This is a promoted post sponsored by Erickson Living. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now.
Making the decision to move your loved one to a long-term care setting can be difficult and confusing. Here is some important information to consider:
WHO would benefit from long-term nursing care?
Longterm care is appropriate for seniors who need complete assistance with daily living tasks like bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. It is most appropriate for older adults with major health conditions or those who have permanent physical limitations brought on by a stroke or other serious illness. Seniors diagnosed with dementia or Parkinson’s disease may be good candidates for long-term care.
WHEN is the right time to seek additional support?
Caring for a loved one with around-the-clock needs can be challenging. Consider making the transition to a longterm care facility if your loved one’s health condition requires a level of support that exceeds what can be provided in your home by a family caregiver.
A continuing care retirement community like Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Va., may be an excellent choice. Ashby Ponds employs full-time physicians and health providers who specialize in senior care. As an integrated team, they create a personalized plan to match your loved one’s unique needs and preferences.
HOW will I pay for long-term care? Read More
Reston Chamber Spotlight is a feature by members of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now. Today’s spotlight is on new Reston restaurant Red’s Table. Speaking is co-owner Ryan Tracy.
Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?
Ryan Tracy: Reston is our home and it presents a tremendous opportunity to be successful and grow within the community. We believe that Red’s Table provides a product and service that the people of Reston deserve and will appreciate. The interior space is unique to Reston and the location overlooking Lake Thoreau is phenomenal. Reston is a great place to live and it has also become a destination location for business and pleasure.
RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?
RT: The challenge is to remain consistent and maintain the highest level of service, along with a high quality product. At the same time adjusting to consumer demands and retaining quality employees can also be challenging. The relationships you build with employees and customers are very rewarding for a business owner. At Red’s Table we want our home to be yours, and the reward comes from customer enjoyment.
RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know. Read More
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Dolly, a Beagle who is in need of a forever home. Here is what the people at Mutt Love Rescue have to say about her.
Dolly is a young, blue-tick Beagle who weighs about 15 lbs.
You can tell she’s probably had a rough life before coming to us from North Carolina. Her ears are ragged and she’s timid around new things but she LOVES other dogs.
We have adoption events every Staurday from 12-3 p.m. Please note that not all dogs can attend every event, so if you are interested in meeting a particular dog, please complete a no-obligation application on our website or email [email protected].
Upcoming adoption events:
Saturday, Jan. 30, noon – 3 pm at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 14508 Lee Road; Chantilly
Saturday, Feb. 6, noon – 3 pm at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 10708 Lee Hwy (Fairfax Blvd); Fairfax
Saturday, Feb. 13, noon – 3 pm at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 14508 Lee Rd; Chantilly
Saturday, Feb. 20, noon – 3 pm at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 14508 Lee Rd; Chantilly
If you and Dolly are a match, let us know at [email protected]. We will give you $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.
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, the business community for the vibrant region.
The Harrison, luxury apartments near Reston Town Center.
Berry & Berry, PLLC, Reston law firm specializing in federal employment, retirement, labor union, and security clearance matters.
Reston Real Estate, Eve Thompson of Long & Foster Real Estate specializes in Reston homes.
Becky’s Pet Care, offering friendly pet services in Northern Virginia.
Reston Community Center, Serving Reston’s recreational and cultural needs.
MakeOffices, shared work spaces with five area locations, including Reston.
Oatlands Historic House & Gardens.
Bento House, Japanese restaurant in Reston.
Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten, educating Reston’s young minds for more than 50 years.
Boofie O’Gorman, Top Producer Realtor at Long & Foster Reston.
Goldfish Swim School, specializing in children’s swim lessons year-round.
Small Change Consignment, serving Reston’s kids for more than 30 years.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, full-service Realtors with a new office in Reston Town Center.
VITA, luxury apartments at Tysons Corner.
A Cleaning Service, professional residential and commercial cleaning.
BASIS Independent McLean, Independent school for K-12 located in McLean.
This week’s Reston Pets of the Week are Honey and Merlin, siblings who have given their owner a lot of love over 11 years. Here is what owner Matt has to say:
Honey and her brother, Merlin, both came from a litter on my aunt’s property in Pennsylvania. She woke up one morning to find them all in her shed out back. By the time I adopted Honey and Merlin, the other four kittens were already adopted. These two were inseparable, so my aunt was hoping they could wind up together. I took them home, listening to Honey meow through her cage as I repeated over and over again not to worry — I’d take care of her now.
Honey was much more reserved and it was months before she let me pet her. Once she did, there was no going back. She became my shadow for 11 years. In a lot of ways, she was my first real love. She forced herself next to my body every night to sleep no matter how much I fought. She woke to eat breakfast with me, watched TV with me, and and has waited by the door for me to return home every day.
