Archive for the 'Military Installations' Category
Moving By Air
August 16th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
One of the challenges of the military life is the moves. For most military families, moving or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), come every three to four years, and oftentimes even sooner. Combine the necessity of moving, and the traffic cogestion in Northern Virginia, and something has to give, right? Well, as you can see, it looks like someone has come up with a practical solution. Let’s move by air!
Although I doubt this is an actual move of what we call “household goods“, it certainly is a novel idea. When I saw this hot air balloon floating over the Massaponax area of Fredericksburg, it was a picture too good to pass up. But, as far as an alternative to the moving van, I doubt that Mayflower, or any other mover, is offering this as an alternative to their van fleet.
But, if you’re PCSing to the Stafford or Fredericksburg area, and you’ve had enough of those ground moves, give Mayflower a call. As they say, “you never know, unless you ask.”
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When A Village Makes Sense
August 12th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
Years ago, many of us got a bit of a laugh when we heard a prominent U.S. politican remark that “it takes a village” to raise a child. Although, little did we know at the time that the remark was hardly original. It originated as an African proverb before finding its way the US political scene. But, village life does have its advantages, especially for those living the good life in Ladysmith Village (LSV), just South of Fredericksburg.
Ladysmith Village is an ideal location for just about anyone, regardless of family size, commuting choices, or home style. There are plenty of options for almost any desire.
For commuters, Ladysmith Village is perfectly situated between Richmond and Fredericksburg, making sense for those that work in the city but would rather live apart from the hustle and bustle that normally accompanies it. “Beltway Bandits” can take advantage of many of the same commuting options common to I95; car & van pools, buses, and just north in Fredericksburg, the train. For military personnel, LSV’s central location makes it an easy option for those stationed north on I95 at Quantico, Ft. Belvoir, Ft Myer, the Pentagon, or other locations, or those who heading East towards NSWC Dahlgren.
Communtiy amenities abound. The Residents Community Center is second to none and includes:
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An eight lane pool surrounded by an expansive deck , a kiddy pool & spray fountain, and large barbecue area.
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Conference Rooms
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Fitness Center
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Media Facility
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Banquet Area
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Large Kitchen
An ideal location for wedding receptions, business meetings, or community get-togethers.
Other community attractions include the Ampitheater, Public Library, Elementary School, and walking and hiking trails. Additionally, the Village’s South River Sanctuary is the perfect get away for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Virginia countryside.
The community’s home styles range from ranchers to colonials. One plan includes an optional one bedroom apartment above the garage. You can choose from five participating builders and their various models:
1) Aaronal Homes ; 2) Atlantic Builders; 3) The Christopher Companies ; 4) Snead Custom Homes; 5) Spear Builders
The abundance of home choices makes it easy to find something suitable for just about anyone. Prices range from $180,000 - $500,000+. So, as you can see, there are plenty of options.
Ladysmith Village offers location, convenience and community. With so much at the tip of your fingers, whether it’s recreation, community get-togethers, or just relaxing, its small town charm makes this an attractive place to call home.
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Can You Read Me Now?
July 18th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
One of North Stafford’s favorite hideaways is none other than the local library, specifically, the John Musante Porter Branch. Built in 1992, with an architectural design unlike most other community libraries, the Porter branch is conveniently situated in the center of North Stafford’s most populous area, and just down the street from three of its local schools, North Stafford High School, H.H. Poole Middle School, and Park Ridge Elementary. Additionally, within a couple of miles are North Stafford’s most popular home subdivisions:
- Park Ridge
- Hampton Oaks
- Augustine
- Amyclae
- Berkshire
- Austin Ridge
- Autumn Ridge
- Whitson’s Ridge
For those that like to stop in just to relax and still catch up on their news the old fashion way, hard copy instead of the web, there’s plenty of comfortable seating and with accompanying desk space, but also assorted seating throughout the building. For those who prefer the comfort of online information, there are a number of computer stations and free Wi-Fi for those who carry their laptop with them.
For a bit of cultural enrichment, the library’s ArtPoint program highlights the many local artists offering live entertainment, painting exhibits, story telling, and various other forms of media.
So, for those new to the North Stafford community, or those who’ve witnessed the steady stream of more and more traffic lights moving into the neighborhood the past few years, stop by your local library, whether by day or night, and enjoy the wealth it has to offer. As someone has said, “a library is an arsenal of liberty.” For most of us, its only a few blocks away and certainly worth the journey.
