Bungalow Lakehouse 3 Meet the Earlys LoudounTribune.com
Volume 2
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The Nutcracker Comes To Loudoun
Number 9
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November 2018
Junior Reporter Contest Contestant Emily Westgate BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com “This is Emily Westgate reporting live from Catoctin Elementary School ...” With that line, a creative fifth-grader may have launched her journalism career. Emily submitted a news story as part of the WTOP Junior Reporter Competition, and she has been selected to enter the second phase of the competition, which is online voting by the public. Emily's mother, Jen Westgate, said she saw information about the contest and thought it was a perfect fit for Emily. “Ever since Emily was 2, I knew that somehow she was going to be on stage or something like that,” Jen said. “She has a very outgoing personality and I have always tried to nurture that. “She is also very creative. She is very self-confident and everybody is always saying how she has a big personality. She is always coming up with great ideas and interesting stories.” Continued on Page 22
Ave Maria Academy Of Ballet Changing Lives in Loudoun BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com
B
allet is an international art form, and Maria-Monica Koo's life certainly exemplifies that fact.
Her journey at a very young age from South Korea to Washington, D.C., came about because of a Russian ballet school. Five years ago, she established the Ave Maria Academy of Ballet in Ashburn, right in the heart of one of the most culturally diverse and internation-
ally represented counties in the United States. “Loudoun County is a good place (for a ballet academy),” Koo said. “I see a lot of parents wanting to do the best for their children.”
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How Do You Run A Restaurant? “You are not an Owner, you are an Owe-er” BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com
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Bungalow Lakeshouse
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K
eith and Cheryl Early say their success in the restaurant business can be boiled down to one overriding principle. “You are not an owner; you are an owe-er,” Keith said. “I learned at an early age that it's all about how you treat the customers and staff. Cheryl and I are kindred spirits in that we always have believed and understood that philosophy. We owe the customer a great experience for being our client and the staff is who represents us.” That philosophy has proven to be successful, with the Early’s currently operating three Bungalow restaurants in Northern Virginia, with a fourth opening in Ashburn. “It's about making friends with a handshake and a smile,” Keith said. “The only difference between a Heineken here or an Amstel Light there or even a burger or a pizza is the delivery system and that’s the staff. Without that, everything else doesn't matter.” Keith Early said he became interested in the restaurant business at a very young age. “My mother was a waitress, and when they needed somebody to bus tables, they would bring me in,” he said. “I became a bartender, waiter, it didn't matter. I decided to pursue the industry.” Keith's first venture was Eskimo Nells in Arlington. “It didn't last long, but I got my feet wet,” he said. “It made me realize that the pursuit of your passions and the people you meet is what it's all about.”
Keith and Cheryl Early at Sterling Rotary's "Flags for Heroes" in front of The Bunglow Lakehouse
The next venture as owner operator was Rhiannon's in Springfield, which he described as an “upscale fine-dining saloon.” While he didn't find his forever business there, he did meet his forever partner – Cheryl Rose. “We actually met in the restaurant business,” Cheryl said. “I was a waitress, and I did every other job there was, secretarial, flight attendant, cocktail as well as a five-star captain.” They quickly found they had the same goals in life and a shared a work ethic to achieve those goals. “Cheryl was a single mother back then,” Keith said. “I noticed right away that nobody could clean glass like her, Rhiannon’s was under construction and she volunteered to help clean up.” With a smile Cheryl responded, “Attention to detail is important.” In 1997, the Early’s opened Bungalow Billiards and Brew in Chantilly. The initial Bungalow had 12 pool tables and 24 craft beers on tap but, according to Keith, it was “not a smoky pool hall. It was more a place for guys and girls to enjoy themselves together, it fast became the community gathering place.”
photo by EdTheDroneGuy
That was also the start of what continues to be the cornerstone of the Early’s success story. “I told Keith that if we are going to have a business like this, the food was going to be the best – period,” Cheryl said. “Keith was in the POS business and I had gone back as a flight attendant and I wasn’t going to give that up until I was sure this was going to be a success. I wanted to make sure we had something to fall back on.” The Chantilly Bungalow was so successful that the Early’s were able to open a second location a year later in Sterling's Cascades Marketplace. That location was eventually sold in 2008 to Brian and Taylor Jenkins – former employees who met while working for the Earlys. “We have bought and sold several restaurants,” Cheryl said. “and have owned and operated seven different restaurants in our career.” After opening the Bungalow Alehouse in Woodbridge in 2010, the Earlys jumped into their largest and most successful venture – the Bungalow Lakehouse in Sterling. “This building we actually own,” Keith said. “It was formerly a Lone Star Steakhouse and it was only about 4,000 square feet. We wrapped an addition around it to where it is now 12,000 square feet.” As their business has grown, so has their family. The Earlys are proud to have their four children involved in the family business in various capacities. Jeff Goleno, 36, is Cheryl's son from before she met Keith. He operates from the Chantilly property where the corporate offices are and handles marketing for all the restaurants. “Jeff has two sons, so we have two grandchildren,” Keith said. “He does all our marketing materials and does our social media and our website.”
Sean, 29, works at the Lakehouse and is poised to take over the business when Keith and Cheryl step away. “Sean grew up in the restaurant business,” Keith said. “We always joke that he was christened on the bar at Rhiannon's.” Dylan, 24, has worked as a busser, server, bartender and in the kitchen with food prep. He now handles management responsibilities on the late shift. Haley Early is 21 and is studying communications at George Mason University. She has also been a hostess and a server and can be called upon on a moments notice . “All the kids have come in and out of the business,” Keith said. “I like to say you have to let them go at least three times before they understand that it's a job. It is our hope that they will form a lasting family partnership.” Cheryl said the children adjusted well to balancing family life in a work environment. Continued on Page 11
Brian Reynolds | PUBLISHER 703.584.5757 LYCK Brian@LoudounTribune.com Joseph Dill | LEAD REPORTER 703.584.5758 Joseph@LoudounTribune.com Sharon Reed | REPORTER 703.584.5751 Naomi Diehl | EDITING 703.584.5751 Ed Levine | OPERATIONS 703.584.5761 Ed@LoudounTribune.com Andrea M. Ryder | ADVERTISING AndreaAdSales@Gmail.com 703.584.5754 ………………………………….. Notice: It is our policy is to continue to run your ad until we receive a written "STOP order" or if we have made previous arrangements or have an agreement with you. If we created your artwork for your AD, it can't be used in print or online without our written permission ………………………………….. Published by Tribune Media Group, LLC Sterling, VA Brian Reynolds | PRESIDENT Ed Levine | VICE PRESIDENT Raymond Roberts | CFO To Advertise Call 703.584.5761 or email Ed@LoudounTribune.com
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Did you miss а сору of News • Analysis • Community
Get it online at: LoudounTribune.Digital
Touching Heart Inspired By A Teen’s Action BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com
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H
elen Yi says she knows nothing about football, yet she just made former Washington Redskins linebacker Ken Harvey the face of her charity. She says she know nothing about golf, yet she has run a successful charity golf event for the past six years. The one thing Yi does know about is hearts – what they feel and, most importantly, if they are real. It was Harvey's heart, not his athleticism or fame, that convinced Yi to put Harvey in charge of her Touching Heart programs. “I am not picking him because he was a football player,” Yi said. “I'm picking him because he is a nice guy and he genuinely has a good heart. We have known him for several years, and we believe he is the person we need to take us to the next level.” Touching Heart is a nonprofit organization on a mission to spread the joy of giving among youth. “We challenge and inspire kids from first through 12th grade to think beyond themselves and make a difference,” Yi said. Harvey first learned about Touching Heart when his friend and former Redskins teammate, Darrell Green, invited him to play in the charity's golf tournament. “What I see in Helen is a person whose heart is totally into it,” Harvey said. “She is trying to build the next generation and she is giving and sacrificing her time and effort, and that is the original thing that drew me in. She didn't look at me as a superstar. She was just so appreciative that I was helping out. That struck a cord with me.” Harvey played linebacker in the NFL for 11 seasons after being drafted in the first round out of the University of California-Berkeley. After six
Former Washington Redskin Ken Harvey and founder Helen Yi
seasons with the Phoenix Cardinals, he finished his career by playing five years with the Washington Redskins. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was included on the list of the 70 Greatest Redskins compiled for the team's 70th anniversary in 2002. None of that impressed Yi, who doesn't even know what a linebacker is. “I'm sure football is great, but I don't really understand it,” Yi said. “I will be somewhere and everyone will start screaming, 'Did you see that?' I don't even know what any of it means.” Yi said her desire to help teach empathy and charity to the next generation started with her grandmother, Kang Jung-Sook, back in South Korea. “My grandmother was always giving,” Yi said. “She told me about how after the Korean War, she saw kids in the streets that were so hungry that they would put anything they found in their mouths. She told me that when she saw that, she just couldn't turn her back.”
