Professional development right in Tysons Corner
Effective leaders — across all disciplines and levels — are crucial to the success of any organization and it is mission critical to invest in developing and energizing leadership qualities if you want to stand out, rise above, innovate, and care for people.
Join Christopher Newport University on Wednesday, April 19 for professional development focused on leadership development.
We’ve spent the last two and a half decades intentionally cultivating leaders in and out of the classroom. Our alumni are top leaders in their fields and our faculty and staff are industry experts — committed to helping you be an effective leader who successfully combines self-exploration, critical reflection, leadership theory and practical application in an ever-changing global society.
Choose from either our half-day or full day options and experience dynamic speakers, panel discussions, workshops and directed networking that will leave you feeling inspired, motivated and reenergized.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
Whether you celebrate the upcoming holiday or not, what kid doesn’t love finding toys and chocolate? There are a few events around town coming up that everyone is invited to join, regardless of faith.
Also, couple this with FCPS Spring Break week and I’ve got a few suggestions for keeping everyone entertained this week:
Egg Hunts
- Vienna Presbyterian Church is holding an egg hunt on the Town Green at 10:20 am on Sunday, April 9 for kids, from toddlers to 6th grade. They’ll have coffee, snacks, and family photo booths.
- Egg My Lawn Fundraiser for One Neighborhood Foundation: While their egg delivery is sold out, you can still sign up for an Egg Yard decoration or donate an egg basket/delivery.
- Save the date for NEXT YEAR: Family Flashlight Egg Hunt held by the Town of Vienna (sold out for 2023), but mark your calendar to register for next year.
Spring Break
Looking for camp options?
- Hammerzone Skills, Drills, and Fun (baseball and softball, kids 8-13), Monday – Thursday
- Individual day camp options through the Children’s Science Lab at Fair Oaks Mall, 9am – 3pm
- iCode Vienna Camps, Ages 6 and over
- Jolly Yolly in Fairfax has single day to all week options for kids 3 – 10, focusing on reading, art and fitness.
- New York School of Arts (NYSA) in Vienna has 3 different art camp options: Art, Digital Art and Fashion Sewing
- Chantilly Academy of Gymnastics has half and full day options
Regardless of what you do next week, I hope you all have a restful week and kids who don’t complain of being bored.
Get ready for a new summer Pickleball League at The Boro Tysons!
Join DC Fray on Wednesday evenings to play some pickleball. Also, cornhole leagues will be returning to the park on Thursdays.
Pick your sport and sign up as an individual, group or team.
#FrayLife #TheBoroTysons
This sponsored column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road in Arlington). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Experience Arrowine’s Tastings & Events. Have a question? Email thenose@
Can we talk?
This column is an advertisement and an instrument to generate interest and, hopefully, revenue. But it’s more than that to me. For those of you who know me, my work, and Arrowine, you know I hate bu**sh**.
I’m no spring chicken, and the reality of turning sixty-five this June boggles my mind and scares me in many ways. So I ask myself that age-old question, where did the years go? My father used to say, “one day, you are going to wake up, look in the mirror, and not recognize who you’re looking at!” And that day has come and in spades.
That leads me to my next rant, retirement. And do what? Play golf? Move to the beach, or heaven forbid Florida? I sooner walk in front of a bus. I can’t afford to retire, anyway. Part of it is my fault. And let’s not forget the last three years have been unmitigated hell. Doing the right thing can be expensive. It can drain your bank account but not your conscience.
Thankfully, COVID-19 is waning, but it sure is alive and well with me. And it’s just the beginning. We are witnessing the largest shifting and realignment of the post-Great Depression economy. Just look around you. How many businesses failed? How many people lost their jobs and everything at no fault of their own? It was an economic Tsunami. And let’s not mention over one million Americans died before their time. So what did we as a nation and society learn from this? Not much, and it scares the hell out of me.
In my naivety, I thought it might bring our fractured nation closer. Our differences would pale in comparison to saving lives and respecting our neighbor’s health and well-being. But it did exactly the opposite!
A pandemic is inconvenient, expensive, and a first-rate pain in the ass. We didn’t ask for this! But science is science, one plus one equals two, and yes, we did land on the moon. So in a crisis, in a war, you do what you must do, not what is expedient or easy.
You do what is right, what is moral, and honorable because anything less is undignified and selfish. I will have to work a bit longer or maybe until I drop, but that’s how it is.
