CLEA LIVING M N
A STORY AT BALLANTRAE COURT WITH LIZZY CONROY
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HELLO JUNE,
OMG… how did we get here so fast? Summer is o icially around the corner, and honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were wrapped in coats dreaming about sunshine and longer days. Now the warmth of the sun is finally here, school is ending, and a whole new season begins.
For many parents, the end of the school year is both exciting and slightly terrifying. Suddenly we all become camp coordinators, activity planners, snack providers, and full-time entertainers. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Make sure to check out The NoVa Living Calendar and our weekly newsletter for summer camps, local events, family activities, and everything happening around our beautiful community.
And speaking of community… every time I hear about what is happening around McLean, I feel incredibly proud to be part of it. From the success of the McLean Project for the Arts Spring Benefit 2026, to Sunrise in Tysons raising nearly to help children with cancer attend Sunrise Day Camp–Greater Washington, our community continues to show up with generosity and heart.
Rosie’s Walk was also something truly special, but I’ll save more about that for our next issue, so don’t miss it.
As always, thank you for supporting local businesses, local events, and the people who make this community so extraordinary.
Warmly,
July
October 10
November 10
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
Fresh stories, fresh beginnings, and a community that continues to inspire. Hello, June!
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DERMATOLOGY & SKIN HEALTH
Dr. Pantea Tamjidi, MD, F.A.A.D. | Tamjidi Skin Institute 703-345-6677 | tamjidiskininstitute.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Andre Passos | Residential & Commercial Landscaping 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodonticst 703-790-1320 | islandchildrensdentistry.com
COSMETIC & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dr. Geith Kallas, Founder & CEO | Smile Makers Dental Center 703-356-0250 | www.smilemakerscenter.com
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 540-314-8745 | vinsonshall.org
LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENT
Crystal Sheehan - Keller Williams Realty | Luxury Real Estate Agent (571) 446-1108 | www.mcleanluxuryhome.com
INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
HOME COMFORT SOLUTIONS
Justin Dobson | Comfenergy & Pros Basement Systems 1.800.604.2252 | 45714 Oakbrook Ct., Suite #180 Sterling VA comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com
BUSINESS BROKERAGE & COACHING
Erika Baez-Grimes | The BPH Group, LLC – Certi ed Mergers & Acquisitions Professional 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
LEGAL SERVICES
Amy Griggs | Tysons Trial Law, PLLC 703-643-4021 | www.tysonstriallaw.com
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
Dr. Anna Le—Chief Executive Of cer, Anna Health Annandale OBGYN PC (703) 642-7522 | www.annandaleobgyn.com
HOME DESIGN & INTERIORS
Anna Gibson - Founder & Principal Designer
Whether you’re upgrading your home lighting, adding sparkle to your décor, or planning an energy-e cient refresh — DE Design Group has you covered this holiday season.
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INSIDE 1306 BALLANTRAE COURT
LIZZY CONROY ON DESIGN, CONNECTION, AND THE ART OF LIVING WELL
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY
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Through architecture, wellness, hospitality, and intentional living, Lizzy Conroy reflects on what truly makes a home meaningful in McLean.
At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in McLean, beyond stone terraces and walls of glass reflecting the morning light, a striking residence rises with quiet confidence. Bold yet restrained, expansive yet calming, the home was designed not simply to impress but to support the rhythm of a beautifully lived life.
Inside, soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows fill each room with warmth and natural light. White oak floors stretch seamlessly from one thoughtfully designed space to another, while expansive gathering areas open e ortlessly to the outdoors, dissolving the line between interior comfort and nature beyond.
Yet for Lizzy Conroy of SERHANT, what makes a home extraordinary goes far beyond aesthetics.
“Luxury today means authenticity,” she says. “A home that is unmistakably yours, designed around the life you love rather than the one you're told to want.”
It is a philosophy deeply woven into both the residence itself and the life Lizzy has built in McLean over the last two decades.
