April 2024

CLEA LIVING M N

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: Tatiana Dove

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FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS

Have feedback, ideas or submissions?

We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and

Spring is finally here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to soak up the sunshine and explore the beauty of our surroundings. April marks the beginning of a new season, and there's no better time to venture outdoors and embrace the vibrant energy that comes with it.

Last year, my family from Honduras was visiting and we decided to take a trip into D.C., to experience the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Strolling through the monuments with a backdrop of delicate pink blossoms was a sight to behold. It's moments like these that remind us of the magic that spring brings plus the wonderful sunny days that await us.

In this issue, alongside our expert's articles... and details on the community events, like the wonderful ChildHelp gala we attended, I'm thrilled to introduce our cover story featuring the incredible Crystal Sheehan and her family. They are not only cherished members of our community but also exemplify the spirit of engagement and involvement in McLean.

So, whether you're exploring the cherry blossoms in D.C., attending local events, or simply enjoying the beauty of your own backyard, let this April be a month filled with adventure and connection. Grab a copy of McLean Living, and let's make the most of this wonderful season together!

Warm regards,

© Best Version Media

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES

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

ACUPUNCTURIST

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

HAIR STYLIST

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

TRAVEL AGENT/VACATION PLANNING

Emmy Hoffman | Luxe Traveler Club 502-345-8938 | luxetravelerclub.com

INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY

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

AI & US POP-UP ART EXHIBIT EXPLORES THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

By CAROL NAHORNIAK Photos by MUHAMMAD USMAN

Reston, VA – Reston Art Gallery and Studios recently hosted AI & Us, an exclusive pop-up art exhibit featuring works created by numerous artists exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence on our society. The concept for this special exhibit was the brainchild of Leah Zhang, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSS). “Like it or not, AI is here to stay,” stated Zhang. “Our goal was to raise awareness while sharing the anxieties and inspiration that come with this exciting—and often unnerving—innovation in our lives.”

DR ALLIE LONNEMAN

Pediatric Dentist

Board Certi昀椀ed Pediatric Dentist

Show's artists, Art gallery owners, and ARC representatives

The works created especially for this show were submitted by artists from the Northern Virginia region, including high school students in the Fairfax County area. The entries were juried for the exhibition by artist Pat Macintyre, owner and director of Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS), and artist Jennifer Duncan. With their support and provision of the gallery space for the exhibit, Zhang began the development of the show by launching a call for artists last fall. Zhang's vision for the show included a philanthropy factor – the art works of AI & Us were available for purchase by silent auction, and all sales proceeds were donated to The Arc of Northern Virginia, a local nonprofit that utilizes assistive technology to help people with disabilities.

With the intrigue, pros, and cons of Artificial Intelligence, there was promise that this show would be as eye-opening and thought-provoking as art can be. “One of the many exciting aspects of AI & Us was seeing the exhibit unfold as we finalized the art selections,” said Macintyre. “We were amazed at the caliber of work that students are creating, and we are proud to work with Leah in presenting this exhibit.” Macintyre and Duncan also judged the displayed works, and awards were presented for the best entries during the show reception held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. The AI & Us event successfully raised around $3000 for The Arc of Northern Virginia.

Following AI & Us, Reston Art Gallery and Studios will continue its roster of new shows each month, open every weekend afternoon, with a variety of displays that range from invitational group exhibitions to solo exhibits of new works by each of the gallery’s collective of seven artists.

Leah Zhang

Pat

By KATIE CULLIGAN

Photos by TATIANA DOVE

© Best Version Media

If you’ve been reading our magazine, you’ve likely seen Crystal Sheehan’s face on the back cover of every issue. Knowing this, you may be surprised to hear that she turned down being our cover feature five times before finally accepting the opportunity. Crystal (37) is a kind, unassuming person who works enthusiastically and tirelessly for her clients as a Keller Williams’s real estate agent in McLean. She is also a dedicated mom to two children, Lilly (11) and Colin (3), and has been married to her husband, Matt (41), for almost 15 years.

In discussing how we wanted to tackle the feature article, Crystal emphasized how much she wanted to give her appreciation to her favorite places in McLean, which of course we at McLean Living Magazine are all for! With this dedication to her city, it’s pretty clear that she and her family are a wonderful representation of why more and more young families are choosing to live, play, and work in McLean.

In the spring of 2012, Crystal and Matt were living in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Matt was in the process of finishing a federal appellate clerkship when the couple decided to move closer to Crystal’s family, who has a working farm in Orlean, VA (Fauquier County). Crystal was pregnant with their first child, Lilly, and they were excited to move to the DMV area. As Crystal recalls, “Now we had to determine where to live. Matt had just landed a job at a

large law firm in Washington, DC, so we needed to be close to the city. We first looked at condos in DC, then townhouses, and then single-family homes in the Palisades. We quickly realized that the DC vibe was not really us. I like wider streets, larger yards, and quiet in the evening. We also wanted to be near restaurants and activities.” The pair then started to look at properties in Virginia. The first time they drove through McLean, they fell in love. They noted that although the commute to DC was simple, you could easily forget how close you were to the city. Cut to 2024, the family has lived in McLean for twelve years, and, after a four-year stint in the federal government, Matt is now a Director and Assistant General Counsel at a Fortune 500 Defense Contractor.

