The
Issue
Grace in Giving
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, my deep est gratitude goes first to our advertisers. Their support makes it possible to bring you Potomac Lifestyle each month, sharing the stories, people, and places that make our community so vibrant. I encourage you, our readers, to keep their businesses top of mind when shopping or making purchases. By supporting them, you not only invest in their success but also help sustain the publication.
To our loyal readers, thank you for standing with us for nearly eight years. Your engagement has made us the largest distributed publication in the Potomac area. With the launch of Gaithersburg City Lifestyle, our reach now extends into Gaithersburg/North Potomac. I’m also proud to announce that my Co-Publisher, Bree Kunzel, will soon lead as Owner/Publisher of Chevy Chase Lifestyle. Together, we stand UNITED as CityLifestyle *Potomac *Gaithersburg and *Chevy Chase: a media platform devoted to connection, purpose, and community.
Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is more than a sentiment; it is a practice. It means honoring traditions, extending kindness, and investing in one another. In this issue, we highlight leaders and organizations who embody gratitude through action. Visionaries like Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of Growth Period, inspire with their ability to align business strategy with purpose. Leaders such as Dan Simons, and organizations including Paws with Purpose, Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care, Dolphin Tank, and Patient Airlift Services remind us how giving back transforms not only lives but entire communities.
November also invites us to reflect and honor: Veterans Day reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of those who served. Children’s Grief Awareness Month underscores the importance of compassion for young people navigating loss. Native American Heritage Month deepens our respect for histories and traditions that shape our shared story. And at Thanksgiving, we gather in abundance with a renewed commitment to extend gratitude outward.
This season, may we be inspired to live thankfully, not only in words, but in deeds. Whether through volunteering, philanthropy, or simple acts of kindness, gratitude finds its truest expression when shared. We hope you love this issue!
With appreciation,
KC COLE, PUBLISHER @POTOMACLIFESTYLEDC
PUBLISHER
KC Cole | KC.Cole@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
Bianca.BainVillegas@CityLifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Anicia Juarez | Anicia.Juarez@CityLifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Adam Taylor | Adam.Taylor@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Brittany Ford | Brittany.Ford@CityLifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mindy Toran, Debra Wallace, David Robert Lambert, Marie Robey Wood, Elle Carrington
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Louis Lee, Ceylon Mitchell, Jack Hartzman, Christa Booth, Ellen Zangla
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
November 2025 Visit our Instagram
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
inside the issue
city scene
Potomac Lifestyle hosted the 7th Annual Ice Cream Social at Park Potomac, collecting 660 backpacks, $3,000 in support, and helping over 2,500 students. Thank you to Park Potomac Condo Association, Foulger Pratt, Santana Moss’s 89 Ways to Give, sponsors and partners. Watch our highlight video for events highlights and the sponsors! 1: The Agency- Ron Goldberg 2: Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Mid Atlantic 3. The Agency- Michael Konstantopoulos, Litsa Laddbush, Rachel Jacobs, Nurit Coombe & Michelle Milton 4: Interfaith Works, Potomac Lifestyle, Global Children’s Network, and Park Potomac Condo Ass. 5: No party is complete without Potomac’s Ultimate Amusements 6: Porsche of Bethesda showcases its best 7: Children’s National Blood Drive Mobile donations helped over 80 children in need.
8: Gregorios Trattoria serves up delicious food for all! 9: GameTruck Howard County/DMV 10: Voted Best Veterinarians- Veterinary Park Potomac 11: Back Packs and School Supplies to Benefit Interfaith Works of Montgomery County 12: Global Children’s Network Nahid Hossain 13: Vienna Princess Parties 14: Our youngest participants found joy in every activity!
