(Updated at 12:30 a.m.) Get ready to participate in Reston Now’s first annual Best Reston Businesses awards!
The Best Reston Businesses awards are a chance for residents and community members to choose their favorite restaurants, stores, services and more right here in Reston.
You can help by nominating your favorite businesses in any of the following categories here on RestonNow.com, starting Wednesday, April 23.
The categories will be:
- Architect, Remodeler or Decorator
- Bank
- Burgers
- Doctor
- Happy Hour
- Ice Cream, Bakery or Sweets
- Gym, Trainer or Fitness Business
- Kids’ Store
- New Business
- Outdoor Dining
- Overall Restaurant
- Pet Care
- Pizza
- Realtor or Real Estate Agent
- Salon or Spa
Nominations start Wednesday, April 23 and end Wednesday, April 30. Voting on the nominated businesses will then begin Monday, May 5 and end Friday, May 16.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Growing inventory is giving those in the hunt for a home more to choose from as the Spring market gets rolling.
This week, 44 new properties were listed for a total of 181 properties on the market in Reston.
1676 Chimney House Rd, 3BR 2.5 Baths $579,900
11400 Washington Plz W #904 1BR 1 Bath $250,000
2020 Upper Lake 3BR 3.5 Bath $1,275,000
Classic Reston is a biweekly feature sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce that highlights businesses, places and people with deep roots in Reston.
The sounds of construction equipment are as common as the noise of schoolchildren as Reston’s Terraset Elementary School is in the midst of a major renovation and expansion.
When the work is complete, the school will have more than 100,000 square feet of new offices, art and music rooms, classrooms and parking areas. The new Terraset will expand from a capacity of 600 students to around 900.
Going away will be the dual pedestrian bridges over the courtyard that were part of the innovative design of the school when it was constructed in the 1970s. The school itself will remain mostly built into the landscape, something that earned it national attention when it opened in 1977.
Terraset, translated means “built into the earth,” and coming out of the 1970s energy crisis, the school was touted as the first school on the East Coast to use solar panels as an energy source. In the school’s early years, the solar panels stretched across the entry courtyard.
The Fairfax County School Board designed Terraset as an experiment in moving away from oil dependency at its schools. FCPS applied for a $625,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to pay for the panels, but it was turned down.
The county then found another money source for the project: Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the former king of Saudi Arabia.
The arrangement earned lots of national attention.
“I remember various times when there would be tour groups walking around the school, peeking into the wall openings,” said Susan Sather, a Reston resident who was a student at Terraset in 1977.
“Usually the groups were reporters, but at least a couple of times it was the Saudis in full length white robes with head coverings [but exposed faces]. I only remember Saudi men. I know the opening was covered by all the DC news channels, and everyone was watching that evening to see ourselves.”
But, alas, the panels were built for Saudi Arabia’s hot climate, not Virginia’s fluctuating temperatures. The energy savings were negated by repair costs and safety issues. Ice that formed on the panels in winter made several fall, and that was a safety hazard for children. The panels were removed in the late 1980s.
However, Terraset’s commitment to the earth remains. While the addition will provide a more traditional classroom structure for the building, the main part will remain underground. Children have always played on the “roof” of the school, which is a grass-covered field. Nearby is the school’s butterfly garden and an outdoor learning area.
Photo: Terraset’s solar panels in the late 1970s/Credit: Reston Historic Trust
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write weekly on Reston Now.
Legal issues involving whether an individual was correctly hired as an independent contractor or employee often arise for many businesses and individuals. The problem with an independent contractor’s or employee’s status is often not recognized until the individual separates or is released from his or her position and subsequently contends that the business either owes the individual compensation (e.g., unpaid wages, overtime, etc.) or should have paid and deducted taxes because the individual was really an employee rather than an independent contractor.
Independent contractors are self-employed and pay their own taxes. Businesses do not need to set aside payroll taxes for or provide minimum wage or overtime to independent contractors.
Individuals asserting their employee status often bring wage and tax claims to their local wage and hour office, the Department of Labor (DOL), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other agencies in an attempt to resolve a dispute with their employer. When the DOL, IRS, or state wage and hour office reviews these types of disputes, the agency typically applies its own test to determine whether the business should have classified the individual as an employee. In our experience, we have found that when the issue is unclear or debatable, government agencies tend to find that the individual was an employee.
