Tag Archives: Del Ray

Feb 06, 2017

Welcome to Dental Excellence

Dental Excellence opened in December at Del Ray Towers located at 3116 Mt Vernon Ave. and I was happy to have the opportunity to see their office and meet with Dr. Sheri Salartash. Neighbors are invited to stop in to meet the staff and get a tour. Dr. Salartash is an experienced dentist that wanted to open her practice in a progressive neighborhood that would embrace her desire to practice holistic dentistry. The office provides comprehensive dental care such as ortodontics, cosmetic dentistry, soft tissue laser, implants, whitening along with preventative care. Dental Excellence offers treatment for children as young as newborn that are tongue tied who may be experiencing problems feeding. Dental treatment begins for children as young as two. Dr Salartash notes that screenings for traditional & physiological orthodontics screens should start early since between the ages of 2-6 years is a critical age. For orthodontics, Dr Salrtash notes that the best results happen before the age of 12.

Dr Salartash focuses on patient education and wants patients to understand and work as part of the team to create a treatment plan. There are numerous things that set this dentist office apart. I was impressed with the massaging chairs, parafin wax treatment, heated blankets, digital x-rays (that are low dose), mercury free dentistry, advanced water filter system and use of NU Calm instead of nitrus. Bonus points go out to this office for having changing stations in the restrooms! Dr Salartash is a new mom herself and dedicated to providing a full range of services to make your child and your experience positive.

The office sees patients on Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Saturday and they work will all major PPOs. They also offer yearly membership rates that include 6 month cleanings and discounts on treatments for those that do not have dental insurance. Be sure to check them out soon!

May 13, 2016

First Annual La Bella Strada

La Bella Strada: Del Ray’s First Annual Street Painting Festival
Hosted by The Del Ray Montessori School
Sat. May 14, 2016, 9.00 am — 3.00 pm

La Bella Strada is a family friendly modern street painting festival that originates from an ancient Italian art form. We believe it will become another signature event to continue making Del Ray one of the most sought-after neighborhoods and shopping venues in Metro DC.

Organized by the parents of students who attend The Del Ray Montessori School, this unique event takes place along Mt. Vernon Avenue throughout the day on Saturday, May 14, 2016. The festival brings artists, energetic volunteers, and local businesses together to enliven our cottage neighborhood with vibrant colors, crowd-drawing masterpieces, and a one-of-a-kind experience of witnessing the creation of large-scale chalk paintings directly on the sidewalks. Similar festivals have successfully brought splendor and visibility to communities around the world.

La Bella Strada in Del Ray will also feature a Casa de Bambini (“Children’s House”) area to provide a space for young artists to create a collective chalk masterpiece of their own, as well as designated sidewalk squares where families and individuals can participate in making their own colorful work of art.

All proceeds will help fund The Del Ray Montessori School’s capital campaign for a larger, more permanent home. We invite you to share our passion for Montessori education in Del Ray, and hope you will join us.

Check out their Facebook Page for more info and updates

Mar 05, 2015

BOUNCE Gymnastics in Del Ray

Do you have a child that loves gymnastic? Does your kids like to tumble, balance and bounce? Be sure to check out Del Ray’s only full fledged gymnastics facility, Bounce.

The owner, Lanette opened the doors last summer and the classes are becoming more popular as families hear about this new gymnastic facility. Bounce is in Del Ray  at CrossFit MVA (you do not have to be a member) & UpCycle Bldg 1712 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria 22301

My daughter began taking classes with Lanette last fall and I have the highest praise for the classes and teachers. It’s great for kids of all skill level. Lanette keeps the class fun, fast paced and challenging. Lanette’s enthusiasm and positivity shines throughout all of her interactions with her students. She allows students to try one introductory class for free.

Bounce is a recreational program with fabulous, portable equipment from Tumbl Trak. They have a 20′ tumble track and landing mat, a cheerleading tumbling floor with carpet bonded foam, Jr. Parallel Bars, Jr. Balance Beams, Vaulting Mat, Wedge Mats, a Developmental Fitness Wheel, as well as pull up bars, rings and ropes. Their classes are beginner to intermediate. They follow USAG fundamental skills that lead to skill progressions and routines.

Sep 17, 2014

Tippi Toes Dance in Del Ray

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Claire Portolese, owner of Tippi Toes DC to learn more about the dance classes they offer here in Del Ray. Tippi Toes operates out of Mind the Mat Studio in Del Ray, Saffron in Clarendon and numerous locations in DC.

Tippi Toes offers a Toddler & Me class for ages 18 months – 3 years old. For children that advance out of Toddler & Me classes, they offer Baby Ballet which is for children 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 years old. Their Ballet/Tap/Jazz class is offered for ages 3-6 years. My daughter took their Hip Hop class for ages 6-12 and had a great experience.

Tippi Toes offers summer and spring break classes along with providing programs for numerous in school and after school clubs in the DC-VA area. They also offer birthday parties for children 3-7 years old and their parties come with your own princess instructor!

