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Meet THE
MARCH 2022
MIGNATTIS
COVER PHOTO BY TATIANA DOVE
Dear McLean Residents, PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Gloria Bruni Content Coordinator: Miriam Keliddar Account Executive: Crissy Moore Hall Designer: Paula Moss Dramm Contributing Photographer: Tatiana Dove ADVERTISING Contact: Gloria Bruni Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-868-8071
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Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia. com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: malkellidar@bestversionmedia.com.
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Content Due Edition December 10 .......................................................................January January 10............................................................................ February February 10................................................................................March March 10.......................................................................................... April April 10...............................................................................................May May 10............................................................................................... June June 10................................................................................................ July July 10......................................................................................... August August 10......................................................................... September September 10.......................................................................October October 10.........................................................................November November 10...................................................................December 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. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2022 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
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y name is Gloria, and I’m your Publisher. This is my second issue of McLean Living Magazine. One of my favorite publications is Estilo, a magazine from Honduras (where I grew up), and in the same way Estilo Magazine shows the society of Honduras, McLean Living is meant to showcase the lives of all of us living here. When I tell my friends about the magazine, they often ask why? The answer is simple: It’s personal, I love what I do, I love celebrating life, I love getting to know people, and I love being social. When you love what you do, it never seems like work, right? A huge part of this breakthrough is because of female role models women with whom I’ve met and worked and who have been able to empathize with me. Women who’ve convinced me that at the end of a long, dark tunnel fraught with terrible pickup lines and temptations to question my intelligence, there is a light. Every March we celebrate National Women’s History Month. The amazing women who’ve persevered through dismissive, passive and outright sexist adversity to carve out their own niches, to affect billions of consumers through their engineering and entrepreneurship. This month, meet the Mignattis. Their active, entrepreneurial, and closeknit family makes us want to go home and cook dinner with our own loved ones! Also a HUGE shout out to all of our sponsors, please stop by and thank them for McLean Living. Until next month, I leave you with my favorite quote on women: “My mom said to me, "One day you should settle down and marry a rich man." I said, "Mom, I am a rich man." - Cher I look forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks for reading!
Gloria
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FACIALS
Anita Azimi | Amazonite Spa by Anita 571-300-5058 amazonitespa.com
AESTHETICS & PERMANENT MAKE-UP
Paola Soto | Synergy Beauty 703-734-0772 synergybeautytysons.com
Meet Fabian! I AM UP FOR ADOPTION by Sarah Meashaw, owner of Pooch Studio
Fabian was surrendered to an extremely overcrowded rural shelter only four days before Christmas. It's clear he was not always treated with kindness in his previous "home." He cowers and yelps at sudden movements and loud noises, and was probably handled without care. All he wants is love and reassurance, and will crawl toward you and immediately roll onto his back for gentle belly rubs. His foster home is working with him and he has made incredible strides in building his confidence.
FURNITURE
Joni Foerter | Front Porch Furniture Rescue 703-543-9248 frontporchfurniturerescue.com
ACUPUNCTURIST
HAIR STYLIST
Dr. Sarah Alemi | Eastern Roots Wellness 571-354-6643 easternrootswellness.com
Daniel Bechara | Salon Daniel 703-893-5000 salondaniel.com
BAKERY
HEATING AND AIR
Sandra Penetta | Sweet bites Cafe 703-448-1115 sweetbitescafe.com
CAREER COACH
Kelly Featheringham | Kelly Featheringham ACC, Executive Career Coach 914-489-8856 | kellyfeatheringham.com
EDUCATION
Jinsil Kim | C2 Education of McLean 703-288-4400 c2educate.com
Fabian is 11-months-old and weighs around 42 pounds. He craves love and reassurance from humans and is very submissive and sweet with other dogs. He would do great with another friendly dog to play with at home! To read more about him or apply to adopt, please visit our website!
