newsletter - Annandale Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Annandale Chamber of Commerce April 2008 2 Message from the President Tax Talk 3 Our Home Town 4 Chamber Chat 5 ROOTS: The origins of a good cup of coffee 6 New Members Spotlight 10 Photo Retrospective: The Year Was 1955 13 How Burke & Herbert... 14 Restaurant Reviews 16 Staging Your Home for Sale 17 Cooking Survival Kit: Cutting Boards 18 History of US Flag CELEBRATE ANNANDALE Annual Awards Banquet & Dinner Friday, May 23, 2008 6:30 - 11:00 pm Annandale Chamber of Commerce (703) 256-7232 ENDEAVOR Building the Annandale Marketplace www.annandalechamber.com Chamber Initiates Partnership Evolution of a Coffee Project In October 2007, The Annandale Chamber of Commerce proudly began a partnership with Falls Church High School. Together they created a business project that would teach, through example, how to develop a viable business product, while helping the school raise funds for their Student Activities and Technology Projects. Later joining this partnership, David Starr, owner of Beanetics Coffee Roasters located in the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike, agreed to help Falls Church create its own personal blend of coffee. On Friday, January 04, 2008, Mr. Starr delivered a highly informative and entertaining presentation to FCHS culinary, photography and SCA student representatives. During his presentation, Mr. Starr shared the interesting history of the coffee growing process. He explained that, “coffee is grown all over the world between the two tropics. This cash crop p r o v i d e s livelihoods in many emerging and war torn countries from the Middle East to Indonesia, from Hawaii to Yemen, and from Rwanda to India.” He also discussed the science behind making coffee as well as the many challenges within this highly competitive ten billion dollar a year coffee industry. Students and staff were then treated to two coffee blends, Cro Magnum and Neanderthal, as a closure to Mr. Starr’s presentation. “We are very excited to cultivate our relationship with Beanetics and look forward to our fast approaching visit,” said Michael Brooks, Vice Principal at FCHS. On January 11th forty students from the Culinary Arts Department, headed by Chef Lorraine Lombardi, spent several hours blending coffee beans to create a product unique to Falls Church, while being filmed for the evening news by both CBS and NBC. This cupping, as coffee tasting and blending is known, produced a blend of darkly roasted 20% Brazilian, 30% Guatemalan and 50% Sumatra beans. This blend, brilliantly selected, has the most subtle underlying taste of chocolate which occurs naturally in the Sumatra beans. The Graphics Design and Technology Education students later created the FCHS logo for the bag, the Marketing students drew up a sales plan and have marketed the coffee to parents, community members, staff and to the school’s other business partner, Computer Science Corporation, who generously printed labels for the coffee bags. The SCA students adeptly organized a competition to name this coffee which was unveiled to the public February 28th at a school event known as Touch Base with Teachers. After sampling, parents purchased the entire initial stock of this aromatic and bold body blend now known as JAGUAR JOE. A new supply will be roasted weekly to ensure the freshest taste. Falls Church High School expects to make at least $8,000 this year alone on JAGUAR JOE coffee. It will be served by the Boosters during athletic events, in the Café of the Culinary Arts Department, in the teachers lounge, and to all visitors and guests at the school. Orders can be placed at www.fcps.edu/FallsChurchHS and picked up at the school. For more insight into this project please see video at: http://video.nbc4.com/player/?id=204314 April 2008 2 ENDEAVOR Message from the President It’s almost time for our 4th annual Bed Race and that’s the question everyone is asking. The last couple of years competition has been pretty tough with Enterprise Rent-ACar and Silverado taking home the trophy. However, The American Legion and Magill’s have given everyone a run for their money on having the best decorated bed. It’s not everyday you see four pieces of pizza running down the street with someone dressed up as a piece of sausage in a hospital bed. We are always looking for more competition and it is not too late to get in on the fun. We provide you with a hospital bed all you have to do is find a team of five Annandale Chamber Of Commerce Board of Directors Who’s going to be in your bed? people (one to ride in the bed and four to run with it) decorate it to your theme of choice and race it up and down John Marr Drive. If you have not attended one in the past, what are you waiting for? Let this be the year to join in on the fun! Don’t forget the kids as this is fun for all ages and there will be a Family Fun Fair immediately following the Bed Race! The Bed Race will be May 17th rain or shine on John Marr Drive at 10:00 a.m. for more information go to www.annandalechamber.com or call Carol Zach Reuss at 703-447-7128. Have a safe and happy Spring! Carol Zach Reuss Tax Talk: Helpful tips to save money PRESIDENT: Carol Zach Reuss Annandale Shopping Center PRESIDENT ELECT: Marv Rodney Commander, American Legion Post 1976 VICE PRESIDENT: James McConville, Esq. SECRETARY: Monise W. Quidley PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families TREASURER: George Kresslein George Kresslein CPA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: RADM Dan McKinnon, Retired PAST PRESIDENTS: Pat Sawhney, Realtor, Re/Max 100 Sami Kalifa, Owner, The Flower Den BOARD MEMBERS: John Fox, Retired Irv Denton, Retired Marilyn Hoosen, BB&T Bank Gavin Dock, President, Clarocode Paul Im, Owner, Annandale Hardware Matthew Cockerham, Realtor, Re/Max 100 Helen Winter, Annandale CBD Planning Committee Toa Do, President, Business Development Asst. Group Vince Randazzo, Vice Principal, Annandale High School Bruce Gordon, Sr. Loan Officer, WestStar Mortgage, Inc. Jason Sager, Franchise Owner, Home Instead Senior Care Dr. Barbara Saperstone, Provost, Northern Virginia Community College EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Vicki Burman This quarter let’s look at the ECONOMIC information or other certification. Stimulus package signed in February. 7. Eligibility: Recovery rebates, known as “advance credit a. Rebates begin to phase out qt $75,000 of payments”, reaching as high as $600 for singles, adjusted gross income (AGI) for individuals and $1,200 for couples, and $2,400 for married and 4 $150,000 for married couples filing joint. The dependents will be deposited to an estimated 130 rebate phases out at 5% of the amount exceeding million Americans. The rebates are also known as the applicable AGI thresholds. Therefore, the a refundable credit against tax. Here are the rebate phases out at $87,000 of AGI for specifics: individuals and $174,000 of AGI for married 1. Net income tax liability not to exceed $600 filing joint return. ($1,200 for joint filers) b. Only taxpayers with social security numbers will be eligible. 2. $300 ($600 for joint filers) if the individual has c. Individual taxpayer identification numbers either: (ITIN) will not be acceptable substitutes. a. At least $3,000 of any combination of earned d. A qualifying child must not have attained the income, social security benefits, and certain age of 17, must be the taxpayer’s qualifying child veteran benefits, or for purposes of the dependency exemption and b. Net income tax liability of at least $1 and the child must be a son, daughter, stepson, gross income greater than the sum of the stepdaughter, or descendant of such child, applicable basic standard deduction amount and or a brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister or a personal exemptions descendant of such relative. 3. In addition to the basic rebate the law an 8. The IRS intends on direct depositing or additional $300 per qualifying child up to $1,200 mailing the checks to individuals starting in May. 4. The recovery rebate checks (or direct deposit) 9. Because the rebate is an advance on 2008 tax will be paid out starting in May based on 2007 tax returns, the rebate will need to be reconciled on the returns or information form the Social Security taxpayer’s 2008 tax return filed in 2009. Administration or Veterans Administration Next quarter the loose ends regarding the rebate 5. There is a second chance to receive the rebate and business incentives from the economic when you file your 2008 return in 2009. This is for stimulus Bill. taxpayers who did not get the full rebate or did not Author Information: file their tax return by April 15, 2008. George Kresslein, Jr., CPA 6. The IRS will calculate the proper amount of the rebate check based on the 2007 tax return 703.354.1750 gkressleincpa.com www.kressleincpa.com April 2008 ENDEAVOR 3 Our Home Town: Garden Spaces and Supplies in Annandale By Helen Winter Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living has been providing landscaping and nursery services to Annandale since 1945. Donna Campbell, who with husband Jim run this vast enterprise, explained that, “We have remained rooted at one location intentionally as this allows us to stay connected to our customers and the community.” Indeed, this is an Annandale company that has always contributed generously to the schools, arts, youth activities, our military, and to the Annandale Community. They have built an impressive business with satisfied repeat customers and new ones streaming in after hearing raves from neighbors. Here, Virginia certified horticulturists, skilled craftsmen and landscape designers provide you with the best customer service found anywhere. The eight acre property is filled with grade “A” quality nursery stock and tended by professionals so that plants purchased from Campbell & Ferrara will flourish in your garden. If you are a do-it-yourself gardener, advice and