Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Special Offer to Save with DC Bike Ride

Want to ride the DC Bike Ride on May 18, but wondering how you’ll get your bike to the starting line? Worry no more! DC Bike Ride has you covered.

DC Bike Ride is offering the lowest price EVER on bike and helmet rentals!

Forget about having to secure your own, just add a bike and helmet rental at checkout and leave the stress behind.

If you haven’t registered for the DC Bike Ride, what are you waiting for? May 18 is your one chance to celebrate life on two wheels on a car-free course. Come experience DC Bike Ride and enjoy the best sights, sounds and flavors D.C. has to offer.

And if that’s not enough, as a valued ARLnow member we’d like to offer you an exclusive discount. For a limited time only, use promo code ARLNOWPP and save $10 off standard registration. Hurry before this exclusive opportunity ends on April 11.

Mark your calendars for May 18 and let the fun times roll!

Healthy Paws: What Is That…?!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Editor’s Note: Healthy Paws is a column sponsored and written by the owners of Clarendon Animal Care, a full-service, general practice veterinary clinic and winner of a 2017 Arlington Chamber of Commerce Best Business Award. The clinic is located 3000 10th Street N., Suite B. and can be reached at 703-997-9776.

So many pet owners have been there…

You’re sitting in your living room watching TV while snuggling with your best bud, when all the sudden you hear a startling noise. You both jump with fright, but soon realize it was just a car backfiring outside. The next thing you know, you’re overwhelmed by what smells like a garbage full of raw fish or a pair of old unwashed gym socks.

You look to your right and see your furry pal — back arched, hackles up and a guilty look on his face. What is that?! That, my friend, is the smell of anal gland secretions. (Flip to the next photo in the gallery below to see where they come from.)

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Most mammals have anal glands, which secrete a scented material for varying purposes. Skunks use them to create their characteristic stench as a weapon against their predators. Opossums use them to add a scent factor to the illusion of “playing dead.”

Dogs and cats use them as a means of marking their territory and identifying each other with their own unique “perfume.” This is why most introductions between dogs start with a good sniff of the derriere.

Dogs and cats have anal sacs, little pockets that store this foul-smelling sebaceous secretion from the anal glands. The anal sacs are located just inside the anus at the 4 and 8 o’clock position and are about the size of a pea to a small marble, depending on the size of your pet.

The material in the glands is watery, beige to brown-tinged and it is meant to express naturally on a regular basis during normal defecation. Sometimes, it can also be excreted unintentionally when your pet tenses when startled.

Many pets don’t need any help expressing their anal sacs if nature is doing its job. There are several factors, however, that might impede this natural process. With all the anatomic variation among breeds of dogs and cats, some may have slightly unusual hind end anatomy.

Also, stools must be regular, formed and large enough to facilitate expression. Pets with chronic soft stools may have a harder time expressing their anal sacs naturally. Lastly, sometimes the sacs become inflamed and abnormal due to an underlying allergy.

If the anal sacs aren’t able to express, they can become impacted or infected, and this will require treatment by your veterinarian.

Symptoms to watch for that would indicate your pet is having an anal sac problem include excessive licking around the rear, brown staining of the fur around the rear, red and irritated skin around the rear, a swelling or discharge around the rear, a very continuous foul smell from the rear, or the dreaded obsessive butt-scooting (always seems to be when you have company over, too).

Unfortunately, the occasional slip when a car backfires outside your window is actually normal and one of those things we have to endure as the price for our pal’s unconditional love.

Listing of the Day: 1937 N. Emerson Street

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Address: 1937 N. Emerson Street
Neighborhood: High View Park
Listed: $1,309,000

Don’t miss your chance to fully customize the finishes on this new construction craftsman home, currently under construction in High View Park.

With 4,300 square feet of luxury living this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath property built by Enhanced Homes is set for a June delivery. Photos are of a previously built model recently sold.

