Intriguing international dishes. Flavorful fresh ingredients and from-scratch recipes. Inspired, ever-changing menus. An in-house beverage program featuring craft cocktails and an enviable wine list.
These are all things you might enjoy at a five-star resort or world-class hotel… and you’ll also find them at The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better that opened in Tysons this month.
“It’s time to scrap outdated ideas about food and beverage offerings in senior living,” says Thad Parton, AVP of Restaurant Operations for Mather, the parent organization of The Mather. “Residents at The Mather are connoisseurs of fine food and wine, world travelers, and discerning diners who seek out top-rated restaurants wherever they live and travel. Our menus and experiences are designed to meet their expectations and tastes.”
Each of The Mather’s three restaurants, as well as its bar and lounge, has a distinct menu, and all are rotated regularly to offer creative new selections. Menus showcase cuisines from around the world including sushi, Berkshire Pork Bao, Mushroom Biryani, and crab cakes with mango-habanero salsita.
The Mather’s enticing food and beverage program is supported by the culinary standards and philosophy of Mather. Mather has been highlighted by the New York Times as a prime example of senior living residences offering residents top chefs and “foodie delights.”
The Mather takes local, seasonal food to the next level, adding inspired touches from inside their community:
- A dedicated bake shop/pastry shop features a German-made, state-of-the-art bread oven.
- On-site honey production by Italian honeybees will be available (starting late spring 2024) through a partnership with an urban beekeeping program.
- Specially trained team members make coffee and espresso drinks to order, using beans from an Alexandria-based coffee roaster.
- A hydroponic micro-farm provides opportunity for year-round fresh herbs and edible flowers to be used for special culinary events and resident programs.
In addition to these special touches, The Mather will use technology to enhance residents’ culinary experiences. A country club-style plan allows them to draw on a prepaid account for meals, drinks, guest meals and private catering, CUISINE2GO food, and more. They can also use an in-house app to order food for pickup or delivery and make restaurant reservations. And a robot server will be on-hand in the restaurants to help with bussing tables and delivering food.
“The Mather restaurants and event spaces are truly inspiring us to take our culinary processes, creativity, and service to the next level,” says Thad. “It’s been rewarding for our team to break new ground while we build a cutting-edge food and beverage program for residents.”
The Mather, which opened in March 2024 in Tysons, VA, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Reston celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and remains a model of a true planned community — one that stresses quality of life and the ability for residents to live, work and play in their own community.
Founder Robert E. Simon had that goal of quality of life and common shared scenic beauty, and those guiding principles remain, even as Reston has changed over the years.
Today, Reston Association and its Board of Directors are the ones tasked with ensuring we have a community that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. It is those qualities that make Reston a great place for people to call home. Those qualities are fundamental to maintaining excellent property values and our prized community amenities. So it’s important that all of us within Reston Association take time to cast votes this month in our annual Board of Directors election.
A total of four seats are open in this year’s election, and the candidates for each seat have shared priorities and goals. These individuals are the ones tasked with guiding the policies and procedures for the Association, approving the annual budget and assessment, and helping to ensure Reston remains a unique and welcoming community.
If you value being a part of the Reston community and want to ensure its place in the future, I urge you to take a moment to learn about the candidates and cast your vote in the Board of Directors election. Ballots were mailed to all households within the Association and must be either mailed back or submitted online no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. The results of the election will be announced at the 2024 Annual Members’ Meeting on Tuesday, April 9. All RA members are invited to attend the reception and meeting; registration is required.
By Ed Abbott, Chair, Reston Association Elections Committee
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Written by Mina Lucks, Synergy Design & Construction
As a home remodeler, we love creating spaces that adapt to one’s lifestyle and the ever-changing needs of our modern way of living.
In this blog, we explore ways to diversify spaces in your home to help you to transition from work to relaxation and beyond.
Designing Versatile Spaces For Modern Living
Imagine seamlessly moving from a productive work zone to a serene sanctuary in seconds. Or picture hosting a social gathering in your home that effortlessly adapts to accommodate your guests.
