This is an old rant of mine that hit home full force as I was crawling in Richmond Highway traffic yesterday. Here it goes: I have nothing against Walgreens in particular but why, oh, why did we need not one, but two new drugstores on Route 1 this year? I have learned not to be too hopeful that we'll get something half-way fab (Wegmans, where are you?), but couldn't we at least ask for a little variety? We, the people of South Alexandria, have needs, too. Trader Joe's, Macaroni Grill, and (dare I dream big?) Barnes & Noble, please sit up and take notice. Or better yet, if we each send an email to the Fairfax County Revitalization Office, maybe we can get some taxpayer love from the grassroots up.
One to watch: With Keedo on its way out of Belle View shopping center, something wonderful has a chance to make its debut. We'll be keeping our eyes and ears open!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Take a Bite Out of Crime
Our house was burglarized a few weeks ago. Nothing too serious…we have a broken window to deal with and the (clearly idiotic) thief only took a fireproof lock box that he obviously thought had lots of cash in it but which really only contained personal papers. Most were found and returned to us the next day by a good Samaritan. We were lucky. I should be clear that I live on a fairly busy street in an extremely safe neighborhood—Hollin Hills—and that the incident took place in the middle of a sunny day. On the other hand, the house backs on to woods, is set pretty far back from the street, and has 44 single pane windows about 3/16th of an inch thick. It took a rock the size of a golf ball to break in.
The detective assigned to our case suggested a home security survey. What is this, you might ask? It is a free service offered by Fairfax County and anyone who lives here can request one. A Fairfax County Police Officer will come to your home and identify potential security issues by inspecting locks, doors, windows, exterior lighting and landscaping. The officer will then make recommendations for ways to improve your home security and potentially deter a burglar. You can arrange for an inspection by contacting MPO Robbie Clift at 703-360-8400 ext 2259 or PFC Daryl Davis at 703-360-8400 ext 2263 at the Mount Vernon District Police Department.
Looking for crime statistics for your neighborhood? The Fairfax County website offers two ways to track crime reports:
As for me, I'm anxiously awaiting the installation of my new double-pane tempered safety glass windows.
The detective assigned to our case suggested a home security survey. What is this, you might ask? It is a free service offered by Fairfax County and anyone who lives here can request one. A Fairfax County Police Officer will come to your home and identify potential security issues by inspecting locks, doors, windows, exterior lighting and landscaping. The officer will then make recommendations for ways to improve your home security and potentially deter a burglar. You can arrange for an inspection by contacting MPO Robbie Clift at 703-360-8400 ext 2259 or PFC Daryl Davis at 703-360-8400 ext 2263 at the Mount Vernon District Police Department.
Looking for crime statistics for your neighborhood? The Fairfax County website offers two ways to track crime reports:
- Look up weekly incident summaries by district (our district is Mount Vernon).
- Access the My Neighborhood internet and information mapping application to search for incidents by specific location. Simply enter any address and select view by "police incidents." You can also use this service to search for parks, polling places, libraries, and many other area features and facilities, as well as demographics, in the proximity of any address you enter in.
As for me, I'm anxiously awaiting the installation of my new double-pane tempered safety glass windows.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Decent Cup of Joe
I'm ready to break free of my dysfunctional relationship with Starbucks. Why? I often leave there dissatisfied (pick a reason: it's too costly, the service is too slow and definitely doesn't come with a smile, and it's overcrowded). Like a bad boyfriend, though, it just keeps drawing me back in.
In an effort to break the chains of convenience, I've compiled this list of coffeehouse alternatives. Down with the empire and up with local Mom and Pop's!
Buzz. Located at the north end of Old Town, go after a meal at Rustico or a shopping expedition to Potomac Yards. Stay for the funky decor and the feeling of being far from Mount Vernon w/o being that far.
Grounded. Located on Telegraph Road by The Little Gym, go for its proximity to Kingstowne. Stay for the warm decor, open space, and freshly-baked treats.
Misha's. Located in Old Town, go if you need a jolt of caffeine after yoga class at Pure Prana. Stay for the coffee (if you can find a table).
Spill the Beans. Located on Elkin in our neck of the woods, go for the proximity. Stay for the organic coffee, the friendly service, and to support a fellow Enterprising Mom.
St. Elmo's. Go because it's in Del Ray. Stay because it's in Del Ray.
Feel free to chime in with your favorite!
In an effort to break the chains of convenience, I've compiled this list of coffeehouse alternatives. Down with the empire and up with local Mom and Pop's!
