
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in Leesburg, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Leesburg, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Leesburg, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Leesburg, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Leesburg, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Leesburg, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Leesburg, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News in Leesburg, VA
34K Without Power In VA: Power Outage Tips
Leesburg, VA Patchhttps://patch.com/virginia/leesburg/va-power-outage-tips-what-do-if-power-goes-out
A tracking site said more than 30,000 NoVA customers were without power after severe storms on Monday. Here's how to report an outage.Posted |Updated Mon, Aug 7, 2023 at 11:52 pm ETUpdated at 11:50 p.m. ET MondayVIRGINIA — As severe storms moved across Northern Virginia Monday, officials warned of 60 to 80 mph winds and hail that could cause power outages. More than 34,000 utility customers in the region were without power as of 11:50 p.m.At 7:50 p.m., the ...
A tracking site said more than 30,000 NoVA customers were without power after severe storms on Monday. Here's how to report an outage.
Posted |Updated Mon, Aug 7, 2023 at 11:52 pm ET
Updated at 11:50 p.m. ET Monday
VIRGINIA — As severe storms moved across Northern Virginia Monday, officials warned of 60 to 80 mph winds and hail that could cause power outages. More than 34,000 utility customers in the region were without power as of 11:50 p.m.
At 7:50 p.m., the PowerOutage.US site said 132,791 utility customers were without power across Virginia. The most outages were in Fairfax County with about 19,712; followed by 12,558 outages in Loudoun County, 10,314 in Fauquier County, and 7,354 outages in Prince William County.
Arlington, Fairfax City and counties to the south of Fauquier all reported power outages that totaled between 2,000 and 200 customers.
Here's how to track outages, report downed lines and keep your electronics safe.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Download the Dominion Energy app now to quickly report power outages and check for status updates: https://bit.ly/3s0hinr.
Call Dominion at 866-366-4357 to report a downed line. The utility asks residents to remain on the call and speak with a representative to provide as much information about the location and condition of the line.
Track power outages via Dominion Energy's outage map. And stay at least 30 feet away from any downed lines.
Novec, which serves parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties, said anyone who experiences a power outage can report the incident to NOVEC.
Power Outages
In preparation for potential power outages, individuals should prepare or update their emergency kits. Ensure you have flashlights, batteries, and other items to endure periods without power.
Many home electronics are sensitive and can be damaged during a power outage. Here are some precautions you can take to protect electronics:
Find more tips and advice on the federal government's Ready.gov website.
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
Loudoun School Board Election: 9 Seats Up For Grabs
Liam Griffinhttps://patch.com/virginia/leesburg/loudoun-school-board-election-9-seats-grabs
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Election Day is here for voters across Loudoun County. This year, voters will select representatives on the school board, county supervisors, and other local positions.All nine seats on the Loudoun County School Board is up for election Nov. 7. Only two incumbents, Leesburg's Erika Ogedegbe and Ashburn's Harris Mahedavi, are seeking reelection.In the Dulles district, Democrat-endorsed candidate Melinda Marie Mansfield is running unopposed. Each of the other eight seats, including the at-large position...
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Election Day is here for voters across Loudoun County. This year, voters will select representatives on the school board, county supervisors, and other local positions.
All nine seats on the Loudoun County School Board is up for election Nov. 7. Only two incumbents, Leesburg's Erika Ogedegbe and Ashburn's Harris Mahedavi, are seeking reelection.
In the Dulles district, Democrat-endorsed candidate Melinda Marie Mansfield is running unopposed. Each of the other eight seats, including the at-large position, is contested.
The school board races are hotly contested. The school board has faced no shortage of controversy in recent years for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a pair of high-profile sexual assaults.
Candidates have expressed concerns about transparency, a focus on core education concepts, and teacher retention.
"I believe we need change in the way our school system is currently functioning, to help restore trust with the community we serve," Joe Smith, a candidate for school board in the Little River district told Patch. "Truly, this election is a referendum on what's been happening in our society and it's important that we stand up for our rights and the way we raise and educate our children."
You can confirm your districts on the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal. Voters can also find their polling place online.
Oct. 16 was the deadline for voter registration or updating an existing voter registration (such as an address change). Voters who did not update their registration before the Oct. 16 deadline can cast a provisional ballot on Election Day through the same-day registration process.
Visit your assigned polling place during voting hours to cast a ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Voting hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find your polling place on the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal.
An acceptable form of ID is required to vote in person on Election Day. Provisional ballots are an alternative to voters without an ID at their polling place.
Unofficial election results will start to come in after polls close at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 on the Virginia Department of Elections website. Follow Patch on Election Day for live coverage of local and state election results.
