Archive for July, 2008
National Night Out Is An Annual Gathering for Neighbors on East Howell Avenue in Del Ray
July 16th, 2008 Categories: Del Ray
On the eve of a two week trip to Slovakia, neighbor Lisa Frye was walking the neighborhood to hand out “Save the Date” notices for Tuesday, August 5 – the East Howell Avenue block party that is part of the nation wide annual “National Night Out. ”
And the day after they returned – the neighborhood list serv got a reminder email. That’s how much everyone on our block in Del Ray looks forward to this evening of casual, old-fashioned, pot luck, get together fun.
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The Good News That No One is Hearing – Real Estate Prices Rise for Four Straight Months
July 14th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News
Anyone remember Little Good News, the Anne Murray hit from 1983? In it she bemoaned the the fact that it was always bad news that made headlines, never good news. And what she wanted, just once, was a little good news.
Well, despite the gloom and doom of Wall Street, banks failing and oil prices rising, the good news is this – the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is reporting FOUR STRAIGHT MONTHS OF RISING HOUSING PRICES.
According to NAR statistics, the median home price fell from a high of $230,200 in July 2006 to a low of $195,600 in February, a drop of 15%. But it has risen every month since then.
The May index, which will be revised on July 24 will show a median price of $208,600, up $13,000 or 6.6%.
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Alexandria Summer Concerts Offer A Little Something for Everyone
July 14th, 2008 Categories: Things to Do
Looking for a midweek break? A concert that doesn’t require extreme planning ? An open air musical celebration? A last minute indulgence?
Look no further – The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation offers a series of FREE concerts throughout the summer and throughout Alexandria for you listening pleasure.
Concerts are canceled in the event of bad weather and are subject to change without notice so be sure and check the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.
Market Square Concerts
7:30 p.m. – Market Square, 301 King Street (Old Town)
July 18, August 1 & 8 – Alexandria Citizens Bank, the City’s Oldest Performing Arts Organization
August 22 – Alexandria Harmonizers (Barbershop Chorus)
Music at Twilight Concerts
7:30 p.m. – Ft. Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road
July 17 – Hand Painted Swinger (Pop & Rock)
July 24 – Alexandria Harmonizers
Jul 31 – Seth Kibel and Bay Jazz Project
August 7 - Dagmar and the Seductones (Roots and Rock)
August 14 – All Scottish Night (Traditional Scottish)
August 21 – “1776″ (A theatrical performance by the Little Theater of Alexandria)
Ben Breman Park Concerts
7:30 p.m. – 4800 Brenman Park Dr.
July 16 – Boys Night Out (Folk & Bluegrass)
July 30 – Blue Book Value (Rockin’ Rhythm & Swing Blues)
Canal Center Plaza Concerts
12 noon – Canal Center Plaza, 44 Canal Center Plaza
July 16 – don’t panic (Rock)
July 30 – Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelly (Folk/Pop)
August 6 – Steven Gellman (Folk)
Peace out,
Michael
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Celebrating Alexandria’s 259th Birthday on July 12 with Cake and Fireworks
July 10th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria
July 4th marked the 252nd birthday of the United States but July 12th will mark the 259th birthday of historic Alexandria, Virginia.
Oronoco Bay Park, close by the Potomac River, will be the scene of this year’s birthday bash starting at 4:00pm.
The park has lawn seating and participants are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Picnic suppers are welcome although no grilling is allowed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
This historic area was inhabited by Indians in the mid 17th century and later owned by Standard Oil Company. In the 1980’s the City acquired the 4.5 acres and developed it as a popular location for walking, biking, and running.
The schedule of events looks something like this:
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Community Exhibitors, children’s activities
- 6:00 p.m. Performance by Vaughn Ambrose Quartet (jazz)
- 7:30 p.m. Town Crier announces Mayor William D. Euille; presentation of Park and Recreation Commission’s CIVIC Awards; poetry reading
- by Mary McElveen, Alexandria’s Poet Laureate
- 8 :00 p.m. Distribution of birthday cake by the mayor and members of the City Council
- 8:30 p.m. “Big Band” music with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
- 9:30 p.m. Fireworks display featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps
All events are free.
