Reston’s Pet of the Week is Twinkles, a short-haired cat who’s spent the past year in a West Virginia shelter awaiting her forever home.
Here’s what she told her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team:
Hi y’all! My name is Twinkles. I am a sweet, vocal, loud purring, snuggly tuxedo cat from West Virginia. I came to the Fancy Cats Rescue Team after spending over a year in a West Virginia shelter. (Can you believe it?!)
Right now I am enjoying spending time with my foster family and getting a well-deserved, relaxing reprieve from shelter life. Within less than a week, I have become a snuggle bug to my foster mom. I chirp to greet my housemates when they enter the room!
I am 3 years old, female and in good health. I would do well with other kitties or as an only cat. If you wish to learn more about me, you can fill out an adoption application online, and/or check out my Instagram @twinkles_little_cat.
Are you and Twinkles the perfect match?
If you crave Italian at least once a week, know you’re not alone. But Carrabba’s Italian Grill, located on Sunset Hills Road in Reston, has your back (and your stomach).
Depending on your mood, you can dine in, order delivery or swing by for car-side carryout.
The Italian staple has all their classics available on the menu, including Lasagne layered with fresh pasta and pomodoro sauce and everyone’s favorite Chicken Marsala. But it also has seasonal made-from-scratch dishes available through April 4, including:
- Tuscan-Grilled Lamb Chops with a mint-bourbon demi-glace
- Mahi Wulfe with the signature basil lemon butter sauce
- Chicken Piccata, which you can also order as part of the family bundle and feeds up to five
Oh, and each order comes with the famous Carrabba’s bread and olive oil for dipping.
So next time you’re craving Italian, stop by and grab a (socially distanced) table, or place an online order for delivery or car-side carryout
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
12192 Sunset Hills Road, Reston
703-464-7909
www.carrabbas.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.
With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, many federal employees have recently been giving more consideration to their retirement options. One of the more common forms of retirement matters that we handle involves the legal representation of federal employees in the disability retirement process before the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and in the appeals process.
Federal employees filing for disability retirement with OPM are typically covered by either the Federal Employees Retirement System or the Civil Service Retirement System. There are a number of questions that a federal employee should consider as they contemplate whether to file for federal disability retirement. These considerations include, but are not limited to:
1. 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.
2. To qualify, 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.
3. 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
4. Are there changes to a federal employee’s position that can be made to allow the federal employee to continue to work?
It is often 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) that can make a federal employee’s current position and medical condition workable. This can alleviate the need for filing for 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.
5. Do the federal employee’s medical professionals support the disability retirement application?
This is 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.retirementlaw.com, www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at 703-668-0070 to schedule a consultation to discuss your individual federal employment retirement matter. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
If you’re in the market to buy a house, you’ve got options.
According to Homesnap, there are 135 homes currently for sale in Reston — 85 condos, 16 detached homes and 34 townhomes. Additionally, as of March 14, there have been 62 new listings in the past four weeks and 110 sales.
This weekend, you’ll find a number of open houses across Reston, including:
1296 Golden Eagle Drive, Reston
5 BD/3.5 BA single-family home
Listed: $837,900
Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
11437 Hollow Timber Court, Reston
3 BD/3.5 BA townhouse
Listed: $774,900
Open: Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
11767 Great Owl Circle, Reston
3 BD/2.5+ BA townhouse
Listed: $615,000
Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
11764 Great Owl Circle, Reston
3 BD/3 BA townhouse
Listed: $595,000
Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
12001 Market Street #231, Reston
1 BD/1 BA condo
Listed: $285,000
Open: Sunday, 12-2 p.m.
Photo via James Lee on Unsplash
This week in Reston, there are 85 properties available to rent, according to Homesnap. These range from a $5.5K/month newly renovated home with a three-car garage to a $1.6K/month centrally located condo with courtyard views.
Below are six recently listed rentals:
- 10754 Blaze Drive — 4 BD/4.5 BA single-family home — $5,500/month
- 11776 Stratford House Place #505 — 2 BD/2 BA condo — $2,700/month
- 11592 Embers Court — 4 BD/2 BA single-family home — $2,300/month
- 11653 Stoneview Square #11C — 3 BD/2 BA apartment — $1,900/month
- 11737 Ledura Court #T1 — 2 BD/2 BA condo — $1,800/month
- 11224 Chestnut Grove Square #228 — 2 BD/1.5 BA condo — $1,695/month
In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.
