Elaine Espinola:
Sleep Disorders Are a Major Problem and We can Help!
In order to be your best, you have to sleep your best. Whether it is consultation regarding lifestyle changes or testing for vitamin D-3 deficiency, we are here for you. We can also assess your need for a CPAP, or another device to help you sleep and fight sleep apnea. A much better approach to treating apnea is the Panthera device. It is made by a dentist and brings your chin forward (just like in doing CPR) to open the airway. It is very effective and easy to wear. For most people it does the job as well as a CPAP and in some cases even better. There are many other ways to deal with apnea- most of these are surgical-but the above ideas are simple and generally quite easy to implement for most people.
Book An Appointment With Dr. Brown Today And Live Your Best Life!
Dr. Jeffrey L. Brown DENTIST
Dr. Brown understands sleep apnea and how it correlates to TMJ treatment. His knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep and orthodontics has given him a perspective unlike most other practitioners who perform basic dentistry. In addition, he has also learned the advanced techniques involved in expanding an airway so that both children and adults can breathe better.
Ladies Issue
I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.
And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Leesburg's women.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.
DOUG STEELE, PUBLISHER @LEESBURGLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Doug Steele | doug.steele@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Glenye Oakford | gcoakford@gmail.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Heather Steele | Heather.Steele@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Campbell Reagan | Campbell.Reagan@gmail.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Shelby Rose Steele | SRSteeleCL@gmail.com
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Generose Dingcol | genuinelysettergen@gmail.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
The
Sarah
city scene
1: National Geographic photographer Jeff Mauritzen and author Jack Kavanagh show off their book, “Always Ireland.” 2: “Always Ireland” captures the beauty of the Emerald Isle. 3: The coast of Ireland. 4: Learn about Irish nature and tourist must-sees in “Always Ireland.” 5: On March 12, Loudoun County Public Library hosted a book talk at Old Ox Brewery. 6: Ireland’s storied countryside. 7: A National Geographic photographer and author collaborated on this coffee table book about Ireland.
Want
8: Participants in the LCPL program learned about Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors. 9: Loudoun County Public Library’s “Celebrate Holi” program on March 13 at Gum Spring Library. 10: An outdoor color throw was one of the highlights of the “Celebrate Holi” cultural program.
Celebrating a New Look at Holiday Inn Express & Suites
A ribbon cutting on March 13 celebrated the re-flagging of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Leesburg. The property on 80 Prosperity Avenue, owned by Bob Patel, underwent a major renovation. "When it became outdated, he could have moved away and gone somewhere else. But he decided to reinvest in Leesburg, and we are so grateful to him," said Mayor Kelly Burk. "This is a beautiful establishment."
elaine espinola: on a mission to empower women
THE NEW FULL-TIME CO-HOST OF GOOD DAY WASHINGTON SHARES HER JOURNEY TO REALIZING A DREAM.
ARTICLE BY BETH RASIN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ELAINE ESPINOLA
Elaine Espinola is thrilled to be the new co-host of Great Day Washington.
As Elaine Espinola stepped into a new role as co-host of Great Day Washington in March, she was fulfilling a dream she’d had for a decade.
“I hope to bring great, inspiring stories to Great Day Washington,” she said. “I have a strong interest in highlighting women, diverse people, and anyone who’s doing something powerful for the community, the entire DMV.”
She’s taken an unusual journey to becoming a network TV host, and along the way she’s relied on a community of strong women, believed in herself, and prioritized giving back.
She began her career with almost a decade in pharmaceutical sales before becoming a parent. She then used her sales background to excel with jewelry and makeup companies.
“I was killing it in those roles, making President’s Club, meeting the founders of the companies,” Espinola said, “and somewhere along the line, I ended up meeting someone who said, ‘Hey, would you be interested in doing the Mrs. DC America pageant?’”
She won the pageant in 2015.
