Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
It’s that time of year again when we gather around with family and friends to celebrate Easter.
Of course, we have some exciting activities that are taking place in Fairfax County for you! From vibrant egg hunts to memorable festivals, Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and make unforgettable memories.
- Dinosaur Egg Hunt: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Search for dinosaur-filled eggs, join the egg roll, and meet the Easter bunny. Ages 2-8; $10 per child. Register online.
- Art Blooms At Mosaic: Saturday, April 1. Mosaic partners with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to bring a spring fun-filled day.
- Easter Festival, Shipgarten: Sunday, April 2. The Easter Bunny is making a special appearance at Shipgarten! There will be 3 rounds of easter egg hunts, crafts, and so much more.
- Egg-Streme Teen Night Egg Hunt: City of Fairfax, Thursday, April 6. An adventure for ages 10-14 — searching for eggs and prizes in the dark! Make sure you bring your flashlight! $5 per participant.
- Free Easter Event: CityLight Church, Saturday, April 8. So much to do during this fun-filled day including massive Easter egg hunt, complimentary food trucks, crafts, moon bounce, and face painting.
- Easter Egg Roll, Colvin Run Mill :Saturday, April 8. Hunt for treasure and treat-filled eggs. 3 age groups, $8. Register online.
- Baskets & Bunnies, Burke Lake Park: Saturday, April 8. Multiple sessions (including sensory-friendly) in 3 age groups. Admission fee includes a round of mini-golf, a carousel ride, and a timed Easter egg hunt. $16 in advance/$18 day of event. Register online.
Whatever you choose to do this Easter season, enjoy the experiences and making memories!
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Professional development right in Tysons Corner
Effective leaders — across all disciplines and levels — are crucial to the success of any organization and it is mission critical to invest in developing and energizing leadership qualities if you want to stand out, rise above, innovate, and care for people.
Join Christopher Newport University on Wednesday, April 19 for professional development focused on leadership development.
We’ve spent the last two and a half decades intentionally cultivating leaders in and out of the classroom. Our alumni are top leaders in their fields and our faculty and staff are industry experts — committed to helping you be an effective leader who successfully combines self-exploration, critical reflection, leadership theory and practical application in an ever-changing global society.
Choose from either our half-day or full day options and experience dynamic speakers, panel discussions, workshops and directed networking that will leave you feeling inspired, motivated and reenergized.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Get ready for a new summer Pickleball League at The Boro Tysons!
Join DC Fray on Wednesday evenings to play some pickleball. Also, cornhole leagues will be returning to the park on Thursdays.
Pick your sport and sign up as an individual, group or team.
#FrayLife #TheBoroTysons
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This sponsored column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road in Arlington). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Experience Arrowine’s Tastings & Events. Have a question? Email [email protected].
Can we talk?
This column is an advertisement and an instrument to generate interest and, hopefully, revenue. But it’s more than that to me. For those of you who know me, my work, and Arrowine, you know I hate bu**sh**.
I’m no spring chicken, and the reality of turning sixty-five this June boggles my mind and scares me in many ways. So I ask myself that age-old question, where did the years go? My father used to say, “one day, you are going to wake up, look in the mirror, and not recognize who you’re looking at!” And that day has come and in spades.
That leads me to my next rant, retirement. And do what? Play golf? Move to the beach, or heaven forbid Florida? I sooner walk in front of a bus. I can’t afford to retire, anyway. Part of it is my fault. And let’s not forget the last three years have been unmitigated hell. Doing the right thing can be expensive. It can drain your bank account but not your conscience.
Thankfully, COVID-19 is waning, but it sure is alive and well with me. And it’s just the beginning. We are witnessing the largest shifting and realignment of the post-Great Depression economy. Just look around you. How many businesses failed? How many people lost their jobs and everything at no fault of their own? It was an economic Tsunami. And let’s not mention over one million Americans died before their time. So what did we as a nation and society learn from this? Not much, and it scares the hell out of me.
