Meet Mork, a senior Domestic Short Hair and Tabby mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about him:
Mork is playful and loving. Playing rollerball, where he hits a ball around a track, is his favorite game, and he is a prodigy at it. He can do it lying down, sitting up, using either paw, and lying down with his paw over his head. He even has a tri-level rollerball game which he loves.
Mork took readily to games on a tablet; in fact, he became a high scorer within minutes. Mork can fool his automatic feeder into letting food down by playing with the mechanism. Mork prefers romaine lettuce over iceberg. If you cut up romaine lettuce he’ll come from anywhere in the house.
Mork will sit by you and purr in your ear. He will also sit in your lap. Mork is about ten years old and is in great health.
Are you and Mork a match?
Meet Serana, a black Shepherd and Husky mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Sweet Serana is a gorgeous shepherd/husky mix! At 1 year old and 47 lbs she is the perfect size for an active family.
She is up to date on all of her shots, dewormings and will be spayed before adoption. Precious pups like Serana go fast. She carries an adoption fee of $389 which includes her micro chip.
This attractive, affectionate girl is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters.
Are you and Serana a match?
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.
The Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act (FERCCA) was enacted in September, 2000 and designed to provide relief to federal civilian employees who were placed in the wrong federal retirement system for at least three years of service after December 31, 1986.
Typically, FERCCA errors arise when a federal employee experiences a break in service, especially during the mid-1980s when the Federal Employees Retirement Systems (FERS) plan was created. In some cases, FERCCA has provided federal employees and annuitants placed in the wrong federal retirement system with the opportunity to choose between FERS and the offset provisions contained within the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
In order to determine if you are in the correct federal retirement plan, you need to know the type of appointment you have and your work history. Federal retirement rules governing retirement plan placement are complex and contain many exceptions that are hard to follow. If you find that you fit in any of the situations described below, you could be in the wrong federal retirement system. However, keep in mind that there are exceptions to the general rules.
If you currently have CSRS coverage, then you may be in the wrong plan if:
- You worked for the federal government before 1984, but not on a permanent basis
- You left federal employment for more than a year at any time after 1983
- You have a temporary appointment limited to a year or less, a term appointment, or an emergency indefinite appointment
- You have no federal civilian employment before 1984
- You do not have a career or career conditional appointment and you work on an intermittent basis (see the work schedule block on your SF-50)
If you currently have CSRS Offset coverage, then you may be in the wrong plan if:
- You have a temporary appointment limited to a year or less, a term appointment, or an emergency indefinite appointment
- You have no federal civilian employment before 1984
- You do not have a career or career conditional appointment and you work on an intermittent basis (see the work schedule block on your SF-50)
- You did not work for the federal government for a total of five years before 1987 (not including your military service). Exception: If you worked under CSRS, left the federal government, and your agency placed you in CSRS Offset upon your return, your CSRS Offset coverage is probably correct if you had five years of federal government service when you left.
If you currently have FERS coverage, then you may be in the wrong plan if:
- You have a temporary appointment limited to a year or less
- You do not have a career or career conditional appointment and you work on an intermittent basis
- You have worked for the federal government for at least five years before 1987 (not including military service) unless you elected to transfer to FERS during a FERS Open Season or after a break in service
FERCCA can also provide 1) reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses paid as a result of a coverage error (e.g., attorney’s fees, costs, etc.); 2) an ability to benefit from certain changes in the rules about how some federal service is credited toward retirement; and 3) make-up contributions to the federal employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and receipt of lost earnings on those contributions, among other provisions.
If you think that you have a FERCCA error, you should notify your agency’s Human Resources department. Pursuant to FERCCA regulations, the federal government — upon its receipt of notice that a potential FERCCA error exists — should review your work history to confirm whether a FERCCA error actually exists and supply you with correspondence confirming the FERCCA error and other pertinent information, including benefit estimates for individuals entitled to an election option.
You should also receive a federal election form and information regarding how to receive reimbursement for your actual out-of-pocket expenses related to your FERCCA error, including attorneys’ fees. For more information, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s web site for frequently asked questions concerning FERCCA.
