GFL_AUG 26

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LIFT ME UP! WHERE HEALING BEGINS WITH A HORSE

COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY Left to right: Roz Drayer (Former Board Member and Rotary Club member), Arianne Massey (Board Member), Tom Tucker (Volunteer and Rotary Club member), and Don Weyback (Board President).

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com

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

COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com

BUSINESS BROKER Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com

PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST, LASH ARTIST Jennifer N. Phung | Touch of Beauty Inc. (301) 346-3098 | MyTouchOfBeauty.com

LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com

FINANCIAL WELLNESS Lafayette Federal Credit Union Team Lafayette Federal Credit Union 240.747.3166 | www.lfcu.org

REAL ESTATE BROKER Puneet Bhagi | Ikon Realty 703-346-2293 | www.ikonrealtydmv.com

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

ESTATE PLANNING Justine Sennott, Esq. PJI Law 703-865-6100 | www.pjilaw.com

To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at: 703-868-8071 or gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Gema Island, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Island Children’s Dentistry

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© Best Version Media DEAR GREAT FALLS NEIGHBORS, PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Gloria Fonseca Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas Designer: Hannah Argall Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon Photographer: Myrtle Roy

One of the greatest joys of publishing Great Falls Living is sharing the stories of the incredible people and organizations that make this community so special.

This month, we are honored to feature Lift Me Up!, a remarkable nonprofit that has been changing lives for more than 50 years through the healing connection between people and horses. Their work reminds us that hope, confidence, and healing often begin with compassion and a community

ADVERTISING Contact: Gloria Fonseca Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-868-8071 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 photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE (5 days prior to the Submission Deadline; remember Content Submission Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a magazine edition 2 months out.)

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, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

willing to lift others up.

As you explore this issue, you'll also meet inspiring local business owners, trusted experts, and community leaders who continue to make Great Falls a place where neighbors support one another and meaningful connections thrive.

As summer begins to wind down and many families prepare for a new school year and new routines, I hope this issue inspires you to stay involved in our community—whether by supporting a local business, attending a neighborhood event, or volunteering for a cause that makes a difference. It's these everyday acts that help keep the spirit of Great Falls so strong.

Thank you for welcoming us into your home each month. It is truly a privilege to celebrate the stories, people, and businesses that make this community one of a kind.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful month!

FROM THE SOCIAL DESK

By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator Happy Back-to-School Season: May your coffee stay hot and your kids remember their lunch.

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LIFT ME UP! WHERE HEALING BEGINS WITH A HORSE

By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

There are places that change lives through medicine. Others through education, counseling, or community. And then there are places like Lift Me Up!, where healing begins with something far less expected…a horse waiting patiently in the arena.

Nestled among the rolling landscapes and equestrian traditions that have long defined Great Falls, Lift Me Up! has become one of the community’s most inspiring organizations.

For more than fifty years, its barns have welcomed children, veterans, first responders, families, and older adults seeking something that extends beyond therapy: hope, confidence, connection, and joy.

It is a reminder that some of life’s greatest breakthroughs do not happen inside a hospital or a therapist’s office.

Sometimes they begin in a barn.

When founder Colleen Zanin established Lift Me Up! in 1975, she believed horses possessed a remarkable ability to help people heal in ways that traditional therapies alone could not.

That simple yet powerful vision became the foundation of an organization that today serves Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., providing approximately 6,500 therapeutic sessions each year to more than 1,000 riders and wellness participants.

Its mission has remained unchanged: to create life-changing experiences for individuals facing physical, intellectual, neurological, and emotional challenges through the unique partnership between horses and people.

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© Best Version Media From the moment visitors arrive, the pace of everyday life begins to slow. The quiet rhythm of horses grazing, fresh country air, and the peaceful surroundings create an atmosphere unlike any other. It is here that healing often begins—not with words, but with presence.

Lift Me Up!’s therapeutic riding program combines adapted horseback riding with individualized therapeutic goals. Every lesson is tailored to each rider’s abilities, helping improve balance, coordination, strength, communication, confidence, and emotional well-being.

