August 2024 by novaliving

CLEA LIVING M N

DR. BAHRAMI AND JAD CHAMAS - LEADING THE WAY TOGETHER AT TYSONS ELITE DENTAL

COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE

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PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Gloria Fonseca

Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas

Proof Reader: Stefanie Stayin

Account Executive: Crissy Moore Hall

Designer: Hannah Argall

Contributing Writer: Katie Culligan

Photographer: Myrtle Roy

ADVERTISING

Contact: Gloria Bruni

Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com

Phone: 703-868-8071

Have

DEAR NEIGHBORS,

As we welcome the still so warm month of August, our thoughts turn to the excitement of a new school year. I still remember the thrill of picking out fresh school supplies and the promise of a fresh start. My dearest Allegra is growing so fast and does not want to include me in any of those decisions anymore, but the memories of those early days remain so dear.

When I was going back to school...

As we prepare to send our kids back to class, we're excited to bring you our latest issue, packed with stories that celebrate our community's spirit. Our cover story this month shines a light on the Chamas family. Whose dedication to their family business and supporting our community is a true testament to the best of us.

We're grateful for your loyalty and support, and we hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Thank you for reading us, and we wish you and your family a happy start to the school year!

Warm regards,

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES

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

ACUPUNCTURIST

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

CAREER COACH

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

DENTIST

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

EDUCATION

Jinsil V. Kim, MBA, M.Div. | C2 Education of McLean 703-288-4400 | c2educate.com

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Emily Yosmanovich | Trinity Preschool of McLean 703-790-2767 | umtrinity.org/preschool

FURNITURE

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

GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY

Dr. Ramin Farboud | Advanced Gastroenterology & Hepatology 703-345-6655 | aghofgreaterwashington.com

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Pantea Tamjidi, MD, F.A.A.D. | Tamjidi Skin Institute 703-345-6677 | tamjidiskininstitute.com

HOME COMFORT

Justin Dobson | Comfenegy and 3 Pros Basement Systems 1.800.604.2252 | 45714 Oakbrook Ct., Suite #180 Sterling VA comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com

HOME SERVICES

Dawn Crawley | STW Cleaning 703-348-2221 | www.STW Cleaning.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Janine Frank | 2 Health Nuts 410-935-9241 | 2healthnuts.com

HOME SERVICES: ROOFING

Esequiel Alvarez | Falcon Rooﬁng & Solar 703-826-5306 | falconrooﬁngva.com

INSURANCE

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

MENTAL HEALTH

Eva-Maria Theodosiadis, MD & Dr. Debra Brosius Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean, LLC 703-215-4101 | debrabrosius.com | ipamclean.com

LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 888-929-8188 | groundguys.com

MASTER PEDICURIST & ONCOLOGY-TRAINED ESTHETICIAN

Lisa Tep | Sesen Spa 703-281-0822 | sesenspa.com

MOVER

Gina Kovatch |Petra Moving Company 703-547-7631 | petramovingcompany.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodonticst 703-790-1320 | islandchildrensdentistry.com

REAL ESTATE

Brian Mason | Signature Move Real Estate 703-936-6501 | Signaturemoverealestate.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 540-314-8745 | vinsonshall.org

INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY

Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com

NeuroStar® TMS at McLean Counseling Center

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-drug therapy for major depression that utilizes magnetic pulses to activate dormant brain synapses and restore normal brain function. of patients completing NeuroStar treatment experienced measurable depression relief 62% experienced full remission of their depression symptoms.

By stimulating or inhibiting neuron circuits, TMS can help restate the balance of brain activity for conditions like depression in adolescents and adults, as well as OCD.

Visit our website: www.mcleancounselingcenter.com/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms

About McLean Counseling Center

McLean Counseling Center is a mental health center that focuses on delivering cutting-edge psychiatric treatments to its patients. NeuroStar TMS is a prime example of an advanced treatment modality we use to help our patients. Our center’s experienced team of providers delivers personalized and precise care in an integrated and collaborative way.