As Mrs. DC America, Espinola met a producer who asked if she’d ever been on television. “I’m kind of a ‘why not’ girl,” she said. “I tried it and loved it, and from there I ended up hosting and producing my own show. Then other opportunities started happening—commercials, a podcast for the Better Business Bureau. I set my sights on my goal: to host a lifestyle show on a major network. It was a full 10 years, and here I am.”
Elaine Espinola with her husband Billy Keltz and children Jaden, Nina and Alyssa.
Espinola lives in Ashburn with her husband, Billy Keltz, and children Jaden, Nina and Alyssa Keltz, who’ve joined her in acting and modeling. As a family, they’ve created commercials for companies like Newman’s Own and Hershey Park, and Nina recently had a shoot in Leesburg for Adidas.
“It’s been a lot of fun doing that, and the kids really enjoy it,” Espinola said.
She serves on the Advisory Board of Touching Heart, a nonprofit that teaches children the joy of giving back. “It goes beyond having a kid tag along to volunteer with mom,” Espinola said, explaining how her daughter worked with Loudoun County foster care. “They came up with a plan, run by the kids. They hosted a big singing event and raised $5,000. She took so much pride in that. It was all her, and she was 7.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CONDUCTING ON-CAMERA INTERVIEWS?
I feel like it blends my professional skills with my interests. I’m a good communicator, which is what sales taught me, but I love highlighting people doing great things.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR THRIVING SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE.
Because I was an entrepreneur, it was important to brand myself, so people know who I am and what I do. I have several profiles—Facebook for personal friends, a public page and an Instagram page, which is more about who I am in the community, who I am as a public person. I strive to keep it positive but also genuine. I’ve been very comfortable sharing my successes and things I do professionally. Not to overinflate things, but I’m proud of what I do, and it serves me well because work begets work. When emceeing, I’d post pics, and now people call me to host things. If you brand yourself and are proud of the work, it comes naturally.
WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED ALONG YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
Anyone in business knows the picture of the iceberg where you see the successes, but what you don’t see is 75 percent of the iceberg under water, with the failures and no’s and things you messed up on. I tried to get this exact job probably three or four times in the last 10 years. A position would open, I’d put my resume out there and try to get hold of the hiring person, and the answer was no—there was always someone more experienced. That hurt, because I wanted it, but I never gave up on my dream. I never let it make me question, “Am I not good enough?” It encouraged me to keep trying harder. Anyone following their passions is going to have no’s, but if you keep at it, those serve to make you better.
Elaine Espinola is living her dream on the set of Great Day Washington.
"You just have to believe in yourself, get started, and you will figure it out along the way," Elaine Espinola says.
AS MRS. DC AMERICA 2015, YOU CHAMPIONED WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP. WHY WAS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Every pageant girl has a platform. As a mom, I was thinking, “What is relevant to me?” I was doing stayat-home mom sales—jewelry, makeup. Some people think it’s corny, but it can be an avenue for women to work flexibly. For me and for a lot of women who did that with me, it was awesome. I was able to stay home with my kids but be social, make money, and I found it very empowering. So I said, “Well, my platform is empowering women through entrepreneurship, using her intelligence and skills to better herself, her household, and community.” There have been so many opportunities for me to give back. I’ve been able to donate jewelry to causes and auctions for charities. I became a champion for women so that we can live our best lives. I’ve worked among women, been supported by women, and I wanted to give that back. It fills me with joy to talk to young women about what it means to be confident and to support girls and women.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN LOOKING TO BUILD PROFESSIONAL
CONFIDENCE?
There’s no time like the present—it sounds cliché, but a lot of people think you need experience before you can try something or before anyone will take you seriously. The bottom line is, you just have to believe in yourself, get started, and you will figure it out along the way. Surround yourself with other women and people in that field who are doing well. Watch what they are doing.
I didn’t go to school for broadcasting. I simply decided later in life I was good at it and wanted to do it. I started going to emcee things for free, just to do the things I love because I needed to learn them. I wanted to host a TV show for a major network, and I got there because I told myself I don’t need the background, I’m going to learn from others. There are so many amazing journalists in the DC area, and I watched them to see how they are doing it.