“My grandparents were well off compared to the other people in that they had land and my grandmother ran a silk business. They ended up building four orphanages – two for boys and two for girls. I really looked up to her. She is my hero.” Yi's father came to the United States to attend a seminary and she moved here when she was 10 and her father became a Methodist pastor in Maryland. She went on to study business and started a family of her own with three children – Taylor, Isabel and Jason. She said the seed that became Touching Heart was planted by one of her children. “When Taylor was 13 we were going to have a birthday party,” Yi said. “She has always heard me talking about her grandmother, I guess, so she asked if instead of her friends bringing presents, they donate to the charity of their choice. I thought that was an amazing idea.”
Yi and her daughter started looking for ways to build on the success of that party, and that process would lead to Touching Heart. “Eight years ago, there were not that many non-profits doing this,” Yi said. “I was searching online and I didn't really find anything. Taylor said, 'Why don't we start an organization?' She knew of my grandmother, and she said 'We can carry her on her legacy and dedicate this organization to grandmother.” Touching Heart grew and now offers four programs to help children develop giving attitudes and even run their own charity events. • Kids on a Mission pairs groups of children with a coach to plan and host a fundraising events. • Our Schools on a Mission helps organize after-school programs to raise awareness of poverty and hunger around the world. • Art of Giving Workshops are hand-on workshops where children can get involved in projects that actually help people around the world or in their own community. • Summer Service Camp, where children spend five days learning and creating ways to give back. “The whole idea is for them to see the impact they are making,” Yi said. “That really resonates with them. For example, we did a Santa's Workshop last year in Ashburn, where we provided the wrapping paper and people brought things in, like hats, gloves and socks, and we would wrap them and donate them to the homeless shelter.” Yi had given up her IT job when she started Touching Heart eight years ago. She said she had already been thinking about stepping back a little from her charity to go back to focusing on her career. “When I decided to start this, I was thinking maybe I would give up Continued on Page 27
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Ask Dr. Mike: Having a Mild-Life Crisis? Here’s What You Should Do BY DR. MIKE OBERSCHNIEDER, PSY.D. Ashburn Psychological and Psychiatric Services DrMike@LoudounTribune.com
“P
robably the happiest period in life most frequently is in middle age, when the eager passions of youth are cooled, and the infirmities of age not yet begun; as we see that the shadows, which are morning and evening so large, almost entirely disappear at midday.” - Eleanor Roosevelt The Canadian psychoanalyst, Elliott Jacques coined the term “mid-life crisis” in 1965. Developmentally, Jacques believed that mid-life is a transitional phase rife with uncertainty and emotional conflict pertaining to one’s sense of mortality. Later research in this area has found that to varying degrees people during mid-life can experience disappointment, regret, dissatisfaction and unhappiness in both their work life and personal life. Research has shown that the phenomenon occurs most often for individuals in their 40s and early 50s (and even earlier for women), and approximately 10% to 20% of individuals experience a midlife crisis. There has been some very interesting recent research on the mid-life crisis phenomenon showing that happiness and contentment across the lifespan is experienced in a U-shape curve. In these studies, younger individuals have been found to be satisfied with their lives, while middle age individuals showed a significant drop in happiness, and then individuals in their later years experience a renewed sense of life purpose and happiness. There is also an emerging body of research in economics that is
looking at job satisfaction across the lifespan. Those results have shown a U-shape curve — higher levels in early work and later work experiences, with dropping levels during the ages associated with the mid-life crisis. Interestingly, these results are not gender exclusive and do not discriminate across culture or socio-economic status. Common mid-life crisis symptoms include: depression, unhappiness in your marriage, sleep struggles, preoccupation with your appearance, weight gain or loss, being tired or bored, losing interest in the things you used to find pleasure in, thoughts of dying, increased consumption of alcohol or drugs, disconnecting with old friends and making excessive or extreme decisions – buying a sports car, having an affair or changing careers. So, if you are middle age and find yourself struggling in any of these ways, here are a few helpful tips to consider. Get active. Research has shown that being active and exercising boosts energy, promotes better sleep, helps to fight off illnesses, increases your libido and lifts your mood. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, so if you are feeling badly about yourself or your life, drinking will likely makes things worse. Enjoying a beer or a glass of wine with friends can complement a moment, but drinking in excess is a bad idea if you are experiencing a mid-life crisis. Spend time with your children. Your children are an extension of you, so spending time with them should serve to help you center yourself. Seeing your child’s joy will have a positive impact on you and will help to remind you of how important your family is and how important you are to your family.
Make a vision board. Get a cork board and thumbtack some short term and long term visual goals for yourself on it. Magazine and Google images are great places to start. Perhaps you could tack up a picture of a happy couple or family, or a beach house, or someone your age in good shape, or a retirement check to yourself, etc. Whatever your short or long term goals are, keeping them in sight in this way will remind you of what matters most. Get outside. Research has shown that spending time outside can boost mental health, improve blood pressure and decrease cancer risk. Do something different. Doing the same thing over and over the same way can become boring or even laborious, especially if your struggling emotionally. So, take a new way home from work, try something different for lunch or start a hobby. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can begin to find renewed excitement and purpose. Meditate or pray. Research has shown a number of benefits to prayer and meditation. People who pray or mediate report experiencing a greater sense of inner peace and purpose, reduced depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure and improved relationships. Also, believing in God, or something greater than yourself, can serve to humble you to better appreciate the awesomeness of life. Get social. As human beings we are social beings, and research has shown that building and experiencing social connections is a sure fire way to improve mood and emotional wellbeing and to decrease feelings of depression. Socializing is also good for physical health – actively social people have stronger immune sys-
Dr. Mike Oberschnieder, Psy.D. tems, and studies have even shown a positive relationship between socializing and lowered risk of dementia for older adults. Focus on the good. There is real power to positive thinking with numerous research studies showing that people who think positively experience better psychological and physical wellbeing. People who think positively also tend to be more successful in life, have better relationships and an increased life span. Spend time with your spouse or significant other. If you are struggling in mid-life, make it a priority to spend more time with your significant other. One-on-one time, does not need to be a big night out on the town, although date nights are important for any marriage, but letting your partner know how you are feeling and what you are needing is a must. Get Help. You do not need to have a serious mental health condition to participate in therapy. Meeting with a psychologist, even on a short-term basis, can help you to process and think through your mi-life struggles, develop more adaptive and productive coping skills and reframe and redefine your life course.