Chamas-Bahrami Family

Embodiment

By KATIE CULLIGAN

Photos by KRYSTA NORMAN

Tracy Williams

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What do you get when you add together a dentist, a business manager and a four-pound puppy? You get the founding members of Tysons Elite Dental Practice. They also happen to be wife, husband, and their two year old dog, Toto. They also insist that they’d be nowhere without their caring, multilingual sta !

Bahar Bahrami, DDS, is a skilled dentist who specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. Bahar and her husband, Jad Chamas started the practice in 2017. After leaving her previous practice in Arlington, Bahar created a boutique family dentistry business. In her new o ice, she treats everybody like family. She elaborates that her mission is to foster a client-based practice and that every time you come in for a dental-visit, you will see both Dr. Bahrami and her hygienist, Marieh. Bahar is proud to say that she “serves patients of all ages from all over Fairfax County.”

Upon graduating in 2008, Dr. Bahrami entered the professional world of oral health care and has since dedicated her life to enhancing the smiles of her patients. She o ers a variety of services, including crowns, bridges, veneers, and Invisalign®. She is a proud member of

the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Northern Virginia Dental Society.

Bahar explains that “individualized care is my calling card.” She thoroughly addresses each of her patient’s concerns and creates detailed, personalized treatment plans. Patients are never left in the dark. She works closely with patients in a collaborative fashion so that they always feel invested in their oral health care. She and Jad laugh as they say that their two year old dog, “Toto, actually comes to work everyday - patients love seeing him and come back for him.” Soon after they got Toto, they realized that unlike their lowkey 13 year old dog, Milou, they couldn’t leave Toto at home during the workday, so she quickly became the o ice’s mascot. Toto is often considered many dental patient’s “emotional support animal.” A fun fact is that the couple’s son, older daughter and Toto all share the same birthday!

Bahar empathizes that her extraordinary hygienist, Marieh Vakili, is an important part of the practice. She joined the o ice two years ago and has truly become a friend that feels like family to the couple. They are so grateful for their entire friendly and dedicated sta at the practice.

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Favorite McLean Restaurant: Aracosia

Favorite McLean Coffee Shop: Starnut Gourmet

Favorite McLean Walking Path/Hiking: Difﬁcult Run Trail

McLean Restaurant They’d Like to Try: Pikoteo

Favorite McLean Small Business: Hardware Trends

Jad and Bahar met in DC in 2009 and got married in 2013 at the gorgeous Morais Vineyards & Winery in VA. They are parents to three kids and enjoy cooking along with entertaining company at their house (they built it for hosting!). Bahar prides herself in cooking Persian dishes and Jad appreciates grilling. The family also enjoys biking, hiking, skiing and “traveling the world”. They travel to di erent countries three to four times a year, which usually includes one trip to the Caribbean. Two of their most memorable vacations include Paris, France for a city getaway, and the Mediterranean for a more relaxing beach escape.

When back at home, the couple appreciates this area because of all the “great neighborhoods, schools, proximity to DC, dining, diversity, safety and community.” Speaking of community, Bahar and Jad are working on a volunteer project that they hope to make an annual fall tradition. The endeavor will be free dental screening for people in need. The family practice will not only collaborate with several other dentists, but also their kids will be involved in this service of helping others. Bahar explains that she grew

up doing family volunteer work, and finds that this will be a good way to incorporate the whole family (and other dentists’s families) in community service at the local level.

With Dr. Bahrami as the skilled hands and Jad Chamas as “the face” of their business, the two work well together to create an environment that people seek out. There even is one patient-family that includes four generations of members having their dental work at Tysons Elite

Dental Practice. Bahar is known to be gentle in her dental work along with being a good listener, sometimes to the extent that her patients just want to keep chatting even after their appointments are over. Jad came on as a managing partner when the o ice opened, and decided to go full-time in 2019. His background is in banking and hospitality, but working in a family business ended up being the right move.

The couple really drives home three things that make for a happy life: a close-knit family, healthy teeth, and a true sense of community…also a pup who looks like a miniature Chewbacca.

