MEET THE ARTISAN: Jane Hannon
Acrylic Painter
Jane Hannan has always been creative. Her latest art form is acrylic painting on glass, recycled wood, and other “found” objects. Jane is self-taught, thanks to the many online instructors who graciously share their techniques. Since the onslaught of Covid-19, painting has been an excellent way to stay creative and be safe.
Jane is a retired Elementary School Counselor who worked in education for 40 years. She enjoyed the variety of tasks involved in being a counselor, including problem-solving and creative thinking. She taught children’s craft classes during the summers, teaching about conservation, recycling, and nature through crafts. Her previous art forms include polymer clay, knitting, quilting, crocheting, and decoupage, to name a few. Jane loves color and nature which provide an endless source of inspiration.
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INSURANCE: Vintage Vehicles Deserve Classic Insurance
Grand Marshal Dan McKinnon and Family at the Annandale Parade in his Classic Car
Most types of car insurance cover vehicles that deteriorate in value over time. Classic car insurance does just the opposite. It is designed to keep pace with the car’s increasing value and to protect what most owner/collector’s consider an investment. The bonus to classic car insurance is that it usually costs less, even though it offers higher coverage. Why? Owners of classic cars tend to pamper and care for these vehicles, house them properly, and keep the mileage down. Premiums average 20-40 percent less than a regular policy.
However much you may love your prized baby, not all old cars qualify as CLASSIC for insurance purposes. The first test is whether the car’s value exceeds its original selling price. Some that may qualify would include:
READ MORE FROM KINNEMAN INSURANCE
Sully Historic Plantation
Sully was the country home of Richard Bland and Elizabeth Collins Lee. It was built in 1794 on land inherited by Richard's father, Henry Lee II. The house was situated on, what was originally, a 3,111-acre tract between Cub and Flatlick Runs, then part of Loudoun County, Virginia.
In 1789, Lee was elected to represent Northern Virginia in the first Congress of the United States. For the next five years, he spent a good deal of his time in New York and Philadelphia, where the delegates convened. By the end of 1793, construction began on the manor house and its associated buildings, which eventually replaced the log house that was Richard Bland Lee's bachelor residence.
From Philadelphia, Lee ordered the necessary supplies and forwarded building instructions to his agent in Virginia. Nails, plaster of Paris, linseed oil, window weights and ropes, and two marble hearths were among the cargoes shipped by sloop to the port of Alexandria and transported by wagon the remaining 20 miles to Sully. "The colors I directed were slate for the Roof and Stone for the Body inside and out," Lee wrote. "Urge the painter to lose no time in his work."
Two-and-a-half stories high and three bays wide, Sully bears a resemblance to the townhouses of Philadelphia, the city where Lee met and married Elizabeth Collins. She was the daughter of a Quaker merchant. Stephen Collins, visiting his daughter's Chantilly home in September 1794, wrote to assure his wife that Sully was "a clever house, has an elegant hall 12 feet wide and two very pretty rooms on the first floor....There are two large and one small Chamber in the second story, and one handsome and large chamber in the third or garret story and another good lodging room besides
The Lee home was, by design, a fit residence for a man of Lee's station and a comfortable dwelling place for his wife and built during the nation's Federal Period (1790-1820). Outside, the clapboard siding conceals mortared brick set between the studs of the frame. Inside, the floor plan presents one half of a center hall configuration in keeping with Lee's initial plans to build a second full wing at a later date.
Sitting rooms and living quarters open onto the first floor hall and second floor passageway. Lee's cousin, Thomas Shippen, a house guest from Pennsylvania in 1794, reported to his father, "I would fain give you some idea of the elegance in which this kinsman of ours has settled himself...This house (is) lately furnished from Philadelphia with every article of silver plate, mahogany, wilton carpeting, and glassware that can be conceived... Parlours and chambers completely equipped with every luxury as well as convenience."
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Collector’s World Expanding
A New Venue for Games and Events
Collector's World Comic Heroes
Later this year, Collector’s World in the Annandale Shopping Center will be moving next door to Mathnasium and expanding to over 6,000 square feet. Their dedicated retail space will more than double plus two additional rooms will be added. One will host their online business sales and the other a very exciting event/game room. No matter your age, when walking into this business you can’t help but feel that FUN is heading your way.