People are always willing to help. When you’re doing well, help other people too.
Sisters Nina and Alyssa Keltz who both work as models.
Elaine Espinola as Mrs. DC America in 2015.
WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
It’s the community of women. My first job in pharmaceutical sales was on a team of five women. They were all a little older, and they were my mentors, four strong, smart women teaching me the ropes. They embraced me, and I had such positive experiences working with other women.
At Great Day Washington, we are a team of women, and we support and help one another. Whatever negative stereotypes exist of women working together, for me it’s never been the case, and I’ve worked in teams of women for the last 20 years.
“Right now, I’m exactly where I want to be professionally. I have finally arrived, and it’s been a 10-year dream come true.”
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE LOUDOUN AREA FOR YOUR FAMILY?
I lived in DC when we had kids, and we were looking for a place to raise our family. We found Loudoun and immediately loved how beautiful it was, how family-friendly. It’s a safe, thriving environment for a young family, yet it’s still close to DC. It’s proven to be exactly what we hoped it would be, a great place to raise kids and go to school. My husband and I have met awesome friends, and we’re happy to be here. I find Loudoun to be a diverse community, and I really love and appreciate that.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST GOALS IN MEDIA AND ADVOCACY?
Right now, I’m exactly where I want to be professionally. I have finally arrived, and it’s been a 10-year dream come true. Personally, I am so invested in making sure that I am very present with my three teenagers because I feel like sand is slipping between my fingers. They’re about to head to college, so I want to be present while I can.
I also continue to want to support great local charities and events. If I can be of service to help raise money, I’m happy to do that.
Elaine Espinola beside an advertisement featuring her at Fair Oaks Mall.
Wellness Inside and Out
SARAH SAFA AND MONICA UNNI COLLABORATE TO HELP PATIENTS HOLISTICALLY
ARTICLE BY GLENYE OAKFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVE & SOL PHOTOGRAPHY
Loop Wellness and Refined Aesthetics share a waiting room and office area.
Monica Unni and Sarah Safa, owners of Loop Wellness and Refined Aesthetics, respectively.
Looking for state-of-the-art treatments that can boost wellness, restore energy, and even raise your confidence? Downtown Leesburg’s Loop Wellness Clinic and Refined Aesthetics have a uniquely collaborative solution for that. Upstairs, Refined Aesthetics owner Sarah Safa, MS, PA-C, helps clients look their best through her medical aesthetics practice. Downstairs, Loop Wellness Clinic owner Monica Unni, PA-C, applies personalized treatments like bioidentical hormone therapy to help them feel their best through her wellness practice. Though the businesses serve both men and women, Unni and Safa’s holistic approach to women's health, in particular, has helped them make a name for themselves.
A FRIENDSHIP BUILT TO LAST
Safa and Unni’s story began more than two decades ago in physician assistant school, where their similar approaches to healthcare helped create an immediate connection.
After graduation, their careers initially took different paths. Unni pursued emergency medicine, while Safa entered plastic and reconstructive surgery. But their ongoing personal and professional dialogue would eventually lead to them finding complementary businesses serving Leesburg.
THE BIRTH OF TWO BUSINESSES
Safa was among the first physician assistants in the country to launch her own medical spa. “I served as a national educator, providing advanced training to physicians and mid-level practitioners across the country in aesthetic procedures,” explained Safa, who has taught more than 6,000 medical providers during her career. “Physicians often turned to me for clinical support, and it
became clear to me that I had the expertise to create something of my own—where patient care, safety and outcomes would always come first.”
The ultimate result was Refined Aesthetics. For years after going out on her own, Safa encouraged Unni to pursue her own practice, recognizing her friend's talent for both medicine and the human touch.
