How To Guide -- Ask The Expect March 2012

MARCH 23, 2012 L E E S B U R G T O D A Y 35L O U D O U N L I V I N G

Air Conditioning & Heating • Alarm Systems • Attorneys • Auto Repair • Auctioneers • Auto Transmissions • Banking Bathroom Remodeling • Builders • Cabinetry • Awnings • Orthodontist • Child Care Centers • Carpet • Catering

Wood floors • Granite • Chiropractors • Carpet Cleaners • Churches • Driveway/Patio • Plastic SurgeonsWindow Treatments • Dance Studios • Childrens Fitness • Bridal Services • Deck Builder • Dentist • General Contractors

Cellular Service • Financial Planners • Fencing • Fitness Centers • Chimney Cleaning • Gutters • Furnishings Weight Loss Centers • Closet Organizing • Computer Service • Home Theatres • House Cleaning • InsuranceConvalescent / Nursing • Retirement Community • Jewelers • Karate Schools • Kennels • Kitchen Remodeling

Landscaping • Lawn Care Equipment • Lawn Care • LASIK Surgery • Mattresses • Mortgage Lender • Moving Company OB-GYN • Optometrists • Painting Contractors • Pharmacy • Plumbing • Real Estate • Recreational Vehicles • Roofing Spas • Pools • Tanning • Tires • Vacuum Cleaners • Photography • Pet Supplies • Pet Grooming • Veterinary Services

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How To CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROFESSIONALS for your needs in:

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When it comes to finding someone to provide care for your child at a commercial center or preschool there are some things in common to be looking for. Foremost you want to ensure you are creating a safe environment where your child can thrive. There are several important questions: What kind of child care or school environ-ment are you looking for? Do you want a large school with lots of active children or a quieter environment with just a few kids? Should the school be located closer to your workplace or your home? What kind of activities do you want provided? And what is your budget? You will also want to start looking early as the centers have limited spaces and you’ll often find a waiting list. Plus, you don’t want to feel rushed with making this important decision. You will want to visit more than one place to tour the facility, meet the staff and spend time watching the children’s activities and interactions. Find out about the educational philoso-phy. Some schools approach learning through play-based activities, some introduce reading and math earlier than others and other schools incorporate multiple philosophies. Some pre-schools follow specific educational models such as the Montessori Method, the Waldorf

approach, Dr. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, Dr. Mel Levine’s All Kinds of Minds and the Reggio Emilia system and more. On your tour, pay close attention to these elements: •Howlargearetheclassesandwhatistheteacher-child ratio? The state regulates mini-mum staffing standards, but you may want a facility that goes beyond that level. •Whatisthelookandfeeloftheschool?Is it clean and organized? What kind of work is up on the walls? Is there a gym or play yard? •Dostudentsseemhappy?Aretheybusyor bored? Would your child be happy there? • What kinds of activities are studentsdoing? Are children working cooperatively in groups or individually? Find out if the center has been accredited by a national organization. Providers that are accredited have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. Also ask how long the staff members have worked there. Turnover can be an important factor in your child’s success as getting used to new caregivers, or losing a contact with a favorite one, can take time and energy away from learning new things.

How To Choose A Child Care Center

The optical world is comprised of three Os. The ophthalmologists are the medi-cal doctors generally specializing in eye health, diseases of the eye, and vision dis-orders. Optometrists specialize in family eye care and general eye health evaluations. Finally, opticians take the written eye-glass or contact lens prescription and fill them accordingly. When choosing an optician to fill an eyeglass prescription it is a good idea to make sure you are working with a certified or licensed professional. A good optician will start your eye-glass selection process with a brief interview about your general lifestyle and answer any questions you may have about your written prescription. Further, your optician should be able to counsel you about the appropriate eyeglass lens and coating choices and answer any questions you may have about how proper lens technology can assist your visual acuity

and general lifestyle needs. Once the optician understands your individual eyewear needs the frame selection process can proceed. An optician with experience in frame buying will know their inventory and be able to clearly direct you through a selection of eyeglass frames that are appropriate for you and your written prescription. If you are greeted at your local optical shop and told to look for a frame on your own or with little direction or interest in viewing your written prescription first you should turn for the door and seek help elsewhere. This interaction with your professional opti-cian is critical to being a happy and successful eyeglass wearer since you will want to look good and see well. It is as important to seek a professional optician to fill your eyeglass prescription as it is to feel confident in your eye doctor. Confidence is your key to success.

[Paige Buscema, ABOC, VA licensed Opti-cian, President, Eyetopia, Inc.]

How To Choose An Optician

MARCH 23, 2012 L E E S B U R G T O D A Y 37

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When I look at a house, outdoor room and/or patio, I don’t just see black and white. I see a backdrop of green with a splash of color in front and height on the ends of the house that add depth. A wall with no windows might have a trellis with a climbing vine. A Climbing Magnolia, Jasmine, Clematis or Pyracantha, just something to add some inter-est. A palette of color that extends your inside out. Start with your backdrop and make sure you use an evergreen to add winter inter-est. When everything else is dormant, you will still have a green color to accent the stone, brick or siding on your house. You might want to add another layer with an evergreen that turns red for the winter. Firepower Nan-dina or Heavenly Bamboo Nandina would be a good choice. They will add the splash of red to accent your green backdrop. Then figure out what to plant at the cor-ners of your house. Do you want a splash of color with a Crape Myrtle or a splash of blue with a Hoopsi Blue Spruce? This is a choice of deciduous or Evergreen. Do the corners need height of 25 to 30 feet or something that maxes out at 15 feet?

The most important thing to remember is not to plant to close to your house. Then my favorite part arrives, the peren-nial or shrub color that will be added to the front of your beds.

I prefer plants that bloom from spring to frost. Those that add that palette of color that goes on and on and on.

Maybe in a shady spot, an Endless Summer Hydrangea or in a sunny spot a Drift Rose or a Knockout Rose. If you want a shrub that is deer resistant, Little Princess Spirea, Goldmound Spirea

or other varieties of spirea, would be a great choice. If a shrub is not the right choice, you

can add a variety of perennials in front that will add the “wow factor.” There are everlast-ing daylilies, like Happy Returns and Stella Dora that bloom yellow until the first frost. Pink flowers like Dianthus or Delosperma are another great choice. Then we have the perennials that deer most likely will not eat. The purple and blue perennials, which include salvia, sage, laven-der and catmint. There are endless possibilities. Last but not least, you can’t forget to add some annuals. Annuals can be added at entrances or in pots. I like to add annuals at the beginning of the sidewalk and at my beds at my front door. I add pots with vines, spike grasses, wave petunias, verbena and many other choices to accent the doors. If you have a wraparound porch, don’t forget the hanging baskets. You want to make your house inviting and annuals are the “icing on the cake.” Remember the “great outdoors” is an extension of your home. Bring the colors you have inside, out. Don’t limit yourself to four walls.

