Cover Photo by HANNAH MCBAIN
Chasm Captures Photography
© Best Version Media
READER ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
PEDIATRIC LASER DENTISTRY
Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru, DDS. & Dr Krystle Dean-Duru, DDS. Ashburn Children's Dentistry 44025 Pipeline Plaza, Suite #1-225 • Ashburn, VA 703-723-8440 www.kidzsmile.com
HOME COMFORT
Owner: Justin Dobson
Comfenergy and 3 Pros Basement Systems 45714 Oakbrook Ct., Suite #180 • Sterling, VA 1-800-604-2252 www.comfenergy.com www.3prosbasementsystems.com
WEIGHT LOSS & NATURAL HORMONE BALANCING
Jan Benjamin, Owner BeBalanced 221 Crescent Station Terrace SE • Leesburg, VA 571-258-4782 Leesburg@BeBalancedCenters.com
DRIVER INSTRUCTION
Lyle Tulloch, Owner/Founder Ashburn Driving School LLC 703-431-6728 www.AshburnDrivingSchool.com
HVAC + PLUMBING + ELECTRICAL
Shawn Mitchell, Owner Modern Mechanical 21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite #182 • Ashburn, VA 20147 571-421-1888 www.modernmec.com
PET GROOMING
Owners: Tina Méndez and Grecia Méndez The Twins Pet Grooming Salon & Boutique 217 Crescent Station Terrace • Leesburg, VA 20175 703-995-2590 www.twinsgroomers.com
FLOORING
Kevin Lester, Owner Sterling Carpet Shops, Inc. 940 Sycolin Rd, Suite #155 • Leesburg, VA 20175 703-348-1982 www.sterlingcarpetshops.com
FINE CARPENTRY & DESIGN
Works LLC
Kris Orendorff, Owner Creative Works LLC Ashburn, VA 571-437-6994 kris@creativeworks.biz • www.creativeworks.biz
PET ENRICHMENT
Owner: Cindy Samartino Wiggle Butt & Whiskers The Village at Leesburg 1603 Village Market Blvd SE #108 • Leesburg, VA 757-522-7155 • wigglebuttandwhiskers.com
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PUBLICATION TEAM
PUBLISHER: Penny Finney
CONTENT COORDINATOR: Alyssa Joy
DESIGNER: Mary Ann K. Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Hannah McBain • Chasm Captures Photography
SPONSORSHIPS
CONTACT: PENNY FINNEY
EMAIL: PFINNEY@BESTVERSIONMEDIA.COM
PHONE: 804-731-0897
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Loudoun County Government: 703-777-0100
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office: 703-777-0407
Loudoun County Animal Control: 703-777-0406
Loudoun County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency: 703-777-0333
Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services: 703-777-0343
Loudoun County Office of Elections: 703-777-0380
Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office: 703-777-0280
Loudoun County Public Schools: 571-252-1000
Department of Motor Vehicles: 804-367-9700
Ashburn Library: 703-737-8100
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/ARTICLES:
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for articles are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” Please be sure to include Belmont Neighbors in the request. You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: Alyssa Joy at alyssajoy@bestversionmedia.com
Hi Belmont !
Dear friends, when you receive this, spring — my favorite season! — will be just a few days away. I thought it would be nice to usher it in with some tried and true hits: nature scenes of the feathered friend variety, from my own friend Jessica, whose heart is every bit as beautiful as the art she creates. Every time I want to splash some extra beauty across these pages, she doesn't hesitate to help me out.
And that's far from the only way she uses her gifts to encourage those around her: Here and there she also teaches art classes in the community that focus on creativity and exploration. While she doesn't have another on the docket quite yet, there is still a way to enjoy and share her creations with others who don't have the benefit of seeing them in this magazine: Cards, postcards and prints are available at the Global Local in downtown Leesburg, or from her website: brushinhandllc.com. Sets of note cards (5) and postcards (10) and prints are each $20.
And speaking of gifted artists, it's been a minute since we showcased any of your own masterpieces. Anyone (or anyone's children) have some you'd like to share? Send it my way anytime: alyssajoy@bestversionmedia.com.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Happy spring, Belmont neighbors!
Alyssa
Joy
Alyssa Joy • Content Coordinator
Images by Jess Sauder
By Alyssa Joy & Penny Finney
Thank You for Making a Difference!
Wewould like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, without whom our mission of connecting our community one neighbor at a time would not be possible.