For some children, riding mirrors the natural movement of walking, strengthening core muscles while improving posture and body awareness. For others, simply directing a horse for the first time becomes a milestone that transforms self-confidence.

To an observer, it may look like a riding lesson.

To a participant, it can be life changing.

The impact extends beyond the arena. Through its EquineFacilitated Wellness Center at its Kelso Road Barn, Lift Me Up! serves veterans, first responders, caregivers, mental health professionals, corporate teams, and others experiencing stress or trauma. Many of these sessions take place entirely on the ground, where participants groom, lead, and interact with horses while developing mindfulness, resilience, emotional awareness, and trust.

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The organization’s inclusive Summer Horsemanship Camps bring together children and teens of all abilities, creating friendships that continue long after camp ends. Young volunteers learn empathy, leadership, and service alongside the campers, reinforcing that inclusion is simply part of everyday life at Lift Me Up!

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Behind every session stands an extraordinary team. Lift Me Up! is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, meeting rigorous national standards for participant safety, horse care, instructor qualifications, and organizational excellence. The nonprofit also holds a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency and a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating, reflecting its commitment to responsible stewardship and outstanding service.

© Best Version Media Its instructors are PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, several of whom also hold specialized certifications in Equine Mental Health and Learning. Their expertise allows every lesson to be thoughtfully adapted to each participant while ensuring the well-being of both riders and horses.

The volunteers are equally essential. In 2025 alone, more than 10,000 volunteer hours—valued at over $200,000— helped care for the horses, support lessons, maintain the property, and ensure that every participant receives the attention they deserve. Their generosity reflects the remarkable spirit of the Great Falls community.

The horses themselves are perhaps the organization’s greatest teachers. Carefully selected for their calm temperaments and intuitive nature, they build trust without judgment, inspire courage without expectation, and offer acceptance without conditions.

Today, Lift Me Up! operates from its permanent home in Great Falls, with indoor and outdoor arenas and a multisensory trail system that allows year-round programming.

The organization remains deeply grateful to Flo and Harry Dougherty, whose generosity provided its first home and helped establish the strong foundation on which it continues to grow.

Program fees cover only about half of the organization’s operating costs, making community support and

philanthropy essential to sustaining its mission and expanding access for those who need these transformative services most.

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More than fifty years after opening its gates, Lift Me Up! continues to demonstrate what makes Great Falls such an extraordinary community: neighbors who volunteer, donors who believe in a mission, dedicated professionals who serve with compassion, and horses that quietly help people rediscover their own strength.

For every child who gains confidence, every veteran who finds peace, every first responder who breathes a little easier, and every family who witnesses a breakthrough they once thought impossible, Lift Me Up! represents far more than a therapeutic riding center.

It is a place where healing begins with trust, grows through connection, and reminds every visitor that hope often arrives on four legs.

One rider.

One horse.

One life-changing connection at a time.

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For more information, visit www.liftmeup.org or contact: Dana A. Johnston Executive Director dana.johnston@liftmeup.org

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Confidence in a Market Built for the Long Term

By PUNEET BHAGI, Owner & Principal Broker, Ikon Realty

Real estate markets are constantly evolving, and while national headlines often focus on interest rates and economic uncertainty, Great Falls continues to stand apart as one of Northern Virginia's most desirable communities.

As we move through the second half of 2026, the local market remains healthy and resilient. Buyers are taking a more thoughtful approach than they did during the fast-paced market of recent years, but demand for quality homes in Great Falls remains strong. The combination of spacious properties, beautiful natural surroundings, excellent schools, and convenient access to Tysons, Reston, and Washington, D.C., continues to make this community an exceptional place to call home.

One noticeable shift this year is that buyers have more choices.

Inventory has improved compared to the past few years, creating a more balanced environment where buyers can make informed decisions without feeling pressured. At the same time, inventory is still limited enough that well-priced, well-presented homes continue to generate significant interest.

