August Is Here…
Wow... How did that happen?
It feels like summer just arrived, and somehow the subtle signs begin appearing that it won't last forever. Even for those long past the school calendar, there's an unmistakable shift. School supply aisles suddenly replace beach displays, families squeeze in one last road trip before routines return, calendars quietly begin filling up again, and there's the realization that the kitchen may soon get more use than the backyard grill.
But not quite yet.
There's still time for one more pool day, one more workday with lighter traffic, one more long day of sunshine, and one more chance to simply sit outside, take a deep breath, and enjoy another spectacular summer day.
And summer can still be tasted. It's the perfectly ripe peach, the sun-ripened tomatoes overflowing from backyard gardens, picked fresh from the vine and somehow tasting better than any other time of year and the ice-cold drink with so much condensation it leaves little puddles wherever it's set down. These are the simple pleasures that remind us why this month is so memorable.
And then there are those classic August thunderstorms. One minute the sky is bright blue, the next dark clouds gather, and within minutes the rain is pouring. Kids race inside laughing, while family pets have their own reactions. And if there's a 100-pound "guard dog" in the house, all it takes is one flash of lightning and a crack of thunder before that fearless protector suddenly believes the safest place to be is on someone's lap. Somehow, even those unexpected August storms become part of the stories we'll laugh about for years to come.
Maybe that's what makes August—and this community—so special. No matter the age, or whether McLean or Great Falls has been home for decades or just a short while, there are certain traditions and moments that seem to belong to everyone. These familiar experiences quietly weave us together, turning a collection of neighborhoods into something much more.
Here's to savoring every last bit of summer. The pools will close soon enough, the school buses will return, and autumn will have its turn. But for now...pass the peaches, enjoy another grilled burger topped with a fresh tomato, watch the fireflies come out, and soak in every wonderful August moment. How lucky are we to have such a great place to call home!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Purdy | suzanne.purdy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Molly MacDermot | molly.macdermot@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Christine Gilgallon
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Gloria Freund
SUZANNE PURDY, PUBLISHER @MCLEANCITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY
Hannah Leimkuhler Proverbs
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.
Untitled by local McLean artist Jessica Speckhard captures
Jessica Speckhard
Real Hope, Real Solutions for Mid-Life
Meno-Start is a holistic program for perimenopause and menopausal women to help them navigate this phase of life! We provide comprehensive medical care with a board certified gynecologist for managing HRT, metabolism, mood and other symptoms with holistic and traditional treatment options. We also offer fitness and nutrition services with a certified personal trainer in our private studio. This unique approach combines medical and wellness to ensure you can thrive in this phase! Schedule a Free-15 minute consult through our website to get more information and to see how we can personalize the program for you.
Brooksfield School in McLean, Virginia offers a warm, Montessori-inspired environment where children develop confidence, creativity, and a love of learning. Rooted in community, the arts, and nature, Brooksfield fosters meaningful connections and joyful exploration every day.
Schedule a tour of our BRAND NEW CAMPUS and meet our dedicated team.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Scenes from around the world by local McLean photographer Gloria Freund. Read more about her on page 22. 1: Who’s the wildlife here? King Penguins Watch Visiting Photographer Gloria Freund on South Georgia Island 2: Devotion: King Penguin pair affirming bond, Falkland Islands 3: Curiosity: Mother and Humpback calf rise to greet snorkelers, Moorea, Tahiti 4: Safety: Rescued baby Grey Squirrel in good hands after falling from nest, McLean, VA 5: Foraging: King Penguins with hungry chicks check for predators before heading to fish, Falkland Islands 6: Circle of Life: Clownfish Peers from Anemone, protectively closing as evening falls, Andaman Sea, Thailand 7: Fun: Hawksbill Turtles seem to be jigging as they greet dawn in Papua New Guinea Photography by Gloria Freund
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A Fresh Look. The Same Care You Trust.
Balance Art Acupuncture is now HopeSeed Acupuncture – McLean—a name that reflects growth, renewal, and a deeper commitment to your well-being.
