Sponsored

Collective Heritage: Celebrating Hispanic-owned businesses in Arlington

By Sponsor

This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural legacy and entrepreneurial spirit of Hispanic communities across the United States. In Arlington, that spirit is reflected in the vibrant network of Hispanic-owned businesses that continue to shape our local economy and community identity.

This year, BizLaunch is proud to celebrate under the national theme “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” as a tribute to the legacy of long-standing businesses and the promise of emerging entrepreneurs redefining success in our region.

Among the Hispanic-owned businesses that have become pillars of Arlington’s neighborhoods are:

  • Amoroso Art: A vibrant creative studio celebrating Latin American culture through visual arts
  • Island Jewelry: Known for its handcrafted pieces that reflect Caribbean heritage and craftsmanship
  • Panamerican Bakery: Brings the warmth of traditional Latin baked goods to the community
  • Heads Up Hair Design: Offers personalized beauty services rooted in cultural pride and style
  • La Coop Coffee: A social enterprise connecting Guatemalan coffee growers with local consumers;
  • Café Sazón and Cassiel Salon: Community favorites blending hospitality and wellness, creating welcoming spaces that reflect the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of Arlington’s Hispanic community

These businesses are part of a broader movement in Arlington, Virginia and beyond. Across Virginia, Hispanic entrepreneurs own more than 9.2 percent of small businesses, contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth . Nationally, there are more than 5.1 million Hispanic-owned firms employing nearly three million people and generating over $766.8 billion in annual revenue. Hispanic business owners currently represent 14.5 percent of all entrepreneurs in the United States, a figure that continues to grow each year (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2024). Hispanic-owned businesses have experienced remarkable growth, increasing by 44% between 2018 and 2023, compared to a slight decline in white-owned businesses during the same period. This surge highlights the dynamic expansion of Latino entrepreneurship in the U.S. (Stanford GSB, 2024).

But Hispanic Heritage Month is not only about honoring the past. It is also about inspiring the future. Arlington is home to a new generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs who are launching innovative ventures and bringing fresh energy to our business landscape. These early-stage businesses, such as Red Bean Harvest Coffee, a specialty coffee startup connecting local consumers with Latin American growers; Prize App, a creative platform that benefits employees and employers at the same time; Tech Solutions by Alexis Rivas, providing tech support and digital services to small businesses; and Portal Maya Food Truck, serving traditional Mayan flavors with a modern twist, are full of promise, and their stories are just beginning.[DE8]

(more…)

Mobile dentistry for seniors & assisted Living—smiles made easy

By District Mobile Dental
Dr. Seth Dubin, D.M.D. The owner and primary care provider of District Mobile Dental.

Dental Visits, Redefined: We Come to You

District Mobile Dental delivers expert in-home dental care to seniors and those with mobility challenges—no travel required! Using advanced portable equipment, we provide preventive checkups & cleanings, plus restorative treatment like fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures—all within the comfort of your home, community, or care facility. Flexible scheduling, transparent communication, and emergency service make high-quality care easy and accessible.

Led by a Certified Dementia Practitioner®, our compassionate team also understands the unique needs of individuals with memory or cognitive conditions, offering sensitive care with every visit.

District Mobile Dental helps save time, money, and worry by bringing trusted oral healthcare directly to your door. Experience brighter smiles and greater peace of mind – reach out today to learn more! Our concierge is happy to answer any questions you might have and see if our service is the right match for you or your loved one.

“Dr. Dubin and his trusty sidekick are an excellent resource for the homebound in need of dental care. He is skillful, compassionate and very careful to clearly explain everything he does for his patient. The range of services that can be provided at home was surprisingly broad and it is the least stressful environment for a fragile senior.”

Schedule an in-home dental visit

Listing of the Day: 1530 Key Blvd #112

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Address: 1530 Key Boulevard # 112, Arlington, VA, 22209
Neighborhood: Rosslyn
Type: 1 BR, 1 BA condo – 895 sq. ft.
Listed: $499,000

Noteworthy: Walk out patio – great for dogs! 11’+ ceilings, bright and updated.