The family of four loves traveling, spending time together, going out to eat, shopping, RV camping, and going to Disney World. The latter of which they take annual trips, if not more! Their favorite resorts while at Disney World are the Four Seasons Orlando and the Grand Floridian. Matt and Lilly love the parks and can be found there from nearly sunup to well past sundown. In addition, Matt and Lilly enjoy taking annual father/daughter trips to various places. This past year they went to Niagara Falls, and for the previous several years they have gone to Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA. It is a local amusement park that Matt grew up going to. Excitingly, Crystal and Colin plan to join their trip this year.

© Best Version Media

When not enjoying family time traveling, they very much appreciate what they have at home. Crystal explains how much she loves the community, including running into people she knows at the grocery store. She also loves taking classes at both the community and recreation centers, attending local events, grabbing food at the local farmers market, and playing with her kids at the many local playgrounds.

© Best Version Media

THE McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER (MCC)

The Sheehans are grateful for the family social activities located at the Community Center. They love the wonderful Music Together classes, which have allowed their kids to grow a love for music and create exposure to di erent instruments. Crystal states, “The ballet classes at the MCC were adorable - we met so many wonderful friends through these classes and programs." They have enjoyed many chocolate festivals, Spring Fests, paint nights, and father/ daughter dances, all hosted by the MCC.

McLEAN’S PARKS

The Sheehans are close to so many lovely parks and playgrounds. Their two favorite playgrounds have always been McLean Central Park (“really looking forward to when the renovation is complete”) and Clemyjontri, where they can spend hours and hours of fun! The kids particularly adore the maze and the swings. Crystal noted that meeting up with friends at the playground was always one of their favorite pastimes; the fresh air and movement were extra benefits.

COUNTRY DAY PRESCHOOL

Crystal exudes “We fell in love with Country Day the moment we stepped foot on the grounds.” It reminded her of her own lower school experience: a quaint school house feel canopied by large trees, housing colorful classrooms of caring teachers. At Country Day, they focus on the “social emotional child,” finding the joy of learning. The Sheehans felt like that tied into their own personal beliefs about what makes for happy children who know how to self-advocate. The children have the opportunity to learn through play, gaining self-confidence by climbing on the playground and navigating the obstacles on the play structures. Lilly loved her experience, and it prepared her very well to move on to Beauvoir and, now, the National Cathedral Elementary School, where she is a “very kind 4th grader.” Colin started in the parent/child program and has found the same sense of home at Country Day that Lilly experienced. He is a “happy-go-lucky three-year-old” who loves music with Ms. Amanda and art with Ms. Traci. “We could not be happier with our experience at Country Day.”

McLEAN’S EATERIES

Since they moved to McLean over 11 years ago, Crystal reflects that the number of options to eat has exponentially changed. Their favorite co ee shop is Star Nut Gourmet. For breakfast, they frequent Chesapeake Bagel Bakery because Matt and the kids love their chocolate chip bagels. Their go-to lunch spot is Madison Deli on Beverly Avenue; “their Bulgoki Quesadilla and Chicken Pita are delicious.” A preferred after-school treat is a chocolate chip cookie from Sweet Bites Bakery. El Bebe in the Boro is their new favorite Mexican joint, where the “Chicken Tinga Nachos are a winner.” Not to be left out, the Sheehan’s favorite pizza and cheesesteaks come from either Listranis or Badd Pizza. Crystal admits, “It is way too hard to decide which restaurants are on the favorite list.”

© Best Version Media

McLEAN ACTIVITIES

Every spring, the family anxiously awaits McLean Day at Lewinsville Park. “The performances and the youth activities are wonderful, along with the local club and business displays... and you can't forget the rides; there is something for everyone.” McLean’s 4th of July fireworks are another favorite, with an impressive fireworks performance where the community can hang out with friends and neighbors. ("Hopefully we will have clear skies this year.”) Matt and Lilly love the Chocolate Festival at the MCC around Valentine’s Day, where many chocolatiers sell their confections.

CRYSTAL’S BACKGROUND IN REAL ESTATE

Crystal e uses, “I am grateful to be able to serve this wonderful community as a real estate agent.” She wanted to be a real estate agent since she was about eight years old. Her first memory of her love for real estate came from watching the Real Estate Channel with her dad as they read the current listings. “We would critique them or talk about what excited us about each house. My dad and grandfather were contractors, and I always loved seeing projects come together.” Her family also moved several times, so she became inspired when her parents saw the vision of what a house could be and would turn it into something new. When it came to planning for the move, she loved gathering data and comparing the options to find what would best meet her family’s needs.

