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The gratitude-happiness link

By Sponsor
Gratitude and happiness during the Thanksgiving season.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a perfect time to focus on the power of gratitude. Did you know that people who have a great deal of gratitude enjoy more happiness and life satisfaction?

Feelings of gratitude have been shown to make us more resilient, boost optimism, increase self-esteem, and reduce depressive symptoms. Research has shown that focusing your attention on the positives rather than the negatives can actually change your outlook for the long term!

“Emphasizing the positive can create more positivity,” explains Jennifer Smith, PhD, Assistant Vice President and Director of Mather Institute. The Institute is an award-winning source of research and information on topics related to wellness, aging, and more—and it has local ties to Tysons, VA. It is the research area of Mather, the parent organization of The Mather, a residential wellness destination in Tysons for those 62 and better. The Mather incorporates research findings from Mather Institute in its resident programs and more.

Give Gratitude a Try

Incorporating gratitude into your daily life is a simple yet powerful practice. Consider adopting one or more of these habits this holiday season:

  1. Keep a gratitude journal: Take time every day to list five things you feel grateful for. Ideally, you’ll save your lists so you can look back on them over time. Reviewing them will also increase your positive feelings.
  2. Write thank-you notes: Write a note or email to someone who has had a positive impact on your life, whether it was a single action or a lifetime of support. Expressing your gratitude in writing gives you a chance to think more deeply about your thankfulness—and will make the recipient happy!
  3. Practice gratitude meditation. Make some quiet time to reflect on what you’re grateful for, then examine the feelings brought up when you identify those items, people, or experiences. Focusing on what you value will bring moments of peace and joy.
  4. Share gratitude. Find a “gratitude buddy”—perhaps your spouse, child, or a close friend—and take turns listing a few things you are grateful for. This adds extra depth to gratitude, as you can build off of each other’s comments.
  5. Take a gratitude walk. Take a stroll and look for positive things—from the walkability of your neighborhood to appealing sights and friendly people.

You can practice gratitude at any time! Whether you are naturally optimistic or not, regular gratitude practice can bring lasting benefits.

Legal Insider: OPM disability retirement since DOGE

By Sponsor

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

By John Berry, Esq. & Kara Osborne, Esq.

With the changes that have come to the federal government in light of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), we have seen an increase in federal disability retirement applications to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lately. Given the efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, it appears that DOGE may actually not be opposed to increased disability retirement filings by federal employees.

What is OPM Disability Retirement?

OPM disability retirement is an entitlement for federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). This program allows federal employees who are unable to perform their essential job functions, due to a disability, to receive a retirement annuity early. The disability does not have to be work-related. However, the disability must have arisen or worsened while the employee was working for the federal government. In order to qualify, a federal employee in FERS must have: (1) at least 18 months of full-time service, (2) a disability expected to last at least one year, and (3) the inability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. This linked article provides tips for federal employees considering OPM disability retirement.

Issues that have Recently Come Up for Disability Applicants

A number of recent issues have caused the increase in OPM disability retirement applications. Many federal employees have previously worked under Reasonable Accommodations (RA), which allowed remote work. While many of these RAs have been honored, many have not. Some agencies have tried to reduce the amount of telework in these existing RA agreements. Individuals are understandably concerned about returning to the office only to have all of their RA-related telework taken away. Other federal employees also had telework agreements in place outside of the RA process. These remote work assignments enabled many federal employees with severe medical issues to continue working for the federal government. Since the government’s commitment to remote work has changed, as a result of OPM and DOGE efforts for a full return to the workplace, many federal employees with disabilities have started to consider OPM disability retirement as an option.

Individuals Struggling with Disabilities May Have Had Enough

Another reason for the increase in OPM disability retirement applications is morale. Many federal employees devote themselves to their position out of pride. The latest developments with Reductions-in-Force (RIF), the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), and other issues have led to a serious morale issue for many federal employees. Many federal employees who have had serious disabilities have continued to work despite debilitating medical issues. Many federal employees have now come to the conclusion that they shouldn’t struggle with a severe disability any further. As a result, many individuals have decided to seek disability retirement due to a lack of appreciation.

