Leesburg Piano Teacher To Receive Free Roof For The Holidays

LEESBURG, VA — Mia Fleming, a piano teacher from Leesburg who struggles to make ends meet, was selected by DryHome Roofing and Siding as a recipient of a new roof as part the company's 18th annual Free Roof for the Holidays program. Fleming suffers from numerous health issues, is legally blind and struggles to earn enough to maintain her aging home but still helps others experience the joy of music.

A friend, Kristi Baeseman, nominated Fleming for the free roof in November when Sterling-based DryHome was accepting nominations from customers and the community to identify a Northern Virginia individual, family or nonprofit in need. According to DryHome, Fleming, who received a bachelor's degree in music from Shenandoah University in Winchester and attended Broad Run High School in Ashburn, was selected as the recipient based on her needs, the condition of her roof and the heartfelt nomination from Baeseman.

"Mia shares her talents with so many people despite the difficulties she faces every day. That's why we are so pleased to be able to share a new roof for her townhouse. We hope that the roof brings her joy and comfort for years to come," DryHome President Steve Gotschi said Dec. 19 in a statement.

In her nomination, Baeseman explained that despite her numerous severe and debilitating disabilities, Fleming is resilient, hardworking and willing to give to others. Fleming has been legally blind for the vast majority of her 52 years. She is a homeowner whose main source of income comes from teaching piano lessons at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, according to the nomination.

"Fleming has not had many good fortunes in life," Baeseman said in her nomination, "but you would never know it from her uplifting spirits.”

"She often graces congregations, nursing home residents, and community members with her angelic, operatic, soprano voice whether it is for church, holidays, or benefits for local charities," Baeseman wrote. "Mia doesn't expect a handout from anyone but she would definitely appreciate help with the maintenance of her aging town home."

DryHome Roofing and Siding has been serving Northern Virginia for more than 30 years and said it is committed to making a difference in the community. Its Free Roof for the Holidays program allows the company to thank its customers and the community by helping those who are struggling to have a safe roof over their heads, the company said.

James Horne, a Vietnam veteran and Sterling resident, won a free roof in 2018 after being nominated by his caregiver. Over the years, DryHome has awarded roofs to people and nonprofits across the region with a variety of needs, including a Stafford mother of three who lost her husband, a Vienna mother who was struggling following a difficult divorce and a Leesburg widow and mother of two young children. Other recipients include Cornerstones, an advocate for the homeless; Doorways for Women and Families' Safehouse; a Loudoun school bus driver; and Good Shepherd Alliance.