Stunning 1 BD/ 1BA move-in ready condo in the heart of Rosslyn. Enjoy the soaring 11′ ceilings, hardwood floors, open floor plan and light that pours in from the sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. This particular unit has an ideal location in the Atrium building with a large ground level patio that faces the gated pool and barbecue area and is steps away from the “residents only” dog park. Imagine not needing to use the elevator to walk your dog – just go out the back door. There are custom blinds but no need to worry about privacy from passing pedestrians – this unit does not face the street or sidewalks. Instead it faces the Atrium’s common outdoor areas that are gated and quite private. The kitchen and bath are both updated and gorgeous. In-unit washer and dryer. So much storage: a walk-in primary closet with Elfa Shelving, 2 additional closets and a storage space that is conveniently located about 150 ft from the condo. One reserved garage parking spot conveys. Pets allowed within size restrictions. Located in the heart of Rosslyn, the Atrium Condominium is located on a quiet side street, and is walkable to Metro, shops, restaurants, walking/bike paths and Georgetown. Easy access to Rte. 66, GW Parkway and close to Reagan National Airport. Condo fees include water, trash, Fios TV preferred HD and Fios Internet 300/300, 1 assigned parking space, pool, gym, tennis court, dog park, 24 hour front desk security.

Listed by:
Kathy Rehill – RE/MAX DISTINCTIVE
[email protected]
(703) 403-1064

Ask Eli: Sharing some exciting personal news

By Eli Tucker

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

I’d like to share some exciting personal news with the ARLnow community… our family of three just became a family of four!

We welcomed baby girl Summer Tucker into the world in the early hours of September 21, the last day of Summer! We had the name picked out well before, so her birth date was a fun coincidence.

Summer is healthy, Mom is well, brother is excited, and we are enjoying every minute of it.

Baby girl Summer Tucker

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

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

  • Ballston – 4BR/3.5BA+office/4,000 sqft – Four Townhouses (2026/2027) – 11th St N Arlington VA 22201
  • Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
  • Rosslyn – 2BR+den/2.5BA/2,000+ sqft – Condo (2021) – 1781 N Pierce St Arlington VA 22209
  • Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

Schedule a meeting

Celebrate culture and tradition at Arlington’s Festival LatinoAmericano – October 3

By Sponsor
1/9

Arlington’s vibrant cultural tradition is back! On Friday, October 3, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Arlington Mill Community Center will transform into a lively hub of music, dance, food, and art as the community gathers for Festival LatinoAmericano.

Rain or shine – families, friends, and neighbors are invited to enjoy an evening filled with the rhythms, flavors, and colors that showcase the rich diversity of the Hispanic community. This year’s event schedule will include the following:

Cultural Parade – Wave Your Flag!
New this year, come watch and participate in our Hispanic country flag parade. Beginning from one end of the event stage, each country will be introduced during this special recognition celebrating heritage and pride.

Live Performances That Move You
From traditional dance groups to high-energy bands, the entertainment lineup will keep the plaza alive all evening. Back again this year, our headliner, Cubano Groove, will surely keep you on your feet. Bringing a little spiced up Latin flavor, Bong District blinds reggae, funk and ska to shake the dance floor. Expect everything from salsa to the merengue with Zumba lessons on the side to add to the fun.

Flavors From Across Latin America
Come hungry and sample dishes that span countries and cultures. Local favorites like Amazonas and El Encanto Latino and new food vendors alike will be serving up everything from savory empanadas to sweet treats. Portal Maya will also be on site serving authentic Guatemalan food you will savor.

Artisans, Vendors, and Creativity
Inside the community center, explore a marketplace featuring an array of local artisans and organizations. Discover handmade crafts, vibrant artwork, and interactive exhibits, including handmade jewelry from Insogifts and delectable specialty coffee from Red Bean Harvest.

Don’t miss this year’s celebration! Register today and join us for an unforgettable evening of culture, connection, and community spirit.

Work is evolving. Benefits should evolve, too.