Brian Anderson TemperaturePro Northern Virginia 703-828-0886 | temperaturepro.com
Key to Lion’s Heart Rescue’s 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 your support and fundraising to care for our dogs. www.keytolionsheart.org/apply
REAL ESTATE
Brian Mason | Home Sold 540-314-8745 besteverrealtor.com
Walk In, Float Out, Because YOU Are Worth It! SERVICES: • Facial • Lashes • Hair removal • Aromatherapy body treatments • Electrolysis • Manicure and pedicure treatments
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
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McLEAN LIVING | 5
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
The Brigade of Mercy (BOM) By Ambreen Rizvi
Congratulations to Powerful Women
he Brigade of Mercy (BOM) is a local 501c3 based in McLean, Virginia. BOM is an impartial, neutral nonprofit that serves people of all races, nationalities, religions, and genders. Our mission is to provide charitable humanitarian relief to the destitute, homeless, orphans, refugees, and victims of war and other calamities. Charitable humanitarian assistance includes food, clothing, medicine, toiletries, toys, educational materials, and other items as needed. BOM strives to empower all, including women and children, to lead a life with dignity and honor. We strive to have an impact locally and globally, as our work has no boundaries. We are here to change one life at a time. Our slogan is ‘Compassion Without Borders.’
that are needed by local Title I schools, shelters, food banks and Fairfax County. For example, we provide backpacks and school supplies for back to school; we provide Thanksgiving baskets; we pack food for our local food bank; we provide winter clothing to shelters during hypothermia months. We are currently helping local Afghan families settle in the area. We also help internationally through executive directors who are based in the United States but work internationally to help children in Honduras, Jordan, Sierra Leone, and India.
uring the month of March, we give a little extra attention to all of the amazing accomplishments of strong, determined women blazing trails for future generations of female leaders. Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month, so this month we congratulate five female leaders (and local residents)!
Our local McLean community can help by liking our social media page, where we post about our needs for our projects. We are on Facebook: www.facebook.com/brigadeofmercy/; Instagram & Twitter @brigadeofmercy. Our website is www.brigadeofmercy.org. You can also contact us at info@brigadeofmercy.org or (703) 608-5604.
Libby Bush is the CEO of the Vinson Hall Retirement Community, a McLean institution which has served the large community of Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard veterans for decades. Libby has gone from strength to strength, turning Vinson Hall into one of the premier senior care and residence facilities in the NoVA area. She is also Executive Director of Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation.
T
BOM is a volunteer-run organization and 100% of the donations go directly to aid. We have zero operating costs. All administrative costs are covered by our board members. BOM provides goods
D
1 LIBBY BUSH
2 JASMIN MOSER
LEGACIES START HERE. WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY! ● Tell your kid’s story with BVM Sports – the #1 place for the latest in local, college and pro sports coverage. ● Share your story with one of the most trusted names in local sports news. ● See your story published across all BVM Sports media platforms! Follow the latest in sports news with our podcast, CHALK TALK – streaming on YouTube.
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Jasmin Moser started off working sales in the New York area, but after she and her husband moved to Virginia, she pivoted into the staffing industry. She eventually landed at HireStrategy, where she helped launch the practice to success, and then founded her own staffing firm. She has helped fill highvalue roles for a variety of clients and picked up a dazzling array of accolades, from the 2015 BRAVA Award to being included among the coveted ranks of the Smart100 CEOs. Moser then merged her staffing firm with HireCapital, using her unique talents and expertise to take the firm to even greater heights. As always, her focus remains on finding the right people for jobs and the right jobs for people, the philosophy which has taken her to a distinguished position in her chosen field. 3 NANCY BRADISH MYERS Nancy Bradish Myers is CEO of Catalyst Healthcare Consulting, Inc., a health care consulting firm that specializes in taking companies and organizations with brilliant ideas in medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and patient advocacy and showing them the way through the tangled maze of regulatory and policy challenges to provide value to patients and physicians.
