February 8, 2008 Paxton Saved

Dear E-pistle subscriber,

Some good, late-breaking news: the Board of Trustees of the Paxton property and the Larc, the Arc of Loudoun, just this Wednesday signed a ten-year lease that will allow the buildings and grounds of Paxton to finally be re-opened!

As many of you know, this cause – honoring the final wishes of Mrs. Rachel Paxton, a St. James’ parishioner who left the buildings and grounds of her estate for the benefit of disadvantaged children – has been near and dear to my heart, and a very time-consuming project, for the past several years.

Three years ago, the historic Carlheim property faced the prospect of a bulldozer, with the property being turned over to developers.

Now it appears that Larc will be able to use the buildings and grounds for the benefit of autistic children.

This is very good news, and I am delighted.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the history of this cause, here is some background:

--An April 3, 2005 article in The Washington Post about the open hearing we conducted, at which we first connected with Larc:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A20159-2005Apr1.html

--A May 10, 2005 column by Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/09/AR2005050901261.html

--A Leesburg Today article from earlier this year giving a progress report:

http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/2007/04/12/news/leesburg/lb020paxton041207.txt

--And today’s story in Leesburg Today:

http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/2008/02/08/news/fp637paxton020808.txt

There are still steps to be accomplished, obstacles to be overcome, before disadvantaged children are actually on the campus.

But today I am so grateful that this is moving toward a happy outcome -- what a joy to have something difficult, complicated, and lengthy, turn out so well!

Thanks be to God.

See you Sunday,

Fr. John

P.S. It’s rather last minute, but you’re invited to a ceremonial “lock-cutting” (as opposed to ground-breaking) ceremony, tomorrow morning (Saturday, February 9) at 10:00 a.m. at the main gate to Paxton, in Leesburg on Wildman Street, NE, just off of Oakcrest Manor Drive NE.