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.
The federal government uses 13 adjudicative guidelines to determine whether federal employees and contractors should be eligible for a security clearance to gain or maintain access to classified information.
These guidelines include:
- Guideline A: Allegiance to the United States
- Guideline B: Foreign Influence
- Guideline C: Foreign Preference
- Guideline D: Sexual Behavior
- Guideline E: Personal Conduct
- Guideline F: Financial Considerations
- Guideline G: Alcohol Consumption
- Guideline H: Drug Involvement
- Guideline I: Psychological Conditions
- Guideline J: Criminal Conduct
- Guideline K: Handling Protected Information
- Guideline L: Outside Activities
- Guideline M: Use of Information Technology Systems
Based on the 42 decisions issued by the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) since January 1, 2016, by far the most common reason why a security clearance is denied is based on Guideline F.
Meet Duncan, an exuberant 3-month-old retriever mix pup in need of a forever or permanent foster home. Here is what his temporary foster family has to say about him:
Hi, my name is Duncan and I am a handsome fella don’t you think? I am a big-footed goofy kind of dude because I am a large puppy!
I am currently living in a temporary foster home and I would really like to find a permanent foster or, better yet, my very own family. I live with other dogs and kids right now and sometimes I get these things call play dates with other dogs too. So I fit in just about anywhere (except your lap when I am fully grown).
I love my bath time, it’s just like swimming I LOVE to play ball. Overall, I am a fun-loving little boy and I’m ready for join my forever family learning that stuff my temp foster is teaching me called puppy manners.
Just remember, I am an active pup in my early years so I will need someone home during the day. Bummed to say but if you work a 9-to-5 job outside the home, I am not the best fit, and if you want to adopt me you will need to provide proof of a multi-times a day dog walker to come visit me while you are gone. This is due to a puppy’s need for attention and frequent bathroom breaks. This applies to dogs under 5 months of age.
Like most shelter dogs, Duncan may need a refresher on housetraining. Duncan has been spayed/neutered.
Duncan’s adoption fee is $380. He will have routine vetting: DAPPv, Bordetella, Rabies, Worming, Microchip and additional vetting as necessary. To inquire, fill out an adoption application at New Love Animal Rescue.
Are you and Duncan a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now.
From high rise Midtown at Reston Town Center to garden-style communities like Parc Reston to townhomes like Ivy Oak, many of Reston’s amazing neighborhoods are condo associations. And that means condo fees — often in addition to the Reston Association fees.
One of the most common questions I get when showing condos is where the fees are actually used. This is a great question because when you know how the fees are used, you can decide if you believe the monthly condo fee fits into your budget and needs.
Condo fees fund two categories: operating expense and reserve funds. The operating expenses are the monthly costs required for trash removal, grounds maintenance, and snow removal, administration and condo management.
The reserve funds represent the anticipated cost of replacing and repairing common elements of the property like roofs, sidewalks, and elevators. All of these costs are estimated and used as the basis for the monthly condo fee.
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; Facebook; and Twitter.
The No. 1 question my customers and friends ask me is “what are the latest trends?”
Just like the weather, home remodeling trends come and go. However, no matter what, the kitchen has cemented its place in history as the center of the house.
In the last few decades, the focus on the kitchen has grown exponentially. When the trend of opening the kitchen to the rest of the house was born, it affected many other trends in design and function. This is a two-part series to explore those trends.
“The Super Kitchen” — Nino Sitchinava, the principal economist at Houzz, says “findings show that homeowners expect kitchen renovations to go far beyond improving flow, storage or aesthetics. The ‘super kitchen’ has literally become a living room, family room and office, blurring the lines between the kitchen as one room and the rest of the house. ”
Consumers want their space to be flexible and functional, since the super kitchen supports kitchen, living room, and office activities. Clients want to create statement kitchens with décor that blends into other living spaces and the dining room.
Teeny and his three siblings are two-month-old kittens ready for their forever homes. Here is what rescue group Fancy Cats Rescue Team has to say about him:
Teeny and his siblings (Quick, Speedy, and Maman) were born on Feb. 26, 20116.