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How To Landscape With Color

38 L E E S B U R G T O D A Y MARCH 23, 2012L O U D O U N L I V I N G

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To make ends meet these days, many times you’ll find both husband and wife working outside the home. And after coming home from a hard day’s work, who wants to spend time cleaning the house and doing other chores? Sometimes it takes all the energy we have just to make dinner. Even if there’s time to do the daily chores, such as washing dishes, doing laundry and making beds, there comes a time when the house needs a more thorough cleaning. If we don’t have the time or energy to do it our-selves, it’s okay to look outside the home for some help. But how do you choose a cleaning service? The first step is to think about and write down what house cleaning chores you want done in your home by a professional service. Also think about what rooms you want some-one to clean. Decide how often you want someone to clean the rooms. Might you want someone every day? Once a week? Once a month? Then figure out your budget. Most companies decide their cost on the number of rooms to be cleaned, the type of work and frequency of cleaning. The next step is to make a list of poten-tial cleaning services to hire. The best way to get started is to ask your friends, neighbors and co-workers for cleaning services they recommend. Then gather information about each of the services. Make sure the company

is licensed and insured. This is important if the employees will be in your home while you are away. Also find how long the company has been in business. Ask what types of cleaners they use, especially if you or your family members have allergies. Also ask what supplies, if any, you need to have on hand. Also ask about con-tracts for the service. Do you need to sign up for a year’s worth of service or can it be some-thing shorter? Find out what the company’s procedures are if you are unhappy with the work being performed. And ask about what type of training the company provides for the employees. Also ask about the background checks, if any, the company performs on their employees and find out if the same person will come each week. Find out about the prices for the ser-vices you want. Does the company charge an hourly rate or do they charge a rate for the job? Pay attention to the quality of the con-tact that you experienced with the companies. Were they polite on the phone? Did they raise questions that you hadn’t thought of? Did they provide you with some alternatives? With the information that you’ve col-lected during your interviews, one or more companies will rise to the top. Remember, too, if you want your expectations met it’s important that you communicate them to the company’s customer service people.

How To Choose A Cleaning Service

The exterior of your home may be show-ing wear. Interior walls may be dirty and dull. Maybe you just want a fresh new look. You need to paint. However, the job looms large in front of you. You tell yourself, “It’s no big deal, I can do it myself and save a lot of bucks.” Then, reality sets in. Where will you find the time to get the job done? Will the job be done right if I do it myself? Many homeowners are making the decision to hire a painter to do the job. To locate the names of reputable contrac-tors, there are many sources of information: friends, relatives, architects and design profes-sionals, and local paint supply stores. To make an educated decision, you need some specific information about any person or firm you are considering hiring. Certifications: Always verify the contrac-tor is licensed and insured. Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. They should provide bonding information and documentation of safety training and compliance programs. Contracts: Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time sched-

ules for the project and payment procedures. Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor. References: Obtain a list of references from the prospective contractor. This list should include the contact person, address, and telephone number of the previous client. Follow up on this list with a phone call. Remember, the contractor will not give you a bad reference. Therefore, ask references if they know of any other work this contractor has performed. Be sure to ask whether the contrac-tor and employees treated them professionally and with respect. The references you are inter-ested in should be projects similar in size and scope to yours. Warranties: Discuss any guarantee or warranty programs the contractor may offer. Ask about the manufacturer’s warranty on the products to be used on your project. The use of high quality products is as important as the selection and performance of the contractor. Once you have made your selection, step back and give the professional room to execute the project. You have both done your home-work, so give the professional the opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations.

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The selection of a dentist is an impor-tant decision for your family. Making the right choice requires more work than simply scanning the phone book listings. To make a choice that you can smile about for years to come, take time to learn about the experience, expertise and philoso-phy of dentists in your area. Dentists are licensed practitioners who hold either a dental surgery degree (DSS) or the equivalent of a doctor of dental medi-cine degree (DMD). Although the names of the degrees are different, the education the dentists complete is the same. Dentists have completed a minimum of two years of predental college work followed by four years of dental school. State licensure is achieved after passing national and state board examinations. Dentist who special-ize in specific fields complete two or more years of additional training and can become board-certified by passing additional tests. There are eight recognized dental specialties: •DentalPublicHealth:afocusoncon-trol and prevention of dental disease and the general promotion of dental health; • Endodontics: including root canaltherapy and treatment of diseases of root pulp; •OralandMaxillofacialPathology:thediagnosis of tumors, other diseases, as well as head and neck injuries; • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:including tooth extraction, and surgery to treat diseases and injuries affecting the mouth or jaw; •Orthodontics:thecorrectionoftoothirregularities, making sure the mouth can close with the teeth in the proper positions; •PediatricDentistry:specializinginthecare of infants and children; • Peridontics: treating diseases of thegums; and •Prosthodontics:thecorrectionoforaldysfunction with the use of crowns, bridges, dentures and other devices. After determining the areas of specialty that you or your family will need, it is time to schedule a visit with some local dentists who meet those criteria. One of the most important factors inbuilding a positive relationship with your dentist is to find one that is easy to talk with and takes time to listen to your concerns. Schedule an introductory meeting and ask lots of questions. In addition to understand-ing the dentist’s philosophy on prevention

