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 Reston Museum 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 Reston, 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.
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out”
“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”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my mother transitioned from one memory care to another. She needed a little extra support during this big change and we were referred to Always Best. The owner Rashid, is one of the most professional, kind, knowledgable and detail oriented people I have ever worked with. We have used 2 other home care companies in the past, and the customer service Rashid provided was absolutely above and beyond. He was very communicative and updated me every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for my mom. He made sure we had the appropriate care professionals who could fit our specific needs as well. His care team was top notch and we were thrilled with the care my mom received during this time. Ms. Monse, Ms. Judy, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Ling and Ms. Esther were all wonderful and made a valiant effort to keep my mom on her routine throughout the day while also keeping her stimulated. We are so thankful we found Always Best Home care services and would 100% wholeheartedly recommend Rashid and his team.”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of Always Best Care Senior Services. For those individuals facing the challenge of taking care of an elder relative, Always Best Care is more than just a nursing / care service - they are a support network. I wanted to make a special call out to Ron, Shanti, and Mary for their hard work and dedicated care for my mother. I truly appreciate all your help during these challenging and stressful times. Sincerely, Todd”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the family feel safe and secure. Dr. T Talbert”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients and truly does all he can to make them and their loved ones happy. I highly recommend using Always Best Care to care for anyone in need of care.”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home care for my father following a recent surgery. Rashid and his team were responsive, caring, extremely communicative, and super flexible with our evolving needs and schedule changes, helping us navigate a challenging time with grace and support. We are really grateful and would highly recommend them to others in the area.”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her insurance to provide me time to do things I needed to do. We have had the same caregivers for the past 3 years and we love them!! Brenda C. is absolutely terrific!! Jeanine is fabulous!! From the start, they have worked with and around our schedules, especially when we have had changes. Working with Scott M. the original manager/owner, and now with Rashid F., the new manager/owner has been really easy and enjoyable. Everyone as been easy-going and helpful.”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological condition that affects my movement and balance. My caregiver has helped me make doctor appointments and attend weekly yoga. My caregiver is always punctual. I highly recommend the company.”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was so worried about how he would manage, especially since I couldn’t always be there due to work, but he was in amazing hands. The caregivers were compassionate, attentive, and made his recovery process so much easier. Knowing he was well cared for gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend their services!”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful with taking me to doctor's appointments, to the pharmacy, and entertaining my free time by playing cards. Rashid, the owner, has been so helpful, so understanding, and so kind and has helped me tremendously in my caring. I would recommend Always Best Care of Fairfax!”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses Medicaid, but they were very kind and helpful in connecting us with another agency who accepts Medicaid, and followed up with us to make sure we had reached the other agency.”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out to Always Best Care S.S. (Fairfax County VA) & received the best customer service from Rashid after 11 exhausting calls. What I actually needed at that time they did not offer, but Rashid still proceeded to assist me. Rashid showed caring concerns and patience. Rashid even reached out on my behalf to others in his field of work as well provided me with further resources outside of his own practice! Not only did Rashid provide other resources, Rashid followed up with me the next day!! Mind you I missed the call/phone tag & Rashid still returned my call until we connected! That’s above beyond…. I was relieved of a lot of burden & false hope. The resources ended up being a huge success. So I want to highly recommend Contacting Always Best Care S.S. And have the pleasure I experienced with Rashid an awesome person, very professional top notch customer service for your needs. Rashid Farrell thank you for being you???? Octavia”
“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!”
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 Lake Fairfax 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 PassionFish Reston or visit Oatlands Historic House Gardens, 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 Reston, 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 Reston, 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 Reston, 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.
RESTON, VA — Labor Day weekend is traditionally considered the end of summer and many people try to squeeze in one last visit to the beach or dip in the neighborhood pool.Many services will be closed or adjusted on Monday for the holiday. Here are the closures to know about around Reston:Fairfax County government offices: Closed on Monday, Sept. 1.Fairfax County Public Schools: Schools are closed on Sept. 1. Labor Day is a holiday for all FCPS staff.Reston Associatio...
