Tom & Cindy Recognized by The Wall Street Journal
We are very happy to announce that our team has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as #27 out of all the teams in the country for sales volume. This award was based on settled transactions in 2009. For us, this represents a lot of families we’ve been able to help with their real estate needs in Alexandria, Springfield and Lorton. Serving their best interests and providing top-flight customer service is what we’re all about. If you are selling or buying, give us a call. We’d love to help you too.
Everyone has seen the horrors of the Haitian earthquake through numerous photos and videos and can only imagine what it was like to actually be there when it happened. The ground trembled, buildings collapsed and an unknown amount of injured persons were all around. Do you have that picture in your head? Now, think about being a child in the midst of all the chaos. Shortly after the earthquake, Madame Elisabeth Preval, the First Lady of Haiti, gathered Haitian Philippe Dodard and fellow artists and psychologists to establish a quiet haven for children to express themselves through art. Called Plas Timoun (The Children’s Place), it is composed of 2 converted buses at 2 locations in Port-au-Prince. It uses visual and performing arts as a means to bring healing to the children of Haiti. An exhibition entitled “The Healing Power of Art: Works of Art by Haitian Children After the Earthquake” has been on display at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center since June and continue through October 17th, so you have plenty of time to check it out. While there are the obvious pictures of death and destruction, there are also pieces with brighter colors and pieces reflecting the rescue effort and signs for a better future. In addition to approximately 100 pieces of artwork, the exhibit includes the film Thirty Five Long Seconds: Haiti’s Deadly Earthquake (18 minutes) and 2 shorter videos, one of which is about Plas Timoun. Free brochures are available and kids who visit are encouraged to draw pictures and write messages to send back to the Haitian children. If you are looking for something to do to escape the heat, this just might do the trick. If you live in Kingstowne, Springfield or Alexandria and you should be there in about 30 minutes. See our Kid’s Corner section for more great ideas on things to do with children.
Susan Hall
Many people have seen the signs or heard the rumors about Wegmans coming to Kingstowne but that’s not the only thing going on near the north gate of Fort Belvoir. KLNB will be developing the Hilltop Village Center on the land located at the intersection of Beulah and Telegraph. Wegmans will be the anchor of the center but there will also be additional retail stores and restaurants as well as 2 banks and also office space on the upper levels of some buildings.
The second phase of the project will be closing down the current construction debris landfill (don’t worry, its non-toxic materials) and converting it into sports and recreational fields. Eventually the Hilltop Village Center will also add an active adult community (usually 55+ age restriction) called Piney Run where residents will have easy access to the shopping and dining options provided by the center.
While right now I can’t find an exact date for the opening of Wegmans, by the original timelines it should be in the next 2-3 years. I’ll keep an ear to the ground and once they announce a firm opening date I’ll make sure to keep everyone updated. Until then, if you’ve never experienced a Wegmans, or if you can’t live without it, the 2 closest locations are in Fairfax and Woodbridge.
Jim Patrick
Realtor, Tom & Cindy and Associates
Email me: Jim@HelloVirginia.com