Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Healthy Paws: Can I Catch That From My Pet?

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.

Can I catch that from my pet? This is a common question we hear as veterinarians.

So, we’re going to make this a recurring topic. This week, we’ll cover some intestinal parasites.

Intestinal parasites are the most common infectious diseases that we diagnose and several have the potential to be transmitted to humans. Most of these parasites are transmitted through the feces of an infected animal.

So, whenever handling animal feces or touching potentially contaminated areas such as soil, outdoor sandbox or a litter box, thorough hand-washing and good personal hygiene are recommended.

Keeping your pet on a year-round parasite preventative that protects against some of these parasites, as well as yearly fecal screening for asymptomatic gastrointestinal parasite infections, are important to reduce infection risk.

Giardia

Giardia is the most common gastrointestinal parasite we diagnose and we diagnose it on a daily basis. If you’ve ever heard of a human with “Hikers Diarrhea”… welp, that was Giardia.

In general, this parasite is quite species specific, however there are some strains that can be transmitted to humans so it is best to handle all Giardia cases like they may be.

Roundworms

Roundworms can be transmitted in utero and via mom’s milk, as well as via fecal/oral transmission.

Humans are not the ideal host for this parasite, but when presented with a human the larval stages will make the most of it and attempt to migrate to the gastrointestinal tract. Instead , they end up in weird places and are a cause of partial blindness in children (as they are notorious about not washing their hands well and playing in sandboxes or dirt) as they like to migrate to the retina (back of the eye) instead.

Hookworm

Hookworm larvae can penetrate intact skin and then migrate to the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats; and while humans are not their primary host, they will attempt their life cycle.

This can lead to a very itchy skin reaction in humans called cutaneous larval migrans, which result from an intense immune reaction to the larvae as they try to migrate and then die under the skin.

Whipworms and Coccidia

Whipworms and Coccidia are not considered zoonotic parasites, meaning we really don’t see transmission to humans (well, there are rare reported cases). However, they are important parasites in dogs and cats (coccidia) and can often cause diarrhea.

Tapeworms

There are several types of tapeworms that we seen in our pets. By far the most common one we see in this area has a life cycle that requires the flea as an intermediate host; other strains of tapeworms require small rodents and herbivores as an intermediate host.

The vast majority of dog and cat tapeworms are of low risk for transmission to humans. That said there is a tapeworm called Echinococcus which is rarely seen in North America and is actually a reportable disease here.

The Echinococcus tapeworm rarely causes disease in dogs and cats, but it is easily transmitted to humans and can lead to large cysts within our internal organs that can lead to anaphylactic shock and death if ruptured!

For more information on these individual parasites and how they may affect you or your family, please visit: ​http://www.petsandparasites.org

GMU Antonin Scalia Law School is Launching a New Juris Master (JM) Degree Program

George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School is excited to announce the 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 almost 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 will be offered at the Arlington campus, with classes starting in January.

As listed on the JM degree website, 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 tuition discount for students who enroll in the JM degree program’s first year class, which will start January 14.

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.

Compass Agents Discuss the Impact of HQ2 in Northern Virginia

Now that Amazon has formalized their plans to launch a new headquarters at National Landing, the greater D.C. region is gearing up for expansive changes.

At Compass, our agents stand poised to put their local expertise to the ultimate test as they empower both new and current residents to navigate the complexities of the changing market in the wake of this historic announcement.

Are you looking to buy or sell, or simply seeking insight into what this news means for you? Now that Amazon has found their newest place in the world, let Compass guide you to yours.

Below, Compass agents weigh in on the impact that Amazon’s HQ2 will have on the real estate market in the Virginia area.