Much attention is being paid to expanding their inventory system and selection to 1 million cards ranging from modern and vintage to non-sports. They will also expand their comics section to over 50,000 and add a customer aide table where patrons can sit and sort through their favorite cards and comics. Aside from retail buying and selling, Collector’s World will host special events focusing on gaming, cosplay, authentication, card shows, tent sales and children’s gatherings.
Focusing on their customer experience, the new and expanded Collector’s World will be a very kid friendly location with special perks for good grades and enough stock to provide excitement for kids, their family, and adults alike.
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VIEW ON NATURE: Bear Necessities
Surviving all the challenges that Mother Nature threw at Native Americans and early colonists can be summed up in one word—resourcefulness. Living in the truly remote wilderness, the best way to survive was to use what you foraged, hunted, and grew in as many ways as possible. And that’s where black bears became indispensable.
Over the millennia, aboriginal people used bear fat for culinary, cultural, functional, and medicinal purposes. It was the principal source of dietary fats. Diaries from the cruel De Soto’s 1539-41 “expedition” across Southeastern U.S. exclaimed: “There was abundance of lard in calabashes drawn like olive oil… the fat of the bear”. The famous Lewis and Clark expedition (1803-1806) repeatedly referenced it. Natives relied on a high-carbohydrate mixtures as a survival ration (pemmican) made of dried pounded meat blended with bear fat, nuts and dried berries.
The thick 12-in. x 3-6-in. thick creamy slab that runs along the bear’s spine from the neck to the rump was gold. This fat is completely different from waxy deer tallow and simple to heat-render into clear oil with lots of culinary opportunities. Because bears are omnivores, the flavor of their meat and fat is dependent on what they’ve been eating: blueberries, grasses, acorns: excellent; salmon: awful.
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Home Instead Senior Care
Keeping COVID-19 Down
Home Instead is proud to announce our successes in helping to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmissions in Northern Virginia. We have remained vigilant in our efforts by maintaining our PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) supply and keeping our caregivers trained on proper safety protocols. And, to this end, we can boast that more than 60% of our staff is already vaccinated or will have received vaccinations by end of March! We are so proud that we are helping to put COVID-19 behind us! In fact, you can see photos of our brave caregivers also known as “vaccination heroes” on our local Home Instead Facebook page
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Make a Stop at Burke Lake’s New
Train-Themed Ice Cream Parlor
Stopping for a snack at Burke Lake’s newly renovated ice cream parlor is like putting a cherry on top of your day at the park.
The park’s old-fashioned ice cream parlor has long been a favorite of families after they take a spin on the carousel or a ride on the miniature steam engine train. Now, the parlor has a whole new locomotive-themed look that features a miniature train making laps around the perimeter of the ceiling.
Brian Costello, vice president of Jay Vending Company, said the parlor has been redone from top to bottom with new ice cream equipment, new flooring and paint, and a new countertop sneeze guard and facade. There are new tables and chairs, and even the trash cans are new.
Costello said the ice cream parlor needed a makeover, and it was easy to decide on a train theme since many of the parlor’s customers are parents with young children who come to the park to ride the nearby train. The train theme can be found throughout the space in the menu board, novelty railroad crossing sign, window decals and train-station style clock.
The menu has been revamped, too. You can now find chocolate and caramel ice cream sundaes, as well as coffee; and the parlor is in the process of adding pizza. Other menu offerings include milkshakes, root beer floats, cherry or blue raspberry slushies, all-beef hot dogs, soda, bottled water, and juice boxes. Of course, there’s also ice cream. Choose from eight delicious flavors.
Burke Lake’s Ice Cream Parlor is open weekends only in April, May, September and October from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekday hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia. For more information, call 703-323-6600; or visit Burke Lake Park.
Ceremony Set for Colvin Run’s Newly Renovated Waterwheel
A ribbon-cutting
ceremony is scheduled on Sunday, May 2, 2021, so spectators can witness the new waterwheel at Colvin Run Mill take its first turns and grind its first grains.
Members of the public are invited to attend the event in person. You can walk the site beginning at 10:30 a.m., then join us for the ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only limited in-person reservations for the event will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. After a brief ceremony, attendees will be allowed to tour the historic site and witness the mill’s first grind of the season. Reservations can be made at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XS9NDK9.
