CLEA LIVING M N
BEATRIZ
CATHERINE NESBITT, MARY CARTER & WILLIE MONTGOMERY THE HEART BEHIND “FIESTA DEL SOL”
COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY
PAZ,
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PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
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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.)
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leaders for tomorrow — and that is community at its finest.
Before I close, let me leave you with a little question…
How many restaurants do you think there are in McLean?
If you don’t know, you might want to flip through this issue and find out. A true McLeaner would never miss it.
With gratitude — and excitement for the season ahead,
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
May
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FURNITURE RESTORATION
Joni Foerter | Front Porch Furniture Rescue 703-543-9248 | myfurniturerescue.com
DERMATOLOGY & SKIN HEALTH
Dr. Pantea Tamjidi, MD, F.A.A.D. | Tamjidi Skin Institute 703-345-6677 | tamjidiskininstitute.com
HOME SERVICES & CLEANING
Dawn Crawley | STW Cleaning 703-348-2221 | www.STW Cleaning.com
HEALTH & FITNESS
Janine Frank | 2 Health Nuts 410-935-9241 | 2healthnuts.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
REAL ESTATE
Brian Mason | Signature Move Real Estate 703-936-6501 | Signaturemoverealestate.com IG: @BrianMasonDMVBIZ
COSMETIC & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
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 – Certified 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 Officer, Anna Health
Annandale OBGYN PC (703) 642-7522 | www.annandaleobgyn.com
HOME DESIGN & INTERIORS
Anna Gibson - Founder & Principal Designer AKG Design Studio (571) 446-1108 | www.AKGdesignstudio.com
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
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FIESTA DEL SOL FESTIVAL
FLAVOR, RHYTHM, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional Photos by MYRTLE ROY
© Best Version Media
On Saturday, March 21, the McLean Community Center once again transforms an evening into a celebration of color, rhythm, and connection as Fiesta del Sol Festival returns from 5 to 10 p.m.
For one vibrant night, the Center becomes a gathering place where Latin American and Caribbean traditions come alive through music, dance, art, and cuisine. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase and responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages.
“Fiesta del Sol is a celebration of community, culture, and connection,” shares MCC Executive Director Betsy MaySalazar. “It’s an opportunity to honor diversity and create joyful experiences for everyone in McLean.”
The evening opens with high-energy sets from D.C.-based DJ Leo, setting an upbeat tone that carries throughout the celebration. Starting at 5:30, guests are invited onto the dance floor for interactive salsa, cumbia, and merengue lessons led by Salsa Guy Richmond, transforming spectators into participants.
Featured performer Izis, known as La Enfermera de la Salsa, brings dynamic vocals and musical versatility to the stage. A Puerto Rico native and U.S. Army nurse with more than 17 years of service, Izis performs selections from her latest album, A Mi Manera, blending soulful expression with commanding stage presence. Adding to the energy, Pablo Antonio y La Firma infuse the evening with vibrant merengue and cumbia rhythms that keep the crowd moving.
Guests can savor Spanish and Latin American tapas and handcrafted cocktails from Sabores Tapas Bar, with sangria and rum- and tequila-based creations inspired by Latin flavors. An artisan marketplace complements the festivities, featuring handcrafted goods from across Latin America and the Caribbean, a colorful showcase of fashion, décor, fine art, and traditional craftsmanship. The marketplace will feature goods available for purchase from Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Chile, Mexico, and Bolivia.
FROM VISION TO FIESTA
Behind this vibrant celebration stands an experienced and dedicated team: Beatriz de la Caridad Paz, Catherine Nesbitt, Mary Carter, and Willie Montgomery. Together, they combine leadership, creativity, and operational excellence to bring Fiesta del Sol to life.
BEATRIZ DE LA CARIDAD PAZ Founder, VIP Impressions
At the helm of VIP Impressions, Beatriz de la Caridad Paz brings both vision and precision to Fiesta del Sol. With more than three decades of experience in event planning and management, complemented by over 15 years of formal project management training, she understands that memorable celebrations are built at the intersection of creativity and discipline.
