John MacArthur

So, the DC schools systems were not up to snuff. Everybody in the area knows that. They have been in disrepair for quite some time. It seems that every Mayor has come into office saying that something will be done and every Mayor has left office with the schools in pretty much the same condition as they were when they arrived.

Mayor Fenty did not wait. He announced sweeping changes and brought someone into his administration that will get it done. It is a New Day in Washington, D.C.

There have been questions about the way that the District of Columbia operates in the past. There were scandals involving parking tickets and other areas of the beauracracy. Recently, it was revealed that several employees in the tax collection division had violated public trust and existing laws to steal from the residents of the city. In the past, wrists would be slapped and an internal investigation would be started.

Mayor Fenty didn't flinch. He stood tall and quietly demanded that the people involved were fired and charged with the crime. He took out the broom and removed the garbage that a few short years ago thought they were sitting pretty. It is a New Day in Washington, D.C.

This past weekend, we watched in horror as the bodies of several children were discovered in a row house. In years past, flowers would have been set outside and politicians would have wrung their collective hands over the tragedy. Announcements about short staffing and case overload would have been issued.

Mayor Fenty wasted no time. He fired the people responsible. No longer can case workers or department managers shrug their shoulders and complain that they are over worked. It is a New Day in Washington, D.C.

The sun is rising high on our Capital City. Our Mayor is taking the administration of the City as a challenge. He will not tolerate indifference, graft or "that's the way it has always been". He is well on his way to transforming the laughing stock of national pundits into the true Capital City we know and love.

It is a New Day in Washington, D.C.

Aren't you glad you woke up?

Aha, you hear the name Laurel and most people conjur up a vision of Laurel Race Track.

Others will be reminded of the largest one-day street festival in the State.

After all, the Main Street festival is the place to be the Saturday before Mother's Day. This little town is minutes from I-95 to the east and a few miles to Ft. George Meade, to the west.

I have enjoyed both venues. You can drive up and down Route One and enjoy shopping and dining. You can dance the night away at one of the clubs or enjoy a game of pool at one of the billiard spots.

Then, you stumble across....C. J. Ferrari's

C.J. Ferrari's

The Jewel of Laurel

This unassuming spot on Route One is the home of the finest pizza in the DC area. O.K., that sounds a bit bold. Let me rephrase it....they serve the best pizza in the United Statesof America. Hmmmm...not convinced? Well, they serve the best pizza in the US of A and Rome, Italy (or Rome, NY for you bent nose aficionados).

The restaurant is family owned and operated. The sauce on the pie is an old family recipe. The prices for pizza are more than affordable. I make it a point to have lunch there as often as possible. It is worth the drive from any spot close by to enjoy a meal, a diet coke and a nice tip that only totals $10.

Their hours of operation are the cause for many blue Monday's.They only open Tuesday thru Sunday. On weekends, they don't open their door until 5:00 p.m. I probably hate the limited hours but realize that when they are closed...absence makes the heart grow fonder.

C. J. Ferrari's

14311 Baltimore Ave
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 725-1772

If you would like to know more about Laurel and living there, feel free to contact me or call 301-537-4377. Sometimes it is best to deal with an agent that knows the important things about your new neighborhood.

So, every town has a jewel and I have found most of them. Kensington is a quaint town on the outskirts of DC. It is home to the Mormon Temple and their wonderful display of lights at Christmas.

Kensington has a wonderful collection of shops on Antique Row.

The real jewel is found on Connecticut Avenue, across from the Shell station. Locals know what I am talking about. Continental Pizza is an institution that has survived since the mid 60's. This family-run business has been serving the best sandwiches and pizzas at low prices for over 40 years.

History buffs will recall that they went head to head with the original Jerry's Sub shopinto the early 70's. The folks at "oh-oh, Jerry's" sold out and began franchising. Continental chose to remain a one stop shop. I speak from experience. I can still remember my father taking me to the original Jerry's. My eyes watered from the scent of freshly cut onions. I marveled at the metal trash cans used to store the sub rolls. Mouth watering sandwiches were served.

Then I discovered Continental.

Continental Pizza

The Jewel of Kensington

I have been hearing the cheery "help you next!" on a regular basis since my first visit when Johnson was President. The quality of the food is exceptional. The wait at lunch is well worth the time.

They have survived Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush administrations. They have faced price increases and the ups and downs of the economy. They have continued to be the best of the best in the area.

Yep, Kensington has a lot to offer. Continental stands above the crowd as the finest jewel of Kensington.

Continental Pizza

10532 Connecticut Ave
Kensington, MD 20895
(301) 949-9797

If you would like to know more about Kensington or the real estate market in Kensington please write or give me a call at 301-537-4377. Sometimes having an agent that really knows the area is worth it's weight in gold.

This logo represents the home of the finest Navy Medical care in the world. Those of us that live and work in the area, have driven by the hospital for years and I have to admit, that after a period of time it becomes merely a benchmark in a trip up and down Wisconsin Avenue.

Well, your new duty station (or place of employment) has been standing since the day after Independence Day in 1938. Members of your facility have been called upon to take care of Presidents and foreign dignitaries. Your alumni were the ones that assisted President Roosevelt with his fight against polio.

Your base was the place that the nation entrusted the final remains of JFK.

Reagan and his wife both sought out your care.

Sounds impressive, but totally overlooks your main mission. You will now serve in the capacity of care giver to our heroes. The members of the armed forces that have been wounded in battle will be at your door.

There is much to do and see in the area. When you reach the point that you would like more information, I would welcome the opportunity to provide that information to you. If you are going to be here long term and would like to discuss an alternative to base housing, I will be glad to set aside time for you.

If none of the above are necessary, I speak for all in my community and my fellow professionals when I say,

Thank you for your compassion, your care giving and your service.

Should you want to reach me, give me a call on my cell 301-537-4377 or email me. If you would like to check out other benefits offered military personel, go to military avenue.

As long as I can remember, College Park, Maryland has been nothing more than a spot on the map representing where the University of Maryland is located. The main road in front of the campus is Route 1. This little strip offered a few bars, a hamburger joint and a campus book store.

Yep, that is the extent of it.

Hold onto your hat Dorothy.......we are in for a ride.

Announcing Plans for the EAST CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT

As Montgomery County Executive, Duncan honchoed Silver Spring's redevelopment. Now a University of Maryland Vice President, he envisions something bigger -- and better.

"I've always said when you have a good Town Center, people like going there, they like bringing friends there, and hanging out there. And we don't have anything like that in College Park."

Right now, students who come in by Metro, have to take a shuttle or walk a mile to the main campus. University administrators hope the light rail Purple Line will take them right past the new East Campus development and up into the main part of the university.

Duncan has to be careful not to alienate residents who think College Park is just fine now. But he says a world class college really needs a world class downtown. Visits to any major college town across America will leave the visitor wondering is there really a campus on route 1. Part of the college experience is outside the classroom and right now, University of Maryland students biggest source of community is the parking lot in front of the local CVS,

Duncan says the same company that developed Downtown Silver Spring has already signed on to develop East Campus. He hopes to finish phase one by 2011.

Look for updates on this project as they become available.

If you are interested in moving to the College Park area, I would be glad to help you. I can be reached at 301-537-4377 or via email at macarthurgroup@gmail.com.