The following was written and sponsored by Boston Properties.

Dear Reston:

We are truly grateful to all the Reston Town Center (RTC) residents, visitors, retailers and businesses who have placed their trust and confidence in this wonderful property for several decades. We have shared many special moments with this community and very much want that tradition to continue to grow for generations to come.

After years of research and planning, RTC activated paid parking in January with three primary goals:

1. Protecting the parking rights of RTC tenants and visitors who patronize the Center.
2. Enhancing the parking experience of those tenants, visitors and patrons.
3. Augmenting the Boston Properties revenue dedicated to reinvestment in the Reston community through improved facilities for the general public, family-oriented events, best-in-class retail, innovative technologies and nonprofit donations.

As with the progression from surface parking to garage parking some years ago, we realize moving from a free to paid parking model is a big change and has caused some confusion and dissatisfaction; however, our overriding, long-term goal is to continue to bring you the amenities you expect from a world-class destination. It is in this spirit we are writing this letter to share our perspective, correct misinformation and encourage productive feedback and dialogue. We offer the following thoughts based on today’s most prevalent concerns:

Paid parking will help manage unwarranted commuter parking. Over the course of the last three years, tens of thousands of people used RTC garages for short- and long-term commuter parking, including overnight and out-of-town stays, creating a shortage of spaces that led to frustration for tenants and visitors coming to Reston Town Center. Further, there were numerous instances of residential owners leaving their vehicles in RTC spaces. Since converting to paid parking, we are already seeing significant improvement, allowing for more RTC visitors to conveniently utilize the garages.

We are committed to assisting retailers during this transition. We are in regular communications with our retailers, and welcome open and honest dialogue in order to address the concerns that are most important to that tenant’s ongoing business operations.

Paid parking is not having the adverse impact that has been reported. When analyzing parking occupancy levels in our garages, we found January’s occupancy to be virtually identical to last November’s occupancy. Interestingly, on average, visitors have been staying longer since paid parking was activated, allowing for more time to enjoy RTC retail and amenities.

Additionally, based on the January 2016 versus January 2017 sales revenue data we have received, while sales have decreased for a few businesses, the majority of our tenants’ sales are either flat or have actually increased. It is important to emphasize this is a 30-day snapshot and not necessarily indicative of a longer-term trend. We will continue to closely analyze all revenue activity, as growth is in everyone’s best interest.

Each retailer chooses whether and where to validate parking. Each retailer and restaurateur makes its own business decisions about 1) participating in a validation program and 2) what validation terms to incorporate within their unique business model, to include validating for all or select garages.

No retailers have closed as a result of paid parking. Not a single retailer has vacated due to paid parking. In fact, numerous tenants are renewing their leases. Over the last year, 15 retailers renewed leases and four new retail leases are in progress.

We have already made a number of changes based on customer feedback, including:

• Offering free parking in garages on weekends, holidays and special event days
• Doubling the number of parking ambassadors, primarily at night to assist retail shoppers
• Installing additional onsite educational signage
• Adding a list of validating retailers to the ParkRTC app
• Regularly updating FAQs on the RTC website

In March, we will be installing an upgraded credit card pay station with a larger screen that provides better functionality in extreme weather.

Read More

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

This week’s Pet of the Week is Diesel, available for adoption from the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association. Here is what his foster mom, Lucinda, had to say about him:

Diesel loves going for hikes and runs, and will be a terrific companion for someone who enjoys the outdoors with him. Despite his energy, he is calm when at home and has been given free rein of the house at night with no issues. He is crate-trained and housebroken.

Diesel came to us very overweight, but has started to slim down. His forever home should be committed to maintaining his activity so he can get to the vet’s recommended weight. Diesel is about 2 1/2 years old and weighs about 42 pounds.

Diesel has barked at some tall men and a few dogs, probably due to previous experiences. He’s been great with our dog but I don’t think he’d be good with cats or small kids. He’ll benefit from some training and positive reinforcement to overcome some bad habits, like pulling on walks. I think his new home should have some experience with working dogs.

He loves the water and riding in cars.

Diesel is being fostered in Reston. Questions? Email sendamessagetoadam@gmail.com or submit your application now.

