Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Healthy Paws: Cannabidiol — Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread?

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.

We are frequently asked about CBD, or cannabidiol, particularly in the form of CBD oil and its various benefits. As this is still a fairly new product to the veterinary field, there is much we do not know. Anecdotally, it has been reported to aid in the management or treatment of numerous medical conditions.

Before we address its potential medical uses, a bit of background:

  • CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a class of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain to cause a variety of drug-like effects. The most well-known cannabinoid is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychotropic effects of the cannabis plant.
  • CBD shares the same chemical formula as THC, but its molecules are arranged slightly differently.

  • While the cannabis plant has a higher percentage of THC, the hemp plant has a higher concentration of CBD — which is why hemp plants are the main source of most CBD products.
  • It’s thought that some of the potential psychological benefits of CBD may due to its action on serotonin and GABA receptors, which are well-known to be associated with behavioral modifying effects.

On the medical front, claims have been made that CBD can aid in the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy and anxiety. Another claim is CBD can help manage pain associated with arthritis or other orthopedic or neurological injuries, purportedly without the risk of the side effects or “high” associated with THC.

The FDA just recently approved a drug called Epidiolex, whose main ingredient is CBD, for aid in control of severe seizures. Many more studies are undoubtedly in progress.

While theoretically low-risk, potential side effects can include extreme lethargy or agitation, ataxia (stumbling, difficulty walking), increased anxiety, aggression, incontinence and lowered blood pressure.

An important factor to take into consideration is the legality of CBD. According to the DEA, any cannabinoid-related product is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act.

Even among experts there seems to be some ambiguity about the legality of possessing, selling or prescribing CBD. Virginia did recently pass HB 1251 that allows physicians to issue a written certificate for the use of cannabidiol and THC-A; however, at this time this does not apply to veterinarians. At the federal level, CBD is still considered illegal.

Additional Resources:

Arts Focus: Take a Weaving Break

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.

Check here for ongoing Creative Economy listings and opportunities. More Creative economy stories on the blog.

Want a change from a brown bag lunch at your desk? Try weaving.

This week, from October 1-5, Arlington Weaves, Etc. gets in on the fun of Spinning & Weaving Week, a national celebration of spinners, weavers, fiber artists and basket makers from the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.

With daily activities from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. in the Arlington studio, visitors can stop by and weave a sample, watch a guest demonstration and see the weavers at work. Sign up for a weaving time and get introduced to the process of weaving twill, a type of weave noted for its diagonal parallel ridges and its sturdy quality.

A weaving studio isn’t what you’d expect to find in a public school administration building, but Arlington Weaves, Etc. has never been ordinary. From its inception, the Arlington Department of Human Services has been managing this unique weaving program that is part skill training, part integrated socialization, part social entrepreneurship and full on amazing.

Operated by ServiceSource, Inc. the program supports adults with developmental disabilities by integrating technical skills with improved self-sufficiency. Over time, Arlington Weaves, Etc. has become a feature of Arlington Economic Development’s Made in Arlington Initiative with items stocked at the pop-up shop at Plaza Branch Library.

And if you don’t finish your sample or need to rush back to brown bag lunch, the ArlingtonWeaves, Etc. studio also features a storefront shop where you’ll find tote bags, yoga mat straps, small zipper bags, place mats and scarves all produced on site. The studio and shop are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Event: The Thrill of the Twill
Date: October 1-5
Location: 2100 Washington Blvd., Suite 301
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m.

Sign up for a weaving session here.

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.

Enjoy those 80s while you can, folks… because next week we’re shaping to dip into the 60s and 70s.

What does this mean for you? Well, among a lot of things, it means you need to enjoy this grilling weather while you can! And, if you don’t own a grill, October is the best month of the year to get a bargain.

That’s right, this is historically the month to load up on your outdoor furniture and staples, as stores are trying to clear their inventories before winter comes and no one wants to hang around outside – well, unless you like the cold weather. Hopefully our winter won’t be too crazy, so you can put that grill and any new patio furniture to use all year long.

And, if you’re looking for a new home, let’s not put the grill before the house. Our team is ready to help you GET MORE out of your real estate transaction when you’re ready to roll.

As of October 2, there are 199 detached homes, 57 townhouses and 261 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 41 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.

Ask Eli: “Ask” Us About Tysons, McLean, Vienna and Falls Church!

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!

I am excited to announce that today marks our expansion of the “Ask Eli” real estate column further into Northern Virginia, with the introduction of “Ask Val” in the Tysons Reporter.

What Is Tysons Reporter?

Tysons Reporter is a new online local news publication brought to you by Scott and his team, who started and still oversee, ARLnow. It will cover local news in Tysons, McLean and Vienna (and probably Falls Church) the same way they canvass Arlington for great, hyper-local stories. If you work, live, have an interest in those communities or know anybody that does, I encourage you to follow along or sign-up for their daily newsletter.