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
Listing? These Ten Tips Will Set You Apart JORDAN FOSTER, Realtor, Pearson Smith Realty
E
ven in a seller’s market, it’s important to put your home’s best face forward. Here are ten tips that will help you sell quickly and at top dollar:
1. Engage a REALTOR ® Even if you think you’re comfortable managing the sales process, real estate agents have access to a massive network of leads and know how to market your property effectively. They’re also up-to-date on the latest contractual requirements, and have the negotiating experience to ensure a smooth sale. 2. Price Competitively, But Fairly Once you’ve hired an agent, he or she will make a recommendation about the appropriate price for your home. Agree on a number that won’t price out potential buyers, but also fairly represents your home’s market value and improvements. Legal additions, a new pool, and upgrades to a home’s finishings should all be considered when arriving at a reasonable asking price. 3. Neutralize Your Spaces You might love your red wall and abstract art collection, but potential buyers may not share your taste. Cast a wider net—consider neutral paint colors and flooring that will appeal to
a broader market. Remember—you’ve already made the decision to move on, so there will be plenty of opportunity to put your stamp on a brand new place. 4. Get Rid of Clutter Buyers are trying to imagine themselves in your house, and that can be hard to do if your treadmill is in the kitchen. Keep clutter off of your counters, put toys and excess papers into their rightful homes, and consider a temporary storage unit for larger items. Even if you have a lot of space, the “stuff ” that accumulates with everyday life can make your home feel cramped. 5. Set the Stage Even if you don’t hire a professional, consider staging your home. Show potential buyers how they can use a space rather than making them do the mental gymnastics. Use stylish-but-neutral furniture that is sized appropriately, but doesn’t overtake the room with a massive footprint. Find a balance between showcasing space and function. 6. Limit Pet Access Fido is a member of the family, but be sure he isn’t roaming the house during showings. It might make sense to hire a professional cleaning crew to minimize pet odors, and you should also have a plan for pet care when you know people will be touring your home. A barking dog or chatty parrot will distract from what you’re trying
to accomplish: making buyers feel at home. 7. Create an Ambience Once your home is clean, clutter-free, and staged, consider incorporating scent using a plug-in or reed diffuser. DO go for subtle, fresh smells that will enhance the impression of an open, airy space. DON’T grab your favorite pumpkin spice candle and assume others will love it as much as you do. This also isn’t the time to cook meals with a distinctive smell. If you have already vacated the property, keep the utilities on so that the temperature is comfortable and the home can be well-lit during tours and open houses. 8. Don’t Forget the Yard The last thing a potential buyer wants to think about is the amount of maintenance that will go into their new place. Enhance your curb appeal by sprucing up the yard, removing dead plants, and incorporating bright colors for a friendly appearance. Make sure any landscaping is clear of debris. If you have a pool, now is the time to ensure the filter works and the water is sparkling. 9. Beat Feet for the Open House Nothing is worse than trying to evaluate a home with an eager seller breathing down your neck. I understand—you’ve spent years in this place, and that comes with memories. You’re proud of your home, and you’re excited to share it with others. Remember,
though, that you’ve also decided to let it go—and buyers will want to assess it without worrying about hurting your feelings. Do yourself and your prospects a favor and take a few hours off. 10. Make Outstanding Repairs That basement drywall you’ve been meaning to patch since 2014? Now is your moment. Don’t present an unfinished canvas to buyers—you want them to view a home that exudes pride and quality, and that won’t come across if your shingles are falling off and the paint is peeling. Even simple fixes can go a long way. Do you have a real estate question, or do you or someone you know need a qualified agent? Contact me anytime at jordan.foster@PearsonSmithRealty.com, or visit me online at JordanSellsNova.com
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WAREHOUSE SPACE NEEDED! Each October 1st, the Loudoun County Toys for Tots season begins, and each year, they are tasked with securing warehouse space in which to run our toy collection, sorting, and distribution operation. The past several years they have been fortunate in securing space which was generously donated by various building owners. This year, they are having difficulty in securing space and therefore are appealing to the communities for assistance by getting the word out about this need with the hope that someone has space they would be willing to donate for two months (November 15, 2018, through January 15, 2019). They are looking for approximately 10,000 to 12,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, preferably with a loading dock, located in Loudoun County. They are a non-profit organization and will provide a tax letter as well as a Certificate of Insurance. Although Loudoun is an affluent county, there is still a great need to assist families. Last year they provided more than 7,000 toys to The Salvation Army which allowed them to operate a Toy Shop (in addition to their Angel Tree program), where families in need could go and select toys for their children. In order for them to conduct this program, it is critical that they find a space for operations. If you can help, please email FrankHoltz@verizon.net
Thank you, Frank Holtz - Toys for Tots Coordinator, Loudoun County PS - Happy Birthday Marine Corps - 10 Nov
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
Lakeshouse
Sean, Haley and Dylan
in growing the business. They said Facilities Manager Tim Reedy and Chef Bobby Vickers are crucial to the operation. Danny Bishop, CFO and Kristen Dean, HRD are the glue that bind the whole company. But without day to day management from our outstanding managers, so it is not just family management, there is a complete and solid team that makes the Lakehouse what it is. “When we travel, we like to sample a lot of different food and we take pictures of what we like,” Keith said. “When you get to a certain level, you become very chef-centric. Chef Bobby
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“When Sean and Dylan are working with customers, they never say they are the owners,” she said. “We taught them not to do that. It's so nice to get a Yelp review and they say how well they were treated by Sean or Dylan and there is no mention that they are part of the ownership. It makes me proud they are my kids.” Like most restaurants in Loudoun County, finding quality employees who can afford this area's cost of living can be difficult. Keith and Cheryl said they deal with the workforce shortages with constant recruitment and retention efforts. “We always have a sign up that we are hiring,” Keith said. “We have always had a no-tolerance policy as far as customer abuse. We don't let people disrespect our employees.” Cheryl said attracting good employees and keeping them happy can be a challenge. “We treat them very well. and they can make good money,” she said. “I also think it makes a difference that we are diligent in keeping a clean facility. They know what they can expect every time they enter.” The Earlys also said loyalty from key employees has been important
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from page 3
Jeff Goleno with Michael and Nick
has always been able to understand what we want to see and put a new twist on it.” The Earlys are also proud of former employees who have moved on from 'Bungalow U.' "Jason Bursey was a bartender for us and now he has Parallel Wine and Whiskey in Ashburn and he has food trucks,” Keith said. “Kevin Bendarz was a flair bartender and we even put him in competition in Las Vegas. Now, he has a comic shop in Ashburn and he owns Ashburn Pub, everything these guys do is extraordinary.” The Earlys don't even seem to notice the hard work and long hours
Bungalow Nation
they have endured as restaurant owners. “I like to think we have created places that are fun, so I like being there,” Keith said. “We just feel very fortunate and very humble about it. She and I are a real team and we have been doing this together for 35 years. And that is its own reward.” The Earlys, living their motto of being “owe-ers,” also contribute a tremendous amount of time, effort, resources and money to local charities. Nearly every month they open the Bungalow Lakehouse to community and charity events and sponsor many causes in Loudoun.
