Arlington Magazine Sep/Oct 2022

Are Our Schools SAFE?

In the age of mass shootings, questions about preparedness are hitting home

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CON TENTS

■ FEATURES

COMMUNITY

48 Are Our Schools Safe?

As mass shootings continue to dominate headlines, a look at the safety and security measures local schools have in place to prevent the unthinkable.

EDUCATION

56 Admissions Madness

College applications are hitting record numbers while the acceptance rates at many universities are at all-time lows. It’s time for a sanity check.

64 Lessons Learned

Beloved teachers share their favorite takeaways from their years on the job.

70 College Bound

Where Arlington’s Class of 2022 applied to college and where they were accepted.

HOME

90 Hot Mod

A garden-variety brick house is transformed into a contemporary dream home, without adding square footage.

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Jarred Briggs

For

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CON TENTS

Pretty soaps that smell like

and

The

A bedroom makeover finds

This neighborhood newcomer is everything a French bistro should be.

128

Pan-African soul food, killer banana splits and a snazzy new pizza place to put in your rotation.

131

Our dining guide includes bite-size writeups on more than 250 area restaurants and bars.

144 Get Away

New reasons to revisit Richmond, Chincoteague and White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

146 Driving Range

What exactly is “dirty wellness”? Our writer spent a weekend at a holistic farm to find out.

The tale of Arlington’s own Rocket Boys... and girls.

letter from the publisher

Admissions Anxiety

I APPLIED TO FIVE COLLEGES. All of them had the same vibe—small, private, liberal arts. Preppy Handbook approved. My wife applied to two schools. Her selections appear to have been motivated exclusively by the desire to attend college with one of her siblings. Mission accomplished.

Like my wife and me, our peers typically applied to a handful of schools. In contrast, our oldest daughter, Caroline, applied to nine colleges last year. Many of her friends submitted applications in the double digits. From time to time, you’ll even hear or read about kids who applied to 20 or more schools. What’s the magic number? The CollegeVine blog recommends 8 to 12. IvyWise suggests 12 to 15. The College Board advises 5 to 8. Caroline’s counselor recommended she apply to between 8 and 12 schools. What’s driving the increase in applications?

Test-optional policies and pandemic uncertainty appear to be main contributors. The jump in applications (the volume submitted by Arlington seniors alone has increased 28% over the past four years) is overwhelming admissions offices and has created an environment in which extremely accomplished students are landing on waitlists. Many are not getting into their top choices. In our story “Admissions Madness,” Tammy Lytle interviews local families and experts who weigh in on the numbers, the factors driving them and how students can navigate the process and reset their expectations.

Moving from a stressful topic to a heartbreaking one, we decided after Uvalde that it was time to assess local schools’ preparedness amid our country’s gun violence epidemic. In “Are Our Schools Safe?,” Kim O’Connell examines the current safety protocols in Arlington, Falls Church City and Fairfax County

public schools. From “Run, Hide, Fight” training to school hardening measures like locked doors and school resource officers, O’Connell shares the experts’ views on what we’re doing—and what we could be doing—to keep our students and teachers safe.

The sad truth (in my opinion, which is not necessarily the view of our editorial staff) is that as long as it is easy to get a gun—especially semiautomatic weapons with high-capacity magazines—we are going to continue to live with school shootings and other incidents of mass violence. Yes, schools can be more secure and, yes, we ought to increase investments in mental health services, but those measures don’t address the root cause of the problem. Simply put, we have a lot of guns. According to Bloomberg, the U.S. has more firearms than people (120.5 per 100 residents), far more than any other country.

I hope you find this issue informative and useful. As always, we’d love to hear from you. I can be reached at greg.hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. You can contact our editor at jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine. com. I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our advertisers for understanding the value of the editorial product we produce and the audience we deliver. With the pandemic and now rising prices and interest rates, plus concerning market declines, we are grateful to our clients for continuing to advertise with us, which ensures that we can continue to grow and thrive as a business.

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■ contributors

Kim O’Connell

LIVES IN: Aurora Highlands

ORIGINALLY FROM: College Park, Maryland

IN THIS ISSUE: Wrote our cover story on gun violence and school safety, as well as the Back Story highlighting Arlington’s own “Rocket Boys” in the 1950s.

GEEK LOVE: “I am a huge astronomy and space exploration nerd. I love that the Webb telescope imagery is getting the whole world excited about space. If I were a teenager in the ’50s, there is no doubt I would have been part of the Arlington Moonwatch team!”

BEST TEACHER I EVER HAD: “When my parents divorced, my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Trattler, was called as a witness in the custody trial. Afterward, she took me out for cherry ice cream, just the two of us. She could have bolted for home, but instead she took the extra time to make me feel good and special when I really needed it. I think all the best teachers do that for their students in numerous ways. She set a lasting example of the power of showing up for someone.”

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “A story about the Howard University crew team of the 1960s—the first all-Black rowing team in the United States.”

ONLINE: kimaoconnell.com

Jarred Briggs

LIVES IN: Toronto

ORIGINALLY FROM: “A small town in New Brunswick, Canada. I grew up on my family’s potato farm but decided to choose a career in art instead of staying on the farm.”

IN THIS ISSUE: Illustrated the cover and our feature story about school safety in an era of mass shootings.

EARLY INSPIRATION: “Growing up I always enjoyed comic books. They inspired me to pick up a pencil and draw. Today I still collect retro video games and comic books.”

BEST TEACHER I EVER HAD: “Was at art school (Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario). He had this ability to bring out the best work in all his students and make the classroom a fun and supportive environment. I couldn’t wait to attend class each week.”

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “Illustrations for an engineering magazine and a couple of newspaper projects.”

ONLINE: jarredbriggs.com, @jarred.briggs on Instagram

PUBLISHER & CO-FOUNDER

Greg Hamilton

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

PRODUCTION MANAGER

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DIGITAL WRITER/WEB PRODUCER

Eliza Tebo

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITOR

Sandy Fleishman

CO-FOUNDER

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WRITERS

Tamar Abrams, Christine Koubek Flynn, Stephanie Kanowitz, Wendy Kantor, Colleen Kennedy, Meredith Lindemon, Tamara Lytle, Nigel F. Maynard, Kim O’Connell, Chris Thompson, Amy Brecount White

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Jarred Briggs, Skip Brown, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Lisa Helfert, Hawkeye Johnson, Alan Karchmer, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Matt Mendelsohn, Hilary Schwab, Jaimie Shelton, Scott Suchman, Albert Ting, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura

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MA GA ZINE

Check Your Language

I was very disappointed in the ableist wording of your story about cycling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (“Go Outside and Play,” July/August 2022)—specifically the sentence that reads: “If you’ve got the legs, cycling is an ideal way to experience the bridges and the winding roads between them.” Biking is not just an able-bodied activity. Handcycles can be used by people who don’t have the ability to pedal with their lower body, or who don’t have legs, to cycle.

–Julia H.

CORRECTION

Our story about Extraordinary Teen Award winner Zoe Davis (July/August 2022) incorrectly stated that Davis, as president of the Northern Virginia chapter of Jack and Jill of America, raised $14,000 for sickle cell disease research. Davis served as senior teen president of the chapter, and the chapter’s annual 5K fundraiser was a group effort that raised $14,000 for sickle cell research and advocacy.

AROUND TOWN

By Colleen Kennedy

SEPT. 24, 8:30 P.M.

Kristin Chenoweth in Concert: For the Girls

Catch Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth belting out ballads by the women she most admires, including Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Linda Rondstadt. Chenoweth’s tiny frame belies her big personality and even bigger voice, as evidenced in Broadway roles from Glinda in Wicked to Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and her comedic turns on TV’s Schmigadoon!, Glee and cult favorite Pushing Daisies. This performance supports student scholarships at GMU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. $65-$125. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, cfa.gmu.edu

PERFORMING ARTS

THROUGH OCT. 9

The Color Purple Signature Theatre

Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was adapted as a 1985 movie by Steven Spielberg (which made Whoopi Goldberg a household name) and a 2005 musical that garnered 11 Tony Award nominations. With this stage production, Signature presents an opportunity to revisit the indomitable spirit of Celie before the star-studded musical film adaptation is released next year. See website for show times. $43-$111. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

SEPT. 15-OCT. 2

Mlima’s Tale

1st Stage

Despite a 1990 ban on ivory, National Geographic estimates that almost 30,000 elephants are killed each year for their tusks. In the regional premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s Mlima’s Tale, the slaughter of elephants and the horrors of the ivory trade unfold. See website for ticket prices and show times. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org

SEPT. 22-24

David Koechner

Arlington Drafthouse

Actor, writer, producer and all-around funny man David Koechner will perform stand-up over three nights. A Second City and SNL

alum who stole scenes in films such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Talladega Nights, he is perhaps best known as the notoriously NSFW Todd Packer on The Office. The comedian will host an Office-themed trivia contest on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $25. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com

ART

THROUGH SEPT. 5

New Visions/Vibrant Memories

Arlington Arts Center

Works by five artists offer diverse perspectives of the local community, past

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and present, from Oz-like cityscapes and iconic landmarks, to portraits of Selena Gray, an enslaved person at Arlington House in the 1800s. Free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, arlingtonartscenter.org

THROUGH OCT. 2

Wild Falls Church Arts

Multimedia works in this group show will reflect artists’ interpretations of a single word (“wild”), with pieces for sale both in person and online. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. 700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org

SEPT. 17-18, 11 A.M.-5 P.M.

Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour

Nearly 60 local artists will open their studios to the public during this annual open house event. Printed tour guides will be available in mid-September at libraries and galleries throughout Arlington. Free. In various studio locations, arlingtonartstudiotour.org

MUSIC

SEPT. 10, 1-7 P.M.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest

Gateway Park

The 30th annual music fest returns with a focus on African, Latin, and African diasporic contemporary jazz. Afro-Cuban funk performer Cimafunk will headline the event with his trademark swagger, performing hits from 2021’s El Alimento. Also in the lineup: Harlem-based Mwenso & the Shakes, the swinging 1960s souljazz of Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, and Groove Orchestra, led by D.C.’s own Samuel Prather. Free. 1300 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, rosslynva.org

SEPT. 15, 7:30 P.M.

The Robert Cray Band

The Birchmere Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame for his fusion of contemporary Southern soul and classical blues styling. He and his band are now touring in support of their 20th studio album, That’s What I Heard (2020). Groove to hits such

as “Right Next Door” and “My Baby Likes to Boogaloo.” $59.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

SEPT. 16, 8 P.M.

Boyz II Men

Wolf Trap

Boyz II Men dominated Billboard charts in the 1990s, serenading (“I’ll Make Love to You”), breaking hearts (“It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”) and ushering in new jack swing (“Motownphilly”). Winner of four Grammy Awards, the Philadelphia vocal supergroup makes its Wolf Trap debut with R&B power trio SWV opening. Tickets start at $37. 1551 Trap Road Vienna, wolftrap.org

OCT. 12, 7:30 P.M.

Rufus Wainwright

The Birchmere

With songs on his 2020 album (Unfollow the Rules) reflecting on his encroaching middle age, his wastrel youth and domestic bliss, Wainwright has eased into a mature, confident sound that is richer than ever. $69.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

SEASONAL

SEPT. 17, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

46th Annual Falls Church Festival and Taste of Falls Church

Falls Church City Hall

The family-friendly event returns with bites from area restaurants, a beer garden, live music, children’s entertainment and booths featuring local crafters, businesses and civic organizations. Admission is free. Tickets will be sold for food, beverages and rides. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, fallschurchva.gov

SEPT. 18, 8 A.M.

2022 FCEF

Run for the Schools 5K/1 Mile

Cherry Hill Park

Break a sweat to support Falls Church schools on a USATF-certified 5K course that winds through The Little City in all of its autumnal glory. (This fundraiser also promises a 1-mile loop and virtual running/walking options.) Participants

GO NOW

SEPT. 2-4, 8 P.M.

Sting: My Songs Tour

The 18-time Grammy Award-winning artist returns to Wolf Trap for three unforgettable nights. From his early years as the frontman of The Police, one of the best-selling British rock bands of all time, to his prolific and critically acclaimed solo career, Sting is often hailed as one of the most influential songwriters of our time. Writing and performing in genres as diverse as reggae, rock, new age, classical, jazz, folk and world beat, he has proven again and again that every little thing he does is magic. Tickets start at $47. Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

■ around town

will receive a race shirt and other swag. Proceeds benefit the Falls Church Education Foundation. Registration begins at $20 for participants under 18; $35 for adults. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, potomac.enmotive.com

SEPT. 24, 11 A.M.

Harvest Happenings

McLean Central Park

Purchase a pumpkin to decorate, enjoy live entertainment for all ages, play with little livestock in the petting zoo and try your hand at other crafts and games during this family-oriented fall event. Free. 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, mcleancenter.org/special-events

OCT. 1, 8 A.M.

McLean 5K

McLean Square Shopping Center

Hosted by the McLean Community Center, this 5K is designed for runners of all abilities and approved by USATF. Proceeds benefit the McLean Community Foundation. $45 through Sept. 30; $50 on race day. 6631 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, mclean5k.com

DOGGONE FUN

McLean Pet Fest

“[Every] dog will have his day,” to quote Hamlet. This pet-friendly outdoor festival will have tails wagging with a 3 p.m. pet parade, a photo booth, pet trick demos, and treats in the form of food trucks, live music and giveaways—plus exhibitors sharing pet-health and behavior tips, pet-related services and products. Free. McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, mcleancenter.org/special-events

OCT. 1, 1-5 P.M.

Paws on the Pike

Columbia Pike at S. George Mason Drive

Head over to Columbia Pike for pet adoptions, live music and a chance to hobnob with local veterinarians, trainers, pet-sitters, boarders, dog walkers and groomers. Pups can enjoy homemade treats, complimentary pet portraits and a water bar. Free. 950 S. George Mason Drive, Arlington, columbia-pike.org/ pawsonthepike

AUTHORS & BOOKS

SEPT. 20, 7 P.M.

Arlington Reads:

Nikole Hannah-Jones

Washington-Liberty High School

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones will kick off the fall season of Arlington Reads with a discussion about The 1619 Project. Hannah-Jones writes about racial justice for The New York Times and is the inaugural Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University. Other author events in September and October will feature Marlon James, George Saunders and Andrea Elliott at Arlington Central Library. 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, library. arlingtonva.us.

OCT. 13, 7-8:30 P.M.

Arlington Mills: A Forgotten History

Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University

OCT 6

OCT 19

NOV 30

Got a calendar event we should know about? Submit it to editorial@arlingtonmagazine.com

5

Local historian and librarian Beth DeFrancis Sun will discuss the fascinating history of Arlington County’s dependence on mills, from their ubiquity in the Colonial era to their demise in the 20th century. Free. To attend this Arlington Historical Society event virtually via Zoom, register by Aug. 12. 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org OCT 16

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An American Tale

Asian Americans were underrepresented in the stories of her youth. Now she’s writing the books she always wanted to read.

WHEN WENDY WAN-LONG SHANG was approached by an editor at American Girl in 2020 about writing novels for a new doll character, her first thought was, This must be a scam. But it wasn’t. Her agent confirmed the offer was legit, and Shang wrote the story of Corinne Tan, the franchise’s first Chinese American “Girl of the Year,” released in 2022.

Though American Girl chose the character’s name, location (Aspen, Colorado) and hobbies (skiing, puppy training), Shang, an award-winning author, brought a deep authenticity to the storytelling. In the book, a bully accuses Tan of having “kung flu” and the “Chinese flu”—insults she isn’t quite prepared to handle. Those chapters present an unflinching acknowledgment of the hate speech and violent crimes against Asian Americans that spiked during the pandemic. Shang writes from experience, having felt the sting of racial harassment growing up in Northern Virginia. She remembers the day in 1976 when her mom came home to find broken glass

Local author Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Design and Build a Better Future

■ familiar faces

on the floor of their home in Vienna. A neighbor who had been fired from his job and replaced by a Hispanic worker had retaliated by shooting at the nearest minority household he could find.

“I guess we were the closest thing he had,” says Shang, now 54 and a resident of Falls Church.

Her parents never talked much about the incident, although they did take the neighbor to court, fruitlessly pursuing an apology that never came. A year later, her family moved to another part of Fairfax County.

As the daughter of college-educated immigrants who came to the U.S. in the 1950s during the Taiwanese “brain drain” of that era, Shang was “raised very conservatively.” She wasn’t allowed to have her ears pierced or go on sleepovers, but her parents did let her go to the library alone and “literally bring home any book,” she says, “because to them, all books are good.”

Relishing that freedom, Shang became an avid reader who also noticed a dearth of Asian American characters in American books and culture. She recalls her Asian American role models being limited to Mr. Sulu from Star Trek, a few ice-skaters, and the Calgon commercial featuring a couple with their “ancient Chinese secret” for cleaner clothes.

After earning both an undergraduate and a law degree from the University of Virginia, she spent five years at the American Bar Association, working on juvenile justice policy, before leaving the workforce to raise three children with her husband, David Harrington.

One day she received an invitation to attend her 20th high school reunion at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax. She didn’t go, but the milestone prompted her to reflect on what she still wanted to do in her life: write children’s books.

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For starters, middle-grade books. “There’s that agency that the [middlegrade] characters have,” says the author, recalling her love of books like Harriet the Spy. “They’re discovering the world, and it’s a really fun genre to write in.”

In 2006, Shang took classes at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, studying with local children’s book author Mary Quattlebaum. Her talent was confirmed the following year when she received a 2007 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) work-inprogress award for the novel The Great Wall of Lucy Wu.

In the novel, Wu, a sixth-grader who loves basketball and interior design, grapples with the stresses of sharing her bedroom with a relative, managing a bully and attending a Chinese school.

Published in 2011 by Scholastic, the book later won the 2012 Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association Award for Children’s Literature.

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In her most recent book, The Secret Battle of Evan Pao, Shang re-created the gunshot incident from her childhood, but changed the ending so that the characters find forgiveness and reconciliation. The story’s protagonist, Evan Pao, is also surprised to discover— while researching possible roles for a Civil War reenactment at his school— that Asian soldiers fought in that war.

“I was blown away by that,” Shang says, recalling her own reaction to this little-known fact, which is seldom taught in schools. Set in rural Virginia and released in June, the book received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Racial tensions remain an undercurrent in the author’s life and work. She watched in horror as books containing candid portrayals of racism were pulled from school shelves in parts of the country earlier this year.

In 2020, the Asian American girlfriend of her oldest son was singled

out and spit on in Montgomery County, Maryland. (The girl didn’t call the police or press charges; she was “too shocked.”)

“Even the little things that don’t make the news can be really devastating,” Shang says. “It makes you feel unsafe.”

Putting her law degree to use, she has been doing work for the Baltimorebased Pretrial Justice Institute since November of 2016, focusing on racial justice issues such as prolonged pretrial detentions and costly bail.

At the same time, Shang is seeing the positive impact of her books. This spring, at an event hosted by the Virginia Children’s Book Festival in Farmville, she met a 5-year-old Filipina who’d previously told her mom she wanted “to be White.”

The girl arrived with her Corinne Tan doll in tow, sporting an aqua stripe in her hair (like Tan has). She was excited to meet one of her favorite authors and

was finally seeing herself in literature.

Shang says her nine books (plus a 10th set for release in 2023) are intended to entertain, but “also to give kids a chance to imagine themselves as different people and to create empathy for people who are not like them.”

Several of those stories—including a picture book, The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round, and Not Your AllAmerican Girl, co-written with Arlington author Madelyn Rosenberg— address “this idea of what it means to be an American, not just in terms of citizenship, but in terms of feeling like you belong,” Shang says. “You can be an American but not always feel like you’re seen as one.”

As a child, she sought that sense of belonging. Now she inspires it in young readers. ■

Amy Brecount White writes about travel, gardening and inspirational people.

Chris Thompson

Cities of Angels

Our West Coast adventure has come full circle. Turns out you can go home again.

IN 2009, MY WIFE , Susan, and I left our home of 20 years in Alcova Heights to pursue job offers in Los Angeles. With our son just off to college, we were both ready for a next chapter of sorts. We rented our house out and planned to be gone for four years. We ended up staying for 12.

There was a lot about L.A. we Easterners were surprised to learn. Despite the glamor of palm-lined boulevards and gated Hollywood enclaves, most of its streets are flanked by low-rise, stucco strip malls of mom-and-pop doughnut shops, hair weavers, nail salons, taquerias, bodegas, barbershops, paycheck lenders and hamburger chains. L.A. is, in fact, a blue-collar town, with miles of

factories and warehouses and a workforce to fill them. Most of the cars you see in those legendary Southern California traffic crawls are hourly wage-earners heading to and from work.

They are world-class drivers compared with the road warriors of D.C. who willfully speed up just to prevent you from merging. Maybe it’s the shared adversity, but there’s a kind of hive mentality in SoCal that’s all about flow. If you need to change lanes on the freeway, put on your blinker and someone will make space. No thankyou wave expected. We’re all in this together, dude; just keep it moving.

The dense traffic in Santa Monica and Venice nevertheless had us riding

our bikes more and getting acquainted with the area’s bike culture as we cruised past hipster bars, crystal shops and boutiques that sell only Indian cotton underwear and free-range carrotjuice enema-cleanse kits.

One night, not long after I’d purchased a headlight for riding after dark, another cyclist pulled up next to me on an otherwise empty beachside path. He was wearing red board shorts and a sweatshirt, with a thatch of grizzly blond hair and facial stubble. He looked to be pushing a fit 40.

“Mind if I borrow some of your light, dude?” he asked in a gravelly surfer drawl. “Don’t have far to go. I’m Kenner. Lifeguard.”

I obliged and we pedaled along at an easy pace, shoulder to shoulder, in comfortable silence, feeling the breeze.

“Look, friend, I don’t want to be that kind of guy, but you oughta think about a topper,” he said after a while, tapping his helmet. “Some too-many-Coronas guy is out there somewhere, and he’s probably all in black, and you don’t want him to be the last thing you see when he trips onto the path and you both go down.”

I confessed that I had just bought a new helmet and then promptly forgot it at home in the garage. But I appreciated his concern and promised to wear it the next time.

“Sure thing, bro,” he said. “Safety’s my trade.”

As we approached the Santa Monica pier, Kenner jerked his head to the left,

noting that he habitually cut through a parking lot along that stretch to bypass part of the bike path. “It ain’t about saving time,” he explained, “and it don’t matter much now, but by day everyone is getting out of their cars and standing around, blocking the path with all their beach junk, and you try to get by and you wind up hating on the mommies and toddlers and grandmas. Not good. That’s not why you’re riding, bro.”

With that, he thanked me for the light, tapped his helmet and sped off to some unknown destination.

In retrospect, I believe a lot of the people we met in our corner of the city had that sort of spiritual thing going on. It’s easy to joke about and surely a cliché, but at least there are folks making an effort to unclench the fisted modern soul.

We certainly felt less clenched after a dozen years out West. But one day it occurred to me that moving to a place like L.A. for the climate and vibe is a bit like going into palliative care. It’s just about keeping things calm and comfortable, until…

So, back east we came, in late 2021— to actual seasons and actual rain, adversity and overcoats, umbrellas and I-lost-my-gloves-again. To real life and a granddaughter.

Here are a few things we’ve noticed with fresh eyes, having left our hometown and returned after a long sojourn: It’s clean in Arlington. On the trash front, L.A. is a failed city. People leave garbage everywhere and fill your can with their stuff when you’re not looking. Midnight trash pickers leave debris on the sidewalk. The trash collectors

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n Multidisciplinary team approach

n Highly specialized medical oncology, hematology, radiation therapy, orthopedic oncology/surgery, breast surgery, thoracic surgery, genetic counseling, palliative medicine and research

n Highly-rated physicians and surgeons in our community

n State-of-the-art technology, labs, and on-site pharmacy

n Access to Clinical Trials, including Phase I

Robert Christie, MD, FACP

John Feigert, MD

Keeran Sampat, MD

Patricia Rodriguez, MD

Jessica Heintz, MD, FAAHPM

do, too. I bought a leaf rake out there just to gather the garbage. Now that we’re back, we don’t take Arlington’s tidiness for granted. It’s a social compact and a great public service.

Say what you will about teardowns, but in our absence, a lot of our neighborhood’s rickety bungalows and Sears kit houses gave way to actuallynot-unattractive larger homes. Alcova Heights saw a spate of handsome but boxy Colonial brick replacements in the ’90s and aughts, but more recently the style seems to be trending toward a gabled, porch-y, farmhouse look, and I’m not complaining.

We left behind a quiet, aging community and returned to a stroller parade. Kids now chase each other across lawns and yell in yards and sled on the hills and bounce balls in driveways and ride little bikes on the sidewalks. We love it.

People look normal here. On the

west side of L.A.—the part that’s all money and glam—everyone is perpetually camera-ready. Maybe it’s because every prom queen, cheerleader, highschool-play leading man or just sogood-looking-you-ought-to-try-modeling kid in the country moves there to see if their face can be their fortune. Gorgeous is the everyday scenery. Here, a lot more people look like us. It’s calming to be around people who aren’t constantly on the make.

L.A.’s Latino population has been there far longer than most Anglos (which makes sense, since the area was actually part of Mexico before Anglos showed up) and is thus deeply rooted in the community. Arlington’s immigrants tend to be more recent, and the pursuit of the American Dream is more apparent. A Somalian teacher our son had in preschool once said it plainly: “One generation! From can-I-find-a-jobhere to my-kids-are-in-college! Where I

come from, you couldn’t ever do that.” We can thank the school system and the welcoming hearts of our neighbors for that.

All told, it’s good to be back in this hopeful, tidy, well-managed place. L.A. was always interesting, and we made good friends whom we still see for Zoom cocktail hours. But it’s nice to be home.

To our Arlington neighbors: Rest assured I’ve got 2 cubic yards of mulch on the way to restore our gardens to max curb appeal. In the meantime, remember why you’re riding, bro. And please, drive with the hive. ■

Chris Thompson, a recently retired highschool English teacher, holds degrees from Georgetown University and Catholic University and worked at the original 9:30 Club in D.C. He became an Arlington resident in 1977 and has owned a home here since 1988.

Women in Business Profiles

Chevy Chase Trust

Chevy Chase Trust is an independent, privately-owned investment management firm and think tank specializing in global thematic research, portfolio management, financial and estate planning, and fiduciary services. The firm is a thought leader and performance leader in global thematic investing.

7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1500W Bethesda, MD 20814

240-497-5000 | www.ChevyChaseTrust.com

Q: What roles do women play at Chevy Chase Trust?

A: At Chevy Chase Trust, the Chief Investment Officer, General Counsel and Vice Chair of the Board, Chief Operating, Marketing, and Fiduciary Officers, and the Co-Heads of Planning are all women. With women comprising more than 50 percent of the overall staff and 60 percent of the executive team, Chevy Chase Trust is a firm that values women as clients, employees and leaders.

Chevy Chase Trust has female portfolio managers, financial planners, trust officers, fiduciary officers, tax advisors and attorneys who meet face-to-face with clients to learn about what’s important to them and create customized plans to help them reach their goals. With more women in the workforce than ever before, many seek advice from professionals who are

best able to understand first-hand their investment needs and broader goals.

Q: What sets Chevy Chase Trust apart from the competition?

A: Our global thematic approach to investing is our greatest differentiator. Thematic investing involves capitalizing on powerful secular trends, disruptive ideas, innovations and economic forces that are constantly reshaping our world. We build portfolios of individual companies positioned to exploit these transformational changes, and, just as importantly, avoid companies that will be disrupted by creative destruction. Additionally, all new client relationships start with a financial plan that informs the investment strategy and asset allocation recommendations for each unique relationship. There is no one-sizefits-all offering; every step of the process is personalized.

From Left: Christine Wallace, Senior Portfolio Manager; Lynn Panagos, Chief Client Services and Operations Officer; Deb Gandy, Wealth Advisor and Relationship Manager; Anneke H. Niemira, Senior Wealth Planner

Donna Hamaker

REALTOR®, BUCK & ASSOCIATES

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)

Certified Real Estate Negotiator (CREN)

NVAR Lifetime Top Producer

certified digital marketing expert (e-PRO®)

2519 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201

703-582-7779 donna@BuckRealtors.com www.DonnaHamaker.com

Q: What advice would you offer to women just starting out?

A: Surround yourself with people who continually strive for excellence, both personally and professionally. Learn from and emulate women you admire in your field. Reach out to a woman with experience in your profession and ask if she’ll be your mentor. Networking is also hugely important. By becoming an active member of your local Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, you’ll build relationships and gain exposure within your field and beyond.

Q: How do you measure business success?

A: The truest vote of confidence and trust is when past clients ask me to help a friend or colleague. Helping as many people as possible achieve their dreams of home ownership or move on to the next phase of their lives is my goal. I have the business and life experience to guide my clients through the entire real estate process—from buying their first home to upsizing, downsizing or investing.

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Staying on top of the market, advising my clients, problem-solving and, most of all, meeting so many interesting people! There are critical things for buyers to consider that aren’t always intuitive and many strategies for preparing a home for the market. Add to that the challenges of selling and buying at the same time and a continually changing housing market! I have a robust “tool kit” of ideas and approaches that give my clients the edge—in any market.

TONY J. LEWIS

Manisha Grover, DDS

CLARENDON DENTAL ARTS

Dr. Grover graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry. While there, she volunteered with Missions of Mercy, providing free dental care to underserved communities in rural Virginia, and conducted research with the Periodontics program. She then completed her residency with the New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital.

2700 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R480 Arlington, VA 22201

703-525-5901

www.clarendondentalarts.com

Q: How have you mentored or inspired women who are following in your footsteps?

A: As a women-owned business, we are surrounded by like-minded women who can create mentorship opportunities for others beginning their careers, a critical step in building strong, confident female leaders. We encourage our team’s personal and professional development, helping them become better dental care providers and the best people they can be. Our values foster self-worth through education, relationship-building, individualized patient care and community outreach.

Q: Do women have different oral health needs than men?

A: Women do face unique oral health concerns as changing hormone levels can increase the risk for issues with your mouth, teeth or gums. Women also tend to be the gatekeepers to their families’

health and their own well-being often takes a back seat. We are committed to helping our patients live healthier lives, empowering them through our “Mouth, Mind and Body” philosophy to incorporate dentistry into their overall health plans.

Q: How do you employ new technology to help your patients?

A: Rather than treating patients reactively, addressing issues only as they arise, we stay at the forefront of the latest tools and techniques, using today’s scientific advances to provide conservative and proactive treatment options. We study each patient’s oral biome to uncover a comprehensive picture that includes eating habits, health challenges, breathing patterns and alignment, among other variables, that impact oral and systemic health. Our goal is not only to create beautiful smiles but to help our patients achieve optimum overall health.