Crystal studied Real Estate while in college at Virginia Tech and took classes ranging from animal science to environmental engineering;

however, most of her classes were focused on business. She graduated with a dual degree in Business Finance and Ag & Applied Economics. Crystal balanced her studies with an array of extracurricular activities; she was President of her social sorority and Captain of the Dressage Equestrian Team. She was also captivated by the culture of Appalachia, where she contributed to a published article and presentations at a national conference in Washington, D.C., and also sat on a panel in Dayton, OH. She loved the concepts along with studying the impacts of behavioral finance. She feels that having this background has made it easier to help clients navigate the sales and negotiation process.

Sheehan has now been a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty in McLean since 2015 and has been recognized as a top agent in the area. She also serves on her o ice’s leadership council. She likes educating her clients on the process of buying, selling, and understanding the local market while researching and weighing all options to best meet their needs. She helps clients come up with the best strategy to accomplish their goals. “When I help buyers, I love figuring out what would best meet a client's needs, then finding it for them.” She expounds that when it comes to selling, she brings together a top-notch team (contractors, stagers, photographers, and expert marketing) to help present her client’s current house in the very best light for a sale.

Crystal Sheehan’s final thoughts are quite simple but concise. “We love living and working in McLean, and if you are thinking about moving in or around McLean, let's set up a time to see if we might be a good match to make your housing dreams come true."

© Best Version Media

© Best Version Media

Comfenergy and 3 Pros Basement Systems

Your Solution to a Healthier, Comfortable, Energy-Efficient Home

By LIA HOBEL The Property Doctor

By LIA HOBEL The Property Doctor

Ever have a damp, cold, or too stuffy feeling inside your home? Your house may not be operating as efficiently as it should. If you suspect this is the case and wish to evaluate your home's energy efficiency, there's a reputable company in Sterling that is ready to answer your call.

Comfenergy provides comprehensive, top-notch home performance solutions that cater to all your home needs. The company is co-owned by John LeVan, Justin Dobson, and Peter Walther, who also operate 3 Pros Basement Systems together.

The team starts with a meticulous and thorough whole-home assessment. No stone will be left unturned as they inspect every aspect of your property, from the basement and floors to the walls, windows, attic, and insulation. By methodically assessing the design and condition of your home, the team can pinpoint any potential deficiencies that could lead to various problems, such as uncontrolled air flow, poor temperature control, excess humidity, or even basement water problems.

Once they identify these issues, clients will be presented with home performance solutions. Each one will be designed specifically to ensure that their recommendations provide tangible benefits to homeowners. By implementing their expert recommendations, you can experience a significant improvement in the overall air quality within your home. Moreover, Comfenergy solutions also work to reduce moisture levels, minimizing the potential for mold growth.

HOME ENERGY AUDIT

How does a home energy audit work? To start, Comfenergy experts will ask clients what results they'd like to have from working with them. “We use whatever the homeowners tell us as direction to search for potential root causes,” says Co-owner John LeVan. “Our Contractor Nation Certified Home Performance Experts will use thermal imaging cameras, smoke tests, and a blower door test to check the air flow in a home. They will crawl into a crawl space and visually inspect for poor insulation, water or excessive moisture, rodents, uncontrolled air vents, and sump pump performances.” The same goes for inspecting attics. They do a temperature test, an air flow test, check for poor quality insulation, and inspect the HVAC duct system for leaks or poor air flow.

ATTICS AND CRAWL SPACES

One of the most common problem areas is the attic and crawl space of a home. Comfenergy has an updated method for correcting these problems with a product called Tru Soft Cellulose Insulation. “There are multiple benefits of Tru Soft Cellulose Insulation. It covers more space and can fill into corners, gaps, and cracks where traditional batt-rolled insulation cannot,” explains LeVan.

Tru Soft Cellulose Insulation can easily be added to any attic space and is able to provide a higher R value (insulation rating/measurement). Tru Soft is also treated with borate, which is a human- and pet-friendly compound that naturally deters rodents and helps to prevent infestation. “Air sealing an attic is part of nearly every home project that we perform, and it is done with the use of Zyp Foam,” states LeVan.

Zyp Foam is sprayed into all small cracks, gaps, and light fixture seams where air can travel. Air sealing helps hold conditioned air heated or cooled by the HVAC system in the rooms below and in the attic, helping to keep those rooms comfortable and with more even temperatures.

Properly insulating a crawl space can improve the air quality in a home, reducing allergens and mildew. The team focuses on insulating the walls of a crawl space rather than putting traditional insulation below the floors above. Closing off open air vents in a crawl space and sealing the rim joists of the home with spray foam insulation helps eliminate the ability for eternal air and temperature to impact the condition in the crawl space and rooms of the home above.

WATER AND DAMPNESS IN BASEMENTS OR CRAWL SPACE

3 Pros Basement Systems is the area's go-to for waterproofing and crawl space solutions that work. Having water or dampness within a crawl space or basement can affect an entire home, as it can lead to mold and mildew.