Dr. Bahar and her Sta at Tysons Elite Dental

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By JONI FOERTER Owner Front Porch Furniture Rescue

While dressers typically live in our bedrooms today, this wasn't always the case. Originally, the purpose of a dresser was to "dress" a meal in a more traditional, formal home. They were often found in either the kitchen or the dining room, allowing cooks and helpers to get the things they needed and work e iciently. As they spread in popularity across Europe, homes of the wealthy used dressers in their grand foyers to display valuable gold and silver decor as a status symbol. Today, dressers are more functional pieces of furniture that serve specific purposes in the home. Even as their use has evolved, the main elements of their design have remained the same for nearly 300 years. Sturdy and practical, dressers are timeless pieces of furniture that will never go out of style.

Choosing a Dresser

When shopping for a dresser, it is important to consider the size of your bedroom or room, how much wall space you have, the ceiling height, and the amount of belongings or what you will be storing. A standard vertical or horizontal dresser is probably suitable for most households. However, if you're looking for additional hanging storage beyond the closet, an armoire or gentleman's chest is definitely worth purchasing. For smaller spaces, focus on a dresser that can perform multiple functions.

Not sure what style of vintage dresser you’re after? Here are several popular styles to consider.

The French Dresser

A vintage French dresser is always a yes! The less formal French Provincial style is crafted from oak or walnut and features scalloped aprons and cabriole legs. The more Neoclassical style will have simple, rectangular construction, tapered legs, round brass drawer pulls, and possibly a marble top.

The Federal Dresser

With their sleek curvature and dark wood, Federal dressers can easily mix with today’s more modern and contemporary pieces.

Federal dressers are usually crafted of dark wood. Lustrous, highgloss mahogany is most common, with some specialized pieces showcasing ornate flame mahogany. The most defining feature is their iconic bow-fronted design (which can be a single or double bow) and their brass oval drop handles.

The Chippendale Dresser

This one is more traditional in style and doesn’t quite play as well with contemporary design. Like Federal dressers, Chippendale’s are typically crafted of dark wood (think mahogany or cherry). However, they tend to be more ornate and feature more classical design elements like ball-and-claw feet, elaborate flame-edge hardware, and pediments and finials on taller pieces. Chinese Chippendale style often integrates bamboo detailing.

Mid-Century and Modern Dressers

Mid-century dressers are simple, functional, and durable wood pieces characterized by their bold and daring aesthetic. Design elements include clean lines, organic forms (boomerang and amoeba shapes), pencil legs, sculpted handles, and geometric moldings. Most are made from teak, rosewood, or oak. Modern dressers, by contrast, typically have a more understated, utilitarian, or industrial look. These sleek rectangular boxes are pared down to the essentials and have little to no adornment. Crafted from teak or rosewood, the legs tend to be square. Many include recessed or sculpted wood handles and low-profile metal hardware.

Hollywood Regency Dressers

Are less about the style and more about the color and glamour it brings to a room. Global design influences are crossed with vibrant colors and luxurious finishes. Take a faux bamboo, Chinoiserie, or French Provincial piece and glam it up with metallic or high-gloss paint, and it’s Hollywood Regency-ready.

At The Furniture Rescue, we can help you say yes to the dresser. Whether you are looking to revamp your bedroom, enrich a guest room, or need storage somewhere else in your living environment, we’ve got you covered.

Come by and browse our warehouse!

Grand Opening of Island Children’s Dentistry: A NEW HUB FOR HEALTHY SMILES

By DANI BANEGAS

Island Children’s Dentistry, a beacon of pediatric dental care in the Northern Virginia area, has recently celebrated the grand opening of its new o ice at 8605 Westwood Center Dr., Suite 501, Vienna, VA 22182. Dedicated to the dental health of children across Vienna, McLean, Oakton, Tysons Corner, Falls Church, and Great Falls, this state-of-the-art facility is ready to continue its mission of making young patients smile.

McLean Living was honored to join this exceptional team for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Here are some pictures capturing the beautiful evening shared with friends, colleagues, and community members.

How Does an Interior Designer Add Value to Your Home Renovation?

By MERRIE JOY Owner Merrie Joy Interiors

How Does an Interior Designer Add Value to Your Home Renovation? Let's face it, tackling a home renovation or remodel is no small feat. With countless decisions to make and the need to ensure everything aligns with your vision and lifestyle, it can quickly become overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of enlisting the expertise of an interior designer to join your home improvement team. From enhancing functionality to bringing your design dreams to fruition, we'll uncover how interior designers add value to your renovation journey.

