Feature

Legal Insider: Finding the Right Employment Lawyer

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 John V. Berry, Esq.

Finding and hiring a lawyer regarding a stressful and difficult employment issue can be quite overwhelming and intimidating for most people.

There are many things to consider when looking for the right lawyer to handle your employment matter. The below guidelines may be helpful if you are looking to hire an employment lawyer for the first time.

Obtain legal advice early

If you wait too long to obtain legal advice or assistance with an employment issue, you may hurt your chances to amicably or effectively resolve the matter. The earlier you seek legal help, the more likely you are to avoid a more complicated and costly legal problem down the road.

Research the lawyer 

When you are looking for the right employment lawyer, make sure to visit the employment lawyer’s or law firm’s website and review the attorney profiles. You’ll likely find useful information just by browsing the website’s attorney biographies, practice areas and resource sections.

The lawyer’s website may also lead you to additional resources and will hopefully demonstrate that the employment lawyer has the requisite knowledge and experience in employment law.

Of course, the website may not be the only or best resource regarding a particular employment lawyer, but researching the website is a good start and will likely lead you to one or two potential lawyers with whom to make an initial inquiry.

Provide a clear and concise written chronology of your case before the initial consultation

You’ll get more out of your consultation with an employment lawyer if you are able to provide the lawyer with a clear and concise written chronology or timeline of your matter prior to your initial consultation. Remember to include any relevant documentation that you may have.

If you provide written details and relevant documentation regarding your matter at the outset, the employment lawyer will have a better understanding of your matter at the initial consultation meeting. The employment lawyer will be able to spend more time providing advice instead of spending time trying to get up to speed on your matter during the initial consultation.

Don’t hold back important information 

If you leave out crucial information at the initial consultation or at the start of representation, the omission could affect the employment lawyer’s initial advice or strategy, subsequent representation, or ability to effectively resolve your matter. It’s best to be candid and honest about your complete story, even if the details are embarrassing.

In this way, you’ll obtain the best advice and representation. Keep in mind that the information you provide to the lawyer at your initial consultation is privileged and confidential unless you waive the privilege.

Don’t expect the matter to resolve quickly 

Legal matters typically take a long time to resolve. Do not expect to resolve problematic employment issues, especially issues that took time to develop, soon after you hire an employment lawyer.

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Rethink Energy: Green Home & Garden Tour June 2

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.

Spring has sprung!

Mark your calendar for the 2019 Green Home & Garden Tour to get inspiration from some of Arlington’s most beautiful and environmentally-friendly homes and gardens.

The tour is sponsored by Arlington County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management, EcoAction Arlington and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Many of these homes have participated in Arlington’s Green Home Choice, StormwaterWise and Solar Co-op programs.

This 17th annual tour offers ideas to go green in your own home and includes a mixture of new green homes, green renovations and watershed-friendly gardens. See homes featuring energy efficient technologies, solar energy, water-saving technologies, native plants, wildlife habitat and more.

The tour booklet with addresses and descriptions of homes will be emailed to registrants starting on Wednesday, May 29.

What: The 17th Annual Green Home and Garden Tour

When: June 2, 1-5 p.m., rain or shine

Where: Various sites throughout the County.

The fee to register for the tour is $5. Please register online by noon on Friday, May 31 for the tour. After that, you can register onsite at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington on Sunday, June 2 from 12:30-3 p.m.

New Homes in Arlington: May 17

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Welcome to New Homes, a biweekly column highlighting the new construction real estate market, written by Conor Sullivan and Dave Moya of Three Stones Residential at Keller Williams Realty. We are here to share our experience and expertise in lot acquisition, financing and construction of custom homes. 

First, we need to understand who the top builders and influencers are that are reshaping our communities…

Deciding to build your own custom home does not need to be scary, nor does it have to be stressful. However, it does mean you will have to make a ton of decisions from insulation type to lighting fixtures, door trim, and dozens of other areas. That is why finding the 3 “R” are critical to success and happiness when building a new home.