Photography by Louis Lee
scene
1: Ice Cream Social cont’d. Kidsinger Jim the puppeteer thrills our youngest attendees. childrensmusic.com 2-7: Thanks to a stylish day of polo, celebration, and community at the Congressional Polo Club on September 13th, your generous support helped raise over $95,000 to create affordable homeownership in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, MD. 2: LC DeBosky & Candy Segna 3: KC Cole CityLifestyle Potomac, Arianna Ross Story Tapestries & Bree Kunzel CityLifestyle Chevy Chase 4: Polo in Style courtesy of Curated Events Leesburg 5: Clifford Chiet- iHeartRadio and Jen 6: Best Hat Contest and the winner is...Sara Young! 7: Lizeth Alvara of Epic Beauty
LOUIS LEE
8: Real Housewives of Potomac’s Stacey Rusch, and spectators 9: POTOMAC LIFESTYLE VIP 10: Winner of Best Dressed- Thee Fashionable Darnell Perkins 11: Chef Anthony Iracane of Bravo Below Deck and Best Hat Winner Sara Young 12: Benjamin Ford and Brittany of Brittany Ford Events 13: Event florist Jennifer Phillips of Vase & Vine 14: Gregory Tullis, Carla Young, Chiquita and Yusef Battle
Photography by Ceylon Mitchell
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Moms on a Mission Luncheon Napkin Network
Event Registration
Join us on November 3rd for the 3rd Annual Moms on a Mission Luncheon, uniting 100 of the Washington area’s most passionate supporters of moms and babies. Enjoy a three-course meal, connect with community leaders, and hear from dynamic speakers. The afternoon includes a silent auction and on-site opportunities to sponsor a mom directly, raising critical support for diapers, formula, wipes, and other essentials. Together, we’ll uplift mothers in need and celebrate the power of community.
Red Orchard
Live well. Do good. Gift it forward. Red Orchard in Bethesda, Maryland, is a beloved gift shop known for its thoughtfully curated treasures. From artisan home décor and unique jewelry to playful finds and meaningful keepsakes, every item is chosen with care. A destination for inspired gifting, Red Orchard blends charm and sophistication, making it easy to celebrate life’s moments both big and small. redorchard.com
Diane J., future resident moving from Bethesda
•
• Gain services to enhance your well-being.
AROUND TOWN
ARTICLE BY ELLE CARRINGTON
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
November 1 & The Newest Flavors in the Area
SKYWATCHING: ASTRONOMY FUN
Observatory Park, Gaithersburg, MD
Family stargazing brings wonder and curiosity under the night sky. A perfect evening of gratitude for nature’s nightly show. eventbrite.com
November 8
OPEN BOOK CHOCOLATES POP-UP
My Big Finds, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD
Indulge in artisan chocolate and holiday gifts while meeting local makers. This pop-up celebrates gratitude for small businesses and handmade traditions. openbookchocolates.com
November 11
VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE
City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg, MD
The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This special ceremony honors and recognizes all U.S. military personnel for their vital role in safeguarding our nation and future. gaithersburgmd.gov
November 16
LIFESTYLE VOGUE FASHION SHOW WITH LEASETHEDRESS
The Grove Restaurant
Join Potomac Lifestyle and Leasethedress for an afternoon of high fashion. Tickets available on Eventbrite. 12pm-3pm. Eventbrite.com
November 22
WHITE HAT GALA (CHILDREN’S NATIONAL FOUNDATION)
Union Station, Washington, DC
Join regional philanthropists at this premier benefit supporting children’s healthcare—blending social connection, gratitude, and hope for brighter futures. foundation.childrensnational.org
November 23 – December 31
WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD
A dazzling drive-through featuring over 450 festive light displays—this Gaithersburg tradition brings families together and celebrates the spirit of the season. gaithersburgmd.gov
November 23 – January 5
LUMINOCITY HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD
Immersive light displays and giant lantern sculptures create a festive wonderland that ignites the holiday season, inspiring awe, reflection, and community connection for all ages. luminocityfestival.com
November 23
SIP & SPARKLE
Union Station, Washington, DC
Experience tastings, live music, selfies with Santa, and a magical trolley ride at Winter Lights’ Sip & Sparkle (formerly Wine Under the Lights). Bring a blanket for a cozy 3-mile open-air trolley ride before or after enjoying activities in the heated tent. gaithersburgmd.gov
November 23
ARTS BARN HOLIDAY
ARTISAN MARKET
Arts Barn, Gaithersburg, MD
