Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Arts Focus: Arlington, a winter wonderland of arts & culture!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Tis the season! From now right through December, many of you are welcoming family and friends for extended stays during the holidays. But what to do before and after the big celebration?

Fortunately, Arlington has one of the most active cultural scenes in the region, and this Winter Arts Highlight is your guide to the myriad ways to keep your guests entertained and engaged right here in Arlington!

Last month the National Center for Arts Research released its 8th Arts Vibrancy Index, which identifies the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area as number three on the list of the most arts-vibrant communities in the Nation according to SMU DataArts. The data is compiled through an analysis of the level of supply, demand and government support for the arts in more than 900 communities across the country. Arlington, along with its neighbors Washington D.C. and Alexandria, has consistently appeared on the Arts Vibrancy index since the launch of the rankings in 2015.

This high ranking was achieved because of Arlington’s exceedingly talented and creative array of visual and performing artists. This winter, their offerings include cabaret evenings at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre (December 5-23); a holiday performance by The Arlington Philharmonic Brass Quintet (December 9); Arlington Artists Alliance’s Winter Artful Weekend Sale featuring everything from woodworking to jewelry (December 8-10); Jane Franklin Dance’s performances of “Set” (December 9-10); and an Artist Talk by Marissa Long about her current exhibit Blister Pearl at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (November 29).

Below are a few sample highlights. For a more comprehensive list of events and activities taking place in Arlington in December, see the full Arlington Arts’ Winter Arts Highlight.

Arlington Chorale: Of All the Kings
Saturday, December 9 | 5 p.m. | Westover Baptist Church | Westover

This holiday concert has something for everyone, from well-known favorites like the beloved carol, “Good King Wenceslas,” Nat King Cole’s timeless classic, “The Christmas Song,” to Antonio Vivaldi’s uplifting Gloria. A highlight is The Ballad of the Brown King, a seldom performed gem by African American composer and piano virtuoso Margaret Bonds with libretto by Langston Hughes that premiered in 1954. This captivating story of Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men, weaves together elements of spirituals, gospel and classical music, creating a unique and soul-stirring experience that will resonate with all. Presented by the Arlington Chorale in collaboration with the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington.

LAC STUDIOS: Holiday Show & Sale
Saturday, December 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | LAC Studios | Leeway-Overlee

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Shop Local! Back after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the annual LAC Studios Holiday Show & Sale features ceramics, pottery and hand pulled prints for sale by the member-artists of LAC Studios. Just in time to put under the tree!

Encore Stage & Studio: Reindeer Games
December 8-17 | Gunston Theatre Two | Long Branch Creek

Pulling Santa’s sleigh is hard work. And when team leader Dasher decides to retire, coaches Kris and Carol Kringle host the Reindeer Games to find the next member of the Nifty Nine, Santa’s reindeer crew. Eager reindeer recruits showcase their talents in a series of games, but these aren’t your typical winter events, nor your typical competitors.

Synetic Theater: The Tale of the Fisherman and the Golden Fish
December 8-January 7 | Synetic Theater | National Landing

When a kind, poor fisherman discovers a wish-granting fish, he selflessly releases the creature back into the ocean. While content with his simple life, his wife’s extravagant desires soon drive him to re-capture the magical fish and make her dreams a reality — but not without cost.

National Chamber Ensemble:
Holiday Cheer with Renowned Violinist Dylana Jenson
Saturday, December 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington | Barcroft

Celebrate the season with an evening of classical and popular holiday favorites for the entire family! Guest violinist Dylana Jenson is known for her appearances with all the major American Symphony Orchestras, The Tonight Show and has even played a duet with Jack Benny. She will join NCE’s artistic director/violinist Leo Sushansky to perform the Concerto for Two Violins by J.S. Bach and the virtuoso showpiece, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Camille Saint-Saens, which she recorded for RCA with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The program concludes with a Carols Sing-Along guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Signature Theater “Both Sides Now” Tribute to Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen:

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 Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of November 20, there are 124 detached homes, 35 townhouses and 176 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 31 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

700 S Wakefield Street

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 Arlington Realty, Inc.