Her career began in sales and marketing with Lufthansa German Airlines and evolved into conference management with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Coconut Grove, followed by leadership roles with Posadas Hotels and Resorts. Through VIP Impressions, Beatriz blends hospitality excellence with meticulous coordination, creating experiences that bring people together with intention and sophistication.
CATHERINE NESBITT
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Former Special Events Team Manager, McLean Community Center
After 16 years of dedicated service, Catherine Nesbitt retires from her role as Special Events Team Manager at the McLean Community Center, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful leadership and community celebration.
Throughout her tenure, Catherine helped shape many of McLean’s most cherished gatherings, building a strong foundation upon which events like Fiesta del Sol continue to flourish.
MARY CARTER
Special Events Assistant Manager, McLean Community Center
Mary Carter believes in the quiet magic of wellorchestrated events, the way they bring people together and transform thoughtful ideas into memorable experiences. Her expertise spans conferences, weddings, intimate gatherings, and large-scale festivals, bringing disciplined planning and meticulous coordination to every celebration she helps create.
WILLIE MONTGOMERY
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Special Events Coordinator, McLean Community Center
With more than 25 years of experience in events and production, Willie Montgomery brings technical expertise and creative vision to MCC’s Special Events team. Specializing in logistics, audiovisual production, and event design, Willie ensures that every detail, seen and unseen, supports a seamless and memorable community experience.
Together, the McLean Community Center’s Special Events unit oversees many of McLean’s most beloved annual traditions, including Fiesta del Sol, McLean Day, Earth Day, the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, Pet Fest, the Antiques Show & Sale, and the Holiday Art & Crafts Festival. Their collective dedication continues to shape the cultural rhythm of the community.
Fiesta del Sol reflects MCC’s ongoing commitment to celebrating culture, creativity, and connection — o ering McLean an evening filled with music, movement, and shared joy.
C2 EDUCATION Discipline. Stewardship. Demonstrated Outcomes.
By Casey Whitmore
For more than two decades, C2 Education has operated in the Greater DC region with a clear premise: every student possesses extraordinary, Godgiven potential. The institution’s responsibility is to create the structure, rigor, and accountability required to cultivate that potential into measurable excellence.
C2 does not treat academic performance as an isolated outcome. Academic mastery is foundational, the mechanism through which students gain access to broader opportunities and begin to discover direction and purpose in their lives. Scores matter. Outcomes matter. But the long-term objective is capacity: intellectual confidence formed through disciplined preparation. That philosophy is not theoretical. It is executed daily through leadership.
LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
Under the direction of franchise owner Jinsil Kim, the mission of C2 Education has taken on operational depth and local significance. With more than 17 years devoted to building and leading high-performing centers, Kim has translated institutional principles into disciplined systems where compassion is matched by competency and measurable outcomes define credibility.
Her leadership is neither incidental nor opportunistic. Raised in a family of educators, her father a college professor and her mother an elementary school teacher in South Korea, education was understood as one of the most transformative forces available to any individual.
Her entry into C2 Education represented a convergence of inheritance and calling. In her early years, she operated across every functional area of the business: administration, instruction, human resources, and management. That immersion established operational fluency and institutional perspective.
As the organization expanded, her leadership evolved from directive management to systems-based team development. Psychological safety became a strategic operating principle. Team members are encouraged to challenge assumptions, contribute candidly, and participate in decision-
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making. For Kim, sustainable excellence does not emerge from hierarchy; it emerges from trust.
Her leadership is grounded not only in educational conviction but in disciplined stewardship, perseverance, financial integrity, and prioritization of team stability. Organizational health begins with sta security before executive gain. The reasoning is practical: when teams feel secure, performance follows.
That principle extends beyond education into how Kim thinks about business itself.
She recounts a formative investment partnership not defined by capital, but by character. When a former residential real estate partner exhausted his resources, she extended a zero-interest loan and granted him advance equity. As his financial position improved, he reciprocated, acquiring properties, granting her fifty-percent ownership in advance, financing renovations independently, and recovering costs through rental income. Over time, that partnership yielded approximately a dozen properties at no direct acquisition cost to her.