By Gloria Fonseca 4 UZMA SARFRAZ Uzma Sarfraz helps American and British businesses adapt to the business culture and environment of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council. By helping companies tailor their marketing messages to the needs of consumers in these strategic partner nations, she helps build bridges across global cultural divides. Somehow, she still finds time for her equestrian passions: Fox hunts and desert endurance racing. 5 CRYSTAL SHEEHAN Crystal Sheehan is a dedicated realtor with a dual degree in Business Finance and Applied Economics. The daughter of a contractor, Crystal has seen homebuilding from the inside (no pun intended) and uses her many years of experience to ensure her clients always get the best possible home to fit their needs and budget. And despite being a busy professional and a devoted wife and mother, she still finds the time to be a dedicated and passionate member of the McLean community.
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McLEAN LIVING | 7
Meet THE MIGNATTIS
RESIDENT FEATURE
By Miriam Keliddar | Photography by Tatiana Dove
W
ork brought Mary and Andrew Mignatti to McLean, but sidewalks may keep them here. The couple was searching for a neighborhood reminiscent of their own childhoods, where a kid could run down the street to see if any neighbors wanted to play. The Mignattis found what they were looking for in the Evermay neighborhood of McLean. “The first thing we noticed was how many people were outside walking and the kids biking. It has a true suburban feel, even though you’re right next to DC. That’s what we wanted,” says Mary, and then: “But honestly, it was the sidewalks that sold us.” She notes the neighborhood has seen huge turnover in just the six years they’ve lived there. “There were almost no kids when we moved in, and now the majority of the homes have kids.” The growth has inspired a Valentine’s Day walk, a 4th of July parade, and a Halloween party that serves as a springboard for trick-or-treating. Although the Covid pandemic necessitated some adjustments - Valentine’s treats were served outside rather than inside - it has only strengthened the Mignattis' feelings for their home. The sudden increase in time indoors made the galley kitchen feel a little cramped, especially when cooking with their four children: Lauren, 16; Libby, 14; Aidan, 12; and Audree, 10. Mary had long known a home improvement project was necessary, but there was always something else taking mental or financial priority, and Andrew did not want to move out during the renovation. “It was a bit crazy,” Mary admits, but she can’t say enough good things about their contractor, and the result made their 1968 colonial feel like “the perfect house. And when we moved in, it was not perfect, but now we’ve made it into a place we want to stay.” The kitchen was sandwiched by an extraneous hallway and an alcove that seemed useful only as the kids’ “Lego room.” With the kids turning into teenagers, though, blowing out the two walls made better use of space and gave the family more time together. The main living area now includes a “great room” with a 12-foot long table and an open floor plan. Andrew, an avid cook whose
sole request was the 48-inch green Italian range, left the rest of the decisions to Mary. “I love design and being creative,” Mary says. She brought to life an old world-inspired space with modern conveniences, featuring Italian tile, off-white cabinets to match the woodwork, and a hutch passed down from her grandmother. Mary consulted with the mother-daughter team at Color Wheel of McLean to pick the mural wallpaper from London and a window treatment to complement it. The kitchen is now the center of the home and family life. It’s where you’ll most often find Mary and Andrew. Their favorite thing to do is get the kids fed and off to bed, and then enjoy dinner a little later at night, just the two of them. It’s a daily ritual that allows them to catch up and unwind. “We’d love to have family dinner every night, but it’s impossible with the kids’ activities and schedules,“ Mary laments. Lauren plays field hockey and is a costume designer for her school’s theater program. She learned to sew from her mother, who often sewed with her Montessori students. “It’s very calming,” Mary notes. Lauren has an interest in fashion and requested a bodice so she could design her own clothing during the pandemic lockdown. Mary was more than happy to oblige, although she personally prefers to sew handbags. “There’s a lot more leniency!” Libby plays basketball and lacrosse, and her pandemic request was a new pair of basketball shoes. Aidan sought an Xbox, but was thrilled to leave it behind in favor of seeing his friends and playing basketball, football, and lacrosse once things started to return to normal. Aubree asked for a camera and is developing an interest in photography. She also plays basketball and lacrosse. At one point, all four kids attended St Luke’s in McLean. “I got to do a LOT of volunteering!” Mary exclaims. She taught Sunday school and coached basketball, and Andrew coached lacrosse. Sunday has become a day for the family. Andrew rounds up the kids to cook a big dinner. Their favorite cuisine is Italian, particularly homemade pasta or pizzas in their wood-burning CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Libby
Photo credit: Tatiana Dove
8 | MARCH 2022
Libby plays basketball and lacrosse, and her pandemic request during the lockdown was a new pair of basketball shoes.