“Whenever you have moisture and any organic material, mold can grow,” says LeVan, noting that half of the air inside a home originates from the lowest point of the home. “A wet basement or crawl space can therefore lead to poor and unhealthy air being breathed by the people living in a home. A wet crawl space can also lead to wood rot in the subfloor and frame of the home.”

The company is supported by Contractor Nation and utilizes over 40 products that are patented and exclusive to their network of dealers. “We have the resources and knowledge gained by over 30 years working in the crawl space and basement waterproofing industry,” says LeVan. “We offer a lifetime, transferable warranty for our home projects and offer annual service plans for our sump pump installations.”

Whether you believe you have an energy or moisture problem in your home or want to avoid a potential problem down the road, 3 Pros Basement Systems and Comfenergy are your local experts for diagnostic and preventative work. Contact them today to create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Comfenergy: (703) 783-9166 or Comfenergy.com

3 Pros Basement Systems: 1-800-638-7048 or 3prosbasementsystems.com

© Best Version Media

Claire Kim A Beacon of Excellence

By MARK SHARKEY

I wish to highlight and showcase the incredible talents and accomplishments of a Langley softball player, Claire Kim. Claire is an exceptional ambassador for Langley High School and its softball program, as shown in her many school achievements and activities outside the classroom. Claire will be attending Cornell University in the fall, majoring in Mechanical Engineering/Robotics with a minor in East Asian Studies. Claire, a senior at Langley, is one of the top students in the 2024 class. During her four years at Langley, she has challenged herself with an extremely rigorous academic path: many AP courses in a broad spectrum of subjects, advanced math, and science courses, in addition to completing the Japanese 5 course work, which includes being nominated for the Japanese Governor's School. Through this arduous work, Claire has achieved an extremely high GPA and scored extremely high in the SAT tests. She participates in the National Honor Society as well as the National English, Math, Science, Japanese, and Music Honor Societies.

Northern Virginia Suzuki Music School

"When love is deep, much can be accomplished."

In addition to her schoolwork, she is involved at Langley in many ways. From a musical perspective, Claire has been a four-year member of the orchestra, is the first chair cellist, and has the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. Claire is captain of the Langley HS Science Olympiad team. She has led this team to win numerous awards and medals. The Science Olympiad team is one of only two schools from Virginia invited to the SO Nationals, finishing in the top 5 nationally. Athletically, she is a four-year member of the Langley Softball team, attending daily practice, traveling to the annual Myrtle Beach Spring Break Tournament, and being an important member of the team. She will be on the Athletic Honor Roll for four years.

One would think that this course load and school involvement would be enough, but it is what she does outside the classroom that is so impressive.

• Claire is the founder of the Little Stem Initiative. Claire's interest in STEM prompted her to lead a Girls in STEM seminar and workshop, bringing nine professional women in a range of STEM fields and local middle school-aged girls together to create connections and a vision for future women in STEM. She has shared this workshop, translated and subtitled, with a contact in Japan, using her Japanese language and interpersonal skills to bridge two cultures. She also leads a team of high school and college students around the world to create mentorship relationships with young people who desire to make an impact in their own communities.

• President and Executive Director of the Global Impact Council, which strives to empower teens to change the world.

• Coordinator for the Youth Steam Outreach program designed to package and deliver STEAM experiments to children in long-term hospitals and shelters.

• Private tutor for elementary through high school students in chemistry and Japanese.

• In the summer of 2023, Claire was an Engineering Technician Student Trainee at the US Naval Research Laboratory. She assisted in developing a prototype (flat-sat) for a CubeSat-based radio frequency (RF) payload as part of the Naval Center for Space Technology's (NCST) RF group. In addition, she conducted independent research on RF payloads, TT&C Radio Lead; and orbit modeling leads.

• She attended a 3-week robotics program at UPenn (ESAP), where she was thrown into an intensive program where they had a crash course in the basics of robotics and had to write code and build hardware that could play a song on a recorder.

Outside of these high-intensity and time-consuming activities, Claire still has time to volunteer as a softball coach at High School Softball Camps and Great Falls Little League coaching clinics, work as a summer lifeguard, and achieve the Girl Scout Gold Medal Award.

As you can see, Claire is a courageous, loyal, and fiercely determined young woman who has a bright future.

TALES FROM YOUR FAVORITE REAL ESTATE AGENT!

Importance of Owner’s Title Insurance

By BRIAN MASON

Yes, in the month of February, I was escorted out of a building by security! Let me explain! My client wanted to buy a house. Relocating from Florida to here. Spent some time, found a house, made an offer, and, after some back and forth, got ratified. Everything is going well. My client wanted to close early. Fantastic! Told the title company, told the lender, and it all seemed good til…*ring, ring* "Hello,” I politely answered. The Evil Voice “We cannot close early because the title is not insurable." Well, there are a couple of issues that cause a title not to be insurable, and typically, that is when there is some type of lien against it. This means we find a way to release it, and all is good. But this was not the case. This time, it turned out that the title was never properly transferred from the Seller to the Buyer (Current Seller) in 2004. What is worse, is this was a new construction back in 2004.