Betsy Frantz

PRESIDENT & CEO, PATHFORWARD

PathForward (formerly A-SPAN) provides life-saving, sustaining services for more than 500 people experiencing homelessness in Arlington. President and CEO Betsy Frantz’s executive leadership in the nonprofit industry spans three decades. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant for her expertise in maximizing team and personal capacity, strategic systems building and leadership development.

2020-A 14th St. N., Arlington, VA 22201 www.pathforwardva.org

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received, and how has it helped you?

A: My father was extremely wise and often gave me sage advice that I have taken to heart. He taught me that people who believe in themselves and authentically follow their hearts and passions achieve greatness and lead others to excellence. He continually reminded me to stay true to myself, be genuine and authentic, and to not worry about what others wanted me to be.

Q: What is your vision for PathForward?

A: I am incredibly proud of PathForward’s rich 30-year history, and I am curious to know what people will say about our organization in another 30 years. Anyone involved with PathForward will acknowledge our sincere desire to put ourselves out of business by ensuring that everyone can live free from the threat of homelessness.

Even if our programs look different in 10, 20 or 30 years, this principle will continue to guide our vision to end homelessness.

Q: What do you love most about doing business in Arlington?

A: I love Arlington because the people here truly care for others. They regularly step up, volunteering their time, talent and treasure to make this community a better place for all.

Q: How have you mentored or inspired others who are following in your footsteps?

A: The greatest gift a leader can give is to mentor and inspire others to do even more than they have accomplished themselves. I relish the opportunity to mentor those who want to learn and grow, and I enjoy celebrating their accomplishments and successes.

TONY J. LEWIS

Teri Thompson

SVP, CRE RELATIONSHIP MGR. EAGLEBANK

A Memphis native, Teri Thompson is a commercial real estate lender with EagleBank. She has worked in the financial services industry—primarily banking—for the entirety of her 25+ year career. Having lived and worked in several different regions across the country, she has experience working with people of varied backgrounds.

4420 N. Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 571-319-4800 ContactMe@EagleBankCorp.com www.eaglebankcorp.com

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Learning something new. As a CRE lender for an active financial institution with a robust client base, there is never a dull moment. Each day is full of opportunities to think creatively and strategically. No day is the same and that keeps me energized! More importantly, discussing commercial real estate projects, business plans and company histories with my clients allows me to understand things from their perspectives and to learn from their decades of experience.

Q: What would you say if you could go back in time and advise yourself as a young professional?

A: As a Black woman with a 25+ year career, long before discussions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I would tell my younger self to stay open-minded, encouraged, motivated and determined. Your mentor relationships may look and feel different from your colleagues’, but they are nonetheless beneficial.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received, and how has it helped you?

A: Early in my career, a female Caucasian banking executive told me that as a 4-foot-11 Black woman, I had three strikes against me. I could be successful, she said, but based on her life and professional experience, it would take longer and I would have to work harder. Her courageous conversation helped me understand that our challenges are not always apparent. Her counsel helped me embrace those simple words of wisdom we’ve all heard: Treat others with respect, maintain a positive attitude and outlook, and be the best person you can be.

The Wise Investor Group®

Managing more than $2.9 billion in client portfolios, The Wise Investor Group’s reputation stems from its commitment to expert advice and personalized client service. Ann A. Summerson CFP® is specifically interested in the continuing care retirement community, and advising seniors and their families.

11951 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Reston, VA 20190 866-838-3562 | www.thewiseinvestorgroup.com

Ann Summerson, Financial Advisor, CFP®; Samanta Rodriguez Traconis, Marketing Assistant; Heather Phelps, Client Assistant; Angie Miller, Client Assistant; Jennifer Collins, Branch Administrative Supervisor; Tamara Burkhalter, Branch Operations Assistant

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated does not provide tax or legal advice. All investments carry a level or risk, including loss of principal.

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Making a difference in my clients’ lives. My role as a financial planner is to look at the big picture. I am here to help people navigate their financial journeys and create strategies to help them achieve their longterm financial and life goals. It is most rewarding to know my work can positively impact my clients’ lives, and I don’t take that for granted.

Q: What advice do you have for women who are looking to start investing/ financial planning?

A: Make sure you start saving as soon as you have income. Even if you’re not making a lot in the early years, put something away. Participate in your company’s retirement plan, even if it’s just a little. If your company matches contributions, take advantage of that

if you can. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can make it up later when you’re earning more. Start now!

Q: What qualities do you think a successful financial planner should have?

A: Aside from the obvious—having industry knowledge and skills—I think it mostly comes down to trust. I strive to build prosperous relationships with my clients that are rooted in their confidence in me and knowing that I always have their best interests in mind.

Q: Why choose The Wise Investor Group?

A: Because financial planning is integral to our money management, which isn’t always the case. We don’t invest until we’ve crafted a sound financial plan and know what our clients’ total financial picture looks like.

Mullett Dove & Bradley Family Law, PLLC

JENNIFER MULLETT, LAURA DOVE AND JENNIFER BRADLEY

Best Lawyers™; Washingtonian Top Lawyers; Super Lawyers™; Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion; U.S. New and World Report Best Law Firms; Northern Virginia Top Lawyers; Arlington Magazine Top Attorneys; Virginia Business Legal Elite

Three Ballston Plaza

100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22201 703-522-8100 www.mdbfamilylaw.com

Q: How do you measure success?

A: Our goal is to help our clients resolve their disputes in a way that leaves them as whole as possible and in a position to successfully move on to the next chapter in their lives. We take an individualized approach to every case, and we measure our success by client satisfaction. We ensure clients are fully informed throughout the process, explain all of their options, explore realistic solutions and pursue the best approach to meet their goals.

Q: What’s changed for women in business during your career?

A: In our experience, clients are increasingly seeking women attorneys for various reasons. Men frequently find that having a female attorney handle their divorce provides them with better insight into their spouse’s position in negotiations. Women often find that we’re more sensitive to their needs and better able to relate to their interests when going through the divorce process.

Q: What was a major turning point in your career?

A: Before founding our firm in 2012, the lawyers of MDB worked for one of the best family law attorneys in the country—Betty A. Thompson. She was the first female president of multiple local, state and national legal organizations. She helped write Virginia’s existing divorce laws and built a reputation as the “queen” of divorce. When she passed away, we felt compelled to continue her legacy by adhering to the highest ethical standards, maintaining the most advanced knowledge of the law, and serving our clients and community to the best of our ability.

Tamara Garrett, DDS

ARLINGTON DENTAL SOLUTIONS

3801 Fairfax Drive, Suite 50 Arlington, VA 22203 703-524-7031

arlingtondentalsolutions@gmail.com www.arlingtondentalsolutions.com

Q: How have you mentored or inspired others who are following in your footsteps?

A: I feel very blessed to be a dentist and female minority business owner in Arlington. As the daughter of educators, my family instilled in me the importance of perpetual learning and giving back. I often speak to elementary and middle schools about dental health and host graduate students to shadow me at my practice, further enhancing their skill sets.

Q: What makes your practice unique?

A: My team and I are committed to providing our patients with the best, personalized care in the safest, most comfortable environment possible. Since dentistry is an aerosol-laden profession, I installed protective equipment, including air filters, foggers, extraoral suction and more—patients often joke they feel safer in my office than outside!

Lilian Jorgenson, Realtor®

LONG & FOSTER MCLEAN

Leading with honesty, integrity and a commitment to helping others, Lilian Jorgenson (over $1.76 billion sold) is Long & Foster’s #1 Top Listing Agent in Virginia.

1355 Beverly Road, Suite 109 McLean, VA 22101

703-407-0766 www.lilian.com

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received?

A: “If it is to be, it is up to me!” Take charge of your life. Learn from others, but don’t depend on them to help you excel.

Q: How do you measure success?

A: Happy clients. All the thank you’s I’ve received over the years mean the world to me. I love being able to make a positive difference in people’s lives and help them achieve their home buying or selling dreams.

Wendy Weinberger

PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER, ILLUMINOS ACADEMIC COACHING & TUTORING

Wendy Weinberger is president and co-founder of Illuminos, an academic, executive function coaching service that’s laser-focused on individual student needs. Her company’s sophisticated curriculum, whole-child approach, caring coaches and in-home customized sessions have resulted in Illuminos being hailed as one of the premier academic coaching companies in our region.

571-313-5163

HeyWendy@illuminos.co

www.illuminos.co

Q: What is Illuminos Academic Coaching & Tutoring?

A: We are an industry-leading academic coaching and tutoring organization offering in-person support to students in 3rd grade through college in and around the entire DMV area, as well as virtually throughout most of the world. The foundation of our service is our proprietary, scientifically validated and awardwinning executive function (EF) curriculum. In addition to covering essential topics such as organization, time management, study skills and social competencies, Illuminos coaches/ tutors support students across all of their subjects, standardized test prep and college applications.

Q: What are you doing to help families mitigate learning loss that resulted from Covid?

A: Using a cutting-edge and research-driven assessment tool, we develop a personalized

learning plan for each student. This helps us identify how each student learns, as well as the specific EF skills that need to be strengthened. Using the resulting Learner Profile, we provide targeted academic coaching and tutoring to both fill in learning gaps and address EF challenges interfering with school success and achievement.

Q: What sets Illuminos’ award-winning curriculum and approach apart from other academic support companies?

A: We provide customized support for every child. We help students feel encouraged, empowered and motivated to steer their own academic journey. We integrate our curriculum into each child’s everyday life, working together with other members of the child’s support circle. Our goal is to help students become independent learners who perform to their potential using researchdriven self-management strategies while maintaining social-emotional health.

Rishita Jaju, DMD

SMILE WONDERS

Dr. Jaju graduated from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She is the only pediatric dentist in the MidAtlantic region who has achieved an Advanced Laser Proficiency Certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry and a Breastfeeding Specialist Certification.

11790 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 105, Reston, VA 20191 571-350-3663 | info@smilewonders.com www.smilewonders.com

Q: How would your patients describe you?

A: My patients often call me “The Singing Dentist” because I like to sing songs with them during appointments. I strive to make my patients’ time with me a fun-loving, memorable experience, so they always look forward to their visits. It makes my day every time a parent tells me their kids “love coming to the dentist!”

Q: Why do you do what you do? What motivates and inspires you?

A: My passion lies in care for infants, toddlers and children with unique behavioral or medical needs and extensive dental needs. With laser dentistry especially, I can improve my patients’ quality of life, including infants struggling to feed due to lip- or tongue-tie issues. It’s rewarding to know that most of our patients come to us through referrals from pediatricians, lactation consultants, feeding therapists, friends or even other pediatric dentist colleagues. And it inspires me every day to continue providing optimal results for all my patients, instilling healthy dental habits and laying the foundation for lifelong oral health.

Q: What is unique about your practice?

A: I built this practice and my team to provide the most comprehensive care with gentle laser dentistry technology, digital X-rays, in-office IV sedation and customized appointments. I love being able to offer patients specialized attention that is not often found in other practices. We focus on education and prevention—I’m very conservative in my care— and best experiences, so our patients grow up to love their oral health and hygiene.

Bean, Kinney & Korman P.C.

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

The attorneys at Bean, Kinney & Korman specialize in business transactions, bankruptcy/creditors rights, employment, real estate, family law and estate planning. Our attorneys understand the importance of putting clients first and adapting to challenges inside and outside of the workplace. Jennifer McCammon shares her thoughts on being a successful lawyer and woman in business.

2311 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201 703-525-4000 | beankinney.com

Q: What advice would you offer to women just starting out?

A: Take every assignment and opportunity seriously. First impressions count and, whether it’s a simple or complicated task, intellectual or menial, those around you will notice how you approach it. You can solidify your career by making an excellent first impression. It builds trust and confidence in your abilities.

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: The people. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that you are not the only one who has good days and bad or that the work we do can be really challenging. I not only look forward to connecting with people but find it necessary to share experiences and sometimes laughs to maintain balance.

Q: What changes or innovations are on the horizon in your industry? How are you preparing for them?

A: Like every industry, we must be more flexible about hours and accommodating remote work. That will not drastically change what we do, but how. Over the last few years, we have learned that most of us can successfully work remotely. Therefore, we must be proactive in offering flexible options and trust that we can hold our colleagues and employees accountable.

Q: What woman inspires you and why?

A: I am inspired every day by my female colleagues, but without question, my mother is the woman who inspires me most. She didn’t just balance life—or make it look like she did—but gave me the confidence to know I am capable of anything.

From Left: Jennifer McCammon, Michelle Bieber, Juanita Ferguson, Jill Seiferth, Carole Capsalis, Kandis Koustenis, Jennifer Schiffer, Maureen Carr, Theresa Mihalik, Lynn Hawkins, Taylor Klauza, Pat Bruce

Tutoring Club of McLean

Consistently voted best in its category by Arlington, Northern Virginia and Washington Family Magazine readers, Tutoring Club of McLean provides individualized academic assistance to students of all ages and abilities. “From early learning to college preparation, we are a dedicated and trusted partner for every step of the journey,” says Club Owner Michelle Scott.

6228 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 703-237-TUTOR (8886) McLeanVA@TutoringClub.com www.tutoringclub.com/mcleanva

From Left: Katherine C, Enrollment Director; Michelle Scott, Owner/Director; Natalie H, Instructor; Swetha S, Instructor; Grace T, Student Success Coach

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Witnessing the excitement of our students and staff as they turn out victories—there’s no better feeling! How cool is it to coach a student and watch new doors open for colleges, financial aid and scholarships? Or help another earn their first A in math after they gave up on themself? Or for another, find a system that works to finish the quarter with no missing homework for the first time? We always look forward to seeing what our students achieve!

Q: How have you mentored or inspired others who are following in your footsteps?

A: Training and mentoring our skilled and dedicated educators is a critical part of our job. Our tutors can be life-changing for students, so investing in their professional

development and encouraging them to find their strengths, pursue their passions and expand their leadership roles within our business is paramount. We follow our core values—Nurturing, Fun, Accountable, Respectful, Inspiring and Integrity—to guide us toward excellence. And as a national franchise leader, Tutoring Club of McLean shares our best practices with other TC centers.

Q: What advice would you offer to women just starting out?

A: Trust in your ability to succeed. By nature, women tend to possess more self-doubt than men, which inhibits them from being the leaders they’re capable of becoming. Trust the strengths and passions that have led you to where you are. We encourage women—as we do our students and staff—to strive for excellence.

Liza Greenspun Yang

GREENSPUN SHAPIRO PC

Liza Greenspun Yang attended George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School as a Mason Scholar, earning the Virginia Trial Lawyers’ Association Student Advocacy Award. A strong mental health advocate, Liza is a volunteer and past Board Member with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Northern Virginia and leads the firm’s fundraising efforts for NAMI.

3955 Chain Bridge Road, Second Floor Fairfax, VA 22030 703-454-5885 www.greenspunlaw.com

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Giving people the opportunity to tell their stories. It is crucial that everyone has a chance to be heard. Even if the facts of a case are not in my client’s favor, they deserve to have at least one person listen to the “why” behind their circumstances. If you ask the right questions and listen when others are talking, you learn that everyone has a backstory. It’s amazing how grateful some people are just to have one person listen to what they have to say. As my clients’ fiercest advocate, my goal each day is to leave them in a better place than when they first came to me.

Q: What was a major turning point in your life and career?

A: Pursuing law school almost 10 years after graduating from college was life-changing. I never thought about following in the footsteps of my dad, Peter Greenspun, and becoming a lawyer. But, after working as his firm’s office manager for years, my days felt routine and I knew I needed to make a change. My husband helped me realize that law school would not only be a logical next step—I already had experience speaking with clients, learning about the court system and helping with casework—but a positive one that would allow me to challenge myself. Everything clicked once I started practicing. This is what I am supposed to be doing.

Tiffany Green, Founder

NOUNOU NANNY

Nounou Nanny is a nanny placement service committed to finding the perfect childcare fit for every client family. Their in-depth, step-by-step process is led by experienced consultants who assist with the important task of hiring a childcare provider. Whether seasonal or full- or part-time, clients receive quality care from experienced professional sitters and nannies.

571-237-1912

tiffany@nounou-nanny.com

www.nounou-nanny.com

Q: How have you mentored or inspired others who are following in your footsteps?

A: I spend a lot of time speaking with women who are committed to childcare as their lifelong career. I truly enjoy giving them industry advice, from guidance on starting their own agency to pursuing more specialized childcare. I also encourage our nannies to work with different types of families, so they are well-rounded and equipped to serve a broader range of clients. Lastly, I continually stress the importance of actively listening and providing recommendations instead of simply applying blanket solutions to every challenge.

Q: What has been an unexpected surprise in your work?

A: A year after I opened my business, Covid-19 hit. It left nannies, much like educators across the country, scrambling to find adaptive ways to meet the needs of their clients during the pandemic. I have been pleasantly surprised by the creativity and inventiveness shown by our nannies to keep kids engaged, specifically when it comes to “Covid babies.” They may not have had the opportunity to be socialized in the same ways as children born before the pandemic. They’ve been so imaginative in their approaches, using toys, games and developmental exercises to help children reach and exceed milestones, despite lacking as much social exposure.

Q: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

A: Know your worth. Some people might not consider nanny work as important as other careers. Your natural-born skills as a caregiver and your ability to connect with people are invaluable, especially in this industry.

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

Masterman Krogmann PC

CAROLÉ C. KROGMANN

CIARA A. MILLER

MELISSA DRAGONE

Masterman Krogmann PC is a top Northern Virginia family law firm that offers the full spectrum of family law services from before marriage through post-divorce enforcement and termination. These services include all matters relating to children, property division in divorce and support issues.

1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 310

McLean, VA 22102

703-827-5500

www.mastermanlaw.com

Q: What are your top priorities?

A: Carolé Krogmann: Aside from my commitment to being a highly-skilled and ethical attorney, I think it is essential to mentor and help young lawyers as they come up to ensure that they, too, understand the importance of legal ethics. I think the responsibility falls on industry veterans like me to promote to the next generation of attorneys the value of getting back to the basics of good, competent and ethical law. I take that responsibility seriously.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned during your career?

A: Ciara Miller: In my 20+ years of practicing law, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it is very difficult to passionately advocate for your clients if

you’re burning the candle at both ends. While setting boundaries can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out, not doing so is ultimately a disservice to both you and your clients. Therefore, it’s super important—for both your physical and mental health—to find a work-life balance.

Q: What advice would you offer women just starting out?

A: Melissa Dragone: I’m only in my third year of practice, so this is one of the points I’ve implemented for myself: It’s OK if people don’t take you seriously right away. Prove them wrong. You will undoubtedly encounter older lawyers who will underestimate you in one way or another. Instead of letting their skepticism knock you down, use it to drive you to be the best attorney you can be.

Debran McClean

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Licensed in VA, D.C., & MD

2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22201 202-494-8202 | dmcclean@ttrsir.com www.theoandpartners.com

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Since a young age, I have been passionate about homes and design. I have great interest in the business of real estate and how it constantly evolves. I love the artistic nature of the business and using my creativity and market expertise to provide strategic, outside-the-box solutions. I enjoy working with people and helping them achieve their real estate goals in a seamless and stress-free way.

Q: What advice would you offer to women just starting out?

A: Real estate is a tough business, but when you genuinely love it and serving your clients, it doesn’t feel like work. Find your natural style, trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to take risks and be sure to listen more and talk less.

Ashley Love

OWNER/STYLIST/COLORIST

SALON SAGE

6712 Whittier Ave. McLean, VA 22101

703-761-1111 info@salonsagemclean.com www.salonsagemclean.com

Q: What makes Salon Sage unique?

A: After 10 years in the industry, I opened Salon Sage in 2014 to provide an innovative, creative service experience in a welcoming and friendly environment. We are client-centric—we make every business decision with our clients in mind—and strive to keep evolving as hairstylists to ensure we offer clients the latest products, treatments and styles. And we are environmentally conscious, mindful that we use sustainable products whenever possible.

Q: How do you measure success?

A: For me, success means balancing work, family and play while not feeling like I’m sacrificing one for the other. I want to look at my life and feel I’m a good person, mom, wife, salon owner and employer. Success is personal.

DONNA OWENS

Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean, LLC

DEBRA N. BROSIUS, PSY.D., CO-OWNER EVA-MARIA THEODOSIADIS, MD, FAPA, CO-OWNER

A shared endeavor in collaborative and integrated care, offering comprehensive mental health services with a combined 30 years of clinical practice. Dr. Theodosiadis is a board-certified child and adolescent, adult and forensic psychiatrist. Dr. Brosius is a trained neuropsychologist.

6845 Elm St., Suite 507, McLean VA 22101 703-459-0417 | 703-215-4101 (Scheduling) www.ipamclean.com

Q: Why do you do what you do? What motivates and inspires you?

A: We established Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean (IPA) as a community resource for youth and families in McLean and surrounding areas. By bringing together clinicians with varied training backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, we aim to support clients of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to foster a safe and understanding environment, a place our clients can call their therapeutic “home base.” Ultimately, we hope to guide our youth safely into adulthood and to positively influence this community, if not our world, one child, one family, at a time.

Q: What has been an unexpected surprise in your work?

A: Covid! The pandemic and the abrupt discontinuation of social activities integral to child development reshaped

our concept of what it means to create and maintain lasting relationships with the families we serve. During quarantine and physical distancing, we had to find creative and inventive ways of maintaining rapport and helping families cope. We were honored to be virtually invited into their homes each week and used everything available to us on camera to preserve that human connection. For some patients, these virtual sessions were the one constant in their lives as the world shut down. And, in some cases, it was a lifeline.

Q: Why choose IPA?

A: Our practice employs a patient-oriented approach. Many factors contribute to mental health needs, and we seek to learn everything we can about our clients and their lives to create unique evidence-based treatment plans to target their specific individual experiences.

VLP Financial Advisors

ROSE M. PRICE, PARTNER, CFP®, AIF® SARAH AVILA, CFP®, CDFA®

Rose M. Price is a Partner at VLP Financial Advisors. She believes that strategic planning is key to creating, protecting and growing wealth. Sarah Avila is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and specializes in guiding individuals through the financial challenges that can accompany divorce.

8391 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 203 Vienna, VA 22182 703-356-4360 | www.vlpfa.com

Rose Price and Sarah Avila are Registered Representative of and offer Securities and Advisory Services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Q: Why do you do what you do? What motivates and inspires you?

A: Rose M. Price: I am passionate about helping people plan and navigate their financial futures, striving to provide individuals and families with financial confidence so they can focus on what brings them the most joy in life. My clients’ best interests are at the forefront of everything I do, and I am always glad to answer any questions and concerns, explaining even the most complex financial concepts in the simplest terms to ensure they can make the most informed decisions.

Sarah Avila: Financial journeys are not linear. I enjoy helping clients during crucial periods of financial need, advising them in the areas of retirement, Social Security insurance, investing, tax considerations and estate planning, and offering goal-

based financial plans to help them meet short- and long-term objectives.

Q: How are financial realities different for women?

A: Rose M. Price: Many people do not realize that women need to save more money for retirement than men. They live longer, so, in addition to spending more time in retirement, they will have higher health costs as they age. Women are also more likely to take time out of the workforce to care for their families and, therefore, will benefit from having a defined retirement goal.

Sarah Avila: Planning for retirement should be at the top of every woman’s to-do list. A financial plan provides a longterm road map for handling your money, helping you pinpoint key opportunities and weaknesses in your finances, and take subsequent action.

Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin, P.C.

ILONA ELY GRENADIER, FOUNDING PARTNER; CAROLYN M. ABBATE, JUNIOR PARTNER

Listed in Best Lawyers in America since its inception (1983), Ilona Grenadier has practiced family law since the late 1960s, earning Martindale-Hubbell’s top AV rating. Carolyn Abbate was named a “Top Attorney” by Arlington Magazine (2019, 2021) and one of the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys’ Ten Best in Client Satisfaction (2017-22).

12359 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 230 Reston, VA 20191

649 South Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

703-683-9000 | www.vafamilylaw.com

Q: Why choose Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin, P.C.

A: Our family law attorneys offer decades of experience working for clients who are enduring one of the most challenging circumstances of their lives. Aside from the emotional pain and financial struggles that accompany any domestic situation, including divorce, separate maintenance, custody, support and equitable distribution of assets, there are significant legal considerations. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys will treat you with empathy and compassion, drawing upon our extensive family law background to help you navigate your domestic issue. Strategies are tailored to each case to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Q: How do you approach your clients’ cases?

A: Our attorneys value a collaborative approach with our clients. Using our collective experience and skills—and

specialized knowledge of domestic relations—we help clients either settle through counsel, mediation or, if litigation becomes necessary, obtain a fair outcome at trial.

Q: What is the most significant change in the legal profession during your career?

A: Our laws have changed dramatically, from lack of gender distinction in custody issues to equitable distribution of marital assets regardless of title to constantly changing military, tax, corporate and other related laws that can impact a family law case.

Additionally, the use of technology has expanded exponentially. These days, attorneys must understand the intricacies of laws concerning the use of technology in domestic matters and the financial implications should they not be followed appropriately. This is important in storing data and gaining access to relevant information that can assist in negotiating and litigating our clients’ cases.

Are Our Schools Safe?

In the age of mass shootings, questions about priorities and preparedness are hitting home.

BY KIM O’CONNELL | ILLUSTRATION BY JARRED BRIGGS

On a Saturday afternoon in June, Susan Merrigan was shopping with her kids and some friends at Tysons Corner Center when they heard a commotion on the level above them and someone yelled, “Gun, gun, gun!” They ran into the nearest shop, hoping to find shelter, but were turned away by staff who were locking down the store. That’s when they heard the unmistakable sound: pop pop pop. Merrigan’s group and everyone around them broke into a run as the gates of store after store crashed down— a measure designed to keep employees

safe in an active shooter event, but one that left dozens of panicking customers with nowhere to go.

“I had no idea what to do,” Merrigan recalls. “I was literally running for my life.”

Finally, after seconds that felt like an eternity, the employees of a shoe store ushered them into the back room before locking down the premises. From there, they exited out to a loading dock and ran to a parking garage.

Although shots were fired, no one was hurt or killed in the incident, which turned out to be gang related. The out-

come could have been far worse, Merrigan says, but it was still terrifying.

Afterward, her daughter, Maisy, who attends Gunston Middle School, repeated questions like “Is it going to happen again?”

Her son Liam, a Wakefield High School student, was quieter, saying little about it. Merrigan still isn’t sure how the shooting will sit with her kids over the long term.

But the experience did spark one immediate realization for the Arlington mom: The lockdown drills that had become so routine at her kids’ schools

■ are our schools safe?

were solely focused on hiding in the classroom—not on what happens when students are caught in common areas.

“Maisy has been doing lockdown drills since kindergarten, but they didn’t prepare her for this,” Merrigan says. “We were in the middle of the mall, in the shooting gallery. That was the most disturbing part—the 10 seconds of not knowing and running.”

OURS IS A NATION

reeling from mass shootings and rampant gun violence. Tragedies of years past remain fresh in our minds, compounded by the more recent carnage in Buffalo, New York, where a racially motivated gunman killed 10 Black people, and in Uvalde, Texas, where the massacre of 19 elementary school children and two teachers brought back the horrors of Sandy Hook and Parkland.

By the time a shooter killed seven people and injured 46 more at a Fourth of July parade in a Chicago suburb, more than 300 mass shootings had occurred in the United States this year alone, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive (GVA). In the seven years between 2014 and 2020, guns killed or injured 26,615 children aged 17 and younger. In 2020, firearms became the leading cause of death for kids and teens in the U.S., according to the CDC. Every mass shooting triggers an out-

pouring of grief and anger, finger-pointing, anxiety and hopelessness. Protests and marches ensue, along with renewed calls for stricter gun laws or increased mental health services. Then the cycle repeats.

At the federal level, Congress passed legislation in June that many viewed as an important step toward curbing gun violence. Signed into law by President Biden, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act improves background checks, increases protections for domestic violence victims, incentivizes states to pass laws removing guns from high-risk individuals, and funnels more money into mental health initiatives. It is the first gun safety measure to pass Congress in decades, although gun-sense advocacy groups such as Every Town for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Sandy Hook Promise say more restrictions need to be put in place.

Meanwhile, the specter of violence is creeping closer to home. This spring, an unnamed threat caused the cancellation of Gunston’s eighth-grade dance. Last year, possible shooter threats caused lockdowns at Yorktown and Washington-Liberty (W-L) high schools, and suspicious individuals were reported near Kenmore Middle School and HoffmanBoston Elementary.

Although not gun-related, an Alexandria City High School student was fa-

tally stabbed in May at Bradlee Center on Route 7—a tragedy that was keenly felt amid all the other violence.

In July, police were dispatched to W-L after receiving a report of possible shots fired inside a school bathroom. The cause ended up being fireworks, but the incident prompted a lockdown that left staff on edge.

“Schools have drawn the short straw in managing what has essentially been, from my perspective, a pressure cooker of overlapping challenges—health challenges, learning challenges, physical and mental challenges, families being torn apart by the pandemic,” says a Gunston parent who asked to remain anonymous. “I think that really contributed to an insane amount of pressure on kids, on teachers, on schools and on families. All of that, for our family, really came to a head when the Texas shooting happened, and the Bradlee Center stabbing.”

After Buffalo and Uvalde, the Arlington County Board in late May issued a statement condemning gun violence. “Our hearts are heavy for the families who are suffering from the most profound loss imaginable,” the board said.

“We renew our commitment to act to the fullest extent of our local authority and call for additional action so that we can further protect our community from gun violence.”

“There’s no amount of hardening a school that can promise a parent this won’t

The statement underscored the county board’s recent actions to establish gun-free zones in public facilities in Arlington and to locally implement a 2016 state law removing guns from domestic violence offenders.

Ramped-up school security will only go so far, says County Board Chair Katie Cristol: “There’s no amount of hardening a school that can promise a parent this won’t happen. The only way to do that is with government legislation. When we can achieve state and federal policy changes, the actual implementation is going to come down to dozens of small decisions on the local level.”

Cristol supports a ban on semiautomatic weapons, safe storage requirements for firearms near minors, and the expansion of eligible categories for extreme risk protection orders, among other measures.

“Schools will be safer when we treat guns the way responsible gun owners do,” says Alison Sheahan, head of the Arlington chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We store guns and ammunition securely and separately, we teach our children these are deadly weapons and an earned responsibility, and we follow licensure requirements and training to keep ourselves and our fellow citizens safe.”

On the school front, Sheahan is pushing for improvements in building security, mental health services, threat assessments and intervention for students who are deemed to be at risk of harming themselves or others.

