KAREN GRAVES
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS MEET
Cover photo by Mauricio Cordeiro
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As we step into February, the month of love and community, we are reminded of the importance of connection and support. Whether it's showing appreciation for our loved ones on Valentine's Day or simply taking a moment to appreciate the wonderful people and businesses that make our community so special, this month is all about spreading positivity and strengthening bonds.
Our cover story highlights Karen Graves, a remarkable woman who embodies the qualities of an outstanding real estate agent, which include —honesty, integrity, and empathy—while also dedicating herself to numerous philanthropic efforts. We’re thrilled to feature her and celebrate her as a wonderful member of our community.
In this edition, we're excited to highlight a true gem in our local non-profit sector – Legend Wrestling. This fantastic organization provides youth fitness programs, wrestling opportunities, and academic enrichment for both boys and girls. Legend Wrestling is more than just a sports program; it's about building strength, discipline, and character, both on the mat and in the classroom. They are shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and we're proud to share their inspiring story with you.
As always, thank you for being a part of this vibrant, growing community. Let’s continue to support our business sponsors and one another, and spread love, not just this month, but throughout the entire year.
Publisher: Carmella Antonino
Content Coordinator: Catherine Hardman
Designer: Frances Barra
Contributing Photographer: Mauricio Cordeiro
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Warmest Wishes,
RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES
Vienna, Virginia 22182
$900,000
2201 Goldentree Way
4 Beds 2/1 Baths
2,196 SqFt AGF 0.28 Acres
$1,550,000
1841 Batten Hollow Rd
5 Beds 4/1 Baths
2,828 SqFt AGF 0.48 Acres
$1,275,000
1922 Woodford Rd
4 Beds 3/1 Baths
2,716 SqFt AGF 0.20 Acres
$1,100,000 8532 Harvest Oak Dr
3 Beds 3/1 Baths
2,466 SqFt AGF 0.05 Acres
$1,075,000 1643 Besley Rd
3 Beds 2/1 Baths
1,944 SqFt AGF 0.61 Acres
$1,350,000
10504 Cowberry Ct
4 Beds 3/1 Baths
2,126 SqFt AGF 0.57 Acres
$1,450,000
2103 Wolftrap Vale Ct
5 Beds 4/1 Baths
4,255 SqFt AGF 0.24 Acres
$1,075,000 8304 1st Ave
5Beds 3/1 Baths
2,072 SqFt AGF 0.18 Acres
$2,050,000 1450 Carrington Ridge Ln
5 Beds 4/1 Baths
4,217 SqFt AGF 0.32 Acres
$1,800,000
1847 Hunter Mill Rd
7 Beds 6/2 Baths
6,502 SqFt AGF 0.94 Acres
SOLD
$1,418,367 1503 Trombone Ct
4 Beds 3/1 Baths
2,214 SqFt AGF 0.37 Acres
$555,000 1567 Northern Neck Dr #102
2 Beds 2/0 Baths 1,506 SqFt
$1,138,888 9215 Talisman Dr
5 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,699 SqFt AGF 0.26 Acres
$690,000 8016 Tyson Oaks Cir
4 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,220 SqFt AGF 0.03 Acres
$660,000 2366 Wheystone Ct
3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,472 SqFt AGF 0.03 Acres
$1,148,000 2105 Silentree Dr
3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,844 SqFt AGF 0.19 Acres
$1,050,000 8915 Old Courthouse Rd
4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,276 SqFt AGF 0.27 Acres
$1,000,000 8303 Lee Ln 4 Beds 3 Baths 1,488 SqFt AGF 0.26 Acres
$1,850,000 1409 Wynhurst Ln
4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,892 SqFt AGF 2.66 Acres
$1,300,000 2310 Malraux Dr 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,001 SqFt AGF 0.19 Acres
$1,550,000
1791 Clovermeadow Dr
5 Beds 3/1 Baths
3,998 SqFt AGF 0.70 Acres
$1,160,000 1702 Fox Run Ct
4 Beds 3/0 Baths 1,680 SqFt AGF 0.49 Acres
$1,000,000 9805 Kohoutek Ct
3Beds2/1Baths2,404SqFt AGF0.53Acres
$830,000 8860 Mansion View Ct
3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,936 SqFt AGF 0.02 Acres
$942,100
2000 Gallows Tree Ct
3 Beds 2/2 Baths 1,880 SqFt AGF 0.06 Acres
$1,360,000
1911 Kentsdale Ln
4 Beds 4/1 Baths
3,520 SqFt AGF 0.19 Acres
$1,432,000
1941 Horse Shoe Dr
5 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,937 SqFt AGF 0.23 Acres
$1,190,000 9313 Kilby Glen Dr Vienna, VA 22182
5 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,536 SqFt AGF 0.24 Acres