Lauren
Lauren plays field hockey and is a costume designer for her school’s theater program. Lauren has an interest in fashion and requested a bodice so she could design her own clothing during the pandemic lockdown McLEAN LIVING | 9
RESIDENT FEATURE (CONT.)
oven in the backyard. Afterwards, they might watch a movie. Andrew is a Texas Longhorns fan, and Aidan inherited his mother’s Cleveland Browns allegiance. It doesn’t leave much time for the couple’s previous hobbies of reading and travel, but they hope to continue their tradition of a family summer vacation by taking the kids to Hawaii this year, a trip for which they are all immensely excited. As an undergraduate, Mary studied abroad in Bangkok, and she later returned to Thailand to spend a year teaching English at an all-boys’ boarding and day school in the town of Rayong. The position allowed her to travel around Asia during vacations and holidays. She trekked the Himalayas in Nepal and indulged her eye for design in Malaysia, Singapore, China, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines. Her most precious treasures from her time abroad are two paintings by a student she met in Beijing, a thangka from Nepal, and dress silk and antique plates from Thailand. Mary grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned her undergraduate degree and Masters of Education from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. She has an AMI certification in Montessori education, and has taught every grade of primary school. “Although first, second, and third are just a lot more fun,” she admits with a laugh. While pregnant with the couple’s first child, she became certified in the Orten Gillingham method, which was developed to help teach children with dyslexia how to read. Andrew has dyslexia and, although not strictly genetic, family history does play a role. The move was prescient, as three of their four children have the learning disorder, and Mary is now a private reading therapist. It was teaching that initially brought Mary to Andrew’s hometown of Austin, Texas, where they met and fell in love. The family dog, a teddy bear labradoodle, is named Austin in the city’s honor. The couple married in 2003 in Cleveland. At the time, Andrew worked in sales for LabCorp. He then moved on to a lab in Pittsburg that was developing a test for pancreatic cancer and helped them grow until the company was sold, at which time he moved to a lab in the DC area developing treatments for rare cancers. Andrew’s father had run his own lab while Andrew was growing up, and he always knew he wanted to work in that world.
Aidan
Andrew had long recognized a need for greater transparency between labs and their patients regarding the cost of their lab orders, and felt he was well-positioned to make the necessary connections. In 2017, he founded CMT Solutions with a partner and two twenty-something employees, working out of their homes. Their timing couldn’t have been better: Political winds were shifting in favor of increased transparency. The company was growing rapidly just as Covid hit, sending Andrew scrambling for a larger office space. He was able to snag an empty space and complete the build-out from scratch, as well as meet the contractor who would make their later home renovation such a success. CMT Solutions now employs over 100 people at their offices in Falls Church, Orlando, and North Carolina, a call center in the Philippines, and as representatives up and down the East Coast. Andrew takes great pride in the company’s mission of supporting providers and patients with access to diagnostic testing. Part of their work is completing prior authorizations for lab work, allowing labs to better serve their patients and reducing confusion and surprise bills for patients. The high value placed on health runs in the family. When the family lived in Pittsburg, Mary trained to be a yoga instructor, and she now teaches spin, yoga, and Body Pump at McLean Racquet and Health Club. Classes moved to Zoom when the pandemic struck, and Mary suddenly found herself on screen and the center of attention. “I hope those classes aren’t still on Youtube!” Mary jokes, but the comments and feedback she received motivated her to push past her comfort zone. Her students were stuck at home, unable to visit family or continue comforting routines, and they counted on Mary to help them start or get through their day. “Being able to take care of people’s health was so rewarding to me. I’ve realized there’s so much to being fit. It’s putting it all together and that’s really what strengthens your body, having a little bit of everything,” Mary shares. That includes mental well-being. The family is looking forward to the start of lacrosse season and the warmer weather of spring. It will mean more time outdoors and maybe, even more opportunity for pizza from the wood-burning stove. For family people like the Mignattis, these little rituals are what make a good life.
