It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Mouth of Pimmit Run & Pimmit Run and Chain Bridge Historical Markers gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in McLean, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They”
“I had the good fortune to work for Scott Maguire at ABC following my move”
“Anyone reading this is likely where my family was. Completely exhausted and desperate. My husband”
“Wow--my family has worked with a number of companies to assist us through the years”
“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother”
“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very”
“I have worked with Scott in the Senior Healthcare field for over 5 years and”
“Scott has been a great resource for two summers now, when I needed help finding”
“I found that Always Best Care went out of its way to give my mother”
“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”
“Scott Maguire at ABC was very helpful when I needed to find an assisted living”
“I have worked with this company for many years as the leader in an assisted”
“Always Best Care has provided a wealth of knowledge. They helped me deal with”
“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a”
“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful for the help and advice we have received. The home health aide sent to us has been outstanding and Scott Maguire has always been available for advice. We recommend ABC to anyone who needs its services.”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night companions at the hospital and home for more than two months. Scott responded to our needs and provided some wonderful people. Highly recommend.”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure. Scott was very helpful in arranging a dependable and compassionate caregiver for the time which we needed the assistance. I could confidently attend to my work schedule knowing that my mother was receiving the help she needed for medication reminders, meal preparation, exercise prompts and having a supportive ear during the convalescence from Sue. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services very highly.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that works best for your situation. My mom loves here caregiver and I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for peace of mind,”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three years, and I would unreservedly do so again. It took a little bit to find providers who were right for my mother’s particular needs (besides becoming increasingly frail, she had severe anxiety), and for my schedule (my mother was living with me), but owner Scott Maguire was extremely accessible and responsive, and ultimately we established an arrangement that worked well. The caregivers were honest, reliable, caring, and responsive to my feedback, and communication via daily logs and in-person reporting ensured I was aware of anything I needed to know. I found the advantage of working with a small company whose owner I never had trouble reaching or getting to understand my needs a huge factor in what made this agency work for me.”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying several other companies). Scott was professional and responsive. He found the perfect companion for my mom (Kendall). She was reliable, flexible, thoughtful, kind and an excellent communicator. Within a short time, my mom began asking when that "nice Kendall" was coming again. I cannot recommend ABC Senior Services highly enough. I will always be grateful for their services.”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and billing was easy.”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended by another senior care agency. They quickly responded with excellent experienced care givers who were terrific in caring for my father, giving him the attention he needed. The personal attention given by the owner was terrific. The nursing consultation was also appreciated. I highly recommend this agency.”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott and Always Best Care came to my rescue by providing me with the help I needed to get through this ordeal. The young lady that came 7 hours a day was a Godsend to me. She was attentive and caring and made my wife's life so much better, no to mention my own. I would not have made it through without her. Scott dealt directly with the insurance people saving me from having to manage any record keeping and payment issues. That also relieves a lot of stress. I would strongly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of such services.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed help and companionship and I couldn’t be there 24/7. Always Best Care sent providers to be with her and I can’t say enough good things about them. They were compassionate and skilled, and always there when I needed them. I could relax knowing that my mom was in good hands.”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They ran errands with her, provided meals for her and Dad, and generally kept her engaged and entertained during the pandemic. Scott was a wealth of knowledge and always available to help us navigate the disease and it’s effects. I highly recommend him and his team!”
“I had the good fortune to work for Scott Maguire at ABC following my move from New Hampshire to Virginia. I was with the agency for eight years until last month when I moved to Florida. Scott always cared about his clients, and had a knack for matching them with compatible caregivers. He was always available for questions and concerns. I had opportunities to work for other agencies between clients, but chose to stick with Always Best Care, because the name of the agency says it all.”
“Anyone reading this is likely where my family was. Completely exhausted and desperate. My husband and I had been primary caregivers for my in-laws when one ended up with non-COVID pneumonia and the other had a stroke followed by a fall-- all since early January. Now vaccinated, they were ready for outside help and wanted it to start right away. We had been talking to an agency throughout the process that came highly recommended, Old Dominion. But they were not able to turn around an awesome caregiver in 72 hours and recommended I call one of their friendly competitors-- Scott- At Always Best Care Senior Services in Herndon. Scott understood that we were looking for stopgap care until Old Dominion could find someone permanent and after a call Friday afternoon, he had someone at my in-laws on Monday, 8:00am. And she was terrific. It makes all the difference to have such a positive experience from the beginning. My in-laws were very pleased and appreciated that Scott had been upfront that the caregiver he had available had a thick accent and that, combined with a mask, might be challenging for someone hearing impaired. This is an issue for my mother in law and it made all the difference that she knew in advance. The other thing I appreciated is that all of Scott's caregivers are vaccinated or on their way. The one he sent was getting her second shot later in her start week with us. Unfortunately, my father-in-law is going to need a stint in skilled rehab, so we won't be continuing with Scott's wonderful caregiver. But Scott stepped up to help provide some insiders perspective on facilities. There was nothing to gain from that, except putting goodness out into the world. The process is overwhelming and it made such a difference to get his perspective. We could not have been more pleased to have had such a terrific experience and highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you or a loved one is looked for quality care.”
