Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Legal Review: Backlog in Maryland Drug Lab Could be Unfair to Accused Waiting Trial

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

By Criminal Defense Attorney Kush Arora of Price Benowitz LLP

It is well known that the entire country is suffering from an opioid epidemic. That epidemic is now moving from the streets into many state labs. Many of them are facing severe backlogs, causing investigations to take much longer to complete.

Maryland is one state facing such backlogs. In order to deal with it, they have applied for a grant to the U.S. Justice Department to help them deal with the delays they are currently dealing with.

According to the Maryland State Police, there has been an ‘exponential increase’ in the number of overdoses and crimes that involve heroin and opioids. They are not wrong. In the grant application, the State Police stated that the backlog increased from 111 cases in 2015 to 2,101 in May of 2018.

This backlog is the reason they have applied for a grant that would allow them to bring in outside contractors that can help. These contractors can help state lab forensic scientists get through the backlog more quickly.

“One of the biggest problems with the backlog is that many people currently in custody are waiting for the results of lab testing,” says Kush Arora of Price Benowitz, LLP. “If those tests return nothing to indicate a person should have been in custody, that time was simply wasted. Many believe the backlog works to the defendant’s advantage. For those not free while the investigation is conducted however, it can work against them just as much.”

It is expected that Maryland will receive the grant it needs, and that it will be in the amount of $2.5 million. Not only will this help with the backlog, but it will also go towards preventing them in the future.

Maryland is not the only state dealing with such a backlog. In the past three years, Virginia has also experienced a ten percent increase in drug cases, causing a backlog in forensic labs in that state as well. While it once took just 30 days to complete a standard drug forensic lab review in Virginia, that time has been increased to 134 days.

Elite Dental Spotlight: Dental Assistants Erika & Mo

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Finding a dental office you like going to, or enjoy going to, is a challenge. It may sound impossible — that is, unless you are an Elite Dental patient.

Dr. Dudley and Dr. Hartman often hear from new patients and understand that a dental office is more than its doctors. Each team member is integral to a one-of-a-kind experience, that’s why Elite Dental hand-selects each member based on dental knowledge, skills and personality.

In September, Elite Dental introduced readers to their hygiene team and now they want you to meet their experienced dental assistants, Erika and Mo.

Erika Hanson

Erika was born and raised in Brazil where she studied dentistry and practiced as a dentist for 15 years before moving to Northern Virginia. She has spent the last 11 years working as a dental assistant, 10 of them with Dr. Dudley!

Mahmoud ‘Mo’ Qawari

Mo has been a dental assistant for the last four years. He completed dental school in Syria, where he practiced as a dentist for three years. Joining Elite Dental six months ago, he has already proven to be invaluable to the patient experience.

Q&A:

Why did you decide to become a dental assistant?

Erika: I decided to be a dental assistant because it was an opportunity for me to use my skills as a foreign trained dentist, and to continue doing what I love: dentistry.

Mo: I have always enjoyed helping patients regain confidence in their smile while simultaneously improving their oral health. I enjoyed practicing as a dentist and wanted to continue working in the dental field in the United States.

What is the biggest challenge of dental assisting?

Erika: Meeting and then exceeding patients’ expectations are the most challenging parts of my day.

Mo: The most challenging part of my job is that some patients come to us with fear and it’s up to us to find the best way to reassure and comfort them. It is also what becomes most rewarding.

What is your best dental advice?

Mo: My best dental advice is brush and floss your teeth as long as you want to keep them!

Erika: Preventive care is the key to maintaining your dental health. Periodic dental visits, daily care and investing time and effort in the care of your teeth pays off over time.

Call 703-991-5169 or email [email protected] to schedule a new patient appointment — Mention ARLnow and receive a free tooth-whitening kit!

The Chew: Holiday Survival Guide

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

by Chelsea Pennington, Bark + Boarding Writer and Animal Enthusiast

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for us humans, but when some of our favorite holiday decorations and traditions can be dangerous or even deadly for pets, it’s important to be vigilant about ways in which you can keep your dog or cat safe.