substantial stock and garden supplies are waiting for you. If tending the soil is not your muse, the Garden Center offers a delivery and installation service. Full landscaping services are available and include design, installing and managing your landscape project from conception to completion. Their landscape divisions include: plantscapes; great rooms with custom outdoor kitchen and/or fireplace; patios, ponds and water features; fences and decks; landscape lighting; and, putting greens. In other words, they design and build your dream outdoor living space from the ground up. Besides an enormous selection of perennials, native plants, and annuals, they offer not simply the expected trees and shrubs, but unusual accent trees and large plants which mature a landscape instantly. This nursery is more like a small town than anything else. You browse through outdoor spaces, indoor spaces, canopied spaces, gazeboes, playgrounds, and putting greens. One area is devoted to iron accents, another to soil amendments, another to great and unusual containers, another to a huge herb selection, while others to water features, indoor plants, and one of the largest selections of exotic orchids in the Washington area along with the expertise to help your orchids thrive. Green Spring Gardens, a community treasure, located across from Pinecrest Golf Course, is a 28-acre public park where all are invited to visit 20 different theme gardens and a historic manor house, while strolling along forested paths, brilliantly planted garden paths and pond edges. Donated to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1970, these grounds represent all the beauty and serenity of the Virginia landscape. Late April through June will promise many delightful garden vistas including banks of six foot high azaleas and rhododendrons, shrub roses, native wild flowers and both a full blooming rock garden and the peak blooming of the Iris garden. Bring a picnic, shop in the Garden Gate Plant Shop, plan a tour, attend a lecture, or participate in any of the diverse programs that are regularly planned. More than anything come and enjoy one of the greatest horticultural treasures in the Washington area. Their Garden Gate Plant Shop is open 9-4 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 pm on Sundays. Hard to find plants nurtured by Green Spring’s own horticultural staff are available with plant varieties that are know to grown well in this region along with drought tolerant and shade loving perennials. Friends of Green Spring \members receive a 10% discount. On May 17th from 9-3 pm the SPRING PLANT SALE will take place with at least 40 vendors. Bring a wagon to haul home all the treasured plants you will purchase. 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria 703-642-5173. Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/ Meadows Farms Nursery is well known for fantastic herb and vegetable selections, annuals, a large assortment of perennials, and many varieties of trees and shrubs. Fountains, garden supplies and soil amendments as well as landscaping & ground maintenance services are available. They offer a senior discount program one day per week and weekly sales on various items. They also sell pumpkins and Halloween decorations in the fall along with Christmas trees and holiday related greenery in December. Nursery Manager, Jaime Poveromo, provides enthusiastic and knowledgeable service. You can depend on prompt and cheerful attention whenever you visit If you visit their web site or see a cashier you can sign up to be a MeadowsFarms. Garden Center “Preferred Customer.” This status entitles you to 4808 Backlick Road, Annandale 703-941-5656 discounts on special offers for products and plants at the Garden www.meadowsfarms.com Center which change every two weeks and an email copy of their newsletter. Senior citizens and Friends of Green Spring Gardens K-Mart on Little River Turnpike at John Marr Drive carries plants, receive a 10% discount at the Garden Center. They are open year seed packets, garden supplies, and a large variety of garden ‘round with retail hours Mondays-Saturdays 8-7pm and Sundays furniture and novelties. 9-5pm, March through October and close at 5pm November to Home Depot on Little River Turnpike at Braddock Road carries a February. large array of plants especially annuals, pots and urns, garden 6651 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312 supplies and some hardscaping materials. (703) 354-6724 www.campbellferrara.com April 2008 4 Chamber Chat: ENDEAVOR News, notices & bulletins posted by Annandale Chamber members The Annandale Chamber of Commerce will host their Spring Carnival in the parking lot of K-Mart on John Marr Drive May 15-25. Rides, games, food and fun for the entire family! Treat your family and friends as this is the most fun you will have all spring! Hours: Mon-Thurs 5-11 pm, Friday 4 pm-midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday 4 pm to midnight. See details at www.annandalechamber.com. Annandale Beautification was given a boost by the residents of the Indian Run Homes Association on Saturday, March 15th. Together they collected bag upon bag of debris, a 30 foot ladder, wagon wheels still attached to the axle, aluminum siding, boards, broom handles and a metal footboard from an old iron bed. Indian Run Streambed and Park are located across from the George Mason Library. EVENTS will receive free engraving, a 20% discount and a gift. Saturday, May 3rd is the Waterford Crystal Event. Receive 25% off your Waterford purchases and complimentary personalization by Waterford Artisan Merek Havel. Reserve your selections early! On Saturday, May 10th you will receive a free gift with purchase at both the Vera Bradley and Spode China Events. On Saturday, June 28th we will host a Swarovski Society Event. Meet designers Edith Mair & Heinz Tabertshofer. Full detail can be viewed on our website at www.annsandra.com or phone 703-354-2110. Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co. is committed to superior service and financial solutions tailored to meet your needs. Hector Ochoa, Assistant Manager, 4235 Annandale Road, Annandale, 703-519-1627. The Annual Bedrace sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics Virginia, and the Mason District Police Dept. will be held on Saturday morning, May 17th on John Marr Drive between Columbia Pike and Little River Turnpike. Applications are still being accepted to participate. Spectators are welcome. This is a hoot to watch, followed by Carnival activities for the entire family. For more information go to www.annandalechamber.com Proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics Virginia. Clarocode is proud to be a key member of the team that launched the new version Annandale Christian Community for Action needs volunteers! gifted and talented standards leading to excellence in Secondary school, college, and a successful life. Professional teachers develop family partnerships ensuring personal growth. Camps extend opportunities to youth on 40 acres, including horses! We are still accepting registrations for a limited number of vacancies. www.congocamp.org Seth Ahlborn, Head of School at 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd. Falls Church, VA 22042 (703)533-9711 www.congressionalschools.org Will you help a family that faces eviction, cessation of utilities, or has nothing to eat? ACCA needs family assistance and food captains to work from home fielding phone calls from social workers one week per quarter. Drivers are also needed to deliver food to families in the Annandale/Lincolnia/Baileys Crossroads area. All clients are screened and referred by social service agencies. Call Susan Farris at 703-256-2775 followedbyamoonshadow@verizon.net for detailed information. The A-BLAST Student Newspaper of Annandale High School is ranked in the top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. (www.thea-blast.org) Contact adviser Alan Weintraut for advertising information. The students will deliver a FREE stack of newspapers to your place of business to be given free to your customers. Alan.Weintraut@fcps.edu, 703-642-4229. Annandale High School Culinary Arts program also provides high quality catering for all your events and to go luncheons. Please look at our website at www.fcps.edu/AnnandaleHS/. A video of our fundraiser is on the A-Blast site or contact Chef Gloninger at cgloninger@fcps.edu. The Annandale Volunteer Fire Department: Bingo Nights at the Annandale Volunteer Fire House-Ossian Hall (7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale) each Monday and Thursdays from 6:45-10 PM. Average payouts of over $14,136 every bingo night. A variety of dinner selections and snacks are available from our full service catering kitchen. Doors open 4:30 pm; game sales begin 5:30 pm. Minors age 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult. You must be 18 or older to play, purchase, or redeem pulltabs. Non Smoking tables are available. Come join the fun! Questions: bingo@avfd.org Annandale Volunteer Fire Dept. Raju Khemani at 703-801-9906 or raju@avfd.org Advertising that works for you, contact the ENDEAVOR, the official newsletter of the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. Each edition is also published online at www.annandalechamber.com and archived for one year, so your advertising is exponentially viewed over the course of the year. Contact: info@annandalechamber.com for rates and opportunities. Artisans United Gallery, 4022 Hummer Road on the grounds of Annandale Community Park sometimes known as Hummer Road Park, is a great place to find a unique Mother's Day gift. The gallery will be featuring original hand made crafts by Potomac Craftsmen Guild members through May 1. Open 9 am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. AnnSandra Gifts will be holding a number of exciting in-store EVENTS starting with Cross Pens on Saturday, May 3rd and again on Saturday, May 31st. Anyone purchasing