The Arts Barn Holiday Artisan Market showcases one-of-a-kind, handmade items created by artists from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). This festive event invites the community to shop unique gifts, meet local makers, and learn more about their creative process. gaithersburgmd.gov
November 24th
WALK & WAG
Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD
Treat your pooch or grab your friends and family and take a leisurely 1-mile stroll or an invigorating 3-mile walk at Walk & Wag. Experience more than 450 magical light displays up close. Enjoy hot drinks and take a selfie with Santa (bring your own camera). A food truck will be on-site with food available for purchase. gaithersburgmd.gov
November 29
– December 1
KENNEDY KRIEGER FESTIVAL OF TREES
Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD
Hundreds of decorated trees, crafts, and live entertainment fill this beloved festival while raising funds for children’s programs. A joyful mix of fun and fundraising. kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees
November (select evenings)
S’MORE LIGHTS
Montgomery Parks, Various Locations. Families gather for marshmallow roasting by fire pits paired with twinkling light displays. A simple, heartwarming way to spark gratitude for warmth, connection, and seasonal joy. gaithersburgmd.gov
November (ongoing)
CABIN JOHN VILLAGE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Potomac, MD
Seasonal markets, small business showcases, and wellness programs transform Cabin John Village into a hub of gratitude and connection. cjvillage.com/events
Photo provided by Cabin John Village
Philanthropic Driven Leadership
CEO COURTNEY B. SPAETH IS A POWERFUL FORCE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK HARTZMAN
Giving back has always been important to Courtney B. Spaeth, and she brings those values to both her professional and personal life.
Her philosophy is: “To whom much has been given, much is expected.”
Spaeth, the engaging and dynamic CEO of growth [period], a successful business development and transaction advisory services firm, strongly believes that giving back to the community is a crucial part of leadership.
Headquartered in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, the entire company shares the same philosophy as Spaeth and participates actively in community service.
Since the day the company was founded 19 years ago, every employee has been given eight hours of paid leave annually to work in support of any non-profit of their choosing. “Typically, all of the employees work together to combine their hours in support of a few non-profit organizations where they want to truly make a difference,” she explained.
“This is a key tenet of the company’s culture,” Spaeth says, which she credits as being a contributing factor to the firm being named one of the “best places to work” in the Washington Capital Region for 11 years by the Washington Business Journal
Spaeth leads by example and many of her philanthropic commitments include organizing nationwide bone marrow drives in support of transplant patients; co-chairing the upcoming 2026 Rosa Parks Awards given by The Mansion on O Street in Washington, D.C.; an arts and cultural hub which was home to legendary civil rights activist; and serving in her 11th-year as trustee of Marymount University in Arlington, for which she previously chaired their HALO Awards in 2024.
She also supports the Holocaust Museum and Women Giving Back, an organization committed to women who need shelter from domestic violence.
Spaeth and her family live by their values at home. Two and a half years ago, she and her husband sponsored Olga, a Ukrainian war refugee, and her now 10-year-old son, Maks, and invited them to live in their home, which has been a unique and impactful experience for both families.
A bonus, she said, is that this experience has contributed to her nine-year-old son, Grant, “developing enormous compassion for others. When Maks first came to us, Grant divided his toys in half on his own and gave half of them to Maks, and they have been like brothers ever since.”
This heartfelt endeavor has become a true cultural exchange. It has also woven a tapestry of connection and compassion between the two families.
Spaeth and her daughter, Erica, during her high school years, volunteered along with her company’s employees at the Central Soup Kitchen in Washington, D.C., to help feed the homeless.
Spaeth also spent 10 years on the board of a nonprofit organization supporting wounded and disabled veterans, which her daughter and older son, Michael, continued to support through college and grad school years, carrying the philosophy with them.