I politely asked, “How does this get resolved?" I was told that the seller's settlement company could not figure it out. The company that sold the new construction, well, their corporation dissolved, and they cannot reach anyone who was affiliated with them. They tried old phone numbers, emails…nothing.

Hmm, do I sit back and relax and say, “What can I do?" No, I go on the war path! Did research, and The Corp had a very unique name. I did what we all do and Googled them. Found a company with the same name, but in Virginia, and thought, yeah, not a coincidence. I looked at the deed and also found the law firm that created it back in 2004. So yes, I went to the places physically (since no one answers their phone, and this was of most importance) and received some information. I passed it along to assist.

Anyway, no luck, and I was told that the seller's would have to file a claim. A claim takes 6 months! This is unacceptable. Thankfully, the settlement agency found a note from the county that stated they could not record, and notified Albany (not her real name) of the issue and that she would fix it...back in 2004. Well, Albany did not follow up. Luckily, I had Albany's last name, and I looked her up on LinkedIn.

To my surprise, Albany has been working at the same company since 2004…20 years later! This is an anomaly in the title industry,

from my understanding. Well, great, but Albany has no phone number. Everyone else tried to get a hold of Albany's company, but it just rang, and voicemails were left. That is okay, because I found a way to track down her phone number. Sure, she freaked out that she was contacted on her personal phone, but my client was about to be homeless.

After the initial shock disappeared, she probably saw the pending lawsuit that was going to happen for not completing this 20 years ago. She starts working on this, but my client is nervous because he does not believe I can get this done. I calmly reassured him, but yes, I was nervous. Albany does her stuff, but now it has to be sent to the point of contact for The Corp to sign off on it.

One day passes, and nothing and no timeline is given. We now close the next day! We have to close! I have options and decided, I am going to The Corp's office building and talk to C Suite. I went there and told the front desk why I was here, and they stated they would send a message. Nope, I am going to sit here til I see C Suite. Well, four hours of my life passed by, and no C Suite. In fact, they are now closing because it is 5:30. I was asked to leave, but I refused, and boom, security was called and gently escorted me out. OMG, I failed…..or did I cause enough commotion that it got signed that night? Maybe it wasn't me, but it was signed, and we closed the next day!

The moral of the story is that Owner's Title Insurance should be considered. I used to think, what were the chances? But then you have situations like this that happen. The seller did not have to use it this time, but they almost had to file a claim. The Seller's title company tried to persuade my client to switch, and they would insure it. I do not know how, and it seems a little unethical, but it would be his problem when he tried to sell the home. Of course, I recommended to him that he get it fixed right to avoid a similar catastrophe in the future. Even in new builds, oversight seems to happen, and it is in the best interest to pay that one-time fee to ensure you do not have issues 20 years later.

© Best Version Media

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WHAT IS PERSONAL TRAINING?

By JANINE FRANK

CEO & Co-Founder of 2 Health Nuts

There is rarely a day that goes by when I am not hearing someone talk about fitness. From the person in front of me at Starbucks, talking to the barista about the workout class they just came from, to the person behind me in line at Neiman Marcus sharing they are going to be late to meet their trainer, we live in a society where fitness is a “thing.”

It's posh.

There is something about “name-dropping” where you workout, the trainer you work with, how many miles you have run, the amount of weight you squatted, etc., that makes you feel part of something. It's a community, and one that has greatly evolved over the past 18 years since I stepped foot in the industry.

If this is your first time reading one of my articles or the first time hearing my name, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Janine Frank, a Baltimore native with a B.S. in Exercise Science, as well as a certified Personal Trainer & Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Level 1 Precision Nutrition certified, YogaFit Level 1 certified, and CoFounder/Owner of 2 Health Nuts - a corporate health & wellness company specializing in on-site group fitness, nutrition seminars, behavioral change programming, customized wellness events, corporate program roadmaps, and personal training.

In fact, personal training is where I got my start and one of the very reasons I am the person I am today.

The concept of personal training started in the early 1900s. In its most basic sense, the term simply means when one individual works with another individual in a gym setting (or of varying degrees) to benefit their own personal health & wellness needs. While the idea of personal training was new at this time, fitness had been around for centuries. Earlier civilizations - think ancient Greeks - had already touted and showcased their athletic prowess. The difference lies in that they were doing so in an effort to get ready for battle, not their own, personal initiatives. In the 1700's, the “grandfather of German gymnastics,” Johann GutsMuths, was responsible for creating fitness equipment gymnasts would use

based on the program(s) he devised. As both a teacher & educator, he is acknowledged and known as the developer of physical education.

Fast forward to the 20th Century when celebrities and TV personalities were paving their way in the fitness industry. A household name at the time, the “godfather of fitness,” Jack Lalanne, became the 1st personal trainer to personally train his own clients when he opened up his health club at the age of 22 (late 1930's). Growing up as a self-proclaimed “sugar addict,” it was through his own, personal journey of eating right and exercising that not only made him feel better & stronger overall, but wanting to help others do the same. About 18 years later, the American College of Sports Medicine was formed, and they began certifying fitness professionals. Prior to this point, a (formal) personal training certification was not needed.

