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MAY 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

The Women's Issue IN TIMES LIKE THIS, WE NEED HEROINES

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@lifestylepubs.com

A Virtuous Woman, Who Can Find? STARING THIS MONTH’S “LIFESTYLE LETTER” IN THE FACE WAS PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING. The last weeks of March as we went to press would have been unimag-

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Celeste Linthicum

inable only a month prior. Recognizing this, it is as difficult to predict what daily life will be like for those of you reading this, as it is to try to represent the many inspiring and resilient women of Loudoun County and the way they’ve risen to combat the COVID-19 crisis. Whenever anyone tries to define who and what women should be in today’s turbulent, angst-filled era, I found myself meditating on Proverbs 31 again and reimagining it for our times. “She rises while it is still night and dons her face mask to stand in line at the Leesburg Farmer’s Market for meat and curly kale to provide food for her household and smoothies for next week... She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong – especially if her name is Tori Nelson (see p. 24)... She sees that her profits are holding up in the rebound of her 401K after the worst week in the stock market since the Great Depression, and her cell phone does not cease to refresh her account... She designs and makes her own garments for the BWOL fashion show to raise money for charity (see p. 28)... Her hands reach out to the poor and she mixes sanitizing mist for volunteers helping the needy...

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Many women have done noble deeds – none less than the suffragists who endured being

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

jailed for simply asking to have a say in the laws that govern them – so what makes you

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

think you can even chin yourself on their curb? (see p. 18)... Never fear! When her mouth

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

speaks wisdom, she is usually quoting the experts whose loving instruction and calls to an

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

“intentional life” so delightfully guide us (see p. 42).

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

I know it’s tough out there, and I’m not making light of Scripture in any way. If anything, I’ve internalized the principles as never before just to try to conquer fear, live selflessly, and love without ceasing. But, as I stare into the stark gaze of another editor, Lucy Burns, sitting on a steel bench in the Occoquan Workhouse a full century ago, or I pass Valerie Pisierra a tissue as she wonders how needy families will pay their rent next month, or I mouth the words of Tori’s theme song, Mary Mary’s God in Me, I somehow find strength for another day. We hope you will too. Hope and faith are what drive us forward, and our community the rock and foundation from which we grow. ON

THE

COVER

“We

Need

Melinda Gipson, Editorial Coordinator

Heroines.” Grace Skinner rocks her Wonder Woman look for the Business Women of Loudoun Fashion show now postponed until December 1.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CELESTE LINTHICUM 6

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

Proverbs 3:5-6 Leesburg Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leesburg areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Leesburg Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 14 Loudoun Cares Answering Loudoun’s Needy, One Phone Call at a Time

18 Turning Point Suffragist Memorial: 100 years in the Making Suffragist Editor Lucy Burns Jailed for Demanding the Right to Vote

24 Tori Nelson Lessons from the Champ

24 18

28 Fashionable Philanthropy Business Women of Loudoun Fashion Show Unleashes Creative Giving

28 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Giving Back

34 Our Town 38 Healthy Lifestyle 42 Local’s Choice

DISTINCT BY DESIGN

GOOD TIMES 1.

Loudoun Habitat For Humanity Gala More than 500 guests gathered at West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center in Leesburg on March 7. The event raised $330,000 for this very important Loudoun County non-profit so they can continue to help families with housing in our area.

1. Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. Back row: Shawn Mitchell, Jim Russell, Matt Bowe, Michael Scott. Front row: Allison Metzger, Sally Crosen, Mike Pontikis, Julie Hoffmann, Josh Kane, Rich Ruckman, Jennifer Mahoney, Charlie Fritts, Jim Wehr | 2. Linda Mosel, Jessica Maulin, Lindy Maulin | 3. Mike & Cassie Thornton | 4. Stacy Osborne, Libby Westphal, Joe & Yasmeen Shields | 5. Julie Hoffmann, Scott & Becky Harris | 6. Landy & Alexandra Patton, Christy Price, Hann Livingston

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

AROUND TOWN Supporting the distillery later this month won't be a sacrifice; they'll be releasing their Hickory Syrupfinished Cask Proof Roundstone Rye, and it will be available for curb-side pick-up.

