May 2022 - McLean Living

M

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C LEA L I V I N G

May 2022

Tessa THIS IS

COVER PHOTO BY TATIANA DOVE

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Contact: Gloria Bruni Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-868-8071

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2 | MAY 2022

TO MY MOM, Making sacrifices that most people would never do. All the stories you have told me about starting a family in a foreign country with so little money. How brave you are mom! I have seen you summon all your strength and wisdom to guide us through life.

Even when we were/are acting in the worst way!

You are the guiding force that lights the path you have set before us. Thank you, mom! Of all the mothers in the world how lucky I am that you are mine.

TO MY GRANDMOTHER, Who passed away last May, she was our sunshine she truly dedicated her life to being a Mother, she raised 5 children 11 grandchildren and 10 great grand children, her name was Gloria just like me and she was the most strong, amazing, joyful, stubborn woman I have ever met. (just like me) TO MY SISTERS, I have the privilege of watching my sisters become mothers. What a joy it is to see how you love your children and teach them the ways of life. I am so inspired and happy to see what great women you all are. I love seeing all my 6 nieces and nephews turn into amazing people because of you. Even with all the trials and tribulations that life has set before you, you conquer each situation with grace and humility (most of the time).

TO MY FRIENDS, As for my amazing friends who to me are my family. I have learned so much by watching you all with your own children. All of you willing to give up so many things for your little ones. Some of you stretching yourselves so thin that you become transparent and then you give of yourself some more To all you single moms, foster moms, adoptive moms, stepmoms and mothers of special needs children. You amaze me every day! Often you struggle in silence with no one to thank you for your open heart and mind. Keep blessing the world by taking the challenges you are given and shining brightly for all of us to see.

DADS WHO ARE MOTHERS TOO, And lastly to all the dad’s out there that have had to fill a mother’s shoes. You are brave and amazing. It takes a very special man to be both a mother and a father. I hope that you believe in yourself as much as your children love you.

I-495

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Center for Aesthetic Dentistry

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A HUGE shout out to all of our AMAZING sponsors Specially the Mom bosses, please stop by and thank them for Mclean Living.

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Until next month, I leave you with my favorite quote on Moms:

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Lewinsville Rd.

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6870 Elm Street, Suite 300 •Mclean, VA 22101 (703)748-1900 • www.auradentistry.com

Take time today to thank God or whatever you believe in for your mother.

Without her, you would not be here.

Seems far to often people forget how much a mother goes through, just to become a mother. I, of course, think my mom is the best ever. And she is!

She gave up her life for the three of us.

SPECIAL MOMS,

Center for Aesthetic Dentistry Dr. Chang Yi & Dr. Negar Tehrani

Dear Residents,

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photography by

www.tatianadove.com

I look forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks for reading!

Gloria

McLEAN LIVING | 3

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES

PET CORNER

FACIALS

Anita Azimi | Amazonite Spa by Anita 571-300-5058 amazonitespa.com

Iche Chiu | 360 CPA 866-550-2050 360.cpa

FURNITURE

PERMANENT MAKE-UP

Joni Foerter | Front Porch Furniture Rescue 703-543-9248 frontporchfurniturerescue.com

Paola Soto | Synergy Beauty 703-734-0772 synergybeautytysons.com

HAIR STYLIST

ACUPUNCTURIST

Daniel Bechara | Salon Daniel 703-893-5000 salondaniel.com

BAKERY

Brian Anderson TemperaturePro Northern Virginia 703-828-0886 | temperaturepro.com

CAREER COACH

Brian Mason | Home Sold 540-314-8745 besteverrealtor.com

EDUCATION

Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 703-936-6501 vinsonshall.org

THERAPEUTIC WELLNESS

Milena Bu | State Farm 225-252-1932 buforyou.com

Dr. Sarah Alemi | Eastern Roots Wellness 571-354-6643 easternrootswellness.com

HEATING AND AIR

Sandra Penetta | Sweetbites Cafe 703-448-1115 sweetbitescafe.com

REAL ESTATE

Kelly Featheringham | Kelly Featheringham ACC, Executive Career Coach 914-489-8856 | kellyfeatheringham.com

Meet VIX! I AM UP FOR ADOPTION

by Sarah Meashaw, owner of Pooch Vix was found as a stray all by herself in a rural South Carolina. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan called the shelter so she could at least be safe and fed while she looked for her forever home. She spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in the shelter, hoping to catch the eye of an adopter or rescue.