$956,000 8430 Hollis Ln
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,486 SqFt AGF 0.11 Acres
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
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February & March in Vienna & March in ViennaFebruaryVienna
Jan 31-February 2
Come from Away
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Times: vary | Cost: varies www.capitalonehall.com
February 6
Kayhan Kalhor, Wu Man & Sandeep Das (Doos Trio)
The Barns at Wolf Trap 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Times: 8 PM | Cost: start at $50 www.mpv.tickets.com
February 7
Virginia Chamber Orchestra
Mendelssohn’s Masterpiece
Capital One Hall—Main Theater
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: start as $30 www.capitalonehall.com
February 8
Wallace & Gromit
The Wrong Trousers with Live Brass Band
Capital One Hall—Main Theater
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 4:30 PM
Cost: start at $30 www.capitalonehall.com
February 10
Teacher Boy with author Mike Henrich
Patrick Henry Library 101 Maple Ave E Time: 7 PM | Cost: Free
February 12 & 13
An Evening with Titus Burgess
The Barns at Wolf Trap 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 8 PM | Cost: start at $68 www.mpv.tickets.com
February 14
Men Are from Mars Women Are from Venus— Live!
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: start at $70 www.capitalonehall.com
February 14-15
1964: The Tribute
The Barns at Wolf Trap 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
Time: 8 PM | Cost: start at $58 www.mpv.tickets.com
February 15
John’s Crist’s Jokes for Humans
Comedy Tour
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: TBD
Cost: start at $33.75 www.capitalonehall.com
February 16
Wu Han, David Finckel, & Arnaud Sussman
Chamber Music at The Barns
The Barns at Wolf Trap 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
Time: 3 PM | Cost: start at $51 www.mpv.tickets.com
February 19-22
The Second City 65th Anniversary Show 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Times: vary | Cost: start at $48 www.mpv.tickets.com
February 20
Palmyra with Jane O’Neill
Capital One Hall—The Vault
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 8 PM | Cost: $24 www.capitalonehall.com
February 28
Christian Lopez Band with JD Eicher
Capital One Hall—The Vault
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 8 PM | Cost: $25 www.capitalonehall.com
March 1
Virginia National Ballet – Snow White
Capital One Hall—Main Theater
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 6 PM | Cost: $45 www.capitalonehall.com
March 7
An Ode to Women: Honoring Strength and Grace
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 7 PM | Cost: start at $60 www.capitalonehall.com
March 8
Mulan: A Legend Reimagined
Capital One Hall—Main Theater
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 7 PM | Cost: $25 www.capitalonehall.com
March 8
Wild Pink with Cal Rifkin
Capital One Hall—The Vault 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: $25 www.capitalonehall.com
March 9
Aurora Dance Fest 2025
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 5 PM | Cost: $48.50 www.capitalonehall.com
March 11
Dirty Dancing in Concert: The Film with Live Band and Singers
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: $39.50 www.capitalonehall.com
March 13-14
Heather McMahan: The Bamboozled Tour
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 3/13 at 7:30 PM; 3/14 at 8 PM
Cost: start at $45.75 www.capitalonehall.com
March 15
Neil Forever: The Music of Neil Diamond
Capital One Hall—Main Theater
7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Time: 8 PM
Cost: start at $37.50 www.capitalonehall.com
March 15
The Side Cars Band: A Tribute to The Cars
Featuring 80’s Neon Nights
Capital One Hall—The Vault 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: $25 www.capitalonehall.com
March 16
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Times: 3 PM; 7 PM Cost: start at $39 www.capitalonehall.com
March 18
Foil Arms & Hog: Skittish
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: $42.50 www.capitalonehall.com
March 20
Miscommunication or Missed Communication?
