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.

Can we talk?

This column is an advertisement and an instrument to generate interest and, hopefully, revenue. But it’s more than that to me. For those of you who know me, my work, and Arrowine, you know I hate bu**sh**.

I’m no spring chicken, and the reality of turning sixty-five this June boggles my mind and scares me in many ways. So I ask myself that age-old question, where did the years go? My father used to say, “one day, you are going to wake up, look in the mirror, and not recognize who you’re looking at!” And that day has come and in spades.

That leads me to my next rant, retirement. And do what? Play golf? Move to the beach, or heaven forbid Florida? I sooner walk in front of a bus. I can’t afford to retire, anyway. Part of it is my fault. And let’s not forget the last three years have been unmitigated hell. Doing the right thing can be expensive. It can drain your bank account but not your conscience.

Thankfully, COVID-19 is waning, but it sure is alive and well with me. And it’s just the beginning. We are witnessing the largest shifting and realignment of the post-Great Depression economy. Just look around you. How many businesses failed? How many people lost their jobs and everything at no fault of their own? It was an economic Tsunami. And let’s not mention over one million Americans died before their time. So what did we as a nation and society learn from this? Not much, and it scares the hell out of me.

In my naivety, I thought it might bring our fractured nation closer. Our differences would pale in comparison to saving lives and respecting our neighbor’s health and well-being. But it did exactly the opposite!

A pandemic is inconvenient, expensive, and a first-rate pain in the ass. We didn’t ask for this! But science is science, one plus one equals two, and yes, we did land on the moon. So in a crisis, in a war, you do what you must do, not what is expedient or easy.

You do what is right, what is moral, and honorable because anything less is undignified and selfish. I will have to work a bit longer or maybe until I drop, but that’s how it is.

Arrowine isn’t my work. It gives me purpose and pleasure. It is who I am, and I love it! There are days, weeks, months, and years of aggravation, challenges, frustrations, and uncertainty, but it’s who I am. G-d and my loved ones give me strength, but you motivate me. So, thank you for that.

In return, I promise to give you my very best, I sincerely thank you for sticking by us through thick and thin, and I sincerely appreciate it.

That leads me to what matters, the future. We have looked long and hard at what we were doing and how we did it. With the help of our entire staff, we are retooling, refining, and re-creating Arrowine. So we are getting rid of what didn’t work to add value to your shopping experience and to ensure that we are a part of this community for many years to come. Our best is yet to come!

Thank you for reading this,

Doug Rosen, Shem Hassan, Ayet Boudjellal, and the entire Arrowine team

Thank you (Photo by Alexas Fotos on Unsplash)

Address: 936 N. Quantico Street
Neighborhood: Madison Manor
Type: 5 BR, 3 BA single-family detached — 2,800 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,495,000

Noteworthy: Exceptionally renovated, expanded home on a parklike quarter acre lot

In 2016, this classic Madison Manor home was transformed with a high quality renovation and expansion.

The expansive living room is anchored by a wood burning fireplace and offers built in cabinets with a sink and beverage fridge. Doors across the back lead to a multi-tier deck and the beautifully landscaped back yard. Well-situated between the dining room and family room, the renovated kitchen provides Holiday custom cabinets, soapstone tops, and Jenn-Air appliances. The dining room has a gas fireplace for cozy gatherings, and the family room has a heated tile floor.

One door leads to the driveway — so convenient for bringing packages directly into the home — and atrium doors open to the patio. The primary suite incudes a bedroom, walk-in closet with organizers, and bathroom with double sink vanity and large shower. Three more bedrooms are served by a renovated hall bathroom. The fifth bedroom and renovated bathroom are on the lower level along with the laundry room, storage and utility room.

The HVAC, roof, insulation, and electrical panel box were updated, and the large shed has electricity. New interior doors, hardware, light fixtures, new or refinished wood floors, and stylish paint, too.

Blocks from the bike and walking path for those working from home and near all commuter routes. Cardinal, Swanson, Yorktown schools are nearby. A renovated welcoming home awaits a fortunate buyer.

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg — McEnearney Associates
[email protected]
(703) 967-4391


We could tell you how great CarCare To Go is. We could tell you about how they are transforming the way people care for their cars with free valet pick-up and return from home or work, how they combine the full service of a dealership with a uniquely transparent and convenient process.