SOMETHING ELSE RYE IS GOOD FOR When the COVID-19 crisis broke, the first thing that sold out of stores was hand sanitizer, followed quickly by rubbing alcohol, which could be used as a germ-killer. Without hesitation, the award-winning spirits makers at Catoctin Creek Distillery repurposed

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a whole still to brew 60% grain alcohol and let all

It didn't take long for folks like Eyetopia Owner

their Facebook followers know it was available free

Paige Buscema and Stilson Greene to leap into

to anyone who needed it. More than 100 people and

action to create a "LeesburgToGo.com" website to

institutions came by to collect the donation, led by

post free listings of all the local eateries convert-

first responders, said Becky Harris, one of the owners.

ing to either curbside purchase or home delivery.

Having said they were looking into making a more

Within days, the list had grown to 55, and many

refined hand sanitizer (pure alcohol, while effective

formerly dine-in restaurants were even delivering

in killing germs is pretty hard on your hands), they

booze, or at least making it available for take-out.

were deluged with "requests of desperate need from

When Paige heard from retail stores facing the

institutions, hospitals and first responders," so it's not

same economic crisis, she created a Facebook site

yet clear when any might be available to the general

called "Loudoun Thrive" and opened it to anyone

public. Anyone looking to support these efforts may

looking to post special offers for goods and ser-

donate at https://catoctincreekdistilling.com/.

vices during the quarantine. #onebigthankyou.

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GIVING BACK

Volunteer Helps Train Service Dogs for MK9servicedogs.org, Photo by Curt Kohl

Loudoun Cares ANSWERING LOUDOUN'S NEEDY, ONE PHONE CALL AT A TIME Loudoun Cares is dedicated to connecting those who

ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

serve with those in need to build a stronger community.

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

Valerie Pisierra usually sparkles. But when

find resources to stay in their homes and

she searches for words to explain why she’s

keep food on their tables, and a Volunteer

chosen to serve Loudoun Cares as executive

Center at volunteer.loudouncares.org that

director, she gets a little choked up. “When

matches people looking for ways to serve

you talk to someone that you’ve been able to

their community with more than 200 non-

help and you hear the relief and gratitude in

profit organizations that couldn’t survive

their voice -- you know it’s important.”

without them. When you visit the site today,

LoudounCares.org supports both an

you’ll notice a new, giant red banner at the

Information & Emergency Assistance

top of the site listing the special COVID-

Helpline (703-669-4636) to help residents

19 needs of non-profits.

Volunteers Tend a Greenhouse for AFarmLessOrdinary.org

Volunteers Support Habitat for Humanity

Even on a “normal” day, the Helpline, and the network of faith-based Volunteers Help Arc of Loudoun's iCan Bike Camp

charities and organizations that help fill the needs that are called in, serve the county’s most vulnerable population. Sometimes they can find a local or federal program that can help, but more often, as when avoiding a utility shut off or an eviction, Loudoun Cares provides an essential safety net for families that might otherwise fall through the cracks. “We have to work together as a community to somehow coordinate efforts because we can’t rely on one entity to support everybody. That’s just not feasible,” Valerie explains. Her assessment is backed up by the 2,200-2,400 calls the Helpline fields every year. As she puts it, “Everyone has a story. They were surviving and managing within their means when something happened. Somebody moved in; somebody moved out. Somebody got sick; somebody moved in that was sick that they had to take care of. A car broke down – the stories are never the same and they always make you stop and think, ‘That could happen to any of us.’” Valerie feels blessed by the generosity of her partners who dip into benevolence funds to not just pay a disconnect fee, but sometimes a family’s whole utility bill. Loudoun Cares’ Volunteer Center, on some level, helps repay this kindness by recruiting volunteers to extend the reach of non-profits into the community, and annually hosts an Outstanding Volunteer Awards event (now set for July 24th) to recognize these selfless servants. As she explains, “If I’m doing well, I want to help people. If I’m ever not doing well, someone will help me. That’s how it all ties together: we all have to look out for each other.” Plus, “if you’re helping other people, it often makes your struggles seem a little bit less.” As we went to press, Valerie was braced to hear from a flood of families by month’s end who’ve been laid off by extended quarantines, event cancellations and patron size restrictions instituted to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The need is compounded by the fact that church services, and so collections, also were interrupted. The struggles of families already living on the edge are compounded by any emergency. Through it all, Valerie’s own sense of love and gratitude fuels support. She says, “I think we just take for