Moms Demand Action also supports background checks on all gun sales and ending sales of semiautomatic weapons, high-capacity magazines and untraceable, self-assembly “ghost” guns.

Over the next couple years, Arlington County is planning to upgrade entrances at several schools, including the construction of more secure vestibules. Starting this fall, every lock on every public-school classroom and of-

In 2020, firearms became the leading cause of death for kids and teens in the U.S., according to the CDC.

fice door will be upgraded to a standard inside-locking knob.

“It’s been a hodgepodge of door hardware [up to now],” says Zachary Pope, director of safety, security, risk and emergency management for Arlington Public Schools (APS). “The research shows that the ability to lock down a classroom easily saves 10 seconds to a minute.” Those seconds can save lives.

Installing bulletproof glass in interior and exterior classroom windows and doors is not on the table, Pope says, because window access “is not a traditional method of travel for armed assailants”—although schools have looked into how quickly classroom windows can be covered, if needed, to block the view from outside.

Nevertheless, parents, students, teachers and administrators remain worried about how to adequately protect schools.

Questions abound: Are lockdown drills the right approach? Should teachers be armed? Should publicschool floor plans be reconfigured with the threat of gun violence in mind? Do our schools have adequate mental health resources? And to what extent should parents and students have a say in what happens?

PREPARING A

SCHOOL for the possibility of mass violence is layered like an onion, starting at the classroom level with teachers and students, then expanding to include school counselors and administrators, then the school district, and then the community, state and nation at large. The innermost layer—the classroom—is where one of the most visible forms of preparation occurs: the lockdown drill.

Lockdown drills (in which children are taught to hide and stay quiet for a certain period of time, often in a closet) are required by law in the state of Virginia. All local school districts conduct them at all levels of education.

In Arlington and other neighboring school districts, teachers are also required to do compliance training before every academic year, which includes learning how to respond in an active shooter situation.

Samantha Sherman (not her real name), a middle-school teacher in North Arlington, is concerned about the inconsistent practice of buzzing in visitors to schools, where it’s often easy to “tailgate” into a school building behind someone else who is walking in or out.

“Arlington has to take a hard look at all of the schools and how secure all the schools really are,” Sherman says. “My

■ are our schools safe?

Having “drill after drill after drill” is exhausting and anxietyproducing for many kids.

school was built in the ’50s and we have not done the updates necessary to make sure that all visitors are coming in a single access point. We need to be looking at the configuration of the schools we have, and if that means we need to halt the new building projects that are happening, then so be it.”

Some wonder whether lockdowns may be the wrong approach in an active shooter situation, leaving kids stuck inside as “sitting ducks.” A newer protocol developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security advocates the “Run, Hide, Fight” response, where escape is the primary survival tactic, followed by hiding and then fighting as a last resort.

Lockdown drills focus only on what to do in the classroom, Sherman points out, overlooking the many situations when students and teachers might be elsewhere on the property—like what the Merrigans experienced at the mall in Tysons Corner.

Without practicing an escape plan, she says, a teacher could potentially lead children into an even worse situation. “I could escape out the nearest door and run into an [enclosed] courtyard and then I’m stuck. We have to consider how the school is configured and get trained on what to do in each specific situation.”

APS safety director Pope says that

lockdowns are proven to keep people safe, noting, sadly, that the classroom doors in Uvalde were unlocked.

“Acts of violence are crimes of opportunities,” he says. “When an armed intruder comes through the schools, they are not coming through a locked door. I can’t tell kindergartners to run and have them know the difference between running away from a teacher [or another adult who is trying to help] or from a shooter. What we teach adults is that our first option is always going to be lockdown.”

That said, APS does train its staff to follow the “run, hide, fight” approach when they have information on, say, a shooter’s location or something else that might allow a teacher and students to escape. (Fighting, Pope says, could involve using chairs, desks and other objects as improvised weapons, or working with others to coordinate an ambush.) This protocol is taught to teachers only, so they know they have options. Fairfax County Public Schools provides similar guidance to its teachers.

Falls Church City Public Schools has developed its own training called “The First 12 Minutes”—referring to the average time it takes first responders to arrive at a crime scene—that empowers teachers, office workers and others to barricade, fight, distract or pursue

other measures in the event of an active shooter crisis.

Lockdown drills have also raised concerns about their impacts on children’s emotional health. Having “drill after drill after drill”—fire, active shooter—is exhausting and anxietyproducing for many kids, says Amy Parks, director and owner of The Wise Family, a child and adolescent counseling practice with offices in Alexandria and Falls Church.

“From my perspective it would be far more productive for just the adult in the room to understand the procedure,” she says. “The teacher can create scenarios [for young children] that state, ‘There may be times when this is like Simon Says and you must follow my directions exactly.’ At the end of the day, it’s not going to matter if they practiced [a lockdown drill]. What’s going to matter on a daily basis? If those kids slept through the night.”

What about teenagers, who know full well what the lockdown drills are all about? “If the school feels it will create calm and structure in the event of chaos, then yes, teens should practice lockdowns,” Parks says. “But should schools also be given the tools and personnel to support the emotional ruptures that may arise from potentially creating a sense of anticipatory anxiety in students? Most definitely.”

Parks worries about the stress on teachers, too. They’ve already been working through a global pandemic that put unprecedented strain on educators, pivoting to virtual school and then working to reopen and re-engage.

“For teachers and administrators, it’s even worse,” she says, “because the issue is not just their own personal safety, but their sense of profound responsibility. There’s no one in education because they want to make money. They do it because they love children and they love teaching.”

For Josh Folb, an Arlington high school math teacher, the solution to securing schools most decidedly does not involve arming educators. “I have no interest ever in carrying a weapon,” Folb says. “I will change my occupation before I carry a weapon. It changes the dynamic in the classroom when I go from being the person teaching to also being the person required—if it’s one of my students [causing the threat]— to take out one of my students. I would

say that, among those who made education their first chosen profession, you would struggle to find a large percentage of those willing and qualified to carry a weapon.”

When we talk about the gun crisis, Folb says, “we’re trying to react to these weapons of war that our country has chosen to make available for sale. When someone closes their eyes and says, ‘What does a school look like?’ it’s really hard to balance the choice we’ve made to make these weapons available against what we want in terms of freedom in schools.”

THE RATIONALE FOR

arming teachers comes from an acknowledgment that law enforcement can’t—or won’t—always respond to an active shooter situation in time to make a difference.

In Parkland, Florida, four years ago, and in Uvalde just this year, police officers on the scene did not engage, leading to dismissals and resignations and prompting many to question whether

“a good guy with a gun” is an effective solution.

Many school districts across the country—Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church City among them— have relied at some point on school resource officers (SROs) to be present at schools as a criminal deterrent and as part of a front-line threat assessment team working in concert with school officials.

The concept of SROs goes back to the 1950s, when the idea was for schoolchildren to understand, respect and trust police officers as community servants. After the 1999 Columbine shooting, the role of the SRO shifted to one more akin to traditional law enforcement. In recent years, as many as 77% of public schools with 1,000 or more students employed an SRO, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

SROs have drawn controversy, however, because their presence has correlated with higher incidents of juvenile

“We are pretty much the victim pool. Every student in America feels like, ‘This could be me.’ ”

arrests and police brutality—often targeting students of color.

“The truth of the matter is that mass shootings at schools are very rare, and SROs do not prevent or stop them,” says Whytni Kernodle, president of the local advocacy group Black Parents of Arlington. “In fact, research indicates that the presence of SROs is detrimental to the welfare of Black, Brown and disabled children, leading to the increased criminalization of marginalized youth for childlike behaviors.”

During the 2019-20 academic year, Black students represented only 12% of Arlington’s high school population, but accounted for 31% of school suspensions, according to APS dashboard data. In June 2021, in response to such concerns, the Arlington County School Board voted to remove SROs from its public schools.

Wesley Palmer Bullock, a graduate of Ballou High School in D.C., is now a teaching assistant at Oakridge Elementary in Arlington. He finds it sadly ironic that the gun violence epidemic has caused White families to feel anxious about their personal safety—something Black families have endured for centuries.

“The schools in my neighborhood [in D.C.] were highly secured because the blatant violence and crime in the surrounding areas would spill into the

school,” he says. “I think the metal detectors and X-rays were a way to allow the children to have a sense of safety. Arlington was a culture shock because the violence and crime were less obvious or advertised, versus my neighborhood, where it was tolerated to a point.”

Tracey Torino (not her real name), an Arlington elementary school teacher, says she never had any problem with SROs at the elementary level.

“It gave kids a chance to see a community worker and they became part of our school family,” she says. “But some people of color have had incidents with SROs. Maybe training could be done with SROs so all students could be made to be safe and equal.”

APS middle school teacher Sherman wishes the SROs were still in place. “They were in there every day, building connections,” she says. “Without them in the schools, I would feel a sense of panic if an event happened here, wondering how long it would take [for the police] to respond, and without that person [the SRO] already in the building and familiar with the building.”

The awful reality is that some mass shooters use high-powered rifles that can render significant casualties in short order, so even an on-site SRO might not have time to engage before a shooter inflicts unspeakable damage.

“If a shooting is in a main commons area,” says math teacher Folb, “and a school resource officer stationed out in the bus lane has to come inside and engage an assailant armed with a weapon of war, I’m not sure that 90 seconds will make a difference.”

As an alternative to SROs, APS is now working with the Arlington County Police Department to employ officers in what they are calling a Youth Outreach Unit (YOU), an off-site entity charged with developing outreach and education opportunities in the community, not the schools.

Inside the schools, unarmed “school safety coordinators” (wearing an intentionally neutral outfit of polo shirt and khakis) will now provide more eyes and ears during arrival and dismissal times. These safety coordinators will let schools take the lead on disciplinary actions, providing support as needed.

“Their job is to build relationships and to de-escalate,” Pope explains. “They’re not there to be criminal justice enforcement. They’re school division employees.”

Whether the school safety coordinators can successfully lower the temperature in a school to prevent violence remains to be seen. Regardless, some parents think the money devoted to security would be better spent beefing up mental health services. Research

indicates that more than half of school shooters have a history of psychological problems, and most K-12 shooters target the school they attend or attended.

“My kids attended Claremont [Immersion Elementary School] and I know they had an SRO there and it was fine,” says Kelly Harvey, an APS parent of middle schoolers and a volunteer with Moms Demand Action. “I understand the intent in having a police officer be viewed as a friendly person. However, I would absolutely prefer that the money for SROs be used instead for additional counseling staff for the schools. I do not feel that SROs are the most effective way to prevent gun violence in schools. They are reactive; school counselors could be proactive.”

Moms Demand Action has been working with local school districts on its “Be SMART” campaign, which provides information about safe gun storage and how to ask other parents if they have firearms in the house before playdates. Fairfax, Alexandria City and Loudoun public schools have agreed to send campaign information home in students’ first-day packets.

At press time, the Arlington chapter of Moms Demand Action was working with the Arlington School Board in the hope that it would do the same.

INCREASINGLY, YOUTH

are taking a stand. Students at nearly all of Northern Virginia’s high schools have staged walkouts or other demonstrations in recent years to protest gun violence and advocate for stricter gun control measures.

In June, just before the 2021-22 academic year ended, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine sat down with about 30 students from Wakefield High School to discuss the epidemic—his second such visit in the past four years.

He expressed his support for the recent federal gun legislation (which was also supported by Sen. Mark Warner) but admitted to sharing students’ skep-

ticism about whether real change on gun violence is possible.

“We’ve been here before,” Kaine said, expressing frustration that Congress has not moved to legislate bans on semiautomatic weapons and highcapacity magazines (both measures he supports), “but we can’t give up.”

Amanda Niza González Mejía, Nahier Tafere and Isa Paley were among the Wakefield students who met with the senator, just days before they graduated. All three have been active in gunsafety advocacy at school, including organizing and participating in student walkouts and community protests.

“I think that being a student, your voice is especially important in the conversation because we are the ones that directly have to go to school every day, and not know if we’re safe,” Paley says. “We’ve seen, year after year, that we think it’s getting better, and it doesn’t.”

“We are pretty much the victim

pool,” adds González Mejía. It’s a grim realization. “Every student in America feels like, ‘This could be me.’ ”

Tafere says she was grateful that Wakefield’s principal, Chris Willmore, made them feel heard throughout the school year. He supported their walkouts, listened to their suggestions and acknowledged their fears.

“I remember Dr. Willmore giving a whole spiel about ‘Don’t let apathy consume you,’ ” she says. “It’s so easy to get super upset and feel like your efforts aren’t amounting to anything. Something that’s helped us so much is just caring genuinely for our community. The only way we got through anything this year was caring about our school and the halls and the people who occupy them.” ■

Kim O’Connell is a writer based in Aurora Highlands and mom of a son in high school and a daughter in middle school.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine visits Wakefield High School students in June

Admissions

Applying to college has gotten downright crazy.

It may be time for a sanity check.

BY TAMARA LYTLE | ILLUSTRATION BY JAIMIE SHELTON

It’s a recipe for stressermaggeddon: Mix the complex process of applying to college with rampedup pressure on students to apply “early decision” or “early action.” Throw in a dash of uncertainty about the “testoptional” policies that have given SAT and ACT scores less weight at most institutions of higher learning. Frost with skyrocketing numbers of applications that are overwhelming admissions offices and driving down acceptance rates at the most coveted schools. Then serve it all up in Northern Virginia, land of Type-A parents, some of whom literally run the country and expect the best for—and from—their kids.

“It is in the water around here,” says Melissa Sporn, a clinical psychologist based in McLean. “Kids start talking about colleges and wearing college shirts in elementary school.”

Many of us are guilty of feeding the beast, even if unwittingly. Sporn remembers driving north several years ago for a prospective campus visit with her husband and daughter (then a high school senior) when her husband asked whether the college they were visiting was a good school. She yanked the car over to the side of the road. “We don’t use the word good ,” she admonished. “We’re looking for the right fit for our child.”

Her reaction may seem extreme, but Sporn has seen what the obsession with “good schools” can do to some kids. Anxiety and depression continue to rise. Meltdowns over college essays and waitlists are common. In severe cases, she’s even seen teens become suicidal when faced with curveballs they thought would jeopardize their chances of getting into a top-rated university.

The reality is that not every student is preordained to become a future Ivy Leaguer or the golden child who earns a spot at Stanford (which, like Harvard, has an acceptance rate of around 5%).

“There are 4,000 colleges [in the U.S.],” says Kathleen Otal, a guidance

Attention, Parents!

Are you trying to help your student through the college application process? A few pointers on keeping the stress monster at bay:

Don’t let college dominate every conversation. “When you say ‘college’ to a high school junior or senior, it’s like tasing them,” says clinical psychologist Melissa Sporn. “It raises their cortisol level.” To keep the topic from becoming allconsuming, consider setting up weekly meetings to talk about applications, test prep, essays and campus visits.

That includes conversations with other people’s kids. They don’t need the added pressure of everyone asking them where they’re applying. “It’s so easy to get spun up in all the hype in talking to other parents,” says Natalie Stoss, a mother of three. “We live in a competitive area. A lot of parents forget the process is about the kid.”

Beware of AP overload. Today’s high school students may feel compelled to load up on AP classes to improve their chances of getting into elite colleges. Parents don’t need to fuel that fire. Kids are melting down under the pressure, says Kathleen Otal, a guidance counselor at McLean High School. “Accept your child for who they are and let them guide the decisions. Be a consultant to the process, not a boss.”

Empower your child to make their own choices. Backing off and giving your student more responsibility will help them build confidence and a sense of control over their own future, says Sarah Tursi, a therapist whose oldest is a freshman at the University of Central Florida. “It starts with alarm clocks, financial conversations, allowing them to make decisions and holding them accountable for the decisions they are making.”

Be vulnerable. Talking about your own mistakes will help teens realize they don’t need to be perfect. Elizabeth Hale, a mother of two, recalls fessing up to her kids about the D-plus she got in economics her freshman year of college after skipping too many classes. Seeing how others have bounced back lets students know they can make mistakes and survive.

Make mental health a priority. It’s important to build in time for fun between college talks and campus visits, Sporn says, whether you’re taking a detour to go zip-lining or blocking out a Saturday afternoon to go shopping. “Mix in the serious with the ridiculous. Our job is to ground our kids and help them feel peaceful.”

counselor at McLean High School who was named the 2020-21 Virginia School Counselor of the Year, “but especially in Northern Virginia, we focus on the top 200 to 300. It’s hard, as a parent, to divorce yourself from the prestige in that bumper sticker.”

Counselors like Otal spend a lot of time urging students and parents not to fixate on certain schools as a prerequisite for a happy and fulfilling life. A student “can be just as successful going to a school that’s the right fit,” she says, “and doing well at that school.”

LATELY, HOWEVER , finding that right fit has gotten a lot more complicated. Rachel Smith (not her real name) thought she had the college application process figured out after her first two kids headed off to the University of Virginia before the pandemic hit.

But when her younger twins applied this year, she found out just how confusing and capricious the admissions landscape has become. One son applied early decision and was admitted to his top choice, Northwestern University. The other, with a 4.4 grade point average and outstanding standardized test scores like his siblings, got wait-listed at several schools (including UVA) that he had assumed would be good bets. Out of eight applications, he received acceptances from James Madison University and William & Mary.

“It’s hard to know what went wrong and why it was easy for one [child] and not so smooth for the other,” says the Arlington mom. “It seemed really random on who got in where. If you’re on the wrong end of it, you feel jilted. He busted his butt all these years and ultimately it didn’t give him what he hoped for.”

Though her son was shocked and disappointed when he didn’t get into any of his top choices, he’s been stoic, Smith says. By summer he was busy choosing classes at William & Mary.

“It seems like the whole process has

changed,” she says. “You need to be prepared for anything. It’s haphazard and random. Don’t take anything for granted. We assumed we’d have certain options we ended up not having.”

MOST COLLEGES have dropped their mandatory requirements for standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT (a trend that started several years ago and accelerated during Covid), leaving the question of “what do schools want” a bit more open-ended.

Only about 5% of colleges required test scores last year, compared with 55% before the pandemic, according to the College Board, the nonprofit that runs the SAT, Advanced Placement and other college readiness programs. That means many students are now applying to schools they previously might have assumed were out of reach.

Applications to the nation’s most competitive schools have shot up as a result, with applicants attempting to stack their odds by applying to more and more schools. The College Board reports that applications to its member universities increased by 21% from the 2019-20 school year to 2021-22.

In Arlington Public Schools, seniors in the Class of 2022 reported submitting a total of 10,583 college applications, according to APS tracking data, up from 8,239 in 2018-19. That’s a 28% increase over a four-year period.

Ann Dolin, founder and president of Educational Connections, a tutoring and college counseling firm based in Fairfax, says that highly selective colleges and universities—ones that already granted admission to fewer than one-third of applicants—have been inundated with applications since the test-optional policies went into effect.

The University of Virginia, a holy grail for many in-state students, is telling. After shifting to test optional, its admissions office saw applications increase from 41,000 in 2020 to 48,000 in 2021. Though UVA’s acceptance rate for

College Applications on the Rise

Decisions, Decisions

Early Decision (ED): Student applies early in the cycle (in the fall of senior year) to a first-choice school, with the promise that, if accepted, they will attend that school and withdraw all other applications to other schools. Early decision is binding.

Early Action (EA): Student applies early in the cycle (fall) and receives a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date. EA is a way to show expressed interest but is not binding.

Regular Decision: Student applies during the college’s regular admission cycle (deadlines are typically in January or February) and receives a decision in the spring. Regular decision offers are nonbinding.

Rolling Admission: The college or university opens its application window in the fall (usually October) and makes decisions as applications are received. Applicants may hear back within three to four weeks. Rolling admission offers are nonbinding.

out-of-state students remains at about 15%, in-state acceptances dropped from 33% to 28% of applicants, according to Jeannine Lalonde, UVA’s associate dean of admissions.

In March, a story in the university’s Cavalier Daily newspaper reported that UVA accepted a record-low 19% of the 50,962 students who applied this year.

Closer to home, Marymount University is seeing a similar phenomenon. Af-

ter adopting a “test blind” policy for its most recent admissions cycle (meaning it no longer accepts standardized test scores), the Arlington university saw a 40% jump in applications, from about 2,500 in 2021 to 3,500 this year, according to Evan Lipp, associate vice president for enrollment management.

But the shift to test optional also has upsides. Guidance counselor Otal says it’s been beneficial for some appli-

■ admissions madness

cants—like strong students who don’t perform well on standardized tests. It’s also made the playing field more equitable for students who can’t afford private tutoring and test-prep services.

Seniors looking at colleges may notice the average test scores for certain schools trending upward, she says, but that’s purely a function of admitted students who didn’t submit scores (which likely were lower) not being counted in the averages.

When is it in an applicant’s best interest to submit their SAT or ACT scores, if applying to a school that is test optional? Amber Cobb Vazquez, a student

success coach with Tutoring Club of McLean, takes the guesswork out of it: Submit your scores only if they fall within or above the college’s average range for accepted students. (The Fiske Guide to Colleges and many college websites make those numbers publicly available.) Otherwise leave them out. They really are optional now, she says, and omitting test scores won’t be seen as a red flag.

COMPOUNDING THE

STRESS for applicants is mounting pressure to apply early decision or early action—a timeline that requires students to figure out where they want to apply before the end of their

first semester senior year. Many fear that applying “regular” decision (which usually means a deadline in January, versus November) will decrease their chances of acceptance if colleges are selecting greater percentages of their incoming classes from early applicant pools.

It’s not an unfounded concern. Dolin says she is seeing more schools pushing for early decision, with incoming classes comprising larger numbers of those applicants than they did only a few years ago. “At a lot of schools, your acceptance rate is doubled with early decision,” she says.

Vazquez encourages students to submit at least some of their applications in the early part of the cycle (ahead of the regular admissions deadline), but cautions that early decision is only a smart move for the student who has a dream school that supersedes all others. Early decision applications are binding, whereas early action provides more flexibility (see sidebar on p. 59). She worries that committing to one college immediately may affect a student’s options for financial aid, as doing so forfeits the ability to leverage one school’s offer against another’s.

Lalonde adds that the numbers can be deceptive—at least at UVA, where offers of admission are divided equally among early decision, early action and regular decision. Early isn’t always better, she says. Some students might benefit from having one more semester of good grades on their transcript, or just a bit more time to polish their applications.

Roughly a quarter of U.S. colleges and universities offer rolling admissions, meaning that decisions are made as applications are received. Marymount University is one such school. Students can begin submitting applications as early as October and will typically hear back within about three weeks of applying.

Sarah Tursi, a licensed clinical social worker in McLean, says she usually sees the stress ratcheting up among her patients during junior year, when cumulative grade point averages are released. To temper the anxiety, she urges students

Elizabeth Hale with her son, Ethan, and husband Clay at a CNU football game in 2021

to apply to at least a couple of schools with rolling admissions to increase their chances of having an acceptance in hand in the fall of their senior year.

“It soothes people to say, ‘I’m definitely going to college,’ ” she says. “Then they don’t feel panicky they’re not going to get in anywhere.”

EVERY COLLEGE HAS its own opaque formula for weighing the different parts of an application. Most schools look intently at the rigor of an applicant’s course load (including AP, IB and honors classes) and grade point average, as well as essays and extracurricular activities. Some also take note of demonstrated interest—applicants who have shown enthusiasm by visiting campus, meeting with an admissions officer at a college fair, attending virtual information sessions, scheduling alumni interviews, signing up for emails from the school and/or applying early.

Lalonde says the secret decoder ring of what a college is looking for is usually right there in the application instructions. It’s implied in what the school asks to see, and what it does not. Even before UVA dropped its SAT/ACT requirement, grades and course rigor were more important than test scores, she says. “We’ve always been more concerned with sustained classroom performance than one four-hour exam.”

For context around a student’s transcript, she looks carefully at what types of courses are offered at the applicant’s high school, how grades are weighted and other policies specific to that high school. She is quick to debunk the notion that UVA has quota limits on how many students it will admit from a given high school, county or school district. Fairfax County supplied the largest share of UVA’s first-year class for 2022-23, she says, with 3,514 students. Applicants often agonize over how

many AP courses they must take in high school to be competitive. The magic number, says Eleanor Monte Jones, a former admissions officer at Georgetown University, is however many they can manage while still having time to enjoy high school and keep excessive levels of stress at bay.

Jones, now principal at Rigby, a college and career consulting business in Fairfax County, says a good rule of thumb is for students to take the harder class—AP or honors level—only if they have an interest in the subject and believe they can get a B or better. She hopes the pandemic will have a cooling effect and reset expectations about AP course loads.

“This has to be more realistic,” she says, noting the high rates of burnout she sees in so many high school seniors. “What’s the big-picture goal beyond college? Well-adjusted individuals who can support themselves, be

“Try to turn off the noise about what everyone else is doing.”

good citizens, and be content and challenged in life.”

Otal repeats a similar refrain to the seniors who land in her office: Get enough sleep and don’t sacrifice friendships and the things you love during the application process. “Try to turn off the noise about what everyone else is doing,” she advises.

AMONG THE MOST panic-inducing portions of college applications are the essays. Although the Common App (which is now used by some 900 colleges and universities) allows students to submit a single essay of 250-650 words with their digital application, many schools also have separate writing requirements that are specific to their needs.

Virginia Tech, for example, ignores the Common App essay and instead asks applicants to respond to a series of its own writing prompts, with an emphasis on service. (The school’s motto, “Ut Prosim,” translates as “That I May Serve.”) Factor in each school’s idiosyncrasies and a student applying to 10 schools may end up writing 20 essays or more.

The upside is that essays are where applicants can show off their personalities and what makes them unique. “That’s where they get to show the admissions committee they are three-dimensional human beings,” Vazquez says. “It doesn’t have to be ‘In 10th grade I found the cure to cancer.’ It can be something small, but it needs to show who they are as a person and how they would fit on that campus.”

Lalonde of UVA agrees. “If you’re trying to make grand sweeping statements, you’re going to run out of time

and space,” she advises. “Go small.” Focus on a singular experience or personal passion that speaks to who you are and what you care about, she says.

HOW MANY COLLEGES should a student apply to? Jones recommends five to seven. Otal says six to eight. Vasquez advises eight to 12.

There really is no set number, provided a student’s list includes a range of “safety” schools (ones the applicant has a good chance of getting into); “target” schools (that are on par with their grades, course rigor and test scores); and “reach” schools that are long shots.

But there are points of diminishing returns. “I feel like there’s a bit of an arms race,” says Mindy Leblond, an Arlington mom of two whose older daughter, Mathilde, applied to 15 colleges and wrote more than 30 essays during her senior year at H-B Woodlawn. Mathilde was accepted by her dream school, University of California Berkeley, only to realize it was too expensive. She’s now heading to Georgia Tech this fall to study engineering.

After witnessing her older child’s stress—including much fretting over an application hiccup at a university that she ultimately turned down anyway—Leblond plans to encourage her younger daughter (a rising junior) to apply to fewer schools.

“There is a college for every student,” assures Sporn, the clinical psychologist. She urges applicants and their families to be open-minded about what different schools have to offer. Kids who were their high school valedictorians are a dime a dozen at Ivy League universities, she says. A safety school might of-

fer more scholarship aid, smaller class sizes, a specialized degree program or more research opportunities.

THOUGH SOME STRESS is unavoidable, college shopping can be fun.

Elizabeth Hale, a McLean mother of two, remembers visiting colleges as “some of the best times we’ve had with our kids.” The road trips were great for bonding and exploring new places, and they usually invited a current student at each school (often a neighbor or a friend’s kid) to lunch for an insider’s perspective on campus life.

“Most kids will do anything for free food,” Hale jokes. She now has a senior at Virginia Tech and a sophomore at Christopher Newport University.

Campus visits can help prospective students figure out what they don’t like as much as what they do like, adds Natalie Stoss, a mom of three whose oldest will begin her first year at the University of Richmond this fall. She says her daughter scratched one school “in the middle of nowhere” off her list after seeing it in person and realizing she felt happier in a city.

Tursi, the McLean social worker, takes a different tack. She advises students to wait and visit schools after they’ve been accepted. Doing so saves time and money, she says, and eliminates the heartbreak of falling in love with a campus that may not pan out. Plus “at that point your senior is looking more with adult eyes.”

Just as there is no one-size-fitsall college that’s right for everyone, Jones says every part of the application process needs to be tailored to the individual.

“You will have 100 opinions on how to do it,” she says. “In reality, it’s a very personal decision about where a student will excel, figure out a career path, make friends and have academic and extracurricular opportunities along the way.” ■

Tamara Lytle is a freelance journalist who will soon be helping her high school juniors through the college application process.

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Welcome to 4607 27th Street North! This spacious home offers 8,100 square feet of living space and is situated on an approximate 13,000-square-foot lot. Nestled between Washington Golf & Country Club, Marymount University and Donaldson Run Trail, this property is located at one of the highest elevation points in North Arlington. This immaculate home features six bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two half bathrooms with a generously-sized, walk-in closet in the owner’s suite. Don’t skip over the three gas fireplaces, a pre-wired media/theater room, a lower-level wet bar, exercise room, two offices and so much more! For the little ones, your backyard features an in-ground trampoline with a basketball hoop and a full-sized playground with a slide, climbing wall and swing area. This home is also equipped with a tiered outdoor living set-up with an oversized deck for entertaining and hosting. Enjoy the breeze, without those pesky mosquitos, from your screened porch. No detail was left untouched!

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Lessons Learned

Five teachers share treasured takeaways from their years on the job.

PHOTOS BY SKIP BROWN

Leonda Archer

MATH TEACHER

Washington-Liberty High School, Arlington

Years teaching: 19

Originally from North Carolina, Archer previously taught math and coached boys’ basketball at Gunston Middle School in Arlington, and held teaching and coaching positions at Mark Twain Middle School and Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria. Find her math raps online at youtube. com/channel/UC5TcqAet74T9pTjMZ7TvaCg/ videos

In third grade, I remember feeling unnoticed and inarticulate at times. I had a teacher who made me feel seen, intelligent and empowered. My hope is to facilitate this same encouraging experience with my math students by

providing opportunities for them to express their abilities in creative ways.

For an end-of-the-year project while I was teaching Algebra 1 at Twain Middle School, I asked students to create mind maps, board games, posters, PowerPoint presentations and other creative demonstrations of understanding. One group of eighth-graders produced a rap song. As a surprise, I decided to remix one of the songs that was submitted. That was the birth of my math rap writing career!

A few years later, I arrived at Gunston, where I met a student who told me he made and produced beats. I explained that my husband, Brian, produces music and that we have a studio set up in our home. We started devoting our Friday lunches to freestyling and making beats. Simultaneously, I be -

gan writing a rap called “Power Rules: The Laws of Exponents.” The students would give me suggestions on how to breathe and structure songs. We ended up making a video starring my students. After hours of filming in the hot sun, editing, and lots of fried chicken and sweet tea, we completed it and posted it on YouTube.

