Press Releases

Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) celebrates the grand opening of Lucille and Bruce Terwilliger Place, the nonprofit developer’s new affordable housing development and new space for American Legion Post 139 in Arlington’s Virginia Square neighborhood. APAH was joined by its partners, funders, supporters, and the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to cut the ribbon and commemorate the building’s opening.

Located at 3445 Washington Boulevard, just 1,500 feet from the Virginia Square-GMU Metro, Terwilliger Place is a 160-unit affordable rental community, featuring a modern 6,000-square-foot ground floor space for American Legion Post 139. The certified EarthCraft Gold building also includes community and multi-purpose spaces, a counseling office, and a business center. Terwilliger Place has a 50% veteran preference, and 26 units are deeply affordable to households earning 30% of the area median income (AMI).

Project Origins

In 2016, American Legion Post 139 selected APAH as to redevelop their 1.3-acre site to create affordable apartment homes and a new Legion Post in response to an aging facility and diminishing membership. Post 139 members saw redevelopment as an opportunity to transform their site in addition to their programs and services offered to local veterans while providing critically needed affordable homes. APAH guided the project through the Washington Boulevard and Kirkwood Road Special General Land Use Plan (GLUP) Study in 2017, which unlocked greater site density. The project was approved for rezoning and gap financing from Arlington County’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund in 2019.

APAH skillfully balanced the underwriting parameters to enable this project and Loudoun View Senior to win 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in 2019. The project broke ground in May 2020 and welcomed the first residents in July 2022. “Terwilliger Place represents innovative housing at its finest, scaling seven-stories high, totaling 160 mixed-use affordable apartments with a veteran preference, right here in Arlington,” says APAH President and CEO, Carmen Romero. “A first of its kind in this region.”

Focus on Veterans

The DC Metro region is home to one of the country’s largest and youngest veteran populations, who contribute to a culture of leadership and civic responsibility. Situated in a high opportunity location just steps from public transit, George Mason University’s Arlington campus, a grocery store, plus many jobs and services, this new development is centrally located near the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Meyer, Henderson Hall, and multiple military memorials. Terwilliger Place provides critical affordable housing as well as veteran-focused services through APAH’s certified Resident Services Program.

The Honorable Denis McDonough, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, joined APAH to cut the ribbon and share the project’s impact on the veteran community. “This strategy is replicable in other locations. It can be a successful blueprint to help increase the stock of housing dedicated to veterans and provide more opportunities for those who have served,” noted Secretary McDonough. “Because no veteran should be homeless in the country they fought to defend.”

“Our mission to serve veterans and their families has never been clearer or more important,” said Post Commander, Bob Romano. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with APAH and raising the flag at our new Post.” American Legion Post 139 used land sale proceeds to build a brand new 6,000 square foot condo space, which will include gathering and private counseling spaces, a commercial kitchen, and additional resources for local veterans. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2022.

Terwilliger Place serves as a model for other communities throughout Virginia and the country. Many veteran-serving organizations own aging facilities and experience declining membership, an opportunity ripe for redevelopment. “Our new location will allow the Post to attract and support a younger generation of members. It’s a place where veterans can mingle, have a beer, and socialize in a comfortable atmosphere,” says Mr. Romano.

Ron Terwilliger’s Philanthropic Vision

Terwilliger Place is the first APAH property where philanthropy has played a pivotal role. The Terwilliger Family Foundation provided the lead gift of $1.5 million. In conjunction with the building’s Grand Opening, the foundation committed additional funding to support the first three years of onsite resident services. Ron Terwilliger is a renowned multi-family developer and national advocate for affordable housing. The project is named Lucille and Bruce Terwilliger Place in honor of his parents.

Ron Terwilliger began his life in Arlington, growing up modestly in South Arlington and attending Barcroft Elementary School. At Wakefield High School, he excelled in academics and athletics, and went on to attend the US Naval Academy. After leaving the Navy and graduating from Harvard Business School, Ron had a successful real estate career, serving as CEO of Trammell Crow Residential (TCR) from 1986 to 2008. During his leadership, TCR was the largest developer of multi-family housing in the nation.

