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.
Noticing Changes in Older Loved Ones Over the Holidays? What Montgomery County Families Should Look For
With more families spending extended time together this season, subtle signs of aging often become harder to ignore.
Holiday visits often give Montgomery County families a closer look at how older relatives are really doing day to day. With nearly 20% of county residents now age 65 or older, these moments of awareness are becoming increasingly common.
Local caregiving professionals say families often notice the same patterns when extra support may be needed. Some common signs include:
“In many cases, families aren’t looking for problems — they’re just spending more time together,” said Ross Fierman, owner and operator of Synergy HomeCare of Montgomery County. “That time can bring clarity and open the door to supportive conversations.”
Earlier this year, Synergy HomeCare of Montgomery County was named Best In-Home Health Care Service in Bethesda Magazine’s Readers’ Picks, an award voted on by Bethesda Magazine readers. The recognition reflects a growing preference among local families for care that allows loved ones to remain at home while receiving meaningful support.
Non-medical in-home care can begin gradually — sometimes just a few hours a week — and expand as needs change.
As families gather this season, experts encourage paying attention, asking questions, and knowing what resources are available when it’s time to act.
More information about local in-home care options is available at synergymoco.com.
Montgomery County families will soon have a new option for dinner. Feast & Fettle , a prepared meal delivery service focused on high-quality, chef-made food, is launching locally on January 3.
This service is designed for busy households that still want to eat well. Meals arrive fully prepared, chilled, and ready to heat. There’s no cooking required and no cleanup afterward, just more time to enjoy a real meal together.
Feast & Fettle already serves thousands of members across the Northeast and is now expanding to the DC region. Montgomery County stood out to them as a place full of busy families, caregivers, and professionals who could benefit from a better dinner solution.
They didn’t wait until launch day to get involved. The company worked with organizations in the area to deliver meals to furloughed federal workers. That early outreach reflects a belief that food is more than fuel. This effort prioritizes care, connection, and the belief that a nourishing meal can offer a lot to a family.
With a new regional facility now in place, deliveries will be timely and consistent. The facility also brings new jobs to the area, reinforcing Feast & Fettle’s commitment to investing in local communities.
Their rotating menu features entrees, seasonal sides, and options for kids, all made from scratch. Members choose what they want, and it’s delivered fresh each week.
Feast & Fettle is more than a meal service. It’s a helping hand. It’s calm after a long day. And for Montgomery County families, it’s arriving just in time.
New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle
Sponsored article courtesy RLAH Real Estate (more…)
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.
Celebrating Nearly 3 Years of Deliciousness!
Dear Customers,
Grandma’s Ice Cream & Waffles is excited to mark almost three years of serving you homemade treats, thanks for your incredible support.
Diverse Menu for Everyone
We offer a menu for every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—featuring amazing homemade ice creams (With no additional chemicals or stabilizers) and freshly made waffles.
Dietary Options
Our menu includes both plant-based and non-plant-based options.
Visit us for a warm atmosphere that feels like home. Thank you for being part of our family; we look forward to many more sweet memories together!
Grandma
389 E Gude Dr, Rockville, MD 20850 open 10-8 Wednesday-Thursday.
www.grandmasicecreamandwaffles.com
As one of the most trusted moving companies in Montgomery County, AK Movers has built its reputation on reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to customer care. Our team works across every major MoCo community including Rockville, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Potomac and surrounding areas. We understand that moving can feel overwhelming for families and businesses, so we focus on clear communication, upfront pricing, and careful handling of every item from the moment we arrive until the final piece is placed in your new space. With AK Movers, every move begins with understanding your goals so we can deliver the most efficient and stress free experience possible.
What makes AK Movers stand out in Montgomery County is the level of detail we bring to each phase of the moving process. Our crews are trained to pack, wrap, and load your belongings with precision while keeping everything organized and protected. Whether you are relocating a small apartment, a large home, or a commercial office, our team shows up fully prepared with the right equipment and a process that ensures a smooth and safe transition. MoCo residents consistently praise our punctuality, professionalism, and the respect we show for their property during every job.
Primrose School of North Potomac is now open, and we’re ready to help your little one do big things! In your child’s first five years, everything is new and exciting, and they’re learning by leaps and bounds. We make the most of this important time by nurturing the skills that set your child up for success in kindergarten and beyond. Visit www.primrosenorthpotomac.com or give us a call at 301-550-0308 to schedule a tour and learn more about our Balanced Learning® approach. (more…)