Crafting these multifunctional areas starts with understanding your unique needs. After identifying your range of daily activities, you can explore the specific furniture and layouts that make sense for you!
Take this kitchen island, for example.
The island can blend a computer workstation with a meal prep zone, a breakfast bar, a place to socialize, and even sneak in some display shelves underneath. Talk about versatility!
Adaptable Furniture And Layout Ideas For Flexible Living Area
We see crafting a flexible living area as an art form, and luckily, we’ve got a few expert strategies to achieve just that.
The key ideas lie in blending comfort, flow, and, of course, personal flair.
Open-Concept Design
By removing walls, you connect different areas offering a continuous flow of energy and activities.
For instance, this open-concept design harmoniously blends the areas on the entire first floor while maintaining a cohesive look.
Modular Sofas
Rearrange modular sofas to suit any occasion, allowing various seating arrangements, from small and intimate settings to larger gatherings.
Convertible Tables
Accommodate additional guests or offer ample workspace when needed with convertible tables that can expand or contract based on your needs. One of our favs is the Transformer Table!
Versatile Built-in Media Centers
A built-in media center can serve as a focal point and provide storage. With rotating panels or hidden compartments, reveal or conceal entertainment devices to quickly transition from a cozy family movie night to a sophisticated cocktail party.
Vertical Space
Keep floor space open by installing tall cabinets, sliding doors, large bookshelves, or counter units. These vertical elements can be used to display decorative items or act as dividers to create zones within your home.
In this project, we maximized floor space and established zones by utilizing floor-to-ceiling cabinets on the other side of the kitchen fridge wall.
Curate Your Home
So, if you’re after a home that enables flexible living and supports every aspect of your life, we’re here and all ears!
Get in touch with Synergy Design and Construction today, and let’s team up to create a multifunctional space where you can truly thrive!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid?
That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like The Howard Gardner School. There are any number of reasons that their current school might not fit.
- “My son is surviving, but they definitely aren’t thriving”
- “My daughter stopped doing gymnastics, and doesn’t ride horses anymore. She just does schoolwork.”
- “I don’t think the school ever really ‘got’ my kid… they’re just different”
These are quotes pulled from parents looking at HGS this year. Our families are a diverse group from all different backgrounds. Our students are just as varied with all kinds of reasons for being at The Howard Gardner School. The common thread is that school wasn’t working.
When school — as we think of it now — was invented, in the 1800s, it was in answer to the industrial revolution. Desks in rows and columns, classrooms with the same number of students as factories had workers in each shift. Even a curriculum contained by four walls and a textbook, set to a standardized approach for a standardized set of goals.
A few things have changed in the last two hundred years
Public school in the United States was and is a ground-breaking, crucial program with an audacious mandate: Educate every single citizen of the most diverse nation in the history of the world. Public educators are dedicated professionals seeking to do just that — but the mandate is virtually impossible. What works for one student might be antithetical to the needs of another. What makes one kid excited might make another kid anxious. As a result, typical schools seek to do the most that they can for as many students as they can. It’s a laudable and practical approach to a truly difficult circumstance.
But what if your kid doesn’t fit?
The parents, families, and kids who are exploring The Howard Gardner School are obviously considering a new school setting. It’s a wonderful truth that this region has an incredible array of top tier public and private schools. In particular, this area’s set of intentionally small schools is truly impressive. The Washington Small Schools Association and the Virginia Small Schools Association can provide interested families with information and ideas about how to find a school that fits.
In fact, the admissions staff at these small schools will take the time and effort to help each individual student find and access the best possible fit for them. Because each small school can be a different place — with programs, teachers, even campuses that fit different kinds of kids.
At The Howard Gardner School, we work with a very small number of students, in very small classes, designed around experiential programming. For instance, we take thirty-six field trips per year. Our students have multiple overnight travel opportunities each school year. And because of the needs of the teenage brain, we start the school day at 10 a.m. If sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, or slogging through another two hours of homework at night isn’t the right fit for your kid, HGS could help you find a better one. 
Our mission here at The Howard Gardner School is to help bright, creative, non-traditional students use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually, and emotionally.