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American Ninja Warrior Junior Local Gym Trains Prime Time Players BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com
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Max Feinberg enjoys hanging around at Nova Ninja
Hu, 12, lives in Oak Hill in Fairfax County. The other two from Nova Ninja who made it through the selection process and attended the filming are Max Feinberg, 14 and from McLean, Riley MacArthur, 10 and from Rockville, Maryland. They are all coached by Casey Passafaro, a two-time participant on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” and co-owner of Crossfit Loudoun and Northern Virginia Ninja.
“Each of these kids has their own individual talents,” Passafaro said. “Kacey has that gymnastic background and I could see it in her balance right away. I was walking out of the gym and I saw her do the warp wall. I just stopped, and said ‘I don’t know who your are but you’re really good.’ Balance is her strength. Now, she wants to work hard on her grip strength and do even better next year.” Passafaro said Kacey Hu’s background in individual sports like gymnastics and swimming is typical of people who succeed in ninja competition. “You have to self-disciplined and self-motivated,” Passafaro said. “You don’t have teammates you can fall back on or rely on. It’s just you against the obstacle.” Max Feinberg took a different path to ninja training than Kacey Hu, but he does share the strong sense of independence and individualism. “I was never really into the team sports,” he said. “In elementary school, I started playing in the gym and on the monkey bars. Then when I was in like fourth grade I started doing barkour (a different type of obstacle course training). After I started watching the show (“American Ninja Warriors”) I tried to replicate the obstacles in my basement. We found this gym about a year and a half ago and now this is my home gym.” After her success in making the “American Ninja Warrior” show, Passafaro began attracting adult clients to train and coach. Eventually, she decided to start training kids and added a team concept to add the competitive element. “As more and more kids were joining and they were getting better,
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I
f you watched very closely when Universal Kids TV network aired the first episode of “American Ninja Warrior Junior” on Oct. 13, you might have caught a glimpse of Kacey Hu, who trains at Northern Virginia Ninja in Sterling. Thousands of children went through the arduous application and auditioning process, and three children who train at Nova Ninja were selected to attend the filming of the first season last summer in Los Angeles. Hu will be featured as the season unfolds, but is also featured briefly in the opening for each episode. “We are definitely feeling very blessed and thankful because Kacey didn’t have any ninja experience before this,” said Joey Hu, Kacey’s mother. “She had seven years of gymnastics, she swims, plays lacrosse and is SCUBA certified.”
Kacey Hu of Oak Hill trains ad Nova
we wanted to have the team aspect Ninja in Sterling and add the team atmosphere to a sport that’s very much individualized,” like her. That’s a lot more fun than she said. “We group the kids on teams training with mom and dad in the based on their experience and abilities, park.” and it gives them an opportunity to The parents of the three ninja demonstrate their skills and to help stars – including Max’s mother, Debbie and encourage each other.” Feinberg – described the lengthy, meIn addition to their coach, many ticulous application process. of the children training at Nova Ninja “There were six pages of queshave another Kacy in common – tions, essays and you had to send “American Ninja Warriors” icon Kacy pictures, videos, references from their Catanzaro. That Kacy became the teachers and report cards,” Feinberg first woman to complete the obstacle said. course during Season 6 in 2014. Passafaro said that is similar to the “I remember watching her get casting for the adult television show. all the way and hit the buzzer,” Riley “It’s all about the backstory,” she MacArthur said of the event that said. “People don’t want to watch got her hooked. “She is still the only failure, or people who can’t handle woman to complete the course. She is failure. You will never see a villain on my hero, but she also taught me to be the adult shows – no big egos. Ninja my own hero. (Kacy) always was on competition is a community. It’s about the show in superhero costumes. One building each other up and supporting time she came and she was just dressed each other.” in all green. They asked her why and Universal Kids has released the she said, ‘Because I am my own hero.’ video for the first episode. Kacey Hu’s I have a shirt that says, ‘I am my own bracket is not included in the initial hero.’” episode, she got about 2 seconds of Passafaro said safety and encourair time. She is featured in the openagement are her two main focuses ing sequence, which starts with Kacy when coaching children. Catanzaro launching herself into the “They are special kids, but they are air and cuts into Kacey Hu landing still kids,” Passafaro said. “It’s a tough on a platform. That clip is particularly sport. No matter how hard you train special to Hu. and how good you are, it only takes “When I watched Kacy become one silly mistake and it’s over. You’re the first woman to make it up the warp done. They need motivation, but they wall, that inspired me to do the same,” also need encouragement.” Hu said. “It made me want to work Mike MacArthur, Riley’s father, hard so I can go out and pulverize the captured the special nature of these course.” ninja kids with a story about Riley The people who attended the when they were coming back from filming know the outcome, but they the “American Ninja Warrior Junior” are not allowed to talk about it. filming. “I didn’t even watch the finals,” “She didn’t want to leave,” he said. Mike MacArthur said. “I know I could “She had met all these kids who were never keep it secret.”
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Maria-Monica Koo Performing
Ballet from page 1
She started ballet at age 3 in her mother's ballet school in South Korea. She moved from there to Sunhwa Arts School in Seoul, considered the best arts school in South Korea and one of the top schools in the world. At age 12, she caught the attention of the legendary Roy Tobias, a founding member of the New York City Ballet, who selected her to perform the lead role of Clara in Universal Ballet's production of “The Nutcracker.” “I was very excited about it because you are only given one chance like that in your lifetime,” Koo said. “Universal Ballet only offers an audition each year to seventh-grade Sunhwa Arts School students because they have the most talented ballet students in South Korea. It is very competitive and, of course, all the most talented ballerinas want that part. “My parents prayed all day so that I could be Clara. When I performed, my mom cried during every performance. She said it was the most happy moment in her life, watching me perform on stage.” At age 13, she was instructed by Mariinsky Ballet's Artistic Director,
Oleg Vinogradov, to receive a full scholarship to attend the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington. Vinogradov directed Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet from 1977 to 2001. “I received a full scholarship,” Koo said. “I completed six years of training there. Kirov Academy is a boarding school, so we would sleep, eat, study academics and take dance classes all day. The most difficult part was missing my mom.” After finishing at Kirov, Koo spent several years touring the world as a renowned performer. Then, she transitioned into a successful career as an artistic director. Under her direction and founder and artistic director, Gainesville Ballet School won the 2012 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization, presented by the Prince William County Arts Council. She has instructed aspiring dancers at both Gainesville Ballet School and the Washington School of Ballet. About five years ago, she brought her talents to Loudoun County, establishing the Ave Maria Academy of Ballet in Ashburn. In addition to annual Spring Recitals, Ave Maria performed “Swan Lake” last year and is preparing for a
performance of “The Nutcracker” Nov. 17 in the Wadell Theater at NOVA Community College in Sterling. She quickly established a loyal base of students. “I have been here since it opened,” said Adie Denenberg, who will be in the role of Clara in the upcoming “Nutcracker” performance. “Miss Maria is the one who brought the love and passion to me for ballet. She has brought me very far and has helped me get to where I am right now.” While Koo may have simply fanned the flames of Denenberg's passion, she might have reinvigorated a dancer who was losing interest in Catherine Fortune. “I started with real general dance classes when I was 4,” said Fortune, who will be the Princess of the Kingdom of the Sweets in 'The Nutcracker.' “We didn't do much ballet. I just sort of remember dancing around like a bunny. When I was 8, I took ballet classes at another studio. I didn't feel like I was getting enough training because we were learning the same stuff every year. One day, we were just driving down the road and we saw the sign that she was opening. We walked in and I was registered right then.”
