endeavor - Annandale Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
endeavor - Annandale Chamber of Commerce
$5.00 ENDEAVOR Annandale Chamber of Commerce October 2012 2 3 President’s Message 4 From Capitol Hill 5 Chairman’s Corner 6 Elite Contractors 7 IGlobal University 8 9 10 11 The Garden Path 12 Arlington National Cemetery, Part II 14 Spruce Up for the Holidays 15 Halloween at the Parks 16 A Day of Family Fun 18 19 20 22 27 29 31 32 Real Estate Building the Annandale Marketplace Tory Bailey to Headline on the Festival Stage Nashville artist to perform at the Annandale Fall Festival Have you ever wanted to drive a NASCAR? Annandale’s Burke & Burke Insurance is hosting the Nationwide NASCAR with a driving simulator so you can test your skills. If history repeats itself, young children often beat their fathers in this test module. Dads, better start practicing your video game prowess before October 27th. Frazier Tree Service Finance Roads & Rage The Police Beat TAX TALK Tory Bailey on the Festival Stage The Chamber is proud to announce that the well know country artist, Tory Bailey, will highlight the entertainment slated for this year’s Fall Festival. Tory has been performing for over twenty years and recorded many original songs while living in Nashville. He has played with legendary country artists Waylon Jennings, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, and Sara Evans. The Annandale Fall Festival offers your family a full day of fun. The kids can experience a wide range of games while parents shop the Community Market with one hundred vendors selling fascinating products. All can relish the broad variety of amazing food being prepared to represent ten nationalities as well as traditional festival favorites while mesmerized by amazing entertainment. Bring your friends and family to celebrate Annandale. Tory was raised in Bedford, Virginia and now resides in Lynchburg. He started his career singing and performing with his parents, Wayne and Vickie Bailey, in their band, Denim and Lace. At the 2011 Fall Festival, Tory’s performance brought the crowd to their feet, many dancing in the aisles, and a deafening, appreciative applause The Festival Stage will also host three distinctly different International Dance Companies, The Reunion Music Jazz Ensemble, Soloists Camille New Members Thornton and Melanie Reuter, The Logan Kraft Band, and the eighty voice strong Fairfax ChoVolunteers Make the ral Society Children’s Chorus. World Go Around This spectacular celebration will close with a performance by Diva Maria from Richmond Chamber Chat who is a legendary Jazz and Pop Rock vocalist accompanied by her four piece band. Growing Be It Ever So up in a military family, Maria often entertains in Humble communities with significant military populaChamber Schedule tions. Elder Care in Fairfax County www.annandalechamber.com SEE THE OFFICIAL SHOW CAR OF THE NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES AT THE ANNANDALE FALL FESTIVAL Saturday, October 27, 2012—10 am to 5 pm Take a spin around the track in the Nationwide racing simulator and try your luck at some games. Sponsored by Burke & Burke Insurance 4115 Annandale Road Annandale, VA 22003 703-751-1001 continued page 16 3 et 2 October 2012 ENDEAVOR Message from the President By: Marilyn Hoosen As we all prepare for the fall season of festivities, drawing nigh the close of this calendar year, our interest remains peeked by the upcoming Annual Fall Festival and Parade, Halloween celebrations and costumes, the InterService-luncheon in November, our monthly networking luncheons and evening mixers (all found on the back of this magazine’s calendar of events), Thanksgiving dinner, our Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Annandale near Tollhouse, and of course, our observation of Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa and Eid, slowly driving us through a scenic route toward New Year’s Eve into day, and all culminating in the Chinese New Year. It often amazes me how quickly these occasions do pass and how our anticipation ANNANDALE enjoys a longer time horizon Chamber Of Commerce than the events themselves. Yet, Board of Directors this very angst in waiting creates PRESIDENT wonderful reasons for celebraMarilyn Hoosen, Morgan Stanley tion, renewed energies to exeSmith Barney cute our obligations and an imPRESIDENT ELECT bued optimism for the fresh beRichard Owen, President, ginnings of the coming year. Oh Knights of Columbus yes, the chance to create new VICE PRESIDENT resolutions or resurrect old ones Carol Zach Reuss that fell short in years past, is Annandale Shopping Center Marv Rodney, American Legion indeed formidable. It is, nonetheless, an opportunity to dust SECRETARY Dr. Barbara Saperstone off the old saddle and get back in NVCC the rodeo. In this regard, as your new President, I am elated to TREASURER George Kresslein, CPA share this adventurous wild ride together, entering our first holiPRESIDENT EMERITUS day season as one and declaring Dan McKinnon, USN retired to all a time spent undulated in IMMEDIATE PAST mirth. PRESIDENT Gavin Dock, Clarocode DIRECTORS Helen Winter, Annandale CBD Planning Committee Kurt Langenwalter First Command Financial Debi Pyne, Pyne Studios, Inc. Jeff Levine, Levine Design Studio Fred Coulter, Falls Church HS Hector Ochoa Burke & Herbert Bank Annandale, a community that has both the sophistication of a metropolis, and the same small town feel that binds neighbors and friends, builds itself into a festive frenzy as the autumn leaves fall, stores put out their best gift ideas, and lights adorn our town Holiday tree, symboliz- ing the spirit of the season. It is also an election year, where signs splatter sidewalks, determined politicians pin their hopes on winning their races, and voters make their traditional pant to polling stations. Please be sure to check that you have all the necessary identification to cast your ballot this November and that you have double-checked the locations in Annandale where you may vote. In keeping with our mandate, our Chamber takes no political position on candidates nor their platforms, but we are good stewards of our civic obligation to encourage all who have a stake in our community to engage the political system and have your voice heard. So, on behalf of the Annandale Chamber of Commerce and all of our members, we wish you a wonderful holiday season, making memories to share with your loved ones that will last a lifetime. For in the words of one Helen Keller, the best way to sum up our wish for all this season is in knowing that, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Here’s to Health, Happiness, and a Happy Holiday! Your President, Marilyn SERVING ANNANDALE SINCE 1957 COLUMBIA PIKE AND GALLOWS ROAD 703-256-2730 ENDEAVOR October 2012 3 REAL ESTATE Making Adjustments in Annandale By: Scott Pearson The world of real estate has changed due to market conditions, onerous lending practices, too little inventory, and the lack of local employment opportunities. Times like these have separated the professional career agents from those who wanted to make a quick buck for a few years. The real estate industry is still persevering and succeeding in changing times, but one thing has not changed. It’s a wacky business. Sure, you look over the homes and commercial businesses and everything looks quiet and normal in Annandale. Neighborhoods of bucolic peace seem to be everywhere. But lurking behind those doors are some of the most fascinating folks in the world known as buyers and sellers. One seller had a problem with hoarding. Not only did she want to sell her home before the county arrived to cart away her stuff, but she also wanted her real estate agent to make everything disappear (temporarily) until she could set-up a new hobbit hole. Professional real estate agents can chart a helpful course but the seller still has to call the moving company and be prepared to sort, box, donate, and toss their hoard. They can also call Moira Quinn who runs a packing service called Pack & Move. (To learn of her services, see page 21 of this ENDEAVOR or go to the chamber’s website and click on her ad. www.annandalechamber.com) . There are also properties tied up in estates with wills drafted by a lawyer who received his license from Fisher Price. The legal contortions that arise make for the real estate version of Twister with five heirs in line at the same time. Here again, agents earn their commissions working with the heirs, a sharp attorney, and top marketing skills. Dedicated agents will get the house sold in spite of the obstacles. Then there are the buyers who are looking for the perfect house. You patiently look at house after house in their price range and they find some perceived flaw with each one, but assure you that they fervently want to buy. The problem is they want a million dollar house on a $400,000 budget. These people are nice, kind and caring individuals who just need time to grasp reality. Professional agents accept that everyone wants a property just a smidge over their budget but when there are vast disparities between fantasy and reality, they educate their clients to market conditions. Most come around and are happy in their new digs. Commercial tenants can also be a sleigh ride of silly, thinking they’ve got more leverage than any rational person could find. Like the one client who needed some warehouse space to start a business. He had a business plan, a quality idea, and lots of talent. What he lacked was money and yet could not understand why that made a difference. Once on a course of raising capital, it took about a year to start his dream business. Or, how about the buyer who qualified for a loan, puts down a contract, and was ready to move into his new 4,000 square foot dream home? Unfortunately, before the deal was done he went out and spent tens of thousands on new furniture, thereby blow- ing up his credit. The loan was cancelled and the deal fell through at the last minute. He now has the best furnished storage locker in Annandale. Fortunately, he’s recovering. In fact, the interest rates have moved down so he should be in an improved position when the right property comes along. Annandale, the crossroads of Northern Virginia is the most central and convenient location in which to live. Incomes and education are above average as well as home values. The bottom did not dropout of Annandale’s market, which can’t be said for many of her neighboring communities. In fact, home prices have remained steady even if corrected as the market demanded but no sudden dips. Being a real estate agent in Annandale certainly presents challenges. In this market of low inventory, increasing demand and often stingy bankers, helping people buy and sell real estate is no longer a cake walk. You have to be willing to do more, work faster, and seek solutions to each problem. You have to know the difference between a problem and a deal killer and advise your clients accordingly. Most clients are normal, straight-up folks, who are embarking on a somewhat difficult path. But even here in Annandale, agents can’t always get away from the personalities who make for Real Estate lore. October 2012 4 ENDEAVOR From Capitol Hill Washington: Combating Distracted Driving: The Number One Killer of Teens Distracted driving is a growing epidemic on our roads across the nation and right here in Northern Virginia. It is now the number-one killer of teens in the United States, but a lot of adults are also multi -tasking as they drive along our busy roadways here in the Commonwealth. Whether it is texting, reading emails, talking on the cell phone, putting on makeup, combing hair, eating breakfast, reading the paper, or some other activity that distracts a driver, police officers have seen it all and say they are accidents waiting to happen. At any given moment, the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 100,000 drivers are texting in their vehicles and more than 600,000 others are using their cells phones while they drive. A recent Virginia Tech study showed that nearly 80 percent of all crashes, and 65 percent of all near-crashes, involved driver distraction. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than 416,000 people were injured, and 3,100 killed as a result of distracted drivers in 2010 alone. And locally we are seeing a similar increase. The Fairfax County Police Department reported a 48 percent jump in the number of citations issued for distracted driving infractions between 2010 and 2011. There are critical steps we can take to combat distracted driving and save lives. As Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I held the first-ever teenage driving summit in the county to bring together young drivers, parents, educators, and law enforcement to come up with strategies to cut down on teenage driver accidents. We identified several ways to reduce accidents, including improving driver’s education programs, expanding the county Police Department’s Youth Driver Program, and revok- ing school parking privileges for teens who violate traffic laws. In September, I lent my full support to an event in Tysons Corner that featured U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, insurance company officials and educators in a program to provide teen drivers and their parents with tools, resources, and information to stay safe. At the federal level, I’ve worked in Congress to build on my experience in local government to develop a partnership between the federal government and state and local officials to combat distracted driving. Included in the Transportation Authorization bill signed into law by the President, was a distracted driver provision. This provision creates a grant program for states to enact laws to prevent texting while driving and prevent cell phone use by teen drivers. This legislation is a great step toward making our roads safer. To further strengthen our efforts to fight distracted driving, I have sponsored revenue-neutral legislation to increase funding for prevention and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of texting while driving. I still have vivid memories of meeting with the grieving parents of a young woman who died in an accident a few blocks from her home. The investigation determined she had been texting while driving. That one tragic moment cemented my conviction that we need to do more, not less, to combat distracted driving and reduce such tragedies in the future. Honorable Gerald E. Connolly (VA 11th District) 434 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-1492 http://connolly.house.gov District Director: Sharon Stark 703-256-3071 ENDEAVOR October 2012 5 Chairman’s Corner Fairfax: Back to School in Fairfax County By: Sharon Bulova, Chairman Fairfax County Board of Supervisors When I was a little kid, I hated school. The transition from top -dog, oldest child in the family to one-of-many at an overcrowded Catholic elementary school in the suburbs of Baltimore wasn't easy for me. I worried about everything. Did I have the right kind of notebooks? Book bag? Lunchbox? What if I got lost on the way to my classroom? Would the teacher ask me something I didn't know? It is not easy being a little kid. During the last few weeks of August, I participated in a number of Back-to-School events hosted by the Fairfax County Public Safety family. To help disadvantaged and homeless children, our Fire & Rescue personnel and our Sheriff's Department organized haircuts, backpack drives and shopping opportunities at Target so that all of our Fairfax County students can start the school year with what they need to succeed. On August 7th, I rode with Police Chief Dave Rohrer to National Night Out events throughout Fairfax County where neighbors gathered to demonstrate the importance of strong, vigilant and caring communities - neighbors looking out for each other in partnership with public safety. Two years ago I received a handwritten letter that I've kept in my office to remind me of the value of these programs. As September begins, with children returning to school now that summer vacation is over, I'd like to share the letter with my Byline readers: To the Sheriff's Department of Fairfax, I have two children, a seven year old and a two year old. My husband and I lost our jobs the beginning of 2010. Due to our health we couldn't pay our rent any longer. We decided to go to a shelter to keep our family together. We didn't know what we were going to do or how to do it. School was going to start soon and we didn't know how we were going to get school supplies, school clothes, snacks, lunches or backpacks. Friday morning came. Staff knocked on my door and I got the shock of my life. I got Angelica, my seven year old, dressed so fast it was unbelievable. We went downstairs and there was a school bus. A sheriff was driving it. The staff said parents aren't going, but some of the staff was going and there would be more sheriffs, both women and men. They were taking twelve boys and girls to shop for school clothes and other things. When Angelica came back she was so, so happy!! We couldn't believe how many bags she had. When we opened the bags I was so happy I cried. She had clothes for school, shoes, socks, underwear, and something to play with. I just want to thank the Sheriffs that took part in that whole day and made time for families like us. I am still amazed every time I think about or talk about it. It was like Christmas time for us. My family can't thank you enough and will never forget what you guys did. Fall is shaping up to be a busy and challenging time. While we have made significant progress during the past few years, we are still struggling with a sluggish recovery from the Great Recession. Fairfax is exercising caution as we prepare for the impact Federal budget reductions might have on our economy and the services we provide. We continue to fight for our fair share of State revenue for education, human services and transportation. But it's important to reflect on the many things that contribute positively to the quality of life we enjoy. I truly believe Fairfax County is the greatest place to live, work, play and raise a family. Thanks to an active, engaged community, our professional and caring Fairfax County workforce and our generous corporate neighbors. I look forward to working with you during the months ahead! Sincerely, Shopping with Deputy PFC Nick Andariese, Dylan (middle), and Justin www.Facebook.com/sharonbulova October 2012 6 ENDEAVOR Subway Elite Contractor Services Two locations in Annandale A Local Firm with Vision 7857-A Heritage Drive, Annandale . 703-663-8272 7223 Poplar Street, Annandale . 703-813-1769 Emil Ranakusuma, owner of the Subway on Columbia Pike next to the Firehouse has opened a second location at Heritage Shopping Mall near Annandale High School. Emil, raised in Indonesia, moved to Cleveland to study at the University. Upon completion of his MBA in Marketing, he opened his first Subway franchise in Annandale. Why Annandale? Emil first appreciated Annandale’s history deeply rooted for 317 years in the country’s history. Second, he enjoyed the broad diversity of the community and has eagerly embraced his new home. Elite Contractors Service is a home improvement and general contractor based in Annandale and serving Northern Virginia and the District. Their in-house architectural designer can meld your functional needs with your vision to create an enhanced and beautiful space for both commercial remodeling and home improvements. Emil Ranakusuma Owner ANNANDALE SUBWAY ARCIS LLC 7120 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 914-0391 Phone (703) 738-6563 Fax (888) 703-3090 Fax (703) 789-3459 Cell [email protected] www.subway.com Always a good sport, Emil dons a submarine sandwich costume most years to join the Chamber’s Annual Parade and is involved in efforts to revitalize the community. It is not widely known that Subway offers free wireless internet access to their customers, many fundraising programs for athletic teams, lunch programs for private schools and companies, online ordering, and has VIP rewards and discounts for members. Drop into either location. You will be warmly welcomed. Are you looking for a kitchen or bathroom renovation? Elite can customize for your individual specifications while enhancing the room with proper lighting and flooring. Do you need your windows, roof, or siding replaced? Their qualified technicians are trained and experienced to handle any type of window installation including awning, double-hung, casement and picture windows. Elite’s team of licensed and insured technicians are both experienced and knowledgeable about the latest products and trends. They will deliver unmatched service and firstrate results that you can enjoy for years. Here are five reasons why you should choose your remodeling services from Elite Contractors: They are certified from the Virginia Board for Contractors License Class A. They hold a District Of Columbia Contractor License. They carry $2,000,000 General Liability Insurance and Workers compensation. EPA and OSHA Certified and because, Their promise is to be on time every time and are not satisfied until you are. ENDEAVOR October 2012 7 IGlobal University Grasshopper Green Revolutionizing Education Globally A warm and comforting environment for learning and discovering 7700 Little River Tpk # 600, Annandale (corner of Hummer) . 703-941-2020 4955 Sunset Lane, Annandale . 703-256-4711 IGlobal University recently attained national accreditation for its Master of Business Degree (MBA) program. MBA classes are held on weekends to help working professional students attend classes without interrupting their jobs and the school also offers online classes. Most part-time students take 1.5 to 2 years to complete the required 12 courses for an MBA degree and “fasttrack” students can complete all the degree requirements within a year. Founded in 1939, Grasshopper Green is the oldest private school in Northern Virginia. Beginning in the old Christ Church in Arlington before relocating to Annandale, Grasshopper Green has had a long tradition of excellence. The school today, originally a farmhouse was converted to a school in 1962. It is a warm and comforting environment for learning and discovering. The secluded campus includes 3 buildings, a gymnasium, meadow, blacktop, and a large 3 acre playground. There are a large number of major concentrations to meet increasing demand in the local job market. Concentrations include Management, Marketing, Information Technology, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Education, Homeland Security, Public Service and Administration, Global Business Management, Criminal Justice, and Church Leadership & Management. Grasshopper Green is a unique pre-school run by teachers and staff who love children and thrive on watching them grow. Here they celebrate childhood, a time of wonder, curiosity, and investigation. Dedicated to individual growth and development, Grasshopper Green is more than the typical day care center caring for children ages 2-5 years. IGlobal University was founded in 2008 by Dr. David Sohn, who was the founder, president and CEO of International Computers and Telecom, Inc. (ICT), which was ranked the 76 th Fastest Growing Private Company in America in the 1992 Inc. 500 List. Retiring from business, Dr. Sohn discovered a new passion in education and founded IGlobal University with a global vision to transform the world through the most effective education. Selecting a pre-school for your child is a big step. Stop by Grasshopper Green for a tour of the school; tours are given daily. You’ll love the teachers and home-like atmosphere and park-like setting. The best time to tour the school is between 9 AM and 12 PM but you are welcome to come any time of the day. Call them at 703-256-4711 to schedule your tour. Since Dr. Sohn is so dedicated to making higher education attainable to all, especially underprivileged (financially, physically or socially) people throughout the world, IGlobal University offers affordable tuition rates and many scholarships to students in need. If you are seeking an MBA degree from an accredited, affordable school, contact IGlobal University at [email protected]. Grasshopper 4955 Sunset Lane Annandale, VA 22003 (off Backlick Road at Sunset Lane) 703-256-7232 www.grasshoppergreen.com 8 October 2012 ENDEAVOR The Garden Path Gardening Tips for Fall By: Donna P. Campbell, Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor™ Living If you have gardening questions, please email: [email protected] Your question and answer will be published in the next edition. October Fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and fall annuals. Feed your feathered friends! Install plants that provide berries pyracantha, beautyberry and hollies; install bird feeders and bird seed. Plant icicle pansies for fall and spring color. Plant fall bulbs for spring color; remember to add Espoma Bulb-tone to the soil- environmentally safe and enhanced with Bio-tone beneficial microbes. Remove dead blossoms on butterfly bush (Buddleia). Re-seed your lawn. Top dress the lawn with organic compro to fertilize and add nutrients to the soil and grass; your lawn’s health will be invigorated and you’ll love the results this spring. Time to fertilize your lawn with organic compro (safe for humans & animals) to restore the lawn’s soil life and fertility in tired, sterile, compacted soils and to rejuvenate tired, sick lawns. You’ll see amazing results in your lawn in the spring. Divide your perennials. Always use Master Nursery Root Master B-1 or Plant Starter 3-10-3. Save leaves for compost; they provide a great amount of organic matter to the existing soil. Bring patio tropicals such as Hibiscus, Mandevilla, Allamanda, Bougainvillea and Oleander indoors. Transplant tropicals into a bigger container and use Espoma organic potting mix. Feed tropicals with Osmocote Slow Release 19-6-12 Plant Food or Shultz All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer 10-15-10. Follow all directions on the label. Prune evergreens to shape. November Plant trees and shrubs; fall is a healthy & safe time to install when the ground is not frozen. Time to plant your spring bulbs! Prepare soils with peat moss, Leaf-gro soil conditioner and cattle manure! Add Plant-Tone granular fertilizer. Use Bonide animal repellent to protect bulbs from damaging squirrels and voles. Generally speaking most perennials can be cut back to the ground in late fall after a killing; add the debris to the compost pile and spread mulch over the perennials at a depth of 2-3 inches to provide insulation to the plants. Plant your Amaryllis and paper white narcissus bulbs indoors now and enjoy the lovely colorful flowers this holiday season. December Call now to schedule a landscape consultation with a landscape designer for your landscape design or redesign; perfect time to avoid the spring rush. Campbell & Ferrara landscape design department is open year round. Spray Wilt-Pruf on broadleaf evergreens to prevent winter burn. Add leaf compost and pine needles to perennial beds for winter protection. Plant bulbs indoors: Amaryllis, Hyacinths and Crocuses. Poinsettia care: never allow soil to dry out, place in bright indirect light that in a well ventilated area. Get ready for the holidays. Decorate with lovely indoor holiday plants such as Poinsettia, Cyclamen, African Violets, Gloxinia, and Christmas Cactus and of course the gorgeous tropical Orchid. Freshly cut Christmas trees, natural swags, wreaths, and garlands are now available; apply Wilt-Pruf to extend green color and avoid dehydration. Plants need water all year long, even in the winter. Use your moisture meter to determine your plant’s watering needs. Add indoor plants to your home or work environment to provide beauty to your environment, improve the health of October 2012 ENDEAVOR 9 The Garden Path Gardening Tips for Summer your environment and to increase your positive feelings. Our plant experts at the Campbell & Ferrara Garden Center will help you find an indoor-plant suitable to the environment in your home. The Benefits of Indoor Plants As the days grow shorter and there is less color out-of-doors, create your own lively, healthy and colorful paradise with lush indoor plants. Houseplants add beauty to your environment, improve overall mood and improve the quality of the air you breathe. A 2007 study by The Center for Health Design examined the role nature plays in the healthcare environment. Citing research by Ulrich, it states the use of plants and natural elements reduces stress, supports pain management and promotes an overall sense of well-being. A view of plants increases positive feelings and reduces stress, fear and anger. Plants enhance creative problem-solving skills among men and women. Plants help reduce the level of many common indoor air-borne impurities or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These toxins are a common cause of sick building syndrome. Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with oxygen. When plants are present, employees are more satisfied with their jobs and reported fewer ailments. Workers in plant-friendly environments miss fewer days of work and experience less job stress. Plants help reduce noise level, decrease temperature and lower humidity. Send Donna your gardening questions at: [email protected] TREE SERVICES Removal—Topping—Trimming—Cabling—Weight Reduction Filling Cavities—Firewood for Sale—Stump Removal TIM W. FRAZIER 1-888-TRE-TRIM (1-888-873-8746) Toll Free LANDSCAPING SERVICES Edging & Mulching—Seeding & Sodding—Top Soil Lot Cleaning—Trimming Bushes & Hedges FULLY INSURED and SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Make Your Thanksgiving Reservation Today $10 off Any purchase of $50 or more with this coupon. Not valid with other promotions or on holidays. Expires 12-31-2012 4231 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-370-7900 www.temporestaurant.com October 2012 10 ENDEAVOR FINANCE: When to Consider a Living Trust Financial Advisor Marilyn Hoosen, MSSB Living trusts are flexible estate planning structures that place you in full control of your assets during your lifetime, and can help to simplify the settlement of your estate after you are gone. The philosophy behind the common phrase carpe diem, or seize the day, can be applied when an individual chooses to establish a revocable living trust: it ensures that your assets are managed according to your wishes today while you are alive, and in the future, when you are gone. Living trusts are flexible estate planning structures that can be tailored to satisfy a range of planning needs and wishes. Because you serve as the trustee and maintain full control over the assets placed in trust during your lifetime, a living trust offers what many consider to be the most valuable benefit of all: peace of mind. The following are some of the most compelling reasons to create a living trust. Reason #1—You can avoid probate. A living trust is often used as a “substitute will” to transfer assets to heirs and avoid probate. Individuals typically place all assets in a trust and name themselves as income beneficiaries during their lifetime. Upon death, remaining trust assets are passed on to designated heirs without the need or cost of passing through probate court. How a Revocable Living Trust Works: Probate costs vary widely from state to state, but on average, attorney, court and other fees can eat up about 5% of your estate. If the estate is complicated, the fees can be even larger. Aside from the cost, the probate process can take time: up to a year or more in many states. Tax Tip—Income from property held in the living trust is reported on your personal income tax return. No additional forms or filings are necessary as long as you are both the “grantor”(i.e., the individual who set up the trust) and the trustee.2 Reason #2—You become incapacitated. While other planning mechanisms, such as a durable power of attorney, can achieve similar objectives, a living trust is a more flexible, user-friendly alternative. In the event that you become incapable of managing your financial affairs due to physical or mental illness, assets in a living trust may be managed by the person you named to serve as trustee at your death (or, if you made a shared trust, the other trustee, typically a spouse) in keeping with your wishes. Keep in mind that with a living trust, nothing is “set in stone.” Because it is a revocable instrument, you can amend or revoke a living trust at any time. If the trust is shared with a spouse or partner, both of you must agree on changes, but either of you may revoke the trust at any time. Reason #3—You lack the ability or desire to manage your own finances. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the thought of managing the sizeable inheritance you just received. Maybe you are a widow who always relied on your spouse to handle the finances. Or maybe you are a busy entrepreneur who would rather entrust the management of your wealth to a competent professional. Whatever the reason, you can name a trustee (e.g., a bank or other financial institution, a financial advisor or other trusted individual) to manage the trust’s assets for you. If a professional trustee is named, that entity is bound by law to take great care in managing and protecting your assets. While a living trust can greatly simplify estate planning, it would be misleading to present it as a cure-all solution. Contact me to learn more about the benefits and limitations of living trusts and other potential tools to include in your overall estate plan. For More Information If you’d like to learn more, please contact Marilyn Hoosen , Financial Advisor, MSSB Tel: (703) 556-8113 www.fa.smithbarney.com/marilyn.s.hoosen Footnotes/Disclaimers: 1Sources: The Internal Revenue Service, Reg.1.671-4; Fairmark.com. 2Source: Nolo’s Guide to Living Trusts, Nolo.com, 2009. *Sources: From McGraw Hill, The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MSSB. The information and data in the article has been obtained from sources outside of MSSB and MSSB makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of MSSB. MSSB and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice, are not “fiduciaries”( under ERISA, the IRS code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein, and this material was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by any tax payer, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals should consult their personal tax and legal advisors before making any tax or legal related decisions. ENDEAVOR October 2012 11 ROADS AND RAGE Streetcars for Bailey’s By: M. Callahan Herend Artist Event Saturday, Nov. 24th at AnnSandra NORA FLEMING ALL CLAD S PECIAL S AVINGS & S ERVICE for those who appreciate the T RULY D ISTINCTIVE Herend AnnSandra is proud to announce that we have become a Preferred Retailer of Herend China. Visit our store to view their masterful hand painted designs and sculptures on dinnerware, figurines, home accessories & children’s collections. Low Price Guarantee Gift Wrapping & Shipping Wedding Registry & Corporate Gifts LYNN CHASE WEDGWOOD WATERFORD HEREND 703-354-2110 800-357-2110 4417 JOHN MARR DRIVE, ANNANDALE, VA 22003 www.annsandra.com [email protected] TEA FORTE VERA BRADLEY MICHAEL ARAM SIMON PEARCE JULIA KNIGHT YEOWARD HEREND MARIPOSA NAMBE 60 percent said that higher quality transit, like a streetcar, was important to very important in choosing to develop along the corridor. 64 percent said that a streetcar would cause them to add more residential units to their developments (32 percent indicated a 25 percent or greater increase in units while another 32 percent reported a 4 to 14 percent increase). 70 percent said that a streetcar would increase retail sales volume per square foot. 40 percent reported that they were more likely to develop along the corridor as opposed to other places in Fairfax or Arlington without rail service. What is Anticipated 4-10% increase in property values within a quarter mile of the line 10% new development along the corridor Addition of $82 million in sales revenue, taxes, businesses It is hoped that this streetcar line will be extended further along Columbia Pike, sooner rather than later, through Annandale's portion of Mason District and on into Fairfax via Route 236. Without a county backed project to jump start redevelopment in Annandale's Central Business District, revitalization does not seem likely. For more information see: www.annandalechamber.com under Our Community/ Revitalization. SPODE According to a joint study released by Chairman Bulova’s office, Fairfax and Arlington developers viewed the following as benefits to the streetcar plan. The Bailey's area is expected to experience a population growth of 21% and a job growth of 23% by 2030. In this revitalization area, as in most, the transit oriented development strategy is a vital component in creating a mixed-use urban center. The streetcar plan will also reduce pollution and the dependency on automobiles. LENOX The line will run 4.9 miles from Pentagon City in Arlington County to Skyline in Fairfax County. Three stations are planned in Fairfax County's portion of the line at Goodwin House, Jefferson Street and Skyline where the highest bus ridership in Northern Virginia at 16,000 riders per day can be found. Since streetcars can accommodate more riders than buses and ridership is expected to double in the next eighteen years, this is good news. licenses and other fees over 30 years. $156 million of additional property tax from increased development over 30 years. JULISKA The Columbia Pike Streetcar Plan (a joint project with Arlington County) has been approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors after many years of consideration. According to Chairman Sharon Bulova, “The streetcar will relieve congestion and present economic development opportunities for the Skyline area and serve a population with the demonstrated support and need for transit,” Bulova continued, “Light rail has the potential to become an important part of the transportation network as we look to add new options and expand service in Fairfax County.” BERNARDAUD 12 October 2012 ENDEAVOR Arlington National Cemetery HONOR – REMEMBER – EXPLORE By: Marv Rodney just 624 acres, veterans and military casualties from each of our nation’s wars are interred, ranging from the American Civil War to our current military action in Afghanistan and Iraq. PreCivil War dead were reinterred after 1900. In the July issue of ENDEAVOR, an historic perspective on the origin of Arlington National Cemetery was presented. This article will discuss some of Arlington conducts the major sections and burial 6,900 burials, the second criteria at the cemetery. largest number of all the National Cemeteries. Arlington National Cemetery, or simply Arlington to all who The largest number of live near-bye, is a military burials is performed at the cemetery established in 1864 Calverton National Cemeduring the Civil War. It is tery on Long Island, New both the most hallowed burial York with more than 7,000 ground of our Nation’s fallen each year. and one of the most visited tourist sites in the WashingArlington is administon, DC area. The grounds of tered by the Department of Arlington National Cemetery the Army unlike other cemhonor those who have served eteries which are adminisour nation and their families tered by the Department of with a sense of beauty and Veterans Affairs (VA) or peace. The rolling green hills by the National Park Serare dotted with trees, some vice which administers that are older than the cemeArlington House and its tery itself, monuments, and grounds as a memorial to gardens throughout its 624 Robert E. Lee. developed acres which contains approximately 400,000 39 authorized faith emindividual grave sites. The blems are offered for placeimpressive landscape serves ment on markers as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of all who rest here Burial criteria: review and the families that visit Part II of Title 32, Code of here. Federal Regulations which includes info on eligibility Approximately 27 funerals are for internment (ground conducted each workday or burial) or inurnment. 6,900 per year providing a final farewell. In an area of Arlington is divided into 70 sections, with some reserved for future expansion. Several sections are known for specific dedication such as the “Nurses Section” or Section 21. Several others include: “Chaplains Hill” which contains monuments to military chaplains; a Confederate section that was authorized by Congress in 1900 and contains the bodies of Confederate soldiers who were buried at the Soldiers’ Home – all Confederate headstones in this section are peaked rather than rounded; and Section 27 where more than 3,800 former slaves, known as Contrabands during the Civil War, are buried with headstones designated with the word Civilian or Citizen. The Veteran’s Administration oversees the Cemetery Administration’s Orders for placement of inscriptions and faith emblems at no charge to the estate of the deceased. The next of kin submits the information that will be placed on upright marble headstones or columbarium niche covers. The VA currently offers 39 authorized faith emblems for placement on markers to represent the deceased’s faith – this number has grown in recent years. Due to limited space, the criteria for ground burial eligibility are more restrictive than at other national cemeteries. It is slightly less restrictive for inurnment in the columbarium. The Cemetery has numerous memorials and monuments located within its perimeters, most notably the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknowns. These two memorials, together with others selected, will be the subject of future editions of the ENDEAVOR. Memorials of great interest are the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial; the USS Maine Memorial; the Lockerbie Cairn Memorial; and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial which is located adjacent to the Ceremonial Entrance to the Cemetery. In 2012, legislation began moving through Congress to approve a Place of Remembrance Memorial which will be an ossuary designed to contain fragments of remains which are unidentifiable through DNA analysis. The remains will be cremated before placement in the memorial. Interior of Memorial Amphitheater October 2012 ENDEAVOR 13 Arlington National Cemetery “Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” Daniel Webster The Eternal Flame at the Grave of John