This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

I will never tire of seeing children in their Halloween costumes, roaming the streets (or Lake Anne Plaza or the Reston Town Center) in search of the perfect treat. The joy is a pure delight. Second only, perhaps, to seeing dogs and cats dressed in costumes, roaming the plaza also in search of the perfect treat.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, I’m going to get my fill of both.

There are plenty of opportunities for kids and pets to enjoy a little pre-Halloween fun.

Howl-o-Ween on the Plaza

Saturday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Being this cute isn’t so ruff. Especially if you are a dog lover! Come down and see the dogs (and a few cats) of Reston in their Howl-o-Ween finery. There are games, there are contests, and there are treats for your furry friends. Festivities start at 1 and continue until 3 p.m. The costume contest starts at 1:30 p.m.

Trick or Treat at Reston Town Center

Saturday, Oct. 29, noon to 4 p.m.

Any child in wearing a costume (maybe one to match the dog?) can celebrate this special day by visiting participating retailers and the Information Center for treats and goodies.

Look for the pumpkin flyer in the window. If you aren’t coming over to Howl-o-ween, be sure to enjoy a spooky, magical performance for all ages by Turley the Magician at 1 pm in Fountain Square.

Howling Halloween Dog Costume Contest, Reston Town Center

Saturday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m.

You can make the rounds with your dog in costume by attending this pet event. Register your dog to participate in the contest and win prizes.

Register online by Oct. 27 or at RTC on Oct. 29  from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (registration table will be located in front of the pavilion).

More information and registration.

Photo: Reston Town Center Halloween 2015/file photo

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.

 What is the Hatch Act?

The Hatch Act of 1939 (Hatch Act), 5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326, was enacted by Congress in an attempt to keep politics out of normal government operations. The Hatch Act is a federal law that prohibits civilian federal government employees of the Executive Branch from engaging in certain political activities, such as influencing elections, participating in or managing political campaigns, holding public office, or running for office as a member of a political party.

Purpose of the Hatch Act

The Hatch Act was intended to prohibit federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity that might influence normal government activities. Government authorities typically apply the Hatch Act when attempting to curtail political activities by federal employees and supervisors while on duty.

In addition, the Hatch Act can also apply to certain state, local, or District of Columbia government employees whose principal employment is connected to an activity that is financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants.

Read More

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.

You saved your money, you spent hours on HOUZZ and Pinterest. You talked to all your friends and neighbors and you are finally ready to make it happen! Your dream remodel project is about to become a reality.

Looking at the survey from our last blog, 60 percent of you are fearful of problems with the contractor, 40 percent of you fear going over budget and no one has fears with regards to the result.

Here are few tips to help you deal with those stresses during your project:

 Your contractor. Make sure to verify your contractor, not only by checking the quality of his work but also his lines of communication.

Keeping those open will help reduce the stress since you will know how your project is progressing and what the next steps are.

Things will happen, but knowing that it’s being addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, will make all the difference. Make it part of the contract to have set meetings and phone calls with updates on the progress of the project. Read More

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

Do you ever dream of finding a quiet place in the woods, free from the hustle and bustle of urban life? Except that you like the hustle and bustle of urban life, so you don’t want to go live in the woods. What if you could find both? Bentana Woods is the neighborhood for you.

Bennett of Virginia built these townhomes in1 972. They’re located in the Tall Oaks section of Reston, about one mile from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station (which means you could walk there if you wanted).

They’re also a quick walk into Lake Fairfax Park and short drive to Reston Town Center or Lake Anne Plaza.

The original Tall Oaks Village Center is slated for redevelopment, so within the next few years there will be new shops and restaurants all a quick walk from your front door. But you won’t be able to tell because this neighborhood is so secluded you feel like you’re in rural Virginia.

The fact that these three-to-four-bedroom, 1,700 square-foot townhouses are charming and well designed is icing on the cake.

Bentana Woods is actually two separate clusters — Bentana Woods Cluster has 48 homes while Bentana Woods West has 108 homes. More than 50 percent of the neighborhood lands are common areas with open grass, tot lots, and stands of trees — trees that the National Wildlife Federation has certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

If you want to be close to the action, but feel like you’re living in a national park, Bentana Woods is the Reston neighborhood for you!

Reston Chamber Spotlight is an occasional feature from the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on Prosperity Internal Medicine’s Drs. Tarique Zahir and Taseen Mir.

Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?

