I was introduced to the Armed Forces Vacation Club by a friend who could not believe that I was unaware of it. Well, that was a couple of years ago and I have enjoyed it ever since. I am now passing the torch on to all of you to enjoy!
The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a space available program that offers Department of Defense affiliated personnel the opportunity to find nightly rentals and week long condos at a discounted rate. The Armed Forces Club also offers discounted hotels and car rentals.
Who is eligible, glad you asked? According the AFVC website:
You are eligible to participate in the Armed Forces Vacation Club if you are 21 or older and a:
I highly encourage you to check out their website and all that they have to offer, you will not be sorry.
It is the time of year to PCS, if you should be relocating to the Greater Fredericksburg Area or Northern Virginia, please contact me for all of your Real Estate Needs. It would be my honor to help you find your way home. As a military veteran and spouse, I can relate first hand to the stress of moving.
Contact me at 540-645-1354(c) 540-548-0500 (o) 540-548-0500
Copyright 2008 Photos courtesy of ClipArt.
Tis the season! Spotsylvania Farmers Markets are now open for the 2008 season. The markets are open Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1p.m. in the parking lot of the Holbert Building at 9014 Courthouse Road (608). The other location is the commuter parking lot at the intersection of State Route 3 and Gordon Road. The Courthouse market is also open from 3 p.m. to 7p.m. Wednesdays. For more information contact 540-507-7570.
Contact me for all of your Real Estate needs in the Greater Fredericksburg Area.
Dana Forster REALTOR
(c) 540-645-1354
Days like this come once in a life time!
I received an invitation to the White House for a celebration event honoring Military Spouses. My first instinct was that it had to be 
a hoax. I mentioned it to my husband that night he seemed intrigued. He was the voice of reason as I sat and pondered, "nothing ventured, nothing gained", right? The next morning I called the number as instructed to RSVP and to my surprise a pleasant young lady answered the phone “This is Courtney Public Relations at the White House.” Maybe, just maybe this might be the real deal. Courtney assured me that I would receive an e-mail in a couple of days with all of the pertinent details about my visit to the White House, it was confirmed.
Several days later, I received further instructions via e-mail and still could not believe that this was really going to happen. My excitment was beginning to grow but I still had some reservations (just seemed to good to be true). I would remain slightly skeptical until I was standing on the Southlawn of the WhiteHouse.
I drove to the White House Tuesday morning May 6th and met with several hundred other military spouses as we anxiously waited to enter the South Lawn Visitors Entrance. While in line, I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I became fast friends with two incredible individuals. First Melissa, a military spouse of 19 1/2 years. Her husband proudly serves in the USMC and is stationed at the Pentagon. Second was Jennifer a military spouse of 22 years. Her husband proudly serves in Army and is stationed at Fort Lee. It was the beginning of what I believe will be two life long friendships.
At 0800 I started the process through security and by 0810 I was on the Southlawn of the White House for breakfast, it was totally surreal. As you can see from the picture above, it was a beautiful day. The Marine Corp Band from Quantico played to entertain, they were amazing. Secretary of Defense Bob Gates gave a speech followed by President George Bush. My seat was amazing; I could literally reach out and touch the President. Phil Vasser sang the National Anthem and performed a mini concert after the President’s speech. We were then invited to tour the White House with our cameras. It just could not get any better, could it?
The Pomp and Circumstance of the day was heartfelt and as usual my eyes swelled with tears of pride for the amazing accomplishments of our military. I was honored to be standing in the presence of such amazing individuals that support there spouse and this great nation. The camaraderie of the military family is always strong,but there seemed to be something magical among us this particular day. Words can not describe it but I will always remember it. It takes an incredibly strong person to be a military spouse and I think that President Bush said it perfectly in his speech:
“It's not an easy life being in the military, particularly when we're at war, and I understand that. For many of you it means packing up your belongings and moving on short notice. I suspect a lot of you have been on the move much more than you thought you'd be on the move. (Laughter.) For others it means living in a foreign land, which can be exciting, but it also means you're far away from your extended family, and that's hard. And for many of you, it means missing a spouse as he or she serves on the front lines in this battle to secure our country and to spread freedom for the sake of peace.
Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military. Talked to a lot of folks who have been in the theater, as well as spouses, and it is clear to me the harder job in many ways is to be the person at home taking care of the kids and having sleepless nights as you pray for safe return.
You're carrying out the burdens -- you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service. And the United States [of] America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing. (Applause.)
I do not believe that there was a dry eye among the crowd. I have personally had the privilege to serve this great nation in the United States Air Force. I continue to support my husband who currently has been on Active Duty in the Navy for 18 1/2 years. We have moved 10 times, my middle son who is 10 and in the 4th grade has been in 5 different elementary schools. We have learned first hand the meaning of the saying "what does not kill you makes you stronger." The camaraderie of the entire Military Family is something that words can truly not describe. I salute all servicemembers active, retired, reservists and last but not least the power behind power, their
families.