Although each agency has its own separate test and each test varies, some of the major issues that the DOL, IRS, and other wage/hour offices consider in evaluating independent contractor and employee status include the following:
- The extent to which an individual’s services are “an integral part” of the employer’s business. For example, an agency will look at whether the individual supervises any company employees or provides primary services.
- The length of time that the individual has worked for the same business. If an individual has performed work for an employer for a long period of time, the individual is more likely to be considered an employee.
- Whether the individual uses his or her own equipment or the employer’s equipment. The agency will determine whether the individual has his or her own office offsite or whether the individual performs the work at the employer’s office. If the business provides the office space or tools to perform the work, the business is more likely to be considered an employer of the individual.
- Whether the individual is reimbursed for materials or supplies in performing the work. If an employer reimburses an individual for expenses related to work materials and supplies, the individual is more likely to be considered an employee.
- Whether the individual decides on the hours he/she works or the business sets the individual’s hours. This is an important consideration. If the business sets the hours of work for an individual, then he or she is more likely to be considered an employee.
- Whether the individual invests in insurance, advertising, business cards or bonding. It can help to establish that the individual is an independent contractor if the individual maintains these types of expenses on his or her own.
- Whether the individual performs work for other businesses. If the individual works for more than one business, such information can be used to argue that the individual is an independent contractor.
- The level of skill needed to perform the work for the business. Government agencies usually find that if less skill is needed to perform the work (e.g., general clerical), then it is less likely that the individual is an independent contractor.
- Whether the individual or the business provides training. If the individual provides his or her own training, it would be a factor in showing that the individual is likely an independent contractor and not an employee. However, if the business pays for the individual’s training, then the individual would likely be considered an employee.
- Whether the individual was paid a flat fee or hourly for work. While not determinative, if an individual is paid hourly then it is more likely that the individual is an employee.
When an individual is incorrectly classified, the risks are usually high and the outcome can be significant if the business and the individual contest or dispute the individual’s independent contractor or employee status. Therefore, it is important for businesses and individuals to correctly classify whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor before work begins.
If an employer ultimately has to provide back pay, damages, pay back taxes and/or pay penalties, the costs to the employer can be significant. Conversely, if an individual should have been classified as an employee but did not understand the difference at the beginning of his or her employment, the costs to the individual in paying his or her own taxes can be significant as well.
We recommend that businesses and individuals obtain legal advice early on to avoid wage and hour issues that may arise later involving disputes over whether the individual was an employee or independent contractor.
We have represented both businesses and individuals regarding disputes over an individual’s employee or contractor status. If you are interested in obtaining legal advice, please contact our office at www.berrylegal.com or (703) 668-0070 to schedule a consultation. Please also visit us on Facebook.
Please be advised that this information is strictly for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
This is a sponsored post from Michael Burns of RE/MAX Allegiance. The Just Sold column runs Mondays on Reston Now.
Here are some recently sold listings in Reston. For an update on current market conditions in Reston, see the market update below.
- 11900 Market Street #1503. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. List price: $730,000. Sold price: $715,000
- 11268 Center Harbor Drive. 5 BR, 3.5 BA SFH. List price: $925,000. Sold price: $900,000
- 11260 Chestnut Grove Square #340. 2 BR, 1 BA. List price: $225,900. Sold price: $225,000
- 1434 Northgate Square #11B. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. List price: 230,000. Sold price: $229,900
- 11023 Villaridge Court #A. 2 BR, 1 BA Condo. List price: $269,000. Sold price: $269,000
- 12001 Market Street #204. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. List price: $455,000. Sold price: $455,000
- 1927 Lakeport Way. 3 BR, 3.5 BA TH. List price: $899,000. Sold price: $925,000
- 11452 Hollow Timber Court. 4 BR, 2 FB, 2 HB. List price: $639,900. Sold price: $650,000
- 2068 Lake Audubon Court. 3 BR, 3.5 BA TH. List price: $699,900. Sold price: $699,900
- 2040 Headlands Circle. 3 BR, 3.5 BA TH. List price: $469,000. Sold price: $475,000
Current Reston Market Conditions
There are currently 174 properties for sale in Reston, and 143 properties under contract. The ratio (1.22) is very favorable for sellers, but has increased from last week.
This ratio can be very different across different price points too. For example, the ratio in the $1 million plus price range is much higher (13.0). Furthermore, additional trends can emerge across property types (single family detached, townhouse, condo) and zip codes (20190,20191, and 20194).
