page 3 skatefest supports children’s hospital · transit network study the fairfax county...

Fairfax Connection ❖ June 27-July 3, 2013 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Fairfax ServingAreas of BurkeServingAreas of BurkeFairfax

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Real Estate Focus

Summer 2013Page 3

SkateFest SupportsChildren’s Hospital

News, Page 4

Housing’sRoaringRebound?News, Page 3

Meier ReflectsOn His DecadeAt RobinsonNews, Page 14

SkateFest SupportsChildren’s Hospital

Housing’sRoaringRebound?News, Page 3

Meier ReflectsOn His DecadeAt RobinsonNews, Page 14

Nick Campero, 21, of Fair Woodsin Fairfax, practices his skate-

boarding jumps off the ramp inbetween comspetition at the 7th

Annual SkateFest – Sk8 for aCause skateboarding event held

Friday and Saturday at WakefieldSkate Park.

News, Page 4

2 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ June 27-July 3, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

CaringForOurWatersheds.com

2013 ContestWinners Announced

Alexandria/Arlington/Fairfax Finalists, Grades 6-8

Lanier MiddleSchool

students wontop honors fortheir projectto preventerosion onthe schoolgrounds.

Thank you to all the students, teachers and partnerswho participated this year! Hundreds of area students ingrades 6-8 competed to develop solutions to watershedissues. Classroom teams presented their proposals at theSchool Environmental Action Showcase on

April 24 at George Mason University in Fairfax.This program empowers students to imagine, develop andcreate solutions in their local watersheds, as they developresearch, problemsolving, budgeting, community- involve-ment and presentation skills.

Nearly $12,000 was awarded in cash prizes and schoolawards. Agrium is also providing $10,000 to help implementstudent ideas.

Turning ideas into realistic solutions is thekey to improving our local watersheds.

“What can you do to improveyour local watershed?”

Fairfax Connection ❖ June 27-July 3, 2013 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

A construction worker frames the second story of atownhome in Pulte’s MetroWest development, a newFairfax infill development of 50 homes that includesluxury condos and townhomes in the $550,000 to$800,000 range. For more information, go towww.pulte.com/communities/va/fairfax/metrowest.

Oakton East, a Stanley Martin townhome development, is billed as a “downsizer’sdream." The 35 “large, luxury townhomes" begin at $700,000 for 2,700 to 3,800 squarefeet of finished living space. On Friday, construction crews began work early on thedevelopment, which is almost sold out. For more information, go towww.stanleymartin.com.

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Local developer John Sekas created Oakcrest Farms, an“ensemble of seven high-end single-family homes sellingfor more than $1.5 million with at least 5,000 squarefeet." The development is embedded in the originalOakcrest Farms community, which has 54 colonial-stylehomes built in the 1980s. Located off Hunter Mill Roadbetween Vale Road and Route 123, the development hassold four of the seven homes, which feature gourmetkitchens, stone fireplaces and two-story family rooms,and optional media rooms. For more information, go towww.sekashomes.com.

Housing’s Roaring Rebound?Pent-up demand createsseller’s market for NorthernVirginia real estate.

See Demand, Page 9

By Victoria Ross

The Connection Newspapers

In February, Patricia Stack, a broker withWeichert Realtors, held an open house for asingle-family home for sale in Vienna justlisted for $739,000. Within three hours, more

than 70 people toured the home.“The home went under contract sub-

stantially above list price," Stack said.“2013 has started with a bang in North-ern Virginia real estate. In fact, it ap-pears to be a market more like 2005-2006 than any-thing we’ve seen since," Stack said.

“Buyers seem finally to be realizing that prices havebottomed out and the current combination of lowprices and historically low interest rates will likelynot be repeated in our lifetimes," Stack said.

Alison Sherman, an agent with Keller-Williams inMcLean, is seeing the same trend. In the spring, shesold a home in Vienna in three days with multipleoffers.

The 5-bedroom Colonial, built in 1976 on FerolDrive, listed for just under $1 million, and sold$132,000 above list price.

“It’s a great time to sell your home. Statistics showthe average sales price is up and the average dayson market are down," Sherman said.

Buoyed by low mortgage rates, low regional un-employment, growth in the number of householdsand rising consumer confidence, the residential real-estate market in Fairfax County and the rest of North-ern Virginia has rebounded in a big way.

Unlike the last five years, demand is up and sup-ply is down. In fact, in some particularly desirableneighborhoods, the transition from a buyer’s marketto a seller’s market is all but complete.

Call it the new “reality in realty."“There is an oversupply of buyers and less inven-

tory right now in the market," said Anil Khanna, areal estate broker with Champion Homes Realty in

Chantilly. “I have seen it to be a seller’smarket based on the number of offers Ihave seen with the properties that I havebid on for buyers."

Khanna added that low interest ratesare beginning to rise, and that has created a sense ofurgency with buyers.

According to Freddie Mac, the rate for a 30-year,conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.54 per-cent in May from 3.45 percent in April.

“Many buyers are trying to purchase something thisyear rather than next, due to the anticipated increasein interest rates," Khanna said.

Despite some similarities to the boom period inhousing nearly a decade ago, market conditions thatled to the housing bust are vastly different, accord-ing to national housing experts.

“The boom period was marked by easy credit andoverbuilding, but today we have tight mortgagecredit and widespread shortages of homes for sale,"

Real Estate Focus

Summer 2013

Fairfax Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]


Imoh Ekasi-Otu, 18, of Fairfax shows his moves in the 18-under Half Pipeevent, where he placed third. He also placed third in the Street Course.

News

SkateFest Raises $11,500 for Children’s HospitalSkateboarders fromall over compete inSk8 for a Cause.

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

Some 250 skateboarders from as faraway as Missouri and Pennsylva-nia traveled to Wakefield SkatePark in Annandale Friday and Sat-

urday, June 21 and 22, to compete in theseventh Annual SkateFest—Sk8 for a Cause,which raised $11,500 for Children’s Na-tional Medical Center in the district.

Most of the skateboarders were fromFairfax County and competed in five events,including the Street Course, Best Trick Con-test, Half Pipe Jam, Fairfax Surf Shop TeamTryout, and Game of S.K.A.T.E events in the19-over, 18-under, 14-under, and 11-underage groups.

The preliminary tryouts started on Fridaywith the two main festival events—theGame of S.K.A.T.E. and Sk8 for a Cause onSaturday. In the Sk8 for a Cause, partici-pants skated through a check-pointed routethrough Wakefield Park and received freeprizes as they rode along the route. Partici-pants received $20,000 in donated prizes,skateboard parts, T-shirts, hats and stick-ers. The event was presented by Fairfax SurfShop and Wakefield Skate Park.

The competitors at the seventh Annual SkateFest—Sk8for a Cause skateboarding event held Friday andSaturday at Wakefield Skate Park.

Dominic Doyle (left) and Luke Kennedy present a$1,000 check to Children’s Hospital from DK Skate.

Richard Pastore, 18, of Fairfax competes in the 18-under Street Course.

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11 & Under:

Half Pipe JamFirst: Josh HerrmannSecond: Jared EasterThird: Jonathan ChenBest TrickFirst: Josh HerrmannSecond: Jared EasterThird: Angus RieksStreet CourseFirst: Angus RieksSecond: Jared EasterThird: Josh Herrmann

14 & Under:

Half Pipe JamFirst: Kwesi Un HollowaySecond: Subway AlvarezThird: Jakie KalinaBest TrickFirst: Jason NamSecond: Subway AlvarezThird: Kwesi Un HollowayStreet CourseFirst: Kwesi Un HollowaySecond: Jason NamThird: Alex Steward

18 & Under:

Half Pipe JamFirst: Maurio McCoySecond: Hugo FloresThird: Imoh Ekasi-OtaBest TrickFirst: Maurio McCoySecond: Bradley CuelbaroThird: Patrick ParmanStreet CourseFirst: Maurio McCoySecond: Kevin HaThird: Imoh Ekasi-Ota

And the winners are ….19 & Over

Half Pipe JamFirst: Dan CorriganSecond: Ian MondragonThird: Elliot MondragonBest TrickFirst: Dan CorriganSecond: Rom GhobacciThird: Rick BerryStreet CourseFirst: Dan CorriganSecond: Elliot KatzThird: Zeek Rodriguez


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Robbery andShooting inMantua

At approximately 9 p.m. onWednesday, June 19, officers re-sponded to the sound of gun shotsin the 9300 block of Tovito Drive.An investigation revealed a 17-year-old boy was approached byfour individuals known to him.They demanded his cell phone. Afifth suspect remained in a vehicle.The 17-year-old complied and wasnot injured. The five robbery sus-pects then confronted another 17-year-old boy, also known to them.During this altercation, the 17-year-old produced a handgun andfired it several times woundingone of the five individuals. All fivefled the scene. One of the five, an18-year-old young man, went toInova Fairfax Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

After an investigation, the 17-year-old, who allegedly fired theweapon, was arrested without in-cident, transported to the FairfaxCounty Juvenile Detention Center,and charged with maliciouswounding and use of a firearm inthe commission of a felony.

The investigation into the rob-bery continues.

CountywideTransit NetworkStudy

The Fairfax County Departmentof Transportation is conductingthe Countywide Transit NetworkStudy to determine the type oftransit systems needed to accom-modate forecasted growththroughout the county over thenext several decades. The studyhas developed a proposed conceptplan for where Metrorail should beextended, where light-rail systemsare appropriate, and where dedi-cated lanes that allow buses tomove faster could go. The studywill also recommend how the sys-tem can be phased in and fundedover time.