When COVID severely disrupted the education sector, those assets, liquidated at the right moment, became the mechanism through which she retained every employee across her centers. No layo s were executed.
For Kim, the lesson was definitive: generosity is not charitable excess. It is long-term strategy. Properly exercised, it functions as insurance.
Her diversified business background reinforces a disciplined approach to risk. Geographic diversification strengthens resilience. Fiscal conservatism governs expansion. Growth is pursued deliberately, and exposure is managed intentionally.
STANDARDIZED EXCELLENCE AND PERSONALIZED EXECUTION
C2 Education rejects the false dichotomy between standardized benchmarks and individualized instruction. The reinstatement of test requirements at many of the nation’s most competitive universities a irms what the organization has long maintained: objective measures provide meaningful access to opportunity.
At the same time, durability and e iciency in performance are achieved through personalization. This operational model aligns with decades of educational research, including Benjamin Bloom’s “Two Sigma Problem,” which demonstrated that one-to-one instruction produces outcomes significantly above traditional classroom models.
C2 embeds this principle into diagnostic baselines, structured study plans, interim progress assessments, GPA tracking, and college admission outcomes. Educational success is evaluated through defined metrics: score improvement relative to baseline diagnostics, grade trajectory, advanced coursework progression, and ultimate admission placement. Every engagement begins with a defined goal. Accountability is measured by
whether that goal is achieved.
COMMUNITY-SPECIFIC STRATEGY
C2’s operational model adapts to the academic culture of each region it serves. E ective service begins with listening.
In Florida, programming frequently reflects SAT-linked scholarship structures and the demanding schedules of student athletes, requiring concentrated performance preparation within defined windows. In contrast, Greater DC families often pursue a comprehensive approach that integrates rigorous academic preparation with structured college counseling for highly selective institutions.
Uniform programming is avoided. Strategy is built from local data, community expectations, and student-specific constraints.
EXPANSION AND THE PREMIUM STANDARD
In November, the McLean center expanded from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet. The expansion was driven by capacity demand and long-standing community engagement. Increased highway visibility has contributed to sustained growth in family inquiries, a leading indicator of market trust and brand resonance.
The objective is clear: to define a premium standard in K–12 tutoring and college preparation, not regionally, but nationally. Infrastructure, instructional quality, and service integration are aligned toward that benchmark.
A central component of that evolution is C2 Select, a fully integrated college consulting and admissions strategy platform. Historically, families often coordinated tutoring and college advising separately. C2 Select consolidates academic preparation and admissions strategy under one cohesive operational model, delivering continuity in planning, communication, and execution.
INSTITUTIONAL ASPIRATION
Over the next several years, strategic expansion in Florida will remain a priority. Kim’s organization is currently the only C2 Education operator in the state. Growth will proceed through documented results rather than aspirational claims.
For McLean families evaluating educational partnerships, Kim’s position is direct: examine the outcomes. Review the documented history. Listen to the families who have entrusted their children to the process.
The institution’s operating principle remains consistent—compassion integrated with competency, measurable performance aligned with longterm purpose, and academic discipline understood not as a transaction, but as formation.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
The True Cost of DIY Design
WHY BUSY PROFESSIONALS CHOOSE FULL-SERVICE RENOVATION
By ANNA K. GIBSON, CKBD, CLIPP - Certi ed Kitchen and bath Design and Living in place professional
We understand the appeal. In an era of online tutorials and accessible design resources, managing your own renovation seems both possible and financially prudent. Yet our McLean clients—successful professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs—consistently choose comprehensive design services. Why?
Time represents your most precious resource. A typical kitchen renovation involves coordinating dozens of decisions across multiple vendors: cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, appliances, lighting, and more. Each selection a ects others, creating cascading complexity. Our clients recognize that months of evenings and weekends carry an opportunity cost far exceeding our fees.
Expertise prevents expensive mistakes. That slightly ospec tile order? The plumbing configuration that seemed fine but violates code? The beautiful fixtures that don't fit your actual space? We've seen thousands of renovation scenarios. We catch problems before they're built, not after. Perhaps most critically: cohesive vision. DIY renovations often reveal themselves through subtle disconnects— cabinetry that doesn't quite complement the counters, lighting that seems perfect in the showroom but feels wrong installed, a layout that functions but never flows. Professional design creates harmony across hundreds of decisions, resulting in spaces that feel intentionally crafted, not assembled.