RESTON, VA — Labor Day weekend is traditionally considered the end of summer and many people try to squeeze in one last visit to the beach or dip in the neighborhood pool.
Many services will be closed or adjusted on Monday for the holiday. Here are the closures to know about around Reston:
Fairfax County government offices: Closed on Monday, Sept. 1.
Fairfax County Public Schools: Schools are closed on Sept. 1. Labor Day is a holiday for all FCPS staff.
Reston Association offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Reston Community Center: Both the Hunters Woods and Lake Anne community centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1.
The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will be closed through Sept. 5 to accommodate capital projects for the building. The pools will be closed from 12-1 p.m. everyday for a deep cleaning. Spa will be closed the last Sunday of every month for cleaning.
Courts: Fairfax County General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and Circuit Court will be closed on Sept. 1.Department of Motor Vehicles: Virginia DMV offices are closed on Monday, Sept. 1., and some services are available online at dmv.virginia.gov.
Fairfax Connector: On Monday, Sept. 1, buses will be operating on a Sunday service schedule. Routes that operate on Sundays are: 101, 109, 151, 152, 161, 162, 171, 310, 321, 322, 371, 401, 402, 423, 463, 467, 558, 559, 574, 605, 615, 622, 630, 642, 651, 662, 672, 721, 803, 901, 921, 924, 937, 950, 952, 954, 983, RIBS 1, RIBS 2, RIBS 3, RIBS 4 and RIBS 5.
Libraries: All Fairfax County Public Library locations are closed on Monday, Sept. 1.
Metro: On Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, Metrorail and Metrobus will operate on their regular Sunday schedules, with Metrorail opening at 6 a.m. and closing at midnight. MetroAccess customers can make a reservation, but subscription trips will be canceled. The Green Line's Naylor Road, Suitland, and Branch Av stations, which were closed for construction, will reopen on Labor Day.
Park authority: On Labor Day, Park Authority Recreation Centers will be open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Green Spring Gardens Horticultural Center and Historic House, and all other Nature Centers, will be closed. Lake Accotink, Lake Fairfax, and Burke Lake Park visitor centers will also be open, though specific hours for their marinas and other facilities vary. For detailed operating hours for other facilities and specific locations, visit the Fairfax County Park Authority holiday page or the Park Authority Operating Status page.
Post offices: Closed on Monday, Sept. 1.
Trash and recycling: Fairfax County collection customers have regular collections on Monday. Residents with private service should contact their hauler for any changes. The I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex will be open on Monday.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of fun on October 4 at the Reston Town Center Pavillion!Join us for DogFest Washington DC 2025, a milestone event celebrating 50 incredible years of Canine Companions! Enjoy a day full of fun, joy and a deep commitment to our mission of providing expertly trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities free of charge.DogFest is a family-friendly and pet-friendly event open to everyo...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of fun on October 4 at the Reston Town Center Pavillion!
Join us for DogFest Washington DC 2025, a milestone event celebrating 50 incredible years of Canine Companions! Enjoy a day full of fun, joy and a deep commitment to our mission of providing expertly trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities free of charge.DogFest is a family-friendly and pet-friendly event open to everyone! While there’s no fee to register, we encourage all participants to join the fun in raising funds so that we can provide more service dogs to those who need them.
DogFest is free! Be sure to register at www.canine.org/DogFestWashingtonDC!
Let’s make DogFest Washington DC 2025 a memorable celebration highlighting 50 years of enhancing independence. Your participation and fundraising efforts help us continue to provide life-changing service dogs to those in need.
At Canine Companions, we’re at the forefront of the service dog industry, dedicated to enhancing the independence of our clients through our expertly trained service dogs. Since our founding in 1975, we’ve provided service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, as well as facility dogs to professionals in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings—all at no cost to our clients.Our commitment is unwavering: every dog and follow-up service are provided at no charge, ensuring that individuals and organizations can focus on the life-changing impact of our extraordinary dogs without financial barriers.
