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.

Spring is here and summer is coming soon so it’s time for some family fun!

If you’re looking for a quick and exciting day trip from Fairfax County, look no further! Pack up the car, grab the family, and get ready for some adventures.

1. Shenandoah National Park — A little more than an hour’s drive from Fairfax County, Shenandoah National Park is a fantastic place to spend the day. Take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive and stop at one of the many overlooks for breathtaking views of the mountains. The park also offers hiking trails for all levels, picnicking areas, and ranger-led programs for kids.
2. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park — Located about an hour and a half from Fairfax County, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a town with a rich history. It’s where John Brown led a raid on a federal armory in 1859, an event that is considered a spark for the Civil War. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town, hike the nearby trails, or go tubing or rafting on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
3. National Aquarium — For families who love marine life, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must-visit destination. It’s a two-hour drive from Fairfax County, but it’s worth the trip. The aquarium has over 20,000 animals representing more than 800 species. Highlights include a dolphin show, a rainforest exhibit, and a shark tank.
4. Luray Caverns — Luray Caverns, located in the Shenandoah Valley, is a natural wonder that’s sure to impress the whole family. The caverns are more than 4,000 years old and are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. Visitors can take a guided tour, go gem mining, or explore the maze and garden.
5. Kings Dominion — Located in Doswell, this amusement park has something for everyone! From thrill rides to water attractions, this park is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Be sure to check out the family-friendly Planet Snoopy section for the little ones.

There you have it, friends, 5 Family-Friendly Day Trips that are sure to make your spring and summer memorable.

Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Baby boomers care about environmental issues — and they’re doing a lot more than talking about climate change.

As we approach Earth Day on April 22, research from Mather Institute reveals that the majority of those age 55 and better believe that preserving the environment is a top priority, and they engage in a wide variety of environmentally friendly practices.

“The boomer generation has undoubtedly contributed to the longevity of Earth Day since it was introduced in 1970,” says Cate O’Brien, PhD, Senior Vice President, Mather Institute. “Our recent study found that this age group is extremely concerned about issues including climate change and loss of biodiversity.”

More than 90% of those surveyed say that they’re willing to make future changes in the way they live and work to help protect the environment.

Mather Institute is the research area of Mather, the parent organization to The Mather, a Life Plan Community that will open in Tysons in 2024. Baby boomer residents will be gratified that Mather is pursuing LEED Gold certification and incorporating green building practices into the new community.

The Mather will also incorporate biophilic design — a design approach connecting interior spaces with nature that provides benefits including stronger social connectivity, increased physical activity, restorative benefits, and enhanced quality of life. “Research shows that a connection to nature provides positive benefits to people’s mental states and overall well-being,” says O’Brien.

This Earth Day, may we recognize the need for growing more green practices in our neighborhoods, and applaud older adults’ environmental attitudes and beliefs revealed in Mather Institute’s research.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

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 [email protected].

Continuing my “ask the expert” series, I wanted to give you a real estate agent’s perspective when we look at houses on the market.

Sometimes I look at them for market insights, sometimes I have a particular client in mind for it, and sometimes I’m just checking out inventory to keep a pulse on things. I want to give you my 5 favorites houses on the market this week in Vienna and tell you WHY I picked them.

In order from cheapest to most expensive:

419 Cynthia Lane NE, Vienna, VA 22180

A charming colonial on a cul-de-sac walkable to Church St, Glyndon Park, W&OD, Foxstone Park and easy commuter access. The house has an assumable VA loan with a 2.5% interest rate — a HUGE savings for our VA eligible buyers. Happy to explain what that means if you don’t know — just email me. The house itself is nearly 2400 sq. ft. on 3 finished levels. A traditional floorplan offers lots of natural light, fully fenced yard, tons of storage, and a carport for 2 cars. At $950k, the house offers lots of updates that you don’t need to do like windows, major systems, roof, and appliances, leaving space for you to make it your own in other ways.

2791 Marywood Oaks Lane, Vienna, VA 22181

A 2008 built large townhouse with a 2 car garage, and 3400 sq. ft. Spacious everywhere — for a townhouse to feel spacious, that’s a big win. Not only is there a sitting area in the primary bedroom, you get a walk out basement, a deck and a patio fully fenced. A nice bonus is that it’s on a dead end street with direct access to the trail to Nottoway Park and also just a few blocks away from the Vienna metro for convenience. The kitchen is updated with tons of cabinet and counter space.

430 Malcolm Road NW, Vienna, VA 22180

A like new 3 year old build by Everegreene. Get the benefit of the owners paying for blinds. I love the floorplan on this house because it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t. At $1.75m, this house feels like a steal compared to similar homes that are brand new. With just over 4800 sq. ft., you get a screened in porch, main level office with bookshelves, and space everywhere the matters. The fact that it’s walkable to town or Louise Archer is a nice bonus.