Cross Pens during the of the official web-site for the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (www.fews.net, a USAID-funded project). Clarocode provided the Microsoft .NET and Sharepoint programming expertise to deliver this multilingual, data-integrated site, used by decision-makers around the world. (Contact: Gavin Dock at 703.286.5639, gdock@clarocode.com). The Congressional Schools of Virginia develop Global Citizens - exceeding Evergreen House at 6925 Columbia Pike, Annandale is currently looking for a part time Bus Driver. Good hours and good pay are advertised. Please fax resume to 703-354-9659 The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) hosts "Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County" workshops the first Tuesday of each month. The FCEDA hosts these free sessions with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and they cover resources available for entrepreneurs and businesses. Registration information is at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/sb_seminar.htm. For additional information contact Karen Shaw at (703) 790-0600 or ksmaw@fceda.org. The Fairfax County Sheriff ’s Office, headed by Sheriff Stan Barry, provides work crews to empty trash cans at bus shelters; clean up litter wherever it collects; remove illegal signs; and, in general, contributes tirelessly to the beautification of Annandale. This is an arrangement worked out between Sheriff Barry and Supervisor Penny Gross. Our thanks to them and to all the deputies who supervise community workers. Green Spring Gardens will host their SPRING PLANT SALE on Saturday, May 17 from 9-3 pm. Bring a wagon to haul home all the treasured plants you will purchase. For more information call 703-642-5173. 4603 Green Spring Road just off Braddock across from Pincecrest Golf Course. Little River Yoga offers hatha yoga classes in east Annandale and Lake Barcroft. Emphasis in Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga, as well as prenatal. Please see our website for further information: www.LittleRiverYoga.com or contact 703-203-8510. April 2008 ENDEAVOR 5 ROOTS: THE ORIGINS OF A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE By David Starr At Beanetics Coffee Roasters, our motto is the “evolution of better coffee.” That cup of coffee actually originates with the skill and labor of people who live between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn – the world’s coffee growing region. When we receive a 150 pound burlap bag of green coffee beans, the beans have traveled thousands of miles and have already been picked, processed, sorted, and bagged. Any mistake in a long series of steps will be tasted in the final cup. Coffee is produced by a tree -- the two most popular species are the Coffea Canephora, know also as coffea robusta, and Coffea Arabica. The specialty coffee trade relies on varietals of the arabica to produce the highest quality flavors and aromas. The robusta bean is a less expensive and more acidic and is blended to produce less expensive coffees. It is also added to espresso blends to add creama, but delivers the bitterness of traditional espresso. The coffee tree produces a red berry, or cherry. The coffee bean is actually the seed that is contained within the cherry. The cherries are picked by hand over a several day period, picking them just as they ripen. Because the plants usually grow on steep hills, the picking process is difficult, with pickers paid on a per-basket basis. Chamber Chat: continued Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, Virginia, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that offers bereavement support, needs volunteers. Orientation sessions will be provided; training will follow in April 2008. Please call Haven, 703-941-700, for details. They are also offering a free six-week general bereavement support group for those who have lost a parent, sibling, or friend beginning Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. To register, call 703-941-7000 or e-mail havenofnova@verizon.net; check our Web site at www.havenofnova.org. PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families will be hosting its annual gala at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner on May 10, 2008. This year's theme is Surf 's Up, Catch the PHILLIPS Wave! So you are invited to come dressed in your favorite beach party casual to French Rivera couture. Individual gala tickets are priced at $200.00. Come join the fun browsing through the PHILLIPS Student Art Show, the live and silent auctions and PHILLIPS famous baskets. You may swim with Bubbles the Mermaid and dance to the live band MASFIK, and dive into the chocolate fountain. All proceeds restricted to the Who Will Teach Them? Fund. For more information visit: www.phillipsprograms.org or call 703-941-8810. Once collected the processing begins either at the estate, coop, or a central milling operation. The beans are sorted, normally by immersing them in water where the overripe berries will float to the top and be discarded. The good berries are then put through a mechanical depulper – a misnomer because it is a machine that removes the outer skin but leaves the pulp. The beans are then sorted again, this time by size (for example the Kenya AA is a larger bean then the Kenya AB). The pulp is then removed by fermenting the beans. Depending on the scarcity of water, the beans are either fermented in large tanks (“wet processed”), or are laid out in the sun (the “dry processed”). Either over-fermenting or under- fermenting, an art form that is dependent on weather and other conditions, will ruin the coffee. The beans are then washed to remove the “mucilage” and dried mechanically or in the sun. Because the drying process changes the final moisture content of the bean, too little or too much will again ruin the product. As you can see the evolution of a better cup of coffee is time consuming and labor intensive. We hope that next time you are enjoying that great cup of coffee you will appreciate the craft of the growers, the processors and the roasters. Together, they are the roots of the “evolution of better coffee.” Beanetics Coffee Roasters 7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 941-4506 Pinecrest School is pleased to announce that we have been recognized in Northern Virginia Magazine for our camp program. We will be offering 8 one week camp classes this summer. For more information please visit www.pinecrestschool.org. Pinecrest will also host an Open House for 2008-2009 enrollments, Saturday, April 12th from 10-2 pm. The Reunion Music Society is presenting two concerts in April at Ernst Cultural Community Center, NVCC-Annandale. They are: Sunday, April 13 @ 4:00 p.m. (Annandale Brass--"Circus Days" music played under the "Big Top") and Friday, April 18 @ 8:00 p.m. (NVCC Symphony Orchestra--"Classic Gems" and a world premiere composition in memory of Redskins player Sean Taylor). Ticket prices range from free for children to $15. Call 703-921-7449 or go to www.reunionmusic.org. Starbucks at Bradlick Shopping Center is celebrating Spring with a special Honey Latte. Latte with a shot of honey syrup topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of honey is sure to temp the taste buds. Located next to the old Total Craft store this roomy Starbucks has one of the latest best selling novels available for purchase to read while relaxing and sipping your Honey Latte. 6910-G Bradlick Shopping Center, Annandale. (Corner of Braddock and Backlick Roads) April 2008 6 ENDEAVOR New members spotlight Green Spring Gardens… An Annandale Treasure There are times when everyone needs to restore themselves, find an oasis, and just be quiet for awhile. When this happens, allow the calming serenity of Green Spring Gardens to envelop you. Here, twenty-eight acres of Public Park invite you to stroll along a quarter mile brick walk or to explore more than 20 different theme gardens. You can also visit a 1784 historic Manor House, or meander along forested paths and pond edges. This is a Fairfax County Park dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the area’s horticultural, historical and natural resources. It is also a place that encourages you to drink in the beauty that is Virginia. People with disabilities can equally enjoy this magnificent space as most gardens are fully accessible by level walkways and handicap facilities are available in the Horticulture Center. At your very first opportunity, visit one of the most picturesque and soothing landscapes in the entire Washington area and in our own back yard. At the Manor House, formal English Teas are conducted throughout the year. Groups may contact the Historic House to reserve a private tour of the gardens followed by Tea or to attend a program on Tea Tasting where you learn about the subtle nuances of flavor and familiarize yourself with the lingo of tea. Other tea programs discuss Teatime Accessories, the Art of Faux Finish, Heirloom Family Photographs, and Beekeeping for Beginners. All of the tea programs are followed by a traditional English tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cream and jam. Bridal Shower Teas are also possible with first a lighthearted history of bridal traditions followed by the full English Tea. Tea for Brownies can be booked where the young ladies learn proper table etiquette while enjoying tea and cake. They also go home earning their Manners Try-It Badge. A new program on the history and traditions of Picniques will begin this year followed by, of course, a picnic. Concerts in the Gazebo occur Mother’s Day, May 3rd at 3 PM, Thursday June 19th at 7pm, and Wednesday July 16th at 7pm. During June and July you will be able to order a picnic on the lawn. For schedules and reservations call 703-941-7987. PIZZA & BUFFET Birthday Parties Video Games Team/Office Parties Fun for Kids of All Ages! 7201 Little River Turnpike Annandale, Virginia 22003 703-750-3344 In 1994 a new Horticulture Center was