The most satisfying part of teaching is creating experiences where students can be creative, challenged and feel empowered. I enjoy watching students’ confidence in their math abilities rise, and being a part of their continued growth as they develop their passions and talents. At the same time, I’m being pushed to be creative about how I deliver content. To rebrand math as fun and cool. –Tamar Abrams

■ lessons learned

María Carolina Currás Nieto

SPANISH TEACHER (fifth and sixth grade) Flint Hill School, Oakton

Years teaching: 6

A native of Uruguay, Currás Nieto holds a bachelor’s degree in global affairs and inter-

national development from George Mason University and a certificate in elementary education from Johns Hopkins. The former Teach for America corps member is a dual citizen of Uruguay and the U.S. She speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Learning a second language is so much more than just being able to

communicate. Languages exist in a culture, and it is equally important to learn about the culture of the language. My students are invested in Spanish because they enjoy learning about Hispanic and Latin American cultures.

My sixth-graders learned to dance merengue as part of their unit on wellbeing and health. My fifth-graders danced to a famous Dominican bachata song during their unit on food.

During a homeroom activity, I challenged students to compliment each other and was pleasantly surprised with the greetings they shared. One of my students greeted me with: “I love that you make everybody feel included and seen, Señora Currás.” That reinforced the importance of my teaching role and my impact in our classroom community.

Covid made us resort to different kinds of resources. We are becoming more digitally literate, and using the internet to do research. We’re using technology in language learning—adding accents for Spanish words or using autocorrect to help us with our syntax. For an end-of-year project, both grades were tasked with researching different aspects of Hispanic and Latin American culture. The sixth-graders [used online tools] to research an influential person. The fifth-graders researched a typical dish from one of the many Spanish-speaking countries. Then I encouraged them to use tools such as WordReference or Quizlet to create a presentation showcasing their language abilities.

During our last few weeks of class, my sixth-graders were anxious about moving on to middle school. We talked about the importance of feeling sad or anxious, even though as a society we have put a lot of weight on being happy. We cried, we hugged, and I let all my students know they can always reach me through email. –Tamar Abrams

Tosin Adetoro

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) TEACHER

Oak Street Elementary School (formerly Thomas Jefferson Elementary), Falls Church Years teaching: 17

Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, Adetoro spent two years as the Loudoun County Public Schools Aerospace Educator in Residence at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. In 2019, she was named K-5 Teacher of the Year by the Air & Space Forces Association Steel Valley Chapter, and a Blue Angels’ Highly Qualified and Influential Educator in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia Region.

I became a teacher because I have a love for learning. My dad is a retired industrial arts professor. I have a sister and a brother (I’m one of six) who are also teachers. We’re a family of educators.

A lot of people look at STEAM and STEM as the individual subjects. I don’t. I’m trying to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers, with skills they can apply to any subject and be successful. I challenge students to try things. There’s a lot of power in

learning what you don’t like, as well as what you do like.

I was timid and quiet in high school. I majored in physics in college because I had an amazing high school physics teacher. He was also the coach of the chess team and I was the only girl on the chess team at the time. He made me feel like I was valued.

Most of my teaching career was at the secondary level until five years ago, when I began teaching elementary schoolers. I love their passion. They don’t hold anything back. They challenge me to find ways to break things down for them. When I close my classroom door and look at those faces, I get all of my energy from my students. That’s my happy place.

It’s definitely an emotional time for teachers. You run the gamut of feeling happy, sad, grateful, scared, angry. Above all, I am thankful that I could come back, see the faces in my classroom and celebrate with my students.

STEM needs to be accessible to all. In 2014, I started a small business in Maryland, Get Into Stem (getintostem. com), that provides affordable learning

opportunities. I don’t ever want students to feel like, “Oh, I gotta have the $100 robot in order to continue the learning.”

I went through the struggles of being an African American Black female in science. I didn’t always get looked at like I was intelligent, like I could do the work. I had to fight my way—and I still have to fight my way—because I don’t look like a STEM teacher. When I started teaching in Loudoun County, I was the only female tech-ed teacher in the whole district. Let’s not talk about Black female teacher. Representation is important. It helps when kids have role models who look like them.

In May 2019, I was named a Blue Angels’ Highly Qualified and Influential Educator in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia Region. I was invited to take a flight with the Blue Angels. This honor meant to me that I was getting something right. It meant that I was making the difference that I set out to make.

When I come into the classroom, I want students to understand that it is totally okay to be different. I want them to know that yes, you can do it, too. –Wendy Kantor

Tricia M. Poythress

FASHION MARKETING TEACHER and CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Langley High School, McLean

Years teaching: 33

Poythress holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech. Langley High School named her 2020-21 Teacher of the Year.

I teach an elective class, so I have students who have chosen to be here, to study fashion marketing. Some of them stay on this track through all four years of high school.

Business, marketing, fashion—it’s a creative field. It’s kind of hard to quantify creativity. I want my students to

show me and their classmates that they understand things, not by telling me, but by showing me. Anyone can recite something back that I asked them to memorize, but that doesn’t show me that they understand it.

At the start of each class, I give them three terms or concepts, and they have to share their interpretation of the meaning. I ask a lot of opinion and experience questions, so there is no right or wrong answer. If we’re talking about customer service, I say, “Give me an example of a time when you felt you received good customer service or a time when you didn’t.” The other day we discussed employee turnover—what they would look for in employees and how they would retain them, because it’s not just about the paycheck.

It’s also not all about the grade book. They know that I expect them to do their very best, and that I want them to be proud of their work. I want them to have expectations and goals for themselves.

As a mother of two teenagers myself, I’m up on current trends, but also current pressures. A lot of students think they need to be perfect. I explain to them that there’s no such thing as perfect. Do your best and your best is your best—and her best is her best, and his best is his best. It doesn’t have to be the same best.

It’s easier said than done, but I try to model resilience by laughing at myself when I do something wrong. If someone trips, I’ll say, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tripped over a backpack strap.”

Juniors and seniors have the pressure of picking colleges. With juniors, we do college exploration so they can see that fashion marketing isn’t just design, but business. I tell them, “You need to find what you’re interested in, what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at. Where your passion and your interests and your aptitude intersect, that should be where your career is.”

I’ve been teaching for more than three decades and could retire anytime, but I still teach because I love my job. Every day is touching. Kids write me notes. Parents call me. A teacher will tell me something nice they overheard a student saying about my class.

Recently, I went to lunch with four former students who now are seniors in college. I have been to former students’ weddings and baby showers. It’s a great career. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Tricia Poythress (in green) with fashion marketing students

John Meehan

FORMER ENGLISH TEACHER

Bishop O’Connell High School, Arlington Years teaching: 12

Meehan taught English and trained fellow teachers at Bishop O’Connell through June of 2022. He is the author of EDrenaline Rush: Game-Changing Student Engagement Inspired by Amusement Parks, Mud Runs, and Escape Rooms, and co-founder of the education consulting company EMC2. In 2016, he was named to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Teacher Advisory Council, a cohort of 50 educators that met for two years to devise and help implement innovative education strategies.

I joke that we don’t really teach English or math or science or art or history. We teach people. We teach them how to find things they are interested in and things they find interesting. The sweet intersection between the things they love and the things that make them angry—that’s where their passion lies.

My own passion is English: writing, reading, speaking and presenting. The enthusiasm that we bring to our craft— it’s a word I used before the pandemic that is sort of gauche now—is infectious. We can spark a fire.

I think I live with the volume turned up to 11. I encourage others to do the same. When you lead with vulnerability, joy, excitement and curiosity, people can’t help but be in the room with you and say, “Okay, I don’t love what they love, but they clearly love it and I want to have anything in my life that I love quite that much.”

Someone told me that your favorite class is the one you like the most, and the best class is the one where you learn the most. If I do my job right, then my class would be both of those things for every student, every day. To do that, I need to give students the chance to be the star of the show, the center of attention. I need to create an environment

where you show them how all the tools in the sandbox work and then say, “All right. Can you build me some really cool castles?”

I connect with students by figuring out what drives them. If Fortnite is popular, that means they like a little bit of competition. I’ll do a competitive game in class.

I do something my students characterize as the “Meehan Move.” One kid will bring up a point, another kid will bring up a counterpoint, and I’ll say, “Fight, fight, fight.” I don’t care what they say, I just care why they said it. Tell me why. If I’m talking, I’m selling something that they’re supposed to buy. But when they’re talking, they are all in.

The big secret of education—whether you’re teaching teenagers or teachers—is helping students see themselves in the content. –Stephanie Kanowitz ■

COLLEGE BOUND

Where Arlington high school graduates applied to college and where they were accepted

The following is a list of the colleges and universities where Arlington Public Schools (APS) high school graduates (Class of 2022) applied and where they were accepted. Data are provided for H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program, Wakefield High School, Washington-Liberty High School and Yorktown High School, as well as the Arlington Career Center (ACC), whose full-time programs include Arlington Tech, the Academic Academy, the Program for

Employment Preparedness and the English Language Institute. Given that the acceptance information was “self-reported” by the graduates, school officials stress that they cannot verify its accuracy. The data reflect completed applications only. For brevity’s sake, we limited the list to colleges and universities with at least five applicants from the combined high schools. As of press time, data for Northern Virginia Community College was unavailable.

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Success in College & Life Starts at Foxcroft School

Guided by our Portrait of a Graduate and Five First-Choice Colleges approach, Foxcroft School students gain skills to succeed in college and life. Our Academic and Residential Life curriculum support the development of students’ intellect, character, and voice while the College Counseling O ce helps students find the right colleges and universities that fit their own unique profile. Graduates in the Class of 2022 matriculated to these schools, among others:

Carnegie Mellon University

Culinary Institute of America

Cornell University

Embry-Riddle

Aeronautical University

Emory University

Gettysburg College

Howard University

Louisiana State University

Loyola Marymount University

New York University

Santa Clara University

Syracuse University

The College of William and Mary (7)

The George Washington University

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Virginia (3)

“At Foxcroft, we do college counseling like we do everything with the girl at the center of the conversation.”

— Barbara

Conner, Director of College Counseling

Four-year college counseling program is tailored

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PURSUING GOODNESS AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE

Be honored for who you are and who you will become.

F Build a strong foundation for academic success.

F Gain opportunities to thrive in your passions.

F Be ready for the academic challenges of college and the world beyond.

F Lead with goodness and integrity.

Visit Us in the Fall!

Offering a selection of on-campus tours and events this fall for 2023-2024 admission.

Join us for a Saturday morning campus tour: Sep 24 | Oct 22 | Nov 19 | Dec 10 | Jan 7

This Lyon Village remodel feels spacious, but it’s actually 30 square feet smaller than the original house.

S HOT MOD

The remodel of this 1950s Lyon Village home made it better. But not bigger.

BY NIGEL F. MAYNARD

amantha and Richard Drake had a clear set of objectives when they set out to buy their first home together. A vibrant, walkable neighborhood was key. Architecturally, they wanted an old house with good bones that had potential, but that wasn’t so run-down that they couldn’t make it immediately livable. A larger renovation would come later. Their search ended in 2016 when they found an unremarkable 1958 brick home on a sloping lot in Lyon Village, within walking distance of Metro, restaurants, shops and parks. Neglected for some time, the place was habitable, but it had issues.

The home’s new parts are clad in white fiber-cement siding, while the original volumes are painted black. “Quite a simple statement,” says architect Paola Lugli.

“There was a 50-foot tree growing into the side of the house and the backyard was overrun with poison ivy and other weeds,” says Samantha, a marketing professional (Richard is an IT consultant). “There were cracks in the plaster walls in every room, and a raccoon was living in the chimney.”

To buy some time, the couple rolled up their sleeves and took on a few DIY projects. They patched and painted walls, updated the kitchen appliances, added a subway tile backsplash and a butcherblock countertop, painted the existing kitchen cabinets, installed vinyl flooring, replaced some plumbing fixtures and replaced the front entry and garage doors.

But the 3,141-square-foot house had more serious design flaws that elbow grease could not fix. “The floor plan lacked function and flow,” Samantha says. “The primary bathroom and

closet were tiny; the kitchen was small and cut off with a poorly planned addition attached to the back; and almost nothing had been updated in at least 30 years—if ever.”

The Drakes lived with their home’s

shortcomings for three years, knowing all along that they would eventually remodel. In 2019, they decided it was time.

After seeing and admiring a nearby renovation, Samantha did some “internet sleuthing” and tracked down the architect, Paola Lugli, principal of PLDesignStudio in Arlington. “We loved her aesthetic and that she frequently worked within the footprint of homes (as opposed to knocking down and building new) to help enhance what was there while honoring the original home,” Saman-

Left: The front and rear of the house prior to renovation

Right: Large windows and a skylight channel natural light into an open kitchen with oak floors, black Ikea cabinets, a 3D Spanish Wow tile backsplash and a 10-foot quartzite island.

tha says. “She is creative and likes to problem-solve—essential for a project like this.”

By their own admission, the Drakes wanted a lot from the redesign. Their wish list included more light, an open floor plan with a larger and more functional kitchen, an expanded primary bathroom and closet, and a laundry room inside the house (it was originally in the garage).

“We wanted a modern aesthetic that blended with the existing home, and we wanted to make sure the flow and function of the home made sense,” Saman-

tha says. “This was especially important downstairs, where the layout was a bit strange, and half of which was/is below grade.”

Born in Italy, Lugli holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Rome and practices in both the U.S. and France, where she is a registered architect. “Applying the teachings of the Italian school on two continents gives me a unique perspective in my work,” says the architect, a big advocate of “adaptive reuse,” the process of finding new uses for old buildings.

Zoning restrictions meant that expanding the house was out of the question, but it didn’t matter; Lugli felt that going bigger was unnecessary.

“We had to take advantage of what was there and reuse it to create new spaces,” says Lugli, who consulted with architect Claudio Conti in Rome on some of the details. “The house’s major problems were that it lacked interior light, had a floor plan that felt like a maze of small spaces, and no connection to the outdoors.”

Working with Jorge Juvinel of J & J Construction in Fairfax, Lugli gutted

the two-level residence, removing asbestos paint in the basement, most of the interior walls, and the aforementioned tree root that had grown into the side wall. Once she had a blank slate, she inserted new floor plans, preserving and reusing the existing load-bearing walls.

The reconfigured first floor now contains an open “play area” for the Drakes and their 8-year-old rescue lab, Henry, plus a laundry room/pantry and a guest bedroom and bathroom. Lugli added a new oak staircase with a modern wood slat detail and enlarged the garage, giving the owners the option of tucking a home gym inside it.

On the second floor, she captured the square footage of what had been an enclosed porch to create an open living room, kitchen and dining room space that runs from the front of the house to the back.

Her boldest architectural move was adding two new roof forms—a reverse dormer in front and a flat roof in back—to break up the boxy home’s monolithic exterior. The new roof structures allowed for a 12-foot ceiling in the living room (up from 8 feet) and a 10foot ceiling in the dining area.

Outside, the home’s main volumes are now defined by contrasting ele -

ments. White shiplap siding (James Hardie fiber cement) strikes a dramatic pose against the original brick (painted Benjamin Moore onyx), while a pink door and pink window trim add a touch of whimsy. Lugli calls the aesthetic “a contemporary interpretation of vernacular elements and materials.”

The redo also introduced new sprayfoam insulation, new plumbing and a new heating and cooling system for improved energy efficiency, and a home automation system. A covered porch provides outdoor living space in back. Strangely enough, the remodeled home is about 30 square feet smaller

The open living room is appointed with mid-century modern furniture and a sculptural fireplace surround.

than the original—something that almost never happens. With its striking facade and splashes of color, the cheeky renovation offers proof that bigger isn’t always better.

The house won a 2021 DesignArlington Award from Arlington County. It’s the second such accolade for Lugli, who won in 2015 for another residential makeover.

“Remodeling existing buildings is not only the most sustainable solution of building today,” Lugli says, “but it results in design that can also be interesting, innovative and a bit provocative.”

“We are completely in love with our home,” Samantha says. “It’s exactly what we were looking for. The design is clean, airy and peaceful.” ■

Nigel F. Maynard is a writer in historic Hyattsville, Maryland. He’s currently having his own custom home designed and may steal some ideas from this house. Follow him on Instagram @products_hound and @custom_home_hacker.

THE PROJECT:

Renovated in: 2020-2021

Neighborhood: Lyon Village Square Footage: 3,141 before / 3,108 after Architect: Paola Lugli, PLDesignStudio, paola-lugli.squarespace.com

Consulting Architect: Claudio Conti, Rome

Contractor: J & J Construction, jjconstructiondc.com

Italian ceramic floor tiles and built-in cabinets lend a touch of elegance

An open rec room on the first floor can be enclosed to become an in-law suite, if needed, in the future.

Right: Modern pendant lights add a dash of pink to the stairwell.

Left: The laundry room’s pink retro Big Chill bonus refrigerator inspired the pink accents on the home’s exterior.

to the utilitarian space.

June’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

2423 16th St. N.

List Price: $2.78 million

Sale Price: $2.78 million

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International

Realty

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22202 (Arlington)

801 20th St. S.

List Price: $985,000

Sale Price: $985,000

Days on Market: 13

Listing Office: Pearson Smith Realty

Neighborhood: Addison Heights

Year Built: 1938

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22203 (Arlington)

542 N. Oakland St.

List Price: $1.4 million

Sale Price: $1.4 million

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Ashton Heights

Year Built: 1945

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22204 (Arlington)

803 S. Barton St.

List Price: $1.88 million

Sale Price: $1.88 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Samson Properties

Neighborhood: Penrose

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of July 18, 2022, includes homes sold in June 2022, excluding sales in which sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 95,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com.

22205 (Arlington)

2005 N. Nottingham St.

List Price: $1.9 million

Sale Price: $1.85 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Re/Max Allegiance

Neighborhood: Parkhurst

Year Built: 2018

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22206 (Arlington)

2236 S. Glebe Road

List Price: $945,150

Sale Price: $945,150

Days on Market: 0

Listing Office: Non-subscribing office

Neighborhood: Townes at South Glebe

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

2423 16th St. N., Arlington

C LO S E PA R T N E R S

HEADER

22207 (Arlington)

3630 N. Nelson St.

List Price: $3.4 million

Sale Price: $3.45 million

Days on Market: 238

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Bellevue Forest

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 7/0

22209 (Arlington)

1524 N. Colonial Terrace

List Price: $1.35 million

Sale Price: $1.35 million

Days on Market: 2

FOOTER

Listing Office: Re/Max Allegiance

Neighborhood: Highgate

Year Built: 1991

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

22213 (Arlington)

6325 36th St. N.

List Price: $2.5 million

Sale Price: $2.5 million

Days on Market: 26

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Williamsburg Village

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22101 (McLean)

1000 Turkey Run Road

List Price: $8.96 million

Sale Price: $8.25 million

Days on Market: 34

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Turkey Run

Year Built: 2003

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22102 (McLean)

8632 Brook Road

List Price: $3.5 million

Sale Price: $3.43 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Woodside Estates

Year Built: 2004

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 7/2

22041 (Falls Church)

3805 Bent Branch Road

List Price: $1.25 million

Sale Price: $1.3 million

Days on Market: 8

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Barcroft Woods

Year Built: 1964

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22042 (Falls Church)

2839 Woodlawn Ave.

List Price: $1.18 million

Sale Price: $1.28 million

Days on Market: 4

Listing Office: Weichert, Realtors

Neighborhood: Greenway Downs

Year Built: 2017

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22043 (Falls Church)

2141 Hilltop Place

List Price: $2.05 million

Sale Price: $2.12 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Churchill

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22044 (Falls Church)

6412 Crosswoods Drive

List Price: $1.2 million

Sale Price: $1.3 million

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: Pearson Smith Realty

Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft

Year Built: 1959

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22046 (Falls Church)

117 S. Spring St.

List Price: $2.2 million

Sale Price: $2.2 million

Days on Market: 18

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Kerr’s Addition

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

Endless Possibilities

Real Estate Sales Trends

22206

22202

22207

22203

22209

22204

22213

22205

22102

22041

22042

22043

22044

22101

22046

by Jenny Sullivan

photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Light Motif

THE TRADITIONAL furnishings from Alice and Brendan Feeley’s previous house—a “typical Arlington brick Colonial”—felt out of place when the couple moved to a newer home, built in 2005, in Country Club Hills.

Craving a refresh, they hired interior designer Suzanne Manlove in 2018 to update a few of the rooms they used most, including their 400-square-foot bedroom.

“I wanted a space that felt lighter and not cluttered with heavy furniture and dark fabrics,” says Alice, a longtime county resident who currently serves as board chair of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA)

This bedroom makeover is a case study in elegance.

and is an emeritus board member for the nonprofit Doorways. Brendan is an attorney in Arlington.

Swapping the bedroom’s tired beiges and browns for a palette of spa blue and taupe, Manlove introduced textured linen wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries and a “regal” custom bed by Kravet with a tufted headboard, zinc nail heads and a walnut wood base.

Twin gold-leaf artworks by R. Lusk now hang above Vanguard nightstands with satin brass hardware, and the foot of the bed is anchored by a Vanguard brass bench upholstered in cream fabric. A Tibetan wool area rug turns the entire vignette into a focal point.

In the adjacent sitting area (not shown), Manlove updated the fireplace surround, painted an existing armoire a soft taupe, and offset the plantation shutters on the room’s west-facing windows with subtly patterned floorto-ceiling drapes. The overall result, says the designer, is a serene sanctuary meant for unwinding.

Asked to summarize the new aesthetic and the feeling it evokes, Alice responds with one word: “Calm.” ■

PROJECT CREDIT: Manlove and Co. Interiors manloveandco.com

HOME EXPERTS

Leading professionals provide insights on buying and selling, building and renovating, designing and furnishing, and financing and protecting your biggest asset—your home.

Color Wheel

1374 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22101 703-356-8477 x104 wknicely@mycolorwheel.com kboswell@mycolorwheel.com www.colorwheel.net

Q: What is one thing that prospective clients should know about you?

A: While we are specialists in designing beautiful and functional custom window treatments, we offer full-service design. Draperies, shades and shutters are the finishing touch to every room, providing privacy, sun control and style. We coordinate these with your existing furnishings or enhance them with new carpet, accent rugs, lighting, paint and wallcovering. We also offer custom seating and reupholstery.

Q: How would your clients describe you?

A: They would say that we are honest and open minded. We listen to our clients’ needs and select the best products to ensure a successful outcome for their projects. Our satisfied clients give us referrals and repeat business—in fact, many of our clients become life-long customers as a result of the bond we’ve formed working together.

MICHAEL VENTURA

ABW Appliances

KIM CALAVAS, VICE PRESIDENT, SALES

Kim’s favorite charities:

Kelly’s Cookie Challenge (a baking competition hosted by ABW benefitting charity)

Home Aid (supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness—Kim has served on the gala planning committee for 13 years!)

Race for Every Child (benefitting Children’s National Hospital)

ABW Appliances Arlington Showroom

4748 Langston Blvd. (formerly Lee Highway)

Arlington, VA 22207

703-879-7966

Questions@ABWappliances.com www.ABWappliances.com

Q: What is the one thing that your clients should know about you?

A: I am always looking forward, researching and networking to determine what is next for our industry and anticipating the needs of our employees and clients. I believe our infrastructure is key and that quality always trumps quantity. However, if we are consistently meeting our rigorous quality requirements, we should continue to expand to share that with as many people as we can successfully help. Appliances aren’t optional, so they should be selected to bring joy!

Q: What’s an example of something in your professional life that you’re particularly proud of?

A: I am incredibly proud of our builder development group, or BDG, which is a

team of individuals solely dedicated to growing and evolving our builder segment. This team consists of outside sales professionals and project managers who work hand in hand to ensure quality, consistency and loyalty to our top trade accounts. This group included just me five years ago, and we now have thirteen people and will ship around $20 million this fiscal year.

OK, I can’t stop at just one—our retail segment is also on fire! We had one (not quite up to par) showroom when I started here. We now have six showrooms, all of them beautiful, light-filled, experiential and amazing! Our team spends hundreds of hours per year training, and we are now able to travel to factory trainings again. We have folks in every single showroom who blow my socks off with their knowledge and expertise!

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Awards:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Remodeler, 2022

PRO (Professional Remodeling Organization) Contractor of the Year, 2022

Best of Houzz in Design, 2022

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Service Small Business Award

Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2018

3103 10th Street N., Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22201 www.trivistausa.com

Q: What sets TriVistaUSA’s design team apart from others in the industry?

A: Our design team is FUN and FANTASTIC: they coordinate vision, budget and solutions into realistic possibilities while bringing joy to the creative process. From the first project the company built 17+ years ago, design has been integral to TriVistaUSA Design + Build’s work for every single client, on every single project. This focus on design ultimately impacts every aspect of our clients’ lives: the flow through their remodeled home, the amount of sunshine and light available for them to enjoy, their privacy, the connectedness of family they feel, and the beauty and serenity they enjoy when they sip a cup of tea. Although we see every project as an artistic opportunity, we believe form follows function. The design should relate to the needs of our clients,

whom we love delighting with customcrafted solutions that fit their needs and raise their spirits!

Q: How does TriVistaUSA’s process benefit your clients?

A: The advantage of our design/build process is that we can engage our very own build team during design development and call on the expertise of every team member to bring different perspectives to the design solutions we provide our clients. Clients are presented with an exciting variety of options, all of which solve their home challenges, within budget, allowing them to see multiple options and collaborate with us on their own solutions from the very first design presentation.

A satisfied client put it best: “Words cannot express my appreciation—the charm of my home has been enhanced dramatically. Thank you for doing such a fabulous job!”

From left: Project Architect, Maya Maldonado; Assistant Project Architect, Hassan Darab; Owner, Michael Sauri; Junior Design Coordinator, Jemma Parsonson; Interior Designer, Zulma Puhl; Design Coordinator, Bethany Lewis; Project Architect, Kieran Fannan

Renata Briggman

THE ARLINGTON EXPERT

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Top Producer 2019-2022

Best of Washingtonian 2015-2022

Best of Northern Virginia Magazine 20162022

5-star ratings on Google, Zillow and Yelp

Leadership Arlington Class of 2020

KW Metro Center

2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1050

Arlington, VA 22201

703-217-2077

renata@thearlingtonexpert.com www.thearlingtonexpert.com

Q: What makes you different from other real estate agents?

A: My big focus is Arlington real estate. Most agents seem to specialize in large geographical areas—but that’s not me. I don’t believe you can be an expert in everything. I love Arlington so much. It’s not just a place, it’s a community I belong to. So many people are looking for their home—a beautiful structure and a vibrant place they feel connected to.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

A: Home staging transformations! My home stager and I work very hard to prepare homes for the market and showcase them in the best possible light. We follow the latest design trends, make a plan for today’s buyers and walk people through their own HGTV experience. Every

Tuesday I post a #tuesdaytransformation post on social media to showcase dramatic “before and after” photos, but mostly it’s just new paint and lighting, and a lot less clutter. Nothing is more satisfying than “I can’t believe it’s my home!” coming from my sellers. They are also thrilled when modest investments lead to higher sales prices.

Q: What are your interests outside of work?

A: I’m a mom of two amazing kids and my life revolves around them. I love adventure, so we ski, camp and hike. During the pandemic, we RV’d up the coastline of Maine and had a big Alaskan adventure. When I’m not spending time with my children, you will find me reading, journaling, dancing, drinking wine with friends or riding my Peloton!

Classic Cottages

Classic Cottages is a Northern Virginiabased custom home builder that builds primarily in Arlington County and provides turnkey solutions for families looking to build a new home. Whether families are looking to build a beautiful model home or a custom home from scratch, Classic Cottages can handle everything from concept to completion through its skilled in-house acquisitions, sales, architecture, design and construction departments.

433 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301

703-844-9936 | sales@ccottages.com www.ccottages.com

Q: How has Classic Cottages grown over the last few years?

A: Classic Cottages has been a top homebuilder within the Northern Virginia region, often standing out among fellow local homebuilders because of its unique organizational make-up. With all building facets housed under one roof, Classic Cottages has created a consistent, reliable and truly unique home building experience for its clients over the past twelve years. Since 2018, Classic Cottages has doubled its team to now employ over 40 talented team members in architecture and design, land planning, estimating, and construction. Since its inception, Classic Cottages has completed 400 transactions totaling half a billion dollars, with 50% taking place within the last four years.

Q: Is there any exciting news with Classic Cottages?

A: Classic Cottages recently launched a new website and unveiled a brandnew beautiful Design Showroom. This gorgeous showroom is now the primary design center for all clients building with Classic Cottages, but it is particularly an expansive display for their custom clients. The transformation of the design space reflects the recent company organizational segmentation establishing two successful building divisions under the acclaimed Classic Cottages umbrella. This will ideally position Classic Cottages to meet its customers’ needs, whether it be for a model home or a completely custom design. Classic Cottages leadership’s goal is to continue to grow the company while bringing high quality luxury homes into the greater DMV market.

From left: Pierce Tracy, Kim Musser, David Tracy, Evan Muelenaer, Kyle Fives

Natalie U. Roy

BICYCLING REALTY GROUP, KW METRO CENTER ARLINGTON

Licensed in VA, MD and D.C.

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Real Estate Agent 2022; Washingtonian “The Face of Real Estate” 2022; Washingtonian “Top Agent” 2022; Virginia Living “Top Realtor” 2022; Sun Gazette “Best Arlington Residential Realtor” 2021; ARLnow.com, Arlies Award, Best Agent for Buyers 2021

2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1050, Arlington, VA 22201 703-224-6000 (o) | 703-819-4915 (c) homes@bicyclingrealty.com natalieuroy@gmail.com www.bicyclingrealty.com

Q: How did Bicycling Realty Group come to be?

A: After years of running non-profit organizations, I found real estate to be a natural fit. It is fundamentally a service industry, helping people deal with the biggest financial decisions most will ever make. I brought my environmental advocacy, ethic and energy into the business and, voila, Bicycling Realty Group was born.

Q: What makes you stand out in this crowded marketplace?

A: My team of highly motivated professionals—who also double as pickleball models as pictured here— offers clients a unique service: house hunting via bicycle. There is no better way to get to know a community than to bike or walk through it. But don’t worry. If you’d

prefer to go by car or Metro, that works too! Most importantly, our energetic team is committed to getting every client to the finish line with a smile on their face.

Q: What do you foresee for the local market in the months ahead?