The open, spacious and light-filled main level is highlighted by the gourmet kitchen with its oversized quartz waterfall island. Open to the family room and breakfast nook, it also gives access to a large rear trex deck and fully fenced yard. Separate dining room, mudroom, half bath and garage on this level.

The upper level features a large master with a walk-in closet and spacious spa like shower. A Jack and Jill bath between the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms and a full en-suite in the 4th bedroom acts as a secondary master. Laundry room on this level includes a washer, dryer and utility sink.

Guests will enjoy the privacy of a bedroom and full bath on the lower level, in addition to a separate walkout. The finished basement is an entertainer’s dream with 9′ ceilings, and a wet bar, accented by a top-of-the-line wine fridge.

More details and features upon request. Click here to see the 3D tour of this model.

Listed by:
Aaron Probasco
Keller Williams Falls Church
703.946.4652
[email protected] 
www.kwfallschurch.com

Listing of the Day: 5311 22nd Street N.

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Address: 5311 22nd Street N.
Neighborhood: Leeway Heights
Listed: $1,375,000
Open: Saturday, April 6 and Sunday April 7 from 1-4 p.m.

Conveniently located between Westover Village and the Lee Harrison Center, this light filled colonial has everything you want.

Built in 1991 and substantially renovated in the last three years, the home offers a dazzling new kitchen with crisp white cabinets, granite tops, Viking gas cooktop, oven and range hood; KitchenAid refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

The kitchen is open to the breakfast area with butler’s pantry featuring a U-Line wine fridge, sink and glass front cabinets. The adjoining mudroom and laundry has additional cabinet storage and an energy efficient Maytag washer and dryer. Just off the kitchen, the family room is a cozy spot with built in book cases flanking the fireplace.

The traditional living room flows into the kitchen and dining room with door to the screened in porch, making the home ideal for entertaining and daily living. Wood floors, recessed lighting, architectural details and stylish decor add appeal.

Upstairs the master suite includes an updated bathroom, walk in closet, sitting area in the bedroom and wood floors. The renovated hall bathroom has a double sink vanity and custom tile in the bathtub surround. Three large bedrooms complete the floor.

The lower level was re-designed to open the space for a big rec room. Built-in desks and bookcases center the room and a door leads to the back yard. The fifth bedroom and new bathroom on this level are perfect for an au pair, in-law or pampered guest. A big storage room is also on this level.

Important upgrades include a new large capacity electric panel with whole-home surge protector and an emergency generator sub-panel. Carrier Infinity 4-ton, 16 SEER air conditioning and Carrier Infinity 96% two-stage gas furnace and Carrier thermostat. An A.O. Smith 50 gallon pro max power vent water heater ensures comfort.

The home is encircled by a new black wrought iron fence and features a refurbished detached garage. New landscaping and stone patio highlight the sunny, level back yard.

Walk to Big Walnut Park, Lacey Woods Park, library, farmer’s market and ART bus to Ballston Metro. Nottingham Elementary, Swanson Middle School and Yorktown High School are nearby.

All the work has been done — nothing to do but move in and enjoy!

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
Associate Broker, Licensed in Virginia
McEnearney Associates
4720 Lee Highway
Arlington, Va 22207
703-967-4391
[email protected]
betsytwigg.com

Small Biz Focus: The Secret to Grow Your Business

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Tara Palacios

Calling all Arlington, Virginia business owners!

Is your business stuck, and not growing year-to-year? Are you looking for new tools to take your business to the next level? At BizLaunch, we have discovered the secret way to grow your business in 2019 — Scaling4Growth.

BizLaunch, and the Virginia’s Department of Small Business Supplier Diversity division are pleased to announce a free opportunity for Virginia-based businesses to Scale4Growth.

In partnership with Interise and using their StreetWise ‘MBA’, business owners who are selected for this 6-month business co-hort will increase their network, further their business knowledge and enhance their management know-how to grow their established business.