Jayce and Emblem were matched in 2022, and Emblem immediately began making a difference for Jayce, a student at Gallaudet University! Jayce was born with Articulo-Autonomic Dysplasia which causes tissue laxity and hypermobility. Thanks to the additional support provided by Emblem, Jayce was able to return to school to complete his degree.
When you raise funds through DogFest, you directly contribute to this mission and help provide the gift of enhanced independence to those we serve. Your efforts make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the country.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
A Reston resident says she’s facing fines and possible legal action over the presence of milkweed on her property.According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, milkweed has a “bad reputation,” but the wildflower is vital for monarch caterpillars and other pollinators. It’s also toxic to the invasive spotted lanternflies, which have proliferated across the D.C. region over the past few years.However, milkweed is also toxic to pets like cats and dogs, potentially leading to serious or even fatal poisoni...
A Reston resident says she’s facing fines and possible legal action over the presence of milkweed on her property.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, milkweed has a “bad reputation,” but the wildflower is vital for monarch caterpillars and other pollinators. It’s also toxic to the invasive spotted lanternflies, which have proliferated across the D.C. region over the past few years.
However, milkweed is also toxic to pets like cats and dogs, potentially leading to serious or even fatal poisoning if ingested.
Reston resident and business owner Radhika Murari told FFXnow:
Spotted lanternflies are swarming across Virginia — killing trees, devastating crops, threatening entire ecosystems. State officials call them one of the most dangerous invasive pests we’ve ever faced.
And yet here in Reston, instead of fighting them, the Reston Association is threatening me – with fines and legal action – unless I kill the one plant known to stop spotted lantern flies: milkweed.
That’s right: in the middle of an ecological crisis, Reston Association wants to rip out the solution.
Murari blamed a real estate investor and a neighbor for getting Reston Association involved, arguing that the homeowners’ association’s policies on plants are outdated.
RA told FFXnow that it is unable to comment on active cases, but did link to the Reston Deed and its governing documents.
The Deed says that no plant can be installed that is, in the opinion of the Board of Directors or its designated committee, detrimental to neighboring real property. Use and Maintenance Standards Resolution 2 says detrimental includes any adverse economic effect on the claimant’s property or unreasonable interference with the claimant’s own use, maintenance and enjoyment of their property.
“Milkweed isn’t messy,” Murari said. “It’s medicine. It fights lanternflies, supports monarch butterflies, strengthens biodiversity, and reduces pesticide use. It’s exactly what Reston should be encouraging if we care about the health of our environment and our children’s future.”
FORT BELVOIR, VA — Chefs and restaurateurs will bring some of the best flavors around Northern Virginia to one place at the next Taste of NoVA. Some of the participants will be representing the Reston area.Taste of NoVA, hosted by Northern Virginia Magazine, is a returning food and drink festival with representation from around the region. The 2025 expands to two days on Oct. 11 and 12 on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Army in a publicly-accessible area of Fort Belvoir.Attendees will get unlimited...
FORT BELVOIR, VA — Chefs and restaurateurs will bring some of the best flavors around Northern Virginia to one place at the next Taste of NoVA. Some of the participants will be representing the Reston area.
Taste of NoVA, hosted by Northern Virginia Magazine, is a returning food and drink festival with representation from around the region. The 2025 expands to two days on Oct. 11 and 12 on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Army in a publicly-accessible area of Fort Belvoir.
Attendees will get unlimited tastings from top restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries. This year. Saturday features a Signature Sips & Bites event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday is the main event, the Grand Tasting with at least 50 restaurants from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Early admission attendees can get into both days an hour early at 12 p.m.
New this year are live cooking demonstrations with several chefs, including Chef Matt Hill of Ruthie’s All-Day and chef Bertrand Chemel of 2941 Restaurant.
Another new feature for 2025 is a speaker series with expert sommeliers, brewmasters, distillers and mixologists who will share insights into their beverages. Among the featured speakers are Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distillery and Tracy Waldron of Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy.