In my naivety, I thought it might bring our fractured nation closer. Our differences would pale in comparison to saving lives and respecting our neighbor’s health and well-being. But it did exactly the opposite!
A pandemic is inconvenient, expensive, and a first-rate pain in the ass. We didn’t ask for this! But science is science, one plus one equals two, and yes, we did land on the moon. So in a crisis, in a war, you do what you must do, not what is expedient or easy.
You do what is right, what is moral, and honorable because anything less is undignified and selfish. I will have to work a bit longer or maybe until I drop, but that’s how it is.
Arrowine isn’t my work. It gives me purpose and pleasure. It is who I am, and I love it! There are days, weeks, months, and years of aggravation, challenges, frustrations, and uncertainty, but it’s who I am. G-d and my loved ones give me strength, but you motivate me. So, thank you for that.
In return, I promise to give you my very best, I sincerely thank you for sticking by us through thick and thin, and I sincerely appreciate it.
That leads me to what matters, the future. We have looked long and hard at what we were doing and how we did it. With the help of our entire staff, we are retooling, refining, and re-creating Arrowine. So we are getting rid of what didn’t work to add value to your shopping experience and to ensure that we are a part of this community for many years to come. Our best is yet to come!
Thank you for reading this,
Doug Rosen, Shem Hassan, Ayet Boudjellal, and the entire Arrowine team
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
If you’re going to enjoy a lifelong hobby, you can’t beat the benefits of playing a musical instrument. In addition to bringing joy to yourself and any listeners you might have, you’re doing great things for your brain.
“I think playing music is a unique art form. It’s creative, offering an opportunity to create as you go, and at the same time, it’s analytical and almost mathematical,” says Peter Cahn, who plays guitar. “And as far as I’m concerned, it’s a group activity.” Peter enjoys playing music with others, trying out different songs and arrangements. He has played regularly with the same group for 14 years, and is looking forward to playing with other residents of The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, when it opens in Tysons, Virginia, in 2024.
“I want to meet other musicians when we move into The Mather, explore different genres, and see what we can do,” he says.
Noteworthy Brain Benefits
One thing the musicians at The Mather can do is enjoy multiple benefits for their brains. That’s because playing an instrument simultaneously works different sensory systems in the brain, along with your motor skills. This coordination of efforts provides a workout for your brain — the kind of workout that strengthens connections within the brain and keeps you mentally sharp. In turn, this can improve your memory and cognition — one study showed that musicians perform better on cognitive tests than those who don’t play an instrument.
Then there is the benefit of learning; even accomplished musicians continually learn new songs and new arrangements. “As you progress in music, your horizons broaden; the amount to be learned seems limitless, especially in jazz,” says Marie Himel, another future resident of The Mather. Marie plays flute and tenor saxophone. “I’ve yet to meet a jazz musician who is satisfied with where they are. The art can be taken in so many directions.”
In fact, musical training has been proven to increase gray matter volume in specific brain regions and strengthen the connections between them. Other research has shown that such training can improve long-term memory, verbal memory, and spatial reasoning. And multiple studies have shown that playing music helps improve concentration — not just when playing, but in all areas of daily life.
In the Mood
It should come as no surprise that playing music can reduce stress — but it can also lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and reduce anxiety and depression. And — whether you are playing music or simply listening to it — it can boost your mood.
“It stimulates the emotions. There’s a sweet spot in music when you work at something and get the instrumentation and harmonies right,” says Peter. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The Next Movement
Peter and Marie and their respective spouses are looking forward to being part of a vibrant community when they move to The Mather. Peter explains, “We were mainly attracted to The Mather because it’s got a lively community that’s already in place. The other senior living communities we looked at are places where you slow down.”
Marie and her husband are delighted to stay close to D.C. for the music and theater, and Marie adds, “For years, I’ve been thinking it would be nice to have everything taken care of, to not spend time on food shopping and cooking. I envision life at The Mather to be like living at a resort.”