Loudoun County Animal Services Volunteer Opportunities Abound, Photographer Marty McKee

granted how we live a lot of the time. If we weren’t there – that is what scares me. Think of all the people we would let down?” To help Loudoun Cares and other local non-profits, support GiveChoose.org, a community-wide day of giving on May 5th. Early giving starts April 21. See GiveChoose.org. You can also donate directly on LoudounCares.org or buy a ticket to the Business Women of Loudoun’s Fashion show in December 1 (see p. 28). CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

Tu r n i n g Po i n t S u f f ra g i s t M e m o r i a l : 100 years in the Making 18

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

IMAGINE HAVING A PASSION TO VOTE SO STRONG THAT YOU’D PICKET YOUR COUNTRY’S PRESIDENTIAL MANSION FOR YEARS ON END, SIX DAYS A WEEK, 8 HOURS A DAY, SOMETIMES HUDDLED AROUND A WOOD FIRE TO STAY WARM. Now imagine that, in retribution for protesting the inability of half your country’s population to vote, you were transported to a “workhouse” where you were housed in a dark, frigid cell and there beaten and force-fed. Now, imagine that the country in question is the United States and that this could have happened to your great grandmother. In The Story of the Woman’s Party by Inez Haynes Irwin, Harcourt Brace and Co. 1921 (https://bit.ly/WomensPartyBook), Inez describes the conditions of the suffragists’ imprisonment: “The lower tier of cells was below the level of the ground. The doors of the cells were partly of solid steel and only partly of grating, so that little light penetrated. ... The toilet was open, the cots were of iron and without springs, and with a thin straw mattress on them. Outside, they left behind a day so hot as to be almost insupportable, but in the Workhouse it was so cold that their teeth chattered. It was damp all the time... Several of the pickets developed rheumatism. But the unendurable thing about it was the stench which came in great gusts. ...Most of the women believe they suffered with lead poisoning. They ached all over, endured a violent nausea, chills. However, all the twenty-six, with the exception of two elderly women went on hunger-strikes.” When protester Lucy Burns demanded blankets and hot water bottles of Superintendent Zinkham, he replied, “I know it is cold and damp ... but you can all get out of here by paying your fines.” The women refused that option, feeling they had neither broken the law, nor been allowed their right to have a say in such. When their condition leaked to the media, it evoked so much outrage nationwide that it was considered by historians to be the “Turning Point” of public opinion forcing passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote in 1920. The centennial we celebrate this year with the inauguration of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial on August 26th in Lorton, Virginia, will commemorate a seven-decade struggle that engineered what its proponents call “the greatest single expansion of democracy the world had ever seen.” Patricia Wirth, executive director of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association (https://suffragistmemorial.org/), defends this seeming hyperbole

Lu c y Burns Harris & Ewing, W. (1917) Miss Lucy Burns in Occoquan Workhouse, Washington. Brooklyn New York United States Virginia Washington D.C, 1917. [Nov] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, loc.gov/item/mnwp000011. Lucy Burns, of New York City, with Alice Paul established the first permanent headquarters for suffrage work in Washington, D.C., helped organize the suffrage parade of Mar. 3, 1913, and was one of the editors of The Suffragist.

Robert Burns, Architect, Holding an Artist Rendering of the Memorial

with the statistic that, when the 19th Amendment was certified by the

there came from NOVA parks, which oversees that park and more

Secretary of State and became law, 27 million American women 21

than 30 other parks and historic properties in the state. A committee

years of age or older could vote for the first time – in the United States.

was formed in 2007 with the goal of having the memorial built by late

In practice, Native American women living on reservations couldn’t

summer this year. Robert Beach, an architect with ties to the group

vote until 1924. Asians and African Americans were often denied vot-

(rebarchitects.com/), attended one of their meetings in 2009, and

ing rights through poll taxes in the South until after passage of the

has helped to oversee the project ever since.