Ave Maria Academy of Ballet is adjacent to the W&OD bike trail on Ashburn Road. The 4,000-square-foot building includes three studios, all equipped with specially designed, resilient flooring with marley coverings. Last year, Koo performed the lead roles of Odile and Odette in Ave Maria's production of “Swan Lake.” The male lead, Prince Pas de deux, was played by Casey Herd, the former principal dancer with the Dutch National Ballet and former dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Having already achieved success as a ballet performer and artistic director, Koo is now gaining notoriety as an instructor. Her pupils have been chosen to dance with the Pennsylvania Ballet and Kirov Ballet, and have been accepted to study with the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. "I am very proud of my students," Koo said. “They know the beauty of classical ballet and they are very kind to each other. They have the hearts of young girls and I am so lucky to have them. They are my angels.” For more information about Ave Maria Academy of Ballet of the upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker,” visit AveMariaBallet.org.
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
The Nutcracker Comes To Loudoun! BY TRIBUNE STAFF
S
ugar Plum Fairies, Snowflakes, the Mouse King and, of course, Clara will spring to life when the Ave Maria Academy of Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Nov. 17 at NOVA Community College in Sterling. Ave Maria Artistic Director Maria-Monica Koo will combine her world-renowned talents with Tchaikovsky's classic score to help ring in the holiday season. Lead roles in Act I include Adie Denenberg as Clara, Blythe Kara as Fritz and the doll, Nikki Jack as the
Nutcracker and Karen Gill as the Mouse King. In Act II, Catherine Fortune is the Princess of the Kingdom of Sweets, Hannah Scarlatoiu is the Sugar Plum Fairy, Blythe Kara is the Cupid Fairy and Amr Farouk is the Prince of the Kingdom of Sweets. Farouk is a guest dancer and one of the adults in the cast. He is a native of Giza, Egypt and has performed around the world. Denenberg, a 14-year-old student at Briar Woods High School, said landing the role as Clara is a dream come true.
“The Nutcracker is very special to me and is one of my favorite ballets because I love the acting on stage,” Denenberg said. “It is very special to me to perform Clara. I can really connect to her on stage.” Denenberg said her long-term goal is to become a professional dancer. “I started taking general dance classes when I was 3,” she said. “When I was 12, I knew I wanted to do ballet for the rest of my life. Ever since I saw 'The Nutcracker' for the first time, I knew I wanted to play Clara. When I see ballets like 'The Nutcracker,' I feel a passion inside. It
warms my heart.” Fortune, 15 and home-schooled, lives in Belmont Green. "I've always wanted to do a Princess role, but in the Nutcracker audition, I didn’t think I did very well,” she said. Fortune said she was pleasantly surprised when she saw the cast list and that she would be dancing the part of the Princess of the Kingdom of Sweets. The performance is scheduled at 5 p.m. on Nov. 17 in NOVA's Wadell Theater. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit avemariaballet. org.
Ave Maria Academy Of Ballet
The Nutcracker November 17, 2018 5pm For Ticket Info www.AveMariaBallet.org At NOVA Community College in Sterling
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Behind The Scenes Christmas Tree Lighting At One Loudoun BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com
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very special to us at One Loudoun,” Julie Dillion,” Hjort said of the said Andria Chatmon, Eastern Dioriginal idea for the giant tree at vision Marketing Manager for RPAI One Loudoun. “The beauty of Management. “We see it as a way the tree is that Bill and Julie both to invite the community in and welcome them to the holiday season. This is our big 'Thank you' for the community and way to show that we appreciate their patronage.” Hjort has been providing and decorating the One Loudoun tree since the event started six years ago under Miller & Smith, the original developers of Replanted Christmas Tree One Loudoun. Over the past year, management has transitioned to RPAI, which agreed wanted to have a live tree – a tree to purchase the property for more that looks like all the rest but that than $150 million in September could be replanted after Christmas. 2016. So we always use a live tree that is “It goes back to Bill May and replanted the first week of January somewhere in the community. “A buddy of mine owns a nursery over in Maryland. I pick the tree every year. Julie went with me the first year, but since then I have just sent her a picture and she gives it the OK. He digs it up and brings it on a big truck. We use a crane to lift it from the road and put it in a big box (full of dirt). We cover the box and then we just have to decorate it.” Being a landscaping contractor, Kjort has most of the equipment he needs to get the job done. He said he rents a cherry-picker to reach >
eet Brody, the Christmas Labradoodle. Every year, all kinds of creatures – elves and angels, polar bears and reindeer – spring to life to help add magic to the holiday season. Why not a labradoodle? Brody doesn't make toys, pull flying sleighs or even market carbonated beverages, but he is a trusted companion in making sure One Loudoun's Christmas Tree Lighting goes off without a hitch. Brody's human friend, Kris Hjort, owns K&H Landscaping, the firm responsible for selecting, transporting and decorating the giant tree that lights up the Plaza at One Loudoun every winter. Hjort said he and Brody make the final check every year to make sure the tree lights up when the switch is thrown. “We finish everything up Friday, and I don't get much sleep Friday night,” Kjort said. “It has become a tradition every year that I wake up at 4 or 5 that Saturday morning and I take Brody and make one last check to make sure every is good.” This year's tree-lighting is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1. The event will include entertainment, crafts for the kids, holiday horse-and-wagon rides, S'mores and other refreshments. Santa Claus will help light the Christmas tree and then pose for free photos. There will be a live, 10-foot ice sculpture demonstration and appearances by Poppy the Troll and the Sugarplum Fairy. “The Christmas Tree lighting is
the top of the trees, which range in height from 25 to 35 feet. “The One Loudoun philosophy is that we always have to take one holiday at a time,” Kjort said. “So we can't bring in the Christmas tree until Thanksgiving is over. We are pretty busy getting the tree into place and getting it decorated and ready for Dec. 1.” The tree lighting kicks off a busy month for One Loudoun. The Jingle Bell Rock & Run is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Dec. 15. There will be 5K and 10K races and a Jammie Jingle 1K fun run for people who don't want to change out of their pajamas to run. A new event this year at One Loudoun is LightUP Fest, an eightweek exhibition that combines the latest lighting technology and artisan crafted lanterns with acrobats and other performers. The festival begins Nov. 8 and runs until Jan. 2. LightUp Fest features 77 lighted displays presented in four themes: Tour of Fantasy, Freedom America, Mysterious East and Magical World. Events run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Tickets are available for individuals and in family packages. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TheLightupFest.com. When the holidays are over, the decorations are taken off the tree and it is replanted. For Chatmon, who remained in her position through the sale from Miller & Smith to RPAI, planning begins right away for the next Christmas. “We are planning this all through the summer,” Chatmon said. “We reserve our Santa every January, because Santas are not all the same and we want to make sure we have a really great one. We start playing Christmas music around the office in July, because we have to get in the mood to start planning this. “This is our big hurrah, that's how we look at it. It's one of the things we can do to give back to the community. When that tree goes on, and you see a kid's face light up – there is nothing like it.”