If you are thinking about selling your house, or would just like to know the more relevant ratio for your property, simply click here to fill out this short form and we will send the information to you within 24 hours.
This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.
There are many common foods, household products and medications that are perfectly safe for humans but potentially deadly to felines. If ingested, a lot of things could make your cat very sick or even kill your furry companion. And because cats are so small, even the tiniest amounts can be harmful.
Below is a short list of things around the house to keep your cat out of. It is not comprehensive, though, so please consult the American Society for the Protection of Animals website for more information. If you have any doubts about a particular substance, you can also call Poison Control.
Foods: Though it can be tempting to do, it is generally not a good idea to give your cat food from your own table. Several common ingredients in our dishes can be harmful if your cat should ingest them. For example, onions, garlic, artificial and sugar-free sweeteners, yeast and alcohol are all toxic to cats. Other foods to keep away from your felines include grapes, avocados, coffee and tea.
The one to really watch out for, though, is chocolate. Though all varieties are toxic, the darker chocolates are generally more harmful. And because it contains methylzanthine, baker’s chocolate is the most dangerous of all.
Household products: Cats are beloved for their curiosity, but as the old saying goes, that can get them into trouble. Especially when they go sniffing in places where dangerous chemicals are stored. Household cleaning agents such as laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, rust remover and bleach can cause excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting and burns inside the mouth and esophagus if they are ingested by your cat. Be sure to store these products in an inaccessible place.
Many gardening and lawn care products can also be toxic to felines. Poisons designed to kill insects, weeds or rodents are very dangerous to your cats as well. Cocoa mulch and fertilizers should also be kept out of reach. And though not a gardening product, antifreeze is particularly deadly, so please take care that your cat cannot get into a bottle of it.
Medications: It should not be surprising that medications intended for humans are not generally good for cats. Here is a short list of things that cats should not consume:
- Over-the-counter painkillers (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Tylenol)
- Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
- ADD/ADHD medications (Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
- Sleep aids (Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)
- Birth control pills (Estrogen, Estradiol, Progesterone)
- ACE inhibitors (Zestril, Altace)
- Beta blockers (Tenormin, Torol, Coreg)
- Thyroid hormones (Armour, dessicated thyroid, Synthroid)
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
If you suspect that your cat has ingested any of the above, please call your vet or Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
When Andrea Abrams moved to Reston several years ago, she wanted a spacious condominium close to her work where she could become part of a vibrant community. She found the perfect spot in Chestnut Grove Condominiums, located off Wiehle Avenue.
“I love the fact that there are people here that have lived in the neighborhood since the beginning — that says a lot about our little enclave,” said Abrams.
She also loves the fact that it’s quiet and serene, and that it’s hidden in the trees (when they have leaves). But her absolute favorite thing about Chestnut Grove is that she’s steps away from the W&OD Trail — making running and biking easy.
Completed in 1972, Chestnut Grove Condominiums has 226 units ranging from one to four bedroom (although the majority have two bedrooms). Although it is a large complex, it does feel private being nestled in the woods. In fact, the complex backs up to Lake Fairfax Park.
Other features include designated parking, an on-site pool, and playground. It is about a half-mile from the future Wiehle-Reston East Metro stop, which will make commuting via Metro a breeze. It’s also close to Reston Town Center, Lake Anne Plaza, and all of the recreation facilities Reston has to offer.
If you are looking for a large, comfortable condo in a welcoming community, Chestnut Grove is worth a look.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write weekly on Reston Now.
When a security clearance applicant or re-applicant completes an e-QIP or SF-86 security clearance form, an assigned security clearance investigator will usually contact him or her to schedule a face-to-face interview. Since the interview is one of the most important steps in the security clearance process, we strongly recommend that applicants prepare for the interview beforehand as much as possible.
Background Check
The security clearance investigator will typically review and confirm most of the information that an individual has provided prior to the interview. For example, the investigator may speak with former supervisors, neighbors, co-workers, family members, as well as social references to get a full background of the individual seeking the clearance. In addition, the investigator will most likely check with law enforcement agencies in areas where an individual has resided and thoroughly review other relevant background information on the individual. When the review of the information is complete, the investigator will generally contact the individual for an interview.
Preparation for the Interview
Since the investigator has generally reviewed the individual’s submission prior to the interview, he or she will have already identified any significant areas of concern. In our experience, the individual being interviewed will have some awareness about potential areas of concern that might come up during the interview and, thus, will generally have time to prepare how he or she should address them.