Our full-service approach means you make the big decisions while we handle everything else—from initial concept through final installation. You maintain control of your vision while we manage the complexity of execution. Because your time, your peace of mind, and your home deserves nothing less than seamless excellence. Ready to reclaim your evenings and weekends while getting the home you truly deserve? Schedule a consultation with AKG Design Studio. Visit akgdesignstudio.com to discover how our full-service approach delivers exceptional results— without the stress.
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HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY
Friday, March 6 | 7 p.m.
A new musical chronicling the childhood of civil rights icon John Lewis. This inspiring production follows his early journey toward justice and the call to get into “good trouble.”
WELLNESS FOR CANCER PREVENTION
Tuesday, March 10 | 6–7 p.m.
An INOVA-led seminar o ering practical guidance on building sustainable habits that support long-term health and reduce cancer risk.
PERFORMING ARTS FILM: SIX BY SONDHEIM
Thursday, March 12 | 1–2:30 p.m. | Ages 13+
This feature-length documentary explores the life and lyrics of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim through archival footage, interviews, and new stagings of his iconic work.
ART & WRITING COMPETITION DEADLINE
Friday, March 13 | 5 p.m.
Local high school students are invited to submit original artwork or writing inspired by the theme Freedom Through My Eyes. Prizes will be awarded to top entries in both categories.
☘ ST. PATTY’S PARTY
Friday, March 13 | 2–9:30 p.m. | 5th–6th
Grade Only
Celebrate with friends at The Old Firehouse Center. Food and beverages included.
MCC GOVERNING BOARD CANDIDATE PACKETS DUE
Monday, March 16 | By 5 p.m.
Youth and adult candidate packets for the 2026 MCC Governing Board are due. A meaningful opportunity to serve and give back to the McLean community.
FIESTA DEL SOL FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 21 | 5–10 p.m.
Experience the vibrant spirit of Latin America and the Caribbean through cuisine, music, dancing, and a lively cultural marketplace.
ALDEN THEATRE YOUTH PRODUCTION: THE WIZARD OF OZ
March 21–22 | 2 p.m.
Local youth bring this beloved classic to life in a special adaptation produced in arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG
March 4 | 6:30–8 p.m.
March 26 | 1–2:30 p.m. | Ages 18+
A sweeping French musical romance about young love tested by war, time, and circumstance.
SOLOMON EICHNER, PIANO
Sunday, March 29 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Award-winning pianist and Carnegie Hall debut artist Solomon Eichner performs a program showcasing his celebrated virtuosity and expressive tone.
Vinson Hall Where Tradition Meets Transformation
By STEPHANIE LAWRENCE
Some stories begin with a simple act of compassion. In 1959, the Naval O icers' Wives' Club of Washington, D.C., envisioned a retirement community o ering widows "security, companionship, and dignity." Just one decade later, their vision materialized, and Vinson Hall opened its doors in McLean.
Initially serving only naval widows, Vinson Hall gradually expanded to welcome all military branches, government employees, and today, any retiree seeking an exceptional lifestyle.
The campus has grown to include independent living at Willow Oak and Heritage Hall, skilled nursing at Arleigh Burke Pavilion, and memory care at The Sylvestery.
Now, Project RISE (Redevelop, Inspire, Strengthen, Evolve) promises 126 new residences and enhanced gathering spaces, a bold reimagining for the next generation.
"We've evolved and changed," says Stephanie Lawrence, senior director of marketing. "We strive to be an organization people want to be part of."
Vinson Hall’s secret to standing the test of time?
Celebrating the legacy that makes this historic treasure in McLean unique—and embracing change.
[1] Perhaps just say an expansion and redevelopment of the current campus—something to that e ect.
mroy.photo
Mroy Photo
MroyPhoto LLC
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Fairfax CASA Opening Her Home, Opening Doors
By JOCELYN SORTO FUTTERER - FAIRFAX CASA
CASA Volunteer and Ambassador Elaine del Cerro graciously opened her home to members of her network for an intimate and meaningful fundraiser in support of Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), where she has served since May 2025.
