Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Arlington Babe Ruth Baseball Spring Registration Open Through Feb. 1

Arlington Babe Ruth Baseball works with the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation to provide the county’s children — more than 1,300 boys and girls from age 4 to 12 — a high quality baseball program in the local area. With eight levels of play, ABR promotes equal competition, camaraderie, full participation, good sportsmanship and fun!

Teams are forming now for Spring 2018. Register by Feb. 1 on the ABR website: www.ArlingtonBabeRuth.com.

Neighborhood Teams

ABR endorses the neighborhood/school concept in youth sports. Where possible, ABR groups players on teams based on the neighborhood in which they live, or the school that they attend. Most likely players’ friends are on school teams which practice in their own neighborhoods.

We use the neighborhood principle at every level except the oldest–Majors 70′ (our intermediate size field league, 50/70) for 11 and 12-year-olds, where a modified draft creates a more competitive playing experience.

Commitment to Coach Training

ABR is committed to providing each player with an enjoyable and valuable baseball experience, helping kids learn the game while developing life skills and an appreciation for baseball. We provide each coach in the league with coach training clinics and coaching manuals covering safety, skills, teaching the game, and managing the ups and downs of competition.

Outstanding Travel Baseball

For those ABR players seeking a highly-competitive experience in addition to recreational baseball, ABR Travel Baseball is a nationally-competitive youth baseball organization for players ages 8-12. ABR Travel teams participate in the Cal Ripken all-star tournaments and regularly advance into the Virginia State Cal Ripken Tournament. ABR Travel’s 2017 8YO, 9YO and 10YO Storm teams won their District Championships and after winning their State tourney, the 10YO Storm team represented Virginia in the Southeast Regional Tournament last summer.

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:

2351 Daniel Street
6 bed/5 bath single-family home
Agent: Annie Jin
Listed: $1,999,999
Open: Sunday 12-3 p.m.

 

1615 Queen Street N , M602
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Sherif Abdalla
Listed: $1,369,900
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

2314 Kenmore Street N
6 bed/3 bath single-family home
Agent: Audrey Shay
Listed: $900,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

5631 Lee Highway
3 bed/2 bath, 2 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Shamein Qadri
Listed: $799,900
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

3300 Kemper Road
2 bed/3 bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Jeremy Browne
Listed: $692,500
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1000 Randolph Street N , #902
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Robert Johnson Jr
Listed: $414,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

4149 Four Mile Run Drive , #102
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Sean Ragen
Listed: $322,900
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

WWBG: Find Some “Epic” Beers Here

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Weekend Wine and Beer Guide logo

Editor’s Note: This biweekly column is sponsored by Dominion Wine and Beer (107 Rowell Court, Falls Church). It is written by Garrett Cruce, a Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server.

Billing itself as the first brewery in Utah since Prohibition to brew only high alcohol beer, Epic Brewing Company has carved out a niche for itself in both sours and stouts. Founded by David Cole and Peter Erickson, the Salt Lake City brewery began as a way to celebrate the big beers the two had been accustomed to drinking in California and the “epic” adventures that they enjoyed as partners in an aquaculture business. A law change in Utah in 2008 made their postponed dreams possible.

It didn’t take long for Epic to grow. In 2013, Epic opened a brewery and tap room in the River North district of Denver. There they were able to expand their barrel aging and open a proper tap room — Utah law requires that beer stronger that 4% ABV be sold in bottles.

In late 2017, Epic expanded west by striking an investment deal with Santa Barbara’s Telegraph Brewing Company. According to Epic’s press release, the plan is to offer new packaging and, by moving foeders (tanks used for aging sour beers) there, to expand both Epic’s and Telegraph’s sour beer program. Now they distribute to about half the 50 states and Washington, DC.

This week, a fresh shipment of beers from Epic dropped at Dominion Wine & Beer. Among the new arrivals was the juicy, Citralush New England-style IPA in cans, Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout and the souped up Triple Barrel Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout. I’ll share my thoughts on their already classic Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout. Be sure to get in to pick up these Epic beers.

Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout (11.7% ABV)

Big Bad Baptist — such a fun, irreverent name — is part of Epic’s Exponential Series, beers that they describe as being for the “accomplished consumer.” Whatever that means to them, what it means to us is that this is part of a series of big beers — really big ones. Big Bad Baptist weighs in at a hefty 11.7% ABV. Brewed with cocoa nibs and coffee and whiskey-barrel aged — a different coffee is used each time — Baptist is a flavored stout, but it’s no novelty.

