It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Ashburn Colored School gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ashburn, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating care to 24/7 on a short notice (emergency). He has put my mom and the both families at ease and very comfortable with the process. Incredible patient service and family support. Would recommend you meet with Chris to customize the appropriate care for your loved one. Absolute professional in his field.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through the process of caring for my parents and providing me with resources matched to my needs”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his team are always there to help my Mom. They take her places, help with meals, laundry and keeping Mom safe and happy!”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their attention to details is exceptional. My Mom's caregiver was excellent and provided daily care with passion. My only regret is not calling sooner for care.”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company I have ever worked for. Mr Chris the owner is a very nice person. He cares for his caregivers and most especially for his clients.”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support just our Dad but the whole family. She was a fabulous caregiver though she was so much more, she was our Dad’s friend who he look forward to seeing each and every day. If you find you need support for your loved one, you could not ask for a better person than Carmen. We are so grateful to Carmen and Always Best Care for supporting our Dad.”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone.”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home care need and have provided support for us in the past which has been exceptional. Much appreciated!”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you are told that “your telephone volunteer makes their day” or “you can hear your loved one laughing with joy in speaking with their telephone volunteer”, you know that another successful contact has occurred. Thank you for offering the Telephone Reassurance Service as it is truly making a difference in the lives of Seniors.”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best Care in mind to help with mom and dad.”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been terribly helpful and supportive to my family. He has provided guidance, suggestions, and even a wheelchair to help my mother get around while we navigate the complexities of a rapidly progressing illness. I so appreciate his help!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and I’m extremely happy with the service ABC provided. Their caregivers are reliable and compassionate. For the service provided hands down they are the most favorable and valued service out there. In my humble opinion, the best affordable/valued quality adult care in the area. Thank you ABC.”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about providing the best care possible. As a financial advisor, I consider Chris and Always Best Care Loudoun a great "tool in my toolbox" when working with my older clients and mention their services as something for my clients to know about should the need arise.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give his own. Truly a treasure.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the company's promise. Chris, the owner, is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give to his own.”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a little extra help around the house, or perhaps you want to develop a plan for the future, Chris from Always Best Care is the guy to call. He can help you plan for whatever your family needs, whether that's help aging in their existing home or transitioning to someplace with full time assistance, he can help you figure out what is best for your family.”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares about their clients and so do the caregivers”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care about the caregiver and their clients; especially my boss, Chris.”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best Care. Their caregivers are genuinely concerned about the health of seniors. They are reliable, honest, and always on time.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone. -Jamie Neal”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Trailside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Eddie Merlot's or visit Historic Ashburn Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Ashburn, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ashburn, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ashburn, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Virginia had the second-highest percentage of hospitals earning "A" grades in new safety ratings. See the top hospitals.Patch StaffVIRGINIA — Forty-one hospitals in Virginia were given top marks in The Leapfrog Group’s fall 2024 hospital safety grades released Friday.The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit health care watchdog group that grades hospitals twice a year, assigns letter grades ranging from “A&rdq...
Patch Staff
VIRGINIA — Forty-one hospitals in Virginia were given top marks in The Leapfrog Group’s fall 2024 hospital safety grades released Friday.
The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit health care watchdog group that grades hospitals twice a year, assigns letter grades ranging from “A” to “F,” for 3,000 general hospitals on how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections.
Overall, hospitals have made great strides since the pandemic years, when the risk of contracting deadly infections was elevated nationwide, but more work needs to be done, the Leapfrog Group said in a news release.
Virginia ranked second among states for the number of hospitals earning the top letter grade. They are:
By comparison, Virginia had 40 hospitals with A grades in Leapfrog Group's last ratings in the spring.
Overall, Virginia had:
Some hospitals did not receive a grade.
For the third grading cycle, Utah tops the list with the highest percentage of “A” hospitals, followed, respectively, by Virginia, Connecticut, North Carolina, New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Colorado and South Carolina. California ranked in the top 10 for the first time since the fall of 2014.
The fall 2024 ratings show improvement in patient safety across several performance measures, including notable improvements on health care-associated infections, hand hygiene and medication safety. Preventable deaths and harm in hospitals has long been a major policy focus for The Leapfrog Group.
While noting the gains hospitals have made in patient safety have saved “countless lives,” Leapfrog Group president and CEO Leah Binder said in a news release that medical centers nationwide need to accelerate their progress “because no one should have to die from a preventable error in a hospital.”
Binder said significant variation in performance continues across U.S. hospitals. For example, four states — Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont — had no “A” hospitals.