Driving in DC and Northern Virginia’s wildest weather

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Car owners in D.C. have enough to worry about, wasting your time in traffic just for a service appointment shouldn’t be one of those things. As temperatures drop and wild weather is predicted, it’s important to stay ahead of basic maintenance on your car. 

Roda knows that taking care of your car can and should be simpler.

We pick-up, we service, we return. This is how it works, but first-time clients often include already baked-in requests when they book their first appointment (or sign-up to reserve their Cyber Monday VIP offer.) Questions like:

  • “Can you text me when you arrive?” Communication is first and foremost in the valet car care world. Customers receive booking confirmations both via email and by text, including tracking service when a valet is dispatched to pick-up (and return locations.) 
  • “How much? This sounds expensive.” There is no upcharge for valet, even if you decline services. You can also drop your car off at our flagship service center in Rockville. Roda offers flat pricing on basics like oil changes, with complete digital estimates and line-by-line approval of all costs before the work is done. 
  • “Do I have to stay at the same location for pick-up and return?” No! Pick-up and return locations can be different. Getting work done at home in the morning, then running errands that afternoon in another part of town? All you have to do is say so. Valet service means they meet you where you are. 

Check your battery, top-off fluids, and more with ease. Their Winter Special offers a $225 detail, wiper replacement, fluid top-off, comprehensive safety inspection PLUS 10% off services added to same visit.

Ask Eli: Important Thanksgiving poll — apple vs pecan vs pumpkin pie

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving ARLnow!

On behalf of all ARLnow readers, the Eli Residential Group has donated to the wonderful Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) whose mission is to feed our neighbors in need by providing dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries. AFAC is a 4-star, top-rated charity on Charity Navigator and is a worthy organization for your holiday giving.

Last year, I ran a critical Thanksgiving poll asking ARLnow readers whether they prefer white or dark meat turkey. Apparently, we are a house perfectly divided here in in Arlington; with 575 total votes, 288 voters prefer white meat and 287 prefer dark meat. That’s impressive! (and I can’t believe 288 out of 575 ARLnow readers are so wrong about their turkey preference…)

This year, I am returning with another mission critical poll:

This year, our team gave 160+ pies to our clients from Arlington’s Acme Pie Co (if you haven’t indulged, I highly recommend them). Our clients selected 45% apple, 39% pecan, and 16% pumpkin, which surprised me. I thought pumpkin would surely be second to apple, but it wasn’t even close. Let’s see how our clients’ tastes compare to the taste buds of ARLnow!

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

Thanksgiving pies (photo via Acme Pie Co.)

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

Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10CA

5 ways to ease grief & loss during the holidays

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

From the first sight of Halloween decor, the dread begins, The Holidays are coming and I won’t have my loved-one.

With a recent diagnosis, it’s a panic to make the most of what could be your last season together.

To help navigate what can be overwhelming emotions, here are 5 Ways to Ease Grief and Loss During the Holidays from Jane Lowery, M.A., Resident in Counseling with Arlington therapy practice Sarah Moore, LPC:

1. Be open to things looking different this year.
2. There are a lot of events happening now. It’s okay to have JOMO: Joy of Missing Out.
3. Things are going to be different and that’s okay. You being sad about them is also okay.
4. You get to decide how you want to honor the person you’ve lost this year. Some ideas:

        • Playing their favorite music
        • Making their treasured holiday recipe
        • Wearing their jewelry
        • Having an empty chair at the table
        • Sharing a toast to them
        • Gifting yourself something that they’d pick out for you

5. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to create a personalized plan to help you through the season.

Jane Lowery, M.A., Resident in Counseling, currently has openings for new clients and offers free 20-minute consultations. She sees clients in-person on Wednesdays and online Monday through Wednesday. Find out more and schedule your consult at sarahmoorelpc.com/about-jane-lowery. 

Shop local this holiday season at Lee Heights Shops

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The holidays are warmer and brighter when celebrated with those you love!

Lee Heights Shops has everything you need with gift ideas from a unique selection of curated shops and dining options — perfect for that special someone. 

No matter how long or daunting your list might be, you’re bound to find something for everyone here at the Shops. And you may even discover something for yourself along the way!

We offer a festive experience with a mix of food, fashion, and fun right in the heart of Arlington including:

Enjoy the free parking, convenient UPS shipping, and shop local this holiday season!