“As a child, my father worked two jobs to make sure that we had a safe, stable home right here in Arlington. His sacrifices gave Bruce and me the chance to attend good schools and pursue our dreams,” Ron Terwilliger said. “Today, the high cost of housing puts that dream out of reach for too many families. Projects like this are essential to helping people of all incomes and backgrounds continue to call Arlington home.”

More than 50 donors joined Mr. Terwilliger in giving to APAH’s Uniting to Serve capital campaign, including Amazon, which provided $1 million through the Arlington Community Foundation. In total, more than $4 million in philanthropic funding was raised to make the project a reality, allowing additional units to be deeply affordable to those earning 30% AMI. Donors who contributed to the Uniting to Serve campaign are honored in a custom installation in the lobby by local artist, Elizabeth Kendall.

Project Financing and Partners

The $77 million project includes $33.8 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) awarded by the Virginia Housing and Development Authority (VHDA). Capital One, in partnership with the National Equity Fund as syndicator, purchased the tax credits and provided $70,000 in predevelopment grants from Capital One’s Community Impact & Investment team. “Capital One is thrilled to have played a role in the realization of Terwilliger Place,” said Ed Delany, Senior Director of Community Finance at Capital One. “We congratulate APAH, Post 139, and the other partners involved in creating much-needed homes for our veterans and neighbors.”

In addition to tax credits, VHDA also provided a direct permanent loan, a loan through its Resources Enabling Affordable Community Housing in Virginia (REACH Virginia) programs, and a grant for pre-development work. The Commonwealth of Virginia provided a permanent loan from the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. Arlington County provided a $13.9 million loan. “Arlington County is committed to providing opportunities for all residents, including those who served our country. A stable, affordable home is critical to that goal,” says County Board Chair, Katie Cristol.

Terwilliger Place Features and Amenities

The newly constructed, certified EarthCraft Gold property creates 160 units of affordable housing, half of which feature a veteran preference. Designed by Davis Carter Scott (DCS Design) and constructed by CBG Building Company, Terwilliger Place boasts a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units to accommodate families. Kia Weatherspoon of Determined by Design, an Air Force veteran herself, provided the interior design and state of the art finishes with the needs of residents and functional beauty in mind. “We wanted to create something that is about connection, legacy, and reimagining,” said Ms. Weatherspoon.

Common spaces throughout the property include private counseling spaces, a computer lab, dedicated offices for leasing and Resident Services programming, multipurpose and flexible spaces, and an outdoor courtyard plus playground for residents to enjoy.

Terwilliger Place exemplifies innovative community partnerships, the power of philanthropy, and service to our neighbors and veterans. The project serves as a model for future development throughout the region and the country. Terwilliger Place resident and veteran, Robert Davis, describes “…the peace and comfort of having my own space that I can afford. I watched this property being built from the ground up… it is incredible to come home to every day!” said Mr. Davis. Read the full project case study at the APAH website.

About APAH

Founded in 1989, APAH now helps more than 2,600 households live in stable, secure, and affordable rental homes. APAH has more than 300 affordable apartments under construction and an additional 1,500 in its development pipeline. APAH’s Columbia Hills Apartments received the 2019 ULI Washington Trends Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing. And both Columbia Hills and Gilliam Place were recognized as Virginia’s Best Affordable Housing project by Virginia Housing. In 2020, APAH was named one of the nation’s Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers by Affordable Housing Finance magazine. HAND, the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers, awarded APAH as 2021 Developer of the Year and 2022 Best Large Affordable Housing Development for Queens Court.

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Join VDOT, Arlington County and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, to break ground on improvements to safety, traffic flow and enhancements to accessibility and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians. The project will reduce Boundary Channel Drive from four lanes to two in order to construct an eight-foot-wide eastbound sidewalk and a twelve-foot-wide westbound shared-use path, install roundabouts on Boundary Channel Drive just west and east of I-395, reconfigure the ramps between I-395 and Boundary Channel Drive and adding crosswalks along Boundary Channel Drive. The project also features a new shared-use path linking the Mount Vernon Trail to Long Bridge Park, ultimately connecting with the existing one that parallels the southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway ramp to I-395 southbound. See project webpage for additional information.