The Mather will have cultural, social and educational programs on-site for residents, including digital media workshops, art and technology seminars, featured lecturers, and much more — including, perhaps, performances by resident musicians. And coupled with services like housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, and culinary packages that will leave residents more time to pursue passions like making music.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Are you looking for a fun activity that taps into your creative side?
Or maybe you are looking for something to do with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday, or just have a memorable night out. Take it from someone who is not crafty, Board & Brush Fairfax is the place to go.
Bonus, you create a DIY project that will be amazing in your home or as a homemade gift for someone.
Check out this insider Live Fairfax video!
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
The wait is almost over. Soon, you will be able to come home to Monarch and experience the exceptional privacy, serene outdoor spaces, lavish features and finishes, white-glove services, and the most luxurious amenities in Northern Virginia.
Each residence offers abundant natural light, expansive views, chef’s kitchen, and spacious private outdoor living areas, with some featuring direct-entry elevators. From the richly lacquered cabinetry to the floor-to-ceiling windows, Monarch makes a statement at every turn.
This attention to detail extends throughout, from the spectacular grand lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center, inspiring party room, sparkling blue waters of our resort-style pool, and beautiful outdoor terrace.
Let our 24-hour concierge and porter assist with everything from selecting a fine dining restaurant to coordinating a private party. We are the only condominium community in Tysons offering this level of superior service. World-class shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences are only a block away, and with the Silver Line Metro so close, residents can easily connect with everything Washington, D.C. and beyond.
With six homes sold in February alone, don’t miss the opportunity to live at Tysons’ only new high-rise condominium community, as remaining inventory is in high demand.
Schedule your tour and explore our stunning Sales Gallery and newly decorated model. Discover all the luxury and elegance that is Monarch. Sophisticated condominiums priced from $1.24M to $2.4M.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
Employee use of computers and workplace internet has become relatively common.
As a result, there are many times when employees get disciplined or terminated for such usage. We generally advise employees to avoid using workplace computers and/or internet connections, even where permitted, wherever possible.
Common Issues for Employees
The most frequent problems that arise for employees in this area involve:
(1) Watching entertainment programs (Neltfix, Hulu, Disney+ etc.)
(2) Excessive social media usage (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
(3) Online gaming at work
(4) Watching, sending or receiving sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate materials
(5) Sending harassing, violent, discriminating or hateful messages on company computers
(6) Using workplace computers or the internet at work to commit any kind of illegal activity, including the piracy of movies, music, games, etc.
(7) Distributing company information outside the company.
There are countless other examples which can violate company usage policies. Each company has their own computer and internet usage policy and it is important for employees to read them.
In our experience, many company computer and internet usage policies are fairly restrictive in writing, but not really enforced unless other employment issues arise. When such issues arise, an employer may have the ability to review an employee’s computer or internet usage on their work devices and attempt to discipline or dismiss an employee if they choose.
Defenses
There can be legal defenses available when an employee is wrongfully terminated from an employer where computer or internet usage is the underlying issue. These defenses would depend on the facts of the underlying incident and the individual company policy. Possible legal defense and/or representation should be discussed with a lawyer.
Contact Us
When an employee faces a disciplinary investigation or action based on alleged computer or internet misuse, it is very important to retain legal counsel familiar with these issues. Our law firm represents employees and can be contacted at www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at (703) 668-0070.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Whether you’re a long-time artist or find yourself sitting in front of an easel for the first time, pursuing a creative endeavor can benefit your health.
Research has shown that creative activities (and the pleasure they bring) can reduce artists’ stress and anxiety, increase self-confidence, and boost overall well-being –as well as keep the brain “fit” and stem the onset of dementia.
“Exercising your creativity is an integral part of Aging Well — that’s why we incorporate creative exploration and the arts in so many aspects of our senior living communities,” says Caroline Edasis, director of community engagement for Mather. Mather is the organization that’s bringing The Mather, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, coming to Tysons, Virginia, in 2024.
This bodes well for future residents of The Mather like Renée Alberts. A lifelong artist whose work has been shown in many juried shows and won multiple awards, Renée is an active member of the McLean Art Society. Her watercolor paintings can be seen in the society’s art exhibits at various locations, including area recreational centers, and in Walker Chapel United Methodist Church when the Art Society schedules exhibits.
