EPA Recommendations for Cleaning Up Fluorescent Light Bulb Breakages & Mercury Spills

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are lighting more homes than ever before, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging Americans to use and recycle them safely. Carefully recycling CFLs prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass, metals, and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

Unbroken fluorescent light bulbs, mercury containing thermostats and thermometers, and properly labeled and secured mercury containing clean-up materials can be brought to the Alexandria Household Hazardous Waste Collection center located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue on Monday and Saturday (except holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Below are EPA recommendations on cleaning up fluorescent light bulb breakages and mercury spills:

Cleaning-up fluorescent light bulb breakages and small amounts of mercury (i.e. thermometers and amounts similar).

1. Have people and pets leave the room; don't let anyone walk through the breakage area or mercury on their way out.
2. Open all windows and doors to the outside; shut all doors to the otehr parts of the house.
3. DO NOT allow children to help you clean up the spill.
4. DO NOT vacuum or use a broom.
5. Follow the EPA recommend clean-up steps.
6. For more mercury clean-up information, call the Alexandria Fire Department HazMat: (703) 838-4652.
7. Properly labeled and secured mercury clean-up materials can be brought to the Alexandria Household Hazardous Waste Collection center located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue on Monday and Saturday (except
holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cleaning-up mercury spills of more than the amount of a thermometer, but less than or similar to two tablespoons (one pound):

1. Have everyone else and pets leave the area; don't let anyone walk through the mercury on their way out.
2. Open all windows and doors to the outside.
3. Turn down the temperature.
4. Shut all doors to other parts of the house, and leave the area.
Don't Vacuum!
5. Call the Alexandria Fire Department HazMat team: (703) 838-4652.

Cleaning-up spills of more than two tablespoons (one pound):

Anytime one pound or more of mercury is released into the environment, it is mandatory to call the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (800) 424-8802.
Note: Because mercury is heavy, only two tablespoons of mercury weigh about one pound.

How to Celebrate the 4th of July in Washington, D.C.

Here are a few ways to celebrate the 4th of July that we found on www.washington.org. From parades, to concerts to historical reenactments and fireworks, this list has it all!

However, before we get to this list-I wanted to share one of my favorite ways to celebrate the 4th in DC. I highly recommend the "Capital 4th" concert on the lawn of the Capital. Get there early and pack a picnic to enjoy the music and the fireworks. It is a great way to spend the holiday. If you are looking for a quieter place to watch the fireworks with the whole family-- head over to the lawn of the Iwo Jima memorial. It is a quiet spot in Rosslyn overlooking the Potomac River, the monuments and a great spot to catch the fireworks! There is a safeway in Rosslyn a few blocks away where you can stop to pick up your picnic.

Here is the official list of 4th of July activities from www.washington.org. Enjoy!

Celebrate Independence Day in the Nation’s Capital. There’s no better place to celebrate our nation’s birthday than in its capital city, with a parade, a star-studded concert and more.

Starting at 8:00 am, An American Celebration will take place at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, featuring military reenactments, a musical performance by the National Concert Band of America, a wreath-laying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from General and Mrs. Washington.

The National Archives' July 4 celebration kicks off at 10 am with a ceremony including a Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard, a performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Fife and Drum Corps and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. From 11 am - 2:30 pm, other activities will take place, along with appearances by George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

The 43rd Smithsonian Folklife Festival runs June 24-28 and July 1-5. Open 11 am - 5:30 pm, the annual celebration of cultural diversity turns the National Mall into a global bazaar with music, dancing, crafts and demonstrations exploring different cultures around the world. This year’s festival features Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture, The Americas: A Musical World, and the nation of Wales.

At 11 am, catch the free Annual Independence Day Organ Concert at the Washington National Cathedral, featuring organists Scott Dettra and Christopher Jacobson. The program of music includes both classical and popular traditions designed for the whole family to enjoy.

For the quintessential 4th of July experience, don’t miss America’s National Independence Day Parade, which features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIPs. The parade starts at 11:45 am at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW.

Round out an exciting day with a visit the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn for "A Capitol Fourth," a free, 90-minute live musical extravaganza. Hosted by Jimmy Smits, the concert’s headliners include famous acts such as Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, and the cast of Jersey Boys as well as the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel. Gates open at 3 pm and the concert begins at 8 pm.