“Arlington is America’s only boutique county and Amazon picking Arlington was no accident. Arlington is the most educated community in the U.S. and coupled with quality housing, public transportation, the region’s best school district and exceptional lifestyle offerings in culture, fitness, shopping and restaurants, Arlington was the region’s best pick for the new headquarters.”– John Eric, Compass Agent

“Single family home stock in the Crystal City area has always been notoriously low. Families brought to the area by Amazon will likely be drawn to the established neighborhoods of North Arlington, while the adjacent neighborhoods such as Potomac Yards, Del Ray and the further south Old Town may see an increase in housing activity as well. Across the bridge in D.C., current Amazon employee clients are looking to remain on the blue and yellow line, focusing on the West End and Foggy Bottom area.”
— Marian Marsten Rosaaen, Compass Agent

“The news of Amazon coming to Crystal city should make home sellers in the entire D.C. metro area feel confident in making the decision to sell and achieve top dollar due to enhanced demand thanks to the thousands of Amazon employees flooding into our market.

Buyers who have been on the fence should also feel the same confidence knowing that they will be purchasing in a thriving area that is about to flourish and appreciate to new levels due to the same demand that will occur over the next few years.”
— Nick Dorcon, Compass Agent

“Once Amazon relocates their headquarters to Northern VA, all property values from Loudoun County to D.C. proper will be positively impacted. Period. No one city or town will be significantly better off.

Some people prefer to live close to the action and are okay with a smaller bungalow house or condo in Arlington while others want space, land and the sense of community Reston offers. Not everyone needs or wants to live right next to their place of employment, and HQ2 won’t change that. Don’t underestimate options to move people such as Metro, commuter share lines, telework, etc.”
— Jonathan Fox, Compass Agent

Small Biz Focus: Virginia Supports Veterans, V3 Certification Opportunity

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Sindy Yeh

In honoring our veterans this past week, we would like to share a wonderful program the Commonwealth of Virginia sponsors in support of those leaving the military seeking employment.

Did you know the Commonwealth of Virginia is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation?

Virginia is comprised of the most veteran-owned small businesses in the country. Not so surprising considering Virginia is home to the Pentagon in Arlington and the world’s largest naval base in Norfolk. There are hundreds of thousands of active-duty service members serving within the Commonwealth’s borders and many have chosen to call Virginia home upon leaving the military.

With more than 750,000 veterans located in Virginia, the Commonwealth has had the fastest growing veteran labor force over the past 5 years and is projected to continue to have the fastest growing veteran population over the next five years.

With such a highly skilled and adaptable workforce living here, Virginia recognizes the opportunity to promote veteran talent to the civilian workforce and to help businesses become more successful by focusing on hiring the right people for the job.

One such initiative, the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, provides education, training and connectivity resources to assist companies to implement nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. Virginia companies who have completed all V3 training requirements and have submitted a veteran hiring plan will be recognized as an official “V3-Certified Company.”

Furthermore, V3 qualified companies with fewer than 300 employees may qualify for up to $10,000 in grants, with $1,000 being awarded per eligible veteran that is hired and retained for at least one year.

Several Arlington companies are officially V3-Certified, namely Lunarline, CACI, Cydecor, G4S Secure Solutions, First Division Consulting, Shoulder 2 Shoulder, By Light Professional IT Services and National Rural Electrical Cooperative Association.

We encourage Arlington companies to consider becoming V3 certified to seize the opportunity to find the workforce they need within the veteran community.

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.

The buzz has proven true.

And, no, we’re not talking about a coffee high or a late-afternoon happy hour here, folks. We’re talking about the now fact that our very own Crystal City was just selected as a location for Amazon’s HQ2.

This is a very big deal for our community, spanning employment, real estate and virtually every economic touchpoint. And, if we may say so — having done business in Crystal City for 20-plus years and having an office smack-dab in the middle of the hype — we are super-pumped to welcome some new folks to our friendly confines. In fact, CNBC recently visited our neighborhood and we talked to them about it!

There is a lot to think about on the real estate front. Do you sell soon? Do you buy now? And, if you’re a prospective Amazon employee in and around Crystal City, where in the world do you live?

Well, when it’s time to make a big-time decision in and around Crystal City, our team is ready to help you get more out of your transaction. Welcome, Amazon!

As of November 9, there are 195 detached homes, 49 townhouses and 218 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 45 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week.

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

What’s New in Old Town? Walkable Luxury Apartments

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Sophisticated and elegant, to be sure; contemporary, modern and luxurious, absolutely; quieting quality concrete construction and unobstructed rooftop views of iconic regional landmarks, yes, yes, yes.

