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McLEANOPOLY? RAINA • ALLEGRA • TAYLOR SEPTEMBER 2026 COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY

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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 FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.

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Sometimes I find myself thinking about how much the world has changed since we were growing up. And while change can sometimes make us wonder where the time went, there are other times when it makes me incredibly excited about what is ahead. This month is one of those times. Our September cover introduces you to three young women who are proving that you are never too young to have a big idea and actually do something with it. Raina Atwal, Allegra Bruni, and Taylor Schlegel are the young minds behind McLeanOpoly, a project that takes the community we know and love and puts it right on the board. As an entrepreneur myself, I love this story. Having an idea is the easy part. Taking that idea, creating a plan, knocking on doors, building relationships, finding the right people to help you, and turning it into something real—that takes courage and determination. And these girls are doing it while still in school! They are creative, ambitious, and not afraid to think big. I hope you will read their story, learn more about McLeanOpoly, and most importantly, support them. Because when our community gets behind its young people, we show them just how far their ideas can go. And speaking of young people making us proud, I’m sure many of you have heard the exciting news about James Triantos. Born in Fairfax, raised in Vienna, and a standout at James Madison High School, James has made his way all the way to Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs. His story is another wonderful reminder that big dreams can start very close to home. That is what I love about putting this magazine together every month. We get to celebrate the people who are building businesses, pursuing dreams, helping others, and making our community a little more special. And remember, supporting local doesn’t always require spending money. Like their post. Leave a comment. Share it with a friend. Recommend a local business. Those little actions take seconds for us, but they can make a big difference to someone working hard to build something. Here’s to big ideas, big dreams, and the people brave enough to go after them. Enjoy the September issue!

FROM THE SOCIAL DESK By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator

Young minds, big ideas, and a love for their community—proof that you’re never too young to create something meaningful and make a little history along the way.

McLEAN LIVING | 3

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at: 703-868-8071 or gbruni@bestversionmedia.com LUXURY JEWELRY Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com

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By SOFIA ROMAN

| Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

There is something wonderfully familiar about gathering around a board game…the competition, laughter and memories made around the table. For three local high school sophomores, that familiar experience is becoming something much bigger. Raina Atwal, Allegra Bruni, and Taylor Schlegel are the young women behind McLeanOpoly, a communitycentered board game celebrating the businesses, places, and people that give McLean its character. What began as Raina's idea more than a year ago has grown into a collaborative entrepreneurial venture, giving the girls firsthand experience turning an idea into reality.

AN IDEA INSPIRED BY COMMUNITY The seed for McLeanOpoly was planted far from McLean. While visiting her aunt in California, Raina played a board game based on her aunt's town. As the family moved around the board, Raina found herself learning about the community through the places represented in the game. It sparked a simple question: Why don't we have one for McLean? For Raina, who has attended school in McLean for several

years, the idea immediately felt personal. “McLean is my home,” she says. “There are so many hidden gems. I feel like I'm constantly discovering new restaurants, shops, and local businesses.” She envisioned a game that could capture that experience, combining familiar places families would instantly recognize with businesses and organizations they might discover for the first time. But turning that vision into an actual board game would require much more than an idea. For more than a year, Raina worked behind the scenes to build the foundation for McLeanOpoly. She interviewed manufacturers, researched what it would take to bring the game to market, established the LLC, worked through contracts and banking requirements, attended manufacturer meetings, and developed an initial target list of businesses and organizations. It was an early education in entrepreneurship, moving McLeanOpoly from an idea to a project with the foundation needed to reach the market. As the project moved closer to market, Raina also recognized that meeting an ambitious timeline would require something equally important: the right team.

FROM ONE IDEA TO THREE PARTNERS As McLeanOpoly moved forward, Raina was joined by Allegra and Taylor, transforming the project into a true partnership. Together, they have designed the game, developed a professional pitch, made sales and cold calls, written proposals, communicated with local business owners, and even created their own CRM system to track prospective partners. “As young women, we've taken on so many things that were completely new to us,” the team says. “We've had to learn quickly, step outside of our comfort zones, and figure things out along the way.” For Raina, who spent more than a year laying the project's groundwork, the experience has also reshaped her understanding of leadership. 6 | SEPTEMBER 2026

© Best Version Media “Leadership isn't about doing everything yourself. It's about bringing people together,” she says. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, family life, and friendships has made teamwork essential. By dividing responsibilities according to their strengths and trusting one another, the girls have gained firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, communication, marketing, and leadership—all while strengthening their friendship. “We're always stronger together than we are on our own,” Raina says. “When everyone contributes their strengths and supports one another, you can accomplish far more than you ever could alone.”