F. Kennedy The first soldier to be buried in Arlington was Private William H. Christman of P e n n s yl v a n i a on May 13, 1864. As of May 2006, there were 367 Medal of Honor recipients resting here, nine of whom are Canadian. Honor Guard prepares to fold flag over President Kennedy’s coffin. Five state funerals have been held at Arlington: those of Presidents William Taft and John F. Kennedy; that of General John J. Pershing; and that of U.S. Senators Robert and Edward M. Kennedy. Whether or not they were wartime service members, U.S. presidents hold the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Services. Full military honors are naturally afforded this rank. Among the most frequently visited sites in the cemetery is the grave of President John F. Kennedy who is buried with his wife and two of their children. His remains were interred at the current site on March 14, 1967, a re-interment from his original Arlington burial site some 20 feet away and remembered by all who lived in November 1963. The grave is marked with what has become recognized world wide as Kennedy’s eternal flame. Mrs. Kennedy wished to mark the President’s grave with a symbol that would never be extinguished, much like his memory. Arlington National Cemetery has not been without controversy. On June 9, 2010, the Secretary of the Army reprimanded the Cemetery’s superintendent and deputy after a Department of Defense inspector general’s report revealed that cemetery officials had placed the wrong headstones on tombs, buried coffins in shallow graves, and buried bodies on top of one another. A subsequent invesThe Tomb of the Unknowns tigation revealed that cemetery employees were burdened in their day to day work by, Columbarium: a cham“dysfunctional management, ber or wall or a niche withlack of established policy and in that wall in which urns procedures, and an overall containing the ashes of the unhealthy organizational dead are stored. climate.” As a result of the investigators’ conclusions, Ossuary: an urn or a Kathryn Condon, the recently vault used to hold the bones appointed Director of the of the dead. Army Cemeteries Program, announced that the ceme367 Medal of Honor tery’s staff had been inrecipients are buried at Arcreased from 102 to 159 and lington, nine of whom are the Army was acquiring addiCanadian. tional equipment in order to properly perform their misThe Tomb of the Unsion to the standards set by knows is guarded 24-hoursthe Department of the Army. a-day, 365-days-per year All has been quiet since those by specially trained memactions were implemented. bers of the 3rd US Infantry also known as The Old If you have any comments, Guard. questions or would like more details regarding this article, please contact Marv Rodney at 703-328-3052 or online at [email protected]. In next quarter’s issue I will discuss the Amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknowns. The above information was extracted in part from The Official Website of Arlington National Cemetery and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The Memorial Amphitheatre was the scene of General John (Black Jack) Pershing’s funeral. Tomb of the Unknows carved from marble found in Marble, Colorado and mined by the Vermont Mining Company March 24, 1931 14 October 2012 ENDEAVOR MaidPro of Alexandria Your answer to sprucing up for the Holidays MaidPro Alexandria serves the Greater Annandale area and is the premier cleaning service in Northern Virginia. Whether you want weekly, bi-weekly or just a one-time cleaning, they’ll design cleaning services to meet your needs. Second to none, they pay attention to the details both big and small and the things that matter most to you. Maid Pro follow up after every clean to get your feedback. If by chance they miss the mark, let them know and your concerns will be given their immediate attention. Maid Pro service providers are professionally trained and committed to providing excellent service. To help ensure that they meet your needs a 49 Point Checklist assures that everything is done right, on time, every time. Contact them today for your free and easy estimate. It only takes 15 minutes to discuss your home cleaning needs via telephone or obtain a quote on their website at www.maidpro.com/ alexandria. If consistent and dedicated customer service is what you want, and superior quality is what you expect; MaidPro Alexandria is here to serve you. ENDEAVOR October 2012 15 Halloween at the Parks Fairfax County Park Authority To register call 703-569-3464. Then from 6-9:00 p.m. it’s fun for all ages at Lake Accotink’s Goblin Golf and Spook-tacular Carousel event. Dare yourself to venture onto the haunted mini-golf course to play a round of mini-golf with glow-in-the-dark golf balls, ride the spooky carousel and join in storytelling over a cup of hot chocolate around a beach bonfire. $7 per person. Costumes are welcome, but not required. To register, call 703-569-3464. Lake Braddock Boneyard Halloween history takes center stage at Sully Historic Site for the third annual All Hallows’ Eve celebration. It’s a familyfriendly event designed to shed light on centuries-old customs that evolved into the holiday traditions of today. Four days of fall harvest fun are on tap at Frying Pan Farm Park’s Fall Carnival. Enjoy games and rides from October 18 – 21. On Saturday and Sunday October 20-21, try your hand at farm chores. Milk a goat, shuck corn, peel apples, meet the farm animals and see traditional farm demonstrations. Admission is free, but there is a charge for carnival and wagon rides. For more information, call . 703-437-9101 or see the Events section of the fall issue of Parktakes magazine: http://www.fxparks.org/e-ptfa12.htm. “Our event gives you a glimpse of things that would have been done on All Hallows’ Eve in the 18 th and 19th centuries and before,” said Sully event coordinator Barbara Ziman. “Halloween is typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest.” The Sully celebration features cooking demonstrations, storytelling and other games and activities that were once popular at Halloween, a shortened version of All Hallows’ Eve. It all takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 20th at Sully historic site in Chantilly. Can’t make it to Sully? There are several other fall harvest activities scheduled in parks, including a double-header October 27 at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. It starts at 2 p.m. with the “Howloween” Dog Costume Contest and Boneyard Hunt, which gives you a chance to show off your furry family member’s unique personality. The dog costume contest is followed by a walk through the “boneyard” to sniff out well-earned treats. All dogs must be leashed and friendly toward other dogs, children and people of all All Hallows Eve at Sully Plantation ages. $6 per dog. October 20th from 5-7 PM Howloween Dog Costume Contest at Lake Accotink October 2012 16 ENDEAVOR Come to the Annandale Parade & Fall Festival Sixty-Two Year Tradition and Better than Ever PARADE: The popular Annandale Parade and Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 beginning at 10:00 AM. Marching along Columbia Pike from the historic white church all the way to the Bowling Alley/ Safeway, thousands of participants from Clowns, Storybook Characters, and Marching Bands to Antique Vehicles, Fire Trucks, Civic Organizations, Scouts, and beautifully costumed International Dancers will parade before the residents of Greater Annandale. Sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce, this sixty-two year old tradition only gets bigger and better every year. This year’s Grand Marshal is Mr. Roy Eppard who will, after the police and fire escorts, lead the parade over to the festival grounds in the Safeway Parking Lot on Little River Turn- Entertainment Schedule 10:00 AM 10:45 AM 11:15 AM 11:40 AM NOON 12:30 PM 1: 15 PM 1:45 PM 3:00 PM Reunion Music Jazz Ensemble Tinkus Cochabamba Dance Group Camille Thornton (Pop-Country) Fraternidad Cultural Pachama Dancers Melanie Reuter, FCHS – Broadway Hits Fairfax Choral Society Children’s Chorus Authentica Diabladz Arbieto Dancers Logan Kraft Band (Pop Rock) Headline Performance by Tory Bailey (Country Western) 4:15 PM Diva Maria (Jazz & Pop Music) The Secret Garden Performance Schedule NOON: OSMAR the Magician 1:00 PM Bob Brown Puppet Show 2:00 PM OSMAR the Magician 3:00 PM Bob Brown Puppet Show pike. Judges, who are positioned on the reviewing platform in the Giant Food lot, will be representatives from the Annandale Women’s Club. The most popular announcer in the Parade’s history, Bob Reuss, will be back again this year to provide his enthusiastic color commentary on the procession. Children in the community are invited to watch the parade in their Halloween costumes and to collect the frequent gifts of candy that the marching groups handout. Bring your Trick or Treat Bags! Looking for a day of family fun? Start at the parade and then stroll over to the Fall Festival for a day filled with fun, food, entertainment, and games. FALL FESTIVAL: In the Community Market one hundred vendors will contribute hours of enjoyment and an early opportunity for holiday gift shopping. Amazing handmade jewelry, silk scarves and shawls, clever pet accessories and toys, copper and brass metal works, outdoor grills and smokers, children’s books and toys, holiday ornaments, fashion handbags, and herbal wraps and wreaths, are but a few of the offerings. Fashion Stylists will also be there to Games & Activities at the Festival Bungee Jump Obstacle Course Turbo Tubs Mega Slide Magic Shows Puppet Shows Marionettes Face Painting Mini Bowling International Dancers New Model Cars Fire Trucks Sand Art /Paint Me! Dart & Balloon Throw NASCAR with Simulator Hidden Oaks Petting Booth Lil’ Pirates Toddler Play Land Bubble Booth and Color Me an Artist October 2012 ENDEAVOR 17 Looking for a Day of Family Fun? Start at the parade and then stroll over to the Fall Festival for fun, food, entertainment, and games. show you the latest fashion trends and suggest accessories to update your wardrobe. A score of Pet Vendors made their debut last year to rave reviews. This festival will again feature a broad range of colorful pet accessories, dog trainers & walkers, gourmet pet food & treats, veterinary services, and two especially endearing organizations, Pets on Wheels and Canine Companions. Visit their booths and learn about the work they do in our community to provide comfort and companionship to seniors and help others with seizure disorders. Also located in the Market, you will find The Secret Garden decorated by Campbell and Ferrara Outdoor Living Center. In The Secret Garden Bob Brown will provide his highly entertaining puppet show at 1:00 and 3:00 PM. At NOON and 2:00 PM Osmar the Magician will thrill with his enchanted conjuring. In the Kids Zone a full day of fun awaits. There will be a toddler play area with age appropriate games such as the bubble booth and a Lil’ Pirate Inflatable. The crowd pleasing Obstacle Course and Bungee Jump will be back again along with interactive children’s crafts and games, various inflatables, and the Nationwide NASCAR with driving simulator. In the Food and Entertainment Zone, you can enjoy dishes from many culinary cuisines. Try Japanese, Thai, Nigerian, Greek, Italian, or the perennial favorites such as Barbeque, Fried Chicken or Fish & Chips, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, or Philly Cheese Steaks. Specialty Vendors will offer delicately shaved Snow Cones, Amish Baked Goods, Fu nn el Cakes, Kettle Corn and Home Brewed Root Beer along with the signature coffee of Falls Church High School, Jaguar Joe. Slated for the Festival Stage are Costumed Bolivian Dance Groups, Falls Church High School senior, Melanie Reuter who stunned the crowd last year with her sophisticated Broadway performance, Country, Rock and Jazz Groups with a Headline performance at 3:00 PM by Nashville’s county western star Tory Bailey and well known jazz singer Diva Maria. There will also be a special performance by The Fairfax Coral Society Youth Chorus who have performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and Riverside Church, in NYC. This Youth Chorus is a home grown ensemble who practice in Annandale and are made up of 80 vocalists ages five to nineteen. Shopping at the Festival Fashion Jewelry Flameless Candles Outdoor Grills & Smokers Pet Accessories & Toys Children’s Books & Toys Herbal Wraps & Wreaths Fashion Stylists & Clothing Hair & Fashion Accessories Puppets and Marionettes Wood Carvings & Marquetry Copper & Brass Metalwork Exceptional Handcrafted Jewelry Gourmet Pet Food and Doggie Treats Silk Scarves, Shawls & Handbags, and much, much more! Food at the Festival Japanese: Thai: \ Latin: Nigerian: Greek: Italian: Traditional: Specialty: Chicken Teriyaki, Noodles & Fried Rice , Egg Rolls Beef Spare Ribs, Beef Basil, Pork, Beef & Chicken Satay, Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, Beef Curry, Sticky Rice/Mango Tamales, Empanadas and Chorizo sandwich Chicken Kabobs, Jerk Chicken, Vegetarian Dishes & Fried Plantains Gyros, Greek Salad, Kabobs, Hummus, Falafel Italian Sausage (hot & mild) w. Peppers Barbeque, Philly Cheese Steaks, Polish Sausage, Steak Fries, Chicken Tenders & Wings, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Fish & Chips Snow Cones, Funnel Cakes, Kettle Corn, specialty Cup Cakes, Homemade Root Beer & Lemonade, Amish Breads & Cakes, Jaguar Joe Coffee October 2012 18 The Police Beat: ATM cards skimmed at hospital Fairfax County Police Dept. ENDEAVOR Special Performances In The Secret Garden at the Fall Festival October 27th Mason Police District – Police responded to the Inova Fairfax Hospital Cardiac Care Center where they removed a skimmer from the ATM machine located in the lobby near the gift shop. They believe thieves attached the skimmer to the machine in late August and have been stealing thousands from unsuspecting employees, patients, friends and family members at the hospital. Financial crimes detectives were alerted to the issue when they began to receive complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and, primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines. An alert customer