To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 5-9, 2025), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, weed trimmers, and blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including battery and charger, while supplies last.
The exchanges will take place May 24-25 and June 7-8, 2025, at select Ace Hardware stores in the Baltimore-Washington region. Register here to trade in your gas tool for a FREE Ego Power+ replacement.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can lower emissions but also noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. Residents are encouraged to remember these other tips to improve air quality:
Mow on low ozone days when air quality is good.
Go organic for fertilizers and pesticides.
Mow less often by letting grass grow a little taller.
Make your own mulch by leaving grass clippings instead of bagging and sending to the landfill.
This exchange is made possible by our generous sponsors: City of Alexandria, Fairfax County Office of Environment and Energy Coordination, Virginia Department of Environment Quality, DC Department of Energy and Environment, Pepco, SMECO.
For more information and resources for Air Quality Awareness Week, including the Clean Air Partners Air Quality app, visit cleanairpartners.net.
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.
Address:11687 Sunrise Square Place Neighborhood: Sunrise Square Type: 4 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA townhouse – 2552 sq. ft. Listed: $1,125,000
Noteworthy: Exquisite End Unit Townhome with Golf Course Views.
Exquisite End Unit Townhome with Golf Course Views. Bathed in natural light, this stunning, sun-drenched end townhome offers an elevated lifestyle with 4 spacious bedrooms—each with its own en-suite bath—wide plank hardwood flooring, soaring 9-foot ceilings, and a built-in central vacuum system for modern convenience.
The main living level is designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining, featuring an expansive open-concept layout. The living and dining areas flow seamlessly into a chef-caliber kitchen, adorned with premium Bosch appliances, an oversized island with seating for four or more, and direct access to a deck—perfect for al fresco dining.
On the entry level, a versatile suite awaits—ideal as a private home office or guest retreat—with access to an oversized two-car garage. Ascend to the third level where the luxurious primary suite impresses with dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired en-suite bath. A secondary bedroom with a full bath and laundry room completes this floor.
The top level reveals the fourth bedroom and full bath, a flexible loft space, ideal for a fitness studio, family lounge, or executive office, and opens to a spectacular rooftop deck featuring a built-in gas fireplace. Enjoy beautiful views and year-round ambiance in this rare and refined offering, less than a mile to the Wiehle-Reston Metro, minutes to Dulles International Airport, and ample shopping, dining and gyms.
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.
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.
Address:1225 Stuart Robeson Drive Neighborhood: Merryhill Type: 3 BR, 4 (+2 half) BA townhouse – 5950 sq. ft. Listed: $2,449,900
Noteworthy: Stunning Renovated Home in Prime McLean Location!
Welcome to McLean’s Merryhill neighborhood — setting the standard for charm and sophistication, this exquisite Georgian-style Flemish bond brick townhome is a true masterpiece.
The residence radiates timeless elegance, from the inviting front courtyard with landscape up lighting to the slate roof and copper gutters that enhance its classic appeal. No expense was spared in the meticulous renovation of this 3-bedroom, 4 (+2 half) bath home, spanning over 5,550 square feet across three beautifully finished levels. The result is a remarkable showcase of modern luxury paired with refined design.
With its open, light-filled floor plan, stunning upgrades, and coveted McLean location, this home offers an unparalleled blend of convenience and grandeur.
Please explore the many exceptional features that make this residence at www.fergusonrealestateteam.com and come by our Open House on Saturday, April 26th from 2-4pm. Please reach out to Rob Ferguson at RE/MAX Allegiance for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DY Begay (Diné [Navajo], b. 1953) weaving a private commission in her studio. Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2023.
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay exhibition. Photos by Norwood Photography for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay exhibition. Photos by Norwood Photography for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay exhibition. Photos by Norwood Photography for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
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.