and treatment, take time to learn about the practice’s participation in continuing educa-tion. The treatments in the field continue to advance rapidly as new techniques and equipment are developed. Good dentists focus on prevention. In your initial evaluation, the dentist should offer a detailed report of the problems or areas of concern and propose an under-standable, long-term plan for fixing them. The plan should not only address current concerns—a cavity, poor gum tissue or inadequate brushing techniques—but also focus on preventing other problems from emerging later. Your dentist should be able to prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immedi-ate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in overtime. Be sure you understand the conse-quences of delaying treatment. Because fees and insurance coverage almost always become issues, you’ll want to select a dentist who accepts your dental insurance. However, don’t let that be thepenultimate factor in making your selection. Look for a practice that will work with you to maximize the coverage provided by your carrier, but don’t expect insurance to pick up all of the charges, few plans do. At the same time, take the time to understand the cost of procedures and how much out-of-pocket charges you’ll face at the time the dentist develops a treatment plan. Charges can vary greatly among different practices and you need to feel confident that the costs are reasonable. Another frequent tip is to not let the cost of dental treatment delay needed care. Generally, the problems only get worse and more expensive as time passes. A growing area of the dental industry is cosmetic dentistry. These days, it is not just about filling cavities and telling you to floss more. It’s about the smile, too. Many dentist offices now offer teeth whitening services. The use of composite and porcelain tooth veneers placed over the front of teeth also is becoming more common to correct oddly shaped, chipped or crooked teeth. The result is a bright, long-lasting, perfect smile. Where bridges and dentures are widely used, dental implants have become a more common approach to replacing a missing tooth or even all teeth. Implants are false teeth anchored by titanium screws set in the jaw. Bone grafting may be required in advance of the surgery to set the anchors, but once in place they will last a lifetime.

How To Choose A Dentist


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Itchy skin, bad breath, lackluster coat, diabetes, cancer, early onset of arthritis. Why has this become the “norm” in our household pets? The answer is simple: processed food. The pet food industry itself is young. Not even a century old, the pet food giants have brilliantly convinced us that a species of animal who has lived over thousands of years on this earth cannot survive properly without it. Or that us, the uneducated pet owners (while smart enough to feed our own babies without a dietician at our house) are not smart enough to feed our pets without relying on what comes from scientifically formulated cans or bags. We also hear “don’t feed your dog human food, it’s not pet food.” Whoa, wait a minute, if this chicken isn’t good enough for my dog then why am I eating it? Not that I am suggesting only feeding chicken to your dog for the rest of its life is OK, but I don’t think a scrap or two is something to be so alarmed about. The truth is processed pet food is really about convenience. It offers pet owners the ability to feed their dog or cat a meal without having to prepare it themselves. But this convenience shouldn’t com-promise quality. Processed foods that con-

tain artificial colorings, preservatives, flavor enhancers and too many carbohydrates actu-ally rob your pet’s system of health and maintenance. Our dogs’ and cats’ digestive systems are designed to consume and utilize fresh meat protein, not the overuse of protein derived from plant sources. Too much of these plant sourced proteins produce large voluminous stools, excessive gas and the need to feed a lot more cups or cans per day. Over the course of months or years this stress from unnatural digestive processes takes a toll on the immune and purification systems leading to the chronic conditions plaguing so many of our animals today. It isn’t just about the “crude protein” amount, it is about where that protein came from. Animal protein (meat) is what your pet’s body is designed to digest. It needs and utilizes meat to thrive and these little crea-tures crave it. The last time I checked, the fox raided the hen house, not the cornfield. So what about canned food? We hear the myth: “it makes them picky.” The oppo-site is true, most pets love the texture and the moisture. It’s not that they become picky it’s that

they are enjoying this often overlooked and avoided benefit. But again the quality of can food varies and the artificial colorings, food enhancers, hidden sugars and addi-tions of many soy or vegetable texturized

proteins and meat by-products need to be avoided. High quality can food will contain better cuts of meat, very few carbohydrates and sometimes a limited amount of fruits, vegetables or berries. The breadth of pet food choices avail-able to us is really astounding and is the envy of the world. With flashing lights and

signs, jingles and themes, the best selection of exotic pet food offerings from around the world are at our fingertips like never before. Every brand out there thinks it’s the perfect food for your pet. But what is the right choice? When deciding what pet foods I would carry in my store, I concentrated on foods that were closer to what your pet is designed to digest, supplements that would aid, repair and enhance your pet’s life as well as yummy treats that would tantalize their taste buds but not add inches to their waist line. The result is a well-balanced product line of the highest quality without the empty market-ing catch phrases and come-ons that lure buyers into a false sense of security. Our pets depend on us, just like our children. When considering your own pet’s diet, you should start by asking “what did I really feed my pet today?” The convenience the pet food indus-try offers us is great for our busy lives, but remember when grabbing that bag or can make sure it’s a digestible source of quality food that you’re really buying.

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How To Choose Healthy Pet Food

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“$39 installation.” “Buy one room, get the other free.” “We’ll beat any adver-tised price by 15%” You hear it everyday. On the TV, in the newspaper, on the radio…gimmicks, gimmicks, gimmicks, all aimed at getting you to shop with a specific retailer. But how do you sort through all the gimmicks and get to the truth. How do you know what is true and what is just a lure? The answer is simple. Always read and understand the small print and dis-claimers. Questions you need to ask any legitimate retailer are:1) Does the buy one room, get the other room free include all labor or materials only?2) What is the square footage minimum and/or maximum?3) Does it include take up and haul away of existing carpet & pad or is this an extra charge?4) Does it include moving furniture and putting it back?5) Does it include carpeting the steps or is this extra?6) Is this price good if I wait a week or two or is it good today only?7) Is the “Special” labor rate included in my price or do I have to pay the regular price now and then wait for a rebate check?

Also you want to make sure when you are offered “the best pad” they con-firm whether it is the best pad for your installation or is it just the best pad they offer. Most carpet mill warranties put into writing the recommended pad for the specific carpet to be installed. Ask to see it. Also read over the warranty and make sure it confirms all the things the sales person has told you the carpet has covered. Another sales gimmick used to get you to buy now is “next day installation.” Make sure if you go this route that you are really getting the best carpet for your specific need as well as not being “high pressured” into buying today. Most next day installations are based on in stock items only and the selection can be very limited. Although the quickness of getting it the next day often appears attractive, keep in mind that most carpet mills will have any carpet you order to your retailer within two or three weeks. Lastly, and most importantly, find a flooring retailer that you are comfortable with and can answer all your questions.

[Craig T. Lee – F.C.I.T.S Certified Carpet Inspector on staff carpet expert at

Loudoun Valley Floors.]