Voting Rights Act in 1965. But, while the Civil Rights Era is well doc-

The current plan, a drawing of which he’s holding in the photo,

umented, Patricia says there’s no real monument commemorating

took about a year of research during which time Robert says he

what women endured to secure their portion of democracy.

probably saw and touched every piece of memorabilia related

The memorial now under construction is located within Occoquan

to the suffragist movement. Most of it is currently housed in the

Regional Park and the National Register listed D.C. Workhouse and

Sewall-Belmont Museum next to the Hart Senate Office Building

Reformatory Historic District, part of the historic grounds where the

(bit.ly/S-BMuseum), where the National Women’s Party led by

women were imprisoned. The original concept for having a memorial

Alice Paul organized their marches and protests.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

TURNING POINT SUFFRAGIST MEMORIAL (CONTINUED)

Laura d'All, Patricia Wirth and Bonnie Taylor at November's Symbolic Ground-Breaking

As he describes the current plan, it starts out with an entrance plaza

rose depicts the progression towards voting rights from Susan B.

framed by fencing like the Woodrow Wilson White House gates would

Anthony to 1920 in both pictures and text. An open-air rotunda in the

have looked in 1917, complete with a cauldron they used to burn wood

center will have pillars named for the movement’s core principles:

– and not a few of Wilson’s speeches – to keep warm. There will be a

Liberty, Freedom, justice, Activism, Equality and Democracy.

statue of Alice Paul, lead strategist of the movement to pass the 19th

Also included near the center is a bridge over a river rock arroyo

Amendment, in front and at least one banner. On the left will be the

symbolizing the passage from one century to the next and from

name of the memorial, and, on the right, there’ll be a donor wall.

darkness into light, that Patricia says is important to the planners

Inside the gates will be a wall of plaques recognizing all the impris-

who would like to see it used for bridge ceremonies for the Girl

oned suffragist women by name, another statue for Mary Church

Scouts. Historically, Girl Scouts played an important role for women

Terrell, an African American suffragist and founder of the NAACP, and

who had newly won the vote and needed babysitters to watch their

Carrie Chapman Catt, President of the National American Woman

children while they went to the polls, where children weren’t allowed.

Suffrage Association and founder of the League of Women Voters.

Patricia says that, while her group’s main focus has been to raise

A large round plaza with 19 learning stations arrayed like a compass

money and plan the memorial, “Our mission is ‘to educate, inspire

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

and empower present and future genera-

Robert affirms that construction began in

tions to remain vigilant in the quest for equal

March, though the symbolic ground-breaking

rights.’” Building the memorial is part of the

took place on November 14, 2019, to recognize

education process, but, “we don’t want the

the date in 1917 when the suffragist protest-

education process to end there.” She says the

ers were first jailed. The push to finish by late

intent is to establish a Turning Point Institute

August may be tough given the recent quar-

for girls in middle school and high school

antines, but they’ll do their utmost to make it

to help them understand the importance of

happen, he said. He’s grateful to have been

advocacy when they have a passion for some-

working with “a very dynamic group of women

thing. “It that way it may be a turning point

– a great group of people – who are together

in their own lives,” she explains, learning from

probably just as impressive as the women

the example of women who were so singularly

they’re trying to recognize!”

committed to obtaining equal rights.

Patricia allows that raising the $2.5MM-$3MM

While she acknowledges the parallels to

in funding and in-kind donations needed to build

efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment

the memorial has been the hardest thing she’s

– which Alice Paul herself wrote in 1923 and

ever done. She explains that few accomplished

lived to see introduced in Congress in 1972

women seem to want to associate with the

– Patricia says the group is strictly non-par-

notion that they succeeded because they are

tisan and doesn’t support either legislation

women. Most donations have come in in small

or political campaigns. Still, she notes, it is

amounts from across the country – places like

interesting that Virginia, which failed to ratify

state chapters of the League of Women Voters,

the 19th Amendment was the 38th and last

whose members, for all their commitment to

state required to ratify the ERA. Wherever the

democracy, often are stunned to learn how hard

ERA goes from here, “Our goal is to continue

it was for women to win the right to vote. “This

to talk about advocacy, and the importance

has been a truly grass-roots effort,” she says,

of the Constitution as a living, breathing

adding that, “we’re almost there.”

document that can change as needed. The

We don’t doubt it. To quote Susan B.

memorial is important because it puts things

Anthony on her birthday in 2006 (the year she

in perspective about what you can accom-

died), “With such women consecrating their

plish when you put your mind to it!”

lives, failure is impossible.”