One month ago, she was diagnosed with cancer, so we’re in our final weeks together and I’m doing my best to live in the moment and appreciate the time I have, as opposed to focusing on the what the future holds. She’s been there for every new home, new girlfriends, the death of family members, the birth of my son, holidays, etc.
In 11 years, she’s gone from a feral cat in a shed to one of the most important lives to have crisscrossed with mine. Because her brother Merlin was always the more outgoing of the two, he always stole the spotlight with guests — but I’ve shared a secret, silent, and mutual adoration with Honey for 11 years and I thought it might be her time to be in the spotlight in Reston.
Honey, Merlin and Matt will receive $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats, from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care. Also, best wishes to Honey as she battles her illness.
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 the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. This week’s spotlight is on BrandMirror and its CEO, Jen Dalton. Brand Mirror is a business that consults with businesses and people on their personal branding.
Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?
Jen Dalton: Reston is a great location with growing businesses, innovative and insightful leaders, and a fabulous sense of community and giving back.
RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?
JD: A better question to ask is what is not challenging, that might be a shorter list. It is critical for small business owners to know their strengths and when to ask for help. For me, when I work with individuals — whether business owners just starting out or seasoned CEO — it is critical that I help them get clarity on their reputation and how to leverage it to grow their business. I always saw that business owners have freedom, but no free time.
RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know?
JD: BrandMirror has a book coming out Jan. 19 on Amazon.com. It is an e-book, audio book, and the print book will be available in March. This endeavor was a lot of work and so worth it. There are 17 case studies of entrepreneurs and CEOs on their personal brand journey and we go through questions they had to answer and how they became a noisebreaker.
RN: Describe a typical day as the business owner.
JD: Working hard to deliver value and make a difference, while wearing lots of hats. Always trying to find the best way to deliver something that people and the market are willing to pay for and love utilizing. Read More
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Treat, a little kitty who was found around Halloween. The volunteers at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have been caring for him. Here is what they have to say:
Treat and his siblings, Trick, Pumpkin and Candy, were found without their mom on Halloween, and we estimate they were around 2 weeks old.
Treat is very outgoing and curious and has no fear! He leads the litter in most new activities and is willing to try anything. When he slows down long enough he is very affectionate and purrs up a storm. Being a bottle-fed baby, he and his siblings love people and are very trusting. They are friendly with everyone and are happy to be picked up and carried around, so they would do GREAT with kids over 6!
Although Treat has not been around a dog, we think he could adjust to a gentle one easily. He and his siblings are bonded and he would love to go home with one of them.
As you can see in his pictures he is a handsome little guy with that gorgeous cream colored fur. We are sure he will be adored by the lucky family that adopts him! Come meet him and be prepared to fall in love.
Please note that it is Fancy Cats policy that kittens be adopted in pairs or have an age-appropriate playmate in the home already. We also do not adopt kittens to families with children under 6 years old without seeing appropriate history/experience with cats.
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.
Are you and Treat 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 Pet of the Week is Gus, a Boxer-Bassett mix rescue dog who is now living the good life at Reston Town Center. Here is what his owner, Keith, has to say about him:
Augustus, or Gus as he is known, may be one of the most talked-about dogs in the Reston Town Center.
Since I adopted him a couple of months ago from the Lost Dog and Cat Society of Arlington, he has many people asking questions of “just what type of dog is he? or “Look, it’s the Oompa Loompa of Boxers.”
No, he is not part wiener dog. He has floppy ears like a basset and a strong chest like a boxer. He loves our daily walks around the Reston Town Center circle and seeing all the people. He also loves playing with friends, including his doggie roommate Gus (yes there are two Gus’ in one condo).
Gus is a HUGE fan of snuggling during the winter, and at night you can find him stealing both the blankets (plus half the bed) so that his owner is left freezing.
Gus is the reason why everyone should consider rescuing a dog. I cannot believe Gus was actually in a high-kill shelter before he was rescued by the Lost Dog and Cat Society. Gus has been a great companion, and adjust to life of living in Reston. I am lucky to have him!
Gus and Keith (and the other Gus) 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.
Meet Roscoe, this week’s Reston Pet of the Week. Roscoe is a hound mix who is looking for his forever home. Here is what the people at Mutt Love Rescue have to say about him:
Roscoe is a very cute, approximately 4-year-old hound mix.
Roscoe is a little taller than your standard beagle, but smaller than most hounds. He is very friendly and sweet and seems to have a great personality. This nice boy has an outstanding temperament and will do well in any family setting.
We have adoption events every Saturday from 12-3 p.m. Please note that not all dogs can attend every event, so if you are interested in meeting a particular dog, please complete a no-obligation application on our website or email us at [email protected].