Are you and Diesel a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

Virginia employees are protected by Occupational Safety and Health laws from retaliation and discrimination if they report safety and health issues in the workplace.

In Virginia, an employee shall not be discriminated against or terminated in retaliation for filing a safety or health complaint, testifying or exercising a right under Virginia Code Ann. § 40.1-51.2:1 concerning employee safety and health.

Examples Where Law Might Apply

Here are some examples where the Virginia law against retaliation might apply. Keep in mind that this particular Virginia law is focused on dangers reported that could affect an employee or other employees in the workplace.

1. An employee reports to the fire department that there is a gas leak in the office. The fire department finds the cause of the leak and the employer is required to upgrade the gas lines. The manager gets upset at the cost to fix the leak and fires the employee.

2. An employee informs her manager that work vehicles are unsafe and not maintained properly. The manager, rather than fix the work vehicles, decides to fire the employee as a means to keep her from complaining or exposing the issues.

3. An employee reports a severe mold problem in the workplace. As a result, the employer is forced to spend a significant amount of money to fix the mold problem. The Employee is fired as a result of reporting the issue.

Process for Filing a VOSH Complaint

A Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) complaint of retaliation or discrimination must be filed within 60 days of the discriminatory action with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. If not, the complaint is likely to be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. Following the filing of a complaint, a VOSH investigator will contact the complainant and/or his/her counsel and will initiate an investigation if all of the requirements for jurisdiction have been met.

An investigation may lead to a settlement for the employee or could lead to sustained findings. There are also civil court remedies for an employee if a sustained violation by the investigator is not found.

If you believe that your employer has treated you differently for reporting a safety and health issue or need assistance with another employment law issue in Virginia, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

This is a promoted post by Towns of Lansdowne Square.

• 19345 Diamond Lake Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176
• Homes priced from the mid-$500s
• Sales gallery and model residence open Saturday-Wednesday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• LiveLansdowne.com

Join us at our Phase II Model Grand Opening, March 4-5, to explore what makes the Towns of Lansdowne Square a perfect new home for any buyer.

With Phase II just released, now is the time to discover the Towns of Lansdowne Square, a collection of 23 luxury urban townhomes that is reshaping the heart of the Lansdowne Town Center. These spacious townhomes feature three- and four-bedroom multi-level floorplans with the following modern touches to enhance your daily life:

• 5-inch hardwood flooring and two-piece crown molding
• Granite countertops and KitchenAid appliances
• Pella windows and solid core doors
• Private elevators available
• Expansive outdoor terraces
• Community pool and fitness center amenities

If you are looking to live in the center of a truly walkable community, these new townhomes are surrounded by shops and restaurants such as Harris Teeter, Panera Bread and BlooMoo Yogurt, in addition to convenient staples such as the Hair Cuttery, CVS Pharmacy, Shell Gas Station and Lansdowne Dry Cleaners. You will never have to venture too far to run errands or enjoy an evening out, especially as the town center expands, introducing Not Your Average Joe’s and Ford’s Fish Shack to the mix.

Phase II is released and sales are underway. To learn more, contact Will Richey, sales manager, at 703-763-2721 or [email protected].

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact her at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

When you think about cabinets you mostly think that they are built out of wood, and that’s true for the most part.

But most cabinets are not built from solid wood. There are other materials that go into the construction of cabinets. Most are wood-based, but others are not.

SOLID WOOD

Just as the term implies, it’s solid piece of wood, all the way through. The only variation might be panels that are pieces of solid wood joined together to create a larger slab. Those are usually used only on the framing and doors of the cabinets. Most cabinet lines will only use solid wood for the face frame, and better cabinet line will use it for drawer boxes and rollouts.

PLYWOOD

This is an engineered wood product, one that’s probably most familiar to most. It’s made up of thin wood layers of wood that are glued together in a sandwich form. This construction gives the board more stability.

Most custom and high-end cabinet lines use plywood for all their parts, such as the box and shelving. In mid-level lines, plywood is usually available as an upgrade, which most customers opt to get to provide longevity to their kitchens.

