GF_MAY 2025 by novaliving

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

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LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY

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

COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES

Oliver Lee | Principia Tutors & Consultants 703-424 2936 | www.principiatutors.com

PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS

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

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT

Emily Grubel | Great Falls Aesthetics (703) 495-3688 | greatfalls-aesthetics.com

CUSTOMIZED SKIN CARE

Sona Sut | Derma Care 571-606-3436 | www.dermacareva.com

BUSINESS BROKER

Erika Baez-Grimes | Transworld Business Advisor 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com

LUXURY JEWELRY

Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Puneet Bhagi | Ikon Realty 703-658-3999 | www.ikonrealtydmv.com

By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator

WARNING:

Reading this may cause inspiration, laughter, and the occasional ‘I should really do that’ moment.

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PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Gloria Fonseca

Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas

Designer: Hannah Argall

Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman

Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon

Photographer: Myrtle Roy

Contact: Gloria Bruni

Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com

Phone: 703-868-8071

Have feedback, ideas or submissions?

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DEAR GREAT FALLS RESIDENTS

I bet you didn’t know we have a couple of celebrities living right here among us—furry, four-legged ones at that! I’m thrilled to share that the May cover of Great Falls Living features none other than Hammy and Fiona, two charming corgis who have captured the hearts of millions across social media. Their delightful personalities, hilarious antics, and the joy they bring to fans around the world make them true local stars—and we’re so proud to call them our own.

Here at Great Falls Living, we love celebrating the heart of our community—and that means shining a light not only on our residents (famous or not!) but also on the events and organizations that make this town so special. In this issue, we are honored to spotlight Lift Me Up!, a cherished nonprofit equine therapy center that just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Their recent Golden Rodeo event brought the community together in an unforgettable way, and we’re proud to help share their incredible story and impact.

As always, thank you for letting us be a part of your homes and hearts each month. Whether you’re discovering hidden local gems, reconnecting with neighbors, or simply flipping through with your morning co ee, we’re here to celebrate life in Great Falls with you.

Wishing you a joyful, sunshine-filled May!

Warmly,

By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

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ey, Great Falls—did you know you have celebrities living right next door?

If not, allow us to introduce you to Hammy and Fiona—two charming corgis with millions of fans, a heartwarming story, and a family who’s bringing smiles to screens (and sidewalks) around the world. So sit back, relax, and enjoy their story.

In a quiet corner of Falcon Ridge, where the trees breathe with the seasons and the river trails beckon four-legged adventurers, lives a family that’s anything but ordinary. If you’ve ever found yourself smiling at a video of a talking corgi announcing he’s hungry, chances are you already know them. Meet Chris Equale and Sarah Rasmussen—along with their adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Hammy and Fiona—and the whimsical world they’ve built around love, laughter, and yes… buttons that talk.

Oh, and don’t worry—we haven’t forgotten the feline family members: Theodore “Theo” and Eleanor, who also goes by “Nori.”

Their story begins in Las Vegas, back in 2014. Chris, then working in the tech industry, had just relocated from California and found himself dining solo one evening at the Bellagio. That’s where he met Sarah, a server working the Vegas Strip, and—cue the movie soundtrack—the rest, as they say, is history.

"Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, we were an incredibly active couple," Chris recalls. "Sarah worked regularly on the

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hands in a few operations! Now I work for my dog, Hammy—and he’s a pretty demanding boss. If you think your job is tough, try being late to dinner with this guy!”

Eleven years and two children later (the furry kind—for now), Chris and Sarah now call Great Falls home. “We just knew it felt right,” Sarah says. “And we were right. Falcon Ridge is magical.”

Las Vegas Strip, and I was flying to and from California twice a week for work. When everything shut down in March 2020, we had more time together than ever before in our relationship. We wanted a creative outlet to share that time, and creating an account for the pups seemed like the perfect way to spread some joy during such a wild time."

That little idea turned into a full-time gig.

“We’re full-time pet parents now, which is wild to admit,” says Chris. “I started my career in the front o ice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, spent ten years in Silicon Valley, and right before quarantine I was working in California’s licensed cannabis space. I’ve had my

“We moved here for four-season weather, to be closer to my family in Potomac, and to give the dogs the yard they deserve,” Chris says. “Our life would be pretty boring without them. From sharing the stage with the Vegas Chippendales to walking Alex Ovechkin to the locker room—our dogs have truly led the way.”