opened with meeting and classroom space, a research library, a multi-purpose room to seat 150 people, a greenhouse, garden themed gift shop, and educational displays. Classes are offered in basic gardening; landscape design; propagation; floral design; hardscaping; shade, water and kids gardening; beekeeping; and, an ever growing list of fascinating topics. Additionally, a Master Gardener Program is available for those truly devoted to the soil as well as numerous volunteer opportunities. Frequent visitors Tuesdays through Fridays are school children ages 5-11 who are undergoing a hands on educational experience that meets the standards of learning curriculum for Fairfax County. Plans are underway for a new herb garden and orchard using native plants. It is a massive undertaking that promises to thrill all gardeners. You can become a “Friend of Green Spring” or FROG for only $20.00 per year (family rate). As a FROG you will receive a 10% discount on plant purchases in the Garden Gate Shop as well as a most informative newsletter. You will also receive a 10% discount at nearby nursery Campbell & Ferrara along with five other local nurseries and discount on admission and shop purchases at four large gardens. Local gardeners need to reserve the following dates. On May 17th the SPRING PLANT SALE will take place with at least 40 vendors. Bring a wagon to haul home all the treasured plants you will purchase. You can also purchase plants from the Garden Gate Plant Shop at Green Spring everyday from April – October Monday through Saturdays 9-4 pm and noon to 4 pm on Sundays. September 27th take your wagon out again for the FALL FUNDRAISER & PLANT SALE. Family garden activities, lectures, and plenty of food will be available. Garden related crafts will be sold and a score of plant vendors including the VA Native Plant Society will have their wares for sale. For details on classes and events go to: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/ 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria 703-642-5173 From Annandale, head east on Little River Turnpike toward Alexandria. Take a left at Pinecrest Shopping Center (across from Home Depot) onto Braddock Road. Go two blocks and take a right where a sign for the park is clearly visible. ENDEAVOR April 2008 7 New members spotlight Annandale Volunteer Fire Department The Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, which has served our community so faithfully, is in need of additional volunteers. “If you are looking to do something for the community, something valuable, this is the place,” says Raju Khemani, a long time volunteer. “We are like a family, we share equally in the work, we are a home away from home.” Volunteers begin with twenty hours of initial training at the Annandale Station. Men and women at least 18 years of age can dedicate themselves to work in administration, helping with the canteen and Bingo Nights, or they can train as Emergency Medical Technicians and Fire Fighters. If the latter is their choice, they will undertake additional training both at the Fairfax County Rescue Academy and/or Fire School. The full schedule of training can take up to twenty months. Upon graduation, they will supplement the career fire fighting staff assigned to Annandale. Volunteers are asked to dedicate 240 hours per year. For sixty-eight years the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department has served this community with dedication and honor. Go enjoy a night of bingo, consider renting Ossian Hall for your next event, and think about becoming a volunteer or making a donation to this, most deserving organization. 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale www.avfd.org JAY STRONGWATER JULISKA VERA BRADLEY VIETRI CROSS BACCARAT BERNARDAUD HAVILAND ROSENTHAL FINE CHINA, CRYSTAL & GIFTWARE FOR EVERY OCCASION Celebrating 27 Years in Annandale We have the largest selection of Waterford in the area. With our Low Price Guarantee, why shop anywhere else? OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE Wedding Registry & Corporate Gifts Gift Wrapping & Shipping. 703-354-2110 800-357-2110 4417 JOHN MARR DRIVE, ANNANDALE, VA 22003 www.annsandra.com customerservice@annsandra.com LENOX MARIPOSA NAMBE SIMON PEARCE SPODE GIEN Organized in 1940 and housed in an old shed, the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department began its service to the community with one antediluvian truck. By 1944 a dedicated one story colonial style fire house was built that held four bays for the forest fire truck, one high pressure truck, one combination high pressure truck, and a new ambulance. By the mid fifties, the structure was expanded to two stories and much later still, Ossian Hall was constructed onto the back. Ossian Hall is now the site of Bingo held every Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:45 to 10 PM, attracting players from even parts of Maryland and Washington DC. Profits from Bingo, along with the fund drives scattered throughout the year, finance the vast majority of expenses at both the 7128 Columbia Pike and 8914 Little River Turnpike Stations. Staffed by the volunteer force, Bingo Nights provide safe, enjoyable entertainment as well as camaraderie to 125 to 150 people each session. On Memorial and Labor Days and at Christmas they have a holiday program which sometimes includes additional prizes and free food. Christmas Holiday Bingo has over 175 raffle prizes. When coming to bingo, you need not stop for dinner en route since Ossian Hall boasts its own caterer, Lynette, who dishes up a large and varied menu of home cooked comfort foods. She also offers full service catering for anyone renting Ossian Hall for daytime events and off site catering. The hall can accommodate up to 350 people and can be rented for antique or flower shows, luncheons, training seminars, business meetings, fund raisers, and reunions. Rental for weddings and receptions is done on a very select basis. A large stage and extensive audio visual equipment are also available. For information about renting Ossian Hall email: hallrental@avfd.org. LYNN CHASE SWAROVSKI WEDGWOOD WATERFORD 8 April 2008 ENDEAVOR New members spotlight Artisans United, Inc. Exclusive gifts not seen in other stores. The Annandale Community Park, often referred to as Hummer Road Park, houses both the Hidden Springs Nature Center and the Packard Center where the gallery store of Artisans United is located. The official address is 4022 Hummer Road but the Packard Center is not visible from Hummer Road. Do yourself a favor and take a drive into the park and take your first right. The second brick building on the left (actually a very old and delightful home) is the Packard Center. Parking is plentiful. Between thirty and forty artisans fill the gallery with dazzling gifts appropriate for all your gift needs. The purpose of Artisans United is to promote juried crafts made by artists from this area. This gallery serves as the main fund raising arm for this non- profit organization although some grants and membership dues fill out the budget. As many as 15 Guilds are represented from quilting, weaving, knitting, and wearable art, to art glass, painted porcelain, pottery, and gorgeous reasonably priced jewelry. One jewelry artisan is Julie Rominger, credited to be a master of fused glass with delicate silver fittings. There is a nice price range represented but many gifts can be found regularly for under $35.00. Difficult to locate hand dyed skeins of yarn; stunning winter hats, scarves, and sweaters; beguiling hand knit baby blankets; painted silk scarves and silk ties for men; hand made cards; and, clever ceramic bowls and brie dishes are all offered for sale. Displays are changed every other month to ensure shoppers an assortment of gorgeous gifts. The first Thursday of every odd month special Guild Shows are installed to increase the range of gifts available for sale. Each summer Artisans United sponsors an Art Supply Swap. Anyone interested pulls their car into the parking lot, opens the trunk, and swaps or donates excess materials. It’s a great recycling opportunity. Artisans United also has an outreach program to senior centers and schools where members demonstrate guild crafts to these audiences. Joan Hutten, President of Artisans United, is concerned that, “We no longer see a significant number of young artists and fear that many of the guild arts will die off with our generation.” New members are actively encouraged to join and at $20.00 a year, a whole gallery awaits. For information call: 703-941-0202. 