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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation honors local leaders at Tennis Creates Gala

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Image from USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation honors local leaders at Tennis Creates Gala
Malika Andrews, 2026 Tennis Creates Gala Host
Gabrielle Berg, Northern Virginia Tennis for Fun Chapter Founder, 2026 Youth Leader of the Year Awardee
Khoi Truong, Lake Braddock Boys Tennis Coach, 2026 Coach of the Year Awardee
Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy (ret.), 2026 Tennis Creates Impact Honoree
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Game, set, Gala! On Saturday, Nov. 14, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s annual Tennis Creates Gala, presented by QTS, comes to The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, celebrating the transformative power of tennis.

The evening raises critical funds to make the sport accessible to all across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and eastern/southern West Virginia.

Every dollar goes back into local communities through programs like Girls Rule the Court™, which has served more than 2,000 girls, along with Junior Player Scholarships and Tennis in Schools. Gala funds also help restore public courts. Over the last three years, the Foundation has invested $505,000 across 17 public facilities.

Emceeing the evening is Emmy Award-winning ESPN journalist Malika Andrews, host of NBA Today and NBA Countdown, who joined ESPN’s tennis coverage this year for the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

Andrews has pointed to the electric moment American tennis is having, with stars like the DMV’s own Frances Tiafoe reaching the 2026 US Open men’s semifinals, and says she’s grateful for the chance to support the sport at the local level.

Joining the celebration is new USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who took the helm of the national governing body in July after over 20 years at Tennis Australia. As he leads the USTA toward its goal of 35 million players by 2035, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation drives the grassroots work to grow the sport right here in the region.

The Foundation will present its Tennis Creates Impact Award to Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy (ret.), 63rd Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, recognizing his leadership in fostering character, community, and well-being through tennis.

The heart of the night is the 2026 Tennis Creates Awards, honoring local changemakers. Alexandria’s Leigh Ann Jackson receives the Adult Leader Award for coaching Girls Rule the Court at Groveton Elementary, where she has served 130 students over five seasons and championed the program’s expansion to Hybla Valley.

Arlington’s Gabrielle Berg earns the Youth Leader Award for founding a Northern Virginia chapter of Tennis For Fun, which runs free year-round clinics for people with special needs in partnership with the Arlington YMCA. Burke’s Khoi Truong, head coach at Lake Braddock Secondary School, is the 2026 Coach of the Year.

They’ll be joined by fellow honorees Dr. Ellen Markowitz (Community Champion), James Skinner (Provider Champion), and Janelle Nichols (Tennis in the Classroom Awardee).

Tickets and tables are now available. Can’t make it? Make a gift to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation or bid in the silent auction to help put a racquet in the hands of the next generation of players.

The Tennis Creates Gala takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, VA 22102.

For more information, visit TennisCreatesGala.com.

Alexandria’s most & least expensive home sales: September

By Adrianna Vallario
803 Chalfonte Dr - Listed by Adrianna Vallario
803 Chalfonte Dr – Listed by Adrianna Vallario

This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by Adrianna Vallario of Compass, a North Ridge-based Alexandria, VA real estate agent helping buyers, sellers, upsizers, and downsizers, throughout Alexandria City and Northern VA.

In September 2026, 16 detached homes sold, 62 condos sold, and 35 townhomes sold. Detached home sales are down 56% when compared to the same time period last year, condos are down 26%, and townhomes are down 29%. 

Most Expensive Detached Homes Sold:

$1,650,000 – 908 W Taylor Run Pkwy  6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3,318 Sqft , Listed by Corey Dutko, EXP Realty 

$1,649,900 – 517 Janney’s Ln 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 3,250 Sqft, Listed by Andrew Riguzzi, Compass 

$1,565,000 – 3112 N Rosser St 6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, 3,930 Sqft, Listed by Michelle Sagatov, Washington Fine Properties

$1,450,000 – 414 E Howell Ave 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2,092 Sqft, Listed by Lauren Kolazas, RLAH 

$1,400,000 – 803 Chalfonte Dr 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 2,478 Sqft, Listed by Adrianna Vallario, Compass 

Least Expensive Townhomes Sold: 

$475,000 – 714 Four Mile Rd 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms, 1,056 Sqft, Listed by Yascara Tudor Gil, Spring Hill Real Estate 

$614,000 – 1620 Boyle St 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,175 Sqft, Listed by Beverly Tatum, TTR Sotheby’s 

$615,000 – 235 S Jenkins St 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,976 Sqft, Listed by Bethany Stalder, KW Metro

$679,000 – 219 Buchanan St 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,125 Sqft, Listed by Omar S Sherzai, Long & Foster 

$775,000 – 1715 Dogwood Dr 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2,376 Sqft, Listed by Michael Webb, RE/MAX 

If you have any questions about these listings, or are looking to make a move in the market, please contact Adrianna Vallario – Your Alexandria Real Estate Agent.

Alexandria’s most & least expensive homes for sale – Mid-September

By Adrianna Vallario
1208 Janney's Lane - Rendering by Home Visions Media
1208 Janney’s Lane – Rendering by Home Visions Media

This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by Adrianna Vallario of Compass. Based in Alexandria, VA, Adrianna is more than just a Real Estate Agent – she is a trusted advisor, relocation expert, and community advocate.

Most Expensive Homes/Townhomes Currently For Sale:

$4,395,000 – 515 N St Asaph St 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full/3 Half Bathrooms, 4,836 Sqft, Listed by Lauren Bishop – Corcoran 

$4,000,000 – 1208 Janneys Lane  New Construction, 6 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms, 6,320 Sqft, Listed by Barry Murphy – Samson Properties 

$3,195,000 – 1406 Coventry Lane 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full/2 Half Bathrooms, 5,517 Sqft, Listed by Melissa Shelby – Compass 

$3,195,000 – 220 S Fairfax St – 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 3,170 Sqft, Listed by Patterson Group – TTR Sotheby’s

$2,950,000 – 1337 Kingston Ave 7 Bedrooms, 5.5 Bathrooms, 7,424 Sqft, Listed by Melissa Shelby – Compass 

Least Expensive Homes/Townhomes For Sale:

$570,000 – 318 E Raymond Ave  3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, 1,120 Sqft, Listed by Karen Graves – Weichert 

$575,000 – 102 S Ingram St 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,196 Sqft, Listed by Mark McFadden – Compass 

$585,000 – 4335 Utica Ave 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,296 Sqft, Listed by Stephanie Hurley – Compass  

$599,000 – 3739 Mark Dr 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,024 Sqft, Listed by Andres Martinez Villalba – Spring Hill Real Estate 

$625,000 – 206 N Payne St 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 702 Sqft, Listed by Real Property Management Pros

If you have any questions about these listings, or are looking to make a move in the market, please contact Adrianna Vallario – Your Alexandria Real Estate Agent.

Does every will have to go through probate in Virginia?

By PJI Law
Image from Does every will have to go through probate in Virginia?

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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NaLa Noches: A free Latin music series in National Landing

By Sponsor
A man in a blue cap and sunglasses dances with a smiling woman in a floral dress at an outdoor city park festival, with onlookers and tents in the background.

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.

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