Visitors are encouraged to take the free King Street Trolley that runs from the King Street Metro Station in Old Town. Metro Buses and DASH buses will also be available with regular charges applying. The last trolley will depart lower King Street at 11:45pm for visitors who want to linger.
In the event of bad weather (rain, not heat!) the fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 13.
So, if your fireworks got rained out on the 4th or you just like a good birthday party, join us at Oronoco Park on Saturday – it will be a grand occasion!
Michael
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Kids and Virginia – Where to Go, What to Do – All Year Round
July 9th, 2008 Categories: Book Report
Today when I was at the store (Potomac Yards Barnes & Noble), I saw two new books that seemed tailor made for anyone who:
- Has a family and is just moving to Virginia/Alexandria
- Has children (or nieces/nephews/cousins/grandchildren/etc) who are old enough for a day’s outing or
- Has lots of family and friends who love to visit.
The first is Fun with the Family – Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids- by Candyce Stapen ( $12.95). Stapen divides the book into six areas: the Shenandoah Valley, Tidewater and Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Eastern Shore, Central Virginia, and the Blue Ridge Highlands.
Within each section Stapen covers a wide range of activities from state parks to museums to homes or sites of historical interest and short descriptions accompany each. She also weaves topical “did you know” questions throughout as well as a plethora of fun facts. Where appropriate annual event calendars make for easy year round planning. Web sites and phone numbers are abundant as are places to stay and eat with a wide range of prices.
The second is Kids Love Virginia - A Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid Tested” Places in Virginia Year Round by George and Michele Zavatsky.
In addition to breaking the state into six areas, with the more pedestrian monikers of Northeast, Northeast/DC, Northwest, South Central, South East, and South West, the Zavatsky’s offers a city index that I thought was useful for planning purposes.
The Zavatsky’s emphasize the importance of age appropriate venues and checking – and double checking – days and hours of operation. I thought Kids Love Virginia offered more detailed descriptions and I really like their seasonal and special events section.
Another feature was a suggested list of business and local government facilities that offer public “tours” with advance planning.
Among others on their list were airports, water treatment plants (great for science experiments), Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and, oh be still my beating heart, Krispy Kreme Donuts!
All you need now is a good map book – ready, set, go!
Virginia
Thanks to my spouse and managing partner for this week’s book report.
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Northern Italy Comes to Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue with La Strada
July 8th, 2008 Categories: Dining Favorites
La Strada, featuring Northern Italian cuisine, is the latest eatery to open on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue. And like all good things Italian, it’s a family affair.
Father Stephen Scott, Sr. handles the front of the house with a sure hand and friendly conversation. Mother Diana Balboni oversees the small dining room and is quick to correct any imperfection – like needing more bread, more wine, more anything!
Sisters Kristen and Courtney lead the wait staff and the kitchen is commanded by top chef Stephen Scott, Jr.
But there’s more – dishes can be ordered family style. And it was Stephen Jr’s., grandmother, his ‘Nona’ who inspired his culinary journey with family dinners rich with pastas, sausages and sauces.
Stephen, Jr., (Steve) began cooking at home and then started hands on restaurant work at the age of 13, eventually interning with the great Roberto Donna at Primi Piatti in Adams Morgan.
It was on to Italy for culinary school and then back to Washington for stints at Radicchio, Galileo and Zola.
The younger Scotts are all residents of Del Ray and when the location inhabited by Los Amigos for some 20 years became available – well, the family made a decision and La Strada was born.
Open since June 4, La Strada is, by all indications, a hit. There are no reservations but a communal table in the entrance invites diners to sit, talk, have a glass of wine and, dare we say it, act like Italians! The main dining room seats 50 and the outside patio accomodates another 12.