The public is invited to partici-pate in the study’s third publicmeeting and workshop to discussthe proposed High Quality Tran-sit Network (HQTN) concept. It’sslated for Wednesday, July 10, inrooms 4 and 5 of the FairfaxCounty Government Center.There’ll be an open-house formatfrom 6-9 p.m., with a 20-minutepresentation at 7 p.m.

The public meeting will presentpreliminary recommendations forthe HQTN corridors and describethe network’s benefits for thecounty and its residents. For more

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information, seewww.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/2050transitstudy and join the con-versation online via the IdeaScalediscussion board atwww.fairfaxcountydot.ideascale.com/. The next steps in the study willbe to respond to the commentaryreceived on the proposed concept,consider and incorporate potentialrevisions and develop final studyrecommendations this fall.

Chick-fil-A SeeksPeople to DressAs Cows

On Tuesday, July 2, at GeorgeMason University’s field house, theNorthern Virginia Chick-fil-A res-taurants will attempt to break theworld record for the largest num-ber of people dressed as cows. Aspart of the world record attemptthat begins at 10 a.m., the restau-rants are asking all participants tobring a nonperishable food itemfor donation to the Capital AreaFood Bank.

The official count will begin at11 a.m. To be “counted” as a cow,each participant must wear a one-or two-piece cow suit with a head-piece or decorated hood, plus atail. All shoes must be black orwhite to match the cow suit. Forparticipants interested in decorat-ing a pre-approved costume,Chick-fil-A is providing one-piececow suits at local restaurants whilesupplies last.

Chick-fil-A will also offer doorprizes and giveaways at the event.The first 500 participants to ar-rive at the Patriot Center will re-ceive a mini plush cow. If therecord is broken, Chick-fil-A willrandomly select 10 winners toreceive one Chick-fil-A sandwichmeal per week for a year (52meals total).

Photographers, a deejay andchildren’s activities will be part ofthe fun. The field house is at 4501University Drive in Fairfax.

A playful kitten.

In hopes of encouragingpeople to adopt cats andkittens, the Fairfax County

Animal Shelter has designatedJuly as “Extravacatza.” Adop-tive families will receive half-offadoption fees, plus free spayand neuter, on cats and kittens.Senior cat adopters will receivegift bags.

The shelter is at 4500 West OxRoad in Fairfax; on Wednesdays,it’s open until 9 p.m. for evening

adoptions. People already own-ing cats may come and receiveadvice on Saturdays, July 6, 13,20 and 27, from a shelter catexpert. They may also learnproper cat-handling techniquesand, on July 18, there’s a socialhour to talk about helping catsin Fairfax County.

For all July shelter events andclasses, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/calen-dar/ShowCalendar.aspx.

Join the ‘Extravacatza’

Send Your Photos & Stories Now [email protected]

or complete our online form at fairfaxconnection.comBe sure to include your name, address and phone number, and identify

all people and pets in photos. Submission deadline is July 19.

Be Part of ThePet Connection in July


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News

Fairfax Library Foundationelected Jason Underwoodof StrataPoint Financial to

its board of directors and choseBrian Engler as its new chair of theboard of directors. The foundationalso added two new members toits advisory board: Dr. Binh T.Nguyen, F.C.C.P., of Walter Reed,and Dr. Gerald Gordon of theFairfax County Economic Develop-ment Authority, both previouslymembers of the Board of Directors.

Brian Engler, currently servingon the Board of Directors, waselected to the chair of the boardafter former chair Lieutenant Colo-nel Richard T. Brady of the UnitedStates Marine Corps resigned ear-lier this year due to his relocationto the Republic of Georgia.

Outgoing directors are: DuwainKetch, who served as chair of theScholarship Committee along withhis duties as a board member, andwill continue to sit on the Schol-arship Committee; Dr. Binh T.Nguyen, who will serve on theadvisory board; and Robin D.Thurman, of SRA International,who will continue to serve on theAdvocacy and Marketing Commit-

Brian Engler, Fairfax Li-brary Foundation’s newlyelected chair of the boardof directors.

Community Leaders to Join FairfaxLibrary Foundation Board

tee. Community members IlyseGart, Fran Millhouser, TravisWhite and Frank Whittington willjoin the Scholarship Committee aswell, beginning Fiscal Year 2014.

The Fairfax Library Foundationwelcomes community interest andsupport. Learn more atwww.FairfaxLibraryFoundation.org.


Opinion

Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?

Editorials

The Pet Connection, a bi-annualthemed edition, will publish July24. We invite you to send us sto-ries about your pets, photos of you

and/or your family with your cats, dogs, ham-sters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or what-ever other creatures share your home or yardwith you.

Tell us the story of a special bond between achild and a dog, the story of how you came toadopt your pet, or examples of amazing featsof your creatures. Can your dog catch a Frisbee10 feet in the air, or devour an entire pizza

when you turn your back forless than a minute?

Do you volunteer at an ani-mal shelter or therapeutic

riding center or take your pet to visit people ina nursing home? Tell us about your experience.

You can also take this opportunity to memo-rialize a pet you have lost.

Send photos and identify everyone in thephoto including the pets and tell us what ishappening in the photo, and include your ad-

dress (we will only print the town name).Submissions should arrive by July 18.Email [email protected],

or submit photos and stories directly on ourwebsite at www.connectionnewspapers.com/pets/.

Careful While GoingFaster

If you have driven on the new 495 ExpressLanes, you might wonder if the people whodecided to raise the speed limit to 65 havedriven on them. At the current prices, the Ex-press Lanes are appealing whenever you re-ally need to get somewhere and you havedoubts about the flow of traffic.

But the first few times you drive on the Ex-press Lanes, they are confusing. WhichTysons’ exit do I take for the Ritz Carlton?Will it be on the left or the right? When I getoff, will I have to deal with a stop light, astop sign or a merge? What on earth is the

driver next to me doing?The Express Lanes are not attracting as many

drivers as predicted, so now there is the addedincentive of being able to go faster in thoselanes than on the rest of the Beltway wherethe speed limit is 55 even if there isn’t backedup traffic on the other lanes.

Changes July 1Many actions of the 2013 General Assembly

go into effect July 1.Here are three things to know that kick in

July 1:❖ Sales tax increases to 6 percent in North-

ern Virginia to help pay for transportation.❖ Texting while driving becomes a primary

offense, meaning that you can be pulled overif an officer sees you using your phone or thinksyou are texting because you are looking down.

❖ Mandatory minimum sentence of one yearin jail for those repeatedly convicted of driv-ing (or boating) under the influence. (Repeat-edly in this case means the third time.)

Letters to the Editor

Foster CareTraining OfferedThis JulyTo the Editor:

Every day, children come intothe foster care system and need atemporary home. To ease the bur-den of moving and change, fostercare programs make it a priorityto place children within their ownschool system. With this goal inmind, Northern Virginia FamilyService (NVFS) is recruiting adultsfrom every community in North-ern Virginia to participate in itsnext foster parent training, July13, 20 and 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., atthe NVFS office in Oakton. Coffeeand a light lunch will be provided.

The training is the first step intobecoming a certified foster parent,and is also required for familiesinterested in providing short-termweekend foster care. Trainees willlearn about the foster care system;how NVFS supports foster parents,including round-the-clock accessto case managers; and best prac-tices in foster care. Families mustcomplete a home study, and fos-ter parents must be at least 21years old.

To register or for more informa-tion about becoming a foster par-ent through NVFS, visitwww.nvfs.org/fostercare, or con-tact Ginny Snaider, LCSW, NVFStraining and placement supervisor,at 571-748-2557 [email protected].

Northern Virginia Family Serviceis a private, nonprofit organization

dedicated to helping vulnerablefamilies and children. Each year,NVFS helps nearly 30,000 peoplefind safe and stable housing, chil-dren and youth services, afford-able health care, workforce devel-opment programs and emergencyservices through a variety of com-munity-funded programs and

initiatives. NVFS is an innova-tor of efficient and comprehensiveservice methods, and has been rec-ognized nationally for its effective-ness in creating sustained finan-cial and social independence forits clients.

Jacqueline PujolOakton

Train To HelpIn EmergenciesTo the Editor:

The National Capital Region’s3rd annual Community Emer-gency Response Team (CERT)Convention, hosted by the FairfaxCounty CERT Team, will take placeJune 28-29 at the Northern Vir-ginia Community College,Annandale Campus.

CERTCon 2013 is a two-dayseminar/functional exercise thatoffers training, networking andsharing of best practices to CERTmembers in the National CapitalRegion.

Saturday, June 29, will featurea lecture series from practicingprofessionals in the fields of emer-gency management, public healthpreparedness, and disaster psy-chology. The speakers are drawn

from a variety of organizationsand agencies, including FEMA,NOAA, Virginia Task Force-1 (TF-1), and the National Associationfor Search & Rescue. Topics willinclude Stress and Trauma Man-agement for First Responders, PetFirst Aid, WMD & IED threat pic-ture, Communications during adisaster, People with disabilitiesand disasters, Search and Rescue,Wilderness First Aid, Hazmat, andhow to conduct Windshield Sur-veys.

Sunday, June 30, will feature ahands-on drill at the former Lortonreformatory which is now used asa disaster training site. This exer-cise will give the participants anopportunity to sharpen and ad-vance their skills and work to-gether as a multijurisdictionalteam.