1. SAVES YOU MONEY

Hiring an interior designer might seem like an extra expense, but it can actually save you money by avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring a smooth renovation. The investment is often more economical than fixing DIY errors and o ers long-term benefits, such as enhanced aesthetics, functionality, and increased property value that can last 15-20 years. Additionally, designers help you make budget-friendly choices, and manage projects e iciently, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

2. PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Homeowners often struggle to identify the best contractors for construction, tiling, painting, and finding the right places to source materials. Interior designers, with their extensive networks of reliable professionals, can save you time and ensure quality work. By hiring an interior designer, you’ll benefit from access to their connections to trustworthy contacts, as well as trade discounts and expert oversight for a flawless renovation project.

3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Interior designers understand the complexities of home renovations. Even with a trusted contractor, managing a project can be overwhelming. A major advantage of hiring a designer is their ability to oversee the entire process, ensuring you get the best value for your money. They save you time and e ort, handle issues like damaged furniture and incorrect installations, and align furniture and fixture lead-times with your contractor's schedule. With their expertise, designers streamline the project and advocate for your best interests, allowing you to enjoy the transformation without the hassle.

4. PROFESSION GUIDANCE/KNOWLEDGE

In the midst of a home renovation, the sheer number of decisions can be overwhelming. Luckily, designers can take charge of many of these choices, allowing homeowners to focus on the most crucial ones. With their wealth of experience working alongside clients and contractors, designers use their industry know-how to guide savvy purchasing decisions for materials, furniture, and other design elements. Their deep understanding of remodeling nuances means they are more likely to notice issues that may escape the homeowner’s notice. Designers o er valuable insights on finishes and layout optimization, reducing the need for extensive research

their consistency and quality. Moreover, designers can e ectively communicate their vision to contractors through skillful sketches and visual aids, ensuring smooth implementation of the plan.

5. COHESIVE DESIGN/BEAUTIFUL RESULTS

Above all, an interior designer ensures your desired outcomes are achieved. Homeowners seek their expertise because they want a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Designers bring fresh ideas as well as handle everything from picking colors to choosing furniture, ensuring everything fits together seamlessly. With their trained eye, they help you maximize your budget for a stunning home.

If you would like to know more about how Merrie Joy Interiors can add value to your next project, you can contact us here to schedule a consult. Check out our portfolio by scanning the QR code.

CRAFTING SERENE SPACES

INNOVATIVE INTERIOR DESIGN, HOME RENOVATION & COMPREHENSIVE MULTI-ROOM DESIGN AND DECOR SOLUTIONS MerrieJoyInteriors.com merrie@merriejoyinteriors.com Mobile & Text: 703-798-7513

Help your Child to Prepare for School and College

By JENYA TUCKER Owner of Minimize and Organize LLC

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Sending your child o to college is a significant milestone, and ensuring they are well-prepared can ease the transition for both of you. The first step in packing and organizing is to create a comprehensive checklist.

STEP 1- Create a checklist:

• Clothes and accessories

• Toiletries

• Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets)

• Towels

• School supplies

• Electronics (laptop, phone, chargers)

• Personal items (photos, decor)

• Kitchen items (if applicable, like a microwave or mini-fridge)

Next, focus on organization. Use storage solutions like plastic bins, under-bed storage containers, and overthe-door organizers to maximize space in their dorm room. Label these containers clearly so your child can easily find what they need. Additionally, consider packing items into categories to simplify unpacking.

STEP 2- Categorize items and pack e iciently:

• Pack similar items together to make unpacking easier.

• Use packing cubes or labeled bags for organization.

• Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.

• Fill gaps with smaller items.

• Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes or suitcases.

STEP 3 - Organizing dorm rooms:

1. Maximize space: use under-bed storage bins for extra clothes, shoes, or supplies; utilize vertical space with shelves or hanging organizers; consider multi-functional furniture (e.g., a bed with drawers).

2. Keep essentials accessible: place daily-use items in easy-to-reach spots; use a caddy for toiletries to keep them organized and portable.

