This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Sparkles is a friendly dog, who is up for adoption.
Here is what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:
Sparkles is a gorgeous one year old Australian Shepherd mix who weighs in at about 55 pounds. He’s well behaved, friendly and ready to make some lucky adopter a terrific new best friend. This precious boy will go fast, so please send your application on in pronto so you don’t miss out. Sparkles is up to date on all shots and dewormings, has been neutered and carries an adoption fee of $359 which includes micro chipping.
Are you and Sparkles 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 Family Solutions, which has a child care facility in Reston.
Baby sign language has been a hot topic for the last decade or so, but are there really any benefits? A few small studies point to increased intellectual development, but the primary benefit of using baby sign language is decreased frustration for both you and your baby. Long before babies begin using words, they can use sign language to communicate their needs and wants — typically around 8 months, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It makes sense that a child who can express herself is likely to feel happier and more confident. In a study by R. Thompson, et al., reported by the National Institutes of Health, infants who were taught signs had fewer episodes of crying or temper tantrums. Parents also report feeling more confident because they have a better understanding of how to respond to their babies.
Some parents and teachers have expressed concern that teaching babies sign language will delay verbal language development. Research has shown the opposite to be true. A study by Goodwyn, Acredolo, and Brown, 2000, (cited in Thompson et al., 2007) found that hearing children who have been taught sign language outperformed children whose parents merely encouraged vocal language. Researchers theorize that learning sign language fuels motivation for other forms of communication.
Parents often worry about child development milestones and how early they can begin teaching their baby sign language. You can start demonstrating simple signs as soon as your baby is able to maintain eye contact and seems interested in communicating with you — typically between 5 and 6 months. Most babies don’t begin making signs in response though until 8 or 9 months. Be patient and enjoy this time with your infant.
Tips for Teaching Sign Language to Babies:
- Start simple. Take a Baby Signing class or pick up a baby signing book. Choose signs for words that are concrete or meaningful to your baby, such as more, ball, drink, please or pacifier. Teach only 3 to 5 words initially.
- Use signs during normal everyday routines and activities. To help your baby to learn sign language, say the word as you make the sign in a meaningful real-life setting. For example, if your baby gestures for more crackers, say “more” while making the sign with your hands. Then give your baby a cracker as reinforcement. Consistently make this sign every time your baby asks for more food. Hold your baby on your lap with her back to your stomach. Hold her hands and make the sign, saying the word at the same time. Be sure to give lots of encouragement when your baby makes a sign independently. Say, “You did it! You told me you want more!”
- Allow your baby to set the pace and progress slowly. As your baby masters initial signs, you can add a few more. Remember, though, your goal isn’t to make your child fluent in sign language so much as providing another way to communicate until verbal skills develop. Stick with basic signs for words that your child uses every day and introduce only a couple at a time.
- Keep it fun. Be sure to keep lessons brief and fun. The point of teaching sign language is to reduce frustration, simplify communication, and connect with your baby in a meaningful way.
Best of all, teaching sign language to babies is simple, and Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro is happy to help you get started through our free Baby Signing Workshop on Dec. 15 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. We invite all parents that are interested in learning more about baby signing or families that are ready to start signing with their babies to join us. The one-hour workshop is hosted by a certified Baby Signing instructor and will focus on the research, benefits, and teach participants 32 basic signs. Each family will leave equipped with resources to help you and your baby communicate. Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to take home a baby signing gift package! This is a baby-friendly event! There is no cost for this workshop. Simply RSVP to Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro to reserve your space for the evening — [email protected] or 703-774-3211.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Lady is sweet, loving and friendly. As her photo shows, she’s also very stylish.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Lady is a 6 year old, 13 pound Pekingese mix. We are not sure what she is mixed with, possibly Beagle.I can not say enough wonderful things about this girl. She is incredibly sweet, loving and friendly; loves other dogs and absolutely loves all people! Lady was an turned into the shelter when her family had to move into a home that would not allow pets.
Lady is a precious little girl who would love nothing more than to be back with a family to love and a home to call her own. Can you give Lady her forever home?
