Jan Mercker, Author at Loudoun Now

‘Just Brave Enough, Just Crazy Enough:’ Ashburn’s McKenna Smet Makes National Handball Team

2021-07-092021-07-09 Jan Mercker 1 Comment

Most people don’t suddenly become world-class athletes in their early 30s. But Ashburn’s McKenna Smet has the ability, determination and

2021-06-162021-06-16 Jan Mercker 1 Comment

When Virginia declared Juneteenth a state holiday last year, Irvin Greene was determined to launch a celebration in his hometown.

2021-06-032021-06-04 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

When Erika Valentine tells new friends about her two hockey-playing kids, they often assume both are boys. But Valentine’s 10-year-old

2021-05-272021-05-27 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

Even as a troubled teen in Leesburg, René Bonet had a powerful voice and a way with words. Now she’s

2021-05-202021-05-19 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

Loudouners are ready to let loose and have fun this summer, but safety is still front and center for many

2021-05-132021-05-13 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

In the next few weeks, Loudoun will be hearing, seeing and maybe even tasting the cicadas of the legendary Brood

2021-04-222021-04-22 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

Throughout the pandemic year, superheroes have emerged in all walks of life. In 2021, some of the most visible heroes

2021-04-152021-04-15 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

For more than 50 years, spectators have lined the picturesque lane at Oatlands on the second Sunday in April for

2021-04-012021-04-01 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

When times are tough, sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. A home-cooked meal or a custom birthday cake

2021-03-252021-03-25 Jan Mercker 0 Comments

What does a high school yearbook look like in a year like no other? Martha Akers, the legendary yearbook advisor