He is ready for his new forever home now! Teeny is a handsome little guy. He is incredibly sweet and loving. He is very calm, and quiet, sometimes sudden movements scare him.
He loves to sleep on the bed, and loves to play with feathers. He will snuggle on your legs when you watch TV on the couch.
Teeny would likely do best with a confident and outgoing kitty friend, who can continue to show him how to be brave.
Please note that it is Fancy Cats policy that kittens be adopted in pairs or have an age-appropriate playmate in the home already. We also do not adopt kittens to families with children under six years old without seeing appropriate history/experience with cats.
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.
Are you and Teeny a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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 that is part of an occasional series by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s spotlight is on Corner Media, an outdoor and digital advertising firm. Speaking is Washington, DC, Sales Manager Somer Gregory.
Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?
Somer Gregory: We work with multiple real estate partners in the Reston area and we are also looking to expand our networking opportunities throughout the area throughout 2016. 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.
The federal government issued a final rule, which is effective on May 9, 2016, completing regulations providing same-sex spouses with the same rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as opposite-sex spouses. The FMLA rights had previously applied only to opposite-sex marriages.
An interim version of these rules had been in place for federal employees since 2013. The change, along with other benefits adjustments instituted by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), is a result of the June 26, 2013, U.S. Supreme Court decision, which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act.
The FMLA permits federal employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year in connection with the birth of a child, adoption, the care of a spouse with serious health conditions, for personal serious health conditions, and for matters involving family demands that relate to a family member’s active duty service.
In addition to leave, same-sex spouses have also been eligible since 2013 for other federal employee benefits, such as coverage under health care and other insurance programs and eligibility for retirement annuity survivor benefits. OPM has provided a synopsis of answers to questions regarding such benefits.
OPM and the federal government have moved relatively quickly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in 2013 to make changes to comply with the law for same-sex spouses. Future adjustments by OPM and other federal agencies can be expected as they comply with the law.
We represent employees in employment matters. If you need assistance with a federal retirement or an employment issue, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.
This week’s Pet of the Week is Angel, a small older dog who needs a forever home. Here is what the good people at Mutt Love Rescue have to say about her:
Poor Angel found herself homeless after her human had to go to a nursing home.
She is a 10-year-old miniature pinscher who, while well loved, was not cared for properly. As you can see by her pictures, Angel was carrying around some extra lbs. when we got her, but she has lost half of her original weight and is now at her target weight of 15 lbs!
While on paper, she may be considered a senior, she still has a lot of spunk! The whole back half of her body wiggles when she wags her non-existent tail. You’ve got to see it.. it’s really cute! Angel is a volunteer favorite and we would love to see her in a wonderful new home.
We have adoption events EVERY SATURDAY from 12-3 p.m. Please note that not all dogs can attend every event, so if you are interested in meeting a particular dog, please complete a no-obligation application on our websiteOR write to [email protected].
Are you and Angel a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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.
Spring is in the air — finally. True, the weather may decide to turn again. But that won’t keep Restonians inside. It is time to get out and take advantage of all the fun activities happening around town. Here is a run down of what is on the immediate horizon in our neighborhood.
Want to get out and experience live music? You can every week — Thursdays at Tavern 64 and Friday’s at M&S Grill. On May 7, bring your dog out to the Pet Fiesta. It’s your chance to meet some great adoptable dogs, find fun dog-themed things you must have or just hang out with fun people.
The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is May 21 and 22. This is one of my favorite events every year. There are more than 200 artists from across the nation who come out to share their work. They are all amazing (this is a juried festival, so they have to be good).
In addition to art, you can enjoy two days of live performances, acclaimed children’s activities, and more. $5 donation encouraged. Get tickets for the Friday night Festival Launch Party.
Finally, Reston Concerts on the Town start June 4 and go through the summer on Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m.
Are you ready for the premier farmer’s market in Northern Virginia? What about the Reston Arts Market? They both begin on May 7. Come on down every Saturday through November. And starting on May 19, you rent a paddleboat to explore Lake Anne.
