ANNANDALE News,
Events & Networking
Annandale's National Night Out Celebration at the Annandale Shopping Center
National Night Out was celebrated at the Annandale Shopping Center to honor Annandale's first responders. Participating were enthusiastic representatives from the Fairfax County Police Department, the Sheriff's Department, The Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, hundreds of local residents, businesses, and excited children. The night was celebrated with face painters, glitter tattoos, a Virtual Reality tent, and a balloon artist. Each vendor also provided games and gifts for the children. An area was set aside for carnival games where children of all ages found activities suited to their skill. Midway through the evening a demonstration was given by accomplished students from the Hapmudo Martial Arts School.
Participating in the festivities were Artisans United, Kinneman Insurance,Foundation Fitness, ServePro of Annandale, Red Carpet Remodeling, Burke and Herbert Bank, George Mason Library, Banfield Pet Hospital, Northern Virginia Community College, Navy Federal Credit Union, Mathnasium of Annandale, Home Instead Senior Care, Hapmudo Martial Arts School, Eden Nails, and Silverado Restaurant. The Annandale Chamber of Commerce and the Annandale Shopping Center thank all these participants for displaying their corporate citizenship and spirited interaction with parents and children alike.
Gallows Road: Will be repaved next month.
Weather permitting, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is expected to start repaving Gallows Road between Columbia Pike and Annandale Road in September according to a press release from the office of Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross.
Fairfax County Deptartment of Transportation (FCDOT) will implement new pavement markings to accommodate a center turn line, bicycle lanes, and a painted median at the intersection of Gallows Road at Columbia Pike, states a notice from Mason Supervisor Penny Gross.
The number of lanes will stay the same but will become narrower, as that segment of Gallows is 60 feet wide. Parallel parking lanes will remain at the curb.
Before the milling and repaving work starts, VDOT’s contractor will post “no parking” signs along Gallows Road. During construction, drivers might experience a temporary change in the traffic pattern along Gallows. The work crews are expected to arrive around 8 a.m. and leave about 4 p.m.
This project is part of VDOT’s summer paving program in Northern Virginia. Some roads in Annandale have already been repaved, such as Heritage and Hummer and more are scheduled for repaving in the next few years.
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Hop Aboard for a Wednesday Wagon Ride at Riverbend
Get ready for birds, butterflies and blossoms on a wagon ride at Riverbend Park in August.
Take a scavenger hunt wagon ride through the meadow at Riverbend and search for birds and butterflies. Meet a friendly animal up close, and enjoy the summertime blossoms, too.
The “Wagon Ride - Birds, Butterflies & Blossoms” program runs each Wednesday in August – August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2018 -- from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. This wagon ride adventure is designed for participants age two to adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered for the program. Registrations in advance required.
Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA. For more information, call 703-759-9018 or visit Riverbend.
SERVPRO of Annandale
Fire and Water Cleanup & Restoration
When an unexpected emergency strikes, Servpro will respond 24/7 for cleanup and restoration from water, fire, or storm damage. They also handlemold mitigation and remediation, commercial services, air ducts and HVAC cleaning, biohazard, crime scene and vandalism, odor identification and remediation of ceiling, walls, hard floors, carpet, upholstery, window treatments and blinds.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. READ MORE
SERVPRO of Annandale
(703) 237-8800
www.servproannandale-fallschurch.com
Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services: As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Annandale-Falls Church provides As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Annandale-Falls Church provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
VIEW ON NATURE: The Original Natural Foods
Nat·u·ral food…noun…Food that has undergone minimal processing and contains no preservatives or artificial additives. Well if there was ever natural foods, just look at the diet of the pre-colonial Native Americans in Virginia, the First Virginians. For millennia, they were nomadic hunters/ gatherers who principally relied on the meat of large megafauna (mastodons, mammoths, musk oxen, and giant ground sloths). But due to overhunting and climate change, they adapted to a more balanced plant / animal diet of seasonal fruits, berries, nuts, fishes, shellfish, birds, fowl, deer, bears, and smaller mammals.