Right Builder, Right Time, Right Lot. Let’s continue to meet some of the top builders in NOVA with experience building quality homes for clients every year.

Meet The Builder: Paradigm Building Group

Locations We Service: Northern Virginia

What differentiates you from other builders? 

In the competitive construction market Paradigm Building Group’s established systems and processes have provided our clients with an unmatched building experience. We pride ourselves on being client focused because we understand building a good relationship with our clients is just as important as building a great product.

When you choose to work with Paradigm, you get access to our entire team of home experts in a one-stop-shop. By having the Architect, Interior Designer, Project Manager and Owner all working together and willing to go the extra mile for you, you can be sure communication and execution will be improved, ensuring a great end result.

How many homes have you completed in the last 12 months? 

8.

How long have you been building homes and how many people work on your team? 

12 years and a team of 6.

What counties have you built in?

Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Fall Church City, Loudoun, Prince William and Montgomery.

What is the most popular model you build?

We do not adhere to a cookie-cutter business model. Whether the answer is a new custom home or reinventing our clients current home with a Pop Top Addition, we have a diverse portfolio, awarding us a unique skill set and vision to find a building solution that best fits our client’s needs.

A home is meant to be lived in and this is why no matter what type of home design our client needs help with, we focus on how they intend on using the new space so that the end product best fits their lifestyle and we work to build something that is special and unique for them.

Three Stones Residential specializes in matching home owners with the right builder and lot location. If you have any questions about new homes or builders that you’d like us to highlight please email us at [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:

2820 Franklin Road
4 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Metro West Realty
Listed: $1,750,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

5987 9th Road N.
4 BR/3 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $1,125,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

210 N. Edison Street
3 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Allegiance
Listed: $850,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

1116 B N. Stafford Street
3 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Mcenearney Associates, Inc
Listed: $730,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

900 N. Stafford Street #2328
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $592,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

5536 Lee Highway 23E
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Compass
Listed: $449,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

2809 A S. Woodrow Street #1
2 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $330,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 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.”

The pace of real estate sales slowed slightly this week after last week’s record setting numbers. But Arlington’s market is still strong.

Sellers listed 68 homes this week, while 73 buyers ratified contracts. Some 24 of those homes sold within a week.

The escalating rhetoric this week about trade wars with China and the administration’s increase of tariffs on imported Chinese goods was both good and bad for home buyers. New tariff announcements caused jitters on Wall Street and fears it could hurt the U.S. economy, driving down the Dow Jones. But those concerns helped to push mortgage rates a little lower.

Buyers will need that break because the trade wars are raising the costs of home building and home remodeling. About 450 products from China like tile, countertops, lighting and many more are affected now with total added costs increasing about $1.5 billion nationally. That translates to about 4-5% increase in materials costs, and will raise costs to consumers by about 7-8%, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Mortgage rates ended this week at about 4.125%-4.25% for a 30-yr fixed rate mortgage.

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

Arlington Pet of the Week: Riley

By Airey
1/3

Arlington’s latest Pet of the Week is Riley, a two-ish-year-old Pit Bull-Terrier mix who was found as a stray in West Virginia and adopted from Homeward Trails in Fairfax.

This is what Riley’s owner, Jess, had to say about how the pooch gets the most out of Arlington’s 26 square miles:

Riley adores dogs and humans alike and gets lots of attention wherever we go. She loves going to the dog park and is often found playing and rolling around in the dirt with dogs twice her size. Some of her other favorite things include peanut butter Kongs, lounging in the sun, any sort of attention, belly rubs, and going on walks along Columbia Pike. Her agility is impressive and she almost gave her mom a heart attack once when she jumped over a 5-foot high fence in a friend’s backyard in hot pursuit of a squirrel.