A: While no one has a crystal ball, most experts continue to forecast a competitive market with low inventory, meaning there are more buyers looking for homes than sellers trying to sell them. The higher interest rates we are experiencing, which would normally dampen buyer enthusiasm, are being offset by the number of major companies and educational institutions—Amazon, Boeing, Virginia Tech–moving into the region. In this dynamic environment, it is more important than ever to stay informed and be proactive to succeed on the real estate front.

Marks-Woods Construction Services

FROM LEFT:

GREG MARKS, DREW MARKS, BYRON WOODS

“I highly recommend Marks-Woods! We completed a master suite addition and couldn’t have been happier with the results. Greg, Drew and the team were true professionals and kept us up to date with every detail of the project. Great work by a great team!” –Jaina D.

205 S. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-9788

www.markswoods.com

Q: What sets you apart in this competitive marketplace?

A: We are proud of our tried-and-true Marks-Woods process and 20 years of experience remodeling homes in this area. However, what really sets us apart is our inhouse design team and hands-on approach to client interactions. We have staff interior designers that work with homeowners to determine their overall design aesthetic then recommend materials and finishes that match their style while staying within their budget.

We are very committed to our hands-on approach to client relationships. Clients will engage with all three partners, Greg (Director of Business Development), Byron (Contracts Manager) and Drew (Operations Manager). We get to know clients not just by project name, but by direct interactions

with them and their families from consultation to completion.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

A: Renovating a home can be a daunting process—as homeowners ourselves, we get it! For that reason, our top priority is alleviating the stress of the home renovation process. We do this by really understanding our clients’ goals and visions: What does their dream home look like? How would they define their style? What frustrations do they want their renovated home to solve? Our in-house design team partners with clients to answer these questions. Our experienced construction crew brings floor plans and renderings off paper and into real life. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a client’s face light up because their vision has finally become a reality. That is why we love what we do.

Dominion Lighting

Furniture Lighting and Décor Showroom of the Year, 2021, 2022

Modern Luxury, Best of DC 2021, 2022 Home & Design, Designer’s Choice ASID “Best Environment Designed for Retail,” 2021

5053 Langston Blvd. Arlington, VA 22207

703-536-4400

showroom@dominionlighting.com www.dominionlighting.com

Q: What is the biggest challenge in your job?

A: It can be challenging to overcome common misconceptions about lighting, such as good lighting is expensive, it’s not a significant part of a project and whatever your contractor offers from bigbox stores like Home Depot will be fine. What people don’t realize is that the success of any design hinges on how it’s lit—our ability to see is based entirely on light. It’s also been proven that light directly influences our emotions and health, so if there’s one space to get right, it’s at home.

Q: What makes you different than your competitors?

A: Unlike run-of-the-mill lighting stores or big-box retailers, we’re not focused on selling things. We’re interested in selling an experience, demonstrating our

expertise and creating a partnership with our clientele to guide them through what can be a very confusing process. I like to call us “lighting Sherpas”—we’re those trusted guides that lead the way through a daunting, yet very important endeavor.

Q: How do you employ new technology to help your clients?

A: We’re definitely using technology in new ways. We use Photoshop to help our clients visualize different decorative fixtures in their existing space, which creates far more confidence in the decision-making process. We’re also using QR codes on all of our fixture tags in the showrooms to allow total transparency and easy access to details about each model. Our clients are able to see specifics about sizing, finishes, options and, most importantly, proof that our showroom pricing is better than anything they can find online.

Bowers Design Build

For 33 years, Bowers Design Build has created an extraordinary home renovation experience. Theirs is a complete turn-key operation, with on-staff architects and interior designers creating customized designs and on-staff construction experts building with quality-minded focus and honed project management skills. The entire Bowers team is committed to delivering a great experience for their clients.

6715 Whittier Ave., Suite 200, McLean, VA 22101 703-506-0845 | info@bowersdesignbuild.com www.bowersdesignbuild.com

Q: What is your guiding principle for servicing your clients?

A: For more than three decades, Bowers Design Build’s singular goal has been to create an extraordinary design and construction experience for our renovation clients. Our team has a relentless drive to do things “the right way.” With a staff of hand-picked professionals, enhanced through our recent merger with Arlingtonbased Red House Architects, we have developed a customer-centric approach to customized designs and a precise construction process incorporating project management expertise.

Q: How do you define success?

A: While winning industry awards for exceptional design and construction is wonderful, the true measure of the Bowers’ team’s success is happy clients. Inspired by the company’s long-standing reputation

for extreme customer care, our team of on-staff architects, interior designers and construction professionals goes above and beyond daily to ensure overall client satisfaction. Proof that all that hard work is paying off: Recent results from independent survey research firm, GuildQuality.com, show that 100% of our clients surveyed would recommend us to a friend.

Q: How would your clients describe you?

A: Satisfied clients describe the Bowers Design Build team as creative, detail oriented, dedicated, honest, fair and great project managers. They recognize that our employees are talented people with a focus on customer care. In fact, many of our customers have said they wouldn’t change a thing about their experience with Bowers Design Build. That is high praise—especially in the discerning Northern Virginia market, where competition is plentiful.

(Back row, from left) Bob Braddock, John Coburn, Bruce Bowers. (Front row) Wilma Bowers, Katie Peters

Arlington Law Group

JAMES F. ANDERSON, ESQ. (L)

RYAN A. BROWN, ESQ. (C)

BRIDGET A. ALZHEIMER, ESQ. (R)

Awards/Honors:

Ryan A. Brown, Esq.: Washingtonian Magazine Top Financial Advisor (Estate Planning Attorney), 2022; Arlington Magazine Top Attorneys Business/Corporate (2019, 2021), Nonprofit (2019, 2021), Tax (2019), Trusts & Estates (2019, 2021); Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyer, Financial Law, 2019

James F. Anderson, Esq.: Arlington Magazine Top Attorneys Trusts & Estates (2019, 2021)

1739 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209 703-842-3025 | clients@arlingtonlawgroup.com www.arlingtonlawgroup.com

Q: How does estate planning help protect my real estate?

A: The homes our clients own in the D.C. area are often their largest assets. As we work with clients to prepare their estate plans, we discuss creditor protection options, tax planning and how to best manage real estate if they become incapacitated or transfer it upon death. Each client is different and we offer several fixedprice planning options. We then prepare powers of attorney, wills, trusts and deeds to best accomplish each client’s goals.

Planning ahead with a trust or a revocable transfer-on-death deed can save significant time and expense for beneficiaries of real estate. Correctly titling property between spouses can protect against creditors. Clients who have a portfolio of investment properties may want to gift real estate to their descendants to reduce taxes. We

can handle these intra-family transfers, including providing gift and estate tax planning to ensure efficient wealth transfer through the family.

All of our estate planning work starts with a free initial consultation, so we encourage clients to come and speak with us about their options.

Q: What kinds of real estate transactions does your firm handle?

A: We work with developers, other real estate professionals and investors to limit liability through the creation of LLCs to own their rental properties. We also negotiate real estate and construction contracts, construction loans and commercial loans for homeowners and developers looking to build or renovate residential or commercial real estate. Additionally, we work with developers and investors to create partnerships and raise capital through private offerings.

TONY J. LEWIS

Monument Home Loans

Arlington’s Home Town Home Loan Team— and Your VA Loan experts!

Specialties:

VA Loans, Construction Loans, FirstTime Homebuyers, Conventional Loans, Renovation Loans, USDA Rural Development Loans, Reverse Mortgages, Mortgage Down Payment Assistance, Mortgage Refinancing

4075 Wilson Blvd., Suite 823

703-650-7431 | info@monumenthomeloans.com www.monumenthomeloans.com

A division of Mann Mortgage LLC NMLS#2550 Equal Housing Lender

From Top Left: Kelley Cannon, Loan Officer, NMLS #2095194: Anshal Rode, Loan Officer, NMLS #816658; Ru Toyama, Loan Officer NMLS #1528382; Scott Gordon, Processing Manager, NMLS #483765; Joe Prentice, Sales Manager NMLS #1610163; Robert Martinson, Branch Manager NMLS #470762.

Q: Why choose Monument Home Loans instead of a bank?

A: Home mortgages are what we do— and all we do. Instead of juggling auto loans, ATMs and asset management, we focus solely on ensuring that every client has a smooth and predictable financing experience. As a company, we are committed to hometown values, solid partnerships, streamlined processes and cutting-edge technologies. We are experienced in working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds—first-time buyers, experienced buyers, refinancing, jumbo loans, self-employed, creditchallenged—and can easily find the right options for any situation for our customers. Regardless of your circumstances, every member of our team shares a common objective—to close your loan on time, as expected, and as efficiently as possible.

Q: What distinguishes Monument Home Loans from the competition?

A: Our service. While our interest rates are quite competitive, our customer service is what sets us apart. From your first phone call until your final signature, our loan officers and processing team are fully accessible whenever needed, day or night, weekday or weekend. We also understand that mortgages should not be one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer one of the widest arrays of mortgage products in the DMV, and we work closely with clients to identify the program that best meets their needs and goals. As a result, we enable people from all walks of life to experience a smooth, predictable process that results in the best mortgage for their circumstances—and to have an experienced loan officer with them every step of the way.

Diane Lewis

REALTOR, THE LEWIS TEAM, WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

1364 Beverly Road, Suite 100 McLean, VA 22101

703-973-7001

LewisTeam.com

Awards & Accolades:

$53+ million in Sales, 2021

Arlington Magazine Top Producer 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022

Consistently recognized as Washingtonian Top Real Estate Agent

America’s Best Real Estate Professionals

Q: What should prospective home buyers and sellers know about navigating this market?

A: We are in a healthier and more well-balanced market today. There is still a lack of supply of homes for sale, so the market continues to stay strong. There have been a lot of new agents and changes in the industry since the pandemic began, therefore, having an experienced agent is extremely important.

Q: How have rising interest rates affected home buyers and sellers?

A: Home prices are forecasted to increase five to eight percent annually, according to Real Trends, so it is still a good market for sellers. Though interest rates have forced some buyers out of the market, they have also given others an opportunity to get into the market with less competition.

Q: What do clients say about you?

A: We pride ourselves on delivering a seamless approach to buying or selling homes and our clients say they remember the compassionate and sincere care they received long after the transaction took place. Here’s a recent testimonial:

Diane and her team are absolutely fabulous! She is extremely well connected and knowledgeable about the local markets. She helped us find our house 11 years ago in just one weekend when visiting from out of town. Now she has helped us find the house of our dreams. Thank you!

—A buyer in North Arlington

HILARY

DeFalco Home Design

TRIPP DEFALCO

Bachelor of Architecture, Syracuse University

Licensed Architect since 1999

NCARB Certified to practice nationally

19 years practicing as an Architect

10 years managing a Design/Build firm

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Architect 2022

3409 N. Potomac St.

Arlington, VA 22213

703-483-2427

info@defalcohomedesign.com www.defalcohomedesign.com

Q: How do you help your clients during construction?

A: I want my clients’ designs to be executed as we envisioned, so I spend a lot of time on construction sites. Though reviewing shop drawings and product submittals from the comfort of an architect’s office is helpful, there is no substitute for observing the build as it progresses. Even under the best of conditions, builders will have questions and make the occasional mistake. Without the presence of an architect to help the client and builder make decisions and solve inevitable issues, the process can be stressful and the end product disappointing.

Q: How would your clients describe you?

A: I’ll use some of their testimonials: “Tripp listens carefully and offers creative

solutions. He is organized, efficient and great at communication. We hope to work with him again someday!”

“Building a home from scratch can be overwhelming, and Tripp has a good sense of timing in terms of keeping the project moving while maintaining a manageable decision-making schedule for the client.”

“Not only did Tripp help us with a beautiful design for our Arlington home, he’s also deeply experienced on the construction side. Hiring him is like hiring an expert/advisor to have in your corner through the life of the project—from design, to permitting and beyond. Lastly, Tripp is level-headed, patient, responsive and all around a very easy and pleasant person to work with. You would be very lucky to get him as your architect on your next project.”

Winston’s Chimney Service

CHUCK HALL

President, Mid-Atlantic Chimney Association

President Emeritus, Chimney Safety Institute of America

Class A Contractor, VA, MD, D.C.

CSIA Certified

F.I.R.E Certified

NCSG Certified

Inc. Magazine 5000 Fastest Growing Companies 2019 & 2020

11301 Industrial Road, Manassas, VA 20109

703-379-5006

charles@winstonsservices.com www.winstonsservices.com

Q: What makes Winston’s different?

A: We’ve been sweeping, inspecting, repairing and rebuilding fireplaces and chimneys in the metro area since 1989. Besides working for so many area homeowners, we service some very prestigious chimneys, including the 62 fireplaces at the U.S. Capitol and all the fireplaces at the U.S. Supreme Court. These are more than a century old and it’s a real honor. Over the course of more than 25 years in the industry, we’ve become very well connected in the area and the business.

Q: To what do you attribute your success?

A: We have a real commitment to training and, as a result, our teams know what they’re doing in your home. Unlike painters or other tradespeople, we deal with live fire and poisonous gases from your fireplace, gas water heater and furnace. Our services are vital to the safety of homeowners and their families. Over the years, we’ve been consistently recognized for excellence. We get referred all the time from homeowner to homeowner.

Q: Why should a homeowner be concerned about their chimney?

A: Having a fire in your fireplace sends small flammable particles up into your chimney with the smoke. These particles build up on your chimney’s walls over time and can easily cause a chimney fire. So periodically, your chimney should be inspected and cleaned. Even though gas is considered clean-burning, gas appliances and chimneys can still have blockages or other problems. We recommend an annual inspection and regular cleanings, and so does the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

MICHAEL VENTURA

AJ Building Services

ANDY JELONEK

DANIEL SANDERS

Testimonial:

AJ did a fantastic job, start to finish. They were very helpful with design and layout of the addition and remodel, bringing their extensive experience and ideas for consideration. We absolutely love our home—it is beautiful and unique and fits us perfectly! I credit Andy and Daniel…I don’t think we would have wound up here without them. –CA

Servicing Northern VA

703-638-4666

aj.bld.services@gmail.com

www.ajbuildingservices.com

Q: What makes AJ Building Services the premier Arlington contractor?

A: We’re a family-owned and operated home remodeling company with over 40 years of experience, specializing in custom home remodels, additions and carpentry. That experience is invaluable for projects in Arlington area homes, which have a wide range in ages, styles, building materials and homeowner needs. Over our careers, we’ve seen just about everything and solved many building challenges for clients.

Q: What makes you different from other home professionals?

A: Our philosophy is that consistent communication is integral to our clients’ needs. We pride ourselves on accessibility. We understand that building

a new home or remodeling your existing home can be challenging, so from start to finish we are on site supervising our teams closely. We work directly with you to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship and satisfaction. With the many questions and concerns that a homeowner can have during construction, we are here to guide you through and deliver high quality projects in an efficient manner.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

A: We truly enjoy what we do. Creating beautiful homes is our passion. Helping make our clients’ vision come true and seeing the joy on their faces when they are ready to move into their new home are the reasons we continue to do what we do.

Alair Homes

CHAD HACKMANN

Awards/Honors:

NARI Contractor of the Year Winner:

- locally and regionally for basement remodel under $100k (2020)

- locally for kitchen under $50k (2019) - locally for addition under $250k (2019) Recipient of NARI’s Community Service Award

3033 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 202-409-1280

chad.hackmann@alairhomes.com www.AlairHomes.com/Arlington

Q: How do you interact with your clients?

A: Many building and remodeling firms struggle with proper communication with their clients. At Alair Homes, we have developed very detailed systems and processes for giving every client the one-on-one attention they deserve. Each client has a direct relationship with their project management team from concept through completion. Each member of our team is experienced in running every aspect of a building or remodeling project. Since our Client Control Software is always accessible, clients can see what is happening on site daily and what is scheduled to happen next week.

Q: Is there a particular member of the team you’d like to give a shout out to?

A: Jason Chaney joined our team back in 2017 as a project manager. For several years he managed many successful

projects for us and he has now taken over as general manager. Jason liaises between Regional Partner Chad Hackman, who handles business development, Operations Manager Alex Castro and the project managers to create a seamlessly positive client experience.

Q: Jason, tell us more about yourself and your approach to your work.

A: I would advise someone just starting out in this profession to not be afraid to fail— because you will. But never stop listening and asking questions. Every job has surprises and we work with our trades to find solutions. The biggest challenges I see on an ongoing basis are the fluctuations in the market and communicating that to clients. Understanding that this is likely the biggest investment of their lives, we work together to support our clients throughout the process at every stage.

Arlington Designer Homes

ANDREW MOORE

Arlington native Andrew Moore, president of Arlington Designer Homes, has served his community as a translator at the Arlington Free Clinic, on public school planning commissions and as president of the Custom Builders Council. Most recently he was presented the prestigious ‘Best Green Building’ Gala award by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA).

4719 N. 24th Road

Arlington, VA 22207

703-243-1752

arlingtondesignerhomes@gmail.com www.arlingtondesignerhomes.com

Q: How do you calm your clients’ nerves?

A: The construction process can be intimidating. Where do you start, how do you start? Does it make sense to remodel or to rebuild? These are questions I get every day. The answer is: it depends. Each situation is unique and one size does not fit all. However, we have developed processes to help homeowners answer these questions.

Arlington Designer Homes is a true custom home builder and home renovation specialist. We have over four decades of experience working on Arlington homes. Our processes are designed to help answer not only the basic questions like what can I build, but also to help address more complex questions, like what design works best

now and in the future? Our step-by-step process is laid out on our website and is designed to help customers break down the huge undertaking of a construction project into smaller, manageable pieces.

Q: What does “quality” mean to you?

A: As green, energy efficient builders, we know the importance of quality in the construction process. Quality is not just about the labor and material that go into a house, it is also about the quality of supervision, communication, management and planning.

Our commitment to quality starts with the first contact and proceeds with our proven customer-based systems. In today’s environment, planning is the only way to avoid project delays. We have been able to help customers anticipate bottlenecks and create a plan that works for them.

Commonwealth Restorations

JOSH NEWFIELD

Specialties:

Whole home renovations

New homes on our lot or yours

Additions of any size (Rear/Side Additions, Pop-Tops, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Screen Porches)

2430 S. Kenmore St., Arlington, VA 22206

2902 N. Sycamore St., Arlington, VA 22207

703-525-5255

office@commonwealthrestorations.com

www.commonwealthrestorations.com

Q: What should potential clients know about you?

A: As a local business, we are Arlington based and focused. We not only work here, we live here. Ninety-five percent of our projects are located in the county, so we understand the unique needs and desires of Arlingtonians.

We do all of the design work, which allows us to fully integrate the process from start to finish. Our process is quite collaborative—we work closely with our clients throughout the course of the project, in order to ensure that they are absolutely thrilled with the ultimate results.

Our biggest challenge—and one we fully embrace—is devising creative solutions that meet our clients’ needs and fit within their budget. Our ultimate goal is for our clients to live in their forever home that

makes them happy every time they walk into it.

Q: How does technology play into your daily work?

A: We fully embrace the growing role of technology in the building industry. Keeping up with the latest innovations is important—we work to keep ourselves educated, so that our customers benefit.

We take pride in being easy to work with and always available, and communication plays a large role in that. Technology helps facilitate our regular meetings throughout the course of the project, whether in the home or in our office. By keeping our clients informed about the status of their projects, we can lessen the impact on their daily routines. But regardless of the technology involved, we make sure that our clients are always able to reach a live person.

TONY J. LEWIS

Ann Wilson Homes

SEAN WILSON, LICENSED REALTOR IN VIRGINIA AND D.C.

ANN WILSON, ASSOCIATE BROKER

Awards/Honors

NVAR Life Top Producers Club and MultiMillion Dollar Sales Club

Washingtonian Best Realtor, 2015 – present Northern Virginia Best Realtor award, 2015 – present

Virginia Living Best Realtor, 2018 – present Sun-Gazette, Best Realtor, 2020

Real Trends Top 1000 Realtors nationwide

KW Metro Center

2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1050, Arlington, VA 22201

Ann: 703-328-0532 | Sean: 703-328-8079

ann@annwilsonhomes.com

sean@annwilsonhomes.com

www.annwilsonhomes.com

Q: What’s new at Ann Wilson Homes?

A: We are thrilled to announce another record year in 2021. Sean Wilson and I were able to help 36 families buy and/ or sell their home, producing over $35m in sales volume. While we are very proud of our continued success, the icing on the cake is that 78% of our business in 2021 came from referrals from previous clients. To us, real estate is more than just a transaction. We hope to be a continuing resource to each of our clients well after they close on their home. In 2022, we joined American Dream TV’s newest real estate show as hosts of “Selling the DMV,” showcasing real estate and lifestyle pieces around the D.C. and Northern Virginia area. Sean and I are both proud residents of Arlington for more than 25 years, and we have immense knowledge of the county’s

neighborhoods, schools, communities and surrounding areas.

Q: What should your clients know about working with you?

A: Although buying and selling a home is a business transaction, it can also be a highly emotional and personal experience. Our clients appreciate our commitment, professionalism and loyalty in helping them through this process. We do everything we can for our clients, often coming up with creative solutions to their specific needs. We feel that a house must be “model perfect” before it hits the market, and we help our clients achieve that by staging and providing connections to contractors. Our ultimate goal is to maximize each home’s potential and streamline the entire process.

AjMadison

AARON PHILLIPS

CALEB KIZELEWICZ

ADRIAN DECOCQVANDELWIJNEN

We make the process for spec’ing, buying, delivering and installing appliances easy. Hard-to-find, unique finishes, small spaces … with 150 brands, we have the perfect appliances for every project.

8500 Leesburg Pike

Tysons Corner, VA 22182

202-892-5000

dcshowroom@ajmadison.com

www.ajmadison.com

Q: What is the one thing that prospective clients should know about AjMadison?

A: We are with you from blueprint to installation (and beyond). For more than 20 years, we are the pros the pros trust with every type of residential project— multi-unit apartment buildings, custom homes, kitchen renos and replacement appliances. We’ve also recently launched our Community Fridge Initiative to keep scratch and dent refrigerators that can’t be sold out of landfills and placing them instead in communities struggling with food insecurity.

Q: What makes AjMadison different than other home professionals?

A: We eat, sleep and breathe appliances— that’s all we do. Our appliance experts have an average tenure of 10+ years with us. They are trained continuously and

available in-person at one of our state-ofthe-art showrooms or on your jobsite, or by phone or online. We use technology to make shopping for appliances easier, and we are the only appliance retailer to deliver to every zip code in the continental U.S.

Q: What is the most significant change in the industry and how has it changed how the company operates?

A: The pandemic significantly impacted the home industry at large with supply chain delays and staff and product shortages. The appliance segment is still impacted today with inventory shortages and delays. Investing in large capacity storage, like our new 200,000 square feet Cranbury, NJ warehouse, makes it easy to hold more inventory. We’re the only appliance retailer to offer an InStock Promise™—super critical when you’re working on a time-sensitive project.

TONY J. LEWIS

Michelle Sagatov

THE MICHELLE SAGATOV GROUP REALTOR, WASHINGTON FINE

Yuri Sagatov

PRINCIPAL, SAGATOV DESIGN+ BUILD

Michelle and Yuri Sagatov are decades-long Arlington residents with two incredible children and a spunky chocolate lab. They are heavily involved with Doorways for Women and Families.

703-402-9361

Michelle.Sagatov@WFP.com @michellesagatovrealtygroup

703-534-2500

Info@sagatovhomes.com @sagatov_design

Q: Why should prospective clients choose to work with you?

A: As industry leading experts in the fields of real estate transactions, architectural design and construction, we bring a deep level of experience, confidence and creativity to every client we partner with. The results speak for themselves in the quality of our work and satisfaction of our clients.

Q: How does working together benefit your clients?

A: Unique to our partnership is the ability to work with our clients through the entire process of searching for a lot, designing a home, building it and then furnishing it. This seamless process saves time, adds value to the project, takes stress off our clients and results in a harmonious vision from start to finish.

The homes we create also lead the market in resale value, setting sales price records in 10 neighborhoods in the last 10 years.

Q: What do you love most about what you do?

A: The biggest satisfaction we have in our work is helping our clients achieve their dream. When we take on a partnership with a client it’s a true partnership. We are all in, 100%, until their dream of their home is fulfilled.

Marseille-style fish soup with saffron rouille, gruyere and toast

restaurant review ■ by

David Hagedorn | photos by Deb Lindsey

The Marseille-style fish soup at Café Colline is liquid gold. An orangey bisque finished with drizzles of olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, it arrives with grilled French bread, shredded Gruyere cheese and a bright yellow saffron aioli on the side.

Chef Brendan L’Etoile learned how to make the dish—which he calls a “poor man’s bouillabaisse”—when he apprenticed briefly in Paris in the early 2000s. But its richness belies that description. The laborious process requires making a fish stock from scratch, straining it and cooking it with ginger, garlic, fennel, tomatoes, orange peel, star anise, brandy, pastis (an aniseflavored liqueur) and potatoes. L’Etoile then purées this elixir, strains it two more times and adds lemon juice for

le Bistro! VIVE

Arlington’s Café Colline is everything a French bistro should be.

brightness. I slather the toast with aioli, dunk it in the soup and top it with cheese, but no matter how a bite is put together, it winds up sublime.

The soup is one of the first courses to arrive on a splendid summer evening as my husband and I lounge beneath a triangular sail and strings of festive Edison bulbs on the café’s 16-seat back porch in the Lee Heights Shops. Next to our table are flower boxes teeming with basil, mint, lavender, sage, dill, fennel and thyme.

We’ve been happily sipping on a Chartreuse-laced daiquiri and a riff on a traditional Bee’s Knees, which adds Amaro Montenegro to the usual concoction of gin, honey and lemon juice for an intriguing note of bitterness.

With the bisque, our amiable serv-

er, Adam, also delivers a salad of green lentils (from France’s Le Puy region), gingery pickled red beets, toasted walnuts, green apple, Bleu d’Auvergne cheese and arugula. It’s as tasty as it is picturesque.

In addition to the back porch, Café Colline has seating for 44 inside, including 12 bar seats, and another eight on the front patio. The alluring bistro, which L’Etoile co-owns with restaurateurs Ian and Eric Hilton, debuted in the former Cassatt’s Café space in August 2020, during the throes of the pandemic. It endured a rocky start as onsite dining surges came and went.

I tried their food in takeout form in January 2021, savoring L’Etoile’s leeks vinaigrette, his sea bass with brown butter and capers, and roast chicken with

Chef Brendan L’Etoile

CAFÉ COLLINE

4536 Langston Blvd. (in the Lee Heights Shops), Arlington 703-567-6615 | cafecollineva.com

HOURS

Tuesday to Thursday: noon to 8 p.m.

Friday: noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PARKING/METRO

Free parking in front and in back of the restaurant

PRICES

Appetizers: $10 to $18; Entrées: $17 to $38; Desserts: $6 to $12

tarragon jus. Stopping by to pick up my order (en masque), “I couldn’t help but admire the pretty space,” I wrote of that brief visit, “with its ornate wall mirrors, tufted leather banquettes and a charming herringbone-patterned wood floor, picturing myself dining there once the buzz times returned.”

Having now revisited Café Colline in person, I can say that it merits revisiting in writing. For years, Ian Hilton’s neighbors in Donaldson Run hounded him to open a restaurant close by. What they got is what most of us want in a neighborhood joint: superlative, ungimmicky food; well-made cocktails; a succinct and reasonably priced wine list; free parking; a personable, knowledgeable staff; charming décor; and quaint touches here and there—such

as little vases of cheery ranunculus on the tables, and glass jars used as serving vessels for a silken chicken-liver mousse with Madeira gelée.

I appreciate that the 22% gratuity added automatically to the check is

Fried soft-shell crab with potatoes, capers, pickled shallots and remoulade

Below: Olive oil cake with lemon and creme fraiche

circled so that diners don’t mistakenly tip twice. Many will recognize general manager Debra Rubin, a seasoned restaurant pro who previously worked for the dearly departed chef Bob Kinkead, and later for chefs Tracy O’Grady and Kate Jensen at Arlington’s beloved Willow restaurant, which closed in 2015. Rubin planted and tends the back porch’s herb garden.

Etoile means “star” in French, and the Hilton brothers have one in their aptly named executive chef and partner, who also oversees the kitchens at Chez Billy Sud in D.C. and Parc de Ville in the Mosaic District (both of which are also French bistros). A Northern Virginia native, L’Etoile, 39, first got into cooking by helping his mother, Lilienne Conklin, run her catering business, A La Belle Cuisine, in the late 1990s and early aughts. (She’s now in charge of private events for the Hilton brothers’ parent company, H2 Collective.)

After a series of jobs in Washington and New York, L’Etoile was a member of the 2005 opening team for Willow in Ballston. (He credits Tracy O’Grady, now the chef of Arlington’s Green Pig Bistro, as a valued culinary mentor.)

His connection to Ian Hilton began in 2007 with the opening of Marvin on U Street, after which he became the chef of Chez Billy, a French bistro in D.C.’s Petworth neighborhood, in 2012. It closed in 2016, after Chez Billy Sud opened in Georgetown in 2014.

At Café Colline, L’Etoile tweaks the menu based on whatever is fresh and

seasonally available. A buttermilk-fried soft-shell crab is served with a simple remoulade of capers, mayo and grainy mustard that complements but does not overpower the sweet, crunchy crustacean. Garnishes of pickled ramps and cubed fried potatoes add extra flair.

A fine strategy for starting a meal here is to share a pot of mussels steamed with pastis, cream, shaved fennel and tarragon. This classic bistro dish comes with frites (french fries) that are made in-house, not frozen—a rarity these days—and a trio of dipping sauces, including mayo, ketchup and a housemade club sauce featuring kimchi.

For a main course, try the duck leg confit à l’orange (another French bistro standard) on a bed of farro, wild rice and kale. L’Etoile cures the legs overnight with salt, cloves, garlic and thyme, then braises them to perfect tenderness in duck fat. He finishes each leg by removing the thigh bone, flattening it and searing it in a cast-iron pan, rendering the skin to divine crispiness. Flabby-skinned duck confit is a pet peeve of mine, so I appreciate this technique.

A dish of bucatini tossed with blistered cherry tomatoes, aioli and a verdant pesto of roasted pistachios, basil, chili flakes and pecorino cheese is a tasty exercise in simplicity and restraint. The salmon fillet encrusted with hash brown potatoes and served with spinach, sauteed hen-of-the-wood mushrooms and lemon beurre blanc could be a poster child for contemporary French bistro cooking.

WHAT TO DRINK

Café Colline offers six delightful cocktails, among them a French martini (Tito’s vodka, crème de cassis, pineapple juice: $14), a Kir Royale ($13) and a Cognac oldfashioned ($16).