Renée says that, today, she is not only retired from her career as a therapist, but also recently “fully retired” from volunteer work, and spends a lot of time painting. While she has tried different media, she is drawn to watercolors because “one is rewarded by the sense of immediacy and freshness and the vivacity of color.” She adds, “With some people, it’s a compulsion. If I see something that stirs emotions, I have to paint it.”
Born in New York City, where she attended the New York High School of Music and Art — the Fame school — and having lived in New England and Europe, Renee settled in Virginia, where she plans to stay. She looks forward to moving into an apartment home in The Mather next year. “For me, the important thing about The Mather is the location,” she says. “It’s convenient to so many things that are important to continuing one’s life — shopping, restaurants, the Metro — and it’s easy to get into town.”
The Mather will offer residents ample opportunities to engage with art and creativity on-site, including Open Art Studios, which are welcoming group settings where participants can work in diverse media alongside their peers. Mather’s signature approach to art appreciation mirrors how contemporary museum practices are evolving. Rather than teaching with lectures from an expert such as a docent, it focuses on inclusive, inquiry-based art-viewing techniques. The Mather has already formed relationships with local arts organizations, and plans to offer inquiry-based art experiences for residents on-site as well as in museums, theaters, galleries, and beyond.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction
As a full service design-build home remodeling company, our focus isn’t limited to the finishes in the space we’re remodeling, we often work with clients who want to make changes on an entire level or throughout their home as part of their renovation plans. One (often overlooked) change that can have a big impact on the look and feel of a home? Interior doors!
Six panel doors are one of the most commonly used interior door styles in houses in this area, but there are other options. If you’re ready for a change, we’re here to help with some design ideas (most are from homes in the local area) so you can get inspired about what’s possible in your space.
Single/1-Panel
For a more contemporary look, many homeowners are opting for 1-panel doors. They are sleek looking, fuss-free and, the best bit, versatile as they work in many different styles of home. They look stunning with chrome or black hardware.
In this contemporary townhome remodel in Reston, we reconfigured the layout of the entrance hall as part of an entire main level renovation. The 6-panel doors on the coat closet did not blend with the contemporary finishes of the rest of the renovated main level. We moved the location of the coat closet to unutilized space behind the front door and used double 1-panel doors (also used on the powder room door — not shown) for an updated look.
This next example shows how double 1-panel doors with frosted glass and square chrome door hardware add a feeling of spa-like luxe to this primary bathroom.
Horizontal Panel Doors
An equally modern choice is doors with two or more (usually) horizontal panels.The neat thing about interior doors nowadays is they now come in all sorts of finishes and differing number of panels, so you have plenty of styles to pick from.
In this basement remodel in Reston, our clients replaced their doors with 3-panel interior doors which were painted in a “Tricorn Black” color. The double doors to the media room are also 3-panel but with glass panels instead of solid for a contemporary look.
See more of this remodel above here.
In this next home remodel in Reston, the homeowners replaced all the interior doors in their mid century home (including replacing bifold closet doors which are commonly found in many bedrooms and hallways) and totally transformed this house. This is a great example of how door styles/colors can be mixed and matched in different rooms but still feel cohesive and blend together.
Pocket Doors
Personally, I love pocket doors. They are the ultimate space saver and you can get really creative with the design and hardware. If you don’t have room for a barn door with a track (or don’t like the look), it might be time to give pocket doors a chance. From frosted glass to solid doors, they are more versatile than you might think. For added design detail, paint them any color you like for a pop of color and design interest.
In this home remodel, a slab pocket door separates the kitchen from the pantry that can be easily pulled across for separation of space.
Pocket doors are not reserved for pantries and laundries/mudrooms. The photo on the left (below) shows how glass pocket doors look equally stunning in an office (this is a design choice I made in my own home). The availability of modern hardware for pocket doors by companies such as Cavilock (as seen on the right) means even the latch can make a design statement!