Sadly, no one stepped up for Vix, and we knew a spunky, happy little girl like her did not belong in the shelter. Vix is now safe with us in a foster home and she couldn't be happier!

Studio height - she is a short and stubby little girl! Despite her humble beginnings, she is a happy, sweet, spunky little girl who loves meeting all people and other dogs. We have not seen her around cats or kids yet. A special note from her current foster “Vix LOVES her toys, she is a big chewer. She knows how to "sit" and "wait" and is learning heel. She sleeps soundly in her crate and hasn't given us a hard time about going in there. She's very energetic and sometimes her puppy instincts take over, but we are working Vix is about a year old and 42 pounds, on that!” which is much more weight than

Key to Lion’s Heart Rescue is a 501(c)(3) rescue.

Our mission is to help save lives of animals that are in shelters or abusive and neglectful situations and give them a chance in life as well as educate the community on animal welfare.

We are a foster and volunteer based rescue and rely solely on donations and fundraising to care for our dogs.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Jinsil Kim | C2 Education of McLean 703-288-4400 c2educate.com

INSURANCE

Yulli Ludena | Yulli Therapeutic Healing Center 571-888-5193 yullitherapeuticmassage.com

DENTIST

JOIN THE TEAM! To learn more about becoming an Expert Contributor, email gbruni@bestversionmedia.com

Dr. Negar Tehrani | Aura Dentistry 703-748-1900 auradentistry.com

Eastern Roots Wellness: Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic AREA’S PREMIERE NATURAL PAIN RELIEF CLINIC SPECIALIZING IN

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Come explore Vinson Hall Retirement Community and hear from our residents. Learn how to take control of your future and remain resilient. Call us today to schedule a tour!

Vinson Hall Retirement Community is open to military officers and their families and to (GS-14 and higher) government employees from ANY federal agency.

@sarah_alemilac McLEAN LIVING | 5

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Edward Beale McLean:

Publisher and Playboy

by Alexander Spotswood Sometime in March 1931 the New York Times carried a curious story about a dancing bear. Apparently Edward “Ned” Beale McLean had run across a dancing bear and its owner on the street in West Palm Beach, and had taken both into a bar, where the bear had been given a dozen bottles of beer in a bucket before being escorted into a dance hall, where McLean had asked the female patrons to dance with it. When none were eager, he produced a checkbook and apparently ended up laying out $2,400 on taxi dancers for his ursine companion in the course of a night. The next day he and his semi-estranged wife would telegraph one another for the better part of an hour.

Edward McLean was a troubled man, the only child of a wealthy and successful father, he would follow in his footsteps as publisher of the Washington Post, but he would become better known for his eccentric personality, his lavish lifestyle, and his ownership of the cursed Hope Diamond.

McLean was pampered by his mother and was mostly educated by private tutors as opposed to formal schooling (something of a novelty by the late 19th century), and while he read law and briefly served as a cub reporter on the Washington Post, McLean's chief concern

seemed to be spending his inheritance on women, racehorses, and anything else he happened to fancy.

In 1908 he eloped with Evalyn Walsh, the only daughter of Thomas Walsh, an Irish miner who had struck it rich and become fabulously wealthy. The two were in some ways quite suited to one another; they were impulsive, lazy, and spendthrift.

Despite each being given $100,000 to spend on their European honeymoon, Evalyn spent $120,000 on the Star of the East diamond, requiring their families to send them more money.