Hammy, the elder statesman of the household at eight years old, is a social butterfly with an infectious smile and a flair for the dramatic. Fiona, their oneyear-old “flu y” corgi, came into their lives after a heartbreaking goodbye to their first pup and online star, Olivia.

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“Olivia passed away after Halloween 2023,” Sarah shares. “She was the sassiest soul, and losing her left a huge hole in our hearts. But Fiona has brought her own kind of light into our lives.”

Hammy, a proud mama’s boy, knows an impressive set of tricks—he can roll over, shake hands, and even fetch household items. Fiona, the guardian of the family and a total daddy’s girl, greets every visitor like an old friend. Just don’t tell her golden retriever boyfriend, Gabe, that she’s also been flirting through the fence with a doodle named Dova!

Their account, originally called Hammy & Olivia, was born out of pandemic boredom but quickly evolved into a full-blown family brand. “We started doing voiceovers for the dogs and creating content just for fun,” Chris says. “But the messages we received from fans were deeply moving.”

One story in particular stands out: a young boy battling cancer at The Potomac School received a surprise birthday visit from 30 corgis—organized through Chris and Sarah’s local corgi network.

“Moments like that remind us that this is more than silly videos,” says Sarah. “It’s connection. It’s comfort.”

They’ve even trained Hammy and Fiona to use buttons to communicate—an adorable innovation that comes with its own... challenges.

“Our house is full of bells now,” laughs Chris. “And yes, they know exactly how to use them.”

Their days start with Hammy jumping on Chris at 6:30 a.m. demanding breakfast. From spoon-licking and trail walks to filming content and meeting fans, their lives revolve around the dogs.

“They’ve given us the gift of creative purpose,” Sarah says. “And the gift of slowing down.”

Favorite local haunts include the trails at River Bend Park, early morning strolls through the neighborhood, and the aisles of Merrifield Garden Center—where Sarah hunts for backyard blooms and the pups often run into admiring fans.

Today, Chris and Sarah are full-time creators, and their oncehobby videos have become viral productions with millions of views. Still, they measure their success in the simplest ways.

“When someone stops us at Oliver’s Corner Butcher and says, ‘Wait… do you have a corgi?’—we know we’ve made someone’s day a little better,” Chris says.

And if Hammy and Fiona could send one message to the world?

“I’m hungry, short, and I have no thumbs,” Chris says with a grin. “Feed me.”

Through love, loss, laughter, and endless content, the EqualeRasmussen family has built something beautiful—rooted in community, powered by creativity, and led by two shortlegged stars with enormous hearts.

“We moved here for a better quality of life,” Sarah says. “And now, thanks to our pups and this town, we’re living our best one.”

Teresa Kim (@teresattree)

Here’s

What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market

By PUNEET BHAGI Ikon Realty

Recession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. And that leaves people wondering what would happen to the housing market if we do go into a recession. Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in housing for each recession going all the way back to the 1980s.

A RECESSION DOESN’T MEAN HOME PRICES WILL FALL

Many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time we saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since.

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In fact, according to data from CoreLogic, in four of the last six recessions, home prices actually went up (see graph below):

So, if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, don’t assume a recession will lead to a crash in home prices. The data simply doesn’t support that idea. Instead, home prices usually follow whatever trajectory they’re already on. And right now, nationally, home prices are still rising at a more normal pace.

MORTGAGE RATES TYPICALLY DECLINE DURING RECESSIONS

While home prices tend to stay on their current path, mortgage rates usually drop during economic slowdowns. Again, looking at data from the last six recessions, mortgage rates fell each time (see graph below):

So, a recession means mortgage rates could decline based on the data. While that would help with a ordability, don’t expect the return of a 3% rate.

BOTTOM LINE

The answer to the recession question is still unknown, but the odds have gone up. But that doesn’t mean you have to wonder about the impact on the housing market—historical data tells us what usually happens.

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Luxury Travel Skincare: How to Maintain Glowing Skin at 30,000 Feet

BY SONA SUT Licensed Master Aesthetician

Traveling in style doesn’t just mean luxurious destinations— it’s about preserving your skin’s radiance, even at 30,000 feet. Airplane cabins are notorious for drying out the skin due to low humidity, so having a skincare routine tailored for travel is key to maintaining your glow. With the right products, you can keep your complexion hydrated and refreshed, no matter the altitude.

Start with a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin. This helps reset your complexion after hours in a recycled-air cabin. Follow with a hydrating toner to lock in moisture and restore the skin’s pH balance.