Upcoming adoption events:
Saturday, Jan. 2, noon – 3 p.m. at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Hwy, Fairfax.
Saturday, Jan. 9, noon – 3 p.m. at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 14508 Lee Road, Chantilly.
Are you and Roscoe 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 Misa, this week’s Pet of the Week. Misa is a Jindo who was adopted last year by owner Mary-Anne. Here is what Mary-Anne has to say about her pet:
With Misa on patrol, there isn’t a squirrel that’s safe in Reston — or so she likes to think. Misa is our 2-year old Korean Jindo. We adopted her through TreasuredK9’s when she was just a year old, and we couldn’t be happier she found her forever home with us.
Jindos are known for their intelligence and loyalty — two qualities that describe our pup’s personality perfectly. You’ll always find her close at-hand; keeping a watchful eye on our baby and running up to check on us after every cough or sneeze.
Misa spends her day gazing out of the sunroom window into the woods of Reston watching other dogs walk down the path and birds playing happily just out of reach. She greets us every day with unbridled joy and unconditional love — eager to go on her morning walk and maybe (just maybe) finally catch a squirrel. Misa has warmed our family’s heart and we look forward to each day we spend with her.
Misa and Mary-Anne 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.
Reston Chamber Spotlight is a feature by members of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now. Today’s spotlights is on Bloomforth, which provides technology platforms for small businesses, and Hector Velez, Bloomforth’s Chief Operations Officer.
Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?
HV: I have been a resident of Reston for 22 years, my office has always been located in Reston Town Center, and my children attend South Lakes High School in Reston. In short, my family and I embody the Reston tag line: Live. Work. Play.
Reston’s emphasis on nature conservancy, diversity (ethnic and socio- economic), plus the amazing town center, make Reston the ideal town to live, work, raise a family and locate your business.
RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?
HV: Being a business owner gives you an opportunity to be creative and implement your ideas constructively. It also challenges you to build a team that shares your value system and sense of pride, ownership and commitment.
RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know.
HV: We are not a service provider and we are not a government contractor. We are an early stage Software-as-a-Service company. Bloomforth is the best value 5 Apps-in-One Retail Success Platform in the market.
RN: Describe a typical day as the business owner
HV: Leading and participating in all activities related to Sales, Marketing and Operations.
RN: How has the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce helped your business grow?
HV: The chamber’s membership profile is ideally suited to bloomforth’s platform solution.
RN: What is the quote that best describes your business?
Bloomforth levels the playing field so you don’t have to.
RN: What is your advice to someone who is thinking about owning a business?
Get a good, trustworthy lawyer and don’t raise capital unless you really have to. If you have to raise capital, find investors that will help you in more ways than just writing a check.
This is a sponsored post written for Reston Now.
Beatriz Sampaio feels she is living her destiny.
Sampaio came to the U.S. from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1985 after studying at a university there. After less than a year in the states, she and a friend-turned-business-partner acquired a house-cleaning company based in Arlington. The previous owner was looking to leave the business, and handed over the keys to Sampaio and her partner.
Sampaio had no experience running a business but was eager to take on the challenge. She said she learned by working and watching.
“I was so young then, and so fresh,” Sampaio said. “I had the knack for it. I was born to be an entrepreneur.”
Sampaio’s partner left the business after five years, and since then, Sampaio has been the sole owner of A Cleaning Service, which is a residential and also a commercial cleaning service that serves Arlington and the D.C. area.
One aspect of her company that Sampaio says sets it apart from her competitors is that A Cleaning Service is not a franchise. When customers want to book an cleaning, have a special request or a problem, they can call her directly.
Sampaio says the direct line from clients to her office is something that hasn’t changed in the 30 years she’s been running the business. Clients appreciate her openness and availability in a world in which it’s often difficult to get a real person on the phone, never mind the business owner.
It’s these personal touches that make A Cleaning Service different from regular maid services. Sampaio is also proud of her employees, who have been called dependable, honest and responsive to feedback in online reviews.
The company does have notably consistent employees. Of her 50-person cleaning staff, Sampaio says many of them have been with the company for eight or nine years, and some many more. One woman, Maria, has been with the company the full 30 years Sampaio has owned it.
It’s her creativity as a business owner that Sampaio thinks makes her a good boss. Some of that creativity comes from connection to music. When she was 10, Sapmaio got her first guitar, and immediately fell in love with the sound. She’s particularly fond of classical and jazz music, and still composes and plays guitar today.
Sampaio likes that there’s low turnover in her company because the job gives workers a chance to really learn a how to do their jobs well, clients like getting to know the workers who often work in their homes.
The four-legged family members also appreciate a consistent staff in their homes too, says Sampaio, a long-time animal lover.