Colvin Run Mill is the sole surviving example of a 19th century mill in the D.C. area. The renovation project included removal of the mill’s old wood wheel and the wood flume that carried water to the wheel. Both had deteriorated after years of use, and a new wood wheel and flume were fabricated and installed. The $382,000 project was funded through voter-approved Park Bonds.
Colvin Run Mill is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, Virginia. For more information, please call 703-759-2771; or visit Colvin Run Mill.
Annandale Real Estate
Has Our Market Changed since Covid - That is the Question?
As you probably know, with people spending more time at home the number of people renovating their homes has grown phenomenally. This is coupled with the increase in renovations for selling homes now.
One of the most important remodeling jobs is for the kitchen. This many times includes, if the floorplan allows, opening up a wall or several walls to create a wide-open living space. For older homes with boxy rooms this is very important. Labor costs have increased alongside the increase in the price of lumber and other materials, as well as a backlog in delivery times.
If you plan to sell your home now or in the near future, should you do any renovations? This comes down to costs versus final sales price. In most cases there is a benefit to remodeling, especially in the higher price ranges. If it costs $100,000 to do a remodel you will usually recoup that cost at resale. Many buyers do not have the time, money or inclination to move in and start remodeling; the value can be captured in their loan amount versus having an immediate infusion of cash. Sellers can use a home equity line of credit to cover the costs.
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Why COVID-19 Vaccines Are Good News for Local Bus
inesses
We all dream about an eventual pre-pandemic “return to normal” — especially local businesses who look forward to seeing their customers in-person once again. And, for some businesses, working alongside their employees again after many months of working remotely. Our new normal will likely still require mask use and social distancing for some time, but the Governor has indicated that by April 18, COVID-19 vaccines will be open to all persons 16 years and older.
With the addition to the return of shoppers, restaurant patrons, concert goers and others simply enjoying what they have missed over the past year, widespread vaccine coverage has the potential to boost local businesses in many ways.
Vaccines Keep People Working
Vaccines are proven to prevent severe cases of COVID-19 that can lead to hospitalization or death. A healthy worker is an active and engaged worker – employers will have to worry much less about being short-staffed or having a team member’s positive coronavirus test negatively affect their operating capabilities. And a paycheck can go back into the local economy, boosting success for all. During this pandemic, thousands of people in the Fairfax Health District experienced loss of wages due to the need to quarantine or isolate. Widespread vaccine acceptance prevents disease spread and keeps people working.
Vaccines Can Make Consumers Less Frazzled
This pandemic has taken its toll on mental health. In addition to protection against COVID-19, vaccines provide hope and reassurance. Pandemic stress is alleviated as people return to socialization and cherished routines – including patronage of local businesses.
Vaccines Are Good for the Bottom Line
As more of your staff choose vaccination, it may cause some inconvenience for business owners as they will need to accommodate the appointments of their staff. But, doing so will pay off. So many businesses pivoted to survive in the ever-changing world of the pandemic. Now it’s time to recover and grow, with a greater number of vaccinated staff.
What You Can Do Today
- Learn about vaccine registration: Find out if your industry is eligible for vaccine. Our website has all the details about eligibility and vaccine registration in the Fairfax Health District.
- Learn more about vaccines: We can help! In addition to our website, the CDC and Virginia Department of Health have excellent vaccine information sources.
- See our business website for ideas on how you can connect your staff with vaccine information.
Read the Latest
ENDEAVOR News Magazine
The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale. Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM.
Let the Good Times Roll
Summer Treats are Coming Your Way
Remember the long lost days of your youth listening for the musical chimes of the Ice Cream Truck rolling down your neighborhood street? Today, that truck has been replaced by a Kona Ice Truck filled with the most delicious assortment of flavored toppings on icy refreshing snow cones.
Just a bit more than a year ago, chamber member Trung Dinh bought his first Kona Ice Truck, worked closely with the Fairfax County Health Dept. to insure all safe practices were employed during this strange and challenging Covid year, and began to bring Kona Ice treats to the neighborhoods and businesses of Annandale.
Trung Dinh is a small business owner living in Burke with his family. For twenty-two years he worked in the Information Technology industry, lived abroad in Australia, and traveled all over the world. In 2018 he decided to leave IT and the constant travel to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur while putting down firm roots with his family. He also wanted to find a business where he could give back to the community while making customers happy.