The couple's reckless spending led John Roll McLean, namesake of our town, to stipulate that his $25,000,000 dollar fortune be held in trust until twenty years after the death of his son's youngest child, hopefully preventing the boy from ruining himself and dissipating the family fortune on the patriarch's decease. Perhaps his concern was aroused by such reckless purchases as the Hope Diamond (which Ned purchased for $180,000 in 1911).

Racehorses were also a passion, and his property Belmont Plantation became a notable broodfarm and McLean's breedstock was considered to be of very high quality, with one horse winning the 1928 American Derby.

McLean's career as a publisher was desultory, and his main editorial concern was defending his personal friends,

Edward and Evalyn McLean PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX SPOTSWOOD including Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall, who was implicated in the Teapot Dome oil scandal during Warren Harding's Administration. McLean initially attempted to provide cover for Fall, claiming that a $100,000 bribe from oil companies was in fact a personal loan from McLean to Fall, but this deception was soon uncovered, and McLean humiliated.

Years of drinking (some sources claim that Ned even taught a pet seal to drink) and increasingly erratic behavior eventually drove Evalyn and Ned apart, and by 1928 they were more or

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less permanently separated. In 1931 Mrs. McLean filed for divorce, citing infidelity (which was well-known at the time). Ned struck back, attempting to file for divorce in Mexico, which had more liberal divorce codes which might allow him to retain more assets. Evalyn sought and received an injunction halting further proceedings in Mexico so Ned left the country for Paris, where he then attempted to procure a divorce through the Lativan courts (apparently in abesentia). Another injunction was filed, but by this point Ned McLean checked himself into a mental hospital

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in Paris, claiming nervous exhaustion.

He also found himself removed from the board of the Post which would be sold to Eugene Meyer in 1933.

In 1933, McLean was ruled insane by a jury in Towson, Maryland, (A. Mitchell Palmer, former Attorney General under Woodrow Wilson, represented Mrs. McLean in the proceeding) and he was committed to a psychiatric hospital where he would die, a broken man, in 1941, his days of lavish parties and diamond purchases only a distant memory.

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McLean, VA 22101

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McLEAN LIVING | 7

Willka Tika: Hope and Healing

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

by Lisa Kulak If you want to see a shining example of the American dream, look no further than Yully Ludena owner and founder of the highly successful Yulli Therapeutic Healing Center. The Healing Center is a hidden gem located in Mclean Va. The center was born out of Yully's passion for healing people- and not just one person- but an entire community! She and her therapists at the center truly believe that a healthy body and relaxed mind lead to a happy life. Yully's mission began early on when she came to this country at the age of 17 with a passion to heal. She set off to do so with 500 dollars and a massage table and a driving desire to help.

Born in Peru Yully was exposed early on the ancient healing techniques practiced in her country. As a child Yully watched her mother suffer from debilitating migraines and went on a mission to help her.

Learning all that she could about the human body she developed a deep driven desire to help others on their healing journeys.

In Peru's sacred valley, the Wilka Tika Luckury Hotel is a hidden paradise and surrounded by the Andes Mountains.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY YULLI LUDENA

This drive for learning brought her to the United States where Yully went on an even deeper quest.

She was quickly able to realize the power of massage and how the techniques could do so much more than just provide relaxation. Massage offers profound healing benefits to the mind, body, and soul.

And yes Yully still wanted to do more. "What can I do to help my clients beyond what we do at the

Massage that Heals - Restores - Energizes

This is a different type of massage experience. At Yulli Therapeutic Healing Center you’ll never have the same treatment twice. That’s because our therapists customize each session to what your body needs at that specific moment in time. Step into our calming studio and leave the rest to us.

8347-A Greensboro Dr. McLean VA, 22102 (571) 888-5193

info@yullitherapeutic.com | yullitherapeutic.com | Monday-Friday 9am – 7pm | Saturday-Sunday 7am – 5pm 8 | MAY 2022

To feed the mind the hotel offers authentic Andean experiences including visiting Inca ruins, the seven chakra gardens and Machu Pincchu. center?" While the center offers a wide range of services from sports therapies, to oncology massage and lymphatic drainage techniques, Yully knew there was an even bigger picture. Seeing the post pandemic mental health issues and the stress her clients were under Yully vowed to do more.

