Community Life
RE/MAX Premier in Ashburn VA: Grand Opening!
June 22nd, 2010 categories: Community Life
You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening of the new RE/MAX Premier office in Ashburn, Virginia on Thursday, June 24, 2010.
The Opening starts at 1 PM and goes till 7 PM with the Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 2 PM.
Tom Donegan, owner/broker of RE/MAX Premier, has led the project to open the new REMAX location. The facility continues REMAX Premier’s tradition of innovation and excellence in serving Northern Virginia’s real estate consumers. It features numerous state-of-the-art enhancements to help make the process of buying and selling real estate more client-focused and comfortable. REMAX Premier agents are among the finest in the nation, and this new facility will definitely help them continue along that path.
Also worthy to note, the very innovative media room will be available for event rental to local businesses and other organizations in need of a cost effective space that has all the features needed for media presentations. We have seen this facility and it is impressive, and a terrific alternative to the costly event room rates at most area hotels.
If you are in the area this Thursday do come by. We’d love to see you there. The Kathy O’Neal Team has been part of RE/MAX Premier for many years. Tom Donegan’s innovative, integrity-based, and consumer-oriented approach to real estate fits hand in glove with the philosophy of our team and we are thrilled to see this new office open its doors!
The new RE/MAX office is located near the intersection of Cape Court and Loudoun County Parkway (44675 Cape Court – Ashburn, VA 20147). Call Hollie at 703 318-0067 for any other details.
REMAX Premier- 44675 Cape Court - Ashburn, VA 20147
REMAX Premier new Ashburn VA office
RE/MAX Premier's Media Room
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What are the Top 100 places to live in the USA?
May 13th, 2010 categories: Community Life
In case you wanted to check out the most current list from Relocate America, here is their 2010 list of Top 100 Places To Live In America.
Glad to see that Fairfax and Alexandria, and Richmond made the list. I’d love to see Chantilly there some day!
The study considers momentum in the right direction as an important foundation for obtaining their better rankings. More specifically this includes good leadership, job opportunities, improving real estate markets, recreational options and an overall high quality of life.
How about Huntsville, Alabama grabbing the top slot! It was selected based on low levels of unemployment, a better than average real estate market, and low cost of living. Huntsville was in the fifth slot last year.
Here is the Relocate America top ten::
- Huntsville, AL
- Washington, DC
- Austin, TX
- San Diego, CA
- San Antonio, TX
- Tulsa, OK
- Charlotte, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Boulder, CO
- Minneapolis, MN
You can check out the Top 100 Places To Live In America 2010 at the Relocate America website.
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The Ballroom in Centreville VA: Dancing in the Light
February 10th, 2010 categories: Community Life
The Ballroom Dance Studio in Centreville is doing good work, helping their students fulfill what is for many a life long “itch” that has never been scratched.
The Ballroom in Centreville VA
I refer to your “inner dancer.”
You know, that poetic you that longs to show at least one other person that you really can dance.
Or maybe it is less poetic and more practical, like not feeling embarrassed on those occasions when you could dance but dare not because “you are just not a good dancer.”
This is what The Ballroom in Centreville, Virginia is all about. Helping people get their dancing shoes on, so that whenever the urge or practical necessity arises, they can make a good showing on any dance floor.
The highly seasoned team at The Ballroom – Darryl, Michele, and Alan – are ever enthusiastic about the joys and benefits of dancing. They will take you on a dance journey, either individually, as a couple, or in groups, that you will always remember, especially when you impress others at the next wedding reception, or other night out.
The Ballroom team is composed of highly trained pros – all certified by the ISTD – and their programs are fun, flexible, and very affordable. The only thing you have to lose, once and for all, it that fear of not being ready or able to dance when the spirit (or your spouse or girlfriend) calls you to the dance floor.
Next time, be ready!
More info, directions, programs, and pricing at The Ballroom website.
Lots of dance floor at The Ballroom in Centreville VA
Darryl & Alycia at The Ballroom in Centreville VA
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Chantilly Laced: Local area gets monumental snow storm
February 6th, 2010 categories: Community Life
Today would have been a typically busy Saturday of showing my home buyers properties in the Chantilly and surrounding area.
But it was not meant to be.
At least not until a snow-buried Northern Virginia and DC area get out from under what may be this area’s biggest snow storm…ever.