“Wow--my family has worked with a number of companies to assist us through the years in the Annandale area. This is the best. Scott Maguire--the owner is responsive, collaborative, and empathetic to unique questions and requirements. This is the company we will work with hereafter.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother this past year. They’ve been very responsive and flexible to her changing needs. I would recommend this very well-run company to anyone seeking top-notch care for their loved one.”
“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very flexible with providing services for my dad, and have a top-notch staff. We're extremely pleased!”
“I have worked with Scott in the Senior Healthcare field for over 5 years and have consistently found him to be genuinely concerned and compassionate in regards to caring for the elder population as well as extremely knowledgeable about the Senior Market in general. He is well respected in the industry and has a lot of reliable contacts to refer families to if you are looking for assistance in other areas of the industry. In a very competitive field, it is nice (and extremely important) to find someone you can trust.”
“Scott has been a great resource for two summers now, when I needed help finding a companion who could take my mom to the pool. Scott did a wonderful job finding companions who were a good fit for my mom's personality & needs, and was also quite helpful figuring out pool schedules & locations in Reston, with an eye toward accessible facilities at each one (very important as I live 3k miles away ). Scott is really good about working with the staff at the assisted living where my mom is, and the companions he hires are kind, thoughtful, and professional. Thank you, so much.”
“I found that Always Best Care went out of its way to give my mother wonderful help during a challenging time of extreme heat and intermittent power outages. I am very appreciative!”
“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”
“Scott Maguire at ABC was very helpful when I needed to find an assisted living facility for my mother. Later, when my mother's needs increased, ABC provided a very good companion for her. I recommend Scott and ABC without reservation.”
“I have worked with this company for many years as the leader in an assisted living community in the local Herndon neighborhood. I have found that the caregivers at "Always Best Care" were compassionate, caring and engaging with the the residents they served with our community. The management team at Always Best Care, in addition, were very responsive to any questions or concerns that we may have had and resolved issues immediately. The management team often visited their team members in the community ensuring that their employees were engaging with their clients and performing professionally in the "guest community". I would highly recommend this organization if you are looking for a team who can understand the needs of the senior as well as the needs of the family.”
“Always Best Care has provided a wealth of knowledge. They helped me deal with all the issues that appeared once my Mom got sick and could no longer take care of herself. Scott shared ideas and information. He was able to direct me to VA services I didn't realize my Mom was entitled. This money thanks to Scott has allowed my Mom to stay in her home and have services provided to her. I highly recommend Scott and his caring wonderful staff at Always Best Care.”
“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a pleasure to work with Scott and his team.”
“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted Living Home that suited my parent's budget and lifestyle. Scott identified our financial concerns and then went to work looking for a place for my parents. He found a great place closer to my home and my parents are thrilled with it and are able to bank money instead of wasting money at the place they were at before. Scott's referral service will always be remembered by the Nay Family”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting McLean Hamlet Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood McLean or visit Burling Cabin Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in McLean, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in McLean, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in McLean, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.McLean|Featured EventThu, Oct 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM1455 Laughlin Ave, McLean, VA, 22101Mark your calendars for Trick or Treat at McLean Volunteer Fire Department on Oct. 31, 5-8 pm. Our volunteers will be on hand to hand out candy to kids from our community! (Note to parents: This is not a...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
McLean|Featured Event
Mark your calendars for Trick or Treat at McLean Volunteer Fire Department on Oct. 31, 5-8 pm. Our volunteers will be on hand to hand out candy to kids from our community! (Note to parents: This is not an Open House and there are no special events, but feel free to stop by with your kids for candy if you’re passing through downtown McLean. We are at 1455 Laughlin Ave.)
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Sunday, 9:00 amChantilly, VA
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Local lawmakers say a Tysons casino would undermine potential job growth and derail economic development along Metro's Silver Line.Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff|Updated Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 3:51 pm ETMCLEAN, VA — A Fairfax County supervisor disagreed with the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO’s contention that building a casino, performance space and convention center in Tysons would create 5,000 new jobs....
