Fairfax County Recycling Events

Free Recycling Events in March
Fairfax County will host three free recycling events for county residents to recycle old and unwanted materials in March:

Household Hazardous Waste Clean-up Event
Saturday, March 24, 2012; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria

This event is for disposing of hazardous materials generated within Fairfax County households. They will not accept business or commercial waste, lead acid batteries, automobile batteries or propane tanks. Electronics will not be collected at this event, please bring your electronic devices to specified "Electric Sunday" recycling events. For a complete list of household items qualifying as hazardous waste, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recycling.

Electric Sunday
Sunday, March 25, 2012; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
I-95 Landfill Complex, 9850 Furnace Road, Lorton

Residents may recycle old televisions, computers and peripheral electronics such as speakers, printers, scanners, etc. Also, residents can recycle unbroken fluorescent tubes and light bulbs.

Secure Document Shredding Event
Saturday, March 31, 2012; 8 a.m. to noon
South County Center, 8350 Richmond, Alexandria

Residents may shred up to 5 boxes of personal documents per household at no charge. Please remove all paper from binders and remove binder clips, plastic page covers and binding. Information stored on film or computer disks will not be accepted – paper documents only. All documents will be securely shredded on-site by a private contractor and the shredded material will be taken to a local recycling facility for processing. This event is not for medical service providers – it does not fulfill Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, requirements for document destruction.
Complete details for these events and other recycling opportunities planned for 2012 can be found on the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program's web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recycling, or by calling the Recycling InfoLine at 703-324-5052, TTY 711.

Northern Virginia's 50 Best Restaurants!

Here are 2011's 50 Best Restaurants as published by Northern Virginia Magazine:
50 Best Restaurants... including Trummer's on Main (in Arlington), 2941, and La Bergerie

Plus, here is Northern Virginia Magazine's 20 Best New Restaurants of 2011:
Best New Restaurants ... including Ozzie's, Cock and Bowl, and BGR

Enjoy!

Halloween Candy Collection for Deployed U.S. Soldiers

Check out our flyer and press release for our Operation Gratitude candy collection!  You can see a larger pdf version at our website - www.AcquireRE.com

PRESS RELEASE

October 17, 2011

Lorton, Virginia

Tracy Jones and Dee Dee Phillips, Realtors with Acquire Real Estate, LLC, and the Dental Office of Peter J. Lanzaro, D.D.S. are working with OPERATION GRATITUDE on a service project to collect unopened Halloween candy and thank-you cards, letters, and drawings for our deployed U.S. Troops.  The drive will take place from October 24 through November 4.  Donations should be dropped off at Dr. Lanzaro's office, 8918 Village Shops Dr, Fairfax Station, during business hours.

OPERATION GRATITUDE uses collections from all over the country to create individual care packages for our Soldiers.  They have been running a Halloween candy collection for several years and last year collected over 21 tons of candy for our Troops. You can find out more about OPERATION GRATITUDE at their website at http://www.operationgratitude.com/ and see a video about the candy collection at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxIHgabfxKA&feature=channel_page. 

We chose this project because we wanted to recognize and thank our military families.  We also wanted a project that would allow local families to participate without requiring much of a monetary investment.  This collection lets kids participate by donating some (or all) of their collected candy, and/or by drawing pictures or writing letters.  We encourage your family to participate.  Our goal is to collect 200-300 pounds of candy and 50 or more letters and drawings, and –of course -- to get all that extra sugar away from the kids!!

You can get additional information about the drive at www.AcquireRE.com, just click on the button in the middle of the page that says “Click here for info on our Halloween candy collection project.”  For more information please contact Tracy Jones at 703-690-1174 or info@AcquireRE.com, or Dee Dee Phillips at 703-635-0188.

October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

Press Room - October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

Here is a link to events all over the state: http://www.virginia.org/winemonth/

Here is the Full Press Release from the Virginia Tourism Office:

October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

-Discover Your Local Crush theme invites travelers to Virginia for wine harvest season-

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RICHMOND, Va. (September 20, 2011) - The Virginia Tourism Corporation invites wine lovers to start planning a trip for October Virginia Wine Month, one of the best times of the year to visit the state's numerous wine regions. "Discover Your Local Crush" is the Wine Month theme, tempting travelers to visit and taste the best of Virginia wines at wineries and festivals statewide.