Reston’s Pet of the Week is Leeta. She’s available for adoption locally.
Here’s what her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have to say:
Meet Leeta! This poor baby has had a rough start to her life. Her previous “owners” kept Leeta locked in a crate outside without showing her the slightest bit of kindness. Luckily for Leeta, Fancy Cats & Dogs came along to rescue her! Leeta is a very happy girl who is always smiling even when she sleeps.
She is crate trained well and, as long as she can see you, she does not cry, whine or bark while in the crate. She has some training going as she knows basic commands and minds well while on a walk. She seems to learn routines well.
Leeta’s foster thinks she would thrive in a loving home where she is the only pet. She craves so much attention and love that she’d prefer not to share you!
She loves to run and would love a running companion! Toys that squeak and crinkle are her favorites.
Are you and Leeta the perfect match?
Sure, you can get your dose of daily news via social media, but wading through all the comments and ~very strong~ opinions is just plain draining these days.
Instead, get the most relevant, local news delivered straight to your inbox each afternoon with Reston Now’s newsletter.
You can also subscribe on our website.
Note: To help pay the bills, we may send an email on behalf of an awesome local sponsor every once in awhile. But we will never sell your address to anyone else, and you can opt out of future sponsored emails.
You’ve been thinking about a home remodel for a while. You know the type of design aesthetic you like, have figured out your “must-have” list and have started to research the different types of contractors and companies you could work with. But one question still remains: How do I pay for a home remodel?
We understand undertaking a home remodel is a big step that requires significant financial investment. It can be a daunting task knowing where to even start the process, so we’re here to help make life a little easier and walk you through the options of how you can pay for a home remodel.
Before you get started, do your homework and have open conversations with your chosen home remodeler or general contractor about how much your home remodel is going to cost. Any reputable contractor should be able to give you guidance on what you should expect to invest in your home if you use their services early on in the process.
Note: Synergy Design & Construction is not affiliated with any companies or services that provide home loan products or services. We do believe, however, that helping inform and educate homeowners is all part of the job. If this information helps relieve some of the stress homeowners feel when it comes to thinking about a home remodel, then that makes us happy!
1. Cash
If you are one of the fortunate few, maybe paying for your remodel isn’t an issue. One of the questions we often receive, however, is how payment can be made. Many homeowners would like to pay by credit card so they can accrue points or other benefits. This sounds like a great idea but, unfortunately, credit card fees are applied (usually 3%) that are, in most cases, passed on to homeowners. No fun. The same applies to debit cards and electronic check payments via PayPal Invoice. Our preferred method is the good old-fashioned check.
Word of caution: Never pay the entire cost of your home remodel upfront. We do not even ask for 50% as a deposit. Your chosen home renovation company or general contractor should be able to provide you with what is called a “draw schedule” that aligns payments with the completion of significant milestones on your project.
2. Home Improvement Loans
Unless you’ve been planning for your remodel for a long time and have been saving up to pay for it, you may need to take out a loan to pay for all or part of it.
Home renovation loans are often the smartest way for homeowners to finance their entire renovation project, but many people don’t know they even exist or how they work.
If you are looking for a bridge loan between your savings and the total cost of your home or you would like to borrow the entire amount, then a home improvement loan may be right for you.
Home improvement loans are personal loans, not equity loans, so the loan options are based on your income and creditworthiness. Companies that provide these types of loans give the money directly to the homeowner upfront, not the contractor. This makes life easier for both you and the contractor when it comes time to get paid.
Everyday access has a new address at Union Towns Reston Station. Here, you’ll discover 26 new luxury townhomes just steps from the action with Metro, shopping, dining and more all within walking distance.
Not only will you enjoy a premier location at Union Towns, but you’ll also be able to personalize a new home that offers 2,779 square feet of interior living space plus 349 square feet of private outdoor living space. Starting from the $890s, each garage townhome design is outfitted with signature features — including a private rooftop terrace, your “Yard in the Sky.”