3. Personalize your space: add personal touches like photos, posters, or a cozy throw to make the room feel like home.

4. Stay tidy: regularly declutter to keep the room neat; use hooks or over-thedoor organizers for bags and jackets.

Finally, involve your child in the process to help them feel more prepared and in control. Teach them some basic organizational skills, such as how to fold clothes e iciently or how to create a study schedule. This is also a good time to discuss budgeting for groceries, social activities, and other expenses. By working together, you can ensure your child starts their college journey equipped with everything they need, both in terms of physical items and practical life skills.

Monthly Business Digest

By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES CM&AP Business Broker Certiﬁed M&A Professional | CRE

Before selling your business, understanding its value is crucial. Two methods to determine your company's worth are a "BOV" (Broker Opinion of Value) and a "CBE" (Certified Business Evaluation). Here is how these two approaches di er:

A broker opinion of value (BOV) is a preliminary assessment of a business's value, incorporating a broker's market expertise and some financial analysis. This method helps in setting a competitive price for the company entering the market.

On the other hand, a certified business evaluation (CBE) is a detailed and formal assessment carried out by a business appraiser, involving an in-depth analysis of the business's financials, operations, and market standing. The CBE provides a comprehensive valuation for financial institutions to support loan decisions and o ers a thorough pricing analysis for potential sellers.

To learn more about these methods, go to: www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com, and our business contributor, Erika Baez-Grimes (Business Broker | Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional), will reach out to you to discuss in greater detail.

202.643.1549

Info@mroyphoto.com

www.mroyphoto.com

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By ANNIE DINEEN Owner of Fetch & Favor

Does summer have you sneezing and watery-eyed? The same might be true of your pet! Dogs and even cats can suffer from seasonal allergies, just like we can. Grass, tree pollen, and ragweed can take your dog from ah-woo to ah-choo!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

• Licking their paws

• Rubbing their face

• Excessive shedding

• Biting their coat or skin

• Licking their butt or rubbing it along the floor or carpet

• Chronic ear infections

• Red, waxy, smelly, or inflamed ears

• Sneezing more than usual

• Unusually dark or thick skin

• Discoloration of itchy skin

PET CORNER

Continued from Page 21

WHAT CAN HELP?

If your dog loves a bath, you’re in luck! Washing pollen off their fur can reduce their exposure to the allergen and soothe itchy skin and paws. If they’re less thrilled at the idea of their bath time increasing, you can wipe their fur and paws down with a wet towel after walks or outdoor play to reduce the allergens they’re bringing indoors.

If your pet has an ear infection or particularly severe symptoms, talk to your vet! Allergy pills and shots can reduce their allergic response, and topical creams and balms can soothe itchy paws. Dogs can also take Benadryl to relieve symptoms, but please consult with your vet prior to ensure proper dosage.

Try local honey! We’ll admit that these results haven’t been consistently proven in studies, but it can’t hurt to try, and it’s a good tip if your allergies are in full swing too! Local honey is often made from bees visiting the same plants that cause your seasonal allergies, so by ingesting the honey, your body—and your dog’s—can adjust better to the pollen.

Ginny, an 8-month-old standard poodle puppy, owner: Danielle

Marquez

Argos (black lab) is 4 and Sherlock (golden retriever) is 5. Owners are Dr. Alison Warren and James Jacobson

Do You Have Poor Home Performance?

By DAN BOMAR Comfenergy and 3 Pros Basement Systems

Did you know that your attic can be the reason why your upstairs bedrooms are too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter? It can also be the reason you have high energy bills. So how can you tell if you have poor “home performance”?

The areas of our homes that we see the least often can have the greatest impact on how we feel every day in the areas that we spend the most time in. Most attics are insu iciently or ine ectively insulated. Older homes in this area often have less insulation in the attics than is needed to properly insulate the home. This can happen over time as insulation settles and external air is able to work into an attic, bringing dirt, allergens, and often unwanted pests with it. Many newer homes are built very quickly and with the least expensive materials available. Meeting “code” does not mean using the highest-quality materials.

Improving the quality of insulation in your attic can greatly impact not only your home’s comfort but also the cost of heating and cooling it year-round. “Air sealing” is the most important step in any attic project. Eliminating the ability for air to move freely in and out of an attic and keeping conditioned air in the rooms of a home that it is intended to heat or cool can help reduce energy costs by as much as 25% in most homes.