But what the managers of The Dalton want you to know most about the new 270 unit apartment building at 1225 First Street in Old Town Alexandria is a characteristic not usually associated with Old Town — walkability.

It starts with transportation options. The Dalton, which opened earlier this year, is so close to the Braddock Road Metro station, it might as well be a private entrance to the train. In fact, there’s a transit screen in the lobby to tell you when your next train is arriving. The Dalton’s sidewalk quite literally terminates at the Metro station.

“But what else can you walk to besides Metro?” we ask Kettler Property Manager Kara Swieconek. Her reply: “It all depends on what direction you are going.”

And it’s true: Go one way and you find the restaurants, bars and nightlife of Old Town West, just blocks away; the shopping boutiques and entertainment establishments of the King Street-Washington Street nexus are just beyond.

Go in the other direction for less than a mile and you are in Potomac Yard, home of your neighborhood Target, Best Buy, Home Goods, Shoppers Market, Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 and dozens of other lifestyle-sustaining merchants.

Step out in the direction of the nearby Potomac River and its developing waterfront and catch the water taxi to District Wharf, National Harbor and the MGM Casino, Nationals Park or Georgetown. That transit screen in The Dalton lobby also tells you when the water taxi is arriving and departing.

On the other hand, they’ve made it tempting to never leave The Dalton. There are the rooftop swimming pool, firepit and grills; there’s a 12th floor clubroom and outdoor terrace, a fitness center and yoga studio, meeting spaces and a dog grooming spa; there’s Monterey’s Pizza onsite, as well as the Click Café, with complementary Wi-Fi and Macs at communal tables and lounge seating. Plus, events!

Schedule a tour today at this site. There are a limited number of select apartments that boast, as a move-in special, two months’ rent for free. Visit DaltonApts.com or call 833-769-1878.

Run, don’t walk, to The Dalton.

The Chew: Thanksgiving With Pets

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

A table full of food and a house full of people to pet them — Thanksgiving seems like every pets dream! Before letting your dog or cat join in on the fun, it’s important to know which Thanksgiving favorites can be dangerous.

To make sure your furry friends have a safe holiday, check out this guide to what holiday treats you should and shouldn’t feed your pet.

Keep the Feast Fat-Free

Fatty or rich foods, like beef fat, poultry skin and gravy can cause severe gastrointestinal issues for animals. These include vomiting, diarrhea and excessive gas, but can also lead to more serious conditions like pancreatitis, which can be fatal.

Save the Sweets for Humans

Most desserts will be harmful to your dog’s digestive system. Chocolate is highly dangerous for dogs and can be fatal if too much is consumed.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in many candies, low-sugar desserts and sometimes even peanut butter. Just a small amount of it can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure for dogs and lead to liver damage.

While many vets recommend feeding plain pumpkin to help dogs with bowel and stomach issues, pumpkin pie is not okay for dogs to consume. Not only does it have a variety of spices that can be problematic for canines, too much pumpkin for dogs will only lead to a mess you don’t want.

Say Bye to Bones

While we often associate dogs with chewing on a nice bone, tossing them the leftovers from your Thanksgiving meal will almost certainly do more harm than good.

At the very least, swallowing the bones can cause an upset stomach, but frequently the bones splinter and cause serious damage to the intestines that can quickly become fatal.

Pick up a dog-friendly bone from the pet store if you want your pup to have something safe to chew on.

Clean Up Quickly

The trash is tempting enough to most dogs on a normal day, but with the remains of a Thanksgiving feast in there, it becomes just about irresistible.

Make sure the trash can is in a place the dog doesn’t have access to and be sure any visitors in the house know to keep the dog out. Don’t leave leftovers on the table or counter where a daring dog might attempt to reach them and don’t forget to put leftovers in the fridge quickly.

Packaging around the turkey such as string, plastic holders and bags may smell like meat and convince some dogs to chew on them. These foreign objects can cause dangerous blockage in your dog’s digestive system if swallowed. If you choose to brine your turkey, make sure your dog doesn’t drink the brine afterwards, as the excessive salt can lead to salt toxicosis.

