Issuu

ENRICHING EACH OTHER, ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY!

OCTOBER 2026 | ISSUE #35

Meet the

Sailers Cover photo by Mauricio Cordeiro

VIENNA LIVING

OCTOBER 2026

Fall in Vienna:

ENRICHING EACH OTHER, ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY!

Where Family, Legacy & Community Take Center Stage

PUBLICATION TEAM

Dear Neighbors! Content Coordinator Tania Reyes

Publisher Carmella Antonino

Contributing Photographer Mauricio Cordeiro

Designer Nadine Schmitt

JOIN OUR GROWING NUMBER OF SPONSORS Contact: Carmella Antonino Phone: 412-475-0133 Email: cantonino@bestversionmedia.com TELL US YOUR IDEAS Have feedback, ideas, classifieds, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to cantonino@bestversionmedia.com. You may also submit your thoughts, ideas and photos to: bestversionmedia.com/magazines/viennaliving CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES Content is due by the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication.

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October has arrived in Vienna, bringing crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and a welcome invitation to slow down and enjoy the season. Whether we’re catching up with a neighbor, visiting a favorite local business, or gathering with family, these everyday moments remind us what makes our community such a special place to call home. This month, Vienna Living is delighted to introduce Frank and Robin Sailer and their family. Proud parents of four sons, Frank and Robin have built a life shaped by professional achievement, service, and strong family roots. Their story offers a wonderful glimpse into the remarkable people and personal histories right here in our neighborhood. Frank’s distinguished career in international trade and customs law has spanned public service and complex global trade matters. After graduating from Marquette Law School in 1978 and completing a judicial clerkship, he served as a Department of Justice trial attorney before being appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1989. His work included overseeing antidumping and countervailing-duty investigations and contributing to U.S. positions during the Uruguay Round trade negotiations. Robin, a Mary Kay Elite Executive Senior Sales Director, has built an impressive career of her own through entrepreneurship, leadership, and dedication. Her family’s story also holds a remarkable connection to American aviation history. Her father, Brigadier General Robert “Bob” Cardenas, piloted the B-29 that carried and released Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 for its historic sound-barrier-breaking ight on October 14, 1947. He also served as principal test pilot of the Northrop YB-49 “Flying Wing.” General Cardenas passed away in 2022 on his 102nd birthday, leaving a legacy that adds special meaning to this October introduction. Our Non-Pro t Spotlight celebrates 1st Stage Theatre and the creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences it brings to Northern Virginia. There is something special about coming together for a live performance, and we’re pleased to highlight the role the arts play in connecting our community. To our generous sponsors, thank you for making these pages possible. Your partnership helps us share the people, organizations, and stories that make Vienna Living our own. Neighbors, I hope you’ll support the businesses featured throughout this issue and let them know you saw them here. Their investment in this magazine is an investment in our community. Wishing you a beautiful October lled with family, friendship, and opportunities to enjoy all that surrounds us. May the month bring a few new connections and a little stage magic, too!

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Publisher, Vienna Living

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COVER STORY

Rooted in Vienna Growing Through Every Season BY TANIA REYES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAURICO CORDEIRO AND THE SAILER FAMILY

or more than four decades, Robin Sailer has built a life in Vienna around family, friendship, perseverance and an enduring curiosity about the world beyond her front door. From raising four sons near Cunningham Park Elementary and Thoreau Middle School to operating a longtime Mary Kay business and cheering from countless baseball bleachers, Robin’s story is woven into the everyday places and relationships that make Vienna feel like home. Her life has included international moves, military-family roots, professional

milestones, dif cult seasons and joyful traditions. Yet Vienna remains the place where Robin and her husband, Frank, raised their family, found lifelong friends and created a home that continues to welcome new generations. Finding Home in Vienna Robin’s early life was shaped by movement, service and a sense that the world was meant to be explored. As the daughter of Brigadier General Robert “Bob” Cardenas of the U.S. Air Force, she grew up in a military family and moved VIENNA LIVING