Set within Salona Village, Ballantrae o ers a rare combination of privacy and connection. Located just minutes from Washington, D.C. via Chain Bridge and less than a mile from The Potomac School, one of Northern Virginia’s most storied academic institutions, the neighborhood has long attracted many of the region’s most influential leaders. Residents past and present have included prominent business executives, diplomats, and public figures, including Capital One CEO Richard Fairbank and the late General Colin Powell, reinforcing the quiet prestige that has defined this enclave for generations.
For Lizzy, living well in McLean means more than proximity to Washington or Tysons. It means engagement, presence, and community.
202.643.1549
Info@mroyphoto.com
www.mroyphoto.com
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“Living well in McLean means showing up for the people, the places, and the organizations that make this community worth living in,” she reflects.
That same idea of intentional connection echoes throughout the home itself.
At the center of the residence, the kitchen becomes far more than a place to prepare meals. Wrapped in warm textures and natural materials, it functions as the emotional heart of the home, where conversation begins and everyday moments quietly become lasting memories.
“There’s something about inviting someone into the working part of your home, the chopping, the stirring, the tasting, that creates an intimacy no formal living room ever could,” Lizzy says. “It signals trust.”
Her understanding of hospitality was shaped long before her career in real estate.
“I grew up watching my mother and grandmother host with such grace,” she recalls. “Every guest felt genuinely cherished.”
That influence remains central to how she defines elegant living today: spaces that feel generous without feeling formal, homes that make gathering feel e ortless.
Expansive sliding glass walls open to covered outdoor living areas designed for long conversations, candlelit dinners, and quiet evenings beneath the trees. Throughout the home, wellness is integrated not as a luxury amenity but as part of daily life, from tranquil lounge spaces and
DR. NICKIE BASTANI
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spa-inspired details to carefully orchestrated natural light that supports clarity, restoration, and ease.
“Design is the physical expression of your values,” Lizzy explains. “If you value connection, you need spaces that invite people together. If you value restoration, you need a retreat within the retreat.”
It is a perspective shaped not only by her work but also by the structure she has intentionally built into her own life.
“Balance is a myth I stopped chasing a long time ago,” she says candidly. “What I’ve built instead of balance is structure.”
Early mornings, wellness, faith, and discipline provide the foundation that allows her to fully show up for her clients, family, and community. In many ways, the home reflects that same philosophy: beautiful, certainly, but also purposeful. Every room has a reason. Every space supports the way life is actually lived.
“The perfect home holds your whole life beautifully,” Lizzy says, “the dinner parties and the quiet mornings, the family and the solitude, and the ambition and the rest.”
And perhaps that is what defines modern luxury most clearly: not excess, but alignment, a home that reflects not just how someone wants to live, but who they truly are.
Special thanks to the HBC Group | SERHANT. Team, including Lizzy Conroy and Colleen Stoltz.
Serving the Vienna community since 1984, our team provides advanced eye care for the whole family. From comprehensive exams to specialty treatments, we’re here to protect your vision and keep you seeing your best.
McLean Project for the Arts
Celebrated the Beginning of a New Chapter at
Spring Benefit 2026
The Spring Benefit was held on May 7th at the iconic Hickory Hill in McLean, graciously hosted by the Dabbiere family. Co-chaired by Shannon Burwell and Martha Simons, the evening brought together artists, patrons, community leaders, and supporters for a magical celebration on the terraces and gardens of the historic estate.
By CHRIS USHER | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Widely considered one of MPA’s most successful Spring Benefits to date, the event highlighted the excitement surrounding the organization’s next chapter and the growing impact of the arts throughout the region.
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Guests gathered in support of MPA’s mission and in celebration of the opening of the new Berlage Arts & Education Center, a transformative expansion for the organization and the McLean arts community. The evening featured cocktails, music, beautiful spring weather, and heartfelt remarks honoring Bruce L. Berlage for his extraordinary leadership, generosity, and commitment to the arts.