PARTICLE BOARD

This is engineered wood that is made from wood chips and particles that are combined with an adhesive and fused together into boards. Most stock lines use particle board as the starting point for their construction level. Particle board is cheaper but also absorbs water very quickly and then disintegrates the particles, so you need to very careful about placing cabinets made from particle board in wet spaces.

MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD (MDF)

This is another engineered wood product that’s made up of wood fibers. MDF has a finer texture than particle board and is denser and heavier than particle board. It’s used for cabinet doors, shelves and cabinet boxes.

Many pre-fabricated low-end vanity cabinets are made from MDF. It will mostly be used for painted cabinets, as it has no wood grain look to it, but it is easy to paint.

Now that we know about the construction options, the level of customization available and materials used in building the cabinets, how do you spot a great cabinet?

Top-quality kitchen cabinets are made like good furniture, so look for furniture-type construction of the box — 3/4-inch solid hardwood front frame (for framed cabinets); thicker, rather than thinner; and box construction of at least 1/2-inch plywood.

The shelving should be made of plywood as well for extra stability. The drawer boxes and rollouts should be solid wood with undermount glides. Those will be easy to spot, as they will be built with dovetail corner construction and not glued or stapled. The glides will be mounted under the drawer/ rollout for maximum support, and most are built for at least 100 pounds of weight load.

Lastly, ask about the finishing process. Cabinet manufactures have different ways to adhere the finish to the cabinets and you want it to last long.

Regardless of who you buy your cabinets from, make sure you understand what their warranty covers and for how long. Many of the high-end cabinet lines will offer lifetime warranty on the cabinets finish and parts.

If you are still not sure which cabinet is right for you, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to help!

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Cash, a puppy who is a Basset Hound/Jack Russell mix.

Here is what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:

Cash is a 5-month-old Bassett Hound/Jack Russell mix that weighs 14 pounds. Cash came to the shelter with his brother Scruggs. These boys are cuteness overload. Both are incredibly sweet, loving and friendly, love other dogs and absolutely love all people!

Cash is a precious little boy who would love nothing more than a family to love and a home to call his own. Can you give Cash his forever home?

Cash is up to date on all vaccines, is micro-chipped and has been neutered. His adoption fee is $350.

Are you and Cash (or Scruggs) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Beauty, a black Domestic Short Hair cat.

Here is what her friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about her:

Beauty is a very sweet young lady. When her foster mom was bedridden after having surgery on her foot, Beauty would lie by her side on the couch. Beauty loves to play with other cats. She currently lives in a foster home with 6 other cats and gets along well with them. Beauty is a bit shy with strangers, but once she feels safe and comfortable, she is a loving young lady. Beauty was about 6 months old the first part of February.

Are you and Beauty a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

Employees in the Commonwealth of Virginia have a number of forums for potentially filing a sexual harassment complaint. First, employees must determine whether the facts in their case constitute sexual harassment. The general definition of sexual harassment, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is that it includes “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.”

The harassment victim can be either a woman or a man. Additionally, the harassment victim does not have to be of the opposite sex. That being said, sexual harassment does not always have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s gender/sex. Harassing an individual by making offensive comments about his or her gender can constitute sexual harassment. Additionally, when more minor comments or teasing are made on a continuing basis, a hostile work environment based on sexual harassment can arise. Additional EEOC regulations and guidance on sexual harassment can be viewed here.

Harassment Complaints for Federal Employees in Virginia

For federal employees in Virginia, the usual method of filing an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint alleging sexual harassment is to go through their federal agency’s EEO office within 45 days of the date of the harassment. This very short deadline can usually be satisfied by initiating contact directly with a federal EEO counselor. Federal agencies will provide contact information for federal EEO complaint counselors to federal employees. The formal complaint process involving the claims of sexual harassment will follow thereafter if the matter is not resolved. There are also other less common routes for filing a federal employee sexual harassment complaint, such as filing a grievance (where permitted, but not usually recommended) and/or a complaint though the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), but these are usually not effective when compared to a federal employee’s options for filing an EEO complaint.

