Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Arts Focus: Lively Annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration today

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

Come out for the popular annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 1 (today) at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington!

Enjoy the crisp fall weather with an evening picnic featuring family-friendly art projects. Spread your blanket on the lawn, then grab a warm beverage and a hot Mexican meal from a local food truck, while you enjoy performances and art activities in the park.

A Mexican cultural tradition celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, National Geographic describes Dia De Los Muertos as a combination of “the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls’ Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico” in the early 1500’s. Today, it is a day of remembering departed loved ones through joyous celebration rather than mourning.

Arlington artist David Amoroso will build a large-scale altar on the front portico of the building, and you are invited to bring a photo of a loved one who has passed away to be included.

There will be music from Grupo Fénix, known for their appearances everywhere from the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage and the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art to Glenn Echo Park. You’ll also enjoy a performance by the folkloric Mexican dance ensemble Los Quetzales, and poetry readings from Cristi Donoso. Raices Culturales will also present artisan mask maker Rafael Jiménez López’s work for view and purchase. Tasty beverages and bites will be available from pop-up cafe, Rossana, and delicious tacos will be available from local food truck, La Tingeria.

The Museum of Contemporary Arts Arlington (formerly known as Arlington Arts Center) has a long collaborative history with Arlington County Government. The independent nonprofit holds a long-term lease with Arlington County to operate within the County-owned former school building. Designed in 1910 by noted school architect Charles M. Robinson, the school closed in 1975 and the building became home to the Arlington Arts Center in 1976. After an extensive renovation in 2005, it now boasts Tiffany Windows salvaged from the former Abbey Mausoleum by Arlington Arts and the County’s Office of Historic Preservation. The Clarendon School is a designated Arlington County Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Come celebrate Dia De Los Muertos on Wednesday, Nov. 1 (today) from 5-8 p.m., at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, 3550 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22201. For details, visit the website!

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 October 30, there are 141 detached homes, 36 townhouses and 188 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 40 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

1021 N. Garfield Street #803

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.

Ask Eli: Home energy audits are worth considering

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: I’m staring at another winter with a drafty, chilly house. Do you have any recommendations for ways of identifying the problem areas and prioritizing the solutions?

Answer: I’ve used very few posts to promote a product or service, but in the case of home energy audits I don’t think that most people are familiar with them, and I’ve personally found a ton of value in having them done and have clients who have found a lot of value in them as well.

It can be a worthwhile investment for a range of use cases including those who live in a drafty old house, anybody with a couple of rooms that are unusually hot/cold, or the owner of a new home who wants to quality check the construction and installation of energy-related systems.

Note: I’m not getting anything from the vendor I recommend later in this post, this is a good faith recommendation for something I think more people should consider.

What is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a series of tests done on your home to measure its energy efficiency and test the operation of many of your homes core systems including how tight/leaky your home is (via blower door test), the effectiveness of your insulation, how well your heating and cooling systems are working (if they’re drawing enough air, leaky air ducts, etc), the CFM (amount of air being extracted) of your bathroom exhaust fans, gas leaks, areas with elevated moisture, and more.

I pulled some examples of test results from different reports I’ve seen and shared them below.

Examples of infrared results identifying air leaks and cold spots:

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The Nose That Knows: Gotthelf Emmental — get ready for a journey through time

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Order from Arrowine’s expanding online store for curbside pickup or in-store shopping. Have a question? Email thenose@arrowine.com.

Join us this Saturday, October 28, from 1-4 p.m. as we take you through a Journey through time.

We will split open and taste a massive 200lb, 36 inch wide, natural rind wheel of “Slow-Food Certified” Gotthelf Emmental AOP, a cheese whose heritage goes back to the 13th Century. This masterpiece was handmade by Master Cheesemakers Marlies Zaugg and Bernhard Meier using their own kettle whey cultures. With only two cheeses a day produced, few leave Europe. Gotthelf Emmental is aged up to 24 months to develop its signature smooth texture.

In addition, Oliver Perkins, a Master Craftsman and producer of America’s finest Salamis and Cured Meats, will be here sampling and educating on “Old World” cured meats re-imagined with New World Creativity. Oliver will be sampling and explaining his creations. Oliver is truly a genius. His cured meats are stellar. We are thrilled and excited to have him with us to kick off our partnership.