Potential Pitfalls

There are some other disability retirement potential pitfalls that federal employees face with respect to the DRP and other departure incentives. One of these issues includes an unwritten rule where many agencies have been advising federal employees that if they take a DRP and then apply for OPM disability retirement, they may find themselves receiving a negative decision. There is nothing written about this issue yet, but federal employees should at least consider this possibility.

Quicker Processing by OPM

OPM also appears to be processing OPM disability retirement claims faster. While nothing has been specifically written about faster OPM processing times, we have received notes from several clients that disability retirement cases seem to be moving faster. OPM may have been given guidance to speed up the processing of disability retirement claims.

Seek Legal Guidance Before Filing a Disability Retirement Application

Given the unique criteria that OPM uses to decide OPM disability retirement applications, it is important to speak to experienced counsel before filing a claim. Getting legal advice early can help you decide whether or not a particular disability claim stands a good chance of being granted. Getting advice early can also help individuals gather important materials to support their OPM disability retirement claims before they apply. The process can be complex and is not as straightforward as OPM often describes.

Contact Us

Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in OPM disability retirement applications and reconsideration appeals. If you need legal assistance regarding a federal employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or our website to schedule a consultation.

1st Stage unveils a bold and brilliant 2025–2026 season full of heart, humor, and humanity

By Sponsor
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1st Stage, the award-winning professional theatre nestled in the heart of Tysons, has pulled back the curtain on its dynamic and deeply resonant 2025–2026 season, promising a lineup of powerful, provocative, and poignant productions that speak to the soul of the human experience.

Launching the season with flair, the beloved Logan Festival of Solo Performance returns from September 18–28, 2025, showcasing nationally renowned solo artists in a two-week celebration of individuality and storytelling brilliance. This unique festival continues to be a regional gem, spotlighting voices that captivate, challenge, and inspire.

Following this vibrant opening, the mainstage season begins with Fair Play by Ella Road, directed by Associate Artistic Director Deidra LaWan Starnes (October 16–November 2, 2025). This razor-sharp look at women’s athletics and the societal forces that shape them is as timely as it is compelling. It asks: what is the cost of greatness, and who gets to define it?

Just in time for the holiday season, Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle (December 4–21, 2025) will offer a heartfelt meditation on time, memory, and the meaning of a life well lived. Under the direction of Artistic Director Alex Levy, audiences will follow one woman’s journey through decades of birthdays in a single theatrical sitting—a touching and funny reminder of the beauty in our everyday rituals.

Kicking off the new year, the stage heats up with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis, directed by José Carrasquillo (February 19–March 8, 2026). This richly textured drama explores race, redemption, and resilience through the story of a retired NYPD officer fighting to hold onto his rent-stabilized home—and his fractured family.

Spring blooms with the laughter and empowerment of Real Women Have Curves by Josefina López (April 9–26, 2026), directed by Nadia Guevara. This high-energy, heart-filled tale of five Mexican-American women in a cramped sewing factory stitches together themes of identity, body positivity, and self-determination with irresistible humor.

The season culminates with a theatrical tour de force: Indecent by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, also directed by Alex Levy (June 4–21, 2026). Inspired by the true story of the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of God of Vengeance, Indecent is a stirring testament to the power of art, the complexity of love, and the courage of those who dare to tell the truth.

Subscriptions and Flex Passes are already on sale, offering up to 50% in savings and the chance to be part of a transformative season. More information is available at www.1ststage.org or by calling the box office at 703-854-1856.

Reno of the Month: General contractor vs. design-build — which is right for you?

By Sponsor
Synergy Design & Construction

Written By: Synergy Design & Construction

Planning a major home remodel—whether it’s an updated kitchen, a finished basement, or a complete home makeover—starts with one important choice: who’s going to bring your ideas to life? For many homeowners, the journey begins with deciding between a traditional general contractor and a design build firm.

In the past, renovations often meant hiring an architect or designer for the plans and then finding a general contractor to carry them out. But more homeowners today are discovering the benefits of working with a design build company—a team that handles every phase, from concept to construction, all under one roof.

Both methods can get the job done, but the path you choose will shape your experience in big ways—from communication and budget control to overall stress. If you’re looking for a smoother, more cohesive process, understanding the design build difference is key.

Check out the whole home remodel here.

What Exactly Is a Design Build Company?

