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Met Park becomes your dance floor this fall with the return of NaLa Noches, a high-energy celebration of Latin music and culture in the heart of National Landing. Sigue el sonido/follow the sound of the güiro, clave, and timbales during live performances from top regional acts curated by DC trumpet legend Joe Herrera. During the set break, Inspira Dance leads short, beginner-friendly dance lessons, from salsa to merengue and more!

Grab empanadas and alfajores onsite from local favorite Peruvian Brothers, cool down with a complimentary Topo Chico, and partake in hands-on “Colores y Cultura” art activations by Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington.

FREE TO RSVP

Musical Lineup:

September 17 — René Ibáñez & Cubano Groove (Latin Jazz)

September 24 — Punto i Aparte (Salsa Merengue)

October 1 — Orquesta Manplesa (Salsa)

October 8 — Monte Cimarrón (Cuban Son/Salsa)

October 15 — Son Cubano Subterráneo (Cuban Son)

Art Activities & Artist Lineup:

Join Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington for fun and free “Colores y Cultura” arts activities each week.

September 17: Talavera Pottery-Style Clay Crafts // sculpt decorative pieces with air dry clay!

September 24: Artist Spotlight: David Amoroso — Papel Amate Inspired Painting // paint vibrant scenes of flora + fauna on natural paper.

October 1: Artist Spotlight: Michelle Espinoza — Corn Husk Flowers // craft flowers out of corn husks.

October 8: Artist Spotlight: Jaqui Falkenheim — Little Houses on Caminito Street // color and collage houses inspired by Caminito Street in La Boca, Buenos Aires!

October 15: Mini-Nicho Shadow Boxes // create a personal little shrine with colorful embellishments!

Please refer to the National Landing website for transportation and full event details: www.nationallanding.org/events/nala-noches

NaLa Noches is produced by the National Landing BID in partnership with Amazon.

When a loved one passes away, families often face difficult decisions about funeral arrangements, finances, and the distribution of property. One common question is whether having a will automatically means the estate must go through probate.

Not necessarily. Whether probate is required in Virginia depends largely on how the deceased person’s assets were owned and whether those assets have another method of transferring to heirs or beneficiaries.

Understanding when probate is required—and when it can be avoided—can help families navigate estate administration with greater confidence.

What Is Probate in Virginia?

Probate is the legal process used to administer certain assets belonging to a deceased person, or decedent. In Virginia, probate generally takes place through the circuit court in the city or county where the decedent lived.

When probate is necessary, the court recognizes the will, if there is one, and appoints a personal representative to handle the estate. The personal representative is responsible for identifying and collecting assets, addressing valid debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property according to the will or Virginia’s intestacy laws.

Importantly, having a will does not automatically mean every asset must pass through probate. A will generally controls probate assets, while certain property passes directly to another person through ownership arrangements or beneficiary designations.

When Is Probate Required?

Probate is generally necessary when someone dies owning assets in their individual name that do not have another method of transferring ownership.

Examples can include:

• Real estate owned solely by the decedent
• Bank accounts without joint ownership or beneficiary designations
• Vehicles, jewelry, collections, or other personal property owned individually

In these situations, probate may be necessary to give the personal representative authority to transfer or distribute the property.

When Is Probate Not Required?

Some assets can transfer automatically after death and therefore may not need to pass through probate.

Jointly owned property: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship generally pass to the surviving owner.

Beneficiary-designated accounts: Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and certain bank accounts can pass directly to the beneficiaries named on the account.

Revocable living trusts: Assets properly transferred into a revocable living trust generally avoid probate because the trust owns the property rather than the deceased individual.

Virginia also provides a simplified option for certain small estates. Under Va. Code § 64.2-601, qualifying personal property valued at $75,000 or less may be transferred using a small estate affidavit rather than a full probate proceeding, provided the statutory requirements are satisfied.

This simplified procedure applies to qualifying personal property, not real estate, and can be particularly useful when an estate consists of modest assets such as a bank account or vehicle.

What Happens When Probate Is Required?

When probate is necessary, the personal representative must complete several steps before the estate can be closed. These typically include identifying and valuing estate assets, filing the required inventory, addressing creditor claims and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

Virginia also imposes deadlines for certain estate filings. The inventory generally must be filed within four months after qualification, while the first accounting is generally due within 16 months.

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For many Arlington families, older adults, and households with disabilities, affordable housing support can make the difference between stability and uncertainty.