Please check out our website at www.TheHowardGardnerSchool.org, and call or email to learn more about how to find the best fit for your kid.
There is a place where each young person can find their fit and thrive. The process is a bit like being in a dark room — the hard part isn’t turning on the light, it’s finding the switch.
The Howard Gardner School
Serving bright, creative, non-traditional learners in grades 6-12
Alexandria, VA & Sterling, VA
703-822-9300
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Earn top dollar with full benefits!
When you join the Electrical Alliance, you get to contribute to the biggest projects in the area, all while earning top dollar and employer paid benefits.
As an Electrical Alliance worker, you get:
- Salary Range $11.50 — $54.00/Hour
- Paid Apprenticeship
- Continuing education to advance within the industry
- Safer working conditions and top-tier safety training
- Full Family medical care, eye care, dental care, and EAP programs
- Paid time off
- Employer Paid Retirement Benefits: Pensions and Annuity
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.
Generation X — whose members are currently 43 to 58 years old — has been continually overshadowed by the much larger baby boomer and millennial generations. Yet these days, this “forgotten generation” has moved to the forefront. They are parents; employees and bosses; social, cultural, and political leaders… but who are they?
New research offers a detailed look at Gen X’s key lifestyle trends, attitudes, and interests. The Gen Xperience Study is a five-year research study of Mather Institute, an award-winning resource for research on wellness, aging, and successful aging service innovations. The Institute is the research area of Mather, a not-for-profit organization with other areas of service, community-based initiatives, and luxury senior living communities including The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better in Tysons, Virginia.
“The topic of Generation X is important to us for several reasons,” says Raj Radke, Vice President and General Manager of The Mather. “Many of our team members are Gen X; the adult children of many current residents belong to this generation, as do a sizeable percentage of The Mather residents!”
For its Year 1 report, Mather Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,504 members of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980). In order to draw comparisons and paint a picture of where Gen Xers might be heading in the future, they also surveyed 2,515 members of the baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964).
“We found that Gen Xers have three clear priorities: family, career, health and wellness,” says Jennifer Smith, PhD, AVP and director of Mather Institute. “Interestingly, we also found that although they are generally satisfied, many of them are also experiencing considerable stress in these same areas.”
For example, it’s no surprise that 81% of Gen Xers are stressed about finances at least sometimes. And — although this generation prioritizes their physical and mental health — nearly one-third of them reported that their wellness is a source of concern: 35% are stressed about their physical health, and 34% are stressed about their mental health. While 96% said that self-care is important to them, two out of five also admitted they don’t get as much self-care as needed.
“We were curious about how these stresses, perspectives, and experiences among Generation X compared to those of baby boomers,” says Jennifer. “We were intrigued to learn that Gen Xers — despite being younger — have more concerns about aging than their boomer counterparts.” The study shows that members of Gen X are specifically worried about their future finances, memory problems, and social isolation. However, when baby boomers think about growing older, they are more concerned about losing their independence.
In short, members of Generation X are doing their best to Age Well. For the most part, they are satisfied with their lives, though many are also coping with stress. The next few years of Mather Institute’s research may reveal changes in both the levels of satisfaction and in stressors.
“The Gen Xperience Study gives us deeper insights into an important generation,” says Radke. “We at The Mather are delighted to have this opportunity to better understand Generation X. We’re looking at ways to apply what we’ve learned from the report to support team members and residents alike.”
The Year 1 findings of the study are available in a free downloadable report, The Gen Xperience: A 5-Year Journey into the Lives of Generation X. You can find it at GenXperienceStudy.com.
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 opened in March 2024.
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 Kimberly H. Berry, Esq.
We represent federal employees in OPM disability retirement matters. Disability retirement for federal employees is one of the most common forms of retirement cases that we handle before federal agencies, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Federal employees filing for OPM disability retirement are covered by either the Federal Employees Retirement System or the Civil Service Retirement System. When considering OPM disability retirement there are a number of questions that a federal employee should consider as they contemplate whether to file for federal disability retirement. These considerations can include the following:
- How serious are the federal employee’s medical issues (and are they linked to the federal employee’s position description duties)?
