Sponsored

The annual Green Community Tour returns this Sunday

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Join us Sunday, June 5 from 1-4 p.m. for the 19th annual Green Community Tour (formerly the Green Home and Garden Tour)! Get great ideas and inspiration for how YOU can help Arlington build a greener community.

This event is sponsored by Arlington County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management, Arlington Public Libraries, EcoAction Arlington and Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Learn how fun and easy it is to make choices that better your home, community and the environment! The Green Community Tour will showcase green homes, green renovations, and watershed-friendly gardens in Arlington County. Come meet and speak to site hosts who have made eco-friendly choices that have both improved the quality of their living space and reinforced their commitment to a healthier environment.

Learn about their stories and efforts through 14 sites available to view through the self-guided tour between 1-4 p.m. Participants can visit as many as they like and, in any order!

The simultaneous Green Community Celebration at Shirlington Library Plaza will feature electric vehicles, exhibits and family-friendly fun! Learn from electric vehicle owners and experts about the installation of home chargers, using public chargers, different types of chargers and how to care for an EV.

*Note — vehicles will be available for viewing, but not test driving!

Meet Arlington County representatives to answer any questions you may have regarding energy efficient technologies, solar energy, water-saving technologies, rain gardens, native plants, wildlife habitat and more!

Register here for free via EcoAction Arlington to attend!

Location: Shirlington Library Plaza at 4200 Campbell Avenue, and homes, gardens, and community spaces at locations throughout Arlington.

For questions about this event, please email [email protected].

COVID-19 Safety: Participants entering homes on the guided tour are asked to wear a mask or face covering. The Celebration will take place outside in front of Arlington County’s Shirlington Branch Library where masks are not required but recommended. Stay home if you are feeling sick and/or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Parking/Transit Options: Shirlington garage offers free parking for up to 4 hours, as well as free all-day street parking. Check here for public transit and biking options.

Small Business Focus: Congratulations Casual Adventure

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

On May 25, at the SWaMmy Honors in Richmond, Virginia, Casual Adventure was recognized as a 2022 SWaMmy Honoree for its legacy in Arlington going back 77 years.

“On behalf of our family, our staff, friends, and customers thank you to the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity for recognizing Casual Adventure for its history, current form, and potential,” said Stern.

Recognized as a 2022 SWaMmy Honoree for its longstanding commitment to Arlington, Casual Adventure is a family-owned small business founded at its current location along Washington Boulevard in 1945. Eric Stern currently operates the company, the fourth generation of Sterns to own Casual Adventure. In 1945, it was called The District Grocery Store, founded by Eric Stern’s great grandfather. “Our store has always been a family business focused on our community, and our staff shares this sentiment,” said Stern.

In the mid-1950s, Eric’s grandfather took over the store and changed the name to The Surplus Center. He altered the product mix from groceries and focused on Army and Navy surplus. After running a successful business for 30 years, Eric’s father took over the company, changed the name to Casual Adventure and added outdoor fitting brands.

Eric Stern has been at the helm of Casual Adventure for more than twenty years and has added sporting goods to the product mix, which many Arlingtonians think of as the Casual Adventure of today. “I’m constantly amazed by how our little footprint continues to make such a large impact. But I’m also reminded that I get to stand on the shoulders of those before me and those around me,” said Stern.

Of course, being in business for 77 years, the Stern family has seen their fair number of challenges. “Each of us faced our challenges: starting a business as an immigrant, living with multiple sclerosis, passing away from a brain tumor, staying relevant in an ever-changing society, just to name a few,” said Stern. However, each generation succeeded by tailoring the business to their strengths.

“I am honored to carry on the traditions set before me — a genuine interest and participation in local activities and organizations, a friendly and sincere engagement with our customers, an ability to adapt and overcome obstacles, and a sense of responsibility to perpetuate these life lessons,” said Stern.

For more information about Casual Adventure, stop by the store located at 3451 Washington Blvd., or check out the online store at www.casualadventure.com.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes. 

As of May 30, there are 140 detached homes, 39 townhouses and 233 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 21 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

1900 N. Daniel Street

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Home buying seminar: Make the most of your home search!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Start investing in your financial freedom through homeownership with expert help!

The Keri Shull Team, the top-producing real estate team in Virginia, is hosting a seminar to help aspiring buyers navigate the competitive DMV real estate market and maximize their home search.

In 2021, our agents helped over 1,100 families with their real estate needs. This is your opportunity to find your dream home and start building long-term wealth, while avoiding costly mistakes.

Bridget Mendes and Sofia Luna, two of Keri Shull Team’s expert Client Success Agents, will be leading this seminar at our office in Rosslyn.

Attendees will discover:

  • How to find off-market homes — hidden gems that don’t appear on popular home search websites
  • How to get out of your lease so you can move on your timeline
  • The “4 C’s” that determine home prices in any market
  • How to set a realistic budget for your home search
  • And more!