The menu and wine list are still evolving but look for locally sourced and seasonally sustainable ingredients to take center stage. So relax, enjoy and let a bit of Northern Italy transport you for a night.
And, you heard it here first – look for La Strada to be one of the newest entries in next year’s Zagat Guide for Alexandria.
La Strada is located at 1905 Mt. Vernon Avenue, next to Bungalow. Phone: 703.548.2592 or 703.548.2542.
We only live 2 1/2 blocks down East Howell so guess what – we’ll see you there!
Michael
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June Housing Report Reflects Available Mortgage Money and Properties Priced to Move
July 6th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News
After months of focusing on negative statistics, we are pleased to see media reports indicating home sales across the country increased 2.0 percent from April to May. In some areas of the Mid-Atlantic there were double digit increases over April’s numbers. This is a positive reflection of two major factors:
- Mortage money – at a 40 year low – is readily available
- Housing selection is excellent.
It also demonstrates that buyers are motivated to action when sellers move prices to match a buyers perception of value.
Real estate is a commodity not a product.
Buyers research what is happening in the market before deciding on the value of a commodity.
When there is a shortage of a commodity the prices go up. When there is an oversupply, prices go down.
When a real estate property is priced correctly, buyers see value and take action – they BUY!
Following are market statistics by county. Let the statistics help you assess the current market and how properties are positioned for action.
You may also want to check out my articles on what has been happening on the mortgage scene.
For more information on how you can take advantage of today’s market to buy or sell your home, call me at 703.927.4554 and we’ll work through it together.
Michael
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Happy Birthday America!
July 4th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria
With special thanks to all the men and women who serve in the military and civilian service at home and abroad. And a 21 gun salute to the Old Guard!
Michael
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July’s 1st Thursday in Del Ray Salutes Community and Country
July 3rd, 2008 Categories: Things to Do
Local residents took to the streets tonight as Del Ray’s July 1st Thursday celebration saluted community and country.
Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, 1stThursday’s are a time for Del Ray residents to stroll, talk, taste, shop, play and simply enjoy.
Just strolling . . .
A relaxing massage – with everyone watching!
When was the last time you tried a hula hoop?
Sign up for knitting lessons with Danielle Romanetti
Maggie
Want to know more about living in this great neighborhood? Call me at 703.927.4554 and let’s have a cup of coffee.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July and we’ll catch you August 7th for the next 1st Thursday,
Michael
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Alexandria’s African American Heritage Park is a Proud Memorial and a Quiet Oasis
July 3rd, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
Located on the southern edge of the historic Parker Gray neighborhood and in the shadows of one of the areas’s largest mixed use developments, Alexandria’s African American Heritage Park is a quiet place to learn and reflect.
There are eight acres in the park, one of which is a preserved 19th century African American cemetery.
Of the 21 burials on the site, six identified headstones remain in their original location.
Sloping walkways and winding paths were designed to co-exist with the original landscape of the cemetery and are handicapped accessible.
The park designers also maintained the natural wetland environment that is home to an interesting and varied plant life as well as mallards, painted turtles, beavers and crayfish.
A focal point of the park – and the area most easily seen by passersby – is a sculpture group of bronze trees called “Truths That Rise From the Roots Remembered.”
The memorial was created by Washington, D.C. sculptor Jerome Meadows and acknowledges the contributions of African Americans to the growth of Alexandria.
Smaller sculptures throughout the site commemorate historic African American neighborhoods and the individuals buried on the site, both known and unknown. Open year round to the public, it is a favorite spot for leisurely rambles or sitting quietly.
The next time you need to go to Whole Foods on Duke Street, take a few extra minutes, walk across Holland Lane and take in a vital part of Alexandria’s history. You’ll be glad you did.
For more information about homes in historic Parker Gray, call me at 703.927.4554.
Michael
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