Alexandria's Premiere Website for Parents on the go

Streamlined info

Weekly updates

This site is continously evolving.  Check frequently for updates and improved dynamic layout.

Neighborhood Developments
Staying informed about Neighborhood Developments
Crime in Alexandria at a Glance
Virginia Beach Neighborhood Crime Reports
Support Neighborhood Small Businesses
Small Business Profiles (Tony Decen, The Mailbox Store/ TW Tejchman, 45 Degrees Martini/Donis Baxter, Baxter Florist and Gifts)
Local Events and Free Activities
Bargain Fashions
Giving Back and Helping Out
Drawing Rules
Authenticity Statement
Request for no flier delivery

Click Here to take survey

Approx 5 minutes; no personal information required.  Respond before July 1st and be entered into a drawing: One winner of a $25 Visa Gift Card; Two winners of a $15 Visa Gift Card. Winners will be announced on July 11th, on this site. Click here for drawing rules.

The Summer 09 addition of Mommy Matinee is dedicated to the Virginia Beach subdivision of Alexandria, the home of Mommy Matinee!

The information from the survey, relevant to the recent developments, will be presented to the proper organizations, commissions, and companies, in a compelling format. The information can help influence certain businesses and organizations, that are in the best interests for the area, to come to the area.

In past years, Alexandria had a Civic League, which informed residents of developments, and took action for the best interest of residents. Unfortunately, the League is now defunct, in part due to the busy schedules of residents.

The survey provided here will gauge the possibility of starting another Alexandria Civic League, seperate from Mommy Matinee, especially designed for busy families.

Finally, the information provided from the survey will see what type of neighborhood events are preferred by Alexandria residents, as well as what type of services and businesses are offered from our very own neighbors!

Survey findings will be presented on www.moommymatinee.com this August, along with the most recent developments around the neighborhood.

For additional questions regarding Mommy Matinee and Wishlist Creations, please visit About Us or Contact Us. Regarding our survey drawings, please review our Drawing Rules and Authenticity Statement.

A. Oden
Founder of Mommy Matinee and Wishlist Creations
Fellow Alexandria Resident

 

There are several developments that have/will greatly impact the residents of Alexandria:

• The development of Cascades at Woods Corner, the area of Centerville Turnpike, Lynnhaven Parkway, and Monument Drive

• The development of the former Woods Creek Golf Range, at 2150 Centerville Turnpike

• The closing of the Farm Fresh located at 1832 Kempsville Road

To find more information, simply click on the links above.

Whether you are in favor of these developments or opposed to them, there are still ways you can make your opinions and preferences known, and potentially influence how these locations will be used moving forward!

You can attend, watch, or read about Planning Commission hearings (see article, "How to find out what is going on in your Virginia Beach Neighborhood..." below) AND

Simply take the Alexandriasummer 09 Survey, which includes questions about your preferences.

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Cascades as Woods Corner
Project Number: 051-35581

This has been approved to be seven buildings. Six of the buildings will be residential only, and the seventh building, to be located on the corner of Centerville Turnpike and Lynnhaven Parkway, is designated for residential and commercial use (four or five retail stores).

For more information about the future design of this site, visit:

http://www.vbgov.com/file_source/dept/planning/08_Bonaventure_MOD.pdf
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/vdogg/woodscorner.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/vdogg/cascades.jpg

2150 Centerville Turnpike
Woods Creek Golf Course

At the current time, there are plans to turn this area into town houses, a gas station, and maybe a drug store. More information will be posted on this site as it becomes available.

1832 Kempsville Road
Farm Fresh Building

While this property is managed by Cedar Shopping Centers, Farm Fresh still controls the building. They are actively searching for a replacement...maybe another market. More information will be posted on this site as it becomes available.

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How to find out what is going on in your Virginia Beach neighborhood and stay involved in developments that affect you and your family:

If you get the paper, read the back of the Beacon. This is where public notices will be announced, prior to City Council making final determinations of applications.  To get involved by reading about past meetings, watching current ones, or even attending meetings, please read on.

