GFL_December 2025 by novaliving

COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

© Best Version Media

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

Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT

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

REAL

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

LUXURY JEWELRY

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

PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS

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

BUSINESS BROKER

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

LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS

Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com

To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at: 703-868-8071 or gbruni@bestversionmedia.com

FASHION & STYLE

Aleena Dhar | House of Alkara info@houseofalkara.com | www.houseofalkara.com

PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST, LASH ARTIST

Jennifer N. Phung | Touch of Beauty Inc. (301) 346-3098 | MyTouchOfBeauty.com

© Best Version Media

PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Gloria Fonseca

Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas

Designer: Hannah Argall

Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman

Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon

Photographer: Myrtle Roy

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 Due

December 10

January

edition 2 months out.)

June 10...................................................................................................July

July 10

August 10

September 10

DEAR GREAT FALLS NEIGHBORS,

As the holidays arrive and the year winds down, the air gets colder—but our hearts always get a little warmer. I want to take a moment to say how truly grateful I am for each of you. What a beautiful year we’ve shared as a community—full of stories, celebrations, and the kind of connection that makes Great Falls such a special place to call home.

December is a month to show up for one another, so take advantage of every holiday event you can—from our local Holiday ArtFest to the wonderful gatherings around town. Supporting our local creators and businesses keeps our community strong, joyful, and united.

Most importantly, let’s remember the true spirit of the season. May kindness guide us, may love fill our homes, and may faith give us strength. Let’s make these holidays meaningful—not because of the gifts we receive, but because of the love we give.

From my family and the entire NoVa Living Magazines team, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a joyful New Year.

Here’s to closing 2025 with gratitude and opening the next with hope. With love and appreciation,

FROM THE SOCIAL DESK

By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank our wonderful community of readers, partners, and local businesses for being part of our story. �� It’s been an incredible year of connection, creativity, and collaboration — and we’re so grateful to share it with you. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments. Here’s to new stories, fresh inspiration, and exciting adventures in 2026!

With gratitude,

© Best Version Media

By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

For nearly two decades, the Clarke family has called Great Falls home, a place where rural charm meets community warmth and where their love of family, service, and celebration has taken root. Cory and Kevin Clarke moved here from New Jersey almost twenty years ago when Cory accepted a role with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. What they discovered was something they could not have imagined: a serene pocket of horse farms, wildlife, and winding country roads, all just thirty minutes from the heartbeat of Washington, D.C.

“We fell in love immediately,” Cory shares. “Great Falls has this unique blend of natural beauty and true community spirit. It is the best of both worlds.”

Creating a Home Where Everyone Belongs

Cory is a former Wall Street trailblazer who became the owner of an interior design firm, as well as a wife, stepmother, President of the Women's Club of Great Falls, volunteer, and philanthropist. Kevin, a retired banker and regulatory policy expert, is also an avid golfer and committed community volunteer. Together, they lead a blended family centered on faith, gratitude, and joy. Their adult children, Shannon and Brendan, are a constant source of pride, while their vibrant home is shared with a lively pack of pups, each with a personality all their own.

There is Brody, the eleven-year-old Maltese who cannot understand why people are not afraid of him; Princess Petunia Pickles, the sassy peek-a-poo with a queen-sized attitude; Bear, their one hundred ten pound Great Pyrenees who insists he is a lap dog; and Barkley and Lilly, the Pomeranian duo who charm

their way to endless treats, although Lilly would very much prefer to be an only child. Their home, in every sense, is alive with pets, projects, and people.

Weekends reflect their style perfectly. Kevin can be found on the golf course, Cory is usually in the garden or diving into a new project, and both love welcoming friends and family into a home made for gathering. Holidays, especially Christmas, are their season to shine.

“We cannot entertain enough during the holidays,” Cory laughs. “Whether it is a Christmas party for over one hundred friends or a quiet dinner by the fire, we love creating moments.”

© Best Version Media

Finding Their Place in Great Falls

The Clarkes embrace the community with genuine a ection. Their favorite holiday tradition is Celebrate Great Falls’ Celebration of Light, followed by the neighborhood gathering at The Old Brogue, a ritual they look forward to every December.