But in faraway lands, other indigenous peoples in Mexico and South and Central Americas were selectively converting wild species of grasses and other plants. These included the earliest corn (9,000 years ago), quinoa, and later, crops of beans, squashes and pumpkins that eventually made their way into the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, and 500 years later, into Virginia.
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Renovated Valis Golf Training Center
to Open at Pinecrest Golf Course
There are lots of golfers who would love to improve their game. With that in mind, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Pinecrest Golf Course in Annandale/Alexandria will open a newly-renovated indoor training facility known as the Valis Family Golf Learning Center. The center is named for Wayne and Angela Valis who provided funding for the center’s new TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator.
The updated facility’s expanded hitting bays and golf simulator allow for enhanced, year-round practice and play opportunities. Additional upgrades include improved lighting and more natural light via skylights and windows. The project was funded through a variety of sources, including Park Bonds, grants, and private donations.
According to Fairfax County Park Foundation Director Roberta Longworth, “The Valis family has a strong connection to this course and a history of generosity in terms of donations and volunteer service over many years. We are so pleased with this latest example of giving back to the community.”
The public is invited to celebrate at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Pinecrest Golf Course located at 6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA. Following brief remarks, guests can tour the facility and try their hand at the simulator. Refreshments will be served.
Due to limited parking, please plan to carpool, if possible. For planning purposes, an RSVP is requested by September 10 at 703-324-8702 or to Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov For more information please contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
Web: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2018/z-ir111
Sunday, September 9
Water Mine to End Season with a Doggone Good Time
The Water Mine will go to the dogs this September with a season-ending event benefitting the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax County Park Foundation. Dogs and dog lovers are invited to join us on Sunday, September 9, 2018 when The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park will open for dogs-only swimming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Dogs can swim in Rattlesnake River and splash in the playground area for a suggested donation of $10 per dog. The event will also serve as a collection site for dog food donations for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
This year’s end-of-season hoopla will once again feature a canine resource fair. Two-legged and four-legged visitors can visit pet vendors, obtain/renew dog licenses, learn about Park Authority dog parks and or find out how to volunteer as a dog park monitor. A low-cost rabies clinic will be available in Lake Fairfax Park’s Main Office from 12-2 p.m. Pets may receive 1-year rabies vaccinations for $15 each (cash or check only).
For the safety of the dogs and owners, please observe the following rules at Dog Daze:
- All dogs must be current on vaccinations.
- All dog handlers must be 18 years or older and supervise dogs at all times.
- No female dogs in heat or puppies younger than three months old.
- Aggressive or unruly dogs are not permitted.
- Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs; please bring your own bags.
- Dogs swim at owners’ risk.
- Humans are not permitted in the pool.
- Food and treats are not permitted in the pool area.
Dog Daze is presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax County Park Foundation, with support from Weber’s Pet Store.
To learn about becoming a vendor at the canine resource fair, please contact parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Va. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/watermine/ or call 703-324-8662.
Web: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2018/z-ir106
September 15 & 16 from 10 am to 6 pm
Stratford Hall Wine and Oyster Festival
FALL IN LOVE WITH WINE & OYSTERS!
If you love the combination of great wines, delicious local seafood and fine crafts and artisans, mark your calendar for September 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! This popular event features wines from Virginia wineries and oysters from Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oyster growers. Discount tickets available online until September 6. All online ticket sales end at 5 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2018. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. READ MORE
Banquet Hall and Elder Care Center
Ravensworth Road will be the site of this new dual use building.
Recently, a plan to convert the Kids Choice center on Ravensworth Road to a dual use occupancy was endorsed by county officials. This is an interesting concept in maximizing the use of a single structure. Together a banquet hall with the capacity limited to no more than 150 individuals and an elder day care center has been initially approved for a capacity of 200. In two years time, if traffic circulation and parking problems have not arisen, the owners can apply to increase that elder care capacity to 275 individuals.
The property is owned by Helen and Young Bae who also own the Han Gang restaurant next door. They intend to hire elder care professionals or even lease to a chain care service who will run the facility.
Many difficult issues had to be overcome before any approvals were granted. Annandale’s Revitalization Committee voted not to approve the application until these issues were resolved. Both the Mason District Land Use Committee and the County Planning Commission echoed concerns over traffic circulation, lack of parking, and the building’s initial and first revised exterior that did not attune in anyway to the Annandale Design Guidelines. Instead, the original proposal showed a building constructed almost entirely of a stucco like cladding, and resembling a light industrial warehouse.