617 Truman Circle SW, Vienna, VA 22180

A brand new build by a local custom guy, Barry Schwartz of Dunhill Builders. The house has 5,900 sq. ft. on 4 finished levels on a cul de sac. Dunhill is known for the quality of their build, so you’re getting a great value for the size and quality at the $2M price tag. You get a surprising amount of living space in places that matter, plus a moody dark kitchen that looks amazing. They just installed a fence and while there’s a Trex deck already, there’s still room for a screened in porch if you wanted to add one.

626 Hillcrest Drive SW, Vienna, VA 22180

A brand new build by Reel Homes on a rarely available half acre walking distance to town. It’s a massive home at 9,065 finished square feet, 3 car garage, 7 bedrooms, 7 full baths and 2 half baths.

At that price tag, they did multiple things right: vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom to give you something unique, heated screened in porch with fireplace, plus a covered porch and the yard is prime space for a pool, sport court, or whatever else you can dream up since it’s flat and give you tons of room to roam. I think a $3M house in town should offer something different than the rest of the homes to set it apart. It’s not a mass appeal house, that’s a unique buyer need, so having something special about it besides the volume of space it something I’d be looking for.

I tell clients all the time — there is no perfect house. Every house has a weak point. You just need to decide what’s important to you and then decide which house checks most of your boxes and gives you that “we’re home” feeling.

When I’m looking at houses for clients, I’m looking for thing like quality of care of the home, general use of space compared to what they’ve said they need/want, and value.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Police encounters can be sour experiences that can quickly go south if you do the wrong thing. It is best to understand your rights and what the law requires you to do to navigate these situations safely.

However, you should note that these rights will only protect you if you use them. In fact, the best thing you can do if arrested is stay quiet and wait for representation from your attorney.

We take a look at some common scenarios where you can encounter the police and what you should do in these situations. Take a read below:

What to Do if the Police Stop You in Public

If the police stop you in public for whatever reason, it is best to know your rights and what you should and shouldn’t do.

Your Rights

1. You have the right to remain silent, and you can say out loud that you wish to exercise this right. However, in some states, the laws require you to identify yourself, and an officer might arrest you for failing to do so.
2. You do not have to agree to a physical search of yourself or your belongings, but the police might still carry on if they suspect you are concealing a weapon.
3. You have the right to a government-provided lawyer if you cannot afford an attorney.
4. You do not have to answer any immigrant-related questions (international borders, airports, and individuals with specific nonimmigrant visas are an exception).

Next Steps After an Arrest

1. Immediately ask for a lawyer and make it clear to the officer that you wish to remain silent.
2. Note that you have the right to a local phone call, and while the police can listen if you call anyone, they can’t listen if you call your lawyer.

What to Do if the Police Pulled You Over

If you get pulled over by an officer, here is a breakdown of what you should do:

1. You and your passengers have the right to remain silent.
2. Pull over in a safe place away from traffic.
3. Turn off the car, and put your hands on the wheel.
4. Passengers can ask if they are free to exit the car.
5. Follow the officer’s instructions by providing your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration.
6. Keep your hands where the officer can see them at all times.

What to Do if the Police Are at Your Door

If for whatever reason, the police knock on your door, here is what you should do:

1. You don’t have to invite the officers inside. Talk to them through the door and ask them for identification. Only let them inside once they show you a warrant signed by a judicial officer listing your address.
2. Even with a warrant, you still have the right to remain silent. You should observe what they do and record everything if possible.

What To Do if You Think Your Rights Were Violated

In any of the situations listed above, the officer might violate your rights in one way or another. Here is what you should do:

1. Document everything that transpired and note down the specifics of the officers involved. This includes their badges, patrol car numbers, and more.
2. If you sustain injuries, seek medical attention and take photographic evidence of the injuries.
3. With all the evidence at hand, file a formal complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.

What You Should Do if You Witness Police Brutality?

So, you come across a possible case of police brutality. What should you do? Here are the steps to take:

1. First, make sure you are at a safe distance and not interfering. If possible, use your phone to record the whole situation and make it clear that you are recording it.
2. Be aware that taking photos and videos is your right under the first amendment, and if an officer orders you to stop recording, you should remind them of this.
3. Remember that some officers might still arrest you even if it is unlawful. Hence, you need to weigh the risks of continuing to record.
4. Write down everything you remember about the incident, including the officers’ names and badges.

