Issuu

Photo by Diana Bellack Photography

An Overlooked Yet Urgent Crisis:

Food Insecurity Among Military Members & Their Families

By Ashley Bernardi

This year, nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions are centered around improving health, but in a time where inflation continues to cause financial strain for so many Americans, going to the grocery store is focused less on eating healthier and more on simply putting food on the table.

Believe it or not, there are families right here in our region who struggle to do that alone: our military members and their families. Despite a recent increase in military pay, 1 in 4 service members still face food insecurity. The effects trickle down to their spouses and children who unconditionally support them while they courageously serve our country. It’s an overlooked crisis that urgently needs our attention and the support of our community. Food insecurity is even higher in areas like Northern Virginia where the high cost of living couples with a lack of available on-base childcare, putting our military families at an even greater economic strain.

As a proud military daughter myself, I remember how much community support meant to our family. When I was a young girl in 1992, we moved to Burke, where my dad was serving at the Pentagon and Fort Belvoir as an Army Colonel. Growing up, my mom, sister, and I were used to his frequent deployments and absences from family life so he could proudly serve his country. My mom still likes to tell the story that when my sister was a newborn and I was two, my dad was deployed 9 months out of the year, but it was in these times that the support of our family, neighbors, and friends was pivotal!

Parental and family deployments can put a huge strain on family life at home. That’s why organizations like The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) are so important, especially for junior enlisted service members who struggle with food insecurity. I’m personally proud to represent them as part of my PR and media relations firm, Nardi Media, LLC, which aims to give a platform to organizations that are doing good for our community.

Founded on the battlefields of the Civil War, the ASYMCA has been a lifeline for military families for over 160 years, not only address -

ing food insecurity but also providing critical services like childcare and child development programs, with headquarters right here in our neighboring Woodbridge!

I recently visited the new opening of ASYMCA’s new food pantry serving Ft. Cavazos during the 2024 holiday season with my friends Walker Bush, a Marine Corps veteran and the nephew of President George W. Bush, and his wife Lora Bush. Together, with a group of volunteers, we distributed 500 holiday meals to military families so they could rest knowing they would have a holiday meal on the table. This holiday meal distribution coincided with the opening of the new, second, food pantry for the organization in the area due to the great demand that has increased exponentially over the last two years.

Our military families need your support, too. If you’re interested in volunteering locally at the food pantry or supporting online, visit https://asymca.org/how-to-help/.

Military service members pick up free holiday meals provided by the Armed Services YMCA

Photo by Adam Andre

Lora and Walker Bush pose for photo with the holiday meal distribution bags Photo by Ashley Bernardi

Holiday meal distribution bags ready for pick up for military service members Photo by Adam Andre

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Hello Neighbors!

I hope you have all recovered from the busy holiday season! We are off to a busy start for 2025 here at Neighbors of Fairfax Station. This month we feature the Frady family. Get to know Eric, Amy, Emma and Ethan.

We also have a recap of some of the holiday celebrations across NoVa from last month.

We have a couple of businesses celebrating - one a grand opening - the other, their first successful year in business.

Pond Roofing gives away a new roof to one deserving South Fairfax resident and Ashley Bernardi shares an article with us on a very sobering topic, food insecurity for military families.

Want to get your event listed in the magazine or have your family grace our cover? Send your information and photos to colivo@bestversionmedia.com.

Happy New Year!

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

HEATING AND AIR

J Hood Services

Jeff Hood

Whether it’s residential or commercial, J Hood Services is one of the most trusted names in the industry when it comes to Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing services. We are family-owned, and since 2006, our mission has been to provide high-quality work, superb customer service, and an economical price.

571-719-6140 | jhoodservices.com | info@jhoodservices.com

HOME RENOVATION

B&G Construction LLC

Anthony Guidotti & Stephen Buchanan

B&G Construction LLC specializes in residential and commercial remodeling, including kitchens, bathrooms, fullhome renovations, and additions across Northern Virginia. With a one-year workmanship warranty, competitive pricing, and flexible financing, we are a trusted partner for transforming your home.

