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‘Miracle on 23rd Street’ — Melwood is Keeping the Tradition Alive and Better Than Ever

The time-honored Arlington holiday tradition, Miracle on 23rd Street, continues this year with its festive community tree lighting, arrival of Santa Claus and seasonal celebration to benefit those in need to kick off the holiday season.

Melwood, the leading nonprofit employer of people of differing abilities and wounded veterans in the Greater Washington D.C. metro area, is hosting this year’s event after recently acquiring Linden Resources, an Arlington organization of a similar mission, which previously hosted the event for more than 50 years.

“Melwood is proud to keep the tradition alive as we set up our new campus in Crystal City and make friends with our new neighbors,” said Cari DeSantis, president and CEO of Melwood. “We are excited about becoming part of this vibrant community, and we hope to make this longstanding traditional event better than ever.”

The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 30, at 750 23rd Street South in Crystal City. Admission is free and you can register at this site.

The celebration begins with the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa, escorted by representatives of Arlington’s Police and Fire Departments. Photo opportunities with Saint Nick, face painting and free cookies are included in the festivities. New this year is a “virtual reality sleigh ride,” compliments of electronics pioneer, Samsung.

Melwood is one of the largest employers of people of differing abilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers — nearly 1,000 of whom are of differing abilities.

For 55 years, Melwood has offered job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 2,500 people each year in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Its merger with Linden Resources last year, allowed for an expansion of job opportunities, partnerships and services in a larger geographical area.

Listing of the Day: 4075 35th St. N.

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Address: 4075 35th St. N.
Neighborhood: Gulf Branch
Listed: $1,149,999
Open: Sunday, November 18 from 2-4 p.m.

Adjacent to Country Club Hills, this stunning renovated colonial boasts one of a kind design and thoughtful detail throughout.

Situated on a flat quarter-acre lot with a serene, wooded backdrop, the home is surrounded by some of Arlington’s best parkland. The private backyard looks directly upon the lush woods of Gulf Branch and is accessible to Broyhill Forest Park.

The home features 3 beds and 2 baths up including an expanded owner’s suite. Main level includes an expanded eat-in kitchen, family room addition and half bath. Lower level is finished and includes a bonus room for a true home office or bonus bedroom.

Picture yourself in this serene setting. Welcome home.

Listed by:
Holly Tennant Billy
TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
703-928-3764
[email protected]
www.4075ThirtyFifthStreetNorth.com

GMU Antonin Scalia Law School is Launching a New Juris Master (JM) Degree Program

George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School is excited to announce the launch of its Juris Master (JM) degree program!

The JM degree is designed for professionals who interact with lawyers and legal issues regularly in the course of their careers. This type of program is in high demand and now offered by almost half of all tier one law schools.

“We are proud to offer the Juris Master degree program at Scalia Law School,” said Dean Henry N. Butler. “This is an opportunity for professionals to learn the law, so they will be better equipped to provide leadership in their respective fields.”

Scalia Law’s two-year part-time program will be offered at the Arlington campus, with classes starting in January.

As listed on the JM degree website, in addition to general legal research, writing and introductory law courses, JM students can select law school courses from six concentration areas:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Employment & Labor Relations
  • Financial & Commercial Services
  • Government Contracts & Regulations
  • Intellectual Property & Technology
  • National Security, Cybersecurity & Information Privacy

JM students can maintain employment schedules, while benefiting from the opportunities afforded by a tier-one law school.

There is a tuition discount for students who enroll in the JM degree program’s first year class, which will start January 14.

There is a growing base of legal services and legal knowledge required by employers and the JM degree is designed to educate students with the legal knowledge necessary for them to succeed in their chosen professions.

Applications are being accepted now. For more information about the JM degree program, please visit our website or contact Jessica L. Sartorius, Director of Juris Master (JM) degree program, at [email protected] or 703-993-8418.

Compass Agents Discuss the Impact of HQ2 in Northern Virginia

Now that Amazon has formalized their plans to launch a new headquarters at National Landing, the greater D.C. region is gearing up for expansive changes.

At Compass, our agents stand poised to put their local expertise to the ultimate test as they empower both new and current residents to navigate the complexities of the changing market in the wake of this historic announcement.

Are you looking to buy or sell, or simply seeking insight into what this news means for you? Now that Amazon has found their newest place in the world, let Compass guide you to yours.

