Go Ahead; Live a Little!
We’re writing this month to give you permission. We’ve said it before, and style icon Richi Norman of Ketterman’s Jewelers reiterates it again this month: “Fashion is what makes you feel good!”
We’re not saying there’s no such thing as a fashion faux pas. As someone who represents their business or their organization to the community, you show respect for others’ time and attention by always taking time with your appearance, even for the company picnic.
What we’re saying is that you should feel free to delight in that new pair of shoes, invest in some classically styled jewelry and wear eyewear that pops. Please, reward yourself for weight loss with a wardrobe refresh. And, absolutely, feel great about donating all those now baggy clothes to The Ladies Board of Inova Hospital Rummage sale. Taking pride in how you present yourself to the world isn’t just okay, it serves to burnish both your personal and your corporate brands.
But so does the time and effort you spend in taking care of the needy in your community, investing in the welfare of your employees, and taking time out to listen to music with your friends and family. It’s how you live and the priorities you hold dear that most influence what we call style
To that narrative, we’re adding one small twist to what we believe it means to live a truly extraordinary lifestyle. Give some thought to the fact that every day is a gift, and that preparing for the inevitable also should call on all your creativity and style. Ignoring death isn’t a useful strategy, and a lack of preparation for the end actually compounds its misery for those you leave behind. So, here too, as always, we offer compassionate and creative strategies for living life to its fullest, to the last.
While we're on the subject of good endings, it has been my joy to serve you as editor of Leesburg Lifestyle. As I explore new ways to live life to its fullest, I trust you will read on, with interest in and enthusiasm for what comes next.
Sincerely,
MELINDA GIPSON, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @LEESBURGLIFESTYLE
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
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1: Burn the Ballroom, first rock band partnering with the State Department representing American music abroad 2: BTB’s hauntingly original mix of anthem, rock, gypsy punk, alt and pop came home to Tally Ho in July. 3: Keytar/Keys/Leads Tuomas Easton, Vocals/guitar Adriel Genet, Bass Josh Finks, Drums Jack Ivins deliver spectacularly. Photography by Melinda Gipson
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For all of the important things in life, allow us to be a part of what matters most. We help our customers reach their personal and financial goals From banking to lending and wealth management, we’re here to serve you And make important life events a little more special
1: Chef Jonathan Clawson goes back to basics to run a cooking class for St. Gabriel’s. 2: Classes in June and August were packed with at least 40 kids. 3: Family and friend volunteers made it all possible. Photography by Melinda Gipson
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.
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Women Lead In Inova Loudoun, Inside and Behind the Scenes
Pauline Clark, Treasurer, Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital, presents a check to Suzy Quinn, AVP of Philanthropy fulfilling a $1.2 million pledge. The donation will support Life with Cancer’s Loudoun Pediatric Program, OB/GYN equipment and midwife training. Demonstrating women’s leadership, Inova was named as one America’s Best Employers for Women 2024 by Forbes. More than 80% of employed team members; 74% of managers and above; 55% of Inova CEO’s executive cabinet and 70% on Inova’s director level and above are women.
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Fall Gleams Golden at Ketterman’s
ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON WITH RICHI NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY LANAGHAN, MJL STUDIOS
Gold is making a comeback this Fall – in fashion as well as on Wall Street. The trend embraces the eclectic, pairing pieces you’ve had sitting in your jewelry box for years, like bangles from Mom, with a new piece or two to create a modern stack. Ketterman’s Jewelers’ Richi Norman layers multiple pieces of different styles and textures to create her own look. On the facing page, Richi is wearing Fossilized Coral drop earrings ($189); a Moss Agate Rose Gold Necklace ($1,995) and a long Rose Gold, Pearl and Diamond Station Necklace ($2,565). On her right wrist is a VAHAN Bracelet
Stack of assorted Sterling silver and 14Karat Gold with diamonds ($1,990 - $3,440 each).
Of course, gold accommodates more than just the gleaming metal. Think about reflecting this color scheme with your accessories, ranging from gold-colored eyeglass frames to gemstones and scarves. Here we feature a Rose Gold Imperial Topaz and Diamond Ring ($5,250) and a rare 18”long strand of Natural South Seas Golden Pearls with 14 Karat yellow gold clasp ($7,250). Note that new pearls are becoming harder to source given the fragility of the ocean’s pearl oyster ecosystem.
The sheer delight of shopping with Ketterman’s comes in part from the high level of craftsmanship each item represents. The third-generation family-owned business partners with a mix of highly vetted jewelry designers, some that it’s known for more than 40 years and others for just a few. “This gives us a good mix of tried-and-true classics and modern/ innovative new styles, all firmly committed to quality and longevity of wear,” Richi explains.