For homeowners considering selling, preparation has never been more important. Today's buyers are highly informed and know exactly what they are looking for. Professional photography, thoughtful staging, strategic pricing, and a comprehensive marketing plan can make a meaningful difference in both the time a home spends on the market and its final selling price.

On the buying side, many clients are adjusting to today's mortgage rates rather than waiting indefinitely for rates to change. While financing costs remain higher than they were a few years ago, buyers recognize that the right home in the right neighborhood is a long-term investment. Interest rates may fluctuate over time, but opportunities to purchase a home in Great Falls are far less predictable.

The luxury market continues to perform particularly well. Buyers

are placing greater emphasis on quality construction, modern updates, flexible living spaces, outdoor amenities, and homes that offer both privacy and convenience. Properties that meet these expectations continue to attract strong attention.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the Great Falls market is its stability. This community has consistently attracted families, professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees who value space, privacy, and an exceptional quality of life. Those fundamentals have remained steady through changing market cycles and continue to support long-term property values.

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home in Great Falls, preparing to sell, or simply wondering how today's market affects your property's value, local knowledge is more important than ever. Every neighborhood has its own story, and understanding those local trends allows buyers and sellers to make confident, informed decisions.

While markets will always change, Great Falls continues to offer something that never goes out of style: a remarkable community, outstanding homes, and enduring value. That's why I remain optimistic about what lies ahead for both homeowners and future residents alike.

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© Best Version Media ESTATE PLANNING EXPERT 5. Preserve Wealth Virginia has no state estate or inheritance tax, but larger estates may still be subject to federal estate tax. Trusts can help preserve family wealth, support business succession, and ensure assets are managed according to your long-term goals.

6. Simplify Multi-State Property Ownership If you own real estate outside Virginia, your family may face probate in each state where property is located. Placing out-of-state property in a trust can avoid these additional proceedings, reducing costs and delays.

7. Gain Peace of Mind The greatest benefit of a trust may be the confidence that your family will have clear guidance when they need it most.

A thoughtfully designed trust provides continuity, reduces uncertainty, and helps ensure your legacy is carried out according to your wishes.

Beyond a Will 7 Reasons to Have a Trust in Virginia

By JUSTINE SENOTT, Senior Attorney, Estate Planning Department Lead, PJI Law

As an estate planning attorney, I've seen firsthand the peace of mind a thoughtfully crafted trust can provide. A trust isn't just for the wealthy—it's one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones, preserve your privacy, and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Here are seven reasons to consider creating a trust in Virginia.

1. Minimize Probate and Simplify Estate Administration A revocable living trust allows assets titled in the trust to bypass probate, enabling your trustee to distribute property directly to beneficiaries. While you'll still need a will to nominate guardians for minor children, a properly funded trust can significantly reduce court involvement, delays, costs, and family disputes.

2. Protect Your Privacy Unlike a will, which becomes part of the public probate record, a trust remains private. Your assets, beneficiaries, and financial affairs stay confidential, giving your family greater privacy during a difficult time.

3. Plan for Incapacity If illness or injury leaves you unable to manage your finances, your successor trustee can immediately step in to handle your affairs.

This helps your loved ones avoid the time, expense, and stress of seeking a court-appointed conservator.

4.Protect Children and Other Loved Ones A trust lets you decide when and how beneficiaries receive an inheritance. You can provide for education, healthcare, or other needs over time, protect beneficiaries with disabilities, support aging parents, or even provide for beloved pets through a Virginia pet trust.

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A trust is one of the most practical estate planning tools available.

Whether your estate is simple or complex, it can help protect your family, preserve your legacy, and make the future easier for those you love.

If you're ready to explore whether a trust is right for you, I invite you to call PJI Law at (703) 865-6100 or visit www.pjilaw.com to schedule a complimentary, confidential estate planning consultation.