For instance, if the individual was involved in a recent alcohol-related driving offense, he or she should be prepared to fully explain the incident to the investigator, discuss any alcohol counseling sought and what steps have been taken to avoid the same situation in the future, and provide other relevant details.
If an individual’s case involves known security violations or other concerns then it is important to obtain any relevant documents prior to the interview, especially if they can be helpful in explaining or mitigating the potential security concerns at issue. We strongly advise discussing and reviewing such documents with an attorney in advance to provide the best opportunity to help increase the chances for a successful interview. Read More
This is a sponsored post from Michael Burns of RE/MAX Allegiance. The Just Sold column runs Mondays on Reston Now.
Here are some recently sold listings in Reston. For an update on current market conditions in Reston, see the market update below.
- 1239 Wild Hawthorne Way. 3 BR, 2 FB, 2 HB TH. List price: $535,000. Sold price: $535,000
- 2012 Swans Neck Way. 4 BR, 3.5 BA TH. List price: $639,900. Sold price: $640,000
- 1666 Barnstead Drive. 3 BR, 2 FB, 2 HB TH. List price: $375,000. Sold price: $375,000
- 2262 Compass Point Lane. 4 BR, 3 BA SFH. List price: $1,149,000. Sold price: $1,060,000
- 11100 Beaver Trail Court. 1 BR, 1 BA Condo. List price: $204,900. Close price: $195,000
- 1816 Ivy Oak Square. 3 BR, 2.5 TH. List price: $384,900. Sold price: $377,000
- 11407 Gate Hill Place #98A. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. List price: $343,300. Sold price: $343,000
- 1557 Regatta Lane. 4 BR, 3 BA SFH. List price: $995,000. Sold price: $1, 033,500
- 2005 Approach Lane. 3 BR, 2.5 BA SFH. List price: $429,900. Sold price: $423,000
- 12001 Market Street #477. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. List price: $499,000. Sold price: $480,000
Current Reston Market Conditions
There are currently 167 properties for sale in Reston, and 140 properties under contract. The ratio (1.19) is very favorable for sellers, but has increased from last week.
This ratio can be very different across different price points too. For example, the ratio in the 1 Million plus price range is much higher (13.0). Furthermore, additional trends can emerge across property types (single family detached, townhouse, condo) and zip codes (20190,20191, and 20194).
If you are thinking about selling your house, or would just like to know the more relevant ratio for your property, simply click here to fill out this short form and we will send the information to you within 24 hours.
This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.
Many cat parents don’t expect that their cats will get sick. As a result, they often don’t put aside money for the day when their beloved pet develops a life-threatening disease, has an accident, or ingests something toxic.
The subsequent trip to an emergency veterinary care hospital can drop a sudden and unexpected bill exceeding $2,000 on parents who are already worried about their cat’s health.
When cat owners cannot afford the costs of potentially life-saving treatments, most veterinary clinics will try their best to offer subsidized care. But they cannot treat patients for free, and they may be unable to help if a financial solution is not found. As a cat parent, you never want to be in a situation like this. Having to decide whether you have enough money to save your cat is a choice no one would ever want to make.
So how can you ensure that you never find yourself in such a situation? By getting pet insurance for your feline friends.
Just like its human equivalent, pet insurance can help pay for the often massive medical expenses resulting from your cat’s medical conditions. The big difference is that while your employer often provides your plan as part of your benefits, you will need to purchase pet insurance yourself from one of the many companies that offer plans.
How does pet insurance work? As with human insurance, different plans offer a different range of benefits. For example, one provider, Pets Best, has three options that cover between $5000 and $20,000 in annual medical expenses. Another, Pet Plan, offers to cover kennels and boarding if you opt for their Silver and Gold packages. Obviously, the premiums vary depending on the level of coverage, additional benefits included, and the annual deductible (which you can usually set).
Unfortunately, there are some limits to what pet insurance will cover. Most plans do not cover routine checkups and vaccinations. More importantly, the costs of treating preexisting conditions are not generally reimbursed. As a result, it is extremely important to look into insuring your cats from an early age – before they develop any potential medical issues. Finally, double check to make sure that the pet insurance company offering the plan you choose does not have per-condition limits. Those ceilings are frequently too low to cover the costs of treatment in Northern Virginia.
Don’t let those restrictions deter you, though. Getting pet insurance is still in your and your cat’s best interest. Though you will hopefully never need it, you will be glad you bought it if the worst should happen.