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frequently, attending a new school nearly every year except during two years at Bellevue High School at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. One of her favorite stops was Madrid, Spain, where she spent ninth grade. Robin remembers Madrid as a lively place full of places to visit, shop and discover. The experience became part of a lifelong love of travel that she still shares with Frank. Her father’s career was itself one of extraordinary aviation history. Brig. Gen. Cardenas was a pioneering military aviator and experimental test pilot who, on October 14, 1947, piloted the B-29 launch aircraft that carried and released Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 for the historic ight that broke the sound barrier. He also served as principal test pilot for the experimental Northrop YB-49 Flying Wing. Cardenas died in 2022 on his 102nd birthday, leaving behind a remarkable record of military service, aviation achievement and American history. For Robin, that military upbringing brought her to Mons, Belgium, where she met Frank Sailer at SHAPE American High School. Robin was a sophomore; Frank, whose father, Lt. Col. Francis Sailer, served in the Army, was a senior. Their paths crossed at the teen club on base, a place where high school students could dance, eat, play pool and mingle after school. They began dating and attending school events together. Frank was active in football, basketball and tennis, and Robin remembers his tennis lessons with characteristic humor. “He would teach me tennis,” Robin says, “but only in exchange for chasing after all his loose tennis balls.” After more than 54 years together, Robin says it is impossible to select just one favorite memory. Their shared life has carried them from their early years in Milwaukee, where Frank attended Marquette University Law School, to Arlington, where Frank pursued an LL.M. in international law. Robin worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Washington, D.C., beginning in customer service and later moving into management. Frank’s professional life would become closely connected to the development of U.S. international trade law. In 1980, he joined the Department of Justice as a trial attorney and became one of the early lawyers litigating cases under the emerging U.S. international trade legal regime. While at the Department of Justice, he earned his LL.M. in international trade in 1982. He also

argued a trade-related appeal on October 1, 1982, the rst day of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s establishment. After ve years with the Department of Justice, Frank practiced trade and customs law with a nationally ranked law rm before his 1989 appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In that role, he led U.S. antidumping-duty and countervailing-duty investigations, a signi cant responsibility at a time when U.S. trade policy was evolving rapidly. Robin describes Frank as retired now, but his long career re ects the

professional discipline and international perspective that have long been part of the Sailers’ family life. By 1985, the Sailers were ready to put down more permanent roots in Vienna. They purchased their home in Stonewall Manor, off Cedar Lane, with an eye toward the schools and the familycentered neighborhood around them. Robin had heard from School-Age Child Care contacts that Cunningham Park Elementary had exceptional teachers and leadership. The location also made practical sense for a growing household: Thoreau Middle School sat just beyond their backyard, allowing their

children to walk to and from school. That decision became one of the de ning ones in the family’s story. “We purchased our house in 1985,” Robin says. “We have added on and remodeled over the years and recently worked on the backyard.” The house has grown and changed along with the family, but the neighborhood’s role in their lives has remained remarkably steady. A Family Raised in Vienna The Sailers’ family includes four sons: Francis, known as Frankie; Scott, known as Scottie; Andrew; and Jean-Paul. Today, the family also includes daughters-inlaw, grandchildren and a wide-ranging collection of stories that stretch from Vienna ball elds to Colorado mountains and the Netherlands. Frankie spent his later elementaryschool years in Vienna and attended Cunningham Park Elementary, Thoreau Middle School and Marshall High School. He developed an early interest in technology and has worked in IT since his college years. He also played travel soccer, beginning around age 11. Like many Vienna children, Frankie and Scott grew up around the local pool. Both were competitive swimmers at Dunn Loring Swim Club in their early years, with Scott continuing competitive swimming through the Marshall High School league. Scott also played Vienna Little League baseball, advancing through Majors and Babe Ruth before continuing for

