Business Owners: Claim Your Listing on Patch—Free

Business owners can claim their free listing in Patch Places to promote their business and inform local Patch readers.

When Patch launched in late 2010, editors and freelancers ventured to local businesses to collect information for our directory. They made Patch Places into a spot where local consumers can find descriptions, hours, accepted payment methods and much more for stores and restaurants around town. All Patch readers can add information about local events, can rate the business on a scale of one to five stars and can add a review. But many owners of local businesses don't realize the full advantages and extra bonuses they get when they claim a listing. How to Claim Your Listing—and Why Owners or managers should search for their business listing on Patch in the search box above, click on your business listing and then click on "claim your listing…

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12 Days of Shopping Local: Gifts for the Host(ess) With The Mostess

Looking for a gift? Go local and find something perfect for the host or hostess in your life!

Heading to a holiday party? The host or hostess in your life is generally fond of doing three things: inviting anyone and everyone over for dinner, hosting the best soirees in town and showing off their master of all things entertaining. They love to throw a party and you can never understand where they get the time to decorate for every occasion, but you can’t help admire their style. Even if you haven’t been dying to attend their holiday shin dig, you shouldn't arrive empty handed. Tou can spark their hosting spirit with a thoughtful gift for entertaining. There are a number of amazing local shops in Old Town Alexandria, particularly in the "Boutique District" along the 100 and 200 blocks of S. Union Street. Go to www.…

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12 Days of Shopping Local: Gifts for the Hobbyist

Go local and find something perfect for the hobby enthusiast in your life.

The hobbyist is a unique type of person, no matter their age. Both children and adult hobbyists are dedicated to their chosen area of expertise, and nothing will put a smile on their face quite like a new project. To determine which kind of gift is right for your hobbyist, ask yourself: From model sets and card collecting to comic books and speciality plush characters, our favorite local stores are sure to have what you’re looking for or can place a special order to make holiday dreams come true. Trains Etc. 8245-A Backlick Road, Lorton, Va. 22079 703-550-1779 Ron's Collectors World 7030 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Va. 22003 703-256-8408 Comic and Card Collectorama 2008 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Va. 22301 703-548-3466 Whistle Stop …

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Sally Spangler

2:02 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2011

The other side of hobbies are the many female interest types - sewing, x stitch and other embroidery, knitting and go on forever. I remember when both my brother and I were into HO railroad everything. That hobby seems to have disappeared. Besides children things, which seem to wax and wane within a few months and require some adult to spend the money and supervise. My one grandson is now 19. I …   more ›

Tech Trends

Online Deals Benefit Your Holiday Shopping

Keep the savings coming even after Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Holiday spending has begun with the biggest bang on record in the world of ecommerce. ComScore Inc., the Internet tracking firm which happens to be located in Fairfax County, reports that Americans spent $816 million online on Black Friday and $1.25 billion on Cyber Monday. If you missed participating in the online shopping frenzy thus far, never fear. There are still good deals to be had on products, services and events this holiday season and all year round. Burke boasts both your favorite Mom and Pop stores and large chain stores like Target, Walmart and Kohls. Many offer coupons online as well as a listing of daily or weekly deals. Simplicity is a virtue. Online services that gather these deals for you make fast work in pursuing the …

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Shirley's Catering is a Burke Institution

Shirley Casey has been serving Northern Virginia since 1985.

Shirley Casey is the creative genius behind Shirley’s Catering, which for decades has been a local institution based in Burke. Casey founded the full service, off-site catering company in 1985.  Her first job was a picnic for United Brick and Block in Manassas. “We roasted five pigs and made all the trimmings and sides for 800 guests,” she said.  Her next event was a birthday party at the Watergate for Senator Bob Dole. Today Casey’s team consists of two chefs, two kitchen staff, three office workers and almost forty part-time servers.  "Having staff at your event allows you to entertain and enjoy your party with no party anxiety,"  said Casey.  This includes cleanup worries.  “We always clean and leave the home in better condition than …

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Burke's Ho's Dynasty Closing After 25 Years

Owner said rent is too high and business is down.