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Anchor Bar now serving original Buffalo wings in Leesburg
Karen Grahamhttps://www.loudountimes.com/entertainment/anchor-bar-now-serving-original-buffalo-wings-in-leesburg/article_6c49e604-4205-11ee-9575-5b0b41fa7553.html
A well-known Buffalo, New York-based restaurant franchise recently opened its first location in Virginia in the Village at Leesburg and celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 22.Anchor Bar, which is known to have “the Original Buffalo Wing,” is also a licensed Buffalo Bills team backer bar, which they will be highlighting during the upcoming National Football League season.Co-owner Lee Shabe, of Leesburg, said he previously lived in upstate New York and is a longtime fan of the restaurant. He was interested in opening...
A well-known Buffalo, New York-based restaurant franchise recently opened its first location in Virginia in the Village at Leesburg and celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 22.
Anchor Bar, which is known to have “the Original Buffalo Wing,” is also a licensed Buffalo Bills team backer bar, which they will be highlighting during the upcoming National Football League season.
Co-owner Lee Shabe, of Leesburg, said he previously lived in upstate New York and is a longtime fan of the restaurant. He was interested in opening one in Loudoun County and his team with Xenith Management Group, a service-disabled veteran owned small business, plan to open several locations in Northern Virginia in the next few years.
“We wanted to start in Leesburg as we are drawn to it. We love the town and want to invest in the community we live in,” he said.
Shabe said he was also drawn to the company’s pro-military-veteran mission and the training support they have received from Anchor Bar’s corporate team.
Besides Shabe, who served in the United States Air Force as a special agent in the Office of Special Investigations, Xenith’s group includes Rowdy Adams, a retired Border Patrol chief, Rod Hite, who served as an operator with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM); and Brian Jones, who served as an intelligence officer with the United States Marine Corps.
Located in the former Eggspectation space, Anchor Bar has 250 seats inside and out as well as a private room which holds about 32 people, Shabe said. Sports fans will appreciate the 45 televisions around the restaurant, including in the private room.
On the menu along with the famous wings are a variety of appetizers, soups and salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. A notable favorite is Buffalo’s beef-on-weck sandwich, which is thinly sliced roast beef, horseradish sauce and au jus on a kimmelweck roll.
There are 24 beers on tap, including Yuengling, Labatt’s Blue Light and several options from Loudoun’s craft breweries, he said.
“We have a goal to create an inclusive place to come and hang out,” he said. “We have a patch wall for first responders and various team pennants on the wall. It’s been great to see the community embrace us.”
Anchor Bar was founded in 1935 and now serves more than 10 million pounds of chicken wings a year, according to the company’s website. It sells bottled wing sauce in over 4,000 supermarkets. Franchise locations can be found in western New York, Texas, Maryland, Illinois and Georgia.
Anchor Bar is located at 1609 Village Market Boulevard SE, Suite 105, in Leesburg. More information is available at anchorbar.com/leesburg-va.
After 20 years in business in Leesburg, Shear Artistry hair salon owner Patti Crabtree is continuing to grow and expand in the salon she started out of her home.
The business launched when her daughter was four months old in 2003, after a lifelong dream to own her own salon. Crabtree recalled how she always wanted to do hair design and remembers washing and styling her dad’s hair as a little girl growing up in Dale City.
After she was married, the couple found the Kincaid Forest neighborhood in Leesburg and fell in love with the family-friendly atmosphere there. Her husband built a salon so she could work at home in their front living room, complete with a hair washing sink, salon chair and special lighting.
“I worked very part-time while the kids were growing up,” she said. “Most of my clients were neighbors and came by word-of-mouth.”
Now her youngest is off to college and Crabtree is focused on growing the business and learning new techniques to share with her clients.
“This is such an exciting new chapter,” she said.
She recently completed the Masters of Balayage certification, which is a technique used for highlighting hair which gives it a natural look, she said.
Other services for men, women and children include cut and color, scalp cleansing and bond and peptide treatments for damaged hair.
“I love to provide a personalized customer experience here,” Crabtree said. “It’s a safe and relaxed place and very quiet.”
Shear Artistry is located at 823 Winterberry Drive in Leesburg. For appointments, call 703-655-7560.
Town of Leesburg, Virginia
leesburgva.govhttps://www.leesburgva.gov/Home/Components/News/News/10315/5957
Leesburg Seeks Input on Crescent District Master PlanLeesburg, VA (June 6, 2023) – Two community meetings will be held on Wednesday, June 28 to discuss updates and receive feedback on the Crescent District Master Plan, which guides redevelopment of the area southeast of downtown Leesburg. Town staff is seeking feedback on what aspects of the plan need refinements.The Crescent District includes the areas of Catoctin Circle, from South King Street to East Market Street, and East Market Street, from the Le...