Alice Pa u l Miss Alice Paul, New Jersey, National Chairman, Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage; Member, Ex-Officio, National

Executive

Woman’s Jersey

Party.

United

Committee,

Moorestown States

New

Washington

Washington D.C, ca. 1915. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, loc.gov/item/mnwp000146.

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

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Tori Nelson

Tori Nelson is Still in the Fight

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTE LINTHICUM

LESSONS FROM THE CHAMP

TORI NELSON MAY HAVE HUNG UP THE

Women often complain that they don’t have

GLOVES PROFESSIONALLY, BUT SHE’S

time to work out, but they have time to run

STILL IN THE FIGHT.

the kids to their activities, and then too often

In person, this 5’6”, 43-year-old mother

sit in the car or read a book. “Get out and

of two who doesn’t appear to tip the scales

walk. Go get a massage. Get your nails done,

at 150 dripping wet, doesn’t seem the type

even once a month. You take care of you and

to hit you in the face. Yet, in the span of a

then you can take care of everyone else.”

20-year career, she’s won 11 world champi-

Another hard-learned lesson is not to let

onship boxing titles, claiming world titles in

yourself be defined by past failures or tough

three different weight classes (WBC female

times. “I’m looking forward to spreading

middleweight title in 2011: the WIBA middle-

God’s word. I’m looking forward to speaking

weight title in 2012; the WIBA welterweight

to people and letting them know that the

from 2013 to 2014; and the WIBA super

past is the past. Your past doesn’t make who

middleweight title in 2016.) Undefeated in 17

you are. That’s not your future. My past was

fights before bigger girls half her age came

a bad past, but my future is way better.”

along, she adopted the rule, “If you want

She adds, “Whenever I feel the devil

to be the best, you’ve got to fight the best.

coming I know my God is much stronger.

That’s all there is to it.”

My grandmother used to tell me all the

Her other mantra? “You gotta suck it up

time, ‘When you’re down and the devil is

and keep moving.” Life wasn’t easy for Tori,

working against you, girl, you gotta push

but as a single mother with two kids and

because your blessing is right there on the

three jobs to make ends meet, she still made

other side. And that blessing is way better

it to the gym. Her natural competitiveness

than that struggle you’re going through.’

made quitting perhaps the toughest thing

I believe it, because He’s shown it to me

she’s ever done. “It’s very hard. God gave

over and over. He’s made my enemies my

me this talent for a reason as a platform.

footstool. For most of them, I’m the only

My fight song was ‘God in Me’ and all my

one that beat them, and it’s just killing

clothes were royal colors.” Then her kids

‘em.” Then she throws back her head and

said, “Mom, it’s about time.”

laughs and says, “Isn’t that bad?”

Tori says her next chapter is to help

No ma’am. Just what we needed to hear.

women know how important it is to take care of themselves and stay in shape. “They

If you’d like to ask Tori to speak to your group,

have to realize not to get caught up in taking

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H B I L A N F O S A E BUSINESS WOMEN OF LOUDOUN FASHION SHOW UNLEASHES CREATIVE GIVING

EVERY YEAR, USUALLY IN THE FALL, THE BUSINESS WOMEN OF LOUDOUN HOLD A FASHION SHOW FOR CHARITY. This year’s beneficiary will be Loudoun Cares (see p. 14). Because September is typically so busy, moving the event to May seemed like a good idea, until COVID-19 put everyone in lock-down making it unlikely to fill a room with people by mid-May. As they say, you can’t keep a good woman down. As we went to press, the tough decision was made to push the event all the way out to December 1st -- because by then, surely, everyone will be in need of a celebration! Here are five featured stylists and their concepts for the show.

