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DEAR RESIDENTS OF McLEAN,
As we welcome September, we're dedicating our issue to skin cancer awareness. This month, we feature Dr. Tim Reed from We Rock Cancer, a non-profit that combines live music with health awareness.
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America, with over 1 million new cases expected worldwide this year? But with early detection, it's also the most curable.
CRAFTING SERENE SPACES
Innovative interior design, home renovation & comprehensive multi-room design and decor solutions.
Email: merrie@merriejoyinteriors.com
Mobile & Text: 703-798-7513 MerrieJoyInteriors.com
As we transition into the new season, let's take a moment to appreciate the importance of self-care and community. Our September issue shares We Rock Cancer's mission and impact.
Thank you for reading us.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES
Iche Chiu | 360 CPA 866-550-2050 | 360.cpa
ACUPUNCTURIST
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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
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
INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
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The Reeds Rock Cancer
By KATIE CULLIGAN
Photos by MYRTLE ROY
Have you ever heard of the term “Rock and Roll Entrepreneur?” If you haven’t, I’m here to tell you that not only is this a real job title, but we have an actual example of what it embodies in our very own fellow McLean resident, Tim Reed.
Reed is the man behind the hybrid non-profit called “We Rock Cancer.” This organization, whose motto states, “We all have skin in the game,” brings together the power of artistic performance and early detection skin screenings to fight cancer.
Through a domino e ect of childhood experiences, education, time in the workforce, and his own brush with skin cancer, Reed had the brainchild for this incredible project. His dad was in the radio news business, so growing up, Reed was surrounded by radio music. He was influenced by on-air talent like Casey Kasem, so much so that he
found himself working as a radio personality himself for five years at various rock stations in Florida. He was the voice of morning and afternoon drives, along with advertisements and other voiceover work. He reflects back on that aspect of his life in that he loved the sense of community that the radio created. He elaborates that radio produced a “curated playlist, which has both pros and cons, but provided a shared musical and cultural experience that has diminished today with the rise of streaming and satellite radio.”
Prior to his time rocking out on the radio, he achieved his undergraduate degree in communications at the University of Florida. He proceeded to obtain his Masters in Business from Central Michigan and, ultimately, his Ph.D. in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado. His doctoral studies led him to create a symposium and graduate course on Rock and Roll Entrepreneurship, which serves as the foundation for bringing key music stakeholders together to do good.
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He later traded his radio airwaves for time in the Air Force, working up to the title of Squadron Commander at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL. His post-Air Force career evolved when he joined a consulting firm in DC before starting his own firm, Beyond Optimal, which focuses on consulting and education. During his time consulting in 2018, he faced his own diagnosis of skin cancer. He is grateful to say it was detected early and his surgery at Walter Reed was successful, but it unleashed a spark in him that pulled him towards educating others about their skin care health. So after ten years of consulting, he took all his knowledge and experience, plus his love of live music, and created the McLean-based organization “We Rock Cancer.”
Reed emphasizes, “Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America, but also the easiest to treat if you find it early.” The organization’s goal is to provide convenient, free early detection screenings where people are already gathering—in places like concerts, athletic events and cultural activities. He is proud to say that it
has been a very fruitful way of increasing the community’s access to screenings.
Tim Reed’s teens are also involved in We Rock Cancer. Tim’s son, Sawyer, and daughter, Juliet, help out with the organization and events when available. Sawyer helps with logistics, screening vehicle maintenance, and identifying music artist partners. Juliet is a photography enthusiast, captures images of screening events and performances, and helps with the sign-in and queuing processes for early detection screenings. In 2008, the family moved from Panama City, Reed’s final Air Force station, to the Brookhaven neighborhood in McLean. They now enjoy being surrounded by lots of nature while being close to DC, activities, and great schools. Tim states, “It’s quiet, yet close to all the things that are important to us. The neighbors are always there for a helping hand.” He continues, “The location is fantastic—very family-friendly, including great youth sports programs.” He appreciates that McLean is close to both shopping and outdoor activities.