The downside? It might be difficult to retrofit pocket doors to an existing space depending on the size and width of the walls on either side of the door(s) and what’s behind the walls in terms of electrical wiring or pipes. Placement of electrical light switches will also be impacted as switches cannot be installed on the wall close to the doors because the pocket doors take up the cavity space.
Barn Doors
Replacing existing doors with barn doors takes things up a design notch in your space, especially when paired with a statement door track. Barn doors are most at home in transitional or traditional spaces and add visual interest to the room, but can also fit into a more modern aesthetic if the design is kept simple and paired with a modern track system. Like pocket doors, they are good space savers — especially for pantries. Having too many doors that open in a kitchen can make it feel cramped and hard to navigate, so barn doors are a perfect solution to this problem.
In the example below, our clients removed a closet pantry with a door that opened into the main kitchen, making this a tight corner. The reimagined pantry not only improves storage, the addition of the barn door is much easier for the busy family to use.
The gorgeous door in this home remodel in Reston not only looks stunning, it can be pulled across to give a cozier feel to the family room in the evenings.
This last example shows a modern glass barn door in an office that is a thing of beauty in itself!
Saloon Doors
Yes, we’re putting saloon doors on the list because we think they are a great way to add a playful, yet sophisticated, element to any space. But, these aren’t your Grandma’s saloon doors. In this home remodel in Reston, the existing pantry was a nice space but by adding wooden saloon doors, it gives the whole kitchen a brand new look and feel.
Before we go — a note on hardware
When it comes to hardware, just like kitchen and bathroom cabinet handles, there has been a general move away from all polished brass for door handles and hinges. Satin nickel, chrome and black are now the colors of choice. A simple hardware change isn’t hard to do. In the example below, our clients decided to update their door hardware to black. They liked the look of the existing style, so they didn’t switch that out, but the new black handles fit better with their newly remodeled space.
If you’re ready to rethink your home, we’re here to help! We’ve been leading the way in home remodeling in Reston since 2008. Ready to get started? Find out more about us here.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
It’s time for you to experience Pierce: a multi-award-winning luxury condominium building in Rosslyn, with residences priced from the mid $900s to $2.7M.
Pierce will be hosting a Champagne Open House Event on Saturday, March 11, from 12-4 p.m. (kindly RSVP to [email protected]).
Sip some bubbly and enjoy a tour of our award-winning models and world-class amenities. Pierce offers expansive floor plans with generous private balconies and premier interior finishes, including 2-bedroom and den residences featuring almost 2,000 sq. ft. of living space, and parking is included.
Discover the height of sophisticated condominium living as you explore our fabulous 26th floor Social Room and the 27th floor rooftop terrace. Marvel at our spectacular views and enviable location for those who desire to live at the intersection of urban culture and Northern Virginia style.
Experience home as never before when you live at Pierce: Virginia’s finest condominium residence and a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Learn more at PierceVa.com.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Starting March 6 through March 12!
Here is the restaurant line-up, so you can plan a week of NO at-home meal prep and experience some of the best eats in the City of Fairfax:
- Audacious Ale Work
- Big Buns
- Baku Delicious
- Bellissimo Resturant
- Ben Gongs Tea
- Bollywood Bistro
- Capital Ale House
- Coyote Grille
- Curry Mantra
- Dolce Vita Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Drapers
- Earp’s Ordinary
- El Pollo Rico
- Hamrock’s Restaurant
- Jas & Fam Caribbean Flavor
- Kim’s Kitchen & Bar
- Marumen Ramen Shop
- Meokja Meokja
- Merkado Mexican Grill & Bar
- ONE Bar & Grill
- Ornery Beer Company Public House
- PJ Skidoos
- Patriots Pub & Grill
- Roots Natural Kitchen
- Slice of MatchBox
- The Auld Shebeen
- The Wine House
- ViVi bubble tea
As you can see from the above list, there is honestly something yummy for everyone from a date night to family meals.
Let us know which ones you are planning to try!