Be sure to sign up online for their classes!

Dec 24, 2013

These are a few of my favorite things!

What better day than to start a new blog series of ‘My Favorite Things’ in our neighborhood than Christmas Eve? These things don’t have to be big but they’re the things that make our community such a special place to be raising our kids!

LETTERS TO SANTA AT PURPLE GOOSE

Years ago Purple Goose started the tradition of being a drop off point for letters to Santa. Their mailbox disappeared last year but they continued the tradition this year. Santa replies to each letter that is dropped off!

Dec 03, 2013

Del Ray Celebration of the Holidays

Del Ray Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Luminaries,

& Visit with Santa Claus!

Moved to Sat., December 7th ~ 6 pm

Events are at the Del Ray Farmers Market

Corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and East Oxford Avenue

And along Mt. Vernon Avenue

· Enjoy thousands of Luminaries along Mt. Vernon Avenue

· Sing holiday carols at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market led by:

“The Rainbow Lady from Rainbow Rock aka Kate Moran”

· Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate provided by Evening Star & Buzz Bakery

· Sit on Santa’s lap and have a photo taken

·Come out and see if you can “Find the Spirits” in Del Ray. Many businesses will be open late for shoppers & offering special holiday spirits/beverages

· Stop by Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market to shop & enjoy festive food

And, in the true spirit of the holidays, we are asking our neighbors to help those most in need. In partnership with Carpenter’s Homeless Shelter, we ask you to please bring and drop in the boxes at the tree lighting any of the following items:

· Food – canned goods (soup, vegetables, canned meat)

· Disposable diapers

· New Twin Sheets

· Towels and wash cloths

· Deodorant/Razors

Volunteers are needed December 6 at 2 pm to distribute the luminaries along Mt. Vernon Avenue, 5 pm to light them and at 10 pm to extinguish & pick them up.

To help, contact Gayle Reuter at delraydrba@yahoo.com

Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association

Nov 29, 2013

Here comes Santa Claus!

You’ve been waiting all year and now it’s time to welcome Santa Claus to Alexandria! Here’s where you’ll find the big man in town!

Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m., Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square (301 King Street). Celebrate the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine. Mayor Bill Euille and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will light the city’s tree and there will be a community singalong with the Alexandria Harmonizers and the Alexandria Choral Society.

Light Up the Village at Shirlington: Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Shirlington. Families are invited to take photos with Shirlington’s Santa Claus and participate in activities for children. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village will also be available.

santa 3

Del Ray Tree Lighting and Luminarias: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. Alexandria’s Del Ray community will come together at the corner of Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues to sing carols light the neighborhood tree. Santa is expected to drop by and will likely be available for photos. Mount Vernon Avenue will be lit with hundreds of luminarias.

Breakfast with Santa at Union St. Public House: Breakfast is table-service and we will have a very special menu, including some all-time favorites like Eggs Benedict and Belgian Malted Waffles. Only $13.50 per child and $22 per adult. Cost includes breakfast, milk, soda, coffee, tea, tax, gratuity, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Six seatings each day starting at 8:30 am.

Landmark Mall: Visit Santa in the Center Court any day until Dec. 24th

Santa Claus is Coming to Old Town: Santa and Mrs. Claus are back in Old Town Alexandria to take pictures with children every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This opportunity is presented by the Old Town Boutique District in partnership with the City of Alexandria and the support of area businesses.

See Santa at Pentagon City: Santa even has special hours for photos with pets! He takes breaks to feed the reindeer at 1 and 5 p.m. More info here.

Scottish Walk Parade: The Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade draws nearly 30,000 individuals and families. Tourists travel from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to participate in this celebrated community event. More than 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march through the streets of Old Town. Parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe St.

Breakfast with Santa: Join Del Ray United Methodist Church’s Free Annual Breakfast with Santa on Sat., Dec. 7th at 9 a.m.

Visit Mrs. Claus: Greenstreet Gardens at 1721 W Braddock Rd will have a fun twist on visiting Santa. Visit their open house on Saturday, Dec. 30th and meet Mrs. Claus. Have your picture taken with her and give her your letter for Santa.

Whistle Stop Toys and Hobbies: Santa is coming to Whistle Stop Toys and Hobbies on Friday, November 29th. Along with Mrs. Claus and one of his cute little elves! Come take a picture with him and enjoy some holiday cheer!

Brunch with Santa at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City: Enjoy holiday brunch with a very special guest, Santa Clause! Sing your favorite holiday tunes along with our Christmas carolers, and receive a special gift. Reservations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jun 05, 2013

First Thursday – Dog Days of Summer

UPDATE

After being postposed on June 6th and 13th, it looks like third time is a charm and First Thursday will happen on June 20th!

Today is Del Ray’s First Thursday. Come out from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue and join friends and neighbors for lots of fun! Businesses will be open late and there will be fun activities for people and dogs.