While our name has evolved, everything you value remains the same: the same trusted practitioners, the same personalized treatments, and the same calming, patient-first experience. As HopeSeed, we’re expanding our vision—bringing new techniques, programs, and holistic support to help you heal, restore, and thrive. New name. Stronger roots. Your care, always at the center.
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Brooksfield School: Garden to Table Learning
At Brooksfield School, knowing where food comes from is central to the outdoor curriculum, as students plant seeds and watch them grow into tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and beans. August marks peak harvest, offering families a chance to enjoy fresh, colorful produce together and build appreciation for the earth through seasonal eating and shared recipes! Brooksfield School | https://www.brooksfieldschool.org/about/ 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101 Phone: 703-356-5437 Email: brksfield@aol.com
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Private Luxury Boarding at Old Dominion Animal Health Center
Old Dominion Animal Health Center (ODAH) has expanded its boarding offerings with the introduction of Presidential Suites, a new premium option for pets seeking extra comfort and seclusion. Located in a private top-floor wing, the four exclusive suites include raised bedding, four daily walks, a PM snack, and peaceful views overlooking McLean. ODAH Center | 6719 Lowell Ave., McLean | (703) 356-5582 | odahcenter.com
McLean Hardware — Essentials for Kids, Pets & Summer Projects
McLean Hardware is a trusted local destination for seasonal living, offering practical solutions for families, kids, and pets. From garden hoses, sprinklers, and outdoor toys for summer play to pet toys, leashes, and light-up collars, travel bowls, and home maintenance basics, it’s the go-to stop for making summer easier, safer, and more enjoyable. McLean Hardware | 1445 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean| (703) 356-5496 | mcleanhardware.com
• Classic Cape Cod with three finished levels and timeless charm
• 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, plus a private home office/den
• Updated kitchen with skylights, stainless steel appliances, and custom pantry storage
• Sun-filled living spaces with hardwood floors and a woodburning fireplace
• Spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and renovated hall bath with dual vanities
• Finished lower level with recreation room, custom laundry, abundant storage, and exterior access
• Beautifully landscaped, flat fenced backyard with hardscape patio, storage shed, and EV charging station
• Prime North Arlington location near parks, top-rated schools, Virginia Hospital Center, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST
Meet Jessica Speckhard, a McLean, Virginia-based multidisciplinary artist who created this month’s cover, inspired by her pet cat and love of summer. Jessica crafts vibrant worlds through watercolor, ceramics, and stained glass. Inspired by her deep love for animals, nature, and travel, Jessica balances her creative practice with family life alongside her husband, Taylor, and their two children, Katarina, age 17 and Daniel Taylor, age 1. McLean City Lifestyle steps into her studio to discover her journey.
YOUR COVER ART CAPTURES AUGUST’S BLISS. THE NONCHALANT CAT EMBODIES THE SEASON’S RELAXED ENERGY. TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSE.
The cover was inspired by my relationship with my cat, who is named Mouse, and the time I spend poolside with my kids in the summer. Cats can teach us so much about self worth and living in the moment. My cat always seems perfectly at peace with herself whether she’s napping, playing, or on the hunt.
McLean resident Jessica Speckhard shares her artistic journey
ARTICLE BY MOLLY MACDERMOT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET BAKKE
THEY SAY ANIMALS LOOK INTO OUR SOULS. HOW DOES YOUR CAT HEAL YOURS AND WHY ARE ANIMALS SO IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES?
Mouse is an adorable Burmese cat that came from a friend at Open Door Farms in Great Falls, Virginia. Animals can be very comforting and can help us regulate our emotions and physically calm ourselves after a long day or a difficult conversation. When my cat sits on my lap, I find that my breathing naturally slows down and I am more relaxed and present.
Interacting with animals also helps me remember the joy in the world. Much of healing and mental health work with animals has been studied and is deeply rooted in scientific practices. Animals can open us up to new ways of communicating and being present.
TAKE US TO THE CANVAS AND YOUR TECHNIQUE.
My technique involves using a mix of watercolor and pen. I usually sketch each piece in pencil, and then use pen to create the lines, watercolor to add color, and then back to the pen for finishing touches. I try to get into a meditative state before I draw or paint and I never know what I will create. I want the images to touch people on a spiritual level, and I know that without inviting the hand of something bigger to be involved in my work, that would be impossible.