A design build firm merges the creative side of home renovation—design and planning—with the technical side—construction and execution—into one integrated service. Rather than coordinating between a designer and a builder separately (and hoping they stay aligned), design build firms offer a unified team that works together from the beginning.

At Synergy Design & Construction, our unique Renovation Roadmap is designed to make the experience as enjoyable as the final result. Our system prioritizes open communication, careful planning, and respect for both your home and your time.

Design build is an excellent choice for homeowners who want:

  • A single, connected experience from start to finish
  • A team that’s fully invested in their vision
  • Fewer surprises, hiccups, and unexpected costs
  • Thoughtful design paired with hands-on support

Comparing General Contractors To Design Build Firms

While both general contractors and design build firms manage remodeling projects, their roles—and your experience—differ in meaningful ways.

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How to determine the value of a business

By Sponsor
Dustin Zeher, CBI | Founder and Principal Broker/M&A Advisor

One of the first questions we commonly receive from business owners thinking about selling their business is how the value of their business is calculated. There are several methods to value a business and we guide business owners through the most common and generally accepted business valuation practices.

Whether you are looking to sell a business over the next few months or many years down the road, the best way to get started is to understand what your business is worth so you can obtain the highest value when you are ready to sell.

The value of a business is largely determined by two things: What a business owns and what a business earns.

What a Business Owns: Tangible and intangible assets. Tangible assets are the furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, and any Real Estate a business owns. Intangible assets include the business trade name, contracts with customers, relationships with vendors and suppliers, client lists, employees, leases, licenses, policies and procedures, recipes, trademarks and patents.

What a Business Earns: Business earnings provide a financial benefit to the owner, generally in the form of profits and a salary. It can also provide the owner with fringe benefits such as health insurance, a company car, or a retirement plan. Interest, depreciation, and amortization is also taken into consideration when determining what a business earns as calculated in establishing a business’s EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).

How Value is Calculated

Owner operated businesses with sales of $1 million or less generally sell for 1 to 3 times its annual cash flow benefit to the owner (this is also known as SDE – Seller’s Discretionary Earnings using an adjusted EBITDA model). Each industry is different and there are many variables that can push the value of a business up or down, such as: how long the business has been established; the owner’s day to day involvement; how dependent the business is on the owner; the age and condition of the assets the business owns; barriers of entry into the industry; and the amount of competition and market share.

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Your actions, our climate: Fairfax needs you now

By Sponsor
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John Morrill, Director | Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC)

2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Fairfax County. Extreme weather and high energy bills are hitting many households hard. From prolonged heatwaves to higher utility costs, it’s becoming increasingly clear that climate change and economic strain are affecting us all.

In response, Fairfax County is taking steps to reduce the emissions that drive climate change and helping our community adapt to its growing impacts.

A community-led climate action plan in 2021 set bold goals for Fairfax County: cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. While your local government is taking steps to reduce its emissions, most of Fairfax County’s carbon footprint comes from everyday community activities — meaning we all have a role. We can only get there if everyone does their part.

That’s why we’ve launched the Sustain Fairfax campaign — an important initiative designed to empower everyone in Fairfax County to be part of the solution.

Why Every Resident’s Action Matters

Community-wide participation isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary. With the county government’s impact limited to a fraction of total emissions, collective individual actions are critical. Every small step you take at home or in your daily commute adds up significantly.

Simple but impactful actions you can take right now include:

  • Conserving energy at home, such as adjusting your thermostat and using energy-efficient appliances.
  • Choosing electric vehicles (EVs) or reducing car dependency by choosing public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking.
  • Using solar energy not only reduces emissions but also enhances energy independence.
  • Composting food waste and adopting sustainable waste practices.

Introducing the Sustain Fairfax Challenge

Fairfax County developed the Sustain Fairfax Challenge — a user-friendly, interactive online platform to make these actions easy, enjoyable, and impactful. This resource provides Fairfax-specific information, rebates, and tips to help you cut carbon emissions and save money.

Participants can track their impact, earn badges for their achievements, collaborate with neighbors, and join community-wide sustainability challenges. This interactive approach creates a powerful sense of collective accomplishment, transforming individual efforts into community-wide victories.