When making a disability retirement decision, a federal employee should keep in mind that OPM evaluates an individual’s continued ability to work with their medical condition in the context of the duties described in their position description (PD). If the medical disability is not deemed serious enough, or not fully supported by medical documentation or other evidence, and is not sufficiently linked to their inability to “usefully and efficiently” carry out their PD duties, then OPM may deny the disability retirement application.
- How long is the medical disability realistically expected to last?
OPM requires that a medical disability be expected to last at least one year in duration. When considering whether to file for OPM disability retirement, it is important for a federal employee to evaluate the expected duration of their medical disability. Disabilities with known shorter duration could be problematic in the application process.
- Can the federal employee survive on a reduced annuity?
If a federal employee is considering filing for OPM disability retirement, it is important to understand that this type of retirement usually provides an individual with a lower monthly retirement annuity in comparison to full retirement. As a result, we recommend that federal employees obtain a benefits estimate from their human resources representative and consult with a financial advisor about the impact of a potentially reduced annuity prior to filing for disability retirement. It is important to evaluate one’s ability to support themselves on a reduced annuity before filing for OPM disability retirement.
- Can changes to a federal employee’s position be made to allow the employee to continue to work?
It can be the case that a federal agency will work with a federal employee to provide them with a reasonable accommodation (i.e. change in hours, duties, telework or other possible accommodations) which can make a federal employee’s current position and medical condition workable. This may alleviate the need to file for OPM disability retirement. As a part of the OPM disability retirement process, a federal agency is required to certify that it is unable to accommodate a federal employee’s disabling medical condition in their present position. The federal agency must also certify that it has considered them “for any vacant position in the same agency, at the same grade or pay level, and within the same commuting area, for which [you] qualified for reassignment.” Usually, this does not present a major hurdle to obtaining OPM disability retirement.
- Does the federal employee’s medical professionals support the disability retirement application?
Medical support can be an important factor when filing for disability retirement. In most cases, physicians will be open with their patients about whether it is a good idea to keep working in their current federal employment position. Typically, most physicians are supportive of such applications.
There are at least two good reasons for a federal employee to discuss their possible filing for OPM disability retirement with their treating medical providers in advance. First, a federal employee’s health should be of primary importance and consideration when determining whether continuing in a particular position hinders or impedes their medical recovery. Second, physicians and their medical opinions are necessary and, in fact, crucial in the OPM disability retirement application process.
OPM will require a physician’s statement about a federal employee’s medical condition, and the physician’s statement can often make or break the outcome of an OPM disability retirement application. Sometimes, a federal employee can seek an outside medical expert opinion to support their application for disability retirement, but it is very important to also include a longtime treating physician or other medical professional where possible.
When considering whether or not to file for OPM disability retirement, it is important to obtain the advice and representation of legal counsel. The OPM link for disability retirement is located here. You can contact our law firm through www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at 703-668-0070 to schedule a consultation to discuss your individual disability retirement matter.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
We can all agree that the plunger is gross, and figuring out what to do with it after clearing a clogged toilet is another matter.
You know how it goes, you plunge your toilet and then look at the plunger afterwards and wonder “Do I just put it on the floor and hope and the germs on it die on their own? Should I rinse it in the tub or sink and hope that the germs aren’t transferred there?” Suffice it to say, regardless of what you do, the traditional plunger is a germ spreader.
But does it have to be that way?
That’s not what longtime Arlington resident and Schoon
inventor Elaine Steele thinks!
The idea for Schoon came to Elaine one morning in January of 2020 after plunging yet another clog in her bathroom in her old house in Arlington. A search of the internet for a plunger that has a way to clean itself yielded no results.
After an exhaustive search of the Patent and Trademark site to find an invention that solves this problem, she found that there were none. Elaine realized that a self-cleaning plunger did not exist.
Elaine approached her longtime friend, Pierre, about the idea of a self-cleaning plunger. Being a germaphobe, he was intrigued, and the two started collaborating on the idea that February. Several designs, a few prototypes, lots of testing, and a patent application later, Schoon was born!