MPA Spring Benefit 2026 celebrated the opening of our new MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center.
Our new 6,100-square-foot space joins our existing galleries at the McLean Community Center, o ering new galleries, teaching spaces, and all-day dining at Café Monet.
Rosie’s Legacy Continues
Your continued support helps us honor Rosie’s bright light and makes a lasting impact in the ght against SUDC. HER LOVE LIVES ON.
Every donation helps fund vital research, support families, and raise awareness for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).
Together, we can bring hope, support, and answers to families in need.
Thank you for keeping Rosie's memory alive and for being part of the mission to prevent future tragedies.
DONATE TODAY. MAKE AN IMPACT ALWAYS.
LOVELIKEROSIE.ORG/DONATE
Together, we can ensure that HER LOVE LIVES ON.
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KeepingHomesCool andE cient
By Dan Bomar
As summer temperatures soar, homeowners often notice hot upper floors, rising utility bills, and greater di iculty maintaining comfort. These issues are typically caused by cooled air escaping, hot air entering the home, or overall performance ine iciencies. Because home comfort needs change from season to season, Comfenergy takes a seasonal approach to home performance, helping homeowners stay cool, comfortable, and energy-e icient during the hottest months while minimizing energy waste.
MAINTAINING COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY
Hot upper floors are often a sign that cooled air is escaping or that air isn’t flowing e iciently throughout the home. Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork, along with gaps in insulation or air sealing, can lead to condensation, duct sweating, and even water stains around vents or ceilings. These are clear indicators that the home is losing conditioned air and allowing unwanted heat to enter.
These issues don’t just reduce comfort; they also increase energy usage and strain the home’s AC systems. Proper insulation and air sealing are
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critical for keeping cooled air inside, blocking outdoor heat, and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. Addressing these concerns early in the summer can help homeowners avoid higher energy costs and more serious comfort issues later in the season.
ATTIC SOLUTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The attic plays an important role in summer home performance. Radiant barriers are an e ective way to lower attic temperatures by reflecting heat before it hits the living space below. As a result, cooler attics help maintain more comfortable upper floors and reduce the overall e ort required to keep the home comfortable, which can lead to noticeable energy savings.
When combined with e ective insulation and thorough air sealing, attic improvements also o er the added benefit of noise reduction, creating a quieter indoor environment. A properly insulated and sealed attic helps ensure that your top floors don’t feel like an oven during the hottest days of the year.
In addition to improving comfort and e iciency, attic upgrades, crawl space encapsulation, or basement
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waterproofing can also boost resale value, particularly in the Northern Virginia real estate market, by helping older homes perform more like newer construction.
IDENTIFYING HIDDEN PROBLEMS
Even well-maintained homes can have hidden air leaks or performance issues that aren’t easy to spot. Blower door testing and thermal imaging are e ective tools for identifying where air escapes and where cooled air fails to reach. By finding and addressing these hidden ine iciencies, homeowners can enjoy more consistent temperatures, improved comfort throughout the home, and reduced energy waste.
Summer home performance isn’t just about keeping your home cool—it’s about creating a consistent, comfortable environment while reducing energy waste and protecting your home’s systems. Through proper insulation, duct system evaluation, attic improvements, and air sealing, Comfenergy helps homeowners stay cool, save money, and enjoy a more comfortable, quieter home throughout the hottest months of the year. By taking a proactive, seasonal approach, we ensure that your home performs at its best so that you can enjoy the summer season to the fullest.
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Summer in McLean comes alive at the McLean Community Center with a vibrant lineup of films, concerts, family activities, and community gatherings. From outdoor music nights to classic cinema and fireworks celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this June.
OFC OPEN GAME NIGHTS
Wed. June 3, 10, 17 & 24 | 6:30–9 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center
Enjoy relaxed evenings of ping pong or Mah Jongg while connecting with friends and neighbors.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: WINGS OF DESIRE (1987; GERMAN)
June 4 at 1 p.m. & June 10 at 6:30 p.m.