Buzz. Located at the north end of Old Town, go after a meal at Rustico or a shopping expedition to Potomac Yards. Stay for the funky decor and the feeling of being far from Mount Vernon w/o being that far.
Grounded. Located on Telegraph Road by The Little Gym, go for its proximity to Kingstowne. Stay for the warm decor, open space, and freshly-baked treats.
Misha's. Located in Old Town, go if you need a jolt of caffeine after yoga class at Pure Prana. Stay for the coffee (if you can find a table).
Spill the Beans. Located on Elkin in our neck of the woods, go for the proximity. Stay for the organic coffee, the friendly service, and to support a fellow Enterprising Mom.
St. Elmo's. Go because it's in Del Ray. Stay because it's in Del Ray.
Feel free to chime in with your favorite!
Straight Talk for Crooked Teeth
Just wanted to give props to Hughes Orthodontics, where I took my two oldest today to get them evaluated for braces. DD, the middle child, is on the reserved side but the orthodontist had her smiling ear-to-ear with his magic tricks. The place is awash with gimmicks -- your child's name is up on a welcome board, they get a t-shirt on their 1st visit, every visit means a coupon in a drawing for movie tickets, the orthodontist performs a magic trick of the month, and more -- which is undoubtedly why my kids loved it so.
On the bright side for parents, it's close (right on Sherwood Hall above Sherwood Gourmet, the staff is efficient, the wait time is negligible, and I left with a "let's keep an eye on them," rather than an immediate pitch for braces.
So if you're in the market for an orthodontist, give Hughes Orthodontics a call. They'll have your kids asking to go again and again.
On the bright side for parents, it's close (right on Sherwood Hall above Sherwood Gourmet, the staff is efficient, the wait time is negligible, and I left with a "let's keep an eye on them," rather than an immediate pitch for braces.
So if you're in the market for an orthodontist, give Hughes Orthodontics a call. They'll have your kids asking to go again and again.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Fresh From The Farm
Were you intrigued by Barbara Kingsolver’s book Animal Vegetable Miracle? Wondering how to become more of locavore without actually growing your own food or trekking to the Farmer’s Market every Tuesday? Consider joining a community supported agriculture program (CSA). Here’s how it works: purchase a share of the farm and you get a weekly box of the farm’s bounty either delivered to your house or to a pick up location.
Our family joined Great Country Farms’ CSA last year. Our membership included a weekly box delivered to our doorstep, a newsletter with recipe ideas for the week’s vegetables and fruits, free entry into the farm and festivals in Bluemont, and additional pick your own options at the farm.
I really enjoyed experimenting with new recipes utilizing the week's goods (collard pesto, anyone?) and my husband finally got his fill of heirloom tomatoes. There was enough to do at the farm itself to warrant taking the two-hour drive several times. Among other things, there are loads of farm animals and a petting zoo, fun mazes, a giant permanent moon bounce, and a stocked pond for fishing. The kids had a great time picking blackberries, tomatoes, herbs, flowers and pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.
Virginia Green Grocer/Virginia Organic Cooperative and Great Country Farms deliver to homes in the South Alexandria area. Graceland Farms delivers to River Farm. Farmstead of Charlotte Hall delivers to Old Town. Shares sell out fast so now is the time to sign up.
For more information on CSA programs throughout the region, check out The Post’s article, Where To Sign Up for a CSA.
Our family joined Great Country Farms’ CSA last year. Our membership included a weekly box delivered to our doorstep, a newsletter with recipe ideas for the week’s vegetables and fruits, free entry into the farm and festivals in Bluemont, and additional pick your own options at the farm.
I really enjoyed experimenting with new recipes utilizing the week's goods (collard pesto, anyone?) and my husband finally got his fill of heirloom tomatoes. There was enough to do at the farm itself to warrant taking the two-hour drive several times. Among other things, there are loads of farm animals and a petting zoo, fun mazes, a giant permanent moon bounce, and a stocked pond for fishing. The kids had a great time picking blackberries, tomatoes, herbs, flowers and pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.
Virginia Green Grocer/Virginia Organic Cooperative and Great Country Farms deliver to homes in the South Alexandria area. Graceland Farms delivers to River Farm. Farmstead of Charlotte Hall delivers to Old Town. Shares sell out fast so now is the time to sign up.
For more information on CSA programs throughout the region, check out The Post’s article, Where To Sign Up for a CSA.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Have a Train Enthusiast in the Family?