spotted the skimming device on the machine and contacted hospital security who immediately called police. Detectives are investigating four cases now but feel that there are many more victims that have not checked their statements and may be unaware they’ve been victimized. Bob Brown Puppets—1 & 3 PM Osmar the Magician—Noon and 2:00 PM Police report that this crime is on the rise and they urge those that have used the machine in late August through September 2012 to check their statements closely. If they detect a discrepancy, they should contact their bank and police at 703-6912131. They may also make an online report or learn more about financial crime scams at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ police/financialcrimes/. The Chamber thanks Cardinal Bank for Sponsoring the September 27, 2012 Mixer. ENDEAVOR October 2012 19 TAX TALK Dramatic tax increases scheduled to go into effect in 2013 make 2012 tax planning imperative. Dramatic tax increases scheduled to go into effect in 2013 make 2012 tax planning imperative. The following taxes may be impacted: Not only are the Bush Administration tax cuts set to expire, but a new 3.8 percent surtax on investment income and a possible reinstated claw-back of itemized deductions could raise the tax rate on ordinary income to as high as an effective 44.6 percent for some taxpayers. Similarly, the tax rate on long-term capital gains could increase from 15 percent to 20 percent and the rate on qualified dividends from 15 percent to an effective 44.6 percent. Finally, if Congress doesn’t take action, the federal estate tax rate will increase from 35 percent to 55 percent and the exclusion amount will drop from $5,120,000 to $1,000,000. This article will suggest some ways to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of these changes. Planning for these likely tax changes is a major undertaking and many clients are beginning the process now rather than waiting for the fall elections. This is prudent because the additional time will allow you to become comfortable with the gifting process and provide time to custom design trusts for your family. Gain Harvesting For many taxpayers it will make sense to harvest capital gains in 2012 to take advantage of the current lower rates. You would sell appreciated capital assets and immediately reinvest in the same or similar assets. You would then hold the new assets until you would otherwise have sold them, so there would be no change in your investment strategy. Deciding whether to use the strategy is not as simple as it might appear on the surface, however, because the lower tax rates must generally be weighed against a loss of tax deferral. By harvesting the gains in 2012 you would be paying a lower tax rate, but recognizing the gains earlier. The greater the differential in tax rates and the shorter the time before the second sale the more favorable gain harvesting would be. In some cases, the correct decision will be clear without doing any analysis. If you are currently in the 0% long-term capital gains bracket, 2012 gain harvesting would always be favorable because it would give you a free basis step up. Gain harvesting would also be more favorable if you planned to sell the stock in 2013 or 2014 anyway. The time value of the tax deferral would be small compared with the future tax savings. At the other extreme, if you are currently in the 15% longterm capital gain bracket and plan to die with an asset and pass it on to heirs with a stepped-up basis, there is no reason to recognize the gain now. You would be incurring tax now without any offsetting future benefit. Nor would it make sense to harvest losses to create additional capital loss carryovers. These loss carryovers would be better employed to offset capital gains in the future when rates are expected to be higher. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you will have to do a quantitative analysis to determine whether 2012 gain harvesting would work for you. The decision could be thought of as buying a future tax savings by recognizing gain in 2012. By analyzing the decision in this way, you could measure a return on the 2012 investment over time. If this return on investment exceeded your opportunity cost of capital, gain harvesting would make sense. Planning for the 3.8 Percent Medicare Surtax For tax years beginning January 1, 2013, the tax law imposes a 3.8 percent surtax on certain passive investment income of individuals, trusts and estates. For individuals, the amount subject to the tax is the lesser of (1) net investment income (NII) or (2) the excess of a taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over an applicable threshold amount. Net investment income includes dividends, rents, interest, passive activity income, capital gains, annuities and royalties. Specifically excluded from the definition of net investment income are self-employment income, income from an active trade or business, gain on the sale of an active interest in a partnership or S corporation, IRA or qualified plan distributions and income from charitable remainder trusts. MAGI is generally the amount you report on the last line of page 1, Form 1040. The applicable threshold amounts are shown below. Married taxpayers filing jointly $250,000 Married taxpayers filing separately $125,000 All other individual taxpayers $200,000 A simple example will illustrate how the tax is calculated. Example. Al and Barb, married taxpayers filing separately, have $300,000 of salary income and $100,000 of NII. The amount subject to the surtax is the lesser of (1) NII ($100,000) or (2) the excess of their MAGI ($400,000) over the threshold amount ($400,000 -$250,000 = $150,000). Because NII is the smaller amount, it is the base on which the tax is calculated. Thus, the amount subject to the tax is $100,000 and the surtax payable is $3,800 (.038 x $100,000). Fortunately, there are a number of effective strategies that can be used to reduce MAGI and or NII and reduce the base on which the surtax is paid. These include (1) Roth IRA conversions, (2) tax exempt bonds, (3) tax-deferred annuities, (4) life insurance, (5) rental real estate, (6) oil and gas investments, (7) timing estate and trust distributions, (8) charitable remainder trusts, (9) installment sales and maximizing above-the-line de- 20 October 2012 ENDEAVOR Elder Care in Fairfax County An Amazing Array of County Services for Aging Residents Fairfax County Office for Older Adults Karen Hannigan Director The Chamber’s Healthcare Consortium was honored to have the new Director of Fairfax County’s Office for Older Adults, Karen Hannigan, as their guest speaker at the August 14th meeting. Ms. Hannigan reviewed the many impressive services Fairfax County offers their aging residents. Whether you are ready to receive these benefits personally or are a caregiver who needs as much information (and help) as possible to properly care for your senior relative, here is a break down of services. A famous advocate for older adults once said, “Old age is not for sissies!” While there are, indeed, a great many challenges related to aging, aging often presents wonderful opportunities as well. Many older adults have more time to commit to their own health and wellness, explore their creativity and contribute their ideas and expertise to community planning and volunteering. Fairfax County recognizes the full range of the experiences of older adults. The county offers a terrific variety of health and wellness programs, learning opportunities, and opportunities for community engagement such as volunteering and participating on boards and authorities. Many county older adults stay very active as evidenced by their participation in county recreation centers, sporting events and leadership in community organizations. I hope you will visit our webpage at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/ olderadultservices to find out more about wellness, services and community engagement opportunities for older adults. In this article, however, I want to focus on the county’s services when older adults need assistance. Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line: The first, and perhaps most important service since it is your gateway to all other services, is the county’s excellent Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711. County social workers who are experts in aging services answer calls from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. They can provide information in all languages through a telephone language line patch-in system. Adult Day Health Care Centers: Fairfax County’s Health Department runs five centers that provide day care to older adults who need supervision during the day. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The centers are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services and provide a safe, fun and therapeutic environment. The staff includes a registered nurse who can dispense medications. This program also provides support to family caregivers. The Annandale Center is located at 7200 Columbia Pike. You can call them at 703-750-3316, TTY 711. Adult Protective Services: If you suspect an adult living in Fairfax County (over 60 or between 18 to 59 and physically or mentally incapacitated) is being abused, neglected (this includes self-neglecting behaviors) or financially exploited, call Adult Protective Services (APS) at 703-324-7450, TTY 711. State law requires that the identity of people who report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation be kept strictly confidential and reporters are immune from any civil or criminal liability unless they act in bad faith or with a malicious purpose. In-Home Care Services: In-home care refers to a wide range of services that help people remain in their own homes. This can include housekeeping, grocery shopping, bathing, laundry, medication reminders and more. To obtain these subsidized services, a social worker will visit an older adult in his or her place of residence to complete an assessment. Some of the in-home care services are free and others have slidingscale fees based on income. If an older adult can afford to pay for these services privately, the county can provide assistance with finding a provider. Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels are offered five days a week and include two nutritious meals: a hot lunch and a cold meal that includes a salad or sandwich. There is also an ethnic meal program, which includes Korean, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern meals delivered in some areas of the county. Call 703-324-5421, TTY 711. A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject. – Winston Churchill You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do. – Henry Ford It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. – Albert Einstein Use soft words and hard arguments. – Anonymous To be upset over what you don’t have is to waste what you do have. – Anonymous ENDEAVOR October 2012 21 Elder Care in Fairfax County Caregiver Support Services: If you are a caregiver, there are services geared for you as well. The Caregiver Telephone Support Group can be accessed from the comfort of your own home every second Tuesday. Register online or call 703-3245484, TTY 711. For the Caregiver Telephone Support Group in Korean – Korean speakers can join a free caregiver telephone support group, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711. Each fall and spring, the county sponsors the caregiver series which includes presentations throughout the county by experts in law, care management, finances and community resources. Find information on the fall series by calling 703-324-5205, TTY711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ caregivereducation.htm. Caregiver respite refers to temporary care of a care recipient so that the caregiver can take a break. It can be for a few hours each week or for an overnight. Fairfax County offers a volunteer respite program that provides six hours of respite care from a trained volunteer each month. Email [email protected]. Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: This program helps residents and families of residents concerned about care in nursing and assisted living facilities. They can provide information and counseling on selecting a facility, residents' rights, and quality of care. They can also provide information on their investigations. Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP): This program provides insurance counseling and helps resolve claims and billing problems with Medicare. Also, each year, the program sponsors a series of presentations during Medicare’s Open Season – October 15-December 7. The next presentation in Annandale is Wednesday, October 10 at 11:30 a.m. at Wakefield Senior Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale. Call 703-321-3000, TTY 711 to register. Go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/vicap.htm for more information on this program and additional fall presentations. One final note, I want to point out the county’s commitment to providing information and services to its multi-ethnic communities. We are aware of and celebrate our county’s diversity which, according to the September 6, 2012 Washington Post, is ranked among the top 25 most-diverse metropolitan areas in the country. As mentioned earlier, our Aging Disability and Caregiver Resource Line can find translators upon request. Also, our webpage can be translated by clicking on the Google translation program. tions and Tax Preparation for seniors starting in February of each year. Fairfax County Tax Relief: If you are at least 65 years of age, own and occupy your home in Fairfax County as your sole dwelling, or have permanent and total disability at a younger age, you may qualify for relief from real estate tax, in whole or in part. Household income and asset level limits apply, but many Mason District residents have found that the tax relief program enables them to remain in their homes. Applications are still being accepted for first-time filers through Dec. 31, 2012. For information or to obtain a tax relief applications, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta, or call 703/222-8234 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., M-F. Spanish speakers may call 703/2228234. Or stop by the Mason District Government Center Supervisor’s office to pick up an application. AARP Tax Preparation: Every spring, volunteers from the AARP Tax-Aide program assist local residents with their federal and Virginia state tax preparation. The free program usually begins in early February and extends until Tax Day, April 15. Specific schedules for the AARP Tax-Aide Program at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, are available in early January. Assistance is rendered on a first come, first served basis, and all returns are filed electronically. M. Quinn Designs’ PACK-N-MOVE™ Your Local Resource for Lifestyle Transitions At M. Quinn Designs, we can handle all or part of your lifestyle transition. Our services include the design and supervision of the installation of accessible kitchens, baths, stair-lifts and elevators. Our PACK-N-MOVE™ team can take care of local and interstate moves with unpacking and setup. They can meet your expectations, including making your beds and hanging the artwork in your new spaces. Our goal is to meet your needs. We meet with you to discuss your specific objectives and requirements. Together, we work out a plan to handle your transition whether you are staying in your present home or are moving to a new one. Mason District Government Center Our professionals can assess your mobility and visual abilities in order to give you a living environment that meets our Beautiful Accessibility℠ criterion. Please call 703-354-6359. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross offers assistance in her office with both Fairfax County Real Estate Tax Relief applica- Member: The Annandale Chamber’s Healthcare Consortium October 2012 22 ENDEAVOR New Members Spotlight Horizons Hospice, LLC Rice and Spice It’s not about how much life you have But, how you choose to live it. Thai cuisine at its best. 7010 Little River Turnpike # 360, Annandale 6244-K Little River Turnpike, Alex.-Landmark (5 minutes from Annandale) Horizons Hospice is new to the NO VA area, but not new to Virginia. We have been providing quality hospice care in the Richmond area since January 2011 and recently expanded into NO. VA. with an office at 7010 Little River Turnpike, Annandale across from the library. We are excited to join your community and look forward to serving the hospice needs in the Northern Virginia area . The Best Kept Secret in Fort Belvoir is the original Rice & Spice restaurant. Now owners Natalie and Chef Rod bring their authentic Thai dishes and family-friendly service to Annandale with Rice & Spice II. Just 5 minutes from the heart of Annandale and conveniently located on Little River Tpk. At Beauregard Street in the Plaza at Landmark Shopping Center. At Horizons Hospice we offer more than quality hospice care. Our caring and experienced staff provides compassionate medical care and symptom management to ensure the best quality of life for each of our patients. At the time it is needed most, we provide emotional and spiritual support to our patients and their loved ones. By educating the patient and the family about their options of care we can relieve many of the burdens a family sometimes experiences. To reach these goals Horizons Hospice provides Registered Nurse Case Managers who work closely with your attending physician to manage your healthcare needs, Certified Nursing Assistants to meet your personal care needs, Social Workers and Chaplains to meet your spiritual and emotional needs and experienced Hospice Medical Directors (Physicians) who specialize in maintaining your quality of life through pain and symptom management. There are many other support services provided by Horizons Hospice through our volunteers such as bereavement services, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy all designed to ensure the best quality of life for each of our patients and their families. Horizons Hospice, LLC. 7010 Little River Tpk. # 360 Annandale, VA 22003 703-941-0623 www.horizonshospice.org Chef Rod's family recipes have been known to be the best Thai food in the DC metropolitan area, with notable favorites such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, as well as unique creations such as Short Rib Thai Red Penang Curry which he will be serving at the Annandale Fall Festival. Other specialties include like the intensely rich 5-spice beef broth or the Slow cook beef noodle soup (Noua Tun noodle soup) and the Chiang Mai Khao Soi Gai Curry Noodles. With a full-service bar, restful modern Thai décor, affordable prices, and delivery available to the surrounding communities (within a three-mile radius, please call for service area details), Rice & Spice brings authentic ethnic cuisine to the Annandale community. Private Event bookings and Catering is also available. Mon-Thu: Fri: Sat: Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm 11:00 am - 10:30 pm 11:30 am - 10:30 pm 11:30 am - 10:00 pm As you enter off of Beauregard, turn to your right in the shopping center. Rice and Spice is unfortunately hidden from Little River viewing but is located in the building closest to Little River. 703.750.1084 [email protected] October 2012 ENDEAVOR 23 New Members Spotlight Trico Office Solutions Customer satisfaction is our first goal Barkley Square, Inc. Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Gourmet Dog Bakery, Pet Boutique & Taxi Service Tom O’Daniel, President Trico Office Solutions. www.barkleysquare.com in Alexandria Tom O’Daniel, President of Trico Office Solutions, grewup in a family who owned and operated an office equipment store in Maryland. He has watched manual typewriters fade into electronic ones and word processors into computer-printers. His family serviced mimeograph & fax machines, word processors & early printers, and now, high tech, high speed digital printers. Tom’s career has paralleled the evolution of office machinery and few could be more knowledgeable. Barkley Square is an accredited in-home professional dog walking and pet sitting service catering to you and your pets’ specific needs. Founded in 1991, they work with clients throughout the metropolitan area, including Annandale. Their professional pet sitters and dog walkers are bonded and insured and are committed to the highest standard of pet care service. In addition to the specialized professional pet services, their dog walkers and pet sitters will take out the trash and recycle bins, bring in the mail and newspapers, set alarms, adjust lights, water plants and gardens, and raise & lower the blinds. In 1972 after military service, Tom started Trico later to become Trico Office Solutions. Then as now, he sells new and refurbished office equipment; provides service and repair to new and old equipment; and, sales of printer supplies. He even offers soy based environmentally friendly toner as well as the more common oil based. If you have a small or large printer, fax, scanner or copier that needs repair, who do you call? Office machinery has fallen victim to an ever growing throw-away society. Trico will first try to repair your current equipment before attempting to sell you replacements. They have built long lasting relationships with a network of nationwide suppliers who can locate many older parts and even many old equipment manuals. More than anything, Tom builds relationships with his clients that have lasted through second and third generation family businesses. Trico employs well vetted and highly skilled technicians who perform regular service checks on Chamber office equipment and the exceptional printer on which ENDEAVOR is produced. [email protected] . 386-527-8876 or 703-327-6893 www.tricoofficesolutions.com Barkley Square also features a dog bakery and pet boutique specializing in delicious treats, gifts and furnishings for dogs (and cats) with a taste for quality. Ever have trouble getting your pet(s) to and from their appointments? Let them help. Barkley Square will pick up and deliver your pets to veterinary and grooming appointments, as well as take them to the airport and even to grandmother’s house. Their website is packed with information, including Bed & Breakfast and Overnight Stays. For a full list of services see www.barkleysquare.com and meet them at the Fall Festival. Their Booth will be in the Kids Zone. Barkley Square, Inc. Kristina Robertson 703-329-1043 PO Box 10724 Alexandria, VA 222310 24 October 2012 ENDEAVOR New Members Spotlight US Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Since its founding, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions: Access to Capital (Business Financing) SBA provides small businesses with an array of financing for small businesses from the smallest needs in microlending --- to substantial debt and equity investment capital (venture capital). Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training) SBA provides free individual face-to-face, and internet counseling for small businesses, and low-cost training to nascent entrepreneurs and established small businesses in over 1,800 locations throughout the United States and US territories. Government Contracting (Federal Procurement) In keeping with the mandate of Section 15(g) of the Small Business Act, SBA’s Office of Government Contracting sets goals with other federal departments and agencies to reach the statutory goal of 23 percent in prime contract dollars to small businesses. This office also provides small businesses with subcontracting procurement opportunities, outreach programs, and training. Advocacy (Voice for Small Business) Created in 1978, this Office reviews Congressional legislation and testifies on behalf of small business. It also assesses the impact of the regulatory burden on behalf of small businesses. Additionally, it conducts a vast array of research on American small businesses and the small business environment. The Chief Counsel of this office is appointed by the President of the United States Are you thinking about starting a business of your own? Congratulations! It’s a huge step, and you’ll need to be prepared. That’s where SBA comes in: Learn the aspects of starting a business, plus get the answers and information you need to startup. As you get started, take advantage of free training and counseling from experienced business owners who’ve already walked in your shoes. Learn about government-sponsored mentorship programs and resources. How to Write a Business Plan Get tips on how to organize your thoughts and develop a business plan that puts you on the road to success. Establishing a Business What type of business should you set-up and how should you structure it? Read about various business types, how to incorporate your business, purchase an existing business, and more. Prepare Your Business Finances How much does it cost to start a business? At what level of revenue will your business break even? Do you need a loan? This guide can help you build a picture of your business financing needs. Explore Loans, Grants & Funding This guide explores options for financing your small business. From loans to venture capital investments, find out what’s available and how to tap into these sources. Understand Business Law & Regulations A variety of laws and regulations govern how you manage employees, conduct business, and ensure a healthy workplace. But the law can also protect your small business interests in areas such as intellectual property. This guide explains what you can do to comply and use the law to your advantage. How to Market Your New Business Get tips on how to build your marketing budget and develop a plan to grow your business. For more information contact the SBA at: Julie Veratti or Bridget Bean 202-272-0345 [email protected] [email protected] 740 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 www.sba.gov/dc ENDEAVOR October 2012 25 Thanksgiving How the holiday evolved Photograph of President Truman receiving a Thanksgiving turkey from members of the Poultry and Egg National Board outside the White House. 11/16/1949. (Courtesy of the National Archive photographic library) According to the National Archives, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789 as an official holiday of, "sincere and humble thanks." The nation then celebrated its first Thanksgiving under its new Constitution. Seventy four years later on October 3, 1863, President Lincoln made the traditional Thanksgiving celebration a nationwide holiday to be commemorated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. In the midst of a bloody Civil War, President Lincoln issued a Presidential Proclamation in which he enumerated the blessings of the American people and called upon his countrymen to, "set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of "Thanksgiving." In 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the third Thursday of November to lengthen the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy still recovering from the Depression. This move, which set off a national debate, was reversed in 1941 when Congress passed and President Roosevelt approved a joint house resolution establishing, by law, the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. October 2012 26 PRO Maxx Fitness It was worth the wait PRO Maxx Fitness in the Annandale Shopping Center “Live Life to the MAXX” PRO Maxx Fitness underwent an extensive eco-friendly renovation and will happily reopen in October after exhausting delays caused by backups in the county permitting offices. Warning: You should anticipate a wait three times the length you are first quoted. The renovation increased the cardio vascular and free weight workout areas so new fitness machines and equipment could be installed. The also added a tranquil massage therapy room, a high-energy aerobics room, a safe play area for children, contemporary executive locker rooms and a special section dedicated specifically for Olympic-style weightlifting training and coaching. PRO MAXX Fitness will offer fitness classes and programs to strengthen, tighten and tone the body in a vibrant and inviting setting. Services provided by Pro MAXX Fitness will be tailored to meet the needs of its