Harassment Complaints for Private Sector Employees in Virginia

For employees who are employed by private companies in Virginia, there are a number of potential options for filing a sexual harassment complaint depending on where they live and the size of their employer. A private sector employee employed by a company with 15 employees or more may file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is the most common route for those employed by private companies. The deadline for doing so in Virginia is generally 180 days, which can be extended to 300 days due to a work-sharing agreement between Virginia and the EEOC.

A private sector employee can also usually file a sexual harassment complaint with the Virginia Division of Human Rights (DHR) if their employer has 6 to 14 employees, but less than 15. Additionally, if the matter involves a government contractor, a private sector employee can also file a harassment complaint with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), but this complaint process is rarely used. Lastly, some counties and municipalities in Virginia have enacted harassment ordinances, such as Fairfax County and Arlington County, which also have procedures for filing complaints against employers. The deadlines for county filings can vary between 180 and 365 days depending on the county. In sum, it is important to figure out the correct forum and to file a claim well in advance of any deadlines.

Harassment Complaints for State Employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia

State employees who are employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia have somewhat different sexual harassment complaint options. These include the possibility of filing a complaint with the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Services (OEES) or the EEOC. The current Executive Order governing state employees was issued in 2014.  State employees should consult with an attorney before deciding which forum is best for their sexual harassment complaint.

Harassment Complaints for County and Local Employees in Virginia

Finally, employees of Virginia’s various counties and municipalities also have options for filing a sexual harassment complaint. They may typically file harassment complaints with the EEOC, or if covered by their county or municipality, a local claim. By far, the majority of county employees take their cases to the EEOC and then to the court, if their matter is not resolved.

Talk to an Attorney to Determine the Best Forum

It is very important to speak with an attorney before choosing a forum in which to file a sexual harassment complaint since the correct forum for filing complaints can vary based on the facts of the claim, location and size of the employer, and nature of the employer. If you need assistance with filing a sexual harassment complaint, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook.

This is a promoted post from Knutson at Crescent Place, which is offering new townhomes in Leesburg.

What more could you want in a home than award-winning design in every detail? After being named the winner of Best Design & Architecture at the 2016 Great American Living Awards, Knutson at Crescent Place can deliver just that.

These stunning modern townhomes, located in the heart of Leesburg, have changed the landscape of Loudoun County. The Knutson difference offers you superior finishes and features throughout, distinctive exterior architecture, a large two-car garage, and much more. Floorplans range from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet and include spacious terraces, 9-foot ceilings on all levels, and optional two-sided terrace fireplaces. Take a closer look at our Fleetwood floorplan in a 3D tour.

Located immediately adjacent to the W&OD Trail, you will be able to enjoy time in nature, while living in an urban area. Access to over 50 shops, restaurants and more allows homeowners to live easy and convenient lives, without ever going too far from home. With 98 WalkScore neighborhood ranking, it has never been easier to host a happy hour on your rooftop terrace, listen to live music on a Tuesday night, or become a regular at the hottest new restaurant in town.

With prices starting in the mid $400s, Knutson at Crescent Place has become one of Loudoun’s fastest selling new developments.

Deborah Condrey, the sales manager at Crescent Place, urges potential homebuyers to come take a tour of the development’s two furnished models before it’s too late.

Knutson at Crescent Place is at 235 Crescent Station Terrace in Leesburg SE. The sales office is open daily: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 703-570-6550 to learn more.

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact her at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

Last time we spoke about the big, overall question to ask yourself when selecting cabinets. Today, we are going to dive into the details, the ABCs of cabinets.

It seems to be easy to just pick a door style and color, but why are there so many cabinet options? Shades of gray and versions of shaker. Are they all created equal? Can you create your space from almost each cabinet line out there? Sure! But there are few things you should know before investing new cabinets.

CABINET TYPE

As you start shopping around, you will notice three different level of cabinets — stock, semi-custom and custom. Let’s look at the different options that each has to offer.

Stock cabinets provide a quick and cost-effective way to give a kitchen a fresh new look. The cabinets are built in common cabinet sizes and are available in a limited variety of door styles, colors and finishes.

A stock brand such as Aristokraft can offer style, selection and value, along with speedy delivery, to keep your remodeling project on time and bring your vision to life. If you are looking to sell or flip, those cabinets are a good value.

Semi-custom cabinets are available in more styles, features and options than stock cabinets, allowing you to create a personalized look for your kitchen at less expense than custom cabinets. Built to order and available at cabinet dealers, semi-custom cabinets are generally delivered within four to eight weeks. Semi-custom cabinets give you the options to modify cabinet size in limited capacity, but with all the added features this is the prefect cabinet grade for a mid-range remodel.

Two of the semi-custom lines we carry are Kemper and Waypoint. They each offer different door style, price point and features.

Custom kitchen cabinets offer the widest range of wood types, finishing options, construction platforms and modifications. Cabinet lines such as Decora and Candlelight offer cabinets that are built to spec and can be modified based on your design. If you can draw it, they can built it.

Working with custom lines offers greater flexibility in the design as far as space planning and style.

FRAMED AND FRAMELESS CONSTRUCTION

The two most popular cabinet construction types are framed and frameless. Those vary by manufacture and areas of the world. While frameless is very popular in Canada and Europe, the framed construction is mostly popular in the U.S.

Framed cabinets incorporate a wood “frame” around the front outer edge of the cabinet box. That’s in contrast to a frameless cabinet, which doesn’t have this feature. The framed construction is considered to be a bit more traditional and has few overlay options for the door application

Partial or traditional overlay — As its name suggests, covers only part of the cabinet and reveals the cabinet frame.

Full overlay — The updated style, cabinet doors cover the whole frame for a furniture look.

Inset door — The doors are inset into the frame. This is a fantastic look for modern farm style or an upscale traditional look.

Frameless — These cabinets tend to be more contemporary. The doors must cover the whole cabinets front since there is no frame. The door styles on frameless cabinets tend to be flat and slick-looking; also, some cabinet lines will offer more traditional door styles. Your contractor will need to know that you selected frameless cabinets and may charge extra labor cost, as those need extra work on leveling.

Next time, we will review the different constitution features that each cabinet grade has to offer, and how to spot a great cabinet!

Got questions? Post them below! We would love to hear from you!

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Doll, a red and white adult English Setter.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Doll is just that…. a DOLL!! She is a 2-year-old, 45-pound English Setter. She was brought to the shelter when her owner realized she would make a better pet than a hunting dog. Doll is new to the shelter and is still a little nervous about being in a new place. She has gotten along with every dog she has been around so far. This beautiful girl deserves a home of her own.

Doll is up to date on all vaccines and is heartworm negative. She will be spayed and micro-chipped on 1/26. Her adoption fee is $350.

This beautiful DOLL is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky family.

Are you and Doll a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a promoted post from Ryan Homes — Westmoore, Loudoun County’s new Metro community in the heart of Ashburn.

It’s no secret. Westmoore is Loudoun County’s hottest selling townhome community. And for good reason, too. Coming on the scene a year ago, Westmoore made a bold statement. And the buzz was all around. Westmoore would become Ashburn’s only Metro community with direct city connections via the highly anticipated Silver Line Metro. And the sales are record breaking, with Phase Two nearly 30 percent sold in less than a year. But that’s not where the differences stop.

Proximity to city lines usually dictate the value of a home. And we’ve certainly seen our share of overpriced residences near the Metro. Homes in Arlington and Reston can easily reach or exceed the million-dollar mark. But the builders at Westmoore are changing the game. NVHomes and Ryan Homes are offering affordable townhomes in Ashburn all the while keeping you close to urban life.

The townhomes themselves are refreshed for a more urban vibe. Open sightlines, lots of natural light and sleek finishes create a completely modern look, often times not seen in the suburbs. Westmoore also is changing the way residents kick back and relax. By connecting indoors and out with the use of rooftop terraces. Thoroughly metro and modern, it’s the perfect melding of form and function in an effort to bring out the best of both.

At Westmoore, amenities are rich. See for yourself the many reasons to keep residents entertained right at home:

• Modern, resort-style clubhouse Opening in early Spring.
• Outdoor pool with a beached entry and poolside cabanas.
• Expansive deck with pond views.
• Club lounge and café.
• Fitness center and yoga studio.
• Urban fenced dog park.
• Amphitheater.
• Natural playgrounds.
• Miles of trails.
• Urban inspired parks and playgrounds.

New Urbanism has arrived here in Ashburn. A revival of a connected life, outside the city where walkability and energy are its lifeblood. With Phase Two nearly 30 percent sold in just one year, there is no time like right now to make life simplified. Where just by moving in, life becomes easier and more refreshed.

Westmoore is at 43393 Ghazwa Square, Ashburn, VA 20148. The sales office is open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays – Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 571-707-5090.

This is a promoted post by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, which has a child care facility in Reston.

The start of a new year is a great time to take stock and make healthy changes for yourself and your family. As we know, children often times shy away from the raw veggie tray and the fruit salad bowl, preferring a grab-and-go bag of chips or high-sugar cereal instead. But healthy eating isn’t all about broccoli and peas. It’s about habits and routines.

Here are a few ways to help your child get a healthy start on eating habits:

• Remember that eating habits are established early and often are resistant to change.
  This is an important area of your child’s development, and you should not hesitate to speak with your pediatrician if you have questions or concerns about health, growth, or weight.
• Make dinnertime together a priority (no matter how difficult).
  The family dinner is an endangered institution, but it is a hugely valuable routine that is critical in establishing lifelong patterns and creating a connection to family memories. This can be a time for interesting discussions that also build language skills. Posing a daily question, such as, “The best thing about my day so far…” can become a family ritual to which everyone looks forward.
• Involve your children in the meal preparations.
  Children often love to help by washing veggies, peeling carrots, breaking lettuce, or helping to set the table.
• At mealtime, have age-appropriate table expectations.
  Allow children to serve themselves when possible. Encourage small portions, but let them know that they can have second helpings. Model serving portions that aren’t too hefty. Resist the temptation to push the “clean plate club” as this can result in patterns of overeating. Allow children to stop eating when they are no longer hungry.

To hear more about this topic, join Bright Horizons as we share tips and strategies to support you in raising healthy eaters. We will address some of your burning questions about how to handle the pickiest eaters, child nutrition facts, kid-friendly recipes, how and when to introduce new foods to your child, and how to create healthy meals that fit into a working parent lifestyle.

Raising Healthy Eater

Thursday, February 16th

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about our Family Workshop Series, save your space and RSVP here for this complimentary workshop on Raising Healthy Eaters.

This is a promoted post by Downtown Brambleton, a new development by Knuston.

• 22895 Brambleton Plaza, Suite 104, Brambleton, VA 20148
• The Astra List Price: $639,900
• Knutson Sales Gallery open daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• LiveDowntownBrambleton.com

The featured floorplan, The Astra, is a gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with a 2-car garage. It has an open main living level and 9-foot ceilings on all levels, allowing for a spacious and airy feel.

With a ground floor recreation room, 5-star kitchen, all stainless-steel appliances and large private rooftop terrace, you will never want to leave your personal oasis. Convenient living is made even easier at Downtown Brambleton with the optional addition of a private elevator in homes from the $700s.

If you are looking to live in the center of a truly walkable community, these 48 new townhomes are located right in the heart of Downtown Brambleton. Directly out your front door is Legacy Park and immediately out your back door is Onelife Fitness, the taps of Lost Rhino Retreat, a date night at Fox Cinemas, the convenience of a 24-hour Harris Teeter, and over 40 other shops and restaurants.

Construction is now underway and Phase II has now been released. Schedule your appointment to visit Downtown Brambleton and discover the Knutson difference today.

Contact Joanne Fisher, sales manager, at 571-367-4778.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Faith, an adorable lab/collie mix.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Faith and her sisters Charity and Hope are adorable 10- to 11-week-old lab/collie mixes — maybe even some golden retriever or shepherd in there as well, but it’s so hard to tell.

These gorgeous little girls love to play, but also enjoy just hanging out, as you can see in the pics. They’re all great company either way.

We’re sure that this terrific pup will brighten your day and make a most excellent new best friend for any lucky adopter. These precious pups go fast, so please send your application on in pronto so you don’t miss out.

This extremely friendly baby doll is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters.

Are you and Faith (or Charity and/or Hope) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.