To help, we’ve got a handy holiday survival guide so your Christmas festivities don’t include an emergency trip to the vet!

O Christmas Tree

Be sure to anchor your tree securely so it doesn’t fall on your pet (or your family!).

If you’re buying a live tree, don’t allow your pet to drink the water in the tree stand. Additives like fertilizer, sugar, aspirin and others can be toxic for pets, and the stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause your pet to get sick.

Pine needles can also injure your animal’s digestive tract if consumed, so be sure to vacuum the area around your tree regularly. Stay away from edible decorations like popcorn chains or cookie ornaments, as these will likely prove too enticing for your pet to ignore.

When you’re not around, unplug the lights, as many dogs and cats like to chew on these wires, and, if turned on, this can cause burns or even electric shocks.

To help prevent ornaments from breaking, set up your Christmas tree but wait to decorate it for a few days. This will help your pet adjust to the strange new object in the house, so, hopefully, by the time you add ornaments their curiosity will have worn off.

If you have a particularly determined cat, place aluminum foil on the floor around the tree to give you warning of a potential disaster.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Other holiday decorations can be harmful for your pet as well. Tinsel can add some shimmer to your holidays, but if ingested by a pet it will often lead to a blockage in the digestive tract, which often requires surgical intervention.

Plants like mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are toxic for pets to consume. Keep these well out of reach, or consider buying artificial alternatives to be on the safe side.

Candles, whether they’re holiday-scented or atop a menorah, require extra supervision with pets around. Never leave them unattended and always place them far out of reach of any curious paws or wagging tails. This will prevent your pet from being burned, or even causing a fire.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

If you have guests coming over for the holidays or if you’re traveling yourself, it’s important to ensure your pet stays safe and comfortable.

If you’re playing host to guests, be sure your furry friend has a quiet place to retreat to if they get overwhelmed. Make sure your pet has updated information on their collar or microchip and that they’re wearing the collar at all times, since the opportunities for them to escape increase with extra people coming and going.

If any guests ask to bring pets of their own that you don’t already know will get along with your pet, either respectfully decline or arrange to spend some time together before the holidays allowing your pets to get to know each other.

If you’re traveling, be sure to know how to keep your pet safe and cared for, whether you’re bringing them on a road trip or on an airplane. If you don’t want to travel with your pet or want to make sure they’re out of harm’s way when you have people over, bringing them to a safe and secure boarding facility is a great way to make sure they stay safe, have fun and save you from stress.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

If the unexpected and unthinkable happens, make sure you’re prepared to get your pet the help they need. Talk to your vet ahead of time to know where you will need to take your pet in case of an emergency, and know your travel route to get there so you’re not trying to navigate while stressed.

It’s important to have your vet’s clinic phone number, a 24/7 emergency vet number (if different), and the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435, a fee may apply) handy in case you need them.

Looking for more tips, interested in adorable pet pics or just want to get more information on what we do? Stay connected with Bark + Boarding on Facebook, Instagram and our website.

Click here to check out our short video about this article

Mention this article for a free evaluation and click here to sign up for one today. If you have a question about your pet, feel free to come in or email [email protected] any time.

Get Balkan-Inspired Cocktails and Dishes at Baba

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

https://www.facebook.com/kerishullteam/videos/1317713768370514/

In this video, Drew Carpenter of the Keri Shull Team takes us inside local speakeasy Baba.

At the bottom of a brick stairwell you’ll find a door opening into a warmly lit interior. Here you’ll find armchairs pulled up to tables for two and tables for four; framed paintings hung in a collage on the wall; and red velvet upholstered booths welcoming you in. Illuminated window frames decorate the wall and ceiling.

This is Baba, the Balkan cocktail bar in Clarendon.