Contact Us
If you are in need of employment law legal representation or advice, 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.
Meet Mac, a young Domestic Short Hair male available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington Inc. have to say about him:
If you want a kitten that is a home run, Mac is the one for you. He is outgoing and very affectionate.
Mac warms up very easily to new people. He loves to settle in a lap in the evening and snuggle. During the day he loves to play. He can play for hours on end and will bring his favorite toy to you.
He is around other dogs and cats in his foster home and is affectionate and friendly with both. He would make a great addition to any home.
Are you and Mac a match?
By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction
It’s been a busy summer here at Synergy! We’ve completed a number of beautiful home remodels in the area (while practicing COVID safety, of course) and have started a number of new projects.
Although Labor Day usually marks the end of summer, we’re hoping for a few more warm days to take advantage of outdoor activities that can be safely enjoyed in these COVID times. One of the things we love about this area is the many lakes, local parks and trails and the opportunity to be outside enjoying nature. It’s one of the reasons so many people are attracted to this area (and one of the reasons the housing market is so active right now)!
It may not surprise you to know home remodeling is also in high demand. Now well into our seventh month of the COVID pandemic, many of us are looking at ways to maximize the use and enjoyment of our existing space. Let’s face it, spending so much time at home is a surefire way to start you dreaming of that perfect kitchen or finally getting around to remodeling the basement!
In keeping with our love of the local area, this month’s featured remodel is a Reston lakefront townhome. This remodel is a great example of not only how you can create a more open concept and better flow, but also how changing the internal layout of a home makes it look and feel much bigger (without the expense of an addition). It can also help you maximize some of the best features of your home — in this case, a beautiful lake view.
The key to the remodel of this home was creating a better flow throughout the main level and better use of space. Visible as soon as you entered the home, the original footprint included a large closet pantry at the entry to the kitchen. This not only took up a lot of square footage, it blocked the view to the lake and closed off the kitchen. We removed it and changed the door location (and size) of a separate coat closet for more efficient storage.
We also removed a railing-height wall leading to the family room and replaced it with modern cable railing. This created a much more open concept that maximizes the gorgeous water views throughout the main level and brings the outside in. The space now feels bigger, brighter and more airy.
Our clients’ piano was an important feature for them, so we removed an existing butler’s pantry/bar, leaving the perfect nook for the piano. We added a “dry bar” to the other side of the room for additional storage and a buffet serving area. A large island with lots of seating now takes center stage in what used to be the dining area, and the large dining table was relocated to the step-down living area, which features an updated fireplace. The whole feel of this townhouse has been transformed.
If you’ve been thinking of a home remodel for a while, be prepared production schedules are rapidly filling up for many home remodeling companies. We’re now booking construction dates in late 2020 and early 2021, so if you’ve been thinking of a home remodel, don’t delay and start the conversation now!
Our no-obligation consultations are FREE and if you aren’t comfortable with having anyone in your home just yet, we also offer virtual consultations.
The Reston Station neighborhood is thriving and growing.
The latest example is Union Towns, a new collection of 26 stunning townhomes, that recently opened for sales. Just steps from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, these new homes from the Northern Virginia-based Knutson Companies create a walkable lifestyle for residents who will also enjoy extraordinary design and award-winning architecture.
Sales appointments are taking place now, and home shoppers are getting a first look at new floor plans that offer more than 2,700 square feet of interior living space, including a 6-piece chef’s kitchen, 10-foot ceilings and hardwood throughout the main living level, and an impressive owner’s suite with dual walk-in closets. Each home also boasts more than 300 square feet of private outdoor living space to enjoy. Every home includes a deck and a rooftop terrace — your Yard In The Sky — looking out over the vibrant neighborhood.
Residents at Union Towns will enjoy a community green space and a dog park where they can mingle with neighbors while their furry friends run and play. Homeownership also comes with the benefit of members-only access to a rooftop pool and fitness center next door.
And the W&OD Trail is just minutes away for walking, running or biking.