CERT members go through 36hours of training at their local Fireand Rescue academies. Trainingprovides a basic understanding offire suppression, search and res-cue, disaster medical operationsand team organization.

The CERT program began in1985 in Los Angeles, Calif., afterrecognizing that large-scale disas-ters overwhelmed emergency re-sponse teams. Through FEMAgrants to local jurisdictions civil-ians are trained to respond toemergencies or assist emergencyresponders arriving on the scene.All training and equipment is pro-vided free of charge to the CERTparticipant.

This year CERTCon 2013 willhost teams from Alexandria,Fairfax County and Fairfax City,

Arlington, Manassas and ManassasPark and Prince William County.Montgomery County and PrinceGeorge County team members willbe attending and other MarylandCERTs as far away as Baltimore areexpected. The District of Colum-bia is sending representatives fromtheir team in addition toGeorgetown University, AmericanUniversity and Gallaudet Univer-sity CERT team members.

If you are interested in partici-pating at CERTCon as an actor vic-tim or a rescuer, visit http://certcon2013.eventbrite.com, toregister.

To contact any of the FairfaxCounty CERT leadership, send theemail directly [email protected].

Mike PiccioneFairfax County CERT team

WriteThe Connection welcomes views

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Fairfax


Demand Drives Northern Virginia MarketReal Estate Focus

said Gary Thomas, president of the Na-tional Association of Realtors.

“The issue now is pent-up demand andstrong growth in the number of households,with buyer traffic 29 percent above a yearago," Thomas said.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for theNational Association of Realtors, said ex-isting-home sales are at the highest levelsince November 2009, when the marketjumped to 5.44 million as buyers took ad-vantage of tax stimulus.

Sales have stayed above year-ago levelsfor 23 months, while the national medianprice shows 15 consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

“The housing numbers are overwhelm-ingly positive, especially in markets such asNorthern Virginia, where employment isstrong," Yun said.

New ConstructionKey Indicator ofHousing Rebound

Adding to the good news about the hous-ing market is the increasing number of infilldevelopments and new construction, “hous-ing starts," in Fairfax County. According toreal estate economists, housing starts areone of the leading predictors of overall eco-nomic stability and growth.

A June 6 report released by Metrostudy,a national housing data and consulting firm,reports that housing starts are up sharplyin Fairfax County: This year, there were 386starts in the first quarter of 2013 comparedto 143 in the in the first quarter of 2012, a170 percent increase.

In addition to housing starts, almost ev-ery other housing indicator has trended upfrom May 2012 to May 2013 in FairfaxCounty, according to Real Estate BuildingIntelligence (RBI)—a company that ana-lyzes market trends and statistics from theMultiple Listing Service.

In Fairfax County in the past year:❖ The total volume of homes sold jumped

32 percent, from $729 million to more than$950 million.

❖ The average price for a home increasednearly 10 percent, from $469,000 to nearly$550,000.

❖ Average days on market dropped asteep 30 percent from 39 days to 27 days.

❖ New “under contracts jumped 31.56percent, from 450 to 592.

'Buy Land. TheyAren’t MakingAnymore.'

This famous quote could not be more aptfor Fairfax County.

In the past decade, while new housingdevelopments were being built in PrinceWilliam and Loudoun counties, FairfaxCounty was pretty much built out. If buy-

adage that in real estate it’s all about ‘loca-tion, location, location,’ as it’s tough to finda better Northern Virginia location than thecharming and convenient town of Oakton,"said Lauri Chastain, vice president of mar-keting for Stanley Martin.

Within weeks of news about the newOakton East, there were more than 300people on the “wait list for the homes thatrange in price from $600,000 to nearly$800,000.

Targeting empty-nesters who are lookingfor less square footage and less yard, butlarger than the typical townhome, OaktonEast offers 3,700-3,800 square feet of fin-ished living space, a two-car garage andgourmet kitchens.

The homes “look and feel like single fam-ily homes—minus the yard work," Chastainsaid.

“Oakton is one of the premiere areas forbrand new construction. Buyers prefer newhomes over resale, but they are not easy tofind," Realtor Pat Stack said.

MetroWest in Fairfax, a Pulte develop-ment, is one of the largest luxurytownhome, condominium and apartmentcommunities in Fairfax County, with a totalof 2,248 residential units slated for devel-opment on 56 acres near the Vienna/FairfaxMetro.

In addition, plans call for 300,000-plussquare feet of office space and 125,000square feet of retail, service, institutionaland governmental space. MetroWest willalso feature community parks, courtyards,a rec center and at least 30 percent will bepreserved as green space. Sales of the$600,000 and up homes have been brisk.

While townhomes, condos and apart-ments are typical for infill developments—both because of their small footprint andthe higher price per square foot builders cancharge—there are several new single-fam-ily infill developments in the county.

Local developer John Sekas has createdOakcrest Farms, located off Hunter MillRoad near Vale Road, a development ofseven high-end single-family homes sellingfor more than $1.5 million with at least5,000 square feet.

The development is embedded in theoriginal Oakcrest Farms community, whichhas 54 colonial-style homes built in the1980s. Construction began last year, andalready four of the seven homes are sold.

Grant Johnson, a real estate broker forSekas, said he has seen two types of buyersfor the homes, which feature gourmet kitch-ens, stone fireplaces and two-story familyrooms, and optional media rooms.

“We have transfers, who are coming herefor the high-paying tech jobs, and buyerswho live in the area who want to move up,"Johnson said. “This is an attractive location.The schools are great, we’re near Wolf Trapand Tysons, and people like it here and don’twant to leave."

Builders Are Optimistic“Builders, I think they are as clued into

ers wanted a newly-built home, they hadto tear down an old one.

While land is still at a premium in FairfaxCounty, new infill developments have beenspringing up in unlikely areas such asVienna, Oakton,Burke and the Cityof Fairfax.

“Demand forhousing is up, andso are develop-ment applica-tions," said Super-visor John Cook( R - B r a d d o c k ) ,who noticed thetrend last year andformed a land usedevelopment advi-sory committee in his district in responseto the rise in applications.

“Fairfax County is pretty much ‘built out’and infill projects are more challenging toexecute," Cook said.

Any existing pockets of land are small,and homes are often shoehorned into tight

spaces, and sometimes squeezed into exist-ing neighborhoods. Storm water, setback,density, parking and other zoning issuesbecome more challenging for builders.

“So, we are seeing more going on, butthey are usuallyvery difficultprojects," Cooksaid.

Difficult, yes, butnot impossible.The persistent de-mand for brandnew housing,coupled with buy-ers willing tospend, has spurredhigh-end builderssuch as Pulte and

Stanley Martin to create luxury townhomesand condominiums project throughout thecounty.

In January, Stanley Martin Homes an-nounced the opening of 35 luxurytownhomes in Oakton.

“Stanley Martin is reaffirming the old

Local developer John Sekas created Oakcrest Farms, an “ensemble of sevenhigh-end single-family homes selling for more than $1.5 million with atleast 5,000 square feet." The development is embedded in the originalOakcrest Farms community, which has 54 colonial-style homes built in the1980s. Located off Hunter Mill Road between Vale Road and Route 123, thedevelopment has sold four of the seven homes, which feature gourmetkitchens, stone fireplaces and two-story family rooms, and optional mediarooms. For more information, go to www.sekashomes.com.

From Page 3

“The housing numbers areoverwhelmingly positive,especially in markets suchas Northern Virginia, whereemployment is strong.—Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the

National Association of Realtors

Anil Khanna Patricia Stack Alison Sherman

See Rebound, Page 12

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32 Fairfield Manor STANLEY MARTIN From $859,990 Fairfax 2203133 Autumn Willow NV HOMES From $890,000 Fairfax 2203334 Lake Hill Farms N.V.P From $800,000 Fairfax County 2207935 Hampton Reserves RYAN Homes From $879,990 Fairfax Station 2203936 Meadow Branch INTEGRITY HOMES From $350,000 Hayfield 2260137 Spring Hll DEL WEBB From $200,000 Lorton 2207938 Spring Hill Condos PULTE HOMES From $208,990 Lorton 2207939 Harrison Hills CHRISTOPHER COMPANIES From $650,000 Annandale40 Tysons Overlook CARR HOMES From $689,900 Falls Church 2204341 Chesterbrook Manor MADISON HOMES From $1,675,000 McLean 2210142 Grace Manor Court KESWICK HOMES From $1,800,000 McLean 2210243 Oakton Heights EVERGREENE HOMES From $1,200,000 Oakton 2212444 West Oaks EVERGREENE HOMES From $1,400,000 Oakton 2212445 The Reserve at Waples Millls CAMBERLY HOMES From $1,479,900 Oakton 2212446 The Reserve at Waples Millls WINCHESTER HOMES From $1,479,900 Oakton 2212447 Oakton East STANLEY MARTIN From $709,990 Oakton 2212448 The Estates at Stuart Mill CAMBERLY HOMES From $1,599,900 Oakton 2212449 Hunting Crest NV HOMES From $1,200,000 Vienna 2218250 Maymount BASHEER AND EDGEMOORE From $1,500,000 Vienna 2218251 Wedderburn Estates COURTLAND HOMES From 1,115,000 Vienna 2218052 Pickett’s Reserve COURTLAND HOMES From 1,220,000 Vienna 2218053 Willow Oaks BASHEER AND EDGEMOORE From $1,200,000 Vienna 2218254 Virginia Manor NV HOMES From $400,000 Aldie 2010555 Lenah Mill- The Villages TOLL BROTHERS From $559,995 Aldie 2010556 Lenah Mill- The Carolinas TOLL BROTHERS From $607,995 Aldie 2010557 Lenah Mill- The Executives TOLL BROTHERS From $688,995 Aldie 2010558 Willowsford Vintage Series INTEGRITY HOMES From $704,990 Aldie 2010559 Huntleigh at Creighton Farms STANLEY MARTIN From $714,990 Aldie 2017560 Loudoun Station COMSTOCK HOMES From $1399/month Ashburn 2014761 Potomac Green DEL WEBB From $250,000 Ashburn 2014762 The Villages at Broadlands VAN METRE From $300,000 Ashburn 20148