“That’s why it’s so important for people to consult grades when making decisions about seeking care,” Binder said. “All hospitals are not the same.”
Nationally, health care-acquired infections reached their highest peak since 2016 in the fall 2022 safety grades, but they have since declined dramatically, according to the report.
Also, central line-associated bloodstream infections were down 38 percent, catheter-associated urinary tract infections were down 36 and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections decreased by 34 percent.
For more information on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
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ASHBURN, VA — Every year, the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children recognize schools meeting the needs of military families with a Purple Star designation. Eight schools in Loudoun County Public Schools have earned the designation in 2024.Schools earning the Purple Star are Brambleton Middle School, Broad Run High School, Independence High School, John W. Tolbert Elementary School, Little River Elementary School, River Bend Middle School,...
ASHBURN, VA — Every year, the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children recognize schools meeting the needs of military families with a Purple Star designation. Eight schools in Loudoun County Public Schools have earned the designation in 2024.
Schools earning the Purple Star are Brambleton Middle School, Broad Run High School, Independence High School, John W. Tolbert Elementary School, Little River Elementary School, River Bend Middle School, Smart’s Mill Middle School and Stone Bridge High School.
Schools keep the designation and can reapply after three years. Brambleton and River Bend Middle Schools were recognized for a second time after earning the designation in 2021. Other LCPS schools that received the Purple Star designation in previous years were Belmont Ridge Middle School, Cardinal Ridge Elementary School, J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, Legacy Elementary School, Madison’s Trust Elementary School, Riverside High School, Rock Ridge High School, Stone Hill Middle School, Trailside Middle School and Willard Middle School.
The Purple Star Schools designation has been awarded annually since 2018. Schools earning Purple Star designation must meet requirements such as having a staff contact for military students and families, providing professional development for staff on military-connected students' needs, having a division-wide page on military student and family support, coordinating a student-led transition program and completing at least one division-wide activity.
Loudoun County has a notable military family presence as part of the national capital region with federal facilities for military personnel. According to Census data from 2018 to 2022, the county has an estimated 23,111 military veterans.
"Virginia is home to the largest population of military connected children in the country," said Virginia's Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "As a military spouse myself, and the mother of members of the military, I understand the unique needs our military-connected families face and the important roles our schools play in supporting them. I am proud that so many of Virginia’s schools are stepping up to support the children of our service members, and I am proud to recognize their commitment to those who serve our nation."
Overall, 190 Virginia public and private schools earned the Purple Star designation this year, which includes 41 first-time recipients. Falls Church City Public Schools, Gloucester County Public Schools, and King George County Public Schools have earned the Purple Star division status for all of their schools having the designation. Chesapeake Public Schools, York County Public Schools and Stafford County Public Schools have already achieved and maintained division status.
The Independence High School band won its state championship for two years in a row and competed on the national level. Patch StaffASHBURN, VA — In early November, Loudoun County's own Independence High School marching band brought home some hometown pride by winning the state championship.The marching band won the Virginia Class 6A Championship and the Commonwealth Cup for the second consecutive year. ...
Patch Staff
ASHBURN, VA — In early November, Loudoun County's own Independence High School marching band brought home some hometown pride by winning the state championship.
The marching band won the Virginia Class 6A Championship and the Commonwealth Cup for the second consecutive year. In addition, Independence High School finished 15th in the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional Championship against the top 88 marching bands in the U.S. The band only missed advancing to the finals by one-tenth of a point.
"This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and countless hours of practice our students have invested throughout the season," said Kyle Harrington, one of the band directors at Independence High School. "To be able to earn another state title while also competing at such a high level nationally speaks volumes about the commitment of our students, staff, and supporting community."
There are 162 students participating in the marching band program. The marching band says students must maintain academic success amid rigorous rehearsal schedules. The band's season, titled "Rewired," was a sequel to their show "Glitch" two years ago. Performances combined musical elements with wirelessly controlled LED lights attached to students' uniforms. Preparations for the season began with summer band camp in late July. The band has performed at numerous competitions, football games and community events and participates in the United Sound peer mentorship program for special education students.
"What makes these accomplishments even more special is the growth we've witnessed in our students, both as musicians and as individuals," added Amanda Young, another band director. "Their ability to perform at such a high level while supporting each other exemplifies the valueswe strive to instill through our program."