The community offers a complete lifestyle, thanks to the walkable proximity to Starbucks, Founding Farmers, Sweet Leaf, Orangetheory Fitness and more. Of course, Metro’s Silver Line is also waiting to whisk you wherever you want to go in the D.C. Metro area.
Make your first stop an appointment with the Knutson team at Union Towns. To learn more about these new homes and schedule your appointment, visit UnionTowns.com or contact Laurie Hargadon at [email protected] or 703-348-1384.
Join the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University for an upcoming virtual open house for prospective students! Learn more about our top-ranked degrees as our sessions will explore master’s, certificate and PhD programs.
Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Tuesday, September 15
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)
PhD Virtual Open House
Wednesday, September 23
7-8:30 p.m. (EDT)
Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Thursday, October 22
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)
Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Thursday, November 12
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)
George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 2 best school in the U.S. for security studies programs relating to intelligence, counterterrorism, and emergency management. With dedicated career services advisors, 16,000+ passionate alumni around the globe, and a faculty of leaders and experts in their fields, you will benefit from a world-class education.
Graduate Certificate Programs (5 Courses Each)
Part-time and full-time options available
- Biodefense, Certificate
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Certificate
- Global Health and Security, Certificate
- Illicit Trade Analysis, Certificate
- National Security and Public Policy, Certificate
- Nonprofit Management, Certificate
- Public Management, Certificate
- Science, Technology, and Security, Certificate
- Strategic Trade, Certificate
- Terrorism and Homeland Security, Certificate
Master’s Degree Programs
Part-time and full-time options available
- Biodefense, MS (Offered on-campus, online and through a combination of both)
- International Commerce and Policy, MA
- International Security, MA
- Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS
- Political Science, MA
- Public Administration, MPA
- Public Policy, MPP
- Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, MA
PHD Degree Programs
Part-time and full-time options available
To learn more about graduate programs at the Schar School, fill out the inquiry form to indicate your interest to the Admissions team or register for a virtual open house.
Meet Prada, a Bichon Frise female available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue have to say about her:
Miss Prada is a very sweet little girl who came to us from the shelter, she was found as a stray in terrible shape. She was spayed and given a very much needed dental and had two small lumps removed. She now only has 7 teeth left but has no problem eating small kibble.
We were told she was around 15yrs old, but our vet says ” No way Jose” — this cutie pie is around 10yrs old full of life, loves to play and is as sweet as they come! A little heavy round the mid section but nothing a little exercise cant fix and a calorie controlled diet. PRADA weighs around 15 lbs.
Her eyes are clear, no heart murmurs so she is in good shape! Prada would love a home with a mature family that is home a lot, she loves to ride in the car too. She loves to be outside if the weather is nice.
Are you and Prada a match?
Meet Jack, an adult grey and white Domestic Short Hair male available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about him:
Can you believe that a cat as cute as Jack has been with us for over THREE YEARS? We’re not sure why, because he is so nice, doesn’t mind other cats, and even has a tiny heart on his nose. Who could resist?!
Jack is a true rags to riches story, because he was originally found as a stray in West Virginia. He was cold, hungry and needed some medical attention for a couple issues. We’re glad he came into our care so we could patch him up and get him happy and healthy again!
Jack — aka Jack Jack aka One-Eye Jack — has numerous hobbies that occupy his time. He likes to lounge in his cat tree, lounge in his window perch, lounge in the sunny patch that moves across the carpet and lounge on your bed. When the mood strikes, he likes playing with his laser toy, but his favorite thing is to.. you guessed it: lounge.
This sweet cat is very people-oriented, and will love to sleep in bed with you. He even comes when you call his name! Seriously, what could be better than being greeted by this handsome fellow when you get home from work or errands, and then having him follow you around lounging all day?
Jack is 4 years old and in really good shape, especially given his mysterious past and the shape he was in when he first arrived to us. He has a minor heart condition that is well-managed with medication, which Jack takes like a champ mixed with his food or in a pill pocket. An easy-to-medicate cat? What a dream. The pills are very reasonably priced, too (just $6 for a two month supply) so that’s not too much to ask to keep Jack in tip-top shape, right?