Community Builder Price Postal City Zip1 Coopers Grove CALVERT LUXURY HOMES From $1,029,900 Alexandria 223042 Del Ray CALVERT LUXURY HOMES From $1,399,900 Alexandria 223043 The Oronoco Waterfront EYA From $1,400,000 Alexandria 223144 Oak Grove CRAFTMARK HOMES From $2,134,900 Alexandria 223045 The Isabella at Monticello Mews McWILLIAMS BALLARD From $269,900 Alexandria 223126 Potters Glen EVERGREENE HOMES From $500,000 Alexandria 223107 Potomac Yard PULTE HOMES From $638,580 Alexandria 223018 Old Town Commons EYA From $700,000 Alexandria 223149 Burgundy Woods NV HOMES From $720,000 Alexandria 2231010 Hollin Hill Village EVERGREENE HOMES From $900,000 Alexandria 2230811 Printers Row McWILLIAMS BALLARD From $949,900 Alexandria 2231412 Riverwood at Ferry Point NV HOMES From $990,000 Alexandria 2230913 Mount Vernon Park NV HOMES From $930,000 Alexandria 2230914 Dominion Heights CHRISTOPHER COMPANIES From $300,000 Arlington 2220715 The Eclipse at Potomac Yard COMSTOCK HOMES From $500,000 Arlington 2220216 Court at Lyon Village EVERGREENE HOMES From $900,000 Arlington 2220117 Marquette KESWICK HOMES From $2,300,000 Great Falls 2206618 The Pond at Beach Mill CREEKSTONE From $2,800,000 Great Falls19 Reserve at Oakton EVERGREENE HOMES From $900,000 Herndon 2017120 East Gate M/I HOMES From $350,000 Chantilly 2015221 Villas at East Gate COMSTOCK HOMES From $300,000 Chantilly 2015222 Dawson’s Corner NV HOMES From $650,000 Chantilly 2015223 Arcola Center Townhomes RYAN Homes From $372,990 Dulles 2016624 Burke Lake Crossing CHRISTOPHER COMPANIES From mid-$700,000 Burke25 Penderbrook Square COMSTOCK HOMES From $200,000 Fairfax 2203326 Metrowest PULTE HOMES From $542,890 Fairfax 2203127 Foster‚Äôs Crest STANLEY MARTIN From $567,990 Fairfax 2203128 Cameron Glen STANLEY MARTIN From $614,990 Fairfax 2203029 Main Street Residences COURTLAND HOMES From $699,000 Fairfax 2203030 Mosaic District EYA From $700,000 Fairfax 2203131 Autumn Willow RYAN Homes From $899,000 Fairfax 22033

63 The Preserve Goose Creek Villas LENNAR From $300,000 Ashburn 2014864 Morley Corner RYAN Homes From $334,990 Ashburn 2014765 Brambleton: Brownstone MILLER AND SMITH From $400,000 Ashburn 2014866 Stonegate NV HOMES From $400,000 Ashburn 2014767 One Loudon CAMBERLY HOMES From $450,000 Ashburn 2014768 One Loudoun:Central Park WestMILLER AND SMITH From $450,000 Ashburn 2014769 Brambleton: Noble Pointe MILLER AND SMITH From $550,000 Ashburn 2014870 One Loudoun: Downtown MILLER AND SMITH From $550,000 Ashburn 2014771 Belmont Glen Village CRAFTMARK HOMES From $600,000 Ashburn 2014872 Ashburn Place M/I HOMES From $600,000 Ashburn 2014773 The Boulevard at Brambleton CAMBERLY HOMES From $300,000 Brambleton 2014874 Courtland Rural Village LENNAR From $300,000 Leesburg 2017575 Selma Estates STANLEY MARTIN From $549,990 Leesburg 2017676 Raspberry Falls VAN METRE From $600,000 Leesburg 2017677 Stone Fox Estates CRAFTMARK HOMES From $700,000 Leesburg 2017578 Greene Mill Preserve STANLEY MARTIN From $759,990 Leesburg 2017579 Shenstone Reserve TOLL BROTHERS From $829,995 Leesburg 2017580 Westend at Stone Ridge VAN METRE From $250,000 Lorton 2010581 Overlook at Lowes Island STANLEY MARTIN From $499,990 Potomac Falls 2016582 South Riding TOLL BROTHERS From $342,389 South Riding 2015283 Autumn Oaks RYAN Homes From $404,990 Sterling 2016684 Little Falls Place EYA From $1,300,000 Bethesda 2081485 Quarry Springs Can’t determine builder From $1,800,000 Bethesda 2081786 Symphony Park at Strathmore KOITZGROUP From $1,250,000 Bethesda, MD 2081787 Little Falls Place EYA From $1,349,900 Bethesda, MD88 River Quarry in Bethesda CARTER BUILDERS From $1,390,000 Bethesda, MD 2081789 Symphony Park MICHAEL HARRIS HOMES From $1,000,000 N Bethesda, MD 2085290 White Flint Station TOLL BROTHERS From $422,995 N Bethesda, MD 2085291 Hallman Grove WINCHESTER HOMES From $692,900 N Potomac, MD 2087892 Quince Trace PULTE HOMES From $565,900 N Potomac, MD 2087893 Heritage Crossing STANLEY MARTIN From $242,990 Manassas 20109

Community Builder Price Postal City Zip Community Builder Price Postal City Zip

Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

26 Metrowest, Fairfax, VA 22031 — From $542,890 — PULTE HOMES 50 Maymount, Vienna, VA 22182 — From $1,500,000 — BASHEER AND EDGEMOORE


OPEN HOUSESSATURDAY/SUNDAY, JUNE 29 & 30

Call Specific Agents to Confirm Dates & Times

When you visit one of these Open Houses, tell the Realtor you saw it in thisConnection Newspaper. For more real estate listings and open houses, visit

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com and click on the “This Week in Real Estate” link.

Burke9831 Pebble Weigh Ct.......$439,000....Sun 1-4............Betty Desourdis .................Redfin ..703-403-45525964 Powells Landing Rd..$410,000....Sun 1-4..............Connie Forbes.....Long & Foster ..703-451-5818

Centreville6615 Harness Hill Ct..........$644,950....Sun 1-4............Barbara Blumer..Coldwell Banker ..703-405-59936018 Basingstoke Ct..........$323,000....Sun 1-3.............Joe Frangipane.....Long & Foster ..703-628-4430

Clifton12421 Clifton Hunt Dr ....... $925,000....Sun 1-4 .....Carol Hermandorfer.....Long & Foster ..703-503-181212048 Winding Creek Ct....$698,000....Sun 1-4 .....Carol Hermandorfer.....Long & Foster ..703-503-18126743 Rock Brook Dr..........$669,000....Sun 1-4.................Greg Pappas..Coldwell Banker ..703-338-180013769 Laurel Rock Dr........$599,990....Sun 1-4...........Josie Barondess..Coldwell Banker ..571-217-7447

Fairfax12543 Cerromar Pl............$814,900....Sun 1-4 ........Christine Shevock ..............RE/MAX..703-475-39863818 Skyview Ln...............$680,000....Sun 1-4................Dana LaFever..............Weichert ..703-609-3479

Fairfax Station8309 Crestridge Rd........$1,445,000..Sun 12-4.......................Pat Fales ..............RE/MAX..703-503-436511107 Hampton Rd........$1,195,000....Sun 1-4............Leslie Davidson..............Weichert ..703-909-900510101 Van Thompson Rd..$849,900.....Sat 1-4............Margaret Bodge....Keller Williams..571-249-62059825 South Park Cir..........$789,950....Sun 1-4......Kathleen Quintarelli..............Weichert ..703-862-8808

Franconia/Kingstowne5809 Governors View Ln...$880,000.....Sat 1-4..................Debbie Kent.....Cottage Street ..703-740-76544904 Apple Tree Dr............$739,000....Sun 1-4............Michael Fogarty ...........HomeFirst ..703-971-18009342 Mallory Cir................$487,000....Sun 1-3..............Johanna Baker ..Coldwell Banker ..202-741-16726508 Rose Hill Dr..............$409,950....Sun 1-4..Tom & Cindy & Assoc.....Long & Foster ..703-822-02075302 Harbor Court Dr........$349,900....Sun 1-4........Meghan Wasinger...................Jobin ..703-828-5660

Lorton8181 Paper Birch Dr..........$745,000....Sun 1-4 ..............Pattie Mancini..........Avery-Hess ..703-451-97978970 Fascination Ct #315..$363,101...Sat 11-3................Shawn Evans.....Long & Foster ..703-790-1990

Springfield6507 Carrsbrook Ct...........$549,500....Sun 2-4...........Rick Wadsworth..............Weichert ..703-395-20277508 Havelock St .............. $484,500....Sun 1-4....................An Nguyen.............Westgate ..703-208-99996808 Rolling Rd ................ $429,900.....Sat 1-4..Tom & Cindy & Assoc.....Long & Foster ..703-822-0207

To add your Realtor-represented Open House to these weeklylistings, please call Karen Washburn at 703-778-9422 or E-mail

the info to: [email protected] listings due by Tuesday at 3 P.M.

the market as the rest of us. There is moreconfidence in the economy locally than we’veseen in the past several years," said Stack.