Make sure you use #TakeaBiteofFairfax.
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By Brendan C. Stautberg, Esq.,
Financial issues are a frequent reason security clearance applicants run into problems during the adjudication process. That may not be surprising: it makes sense that the government would care about your financial status — including your record of paying off debts, meeting other obligations, and living within your means — because of how those aspects of your life and conduct reflect your trustworthiness and reliability.
And it is not unusual for Americans to have various debts, whether current or resolved, and sometimes people fall behind on their payments for whatever reason. It happens; people can and do fall on hard times for reasons entirely outside their control. Likewise, sometimes people make bad financial decisions that it can take significant time and effort to recover from.
Luckily, financial issues are not necessarily the end of the road when it comes to obtaining a security clearance. Many people are granted clearances despite outstanding debts and other problems. However, to get to there, it is crucial to understand how to address financial concerns in a way that will satisfy clearance adjudicators.
Financial Issues in the Security Clearance Context
When you first apply for a security clearance, you are faced with a new level of scrutiny, including towards your finances. But the nuances of this scrutiny, although very important, can be difficult to understand at first. For example, again, it is hardly the case that you cannot be granted a security clearance if you have any outstanding debt. On the opposite end of the spectrum, though, you can also be denied a clearance even if you have completely resolved past financial issues if other concerns about your financial responsibility remain.
Therefore, it is important to understand what clearance adjudicators are looking for when they allege a finance-related security concern. This topic is also a great example of why it is important to be represented by an experienced attorney in order to maximize your chances of successfully appealing an unfavorable clearance decision.
Depending on the federal agency involved, whether the applicant is employed by a contractor, and what stage the process is in, security clearance adjudications may be processed within the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA), the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), or within a sponsoring agency’s own security office. Regardless of which agency or office is adjudicating your case, the clearance adjudicators use standards from a document called Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4), which is issued by the Director of National Intelligence. The financial component of SEAD 4’s National Security Adjudicative Guidelines is Guideline F: Financial Issues.
Understanding and Responding to a Guideline F Concern
While Guideline F itself provides further details on what types of conduct can give rise to a financially based security concern, the main takeaway from Guideline F is twofold: first, financial irresponsibility demonstrates a lack of good judgment, self-control, reliability, and similar traits deemed important to safeguarding classified information, in addition to irresponsibility potentially reflecting other problems such as substance abuse.
Second, financial overextension could lead someone to engage in illegal activity to make ends meet, and it could also open them up to blackmail. As a result, the Guideline F calculus assesses both your own responsibility and actions as well as whether your financial situation increases your risk of other problems.
However, a frequent pitfall in Guideline F cases is that the applicant will focus too much on their current financial situation and not on the other aspects of their financial history. It is easy to mistakenly assume that as long as you demonstrate to the adjudicators that you have paid off your debts or resolved whatever other issues there may be, you are in the clear. Unfortunately, that by itself is often not enough.
Security adjudicators are not just looking at your current financial picture, but also at two other aspects of whatever issues they may allege: first, how you got into the situation in question, and second, what you have done to deal with it. For example, if you have a charged-off debt in your credit report, then even if you have since paid the debt in full or otherwise resolved it, adjudicators will want to know details about why the debt was charged off in the first place, and they will also want to know why you didn’t make payments for whatever period of time may be the case.
Even if you did make payments or otherwise attempt to resolve the problem, adjudicators will want to see hard evidence of your payments or other efforts — they will not just take your word for it, and the burden is on you as the applicant to provide sufficient evidence. However, if you can provide good explanations about your good-faith efforts to address any financial issues to the best of your ability, as well as adequately explaining the circumstances that led to the problem in the first place, then your chance of sufficiently mitigating a Guideline F security concern is much greater.
Contact Us
Our firm handles many security clearance cases, including Guideline F matters, for federal and federal contractor employees. If you are a security clearance holder or applicant in need of representation, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook and Twitter.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Many people see their health as something to work on, through goal setting, regular workouts, and diet.