MCLEAN, ONE SPACE AT A TIME At the heart of McLeanOpoly is the community itself. The game is designed to showcase not only familiar names, but also the neighborhood businesses and hidden gems that make McLean feel like home. Through conversations with local business owners, the girls have gained a deeper appreciation for the people behind those places. “Every local business has a unique story and history,” Raina says. “Hearing how they've grown and evolved to better serve the community has given me a deeper appreciation for the dedication behind each business.” The community has embraced the project, with residents and business owners offering encouragement, introductions, and connections along the way. For the girls, it has reinforced a simple idea: McLean is built on relationships. And the board is still taking shape. Local businesses and organizations interested in being part of McLeanOpoly are invited to connect with the team, with spaces still available and more McLean stories waiting to be represented. Follow @McLeanOpoly on Instagram to watch the game come to life and find out where you can get your hands on one!

McLEAN LIVING | 7

GIVING BACK THREE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS. THREE CAUSES CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS. RAINA ATWAL Supporting the Alzheimer’s Foundation For Raina, giving back is deeply personal. Inspired by both of her grandmothers’ experiences with different forms of dementia, she chose the Alzheimer’s Foundation to support families affected by memory loss. McLeanOpoly became an opportunity to create something meaningful for her community while also supporting a cause that has touched her own family.

“Having both of my parents believe in me has meant so much throughout this experience.” TAYLOR SCHLEGEL Supporting Leveling the Playing Field As an athlete, Taylor knows firsthand how sports can build confidence, teamwork, commitment and lasting friendships. She chose Leveling the Playing Field, an organization that expands access to youth sports and recreation for children in under-resourced communities, helping more young people experience the opportunities sports have given her.

ALLEGRA BRUNI Supporting a Student’s College Dream For Allegra, giving back means creating an opportunity for another young person. She plans to dedicate a portion of her McLeanOpoly proceeds to helping a hardworking student at her school pursue a college education, supporting someone whose dedication and academic achievement have inspired her.

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National College Savings Month A Strategic Gift for Future Generations By JAMES NAUGHTON, McLean Branch Manager Lafayette Federal Credit Union

September is National College Savings Month—a timely reminder to consider how you can help fund a child or grandchild’s education while incorporating education savings into your broader financial plan. For some families, “superfunding” a 529 plan can be an appealing strategy. It allows you to contribute up to five years’ worth of the annual gift-tax exclusion to a 529 plan in a single year, subject to IRS limits and requirements. The funds can then grow tax-free for qualified education expenses and may provide estate-planning benefits. For grandparents, superfunding can be a meaningful way to transfer wealth while helping support the next generation’s educational goals. A financial planner can help you evaluate your family’s goals, timeline, and overall financial picture to determine whether superfunding a 529 plan fits your broader wealth strategy. With thoughtful planning, you can make the most of your education savings while creating a meaningful financial legacy for the next generation.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Lafayette Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Membership required.

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McLEAN LIVING | 11

By STEPHANIE LAWRENCE

Choosing to transition into senior living can feel like a big step, but it’s often one of the most empowering decisions for older adults and their families. Whether you're planning ahead or noticing small shifts in day-to-day life, understanding the signs you're ready for a senior living community can help you take action before a crisis arises. At Vinson Hall in McLean, Virginia, we support older adults with a range of services, including vibrant Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, all within a welcoming, resident-oriented environment. If you're wondering whether it's time to make a move to senior living, the following five signs may help guide your thinking and decision-making.

1. YOU’RE TIRED OF HOME MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP Homeownership takes a lot of work and energy. Over time, keeping up with yard work, repairs, snow removal and other routine home maintenance chores can become physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Many older adults begin to feel as though their home no longer aligns with their energy level and desired lifestyle, particularly if they're contending with unused space, steep stairs, outdated fixtures or rising upkeep costs. At Vinson Hall, seniors enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle in beautifully appointed residences without raking, mowing or upkeep so they can focus on doing what they love most.