Get Meeting Agendas and Minutes by going to:

www.vbgov.com

1. In the search bar, type in Planning Commission
2. Click on the Planning Commission link
3. Go to the section on Agendas and click on the year in question
4. Find the date in question where the following can be selected, by clicking on the PDF link:

• Agendas
• Staff Reports
• Minutes

The contact info is also on this page:
Phone: 385-4621
Fax: 385-5667
Email: planadmn@vbgov.com

The Planning Commission meets the second Wednesday of every month in the Municipal Center, Building 1, 2nd Floor:

• 9 am, City Manager's Conference Room (Informal Briefing, the citizens invited to observe only)
• 12 noon, Council Chambers

Anyone wishing to speak at the 12 noon meeting/hearing should:

1. Arrive at least 30 minutes early
2. Go to the desk outside of the Council Chambers
3. Ask for a "Speaker Card" to fill out.

More information, about process and procedures for attending and speaking are available in the Agenda section on Planning Commission's website (see above).

Watch Planning Commission Hearings, live, during meeting dates and times, on VBTV:

• Cox Cable Channel 48
• Verizon Cable Channel 45
• Cavalier Cable Channel 119
• http:/www.vbgov.com/video.aspx

Rebroadcasts of the meetings are available during the following times and channels:
The  a lmorning following ive meeting at 9am:

• Cox Cable Channel 48
• Verizon Cable Channel 45
• Cavalier Cable Channel 119

Watch meetings the two consecutive Fridays, following the meetings, at 7pm:

• Cox Cable Channel 47
• Verizon Cable Channel 47
• Cavalier Cable Channel 119

Streaming video is available for 2 months, the Friday following the meeting at:
http:/www.vbgov.com/video.aspx

 

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Crime in Alexandria at a Glance*

From January 1-June 17, 2009, there have been 31 incidences of reported crime.
Below is a breakdown of those reported crimes, in order of frequency.
Click on the links, of the most frequent offences, for more general information about them, and tips on how to help prevent them.

1. Destruction of Property-8 incidences (7 against private property; one-graffiti-against city property).
2. Burglary-4 incidences
3. Larceny (aka Theft)-4 incidences (1 from motor vehicles; 1 from a residence)
4. Runaway-4 incidences
5. Assault-3 incidences (2 simple, 1 aggravated)
6. Fraud/Identify Theft-3 incidences
7. Hit and Run-2 incidences
8. Annoying Phone Calls/Harassing Communication-1 incident
9. Cruelty to Animals-1 incident
10. Threaten Bodily Harm-1 incident

Most offenses, excluding the Runaway offenses, involved destruction of property and occurred on Glen View Drive. This street probably has more incidences of reported crime, in part, because it is the longest street in the neighborhood, with more homes.

*The information supplied for Crime in Alexandria at a Glance is compiled from the Virginia Beach Electronic Police Reports Online (VBEPRO) database.  Reported crimes will take at least seven days to appear on this site, since it takes at least seven days for the information to be in the VBEPRO.  Visit VBEPRO for more information.

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Destruction of Property/Vandalism

Destruction of property can occur at any time, but is typically done during after school/off school times, in the evening, and during the Summer and Fall months.

The offenders are usually teens, although this is not always the case.

Vandalism is rarely an act of senseless destruction, even though there is no excuse for it.

Offenders usually participate in act because they are:

• Conveying a message

• Expressing frustration

• Seeking revenge

• Having their idea of "Fun" (i.e. initiation, taking a dare, etc.)

Dealing with Destruction of Property/Vandalism

The best way to deal with destruction of property/vandalism and to help prevent future occurrences is to:

1. Immediately report all incidences to the police.  Incidences of graffiti can be reported by dialing 311 from a landline phone, or (757)385-3111 from a cell phone.  Graffit can also be reported online by clicking here.
2. Make a claim with your insurance company
3. It can help to take pictures of crime
4. Immediately cleanup/repair the damage that was caused
5. Inform neighbors of what happened, so they can keep vigilant

Tips for helping to prevent Destruction of Property/Vandalism

• Form a Neighborhood/Block Watch
•  Keep the residence looking occupied and "busy" as much as possible
• Consider installing flood lights and motiong detector lights, if they are not already in use
• Make sure street lights are functioning properly.  To report a problem with a street light, click here.
• Put away all lawn items and tools when they are not in use
• Garage/shed as many items as possible

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Burglary

Burglary is the act of entering a dwelling, without consent, with the intention of committing a crime. One does not have to "break into", "break through", pick locks, etc. for the action to be burglary. They can walk into an unlocked door.