members as well as focusing on sport-specific training of individuals and groups in areas such as skills-enhancement, agility and endurance. PRO MAXX Fitness is dedicated to providing its clientele with highly personalized customer service, professional expertise and direct access to its community involved decision makers. It provides the resources and amenities desired to improve one’s game, health and self image. The PRO MAXX motto, “Live Life to the MAXX,” is the inspirational message for all to pursue. www.promaxxfitness.com or [email protected] PRO Maxx Staff hosting the Chamber’s June Mixer ENDEAVOR CBPD and SkillSource Move to Annandale 7611 Little River Turnpike, West Wing, Annandale The Center for Business Planning and Development (CBPD) and its strategic partner Fairfax County SkillSource Center have moved to Annandale. CBPD, operated by Business Development Assistance Group (BDAG), has been a chamber member since 2006. BDAG is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help small and minority-owned businesses become more viable in American economic life through technical assistance, training and access to business opportunities. CBPD provides the following services to startup and existing businesses: One-on-One counseling. Business Plan Development. Business Training in collaboration with NVCC. Permits and Licensing Assistance. Marketing and Networking. Government Contracting in collaboration with U.S. SBA & SCORE/DC Chapter The Annandale SkillSource Center, operated by The Fairfax County Department of Family Services, offers the following services to job seekers: Listing of current job openings and upcoming job fairs. Resume preparation and career counseling. Evaluation of current skill level. Exploration of potential opportunities for enhancing skills. Job-readiness and on-the-job training. Workshops. English as a Second Language and literacy enhancement. Skills upgrading. Occupational and vocational skills training. Interview preparation and techniques. Practice interviews. You will find both, employment and business services under one roof. For more information call: CBPD at 703.538.7412 and The SkillSource Center at 703.533.5400. ENDEAVOR October 2012 27 Volunteers Make the World Go Around By: Suzanne Holland, Asst. Mgr. Hidden Oaks Nature Center Hidden Oaks Nature Center, similar to the Chamber of Commerce and many non-profit organizations, depends on volunteers to fulfill its mission. Hidden Oaks has 45 volunteers who spend as little as an hour per quarter to 8 hours per week, enabling the site to provide natural and cultural history education programs plus support natural resource management. The reasons people volunteer are as different as each person but generally fall into several categories. Many students volunteer to fulfill class, scout or church requirements. Retirees volunteer to follow a passion, stay active and make new friends. Teens may be building their resume. Many report the desire to contribute to their communities in a meaningful fashion. Some plan on donating a few hours with a scout or school project and end up staying on for years. One such volunteer is anything but typical. Jean Laub, 87 years young, has volunteered at Hidden Oaks for over 20 years, donating over 250 hours per year with a grand total of over 5000 hours. The only break she took was for brain surgery, but that hardly even slowed her down. Jean is being recognized this November as Fairfax County Park Authority’s outstanding volunteer of the year with the agency’s highest volunteer honor, the Elly Doyle Award. Jean retired from being a public school teacher after having spent over twenty years introducing first graders to a love a nature along with their ABCs. She proudly carries on the family tradition of environmental education. Her husband introduced Arbor Day celebrations into Fairfax County Public Schools through his Tree Commission position back in the 1980s and Jean pioneered an outdoor classroom in 1980 which is still in use today at Chesterbrook Elementary. Jean declares that she feels better when she volunteers and recommends it highly for everyone. She likes to dabble in many volunteer arenas. She assists with volunteer services by answering the phones and welcoming the public on Sunday afternoons. On weekday mornings she may lead a trail walk for first graders or guide 3-5 year olds and their parents on the wonders of wind as they set their homemade windsocks flying. In the afternoon she may assist with an afterschool elementary program series on American Indian Survival Skills or Animal C.S.I. On weekend afternoons she could also be explaining Moh’s scale of hardness to Cub Scouts for their geology badges, or animating a raccoon in a puppet show at a public library presentation. Jean’s motto is that life is good if you make it so. She translates this belief into helping children who have trouble separating from a parent for summer day camps or who want to spend more time at a worm experiment. What could be more encouraging than having your own stand-in grandmother for the day. Jean herself is a true force of nature, although she eschews that kind of praise. She volunteers because she enjoys herself and staying busy is a great way to get motivated daily. Hidden Oaks, and other Park Authority facilities, welcome retirees, students, adults, the young and the young at heart to volunteer. You just might find that niche you have been looking for right in your own community by donating your time and talents. To quote William James, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” Contact our volunteer coordinator, Janis Jeffers. If she cannot find a perfect fit for you she can direct you to another organization which may suit your interests. Contact her at [email protected] or at 703-941-1065. You do not have to plan on volunteering for 20 years – but we would certainly enjoy your support for whatever time you choose to share! Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located in Annandale at 7701 Royce Street, one block back from Hummer Road. Reach us at 703-941-1065. Fun and Fulfilling Volunteer Opportunity Annandale Fall Festival Help celebrate Annandale, run a children’s game, read stories in the Secret Garden, help with the entertainment stage, aid the facilities coordinator, (The festival is October 27, 2012.) Volunteer for two hours or the entire day. These hours will count toward school community service requirements. All ages welcome as volunteers. See forms for details. Forms available at www.annandalechamber.com under Our Events then Fall Festival/Parade or write [email protected] 28 October 2012 TAX TALK...continued ENDEAVOR Fall Teas & Programs at Green Spring Gardens Historic Manor House (Entrance on Braddock Road across from Pinecrest Golf Course) ductions. We would be happy to explain how these strategies might save you large amounts of surtax. Accelerating Ordinary Income into 2012 A final opportunity that should be noted is accelerating ordinary income into 2012. Perhaps the best way to do this would be to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2012, if a conversion otherwise made sense. Ordinary income could also be accelerated by selling bonds with accrued interest in 2012 or selling and repurchasing bonds trading at a premium. Finally, you might consider exercising non-qualified stock options in 2012. Estate Tax Provisions The estate tax exemption is currently $5,120,000 per person and will revert to $1,000,000 on January 1st, 2013 unless Congress acts. The President is suggesting a $3,500,000 exemption. The potential reduction in the estate tax exemption is resulting in many client making large gifts, in trust, for their family. In some instances the trusts are for the spouse, children and grandchildren and in others just for children and younger generations. Most experts would define the savings at 35%, 45% or 55% of the amount gifted over $1,000,000. On a $5,000,000 gift the savings would be $1,800,000 ($4,000,000*45%). George H. Kresslein CPA . www.kressleincpa.com 5155 Piedmont Place . Annandale, VA 22003 703-354-1750 . [email protected] Traditional English Tea and Program Programs are by reservation only and require a non-refundable prepayment. A traditional full English tea is included in each tea program. For tea program reservations: 703-642-5173 or register online at www.greenspring.org. Saturday, October 13: Teas of Africa Tasting Party 10:30am-noon $22 Africa produces a surprisingly wide range of teas that are worth exploring. Hear the story of tea in Africa and sample some delicious brews, from the robust black teas of Kenya to the green and even white teas of Tanzania and Malawi. Sunday, October 21: The King and Mrs. Simpson 1-3pm $27 Hear the captivating tale of the man who gave up his throne for love. We’ll examine the scandal, intrigue and drama that brought Britain to the brink of constitutional crisis in 1936 as we tell the sensational story of King Edward VIII and Mrs. Wallis Simpson. Sunday, November 11: The Changing Shape of Fashion 1-3:30pm. $30 (program + tea)/$10 (program only) Collector and exhibitor Caroline Hottenstein shows her fabulous collection of antique dresses, bodices, outerwear, trimmings and more. Take the opportunity to examine exquisitely hand-crafted pieces up close as Caroline explains the changing shape of female form and fashion during the nineteenth century. Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9: Jane Austen’s Regency Christmas 1-3pm $27 "At Christmas everybody invites their friends about them..." wrote Jane Austen in “Emma.” Imagine yourself at home at Christmas with the Elliots, Bingleys or Bennets as we learn how Austen’s characters, and the novelist herself, would have celebrated the festive season in the early 1800s. Garden Programs Saturday, November 17: Thanksgiving Design 1-3pm $35 Create beautiful floral designs to take home for your Thanksgiving table after Northern Virginia Community College instructor, Bruce Nash, demonstrates the dazzling possibilities. Floral material, greens and containers provided. Registration and $20 supply fee due by November 4. Sunday, November 18: Mother and Daughter Tea Party: Beautiful Bling! 1-3pm. $27/$18 child 12 and under (7 yrs. and older) Every girl deserves to sparkle! Hear about the fun history of fashion jewelry as we discuss all things bling. Make an adjustable slip knot and create a beautiful bling bracelet for the holidays. Materials included. Saturday, December 1: Floral Design Workshop: Wreaths 1-3 pm $35 Create a beautiful wreath to take home for your door after Northern Virginia Community College instructor, Bruce Nash, demonstrates the dazzling possibilities. Greens, cones and forms provided. Please bring pruners and gloves. Registration and $20 supply fee due by November 16. This is just a partial listing of programs. For Garden Program reservations and details call: 703-941–7987 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp ENDEAVOR Chamber Chat: October 2012 29 News, notices & bulletins posted by Annandale Chamber Members The ACCA Child Development Center (CDC) is enrolling! Bring child's up-to-date immunization records, birth certificate and $100 registration fee. We provide affordable, high-quality early education and developmentally appropriate care for children ages 3 months to 5 years in a safe, healthy and diverse environment. More information at 703256-0100 or [email protected] AH Dental Clinic offers quality dental care right in the heart of Annandale. Your first consultation comes free of charge. We speak Spanish and accept Medicaid for kids under age 21. Free check-ups are also offered for parents with kids covered by Medicaid. 4231 Markham Street # 214, Annandale. 703-256-3589. www.ahdentalclinic.com American Disposal Services: Quite possibly the most important advancement of our company happened just this year. In 2011, American Disposal Services, Inc. launched a company-wide initiative to increase recycling participation for all customers we service. This campaign operates under the name, ThinkBeforeYouThrow®. As a result, we no longer think of ourselves as a trash company, but rather, a recycling company with a trash problem. We proudly service Residential, Commercial, Roll-off, and Compactors. Contact 703-368-0500 or [email protected]. Follow us! @AmDisposal or, visit us at www.facebook.com/americandisposal American Legion Bicentennial Post 1976 YARD SALE-Oct. 27th, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 4206 Daniels Ave., Annandale, VA 22003 Questions, Call (703) 941-9608 AnnSandra: Holiday China Sale-Limited quantities of Bernardaud Grenadiers, Lenox Holiday & Winter Greetings, Portmeirion Holly & Ivy, Spode Christmas Tree, and Royal Worcester’s Holly Ribbons Holiday are now available at up to 70% off manufacturers suggested retail price. Please see our store website for more details at www.annsandra.com or give us a call at 703-354-2110. We are proudly celebrating 31 years in Annandale! 4417 John Marr Drive. Annandale Boys & Girls Club has moved to their new location at 4216 Annandale Rd and has launched several new social media sites helping us to communicate directly to current and prospective families, players and community members. Sign up for email alerts or text “follow annandalebgc” to 40404 on your cell phone for text alerts. Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AnnandaleBGC Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/AnnandaleBCG 703-941-ABGC (2242). LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/annandale-boys-&-girls -club and our new Blog ABGC Annandale Volunteer Fire Department: The Annandale Volunteer Fire Department provides an exciting bingo game and lots of opportunities to win every Thursday and special times throughout the year. Average Payouts of over $14,136 per night. Doors open 4:30pm – Early Birds start at 6:45pm – Regular Session starts at 8:00pm. See AVFD BINGO special events. Must be 14 yrs. of age to play, ATM machine available. Bingo Hotline is 703-941-1328. Capital Caring: Our Grief Support Groups provide expert hospice and palliative services available for those who qualify. Anyone can place a referral to Capital Caring @ 1.800.869.2136. We also provide InService and educational presentations. Drop-In Groups (no registration required) and 8 k. Support Groups offered. www.capitalcaring.org Cosmetic Hearing Solutions is the leader in discrete and overall hearing aid technology in the Northern Virginia area. Specialized training, superior service, and affordability are just a few of the factors that allow us to rise above the rest. 6715 Little river Turnpike, Suite 203, Annandale. 