Lee Heights Shops is located at 4500 Cherry Hill Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.

The turkeys are flying! Deadline nears for RSVP Catering’s all-in-one feast

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

If you don’t make the call to RSVP Catering by Monday, Nov. 20, Thanksgiving’s dinner is on you. And you don’t want that.

We warned you last week that RSVP Catering’s 2023 Thanksgiving home delivered meal deal was filling up, and now we remind you again: If you want RSVP Catering, the region’s premier catering service, you must place your order by Monday, November 20, at 5 p.m.

After that, you can relax! RSVP is offering to simplify Thanksgiving dinner by delivering it to your door in an elegant package complete with a choice of turkey, four side dishes, plus all the trimmings: turkey gravy, cranberry-orange relish, homemade mini brioche rolls, and sweet potato biscuits.

This year, RSVP Catering is offering herb roasted turkey or honey-citrus glazed turkey as the showcase centerpiece of all-in-one packages for $195 and $390, depending on how many guests you expect to impress and, perhaps, overwhelm (in a good way!).

Turkeys come with a choice of four sides, including creamy mashed potatoes, sage and turkey sausage cornbread stuffing, sauteed green beans, pomegranate roasted root vegetables, and fall harvest salad. Many of the options are gluten free.

Optional dessert offerings, which feed six to eight guests, bring to the table Dutch apple pie, bourbon pecan pie, pumpkin chiffon pie, and pear and pistachio tart.

Your Turkey Day feast is as easy as your next phone call. And it’s up to you to decide if you confess to your guests that you prepared this awesome meal yourself.

But get moving! See the RSVP Catering Thanksgiving 2023 menu.

The full RSPV Catering menu is available for home delivery ala carte. Email RSPV Catering at [email protected], or call 703-573-8700.

Biz Talk: Arlington Talent Program accepting applications

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This article was written by Arlington Economic Development.

The Arlington Talent Program (ATP) is now accepting applications for its second year of providing paid, on-the-job learning opportunities to Arlington and Alexandria residents interested in launching a career in software development.

The innovative program is a partnership between Arlington Economic Development (AED) and Arlington-based software consultancy Exelaration. It is a new way to address the ongoing challenges of finding tech workers to fill open jobs in the region.

From Learners to Coders

The Arlington Talent Program’s initial year yielded remarkable results, including a 100% program completion rate and 100% received the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) credential. Most participants have transitioned to full-time tech employment with their new knowledge of high-demand program languages (e.g., HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, Angular). The average pay and work rate for participants have increased by 26% and 38%, respectively, and will continue to rise as they gain experience and advancement. These achievements represent not just statistics but tangible transformations in the participants’ lives.

“The Arlington Talent Pilot Program offered me a great opportunity to enter the field with no formal and relevant background in IT, in addition to stellar mentorship on real-world projects to gain both experience and theoretical knowledge,” said participant Liam Cespedes, who was part of the first cohort and is continuing work on client projects.

AED and Exelaration designed this program to allow Arlington and Alexandria residents to enter the tech workforce without a college degree or prior tech experience requirements. The competitive pilot program accepted applications from dozens of individuals for each cohort, many of whom showed promise in the tech field but lacked those traditional resume credentials to find work.

AED and Exelaration are proud to have collaborated with partners at Capital Youth Empowerment Program, Bridges to Independence, Alexandria-Arlington Regional Workforce Council, and Virginia Values Veterans to advertise this program and ensure this unique opportunity reached underrepresented and underserved communities.

Applications for the next cohort are open through Nov. 26. Accepted participants will work full-time with Exelaration for 12 weeks beginning on Jan. 23, 2024. For more information or to apply, visit exelaration.com/arlingtontalent.

Opportunities for Businesses

Companies needing IT modernization and custom software solutions also benefit from the Arlington Talent Pilot Program. Companies receive quality work products led by experienced software developers and can save significantly with the blended billable rate by including learners on projects.

Arlington-based Agile technology firm Excella recently partnered with the program to expand one of its federal modernization projects. The Exelaration team works closely with the larger Excella team to upgrade enterprise software within a Ruby on Rails environment. In addition to the modernized software, Excella has the option of hiring learners who are now skilled engineers fully trained in their environment. “Competing for talent is hard, and this program gives us a proven way to add trained professionals to our teams, who help us meet our clients’ mission,” says Excella’s National Security Director, Allison Harvey.

