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

For many, the holiday season includes traditions, expectations, commitments — and rising levels of stress. If you are among those who feel their stress levels rising at this time of year, try an easy solution: mindful meditation.

Myriad studies have shown that a regular meditation practice can reduce stress and physically change the brain so that you have greater capacity to continually manage stress. Learning to avoid stress saves a lot of wear and tear on your body as well as your brain.

Mindful meditation refocuses the attention, calming the mind and lowering blood pressure and heart rate. A morning meditation session of even a few minutes can help you manage stress throughout your day.

As you learn to focus, you’re training your attention and your ability to tune out the information overload and jumbled thoughts we live with constantly — and better attention means a sharper memory. Additionally, studies show that meditation can actually grow, or increase the volume of, areas of the brain responsible for:

• complex cognitive processes including planning, goal setting, decision making, attention, and short-term memory
• positive mood
• improving awareness of body, gut feeling, and empathy
• long-term memory

Types of Meditation 

Meditation is simple and takes as little as a few minutes a day. But remember — if you want to enjoy the benefits above, you’ll need to meditate regularly, and ideally that means every day.

Here are a few types of meditation to consider:

Mindfulness sitting meditation is the most common form of meditation. Sit comfortably with your back, neck, and head straight but not stiff. Concentrate on your breathing and the sensations it creates. When your mind wanders or you become distracted, gently return your focus to your breath. Try this for just five minutes at first, gradually increasing the time.

Visualization meditation involves mental visualization of an image, which is usually meaningful or religious. While you meditate (as above), you try to mentally visualize your chosen image in as much detail as possible. As you do so, you may also reflect on the meaning of your image.

Walking meditation is similar to sitting meditation. Slowly and comfortably walk, focusing your attention on each step, the movement of your body, and the feel of each foot on the ground. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the movement of walking.

Loving-kindness meditation focuses on practicing compassion. As you practice cultivating feelings of loving kindness, gradually move your focus from feeling this toward yourself, then to loved ones, and then to people who are less close to you.

Look for a local meditation class, or purchase audio recordings of guided meditations. Once you’ve mastered the basics of your chosen type of meditation, it will become a matter of practicing — and enjoying the benefits that come with it.

The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in early 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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].

It’s hard to believe we’re just a month away from entering 2024.

This time of year goes by in the blink of an eye between all the times happening. If you’re trying to decide where to spend your time and energy, here’s a breakdown of happenings around town for the remainder of the year so you can pick and choose what you want to prioritize!

Tonight (Nov. 27): Church Street Stroll

The fun starts at 6 p.m. Bundle up because it’s cold today! Santa will arrive on his firetruck to light the town tree, there’s live music, he generally sits on the porch at the Freeman Store if you want photos or a meet-n-greet. There are crafts at Vienna Presbyterian Church and hot chocolate. The town will also set up firepits on each block of Church Street with free marshmallows for roasting. There’s a list of business specials from participating stores along Church Street. Find the full list here, but favorites include free warm and sweat treats along the way, plus a free social media-sized digital photo from Melody Yazdani Studios (this is a HUGE opportunity), also free pet photos with Santa at Vienna Pet Spaw. 

Saturday, December 2

• Cookies with Santa at the Vienna Community Center: This event is already sold out, but there is a waitlist you can hop on. For future information, you can sign up on Webtrac next year under Special Events. Tickets are $5/person.

Letters to Santa: Drop box at the Vienna Community Center Lobby (or you can mail it to the Vienna Parks and Recreation). Letters must be received by TOMORROW November 28 to guarantee a letter back from Santa.

Saturday, December 9

• Breakfast with Santa at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department: Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon, with tickets being sold at the door (pre-sale tickets were available but they’re sold out now). The tip with this is that 8 a.m. is usually the least busiest time — so all of you with early risers, go take advantage! Breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice and coffee.

Santa Claus Runs with the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

An annual tradition you should definitely take note of! Follow along as Santa visits each part of Vienna beginning on Friday December 15th. You can follow his route on Twitter at @VVFDSanta and this year the map is so much easier to decode! If you hear a loud siren and blaring music, that must mean Santa is close.