Dealing with a Burglary

If one happens to suspect a burglary is in commission when returning to a residence it is best to avoid confronting the perpetrator(s) unless one is thoroughly trained in handling such matters (i.e. a law enforcement officer).

If it appears that a burglary has already occurred:

1. Avoid disturbing the scene, as much as possible, to perserve potential evidence for the police
2. Make sure that the perpetrator(s) is no longer there
3. Call the police
4. Inform the neighbors of what happened, so they can keep vigilant

Tips for helping to prevent Burglaries

Use the same tips for helping to prevent Destruction of Property/Vandalism.

Additionally:

• If you don't already have one, a dog(s) is a major deterrent to would be burglars. The dog(s) does not have to be     especially big or menacing either (although this does not hurt). A noisy "yippy" dog is enough to deter many burglars.
• Keep your doors and windows locked, especially if one is not there to supervise them. Many burglars look for residences with unlocked doors or windows.
• Do not leave out "hidden keys". Use a lock box instead.
• Do not leave notes for the delivery person, or to friends indicating you are away and/or how they can obtain access to your residence.
• Unplug the garage door opener when leaving for an extended amount of time
• Have the newspaper a mail stopped while leaving for an extended amount of time. These can both be done online.  Click here for having the mail stopped.  Having the newspaper stopped can also be done by calling the Virginian-Pilot if the online method seems too cumbersome
• Immediately replace locks and latches in need of repair
• Use deadbolts
• Invest in quality doors
• Make sure that any sliding glass doors have an extra lock
• Keep the yard tidy, and hedges and bushes trimmed. Have obtrusive branches of trees pruned
• Consider an alarm system, or at least signs and decals that indicate the home is armed with an alarm system

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Theft/Larceny

Theft is the act of taking something from someone, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it (i.e. taking money, appliance, etc.) or to use for one's own personal use (i.e. embezzlement, fraud).

Theft and Larceny essentially mean the same thing, and sometimes do, depending on the circumstances. But there are some differences. For example with Larceny, something has to be "carried away". Therefore, if someone takes a radio, tv, or any other object, without permission and with the intent to permanently deprived one of it, it can be called Theft or Larceny. However, if someone steals someone's identity, without stealing a wallet or documents, this would be referred to as a theft (identity theft), and not larceny.

Dealing with Theft

1. Immediately make as detailed notes as possible, as soon as the theft is realized.  Include date, time, who was in the area, etc.
2. File a police report
3. Make a claim with your insurance company

Tips for helping to prevent Theft/Larceny

Refer to Tips for helping to prevent Burglaries. Many of those same tips apply.

Additionally: 

1. Keep automobiles, garages, sheds, etc. locked. Again, many perpetrators look unlocked items. 
2. Mind who is invited into your home.  If you are expecting guests, who you don't know very well, it is a good idea to move items like cash, check books, jewelry, keys, etc. to relative secure locations, prior to their arrival.
3. Anyone doing work on your home, particularly outside your home, should not ask to use the rest room, phone, ask for water, etc.  Their company should already have arrangements for these issues.

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Support Neighborhood Small Businesses/Support your Household

Why Support Small Neighorhood Businesses?

It is beneficial to patronize local neighborhood merchants. Thriving small businesses are one of the best signs of an overall well economy. When they are not supported, and fail, the rest of the community suffers.

When small businesses have to close, and leave vacant store fronts, it is not good for property values. Healthy property values not only help when one goes to sell their home, but they also provide more equity for home owners to tap into, if needed. Schools typically tend to be better where property values are healthy, and the value of a good education is priceless. There are a host of other positive things that healthy property values provide.

Assumptions about Small Businesses

One reason why small businesses may not be patronized as much as they could be is due to some assumptions. One of the main assumptions is you pay more for a product or service from a small business instead of going to a larger chain. This is not always the case. Many small business owners smartly run their shops to keep overhead and expenses way down. This way, they can price their products and services to be competitive with the products and services of the larger chains. Therefore, it is worth checking out that local store before heading off to that large chain, assuming it will be more economical to do so.