 Simple Changes, Significant Benefits

Your participation isn’t just good for the environment — it’s great for your wallet, health, and community well-being. By adopting sustainable practices, you can immediately see benefits, including:

  • Lower utility bills from straightforward energy-saving measures.
  • Better comfort and health thanks to cleaner air, reduced pollution from EVs, and less traffic congestion due to increased use of public transportation.
  • Enhanced safety, preparedness, and resilience through targeted initiatives aimed at storm preparedness, flood mitigation, and cooling centers during heatwaves.

These actions also support smart energy choices. Improving your home’s efficiency helps reduce emissions and energy costs while making your space more comfortable and future-ready.

Join Us Today — Your Actions Matter

The Sustain Fairfax Challenge is accessible, easy to use, and designed for immediate impact. You’ll join your neighbors and actively help shape the future of Fairfax County by participating.

I invite you to visit sustainchallenge.fairfaxcounty.gov today and sign up. Let’s prove our actions can create a healthier, more resilient Fairfax County. Our climate goals are ambitious, but they’re achievable if we collaborate. We can build a greener, healthier community, one action at a time.

Legal Insider: Fighting RIFs issued by federal agencies

By Sponsor

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

By John V. Berry, Esq

We have been representing and advising numerous federal employees regarding the Reductions-in-Force (RIF) that have recently been issued by several different federal agencies.

As most people have started to realize, these RIF actions have not been thought out very well and have been designed for speed as opposed to accuracy or compliance with the meaning of law and regulation. The question now is what to do if you receive an RIF.

What is a Federal Employee RIF

Federal employee RIFs are simply notices which start the separation process for federal employees. RIFs are supposed to be issued due to restructuring, department elimination, or lack of funding or work. RIFs are also supposed to follow laws, rules, and regulations. A federal employee is also supposed to be given 60 days’ notice before separation.

What We Have Been Seeing Lately

In many of the cases we have seen, most federal employee RIF notices simply state that their entire competitive areas have been eliminated. These mass RIF actions were never anticipated when the laws and regulations governing them were issued. The rules were supposed to be based not on speed but rather on a thoughtful process of eliminating positions that were no longer needed when government funds were low or when an agency needed to restructure.

In reality, the RIFs appear to simply be a means of getting rid of as many federal employees as quickly as possible based on a directive from the President. In most of the notices we have seen, there has been no consideration for performance ratings, years of service, or prior military service. The federal agencies directed to conduct these RIFs have simply looked at cutting numbers and not needs or proper reorganization. This is extremely unfortunate.

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15th Annual Northern Virginia Housing Expo coming April 12

By Sponsor
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Classes, Financial Coaching and Experts for Would-Be Renters and First-Time Buyers

If you’re planning to buy or rent a place in Northern Virginia anytime soon, you’ll want to make this housing expo your first stop!

The regional housing fair and all its free resources are coming to Meridian High School, next to West Falls Church Metro, on April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can speak with experts in the exhibit hall, attend informational workshops and benefit from individual financial coaching from certified volunteers.

The Northern Virginia Housing Expo also features vast online resources, with its online exhibit hall drawing more than 200,000 visits in 2024. Visitors to novahousingexpo.org can also view a variety of helpful webinars and sign up for virtual financial coaching anytime throughout the year.

This year’s workshops and exhibits will educate attendees about: being creditworthy; getting ready to buy or rent; first-time buyer programs in each local jurisdiction; senior housing options; the tax implications of owning a home; the current local real estate market; working with a Realtor; and a Spanish language overview of buying, renting and credit scores.

The expo is free to the public thanks to a variety of sponsorships, including funding and planning support from: Virginia Housing; the Prince William Office of Housing and Community Development; the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors®; the Falls Church Department of Housing and Human Services; Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development; Arlington County Housing Division; Alexandria Office of Housing; Manassas Park Department of Community Services; and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Follow the Northern Virginia Housing Expo on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn for event updates.

Weaving family threads at the National Museum of the American Indian

By Sponsor
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Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to see the first-ever retrospective of Diné fiber artist DY Begay and experience the love she holds for her homelands, expressed through 48 inspired tapestries.

Bring the whole family and join an interactive experience for young visitors to understand the care and pride involved in weaving a Navajo rug. 

Weaving Family Threads
Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free | National Mall

In support of the exhibit Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay, fiber artist DY Begay (Diné) and her sisters, Berdina Charley and Berdine Begay will share their stories and talents with the public. There will be hands-on interactive demonstrations to share some of the processes involved with weaving, including carding (combing) wool and spinning wool into thread.