Sunday, December 10 at 11 a.m. at the Vienna Moose Lodge

Power Pack Event to benefit Food for Others. Great opportunity to get kids involved in giving back. You can bring food and help donate the weekend bags of food. Find more info here.

Thursday, December 14 at 5 p.m. at Mosaic District

Community Menorah Lighting with the JCC of Northern Virginia, between Shake Shack and West Elm. There will be candle lighting, sing along, dreidel games, and other entertainment.

James Madison High School Band Tiny Tots Concert

An interactive annual event that features music, characters and costumes, which is really fun for little kids. Many go in holiday PJS. Get tickets online. Thursday, November 30 at 10 a.m., 7 p.m., or Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.

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.

The anticipation of winter fun is infectious!

If you’re not already planning, fear not — I’m here to assist. As we bid farewell to fall and welcome winter’s embrace, creating a winter bucket list is an excellent way to infuse excitement into the season and prioritize memorable experiences for all.

Here are some top picks to consider in Fairfax County and a little beyond:

• Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Park: Experience the beauty of a winter wonderland as you stroll through the captivating lights, turning an ordinary evening into a magical one.
• Ice Skating at Reston Town Center: Embrace the charm of winter by gliding gracefully on ice, surrounded by the vibrant energy of Reston Town Center.
• Bull Run Festival of Lights: Illuminate your nights with the dazzling display at Bull Run, a spectacular festival that captures the essence of the season.
• Enchanted Christmas at Nationals Park: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with this enchanting event, spreading joy and creating lasting memories.
• DMV Winter Lantern Festival: Be captivated by the artistry of lanterns, casting a warm glow and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Skiing or Tubing at Massanutten (Pro Tip — Pack a bathing suit for the indoor Waterpark): Enjoy the thrill of winter sports and extend the fun with a relaxing dip in the indoor Waterpark — a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Unleash Your Creative Side at Board & Brush: Channel your inner artist and create something uniquely yours, adding a personal touch to your winter experience.
• Culinary Excellence and Date Nights at Sur La Table: Elevate your winter evenings by exploring your culinary skills or indulging in a date night at Sur La Table, promising an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.

As we embrace the colder months, let this Winter Bucket List be your guide to creating cherished moments and embracing the spirit of the season. Wishing you a joyful and enchanting winter season!

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

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.

The anticipation of winter fun is infectious!

If you’re not already planning, fear not — I’m here to assist. As we bid farewell to fall and welcome winter’s embrace, creating a winter bucket list is an excellent way to infuse excitement into the season and prioritize memorable experiences for all.

Here are some top picks to consider in Fairfax County and a little beyond:

• Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Park: Experience the beauty of a winter wonderland as you stroll through the captivating lights, turning an ordinary evening into a magical one.
• Ice Skating at Reston Town Center: Embrace the charm of winter by gliding gracefully on ice, surrounded by the vibrant energy of Reston Town Center.
• Bull Run Festival of Lights: Illuminate your nights with the dazzling display at Bull Run, a spectacular festival that captures the essence of the season.
• Enchanted Christmas at Nationals Park: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with this enchanting event, spreading joy and creating lasting memories.
• DMV Winter Lantern Festival: Be captivated by the artistry of lanterns, casting a warm glow and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Skiing or Tubing at Massanutten (Pro Tip — Pack a bathing suit for the indoor Waterpark): Enjoy the thrill of winter sports and extend the fun with a relaxing dip in the indoor Waterpark — a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Unleash Your Creative Side at Board & Brush: Channel your inner artist and create something uniquely yours, adding a personal touch to your winter experience.
• Culinary Excellence and Date Nights at Sur La Table: Elevate your winter evenings by exploring your culinary skills or indulging in a date night at Sur La Table, promising an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.

As we embrace the colder months, let this Winter Bucket List be your guide to creating cherished moments and embracing the spirit of the season. Wishing you a joyful and enchanting winter season!