Did you know? They're not the only ones who can join us in that mission. Every time you get to know a neighbor, support one or more of our sponsors’ local businesses, or nominate someone* to be on the cover of a future issue, you play a crucial role in making that vision of connection and community into even more of a reality.
Along those lines, few things bring us more joy than hearing from you about how this magazine helped to cultivate the relationships, both personal and professional, that are the foundation of every healthy community.
Maybe you met or reconnected with a neighbor as a result of seeing their family on the cover. And gradually, what began as a few minutes of small talk became an invitation to dinner, a playdate with the kids, and the formation of a lifelong friendship.
Perhaps you enhanced your pet 's quality of life by finding the perfect neighborhood care or product provider within these pages.
Maybe you dined like royalty at a restaurant you first heard about through this publication.
Or a medical or dental provider did such an amazing job that you have already recommended them to 10 friends and counting.
However you forged those lasting relationships, we'd love to hear about it. Drop us a line any time at alyssajoy@bestversionmedia.com
And the next time you visit one of our sponsors, be sure to thank them for the investment that they are making in our community. We could not do this without them — and you!
* Want more ways to get involved? Nominate a neighbor, or yourself! Know someone whose story just needs to be told? Think of someone who might want to share about a charity they're involved in, a recent award they've won, or a small business or self-publication venture they've embarked on ... or who simply wants to get to know their community better, and vice versa. Nominate them by sending an email to alyssajoy@bestversionmedia.com We might just feature them on the cover of a future issue!
Goose Creek Shopping Center
42780 Creek View Plaza #115, Ashburn, Virginia (571) 291-2116
Monday- Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm Email: amy@1000oaksbarrel.com
© Best Version Media
By Mandi Blake
© Best Version Media
Meet Bridle Paths: Creating Authentic Connections, in Partnership with Horses
By Rachel
Bridle Paths, a nonprofit organization based in Leesburg, Virginia, offers adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning, and equineassisted psychotherapy programs for individuals with invisible challenges. Their mission is to offer strength, support and healing to individuals and families through safe, effective, and high-quality equine-assisted services. This vital work is guided by their values, which include respect for the individual, both human and equine; a focus on abilities and possibilities, rather than on labels and diagnoses; and the delivery of safe, ethical, and emotionally-attuned services. Through mounted and unmounted programs, they create a safe and supportive environment in which clients can be honest and authentic, think clearly about their challenges, and achieve growth, learning, and healing.
Incorporated in 2012, the Bridle Paths program has grown to provide more than 1,000 client sessions annually. They serve over 200 children and adults, both civilian and military, who have challenges such as attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and depression, seizure disorders, brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, and trauma. In each of their programs, they focus on the cultivation of relationship, communication, connection and trust.
As Bridle Paths Founder and Executive Director Katie Fallon explains, horses are uniquely suited to partner with humans in this way. Like many participants with trauma histories, horses possess a heightened awareness of and sensitivity to their surroundings. As herd animals, horses seek safety
Brown | Professional Photos by Hannah McBain • Chasm Captures Photography
and companionship, and they assume particular roles within the herd structure. Additionally, they live in the present and respond with honesty and authenticity, offering humans multiple opportunities to grasp and integrate the horses’ modeling and real-time feedback. Relationships with horses are built on trust and authenticity rather than on fear or control. Katie recognizes that “In relationships with humans, behavioral or emotional options may seem limited, seemingly requiring actions that are disconnected from the true self and authentic feelings. With horses, by contrast, it generally works best to ‘come as you are’ and ‘be who you are’ — not perfect, just present. The skills and strengths fostered during Bridle Paths sessions are generalizable to interpersonal relationships in many ways.”
Horses and riding were a hobby for Katie — who has a background in international relations and served as a financial analyst at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., for eight years — until her second child, a daughter, was born in 2000. After myriad doctor and hospital visits, her daughter was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a Chiari I malformation, necessitating four neurosurgical procedures before she turned five years old. In 2003, after she rode a horse for the first time, she moved with rhythm and balance, and she spoke her horse's name. Because of the tremendous success with her daughter, Katie immersed herself in equine-assisted services; she currently holds multiple advanced certifications in her field, is a member of the HERD (Human Equine Relational Development) Institute faculty, and has presented on various equine-assisted services topics at local and national conferences. Parenting her daughter — and, in partnership with horses, supporting her growth and development in relationship, communication and connection — was transformational in both Katie’s and her daughter’s lives. (In fact, Katie's daughter now serves as the program's volunteer coordinator!)