The Alden Theatre
A poetic fantasy drama following invisible angels watching over Berlin, until one falls in love with a lonely trapeze artist. Rated PG-13.
IGNITE AT OFC: FIFA WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT
Sat. June 6 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center
Celebrate the FIFA World Cup with an FC26 gaming tournament, virtual challenges, food, and fun.
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE LIVE!
Sat. June 6 | 7 p.m.
The Alden Theatre
Enjoy a screening of the cult classic followed by a live conversation with cast members Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries.
BLOOD DRIVE
Tues. June 9 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
McLean Community Center
Help support the community by donating blood through the American Red Cross.
PERFORMING ARTS MOVIE: ORCHESTRA OF EXILES
Thur. June 11 | 1 p.m.
The Alden Theatre
A moving documentary about the rescue of Europe’s premier Jewish musicians during World War II.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
McLean Central Park Amphitheatre
Free live concerts return this summer at 7 p.m.
• June 18: The Pack Drumline
• June 25: Bennie and The Jets –
Tribute to Elton John
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
Sat. June 27 | 5–10 p.m.
Langley High School
Celebrate with fireworks, live music, food trucks, giveaways, and family-friendly activities.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, EPISODE 1
Mon. June 29 | 6:30 p.m.
The Alden Theatre
Special screening of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution featuring commentary from a Revolutionary War scholar.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, VISIT MCLEANCENTER.ORG.
Sunrise in Tysons Raises Nearly
$80,000 for Children with Cancer, helping to send 11 children to Sunrise Day Camp–Greater Washington!
BY MICHELLE PEARLSTEIN | PHOTOS BY DAVID MASSARIKT
Community members gathered for Sunrise in Tysons, an evening benefiting Sunrise Day Camp–Greater Washington, which brings the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings through summer camp, hospital visits, and yearround programs, completely free of charge. From delicious food and drinks by Founding Farmers to a private tour of world-renowned artist Kiril Jeliazkov’s studio, every detail made the evening memorable. Special thanks to sponsors Avalon Bay Communities, The Meltzer Group, The Boro, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and David & Kelly Schneider.
With many guests living or working in Tysons, the event welcomed strong support from the Tysons Community Alliance and the Tysons Chamber of Commerce. Attendees heard about Sunrise’s growing impact from Pozez JCC Executive Director Je Dannick, learned about the Sunrise Leadership Board’s e orts from Chair Dale Bare, and listened to heartfelt remarks from Ben Bacon, who shared how Sunrise supported his family during his son Hudson’s cancer treatment after relocating to D.C.
The evening included a live auction and a “Send a Child to Camp” appeal, highlighting the approximately $7,000 needed per child to provide transportation, medical support, and a safe, inclusive camp experience. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the event raised nearly $80,000 to support
Sunrise Day Camp’s fifth summer season.
“Because of this community’s extraordinary support, children facing serious illness don’t just attend camp, they reclaim a sense of normalcy, confidence, and joy at a time when they need it most,” said Je Dannick, Executive Director of the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia.
Tamir Linhart, member of the Sunrise Leadership Board and Tysons resident, added, “It was inspiring to see the generosity and heart of the McLean/Tysons community and beyond come together in support of Sunrise Day Camp–Greater Washington and the incredible children and families it serves.”
The Sunrise community is already looking ahead to SunriseWALKS at National Harbor on Sunday, October 18, inviting supporters to register, form a team, and help continue the magic of camp for families who need it most.
of the Sunrise Leadership Board) and Jeff Dannick (The J's Executive Director)
How Dentistry Has Transformed in the Last 25 Years
By DR. GEITH J. KALLAS DR. GEITH KALLAS, Founder and CEO, Smile Makers Dental Center Founder and Dental Center
When I opened our Tysons Corner o ice in 2001, dentistry was built around reaction. Patients came in when something hurt, and treatment focused on fixing the problem in front of us. Film X-rays, traditional impressions, and a drill and fill approach defined the standard of care.