VIENNA LIVING

OCTOBER 2026

COVER STORY (CONT)

two years at Marshall. At age 21, he followed a dream that took him west to Vail, Colorado, where he embraced the mountain lifestyle and stayed. He now manages condominium rentals with East West Hospitality and lives in Edwards, Colorado, where his outdoor interests include mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing and hiking. Even after building a life in Colorado, Scott has maintained friendships formed during his Vienna school years. For Robin, that continuity is a reminder of how deeply childhood connections can last. Andrew’s youth was particularly tied to the rhythms of local baseball. He started in Little League at the Vienna baseball elds near the family’s home and later played Babe Ruth Major League baseball before joining the Vienna Mustangs. The travel team experience took the family to competitions in several states and introduced Robin and Frank to many other parents and families. Robin remembers the simple pleasures as vividly as the games themselves: the hot dogs, the popcorn and the feeling of sitting in the stands and cheering for her son. “I loved the hot dogs and popcorn and sitting there cheering him on,” Robin says. Andrew later attended Flint Hill School, where he played both football and baseball. He is now a lawyer who works in trade compliance for companies, and he continues to play men’s adult-league baseball in Amsterdam. Jean-Paul rst tried baseball but discovered that fencing was more his sport. He began fencing at age 12 in Spring eld, while also attending Cunningham Park Elementary, Thoreau Middle School and Marshall High School. Robin recalls that he did well academically, but his real gift was also social: “He excelled in friends, laughter

and social graces.” Today, Jean-Paul is a baker in Staunton, Virginia, where he opened his rst bagel shop to enthusiastic early interest. Robin recalls that the line on opening day extended into the street, prompting police assistance with traf c. His wife, Helen Shibut, plays an important role in the bakery’s administrative and nancial operations. Together, Jean-Paul and Helen are also foster parents and have adopted two children from foster care. Their commitment re ects a family belief that children who need stable, loving parents deserve the chance to nd them. Beyond the Front Door Robin’s years in Vienna have been full, but they have not always been easy. In 1985, she experienced the loss of a full-term baby girl, followed by ve miscarriages. During those dif cult years, she stepped away from outside work and focused on her family and community. She also became deeply involved in school athletics, volunteering with the Marshall High School Athletic Boosters Club for two years while caring for two toddlers. The role called for organization, fundraising and a willingness to be present at the many events that make high school sports possible. Robin later supported athletic programs at both Marshall High School and Flint Hill School. Those years brought busy schedules, sporting events and friendships with other parents who understood the balancing act of family life. Being home also helped Robin meet other parents in Vienna. She made use of Vienna Community Center programs for toddlers and summer camps, nding

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community through the ordinary routines of raising children. As her children grew, Robin began searching for a way to build an independent business from home. She chose Mary Kay Cosmetics and has operated her business for 32 years. The work has allowed her to serve clients throughout Vienna while continuing to develop professionally. “I love my Vienna clients,” Robin says. “It is often said of me that I am the bestkept secret in Vienna.” She says that description with humor, but it also re ects the word-of-mouth relationships that have sustained her business over the years. Robin values the personal connections behind the work as much as the work itself. One of her more recent professional communities has been BWN, a Viennaarea women-owned business group. Meeting once a month with other businesswomen has given Robin an opportunity to exchange ideas, hear other women’s stories and stay engaged with the changing realities of entrepreneurship. “They are inspiring and helpful,” she says, particularly in sharing ways to navigate an ever-changing business world for women.

Robin’s interests extend well beyond her business. She has studied oil painting with professional painters since she was 8 years old, enjoys sewing and considers herself an enthusiastic reader. She has passed that love of books along to her children. “There is a great world out there in a book,” she says. Friendship, Travel and Tradition Stonewall Manor has provided much more than a convenient location for the Sailers. In the family’s early years, Robin and her neighbors gathered for picnics so their children could play together. As the boys became involved in baseball, the circle expanded to include other parents from the ball elds. One of the lasting gifts of that community has been Robin’s friendship with Allison Topik, who lives about a block away. Their children grew up together, and the friendship has now lasted more than 38 years. “I consider that one of the best gifts Vienna gave me,” Robin says. Robin remains willing

