community: Snow-ettiquette in Northern Virginia - 01/16/19 02:43 PM
We just had our first snowstorm of the season in Northern Virginia.  As far as storms go, it was great! It began late on a Saturday evening and continued until Sunday evening. All told, most areas got 8-12 inches. School was closed on Monday and delayed 2 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is still lingering on the grassy areas, but most roads are clear at this point.
Seeing how things were the next day (and the next), there are obviously some  reminders that could benefit us all.
1. Clean off the roof of your car...please! Even today (Wednesday), I saw SUVs, … (1 comments)

community: Are We Losing Our Sense of Community? - 10/30/18 07:25 AM
 
It has been a couple of really tough weeks (months, years, really) for the U.S. It is disheartening that so many awful things keep happening.  One thing that has struck me, each time that a new person has been identified as being responsible for a horrible act of violence. Most of their neighbors say that they kept to themselves and really didn't interact with the neighborhood. I grew up in the idealistic planned community of Reston, VA. We were that quintessential pack of children (many of us were latch-key-kids) who ran through the community from early swim team practice until the lightening … (29 comments)

community: How Can You Help Your Community? - 11/12/12 11:52 PM
As we move toward the holidays, many of us shift gears to menu planning, party going and gift buying. But it is an important time to think about your community (and beyond!) for ways that you can help others. We are so fortunate in this country, but there are always those around us who can use some help to get back on track.  Whether it be in resources or time, there is a need that just about anyone can fill.
I spent this morning picking up some supplies to send up to New Jersey.  One of my clients/friends has teamed up … (3 comments)

community: Getting rid of the Candy! - 10/31/12 11:08 PM
Halloween is over. Whether you had little ones who went out and collected a big stash or, like me, you overbought for the number of children who came to the door, many of us have a lot of candy in the house!
What are some ideas to deal with this abundance of sugar?
Pick through, saving only the items you like, and freeze the rest (most candy freezes very well if stored in a zip-type freezer bag). Check with local retirement homes and homeless shelters to see if they would like candy donations. Drop some off at your local firehouse or police station. … (17 comments)

community: Small Business Saturday, November 27, 2010 - 11/27/10 01:20 AM
Today is Small Business Saturday.
This event, sponsored by American Express, is intended to be, 'A day to come together in support of the small businesses we love. The shops and restaurants that employ our neighbors and reinvest our money close to home. The businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.'
As a small business owner, married to a small business owner, I cannot support this effort strongly enough! In my community, at least, it can be difficult to even find small businesses to support. There is no shortage of 'big box' stores, but the quintessential 'mom and … (1 comments)

community: Is it the House or Is It the Neighborhood? - 09/28/09 06:02 AM
Are you looking for a great house or a great neighborhood?
Luckily, when it comes to buying a home, not everyone is looking for the same thing. Someone who is looking for acreage, is probably less likely to be concerned about finding a very involved neighborhood association. Another buyer who is looking to find a 'Mayberry' type setting,  replete with Memorial Day Parades and Halloween Parties for the tots, is probably not as focused on lot privacy. When you put your wish list together,  most of us focus on the number of bedrooms and the number of baths. Next on the … (7 comments)

community: An Important Way to Give Thanks This Year - 11/19/08 11:18 PM
At this time of year, we all get caught up with our own lives--family, shopping, work, etc. There is an easy way that you can give back to your community and it will only take about an hour of your time.
The Red Cross always needs blood donations, and during the holidays, it is often difficult for them to keep up their supplies.
In the Northern Virginia area, they are offering  Thanksgiving Day appointments.  Why not put in your Turkey and give an hour of your time to help someone in need? It is a great way to demonstrate how thankful … (2 comments)

community: Herndon HS Homecoming Brings out the Community in all of Us - 10/20/08 03:03 AM
This weekend was the annual Herndon High School Homecoming.
 
For as long as I can remember, this has been a community event.  I am a graduate of Herndon High and now I have a daughter there (the High School draws kids from both Herndon and Reston).The formula has not changed in the 30 years that I have watched this weekend take place. It is a combination of tradition, school spirit and a celebration of the community.
 
The whole week was Spirit Week at the high school, replete with daily dress-up assignments and a pre-game Pep Rally.
 
Friday Night … (0 comments)

community: An Opportunity To Do Something To Eradicate Breast Cancer - 10/02/08 12:39 AM
Most, if not all, of us have been touched in some way by Breast Cancer. While many studies have been done to try to determine the cause, these studies generally include women who already have Breast Cancer. Maybe you saw the NBC evening news last night, or the TODAY Show yesterday morning. Dr. Susan Love, in conjunction with Avon, is launching a campaign to recruit women who do not have Breast Cancer or who have been cured of Breast Cancer to help in studies to find out what causes the disease. By the time a woman has Breast Cancer, determining the … (5 comments)

community: Here is a 'Them Them' to Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (LANK) in Reston - 08/26/08 02:34 AM
I might be a funny one to write a tribute to a preschool since my 'baby' is in middle school, but I am so warmed by the way that this local preschool has touched so many people.

Anyone who has read my blogs knows that I grew up here, in Reston, VA. We moved here when I was in 2nd grade, so I did not go to preschool here.  A lot of my high schoool friends did, however, attend LANk (as it is known--or 'Lankie' as our family calls it).  The original founders were parents of my contemporaries.
All three … (0 comments)

community: Un-Leash Your Inner Super Hero - 07/05/08 07:29 AM
We live in a crazy-busy, topsy-turvy world. It is very easy to get caught up in our own angst, problems and jam-packed schedules.
In the summertime, the Movie studios usually release their Super Hero movies.  Sitting in the theater with my children the other day, watching Kung Fu Panda (it is a stretch to call it a 'super hero' move, I realize), I got to thinking about the fact that each one of us has so much to give to our communities.
Some folks have money, some folks have talent, but all of us have the the ability to work hard … (2 comments)

community: It is Time to Buy! - 06/14/08 06:13 AM
It is time for buyers to buy.
I know that many of you have homes that you first must sell, but those of you who are fortunate enough to be able to buy without selling need to act.Why, you ask, when prices continue to drop?First off, there will come a time when they stop.  Unfortunately for the buyer who is trying to play the market, you won't know that the market has hit bottom until it starts to creep back up.
Secondly, the longer you wait, the longer you go without the tax benefit.  If you have not done the math … (0 comments)

community: Save the Date: Herndon Festival is May 29 through June 1 - 05/26/08 06:50 AM
If you have never made it to the Herndon Festival, I encourage you to block out some time next weekend and make a date with yourself and some friends.  The Festival begins Thursday Night (May 29) and continues though Sunday (June 1). This large community festival, held in Old Town Herndon, offers something for everyone; great food, live music, crafts, rides and even fireworks! 
We have found that parking at Herndon High School and taking the shuttle is a breeze...parking can be an issue.  You will find that the shuttle buses run regularly and it is an easy and stress-free way … (0 comments)

community: Easy Ways to Help Your Community - 10/22/07 07:33 AM
Sometimes we all feel overwhelmed with the things we MUST do...leaving little time for the things that we SHOULD do.  I have been trying to improve my little piece of the world taking baby steps and thought I would share some easy ways that you can make a difference in your town or community. The easiest way is, of course, to give money. When the finances don't allow, or if you just want to be more hands-on, here are some ideas.
Give Blood!  There is never enough blood supply for all of those who need it. I find the American Red Cross makes it … (0 comments)

 


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