Since this structure is in the middle of a county revitalization and commercial zone, a more refined building was required. The agreed building will be largely constructed of limestone and brick rather than an insulation stucco cladding with brick veneer. The property owners and their attorney, Ilryong Moon, eventually agreed to make these changes following a number of hearings, and to reduce the capacity of both uses to a number that can be serviced by the relatively small parking lot. READ MORE
Be Energy Smart
Save Energy and Stay Cool this Summer
As summer progresses in Virginia, temperatures will continue to rise and that will mean more trips to the neighborhood pool. This warmer weather is not all fun and games however, as it can also lead to increased energy bills in your home.
As the Commonwealth’s energy education program, Virginia Energy Sense’s mission is to help Virginians understand their energy use, and what they can do to save energy cost effectively and easily. We want to make sure you’re well equipped to beat the heat this summer and help Virginia progress toward its goal of reducing electric energy consumption by 10 percent below 2006 levels by 2020.
We’re doing our part to equip you with resources to help you face any energy consumption challenges this summer. Below are several tips and pieces of advice on you can use to reduce your energy usage and stay cool!
Summer Energy Saving Tips
Consider your water heater – Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) to reduce energy use.
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Annandale REAL ESTATE: It's Getting Interesting
Everyone that tracks the real estate market should be aware that interest rates are rising and based on the statements from the Federal Reserve rates will likely rise two more times this year. What that means is that our era of historically low interest rates is over and that rates will likely creep up to an average 5.5% for home mortgages.
Meanwhile, due to the nagging problem of low inventory, the price of a home is also increasing. That means we are being confronted by a series of financial conditions that will both benefit and be a challenge for both home owners and businesses in Annandale. Starting with home buyers, the cost of buying a new home is increasing at the same time that the cost of financing is increasing. That may push some buyers to rethink what size house and what locations are still within their budget.
Fortunately for Annandale residents it means that some buyers who might have insisted on an Arlington address, close to Metro, will now consider buying in Annandale where home prices have always been relatively reasonable. If they do, those buyers will be pleasantly surprised to discover that Annandale’s geographic location is one of the most convenient in all of Northern Virginia. There is a reason Annandale is known as the, “Crossroads of Northern Virginia.”
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Fun Summer Day Camp
Creating Good Citizens, Good Manners, and Good Values
Lee’s Hapmudo Martial Arts Studio has been a fixture in Annandale for decades providing classes for adults as well as children. Located in the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike, Grand Master Lee believes that the study of Martial Arts is a method of living as well as an art. He wants his students to study the philosophies of Martial Arts through which they will master good manners and the values needed to achieve happiness in everyday life and to become true friends and good citizens. Frequently, the students display their community commitment with energetic demonstrations at events such as the Spring Bed Race and other Annandale and Metropolitan area events. Master Lee practices what he teaches, regularly giving back to the community; he exemplifies the term, "good citizen."
Lee’s Hapmudo offers various styles of training in Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Jujitsu, Aidido, Kendo, and Judo. In his many years of teaching, Grand Master Lee has helped his students overcome and improve problems such as asthma, chronic back pain, and addiction. Students are taught to develop self-discipline and self control. Perhaps his proudest achievement is the number of children he has helped with learning disabilities and other scholastic behavior problems.
Classes are offered during the day and in the evenings along with summer camps. An excellent after school program offers homework assistance and transportation from school. Discounts are also provided for law enforcement, military personnel, and families.
7036 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
(In the Annandale Shopping Center - Columbia Pike at Gallows Road)
703-750-3330
www.hapmudo.net
Your Tax Dollars at Work: Where does it all go?