How To Identify Carpet Sales

Gimmicks


FerraioloF i t n e s sAn Investment in Yourself

WAR M WE ATHERIS COMING

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Award winning personal training studio | Historic downtown Leesburg locationPrivate, customized training | Home training visits | Flexible scheduling*

Ralph Ferraiolo | Certified Personal Trainer | [email protected] Edwards Ferry Road | Leesburg, VA 20176 |703.626.1075

www.ferrfit.com

*By appointment only

The best first step in the diagnosis of allergies is a thorough health history and physical examination. If you have allergy symptoms that occur in association with exposure to certain things, that is highly significant. Allergy diagnostic tests, such as skin tests or blood tests, provide similar information and merely confirm what your health history tells the doctor. If your doctor were to rely exclusively on the results of skin or blood tests (without history and physical examination), you could be diagnosed as having an allergic problem that you don’t necessarily have. Skin tests, in most situations, are preferable because the results are available immediately, they are less expensive and they are more sensitive to subtle allergies. A blood test is appropriate in certain situations, particularly when you cannot suspend antihistamine therapy which can inhibit skin tests, have widespread skin disease making skin testing difficult, are so sensitive to the allergen that the test might be risky or cannot be skin tested for some other reason. Allergy shots are an effective and safe treatment for people who suffer from a variety of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and insect stings. The treatment—also known as immunotherapy or allergy immunization—works by introducing small amounts of purified substances to which the person is allergic, in gradually increasing

amounts. The allergy shots improve the patient’s natural resistance to the allergens and minimize or eliminate the need for medications. Like all medical treatments, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can have side effects. Your doctor will discuss this with you in detail. Under no circumstances should you consider allergy shots without at least an attempt at avoidance of the troublesome allergen. For instance, cat allergy shots are no substitute for cat avoidance. Some allergens, though, such as grass pollen, are almost unavoidable. Regularly scheduled, repeated exposure to small amounts of an allergen can lead to immunity, whereas infrequent and erratic exposure does not confer immunity but increases the likelihood of producing allergen sensitization. Irregular exposure to allergens can lead to the production of antibodies. The presence of these antibodies, when exposed to an allergen, can lead to an allergic reaction. In allergy shots or immunotherapy, the allergen exposure is closely regulated and given on a scheduled basis. Small amounts of allergens are given over a period of time to build up to maintenance doses. This leads to the production of blocking antibodies and a decrease in the level of allergic or IgE-mediated antibodies.

[Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, Council of American College of Allergy, Asthma

& Immunology.]

How Do You Treat Allergies?

How: You can find a personal trainer by using Google (personal trainers, Leesburg) or at your local gym. If you search online, be sure the company you are doing business with is in fact from your area. Many Web searches will pull up businesses located out of state, who scramble to find a ‘warm body’ once you settle on their service. They can do little to regulate the quality of the trainers they provide. So, although it is fine to search online, you are better off using trainers established in your area. Your local gym can be a useful source. But you should realize a few things. Gyms all manage their personal training services differently. A gym can charge clients $100 per hour for their trainers. That does not necessarily mean you’re getting a great trainer for that rate. The same gym may pay their trainers $20 per hour, a rate that does not attract the top professionals. It is also a popular business model at many gyms to sign clients into long-term personal training contracts. Remember that fit people are active people. Your travel, business, injury or other distractions may have you paying for a service you don’t use and can’t easily get out of. Stay flexible and don’t allow someone else’s aggressive business model to box you in. Next, regardless of where you find your perspective trainer, interview that trainer. Ensure they are either certified with a recognized program (ACE, NASM, ACSM, AFAA) or have a degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology.

Certifications require ongoing education along with up to date CPR/AED training, so make sure they are current. If you find your trainer privately (outside a gym), verify they have a business license and insurance. It’s also a qualifier if they accept credit cards. Credit card terminals are only given to established companies with a credit history. Lastly, ask for references and make sure you and your trainer are a personality fit. If everything is a fit, you are going to spend many hours together. Why a Personal Trainer: Strength training, flexibility training and cardio training is great for you but unless it is done correctly, can result in injury. A good trainer will not only ensure proper technique but also the most effective exercises to meet your personal goals. A good exercise program should be employed as a lifestyle and is priceless. Almost 90 percent of the people who try to work out on their own disappoint themselves. Those same people that quit while on their own are more focused and dedicated with the right trainer. When: There is a one-word answer: Now! Everyone wants to be in good shape. Most are not. The hardest part of a good training program is getting started. Once you get started, a good training program is fun and effective. Those who get involved with an effective fitness program rarely look back!

[Ralph M. Ferraiolo, Ferraiolo Fitness]

How to Choose A Personal Trainer


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If it’s time to install a new or replace an existing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, choosing the right HVAC con-tractor is as important as choosing the system. Do some research on HVAC con-tractors ahead of time. If you’re not in a rush to get the system installed, take time to ask the right questions and prepare a short list of qualified contrac-tors. Air Conditioning Contractors of America offers a checklist to use when comparing contractors. An HVAC system is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, so invest some time and choose the right contractor for your job. Look for an established community driven company—reliable, honest and trustworthy, who’s knowledgeable of all phases of the HVAC Industry begin-ning with the most basic and standard of HVAC systems up to the most tech-nologically advanced energy efficient systems. Verify that the contractor’s techni-cians are not only certified but have sufficient on-the-job experience. Look for certification from North American Technician Excellence (NATE), UA Star, HVAC Excellence and Refrigera-tion Service Engineers Society (RSES). Membership in any HVAC associations, including Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), PHCC (Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors of America), also ensures you’re dealing with highly skilled technicians. Verify that the contractor’s state licenses, liability insurance and work-ers’ compensation are valid and current. According to airconditioning-and-heat-ing.com, inadequate insurance can be a serious problem if a worker is hurt on the job at your property.

Verify how long the contractor has been in business under the same com-pany name. Confirm he has a physical office in the area and a contact number other than a cell phone where he can be reached, including for 24-hour emer-gency service on weekends and holidays. Be sure the contract includes start and end dates, and specific equipment

and labor costs, including contingencies for unforeseen upgrades. Verify that the work plan includes any new ductwork that might be required and the price. Believe it or not, your heating and cooling system uses more energy than anything else in your home. So the more efficient your system, the more energy and money you may save every month. If you invest in an American Stan-dard high-efficiency system to heat and cool your home, let this serve as fair warning. You may find yourself enjoying the great indoors more than the great out-doors. American Standard systems are designed to keep your home comfortable all year long. Plus, the revolutionary American Standard AccuClean whole home air filtration system will let your family breathe easier with a level of clean indoor air that’s never been available before.

How to Choose A Heating & Cooling

Company

Believe it or not, your heating and cooling system uses more energy than anything else in your home.


Getting Started Whether you’re doing cosmetic changes or a complete remodel, carefully plan your project. You will save time and minimize unwanted surprises. Two factors really determine the extent of

the project: available space and budget. A “full-blown” project—instead of chang-ing a few items at a time—is really the most efficient way to remodel a bathroom, kitchen or basement.