Prior to opening Loop Wellness, Unni spent 17 years in emergency medicine but had begun to feel a growing desire to strike out on her own, partly because she enjoyed connecting with patients. In the hectic ER, Unni recalled, “I was the one that spent more time in the room with the patients. The patients would ask, ‘Do you have a private practice? Can you see me independently?’”
Safa's support played a crucial role in giving Unni the confidence to take the leap. “Without Sarah, I never would have truly ventured out and considered pursuing something independently,” Unni said. “For those last 10 years in the ER, her encouragement resonated: ‘You need to branch out. You have a voice.’”
A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP
The businesses' proximity was no accident. When Unni decided to focus on bioidentical hormone therapy—which uses hormones that are identical on a molecular level to those produced by the human body—Safa immediately saw a link to her own practice. Bioidentical hormone therapy can help with hormonal imbalance issues, such as those that some women experience around menopause.
“I remember saying to Monica, ‘You do realize almost every single person in my chair complains about this, right?’” Safa recalled telling Unni. “‘I probably see 30 women a day, easily. And this is
“I can help them look better, I can give them confidence on the outside, but you are literally going to be the person to fix their inside,” Safa told Unni.
Unni and Safa say they hope to inspire happiness and confidence in their patients.
Refined Aesthetics and Loop Wellness are collaborative and offer clients complementary services.
One of the provider rooms at Sarah Safa’s Refined Aesthetics.
something I cannot help people with. I can help them look better, I can give them confidence on the outside, but you are literally going to be the person to fix their inside.’”
The idea to locate in the same building came naturally. “It's so convenient,” Safa said. “Patients can come to one place and get taken care of, whether they're upstairs or downstairs.”
COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES
At Loop Wellness, hormone therapy for both women and men remains the core, said Unni, a certified Biote®Legacy Partner. Her practice also includes medically guided weight-loss and body sculpting treatments, incorporating functional wellness to reduce inflammation and support recovery from acute injuries or surgery. Unni offers NAD+ shots, personally curated nutrition programs, inflammatory food testing and IV vitamin therapy, as well. “That really helps just with whole body wellness,” said Unni. “It can boost your immune system, help with rebound, recovery and muscle stamina.”
Upstairs, Safa concentrates on aesthetics. “We try to create a beautiful outward outcome for patients,” Safa said, noting that Refined Aesthetics’ philosophy isn’t about making everyone conform to a single look or beauty standard. “We always say that we are here to help patients Experience Beautiful™—it is our motto.” Services include skincare treatments, laser therapy, injectables like Botox, and facial fillers, all with an emphasis on natural-looking results.
“We do a lot of balancing involving skincare, rejuvenation, trying to make patients feel more youthful and giving them more of their natural look—so building in that confidence by making them feel better about their aging process,” Safa explained. “We have a lot of therapeutic skincare that helps nourish and provide nutrients for their skin.”
The crossover between the businesses happens organically. “It ended up being, quite honestly, the best whole-health encompassed care that we could offer to our mutual patients,” Safa said. Clients often move between the two practices, with Safa
referring patients experiencing hormonal issues to Unni, and Unni's patients venturing upstairs for aesthetic treatments.
MORE THAN SKIN DEEP
Both women emphasize that their approach also fosters a deep trust that starts with simply listening to patients’ needs.
“You can empower somebody just by listening to them,” Unni noted. “If you can just address what their bottom-line issues are and listen to them and provide them guidance, that in itself empowers them.”
For Safa, success isn't measured by compliments about how good her clients look. “I tell my patients that the best compliment they can give me is not that somebody told them how good they looked, but when they tell someone, ‘Go see Sarah, she will take care of you.’”
Both practitioners pride themselves on staying at the forefront of their fields through continuous education and research. “We are research fanatics,” Safa said. “We are both neurotic about what we believe in, and we want to see the best results. We want to offer the best treatments for our patients.”
Asked what they want for women, both say they hope to inspire happiness and confidence in their patients. “If you wake up every single morning and you're happy when your eyes open, but the minute you roll out of bed, you can feel your weight and that pulls you down, that screams unhappiness,” Unni said.
