed with only showed it once in 3 months. She (Vicky) contacted us weekly and did not keep us guessing about anything. I regret not hiring her as our first agent.Teresa Cherry
Thank you so much! I could not have a better situation than to have someone I trust so much working on my side.Teresa Hagaman
As a professional home stager and entrepreneur, I have staged over 1,100 homes and work with numerous investors and agents. Over the past 4 1/2 years, Vicky Chrisner has assumed VIP status as one of my clients, as well as become a valued peer and colleague. She exemplifies excellence in all areas of professional real estate: compassionate customer service, strategic sales & marketing, and artful negotiation. Vicky continually monitors and studies market statistics and trends to provide her clients with knowledgeable guidance, whether they are purchasing or selling a home.
-Teresa A. Hagaman
President
TAH-DA! Inc.
Formerly trading as StagedRite, Inc.
Brian Grupac
I can say nothing but great things about our experience with Bo (Licking Valley Construction). We've been trying to do this for two years, encountering set back after set back. He went above and beyond our expectations in building our home. There were things he did to help us that you wouldn't expect a builder to do. It was great to have an agent like Vicky to guide us through each step. With outstanding customer service, the two of them working together made it a seamless process. We are very thankful to Bo and Vicky. They'll be in business for a long time helping people like us. I will definitely call upon them again for our next home!
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