Conclude the evening with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. They can be viewed from the West Lawn, or, for a more unconventional viewing, have dinner at one of DC’s many restaurants offering rooftop dining, and view the colorful bursts from there. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:20 pm.

Or, celebrate the nation’s birthday aboard the Sprit of Washington on its Fireworks Dinner Cruise. Coast along the Potomac from 8 - 11 pm and enjoy a premium open bar, dinner buffet, great music and an incredible view of the fireworks over the Washington Monument.

Hotel packages: Beat the traffic and make it a long weekend when you book a "Staying Power" package at washington.org. Hotel rates start at just $99 per night, and when you stay 3 nights, you’ll save 30% on your entire stay.

Note: Most museums and attractions will be open on the Fourth of July and throughout the holiday weekend, including the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the International Spy Museum, Newseum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Madame Tussauds and many others. Some federal buildings will be closed. For details on National Mall access points, parking and transportation options on Independence Day and much more, Click here for information directly from the National Park Service.

Open Houses

Please join us at one of our open houses this Sunday, from 1-4pm.

4004 FORT WORTH AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $925,000


1310 CLEVELAND ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $799,900

7200 PARSONS CT, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $349,900

905 CIRCLE TER, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $669,900

905 ORONOCO ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $699,900

637 COLUMBUS ST S #637, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $449,900

423 N COLUMBUS ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $1,039,000

Under Construction!

Please excuse our appearance as we improve the look of our blog! We hope to have a new look soon!

Free Summer Saturdays!

This Summer, the Corcoran Gallery will be hosting Free Summer Saturdays where they will be offering free admission. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, visitors will be able to enjoy free Gallery tours, workshops, demonstrations and performances through the end of August!

Click here to find out more information!

Open Houses Sunday, June 21st

Please visit us at one of our open houses this weekend! All will be open from 1-4pm on Sunday, June 21st. Happy Fathers Day!

905 CIRCLE TER, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $684,000

637 COLUMBUS ST S, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $449,900

1300 PEGRAM ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $795,900

More Shopping in Old Town!

A new consignment boutique, called Mint Condition, has opened on S. Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria.

I heard about the opening on the blog Daily Candy DC:

"With walls painted in — wait, wait for it — minty green, the converted row house stocks seasonal must-haves from top designers (many new with tags) priced to suit penny-pinchers.

Owner Toni Henderson has an impeccable eye for bright Catherine Malandrino pieces, Gucci shoes, Paige denim, and adorable work-friendly dresses and displays everything in an organized, shopper-friendly way (first by type, then size, and finally color).

Henderson set up the store with consigners’ rights in mind, splitting profits fifty-fifty, regularly mailing checks, and giving people a week to claim items after the selling period before they’re donated."

Happy Shopping!

Mint Condition, 114 South Royal Street, Alexandria (703-836-6468 or shopmintcondition.com).

Columbia Pike Blues Festival

This annual event is on Saturday, June 20th from 1-8 p.m. at the corner of Walter Reed and Columbia Pike. Al day long music, food, dancing and fun. Featuring Memphis Gold, Nadine Rae, Paul Mark and the Van Dorens, Deja Blue and Danny Blew and the Blues Crew.

From the President

Here’s what the President does in his spare time. He sends: baby’s birth greetings up to a year of the birth; birthday greetings for individuals celebrating their 80th or later birthdays (request six weeks before the birthday); wedding greetings and anniversary cards to those celebrating their 50th or greater. Request at https://app1.whitehouse.gov/greetings or fax to 202 395 1232 or mail to the White House Greetings Office, WDC 20502 0039.

28th Annual Alexandria Waterfront Festival

Food, music, arts and crafts, amusement rides, children’s tent and tall ship Gazela visits on the Potomac at Oronoco Bay Park June 20th and 21st from 10am to 11 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday. Free shuttle to the festival from both Eisenhower and King Street Metro. The 10K/5K race begins at 8 on the 20th from the Hoffman Center at Eisenhower Avenue and Telegraph Road.

Shopping, Dining, Music!!

At Pentagon Row and in Shirlington, there are concerts this summer. Shirlington: Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 in front of the library and Pentagon Row: Thursday evenings from 7-9 on the plaza. And at Pentagon Row, they are giving away $200 gift cards for one of their merchants after the concert.