This is a promoted post from Lofts at Village Walk, which is offering new townhome condominiums in at Village at Leesburg.

With the opening of the Lofts at Village Walk in Leesburg, homebuyers craving accessibility to historic downtown Leesburg and the convenience of town center living now have an amazing new option!

The Lofts at Village Walk is part of the 1.2 million-square foot, mixed-use Village at Leesburg development. Residents of this brand-new community will live within walking distance of Wegmans, over 70 shops and restaurants, LA Fitness, Cobb Theatre, and more.

Diverse eateries offer a plethora of cuisines and outdoor dining, and a mix of retail shops and entertainment options cater to people of all ages. Everyday conveniences including banking, hair salons and dentists make it possible to run errands without ever leaving the community.

This new enclave of “two-over-two” townhome condominiums, each with an attached garage, three bedrooms, and two-and-a-half baths spread over two levels, is priced starting from the upper $300’s.  Stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, luxury master baths and more demonstrate the care and detail paid to interior finishes.

Homebuyers will be especially pleased when they quickly realize the homes are nestled within an oasis of nature. The neighborhood backs up to the lush Kincaid Forest Tree Preserve and Tuscarora Creek, and two large ponds provide a calming buffer amid the residences. There is also a small neighborhood park adjacent to one of the ponds.

The Lofts at Village Walk will welcome its first homeowners in upcoming months, with limited homes still available for summer move-in!

The Lofts at Village Walk offices are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1602 Village Market Blvd., Suite 462, Leesburg. Call Sales Manager Ernie Kyger at 703-764-5463 or contact him by email at [email protected].

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Sparkle, a Shepherd mix puppy available for adoption.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Sparkle is an adorable Shepherd mix who is just a baby at eight weeks old.

She’s a happy, playful little pup who is now ready to find a family of her very own. This gorgeous baby was so cooperative for her photo session as you can clearly see in the pictures — she really let some of her personality show through.

This great pup is a nice blend of friendly affection and normal puppy playfulness and will be great company.

Are you and Sparkle a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a promoted post by Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro Center, a child care facility in Reston.

Are you trying to find the perfect fit for your child’s early education and preschool?

Attend our Open House April 17-21 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to find out what sets
Bright Horizons^® Early Education and Preschool apart from the rest in Reston.

• Meet our engaging teachers
• Visit our brand new state-of the-art facility with bright and beautiful classrooms, indoor Movement Matters Zone, Art Studio and outdoor playground
• Learn about our world-class curriculum enriched with baby signing, art, fitness & wellness program, and yoga
• Discover how your child’s interests are incorporated into the classroom experiences
• Find out how parent/teacher partnerships contribute to your child’s success including our secure My Bright Day App (mobile daily experience sheet), Teaching Strategies Gold online children’s portfolio, observation and assessment tool, and Parent Partnership Group
• Explore our READY for SCHOOL program in our Preschool and Kindergarten Prep programs including school readiness signature practices, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Handwriting Without Tears, Everyday Math and Weekly Reader

Join us!
Walk-ins Welcome.
We look forward to seeing you!

Spring Registration Offer – Register by May 31 and receive a $150 Tuition Credit!*
*Offer valid for registrations received by May 31 and with an enrollment start date by Sept. 30. Tuition credit will be applied after 30 days of enrollment. Valid only at Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro Center.

Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro Center
(Conveniently located near the Wiehle-Reston East metro station with validated drop-off and pick-up parking.) 11400 Commerce Park Drive, Suite R140
Reston, VA 20191
703-774-3211
www.brighthorizons.com/commercemetro
www.facebook.com/bhatcommercemetro

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.

By Kimberly H. Berry, Esq.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, most employees are considered “at will,” which means they can resign or be terminated at any time. When employment ends, an employer may offer severance to an employee in exchange for the employee’s waiver of his or her rights, including the right to sue for any work-related issues. In Virginia, in the absence of an employment contract, an employer usually has no obligation to provide an employee severance pay. If severance pay is offered, an employer will provide the employee with a severance agreement.

What is a Severance Agreement?

A severance agreement is a contract between an employee and an employer that specifies the terms of an employment departure. Severance agreements can be offered in cases of terminations, resignations, layoffs and/or retirement. In order for a severance agreement to be valid, it must usually provide something to the employee to which the employee is not already entitled. For example, in most cases, a certain financial sum is provided to the departing employee by an employer in exchange for a waiver of rights, usually referred to as a general release, by the employee.

In addition, in Virginia and many other states, employers are generally required to provide an employee time to consider a severance agreement before signing. The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), in part, requires that an employer provide employees over 40 years of age with a 21-day consideration period, or a 45-day consideration period in the case of a large reduction-in-force (RIF), and at least a 7-day revocation period. Oftentimes, employers rush employees to sign a severance agreement and do not adhere to the procedures for severance agreements.