571-292-1800 | bgconstructionllc.com | bgconstruction@bgconstructionllc.com

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

Nicely Done Kitchens & Baths

Evelyn Nicely

Founded by Evelyn Nicely in 2003, Nicely Done Kitchens and Baths has grown into one of the most respected and trusted names in kitchen and bath remodeling. Family owned, the team at Nicely Done Kitchens and Baths will be with you from start to finish of your remodeling project.

703-764-3748 | nicelydonekitchens.com | info@nicelydonekitchens.com

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Abbey Nasino at anasino@bestversionmedia.com or 262-287-0553

Carla Olivo Content Coordinator

© Best Version Media

The Frady Family: A

LIFE OF LOVE, ADVENTURE, AND COMMUNITY

By Carla Olivo | Photos by Diana Bellack Photography

Eric and Amy Frady’s love story began on the scenic campus of Virginia Tech. Amy was a sophomore studying Human Nutrition and Exercise Science, and Eric, a junior pursuing Civil Engineering with a Mathematics minor. Their connection endured even after Eric graduated in 2004, navigating a long-distance relationship as Amy completed an internship at Penn State to become a certified dietician. Two years later, Amy moved to Arlington, where Eric was living, marking the beginning of a new chapter. In 2008, they tied the knot in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a midway point between their families in Harrisburg, PA, and Northern Virginia.

From attending over 30 weddings in their 20s to traveling the globe, Eric and Amy have shared countless adventures. Their wedding trips took them all over the country from Miami, Florida to Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Some of their favorite trips include exploring Napa, California and Mexico. They especially enjoyed visiting Ireland with Amy’s parents. Their most cherished journey was celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary in Italy in 2018. For seven days, they immersed themselves in the beauty of central Italy, visiting Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, and the Tuscan countryside, indulging in fine wine and authentic Italian cuisine. Of course, their best memories are made at home with their two children, Emma and Ethan, who fill their lives with laughter, milestones, and joy.

Emma, 13, is a spirited 8th grader at Frost Middle School. A year-round travel softball player for the Firebirds, she also excels in volleyball and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Emma’s artistic talents shine through her beautiful creations. “She loves teaching younger students at her dojo,” says Eric.

Diana Bellack Photography

© Best Version Media

Ethan, 10, is a fun-loving 5th grader at Oak View Elementary. He enjoys playing baseball and basketball and will soon start Boy Scouts this year. “His humor and thoughtfulness light up every room he enters,” says Amy,“ and he loves to make us laugh!”

Since their marriage in 2008, the Fradys have called Fairfax County home. Eric grew up in Alexandria near Mount Vernon where his parents and sister’s family still live. “Having family close by is always a joy,” says Eric. Initially settling in North Springfield, the Fradys upgraded to a spacious property near Popes Head Road in 2015. Their 4-acre lot provides ample room for their kids to play, and in 2021, they added a pool, perfect for summer parties and backyard fun.

The family appreciates their neighborhood’s convenience, with easy access to major routes like the Fairfax County Parkway and I-66. Whether heading to local attractions like Paradise Springs Winery or catching a Virginia Tech Hokies game, their location offers the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.

Eric’s engineering journey began at Virginia Tech and continued with a master’s degree from the University of Virginia while working full-time in Alexandria. Now a structural engineer for Fairfax County, Eric has spent nearly two decades shaping the community’s infrastructure.

Amy’s passion for health and fitness led her from Virginia Tech to a dietetic internship at Penn State. She now wears many hats, including working for the USDA as a Meeting and Event Planner, teaching group fitness classes, and planning weddings across Northern Virginia.

RESIDENT FEATURE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Above: Ethan and Eric Below: Emma

Diana Bellack Photography

The Fradys are passionate about staying active, from participating in local sports leagues to hiking and skiing. “Fairfax has such great youth sports programs to pick from,” says Eric. He enjoys coaching youth baseball and softball for the kids’ teams. Amy teaches fitness classes for International Country Club and Golds Gym and really likes being close to those gyms. “We have met so many great families from all our activities that keep our friend network in Fairfax continuing to grow,” says Amy.