VDOT is administering construction of the project, which began the week of Sept. 12 and is expected to be completed fall 2023.

The $14.1 million contract for the design-build project is being completed by Shirley Contracting Company, LLC and Dewberry.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 10 a.m.

WHO:

Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol
VDOT Deputy District Engineer Bill Cuttler, P.E.
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Chief Executive Officer Monica Backmon

Remarks from VDOT, Arlington County, General Assembly members and any other elected officials attending. Ceremonial shovel toss on-site.

WHERE:

Parking lot at the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center
333 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington, 22202

Sept. 22, 2022–The team behind “Dani’s Twins,” a documentary capturing the rare, perspective-changing journey of a quadriplegic woman, announced today its acceptance of the coveted Audience Award at the recent DC Shorts Film Festival. “Dani’s Twins” was named the audience favorite among the 77 films comprising the festival lineup.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about this outcome,” says star and producer, Dani Izzie. “The audience was super engaged during the Q&A following our opening night screening. I hope they take with them the film’s themes of respect and inclusion for parents with disabilities.”

Set in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, “Dani’s Twins” follows Izzie’s pregnancy and early parenting journey as one of the few quadriplegics ever to give birth to twins.

“Dani’s story is one of incredible love, beauty and high-stakes drama,” says Arlington, VA-based producer Angie Gentile. “It’s not only an entertaining story-there’s also a layer of disability justice that sheds light on the discrimination people and parents with disabilities face.”

The film is set to make its LA premiere on Sept. 23 with a one-week Oscar-qualifying run at the Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills, CA (https://bit.ly/3BYGVY5). The team then joins renowned disability advocates and influencers for a screening and disability roundtable discussion at the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco on Sept. 29 (https://www.ticketweb.com/event/danis-twins-with-filmmaker-post-the-castro-theatre-tickets/12481885). The film returns to the DC area for the Washington West Film Festival (greater DC area) on Oct. 15 (https://washwest2022.eventive.org/schedule/6316737c351f91003e042e70), before returning to CA for the Ojai Film Festival (CA) on Nov. 6 (https://ojaifilmfestival.com/danis-twins/).

Since its world premiere in May at Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, CO, Dani’s Twins has screened at Atlanta DocuFest, Venice Shorts, San Francisco Documentary Film Festival, Toronto International Women Film Festival (where it won “Best Film About Women”), Iowa Independent Film Festival, and Reel Abilities Pittsburgh. The film was also an official selection and semi-finalist at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, Montreal Independent Film Festival, Rotterdam Independent Film Festival, and New York International Women Festival.

Dani’s Twins was directed by Brad Allgood, known for his feature documentary “Landfill Harmonic,” which garnered over 40 festival wins in 250+ festivals and was acquired by HBO, and Steve Dorst, whose film “Shattered Sky” told the story of how America led the world to solve the biggest environmental crisis ever seen (the ozone crisis) and played on PBS.

The film was made possible in part through generous contributions from Magnetic Me, a clothing line for babies and moms, and Friendsheep, a fair trade producer of eco-friendly wool dryer balls.

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DANI’S TWINS is the premiere release of PERPETUO FILMS, a studio that produces entertaining content for people who give a damn. Our active slate of programming includes DANI’S TWINS; PATROL, the battle to preserve Nicaragua’s rainforest from illegal cattle ranching; and EAT BITTER, the first English-language documentary out of the Central African Republic, capturing the tensions between Chinese migrants and local workers during a civil war. In 2021, our films secured grants and partnered with the biggest global names in nonfiction storytelling: Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the Ford Foundation, the Sundance Institute, Mountainfilm, the European Union, Re:wild, Netflix Ambulante, DOC DEVELOPMENT AFRICA, Durban FilmMart, and others. Perpetuo Films aims to accelerate the web3 creator economy to amplify filmmaker autonomy, control, and ownership. PERPETUO FILMS: Story | Impact | #Film3.