The terms of a severance agreement are generally negotiable between the employer and employee. However, an employee will not necessarily be told this when the employer offers the severance agreement.

Potential Considerations with Severance Agreements

Some of the issues to consider in advance of signing a severance agreement may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Financial terms and timing of severance payments
• Tax issues
• Continuation of employment benefits
• Ability to claim unemployment compensation
• What claims are waived
• Confidentiality terms
• Non-disparagement
• Re-employment/re-hiring possibilities for departing employee
• Scope of non-competition after leaving employment
• Preservation of trade secrets
• References and points of contact
• Recommendation letters
• Consequences of violating the severance agreement

Each case is different and an employee may need legal representation in negotiating a severance agreement. Before an employee signs a severance agreement, he or she should consult with an attorney to discuss the rights that he or she may be waiving and the terms of the severance agreement.

If you need assistance with negotiating a severance agreement in Virginia, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact her at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

After a fun conversion last night at the Lake Anne Brew House, I decided to write today’s post about the history of the kitchen!

Why the kitchen? Because everyone always ends up in the kitchen.

These days, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we cook together, host guests and conduct plenty of other activities. Our kitchens are now super kitchens, with multi-functions that flow in and out the rest of the house.

This was not always the case. Historically, kitchens were not the space where people gathered, unless they worked there. The rich didn’t spend their money to make it attractive since they didn’t bring guests into the kitchen. Kitchens were places of utilitarian work — people came into the kitchen to cook or to patch something from the cook. They were small spaces, busy, most days too hot, smelly, noisy and very smoky.

Kitchens in the Middle Ages

Cooking was essentially done over an open fire within a one-room home or within the great hall of a larger structure. All manner of life revolved around the cooking area, which was the primary source of heat, light and safety.

With the invention of the chimney around 1185 AD, homes started to divide into additional rooms — still getting heat from the kitchen’s fireplace, but with less soot and smoke issues. The location of the kitchen in the house was based on economical possibilities. The upper class, who could afford fireplaces, would situate the kitchen as far away from the dining room as possible to avoid all the commotion. The middle to lower class would have the kitchen in the middle of the house to provide a source of heat.

Kitchens in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Economic and political changes had a major influence on the design and function of the kitchen.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw an influence of the French style of cooking, with elaborate dishes, formal table settings and strict etiquette. Explorers traveled the world and brought home exotic foods and spices.

Now there was a need for more servants to cook and clean all those dishes. Now the kitchen grew larger to accommodate all the necessary food, prep area and extreme amount of dishes! Yes, they did have big tables in the kitchen, but those were use as a prep area and for the servants’ meals.

End of the 19th Century — Progress

The industrial revolution impacted the world, including the kitchen. It brought the use of coal, then gas; the invention of cast iron; electricity; and plumbed water adding to the functionality of the kitchen, changing the look of the kitchen with it.

According to Old House Online, “the growth of American coal and iron mining in the 1820s made cast iron the wonder material of the 19th century and led to a prolific industry in making stoves for cooking as well as heating.”

However, kitchens were still away from the center of the house — in basements and the back of the house.

Make sure to check back in two weeks for Part 2 of the history of the kitchen.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Daisy, a basset hound and retriever mix available for adoption.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Daisy is one HAPPY (just look at her pics!!!) and beautiful basset hound mix who, along with her sisters Iris and Callie, are just adorable examples of what rescue dogs can be.

These three are so happy and friendly at just 11 weeks old. We think they’ll end up as nice medium-size dogs when grown, maybe around 35 pounds or so. These gorgeous babies were so cooperative for their photo session as you can clearly see in the pictures.

This extremely friendly little baby girl is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters.

Are you and Daisy (or Iris, or Callie) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a promoted post by Towns of Lansdowne Square.

• 19345 Diamond Lake Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176
• Homes priced from the mid-$500s
• Sales gallery and model residence open Saturday-Wednesday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• LiveLansdowne.com

Tour our brand new model home this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. to discover the amazing details that surround you in the new elevator townhomes at the Towns of Lansdowne Square.

With Phase II recently released and the unveiling of a new model, now is the time to discover the Towns of Lansdowne Square, a collection of 23 luxury urban townhomes that are reshaping the heart of the Lansdowne Town Center. These spacious townhomes feature three and four-bedroom multi-level floorplans with the following modern touches to enhance your daily life:

• 5-inch hardwood flooring and two-piece crown molding
• Granite countertops and KitchenAid appliances
• Pella windows and solid core doors
• Private elevators available
• Expansive outdoor terraces
• Community pool and fitness center amenities

If you are looking to live in the center of a truly walkable community, these new townhomes are surrounded by shops and restaurants such as Harris Teeter, Panera Bread and BlooMoo Yogurt, in addition to convenient staples such as the Hair Cuttery, CVS Pharmacy, Shell Gas Station and Lansdowne Dry Cleaners. You will never have to venture too far to run errands or enjoy an evening out, especially as the town center expands, introducing Not Your Average Joe’s and Ford’s Fish Shack to the mix.