Making Schoon a reality required more elbow grease! Researching and dealing with several manufacturers, part suppliers, and assembly vendors to get a quality product at the right price point was a long journey.
Elaine and Pierre are excited to officially announce that Schoon is now available for purchase online at www.theschoon.com.
So how does Schoon work?
After unclogging your toilet, Schoon allows you to use the included wand to spray disinfectant over the top and the underneath of the plunger cup, cleaning the plunger immediately after use. You can also use your Schoon to disinfect the toilet, sink, floor and surrounding area. Elaine says, “Pierre and I intentionally created a sleek design, so that you can leave your Schoon out and at the ready for use when you need it.”
To learn more about Schoon, visit www.theschoon.com.
Follow Schoon on Facebook and Instagram.
Schoon is a Trademark of ESPM, LLC. Patent number 11808021. Additional Patents Pending.
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.
Have you explored the culinary treasure that is Fava Pot?
This local gem not only serves authentic Egyptian cuisine but also embodies the passion and vibrancy of our community.
Fava Pot is definitely passion on the plate. Offering a menu filled with savory delights, showcasing owner Dina Daniel’s dedication to quality and tradition. Dina’s remarkable journey, which began as a humble food truck, has evolved into a beloved local restaurant, captivating the taste buds of locals with its authentic Egyptian cuisine.
Fava Pot offers a menu filled with savory delights, showcasing the owner’s dedication to quality and tradition. From koshari to delightful vegetarian options, each dish is a testament to culinary excellence.
Experience firsthand the fusion of tradition, quality, and community vibrancy that makes Fava Pot a true local gem. Your taste buds are in for a treat — join us in this video as we give you the look into the savoring the rich flavors and stories that Fava Pot has to offer.
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 biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
When it comes to interior design, green is becoming a popular trend for creating thoughtful, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.
Green, of course, is referring to sustainable interior design — a style that emphasizes the use of ecologically and ethically conscious furnishings and materials. It’s a widely appealing approach already making its way into places like The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
With open floor plans and elegant fixtures, The Mather’s modern apartment homes — some up to 3,300 square feet — are a dream for interior designers like Kelly LaPlante. As a sustainability expert, LaPlante is designing the model apartment homes at The Mather with a heightened perspective on eco-friendly possibilities.
“There are so many more companies who are sustainably minded and are offering eco-friendly products,” LaPlante says. “It’s becoming a much more viable option for everyone.”
Basic sustainable interior design begins with placing an emphasis on longevity and flexibility, while being mindful of product life cycles; in other words, how long the product will be of use before it ends up in a landfill. This puts more responsibility on the designer to prevent materials and products from being discarded if they’re still functional.
Over time, some sustainability pursuits evolve based on the client’s or homeowner’s perspective. For example, a person with health concerns might focus on improving indoor air quality by sourcing low-toxicity carpets, finishes, and paints.
“Sustainable interior design refers to creating spaces that are deeply considerate of the planet and people,” LaPlante says. “There are many factors to it, and one’s focus will depend on their personal values.”
When seeking to lighten your environmental footprint, LaPlante suggests starting with the three Rs:
- Reduce — Reduce waste, especially the act of discarding products just because of it going out of style. Minimize the amount of materials and resources whenever possible. Limit purchasing products made with toxins or poorly made products.
- Reuse — Rather than buying replacement furniture, hold onto pieces that are meaningful to you and find ways to give them new life. Consider what you already own, so you’re not contributing to the need for production and shipping, which are hard on the environment. You can use these items as accents to your decor.
- Recycle — Use repurposed furniture. Mix in vintage or antique pieces — and/or pieces that are made from recycled materials. You can reupholster chairs or sofas, change out legs on chairs and tables, and update hardware like drawer pulls. Be responsible about how you dispose of pieces you are done with by recycling whenever possible.
“As with those moving into The Mather this spring, people moving into a new home will have the opportunity to reuse some of their existing pieces, so I’d always encourage starting there,” LaPlante says. “When you do purchase new items, be diligent about looking for pieces that are well made and will stand the test of time — so that they don’t end up in a landfill in five or ten years.”