Since October Virginia Wine Month began in 1988, the Virginia wine industry has grown tremendously, encompassing nearly 200 wineries and 16 wine trails. Now ranking fifth in the nation for the number of wineries and sixth nationally for wine grape production, Virginia serves as a perfect destination for oenophiles and travel enthusiasts.

October Virginia Wine Month is an ideal time to visit Virginia. The state's 15 million acres of foliage are bursting with color and wineries are celebrating the harvest. From the coastal serenity of the Eastern Shore to the majestic splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, each wine region provides travelers with a one-of-a-kind wine experience. Visitors are encouraged to start planning a wine month getaway today and discover their local Virginia crush. Visitwww.Virginia.org/wine for information on celebrations taking place throughout the state in October including events such as:

11th Annual Norton Wine & Bluegrass Festival
Chrysalis Vineyards - Middleburg, VA (October 1-2, 2011)

Wine travelers can visit Chrysalis Vineyards, home to the world's largest grower of Norton, The Real American Grape!®, and experience one of Northern Virginia's top wineries during the harvest season. The area's best bluegrass, food from the local "BBQ King," cheese, chocolates and chutneys from Virginia's premier producers, jewelry and art from top-notch artisans and designers, hayrides and vineyard tours and a special nine-wine tasting, are just some of the weekend's highlights. Admission is $15 in advance and day-of is $20.

Wine, Moon & Stars at Virginia Mountain Vineyards
Virginia Mountain Vineyards - Fincastle, VA (October 7, 2011)
Set in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Mountain Vineyards will offer clear skies and an unobstructed view of the constellations, weather permitting, on the evening of October 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. A member of the Roanoke Astronomy Club will be on hand for a brief astronomical presentation, and telescopes will be set up in the vineyard for stargazing. Participants will also enjoy a bowl of chili and bottle of Virginia Mountain Vineyards wine as music plays under the tent. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free.

Blackdog Wine & Classic Rock Festival
Chateau Morrisette - Floyd, VA (October 8, 2011)
Located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette Winery will host the 2011 Black Dog Wine & Music festival this October. The rock event will feature amazing bands, great food, the winery's famous sangria and the best of their wines. Travelers can dance the day away or sit back and take in the show from one of the private gazebos. A variety of local food, arts and crafts and wine sales areas are located in the courtyard and festival field. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gates.

Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival
Rebec Vineyards, Inc. - Amherst, VA (October 9-10, 2011)

The Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival embrace food, wine, live entertainment, arts, crafts and most importantly, garlic. The festival offers something for everyone, old and young alike, including live entertainment, contests, wine tastings from six different wineries, and a kid's area with a petting zoo and bounce area. Five stages are filled with music and entertainment, including garlic cooking as well as Garlic King, Queen and Jr. Queen Contests. Wine Tasting tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the gates. General admission is $14 in advance and $25 at the gates, and children under 12 are free. For more information, call 434-946-5168.

Historic Long Branch Hot Air Balloon Wine & Music Festival

Millwood, VA (October 14-16, 2011)

A fun-filled, three-day family celebration unfolds with the 15th anniversary of the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival. Held on the spacious lawns and rolling fields of Historic Long Branch in Clarke County, the festival brings balloonist and their colorful airborne craft from far and wide to delight spectators of all ages. In addition to the balloons, more than a dozen Virginia wines will be featured for tasting.

Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Town Point Park - Norfolk, VA (October 15-16, 2011)

One of Virginia's largest outdoor wine festivals, the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival features more than 30 Virginia wineries along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Wine lovers can enjoy the crisp fall air and background music as they sample a variety of wines and gourmet local Virginia cuisine, as well as shop onsite retailers for specialty crafts and wine accessories. All wines offered during the event are available for purchase by glass, bottle or case. Ticket required for entry. For more information, call 757-441-2345.