It truly was a day that comes once in a lifetime. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families please visit www.americasupoortsyou.mil.
Relocating to the Greater Fredericksburg Area (Quantico, FT. Belvoir, Dalghren or Fort AP Hill) please contact me to assist with all of your Real Estate Needs. It would be my honor!
Dana Forster, REALTOR
A Home 4Sale, Inc.
Fredericksburg, Va 22407
(o) 540-548-0800 (c) 540-645-1354
Pictures by myself, copyrighted. 2008
Kindergarten registration for the 2008-2009 Spotsylvania County school year begins on March
31.
Spotsylvania County has 16 elementary schools. To found out which one you are zoned for, click here. Spotsylvania County Schools home page.
Elementary Schools
Berkely Home of the Berkeley Beavers
Brock Road Home of the Bobcats
Chancellor Home of the Knights
Court House Rd Home of the Cardinals
Courtland Home of the Courtland Cougars
Harrison Rd Home of the Harrison Huskies
Lee Hill Home of the Lee Hill Lions
Parkside Home of the Eagles
Riverview Home of the Panthers
Robert E Lee Home of the Mustangs
Salem Home of the Salem Stars
Spotswood Home of the Pirates
Wilderness Home of the Wildcats
Whether you are curently a resident of Spotsylvania County or looking to relocate to the area I am happy to assist you with all of your Real Estate Needs. Look forward to hearing from you soon, Dana Forster, Realtor.
Summer Camps are coming, ready or not!
Just received your orders to Quantico? Time to start planning, time to think Summer Camp registration.
The fast paced world we live in requires us to plan a couple months in advance for everything that we do, Summer Camps are no exception. Summer Camps are a great way for children to make friends in an new area, also a great way to give Mom and Dad a much needed break to tend to things that need to be done, unpack, hang curtains or just have a quiet moment.
I have compiled by no means a comprehensive list of summer camps in the area but at least a starting point. I have listed them alphabetically and highlighted only some of there offerings.
Adventure Bay Summer Camp Fredericksburg (540-834-0060) and Stafford (540/658-1000)
For ages 12 months-Grade-school, Hours 6:00 am-6:30pm Offers swimming daily in the pool, field trips for grade-schoolers, special events each week, play games and sports in the gym
Bayberry Summer Day Camp Spotsylvania (540-972-2605) June 23-August 8 
Hours 8:30-5:30pm Offers Swimming, Riding, Archery, Arts and Crafts
CampAlleghany A Summer Camp for Girls Lewisburg, WV (1-877-446-9475) Offers Archery, Dance, Canoeing, Tennis, Wild World, Rifle, Drama, Swimming, Lake Sports, Low Ropes, Arts and Crafts.
Camp PowerKix Stafford (540-720-1988) Fun and Sports Oriented
Fredericksburg Field House Fredericksburg (540 361-4717) Offers various programs to all ages. Soccer Tots, Lacrosse, Adventure Sport, Challenge British Soccer Camp, Field Hockey, Coerver Coaching Academy
Fredericksburg Parks and Rec (540-372-1086) Offers a camp for every kid! Sports, Art, Drama, Nature, Dance, Tennis and More
Rappahannock Summer Music Camp (540-846-8436) July 6-19 Offers Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, Music Theory, Ear Training, Jazz Improv Piano Skills, Masterclassess and Junior Programs
Stafford County Parks and Recreation (540-658-5115) Offers a variety of camps. Basketball, Soccer, Adventure Camp, Gymnastics Camps and much more
Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation (540-507-PLAY(7529) Tennis, Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Creative Writing, Softball, Art, Karate, Track, Acting, Improvisation Games, Football
Virginia Sports Complex (1-877-482-7778) Sports, focusing on Baseball
YMCA Summer Day Camp (540-371-YMCA)
Three locations
Relocating to Quantico, Fredericksburg, Stafford or Spotsylvania County contact me for all of your Real Estate Needs! Office Phone: (540) 548-0500 Cell Phone: (540) 645-1354 
A specified services company that meets your needs, limited services or full service, you decide. We specialize in military relocations. Look forward to assisting you in the near future.
I hold a B.S. degree in Nursing from William Paterson University and a Masters in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Before joining A Home4Sale I worked in Healthcare Management. I am ready to share with you my expertise to help you transition into your new home in the Fredericksburg area. I am dedicated to being a resource for my clients, both buyers and sellers-not only meeting their real estate needs, but exceeding their expectations.
One of my greatest attributes is the ability to listen. Once you have described your Real Estate needs and desires, I have the ability to search for your property through "your eyes." Purchasing a home, or land for a home, is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Selecting the right home is of major importance and having the transaction occur in a timely, professional and ethical manner is equally important. Integrity, honor and trust are the cornerstones of my business. I will be completely dedicated to you and your needs during this transaction. I look forward to building lasting business relationships with my clients.