Who Is Ask Val?

Val is one of the awesome agents in the Eli Residential Group and specializes in the neighborhoods surrounding Tysons (with a ton of experience in Maryland too!). She grew up in Peru and began her real estate career in the DMV in 2004.

Starting today, she will be writing a weekly Ask Val real estate column for Tysons Reporter. She will include some of the data-driven content that you’re used to seeing here, but plans to give the column her own twist by using videos and some fun local flavor to bring her own personality to readers.

I hope you find some time to follow along with Val’s column and the rest of the great local news at Tysons Reporter!

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: Former Assistant Superintendent of D.C. Archdiocese Charged with Embezzlement

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

By White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney Glenn Ivey of Price Benowitz LLP

The individual charged with assisting the Archdiocese in Washington with the operation of 95 Catholic Schools was arrested in September on three counts of mail fraud.

The charges allege that the individual used fake businesses and fraudulent invoices to embezzle at least $45,000 from the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese believes that the individual took more than $45,000, but the statute of limitations prevented prosecutors from including additional amounts.

“The penalties for mail fraud are severe — up to 30 years in prison depending on the specific characteristics of the charges,” said Glenn Ivey, a Washington, D.C. White Collar Crime Attorney with the law firm of Price Benowitz, LLP.   “By using the United States Postal Service to conduct his operation, the individual charged here has exposed himself to federal criminal charges,” he said.

Anyone that attempts to obtain money or property through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation and uses the US Postal Service to carry out the attempt can be charged with mail fraud.

Although the maximum penalty for mail fraud is 30 years, it only applies to situations where the defrauded company is a financial institution. For all other situations, including the individual in this case, the maximum penalty is 20 years and/or a monetary fine.

If you have been charged with a white collar crime like mail fraud, it is incredibly important that you retain the services of an experienced Washington, D.C. white collar crime attorney. Your attorney will be able to communicate on your behalf with the prosecutors assigned to the case, and can work to try and have the charges dismissed.

If dismissal is not an option, your attorney will be able to advocate for a reduced sentence or plea bargain. Additionally, your attorney will be able to advise you regarding the possible fines and jail time associated with the amounts alleged to have been embezzled.

Do not attempt to navigate these charges or the court system on your own. The laws related to crimes such as mail fraud are complex, and care must be taken to ensure that your rights are protected at each stage. An experienced white collar crime attorney will be able to identify any potential pitfalls early on, and guide you through the process.

The Chew: Pet Ownership 101 — Adopting a New Pet

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 Jessica Brody

Thinking of getting a pet? You’re not alone! Half of all Americans own a dog and nearly a third own a cat. Pets often become our faithful friends, constant companions and four-legged family members. If you’re new to pet ownership, you may feel overwhelmed or uncertain of what to expect. Take a deep breath — we’re here to help. Here are some of our favorite tips and advice for new pet owners:

Choosing the Purrfect Pet

If you’ve never owned a pet before, try to resist the urge to bring home the first cute face you see. There’s a lot that goes owning a pet. Just like humans, each pet has a unique personality and temperament.

Before adopting a pet, you’ll want to do some research to determine the kind of animal and the breed that will be the best fit for you. But if you’ve never owned a pet, how will you know which pet is right for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • How large is your home?
  • Do you have a yard? Is it fenced?
  • Do you have time to regularly walk a dog?
  • Does anyone in the family have allergies?

These questions can point you in the right direction when choosing a pet.

Bringing Your Pet Home 

Prior to bringing your pet home, you’ll want to prepare. You can start by purchasing the basics such as bedding, food and water bowls and toys. When purchasing items for your new pet, you might also consider how to help your new pet acclimate to your home. For pets that might be nervous or fearful at first, you might buy some natural anxiety remedies or calming and stress-reducing pet care products.

You’ll want to be prepared for cleaning up after your new animal. One option is to invest in a new vacuum to pick up hair and dander. You’ll also want to have a plan for your pet in case of emergency. Make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and has proper identification.

Bonding

There are many ways to bond with your new pet. For dog owners, one of the best ways to bond is through games like fetch, taking walks together, or obedience training. Lack of obedience training is one of the top mistakes made by pet owners each year. All dog owners should enroll their dogs in obedience training soon after bringing them home because you’ll learn to communicate while building trust and rapport.

Food

Your dog’s food matters more than you might think. When you give your dog healthy foods, you give their body the energy it needs to play and protect you and your family. But you have to feed them the right food. Many store-bought kibbles are made of mostly grain and inert fillers and don’t provide your dog the nutrients he needs. Most veterinarians advocate a diet of lean proteins, vegetables and healthy fats. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right type of food and feeding schedule for your dog.