The business association hasn’t released much information about the evening but here’s what I’ve gathered that local businesses will be doing:

Del Ray Variety store will have Alexandria Police K-9 Unit demonstrations in their parking lot. Our premier sponsor The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn will also outside w/ interactive activities for the kids! The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be ccollecting pet supply donations in the store.
The Animal Welfare League will be set up at Mt. Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues with staff and adoptable animals. Pet photographer Jeanne Taylor will be taking pictures of dogs outside of A Show of Hands that will be available for sale.
Want to take a break and get a tasty bite to eat that kids and adults will love? Cheesetique will have live jazz all night.
Upcycle Creative Reuse Center is moving to Del Ray at 1712 Mt. Vernon Ave.! Stop by and make an UpCycled dog toy for your special pooch. They are also collecting towels, blankets, bath mats and more for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Free face painting at Bellies and Babies
Homeward Trails & Operation Paws for homes will be along the 2500 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue in front of the Mt. Vernon Community School at ‘Rescue Row’ with dogs that are up for adoption.
The Little Free Library stewards and friends will be at Bean Creative helping out the Alexandria Library folks with a readaloud of Martha Speaks, which will be available in the LFL at the corner of Windsor and Dewitt afterwards

Nov 13, 2012

Welcome to HOP!

I met with Hands On Play’s (HOP) owner Sharon Thomason-Sekyi several months ago while she was preparing to open her newest venture. Sharon arrived in Alexandria with experience from the North East Stars Montessori school that she runs in DC. She saw something missing in Old Town and stepped up to fill in that gap!

HOP is filling a much needed role in Old Town as a welcoming place for children and parents. Sharon’s goal is for HOP to be a one-stop enrichment center for fun and academics serving children ages 1-12. She’s working to bring in enrichment classes on topics that parents want. Her staff is managed by licensed teachers and administrators. They are working on their offerings, so if you have an interest, pass it along! The idea for the classes is that you can drop in at anytime. You don’t sign up for a ‘session’, you simply pay per class.

Another exciting offering at HOP is the Montessori inspired playroom that helps little ones to develop fine motor skills. Rainy and cold days are no problem with this gem located near Trader Joes! Pop into HOP and let your kids run out some energy in a great setting. HOP even allows drop off play so that busy moms and dads can run errands. Drop and shop is available for children 3-12 for up to 90 minutes. Reservations are recommended. The cost for play area use is only $10 for all day or $8 an hour. HOP also hosts birthday parties and playdates, so call to book your group.

HOP is located at 688 N St. Asaph Street on the same block as Trader Joe’s. Hours are Monday-Friday 12pm-7pm, Sat. 10am-12pm.

Aug 02, 2012

First Thursday- “Art Walk on the Avenue”

Today is First Thursday: “Art Walk on the Avenue”

Come watch artists work their magic along Mount Vernon Avenue. The celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features art demonstrations and live music. The Del Ray Business Association, which puts on the First Thursday celebrations, hopes to have an artist – or two – on every corner including local celebrity chef Will Artley who plans to show off his culinary art.

Other artists expected to attend the event include:

Choreographers Collaboration Project which will dance outside A Show of Hands at the corner of E. Del Ray and Mount Vernon avenues.

Sediment Press will demonstrate how to make postcards.

Lily Beach – face painting

Tessa Barsic – oil painting

Eric Nelson will demonstrate painting on mylar outside Artfully Chocolate.

Ginny Filer – photography, outside Bean Creative.

William Mansfield – banjo

Matthew Harwood – architect turned artist

Lisa Schumaier – artist

Robin Kuprewicz – jewelry artist

Sally Coler

Mary Jane O’Loughlin will demonstrate how to put together a book.

Mary Exline – watercolors

Maria Teresa Balda – hair bows

Paula H. Wulff

Marcia Toepfer – watercolors

Joyce Wagner – pressed flower cards

Anne Marie Houston – photography

Renee Rutkowski – glass bead making

Sally Fernandez – sewing/embroidery

Art League artists

Two singing groups also will take turns performing at the Del Farmer’s Market starting at 6:30 pm. First up, Venus d Minor, followed by Jubilee Voices at 7 p.m. The groups will trade off every 30 minutes until the final performance ends at 9 p.m.

The Del Ray Montessori will be doing a cute art project for children in front of Bean Creative.

Friends of Karen Graf are sponsoring a celebration of the arts and the Olympics by creating an international flag. This art project will be led by Maury Elementary’s art teacher, Luisa Tio. This is an activity for all ages. Get ready to get messy with paints and markers! Also, face painter Barbara Scheeler from Let’s Make a Face will be there from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and there will be a bouncy house! At the Bean Creative lot (2213 Mt. Vernon Avenue)

This month, First Thursday organizers are spotlighting The Child & Family Network Centers, a local nonprofit that provides education and related services to low-income children. People are encouraged to donate art supplies to the group at a tent set up at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market at the corner of Oxford and Mount Vernon avenues.

LETTERS TO SANTA AT PURPLE GOOSE

*UPDATE*

After being postposed on June 6th and 13th, it looks like third time is a charm and First Thursday will happen on June 20th!

UPDATE