Alexandria's History Museum -- The Lyceum -- is hosting Railroad Days on Saturday, February 28th from 11 - 5 PM and Sunday, March 1st from 1 - 5. Your train fan will love the display of working HO-Scale Model Trains. (Duck down to check out the Lyceum gift store, too; it's tiny but offers neat books and toys with a historical bent. Great to keep in mind for unusual birthday gifts or stocking stuffers.) Located at 201 S. Washington Street in Old Town.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Spring Break Camps
Last week's warm weather got us thinking about spring and the long, long week that is Spring Break. You could plan a visit to the museums or host lots of playdates or see all the current G and PG movies to fill up your children's days...or just sign 'em up for a Spring Break Camp.
Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre is holding their Spring Break Drama Camp 4/6 - 4/10 from 9:00AM-5:00PM at Heritage Presbyterian Church for children in Kindergarten through 10th grade. Camp fees are $320 if registered by February 28; $345 after February 28.
The City of Alexandria is offering a full day Nature Day Camp at the Ford Nature Center from 9:00AM-3:30PM for kids ages 7-10 for the week of 4/6-4/10. The cost is $275 for city residents; $300 for nonresidents.
Little Burgundy Farm Stables has a Spring Horse Camp 3/23-3/30 and 4/6-4/10 from 8:00AM-1:00PM. Minimum age for enrollment is 7. The cost is $450.
The Fairfax County Park Authority offers a wide variety of camps for the week of 4/6-4/10. Kids as young as 3 can particpate in such camps as First Kicks Soccer while older kids can learn how to scuba dive or skateboard. Extended care is also available. Location, times and cost varies.
Learn to fence at the Virginia Academy of Fencing Spring Break Camps,
4/6-4/10 in Springfield. Camp placement and times are determined by age (6-teens) and skill level (novice through advanced). Call for pricing.
Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre is holding their Spring Break Drama Camp 4/6 - 4/10 from 9:00AM-5:00PM at Heritage Presbyterian Church for children in Kindergarten through 10th grade. Camp fees are $320 if registered by February 28; $345 after February 28.
The City of Alexandria is offering a full day Nature Day Camp at the Ford Nature Center from 9:00AM-3:30PM for kids ages 7-10 for the week of 4/6-4/10. The cost is $275 for city residents; $300 for nonresidents.
Little Burgundy Farm Stables has a Spring Horse Camp 3/23-3/30 and 4/6-4/10 from 8:00AM-1:00PM. Minimum age for enrollment is 7. The cost is $450.
The Fairfax County Park Authority offers a wide variety of camps for the week of 4/6-4/10. Kids as young as 3 can particpate in such camps as First Kicks Soccer while older kids can learn how to scuba dive or skateboard. Extended care is also available. Location, times and cost varies.
Learn to fence at the Virginia Academy of Fencing Spring Break Camps,
4/6-4/10 in Springfield. Camp placement and times are determined by age (6-teens) and skill level (novice through advanced). Call for pricing.
Camps and Activities for Animal-Loving Kids
I'm pretty sure if my middle child had the choice between me and a Panda, there'd be no contest. My husband would have to learn to love bamboo.
Rather than forcing a choice, I've been looking for ways to satisfy her passion for all things fuzzy and furry. Here's a sample of the camps and activities for animal lovers:
*Summer Camp at the National Zoo. It's not cheap and it's not close, but boy, are there some cool opportunities at the Summer Safari day camps for kids. There are camps for kids in grades K - 1, 2 - 3, and 4 - 5. After-care is available for kids in grades 2 and up. The cost is $210 for the K - 1 camp and $315 for kids in grades 2 - 5.
The National Zoo also sponsors an overnight camp for kids in grades 5 - 10 at the Conservation and Research Center in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. See here for more details.
*Closer to home and less expensive are camps at the areas animal shelters. As of this writing, the Alexandria Animal Shelter hasn't released its information for 2009, but here's a link to the information from last year so you can get an idea of what's involved. DD has to wait a few years: this camp is for kids ages 9 - 12.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has a camp for kids ages 10 - 13. The cost is $200 for a full week (Mon- Fri, 10 - 4) with the them: A Week in the Life of the Animal Welfare League.
They also have a three-day camp for kids ages 6 - 9. The theme is Dogs, Cats, and Critters and the cost is $120 for a Wed - Fri session from 10 - 3. Registration has already begun.