We could even tell you about their $20.23 introductory synthetic oil change offer. (Yes, they are THAT confident in their service and no, there is no catch.)

But rather than take our word for it, listen to what your neighbors are saying. (Oh, and you can see more reviews here.)

“Are you kidding me? This is the best thing ever. Picked my car up at work, sent me notifications to let me approve or decline different services so I wasn’t shocked come ticket time and then they dropped it off a few hours later all clean! I’m obsessed, I haven’t stopped talking about y’all. Thank you!” — Julie S.

You’ll wonder why you ever took care of your car any other way. Learn more about CarCare To Go here.


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., and Laura Lorenzo, 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.

In the spirit of the 2023 tax season, we would like to tell our loyal readers about the role taxes play in our immigration system, and give some very general (non-legal) advice on the topic.

For some people, tax season is exciting because that refund check will be arriving in the mail soon. For others, tax season is a dreadful moment of reckoning with Uncle Sam. If you or someone you know is going through some type of immigration process, the feelings may be mixed.

Taxes come into play in various contexts within our immigration system. Here are the most common scenarios:

  • Proving that a person trying to help a family member immigrate makes a sufficient amount of money, such that the immigrant will not become reliant on the government for survival.
  • Proving that an applicant for naturalization is of good moral character because she is up-to-date with her taxes and, if she owes taxes, she is current on a payment plan with the relevant tax authority.
  • Proving that a person has been in the United States for a certain period of time.

To begin, let’s review the first scenario. When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has filed a petition on behalf of a relative, eventually the immigration authorities will request something called an Affidavit of Support.

The Affidavit of Support is a government form, Form I-864. The I-864 is a three-way contract between the petitioner, the immigrant, and the government. The petitioner must show their income and/or assets are sufficient to support the immigrant such that the immigrant will not become reliant on government benefits. In return, the government will give the immigrant a green card.

To determine the amount the petitioner must make, we look to the I-864P, which is a chart that shows the minimum threshold of income based on household size and the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The household size includes the petitioner, her spouse, any dependent children, anyone else they have sponsored for a green card who is not a U.S. citizen, plus the immigrant currently seeking the green card.

Apart from listing the petitioner’s actual annual income, the Affidavit of Support requires that the petitioner disclose her total income as listed on her federal tax return for the last three years, if she has filed. A copy of the most recent filing, along with all W-2s or 1099s, must also accompany the Affidavit of Support as proof of income. Some petitioners also submit recent paystubs if they have recently received a salary bump or proof of significant assets if their actual income from work is on the low side.

If the petitioner cannot satisfy the requirements, then the petitioner can use a joint sponsor to help. The joint sponsor has to meet the same requirements as the petitioner based on the joint sponsor’s household size. The joint sponsor must also submit his most recent tax return.

Scenario number two is also common. When a person with a green card applies to become a U.S. citizen, the form, which is called the N-400, asks if the applicant has always filed his taxes since receiving his green card. The government also asks whether you owe the federal, state, or local government any taxes.

Why do the immigration authorities care so much? It’s because Congress made it a requirement that an applicant show he is a person of good moral character if he wants to become a U.S. citizen. That determination is influenced by following rules, including filing taxes every year, when required, and paying any taxes owed. USCIS, the agency that handles citizenship cases, is not totally unreasonable; those with large tax debt can still satisfy the good moral character requirement if they can show they are on a payment plan with the relevant tax authority and have been making their payments as required under the agreement.

Scenario three is a little less common but still quite important. In various types of immigration cases, proving that the applicant has been residing in the United States for a certain period of time is essential. One of the best ways to do this is to provide copies of federal tax returns that were filed during the relevant period of time. That way, the applicant shows that she was in fact in the United States and working. A lot of these cases also require a showing of good moral character, so filing and paying taxes helps out with that requirement, too!

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Arlington Public Schools (APS) will host an Educator’s Job Fair on March 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their Syphax Education Center (2110 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22204).

Interested teachers from all subject areas are invited for on-the-spot interviews. APS will also be conducting substitute and teacher assistant interviews on this day.

There is no registration required but interviewers should bring with them a complete resume, college transcripts and/or a copy of their current teaching license if applicable.

More information can be found at the Arlington Public Schools Careers Website!