571-257-2560. Edsall Park Exxon: 6550 Edsall Road, Alexandria, VA 22312 703-752 -1111 Friendly and professional services for private or company vehicles. www.edsallparkexxon.com ENDEAVOR Advertise in ENDEAVOR, Annandale’s news magazine. Stay in touch with local happenings, learn more about Annandale’s history, discover new business enterprises, and celebrate Annandale. www.annandalechamber.com Green Spring Features – Thanksgiving Centerpieces—Saturday, November 11th 1 PM Create beautiful floral designs to take home for your Thanksgiving table. NVCC instructor, Bruce Nash demonstrates the possibilities. Floral materials, greens and container provided. Reservation and $20 material fee due by Nov. 4th. Reservations: 703-6425173 visit the Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp. Hidden Oaks Nature Center: Fearless Fest: Join a Naturalist on Saturday, October 20th at 7 PM for a night hike, meet costumed creatures including a black widow spider, skunk, owl and a dead tree who explain why they have scary reputations. Investigate real animal skulls, owl pellets and make crafts. Great for scouts. All adults and children must register. Guided trail hike is 50 minutes. Additional activities, including crafts inside for before and after your scheduled walk. Fun for ages 4 yrs. and above. One flashlight per family. Welcome to come in costume. Fun, not scary, costumed character presentations For this and many other programs see www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parktakes or call 703222-4664. Can also register online. $7 county resident/$9 non resident. Joseph’s Coat: Come see new surprises every week. Joseph’s Coat is a resale outlet which benefits Bethany House of Northern Virginia and filled with your next treasure. 7219 Columbia Pike, Annandale 703538-6289 www.josephscoatresale.com Lee’s Hapmudo Martial Arts Studio: School age, Teen, Adult Classes and Special class for ages 3-5 years are all offered. We have Beginner & Advanced Martial Arts, Anti-Bully, Exercise & Flexibility, Weapons Training, and Summer & Spring Camps, After School Programs and more. Please contact 703-750-3330 or see our website at www.hapmudo.net. 7036 Columbia Pike, Annandale The National Capital Heisey Collector’s Club will hold their 40th Annual All-Heisey Glass Show and Sale in Annandale, VA. At the Volunteer Fire Department John G. Fox, Jr. Memorial Hall, 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Hours: Saturday, March 16, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 17, 11:00am-4:00 pm Tickets are $7.00. The finest dealers from across the country will show and sell Heisey Glass. A.H. Heisey & Company began operations in Newark, Ohio in 1896. The Annandale Chapter of the National Association of Active/ Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) is working with VDOT to keep Evergreen Lane and High Place litter free. Watch for us in our orange vests. Also, please join us at our monthly meetings. While our mem- Cre leg ed. 30 October 2012 Chamber Chat continued bership is limited to active and retired federal employees, our meetings are open to the public. Check us out at www.narfe.org/ chapter1159. Patch.com: Visit annandale.patch.com to experience local news, search community events and discover new establishments in town. Businesses receive a free listing on annandale.patch.com, and business owners can claim their listing to update information and keep the listing fresh and accurate. All Annandale Chamber members who claim their Patch listing will receive a 10% advertising discount (with a 3 month minimum). Contact Jake VanWoerkom at 703-957-8704 or [email protected] for details. View and claim your free listing on annandale.patch.com today. PHILLIPS Programs is breaking ground! The PHILLIPS Building Futures program provides intensive hands-on vocational training for youth with special needs. The program helps students to a better future through hands-on job skills. We’re excited to announce that we’re building a house on Holyoke Drive. Follow the building progress online at www.phillipsprograms.org. Contact: Sarah Caldwell, 703941-8810, [email protected]. October 19, 2012 at 7:30 PM Reserve your tickets now our 20th Anniversary Celebration, "Bach to Blues: Two Decades of Music, Magic & Memories", 7:30 p.m NVCC Ernst Center. $35 each including light refreshments, Jazz with Strings & multimedia show. Call Pat Sawhney, 703503-9387. Advertise in our program. Reunion Music Society: November 9th at 8:00 PM at the Ernst Center, “Masters of Melody” see website www.reunionmusic.org for more information. Rice & Spice Thai Restaurant: Traditional Thai Cuisine tested to perfection by owner Natalie and Chef Rod. Family favorite street dishes in a family friendly atmosphere. Dine-In, Carry out and Delivery within 3 mile radius. Plaza at Landmark just 6 minutes away. 6244 K Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312 . 703-750-1084 www.ricespiceva.com Shear Shack Salon & Spa is the premier salon and spa in Northern Virginia. We offer a spectrum of personalized services to our guests, including creative hair design; precision threading and rejuvenating nail and skin treatment. As our guests can attest, our talented stylists and therapists guarantee a superior experience for every client, every time, at an affordable price. 6548 Little River Tpk. (Pinecrest Shopping Center) 703-642-1113. Visit Harjeet’s Boutique while you are here. The Food Sherpa: Would you like to enjoy healthy, delicious dinners in your own home, but have someone else do the cooking? The Food Sherpa will shop for your groceries, come to your home with all the necessary cooking equipment, prepare your meals; then package and store them for you to enjoy at your convenience. The Food Sherpa offers custom menus, vegetarian, low sodium, low-fat and personal chef services for busy families, couples, and individuals, the healthconscious, the adventurous eater, and the senior citizen. Cooking classes in you home can also be arranged. Contact: Keith Steury at 703-379-7339 or email at [email protected]. Details availa- ENDEAVOR ble at www.thefoodsherpa.com Tim Frazier Tree Service: Have you experienced storm damage or lost a tree? Do your trees need trimming, topping, cabling, or removing? Do you need landscaping services, edging & mulching, seeding and sodding, top soil, lot cleaning, or hedge trimming? Do your gutters need cleaning? Please give me a call. My business is fully insured and satisfaction is guaranteed. 1-888-873-8746 toll free. I have worked for many Chamber members. Contact the Chamber office for references at 703-256-7232 or [email protected] TRICO Office Solutions: We specialize in sales and service of all types of office machines. Whether for a commercial office or home office we can find you the machines that match your needs and budget. We can also locate those hard to find parts and supplies for older machines. Need machinery, service or a maintenance plan? Call 703327-6893 or see www.tricoofficesolutions.com Virginia Commerce Bank: Join Virginia Commerce Bank during Protect Your Identity Week for a FREE Community Shred-It Event! Purge your paper and learn how you can minimize your paper trail by signing up for eStatements. 4230 John Marr Drive. Please call the branch at 703-256-8889 for more information. Website Advertising now available on the homepage of the Chamber’s website. Contact [email protected] for more information. Looking to attract local customers? Place an ad on this site for the best niche marketing in the region. October 2012 ENDEAVOR 31 BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE Forget Cookie Cutter Kitchens: Pyne Studios, Inc. Granite counters, islands and stainless remain popular for kitchen remodels in Northern Virginia. But, the kitchen you’ll love the most will be the one designed around the activities you love the most. Baker’s Kitchen Marble countertops are ideal for kneading dough and rolling flaky pastry but they’re easily stained by berries, red wine, vanilla, and lemon juice. A solution is to create a marble work station that’s lower in height than the counters and use engineered quartz like Casesarstone for the rest of the counters. The quartz offers the same cool-to-the-touch baking advantages but it’s far easier to maintain than marble. Island workstations with plenty of elbow room for rolling dough are ideal. A heavy duty slide out shelf can lift a stand mixer out of a lower cabinet up to counter level and send it back when you’re done. No heavy lifting and you’ve saved counter space. If you prefer large mixers to remain on counter, hide with a pull down tambour door when not in use. For storing dry goods, drawers offer easier access than cabinets. Include some deep cabinets for organizing large baking sheets, muffin tins and racks. Add a double over so you can bake in large batches and at different temperatures. Crisp yet tender breads and pastry crusts are easily achieved in the newer steam injection ovens. Comfort Kitchen A trend has begun away from industrial grade kitchens. Stainless steel continues to be popular for appliances but new oiled bronze finishes offer warmer choices for more traditional kitchen décor. For a welcoming furnished feel, add upholstered armchairs at the table, plan for a built-in refrigerator and dishwasher with cabinet front insets. Kitchen Islands can be made to look more like fine furniture when different finishes are used than on the cabinets and table legs and display shelves are added. Use a variety of counter heights to accommodate adults, kids, and those with limited mobility so everyone can help with preparations. Gourmet Kitchen Gourmet recipes call for chopping, simmering, searing and any number of other culinary techniques. That’s why your dream kitchen needs multiple types of lighting, counter heights, and work surfaces. Butcher block may not be right for all countertops but it makes a perfect inset for a chopping station that’s also designed to keep knives handy. You may want to plan the kitchen with an island and a second prep sink, so several cooks have room to work. If you use lots of fresh ingredients, consider a bottom freezer refrigerator that raises fresh food to eye level. New French Door models solve the problem of side-by-side refrigerators that are too narrow to accommodate large platters and trays. Install a water faucet at the stove for filing heavy pots. Maintenance Tip About 8% of home water use takes place in the kitchen. To conserve, install a low-flow faucet aerator; cutting the water use by half. Use an efficient dishwasher with water saving features; run only with full loads. Pyne Studios, Inc. - Mike and Debi Pyne 6448 Elmdale Road . Alexandria, VA 22312 703-462-3405 . www.pynestudios.com October 2012 32 ENDEAVOR Calendar Of Events All reservations and entrée selection for luncheons can be made by emailing: [email protected]. Luncheons are generally $20.00/members and $25.00/non members. RESERVATIONS ARE APPRECIATED THREE DAYS IN ADVANCE. Afternoon Mixers are free to members but there is a $20 admission charge for non-members payable at the door. If Fairfax County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, all Chamber activities will be cancelled. For more de tails & menu selections see the Chamber’s website calendar at www.annandalechamber.com Date Sat. Oct 6 Event Location Skate Annandale Fire House Columbia Pike Time Description Thurs. Oct. 11 Luncheon Juke Box Diner 7039 Columbia Pike NOON – 1:30 PM For Security’s Sake: Five Steps Business Owners Should Take –ET Smith of ESTECH, Annandale based Security Firm. Mr. Smith will also answer questions you have about improving your own security. Sat. Oct. 27 Annual Parade Columbia Pike 10 am—NOON See www.annandalechamber.com for Entry Form Sat. Oct. 27 Annandale Fall Festival Safeway Parking Lot 7414 Little River Tpk. 10 am—5 PM Community Market, Food, Entertainment, Games and Inflatable Rides...Obstacle Course and Bungee Jump Wed. Nov . 14 Inter Service Luncheon TBA by Rotary NOON Hosted by the Annandale Rotary—see their website for details and reservations. Thurs. Dec 13 Networking Mixer Silverado 7052 Columbia Pike 4:00-5:00 PM Networking Opportunity sponsored by the Chamber’s HealthCare Consortium. Bring your marketing materials to exchange at this quick fire networking session. Thurs. Jan. 10, 2013 Luncheon 7039 Columbia Pike Juke Box Diner NOON – 1:30 PM TAX TALK for Small Businesses: George Kresslein, CPA and author is back by popular demand to discuss changes in the tax code and how they may affect your return this year. Thurs. Jan. 24 Networking Mixer Silverado 7052 Columbia Pike 4:00-5:00 PM Networking Opportunity sponsored by Pyne Studios, Inc. Bring your marketing materials to exchange at this quick fire networking session. Thurs. Feb. 14 Luncheon Juke Box Diner 7039 Columbia Pike NOON – 1:30 PM The State of Commercial Real Estate in Annandale & Fairfax County: Curt Hoffman, Sr. Mgr. for Real Estate with FC Economic Development Authority will provide an overview of the local commercial market as well as a submarket analysis. Thurs. Feb 28 Networking Mixer Silverado 7052 Columbia Pike 4:00-5:00 PM Networking Opportunity sponsored by Pyne Studios, Inc. Bring your marketing materials to exchange at this quick fire networking session. This event is open & FREE to skaters of all ages and skill levels. Participants are encouraged to provide their own safety equipment. This event will test how popular skateboarding is in Annandale. If the response is great enough, Annandale might get it’s own Skate Plaza. 2:30-5:00 PM Tory Bailey-3PM Annandale Chamber of Commerce 7263 Maple Place, #207 Annandale, VA 22003 www.annandalechamber.com ADVERTISE in ENDEAVOR and on the Chamber’s Website www.annandalechamber.com Discounted rates for Chamber Members [email protected]