Throughout the year, they are passionate supporters of local causes and charitable events, especially those that uplift neighbors and strengthen community bonds. You will find them at The Rotary’s annual Oktoberfest, the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund Spring Gala, the Lift Me Up! Gala, and the Grange Foundation Spring Gala. They show up, support, and celebrate the people around them.

“We believe in honoring God, loving our neighbor, and having fun,” Cory says. “Great Falls gives us endless opportunities to live out those values.”

A Career Reinvented Through Creativity

After a successful career on Wall Street, where she was among the first female institutional fixed-income brokers, Cory felt a creative pull she could no longer ignore. She returned to school to study design and launched Cory Clarke Designs, guided by a simple and heartfelt philosophy:

“Your home should bring you joy and support the way you live.”

For Cory, this means designing spaces that are welcoming, functional, and filled with life, not untouched rooms or furniture that is o limits. Her work is rooted in understanding her clients deeply, learning their memories, their lifestyle, and their vision of home.

Clients often ask what is trending, and she always answers the same way.

“What is popular is not what matters. What you love is what matters.”

We would like to thank Nadia Khan Estates for bringing you this month’s cover story.

With a proven track record of over $100 million in career sales volume, I am your trusted advisor in the world of luxury real estate. Recognized by distinguished publications like Arlington Magazine, I combine local expertise with global reach through a network of 90,000 agents in 24 international markets, ensuring your property receives unparalleled exposure.

Your home will be featured on over 80 premier platforms, including Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and Luxury Estate, while my cutting-edge marketing—complete with professional HDR photography, cinematic videography, and targeted online advertising ensures your home is seen by thousands of qualiﬁed buyers across digital and social platforms.

For those seeking their next home or investment, I specialize in sourcing off-market properties and negotiating with precision.

Achieve your goals with conﬁdence and ease— curated by Nadia Khan.

© Best Version Media

She encourages families to embrace colors, textures, and finishes that evoke cherished memories, transforming houses into meaningful and joyful spaces.

Working with Great Falls families has been one of the most rewarding parts of her business.

“Nothing is better than when clients become friends,” she says. “That is the greatest outcome of all.”

Though every project is unique, Cory finds joy in the transformation, seeing ideas come to life and hearing clients describe how the new space has changed the way they live. The most challenging part is the same one every small business owner faces. “There are only twenty-four hours in a day.”

Her style is shaped not only by training but also by her travels, especially time spent in the Far East and Africa, where she draws inspiration from textures, patterns, and craftsmanship. At home, she keeps the ambiance serene with fresh flowers and candles, simple touches that instantly bring peace.

A Life Filled With Gratitude

Outside design, the Clarkes are social, adventurous, and loyal Purdue and Big Ten fans. Whether traveling, enjoying their beach house in Delaware, or simply sharing laughter with friends, they embrace life fully.

This year has brought joy but also loss. The passing of Kevin’s mother, along with other dear friends and relatives, has deepened their appreciation for time, family, and the gift of presence.

“It really reminds you that life is short and so precious,” Cory reflects. “I am grateful for everyone who has been part of my journey: my parents, siblings, mentors, friends, and of course, Kevin and the kids. They are my heart.”

As Great Falls enters another holiday season, the Clarke family stands as a reminder of what makes this town extraordinary: community, compassion, and a home filled with love.

© Best Version Media

Life is Hard Some of us Need a Chicken to Make it Better!

By CAROL WESLEY WRIGHT, adapted for Great Falls Living

Santa’s Little Style Sleigh Arrives at Sharkey’s!

This holiday season, treat your little ones to the gift of fun, sparkle, and style! At Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Sterling, we make haircuts an adventure — complete wash, cut & style, choice of fun car-chairs, balloons, lollipops & giggles.

Call (571) 500-5859 or visit www.SharkeysCutsforKidsSterling.com to reserve your spot today!

Last month, the Herndon Women’s Club brought a heartwarming act of kindness to our community. On Thursday, November 20th, club members delivered a batch of hand-knitted Emotional Support Chickens to the memory care residents at The Residence at Colvin Run.