CONTACT

Angie Gentile, VP, Impact and Engagement, Perpetuo Films, [email protected], +1-571-243-0972

RELATED LINKS

Facebook: http://facebook.com/DanisTwinsFilm
Website: http://DanisTwinsFilm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DanisTwinsFilm and https://www.instagram.com/daniizzie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanisTwinsFilm
Dani’s blog: http://daniizzie.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/daniizzie

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Arlington, VA (September 19, 2022) – VHC Health™, a community-based health system providing medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area, is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael A. Silverman, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, has been honored with the 2022 William T. Newman, Jr. “Spirit of Community” Award from the Arlington Community Foundation in recognition of his service as chief of emergency medicine and for providing critical information about the pandemic to the DMV region.

“We are proud and fortunate to have Dr. Silverman at VHC Health — His work caring for patients who visit the Emergency Department, as well as his clear communication of essential information, especially during the height of the pandemic, offers guidance, comfort, and assurance to the community we serve,” said Chris Lane, CEO and President, VHC Health. “This achievement is a testament to Dr. Silverman’s steadfast support of VHC Health’s staff and community, and we are incredibly grateful for his service.”

At the start of the pandemic, Dr. Silverman began providing “Friday Night Updates” from the Emergency Room on his personal Facebook page, providing a source of trustworthy medical information for the community about the pandemic, and he has continued making these community updates on a weekly basis to a global audience of nearly 8,000 followers ever-since.

Named in honor of William T. Newman, Jr., who serves as Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Virginia, the “Spirit of Community” award was established to recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a tireless and unselfish commitment to improving the quality of life in Arlington. Annually, a celebratory luncheon brings together hundreds of business, civic, and philanthropic leaders, as well as Arlingtonians from all walks of life, in recognition of individuals who have made the community a better place to live. This year’s luncheon will take place on Thursday, November 10.

In 2021, Dr. Silverman was selected as one of five 2020 Facility Medical Directors of the Year by Alteon Health, and as the 2021 recipient for the Dominion Energy Torch Award for Ethical Leadership by the Leadership Center for Excellence.

About VHC HealthTM:
VHC Health provides exceptional medical services as the region’s community health system. Virginia Hospital Center was recently designated a 2021 Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. In 2022, the Hospital was selected for an 11th consecutive Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ and a 20th consecutive ‘A’ grade from The Leapfrog Group. Virginia Hospital Center is a 453-bed not-for-profit teaching facility and designated as a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. VHC Health is a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network – a national network of independent healthcare organizations.

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Arlington, VA (September 14, 2022) – VHC Health™, a community-based health system providing medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area, is pleased to announce that it has received a donation of more than $5,500 from the proceeds of Bear Chase Brewing Company’s limited-release summer beer, “Doctor’s Orders,” crafted in appreciation of the exceptional care VHC Health provided to a member of the Bear Chase team.

When Charles Knoll, Bear Chase Brewing Company’s Brew Master, was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year, he needed both his kidney and a tumor removed. Charles was supported by several departments at VHC Health and spent time recovering in one of VHC’s medical units. To express appreciation for the top-quality care he received during this challenging time in his life, Charles crafted “Doctor’s Orders,” a light “Radler” style lager, as well as a commemorative VHC Health stein, to honor the hospital and give back to future patients.

“We are humbled by the generosity we’ve received from Charles Noll and the Bear Chase Brewing Company,” said Tony Burchard, President of the VHC Health Foundation and the Health System’s Chief Growth Officer. “It is always wonderful to be recognized by the community and patients we serve, and this donation is a welcome reminder of the reason we do the work we do. VHC Health is grateful to Bear Chase Brewing Company and all our supporters who make it possible for our Health System to provide the latest, most innovative treatments.”

In early July, the VHC Health team joined Charles and his team at the Bear Chase Brewery for a special event celebrating the launch of Doctor’s Orders and offering complimentary health information to the community. Photos from the event can be viewed on the Life at VHC Health Facebook page.