Some of the trio’s favorite things to do in the area include hiking and generally enjoying the easily accessible outdoors. “We love live music—especially at Wolf Trap and Capital One Hall.” Tim particularly likes classic rock, as proven by the fact that he has seen Bruce Springsteen 60 times now! He also enjoys listening to singer/songwriter Americana, “anything with meaningful lyrics.”
Older brother Sawyer is a jazz drummer in his school’s ensemble and plays quads on the McLean drum line. In the o -season, he plays in small bands with other musicians. He also attends an annual jazz symposium in Winchester, VA. When Sawyer was really young, the family moved to Japan for 18 months, which expanded his musical horizons and was where he began drumming on Japanese Taiko drums. He enjoys an eclectic range of music artists, including Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Sade, Navy Blue, and the Beach Boys.
Younger sister Juliet adores listening to country music, especially Zach Bryan, and is a travel softball player. She has played softball since she was six and currently plays with the Langley Sharks. Tim gratefully adds, “The coaches and players at McLean Little League provided her with a great learning and team experience, and she has loved every minute of it.”
Tim and the kids travel primarily for music or athletic events. They’ve made road trips to see Taylor Swift and also to attend the Chicago Cubs’ Opening Day. In addition, they enjoy the beaches in the Florida panhandle, and Tim makes sure to add, “And we always wear lots of sunscreen!”
Which brings us back to our main event: Now beginning its 6th year, We Rock Cancer holds an annual “Concert to Rock
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Cancer” at Capital One Hall in Tysons. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, September 14th. The concert will feature the talents of Welshly Arms, The Unlikely Candidates, and Laura Tsaggaris. Last year, the event had 1200 attendees, and they are hoping for a similar turnout this year. The goal of the event is to give our community free skin cancer screenings in advance of an epic rock concert in the gorgeous Capital One Hall right in our own town.
Tim explains what one can expect from a skin cancer screening at the event. You will “sign up in a virtual queue and receive a text when it is your turn. In the meantime, you’ll fill out some brief paperwork from the American Dermatology Association, and when it’s your turn, you can choose to do an express screening or a full screening.”
The venue has privacy screening areas that are lit to dermatologist specifications. An express screening will focus on a particular area of concern a person might have, while a full screening is a more thorough review. The full skin screening takes approximately five minutes.
Reed feels strongly that the people of McLean and surrounding areas are a highly intelligent, involved, and active population. He wants to drive home the fact that “skin cancer is the only form of cancer that is detectable with the naked eye.” Therefore, he wants to empower us to take it seriously and treat skin cancer screenings as a high priority.
I was surprised to learn that the majority of the impact of skin damage occurs before a person turns 24 years old. Startlingly, just one tanning bed session doubles your chances of melanoma. Because of this data, We Rock Cancer is working hard to positively impact younger generations. Reed mentions the non-profit’s intention to work with peer influencers and currently has a video on their YouTube channel that showcases peer ambassadors.
For teens or others who may not want to do a skin screening, the event will have a “Reveal Skin Imaging Scanner” that takes roughly 60 seconds. This helps raise awareness without asking too much of a more ambivalent concert attendee. The face scan technology provides insight into existing sun damage that might not yet be visible. Reed says that people of all ages find this scanner pretty fascinating.
Tim Reed and family proclaim that they would “love to Rock Cancer with you!” You can come say hello and get a free skin cancer screening at Capital One Hall on September 14th. If you haven’t been to Capital One Hall, this is an excellent opportunity to check out the venue.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for free screenings, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the website, werockcancer.org, and can also be bought at the door. All of the other screening events, plus options to sponsor the organization and donate to thecause,e are on the website as well.
Favorite McLean Restaurants: J. Gilberts, McLean Family Restaurant, Masala
Favorite McLean Coffee Shop: Greenberrys
Favorite McLean Walking Path/Hiking: Pimmit Run Stream Valley
Favorite McLean Traditions: MLL Parade, Celebrate McLean (High School), McLean Day
Favorite McLean Small Business: McLean Hardware
Troop 128 A CENTURY OF ADVENTURES
By DANI BANEGAS
As McLean, Virginia, marks its centennial of progress and growth, one institution stands out as a beacon of tradition, community, and adventure: Scouts BSA Troop 128. Established in 1924, Troop 128 proudly celebrates its 100-year anniversary, making it the oldest Scout troop in McLean—a town once dotted with dairy farms and open fields.