Below, Compass agents weigh in on the impact that Amazon’s HQ2 will have on the real estate market in the Virginia area.

“Arlington is America’s only boutique county and Amazon picking Arlington was no accident. Arlington is the most educated community in the U.S. and coupled with quality housing, public transportation, the region’s best school district and exceptional lifestyle offerings in culture, fitness, shopping and restaurants, Arlington was the region’s best pick for the new headquarters.”– John Eric, Compass Agent

“Single family home stock in the Crystal City area has always been notoriously low. Families brought to the area by Amazon will likely be drawn to the established neighborhoods of North Arlington, while the adjacent neighborhoods such as Potomac Yards, Del Ray and the further south Old Town may see an increase in housing activity as well. Across the bridge in D.C., current Amazon employee clients are looking to remain on the blue and yellow line, focusing on the West End and Foggy Bottom area.”
— Marian Marsten Rosaaen, Compass Agent

“The news of Amazon coming to Crystal city should make home sellers in the entire D.C. metro area feel confident in making the decision to sell and achieve top dollar due to enhanced demand thanks to the thousands of Amazon employees flooding into our market.

Buyers who have been on the fence should also feel the same confidence knowing that they will be purchasing in a thriving area that is about to flourish and appreciate to new levels due to the same demand that will occur over the next few years.”
— Nick Dorcon, Compass Agent

“Once Amazon relocates their headquarters to Northern VA, all property values from Loudoun County to D.C. proper will be positively impacted. Period. No one city or town will be significantly better off.

Some people prefer to live close to the action and are okay with a smaller bungalow house or condo in Arlington while others want space, land and the sense of community Reston offers. Not everyone needs or wants to live right next to their place of employment, and HQ2 won’t change that. Don’t underestimate options to move people such as Metro, commuter share lines, telework, etc.”
— Jonathan Fox, Compass Agent

What’s New in Old Town? Walkable Luxury Apartments

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Sophisticated and elegant, to be sure; contemporary, modern and luxurious, absolutely; quieting quality concrete construction and unobstructed rooftop views of iconic regional landmarks, yes, yes, yes.

But what the managers of The Dalton want you to know most about the new 270 unit apartment building at 1225 First Street in Old Town Alexandria is a characteristic not usually associated with Old Town — walkability.

It starts with transportation options. The Dalton, which opened earlier this year, is so close to the Braddock Road Metro station, it might as well be a private entrance to the train. In fact, there’s a transit screen in the lobby to tell you when your next train is arriving. The Dalton’s sidewalk quite literally terminates at the Metro station.

“But what else can you walk to besides Metro?” we ask Kettler Property Manager Kara Swieconek. Her reply: “It all depends on what direction you are going.”

And it’s true: Go one way and you find the restaurants, bars and nightlife of Old Town West, just blocks away; the shopping boutiques and entertainment establishments of the King Street-Washington Street nexus are just beyond.

Go in the other direction for less than a mile and you are in Potomac Yard, home of your neighborhood Target, Best Buy, Home Goods, Shoppers Market, Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 and dozens of other lifestyle-sustaining merchants.

Step out in the direction of the nearby Potomac River and its developing waterfront and catch the water taxi to District Wharf, National Harbor and the MGM Casino, Nationals Park or Georgetown. That transit screen in The Dalton lobby also tells you when the water taxi is arriving and departing.

On the other hand, they’ve made it tempting to never leave The Dalton. There are the rooftop swimming pool, firepit and grills; there’s a 12th floor clubroom and outdoor terrace, a fitness center and yoga studio, meeting spaces and a dog grooming spa; there’s Monterey’s Pizza onsite, as well as the Click Café, with complementary Wi-Fi and Macs at communal tables and lounge seating. Plus, events!

Schedule a tour today at this site. There are a limited number of select apartments that boast, as a move-in special, two months’ rent for free. Visit DaltonApts.com or call 833-769-1878.

Run, don’t walk, to The Dalton.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference Shows It’s Never Too Late to Start

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Women owned 12.3 million businesses, or 40 percent, in 2018 and are starting 1,821 new businesses each day in the U.S. Yet, 98% of all venture funding goes to men.

To successfully launch and scale a company, it is critical for women to have access to the right tools, expertise and resources.

The Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference on Wednesday, November 14 at George Mason University’s Founders Hall, was inspired by the missions of two of its sponsors: Freedom Start Foundation Founder Richard Fink and 30 Second Pitch founder Joseph B. Sprung, who passionately believe venture capital should not just be for the well-connected, but for the hard workers with the best ideas.

Both organizations — along with third partner and host George Mason University School of Business — seek to create an environment of encouragement, support, knowledge and funding opportunities for those looking to take the next steps in their career.

Entrepreneurs are invited to submit a 30-Second Pitch for $5,000 in startup funding: the deadline is Monday evening, November 12 at 7 p.m. Three finalists will pitch to a panel of expert judges and the winner will be announced at the conference Wednesday, November 14.

Also at the free, full-day conference, attendees will:

  • Hear the inspiring stories of top women in business who have become successful entrepreneurs.
  • Learn and ask questions about how to make the changes necessary to fulfill your dream business and how to navigate the obstacles involved.
  • Learn about funding opportunities for those looking to take the next steps in their career.

Submit a 30 Second Pitch here and learn more about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference here.

The Only Workout You Need is at E60 Fitness

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Every fitness genre from barre to boxing claims to provide the best workout for your body.

These claims force people to either commit to one type of exercise or bounce around between gyms and fitness studios trying to fit in every type of workout our body needs.

What if there was one workout structure that covered all aspects of exercise? One training program that incorporates the best from all fitness platforms?

That one workout structure exists, and it’s available in Arlington at E60 Fitness. Their comprehensive 60 minute workout packed with variety is designed to burn-fat, build lean-muscle, enhance conditioning and improve functionality for people of all fitness levels.

E60 Fitness’ Elevate 60 class was designed by athletes and fitness professionals to incorporate the best of all exercise disciplines into a single game-changing workout. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works:

  • The action-packed workout includes several exercise stations, each with varying routines and purposes, all programmed to compliment each other for a well-rounded and comprehensive, total-body workout.
  • In one station you may go through sprint intervals on a spin bike, in another you may perform a series of lower body exercises (i.e: weighted squats and deadlifts), and in another station you might strap on the boxing gloves and unleash your energy on a punching bag.
  • Each station is capped between 5 and 10 minutes so you’ll never be subject to a long distance run or forced to perform excessive volumes of the same exercise. Intensity intervals are used in cardio based stations to pack greater benefit into a short amount of time and increase performance. Majority of the exercises will involve resistance to enable lean-muscle growth and fat-burn long after the class is over.
  • Heart Rate devices are worn throughout class and large monitors within the facility display real-time heart rate and Calorie statistics so you know how you are performing. These stats are also tracked historically, so you can analyze trends and make adjustments to improve your performance over time.
  • Each workout activates the entire body, but specific muscle groups are targeted in the strength training stations. This ensures you have an intentional focus for each day, and a comprehensive breakdown of the body over each week.
  • Each workout is designed to accommodate and challenge all fitness levels. Each participant has the ability to choose their own resistance levels and determines their own speed based on the instructor’s guidance. Each instructor is prepared with modifications for every movement.
  • No two workouts are ever the same. A new high variety workout is programmed daily (within the same overall structure) so your body is constantly challenged, firing up your metabolism, igniting muscular growth and reducing chances of plateau or boredom.
  • Unlike most group fitness platforms this class uses full gym equipment, not just accessories, and you’ll even see some custom built equipment hanging around the large turf area or underneath the monkey bar rig.
  • All instructors are certified fitness professionals prepared to coach, encourage and inspire every participant to achieve greater health.

And if all of that wasn’t enough to convince you to try E60’s top-rated group training program, E60 is offering a full week of classes for free to any newcomer. So grab a friend and claim your free week of classes at E60 Fitness before the New Year rush!

Virginia Tech MBA Programs Offered in Arlington and Falls Church

Since 1969, Virginia Tech has served local residents, government and industry in the National Capital Region. It now boasts more than 45 graduate degree and certificate programs, as well as many laboratories and research centers, spread across the region from Alexandria to Leesburg.

Among those degree offerings, the Pamplin College of Business offers two different MBA program options that serve working professionals looking to advance their careers without leaving the workforce.

The Evening MBA program option provides students with maximum flexibility while still allowing them to choose their timeline for completion and focus their studies in an area of particular importance to their career.

Classes take place at the Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center, which is adjacent to the West Falls Church Metro station and convenient to I-495 and I-66.