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A Beach With a View
July 8th, 2008 categories: Entertainment, Military Installations
It seems that as the end of June rolls around, its thoughts of how we’re going to spend July 4th that begins to be discussed. Another day of having friends over for the annual backyard BBQ? Another evening of local fireworks, all seventeen minutes.
Fortunately, for Virginians, specifically, Northern Virginians, there are plenty of options outside of the normal fare. For us beach lovers, Virginia Beach is only a couple of hours away from historic Fredericksburg. And, if you choose to avoid the Interstate, the ride can be extremely enjoyable along the Virginia countryside. If you haven’t, make the trip via US17 and the Tidewater Trail. You’ll not only avoid the trucks and wall to wall traffic, but you’ll get a glimpse of a relatively unmolested area of the state. This ”road not taken” is the perfect place to put the top down, relax, and just enjoy the beauty the tidewater area has to offer.
Viriginia Beach on July 4th weekend is not for the faint of heart, unless you like lots of traffic, crowds, and lines. But, once you get there, there’s lots to do & see, and no shortage of good places to grab a bite to eat. If you’re like me and you’re an early riser, and even if you prefer to sleep in, for breakfast you’ve got to stop at Mary’s Restaurant on 17th Street. It’s not only a favorite of the locals but offers a wide variety of choices for breakfast. For those on a budget (hmmm…”beach budget”…is that an oxymoron?), you can take advanatage of the Early Bird Special which costs only $2.50, runs until 9:00AM, and features:
2 eggs any style with grits, toast
and choice of 2 bacon strips or 2 sausage patties
(Substitute home fries or spiced apples
instead of grits for 40¢)
OR
2 eggs any style and 2 pancakes with
warm syrup and whipped margarine
Whether it’s the bargain you’re looking for, or a bit more in the morning, you’ll enjoy the warm embrace of Mary’s atmosphere and service as well.
The city has a wide variety of activities available on the 4th, from their normal beach tourist offerings, to those tailor made for Independence Day. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had your fill of T-Shirt, Tattoo & trinket shops, but the good news is, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy beginning with a day on the beach and in the ocean, and ending with a casual stroll along the famous Boardwalk. It provides plenty of room whether you navigate it by bike or foot.
Prior to the evening’s fireworks, we had the opportunity to listen to the symphony orchestra of Virginia, Symphonicity accompanied by the Virginia Beach Chorale. After an enjoyable hour of tunes that spanned the spectrum from Broadway to patriotism, we sttled down a bit after 9:00 for what most of the crowd had travelled miles to see, the Fireworks show. We weren’t disappointed!
Since the fireworks are actually launched from a barge a few miles off shore, and can be seen from miles around, it isn’t a must to get “good seating”, however, 20th street appeared to be the location of choice for the best viewing. And, if you want to sit back, relax, and do so with a bit of room, do yourself a favor and take a seat on the grass between the hotels and the boardwalk, instead of the beach. You’ll be glad you did.
Unless you’re staying in a hotel within walking distance the the beach, you’ll have to decide where you want to park. If you’re driving, you can’t beat the free parking in the Convention Center parking lot. You may have to walk a few blocks to the beach, but, after all the fireworks and fun are over with, and you’ve made it back to your car, amid the barely moving bumper to bumper traffic, it’ll only take you a few minutes to leave the parking lot. With the Convention Center’s departing traffic a priority, the local police force very conveniently directs the parking lot’s traffic seamlessly into the normal flow of departing city traffic, making it a much smoother departure from the city than those parked closer to the beach.
Next July 4th, consider doing something a bit different than the normal holiday backyard BBQ. For those of us with military ties, if you don’t want to fight the Virginia Beach crowds & prices, there are a number of places to stay, like Langley AFB, Ft Story, and Oceana Naval Station, among others. The accomodations are clean, well kept, and pretty much what you can expect, and the prices can’t be beat. But remember, you’ll have to supply your own sun block!
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Living to Fight Another Day
June 9th, 2008 categories: Entertainment, Military Installations, Relocating, Spouse Stuff
Road expansion is something most of us can’t get enough of in Northern Virginia. For those travelling North or South, Interstate 95, or Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) are the only direct corridors available for vehicles heading toward a destination. While we applaud the road widening, the new development also resulted in some casualties along the way. When the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) decided to widen Route 1 in Prince William County, just north of Quantico, the Globe & Laurel restaurant found itself on the chopping block. 