The Challenges of Hearing Loss Part 1: Hearing Aids –Beware & Be Wise
Patrick Henry Library 101 Maple Ave E Time: 1:30 PM | Cost: Free https://librarycalendar. fairfaxcounty.gov/ event/13514749
March 21-22
Gregory Alan Isakov with The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Times: 3/21-22; 8 PM Cost: $50 www.capitalonehall.com
March 21
Morgan Myles
Capital One Hall—The Vault 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: $25 www.capitalonehall.com
March 22
Chi-Town Band (8-Piece Chicago Tribute Band)
Capital One Hall—The Vault 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 8 PM | Cost: $30 www.capitalonehall.com
March 27
Miscommunication or Missed Communication?
The Challenges of Hearing Loss Part 2: Techie Stuff to the Rescue!
Patrick Henry Library 101 Maple Ave E Time: 1:30 PM | Cost: Free https://librarycalendar. fairfaxcounty.gov/ event/13514755
March 30
Charlie Berens: Good OldFashioned Tour
Capital One Hall—Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons Time: 7 PM
Cost: start at $35 www.capitalonehall.com
At the time this magazine went to print, all event details were accurate to the best of our knowledge, but please check event websites or call ahead for the most current information.
MEET
KAREN GRAVES HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
BY CATHERINE HARDMAN
PHOTOS BY MAURICIO CORDEIRO
The Washington, D.C. area is brimming with Realtors, and the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. With shifting political administrations and a rapidly expanding population, prospective homebuyers are moving further from the Nation’s Capital—north, south, east, and west! The charming ramblers and cottages built after World War II in places like Vienna, once considered “bedroom communities” for federal workers, are now being replaced with homes five times the size of their original counterparts. These new homes cater to the influx of young families drawn to tech jobs, cybersecurity, and a variety of other exciting opportunities.
So, what makes a Realtor successful in a town like Vienna? The answer is a mix of expertise and personal touch. A great Realtor needs to understand the history of the neighborhood, knowledge of local infrastructure and growth plans, and, of course, o er a warm, welcoming approach. A Realtor must be trustworthy, knowledgeable about school quality, crime rates, local events, and more. Karen Graves, a top Realtor in the area, embodies all these qualities and more. She’s known for her infectious smile, calming demeanor, and dedication to making her clients’ experiences as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Karen, a lifelong Washingtonian, has always had a deep connection to the area. "I was born in D.C., and after my parents bought their first home in Wheaton,
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Maryland, I attended Catholic schools in D.C.," she shares. "My parents prioritized my education even when it wasn't easy financially."
Karen’s story begins with humble roots. "My father came from Italy at 18 with no money and not speaking English; my mother was part Hispanic, part Native American, and part American. They met in D.C." At just 17, Karen met her future husband while working at a law firm at the Watergate building. They married when she was 19, and eventually settled in Vienna in 1995, just before the birth of their second child, Christopher. Karen fell in love with Vienna, and it’s been home ever since.
Before becoming a Realtor, Karen was a preschool teacher and daycare provider for 18 years. But in 2012, as her youngest son neared graduation, Karen saw a postcard from a former neighbor who had become a Realtor. Inspired, she called the broker of Weichert Realtors in Vienna—her own Realtor from 2000 when she purchased her home. “That call changed everything. Betty Holmes, the broker, immediately said, ‘You’d be an excellent Realtor,’ and o ered to pay for my classes if I joined her team after passing the exams.”
With her new career taking shape, Karen faced the challenge of returning to school and starting from scratch. But once she obtained her real estate license, she jumped in wholeheartedly. “I worked non-stop, seven days a week. It’s the only way to succeed in this business,” she says. “Just like teaching, helping people find their homes was a role I took very
investment; it’s about the emotional attachment,” she explains. "I love helping clients find their first home, dream home, or next home. It’s deeply rewarding to guide them through this journey.”
When asked why Vienna is such a special place, Karen's answer resonates with many long-time residents. “I’ve lived in Vienna Woods since 1995, and it’s absolutely the best town to live in. The small-town feel, friendly people, low crime rate, fantastic schools, and great location make Vienna unique,” she says. “I’ve lived here so long that even the mayor once thought I was born and raised here!”
seriously. Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions in people’s lives, both financially and emotionally.”