You can look your bottle up on Epic’s web site to find out where the coffee in your stout came from — mine is a #93, which makes the coffee Blue Copper Coffee. Put your nose up to it and you’ll find some warming vanilla, sweet chocolate syrup, chicory and coffee beans. The sip takes you on a ride starting with dried plums and sharp alcohol up front, iced coffee in the middle and a smooth vanilla sweet finish. I know I refer to the “sip” all the time, but here it’s a must. This is a tricky and strong beer, which must be sipped. It’s a real treat!

Join Dominion Wine & Beer on Friday, January 12th from 5:00-7:00 PM for their weekly beer tasting featuring Prairie Artisan Ales, Brothers Craft Brewing, Vanish Farmwoods Brewery and Commonwealth Brewing Company!

Cheers!

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed banner

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 real estate market picked up a bit this week as 31 buyers ratified contracts and 28 sellers listed their homes. Arlington’s inventory shortage continues as buyers outpace sellers. Of the 31 homes sold this week, only two sold for over $1 million, and seven homes sold within a week. A lot of aging inventory got cleared out, which pushed the average days on market to 63.

Mortgage applications shot up 8.3% this week nationally, mostly for refinancing. Home equity increased in several areas of the US that are still recovering from the recession. Also, homeowners want to take advantage of today’s low rates for fear of rates increasing later this year.

Mortgage rates this week shot up early, then dropped back to about a 10 basis point increase. The 30-yr fixed rate mortgage is now about 4.1%. But this week rates vary significantly among different lenders so be sure to shop around before locking in your rate.

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

Job Listing: Wild Birds Unlimited is Hiring Sales Associate Positions

WBU Associate PictureYour local Wild Birds Unlimited (2437 N. Harrison Street) is dedicated to the hobby of backyard bird feeding. We provide quality bird food and supplies to all of your backyard birds.

The position of Sales Associate can be either a part-time or full-time position that reports to the franchise owner or manager. The primary responsibility of a Sales Associate is to provide a high-energy customer experience.

Selling / Customer Experience:

  • Understands that the high-energy customer experience is the #1 priority.
  • Uses successful selling skills to satisfy the customer and complete the sale.
  • Wears the logo name badge and logo apparel while working on the sales floor.

Merchandising:

  • Understands and communicates the store’s merchandise and target products to the customer.
  • Completes the changing of displays, signing and the restocking of merchandise as directed by management.

Personnel Management:

  • Demonstrates a positive, enthusiastic and professional demeanor.
  • Attends store meetings as required.
  • Completes any other duties as assigned.

Administrative Control:

  • Adheres to all store policies and procedures regarding the ringing of all transactions, any administrative duties and scheduling.
  • Completes accurate and legible paperwork.

Store Maintenance:

  • Maintains good housekeeping standards to help present a clean and well-presented store.
  • Helps keep store and backroom clean & organized.

Please call (703) 241-3988 or come in to pick up an application!

Healthy Paws: The Dreaded Nail Trim

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Healthy Paws

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.

Taking your pet in for a nail trim — it sounds so simple, and for many dogs and cats it is. But, for others, it is truly a terrifying experience. For many pets that are anxious or resistant to nail trims it is the handling of their feet that really drives them bananas; for others, they resist the pressure from the clippers. Others get anxious coming into the veterinary hospital or grooming facility, setting them up for a negative experience. For others, it may have been a previous experience that has set them up for fear and anxiety with future nail trims.

While it is true that in many cases a nail trim could be done with enough restraint, this often is not in the best interest of the pet — as future attempts will likely only elicit more severe anxiety and stress, making them that much more difficult and even dangerous to the pet. Our philosophy, and that of many veterinary hospitals that embrace the Fear Free/Low Stress philosophies is to never struggle with a pet for an elective procedure such as a nail trim. Therefore, we often recommend that our clients work on desensitization of their pets at home. In this process, the pet comes to associate the anxiety-provoking procedure with a positive experience.

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin was a wonderful resource for all things behavior-related in dogs, and has a wonderful (and rather impressive!) video demonstrating how to counter-condition and desensitize a dog to nail trims linked here.

In some cases, behavioral modification enough is not alone and sedation (ranging from very mild to heavy) is needed to safely perform a nail trim. This may include “pre-medicating” with mild anti-anxiety medications prior to the visit or short-acting injectable sedatives administered under the supervision of a veterinarian.

In other cases, pets may do better at home with nail trimming. Many owners are concerned about trimming the nails too close to the “quick,” but with a few precautions this can be easily avoided. Your pet’s veterinarian or groomer will also likely be willing to demonstrate their technique in person.

