Celebrating the Fourth of July in the Nation’s Capitol
July 1st, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
If you live within 50 miles of this blog (Alexandria, VA) and have never celebrated the Fourth of July on the Mall - well, what are you waiting for!
Take a look at the day’s schedule and then ask yourself - how can I not do this? Whether you make it a full day trip or just mosey in for the evening’s spectacular concert and fireworks, you’ll be glad you did.
Democrat or Republican, native born American or naturalized citizen, young or old, single or married, this is a celebration that brings out the best in everyone.
Start the day with a good breakfast and then head to Constitution and 7th Streets for the annual Independence Day Parade with marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIP’s.
The parade kicks off about 11:45a.m. but it’s always crowded so arrive early for a good seat. Once the parade is over you have several options for the afternoon:
The National Archives will offer special family events and a birthday party celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
The White House Visitors Center will have games, crafts, and other activities celebrating the Fourth with National Park Service Rangers on hand from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
The United States Air Force Band with special guests Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will play on the Southwest corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 6:00pm.
And in the midst of all this, the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival is in full swing . . .
The, finally, the big finale - the Capitol Fourth Concert and Fireworks. Admittance begins at 3:00pm on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
No tickets are necessary but visitors are subject to security screening. Picnic baskets and blankets are fine but please don’t pack any glass.
The National Symphony Orchestra takes center stage at 8:00pm and joining them this year, among others, will be Jimmy Smits, Taylor Hicks and Huey Lewis and the News. The concert is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.
It’s a proud moment and one of the best birthday parties you’ll ever attend. See you there,
Michael
| Currently No Comments »
Fairfax County Will Buy Forclosed Properties As Part of Affordable Housing Initiative
July 1st, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News
Fairfax County, with some of the highest median priced homes in the greater Washington, DC area, has announced a bold new step in its Affordable Housing Initiative. The landmark housing program, announced yesterday by the County Board of Supervisors, will spend more than $10 million to buy foreclosed properties outright and help families buy others through subsidized loans.
Board chairman Gerald E. Connolly noted “Fairfax, like the rest of the country, is facing a foreclosure crisis that’s unprecedented. The county has to use its resources and influence to try and stem the tide.”
Initial plans call for the county to buy as many as 200 homes. Tax revenue will purchase 10 houses outright and the rest will be purchased by qualifying buyers with help from government backed, low interest loans.
Assistance will be directed to first time buyers earning up to $75,600 or 80% of the county’s median income. Purchases will be limited to $385,000 and will exclude condominiums. In addition to the subsidized mortgages, buyers will be eligible for second trusts up to $70,000.
One of Fairfax County’s primary goals is to expand the stock of affordable housing for a category known as “workforce housing.” This category includes middle-income professionals like teachers, police officers, firefighters and some medical personnel who otherwise could not afford to live in one of the nation’s most affluent jurisdictions.
Although it lags behind neighboring Prince William County in Virginia and Prince Georges County in Maryland, Fairfax County had 1700 foreclosures in the past year. Several neighborhoods in Fairfax County, including Herndon, Centreville, Vienna, and Falls Church, are at risk of becoming foreclosure clusters according to a recent report commissioned by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Do you qualify for this new program? Look here for homes in Fairfax County and then call me at 703.927.4554 and let’s figure out the details together.
Michael
| Currently No Comments »
Window Boxes and Front Step Flowers Are a Visual Delight in Old Town Alexandria
June 29th, 2008 Categories: Old Town, Scenic Sundays
For the most part, front yards do not exist in Old Town Alexandria. Instead, colorful window boxes, stately urns, clustered pots of flowers and geometric topiaries welcome visitors and home owners alike. Enjoy a “walk” on this Scenic Sunday through the streets of Old Town . . .
Are you interested in knowing more about living in historic Old Town Alexandria? I’m just a phone call away at 703.927.4554.
Thanks for stopping by,
Michael
| Currently 2 Comments »