A gauge of confidence among home buildersjumped in June, hitting the highest level since2006, according to data released June 17.

The National Association of Home Build-ers/Wells Fargo housing-market index rose to52 in June—the first time the index hasreached above a key reading of 50 since2006—from 44 in May. Readings above 50signal that builders, generally, are optimisticabout sales trends.

“Builders are seeing better market condi-tions as demand for new homes increases,"said Rick Judson, NAHB’s chairman in thenews release. “With the low inventory of ex-isting homes, an increasing number of buy-ers are gravitating toward new homes."

That confidence doesn’t surprise GeraldGordon, president and CEO of the FairfaxCounty Economic Development Authority(FCEDA).

“The economic base of Fairfax County hasbeen sufficiently diversified over the years thatdeclining revenues in federal contracting willnot be devastating to the economy as a whole,"Gordon said. “Corporate additions to FairfaxCounty in recent years give us balance."

Housing’s ReboundReal Estate Focus

Location, location, location. Pulte’s newMetroWest development in Fairfax boasts loca-tion as a draw for buyers. The 50-plustownhome development is next to the ViennaMetro and “two minutes from I-66."

From Page 9

Postcards for Wounded VeteransDuring May, for Military Appreciation Month, students at Oak View Elementary School (K - 6) wrote

over 1,300 postcards to wounded veterans at Ft. Belvoir. This effort was in collaboration with theschool’s Student Council Association, the American Red Cross, and Brad Snyder, parent whose com-pany MarCom Group, Inc (Fairfax) coordinated the effort.

After the postcards were delivered, Snyder randomly selected two postcards and thanked the stu-dents with gift certificates on Friday, June 7.

Principal Bonnie Glazewski, Laura Armendaris, fifth grade gift winner, SCA Presi-dent Lizzie Lawrence, Heji Chon, sixth grade gift winner, and Brad Snyder, parentand MarCom Group representative.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

HUMANE SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTYHours: Monday-Friday 10-4 and Saturday 10-3 • 703-385-PETS

Adoptions: By appointment only. • www.hsfc.org

THIS IS “PETER”Peter is a veryinquisitive,friendly rabbit! Heloves to be pettedand explore andplay and is verygentle! Comemeet this specialboy today!


To Advertise YourCommunity of Worship,

Call 703-778-9422

COMMUNITIESOF WORSHIP

Assembly of GodJubilee Christian Center

703-383-1170Fairfax Assembly of God

703-591-4284Way of Faith Assembly of God

703-573-7221

BaptistBraddock Missionary ... 703-830-4125

Calvary Hill…703-323-1347Fairfax Baptist…703-273-1820Fairfax Circle…703-573-7372

Greater Little Zion…703-764-9111Iglesia Bautista La Gran Comiscica...703-323-5858Judah Praise Fellowship Christian...703-758-1456Northern Virginia Primitive Baptist...703-255-0637

BuddhistGuhyasamaja Buddhist Center... 703-774-9692

BibleBancroft Bible Church... 703-425-3800

CatholicSt. Leo the Great Catholic... 703-273-5369

St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church...703-978-4141

St. Paul Catholic Church... 703-968-3010

Coptic OrthodoxSt. Mark...703-591-4444

Disciples of ChristFairfax Christian Church... 703-385-3520

EpiscopalChurch of the Apostles

703-591-1974Truro Episcopal...703-273-1300

JewishCongregation of Olam Tikvah... 703-425-1880

Chabad Lubavitch...703-426-1980

LutheranBethlehem Lutheran...703-978-3131

Christ Lutheran...703-273-4094Kings of Kings...703-378-7272

Lord of Life...703-323-9500

MethodistBruen Chapel United...703-560-1665

Fairfax United...703-591-3120Pender United...703-278-8023

St. George’s United...703-385-4550

Non-DenominationalFair Oaks...703-631-1112

Fairfax Church of Christ..703-631-2100Fairfax Community Church...

703-323-0110Sovereign Grace Church...703-691-0600

Jesus Christ Crucified...703-385-9015Metropolitan Community Church

703-691-0930Salvation Army...703-385-9700

Shepherd’s Heart...703-385-4833Word of Life Church International...

703-978-7101

PentecostalThe Greater Pentecostal Temple...703-385-9426

PresbyterianChrist Presbyterian Chruch...703-278-8365

Fairfax Presbyterian...703-273-5300Korean Presbyterian...703-321-8090

Providence Presbyterian...703-978-3934New Hope...703-385-9056

Shalom Presbyterian…703-280-2777

Seventh Day AdventistFairfax Seventh Day Adventist

703-978-3386

United Church of ChristLittle River United Church of Christ

703-978-3060

Realtime Worship - Sunday 8:45 & 11 AMSunday School 10:10 AM

Sunday Evening - Realtime Service& Youth 6 PM

Family Night - Wednesday 7:15 PMCall for Sunday Evening Worship Home Group Schedule

visit our website: www.jccag.org

4650 Shirley Gate Road, FairfaxBill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170

“Experience the Difference”

JubileeChristian Center

Celebrating the Sounds of Freedom

The City of Fairfax has planned a host ofactivities for Thursday, July 4, includinga parade in historic downtown Fairfax,

and music and fireworks at Fairfax High School.The 47th annual Independence Day parade steps

off at 10 a.m. at 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax,rain or shine.

The parade loops around downtown Fairfax,along Chain Bridge Road, Main Street, UniversityDrive and Armstrong Street. Among the entriesin this year’s parade are eight high school march-ing bands from as far west as Nebraska and Min-nesota to the city’s own Fairfax High School March-ing Rebels. Other parade entries include manylarge inflatable parade balloons, horses andclowns.

The Grand Marshal is the Honorable Quin S.Elson, a long time community activist and FairfaxPolice Youth Club (FPYC) volunteer. The Honor-able Elson is being recognized for his dedicationand commitment to the community.

After the parade, watch area fire companiescompete using firefighting and emergency tech-niques and equipment in the Old FashionedFireman’s Day from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at FireStation 3, 4081 University Drive. This event alsofeatures food, beverages and games.

As the sun sets, enjoy music and dancing dur-ing the Evening Show at 7 p.m. at Fairfax HighSchool (3501 Rebel Run). The show will featurethe nine-piece band GrooveLine (favorites fromthe 50’s to today’s current hits) and the City ofFairfax Band. A fireworks display will follow with

Fairfax to Celebrate Independence Daya final performance by GrooveLine until 10:30p.m. The rain date for the fireworks only is July5. Items that may puncture the synthetic turf,smoking, alcohol and animals (except service ani-mals) are not permitted on the football field.

Several historic properties will be open to thepublic on July 4, including the Fairfax Museumand Visitors Center (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10209 MainStreet) and Ratcliffe-Allison House (11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., 10386 Main Street).

Event sponsors include Fair City Mall and 97.1WASH-FM.

Shuttle bus service for the parade runs from 8:30to 10:30 a.m. from George Mason University,Woodson High School and Fairfax United Meth-odist Church. Shuttles will return spectators tothese locations after the parade.

On July 4th, for the evening show and fireworks,public parking is available at Fairfax High School.Please use shuttle buses available from 6-9:15 p.m.at Woodson High School (9525 Main Street) toFairfax High School. Shuttles will return specta-tors to Woodson High School after the fireworksuntil 11 p.m. On July 5th, rain date for fireworksonly, use shuttles available from 7-9:15 p.m. atWoodson High School. Shuttles will return spec-tators to Woodson High School after the fireworksuntil 10:30 p.m. Handicapped parking is availableat Fairfax High School. For information, call 703-385-7858.

For additional information on Independence Dayactivities or to volunteer, call 703-385-7858 or visitthe city’s website at www.fairfaxva.gov.

The Mystical Arts of Tibet event gives a live exhibition ofelaborate Peace Mandala sand painting and perfor-mances of related music, dance, and lectures July 23-28at Unity of Fairfax Church.

Calendar

THURSDAY/JUNE 27An Evening With Elliot Abrams.

7:30 p.m, at the Jewish CommunityCenter of Northern Virginia, 8900Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Jointhe community for an evening ofdiscussion about the Israeli-Palestinian relationship during thecritical years under President GeorgeW. Bush. $5. 703-323-0880,[email protected] or www.jccnv.org.

FRIDAY/JUNE 28The Hot Seats. 7:30-8:30 p.m., at

Royal Lake Park, 5344 GainsboroughDrive, Fairfax. The Hot Seatsspecialize in unearthing andinventing traditional music andtwisting it into new styles.www.thehotseats.net.

SUNDAY/JUNE 30Book Release and Teaching. 2-4

p.m., at Guhyasamaja BuddhistCenter, 10875 Main St. Unit 108,Fairfax. The Tibetan Buddhist Centerproviding education and meditationinstruction to the community hostsvisiting teacher Venerable GyumedKhensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa forthe release of his first book in English,from which will give a teaching. http://www.guhyasamaja.org/calendar.html.