Sampaio’s love of animals goes back to her childhood, and it’s something she likes to incorporate into A Cleaning Service’s appointments. When her staff is friendly towards the animals they see every week or month, they also notice if something is wrong, and can tell the homeowners.
The direct line from clients to Sampaio is something that hasn’t changed in the past 30 years, though Sampaio says some things have changed. Like all businesses that have been around that long, she has had to incorporate computer systems and the Internet into her work.
The Internet has worked to A Cleaning Service’s advantage, connecting customers through forums to recommend their services. Angie’s List and Yelp reviews bring attention to Sampaio’s business because of thorough reviews from pleased clients. A Cleaning Service has won Angie’s List Super Service Award three times in the last four years.
“I really love this business, but sometimes it’s challenging,” Sampaio said of trying to keep up with a website and online reviews in addition to social media, especially when business picks up in the busy seasons.
The company’s busiest times, are, as one might expect, in the spring and before holidays and also at the end of the summer when people get back from vacations. But even in those busy weeks, Sampaio and her staff try to promptly respond to requests.
Just like Sampaio came from Brazil to fulfill her dream of being a business owner, the name of her business came from somewhere too.
When Sampaio was given the business, it didn’t have a name yet, but Sampaio was given the chance to give it one. She decided to go for A Cleaning Service because as it started with the letter “A,” it was a name that would appear at the beginning of the phone book.
Plus, she said, it’s simple. And clean.
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 about 20 new sales positions. The company has recently been named the top United Kingdon tech company to work for by Glassdoor.
Join members of SaleCycle for a career fair on Dec. 14 at McCormick and Schmick’s in Reston from 5-8 p.m. to hear more about the available positions and enjoy a drink or two on the company.
The company works to help companies with online shopping cart abandonment. Through remarketing and site engagement, SaleCycle helps keep people on shopping websites and encourages them to hit that final purchase button. Customers include Virgin Atlantic, Panasonic and Ralph Lauren.
Salecycle is a fast growing company with a new office in Sterling. The company has grown from four members in 2010 to more than 130. The company is going through a growth phase and is looking to expand their Sterling presence.
During the event, you’ll hear from the chief revenue officer, head of sales and international recruiters, who will talk more about the company and the opportunities available.
SaleCycle is looking for hardworking, self-motivated people with the right attitudes. Guests will be able to hear more about the company and talk one-on-one with SaleCycle staff.
While it is not required, visitors are welcome to bring copies of their resumes. No previous experience in sales is required.
For more information and to register, please visit http://salecycle.com/lovewhatyousell.
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Autumn, a 1-year-old Doberman Pinscher who needs a forever home. Here is what her people at DARE: Doberman Assistance, Rescue and Education have to say about her:
Meet our pretty little red girl, Autumn. She is a super smart, cuddly and playful 1- year-old red/rust female Doberman.
Autumn has perky natural ears, a docked tail and currently weighs about 50 lbs. She will fill out a bit more as she matures, but will be a petite girl that is just the perfect size for cuddling on the sofa with you on these cool fall evenings.
Autumn loves balls and collects as many as she can. She enjoys running around the yard and will occasionally let you have one to throw for her. Autumn would like to have a home with a fenced yard so she can run around freely or to lay next to her human sunning herself.
Autumn is good with children and will be fine in a home with dog-savvy children. She is fine meeting other dogs but wants to be the only dog living in her home so she can be the dober-princess.
Autumn rides well in a car and is house trained. She can be crated but we baby gate her in the kitchen when we are not home and she is fine with that. Autumn thinks cats are fun to chase so no kitties for Autumn. If you are looking for a fun, affectionate, smart companion Autumn may be the girl for you! I
For more information about Autumn, please visit her webpage at www.dobe.net.
Are you and Autumn 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.
Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (LANK), Reston’s first preschool, proudly announces our 2015-16 Open House dates.
During these sessions, you will tour the school, observe our programs, and meet the directors and staff. There will be time for you to ask questions and you will receive all pertinent enrollment materials.
If you would like to attend one of the Open Houses listed below, please call our office to register (703) 437-0035, or email [email protected] to register. We are located at 12021 North Shore Drive, Reston 20190.
- Thursday, 12/10/15 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, 1/6/16 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Friday, 1/8/16 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 1/12/16 Kindergarten Information Session 10:00 a.m.
- Friday, 1/15/16 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, 1/20/16 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 1/23/16 Open House 10:00 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, 1/26/16 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
*Children are welcome to attend the open house, but due to state regulations, they will not be able to participate in our regular programming during that time.
For more information visit us at www.lankschool.com or www.facebook.com/lankreston.
The preceding post was written and sponsored by LANK.