Taxpayers in Fairfax County carry an enormous tax load with an ever increasing burden each and every year. Stretched to the limit, the elderly are quickly being taxed out of Fairfax County, while the young are forced to live elsewhere while commuting through some of the worst traffic in America to work in Fairfax County. Some companies have chosen not to relocate to Fairfax but to other near-bye locations since an ever growing requirement held by successful companies is that their employees must be able to afford living close to their company offices. Housing prices inside the Beltway do not always qualify. That and streamline cross county public transportation are often the failings of Fairfax County
As is true of most counties in the Metro area, Fairfax County provides any number of vital services for residents while offering excellent salaries and extensive benefits for their employees. In this year’s budget, the County’s compensation plan will be fully funded with a market rate adjustment of 2.25%, and funding of performance, merit and longevity awards...not to mention generous overtime, great medical insurance, use of county cars, and substantial retirement packages. County employees will see average increases ranging from 4.25 to 4.50%. That considerably outstrips non-government jobs.
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MEET THE ARTIST
Beadwork Jewelry by Karen Bowes
Although I was born in Montana, I spent my growing-up years moving around the country as an Army brat. My Dad's postings even included a tour in Europe.
My Dad was also responsible for introducing me to beadwork: he brought home a bead loom when I was just a kid, and 'we' made beaded strips like you would find on a 'genuine Indian belt'.
My adult introduction to beads and beading began with a trip to a bead artist's shop in Alexandria. One look at all those seed beads, those beautiful, magical little pieces of glass and I was hooked.
I have been beadweaving for more than 12 years, having started out by making items and pieces of jewelry for members of my family and friends. I think part of what is so much fun about beadweaving is the almost Zen-like repetition of creating something beautiful one tiny bead at a time.
I enjoy playing with color combinations, some of which have been quite serendipitous and certainly there is no lack in the variety of stitches employed in beadweaving: Dutch spiral, peyote, Ndebele, brick stitch, and right angle weave to name a few, in addition to that loom weaving that started it all for me. Beadweaving is NEVER boring, although frustrating on occasion, but not boring. Most of my peces are one-of-a-kind: each is special in its own way.
I sincerely hope the recipient of my craft will have as much enjoyment wearing/owning what I've created as I did in making it.
Karen’s work, along with that of other Artisans, can be viewed and purchased at the Artisans United Gallery in the Annandale Community Park off of Hummer Road in Annandale. Artisans United is always looking to join new artisans to the gallery offering them an opportunity to display and sell their work. Contact the Gallery for more information.
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Artisans United Gallery
4022 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703.941.0202 . www.augallery.org
Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Artisans United
Treasured Gifts for Men, Women, Children and Infants
Artisans United, Inc., which officially began in 1988, is a non-profit organization serving as a network of and for artists. Currently comprised of members of various Guilds and independent local artists and crafts-people, its primary purpose is to preserve, promote, and develop the disciplines of visual arts and crafts. The organization provides an intellectual and creative forum for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and materials among its members. Opportunities for growth and development are provided in a climate of mutual respect for the different disciplines with encouragement given to all members.
Artisans United, Inc. is tasked with taking arts out into the community. To fulfill this mission, we have participated in craft demonstrations, classes, talks, and exhibits both at the Galle
ry and in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries. In addition, we have taken part in the Annandale Fall Festival and have worked with the Cub Scouts and the Lifetime Learning Institute (which is connected with the Northern Virginia Community College). And, we also promote a ‘Christmas in July’ event, inviting the public to join us in making holiday ornaments to be shared with the residents of the Katherine Hanley Shelter in Fairfax County
As a community resource, Artisans United, Inc. operates The Craft Gallery of Artisans United which is located just inside the front door of the Fred M. Packard Center in the Annandale Community Park off Hummer Road. Here the artists’ creations are on display and may be purchase. READ MORE
Artisans United Craft Gallery
4022 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703-941-0202 www.augallery.org
10 am-4 pm Mon-Sat.
Nov. & Dec: Sun. 1-4 pm
Want an Outdoor Kitchen, Fire Pit, Larger Deck or Spacious Patio? (Fairfax County)
Modernized zoning changes allow these amenities to take up more space in your yard.
Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, large decks and patios. As these outdoor features become more popular, many homeowners have unknowingly violated zoning rules that limit their size and scope.
In response, the Board of Supervisors adopted zoning changes on June 5 that allow these amenities to take up more space in backyards.