Giving attention to the HVAC ducts in an attic can have a similar e ect. Imagine a metal HVAC duct running through an attic in Northern Virginia in February. It could be 20 to 30 degrees in the attic, and if that metal HVAC duct has

heated air trying to travel through it, the attic air is a “hostile environment” for the heated air created by the HVAC system. By the time the heated air passes through the cold HVAC duct, it is no longer at the temperature it needs to be to heat the rooms of the home. This can cause people to turn up the heat or to have their system run more often than it needs to. HVAC ducts in an attic should be sealed to prevent conditioned air from escaping and should be insulated with either spray foam insulation, wrap insulation, or be buried in cellulose-blown insulation.

These are just a couple of examples of how the space in your home that you don’t always see can have a significant impact on a homeowner or resident.

By KELLY FEATHERINGHAM Executive Career Coach

However, September and October o er a prime opportunity for leadership to reengage and realign their teams, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the year.

Strategizing in the Fall

The fall is an ideal time for leadership to come together, reflect on the year’s progress, and strategize for the months ahead. It’s a crucial period for assessing achievements and addressing any strategic drift that may have occurred over the summer. Collaborative sessions during this time can boost motivation and productivity, helping teams regain their focus and drive.

The Power of Team Gatherings

Whether it involves the entire team or just the leadership, organizing a planning and bonding session can significantly reinforce the team’s goals and values. Such gatherings enhance communication and foster a renewed sense of unity and purpose. They provide a platform for aligning on objectives, sharing insights, and collaboratively solving challenges, which is essential after a disjointed summer schedule.

Workshop Formats and Locations

Team-building sessions can be adapted to meet the needs and circumstances of the team. Workshops can be held virtually, accommodating remote participants and ensuring inclusivity regardless of geographical location. In-person sessions,

on the other hand, can strengthen bonds more directly and are excellent for more interactive activities.

Whenever possible, hosting these sessions o -site can be particularly e ective. O -site locations often provide a fresh setting that can inspire creativity and openmindedness, away from the distractions of the usual workplace environment. These locations can turn a routine meeting into a more memorable and impactful experience, helping to cement the team’s camaraderie and shared goals.

Structuring the Day

This not only improves communication and trust but also leads to a more harmonious and e icient work environment.

Engaging with Experts

A well-planned team-building day might include interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, problem-solving, or creative thinking. Facilitated discussions about the organization’s objectives and the team’s role in achieving them can also be incredibly beneficial. Ensuring each activity is engaging and directly relevant to the team’s needs is crucial for the success of the day.

The Power of Team Building

Team building is more than just a day away from the o ice; it’s a crucial tool for enhancing team dynamics and productivity. Well-designed activities help team members learn more about each other’s strengths and the organization’s values.

For those interested in organizing a transformative team-building session, consulting with a team-building expert can provide tailored solutions that best fit your team dynamics and business objectives. Such expertise can ensure that your teambuilding e orts are as e ective as possible, catering to the unique needs of your team.

This fall, consider giving your team the gift of time—time to grow, bond, and reenergize together. A well-planned teambuilding retreat not only boosts morale but also aligns your team with the corporate mission, paving the way for a productive year ahead. For more detailed workshop options and unique o -site locations, feel free to contact me at kelly@teamleadsolutions.com.

BRAWS Fights for Menstrual Equity, Bringing Dignity to Young Girls and Women in Need

By SHEILA MURPHY Photos by MARGARET KERFOOT

Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters (BRAWS) is a Viennabased nonproﬁt that distributes bras, undergarments, and menstrual products to women and girls in need, offering dignity and hope in uncertain times. Through conversation and action, BRAWS aims to promote menstrual equity and ensure that all people who need menstrual supplies and ﬁtting undergarments have regular access to these basic necessities. BRAWS is one of S4G's critical need partners

because it is meeting a high priority need locally that no other organization is adequately addressing. Learn more and volunteer: https://supportbraws.org/.