Having grown up in a small peaceful Peruvian village Yully beckoned back to her roots. A simpler life a slower pace, a different world really! And the dream was born.

In her birth country nestled in Peru's sacred valley there was a hidden paradise. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Willka Tika Luxury Hotel beckons like a siren song to world weary travelers. Please come visit, please come relax, and please come heal. Its a mystical location- in Eden. In this magical space a journey towards revitalization and renewal can truly begin.

provide a direct connection to the land.

And for the spirit, the retreat hosts yoga and meditation sessions taught by local Andean healers who perform various healing rituals. Yully feels very strongly about the fact the retreat employs all local people. In doing this the Willka Tika is giving back to the community and to the schools as well.

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So on the next leg of her mission Yully went to visit Willka Tika to access whether it was the right fit for her clients. She spent a week in the retreat and fell in love, " It was one of the best experiences of my life - I knew I had to get my clients here! I knew others needed to experience this for themselves! I knew I had to offer to others the magic I myself experienced in just a weeks time"

This is a wellness retreat like no other. To feed the mind the hotel offers authentic Andean experiences including visiting Inca ruins, the seven chakra gardens and Machu Pincchu. Guests can arrange trips to winding rivers, local villages, and to the mountains which are sprinkled with herds of llamas and alpacas.

Now the dream is real. Yully plans to offer the Willka Tika experience to others - from September 3rd to the 10th of this year. For those who wish to experience the peace and the energy that surrounds this mystical spot, the opportunity is yours. If you are interested in joining Yully and her team this fall for this transformation trip please email her at info@yullitherapeutic.com to lock in your spot. There are but a limited number of spaces available and they are already filling up quickly.

To feed the body, Willka Tika serves up an array of amazing organic, vegetarian meals- all sourced by local farmers- that

You owe this to yourself- a once in a lifetime trip. Come experience the magic with Yully and her team!

Pure Barre McLean 703-761-2228

mclean@purebarre.com 6825 Redmond Dr. Unit E McLean VA 22101 www.purebarre.com/location/mclean-va McLEAN LIVING | 9

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

For example, as an executive coach my clients are mostly senior leaders looking to build high performing teams. With that goal in mind it is very common for me to coach junior or middle managers on the teams or the team as a group to help them find ways to improve overall performance.

I also conduct training programs that support this goal such as leadership development, communication, and time management.

SCORE

Big With a Coach!

by Kelly Feathearingham Have you noticed that coaches seem to be everywhere lately? Executive coaches, leadership coaches, career coaches ... oh if you’ve ever By my!

BethWell Dunphy wondered if they could be helpful for you, let me see if I can answer some of your questions.

Coaches provide value and support at many different stages of your career.

You could decide to work with a coach on a continual basis, you may choose

focus on a broader range such as job search strategy, interview preparation, public speaking, etc.

to work with a coach for certain critical career phases, or you might work with a coach for specific milestones or decision points.

Obviously, this is a very crude overview but the key is to determine what type of coaching you or your employees need and then interview coaches to find the one that fits for your needs. Many coaches offer a wide range of services from one-on-one training to group or team coaching and training.

There are different types of coaches offering a broad range of capabilities to individuals, teams, and organizations.

Executive coaches support c-suite and senior level clients, leadership coaches often support formal and informal managers, while career coaches might

Much like an athletic coach, a career coach will help you build tremendous professional capabilities and drastically increase your earning and success potential. However, also like working with an athletic coach you get out of it what you put in.

Coaching is a give and take between the client showing up open, honest, and committed to the process and in turn the coach will ask powerful questions to challenge your mindset, beliefs, and help you to tap into the best version of yourself and your instincts.