1. CREATE A STYLEBOOK If you’re even thinking about a kitchen remodel, odds are you have been leafing through design magazines and watching HGTV. Both are great ways to jumpstart the process, but to get the most out of this step,

you’ll need to do more than turn pages and program your TiVo.While looking through magazines, tear out photos of kitchens that appeal to you and write what you like about the room in the margin. Then slip the page into a clear sheet protector and insert that into a three-ring binder to create a stylebook.

2. DEFINE YOUR GOAL There’s obviously a reason you want to remodel. What is it? Perhaps you want a kitchen or bath that will help with resale in a few years. Maybe you desire to remodel for entertaining or one that allows several people to cook at once. This is the time to assess your needs and wants. Make notes about how you plan to use the remodeled space, then try to distill all that information into a one- or two-sentence goal such as, “My casual and open kitchen will be a place for family and friends to relax and enjoy healthy meals.”

3. CREATE A BUDGET To get a general idea of how much you have to spend on a kitchen remodel, you will need to crunch some numbers. Are granite countertops a must-have? How about stain-less steel appliances? Do a little research into the costs of your wish list items and compare them with your preliminary budget. Are you on target?

4. SET A TIME BUDGET When most people hear the word budget, they automatically think of money. How-ever, when remodeling, it’s also important to budget time. Is there an event on the calendar that would be affected if your kitchen is under construction?

5. HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Above all else make sure you have rea-sonable expectations when it comes to your remodel project. Talk to people who have been through the process before.“Sit down with your family and talk about what you’re about to embark on,” says Suzie Williford, National Kitchen & Bath Associa-tion. “It’s going to take a certain amount of time. It’s going to have a certain amount of mess. It’s going to be a financial stress, and if you don’t know all this ahead of time and you go in with rose colored glasses, then that takes all the fun out of it. And, you know, it should be fun.”


The Smart Approach To Kitchen, Bath & Basement Design

Redesigning and remodeling your kitchen, bath and/or finishing your basement requires certain skills and knowledge. Are you itching to breathe new life into an outdated or poorly functioning kitchen, bath and basement? Hold on. Put down the phone. Before contacting a remodeling professional, you’ll need to do a little soul-searching and research first.


www.AbbeyDesignCenterVA.Com


County Christian School

www.CountyChristianSchool.org • 703.729.5968 • 21673 Beaumeade Cir., Suite 600, Ashburn, VA 20147

• Half, School & Full Day Early Education Classes (3 & 4 year olds)

• Junior Kindergarten

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• Rigorous Academic Program EE-8th

• Additional Classes: Art, Music, PE, Spanish, Library, Computer

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• National Junior Honor Society

• Promethean Boards and State-of-the-Art Computer Lab

E S T . 1 9 8 0 E a r l y E d u c a t i o n 3 ’ s - G r a d e 8

A private school can be a wise investment, if chosen prop-erly. Private schools offer

small classrooms and family part-nerships that public schools are unable to provide. At a faith-based school, the fact that the bibli-cal integration takes place during the school day is a bonus. There are some factors to consider when selecting the school that is right for your child: 1 Consider your child and your family. What do you want a school to do for your child?2. Gather information about the school of interest. Along with the school’s curricula and philosophy, inquire about standardize testing, school’s policies and procedures.3. Visit and observe the school. After a tour have you child shadow students in their respective class of interest.

4. Apply to the school you choose. Once you select the school that you think is best for your child, inquire about the process of applying which could include an entrance exam. Don’t forget to look beyond the daily classroom environment. Does the school offer specialist programs, i.e., foreign language, music, computers or drama, field trips, assemblies, and/or concert.The facility/grounds should be clean. View play equipment for strong bodies, as well as an open play area for group games. Other items to consider:1. School Safety2. School Culture3. Administration4. Teacher-Parent partnership pro-gram (such as PTA)5. Extracurricular Activities6. Spiritual Discipline Procedures

How To Choose A Private School


Personal Family Financial Planning

Take a Moment to see what makes us special

Locations in Eastern and Western Loudoun CountyCall today for a complimentary consultation: 540-751-1410

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Securities offered through Securities Service Network, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Fee-based advisory services offered through SSN Advisory, Inc. — A Registered Investment Advisor

• Education, Experience and Credentials — Sco� is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional, CPA, and Certi�ed Estate PlannerTM certi�cant with a masters degree from the University of Virginia and 30 years of �nancial experience.

• Personal Relationships — We are dedicated to building personal long-term relationships with our clients, focused on comprehensive �nancial planning.

• We ALWAYS put our clients’ interests �rst.• Independent — We are independent and work for you! We are not obligated to represent

speci�c �rms or products.• Life Planning Passion — Sco�’s passion for life planning is re�ected in his holistic approach

to developing your �nancial plan, considering not just your �nances, but the special people and experiences that are important to you!

Who is Personally looking out for You? Serving Loudoun County for 15 years

What to Expect When Working with a Finan-cial Planner to Develop a Financial Plan Have you heard the expression, “if you fail to plan, then you’ve planned to fail?” You probably would never think of hiring a home-builder to build a house without a solid set of approved plans. Yet, when it involves your personal finances, something that touches every aspect of your life, chances are that you may not have a formal financial plan. If you do not, this article is for you. A finanial planner will help you under-stand what to expect if you decide to work with a financial planner to develop a financial plan by describing the financial planning pro-cess and highlighting the benefits of having a plan. Identify Your Personal and Financial Goals This is the single most important step in the process for two reasons. First, you are setting a target to aim for in the future. The financial plan you develop is only as good as your target. Second, you are establishing the client-advisor relationship with your plan-ner whose goal in this step is to get a solid understanding of your goals and dreams and help you articulate your target for the future. A good planner will emphasize that these are your goals, and will ask you questions to help you identify what is most important to you.