Baba’s Drinks

Baba serves a variety of delicious and clever cocktails. The cocktail menu sorts these into categories:

  • Light & Refreshing, like the plum rakia “CPR” or the apple rakia “Welcome to Belgrade”
  • Strong & Boozy, like the balanced and complex “Southern Delight” or “Tiger Coffee,” chilled espresso with Irish whiskey
  • Spicy, Smokey & Sour, like the “Malas Palabras” with pineapple-infused Mezcal or the peppery “Serbian Sombrero” with its pink peppercorn tequila and jalapeno orange liqueur
  • Drinks with Benefits, which come paired with extras like the “Cinema Manhattan’s” sweet and spicy popcorn or the “Balkan Caviar Martini”

Manager Marijana favors drinks with Rakia, a popular Balkan fruit brandy. If you’re indecisive or adventurous, ask your server about “Baba’s Secret,” a daily special labeled only as “Whatever grandmother feels like today.”

Baba’s Eats and Events

During happy hour you can get $5 Prosciutto croquettes and $6 cocktails like their Raspberry Fizz, Zastava Sidecar, “Don’t Forget to Breathe”, and “Serbian Sombrero.”

Prosciutto croquettes, beef skewers, veal schnitzel: you can always find something delicious to pair with your cocktail at Baba.

Catch live acoustic acts here on Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, dance to Baba’s live DJ until the room spins. As Baba says, “No getting up early tomorrow, so Baba accepts no excuses tonight.”

On weekend mornings, Baba offers brunch for six and a half hours — from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Make sure you try their Baba’s burek pastries with beef or cheese. You can also get Balkan eggs with sautéed vegetables and Baba’s Turkish coffee with a side of walnut Turkish delight.

Whatever night you visit, you’ll find a warm and energetic welcome in a cozy atmosphere. As Marijana says: “Anyone who comes to Baba is respected as part of the family.” That’s what makes Baba one of our favorite bars in Arlington.

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Looking for a home? There are plenty of houses and condos open for viewing this weekend.

Check out the Arlington Realty website for a full list of homes for sale and open houses in Arlington. Here are a few highlights:

3411 N. Woodrow Street
6 bed/6 bath, 2 half bath single-family home
Agent: Mcenearney Associates, Inc.
Listed: $2,949,999
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3431 N. Powhatan Street
7 bed/6 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Optime Realty
Listed: $1,549,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

4736 N. Old Dominion Drive
3 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Mcenearney Associates, Inc.
Listed: $850,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3712 N. Pershing Drive
2 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $778,000
Open: Saturday and Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

1800 N. Wilson Boulevard #310
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Rlah Real Estate
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

 

1805 S. Crystal Drive #1004S
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Ttr Sotheby’s International Realty
Listed: $324,900
Open: Saturday 2-4 p.m. and Sunday 12:30-2:30 p.m.

 

5041 7th Road S. #102
2 bed/1 bath, 1 half bath condo
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $285,000
Open: Sunday 12-3 p.m.

Flying Colors: The End

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Flying Colors column banner
Flying Colors is a sponsored column on the hobby of backyard bird feeding written by Michael Zuiker, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store at the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. Visit the store at 2437 N. Harrison Street or call 703-241-3988.

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There is always an end. An end to a movie. An end to a song. End to a relationship. End to the hot fudge sundae. There is an end to a story, a commute, a sunset, a job. There is always an end.

Yet, an end cannot exist without a beginning. A beginning which could come at the end of the end.

Complicated? You got me there.

Because at the start of “Flying Colors,” we, all of us, went on a journey. A journey of discovery. We really did not know exactly what we would uncover.

Uncover we did though every other week for over a year. We discovered birds, we discovered weather, we discovered solutions to challenges that affected our backyard bird feeding hobby. We discovered a little history of a place in Arlington that has pulsed with life for over fifty years. We discovered truths and we discovered urban legends that do not stand the time of science and knowledge.

It has been a journey that I hope has been fun and entertaining for you.

Sometimes that journey takes you to a new “nest.” A new place to call home. A new place in which to discover new adventures and mysteries and new knowledge. Flying Colors is moving to that new nest. This new home will be located on our web page.