PIM: Reston is home. We have been living in the Reston area since our move from North Carolina and Michigan back in 2007.

We find the Reston location innovative, modern, and a great place to live and have a business. It is our honor to share and give back to this community.

RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?

PIM: Every business has challenges. As a business owner, we have learned the ups and downs and challenges of running a business. There is great responsibility and great reward in running a business. We find that excellent customer service goes a long way. The importance of retaining good, strong talent in your workforce, and establishing strains of loyalty in your practice is paramount and of the utmost importance.

RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know. Read More

Save the time and hassle of filling your gas tank yourself by using Gas-e, an app-based service that delivers gas directly to your car.

Today’s Deal of the Day will get you $1.99 / gallon gas delivered to your home, condo, or office!

Purchase Today’s Deal Now

No Discount Code Needed: Simply download the app for iOS or Android and order gas between now and 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

WHEN: Now until Friday at 6 p.m.

WHERE: All of Reston

WHAT: Share with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors — Seriously, who wouldn’t like gas conveniently delivered straight to their car on their time?

When you download the Gas-e app, you have the power and convenience of your own personal gas station wherever you go. Delivery takes roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (weekend and night hours COMING SOON!)

This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.

Here are some Reston homes that changed hands in the last week.

1658 Parkcrest Circle #301. 2 BR, 1 BA Condo. Sold price: $210,000

11717 Summerchase Circle. 1 BR, 1 BA Condo. Sold price: $193,000

11408 Gate Hill Place #E. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. Sold price: $391,962

11990 Market Street #1502. 3 BR, 3 BA Condo. Sold price: 1,180,000

1513 Church Hill Place. 2 BR, 2.5 BA Condo. Sold price: $390,000

1855 Stratford Park Place #308. 2 BR, 2 BA. Sold price: $320,000

1830 Fountain Drive #405. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. Sold price: $504,000

2071 Royal Fern Court #21B. 2 BR, 1 BA. Sold price: $200,000

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

Meet this week’s Reston Pet of the Week – Mae. She is a Boxer mix and is looking for a new home. Here is what her friends at the Humane Society of Fairfax County have to say about her:

Looking for unconditional love? Look no further! Mae is a total lover girl who will practically turn herself inside out to get your attention.

This super lady is a white and tan Boxer mix who is only 2 years old. She’s so smart, is good with other dogs and people of all ages. You must send your application in quickly if 37 pounds of sweetness is on your must-have list.

For more information or to see Mae, submit an online dog adoption application. Staff will contact you — typically within 48 hours — to make an appointment to visit the farm where our dogs and horses are kept.

Are you and Mae 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.

Reston Chamber Spotlight is an occasional series from our partnership with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on Insperity, which provides business and human resource solutions. Speaking is Business Profitability Advisor Sally Munn.

Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?

Sally Munn: Reston is the geographic bullseye of business growth in Northern Virginia.

RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?

SM: People buy from people they Know, Like, and Trust…in that order. I’ve really enjoyed getting out and about to a wide variety of events and meeting a very broad cross-section of people. That said, building trust does take time.

RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know.

SM: We give small business owners buying power they cannot get on their own, which translates into saving THOUSANDS on their Employee Health Benefits. Not just today. We also give them a predictable mechanism to control those costs going forward. Read More

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.

We often represent federal employees in federal agency misconduct investigations. The types of misconduct that a federal agency can investigate are too numerous to list here, but some of the most common types of misconduct involve:

• Time card and attendance issues
• Misuse of government computer and internet
• Misuse of government credit card, vehicle or travel card
• Allegations of discrimination or harassment
• Alleged dishonesty or lack of candor
• Allegations of off-duty criminal or traffic conduct
• Inappropriate promotions and selections cases

The Investigation Process

The usual process for a federal employee misconduct investigation begins when a federal employee is notified that an investigator needs to speak with the employee.

Read More

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.

Since older tile tends to crack and water damage brings mold and flooding, most homeowners remodel bathrooms as the first project in the house.

Some people enjoy the DIY approach and will task themselves with a weekend(s) remolding project. Some will go for the pros. Whichever path you choose, here are a few things to consider.

Know what a bathroom remodel costs. Like any other project, before you begin, it’s important to put your expectations into perspective when it comes to how much money you’re willing to invest. The size of your bathroom, the quality of materials and any changes in layout can affect the cost of a remodel. Many people mistakenly underestimate cost because of the size of the space. Items like tile (and you will need lots of it) and fixtures can bring the prices up into the thousands.