Leesburg Seeks Input on Crescent District Master Plan
Leesburg, VA (June 6, 2023) – Two community meetings will be held on Wednesday, June 28 to discuss updates and receive feedback on the Crescent District Master Plan, which guides redevelopment of the area southeast of downtown Leesburg. Town staff is seeking feedback on what aspects of the plan need refinements.
The Crescent District includes the areas of Catoctin Circle, from South King Street to East Market Street, and East Market Street, from the Leesburg Bypass to the intersection of Loudoun Street.
Last fall, the Leesburg Town Council initiated an update of the Crescent District Master Plan to reevaluate land uses, building heights, architecture, opportunity sites, and housing goals. The Council also directed staff to analyze why there hasn’t been much change in the Crescent District since the plan’s adoption over 15 years ago.
“Since 2006, the vision for the Crescent District has contemplated a vibrant mix of uses that incorporates new amenities and places to visit for Town residents. This effort will help to define that vision more specifically in the context of today’s market conditions and community preferences,” said Senior Planner Rich Klusek. “Over the past few months, we have conducted economic studies to better understand development feasibility and determine what it would take to make the desired type of redevelopment happen. We intend to use the neighborhood meeting to explain the results of those studies and to gather public input on refining the plan for the Crescent.”
To give everyone a chance to participate, two neighborhood meetings have been scheduled. The first meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the second meeting will take place from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, both in the lower-level of Town Hall.
All members of the public including residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to help plan the future of Leesburg’s priority redevelopment area. Additional opportunities for public input will be available as the draft is refined later this year.
The consultant team, as well as staff, will provide an overview of project efforts to date and provide numerous opportunities for the public to weigh in during the presentation. The team will engage participants in priorities for the future and preferences for land uses, community design, and public facilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide interactive feedback with live polling while discussing the results with the project team.
To learn more about this project, visit www.leesburgva.gov/crescentdistrict.
Media Contact: Leah Kosin Assistant Public Information Officer pio@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Where's Waldo? Fun hide-and-seek game kicks off in downtown Leesburg July 1
Karen Graham kgraham@loudountimes.comhttps://www.loudountimes.com/entertainment/wheres-waldo-fun-hide-and-seek-game-kicks-off-in-downtown-leesburg-july-1/article_c3e3e616-16af-11ee-9b71-d757df742688.html
Fans of the “Where’s Waldo?” books will notice a common theme in businesses around downtown Leesburg during the month of July as the iconic children’s book character is slated to pop up for some hide-and-seek fun.Birch Tree Bookstore owner Leah Fallon heard about the national program through Candlewick Press, who is the publisher of the “Where’s Waldo?” books. Local booksellers are encouraged to join the program and partner with other small businesses to promote shopping locally.Fallon ...
Fans of the “Where’s Waldo?” books will notice a common theme in businesses around downtown Leesburg during the month of July as the iconic children’s book character is slated to pop up for some hide-and-seek fun.
Birch Tree Bookstore owner Leah Fallon heard about the national program through Candlewick Press, who is the publisher of the “Where’s Waldo?” books. Local booksellers are encouraged to join the program and partner with other small businesses to promote shopping locally.
Fallon thought it was a great idea, especially during the summer when kids are out of school, and she reached out to other business owners that she had worked with in the past. In all, there are 24 businesses participating.
Throughout the month of July, the goal is to use a stamp card and find Waldo – in his signature red and white striped sweater and hat – in Leesburg at participating sites, she said. After Waldo is spotted, the businesses will provide a stamp or signature. By collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses, it will give participants an entry into the grand prize drawing for Waldo books and paraphernalia.
“Each business gets a mini-Waldo and they hide it – but not too hard,” Fallon said. “The idea is to get people in the door. Once you collect 10 different stamps, you can get a temporary tattoo and a coupon for a discount on a Waldo book. With 20 signatures, you get a coupon and entered into a drawing for a deluxe set of Waldo books.”
Martin Handford created Where’s Waldo? in the 1980s and more than 80 million Waldo books have been sold worldwide and have been translated into over thirty languages.
The Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt kicks off in Leesburg July 1 and runs until July 30, when there will be a celebration at Birch Tree Bookstore from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the grand prize winner will be announced.
Participating businesses are: 27 South Interiors, Zest Clothing Co., King Street Coffee, Muz & Rose, Range Global Goods, Gvino Enoteca Fine Wines, Ashby Mae Children’s Boutique, Catty Corner Café, Leesburg Farmers Market, Plum Grove Cyclery, Mocatinas, Buford’s Biscuits, Birch Tree Bookstore/Foliage Plant Shop, District Hemp Botanicals, Madisonbelle, SimplyBe Coffee, Leesburg Beads & Studio, Finch Knitting and Sewing Studio, Black Hoof Brewing Company, Gruto’s Soft Serve, Very Virginia Shop, Neighbors: A Local Market, Sunflower Shack, Goosecup Coffee and Bar, Books and Other Found Things.
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