Devault Family Vineyards Fall Family Fun
Devault Family Vineyards - Concord, VA (October 21-22, 2011)

The annual Fall Family Fun event at Campbell County's newest winery, extended to two evenings this year, will offer activities and fun for people of all ages. Situated on 32 beautiful rolling acres, Devault Family Vineyards will provide travelers with a selection of live music from a Beatles Tribute Band and Out of Spite, as well as a Haunted Woods and a variety of other family-friendly happenings. For more information, call 434-993-0561.

Fall Treats at Foggy Ridge Cider & Blacksnake Meadery

Dugspur, VA (October 22, 2011)

Fall in an apple orchard couldn't be better. Sample Foggy Ridge cider along with mead from neighboringBlacksnake Meadery, each paired with tasty seasonal treats. $5 fee covers tastings and food pairings at both locations.

MARTIN'S presents Richmond International Wine Excursion
Historic Tredegar Iron Works- Richmond, VA (October 28-29, 2011)

The first ever MARTIN'S presents Richmond International Wine Excursion will feature a weekend of premier wine events including grand tastings, a "locavore" luncheon and wine-tasting seminar. The event will also feature global cuisine from some of the Region's finest chefs and restaurateurs. Notable presenters include world-renown importer Bartholomew Broadbent and Georg Riedel, the 10th generation scion of the world-class Riedel Glass Company. It will be held on the grounds of the American Civil War Center at Tredegar.

Autumn Barrel Tasting at Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville, VA (October 29 - 30, 2011)
One of Virginia's oldest and finest wineries invites visitors to a special barrel tasting. This enhanced tasting will focus on valuable older vintages, along with a traditional sampling of new Octagon from the barrel. Caromont Farm will present award-winning artisan cheeses and fresh breads from Palladio Restaurant will refresh the palate. Admission Fee: $25.

Find these great events and more details on October Virginia Wine Month at www.Virginia.org/wine.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

A Brief Summary of the Fairfax County “South County” Area

You may have wondered… “What is this “South County” area of Fairfax County I keep hearing about?”  South County is composed of Lorton, Mason Neck, and parts of Fairfax Station and Springfield – The South County Federation describes these boundaries:  on the south by the Occoquan River (Prince William County), on the north by Fort Belvoir, the Fairfax County and Franconia-Springfield Parkways, on the east by the Potomac River, and on the west by Lee Chapel Road.  Regardless of exact definitions, the South County area is made up of many active and diverse neighborhoods, just a few of which include Crosspointe, South Run Oaks, Barrington, Newington Forest, Newington Commons, Saratoga, Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Laurel Crest, Laurel Highlands, Lorfax Heights, South Run Forest, Gunston Corner, Gunston Manor, Gunston Heights, and many other smaller communities.  These neighborhoods are vibrant communities –and maintain that “small town” family feel with active community associations, churches, schools, sports & clubs --while still having quick access to major commuter routes, shopping, and recreation.  Here is a map of Fairfax County so you can get an idea of the area… on this map, South County is composed primarily of part of the Mount Vernon District and a portion of the Springfield District.

Here are a few more details about the area:

South County Transportation-- South County is a unique location in that it is very convenient for commuters with quick access to Route 123, Route 1, I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway.  Public Transportation is accessible and close – options include VRE (in Lorton Station), metro bus, and Springfield Metro.   There are also numerous commuter parking lots, which serve as departure points for car and van pools and “slug” lines.  Lorton is the departure point for Amtrak’s “Auto Train” to Florida.

South County Parks and Rec, History, Arts – This area of the county has more open space than any other part of Fairfax County.  With the closing of Lorton Prison in the 1990s, Fairfax County Park Authority gained over 1000 acres of parkland – plus Lorton became an “up and coming” address with lots of new homes and an Art Center.  Check out some of the many options:

·         Mason Neck State Park  -- on the River, lots of wetlands and trails, offers special programs and classes -- http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml

·         Burke Lake – just outside of “South County,” but very close – this area was originally going to be an airport!! ; hiking, mini golf, Frisbee golf, picnicking, mini train, fishing, classes/camps through Fairfax County Parktakes-- http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake/

·         Lake Mercer – a hidden gem!  Hiking trails around lake, plus trails connecting it to Burke Lake and South Run Rec Center -- http://www.restonpaths.com/LakeMercer/index.htm