But research shows that “down time” can be very effective at supporting our health and well-being as well. “Many leisure activities provide opportunities to socialize, learn, be active, and carry out your life’s purpose — each of which has been proven to support health and well-being,” explains Cate O’Brien, PhD, the VP and Director for Mather Institute.
Mather Institute has compiled findings from a variety of sources to provide some guidelines on this. The Institute is the research area of Mather, the parent organization to The Mather, a Life Plan Community coming to Tysons.
Here are eight ways to spend your free time that can provide health benefits:
- Make Music: Learning to play an instrument challenges your brain and may improve brain function — and playing an instrument is associated with better cognitive and brain health and psychological and physical well-being.
- Be Social: Positive, supportive relationships play an important role in well-being. Social support can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve immune function. Spend time with family, friends, or neighbors. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and cultivate supportive relationships. Consider joining a group, taking a class, or volunteering to double up on positive effects.
- Embrace Your Spiritual Side: Spirituality and religiosity are both linked to good health for a variety of reasons. Persons who are spiritual or religious often have a strong sense of purpose, which is associated with a reduced risk of many diseases. Meditation and prayer can help regulate emotions and in turn, contribute to positive physical functions such as healthy blood pressure.
- Volunteer for a Good Cause: It’s not only good for others; it’s good for your health. Volunteering can promote a strong sense of purpose, which is linked to improved coping with stress, positive health behaviors, and even a longer life. Find a cause that is meaningful to you and dedicate some time to it — it doesn’t have to be a lot for you to reap the health benefits.
- Get Physical: You already know that physical activity is good for you. Physically active people tend to enjoy a reduced risk of disease and functional limitations, along with a boost to their mental health and brain health. Find an activity you like and move for 30 minutes or more most days. Need extra motivation? Partnering with a friend can help you stay on track.
- Join a Group that participates in an activity you enjoy. Group activities seem to provide social benefits over and above those from participating in other social activities. Activities such as singing with a choir or riding with a cycling club can provide a boost to psychological well-being, as well as mental, physical, and cognitive health.
- Learn Something New: Learning, whether informal, self-directed, or formal, can improve well-being. Learning a new, mentally challenging skill may help to keep your brain healthy. Consider studying a language, taking dance lessons, learning to quilt, taking up photography, or learning to play an instrument.
- Let Purpose and Passion Be Your Guide: Immerse yourself in activities you feel passionate about. First, a strong sense that your activities and goals are purposeful, important, and meaningful — whether it is raising your grandchildren, volunteering to improve the environment, or continuing your education — can improve health and longevity. In addition, simply enjoying an activity keeps you feeling good, helps you stay engaged, and can provide opportunities for growth and social connection.
Choose any of these enticing options for spending your free time, and know that research has proven it is time well spent.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
On the edge of Vienna, The Providence shines with nurturing and innovative boutique-style senior living surrounded by renowned arts and cultural venues and experiences.
Combining the elegance of a luxury rental community, the extravagance of a best-in-class hospitality experience, and just the right amount of individualized care, everything at The Providence is tailored to help our residents thrive.
For a limited time, lease a one-bedroom Assisted Living apartment for the price of a studio when you move in by March 31, 2023 (certain conditions apply — see sales director for details). Don’t miss this opportunity to get more for less.
Your monthly rental fee includes:
Spacious, light-filled one-bedroom apartments
- Open kitchenette with granite countertops
- Sizable living room
- Large bathrooms with walk-in showers
- Advanced technology for safety and convenience
Also included:
- All-day dining in any of our restaurants
- On-site physician specialists
- Integrated physical, occupational, and speech therapy program
- 24-hour concierge
- Individualized care program
- 24/7 licensed care staff
- Medication management
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Engaging and inspiring events and activities
- Transportation services
- Covered parking
- All utilities and Wi-Fi
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Access to on-site day spa and salon
The Providence delivers a quality of life that is exciting, comforting, and exceptional.
Now welcoming new residents. To learn more, visit ProvidenceFairfax.com or call (571) 550-9404.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