Each chicken is lovingly crafted by volunteer knitters, requiring hours of detailed work. This thoughtful project is the first of its kind locally, and the club’s long-term goal is to expand donations to more memory care facilities throughout Great Falls, Reston, and Herndon — spreading comfort, purpose, and joy one stitch at a time.

THESE KNITTED CHICKENS PROVIDE:

• Calming sensory comfort through soft textures and colorful yarn

• Reduced anxiety and agitation by giving restless hands something safe and soothing to hold

• A renewed sense of purpose by encouraging nurturing behaviors

• Positive memories tied to childhood, pets, or family traditions

• A comforting companion for residents experiencing loneliness

• Easier engagement between caregivers and residents through a simple, joyful conversation starter

SAFE, CUSTOMIZABLE, AND MADE WITH LOVE

Knitted toys are ideal in care environments: they are easy to clean, customizable to each resident’s preferences, and o er the emotional benefits of a companion without any risks.

As these special deliveries make their way to Colvin Run, they bring with them far more than yarn and stu ing — they carry warmth, compassion, and the spirit of community that defines Great Falls.

If you would like to support this meaningful project, learn how to get involved, or help expand the Emotional Support Chicken initiative to more memory care communities, the Herndon Women’s Club would love to hear from you. Contact them to volunteer or learn more about their ongoing community e orts.

The Holidays... Business Edition

By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES, CM&AP, Founder | The BPH Group, LLC

For many business owners, the holiday commercials and change in weather signal a time to slow down, plan for the new year, reflect on the challenges they’ve overcome, and recharge the battery. But in the world of M&A, this season can quietly become one of the most strategic windows of the year.

While a handful of buyers and investors may appear to be winding down, the truth is, many of those dealmakers are gearing up. Serious acquirers spend the final quarter of the year planning for the deals they want to close during the first quarter of the year. That means while the rest of the world is taking their foot o the gas, they’re reviewing industries, evaluating potential targets, and lining up capital to start the year o on the right foot. If your business is even considering a sale in the next 6 to 12 months, now is the time to start preparing. A certified business valuation is a good place to start.

As a certified M&A advisor, I encourage my clients and network to use the holiday season to do what most entrepreneurs rarely have time for: get your house in order! This means clean up your financials, make sure your books are accurate, review your customer contracts, set goals for the new year, evaluate vendor

relationships, and most importantly, make your human capital feel appreciated and heard. These details matter when it’s time to present your business to buyers or transition your company to the next generation. Proper preparation will yield better results!

This last month of the year, take the opportunity to think strategically about value creation. A business with a strong, motivated team, predictable revenue, and clear processes always commands a premium. Consider how you can enter the new year with tighter systems, better documentation, and renewed energy among your employees.

So, while competitors are checking out for the holidays, smart owners are quietly positioning themselves for a powerful start to the new year.

Happy Holidays—Deal Makers

Erika Baez-Grimes, CM&AP

Founder | The BPH Group, LLC

For more information, email Erika@Erikathebroker.com. Phone: 804.750.3008

© Best Version Media

Great Falls Studios Holiday ArtFest

By LINDA JONES

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13–14 • 10 AM – 5 PM

The artists of Great Falls Studios warmly invite the community to the 2025 Holiday ArtFest, a festive two-day celebration of creativity taking place at two locations in town:

• The Grange – 9818 Georgetown Pike

• Artists on the Green – 776B Walker Road

(Just look for the Nutcrackers!)

This beloved holiday tradition brings together local artists working across a wide range of media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed-media paintings; pottery; jewelry; photography; fabric art; woodcarving; furniture; holiday cards; ornaments; and one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Whether you're shopping for meaningful presents or looking to experience the vibrant arts scene in Great Falls, ArtFest is the place to be.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Elizabeth Bertholon

Known for her contemporary acrylic work, Elizabeth embraces bold textures and expressive color to capture emotion on canvas. She will be showcasing small mixedmedia pieces, framed and unframed prints, notecards, and select larger works. Visitors can also join her for interactive drawing activities and an “emotion game” designed to spark creativity.