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

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

How does your plan for the future look? If you’re a planner, you’ve already got your investments and assets figured out, and your estate plan in order. But there are other important aspects of planning that are often ignored — such as laying the groundwork for your future quality of life.

More and more people are considering the solid advantages of Life Plan Communities. These age-restricted, amenity-rich communities invite people to live on their own terms, enjoying a host of services and opportunities, along with the added benefit of access to on-site health care services, if ever needed.

A local example of this is The Mather, a Life Plan Community opening in early 2024 in Tysons, Virginia, for those 62 and better.

An Engaged Lifestyle

Because you move into a Life Plan Community while you’re independent, you can take full advantage of the rewarding benefits of living there. At The Mather, residents will enjoy amenities such as:

• A fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, group classes, personal training options, and more
• A heated, saltwater lap pool, whirlpool, and sauna
• Inspiring social, educational, and cultural programs, such as digital media workshops, live music, art technology seminars, and featured lecturers
• An art studio for exploring creativity through art classes and collaborative Open Art Studio sessions
• A spa offering signature services like facials and massage, with a Himalayan salt wall and more

These and other amenities and services are designed to meet the needs and desires of today’s older adults — and they also support overall wellness.

Proven Benefits

A national, five-year study revealed clear associations between living in a Life Plan Community and enjoying better health. The Age Well Study is a large-scale national study conducted over five years by Mather Institute, involving a total of 8,228 residents living in 122 Life Plan Communities around the US.

The Age Well Study compared the health and well-being of people who live in Life Plan Communities to a demographically similar sample of older adults living in the community at large. The findings reveal that residents of Life Plan Communities reported better physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and vocational wellness than their community-dwelling counterparts over a five-year span, with more favorable ratings in social and intellectual wellness in particular.

Highlights of the findings include:

• In Year 5, Life Plan Community residents exhibited better self-reported health and higher levels of moderate physical activity compared to older adults from the community at large.
• From Year 1 to 5, social contact significantly increased for residents.
• From Year 1 to 5, overall engagement in intellectual activities significantly increased for residents and decreased for older adults in the community at large.
• Changes in emotional and spiritual wellness were more favorable for older adults in the community at large, while the two groups reported similar changes over time in physical and vocational wellness.

The Age Well Study’s statistical models examined 1) differences in wellness between groups (residents from Life Plan Communities vs. older adults from the community at large), 2) changes in wellness over time (Year 1 vs. Year 5), and 3) whether the changes in wellness were different for Life Plan Community residents compared to the community-at-large respondents. Analyses controlled for age, gender, income, education, and marital status.

The increase in social contact within Life Plan Communities is not surprising, since in a community like The Mather it’s easy to find neighbors with similar interests to form a hiking club, theater-going group, or other social groups.

These research findings support the fact that, for those making a plan for their future, Life Plan Communities like The Mather are worth a closer look.

The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in early 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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].

My family is coming into town for Thanksgiving and the only thing worse than being judged by your own family is being judged by your in-laws. Am I right?

This morning I went to throw in a load of laundry and thought, I haven’t cleaned the detergent dish in a while, and sure enough, it was gross (also, being judged by the internet is fine with me). So please heed this as your reminder to check out those commonly used and often neglected spaces!

Washer (detergent area and pump filter)

Refrigerator filter — you can easily just vacuum this, but easier if you take it off.

• Sink drains (pull out hair)
• Humidifier filters (often get moldy because people forget to change them)
• Under your stove
• Toilet seat lid screws (boy moms especially can understand this one)

Two products I recommend:

• Affresh washing machine cleaner
• Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner

Don’t let your in-laws judge you!

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.

If you’re like me, I’m sure you love to create experiences with your family and friends while they’re in town or even better have an amazing day with your kids while they are out of school on Thanksgiving break.

Whatever the case, creating the perfect D.C. day is a must! I mean, let’s be honest, I’m sure you know someone who is a local, but hasn’t yet experienced all that D.C. has to offer. I mean it is our nation’s capital and people travel from all over the world to experience it, so why aren’t you?