By Shipt

Shoppers and drivers with Shipt love having the flexibility to set their own schedules. In fact, more than 90 percent prefer picking up work when and where it makes sense over a set schedule and hours. Learn how a new portable benefits model allows workers to choose benefits that are right for them, without compromising the flexibility they need.

Learn More

10 more homes that should have sold by now

By Jean Ropp

This recurring Real Estate feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Jean Ropp

Last month, I shared a handful of homes that, “should have sold by now.” This month, I’ve found another round of properties that, if we were looking back just a few years, would likely have been snapped up in a heartbeat.

It’s important to note that by definition, we’re still in a seller’s market. Inventory remains low, and we’re not near the levels that would signal a true buyer’s market. And if we rewind to pre-pandemic times, it was normal for a home to be on the market for a few weeks. Sellers didn’t worry if their listing didn’t disappear in three days.

But after the last four years of intense frenzied demand, we’ve gotten used to a new pace where anything less than lightning-fast feels unusual. So when I say these homes “should have sold by now,” it’s only in the context of that recent precedent.

The properties I’m highlighting below are well-prepared, appealing listings. Today, they’re still available, giving buyers a rare window of opportunity.

2727 N George Mason Dr
  • 2016 N Adams St #604
     1 Bed | 1 Bath
    Presented by: RLAH @properties (RLAH3)
    Price: $295,000
    Days on Market: 20
  • 2903 S Woodstock St #B
     3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
    Presented by: EXP Realty, LLC
    Price: $549,900
    Days on Market: 25
  • 4855 27th Rd S
     2 Bed | 2 Bath
    Presented by: EXP Realty, LLC
    Price: $599,900
    Days on Market: 26
  • 2001 15th St N #1210
     2 Bed | 2 Bath
    Presented by: Central Properties, LLC
    Price: $799,000
    Days on Market: 26
  • 2801 Langston Blvd #302
     2 Bed | 2 Bath
    Presented by: Corcoran McEnearney
    Price: $799,000
    Days on Market: 27
  • 5713 19th St N
     3 Bed | 3 Bath
    Presented by: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
    Price: $998,000
    Days on Market: 25
  • 630 N Edison St
     3 Bed | 2 Bath
    Presented by: Compass
    Price: $1,275,000
    Days on Market: 26
  • 2566 Military Rd
     4 Bed | 3 Bath
    Presented by: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
    Price: $1,299,900
    Days on Market: 25
  • 322 N George Mason Dr
     5 Bed | 4.5 Bath
    Presented by: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
    Price: $1,450,000
    Days on Market: 24
  • 2727 N George Mason Dr
     5 Bed | 5.5 Bath
    Presented by: Corcoran McEnearney
    Price: $1,795,000
    Days on Market: 25

If you would like to tour any of these homes please reach out to me to book a private showing, Jean Ropp, [email protected] or 781.635.5530

Work is evolving. Benefits should evolve, too.

By Shipt

Shoppers and drivers with Shipt love having the flexibility to set their own schedules. In fact, more than 90 percent prefer picking up work when and where it makes sense over a set schedule and hours. Learn how a new portable benefits model allows workers to choose benefits that are right for them, without compromising the flexibility they need.

Learn More

Listing of the Day: 3122 N. Nottingham Street

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Address: 3122 N. Nottingham Street
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Type: 4 BR, 3 (+2 half) BA single-family detached – 4330 sq. ft.
Listed: $2,199,900

Noteworthy: Stunning Renovated Home on Private Lot!