We think of it as a hive of golden gatherings built of great selectivity and cultivation, which is why we set this grouping of gold bracelets against a settee with bee upholstery (also for sale: $1,825). Displayed, from left to right: a White and Yellow Gold Large Oval
and Diamond Link Bracelet ($8,095); a Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel “Confetti” Bracelet ($1,690); a White and Yellow Gold Medium Oval and Diamond Link Bracelet ($4,050); an Oval link bracelet with pave’ diamond link ($2,250); a White and Yellow Gold Rectangular link bracelet with diamonds ($4,350); and a Floating Diamond and oval link bracelet ($2,250). Mudpie Heart pillow ($29).
Above all, remember that “style” is highly personal, Richi asserts. What makes you happy, what makes you feel confident and beautiful -- if you can combine your jewelry, accessories and wardrobe with quality craftsmanship in mind, you’ll always be fashionable, whatever today’s trend.
THE RED AFFAIR
ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY NA MARY LANAGHAN, MJL STUDIOS ME
BACKSTAGE WITH THE P7 SISTERHOOD
Backstage, there's room for fun
The Silence No More Movement kicks off its fifth annual Red Affair fashion show supporting survivors of domestic violence September 21st at Carahsoft in Reston. The local P7 “divas” who stride down the runway in bespoke styles created for the event by designer Afua Sam of Studio D Maxsi, invest more than 60 hours in rehearsal time to put on a show that will rival any you’ll see during Fashion Week. Unlike those shows, this one benefits SNMM’s partnerships with county and community resources to help survivors, and real time victims of domestic violence, helping to coordinate services to them and their families across Loudoun County.
Loudoun Chamber Board Chair Angela Mitchell will MC the event that features blacktie casino tables. This year’s P7 “Sisterhood” features Board Members Carol Barbe (CEO of Backflow Technology), Solitaire Carroll
Stacey and Gift
Gifts from the heart
The P7 offers healing in its circle of friends
(Deputy Dir. of Veteran Experience Services) and Gift Wyatt (fundraising account executive at Moore), plus customer service guru Erica P. Rowe, Chiropractor at New Energy Chiropractic Fatema Kolia, attorney Gazal Modhera, The Marketing Management Group’s Katie McGrath Schneider, FiftyLeven Winery owner and President & CEO of Purpose WorX LLC Kindra Dionne, Women Giving Back CEO Nicole Morris, Morven Park Executive Director and CEO Stacey Metcalfe, Sehr Khan, General Manager of Fitness Specialists Abby Lenderman, and Tiffany Levy.
In concert with many local organizations, SNMM CEO and event manager Lisa Jones says the non-profit takes a “hands-on” approach, offering two full years of personal support for women to keep them from returning to abusive environments. “This, in turn, can have a domino effect, lowering isolation, depression, embarrassment, financial loss, and generational abuse – ultimately saving lives,” she said.
Gift, board member, model, and volunteer, says, “We know that one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. If we think about the number of people that we encounter on a daily basis – whether that’s at work or as we’re going through our normal day to day lives – that statistic is incredibly frightening. The P7 Fashion Show is more than a fashion show. It’s an event that brings together the Loudoun Community and unites us against a common enemy.”
“The name The Silence No More Movement is so appropriate,” she added, “because that is our mission – to stand with survivors and victims and show abusers that we will not be silent and allow them to continue in the shadows.”
The love the group shows to each other and the fun they have behind the scenes speaks louder than words. We’re grateful for the back-stage view. Tickets and sponsorships are available at 99percentcomplete.com/ snmmp7redaffair
WGB's Nicole
GOING OUT IN STYLE:
Saying Goodbye to Those We Love
ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER SOUZA, DALL-E, CLOZURE
Few topics are as uncomfortable or avoided as death. Yet Victoria Burke, a third-generation mortician and funeral director with more than 30 years of experience, believes that embracing this reality can lead to profound healing and a celebration of life.
Her journey into the world of mortuary science began with a traumatic experience at age 16, which ultimately shaped her compassionate approach to helping families navigate their darkest hours. “Every person I take care of, I treat as if they were my own family,” Victoria explains. This philosophy stems from a deeply personal place: the loss of her beloved church elder, Reverend Mother Foreman. What she now sees as the mishandling of Mother Foreman’s funeral left a lasting impact on Victoria, inspiring her to pursue a career in
mortuary science and, more recently, to revolutionize the way we approach death and remembrance.