This is a sponsored column from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Thirty-five new listings were added to the Reston inventory of homes for sale this week.
Total inventory is holding pretty steady in the 150-155 range. Sales are keeping pace with new properties, so we’re losing inventory at pretty much the same pace we’re adding inventory. Here are a few of the new ones that came on this week.
12010 CREEKBEND DR 5BR 5.5 Baths $1,150,000
11408 TANBARK DRIVE 4BR 2.5 Baths $649,000
1920 CRESCENT PARK DR 3BR 2.5 Baths $535,000
11872 LAKES CT S 4BR 3.5 Baths $449,900
Classic Reston is a biweekly feature sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce that highlights businesses, places and people with deep roots in Reston.
Reston was planned in the 1960s, founder Robert E. Simon purposely left one thing out: a cemetery.
Simon says when his family owned New York’s Carnegie Hall, he had dealings with people in the funeral industry. He did not like what he saw, so he was not eager support the business.
But an entire generation has now lived, worked and played in Reston. It is too late to have loved ones buried here — there is no open space for a cemetery now — but a group of Restonians has been working to get a memorial garden in Reston.
“There is no special area here for people to be remembered, where we can go to honor and celebrate Restonians who have passed,” said Joe Ritchey, board chair and president of the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR).
IPAR representatives are working with a Memorial Garden of Reflection committee to identify space and design a place of reflection in Reston. Members of the group spoke at last week’s Baron Cameron Park Master Plan meeting about its hope to be included in the park plans.
The Reston Master Plan changes approved by the county supervisors in February also included the framework for such a place.
“From its beginning in 1964, the planned community of Reston has lacked a special place where one can go to remember and memorialize loved ones. A clear vision for such a facility has emerged through IPAR. It should be a universal and inclusive place where Restonians can remember and reflect upon the passing of loved ones. It should respect and support the many ways in which people choose to acknowledge the passing of life. It’s design should provide a setting for tranquil reflection, contemplation, meditation, inspiration and healing,” the plan states.
The IPAR committee was formed in 2011 after the death of IPAR supporter Ann Rodriguez. It envisions a one-acre site at either Baron Cameron or Lake Fairfax Park. The site should feature natural beauty, wooded elements, as well as walkways and benches, the committee says. Once the project is awarded a site, the next steps will be to raise money to fund the project, as well as hire a landscape designer.
“In the 46 years I have lived in Reston, I have made some very close friends,” said Memorial Garden Committee Chair Sally Brodsky. “Some of them have died. I don’t grieve them in the sense I miss them every day. But I know when I can go to a place where it is quiet, my memories start popping up. In that process, I remember my close friends. I think we all need that. We have every way to be active in Reston, but we need a quiet serene place we —can just be.”
Reston will celebrate its 50th anniversary (and Simon’s 100th birthday) at Founders Day from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Lake Anne Plaza. Complete schedule and details.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Yes, I know it’s April Fools Day, but really this is no joke — spring is finally coming to Reston.
After the snowstorm we had last Tuesday, though, I was beginning to wonder. But the weather people say winter is over, and I choose to believe them. I feel so confident, that today I’m going to tell you all about the walking trails of Reston.
Reston Association maintains 55 miles of foot paths that cover every neighborhood in Reston, and they are wonderful. (And, just in case Mother Nature decides to grace us with more snow, RA does a fantastic job of plowing the paths so you can still use them.)
Fairfax County has an interactive map of all the paths so that you can plan your route before you head out. Wandering the RA paths is one of the best ways to get to know both North and South Reston. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite walks about town — but don’t stop with these.
- Town Center to Lake Anne, North Reston. This walk is just shy of 1.5 miles and winds through a few of North Reston’s original neighborhoods–Coleson Cluster and Hickory Cluster. It’s fun to have brunch at Town Center than wander down to Lake Anne to shop at the Farmers Market (starting in early May and going through November).
- Lake Thoreau Loop, South Reston. This loop is just over 2 miles and circles around charming Lake Thoreau (where I guarantee you’ll decide you want to live) and past the Reston Regional Golf Course. Begin and end your loop at South Lakes Village with a coffee or delicious lunch.
- Walker Nature Education Center and Glade, South Reston. There are many options for a walk from here. From the Center, follow the trailhead and see where it takes you! There is a short loop (probably a half- mile), or you can venture off on the RA path that follows Glade. Whatever you choose, you will feel like you are miles from civilization. It’s a wonderful place to recharge.