Phase II is released and sales are underway. To learn more, contact Will Richey, sales manager, at 703-763-2721 or [email protected].

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Tubbs, a beagle mix available for adoption.

Here is what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:

Tubbs is a beautiful beagle mix who, along with his sister Rosie, are just adorable examples of what rescue dogs can be.

Only about 12 weeks old now, we think they’ll end up as nice medium-small-size dogs when grown, maybe around 30 pounds or so. These adorable babies were so cooperative for their photo session, as you can clearly see in the pictures. These great pups are a nice blend of friendly affection and normal puppy playfulness and will both be great company.

This extremely friendly little fella is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters.

Are you and Tubbs a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact her at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

A quick and easy way to update your kitchen without a big expense is to update your backsplash.

A backsplash is like that one piece of jewelry that gives every outfit a final touch. It adds a flair of personality and a great layer of design to your kitchen. Since tile install can be an easy DIY project, the backsplash can be replaced more often than you think and ensure your kitchen is as fashion forward as you are. Just a quick facelift of the backsplash (and maybe the hardware while you are at it) and you have an updated kitchen.

While selecting backsplash, the latest “safe” trend is the classic white subway tile. I challenge you to show your own personality in the backsplash and think about what statement you want to bring to your kitchen. Maybe you need some more bling in your life or simple elegance, or something to add a more sophisticated look with a bright twist. The options are endless.  

If you must use a rectangle/subway tile, look at creative ways to lay it out. Play with the layouts to create a look that matches your kitchen style — herringbone for a traditional look or stacked straight for a contemporary look. Find a different texture like crackled glass or a handmade look.  

The tile industry has finally started thinking outside of the 4×4, and geometric shapes are popping up everywhere from penny round, honeycomb arabesque and puzzles! Look at this geomantic pearl.

Laser-cut tiles are tiles that are cut by lasers to produce elaborate designs that are pieced together like a puzzle. Many of them are made from marble, so the price maybe steep. You may want to look at ceramic options of geometric tile that can give you the same effect for less cost.

Many companies like Fireclay from California now offer custom tile designs in affordable prices! You can pick your pattern and your own color or four, creating one-of-a-kind custom-designed tiles just for you.  

Beyond porcelain or glass tile, there are plenty of other materials that can be used for your backsplash from wood, wallpaper — yes, it’s making a smashing comeback! — chalkboard paint and different recycled materials, such as those skateboards we used in this Arlington project.

Maybe you can’t decide on tile or are looking for a cleaner look with easy maintenance. Think about running your countertop up as a backsplash as well. This will not be as cost-effective or easy to replace, but it sure creates a stunning backdrop to your kitchen and a conversation piece.  

Whichever product you end up going with, make sure it vibes with the countertop, since your backsplash will always be right up against the counter. If you are going with a busy countertop such as granites tend to be, go with a solid backsplash color but add pattern. But if you go with a solid color counter as quartz, go with pattern and color to balance the blank canvas of the top.

No matter what, remember to have fun, be bold and show your style!

This is a promoted post from Knutson at Crescent Place, which is offering new townhomes in Leesburg.

Join the Knutson at Crescent Place sales team and your potential new neighbors Saturday from 1-4 p.m. to celebrate the final phase release of the community.

These final two townhome buildings, featuring the Rockland and Fleetwood floorplans, are situated on and directly behind the community’s courtyard. Those living in the courtyard building will have peace and quiet, while be treated to beautiful brick sidewalks in front of their home with grassy areas in between, featuring park benches and gazebos. No cars will disturb them by driving by the front of their home, so the serenity will never end.

These stunning modern townhomes, located in the heart of Leesburg, have changed the landscape of Loudoun County. The Knutson difference offers you superior finishes and features throughout, distinctive exterior architecture, a large two-car garage, and much more. Floorplans range from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet and include spacious terraces, 9-foot ceilings on all levels, optional two-sided terrace fireplaces, and 2-car garages. Take a closer look at our Fleetwood floorplan in a 3D tour.

Located immediately adjacent to the W&OD Trail, you will be able to enjoy time in nature, while living in an urban area. Access to over 50 shops, restaurants, and more, allows homeowners to live easy and convenient lives, without ever going too far from home. With 98 WalkScore neighborhood ranking, it has never been easier to host a happy hour on your rooftop terrace, listen to live music on a Tuesday night, or become a regular at the hottest new restaurant in town.