The evening began with remarks from Fairfax CASA Executive Director Darcy Hubbard, who shared the organization’s mission and the growing challenges nonprofits face amid uncertainty surrounding federal funding. Elaine then spoke from the heart, o ering personal reflections on her journey as a CASA volunteer and her unwavering commitment to advocating for at-risk children and youth.
Through generosity and collective purpose, the gathering raised nearly $17,000—funds that will directly support abused and neglected children across Northern Virginia. An inspiring reminder of what can happen when a community comes together in service of its most vulnerable members.
Tysons | 8310 Old Courthouse Road, Ste A, Vienna, VA 22182 |
Bailey’s Crossroads | Fairfax | City of Falls Church | Leesburg | Woodbridge
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McLEAN’S DINING RENAISSANCE
McLean Restaurant Week, April 12-19, Will Celebrate McLean’s Dining Renaissance
By PETER H. APPEL, Executive Vice President of the McLean Revitalization Corp (MRC)
DIVAN RESTAURANT
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How many restaurants are in Downtown McLean? Even longtime residents are surprised at the answer: 53. From stalwarts like McLean Family Restaurant that have been in the same family for decades to a globe-spanning array of international o erings such as SHō Sushi & Izakaya to notable recent arrivals such as Town and Matchbox built by individuals and restaurant groups who have made clear that they are bullish on investing in the McLean—our dining options are on the rise.
This spring, McLean’s restaurant o erings will be on full display at the inaugural McLean Restaurant Week, scheduled for April 12-19 and presented by the McLean Revitalization Corp. (MRC), an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Downtown McLean.
As Tricia Palaez-Anderson, who runs the 8500-member McLean Foodies Facebook group, points out, “What’s happening in McLean right now feels like a true restaurant renaissance. We’ve moved from limited, predictable choices to a diverse mix of modern, chef-driven spots, and it’s all happening steps from home. The energy is real, and the community is showing up for it. “
As the McLean community grows, with new houses across our neighborhoods and new Downtown condo residents seeking a walkable Downtown McLean dining and entertainment experience, our restaurants are growing with us.
Wantanee Ketsa, owner of Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse, recounts that “we chose McLean because we fell in love with the strong sense of community here. We first started as a small restaurant on Elm Street—the encouragement and support from our guests gave us the inspiration and confidence to grow, and we decided to stay in McLean and move into a larger space.”
Pattie Kaewkunlaya, co-founder of SHŌ, said, “We chose to open in McLean because of its strong sense of community and appreciation for culture, craftsmanship, and quality dining. From the beginning, our vision was to create more than a restaurant—we wanted a welcoming space where neighbors can gather to celebrate life’s milestones, share
meaningful moments, or simply enjoy a glass of sake or wine together.”
As Restaurant Week approaches, residents and visitors can visit McLeanToday.org/RestaurantWeek to see this diverse mix of o erings. Each participating restaurant will showcase a Restaurant Week special menu, which may include special prix fixe dinner o erings, discounts across their menu, free desserts and appetizers, and more.
The MRC team encourages all McLean residents and visitors alike to come down to our McLean restaurants during Restaurant Week—and celebrate not only the great cuisine these restauranteurs o er, but also the tremendous commitment they have made to our community.
ESAAN TUMBAR
TOWN KITCHEN AND BARSHO SUSHI & IZAKAYA
MASALA INDIAN CUISINE
The rules of small business acquisition financing have shifted and most of the market has not caught up!
By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES, CM&AP, Founder The BPH Group, LLC
The rules of small business acquisition financing have shifted and most of the market has not caught up!
Over the past few months, changes from the U.S. Small Business Administration have quietly reshaped how deals are getting approved. Transactions are stalling in underwriting; structures that would've cleared two years ago are being reworked; risk and underwriting guidelines have gotten stricter. Change of control matters! Financial engineering alone will not carry a deal to closing in this environment.