Are you and Jack a match?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Veraq5gKs
The world may look a little different right now, but one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to ending Alzheimer’s. This year, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is everywhere — on every sidewalk, track and trail.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. This year’s event won’t be a large in-person gathering — instead, we invite you to walk in small teams of friends and family while others in your community do the same. Walk in your neighborhood, in your community, at your place of business or work, at your school and at your place of worship.
Because we are all still walking and fundraising for the same thing: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Questions? Please contact our office: Sonya Amartey, Walk Manager, Alzheimer’s Association — [email protected]/703-766-9025.
How does a luxury apartment community enhance their residents’ lifestyle in the new normal? One Herndon apartment community, Station on Silver may just have the recipe for success… and it involves spring rolls.
Station on Silver typically offers a full roster of resident activities ranging from weekly Zumba classes to Winedown Wednesdays, yappy hour for pets, weekend bubbly brunches and more. But with social distancing, they have gotten even more creative to offer residents a vibrant social calendar of events.
For example, the community recently hired a chef to teach a virtual cooking class on how to make spring rolls. Residents were sent a list of ingredients ahead of time so they could follow along step by step to make their own dish while watching the live stream lesson on Zoom. Other virtual events have included bingo, and yes even virtual trivia nights.
Some events are also in person while still keeping social distancing in mind. One weekend morning residents got their day off to a nice start with Chick-Fil-A breakfast sandwiches. Fun treats can keep the quarantine doldrums at bay, so the community brought in an ice cream truck to offer complimentary shaved ice and popsicles for the residents.
To keep spirits up, the community also donated gift cards to nurses and other frontline workers and coordinated an appreciation event for residents to stand out on the balconies while banging pots and pans to celebrate frontline workers. Later this summer the community will offer an outdoor movie night under the stars with a big screen.
An outdoor lifestyle has always had an appeal, but recently even more so, and Station on Silver offers best in class amenities to take advantage of the outdoors, including a stunning rooftop deck complete with fire pit, hammocks, an outdoor billiards table, cornhole, and choice of watching the game on the outdoor TV or taking in the vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Additional outdoor lifestyle amenities feature 2 courtyards with grilling areas, abundant lounge seating and a fire pit. Plus, a resort swimming pool with chaise lounges immersed in the sunshelf to stay cool all summer long.
Residents also enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio with a WELLBEATS virtual workout system, clubroom with shuffleboard, billiards and foosball, in addition to a media room with gaming system and large flat screen for movies. If all these entertainment zones add up to too much fun, residents can also get more productive hosting meetings in the conference room or working from home in the cyber café. There also is an on-site pet spa for your four-legged best friend.
The community offers a selection of floorplans including studio, one and two bedroom apartments, each with top of the line finishes including quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, sleek plank flooring, spa-inspired bathrooms, and built-in bookshelves. Many apartments offer patios or balconies to extend living space outdoors.
The location is convenient right off Sunrise Valley Drive with easy access to the Dulles Toll Road. Soon enough, Metro’s Silver Line extension will be complete and the luxury apartments at Station on Silver are perfectly poised directly across from the Dulles Innovation Center station in Herndon to provide quick access to the best of the D.C. Metropolitan area.
Even touring apartments has gotten a makeover in this world of the new normal and customers are offered a variety of options based on their comfort level. They can tour Station on Silver in person with a leasing professional, schedule a contact-free self-guided to view the apartment by themselves, or even view the apartment virtually.
Next stop: Home. View floorplans, availability, amenities and photo gallery to learn more about the luxury apartment lifestyle at Station on Silver.
Station on Silver is at 2340 Carta Way in Herndon. Please call 571-350-3848 or view their website.
Meet Buster, a Terrier/American Staffordshire male available for adoption locally.
Here is what Buster from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation has to say about himself:
Hi, I’m Buster and my friends would describe me as the big, strong guy with a heart of gold. I love long walks in the park (or anywhere) and don’t mind passing people along the way. I get a little excited when I see other dogs and may bark or want to pull on the leash for a closer look.