The Frady family enjoys attending Knollwood Community Church. “The kids also like going on different hikes around our area,” says Amy. Their love for national parks has taken them to breathtaking destinations like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Everglades, Rockies, New River Gorge, Shenandoah and Yellowstone. “Next summer, we plan to explore the Redwoods, Oregon, and Olympic National Park in Washington,” says Eric. He adds, “We really try to take trips that are meaningful and include physical activity. The national park trips are centered around finding wonderful hiking trails to see the beauty of the parks away from the roads.”

Their backyard is a hub of activity, from practicing baseball and softball to shooting hoops in the pool. As die-hard sports fans, they cheer on college and professional teams alike, including the Hokies, Nationals, Capitals, and Commanders.

The Frady family’s motto, “Adventure Awaits, Family First,” perfectly encapsulates their ethos. Whether traveling to new places, cheering on their kids at games, or simply spending quality time together, their bond and sense of adventure are at the heart of everything they do.

Frady

Looking for 2025 Cover Families!

By Carla Olivo

We are looking for families to grace our cover in 2025. Being on the cover of Neighbors of Fairfax Station magazine offers your family a treasured family keepsake for years to come! And the process is easy! This is an opportunity to feature your extended family too. Invite your in-laws or grown children and their families to join you. We’ve had some fun multi-generational cover families in the past.

A nice bonus to being one of our cover families is that you receive a photo session with a professional photographer! Let your neighbors get to know your family a bit better by sharing your story.

If you are interested in being on the cover of an upcoming issue or would like to nominate a neighbor, contact Content Coordinator Carla Olivo at colivo@bestversionmedia.com. If nominating a neighbor, please include their email address. We depend on the local community to help us make Neighbors of Fairfax Station a helpful, informative and entertaining monthly magazine. Email colivo@bestversionmedia.com.

The

Family in Charleston

Zoomin Groomin:Bringing the Spa to Your Pet

By Mallory Hardgrove, Photos submitted by Zoomin Groomin

When it comes to pet grooming, convenience and care make all the difference. For Ellie and Parke McManis, owners of Zoomin Groomin, the mission is simple: to create a stress-free, high-quality grooming experience for dogs and cats in their community. As Ellie explains, “We are a mobile pet spa that brings stress-free, high-quality grooming services for dogs and cats right to your doorstep. Using eco-friendly products and a gentle approach, we ensure your pets are happy, clean, and comfortable while saving you time and hassle.”

A PASSION FOR PETS AND COMMUNITY

Ellie and Parke, married in 2023, share a lifelong love for animals that inspired their business. Ellie recalls, “Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a dolphin trainer, while Parke aspired to be a veterinarian.” Though their careers—Ellie as a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse practitioner and Parke as a lawyer—took different paths, their passion for animals has remained constant. When the opportunity to start a mobile pet spa arose, they knew it was the perfect way to combine their love for pets with community service. “Since launching last year, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside a talented groomer with over 10 years of experience,” Ellie shares.

TAILORING CARE TO EVERY PET’S NEEDS

At Zoomin Groomin, no pet is too big, small, or unique for their expert care. Ellie proudly notes, “We do not have a weight limit; we believe that every pup should get the chance to enjoy our stress-free mobile service.” Their philosophy centers around treating each pet like family, focusing on individualized care. “We strive to treat each pet as if they were our own, catering to their individual needs—whether they’re older, nervous, or need extra care,” she says.

The team takes special pride in welcoming pets who are often turned away by other salons due to size, age, or special needs. “Providing care for these pets is especially meaningful to us,” Ellie adds. At Zoomin Groomin, every pet is not just welcomed, but cherished. “We are committed to serving all pets, regardless of their size, age, or special needs.”

MAKING EVERY DAY AN ADVENTURE

A typical day at Zoomin Groomin is filled with joy and the occasional dose of hilarity. Ellie recounts a particularly memorable moment: “Parke did a ride-along with our groomer and encountered a husky mix, Daisy, singing along to the dryer in the middle of a ‘furnado.’ It was unforgettable!”