While you are at the museum, enjoy Indigenous-inspired cuisine at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, open daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Major support provided by Henry Luce Foundation. Generous support provided by Ameriprise Financial. Additional support provided by The Coby Foundation, Ltd., and Furthermore: a program of the J. M. Kaplan Fund. This project received Federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

Visit AmericanIndian.si.edu for event updates.

Reno of Month: 6 steps for a smooth, stress-free home renovation

By Sponsor
Synergy Design & Construction

Written By: Synergy Design & Construction

Deciding to remodel is a major decision — and an exciting one. It’s your chance to transform your space into something that truly works for your lifestyle and vision. But without a solid plan, even the most thrilling projects can become overwhelming.

At Synergy Design & Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful planning and a structured process can remove stress and deliver outstanding results. Whether you’re redesigning a kitchen, updating a whole floor, or rethinking your entire home, here’s what it takes to set yourself up for success from day one.

1. Clarify Your Goals

Before crunching numbers or diving into design ideas, take time to reflect on why you’re renovating. Is your home layout causing daily frustrations? Are you ready for a space that better reflects your personal style? Knowing what’s driving your decision helps set clear priorities that will influence every choice ahead.

Ask yourself:

  • How long do you plan to stay in this home?
  • Are you preparing for family changes, like welcoming aging parents or adult children?
  • Are you growing your family soon?
  • Is this your forever home?

Having these conversations — and sharing your answers with your partner — is key. When everyone involved has a shared understanding of the goals, it makes decision-making easier throughout the entire project.

2. Budget With Intention

Once your priorities are clear, building your budget becomes more intuitive. You’ll naturally start identifying areas where you want to invest more and where you can scale back.

A professional remodeling team can help you navigate these financial decisions and provide ballpark pricing based on your goals. At Synergy, we also offer guidance on which upgrades deliver the most impact and where you can save without compromising quality.

Establishing your budget and funding strategy early on helps keep your project on schedule — and helps avoid surprises later.

Synergy Design & Construction

3. Find the Right Partner

Choosing the right remodeling company goes beyond skill — it’s about finding a team that’s a good fit for your project and your personality. Communication style, transparency, and values all play a big role.

After all, this team will be in your home for weeks, sometimes months. You want to feel confident not only in their craftsmanship but also in the working relationship. The Synergy team often forms close bonds with our clients — we truly value the trust you place in us and love being part of such a meaningful experience in your life.

4. Look Beyond the Estimate

When comparing quotes, it’s easy to focus on the bottom line, but it’s just as important to evaluate how each team approaches the process.

Consider:

  • Are they helping you clearly define the project scope within your financial comfort zone?
  • Are they transparent about how each choice affects cost and timeline?
  • Do they support you through selections and decision-making?

A proposal that looks “affordable” may not include critical items or may be vague about timelines and allowances. A collaborative, detail-oriented process like our Renovation Roadmap is designed to keep projects running smoothly and reduce surprises along the way.

Synergy Design & Construction

5. Prepare for Construction Life

Depending on the scope of work, you may be able to stay in your home during construction or you may need to plan temporary accommodations.

Larger renovations, like whole home transformations, might require a short-term move. Whether you stay with family or book an Airbnb, having a game plan in place makes a big difference in reducing stress.

One of the most common concerns we hear is: “Will I be living off takeout during the kitchen renovation?” The good news? Not necessarily. Our team helps set up a functional temporary kitchen so you can still prepare meals at home while your dream kitchen comes to life.

A good remodeling partner should think through all the little details and help you prepare for what’s ahead.

Synergy Design & Construction

6. Make the Most of the Experience

Yes, renovations can come with highs and lows, but they should also be enjoyable. After all, you’re creating a home that better serves you and your family. The key is remembering why you started and trusting the process.

With the right team in your corner, you can feel excited, confident, and supported — from the first planning meeting to the final reveal.

Renovation Experts in Reston

At Synergy Design & Construction, we walk homeowners through every step of the process, from big-picture planning to the finishing touches. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and rewarding as possible — while delivering results that exceed expectations.

If you’re planning a renovation in Reston, Virginia, and want a partner who prioritizes quality, clarity, and craftsmanship, we’d love to hear from you.

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