Make Assumptions about the Future Since portions of a financial plan make future projections, the assumptions that are used in the model are critical. You can expect your planner to guide you in making assump-tions about things such as anticipated college costs, when you might expect to retire and what inflation levels might be. None of us has a crystal ball, but you should be comfortable with your assumptions that will be the foun-dation of your plan.Determine Where You Currently Are and Your Risk Tolerance This step is often called the “fact find-ing process.” You and your financial planner will determine where you stand right now. During the fact-finding process, your assets (what you own) and your liabilities (what you owe) are compiled. Important documents are reviewed, such as tax returns, wills, life insur-ance policies, trusts, pay stubs, investments, and bank accounts. Typically, all this informa-tion is entered into financial planning software for summarization, analysis and visual presen-tation purposes. During this step, you should also expect to answer questions designed to assess your “risk tolerance” for investment alternatives. This will help the planner understand what type of investments would be appropriate for

your plan, given your investment horizon and tolerance for risk.Develop a Plan to Achieve Your Goals Once the financial planner understands your goals, your risk tolerance, and your present situation, the planner uses his or her knowledge of financial concepts, tax laws, the financial markets, and financial strategies to develop a financial plan for you. Once your plan has been completed, your planner will arrange a presentation meeting. This meeting is an important event for you! You should take notes, ask a lot of questions and expect to be given time to “digest” the plan and recommendations. Make sure your planner helps you get a solid understand-ing of the basis for any recommendations to make adjustments to your current financial situation.Implement Your Plan – Take Action Once you have taken time to focus on your goals and develop a plan with a finan-cial planner, keep your momentum going. Typically, a comprehensive plan will identify several recommended changes such as: execut-ing a will, starting a college savings plan, setting up a Roth IRA, changing your 401(k) elections, or adjusting your life insurance. A skilled and caring planner will help encourage you to implement the plan.

Monitor the Progress of Your Plan Designing and building your financial future will be an on-going process. Generally, I recommend meeting with your financial plan-ner at least once a year to review any changes in your situation that may warrant revising your plan.Benefits You Can Expect You can expect to receive immediate ben-efits from a comprehensive financial planning process. First, you will have all of your finan-cial information organized and in one place. Your investments will be compared to your “risk tolerance.” You will learn which asset allocation is best for you, what tax strategies will benefit your particular circumstances and whether the type and amount of life insurance coverage you have is appropriate. You will also have a better idea if you will be adequately prepared for future events such as retirement or college costs. I believe that comprehensive financial planning is the single most important step you can take toward achieving your goals and dreams.

[Scott J. Friberg, CFP, CPA, is a registered represen-tative of Securities Service Network, Inc., member

FINRA, SIPC. Fee Based Advisory offered through SSN Advisory, Inc. – A Registered Investment

Advisor.]

How To Select A Financial Planner


Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Delivers Twice the Impact

We seek to eliminate poverty housing in Loudoun County.

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. Homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor alongside volunteers to build their house.

Call us or volunteer today: 703.737.6772109 Harrison St. NELeesburg, VA 20176www.loudounhabitat.org

Habitat’s ReStore resale outlets sell reusable and surplus building materials to the public.

ReStores feature home improvement goods: furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances.

ReStores promote reuse and recycling, keeping reusable materials out of the waste stream.

Donate or visit us today:711 E. Main St. Purcellville, VA 20132 540.579.4508

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OK, so you are going on vacation or you are working long hours at the office, and you need to decide what to do with the family pet(s). You have three choices. Ask a neighbor (and their kids) to watch them; take them to a kennel; or use a service that has become more popular in recent years, look for a professional pet sitter to watch your pets in your home. This article will address the third option, how to select a pet sitter for your precious pets. First, here are some good reasons to use a professional pet sitter, you: • work long hours.• get stuck at work with unexpected late hours or overtime.• cannot provide daily exercise for your pet due to your busy schedule.• want someone you can trust to care for them.• worry about exposing them to injury or disease in a kennel environment or day care situation.• would rather your pet remain at home where he/she feels safe and at peace.• wish to enjoy a “guilt free” day at the office or while on vacation.• want to be certain that your pet will receive special attention and one-on-one care.• wish to avoid the hassles of transporting

your pet to and from a kennel. All right, you have decided to take the step to look for a pet sitter, what’s next?• check with the National Association of Pro-fessional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) for a pet sitter in your area. Its website can be found at:www.petsitters.org.• check local newspapers, and community specific newsletters and yes, the hard copy of the Yellow Pages.• check to see who your neighbors use. When you do pick one, check the following: • Are they eager to have your business?• Find out if they are an established business, and don’t just rely on a large business. There are many smaller companies out there who are just as anxious to have your business.• Can they provide you with references?• Check their website. • Are they licensed, bonded and insured?• Ask if they provide an initial orientation visit to familiarize them with you and your valuable pet.• What experience do they have in the field? • Do they seem to have a good professional, business sense?Sometimes, an older, more mature person as a pet sitter can be more responsible.

How To Select A Pet Sitter

The choice of materials for any project requires considerations of aesthetic appeal and initial and ongoing costs, life cycle assess-ment considerations including material per-formance, availability and impact on the environment, and the ability to reuse, recycle or dispose of the material at the end of its life. An often-overlooked option is the reuse of materials taken or left over from some other project. Recycling materials can be a lucrative business, but it can also save con-sumers a lot of money or provide access to some hard to find or interesting pieces with which to work. Remodeling with secondhand building materials has many fans. Some are owners of historic houses who improve their homes by adding period elements. Others follow green building practices and appreciate conserving resources and keeping materials out of land-fills. And still others are looking for quirky elements that will break their homes out of cookie-cutter molds. A visit to the county’s largest materi-als recycler retailer, Purcellville’s Re-Store, operated by the Loudoun chapter of Habi-tat for Humanity, provides examples of the possibilities. According to the Building Materials

Reuse Association, “building materials reuse is one of the most sustainable activities associ-ated with our built environment. Deconstruc-tion is the practice of disassembling a building in such a way that the materials (joists, floor-ing, siding, fixtures, and more) can be reused for new construction.” To borrow a line from the current Capi-tol One commercials, “Who doesn’t like to save money?” Whether you are a homeowner who is itching to remodel that spare bath-room, update the kitchen fixtures or replace that floor in your lovely but aging home or you are a home remodeler who is looking for just the right molding or replacement door, you’re likely to be able to track down some reusable or surplus material to get the job done. In addition to saving money, the reuse of discarded, but otherwise perfectly functional, materials is an environmentally sustainable approach to construction. Materials that can be reused after the useful life of the building will reduce the need for new materials to be produced in the future. Materials that can be recycled will reduce the need for new materi-als to be produced, and the energy required to reconstitute materials is generally much less than required for new production.