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Tuition-free Community College Program$145 million for Governor’s signature ‘Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back’ initiative for Low and Middle Income Students
Office of Governor Ralph Northam
Governor Ralph Northam announced his proposed budget will include $145 million over the biennium to make tuition-free community college available to low- and middle-income students who pursue jobs in high-demand fields. The Governor’s “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” initiative, or “G3” program, will provide financial support to cover tuition, fees, and books for eligible students at the Commonwealth’s two-year public institutions.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to get a good education and a good job, no matter who you are or how much money you have,” said Governor Northam. “This is an investment in equity and our economy—by helping Virginians get the skills they need, we’re building a world-class workforce while ensuring all Virginians can support themselves, their families, and their communities.”
The G3 program is one of the first in the nation to provide wraparound financial assistance to help students at the lowest income levels with expenses such as food, transportation, and childcare. Students who qualify for full Federal Pell Grants and enroll full-time will receive a Student Support Incentive Grant on a semester basis. These grants will be in an amount up to $1,000 per semester and up to $500 per summer term. Each participating institution will receive a Performance Payment per eligible student receiving a Student Support Incentive Grant that successfully completes 30 credit hours and an additional Performance Payment when such a student earns an associate degree.
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GREEN SPRING GARDENS
Programs April - June 2021
Adult Programs April - June
Saturday, May 1
Garden Tour: Green Spring Up and Down
10-11:30am. (Adults) Extension Master Gardeners lead a special “Grand Tour” of Green Spring! View some upper demonstration gardens, then take the garden path less travelled to explore the naturalistic lower garden areas: the Virginia Native Plant Garden, woodland stream valley, and ponds. The tour involves a steep slope with loose gravel. $15 per person.
Saturday, May 1
Plants & Design: Multiply Your Plants
10:30am-12:00pm. (16-Adults) Multiply your plants through the simple, money-saving techniques of stem cuttings and plant division. Green Spring staff will walk you through this hands-on workshop where you will learn to propagate house and garden plants. Take a few starter plants home to grow for your garden. Your garden will flourish with your new skill. $22 per person.
Saturday, May 22
Plants & Design: Hummingbird Garden
1-2:30pm. (Adults) Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is fun and easy to do. Learn fascinating hummingbird facts and how to create a garden habitat for hummingbirds with Green Spring horticulturalist Susan Eggerton. Get a list of choice plants to get started on your hummingbird garden. $22 per person. This program is also available virtually
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Historic House Tea Programs
Sunday, April 25
Six Degrees
2-3pm. (Adult) How many “handshakes” away from fame are we all? Explore the theory that everyone is six or fewer social contacts apart. Discover surprising human connections—present and historical—and learn how to find links to famous ancestors in your family tree. Lecture only: $12/ Optional tea box: $24.
Sunday, May 9
Mother’s Day Tea: Bringing Up Baby
2-3pm. (Adult) Take an entertaining look at parenting throughout history as we explore child-rearing advice of times past. Hear surprising advice dispensed by early “experts” that both shock and amuse us today. Then celebrate motherhood at your tea table! Lecture only: $12/ Optional tea box: $24.
Sunday, May 23
Private Matters
2-3pm. (Adult) Personal grooming was a public affair for centuries. Explore the history of washing and dressing, from medieval bathing habits to the 18th-century ritual of the lady’s toilette. Hear about the intimate and public elements of these necessary aspects of everyday life and how, eventually, privacy prevailed! Lecture only: $12/ Optional tea box: $24. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes (MA9.RQDK) or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.
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ON THE ENERGY FRONT
Celebrate Earth Day 
Each year on April 22, Virginians everywhere celebrate Earth Day and the natural beauty we are so lucky to have in our state. As many Virginians continue to work at home amid the ongoing pandemic, this could reflect a long-term trend of residents remotely working. Interestingly, recent consumer energy use behavior research from Virginia Energy Sense (VES) found that 47% of respondents noted an increase in energy use at home during the pandemic. In addition to that statistic, 49% of respondents said they have become more conscious of their energy use since the start of the pandemic last year.