In my experience as a coach as well as being a coaching client, I have found that it is a service rooted in a deep passion for providing support to others on their

journey. Many of the challenges we experience in our careers could benefit from a sounding board that is confidential, unbiased, and will not judge us. Not sure?

Consider the last difficult conversation, team conflict, or important decision you had to make and how that could have gone differently with the ability to talk through your ideas, thoughts, and plan forward.

Working with a coach is an investment in you and your career. Whether you decide that you would like to focus on something very specific or more broadly over time, when you commit to the process you will see a return on your investment. Pro tip: Many organizations will reimburse their employees for coaching if they do not offer it internally, but often you have to ask for it.

Now that you know a little more about what we can do for you, the next step is finding the right coach.

Stay tuned for my next article where we’ll dig into the process for finding the best fit for you or your team. In the meantime, I truly welcome any questions or feedback and if you’d like a quick start guide to finding a coach please email me at kelly@ kellyfeatheringham.com.

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RESIDENT FEATURE

by Miriam Keliddar PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATIANA DOVE

“Tessa is, hands down, one of the best in the country.

People try to recruit her from her own brokerage! " 12 | MAY 2022

Brokering

a Better Real Estate Experience

In 2020, with 18 years of experience in real estate, Tessa Wilborne decided to create her own brokerage. “I'm at a point in my career where I want to empower my agents and my clients. Real estate has been good to me, and I'm ready to share my knowledge with agents growing their careers and clients aiming to achieve their financial goals,” Tessa says. After hearing her passion and intent, Gary Clark, her colleague of seven years, invested in her and her mission with an immediate, "I'm in."

source of passive income. “We teach people how to use real estate.” Tessa also lives in The Boro, to take full advantage of the walkable community. Her favorite things about the neighborhood are its location, convenient to Maryland and DC, and what the community offers overall. “The people are friendly and there’s something going on every weekend,” Tessa says. “If you see me, say hi! I’m always up for conversation.”

T&G Real Estate opened its doors in The Boro Tysons in January 2021.

“T&G stands for Trust and Guidance. We’re here to guide you in the real estate market, achieve your vision, and get you where you want to be.” Tessa says. That can include finding a home, a retirement plan, or a

Tessa was a young mother when a friend recommended she look into real estate as a career. She took to it immediately, and enjoyed being able to coordinate her work schedule with her children's schedules. Tessa grew up a “true army

brat,” and has lived all over the United States. “I understand a lot of the stress involved in moving,” Tessa says, “I get it!

We try to take the stress off you so you can relax throughout your real estate process. Our current market is crazy and moving 100 miles per hour, so we are here to help you navigate that process.”

Tessa considers Seattle her hometown, as she lived there the longest, and is a lifetime Seattle Seahawks fan. Because of her nomadic childhood, her own children’s upbringing entirely in Virginia is a novelty to Tessa, unfortunately none of them inherited her support of the Seahawks. Shawn, 28, is an attorney in Miami, recently married, and roots for McLEAN LIVING | 13

the Carolina Panthers. Chet, 22, and Morgan, 19, both graduate from their respective programs this year, and both root for the Washington Commanders.

EJ, 17, is the only one still at home. He made All-American in football, both offense and defense, and in Basketball, and roots for the 49ers.

REAL ESTATE

Waterfront properties in

by Tessa Wilborne

In 1997, Tessa was living in Texas when when her parents 'basketball home' in Chesapeake, Virginia was no longer needed. Her parents purchased the property so they had a place to stay when coming into the area for her sister's basketball games. Tessa's sister played basketball for ODU. Tessa took them up on the offer of moving there and she’s called Virginia home ever since. She later moved to the North VA area in 2002.

It was there that Tessa had her first experience building a business from scratch. Tessa’s three boys all played for a youth football association, but her daughter Morgan wanted an activity of her own. Cheerleading was a natural fit. “I played basketball and volleyball. But I knew how to surround myself with people who knew cheer!”