Giving is an entire family affair. Her husband, Jon, the managing partner at the law firm Trust Law PLLC, serves as a board member at the Phillips School for Children and Families, as well as a member of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.
“Leaders who believe in giving back to the community stand to build better businesses, stronger communities, and more meaningful legacies,” Spaeth said.
“It is often our communities that support us in those hard times," she said, "and it is equally as important for us to support them, as the rewards of helping those in need can be one of the most inspiring feelings in life, which is worth much more than money.”
“Giving back to the community engenders the gift of perspective, the view from another person’s situation, and helps keep us self-effacing and grateful for what we have.” — Courtney B. Spaeth
DAN SIMONS SAYS
You Don’t Have to Choose Between People and Profit
ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY
Dan at his Ted Talk
Dan Simons co-created and co-owns Farmers Restaurant Group(FRG), which includes eight Founding Farmers restaurants across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and Founding Spirits, a restaurant-distillery in Washington, D.C. The group also operates a full-service catering and events company. Founded in 2008, the company serves more than three million diners annually and generates over $100 million in annual sales.
Simons, however, is not content to simply celebrate financial success. He uses his platform to show that business can and should prioritize mental health. By embracing employees as whole people, his restaurants demonstrate that treating staff with care and respect is both the right thing to do and a strategy for outperforming competitors.
Simons believes that while amazing food, drinks, and design are central to the guest experience, “The ultimate goal of Founding Farmers is to make people feel good.” This is accomplished by creating a supportive workplace where positive energy flows from staff to guests. This “functional work family” encourages open communication, truth-telling, and mutual support, helping employees develop life skills and healthier relationships that may or may not have been present in their upbringing.
He is aware of the societal taboos surrounding mental health issues which can silence employees and keep them isolated in their struggles. His employees are encouraged to discuss any ongoing stress or strains. He also does not shy away from the subject of menopause, which until recently was rarely, if ever, discussed in the office. Fostering openness in the workplace, even with simple acts of saying an encouraging word to a co-worker, can break down barriers and create meaningful change.
Simons is also quick to make the point that supporting employees’ physical and mental health is good business because creating a positive work environment directly impacts performance. His own restaurants employ systems and resources to foster support, including offering their staff access to licensed therapists and other mental health assistance, including FRG’s partnership with TalkSpace, making virtual therapy accessible to all employees and their families. This results in reducing turnover, strengthening morale, and improving his workers’ job performances. He frames investing in employee well-being as a capitalist decision that generates a high ROI by preventing talent loss.
Dan Simons’ journey in the restaurant industry began when he worked at TGI Fridays and The Cheesecake Factory, where he gained confidence, a love of service, and an appreciation for diverse teammates. As the son of European immigrants, he saw how restaurants could foster inclusion and positively impact lives.
Simons shares these lessons as an educator, teaching entrepreneurship to undergraduates at George Washington University, his alma mater. He emphasizes personal productivity, helping students focus on meaningful goals rather than simply maximizing output. He practices this himself, carefully managing his time as a restaurateur, teacher, podcaster, and speaker.
CONTINUED >
Dan at WTOP
Dan and co-owner Mike Vucurevich chatting with guests
He also promotes entrepreneurship through his podcast Founding DC, available on all major platforms, where he interviews entrepreneurs and founders across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He shares further insights on his blog, Dan Simons Says, and in August delivered his TEDx Talk, now on YouTube.
A sought-after speaker, Simons chooses engagements where he believes his message can inspire real change. Both in and out of the restaurant environment, Dan is committed to proving that putting people first is always good for business and for life.
Dan and his wife Suzy
ASK THE VET
Q: The holidays are fun but also hectic. How can I help my pet cope with the stress of visitors, travel, and schedule changes?
A: Holidays bring joy, but they can also bring stress for pets. Extra visitors, travel, or disrupted routines may cause anxiety, upset stomachs, or even behavior changes. Every pet is different—some may need extra support to stay relaxed. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian (in-person, virtual, or by phone) before the holidays to create a plan that keeps your pet stressfree—and helps you avoid a stressful trip to the emergency room.