That model no longer defines modern dentistry.
Over the past twenty five years, I have not only witnessed this transformation, I have led through it. What began as a single practice in Tysons has grown into a multi location organization across Northern Virginia. Our expansion has never been about scale alone. It has been about raising the standard of care and delivering it consistently, regardless of location.
Dentistry today is proactive, data driven, and built on precision.
DIAGNOSTICS NOW DRIVE DECISIONS
The shift from film to digital imaging changed everything. Today, with advanced 3D CBCT technology and intraoral scanning, we no longer rely on assumptions. We operate with clarity. Conditions are identified earlier, diagnoses are more accurate, and treatment planning is more strategic. This level of insight allows us to intervene sooner and treat more conservatively.
PREVENTION IS THE STANDARD, NOT THE EXCEPTION
The most important evolution in dentistry is not technology. It is philosophy. We no longer wait for disease to progress. We identify risk early, educate our patients, and act decisively. The goal is no longer to repair damage. The goal is to prevent it and preserve natural dentition for life.
EXECUTION IS FASTER AND MORE PRECISE
Advancements in materials and digital workflows have redefined e iciency. Treatments that once required multiple visits can now be completed with speed and accuracy in significantly less time. The result is stronger restorations, more natural outcomes, and a better overall experience for the patient.
THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN REDEFINED
Comfort is no longer optional. It is expected. Modern anesthesia, laser dentistry, and sedation options have eliminated much of the fear historically associated with dental visits. Patients today experience care that is controlled, e icient, and far more comfortable than in the past.
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IMPLANTS SET A NEW STANDARD FOR TOOTH REPLACEMENT
Dental implants have changed the long term outlook for patients. With precise digital planning and proven techniques, we can deliver predictable, lasting results that restore function and protect bone health. This is a level of treatment that was not consistently achievable twenty five years ago.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
After twenty five years serving Tysons and the greater Northern Virginia community, one thing is clear. Dentistry has advanced in every measurable way. It is more precise, more e icient, and more patient focused than ever before.
At Smile Makers Dental Center, we have built our reputation on staying ahead of that evolution. We invest in technology, we develop our teams, and we hold ourselves to a higher standard because our patients expect it and deserve it.
If your perception of dentistry is based on the past, it is outdated. The tools are better. The systems are stronger. The outcomes are more predictable.
And today, exceptional dentistry is no longer defined by simply treating teeth. It is defined by precision, innovation, leadership, and the ability to deliver life changing results with consistency and confidence.
Care That Sees the Full Picture
By ANNA LE, MD, FACOG
Good healthcare often reveals itself in the moments when life changes. An annual exam turns into a deeper conversation about symptoms that have been easy to dismiss. Questions about fertility lead to next steps, support, and a plan. Pregnancy brings new needs, and later, everyday primary care becomes just as important as specialty care once was.
For patients, the value of comprehensive care is not only in having access to multiple services. It is in feeling known across them. It is in not having to start over each time, repeat the same history, or navigate separate systems for concerns that are often deeply connected. Care feels di erent when it is built around the full picture of a person’s health and the reality that those needs change over time.
That is part of the thinking behind Anna Health, which brings together gynecology and obstetrics, fertility, and family medicine under one name. For patients in Northern Virginia, that means a more connected experience, one that can support women through routine care, more complex questions, family planning, pregnancy, and long-term health with greater continuity and clarity.
The best care does not feel fragmented. It feels thoughtful, coordinated, and steady. It leaves patients with a clearer sense of what comes next and confidence that they are being supported by a team that understands both the immediate need and the broader context of their health.
When care is connected in that way, patients often feel the di erence not only in what is available to them but also in how supported they feel moving through it. Comprehensive care above the standard of care.
Anna Le, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing at Anna Health (Annandale Ob/Gyn) in Northern Virginia. She specializes in women’s health across all life stages.
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