Although I have shared my home with a guinea pig, I prefer to be the only dog (and no cats either). I am crate trained and love toys with that squeaky thing in them. Right now, I’m looking to settle down in a nice home where I can lounge on the sofa and play with my people. Lots of playing. I also love back scratches and giving slobbery kisses.
I don’t always know my own strength, so I would probably be better suited to a home with teenagers or adults only. I’d really appreciate someone with canine experience who knows how to give a dog my size plenty of exercise and can hold their own with me on the leash.
Are you and Buster a match?
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.
The U.S. Supreme Court, on June 15, 2020, by a 6-3 vote, in the case of Bostock v. Clayton County, ruled that federal law protects gay and transgender workers (or applicants) from employment discrimination. A copy of the new landmark Supreme Court case is provided here.
In short, the new court case found that “an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII” of the Civil Rights Act.” This is a landmark decision, the extent of which will evolve in the years to come as other courts start hearing these types of employment discrimination cases.
Why is the Ruling Important?
The major reason why the Supreme Court decision is so important is that there have been few protections against sexual orientation discrimination (even fewer for transgender discrimination) under various state laws. Less than one-half of the states have laws banning sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination (Virginia enacted one recently).
For the first time, employees in all 50 states have protections from this type of discrimination. This ruling makes it just as illegal under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for an employer to discriminate against someone for being gay or transgender as it does for employers to discriminate against employees based on race, sex or religion.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, in drafting the Supreme Court’s decision, reasoned that while the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, the language used at the time by Congress had many unintended consequences at the time which have come to light over the past 56 years. Justice Gorsuch believed that the language in the 1964 law applied to gay and transgender employees:
“In Title VII, Congress adopted broad language making it illegal for an employer to rely on an employee’s sex when deciding to fire that employee. We do not hesitate to recognize today a necessary consequence of that legislative choice: An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.”
Three Justices disagreed, including Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh.
What does the Ruling Mean?
The new Supreme Court ruling means that employees (or applicants) who are fired, not hired, or otherwise discriminated against at work because they are gay or transgender, will be able to file equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaints and sue their employers in federal court for illegal discrimination.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is currently revising their website to account for this new decision and their role in enforcing the decision of the Supreme Court in the 50 states.
Because the Civil Rights Act applies to employers with 15 or more employees, there remains a gap in protections for gay and transgender employees in the 25 or so states without state law protections. There is also the hope that some states that don’t specifically protect gay or transgender employees from discrimination may interpret their own civil rights laws to now include such protections taking a cue from the U.S. Supreme Court.
In short, it is the first federal step in protecting gay and transgender employees from employment discrimination. It is also long overdue.
Contact Us
If you are in need of employment law legal representation or advice, 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.
Meet Mona Leasha, a black Retriever/Labrador mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation have to say about her:
Mona Leasha is a thing of beauty and a cuddly one too! Her big, enigmatic eyes will draw you in and make it hard to look away from all the cuteness!
This pretty lady is a wonderful walking companion, who is happy to accompany you wherever you want to go. Mona can be leash reactive with some other dogs — usually those that are bigger than her — and her foster is working with her on this. Her adopter should continue this training.
Mona Leasha otherwise has a very calm, sweet demeanor and is always happy to make new friends. When we’ve turned her loose in the yard with other dogs during playgroup, she’s turned up the energy and ran and wrestled with the fastest of them!
She is very curious about everyone and everything in her surroundings. Once she gets to know you, she likes to say hello with gentle kisses and lots of tail wagging! Mona Leasha is basically potty-trained, smart and treat motivated. She does have a little incontinence, but it is controlled by medication, and she has no problem rocking a fashionable dog diaper when needed.
Are you and Mona Leasha a match?
Meet Eggs, an adult Shepherd mix female available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have to say about her:
Meet Eggs! This affectionate and playful shepherd mix is 2 years old.
She loves to run after a ball, have her belly rubbed and go for walks. She is very trainable and even comes when called. She seems to be good in the car (doesn’t mind running errands!).
Eggs is great with other dogs & kids!
Are you and Eggs a match?