About VHC HealthTM:
VHC Health provides exceptional medical services as the region’s community health system. Virginia Hospital Center was recently designated a 2021 Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. In 2022, the Hospital was selected for an 11th consecutive Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ and a 20th consecutive ‘A’ grade from The Leapfrog Group. Virginia Hospital Center is a 453-bed not-for-profit teaching facility and designated as a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. VHC Health is a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network – a national network of independent healthcare organizations.

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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) prevented a Prince George’s County, Md., man from carrying his loaded handgun onto a flight this morning, Wednesday, Sept. 21. It was the 20th gun detected by TSA officers at the airport so far this year.

The 9mm gun was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. It was located among the man’s carry-on items. When TSA officers spotted the firearm, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police were notified, confiscated the weapon and cited the man, a resident of Ft. Washington, Md.

“Our TSA officers are very good at detecting firearms and other prohibited items at security checkpoints,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Travelers play an important role in their personal experience traversing through a security checkpoint. That often starts with knowing all contents of their carry-on bag and which items should not be packed in that carry-on bag. All responsible gun owners know where their firearm is at all times and know how to pack it for a flight. It’s imperative they do a pre-trip inspection of their carry-on and positively account for their firearms. This will reduce the troubling number of passengers bringing weapons to the security checkpoints across the system.”

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.

Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual may lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and passengers should do their homework to make sure that they are not violating any local firearm laws. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Nationwide, TSA officers detected 5,972 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints last year. Of the guns caught by TSA in 2021, about 86 percent were loaded.

Falls Church, VA – Creative Cauldron’s twenty-year anniversary and 2022-23 Season, its first producing entirely original works, begins with a World Premiere musical: Ichabod: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Created and directed by Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith, of Creative Cauldron’s “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” series, Ichabod blends humor, enchanting music, and fully realized characters with the classic suspense of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, one of America’s first and most famous ghost stories. Told through the eyes of the school children in Ichabod’s classroom, this show has the fun and chill of a tale told round the campfire. Ichabod: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow runs October 6 -30 and is sponsored by Mark Werblood, Attorney at Law. Press Night is Saturday, October 8, 7:30 pm.

“We are thrilled to begin our 2022-23 season with this classic American tale, skillfully crafted as a musical by our critically acclaimed resident team, Matt Conner (Music) and Stephen Gregory Smith (Book and Lyrics). Audiences of all ages will enjoy this spooky homage to the classic ghost story,” stated Creative Cauldron Producing Artistic Director, Laura Connors Hull.

Conner and Smith are working with Music Director, Paige Rammelkamp (Music Director for Cinderella, at Silhouette Stages) and Music Supervisor Warren Friedman who served as the Music Supervisor for six of Creative Cauldron’s Bold New Works premieres, on The Turn of the Screw, Monsters of the Villa Diodati, Kaleidoscope, Witch, On Air and The Christmas Angel. Resident Scenic and Costume designer Margie Jervis is providing scenic and costume design, and Helen-Hayes nominated Lynn Joslin, is providing Lighting Design.

Ichabod Crane, the young school teacher and Sleepy Hollow’s newest resident, will be played by area newcomer, Colum Goebelbecker. Goebelbecker was recently seen as Trinculo in The Tempest, at Grassroots Shakespeare DC. Brooke Bloomquist who last appeared as Cinderella in Creative Cauldron’s Into the Woods, will play Katrina Van Tassel, the object of Ichabod’s affection, and Bobby Libby who played Rapunzel’s Prince, will play Brom Bones, Ichabod’s jealous rival. Also making her return after playing the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, will be Creative Cauldron veteran Erin Granfield, in the role of Mevrouw, Katrina’s mother. James Myers, an accomplished actor and singer who has performed with the Washington National Opera and Wolf Trap Opera Company joins in the role of Baltus Van Tassel, Katrina’s father and gentleman farmer. Hendrika, the oldest student and schoolroom leader is played by Lenny Mendez, Creative Cauldron’s new Artistic Associate.