CHRISTINA MELLOT T STUDENT DESIGNER

Christina, a senior at Freedom High School in South Riding, turned 18 about the time she learned that Virginia had closed its public schools for the year and that she likely wouldn’t have a graduation ceremony. For her, the fashion show will likely provide that affirming runway, where she can feature her favorite style of formal wear, a wedding dress and an “iridescent” dress illuminated to represent the lights of Paris at night in keeping with the show’s theme. She’s precocious, creative and daring, having crafted a dress for prom and a fellowship competition entirely out of duck tape. She’s been accepted to and plans to attend Radford University in the fall. Christina Mellott In a Dress She Constructed Entirely of Duct Tape

PHI AN HROP L Y T ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTE LINTHICUM

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

Model Evelyn Butler Gives Sondra Falk the Reaction She Craves from all her Clients

SONDR A FAULK COUTURE SONDRAFALKCOUTURE.COM

Sondra Falk has spent her career in couture, but began her own couture business in 2009, which became self-supporting in 2016. She rapidly developed a following of 40 regular customers and makes another 140 gowns during wedding season. Among the hallmarks of her work is that it fits superbly – literally as if it were made for you, because it was – out of luxury fabrics and textures that are finished by hand. Her gowns have been worn to embassies, by the mistress of ceremonies at last year’s fashion show, and even to the White House. Her mantra: “Designing is all about attitude and giving clients that awesome feeling in everything they wear. It’s not about how it looks as much as it’s about how it makes you feel.” As for her runway concept, “I’m a couture designer so it will be very high end; it will be cohesive and feature the use of a signature fabric.” Rest assured, her models will love every minute of it.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

FASHIONABLE PHILANTHROPY (CONTINUED)

MELISSA FRANKLIN MELISSA FRANKLIN STUDIO AND BOUTIQUE (makeupbymelissafranklin.com/m-franklin-boutique) Melissa has sold her own line of pure, mineral-based makeup, with no parabens, phthalates or animal products, for seven years. She has since added a line of clothing that she describes as “a little BoHo” or “romantic with an edge, though never overdone.” She’s been building relationships as she builds women up at her studio in Purcellville. “Many of my clients have become friends,” she says, perhaps owing to the very personal care she takes to complete each of her clients’ personal “looks.” She believes, “Each woman’s uniqueness is beautiful.” She says that while she’s not as a rule “trendy,” the season’s hot trend in makeup is blue, so she’ll be using different, vibrant shades of blue, while making sure the makeup helps her models look classic and fresh, with “just a pop of color for the holidays.”

PA I G E B U S C E M A EYETOPIA, 223 LOUDOUN ST SE #3115, LEESBURG Paige’s father-in-law Sal Buscema drew many superheroes for

Melissa Franklin in her Studio

Marvel Comics, including the Incredible Hulk. So, it was natural that her shop, Eyetopia, both a licensed optician and trendy women’s boutique, would own the local franchise for selling Marvel movie eyewear made by Initium Eyewear. Combine that with a recent request from Chamber President Tony Howard that Paige head up a committee on inclusion, and you can imagine what happened next. First, Tony was tapped as the fashion show’s first male model; he’ll be the one in the Tony Stark sunglasses. Then there’s Grace Skinner, an ebullient, 16-year-old with Down Syndrome. Grace is rocking her look as Wonder Woman. Next up will be a male and female Superman, followed by the piece de resistance: “Our drag queen will be the belle of the ball because she is going to come as She-Hulk. What’s more inclusive than green people?” Paige is “just geeky enough” to appreciate that the Marvel universe’s X-Men movies explore “being cast-out of society – not accepted for who you are,” she explains. In her mind the Chamber’s motto “Be More. Together,” concerns more than just business, but rather “who we are as humans. I wanted the fashion show to speak to that and make sure we are embodying that at every turn,” she says.

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

Paige Buscema of Eyetopia Crafts a 'SuperHero' Vision of Inclusion

Rebekah Murray of Virginia Dare Dress Co.

R E B E K A H M U R R AY VIRGINIA DARE DRESS CO. (virginiadaredressco.com)

Rebekah Murray launched her online dress company about three years ago. She designs, sources fabric for, then works closely with seamstresses to manufacture her clothing line which is intended to provide timeless apparel for professional women. Like a true product of the e-commerce era, she produces two ines per year, but each is informed by comments from her customers as well as which styles sell best while allowing for new looks. That affords her a kind of “perennial catalog” that can be restocked with new colors and fabrics. “I try to focus on pieces that I can sell year-round and that people can wear year-round.” Think, “Kate Middleton out for a picnic,” she says in describing her look – “It’s feminine but not too formal.” Giving is also part of her design. Rebekah has created the concept of “Solidarity Dresses,” where clients can nominate a deserving woman to receive the dress of their choice as a gift of the designer, “just to brighten their lives, and at no cost to the person who nominates them. It’s just an opportunity to help women and give people an opportunity to bless someone in in need.” Register for the BWOL 13th Annual Fashion Show here loudounchamber.org/events/bwol-13th-annual-fashion-show and come celebrate when it’s safe to come out and play!