Bras, undergarments, and menstrual products truly are essential needs. Without them, women and girls cannot work, attend school, or live healthy, active lives. Yet many shelters and social service providers do not carry these items. They are rarely donated, and some

Continued on Pages 30 and 31

of these products cannot be purchased using public assistance funds. BRAWS was launched when its founder, Holly Seibold, discovered these products were not being provided by shelters, social services, and other charitable organizations. “Period products are expensive, with the average price for a box of pads totaling about 10 dollars. At BRAWS, we do not want a mother or any woman having to choose between feeding themselves and their loved ones or purchasing menstrual products,” says Tara Bloch, Executive Director of BRAWS.

Poverty brings additional challenges for women. According to BRAWS and local and national reserach, 251,382 women and girls of menstruating age (12-44) in Virginia live below 100% of the Federal Poverty Line. One in ﬁve Virginia residents lack access to the period supplies they need, rendering them unable to work, attend school, or fulﬁll commitments. Women and girls in need often use less than adequate methods to manage their menstruation or do without supplies completely, resulting in long term physical and emotional

consequences. Data shows that most girls drop out of sports and after school activities around 12 years old, which is often attributed to a lack of access to essential supplies needed to manage their changing bodies. These same girls often have low school attendance, missing multiple days of class every month without access to menstrual supplies and undergarments.

Through partnerships with local shelters, schools, and community organizations, BRAWS distributes new undergarments and menstrual supplies to those experiencing homelessness, living in transitional housing, and/or suffering from domestic violence, poverty, unemployment, and emergency situations. Last year, BRAWS supported over 34,000 women and girls through 80 community partnerships. BRAWS distributed almost 17,000 packages of pads, 2,800 packages of tampons, 14,000 pairs of underwear, and 4,400 bras. “We are the only organization that does what we do in this community. One pallet of menstrual products equates to 960 packages of pads and costs $6,000. Every dollar donate[d] counts!”, explained Bloch.

This June S4G partnered with BRAWS to support local tween and teen girls in need. S4G raised $4,185 to help ﬁll one pallet with menstrual products and provide pads, new sports bras, and new bralettes for tweens and teens. These items will be distributed to local elementary, middle, and high schools where the need is greatest. S4G members purchased items from an Amazon Wish List and granted BRAWS funds for the purchase of critical items as needs arise. S4G members gathered at the beautiful bra and lingerie boutique, Trousseau, in downtown Vienna to celebrate this successful project. For every ﬁve bras purchased by S4G members at the event, Trousseau donated one bra to BRAWS. Bloch educated the group about the continued and growing need for period products and BRAWS’ vision for a more equitable society.

About 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, this column will highlight S4G's monthly project to raise awareness of critical needs in our community and local nonproﬁts making a difference. To learn more about S4G or to support local nonproﬁts, visit www.social4good.community.

GEOMETRY Calligraphy

A Celebration of Iranian Art

By CHARLIE GALLEGOS

This summer, the Iranian American Community Center (IACC), Pars Place, is proud to present its ﬁrst art exhibition at its new location in Tysons Corner: 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 210, Vienna, VA 22182.

Running from June 26 to September 21, 2024, this captivating exhibition showcases the rich interplay of geometric patterns and calligraphy that is so integral to Iranian art.

The exhibition features the work of 22 talented artists who have embraced the theme, producing a diverse array of modern concepts and artwork through various media. Visitors can marvel at forty stunning paintings and two intricate sculptures, each piece reflecting the artist's unique interpretation of geometric and calligraphic forms.

Islamic art, renowned for its intricate geometric patterns and elegant calligraphy, deeply influences Persian or Iranian art. Following the seventh-century Arab invasion, these art forms spread across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe, each region developing its own distinctive style. Islamic art is characterized by its abstract motifs and designs, which often decorate architecture, monuments, mosaics, rugs, and various art objects.

In contemporary times, calligraphy has evolved into a form of abstract expressionism. Artists skillfully incorporate words and letters into their compositions, creating pieces that are not only visually captivating but also imbued with hidden messages. This exhibition celebrates this rich tradition, inviting viewers to explore the beauty and depth of Iranian art. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual exhibition is available at https://assets.artplacer.com/virtual-exhibitions/?i=15565.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this extraordinary celebration of Iranian art at IACC, Pars Place.

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