Victoria’s mission is clear: to help people “go out in style,” not in the flashy, materialistic sense, but in a way that authentically honors the essence of who they were. “Your style is the fiber of your legacy,” she says. “It’s about who you’ve created yourself to be in this world.”
This personalized approach to memorializing our loved ones means digging deeper than just basic biographical information. Victoria asks about hobbies, favorite vacation spots, and cherished memories. She believes that understanding these details allows for a more meaningful celebration of life. One touching example she shares is of a woman who loved quilting. At her funeral, Victoria arranged for the church pews to
Left page: DALL-E Rendering of the Quilt Memorial | This page, top: Private Moment: Nancy Reagan accepts the flag from President Reagan’s casket | Bottom: Solomon Burke’s family celebrated his legacy of 21 children, 90 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren
be draped with more than 100 of the woman’s handmade quilts. “When people walked in, they just started crying,” she recalls. “They felt like she was there.” Afterward, attendees were invited to take a quilt home, allowing them to keep a tangible piece of their loved one’s legacy.
Victoria emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to memorials. While she personally prefers a traditional funeral with a choir and tear-jerking gospel songs, she recognizes that others may want something entirely different. She’s helped plan everything from formal church services to lively parties that feel like the deceased could walk in at any moment. The key, Victoria stresses, is capturing the individual’s unique spirit. This might mean incorporating their favorite music, showcasing their artwork, or even honoring their perpetual tardiness (as in one memorable funeral where Victoria’s uncharacteristic late arrival unexpectedly brought comfort to the family of a chronically tardy man!)
In today’s digital age, Victoria sees great potential in using technology to preserve and share legacies. She recently co-founded an end-of-life concierge and technology company called Clozure.io that is working with local first responders and others whose jobs bring them into contact with families who have lost a loved one. Clozure first offers an online “vault” where people can store their important documents, making them available only after death to a designated “legacy contact.”
It then ties this vault to a Clozure Card™, a physical card with a unique QR code on it that may be scanned by first responders or medical personnel to retrieve information on how to reach that contact and to retrieve the deceased’s final medical directives and/or a DNR if one exists. Having notarized copies of a person’s permission for organ donation, for example, can speed life-saving help to the living. If someone’s religion prompts a request that only the family touch the body, this request too can be logged.
But the vault has other purposes. Planning one’s own memorial in advance can give your loved ones the time they need to grieve. Too often, in the absence of such directives, relatives are forced to make consequential, expensive decisions in the throes of what psychologists have dubbed “grief brain,” a kind of mental fog created by personal loss. It’s also a place where important passwords and video good-bye notifications can be stored and scheduled for release upon a certification of death. Gathering family photos and histories can be particularly therapeutic, and can spark storytelling that cements your legacy. Such visual narratives can be especially powerful for non-religious services, offering a way to honor the person’s journey without traditional
religious elements. Such was the case with a send-off Clozure planned for Tom Sizemore, an actor best known for his role in Saving Private Ryan, when he died unexpectedly last year. For that service, Victoria received one of the highest compliments to be had in her profession: “Tom would have loved to be here!”
Victoria’s decade of serving at Forest Lawn put her at the center of celebrity funerals like Michael Jackson and Ronald Reagan. What she learned from all such gatherings is that the funeral or the memorial is ultimately for the family, not the public. It’s in this context that we recognize and appreciate the special, private moments that were afforded Nancy Reagan in mourning the death of her beloved “Ronnie.” Always remember to build in simple moments for those private farewells.
And what of those left behind? How do we comfort the grieving when words feel inadequate? Victoria’s advice is surprisingly simple: “It’s not even what you say. It’s your body and your posture.” She advocates for a humble approach – a gentle touch, a heartfelt hug, or simply being present. “Sometimes all you can say is, ‘I love you, and I’m right here,’” she adds. One thing not to say: “I understand.” No matter how similar the circumstances may seem, each person’s grief is unique. Instead, she encourages people to love in whatever way feels natural to them, whether through words, actions, or simply a comforting presence.
Victoria hopes that planning for the inevitable will come to be seen as a final act of kindness for your family. Having a concierge who knows how to deal with all the details of death a simple phone call away will come to be seen as a necessity for grieving families, she adds, and that’s why she is building Clozure – “to take some of the misery out of death.”
Ultimately, Victoria’s approach to “going out in style” is about more than just the funeral itself. It’s about leaving a legacy of love, creating meaningful connections, and giving those left behind a sense of closure and peace. By embracing the reality of death and planning thoughtfully, “we can transform what is often seen as a somber occasion into a powerful celebration of life!” she asserts.