In 2017, 70% of Interise businesses who completed the Streetwise MBA increased their annual revenue by an average of $399,600.

If you are interested in applying for this innovative program, class begins May 23, and will meet every other Thursday through November from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Arlington Economic Development, 1100 N. Glebe Road, 15th Floor, Arlington, Virginia.

According to Tracey G. Wiley, Agency Director of Virginia’s Small Business Supplier Diversity, “Executive education is the key differentiator for businesses experiencing exponential growth… This is the Commonwealth’s investment in partnering to grow small businesses through development opportunities.” All businesses selected for the program will attend with no fees.

Basic requirements for the program include the following:

  • Certified by Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity as a Small, Women or Minority-Owned (SWaM) business (Note: If your business is currently not SWaM certified the SBSD will work with you to receive this certification ahead of class)
  • $250,000-$10,000,000 in annual revenues
  • One other full-time employee besides the owner(s)
  • Been in business for at least 3 years
  • Willingness and ability to attend class for 6 months, complete mandatory assignments and complete program survey’s as requested.

Testimonials from recent alumni of Virginia’s Scaling4Growth can be found here. This is the first time Scaling4Growth is held outside of Richmond, Virginia.

If you are ready to apply today click here!

It is a simple process, and will be a rewarding opportunity for all local businesses interested in taking their firms to the next level. If you have additional questions please contact Kathy Dolan, with Virginia’s SBSD at 804-786-1087.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by licensed broker Aaron Seekford of Arlington Realty, Inc. GET MORE out of your real estate investment with Aaron and his team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6116 today!

Please note: While Aaron Seekford provides this information for the community, he may not be the listing agent of these homes.

Happy World Party Day!

It’s April 3 and that means you can party your tail off as hard as you want. Okay, so maybe it’s wise to hold your wildness until after work, but still. Enjoy it.

Let’s give you another reason to party here in Arlington. In addition to Arlington already being named the No. 1 city to live in America in 2019, let’s zoom in to another accolade that that affects us all.

The 2019 County Health Ranking Report just came out, outlining how healthy residents are and providing a better understanding of what impacts how long residents will live. The report took into account such factors as access to healthy foods, rates of smoking and obesity and high school graduation rates.

Arlington is the No. 2 healthiest county in the Commonwealth in Virginia, with our friends in Loudon taking home No. 1.

So, let’s keep up the healthiness, my fellow Arlingtonians and here’s to good health for all!

When you’re ready to explore owning a home of your own in our award-winning community, our team is always ready to help you GET MORE out of your transaction.

As of April 2, there are 143 detached homes, 17 townhouses and 88 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 20 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Aaron Seekford.

Job Listing of the Day: True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen, the award-winning seasonally inspired restaurant and bar that has pioneered healthy dining, will officially open its doors in Arlington, Virginia at Ballston Quarter on May 8.

Prior to opening, the restaurant will host a three-week job fair with the goal of hiring approximately 135 talented team members, including servers, hosts/hostesses, prep cooks, pastry cooks, line cooks, wok cooks, back servers, dishwashers, pizza cooks and bartenders.

For more information on job fair dates, times and locations, visit https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/arlington.

Life Takes Up Space — Let It

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Step into modern living at Eisenhower Square in the heart of Carlyle and Eisenhower.

Space and convenience in the D.C. metro area are hard to imagine, let alone to find. Make your move now into this red-hot residential district just minutes from the future home of Amazon’s HQ2 campus in Crystal City/Future National Landing.

Life outside city limits can offer an urban feel with the added benefits of more green space, more square footage and more tranquility, all without sacrificing the excitement and accessibility of city life.

Spacious floor plans feature light-soaked open living areas, private bedroom retreats and rooftop terraces for entertaining under the stars. Designer-selected upgrades, floor-to-ceiling windows and GE Monogram appliances fill the 2,300+ square feet of living space.

For those on a shorter timeline, Eisenhower Square has several quick move-in options designed for buyers looking to move into their new dream home faster.