to help Stonewall Manor community leaders when she can, although her calendar remains full of business, travel and family. Her attention is often drawn to the latest news from friends and longterm contacts in Vienna, whether it is a new opportunity, a family update or a neighborhood change. Travel is another thread connecting Robin’s childhood and adult life. Because both she and Frank grew up in military families, exploration has always felt natural to them. They maintain a

condo in Vail, where Frank can ski with grandchildren, and a home in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where the family enjoys summer lake time and fall foliage. The Wisconsin home also carries family history. Frank’s great-grandfather immigrated to the United States through Liberty Island and later worked in Wisconsin’s lumber and railroad industries. The Sailers especially enjoy river cruises and trips to Amsterdam to visit family. Those travels also make it possible to take shorter trips into Italy and Germany, including areas connected to Frank’s family heritage, such as the Black Forest and Freiburg. Even with a life that includes travel, business and a far- ung family, Robin still nds her center in Vienna. It is where her children walked to school, where neighbors became lifelong friends, where she built a business and where familiar streets still hold memories of young children, athletic events and family routines.r

DO YOU KNOW A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A STORY TO SHARE? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at bestversionmedia.com/magazines/viennaliving and click on "submit content".

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OCTOBER 2026

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Inside

1st Stage Theatre Submitted by Tania Reyes // Photos provided by Audra Jacobs Just minutes from Vienna, 1st Stage Theatre is bringing professional live performance, artistic opportunity, and community connection to Tysons. From an intimate 110-seat venue in the Spring Hill Business Center, the awardwinning theatre presents contemporary productions, supports regional artists, and welcomes neighbors of all ages through accessible programs both on and off the stage. For Vienna-area residents, 1st Stage offers a close-to-home way to experience compelling theatre while participating in the cultural growth of Tysons and Northern Virginia. Its work demonstrates how an arts organization can be a gathering place: one that brings artists, audiences, families, students, and community partners into conversation. MISSION AND ROOTS 1st Stage began in 2008, when a group of educators, artists, and actors came together under the leadership of founding Artistic Director Mark Krikstan. Their goal was to create an organization that could bridge educational and professional theatre while offering vibrant, relevant work to Northern

Virginia audiences. The company has grown from a grassroots collective of local artists into an award-winning institution with national recognition. Its development also transformed an unexpected location into a distinctive cultural destination. With the dedication of 1st Stage artists, more than 20 volunteers, architecture rm Butz-Wilbern, and general contractor M. Raina, 6,500 square feet of ex-of ce space in the Spring Hill Business Center became a theatre, of ce, and library. The result is a wholly unique 110-seat venue. While a business-center setting may not be what many people picture when imagining a theatre, the intimate space has become central to the 1st Stage experience. Audiences sit close to the work, creating a personal connection between performers and patrons and giving each production an immediate sense of energy. Since September 2014, Artistic/ Executive Director Alex Levy has led the organization, drawing on artistic and managing experience in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The current staff also includes Associate

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Artistic Director Deidra LaWan Starnes, Managing Director Emily Wall, Connectivity Director Audra Jacobs, Production Manager Luis Garcia, Engagement Associate Erica Bass, and current 2026 Seidel Fellow Leah Packer. PROGRAMS AND IMPACT 1st Stage produces ve mainstage productions each season, featuring local award-winning artists in works ranging from Shakespeare and musicals to dramas and world premieres. It also hosts the annual Logan Festival of Solo Performance, which brings national artists to Tysons for a celebration of solo work. The theatre’s mission extends beyond ticketed performances. Free programs invite more neighbors into the arts, including Storytime! for children up to age 8 and their families; Page & Stage, a book club presented with local independent bookstore Bards Alley; and Slice It Up!, professional workshops for high school and college students offered alongside each mainstage production. For emerging professionals, 1st Stage has established a Directing Residency and Commission Program. The initiative provides mentorship, resources, and

opportunities for emerging directors to develop and stage new work in a collaborative environment. The theatre also offers two paid six-month Seidel Fellowships annually, generously underwritten by Kathleen Gilles Seidel. The fellowships help emerging arts leaders gain hands-on professional experience in areas including administration, artistic leadership, and production management. Through this work, 1st Stage not only presents diverse, thought-provoking theatre but also helps strengthen the region’s artistic community and encourages talented theatre practitioners to continue building careers locally.