If nail trims are a source of stress for your pet (and you as their caring owner!), we recommend consulting with your pet’s veterinarian about desensitization techniques and coming up with a plan that works best for your pet.

Small Biz Focus: Top 3 Tips When Doing Business with the Government

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

Are you interested in doing business with the government? Have you considered expanding your target market to the government, and need help navigating the process?

Many entrepreneurs are interested in doing business with the government and need detailed information on how best to enter the market. Below are BizLaunch’s Top 3 Tips to contract successfully.

Top 3 Contracting Tips

  1. Decide which level of government you’d like to pursue. Many small business owners look to the federal government as their first opportunity to do contract business with. Many entrepreneurs forget that the Commonwealth of Virginia and local municipalities are also in need of products and services from the private sector. Doing business with the state or local governments may be able to provide you with past performance that you need to win federal contracting opportunities.
  2. Follow the Opportunities. We also like to call this following the money (I.e., budget items). Research and uncover which agencies are spending money in your industry sector, when does the fiscal year begin and end (For example, Virginia’s budgetary cycle runs from July 1-June 30 each year) and understand competitive pricing so that you position yourself to win the bid.
  3. Attend mixers and conferences. Attend industry related events where key decision makers will be in attendance. Get yourself known in your field to the “correct,” contacts. Ensure that you are networking with influencers who can help you grow your company.

Resources to Help with Top 3 Contracting Tips

  1. BizLaunch, Virginia PTAP, Strategic FAR Advisors and Professionals by Design are offering an extensive training program on January 24 to address how to get an agency to “Pick Me.” Topics include pricing to win, knowing your value, HR and contracting rules will be addressed. For more information click here.
  2. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s website portal aids small businesses who are seeking to do business on the federal level. Many services are free and national conferences are offered to businesses located in Arlington.
  3. The Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Program offers training and one-on-one assistance to businesses looking to do business with the government. Their consultation services are free. Many of their education programs are available for a minimum fee.
  4. The System for Award Management (SAM) website is a complimentary tool if you are looking to do sole sourcing opportunities of up to $2 million dollars. Large businesses and federal agencies can find your business directly on this system.
  5. Virginia’s Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity also offers a wide range of education programs and support of local businesses.

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 is not the listing agent of these homes.  

Winter is a great season to buy a home.

In fact, according to a recent Business Insider report, real estate investors nationwide pay 6.6 percent less per square foot during the winter as they do during the spring and summer.

So, maybe it’s time to embrace those frigid temps, turn on the heated seats of your vehicle and get moving?

In addition to buying a home for you and your family, Business Insider just named the D.C. area the 15th best place in the U.S. to purchase a rental property. The organization noted a 14.22% increase in annual investment return for D.C. area properties.

So, even though it can be a bit chilly in our neck of the woods, the market remains hot. When you’re ready to GET MORE out of your transaction, we’re here to help you turn up the heat.

As of January 8 there are 136 detached homes, 24 townhouses and 167 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 13 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: 2017 Arlington Real Estate Review

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: How did the Arlington real estate market do in 2017?

Answer: In July I wrote that the Arlington market was picking up momentum and after two years of light growth in Arlington, we saw our first year of growth over 2% since 2014 (3.1%). Over 3,100 homes were sold in 2017 compared to approximately 2,900 in 2016 and total sales volume was nearly $2.1B compared to last year’s total of just under $1.9B.

In addition to solid price growth, other momentum indicators improved (if you’re a homeowner/seller) with homes selling nearly one week faster and for ½ percent closer to the original asking price than last year. Price growth and demand were driven almost entirely by South Arlington with 22202, 22204 and 22206 seeing some of the greatest improvement.

Top Sales

  • Once again, the most expensive sale in Arlington was a Rosslyn condo at Waterview with 3,800+ sq. ft. and unobstructed views of the Potomac. It sold for $3,258,000 and took just over a year to sell.
  • The most expensive single family home sold in Arlington was once again in Country Club Hills with nearly one acre for $2,950,000
  • The most expensive townhouse sold in Arlington was also located in Country Club Hills with over 8,000 sq. ft. located on Washington Golf & Country Club and sold for $2,825,000
  • The least expensive home sold in Arlington, not at auction, is a studio condo in The Carlton off Four Mile Run for $115,000

Price Growth: The average price of homes in Arlington has increased every year since 2010, but was slow the last two years. The 22201 and 22203 zip codes continued a steady decline, while 22205 surged forward with an incredible 6.9% YoY increase. Overall, Arlington continues to deliver as promised to most homeowners and investors… steady and stable growth.