And, in case you’re wondering, Victoria’s own funeral plans reflect this philosophy. While she wants traditional elements like a church service and gospel music –something from the catalogue of her father, R&B legend Solomon Burke, perhaps. She also envisions some theatrical touches: a horse-drawn carriage, a flyover, and even “rainbows and marching bands!” It’s a reminder that even in death, there’s room for joy and celebration.
Schedule a free consultation at Clozure.io, visit @GetClozure on Instagram or call 844-CLOZURE.
Clozure Co-Founders Chris Clawson and Victoria Burke
HEADLINER HOWARD JONES SELLING OUT TALLY HO
Crossroads Music Festival Comes of Age
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL GAVREAU | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JED HOILE, BENEFIT
Lil' Maceo
Dave Mininberg
Howard Jones Live at Union Chapel
“We want people to be moved to give, motivated by the generosity of our artists who donate their performances.”
— Amy Bobchek, BENEFIT Co-Founder
While this year’s Crossroads Music Festival organized by BENEFIT has lost none of its free, live-music-onevery-streetcorner vibe, the two-day charity showcase is coming of age as a must-see music happening in the Mid-Atlantic. Premium balcony seating for an evening performance and interview with the headliner, multi-platinum artist Howard Jones, Saturday night September 21 at Tally Ho, sold out in mid-July. Standing room tickets in this intimate but highly visual downtown venue were still available at our deadline from the “order tickets” link at crossroadsmusicfest.org. A British artist, Howard had a string of Top 40 hit singles between 1983 and 1986, including “No One is to Blame,” which reached number 4 on the US charts.
“It is hard to put a value on music in our culture,” observes Howard. “Just the lyrics of a song can have a profound effect on someone and can change their life. Most artists are motivated to give back through philanthropic means because most of us started with nothing and know what it is like to struggle.” True to form, Howard performed at the famous 1985 Live Aid Concert at Wembley with Sting.
The Festival actually kicks off Friday night September 20 at Tally Ho with multiple bands performing from 6-10 p.m. Then a host of local talent fans out across Historic Downtown Leesburg on Saturday afternoon and evening from 4-10 p.m. The showcase this year features 45 artists in 14 downtown venues including a diverse range of acts, from solo singer-songwriters to entire jazz orchestras.
BENEFIT Live, (BENEFIT.Live) was conceived in 2018 by co-founders Amy Bobchek and Ara Bagdasarian, and in 2023 became its own independent 501C-3 nonprofit entity dedicated to financially supporting Loudoun’s youth service agencies. Funds are raised by volunteer donations taken online and at each of the performance locations. Combined with the ticketed events Friday and Saturday nights at
Tally Ho, the two-day movable feast is now just known as the Crossroads Music Festival.
Co-founder Ara says, “BENEFIT is a coalition of musicians and community leaders formed to drive awareness and funding for nonprofits located in Loudoun County. “Part of the dynamic we try to create with Crossroads is to be like a film festival for original music, as well as our region’s best cover bands, where patrons can come and visit different venues with different experiences, hearing different types of music. Everything from Rock from Hip Hop, to Jazz, Country and Americana – it's all there in Leesburg’s charming downtown area.”
“Loudoun households donate less as a percentage of their total income than every one of our neighboring counties,” says Amy. “I think that gives us an opportunity to engage our community in philanthropy and volunteering, and I can’t think of a better way to do it than through the power of live music. Music brings people together, it creates joy, and we believe that literally sets the stage for giving.”
‘We have a ‘big tent’ approach to Crossroads,” she adds. “Each year we have expanded the festival to showcase more artists representing more genres, and we’ve continued to make the festival free so everyone can participate. We want people to be moved to give, motivated by the generosity of our artists who donate their performances.”