Beyond the laughter, what keeps them motivated is the bond between pets and their owners. “There’s nothing like the wagging tails, happy

purrs, or the relieved smiles of pet parents when they see their beloved animals looking and feeling their best,” Ellie says.

As Ellie and Parke prepare to welcome their first child in March, their commitment to pets and their community only grows. “Thank you for letting us serve your furry friends with love and care,” Ellie concludes.

Zoomin Groomin is Fairfax’s trusted choice for personalized grooming that prioritizes pets. To make an appointment, call 703-574-0577 or email CentralFairfaxVA@zoomingroomin.com today!

Fairfax Celebrates the Holidays!

By Carla Olivo

Photos Courtesy Lorton Extravaganza

Huge crowds converged on South County High School last month to celebrate the holiday season! Santa made several appearances across NoVa neighborhoods. On a chilly Saturday, the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department delivered the big guy in red to Stallion Stadium. The fire engine arrived with lights and sirens blaring to delight of the crowd of youngsters anxiously awaiting his arrival. Santa was also spotted on a motorcycle in several subdivisions, and he awaited the participants in the 8th annual Candy Cane Kids’

Above: Santa’s arrival courtesy of the LVFD

Above: High fives from Santa!

Sponsor All Smiles Orthodontics Getting ready to run!

© Best Version Media

For shoppers, the 18th annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza featured 170 handcraft vendors who came from as far as North Carolina and Pennsylvania. New this year were hourly drawings for prizes. All those who attended were given a complimentary Great Extravaganza Giveaway ticket at the door and were eligible to win a variety of prizes. Event Director Renee Flynn says, “Everyone enjoyed the fabulous shopping, the entertainment, and the food trucks!” She says they are already planning next year’s event which will be their 20th.

Fun Run, high fiving those who crossed the finish line.

Sponsor Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm agent Lots of great shopping!

Santa and two of his fans!

Local NoVa Hero Receives Free Roof from Pond Roofing & Exteriors

By Taylor Carroll, Photos Courtesy Pond Roofing & Exteriors

To mark its 60th anniversary, Pond Roofing & Exteriors has provided a new roof free of charge to Mrs. Tilton, a well-loved and deserving member of the community. Known as the “neighborhood mom,” Mrs. Tilton has spent years opening her home to local children, offering them a safe and supportive environment.

A retired school bus driver and cancer survivor, Mrs. Tilton has touched many lives with her kindness and resilience. Despite her efforts, recent challenges made it difficult for her to maintain her home, leaving her in need of assistance. Recognizing her contributions and current circumstances, Pond Roofing chose her as the 2024 Roof Giveaway Recipient.

“Mrs. Tilton has given so much to others, and we’re honored to support her now when she needs it most,” said Patrick Readyhough, President, Pond Roofing & Exteriors.

Above: Mrs. Tilton is the 2024 Pond Roof Giveaway Recipient

Below: The Pond Roofing crew

Petite Smiles Celebrates 1 Year!

By Carla Olivo, Photos by South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce

Petite Smiles Boutique Pediatric Dentistry is celebrating one year in business, a major milestone! At a recent open house young kids and adults alike couldn’t get enough of the special invited guests, two alpacas who didn’t seem to mind all the attention as they patiently posed for photos.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to Dr Rashed and her entire team’s hard work, dedication, and the value they bring to their clients, says South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Chair Casey Whitmarsh. “In just one year, they’ve made an incredible impact, and it’s exciting to think about the growth and achievements ahead. We are thrilled to have Petite Smiles as a Chamber member.” Petite Smiles is located in Liberty Market.

Right: Dr Heba Rashed and Carla Olivo

Celebrating one year in business

A Sweet Partnership!

By Meg Cregger and Greg Young

Harvesting honey has a fascinating history beginning over 8,000 years ago. In the 1920’s archeologists discovered ancient cave drawings in València, Spain of the earliest known depiction of bees and honey harvesting, representing the beginning of apiculture (the rearing of honeybees).