A little secret about me, I spent over 15 years selling D.C. as a destination for conventions at Destination DC, so I have a passion and love for our nation’s capital and all things travel. Also, an insider’s perspective on why D.C. is an amazing place to visit and create memories. If you are ready to venture over the bridge, then here we go! Two of my favorite itineraries!

Experience D.C. Day 1 — The National Mall

I know so many locals that just forget how beautiful our city is and have not been to the National Mall in so long! I took all 3 of my kids in for this exact fun day and let’s just say it inspired me to write this column!

1. Washington Monument (Plenty of street parking just reach out to me and I can always give you some pointers.) My kids love playing tag on the green space or even just rolling down the hill.
2. Head over to the Lincoln Memorial. While capturing all the beauty along the way, make sure to get a glimpse of the World War II Memorial, District of Columbia War Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the NEW S. Park Police Horse Stables (my twins favorite).
3. A day spent on the National Mall means packing lots of snacks and enjoying some of D.C.’s best known food trucks or museum eateries. The National Museum of The American Indian and US Holocaust Memorial Memorial Museum both have great food options that do not require museum entry tickets.

Experience D.C. Day 2 — Favorites with a Seasonal Flair

The itinerary for Day 2 shifts the focus away from the Mall while still offering unique D.C. experiences.

1. Planet Word Museum (Time Entry Tickets available). Ideal for all ages, their tagline is “The museum where language comes to life.”
2. Pick up gifts for family and friends at the DC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter/Chinatown.
3. Compass Coffee (We all need coffee at this point.)
4. The mission of the National Portrait Gallery is “to tell the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation’s history, development and culture.”
5. Grab an amazing Lunch or Dinner at Jaleo and Zaytinya (2 of my fav).
6. Ice Skating in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (November 20, 2023 — March 3, 2024)
7. I am a hotelier at heart so of course I am going to recommend 3 hotels to consider adding to your day or evening, all within walking distance of this day’s itinerary. Keep in mind I am referring to grabbing a beverage or an appetizer, or just walking through the lobby space to capture the holiday decor.
   • Riggs is a remarkable landmark hotel that has a unique speakeasy that is guaranteed to offer a unique experience.
   • Waldorf Astoria is a breathtaking hotel that has a style and elegance you will not regret checking out.
   • The iconic Willard Hotel is definitely a hotel that cannot be duplicated with the amount of history and elegance. They are known for their High Tea; I can tell you from personal experience it is phenomenal.

If you love this and would like more insight, please reach out to me. Also, Destination DC is the one resource you need to bookmark, so please be sure to visit washington.org to create captivating memories with experiences that can only happen in D.C.!

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

Break the ice this winter with more than 50 leagues across D.C., Northern Virginia, and Silver Spring in 11 different sports  .

Whether you’re looking to embrace the chill with our outdoor polar bear leagues, looking to huddle up with our indoor leagues, or interested in more social or competitive play, we’ve got you covered.

Create your team or sign up with a friend or solo and we’ll handle the rest. Secure your spot and use code FRAYNOW24 for an exclusive discount at checkout and let the fun begin!*

*Get an additional 10% of leagues, deals and giveaways to partner events, VIP treatment including open bars at select Fray events and more by becoming a Fraylife member today!

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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].

Around this time of year, I always look for opportunities to give my kids opportunities to give back to our community.

We do Red Bag all year round, but the holidays bring a whole new set of opportunities. Most places require kids be at least 12 years old, so instead of wishing there were more ways to get them involved, I created one.

Food for Others is a local organization that provides food to our neighbors in need. They have a specific program called Power Packs, which provides weekend meal packs for students experiencing food insecurity. The program currently serves 45 schools and roughly 3,594 students each week. Vienna schools included in this program are Fairhill Elementary School, Freedom Hill Elementary School, Louise Archer Elementary School, Shrevewood Elementary School, and Thoreau Middle School. 

What is a power pack?

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 snacks

How can you get involved?