A rich serum with hyaluronic acid is essential to counteract dehydration. Apply it liberally, especially to dry areas like the cheeks and under the eyes. Since cabin pressure dehydrates the skin, layering a luxury moisturizer with squalane or ceramides is a must to protect the skin’s barrier and maintain hydration throughout the flight.

Don’t forget your SPF—even on a plane, UV rays can penetrate through the windows. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF to ensure protection.

SKINCARE PRO TIP:

Pack a hydrating mist with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid in your carry-on. Spritz throughout the flight to refresh and hydrate. It helps combat dryness, pollution, and UV exposure. Your instant boost of hydration—perfect for long-haul flights or when you arrive. Safe travels!

THE GALA OF THE YEAR IS BACK AT THE GRANGE

By MARIANNE BANE | Photos by MAURICIO CORDEIRO

The Great Falls Gange Foundation hosted its Gala of the Year on April 5th, uniting Great Falls' finest for a noble cause. This year's event featured a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the preservation and restoration of the historic Great Falls Grange.

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The foundation's mission is to maintain the Grange's legacy as a community hub, providing spaces for events and fostering community engagement. With funds raised from the gala, the foundation continues its vital work, ensuring the Grange remains a cherished part of Great Falls' history.

Saddle Up for a Cause Lift Me Up! Kicks O 50th Anniversary with Golden Rodeo

By JULIE CASSO, Executive Director of Lift Me Up

Photos by JAMES DIEDRICH jamesdiedrich.art

The Great Falls community showed up in true Western style on March 8th for the inaugural Golden Rodeo, hosted by Lift Me Up!, our beloved equine-assisted therapeutic riding center. With over 160 guests in attendance, the event marked the exciting kicko of the organization’s 50th anniversary—celebrating five decades of empowerment, healing, and horsepower.

Held right here in the heart of Great Falls, the evening was filled with rustic charm and heartfelt celebration. Guests enjoyed live country music from Fork in the Road, line dancing that had boots stomping and hips swinging, and a delicious Southernstyle spread from local chef Rich Ashton. It was a night of joy, connection, and community spirit—all in support of a truly meaningful mission.

with varying cognitive and physical abilities, as well as programs to support the mental health of teens and adults. With gentle, intuitive horses and certified PATH instructors, the nonprofit has become a sanctuary of strength, confidence, and compassion for riders of all ages and abilities.

For those who aren’t familiar, Lift Me Up! provides equineassisted therapy and horsemanship programs for individuals

The Golden Rodeo wasn’t just a celebration—it was also a successful launch for Lift Me Up’s Annual Fund Campaign, with a goal to raise

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$50,000 in honor of 50 years. For those who couldn't attend, there's still time to contribute.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Golden Rodeo Chair Teresa Yurt and her dedicated event committee for organizing such a memorable evening. The energy was contagious, and the impact will be lasting.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Mark your calendars for March 7, 2026, when the Second Annual Golden Rodeo rides back into town. Plus, Lift Me Up’s next major event—their annual Gala Fundraiser—is set for November 1, 2025.

Whether you ride, volunteer, or simply cheer from the sidelines, Lift Me Up! invites everyone in our community to be part of their journey. Here's to the next 50 years of making strides—together.

For more information visit https://liftmeup.org/.

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The Women's Great Falls Club Hosts Prom!

By ELLE PARKER | Photos by MAURICIO CORDEIRO

The Women's Great Falls Club hosted an unforgettable prom-style party, showcasing their vibrant spirit and camaraderie. These women brought the glamour, fun, and joy, proving that friendship and celebration know no bounds. With laughter, music, and memories galore, the evening was truly unforgettable.

Your Fitness Journey Is Yours Alone

By YOUSOF FARYAR Fitness Lab VA, Transformation Coach

In today’s world, there’s no shortage of information about health and fitness. From workout routines to diet plans, podcasts to Instagram influencers— everywhere you look, someone has a tip or a trick to share. While this abundance of knowledge can be empowering, it can also be overwhelming. The truth is, what works wonders for one person might not work at all for someone else. Your body, your lifestyle, your goals—they’re all unique. That’s why your health and fitness journey should be too.

Instead of getting lost in the noise or discouraged by comparison, focus on exploring what truly works for you. It’s okay to try di erent things, to pivot, and to grow along the way. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress that feels right for you.

And while there’s no deadline, remember this: happiness is waiting at the finish line.

Let’s take this one step at a time and figure it out together. You don’t have to do it alone.

For more information, contact Yousof at yousof@fitlab.co, visit www.fitlab.co, or call 703-286-9290.