There are over 20,000 bee species worldwide that pollinate an estimated one-third of all of the food humanity consumes. However, the honeybee (Apis mellifera) is the only insect whose honey is consumed regularly by humans. To produce just 1 pound of honey, the bees harvest from blooms within ~3 miles of their hive and will travel 55,000 miles withing these 3 miles and will visit 2 million flowers!

Beyond its use as a natural sweetener, honey is valued for its medicinal benefits and is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly consume honey to treat pollen allergies. This is most effective when consuming local honey (look for “raw” or “unfiltered”).

In November of 2023, Greg & Patrick Young’s families became the new owners/operators of Clifton Café in downtown Clifton and are transforming this gem of a European inspired café into a warm, historic, and inviting destination filled with original art, extraordinary service, and delicious food.

This past August, Greg & Patrick had a fortuitous encounter with Meg Cregger who keeps the bees just north of the Town of Clifton on Clifton Road and produces Goldberry Hill Honey. The three instantly made a connection with their mutual interest and appreciation of eating locally sourced food and being a part of the Clifton Community.

When Meg and her family moved to Clifton in 2021, she began keeping bees. Now her whole family is involved. They pride themselves in providing local pure honey which is harvested and processed in ways that preserve and retain the enzymes, antioxidants and pollen that occur naturally in extracted honey.

Goldberry Hill Honey’s local varietal honey represents the hard work of the bees sourcing pollen from within a 3-mile radius of Clifton. Varietal, in this context, implies the honey was harvested at different times in the season and thus sourced from different blooms resulting in unique differences in color and flavor. As both an avid gardener and beekeeper, Meg believes that things always taste so much sweeter when

Photo by JoJo Griffith

one is involved in, and aware of, their journey to your table.

Greg, an avid writer, his wife, Janne, a retired Fairfax County teacher, their son Patrick, an art collector and restaurateur, and grandson Luke are excited to become part of Goldberry Hill Honey’s journey and are committed to sharing their delicious honey with the Clifton community. This honey is now incorporated in several of their wonderful espresso drinks and as a valuable ingredient in several of the dishes prepared in their kitchen. The café is proud to support Clifton’s local apiarist.

Both Goldberry Hill Honey and Clifton Café are family-operated businesses that benefit the Clif-

ton community, contributing to the social and cultural fabric and the health of the Town of Clifton, the surrounding communities, and those who visit this most unique place in the world. Visit https://www.cliftoncafe.com/ and www.goldberryhillhoney.com

Goldberry Hill Honey Hives Photo by Meg Cregger

Meg Cregger tends to the hives

Ribbon Cutting on New NoVa Medical Spa

By Carla Olivo, Photos courtesy of the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently for a new Medical Spa at 7764 Armistead Rd. The newly relocated Lorton Springfield Dental Implant and Oral Surgery office, which is adjacent to the new med spa, also hosted an open house.

Dr. Snehal Patel, DDS, MD, has been serving patients since 2012, with offices conveniently located in both Lorton and Springfield. Dr. Patel’s practice has grown to become a trusted name in the community for advanced dental implant and oral surgery services, thanks to his commitment to excellence in patient care. At the Springfield location, Dr. Michael Jungwirth, a boardcertified oral surgeon and associate of Dr. Patel, leads the practice. Together, they uphold a shared dedication to providing top-quality patient care, with Dr. Jungwirth focusing primarily on Springfield-based patients.

The new Lorton office has relocated to a spacious, modern facility on Armistead Rd., complete with a fully equipped dental lab and cutting-edge digital technology. The aesthetic of the facility reflects a thoughtful blend of function and design, ensuring patients feel comfortable in a welcoming environment. Alongside the oral surgery center, the Lorton Medical Spa is poised to provide a range of popular aesthetic and rejuvenation treatments. Services include dermafacials, microneedling, chemical peels, Botox, fillers, and more. The spa aims to provide high-quality treatments that enhance wellness and appearance, complementing the dental and oral surgery services offered next door.

Attendees of the open house enjoyed a sneak peek of the med spa’s exclusive offerings.

For patients and clients in South Fairfax, the new combined dental, oral surgery, and med spa facility promises an elevated experience in both medical and aesthetic care.