The story of Troop 128 began on February 24, 1924, with just ten eager Scouts who met at Franklin Sherman High School, the very site where Franklin Sherman Elementary School now stands. By 1928, the troop found a new home at St. John's Episcopal Church, then centrally located in McLean. As the town grew and changed, so too did the troop. In the mid-1950s, St. John’s moved to its current location on Georgetown Pike, where Troop 128 has been gathering ever since.
In 2019, recognizing the growing desire for inclusivity and leadership opportunities for all youth, Troop 128 expanded to include girls. The newly formed Girls Troop 128 operates independently but shares in the rich traditions and camaraderie of its brother troop. While the two troops often come together for Courts of Honor and joint outings, they maintain distinct schedules and programs, allowing each group to pursue their unique paths to growth and achievement. Now, for the first time in history, girls in Troop 128 have the opportunity to work toward the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
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Bike riding and camping trip to Burke Lake Park Scout Sunday
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The heart and soul of Troop 128 lie in its dedicated volunteers. The Assistant Scoutmasters— comprised of stay-at-home parents, government o icials, private sector leaders, educators, and others—play a crucial role in guiding Scouts toward advancement, adventure, and leadership. Their commitment to mentoring the next generation is evident in the time and energy they devote to the troop, ensuring that every Scout has the opportunity to thrive. Today’s leadership includes Barbara Zamora-Appel, Scoutmaster of Troop 128G, and Tom Brooke, Scoutmaster of Troop 128.
The spirit of adventure that defines Troop 128 has taken its members to far-flung corners of the globe. From the Icelandic National Jamboree in Iceland to the World Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 and the National Jamboree in West Virginia, Troop 128 Scouts have experienced the world in ways that few others can. They’ve trekked through the rugged terrain of Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, explored the pristine wilderness of Northern Tier in northern Minnesota and Canada, sailed the crystal-clear waters around the Virgin Islands, and ridden horseback on a Cavalcade in Texas.
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And the adventure doesn’t stop there. The Venture Crew, for Scouts aged 14 and older, is already planning an exciting trip to South Africa in 2025. With each new expedition, Troop 128 continues to o er its Scouts a world of leadership and adventure, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As Troop 128 celebrates this remarkable milestone, we invite you to become a part of this storied tradition. Whether your child is interested in joining the Boys Troop or the Girls Troop, we encourage you to attend a troop meeting and see firsthand what makes Troop 128 so special. The troops meet on Monday evenings at 7 PM at their longtime home and Chartering Organization, St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. For more information, visit Troop 128’s website.
En route to Iceland
Summer camp at Resica Falls Scout Reservation, 2024
Summer camp
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How to Revitalize Your Lawn After the Summer Heat
By ANDRE PASSOS Owner The Ground Guys
Summertime can be unforgiving for our lawns. The sweltering heat and dry spells often leave our once-lush grass parched and thinning. But don't despair—there's a way to invigorate your lawn and help it bounce back stronger than ever. The key lies in three crucial practices: core aeration, overseeding, and improved watering. Here's why these steps are essential for your lawn's recovery and how you can implement them e ectively.
Understanding the Damage
High temperatures and low rainfall cause soil to harden, reducing its ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to stressed grass lawns. New constructions or older, eroded yards often do not benefit from a deep topsoil layer, resulting in shallow root systems and diminished grass health. Compounded by the wear and tear of summer activities, your lawn might look more like a patchwork quilt than a lush carpet.
Core Aeration: Breaking Through Compaction
Core aeration involves plugging the soil with cylindrical tines to relieve compaction and improve lawn health. This process is essential for several reasons:
1. Reduces Soil Compaction: When we combine Virginia's clay soils with the summer stressors described above, we frequently get very hard ground around our lawns, making it di icult for roots to grow. Core aeration alleviates this compaction by removing small plugs of soil and creating channels for roots to expand and access essential resources.
2. Enhances Root Growth: Core aeration improves access to air and nutrients, promoting deeper and stronger root growth. This helps your lawn become more resilient and better equipped to handle future stress.