Join us in-person on Tuesday, June 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. for this FREE seminar! You won’t want to miss out on getting your burning real estate questions answered at no cost to you!

Register for this event today.

Ask Eli: Local military charity for families of fallen heroes

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Ask Eli, Live With Jean playlist. Enjoy!

Thank you to all who have served and to their families who have sacrificed or lost loved ones for our freedom. I hope you and yours had a special Memorial Day weekend with friends and family to celebrate our country and those we’ve lost defending it.

The Eli Residential Group is donating to Arlington Virginia-based TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) in honor of Memorial Day. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

If you are interested in donating to a great charity in remembrance of soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for our country, TAPS is a four-star rated charity on Charity Navigator with excellent financial management, accountability and transparency scores.

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

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

 Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Ask Eli, Live With Jean playlist.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460

Neighborhood Spotlight: Dover Crystal edition

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Located in the northernmost part of Arlington, Dover Crystal is home to approximately 147 homes and a population of about 500 people.

Known for its unique curb appeal and wide array of home styles, this small tight-knit community offers a combination of affluence and mid-century design influences. You will find large traditional Colonials and an array of contemporary, modern houses and large multi-story treehouses.

Located close to the Potomac River, Dover Crystal offers plenty of parks and greenspace and miles of hiking and biking trails; including the Blue Jay Way, White Oak Way and the Potomac Heritage and Overlooks trails. Some of these trails even connect within Potomac Overlook Regional Park, which is just at the northern tip of the neighborhood.

One of the most unique characteristics Dover Crystal offers is the elevation changes within the neighborhood, with hilly and wooded terrain, lots of mature trees, very walkable streets and plenty of wildlife.

While Dover Crystal does not have its own Metro Station, the Ballston Metro on the Orange and Silver Lines are close by, and D.C. is just one stoplight away!

There is so much to see and experience in Dover Crystal, reach out to me if you want to learn more about neighborhoods in Arlington and around the region!

Bethany Fisher | 443-876-7399 | [email protected] | www.bethanyfisherrealtor.com | www.McEnearney.com

McEnearney Associates — Arlington Office

Dover Crystal Links & Recommendations

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

Start your master’s degree this fall

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

It’s not too late to enroll for the fall semester! The Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University has extended the fall application deadline for domestic applicants to July 15.

The Schar School offers flexible part-time or full-time options for graduate certificate and master’s degree programs designed to teach applicable, real-world knowledge for in-demand careers. Learn more at the upcoming open house. Don’t miss our upcoming virtual open house for a chance to your future program director, chat with our admissions team, and get your questions answered, as well as learn about the new online options available for nearly all of our graduate programs.

Prospective master’s and graduate certificate students who attend this event will be provided with an application fee waiver for the Fall 2022 graduate application.

Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
June 8 at 6 p.m. Eastern
This will be the final open house until fall semester

This virtual event is the perfect opportunity to:

  • Explore the school’s top-ranked master’s degree and graduate certificate programs
  • Meet Schar School Dean Mark Rozell, program directors, alumni and admissions team
  • Find out how the program works around a full-time job
  • Learn about your program of interest in depth, including the curriculum, admissions requirements, and career opportunities
  • Ask admissions team members specific questions about the application process

Master’s Degree Programs
Part-time, full-time, and online options available

  • Biodefense, MS
  • International Commerce and Policy, MA
  • International Security, MA
  • Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS
  • Political Science, MA
  • Public Administration, MPA
  • Public Policy, MPP

To learn more about graduate programs at the Schar School, register for the virtual open house or fill out our inquiry form.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Finley

By ARLnow.com
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Give a warm welcome to the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week, Finley! This blue-eyed Australian Shepherd is an energetic pup looking for his best friend.

He is in shelter at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which is currently at or near capacity for its dog kennels.

This is what Finley had to say about himself:

Hi, I’m Finley! I have a secret to tell you… I’m much more than just a handsome face!

I’m a smart and energetic pup who is looking for someone to understand me and love me for me. The nice staff here have been telling me about something called L.E.G.S., which stands for Learning, Environment, Genetics and Self. These are all the parts that make me… well, me!

I really like to bark and pull towards those people and dogs to let them know they’re not where they’re supposed to be. I’ve been working really hard with the trainers here who are helping me understand that those people and dogs have their own lives and things to do. I get lots of tasty treats when I am calm on my leash!

I also like my people to be in their place — with me! I will dote on your every word and I’ll probably follow you around the house. I can learn simple tricks like sit or rollover, but what if you taught me to pick up your dirty socks from around the house instead? That sounds way more fun!

Oh, one last important thing — I LOVE other dogs! I’ve made lots of doggy friends here at the shelter and would be more than happy to live in a home with other dogs.

So, there you have it! I know I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m more like a cup of black coffee! A bit of an acquired taste, but the right person will love me so, so much.