For years, acquisitions were structured with minimal buyer capital, heavy leverage, aggressive add backs, and creative seller participation. That environment is tightening and lenders are scrutinizing whether the buyer truly controls the company post closing.
In the new environment:
Seller rollover equity is being examined carefully.
Equity injections are being scrutinized. Debt service coverage ratios are being heavily stress tested.
And the result is a low risk, disciplined, operator centric transactions. In essence; Well capitalized buyers with
strong advisory teams are rising to the top. Underprepared searchers are discovering that enthusiasm is not equity & sellers who understand this landscape gain a strategic advantage. A financeable business is the standard.
As an owner, clean financial statements, documented add backs, and sustainable margins make underwriting smoother and o ers stronger.
Well capitalized buyers are now smarter than over inflated headline prices and have increased their probability of closing by tightening their own financial modeling and valuation. In this market, structure is strategy. The acquisition landscape is not shrinking; it is maturing and those who adapt will close.
If you're interested in discussing your future in business, don't hesitate to reach out.
Erika Baez-Grimes, CM&AP | Founder
The BPH Group, LLC | A Business Exit & Strategy Co. Erika@ErikatheBroker.com 804.750.3008
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By SUMAIRA MALIK - Events Chair for WCGF Scholarship Fund
On May 1, 2026, the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund will host its Masquerade Ball at River Bend Country Club — an elegant evening with a powerful purpose.
This year, the Foundation invites our community not only to attend, but to lead by becoming a sponsor.
Annual Mission Sponsorship Levels o er meaningful ways to invest directly in local students working to overcome rising tuition costs and financial challenges:
• Premier Scholarship Sponsor – $10,000 (funds four scholarships; premier recognition and six event tickets)
• Triple-Scholarship Sponsor – $7,500 (prominent visibility and four tickets)
• Double-Scholarship Sponsor – $5,000 (event recognition and four tickets)
• Scholarship Sponsor – $2,500 (program recognition and two tickets)
Each sponsorship level directly fuels life-changing scholarships for deserving students across Northern Virginia.
For businesses, it is purposeful visibility aligned with impact. For families and individuals, it is an opportunity to open doors for the next generation.
To become a sponsor, contact info@womensclubgsf.org.
When Great Falls invests in its students, the entire community rises.
Loved by Kids, Trusted by Parents
Gentle and Most Effective Laser Dentistry
Special Needs Dentistry
In-Office IV Sedations
Tongue-tie/Lip-tie/Buccal-ties Frenectomy Specialists
Dr. Rishita Jaju
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Anh Dang
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
571-350-3663
11790 Sunrise Valley Dr #105 Reston, VA 20191 smilewonders.com
The Simon
BY CHEF GABRIELA ACKERMAN
I didn’t expect to leave a hotel restaurant talking about caviar, cheese, and a truly excellent gin and tonic—but here we are.
The Simon, located inside the new JW Marriott Reston, has a quiet way of winning you over.
From the start, the kitchen signals ambition. The evening opened on a playful note with a potato millefeuille topped with Petrossian Ossetra caviar and house-made ranch indulgent, composed, and surprisingly unfussy. Roseda Farms steak tartare served in a delicate lotus tartlet was rich without excess. Warm pimento cheese gougères tasted like comfort food handled with care, and fried pu erfish paired with sorghum mambo sauce added crunch and brightness. The tone was set early: elevated, but not uptight.
The emphasis on local sourcing feels genuine rather than performative. Nowhere was this clearer than in the Maryland crab salad—one of the strongest dishes of the evening. Clean, bright, and restrained, it allowed the sweetness of the crab to shine without unnecessary embellishment.
The lobster ravioli was the only moment that felt slightly imbalanced. While the pasta was well-prepared, the cauliflower component overshadowed the lobster’s natural sweetness. Not a misstep, but a heavier note within an otherwise thoughtfully paced tasting.
The kitchen quickly reestablished its rhythm with a beautifully executed golden tilefish—perfectly flaky, savory yet light—accompanied by celeriac, baby leeks, and mussels.