YOU HAVE RETURNED TO MCLEAN TO RAISE YOUR FAMILY. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER TRADITION?
I love going to the community pool almost every day with my kids. There’s nothing like playing in the water and being around other mothers and babies. I also love to hike in the area even when it gets hot. I feel totally rejuvenated after spending time hiking Scotts Run.
HOW DID TRAVELING THE WORLD AS A CHILD, INCLUDING MINSK, BELARUS, SHAPE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON ART?
I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. I’m fortunate to have parents that nurtured my passion by providing plenty of art supplies, engaging in crafts with me, and taking me to museums.
I went to a school for the arts as a child when I was living in Minsk for a few years where I learned silk painting and ceramics. My teachers there taught me so much that I still use today. I have a tremendous amount of admiration for the way that Belarusians invoke a deep appreciation for the arts at an early age. It’s common for young children to attend full length ballets. I felt that my teachers expected to see my techniques improve through dedication and practice and that gave me confidence to believe in myself. CONTINUED >
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MENTORS.
One of my mentors is my friend Margaret Bakke, who owns a gallery space called Friends Artspace, in Arlington, Virginia and has helped me develop my work for years. My other mentor is Pinar Turhan who runs a ceramics coworking space in Vienna, Virginia for artists called Clay and Kiln Club. My friend and colleague Dr. Ioana Marcus of Equibliss is an incredible equine assisted psychotherapist who has mentored me on how to work with horses to heal myself and others. I work with her as a counselor in tandem with my art practice.
HOW HAS YOUR HOMETOWN INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY?
McLean has been a great place to grow as an artist. I find the nature around this area absolutely gorgeous and a constant inspiration. I also think that there are wonderful communities of artists in northern Virginia that I am grateful to get to interact with and am inspired by them to grow in new ways constantly.
Discover What’s Next at German International School Washington D.C.
With over 550 students from preschool to 12th grade, we offer high-level academics in a warm, multicultural setting since 1961. Our German curriculum, combined with a global perspective, leads to a dual diploma graduation: the German International Abitur (DIA) and a high school diploma. Focused on world languages and science, we nurture critical thinking and prepare students for top universities worldwide. Please contact admissions@giswashington.org for your personal campus tour. German language skills are NOT a requirement for students enrolling in Preschool through Grade 5, provided the family is highly motivated for their child to learn German, and the child demonstrates strong academic performance.
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
Inspired by mom’s strength
MCLEAN TEEN TURNS FAMILY LOVE INTO ACTION
For 16-year-old McLean resident Owen Singer, watching his mom battle breast cancer wasn’t just a family challenge—it was the inspiration for an idea to help others. Before every grueling chemo session, his mom, Sue, had a ritual: she would wrap herself in a cozy blanket and lace up her favorite pink sneakers. Inspired by his mom’s fierce resilience, Owen turned his love into immediate action by founding Cancer Kicks, a nonprofit created to uplift patients and raise awareness.
Despite navigating high school, Owen leads the organization in creating custom apparel featuring messages of hope with 100% of the profits going directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
“I’m deeply proud of Owen,” says his mom. “To build an organization around his commitment, this kid has had to navigate it all.” McLean City Lifestyle talks to Owen about his meaningful mission.
OWEN, TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CONNECTION TO MCLEAN.
I go to Langley High School, and McLean is home in every sense— my neighborhood, my community, the place where my family has been through everything together. That “everything” very much includes my mom’s cancer journey, which is what eventually led me to start Cancer Kicks.
WHAT INSPIRED THE IDEA FOR CANCER KICKS?
I’d watch my mom get ready for her chemo sessions, and she had this ritual, she’d put on her pink sneakers and wrap herself in a soft blanket. Those comfort items gave her something to hold onto. I kept thinking: I can’t be her doctor. I can’t cure this. But, I can do something.
ARTICLE BY MOLLY MACDERMOT | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE SINGER FAMILY
Owen and his furry friend promoting Cancer Kicks
WHY DID SIMPLE ITEMS — SHOES, BLANKETS, AND APPAREL — BECOME THE FOCUS OF THE ORGANIZATION?