At the event, Northern Virginia Magazine will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Chef Patrick O'Connell of Michelin-starred The Inn at Little Washington. O’Connell will join NBC4’s Eun Yang for a conversation about his acclaimed restaurant.
"This year, in addition to delicious food and drink tastings, we’re giving guests a behind-the-line experience," said Sang Yang, CEO of Northern Virginia Magazine. "From live cooking demos to expert pours, Taste of NoVA 2025 will be interactive and unforgettable."
Chefs and food professionals from the Reston area participating are:
Attendees have the option of purchasing Saturday ($120 early entry or $100 general admission) , Sunday ($150 early entry or $125 general admission) or two-day tickets ($200 early entry or $165 general admission. Parking costs $20 for a parking pass at the museum or free at the Saratoga VDOT lot (Barta Rd and Fairfax County Pkwy, Springfield, VA) with a shuttle to and from the event.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Strong running attack, three interceptions, big stops deep in their territory give cause for hope as season opener loomsBy BRIAN McNICOLLIt had been a long time since South Lakes High football coach Jason Hescock was as happy about an outcome as he was on Thursday night at Hayfield.“It was huge,” he said after the game. “The sophomores and juniors who had to play in some big spots last year are now ju...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
By BRIAN McNICOLL
It had been a long time since South Lakes High football coach Jason Hescock was as happy about an outcome as he was on Thursday night at Hayfield.
“It was huge,” he said after the game. “The sophomores and juniors who had to play in some big spots last year are now juniors and seniors, and it’s a big difference.”
The 14-7 victory was itself cause for celebration, but the way it happened was even more gratifying. South Lakes ran the ball – not in a way to trick the defense but in a way to grind it down, something that didn’t happen much last season.
Dalton Blakeney carried the ball 19 times in what amounted to a little more than half the game. He gained 90 yards and, although he didn’t score either touchdown, he ran tough between the tackles and had five runs that resulted in first downs.
“This is us this year,” Hescock said. “We took Dalton off of linebacker. His only job is going to be to carry the rock for us, and he’s going to do it a lot.”
Christian Wyatt, now the starting quarterback, completed 10 of 14 passes for 113 yards, including a 36-yard strike down the middle to Nate Zschunke. He also scored on a 12-yard run when he beat the defenders to the corner of the end zone.
“Christian still has to get the rust off and adjust to the faster pace of the varsity game, but he did a real good job tonight. And he has some good wheels,” Hescock said.
The Seahawks defense also provided plenty of reason for optimism. After Hayfield drove 75 yards for its only touchdown, the Seahawks clamped down, allowing minus-9 yards rushing, 68 passing – 60 of it on two plays – and providing three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Labeeb Zaib, a senior, got burned on a long pass play on Hayfield’s scoring drive, but he got revenge one possession later with an interception deep in South Lakes territory. Cameron Soto, whom Hescock said has been a particularly bright light so far, made the second interception, also deep in South lakes territory, and the third, which he returned 41 yards into Hayfield territory.
The defense also found a way to end Hayfield drives in a way it struggled to do last season. Hayfield moved from its 30 to the South Lakes 4 on one march, but an 11-yard sack by senior Logan Legler, a top linebacker, forced Hayfield to try and miss a field goal.
“Our linebackers were moving really well, and our defensive line really clicked,” Hescock said. “Three interceptions and a fumble … that’s a lot of turnovers for one game. You can win like that.”
South Lakes showed big improvement from its first scrimmage against South County on both sides of the ball. Its offense looked more in synch, its defense stood up solidly and its special teams began to click as Nicholas Bertoni powered through his two extra-point attempts and Nick Picarelli picked up where he left off as a kick returner with a 50-yard return to start the second half.
Now the regular season begins with a home date against Yorktown. The Seahawks have not played the Patriots since 2023, when Yorktown ended South Lakes’ perfect season with a shocking 7-6 victory in the first round of the playoffs.
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