Join over 400 business professionals, elected officials, and arts and community leaders to celebrate local arts in Fairfax County!
The 2025 ArtsFairfax Awards, the region’s premier event to honor major arts contributions in Fairfax, will honor U.S. Air Force Retired General Lester L. Lyles with the Jinx Hazel Award, Tim Rizer with the Philanthropy Award, the Iranian American Community Center-Pars Place with the Impact Award, and Marco Rando of South Lakes High School with the Education Award.
With a reception, luncheon, and awards ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, the fundraising event will be emceed by four-time TV news Emmy winner Peggy Fox and feature an Iranian string performance by Narmin Adiban and a vocal performance by Sopranessence, one of ArtsFairfax’s newest Operating Support Grant recipients.
2025 ArtsFairfax Awards Friday, October 24, 2025
11:15am – 2:00pm
Hyatt Regency Reston
1800 Presidents Street
Reston, VA 20190
As Fairfax County’s local arts agency, ArtsFairfax serves more than 200 arts and culture nonprofits by distributing County funds to the arts, and connects artists and arts organizations to each other and to other sectors.
ArtsFairfax Awards
ArtsFairfax Awards
ArtsFairfax Awards
ArtsFairfax Awards
ArtsFairfax Awards
Proceeds from the Awards provide direct support to ArtsFairfax as the County’s sole grant maker dedicated to arts funding, as well as the nonprofit’s public art initiatives and services for individual artists in response to the recently conducted Fairfax Regional Artist Survey, the first study of its kind in the County.
The event’s Visionary Sponsor is the Reston Community Center with Lead Sponsorship by McGuireWoods.
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.
Our lawyers represent and defend federal employees in appeals pending before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). While litigation through the MSPB hearing process is one potential avenue, many cases are resolved more efficiently through settlement, which is a faster, more cost-effective resolution in such cases. Federal employees have several options for settling cases at the MSPB, each with its own structure. Settlements at the MSPB frequently involve disciplinary cases.
Settlement Options at the MSPB
Settlements at the MSPB typically arise in the context of appeals filed by federal employees challenging adverse actions taken by their employing agencies. These actions may include removals, suspensions over 14 days, demotions, or other personnel decisions. A successful settlement requires mutual agreement between the employee and the Agency. The settlement process cannot proceed without cooperation on both sides. For this reason, it is key to explore settlement options early in the litigation process.
The available settlement options at the MSPB include: (1) Informal Mediation with Agency Counsel; (2) the Mediation Appeals Program; (3) the Settlement Judge Program and (4) the MSPB Settlement Program.
Informal Mediation with Agency Counsel– This is often the quickest method of attempting to settle a case. Typically, at the start of an MSPB case, counsel for both parties may engage in informal discussions to exchange settlement proposals. In many cases, early informal negotiations and communications can lead to favorable outcomes.
Mediation Appeals Program– This occurs in a more formal setting and is typically conducted in person. A mediator from the MSPB, who serves as a neutral third party, is assigned to encourage and facilitate settlement. This seems to be the more common way of attempting to settle MSPB cases these days.
Settlement Judge Program– An administrative judge or other mediator, who is not assigned to adjudicate the case, is appointed to assist the parties in resolving the matter. In an attempt to settle such cases, settlement judges typically conduct settlement discussions remotely. As the settlement judge is not involved in the litigation of the case, they can provide candid, unbiased feedback, which can be very helpful in attempting to reach a settlement.
MSPB Settlement Program– The MSPB judge assigned to hear the case at the hearing stage discusses settlement with the parties. As the judge is already familiar with the legal issues involved, they are well suited to discuss the possibility of settlement in these cases and identify potential areas for compromise. Settlement discussions in this process typically occur at pre-determined times in a case, such as at the pre-hearing stage or shortly after the case is assigned to the administrative judge.
Approval of Settlement Agreements
When a settlement agreement has been met, parties will submit the agreement to the administrative judge for review. If the settlement agreement is lawful, clear, and voluntarily entered into, the judge will issue an order dismissing the appeal as settled. Then, the agreement will be entered into the official MSPB record for enforcement purposes.
Enforcement of Settlement Agreements
MSPB has a mechanism to ensure that a settlement agreement that is placed in the record is adhered to. Though somewhat rare, if this becomes an issue for a client, the first step is to contact Agency counsel in an attempt to quickly resolve the issue before seeking to enforce a previously agreed to settlement. However, if resolution cannot be achieved, the MSPB has the authority to investigate and order compliance with the agreement.
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.