In business for nearly 40 years, it now found itself out in the cold. The Globe & Laurel closed its doors on April 30th. For the second time, its owners, former Marine Major Rick Spooner & his wife Gloria, had to find a new home. Their first such venture occurred after the original Globe & Laurel, which opened in 1968, located in Quantico Town, burned down. After attempting unsuccessfully to find another location in Prince William county to begin again, the Spooner’s were able to find some help a little further South along Route 1, in Stafford County. With the assistance of Stafford’s Economic Development Authority, they were able to secure the building that formerly housed The Keep, and then Philly’s, both restaurants, similar to The Globe & Laurel. With loads of renvoations needed, Stafford’s EDA pitched in both short term and longer term contributions, the former being $50,000, the latter $33,000 per year for the next three years.
In the food business, one’s reputation is priceless. Do a google search for the The Globe & Laurel, and see what you find. What you’ll find is visitor after visitor, patron after patron, that can’t say enough about the food, the atmosphere, and the great hosts it has. It truly is a unique establishment. Beginning with the tartan carpet, you’ll find a familiar pub like interior design, a distinctive selection of wines, and the a local favorite brew, Leatherneck Lager. While the atmosphere sets it apart from the everyday eatery, Maj Spooner has never wavered from his desire to provide his patrons more than just a meal. He wants them to leave not only well fed, but also well cared for. The service is second to none with the Spooners leading by example as they greet those heading in to dine. Often , you’ll find the Major making his way around the restaurant, ensuring those already dining are enjoying themselves. 
The Globe & Laurel is a rare find. While you’ll enjoy the food & drink, you’ll take away much more after a visit. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance to chat with the Spooners, especially the old Marine who has already shown that it takes more than the government to keep him down. As Yogi likes to remind us, “It ain’t over til it’s over.” And, for Major Spooner, this new venture probably seems more like, ”deja vu all over again!”
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Your Home Inspector - More Like Fred Flintstone Than Sherlock Holmes?
June 4th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating, Repairs
Whether or not a Home Inspection is worth the expense, is an issue that usually prompts a good discussion among prospective home owners. According to some, like a recent client of mine, the inspection is an unnecessary expense that does little more than make a buyer “feel good” about their purchase. But if that’s true, if home inspections are nothing more than a false sense of security, why do some many home buyers, or home sellers, get them done? Are Home Inspections worth it?
First, in any service industry, some professionals are better than others, more competent, more thorough, more professional. Last year, I worked side by side with a home builder who never put down his tools until the job was “just right.” Calling him a “perfectionist” would be an understatement! The same goes for home inspectors. So, make sure the one you hire comes with recommendations - good ones. If you choose to go it alone in choosing an inspector, then make sure you ask some important questions. How long have they been in the business? Are they licensed and certified? If so, with whom? National Home Inspector certification through organizations like the Amercian Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), & National Assocation of Home Inspectors (NAHI), requires their members to adhere to strict standards of practice or conduct.
Second, while home inspections aren’t a perfect science, they are the primary means a buyer protects themselves from getting stuck with a “lemon” when purchasing a property. The Home Inspection Contingency in the Virginia sales contract is designed to protect the buyer. Based upon the Home Inspection, the contingency allows the buyer to:
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Request the seller make the needed repairs
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Re-negotiate the price
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Void the contract
The price re-negotiation is a direct result of the discrepancies found in the inspection. But, at the end of the day, if seller and buyer cannot resolve what needs to be done, then the purchaser can void the contract and move on to their other home choices.
Third, in today’s buyer’s market, the home inspection shouldn’t cost the buyer a thing. With the glut of homes on the market, and home inspections running $250-$350, the sellers will probably be more than happy to pay for the home inspection in order to ratify a contract.
Few things can affect the value of a home more than property discrepancies found after the fact. For many buyers, the expertise required to find these hidden problems are best left to a qualified Home Inspector. 
They have the training and detailed experience necessary to detect even small problems before they become your problems. A certified professional is worth their weight in gold when it comes to ensuring a home doesn’t have any hidden surprises. So, take your time and do the necessary research before choosing your Home Inspector, because the last thing you want is one that reminds you more of Fred Flinststone than Sherlock Holmes.
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