MONDAY-SATURDAY/JULY 1-6Robinson Drama Curtain Call

Camp. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., atRobinson Secondary School, 5035Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Thechildren’s activities are centered;lunch program offered; signup inJune. www.RobinsonDrama.org.

Fun in the Theatre. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.,Robinson Secondary School, 5035Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Camperscollaborate on both scripted anddevised performances.

www.RobinsonDrama.org.

THURSDAY/JULY 4Fairfax Independence Day Parade.

10 a.m.-noon., at Fairfax HistoricDistrict, 10455 Armstrong St.,Fairfax. Celebrate Independence Dayin downtown Fairfax with a paradeand fireworks later during theevening. http://www.fairfaxva.gov/specialevents/idc/dayparade.asp.

FRIDAY/JULY 5Folsom Prisoners. 7:30-8:30 p.m., at

Royal Lake Park, 5344 GainsboroughDrive, Fairfax. Folsom Prisoners is afull time classic country and honky-tonk band.www.folsomprisoners.com.

THURSDAY/JULY 11

The United States Air ForceConcert Band w/ SingingSergeants. 5-6:30 p.m., at FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.Remaining true to the Air Force’spioneering spirit, the Concert Bandhas established an internationalreputation as a champion of newworks for band, with dozens of worldpremieres to its credit.www.usafband.af.mil.

FRIDAY/JULY 12Town Mountain. 7:30-8:30 p.m., at

Royal Lake Park, 5344 GainsboroughDrive, Fairfax. Featuring originalbluegrass and roots country,Asheville, N.C.’s Bluegrass BandTown Mountain released their fourthalbum, “Leave the Bottle,” inSeptember 2012.www.townmountain.net.

SATURDAY/JULY 13Obon Festival. 5:30-9 p.m., at 6500

Lakehaven Lane, Fairfax Station.Learn about Japanese and Buddhistculture through traditional dances,art, and food. http://www.ekoji.org/obon-festival-and-memorial-service-july-14-15-2012/.

MONDAY-FRIDAY/JULY 15-19Audition Boot Camp/Intro to

Musical Theatre. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.musical, 3-5 p.m. audition camp,Robinson Secondary School, 5035Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Campers areequipped to prepare more confidentand successful auditions; or, in thelonger program, youth can learn thebasical of musical theatre.www.RobinsonDrama.org.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 17-SUNDAY/JULY 21Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam.” 7:30

p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1 and 5p.m. Sunday; 3:30 p.m. Saturday, atthe Patriot Center, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Young Zoé is bored;her parents, distant and apathetic,ignore her. Her life has lost allmeaning. Seeking and searching, sheslides into an imaginary world whereshe meets characters who encourageher. $32-$115. 1-800-745-3000,www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam or

www.ticketmaster.com.

THURSDAY/JULY 18King Soul. 5-6:30 p.m., Fairfax County

Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.King Soul brings you real SouthernSoul, featuring original songs, grittyvocals, a slamming horn section anddriving rhythms. kingsoulband.com.

FRIDAY/JULY 19Bachata-VIP. 7:30-8:30 p.m., at Royal

Lake Park, 5344 Gainsborough Drive,Fairfax. Bachata is a popular form oflatin dance and a romantic style ofmusic that can trace its origins to therural areas of the DominicanRepublic. www.bachata-vip.com.

TUESDAY/JULY 23-SUNDAY/JULY 28Mystical Arts of Tibet. Various times,

at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854Hunter Mill Road Oakton. TheMystical Arts of Tibet troupeconducts a live exhibition of anelaborate Peace Mandala sandpainting and provides related music,dance, lectures, multiphonic singingand promotion of healing throughperforming art, as endorsed by theDalai Lama as a means of promotingworld peace. $0-$20. www.unity

offairfax.org/auspicious-event.

To have community events listed, send to [email protected] or call 703-778-9416 with ques-tions. The deadline for submissions is the Friday prior to publication; we recommend submitting your event twoweeks ahead of time. To see more entertainment events, go to: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2013/may/22/fairfax-county-calendar/.


News

Danny Meier at his desk.Danny Meier meets with a group of sophomores at lunch-time.

Danny Meier and some students in Robinson’s fronthallway.

Meier Reflects on His Decade at RobinsonSearch continues forschool’s new principal.

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Robinson Secondary School stillhasn’t found a new principal—but then, Danny Meier is a hardact to follow. He retired recently

after serving 29 years with FCPS, the last10 as Robinson’s leader.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done for the past10 years,” he said. “But Robinson was anoutstanding school when I got here. So I’vehad an opportunity to polish this jewel and,hopefully, enhance it.”

“I’ve tried to bring the talents and skills Ihave to make it even better,” continuedMeier. “And that’ll be the challenge to thenext principal—to make it one of the bestschools in the world.”

He and his wife Annie, a secretary in thesuperintendent’s office, live in Fairfax Sta-tion and have four children. Mike, 24, a WestPoint grad, is an Army second lieutenant atFort Sill, Okla.; Timmy, 22, and Joe, 20, areboth cadets at West Point; and Mary, 18, justgraduated from Robinson and, after college,plans to pursue a career in music.

There have only been five principals inRobinson’s 42 years, and Meier’s proud tohave been among them. “I didn’t grow up

wanting to be a principal, but I knew Iwanted to work with kids,” he said. “Myfather always said, ‘Do something you love.’And in 35 years in education, I’ve never hada day when I didn’t want to go to work. Istayed here five years beyond when I couldhave retired because I loved it so much.”

Calling it “a blessing to work with ournation’s youth and to touch the next gen-eration,” Meier said the greatest gift aformer educator, counselor or coach canreceive is when former students tell themhe or she made a difference in their lives.“Many of them have done this to me andit’s great,” he said.

“I tell teachers it’s not important that stu-dents like us now,” said Meier. “It’s impor-tant that they respect us, 10-15 years fromnow. Students remember the teachers whochallenged them.”

BEFORE COMING TO ROBINSON, hewas director of student services and assis-tant principal at Herndon High, plus prin-cipal of Rocky Run Middle School. He wasalso head football coach at three differenthigh schools, coaching three teams to Vir-ginia state championships.

“When I left coaching, I realized it wasmy time to give back to teachers the sup-port of principals I’d trusted and admiredfor 20 years,” explained Meier. “And to be agood principal, you have to remember whatit’s like to be a good teacher.”

So not surprisingly, one of his most mean-ingful honors came from the Fairfax Fed-eration of Teachers, which rated him a topprincipal for five years. And in May 2012,the U.S. News & World Report namedRobinson one of the top 100 high schoolsin America and in the top five in Virginia.

Still, what Meier’s proudest of, he said, is“the climate of our school—a culture ofconfidence. The kids, teachers and parentslove it so much. If the students see us laugh-ing and having a good time, so do they. SoI looked for opportunities to get involvedwith the kids and have fun. We have a lotof school pride and spirit, and Robinson isthe hub of this community.”

With nearly 4,000 students—2,700 in thesecondary school and 1,200 in the middleschool—Robinson is one of the largestschools in Virginia. But Meier did his bestto get to know as many of the students ashe could. He visited classrooms and kept intouch via Twitter, his blog on the school’swebsite and Robinson’s daily TV program.

He also attended all the school events andheld regular, informal lunch meetings withdifferent groups of students to hear theirconcerns. “It’s not unlike being mayor of asmall town,” he said. “You’ve got to get toknow your constituents and stakeholders.”

While Meier was at Robinson, the schoolgrounds were enhanced with avenue ban-ners on light poles, new stadium entrances,gardens, a Robinson Ram statue, new

scoreboards, wall murals and a clock towerthat plays songs and chimes the hours. Hesaid they were to give “a sense of place andpride” to the school.

“But the most important thing a principaldoes is to hire the best and brightest teach-ers,” said Meier. “We have a wonderful fac-ulty and that’s what makes a great school.”He also passed on sage advice to the students.

At a recent lunch meeting, he told them,“If the good kids step forward when theknuckleheads are doing something wrong,we don’t have to make rules that inconve-nience all of you. It’s being a good citizenand it makes the school atmosphere betterfor all of us.”

Meier said it’s exhilarating leading such alarge school, but it’s also “like having a wildanimal as a pet. You may think you have ittamed, but things can happen at any time,so you always have to be prepared and neverlet your guard down.” He also believes inhelping students learn from their mistakes“so they won’t make even bigger ones later.”

MOST SATISFYING, he said, was “theoutpouring of affection from students, fac-ulty and staff since I announced my retire-ment. It’s been heartwarming to see thatI’ve connected with them and made a dif-ference and they appreciate it. I feel likeI’m leaving Robinson better than I found it;I tell the seventh graders to do that, andI’ve tried doing it throughout my career.”

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Meier: ‘A Supporter, Leader and Listener’By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Although Danny Meier’s now re-tired as Robinson’s principal, heleft his mark on the school and

his colleagues say he led it well.“He’s a great leader because he’s quick

at evaluating situations and has the back-ground to make logical decisions,” saidschool administrative assistant SueHenderson. “It’s also a great loss becauseI’ll miss him as a friend.”

Calling Meier a “fun person to have

around,” she said, “He’s fair, and it’s beenboth wonderful and inspirational to watchsomeone work who loved his job as muchas he did. He loved the kids so much andalways made a point of guiding, encourag-ing and supporting them.”