The record stands at 28 inches way back in 1922. As I write from Chantilly late Saturday afternoon, it appears at least in my immediate area, the snow has stopped.
We’ll see if this gigantic storm goes in the top slot. Whatever the case, this one will be remembered. Below are a few images of my and my neighbors back yards, which border Cub Run Stream Park.
PLEASANT VALLEY IN CHANTILLY
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Paradise Springs Winery: Newest and Only Vineyard in Fairfax County
February 3rd, 2010 categories: Community Life
Fairfax and Loudoun area home owners may not be travelling quite as much given the current economic environment. All the more reason to be aware of what is in our immediate area.
One interesting local attraction to put on your list is Fairfax County’s only vineyard, Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton.
If you have an appreciation for history, you will love the Paradise Springs story. We are talking serious history here! None other than Lord Fairfax himself provided the original land grant in 1716. Descendants of the same family still own the expansive Clifton area property to this day.
After an arduous campaign, which was not without controversy, to enable use of the property for agriculture – as with the vineyard and winery – the owners prevailed. They did not know “the wrath of grapes” would decend upon them when they started to make this happen, but they stayed with it. The result is that Fairfax County now has the first and only commercial vineyard in the County. Paradise Springs Winery is now open to the public.
Chatting with family member and co-owner, Kirk Wiles, it is obvious that the creation of Paradise Springs was and is a labor of love. Kirk is especially proud of keeping the land in agricultural use. He is also extremely serious about producing world class wines and currently has eight varietals released. They had their Grand Opening just a week or so ago, and Kirk tells me it was a huge success.
The property features an historic log cabin and tasting room. Frank Lloyd Wright fans might be interested to know that the renovation of the structure was done in 1955 by a Wright protege.
PARADISE SPRINGS WINERY IN CLIFTON VA
Of course, wineries are about the wine, and Paradise Springs is already making quite a name for itself with a growing list of awards. Visit their well designed website for location, hours, wine types, and other information. We wish Kirk, Jane, and Drew all the best as they make Fairfax history!
VINEYARD AT PARADISE SPRiNGS WINERY
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Relocating or living in Fairfax County Area? Know about “Visit Fairfax!”
January 30th, 2010 categories: Buyer Strategies, Community Life
Here at the Kathy O’Neal Team, as I work with home buyers who are relocating from other areas, the question always comes up, “What should I know about living here in the Northern Virginia area?” Real estate issues come up first of course, but close behind is the desire to know about the community and quality of life issues that everyone is concerned about.
If you are moving into the area, there is a wonderful resource that I want you to know about. Even, or should I say especially, if you already live in the Fairfax and Loudoun area, you will definitely want to know about Fairfax County’s official destination organization, “Visit Fairfax.” When it comes to giving you fast and comprehensive information on cultural and community related activities, and describing what an amazing place we call home, nobody does it better.
We often get immune to the attractions and charms of our immediate environment, but if you check out the Visit Fairfax website you will get a quick reawakening on just how special it is to live in this part of the world. There is an unending set of attractions, shows, historical sites, and community happenings to enjoy. Check the Events Calendar as well as the local community spotlights, for examples.
If you are relocating to Fairfax County or surrounding area, you will find relocation information on my other website, but don’t forget to check the Visit Fairfax Visitor Toolkit. It is an excellent resource to acquaint you with the wonders that are in our own backyard.
Providing leadership for Visit Fairfax, Barry Biggar (along with his dedicated staff) is always ready to talk about the thousand and one reasons anyone should either visit or relocate to Fairfax County. We hope to interview Barry on a future Chantilly Radio show, but until then check out their website and enjoy the many attractions that bring tourists from all over the world into our home turf.
By the way, if you are in or near Tyson’s Corner, and you’d like to see the “Visit Fairfax” Visitor Center pictured below, it is located inside Tyson’s Corner Center, on the second floor, just under the escalators up to the food court level.
As always, if you are moving into the Fairfax or Loudoun area, and need any real estate related information, just contact us and we will get you whatever you need.
"VISIT FAIRFAX" VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
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Fairfax Fire and Rescue Teams in Haiti
January 16th, 2010 categories: Community Life
Two teams of rescue workers from the wonderful men and women of the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed to Haiti. A first team from the county’s Fire and Rescues service was sent this past Thursday (January 14) , followed by a second team which arrived in the very early morning hours of Friday.