Have a question for Dr. Katie? We’d love to hear your questions for our doctors for the December issue. Send them to hello@veterinaryparkpotomac.com. www.veterinaryparkpotomac.com 240-728-2550 | 12525 Park Potomac Ave (Around the corner from Harris Teeter!)
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PAWS WITH PURPOSE
HOW STARFLEET SERVICE DOGS IS REDEFINING TRAINING FOR WORKING DOGS
ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLEN ZANGLA
When trailblazing scientist and animal advocate, Dr. Jennifer Barnhard, instructs her eightweek-old Siberian husky, Dauntless, for a future career, she knows she is changing her corner of the world.
Dauntless doesn’t have a career yet, but the pup is learning foundational skills for search and rescue, water rescue, and service work. As she grows and her personality develops, her career path will become clear.
Dauntless recently joined Dr. Barnhard’s non-profit, Starfleet Service Dogs Inc. (Starfleet), as a working dog prospect.
Many dogs are not cut out for the pet dog life. Barnhard began Starfleet in 2013, adopting shelter dogs and training them to be service dogs for people with disabilities.
She began by identifying shelter dogs with a strong desire to work. “Our mission is to help dogs who thrive when given a job, especially those waiting in shelters for a second chance,” she explains. “My role is to discover their natural talents, teach them how to apply and blend those skills, and find the perfect job that suits them.”
Starfleet, located in Cabin John, Maryland, has graduated more than 175 service dog and handler teams and has assisted the training of over 1200 working animals.
Most clients come from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. As a non-profit, monetary donations and local volunteers are always welcome. Since Starfleet does not operate a kennel, every one of their animals lives with a client or trainer, and these teams are working every day in the broader community.
These dogs are labeled as service dogs or service dogs in training, so the public refrains from distracting them while they are working, but they are always happy to demonstrate their skills. “The dogs love to show off retrieving their handler’s phone, or performing a task that can be lifesaving”.
At Starfleet, the mission is to train service dogs and build partnerships empowering people with disabilities to pursue their goals. The multipurpose service dogs are trained for the handlers’ unique needs, supporting mobility, allergen detection, medical alert and response, PTSD, and much more.
But just as important as training and finding the right handler-canine match, Starfleet supports its teams for their lifetime. Barnhard is proud that the human recipients can chase
“My rescue dog, Spock, has given me the freedom to explore, experience new cultures, and go through life with my best friend.”
—DR. JENNIFER BARNHARD
their dreams, including finishing school, building careers, raising families, contributing to communities, and even traveling the world.
Dr. Barnhard trained service dogs for others before her life was forever changed by her now service dog, Spock, a husky mix. Barnhard grew up with a then-unknown allergy in foods,
shampoos, soaps, and medications, leading to trying more than a dozen medications and severely limiting what she could eat outside of her home.
Spock was in the back room of a shelter moments away from being euthanized. “I knew that he needed help, and [his] behaviors that made him reasonably unadoptable at the shelter, would later be turned to skills to save my life.”
Spock, taught to detect gelatin/alphagal to prevent anaphylaxis, has been at Barnhard’s side while she earned four academic degrees, including her veterinary doctorate, and has successfully traveled with her to 31 countries.
“Spock has given me the freedom to explore, experience new cultures, and go through life with my best friend,” Dr. Barnhard explains. Spock is 14 years old now, still working while teaching the next generation.
“My younger service dog, Isaac, a rescue German Shepherd, is learning the ropes. Isaac and I are breaking new ground for professionals with service dogs,” she adds.
Barnhard and Isaac teach canine fitness to other working dogs to keep them in optimal condition. In addition to service work, they are training in search-and-rescue and water rescue. Isaac is also working towards certification as a K-9 lifeguard by the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue.
The latest Starfleet initiative, built on a decade of research and practical experience, is Working Animals Veterinary Care and Education (WAVE), including veterinarians, scientists, physicians, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals, to rewrite the standard for husbandry and working animals.