3. Improves Water Absorption: Core aeration helps the soil retain moisture more e ectively by creating holes that allow water to break through the hard surface and penetrate deeply, leading to a deeper root system.
Overseeding: Filling in the Gaps
Overseeding, as the name implies, involves spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in bare spots and improve turf density. This is extremely important, as we constantly mow the grass before it can produce its seeds. Overseeding is especially beneficial after a challenging summer. Here's why:
1. Restores Lawn Density: Overseeding introduces new grass seeds to thinning or bare areas, which can help restore a full, healthy appearance.
2. Enhances Turf Quality: Reputable lawn care companies will use high-quality seed varieties, which are often more drought-resistant and diseaseresistant. You can introduce these improved traits into your lawn by overseeding it, making it more robust for future summers.
3. Reduces Weeds: A thick, healthy lawn can outcompete weeds for resources. By overseeding and promoting a dense turf, you reduce the opportunity for weeds to take hold.
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Regular Watering: Key to a Lush Lawn
While core aeration and overseeding are critical, consistent watering is the foundation of a green and thriving lawn. Here's why regular watering is essential:
1. Promotes Seed Germination: Newly overseeded areas need consistent moisture to germinate properly. Watering helps the seeds stay hydrated and supports the establishment of new grass.
2. Supports Root Development: Adequate watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making the grass more resilient to drought and other stresses. To achieve a deep root system, it is important to follow the water deeply and infrequently method.
3. Maintains Lawn Health: Even established grass requires regular watering to stay lush and green. Maintaining a proper watering schedule in McLean's climate, where summer can be arid, ensures your lawn remains vibrant and healthy.
Making it all come together
Core aeration, overseeding, and regular watering are powerful tools to rejuvenate your lawn after a tough summer. By performing all these tasks, you're setting the stage for a healthier, more resilient lawn that will thrive through the seasons.
Early September through mid-October is the best time to perform these tasks. This allows the new grass to grow and establish ahead of winter and in time to outcompete weeds next spring. Rent a core aerator from a local garden center or hire a professional. Moisten the soil before aerating for the best results.
After core aeration, spread the grass seed evenly across your lawn. Applying a thin layer of compost or topsoil can help retain moisture and provide additional nutrients. Finally, thoroughly water the lawn to keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate. As the new grass establishes, gradually reduce the frequency of watering but continue to provide enough moisture to keep the lawn healthy.
So, roll up your sleeves and give your lawn the care it deserves. The results will be well worth the e ort, transforming your lawn into a lush, green oasis that enhances the beauty and value of your McLean home.
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A New Chapter at Vinson Hall
WELCOMING MORE TO MCLEAN’S HIDDEN GEM
By STEPHANIE Q. LAWRENCE - Vinson Hall
Tucked away on a small hillside along Old Dominion Drive is a hidden gem called Vinson Hall Retirement Community. For 55 years, this senior residential community in McLean has been a local legend, home to generations of military and government leaders and their families who served our nation. Since opening its doors, Vinson Hall has drawn remarkable, accomplished people to its campus, and that remains unchanged.
This year, VHRC’s eligibility requirements have shifted. We are still a non-profit community with strong ties to the community of McLean. But now, for the first time and in response to strong community interest, our Board of Directors has lifted the military and government eligibility requirements for our independent living apartments. We are excited for this change, as now we can support more families in the McLean community through the services we o er, including the full continuum of care. If you have researched retirement communities, you’ve likely come across the term “CCRC,” which stands for Continuing Care Retirement Community, also sometimes called a Life Plan Community. As a CCRC, Vinson Hall Retirement Community provides all the benefits of an independent living community and also o ers supportive health care services should your needs ever change.
As a CCRC, Vinson Hall Retirement Community o ers: Independent Living: Our spacious, light-filled private apartments give you access to all of our first-class community amenities and lifestyle activities.
• Assisted Living: This supportive care neighborhood gives residents a touch of help with everyday activities, from dressing and bathing to medication management. Our assisted living
community focuses on maintaining independence so that residents can enjoy an array of campus activities, supported by caregiver assistance as needed.
• Memory Support: Our Memory Support neighborhood o ers specialized care and robust activities in a secure environment for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
• Skilled Nursing: Our Skilled Nursing neighborhood provides traditional long-term care, complete with around-the-clock nursing support, should a resident ever need it.