In 2018, the Evening MBA program was named one of the top 20 part-time MBA programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report for a fourth consecutive year.

The Executive MBA program option offers an accelerated, cohort-based option for mid-career professionals. The cohorts meet bi-monthly for weekend classes at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Ballston.

The curriculum focuses on leadership and strategic management in a global environment with an emphasis on business analytics, innovation and globalization.

Graduates of both the Evening and Executive MBA programs create lasting professional connections and join the university’s vast alumni network in the D.C. Metro area to help advance their careers both now and in the future.

To learn more about the Virginia Tech MBA Programs, visit mba.vt.edu or register to attend an upcoming information session.

Celebrate This Holiday Season with The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City will offer festive holiday activities to celebrate the coziest time of the year with friends, family and loved ones. The hotel greets the upcoming season with spirited brunches, delightful holiday teas and an engaging workshop to create lasting memories. Festivities include:

  • Thanksgiving Day Brunch — Thursday, November 22
  • Holiday Tea — Starting Thursday, November 29
  • Breakfast with Santa — Saturday, December 1
  • Gingerbread House Workshop — Sunday, December 9
  • Christmas Day Brunch — Tuesday, December 25

Enjoy these one-of-a-kind offerings, and more, this holiday season at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City!

Listing of the Day: 2134 Military Road

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Address: 2134 Military Road
Neighborhood: Cherrydale
Listed: $739,000
Open: Sunday, November 4 from 1-4 p.m.

Privacy and space abound in this huge three-level 4 BD/3.5 BA end townhouse in the desirable Cherrydale neighborhood of North Arlington.

Over 2,600 square feet of living space with a well-landscaped and fenced yard (over 6,800 sq. ft.), perfect for entertaining. Open concept kitchen/dining room with extensive island for food prep. Large living room with gleaming hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace and recessed lighting.

Bright master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, loads of closets and balcony for morning coffee. Upper level laundry and a lower level that is ideal for au-pair or in-laws with second living room w/built-ins and fireplace, large bedroom and full bathroom.

Two reserved parking spaces at your front door. Blocks to Cherrydale Library, Safeway, popular neighborhood restaurants and nearby hiking/nature trails. Just over a mile to Virginia Square and Ballston Metros and two lights to D.C.

Listed By:
Liz Lord
Keller Williams Realty
Cell: 571-331-9213
[email protected]
www.arlvahomes.com

Open Houses at St. Thomas More Cathedral School on November 4th and 7th

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St. Thomas More Cathedral School is an authentic Catholic learning community that promotes spiritual, moral and intellectual excellence for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Prospective families are invited to attend an Open House on Sunday, November 4 at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, November 7 at 9 a.m. to meet faculty and explore the school on tours led by student and parent ambassadors. RSVP for this event by clicking here.

St. Thomas More is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and recently became the first elementary school in the world to launch a CubeSatellite. There is a focus on high-interest projects which encourages students to stretch their knowledge and motivates them to attempt hands-on activities.

Teachers at St. Thomas More differentiate instruction in the classroom by meeting with students in small groups to reach all levels of learners. The curriculum includes The Comprehension Toolkit featuring Daily 5 and CAFE, Writer’s Workshop, Words Their Way and the Everyday Mathematics program.

Kindergarten students experience a robust program with STEM embedded in their day, 3 recesses daily and special performance events throughout the year such as America Sings and Manners Tea. Each grade level selects a service project to help others in our community, with kindergarten supporting HOPE in Northern Virginia, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women facing unplanned pregnancies

Students come to St. Thomas More Cathedral School from Arlington, as well as Alexandria, Fairfax County, the District of Columbia and Maryland. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of our families contribute to the welcoming spirit you will find at Saint Thomas More.

The Diocese of Arlington and the STM School and parish community are committed to making a Catholic education attainable for all who seek it. Families are encouraged to apply for tuition aid if assistance is needed, 30% of families receive a form of financial aid.

Visit our website for information regarding the admissions process, learn about the after school Enrichment Program, extended day care and more. St. Thomas More Cathedral School is conveniently located at 105 N. Thomas Street, in the center of Arlington near the Pentagon, Ballston, Ft. Myer and the National Guard.

To schedule a tour on an alternate day, call 703-528-6781,  extension 242 or email [email protected].

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