If you’re looking for an environment that encourages your child’s curiosity and helps build their confidence, you’ve come to the right place! Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool is actively enrolling new students for the 2025-2026 school year. Our award-winning preschool program is designed to nurture young learners’ desire to explore new things and foster their independence through hands-on discovery. Northeast Stars is open to children ages 2-5 and follows traditional Montessori principles, allowing each child to learn at their own pace while building confidence and critical thinking skills. Our daily curriculum and scheduled activities are designed to introduce new experiences, foster creativity and develop real-world capabilities to help your child thrive.
Northeast Stars has schools located in Alexandria, Virginia and on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. and we are currently accepting applications for the new academic year. The school welcomes families who want their children to develop strong foundations for lifelong learning. Parents who are interested in more information can contact Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool today to schedule a tour and discuss enrollment opportunities.
The process for selling a business can often be overwhelming and confusing. Everything from setting an asking price, finding a buyer, and negotiating a deal while still operating your business can be fraught without guidance or help along the way. In our experience, when there are businesses that are listed for sale and don’t find a buyer, it’s often for one of several common reasons. The good news is that most of these issues are fixable and can be avoided if addressed ahead of time!
Ideally, business owners will plan for the sale of their business when they start their business or at least several years in advance to allow time to plan their exit and ensure they maximize the value of their enterprise. Even if you aren’t considering selling your business in the next few years, it’s still worth obtaining a business valuation. A valuation, even if you aren’t quite ready to sell, can serve as an important benchmark to determine the true value of your business. After the valuation is complete, you will know how your business might fare when listed for sale and you will be able to address any weaknesses that might be in the way of you obtaining a higher sale price. It’s never a good feeling to be ready to sell your business only to find out it’s worth a fraction of what you might feel it’s worth. In our firm’s last article, we went into detail about business valuations. Click here to read more about what goes into a business valuation.
This important preparation lead time will enable a business owner not to just get their business ready for sale, but to ensure they are ready to list their business when market conditions are favorable. There are times when certain macro-economic conditions can adversely affect the broader business-for-sale marketplace. The last thing a business owner wants is to be in a position where they feel like they have to sell, but the timing isn’t right. We recommend that business owners take the approach that they are going to run their business forever even when they decide to sell to make sure they are in the best position to review offers when the time comes.
Our firm had a recent client who initially contacted us in 2021 looking for information on how to sell their IT business based in Northern Virginia. We helped them understand what buyers look for when purchasing a business like theirs, including: ensuring they had a diverse mix of clients so there wasn’t major concentration with only a handful of customers, that their client contracts were assignable and had new long term agreements in place, to be sure they had accurate financial data for their business, and for the owners to delegate the sales and IT Service work. We came to market in late 2024, fielded over 150 inquiries from interested buyers, and had over 10 offers in just a couple of weeks after listing the business for sale. The business sold in early 2025 for almost 17% above asking price! This client benefited from pre-sale planning, fine tuning their business, and engaging with a business broker before they were ready to sell. The result was a very high level of interest and a quicker than average sale time for above asking price.
Business buyers will want to review financial documents, tax returns, employment agreements and payroll files, client and vendor contracts, and point of sale reports (if applicable) to verify that any information presented to them is accurate. A business owner will need to spend some time making sure their books and records are in order before buyer due diligence takes place. Business owners can work with a business broker to also get their business pre-qualified for a SBA loan prior to listing their business for sale. This will not only help with marketing the business, but also with addressing common questions that might be raised by a lender.
As a business owner, make sure your business is ready to run when you are out of the picture. Businesses that are entirely reliant on the owner, one key product, or perhaps a major customer or two can be a turn off to prospective buyers as they fear performance will drop off significantly once the owner departs. A business owner also needs to offer a transitional training and support period to the buyer as well. The exact time and duration often depends on the complexities of the business and experience of the buyer, but should allow the new owner to feel more comfortable when they finally take over. Another effective tool for business owners looking to sell that generally instills buyer confidence is to offer some form of seller financing. The amount of seller financing might be as low as 10-20% of the sale price, but can help facilitate the transaction depending on the circumstances of the sale.
Lastly, whether you are planning to buy or sell a business, we always recommend seeking guidance. A knowledgeable business broker can assist you in setting a price, determining when is the right time to sell, preparing the business for sale, confidentially advertising and marketing the sale, negotiating with prospective buyers, and recommending advisors for any legal or financial issues that need to be addressed. Please contact us today if you are interested in speaking with someone from our team.
Your Next Home is Waiting at Belmont at One University
Now is your chance to join our vibrant 62+ community where apartments are just $1,475 per month with One Month Free when you move in by 9/30/25.*
Belmont is more than just an apartment—it’s a lifestyle. Residents enjoy:
A community garden to grow and share
A convenient shuttle service to nearby shopping destinations
Engaging resident events that bring neighbors together
Pet-friendly living with no breed restrictions
Inside your new home, you’ll find modern features and comfortable layouts designed for easy living. Only one household member must be 62 or older, and minimum/maximum income requirements apply.