Be Aware of Decorations

The danger for pets isn’t just found on the table — many popular seasonal plants can pose a problem too.

Amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, hydrangeas, Poinsettias and more can be toxic to dogs and cats when chewed or eaten. It’s best to keep any plants out of reach to make sure your pet doesn’t get into something they shouldn’t.

What’s OK to Share?

There are some Thanksgiving favorites that are okay to give your pooch.

Turkey is fine as long as it doesn’t have any bones or skin. Plain, undressed mashed potatoes are okay to share, but once you add butter or other toppings, it’s best to keep them to yourself.

Plain green beans and carrots are a great snack to share with dogs even when it’s not the holidays. Of course, to be on the safe side, it’s usually best to pick up some doggie treats from the store before the holiday to make sure your pup can have fun and be safe.

If you believe your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, acting quickly is key. Call your veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

Sometimes it’s best for you, your guests and your pet if your furry friend has a safe place to play and enjoy the holiday away from home. Whether you’re traveling or just want peace of mind for Thanksgiving, boarding or daycare are great, safe options for your pup.

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.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference Shows It’s Never Too Late to Start

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Women owned 12.3 million businesses, or 40 percent, in 2018 and are starting 1,821 new businesses each day in the U.S. Yet, 98% of all venture funding goes to men.

To successfully launch and scale a company, it is critical for women to have access to the right tools, expertise and resources.

The Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference on Wednesday, November 14 at George Mason University’s Founders Hall, was inspired by the missions of two of its sponsors: Freedom Start Foundation Founder Richard Fink and 30 Second Pitch founder Joseph B. Sprung, who passionately believe venture capital should not just be for the well-connected, but for the hard workers with the best ideas.

Both organizations — along with third partner and host George Mason University School of Business — seek to create an environment of encouragement, support, knowledge and funding opportunities for those looking to take the next steps in their career.

Entrepreneurs are invited to submit a 30-Second Pitch for $5,000 in startup funding: the deadline is Monday evening, November 12 at 7 p.m. Three finalists will pitch to a panel of expert judges and the winner will be announced at the conference Wednesday, November 14.

Also at the free, full-day conference, attendees will:

  • Hear the inspiring stories of top women in business who have become successful entrepreneurs.
  • Learn and ask questions about how to make the changes necessary to fulfill your dream business and how to navigate the obstacles involved.
  • Learn about funding opportunities for those looking to take the next steps in their career.

Submit a 30 Second Pitch here and learn more about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference here.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Eat Creative, Authentic Southern Revival at Tupelo Honey Café

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

https://www.facebook.com/kerishullteam/videos/1730316303684577/

Stepping inside this Courthouse neighborhood restaurant, you’ll first notice the striking warm tone interior, with its American Flag in a nook and artfully spaced rows of honey in mason jars. Weathered window panes suspend from the ceiling, crisscrossing pulleys and cables connect three two-blade ceiling fans. It’s a rustic and comfortable atmosphere. This is Tupelo Honey.

Tupelo Honey Café is a North Carolina-centered chain that specializes in Southern Revival dishes made from scratch. Tupelo Honey pride themselves on cooking with sustainably-sourced seafood, pasture-raised beef, chicken raised without the use of antibiotics and fruits and vegetables grown responsibly. In the video above, see Drew Carpenter of the Keri Shull Team take us inside Tupelo Honey.

Southern dishes have their roots in American history, as the south was the farming center of the nation in its infancy. Simple dishes depend on the quality of their ingredients, so early southern cooking was focused on grains and vegetables that flourished in pre-industrial farming days. Southern Revival cooking explores the heritage of southern cooking and then builds on that history.

Tupelo Honey’s creations will appeal to those open to a new take on Southern food. Here you can order grits with goat cheese and chorizo; or sweet potato pancakes with pickled blueberries, apple cider bacon and grilled fruit. For brunch you can get avocado toast points with a sriracha honey drizzle.

Tupelo Honey’s general manager Ryan Daly recommends the honey-dusted fried chicken, a half bird brined for 24 hours, flavored with 19 different spices, and sprinkled with the house’s signature “honeybee dust.”