Britepaths, and other local organizations. At the heart of that work is a deliberate sense of welcome. “1st Stage is a theatre by the community, for the community,” the organization shares. In a small venue with a close-knit staff, artists, audience members, volunteers, and employees are more likely to know one another by name and face. That personal connection is part of what makes the theatre distinctive. The organization describes itself in ve words: “Community. Excellence. Intimate. Personal. Powerful.” Whether guests arrive for a challenging drama, a family storytime, a book discussion, or a student workshop, 1st Stage aims to make each visitor feel that they belong.

VIENNA’S ROLE IN THEIR STORY Although located in Tysons, 1st Stage’s impact reaches throughout the surrounding region, including Vienna. The theatre operates as a cultural hub and seeks partnerships that enrich the community beyond its stage. Its collaborators include Project Knitwell, Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Library, Just Neighbors,

HOW NEIGHBORS CAN GET INVOLVED The simplest way to support 1st Stage is to attend a production. This fall, the theatre will present Betrayal by Harold Pinter, directed by Alex Levy, from October 8 through 25, 2026. The play follows Emma, Robert, and Jerry as a marriage, friendship, and former affair

are examined in reverse chronological order. As hidden truths emerge, the story explores memory, time, and the things left unsaid. Performances take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are dynamically priced at $30, $40, and $55, with limited availability at each price level. Student, educator, and military tickets are $15. Families can also participate in free Storytime! sessions on Saturdays from October 2026 through May 2027, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Each interactive reading experience includes a book, snack, activity, and group-photo opportunity for children through age 8 and their families. Volunteers are encouraged to usher productions, assist with mailings, run the bar during special events, and support the theatre in other ways. “Whether you’re a subscriber, a donor, a volunteer, or a patron,” 1st Stage says, “we are excited to welcome you…with a warm, personal greeting at the door.” d

1st Stage Theatre:1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons | Of ce hours: M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Box Of ce opens 90 minutes before showtime | www.1ststage.org.

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RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES

REAL ESTATE STATISTICS

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$945,000 8882 Ashgrove House Ln 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,940SqFt AGF 0.03 Acres

$1,250,000 9824 Fosbak Dr 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,212 SqFt AGF 0.53 Acres

$1,600,000 1800 Sunny Creek Cv 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,200 SqFt AGF 0.27 Acres

$1,450,000 9122 Cricklewood Ct 4 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,875 SqFt AGF 0.45 Acres

$1,400,000 1348 Stokley Way 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,542 SqFt AGF 0.30 Acres

$1,810,000 1827 Beulah Rd 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,780 SqFt AGF 0.87 Acres

$1,312,207 1808 Clovermeadow Dr 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,316 SqFt AGF 0.60 Acres

$2,050,000 9153 Riesley Ln 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,895 SqFt AGF 0.26 Acres

$2,050,000 8228 Westchester Dr 7 Beds 6 Baths 4,301 SqFt AGF 0.70 Acres

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$1,140,000 1857 Hunter Mill Rd 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,716 SqFt AGF 0.47 Acres

$1,235,000 9614 Cinnamon Creek Dr 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,858 SqFt AGF 0.34 Acres

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$795,000 8856 Mansion View Ct 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,368 SqFt AGF 0.02 Acres

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Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data listed. 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.

