This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Lisa Groover of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Lisa at 703-919-4426 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: Now that I have moved into my dream home in Alexandria, what would you suggest as a way to get involved in the community?
Answer: That is a great question, and one I hear from my clients, especially those who are moving from out of state. Although I have lived in Alexandria since 1989, I am from Florida, and lived in Texas, New Jersey, and New York prior to finding my true home in Virginia. For that reason, I will use myself as an example for how to become a “local”.
Ask yourself: What are my favorite things to do? How about my hobbies and interests? Am I passionate about a specific subject or cause? Do I enjoy volunteering? Do I have any pets?
In my case, I love collecting art, spending time with my golden retrievers, interior design and giving back to the community where I live. When I moved to Old Town in 1998, I joined the board of the Friends of the Torpedo Factory and attended festivals throughout the region. As an agent, I have been able to work with local artists to stage my listings and hold “meet the artist opening receptions”.
Exploring where I could take my dog, including shops, outdoor restaurants, the doggie cruise on the Potomac, and the various parks in Alexandria was a great way to get to know Old Town, and meet other dog lovers. I later volunteered as a basic obedience trainer with Mount Vernon Dog Training Club and competed in obedience and rally trials.
Having thoroughly enjoyed decorating my own house, I began helping friends and neighbors with ideas for theirs. Now I take great pleasure in staging a home for sale — whether on my own, or with a professional stager.
When I first moved to the area, I started volunteering on an ad hoc basis with a number of local nonprofits until I found the organizations that I hold dear to my heart. As a supporter of the commitment to “Live where you Love, Give where you Live”, I continue to volunteer with a number of groups and volunteer as a TWIG — the Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital —Â in their thrift shop and homes tour.
Looking back at the ways I have gotten to know my neighbors and fellow supporters of Alexandria, the word “collaborate” comes to mind. Coming up with ways to raise funds and awareness without “dialing for dollars” has been a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. Between clothing drives, collecting electronics for recycling, holding shredding days, sponsoring dog walks, and hosting shopping nights at local boutiques, I find that it is a “win-win” for all involved.
In that spirit, are you available on Thursday, February 3 for a terrific event to meet some wonderful people and give back to the community?
Join me at the Sara Campbell boutique (320 Prince Street) from 5-7:30 p.m. for a fantastic shopping experience to support The Board of Lady Managers — a humanitarian organization serving the unmet medical needs in Alexandria. We will receive first dibs on the deeply discounted ladies’ fashion and accessories prior to the Alexandria Warehouse Sale, and enjoy 10% off of full price merchandise.
AND… 10% of all purchases will be donated to The Board of Lady Managers! If you can’t come that night, stop by during the day, mention the event and receive the same special pricing. I look forward to seeing you!Â
I hope that these suggestions will be of interest to you and help you get established in Alexandria!
Lisa Groover is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Old Town Alexandria, VA. As an active member of the community since 1989, Lisa specializes in Alexandria, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with her friends, neighbors, former clients and their referrals.
In addition to enjoying the Old Town lifestyle and the art related events and activities, she is a member of a number of volunteer organizations. Having had nine Golden Retrievers, she is dedicated to helping other dog owners through the challenges of renting, buying and selling their home.
If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email:Â [email protected]Â or call 703-549-9292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
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