This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located a Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry
As has been widely reported in the news recently, five members of the U.S. women’s soccer team filed a gender wage discrimination complaint regarding the disparity between their salaries and those of the U.S. men’s soccer team. In light of the extremely strong and noteworthy facts in this case, we thought it might be interesting to take a closer look at some of the potential disparate pay issues in this high profile complaint.
As above-mentioned, the case currently involves the five team captains of the U.S. women’s soccer team, including Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd, who filed a wage discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of all members of the women’s team against the U.S. Soccer Federation. The women claim that the U.S. Soccer Federation was paying members of the men’s soccer team more than the women’s team members. Some of the details revealed about the complaint suggest that the women’s soccer team members have a very strong case, which is not always typical in most equal pay cases. Usually, it is hard to prove the disparities in pay between men and women. Yet, that does not seem to be the case in this matter.
The women note that they are paid between 28% and 62% less than the men depending upon certain variables. The members of the U.S. women’s soccer team receive $72,000 for playing 20 regular season games, compared to the men whose members each make a minimum of $100,000 for playing 20 regular season games. These amounts only represent base salaries. Women can make a bonus of $1,350 for winning a game, but receive no bonus for losing (yet men do).
Essentially, if a member of the U.S. women’s soccer team wins all 20 games, she will earn $99,000. Depending on the variables, if a U.S. men’s soccer team member wins all 20 games, he would have the potential to earn $263,320, essentially $164,000 more than a U.S. women’s soccer team member. If a U.S. men’s soccer team member loses all 20 games, he would still earn $100,000.
Given that the EEOC will have to investigate these disparities, it is important to note the following facts cited in the complaint and various media accounts:
- In 2015, the U.S. women’s soccer team generated $20,000,000 more in revenue than the U.S. men’s soccer team;
- The U.S. women’s soccer team won the World Cup in 2015, while the U.S. men’s soccer team finished 11th overall in 2015; and
- The U.S. women’s soccer team won its third World Cup on July 5, 2015, in the most viewed soccer game in American television history.
Based on the complaint and information gleaned from media outlets, the case appears to present many strong facts demonstrating a disparity between the wages paid to the members of each U.S. national soccer team. Unless the matter settles, the complaint will likely lead to a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation filed by either the EEOC or the U.S. women’s soccer team members, which would end up in U.S. District Court. In light of the current facts that have been revealed, it would not be a surprise if the U.S. Soccer Federation settles the case.
We represent employees in employment matters. If you need assistance with a federal retirement or an employment issue, 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 at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.
Come join Reston Montessori School for an OPEN HOUSE on April 12 and 13.
This Open House is designed to give parents an opportunity to discover the Montessori Education as it advances from one level to the next. The teachers will present an overview of the key curricular areas at each level and guide you through a child’s Montessori journey.
Open House Dates:
- Primary (3 to 6 years old)- Tuesday, April 12 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Infants and Pre-Primary (3 months to 3 years old) – Wednesday, April 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Elementary – Wednesday, April 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
**Childcare provided
Reston Montessori School is located at 1928 Issaac Newton Square West. For more information, please call (703) 481-2922 or visit http://www.restonmontessori.com.
Meet KB, a senior Collie who needs a new home and is this week’s Pet of the Week.
Here is what the people at Collie Rescue Inc. have to say about him:
KB is looking for a permanent foster home through the Collie Companions Care Program at Collie Rescue Inc.
KB is a handsome guy looking for a new place to call home. CRI recently rescued him, and we believe he is about 10 years old or more, but he still has plenty of energy and a healthy appetite.
Because of his older age, he is a bit hard of hearing. But that doesn’t stop him from finding ways to understand you. When he sees the leash come out, he gets a big smile on his face and know it’s time for a w-a-l-k!
He’s currently in a foster home where he is settling in and checking things out. KB has lots of curiosity and loves to investigate everything around the house, including the other dogs who live at his foster home. He gets along with both dogs and cats.
KB is very well house-trained and sleeps through the night, especially when a comfortable dog bed is involved.
There are two things we know KB loves. First, he loves butt scratches! He likes them so much that he almost falls over when he leans into them. Second, he loves feeling the breeze in his hair! When driving, he likes to stick his face out the window and smell the air whipping by.