Beautifully expanded and remodeled 4,330 sqft home offers a private, fully fenced yard with a sparkling pool and unbeatable location just steps to Nottingham Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, and Yorktown High. Renovated by Whittington Design with an airy, light-filled aesthetic, the main level showcases a show-stopping kitchen with cathedral ceiling, enormous 12-by-5 island that seats six, quartz countertops, three sinks, two dishwashers, two ovens, two refrigerators, a built-in banquette with seating for seven, and wide views of the pool. The kitchen opens to a gorgeous family room anchored by a glazed-brick fireplace and is complemented by two powder rooms, plus a sunlit office with built-ins and a living room/library lined with custom cabinetry and bookcases. Upstairs are four bedrooms including a spectacular primary suite with a dressing room and luxurious spa bath, large guest bedroom with an en-suite bath, two oversized secondary bedrooms, a hall bath, and laundry room with extensive cabinetry. The above-ground lower level provides an enormous family room with multiple gathering spaces, wet bar with beverage fridge, and a mudroom area. Premium finishes abound—Farrow & Ball paint, Thibaut wallpaper, Schumacher window treatments, and custom lighting—along with new windows, doors, roof, gutters, plumbing, electrical systems, and an electric car charger. The pool was re-plastered and re-tiled in 2023 with new bluestone decking and deck lighting, and the private backyard features a custom stone fire pit with boulder-stone seating for year-round enjoyment. Designed for every stage of life, this exceptional home is ready to be enjoyed with family, friends, and neighbors.

http://www.3122NottinghamStreet.com

Listed by:
Rob Ferguson – RE/MAX Allegiance
[email protected]
(703) 926-6139

Statutes of Liberty: “I’ve Seen Better-Organized Riots” – $100,000 fee added to H-1B Program

By James Montana

This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq. and Janice Chen, 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.

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Trump Administration published a Proclamation – “Restriction on Entry of Certain Non-Immigrant Workers” – which purported to impose a $100,000 ‘supplemental fee’ on all petitions, with the penalty being that visas – that is, entry documents provided by the US Embassies and consulates abroad – would not be issued for any beneficiary of a petition for which the supplemental fee had not been paid. The Proclamation did not explain whether this $100,000 ‘supplemental fee’ applied only to prospective H-1B petitions or to current petitions. The plain text of the Proclamation suggested that it applied to all H-1B workers “currently outside the United States” as of 12:01 AM EST on September 21, 2025. Therefore, every H-1B visaholder who happened to be outside the U.S. on September 19th had excellent reason to panic. Corporations, including Google, and Amazon, reacted rationally by telling their workers to drop everything and fly home, pronto.

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow published a one-page memorandum that walked back the worst elements of the Proclamation. It clarified matters, at least to a degree, by stating that the proclamation “only applies prospectively to petitions that have not yet been filed” and not to current H-1B visaholders. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Department of State and Customs and Border Protection released similar clarifications.

The result of this haphazard rollout was – predictably – chaos, which sparked criticism across the ideological spectrum, from Steve Bannon to tech industry trade groups. Even the attempts to reassure current H-1B visaholders fell flat, because – incredibly – the Administration appears not to have decided yet whether the $100,000 surcharge is annual or once every three years, or whether it applies to changes of employer outside the annual lottery process.

This chaos managed to overshadow another massive change to the H-1B process – a notice of proposed regulatory action, by which the Administration is seeking to eliminate the current H-1B lottery, which allocates visas randomly so long as the proposed employment meets the threshold qualifications and does not fall the prevailing wages observed by the Department of Labor. In its place, the Administration is seeking to create a ‘weighted’ system which prioritizes positions that are being paid at higher than the prevailing wage. Note that, unlike the 2021 proposed revisions, this new proposed system doesn’t prioritize the highest-wage positions, as an absolute matter, but rather prioritizes those positions with the greatest difference between the wage offered to the foreign employee and the prevailing wage. If the prevailing wage for legal secretaries is $50,000 per year and you offer to pay a foreign legal secretary $150,000 per year, the new weighted lottery system prioritizes your application over an application for a foreign AI researcher who earns much more.

It’s difficult to say why the Administration rolled out the new $100,000 surcharge in this way. It seems likely that the speed of the rollout was intentional; if the Administration had provided even two weeks’ notice, companies would have rushed to file new applications before the deadline. But, given that intentionality, it is hard to understand why the Administration didn’t foresee the inevitable consequences of sloppy drafting – in cost, heartache, and legal bills – and work to prevent them.

