Pat Fenn

Buyers looking at the Ashland community in Prince William County might be confused at first. Ashland comes with two different postal addresses, Woodbridge and Manassas. Even though the neighborhood has two different postal addresses it is still managed by the same homeowners association and owners have the same services no matter what postal address their home has.

Ashland offers owners a fitness center open 24 x 7 offering a variety of exercise classes for residents. The clubhouse is available for rent for events and an outdoor swimming pool. In addition the neighborhood offers 4 playgrounds, 2 full size basketball courts and two gazebos for owners to enjoy. The neighborhood is comprised of both detached homes on large lots and small section of townhouses off Fincastle Road.

With its proximity to major commuting routes in Prince William County, Ashland residents will find either heading to DC, the Pentagon, Quantico, or points west in Prince William County to be relatively easy. Located just off Route 234 it is less than 5 miles to reach I-95 and along the way you will pass two Prince William County commuter park and ride lots (Brittany and Montclair) and a larger lot at the intersection of 234 & I-95. There are also slug line pick-up and drop off spot at the intersection of Route 234 and Route 1.

If you are looking for a neighborhood that offers you great convenience for commuting, wonderful community ammenities, easy access to shopping and recreation activities then put Ashland in Manassas AND Woodbridge on your tour list. If you are interested in learning more about the community and touring available homes give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a home in the Ashland neighborhood or anywhere in Northern Virginia.

It is that time of year when military families start to plan their summer moves. The weather can be very dangerous to anyone moving in the heat of the summer with a pet. First of all many pets just don't take well to travel of any kind but add 90 degree temperatures on top of that and the combination can be deadly.

If you are getting ready for a cross country move you need to make sure that you have checked with the hotels along your route to make sure that they can accommodate your animals. Yes, I know if you have a cat you can sneak them in just about anywhere but if you plan to stay more than one night what are you going to do when the maid arrives to clean your room? Put the cat in your sweltering car? Don't think so.

Second tip is do not let any pet, either a dog or cat run loose in your car while you are driving. As much as you would like to hold "fluffy" on your lap if you are in any type of accident or need to make an unexpected stop they could go flying through the air. Just as children need to be in the right type of safety seats so should your pet be secured as well.

Make sure that you have all of your pets shot records on board with you in case of emergency. You may even want to compile a list of emergency vets along the way just in case your pet becomes ill on the trip. The ultimate safety tip for traveling with your pet is to consider having an identity microchip implanted before you go. Every year dozens of dogs and cats bolt and the easiest way for a vet or shelter to reunite you with your pet is to be able to scan for the chip.

Remember your pets are part of the family and their safety during your move is just as important as yours. If you have orders to the Military District of Washington, Fort Belvoir, Pentagon or Quantico this summer give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213. Let our personal experience with military moves help you with a smooth transition.

Starting to fill our your calendar for the week? Add the Second Saturday Art Walk at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center for Saturday February 12, 2011.

The Second Saturday Art Walk is a great chance to visit the 150 visual artists who have studios in this unique Lorton VA setting. This is an opportunity to tour the different studio buildings, formerly part of the DC Reformatory in Lorton and meet the artists. You can shop, enjoy music and light refreshments.

In addition to touring the studios if you knit, crochet or quilt you can join the Studio Fiber Artists to make items for charity donations. You will need to bring your own materials. The group will be in Studio 605 from 7-8 PM.

Second Saturday Art Walk
Lorton Workhouse Arts Center
Feb 12, 2011
6-9 PM
9601 Ox Road
Lorton, Virginia 22079

The Navy Band Windjammers was formed in 1985 and are a woodwind group playing duets, trios and quartets. Members of the Navy Windjammers are also members of the Navy Concert Band.

They will be playing this coming Saturday at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center Gallery. The concert is free but reservations for tickets are required.

The Lorton Workhouse Arts Center presents a regular schedule of events including musical concerts and art exhibits. If you haven't made a trip to see how the former DC Reformatory has been converted into a vibrant arts community then put it on your to do list.

Lorton Workhouse Arts Center

Route 123 and Lorton Road Intersection (Across From Fairfax County Water Authority)

Navy Band Windjammers
Feb 5, 2011
7:30 to (;30 PM

Cardinal Forest today retains some of the same feel that it did in the 1970's when the neighborhood was first converting to condominiums from rental units. Still welcoming newlyweds, military families and retirees the community has matured and maintained its charm. Buyers and owners can say thank you to a diligent homeowners association which makes sure that the neighborhood has been well taken care of over the years.

Buyers may be surprised when they drive through the neighborhood at the wide variety of condominiums available in the Cardinal Forest neighborhood. There are one, two & three bedroom single level units, two level townhouses and a 2100 square foot three level townhouse as well. There are a total of 68 buildings and 1050 units that make up the neighborhood. The condominium fee in Cardinal Forest includes everything but your "plug ins" and whatever internet/cable/phone bundle you may choose.

Owners can walk to the Giant, Whole Foods, Starbucks and the Washington Sports Club, all within a mile. If you are commuting to DC or the Pentagon you are only a short step out your front door to catch the 18G express bus. The Springfield metro is 15 minutes away and if Fort Belvoir is your destination you can be at Tulley Gate within 30 minutes. Cardinal Forest also shares the back gate entrance to Lake Accotink Park, one of Fairfax Counties lake front parks along with the Charlestown neighborhood.

If a move to Springfield VA or anywhere in Northern Virginia is in your future give the Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. Having owned, lived and sold homes in every zip code in Springfield there is a good chance she can give you the straight scoop on many of our terrific neighborhoods. Her approach is simple. No hassle, no pressure just a chance to meet and talk about whether buying a home is the right choice for you in today's market.