Among organizations awarded grants this year from last year’s festival proceeds are the Dulles South Soup Kitchen and Food for Neighbors; the Ryan Bartel Foundation, working to fight teen suicide; the Northern Virginia Diaper Bank; Loudoun Youth, Inc., and the Loudoun Education Foundation. Buying Crossroads merchandise also benefits area youth; it can now be ordered and shipped to you prior to the event See: crossoads-music-festival. printify.me/products
live theatre
Death Comes to Dinner
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
September 14 at Kalero Vineyard in Purcellville
September 21, November 2 & 9 at Oatlands in Leesburg
September 28 & October 12 at Ambiance in Ashburn
October 17 at The Branch in Leesburg
October 19 at Ono Offshore in Chantilly
October 25 at Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville
October 26 at Hillsborough Winery in Hillsboro
Chanteussy
Live Music Drag Concert
September 27
The Woman in Black Haunting Drama
October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27
StageCoach Bandits Improv
Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 22, Dec 20 at 7:30pm Magic and Mischief
Sept 13, Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 13 at 7:30pm
Fall After School Class Registration is
GIVING BACK IS ALWAYS IN STYLE
ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY LANAGHAN, MJL STUDIOS
Natasha Magrath Puts Service First, to Her Clients and Her Community
Graduates of You've Got Maids of Northern Virginia's Quarterly English Class
“When you give to your community as a business, it doesn’t have to be only financial. It can be volunteer time. It can be a phone call to an organization just asking, ‘How are you doing? How can we help?’”
“The heart of my business is my community,” says Natasha Magrath. A veteran of the hospitality industry, she founded the Northern Virginia franchise of You’ve Got Maids in 2017 because she wanted to build a business that would help build her community, and that she could one day pass along to her children and grandchildren. “We need every business to contribute back to the community,” she adds, because it’s the dynamic that helps both grow together.
“When you give to your community as a business, it doesn’t have to be only financial. It can be volunteer time. It can be a phone call to an organization just asking, ‘How are you doing? How can we help?’” Natasha says. Her own employees are offered paid company time once a quarter to volunteer together for local non-profits. She recommends the practice to others saying that it “builds your company culture, and shows your employees that community is important to all of us.” Internally, it’s also a high value to treat everyone with respect and integrity; “we are all equal in our contribution to the business. That’s how I built my business. The same is true for the client. We need to respect the client, but we also need the client to respect our employees.”
She shows obvious passion when she exclaims, “I am nothing without my employees – these people who work hard every day in the field. Cleaning is not an easy job, to go and work and make every
client happy, believe me. We just started a 401K matching program and we pay them well. When we do a volunteer day together, they’re paid for that time because my employees are living paycheck to paycheck. When we volunteer, we have a meal together and we talk to each other and get to know each other better.”
Clients also are invited to contribute to the various donation drives that Natasha coordinates with her employees bi monthly all year around. Natasha first calls non-profits to determine, “What is your greatest need?” then shares flyers with her clients and posts the requests on social media. Whether it’s diapers, food or clothing, contributions can be picked up from clients’ houses and delivered directly to the charity.
“Clients are like our family and they all love helping,” she explains. This mindset contributes to the loyalty of both her cleaning customers and her staff, some of whom have been with her several years. “Of course, that’s not all we want for our employees. We want them to go on and do better for themselves and their families,” Natasha asserts.
To that end, Natasha has offered free English classes to all her employees for the past four years; they’ve even graduated to using their dedicated tutor. The company paid for the tutoring and this is done on weekly basis. The photo below is just one example of a quarterly English class graduation,
from which participants go on to the next level in their learning. Participants demonstrate a true hunger for improvement, showing up at 7 a.m. on Mondays for class.
Natasha came to the U.S. in 1999 from Lebanon and learned English at NOVA. “I know how important it is. I want them to be able to sit with their children in the afternoon and help them with their homework. I want them to be able to communicate with the clients so they understand each other. This is a very important commitment that we’ve made to better everyone’s lives. To build community we want to build into the lives of the people who are going to do that. We want them to grow and build a better life and our community will be stronger for that.”
Natasha also personally gives of her own time by serving on several boards, notably as Treasurer at Equality Loudoun, and the Broadlands Rotary Club. She serves on the board of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, where she recently won the Small Business Service Company
of the Year Award, and this year became a member of 100WomenStrong, a true force in helping to finance local non-profits. In addition, she also serves on the Board of Trustees at Stone Springs Hospital and is a member of the Loudoun County Government’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. Recently, she was elected to serve as Virginia State Advocacy Leader for the Worldwide Cleaning industry Association. And, still, she finds time to help other local businesses connect with partners that can help them grow their businesses.
Her own business is doing so well that it not only serves Loudoun and Fairfax Counties but is expanding soon to a Centerville office that will service the Gainesville, Clifton, Haymarket Manassas and surrounding areas. The service offers a 52-point “Spring Cleaning™”, move in or move out cleaning and weekly or other interval services. You can get a free quote here: youvegotmaids.com/house-cleaning/va/ northernvirginia or call 571-732-2199
Natasha Magrath Sees a Bright Future for Her Community
Natasha and Loudoun Chamber Ambassador Roman Blazauskas at a monthly Business and Breakfast