When you’re going through cancer treatment, you lose a lot of your sense of agency. Being able to choose what you wear, to wrap yourself in something soft, to have something that says “I’m still me, and people are with me,” that matters.
WHAT DOES THE NAME “CANCER KICKS” MEAN TO YOU?
It’s a play on words, shoes kick, and we want to kick cancer. And it goes deeper. “Kicks” is slang for shoes, which ties back to my mom’s pink sneakers she wore during treatment. There’s something defiant about it, the name doesn’t shy away from cancer, it goes right at it.
BUILDING A NONPROFIT AS A TEEN
WHAT WERE THE FIRST STEPS YOU TOOK TO TURN AN IDEA INTO A REAL ORGANIZATION?
I started by designing products. Then I built the website and started figuring out what I didn’t know: how to set up a nonprofit and handle the legal side.
HOW HAVE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, TEACHERS, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU?
My mom is both my inspiration and my product tester, if she loves something, I know it works. My dad helps me think of the big picture. My brother Liam has been incredibly supportive. I hope he might carry Cancer Kicks forward someday. McLean has been incredibly generous. Community members have bought products and shared our mission.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE SCHOOL, FRIENDS, AND RUNNING A NONPROFIT?
Not perfectly. But I’ve learned to treat Cancer Kicks like a job I enjoy, not just a passion project. I block time for it. I get ahead on schoolwork when I can.
“I’m deeply proud of Owen,” says his mom. “To build an organization around his commitment, this kid has had to navigate it all.”
Messages of hope on every item
“Kindness is the whole point. What I've found is that when you're doing something out of real love for someone, like the way I am for my mom, it shows in a way that people can feel.”
SUCCESS STORIES
HAVE YOU HEARD FROM CANCER PATIENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED CANCER KICKS PRODUCTS?
Yes. Hearing from someone that a blanket made their chemo session feel a little less clinical, or that wearing a pair of our shoes to treatment gave them a small lift, that’s everything to me.
KIDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Start with what you have. I didn’t have a business degree or a big budget or a network of donors. I had a story, a laptop, and a cause I cared deeply about.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES?
Community problems don’t wait for us to grow up.
INSPIRATION FOR READERS: “HOW CAN I HELP?”
WHAT ARE SIMPLE WAYS PEOPLE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
You can volunteer, buy from purpose-driven businesses, and show up, consistently, for something bigger than yourself.
A supportive family Owen's inspiration — his mom
WHAT ROLE DOES KINDNESS PLAY IN COMMUNITY SERVICE?
Kindness is the whole point. What I’ve found is that when you’re doing something out of real love for someone, like the way I am for my mom, it shows in a way that people can feel. Kindness isn’t soft. It’s actually the most powerful driver there is.
LOOKING AHEAD
WHAT DREAMS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE ORGANIZATION?
I’d love to see Cancer Kicks operating as a fully scalable platform, where schools, athletic teams, corporations, and
community groups can all run their own custom storefronts and direct their purchases toward research. The dream is to see it used by thousands of partners across the country. And somewhere in that future, I hope my brother Liam is part of it.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR STORY TEACHES PEOPLE ABOUT RESPONDING TO LIFE’S CHALLENGES?
The way you respond to something hard is a choice. Not always an easy one, but a real one. I think everyone, no matter their age or circumstance, has more power to respond creatively to hard things than they realize.
Owen learns what products his mom likes
LOCAL Photographer’s Lifelong CONNECTION TO Animals
For Gloria Freund, a camera is more than a tool—it is a bridge between worlds
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE GILGALLON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GLORIA FREUND
Whether photographing a beloved farm animal, a curious household pet, or a colorful reef creature thousands of miles from home, Gloria’s goal is the same: to help people recognize the connection we share with the living beings around us.
“My work and pleasure is about expanding the community of people who understand and feel the sentience and empathy of the non-human life that shares our planet,” Gloria says. In other words, she hopes people will recognize that animals are more than subjects in a photograph—they are living creatures with their own awareness, behaviors, and unique ways of experiencing the world.