Small Merchants and Larger Chains

Of course it makes sense to go to where one will save money. For example, for that large grocery trip, in does make sense to go to a large discount store or a store that sells products in bulk. And for that huge home improvement project, it does make more sense to go to one of those larger chains for a number of reasons, including one stop shopping, and yes, in some cases, keeping costs down. But to only pick up a few, or a moderate amount of items, why not visit that store in the nearby neighborhood shopping center? Although in some cases, you probably can get the items cheaper at a larger chain. However, if you look at the BIG picture, you may not be saving as much as you think. For example, you have to travel further to get to the larger store. The gas spent may or may not be a big deal. But look at the time it takes to get to one of the larger chains, to find parking, to navigate the crowds, etc. By visiting a smaller shop, you are often in and out and home in a fraction of the time. Your time can now be better spent doing other things instead of sitting at stop lights, waiting in lines, etc.

Most small shops tend to give outstanding customer service to their patrons. Of course the employees in the larger chains do too. However, the smaller stores tend to have "personalized" customer service. Many small store owners and employees know their returning patrons by name and go above and beyond to provide them with services and conveniences larger stores will not, or can not do . See the article, "Small Business Profiles: Tony Decena, The Mailbox Store".

Support of the larger chains is absolutely necessary for a healthy economy too, and as mentioned earlier, it does make sense to shop with them for larger purchases and such. Besides, the smaller businesses are not set up to handle larger crowds like their larger competition. However, by providing the smaller merchants with a good steady stream of business, everyone wins. Instead of heading off to that large office supply store to have business cards printed up, why not check out the local shipping, packaging, and copying store? You may be surprised at what they have to offer and you may find their prices surprisingly competitive. Instead of heading off to that large department store, to purchase that baby shower gift, you may be surprised at what the local neighborhood florist and gift shop may have.

How Small Businesses support the Community

In a nutshell, supporting small neighborhood businesses enables them to support the surrounding community in return. Many small businesses give monetary donations to local churches and other organizations. Some offer their services free of charge, or for nominal fees, when non profit organizations want to do fundraisers and the like. A local small business may employ one's teenager over the summer some day. Finally, look at it this way...say you work for a company that schedules and provides home repair services. The small business merchant is likely to hire your company for services because they are too busy running their successful small business to do the work themselves. But if their business is not doing well and they have to shut down shop, then they may not be able to hire your company to do the work they need. In fact, they will have to do the work themselves and they will certainly have the time to do that, since their business closed. With enough incidences like this, along with everything else that makes for a poor economy, the company you work for may find that they may have to cut back on everyone's hours and/or start doing layoffs, due to poor patronage. The same scenario is true if you work for a large telecommunications company, an insurance company, retail clothing store, etc. So if you are not already doing so, give it a try. We encourage you to support your local neighborhood small businesses when you can.

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Small Business Profiles

Tony Decena, The Mailbox Store

If you happen to need some copies made, want to purchase a small gift and card, as a token of appreciation for someone, or need to mail off a package, stop by the Mailbox Store in Orchard Square Shopping Center.

Tony Decena is co-owner, along with Jun Voces, of the establishment that opened on December 1, 2008. I met Tony one Saturday when I needed copies made. Tony is very friendly and customer service oriented. He was in the middle of providing help, and an extremely high level of customer service, to two other patrons. He then provided me with that same level of service. Tony ended up making my copies for me, and precisely cut them, as I ran other errands!

Bridgett, a regular patron, and mom of two young boys stated, "Tony goes above and beyond to service his customers. He is very friendly and knows many of his customers by name. Plus, you can't beat the convenience of coming here instead of the other larger copy and print companies. The prices here are very economical in comparison. "

Like many other small business merchants, Tony believes in giving back to the community.  The Mailbox store has made donations to two local churches:  St Mark in Chesapeake, and Pleasant Grove Baptist in Virginia Beach.  The Mailbox Store has also offered their services to these churches, for their charitable and fundraising events.

In addition to packing, shipping, and printing, The Mailbox Store also provides notary services, laminations, passport photos, business cards orders, invitations and announcement orders, and more!

