Feature

Legal Review: Veterans Get Helping Hand with New Bill

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

By Veterans Disability Attorney Brendan Garcia of VetLaw

There is no doubt that veterans have an extremely difficult time when they come home from overseas, or anywhere else they serve.

After facing the most extreme conditions, they are then expected to come home and re-enter civilian life. For most, this is challenging at best. It is one of the reasons state and federal governments are constantly trying to improve the lives of veterans upon their return. Now, a new bill enacted earlier this year is going to do just that.

The bill was signed earlier this year, and it specifically looks to help veterans that wish to become entrepreneurs upon their return home. It adds veterans to The Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which allows them to receive surplus property from the federal government.

What is surplus property? Once the government no longer has a need for items such as furnishings, equipment and machinery, they pass it down to entrepreneurs that could use them. Before, female entrepreneurs and minority business owners were given this surplus property in addition to Veteran Service Organizations such as the VFW and the American Legion. Now, any veteran that wishes to become an entrepreneur can also receive the property.

Entrepreneurship is often an ideal situation for veterans. While adjusting to civilian life once again, they can be their own boss, run a business in an industry they love, and acclimate to civilian life at their own pace. This is of huge importance for veterans.

In addition, having more people to give surplus property also saves the federal government millions of dollars. Without it, they would spend a great deal of money on disposing the items, or finding a place to store them.

The other bonus that comes with passing on surplus property is that it helps many business owners, not just veterans, and that boosts the economy and helps create jobs.

Any veteran that thinks they may want to become an entrepreneur and start their own business should speak to the General Services Administration. This is the agency that distributes the surplus property and can provide further information on how veterans can get the help they need to open the doors of their business.

Legal Insider: Early Retirement for Federal Employees

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By Kimberly H. Berry, Esq.

The Federal workforce is presently undergoing significant changes in size and scope.

In some instances, this has led to the Federal government providing incentives for Federal employees to retire early. Federal agencies that are undergoing substantial organizational changes such as reorganization, reduction in force, reshaping or downsizing can be given the option to offer federal employees voluntary early retirement based on the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA). OPM provides guidance on VERA here.

The purpose of VERA is to help agencies complete the necessary organizational change with minimal disruption to the workforce and make it possible for federal employees to receive an immediate annuity payment years before they would be eligible.

The voluntary early retirement provisions are the same under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Requirements for Early Retirement

In order to be eligible to retire under VERA, a federal employee must usually meet the following requirements:

  •  Meet the VERA minimum age and service requirements set by statutes in the U.S. Code for CSRS and FERS employees (i.e., the employee has completed at least 20 years of creditable service and is at least 50 years of age or has completed at least 25 years of creditable service regardless of age).
  • Have been continuously employed by the agency for at least 31 days before the date that the agency initially requested the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approval of VERA.
  • Hold a position that is not a time-limited appointment.
  • Have not received a final removal decision based upon misconduct or unacceptable performance.
  • Hold a position covered by the agency’s VERA authority or program.
  • Retire under the VERA option during the agency’s VERA acceptance period.

It is very important for federal employees considering a VERA offer or whether one is available to seek the advice of an attorney regarding their retirement issues prior to initiating the VERA process.

Our law firm represents federal employees that are considering early retirement and in other federal retirement matters.

Conclusion

If you are in need of federal employee retirement law representation, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.

Ballston Tech Startup Works to Fight Forgetting

By Vernon Miles

Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

(Updated 1 p.m.)In a groundbreaking 1885 paper, Hermann Ebbinghaus coined the idea of a learning curve. But there was a second part of the paper that tends to get forgotten: a “forgetting curve” of exponential loss of information over time.

That’s where Blank Slate Technologies, a startup based out of Ballston, comes in. Blank Slate Technologies offers learning programs aimed at improving recall weeks, months, or even years after the initial training.

The program assesses the difficulty of various lessons and the time since training to target refreshers only at times where that information is likely to have hit the “forgetting curve.”

Alex Hasslacher, director of sales at Blank Slate Technologies, said the founding team knew each other at Boston University and this was a common interest. The company was founded a little over one year ago.

“It’s an old idea with new technology,” said Hasslacher.

The company’s app has trivia questions on flashcards with multiple answers. An algorithm relies on user feedback to identify which information people are most likely to forget, and when, and then the program asks questions surrounding those subjects.