For participants in Bridle Paths' programs, their progression typically follows a pattern much like the one that Katie first witnessed with her daughter. First, participants find a place where they can simply be and breathe, remaining in the present moment. From that place of presence, they can begin to think. Katie shares that “Bringing the prefrontal cortex on board in relational interactions is a critical step for participants who live with experiences of trauma or with debilitating anxiety or depression; when participants have an experience of felt physical and emotional safety at Bridle Paths, sympathetic nervous system responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn diminish and reasoned responses can occur.” She has witnessed over and over that once participants are able to think clearly, they can learn; as they learn, they become able to do. Throughout this process, participants become better able to identify their needs, ask for help, and attempt more flexible ways of responding to emotional upheaval and life challenges.
Among Bridle Paths’ program priorities is serving adolescents, teens, and young adults — to provide a space where young people can find authentic community. As a volunteer explained, “We have the philosophy: come as you are, the horses can handle anything as long as you’re honest. The horses see you as you are, and there is no judgment in that relationship.” A Loudoun County teen, who shared about the personal impact of the program, said, “It’s the most genuine, safest place for me in my life. I don’t have to talk about anything if I’m having a rough week. I can, but I don’t have to. I learn a lot about myself even when I’m riding or grooming [the horse]…he and…the program have been a big part of making me who I am today. I am in a very different place than I was a few years ago. One of the biggest things is learning to have the same respect for myself as I do for other people, same empathy as I do for others. I’ve learned to set expectations and be clear without having that
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guilt, I think it’s made me more comfortable in my skin. I can ask for what I need. In essence, I feel like I’ve grown up a lot since being here.”
Another priority for Bridle Paths is the development of sustainable programs for veterans, service members, and their families. They are particularly proud of their Making the Connection program, an equine-assisted learning and equine-facilitated psychotherapy curriculum developed by Bridle Paths’ staff and funded by four VA Adaptive Sports Grants. For this fiscal year, they are one of only 22 organizations nationwide selected in a competitive grant process to receive federal funding to provide equine-assisted psychotherapy services for veterans and service members. Through this program, they have been able to offer six eight-week sessions for veterans, and last year they partnered with the Outpatient Intensive Substance Use Disorders (OISUD) Treatment Program at a local military medical center in delivering the program for more than 50 veterans and staff from military medical centers and the D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans
Affairs. During a recent session with a group of combat veterans, one remarked on the level of affection each of the veterans demonstrated while working with the horses and noted that “We should treat ourselves the way we treat the horses.” A Vietnamera veteran also shared how developing connections with the horses allowed him to open himself up to human connection as well.
Fundraising permits Bridle Paths to provide services to veterans, service members, and military families at no cost to them, but fundraising is also the single biggest challenge that the small nonprofit organization faces. As Katie explains, “Horses are unavoidably expensive, requiring regular medical, dental, and farrier care in addition to food and shelter. Many of our horses come to us as either a second or a third career, and as such can require special shoeing, medication, supplements, or nutrition that come at additional costs. Funds are needed to provide the best of care for our healing herd.”
© Best Version Media
Bridle Paths’ small staff, many volunteers, and five board members are avid and engaged supporters of the program, actively soliciting contributions of vaccines, equipment, and services to help defray the cost of caring for the horses. They visit and speak regularly with members of the community to generate both financial and volunteer support. They also participate in online giving initiatives such as Give Choose Day, a day of giving organized by the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties each March.
The Bridle Paths program benefits tremendously from volunteer assistance, with nearly 6,000 total volunteer hours contributed in 2024. Volunteers are critical to every aspect of the organization, from client support and horse care to marketing and fundraising. The volunteer functions that involve providing hands-on care for Bridle Paths’ herd and supporting participants during regular sessions and special events require a specific set of skills, and Bridle Paths provides initial and
ongoing training to volunteers in support of those functions. Recruiting and training key staff to deliver program services is both a priority and a challenge for Bridle Paths. They welcome inquiries from members of the community who have experience with horses, and/or in working with individuals with special needs (particularly mental health needs), and who have interest in becoming certified through PATH, Intl. and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).
The community can also support Bridle Paths’ efforts by:
• Sharing skills in social media, communication, and publicity by assisting with social media plans and execution, website content,
Constant Contact email content, press engagement, and development of marketing materials.
• Representing Bridle Paths at local events and connecting with local organizations to build partnerships and sponsorships.
• Supporting their technology initiatives through website support and performance optimization and application management and integration.
• Developing and implementing fundraising strategies that include planning and executing fundraisers, cultivating donors, and product sales.