Aubree
Luxury Penthouses McLean STATUS PND PND PND PND CLS CLS CLS CLS ACT CLS A/C ACT CLS
ADDRESS 7887 Jones Branch Dr #2002 1650 Silver Hill #2507 7887 Jones Branch Dr #1803 7887 Jones Branch Dr #1701 7222 Farm Meadow #301 7222 Farm Meadow Ct #301 8220 Crestwood Heights Dr #1808 1480 Evans Farm Dr #301 8220 Crestwood Heights Dr #1814 6900 Fleetwood Rd #707 8380 Greensboro #1004 8370 Greensboro #1007/1009 8370 Greensboro #1026
REAL ESTATE By Tessa Wilborne BEDS 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3
BATHS 3/1 2/1 3 2/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 2 2 2/1 3/1 2
CURRENT PRICE $3,746,000.00 $2,950,000.00 $2,575,000.00 $2,260,000.00 $1,750,000.00 $1,750,000.00 $1,750,000.00 $1,710,000.00 $1,425,000.00 $1,050,000.00 $945,000.00 $895,000.00 $725,000.00
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.
REDEFINING REAL ESTATE TESSA WILBORNE BROKER, T&G REAL ESTATE ADVISORS, INC 703-863-7002 TESSASELLS1@GMAIL.COM 1640 BORO PL 4TH FL TYSONS, VA 22102
OVER 2B SOLD OVER 485 SALES $
Aidan's lockdown request was a an Xbox, but was thrilled to leave it behind in favor of seeing his friends and playing basketball, football, and lacrosse once things started to return to normal. 10 | MARCH 2022
Aubree asked for a camera and is developing an interest in photography. She also plays basketball and lacrosse.
877-840-0144 | TG-ADVISORS.COM McLEAN LIVING | 11
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
McLean Birthday C E L E B R AT I O N S
M A RC H Wed, March 2 Socrates Cafe @Dolly Madison Library Get a fresh taste of philosophy along with some good discussion and light refreshments. Registration recommended but not required. Adults. | Time: 2-3:30PM | Cost: FREE librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov
Claire Prue turned 13 on Feb 29th, 2022 photo submitted by Prue family
Fri, March 4 Unruly Theatre Project Improv Show @Old Firehouse The area's hottest professional teen improv troupe brings you a hilarious night of comedy, food and more! Come help us spread some joy while being wildly entertained. Time: 7PM | Cost: FREE mcleancenter.org/special-events/upcoming Lilly Sheehan turned 9 on Feb 6th, 2022
Abby Jones turned 8 on Jan 27th, 2022 photo submitted by Jones family
Just like you, Bud has held many roles,
photo submitted by Sheehan family
Marianne Coast turned 35 on Feb 23rd, 2022 photo submitted
Fri, March 4 Indoor Trampoline/Summit Ropes @Old Firehouse Test your bouncing dodgeball skills, discover your ninja abilities or just jump for fun at this unique indoor facility! We will get some lunch, then practice our rope skills at Summit Ropes. Time: 8AM–6PM| Cost: $70/$60 MCC district residents mcleancenter.org/special-events/upcoming Sat, March 5 Irish Wishing Stones @Dolly Madison library Sláinte! Join us to learn about Irish Wishing Stones and make your own stone. Luck of the Irish is not guaranteed, but a fun time is! Registration is required. Teen-Adult. Time: 2:30-4PM | Cost: FREE librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov
Fri, March 11 St. Patty's Party @Old Firehouse 5th and 6th Grader Parties are themed and decorated accordingly. Free catered food and beverages will be distributed to participants. Parties feature a DJ, an open dance floor and a variety of activities. Pre-registration is recommended. | Time: 7-9:30PM | Cost: $35/$25 OFC Members mcleancenter.org/special-events/upcoming Sat, March 12 The Alden’s 2022 Spring Production @McLean Community Center The Alden’s 2022 Spring Production will be a piece of devised theater created by youth actors from the McLean community and guided by The Alden’s production team of theater professionals. Pre-registration is required. Time: 