Social studies teacher Hernan Ruizteaches world history and IB cultural an-thropology and has known Meier since hecame to Robinson a decade ago. Ruiz saidmany things made Meier such a good prin-cipal, but “the top reason is that Dan cre-ated an environment where everyone feltvalued and part of a family.”

Melissa Brady is the Science Departmentchairman of Robinson Middle School andteaches seventh grade science. She’s alsoknown Meier for 10 years and said he has aleadership quality that’s “truly unique. Hereally listens to his faculty. He uses humor toput people at ease and respect to make themfeel important. He makes rational decisionsthat benefit kids and he empowers his staffmembers to be the best in their fields.”

Admitting she was initially upset when sheheard Meier was retiring, Brady said he’sgiven a large chunk of his life to Robinsonand “it’s now his time to do what he wants.

He can spend more time with his family,and I know how important that is to him.”

“This place will never be the same[without him as principal], but he hastaught many of us great things,” saidBrady. “Now that he will be the head foot-ball coach, I am excited to have himaround.”

Cluster VI Assistant Superintendent LeslieButz said Meier “made this huge schoolpersonable through his visibility through-out the campus.” While sad to lose him asRobinson’s leader, she said, “We’re happyhe can enjoy the next phase of his life.”


Looking for a NewPlace of Worship?

Visit Antioch Baptist Church!

All Are Welcome!Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.

Sunday School for Children & Adults 9:30 a.m.Married Couples Sunday School 11:30 a.m.

Rev. Dr. Marshal L. Ausberry, Sr., Senior Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church6531 Little Ox Road

Fairfax Station, VA 22039703-425-0710 • www.antioch-church.org

Justin PaulRobinson andSarah CatherineJames Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Mark andCindy Robinson ofAshburn announce

the engagement of their son,Justin Paul Robinson, 24, to Sa-rah Catherine James, 23, daugh-ter of Robert and Lucy ofMetuchen, N.J.

The future groom graduatedfrom Florida State Universitywith a Bachelor of Science de-gree and is currently completinghis Master of Science degree atGeorge Mason University. He isalso currently employed in thelaw enforcement field.

The future bride graduatedfrom Marymount Universitywith Bachelor of Arts and Mas-ter of Arts degrees and is con-tinuing to pursue a second Mas-ter of Arts degree in clinicalmental health counseling. She iscurrently employed in the men-tal health industry.

A September 2014 wedding isplanned for the Washington,D.C. area and the couple willreside in Fairfax.

Engagements

Justin Paul Robinson and Sarah Catherine James plan towed in September 2014 and reside in Fairfax.

For a free digi-tal subscriptionto one or allof the 15ConnectionNewspapers,go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first toknow – get yourpaper before ithits the press.

Complete digitalreplica of theprint edition,including photosand ads, deliv-ered weeklyto your e-mailbox.

Questions?E-mail:[email protected]


SportsSports Roundups

Register Early forSenior Olympics

Online registration opens July 1 forthe 2013 Northern Virginia SeniorOlympics. Participants can registeronline at www.nvso.us or by mail tocompete in more than 50 events thatwill take place Sept. 7-19 at 17 differ-ent venues throughout Northern Vir-ginia. Registration forms are availableat senior centers, community centersand senior residences or by calling703-228-4721. Deadline to register isAug. 23 by mail or Aug. 30 online.

Adults 50 years of age by Dec. 30,2013, residing in a sponsoring juris-diction, are eligible to compete. Thefee is $12, which covers multipleevents. Most events are divided intoage categories and some by gender.Winners will be awarded gold, silverand bronze medals after each event.

Events include badminton, volley-ball, cycling, track and field, swim-ming, diving, tennis, table tennis, golf,miniature golf, 10 pin bowling, Wiibowling, pickleball, bocce, racquetball,scrabble, cribbage, duplicate bridge,bunco, horseshoes, men’s 3-on-3 bas-ketball, men’s and women’s basketballfree throw, team line dancing, yo-yotricks, eight-ball pool, Frisbee throwand softball hit and throw and Mexi-can Train dominoes. New this year arehandball and rowing.

NVSO is sponsored by the cities ofAlexandria, Fairfax and Falls Churchand the counties of Arlington, Fairfax,Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince Will-iam.

Oakton High SchoolWins Wells FargoCup for Athletics

Oakton High School has won its firstWells Fargo Cup for Athletics, awardedby the Virginia High School League(VHSL) for excellence in athletics, forGroup AAA for the 2012-13 schoolyear.

The Wells Fargo Cup is awarded tothe school in each of the three VHSLgroup classifications with the bestoverall record in VHSL state-levelcompetition in 27 sports.

Oakton athletes scored a total of405 points to capture the Group AAAcrown. Strong finishes in boys soccer,girls tennis, baseball, boys outdoortrack, girls and boys swimming, andgirls indoor track helped the team wintop honors. The school also won theClaudia Dodson Sportsmanship, Eth-ics, and Integrity Award.

Other Fairfax County public schoolsfinishing in the top 20 were ChantillyHigh School in fourth place, MadisonHigh School in eighth place, LakeBraddock Secondary School in ninthplace, Robinson Secondary School in17th place, Westfield High School in18th place, and Langley High Schoolin 20th place.

Lake Braddock Grad RodiHeaded to Hillsdale CollegeRodi helped lead LakeBraddock to back-to-back appearances inthe Patriot Districtchampionship match.

Former Lake Braddock volleyball player Kyra Rodi, right, will attendHillsdale College in Michigan.

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Kyra Rodi was a four-year varsityplayer for the Lake Braddockvolleyball team. A versatile ath-lete, Rodi played multiple posi-

tions during her career, staring as an out-side hitter during her freshman season be-fore moving to middle blocker and eventu-ally settling on a combination of setter andopposite hitter.

Rodi helped lead Lake Braddock to back-to-back appearances in the Patriot Districtchampionship match. The Bruins won thedistrict title in 2010 and finished runner-up in 2011. Former Lake Braddock volley-ball coach Mike Clark said there’s more toRodi than her talent.

“Everybody wants to talk to me about howgreat of a volleyball player [Rodi] is,” Clarksaid prior to the 2011 season. “I don’t care.She’s, like, the best person I’ve ever beenaround. I’ve learned so much from just be-ing around her. She always takes the leadin things [and] she wants to learn. Eventhough she’s the best player out here, shewants to learn more than anybody elsedoes.”

Rodi, who stands 6 feet 2, finished herLake Braddock career as a three-time first-team all-Patriot District selection, and athree-time all-Northern Region performer,including first-team honors as a sophomoreand a junior. Rodi will attend Hillsdale Col-lege, a Division II school in Michigan, whereshe will play volleyball in the fall. Rodi saidshe will be used primarily as a setter. Sheplans to study biology, with a focus on mo-lecular/cellular bio, and minor in French.

Rodi took part in a Q and A with The Con-nection via email.

Connection: What made Hillsdale theright fit for you?

Rodi: “It’s cool how many reasons I couldlist here. First of all, Hillsdale is an excel-lent academic school, which is one of themost important things about getting a col-lege education. I knew for a while that Iwanted to go to a small school, because Ilove the idea of being close with not onlymy classmates but my professors, as well.The volleyball program there is also out-standing, not only in terms of how they fin-ish in the NCAAs (Sweet Sixteen this yearwith seven freshmen, Final Four the yearbefore), but how they run the program andthe values that they put the emphasis on —

hard work, team, sportsmanship, dedication— all those things that I try to be when Ipractice and play. And it’s funny — beingon the campus and with the team, the littlethings there showed me how perfect of afit is for me, from the players to countrymusic, and it just felt so right and natural.”

Connection: Any word on playing timeas a freshman?

Rodi: “As a freshman, I don’t expect toget playing time right off the bat, as I willbe learning to set such a fast offense, buthopefully through the year I will see somecourt time. It all depends though on how Iprogress as a setter.”

Connection: Did you receive a scholar-ship? If so, what kind? Was it a full or par-tial?

Rodi: “I did receive a full ride, and it’s acombination of academic money (I am aNational Merit Scholar Finalist), athleticmoney, and an outside endowed scholar-ship. Hillsdale has a wonderful number ofscholarships for all different interests andactivities.”

Connection: What is your favoritememory of playing volleyball at LakeBraddock?

Rodi: “Apart from all the fun times andjokes I’ve had with Lake Braddock volley-ball, a couple of things stand out especiallyfor me. Freshman year, we playedAnnandale High School in the districtquarterfinals, and it was a big game for us,as we had lost to them the week before. Itwas going into that game that Coach Mikegave us a pep talk, and he said somethinglike, ‘this will be a game you won’t forget,’and even though we’ve grown so much,that’s one of the games that I’ll rememberfor a while.

“Another memory is the run we went onat the end of my sophomore year, and win-ning districts as the fifth seed, surpassingeveryone’s expectations as the underdogs.Junior year, I have two that really standout. First of all, we had four returning girls,and were told we would [stink], and thenstarted off the year 16-0. That was reallycool to prove everyone wrong again. Myother favorite memory that year was thefourth game of the district finals — com-ing back from a 17-9 deficit to win thatset. Those were probably … the most in-tense, fun, and best 20 points I’ve everplayed.”

Connection: What are you most look-ing forward to about the transition fromhigh school to college?

Rodi: “In terms of volleyball, I am solooking forward to the next level of thegame — the speed of the game at college isso much faster and the play so muchsharper, it makes it so much more fun. Interms of being a college student, I can’t waitfor the freedom and independence I get, andI’m excited to be able to go to school withmy best friends.”