Arrowine isn’t my work. It gives me purpose and pleasure. It is who I am, and I love it! There are days, weeks, months, and years of aggravation, challenges, frustrations, and uncertainty, but it’s who I am. G-d and my loved ones give me strength, but you motivate me. So, thank you for that.
In return, I promise to give you my very best, I sincerely thank you for sticking by us through thick and thin, and I sincerely appreciate it.
That leads me to what matters, the future. We have looked long and hard at what we were doing and how we did it. With the help of our entire staff, we are retooling, refining, and re-creating Arrowine. So we are getting rid of what didn’t work to add value to your shopping experience and to ensure that we are a part of this community for many years to come. Our best is yet to come!
Thank you for reading this,
Doug Rosen, Shem Hassan, Ayet Boudjellal, and the entire Arrowine team
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
If you’re going to enjoy a lifelong hobby, you can’t beat the benefits of playing a musical instrument. In addition to bringing joy to yourself and any listeners you might have, you’re doing great things for your brain.
“I think playing music is a unique art form. It’s creative, offering an opportunity to create as you go, and at the same time, it’s analytical and almost mathematical,” says Peter Cahn, who plays guitar. “And as far as I’m concerned, it’s a group activity.” Peter enjoys playing music with others, trying out different songs and arrangements. He has played regularly with the same group for 14 years, and is looking forward to playing with other residents of The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, when it opens in Tysons, Virginia, in 2024.
“I want to meet other musicians when we move into The Mather, explore different genres, and see what we can do,” he says.
Noteworthy Brain Benefits
One thing the musicians at The Mather can do is enjoy multiple benefits for their brains. That’s because playing an instrument simultaneously works different sensory systems in the brain, along with your motor skills. This coordination of efforts provides a workout for your brain — the kind of workout that strengthens connections within the brain and keeps you mentally sharp. In turn, this can improve your memory and cognition — one study showed that musicians perform better on cognitive tests than those who don’t play an instrument.
Then there is the benefit of learning; even accomplished musicians continually learn new songs and new arrangements. “As you progress in music, your horizons broaden; the amount to be learned seems limitless, especially in jazz,” says Marie Himel, another future resident of The Mather. Marie plays flute and tenor saxophone. “I’ve yet to meet a jazz musician who is satisfied with where they are. The art can be taken in so many directions.”
In fact, musical training has been proven to increase gray matter volume in specific brain regions and strengthen the connections between them. Other research has shown that such training can improve long-term memory, verbal memory, and spatial reasoning. And multiple studies have shown that playing music helps improve concentration — not just when playing, but in all areas of daily life.
In the Mood
It should come as no surprise that playing music can reduce stress — but it can also lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and reduce anxiety and depression. And — whether you are playing music or simply listening to it — it can boost your mood.
“It stimulates the emotions. There’s a sweet spot in music when you work at something and get the instrumentation and harmonies right,” says Peter. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The Next Movement
Peter and Marie and their respective spouses are looking forward to being part of a vibrant community when they move to The Mather. Peter explains, “We were mainly attracted to The Mather because it’s got a lively community that’s already in place. The other senior living communities we looked at are places where you slow down.”
Marie and her husband are delighted to stay close to D.C. for the music and theater, and Marie adds, “For years, I’ve been thinking it would be nice to have everything taken care of, to not spend time on food shopping and cooking. I envision life at The Mather to be like living at a resort.”
The Mather will have cultural, social and educational programs on-site for residents, including digital media workshops, art and technology seminars, featured lecturers, and much more — including, perhaps, performances by resident musicians. And coupled with services like housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, and culinary packages that will leave residents more time to pursue passions like making music.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
Thursday, March 30 is opening day for the Washington Nationals for the 2023 season. Welcome back Nats fans!
With opening day around the corner, I wanted to share some insider tips to a successful trip to the stadium.
Drive. The metro trip from Vienna is long and waiting for the train at the end of the game when it’s packed — the kids are tired and coming off their ballgame sugar high — is no fun. Buy parking ahead of time. Check pricing between Spothero and ParkWhiz.
Get there early to get food. The lines get long once the game starts. Check the full list of concessions here to scout food. You can buy bottled water outside for $1 and bring it in with you as long as it’s unopened (1 per person). They also allow outside food in single serving bags or factory-sealed containers can be brought in. I highly recommend you download the MLS Ballpark App as the entire stadium is now cashless and some of them require you to pre-purchase food and then go pick it up (you can’t even buy it at the stand for some of them — like Dippin’ Dots).