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
|Updated Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 3:51 pm ET
MCLEAN, VA — A Fairfax County supervisor disagreed with the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO’s contention that building a casino, performance space and convention center in Tysons would create 5,000 new jobs.
“Since we put in place the Tysons Plan, we have seen extraordinary job growth in Tysons,” Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) said at a community forum Sunday on the casino proposal. “We have seen mixed-use development in Tysons. We have seen huge companies come and relocate in Tysons.”
Not only would a casino undermine the goals of the Tysons Comprehensive Plan, according to Bierman, it would more likely make the area less attractive to the business community.
“There are lots of opportunities for us to continue job growth in Tysons, and I'll continue to support that type of development,” Bierman said. “If some of those companies decide they don't actually want to be located in Tysons anymore, that's going to hurt us.”
Bierman spoke at No Fairfax Casino’s community forum at McLean High School. About 200 people showed up to hear the latest news about impending legislation that would pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons.
Patch first broke the news in September 2023 that Comstock Holding Companies was seeking to build a casino somewhere on the Silver Line in Fairfax County. The company is behind the mixed-use development at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. Since then, a groundswell of opposition has grown in and around Tysons, which is where Comstock hopes to build its casino.
“Let's be clear, when the senators and delegates who represent a community, along with their constituents, are in strong opposition to a proposal in their own community, that does matter,” said State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Herndon), who was the keynote speaker at Sunday’s forum.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, Boysko was one of the 13 senators who voted last February to hold over Sen. Dave Marsden’s (D-Burke) casino referendum bill to the 2025 legislative session.
If passed, the bill would give the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors the authority to add a referendum to a future ballot, so voters can decide if they want a casino built in Tysons.
Related: 5K Union Jobs, Workforce Housing Among Benefits Of Casino: Union
“In every other instance of a casino being granted in a community, it has been the community that has come forward and said, ‘This is what our people want,’ whether it's the city of Richmond, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Danville or Bristol,” Boysko said. “They had their leaders come down and make a formal request to the general assembly to ask for the authority to have a casino.”
Marsden has already indicated that he plans to reintroduce the bill when the legislative session begins on Jan. 10, provided the Fairfax County board gives its approval.
“I would like to note that the Board of Supervisors actually has taken an extremely firm position on this,” said Bierman. He then read a letter Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay sent to the general assembly in January outlining his opposition to the legislation as it was currently written.
Under the current tax revenue sharing formula, the state would receive 70 percent of the tax revenue generated by a casino, leaving 30 percent for the county, according to McKay’s letter.
“If you are opposed to Fairfax County just being the ATM for the rest of the state, this is a bad deal for you, and that's something that the Board of Supervisors has been extremely clear on,” Bierman said.
Beyond that, he said a casino could derail potential growth for Tysons and the rest of the Silver Line corridor, which Bierman, Boysko and other speakers described as the economic engine of Fairfax County.
Related: Bishop Declines Casino Advocate’s Invitation To Play Bingo
To advance this effort, Comstock, its employees and allies have contributed more than $1.2 million to the campaigns of state and local elected officials and signed agreements with Thompson Hospitality, which runs the matchbox and Big Buns restaurants, and the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO.
Sunday’s forum came less than a week after the newly formed Fairfax County Jobs Coalition, which represents workers from more than 25 unions, hosted a rally outside the Fairfax County Government Center.
“We have union agreements that will provide more than 5,000 good jobs for local residents, especially immigrants, workers of color,” said Northern Virginia AFL-CIO president Virginia Diamond. “If you work in a union hotel, union convention center, you know you're going to be making good wages where you only need one job to live in Fairfax County. You can afford to live here with health care and pensions.”
Read all of Patch's reporting on the effort to build a casino on Metro's Silver Line in Fairfax County at Silver Line Casino.
Although no formal plans have been released, Comstock seeks to build a 4 million-square-foot entertainment district in Tysons that would include a high-end hotel with gaming floor, convention center, concert venue, restaurants, retail, and workforce housing. In addition, 200,000 square feet of the district would be dedicated to a casino.
Since no formal plans have been released to the public or filed with the county, Bierman characterized the developer’s intentions as more of a press release than an actual plan.
“I don't oppose 5,000 new jobs,” he said. “I don't oppose 5,000 union jobs. Let's build it with union labor. Let’s have hotels with union labor. I'm all for that. Do not tell me that this casino is a good idea for working people, because it's not. It's not a good idea.”