Connection: At what age did you startplaying volleyball? Did you imagine you’done day play it in college?

Rodi: “I started playing volleyball in sev-enth grade, so at the age of 12. When I waslittle, I imagined playing in college, but thatwasn’t the goal for a while. [The goal] wasto love playing and become the best I couldbecome. It’s funny though, I remember tell-ing multiple people that I would never in amillion years become a setter, that’s howbad I was at the beginning.”

— Jon Roetman

Fairfax Connection Sports Editor Jon Roetman



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RCL HOME REPAIRSHandyman Services

Springfld • Burke • KingstowneLight Electrical • Plumbing •

Bathroom Renovation • Ceramic Tile • Drywall Repair

703-922-4190LIC. www.rclhomerepairs.com INS.

SPRINGFIELD HANDYMAN

��Small Home Repairs

��Good Rates

��Experienced

703-971-2164

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

LicensedInsured

We Accept VISA/MC

703-441-8811

You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.

The HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION

BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE

A&S Landscaping

703-863-7465LICENSED

Serving All of N. Virginia

• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: [email protected]

www.rncontractors.com

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

R&N Carpentry

✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing

✦Exterior Wood Rot More!Deck & Fence repair, Screen Porches

No jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured

703-987-5096

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

ANTONIO LAWN & LANDSCAPINGSpring Cleanup • Lawn Mowing • Edging

Mulching • Planting • PatiosExpert Trimming & Removal • New Beds Made

Outline/Extend Existing BedsRepairs • New Installations • & Much More

CALL NOW FOR FREE ESTIMATE571-201-5561

703.919.4456www.ReynoldsLandscapingOnline.com Licensed / Insured

Free Estimates

•No sub-contractors, or day labors. •15 Years Designing and Installing•The Owner is physically on your job site. •On time and Professional.

INSTALLATION SPECIALIST WET BASEMENT / WET YARDWater Proofing Foundations

Standing Yard WaterFrench Drains / SwalesDownspout Extensions

Dry River Beds

Paver & FlagstonePatios / WalkwaysRetaining Walls

Stacked Field StonePlants / Trees / Shrubs

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES

PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE

Friendly Service for a Friendly Price

703-802-0483703-802-0483

Custom Masonry703-768-3900

www.custommasonry.infoPatios, Walkways, Stoops, Steps, DrivewaysRepairs & New Installs•All Work Guranteed

BRICK AND STONE

ALBA CONSTRUCTION INC.

703-204-0733

CONCRETE WORKLicensed • Insured

Driveways • Patios • Exposed AggregateSidewalks • Carports • Pool Decks • Garages

Flagstone • Brick• Stonework

MASONRY MASONRY

STRONG PACE CONTRACTORS21 Yrs Exp. Class A License

703-328-6067703-750-0749

Painting,RemodelingSpecialists

PAINTING PAINTING

GOLDY BRICKCONSTRUCTION

Walkways, Patios, Driveways,Flagstone, Concrete

FREE ESTIMATELIC. INS AND BONDED

703-250-6231

PAVING PAVING

Falcon RoofingRoofing & Siding (All Types)

703-975-2375falconroofinginc.com

Soffit & Fascia WrappingNew Gutters • Chimney Crowns

Leaks RepairedNo job too small

ROOFING ROOFING

Quality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insured

20 yrs. of experience - Free estimates703-868-5358

Summer Shape up...Tree removal, topping, & pruning,

shrubbery trimming, mulching, leaf removal,sodding, hauling, gutter cleaning, retaining

walls, drainage problems, etc.

TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE

HAULING

AL’S HAULINGJunk & Rubbish

Concrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debris

Low Rates NOVA703-360-4364

703-304-4798 cell

7 DAYS A WEEK

ANGEL’S HAULING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction

Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

LANDSCAPING

703-863-7465

A&SLANDSCAPING

Planting • Mulching • SoddingPatios • Decks • Driveway Sealing,

Asphalt • Retaining WallsErosion Control • Drainage Solutions

Junk Removal, Tree Work, Roofing

ANGEL’SLAWN SERVICE

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

PAINTING

PATRIOTPAINTINGwww.PatriotPainting.net

Wallpaper Removal,Carpentry,

Power Washing.Int/Ext Painting

Free Est. • Satisfaction Guar.!Lic./Ins. Int./Ext.

703-502-7840Cell

571-283-4883

PAVING

Joseph Sealcoating

FreeEstimates!

703-494-5443

35 YearsExperience!

PAVINGSpecialist

TREE SERVICE

ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL

Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com

Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping

Gutters & Hauling

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson


BUZZ & COURTNEYJORDANYour Local Father/Daughter Team!


Sheila Adams703-503-1895

Life Member, NVAR Multi–MillionDollar Sales Club

Life Member,NVAR TOP PRODUCERS

Access the Realtors Multiple Listing Service: Go to www.searchvirginia.listingbook.com

# 1 in Virginia703-425-8000

JUDY SEMLER703-503-1885

[email protected]

STEVE CHILDRESS“Experience…withInnovation!”Life Member NVAR Top ProducersBuyer Broker since 1973!703-981-3277

DAVID & VIRGINIAAssociate Brokers

www.BillupsTeam.com703-690-1795

Catie, Steve & AssociatesDirect: 703-278-9313

Cell: 703-362-2591NVAR Top Producers

Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club

Fairfax/Fair Lakes $199,900Stonecroft Condo

Nice 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath condo. Second floor unit withFireplace, Balcony, Storage room, Washer/Dryer. Close toTarget, BJ’s, Walmart, transportation.

Buzz Jordan 703-503-1866

Fairfax Station $1,200,000Luxurious Southern Colonial is a feast for the eyes! Nestled on 5beautiful acres with features including gourmet kitchen, 2-storyfamily room with stone fireplace and main level master suite.

KIM [email protected] Member NVAR Top Producers

DIANE SUNDT703-615-4626

Search for homes on my Website atDianeSundt.LNF.com

Jen & John Boyce703-425-JOHN (5646)[email protected]

www.425JOHN.com

Oakton Just Listed! $639,850Immaculate 4 Bedroom, 3 bath brick rambler on gorgeoushalf acre lot in Foxvale Estates! 2-car oversized garage withworkshop, large family room off eat-in kitchen, formal livingroom with fireplace, deck overlooking private back yard, hugeRec room, and much more. Call Steve now…703-981-3277

Burke $1,245,000This elegant home is perfectly located in the beautiful Edgewater community.Stunning landscape, renovated kitchen, grand master suite with fireplace arejust a few of the features making this house an oasis to come home to.

ALEX/KINGSTOWNECOMING SOON!

Gorgeous 2-car garage, side-entry, end-unitbeauty BACKING TO TREES will pleasethe most discerning purchaser! Updatesand upgrades galore! Commuter’s dreamlocation—quick hop to Franconia/Springfield Metro, Fairfax County Parkway,95/495. Call Kim McClary for more infor-mation on 703-929-8425.

AMANDA SCOTT703-772-9190

Top Producerwww.AmandaScott.net

COMING SOON!!!!SPRINGFIELD $359,900Lovely 3 BR/3.5 BA end unit in Burgoyne Forest West. Eat-inkitchen. Finished walk out basement. Deck and patio areas.Fenced yard. Fantastic neighborhood. Plenty of parking. Formore info call Diane at 703-615-4626.

Fairfax $546,000Spacious colonial in Briarwood near George Mason University * 3 finished lev-els * 4 bedrms * 3.5 baths * Family rm w/fireplace * Formal living & dining rms* Large recreation rm * Deck * 2 car garage * Call Judy at 703-503-1885.

Alexandria $585,000Beautiful home near Mt. Vernon & Old Town Alexandria * 3 bedrms * 2 baths* Refinished wood floors * Fresh neutral paint throughout * Updated kitchen& baths * Family rm off kitchen * Huge recreation rm & den on lower level *Fenced back yard with deck * Call Judy at 703-503-1885.

Clifton $680,000Rare 5BR, 3BA Historic Home on 1 Acre located in Town ofClifton. Completely Updated & Gorgeous! One Block to Park,Shops, Restaurants.

Springfield$625,000

BEAUTIFULLYUPDATED. CUL-DE-SAC lot backsto trees! 5 BR, 3.5BA, Grmt Kitw/map cabs & SS,Liv, Din, Sunrm, finw/out LL,2 car Gar,huge Deck &Gazebo. Close tocomm bus, VRE &NGIA Bdg.

Fairfax $525,000Lovely 4 BR – 21⁄2Bath Colonial inBeautiful Brook-field, UpdatedKitchen w/CorianCounters,Updated Baths,

Huge FR off of kitchen w/Brick FP & HardwoodFlooring, French Doors to Screened-in Porch over-looking large Private treed fenced-in yard, Perfectfor Entertaining, LL has space for a huge RR &Media Rm. Call Sheila Adams for a private showingat 703-503-1895.

Fairfax/Middleridge

$559,900Value Has anAddress! It’s thenumber of thisMiddleridge colo-nial sitting prettyon a lush, flat cul-de-sac lot. Makethis house your

home by adding your personal touches & updates. 4 largebedrooms, 2.5 baths, finished lower level w/den, all await-ing a new family to love! Sunny deck w/portico, brick patio& 2-car garage come too. Hurry, this model usually sellsfor much, much more! Call Catie & Steve to see it today!

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