Lady is up to date on all vaccines, is micro-chipped and has been spayed. Her adoption fee is $325.
Are you and Lady 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 from the Town of Herndon’s Park and Recreation Department, which produces this show and many other programs and events in the Town of Herndon.
Do you enjoy shopping for unique gifts, affordable fine art, yummy edibles, and holiday decorations? If so, the Herndon Community Center is holding a traditional holiday arts and craft show you can’t miss. Admission and parking are free! Avoid the mall and the crowds and discover the joys of shopping local. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
The 38th Annual Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show features vendors who create their merchandise by hand. The show will be held Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Herndon Community Center, a public recreation facility, located at 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, features an indoor pool, fitness room, full-size gymnasium, preschool, and hundreds of recreation programs.
To be able to participate in this show, vendors submit an application with photos demonstrating the artist or crafter creating their art or craft. A panel of judges jury the vendors to ensure the show has high quality vendors and a wide variety of products. Many of these vendors have also attended the Herndon Festival and the Herndon Labor Day Festival.
You can expect to find vendors selling a large variety of handcrafted items and fine art. This year there will be 3D quilling art, one-of-a-kind crafted jewelry, re-crafted bowling pins, Christmas ornaments, decorations, doll clothes, photography, stained glass, greeting cards, and much more. Give a gift that warms the belly with delectable baked goods, jams, peanuts, and more. In addition, the Woman’s Club of Herndon will sell White House ornaments and are taking donations to support the Wreaths Across America program.
The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department produces this show and many other programs and events in the Town of Herndon. To learn more about this show and the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, please visit herndon-va.gov/recreation, or call 703-787-7300.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Ollie, a curious and playful little kitty looking for a lap to sleep on.
Here is what his friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about him:
Ollie is your typical kitten – full of curiosity! He’s not hard to please when it comes to toys and will happily chase a ball around the house as fast as his little legs can take him.
When it comes to nap time, he’s the perfect snuggle buddy, too. He loves to find the warmest spot on your lap and will purr as he falls asleep. Whether you’re looking for a tiny playmate or a fuzzy friend — Ollie is your guy! Ollie was about four months old the first part of August.
Are you and Ollie 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 check out her work on Houzz, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.
Long before the dust takes over the house and the kitchen is down to bare wall, let’s talk about to how to prepare for the design process. Making your kitchen pretty is great but making you kitchen functional is also really important.
Here is a seven step plan to help you get the most out of your time with your designer and get the results you want:
1. Collect — When you make up your mind that it’s time to start thinking about a remodel, then that is also a good time to start collecting ideas. The internet makes this task much easier with sites such as Houzz and Pinterest. You can create idea books that you can later share with your designer, and even other family members can chime in and add their ideas, as well. Make sure to note on each photo what you liked about it and why you saved it. After 50 photos of kitchens, you forget.
2. Lists — Make an inventory list of what’s in your kitchen — especially appliances, dishes you want to display, how many sets of silverware you have. All this will become handy information for the designer and for you to make sure everything will fit into the new kitchen.
3. Give it time — In your “time” budget, leave plenty time for planning. Kitchens are not just cabinets and counter tops, there are plenty of other things to consider, discuss and brainstorm about. Before I even meet with customers I ask them to fill out a questionnaire about their lifestyle and kitchen function so I can understand their needs better. There will be a few meetings with the design to review the different layout options and selections, this time can stretch between 3-6 weeks of planning time, before anything is even ordered.
4. The big picture — Before we dive into the little details, we need to see what can be done with the space and what the customer wants to accomplish with the remodel. Is it just a face lift or a full restructure of the kitchen layout? Do you want more space for baking or to seat people in an island? Ask yourself why you are remodeling the kitchen and let the designer come up with few possible layouts to solve those dilemmas. Read More
This is a promoted post by the Neurology Center of Fairfax.
Growing medical office locations in Reston and Fairfax, seeks FT patient service professional for patient, clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Requires ability to multi-task, computer skills, polished people skills, superior English language skills, mobility, ability to work in teams and independently. Must have at least 1 year of experience in customer service field, ideally in medical healthcare.