Riley loves meeting new people, so please say hello if you see her out and about! But, be forewarned, she may not stop giving you kisses!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

Small Biz Focus: BizPride 2019 Celebrating Arlington’s OUTstanding Entrepreneurs

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Tara Palacios

What do CFO Services Group, Horizon Paramedical, Jamie Nicholas Printing & Graphics, Digital Recollections and Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant have in common?

All 5 businesses were started by members of Arlington’s LGBT community. A recent study by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce found, “…if all LGBT-owned businesses in America are projected, their contribution to the economy exceeds $1.7 trillion.” The impact of entrepreneurs in the rainbow community is priceless.

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, which began on June 28, 1969. Each year, Pride events are held during the month of June to recognize the millions of moments of LGBT Pride, and the impact they have had on the world, and to understand the path to equality.

2019 is special because it marks the 50th Year Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Events around the world culminating in New York City will celebrate and honor the history of LBGT people and their fight for equality.

In Arlington, we celebrate 50 years of Pride by honoring our local entrepreneurs on June 5 who have had such a great impact on our community. Hear the personal journeys of business owners as they describe how they live their dream of entrepreneurship each day.

Understand the founder’s challenges and celebrate their victories at our final Brunch and Business: BizPride, Celebrating Arlington’s OUTstanding Entrepreneurs.

For more information or to register click here.

Brunch and Business is a quarterly series of hot business topics sponsored by BizLaunch, the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. We hope you attend our final Brunch and Business for the season on June 5.

We look to inspire you into next season! Brunch and Business will return in the fall.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by licensed broker Aaron Seekford of Arlington Realty, Inc. GET MORE out of your real estate investment with Aaron and his team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6116 today!

Please note: While Aaron Seekford provides this information for the community, he may not be the listing agent of these homes.

Today is a big-time holiday.

It’s Peace Officers Memorial Day and the start of Police Week. It’s a day to remember our federal, state and local officers that have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

So, to our local heroes in uniform and their families, our team thanks you for all you do. And to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will certainly honor your memory today and beyond.

One of the most awesome parts of living in this part of the country, are all of the heroes that we get to work with on a daily basis. Our police officers. Military members. Firefighters. Teachers. And the list goes on and on.

If and when you’re ready to explore your real estate options, we’re always ready to step up to the plate (just as you have done for us!) to help you GET MORE out of your transaction.

As of May 13, there are 172 detached homes, 15 townhouses and 99 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 27 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

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: Who Is Responsible for Supply Lines?

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. Enjoy!

Question: We bought an older home with original water and sewer lines. Who is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of these lines and how do I know if there’s a problem?

Answer: You are responsible for the main plumbing lines for water and sewage running between your home and the public lines. In most cases, the gas company is responsible for everything to and including the meter (attached to your home) and you’re responsible for the lines after the meter.

The main lines are usually buried under your front yard and replacement costs (water and sewage) often start at a couple thousand dollars and can easily exceed $10,000. Costs vary based on a few key factors including:

  • Distance from the public line to your home
  • Pipe material
  • Type of excavation/installation (difficulty in digging up old plumbing, number of turns in new pipe)
  • Cost to return landscaping to original state (this is on you, not the County)

In most cases, Washington Gas will return your property/landscaping to its original condition, including hardscape and your lawn (even your driveway), after excavating for repair or replacement. It’s not a bad idea to find out where your gas supply line is and plan landscaping with that in mind.

Identifying Problems

The life expectancy on many of the most common materials used for main plumbing lines range from 50-100 years, but tree root growth, unnatural disturbances like new landscaping, corrosion and pressure build-ups can cause leaks, blockages and other damage that you should monitor.

The most effective and most expensive way to look for problems is to hire a plumber to scope the lines with a camera to see if there are any issues. The cost of doing this often exceeds $500 per line, but can give you peace of mind or early warnings of a problem.

If you don’t want to pay a plumber to scope your lines, you can monitor for signs of a problem.