2PM | Cost: FREE mcleancenter.org/special-events/upcoming Sat, March 12 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 | librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov Thur, March 17 Performing Arts Documentaries @McLean Community Center Learn a little about the performing arts through these onehour (or so) documentaries. Safety permitting, join Performing Arts Director Sarah Schallern Treff for a discussion after. Registration is required. | Time: 1PM | Cost: FREE mcleancenter.org/special-events/upcoming Tue, March 22 Amateur Art @Dolly Madison Library Unleash your inner artist! This month we're springing into Spring with Happy Little Cherry Blossom Trees using acrylics. Registration is required. Teen-Adult. Time: 6-8PM | Cost: FREE | librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov
each providing different challenges. He is not letting any challenges slow him down. Just like you, he is resilient. Come explore Vinson Hall Retirement
LEAD YOUR TEAMS TO PEAK PERFORMANCE
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kellyfeatheringham McLEAN LIVING | 13
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
The Truth Is Size Matters A By Brian Mason
LOT!
McLean Homeowners
Welcome to The Home Sold Brian Mason Quarterly Truth Telling, In Your Face segment. Selling and looking out for my clients’ best interests is what I do, not just opening doors, drinking beer, collecting checks, and crushing competitors’ souls. The one thing I must always advise my clients is that size does matter a lot for future resale value.
FREE HOME VALUE
Home Sold Brian Mason
Sure, it’s one thing to say it, but what proof do I have? That is a great question, and I am about to break it down. How? Unlike your college girlfriend, who said Joe is just a friend, quantitative data will not lie to you!
Will Sell Your Home for No Listing Fee! SPECIAL OFFER Call 571.601.2810 For More Details
We know that in zip codes 22101 and 22102 there were 674 non-new construction detached homes listed at over $1,000,000 between February 15th, 2021 and February 15th, 2022. This time frame is considered the hottest market since that dreaded period from 2005 to 2008. Although it seemed like anything could be sold, an astonishing 174 of these homes listed did not sell! There are always tons of variables, but one that is commonly overlooked is the size of the lot.
Top producing real estate agent in Northern Virginia Licensed in DC, MD, VA Home Sold Brian Mason, KW United 5971 Kingstowne Village Pkwy | Ste. 110 Alexandria, VA 22315 703.562.1800 | 540.314.8754
linktr.ee/BestEverRealtor “Every piece of furniture we work with has a story”
The breakdown for homes in acres follows: ACRES
LISTING FAILING TO SELL
LISTINGS
% FAILED
0.25-
21
74
28.4%
0.26-0.5
48
279
17.2%
A Modern Company for a Modern World
0.51-0.75
14
90
15.5%
0.76-1.0
32
99
32.3%
1.01-2.0
36
88
40.1%
TRANSPARENT
2.01+
26
52
50%
14 | MARCH 2022
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As you can see, the sweet spot when buying a property is really from one quarter of an acre to three quarters of an acre. Anything below or above that takes a drastic turn in how long you can expect your home to idle on the market and make you question whether it will even sell for the price. Remember, this data was pulled during a hot market when inventory was low, and consumers were rapidly purchasing. Can you imagine the impact in a normal market, or even more, during a slow market? This is one of many considerations you must analyze when buying your home, and understand, too, when you are selling your home. No matter what they say, size matters a lot, and that is the bottom line because Home Sold Brian Said So!