For Karen, the joy of real estate comes from helping people find not just houses, but homes where they’ll create lasting memories. “It’s not just about the financial
Karen is proud of her neighborhood, Vienna Woods, a charming community with tree-lined streets and a private pool club. She describes her neighbors as “wonderful” and enjoys the local block parties, which give her a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. “When we first moved here, our neighbors welcomed us with dinners and desserts, o ering their help. That’s just the kind of place Vienna is,” she says. “I believe that kindness and helping one another is something that should be valued everywhere.”
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A long-time volunteer and philanthropist, Karen is dedicated to giving back to the community she loves. She’s volunteered at events like the Cops and Kids Fun Run, Viva Vienna, Oktoberfest, and supports local organizations like Vienna Little League and Vienna Babe Ruth. She’s also been active in her church and has helped out with community initiatives like Vienna Foodies, supporting those in need. “I feel it’s important to give back to the community that’s given me so much,” she explains.
Her connection to service runs deep, with several firefighters in her family. “I’m incredibly grateful for their service, and I make it a point to drop o desserts or lunch at the fire and police stations as a small token of my appreciation.”
Karen and Ken’s family includes two grown sons—Timothy, 34, who is finishing up his degree in Kinesiology at George Mason University, and Christopher, 29, who works for a defense contractor after graduating with a business degree. Karen enjoys spending time with them, as well as
their partners, and cherishes their family gatherings. Whether they’re watching sports, playing games, or attending live events, Karen is grateful for these moments with her family.
The Graves family has always been active in sports. Timothy grew up playing soccer, baseball, and swimming, while Christopher excelled in baseball,
Karen says. “We lost our beloved Smokey, who was with us for 10 years, but we’re so happy to have Rudy to bring joy into our home.”
Though Karen’s work keeps her busy, she does enjoy the occasional vacation. In the past, the Graves family has traveled to destinations like the Outer Banks, Florida, Arizona, and the Bahamas. “One of my goals this year is to take more time o and finally visit Italy to meet some relatives I’ve never met,” Karen says. “I also hope to travel to Hawaii, Portugal, and France. I’ll fit it all in between helping my clients!”
basketball, and was an avid pitcher. Both sons share a love for sports, and they continue to enjoy watching games and playing fantasy sports in their free time.
Like many Vienna residents, the Graves family also includes beloved pets. “We have two cats, Snoopy, an all-black 4-year-old, and Rudy, a playful 3-month-old tabby,”
Karen’s dedication to both her career and her community make her a beloved figure in Vienna. Whether helping clients find their perfect home or supporting local events, Karen's personal and professional life is a testament to the joy of living and working in this special town.
Thanks so much to Dunhill Builders for the use of one of their fine homes for this photo shoot.
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CHOCOLATE COVERED rawberries
BY LAUREN ALLEN
Despite being one of the easiest and cheapest desserts to make, chocolate covered strawberries are one of those fancy, bite-size desserts that everyone loves. They’re beautiful and impressive looking, but they’re incredibly simple. One batch of chocolate covered strawberries only takes about 20 minutes to make!
What type of chocolate should you use for Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Since this is such a simple recipe with just two basic ingredients, the quality of chocolate is really important. The higher quality of chocolate, the better they will taste, and I’ve found that Baking Chocolate works best.
A cheap bag of chocolate chips will not taste as good or melt easily. High quality chocolate (or baking chocolate chips) tastes less processed, melts easier, and really helps give the strawberries a nice, beautiful coat after dipping.
I usually use Ghirardelli baking chips, or Baker’s Baking Chocolate and I’m always pleased with the quality and price. I prefer bittersweet or semi-sweet, but you can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or white chocolate for dipping strawberries.
How to melt chocolate for dipping:
The easiest way to melt chocolate is in a double boiler or in the microwave. If you don’t own a double boiler, you can make your own with a simple saucepan and heatsafe glass bowl.
How to make your own double boiler
• Fill a saucepan ¼ full with water and bring the water to a low gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and set a large (heatproof) glass bowl on top, making sure the bowl tightly covers the pot. Make sure there are a few inches of space between the bottom of the bowl and the water.