In addition to our thoughts and prayers for the devastated people of Haiti, we wish our Fairfax team, as well as all of the others who are in Haiti doing heroic work, every success in their noble efforts to assist in the rescue effort. We are all at a loss for words as we see the heart wrenching images of human suffering. May every effort to help the Haitians be blessed.
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MacHeaven: Help for Mac Users in Chantilly and Northern Virginia
January 3rd, 2010 categories: Community Life
If you use an Apple computer, you may already know about a “Mac Institution” here in Chantilly. MacHeaven is known by many Apple computer users as the place to go if you have problems with your Mac computer, or need other help or support that is Mac related.
MACHEAVEN IN CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA
But in case you were not aware, we wanted to let all of our RealEstateinChantilly.com readers who happen to be Mac users, know that this is a local resource.
MacHeaven owner and CEO, George Ehrlich, has been on the scene for several decades and has watched the organization grow. Over the years we have taken our Macs here for servicing and I have always appreciated the honest and reliable approach of George and his team. They know the Mac world inside out and upside down!
MacHeaven is authorized to do warranty repairs on your Apple computer as well as Apple Care servicing, and they also do a full range of non-warranty work as well. Their customers are businesses of all sizes and individual Mac owners.
Here at The Kathy O’Neal Team we have been Mac users for many years and on the occasion when we need help, MacHeaven has always been our trusted source for repairs and advice on all things MacIntosh, going back over 20 years.
If you are ever looking for help with your Mac, this is a local resource you’ll want to know about. For more information call MacHeaven at 703 968-8805, or visit their website.
"MACS OVER THE YEARS" AT MACHEAVEN IN CHANTILLY
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Aldie Equestrian Center: Good Horse Sense Near Chantilly
December 8th, 2009 categories: Community Life
In working with Chantilly area home buyers, I have driven by Aldie Equestrian Center countless times to show properties in places like Haymarket and other surrounding communities.
I have also worked with buyers seeking horse properties as well as those selling horse properties in these communities, and we do have many of our area residents who either want their children to get involved in riding lessons, or want to learn to ride as adults. So here is a little something to help out if you have been thinking about riding lessons, horse boarding facilities, or equestrian activities.
First of all, location. If you are heading west on Route 50, just turn left at Route 15, and very soon you will see the Center on your right.
The grounds look impressive with the various riding rings including one for indoor riding, as well as cross country jumps, and private and semi-private paddocks. There is a whole bunch of, I guess you would call them “equestrian amenities,” that the good folks at Aldie Equestrian Center have told us about. I am not a rider myself, but for any of our readers who are considering learning this wonderful activity, either as adults or for their kids, this looks like the place to check out.
The Center is a family business with a 40 year tradition behind it. If welcomes everyone from beginners to highly advanced. It is a “full service facility” so if you have a need that is horse related, the Center can probably help you out. For example, we were told, “…the center aisle way barn offers large stalls with mats, hot/cold wash stall, farriers station, tack rooms as well as a borders lounge. Our full-time barn staff lives on site.”
In chatting with Lindsay Fox, one of the experienced instructors as well as a member of the “founding family” at AEC, we learned that the Center offers riding lessons for both youngsters and adults. If you want to jump into this as an adult, don’t feel you are alone. Lindsay was telling us about the very positive impact that learning this skill has for riders of all ages. The confidence and poise it develops in young people was especially interesting. And for adults, we were told about the sense of personal happiness and satisfaction that so often comes to adults when they learn riding.
Another nice feature of the Center’s approach is the flexibility of the riding programs. Lindsay will work with you in structuring a program that is suited for your individual goals.
If you have been thinking about learning more about this activity, you don’t have to go far to get the information you need. Visit the Center website, or give them a call at 703 887-4622. And…happy riding!
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Centreville Presbyterian Church Presenting “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
November 30th, 2009 categories: Community Life
Centreville Presbyterian Church is really putting some effort and creativity into their musical production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” 
If you live in the Chantilly or Centreville area, you probably have driven by the church, located just west of the intersection of Lee Highway and Pleasant Valley Road.
If you are looking to take the family on a special Christmas type event this year, consider attending one of the two showings of “Amahl,” on Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, December 6 at 2:30 PM. Ticket are $10.00.
From what I have heard, they went “all out” this year to create a memorable and moving production that will touch your heart. Call the church for more information (703 830-0098) or visit their website.
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