Andy Ho has been serving Burke at his Ho's Dynasty restaurant for 25 years, but that ends on November 30. "When my lease came up for renewal, I had to consider that all the money I'm making is paying the landlord," he said.  "The rent is too high and business is down."  Ho said he's paying $14,000 a month in rent, but a new lease required even more. "I don't know what's happening or what the landlord wants," said Ho. "Already three businesses have closed in this shopping center," he said.  "It seems like the landlord might want to do something." According to Ho, the businesses which closed are Curves, My Eye Doctor and a karate school.  CBRE is the management company for Burke Centre Town Center, in which these businesses were located. …

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Thrift and Consignment Holiday Shopping

Small Business Saturday® and Holiday shopping bargains to be had at local thrift and consignment shops.

Are you looking for great holiday bargains but aren't interested in crowded shopping malls?  Take advantage of the thrift and consignment stores in the Burke and Springfield area.  There are a wide variety of items for sale including clothing, toys, baby items, home décor, small appliances, and furniture.  And the best part is the selection is always changing, so you never know what treasures you'll find.  EC’s Closet 9415 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke 703-503-0772 Pink Elephant Thrift Shop 6127 Backlick Road Suite B, Springfield 703-451-2467 Treasured Child 9411-C Old Burke Lake Road, Burke 703-978-4778 Treasure Trove 6416 Springfield Plaza, Springfield 703-569-7751

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Support Small Business Saturday® in Burke, Springfield

On November 26, shoppers are encouraged to bypass the mega-mall for Main Street.

"Independent and locally-owned small businesses are critical to our local economy," said Nancy-jo Manney, executive director of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.  "Small businesses bring prosperity to our community and create jobs for our families and neighbors." Manney encourages area residents to make a special effort to shop local on November 26 for the second annual Small Business Saturday®.  "It's a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year," according to founder American Express. "When small businesses succeed, we all benefit," said Manney. Here’s how you can help.

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Nancy-jo Manney

8:44 am on Sunday, November 27, 2011

Let's not stop with Small Business Saturday. There are still many days to do your holiday shopping. Make those purchases locally. Make a big impact when you shop at small businesses.   more ›

Tech Trends

Thanksgiving Weekend Technology Tools

Tech tools for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and beyond.

Holidays are famous for time spent with family and friends around a dinner table. This makes for memorable images (think Norman Rockwell), but what do you do on Day Two? Family and friends may still be sharing the same space and the jubilant feeling of the previous day’s holiday may be losing its warm fuzziness. Keep the spirit alive by getting those priceless family photos and videos online while they are still fresh. Check out Facebook, Flickr, or Picasa. Re-live (and embellish) this year’s Thanksgiving highlights with those who couldn’t be with you in person. Try Skype, FaceTime, or Tango app. Get off the couch and do something. Touch football, raking leaves and getting out the decorations for the next holiday are good beginnings. …

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Burke, Springfield Black Friday Store Hours

Walmart and K-Mart are open on Thanksgiving; other stores open very early Friday.

Fairfax County Police and the Office of Consumer Affairs offered security tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping in a live online chat and corresponding video (attached), as shoppers prepare to begin the Holiday retail season. Walmart in Burke and K-Mart in Springfield are open Thanksgiving Day.  Other area department stores are scheduled to open in the wee hours of Friday morning.  Best Buy (Springfield) Opens at 12 a.m. J C Penny (Springfield) Opens at 4 a.m. K-Mart (Springfield) Open Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Open Black Friday, Nov. 25, 5 a.m. - 11 p.m. Kohl’s (Burke) Opens at 12 a.m. Macys (Springfield) Opens at 12 a.m. Target (Burke) Opens at 12 a.m. Target (Springfield) Opens at 12 a.m. Walmart (Burke) Open …

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Susan Larson

9:04 am on Thursday, November 24, 2011

The security tips are about credit card and identify theft, and apply to shopping at all times.   more ›