“This is about making sure the animals get the care that they need,” she says, “at the same time elevating them to be seen as the athletes, career partners, and family members that they are.”
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FOR MORE ON STARFLEET SERVICE DOGS, GO TO:
Website: starfleetservicedogs.org
Email: drjenniferbarnhard@gmail.com
TOP-RATED JEWISH FUNERAL HOME SERVING FAMILIES THROUGHOUT MARYLAND, WASHINGTON, D.C. AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
Sagel Bloomfield
Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care
ARTICLE BY DAVID ROBERT LAMBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SAGEL BLOOMFIELD
“We saw that there was great opportunity for us to take our time in the industry and our expertise, along with our staff, to really think about what we can do differently.”
Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care is proud to serve the Jewish community with dignified Jewish & green burials to families throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. In a Jewish funeral, the focus is on prayers, psalms, and a eulogy, with mourners often participating in the burial process by filling the grave with earth.
They are members of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America. JFDA was organized in 1932 and is the oldest and largest organization of its kind with members in the United States and Canada. Albert Bloomfield is the current JFDA President.
HISTORY OF DANZANSKY AND GOLDBERG
The funeral home’s roots date back to the establishment of the Danzansky Funeral Parlor in 1920. It quickly became a vital part of the Greater Washington Jewish community, known for its community involvement and charitable work.
In the late 1960s, Danzansky merged with the Goldberg family’s funeral business, forming Danzansky-Goldberg Chapels. This merger helped solidify its reputation as a leading Jewish funeral provider in the region.
During the 1970s, the business moved from Washington, D.C., to Rockville, Maryland, establishing a prominent location on Rockville Pike that became a local landmark.
In 1991, the Goldberg family sold their interest in the company to Service Corporation International (SCI), the largest provider of death care in the country.
Edward Sagel, a first-generation funeral director, began his career at Danzansky-Goldberg in 1991. After a period under SCI management, Sagel founded his own funeral home, Edward Sagel Funeral Direction, in 1994. SCI eventually acquired both Sagel’s firm and Danzansky-Goldberg Memorial Chapels.
PRESENT-DAY SAGEL BLOOMFIELD
In 2014, Edward Sagel, alongside Albert Bloomfield (a third-generation funeral director with deep roots
in the Jewish funeral industry), purchased both Danzansky-Goldberg Memorial Chapels and Sagel Funeral Direction from SCI. This marked a return to independent, locally-focused ownership.
Because well-known Danzansky Goldberg played a significant role in the Jewish community of the Washington metropolitan area, Sagel Bloomfield honors their predecessors by keeping the name. There are no longer any Danzansky or Goldberg family members participating in the business.
A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
They provide cremation services, burial services, and an onsite chapel.
Bloomfield said, "Funeral service in general, nationwide, is a very traditional business." He said their industry is very slow to change. On the other hand, both Sagel and Bloomfield worked for SCI and saw many of the forward-thinking things they do. The problem is, SCI is so big it's hard to roll out new, creative ideas to the local level.
He continued to say, “When we bought the business back from SCI in 2014, having both [Sagel and Bloomfield] worked in New Jersey and here in Maryland for SCI for about 18 years, we saw that there was great opportunity for us to take our time in the industry and our expertise, along with our staff, to really think about what we can do differently, and then to be able to actually implement those changes and put them into place to then serve our community better.”
They take a personal interest in each customer. They operate based on Jewish values that “the community will take care of us if we take care of it.”
Bloomfield said, “We try not to say no to any families [and] will bend over backwards to help a family. In the last 10 years, we’ve donated in-kind services, upwards of $300,000, to families in need who didn’t have the ability to pay for their funerals.”
Sagel has been licensed since 1991, and Bloomfield since 1993. Both have sons who are studying to become licensed. It’s a family business.
ONLINE OBITUARIES
On their website, you can leave a message of condolence, and use the obituaries search feature to find the latest local obituaries & death notices. You will discover beautiful and respectful online tribute pages where you can leave messages of support for families, share stories and photos, and make charitable donations.
