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: $639,900
• Knutson Sales Gallery open daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• LiveDowntownBrambleton.com

The featured floorplan, The Astra, is a gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with a 2-car garage. It has an open main living level and 9-foot ceilings on all levels, allowing for a spacious and airy feel.

With a ground floor recreation room, 5-star kitchen, all stainless-steel appliances and large private rooftop terrace, you will never want to leave your personal oasis. Convenient living is made even easier at Downtown Brambleton with the optional addition of a private elevator in homes from the $700s.

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 Onelife Fitness, the taps of Lost Rhino Retreat, a date night at Fox Cinemas, the convenience of a 24-hour Harris Teeter, and over 40 other shops and restaurants.

Construction is now underway and Phase II has now been released. Schedule your appointment to visit Downtown Brambleton and discover the Knutson difference today.

Contact Joanne Fisher, sales manager, at 571-367-4778.

It’s been barely a year of business for the Arlington-based family tour firm TripUSAFrance, but in that time, dozens of travelers have experienced the South of France with Julia Girard-Gervois and her Montpellier-based father Stephane, and the rave reviews are pouring in.

“I loved eating at places frequented by the locals and the picnic lunch catered by Julia’s mom at the beach was beautiful and delicious,” said Katie L. “We saw so much — from walled cities to Medieval castles to rides on Montpellier’s trolleys. Much better than fighting tourists in Paris!”

“We have traveled extensively throughout Europe and France, but had never been to Montpellier and its environs,” said Tim S. “TripUsaFrance put together a wonderful tour of Medieval cities, castles, cathedrals and country sides. Of particular note were the sound and light show of Chagall paintings and the cooking school. And hosts Julia and Stephane couldn’t have been nicer.  They went out of their way to make sure everyone in our group — ages 35 to 92 — had a great time.”

The common theme to these comments is the personal touch Julia brings to each adventure. It’s part of the company’s purpose.

With the motto “Travel like a local,” TripUSAFrance crafts culturally interactive tours so you can actually experience the culture, not just see it.

“We want the travelers to experience France like a local would by sharing our culture and traditions, showing them our secret spots, teaching them our language and habits, introducing them to as many local French people as possible such as the owner of the hotel, friends, and neighbors. When these locals recognize our travelers and say hello to them it makes them feel like they are part of the community and even more welcome. This is only possible because we are a small group, no more than 14 people, and because they are staying in the same hotel and city for a week, which we consider more like a village. This is what makes our tour unique and special,” Julia said.

Upon arrival, Julia and Stephane drive you to your beautifully renovated beach hotel, just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. Each morning you are treated to a French Breakfast at the hotel before they pick you up for the day’s activities. With most of the sites within 1 hour of driving and departure times around 9:00am every day, you get plenty of rest and still have enough time to see everything on the tour without feeling rushed.

Inclusive pricing provides you with daily breakfast, lunch and snacks, three dinners, local transportation and accommodations, admission to wine tastings and other activities.

According to clients, highlights include homemade picnics of regional dishes, learning to play Petanque, interacting with locals, attending cooking classes, wine-tastings, learning French, and, said Julia, “simply realizing that we are becoming friends by the end of the week.”

Julia and Stephane’s tour is a perfect combination of historical sites and experiencing the French lifestyle with two passionate local tour guides. No lines, no tourist traps, no hassle. It is a one-of-a-kind insider tour of Southern France that those who partake in the journey will never forget.

Act fast and book before January 31, 2017 to save $200 off the regular tour price with their early bird discount! Get an extra $50 off with the special coupon code “RESTON17”.

To learn more about the tour and book a trip, check out www.TripUSAFrance.com. For more information call 703-485-6894 or email Julia at [email protected].

The preceding post was written by Buzz McClain and sponsored by TripUSAFrance.

This is a promoted post by the Neurology Center of Fairfax.

Growing medical office in Fairfax seeks PT/FT patient service professional.

Medical experience not required. Will train. Requires ability to multi-task, computer skills, polished people skills, superior English language skills, mobility, ability to work in teams and independently.

Excellent 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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!)

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 promoted post by Downtown Brambleton, a new development by Knuston.

• 22895 Brambleton Plaza, Suite 104, Brambleton, VA 20148
• List Price: Starting from $600s
• Knutson Sales Gallery open daily 11 a.m. – 6 p..m
• Downtownbrambleton.com

Expand your lifestyle beyond four walls when you live in the Downtown Brambleton Town Center.

A collection of 48 new main street townhomes provides you with unbeatable access to Legacy Park, the taps of Lost Rhino Retreat, Sport & Health, a date night at Fox Cinemas, and over 40 other shops and restaurants.

For a night in, enjoy your Yard In The Sky – a large private rooftop terrace, perfect for entertaining friends and family under the stars.

Homes range from 2,800 to over 4,800 square feet with up to five bedrooms. Available features include: private elevator, outdoor fireplaces and kitchens, sliding glass wall system, and more.

Construction is noe underway. Schedule your appointment today to visit Downtown Brambleton and discover the Knutson difference.

Contact Joanne Fisher, Sales Manager, 571-367-4778

This is a sponsored post by the Neurology Center of Fairfax.

Busy medical speciality office in Reston seeks graduate student for flexible hours, one to three days a week.

Position is for front desk at a busy medical specialty office. Must be skilled with various computer applications and excellent data entry skills.

Position currently available, training in Fairfax office for office in Reston.

Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax to 703-940-1497.

This is a promoted post from the Neurology Center of Fairfax.

Busy medical practice with offices in Fairfax and Reston seeks full0time patient care assistant to assist doctors in managing care of patients.

Direct patient contact responsibilities, requires strong computer skills for EMR responsibilities, ability to multitask and must have strong English language skills. Job requires full and independent mobility, and ability to stand for long periods of time.

Work day shifts, Monday through Friday. Excellent salary and benefits.

Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax to 703-940-1497.

Berthold Academy for the Gifted and Talented
www.bertholdacademy.com
[email protected]
703.336.2563
11480 Sunset Hills Road, Reston

Garrett Wilhelm and Rodney Berthold want to “disrupt education.”

They mean that in the most forward-thinking way as they get ready to open Berthold Academy for the Gifted and Talented, a new school in Reston, in September.

Wilhelm and Berthold have decades of Montessori teaching and administration experience between them. The two most recently worked at nearby The Boyd School, and then decided to create a visionary school that would serve a population that needed it.

The Berthold Academy will serve grades 1 to 8, with plans to add a high school in coming years, said Wilhelm. The school has a renovated facility at 11480 Sunset Hills Road.

Montessori education is an approach developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development.

“There are 57 Montessori schools in Northern Virginia,” Wilhelm said. “Four or five have elementary programs. Two have middle schools, and there are no high schools. This will be the only first-through-eighth grade program in Northern Virginia.”

What sets Berthold Academy apart is the attention to educating the whole child, says Berthold. Read More