Happy 155th birthday @ChildrensNational!
As the region’s only standalone children’s hospital, kids have been the center of our mission since 1870.
From routine visits to breakthrough treatments, we’re celebrating every brave step with world-class care close to home. 155 years of being there for them — and for you.
Kids Are Our Everything.
Rugby is a fun sport that allows people of all walks of life and capabilities to be challenged, to enjoy the thrill of a team sport, or being a part of something that can span a lifetime. Rugby, including tackle, offers kids- whether small or large, slim or heavy, short or stout, agile or speedster- equal opportunities to run with the ball, pass it, and play defense. In rugby, everyone needs to participate that way; nobody gets left out.
We are registering now for our spring tackle season, which starts in early February. If you have any questions please reach out to info@alexandriarugby.com.
Feast & Fettle, a prepared meal delivery service that has become a household name in the Northeast, is officially launching in Fairfax County on January 3. Their mission is simple: help busy families enjoy better meals without the stress of cooking.
Their meals are fully prepared by an in-house culinary team and delivered chilled, ready to heat and serve. This isn’t a subscription box that requires prep or cleanup. It’s dinner, already done, with nothing left to do but enjoy it together.
Feast & Fettle saw Fairfax as the exact community it was looking to serve, with its blend of growing families, busy professionals, and people who value real food. They pride themselves on serving those who live busy lives, but don’t always have the time to cook.
Even before their official launch, the company took steps to get involved. They partnered with local organizations to donate a week’s worth of meals to furloughed federal workers. It was an early gesture of support, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a comforting meal, especially when life gets unpredictable.
Their new regional facility, now open, will support deliveries and create local jobs. It’s one more way Feast & Fettle is committing to the DMV for the long term.
Members can expect a rotating menu of entrees, sides, and kid-friendly options each week. The food is made in small batches using whole ingredients, not shortcuts. It’s a quality-first approach that families can feel good about.
Dinner doesn’t have to be another chore at the end of the day. With Feast & Fettle now in Fairfax, it’s one less thing to worry about, and one more reason to sit down together.
New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle
Written By: Synergy Design & Construction
7 Smart Ways to Reimagine Your Basement
When homeowners think about ways to improve how their house functions day to day, the basement is often overlooked. Whether unfinished or partially complete, the lower level offers significant opportunity. With intentional planning and a thoughtful design build process, a basement remodel can add meaningful living space without expanding the home’s footprint.
At Synergy, basements are approached with the same care as any other remodel, emphasizing adaptability, comfort, and long-term use. Because of their flexibility, basements can support a wide range of needs, making them one of the most versatile areas in a home. Below are seven ways homeowners can thoughtfully transform their basements into a space that truly supports the way they live.
When the main level of a home is balancing work, school, entertaining, and everyday life, having an additional living space can make a noticeable difference. A basement family room creates room to spread out, whether that means hosting movie nights, welcoming guests, or giving kids a place to relax.
Key design elements include:
A well-designed basement living area enhances everyday comfort while helping preserve the main living spaces upstairs.
Big Night DC is back for New Year’s Eve with one of the largest and most immersive NYE celebrations in the country. Taking over 200,000+ square feet of the Gaylord National Resort, the event features 20+ Acts, five hours of full open bars, VIP lounges, and a massive midnight countdown.
Guests can choose from multiple experience levels including Main Event, VIP, POSE Club, and Cherry Blossom Velvet Rope.
Tickets are on sale now and prices increase regularly.
Premium hotel rooms at the Gaylord are available for a limited time.
Learn more and secure tickets at BigNightDC.com
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.
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an appeals process for federal employees and former federal employees to challenge a variety of federal agency actions. These include serious disciplinary actions (adverse actions), retirement appeals, whistleblower retaliation cases, and other types of personnel disputes.
The most common type of MSPB Appeal for federal employees involves serious disciplinary actions, such as a proposed removal, suspension over 14 days, or demotion. Although federal employees have the right to represent themselves, federal agencies are almost always represented by counsel.
Federal Agencies Treat MSPB Cases Differently When an Employee Has an Attorney
One key reason to retain an MSPB lawyer is that it often changes how a federal agency approaches an MSPB appeal. Agencies typically allocate more time and resources to cases in which the federal employee is represented by counsel. When a federal employee has an attorney, agency counsel knows the opposing party will be able to understand deadlines, evidentiary rules, and litigation strategy.
The MSPB Process is Much Like a Regular Civil Case
The MSPB Appeals Process functions much like a regular court case. A major misconception is that the MSPB process is simple enough for an employee to handle alone. In reality, an MSPB appeal operates similarly to a civil court case and includes discovery, depositions, and motions among other similarities.
Federal employees often contact us after discovery deadlines have passed. This can significantly limit the chances of winning or negotiating a favorable settlement. Retaining an MSPB attorney early in the process is critical to preserving your rights and building the strongest possible case.
Having an Attorney Can Increase Your Chances of Settlement
In our experience, federal employees represented by counsel are more likely to resolve their MSPB appeals through settlement. Federal agencies evaluate settlement based on various factors such as risk, including the risk of losing the appeal, which increases when the employee has effective representation.
Attorneys also understand how to conduct strategic discovery, take depositions, and obtain information that may encourage a federal agency to settle. Self-represented employees often struggle with these tasks, which can diminish settlement leverage and reduce the amount of useful evidence that is uncovered.