• Rehabilitation Services: If residents have an illness or injury, they have access to our short-term inpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy rehabilitation unit that quickly gets them back on their feet!
Independent living residents at Vinson Hall Retirement Community can also receive personal care and home health care services through Vinson Hall at Home. These services are ideal for shortterm situations or to serve as a bridge between independent and assisted living.
It is possible to join Vinson Hall Retirement Community at any level of care. You do not need to be a resident of the independent living community first in order to move into memory care, for example. You can move directly into the area that suits your needs.
There are so many reasons to join us at Vinson Hall Retirement Community, but you cannot beat the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will be taken care of as you age while remaining in the community you know and love.
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Back-to-School Blues
Managing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
By ANNIE DINEEN Owner of Fetch & Favor
With back-to-school season upon us, there are big changes to the whole family’s routine! For your pet, particularly dogs, this might mean a period of confusion when the youngest members of your family aren’t home with them during the day anymore.
Signs your dog has separation anxiety include:
-Excessive barking, howling, or whining for a longer than normal period
-Peeing inside
-Chewing furniture or scratching at doors
-Panting or drooling more than usual
-Obsessive pacing
-Trying to escape
-Lethargy and disinterest in playing
-Reduced appetite
-Trembling
However, there’s good news! Separation anxiety is completely manageable. If your dog begins to get nervous the second you put your shoes on, desensitize them to shoes meaning alone time by putting your shoes on and then doing errands around the house for a few minutes before heading out.
Similarly, don’t be over the top with hellos and goodbyes, as this signals that your leaving is an event. Rather, exit the house calmly to show them that it’s a normal part of the day - when you return home, ignore them for a few moments, as hard as it may be for you or your kids! This shows them again that coming and going is standard and nothing to worry about. Lots of treats and affection can be given after a few minutes.
Puzzle toys and slower treats like frozen Kongs are also a great way to keep your pup busy and engaged as you head out the door (maybe they’ll even associate your leaving with them getting tasty treats!)
Lastly, it’s important that they’re getting enough exercise, even with your busy schedules. A tired pup has less energy to be anxious and will nap through much of the school day.
Maya Breed: Yorkshire Terrier Age: 4 years
Organizing Your Mudroom
By JENYA TUCKER Owner of Minimize and Organize LLC
Organizing your mudroom can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your home. The mudroom, often the first point of entry, can quickly become a chaotic space if not managed properly. An organized mudroom not only makes your daily routine smoother but also helps keep the rest of your home cleaner and more orderly.
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Here are some easy steps to get your mudroom in top shape and why doing so is crucial for your daily life.
First, start by decluttering the space. Remove any items that don’t belong in the mudroom and find a proper home for them elsewhere in the house. This includes old shoes, coats that are not in season, and random accessories. By reducing the amount of stu in the mudroom, you’ll immediately create more space and make it easier to organize the remaining items. Consider donating or recycling items that are no longer needed.
Next, invest in storage solutions that fit your needs. Hooks for hanging coats and bags, shoe racks for footwear, and cubbies or bins for smaller items like gloves and hats can make a world of di erence. Labeling these storage areas can also help ensure that everything has a designated spot, making it easier for everyone in the household to keep the space tidy. Personalized storage solutions ensure that each family member has a specific place for their belongings, reducing morning chaos and making it easier to find necessary items quickly.
In summary, organizing your mudroom involves decluttering, investing in the right storage solutions, and maintaining a routine. This e ort pays o by creating a more e icient and pleasant entryway that sets a positive tone for the rest of your home. An organized mudroom can streamline your daily activities, reduce stress, and contribute to an overall sense of order and cleanliness in your living space.
Finally, establish a routine for maintaining the organization. Set aside a few minutes each day to tidy up the mudroom. Encourage family members to put their shoes on the rack, hang up their coats, and place their belongings in the designated spots as soon as they enter the house. Regular maintenance prevents the buildup of clutter and ensures that the mudroom remains a functional and welcoming space.