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

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OUR TOWN ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

GIVING

Circles CLOSING THE GAP AS NEVER BEFORE

100 Women Strong Members Captured at Christmas

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

100 WOMEN STRONG + https://www.onehundredwomenstrong.org/

Karen Schaufeld started 100 Women Strong in 2008, at not coincidentally another tough time for the community. Since then, the group, which now includes men, has given more than $2 million to local charities. All of its members have prospered in their day jobs and want to find a way to give back. Members each contribute $10,000 a year which is pooled to help the non-profits they feel can assist Loudoun County in a strategic way. By strategic, they mean not only that the group can make a bigger impact by making larger donations collectively, Karen

LOUDOUN IMPACT FUND

explains; it’s more about using their giving to call attention to

For those with more time than money to contribute, The Loudoun

issues in the community that local authorities aren’t address-

Impact Fund is a partnership of between a circle of around 50

ing in a manner that can help stir a longer-term response.

local philanthropists, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and

“We want to give the right amount to the right non-profit

Northern Fauquier Counties and The Community Foundation for

at the right time. It might be seed money to start a non-

Northern Virginia. To join, individual givers donate $1,000 and busi-

profit, or a larger amount of money for equipment or a staff

nesses give $5,000 which yearly fund a fall grant cycle.

member to do their mission,” Karen says. “When the non-

Terry Allen, a realtor with Dulles North Ventures and Bob Fiolek,

profit can leverage what we give them to get money from

a semi-retired software consultant, often serve as impassioned

other organizations, that’s the home run right there. That

recruiters. They list the “no brainer” benefits of a giving circle as:

always makes us happy.”

the leveraging of their funds, keeping their giving local, being bet-

Through the group’s grant process which typically cul-

ter able to move the needle for one of the smaller non-profits to

minates in donations in May, members educate themselves

incubate a new program, and fostering philanthropy by “allowing

on the needs in the community and look for ways that they

newbies to work with long-timers.”

help organizations addressing shelter, health, hunger, edu-

In November, the group marked six years of giving with more than

cation and long-term initiatives. The COVID-19 health crisis

$600,000 in cumulative impact. Said Bob at last year’s award cere-

makes this year a bit different, and the group has already

mony, “It’s an eye-opening experience to digest these qualified and

informed its grant applicants that its available funding,

deserving and compassionate grant requests. You cannot walk away

somewhere in the neighborhood of $500,000, will more

from this process without a better understanding of what it’s like out

than likely be diverted to help first responders and others

there (young or old or disabled) if you are faced with real hurdles,

on the front lines of combatting the disease. Funds also

real needs in this ‘perfect’ community of ours.” Characteristically,

may be needed to help families with emergency funding for

both serve on the board of a non-profit – in their case, the Loudoun

child care, utility bills or staying in their homes.

Abused Women’s Shelter (lcsj.org/laws-legal-services).

Members are from “all ends of the political spectrum...

They’ll hold a mixer to help prospective members get to know

the thing that binds us all together is that as long as we’re

the group as soon as that’s feasible, but in the meantime, Bob’s

working together on a common mission, we’ll get stuff

word of encouragement is, “It’s worthwhile to invest your time in

done,” Karen said.

knowing where you can help.” CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg 35

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

PILATES AT HOME

Three options for "teaser"

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANN LIVINGSTON

KEEP IN SHAPE AT HOME WITH MOVES FROM CLUB PILATES AS OF PUBLICATION, MANY OF US ARE HOME-

EXERCISE 1: TEASER

BOUND DUE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING. So we

Balance on your sit bones with legs up either

reached out to Club Pilates to find ways to stay in

straight or in table top, tighten your core and

shape with five exercises we can all replicate at

straighten your back with arms extended and look

home. Each has three progressions and for the pro-

up. Hold for 3-5 seconds and repeat 3 times.

gressions on the reformer (which adds movement as well as band resistance), you can use fitness bands for your arms and paper plates or “gliders”

1st Progression on the floor 2nd Progression on a chair/bench: smaller space for balance

under your feet or knees if you don’t have a reformer

3rd Progression on a reformer: there is move-

at home. Try these at home and be ready to enter the

ment here and arm bands attached behind you

studio with confidence and with a strengthened core.

add arm resistance.