Deals
The Nats offer up to 30% off tickets for military, government employees, first responders, public school teachers with an account on GovX along with a credit to the concessions with each ticket.
There’s also a Harris Teeter Family Fun Pack where you get a free meal with each ticket (hot dog, chips and soda/water).
They also have “Value Day” tickets where tickets are up to 30% off and start at just $9, and they give you a code to use at the concessions to get a discount plus a merchandise discount at the team store. Certain dates only.
There is a Student Ticket option as well. You must sign up for access to student ticket discounts.
For those of you wanting to attend opening day, CertifiKid has a great deal on tickets. Tickets are 13-16% off depending on where you want to sit plus credits for food.
If you have a kid who plays baseball or softball, they have youth baseball and softball days (May 21 and June 18) where kids get in free for wearing their jersey. You’ll be receiving information on that directly from VLL or VGSL if your child is signed up. Super fun for them to go with teammates, especially since they’re both Sunday games and they can stay and run the bases together.
The Presidents race in the middle of the 4th inning. It’s one of the highlights for kids, so make sure you don’t miss it! As soon as the race is over, head over to section 131 where the President’s line up for a photo opportunity with fans during the 5th inning.
If you have kids who need to get some energy out, there’s a PenFed Kids Zone for kids under 10 on the 100 level of right field. Slides, climbing structure, a place to run, etc. One tip though: it’s all plastic, so on hot days when the slides are too hot, they close it to the public.
On Sundays, the kids can run the bases after the game, ages 4-12. From the Nats site:
Kids will start their run at first base and they will be directed around the bases to home plate. Sliding into bases is prohibited. An adult must accompany each participating child to the field — adults will drop children off at first base and meet them near home plate. Please note that adults may not accompany children as they run the bases. One adult will be permitted onto the field per child participating in Kids Run the Bases. The line for Kids Run the Bases forms outside the ballpark on the First Street sidewalk — participants should exit the ballpark through the right field gate and proceed to the line. The run will begin approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the game and the event usually lasts about an hour. Jr. Nationals Kids Club members age 12 and under receive access to an exclusive line that goes onto the field first.
Parents start lining up early because the Kids Club (see below) get in first and way worth it!
For $20, you can join the Nationals JR Kids Club. We did this for my son and it was totally worth it. They get coupons for free food at the ballpark, a Harris Teeter coupon, free birthday message on the screen during the game and other freebies.
Keep your eye out for special kid-friendly days at the park, like Bobble Head giveaways, kids watch giveaways, etc.
If you are bringing a diaper bag, make sure you read the bag policy:
- Bags, except: (1) clutch bags measuring 5″ x 7″ x ¾” or smaller; (2) clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags measuring 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller; provided, however, that buckles, grommets, hardware or other décor may not conceal any part of the bag; and (3) diaper bags or bags used for ADA/medical reasons measuring 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller; provided, however, that on the day of purchase, bags purchased inside the Nationals Baseball Stadium Complex* during the game or event at the Nationals Baseball Stadium Complex* will be tagged and permitted for that day only.
- There’s a nursing lounge for mother’s to feed babies, pump, change diapers or cool off with the air conditioning. You’ll find that space adjacent to section 223.
Beginning in April, you can also do Nationals Park tours on non-game days.
Kids under 2 are FREE.
Go Nats!
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Are you looking for a fun activity that taps into your creative side?
Or maybe you are looking for something to do with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday, or just have a memorable night out. Take it from someone who is not crafty, Board & Brush Fairfax is the place to go.
Bonus, you create a DIY project that will be amazing in your home or as a homemade gift for someone.
Check out this insider Live Fairfax video!
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The wait is almost over. Soon, you will be able to come home to Monarch and experience the exceptional privacy, serene outdoor spaces, lavish features and finishes, white-glove services, and the most luxurious amenities in Northern Virginia.
Each residence offers abundant natural light, expansive views, chef’s kitchen, and spacious private outdoor living areas, with some featuring direct-entry elevators. From the richly lacquered cabinetry to the floor-to-ceiling windows, Monarch makes a statement at every turn.
This attention to detail extends throughout, from the spectacular grand lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center, inspiring party room, sparkling blue waters of our resort-style pool, and beautiful outdoor terrace.