Final Words

Police encounters can be stressful experiences. But, by approaching these situations proactively, you can avoid violence and handle the entire process smoothly without any hiccups. Most of the time, it is best to remain silent and wait for your attorney.

This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.

Want an enjoyable pastime that sparks creativity, stimulates your brain, and creates good memories? Pick up a camera!

Photography can be as simple or as challenging as you want to make it, and whether you try a creative slant or get practical about recording the people and events in your life, you’ll find it can become a fascinating pastime with myriad benefits for your well-being.

Local Focus

For Robin Kent, photography is a full-time endeavor, a community, and a second career of sorts. “The main thing I’m known for is Washington, D.C.’s federal area, because it’s close. My preferred landscape — such as country found in the Pacific Northwest — is not close,” he says. “But here, the buildings are my mountains, and the fountains are my waterfalls.”

Robin and his wife Laurie are planning to move to The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, when it opens in Tysons, Virginia, in 2024. “Once we move in, it seems it’s going to be a problem of what to choose to do there rather than finding something to do — there will be plenty of programs,” says Robin. “A lot of informal groups are starting already — Laurie is in a fiber arts group that meets monthly. I’ll probably coordinate with other artists there.”

The Mather will incorporate a focus on creativity as an integral part of Aging Well, and will have plenty of opportunities for residents to engage with art and creativity on-site through classes, collaborative Open Art Studios, and partnerships with local museums and galleries.

Early Exposure

He grew up working in his family’s Florida photography store and learned “just about everything” about film, but opted to follow a different career path. “Then, after I retired, I went straight out to California to take a one-week workshop with a famous landscape  photographer named Galen Rowell,” he says. “I still use what I learned in that workshop.”

Robin has developed a following, particularly for his stunning twilight shots of D.C. “At this point of my life, I want to shoot what I want to and when I want to,” he says. “I do sell some of my work; I’ve had agents and worked with an art consultant, and I exhibit. I belong to Great Falls Studios, a consortium of about 90 artists, and we hold an annual studio tour every October.”

Picture-Perfect Brain Benefits

Like other creative pursuits, photography offers many benefits for mood and general well-being, along with the potential to improve several areas of brain health:

• Cognition. Researchers have found that photography has “high-cognitive demand,” regularly stimulating the brain and providing long-term cognitive benefits. One study found that participants who used digital photography showed improvements in episodic memory and reasoning skills.
• Mindfulness. Viewing the world with a photographer’s eye offers moments to slow down and focus on the present. There is even a meditative practice called mindfulness photography, which includes a focus on emotions, gratitude, and sharing photos with others. “When you’re walking around with a camera, you look at things. You tend to notice more,” says Robin.
• Connection to others. Other research shows that photographers who share their work in person or online report improved self-care, interaction with a community, and the potential for reminiscence.

Robin adds, “There’s also a physical component to photography: I have to carry about 20 pounds of gear around, and there’s a lot of walking. And the main thing is, it gets you outdoors.”

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.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Information in medical files is regarded as private, and rightly so. These records contain personal and sensitive information about the patients. However, doctors may be able to share this information in some legal instances.

According to medical ethics and other health laws, doctors and hospital staff are required to treat the records of patients as confidential. Normally, a doctor can only disclose such information if the patient permits it. But in certain legal situations, a doctor can disclose this information without breaching the doctor-patient confidentiality privilege.

What Does the HIPAA Say About Disclosures?

A Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) report states that disclosing a patient’s details is a violation. A doctor must not share a patient’s information outside the need to provide treatment for the patient’s medical condition. This means doctors and other staff must keep patients’ records confidential, away from the public eye.

When Can Doctors Disclose a Patient’s Information?

As stated earlier, there are some legal situations where a doctor can share a patient’s information with or without consent. Below are some of them.

If permission is given

A doctor in a criminal case can provide details about a patient when the patient provides permission to do so. They will have to sign a document granting this consent. This document must specify what particular files will be disclosed to the courtroom.

Importantly, such permissions only work once for that particular case and do not cover future cases. The doctor has committed a violation if other details outside the agreement appear in the courtroom.

If there is a need for help

In cases where the patient needs help, the doctor can disclose details about the patient. An example is when a patient cannot make decisions after an injury or because they are incapable of doing so. In many similar cases, the family members are involved in these processes.

If the patient has an illness

When a person receiving treatment cannot make rational decisions in a legal setting, the doctor may need to disclose some details. These details could explain the patient’s illness and why the patient is unfit to stand trial. It is also possible for the patient’s treatment to impair their decision-making.

If the government requires a patient’s information

While the government usually respects the privacy of a patient’s medical records, they may still require to see some basic information. This could include birth certificates, death certificates, reports of certain diseases, and treatment. The government may also require reports of suspected cases of child abuse and mental health issues that can be a threat.