*A birthday party at the Animal Welfare League in Arlington where for $125 for up to 25 guests, your child can have a tour of the facility and do a quick activity (animal origami or decorating animal cupcakes; you provide supplies). We chose to ask the birthday guests to bring a gift for the animals in lieu of a traditional present. DD still has plenty from Christmas!
For everyday outings, animal lovers can visit Oxon Hill Farm, just over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Best when the weather is warmer, your kids can see a real farm in action, get a guided tour, and visit up close with farm animals. Travel south for ranger-led programs at Mason Neck State Park near Lorton; they sometimes offer short camp programs in summer, too, though those are not yet listed.
Have your own favorites? Please share!
Rather than forcing a choice, I've been looking for ways to satisfy her passion for all things fuzzy and furry. Here's a sample of the camps and activities for animal lovers:
*Summer Camp at the National Zoo. It's not cheap and it's not close, but boy, are there some cool opportunities at the Summer Safari day camps for kids. There are camps for kids in grades K - 1, 2 - 3, and 4 - 5. After-care is available for kids in grades 2 and up. The cost is $210 for the K - 1 camp and $315 for kids in grades 2 - 5.
The National Zoo also sponsors an overnight camp for kids in grades 5 - 10 at the Conservation and Research Center in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. See here for more details.
*Closer to home and less expensive are camps at the areas animal shelters. As of this writing, the Alexandria Animal Shelter hasn't released its information for 2009, but here's a link to the information from last year so you can get an idea of what's involved. DD has to wait a few years: this camp is for kids ages 9 - 12.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has a camp for kids ages 10 - 13. The cost is $200 for a full week (Mon- Fri, 10 - 4) with the them: A Week in the Life of the Animal Welfare League.
They also have a three-day camp for kids ages 6 - 9. The theme is Dogs, Cats, and Critters and the cost is $120 for a Wed - Fri session from 10 - 3. Registration has already begun.
*A birthday party at the Animal Welfare League in Arlington where for $125 for up to 25 guests, your child can have a tour of the facility and do a quick activity (animal origami or decorating animal cupcakes; you provide supplies). We chose to ask the birthday guests to bring a gift for the animals in lieu of a traditional present. DD still has plenty from Christmas!
For everyday outings, animal lovers can visit Oxon Hill Farm, just over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Best when the weather is warmer, your kids can see a real farm in action, get a guided tour, and visit up close with farm animals. Travel south for ranger-led programs at Mason Neck State Park near Lorton; they sometimes offer short camp programs in summer, too, though those are not yet listed.
Have your own favorites? Please share!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Saving Money on Groceries
A couple of weeks ago, I was standing behind a woman at Shopper's Food Warehouse, getting more and more annoyed at how long it was taking her to check out. That is, until I started paying attention. This woman (I'll call her The Amazing Coupon Lady) was using a stack of coupons and -- I kid you not -- brought an over two hundred dollar grocery bill down to under eighty dollars. Sure, I shop for Safeway house brands and pay attention to the sales, but I am a complete novice compared to The Amazing Coupon Lady.
I resolved to try and emulate her coupon-using habits and turned to the Sunday inserts in my Washington Post. I was certain all I'd have to do is get out the circulars and a pair of scissors and get snipping, but no -- something happened to all those ad circulars. Like the economy, they seem to have dried up.
Next stop: the Internet. I found this article on Yahoo! Finance that reviews the best online coupon-clipping sites. I plan to try out their top pick -- The Coupon Clippers -- over the next few weeks and see how much money I save. Amazing Coupon Lady, the competition is on! If you're lucky, you won't be behind me in the grocery store.
What are your top recs for saving money on groceries? If there were a Super Bowl between Safeway and Giant, who do you think would win? Let all of us know. In these tough times, we have to stick together.
I resolved to try and emulate her coupon-using habits and turned to the Sunday inserts in my Washington Post. I was certain all I'd have to do is get out the circulars and a pair of scissors and get snipping, but no -- something happened to all those ad circulars. Like the economy, they seem to have dried up.
Next stop: the Internet. I found this article on Yahoo! Finance that reviews the best online coupon-clipping sites. I plan to try out their top pick -- The Coupon Clippers -- over the next few weeks and see how much money I save. Amazing Coupon Lady, the competition is on! If you're lucky, you won't be behind me in the grocery store.
What are your top recs for saving money on groceries? If there were a Super Bowl between Safeway and Giant, who do you think would win? Let all of us know. In these tough times, we have to stick together.
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