• Add chocolate to the bowl and stir constantly, until melted and smooth.
• Remove the bowl from heat and add a handful of reserved chocolate to the bowl to temper the chocolate. Stir until the additional chocolate has melted.
Can I melt chocolate chips in the microwave?
Yes, you can melt chocolate chips in the microwave as long as they are a high-quality brand of baking chocolate chips. I like to use these Ghirardelli Baking Chips. To microwave them, set your microwave at half power and stir the chocolate every 30 seconds until smooth.
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How to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
• Wash and dry the strawberries.
• Prepare desired toppings (nuts, toasted coconut, etc.)
• Prepare your workspace with a parchment lined baking tray to place the dipped strawberries on.
• Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave.
• Dip the strawberries in melted chocolate.
• Coat in desired toppings.
• Lay the strawberries on prepared baking sheet and allow them to rest until the chocolate has set.
• Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Topping ideas for Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
• Chopped Nuts (peanuts, pistachios, pecans, etc.)
• Toasted coconut
• Sprinkles
• Mini chocolate chips (any flavor)
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Crushed Oreo cookies
• Melted white chocolate
• Crushed candy canes
How to store chocolate covered strawberries:
Store chocolate covered strawberries in a cool location. You may store them in the refrigerator, uncovered, up to one day, leaving them on the same baking sheet you placed them on after dipping. If serving them the same day you make them (which is preferred), store them, uncovered, on your counter away from sunlight or heat.
Please do NOT freeze chocolate covered strawberries. As they thaw the strawberries will release moisture and ruin the chocolate coating.
How long do chocolate covered strawberries last?
Chocolate covered strawberries are best enjoyed within 1 or 2 days maximum. The chocolate on the strawberries will cause them
to sweat and release moisture, so they are really best enjoyed the same day they are made.
Tips for perfect chocolate covered strawberries:
• Pick good strawberries.
Choose firm, ripe strawberries without bruises and if possible, strawberries that are red all the way up to the stem.
• Use room temperature strawberries and DRY THEM really well. Take the strawberries out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before dipping them. Wash them and gently dry them all over with a paper towel. You want to make sure they’re very dry, otherwise the chocolate won’t set on them properly.
• Temper the chocolate.
Tempering the chocolate will help prevent the chocolate covered strawberries from looking streaky, gray or dull after the chocolate sets. All you need to do to temper melted chocolate is set aside some of the chocolate to stir in at the end, after most of it has already been melted.
Melt all but 1 heaping tablespoon of the chocolate chips and set the extra chips aside. Once you’ve melted the chocolate and it’s smooth, remove the bowl from heat and add the reserved chocolate chips.
Stir them into the mixture until they melt. The chocolate added at the end will help temper the warm chocolate to make it the right consistency and temperature for dipping.
ove e er
Valentine’s Day is upon us, with millions of people around the world marking the occasion in their own unique ways.
Some will be spending the day with their partner (or partners), while others enjoy the day with friends.
Some might choose to ignore Valentine’s Day altogether.
There are myriad ways to celebrate what is popularly viewed as one of the most romantic days of the year.
Take inspiration from the poets and musicians who have, through the centuries, managed to convey their a ection by sending letters and notes to their loved ones, however far away they might have been.
Below are excerpts from some of the most famous love letters of all time.
Johnny Cash to June Carter Cash, 1994 (on June’s 65th birthday)
"Happy Birthday Princess, We get old and get use to each other. We think alike. We read each others minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted. But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realize how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met. You still fascinate and inspire me.
You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much.
Happy Birthday Princess. John"
Abigail Adams to John Adams "December 23, 1782
My Dearest Friend, … should I draw you the picture of my heart it would be what I hope you would still love though it contained nothing new. The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have obtained over it, leaves not the smallest space unoccupied. I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and friendship as to the days of love and innocence, and, with an indescribable pleasure, I have seen near a score of years roll over our heads with
an a ection heightened and improved by time, nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree e aced from my mind the image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart."