Safa agrees. “I just want them to wake up thinking, ‘Today is going to be a good day,’” she said. “Especially living in Northern Virginia, we're just so caught up in the daily grind and looking ahead and worrying about tomorrow that we never enjoy today.”
Through their collaborative careers and enduring friendship, Safa and Unni are helping more women in their community find that balance—looking good, feeling good, and facing each day with a sense of confidence.
TAKE A bird friendly COFFEE BREAK
ARTICLE BY GLENYE OAKFORD
Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certified organic coffee helps birds you can spot around Leesburg, like the black-and-white warbler. Photo: Amy/stock.adobe.com
Each spring and fall, Northern Virginia welcomes the variety of migratory birds passing through our region. These avian migrants connect us to distant ecosystems thousands of miles away. But many of these beloved bird populations are disappearing at a dramatic rate.
“Bird populations are in steep decline,” explained Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s BJ Lecrone. “The bird population in the U.S. and Canada has declined by almost 30%—that’s about three billion birds since 1970 across large geographical areas— and habitat loss is a driving force.”
Surprisingly, your morning coffee might be part of the problem.
“Seventy-five percent of the world's coffee is now farmed with practices that leave no place for birds and actively destroy the forest habitat,” Lecrone noted. “When their habitats disappear, migratory songbirds disappear, too.”
Coffee traditionally was grown under shade-grown forest canopies, where birds and other wildlife thrived alongside coffee plants. But in the 1970s, the coffee industry discovered that sun-grown coffee—planted in cleared areas without tree cover—ripened more quickly. By clearing land and growing
Loudoun County Wildlife Conservancy's Nan McCarry (left) picks up some coffee at Hamilton Mercantile with Ryann Israel. Photo: Becca Goode
large crops of coffee in tree-free, sun-baked fields, they could increase production and profits.
“That’s when they started transitioning to sun-grown coffee, which meant deforesting and less biodiversity,” Lecrone said.
But this shift created a damaging cycle. Removing forests pushed wildlife and birds out, and coffee producers needed pesticides—which also harm birds—to protect their crops from insects.
“The natural predators are removed when they remove that forest and canopy,” Lecrone explained. “There is a balance of nature, and this puts things out of balance.”
SMITHSONIAN BIRD FRIENDLY SHADE-GROWN ALTERNATIVE
By choosing Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certified organic coffee, consumers can help reverse this trend. The certification has strict requirements for shade-grown coffee, including
• Crops must have at least 40% shade cover.
• The tree canopy must be at least 12 meters tall and consist of the dominant native tree species.
• The crop must be pesticide-free.
Bird Friendly-certified coffee helps maintain the native tree canopies that provide crucial habitat for migratory birds that winter in Central America and Mexico before returning to Virginia each spring.
“With the sun-grown coffee, it's just a monoculture, and it’s very hard for birds to survive and thrive there,” Lecrone said.
“Forest-canopied areas can support about 200 bird species. So we can do our part.”
The benefits extend beyond birds. Bird Friendly-certified coffee farms maintain biodiversity, require fewer chemicals, and produce higher-quality beans.
“With the shade-grown certified coffee, when you have that balance of nature, the birds have their habitat back, they have the insects to support their diet, and everything's in balance,” Lecrone explained. “You don't need the pesticides, so it's naturally better for you.”
THE TRUE COST
While bird-friendly coffee can cost more at checkout, conventional coffee carries a heavy environmental toll paid by wildlife and ecosystems. The pennies you might save come at the expense of forest habitats, clean water, and bird populations that have declined by nearly a third in just five decades.
Local shops like Hamilton Mercantile and Watermark Woods in Hamilton, Va., and companies like Wuuds Roasters in Front Royal, Va., now offer Smithsonian Bird Friendly options, making it relatively easy to have this positive impact for birds.