The wine list includes: 6 sparkling ($56 to $150), one by the glass ($14); 13 whites ($40 to $136), four by the glass ($10 to $17); 21 reds ($48 to $180), five by the glass ($12 to $18). All but four of the wines are French, which is comme il faut (only proper) in a French bistro, but don’t overlook the Ciro Biondi Outis 2017 Etna Rosso. The minerality and lushness of Sicilian Carricante grapes are perfect foils for steak frites and duck confit.

The desserts here are refreshingly straightforward. Dense, fudgy flourless chocolate cake with Chartreuse ice cream is a perfect coda to a meal, as is the moist olive oil cake (L’Etoile uses Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif, in the batter) topped with honey, creme fraiche and lavender. As I look through the notes from my meals at Café Colline, I notice that something’s missing: complaints. Hilton’s neighbors must be very pleased. ■

Potato-crusted salmon with mushrooms, spinach and lemon beurre blanc

A daiquiri featuring green Chartreuse

Hagedorn

Thick and Thin

Chef Johnny Spero is known for highstyle cooking—his D.C. restaurant Reverie earned a Michelin star—but pizza is his favorite food.

Which is partly what led him to team up with Alexandria-based Aslin Beer Co. and Arlington entrepreneur Scott Parker (Bronson Bierhall, Barley Mac, Don Tito, Poppyseed Rye)

to launch Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza, a 10,000-square-foot beer hall that opened in Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) in March.

“I grew up working at crappy Italian restaurants in Baltimore County as a busboy, a runner and making New York-style pizza,” Spero says. “That’s when I fell in love with the restaurant business. I’d eat pizza every day if my family let me.”

Nighthawk, which seats a whopping 343 inside and 82 on the patio, was designed by D.C.-based 3877 Design as an homage to The Max, the student hangout in the ’90s sitcom Saved by the Bell. It’s a vast space filled with red and blue neon lighting, slick picnic tables, TVs set to sports channels and a sprinkling of video arcade games. The brewery part of the operation is on display behind glass windows. Nighthawk offers two kinds of

A thick-crust pie at Nighthawk

The Dundee burger

pizza: 14-inch Midwest tavern pizzas ($16 to $22) and 8-by-10-inch deepdish pies ($17 to $22).

To achieve the tavern pizza’s thin-and-crispy crust, the dough is rolled out and left uncovered in the refrigerator overnight (“This creates a dry surface when it hits the stone,” Spero explains) and then baked at high temperatures in an electric deck oven. Fan favorites include a littleneck clam pizza made with mozzarella, provolone, fontina, pecorino and white sauce; and a pepperoni pie with pickled peppers and hot honey.

Chef de cuisine Ryan Garisek devised the thick-crust pizza’s focaccialike dough, which owes its crispy edges to a liberal coating of olive oil and takes more than 30 minutes to bake. Carnivores will appreciate the pie topped with bacon, ground pepperoni and Italian sausage, caramelized onions and three cheeses.

Spero estimates that thin-crusts account for about 70% of pizza sales, but you can count me in the minority: I love the thick-crust pepperoni pie.

The brewpub’s menu also features a variety of appetizers (tater tot nachos, meatballs, hickory-smoked wings); sandwiches (try the Dundee burger

THIS now

Go Bananas

at Harvey’s in Falls Church

If we had our way, every day would be sundae at Harvey’s, the restaurant and market that chef Thomas Harvey opened in The Little City in March. His stunner of a banana split ($12) tops the tropical fruit with vanilla and chocolate gelato, house-made caramel and chocolate sauces, honey-roasted peanuts and the chef’s favorite snack—popcorn coated with Tajin, a seasoning mix of ground chili pepper, lime and sea salt. Harvey credits Naomi Gallego, former executive pastry chef for the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG), for the inspiration. The two met in 2017 when Harvey was chef of The Partisan, an NRG restaurant in D.C. (now temporarily closed.) “She’d make these wild splits that were lots of fun with wow presentations,” he says. “I knew I’d have one on my menu.” harveysva.com

with two smash beef or Impossible patties, fried onions, American cheese and pickles); snacks; and salads. Spero couldn’t resist adding some chef-y items, like burrata with porcini oil, but he concedes that most customers come for the pizza, burgers and wings.

The beverage program includes a full bar, draft cocktails and about 20 Aslin beers (10 on tap) with low ABVs. Brews are $4 to $5 for half pours and

$6 to $7 for full pours. Crowlers-to-go ($8 or $10) are available, too.

Nighthawk provides table service, although customers order and pay with QR codes. Happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.) is a good deal. It brings $5 draft beers, house wines and rail drinks; $8 tavern cheese pizzas; $10 tavern sausageand-pepperoni pizzas; and half-price starters. nighthawkbrewery.co

Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza

■ home plate

Pan-African Soul

The aroma of cloves hangs in the air as I dig into a saucy bowl of tender braised oxtails and lima beans. My lunch is courtesy of Hedzole (pronounced hey-JOE-leh), a fastcasual eatery that sells at the Sunday farmers market in the Mosaic District, and until recently at Urbanspace in Tysons. The dish is accompanied by Ghanaian jollof rice (flavored with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, nutmeg and cayenne) and a spinach stew that owner Candice Mensah thickens with ground white melon seeds. “The seeds look like uncooked oatmeal and melt into the stew,” she explains.

Hedzole—the word means “freedom” in the Ga language of Ghana—follows a familiar buildyour-own model. Pick a protein (chicken, salmon or oxtails), a rice (jollof, coconut or waakye, a blend of black-eyed peas and sorghum leaves) and then top it off with the stew and/or sauce of your choosing. All orders come with fried plantains and cabbage-carrot slaw. Bowls range from $13.50 to $22, depending on the protein. A vegan meal option is available for $12.

Mensah, 44, is a D.C. native and Temple University alumna whose parents immigrated from Ghana in the 1970s. She says she caught the culinary bug as a child, transfixed by PBS cooking shows such as The French Chef, Yan Can Cook and The Galloping Gourmet. Her mother, Constance Baddoo-Mensah, introduced her to Ghanaian cooking at an early age and now works alongside her.

Mensah always wanted to open a food business, but doubts and excuses—that she didn’t go to cooking school; that it would be too hard— got in the way until 2019, when she

finally took a leap of faith and applied for a stall at the annual Taste of Springfield. “People thought we had been doing it for years,” she says. “That menu is pretty much the same menu I have today.”

She brands her cooking as “Pan-African soul,” in that the options venture beyond Ghanaian traditions. Oxtails, for instance, are prevalent in the Caribbean and the American South, but not in her parents’ homeland. In Ghana, jollof rice is served only on special

occasions. “I cringe at jollof rice being everywhere,” Mensah confesses, “but at the same time I want jollof rice to be everywhere.”

That African food is finally getting some overdue attention is a plus, she says, although American diners have only just begun to explore the culinary depth of a continent with 54 countries, each with myriad regional cuisines. “Most of my customers are not Black or African,” she adds. “This food appeals to all people, not a subset.” hedzoleafroeats.com

Candice Mensah (right) with her mom, Constance

MICHAEL VENTURA

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

A Modo Mio Pizzeria

5555 Langston Blvd., 703-532-0990, amodomio pizza.com. Joe’s Place Pizza and Pasta has rebranded with a new chef, a new menu centering on woodfired pies and an interior makeover. L D $$

Aladdin Sweets & Tandoor

5169 Langston Blvd., 703-533-0077. Chef Shiuli Rashid and her husband, Harun, prepare family recipes of curries and kabobs from their native Bangladesh. L D $$

Ambar Clarendon

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrestau rant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats. O R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Langston Blvd., 703-531-1498, arlingtonka bobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kabobs,

shawarma and quabli palou (lamb shank with rice). L D $$

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-528-3030, arlrooftop.com. There’s plenty of bar food to go with the games, from burgers and wings to oysters and flatbread.

O C R L D A G V $$

Assembly

1700 N. Moore St., 703-419-3156, assembly-va. com. The 29,000-square-foot food hall above the Rosslyn Metro contains a smorgasbord of dining concepts, from oysters and cocktails to Asian street food, tacos and diner fare, plus a gourmet market with prepared foods. B R L D G V $$

B Live

2854 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7094, bliveva.com. Find beach-inspired eats, a Bloody Mary bar and live music five nights a week in the former Whitlow’s space in Clarendon. o R L D A $$

Baba

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-7978, baba.bar. This subterranean cocktail lounge is a sister to Ambar next door. A $$

Bakeshop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 571-970-6460, bakeshopva. com. Hit this tiny storefront for coffee, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, icebox pies and other treats. Vegan sweets are always available. B V $

Ballston Local

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-852-1260, ballstonlocal. com. Pair your local brew with a plate of poutine or a New York-style pizza. L D V $$

Banditos Tacos & Tequila

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-257-7622, banditostnt. com. Mexican street food, tequila, mezcal and sugar-skull décor keep the party going at this Westpost cantina. o L D G V $$

Bangkok 54

2919 Columbia Pike, 703-521-4070, bangkok54res taurant.com. A favorite for Thai curries, grilled meats, stir-fry, noodles and soups. L D V $$

Bar Ivy

3033 Wilson Blvd., 703-544-7830, eatbarivy.com.

KEY: Price designations are based on the approximate cost per person for a meal with one drink, tax and tip.

$ under $20

$$ $21-$35

$$$ $36-$70

$$$$ $71 or more

o Outdoor Dining

c Children’s Menu

B Breakfast

R Brunch

L Lunch

D Dinner

A After Hours/Late Night

G Gluten-Free

V Vegetarian

s Best of Arlington 2021 or 2022 Winner

wraps,

B Live in Clarendon

■ places to eat

Chef Nathan Beauchamp’s seafood-forward newcomer has a West Coast vibe and a breezy, 125seat patio. o D G V $$$

Barley Mac

1600 Wilson Blvd., 703-372-9486, barleymacva. com. Upscale tavern fare, plus more than 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon. R L D A G V $$

Bartaco

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3908226, bartaco.com. A lively spot for tacos (13 kinds) and tequila. Feels like vacation. L D V A $$

Bar Bao

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-600-0500, barbao.com.

The trendy watering hole serves dishes reminiscent of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$

Basic Burger

1101 S. Joyce Street, 703-248-9333, basicburger. com. The homegrown eatery (and food truck) cooks with locally sourced, certified Angus beef and cagefree, antibiotic-free chicken. L D $$

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery s 1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410, bayou

bakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleans-inspired menu changes often, but you can always count on beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on weekends. O C B R L D G V $

Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique 576 23rd St. S., 571-257-5873, beautybysociety fair.com. Find champagne, cookies, cocktail fixings and small plates at this woman-owned bistro and market. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Bethesda Bagels

1851 N. Moore St., 703-312-1133, bethesdabagels. com. The popular D.C.-area chain has an outpost in Rosslyn. Eat a sandwich! O L V $

BGR the Burger Joint

3129 Langston Blvd., 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef, veggie or turkey burger with add-ons like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. C L D V $

Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co.

4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-3032; 4251 Campbell Ave., 703-933-2867, eatbigbuns.com. Satisfy your cravings with “designer” burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$

Bob & Edith’s Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; 5150 Langston Blvd., 703-5940280; bobandedithsdiner.com. Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, grits, meatloaf, shakes and pie à la mode. B L D A V $

Bollywood Bistro Express

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3121071, bollywoodbistroexpress.com. Build your own bowl with fillers such as chicken tikka, paneer, chana masala and pickled onions. L D V $$

Bonsai Sushi at Crystal City

553 23rd St. S., 703-553-7723, crystalbonsai sushirestaurant.com. A go-to for sushi, sashimi, yakisoba, tempura, teriyaki. Closed Mondays. L D $$ Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

3911 Langston Blvd., 703-522-3010, bostanuyghur. com. Discover the wonders of Uyghur Chinese dishes such as kabobs, lagmen (hand-pulled noodles), manta (dumplings) and honey cake. L D $$

Brass Rabbit Public House

1210 N. Garfield St., 703-746-9977, brassrabbit pub.com. Pair carrot “fries” and lettuce wraps with craft cocktails like the El Conejo, featuring tequila, carrot juice, ginger, lime and cilantro.

O R L D V A $$

Bread & Water Company

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-567-6698, breadand watercompany.com. The cafe-bakery serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. Grab a loaf of Markos Panas’ addictive, rustic “M” bread to take home. B L V $

Bronson Bierhall

4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-528-1110, bronsonbier hall.com. You’ll find communal tables, German and regional beers, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot ode to Munich.

O L D A $$

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

2900 Wilson Blvd., buenavidarestaurant.com. Savor an unlimited tasting menu of Mexican dishes by chef Jaime Garciá Pelayo Bribiesca, plus one of the best rooftop bars around. O R L D $$

Busboys and Poets

4251 S. Campbell Ave., 703-379-9757, busboys andpoets.com. Known for its poetry slams, on-

Seoulspice in Rosslyn

site bookstore and social justice programming, the cafe offers an eclectic menu with oodles of options for vegetarians. O C B R L D G V $$

The Café by La Cocina VA

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, lacocinava.org/ café-main. This lunch spot operated by La Cocina VA, a nonprofit that trains immigrants for culinary careers, serves soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and Swing’s coffee. L V $

Café Colline

4536 Langston Blvd., 703-567-6615, cafecolline va.com. Helmed by executive chef Brendan L’Etoile, the cozy French bistro in the Lee Heights Shops satisfies with dishes such as paté maison, duck confit and chocolate pots de creme. O L D $$

Café Sazón

4704 Columbia Pike, 703-566-1686, cafesazon. com. A homey Bolivian café specializing in dishes such as silpancho and empanadas. B L D V $$

Caribbean Grill

5183 Langston Blvd., 703-241-8947. Cuban preparations such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup are mainstays. C L D G V $

Carlyle

4000 Campbell Ave., 703-931-0777, greatamerican restaurants.com/carlyle. The original anchor of Shirlington Village is a reliable pick for fusion fare, happy hour and Sunday brunch. O C R L D G V $$$

CarPool Beer and Billiards

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-516-7665, gocarpool.com.

After four years in Fairfax, Mark Handwerger’s garage-themed watering hole has returned to Ballston with pool, pub grub and an extensive beer list, including “house” suds brewed at sister bar the Board Room. D A $

Cava

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-652-7880; 4121 Wilson Blvd., 703-310-6791; cava.com. Build your own salad, wrap or bowl, choosing from an array of Greek dips, spreads, proteins and toppings. L D G V $$

Cava Mezze

2940 Clarendon Blvd., 703-276-9090, cavamezze. com. Greek small plates include octopus, roasted eggplant, zucchini fritters, souvlaki, briny cheeses and succulent lamb. R L D G V $$$

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant 2500 Columbia Pike, 703-746-9644, celtichouse. net. The pub on the Pike serves up pints alongside favorites like corned beef and traditional Irish breakfast. C R L D A $$

Chasin’ Tails

2200 N. Westmoreland St., 703-538-2565, chasintailscrawfish.com. It’s the place to go for a spicy, messy, finger-lickin’ Cajun crawfish boil. Lunch on weekends only. L D $$

Cheesetique

4024 Campbell Ave., 703-933-8787, cheesetique. com. The cheese shop and wine bar offers small plates, cheese boards and more. O B L D V $$

Chiko

4040 Campbell Ave., 571-312-0774, chikodc.com. The Chinese-Korean concept by chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno serves fan favorites like cumin lamb stir-fry and double-fried chicken wings, plus a few fun dishes that are exclusive to the Shirlington location. C D G V $$

Circa at Clarendon

3010 Clarendon Blvd., 703-522-3010, circabistros. com. Bistro fare ranges from salads and small plates to steak frites and wild mushroom pizza. Sit outside if you can. O R L D A G V $$$

Colony Grill

2800 Clarendon Blvd., 703-682-8300, colonygrill. com. The Stamford, Connecticut-based pizza chain specializes in ultra-thin-crust “bar pies” with a spicy, pepper-infused hot oil topping. L D G V $$

Copperwood Tavern

4021 Campbell Ave., 703-522-8010, copperwood tavern.com. The hunting-and-fishing-themed saloon serves up steaks and chops, draft beers and 30 small-batch whiskeys. O R L D $$$

Cowboy Café s

4792 Langston Blvd., 703-243-8010, thecowboy cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. An outdoor beer garden features a mural by Arlington artist MasPaz. Live music on weekends. O C R L D V $$

Crafthouse

901 N. Glebe Road, 703-962-6982, crafthouse

■ places to eat

usa.com. Locally sourced bar food, plus Virginia beer, wine and spirits equals a good time. O L D A $$

Crystal City Sports Pub

529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com.

Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables, trivia and poker nights, beers and bar snacks. C B R L D A G V $$

Crystal Thai

4819 First St. N., 703-522-1311, crystalthai.com. A neighborhood go-to for traditional Thai curries, grilled meats and house specialties like roast duck. L D V $$

Dama Pastry Restaurant & Cafe

1503 Columbia Pike, 703-920-3559, damapas try.com. The Ethiopian family-owned business includes a breakfast café, market and dining room. B L D V $$

Darna

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2373, darnava.com. Grilled kabobs, mezze and traditional Lebanese comfort foods are served in a modern setting. The upstairs is a hookah bar. L D V $$

Delhi Dhaba Indian Restaurant

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-524-0008, delhidhaba.com. The best bargain is the “mix and match” platter, which includes tandoori, seafood, a curry dish and a choice of rice or naan. O L D G V $$

Detour Coffee

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2378, detourcoffee co.com. This comfy cafe has a college vibe and serves up locally roasted coffee, light bites and weekend brunch. O B R L V $

District Taco

5723 Langston Blvd., 703-237-1204; 1500 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-6854; districttaco.com. A local favorite for tacos and gargantuan burritos. C B L D G V $

Don Tito

3165 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-3113, dontitova.com. Located in a historic building, the sports bar specializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. O R L D $$

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304, dudleyssportandale.com. A spacious sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and weekend brunch. O C R L D A $$

Earl’s Sandwiches

2605 Wilson Boulevard, 703-647-9191, earlsinarling ton.com. Made-to-order sandwiches use prime ingredients, like fresh roasted turkey. O B L D G V $ East West Coffee Wine

3101 Wilson Blvd., 571-800-9954. The Clarendoncafe serves espresso drinks, brunch (try the massive Turkish breakfast spread), sandwiches, tapas, beer and wine. B L D $

El Charrito Caminante

2710-A N. Washington Blvd., 703-351-1177. This bare-bones Salvadoran takeout counter hits the spot with tacos, burritos and pupusas. L D V $

El Paso Café

4235 N. Pershing Drive, 703-243-9811, elpaso cafeva.com. Big portions, big margaritas and bighearted service make this Tex-Mex cantina a local favorite. C L D G V $$

El Pike Restaurant

4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010, elpikerestau rant.com. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills institution. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $

El Pollo Rico

932 N. Kenmore St., 703-522-3220, elpollorico restaurant.com. A local institution, this rotisserie chicken mecca gained even more street cred after a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain. L D V $

El Rey

4201 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5530, elreyva.com. The Ballston outpost of the beloved U Street taqueria serves tacos, margs and draft brews in a colorful interior featuring street-art murals by Mike Pacheco. L D A $$

Elevation Burger

2447 N. Harrison St., 703-300-9467, elevationburger. com. Organic, grass-fed beef is ground on the premises, fries are cooked in olive oil and the shakes are made with fresh-scooped ice cream. O L D V $

Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, endosushi. com. A neighborly spot for sashimi, teriyaki, donburi and maki. L D V $$

Epic Smokehouse

1330 S. Fern St., 571-319-4001, epicsmoke house.com. Wood-smoked meats and seafood served in a modern setting. O L D G $$$

Essy’s Carriage House Restaurant

4030 Langston Blvd., 703-525-7899, essyscarriage house.com. Kick it old school with crab imperial, lamb chops and prime rib. B L D G $$$

Federico Ristorante Italiano

519 23rd St., 703-486-0519, federicoristorante italiano.com. Find pasta, chianti and red-checkered tablecloths at this Crystal City trattoria co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar proprietor Freddie Lutz. L D V $$

Fettoosh

5100 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-7710, fettoosh.com. Overstuffed pita sandwiches and kabobs keep the kitchen fired up at this bargain-priced Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant. C R L D G V $

Fire Works

2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks pizza.com. Wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap are mainstays. You can also build your own pasta dish. O C L D A G V $$

First Down Sports Bar & Grill

4213 Fairfax Drive, 703-465-8888, firstdownsports bar.com. Three cheers for draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$

Four Sisters Grill

3035 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-9020, foursisters grill.com. Here, the family behind Four Sisters in Merrifield serves up banh mi sandwiches, papaya salad, spring rolls and noodle dishes. O L D $$

The Freshman

2011 Crystal Drive, thefreshmanva.com. Nick Freshman’s neighborly dining concept has something for every appetite and every time of day, from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to oysters and negronis. O B L D V $$

Gaijin Ramen Shop

3800 Langston Blvd., 703-566-9236, gaijinramen shop.com. Choose your broth and toppings, from pork shoulder to pickled vegetables. Gaijin makes its own noodles in-house daily. D V $$

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. Pair craft beers with vegan bar foods like “fricken” (fake chicken) sandwich melts and smothered tots with cashew cheese curds. L D A G V $$

Gharer Khabar

5157 Langston Blvd., 703-973-2432, gharerkhabar togo.com. Translated as “home’s food,” this artfilled, 14-seat café serves Bangladeshi fare cooked by chef Nasima Shreen. L D $$

Good Company Doughnuts & Café

672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000, gocodough.com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves housemade doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and other breakfast and lunch fare. B L V $$

Good Stuff Eatery

2110 Crystal Drive, 703-415-4663, goodstuff eatery.com. Spike Mendelsohn’s Crystal City outpost offers gourmet burgers (beef, turkey or mushroom), shakes, fries and salads. L D G V $

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

4301 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-7900, grandcru-wine. com. This intimate European-style café includes a wine shop next door. O R L D G $$$

Green Pig Bistro s

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-1920, greenpig bistro.com. Southern-influenced food, craft cocktails, happy hour and brunch draw fans to this congenial neighborhood hideaway. R L D G V $$$

Greens N Teff s

3203 Columbia Pike, 571-510-4063, greensnteff. com. This vegetarian, fast-casual Ethiopian carryout prompts customers to choose a base (injera bread or rice) then pile on spicy, plant-based stews and other toppings. O L D G V $

Guajillo

1727 Wilson Blvd., 703-807-0840, guajillo mexican.com. Authentic Mexican dishes such as carne asada, mole poblano and churros are favorites. O C L D G V $$

Guapo’s Restaurant

4028 Campbell Ave., 703-671-1701, guaposres taurant.com. Expect hearty portions of all the TexMex standbys—quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and burritos. O C R L D G V $$

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

1119 N. Hudson St., 571-527-0445, gyu-kaku.com. Marinated meats, veggies and seafood are cooked on tabletop grills. L D $$

Hanabi Ramen

3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-1275, hanabiramen usa.com. Slurp multiple variations of the popular noodle dish, plus rice bowls and dumplings. L D $$

Happy Eatery Vietnamese Kitchen

1800 N. Lynn St., 571-800-1881, thehappy eatery.com. Vietnamese comfort foods (think banh mi, noodle soups and rice bowls) are the draw at this Rosslyn establishment. L D $$

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

2150 N. Culpeper St., 703-527-8394, heidelberg bakery.com. Fill up on baked goods as well as Old Country specialties such as bratwurst and German potato salad. Closed Mondays. B L $

Highline RxR

2010-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-2337, highlinerxr. com. A Crystal City bar offering draft beers, draft wines, a whiskey menu and a retractable wall that opens up in nice weather. O L D A $$

Hot Lola’s

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 1501 Wilson Blvd. (Rosslyn), hotlolas.com. It’s all about Kevin Tien’s Nashville-meets-Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches. L D $

Inca Social 1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-488-7640, incasocial.com. Empanadas, saltados, ceviche, sushi and pisco sours round out the menu at this Peruvian cousin to the original in Dunn Loring. R L D G V $$ Ireland’s Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3600, irelandsfour courts.com. Irish fare includes cider-braised short ribs, a Guinness-marinated burger and imported cheeses from general manager Dave Cahill’s family farm in County Limerick. C R L D A V $$

Istanbul Grill

4617 Wilson Blvd., 571-970-5828, istanbulgrill virginia.com. Feast on Turkish meze and kabobs at this homey spot in Bluemont. L D V $$

The Italian Store s

3123 Langston Blvd., 703-528-6266; 5837 Washington Blvd., 571-341-1080; italianstore.com. A cultstatus favorite for pizzas, sandwiches, prepared entrées, espresso and gelato. O L D G V $

Kabob Palace

2315 S. Eads St., 703-486-3535, kabobpalaceusa. com. Grilled meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kanpai Restaurant

1401 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-8400, kanpai-sushi.com. The STTR (spicy tuna tempura roll) is a must at this Rosslyn sushi spot. O L D G V $$

Kusshi

1201 S. Joyce St., 571-777-1998, kusshisushi.

com. Specializing in sushi, sake and Japanese whiskey, it’s the second D.C.-area location for this spinoff of Hanaro Sushi in Bethesda. L D G V $$$

L.A. Bar & Grill

2530 Columbia Pike, 703-685-1560, labargrill.com. Regulars flock to this dive bar on the Pike (L.A. stands for Lower Arlington) for cold brews and pub fare. D A $$

La Côte D’Or Café

6876 Langston Blvd., 703-538-3033, lacotedorarling ton.com. This little French bistro serves standards like crepes and steak frites. O R L D G V $$$

Layalina

5216 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-1170, layalinares taurant.com. Lebanese and Syrian dishes have delighted diners since 1997 at this family-owned restaurant. Closed Mondays. O L D A V $$

Lebanese Taverna

5900 Washington Blvd., 703-241-8681; 1101 S. Joyce St., Pentagon Row, 703-415-8681; lebanese taverna.com. A homegrown favorite for mezze, kabobs, flatbreads and more. O C L D G V $$

Le Pain Quotidien

2900 Clarendon Blvd., 703-465-0970, lepainquo tidien.com. The Belgian chain produces Europeanstyle cafe fare. B L D G V $$

The Liberty Tavern

3195 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-9360, thelibertytavern. com. This Clarendon anchor offers a spirited bar

and creative cuisine fueled by two wood-burning ovens. O C R L D A G V $$$

Livin’ the Pie Life

2166 N. Glebe Road, 571-431-7727, livinthepielife. com. The wildly popular pie operation started as an Arlington farmers market stand. B L V $$

Lost Dog Café

5876 Washington Blvd., 703-237-1552; 2920 Columbia Pike, 703-553-7770; lostdogcafe.com.

Known for its pizzas, subs and craft beer selection, this deli/café and its multiple franchises support pet adoption through the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. L D G V $$

Lucky Danger

1101 S. Joyce St., Unit B27 (Westpost), luckydanger. co. Chefs Tim Ma and Andrew Chiou put a fresh spin on Chinese American takeout with dishes such as duck fried rice and lo mein. L D V $$

Lyon Hall

3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyonhall arlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to mussels and pickled vegetables. O C R L D A V $$$

Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery

1550 Crystal Drive, 703-718-4418, mahzedahr bakery.com. Café fare at this bright newcomer to National Landing includes coffee, pastries, focaccia, sandwiches and snacks. O B L D $

e Best is NOW Even Better!

› New Interior Look & Layout

› New Website › Arrowine.com

› New Products & Delicious Treats

› Same Great Service

Your local source for artisanal cheeses, deli meats, charcuterie, chocolate, gourmet foods and of course, fine wines.