VIENNA LIVING

OCTOBER 2026

BUSINESS PROFILE

VIENNA LIVING

OCTOBER 2026

50 Years of Making a Difference– One Client at a Time Submitted by Carmella Antonino // Photos provided by The Baldwin Law Firm, LLC

akton attorney Roy J. Baldwin is celebrating a professional milestone this month: 50 years of practicing law. He took his oath before the Supreme Court of Virginia on October 5, 1976, began the private practice of law the next day and is still going strong ve decades later. “Of course, things were a lot different back then”, Roy remembered - “When I think back of how I practiced law without so much as a computer, or a fax machine, or even a car phone, I wonder how I managed.” “Everything was done face to face, or over the phone,” he continued, “or by courier, or by mail—that was back when the Post Of ce could be relied on to actually deliver a rst-class envelope in a day or two! Today, almost everything’s done by email or video conference, and practically all the research material I need is available online with a few clicks. On the other hand, those emails keeping coming in, late into the night, which means that I do spend a lot more time counseling clients in what used to be off hours.” In 1980 Roy moved his rm to its current home in the Oakton Professional Center, near the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Hunter Mill Road, and

organized it as The Baldwin Law Firm, LLC. He concentrates on estate planning (family trusts, wills, advance medical directives, powers of attorney, and the like), estate administration, and elder law concerns. Roy’s associates, his son Nathaniel Mathews Baldwin and Samuel Adam Leven, serve clients in a broad range of elds, including family law, adoption, wills, trusts and estates, civil litigation, and appellate cases. They regularly appear before trial courts throughout Northern Virginia, the Virginia Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Roy earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and his law degree from The George Washington University Law School. His professional af liations include the American Bar Association, Virginia State Bar, and Fairfax Bar Association. He has lived in Vienna since 1980 along with his wife Sharon. He is midway through his second term as a member of the Vienna Town Council and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Vienna Business Association. When asked to recall his most memorable cases, Roy replied “the most gratifying case was one that I

VIENNA LIVING

OCTOBER 2026

took on pro bono. After the horrific events of 9/11, the Bar Association called for attorneys to help family members of the victims, so of course I volunteered. Millions of Americans contributed to funds to help them, and I’m proud to recall how I was able to assemble more than $2 million in benefits for my client, who was a young man - barely a teenager - whose mother had been on American Flight 77 when it was commandeered and flown into the Pentagon.” Congratulations, Roy, on 50 exceptional years as an attorney. Vienna Living is honored to celebrate this milestone and to recognize Roy Baldwin and The Baldwin Law Firm, LLC, for their longstanding commitment to Northern Virginia. s

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Oct. 3 Vienna Oktoberfest @Historic Church Street and Town Green Vienna’s annual fall festival features live music, international food, beer and wine gardens, vendors, and a free Kids Zone. Time: 11:00am-7:00pm | Cost: FREE www.viennaoktoberfest.org

Thu., Oct. 8 National Gallery Nights: Monster Mash @National Gallery of Art, East Building Come in costume for after-hours gallery activities, spooky artwork, a make-andtake art project, and live music by DC funk-pop band Oh He Dead. Lottery registration is required. Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm | Cost: FREE www.nga.gov/calendar/national-gallerynights

Sat., Oct. 10 Snallygaster @Pennsylvania Avenue NW DC’s large-scale craft beer festival returns with unlimited beer, cider, wine, and cocktail tastings, plus a commemorative tasting glass. This is a 21-and-over event. Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm | Cost: $75+ www.snallygasterdc.com

Sat., Oct. 17 Halloween on the Green @Vienna Town Green A Town of Vienna family event with a spooky craft, animal shows, games, prizes, treats, and pumpkin decorating while

supplies last. Time: 10:30am-12:30pm | Cost: FREE www.viennava.gov/Events-directory

Wed., Oct. 28 Town of Vienna Halloween Parade @Maple Avenue A rain-or-shine community parade with oats, marching groups, music, and costumed families. Time: 7:00pm | Cost: FREE www.viennava.gov/Town-Departments/ Parks-and-Recreation/Concerts-andEvents/Halloween-Parade

Fri., Oct. 30 Art Garfunkel: What a Wonderful World Celebration @Capital One Hall, Wolf Trap presents singer Art Garfunkel in a special concert at Capital One Hall. Time: 7:30pm Cost: $146.25 and up www.wolftrap.org/calendar