The action will especially help homeowners in planned district communities, like Kingstowne and Burke Centre, who typically have smaller yards. Before, it was difficult for owners of these smaller properties to install decks and patios because of the zoning limitations.
The changes apply to the so called “minimum required rear yard” provisions. The new rules now allow accessory structures, like decks, patios, sheds and children’s playsets to cover a greater percentage of this area.
Zoning regulations require that homes be set back a minimum distance from the property line, and they set a maximum percentage of this rear yard that can be covered with accessory structures. The limitation is to prevent visual clutter from affecting neighbors, and it helps to reduce stormwater runoff from hardscapes.
READ MORE...
Time to Start Your Fitness Training
Fitness training offered for Children and Seniors
Foundation Fitness is a private gym in Annandale where a wide variety of health and fitness related services are offered. These services include One-on-One Training, Group Training, Nutritional Counseling and Massage Therapy customized to each and every client's individual needs.
Foundation Fitness also offers fitness training for children and seniors tailored specifically to their needs.
One of the things that separates Foundation Fitness from other fitness studios is their in-house nutrition coaches. While many other studios only focus on strength training and cardio, they realize that in order to make significant changes, nutrition is the single most important thing to consider. Their nutrition programs have been the foundation of success for numerous busy moms, business executives, and fitness enthusiasts of all ages. They offer the following nutrition services that all come with a nutrition consultation and follow-up meeting to ensure you fully understand the plan:
- Macro plans
- Written meal plans
- Shopping lists
- Grocery trips
- Prepared meals delivered to your house
At Foundation Fitness, they believe in offering different services that contribute to overall health. currently, Massage Therapy is offered at the Annandale location as an added benefit to their members.
7232 Columbia Pike
(across from Walgreen's)
Annandale, VA 22003
info@foundfitpt.com (703) 354-3488
PNC Financial Services
For more than 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing their clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. PNC is proud of their longstanding history of supporting not only their customers but also their communities, employees and shareholders.
PNC offers a wide range of services for all their customers, from individuals and small businesses, to corporations and government entities. No matter how simple or complicated your needs, they're sure to have the products, knowledge and resources necessary for financial success.
Retail Banking
PNC provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to more than 6 million consumer and small business customers across 19 state and the District of Columbia. Customers can bank whenever and wherever they want via more than 2,600 branches, online and mobile services along with 9,000 ATM machines, many of which can be used to make deposits and cash checks. READ MORE
Trust Properties
Trust Properties was founded in 1994 and is committed to providing a broad range of Commercial Real Estate Services throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. Staffed by knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated career professionals, Trust Properties takes pride in delivering impeccable levels of service and exceptional results to their clients and customers.
Greg McGillicuddy is a Vice President and Principal Broker at Trust Properties. Greg grew up in Arlington and returned here after completing his studies at Harvard and Hopkins. Greg is one of the most knowledgeable brokers in local real estate, with more than 27 years of experience in the sales and leasing of office, retail and industrial properties and has managed more than two million square feet of properties in the Greater Metro area, including numerous properties here in Annandale. READ MORE
LAMBROS GOLDSMITH AND FINE JEWELRY
Sparkling, even inspiring are the jewelry designs exhibited in abundance at this charming retailer. Lambros and Jayne Magiafas, goldsmith and geologist, are a team made in Jewelers Heaven. Lambros began his goldsmith apprenticeship at the age of 12 in his native Greece while Jayne started her career in the US at the age of 16.
Lambros Goldsmiths is a family owned and operated, full service Fine Jewelry retailer. Founded in 1987, Lambros Goldsmiths has been serving the Fine Jewelry needs of people from around the country. Nestled in our friendly town of Annandale, Lambros Goldsmiths offers uniquely handcrafted Fine Jewelry at competitive prices. READ MORE
Fairfax County Real Estate Assessments
Both Assessments & Tax Rate Increase Once Again
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors announced the County Executive’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019 is based on a tax rate of $1.155 per $100 of assessed value. $1.13 is Fairfax County’s current FY2018 tax rate. When the Board adopts a final budget in early May it can set the tax rate lower, but not higher, than what was advertised. The proposed General Fund budget is $4.29 billion, a $192.32 million (or 4.69 percent) increase over the current FY 2018 Adopted Budget. Including other appropriated funds such as federal and state grants, the total proposed budget is $8.42 billion. (Last year the budget increased revenue by $88.2 million, or 2.2%, over the FY 2017 Budget.