By the 1980's, it was evident the positive impact personal training was having, along with the popularity and viability among interested individuals. In addition to Jack Lalanne, public figures such as John Basedow, were growing their fitness empires by leaps and bounds. To this day, Jack is credited with being the very reason WHY this industry has been so pivotal & successful. Through nationally accredited certifications, anyone can learn about health & fitness, and be an impactful role model in the lives of so many!

Reference: Smith, Diana. “The History of Personal Training & Its Role In Fitness.” Physical Culture Study. https://physicalculturestudy. com/2019/03/27/guest-post-the-history-of-personal-training-and-its-rolein-fitness-today/

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I remember when I got my first job at a local health club in the Baltimore area. I was very excited, “omg” nervous, and a little timid. Are people going to like me? Are people going to invest in me as their trainer? Am I good enough to do this? As personal trainers/fitness professionals, we are not reinventing the wheel. What we are reinventing is ourselves, and becoming a better version of who we were when we entered the space 18 years ago, 10 years, 5 years, etc. We all have to start somewhere, and this is the very advice I give to those who are interested in pursuing a profession in health & wellness.

While having a handful of credentials behind your name is, of course, very beneficial, so much of this industry is built on experience & connection with clients. Having worked with hundreds of individuals in the course of my tenure, I have gained so much knowledge and perspective on life itself… and this is the very reason why I am the person I am today.

Whether you are interested in becoming a personal trainer, or hiring a personal trainer for yourself, here is some advice to help you achieve your goals!

I AM INTERESTED IN HIRING A PERSONAL TRAINER. HOW DO I GO ABOUT FINDING THE BEST FIT FOR ME?

• Referrals are always one of your best sources!

• Talk to someone at your local health club/fitness studio who could guide you. Even the person behind you in line at the store could probably share their experiences too!

• Do your research! Is there something specific you want? Are you looking for someone experienced in postnatal? Marathon training? Sports specific training?

• Interview! Fitness can be very personal (and even a bit intimidating); as I mentioned before, connection is huge and finding a trainer that matches your personality is key to success.

• You can always reach out to me to learn more! In fact, if you mention this article, your 1st personal training session will be on me!

Look forward to hearing from you! Contact Email: janine@2healthnuts.com

HOW TO BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER?

• There is no “right” way to go about this process. Maybe you have always had a passion for fitness, or it's a 2nd career and something you find interesting. There are so many avenues you can go down; try to hone in on what excites you the most and use this as your springboard.

• Research nationally accredited fitness certifications and choose one that best suits you and your learning approach.

• Set a study schedule that fits your current schedule so you can stay on track.

• See if your local health club or fitness boutique is hiring; you can start by shadowing other trainers, engaging with members, working some floor hours/front desk, etc.

• Once you get your certification, start getting your name out! Don't be afraid to say you are a new trainer as well. Everyone brings a different perspective and approach!

Midnight

By DANI BANEGAS

Emad Jano Hemede, an internationally renowned visual artist originally from Aleppo, Syria, captivates audiences with his evocative artwork. Despite the turmoil of his native country, Hemede's paintings and sculptures exude a profound reflection of Syria's rich history and cultural heritage. Immigrating to the United States in 2011, Hemede continues to inspire through his thought-provoking pieces, leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.

In this issue, we are excited to feature Emad Hemede's captivating painting "Midnight," a testament to his profound artistic vision. "Midnight" portrays a mesmerizing cityscape where buildings emerge from the shadows, their edges seemingly glistening and dancing in the night. Hemede skillfully blends warm and cool colors to evoke a sense of depth and mystery. The crisscross symbols adorning the buildings serve as home locators, adding a symbolic layer to the composition. Windows painted in shades of green, blue, and dark blue represent the diverse religious communities of Syria—Muslim, Christian, and Jewish, respectively. Notably, the absence of window panes in certain structures signifies the presence of birdhouses, a common sight in Damascus. Through "Midnight," Hemede invites viewers to contemplate the simplicity and complexity of human existence, echoing the timeless connection between humanity and nature.

Childhelp Celebrated 65 Years and Annual Shining Stars Gala

By MEGHAN KREIN ChildHelp

Childhelp, the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to eliminating child abuse, celebrated its 65-year anniversary and its annual Shining Stars Gala on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton in McLean, VA. Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, dancing, a live auction, and a fund-raising event to raise money for Childhelp's mission of healing, hope, and lifesaving programs. Given the gala was right before St. Patrick's Day, the event had an Irish flair, including a live-auction trip opportunity to the storied Emerald Isle of Ireland. Another auction highlight was the coveted Taylor Swift Era tour experience in the City of Lights, Paris, France. Longtime Childhelp Celebrity Ambassadors Melissa Peterman, Jen Lilley, and John O'Hurley were in attendance. Singer and Childhelp Junior Ambassador Rosevelt Rawls graced the stage and gave a special performance to mark this milestone anniversary celebration. Proceeds from the event directly supported the services provided to abused and neglected children through The Childhelp Alice C. Tyler Village and Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. The Alice C. Tyler Village, a residential treatment center near Culpeper, VA, formerly a horse farm, helps victims of child abuse and neglect begin a journey of healing through traditional therapy and other modalities, including art therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy. The evening also reflected on the remarkable journey of Childhelp's founders, Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, who discovered their mission of helping abused, neglected, and