Kelly adds another recommendation for those interested in sustainability: purchase organic bedding to set the stage for overall health and well-being. “We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and that is when we do our deepest restoration,” she says. “So make the healthiest possible choices when it comes to your mattress and bedding; your bed should be a toxin-free zone.”
Making healthy choices in interior design — from comforters to couches — can result in a home that’s as ecologically sound as it is attractive.
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
Written by Mina Lucks, Synergy Design & Construction
The soul of a home is found in the spaces where we cook, gather, and recharge, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. In this article, we delve into the art and science of maximizing functionality and style in kitchen renovations, and we’ll look at the latest innovations in bathroom design and remodeling.
Maximizing Functionality and Style in Kitchen Renovations
While the functionality of a kitchen is key, the style is equally important, as visually appealing kitchens contribute to the overall ambiance and your experience of the home. But how can you successfully achieve both?
Take, for instance, a recent kitchen remodel, where space was maximized without compromising on a polished aesthetic. Innovative storage solutions are woven into the design, enhancing everyday usability and transforming the kitchen into a space that effortlessly caters to the demands of modern living.
Here’s another project where design boundaries were pushed. This space was maximized by adding cabinets to the right-hand side of the kitchen and taking them all the way to the ceiling. An added island separates the kitchen from the family room and provides additional seating without cramping the space.
In balancing practicality with style, it’s all about thoughtfully using every inch of the space you have.
Innovations in Bathroom Design and Remodeling
We are witnessing an evolution in bathroom design with trends that go beyond the basics to create spaces that are luxurious and rejuvenating.
Picture a spa-like sanctuary within your home. This bathroom was transformed into a haven of relaxation — from a natural marble countertop, a collection of floor tile with radiant heating, and a relocated window for natural light, this space is truly a spa-like retreat.
An additional bathroom trend is the incorporation of patterns as a distinctive touch, adding personality and flair.
This bathroom remodel showcases how the integration of these elements can elevate the bathroom experience.
Feeling Inspired?
If your kitchen or bathroom just isn’t cutting it anymore, it may be time to transform these spaces for you, too!
Contact Synergy Design & Construction today at 706-766-6333 or fill out the form www.renovatehappy.com/contact/ and let us be your partner in crafting a home that energizes your everyday experience.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column alternating with “Exploring Fairfax” that takes a deeper look around Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris and Aaron Nichols of McEnearney Associates Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479 and Aaron at 703-915-9852.
This newly opened golf lounge in Centreville is the perfect place to work on your swing, play a round of golf or simply have some fun with your friends!
Whether it’s during the winter months or the hot and humid summer, golfers no longer need to wait for fair weather to hone their skills or enjoy a round with friends. Boasting cutting-edge simulators and a cozy atmosphere, the No. 1 Golf Lounge recreates the unique experience of playing on world-renowned courses, allowing you to tee off against stunning backdrops without ever leaving the comfort of the lounge.
Join us in this video to see what makes this indoor golf destination unique. Whether you’re a serious golfer looking to fine-tune your swing or a beginner eager to learn the basics, this lounge offers customizable settings and professional guidance to cater to individual needs.
The No. 1 Golf Lounge is also a great venue for events and corporate gatherings. From team-building exercises to birthday parties, the lounge’s flexible space and amenities cater to various occasions, providing a memorable and interactive experience for attendees.
Whether you’re aiming for the green or simply seeking a welcoming environment to unwind, the No. 1 Golf Lounge in Centreville will be a great time!
Aaron Nichols | www.nichols.realestate | [email protected] | @itsaaronnichols | 703-915-9852 | 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
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.
Research has shown that older adults who engage with the arts in a group setting — anything from dancing to a poetry group to singing in a choir — enjoy tangible benefits in multiple areas of health. This has to do with feelings of mastery, and with social connection.
“This research, combined with Dr. Gene Cohen’s description of life after 50 as a time of potential and inner growth known as the Creative Age, forms a foundation for using creativity to support personal wellness,” says Caroline Edasis, AVP of resident engagement for Mather. Mather is the organization that’s bringing The Mather, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, opening in Tysons next month.