JW Tejchman, 45 Degrees Martini Lounge

The 45 Degrees Martini Lounge, located in Orchard Square Shopping Center, is something quite different for this area.

Mommy Matinee is a website dedicated to families, particularly the parents of young children. 45 Degrees Martini Lounge may be the the place to just relax for an hour or so, on a Friday, right after work, once the kids are settled in with a relative or a sitter.  The Lounge seems like it may be more appealing to the younger, more club oriented types later in the evening.

Resident Mixologist, JW Tejchman, stated, "This is the ideal place for people who don't want to travel out to Grandby Street, Town Center, and the Oceanfront for a nice dinner and drinks." The lounge provides a tapas menu, which is based off what is in season. The ingredients used in the menu items come from local farms and markets. Everything there is fresh. 45 Degrees Martini is a full service adult beverage establishment which specializes in martinis. But they also have a full wine list, cocktails, and limited select beers. The dress is causual to business casual. It is a non smoking establishment.

I met JW the afternoon of their grand opening, June 27. The establishment was in the process of preparing for the grand opening, later that evening, when I dropped in to visit. JW was very excited and I can see why. The place is extraordinarily decorated, with seven 42 inch flat screen TV's (the eigth one will be installed soon), a DJ both and dance/band floor, two VIP booths, with full VIP service, that will seat up to 6-8 people. Their sound system is amazing...one can hook up their iPod to the sound system there and DJ for a while....from his or her playlist! Talk about cool.

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Donis Baxter, Baxter's Florist and Gifts

Baxter Florist and Gifts is located in Woods Corner Shopping Center. I met Donis, who co-owns the shop with her husband, Joe, when looking for a gift for a child's birthday. Donis was most helpful and very friendly. While I did not find the perfect gift, I did find the perfect card, and I took note of all the wonderful gifts there for other occasions like anniversaries, baby showers, and the like. Their florist collection is their specialty and they have a large selection to choose from.

The shop has been in business for the past 18 years. With that kind of track record, they are worth recommending to others and considering for one's own florist needs including weddings, anniversaries, valentines day, and those "I'm sorry" occasions.

Local Events:  Fun for the whole Family!

Check out local upcoming events. We try to select events that would appeal to the familes of small children.

Special Note: The events listed may occur during times and dates in addition to what is shown here. Mommy Matinee has listed the dates and times we feel will be to the liking of busy parents of young children. To see event days and times in their entirety, visit the official website of each event, by clicking on the associated links provided.

Interactive web calendar of events coming soon!

Free Activities

Peninsula Town Center Announces ‘Saturdays in the Square'
Summer Saturdays until September 5
Noon-4pm
Hampton
2033 Coliseum Drive

July 4th Celebration (Free Admission; $5 limited on site parking)
4pm (Saturday)
Virginia Beach
Mount Trashmore

Stars & Stripes Explosion
July 4 (Saturday)
6pm-11pm
Virginia Beach Ocean Front
17th Street Park
20th Street, on the beach
24th Street Park
31st Street Park

33rd Annual Norfolk Harborfest
July 3-5 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Noon-11pm (ends at 8pm on Sunday)
Norfolk
Town Point Park

Fil-Am Friendship Day
July 4 (Saturday)
Starts at 9:30
Virginia Beach
Redwing Park

4th of July Celebration at Lakeside Park
July 4 (Saturday)
Begins at 10am
Chesapeake
Lakeside Park (1441 Bainbridge Boulevard)

Summer Family Cookout
July 11 (Saturday)
2pm
Chesapeake
Western Branch Park

Movie Night: "The Spiderwick Chronicles"
July 17 (Friday)
7:30pm
Virginia Beach
Mount Trashmore

Float-A-Rama
July 19 (Sunday)
1pm-4pm
Virginia Beach
Princess Anne Recreation Center
*A valid Virginia Beach Recreation Card or Visitor's Pass is required.
Children 8 and under must be accompanied by someone 16 or older.

