Ar_home_b_search
 



stafford area information: Election Alert - Transportation Bond Referendum - Stafford, VA - 11/03/08 01:48 PM

On Tuesday, November 4th Stafford County residents will be voting on a transportation referendum that will allow the Board of Supervisors to borrow $70 million by issuing bonds to fund specific road and pedestrian projects throughout the county.  This bond referendum would call for the borrowing to begin in 2010 and $147 million in projects to begin.  The referendum is printed below and includes the specific projects.  Transportation is one of the most important and often debated issues throughout the Commonwealth and especially in Northern Virginia.    

QUESTION: Shall Stafford County, Virginia contract a debt and issue its general obligation … (4 comments)

stafford area information: Belvedere Plantation - A Traditional Pumpkin Patch Outing - 10/20/08 11:20 AM
Last weekend my oldest daughter, Adrienne, took my youngest son, Matt, to Belvedere Plantation, a beautiful 645-acre working farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. They had a great time and came back with some wonderful pictures. I thought I'd share it all here!

Belvedere Plantation offers so many different outdoor attractions that children (and adults) of every age can find something they'll enjoy!  They have a corn maze, a barnyard where kids can see different farm animals, pig races, a giant 100-foot slide for people over 5 years old, zip lines for kids of every height, a barn filled with hay and rope swings, … (2 comments)

stafford area information: New Park Opens in Stafford - 10/19/08 09:54 AM
The Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation held grand opening ceremonies on Saturday, October 18th to celebrate the newest addition to the county's park system.  Patawomeck Park cost $4.8M to construct and has the most modern facilities.  Lighted and irrigated soccer, football and softball fields, as well as restrooms and a picnic pavilion are ready for public use.  Patawomeck Park is the result of a land transfer between the county and the Moncure family.  The family gave the county the land for the park and donated $500,000 towards construction in exchange for the old Fritter Park which was closed.  The … (0 comments)

stafford area information: Welcome Home! - 10/19/08 09:19 AM

On Tuesday, October 14th the 140 members of the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion's Delta Company returned home to Quantico after a six month deployment in the al Anbar Province of Iraq.  The 129 Marines and 11 Navy Corpsmen were greeted by family and friends waving flags and homemade signs.  Happily all of the Marines and sailors arrived home safely after completing their mechanized security mission.  The battalion now gets some well deserved time off to be with their families. 

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(7 comments)

stafford area information: No new taxes to close budget gap in Stafford - 10/10/08 03:11 PM
On Tuesday, October 7th, Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello reported to the Board of Supervisors that the county faces a $5.6M budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009.  Mr. Romanello submitted his recommendations to the Board that will close the gap without raising taxes on county residents.  Stafford County is one of many jurisdictions throughout the state facing funding issues in the coming year.  The state itself is facing shortfalls with Governor Kaine and the Legislature searching for answers to combat revenue shortages, fuel cost increases and the general economic slowdown and financial crisis that we see on the news everyday.
Fortunately, … (1 comments)

stafford area information: Stafford Aids Chesapeake Bay Clean-Up - 10/08/08 08:48 PM

Virginia state officials have announced that they will be disbursing about $188 Million around the state to assist local jurisdictions in their efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.  Stafford County is expected to receive between $5.5M and $7.6M from the State Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund to upgrade the Little Falls Run Wastewater Treatment Plant that discharges into the Rappahannock River.  The Rappahannock feeds into the Chesapeake Bay near Stingray Point. 

The state, working with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, has set a goal of 2010 to clean up "point-source pollution" and reduce the volume of nutrients flowing … (2 comments)

stafford area information: Forbes Ranks Stafford as One of the Best Places to Get Ahead - 10/06/08 10:49 AM
Many counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia have much to brag about.  Whether it's a safe, beautiful place to raise your family, or a culturally diverse, exceptional school system, we all have much to boast about. 
Stafford County had been given a pat on the back by Forbes.com as being one of the best places in the country to get ahead.  They based this on several factors:
Income and job data from the U.S. Census and Department of Labor Statistics Locations where median income was rising the most quickly Limited list to counties where the median income was at least $75,000. Study … (0 comments)

stafford area information: Stafford County Revises Comprehensive Master Plan - 09/23/08 10:01 AM
As a county resident, I am always trying to stay abreast of plans to make any significant changes that may have an impact on the integrity of the county.  The best way I know to do that is to review the County's Comprehensive Plan.  As of September 17, 2008, Stafford County has made available its updated draft which should be of particular interest to all county residents.  With information about zoning, roads, schools, etc, you will be able to access just about anything that is of concern to you.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - The Foundation … (0 comments)

stafford area information: 3rd Quarter Sales in Stafford - 09/23/08 09:15 AM

22405 - 89 Sold and Under Contract
22406 - 61 Sold and Under Contract
22554 - 216 Sold and Under Contract
22556 - 95 Sold and Under Contract
Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(1 comments)

stafford area information: Get Out and Register to VOTE! - 09/17/08 06:16 PM

The Stafford County Registrar of Voters has posted the schedule for voter registration and absentee voting related to the general election to be held November 4th.
The last day to register to vote in this election is Monday, October 6th.  Forms may be obtained at the registerʼs office or on line through the Stafford County website.
Absentee voting begins this Monday, September 22nd and can be dropped off at the Registerʼs office until Saturday, November 1st or mailed in to the Register no later than Tuesday, October 28th.
By law, the Office of the Register will be open from 9am-5pm on the … (0 comments)