Great salary and benefits. Advancement opportunities possible. Work Monday through Friday in the daytime. Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax to 703-940-1497.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Luna Petunia, a happy, fun-loving dog looking for an active home.
Here is what his friends at Boxer Rescue and Adoption Inc. have to say about her:
I’m just the silly little girl that my first family called Luna Petunia. I’m happy and full of vinegar! I’m about six months old and am very, very active. I want a family to keep me busy, because a tired puppy is a very good dog.
I love to run and play with my rescue mom’s Boxers. My tail is always wagging and wagging, and I am a joyful dog, but I do need training. I am crate trained, am good about taking treats nicely and my favorite dog walker says I’m very, very busy . . . seeing all the sights and sniffing all the neat things along my walk. No matter what, I won’t get into the doggie pool. That looks like fun . . . for some other dog!
If you’d like to meet me, email [email protected] for an adoption application and then arrange to stop by Reston, Va., to meet me. I know, I know. I’m not a Boxer, but I needed help finding a new home, so I’m an honorary Boxer!
Are you and Luna Petunia 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 in Reston that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.
The White House recently asked states to enact legislation banning non-compete agreements for low-wage workers in an effort to increase competition and improve the economy.
In a White House report issued on Oct. 25, 2016, it explained that these types of agreements often prevent out-of-work employees from finding new jobs in their career fields. The White House also stated that these non-compete agreements interfere with worker mobility.
A non-compete agreement typically bars an employee from working for a competitor or starting his or her own business once the employee leaves the employer.
The White House report cited the fact that 20 percent of U.S. workers have signed non-compete agreements preventing them from working for competitors. The figure included an approximate 17 percent of employees who do not hold a college degree.
As such, the White House is requesting that states pass bans on non-compete agreements for workers who do not possess trade secrets. Additionally, the White House is asking that states require companies to be more transparent about contracts. Read More
This is a promoted post by the Neurology Center of Fairfax.
Busy medical practice in Fairfax, near Beltway, needs experienced FT biller for our growing practice.
Excellent opportunity for hard working individual. Responsible for billing, pre-authorizations and account follow-up. Position includes: customer service with patients and insurance companies. Familiarity with Medicare, commercial insurance companies, and ICD-10 and CPT coding required.
Must speak English with superior communication skills (oral and written). Must have at least 1 year of successful experience in a medical billing office, good phone, interpersonal and computer skills. Competitive salary with excellent benefit package. Excellent work environment.
Please send cover letter and resume to: 703-940-1497 or [email protected].
This is a promoted post by Downtown Brambleton, a new development by Knuston.
- 22895 Brambleton Plaza, Suite 104, Brambleton, VA 20148
- The Astra List Price: $629,900
- Knutson Sales Gallery open daily 11 a.m. – 6 p..m·
- LiveDowntownBrambleton.com
The featured floorplan, The Astra, is a gorgeous three-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with a two-car garage. It has an open main living level and nine-foot ceilings on all levels, allowing for a spacious and airy feel.
With a ground-floor recreation room, a five-star kitchen with all stainless steel appliances, and a large, private rooftop terrace, you will never want to leave your personal oasis.
If you are looking to live in the center of a truly walkable community, these 48 new townhomes are located right in the heart of Downtown Brambleton.
Directly out your front door is Legacy Park and immediately out your back door is Sport & Health, the taps of Lost Rhino Retreat, a date night at Fox Cinemas, the convenience of a 24-hour Harris Teeter and more than 40 other shops and restaurants.
Construction is now underway and we are already 50 percent sold-out of the first release. Schedule your appointment today to visit Downtown Brambleton and discover the Knutson difference.
Contact Joanne Fisher, Sales Manager, at 571-367-4778.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Grant, a handsome puppy whose temperament will win over your heart.
Here is what his rescue friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:
Grant is a 4-month-old, 34-pound Retriever mix. He is a handsome boy that gets along with everyone. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this boy. He is very calm for a puppy his age. This boy is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky family.