Who was at fault for this? We’ll have to wait for the memoirs and tell-alls to be released. The official White House ‘Rapid Response 47’ Twitter account offered an interesting theory: “Corporate lawyers and others with agendas are creating a lot of FAKE NEWS around President Trump’s H-1B Proclamation.”

The White House didn’t mean to include Statutes of Liberty in its criticism, and properly so. We don’t traffic in fake news. We’re real advertisers.

Readers are, as always, invited to ask questions, real or fake,, and we will do our best to respond.

Swings for Sam Houdous at Bronson

By Sponsor
Swings for Sam 2025

Swings for Sam 2025 is back and it’s even better than last year! Whether you are a former patient of Dr. Sam’s, a member of the Arlington fitness community, or someone looking for a good time (and a good cause). We’d love for you to join us at Bronson Bierhall for a morning of wellness including kettlebell swings for raising money, food, cold plunges, raffles, yoga, coffee & more!

100% of your ticket purchase and donations will go to Sam!

Whats included in your ticket:

  • Full brunch buffet from Bronson
  • Coffee & donuts from Good Company
  • Flow Yoga class by SoulFire
  • Live DJ
  • 5 tickets to enter into raffle prizes (additional can be purchased seperately onsite)
  • Watch kettlebell swing fundraiser (or join as an athlete)

Grab your tickets here: Swings for Sam 2025 | A morning of wellness, food & impact Tickets, Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Sam Hodous is an exceptional person, and anyone he connects with can instantly feel a draw to his passion and enthusiasm. As a devoted son, loving husband to his wife Mary, caring father to his 4-year old son Obi, supportive brother, and cherished friend, Sam’s life is a testament to his commitment to those he loves and to the community he serves.

Dr. Sam, as his patients adoringly refer to him, creates connections with in a unique way that is truly transformative on their Physical Therapy journey. His expertise, love for movement and compassionate approach have touched countless lives.Sam is not just a skilled therapist but also a mentor who inspires others with his vast knowledge and eagerness to always learn and share. His supportive nature, collaborative energy, and optimism and make him a guiding light for those around him.

On August 21, 2024, Sam received a devastating diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). At his young age of 35, an admiringly strong & fit body, and career of helping other’s solve their physical limitations, this news is especially heartbreaking.As he navigates this new chapter, his stretch of community across the country & the world are coming together to support him and his family. We invite you to join us in raising funds to help alleviate the financial burdens associated with ALS and ensure that Sam, Mary and Obi have as much support as we can provide.Your generosity and support will not only help Sam manage the challenges ahead but also honor the incredible person he is and the positive impact he continues to make on so many lives.

You can also donate directly to Sams GofundMe at this link

Get tickets

Arts Focus: Theatre on the Run hosts tribute to Arlington’s trailblazing women musicians

By Sponsor

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

South Arlington’s neighborhoods were undoubtedly fertile ground for women musicians of color. The area was home to both the legendary vocalist and pianist Roberta Flack as well as the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, an all-female, multi-ethnic big band that toured to national acclaim in the 1930’s and 40’s. Now, two contemporary women musicians uplift the legacies of these Arlington legends with a weekend showcase at Theatre on the Run, at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, in Arlington.

1/3

The world premiere of Suite for Sweethearts by Amy K Bormet takes place on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 (shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.). The following evening hear Killing Me Softly: A Love Letter to Roberta Flack by vocalist Munit Mesfin and the First Take Band on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (shows at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.). Reservations for this FREE event are available on Eventbrite.

Additionally, Bormet and Mesfin will each offer youth-oriented presentations at the same location on Sunday, Oct. 5. Bringing Flack’s children’s book, The Green Piano to life via an interactive performance, Munit and z Lovebugs Celebrate Roberta, Music and You! occurs at 11:00 a.m. Amy K Bormet offers an improvisation workshop for all experience levels (Age 14+) at 2:00 p.m. Bormet also offers a free Open Rehearsal, Wednesday Oct. 1 (8:00 – 10:00 p.m.). (more…)

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