From Humble Beginnings to Life-Changing Impact TU FAMILY CLINIC TRAINING CENTER
By CHARLIE GALLEGOS
Before unveiling the transformative project that has captured the hearts of so many, it’s essential to share how it all began. In 2007, the Tu Family Medical and Vision Clinic was established with a clear mission: to address the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. As the community rapidly expanded, so did the clinics, growing to meet the increasing demand for accessible healthcare.
However, with this growth came a new challenge—the need for qualified medical personnel to support the clinics. This challenge sparked a small but powerful initiative in April 2019, where the clinic began training its own sta . What started as a modest e ort quickly gained momentum, evolving into a significant project now known as the Tu Family Clinic Training Center.
The Tu Family Clinic Training Center was created with a noble purpose: to provide individuals from the Hispanic community and other minority groups with the opportunity to train as Medical Assistants and Phlebotomists.
This initiative not only empowers individuals by giving them a pathway into the medical field but also enriches the community by providing skilled professionals who can give back in meaningful ways. The certification they receive opens doors to excellent job opportunities, enabling them to transform their lives and pursue fulfilling careers.
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The journey began with just seven students, all of whom were part of the clinic’s sta . Word quickly spread, and within two months, others were eager to join, excited by the skills and job prospects the training o ered. The center’s reputation for highquality training, coupled with nationwide certification and outstanding job placement opportunities, soon made it a sought-after resource.
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The growth of the Tu Family Clinic Training Center has exceeded all expectations. Today, the center proudly serves over 140 students, each making significant sacrifices to attend classes and a ord tuition—even with the low costs—motivated by the promise of a brighter future. These students are living proof that with determination, every dream is within reach.
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Four Local Nonprofits Receive Special Grants to Further Their Missions
By SHEILA MURPHY Photo by FAITH BOETTGER
Summer is for taking a break from regular routines and enjoying a slower pace. For Social4Good (S4G), this summer was different. While on vacation in the month of July, they continued to do good by issuing grants to four local nonprofits. These grants were made possible due to the generosity of members who donate via a recurring donation each month. July donations totaled $2,300, and these funds went to support adults with disabilities, preschoolers, elementary school children, and the food insecure.
S4G's first grant provides cooking appliances and grocery gift cards to teach cooking life skills to clients of the Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC). SPARC provides adults with severe and multiple disabilities with enduring learning opportunities, social connections, and a rightful and meaningful place in our community. SPARC provides essential day programs for adults with disabilities at six locations in Northern Virginia, including McLean and Vienna. Attending SPARC is not only stimulating for the individual clients served, but it often allows family members to return to work knowing their loved one is getting human interaction in a safe environment. Learn more: https://sparcsolutions.org/.
All Ages Read Together (AART) received a grant to purchase books and classroom supplies. AART educates children in need with free preschool programs so they can enter school prepared to learn and succeed. AART's free, part-time preschool programs are located in Alexandria, Centreville, Falls Church, Herndon, Leesburg, and Sterling. The program is specifically designed for children who fall in the gap between those who qualify for publicly funded programs and those families who cannot afford preschool. Learn more: https:// allagesreadtogether.org/.
Vecinos Unidos (Neighbors United) is an all-volunteer nonprofit based in Herndon, VA, that provides free homework assistance, academic support, and enrichment to vulnerable youth. This afterschool program operates weekday afternoons during school and targets elementary school-aged children. Each summer, Vecinos Unidos hosts a weeklong summer program for current students that gives them the opportunity to get a head start on learning for the upcoming school year and go on local field trips. S4G's grant
will allow for the purchase of summer books. Learn more: https:// vecinosunidos.org/.
Rustic Love started as a one-time pandemic project and has grown into a Vienna-based nonprofit that brings the community together to help the food insecure. Rustic Love promotes philanthropy among children and families by creating volunteer opportunities to build wooden heart signs as a community fundraiser. Proceeds from the sales and generous donations from the community support organizations that help the food insecure, including school food pantries and other nonprofits that provide support services to those in need. To date, Rustic Love has raised more than $500,000 and dotted the Vienna community with 6,000+ heart signs. S4G will sponsor the creation of their beautiful mural to be located in the heart of downtown Vienna on Commonwealth Home Design's building at 208 Dominion Rd. NE. Learn more: https://rusticlove.org/.