Residents making efforts to become more energy efficient and energy conscious are major steps forward that should continue beyond after Earth Day. As our research results show, there’s still more work that can be done. (VES, the state’s energy education program under the guidance of the State Corporation Commission, has worked to inform Virginians of easy, cost-effective ways to reduce electric energy consumption at home and at work. To aid this effort, VES has prepared a list of easy, do-it-yourself tips on saving energy included below.
Home Energy Saving Tips
Unplug unused devices – Unplugging devices not in use can save up to 10% on your power bill.
Maintain your HVAC system – Keeping your HVAC system running smoothly not only improves the comfort of your home, but also ensures it is running efficiency during the summer.
Keep your thermostat high – As the weather gets warmer, try to raise the thermostat by 2 degrees and use ceiling fans, if your home has them, to cool your home and reduce AC costs by up to 14%.
Switch to LEDs – Not only do LEDs last longer than traditional incandescent lightbulbs, they also use up to 80% less energy and can help cut down on your monthly energy bill.
Caulk doors and windows – Caulking gaps and cracks around doors and windows with weather stripping materials can cut your energy bill by as much as 20%.
Please consider taking some time this Earth Day to perform at least one of the DIY tips listed above – they really can make a difference in reducing energy consumption at home.
From using your appliances more efficiently to monitoring your weekly energy use, there are many ways for you to take action this Earth Day. For more information, hear from Jack, our friend at Virginia Energy Sense who wants you to take steps to become more energy efficient this Earth Day.
Visit www.virginiaenergysense.org and our YouTube channel for more tips, How-To videos and other resources to help you save energy at home this Spring.
Shop Locally and Support AnnandaleMerchants
AnnSandra Gifts
AnnSandra has been the preeminent giftware destination in the Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland area, for over 39 years. AnnSandra provides a unique experience, now serving second and third generation customers, offering an extensive collection of fine china, crystal, silver, distinctive gift items for any occasion, including a vast variety of holiday gifts. This retailer prides itself with a well earned reputation for exceptional customer service and expertise, whether you’re shopping in the store or over the phone, our highly trained professionals are committed to delivering unparalleled service with unbeatable prices. 
Looking for that perfect holiday gift, AnnSandra has a superb and varied selection to suit your gift-giving needs. Store pick-up and private appointments are still available along with online and phone orders. Shipping and gift wrapping service on site. MORE ABOUT ANNSANDRA Sunday & Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday - 12PM -5:00PMSaturday - 10AM - 5:30PM. 4417 John Marr DriveAnnandale, VA. 22003703-354-2110 - 800-357-2110info@annsandra.com . www.annsandra.com
Artisans United Gallery of Gifts 
When you shop at the gallery, you will find a wide variety of reasonably priced hand-crafted items by local artisans. Socially distanced shopping at the Gallery is easy. Or, if you can’t visit in person, call to arrange for a virtual tour and shopping. Staff can take payments over the phone and provide curbside pickup. Mailing or delivery to your home may be available.Visit us at the Packard Center (Annandale Community Park), 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. READ MORE ABOUT ARTISANS UNITED Call us at 703-941-0202 to check on current hours. You may also arrange a Sunday, Monday, or evening visit. (703)941-0202 . augallery1@gmail.com . www.augallery.org
Golf Gifts and Gift CardsPinecrest Golf CourseCorner of Braddock and Little River6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 941-1061 . www.fairfaxcounty.gov/golf/pinecrest Coffee GiftsBeanetics Coffee RoastersAnnandale Shopping Center7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 941-4506 . www.beanetics.com
Tea Gifts and Nature - Garden Gifts
Green Spring Gardens
Off Braddock Rd. behind Pinecrest Shopping Center-Braddock and Little River
6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 642-5173 . www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring
Lake Barcroft Dental Group Celebrates Anniversary
Special Offering in Celebration
This month, Lake Barcroft Dental Group celebrates its one-year anniversary as part of the local community. As part of this celebration Dr. Aseel Mukbel and the team are offering 50% off in-office whitening and $200 off CEREC – in-office -- crowns through January 2021.
Lake Barcroft Dental Group is a one-stop spot for all of your dental needs – it’s located in Barcroft Plaza at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Linconia Road. The practice offers Invisalign and same-day crowns. The practice has an in-house oral surgeon to take care of any extraction needs including wisdom teeth; and endodontist to handle dreaded root canals with a gentle touch; and a periodontist to care for any gum issues.