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
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Winter Driving Tips Knowledge and Prep Goes a Long Way BY VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO
T
he days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting lower — which means driving conditions can be challenging, and even dangerous. To minimize safety concerns and avoid getting stranded in the cold, the experts at Virginia Tire & Auto recommend taking the following precautions before you hit the road: Winter Driving Tips: Visibility With daylight savings time, most commuters drive home from work in the dark during the winter. Visibility is easily compromised by dark nights. To maximize your visibility: • Ensure that defrosters and heaters are operating correctly. • Inspect wiper blades for cracking, skipping, streaking, or squeaking. To decrease the chances of your wiper blades malfunctioning, consider getting winter-weather blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. Also, keep in mind that wiper blades should generally be replaced every six months.
• Test all interior and exterior lights (including hazards) to make sure they are operational. Traction and Braking Slippery winter roads put drivers at a higher risk for accidents. Ensuring that you have proper tires and good brakes can make all the difference. • Check tire pressure weekly and inflate your tires to the proper tire pressure. Remember, dropping temperatures tend to cause fluctuations in tire pressure. Don’t forget the spare! • Measure the tread depth of tires to ensure ample grip — you can easily do this by using the penny trick. Virginia Tire & Auto recommends replacing tires when only 4/32” of tread remains, as this is the point when traction begins to be compromised. • Have your brakes inspected to ensure that both rotors and pads have enough thickness to get you through the season. Maintenance Car maintenance is key to ensuring that you’re safe during the winter months. No one wants to be stuck in a
stalled car in a freezing parking lot. The following maintenance tips can help keep you and your family safe on the road: • Follow your recommended oil change interval outlined in your owner’s manual. Cold weather can cause engine oil to thicken, and dirty oil can cause major problems when this occurs. • Have your battery and charging system tested by a certified technician. Winter temperatures make it more difficult to turn over an engine — sometimes, it can take twice as long. • Flush, clean, and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. Generally, this should be done every two years. • Inspect belts and hoses. Changing weather and temperature fluctuations tend to cause them to tear, crack, or swell. • Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter months. This prevents condensation build-up in gas lines and potential freezing. • Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks. These can be especially dangerous during
cold weather when windows are closed and drivers let their engines run while their cars warm up. Preparations In case of a sudden storm or roadside emergency, it’s important to keep the essentials handy. • Store an ice scraper and snow brush in an area of your vehicle that is accessible at all times. It’s also wise to throw in an extra pair of gloves, a hat, and scarf. • Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, blankets, extra clothing, bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlight, and nonperishable food, and keep it somewhere accessible. Mother nature throws many challenges to drivers during the winter months. While the cold is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to make sure you’re able to get around reliably and safely. Whether you need an oil change, new tires, or a brake inspection, let the experts at Virginia Tire & Auto help you prepare your vehicle for winter. Schedule an appointment at one of their 14 locations today!
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
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Oakridge Auction Gallery A Loudoun County Gem BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com
W
alking through the showrooms at the Oakridge Auction Gallery the day before a big sale is like entering a magnificent museum. The almost complete silence belies the kinetic activity as the highly-trained team at Oakridge Auction Gallery watches over and assists clients, carefully retrieving and replacing items from the display cases. Those clients are meticulously examining ornate and colorful vases, urns, tapestries, scrolls and textiles as they relay information around the world by phone, laptops, and tablets. They tip the pieces over, hold them up to the light, shine flashlights on them – looking for clues; looking for flaws; looking for an edge.
“While we also handle fine and decorative art, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and toys, the auction we currently have staged is specifically for Asian fine arts,” Senior Auction Specialist Erin-Marie Wallace said.
“Within the next two days, we will be selling everything at auction. We have an elegant gallery where the live auction is hosted, and bidders register to bid in person and online. One of the most important components
of our auctions is that we offer International bidding on several different online platforms; that allows us to reach 60 to 70 countries all over the world.” Oakridge Auction Gallery has been in its Ashburn location for about two years. They receive items on consignment from around the world and, in turn, find buyers for those items from Lovettsville to London. “We have an international auction house with a local foundation,” Wallace said. “That's why I think we're a Loudoun County gem. You walk in, and within this building, you have access to no fewer than eight in-house experts and we have a network of experts all over the world that we can rely on”. Stephen Hansen is the design and marketing expert for Oakridge. He has been with the auction gallery since the beginning. Continued on Page 22
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Auction from page 20
“We've been in business for about five years,” Hansen said. “We started with a small office in Tyson's Corner and then we got a gallery space in Vienna and we were there for about two years. We moved to Ashburn about two years ago. Loudoun County is just a great community, being right next to an international airport and being right next to the nation's capital.” Hansen also stressed the advantage to Loudoun County residents of having an auction house with international clientele right in their neighborhood. “You can bring an item in the door and we have experts on hand that can give you an auction estimate right there,” he said. “They can give you a range of what it would typically sell for, based on its current market value. Then, if you decide to consign with us, we can take it every step along the line. We do the photography, the marketing and then we place the item in a future auction where we know it will fair well.” Wallace said Oakridge deals with buyers and sellers on a global basis, but it also handles clients on a much more personal level. “A lot of our clients are 65 and older, they may be downsizing or are going through the belongings
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of a parent or family member who has passed,” Wallace said. “It’s often already a difficult time for them. It is important to have someone who is impartial and has the knowledge to walk through the house and explain, This is what you pass to the family, this is what you send to auction, this is what you donate and this is what you can let go of.” Wallace said those families are frequently appreciative of their advice as it is based on years of market experience and empathy for their clients' individual situations. “Clients are seeking our assistance to evaluate, educate and market their items and collections. We never use pressure because, ultimately, the items belong to them,” she said. “They don't belong to us". Items which are accepted for one of Oakridge’s future auctions are individually researched and assessed for quality, condition, rarity and market value. Wallace said they take the utmost care handling every object they handle, from a Chinese Ming dynasty vase to Aunt Emma's diamond brooch. “Many of these items have been in the family for seven or eight generations,” she said. “We have them for the shortest amount of time, and then they go on to the next family or the next story. It is our responsibility to make sure
we properly photograph and describe every item we sell and additionally ensure the winning bidders receive their new treasures safely.” Wallace said each auction is prepared and marketed well in advance of the actual sale dates. In-house marketing materials are prepared, and the items are meticulously presented live in their gallery and online via International bidding platforms so even international buyers know exactly what they are bidding on. There is a preview period both online and in person. Oakridge encourages bidders to come into the gallery and examine items in-person before the live auction but if they can't attend the auction, online bidding is always an option. The online preview allows clients to bid without coming into the auction gallery. Wallace says, “The online platforms work really hard to make the bidder feel like they are in the room,” she said. “They can see how many bids have been placed on each item and where the bid will open at. It might open at $200 or $28,000, but nobody – not the auctioneer and not the bidders, have any idea what the top number is until the auctioneer says, 'Sold!'”. Wallace is one of two licensed auctioneers who take the block at Oakridge Auction Gallery on the day of the sale. She said neither auctioneer sounds stereotypical, “While we can
do the fast-talking, we prefer not to because when you auction like that, your goal becomes; how quickly can I get through this auction, not how much due can I give each lot,” she said. “We slow it down because we are auctioning off things that are of such a high caliber that we need to give each lot and each bidder their due.” “When I say 'sold,' I have established a legal contract. That is a lot of responsibility, because when I say 'sold,' it is iron-clad and legal.” Oakridge Auction Gallery offers complimentary walk-in evaluations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday for fine and decorative art, Asian arts, jewelry, advertising, and toys. They also offer on-site and in-home evaluations by appointment. “We are one of the few places where you can just walk in the door or pick up the phone and say, 'Can you meet me in Centreville?' and we will respond, "Absolutely, we will work out the arrangements.” Oakridge Auction Gallery’s next scheduled live auction is Saturday, Nov. 17 and will begin at 10 a.m. Preview is held Nov. 14 through 16 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Oakridge Auction Gallery is at 44675 Cape Court, Suite 171 in Ashburn, Virginia 20147. For more information, visit OakRidgeAuctionGallery. com or call 703-291-1101.