As an extra special treat, our good friend “Capitals National Anthem Singer,” Bob McDonald will be on hand at 1 p.m. to serenade the cheese and us with traditional Swiss ballads.

More on Gotthelf Emmental AOP: A Swiss Treasure with a Taste of History

A remarkable Swiss tradition unfolds in the heart of the pristine Emmental region, where winding mountain roads lead to the mountain dairy Hüpfenboden. Gotthelf Emmental AOP is a cheese that embodies the essence of the mountains and is lovingly crafted by master cheesemakers Marlies Zaugg and Bernhard Meier, along with their children Florian and Sarah, at a staggering altitude of 1016 meters above sea level.

The journey to this isolated dairy is often fraught with heavy snowfall, a testament to the commitment of the cheesemakers. They are the exclusive producers of Gotthelf Emmental, with a daily production limit of just two wheels.

But what distinguishes Gotthelf Emmental is its remarkable flavor — sweet and reminiscent of roasted cashew nuts and sweet cream. It’s a connoisseur’s dream, and this unique cheese proudly carries the Slow Food label. The secret behind its exceptional taste lies in the handmade kettle whey cultures carefully cultivated by these master cheesemakers. These unique cultures impart a distinct “goût du terroir,” connecting the cheese to its origins.

However, the uniqueness of Gotthelf Emmental extends beyond its artistic label. The dairy cows are privileged to graze on natural food, consisting of lush grass and hay, thanks to the region’s pristine landscape. Though the mountain altitudes result in lower milk production per cow, this paradoxically ensures a more decadent and superior milk quality, resulting in the best Emmentaler you can savor.

Come and join us this Saturday for this special opening and tasting of this massive 200lb wheel. Stay for samples of Gotthelf Emmentaler, A Small Good Charcuterie. We will also feature French Wines from Tatiana Panirovskaya of Baron Francois Selections and Nataliya Georgieva, founder of Bohemish Imports, who specializes in high-quality wines from Bulgaria.

Celebrate the history and culture of Mongolia’s ‘Morin Khuur’ this Sunday

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The morin khuur ‘horse-head’ fiddle is featured in the festival concert on October 29.

The music and cultural heritage of the traditional Mongolian instrument the morin khuur will be celebrated in Alexandria during the Mongolian Melody III Morin Khuur Gala Concert on Sunday, October 29, at 6 p.m. The performance is the finale of a nationwide Mongolian music series.

The immersive musical festival featuring the mesmerizing melodies of the versatile and expressive acoustic instrument — also known as the “horse-head fiddle” — takes place at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at 4915 East Campus Drive on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

Tickets range from $20 to $60 and are available now.

The festival, which promises to breathe life into timeless classics and modern compositions, is produced by the Morin Khuur Center in North America and includes a one-of-a-kind concert by professional morin khuur musicians and others from around the world. Audience members will be transported on a musical journey to the heart of Mongolia.

Watch a video about the music and the instrument on this YouTube page. Learn more about the organization on the Morin Khuur Center’s Facebook page.

Whether you’re a fan of Mongolian music or simply curious to explore a new musical tradition, Mongolian Melody III is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique cultural experience.

Statutes of Liberty: How much do immigration lawyers charge?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Doran Shemin, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Austen Soare, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.

[We intend to continue our Meet Your Immigration Professional series soon, with new and interesting characters, but the next interview slot falls after today’s article, so we’re providing a direct legal advertisement in this space rather than indirectly advertising our law office via cogent analysis of recent developments in immigration law. (“Was that saying the quiet part out loud?” – Yes, yes, it was.] 

In our advertorials on ARLnow, we offer news summaries, news analyses, legal predictions, and (sometimes) mildly goofy photographs of our lawyers. This time, the Bean Counter in Chief our principal attorney, James Montana, has demanded that we do something new and unexpected: advertise our services. 