MEMORIAL TREES
Another option in the Online Obituaries section of the website is for others to plant one or more trees as a way to show the family they care. When they choose to have a memorial tree planted for your loved one, they are doing more than simply putting a plant in the ground. They are making a long-term commitment to the environment, ensuring the memories of your loved one will last on our planet for countless years to come.
MONUMENT DIVISION
Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care, Monument Division, offers outdoor memorial plaques, bronze markers, granite markers, mausoleums, monuments, and headstones. Their Monument Division specialists have helped families of all faiths in Maryland and DC select and design permanent tributes for loved ones. The caring and experienced professionals will guide you through the entire process: creating a unique design, securing the necessary cemetery permits, and the final installation or unveiling of the monument. They offer personalized memorials, outdoor memorial benches, headstones,
footstones, bronze signs, or bronze plaques for pets, civic groups, parks, and cemeteries. Many products can be personalized with photos or etchings customized to your needs.
PETS ARE FAMILY, TOO
Since 2020, pet funeral services have been available from their sister company, Forever Faithful Pet Cremation & Funeral Care. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and they are honored to support families across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area during such an emotional time. Many local pet parents have shared heartfelt messages about the compassion and care they received through this service.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care is located at 170 Rollins Avenue in Rockville. They stand ready to assist you. If a death has occurred, they invite you to call them at 301-340-1400.
They are proud to serve the Jewish community and invite you to explore their website sagelbloomfield.com to learn more about their Jewish funeral services.
If you have any questions or concerns about Forever Faithful Pet Cremation & Funeral Care, please do not hesitate to contact them at 240-428-1348 or visit foreverfaithfulcares.com/contact-us/rockville-md.
David Robert Lambert is a freelance writer and certified pickleball coach who has lived in Potomac for over 30 years. He enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Deborah.
GIVING BACK
ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE | PHOTGRAPHY BY CHRISTA BOOTH
High school sweethearts Christina and Eddie Sledge reconnected in 1999, eloping during a snowstorm with “two quarters in their pockets.” Twenty-five years later, they are proud parents of two daughters, Tiara (24) and Olivia (17), and the founders of Sledge House Media, a company built during the pandemic to share their love story, and help others tell theirs. Their journey inspired a book and film, Joined by Fate, and has
since grown into books, short films, podcasts, and publishing consulting.
At the heart of their work is community. Eddie recalls the Salvation Army and Red Cross helping his family after a fire when he was 12, an act of kindness that stayed with him. Christina, influenced by her great-grandmother’s generosity, now serves on the Red Cross board for Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick Counties.
Husband and Wife Team Edward and Christina Sledge Focus on Family, Philanthropy, and Community
One of their proudest projects is the children’s book A Day at Shea, inspired by Eddie’s childhood adventure of attending a Mets game alone. Partnering with the Brooklyn Cyclones, they sponsored a reading program rewarding kids with free tickets, making sure no child has to go alone. They also donated 200 tickets to first responders and their families, creating lasting community traditions.
For Christina and Eddie, their greatest legacy is showing their daughters, and their community, that passion, integrity, and giving back are what truly matter.
“Our legacy is about staying true to yourself, being a good person, and always having faith and integrity.”
For more information
• Website: SledgeHouseMedia.com,
• Instagram: @SledgeHouseMedia,
• Facebook: @SledgeHouseMedia,
• Radio Show & Podcast: sledgehousemedia.com/lounging
• American Red Cross: redcross.org/donate/donation RedCross.org/Give
• Salvation Army: give.virginiasalvationarmy.org/ give/323240
“Our legacy is about staying true to yourself, being a good person, and always having faith and integrity,” says Christina Sledge. Together with her husband Eddie, the couple built Sledge House Media to share stories of love, faith, and community, while showing their daughters the power of passion and giving back.
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Women entrepreneurs in the life sciences, healthcare and technology industries are getting a jump on the competition via Springboard Enterprises’ innovative pitch events.