Professionals from Blank Slate Technologies assist the companies or organizations using the software to design the content for the program and supply data analytics to provide information on training.

Any audio, video or image can be worked into the system, meaning the program isn’t limited by language barriers. Hasslacher said the technology is flexible; he sees it being useful in corporate or education cultures, in everything from elementary school to MBA-level programs.

Hasslacher said the company works on a monthly subscription, usually for at least one year. Costs vary on the size of the organization using the program.

Photo via Blank Slate Technologies

Rethink Energy: Free Green Renovation and Home Building Resource

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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.

Have you been thinking about a home renovation, expansion or new construction in 2019?

You aren’t alone. More than 300 Arlingtonians have used Green Home Choice to help make their homes energy efficient, healthy and comfortable.

Green Home Choice is a FREE County program that helps homeowners make renovations, additions and new home construction healthier and more sustainable. Not only does the Green Home Choice certification program make your home more energy and water efficient, it also makes your home more comfortable with better indoor air quality, stormwater management, tree preservation and reduced waste.

When buying a car, fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride are central considerations. Given the investment you make when renovating or building a new home, comfort and efficiency are equally important.

On average, a Green Home Choice home uses 50% less energy than Arlington homes of the same size and saves between $600 and $1600 per year on utility bills.

Green Home Choice also helps homeowners renovate their kitchens and bathrooms in a more sustainable way and offers a certification for participation.

Whether you are a homeowner, developer, architect or builder, Green Home Choice can help you rethink your next construction project to enhance the quality, value and overall sustainability of your home.

For more information about the program, visit the Green Home Choice Website at www.greenhomechoice.us or contact [email protected].

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:

2626 N. Nelson Street
4 BR/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Casey Margenau Fine Homes and Estates Inc.
Listed: $1,525,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

50 N. Fenwick Street
4 BR/3 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $1,195,000
Open: Saturday 12:30-3:30 p.m.

 

4409 S. Pershing Court
4 BR/3 BA, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $924,900
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

1109 S. Rolfe Street
5 BR/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Compass
Listing: $849,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1530 N. Key Boulevard #324
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Washington Dulles Real Estate Group
Listing: $680,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

4119 S. Four Mile Run Drive #102
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $410,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

900 N. Stafford Street #1711
1 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Century 21 Redwood Realty
Listed: $385,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

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.”

Sellers got the memo this week that Arlington’s Spring real estate market has arrived and they listed 57 homes of all types and prices.

Incredibly, 18 of those homes sold within a week. In total, buyers ratified 43 contracts. Stories are being told in real estate offices of multiple offers on many of those sold this week, some homes attracting 13 offers. Lower to medium priced homes up to $750,000 are more likely to enjoy the bidding wars primarily because there are just more buyers in those price ranges.

Also, in most cases homes in pristine move-in condition get the most attention and sell quickly. Of course all homes will sell when priced properly for their location, size and condition. The abundance of fresh new listings this week helps to improve Arlington’s problem of low inventory.

Nationally, home prices rose just 4.7% last year, according to CoreLogic. That’s the lowest rate of increase since 2012. Rising interest rates and lowered affordability were to blame. “For 2019,” says CoreLogic, “we are forecasting an annual average price growth of 3.4%.”

Arlington should expect a higher rate of appreciation with continued bidding wars fueled by strong housing demand, low inventory and a healthy economy with only 1.9% unemployment. Memo to buyers: the longer you wait, the less home you can afford.

Right now is the best time to buy. Mortgage rates have flattened at 4.5% for a 30-yr fixed mortgage, but could start going up again anytime. With prices rising, the only way a buyer can get ahead of the market is to score a significant boost in their income.

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

Love is All Arlington this Valentine’s Day

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The Made in Arlington Pop-Up is in full bloom on February 12 at the Courthouse Plaza Shop with new vendors and sweet treats for all the Valentines in your life.

Adding local charm to gifts of the heart, Arlington’s creative makers, artisans and entrepreneurs are part of a growing creative sector. Not sure how to declare your love or say it best? FastSnail greetings is on hand with artist designed cards that will make the recipient smile.

Welcome fresh flowers from new vendor Tiny Bloom Shop. Pick up a small vase of beauty designed by Gretchen Dimina, a former buyer for the Renwick Gallery shop, who puts charm and whimsy in all her arrangements.