That’s why Arlington County is encouraging eligible households interested in the Housing Grants Program to apply now. Direct applications are now open and remain open through Sept. 30, 2026, but the application process will change this fall. Beginning in October, the program will move to a waitlist-based system for new admissions. 

The Housing Grants Program helps eligible households afford rental housing in an Arlington community they can call home. A County-funded program, the Arlington County Housing Grants Program provides a monthly housing grant to eligible households. These grants cover a portion of monthly rent, depending on household income, household size, and rent amount. As demand for assistance continues to grow, Arlington County is implementing a waitlist process designed to preserve the program for the long term while providing a fair and transparent path to future admissions.

For households that may qualify, the message is simple: Don’t wait. Apply before Sept. 30 while direct applications are still being accepted.

Starting Oct. 5, 2026, households seeking assistance will need to join a waitlist. Pre-applications for the waitlist will be accepted through Oct. 19, 2026. Unlike many housing programs, the process will not be first-come, first-served. Every completed application submitted during the registration period will have an equal chance of selection. An automated lottery will be used to select up to 500 households for placement on the waitlist.

Arlington County is also working to ensure households can access help throughout the waitlist registration process. Language assistance, disability accommodations, and additional support resources will be available. Beginning October 5, Arlington Public Library locations will also offer assistance to help households access information and complete waitlist pre-applications. 

The Housing Grants Program continues to serve eligible households, including older adults age 65 and older, working households with children under 18, and households that include a person who is totally and permanently disabled and receiving qualifying disability benefits.

Current program participants are not immediately affected by the new program changes. Residents who currently receive Housing Grant assistance may continue receiving support as long as they remain eligible and complete required annual recertification processes.

For households that may be eligible, applying before Sept. 30 could help avoid the uncertainty of a future waitlist and lottery process. To learn more about the Housing Grants Program, or to apply directly before Sept. 30, visit www.arlingtonva.us/housing-grants, email [email protected] or call 703-228-1350. To learn more about the October 2026 Waitlist, visit https://www.arlingtonva.us/Housing-Grant-Waitlist

Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.

Arlington’s Rosslyn–Ballston (RB) Corridor is defined by its Metro stations. While the Orange and Silver Lines move thousands of people every day, they’ve also shaped something much bigger: a collection of distinct urban villages, each with its own personality.

Condominiums thrive in walkable environments, and few places illustrate that better than Arlington. Clarendon and Wilson Boulevards create the corridor’s “Main Street,” connecting neighborhoods that are close in distance but remarkably different in character.

Can You Put a Price on Metro Access?

It’s difficult to assign an exact dollar value to being near a Metro station, but nearly everyone recognizes its importance—even those who rarely ride the train.

A good rule of thumb based on my condominium experience? Metro accessibility often adds the equivalent value of a car to a property, somewhere between $15,000 and $80,000, depending on the home’s price point, neighborhood, and walking distance to the station. Convenience has always been a premium feature, and unlike leather seats, it never wears out.

Metro stations also attract mixed-use development. Restaurants, coffee shops, offices, parks, grocery stores, and entertainment naturally follow, creating neighborhoods that become greater than the sum of their parts.

Just look at what we are witnessing today in Tysons with the introduction of the Silver Line. Twenty years ago, it was primarily a collection of isolated office buildings and shopping centers. Today, it’s evolving into a genuine urban district with Metro-driven villages with distinct personalities. While it still has work to do before matching Arlington’s walkable charm, the transformation illustrates what transit-oriented development can accomplish.

So, let’s take a walk down the corridor.

Rosslyn: The Sophisticated Executive

Rosslyn is the corridor’s undeniable power player.

With its proximity to Washington, D.C., dramatic skyline and Potomac River views, striking architecture, and the tallest buildings in Arlington, Rosslyn has become the area’s premier luxury condominium market. It’s also home to two Fortune 500 headquarters and one of the region’s strongest employment centers.

Evenings tend to be quieter than elsewhere along the corridor. While it still lacks an abundance of upscale restaurants and a true luxury grocery store, those feel more like missing puzzle pieces than permanent shortcomings. In fact, Rosslyn may have the greatest upside of any station over the next decade.

Think of Rosslyn as the friend who owns four perfectly tailored suits, collects art from his travels, and actually enjoys airport lounges. My business partner is him.

Courthouse: The Responsible Adult

If Rosslyn wears the power suit, Courthouse carries the clipboard.

Centered around county government, the courthouse, law offices, police headquarters, and civic services, this neighborhood has long served as Arlington’s administrative heart. The restaurant scene leans toward fast-casual favorites that cater to professionals during the workday rather than late-night crowds.

Over time, careful mixed-use planning has transformed many surrounding single-family lots into condominiums, apartments, and townhomes, creating a balanced urban neighborhood while preserving its civic identity.

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The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals, their families, and supporters by funding practical research and providing valuable resources. Since its founding in 2001, OAR has awarded millions in research grants, supported autistic students through scholarships, and delivered free, evidence-based resources to the autism community.

In order to highlight our mission, supporters, and efforts, we are hosting a fundraiser to celebrate 25 years as an organization and to raise funds to support our mission and resources. Learn more here:

OAR’s Casino Night

Get ready for a high-energy evening where fun meets purpose, all in support of OAR’s mission. Sip from a full open bar, enjoy savory bites and small plates, and try your luck at table games while connecting with an incredible community of supporters.

Between hands at the tables, browse an expansive silent auction featuring premium items, or step out onto the rooftop terrace to take in the views of Old Town Alexandria. Whether you are playing, mingling, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the evening promises excitement paired with meaningful impact.

Join us to celebrate OAR’s 25-year legacy, support our critical mission, and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Event Details

🗓️ Saturday, September 19, 2026

📍 Above ALX Community
277 S Washington St, Penthouse
Alexandria, Virginia

🕐️ or 🗓️ Schedule:
VIP Hour: 6:00 – 7:00 pm (Exclusive access to games, bar & passed hors d’oeuvres)
Game Play: 7:00 – 9:15 pm
Awards & Silent Auction Results: 9:15 – 10:00 pm

🎟️ Tickets:
All tickets include full access to the open bar, gourmet dinner stations, photo booth, and games. Tickets include “OAR Dollars” which can be used in games throughout the evening.

VIP Admission – $295
Includes $200 in “OAR Dollars,” passed hors d’oeuvres, and exclusive access to the event starting at 6:00 pm
General Admission – $225
Includes $100 in “OAR Dollars” and access to the event starting at 7:00 pm

Incredibly excited to wrap up an awesome first summer. I’ve learned a lot, and I thought I’d share some of those lessons with you.

1. Hiring a JMU intern is a great idea.

This summer we were lucky enough to hire a young man from Woodbridge named Owen, who is a rising senior at JMU. He was exactly the spark we needed to help us push through our first busy summer season. We’ve already made him a job offer for next summer when he graduates, and we’re hopeful he’ll join us full-time.

2. People are generally helpful and want to see you succeed when you’re first starting out.

Over the summer, I was amazed by how many people wanted to help me get a strong start in my business. There were definitely times when I knew folks might not need a new roof, but they were still kind enough to let me come by, take a look, and give them a free estimate just in case. It was inspiring and motivating to know that there are strangers out there who don’t even know me but still want to see me win.

3. Hard work solves most problems.

From the beginning, I’ve been honest about having a lot to learn in this industry. What I’ve come to find is that even when I don’t know exactly what I’m doing, hard work will still often get me to the right result. When in doubt, just keep pushing. This is something I’ll remember as more hard times come and as we get ready to go through the cold winter season.

4. Working with property managers and realtors can be a win-win for everyone.

This year, we’ve built some great relationships with property managers and realtors. These folks are hardworking and busy, and the last thing they have time to worry about is a roof for their clients. We’ve worked with them to install new roofs, windows, gutters, doors, and siding on multiple occasions.

5. Some folks will slam the door in your face without thinking twice.

Things aren’t always easy in this game, and I don’t want to paint an overly rosy picture without talking about some of the hard stuff too. As a new person working hard to get your name out there, it can definitely be a little daunting when someone yells at you or slams the door in your face. Luckily, most people are warm and will at least talk to you, and we’ve appreciated that as we navigate these bumps along the way.

6. Most homeowners just want transparency and great customer service.

It’s wild how many contractors out there really can’t be trusted. We’ve come to learn quickly that homeowners just want fantastic customer service and transparency throughout the process. If you can honestly show someone how the process is going to take place and hold their hand a little along the way, you can make almost all of your customers pretty happy.

7. Homeowners taught me more than any training could have.

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