Beethoven to his anonymous “Immortal Beloved” in 1812
"Even in bed my ideas yearn towards you, my Immortal Beloved, here and there joyfully, then again sadly, awaiting from Fate, whether it will listen to us. I can only live, either altogether with you or not at all. Yes, I have determined to wander about for so long far away, until I can fly into your arms and call myself quite at home with you, can send my soul enveloped by yours into the realm of spirits — yes, I regret, it must be. You will get over it all the more as you know my faithfulness to you; never another one can own my heart, never — never! O God, why must one go away from what one loves so, and yet my life in W. as it is now is a miserable life. Your love made me the happiest and unhappiest at the same time. At my actual age I should need some continuity, sameness of life — can that exist under our circumstances? Angel, I just hear that the post goes out every day — and must close therefore, so that you get the L. at once. Be calm — love me — today — yesterday.
What longing in tears for you — You — my Life — my All — farewell. Oh, go on loving me — never doubt the faithfullest heart
Of your beloved L
Ever thine.
Ever mine.
Ever ours."
Poet John Keats to Fanny Brawne in 1819
“My love has made me selfish. I cannot exist without you - I am forgetful of everything but seeing you again - my Life seems to stop there - I see no further. You have absorbed me. I have a sensation at the present moment as though I was dissolving - I should be exquisitely miserable without the hope of soon seeing you. I should be afraid to separate myself far from you.”
Prince Albert to Queen Victoria
"Dearest deeply loved Victoria, I need not tell you that since we
Nathaniel M. Baldwin, Esq. Roy J. Baldwin, Esq.Samuel A. Leven, Esq.
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left, all my thoughts have been with you at Windsor, and that your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth. How that moment shines for me still when I was close to you, with your hand in mine. Those days flew by so quickly, but our separation will fly equally so. Ernest [my brother] wishes me to say a thousand nice things to you. With promises of unchanging love and devotion, Your ever true Albert."
Winston Churchill to his wife, Clementine Churchill, in 1935
“In your letter from Madras you wrote some words very dear to me, about my having enriched your life. I cannot tell you what pleasure this gave me, because I always feel so overwhelmingly in your debt, if there can be accounts in love.... What it has been to me to live all these years in your heart and companionship no phrases can convey.”
Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine de Beauharnais, in 1796
“Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your a ectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart.”
Author Ernest Hemingway to actress Marlene Dietrich in 1951
“I can’t say how every time I ever put my arms around you I felt that I was home. Nor too many things. But we were always cheerful and jokers together.”
Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor 1964
“My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you. You don't realize of course, EB, how fascinatingly beautiful you have always been, and how strangely you have acquired an added and special and dangerous loveliness.”
Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) to future wife Olivia Langdon
"Out of the depths of my happy heart wells a great tide of love and prayer for this priceless treasure that is confined to my life-long keeping.
You cannot see its intangible waves as they flow towards you, darling, but in these lines you will hear, as it were, the distant beating of the surf."
Marilyn Monroe to Joe DiMaggio
"I don't know how to tell you just how much I miss you. I love you till my heart could burst. All I love, all I want, all I need is you—forever. I want to be just where you are and be just what you want me to be. I know it's lousy of me to be so late so often, and I promise to try a million times harder, I promise. Love, Marilyn"
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LEGEND WRESTLING
BY CATHERINE HARDMAN
Legend Wrestling
Mill St NW, Vienna is considered the “industrial neighborhood” with several nondescript warehouses. In the 300 block, Legend Wrestling is teaching male and female kids the fundamentals of wrestling.
ABOUT OUR CLUB
Our Mission is to maximize studentathlete potential in the DC region on and o the mat through professional coaching, mentoring, and providing a positive community around the sport of wrestling. Our aim is to build well-rounded, driven, successful human beings with integrity. We serve children and their families in the DC region who have or can develop a passion for wrestling.
Legend Wrestling Club
• A nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation
• A year-round wrestling center in Vienna, VA
• Serving families in the greater DC area that covers as far as MD to Shenandoah
• Full time, professional head coach & certified sta
• Board of Directors with high-level business experience & a passion for wrestling
• Community focused: kids, families, and partnership
PHILOSOPHY
Advanced wrestling program in Vienna: It is our philosophy to teach our club members how to wrestle and to understand wrestling not simply show, moves or run practices. The environment in this group is serious and a strong work ethic is required.