Sweets for your sweet? Hand decorated cookies made from scratch are a hallmark of Village Sweet that spell out messages in icing. Or give in to a chocolate craving with rich delights from Kingsbury Chocolates.

More local surprises for the home and heart come from Dennison Lane home accessories and Mandy Sahm’s unique felted wool jewelry and crafts.

Stop by and shop some local love!

Tuesday, February 12
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Plaza Library Shop
2100 Clarendon Blvd., 1st Floor Lobby

For ongoing Creative Economy listings and opportunities, click here. View more Creative Economy stories on our blog.

Reclaim Your Smile in 2019

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The start of a new year is a great time to refocus on health and your overall well-being.

If your focus for 2019 is on healthier habits, begin with your smile! Whether it has been years since your last appointment, or you are looking to get more out of your dental routine, there are simple things you can do to refresh your smile.

Drs. Dudley and Hartman at Elite Dental answer some commonly asked questions below for you to think about before your next dental appointment.

What are the Biggest Misconceptions Your New Patients Have?

Dr. Scott Dudley explains, “Patients often think, ‘If I don’t have any pain, I don’t have any problems.’ In many cases, that’s not true. Dental problems are microscopic. When they’re left untreated, they can grow into painful issues that require extensive work.

In the end, you’re spending more time and money to correct something that could’ve been prevented with regular hygiene appointments.”

Serious dental problems all share common threads:

  • Not knowing the risk of putting off treatment
  • Not following professional guidance
  • Not keeping a regular hygiene schedule.

Despite many patients’ concerns for cavities, most dental issues are from gum disease, fractures and worn teeth. Dentists can keep patients from needing more extensive procedures like root canals or implants with proper diagnosis and preventative treatment.

The dentists at Elite Dental prevent costly dental problems through modern technology, such as:

  • High-magnification loupes
  • High resolution radiographs
  • Specialized light to illuminate teeth

Through comprehensive care, Elite Dental patients can greatly reduce the amount of time and money they spend at the dental office. Their philosophy prevents patients from having extensive treatment to rebuild their smile.

What do you say to patients who are concerned that dentistry is expensive?

Dr. Alyssa Hartman says, “Dentistry can be very expensive if oral health is not maintained over time. Many patients find themselves spending lots of money on dental procedures because either they, or their providers, failed to maintain teeth and gums adequately.

This often results in an expensive year or two of dentistry. If patients had maintained their teeth over the previous 5-10 years, the total cost and number of procedures would have been reduced.”

Dentistry is most expensive when it’s ignored or when providers and patients fail to be proactive. Finding a dentist who will take the time to be thorough, explain your oral health and empower you in maintaining your smile makes all the difference.

New Year, New You

Give your smile the attention it deserves this year! By making consistent appointments, you can save time, money and most importantly, your smile. If it’s been some time since your last hygiene appointment, start the new year by scheduling one today!

Call Elite Dental 703-991-5169 to start the year off right with a new patient appointment. For a limited time, you can mention this article to receive a free tooth whitening kit!

Healthy Paws: Can I Catch MRSA from My Pet?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Editor’s Note: Healthy Paws is a column sponsored and written by the owners of Clarendon Animal Care, a full-service, general practice veterinary clinic and winner of a 2017 Arlington Chamber of Commerce Best Business Award. The clinic is located 3000 10th Street N., Suite B. and can be reached at 703-997-9776.

Can I catch that from my pet? This is a common question we hear as veterinarians, and as such have made this a recurring topic. This week we cover antimicrobial resistance.

MRSA is a term many people have heard, but what does it mean? How did I get it and what role might this adorable furball, sleeping in my bed, possibly play?

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Wow. That’s a lot of big words.

Staph aureus is a bacteria that is normally found in the skin and nose of healthy people and it usually does not cause a problem. The dog equivalent of Staphyloccus aureus is Staphylococcus pseudointermedius and it acts the same way as it’s cousin (and is normally found on their skin).

Because they are so closely related, these cousins can occasionally swap places; you may transiently have some of your dog’s Staph pseudointermedius and Fido may have some of your Staph aureus. Again, it’s important to remember that in most cases, this is not a concern and is a normal part of life.

Human physicians and veterinarians become concerned when there is an underlying illness or injury, when the bacteria can take advantage of the break in the normal immune system and cause an infection.