2. YOU’RE CRAVING MORE SOCIAL CONNECTION Research shows that older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to various factors, which may include

12 | JUNE 2026

retirement or the loss of a spouse. Forming new social connections can positively impact your cognitive and emotional well-being and help reduce stress that potentially affects your physical health. Senior living communities foster many opportunities for social engagement from casual coffee chats and community events to fitness classes and group trips. Residents at Vinson Hall have access to a vibrant calendar of events, lectures, performances and clubs that encourage social interaction and friendships within our welcoming and intellectually curious community.

3. YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and safety issues are often a worry for older adults. Some may have experienced recent falls, difficulty managing medications or missed doctor’s appointments. Others may feel a growing anxiety about the possibility of health emergencies. These concerns are valid, even for active seniors. Making the move to a community designed with safety and future care access in mind can help alleviate these worries and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Our Life Plan Community model means residents can start in Independent Living but maintain priority access to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing services all on the same campus.

4. YOU WANT MORE FREEDOM, NOT LESS It's a common misconception that moving to senior living means giving up freedom, but the opposite is true. Making this transition allows older adults to gain more time to pursue their personal interests and passions.

When the responsibilities of homeownership are alleviated, residents of senior living communities often find they have the time and freedom to travel, explore hobbies or try new activities. They discover that the dining, fitness, housekeeping and transportation services provided by the community make their everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

have children, Vinson Hall takes great efforts to advocate for the needs of those who are ‘solo aging’ to ensure everyone receives the attention and care that they deserve. As a nonprofit Life Plan Community, Vinson Hall helps residents make a thoughtful move now and age confidently in place, with support readily available as your needs evolve.

Residents at Vinson Hall can take advantage of chef-prepared meals, wellness classes, art studios, lectures and outings, providing the freedom to live life on your own terms.

MAKE A CONFIDENT, INFORMED CHOICE ABOUT SENIOR LIVING

5. YOU’RE PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE FUTURE

Recognizing the signs that you're ready for senior living isn't about giving something up. It's about gaining a community, simplifying your lifestyle and embracing the possibilities that come with this exciting new chapter.

Considering your options now and making a proactive choice about senior living can offer valuable benefits instead of waiting until a health event occurs. Moving while you're still independent allows you lots of time to build friendships, get comfortable and fully enjoy the lifestyle offered by a senior living community. It also provides a sense of security for your adult children, who can rest easier knowing you're settled in a safe, enriching environment. For residents who do not

At Vinson Hall, we empower older adults to live independently, safely and meaningfully in a setting that combines elegance, wellness and service to others. Ready to explore what’s next? Contact our team today by calling 703-936-6501 to learn more or schedule a personal tour of our McLean, Virginia, senior living community.

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© Best Version Media ESTATE PLANNING EXPERT Other clients, like David, planned ahead. By creating a revocable living trust and reviewing his beneficiary designations, he ensured most of his assets avoided probate. His family was able to settle his estate more efficiently, maintain their privacy, and focus on one another instead of court proceedings. Stories like these illustrate why we encourage every client to have a comprehensive estate plan. In Virginia, probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets. While sometimes necessary, probate often takes months to complete. Court costs, attorney fees, and administrative expenses can reduce an estate’s value, and because probate is public, your family’s financial affairs may become part of the public record.

How We Help Virginia Families Avoid Probate By JUSTINE SENOTT, Senior Attorney, Estate Planning Department Lead, PJI Law

One of the most common questions we hear at PJI Law is, “How can I help my family avoid probate?” It’s an important question because, while probate serves a legal purpose, it can also create unnecessary stress, expense, and delays during an already difficult time. We’ve worked with many families navigating probate after the loss of a loved one. Clients like Susan come to us after being named executor of a parent’s estate, only to discover how overwhelming the process can be. Instead of focusing on her family, Susan spent months gathering financial records, filing court documents, responding to creditors, and paying legal and administrative fees. More than a year passed before her father’s estate was settled.