This budget includes a general fund transfers to Fairfax County Public Schools total $2.26 billion as requested by the School Board after accounting for an anticipated increase in state revenues. This is 4.38% or $95.10 million, increase over the current FY 2018 school budget.
Some of the key issues impacting the county budget:
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What a Difference a Century Makes: 1918
AMERICAN FORCES IN FRANCE
The American Expeditionary Force arrived in France in June 1917 joining Allied Forces in many major battles. Many allies (then and now) criticized America for waiting so long to show-up. Americans (then and now) believed this war was a tragic and unnecessary carnage that could have been averted if diplomatic judgement had been employed and the enormous clash of political egos were held in check. The war saw massive shifts in geographic borders, creation of new nations and new political systems. It also ended three empires—Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian and removed the Kaiser from power in Germany. Unfortunately, the peace treaty signed a few years later was so harsh in demands, especially unreachable monetary demands made on Germany, that the Second World War was inevitable....
ON THE HOMEFRONT: THE SPANISH FLU PANDEMIC
To maintain morale, wartime censors minimized early reports of illness and mortality in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. However, papers were free to report the epidemic's effects in neutral Spain giving the impression that Spain was the epicenter of the flu
The 1918 flu pandemic (January 1918 – December 1920) was an unusually deadly influenza, the first of the two pandemics involving H1N1 influenza virus. It infected 100 million people around the world, including remote Pacific islands and the Arctic, and resulted in the deaths of 50 (three to five percent of the world's population), making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. A considerable spike occurred at the time of the pandemic, specifically the year 1918. Life expectancy in the United States alone dropped by about 12 years. Even small remote towns who quarantined themselves from the outside public found the virus invading, often from the postman. Patient zero was most likely a soldier (s) from Fort Riley, Kansas. Soldiers from this Fort were among the thousands crowded onto troop ships, infecting others and still more in France from worldwide armies..
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Free Summer Concerts & Wine Tastings this July and August
The Fairfax County Park Authority will host free summer concerts in the backyard of the Fairfax County Government Center every Thursday night this July and August (July 5 – August 30, 2018) from 5:30pm – 7pm. The Evenings on the Ellipse summer concert series is a family-friendly event featuring a talented line-up of performers and a wide range of musical genres. Fairfax County’s two wineries, Paradise Springs Winery and The Winery at Bull Run, will be providing generous tastings and sales of their premium reds and whites. A Farmers Market (open from 2:30pm – 6:30pm) will also be on site selling fresh fruit and savory snacks to enjoy at the concert. The concert and farmers market are both held rain or shine. If it rains, the concert will be moved inside to the Fairfax County Government Center Forum.
“Evenings on the Ellipse is a great way for nearby residents and county employees to relax and unwind after work in Wolf Trap-esque style,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said. “With great music, a beautiful outdoor venue, wine tastings and a farmers market, I am proud to have the Fairfax County Government Center play host to such a special summer experience.”
Evenings on the Ellipse is one of many concert series happening throughout Fairfax County this summer. Find more concerts and performances at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
WHEN: Every Thursday, July 5 - August 30, 2018
TIME: 5:30 to 7 PM
WHERE: Fairfax County Government Center Backyard
12000 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035
CONCERT SCHEDULE
CONCERT FLYER
What Great Grandma Knew
Remedies, Cleaning & Housekeeping Tips from 1887
To Remove Finger-Marks:—Sweet oil will remove finger-marks from varnished furniture, and kerosene from oiled furiture.
To Remove Paint from Black Silk:—Patient rubbing with chloroform will remove paint from black silk or any other goods, and will not hurt the most delicate color or fabric.
To Freshen Gilt Frames:—Gilt frames may be revived by carefully dusting them, and then washing with one ounce of soda beaten up with the whites of three eggs. Scraped patches might be touched tip with any gold paint. Castile soap and water, with proper care, may be used to clean oil paintings; other methods should not be employed without some skill.