With prices starting in the mid-$400s, Knutson at Crescent Place has become one of Loudoun’s fastest selling new developments.

Deborah Condrey, the sales manager at Crescent Place, urges potential homebuyers to come take a tour of the development’s two furnished models before it’s too late.

Knutson at Crescent Place is at 235 Crescent Station Terrace in Leesburg SE. The sales office is open daily: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday from 1-6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 703-570-6550 to learn more.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Rocky, a black and white Domestic Short Hair cat.

Here is what his friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about him:

Rocky is a terrific lap cat. He adores people and wants nothing more than to snuggle with someone. He would make a great cat in any home situation. Come meet this adorable and loving cat. Rocky is about 8 months old.

Are you and Rocky a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

The second annual DC Bike Ride is your chance to pedal down the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue, taking in the iconic sights of Washington, D.C., but without dodging traffic!

As a bonus, this year’s DC Bike Ride offers a fun and exciting Mother’s Day opportunity that the entire family (ages 3+) can enjoy. The 20-mile, car-free ride takes place Sunday, May 14, starting in West Potomac Park and finishing, after traversing closed roads in Washington and Arlington, on Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol.

DC Bike Ride begins at 8 a.m. and music and activities at the Finish Festival wrap up at 1 p.m. Registration is now open at this site. Register by March 26 and use the code RESTONNOW to save $10.

The course, which will have live music and aid stations, is designed for riders of all fitness and experience levels. The ride is mostly flat, very scenic and noncompetitive. If 20 miles sounds like a lot, there is a 6.5-mile turnoff point, but most riders complete the course and start enjoying the Finish Festival in about 90 minutes.

DC Bike Ride was created in 2016 by Arlington-based Capital Sports Ventures as a way to “celebrate life on two wheels,” said Tassika Rodphotong Fulmer, senior director of business operations. “We wanted to do an event locally for the vibrant bike community, to get new folks onto bikes, and to provide a unique perspective in our nation’s capital.”

Tassika said last year’s inaugural DC Bike Ride raised $38,750 for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, to help support street safety initiatives in the region as part of  Washington’s Vision Zero effort, which works to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2024.

New this year is an opportunity to sponsor riders from underserved communities. You can chip in $1, $5, $10 or $48 and sponsor the registration fees for selected participants from organizations like Gearin’ Up Bicycles whose purpose is to create career development opportunities and teach essential workplace skills to teenagers from underserved communities.

Children must be 3 years old or older and those under 7 participate for free but must ride in tandem or pulled in a trailer by an adult. Bike, tandem and trailer rentals from our partner Bike and Roll DC are available at DCBikeRide.com.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Cooper, an adorable terrier mix.

Here is what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:

Cooper is a beautiful little terrier mix with the most striking blue eyes. We think he’ll end up as nice medium-large size dog when grown, maybe around 35 pounds or so.

This adorable baby was so cooperative for his photo session as you can clearly see in his pictures. This great pup is a nice blend of friendly affection and normal puppy playfulness and will be great company.

This extremely friendly little guy is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters.

Are you and Cooper a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

On March 8, Congress moved forward with bill H.R. 1313, sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), to enable employers to obtain genetic information about an applicant or employee.

Presently, genetic testing of employees and prospective employees, on anything other than a voluntary basis, is illegal. Genetic testing of employees currently is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). The bill, which was approved by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, is part of the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act and would allow employers to impose penalties of up to 30 percent of the total cost of the employee’s health insurance on those who choose to keep such information private from their employer.

Congress enacted GINA to prohibit discrimination by health insurers and employers based on the genetic information that people carry in their DNA. GINA currently contains an exception, however, that allows employees to voluntarily provide their genetic information as part of a voluntary wellness program. If passed, the bill would change the nature of the voluntariness of providing genetic information and make it clear that employers who offer wellness programs, and also require genetic testing as part of these programs, can legally charge workers who refuse to take the genetic test a higher price for health insurance than workers who will.

If enacted by the full House and Senate, H.R. 1313 would effectively repeal the fundamental genetic and health privacy protections in GINA and the ADA. The new provisions would permit employers, under the guise of workplace wellness programs, to ask employees questions about genetic examinations taken by themselves or their families. Further, an employer could make inquiries about the medical history of employees and other family members. GINA’s requirement that employee genetic information collected as part of a wellness plan only be shared with medical professionals would no longer apply. This could open the door to discrimination by employers on the basis of genetic examinations or family histories.

If you need assistance with an employment law issue in Virginia, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.