Choosing Reused Building Materials


Don’t be a victim of contaminated water! Be sure to test your backflow assembly annually to

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An important area of preventative home maintenance is the annual testing of a home’s backflow prevention assembly located on the water supply to irrigation systems and in most cases home fire sprinkler systems. As part of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the International Plumbing Code, backflow prevention assemblies are to be tested at least annually in order to maintain clean, pollut-ant free water in the home’s plumbing system and the public water supply. Backflow pre-vention protects the drinking water system from many hazards. There are thousands of reported cases of backflow each year, and some can be fatal. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other sub-stances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or con-sumer’s potable water system. The loss of pressure is the most common type of back-flow, and is called backsiphonage. Backsi-phonage occurs when there is a sudden drop of pressure in the public water main that supplies water to a home. This can happen if a water main breaks, or if a fire hydrant is turned on. Backflows due to cross connections can cause sickness and death. Even in your own home, you can unwittingly create a cross-connection by putting the garden hose in a swimming pool or fish tank to fill it; or con-necting your garden hose to a plant fertilizer or bug spray unit. Over half of the nation’s cross connec-tions involve unprotected garden hoses. In Kansas, a man died from drinking out of his garden hose. He was spraying the yard with poison to get rid of bugs and had connected his garden hose to the spraying device. Unknown to him, during the spray-ing, a drop in pressure occurred in the main water system causing the poisoned water to backflow into the hose. Enough to kill him when he took a drink from the garden hose after spraying. He had contaminated his own water system. What is a cross-connection? Any actual or potential connection of piping between the public water system and consumer’s water system, whereas there is or has the potential of introduction of fluids, gas, or other matters not intended for distribution or consumption. What is backflow? Backflow is a hydrau-lic condition that occurs within the main distribution system that may cause the rever-sal of flow of fluids, chemicals or other for-eign materials back to the main water source by means of backsiphonage or backpressure.

Why is backflow protection necessary? To ensure the quality and esthetics of our water source are maintained in a manner in which it can provide the purest, safest and more importantly contaminate free water. How can a backflow occur? When the distribution side of an assembly has a sudden decrease in pressure (backsiphonage) causing water to then flow to the least resistance, which would be the opening of a connec-tion to atmospheric pressure. Example: Fire hydrant openings; water main break. Also, backflow can occur from the pressures when on the discharge side of the assembly exceeds the inlet pressure forcing water flow back-wards or what is known as a (backpressure) condition. Example: Thermal expansion. What is thermal expansion? Heated water in a closed system creates a pressure greater than the supply side. How can backflow conditions be pre-vented? Stay in compliance with annual testing; ensure every connection within dis-tribution system has some form of protec-tion; make sure protection meets degree of hazard requirements; and most importantly “working together” from water purveyors to inspectors, to contractors and you the con-sumer. It takes all of us to preserve and pro-tect one of our most vital resources: water. When does the assembly need to be tested? According to state plumbing code, all assemblies must be tested upon relocation, repair, and installation, or at least annually. If a problem is found during the yearly inspec-tion, the equipment must be repaired or replaced pursuant to the timeframe allotted by the local water authority. What is the purpose of testing? To ensure that each independent spring loaded check is holding at the required psi (pounds per square inch) and if applicable the spring loaded relief piston also opens at required psi. This is to ensure proper function ability of the assembly and more importantly to ensure your drinking water is contaminate free. There are many companies that offer backflow prevention assembly inspection services and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Important things to look for when selecting a company are to ensure they have the knowledge and experience; they are fully insured; licensed to not only inspect, but also licensed to perform the required repair of backflow prevention assemblies in the event the assembly fails inspection. Trusting your health, more importantly your life or your loved ones’, should be in the hands of experts.

How To Prevent Backflow Problems


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CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!

703.771.8800

1.The handyman company should be insured, licensed and bonded. Ask for the documents.2. If you are unhappy with the work per-formed, will the handyman come back and fix it? Be very suspicious if the company does not offer any warranty at all.3. Look at the company reputation. Should an issue arise in eight months, will it stand by the work? A national, reputable company or a franchise will stand behind its work.4. Find out if the company is a member of a professional forum, such as Better Business Bureau, Angies List, Check Book, etc. Check on the handyman credentials.5. A consumer should know, “You Get What You Pay For.” Hiring someone that is unli-censed, uninsured or is inexperienced will cost you more in the long run.6. Any free estimate is charged back to you in some form or the other. Two types of work modelS are the time and material model, and the fixed dollar amount estimate (FDAE).7. Talk to your family and friends to learn their recommendations.

Why Do You Need A Handyman? After researching, once you have found a

good handyman, then inside or outside jobs can be considered: • repair, power wash, sand and stain the deck; • drywall repair and paint; • kitchen back splash tiling;• roof shingles repair;• front door & railing paint;• brick on the steps repair;• gutter repair or replace;• replace or repair doors;• get wood rot repaired. One of the most important things to pre-serving your home is taking care of any wood rot. Most people blame termites or wood ants for what looks like chewed up wood. The truth is, it is the water or the moisture that leads to the wood rot. The longer it is ignored, the worse it becomes. Power washing season is here. It cleans the outside surfaces and makes them safe to walk on or for esthetic appeal. You have a nice home; let it look good and enjoy that look. For a run-down deck, in addition to power washing, its surfaces can be intelli-gently worked on to make it as good as new.

How To Choose A Handyman


TRANSPORTATION SERVICES:

• Doctor Appointments• Hair & Nail Appointments• Church Services• Family Activities & Events• Shopping Trips• Banking• Bill Paying

DO YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE NEED A LITTLE COMPANIONSHIP, HELP WITH HOUSEHOLD TASKS OR HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES AND NEED

TRANSPORTATION TO COMPLETE EVERYDAY TASKS?Assurance In-Home Care (AIHC) has the “Secret Solution”. Our goal is to keep you and/or your loved one safe, healthy and comfortable in your own home. We want to help you stay in your own home as long as possible. If this is not an option, we can assist you with Elder Care Aide placement in • Independent Living Communities • Senior Communities • Assisted Living • Nursing Homes.

We are a Loudoun County based company. Our main business is “private pay clients”, serving South Riding, Stone Ridge, Aldie, Ashburn, Lansdowne, Leesburg and surrounding Loudoun communities. We want to offer you and your loved ones “peace of mind”. We are striving to be the premier in home care provider offering quality and dependable services. All Elder Care Aides are AIHC employees and interviewed personally by the owner before we send them to your home. We have all been assisting elderly and mobility challenged clients and/or family members for years. Our services may also be utilized by busy homeowners who need help with in home services. AIHC is registered with IRS, Loudoun County and in the application process for National Provider Identification (NPI). Business insurance and simple bi-monthly billing gives our clients the security and convenience they need to utilize the multitude of services we offer.