This World Premiere also features Creative Cauldron’s Musical Theater Training Ensemble, who play the students in Ichabod’s classroom. MTE members receive master classes in movement, voice and acting and have a supporting role custom crafted for them by Conner and Smith. Musical Theater Training Ensemble members include Andrea Banuelos Valenzuela, Henry Gill, Allison Harman, Daniella Hirai, Emma Howell, Ella Johnston, Carmen Ortiz, Matilda Phillips, Elaina Rosenberger, Madeleine Ruffini, Sophie Silva, Nika Temkin.

FACT SHEET:

Who/What: Ichabod: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
When: October 6 – 30, 2022
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Tickets: $25 – $45
Where: Creative Cauldron 410 South Maple Avenue Retail 116, Falls Church, VA 22042
Info: creativecauldron.org 703-436-9948

About Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron is an award-winning non-profit theater and educational arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement. Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Artistic Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002. In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits. Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsFairfax, the City of Falls Church, the Little City CATCH Foundation the Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts, the Morgan Fund, and the Robert W and Gladys S Meserve Charitable Trust. Generous corporate and individual sponsors also support creative Cauldron’s programs.

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This month, Arlington Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Kate Bates celebrates 15 years of service with the organization.

Kate Bates joined the Chamber in 2007 as Member Services Manager. She was promoted to Vice President in 2013 before being named President and CEO in 2014 after the organization held a national search to find a replacement for Rich Doud when he announced his retirement after 23 years. Only 29 at the time, Kate was the youngest Chief Executive Officer, and the first female to lead the Chamber in the organization’s history.

During Kate’s time at the helm, the Chamber has introduced several new programs including the Early Childhood Financial Resiliency Accelerator Program, which teaches child care providers the business and financial skills necessary to maintain and grow their businesses, and the Multiple Employer Aggregation Program, which provides Chamber members access to reduced rates for a group 401(k) plan. In 2020 the Chamber launched the new Women in Business program (formerly the Awesome Women Entrepreneurs organization) fulfilling a longtime goal of providing a dedicated space for professional women within the Chamber.

Since 2014, the Chamber has also significantly increased its advocacy work, including the advocacy efforts supporting the approval of the Amazon HQ2 incentive package in 2019, and the Chamber staff size has significantly increased during this time through several new roles, including a dedicated government affairs position to manage the Chamber’s advocacy work. In addition to an increase in staff size, the annual operating income has grown by 30 percent, crossing the million-dollar threshold in 2018 for the first time in the organization’s history.

Kate was recently named the Chair of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) and is also an Executive Committee member of the Arlington Economic Development Commission, a member of GO Virginia Region 7, a Council Member of the Alexandria/Arlington Workforce Investment Council and a Board Member of the Leadership Center for Excellence.
Also celebrating a milestone with the Arlington Chamber is Senior Director of Marketing & Operations, Cassie Bate Hurley. Cassie is celebrating five years of service with the Chamber after rejoining the team in October of last year. Cassie first joined the Chamber in 2012 as the Events Associate and has held several titles at the organization since then. Senior Director of Membership, Mike Rosenow, celebrated eight years with the Chamber earlier this year.

Varity Homes today announced its partnership with Side, the only real estate technology company that exclusively partners with high-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages to transform them into market-leading boutique brands and businesses. The alliance will ensure that Varity Homes, a company that lifts up clients and the community, is powered by the industry’s most advanced platform.

Varity Homes was founded by Geva Lester and Jane Morrison, longtime Arlington residents and agents with an 85% referral clientele. Generating $50 million in sales in 2021 and $234 million in their combined careers, Lester and Morrison boost their client services with their tech backgrounds and deep knowledge of the northern Virginia market. Lester and Morrison are also community-focused and continue their charitable endeavors through Varity. Varity Homes represents buyers and sellers throughout northern Virginia, specializing in Arlington as well as Falls Church, Washington, D.C., and Alexandria.

“We’re excited to strengthen our services in the northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. markets with Varity Homes,” Lester said. “Boosted by specialized support, our boutique brand will also be able to do more for our communities.”