That passion began long before she ever picked up scuba gear.
Growing up on a New England dairy farm, Gloria spent her childhood surrounded by cows, cats, sheep, and countless other animals. The experience shaped her appreciation for the natural world and instilled a lifelong belief in the interconnectedness of all living things.
“You can take the girl off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl,” she says.
In 1985, Gloria made McLean her home while serving in what would become a remarkable 47-year career in federal service. She served first as an active duty naval officer and later as a navy reserve and civilian intelligence officer in the national security sector. During the final decade of her career, she led intelligence community equities as part of an all of government effort to understand and defeat transnational criminal trafficking of wildlife and fisheries. After retiring in 2025, she began developing a nonprofit organization with former colleagues to continue advancing wildlife protection efforts.
Today, Gloria has completed more than 1,500 dives around the globe, photographing marine life in destinations including Fiji, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Alaska, Bonaire, the Solomon Islands, and beyond. Equipped with Nikon cameras, specialized underwater housings, strobes, and lenses, she descends beneath the waves in search of moments that reveal the beauty, intelligence, and individuality of ocean life.
For Gloria, the underwater world offers endless wonder.
“The parallel universe of sea life in all its colors, textures, artful patterns, swirls, and spirals is bizarre, delicate, and brilliant,” she explains.
Her photographs capture creatures both familiar and extraordinary—from reef fish and octopuses to penguins, manta rays, and countless marine species many people will never encounter firsthand. Through her images, she invites viewers to see beyond appearances and appreciate the remarkable wonder of life on our planet.
Gloria’s work has earned recognition through publications and competitions, including Nature’s Best Magazine, Beneath the Sea, underwaterphotography. com international competitions, and the Nature Visions Photo Expo in the Washington, D.C. region.
Yet awards have never been her primary motivation.
Instead, she hopes her photographs inspire curiosity, compassion, and a deeper sense of appreciation for the natural world.
“I will have succeeded if, in a captured moment of mutual regard, I have stirred one more heart to speak to another, or caused one more mind to newly imagine with an unlike creature that sense of mutual sentience and kinship that is there, waiting to be recognized.”
That message feels especially relevant in this month’s Kids & Pets issue. For many children, their first meaningful connection with animals begins with a family pet, often forming the foundation for empathy, responsibility, and a lifelong appreciation of nature.
Gloria believes those early connections matter. Whether observing a playful puppy in the backyard, caring for a family cat, or watching a sea turtle glide through tropical waters, each moment offers an opportunity to better understand the living world around us.
As Gloria continues her photography and conservation work, she remains committed to sharing images and stories of animals in all their forms. Through her lens, she encourages others to slow down, take notice, and appreciate the beauty and character of the natural world around them.
Tips from an expert: the best way to photograph your pets:
• Start by making sure the subject feels safe.
• Take time to observe and get to know your pet’s behaviors and reactions so you don’t miss an opportunity.
• Get down to your pet’s level for a more compelling aspect, and focus on the eyes to help tell the story.
• Be aware of the background, and seek backgrounds that will allow the pet to stand out.
• Think about photos that capture relationships—your pet with you, or your pet with other people and animals.