·         South Run Rec Center and Lee District Rec Center – fitness, indoor pool, all sorts of classes & camps through Parktakes -- http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/srunrec.htm and  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/leerec.htm

·         Occoquan Regional Park – boat ramp access to Occoquan River/Potomac River, trails, baseball fields, picnic shelters, occasional special programs -- http://www.nvrpa.org/park/occoquan/

·         Pohick Bay Regional Park –  boat launch facilities to access the Potomac River, Golf, Frisbee Football and the home of the Pirate’s Cove Waterpark!!  -- http://www.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay

·         Bureau of Land Mgmt Meadowood Recreation Area – public hiking and horseback trails, stalls for boarding horses, fishing ponds, occasional wild horse auctions -- http://www.blm.gov/es/st/en/fo/lpfo_html/nature_at_meadowood.html, Map: http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/es/meadowood/meadowood_trails.Par.66644.File.dat/2009_trail_map.pdf

·         Laurel Hill Park/Giles Run – former prison land with hiking and mountain biking trails, Frisbee golf in the Giles Run Meadow section, and part of the CCT/Greenway goes through here.  Future plans for Sports Complex and Equestrian Center.  See Map: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/laurelhill/ Giles Run: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/plandev/gilesrunmeadow.htm#

·         CCT/Greenway – 40 mile Cross County Trail running from the Occoquan to Great Falls -- http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cct/cctoverview.htm  --  Interactive map, you can click on different sections to see details about the trail.

·         Fountainhead Regional Park – Boat ramp to Occoquan Reservoir, special programs and hikes, extensive mountain biking trails, horse trails, hiking - http://www.nvrpa.org/park/fountainhead

·         Gunston Hall Plantation– George Mason’s home/farm, special events and programs -- http://www.gunstonhall.org/

·         Lorton Workhouse Arts Center – Housed in the historic prison site, many buildings with artists, special events, classes… a great place to visit!  -- http://www.workhousearts.org/

·         Laurel Hill Golf Course – Built on previous prison property, an 18 hole world class golf course, number 15 on the “Nation’s 50 Best Municipal Courses” --  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/laurelhill/

South County Shopping & Services – Easy access to great shopping and entertainment in Kingstowne, Occoquan and Woodbridge (home to Potomac Mills & Wegmans).  But over the last 10 years, other local options have popped up…  

·         Lorton Town Center  -- In the center of Lorton Station, has some great restaurants and little shops

·         Lorton Marketplace – restaurants and shopping

·         Smaller Shopping Centers, Restaurants & Services -- Lorton Library, Lorton Post Office, and the new Lorton DMV, Shoppes at Lorton Valley, Gunston Plaza, Saratoga Shopping Center, Fairfax Station Square,  Village Square at Silverbrook, Village Shops at Crosspointe

Schools – All schools in this area are part of the excellent Fairfax County Public School System.  Area elementary Schools include Gunston Elementary, Lorton Station, Silverbrook, Laurel Hill, Halley, Newington Forest, Sangster & Saratoga.  Middle/High Schools are South County Secondary, Hayfield Secondary and also includes areas that go to West Springfield, Lee, Robinson, and Lake Braddock.  A brand new middle school – South County Middle – will open for grades 7 and 8 in 2012.

National Consumer Protection Week - March 6-12, 2011

The 13th annual National Consumer Protection Week (http://www.ncpw.org/) is March 6-12th, and the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs office (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer/) is joining in with events all week long. To see their e-Newsletter, find out info about their Channel 16 Consumer programs, find out info about filing consumer complaints, tenant-landlord complaints, licensing requirements for solicitors/canvassers (did you know that in Fairfax county a salesperson at your door must be licensed?), and more visit their website. 

In their e-Newsletter, The Informed Consumer, Consumer Affairs gives the following information about National Consumer Protection Week:

Consumer Affairs (CA) is joining with federal, state, and local government agencies and national organizations to celebrate the 13th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) coming March 6-12, 2011. During NCPW, consumer education groups nationwide share tips and information that help consumers protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, and avoid frauds and scams.