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BUSINESS PROFILE
So Who Is Behind Synergy Beauty? By Gloria Fonseca
P
aola Soto is a former active member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). Members are held to the highest technical and safety standards and must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. She is trained in First Aid and CPR, Blood-borne Pathogens and practices standard precautions as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Born and raised in Chile, Paola attended high school in England and earned her Bachelor’s degree from SEK University in Santiago in Tourism and Hospitality and a second degree from Pace University in New York in International Business. She developed a love and passion for beauty, makeup, and skin care in her younger years. She followed her heart to a certification in Skin Care and Permanent Cosmetics from the Esthetic Institute in Vienna, Virginia, where she now serves as an instructor.
| Photography by Tatiana Dove
In November 2017, she became the first certified trainer in Spanish for Sviatoslav Otchenash’s techniques, where she has proven her teaching skills and expertise and was recognized as one the best trainers by Academy S and in several conferences around the world. Treatments by Paola and classes with Paola have been referred to as life-changing experiences! Paola is a person who pour her heart into her treatments and classes!
Paola’s education and training with the best master trainers in the industry – Branco Babic (Phibrows), Sviatoslav Otchenash (Stardust and S Magic Techniques), Elena Nechayeva – and her attention to detail set her apart from others in her field. She truly enjoys helping women and men with regain and restore their confidence while looking and feeling their best, either through skin care or permanent cosmetics. Paola has worked with several renowned international plastic surgeons, including Drs Reps Sundin and Burton Sundin and their team at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) and M Body in Tysons Corner, and Dr Fernando Terre of Clinica Terre in Santiago, Chile. She has consulted for several other doctors worldwide.
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Clemyjontri: A McLean Gem Story and Photo By Alexander Spotswood
D
espite being the most populous county in the commonwealth, Fairfax has managed to preserve a surprising amount of green space, with almost 10% of the county's land area being park land. But perhaps no park is dearer to McLean residents than Clemyjontri, a unique addition to the county's landscape and justly, a point of pride for McLean's citizens.
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The story of Clemyjontri begins with Adele Lebowitz, the widow of Mortimer C. Lebowitz, founder of the Morton's department store chain. Adele and her husband were both philanthropically-minded and pioneering apostles of mental health and racial justice. As Adele entered her golden years, she searched for a new way to give back. Then came an idea: She would donate some of her 18-acre family property off of Georgetown Pike for a park. But not just any park.
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In keeping with her family's lifelong commitment to helping the disadvantaged, Adele set about creating a park that would be accessible to all children, including those who disabled either physically or mentally. It would be a safe park, with soft, rubberized surfaces on the ground to prevent kids from hurting themselves. There would be braille in places to allow children with visionimpairments to participate. Even the swings were designed to allow everyone to participate. Some are specially designed to fit wheelchairs; others have high backs and handles so children with Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy can safely use them. In 2006, six years after it began to take shape, the park opened, taking the rather unusual name Clemyjontri from
the Lebowitz's four children: Caroline (Cl), Emily (emy), John (jon), and Petrina (tri). The park has grown to include a carousel and a trackless train, which operate during the summer months, and a picnic pavilion for large gatherings. In 2013, the Virginia Legislature passed a resolution honoring Mortimer and Adele for their lifetime of civic spirited philanthropy, and particularly for the love and care that Adele demonstrated in bringing Clemyjontri to life. It's a fitting capstone for a lifetime of public service and a just recognition of the park which stands as a monument to Adele's vision.
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Recognized as one of the DC region’s best beauty bets: The Vienna salon specializes in hair extensions, keratin treatment, and offers a variety of services like color and cut, balayage, manicure/ pedicure, facial, massage and many more spa treatments Daniel Bechara has been making his clients feel pampered and beautiful since 1991.
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