To Destroy Moths in Furniture:—All the baking and steaming are useless, as, although the moths may be killed, their eggs are sure to hatch, and the upholstery to be well riddled. The naphtha-bath process is effectual. A sofa, chair or lounge may be immersed in the large vats used for the purpose, and all insect life will be absolutely destroyed. No egg ever hatches after passing through the naphtha-bath; all oil, dirt or grease disappears, and not the slightest damage is done to the most costly article. Sponging with naphtha will not answer. It is the immersion for two hours or more in the specially prepared vats which is effectual.
To Erase Discoloration on Stone China:—Dishes and cups that are used for baking custards, puddings, etc., that require scouring, may be easily cleaned by rubbing with a dmp cloth dipped in whiting or "Sapolio," then washed as usual
To Remove Ink, Wine or Fruit Stains:—Saturate well in tomato juice; it is also an excellent thing to Remove stains from the hands
To Set Colors in Washable Goods:—Soak them previous to washing in a water in which is allowed a tablespoonful of ox-gall to a gallon of water.
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Chamber Membership is an Effective Business Strategy
According to a recent study conducted by the Shapiro Group:
“When consumers know a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of that business, and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.” For more information on benefits when joining the Annandale Chamber of Commerce please see......
Membership Information.
More News and Local Issues
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(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)
Weather permitting, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is expected to start repaving Gallows Road between Columbia Pike and Annandale Road in September according to a press release from the office of Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross.
There are lots of golfers who would love to improve their game. With that in mind, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Pinecrest Golf Course in Annandale/Alexandria will open a newly-renovated indoor training facility known as the Valis Family Golf Learning Center. The center is named for Wayne and Angela Valis who provided funding for the center’s new TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator. 
The Water Mine will go to the dogs this September with a season-ending event benefitting the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax County Park Foundation. Dogs and dog lovers are invited to join us on Sunday, September 9, 2018 when The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park will open for dogs-only swimming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Dogs can swim in Rattlesnake River and splash in the playground area for a suggested donation of $10 per dog. The event will also serve as a collection site for dog food donations for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. 
If you love the combination of great wines, delicious local seafood and fine crafts and artisans, mark your calendar for September 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! This popular event features wines from Virginia wineries and oysters from Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oyster growers. Discount tickets available online until September 6. All online ticket sales end at 5 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2018. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. 
Recently, a plan to convert the Kids Choice center on Ravensworth Road to a dual use occupancy was endorsed by county officials. This is an interesting concept in maximizing the use of a single structure. Together a banquet hall with the capacity limited to no more than 150 individuals and an elder day care center has been initially approved for a capacity of 200. In two years time, if traffic circulation and parking problems have not arisen, the owners can apply to increase that elder care capacity to 275 individuals. 
Everyone that tracks the real estate market should be aware that interest rates are rising and based on the statements from the Federal Reserve rates will likely rise two more times this year. What that means is that our era of historically low interest rates is over and that rates will likely creep up to an average 5.5% for home mortgages.
Taxpayers in Fairfax County carry an enormous tax load with an ever increasing burden each and every year. Stretched to the limit, the elderly are quickly being taxed out of Fairfax County, while the young are forced to live elsewhere while commuting through some of the worst traffic in America to work in Fairfax County. Some companies have chosen not to relocate to Fairfax but to other near-bye locations since an ever growing requirement held by successful companies is that their employees must be able to afford living close to their company offices. Housing prices inside the Beltway do not always qualify. That and streamline cross county public transportation are often the failings of Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors announced the County Executive’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019 is based on a tax rate of $1.155 per $100 of assessed value. $1.13 is Fairfax County’s current FY2018 tax rate. When the Board adopts a final budget in early May it can set the tax rate lower, but not higher, than what was advertised. The proposed General Fund budget is $4.29 billion, a $192.32 million (or 4.69 percent) increase over the current FY 2018 Adopted Budget. Including other appropriated funds such as federal and state grants, the total proposed budget is $8.42 billion. (Last year the budget increased revenue by $88.2 million, or 2.2%, over the FY 2017 Budget. 
all members. Call 703-408-9123 and ask for Diane Ramsey.