Now o ering French Crêpes made to order. (In-store only)

LOCATION: 4508 Cherry Hill Rd. Arlington, VA, 22207 703-525-0990

CURRENT HOURS: Tu - Th • 11am - 7pm Fri - Sat • 10am - 7pm Sunday • 10am - 5pm

■ places to eat

Maison Cheryl

2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-664-0509, maisoncheryl. com. Seared duck breast, steak frites and madeleines are among the offerings at this French American bistro. R L D V $$$

Maizal

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3966500, maizalstreetfood.com. South American street food—arepas, empanadas, yuca fries, Peruvian fried rice, street corn and churros. L D V $

Mala Tang

3434 Washington Blvd., 703-243-2381, mala-tang. com. Chef Liu Chaosheng brings the tastes and traditions of his hometown, Chengdu, to this eatery specializing in Sichuan hot pot. O L D G V $$

Mario’s Pizza House

3322 Wilson Blvd., mariopizzahouse.com. Open into the wee hours, it’s been cooking up subs, wings and pizza since 1957. O C B L D A $

Mattie and Eddie’s

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-312-2665, mattieand eddies.com. It’s not just an Irish bar. Chef Cathal Armstrong’s kitchen serves farm-to-table dishes like lobster pot pie, house-cured corned beef, sardines on toast, and Irish breakfast all day. O R L D $$$

Maya Bistro

5649 Langston Blvd., 703-533-7800, bistromaya. com. The family-owned restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean comfort food. L D V $$

McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant

567 23rd St. S., 703-302-3760, mcnamaraspub. com. Order a Guinness and some corned beef or fish and chips at this watering hole on Crystal City’s restaurant row. O R L D A $$

Meda Coffee & Kitchen

5037 Columbia Pike, 571-312-0599, medacoffee kitchen.com. A casual café serving coffee, baked goods and traditional Ethiopian dishes like kitfo and tibs. C B L D G V $$

Me Jana

2300 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-4440, mejanarestau rant.com. Named for an old Lebanese folk ballad, this Middle Eastern eatery offers prime peoplewatching in Clarendon. O C L D G V $$

Mele Bistro

1723 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-0284, melebistro.com. This farm-to-table Mediterranean restaurant cooks with fresh, organic, free-range, regionally sourced, non-GMO ingredients. O R L D G V $$

Meridian Pint

6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, meridianpint. com. A brewpub serving craft suds, burgers, salads and bar food. C R D A G V $$

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2464, metro29. com. Classic diner fare includes triple-decker sandwiches, mile-high desserts, burgers, roasted chicken and breakfast. C B R L D V $

Mexicali Blues

2933 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-9352, mexicali-blues. com. The colorful landmark dishes out Salvadoran and Mexican chow. O C R L D G V $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-465-1600; 4037 Campbell Ave., 571-257-8214; mobyskabob.com. Satisfy that hankering for Persian skewers and flavorful sides. L D $$

Mussel Bar & Grille

800 N. Glebe Road, 703-841-2337, musselbar.com.

Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s Ballston eatery is known for mussels, frites, wood-fired pizza and more than 100 Belgian and craft beers. O L D $$

Nam-Viet

1127 N. Hudson St., 703-522-7110, namvietva.com. The venerable restaurant specializes in flavors of Vietnam’s Can Tho region. O L D V $$

Nighthawk Pizza

1201 S. Joyce St., nighthawkpizza.com. Restaurateur Scott Parker has teamed up with chef Johnny Spero and Aslin Beer Co. to introduce a brewpub featuring low-ABV beers, personal pizzas and smash burgers. L D V $$

Northside Social Coffee & Wine s

3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northsidesocial arlington.com. The homey, two-story coffee and wine bar (with a big patio) is always busy...which tells you something. O B L D V $$

Oby Lee

3000 N. Washington Blvd., 571-257-5054, obylee. com. Crepes and quiche are the bill of fare at this European-style café, bakery, wine shop and coffee roastery. O B L D G $$

Old Dominion Pizza

4514 Langston Blvd., 703-718-6372, olddominion pizza.com. Order thin crust or “grandma style” pies named after local high school mascots. L D G $

Open Road

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-248-0760, openroadgrill. com. This second location of the American saloon (the first is in Merrifield) is a solid pick for burgers and beers, or a proper entrée and a craft cocktail. O L D $$

Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen

1101 S. Joyce St., 703-567-7295, origincoffeeco. com. The industrial-chic coffee shop roasts its own beans and serves all-day breakfast, as well as bar munchies and dinner plates. O B R L D V $$

Osteria da Nino

2900 S. Quincy St. (Village at Shirlington), 703820-1128, osteriadaninova.com. For those days when you’re craving a hearty portion of spaghetti and clams, or gnocci with pesto. O D G V $$$

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

3207 Washington Blvd., 703-812-0939, osullivans irishpub.com. You’ll find owner and County Kerry native Karen O’Sullivan behind the bar, pouring pints and cracking jokes. L D A $$

Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave., 703-746-9007, palette22.com. The gallery-café specializes in international small plates. O R L D V $$

Pamplona

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-685-9950, pamplona va.com. Spanish tapas, paella, grilled fish, pintxos, cocktails, snacks and sangria. O R D A V $$

Peking Pavilion

2912 N. Sycamore St., 703-237-6868. This family-owned restaurant serves standbys such as moo shu pork and beef with broccoli. L D $$

Peter Chang Arlington s

2503-E N. Harrison St., 703-538-6688, peterchang arlington.com. The former Chinese Embassy chef brings his fiery and flavorful Sichuan cooking to the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. C L D $$

Pho 75

1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355, pho75.res taurantwebexpert.com. The piping-hot soup at

this local institution is all about fresh ingredients. O L D V $

Pie-tanza s

2503-B N. Harrison St., 703-237-0200, pie-tanza. com. Enjoy pizza (including gluten-free options), calzones, lasagna, subs and salads. C L D G V $$

The Pinemoor

1101 N. Highland St., 571-970-2592, thepine moor.com. Reese Gardner’s country-western saloon turns out steaks, burgers, local seafood and weekend brunch. O R L D G V $$

Poppyseed Rye

818 N. Quincy St., poppyseedrye.com. Pick up sandwiches, salads, avocado toast, cold-pressed juice, flower bouquets and gift items (beer and wine, too) at this pretty café in Ballston. O r L D G V $

Pupatella s

5104 Wilson Blvd.; 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. O L D V $$

Pupuseria Doña Azucena

71 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-0332, pupuseriadona azucena.com. Beans, rice and massive pupusas at dirt-cheap prices. C L D V $

Quarterdeck

1200 Fort Myer Drive, 703-528-2722, quarterdeck arlington.com. This beloved shack has served up steamed crabs for 40 years. O C L D V $$

Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, queenmother cooks.com. Chef Rock Harper’s celebrated fried chicken sandwich operation shares a kitchen and dining space with The Café by La Cocina VA. L D $

Quincy Hall

4001 Fairfax Drive, 703-567-4098, quincyhallbar. com. Head to Ballston for tavern-style pizzas and 20+ craft beers on tap. D A V $$

Quinn’s on the Corner

1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-640-3566, quinnsonthe corner.com. Irish and Belgian favorites such as mussels, steak frites, and bangers and mash, plus draft beers and a big whiskey selection. B R L D A $$

Ragtime

1345 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-4003, ragtime restaurant.com. Savor a taste of the Big Easy in offerings such as jambalaya, catfish, spiced shrimp and oysters. Or feast on the waffle and omelet bar every Sunday. O R L D A V $$

Rako Coffee Roasters

2016 Wilson Blvd., 571-2312-4817, rakocoffee. com. Sister roasters Lisa and Melissa Gerben, whose beans are on the menu at Maketto and other D.C. hot spots, now have a cafe in Courthouse. Try a baklava latte or an espresso martini. R L D V $$

Rasa

2200 Crystal Drive, 703-888-0925, rasagrill.com. Enjoy big flavors at this Indian fast-casual eatery by co-owners Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod. Build a bowl with options like basmati rice, chicken tikka, lamb, charred or pickled vegetables, lentils, chutneys and yogurt sauces. O L D G V $

Ravi Kabob House

350 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-6666; 250 N. Glebe Road, 703-816-0222. Curries, kabobs and delectably spiced veggies keep this strip-mall café plenty busy. C L D V $$

Rebellion on the Pike

2900 Columbia Pike, 703-888-2044, rebellionon

thepike.com. The irreverent tavern sports a deep list of craft beers and whiskeys, and serves burgers (including one zinger called the “Ramsay Bolton”), six kinds of wings and other pub grub. O R B D A $$

The Renegade

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-468-4652, renegadeva. com. Is it a coffee shop, restaurant, bar or live music venue? All of the above—with snacks ranging from lambchop lollipops to lo mein. B L D A $$

Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-0145, rhodeside grill.com. Find chops, meatloaf, burgers and po’boys accompanied by every kind of hot sauce imaginable. O C R L D A V $$

Rice Crook

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), ricecrook.com. Korean-inspired rice bowls, salads and wraps made with locally sourced meats and produce. L D $$

Rien Tong Asian Bistro

3131 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-8388, rientong.com.

The large menu includes Thai and Chinese standards, plus sushi. L D V $$

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.

3471 Washington Blvd., 703-528-9663, rocklands. com. Owner John Snedden has been slow-cooking barbecue since 1990. O C L D G V $

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2242, ruffinosarling ton.com. Mina Tawdaros bought this local institution in 2020, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The menu still includes classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata. C L D V $$

Rustico

4075 Wilson Blvd., 571-384-1820, rusticorestau rant.com. You’ll find more than 400 beers to complement dishes from pizza to grilled trout and pastrami pork ribs. O C R L D G V $$

RusUz

1000 N. Randolph St., 571-312-4086, rusuz.com. The family-run bistro serves hearty Russian and Uzbek dishes such as borscht, beef stroganoff and plov—a rice pilaf with lamb. L D $$

Ruthie’s All-Day s

3411 Fifth St. S., 703-888-2841, ruthiesallday.com.

Chef Matt Hill’s Southern-inspired “meat and three” serves up wood-smoked proteins with creative sides ranging from kimchi dirty rice to crispy Brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette. Breakfast (with house-made biscuits) offered daily.

O B R L D G V $$

Saigon Noodles & Grill

1800 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-5940, saigonnoodles grill.com. The Rosslyn eatery owned by Arlington resident Tuan Nguyen serves pho, banh mi and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. L D G V $$

Salt 1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn. com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar, which shares a kitchen with Open Road, serves tasty nibbles (cheese plates, oysters, carpaccio) with classic Sazeracs and Old Fashioneds, as well as nouveau craft cocktails. D $$

The Salt Line

4040 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-2075, thesaltline.com.

The seafood-centric oyster bar that started next to Nats Park in D.C. now has an outpost in Ballston serving raw bar, clam chowder, lobster rolls, stuffies, smash burgers and fun cocktails. c O R D $$$

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-379-0122, samuel becketts.com. A modern Irish pub serving Emerald Isle recipes. O C R L D A G V $$

Santé

1250 S. Hayes St. (inside the Ritz-Carlton), 703412-2762, meetatsante.com. Mediterranean fare includes shrimp saganaki, grilled oysters, chickpea fries, and mains ranging from whole roasted branzino to lamb “osso bucco.” B R L D G V $$$

Sawatdee Thai Restaurant

2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, sawatdeeva. com. The friendly eatery (its name means “hello”) is frequented by those craving pad thai or pad prik king. L D V $$

Screwtop Wine Bar and Cheese Shop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-0845, screwtop winebar.com. The congenial wine bar/shop offers tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. O C R L D G V $$

Seoulspice

1735 N. Lynn St., 703-419-5868, seoulspice.com. Korean fast-casual comfort food, anyone? L D G V $

SER

1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, ser-restau rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service.

O R L D V $$$

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinapasta.com/rosslyn. Visit Fabio Trabocchi’s Rosslyn outpost for housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Sundays.

O L D V $$$

Silver Diner

3200 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-8600, silverdiner. com. The kitchen cooks with organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. Low-calorie and gluten-free menu choices available. O C B R L D A G V $$

Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque

5731 Langston Blvd., sloppymamas.com. Joe and Mandy Neuman’s barbecue joint offers woodsmoked meats galore—brisket, pork, chicken, ribs, turkey, sausage. Plus hearty sides and banana pud ding for dessert. O B R L D $$

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue s 1051 N. Highland St., 571-312-8791, smokecraft bbq.com. Every menu item here is kissed by smoke, from ribs, crabcakes and spaghetti squash to the chocolate cherry bread pudding on the des sert list. O L D G V $$

Smoking Kow BBQ

• Catering for dinner parties & office lunches (on and off premises)

• Family friendly casual year round patio dining clareanddonsbeachshack@gmail.com

2910 N. Sycamore St., smokingkowbbq.com. At this Kansas City-style ’cue joint, meats seasoned with a rub of 15 spices are smoked over cherry and hickory wood for 18-20 hours. L D $$

South Block

3011 11th St. N., 703-741-0266; 1550 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-8423; 4150 Wilson Blvd., 703-4658423; 2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-534-1542; southblockjuice.com. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls. O B L V $

Sparrow Room 1201 S. Joyce St., 571-451-7030, sparrowroom. com. Hidden behind Bun’d Up, Scott Chung’s backroom mahjong parlor presents dim sum and Chinese-inspired craft cocktails in a moody setting. Open Thursday through Sunday, 5-11 p.m. D $$

■ places to eat

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, spicekraft va.com. This contemporary concept by restaurateurs Anthony Sankar and Premnath Durairaj gives Indian classics a modern spin. O L D $$

Spider Kelly’s

3181 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-8888, spiderkellys.com. The “come as you are” bar offers a sizable beer list, creative cocktails, salads, burgers, snacks and breakfast at all hours. C D A G V $$

Stellina Pizzeria

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-962-7884, stellina pizzeria.com. Pay a visit for Neapolitan pies, fried artichokes, squid ink pasta and a deli counter that offers house-made pastas, sauces, antipasti and dolci to take home. O L D $$

Supreme Hot Pot

2301 Columbia Pike, 571-666-1801, supreme hotpot.kwickmenu.com. This Pike eatery specializes in Szechuan hot pot, as well as skewered meats and a few Cajun seafood dishes. A sauce bar allows diners to choose and create their own dipping sauces. D G $$

Sushi Rock

1900 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8027, sushirockva. com. Play a little air guitar while sampling sushi rolls and beverages named after your favorite bands, from Zeppelin to Ozzy to Oasis. D A G V $$

Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant s 2457 N. Harrison St., 703-534-6000, sushizen. com. An amicable, light-filled neighborhood stop for sushi, donburi, tempura and udon. C L D V $$

Sweetgreen

4075 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-2016; 3100 Clarendon Blvd., 571-290-3956; 575 12th Road S., 703-8881025; 2200 Crystal Drive, 703-685-9089; sweet green.com. Locally grown ingredients and compostable cutlery make this salad and yogurt chain a hub for the green-minded. O C L D G V $

Sweet Leaf

2200 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-5100; 800 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-5000; 650 N. Quincy St., 703527-0807; sweetleafcafe.com. Build your own sandwiches and salads with fresh ingredients. O C B L D $$

Taco Bamba Ballston s 4000 Wilson Blvd., 571-777-1477, tacobamba.com. Every Bamba location tucks an homage or two onto its menu. Here, the taco options include the El Rico Pollo, stuffed with “Peruvian-ish” chicken, green chili puree, aji Amarillo aioli, salsa criolla, serrano chile and crispy potato. B L D V $

Taco + Pina

4041 Campbell Ave., 703-567-4747, tacoandpina. com. Try an order of Fanta pork carnitas or the vegetarian “chile relleno” taco, and cool your heels with a frozen roasted pineapple margarita. O L D V $$

Taco Rock

1501 Wilson Blvd., 571-775-1800, thetacorock. com. This rock-themed watering hole keeps the margaritas and Micheladas flowing alongside creative tacos on housemade blue-corn tortillas. B L D V $$

Taqueria el Poblano s

2503-A N. Harrison St., 703-237-8250, taqueria poblano.com. Fresh guacamole, fish tacos, margaritas and mole verde transport patrons to the Yucatan. C L D G V $$

Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery

4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130 (Ballston Quarter), 703848-7580, tedsbulletin.com. The retro comfort food and all-day breakfast place has healthier fare, too— which you can undo with a visit to its tantalizing bakery next door. C B R L D G V $$

Texas Jack’s Barbecue

2761 Washington Blvd., 703-875-0477, txjacks.com. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. O L D A $$

T.H.A.I. in Shirlington

4209 Campbell Ave., 703-931-3203, thaiinshirling ton.com. Pretty dishes include lemongrass salmon with black sticky rice. O L D G V $$$

Thai Noy s

5880 Washington Blvd., 703-534-7474, thainoy.com. Shimmering tapestries and golden Buddhas are the backdrop in this destination for Thai noodles, curries and rice dishes. L D $$

Thai Square

3217 Columbia Pike, 703-685-7040, thaisquarerestaurant.com. The signature dish is No. 61, deep-fried, sugar-glazed squid topped with crispy fried basil. O L D G V $$

Thirsty Bernie

2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-9300, thirstybernie. com. Wiener schnitzel, pierogies and bratwurst provide sustenance in this Bavarian sports bar and grill. O C R L D V $$

TNR Cafe

2049 Wilson Blvd., 571-217-0766, tnrcafe.com. When you have a hankering for Peking duck, moo shu chicken, Szechuan beef or bubble tea. L D G V $$

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000, tobys icecream.com. Owner Toby Bantug makes premium ice creams, floats and sundaes. Coffee, pastries and bagels available in the morning. B L D V $

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

2911 Columbia Pike, 571-970-2824, tortasytacosla chiquita.com. In addition to its namesake foods, the eatery that started as a food truck also does alambres, huarache platters, flautas and more. B L D $

Trade Roots

5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. Lisa Ostroff’s Westover gift shop and cafe serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and snackable fare like mini empanadas and Portuguese flatbread. O B L $

Troy’s Italian Kitchen

2710 Washington Blvd., 703-528-2828, troysitalian kitchen.com. Palak and Neel Vaidya’s mom-andpop serves pizza, pasta and calzones, including a lengthy vegan menu with options like “chicken” tikka masala pizza. L D G V $

True Food Kitchen

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5270930, truefoodkitchen.com. Emphasizing “anti-inflammatory” fare, the menu will convince you that healthy tastes good. O L D G V $$

Tupelo Honey Café

1616 N. Troy St., 703-253-8140, tupelohoneycafe. com. The Southern fusion menu includes dishes like roasted snapper with sweet potato and farro. C R L D $$

Turu’s by Timber Pizza

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), timber pizza.com. Neapolitan(ish)-style pizzas fresh from a wood-fired oven. L D V $$

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café

4301 N. Fairfax Drive, 703-528-3131, unclejulios. com. Tex-Mex highlights include mesquite-grilled fajitas, tacos and margaritas. O C R L D $$$

The Union

3811 Fairfax Drive, 703-356-0129, theunionres taurant.us. Owner Giridhar Sastry was formerly executive chef at The Mayflower Hotel in D.C. His eclectic menu includes Mumbai panini (chaat masala, cilantro chutney, Havarti cheese, veggies), sesame wings and calamari with Lebanese garlic sauce. o C L D $$

Urban Tandoor

801 N. Quincy St., 703-567-1432, utandoorva.com. Sate your appetite with Indian and Nepalese fare, from tandoori lamb to Himalayan momos (dumplings). Lunch buffet daily. L D V $$

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weenie beenie.net. The hot dog stand founded in 1954 is still serving half smokes, bologna-and-egg sandwiches and pancakes. B L D $

Westover Market & Beer Garden s 5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westo vermarketbeergarden.com. A local hive for burgers and draft microbrews. The adjoining market’s “Great Wall of Beer” stocks more than 1,000 domestic, imported and craft beers in bottles and cans. O C L D A $$

Which Wich

4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-0058, whichwich.com. A seemingly endless menu of sandwiches and wraps with more than 60 toppings. O B L D V $$

Whino

4238 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-3958, whinova.com.

Part restaurant/bar and part art gallery, this latenight spot (open until 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday) features cocktails, shareable plates and a dynamic interior featuring street-art murals and “low brow” art exhibits. L D A $$

Wild Tiger BBQ s

1201 S. Joyce St. (Westpost), wildtigerbbq.com. The pop-up concept by chefs Kevin Tien and Scott Chung does barbecue with an Asian flavor profile. Shin-shamen-rubbed proteins like pulled pork, ribs and brisket are served with kimchi pickles and five house-made sauces. L D $$

William Jeffrey’s Tavern

2301 Columbia Pike, 703-746-6333, william jeffreystavern.com. Brought to you by the owners of Dogwood Tavern, this pub on the Pike features Prohibition-era wall murals and mixes a mean martini. O C R L D A G V $$

Wilson Hardware Kitchen & Bar

2915 Wilson Boulevard, 703-527-4200, wilson hardwareva.com. Order a boozy slushy or craft beer and head the roof deck. The menu includes small plates, burgers and entrées like steak frites and duck confit. O R L D A G V $$$

World of Beer

4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-576-0395, worldofbeer. com. The beer emporium features 40 taps and a rotating roster of hundreds of brews to go with your German soft pretzel, parmesan truffle fries or pimento cheeseburger. L D V $$

Yayla Bistro

2201 N. Westmoreland St., 703-533-5600, yayla bistro.com. A cozy little spot for Turkish small plates, flatbreads and seafood. Pita wraps available for lunch only. O C L D $$

Yume Sushi

2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-269-5064, yume sushiva.com. East Falls Church has a destination for sushi, omakase (chef’s tasting menu) and a sake bar with craft cocktails. L D V G $$$

FALLS CHURCH

2941 Restaurant

2941 Fairview Park Drive, 703-270-1500, 2941. com. French chef Bertrand Chemel’s unlikely sanctuary in a suburban office building offers beautifully composed seasonal dishes and expert wine pairings in an artful setting. C L D V $$$

Abay Market Ethiopian Food

3811-A S. George Mason Drive, 703-820-7589, abaymarketethiopian.com. The seasoned grassfed raw beef dish kitfo is the specialty at this friendly, six-table Ethiopian café. L D $$

Al Jazeera

3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733. The top seller at this Yemeni cafe is oven-roasted lamb with yellow rice. L D $$

Alta Strada

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-2800000, altastrada.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and modern Italian small plates. R L D $$$

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.an thonysrestaurantva.com. The family-owned Greek and Italian diner serves standbys like spaghetti, pizza, gyros and subs, plus breakfast on weekends. R L D V $$

B Side

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, bsidecuts.com. Nathan Anda’s charcuterie steals the show at this cozy bar adjoining Red Apron Butcher. The cocktails rock, too. L D $$ Badd Pizza

346 W. Broad St., 703-237-2233, baddpizza.com. Order a Buffalo-style “cup-and-char” pepperoni pie and a baddbeer IPA, locally brewed by Lost Rhino Brewing Co. L D $$ Bakeshop

100 E. Fairfax St., 703-533-0002, bakeshopva.com. See Arlington listing. B V $ Balqees Restaurant

5820 Seminary Road, 703-379-0188. Order Lebanese and Yemeni dishes like lamb in saffron rice, saltah (a vegetarian stew) and saffron cake topped with rose petals and crème anglaise. O L D V $$ Bamian

5634 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-7880, bamianres taurant.com. Try Afghan specialties like palau (seasoned lamb with saffron rice) and aushak (scallion dumpling topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint). C L D V $$

Bartaco

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-549-8226, bartaco.com. See Arlington listing. L D V A $$ Bing & Bao

7505 Leesburg Pike, 703-734-0846, bingandbao. com. Chinese street foods (crepes, steamed bun and fried rice) are the main attraction at this fast-casual eatery. Founders Rachel Wang and Mark Shen hail from Tianjin, China. L D V $

Caboose Commons

2918 Eskridge Road (Mosaic District), 703-6638833, caboosebrewing.com. The microbrewery that started along the W&OD Trail in Vienna has a second location serving house brews and creative eats, including plant-based options.

O L D V A $$

Café Kindred

450 N. Washington St., 571-327-2215, cafe kindred.com. Pop in for a yogurt parfait, avocado toast, grilled eggplant sandwich, or an espresso fizz. B R L V $$

Celebrity Delly

7263-A Arlington Blvd., 703-573-9002, celebrity deliva.com. Matzo-ball soup, Reubens and tuna melts satisfy at this New York-style deli founded in 1975. Brunch served all day Saturday and Sunday.

C B L D G V $

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

130 N. Washington St., 703-532-9283, clareand dons.com. Go coastal with fish tacos, coconut chicken or one of the many meatless options, and maybe catch some live outdoor music. Closed Mondays. O C L D A G V $$

DC Steakholders

6641 Arlington Blvd., 703-534-4200, dcsteakhold ers.com. The cheesesteak truck has a storefront in the former Frozen Dairy Bar space, where proprietors Usman Bhatti and Lilly Kaur are carrying forth FDB’s nearly 70-year frozen custard recipe. L D $$

District Dumplings

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-884-7080, districtdumplingsfairfax.com. Asian-style dumplings, sandwiches and wraps. L D $$

District Taco 5275-C Leesburg Pike, 571-699-0660, district taco.com. See Arlington listing. C B L D G V $

Dogwood Tavern

132 W. Broad St., 703-237-8333, dogwoodtav ern.com. The menu has something for everyone, from ancient grain Buddha bowls to jambalaya, burgers and coconut-curry salmon.

O C R L D A V $$

Dominion Wine and Beer

107 Rowell Court, 703-533-3030, dominionwine andbeer.com. Pairings come easy when a café shares its space with a wine and beer shop. Order up a plate of sliders, a cheese board or some Dragon shrimp to snack on while you imbibe.

O R L D V $$

Duangrat’s

5878 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5775, duangrats.com. Waitresses in traditional silk dresses glide through the dining room, bearing fragrant noodles and grilled meats, in one of the D.C. area’s most esteemed destinations for Thai cuisine. O R L D V $$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

7630 Lee Highway, 703-204-0233, eltiogrill.com. A family-friendly spot for fajitas, enchiladas, lomo saltado, combo plates and margaritas. O L D $$

Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant

8110-A Arlington Blvd., 703-942-6600, elephant jumps.com. Creative and comforting Thai food in an intimate strip-mall storefront. L D G V $$

Elevation Burger

442 S. Washington St., 703-237-4343, elevation burger.com. See Arlington listing. O L D V $

Fava Pot

7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com.

Visit Dina Daniel’s restaurant, food truck and catering operation for Egyptian fare such as stewed fava beans with yogurt and lamb shanks with okra. And oh the bread! B L D G V $$

First Watch

5880 Leesburg Pike, 571-977-1096, firstwatch. com. Popular dishes at this breakfast and lunch café include eggs Benedict, lemon-ricotta pancakes, housemade granola, power bowls and avocado toast. O CB R L V $$

Four Sisters Restaurant 8190 Strawberry Lane, 703-539-8566, foursisters restaurant.com. Mainstays include clay pot fish, grilled meats, lettuce wraps and pho. O L D V $$

Haandi Indian Cuisine

1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The perfumed kabobs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. L D V G $$

Harvey’s

513 W. Broad St., 540-268-6100, harveysva.com. Chef Thomas Harvey’s casual café brings roasted chicken, beer-cheese cheesesteaks, banana splits and other comfort fare to Falls Church City. O C B L D V $$

Hong Kong Palace

6387 Seven Corners Center, 703-532-0940, hong kongpalacedelivery.com. The kitchen caters to both ex-pat and American tastes with an enormous menu of options. C L D $$

Hong Kong Pearl Seafood Restaurant 6286 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-1388. Two words: dim sum. L D A V $$

Huong Viet 6785 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-7110, huong-viet. com. Spring rolls, roasted quail and shaky beef are faves at this cash-only Eden Center eatery. C L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Provinces

105 W. Broad St., 703-534-8999, 4psva.com. The family-friendly tavern in the heart of Falls Church City serves pub food and Irish specialties. O C B R L D $$

Jinya Ramen Bar

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927705, jinya-ramenbar.com. Embellish your tonkotsu or umami-miso broth with more than a dozen toppings and add-ins. O L D A V $$

JV’s Restaurant

6666 Arlington Blvd., 703-241-9504, jvsrestaurant. com. A dive bar (the best kind) known for its live music, cold beer and home-cooked meatloaf, lasagna and chili. L D A V $$

Kamayan Fiesta

301 S. Washington St., 703-992-0045, kamayan fiesta.com. Find Filipino specialties such as chicken adobo, pork in shrimp paste, lumpia (egg rolls) and cassava cake. B L D V $$

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

450 W. Broad St., 703-237-0101, koikoiva.com. The sushi is fresh and the vibe is fun. O L D $$

Lantern House Viet Bistro

1067 West Broad St., 703-268-2878, lantern houseva.com. Satisfy that craving for pho, noodles and banh mi at this family-owned Vietnamese eatery. L D G V $$

La Tingeria

626 S. Washington St., 571-316-6715. A popular food truck in Arlington since 2012, David Peña’s concept now has a brick-and-mortar location in Falls

■ places to eat

Church. The queso birria tacos are a must. Open Thursday-Sunday, noon to 4:30. L $

Le Pain Quotidien

8296 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-4629322, lepainquotidien.com. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Liberty Barbecue

370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, libertyfallschurch. com. This ’cue venture by The Liberty Tavern Group serves smoked meats, fried chicken and all the accompaniments. Order a Grand Slam (four meats, four sides) and feed the whole fam. R L D $$

Little Saigon Restaurant

6218-B Wilson Blvd., 703-536-2633. Authentic Vietnamese in a no-frills setting. O L D $$

Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine

2842 Rogers Drive, 703-942-5622; lovinghut fallschurch.com. The Vietnamese-inspired vegan eatery offers menu items like rice vermicelli with barbecued soy protein and claypot rice with vegan “ham.” L D G V $$

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-994-3905, themacmillan.com. More than 200 kinds of spirits are offered in tasting flights and composed cocktails. The food menu includes U.K. and American pub standards. O R L D $$

Mark’s Duck House

6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it offers plenty of other tantalizing options, too, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

5700 Columbia Pike, 703-820-2870, meazaethio piancuisine.com. Well-seasoned legumes and marinated beef are signatures in this vivid Ethiopian banquet hall. O C L D G V $$

Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae

112 N. West St., 703-532-5299, mikesdeliatlazy sundae.com. Fill your belly with homemade corned beef, cheesesteaks, breakfast and scratch-made soups. Save room for ice cream! O B L D V $

Miu Kee

6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall hideaway offers Cantonese, Sichuan and Hunan dishes. L D A $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob 444 W. Broad St., 703-992-7500, mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mom & Pop

2909 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9920050, dolcezzagelato.com. The little glass cafe serves light fare, snacks, gelato, coffee, beer and wine. O B R L D A $$

Nhu Lan Sandwich

6763 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-9009, nhulansandwich. com. This tiny Vietnamese deli at Eden Center is a favorite for banh mi sandwiches. L D V $

Northside Social Falls Church s 205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocial va.com/falls-church. Come by in the morning for a breakfast sandwich and a latte. Return in the evening for a glass of wine and a plate of charcuterie, or a wood-fired pizza. O B L D V $$

Oath Pizza

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-688-6284, oathpizza.com. The dough here is grilled and seared in avocado oil (for a crispy texture) and the toppings are certified humane. L D G V $$

Open Road

8100 Lee Highway, 571-395-4400, openroadmerri field.com. See Arlington listing. O C R L D $$

The Original Pancake House

7395-M Lee Highway, 703-698-6292, ophrestau rants.com. Satisfy your breakfast cravings with pancakes, crepes, waffles, French toast and more. C B R G V $

Our Mom Eugenia

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 434-339-4019, ourmomeugenia.com. Beloved for its real-deal Greek fare, from saganaki to souvlaki, the critically acclaimed family business that began in Great Falls has a sister restaurant in the Mosaic District. O L D $$

Padaek

6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, padaekdc.com. Chef Seng Luangrath’s celebrated Falls Church eatery, hidden in a strip mall, offers both Thai and Laotian cuisine. L D G V $$

Panjshir Restaurant

114 E. Fairfax St., 703-536-4566, panjshirrestau rant.com. Carnivores go for the kabobs, but the vegetarian chalows elevate pumpkin, eggplant and spinach to new levels. O L D V $$

Parc de Ville

8926 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-663-8931, parcdeville.com. Find French fare such as omelets, escargots, duck confit and boudin blanc at this spacious Parisian-style brasserie. Hit the rooftop lounge for cocktails. O R D $$$

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike, 703-671-8088, pekinggour met.com. At this James Beard Award semifinalist for “Outstanding Service,” it’s all about the crispy Peking duck. C L D G V $$

Pho 88

232 W. Broad St., 703-533-8233, pho88va.com. Vietnamese pho is the main attraction, but the menu also includes noodle and rice dishes. Closed Tuesdays. L D $$

Pizzeria Orso

400 S. Maple Ave., 703-226-3460, pizzeriaorso. com. Neapolitan pies and tempting small plates, such as arancini with chorizo and Brussels chips with shaved grana. O C L D G V $$

Plaka Grill

1216 W. Broad St., 703-639-0161, plakagrill.com. Super satisfying Greek eats—dolmas, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita. L D V $$

Preservation Biscuit s

102 E. Fairfax St., 571-378-1757, preservation biscuit.com. Order the signature carb with a sampler of house-made jams, or as a sandwich with fillers ranging from fried chicken, hot honey and candied bacon to guacamole and egg with lemon aioli. L D V $

Pupuseria La Familiar

308 S. Washington St., 703-995-2528, pupuseria lafamiliar.com. The family-owned Salvadoran eatery turns out pupusas, fried yucca, chicharron, carne asada and horchata. L D $$

Raaga Restaurant

5872 Leesburg Pike, 703-998-7000, raagarestau rant.com. Chicken tikka, lamb rogan josh and cardamom-infused desserts. O L D G V $$

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. Lara Berenji and Bryan Becker’s charming Little City café roasts its own beans and recently expanded its space. L D $

Red Apron Butcher

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, redapronbutchery.com. The premium butcher shop and deli sells hot dogs, burgers, charcuterie, prime steaks and sandwiches. L D V $$

Rice Paper/Taste of Vietnam

6775 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-3888, ricepapertasteofvietnam.com. Try a combo platter of pork, seafood and ground beef with rice-paper wraps at this Eden Center favorite. L D G V $$

Settle Down Easy Brewing

2822 Fallfax Drive, 703-573-2011, settledowneasy brewing.com. The rotating beer list at this nanobrewing operation is always fresh. Neighboring El Tio Tex-Mex Grill provides a taco stand and other food choices. Closed Mondays. O L D $

Sfizi Café

800 W. Broad St., 703-533-1191, sfizi.com. A family-owned trattoria, deli and wine shop serving classic Italian fare—pasta, pizza, parm. L D $$

Silver Diner

8150 Porter Road, 703-204-0812, silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing. C B R L D A G V $$

Sisters Thai

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-0429, sistersthai.com. The Thai restaurant has a vibe that feels like you’re dining in your cool friend’s shabbychic living room. L D $$

Solace Outpost

444 W. Broad St., 571-378-1469, solaceoutpost. com. Filling the former Mad Fox space, this Little City microbrewery serves house-brewed suds, plus fried chicken, five kinds of fries and woodfired pizza. D A V $$

Spacebar

709 W. Broad St., 703-992-0777, spcbr.com. The diminutive bar offers 24 craft beers on tap and 18 variations on the grilled cheese sandwich. D A V $$

Sweetgreen

2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927892, sweetgreen.com. See Arlington listing. O C L D G V $

Sweetwater Tavern

3066 Gatehouse Plaza, 703-645-8100, great americanrestaurants.com. A modern alehouse serving seafood, chicken, ribs, microbrews and growlers to go. C L D G $$$

Taco Bamba s

2190 Pimmit Drive, 703-639-0505, tacobambares taurant.com. Taco choices range from traditional carne asada to the “Iron Mike,” a vegan rendition stuffed with roasted cauliflower, salsa macha and mole verde. B L D $

Taco Rock

1116 W. Broad St., 703-760-3141, thetacorock. com. See Arlington listing. o B L D V $$

Takumi Sushi

310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumiva. com. The sushi and sashimi here go beyond basic. Think tuna nigiri with Italian black truffle, or salmon with mango purée. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

L D V $$

Ted’s Bulletin

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-830-6680, tedsbulletinmerrifield.com. See Arlington listing.