stafford area information: Recycling Days in Stafford - 09/15/08 08:10 PM

The Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board has set four days for county residents to rid their homes of old and broken electronics.  Beginning Wednesday, September17th and continuing through Saturday, September 20th Stafford residents will be able to drop off various electronics at the Regional Landfill located at 489 Eskimo Hill Rd.  This is a safe and environmentally safe way to dispose of electronics. 
Since the county began this service in 2003 over 300 tons of unwanted electronics have been collected.  Proof of residency will be required to drop off.  The landfill will be open from 8am to 4pm.  A … (1 comments)

stafford area information: Salute to Stafford Day - 09/10/08 09:32 AM
On Saturday, September 27th the Citizens to Serve Stafford organization will sponsor its annual Salute to Stafford Day.  This much anticipated annual family event began in 1991 and celebrates the history, talents, and culture that make Stafford so special.  All proceeds will benefit the United Way.
The event will be held at the Community Center, 29 Stafford Avenue, just one block from the county administration building and will run from 10am to 3pm.  Organizers have planned for local musicians, artists, crafters, folk dancers, the Blue Sky puppets, face painting and a children's international costume parade.  The Parks and Recreation Department has arranged for … (0 comments)

stafford area information: Why Choose Stafford County? - 09/03/08 07:26 PM
There is no more important investment you will make than purchasing your home.  Finding the right floor plan with the perfect number of bedrooms and bathrooms and maybe even an in-law suite or a home office with plenty of natural light is only half the job that your buyer's agent will help you accomplish.  Buyers in Northern Virginia have many options and opportunities as they begin this important process.  So the first question they must ask themselves is, "Why should we live in Stafford County?" 
Stafford County is midway between the Washington, DC metropolitan area and the Richmond, VA metropolitan area.  … (1 comments)

stafford area information: Back to School in Stafford - 08/26/08 04:36 PM
On September 2nd over 26,500 students across Stafford County will return to their classrooms to begin the new academic year.  Stafford County is the second fastest growing county in the Commonwealth of Virginia but it maintains its family-oriented suburban community feel and its commitment to educational excellence.  Over 82% of those graduating from Stafford County schools plan to continue their education beyond high school.  The Stafford County School Board has adopted a strict enforcement policy for its Code of Conduct.  This policy contributes to a safe and encouraging learning environment for all students from kindergarten through high school. 
The school system … (4 comments)

stafford area information: Stafford County, Virginia Market February 2008 - 02/29/08 06:21 PM
Stafford Single Family Home Market February 2008
     Active                                                                                                              Sold or Under Contract
399                                                                         22554                                                    26
206                                                                         22556                                                     16
213                                                                         22405                                                    20
194                                                                         22406                                                    17
Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(5 comments)

stafford area information: Will Primmer House Road EVER Open? - 02/01/08 12:51 PM
 
Anyone living in the southeast portion of Stafford County understands the frustration everyone feels when passing Primmer House Road.  The road, developed by Maryland Development Company as a part of Leeland Station subdivision, will provide easy access for VRE commuters and residents from that portion of Stafford County to access Rt 1 and the 95 interchange.
At the moment, drivers are taking the original (and longer) route along Morton Rd to Layhill Rd.  This alternate route is about 1 mile longer and much more difficult to navigate as the road is extremely windy.
On numerous occasions when passing Primmer House Rd, I would … (0 comments)

stafford area information: Stafford County Market Activity for January 2008 - 02/01/08 09:28 AM
Stafford Single Family Home Market January 2008
Active                                                                                                                   Sold or Under Contract
385                                                                         22554                                                    21
208                                                                         22556                                                     7
237                                                                         22405                                                    14
199                                                                         22406                                                    14
Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(10 comments)

stafford area information: Get Out and VOTE in Virginia Presidential Primary - 01/31/08 11:29 AM
 
The Commonwealth of Virginia is preparing to hold its presidential primary election February 12th.  This primary will come a week after the "Super Tuesday" contest in which 24 other states hold their presidential primaries.  February 12th will be the first opportunity that Virginians have to vote for the presidential candidate they feel will best demonstrate the characteristics needed of the next Commander in Chief.
Virginia voters who registered prior to the January 14th deadline will be allowed to vote for the Republican or Democratic presidential candidate of their choice.  Nearly 2,500 polling locations will be open within Virginia's 11 Congressional districts.  … (5 comments)

stafford area information: Aquia Towne Center to get an Overhaul - 01/19/08 01:53 PM
 
I've been going to the Aquia Towne Center Movie Theatre for almost as long as it's been up!  Built in 1986, it was a wonderful addition to a growing area.  Sitting just outside the gates of the Aquia Harbour community, the Aquia Towne center, owned by Michigan-based Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, was a perfect addition for families looking for nearby entertainment.  Every summer, Regal Cinemas offered free children's movies to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.  I can't tell you how many movies we sat through.  It was a perfect escape - especially on swim meet days when the kids couldn't … (6 comments)

stafford area information: It's Snowing In Stafford County! - 01/17/08 10:25 AM
 
I'm sitting here looking at how lovely everything looks right now - white and clean and so inviting.  I wonder how long it will last.  The snow has actually stopped and the forecast is for rain and sleet.  My poor 10 year old son is probably sitting in class right now staring out the window with longing eyes for an opportunity to get home before it all melts.  His brand new snowboard sits propped in his room - never before used. 
Stafford doesn't see very much snow accumulation during the winter.  Typically what begins as snow ends up as a slushy, wet … (7 comments)

 
Vertical_balloon_logo

Irene Morales Ward, Realtor, ABR, e-Pro Northern Virginia Real Estate

Stafford, VA

More about me…

REMAX Distinctive Real Estate, Inc.

Office Phone: (540) 371-6157

Cell Phone: (703) 732-8364

Email Me



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog