Reston Chamber Spotlight is an occasional feature from the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on Prosperity Internal Medicine’s Drs. Tarique Zahir and Taseen Mir.

Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?

PIM: Reston is home. We have been living in the Reston area since our move from North Carolina and Michigan back in 2007.

We find the Reston location innovative, modern, and a great place to live and have a business. It is our honor to share and give back to this community.

RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?

PIM: Every business has challenges. As a business owner, we have learned the ups and downs and challenges of running a business. There is great responsibility and great reward in running a business. We find that excellent customer service goes a long way. The importance of retaining good, strong talent in your workforce, and establishing strains of loyalty in your practice is paramount and of the utmost importance.

RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know. Read More

Reston Chamber Spotlight is an occasional series from our partnership with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on Insperity, which provides business and human resource solutions. Speaking is Business Profitability Advisor Sally Munn.

Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?

Sally Munn: Reston is the geographic bullseye of business growth in Northern Virginia.

RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?

SM: People buy from people they Know, Like, and Trust…in that order. I’ve really enjoyed getting out and about to a wide variety of events and meeting a very broad cross-section of people. That said, building trust does take time.

RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know.

SM: We give small business owners buying power they cannot get on their own, which translates into saving THOUSANDS on their Employee Health Benefits. Not just today. We also give them a predictable mechanism to control those costs going forward. Read 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 check out her work on Houzz, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.

Since older tile tends to crack and water damage brings mold and flooding, most homeowners remodel bathrooms as the first project in the house.

Some people enjoy the DIY approach and will task themselves with a weekend(s) remolding project. Some will go for the pros. Whichever path you choose, here are a few things to consider.

Know what a bathroom remodel costs. Like any other project, before you begin, it’s important to put your expectations into perspective when it comes to how much money you’re willing to invest. The size of your bathroom, the quality of materials and any changes in layout can affect the cost of a remodel. Many people mistakenly underestimate cost because of the size of the space. Items like tile (and you will need lots of it) and fixtures can bring the prices up into the thousands.

Knowing a few bathroom planning guidelines, like the size of a typical bathtub and how much space is needed for a toilet, will help you plan your remodel more efficiently.

Trying to fit too big of a vanity will not only leave you no space to move but will also be against code. When it comes to bathrooms, remember less is more. Leave enough space to move around safely. Read More

By Buzz McClain

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

There are countless reasons why Knutson at Crescent Place is the fastest-selling community in Loudoun County. More than half of the new townhomes are already spoken for, just months after the first offering.

Why? One of those reasons is the lifestyle the light-filled four-level, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath brick construction affords.

“You are so close to Old Town Leesburg that it’s really an ‘urban’ lifestyle,” says sales manager Deborah Condrey. “You can walk to Tuscarora Mill and the shops in that area. The W&OD hiking/biking trail is literally in your backyard.”

For this, the area rates a 98 WalkScore neighborhood ranking.

“But the maintenance is minimal,” she adds. “Your yard is a rooftop terrace overlooking the entire region.”

Each of the two floor plans — ranging from 2,000- to 2,800-square feet including the spacious terraces — offers opportunities for stylish finishes to suit personal tastes, highlighted by elevators, wet bar and terrace fireplaces available in some models.

More reasons Crescent Places is selling so swiftly:

• Each unit comes with two-car garages.
• Knutson has been building in the area for more than 50 years.
• Don Knutson is a former Northern Virginia Builder of the Year Award recipient.
• Prices begin in the mid-$400,000s.

For more, see Crescent Place in person, before it’s too late.

Knutson at Crescent Place is at 235 Crescent Station Terrace in Leesburg SE. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Call 703-570-6550.

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

Meet Winnie, a 1-year-old Collie who is looking for a forever home. Here is what the folks at Collie Rescue Inc. have to say about her:

Winnie is a young sable-and-white collie girl weighing in at around 50 pounds. She is one year old.

Winnie is full of love and playfulness with everyone. She has yet to meet a dog she does not like, and will frolic and play with other young pups, while trying to get the older dogs to join her in a collie romp, which is usually more like a high-speed game of tag.

Winnie enjoys spending time outside and loves to play with toys. She is very sweet with all the people she meets, including kids, but can be a bit enthusiastic in her greetings, so we are working on teaching her not to jump up.

Winnie was raised in a loving home, so she is very trusting and willing to please. Her ideal new home will provide her with ample playtime and a family who can spend time channeling her youthful exuberance through training and structured exercise.

Like most young herding types, she loves the challenge of puzzles and treat-dispensing toys and will work to get every last bit out.

Winnie will be a fine addition to a family who enjoys spending time outdoors with their dog, and would be extra happy if there were another dog to be her playmate. If she were an only-dog, since she is still a puppy at heart, she would appreciate regular organized playdates with friendly dogs in her neighborhood.

She is spayed. If you are interested in rescuing a collie, please complete this short adoption questionnaire. Our standard adoption fee is $350. This fee helps us to cover the expense of providing each dog with a Health Exam, Rabies/DHPP vaccines, Heartworm Test, Heartworm Preventative, Flea & Tick Protection, Microchip, Neuter/Spay, and a Bath.

Are you and Winnie 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 that is part of an occasional series by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on InForm Fitness. (Note: Inform Fitness is also a Reston Now sponsor)

Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?

IF: Reston is an impressively sophisticated market, full of vitality, representing a huge potential of equally viable residential and commercial InForm Fitness clients. The demographic is perfect: whether one lives or works in Reston, they will typically be professionally ambitious, financially stable, mindful of their health, and conscious of their schedule demands.

We believe in one singular purpose of exercise – to build muscle safely and efficiently, with one or two 20-minute sessions a week. Our protocol of strength training offers extremely effective muscular and metabolic conditioning; from a safe, efficient, and sustainable program, through a high-intensity, focused technique.

InForm Fitness offers a revolutionary program for people with demanding schedules, who want optimal results in minimum time. And while not in the gym the typical four to five hours a week, our clients enjoy the time to live the lives they want.

RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know.

Our Vision and Mission: Our company vision is to pioneer a sea change in the mindset of popular exercise culture to where the primary objective of exercise is to build and maintain muscular strength. Read More

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

• 22895 Brambleton Plaza, Suite 104, Brambleton, VA 20148
• List Price: Starting from $600s
• Knutson Sales Gallery open daily 11 a.m. – 6 p..m
• Downtownbrambleton.com

Expand your lifestyle beyond four walls when you live in the Downtown Brambleton Town Center.

A collection of 48 new main street townhomes provides you with unbeatable access to Legacy Park, the taps of Lost Rhino Retreat, Sport & Health, a date night at Fox Cinemas, and over 40 other shops and restaurants.

For a night in, enjoy your Yard In The Sky – a large private rooftop terrace, perfect for entertaining friends and family under the stars.

Homes range from 2,800 to over 4,800 square feet with up to five bedrooms. Available features include: private elevator, outdoor fireplaces and kitchens, sliding glass wall system, and more.

Construction is noe underway. Schedule your appointment today to visit Downtown Brambleton and discover the Knutson difference.

Contact Joanne Fisher, Sales Manager, 571-367-4778

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

This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Jingle, a cat offered for adoption by Fancy Cats Rescue Team. Here is what they have to say about him (in his own “words!”)

Hi there, my name’s Jingle, I’m a very cuddly, talkative, and loving boy. I like snuggling up with you, purring in contentment while I look up at you with my “Puss in Boots” eyes.

I like to sit in your lap or lay on your chest and make biscuits with my paws. I’ll even curl up next to you in your arms while you sleep, like I’m a teddy bear. I give great head butts, I’ll rub up against everyone hoping for more petting. I’m always right there at the door greeting you when you come home with head butts and happy meows.

I really like catnip toys and my kitty tunnel too, I roll around on the floor with my toys and then I’ll walk around in my crinkle tunnel exploring and playing.

I have medium-length fur, I keep fluffing out more each day now that I’m on a better diet and in a happy foster home. I was found in central Virginia when I was brought to the shelter. I was wearing a collar and had clearly been someone’s pet before.

I’m such a sweet boy, I don’t know why no one ever came to claim me. My time was just about up when I was rescued and came to Virginia. I get along well with other dogs, I live with several of them in my foster home and we all get along great. I’m laid back and non-dominant, I’m happy to be best friends with everyone I meet!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application and a representative will get back to you shortly to answer any questions you may have. The application can be found at this link.