The band dates back to when Independence High School first opened in 2019. The band boosters hold fundraisers for the marching band throughout the year and typically seeks sponsors during the summer. The boosters say the easiest way to support the band is by donating online or by check.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Community CornerAshby Ponds' nine bustling restaurants are always serving up cooked-to-order meals made with the finest ingredients.DGB, Community ContributorAshburn, VA - "I firmly believe that dining with neighbors is the ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
DGB, Community Contributor
Ashburn, VA - "I firmly believe that dining with neighbors is the most popular activity at Ashby Ponds," says Janet Gordon, a resident of the Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va. "Getting together for a meal or cup of coffee is happening everywhere on campus every day. It's a wonderful way to meet new people."
Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Ashby Ponds' nine bustling restaurants are always serving up cooked-to-order meals made with the finest ingredients.
"Because we make things fresh, our chefs have the freedom to add items to the menu whenever they wish," notes Kevin Kilhefner, director of Dining Services, who helps his team of culinary professionals prepare over 1,700 entrees each weeknight.
As a result, residents like Janet get to enjoy a variety of local favorites, modern takes on classic dishes, and innovative fare with newfound and longtime friends!
Something for everyone
The Robin's Nest Cafe--serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner--boasts an expansive list of entrees including soups, salads, a bacon bleu burger, tuna melt, and Philly steak sandwich. Meatloaf, "Taco Tuesday," and blackened salmon are popular dinner specials.
The Skyline Grill offers fresh salads, a variety of sandwiches and burgers, and savory entrees including veal Milanese, shrimp scampi, barbeque St. Louis ribs, and seared salmon for lunch and dinner.
The Acorn Deli is a grab-and-go spot for those looking for a light bite at lunch, including soups, salads, and sandwiches.
The Asian-inspired menu at 1912 features an array of international dishes such as Korean fried rice, sweet chili lime tempura nuggets, grilled flat iron steak with blackberry sauce, and Thai curry and shrimp soup.
Windows' seated bar area is the perfect place for meeting friends for a hand-crafted cocktail before dinner. Restaurant favorites include cornmeal-crusted catfish, chicken carbonara, and sauerbraten (marinated and braised roast beef).
The Dogwood Pub, complete with a full dining bar, is a popular neighborhood gathering spot. Serving up fish and chips, pepperoni flatbreads, and chicken bacon ranch paninis, you're sure to find pub fare you love.
New and formal venues
The Blue Sky offers a fine dining experience and an impressive menu with items like chicken Francaise, Dijon-glazed shrimp, and New York strip steak served with a port-wine demi-glace. Vegetarian favorites include spaghetti with plant-based meatballs and Asian marinated tofu. The Blue Sky also serves Sunday brunch, featuring French toast casserole, smoked salmon sandwiches, and chocolate chip pancakes.
Residents enjoy Sunday brunch and dinner at the Potomac Restaurant, where internationally inspired entrees like Thai yellow curry with tofu, Genovese rigatoni, sweet and sour pork, and miso-glazed cod are always on the menu.
This summer, Black Rock Bistro --Ashby Ponds' ninth restaurant--opened to rave reviews. Boasting a pizza oven and a design-your-own pizza bar (including a cauliflower crust option), this Mediterranean-Italian inspired eatery is a resident favorite. You can also order fresh baked focaccia, lasagna with meat sauce, and sundried tomato risotto.
Powerful partnership
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Kilhefner and his team maintain an open-door policy and eagerly welcome feedback. This year, Dining Services placed QR codes at tables, enabling diners to provide in-the-moment reviews of their dining experience.
"But the one-on-one interactions we have with residents are most important," he says. "At any point during any meal, residents are encouraged to talk with me or the general manager."
"We appreciate the open-door policy," says Janet, who serves as chair of the residents' dining services committee. "We feel comfortable knocking on the kitchen door, talking with the chefs, and discussing food issues. For me, I can't eat garlic or onions. In speaking with the chefs, who are making meals as they are ordered, they are able to accommodate my needs. And they do it so well!"
Coming together
The Dining Services team also creates delicious menus for a full calendar of special events at the community. In addition to recognizing all major holidays, the team schedules themed dinners, often inspired by a chef's passion or a resident request.
"Our Thanksgiving celebration is my favorite. It's very traditional," says Janet. "It's exactly what I had growing up and what I cooked for my family."
Regardless of whether residents are coming together for Thanksgiving, a birthday dinner, or a casual meal with friends, Ashby Ponds' restaurants are--without a doubt--some of the most social places on campus.
"Our meals are what bring everyone together. That's the most important thing," says Janet. "Dining together is a wonderful way to meet new friends!"
Invest in your future self at Ashby Ponds. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!
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