Tessa says with a laugh. The program was a great success. It also lead to her business relationship with Gary Clark, a former Washington Redskins Superbowl Champion. (now known as the Washington Commanders) Gary cold-called her and said his business gave back to the community through youth sports, that he was in town to speak with some youth football coaches, and would she meet him for coffee to discuss potential collaboration.

Tessa agreed, but his initial attempts at breaking the ice failed. “He showed me photos of himself playing for the Redskins and I said, ‘I’ll be interested when you bring me a Seattle Seahawk!”

Tessa remembers. His ideas on community involvement, however, resounded immediately.

“We started running camps for the sheriff’s department in Spotsylvania, which branched off into other community programs all over Virginia, Maryland, and DC," Tessa says. T&G now runs youth football camps and fitness clinics, often visited by Super Bowl legends from the Washington Commanders and organized in 14 | MAY 2022

Status Address

Beds

Baths

Current Price

ACT

701 Bulls Neck Rd

5

3/1

$4,950,000.00

ACT

7022 Green Oak Dr

4

6/1

$6,499,999.00

ACT

612 Rivercrest Dr

5

9/2

$11,998,000.00

CLS

1139 Crest Ln

5

4/3

$15,000,000.00

CLS

908-A Peacock Station Rd

3

2/1

$1,150,000.00

CLS

1324 Ranleigh Rd

5

5/2

$4,300,000.00

CLS

703 Potomac Knolls Dr

6

5/1

$4,600,000.00

CLS

9105 Mill Pond Valley Dr

5

5/1

$1,550,000.00

McLean

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Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

Shawn, Chet, Tessa, Morgan and EJ PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATIANA DOVE conjunction with the local sheriff’s department, a business, or a school.

T&G also sponsors an “Everyday Hero” essay contest with participating middle schools. Tessa’s mother, a retired schoolteacher, and father, a retired army lieutenant colonel, review the essays and announce the winners on Veterans’ Day, in a ceremony usually attended by an NFL player.

Each winner and their English teacher receives a cash prize. “We’re always looking for ways to give back to the communities we live and work in,” Tessa says, and Gary would agree.

It was the beginning of a great work relationship. Tessa and Gary both wanted to set their families up for success. It was also the start of a great comedy team. “Tessa’s pretty dull, so we don’t have any funny stories,” Gary quips. It’s quickly apparent, however, that the two share a mutual respect,

cloaked in jocular tones.

“Tessa is, hands down, one of the best in the country. People try to recruit her from her own brokerage! I can’t be mad at them for trying, though,” Gary tells me. “She’s the type of person who can go up to a total stranger and ask a random question like ‘Hey, can I have a french fry?’ Not once has anyone gotten upset; they’ll ask if she wants ketchup. Most people wouldn’t think of engaging like that, but she has no problem with it whatsoever. If she asks someone getting on the elevator where they’re going, they’ll tell her. If I asked, they’d have me arrested or something,” Clark says with a chuckle.

“You’d be the person who wouldn’t share their french fries,” Tessa interjects.

“Me, on the other hand, I’m pretty boring. One of us has to be,” Gary

OVER

REDEFINING REAL ESTATE

2B SOLD

$

OVER 485 SALES

TESSA WILBORNE BROKER, T&G REAL ESTATE ADVISORS, INC

877-840-0144

1640 BORO PL 4TH FL TYSONS, VA 22102 703-863-7002 | TESSASELLS1@GMAIL.COM

TG-ADVISORS.COM

McLEAN LIVING | 15

RESIDENT FEATURE

After hearing Tessa's

continued

passion and intent,

agrees. “Our brokerage is a success due to Tessa being the person she is.

I’m just a silent investor.”

Gary Clark, her colleague of seven

“I think you should repeat silent one more time, because you’re definitely not silent,” Tessa muses.

years, invested in her mission with an

“I’m silent until you screw something up. Then I’ll say something,” Gary says with a laugh.

immediate, "I'M

IN."

The greatest challenge for the boutique brokerage has been competing against much larger companies for business.