- North Point Loop, North Reston. This is a four-mile loop for those who want a little more exercise. This trail is great because it really gives you a sense of the North Point community. I recommend starting at Lake Newport pool. These trails take you through several charming neighborhoods, and you’ll notice an abundance of RA pools and tennis courts (in fact, if you do this in the summer, pop into one of the pools for a refreshing dip). After your brisk walk, cross the street over to North Point Village for coffee, ice cream, or a hearty lunch!
- Tall Oaks to Lake Fairfax Park, North Reston. I’m not entirely sure how long this walk is, but the park loop takes about a half hour — longer if you’re with a dog who needs to investigate all the great smells. Park at Tall Oaks Village Center, cross under the underpass and head toward the wooden bridge. When you hit a dirt trailhead, take a left and follow the trail into Lake Fairfax Park. You’ll cross a little creek and then the path opens to what is a large loop. Go left or right and just follow it around. It’s a gorgeous walk in the woods! Just be careful–mountain bikers train here. They’re very courteous, but they’re also usually going pretty fast!
The trails of Reston are, in my opinion, one of the greatest features of our community. You really can get anywhere you need or want to go on foot, and it’s always fun to discover a new trail and see where it takes you. I’m most often on the trails around Lake Anne — wave if you see me!
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write weekly on Reston Now.
We often advise executives and employees on how to best handle their severance agreements. The following are a few most commonly asked questions when a severance agreement is offered to an employee by an employer or when an employee wants to request a severance agreement from an employer.
What is a severance agreement?
A severance agreement is essentially a contract between an employee and an employer that specifies the terms of an employee’s departure. The main terms of the severance agreement include compensation for the employee and his or her release from pursuing any legal action against the employer. Severance agreements are sometimes offered to employees who are laid off or pending retirement. In addition, depending on the circumstances, a severance agreement may be offered to an employee who resigns or is terminated. The severance agreement must have consideration or something of value to which the employee is not already entitled.
Are employees entitled to severance agreements?
Generally, employers are not obligated to provide employees severance pay unless it is stipulated in an employment agreement or the employer provides it to employees according to the employer’s general practice or policy. Most employees are considered “at will,” which means they can resign or be terminated at any time.
How can employees obtain a severance agreement?
There are various ways in which severance agreements are obtained:
- An employee is terminated and the employer then offers a severance agreement;
- An employee has been terminated, no severance agreement was proposed by the employer, but the employee approaches the employer seeking one;
- An employee alleges or has filed a wrongful termination, discrimination, or other claim, and the employee and employer ultimately agree to resolve matters through a severance or settlement agreement; or
- An employee wants to resign and seeks to negotiate severance with the employer. Read More
This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.
Spring is finally here and soon there will be flowers everywhere. Did you know that many of our favorite flowers are dangerous to cats?
Some of these toxic flowers do little more than give your furry friend a bit of indigestion or, at worst, a case of diarrhea. But some are deadly. The ASPCA has a very detailed list of plants with their pictures to help you identify any that may be in your home or yard.
The No. 1 killer of cats is the lily. All of the many species of these beautiful flowers — Tiger, Asiatic, Stargazer, Day, and Easter, for example — are fatal to your cat, but Easter lilies are the most dangerous. If your feline friend consumes any part of a lily, whether the stem, the leaves, the stamens, the pollen, or the petals, the toxins within them can cause acute kidney failure and death within three to six days if left untreated.
So if you have lilies in your house, get rid of them immediately. Even the ones in high places that you think might be unreachable. Cats are very agile, after all!
If you think your cat may have eaten some of them, check for the following symptoms
- Drooling
- Vomiting (especially if pieces of the plant come up)
- Loss of appetite
- Increased urination and lack of urination after one to two days
- Dehydration
If you notice any of these things, get your cat to a vet immediately, as treating your feline friend within 18 hours of ingestion will greatly increase the chances of a full recovery. Assuming the exposure to lilies was recent and your feline has not vomited, your vet may first try to induce vomiting. Your vet will then start your kitty on high-volume IV fluids to try to flush out the toxins and prevent dehydration. He or she will also check the kidney functions using a blood and urine test.
Please tell everyone you know that lilies are deadly. Just Cats Clinic has already seen two cases of lily toxicity this week. Fortunately, both cats are doing well because of early intervention.