Family Fest
July 19 (Sunday)
Noon-4pm
Virginia Beach
Contemporary Art Center of Virginia

VICCHA Craft Bazaar & Carnival
July 25 (Saturday)
Noon-5pm
Virginia Beach
Open Door Chapel, 3117 Virginia Beach Boulevard

Artisans in the Park
August 1-2
10am
Virginia Beach
Great Neck Park

Movie Night: "Hotel for Dogs"
August 21 (Friday)
7:30pm
Virginia Beach
Woodstock Park

Latino Music Festival
August 29 (Saturday)
5pm-10pm
Norfolk
Town Point Park

Do you know of free, family friendly events, in the Hampton Roads area?  Feel free to share by clicking here.

 

Non Free Activities (for a nominal fee)

No activities listed at this time.  Please check again later.

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Bargain Fashions

Do you have an upcoming job interview?
How about a wedding to attend?
Date night with your partner?

Chances are, you will have an occasion, similar these, in the upcoming months.
No need to break the bank.

Consider consignment shops, especially if you need something just for a particular occasion.

Heart of a Woman, owned and operated by Tracey Wise, is located at:  5660 Indian River Road, 757-351-0365.  The shop is clean, tidy, well organized and has amazing clothes.  You will wonder why anyone parted with such items, after visting. 

Giving Back and Helping Out

Samaritan House.  There are so many ways to support the Samaritan House.  You can donate just about anything or volunteer. 

If you are short on items to donate and don't have the time, use www.goodsearch.com and in the "I'm Supporting" box, type Samaritan House-Virginia Beach.  This will work like other Internet search engine but it earns money for various charities.  This is a very creative and simple way to help out, especially if you are on the Internet anyway.

Becoome a Girl Scout Leader in the Hampton Roads area.  Please contact:  Mila Rose, Membership Specialist.  Email:  milagrosr@gsccc.org. Address: 912 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322-7002.

Drawing Rules

To participate in our surveys and to be eligible for our contests and drawings, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident and house hold supporter in the Virginia Beach neighborhood Alexandria.
  
• Complete all of the questions on the survey (some have the option "Prefer not to answser", which is a legitimate response)
• Avoid supplying random, erroneous looking responses to any of the questions.  Any entries that appear suspect will be eliminated from the drawing.
  
• One response per household please.
  

Important Information for survey/contest participants:

Information from contests/drawings and referrals will not be given or sold to any third parties.  Please review our privacy policy if you have any concerns.

Rights of Mommy Matinee/Wishlist^sm Creations

 Mommy Matinee/Wishlist Creations^sm has not canceled any drawings or witheld any prizes to date (see our Authenticity Statement).  However, Mommy Matinee/Wishlist Creationssm holds the right to modify, amend, or cancel it's drawings/contests at any time, for any reason, without notice, and not be liable for any implied damages. By participating in our contests, drawings, and surveys, you indicate that you understand and agree with these rights.

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Mommy Matinee/Wishlist Creationsm Authenticity Statement

Mommy Matinee/Wishlist Creations^sm is an up and coming company which has conducted six surveys since the summer of 2007. Five of those surveys have taken place more recently...between the Summer of 2008 to the Spring of 2009.

For each survey conducted, Mommy Matinee/Wishlist Creations^sm has given incentives or has held drawings for prizes. To date, Mommy Matinee has given away over $230 in incentives or prizes to approximately 20, out of 86 survey participants.

The incentives/prizes are modest and have ranged from $5-$25 gift certificates.

Here are some of the comments from a few past winners:

Kathy S. of Portsmouth, winner of a $25 Visa Gift Card wrote: "Thanks so much!! both grandson's have birthdays this month so I'm sure it will go to good use!"

On a following survey drawing, the same Kathy S. of Portsmouth coincidentally won again...a $5 Target Gift Card and wrote: "Go me! Haha!"

Melissa N of Chesapeake, winner of a $25 gifts.com Gift Certificate wrote: thanks. i got 4 books for $30 so i only had to pay $5. :-)"

Sarah T of Smithfield , winner of a $25 Natural Elements Spa Gift Certificate said, "Thank you so much. Being 6 months preg. and a toddler at home, I will be sure to enjoy it quite a bit! Thanks again!"

Angela P of Chesapeake, winner of a $5 Babies R Us Gift Card said, "I am happy I won something!"

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Request for no flier delivery

If you do not wish to receive Mommy Matinee informational fliers, please contact us and leave your address. We will immediately comply with your request and place you on our "do not deliver" list. Thank you.