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at-risk children while on a USO Tour after the Korean War. "We are so blessed to celebrate 65 years of making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable: Our children," O'Meara said. It is estimated that five children die every day from child abuse and neglect. Since its inception, Childhelp has saved more than 12 million children nationwide. Sponsors of the event included Alpha Omega, ECS, Sandra L. Crippen, CyberVance, Hadeed Carpet Cleaning, Halvik, Harmonia, Kapani Family Foundation, Mindpetal, Christine Rales, and Seacorp.

About Childhelp: Founded by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1959, Childhelp® has brought the light of hope and healing into the lives of more than 12 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp's programs and serv include residential treatment services, children's centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes, and abuse prevention, education, and training. The Child National Child Abuse Hotline serves children and ad nationwide 24/7 through phone, text, and online cha For more information, visit www.childhelp.org and fo Childhelp at facebook.com/childhelp, Instagram.com/ childhelp, and twitter.com/childhelp.

S4G and Belong!

BRING EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND “BUILD + LEARN” EVENT TO UNDERSERVED STUDENTS

By SHEILA MURPHY Photos by FAITH BOETTGER

The Mclean/Vienna/Oakton area is home to median household incomes above $200K, median housing prices above $1.1M, top public schools, and competitive (and expensive) sports programs, to name a few. It is easy to forget that there are low-income, immigrant, and refugee families with school-aged children who live in our neighborhoods and struggle every day. Many of these families experience poverty because of limited language proficiency, low levels of formal education, and minimum-wage earnings. The figures are staggering and shed light on a growing problem:

• One-third of all elementary school-aged children attending Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are enrolled in the free and reduced meals program.

• FCPS reports that failing grades for English Language Learners are up 106% past pandemic.

• For minimum-wage earning families, a one-bedroom apartment in Fairfax County costs 73% of monthly wage earnings, leaving little money for other essential needs.

Belong! (http://www.belongvienna.org/) is a Vienna nonprofit that cares for its neighbors by spreading love through education and service. Its youth academic and enrichment programs provide students in our community with educational support and extracurricular activities that empower them to achieve academic success and become well-rounded adults. As part of this program, volunteer mentors work one-on-one with students after school each week to help with remedial math and reading skills. Students come mostly from families where English is a second language and parents work long hours without the time or resources needed to help their children succeed in the classroom.

This February, S4G joined forces with Belong! to provide educational supplies and enrichment experiences to underserved children attending Cunningham Park and Marshall Road elementary schools. S4G's support was particularly timely, as Belong! recently added a third area school, Freedom Hill, to its program. S4G members purchased workbooks, other educational materials, games, books, and supplies for Belong!'s afterschool programs. These in-kind purchases totaled $2,366. In addition, S4G raised $2820 in financial donations that will support field trips and other enrichment opportunities on teacher workdays and holidays. Members also donated 100+ gently used books and games for students and mentors to enjoy after studying.

The highlight of the project was a fun “Build + Learn” event held on February 20 at Vienna Presbyterian Church. Organized by S4G's February Project Team, the event allowed 60 students and mentors to build a trusting relationship in a fun social setting. It also provided 26 S4G members a hands-on opportunity to engage with these hardworking students. “Hands down, this was the most engaged and memorable mentor-mentee event that Belong! has had in our history! S4G's expertise, generosity, attention to detail, and flexibility are amazing. What an asset S4G is to our community!”, said Lynn O'Connell, Executive Director of Belong! After sharing dinner together, Belong! students and their mentors had the opportunity to visit several activity tables where they made bookmarks, glow jars, created a photo collage for Belong!'s use, and played Twister. S4G members supervised the activity tables, socialized with students and mentors through games, and ensured the evening ran smoothly.

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.

For beachfront living, there’s no better place under the sun.

Virginia Beach is a treasure trove of arts, culture, and natural beauty. It’s no wonder, then, why Virginia was recently named the best state to retire by WalletHub, outscoring Florida and the Carolinas in a national study. No community captures all of this area’s grandeur quite like Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay.

Ideally situated on the city’s scenic coastline, our bayfront campus offers luxurious residences with gorgeous views, fabulous amenities, and the full continuum of care under one inclusive fee, all available now. And there is even more to come with the Bay Tower, our brand-new 22-story Independent Living tower. Visit today to see for yourself! Want to learn more about resort-style living? Please call (800) 996-9794 for more information or to schedule a personal tour today. Or see us online: https://www.wcbay.com/

For an alternative Virginia Beach lifestyle option, check out our sister rental community, Opus Select. Visit www.opusliving.com.