“Bird populations are connected,” Lecrone said. “We need native plants here to support the habitat and food web that birds need to thrive, whether they live here yearround or are migrating through.”
So when you wake with the birds, pour out a cup that will help support that dawn chorus, now and for future generations.
ARTICLE BY BETH RASIN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CAPITAL CARING
THIS NONPROFIT PROVIDES SOLACE, SUPPORT, AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES TO PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Steve Cone, Capital Caring's chief of communications, marketing and philanthropy, displays the innovative robotic pets that support hospice patients.
CAPITAL CARING’S COMPASSION
A few years ago, a Capital Caring hospice patient nearing her final days wished to be with her collie. Unlike most hospice patients, she remained in a hospital, so her hospice nurse approached the hospital administration asking if that could be arranged.
time, we’re caring for them wherever they live, so they’re much happier than being in a hospital,” he said. “They can have visitors; they can have pets, so people are much happier.”
Additionally, he said, patients are spared excessive procedures. “Far too
“WE’LL GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO CREATE AN EXPERIENCE THAT THE PATIENT WOULD BE DELIGHTED WITH IN THE LAST DAYS OR WEEKS THAT THEY HAVE.” —STEVE CONE
When the answer was no, the nurse convinced hospital staff to let her take the dog for a complete veterinary exam and health certification and then bring it in. The hospital relented, and when the patient died a few hours later, the dog was by her side.
This is just one example of the efforts the Capital Caring Health team will make to fulfill any possible request, said Steve Cone, chief of communications, marketing and philanthropy.
“We’ll go to great lengths to create an experience that the patient would be delighted with in the last days or weeks that they have,” he said.
Cone encourages those facing a terminal diagnosis to contact hospice as soon as possible. “Patients live longer in hospice because 95 percent of the
often either the patient or family wants to continue curative measures when they become counterproductive and can prematurely end life,” he said. “We’re not curing them; our mission is to make them pain-free and comfortable. It’s been documented over and over that patients live longer if enrolled sooner.”
Nationwide, only 50% of people eligible enroll in hospice. “That’s a tragedy,” Cone said, “because we provide an extended period of life almost as soon as you enroll.”
THE NONPROFIT DIFFERENCE
One of the first sites to open in 1977, Capital Caring was at the forefront of the hospice movement. Today, it’s one of only 20 percent of such organizations operating as a nonprofit.
“We make decisions in the bedroom, and [for-profits] focus on the boardroom,” Cone said. “We’re lucky if our margins are beyond 0. Our mission is to provide care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. You just have to live in our service area: Northern Virginia, DC, or three counties in Maryland.”
For the small percentage of patients requiring round-the-clock care, Capital Caring operates inpatient centers, including one in Loudoun—the Adler Center for Caring in Aldie. “Visitors can come and go freely and can stay overnight,” Cone said. “One pet is allowed to visit, and it’s a very homelike environment, intentionally designed to feel different from a hospital.”
ROBOTS TO THE RESCUE
Capital Caring leads the nation in the use of robotic pets, Cone said. For many patients, including those with dementia, these pets offer a calming companionship. “The vast majority of time, when you hand [a patient] a robotic dog or cat, their whole demeanor changes for the better,” Cone said. “It’s pretty miraculous to watch.”
The pets, which respond to sight, touch, and sound like real animals, help seniors living alone who are often suffering from depression or children in hospice and their siblings.
All these services rely on volunteers, who call to check on patients, run errands, and help care for their (live) pets, and donations are essential. Although in-patient care is usually reimbursed by insurance at $1,000 per day, it can cost the organization as much as $2,000. To the patient, however, there is never a charge.
This page, top: At any given time, Capital Caring serves around 80 children, working hard to grant their wishes. | Bottom: Loudoun’s Adler Center for Caring in Aldie offers in-patient support. | Next page, Top: A patient room at the Adler Center. Middle: A group of volunteers called the Elf Squad dress up each year to deliver presents, holiday cheer, ornaments, blankets, and stuffed animals to patients. | Bottom: Patients show a marked change in demeanor when handed a robotic pet.