It is here were we will share with you our love of all thing’s nature and the great hobby of backyard bird feeding. It is here where we will engage you to explore and discover all that is beautiful and joyful in your hobby of backyard bird feeding.

We have been blessed to be able to introduce you to us through ARLnow and share with you our love of the hobby of backyard bird feeding. We are very thankful to have had the opportunity to work on the ARLnow platform to have a voice.

But, now it is time to fledge.

So, let us continue these magical moments together at a new nest so we can “Bring People and Nature together.” Thank you for the time you spent with us and we hope you travel to our new home to stay connected with us and your love of backyard bird feeding.

Listing of the Day: 6404 19th Street N.

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Address: 6404 19th Street N.
Neighborhood: Arlington-East Falls Church
Listed: $1,538,000
Open: Sunday, December 9 from 1-3 p.m.

Located across the street from the East Falls Church Metro station, this custom 9-home community by Classic Cottages has two homes left, both of which feature the popular Fairfax model. The Fairfax model home for the community is available for immediate delivery and for sale at $1,538,000.

Featuring 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this spacious, modern home incorporates textural elements within every room.

The gourmet kitchen on the main level features an oversized, gray quartz kitchen island with room for 4-6 counter stools. Kitchen also features dual ovens, large stainless-steel sink, espresso cabinetry, grey quartz countertops, large windows, wood herringbone dropped ceiling, white subway backsplash and bronze and gold accent details. Combined, this modern kitchen encompasses cool and warm elements to achieve a neutral, sophisticated look.

Off the main kitchen is an expansive butler’s pantry with a separate butler’s pantry sink and walk-in pantry with plentiful shelving and a sliding barn door. A bright dining room meets the butler’s pantry and connects to the main foyer with large, natural-lit windows.

The family room offers a cozy, intimate feel with built-in shelving on either side of the wood surround gas fireplace which partitions the family room and the bonus room, allowing convenience and multi-purpose use.

On the second level, you’ll immediately find a welcoming loft space. There is one private en-suite across the from the loft space and two other bedrooms share a separate bath on the main hall.

Conveniently located on the second floor is a large laundry room with a stainless-steel sink and butcher block counter for folding. The spacious master suite features wainscoting details on all four walls set below the large bedroom windows. The master suite has walk-in his and her closets, dual vanities, make-up vanity, shower and freestanding tub.

On the lower level of this home you’ll find a fitness room, open entertainment area with wet bar and another bedroom with a private bath. This home features a mudroom on the main level that connects to the attached 2-car garage.

Furniture pictured is available for purchase with the home. Inquire for details.

Schools: Tuckahoe, Swanson, Yorktown.

Listed by:
Michelle Lynch
Classic Cottages LLC
1000 Pendleton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-215-9161
[email protected]
www.rooseveltplace.live

Boring Title: Tips to Help You Avoid Wire Fraud

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Title insurance is boring, but Allied Title & Escrow is here to decode the jargon and make it (somewhat) more interesting. This biweekly feature will explore the mundane (but very necessary!) world of title insurance while sharing interesting stories of two friends’ entrepreneurial careers.

Allied Title will be speaking at the Grant Cardone conference this Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Want to attend the event? If so, use this link to buy a ticket!

Title Tip of the Week

Cases of wire fraud are becoming more prevalent in the DMV. Did you know that Virginia ranks 6th in the country for this type of real estate cybercrime?

In order to prevent wire fraud from occurring, always call your title company to verify wire instructions before initiating a wire.

In addition to this, never call the number that is listed in an email. Always make sure to use the number listed on the title companies website to ensure you are wiring the funds to the correct place.

A New Internet Provider is Coming to Arlington

Starry Internet, the Boston-headquartered residential internet provider, is officially expanding their D.C. presence into Virginia.

Rosslyn and Clarendon residents will have access to Starry first, with Ballston, Pentagon City and Crystal City on deck as part of their DMV expansion plans.

Starry is all about fast internet and great service — they offer speeds of 200 mbps download/100 mbps upload and it’s a flat $50.00/month. No long-term contracts, no extra fees piled on, and no cable/phone bundles.