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale. Open 9-5 PM Mon. thru Sat. Sunday hours during December Starbucks Located at the Bradlick Shopping Center at the intersection of Braddock and Backlick Roads (next to the old Total Crafts Store) is a spacious inviting Starbucks managed by Elisabet (Lisa) L’Esteve. One of the latest best selling novels is stocked for purchase along with daily newspapers to provide customers a reading experience with their coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. If you haven’t tried the chicken salad with dried cranberries, treat yourself the next time you pass. Book Clubs are encouraged to hold their meetings here either in the main coffee room or in the training room which can be booked with a quick call to Lisa. Starbucks prides itself on embracing diversity and celebrating cultures which blends well with our diversified community. Known as an employer who provides generous benefits, it is no surprise that Annandale residents have looked to Starbucks for summer, part-time and full time employment. The manager is always looking to add service oriented individuals to the staff. Starbucks at 6910-G Bradlick Shopping Center, Annandale, VA 22003 703-914-0358 ENDEAVOR April 2008 New members spotlight 9 SAVVY & SAGE Magazine – Fun and Informative for the Young at Heart Baby Boomerstores. Savvy & Sage Magazine is a high quality; high gloss complimentary bimonthly publication geared to those 55-65 years old. These Baby Boomers are primarily the decision makers when it comes to the needs of their elderly parents as well as those looking toward their own retirement needs. Ten thousand copies are directly mailed to homes in Southern Fairfax County and another six thousand are racked for pick up at Giant Food, Safeway, Doctors Offices, and Medical Centers throughout the area and in many Annandale shops. Publisher, Jason Sager, Franchise Owner of Home Instead Senior Care, decided to publish this impressive magazine to discuss sometimes difficult issues such as, “How do you reverse the child parent relationship and speak to your parents about their need to accept additional care, or that it has come time for them to stop driving?” Elaine Marze, author of “Follies of Growing Older” ends her humorous article with this reflection. “The great thing about sharing our ‘senior moments’ is that we can laugh at ourselves and each other and comfort ourselves that at least we aren’t alone.” Throughout the magazine articles inform, inspire, and often just make you laugh. The tantalizing recipes from Chef Holly Glegg are complimented by the knowledgeable wine column. Sodoku and cross word puzzles fill two more pages, and let’s face it, all of us Baby Boomers benefit from regular memory challenges. Editor Rebecca Deiss wants readers to know that this is a reader directed magazine. What information would you like covered in the future? Contact Rebecca and let her know. Requests have already come in for articles on senior activities, vacations and fitness. No doubt Rebecca and Jason will fill those requests soon. www.savvyandsage.com or Savvy and Sage Magazine, 7058 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. PHO HOT − Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant Mrs. Tu Nuygen, a local resident since 1987 opened Pho Hot three years ago in the Little River Turnpike Shopping Center. This spacious, cheerful, and inviting family friendly restaurant has a seating capacity for 170 patrons and is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 11:30 PM. Her son, daughter, and son-in-law also participate in the operation of this restaurant as well as the Diamond Club at Eden Center, Nails for You Salon in Falls Church and a Cosmetology School in Arlington. This genial restaurant strives to make every customer feel at home beginning with the sign prominently hung at the entrance saying, “Welcome Home.” Mrs. Tu who is warmhearted and engaging hopes patrons will feel like family when they sit for a meal. The manager, Mr. Giap Gruong, is fluent in Vietnamese, Spanish, and English adding to the affable and welcoming atmosphere. Although a considerable menu selection is available, Pho soup is the house specialty. The crystal clear broth takes a minimum of ten hours to simmer with many ingredients being added and removed throughout the process. Until you taste this for yourself, it is impossible to believe that anyone can infuse this much flavor into water. Various meats can also be ordered to customize your bowl of Pho, rice noodles are added, and condiments are served on the side for more personalized flavoring. An impressive vegetarian menu is available and is being expanded to satisfy the increasing demand for healthy menu choices. Birthdays are celebrated in style with a large bowl of Pho served complimentary to the birthday person when accompanied by a party of at least three others. Responsive waiters, comfortable surroundings, memorable food, and a welcoming atmosphere make Pho Hot a restaurant choice for everyone. 7442A Little River Turnpike, Annandale (in the Safeway Shopping Center) (703) 333-5955 April 2008 10 ENDEAVOR Photo Retrospective: Annandale of Old On Saturday, September 24, 1955, a festival simply known as “Annandale Day” was celebrated by merchants and citizens alike. The following schedule provides an insight into the activities. According to their program, the stores in Annandale featured the best bargains of the year along with free balloons and other gifts for children. 10:00 AM - DOG SHOW - on the grounds of the new Annandale Recreation Center Entries in the following classes were judged. Two prizes in merchandise certificates were awarded for each class. The judge was Frank S. Deane. 1. Sporting Dogs 5. Toy Dogs 2. Non-sporting dogs 6. Terriers 3. Hounds 7. Best dressed dog (Child’s entry) 4. Working Dogs The Year Was US President: Vice President: VA Governor: VA - US Senators: Dwight Eisenhower Richard Nixon Thomas B. Stanley Harry Flood Byrd Absalom W. Robertson Earl Warren Joseph W. Martin then Sam T. Rayburn 10:30 AM – BABY SHOW - at the Auditorium, Annandale Elementary School. Babies had to be 6 month to 2 years of age. Separate classes were judged for boys and girls, and two prizes in merchandise certificated were awarded for each class. The judges were John Ferguson and Thelma S. McLaughlin. Winston Churchill retires as British Prime Minister. US occupation of Japan ends. The Warsaw Pact is signed. Federal Republic of West Germany becomes a Sovereign State. Argentina’s Pres. Juan Peron is overthrown. Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat in Alabama. Hurricane Diane wrecks havoc on NE US. Annandale High School completed in 1954. The largest single day of rainfall (10.89”) in English History fell in Martinstown, Dorset on July 18, 1955. Velcro and Legos are invented. Fish Fingers marketed by Birds’ Eye The Johnny Carson Show airs on TV. Captain Kangaroo premiers on TV. The minimum wage increases to $1 per hour. Disneyland opens in California. First McDonald’s opens. Col. Sanders opens Kentucky Fried Chicken. Cost of a new house: $10,950.00 Average Income: $4,147.00 New Car: $1,910.00 Gasoline cost $.23 per gallon US Postage Stamp cost $.03 Gallon of milk cost $.92. 11:15 AM – DEDICATION OF SWIMMING POOL – Annandale Recreation Center This was the largest community swimming pool in the entire Metropolitan Washington area. There was also a softball field to be well used throughout the coming years, and the first wing of the Community Center Building – the TEENSPOT. In order to finance the entire project, shares of stock were sold to community members. Their long term plans were to build a skating rink, a large community center building, tennis courts, playgrounds, and as many other facilities as they could find the money and/or the help to build. For the dedication ceremony picnic tables and facilities were available along with sandwiches and soft-drinks. (Interesting to note, Annandale is still waiting for our Community Center to be built.) 1:00 PM – PARADE BIRTHS Bruce Willis, Kevin Costner, Kelsey Grammer DEATHS AWARDS & PRIZES 2:30 PM – PARADE PRIZES to be awarded – Football Grounds at Annandale High School Announcement of Winners and Awarding of Prizes for ANNANDALE ESSAY CONTEST for School Children – Sponsored by Mr. Henry J. Rolfs 1950’s Campbell & Ferrara Truck 3:00 PM – FOOTBALL GAME – Annandale High vs Falls Church High at Annandale High School Half-time activities by the Annandale High School Band. Annandale High School was completed in 1954. This is the first game to be played on home grounds. Game Results: Annandale 0, Falls Church 7 (Annandale went on to become a football powerhouse 10 years later.) 9:00 PM – DANCE – At Annandale Fire House Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary Crowning of Popularity Queen at 10 PM 1955 EVERYDAY LIFE Starting at Chatelain Village just east of the Baptist Church and traveling west on Columbia Pike and Little River Turnpike, the PARADE will proceed to McWhorter Place where they will take a left to disband. Prizes were awarded to the following groups and judged by Charles R. Chase and J. Leslie Ehringer. 1. Best band 2. Best float entry 3. Best Marching unit 4. Best fire department unit 5. Most original entry 1955 Cadillac Ambulance at Firehouse on Columbia Pike 11 MAJOR EVENTS GOVERNMENT Chief Justice US Supreme Court: Speaker of the House: 1953: Grade 7 Annandale Elementary School April 2008 ENDEAVOR Pulitzer Prize: A Fable by William Faulkner Nobel Peace Prize Winner: None was awarded. Miss America: Lee Meriwether from CA Best Picture of the Year: Marty Best Actor: Ernest Borgnine, Marty Best Actress: Anna Magnani, The Rose Tattoo James Dean, Albert Einstein Senior Class Officers Falls Church High School 1955 SPORTS NCAA Basketball Champion: San Francisco Stanley Cup Winner: Detroit Red Wings College Football Champion: Oklahoma Heisman Trophy Winner: Howard Cassady from Ohio State US Open Winner: Jack Fleck World Series Champion: Brooklyn Dodgers REMINDER: Annandale Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet and Dance Friday, May 23, 2008 Make your reservations now! Rte 236 & Annandale Road Annandale Retail Establishments The number of businesses in Annandale more than doubled between 1950 and 1955. During this same five year period the housing developments of Broyhill Crest, Rolf Heights, Lake Barcroft, and Raymondale were built. Because of this huge influx of new Annandale residents, retail and business development boomed. You were able to live in Annandale and purchase all commodities and services right in town. Annandale Animal Hospital Annandale Associates, Inc. Annandale Barber Shop Annandale Cab Co. Annandale Co-Op Pre-School Annandale Dry Cleaners Annandale Florist Annandale Hardware & Supply Co. Annandale Market Annandale Millwork Corp. Annandale Motor Clinic Annandale Pet Supply Annandale Pharmacy The Annandale Recorder Annandale Service Co. Annandale Sheet Metal Co. Annandale Supply Co. Annandale TV Service Annandale Variety Shop Arfax Furniture & Carpet The Bank of Annandale Bergen’s Men Shop Berry’s Sawmill & Lumber Yard Besley Realty Co. M.T. Broyhill & Sons Corp Campbell & Ferrara Nurseries Casa Mia Italian Restaurant RM Cantrell & Sons HD Deavers Electric Motor Service DeLaughter TV Sales & Service Ellicott’s 5 & 10 Galanis Service Station Garwood & Claffy Hagan’s Bakery Iva Trice