Aside from Boysko and Bierman, other elected officials who came to the forum and had previously come out in opposition to the casino referendum included Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill); Dels. Karen Keyes-Gamarra (D-Reston), Irene Shin (D-Herndon) Holly Siebold (D-Vienna), and Rip Sullivan (D-Great Falls); and State Sen. Saddam Salim (D-37th). Also in attendance were Clayton Medford, McKay's chief of staff, and Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert.
Union workers rallied outside the Fairfax County Government Center advocating for a casino referendum bill and benefits it would bring.Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Oct 22, 2024 at 5:20 pm ETFAIRFAX, VA — About 60 members of area labor unions rallied outside the Fairfax County Government Center Tuesday morning, asking the Board of Supervisors to support legislation that would put a casino refere...
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Oct 22, 2024 at 5:20 pm ET
FAIRFAX, VA — About 60 members of area labor unions rallied outside the Fairfax County Government Center Tuesday morning, asking the Board of Supervisors to support legislation that would put a casino referendum on a ballot.
“I’m able to afford my house and live in Fairfax County,” said Nelson Aguilar, a union carpenter. “That's what we're trying to provide. A good-paying job, bringing this entertainment center here. It would be good for a lot of immigrants like me.”
Tuesday’s rally was organized by the newly formed Fairfax County Jobs Coalition, which represents workers from more than 25 unions.
“We're out here advocating for working class residents of Fairfax County,” said Virginia Diamond, president of the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO. “ We want to ask the county board to support the notion of a referendum, so that citizens can vote on the potential entertainment center and casino.”
Related: Bishop Declines Casino Advocate’s Invitation To Play Bingo
In January, Virginia Sen. Dave Marsden (D-Burke) introduced casino referendum legislation that would give the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authority to put a referendum on a ballot. That would allow county voters to decide whether a casino would be built somewhere on the Metro’s Silver Line outside the Capital Beltway.
However, the bill's advancement halted when the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted to hold the referendum bill over for the 2025 legislative session.
Marsden told Patch he would reintroduce his bill next session provided the board of supervisors supported it. So far, only Supervisors Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill) and Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) have spoken on the record as opposing the casino referendum bill.
While the bill was under consideration, Board Chair Jeff McKay (D) wrote a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee saying the bill was a bad deal for the county.
The way the bill was written, according to McKay, the state would receive the majority of the revenue generated by the casino, while the county would be left paying for the development's affect on the surrounding area.
Related: Casino Bill Should Be Rejected By Fairfax Supervisors: Former Lawmaker
Patch first broke the news in September 2023 that Comstock Holding Companies was seeking to build a casino somewhere on the Silver Line in Fairfax County. The company is behind the mixed-use development at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.
Although no formal plans have been released, Comstock seeks to build a 4 million-square-foot entertainment district in Tysons that would include a high-end hotel with gaming floor, convention center, concert venue, restaurants, retail, and workforce housing. In addition, 200,000 square feet of the district would be dedicated to a casino.
Related: Unions To Rally In Support Of Casino, Entertainment District In Tysons
To advance this effort, Comstock, its employees and allies have contributed more than $1.2 million to the campaigns of state and local elected officials and signed agreements with Thompson Hospitality, which runs the matchbox and Big Buns restaurants, and the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO.
“We have union agreements that will provide more than 5,000 good jobs for local residents, especially immigrants, workers of color,” Diamond said. “If you work in a union hotel, union convention center, you know you're going to be making good wages where you only need one job to live in Fairfax County. You can afford to live here with health care and pensions.”
Comstock’s plan to put a casino somewhere on Metro’s Silver Line has faced considerable opposition from residents of Tysons, McLean, Vienna and Reston.
“The casino is not what it’s promised,” said Linda Walsh, president of the McLean Citizens Association and member of the No Fairfax Casino coalition. “We've seen it over and over again in other localities throughout the United States. They are becoming oversaturated and they can no longer provide the income that they purport to. They have a very negative effect.”
To date, public advocacy for the entertainment district and casino has been limited to appearances before a few general assembly committees or setting up tables at community fairs around the area.
The union rally was the first large public appearance by casino advocates in Fairfax County. It was a chance for supporters to tell their side of the story, Diamond said.
“We have hotel and restaurant workers here,” she said. “We have carpenters. We have electricians. We have stagehands. We have all the construction unions, and we have janitors, unions, and it's basically the entire working class, and we're advocating for these opportunities for good union jobs for all workers.”
No Fairfax Casino is hosting a community forum from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road in McLean. State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Herndon), who is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, will be the guest speaker. More information about the forum is available online.