Tatiana Gubenko

Originally from Ukraine, Tatiana brings her rich heritage to life through traditional iconography. Her pieces reflect deep symbolism and vibrant color, honoring centuries-old artistic traditions.

Linda Jones

Adding a festive touch, Linda’s booth will feature holiday-themed fabric art — including ornaments, hanging décor, and freestanding fabric pieces. She will also have her signature watercolors, mixedmedia paintings, and art cards, some created especially for the season.

Layla Gray At Artists on the Green, Layla will be sharing her striking landscapes and oil paintings, capturing serene moments and natural beauty with depth and emotion.

Bring your family and join us for a joyful weekend celebrating the creativity that makes Great Falls such a special place. Children are welcome — The Grange will host a hands-on activity table just for them.

For more details, visit www.greatfallsstudios.com.

Great Falls Village Square Halloween Parade

A Spooktacular Community Celebration

By DANI BANEGAS | Photos by MAURICIO CORDEIRO

On Friday, October 31, 2025, the Village Centre Green transformed into a lively scene of costumes, candy, and community spirit for the annual Great Falls Village Square Halloween Parade. Families, friends, and furry companions filled the square in their Halloween best to enjoy an evening of fun and festivity in the heart of Great Falls.

The celebration featured crowd favorites like the Dog Parade, a delight for spectators of all ages, and the eerie Haunted House crafted by Boy Scout Troop 55, where brave guests ventured in—if they dared! Trick-or-treating through local shops and sponsor booths added to the excitement, while spooky tunes set the perfect mood for a night of laughter and delight.

From creative costumes to glowing smiles, the event captured the essence of what makes Great Falls so special—community connection, family fun, and a shared love of tradition.

Celebrating 50 Years of Lift Me Up!

By DANI BANEGAS | Photos by MAURICIO CORDEIRO

On November 1, friends and supporters of Lift Me Up! gathered at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for an unforgettable evening marking 50 years of service, healing, and joy. The annual Lift Me Up! Gala is more than just a celebration—it’s a vital fundraiser that brings together donors, sta , board members, volunteers, and riders to help bridge the gap between program revenues and operating expenses, ensuring the organization continues to make a meaningful impact year after year.

Guests enjoyed an elegant evening featuring reception cocktails, a silent and live auction, a seated dinner, and lively dancing to close out the night in true celebratory spirit. The milestone event

honored half a century of dedication to empowering individuals through the unique connection between horses and humans.

Founded in 1975, Lift Me Up! is an equine-assisted therapeutic center that provides safe and e ective riding and horsemanship programs tailored to individuals of all abilities. With the gentle presence of therapy horses and the guidance of caring PATHcertified instructors, participants build confidence, strength, and self-esteem in what many fondly call their “Happy Place.”

As Lift Me Up! looks ahead to the next 50 years, the community continues to rally behind its mission—to lift spirits, build strength, and create joy, one ride at a time.

Helping builders in the DMV reach their goals.

Two Faces of Power Serenity and Command

Style Advisor and Founder of House of Alkara

In commanding contrast is the Regal Noir Brocade Jacket Set. This ensemble redefines modern power dressing with the grandeur and rich heritage of royal Indian craftsmanship. The waist-cut jacket, handwoven in exquisite brocade silk and detailed with shimmering golden thread, is a bold statement of unapologetic individuality. Paired with fluid black trousers, it forms an authoritative suit, but its true strength lies in its exceptional versatility: draped over a fitted dress, it instantly elevates an evening ensemble for maximum glamour. This piece symbolizes the fearlessness required to lead with purpose and conviction.

JEWELRY SPOTLIGHT

Complement your ensemble with the Divine Lotus Amethyst Necklace. This exquisite enamel pendant and earring set is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of India, brought to life by our expert artisans. Inspired by the magnificent City Palace of Jaipur, the lotus design is crafted with a sterling silver base and gold plating. It features an opulent amethyst gemstone, adding a final touch of regal sophistication.

EXPERIENCE THE COLLECTIONS:

We warmly invite you to visit the House of Alkara boutique to feel the sumptuous satin silk and the exquisite brocade firsthand, and to try on these masterpieces in person. You may also discover your signature piece and explore the entire collection online at our website.