Knowing a few bathroom planning guidelines, like the size of a typical bathtub and how much space is needed for a toilet, will help you plan your remodel more efficiently.

Trying to fit too big of a vanity will not only leave you no space to move but will also be against code. When it comes to bathrooms, remember less is more. Leave enough space to move around safely. Read More

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. Contact her at through her website for a more thorough analysis of how homes are selling in your neighborhood.

Here is a look at some recent Reston home sales that closed in the last week:

2380 Southgate Square. 3 BR, 1.5 BA TH. Sold price: $298,000

11465 Waterview Square Cluster. 4 BR, 3 BA TH. Sold price: $515,000

2401 Southgate Square. 2 BR, 1.5 BA TH. Sold price: $275,000

1357 Tunwell Stable Court. 5 BR, 4.5 BA SFH. Sold price: $889,000

12000 Market Street, #226. 1 BR, 1 BA Condo. Sold price: $253,000

1855 Stratford Park Place, #212. 2 BR, 2 BA Condo. Sold price: $475,000

11621 Vantage Hill Road, #2A. 1 BR, 1 BA Condo. Sold price: $152,000

2055 Chadds Ford Drive. 4 BR, 3.5 BA TH. Sold price: $510,000

12064 Edgemere Circle. 3 BR, 3.5 BA TH. Sold price: $539,000

11811 Fawn Ridge Lane. 5 BR, 3.5 BA SFH. Sold price: $722,500

By Buzz McClain

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

There are countless reasons why Knutson at Crescent Place is the fastest-selling community in Loudoun County. More than half of the new townhomes are already spoken for, just months after the first offering.

Why? One of those reasons is the lifestyle the light-filled four-level, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath brick construction affords.

“You are so close to Old Town Leesburg that it’s really an ‘urban’ lifestyle,” says sales manager Deborah Condrey. “You can walk to Tuscarora Mill and the shops in that area. The W&OD hiking/biking trail is literally in your backyard.”

For this, the area rates a 98 WalkScore neighborhood ranking.

“But the maintenance is minimal,” she adds. “Your yard is a rooftop terrace overlooking the entire region.”

Each of the two floor plans — ranging from 2,000- to 2,800-square feet including the spacious terraces — offers opportunities for stylish finishes to suit personal tastes, highlighted by elevators, wet bar and terrace fireplaces available in some models.

More reasons Crescent Places is selling so swiftly:

• Each unit comes with two-car garages.
• Knutson has been building in the area for more than 50 years.
• Don Knutson is a former Northern Virginia Builder of the Year Award recipient.
• Prices begin in the mid-$400,000s.

For more, see Crescent Place in person, before it’s too late.

Knutson at Crescent Place is at 235 Crescent Station Terrace in Leesburg SE. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Call 703-570-6550.

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

Meet Winnie, a 1-year-old Collie who is looking for a forever home. Here is what the folks at Collie Rescue Inc. have to say about her:

Winnie is a young sable-and-white collie girl weighing in at around 50 pounds. She is one year old.

Winnie is full of love and playfulness with everyone. She has yet to meet a dog she does not like, and will frolic and play with other young pups, while trying to get the older dogs to join her in a collie romp, which is usually more like a high-speed game of tag.

Winnie enjoys spending time outside and loves to play with toys. She is very sweet with all the people she meets, including kids, but can be a bit enthusiastic in her greetings, so we are working on teaching her not to jump up.

Winnie was raised in a loving home, so she is very trusting and willing to please. Her ideal new home will provide her with ample playtime and a family who can spend time channeling her youthful exuberance through training and structured exercise.

Like most young herding types, she loves the challenge of puzzles and treat-dispensing toys and will work to get every last bit out.

Winnie will be a fine addition to a family who enjoys spending time outdoors with their dog, and would be extra happy if there were another dog to be her playmate. If she were an only-dog, since she is still a puppy at heart, she would appreciate regular organized playdates with friendly dogs in her neighborhood.

She is spayed. If you are interested in rescuing a collie, please complete this short adoption questionnaire. Our standard adoption fee is $350. This fee helps us to cover the expense of providing each dog with a Health Exam, Rabies/DHPP vaccines, Heartworm Test, Heartworm Preventative, Flea & Tick Protection, Microchip, Neuter/Spay, and a Bath.

Are you and Winnie 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.