Therefore, here is a brief summary of what we do, what we (presently) charge, and how we approach our financial relationship with our clients. Keep in mind, as you read this, that all of our fees are set by agreement, in writing, with the client, and that no sensible lawyer guarantees success. This article lays out the landscape for our services and fees, but prospective clients should understand that fee agreements are individual and case-specific. Please also understand that these fees do not include the fees charged by USCIS or other government agencies, which can be substantial.

Consultations

We charge $200 for a consultation with one of our lawyers. In our consultation, we explore, thoroughly and carefully, whether the prospective client has any possibilities for immigration relief and discuss the best approach to obtaining relief. Consultations at our office frequently run more than an hour.

If the client subsequently signs a Representation Agreement, we subtract the consultation fee previously paid from the bill.

Green cards

Green cards come in many flavors – employment based green card applications, family-based green card applications, green card applications based on prior grants of asylum or refugee status, and many, many more. 

Our most common kind of green card application is based on marriage, either to a United States Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident. 

We charge $3900, flat fee, to apply for a green card under those circumstances. That assumes many things about the prospective client – for example, that there is no ongoing case in immigration court, and that no waiver is necessary. Fees can be considerably higher.

Work permits

Fees for work permit application preparation and legal representation vary widely at our office. To take a common example: We charge $400 to renew TPS or DACA, which includes both a renewal application for that benefit and includes the concurrent work authorization request. 

A warning: Frequently, work permits are (1) not available, for a given client, (2) much more expensive than you’d think, and (3) an adjunct to another application. Rare, rare is the day on which an immigrant applies for a work permit without another application attached. 

Asylum

Fees for asylum applications vary at our office depending on whether the applicant is applying affirmatively, before the asylum office, or defensively, before the immigration court. Typically, our fees for asylum defense range from $4000 to $6500.

Naturalization

Our fee for naturalization applications is $750. We’re happy to admit that this is a loss leader for us – we love making new U.S. citizens!

Pro Bono Cases

We do as much pro bono work as we can. Our pro bono cases tend to be referrals from our friends and colleagues at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, or from the Borromeo Legal Project., Inc.

Low-Bono and Pro Bono Referrals

We are always happy to refer prospective clients who can’t afford our fees to local non-profit agencies. (Here is an article which provides a nationwide list, including agencies in both Virginia and Maryland.) Local non-profit agencies are, lamentably, extremely capacity-constrained. We need more low-cost providers of services in our profession. In two upcoming interviews, we’ll be introducing a legal aid attorney and a large nonprofit administrator, and asking them detailed questions about that problem.

As always, we welcome your comments and will do our best to respond.

Don’t miss the Halloween party of the year

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Enjoy live music plus performances, spooky cocktails and food, a local vendor market, tarot reading and tattoos, IG-worthy installations, a costume contest with sickening prizes, pop-up surprises and much more at Fray’s Halloween party 🎃 of the year at Dock 5 in Union Market!

Better yet, if you become a Fraylife member today, you will get 2 free tickets to the event, inclusive of a full open bar.

Fraylife membership includes VIP treatment at Fray events, exclusive deals, and free giveaways to some of the most sought-after offerings in D.C. Save big while experiencing limitless, unique fun year-round. Don’t experience FOMO, create it.

Biz Talk: Accelerate 2023 Investor Conference November 1–2

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This article was written by Adam Henry, CEcD, EDP, Senior Business Development Manager for Arlington Economic Development.

This November, Arlington Economic Development will be sponsoring the third annual Accelerate Investor Conference at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus.

First launched in 2021, the Accelerate Investor Conference spurs the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship engagement to a new level and showcases the Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. region as a destination for business development, venture investment and job creation. The conference features a pitch competition for DMV startups, a student competition and great networking opportunities to connect with investors from around the country.

Since the announcement of Amazon’s HQ2 headquarters, Arlington and its business community have made great progress in advancing our innovation ecosystem, including:

  • Creation of the $1 million Arlington Innovation Fund
  • $1.6 billion in venture capital raised by Arlington-based companies
  • $2 billion investment in Virginia’s talent pipeline
  • Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and FUSE at Mason Square investments in Northern Virginia
  • Ranked as the third-best tech talent market in the U.S. (CBRE, 2023) and the best city for women in tech (Smartasset.com, 2022)
  • Establishment of Unstuck Labs and ZEBOX accelerators
  • Over 20 coworking providers located in Arlington, Virginia

The Accelerate Investor Conference will take place at George Mason University’s Van Metre Hall in Arlington, November 1-2, 2023. For more information about the conference and to register, please visit acceleratedeals.org.