“It’s like going up against Whole Foods or Coke. It can be difficult when people don’t know who you are at first,” Tessa explains, “But I look at the challenges as learning experiences, which are a good thing. This is what we do: We adapt and figure it out. It does help that people know Gary, it can get us in the door. But you have to know what you’re doing to stay in the door.”

mortgage company and was involved in commercial real estate. He’s a brilliant man. He came out to a show and we hit it off and have been friends ever since, over 30 years. Any of my business success is due to him, for the most part, and a drive to just not fail,” Gary shares. “He gave me a job in the mortgage industry, my first job outside of football, as an account exec. I saw how well he did, and you can’t help but take notice.”

Just like the cheer program, Tessa has surrounded herself with strong partners. “We live here, we work here, we really want to be more than your real estate partner. It’s not just a business relationship. Don’t call me just for real estate!” Tessa says. She’s built a strong network in the mortgage, title, wealth management, and credit repair industries, and takes pride in her ability to give knowledgeable recommendations. “People will call you, looking for everything from movers to contractors, so you want to make sure you can recommend people who know what they’re doing,” Tessa says.

“The best thing about T&G is it’s redefining the industry, the relationships we have with clients, and how people view and buy real estate,” Gary says. Everything comes back to relationships and nurturing bonds within the community. Real estate can be an intimidating subject, but people like Tessa and Gary trust in guiding the way. ”I think outside of the box. It’s stressful buying and selling real estate.

I want to make it lighter for people.

No one’s going to die here, we’re not doing brain surgery. There is always a solution or a plan of action. With trust and guidance, we can achieve the dreams of all of our clients,” Tessa affirms.

T&G’s current goal is to continue growing their brand and to have a solid footprint in markets all over.

“Gary would say he wants to dominate everything in the next 5 years. He’s the super aggressive one,” Tessa says.

“I’d say you can take over the world, but you don’t let everyone know you’re taking over the world.” Gary believes T&G’s relationship-based approach to business redefines the industry. “No

one competes with the experiences we give our clients, past clients, and future clients. Our events are 5 star, every time. Right now I’m working on our Grammy viewing party, at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club,” Gary says. Their next big project is opening their Miami office, where Tessa’s oldest son will join T&G as a partner.

“It’s hard to have hobbies when your

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kids are in sports, but my youngest is graduating high school soon. So if you have any ideas for entertaining hobbies, I’m open for suggestions,” Tessa says with a grin. She always looks forward to her next trip out west to see family and friends. Closer to home, she enjoys spending time with her children, the occasional pilates class, and food. “I cooked for 19 years, so I don’t do that anymore, but I still like to eat!” Tessa doesn’t have a favorite food spot, because she enjoys everything from fast food to steak

houses, but she does attend many a business meeting at Eddie V’s private dining room in Tysons.

Gary is from Dublin, Virginia, and is best known for his illustrious NFL career, which included two Super Bowl rings. As he puts it, “Every football player needs a retirement plan.” He first met Gus Pappas, the man who would become his mentor, at a sports bar in Tysons Corner while Gary was playing with the Redskins. “We did a TV show at that bar and he owned a ticket company at the time, and had a

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

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by Lilly Sheehan (Lilly is a 9-year-old foodie and resident of McLean)

(The Italian Oven, McLean)

I love eating at the Italian Oven with my family or getting it to-go and bringing it home. When you walk into the restaurant you first notice how nicely it is decorated.

There are several booths and tables with chairs. I sat at one of the tables and thought the chair was very comfortable. The menu offers many delicious items, such as soup, salad, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, chicken, and seafood. After we were seated the waiter brought

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us lots of delicious homemade bread and quickly brought us more when we asked. I had the kid’s spaghetti and meatballs, which was very good. I also snuck a couple bites of my dad’s gnocchi, which was like eating fluffy clouds.