This is of special concern in hospitals, nursing homes and in the homes of immunocompromised people. The treatment for this infection is antibiotics, but unfortunately, like Frankenstein’s monster, this treatment can lead to something much more serious.

Occasionally, Staph can become resistant to the antibiotics, and once it’s accumulated enough resistance to enough antibiotics, it turns into Methicillin-Resistant Staph. This doesn’t mean that it’s a stronger or more infectious bacteria, it just means that it’s harder to treat in the instances where it is causing a problem.

We are becoming more and more concerned about antibiotic resistance and now there is a growing movement of Antibiotic Stewardship, where physicians and veterinarians try to use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary.

Since you and your dog may share normal Staph between the two of you, can you also share the methicillin-resistant Staph? The short answer is yes, but in most cases, this is not a huge problem because remember, it’s not inherently a stronger or more infectious bacteria.

However, it becomes a concern if the 2-legged or 4-legged family members are very young, very old, immunosuppressed or pregnant. If this is a concern in your household and your pet was diagnosed with a skin infection, please discuss this with your physician.

Prevention 
So, since “rarely doesn’t mean never” — the risk of getting resistant infections from your pet are low, but they are not zero… and I’m sure we’d all rather not have an infection with a highly drug-resistant bacterium. Accordingly, the use of proper hygiene and infection control measures, particularly around an animal with an active infection, is always important. These measures include:

  • Frequent hand washing after contact with the pet.
  • Avoiding contact with the infected site.
  • Keeping the infected site covered with an impermeable dressing, whenever possible.
  • Reducing contact with the nose of the infected animal, since it may also be carrying the bacterium there. In general, reducing close contact (e.g. snuggling, nuzzling, hugging, kissing) during the period of infection is a good idea.
  • Regular washing (in hot water with hot air drying, whenever possible) of pet beds and other items that come into close and frequent contact with the pet.

Is all that overkill? Probably. But it’s also an easy and practical plan, and a reasonable approach to reduce the already-low risks.

Small Biz Focus: State of The Arlington Coworking Market

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is written by Alex Taylor and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development‘s Business Investment Group.

Over the last decade, coworking spaces and related concepts have taken the commercial real estate sector by storm.

What used to be a niche industry focusing primarily on executive suites and conference facilities quickly became accessible to everyone from tech entrepreneurs and home-based businesses to major corporations looking for short-term, flexible space to service a multitude of different business opportunities.

Each space offers unique amenities tailored to a certain clientele, and while many in the commercial real estate industry remain skeptical of market saturation, others have come to believe coworking is here to stay as an important asset to the business community.

Surprisingly, the Washington, D.C. region has been one of the slowest markets to adopt coworking. In the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area only 0.5% of commercial office space is leased by coworking firms, compared to 3.5% in Austin, 3.0% in Seattle and 2.5% in New York City (New Knight Frank). Part of the reason for this is the nature of the entities doing business.

The federal government and its related contractors, lobbyists and law firms still cherish large swaths of private office space for varying reasons, often regarding security. Although the D.C. region has had a slow start in gaining traction for this alternative work environment, demand for coworking space could quickly pick up with the arrival of Amazon and the continued diversification of the economy toward more technical and innovative industries.

Back in 2015, Arlington Economic Development aided in recruiting 1776 and Eastern Foundry, two early entrants into the coworking space, in an effort to foster the growth of early-stage and fast-growing startups in Arlington.

The idea was to create an environment that provided the resources and office stock to meet the budgetary and business needs of the companies that were to be the future of our economy. Arlington’s commercial office market now features 21 coworking spaces, not including offerings like flexible spaces and speculative suites that developers and building managers are introducing to the flexible work environment.

As individuals and companies look to utilize space differently, coworking facilities are offering a convenient alternative to those who find themselves between “starting out of the garage” and signing a long-term lease. The ability to showcase a wide variety of real estate options allows Arlington to recruit the rapidly growing companies which will eventually require larger, long-term spaces and feed Arlington’s tax base.

As Arlington recruits nationally and internationally, coworking stock continues to be an important selling point to companies looking to make soft entries into our business ecosystem. It allows companies to ‘test the market’ while giving themselves time to find a permanent space should they be successful.

As the definition of coworking continues to grow and adapt, the void these spaces fill in the office market continues to be an invaluable asset as we build a more diverse, forward-thinking economy.

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