With fewer than 8 homes left, now is the perfect time to make your move! Have questions? Contact Us Now. Want to see if you might qualify to live at Belmont? Click Here, choose Do I Qualify, and follow the simple steps to get started.*
Pricing and specials are subject to change. Minimum and maximum income limits apply. Please contact the leasing office for full details. The income calculator is not a final decision, but is a guide to assist you in seeing if you might fall under the maximum income. Additional documentation is required.
For players ages 8–18, this is your chance to try one of the world’s fastest-growing sports! No water polo experience needed — just bring your swimsuit, energy, and sense of adventure!
🌟 What can you expect?
🥇 Path to Junior Olympics – Start here, and you could compete on the national stage!
🌍 Elite Coaching – Coaching by former NCAA Division I and World Cup athletes!
🏆 Join a Powerhouse – Capital Water Polo is among the top competitive teams in the nation!
💦 Bored with swimming? – Stay in the pool while learning a thrilling new team sport.
🔥 Skills & Drills – Passing, shooting, and teamwork from day one.
⚡ Mini Games – Scrimmages designed for beginners to get in the action.
👫 Team Spirit – Make new friends in a supportive, co-ed environment.
🏅 Confidence Building – Discover your strength in and out of the water.
📍 Location: The St James
📅 Sept 8th 7pm: Learn-to-Play begins this week – Spots are limited!
Starting a home remodel is an exciting chance to refresh your space, boost functionality, and create an environment that fits your lifestyle. When proposals start coming in, it’s easy to be drawn to the lowest number, especially if it appears to cover the same scope of work.
But the lowest price doesn’t always equal the best value. An attractive offer can mask costly pitfalls that affect not only your budget, but also your peace of mind and the long-term enjoyment of your home. Hidden costs often surface along the way, creating stress, delays, and unexpected financial strain.
At Synergy, we believe a remodel should feel rewarding from start to finish. A thoughtful, structured approach helps homeowners avoid surprises and enjoy the process as much as the outcome. Here are five often-overlooked costs to be aware of before committing to the cheapest option.
1. Quality Shortcuts That Cost More Later
When contractors present a low number, it’s often because corners are being cut. That may mean using less durable materials, skipping essential preparation, or rushing through critical details. The results can look acceptable at first, but wear and tear show up quickly. Fixtures may underperform, finishes can deteriorate, and you may face repairs long before you expected.
Carefully reviewing what’s included in each proposal, from brand and grade of materials to installation methods, is one of the best ways to ensure you’re comparing true quality and long-term value, not just price tags. What seems like a deal now can become an expensive cycle of fixes down the road.
2. Surprise Expenses Mid-Project
It’s not uncommon for low-cost proposals to omit key details to appear competitive. Once the work begins, those gaps reveal themselves in the form of costly change orders. For example, a missing line item for electrical upgrades or structural adjustments can create budget overruns you never anticipated.
Skipping a thorough site evaluation makes this risk even higher. Issues hidden behind walls or under floors only come to light when construction is underway. Protect yourself by asking for a detailed, transparent scope of work, reviewing every line, and confirming what is and isn’t included. By clarifying early, you reduce the chance of unwelcome financial surprises later.
3. Delays That Disrupt Your Routine
Time is one of the most underestimated costs of a remodel. A low estimate may signal fewer skilled professionals on-site or less project oversight, leading to extended schedules. These delays ripple through your daily life: family plans are postponed, milestones are delayed, and even future projects may have to be put on hold.
The longer a remodel drags on, the harder it is on everyone in the household. This is why it’s important to ask upfront about how scheduling is handled, what systems are in place for tracking progress, and how the contractor manages setbacks. A remodel that runs smoothly respects not only your budget but also your time.
4. Stress That Spills Into Everyday Life
Remodeling without clear communication quickly becomes overwhelming. Uncertainty about what stage the project is in, what decisions are needed, and when milestones will be reached adds unnecessary anxiety. Without a structured process, it’s easy to feel left in the dark.
And the stress doesn’t stay on paper. It shows up in daily life through construction dust, noise, and limited access to essential areas. Children, pets, and household routines all get impacted. Having an upfront conversation about how a contractor plans to manage disruptions can help set expectations and reduce stress for the entire household.
5. Distraction From Work and Lost Productivity
The strain of a remodel doesn’t just affect home life, it often carries into the workday. Contractor calls during important meetings, last-minute schedule changes, or the mental load of tracking project progress can pull focus from professional responsibilities.