“WHEN YOU HAND [A PATIENT] A ROBOTIC DOG OR CAT, THEIR WHOLE DEMEANOR CHANGES FOR THE BETTER. IT’S PRETTY MIRACULOUS TO WATCH.”
—STEVE CONE
“Hospice is more beneficial for the patient and their family, who can spend more precious moments with family and friends, and it’s far cheaper than repeated hospitalizations,” Cone said. “It helps reduce what Medicare and Medicaid pay.”
Capital Caring benefits family members as much as the patients themselves, including free bereavement counseling.
“A lot of families tell us the thing they were most grateful for other than ongoing care of their loved one, what they didn’t expect and couldn’t thank us enough for, was our grief counseling,” Cone said. “It’s hard to find mental health professionals because there are often long waiting lists. It’s not cheap and is usually not covered by insurance.”
Capital Caring’s team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and non-denominational chaplains treat patients with the latest innovations while reducing the family’s stress. “It’s a wonderful benefit every DMV family should embrace,” Cone said.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Florals and Fruit
“Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.”
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
Flower Frogs
Hanging Florals
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between longstemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
MAY 3RD
Virginia Gold Cup
Great Meadow, The Plains | 10:00 AM
This historic steeplechase race returns to its founding home for its 100th running. The thrilling event brings together participants and spectators from across the nation to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of Great Meadow, its expertly maintained racecourse, and sleek, athletic Thoroughbreds. Tickets start at $50. Must purchase ride-share pass or parking separately. vagoldcup.com
MAY 3RD
Village at Leesburg Pet Festival
1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg | 12:00 PM
Enjoy a day full of tail-wagging fun with a wide array of pet exhibitors, rescue adoption organizations, a lure coursing course, balloon artist, caricaturist and more. Features the Leesburg’s Got Talent Pet Edition on the main stage 2-3 p.m., sponsored by Wiggle Butt and Whiskers. Competition is free, with three levels for your pet to show off tricks. villageatleesburg.com
MAY 10TH
Leesburg Walking Tour
Thomas Balch Library, 208 W. Market St., Leesburg | 9:00 AM
Leesburg native James Roberts provides an insider’s commentary of local people, places, and points of interest in and around Leesburg. Particular detail is paid to how Leesburg has grown and evolved through the years architecturally, economically, and racially. Factual, historical, and anecdotal information is intertwined and presented in storytelling. Note: wear good walking shoes. Pre-registration required: 703-737-7195 or balchlib@leesburgva.gov. leesburgva.org
MAY 17TH
Lovettsville Mayfest
11 Spring Farm Drive, Lovettsville | 10:00 AM
A family-friendly day of community, fun, and celebration brings together Lovettsville residents and visitors for a full day of entertainment, activities, and local vendors. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious meal, test your skills in classic picnic games, or shop for unique handmade goods, there’s something for everyone! Ends at 6 p.m. lovettsvilleva.gov/mayfest-2025
MAY 17TH - 18TH Spring Farm Tour
Throughout Loudoun County
Meet llamas, alpacas, and donkeys or indulge in homemade ice cream at a dairy farm during the Loudoun Farm Tour. All ages welcome. Featuring a diverse array of farms showcasing the finest Loudoun Co. products, including honey, mushrooms, traditional vegetables, garlic, and craft beverages. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Loudoun’s agricultural heritage. Plan your tour at loudounfarms.org/farmtour
MAY 31ST
A Fest Less Ordinary Music Festival
17281 Simmons Road, Purcellville | 3:00 PM
Join us for A Fest Less Ordinary, where the music is exceptional and the farmers have extraordinary talents! Local favorite Justin Trawick guides you through live music performances. Enjoy local craft beer and wine, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Shop AFLO Grower-cultivated plants and produce, too. Tickets $40; free for kids 12 and under. afarmlessordinary.org/aflo-music-festival
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