• Strengthening volunteer recruitment and retention and celebrating their dedicated volunteers.
The mnemonic CREATE encapsulates Bridle Paths’ vision to create authentic connections, in partnership with horses. Each staff member and volunteer aims to connect with the community, nurture relationships, practice emotional attunement, focus on abilities and possibilities, maintain trust with clear communication, and prioritize ethics and integrity. They invite the Belmont community to consider what we might be able to create together!
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
By Rose Alexander
and if you have extra time, you could even try your hand at tempering it!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup icing sugar, depending on peanut butter texture
• 1 cup (8 oz) chopped milk chocolate
• ½ tsp salt
1. Line a mini-muffin tin with 18 paper liners and set aside. If you want smaller cups, trim them down to half their height and fill the entire muffin pan.
using the back of the spoon to drag it up the sides. Make sure the shell is even and reasonably thick, avoiding streaky thin spots. Let it set completely.
3. While the chocolate sets, mix the peanut butter, icing sugar and salt together. Spoon the peanut butter into each cup until just shy of level with the top.
Peanut butter cups are one of my favorite treats, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. You can use whatever kind of chocolate you like,
2. Gently melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Spoon a dab of melted chocolate into each liner,
4. Top each cup with a little more melted chocolate to seal (you may need to re-melt it if it has solidified). While the chocolate is still sticky, add sprinkles, nonpareils or other decorations. Let set completely, and store at room temperature to prevent fat bloom.
© Best Version Media
FUN FACTS ABOUT
March is the third month of the year and hosts many widely recognized holidays such as Saint Patrick’s Day, Pi Day, and sometimes Easter. March signifies Irish-American Heritage Month. For the March babies, the birthstone is aquamarine and bloodstone, and the flower is the daffodil. Here are some other interesting facts about March!
1. The name March comes from the Roman god of war, Mars.
2. March was initially the first month of the Roman calendar! The months of January and February were actually added later following a calendar reform.
3. Britain actually considered March 25th as the beginning of the New Year until 1752.
Lucky Dogs (and cats) get their treats from Wiggle Butt & Whiskers
By Grace Schulte
4. The Vernal Equinox occurs in March, specifically either the 20th or 21st. The Vernal Equinox is when the sun is directly above the equator. This means that both day and night will be equal in length!
5. March is the month that Alexander Graham Bell made the first phone call in history.
6. March boasts some other fun holidays such as National Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Day and National Crayon Day.
7. March is commonly associated with luck. St. Patrick’s Day comes with shamrocks and the color green, both of which are said to represent luck and good fortune!
The Twins Pet Grooming Salon & Boutique
© Best Version Media
Managing Student Stress © Best Version Media
Sports. Studies. Exams. ACT / SAT prep. Extracurricular activities. Volunteer hours. These are just a few activities that take up most of the day for the typical student. How do students manage it all? High school (and even middle school) is a great time for teens to learn about identifying their needs and combating stress. Here’s how:
Be prepared. Though it might seem tedious to devote an hour on Sunday night to planning the upcoming week, it is well worth it! Forgetting about important obligations or running late to events or practices will only add stress to an already busy time, so students should be aware of where they need to be and when.
Schedule “me” time. While we are on the topic of scheduling, it’s important for students to pencil in time for themselves. They can use that hour between band practice and study group to listen to music, read a book or catch up with friends. It’s important to stay well-rounded and still make time for fun.
Get out for a walk. Sure, student athletes are plenty active between weight room sessions, practices and weekend tournaments, but a leisurely stroll outside can reset the senses, clear the mind and offer a calmer perspective.
About
Create a sanctuary. If the day is over or just beginning, there’s no place like home. When it comes to bedroom décor, embrace comfort and tranquility— whether that means hanging up sports posters, using a diffuser, or adding a wall tapestry and softer lighting. Of course, it helps if their room is tidy, too! The key is to create a space for relaxation so students can recharge and be ready for tomorrow.
By Clarissa Woods
Make family memories. Don’t let the school and extracurricular schedule interfere with family time. Plan movie nights, summer barbeques, or even just a special dessert night. Encourage all family members to share updates from the past week, what’s coming up, and what they’re most grateful for. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day schedule, so use time together as a much-needed reprieve.
Overall, students should stay in tune with themselves! The skills students learn in high school equip them for the start of their adult lives. To that end, make sure time and stress are managed effectively.
We help anxious and overwhelmed moms who are having trouble breastfeeding to finally figure it out so they can provide for their
March • April
SAT., MARCH 15
VA IrishFest
@One Loudoun
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a great lineup of Irish bands and performances.