For more photos of this Kitchen and Main Level remodel here
For homeowners with demanding careers, this distraction has a real cost. The time and energy spent managing problems with a poorly run remodel can outweigh any initial savings. A well-structured project preserves your focus, your productivity, and ultimately your financial stability by keeping stress under control.
Why Paying More Can Save You in the Long Run
While the lowest proposal might be tempting, the true value of a remodel lies in quality craftsmanship, reliable timelines, and a process designed to minimize disruption. Extended schedules, surprise expenses, communication breakdowns, and productivity loss can erase the savings of a low price.
The right remodeling partner will take the time to understand your goals, explain the process clearly, and align expectations from the start. A well-planned remodel not only gives you the home you’ve envisioned, but also makes the journey to get there smoother and more enjoyable.
If you’re planning a remodel in Northern Virginia, choosing a team that cares equally about the process and the finished product makes all the difference. Synergy Design & Construction is here to help.
Your Next Home is Waiting at Belmont at One University
If you’re looking for affordable senior living in Fairfax, there’s never been a better time to explore Belmont at One University. We’ve lowered the rent on select one-bedroom apartments to $1,475 per month — and they also come with One Month Free!*
We recently welcomed visitors for our Open House on August 16th, but if you missed it, that’s OK — our doors are open, and our team is ready to show you around anytime.
Belmont is a 62+ affordable housing community thoughtfully designed for comfort, convenience, and connection. Our one-bedroom homes feature spacious layouts, modern kitchens with granite countertops, wood-style flooring, in-home washers and dryers, and complimentary basic Wi-Fi.
Life here goes beyond your front door. Residents enjoy monthly social events, seasonal celebrations, and friendly community gatherings. Our twice-weekly shuttle service makes it easy to get to popular destinations like University Mall, Fair Oaks Mall, H Mart, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, and more.
We’re also pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, and our location puts you close to George Mason University, parks, public transportation, and major commuter routes.
Lease Today:
One-bedroom apartments starting at $1,475/month + One Month Free*
Belmont participates in a housing program that offers reduced rents with maximum household income ceilings. Only one household member needs to be 62 or older to qualify.
Want to see if you qualify? Click Here, choose Do I Qualify, and follow the simple steps to get started.*
Pricing and specials are subject to change. Minimum and maximum income limits apply. Please contact the leasing office for full details. The income calculator is not a final decision, but is a guide to assist you in seeing if you might fall under the maximum income. Additional documentation is required.
MOSS Building & Design is proud to work with homeowners throughout Fairfax—and just as proud to give back.
Whether it’s hosting neighborhood clean-up events, donating services to local schools, or supporting inclusive design initiatives, MOSS invests in the communities that make Northern Virginia home.
Here’s how every MOSS homeowner is part of the bigger picture:
♻️ Neighborhood Dumpster Day support
💚 School and nonprofit partnerships
🛠️ Donations of handyman time for local causes
🏠 Passion for inclusive and sustainable design
Working with MOSS means working with a team that cares—about your home and your community.
Discover Exceptional Senior Living at Belmont at One UniversityIf you’ve been searching for affordable senior living in Fairfax, now’s the perfect time to make your move. Belmont at One University has just reduced the rent on select one-bedroom apartments to $1,475 per month — and you’ll also receive One Month Free!*
Even better? You can see it all for yourself at our Open House on Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Belmont is a 62+ affordable housing community designed with comfort, convenience, and connection in mind. Our one-bedroom apartments feature spacious floor plans, modern kitchens with granite countertops, wood-style flooring, in-home washers and dryers, and complimentary basic Wi-Fi.
Here, you’ll enjoy more than just a beautiful apartment. Our amenities include a welcoming club room for social events, a well-equipped fitness center, and landscaped outdoor spaces for relaxing or chatting with neighbors. Controlled access entry provides peace of mind, while elevators add convenience.
Life at Belmont is filled with opportunities to connect — from monthly social activities and seasonal celebrations to our twice-weekly shuttle service. Whether it’s a trip to University Mall, Fair Oaks Mall, H Mart, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, or other nearby destinations, getting around is simple.
Belmont is also pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, and ideally located near George Mason University, local parks, public transportation, and major commuter routes.
Now Leasing:
One-bedroom apartments starting at $1,475/month + One Month Free*
Belmont participates in a housing program offering reduced rents with household income limits, and only one household member needs to be 62 or older to qualify.
Want to see if you’re eligible? Click Here, select Do I Qualify, and follow the simple steps to get started.*
Have questions? Give us a call at 571-786-6146 or reach out online — we’re happy to help.
Pricing and specials are subject to change. Minimum and maximum income limits apply. Please contact the leasing office for full details. The income calculator is a guide only; final eligibility requires additional documentation.