Is Finely your cup of coffee? Set up at time to meet Finely by checking out his complete profile!

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!

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 Andors Real Estate Group.

Hello Arlingtonians, thanks for reading JUST LISTED this morning!

Apologies that I did not post last week — I was quite under the weather but am now fully recovered!

Inventory has really shot up over the past two weeks in Arlington — summer is officially here…

Mortgage interest rates have now declined for two consecutive weeks, down to 5.1% from 5.3% two weeks ago. This is a bit of a reprieve from those who are still in the market, plus the increase in inventory will make some happy buyers out there!

We now have 360 available properties for sale, up from just 301 two weeks ago. 114 of those are detached homes, 40 are semi-detached/town homes, and the remaining 206 are condominiums. This past week, sellers listed 91 homes for sale while buyers ratified 66 contracts, 37 of which were on homes just listed within the past seven days.

Average asking price of currently available homes is $906,548 and the median is $629,000. Currently available homes have been on the market for an average of 44 days and a median of 22 days.

PICK OF THE WEEK — 2231 N. Columbus Street, Arlington, VA 22207 — $1,075,000.

2231 N. Columbus Street

Welcome to this beautiful, expanded Arlington Colonial featuring four bedrooms, two full and one half bathrooms and over 2,000sf of finished living space. A fantastic rear addition created a wonderful living/entertaining floorplan with a wide-open kitchen overlooking the family room including vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls. A serene backyard with meticulous landscaping is great for everyday living and entertaining alike.

Find me and my team here from 1-4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday!

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home that you’re interested in purchasing, give us a call! Our team are experts at WINNING when it comes to Arlington real estate – our agents routinely outmaneuver others when it comes to multiple offer scenarios – call us to find out how!

Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at (703) 203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight properties I think you might light to check out.

Statutes of Liberty: You entered the U.S. with a travel permit, but you never entered at all

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

In immigration law, the government sometimes doesn’t mean what it says it meant, or mean what it meant to say.

Imagine being a (highly documented) immigrant in the United States. You have a work permit under the TPS program, valid for two years, and you’ve been renewing it since 1992.

Your children are United States citizens. You know, because you are a loyal reader of Statutes of Liberty, that you can’t just travel without permission. So, you apply to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for permission to leave the United States — for a travel permit, technically termed “advance parole” — and you receive your permit in the mail. You leave the United States, visit family for two weeks in your country of origin, and then fly back to Dulles. You present your travel permit to CBP. The CBP inspector smiles and says, “Welcome home!”

Now, a quiz question: Were you “admitted” to the United States by the government?

Answer: No!

The answer No is new, consequential, newsworthy and extremely in-the-weeds, so it’s right in our wheelhouse here at Statutes of Liberty. Here’s how it works:

Under our immigration laws, there are two broad categories of people who enter the United States — people who enter with inspection, and people who enter without inspection. “With inspection” means that you present yourself at a port of entry and ask to enter; “without inspection” means that you crossed the border illegally.

In order to apply for a green card in the U.S., you have to — with rare exceptions — prove that you were admitted with inspection. That means that, for most people who cross the border illegally, it is quite difficult to apply for a green card. (It also means that people who enter with inspection, via a visitor’s visa, and overstay are treated quite differently from border-crossers, but that is a subject for another day.)

Now, consider our (highly documented) immigrant from our initial story. He applied for, and received, Temporary Protected Status in 1992, and has dutifully renewed it since that time. But before that, he entered the United States without inspection, by crossing the border in 1989. This places him in an interesting position for future travel. When he leaves the United States with his advance parole travel permit, granted by the United States government, and then re-enters, did he “enter with inspection” on his readmission, or not?

(more…)

Listing of the Day: 109 S. Fillmore Street

By Sponsor

Address: 109 S. Fillmore Street
Neighborhood: Penrose
Listed: $839,900

Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in Penrose! This residence features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and over 2,000 square feet of living space. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, backsplash and a new (2021) hands-free kitchen faucet.

The living room has hardwood floors, receives excellent natural light and has a wood-burning fireplace. All three bedrooms are located on the main level. The primary bedroom is located at the end of the hallway for additional privacy and features an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom is perfect for a guest room and the third bedroom functions well as an additional bedroom or home office.

The finished walkup basement offers great natural light, plenty of room for entertaining and encompasses almost 1,000 square feet. The basement also has the third full bathroom along with a wood-burning fireplace.

The back patio provides a great space for entertaining to go along with multiple garden areas. A new cedar fence was installed in 2020 for additional privacy.

This home is located just minutes to DC, The Pentagon, Amazon HQ2, National Airport, Alice West Fleet Elementary School, the bustling shops and restaurants on Columbia Pike and everything Arlington and DC has to offer!

Listed by:
Matt Leighton
The Battle Group | Century 21 Redwood Realty
703-472-0574
[email protected]

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