This is a sponsored post by the Neurology Center of Fairfax.

Busy medical speciality office in Reston seeks graduate student for flexible hours, one to three days a week.

Position is for front desk at a busy medical specialty office. Must be skilled with various computer applications and excellent data entry skills.

Position currently available, training in Fairfax office for office in Reston.

Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax to 703-940-1497.

This is a sponsored post from Reston Children’s Center, which has been providing quality childcare, preschool and kindergarten in Reston for 50 years.

By Buzz McClain

In 1967, a $1,000 donation by the Reston Foundation was enough to open the Reston Children’s Center, a preschool-through-school-age children (up to 12-years-old) institution that was badly needed by the burgeoning planned community. Thirty children attended the school in the United Christian Parish building on North Shore Drive.

That was 50 years ago. Now the RCC has its own building, an annual budget of $3.5 million, 70 teachers, administrators and support personnel and more than 250 children under their care.

To celebrate the half-century, Reston Children’s Center is starting the party early, with a kickoff picnic Saturday, Oct. 1 at Lake Fairfax Park.

The festivities, open to current and former families, students, teachers and staff are from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with fun and games in between. Refreshments will be provided, of course.

“It has been very rewarding to serve Reston for so long,” said Fahemeh Pirzadeh, the RCC’s executive director who herself has been with center for 30 of its 50 years. “This is our way of thanking the community while bringing together old friends and new friends to celebrate our — and their — achievements.”

Reston Children’s Center is at 11825 Olde Crafts Drive in Reston. Call 703-476-8150 or email at [email protected]. See the website here. For information about the celebration at Lake Fairfax and to share your memories of RCC, see RCC’s Facebook page here.

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 check out her work on Houzz, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.

While thinking about your upcoming remodeling project one thing to think about is sustainable design.

To create a truly green design, a space not only has to have energy-efficient appliances and planet-friendly features, it must be designed to withstand the test of time. Replacing or remodeling every few years is just as wasteful.

Let look at some items that can help save energy, save the earth yet keep you on track with your design style and needs.

 Lighting

To cut down on lighting costs, try using LED lighting. This cuts energy use by more than 50 percent.

If possible, add windows to use natural light to brighten up your kitchen and bring down your electrical bill.

Read More

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

Meet Stanley, a young Beagle mix who is looking for a forever home. Here is what his friends at the Humane Society of Fairfax County have to say about him:

Your search is over!! Let us introduce Stanley. He’s cute, sweet, tiny but has a super large and loving heart.

He’s a 15-lb. Beagle mix who loves everyone he meets. Have other pets….perfect companion. Have kids……perfect best friend. Have extra space on your couch…..perfect pillow.

You don’t want to wait too long to send your application in for this special boy or he’ll end up as someone else’s best friend.

For more information or to see Stanley, submit an online dog adoption application online. After reviewing the application, staff will contact you, typically within 48 hours, to make an appointment to visit the farm where our dogs and horses are kept.

Are you and Stanley 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.

This week’s Pet of the Week is Bette, a Collie mix who was born in June. She is finally ready yo be adopted to a forever home. Here is what the people at Collie Rescue Inc. have to say about her:

Welcome to the world, Bette! This pup was born in early June 2016 along with four others in the litter.

Their mother is a Collie mix. Although we do not know the father, the puppies are definitely Collie mixes as well. A rural Virginia shelter had no place to keep these puppies, so Collie Rescue, Inc. is helping find them some new forever homes.

Bette has a slight puppy heart murmur (It is very common for young puppies, to develop an innocent heart murmur while they are growing rapidly. The murmur may first appear at 6-8 weeks of age, and a puppy with an innocent heart murmur will usually outgrow it by about 4-6 months of age.)

Bette is currently being fostered in Centerville, Va., so you must be willing to go there to meet the puppies before adoption.

Our standard adoption fee is $350. This fee helps us to cover the expense of providing each dog with a Health Exam, Rabies/DHPP vaccines, Heartworm Test, Heartworm Preventative, Flea & Tick Protection, Microchip, Neuter/Spay, and a bath.

Are you and Bette 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.