Emily didn't have to look far to find an interview subject for her news story. She chose her father, Deputy Travis Westgate of the Loudoun County Sheriff 's Office, who is also an Army veteran. Jen Westgate said they submitted the video ahead of the Oct. 21 deadline and found out Thursday (Oct. 25) that
Emily had been selected for the next round. If she wins, she will receive $500 and her school will receive $1,000. Emily's “big personality” shines through in the wide variety of things she has tried. “She has been a Girl Scout for six years, and she is the only girl on a co-ed
flag football team that plays in Loudoun,” Jen Westgate said. “She is also the only girl on an all-boys Warrior Fitness team at Apex Gymnastics in Leesburg. She is a volunteer at Friends of Homeless Animals in Aldie … as a cat-snuggler. She has a big heart for animals.” To view yer video, visit https:// youtu.be/p3URT6u888A.
Westgate
>
from page 1
Future reporter, Emily Westgate
In a way, Emily has already been practicing for this moment without even realizing it. “She has already made a few Youtube videos,” Jen said. “She made one video like she was on the Cooking Channel. I never posted any, because she is so young. When I saw this, I thought it would be a a great opportunity for her to try something that was a little more competitive. She had to sit down and decide on a topic, so she chose the upcoming Veterans Day program at her school.”
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Q&A: Giving Stock to Charity BY RIC EDELMAN
assets that have risen in value instead of cash. It makes no difference to the charity — it will get the same amount Question: Every year I donate of money either way. (That’s because roughly $10,000 to charities. My accharities are tax-exempt organizations countant has never suggested to me that and don’t pay taxes.) But you do care: I donate some of my appreciated stock Even though you get a tax deduction instead of cash to save the capital gains for the donation, whether it’s cash or tax. He knows my pattern of behavior — stock, donating stock lets you avoid that I’m going to make the donations. Am capital gains tax on the appreciated I missing something? Wouldn’t it be wise asset. to donate appreciated stock? Here’s an example. Say you have Ric: It seems your accountant is lazy $10,000 in cash plus $10,000 worth or uninformed. He should indeed have of stock that you bought for $2,000. been giving you that very advice. Say you sell the stock and donate the Yes, you can lower your taxes proceeds. You’ll get a tax deduction for significantly by donating stocks, bonds, the donation, but you’ll owe taxes from mutual funds, real estate and other the sale of the stock.
If you instead donate the stock, you’ll still get the same tax deduction for the donation — and now you’ll also avoid having to pay taxes on the stock sale. And the charity will still get (and keep) the full donation — because it pays no taxes when selling the stock. So instead of selling the stock, give it to the charity and let it sell the shares. Many charities are aware of this aspect of tax law and are skilled at facilitating the paperwork to get all this done for you. They’re motivated, of course, because they want your donation. And you’re motivated because you want to lower your taxes. A rare win-win in the tax code!
I warn you, however, that the process can take four to six weeks. Therefore, don’t try to donate assets on Christmas Day for the current tax year, because the transaction won’t get completed before the end of the year. So, start the process no later than Nov. 1 of each year. Meanwhile, you might want to think about hiring another tax preparer. Neither Edelman Financial Services, LLC nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.
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Rust Library Opens Passport Acceptance Facility BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com A U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility has been opened at Rust Library in Leesburg. Passport book and card application processing as well as photo services are available on a first-come, first-served basis six days a week at Rust Library, located at 380 Old Waterford Road NW. Loudoun County Public Library announced that residents can apply for their passports from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Touching Heart from page 5
my career for like five years,” she said. “It has been eight.” At the same time she was looking for a way to reduce her involvement, Harvey was looking to focus his charitable work into one main outlet. “I was doing a lot of charity work with a lot of different organizations,” Harvey said. “I have always believed that I was responsible to give back to people who have not been as blessed, but at the same time if your heart is not in it, it can just become a lot of
Rust Library is now the sixth Passport Acceptance Facility in Loudoun County. “The U.S. State Department reached out to us a couple of years ago,” LCPL Director Chang Liu said. “With only five post offices in the county authorized to process applications, there was a real demand to meet. Since the library is open nights and weekends, offering passport services was another great way to serve our diverse and growing community.” Rust Library received authorization from the State Department to launch passport services in early October. Since then, branch manager
Sydney McCoy said the library has been getting most of its applicants on evenings and weekends. “Nights and weekends tend to be the busiest because that is when customers with kids can easily make it in,” McCoy said. “For working professionals, too, it’s a huge added convenience.” Applicants will need to complete an application Form DS-11 (available at Rust Library or at travel. state.gov), a check or money order for each application being submitted (State Department and library fees must be paid for separately), proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID card, military ID or passport)
and proof of U.S. citizenship (official birth certificate, naturalization certificate or previously issued U.S. passport). Rust Library does not accept or process passport renewal applications (Form DS-82). However, the library does provide passport photo services for customers who are planning to submit renewal applications. Renewal applications should be mailed to the National Passport Processing Center as instructed on the form. For application forms, information on required documentation, fees and other passport information, visit library.loudoun.gov/passport.
work. I wanted to find something that touches my heart. I have always believed in what they were doing, so I talked to Helen about being more involved.” For Yi, the timing was perfect. “If he had called me a year ago, I probably would have said no,” she said. “I think if I had asked him a year ago, he would have said no.” “Ken and I have been working very closely together on events,” she said. “People love Ken, and I just think he is the perfect fit. He has come on as interim executive director. We know he fits in somehow, so we want to make sure his role is a good fit.”
Harvey said he agreed to join forces with Touching Heart because he is passionate about the group's mission. “Giving is something that has to be taught,” Harvey said. “Kids have to learn about empathy and about what the rest of the world looks like. We are trying to empower kids to giving and learning how to give back. If you can build a heart, you can build a person.” On the Touching Heart website, viewers can read testimonials from children which truly supports the organization's tag line, “When you teach a child to give, you empower them to change the world.” “Kids on a mission is a great way
for kids to learn the joy of giving. It has been an amazing experience from start to finish. I have learned so much working with Touching Heart. TThey exposed me to the needs of foster children in this area and across America." – Devin, 14 years old “Over the summer I raised $140 for a little girl in India. A few weeks later I received a letter from the little girl who thanked me for all the things she was able to do with my donation. I felt so good about being able to help someone less fortunate than me.” – Nick, 11 years old For more about Touching Heart visit TouchingHeart.com
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
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Q&A With Daniel Leonhardt Will, Trusts, Estate Planning BY BRIAN REYNOLDS Brian@LoudounTribune.com
L
ong-time Loudoun resident Daniel Leonhardt has been helping fellow Northern Virginians save money, avoid probate court, and leave a simplified, lasting legacy for their heirs. His educational seminars continue to be the first stop for thousands of area residents who are curious to learn more about wills, trusts, and the importance of early estate planning. Loudoun Tribune (LT): How long have you been in the business of wills, trusts and estate planning? Daniel Leonhardt (DL): For the past 17 years I’ve been assisting families get their estate plans in order. I have been doing trust and estate-planning workshops from coast to coast, covering California, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia. I now focus exclusively on Virginia and Maryland. LT: Are there any common misconceptions with regards to estate planning? DL: Yes, one common misconception is that a “last will” is all you need. Sadly, many people fail to realize that a will does not avoid probate court, but is a document to the probate court. A “last will” is a set of instructions, but it is not a “binding” set of instructions, so wills can be and
frequently are contested in court after one passes away. Another misconception is that an estate plan is only for people who are married or have children. Estate planning is equally critical if you’re single because there isn’t a natural default person to handle your assets if you’re incapacitated, or to distribute your estate to extended family members when you are gone. LT: What is the difference between a “Last Will” and a Revocable Living Trust? DL: Both wills and trusts are instructions related to distributing your estate when you pass away, however, a “last will” does not avoid the probate process; it actually guarantees there will be a probate. Probate is generally a lengthy, costly, public court process. A Revocable Living Trust avoids probate, and because it is a binding document when you pass away, the living trust ensures that your distribution wishes will be honored when you pass and that your end-of-life choices will be respected. A Revocable Living Trust not only deals with the distribution of your assets when you are gone but also the incapacity sections in the trust will ensure that the right people have the legal authority to manage your estate (pay bills, sell a house, etc.) in the event you are not gone, but are mentally incapacitated, i.e. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, sustain a massive stroke, or are impaired from a bad car accident.