There is always a lot to do at Lake Fairfax Park, but I really had to mention Pirate Fest on April 16. I mean, it’s a PIRATE FESTIVAL. How fun is that? Pirate Fest is Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This festival celebrates Virginia’s seafaring past. Join with Pyrates Royale singing traditional sea chanteys, tavern tunes and pirate ditties. Experience the life of a sailor first hand with our many fun activity stations. Wear your most dashing pirate clothes and enter our costume contest. Learn about global trade in the 18th century, and discover the luxury goods from international ports that compelled pirates to sail the seven seas.
This is just a small taste of what will be happening around town in April and May. Have fun!
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
I’ve lived in Reston for years, and I’m still surprised sometimes when I come across a charming townhome community that is new to me.
Pinecrest Cluster is one of those places. It’s a little off the beaten track, which is perfect for anyone who wants to access to the bustle of Reston without being in the middle of it.
The best part of this community for young families is how affordable it is –these homes offer so much at some of the lowest prices in Reston, ranging from the mid-$200,000s to $300,000s.
Located off Glade Drive, near Dogwood in South Reston, Pinecrest Cluster is a diverse community of 220 townhouses. Built in 1973, these wood-sided homes have two or three bedrooms, and most are three levels.
Most of the units have been remodeled, and feature large windows and an open, airy feel. And each unit has access to two assigned parking spaces (which is not always the case with home built in the 1970s).
Great news for young families: the cluster recently installed a new, state-of-the-art tot lot — which is sure to become THE gathering place for families in the nice weather. Dogwood Pool is also nearby.
Like most communities in Reston, the common areas are well maintained, and wooded areas make you feel like you live in the forest.
Pinecrest Cluster is just off Reston Parkway, a few short miles from Reston Town Center, Hunters Woods Village Center, and the Dulles Toll Road.
This week’s Pet of the Week is temporary Restonain Kate, a mixed breed who is currently being fostered here. Her foster parents are hoping to find her a permanent home nearby. Here is what they have to say:
Kate is a bluetick coonhound / beagle mix who was rescued from a high-kill shelter in southern Virginia by Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Her foster family lives in Reston.
Kate had never been to Reston before her foster family picked her up from the Homeward Trails adoption center, but she is really enjoying her stay so far. Her foster family hopes she can find an adoptive home in the area so she can become a permanent Restonian!
Kate’s exercise needs are low to moderate, but she is always happy to go on a nature walk. During the week she enjoys walking along the network of Reston paths near her foster family’s home. On the weekends, she likes to go hiking at Lake Fairfax or other local parks. Kate walks nicely on a leash and loves to greet other friendly dogs.
Kate really loves other dogs and gets along well with her foster “sister.” Kate seems to gain confidence from canine companions so she may be happiest in a home with another calm dog. She is not looking to be the alpha dog and knows to respect her “sibling’s” food. She also loves to snuggle up with her foster family, human and canine alike.
A nice bonus of Kate living in a foster home is that she has learned her “dog manners.” She is house trained and crate trained. She does not bark nor chew inappropriate objects. She knows “sit” and “down” and is working on “stay.” She sleeps quietly overnight for 8-9 hours without having to go out for a break. She has been a great house guest and has really captured our hearts during her stay. Perhaps she could capture yours too?
Do you want to meet Kate? Contact Homeward Trails.
Are you and Kate a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats.
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 a Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry
As has been widely reported in the news recently, five members of the U.S. women’s soccer team filed a gender wage discrimination complaint regarding the disparity between their salaries and those of the U.S. men’s soccer team. In light of the extremely strong and noteworthy facts in this case, we thought it might be interesting to take a closer look at some of the potential disparate pay issues in this high profile complaint.
As above-mentioned, the case currently involves the five team captains of the U.S. women’s soccer team, including Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd, who filed a wage discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of all members of the women’s team against the U.S. Soccer Federation. The women claim that the U.S. Soccer Federation was paying members of the men’s soccer team more than the women’s team members. Some of the details revealed about the complaint suggest that the women’s soccer team members have a very strong case, which is not always typical in most equal pay cases. Usually, it is hard to prove the disparities in pay between men and women. Yet, that does not seem to be the case in this matter.