This old man may have some years on him, but he is adorable and full of gratitude. He just needs a family who can provide him with tons of love back! Could you be the one? Contact us at Collie Rescue, Inc. to learn more about the requirements of adopting.
Are you and KB a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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 week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Buddy, a Collie mix who is looking for a home. Here is what the folks at Collie Rescue Inc. of Chantilly have to say about him:
Meet Buddy! We’re excited to help him find his new forever home. He’s a young boy who is a two-year-old collie mix.
Buddy truly is like your ‘buddy’ because he is a super friendly and outgoing guy and loves everyone he meets! He gets along great with other dogs and cats, and would do best in a home where there is another playful dog. With his youthful energy, he loves to play.
Although he enjoys being outside, he settles down nicely when inside and loves to hang out with family and give you lots of affection. He’s not just personality either; Buddy is really smart and athletic too.
He’s neutered, housebroken, crate trained, walks well on a leash, and rides well in cars. Buddy is a special guy who is tons of fun, and will make a loving addition to the right family.
Contact CRI if you are interested in learning more about Buddy. 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. Thank you for your consideration in adopting a collie in need.
Are you and Buddy a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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.
Meet Dobbs, this week’s Reston Pet of the Week. Dobbs was recently rescued from a high-kill shelter and is looking for a permanent home.
Here is what the people at Reston’s Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about the Boston Terrier/Basset Hound mix:
Dobbs could quite possibly be named Mr. Personality of the entire universe. No lie. This little guy is one of the funniest, happiest, sweetest and most lovable dog we’ve ever met, and he will only go to a home that thinks so too.
Dobbs was rescued from a high-kill shelter where he most likely would not have had a chance. He was almost bald, his body was covered in crusty scabs from demodex, a non contagious, but potentially life threatening issue. All he needed to do was to look up at us with his soft round eyes and we were hooked. We had to help him.
No sooner did we get him back to our facility that we saw his potential. EVERYONE fell in love with him. … He was so grateful to be out of a cold, cement kennel, and it showed.
He is now fully cured, healthy, neutered and is the most hysterical little love bug around.
If you want some sunshine in your life, a smile on your face every single day, and an adorable dog to love you from here to the moon and back — it is Dobbs. He is about 9 months old now, and weighs 23 lbs. He has short little legs, that run like the wind, he loves balls and toys, (not to mention treats) and can stand on his hind legs like a champ. This little guy is truly a special, special dog, who deserves a special, special family or person.
Contact [email protected] for more information. Dobbs adoption fee is $325, although he is worth his weigh in gold. He has been neutered and fully vetted.
Are you and Dobbs a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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.
Growing medical office next to Reston Hospital Center, seeks FT patient service professional for patient, clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Requires ability to multi-task, computer skills, polished people skills, superior English language skills, mobility, ability to work standing, ability to work in teams and independently.
Must have at least 3 years of experience in medical healthcare. EMR experience is a plus.
Great salary and benefits. Advancement opportunities possible. Work Monday through Friday in the daytime. Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax to 703-940-1497.
Meet Fife, this week’s Reston Pet of the Week.
Fife came from a high-kill shelter to the Fairfax County Humane Society, which has helped him back to good health.
Here is what they have to say about this young hound mix:
This sweetheart has a sad story to tell. Fife was starved and skin and bones when left at a kill shelter without so much as a backward glance.
Every day this loving boy has grown in size and personality. People may say he is only a hound dog but he is a very special hound and we know he was saved to bring a lot of love to a family willing to give him a chance.
Help us to show Fife he can find the love he wants so much.
Are you and Fife a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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 SaleCyle.
Looking for a career where you’ll get to engage with people and love what you do?
SaleCycle in Sterling, Virginia is looking to fill several entry level sales positions. The company has recently been named the top tech company to work for in the UK by Glassdoor.
SaleCycle is a fast-growing company with a new office in Northern Virginia. The company has grown from four members in 2010 to more than 150 worldwide. The company is going through a growth phase and is looking to expand its presence in the US.
2016 sees an exciting year for SaleCycle. With an immense amount of investment in product development, our Business Development Team has the exciting task of qualifying and generating new sales leads within the biggest and best brands across the US. With a direct ROI, a performance-based cost model and all the design / development leg work done in-house, our prospects are reassured that by joining SaleCycle, their ecommerce earnings are in safe hands.
