Explore Alexandria living in this bi-weekly column sponsored and written by Sandy McMaster of McEnearney Associates. Got a question or comment? Contact Sandy at [email protected].
How you live is as important as where you live. And living in Alexandria remains a top choice for many — including Santa’s elves.
The city’s appeal is more than its convenient location. It’s the charm. The special boutiques, like Made in ALX make Alexandria what it is, which is a city like none other.
I’m Sandy McMaster, a lifetime resident and realtor. I’ve helped people move in and around the city for more than 18 years. As the commercial says, “I’ve seen a thing or two” so I thought it was time to share a few of my favorite places and people, like Beth Lawton, co-founder of Made in ALX.
This fantastic shop is a collective of more than 40 local creators and artisans. The store features unique, hand-crafted items exclusively made in Alexandria. These are singular gifts you give to make your special people, feel special.
Besides the local honey, you’ll find terrific soaps, candles, ceramics, and more. My favorite? The Christmas tree decorations (the gnomes… so cute!) Be sure to stop in often because these creative wizards (elves) show up daily with new inventory for Beth to showcase!
After you’ve found all your stocking stuffers at Made in ALX, follow our new series on Instagram. I’ll share the city’s best-kept secrets and highlight businesses that help us build the lives we want in the city we love!
Happy Holidays!
To get to know more about me and how I help people build lives they want in homes they love, follow me @SandyMcMaster on IG or visit www.
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Potomac Harmony is Back! Following a gap year of competing, then virtual rehearsals during the pandemic, followed by the well-earned retirement of our long-term director, a year of a director search, Potomac Harmony hit the regional contest stage in Concord, North Carolina in March for the first time since 2018! It was exhilarating, reaffirming, and rewarding!
The chorus hit all of its goals, the biggest of which was to have fun and sing our best on contest stage — we did both! Because we earned a score over 400 points, our new Director, Allison Lynskey, was awarded the Novice Director award, photo above. Additionally, one of our charter members, Jackie Bottash, was nominated for and honored with the Leadership Excellence award. It was a celebratory weekend!
What’s next? So much! We now look forward to upcoming performances, growing our membership, and expanding our musical product with new arrangements and an education component each week. It’s an exciting time to be part of this ever-growing ensemble!
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