Mather encourages residents in their existing communities — not just those who are established artists — to try creating new art forms in Open Art Studios. These studios, which position arts engagement as a vehicle for wellness, not just recreation, inviting both lifelong and new artists to explore their own Creative Age in a welcoming group setting.
“While working in diverse media including ceramics and mixed media/painting, participants often realize alongside their peers that they have an untapped expressive ability, a new love for a specific media, or a personal project to pursue,” says Caroline. “One of our master’s-level facilitators, trained in art and psychology, is present to support each individual’s creative journey, and that person helps transform the group into an uplifting community in which residents learn more about each other and themselves.”
Inquiry-Based Art Viewing
Mather also has a signature approach to art appreciation — one that mirrors how contemporary museum practices are evolving. Rather than teaching or encouraging art appreciation with lectures from an expert such as a docent, they focus on inclusive, inquiry-based art-viewing techniques.
“Did you know that the average person spends 17 seconds looking at a work of art in a museum?” asks Caroline. “In our visual literacy programs, we often spend a full hour describing an image, sharing stories conjured by the work of art, or even creating group poems in response to the work. These techniques focus on the interests, experiences, and curiosity of viewers to deliver intellectually stimulating content while challenging us to bring culture down from the pedestal and into our lives.”
The Mather has already formed relationships with local arts organizations, and plans to offer inquiry-based art experiences for residents on-site in museums, theaters, galleries, and more.
Mather recognizes that creativity is about much more than visual art. They encourage everyone to recognize aging as a time of great creative potential, whether through music, poetry, storytelling, dance and movement, or even gardening — the sky is truly the limit.
The Mather, opening in early 2024 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.
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].
Happy February!
We’re two months into the new year and Valentine’s Day — less than 24 hours away — is a time for romance, chocolates and best of all, Champagne. But specifically, Grower Champagne like Champagne Bauser.
Kicking your taste buds and with Special Bottling, Champagne Bauser is now available at Arrowine. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!
How did Champagne Bauser come to Arrowine? A little bit of backstory from Doug Rosen himself…
I was hunting for Champagne from the tiny Village of Les Ricey (the home of Marie and Olivier Horiot, whose Champagnes are the best-known, highly allocated, and twice the price. We have a few right now.)
Les Ricey was a favorite source of Champagne for Louis XIV. It is located at the southern end of the Côte des Bar, far removed from the big-name Champagne Houses in Reims, etc. But this sleepy corner of Champagne is a favorite source of grapes for the “Big Gun” Champagne Houses.
Les Ricey’s Champagnes are richly flavored, extremely mineral (for Pinot Noir,) and very Burgundian. Considering how close Les Riceys is to Chablis and that it enjoys the same Kimmeridgian soils, it should not be surprising.
With such a high demand for Les Ricey fruit, few producers and far fewer Estate Bottlers export to the United States and command hefty price tags when they do. But not at Arrowine. At as low as $44.99 a bottle, Champagne Bauser is a “stupid good” and a steal! Don’t drink this standing up; you might pass out from pleasure.
And don’t forget the chocolates and cheese! What’s Champagne on Valentine’s Day without the cheese, charcuterie and chocolates?
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Interested in graduate school?
George Mason University invites you to attend an upcoming open house at Mason Square in Arlington to learn more about the 40+ graduate programs at three Mason academic units: the Schar School of Policy and Government, Costello College of Business, and the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at an in-person open house.
When: Thursday, February 22 | Drop by any time between 5-7 p.m.!
Where: Van Metre Hall Multipurpose Room | 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
This is the perfect opportunity to explore your graduate school options, meet your future professors face-to-face, connect with our admissions team, and find out where a Mason graduate degree can take you next.
George Mason University offers in-state tuition to Virginia residents. Plus, incoming Schar School students who reside in Washington, D.C., and Maryland can now qualify for the Regional Pricing Policy for a master’s or certificate program!
Hourly parking is available in the Van Metre Hall Garage. The campus is also metro accessible (Virginia Square — Orange or Silver lines). To learn more about the 40+ graduate programs at George Mason University’s Arlington campus, register for the open house or fill out our inquiry form.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