If there is an issue in court

In the case involving a personal injury claim, a judge might request to know about the injuries and medication. This will make the doctor a witness in the courtroom to testify about the injuries. The doctor must disclose information about the patient if health concerns are part of a proceeding.

Conclusion

Doctors and other medical staff are expected to be confidential about their patients’ information. Only in certain situations can doctors disclose the records of their patients,” says medical malpractice lawyer Russell Berkowitz.

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 [email protected].

Part of my job as a real estate agent requires heavy conversations.

Sometimes I get to be part of celebratory moments in life and sometimes I get to be part of a not so happy moment in life. I often remind people of their responsibilities of being an adult and am the nagging mom nobody invited along. One of the other people who gets to be part of these same moments is Sonja Aoun, an attorney with Tysons based law firm BrigliaHundley.

BrigliaHundley is a long time sponsor of Vienna Little League and was recently ranked as one of US News and World Reports Best Law Firms for 2022.

I had the chance to talk to Sonja about how homeownership changes your responsibilities as an adult. I’d like to introduce a new series I’m going to do called “Ask The Expert” and we’re kicking it off with everyone’s least favorite subject: death.

Q: If 2 or more people are buying a home together and they are not married, what should they consider doing before closing day?

A: I highly recommend discussing and executing an equity sharing agreement. It helps to protect everyone equally. It is a shared financial agreement that allows parties to split ownership. If the two parties plan to get married, they can follow up with a pre-marital agreement.

Q: What are the advantages of putting a home in a trust?

A: I’m going to caveat this answer by saying I’m not a CPA. However, if you don’t need a trust for tax purposes, a trust does avoid probate and makes it easier for the loved ones you leave behind. It also protects the asset from creditors.

Q: If you bought a home and didn’t have kids, but now you do, what should you consider?

A: Get a will! It’s the only legal protection to specifically name who gets guardianship of your children once you die. You can also decide what happens to your assets to be used to care for your children until they’re a certain age.

Q: If you’re getting divorced, what should you consider before selling a home?

A: I’d suggest you talk to a realtor, a financial planner, and a certified divorce mortgage lender so they can discuss the asset’s worth and whether it’s worth holding onto or not. They can also advise if you can afford to keep it. Also, do not compare the equity in the home to a retirement account when discussing division of assets. They are not equal.

Q: If you need to sell a home after a loved one has passed, what documents do you need? What should you consider?

A: You need to know if there’s a will or trust, as that will determine your next steps. You’ll need a copy of those documents plus a death certificate, and you’ll need to talk to someone to advise you of how to go through probate (if applicable) and fill out that paperwork.

I also asked Sonja for one piece of advice she wished more people knew. Her response was insightful:

“Just take care of it. It makes it so much easier for the ones you leave behind. Nobody likes to deal with these things, but just do it and then you’re done — you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

If you’re interested in learning more about wills, trusts, Sonja’s services or estates, they have a great free resource you can download here.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

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.

It’s that time of year again when we gather around with family and friends to celebrate Easter.

Of course, we have some exciting activities that are taking place in Fairfax County for you! From vibrant egg hunts to memorable festivals, Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and make unforgettable memories.

• Dinosaur Egg Hunt: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Search for dinosaur-filled eggs, join the egg roll, and meet the Easter bunny. Ages 2-8; $10 per child. Register online.
• Art Blooms At Mosaic: Saturday, April 1. Mosaic partners with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to bring a spring fun-filled day.
• Easter Festival, Shipgarten: Sunday, April 2. The Easter Bunny is making a special appearance at Shipgarten! There will be 3 rounds of easter egg hunts, crafts, and so much more.
• Egg-Streme Teen Night Egg Hunt: City of Fairfax, Thursday, April 6. An adventure for ages 10-14 — searching for eggs and prizes in the dark! Make sure you bring your flashlight! $5 per participant.
• Free Easter Event: CityLight Church, Saturday, April 8. So much to do during this fun-filled day including massive Easter egg hunt, complimentary food trucks, crafts, moon bounce, and face painting.
• Easter Egg Roll, Colvin Run Mill :Saturday, April 8. Hunt for treasure and treat-filled eggs. 3 age groups, $8. Register online.
• Baskets & Bunnies, Burke Lake Park: Saturday, April 8. Multiple sessions (including sensory-friendly) in 3 age groups. Admission fee includes a round of mini-golf, a carousel ride, and a timed Easter egg hunt. $16 in advance/$18 day of event. Register online.

Whatever you choose to do this Easter season, enjoy the experiences and making memories!

Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

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.

Register now!

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

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 [email protected].

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.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com