If you are a hardworking, self-motivated person looking for a great opportunity with an even better company, then SaleCycle is the place for you!
For more information, please email DeAndrae Jackson at [email protected].
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Hank, a young Dachsaund mix who is looking for a forever home. Here is what the folks at Safe Haven Rescue have to say about him (in his own words):
My name is Hank, and I am a 1-year-old male Dachshund mix. I am a bigger boy at 22 lbs. I love toys and playing with my kennel mates. I get along with cats.
I also love to cuddle with anyone who will take the time to sit down with me. Are you looking for a handsome boy? Then look no further and request an application. Please contact the adoption coordinator, Dondra, at [email protected].
I am already neutered and up-to-date with all shots. My adoption fee is $325, which includes micro-chip.
Are you and Hank a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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 by Sean Aiken, founding Head of School at BASIS Independent in McLean. It does not represent the opinion of Reston Now.
As the father of a young child and the founding Head of School at BASIS Independent McLean in Tysons, Va., I know firsthand how often parents ask themselves, “Is my child set up for success?”
The key to laying the foundation for academic success is to ensure that preschoolers’ young, active minds are soaking up as much as possible. We want our kids to possess a joyful love of learning, and the best place to start is to expose their natural curiosity to as many kinds of thinking as possible.
Any good preschool will inspire and challenge your young learner, but there are many different ways to enhance their capacity to think critically and harness their creativity at home. I recently talked with Kate Briscoe, director of the Early Learning Program at our sister school, BASIS Independent Brooklyn, who shared five creative, easy activities for parents to do at home with preschoolers to keep the learning juices flowing:
Make Checking the Weather a Family Ritual
When checking the weather becomes a regular routine with your child, you begin establishing any number of critical thinking skills: Categorization, cause and effect, variable conditions — the list goes on.
“Keep a colorful chart to track and recognize days when the temperature gets colder and warmer and discuss why that might be happening. Is there a connection between clouds and weather? Are there clouds on sunny days? What about when it is raining?” Kate says. Take these observations and ask your child how they apply to specific actions. What clothes do we need today if it is snowing? What activities can we safely play outside?
Practice Writing in Different Mediums
Let’s be honest, 4-year-olds like getting messy.
“Put out a bowl of sugar and encourage them to practice writing numbers and letters, then have them try in shaving cream and rice. This helps students develop fine motor skills and is, of course, a ton of fun,” says Kate. “How does your finger feel when you move it through the sugar rather than the shaving cream or rice? What do you notice about the texture of the different materials (smooth and cool shaving cream versus bumpy rice versus grainy sugar)? Why does the shaving cream keep its shape?” Remember your compare and contrast essays in college? Same thing, but much gooier.
Turn Bath Time Into a Sink-or-Float Experiment
“At bath time, talk about which toys sink or float,” says Kate. “How many objects can you put onto a floating toy before it sinks? Bonus points to the parents who use terms like buoyancy and gravity!”
I know some of us remember the old David Letterman skit “Will It Float?,” so more adventurous parents may want to extend the game to other household items. Old veggies sitting in your crisper? Dad’s sandals?
(Fair warning, if you play this game frequently, keep track of your cell phone!)
Cook With Your Child
There are so many learning experiences to be had through cooking: Measuring accurately with utensils of different sizes, working on numeracy and literacy, taste testing different foods for salty and sweet flavors and hypothesizing what happens when cookies are left in the oven too long (and why).
Not only can you foster healthy food choices, but you plant images into your child’s memory that will help them quickly grasp states of matter, energy conversions and algebra later.
“If the recipe says we need three eggs, and we only have one, how many do we need to buy at the store?”
Turn Household Objects Into Physics Experiments
You’d be surprised at how many different physics properties can be demonstrated with a yardstick and a few different balls. Show your preschooler how tilting the yardstick creates different slopes and affects how far balls will roll. What happens when you roll a marble versus a ping-pong ball? What happens when you roll the ball on a rug versus a smooth surface? Speed, acceleration, friction, inertia — these concepts aren’t scary the way they seem in most high schools, and your preschooler can prove it to you!
Sean Aiken is the founding Head of School of BASIS Independent McLean, a new preschool-grade 12 independent school located at 8000 Jones Branch Drive in Tysons Corner.