DOLPHIN TANK HELPS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SUCCEED
As a medical resident, Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne saw more than her fair share of nosebleeds, most of which did not require treatment in the ER. Other than taping two tongue dispensers together to help patients pinch their noses and stop the blood flow, there wasn’t that much she could do for them. With more than 500,000 emergency room visits for nosebleeds annually, Clayborne wondered why there wasn’t a simple device to help address this issue.
Today, thanks to Clayborne’s ingenuity and the support of D.C.based nonprofit Springboard Enterprises, which promotes women entrepreneurs in healthcare, technology and life sciences, her vision has become a reality.
Clayborne’s product, the NasaClip, provides a quick, simple solution to stop nosebleeds in a matter of minutes. Using two soft sponges and a clip, the hands-free device provides constant pressure that stops common nosebleeds. The product also has the potential to be used as an intranasal drug delivery device.
Now an ER physician who also teaches at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Clayborne launched her NasaClip company in 2020 and was able to secure additional funding through
Springboard Enterprises’ Dolphin Tank program, a pitch event for women entrepreneurs similar to the popular Shark Tank program, minus the cutthroat competition.
“Through Springboard’s Life Sciences Innovation Program, as well as the Dolphin Tank events, I had the opportunity to meet a number of potential angel investors and venture capitalists, in addition to networking with other female founders and supportive people that you can rely on when you need a particular resource,” says Clayborne, who now serves as CEO and co-founder of NasaClip. Her reusable nosebleed rescue device was officially offered to consumers on Amazon in early April.
“Our Dolphin Tank events, which we refer to as the friendly version of Shark Tank, offer women-led companies an opportunity to pitch an idea, make connections and get capital and insights from investors and advisors
in their industry,” says Rachel Rong, Director of Operations at Springboard. “These are dynamic, inclusive and enjoyable gatherings created to empower women entrepreneurs and foster a strong sense of community." Companies are selected through an application process or referral from Springboard’s partners and affiliates and are invited to present an idea or product to a panel of three or four industry experts/investors. The entrepreneur then delivers a 3-minute pitch, including a specific “ask” addressing a challenge or a unique opportunity. Solutions, connections, strategies, and opportunities for investment are then crowdsourced from the audience.
“What’s unique about our Dolphin Tanks is the engagement the entrepreneurs have with the panelists and the connections with the audience, which includes investors, other women founders and experts in the
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2025 DMV Dolphin Tank
life sciences, healthcare and tech industries who are very enthusiastic about supporting the participants and can provide them with the tools and guidance needed to propel their business to the next stage of growth,” says Rong.
“THROUGH SPRINGBOARD’S LIFE SCIENCES INNOVATION PROGRAM, AS WELL AS THE DOLPHIN TANK EVENTS, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET A NUMBER OF POTENTIAL ANGEL INVESTORS AND VENTURE CAPITALISTS, IN ADDITION TO NETWORKING WITH OTHER FEMALE FOUNDERS.”
— DR. ELIZABETH CLAYBORNE
Over the past 15 years, more than 800 companies have presented at 150 Dolphin Tank events, held in 14 countries, 42 cities, in front of more than 8,500 attendees. Springboard, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has helped to launch more than 930 women-led companies, including 28 IPOs and 10 unicorn companies (firms with a valuation over $1 billion).
“I believe the best part of the program is the great connections that come out of each Dolphin Tank,” says Rong. “Some of our investors have included Pivotal Ventures, the philanthropic organization founded by Melinda French Gates, a D.C.-based investment firm called Revolution, and Portfolia, a woman-focused venture capital firm.”
Rong believes the engagement with fellow women entrepreneurs, in addition to the support from the local community, is the key to the program’s success.
“The strategic introductions I got through the Springboard programs were amazing,” says Clayborne. “You’re working with other founders who are in the same stage of development or in your same ecosystem, as well as getting that lift and exposure to both networking and fundraising opportunities and the expertise to grow your company, which is so important as a female entrepreneur.”
2025 SXSW Dolphin Tank
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H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