Mental Health for our youth: Most of our team have dealt with this issue with their children or their children’s friends. Brian Monday’s son Eric was a HS star wrestler for Madison HS yet, he committed suicide in college. The VMC will embrace the Eric Monday Foundation and require its coaches as part of our the VMC certification to take an online awareness course of this real current issue our youth are facing today.
Women’s Wrestling: This is the fastestgrowing youth sport in America today. We will accept and train girls and we will give them the same life tools we will for boys. We have a girls Coach, Jessie BurkettErice who is an experienced college wrestler and coach. Our goal is to always have a woman as a member of our board of directors.
Health and Nutrition: We work with our wrestlers on strength and agility, healthy habits, and weight management. We are planning to implement classes for this and have a good trainer who is a coach.
Academics: We realize that the chance of making a career out of wrestling is a low probability for most kids. We actively communicate on a regular basis that academics are a priority and will be needed for the rest of your life. Many lessons from wrestling will be a huge benefit after the last match is over but academic learning is the most important thing.
Being part of the Legend Wrestling Club at any level is being part of a club that values integrity, hard work on and o the mat, academic success, and a lifestyle conducive with excellence.
All members of our club at every age level will be expected to conduct themselves with the utmost respect for others including opponents, o icials, coaches, peers, etc.
All parents are expected to do the same, any signs of unsportsmanlike conduct by a wrestler or a parent will be addressed. If the issue continues, the potential for revoking your membership will be considered. We require that everyone involved with this program including the coaches, parents, athletes,
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fans, etc. show class, respect, and sportsmanship.
EXPECTATIONS
Legend Wrestling is centrally located in Vienna, VA, and features one of the largest, most comprehensive year-round wrestling-specific facilities in the country. With 6,000 square feet of climatecontrolled mat space, they can safely and e ectively manage both large and small groups of wrestlers, and the mats and wall padding are new for maximum comfort and safety. Strength training and physical conditioning are other aspects of wrestling where our wrestlers receive expert instruction with supervised access to a wide range of training equipment. Parents are welcome to stay for practice in our parent lounge featuring WiFi and TVs streaming the practice sessions.
PROGRAM LEVELS
Little Legends:
The beginner’s program/novice program is designed for wrestlers with little or no experience in the sport of wrestling. This group is not ready to compete and will be focused on learning the fundamentals of wrestling in a safe and fun environment.
Wrestling Fundamentals & Physical Fitness for Kids:
Basic positions, skills, general physical fitness like body control will be emphasized. Wrestlers who attend consistently will develop quicker and will be able to join the intermediate group with coaches' approval.
Co-Ed Beginner Novice Wrestling Program in Northern Virginia:
This class is co-ed although females will have the option of joining our girl’s class with the understanding that the pace and instruction may be quicker than is ideal for a true beginner.
Lady Legends:
Girl’s wrestling is exploding across our nation and Legend Wrestling Club is proud to embrace this movement. We will have a girl’s club and team for all ages
where young girls can learn the sport and experienced girls can excel and prepare for events like Fargo, Women’s Nationals etc.
How Much Experience Do I Need to Train?
Girls with no or limited experience are recommended to do our beginners program until they are ready to join the Girls program. Girls that meet the requirement to participate in the full Legend program may enroll in the full program.
Girls Wrestling Club in Vienna:
They will still have access to the all-girls practices and may choose to participate in either practice depending on the night and her preference. We are committed to growing the sport for girls and helping girls and young women who are part of the sport excel.
Intermediate/Advanced:
The intermediate and advanced group is for wrestlers with at least two years of experience who are ready to take their wrestling to the next level. Practices will be systematic, built on a skill and technique progression, and the expectation is that these wrestlers will attend consistently and begin to take ownership of their training process. How much experience do I need?
This program is for serious youth, junior high school, and high school wrestlers who have aspirations of succeeding on the state and national level. Basic skills and fundamentals will constantly be reinforced, but the expectation is that these skills and concepts are already familiar. Higher level techniques, match strategy, nutritional counseling, academic support, will all be a part of our training.
For more information, schedules, testimonials, sta coaches, resources, testimonials and any questions, review the Web site at info@legendwrestling.org