Each day you’ll appreciate the bright flowing design and refined finishes in your new home. On the main level alone you’ll find an open floor plan featuring a fully equipped chef’s kitchen and soaring 10-foot ceilings. This is the craftsmanship and attention to detail you can count on from the Knutson Companies, a well-respected local builder.
Right outside your door are even more reasons to love your new Union Towns community. On-site amenities include a dog park, green space, and members-only access to a nearby rooftop pool and fitness center. Plus, take advantage of close proximity to the W&OD Trail for walking, running or biking. There’s never a shortage of exciting ways to fill your day.
And when you’re ready to explore the surrounding area, it couldn’t be easier. Just catch the Metro a few blocks away to access the best of top destinations in Arlington, Tysons Corner and Washington, D.C. For lengthier trips, traveling is convenient via Dulles International or Reagan National airports.
It’s a rare opportunity in a vibrant community, and the new Hayden model has just debuted in Reston Station. Union Towns is open daily for tours and appointments, with both virtual and in-person options available. Visit UnionTowns.com or contact 703-348-1384 for more information.
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings, Virginia Tech’s 100% online Master’s in Information Technology is the nation’s fourth best and is ranked No. 1 for veterans.
The VT-MIT program, a joint venture offered through the College of Engineering and the Pamplin College of Business, maintains a top five ranking for the eighth consecutive year. The top placement attests to the program’s enduring commitment to supplying professionals in the field of information technology with the interdisciplinary and emerging skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
“The VT-MIT program appeals to individuals interested in the intersection of the more technical information technology capabilities and the people skills needed to manage today’s complex workplace,” said Parviz Ghandforoush, the program’s executive director and an associate dean for graduate programs.
The program combines a variety of disciplines within the College of Engineering and the Pamplin College of Business, including computer science, electrical and computer engineering, accounting and information systems, business information technology, and management.
“The VT-MIT program’s top rankings and the appreciative testimonials of our students and graduates underscore the superior quality of our program and its critical relevance for anyone seeking to move ahead professionally,” said Pamplin College of Business Dean Robert Sumichrast. “In today’s innovation-centered workplace, business knowledge and technology expertise have become critical dual strengths for career advancement.”
This year, U.S. News & World Report also ranked the master of information technology program as the No. 1 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Program for Veterans.
“For veterans looking to enter the corporate job market, the VT-MIT program offers courses and certificates to mitigate the shortage of professionals in such IT fields as cybersecurity, data analytics, big data, health information technology and software development,” Ghandforoush said.
According to U.S. News & World Report methodology, veterans and active-duty service members gain the most from distance education that is affordable, accessible and reputable. The 2021 Best Online Programs for Veterans rankings measure these factors in consideration of financial benefits available specifically to people with military experience.
Learn more about Virginia Tech’s 100% online Master of Information Technology degree and 10 graduate certificate options at vtmit.vt.edu.
Meet Uma and Circus, 10-year-0ld kitties who are available for adoption locally.
Here’s what their friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about them:
Uma and Circus were pulled when their time was up at a Maryland shelter. Big boy Circus is calm and loves being pet. He’s very easygoing and may seem slightly hesitant at first but quickly warms up and then shows you what a social but gentle giant he is. Circus is a playful guy if you initiate it and is happy to catch the feather wand over and over again.
His pal, Uma, is a sleek house panther and takes her playing very seriously. Once you give her the feather toy, she will not let go of it — it’s HERS! She’s a very chatty girl, and if you can get a very fun dialogue going with her, she will keep responding! While Uma is a very social lady, she does have a diva side, so it’s important to know when she is overstimulated by too much playing or petting. (A thumping tail on any cat is a sure sign!) These 10-year-olds are housed at our adoption center at the Chantilly PetSmart.
Are you, Uma and Circus the perfect trio?
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.
Government contractors, federal employees and military personnel holding security clearances have a duty to self-report security issues that happen between investigations.
Not reporting timely security concerns can lead to a loss of one’s security clearance. Unfortunately, there are often uncertainties about self-reporting and when and how it applies to a clearance holder.