Dress Shop John Hampton Plumbing & Heating FW Harris Plumbing & Heating Harvey’s Hickory Hut Mason & Omar Hirst Portraits by Julian Kirby’s Sales & Service, Inc. E.W. Long & Sons, Inc. Lake Barcroft Development McCormick Jewelers McNamara’s Merrydowns School (present Pinecrest School) Michael Development Corp. Mike’s Barber Shop Mills Realty Co. Justus ‘Jack’ Ange Well Drilling Nay’s Garage Dr. Gilbert Nelson, Optometrist O’Brien & Rohall, Inc. Martin T. Web, Real Estate Payne-Oliver Concrete Co. Produce Stand Realty Investment Corp Reid’s Amoco Roadside Market Robert’s Esso, Inc. Rolf Heights Development Raymondale Development Shirkey Drug Star Supply Stewert’s Radio & TV Service Stokely-Simpson Equipment Co. Swanee-Lee Antiques Taylor Insurance Co. Taylor’s Appliances Todd’s Texaco Service Triangle Shell Service Turnpike Press E.K.Uhler & Co. Insurance Wanner’s Amoco Service Station Wes’s Tavern 12 April 2008 ENDEAVOR New members spotlight Radiant Printing Services, Inc. Gerry Llames, owner of Radiant Printing, was trained as a mechanical engineer and spent a number of years pursuing that career with PEPCO. Seven years ago his love of old books and the printing techniques that produced those in his collection spurred him into the printing trade. Radiant Printing specializes in newsletters, souvenir programs, books, fund raising promotional items, brochures, and manuscripts. Since all printed materials reflect on the professionalism of an organization, Gerry explains that, “Radiant doesn’t just print, we redesign, enhance, and improve everything presented to us. We want every document going out our door to be the best quality so it properly reflects the integrity of our client’s organization.” Diversified Transportation Services Diversified Transportation Services is a logistics company that has been operating successfully on the west coast since 1990. We’ve recently opened our first east coast branch in Falls Church. Our specialty is less-than-truckload service although we do service truckloads in some lanes as well. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and personalized attention to any of our clients shipping needs. Due to our partnership with the most reputable and reliable carriers in the industry, our customers can depend on us to offer fast, economical service consistently. Big or small, your shipments are our priority and we handle them as if they were our own. This has been the key to our success. Please visit our website at www.dtsone.com, or contact Carrie at the Falls Church office for quotes on any of your shipping requirements. cbrady@dtsone.com at 703-237-3671 USEFUL PHRASES IN OUR CULTURALY DIVERSE TOWN ENGLISH 1. Hello! KOREAN SPANISH An nyung ha say yo. Hola! (Inflection rises on last two syllables.) 2. Thank you. Kam sa hum mi da. Gracias. 3.Good bye! An nyung hee ka say yo. Adios. (Inflection rises on last two syllables.) Radiant Printing has built its business on referrals and repeat business with attention to detail and top rate service. They stand out from the norm by producing a better quality product than anyoneelse. One customer of Radiant commented, “Mr. Llames exceeded our expectations and delivered a keepsake.” Another said, “Judging by the look, quality, and feel of this souvenir program, we know this was printed by Radiant.” Radiant Printing also provides layout and graphic art services using state of the art digital equipment and plans to install a digital offset printer a year from now. Radiant has provided invitations, newsletters and numerous products for the National Symphony Orchestra Women’s Organization, George Washington Hospital Women’s Organization, the Philippine Cultural Society attached to the United Nations, the Library of Congress - Asian Pacific Division, and the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. Everyone has printing needs at one point or another. When you do, remember Radiant. Printing. They are willing to produce smaller quantities than many printers at very reasonable prices. Clearly, the quality is top of the line. Radiant Printing Services, Inc. is located at 10560 Main Street, Suite 422 (Mosby Building), Fairfax, VA 22030 1-888-786-7655 Email:gerry@radiantprint.com April 2008 ENDEAVOR 13 HOW BURKE & HERBERT, A GROUP OF DETERMINED LADIES, AND A BASKET OF EGGS SAVED THE FUNDS FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON ESTATE John Burke knew he had to find a better hiding place. He called upon a young woman named Sarah Tracy, who worked at Mount Vernon and sold eggs to raise money for the estate. She had a pass from the Union that allowed her to travel freely in her horse buggy. John hid the money in the bottom of the egg basket. In 1853 Ann Pamela Cunningham founded the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association to preserve George Washington’s home. Turning over a sizeable down payment, they contracted to buy the estate for $200,000 from John Augustine Washington in 1858. Sarah drove her buggy past Union soldiers, crossed the Potomac, and went to Riggs Bank. There, she placed the funds in a safety deposit box and returned the key to John Burke. When the war ended, the money was safe and Mount Vernon Estate was preserved. Burke and Herbert still proudly keeps safe monies of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Once again, Burke & Herbert proves it is a bank with a legend where you are a person, not an account number. Mr. Washington deposited the money at Burke & Herbert Bank, where he knew his friend, John Burke, would, as Washington said, “Protect it as thought it were his own. When the Civil War broke out, Alexandria was occupied by the Union and authorities demanded the Mount Vernon money from the bank. But is was gone. John Burke had hidden the treasure at home in his wife’s closet. John’s wife, Martha, was a Union sympathizer but she knew if the funds were seized, the shrine to the late President might never happen. When soldiers searched her home, an officer stopped at her closet. “What’s this?” he asked. She replied, “It’s my closet. Don’t you want to search it?” The man closed the door and said, “No madam. It is not my wish to search a lady’s closet.” Our Sixth Multicultural Business Gala 6 pm, Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Hilton Hotel, Alexandria (703) 538-7412 or E-Mail: LHan@bdag.org Annandale Fall Festival Parade by Shenandoah Artist, Helen Jean Smith 18 x 24 Color Lithograph 300 Limited Edition Special Reduced Price $25.00 To order your print, contact the Annandale Chamber of Commerce (703) 256-7232 or info@annandalechamber.com 14 April 2008 ENDEAVOR Restaurant Reviews Star Lounge and Ballroom Long needed in Annandale has been an upscale meeting and banquet facility. Tucked back along Little River Turnpike across from Giant Food, we now have just that. Star Lounge and Ballroom is an 8000 square foot ballroom and a 2,500 square foot bar and restaurant. This spacious ballroom, with elegant décor, can accommodate up to 400 guests for memorable occasions such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, Sweet 16 parties, Proms, or any festive occasion. The ballroom is equipped with state of the art audio visual equipment to support business events such as corporate conferences and banquets, job fairs, trade and industry shows, or training seminars. In the ballroom a presentation or speakers stage along with a sizeable dance floor can be found at one end and a band stand at the other. The layout has been carefully considered to allow for both comfort and function. Upon request, Star will bring in guest chefs to prepare specialized cuisines such as Hispanic, Korean, French, and Italian. On Friday, May 23rd the Annandale Chamber is proud to host their Annual Awards Banquet and Dance at Star. What could be more appropriate than celebrating right in the heart of Annandale? A sumptuous menu of hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, a surf and turf combination of Grilled Sirloin & Marinated Jumbo Shrimp, Redskin Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Green Beans, Caesar Salad, and a trio of desserts will be served. A Vegetarian option will also be available. A dance band along with formal entertainment, as well as a special tribute to Congressman Tom Davis will be part of the festivities. SAVE THE DATE. Star organizes reoccurring events to meet the entertainment needs of all ages. Each month they host NOVA Teen Nights which are evenings of chaperoned dancing with music provided by famous radio DJs. Knowing that well organized events for teens are not frequently available, the owners and managers of Star, Keram and Qiyom Nazari (known affectionately as Q) reasoned that a regular teen event would not only be a great service for the community but also a lot of fun for area teenagers. International Nights occur on Wednesdays or Thursdays (call ahead for a schedule). Here international food and music are served, dancing is encouraged and everyone is asked to Dress to Impress with a policy of no jerseys, hoodies, baggy jeans, or boots. Additionally, International Concerts are scheduled once a month along with fashion shows and International Idle Nights. This is definitely the most happening place in Annandale. In the restaurant, international variety food with an authentic Afghan cuisine is the specialty. Begin your experience with any of the well prepared appetizers. Chicken and sweet peppers wrapped in a crunchy shell (Chicken Rolls) or flaky pastry triangles (Sambosa) stuffed with meat, vegetables and spices are both served with the house chutney. The standout appetizer in our opinion is Aushak, steamed dumplings filled with leeks, herbs, and finished with a flavorful meat sauce, yogurt and sprinkled mint. Succulent marinated lamb, chicken, or vegetarian kabobs are prepared with practiced expertise, along with savory stews of either lamb or chicken simmered and delicately seasoned with spices and herbs. What’s more, a number of vegetarian delights and salads are