The women note that they are paid between 28% and 62% less than the men depending upon certain variables. The members of the U.S. women’s soccer team receive $72,000 for playing 20 regular season games, compared to the men whose members each make a minimum of $100,000 for playing 20 regular season games. These amounts only represent base salaries. Women can make a bonus of $1,350 for winning a game, but receive no bonus for losing (yet men do).
Essentially, if a member of the U.S. women’s soccer team wins all 20 games, she will earn $99,000. Depending on the variables, if a U.S. men’s soccer team member wins all 20 games, he would have the potential to earn $263,320, essentially $164,000 more than a U.S. women’s soccer team member. If a U.S. men’s soccer team member loses all 20 games, he would still earn $100,000.
Given that the EEOC will have to investigate these disparities, it is important to note the following facts cited in the complaint and various media accounts:
- In 2015, the U.S. women’s soccer team generated $20,000,000 more in revenue than the U.S. men’s soccer team;
- The U.S. women’s soccer team won the World Cup in 2015, while the U.S. men’s soccer team finished 11th overall in 2015; and
- The U.S. women’s soccer team won its third World Cup on July 5, 2015, in the most viewed soccer game in American television history.
Based on the complaint and information gleaned from media outlets, the case appears to present many strong facts demonstrating a disparity between the wages paid to the members of each U.S. national soccer team. Unless the matter settles, the complaint will likely lead to a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation filed by either the EEOC or the U.S. women’s soccer team members, which would end up in U.S. District Court. In light of the current facts that have been revealed, it would not be a surprise if the U.S. Soccer Federation settles the case.
We represent employees in employment matters. If you need assistance with a federal retirement or an employment issue, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.
Come join Reston Montessori School for an OPEN HOUSE on April 12 and 13.
This Open House is designed to give parents an opportunity to discover the Montessori Education as it advances from one level to the next. The teachers will present an overview of the key curricular areas at each level and guide you through a child’s Montessori journey.
Open House Dates:
- Primary (3 to 6 years old)- Tuesday, April 12 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Infants and Pre-Primary (3 months to 3 years old) – Wednesday, April 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Elementary – Wednesday, April 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
**Childcare provided
Reston Montessori School is located at 1928 Issaac Newton Square West. For more information, please call (703) 481-2922 or visit http://www.restonmontessori.com.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
This is the time of year when Realtors are running as fast as they can to keep up with client demands.
The Reston Real Estate market has been very active. 57 new listings were added to Reston’s housing inventory over the past 10 days. We have 199 properties that are pending settlement and 245 properties in an Active status. The housing inventory is holding steady at just under three months’ worth of houses. Average “Days on Market” for the property sold last month was 62 days.
Here are a few of the new listings.
2261 HUNTERS RUN DR #2261. 1 BR, 1 BA. List Price $215,000
11800 SUNSET HILLS RD #503. 1BR, 1 BA. List Price $309,500
1702 QUIETREE DR. 2BR, 2 BA. List Price $329,000
12024 WALNUT BRANCH RD. 6BR, 4.5 BA. List Price $979,900
11931 TRIPLE CROWN RD. 4BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $810,000
Visit Reston Real Estate for more listings and real estate information.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Developed in 1974 by Jeffery Sneider & Company, the Links Pond Cluster of townhomes in South Reston features three-level, four-bedroom, brick-and-siding homes.
The 67-home neighborhood borders Reston National Golf Course, and features the pond for which the cluster is named. It’s a common sight in the summer to see people spending lazy days fishing in the pond.
One of the things I most love about this neighborhood is that it feels like a little touch of country in the heart of Reston.
This is a great community for young families. The schools — Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School — are all nearby.
And as the children grow, there is plenty of parking to accommodate your needs as the number of cars you have grows. Each home has one assigned parking space, with plenty of additional parking on South Lakes Drive.
With easy access to the Reston Association paths, it’s easy to get out for a run or walk. Links Pond is close to both South Lakes Village Center and Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center.
Residents also have easy access to the Toll Road and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro. As with every cluster that is part of Reston Association, Links Pond residents have access to the RA pools and tennis courts — nearby Glade pool with its waterslide is a favorite for kids!