In addition to Lake Barcroft Dental Group’s robust services, the practice also offers a slew of financing and payment options to ensure the dentistry fits comfortable in your budget, especially during these unprecedented times.
While patient’s budgets are a huge concern during this pandemic, safety is an even bigger concern. At Lake Barcroft Dental Group, that is the team’s top priority. A study by the American Dental Association revealed dentists have less than a 1% COVID-19 positive rate and at Lake Barcroft Dental Group we are taking extra precautions. Patients are taken to their room with no waiting time in the lobby, the clinical team wears multiple masks and face shields during procedures, along with a bevy of other precautions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
BARCROFT PLAZA . 6464 A1, Lincolnia Rd
703-876-6700 lakebarcroftdentalgroup.com + smilegeneration.com
UnCovered
The Curious Tales of a Jacket with No Tail—1820’s
This ladies’ spencer was found in a closet at the home of a Lee family descendant and, according to the donor, the family had used it as a dress-up and costume piece for decades. It was donated to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1994.
The garment was conserved and stabilized in 2012 due to its fragility. It was analyzed at that time and was dated to around 1820. The outer fabric is mauve silk with a woven pattern of vines and leaves. The neckline, which is U-shaped in the front and V-shaped in the back, is trimmed with a wide, pleated and ruched band. The inner lining of the spencer is a mixture of beige linen for the bodice and wool for the sleeves. It is fully handstitched.
The spencer, a waist-length jacket with no tails, is a unique clothing item from the Regency Era. Its creation is credited to George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834), though there are many versions of the origin story.
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The Contents of a Lady’s Handbag
The Year Was 1854
In the early 19th century, women began to use small ornamental handbags in which personal items were carried. A purse was something quite different. A purse was simply a satchel in which only coins were carried since they were heavy and would soon wear holes in any pocket. Consequently, coins were often contained within their own case made of metal, leather or reinforced fabric.
Fashion of the 1850s for both men and women were colorful, sumptuous in style with luxurious fabrics. Sewing machines were increasingly available and the cage crinoline underpinned the dress silhouette.
Women’s dresses were made of lush fabrics often obtained from overseas markets. Silk and velvet were favorites along with beautiful polished cottons loomed largely in England for wear in warmer weather. Dress shapes consisted of fitted bodices to the waist and full bell skirts that were accessorized with ruffles, multiple trims, flowers, and layered flounces. Tight boned corsets narrowed the appearance of the waist but often reduced the natural breathing ability of the women laced within. Fainting,, especially in hot weather, was not unusual. Smelling salts were kept close at hand.
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Pupusas Express -- NOW OPEN
In the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Gallows
Now Open in the Annandale Shopping Center is a much awaited new dining experience known as Pupusas Express. (7042 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) Delicious, spotlessly clean and friendly, this eatery will delight the young and the young at heart. The menu reflects the traditional Salvadoran dishes offered at affordable prices certain to please every budget.
Known for their warm hospitality and exceptionally quick and courteous service, they have now expanded to four locations. If you are unfamiliar with Salvadoran cuisine, the staff will be happy to discuss ingredients and walk you through the menu offerings.
The traditional Salvadoran foods are a mix of Native American cuisines from indigenous groups and influences from European (Spanish) cuisine. Many of the dishes are made with maize (corn) in one form or another. There is also a heavy use of pork, chicken, and seafood.
El Salvador's 
most notable dish is the pupusa, a thick handmade corn flour or rice flour flatbread stuffed with cheese, cooked ground pork, chicken, refried beans, or vegetables.
Since most are only $2.40 each, you can afford to try a few combinations. Condiments accompanying the pupusas are pickled-cabbage (a cole slaw known as curitido) and tomato sauce.
A favorite Salvadoran specialty is pupusa stuffed with cheese and the loroco flower. Fernaldia pandurate is a vine with edible flowers known as loroco flowers grown throughout Mexico and Central America and is an important source of food in El Salvador and Guatemala. The plant's buds and flowers are used for cooking in a variety of ways, including in pupusas. At Pupusas Express a special pupusa is stuffed with cheese and the loroco 
flower.
Other well-known Salvadoran dishes include carne guisada (a saucy beef stew with potatoes and carrots), carne asada (grilled steak), Camarones a la Crema (Sauteed shrimp mixed with onions, green peppers and cream), Ceviche de Camaron (lime cooked shrimp), various Tacos, Quesadillas, and Fajitas.
