After a lot of time at home this year, homeowners may be thinking about starting some improvement  projects — whether adding a home office, updating family spaces, or applying a fresh coat of paint. However, finding a trusted vendor in home services and improvement can be tricky.

Best Pick Reports, which is arriving in Arlington mailboxes starting this week is a trusted guide that — unlike other listings — stands behind its vendors with the Best Pick Guarantee, where homeowners are reimbursed up to $2,500 if the work performed is not satisfactory. Each vendor in the guide has been thoroughly reviewed through an unparalleled, independent certification process. Inclusion in the report is by invitation only, and requires that a vendor has met strict qualifying criteria. Companies are not able to pay for a listing in the guide. Arlington homeowners should watch their mail, or find an online guide here.


Is your son or daughter applying to college this fall? I can help them get their college apps done!

I graduated with distinction from UVA in May with a double-major in English and Economics. In college, I was an admissions tour guide for four years, as well as a paid writing center tutor. I’m happy to use my experience to coach your student on the essay-writing process as well as their general application approach. (I was also raised in Northern Virginia, so have first-hand experience with the dynamics of applying within the VA Public School system.)

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In light of the new landscape we are facing, area organizations and businesses are finding that the needs of our community members are shifting drastically. With the decisions of several local public-school systems to revert to a primarily, or entirely, virtual curriculum, a gaping need for many community families to find school alternatives for the 2020 year has come to light.

Robert E. Simon, Jr. Children’s Center, a local nonprofit child care center in Reston that has been serving the Fairfax and Loudoun County communities for over 30 years, is shifting to address this need by offering a full-time private Kindergarten class for the 2020-2021 school year. Built to mirror the hours and structure of a typical school day, the program has normal attendance hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with additional before and after care available.

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Limited number of Full and Half Day preschool spots available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds in the heart of Clarendon! St. Charles offers a play-based curriculum in a welcoming, Christ-centered environment. Our programs focus on socio-emotional development and kindergarten readiness through hands-on and engaging activities.

Through compliance with national and local safety guidelines and COVID-19 precautions, our preschool serves as a safe space and friendly community for children in an uncertain world. Join us for our 2-, 3-, or 5-Morning program, or our 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Daycare program! Call (703) 527-0608 or visit www.stcharlesarlington.org for more information


(This Community Post was written by the National Chamber Ensemble and underwritten by The Fred Schnider Investment Group/Fred Schnider Gallery of Art and Embracing Arlington Arts supporter Annie Sweeney.)

The National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) is thrilled to announce the 2020/2021 Season. Because all of us need an escape at this time, we invite you to join us on a grand “European Musical Vacation” of five exceptional performances!

Beethoven in Vienna
NCE Holiday Celebration
A Russian Valentine
Hungarian Delicacies
The Remarkable Four Seasons of Vivaldi

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Have you found your quarantine oasis? Are you tired of paying down someone else’s mortgage? Please join us for a Rent vs. Buy Happy Hour on Wednesday, August 26 at 6 p.m. via zoom (link to be provided upon RSVP).

Sip on your drink of choice and learn how you can get $1,500 towards your closing costs immediately! We will discuss the Home Buying Process and Rent vs. Buy cost savings. Please RSVP by clicking on the link by August 25. Call/text Scott at 651-235-5276 with any questions!


We know you’re eager to get back into the swing of things, and Art House 7 is ready. We have a great lineup of fall art classes, both in-studio and Zoom, starting September 14. If you prefer the studio, we have a safe environment — class sizes are small enough for social distancing and everyone is required to wear a mask, among other precautions.

We are also offering Zoom classes for those who want their instruction from home. Ages kindergartner to adult. In-studio instruction includes sewing, ceramics (using the wheel), and 2-D and 3-D projects. Zoom classes include painting, drawing and cartooning. We can’t wait to see everyone. You can see our full lineup here and register. Art House 7– 5537 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22207


The need for assistance at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is ongoing. That’s why Saint Ann Parish & School is hosting another Contactless Drive Thru Food Drive, Saturday August 22 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Enter the Saint Ann parking lot from Harrison Street and drive through and a Saint Ann Volunteer will take your donation straight from your car.

All donations benefit AFAC, Arlington Food Assistance Center. This event is for donations only, no food distribution is available. Saint Ann Parish 5300 N. 10th Street, Arlington. Enter through the back parking lot off of Harrison Street. Drive through. Pop open your car trunk. A volunteer will take your AFAC donation. Drive off an everyday Super Hero!


Have you found your quarantine oasis? Are you tired of paying down someone else’s mortgage? Please join us for a Rent vs. Buy Happy Hour on Wednesday, August 19 at 6 p.m. via zoom (link to be provided upon RSVP).

Sip on your drink of choice and learn how you can get $1,500 towards your closing costs immediately! We will discuss the Home Buying Process and Rent vs. Buy cost savings. Please RSVP by clicking on the link by August 18. Call/text Scott at 651-235-5276 with any questions!


Chris Green is one of the DMV’s finest fitness instructors. A Lululemon and South Block ambassador, he is a coach and mentor to so many. He embodies grace, positivity and motivation in ways that no one else can. If we could all learn a thing or two from him, the world would be a much better place. He does so much for others, and does so with a smile on his face 99% of the time.

He recently ruptured his Achilles and has an incredibly long and tough journey ahead. As if COVID hadn’t impacted fitness professionals enough, throw this in the mix and it’s a double, even triple whammy. CG is no longer able to work and do what he loves for the time being because of this and we’d love your support.

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Open during the pandemic! 1706 S. Lowell Street Arlington, VA 22204. Open 24/7. Drop off on the left in the drop off corner of our entryway (clearly marked). Puzzles are quarantined 3 days inside.

Pick up puzzles from the right side of the entryway. Donations not required to pick up a puzzle, but please return puzzles for others to enjoy. Missing pieces are noted on the backs of the puzzles (if known). Found pieces are displayed on the way… maybe we can help them find their home?

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