The Duty to Self Report
The duty to self-report was best defined by an administrative judge from the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in a 2001 case: “[I]t is the responsibility of security clearance holders to report events which negatively affect the status of the security clearance holder or the facility. [A]ny information… [which] reflects adversely on the integrity or character of a security clearance holder should be reported to security personnel to avoid compromising situations that make the security clearance holder vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, or duress.”
Examples of What Might be Reported
A reportable security concern is an incident that falls under one of the Adjudicative Guidelines contained in Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4). In most cases, legal counsel should be consulted to determine how to self-report an issue. The following are just a few of the more common examples of security issues that could trigger a duty to self-report:
- An individual uses illegal drugs (including the use of marijuana even in states or countries where legal locally). This can be a very complicated security concern given the intersection of criminal law and clearance law where legal advice will definitely be needed.
- An individual is arrested. The timing and substance of reporting this incident will be important so legal advice will be needed.
- An individual petitions for bankruptcy. Because filing for bankruptcy bears on financial considerations under SEAD 4, the individual should likely report the filing as soon as possible to his or her security officer.
- An individual marries a foreign citizen. Because marrying a foreign citizen can raise foreign influence issues under SEAD 4, it most likely will trigger a duty to self-report.
When Should a Security Concern be Reported?
When an individual who holds a security clearance determines that a security concern requires self-reporting, it is important to do so as soon as possible. The typical procedure for doing so is to notify one’s security officer of the security concern. The security officer may simply take note of the situation, report it or take other action.
The individual almost always feels embarrassed to self-report a security concern. However, not reporting an incident can lead to the loss of an individual’s security clearance. If an individual has questions about what should be reported, he or she should seek legal advice from an attorney experienced in security clearance law as soon as possible. There are risks to self-reporting, so it is important to seek legal counsel prior to doing so where possible.
Contact Us
If you need of legal representation or advice on the reporting of security clearance issues or any other security clearance matters, 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 or Twitter.
Ike, a sweet 4-month-old pup, is Reston’s latest Pet of the Week.
Here’s what Ike’s friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about him:
Meet Ike! This sweet 4-month-old mixed breed puppy is a fun-loving, dual eye color boy who gets along with everyone (human and dog) he meets. This boy is well on his way to house training, and you will love the way he prances when he sees you. He loves a good game of fetch, and if you need someone to cuddle up with, he’s your guy. He enjoys hanging outside, exploring his surroundings and playing with his toys.
Are you and Ike the perfect match?
We are excited to announce that The Kensington Reston, our beautiful assisted living and memory care community on Sunrise Valley Drive, is now open and welcoming residents.
We spent the last year getting ready to deliver to seniors an extraordinary place designed and built to meet their unique needs. We hired best-in-class professionals whose hearts are as big as the sun. And we trained them to provide care and service that reflect our continual commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of older adults.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own. Our care and assistance is more comprehensive than what many other traditional assisted living communities can offer. Excellent staff-to-resident ratios help deepen connections between caregivers and residents. Pocket programs — personalized small-group activities — foster friendships and a sense of purpose. Two levels of memory care address the challenges unique to each phase of disease progression. Couples are welcome and can reside together in the same suite, even if their care needs differ. And we are following all recommended COVID precautions.
We’re standing by, eager to listen and ready to help. Schedule an appointment for a personal tour today. RSVP to [email protected] or 571-494-8100. You can also visit our website at www.KensingtonReston.com.
Meet Reston’s newest Pet of the Week, Scott. Scott is a friendly guy who’s just looking for his scratcher-in-chief.
Here’s what his friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about him:
Scott is a little bit shy at first, but once he knows he’s home, he wants to tell you all about it!
He’s got a big loud meow and a bigger purr. He likes to be petted and held. He loves to play with string toys — or really any toys. He doesn’t need constant attention and will settle in for a nap or a bird watch when you’re busy with other things. This young man is ready for action when you’ve got a spare moment! He’s great with the litter box and loves a good ear scratch.
Will you be his scratcher-in-chief and give this little love bug a forever home?
Are you and Scott the perfect match?