Exercise

Dog owners should consider how they will ensure their pet gets enough exercise as it’s crucial for dogs to move throughout the day. Exercise isn’t just good for your dog; it’s also good for those who are trying to lose weight or recovering from addiction. A little fresh air and sunshine can go a long way toward helping you accomplish your goals.

If you have a busy work schedule or work long hours you may consider hiring a dog walker. That way, you’ll get caught up on work while Fido burns off some extra energy, gets some exercise and enjoys some outdoor relief.

Become the Purrfect Pet Parent

Although you might be putting a lot of pressure on yourself to be a “perfect” pet owner, there’s really no such thing. If you’ve taken the steps listed above to find the right pet and prepare your home for pet ownership, you’ll be on the right track. Just prioritize your pet’s health, happiness and needs and you’ll be on your way to a happy and fulfilling relationship with your new pet.

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.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Arlington Residents React to Dockless, Electric Scooters

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

The Bird scooter and other similar electric scooters have been a fun, handy, commuting option for people in the D.C. metro area over the last couple of months, but now it’s led to a tragic death.

Arlington residents can now choose to hop on an electric scooter to commute around town. Bird — one of the startup companies participating in D.C.’s dockless pilot program — has deployed a brand new fleet of small, efficient scooters throughout Arlington, despite not having any official arrangement with the county.

Our very own Keri Shull took to the streets to find out what locals think about the new arrivals.

Many residents expressed excitement when asked their opinion about the Bird scooters, hoping that they will help eliminate some of the traffic congestion at rush hour. One resident specifically said that he looks forward to riding one on a hot day, so he can zoom around town with a breeze in his face.

However, some local Arlington residents are concerned about safety. Many Bird scooter riders do not wear helmets, and there have already been two serious accidents to date. In Dupont Circle, one man tragically lost his life riding a similar style e-scooter, rented from a company called Lime.

His name was Carlos Sanchez-Martin and he was only 20 years old. He was hit by an SUV while riding his electric scooter and died at the hospital from his injuries. This tragic accident is the first of its kind in our area. Since there are no firm regulations in place to police these dockless e-scooters, Sanchez-Martin’s death has been ruled a pedestrian crash and no charges have been filed against the SUV driver.

Another man — an Arlington resident — suffered serious injuries after crashing on a Bird scooter a few weeks ago. Daniel Birkeland was walking along in the Clarendon neighborhood on a hot day when he decided to ride an e-scooter home and get some relief from the heat. One minute he was riding his Bird scooter down a street, and the next he was waking up in an ambulance.

Daniel bumped his head and has no recollection of the accident. Witnesses say he lost control of the scooter going over a speed-hump, validating people’s fears that the scooters may not be safe enough yet for the streets. Now he’s warning other potential riders of the risks.

“The wheels are very tiny, you’re very low to the ground, and you have zero protection,” he told Keri when discussing his experience. He considers himself lucky to have escaped his crash without any further harm, and I think it’s safe to say that he won’t be getting back on a Bird scooter in Arlington again!

Riders certainly must practice caution when riding these e-scooters, and watch out not only for cars but pedestrians too. A few locals that Keri spoke with are worried that the scooters will just become a new nuisance for pedestrians on the sidewalks. One resident suggested that they should only be used down by the waterfront where there is more room for riding.

Let us know in the comments, what do you think of the dockless electric scooters?

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:

4515 39th Street N.
4 bed/3 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: A. Casey O’neal
Listed: $1,248,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

3004 20th Street S.
5 bed/4 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Margaret Richardson
Listed: $1,090,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

430 S. Park Drive
3 bed/2 bath, 2 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Jacob Taylor
Listed: $849,900
Open: Sunday 12-3 p.m.

 

1305 S. Rolfe Street
3 bed/2 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Azmi Al-Kurd
Listed: $675,000
Open: Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2200 N. Westmoreland Street
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Harry Brubaker
Listed: $569,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

2926 S. Buchanan Street #C2
2 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Joyce Abdallah
Listed: $353,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

4373 N. Lee Highway #306
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Dawn Troutman
Listed: $229,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Flying Colors: Celebrating 27 Years in Business

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.

14,191,000. What makes up a minute? How do you fill up an hour? How does a day “fly” by? Where did the month go? Is another year gone?

Simple questions to wonder about when a “milestone of time” occurs. For us at Wild Birds Unlimited, that milestone is now!

For 27 years, WBU has been bringing people and nature together in an ever-changing landscape; mentally, emotionally and physically. For 27 years, our eyes have been looking out into our center. And boy, the things we have seen.

In the beginning, the center was failing. 20-40% vacancy was not uncommon. We worked endlessly to get people to discover our new, unique nature store dedicated to “wild birds” in the neighborhood yards.