Consumer Affairs is your Information Destination, focusing on Consumer Rights & Responsibilities. Throughout the week, CA will host free seminars featuring accomplished industry leaders and attorneys. Representatives from the Virginia Department of Treasury and the Office of the Attorney General will be joining CA to exhibit information booths and offer additional resources. For more information or to register for an event, please email consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov or call us at 703-222-8435 TTY 711.

National Consumer Protection Week Schedule of Events

Homeowners Association Open Forum	Monday, March 7	12:00-1:00 p.m.	Government Center Conference Room 4/5
How to be More Energy Efficient at Home	Tuesday, March 8	11:30-12:30 p.m.	Sherwood Regional Library
Automobile Rights and Responsibilities	Wednesday, March 9	1:00-2:00 p.m.	Government Center Conference Room 9/10
Getting the Best from Your Cable Company: Video, Voice & Data	Thursday, March 10	11:00-12:00 p.m.	Government Center Conference Room 9/10
Friday, March 11, 10:00 - 3:00 p.m., South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway Consumer Information Booth with VA Department of Treasury Unclaimed Property Division
March 7 - 10, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m., North Atrium, Government Center Consumer Information Booth: Investigators will be available to answer your questions.

AVOID ROUTE 50/FAIRFAX PARKWAY INTERCHANGE WEEKEND OF JAN. 8-9

From the VA Dept of Transportation:

AVOID ROUTE 50/FAIRFAX PARKWAY INTERCHANGE WEEKEND OF JAN. 8-9
Plan now to use alternate routes to avoid delays

FAIRFAX – The Virginia Department of Transportation is urging motorists to avoid the Route 50 and Fairfax County Parkway (Route 7100) interchange area on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 8-9, as lane closures for construction-related pile driving will cause major delays.  The lanes closures are in effect from 11 p.m. Friday night until 11 p.m. Sunday night.
Weather permitting, the following lane and ramp closures are planned:

On westbound Route 50, three lanes will narrow to one lane from West Ox Road to just west of the parkway.  Lanes will shift to the right through the work zone under the Fairfax County Parkway bridge.

On eastbound Route 50, three lanes will narrow to two lanes and traffic will shift to the right approximately 300 feet prior to the Fairfax County Parkway.  All three lanes will be open east of the bridge.

Two ramps will be closed: Northbound Parkway to westbound Route 50 and southbound Parkway to eastbound Route 50. Traffic headed north on the Parkway will turn left on Rugby Road to Route 50. Traffic headed south on the Parkway will be detoured left on Fair Lakes Parkway, and left on West Ox Road to Route 50.

On the Fairfax County Parkway over Route 50, one of two lanes in each direction will be closed.
Avoid eastbound Route 50:Shoppers heading to Fair Oaks Mall should use I-66 rather than Route 50 and Stringfellow Road rather than the Fairfax County Parkway.
Take Route 50 East to Route 28 South to I-66 East or to Route 29 North.
Take Route 50 East, turn right on Stringfellow Road, left on Route 29 North.

Avoid westbound Route 50:Leaving Fair Oaks Mall, take Fair Lakes Parkway, turn right on Stringfellow Road, left on Route 50
From I-66, continue west past Route 50 and exit at Route 28 North
Coming from the City of Fairfax, use Route 29 as an alternate route.
The lane closures are part of the Fairfax County Parkway and Fair Lakes Interchange construction project which began in late October.  VDOT’s contractor will be driving piles to add a pier to widen the Parkway bridge to three lanes over Route 50. The actual pile driving will be done between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. both days.

VDOT typically allows its contractors to close lanes only at night or on weekdays between rush hours.  However, this work requires at least 10 hours of uninterrupted construction which would not be possible on a weekday without affecting rush hour traffic.  The work cannot be done at night because Fairfax County’s noise ordinance prohibits pile driving at night. VDOT postponed the work until after the Christmas holidays to minimize impacts to shoppers.

Fairfax County police will be staged in the work zones for safety and traffic management.
More information on the construction project is available here. Motorists can sign up for traffic alerts at http://www.511virginia.org/.  

Transportation funds move toward transit, away from highways | Virginia Association of Realtors

Transportation funds move toward transit, away from highways Virginia Association of Realtors