It is possible to live in the D.C. metro area, in a place you love, with the space you want and close to the places you need to be. Make the home your own when you choose from a wide selection of design options to reflect your life and style.

Visit Eisenhower Square to discover what luxury life in Alexandria is like, and all the space you’ll have to live it. Eisenhower Square is one of many communities built by Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes currently operating in 22 states nationwide.

With home designs starting in the $800,000’s, our community sales center is open Sunday and Monday 1-6 p.m. and Tuesday — Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to help you discover your dream home.

Ask Eli: Introducing Arlington’s Newest Condos, 2000 Clarendon

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Rosslyn resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: Do you have any details in the new condos being built in Courthouse at 2000 Clarendon?

Answer: The Arlington market has been delivering about one new condo building per year over the last 8 years and will continue that trend with the introduction of 87 luxury condos at 2000 Clarendon, in the Courthouse neighborhood. Currently a hole in the ground, limited access pre-sales will start this week, with a projected delivery of spring 2020.

Broad Range of Size and Style

38 total 1 BR/1 BA units range in size from 627 sq. ft. to 739 sq. ft., priced from the upper $400s to mid $500s. The next jump is to a 1 BR +Den with 1.5 BA at 830 sq. ft., with 12 units starting in the upper $500s.

The most popular units, and fastest to sell, will likely be the 2 BR/2 BA options, of which there are 31, ranging in price and size from the upper $600s to low $800s and 973 sq. ft. to 1,076 sq. ft., respectively.

There are two 2 BR/2.5 BA floorplans, just six total units, with 1,362 sq. ft. and 1,739 sq. ft. Based on the floor plans I’ve seen, the dens are legitimate/legal 3rd bedrooms. These units are being offered from $1.1M to over $1.4M and are located only on the top three floors (Sky Suites).

All units include one garage parking space. Additional parking and private storage are available for purchase.

Given current market conditions, I think the 2 BR/2 BA units are the best value at these prices. However, I expect all floor plans to be in high demand. Over the last three years, there has been an average of 28 two-bedroom condos and 23 one-bedroom condos for sale in April in the 22201 zip code.

As of April 1 2019, there are only 11 two-bedrooms condos and 7 one-bedroom condos for sale in the 22201 zip code.

Below are some highlights of the unit designs and options:

  • Concrete construction between all units (very quiet and rare for newer buildings)
  • Owners can customize their units from a selection of wide plank hardwood flooring, quartz countertops and cabinetry
  • Chefs will be pleased to hear the building will have gas cooking
  • Hardwood throughout the living areas and bedrooms is standard (no carpet anywhere)
  • Most units have floor-to-ceiling windows, all have windows heights of 7′ or more
  • About 70% of the units have a private balcony or terrace
  • Floors 1-11 will have 10′ ceilings (9′ is standard in most condos so you’ll notice a difference)
  • Floors 12-14 are Sky Suites and have 12′ ceilings with an upgraded appliance package
  • Floors 1, 3, 6 and 9 are “loft style” with exposed ductwork, piping and columns which
    provides for additional ceiling height

Luxury Amenities, Modest Fees

I’ve been pretty disappointed in the bland exterior design of some recent condo and apartment buildings along the R-B Corridor, but kudos to the builder, The Bush Companies, for spending on improved architectural design and materials to make this building look sleek and modern.

While condo fees are not finalized, the projected fees are quite reasonable compared to the rest of the market. 1 BRs top out at $350/mon and the 2 BRs at $500/mon.

This is well below the average for one-and two-bedroom condos in Arlington. Owners will have access to amenities including:

  • Two-level cascading pool & sun deck
  • Rooftop terrace with Monument, Georgetown and city skyline views
  • Rooftop club room including kitchen and entertainment space
  • First floor fitness center with outdoor terrace

Who Is Building 2000 Clarendon?