About Social4Good: 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.
LEVERAGING EXECUTIVE FUNCTION TOOLS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS
High School in NoVa brings newfound freedom and a host of added responsibilities, often leading to stress and lower-than-expected grades for unprepared students. Many teens struggle to juggle class schedules, social activities, and personal lives, finding themselves frequently overwhelmed. This can result in poorly managed schedules that hamper their ability to perform adequately across different areas of their lives, impacting their psychological well-being and personal growth.
Executive functioning plays a crucial role in managing one's time effectively. Cognitive processes that include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition help in planning, organizing, initiating tasks, and decisionmaking. Challenges in these areas can significantly hinder a student's ability to manage their time effectively, leading to stress, procrastination, and decreased productivity. Enhancing these skills can provide the foundation for better management of daily and long-term tasks.
By DR. DEBRA BROSIUS Co-Owner Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean, LLC
Effective Time Management Strategies are learned skills: Utilizing Calendars and Scheduling
One effective way for students to enhance their time management skills is by creating and sticking to a well-organized calendar. They should map out all their commitments, from classes to social events, on a digital or paper calendar. This visual layout helps to avoid overcommitments and ensures they prepare adequately for each day's responsibilities. Regular reviews and adjustments to their schedule can further refine their ability to stay on track.
Setting Reminders and Using Timers
Setting multiple reminders is another practical technique. Students can use sticky notes, smartphone alarms, or digital notification tools to remind themselves of upcoming deadlines and appointments. Additionally, using timers can help manage time spent on specific activities, such as limiting leisure activities like browsing social media or watching videos, to ensure ample time is dedicated to more urgent tasks.
Dividing Large Projects into Manageable Tasks
Breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks is vital for effective time management. This approach makes daunting projects less intimidating and enhances focus on completing individual components, leading to eventual completion. For example, a term paper can be divided into stages like research, drafting, and revising, with each phase assigned its own deadline. This ensures steady progress and helps avoid last-minute rushes that can compromise the quality of work.
Finding the Right Organizational Tools
To boost time management skills, finding the right organizational tools is crucial. Whether it's a physical paper calendar or a digital app, choosing a tool that matches personal preferences can make all the difference. Some students might find success with old-school methods like planners and wall calendars. Others prefer the convenience of digital apps that offer reminders and can sync across multiple devices. Experimentation is key— your student should try different methods to see which best helps keep track of tasks and deadlines.
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Implementing Checklists and Prioritizing Tasks
Using checklists is an effective way to stay organized and ensure nothing gets overlooked. Start by writing down all the assignments and deadlines. Next, prioritize these tasks based on their importance and due date. Breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to start working on them. This method organizes what needs to be done and provides a sense of accomplishment as each task is checked off.
Identifying and Eliminating Time Wasters
Identifying and eliminating distractions is essential for effective time management. Students should observe what specific activities consume their study time—be it social media, video games, or frequent texting. Once these timewasters are recognized, strategies should be developed to minimize their impact during study hours. This might include setting app limits, scheduling specific times for breaks, or creating a study environment free from these distractions.
Creating Daily Routines and Consistent Places for Study Items
A daily routine can significantly improve a student's efficiency and reduce stress. Consistently using the same workspace for studying and keeping all necessary materials organized and within reach can form habits that reinforce a productive study routine. This familiarity with the environment often leads to improved focus and quicker task initiation, making study sessions more effective.
Incorporating Breaks and Stress-Relief Techniques
Scheduled breaks during study time are critical, as they help maintain concentration and prevent burnout. Deep breathing, meditation, and physical exercise can be integrated into breaks to manage and reduce stress. These practices refresh the mind and boost overall mental well-being, enabling students to handle rigorous academic challenges more effectively.
Leveraging resources, such as parents and professionals, can provide additional support in managing teen responsibilities. Providers in the area offer workshops, tutorials, and access to academic tools that assist in developing effective time management strategies tailored to individual needs. Implementing these strategies will help them during their high school years and serve them well in their professional and personal future endeavors.
If you have concerns about your child's or teen's skills in these areas, don't hesitate to contact us at Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean (703288-3300) for evaluation and/or support.
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