C B R L D $$

Thompson Italian s

124 N. Washington St., 703-269-0893, thompson italian.com. Gabe and Katherine Thompson’s celebrated kitchen turns out house-made pastas (in-

cluding cook-at-home meals and supper trays) and some of the best desserts around. O C D $$$

Trio Grill

8100 Lee Highway, 703-992-9200, triomerrifield. com. Treat yourself to steaks, chops, raw bar, craft cocktails and cigars. The patio opens daily at 4 p.m. for happy hour. O D $$$

True Food Kitchen

2910 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3261616, truefoodkitchen.com. See Arlington listing. O C R L D $$$

Uncle Liu’s Hotpot

2972 Gallows Road, 703-560-6868, uncleliushot pot.com. Customers do the cooking in this eatery inspired by the ubiquitous hot pots of China’s Sichuan province. L D V $$

MCLEAN

Agora Tysons

7911 Westpark Drive, 703-663-8737, agoratysons. com. The Dupont Circle mezze restaurant brings its Turkish, Greek and Lebanese small plates to a second outpost in Tysons. R L D G V $$$

Amoo’s Restaurant

6271 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8500, amoos restaurant.com. The flavorful kabobs and stews are crowd pleasers at this hospitable Persian establishment. O C L D G V $$

Aracosia

1381 Beverly Road, 703-269-3820, aracosia mclean.com. Score a table under strings of white lights on the covered patio and order savory Afghan specialties such as braised lamb shank and baadenjaan chalou (roasted eggplant with saffron rice). O L D V $$

Asian Origin

1753 S. Pinnacle Drive, 703-448-9988, asian originva.com. Liu Chaosheng’s restaurant hits all the standards (kung pao chicken, beef with broccoli) plus twists like pumpkin with steamed pork. L D V $$

Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria

6641 Old Dominion Drive, 703-918-0080, assaggi osteria.com. Enjoy a date night over plates of orecchiette with artichoke and veal paillard. The adjoining pizzeria serves wood-fired pies. O L D G V $$$

Badd Pizza

6263 Old Dominion Drive, 703-356-2233, badd pizza.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Café Oggi

6671 Old Dominion Drive, 703-442-7360, cafeoggi. com. Choose among classic Italian dishes such as mozzarella caprese, beef carpaccio, spaghetti with clams and tiramisu. O L D G V $$$

Café Tatti French Bistro

6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafetatti. com. Open since 1981, the kitchen whips up classic French and continental fare. Closed Sundays. L D G V $$$

Capri Ristorante Italiano

6825-K Redmond Drive, 703-288-4601, capri mcleanva.com. A chatty, family-friendly spot known for tried-and-true Italian dishes such as spaghetti carbonara and veal Marsala. O C L D G V $$$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Total steakhouse vibe, except with an emphasis on seafood (and steaks, too). L D $$$$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

1433 Center St., 703-790-1910, eltiogrill.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Esaan Tumbar

1307 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-288-3901, esaanmclean.com. This tiny eatery specializes in northern Thai dishes—papaya salad, larb, nam tok. A good bet for those who like heat. L D $$

Fahrenheit Asian

1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., 703-646-8968, fahren heitasian.com. A no-frills destination for Sichuan spicy noodles, dumplings, mapo tofu and other Asian comfort foods. L D V $$

Fogo de Chao

1775 Tysons Blvd., 703-556-0200, fogodechao. com. The upscale chain showcases the Brazilian tradition of churrasco—the art of roasting meats over an open fire. R L D $$$

Founding Farmers

1800 Tysons Blvd., wearefoundingfarmers.com. The farm-to-table restaurant features Virginiasourced dishes and drinks. B R L D $$$

Han Palace

7900 Westpark Drive, 571-378-0162, hanpalace dimsum.com. Pay a visit to this all-day dim-sum emporium for made-to-order buns, dumplings, crepes, roast duck and noodles. L D $$

Ichiban Sushi

6821-A Old Dominion Drive, 703-48-9117, ichiban sushimclean.com. A neighborhood go-to for sushi, udon, tempura and teriyaki. Closed Sundays. L D $$

J. Gilbert’s s

6930 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-1034, jgil berts.com. Everything you’d expect in a steakhouse and lots of it—prime cuts of beef, lobster, wedge salad, steak-cut fries and cheesecake.

C R L D G V $$$

Kazan Restaurant

6813 Redmond Drive, 703-734-1960, kazanrestau rant.com. Zeynel Uzun’s white-tablecloth restaurant, a fixture since 1980, is a nice spot for kebabs, baklava and Turkish coffee. L D V $$

Lebanese Taverna

1840 International Drive, 703-847-5244, lebanesetaverna.com. See Arlington listing.

O C L D G V $$

Leila

7934B Tysons Corner Center, meetleila.com. Savor the flavors of the Middle East and Northern India in dishes such as htipiti (roasted peppers and feta), tandoor-roasted salmon and chicken fesenjoon (pomegranate-walnut-chicken stew), plus house-fired breads, fine cocktails and hookah.

R L D A $$

Lost Dog Café 1690-A Anderson Road, 703-356-5678, lostdog cafe.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Masala Indian Cuisine

1394 Chain Bridge Road,703-462-9699, masa lava.com. A specialty here are “momos,” Nepalese dumplings with meat or vegetable fillings. The menu also includes tandoori biryani and Indian curries. L D V $$

McLean Family Restaurant

1321 Chain Bridge Road, 703-356-9883, themcleanfamilyrestaurant.com. Pancakes, gyros and big plates of lasagna hit the spot, and you may stumble upon a politico or two. Breakfast served until 3 p.m. daily. C B L D V $$

Miyagi Restaurant 6719 Curran St., 703-893-0116. The diminutive

sushi bar gets high marks for its friendly service and fresh maki and nigiri. L D $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

6854 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8448; 1500 Cornerside Blvd., 703-734-7000; mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mylo’s Grill

6238 Old Dominion Drive, 703-533-5880, mylos grill.com. Enjoy spanakopita, souvlaki and American classics. Friday is prime-rib night. O B L D $$

Pasa-Thai Restaurant

1315 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-442-0090, pasa thairestaurant.com. Go for a classic Bangkok curry, or a chef’s special such as spicy fried rockfish with chili-basil-garlic sauce. O L D $$

Patsy’s American 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, pat sysamerican.com. Find greatest-hit dishes from other Great American Restaurants properties in a space resembling a vintage railway station. O C R L D A G V $$

Pulcinella

1310 Chain Bridge Road, 703-893-7777, pulcinella restaurant.com. A stop for classic spaghetti and meatballs, linguine and clams and wood-fired pizza since 1985. L D $$

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks

8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Randy’s (named for Great American Restaurants co-founder Randy Norton) serves prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers and other steakhouse standards. L D G $$$$

Rocco’s Italian

1357 Chain Bridge Road, 703-821-3736, roccos italian.com. The Juliano family makes everything in-house from family recipes. O C L D G $$

Roots Provisions & Grocery

8100 Old Dominion Drive, 703-712-7850, roots provisions.com. Part café and part gourmet market, it's got sandwiches, smoothies, acai bowls, salads, espresso drinks, pie, cocktails and graband-go snacks and pantry staples. B L G V $

Silver Diner

8101 Fletcher St., 703-821-5666, silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing. C B R L D A G V $$

Simply Fresh

6811 Elm St., 703-821-1869, simplyfreshva. com. A local favorite for pulled pork, chicken and brisket. Plus Greek diner fare. family-style takeout meals and breakfast. O C B L D G V $

Tachibana

6715 Lowell Ave., 703-847-1771, tachibana.us. Stellar sushi aside, the chef’s specials here include starters such as clam miso soup, monkfish paté and savory egg custard. C L D $$

Urbanspace

2001 International Drive, urbanspacenyc.com/ tysons. Travel the culinary globe at this Tysons Galleria food hall with options like Cantonese barbecue, spicy Ghanaian fare, empanadas, donburi and U.K.-style fish and chips. And award-winning Andy’s Pizza. C R L D $$

Wren

1825 Capitol One Drive S., thewatermarkhotel. com. Topping the new Watermark Hotel at Capital One Center in Tysons, this tony izakaya helmed by former Zentan chef Yo Matsuzaki offers Japanese American fare (hamachi tartare, Wagyu burgers, miso-marinated sea bass), stupendous cocktails and sweeping skyline views. D G V $$$

shop local

by Colleen Kennedy

Pack It Up

Isaac Richardson has been operating Voyager Bag Works, a hand-sewn line of travel and work bags, out of his Arlington basement for three years. He spent more than two years perfecting the design of his big roll-top backpack, creating different prototypes and using them on hikes and camping trips to see how they performed. “I needed to make sure it was going to work the way that I wanted it to,” he explains.

Made with waxed canvas (he uses Martexin Original Wax, a famously water- and stainrepellent material), his collection now includes a wide assortment of handy wares, from backpacks (starting at $265) and totes ($95-$150) to hip packs ($60) and Dopp kits ($65). He makes commissioned pieces, too.

Bearded and low-key, Richardson, 32, strives for utility, sustainability and durability in his creations. “What I really like is that it takes on a patina as you use it, like leather,” he says, noting how one of his personal packs has developed a gleam in certain spots. Every bag he creates comes with care instructions and a lifetime guarantee.

On the sustainability front, he’s working on a line of kit packs and gear bags made with 100% recycled polyester fabric, in a white plaid pattern. A portion of all sales goes to causes that speak to the artist’s ethos, such as José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen and the Trust for Public Land.

Ever the outdoorsman, Richardson says his current favorite place to hike with his wife, Annika, is in nearby Prince William Forest Park, and one of their preferred camping spots is Camp Grits in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains.

An avid cyclist, he also works at Wheel Nuts Bike Shop in Alexandria, where he has designed custom handlebar bags. He plans to sell his goods at local festivals and pop-ups this fall and winter.

“I like making things,” he says, “that people will enjoy using for a long time.” voyagerbagworks.com

A roll-top backpack by Voyager Bag Works

Savor, Don’t Save

Heather O’Hara is a self-declared soap snob. She has long collected soaps as scented souvenirs from her travels, and at one point, she took a few soap-making classes. But her affinity for bath products really became an official side gig during the pandemic.

“I channeled a lot of anxiety and uncertainty into this positive outlet to keep moving forward,” says the Arlington entrepreneur. She initially started with small batches, sending soaps to stressed-out friends and family. “These little care packages would come with a SurveyMonkey link, where I would ask what they thought about the recipe.”

With their feedback—and support from her boyfriend, Will, and her loyal bulldog, Ellie—O’Hara, 44, launched Lemon & Whim from her Clarendon home in September 2020. Her soaps ($10 each) are as pretty as they smell. A scent called Sugar

Rush with “hints of berry, vanilla and cotton candy” swirls pink and gold into a marbled pattern. The beachinspired Going Cabanas looks like an ocean wave and smells like sea salt and coconut oil. The gilded, honeycombed Queen Bee is one of her current bestsellers. “It’s just luxurious,” she purrs about its sparkle.

Though her soaps may look like works of art, they are intended as consumables—offering an ephemeral bit of pampering with vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, including organic avocado and almond oils.

Shoppers can find Lemon & Whim online and at local festivals and

pop-up markets, as well as at Shop Made in Virginia in Alexandria and Shop Made in DC retail stores.

O’Hara recently expanded her product line to include masculine scents and several candles, with autumnal and holiday blends set for release this fall. She also creates custom scented soaps for weddings, baby and bridal showers, and corporate events.

“If we have learned anything in the last few years, it’s to make time for self care,” she says. “You don’t need a special occasion. You can have everyday luxury, even while showering.” lemonandwhim.com

Heather O’Hara, creator of Lemon & Whim soaps

Christine Koubek Flynn

Home State Home

Located in Richmond, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) reopened in May following a more than $30 million renovation and expansion that includes a new immersive orientation theater, grand two-story entrance, cafe, store and more. While VMHC had historically focused on Richmond, today’s artifacts, paintings and exhibits cover Virginia’s five major regions.

“History is very personal, and you should treat it as such. That is why we focus on specific people with specific experiences—and not just the famous people,” Jamie Bosket, the museum’s president and CEO, says about one of their guiding intentions.

The “History Matters” exhibit

includes the 2018 Virginia Tech graduation cap of the first African American woman to graduate with a degree in nanoscience in Virginia, and the green Converse sneakers worn by Rainbow Minute radio show co-host Judd Proctor at his wedding to co-host Brian Burns in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in 2006—a time when same-sex marriage was illegal in Virginia.

In “Our Commonwealth,” you can learn the Slide Step, a popular Appalachian dance move, via video from Martha Spencer, a singersongwriter and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn about an African American family whose Virginia roots go back nearly 300

years. Commonwealth Explorers is the place for kids to play and create their own museum exhibit.

Other exhibits include “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith” (through Dec. 31), which examines the continuing story of America’s “of, by, and for the people” form of government; and “Cheers, Virginia!” (through Jan. 29, 2023), which celebrates the state’s craft brewing, distilling and fermenting industry.

The museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $10 (see website for details) and can be purchased online or in person. Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, Virginia, 804-340-1800, virginiahistory.org

Richmond’s newly expanded Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Taste of the Keys

Key West Cottages Chincoteague Island, which is set at the water’s edge in Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is expanding from five to 38 pastel-colored tiny retreats. Slated to open in August and September, the 33 new one- or two-bedroom cottages range from 376 to 661 square feet. Each has a full kitchen, tiled walk-in shower, coastal decor and a cozy covered porch with water views. Many of the decks are at the canal’s edge, making it easy to fish and crab from them.

The Key West vibe is carried through the cottage colors, decor and landscaping, and in music that’s piped through speakers that dot the property. Perks include a private beach, pool, dock, outdoor firepit and tiki torches. Paddleboards, kayaks and bikes are available for no extra fee. Chincoteague’s Main Street—lined with boutique shops, restaurants and popular food trucks (don’t miss Build Your Own Cookie)—is a short walk, and Assateague Island, home to the area’s famed wild ponies, is a short drive. Cottage rates begin at $150. Key West Cottages, 6125 Poplar St. W., Chincoteague Island, Virginia, 757-336-3700, chincoteaguekeywestcottages.com

This Schoolhouse Rocks

“Where Sleeping in Class Is Finally Allowed.” That tagline is fitting for The Schoolhouse Hotel, a historic high school turned boutique hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Opened in May, it’s among the buildings and businesses in town that have been transformed following a devastating flood in 2016. Nods to the property’s schoolhouse past are found throughout the hotel, from photographs and football programs to the original 1912 school bell, which now sits at the check-in desk.

The Varsity Club, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, serves upscale takes on Southern classics such as she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and pork Wellington. The Rooftop, where menus are styled to look like composition notebooks, is a prime spot for craft cocktails and expansive mountain views.

The 30 guest rooms and suites offer plush robes with the hotel’s school bell logo and an interactive high-definition television that allows you to communicate with the front desk. The hotel’s accessibility features include touch-pad controls for guest room toilets, and a bar that allows wheelchair users to roll up to the counter for drinks. Early online guest reviews rave about the service. Some of those A+ grades have been earned by employees who once roamed these halls as high school students. Rates begin at $150. The Schoolhouse Hotel, 125 Schoolhouse Way, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, 304-536-0999, theschoolhousehotelwv.com

Furnishings include vintage library-cardinspired nightstands.

The Rooftop at The Schoolhouse Hotel

Key West Cottages Chincoteague Island

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Down and Dirty

I embarked on a “dirty wellness” retreat. Turns out holistic practices combined with old-fashioned playing in the dirt really can do a mind and body good.

By Meredith Lindemon

Wishing Star Farm & Wellness in Glen Arm, Maryland

I’M STICKING MY tongue out in the middle of a field, next to a creek, wearing borrowed galoshes and socks over stretch pants and a tank top.

I’ve booked a “mindfulness saunter” at Wishing Star Farm & Wellness, located on 6 bucolic acres north of Baltimore in Glen Arm, Maryland. My guide is Phil Hosmer, a former corporate banker who quit his job in 2019 to become a nature therapist. He is also sticking his tongue out.

“What does the air taste like?” he asks.

To me, it tastes like milk.

Then, with our eyes closed, he asks,

“What do you hear? There are three sounds in this world that people have sought out since the beginning of time.”

I think about it. “Birds, the water… and I can hear the grass. Is that right?”

“That’s the wind,” he says. Birds, water and wind—the trifecta.

Next, he proposes “creek sitting,” which is exactly what it sounds like. I ask if he wants me to actually sit in the water, and he tells me that, yes, he actually does.

Ditching the galoshes, I get on my knees in the creek and kind of splash around a bit because I have no idea

what else to do. Hosmer splashes the water on his face, so I follow suit. I feel like a child, but it feels good.

Like so many of us in pandemic times, I’ve been knotted with anxiety and a general sense of malaise. The mindfulness saunter is part of a weekend getaway during which I’ve resolved to keep an open mind and try some holistic therapies that once I might have derided as New Age bunk.

This explains how I found myself, the night before, lying on a table in Wishing Star’s carriage house barn trying reiki—a Japanese energy healing

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technique that promotes relaxation and reduces stress through gentle touch. To get me grounded, Janet Baird, a master reiki practitioner and certified “sound healer,” starts by placing her hands on my ankles, then my shoulders and then pausing above my face. I feel a rush of blood to my cheeks and the sensation of prickly heat.

If You Go…

Where to Stay

Anchoring a 45-acre organic produce farm in Stevenson, Maryland, Gramercy Mansion was built in 1902 by Alexander J. Cassatt, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad and brother of the American impressionist painter Mary Cassatt. Today, the 11-room Tudor estate is a bed-and-breakfast filled with curious oddities (porcelain dolls, bronze figurines, china cabinets packed with vintage tools) courtesy of owner Anne Pomykala. The Camelot suite is a mauve fantasy of marble tile, chintz and fringe swags, with cherubs over the tub. If you’re a fan of cottagecore, this is the place for you. Rates start at $150. gramercymansion.com

Where to Eat & Drink

Known for its superior dry-aged beef (it supplies many of the DMV’s finest restaurants), the 350-acre Roseda Black Angus Farm in Monkton is worth a stop on Fridays and Saturdays, when a barbecue stand serves up pit beef, steak burgers and hot dogs fresh from

The private, hourlong session also includes sound immersion therapy with an assortment of instruments— drums, bone rattles, rain sticks, bells, a Native American flute and intermittent chanting. I’m skeptical going into it, but when it’s over, I am suddenly overcome with emotion. I run to my car and start to cry.

the smoker. If time allows, take a walk through the farm’s rolling fields, cow pastures and streams—which are preserved in perpetuity. roseda.com

Part of the Foreman Wolf restaurant group, The Milton Inn, a British-style tavern in Sparks Glencoe, is a worthy spot for a decadent lunch or dinner. Tucked into a historic fieldstone house with white plaster walls and dark wood interiors, it also has a covered outdoor patio, where I happily feasted on buttery-salty beef tartare, foie gras with cornichons, and squab with white beans and spinach. Salads, quiche and fish dishes round out the menu. themiltoninn.com

Just down the road from Wishing Star Farm in the town of Hydes, Boordy Vineyards offers vineyard tours and tasting flights of its award-winning wines—from cabernet francs to albariños—plus live music in spring and summer. boordy.com

At McFaul’s IronHorse Tavern in Parkville, you can knock back a beer and watch oysters shucked to order behind the wood bar. Or, do as the locals do and go for a bowl of Tilghman Island oyster stew or Maryland crab soup. mcfaulsironhorse.com

Later on, I ask Baird about the crying. “The beauty of reiki is that it helps a person get to a deep state of relaxation and allows them to heal themselves from the inside out,” she explains, whether the pain is physical, emotional or both. “[Pain is the result of] stuck energy—wherever energy is not flowing—that’s disease, so the

Where to Explore History

Take a 17-minute drive from Wishing Star Farm to Historic Jerusalem Mill Village in Kingsville. The Quaker settlement dating to 1772 still includes the original grist mill, miller’s house, a blacksmith forge, tenant house, general store, smokehouse/dairy and other preserved structures in the National Register of Historic Places. It’s free to visit, though donations are welcome to aid in the site’s ongoing preservation. The Jericho Covered Bridge is located adjacent to the village, which now has a history museum and shops. jerusalemmill.org

Gramercy Mansion Squab at The Milton Inn

Boordy Vineyards

whole purpose of energy work in general is to get energy to move properly and flow easily.”

My cathartic tears, it seems, were a manifestation of negative energy that had finally been dislodged.

WHEN I FIRST HEARD about “dirty wellness,” a philosophy that espouses leaving our sanitized, hermetically sealed existence behind and reconnecting with good old-fashioned bacterialaden dirt, I wanted to try it without really knowing what it entailed. It sounded fanciful and fun.

The idea is to show up at a farm and engage in some light physical activity in nature—like gardening or, yes, creek sitting—that puts you in direct contact with the soil microbiome. Studies suggest that playing in the dirt may actually help to improve our gut health and immune response, with the added benefit of a serotonin mood boost. (The Earth Microbiome Project, a massive collaboration of more than 500 researchers worldwide, is one group at the forefront of this new frontier in scientific research.)

In addition to dirty wellness, Wish-

ing Star Farm offers other holistic practices designed to help visitors unwind, from yoga and reflexology to acupuncture and herbal remedies. The combination is supposed to result in a realignment of physical, mental and spiritual health. I just didn’t think it would be as hard as it was.

When I meet up with the farm’s coowner, Missy Teague, on Day Two of my visit, she’s wearing jeans, cowboy boots and a standard work shirt. She assures me that my post-reiki sobbing episode the night before was totally normal—it happens all the time.

Teague, a certified life coach and corporate trainer who works in commercial real estate, opened Wishing Star Farm in 2019 with her husband, Don, a car painter and handyman.

At first, it seemed like the pandemic might derail their fledgling venture, but the opposite happened. During quarantine, they started staging wellness demonstrations and handing out literature about sound immersion, reiki and other therapeutic practices at roadside produce sales organized with local growers and farmers. Like-minded people interested in wellness started show-

ing up and asking about classes. Things took off from there. Teague calls it “divine timing.”

“People are drawn to this place,” she says with an unironic air of mysticism. “Sometimes people just show up and knock on the door of my house. They say they are drawn to how spiritual the land feels.”

Today, Wishing Star offers a range of group and individual wellness workshops led by local practitioners. Private sessions are $15 to $40; multiday retreats start at $200; and six-month programs can cost up to $2,500.

It’s become a destination for people seeking greater meaning, purpose and clarity in their lives, Teague says, noting that visitors have come from as far away as Texas and Florida. Attendance at the farm’s twilight sound immer-

Wishing Star co-owner Missy Teague (center) with sound therapist Bridgette Jester (left) and reiki practitioner Janet Baird

Sound immersion instruments at Wishing Star Farm

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sion sessions has been growing over the past two years, from the handful of customers she first met at the produce stand to a few dozen regulars and private clients.

BEFORE MY SECOND sound immersion (this time in a group of about 15 participants), I speak with Bridgette Jester, the certified yoga, reiki and vibrational sound instructor who leads the farm’s nightly sound workshops.

She explains how she uses Himalayan copper bowls of different sizes to create an immersive auditory expe-

rience, hitting the bowls with a small mallet so that the sound waves multiply and overlap, filling the space in a crescendo. The effect is a bit like running a finger around the rim of a wineglass. I ask her how it works therapeutically.

“Overlapping tones and frequencies resonate out [to create a] vibration that runs through your body,” she says. “The sound waves take your brain into the theta brain wave state—our rest and restore space. This is similar to a REM sleep state, where you work through trauma and process the events that happen during the day.”

More Wellness Retreats

Need to reset and recharge? Wishing Star Farm (wishingstarfarm.org) is one of a growing number of wellness destinations focused on healing and personal growth. Here are a few others:

Located on 65 acres of farmland, the Haley Farm Inn & Retreat Center in Oakland, Maryland, offers yoga, guided meditation, nutrition counseling and exercise classes, plus add-ons like

For me, the theta state feels like heavy lucid dreaming.

Later that night, during Jester’s class, I’m lying on the barn floor under a knotty, white blanket, my knees drawn into my chest. The air fills with the meditative tones of the copper bowls. I close my eyes and stick out my tongue.

It tastes like fresh, green grass—a bit like dirt and a bit like life. ■

Meredith Lindemon is a freelance journalist who writes about wellness, real estate, travel, interiors and lifestyle trends.

massage, horseback riding, belly dancing instruction and rock climbing. Build a custom itinerary for yourself, your friends or a bridal party. haleyfarm.com/retreats

Visit the Blueberry Gardens Healing Center in Ashton, Maryland, to practice yoga, tai chi or qigong in a 990-square-foot octagonal studio with a clerestory ceiling. The center also provides acupuncture, massage, reiki and nutrition counseling in five private treatment rooms, plus a 3-acre garden filled with blueberries, vegetables and native plants. blueberrygardens.org

For a yoga retreat with wine on the menu, book a stay at the Farmhouse at Veritas

in Afton, Virginia, where beautifully appointed rooms look out on mountains and vineyards. Retreats can be customized to include reiki, massage, journaling, tarot card reading and chef-prepared vegetarian meals with wine tastings. veritasfarmhouse.com/farmhouse-retreats

Centering on Ayurvedic healing in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the picturesque Eupepsia Wellness Resort in Bland, Virginia, has a broad menu of wellness offerings, from yoga, meditation and health screenings to detox packages, cleanses, spa treatments and light and salt therapy. eupepsia.com

The view from the Farmhouse at Veritas

Clean eating at the Haley Farm Inn

back story ■ by

Kim O’Connell

Up on the Roof

In the Sputnik era, Wakefield High School students and their dedicated teacher turned their eyes to the sky.

THE EXPLOSION COULD

be heard clear across the Potomac River. On a Saturday afternoon in March 1957, members of the Wakefield High School Rocket Society were launching foot-long model rockets into the river near Mount Vernon. One rocket, however, exploded after takeoff in an earth-rumbling blast.

A U.S. Park Police cruiser raced to the riverside, sirens wailing. Surely relieved to find the teenagers and their adviser, David Saltus, unharmed, the officer let them go with a warning.

Founded the previous September, the rocket society was one of countless such clubs that developed around the country in the 1950s. In 1955, both the U.S. and what was then the Soviet Union had vowed to put artificial

satellites into orbit, initiating a “space race” that continued into the moon missions of the 1960s and early ’70s.

In 1956, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory started a citizen science program called Operation Moonwatch, enlisting amateur astronomers to help spot and record data about the first satellites. Saltus, a Wakefield physics teacher and selfprofessed “space bug,” thought the school’s rocket society would work well as a Moonwatch team and gained the necessary approvals.

Moonwatching required placing an array of telescopes on an elevated site with unobstructed views. Saltus chose Wakefield’s roof. Students regularly arose at 3 a.m. to get out on the roof

before dawn, bleary-eyed but excited. They recorded glimpses of Sputnik, the Soviet satellite that was the first to enter Earth’s orbit in October 1957, and many others. In the spring of 1958, the Moonwatch team expanded to include girls, who called themselves the GAMS—the Girls Auxiliary Moonwatch Society.

As a teacher, Saltus was well-liked, perhaps because he would push limits for the sake of science. “There’s a story of Dad launching a rocket without the appropriate permissions and getting arrested,” remembers his son Mark Saltus, who lives in San Diego. “My version is that the rocket ended up crashing through the roof of a local shopping center. My brother’s memory is different. Either way, Dad got arrested.”

David Saltus died of intestinal complications in September 1966, at the age of 41. The former U.S. Naval Reservist is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

“I don’t think I will become a Rocket Scientist,” he once wrote to the Smithsonian. “I am already too old to ride a moon probe or be the first on Mars; but, by being a Moonwatcher, I can feel that I am contributing to what will be the greatest achievement of mankind.” ■

Wakefield physics teacher David Saltus

Lt. Col. Charles M. Parkin Jr. explains a launch device to Wakefield rocketeers during a visit to a Nike missile site in Lorton in the 1950s.

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