On Sundays at 4 p.m. in the fall, the parking lot was 95% empty! A winning Washington football team, a failing grocery store and a failing discount pharmacy did not help this situation.

When they left, the center reinvented itself. One fifth of the center was removed and a new anchor grocery store opened up. A small coffee shop also opened up; Star… something or other.

More businesses came and more businesses went. Here is just a short list of what Wild Birds Unlimited has said goodbye to:

Super Fresh Grocery, Rite Aid, Foam Center, Seredipity, Dogma, TCBY Yogurt, McDonalds, Popeyes, Baskin-Robbins, Oriental Gourmet, cleaners, optometrist, another yogurt store, a dance studio, book store, children’s clothing store, florist, fabric store and there are a few others I am sure I have missed.

Yet, through it all, Wild Birds Unlimited has maintained its relationship with Arlington; but more importantly our friendships with our customers.

Businesses may come and go, but it is gut wrenching and heartbreaking to lose those friendships that we have developed all these years. When we started, many of our customers were in their 40’s through their 70’s. Twenty-seven years adds up and takes its toll. Those that have left us, have left us too soon and we miss them. They cannot be replaced.

Now, the Arlington demographics have evolved over the last 10-15 years to a much younger family nucleus. The blur of tiny bundles of energy in the form of four, five, six, seven-year old’s and higher have energized the center. Talk about energy! Wow.

That is part of the new makeup of the center that our bird store has seen. So, we adapt. Yet our mission is not different then is was when we opened.

We Bring People and Nature Together!

It does not matter if the person is 4 or 80, our goal is to educate them and help them enjoy the wild birds in their backyard.

So, after being open for 14,191,000 minutes, we have to have a party. This Saturday, September 29th, we will open our doors at 8 a.m. and be open for 12 hours to celebrate with all of you.

Take a look below and come on by and let us thank you. Whether you have been a customer for 27 years (and yes, they exist) or coming in for the first time. We are here to help you enjoy the beauty, peace and “JOY” of nature in Arlington.

Thank you, but I have to go now. The minutes are ticking!

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Team Cathell, “Your Orange Line Specialists.”

Arlington’s fall real estate market was a bit sluggish this week as sellers listed only 65 homes and buyers ratified only 54 contracts. Perhaps the dismal rainy weather has kept buyers unusually inactive. In a typically strong fall market we should see 60-70 ratified contracts this time in September.

While the mid-price points are still very robust, the upper end market of homes priced $1.5 million and above is showing some softness. We are starting to see more price reductions and longer days on market at this price level.

The Fed once again raised short terms rates by 0.25% this week which will effect consumer loans, but long term rates for mortgages backed off a little after last week’s sudden spike. Most lenders are quoting 4.75%-4.875% for 30-yr fixed rate mortgages. But shop around. It’s a volatile week for mortgages and rates are varying greatly.

Your renovation or new home could cost more in the coming months. The Trump Administration tariffs are impacting the cost of numerous building materials and fixtures from lumber, drywall and granite to light fixtures and toilets.

Contractors are considering including “escalation” clauses in their contracts that allows them to adjust their pricing based on future costs.

Click to see all the fresh new inventory in MRIS and call Team Cathell (703-975-2500) when you find a home you like.

Listing of the Day: 3305 N. Albemarle Street

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Address: 3305 N. Albemarle Street
Neighborhood: Country Club Hills
Listed: $1,849,000
Open: Sunday, Sept. 30 from 2-4 p.m.

This beautiful, luxury custom Craftsman home is ready for you to move in. See more photos and video at 3305NAlbemarleSt.com.

The first floor features a spectacular open floor plan with soaring 10-foot ceilings. The striking chef’s kitchen offers top quality appliances, custom cabinets and built-in wine cooler. A family room with fireplace and coffered ceilings, built-in cabinets and shelves and floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides overlook the professionally landscaped backyard.

Upstairs is a luxurious main master bedroom suite with vaulted ceilings, immense closet with custom built-ins and spa bath. A second master bedroom suite with designer bath plus two additional bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bath complete this level.

The lower level features a rec room with built-ins, exercise/game room, additional laundry room with loads of storage, full bath, mudroom and garage.

A private flagstone patio with gas fireplace and island with built-in gas grill is perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Additional Features:

  • 5,184 square-foot custom home
  • 4 BR; 4 full & 2 half BA
  • 1/4-acre+ lot
  • Gourmet kitchen with large center island and second sink, custom Cherry cabinets with decorative glass, built-in wine cooler and top-of-the-line appliances
  • 3 fireplaces
  • In-ceiling speakers on all levels
  • Alarm system
  • 2-zone HVAC
  • Quiet street

Listed by:
Meg Ross
Keller Williams Realty
703-447-0970
[email protected]
www.MegRoss.com
@meg_ross_arlingtonvaagent

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