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

Arlington has one of our region’s most vibrant theater scenes. The next several weeks offer a number of opportunities to step-out and enjoy a wide range of theater offerings right here in Arlington!

Chalice Theatre: The Pirates of Penzance

Now through March 18 | Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington | Barcroft

No matter if you are the Very Model of a Modern Major General or simply a Poor Wand’ring One in search of some quality entertainment, this production offers fun and foolishness for audiences of all ages, along with gorgeous music and memorable banter.

Avant Bard: Julius Caesar
Now through April 1 | Gunston Theatre II | Long Branch Creek

Join Avant Bard as they explore Kathleen Akerley’s modernization of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar with an ensemble of seven actors. Witness a dismantling of the classic story that asks what determines historical outcomes: the ambition and speeches of a few or the shifting personalities and demands of the citizenry? Video and contemporary text will place this question squarely in post-2016 America.

Synetic Theater: Beauty and the Beast
Now through April 2 | Synetic Theater | National Landing

Synetic Theater’s Beauty and the Beast draws on the darkness and sensuality of the original French novel, La Belle et la Bête, and the 1946 Cocteau film of the same name. Told through the vengeful narration of a handsome Prince’s first love, Synetic’s dark and mystical take on the fairy tale explores and challenges the dynamics of love and power as it asks the question, “who is worthy of true love?”

Signature Theatre:

Pacific Overtures
Now through April 9 | Signature Theatre |Shirlington

A stunning exploration of tradition and transformation based on historical events.

In 1853, after 200 years of stability, Japan faces an American expedition determined to open the “floating kingdom” to trade. The isolationist island’s reckoning with the unwelcome western influence is brilliantly illuminated through a kaleidoscope of stories about sailors, samurai, “someone in a tree” and two friends who choose radically different paths. This innovative epic of East meets West is one of Sondheim’s most ambitious and rarely produced musicals.

Selling Kabul

Now through April 9 | Signature Theatre |Shirlington

A suspenseful drama about family and sacrifice from an exciting new voice.

In 2013, a sister secretly shelters her translator brother from an increasingly powerful Taliban while he awaits the ever-delayed arrival of a promised American visa. On the eve of his son’s birth, the walls begin to close in, threatening him, her and everyone they love in a heart-racing exposé with devastating echoes to the present day. Breathtaking and unpredictable through the final curtain, this unflinching exploration exposes the human toll of American withdrawal.

For more information about these and other theater presentations, as well as dance, music and the visual arts, visit ArlingtonArts.org.


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 March 13, there are 125 detached homes, 26 townhouses and 142 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 14 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

2900 2nd Street S

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.


Address: 1600 N Oak Street #1818
Neighborhood: Rosslyn
Type: 2 BR, 2 BA condo — 1,430 sq. ft.
Listed: $925,000

Noteworthy: Penthouse with Potomac River views

This rarely-available penthouse condo at The Belvedere features over $100k worth of upgrades and improvements throughout its 1,430 square feet of luxurious living space.

The condo boasts a welcoming foyer with Italian tile flooring, a spacious living room with abundant natural light, a sunroom with views of the Potomac River, and a chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, mosaic glass backsplash, and porcelain tile flooring.

The bedrooms have new windows and blinds, carpeting, and tons of closet space. The primary bathroom has a double sink vanity, glass mosaic backsplash, 70-in LED backlit mirror, porcelain tile walls, and a Kohler cast iron bathtub, while the second bathroom features a new vanity, sliding glass shower door, and porcelain tile walls.

The condo also has new switches and outlets throughout, with several USB outlets for added convenience, new lighting in the hallways and dining room, and recessed LED lighting in the living room.

The Belvedere community offers a large pool, fitness center, 24/7 front desk, tennis courts (lined for pickleball), party room, convenience store, car wash area, and outdoor lounge area. The building is undergoing a common-space renovation project and is well-funded, so no special assessment is needed to pay for these community upgrades.

The location is a short walk to the Rosslyn Metro, Target, Starbucks, and Safeway, with easy access to D.C. and major highways.

Listed by:
Matt Leighton — The Battle Group with Real Broker
[email protected]
(703) 472-0574


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 channelEnjoy!

Question: Do you have any information on when the Toll Brothers community in Dominion Hills will be for sale?