Handmade Cocktails

Stepping up to the bar you’ll see the bar front is reclaimed wood. Above the bar you’ll see a row of plants behind hexagonal-patterned chicken wire. Behind the bar, liquor bottles nestle inside metal honeycomb shelves.

At the bar you can get cocktails shaken, muddled and mixed using handmade syrups and house-made liqueurs. The Tupelo Bloody Mary is made with Dixie black pepper vodka, and comes garnished with pickled okra, pimento cheese-stuffed olives, shrimp and more. Ryan also recommends the Tupelo margarita — made with El Jimador tequila, house-made honey liqueur, lemon, lime, mint and chili-salt on the rocks.

If you prefer a pint, Tupelo carries 20 draft beers, including DMV-made favorites like Right Proper’s “Raised by Wolves,” Center of the Universe’s “Chin Music” lager, Port City “Optimal Wit,” Triple Crossing’s “Paranoid Aledroid” American pale wheat ale. and “Suns Out Hops Out” Session IPA by Solace brewing.

Your Turn

Southern Revival has been increasingly popular for years now in the DMV. What’s your favorite spot for delicious Southern Revival 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:

4036 35th Street N.
7 bed/6 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Listed: $1,895,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

2203 19th Court N.
4 bed/3 bath, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Classic Cottages Realty
Listed: $1,189,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

33 N. Garfield Street
3 bed/2 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $889,900
Open: Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2334 S. Rolfe Street
4 bed/3 bath, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $785,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m

 

4911 22nd Road N
3 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $650,000
Open: Sunday 12-4 p.m.

 

851 N. Glebe Road
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Compass
Listed: $415,000
Open: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

 

2811-A S. Woodrow Street #1
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate
Listed: $390,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Flying Colors: Naked Nature

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.

You see it with your eyes, with the dimming of the day. You feel it on your face, when the winds blow hard from the north. You hear it with the calls of migrating flocks of geese and leaves rustling under your feet. The season has changed and fall is upon us.

There is beauty in the colors. There is energy with a crispness in the air. There is a sadness in the nakedness of nature. oaks, elms, maples, all stand structurally sound and bare with their strength to see.

Shrubs that bare fruit, are all being devoured by flocks of birds. The living flowers in gardens, once pollinating, are withered and have fallen.

Yet, the front, back and side yards of our little kingdoms are packed with birds. Busy preparing for the changes to their world. Looking for sources of food, water and shelter as the long nights and short days of survival begin.

Flocks of juncos and white throated sparrows have made their way from the northern forest to take up residence in my backyard.

Juncos have been commonly called “snowbirds,” because they show up so strikingly on the ground after the first snowfall. It is always a challenge for me to try and pick them out of the myriad of autumnal colors of leaves that cover my grounds.

If you see a leaf bouncing on the ground in the early morning, there is a good chance it is a junco or white throat right next to it. When you spot the one, your eyes will soon after discover twelve more. They flock well in numbers. They winter here, so tray feeders with sunflower chips and a “little” millet will help sustain them.

Even though natures colors may be waning, you can add color to your habitat by attracting reds and blues in the form of cardinals and bluejays. Both species will flock in the Winter to find food and shelter and protection from predators.

Whole peanuts, peanuts that are shelled and tree nuts in a good mix will bring in 6-10 strikingly beautiful bluejays like magic. Any really good mix of black oil sunflower, peanut meats, and safflower will brighten your winter yard with blazing red and orange of the male and female cardinals.

Thirty cardinals, queuing up on tree branches in my yard during a snowstorm, waiting their turn at the feeders, is a striking image.

These are just a few of the dozens of different species of birds you will attract in your yard this winter with good feeders and good food.

Here is a warning for you: do not be tricked into buying the “cheap blends” because they are cheap in price. They are useless in terms of foods that provide fat for the birds.

The number one food that the birds need to survive the long, cold, winter nights is fat. Cheap blends, with mostly millet, have no fat. Avoid those at all costs, even though the cost is minimal.

Don’t let the nakedness of nature dampen your spirit. Clothe your yard with many colorful birds. We can help you do this! Watch our video to learn how. Hint-Hint you get something for free!

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