Additionally, MSPB lawyers are skilled in negotiating and drafting settlement agreements to protect the employee’s interests, minimize future risk, and help ensure compliance by the agency.
It is Hard for an Employee to Represent Themselves at a MSPB Hearing
MSPB hearings require litigation skills that are challenging for a non-lawyer to perform effectively. A hearing typically involves opening and closing statements, presenting and questioning witnesses, cross-examining agency witnesses, making objections, and understanding evidentiary rules and providing sworn testimony.
Self-representation becomes especially challenging when it comes to testifying. Employees often end up making unscripted statements instead of providing structured testimony that effectively supports their case. An MSPB attorney can guide the employee through their testimony and ensure the strongest possible presentation of evidence.
Many federal employees come to us after filing their appeal, only to discover how complex and time-sensitive the process is. The earlier an MSPB attorney becomes involved, the better the outcome tends to be.
Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in various employment law matters. If you need legal assistance regarding a federal employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.
Address: 706 Blueberry Hill Rd
Neighborhood: MERRYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC
Type: 4 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA townhouse – 4407 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,625,000
Noteworthy: LUSH LOT WITH SPARKLING POOL! AMAZING LOCATION! SWOON WORTHY UPGRADES!
Breathtaking on Blueberry Hill ! Extraordinary End townhome boasting exceptional natural light, is sited beautifully on a cul-de-sac in majestic Merrywood on the Potomac. This idyllic enclave is known for its remarkable sylvan setting and strategic location just moments to the Chain Bridge, GW Parkway and Tyson’s Corner. Live the luxury lifestyle with lawn care/mowing, snow removal and trash pick up all included in your fee. PLUS, community tennis courts add to the amenity rich community. Enjoy designer inspired finishes, and swoon worthy updates, including two marble baths in the upper level Primary Suite, oversized upper level laundry room and updated chef’s kitchen with center island and a view of nothing but nature AND the Potomac River! The expansive fenced corner lot, with captivating heated pool, is your personal club with more than enough room for soccer and socializing. And, for an elevated view of this wonderland, relax in the solarium just off the formal dining room. The lower level recreation room, with wet bar, is an entertainer’s delight and house guest’s dream with large bedroom, full bath and, for everyone, access to the pool. Add to all of this a one car main level entry garage opening to the kitchen and the prestige that comes with living among history. 3 Upper Level Bedrooms with Huge Closets Hardwood Floors under carpet in Upper Level Secondary Bedrooms An easy stroll to the Community Tennis Courts around the corner.
Listed by:
Chris Pritchard – Corcoran McEnearney
chris.pritchard@corcoranmce.com
(703) 475-7520
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Art Market returns to the museum in Washington, D.C., Dec. 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event features award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from across the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can meet Indigenous artists and learn about traditional Native arts and contemporary Native creativity. Artists will offer authentic, hand-crafted works of art, including jewelry, fashion, photography and pottery. Serious collectors and casual shoppers will find one-of-a-kind pieces at a wide range of prices.
During breaks from shopping at Native Art Market, visitors can enjoy curator-led tours of three of the museum’s exhibitions, including its newest, “Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe.” Tours will be at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. Also on Dec. 7, the museum will offer a tour of the National Native American Veterans Memorial at 3:30 p.m. in commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day.
Young visitors can enjoy a make-and-take winter craft in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center located on the museum’s third floor.
The museum’s espresso bar will offer a special winter menu for both days of the art market. Must-try items include warm hibiscus juniper-spiced cider; champurrado, a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink made with masa harina, and notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and piloncillo; and piñon, which are Mexican wedding cookies made with pine nuts.
This schedule is subject to change; visit AmericanIndian.si.edu for event updates.
Mark your calendar: Winterfest returns this week to Reston’s Brown’s Chapel Park, and this year’s celebration promises more lights, more fun and more holiday cheer than ever before. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to kick off the season, this is it. Winterfest comes alive December 4-6 between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day.
Stroll through the Light Up the Park walk, a half-mile trail glowing with thousands of dazzling holiday lights and whimsical displays. Warm up by the firepits with marshmallows, browse holiday vendors and savor seasonal food and drinks. Kids will love the Grinch’s Village and the chance to meet Santa — all in one unforgettable event right in your own backyard.
Discover the Enchanted Forest, a grove of 60 creatively decorated trees sponsored by local businesses, nonprofits and families. These trees aren’t just beautiful — they make a difference. At the end of Winterfest, each tree is donated to a family in need to brighten their holiday. The Vendor Village features more than three dozen unique vendors, so you can even finish your holiday shopping while soaking in the festive atmosphere. There’s plenty to see and do for all age groups, so bring the entire family to come and enjoy one of Reston’s celebrations of the season.
Winterfest admission is free for Reston Association members. Non-member tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and include everything from the lighted walk to Santa visits. Tickets are required for the event – and they’re going fast. Don’t miss your chance to buy online and skip the line at check-in – visit the Winterfest page on Reston Association’s website and reserve your spot today. Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition and make Winterfest part of your holiday celebration this weekend.
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:
You can practice gratitude at any time! Whether you are naturally optimistic or not, regular gratitude practice can bring lasting benefits.