BASIS Independent Schools, located in New York City, Silicon Valley and now Northern VA offer a world-acclaimed, liberal arts, STEM- focused course of study. Learn more at mclean.basisindependent.com.
Photo Courtesy BASIS Independent
This week’s Reston Pets of the Week are Leonna and Winchester, a mother-and-son duo who need a new home. Here is what the people at Home Stretch Animal Rescue have to say about them:
Leonna (female – more orange – 8 years old), and her son Winchester (male – lighter color – 7 years old) need a new home. They are both sweet cats who love affection.
They are indoor cats, healthy/fully-vaccinated, front-declawed, litter trained, and friendly with babies/children. They are not used to dogs, so would probably do best in a home without dogs.
They have supplies (including one fancy, expensive small cabinet that hides litter boxes and a nice cat-condo) that would come with them.
Are you and these cats a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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.
Reston Chamber Spotlight is a sponsored feature highlighting businesses that are members of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on Laurentia Photography, based in Reston. Speaking is Laurentina owner Laura Kuah.
Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?
Laura Kuah: Laurentina Photography is primarily an on-location, full-service social event and portrait studio. Reston offers a variety of backdrops for my clients: from corporate events at the Hyatt in Reston Town Center to family photos at Lake Fairfax Park, and even editorial photos along the W&OD Trail. Reston offers a sense of community that I have never experienced elsewhere and I really wanted to keep my business local and engage with my neighbors.
With its ample cultural and recreational opportunities, Reston has given me an amazing place to live, work and play. I am grateful to Bob Simon for his gift of Reston and can’t imagine being anywhere else.
RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?
LK: As a business owner, I would say that everyday is an adventure and surprise. The obvious challenges comes with being your own boss and delivering what you promise. As a photographer, this means that you are responding to emails after the typical 9-5 business hours and skipping social events to work on the weekends. It also means that you are following up with your clients to make sure they love their photos. And sometimes, you may even deliver their prints! Read More
The following is a promoted post from Heartland Dental, which is holding a job fair for positions around the D.C. area.
We are looking for Business Assistants, Dental Assistants and Hygienists in Northern Virginia.
Positions with Heartland are more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow with a terrific dental team. We’re dedicated to offering proficient, trustworthy dental services and care, and the Dental Assistant’s, Business Assistants and Dental Hygienist position will play a large role in that. If this sounds a like a good fit, we would love to hear from you.
Our job fair will be held Friday, February 26 at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 117 Fort Evans Road NE in Leesburg, Virginia.
Interviews will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please bring your resume and certificates in preparation for an on-site interview
We understand that you work hard, which is why each supported location provides an excellent compensation and benefits package. Additionally, Heartland Dental’s extensive training and continuing education opportunities are unparalleled and exceed industry norms. Additional benefits include health and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, 6 paid holidays off and the potential for 2 weeks’ vacation.
For any questions, please contact Cyndi Baggarly, Regional Recruiter at [email protected].
Apply at www.heartland.com/careers.
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Charlie, a 2-year-old Terrier mix who needs a permanent home. Here is what the people at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:
Charlie is a 2 year old, 27 lb. Terrier mix. Charlie is an absolute joy to be around. He loves attention. This guy would be happy to play with you and his toys or just sit by your side looking at you with that face that will melt your heart. Charlie is looking for his forever home. Will you be the one to give it to him?
Charlie is up to date on all his shots and deworming , he had been neutered and heartworm treated. He has an adoption fee of $325 which includes microchip.
This guy is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky family. For an adoption application, please contact the adoption coordinator, Dondra at: [email protected].
Are you and Charlie a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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 week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Lucy Rocket, who lives with her people near Lake Audubon. Here is what her owner, Laura, has to say about her:
Lucy Rocket came to live with her family just over a year ago. Her mother was a Red Heeler and the rest is anybody’s guess.
Lucy’s likes include chasing sticks, squirrels, deer, foxes, and birds. She also loves to catch tennis balls, and she will get very focused if anyone has a ball (she almost never misses).
Dislikes include baths, turtles (rocks that move), and one neighborhood cat that charged her and made her run yelping all the way home.
Lucy Rocket can be found enthusiastically greeting others while walking the trails of South Reston with her family or on the front of a paddle board on Lake Audubon in the spring and summer.
Lucy Rocket and Laura will receive $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats, from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care.
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.