• Join us on Sunday, December 10 at 11 a.m. at the Vienna Moose Lodge to bring food to donate and/or stay and help pack the bags
• We can sign off if kids need volunteer hours for middle or high schoolers
• Could be a great food drive if a team, cub scouts, girl scouts, etc. want to collect food donations
• There is an Amazon Wish List if you’d like to donate but can’t attend
• If you’re local and want to donate food, I am also more than happy to come by and pick it up. Please just message me!

What we need:

Breakfast: Oatmeal Packets, Individual Cereal Boxes, Granola Bars (NO PEANUT BUTTER), Nutri Grain Bars
Lunch/Dinner: Chili Cups, Mac and Cheese Cups, Tuna/Chicken Salad Kits, Chef Boyardee Meals
Snacks: Fruit Cups In Juice (No syrup and NO TINFOIL Lids), Cheese & Crackers, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Dried Fruit
Drinks: 100% Fruit Juice, Capri Sun Juice Boxes, Shelf Stable Milk

Note: Do NOT include peanut butter, candy, pop-tarts, Vienna Sausages, glass containers, high sugar items, apple sauce cups with tinfoil lids or bottled water.

Donate Here!

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Among the millions of workplace accidents that occur each year, a small yet significant number tragically escalate to fatal outcomes. In 2021 alone, this figure reached a disconcerting tally of 5,190.

These are not mere statistics but lives irreplaceably lost, leaving families in shock and despair. But amidst the grief, it’s important to recognize that the bereaved families and dependents hold a rightful claim to compensation.

This article seeks to guide individuals and families grappling with such circumstances, offering them the requisite knowledge and resources they need. So, we invite you to continue reading, for understanding is the first step towards recovery and justice.

Understanding Workplace Accidents and Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation coverage is compulsory for employers in most states and serves as a safety net, providing medical benefits and wage replacement for employees injured or falling ill due to work-related circumstances. Even in states where it’s not compulsory, employers are liable for incidents that occur in the workplace; only this time, they have to carry liability directly.

“The premise of workers’ compensation insurance lies in a trade-off. Workers relinquish their right to sue for negligence in exchange for guaranteed compensation, irrespective of fault,” says workers’ compensation attorney Scott Silberman of Silberman & Lam, LLP.

The degree of risk of workplace accidents varies across industries. The construction, transportation, and agricultural sectors consistently register the most workplace accidents and fatalities in America, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive workers’ compensation coverage in these high-risk industries.

Compensation for Fatal Workplace Accidents

Fatal workplace compensation is distinct from typical workers’ compensation, primarily in terms of who files the claim. Instead of the injured worker, a dependent or representative of the deceased’s estate initiates the claim process.

In some jurisdictions, there are generally two types of claims: dependency claims and psychological injury or nervous shock claims. Dependency claims are for dependents who rely on the deceased for financial support, while psychological injury claims involve the emotional trauma experienced by family members.

Claims can be made through the workers’ compensation cover/government scheme or pursued in court. Regardless of the approach, obtaining legal advice is highly recommended, given the complex nature of these claims.

Filing a Claim Directly From the Employer

Under certain circumstances, claimants may circumvent the workers’ compensation system and file a claim directly against the deceased’s employer. This route typically becomes appropriate when the employer has failed to provide workers’ compensation coverage or when factors such as intentional conduct or gross misconduct have contributed to the accident.

For instance, a direct claim can be made if an employer intentionally creates an unsafe work environment, leading to a fatal accident. Similarly, if gross misconduct, such as a blatant disregard for safety protocols, was a factor, the employer could be held directly accountable.

Filing a claim against the employer directly involves a different legal process than a typical workers’ compensation claim. This process can allow dependents to recover all damages, including non-economic damages, which are generally not recoverable under workers’ compensation.

It Is a More Complex Process

However, the path to filing a claim directly against an employer can be intricate and challenging, making professional legal representation essential. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the complexities, ensure the claim is appropriately filed, and advocate for the dependents’ rights to proper compensation.

Remember, each situation is unique, and the best course of action depends on the circumstances surrounding the fatal workplace accident and a lawyer is best placed to make the call.