The gnocchi were delicious, and my dad said it was some of the best he ever had. I also had a piece of my mom’s pizza, which my 1.5-year-old brother loved. He had two pieces, which was the most I have ever seen him eat! For dessert I picked tartufo, a little ball of ice cream in a yummy chocolate shell. I found all the food very tasty, for both kids and adults. The Italian Oven was also very child friendly.

My overall recommendation:

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Authentic homemade Italian pasta dishes and entrées

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

and stay employed, graduate from high school or a GED program, complete college, or vocational school, pay taxes, pay off debt and own a home.

To meet their current critical needs, Homestretch requested that we support “Jane,” a single mother and victim of domestic violence who was recently referred as a client. Jane and her two daughters are currently in transitional housing and while Jane works, her income precludes her from eligibility for government services such as SNAP.

Social4Good Supports One Family's Journey to Self Sufficiency

by Sarah Shamlal Social4Good (S4G) is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that brings together engaged women who want to meet new people and support the organizations that make our community strong. Each month, our network meets critical needs by

pooling our resources to support local philanthropies through monetary, inkind, or volunteer activities.

In March 2022, S4G supported a local charity called Homestretch. The mission of Homestretch is to empower homeless families with children living

in Virginia to attain permanent housing and self-sufficiency by giving them the skills, knowledge, and hope they need to become productive participants in the community. The goal after completing the Homestretch program is for participants to find a full-time job

The S4G project raised over $2,600 to provide the family with gas and groceries to cover more than three months - with prices rising, our support is particularly welcome at this time. Members also wrapped donations of much needed clothing, shoes, art supplies, and books for the family. Special thanks to Alice’s Kids for providing gift cards for Jane to take her daughters shopping.

S4G members gathered at Bear Branch Tavern in Vienna to learn more about the collective efforts to support

S4G members support Homestretch, to empower homeless families with children living in Virginia.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RESIDENT a family going through the awardwinning program at Homestretch.

To learn more about Homestretch’ award-winning program and help them meet the needs of Homestretch families as they work to overcome the

effects of poverty and achieve selfsufficiency, visit www.homestretchva. org.

For more information on Social4Good, please reach out to info@ social4goodevents.com.

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CALENDAR

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EVENTS

Friday, May 13

Saturday, May 21

FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT

MCLEAN DAY 2022

@Old Firehouse Gather the whole family and come test your trivia knowledge at the Old Firehouse Family Trivia Nights. Participants will enjoy unlimited popcorn with the chance to win a delicious prize!

Time: 7-9PM. Cost: $5 per family of 4. https://www.mcleancenter.org/special-events/ upcoming

Produced by the McLean Community Center

T.G.I.F. CARNIVAL RIDES @Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. Bring a friend or the whole family and enjoy the fun at the Friday night carnival rides!

Advance purchase of ride ticketing will be available online in early May. Ride tickets also sold on-site. https://www.mcleancenter.org/ special-events/upcoming

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN! Rides Area Only McLean Day 2022: Friday Rides 2–10 p.m. Questions? Contact events@ mcleancenter.org.

Celebrating Our Hometown Since 1915 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. Free admission.

VOTE FOR ADULT & YOUTH CANDIDATES MCC Governing Board Elections 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Friday, May 20, 2 p.m.–10 p.m.

Friday, May 20

MCLEAN DAY 2022 FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 4 BUBBLE FUN RUN. 10 a.m.-noon $20/$15 MCC district residents Activity No. 4503.322

Every Monday

STORIES AND SONGS @ DOLLEY MADISON LIBRARY Birth-23 months with caregiver.

Cost: FREE

Every Saturday MULTIGENERATIONAL BINGO @Dolly Madison Library BINGO for adults, teens and children. Hit BINGO and receive a prize! Space is limited. Registration is highly recommended.

Time: 3-4PM. Cost: FREE. https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/ OUTDOOR STORYTIME 10:30 -11:00 am @DOLLEY MADISON LIBRARY Stuffed Animal Storytime!

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Sip on some bubbly while we talk about everything “V”

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