Tue., Nov. 10 An Evening With John Cusack and a Special Screening of Say Anything* @Capital One Hall Watch the classic 1989 lm Say Anything with star John Cusack in person. The event was rescheduled from July 24, and the venue says previously purchased tickets will be honored. Time: Doors 7:00pm Cost: Starts $54.10 www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail

Thu., Nov. 12 National Gallery Nights: Gratitude @National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC Spend an after-hours evening with community art-making, poetry, a collective mosaic, and music by DJ Chan Don. Admission is free, but attendees must register through the National Gallery’s lottery. Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm Cost: FREE; registration required www.washington.org

Fri., Nov. 13 Blade Runner Live @Capital One Hall See Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (the 2007 Final Cut) on a large HD screen while the Avex Ensemble performs Vangelis’ electronic score live. The show is 2 hours and 18 minutes, including intermission, and the lm is rated R. Time: Doors 6:30pm Cost: Starts $56.85 www.capitalonehall.com/events

Fri., Nov. 13 Family Fun Fridays @Riverbend Park, Great Falls Stop by the Riverbend nature center for books, crafts, games, natural objects, puzzles, and a brief naturalist presentation or read-aloud. This drop-in program is designed for all ages. Time: 12:00pm–5:00pm Cost: $5 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend

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OCTOBER 2026

Thurs., Nov. 12

Sat., Nov. 21

Sat., Nov. 28

National Gallery Nights: Gratitude @National Gallery of Arts The nal edition of the National Gallery of Art's fall slate of after-hours events welcomes you to create tokens of appreciation as the season of giving gets under way, build a communal mosaic, write poetry and dance the night away to the beats of DJ Chan Don. Lottery for registration opens on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m. on Nov. 5 Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm Cost: Free w/Lottery www.nga.gov/calendar

Danger Bird: Bringing You the Music of Neil Young @The Vault at Capital One Hall Hear a live tribute to Neil Young in The Vault, Capital One Hall’s intimate livemusic venue. Time: Doors 7:00pm; event starts 8:00pm Cost: Starts $28.50 www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail

Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas @Capital One Hall Rick Schuler performs a holiday program celebrating the music and warm acoustic sound associated with John Denver. Capital One Hall lists the concert as appropriate for all ages. Time: 7:30pm Cost: Starts $107.95 www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail

Fri., Nov. 20–Sun., Dec. 27 Enchant Christmas @Nationals Park, Washington, DC Nationals Park becomes a seasonal attraction with a large holiday-light maze and festive activities for families. Timed tickets are required, and admission options vary by date. Time: Varies by date/Event Cost: Starts $28 www.enchantchristmas.com

Fri., Nov. 27 Be Like Blippi Tour! @Capital One Hall Blippi and Meekah bring familiar songs, movement, games, and audience participation to the stage, including “The Excavator Song” and “Dino Dance.” Children age 12 and younger must attend with a parent or guardian. Time: 2:00pm and 5:00pm Cost: Starts $46.75 www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail

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RECIPE CORNER

Stovetop

TomaTo Basil soup By Jessica Beacom

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins

This tomato basil soup is easy to prepare and delicious on its own or served alongside a grilled cheese or your favorite sandwich.

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

Place a heavy bottom pot (Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. When the pot is hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes or until the onions just start to soften.

Add the garlic. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomato sauce starts to thicken and caramelize just a bit (but not burn).

Add the drained tomatoes and continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the reserved tomato juice and broth. Stir. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat. Transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste.

Swirl the cream fraiche into the soup and sprinkle with fresh basil and cracked black pepper.