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SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024

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Join us for the 10th Luke’s Wings Heroes Gala to celebrate Luke’s Wings’ mission of providing complimentary airfare for wounded, ill and injured service members and their loved ones throughout recovery and rehabilitation.

HeroesGala

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What All Parents Need to Know About Oral Health, Children's Feeding Concerns, and Laser Dentistry

By DR. RISHITA JAJU Smile Wonders Pediatric Dentistry

How can I improve my baby or child's feeding struggles!

Seeing our baby or child feed and grow comfortably and efficiently is a big part of enjoying parenthood.

Whether you are a new mom trying to breastfeed your baby, a parent looking to improve efficiency of bottle-feeding, or you have a child who's having difficulties with certain table foods, there can be many challenges that get in the way of this simple but precious experience.

Here are the top 4 providers that can help a struggling baby or child feed better:

‘MOM-FRIENDLY’ PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER (PCP): A mom-friendly PCP's care philosophy gives equal importance to parenting (and feeding) preferences along with medical management of their patient. Simply put, they look beyond just growth charts and weight gain. They help minimize the efforts that parents and babies may have to put into keeping up with the child's weight gain and growth. They can screen for anatomical concerns of lip/tongue tie but also understand the gravity of functional issues in their diagnosis and management. When they work closely with a savvy team of support providers, their patient families have the best experience of successful long-term outcomes.

SAVVY FEEDING SUPPORT PROVIDERS: Depending on age and needs, a Lactation Consultant or a Feeding/Occupational Therapist can provide valuable support to moms and babies. For newborns, an experienced lactation consultant empowers parents with information and education regarding the benefits of proper latch position, frequency, and quantity of feeds. For some babies and older kiddos that are having difficulty coordinating a proper swallow, an experienced feeding/occupational therapist can greatly assist with techniques to improve the strength and stamina of oral muscles, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, as well as soft palate. These providers are crucial for alleviating the impact of feeding difficulties on the overall mental health of parents. These experienced providers can greatly assist in establishing necessity, readiness, and proper timing for a procedure such as frenectomy to remove the lip/tongue-tie if they are restricting a baby's ability to feed well.

PROVIDERS THAT ESTABLISH HEALTHY MOUTH-BODY CONNECTIONS: Sometimes feeding difficulties arise from muscle tension or neurological disorders. Bodywork therapists such as Infant Massage Specialists or Physical therapists who have knowledge and experience with cranio-sacral therapy (CST) can greatly help babies that have small opening of mouth, tightness in neck or shoulder muscles (torticollis) or head turning or side preference. They are able to address muscle tension in the neck/shoulder/floor of the mouth and palate

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anatomy for effective seal, suction and stamina. These providers can also recognize if there are any oral tethers (lip/tongue-tie) that are restricting the optimal mouth function of a baby/child. If there is a need for a procedure, they help provide the optimal relaxation of the body muscles and establish readiness for the frenectomy procedure.

SKILLED FRENECTOMY PROVIDER: For infants, toddlers, and children that have signs and symptoms of lip and/or tongue tie, it is important to find a provider who is master of their domain in performing thorough and complete release of the tethered oral tissues. A skillfully completed procedure is at the heart of short-term outcomes and long-term success for all patients. They are experts in oral motor function and assessment of all areas of the baby's mouth—the lip, tongue, and buccal ties. Understanding the optimal function, growth, and development markers is key to successful diagnosis and treatment planning. Babies are a moving target, and the real estate for the procedure is extremely limited. While the provider's skill and experience are the primary determinants of the safety of the care, the tools they use have an impact on the quality of the care and patient outcomes. A laser's biologically protective method allows for desensitizing and gently removing the tissue rather than cutting it. This reduces the need for local or general anesthesia in the majority of cases. Experienced providers who have completed thousands of successful procedures and have kept up with training and knowledge of medical management as well as laser technology are able to do the procedure conservatively and safely. Experts also realize the importance

of effective aftercare and rehabilitation exercises after the procedure so that the baby/child can maximize the impact of the newly obtained range of motion. They follow their patients for early markers of optimal healing and long-term improvement in function. These are some of the hallmark characteristics of expert frenectomy providers.

A COLLABORATIVE TEAM APPROACH

When your team of professionals works with each other and shares your parenting philosophy, they can assist the baby and the parents with all aspects of feeding with medical, behavioral, or surgical methods when needed and can make the biggest difference! Feeding can become truly enjoyable and nutritious without unnecessary struggles.

Dr. Rishita Jaju is a board-certified pediatric laser dentist, and the team at Smile Wonders are recognized experts in the field of infant feeding difficulties and laser frenectomies. She completed her dental education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, and specialty training at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. She is one of the few pediatric dentists in the country who is dual-qualified as a Master Status Laser Dentist from the Academy of Laser Dentistry and as a Breastfeeding Specialist. She works closely with some wonderful'momfriendly’ pediatricians, excellent feeding support providers, and bodywork therapists that understand and improve the mouth-body connections in the DMV and would be happy to make the connections for your family!