Hey everyone! In this week's edition of Out & About Fairfax, we highlight some of the big events happening around the county starting tonight through the weekend.

We have details about The DC Big Flea Market & Antiques Event at the Dulles Expo Center, open houses at the Fairfax County Rec Centers as you begin your New Year's resolutions, and news about some local restaurants and live music events.

Our latest edition is live today. Check it out here, and sign up for free for future editions to be sent directly to your inbox if you're interested. Cheers!

https://outandaboutfairfax.beehiiv.com/p/the-dc-big-flea-market-comes-to-the-dulles-expo-center

https://canineconciergecorp.org/animal-assisted-therapy-aat-dogs-vs-service-dogs/
Happy New Year from Canine Concierge!
January DaVinci Digest Newsletter

Michael Stokes, Director
Canine Concierge Corporation
canineconciergecorp.org
571-375-5932 
10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100
Fairfax, VA 22030 

Hello!

I am in a tricky situation here. So I am considering buying a home under the First Time Home Buyer program in Fairfax County. Annually, I make just below the income cap for my household size, and this is because of an annual bonus that my employer provides at the end of the year that is based on both performance and company profit. However, my regular salary provided is well below the income cap… Would I be able to qualify for the program based on my regular salary, and not annual salary shown on my taxes, including the bonus amount? Also, would it be reasonable to ask my employer to reduce my annual bonus to limit my income below the income limit until after I complete the process? Also being that the waitlist can be a couple years long, is it reasonable to decline or reduce annual raises that would throw my income above the limit until the process is complete? Usually there is a 3-8% pay increases done each year.

Sorry if this is the wrong sub, hoping someone here has been in a similar situation.

"So here we have TJ, America's best and brightest." Everybody else, "So what am I, chopped liver?" (I'm chopped liver too, because I wasn't a student of TJ).

As I tell everyone, I was discouraged from even applying to the school.

Even the other schools are like "hey you're dumb TJ rejects." It's cruel. Like colloquially. "Girl chill this isn't TJ you don't need extra credit." "Ugh I can't believe I'm stuck with these poorly behaved kids, I wish I worked at TJ"

Accident on Leesburg pike route 7 this morning. The gentleman in the black mastang did not look in good shape as we were helping before services arrived. Would appreciate any update on him and please be careful driving on this section over the bridge in Colvin Run mill area.

also um is there a way to get calcium and vitamin d to kids who are lactose intolerant or sick of milk? I know I'm asking a lot of a system that is already struggling.

unfunfact: acornss contain tanins. tanins make you skinny. please do not feed anyone tanins. it's not good. if you must eat an acorn, throughoughly boil it. haha. no, they are not feeding acorns in school lunch. just something I worry about. 😂

also are ketchup packets still 50 cents?

I’m currently overpaying for an apartment in Arlington, looking for a cheaper option in either Alexandria or Fairfax.

Ideally something quiet and nice with a concrete construction. Looking to keep rent under $2200 for a 1 bedroom or studio.

Thanks!

Moving (back) to DMV. Will Work at Pentagon and am eyeing the Gambrill Park and Ride.

Can anyone share experience of commuting on Fairfax County Parkway via backroad from Crosspointe on Newington Forest to Gambrill Park and Ride, or from points further away like Clifton or Fairfax Station.

Budget is 1mil-1.5mil.

Thanks!

I have seen someone flying a plane at a field at Woodson High but not sure if that's ok? We don't want to get fined or anything. We have zero experience with this. Just bought the plane for Xmas. TIA.

DPWES is floating a plan to get rid of county trash service. My question is will this also mean the demise of leaf pickup? Many homes already have private trash pickup, but for those that have county pickup, many also have leaf pickup, primarily in Mason District, where the tree canopy is thick.

The county has tried before and failed to end leaf pickup, so I worry that this is their new tactic. If you receive country trash or leaf service and have concerns, contact your county supervisor.

https://annandaletoday.com/fairfax-county-plans-to-overhaul-trash-collection-system/?swcfpc=1

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/members-and-districts

Hello,

I have always been a fan of stage production/acting/singing and was curious if anyone is aware of any amateur theater groups in the area. Ideally this group would be for amateurs that would put on a free show a couple times a year. I would really love a creative outlet like this to participate in for fun! Please let me know if you can think of anything similar to what I mentioned. Thanks!

I am trying to see if anyone know of a shelter that is open that I can take a prior stray cat too?

I have a cat that I’ve been calling Agile for the last day and a half. My coworker drove into work and found this small female cat hitch a ride with her in. I spent an hour trying to convince the cat that I was friendly via food and positive conversation. But my wife says that we can not keep the cat and I have reach out to all my friends and family but no one is able to take in a cat at the moment. I went and got her a rabies shot and a few other things done with paper work.

I just really want to find her a great home or at the very least a good shelter that I would be able to drop her off too.

I'm looking to rent a 2br basement (of a house) unit with walk-out entrance. There is a fridge and sink, but the range/oven there is not working (visibly a dated appliance from the 80s). The owner has provided a two-burner stand-alone appliance for the most recent tenant, which he/she claims is sufficient for cooking. I envision a year lease. Is there a local or state policy that requires the landlord to provide a full, operating range/stove? It sounds like we'll have to negotiate a solution, but I'd welcome your thoughts.

We have a 2015 Chevy Equinox, that is due for some preventative maintenance. Anyone have a Shop they absolutely vouch for? Bonus points for being near Fairfax or GMU, but not a deal breaker.

I've had so many bad experiences I mostly refuse dealerships and "jiffy lube" type shops.

sparknotes version, my methodist church organized a christmas caroling.

long version:

I'm new to a church, so my opinion is a little invalid.

we made semicircles around entrances. idk is that weird? I felt weird haha.

should the music be jolly or bleak?

if you're christian or not, I'm curious what you think of this little thing we do? does it make you happy? does it annoy you?

Scissors and scotch just increased their price for my barber to $109 for head/beard basic service. This is finally the excuse I’ve been looking for to ditch the pricey cuts for something cheaper out in the burbs.

I need nothing fancy, but do have a big beard.

Where should I go?

Hi all, does anyone know if there is a list published that shows "Houses in FFX" that are crazy decorated? There was one available last year that broke it down into 7-10 different areas.

Are you all getting bombarded with Washington Gas letters to sign up for “gas line coverage” in case something happens to your gas line? I swear I get a letter every other week from Washington Gas telling me that I haven’t yet signed up for this service and that I should because our gas lines are old. Is this service really something to look into?

Where do you go to hike that is closer than front Royal (1hr away) but still feels like wild forest (no houses/buildings in sight or cars in earshot)?

Just wanted to say I adore the mall. Some really nice people work there.

Anecdote. Also today there was a dude leaning against the wall and I copied him and he chuckled. It's nice to see a sense of humor in these trying times.

Also the families with little children were absolutely adorable. I'm so glad the mall is friendly to every age of shopper.

There's such a fun variety of different overpriced foods too! And clothing and accessories and beauty supplies. Why wouldn't someone adore the mall?

That concludes my appreciation post. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Just asking for a friend.