INGREDIENTS •

2 tablespoons olive oil

•

½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (1 cup)

•

3 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped

•

3 tablespoons tomato paste

•

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

•

½ teaspoon dried basil

•

½ teaspoon dried thyme

•

½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar

•

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, welldrained and juice reserved

•

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

•

½ teaspoon ne salt

•

¼ teaspoon black pepper

•

¼ cup creme fraiche (may substitute heavy cream, Greek yogurt, or sour cream. Omit for vegan or use non-dairy plain yogurt or nondairy sour cream for vegan and dairy-free)

•

3 tablespoons sliced fresh basil

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OCTOBER 2026

THE BUSINESS MINUTE

Your Exit Will Decide More Than

“Who NOW Owns the Business" By Erika Baez-Grimes, CM&AP

magine the rst Monday after you step away. Your largest customer needs an answer. Payroll needs approval and your team faces a problem they once brought directly to you. Does the business know what to do? Now consider your side of that Monday: What income reaches you? What decisions still require you? What obligations remain yours? As a certi ed M&A professional, I believe a successful exit should position both the business and its owner to move forward with the clearest path forward. The nancial piece of the transaction is just “one” part of that outcome. There are four primary paths to consider: transferring the business to family, selling to a third party, transitioning ownership to employees, or closing the doors. There is also an option I call “4.5”: retaining ownership while leaving daily operations. That distinction matters. You can leave your job in the company while keeping your ownership interest and the nancial exposure that comes with it. FAMILY SUCCESSION: Clarify what each person is inheriting. Imagine two adult children inheriting ownership. One currently helps runs the company; the other works elsewhere. One wants to reinvest pro ts, the other wants distributions. Who decides? Before transferring ownership consider: Separating compensation for work, returns on ownership, and decision-making authority. Establish how disagreements and future buyouts will be handled. If the business will fund your retirement, assess whether it can support you, its next leader, and ongoing operations. Your plan should explain how the family and the company will function when you stop settling every

disagreement. A 3RD-PARTY SALE: Examine the obligations behind the price. Start with a question: What would it cost to replace everything you do? If you manage key accounts, approve pricing, recruit employees, and rescue projects, identify who will assume those responsibilities. A buyer needs to understand how the company will operate after you leave. Then examine payment terms. An earnout ties part of the purchase price to future performance. Ask who will control the decisions affecting those results and how payment will be determined. Review the details with your broker and transaction counsel. EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Con rm the desire, capability, and nancing. The employee you envision as your successor may have a different vision for their future. Start by asking whether they want to become an owner. Then assess leadership readiness and nancing. If you nance part of the purchase, your future payments depend on the buyer’s ability to repay you. Test whether projected cash ow can support operations, leadership compensation, reinvestment, and acquisition payments, including in a weaker year. CLOSING THE DOORS: Assess what could still be transferred. Closure can be a deliberate, appropriate choice. Before setting a shutdown date, explore whether the operating business or individual assets could interest a buyer. Equipment, intellectual property, and brand assets may hold transferable value. Ask your advisors to assess the possibilities and the costs of an orderly wind-down.

One question deserves an honest answer: Have you evaluated the business’s options, or have you reached the limit of what you personally want to keep doing? Consider both before deciding. 4.5 RETAINING OWNERSHIP: Calculate the economics of your absence. Keeping the business while reclaiming your time requires a company that can afford replacement leadership. In a simpli ed illustration, $400,000 in annual cash available before replacing your labor, less $180,000 in total replacement leadership costs, leaves $220,000 before other applicable needs and obligations. Assess what remains after accounting for reinvestment, reserves, debt service, and taxes. De ne reporting, spending authority, and decisions requiring your approval. Then test the arrangement through a planned absence. Track each interruption and what must change. Note: Your successor needs both the ability and the authority to lead. Across these 4.5 options, begin with three decisions: how much money you need, how much involvement you want, and how much risk you are willing to retain. Then take a concrete step: have the family conversation, assess a successor, obtain a defensible valuation, & model the cost of replacing yourself. The Silver Tsunami Group can help initiate those conversations. In closing: Remember; You’ve built a company through decisions that shaped other people’s futures. Give your own next chapter the same attention. To attend an upcoming exit planning event in the region, please email Connect@SilverTsunamiGroup.com for an invitation. r

Erikathebroker.com // Erika@ErikatheBroker.Com // O: 404.750.3791 // C: 804.750.3008 // F: 804.331.0198 // 8000 Towers Crescent Dr. #1700 Vienna

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OCTOBER 2026