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020

Plank progressions

EXERCISE 2: PLANK Either on your knees or toes, balance on hands or forearms depending on wrist pain. Think of a long line between head and toes with core tight and shoulders engaged. Hold for 30 seconds and work your way up from there. 3-5 repetitions. 1st Progression on the floor 2nd Progression on a chair/bench: the added height of your upper body adds difficulty. 3rd Progression on a reformer, or using gliders under feet and hands for movement adds more difficulty. EXERCISE 3: HUNDREDS Can be done with extended legs or legs in table top with only shoulders, head and arms raised. With arms by your side, move them up and

Hundreds

down 100 times for each repetition. 1st Progression on the floor 2nd Progression with legs in table top but add light weights or bands attached behind you or reformer to add resistance to arm movement. 3rd Progression with legs straight but add light weights or bands attached to wall or reformer to add resistance to arm movement. EXERCISE 4: ARM WORK 1st Progression Seated on box or bench with a ring or small weights between hands with outstretched arms and straight back. Put pressure on rings/weights in front of you and hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times. 2nd Progression On knees with hips tucked and back straight. Arms are in circle shape

Progressions to work arms

in front of you with band attached to one arm at a time for resistance. 3rd Progression On a reformer or with glider under one foot, stand with arms outstretched and straight back. Put pressure on rings/weights in front of you and hold. EXERCISE 5: BIRDDOGS To improve stabilization, hip and core strength, start on hands and knees with core tight and back straight. Raise arm and opposite leg and hold for 5 seconds each side before switching. Repeat 3-5 times. 1st Progression on floor. 2nd Progression on reformer or with gliders under knee and hand 3rd Progression on bench or reformer with band attached to raised foot to add resistance.

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ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

LOCAL’S CHOICE

THREE QUESTIONS FOR LIVING AN INTENTIONAL LIFE BONNIE A. SEWELL SPORTS ALL THE BONA FIDES YOU COULD EVER WANT IN SOMEONE YOU’D ASK TO HELP MANAGE YOUR MONEY (CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®,CEPA®). But she carries with her something even more vital: the experience of having grown up poor in a wealthy suburb where she learned not only the value of money, but the core values that help her clients determine what they want out of their own financial futures. Her company American Capital Planning (americancapital planning.com), is a boutique firm specializing in helping clients navigate three pivotal transitions – getting through divorce, selling a business or retiring – so she gets to know her clients extremely well. She might even say that, until you’ve answered the hard questions Bonnie Sewell

about what’s really important to you and how much you’re willing to give up to get it, you may not but be ready to ask for help! “I know it’s a hard process,” Bonnie says, “honest reflection has big payoffs. We’re asking people to slow down and turn off the noise” that so often distracts us from getting what we really want. But, wait! COVID-19 has turned down the volume for you. Maybe your priorities shifted with this experience. Why not seize your opportunity to visualize the possibilities you could create in your life from here? You might just emerge calmer, wiser, more focused and less anxious than you were before... and then give her a call.

Design Yo u r L i f e :

I t ’s L a t e r T h a n Yo u T h i n k :

To d a y ’s the Day:

Imagine that you are financially

You learn you have 5-10 years

Time’s up. This is your last

secure, that you have enough

left to live. Good news: You'll

day. What feelings arise as

money to take care of your needs,

never feel sick. Bad news: you

you confront your very real

now and in the future. How

will have no notice of when you

mortality. Ask yourself: What

would you live your life? What

will die. What will you do in the

dreams are left unfulfilled?

would you do with the money?

time you have remaining? Will

What do you wish you had

Would you change anything?

you change your life, and how?

finished, been, done?

Leesburg Lifestyle | May 2020