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Estate Planning Seminars
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
EVERY SATURDAY
Bounty in Bloom at the Local Farmer’s Market
Falls Church City Hall 300 Park Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046 | 8:00 AM
Taste the sun-ripened peak of the season at the award-winning Falls Church Farmers Market on Saturdays—a flavor haven for dedicated foodies. Located directly in the City Hall parking lot, this bustling market is bursting with crisp, farm-fresh produce, warm artisanal baked goods, and gourmet treats guaranteed to make your next barbecue an unforgettable feast, from 8:00AM to 12:00PM. fallschurchva.gov/FarmersMarket
AUGUST 1ST
Celebrate National Golf Month—at Any Level
Perch Putt 1805 Capital One Dr. Tysons, VA 22102 | 1:00 PM
Swing into National Golf Month this August and secure your tee time at premier golf courses across Fairfax County. If you want to shorten your backswing for a relaxed outing, head over to a mini-golf course such as Perch Putt to test your short game and putt your way to a hole-in-fun day. perchputt.com
AUGUST 1ST & 2ND 1776 the Musical
McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA | 7:30 PM
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by watching the Founding Fathers come alive in the legendary musical 1776. Experience the McLean Community Players' production of this Tony-winning Broadway classic. mcleancenter.org
AUGUST 1ST-DECEMBER 31ST
Reimagining the National Mall in New Reality Exhibit
The National Mall, Washington DC
Five trailblazing American women are coming to life on the National Mall through augmented reality. The showcase from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum allows you to view the figures, like activist Dr. Dorothy Height and author Julia Ward Howe, projected alongside the monuments. This exhibit will be on display through December 31st. womenshistory.si.edu
AUGUST 6TH-9TH
The Washington DC Fountain Pen Show
Marriott, 3111 Fairview Park Dr. Falls Church, VA | 10:00 AM
Experience the world's premier annual pen event, where collectors, vendors, and master artisans unite. Browse thousands of vintage pens, rare inks, and custom stationery. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to trade, repair, and upgrade your writing collection. Check the site for hours based on the day you're attending: starting 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM dcpenshow.com
AUGUST 10TH-15TH
Science Camp for Kids
McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA | 9:00 AM
This action-packed camp turns children ages 6 to 10 into engineers and science sleuths. Campers build epic structures and master skills using catapults, levers, and pulleys. Kids craft take-home experiments like customized sidewalk chalk and dazzling crystal gardens. They will even design a colorful chromatography T-shirt in the Mad Science Lab. mcleancenter.org
AUGUST 12TH
Triple header: Blues Traveler + Gin Blossoms + Spin Doctors
Filene Center at Wolf Trap 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA 22182 | 7:00 PM
The ultimate ’90s alt-rock flashback is happening for one night only. Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors are sharing one stage under the stars to deliver the radio-friendly, feel-good hits that defined a generation. Get ready to jam out to harmonica solos and sing along to timeless power-pop hooks at this nostalgic concert. wolftrap.org
AUGUST 13TH
The Princess Concert
Capital One Hall 7500 Capital One Tower Rd. Tysons, VA 22102 | 2:30 PM
Enjoy an enchanting concert with the family featuring hits from Frozen, Wicked, and Moana, plus catchy pop anthems from Taylor Swift. Grab your tiara for a sparkling, royal afternoon! capitalonehall.com
AUGUST 14TH
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Filene Center at Wolf Trap | 8:00 PM
Maestro Gianandrea Noseda and the National Symphony Orchestra, alongside the soaring voices of the Wolf Trap Opera soloists and The Washington Chorus, are igniting the stage with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony. Beethoven was deaf while conducting this masterpiece during its premiere, which includes the “Ode to Joy.” Secure your spot on the lawn or in the covered pavilion. wolftrap.org
AUGUST 14TH
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
AMC Tysons Corner 16. 7850 Tysons Corner Center. McLean, VA 22102
Kids of all ages will enjoy this animated summer movie, opening August 14th. Forged in friendship, the PAW Patrol pups deliver fun, friendly entertainment. In this movie, they team up with a local dinosaur expert to stop a massive volcanic eruption, and must race against time to rescue the island's dinosaurs from extinction. amctheatres.com
AUGUST 15TH
Ren Faire fest—a feast for all ages!
Shipgarten 7581 Colshire Dr. McLean, VA 22102 | 1:00 PM
Don your finest medieval garb—velvet leggings perhaps— and step back in time at Shipgarten’s Summer Renaissance Festival! Feast like royalty, cheer on thrilling jousters, and enjoy live music and games. This all-ages celebration promises family-friendly fun and excitement for everyone. Grab your goblet and imagine a world of castles and knights. shipgarten.com
AUGUST 24TH-30TH
Restaurant Week
DC Summer Restaurant Week
200+ participating eateries
For foodies who don’t want to fork over a fortune for a Michelin meal, Restaurant Week is for you! Enjoy culinary excellence and glean a variety of “restaurant week menus” at participating establishments for lunch or dinner. RWDMV.com