The upcoming program adds more software engineering capacity to take on new company partners. “We especially love to work with Arlington companies, but we’re happy to work with organizations across the country looking to modernize their technology,” says Exelaration CEO Steve Cooper, who adds that the program is looking for additional client companies who could benefit from the work of these budding engineers.

Companies can connect with the program in other ways, too. Arlington Community Federal Credit Union hosted a lunch for the fall team inside their technology shop. This gave the emerging engineers a “day-in-the-life” view of what it’s like to have a tech job. Over kabobs and tacos, Credit Union CIO David Martinez and his team answered questions about the rewards and challenges of IT careers.

Companies looking to partner with the program can learn more 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 Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of November 13, there are 123 detached homes, 37 townhouses and 180 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 19 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

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 Arlington Realty, Inc.

Anti-theft AirTags, wild weather, and more

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Recently, the District launched a pilot designed to recover stolen cars.

By providing owners with an AirTag, the hope is that vehicles can be quickly located. Adding an AirTag to your vehicle (which can be hidden in the lining of your trunk or other less obvious placement) is just an additional method to know where your property is, though anyone with any iPhone can be notified that an AirTag is in the vehicle. Other measures to protect your car may include having your VIN etched into the catalytic converter or other valuable target parts. 

Wheel locks protect your tires and rims, and generally also need to be accessible for your maintenance appointments. 

Record winter weather is predicted, and this could be another season where drivers inadvertently spend more time in their car due to adverse commuting conditions. As temperatures drop, ensure fluids like coolant are at recommended levels and that your battery is in good health. Keeping up with basic or manufacturer-recommended maintenance on your car ensures you’re prepared for whatever the forecast has in store. 

Roda, formerly known as CarCare To Go, knows that taking care of your car can and should be simpler.

We pick-up, we service, we return. Yes, that means you can get basic maintenance — from oil changes and alignments, to major repairs like replacing a catalytic converter or transmission, with free valet pick-up and return to and from our certified shop. See how it works.

Our Winter Special offer — a $225 detail, wiper replacement, fluid top-off, comprehensive safety inspection PLUS 10% off services added to same visit.

Ask Eli: Missing Middle is not achieving its goals

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!

Question: Are you seeing that Missing Middle is achieving its goals for housing supply creation in Arlington?

Answer: What is the goal of Arlington’s Missing Middle aka Expanded Housing Options (EHO) housing policy?

At first, it seemed the County was hoping to provide housing options for “middle income” home buyers. That shifted once it became obvious that any new housing product would be far too expensive for anything resembling middle income. The target became a blend of creating housing that filled a gap in property type(s) missing from the Arlington housing market and adding housing supply.

It also seems that the County hopes that most Missing Middle housing units will be delivered for sale rather than as rental units, because most of the conversation I’ve heard/read from them focuses on ownership opportunity related to Missing Middle, but there is nothing they are doing (likely nothing they can do) to make that a reality, aside from hoping the market delivers ownership opportunities instead of new rentals.

If you’d like a catch-up/review on my previous articles about Missing Middle, you can read my initial thoughts here, followed by more recent thoughts and observations here, which includes some doubt that many of the approved applications will actually get built.

What is Missing from Arlington’s Housing Market?

If you ask me what’s missing from Arlington’s housing market and in high demand, I’d say that it’s townhouse/duplex housing with 3-4 bedrooms with roughly 2,500-3,500 finished square feet and two off-street parking spaces, that suits a family with 1-2 kids. The data, summarized below, also supports this being an undersupplied category of housing. Arlington does not lack multi-family housing (condo or rental apartments), relative to other housing types.

I looked at the last five years of Arlington sales data and analyzed the breakdown of property types sold by bedroom count, total finished square footage, and property type:

  • 45% of homes were multi-family condo and just 19% were townhouse/duplex (most of the 19% were built well over 50 years ago)
  • Over 50% of homes had 1-2 bedrooms
  • 55% of homes had 1,500 or less finished square feet
  • Only 10% of homes had 2,500-3,500 finished square feet, a range that I think is highly desirable for many buyers/families in Arlington

(more…)

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