TL;DR (0:43)

Answer: Construction is underway on Toll Brothers upcoming 9.5 acre community, The Grove at Dominion Hills, a massive (by Arlington/inside-the-beltway standards) development of 40 brand new detached homes that will start around $2M, formerly the site of the historically significant Febrey-Lothrop property.

As of Monday, March 13 they were fully framed and under-roof on their model and one of their “quick-move-in” homes, with a third in foundation, and a fourth getting ready for foundation; all along the existing N. Madison Street.

What I Know/Expect

Toll Brothers is as tight-lipped as it comes about new developments until their official public releases, but here’s what I know/expect:

  • The community will include 40 new single-family homes
  • Lot sizes will clock in around 60ft wide and about 8,000 SqFt (just over 1/6th of an acre), which is about 5% smaller than the average Arlington lot and about 10% bigger than the median Arlington lot (as we know from this column on Arlington lot sizes)
  • I expect home sizes to range from about 3,500-5,500 total finished square feet depending on lot dimensions and options
  • I expect most or all homes to include a two-car garage with either basement and main level entry depending on lot topography
  • Toll Brothers will offer a combination of “quick move-in” homes with pre-selected options/finishes and semi-custom homes that allow buyers to choose from a pre-determined selection of elevations (exterior design), floor plans, options, and finishes

Details and Sales Opening Expected 2023

Toll Brothers is careful to not release pricing, floor plans, or most details about a project until their chosen public release date which is currently projected to occur in late summer 2023. Details will get released for the first time on their website with a community webpage. Sales are currently projected to start at the end of 2023, but that timing could easily move up or back depending on market conditions and work progress.

Toll Brothers determines their sales process based on market conditions and you can expect a multi-phased release, with prices increasing with each release (standard practice for new communities). Toll Brothers often uses a combination of option incentives and preferred lender incentives to drive demand, that smaller builders do not offer.

In my experience, they usually implement an appointment system on a first-come, first serve/meet basis. Those who register online for an appointment first, can schedule the first appointments with a sales rep and have the chance to lock in lots early so interested buyers should go into those meetings prepared to put down a deposit

Recently, and controversially, Toll Brothers implemented a blind auction system for lots at Arden, their luxury community in Great Falls. They set a starting price for a lot and had buyers submit forms stating how much they were willing to pay for the lot and what they wanted to build on it then chose the winner (presumably based on the highest lot bid).

If you’re an interested buyer, take advantage of the time between the public information release and the sales opening to learn as much about the community as possible, figure out what lots you prefer (note that the best lots usually come with a steep lot premium), compare your options with Toll Brothers to other new build opportunities, and be ready to make a decision with a lot-hold deposit at your first appointment.

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An ‘oasis of its own’ offers high-end, upscale living in South Arlington.

Drop a pin in a map to locate the upscale Centro Arlington Apartments building and you find it surrounded by prime landmarks — the Pentagon, Ballston, National Landing, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Shirlington, to name a few. Centro, meaning “center,” couldn’t be a more appropriate name for this elegant building straddling George Mason Drive and Columbia Pike. 

Inside, the building boasts 366 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments in a mind-boggling variety of floorplans, kitted out with high-end flourishes and finishes, including elevated ceilings, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplashes, hardwood flooring, and patios and balconies (in some models). 

On top of the seven-story building, in addition to offering tremendous views, is the epitome of “pet friendly” — a rooftop dog park. The building is constructed around a public plaza, opening to a luxurious common area, and the building includes a clubroom, a fitness center, a pet washing area, and a rooftop lounge. There is garage parking. 

The ground floor boasts its own Harris Teeter with a Starbucks. Other neighborhood attractions that are easy walking distances include the Barcroft Shopping Center and a plethora of eateries ranging from Bolivian to Japanese to Irish. Commuters will find easy access to major arteries, including I-395 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

“Undoubtedly the best property in the area,” said verified resident Patrick V. “Superb resident service with the entire staff! Exceptional amenities! The units are gorgeous with high end finishes. I LOVE the gym and yoga studio. Conveniently, we have a Harris Teeter and Starbucks directly connected to the building! Olympic size swimming pool indoor/outdoor resident areas multiple gas grills, the works! Its own oasis.”

Centro Arlington is located at 950 S. George Mason Drive at Columbia Pike. Arrange a virtual or in-person tour via the website or call 855-459-2038. More contact information is here.


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