Their touchscreen smart router, the Starry Station, is provided to every subscriber at no additional cost. Plus, you can contact Support 24/7 directly from the Starry Station or the Starry App.

Get access ASAP by helping to bring Starry to your building! Head to the website to check availability at your address, then follow the prompts to connect your building manager or condo board to Starry.

Building installation costs nothing and is non-invasive; Starry simply connects to existing wiring and installs a small antenna on your roof (learn more about the technology powering their network).

Questions? Follow up in the comments or reach out to our support team anytime!

Small Biz Focus: Fast-Growth Businesses Honored at the Arlington Premiere

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and creatives is all part of Arlington’s Creative Economy initiative. With public/private partnerships, growth of these endeavors is an important part of business sector diversity and economic sustainability.

By Sindy Yeh

Kicking off the holiday season last week, Arlington celebrated business success at its Arlington Premier event on November 28 at the new Convene space in Rosslyn. More than 300 business leaders attended the Arlington Premiere reception, which recognizes new businesses in the Arlington community.

For the fourth year in a row, the event also honored some of Arlington’s fastest growing companies — known as the Arlington Fast Four. The winners were formally announced and recognized at the reception.

Entrants for the Arlington Fast Four were privately-held companies that needed to demonstrate year-over-year revenue growth from 2015, 2016 and 2017. Winners were required to provide income statements to show proof of growth and revenue. This year’s winners were chosen in each of four categories (to comprise the Arlington Fast Four).

The 2018 Fast Four Winners are:

Mind Body Health — Under $500,000

Mind Body Health is a private practice of psychologists and dietitians dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. The experts specialize in providing individual psychotherapy and nutrition counseling for the treatment of chronic medical conditions, depression and a variety of disorders. Mind Body Health is in the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington and has been serving clients here since 2014.

Eminent IT — $500k – $1.5M

Eminent IT is a software development company established in 2009 focused on helping organizations and government agencies revamp their business processes and technology. Its clients include the U.S. Navy and the White House. The company has also received the 2015 and 2018 Top Federal Innovators of the Year award.

LiveSafe — $1.5M – $5M

Livesafe offers a mobile two-way safety communications platform and risk mitigation tool used by businesses and universities. It was founded by a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech campus shooting tragedy. Livesafe’s mobile app allows users to report incidents, share their location and also find and call for emergency services.

The company has deep roots in Arlington; some of its Board members live here and have founded several other Arlington-based companies such as Buysafe and Hungry.

AM LLC — $5M – $50M

AM LLC’s full name is Applied Memetics. Since 2012, AM has supported contracts with the federal government across the Health, Defense and Intelligence markets. The company is growing quickly and hiring data scientists, engineers, and cyber security analysts to work in Arlington and throughout the region at client sites.

Congratulations to all the winners!

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.

Well, here we are… in the middle of another roller coaster Virginia winter.

It was in the 60’s on Monday and it looks like Old Man Winter is here to stay for a bit, keeping us in the low 40’s for a bit. By now, hopefully your home is totally winter-ready. After all, we’ve been providing you with helpful tips for months now!

If you’ve procrastinated, there are still a few things you can do to weather (pun intended!) these frigid temps.

First, how’s that air filter looking? At a minimum, you should be changing it every 90 days. If you have a pet, make that 60 days. Diving deeper, how is your home’s insulation looking? If there are signs of deterioration in your attic (or wherever it may be), it may be time to hit the hardware store for some fiberglass batts.

And, finally, can you feel the wind coming in under your doors, windows, or any other outdoor gateway? That should not be happening, and your dough is literally flying out the door. Let’s get that fixed, eh?

As always, we’re here to help you GET MORE out of life here in Arlington County. And, when you’re ready to buy or sell, we’re ready to roll, too.

As of December 3, there are 148 detached homes, 25 townhouses and 159 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 12 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week.

Here is this week’s selection of Just Reduced properties:

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.

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