• Schedule Follow-Up Appointments• Pharmacy Re-Orders & Pickup• Track Medication List• Medication Reminders• Personal Hygiene• Coordinate w/Caregivers• Respite for Caregivers (Over Night, Weekends & Vacations)

• Cleaning & Other Household Chores• Laundry/Dry Cleaning• Order Depleted Supplies• Mail Management• Bill Paying• Home Organization• Grocery Shopping & Other Errands

IN-HOME SERVICES:

ASSURANCE IN-HOME CARE (AIHC)Priscilla Berry, Owner

703-729-3787 (bus.) • 301-717-1672 (cell)Insured • Registered Loudoun County

Finding the right adult care program for an elderly parent can be overwhelming. There are many alternatives to choose among to address your family’s needs and your budget. We experience natural developmental stages in life and individuals find themselves either making or assisting in complex and important decisions about where they, a friend, or a family member, should be living. Changes in physical functioning, mental capabilities, life interests, financial situation, and social supports all determine which living situation is best, and most importantly, where a senior individual is ultimately going to be the most content and the happiest. Making a good decision regarding where a senior loved one chooses to live is important and can be difficult. Don’t wait until there is a crisis to gather information. The best deci-sions are usually made without time pressures. Incorporate the help of friends and relatives to share the work of a search and to build a sup-port group. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of various options. It is important to be as open and honest as possible about what is absolutely needed versus elements that can be subject to compromise and negotiation. Consider the likes and dislikes of the senior. A small, home-like residence, which gives individual attention and care, may be ideal for one senior individual and may feel

claustrophobic and overbearing to another. Sometimes the ability to continue with a hobby or have a pet accompany the person guides all the decisions that need to be made. Take stock of what is most important in your loved one’s life and make sure this can be maintained, as much as possible. Make sure that you look at the options from the point of view of the individual who will be living there. In Home Services For many seniors, having the opportuni-ties for in-home care is most preferred and the least stressful option. When hiring an in home provider, it is important to learn about the care-giver’s background, training and certifications and to discuss special care instructions. You and the caregiver should have a clear understanding of the services to be performed and the rules around the house. Developing a daily activity log is helpful to ensure that your loved one’s daily routines, meals, medicines and special needs are adequately addressed.Adult Day Services Adult day services can help people with physical and cognitive impairments remain independent. Services are offered in a vari-ety of centers around the state. Day service participants often have difficulty performing familiar daily tasks, have lost initiative, motiva-tion or memory, or need a safe environment with supervision. Adult day programs typically

provide socialization, reminiscing, recreational exercise, counseling, support groups, informa-tion, nutritious meals and snacks, health moni-toring and art/music therapy. Adult Foster Homes Adult foster homes are private homes with family-style living, offering room, board and physical care for up to five people 24 hours a day. A wide variety of residents are served in Adult Foster homes, from those needing only room, board and minimal personal assistance to those residents needing full personal care and skilled nursing tasks. The care provided depends on the resident’s needs and the skills, abilities, and training of the provider.Residential Care Facilities Residential care facilities are homes for six or more people. They offer room and board with 24-hour supervision, assistance with physical care needs, medication monitoring, planned activities, and often transportation services. Some offer private rooms, and some registered nurse consultation services. Assisted Living Facilities Assisted living facilities are homes with six or more private apartments. They are fully wheelchair accessible and offer full dining room services, housekeeping and call systems for emergency help. Registered nurse consulta-tion is available. Physical care and additional health care supervision and assistance can be provided in your own apartment. Organized

activities and transportation are available. Nursing Facilities Nursing facilities provide nursing care on a 24-hour basis in a hospital-like setting. They provide skilled care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life care. Nursing facilities are most appropriate for people who need a more protective setting. Many residents have medical and behavioral needs that cannot be met in other care settings. To select a facility schedule a tour and obtain the general information, but also make an unscheduled drop-in visit later to see if there are any differences in what you see. Pay special attention to the convenience of: location, visit-ing hours, visiting areas, food, types of care rendered, ancillary services, staffing, daily activi-ties, religious activities, and safety/security issues. Don’t be afraid to make as many trips back as necessary to get all your questions answered. It can be difficult to find a comfortable balance between quality and cost. Remember that state or federal assistance may be available to help. It is important to ask questions that might be difficult or embarrassing, including about options if an individual’s funds become exhausted. Facility managers are comfortable dealing with the subjects and can offer sug-gestions or alternative programs. Sometimes the level or type of care an individual needs can fluctuate frequently or change, which may also require consideration along with any other future needs.

Assessing Your Options For Adult Care


This Pre-Season Special ends April 8thTo keep our installers working during our slow season,⎯we’re offering the the very best deal.

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Only through April 8thPre-Season Special

1Offer expires April 8, 2012. This offer and the financing are only available on a purchase of 4 or more windows and/or patio doors. Financing is O.A.C. and is not valid with other offers or on prior purchases. Minimum payments are required, but no Finance Charges will be assessed if (1) promo balance is paid in full in 60 months, and (2) all minimum monthly payments on account paid when due. Financing available locally with approved credit only. Financing subject to change without notice. Renewal by Andersen is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen. This Renewal by Andersen location is a independently owned and operated retailer. VA Lic.# 2701030764A. DC Lic.# 420212000031. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2012 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2012 Lead Surge, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Offer expires April 8, 2012

5 Years 0% financing1

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Here’s a sneak preview of our 2012 event!

20 Restaurants

19 Loudoun County Farms

And 3 fine winemakers, Loudoun’s whiskey & gin guy and a Loudoun

microbrewery that sources local hops and honey to make their fine craft.

coming your way

JULY 26—AUGUST 5, 2012

If you’re a family-owned or small-group restaurant

interested in being part of this collaborative, countywide culinary

celebration, contact team member Nicole today at

415.412.7831, or via e-mail at Nicole@

FarmToForkLoudoun.com.DON’T BE LEFT OUT!

Just a sampling of our 2012 culinary participants, advisors and awesome sponsors!

PHOTO BY DONNIE GRAY—GRAY AREA PHOTOGRPHY


How To Guide -- Ask The Expect March 2012

Documents

pml o u d o u n

kind of child care

e e s b u r g t o d

kind of activities

schools approach learning

large school

playbased activities

waldorf approach