Grant is up to date on all vaccines, is micro-chipped, and has been neutered. His adoption fee is $325.
For an adoption application, please contact the adoption coordinator, Dondra, at: [email protected].
Are you and Grant 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 Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Where to Vote in Reston
Nov. 8 is Election Day, and I hope every eligible voter in Reston has registered and is ready to cast a vote in this very important election.
It’s too late to register in Virginia (I wish we had same day voter-registration, but we don’t). However, I have found over the years that many of my clients who are new to the area aren’t sure where they’re supposed to vote.
So, to honor this day, here is information on how to find your polling place:
Your voter information card lists the name and address of your voting location (polling place).
However, if you still aren’t sure where to go, the Virginia Department of Elections website has an online form to help you find your polling place called Where do I vote?. This online form provides your precinct code based on the address you submit. You can then check out this online map of the district polling places to find your designated spot.
If you can’t locate your polling place, or if you have any questions about where you should vote on election day, please call 703-222-0776.
What You Need to Have With You
Lost your voter ID card? Well, you don’t actually have to have it to vote. According to the Virginia Board of Elections, here is what you do need to have (bring one):
- Valid Virginia Driver’s License or Identification Card
- Valid Virginia DMV-issued Veteran’s ID card
- Valid United States Passport
- Other government-issued photo identification cards (must be issued by U.S. Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth)
- Tribal enrollment or other tribal ID issued by one of 11 tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Valid college or university student photo identification card (must be from an institution of higher education located in Virginia)
- Valid student ID issued by a public school or private school in Virginia, displaying a photo
- Employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer’s business
The website also offers a more detailed list of acceptable forms of identification.
It’s time to stop reading and start voting. Maybe I’ll see you at the polls!
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Moe, a cat with big paws who is looking for a home with big cat lovers.
Here is what his rescue friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have to say about him:
Moe is a stunner! He has gorgeous marble tabby markings, almost like a Bengal. He has big paws so we think there might be some Maine Coon in his background somewhere! He absolutely LOVES attention and is a cuddle bug. He is young and high energy.
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application and a representative will get back to you shortly to answer any questions you may have. The application can be found http://tinyurl.com/k5xd2vr.
Are you and Moe 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.
Parabon® NanoLabs (Parabon), a Reston-based company, is looking for families to participate in a research study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
In the study, DNA samples from distant relatives will be analyzed to develop innovative kinship and ancestry algorithms and associated laboratory methods to extend familial matching beyond current capabilities.
Traditional DNA methods only allow remains to be identified if DNA from closely related family members is available. Many unidentified Service members, however, do not have living family members who are closely related. This study aims to increase the genetic distance over which kinship can be accurately inferred.
The enhancements made possible by this research will assist in the identification of the toughest missing personnel cases by “matching” DNA from distant relatives to that of deceased Service members, including those from long past conflicts, such as World War II.
“This cause is personal to us at Parabon. Like many families in America, some of us at the company have loved ones who went missing in action. This study will help us make technological advances that will one day reunite fathers, sons, brothers and uncles with their families. We need volunteers from extended families to make this research possible,” said Paula Armentrout, vice president of Parabon NanoLabs.
Parabon seeks to enroll 50-100 extended families (5 to 10 volunteers per family) to participate in the study. Participating families do not need to have a direct relation to an M.I.A. soldier in order to qualify. Volunteers for the study will simply supply a sample of DNA from a mouth swab and answer questions about their family tree. In return for participation, each volunteer will receive a custom DNA ancestry report and a small stipend. There is no cost to participate.
Those interested in participating in the study can sign up online to be considered.
“Our ideal study participants are all related by blood and come from an extended family network that includes a wide variety of distant relatives, such as second cousins, great-uncles, and grandchildren,” said Ellen Greytak, PhD, Principal Investigator of the study. “We will study the similarity of their DNA and use the knowledge gained to improve our kinship inference methods.”
The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Emerging Capability & Prototyping is funding this research to help support the Department’s Personnel Accounting mission.