Demand Growth: Outside of price growth, my two favorite indicators of demand are days on market (time from listing to ratified contract) and the ratio of sold price to original asking price (100% = buyer paid full ask). Both indicators saw their biggest improvement since 2013 with homes selling faster and for closer to their asking price in seven of nine zip codes. While changes weren’t extreme, they’re enough to say the Arlington market has officially picked up steam heading into 2018.

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The Chew: Keep Your Pet Safe in the Cold

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.

Click here to check out our short (approx 60 second) video about this article!

By Colleen Corrigan, Writer and Animal Enthusiast 

Not only did Santa Claus come to town, but he also brought all the cold weather with him! While we focus on keeping our families safe and warm, don’t forget about the safety and welfare of your precious pet.

Here are some easy ways to keep your pet safe, happy and cozy in the cold:

  • Keep their paws free of road salt and ice:  Salt and ice on roads can irritate your dog’s feet and cause tummy troubles if ingested.  Clean their paws of caustic salt and ice when returning from a walk to avoid abrasions and discourage licking.  Bark + Boarding sells Kin + Kind Nose & Paw moisturizer, made with premium jojoba oil and shea butter, to keep paw pads soft and protect them against the cold weather elements.
  • Don’t forget the exercise:  Dogs need exercise year round, even in frigid temperatures. To maintain the physical and mental well-being of your four-legged friend, find some time for a quick run or game of fetch. If the weather is too cold, doggy daycare is the perfect answer! Bark + Boarding provides year-round doggy daycare so your pup can romp and play to his heart’s content in a temperature-controlled and supervised environment.
  • Don’t slack on grooming: Dogs whose coats get easily matted have a harder time drying out after being in the snow and cold rain. It’s a good idea to stick to your regular grooming schedule during the winter months for the comfort of your pooch.
  • Be mindful of time spent outdoors: Short-haired pets that have less natural insulation and short-legged pets who are closer to the ground will become colder more quickly. Additionally, elderly dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems may have a harder time regulating their body temperatures. Taking shorter, more frequent walks is a great solution for both humans and canines in sub-freezing temps.
  • Consider canine clothing:  For dogs that are not fortunate enough to have thick warm fur in the winter, or seem uncomfortable when the temperature drops, consider a dog sweater or coat for added warmth. It’s a great idea to have more than one garment handy so your pup never has to wear damp or wet clothing which can actually make him colder.
  • Hide the antifreeze:  Antifreeze is toxic and poisonous to animals. Pets are drawn to its sweet flavor and even small amounts can be lethal. Check under your vehicles for leaks and store antifreeze containers in a safe place.

We want our pets to be happy, safe and comfortable year round, and winter is no exception! For more tips and resources contact Bark + Boarding.

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].

Rethink Energy: 200+ Arlingtonians Prepared for Cold

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This regularly-scheduled sponsored column is written by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy team (AIRE). This county program helps you make smart energy decisions that save you money and leaves a lighter footprint on the environment. 

More than 200 Arlington homeowners prepared for the cold by air sealing or insulating their homes with Arlington’s Home Energy Rebates. You, too, can apply for up to $575 in rebates for added insulation and air sealing. The rebate covers 30% of the cost up to $575. You are eligible for the rebate if you spend a minimum of $200.

Insulation and air sealing photos generally aren’t the most glamourous. Nevertheless, we picked out some insulation photos from the 200+ rebate projects and placed them in the photo slider above. These will give you a sense of the types of projects that your neighbors have completed.

Do you have uneven temperatures throughout your home? Can you feel the bitter wind blowing even when to doors and windows are closed? Is your floor freezing cold? What are you waiting for!? Join other Arlingtonians that already weatherized their homes and are enjoying the benefits of year-round comfort and lower utility bills.

In most cases, the fixes aren’t complex and the cost will likely be less than you expect. In one day you can have your home insulated and be comfortable year after year.

Doesn’t my home already have insulation?

It probably has some, but 9 out of 10 homes don’t have enough. Older homes are even more likely to be deficient. Signs of inadequate insulation or air leaks include drafts, rooms that are uncomfortably cold or high energy bills.

In most houses, the attic is the easiest and most effective place to air seal and insulate.

How do I get started?

To find a contractor that specializes in this type of work, visit the list of contractors that have participated in this program or try this searchable directory.

If you are handy and ready to take matters into your own hands, an insulation or air sealing project is as simple as a trip to your local store and an afternoon in your attic. ENERGY STAR has great resources to help you identify inadequate insulation, install insulation and air seal your home.

It’s that easy. Just make a decision to be comfortable and reduce your utility bills. Install insulation and/or air sealing. Apply for a rebate!

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