The Bush Companies is the developer/builder of 2000 Clarendon. The firm has developed and built seven condo and apartment buildings with over 2,100 total units in Arlington including well-known communities Station Square (Clarendon), Lexington Square (Virginia Square), The Park at Courthouse (Courthouse) and Windsor Plaza (Ballston).

In the District, the firm developed 2020 Lofts in the U Street Corridor and many other projects dating back as far as the early 50’s. Currently, in addition to 2000 Clarendon, the firm is nearing completion of The Lexicon in the
NoMa neighborhood of Washington D.C.

If you’re interested in learning more about 2000 Clarendon including access to floorplans, finishes and pricing or would like to reserve a unit during the limited access pre-sale period please email me at [email protected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.

Legal Review: Prisoners Freed Because of ‘First Step Act’ Fighting to Stay Free

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

By Criminal Defense Attorney Allen Yates of Yates & Wheland

In May of 2018, Congress passed the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill that received special attention from White House advisor Jared Kushner.

This act implemented prison reforms that impacted many prisoners’ sentences. One of the most significant reforms in this bill was the reduced sentencing of drug offenders, with an emphasis on inmates who were in jail because of selling crack cocaine (many of whom were African-American). Many individuals saw their sentences slashed, with over 1,200 prisoners with drug charges freed. The act also allows inmates who are in jail because of selling crack cocaine to ask judges for a reduced sentence.

Furthermore, 3,100 prisoners have been slated to be released because of additional reforms included in the First Step Act, mostly due to time off for good behavior. However, 81 of these 3,100 prisoners are still having to fight the Federal government over their release. Additionally, 900 of the freed inmates were sent to immigration services because of criminal and deportation charges.

With the public confused as to why the Justice Department is seeking to send certain people back to prison after releasing them, they released an official statement explaining their reasoning: to ensure that the prisoners who received reduced sentences were not being treated more leniently than anyone currently facing prosecution for drug charges.

In the prosecution’s attempt to bring 81 of the prisoners back to prison, they combined all drug-related charges from each prisoner’s case, including any drugs that were found during the investigation and not just what was found on their person or vehicle–which is typically how many drug charges occur. The difference in the years of incarceration between these two drug charges can be vast, which would have a serious impact on how a case proceeds.

Since the freeing of these prisoners as a result of the First Step Act, prosecutors have only been able to succeed in the reversal of 9 of the 81 cases they have targeted to reverse. Despite this, prosecutors are undeterred. They’ve appealed three of the court decisions to date, and hope to appeal 12 more in the coming months.

GMU Antonin Scalia Law School has Launched a New Juris Master (JM) Degree Program

George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School is excited to announce the January launch of its Juris Master (JM) Degree Program!

The JM Degree is designed for professionals who interact with lawyers and legal issues regularly in the course of their careers.  This type of program is in high demand and now offered by over half of all tier one law schools.

“We are proud to offer the Juris Master Degree Program at Scalia Law School,” said Dean Henry N. Butler. “This is an opportunity for professionals to learn the law, so they will be better equipped to provide leadership in their respective fields.”

Scalia Law’s two-year part-time program is offered at the Arlington campus, and enrollment for the Fall 2019 class is currently OPEN.

As listed on the JM Degree website, https://jurismaster.gmu.edu/, in addition to general legal research, writing and introductory law courses, JM students can select law school courses from six concentration areas:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Employment & Labor Relations
  • Financial & Commercial Services
  • Government Contracts & Regulations
  • Intellectual Property & Technology
  • National Security, Cybersecurity & Information Privacy

JM students can maintain employment schedules, while benefiting from the opportunities afforded by a tier-one law school.

There is a growing base of legal services and legal knowledge required by employers and the JM Degree is designed to educate students with the legal knowledge necessary for them to succeed in their chosen professions.

Applications are being accepted now. For more information about the JM degree program, please visit our website or contact Jessica L. Sartorius, Director of Juris Master (JM) Degree Program, at [email protected] or 703-993-8418.

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