Partnering with Side will ensure Varity Homes remains on the cutting edge of the evolving real estate market while continuing to deliver premium services to its clients. Side works behind the scenes, supporting Varity Homes with a one-of-a-kind brokerage platform that includes proprietary technology, transaction management, branding and marketing services, public relations, legal support, lead generation, vendor management, infrastructure solutions, and more. Additionally, Varity Homes will join an exclusive group of Side partners, tapping into an expansive network from coast to coast.

“Side’s state-of-the-art marketing, technology, administrative, and legal services will help us grow, expand our opportunities, equip us with the necessary tech tools, and focus on attracting like-minded people to our brand,” Morrison said.

About Varity Homes

Varity Homes seeks to empower its clients through its communication, knowledge, and exemplary service. By creating successful experiences and outcomes and forging mutually beneficial relationships, the team has secured an 85% referral base. Beyond serving clients is Varity Homes’ mission to enrich northern Virginia’s communities through charitable donations. Varity Homes serves buyers and sellers across northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.varityhomes.com.

About Side

Side is a behind-the-scenes brokerage platform that exclusively partners with top-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages to create and grow their own boutique brands without the cost, time, or risk of operating a brokerage. Side’s proprietary technology platform and premier support solutions empower its agent partners to be more productive, grow their business, and focus on serving their clients. Side is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.sideinc.com.

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This fall, approximately 3.2 million eligible taxpayers will receive one-time tax rebates of up to $250 if they filed individually, and up to $500 if they filed jointly. To be eligible, taxpayers must file by November 1, 2022 and have had a 2021 tax liability. Starting September 19, taxpayers can go to tax.virginia.gov/rebate and check their eligibility for this one-time tax rebate. We are processing the rebates “first in/first out.” Those who filed by July 1 should expect their rebate to arrive in late October. Those who file between July 1 and November 1 will receive their rebate within 4 months of their file date.

Taxpayers who received a state tax refund by direct deposit this year will likely receive their one-time tax rebate by direct deposit in the same bank account. All other eligible taxpayers will receive their rebate by paper check in the mail.

“As Virginians face high inflation and prices coming from policies set in Washington, these one-time tax rebates will help families lower the cost of living,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Past administrations have overtaxed Virginians and by returning taxpayer money to Virginia’s taxpayers we are ensuring that hard working Virginians get to keep more of their paycheck during these difficult economic times.”

Debt Setoff Rules Required for Rebates

If a taxpayer owes money to Virginia Tax, or another state or local agency, the Commonwealth will use their tax rebate to satisfy that debt before sending the taxpayer the remainder of the rebate (along with contact information for the agency that was owed). In the event a taxpayer owes more than the amount of the one-time tax rebate, Virginia Tax will send the taxpayer a letter explaining the use of the rebate toward the debt as well as contact information for the agency that was owed.

NOLA’ s favorite drink, Pimm’s Cup, Pops-Up at Bayou Bakery as “Your Majesty – Lilabet” for a Ceremonial, Burial Toast to Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, September 19, 2022. $7 dollar Cocktail for Seven Reigning Decades

New Orleans comes to mind for one thing very British – a Pimm’s Cup at the Napoleon House, which has been a popular cocktail since the late 1940s, beginning with the bon vivant crowd. It is a refreshing drink that has quenched the thirst during the heated summer days in New Orleans. The elegant gin-based drink, “Your Majesty – Lilabet” is popping up at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery [Arlington, Virginia] and will be served all day while playing the ceremonial burial on the “telly’ from 7AM-5PM, Monday, September 19, 2022. Raise a glass of Pimm’s #1, Bayou Lemonade, Ginger Ale, Cucumber, and Mint Garnish to honor the refreshing and elegantly dutiful Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, when she is laid to rest beside her beloved Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

NOLA native, Chef David Guas, shares, “This was the drink of choice when you were of age or almost there – so light and refreshing–and you rarely got into trouble if you had a few. It’s on par with the popularity of a Sazerac and Milk Punch. Experiencing the Queen’s Jubilee this summer with my family, her impressive 70-year reign deserves a fitting tribute toast!”

12-ounce glass, “Your Majesty- Lilabet” Pimm’s Cup is $7.00 for Seven Reigning Decades.

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