Read all of Patch's reporting on Comstock Companies' plan to build a casino on Metro's Silver Line in Fairfax County at Silver Line Casino.
Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies is hosting professional development workshops aimed at helping artists expand their business skills. Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 7:29 pm ETFAIRFAX, VA — Three Northern Virginia arts organizations are jointly hosting free professional development workshops for artists living and working in the DMV.“Northern Virginia is fortunate...
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 7:29 pm ET
FAIRFAX, VA — Three Northern Virginia arts organizations are jointly hosting free professional development workshops for artists living and working in the DMV.
“Northern Virginia is fortunate to have an eclectic mix of emerging and established artists, as well as arts businesses and organizations of various sizes. We are proud to offer learning and networking opportunities that benefit this diverse workforce,” said Stuart Holt, president and CEO of ArtsFairfax.
Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies is a collaboration of ArtsFairfax, Arlington Cultural Affairs, and the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts. The organization announced the following upcoming workshops on Wednesday:
Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 1: The Narrative)
November 14, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 2: Work Samples)
November 19, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Marketing for Artists and Creatives
January 16, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Inside Representation: Paths to Working with Galleries
February 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Attaining representation is a goal for many visual artists. While it’s seen by many as a marker of success and support, it’s often unclear how to get representation. This session will focus on how to attain representation with a gallery and provide an overview of industry standards. In this panel discussion, facilitated by the New York Foundation for the Arts, you’ll hear directly from artists on their paths towards reaching this milestone. You’ll also hear from galleries to get their perspective on what factors they consider when deciding whether to represent an artist. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Meet the Funders
February 27, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Valuing the Invaluable: Pricing Your Artwork
March 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Marketing Tools of the Trade
April 10, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
Visit ArtsFairfax.org/NVLAA to register.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SchoolsHighlander Band Awarded 3rd Place and 1st Place Finishes in Two Area CompetitionsMcLean High School Band, Community Contributor|Updated Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 1:42 pm ETBy: Jennifer L.M. Henshall...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
McLean High School Band, Community Contributor
|Updated Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 1:42 pm ET
By: Jennifer L.M. Henshall
It was back-to-back weekend wins for the McLean Highlander Marching Band, as they kicked off their competitive season on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at The Pride of Herndon's 27th Annual Showcase of Bands in Herndon, VA.
In partnership with the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative, a non-profit marching band circuit that educationally and artistically supports Virginia bands, The Pride of Herndon, Herndon High School's Marching Band, hosted 35 local ensembles as part of their regional fall marching contest. McLean placed 3rd out of the 35 participants and was awarded for Best Color Guard and Best Percussion. In addition to their third place finish, the Highlander marchers won 1st Place in Ensemble Music and 1st Overall in General Effect Visual.
Band Director, Chris Weise, praised the 150-piece ensemble stating, "Congratulations on a fantastic first competition last night at VMBC Herndon! You all had a great run - the best that we’ve seen so far. You did an incredible job pulling everything together and putting it all out there for everyone to see and enjoy."
Just one week later, on October 5, the Highlanders traveled to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis to participate in the Marine Corps Invitational organized by USBands, the largest sanctioning body for scholastic music competitions in the United States. Propelled by their strong finish the previous weekend, McLean swept the competition and took home 1st Place Overall and awards for Best Music, Best Guard, Best Visual, Best Effect and Best Percussion. Their toe-tapping show, Big Country, featuring songs The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Big Country and Take Me Home Country Roads, brought down the house and topped the 33-band competition with the highest score of the day -- an impressive 88.2 points.
"The judges loved you and loved the show," Weise said, complimenting the marchers on another sound performance. "The audience loved you all, too, and you could hear their excitement from the beginning of the show until the final note. At the end, they were even singing along with Country Roads - what a way to compliment the past nine weeks of all of your hard work!"
If you're interested in catching the Big Country excitement live, the band will be performing during the half-time show at the McLean Homecoming football game on Friday, October 18th at 7 p.m. when the Highlanders take on Herndon High School.
Many thanks to the McLean community for its unwavering support of the band program!
About the McLean Highlander BandThe McLean High School (MHS) Band Program provides a vibrant, award-winning, musical experience for students and audiences alike. Supported by a talented and dedicated staff and parents' organization, the MHS Band Program provides students multiple venues to grow in their musicianship and leadership while making lifelong friendships along the way. The program is committed to the achievement of musical excellence in all areas and at all levels of performance. For a list of upcoming events and concerts, please visit the band’s website at https://www.mcleanband.org/.
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