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Many people are surprised to learn that a will alone does not avoid probate. A will remains essential because it names guardians for minor children and appoints a personal representative, but assets passing under a will generally must still go through probate. Fortunately, several strategies can help minimize or avoid probate. Assets that commonly pass outside probate include jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, life insurance and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, payable-on-death and transfer-on-death accounts, and assets properly titled in a trust. One of the most effective tools is a revocable living trust. By transferring assets into the trust during your lifetime, you retain control while making it possible for your successor trustee to distribute those assets without probate. Thoughtful estate planning can reduce stress, preserve privacy, and make the administration of your estate as smooth as possible for the people you love. If you're ready to explore whether a trust is right for you, I invite you to call PJI Law at (703) 865-6100 or visit www.pjilaw.com to schedule a complimentary, confidential estate planning consultation.

Please check MCC’s website for the most current information. All activities are held at the center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 22101, unless otherwise noted.

MCC GOVERNING BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING ON FY28 BUDGET Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. Attend the MCC Governing Board meeting and public hearing on the proposed FY28 budget and learn about plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

HARVEST HAPPENINGS Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – Noon Celebrate the season with live entertainment, crafts, games, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating and more! Want to volunteer for the event? Register online!

ALDEN VOLUNTEER SIGNUP EVENT Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m. Join the Alden team for the annual Alden Volunteer Signup Event! Learn about the upcoming season, sign up for performances, and connect with other volunteers. RSVP to Jeffrey.Virchow@fairfaxcounty.gov .

FALL PARKING LOT SALE Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Shop, sell and discover unexpected treasures at MCC’s Outdoor Community Sale, featuring 60+ vendors, great deals and free admission! Want to volunteer for the event? Register online!

ALDEN THEATRE TICKET SALES OPEN! Tuesday, Sept. 8 Get ready for an unforgettable season at The Alden, featuring acclaimed artists, captivating performances, family favorites and exciting new experiences for audiences of all ages.

UTP OPEN AUDITIONS Sept. 15-17, 7 – 9 p.m. Teens can get paid to perform with The Alden’s Unruly Theatre Project, a professional improv company offering performances, festivals and opportunities to build skills on and off stage.

DROP-IN MAH-JONGG Mondays, 7 – 10 p.m. at MCC Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at OFC Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m. at MC Enjoy free Mah-Jongg drop-in play at MCC and OFC, where players of all skill levels can gather, play and connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

OFC SNACK & PAINT NIGHT Friday, Sept. 11, 7 - 9 p.m. Join the Old Firehouse Center (OFC) staff for a fun Snack & Paint Night where families can create a masterpiece with a professional art teacher, with all materials and snacks included. 9/11 FILM SCREENING: COME FROM AWAY Friday, Sept. 11, 7 - 9 p.m. | The Alden Theatre Filmed live on Broadway, the Tony Awardwinning musical tells the remarkable true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed thousands of stranded travelers after 9/11.

OFC BLOCK PARTY Monday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Old Firehouse Center Keep your 5th–8th grader active and engaged on teacher workdays and school breaks with fun activities, games and planned programming at OFC; registration required.

McLEAN LIVING | 15

© Best Version MediaSPORTS SECTION After graduation, Triantos had a big decision to make. He had committed to play baseball at the University of North Carolina, but when the Chicago Cubs selected him in the second round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft, the opportunity to pursue his professional dream arrived sooner than expected. He chose baseball. Over the next several years, Triantos worked his way through the Cubs’ minor league system, developing his game and proving his versatility across the infield. With each step, he moved a little closer to the goal he had been working toward since his days playing here in Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia's Newest Major Leaguer James Triantos' Journey to the Chicago Cubs By MARIANNE BANE

For many young baseball players, making it to the Major Leagues is the dream. For James Triantos, that dream started on fields much closer to home. Born in Fairfax and raised in Vienna, Triantos grew up playing baseball in Northern Virginia before becoming a standout at James Madison High School. There, his talent, versatility, and work ethic helped lead the Warhawks to a Virginia Class 6 state championship and established him as one of the nation’s top high school prospects.

