HomeLifeStyle

As the number of senior citizens in Fairfax County continues to rise, so does the need for assisted-living facilities — and especially those focusing on people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. That’s why Artisan Land Group LLC wants to build just that in Chantilly.

Summer Camp: Start Planning Now

Applications for many camps open in January.

The frigid January temperatures can make summer feel like a distant fantasy of sunscreen and popsicles, but it’s actually not that far away. If you have children who want to attend camp after the current school year ends, now is the time to start planning, said experts. In fact, registration for many camps begins this month.

Creating Books with Children

Experts say helping little readers become authors can deepen a love of reading.

K.J., 8, and his sister Kalina, 3, love reading books, particularly books they’ve written themselves or with their mother. In fact, K.J. is an avid reader of both homemade and traditionally published books, and his sister is following in his footsteps.

2013: Banner Year in McLean and Great Falls

The total number of home sales in McLean and Great Falls is up in 2013 over 2012. Further every market segment is up year over year except for that in the under $750,000 category. The reason I believe that this segment fell short in terms of number of sales is due to lack of supply. Current inventory level is less than one month for homes to purchase for under $750,000 in McLean/Great Falls, which includes condos. Economists and other experts that analyze the real estate market typically consider a balanced market to be a 6-month supply, thus the current lower price market in McLean and Great Falls is in a seller’s market cycle. This is in line with market conditions experienced throughout 2013.

Shelter Offers ‘Pet Haven’ Services

Many people may not be aware that domestic violence and animal abuse are connected. People may stay in dangerous and traumatic situations in fear of leaving their pets behind to an abusive spouse or partner. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is launching an expansion of the "Pet Haven" program offering emergency housing, food, supplies and care for pets in domestic violence situations.

Debate Over Residential Studio Units Continues

Housing advocates, Fairfax County supervisors, area residents address affordable housing.

Fairfax County residents have yet to agree on the specifics of residential studio units and are continuing the debate on several aspects of the proposed amendment. As of Jan. 6, the Planning Commission proposed amendment defines residential studios as efficiency units that make up a multiple-family residential building, or part of a building, in which 80 percent of the units must be for those who do not make more than 60 percent of the median income of the area. In the Washington, D.C. area, that is $45,000.

Kitchen Organization for the New Year

Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.

If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."

The Connection

HomeLifeStyle

Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 17 Great Falls homes sold between $2,000,000-$527,500.

Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2013

In December 2013, 69 Fairfax homes sold between $974,900-$164,000.

Centreville Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 71 Centreville homes sold between $763,000-$174,000.

Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 25 homes sold between $680,000-$175,000 in the Chantilly area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 65 homes sold between $1,850,000-$133,320 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Burke Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 47 Burke homes sold between $767,365-$118,000.

Arlington Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 219 Arlington homes sold between $2,260,000-$100,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 183 Alexandria homes sold between $1,950,000-$110,000.

Caring for People with Alzheimers, Dementia