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HELVETIA Jewelry Arquitects

By CASEY WHITEMORE

Luxury jewelry has long been associated with life's most meaningful milestones; engagements, anniversaries, family legacies, and personal achievements. Yet for many people, finding a piece that truly reflects their style and values can be a challenge.

Too often, the experience begins and ends with selecting something from a display case.

At HELVETIA Jewelry, it begins with an idea.

Founded by Gloria Fonseca and co-founder and Master Jeweler Alicia Villars, HELVETIA is a bespoke fine jewelry studio built on the belief that luxury should never require compromise. Every piece is designed around the client, combining exceptional craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and complete creative freedom.

Whether it's a sketch on a napkin, a Pinterest board filled with inspiration, a cherished family heirloom ready to be reimagined, or an idea that exists only in your imagination, HELVETIA specializes in transforming even the most ambitious concepts into beautifully crafted jewelry. Their philosophy is simple: if you can imagine it, they can create it.

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Every project begins with a personal design consultation, where clients collaborate directly with the HELVETIA team to create a piece from the ground up. From selecting the precious metal to choosing the perfect gemstone, diamond shape, carat size, setting, and finishing details, every decision is tailored to the client's vision.

Whether you prefer a timeless round brilliant diamond, an elegant emerald cut, a romantic oval, a distinctive pear shape, or a vibrant colored gemstone, every element is chosen with intention.

© Best Version Media This level of customization extends far beyond engagement rings. HELVETIA designs wedding bands, anniversary gifts, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cocktail rings, heirloom redesigns, and one-of-a-kind statement pieces that simply cannot be found in a traditional jewelry store.

Behind every creation is the expertise of Alicia Villars, whose family's legacy in fine jewelry dates back to 1951. Generations of craftsmanship, paired with modern design and innovative techniques, allow HELVETIA to transform complex ideas into elegant, wearable works of art.

Equally important is the company's commitment to responsible sourcing. Clients may choose between premium natural or lab-grown diamonds, along with an extensive selection of colored gemstones. Every stone is conflict-free, ethically sourced, and carefully selected according to each client's preferences, priorities, and budget, allowing them to create a piece that reflects both their style and their values.

HELVETIA serves clients celebrating every stage of life: from engagements and weddings to anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, career milestones, and family celebrations. Many also bring treasured heirlooms to be thoughtfully redesigned into contemporary pieces, preserving cherished memories while creating something entirely new.

Rather than guiding customers toward a predetermined collection, HELVETIA focuses on creating something deeply personal; something that cannot be duplicated because it was designed exclusively for the person who will wear it.

Located at 1305 Vincent Place in McLean, HELVETIA is redefining the custom jewelry experience through expert craftsmanship, personalized design, and limitless creative possibilities. For Gloria Fonseca and Alicia Villars, every piece is more than fine jewelry—it's a reflection of the individual behind it.

To learn more or schedule a private design consultation, visit www. helvetiajewelry.com.

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SMART FINANCES WITH LAFAYETTE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Is Your Retirement Investment Strategy Built to Last?

By MARC ERAZO, Great Falls Branch Manager Lafayette Federal Credit Union

Retirement today can span 30 years or more, making it important to have a strategy that helps your savings support your lifestyle and long-term goals. While market fluctuations are inevitable, a well-designed retirement income plan can help provide confidence through changing economic conditions.

Rather than relying on a single income source, many retirees benefit from a diversified approach that may include investment accounts, retirement plans, Social Security, pensions, and other assets. Regularly reviewing your withdrawal strategy, spending needs, and investment allocation can help keep your plan on track as life changes.

Retirement planning isn't just about growing wealth; it's about creating sustainable income while managing risk, inflation, and taxes. Working with a financial professional can help develop a personalized strategy designed to support the retirement you've worked hard to achieve.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice.

Lafayette Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Membership required.

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AUGUST

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Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to luxury, or investing in your family’s future, Puneet Bhagi and his team at Ikon Realty Luxury provide personalized service, unmatched local expertise, and a boutique experience tailored to you.Every home has a story—let us help you find yours.

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