Let our 24-hour concierge and porter assist with everything from selecting a fine dining restaurant to coordinating a private party. We are the only condominium community in Tysons offering this level of superior service. World-class shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences are only a block away, and with the Silver Line Metro so close, residents can easily connect with everything Washington, D.C. and beyond.
With six homes sold in February alone, don’t miss the opportunity to live at Tysons’ only new high-rise condominium community, as remaining inventory is in high demand.
Schedule your tour and explore our stunning Sales Gallery and newly decorated model. Discover all the luxury and elegance that is Monarch. Sophisticated condominiums priced from $1.24M to $2.4M.
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.
Employee use of computers and workplace internet has become relatively common.
As a result, there are many times when employees get disciplined or terminated for such usage. We generally advise employees to avoid using workplace computers and/or internet connections, even where permitted, wherever possible.
Common Issues for Employees
The most frequent problems that arise for employees in this area involve:
(1) Watching entertainment programs (Neltfix, Hulu, Disney+ etc.)
(2) Excessive social media usage (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
(3) Online gaming at work
(4) Watching, sending or receiving sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate materials
(5) Sending harassing, violent, discriminating or hateful messages on company computers
(6) Using workplace computers or the internet at work to commit any kind of illegal activity, including the piracy of movies, music, games, etc.
(7) Distributing company information outside the company.
There are countless other examples which can violate company usage policies. Each company has their own computer and internet usage policy and it is important for employees to read them.
In our experience, many company computer and internet usage policies are fairly restrictive in writing, but not really enforced unless other employment issues arise. When such issues arise, an employer may have the ability to review an employee’s computer or internet usage on their work devices and attempt to discipline or dismiss an employee if they choose.
Defenses
There can be legal defenses available when an employee is wrongfully terminated from an employer where computer or internet usage is the underlying issue. These defenses would depend on the facts of the underlying incident and the individual company policy. Possible legal defense and/or representation should be discussed with a lawyer.
Contact Us
When an employee faces a disciplinary investigation or action based on alleged computer or internet misuse, it is very important to retain legal counsel familiar with these issues. Our law firm represents employees and can be contacted at www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at (703) 668-0070.
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Whether you’re a long-time artist or find yourself sitting in front of an easel for the first time, pursuing a creative endeavor can benefit your health.
Research has shown that creative activities (and the pleasure they bring) can reduce artists’ stress and anxiety, increase self-confidence, and boost overall well-being –as well as keep the brain “fit” and stem the onset of dementia.
“Exercising your creativity is an integral part of Aging Well — that’s why we incorporate creative exploration and the arts in so many aspects of our senior living communities,” says Caroline Edasis, director of community engagement for Mather. Mather is the organization that’s bringing The Mather, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, coming to Tysons, Virginia, in 2024.
This bodes well for future residents of The Mather like Renée Alberts. A lifelong artist whose work has been shown in many juried shows and won multiple awards, Renée is an active member of the McLean Art Society. Her watercolor paintings can be seen in the society’s art exhibits at various locations, including area recreational centers, and in Walker Chapel United Methodist Church when the Art Society schedules exhibits.
Renée says that, today, she is not only retired from her career as a therapist, but also recently “fully retired” from volunteer work, and spends a lot of time painting. While she has tried different media, she is drawn to watercolors because “one is rewarded by the sense of immediacy and freshness and the vivacity of color.” She adds, “With some people, it’s a compulsion. If I see something that stirs emotions, I have to paint it.”
Born in New York City, where she attended the New York High School of Music and Art — the Fame school — and having lived in New England and Europe, Renee settled in Virginia, where she plans to stay. She looks forward to moving into an apartment home in The Mather next year. “For me, the important thing about The Mather is the location,” she says. “It’s convenient to so many things that are important to continuing one’s life — shopping, restaurants, the Metro — and it’s easy to get into town.”
The Mather will offer residents ample opportunities to engage with art and creativity on-site, including Open Art Studios, which are welcoming group settings where participants can work in diverse media alongside their peers. Mather’s signature approach to art appreciation mirrors how contemporary museum practices are evolving. Rather than teaching with lectures from an expert such as a docent, it focuses on inclusive, inquiry-based art-viewing techniques. The Mather has already formed relationships with local arts organizations, and plans to offer inquiry-based art experiences for residents on-site as well as in museums, theaters, galleries, and beyond.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