Arlington Economic Development is excited to be sponsoring the Accelerate Investor Conference in Arlington and sees this as an important component of supporting entrepreneurship in the community and building one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the United States.

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 October 23, there are 138 detached homes, 33 townhouses and 187 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 29 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

3077 N. Quincy 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.

Ask Eli: Poll — Why do you own a home (or want to own)?

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!

What is Your Why?

Any way you slice it these days, it’s tough to be a buyer. Your selection of homes available for sale is lower than usual because so few homes are being listed for sale and mortgage rates are the highest they’ve been since ~2000, but prices (and competition) remain high, and are unlikely to fall because of tight supply.

Most of the conversation around the advantages of home ownership focus on the financial benefits — wealth/equity accumulation, appreciation, tax incentives, etc but those financial incentives have weakened over the last 12-14 months for many buyers but there are plenty of non-financial reasons people have for wanting to own their home like stability, greater choice, control over your environment, and fulfilling personal goals.

Non-Financial Considerations

The conversation around homeownership vs renting must include the financial pros and cons, but too often the non-financial reasons don’t get enough attention. For example, I often find that people in a transitional period in their lives do not properly value the flexibility of renting. That flexibility can even turn into a financial benefit as well.

On the flip side, I rarely hear people factor in the importance of being able to control their own environment when they’re weighing homeownership. You are a product of your environment and being able to investment in the improvements and maintenance that are important to you can have a significant effect on your day-to-day happiness and well-being.

If I missed your primary reason for home ownership in the poll, please add yours to the comment section.

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

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

Neighborhood Spotlight: Let’s talk about Clarendon Day 2023

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

On September 30th, Clarendon was turned into a bustling pedestrian zone, for the annual Clarendon Day event. 

This annual event once again brought the community together for a day of revelry, showcasing the local culture, and creating cherished memories. In 2023, Clarendon Day did not disappoint, delivering a rich tapestry of activities, food, music, and much more.

Local businesses, community organizations, and non-profits came together to showcase their work. Attendees learned about community initiatives, discovered upcoming events, and supported new local businesses.

Arts and crafts enthusiasts were delighted by the festival’s offerings. The vendor stalls were a treasure trove of unique and handcrafted items, including jewelry, clothing, artwork, and home decor. Shoppers found it easy to indulge in retail therapy, whether searching for the perfect gift or a treat for themselves.

The diverse range of food vendors made it impossible to resist the culinary temptations.. Festival-goers enjoyed an array of delicious options, from gourmet dishes to street food classics. International cuisine, delectable BBQ, and mouthwatering desserts satisfied every palate.

The event also catered to families with a dedicated Kids Zone. Children were entertained with face painting, games, and interactive exhibits, allowing parents to relax and soak in the festival’s atmosphere.

Clarendon Day’s true essence lay in the sense of community that filled the air. Residents and visitors united to celebrate the unique spirit of the neighborhood, fostering a sense of togetherness that was both heartwarming and contagious. This year’s event was a resounding success, capturing the spirit of community, culture, and celebration. Whether a local resident or a visitor to the Washington D.C. area, Clarendon Day is an event not to be missed.

Please reach out to me if you want to learn more about Lyon Village or the many other wonderful neighborhoods in Northern Virginia!

Sarah Picot | 202-251-5636 | [email protected] | www.sarahpicot.net | www.McEnearney.com

McEnearney Associates — Arlington Office

Links & Recommendations

For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has been a premiere residential, commercial and property management firm with 11 offices located in the Washington metro region. With service excellence, hyper-local expertise, powerful data insights, innovative technology and cutting-edge marketing, McEnearney Associates have helped their clients make informed decisions on their most valuable real estate investments. There is an important difference at McEnearney: It’s not about us, it’s about you. To learn more, visit us at www.McEnearney.com.

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