I served in the Military for 7 years and my husband is still active duty Navy. I have moved multiple times and can really help smooth your transition to your new home.
I reside in Spotsylvania with my husband and three sons. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am an active member of both regional and national real estate associations. For professional real estate services, call me at 540-645-1354 or email me at danamforster@verizon.net
Perfect Location...
The city of Fredericksburg and Counties of Caroline, King George, Stafford and Spotsylvania are ideally located midway between Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. Area commuters enjoy an array of dependable commuter services traveling north and south daily including a commuter rail system to Washington D. C.'s Union Station.
A Home 4Sale, Inc.
Represents Real Estate Buyers, Sellers and Tenants.
Boosted by the regions strong growth, a steady stream of business and industry is moving here; with this development comes an influx of new jobs, as well as ample shopping opportunities.
Yet the area is more than an ideal place for shopping and doing business. The cool forests, gentle hills and stately homes draw many newcomers to the area. The communities are active and residents are proud of their schools and their local recreation programs. Medical care facilities include Mary Washington Hospital and a number of private health and dental care facilities. Spotsylvania County is also home to one of the country's leading cancer treatment centers.
The City of Fredericksburg was named by Life in America's Small Cities as the "Third Best Small City in the Country". History abounds. George Washington's mother lived in Fredericksburg and James Monroe located his law practice here. The Civil War was fought on it streets. A forty block National Register Historic District includes not only many historic attractions and restored private homes, but also antique shops, fine restaurants, galleries and craft boutiques. The city is situated right on the Rappahannock River which offers many recreational possibilities. Annual calendar of events are filled with festivals, celebrations, theater programs, tours, concerts and art exhibits at Mary Washington College. Mary Washington Hospital Medicorp is a high tech, dynamic medical facility that provides the community with state-of-the-art health care.
Stafford County is just 40 miles south of Washington D.C. it has two commuter train stops for the Virginia Railroad Express. George Washington's home at Ferry Farm and the American impressionist artist Geri Melchers' Belmont home are just a couple of the historic attractions. Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George Counties are the fastest growing counties in the area and are two of the fastest growing in Virginia for residential, commercial and industrial development. Stafford County also has a reliever airport.
Spotsylvania County experienced a tremendous growth with the residential explosion of the 80's. Numerous schools were built to accommodate the influx of residents who sought the better quality of life in the County and in the area as a whole. Germanna Community College recently opened a new campus in the Lee's Hill Area. Lake Anna, a 13,000 acre lake, is a recreational delight. In the County history abounds; The civil war battles of Wilderness, Chancellorsville, and Spotsylvania Courthouse were fought here. The County also hosts one of the area's largest shopping malls.
Orange County is just an hour and a half drive from Washington D.C. and was created in 1734. Orange county is rich in heritage and once extended to the Mississippi River and the Great lakes. Antoinette Arsic, in an article published in the Piedmont Area Real Estate magazine, describes Route 20 as one of Virginia's most scenic byways noting how the road winds through farmlands and massive estates into Virginia's horse and wine country. Route 20 and Orange County history fascinates genealogists and historians; The Orange County Historical Society maintains more than 2,000 volumes and 1,000 files of information on local families, historic buildings, and sites, as well as a map collection. In the 1930's gold was mined in the county. Lake of the Woods is a large recreation oriented community located in the Eastern part of the County. Its amenities include lakes for boating and fishing, a golf course, swimming pools, restaurant and club house, and horse stables. the community also has its own fire department and security force.
King George County is bound by the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. It is called the "Gateway to the Northern Neck", the long strip of land extending eastward from King George. Despite its growth and closeness to urban areas, King George maintains a rural, Arcadian quality. Caledon State Park and Lends End Wildlife Preserve are perfect for outdoor lovers. James Madison, elected President in 1809, was born in the County. King George is home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren.
Caroline County boasts two incorporated towns, Bowling Green, which is the county seat, and Port Royal. Port Royal is on the Rappahannock River and was a busy trading center in the 1700's. It is one of only three towns in the U.S. to be listed on both the state and federal registries of historic places. The county is close to Richmond, Virginia's capitol. Caroline County has remained largely rural. There are several lake communities and a couple of larger planned town communities should add to the Counties residents. The County is home to Army Post, A.P. Hill. Timber and farming are still important industries. Many of the residents work in and commute to Richmond and Northern Virginia.
Lake Anna is the second largest lake located entirely in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The lake stretches 17 miles in length; and with a shoreline of over 200 miles Lake Anna is a recreational focal point for the area. More than 30 species of fish inhabit Lake Anna waters. Popular among fisherman are the largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish, white and yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and thredfin shad. The recreational use of the lake is overseen by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Lake Anna is also a great place to get your water skies wet or just enjoy the pleasures of boating. Seasonal and year 'round homes in rural settings lure urbanites to vacation and live in the Lake Anna area.
"Our Bottom Line is to Improve Your Bottom Line."
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