A restrained vin jaune sauce tied the dish together with
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The dry-aged filet mignon lands confidently in classic territory. Melt-in-yourmouth tender, deeply flavorful, and impeccably cooked, it delivered exactly what one hopes for at this level. Brown butter carrot purée and pommes millefeuille added richness without excess. No theatrics—just precise execution.
Where The Simon truly distinguishes itself is beyond the plate. The cheese room is exceptional and feels like a destination in its own right—curated with intention and respect for craft. The bar program also deserves recognition; the gin and tonic was crisp, beautifully balanced, and one of the most memorable in recent memory.
Service tied the evening together seamlessly. Attentive without intrusion, the sta anticipated needs e ortlessly, with pacing that felt natural and considered. Dessert leaned nostalgic in the best way. The Virginia peanut butter and jelly meringue cake was playful and comforting without tipping into heaviness. A huckleberry sorbet refreshed the palate, while the chocolate Devalia torta satisfied those seeking a richer finish. Even the closing mignardise felt intentional.
Not every dish struck the same high note, but enough did to make The Simon a compelling addition to Reston’s dining scene. It’s proof that a hotel restaurant can feel every bit as thoughtful and refined as a standalone destination.
FURNITURE
Why Your Annual Eye Exam Is About More Than Just Clear Vision
By DR. NICOLE M. ARDURA, O.D.
When most people think about an eye exam, they think about updating their glasses or contact lens prescription. In reality, a comprehensive eye exam is one of the most important preventive health evaluations you can schedule each year.
Your eyes are the only place in the body where blood vessels and nerves can be viewed directly without surgery. This allows us to detect early signs of systemic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and even certain neurological concerns—often before symptoms appear elsewhere.
For many families and professionals in our community, prolonged screen use is part of daily life. Extended time on digital devices reduces blinking and strains the visual system, contributing to dry eye, headaches, blurred vision, and neck tension. Simple habits—like the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)—can significantly reduce discomfort.
For children, vision concerns may not present as complaints of blurry sight. Di iculty concentrating, avoiding reading, or frequent frustration with schoolwork can sometimes signal underlying visual issues. Early detection and intervention can make a meaningful di erence in both academic performance and confidence.
We also routinely screen for conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal disease—many of which develop silently. Annual exams allow us to monitor subtle changes and intervene early, when treatment is most e ective. Clear sight is important. Healthy eyes are essential. Prioritizing routine eye care protects not only your vision, but your long-term wellness and quality of life.
In 2024, Mandira Curtis a passionate collector of couture fashion, founded LeaseTheDress to o er everyone access to exclusive luxury styles at a ordable prices. At LTD designer styles are available for lease or purchase online and at our NEW SHOWROOM in McLean, VA. Contact us at www.leasethedress.com or 703-956-0739 for a custom fitting appointment at our showroom located at 1320 Vincent place, McLean VA 22101
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.
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By ANNA LE, MD, FACOG
Pregnancy brings excitement, questions, and important decisions, especially when it comes to prenatal care. One of the most critical decisions expectant parents face is whether they have access to the most informative prenatal genetic screening available.
Prenatal genetic screening helps assess a baby’s risk for certain genetic conditions using a simple blood draw from the pregnant parent. Traditional screening often evaluates risk in broad categories, including chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, which can occur in any pregnancy, and inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which families pass down. Because carriers of inherited conditions are usually healthy and have no symptoms, risk can go completely unnoticed without the right screening approach.
Genetic prenatal screening by your obstetric physician tests are designed to assess a baby’s specific genetic risk and can be done by using a single maternal blood draw. Rather than providing generalized carrier information, certain tests deliver results that are directly relevant to the pregnancy, helping families understand what truly matters for their baby.
Early, pregnancy-specific insight can make a meaningful di erence. Prenatal genetic tests results can guide decisions about diagnostic testing, support delivery planning at appropriately resourced hospitals, and enable earlier connections with specialists when needed. Just as importantly, when results are reassuring, these tests can provide confidence and peace of mind throughout pregnancy.
By delivering earlier, more personalized information, prenatal genetic testing helps transform prenatal genetic screening from a routine checkbox into a powerful tool for informed, proactive care, giving families clarity when it matters most.
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