LT: Who needs a Revocable Living Trust? DL: Anyone that owns any real estate and anyone that has a family they want to leave their estate to without the hassle, cost, and lengthy probate process. LT: What attracted you to the business? DL: I have a love for public speaking and I enjoy helping people understand their needs and the legal options they have to protect their assets. I am frequently told I make this complex topic easy to understand. LT: Since your company name is American Family Estate Planners, tell us a bit about yourself and your family. DL: I’ve been married for 33 years to Christy, I’m a father of four children, and a grandfather to five. I’ve been a Loudoun resident for the last 19 years. LT: What can someone expect when they attend your Will & Trust seminars? DL: A 90-minute, information-filled, motivational workshop that makes clear the legal options in estate planning, all without the legalese that can make this subject confusing. Clients leave our seminars not only with the knowledge of what to do, but with our experienced attorney network, we can provide the estate-planning documents at a significantly reduced cost.
LT: How could someone find out more about Living Trusts and/or American Family Estate Planners? DL: One option is to go to our website www.AmericanFamilyEstatePlanners.com where we have multiple articles, blog posts, and even a video of me doing a seminar. Another option is to attend an upcoming Will and Trust workshop (there’s an ad in this paper inviting you to attend). And lastly is to call to make an appointment to have a one-on-one conversation about your needs and about the services we offer.
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
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The Jeans Whisperer, Jan Forman Move to One Loudoun Is A Perfect Fit BY JOSEPH DILL Joseph@LoudounTribune.com “The same thing, just more of it,” said Jan Forman feeling that is what her customers wanted from The Jeans Whisperer store in Historic Leesburg. That is exactly what she now offers at her new location, which celebrated it's grand opening recently in One Loudoun. “The timing was right,” Forman said. “I love Leesburg, but my lease was coming up and I started thinking about how I really needed more space. The business has kind of grown organically over the years, and I always just took it one step at a time. I realized to myself that it was time to go for the whole, grand vision. I talked to some of my customers and told them I was thinking about moving to One Loudoun and 95 percent thought it was a fantastic idea.” The One Loudoun store has 1,300 square feet of selling space – almost double what Forman had in Leesburg. Tucked between B One Loudoun restaurant and Wishing Tree shortterm child care, Forman said she expects foot traffic to help add to her clientele. “It has more space in a great location,” she said. “It has great parking and is surrounded by great restaurants. A lot of people already come here to eat or buy books at Barnes & Noble or to get their hair done. “I’ve been to three different markets – in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Atlanta – to try to find the most unique and special clothing for my grand opening.
I worked with an awesome architect, who helped me transform my vision into reality. I wanted the store to have a Southwestern feel, with the smell of wood and leather. I feel like I was able
to accomplish that. Now, I’m just waiting for the customers to come in and I hope they will respond.” As if following a script, Lori March of Lansdowne became Forman’s first
official customer on grand-opening day. Forman and March exchanged warm, familiar greetings. “Shopping (at The Jeans Whisperer) always feels personal,” March said. “The first time I went to the store in Leesburg, I thought I would just walk in and try on a pair of jeans. She hand-selected specific ones and I ended up walking out with three pairs of jeans that are still my favorites. When I got married, it was in the woods in Lovettsville. I knew I wanted to wear cowboy boots, and I got those here. She even sold me that cowboy hat I wear to all my country concerts.” Forman said the Southwest theme evolved along with her sales spaces. Long before the 1,300-square-foot store in One Loudoun, she began with a much smaller space – the trunk of her car. “I used to travel around doing trunk shows and junior league shows,” she said. “For the closer events, like North Carolina, I would just put everything in my trunk and drive it there. When I went to shows out in Wyoming, I would ship the merchandise there.” Forman said the move from just selling jeans to adding boots, hats and Western-style jewelry was inspired by one of those trips to Wyoming. “I was doing shows out west and I just fell in love with that whole vision,” she said. “I wanted to bring it here to the Virginia area because I didn’t see it any place.” She also picked up the nickname that became the name of her business during a trip to Wyoming. “I had a booth and I had all these jeans,” she said. “A lady came in and
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said, ‘I have never worn a pair of jeans because I could never find anything that fits right.’ I gave her three pairs of jeans and she said, ‘You are wasting your time.’ She came out wearing the first pair and said, ‘Oh my god, you must be some kind of jeans whisperer.’” Forman, who spent 20 years in commercial real estate before her foray into denim, opened her first jeans store in Alexandria about 11 years ago. “It was a short-term sublease, so it wasn’t very expensive,” she said. “The prices started going up so I decided to move out to Leesburg, where the prices were better.” “The first Leesburg store was in a small house in the historic district,” she said. “It was about 400 square feet with a side porch. It took off really well and people really seemed to respond.” She quickly outgrew that store and, after two years, moved across the street to a location with 750 square feet of sales floor and another space about the same size for storage. Four years later and nearing the expiration of that lease, she began to look for the spot to fulfill her “grand vision.” That spot turned out to be 20404 Exchange Street in One Loudoun. “We look forward to having Jan and her concept add to the retail
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The Loudoun Tribune I November 2018
experience at One Loudoun,” said Andria Chatmon, marketing manager for One Loudoun. “It’s great to continue to attract local stores to the One Loudoun community. We want to be that combination of local, community-based stores mixed with regional and national retailers.” Forman said her new store will continue to focus only on women’s apparel, at least for now.
“I have sold men’s jeans before,” she said. “The sales just didn’t match the amount of space it took. Men will walk in, usually with a wife or girlfriend, and they will say, ‘I already have a pair of jeans.’” Forman said she expects her business to quickly grow into the new space by using what she has learned and her innate, somewhat intangible gift.
“I guess I just have a knack for fitting ladies for jeans,” she said. “The hardest thing for women to fit are jeans and bathing suits. That is how I have built my business over the years.” The Jeans Whisperer is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 to 7 Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit theJeansWhisperer.com.
EVERY OUTFIT STARTS WITH A GREAT PAIR OF JEANS!
“When it comes down to it, it’s less about helping people find the perfect pair of jeans or a fun new dress. It’s more about helping them find their confidence. When you have clothes that fit well and look great, everything else gets easier. It’s hard not to smile when you look and feel amazing.” Jan Forman, Founder & Jeans Whisperer
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