Time: 1–8pm
Cost: $25 online; $30 at the gate www.vairishfest.com
SAT., MARCH 15
Soundscapes
@Trinity Episcopal Church
This program showcases pieces from Paul Dukas, Giovanni Gabrieli, Joseph Jongen, Dag Wirén, and Ivan Trevino. After the concert, enjoy a reception with complimentary wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers. Please purchase tickets in advance as they will not be sold at the door.
Time: 4pm
Cost: $35 Adults; $30 Seniors; $15 Youth www.loudounsymphony.org
SUN., MARCH 16
Lucky Leprechaun 5K
@Reston Town Center
The Lucky Leprechaun 5K is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and get your green on. Join live or virtually.
Time: 8am
Cost: $40–45 Adults; $30–35 Ages 14 and under www.prraces.com
FRI., MARCH 21
Business Women of Loudoun: Mastering the 80/20 Rule in Business & Life
@Belmont Country Club
Attend this event for actionable insights on maximizing your time, resources and energy to achieve exponential growth and personal fulfillment.
Time: 8–10am
Cost: $45 Member; $65 Nonmember www.loudounchamber.org
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FRI., MARCH 21 – SAT., APRIL 5
Two Across @James Lee Community Center
SUN., MARCH 30
Spring Classic 10K
@One Loudoun
Revel in a live performance of this witty, unexpected love story presented by the awardwinning Providence Players of Fairfax featuring two strangers on a train, one crossword puzzle, and a journey of connection and second chances.
Time: 7:30–10pm
Cost: $18–21 www.providenceplayers.org
SAT., MARCH 22
STEM Playground
@Ashburn Library
Explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities with members of the ThinkLink Club from Briar Woods High School.
Time: 3–4pm
Cost: Free
For: Elementary Grades www.library.loudoun.gov
SAT., MARCH 22 – SAT., MARCH 29
Restaurant Week
@One Loudoun
Enjoy discounts, special tastings, and live music throughout One Loudoun's annual Restaurant Week.
Time: Contact participating restaurants for more details.
Cost: Varies www.downtownoneloudoun.com
TUES., MARCH 25
Down on the Farm
@Ashburn Library
Explore what it takes to run a farm, from sunlight to soil to machinery. Plant a mini farm to grow at home.
Time: 3–4pm
Cost: Free For: Elementary Grades www.library.loudoun.gov
Lace up and get moving at the annual Spring Classic 10K!
Time: 8am
Cost: $50–55
www.prraces.com
SAT., APRIL 5
Spring Native Plant Sale
@Morven Park
Learn about and purchase native plants. Five local nurseries and community groups including the Loudoun County Master Gardeners and Virginia Master Gardeners will participate and will offer several talks and Q&A sessions.
Time: 9am–2pm
Cost: The event is free; plants will be priced individually. www.loudounwildlife.org
WED., APRIL 9
The Dulles Airport Job and Career Fair
@Dulles International Airport
Learn about a wide range of career opportunities and meet employers across the spectrum of airport operations and the aviation industry.
Time: 11am–3pm
Cost: Free www.committeefordulles.org
FRI., APRIL 11
Magic and Mischief with the Professor and the Con Man
@StageCoach Theatre Company
This show will include jaw-dropping tricks, clever deceptions, and unexpected twists that will leave you amused and amazed.
Time: 7:30pm. Doors open at 7pm.
Cost: $25 + $3 ticketing fee online; $28 at the door
For: Adults www.stagecoachtc.com
FRI., APRIL 12 – SAT., APRIL 13
Asia in a Bite
@One Loudoun
Experience a taste of Asia at this delicious One Loudoun event!
Time: Not yet available
Cost: Not yet available
www.downtownoneloudoun.com
© Best Version Media
Pet(s) of the Month
By Rachel Brown
This month I’d like to honor Pipli, who lived in Belmont for 12 wonderful years.
From Daisy: PIPLI was a German shepherd mix that we rescued from the shelter when he was born to his German shepherd mother and Labrador father at Lost Dog Rescue. Our boys were volunteers at the shelter for many years, and they only allow volunteers to adopt the puppies (because everyone wants puppies) and that’s when we got Pipli 12 years ago.
Want to introduce us to your pet(s)? We’d love to meet them! Send submissions to alyssajoy@bestversionmedia.com.
Want to introduce us to your pet(s)? We’d love to meet them! Send submissions to alyssajoy@bestversionmedia.com