offered along with daily luncheon, dinner and kids menus. Star Lounge and Ballroom at 7203 Little River Turnpike Annandale. (703) 750-2450 www.startotalwedding.com CELEBRATE ANNANDALE Annandale Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet and Dance Friday, May 23, 2008 6:30 - 11:00 pm Call: (703) 256-7232 or info@annandalechamber.com ENDEAVOR April 2008 Restaurant Reviews 15 MISO Fusion Restaurant Decades ago an old Chicago restaurant made its claim to success with the phrase, “Service on the Spot.” This phrase can be most emphatically used to describe MISO. Waiters eagerly engage the patron to succinctly explain the numerous menu choices. It is not a cold rendition of the staid, ‘specials of the day’ but rather a warm engagement to first welcome and then to explain the intricate preparations of all dishes that catch your eye. Many food photos are available to help intrigue and understand the splendid choices that await. MISO means smile in Japanese which is the exact expression owner Soon Jin Song is determined to create on every diners face. She and her son, Ronnie Roh the manager, combine a notable professional culinary education and await the graduation of Soon’s daughter from an advanced culinary program. This family loves to cook, they have spent decades studying the art and chemistry of cooking, and they have created an up scale, modern Japanese décor while maintaining an old fashion courtly ambience. Looking at the other patrons, businessmen and women, local residents, mothers with the most well behaved engaging children are all smiling, humming with delight. The other goal of this restaurant is to produce healthy low fat meals with a high taste factor. In this, they too have succeeded. Seventy percent of the menu is Japanese and thirty percent Korean with a healthy and expanding Sushi selection crossing both cultures. The most popular dish is the beef, shrimp, flounder, lobster, or chicken Katsu Set. Shown here are the beef and shrimp Katsu Sets where the entrée receives a delicate coating before quick frying in olive oil producing an extremely light, crunchy texture that does not mask the taste of the main ingredient. Side dishes of pickled condiments, noodle soup plain or spicy, rice, and the most tasty potatoe salad made from potatoes and pumpkin. Another shrimp worth note is the Shrimp wrap with Potato appetizer. The shrimp is coated with extremely thin shreds of potatoe and then quick fried in olive oil. The result tantalizes the taste buds from the first bite to the last. Homemade Temaki is a complicated specialty made to perfection at MISO. A paper thin seaweed wrap is filled with rice, finely chopped cucumber, carrots, and topped with caviar. Delicate flavors in a firm wrap that magically melt in your mouth is definitely worth ordering. Traditional beef and salmon Teriyaki is delicious and always a good choice. All dishes are best if finished off with a bowl of green tea or mango ice cream topped with shaved chocolate. Presentation at MISO goes beyond the normal effort; every menu item is a work of art. They are also culinary successes served by the most courteous and engaging people. Treat yourself, rush to MISO for a meal. 7410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale- in the Safeway Shopping Center (703) 256-5737 April 2008 16 ENDEAVOR Staging Your Home for Sale: Maximize the attributes, minimize the flaws & define the space. Full service real estate agents provide innumerable and vital services to clients selling their homes. These services include a regional market analysis resulting in a recommended sale price, a detailed marketing plan, and staging suggestions. Most agents will also recommend reliable tradesmen for repairs or enhancements throughout the house and yard. But only a few agents will be Accredited Staging Professionals who are able to list, stage, market and sell your home. With a challenging real estate market emerging, staging has grown from a sound marketing tool to an essential one. The proven way to garner the top dollar for your home and sell it faster is to home stage with a Professional Home Stager. Remember that the way in which you live in your home is not the same as the way in which you market and sell your home. What is staging? Staging is NOT redecorating. It is using as much of what you already have to its best advantage creating warm and inviting vignettes in each room much like staging a play. Each room should be looked at as a different act in the play; then de-cluttering and depersonalizing every single room; and, finally encouraging clients to visualize the house through their buyer’s eyes remembering that the smallest things can make the biggest difference. REARRANGE, REMOVE, AND START PACKING Too many homes are overly furnished making the rooms seem smaller than they are. Remove unnecessary and oversized pieces to storage, swap others to show rooms off to a better advantage, and pack up most of your decorative objects and family photos. The buyer needs to visualize this as his space and not see it as yours. CURB APPEAL Curb appeal, kitchens and baths are the three areas that most often make or break the sale. Keep the lawn cut, remove dead plants and weeds, put down fresh mulch, prune and tidy. Check that the exterior paint, especially the front door and trim, are in good repair. Clear toys, garbage cans, unused flower pots and any debris from eyesight. Clean the gutters and remove moss and grime from paths, siding, and roof. Sweep the walks and keep them clean. If the weather permits, plant bright annuals in beds or large pots to freshen the look of the landscape. 4th Annual Bed Race May 17, 2008 Register Now! KITCHENS Remove every picture, magnet, and message from the refrigerator. Take everything possible off the countertops including small appliances. Brighten the kitchen with a new coat of paint and fresh light bulbs. If the room is naturally dark, change the window treatments to let in the most light possible, trim tree limbs outside kitchen windows, and consider adding under counter lighting which is inexpensive and easy to install. Remove outdated wallpaper and flooring. Clean this room as if your life depended on it. BATHS Remove items from countertops, tub, shower stall and commode top. Put only necessary items into a zip lock bag and tuck it under the sink or anywhere out of sight. For a relatively small investment, with proven better than dollar to dollar return, consider updating the plumbing and lighting fixtures, toilet seat, and shower tiles to add a more modern look. You can often purchase close-out cabinets and fixtures at vastly reduced prices. If your budget will not allow replacement, paint the room and possibly the cabinets to provide a freshened look. Limit the towels on display to 2 colors. Clean, clean, and clean again. The baths need to sparkle. REVIEW THE ENTIRE INTERIOR, ROOM BY ROOM Paint and patch all walls and trim as needed. Keep your colors neutral but warm. Rearrange pictures and objects on walls, de-cluttering as you move from room to room. Rent a storage unit for these possessions until you move. Clean all carpets, window treatments, and light fixtures. Wash the windows. The next installment in this series will address local resources needed when staging. "Providing You the Personal Service You Deserve" Jill Saupp Realtor Accredited Staging Professional REMAX Allegiance 5641 Burke Center Pkwy. Burke, VA 22015 (703) 869-3590 ENDEAVOR April 2008 17 Cooking Survival Kit: Cutting Boards Part 2 in a series of articles by the Food Sherpa This article is part two in a series entitled, “Cooking Survival Kit.” Part one of the series focused on knives, including which pieces are most critical to the success of any cook, how to shop for knives, and how to maintain your blades once they are in use in your kitchen. This article will take a closer look at that wonderful companion to the knife – the cutting board. So, armed with the knowledge gained in the first article in this series, you have spent your money on a handful of good knives and now it is time to put them to good use. The first thing you are going to need in order to get cooking is a safe and durable cutting surface. There are a variety of cutting boards on the market today, including: Glass, Polyethylene Plastic, Wood, Bamboo, and the latest newcomer, Wood-Composite. Let’s dismiss one of these right away. Cutting on a glass cutting board is murder on your high-quality knife blades! The hard surface will make your knives dull and dangerous to use in no time flat. Some of the newer natural wood-composite boards, plastic, or the more traditional maple or bamboo varieties are a much better choice when it comes to extending the lifespan of your knives. So, which to choose? As with most things, it depends on your needs and your preferences. Let’s take a closer look each option. Wood-Composite Boards are the newest release in the cutting board market. These boards, which are comprised of environmentally friendly natural wood fiber laminate, are intended to leverage the best features of both their plastic and wood counterparts. They are marketed as dishwasher safe, non-porous, and basically maintenancefree cutting surfaces that look and feel like wood, but are easy to clean like plastic. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to use this style of cutting board personally, so I can only offer my initial impressions thus far. My first observation is that these cutting boards are typically very thin. This means that they provide little vertical clearance between the cutting surface and the counter-top during use. As a result, you may find yourself banging your hand or knuckles against the counter when you try to cut your food. Some independent users of these cutting boards have also reported that they are not as durable as their competitors and tend to show cuts more readily with repeated use. My hunch is that this relatively new technology will improve with more time on the market. The most popular brand of this cutting board, Epicurean, can be purchased at most home stores for less than $30. Plastic Cutting Boards are popular with many consumers because they are lighter than more traditional wooden butcher blocks, are inexpensive, and are dishwasher safe. Some also believe that plastic cutting boards are less likely to harbor dangerous bacteria than their wooden counterparts. Be aware, however, that independent laboratory testing has resulted in different conclusions. The general consensus of these tests seems to be that all types of cutting boards are safe, assuming that they are thoroughly washed with hot soapy water after each use and that they are replaced when they show excessive wear (deep grooves and cuts that may be impossible to clean). So what’s the downside? Plastic cutting boards tend to hold more stubborn food stains, particularly after repeated use. Much like their wood-composite counterparts, some of the thinner styles on the market (those paper-thin flexible plastic cutting “boards” are particularly problematic) lack vertical clearance between the cutting surface and the counter. Many of these boards are also slippery and too lightweight. The entire cutting board may move around the counter top each time you put pressure on your knife to make a cut. If you find that you have this problem, try wetting a Keith Steury dish towel, wringing it dry, and the food sherpa laying it flat on the countertop. P.O. Box 6473 Put your cutting board on top of Arlington, VA 22206 Phone / Fax: 703.379.7339 the damp towel and it should stay Mobile: 703.772.4101 in place for you. If you prefer a ksteury@thefoodsherpa.com www.thefoodsherpa.com plastic cutting board, make sure that you purchase one that is thick enough to give you some clearance from the countertop and is heavy enough to stay put during use. You can expect to pay $20 or less for this variety of cutting board. Wood Cutting Boards are known for being solid and extremely durable, yet gentle on your precious blades. Because they are typically large in both size and weight, however, they are also often seen as rather unwieldy and inconvenient for everyday kitchen use. In addition, they should be hand-washed and thoroughly dried after each use and oiled on a regular basis to prevent staining and splitting. Finally, there is the issue of price. You can expect to pay up to $100 for some of the heftiest wooden boards. The good news is that high-performing smaller, lighter, and cheaper wooden boards can be had for as little as $20-30. A good option is the “J.K. Adams Takes Two” model, which is made of rock sugar maple and weighs less than 4 pounds. Just be sure to care for the board correctly, by washing and drying it thoroughly, and regularly applying food-grade mineral oil (usually labeled wood or bamboo oil) to extend its life. Bamboo Cutting Boards are made from a highly renewable kind of grass that grows much more quickly than the trees used to produce traditional wooden cutting boards. They are lightweight, durable, and generally provide all of the benefits of their wooden competitors with less heft and environmental impact. What’s more, some recent laboratory tests have shown that bamboo has natural anti-microbial qualities that may actually help to kill bacteria transferred to the surface of the cutting board during use. (This is, of course, no substitute for thoroughly washing the cutting board in hot soapy water after each use, but it may be a nice added benefit to choosing a bamboo board). Unfortunately, bamboo boards also have their shortcomings, most of which are shared with their traditional wooden counterparts. They must be oiled occasionally to prevent splitting and can carry a similar hefty price tag. Cheaper versions may also be less durable over time. TruBamboo, Joyce Chen, and Totally Bamboo are three companies that make good quality bamboo cutting boards in the $30-40 range. The next and final installment of the “Cooking Survival Kit” will focus on other essential kitchen tools. Until next time, happy cooking! 18 April 2008 ENDEAVOR A Short and Concise History of the United States Flag As promised in our last issue, your Annandale American Legion Bicentennial Post 1976 presents this short history of our nation’s flag. Our flag is the third oldest of the National Standards of the world. The flag was first authorized by Congress on June 14, 1777. This date is now observed as Flag Day throughout America. The flag was first flown from Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present city of Rome, NY, on August 3, 1777. It was first decreed that there should be a star and a stripe for each state, making thirteen of both; for our nation at that time had just been assembled from the original thirteen colonies. There were several versions of our country’s first flag (Bennington, Stars and Stripes [Standard Version], and “Betsy Ross” Flag). Each had 13 stars and 13 stripes. In 1791, Vermont, and in 1792, Kentucky were admitted and the number of stars and stripes was raised to fifteen each. As other states came into the Union it became evident there would be too many stripes. In 1818 Congress enacted that the number of stripes be reduced and restricted henceforth to thirteen, representing the thirteen original states; while a star should be added for each succeeding state. That law is the law observed today. The name “Old Glory” was given to our National Flag on August 10, 1831, by Captain William Driver of the brig Charles Doggett. The flag was first carried in battle at the Brandywine on September 11, 1777. It first flew over foreign territory on January 28, 1778, at Nassau, Bahama Islands, Fort Nassau having been captured by the Americans in the course of the war for independence. Today, it flies over 50 states, extending across the continent, and over great islands of the two oceans; and three hundred and three million people owe it allegiance. Our next issue will provide you information on flag etiquette. (Above information extracted from The American Legion National Americanism Commission pamphlet, Flag of the United States. Summer Concert Schedule The free summer concert series, known as Spotlight by Starlight, can be heard at Edwards Amphitheatre at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday beginning at 7:30 pm. Performances for children are on Saturday begin at 10 am. In case of rain, shows are cancelled. For rain cancellation, info on children programs and general information call 703-324-4769, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances. JUNE 1st 4th 6th 8th 11th 13th 15th 18th 20th 22nd 25th 27th 29th Donna Petrof-Campbell Vice President Campbell & Ferrara Nurseries, Inc. dba Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living 6651 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, VA 22312 ph: 703-354-6724 x102 fax: 703-354-3974 www.campbellferrara.com City of Fairfax “Concert Band” (Big Band) Capital Focus Jazz Band Rhonda Vincent & the Rage (Bluegrass) Washington Balalaika Orchestra (Russian Folk Music) Rick Franklin & His Delta Blues Boys w/Mike Baytop Mexican Flare (Mariachi Music) To Be Announced Razz’m Jazz’m (Jazz) Tom Paxton (Folk) Tidewater Guitar Orchestra (Classic Guitar) Linwood Taylor (Texas Swing Blues) NoorSaaz (Persian) National Concert Band (Big Band) April 2008 ENDEAVOR 19 2008 Farmers Market Schedule 4th Annual Bed Race Saturday, May 17, 2008 John Marr Drive, Annandale REGISTER YOUR TEAMS NOW! Tuesday Mt. Vernon: May 6-Nov 18, 8 a.m. – Noon Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane Fairfax: May 6-Oct 28, 8 a.m. – Noon Van Dyck Park on Old Lee Highway Wednesday Vienna/Oakton: May 17-Nov 19, 8 a.m.-Noon Oak Marr Recreation Center, 3200 Jermantown Rd. Frying Pan Farm Park: May 7-Oct 29, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 2709 West Ox Rd., in front of Frying Pan Country Store Wakefield: May 7-Oct 23, 8 a.m.-Noon Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Rd. Thursday Contacts: Michelle Gates 703-359-4301 mgates@specialolympicsva.org Carol Zach 703-447-7128 czach@erols.com Lt. Mark Kidd 703-246-4311 Mark.Kidd@fairfaxcounty.gov Herndon: May 1-Oct 23, 8a.m.-Noon Old Town Herndon, 777 Lynn St., next to Red Caboose Annandale: May 1-Nov 6, 8 a.m.-Noon Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike Friday McLean: May 2-Nov 14, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Market closed on May 16th Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. Kingstowne: May 16-Oct 24, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Kingstowne Town Center Saturday or register at: www.annandalechamber.com Burke: May 3-Nov 1, 8 a.m.-Noon VRE Parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Pkway Reston: May 10-Nov 1, 8 a.m.-Noon Lake Anne Village Center off North Shore Dr. April 2008 20 Calendar of Events Date Thurs, May 8 Sat, May 17 May 15-25 Event Time Star Restaurant 7203 Little Rv. Trnpk. 11:30-1:00 PM Bed Race John Marr Drive 10:00 AM Spring Festival K-Mart Parking Lot See Ad Description Human Resources Worker Benefits Cost $20/member $25/nonmember Fun Food Rides & Games Star Restaurant 7203 Little Rv. Trnpk. 6:30 - 11:00 PM Dance Band + Entertainment $65.00 ea. + Honor Tom Davis Networking Breakfast Neighborhood Center AHS 7:45-9:00 AM TBA Board Meeting Neighborhood Center AHS 8:30 AM Luncheon Star Restaurant 7203 Little Rv. Trnpk. 11:30-1:00 PM Unveiling of The Wash Post.com Fairfax Extra Networking Breakfast Neighborhood Center AHS 7:45-9:00 AM TBA Neighborhood Center AHS 8:30 AM Annual Awards Banquet and Dance Tues. May 27 Thurs. June 5 Tues. June 24 Location Luncheon Fri. May 23 Thurs. June 12 ENDEAVOR Thurs. August 7 Board Meeting No Board Meeting in July and no Networking Breakfasts or Luncheons in July or August. Annandale Chamber of Commerce 7263 Maple Place, Suite 207 Annandale, Virginia 22003 info@annandalechamber.com $12/member $15/nonmember $20/member $25/nonmember $12/member $15/nonmember
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