This season, that work paid off when the Cubs called him up to the Major Leagues. For Triantos, it marked an incredible personal milestone. Back home, it also gave Northern Virginia something to celebrate. There is something special about watching an athlete who grew up in our community reach baseball’s biggest stage. His journey is a reminder that extraordinary stories can begin on neighborhood fields and high school diamonds, supported along the way by families, coaches, teammates, and communities. And for the young athletes around Vienna dreaming of where the game might take them someday, they now have a hometown example. From James Madison High School to Wrigley Field, James Triantos is one of Northern Virginia’s own—and his story may only be getting started.

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The New Path to Ownership Why Parents Are Buying Businesses for Their Kids By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES BAEZ-GRIMES,, Certi ed M&A Advisor | Founder www.Erikathebroker.com

Gone are the days when parents measured success by a fat envelope from an Ivy League university! Today, a growing number of parents across the country are leaning into something different; Their kids' entrepreneurial spirit. Instead of tuition checks, some are writing checks for franchises and online businesses instead, giving their sons & daughters a turnkey path into ownership rather than the pressure of a diploma. It's not a fringe idea anymore. With roughly 9000+ franchise brands now operating across the country, according to the International Franchise Association(IFA), the options for a hands-on family business venture have never been broader. For parents who want their kids to feel real ownership without the blind risk of starting from scratch, franchising often hits the sweet spot. A franchise comes with a proven playbook already built in, brand recognition, systems, training, and a support network that a brand new startup simply doesn't have. That structure matters for a kid in their twenties who has the drive to run something but maybe not yet the scar tissue of having built a business from nothing. It also gives parents real peace of mind, they're not betting on an unproven idea, they're backing a model that's already worked for other franchisees. I work with families exploring exactly this kind of opportunity, and it's rewarding to watch a parent and their kid walk into a business together with a real structure already in place.

think in digital first terms rather than brick and mortar ones. The tradeoff is support. Unlike a franchise, an online business usually doesn't come with a built in system or a network to lean on, so it works best when the family already has, or is willing to build, their own team around it for growth. That's part of why franchising remains the ideal fit for many parents, the structure and support are already there on day one. Whether it's a franchise with a proven playbook or an online business built for a digital native, buying a business for your child is becoming one more way parents are backing their kids' futures, alongside or instead of a college fund. If you're a parent thinking about this path for your own son or daughter, or even considering it for yourself, My team and I are happy to be a resource for any questions around franchising & business ownership opportunities.

Franchising isn't the only path, though…. As more commerce moves online, some parents are turning their attention to buying established online businesses outright for their kids, everything from e commerce brands to subscription-based companies. It's a model that appeals especially to kids who grew up online and

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McLEAN LIVING | 17

PCOS Is Now PMOS What the New Name Means for You By DR. ANNA LE, MD, FACOG, Owner & CEO, Anna Health Fertility

For years, patients have known this condition as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In 2026, experts renamed it polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), a term that better reflects what is actually going on: interconnected hormonal, metabolic, and ovarian changes, not simply “cysts” on the ovaries. PMOS often includes insulin resistance, meaning the body must produce more insulin to keep blood sugar stable. Higher insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess hormones, such as testosterone, which may contribute to irregular periods, irregular ovulation, acne, unwanted hair growth, weight gain or hair thinning. Importantly, not everyone with PMOS has the same symptoms, and ovarian "cysts" on ultrasound are not required for every diagnosis. Understanding PMOS matters beyond the symptoms. The condition is associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure, infertility and endometrial overgrowth when periods are very infrequent. That is why care should address long-term health as well as menstrual cycles and pregnancy goals.

Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/ GYN, serves patients across 8 Northern Virginia locations. AnnaHealthMD.com

Treatment is individualized. Regular exercise, strength training, adequate sleep, and meals rich in protein and fiber can support metabolic health. Medications may include hormonal contraception or spironolactone for androgen-related symptoms and metformin/GLP1's for selected patients with metabolic concerns. For patients trying to conceive, medications such as letrozole can help induce ovulation. Supplements like Inositol can help, as well. The new PMOS name does not change your diagnosis but it broadens the way we think about it. The goal is more complete, personalized care for your hormones, metabolism, reproductive health, and overall well-being. Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/GYN, is accepting new patients across Northern Virginia. Book same day appointments at AnnaHealthMD.com

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