SOUP-SOUP, YOU MUST TRY THE SOUP
Don’t overlook their four soup offerings as they are of special note.
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In the Annandale Shopping Center
on Columbia Pike at Gallows Road
7042 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
571-378-0018
www.pupusasexpress.com
Open Monday thru Saturday 11 am
to 10 pm, closed on Sunday
Free delivery within 4 miles and a minimum $12.00 order.
MEET THE ARTISAN: Bob Simoniz
Ye Old Toymaker and Wood Carver
Bob Simoniz first started in crafts after graduating from Virginia Tech and marring his wife Maureen in 1968. He began with leathercraft and placed items in a consignment store in Crystal City near where he worked for the Naval Sea Systems Command. One day the owner asked if he could make wooden toys since she was having problems with her current artisan. That set Bob on the path to creating numerous toys over a period of several years.
During this period he made furniture for his family and eventually for friends. When he bought their current home in 1976, he finished off the lower level adding a family room and two bedrooms managing the construction and wiring himself. Later he added a garage and built a 14x16 addition. With the exception of pouring the foundation, Bob and his wife designed and provided all the labor. When Bob was in college, he worked summers as a helper for an Electrical Construction Company in Lynchburg, VA where he learned the electrical trade.
Over the years of building furniture, Bob always wanted to try wood carving. In 1989, he finally bought a kit and carved a very rough Santa which he still has. Until about 15 years ago, his main carvings were Santa's and snowmen for personal Christmas gifts (usually between 11-15 gifts a year). After taking a class on chip carving with Barry McKenzie, Bob began carving icicles as Christmas gifts. His next door neighbor was ordering 35 for gifts each Christmas.
Then he added Welsh Lovespoons. Lovespoons have been made and given for about 350 years. The earliest example dates to 1667 and can be seen in the Welch Museum in Cardiff although the majority on exhibit date to the 18th and 19th century. They are ornately carved spoons made from a single piece of wood and given by a young suitor as a love token to show his intentions. Tradition has it that the spoon was equivalent to a proposal of marriage. Numerous symbols can be carved into a single spoon expressing the entwining of lives forever, the intention to support her, the number of children envisioned, fidelity, and eternal happiness are but a few. Bob says that he has carved some complex love spoons just for the challenge. Now they are a labor of love.
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Jane Hannan has always been creative. Her latest art form is acrylic painting on glass, recycled wood, and other “found” objects. Jane is self-taught, thanks to the many online instructors who graciously share their techniques. Since the onslaught of Covid-19, painting has been an excellent way to stay creative and be safe.
Home Instead is proud to announce our successes in helping to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmissions in Northern Virginia. We have remained vigilant in our efforts by maintaining our PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) supply and keeping our caregivers trained on proper safety protocols. And, to this end, we can boast that more than 60% of our staff is already vaccinated or will have received vaccinations by end of March! We are so proud that we are helping to put COVID-19 behind us! In fact, you can see photos of our brave caregivers also known as “vaccination heroes” on our local Home Instead Facebook page
Stopping for a snack at Burke Lake’s newly renovated ice cream parlor is like putting a cherry on top of your day at the park.
As you probably know, with people spending more time at home the number of people renovating their homes has grown phenomenally. This is coupled with the increase in renovations for selling homes now.
Remember the long lost days of your youth listening for the musical chimes of the Ice Cream Truck rolling down your neighborhood street? Today, that truck has been replaced by a Kona Ice Truck filled with the most delicious assortment of flavored toppings on icy refreshing snow cones. 
In the early 19th century, women began to use small ornamental handbags in which personal items were carried. A purse was something quite different. A purse was simply a satchel in which only coins were carried since they were heavy and would soon wear holes in any pocket. Consequently, coins were often contained within their own case made of metal, leather or reinforced fabric. 
Bob Simoniz first started in crafts after graduating from Virginia Tech and marring his wife Maureen in 1968. He began with leathercraft and placed items in a consignment store in Crystal City near where he worked for the Naval Sea Systems Command. One day the owner asked if he could make wooden toys since she was having problems with her current artisan. That set Bob on the path to creating numerous toys over a period of several years. 