  • Water Line: higher water bills, lower water pressure, flooding in yard when there isn’t rain
  • Sewer Line: slow drainage/clogs in multiple areas of the house, foul smell inside or outside, odd behavior from plumbing like bubbling sounds
  • Gas Line: if you smell a gas/rotten egg odor, hissing sound from a gas line/meter, hazy/cloudy near gas line, plants dying, issues with gas-powered appliances

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Commonwealth Joe Plans Vending Machine Coffee Push with $1M in New Funding

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 presentation

(Update 1:25 p.m.) Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters (CWJ) has a shop in Pentagon City, but the company has its eyes set on bringing cold brew to vending machines nationwide.

The company recently closed on $1.2 million in funding aimed at continuing deployment of Kegerator Vending Machines (KVM), on-tap vending machines that operate as a pay-by-the-ounce self-service kiosk. The company plans aims to raise $4 million.

The coffee shop opened in 2012, but the company pivoted toward delivering office coffee in 2017. The company currently operates the portable machines in D.C., New York, and Philadelphia.

“The $4 million raised in this round will be used to fuel CWJ’s continued growth in vending, as the tech-enabled coffee brand develops closer ties with [KVM] and continues to take a vending-first approach with its coffee program sales strategy,” the company said in a press release. “The KVM is the only one-of-its-kind in the commercial coffee market, essentially acting as a gas pump and only charging the end-user for the amount of liquid dispensed.”

The machines also allow CWJ to track statistics like consumption habits and inventory depletion. The press release noted that some of the funding is planned to go toward including new features like digital payments, automatic reordering, maintenance issue identification and service ticket creation.

The Chew: Summer Treats For Your Pet

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

By Chelsea Pennington, Bark + Boarding Writer and Animal Enthusiast

Nothing says summer like enjoying a sweet frozen treat like ice cream or a snow cone.

While you might be inclined to let your dog have a lick, many desserts are artificially sweetened with Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. So instead of sharing your summer dessert, try one of these easy pet-friendly treats to beat the heat.

Frozen Fresh Breath Treats 

  • 1 cup of plain or Greek yogurt
  • Small handful of fresh parsley leaves
  • Small handful of fresh mint leaves

Blend all the ingredients until the herbs are evenly disbursed. If you’d like the consistency to be a little thinner, add a splash of water. Pour into an ice tray and freeze. The parsley and mint will help freshen your dog’s breath, while also providing other health benefits.

Parsley can reduce inflammation and aid digestion, while mint is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral to help prevent bacteria growing in your dog’s mouth.

Doggie S’mores

  • Dog biscuits
  • 1 cup of carob chips or 1 tablespoon of carob powder
  • 1 cup of plain or Greek yoghurt

Put carob chips in a bowl and melt over boiled water. Once melted, mix with the yogurt. For carob powder, mix it directly into the yogurt. Dip the top of the dog biscuit into the mixture, then place another biscuit on top to create a sandwich. Line a tray with as many s’mores as you want, then freeze.

Since chocolate is toxic for dogs, regular s’mores aren’t an option, but carob has a similar taste and texture to chocolate, and also contains healthy nutrients to help flush toxins from your dog’s body.

Bark + Boarding Ice Cream

  • Equal parts plain yogurt
  • Peanut butter, pumpkin puree or chicken stock

Blend ingredients together. Pour into ice trays, then freeze until solid. Here at Bark + Boarding, our doggie-friendly ice cream is always a hit! Using the pumpkin puree has the added benefit of aiding your dog’s digestive health. If you go with peanut butter, make sure you get a naturally sweetened brand without Xylitol.

Tennis Ball Surprise

Combine two of your dog’s favorite things: tennis balls and treats! Carefully cut a slit into a tennis ball, revealing the hollow center. Fill it with treats, then give it a toss. This is sure to liven up any game of fetch, and will also give your active dog something to keep busy as they snuff out the treats.

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