Issuu

ShillaDynastyArrives inVienna

Cover photo by Mauricio Cordiero

© Best Version Media

He o Friends -

PUBLICATION TEAM

Content Coordinator Catherine Hardman Publisher Carmella

Contributing Photographer Mauricio Cordeiro

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As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn brilliant shades of gold and amber, we are reminded of all the things that make this season so special. Fall is a time for reﬂection, for family gatherings, for warming our hearts (and bellies) with seasonal treats, and, of course, for the many community festivals and events that bring us all together. Whether you’re strolling through a local market, attending a harvest festival, or simply savoring the beauty of fall’s rich colors, there’s a certain magic in the air this time of year.

In this month’s issue, we are thrilled to introduce Shilla Bakery, a beloved new addition to Vienna’s growing food scene. From their humble beginnings in a small basement bakery in 1999 to now, their commitment to creating the ﬁnest breads, cakes, and pastries has remained steadfast. Their dedication to quality and the joy that good food can bring is a perfect ﬁt for our community. Be sure to check out our cover story to learn more about their delicious journey and what’s in store for their future!

In our Non-Profit Spotlight, we shine a light on Whiskers, Paws and Love®, a nonprofit organization founded with a heartfelt mission to improve the lives of animals in our community. With a focus on education, particularly for children, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of proper animal care and respect. Their passion and tireless work have already made a significant impact on both animals and people alike. Be sure to read more about their efforts and how you can get involved.

As we move into the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But let’s not forget the simple joys that fall and the upcoming festivities bring. It’s a time to gather with friends, share in the bounty of the season, and support the wonderful businesses and causes that make our community so unique. We also want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our generous sponsors. Their continued support helps make this publication possible and allows us to highlight the businesses and organizations that make Vienna so special. When you shop local and support our sponsors, you’re helping keep this vibrant community thriving!

Wishing you all a cozy and festive October ﬁlled with laughter, love, and delicious treats!

Warmly,

Serving the Vienna community since 1984, our team provides advanced eye care for the whole family. From comprehensive exams to specialty treatments, we’re here to protect your vision and keep you seeing your best.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Complete eye exams

• Designer frames & custom lenses

• Contact lenses

• Neurolens® for digital eye strain

• Treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye & more

• Emergency eye care

Designer Frances Barra

Antonino

THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESS SPONSORS WHO BRING THE MAGAZINE TO LIFE EACH MONTH!

Please be sure to visit their shops, services, websites, and social media pages and enjoy all they bring to our community!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING AN EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR contact BVM at cantonino@bestversionmedia.com or 412-475-0133.

Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia (RIF NOVA), a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading, is hosting its biannual Book It For Books 10K/5K/ Fun Run on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield.

Each year, RIF NOVA provides more than 25,000 students across Northern Virginia with free, high-quality books to help build home libraries and foster early literacy. This vibrant, family-friendly event brings together neighbors, educators, and local businesses in support of childhood literacy, with all proceeds directly funding free books for children who need them most.

This year’s event will feature live music from School of Rock – Vienna, face painters, a visit from Cli ord the Big Red Dog, and of course, free books for kids. NBC4’s Ted Oberg will emcee the day, making it an unforgettable celebration of fitness, fun, and community.

Community members are invited to participate as runners, walkers, or sponsors and join in a day that celebrates both literacy and togetherness.

For more details and registration, visit: www.rifnova.org/2025-book-it-for-books.html

© Best Version Media

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WRITTEN

CATHERINE HARDMAN

Shilla Dynasty Arrives in Vienna © Best Version Media

spirit of longevity, unity, and cultural pride resonated with my parents. The Yu family chose “Shilla” to honor Korean heritage and to express their intent to build something that lasts across generations.

Vienna has a wonderful addition to our community! Shilla Bakery, owned and operated by Michelle Yu – a very talented and dynamic young woman. Michelle has the full support of her family and a proud legacy that comes out in every bite and sip at this unique bakery café.The Yu story predates Shilla in the U.S.—they’ve been in food and hospitality for generations, from a restaurant in Korea to a family restaurant in Annandale to a bakery brand in the DMV.

Michelle’s parents started Shilla with no formal bakery training—just relentless work ethic and a commitment to quality. The family’s food story starts long before Shilla Bakery opened its first location. Michelle explained, “My great-grandparents ran a restaurant on Mount Seoraksan in Gangwon Province, South Korea, and my grandparents later opened a Korean

restaurant in Annandale, VA. The parents, Ji and Song, didn’t have formal bakery training, but they had grit and a dream. They opened the first Shilla Bakery in 1999 in Annandale and built it into a beloved, multi-location bakery café.

Our hope is simple: that Shilla becomes a place where memories are madeover coffee, breads, cakes, & conversation.

The name “Shilla” has a special origin; the Silla Dynasty is the longest standing Dynasty in Korean history, lasting nearly a millennium and known especially for the unification of the Korean peninsula. That

Since Michelle is so young (26) and accomplished, there had to be a back story for her deep passion not only for food, but for flavors and ingredients closer to her Korean roots. Michelle summarized when and why her career unfolded the way it did. “In high school, I actually thought I’d follow my brother into law. But I was spending all my free time watching baking and cooking videos. My mom noticed, asked the right questions, and encouraged me—without pressure—to explore it seriously. That nudge changed everything. She helped me explore my options where I landed in Le Cordon Bleu Paris to start my journey. My brother isn’t a baker, but he’s a true foodie. Our family has always been surrounded by food and the love of food.”

Her education and worldly experience after high school were extensive once she followed her path. “I studied in Paris,

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MAURICIO CORDIERO & MICHELLE YU

France, earning a dual bachelor’s in culinary arts (with diplomas in cuisine, boulangerie, and pâtisserie) and Hospitality/Business Management from Dauphine University. I trained and worked across several cities and roles.”

• Paris — Hotel service internship; commissary production at L’Éclair de Génie

• Singapore — Capella (5-star hotel): hostess, server, admin support

© Best Version Media

• Seoul, South Korea — Secondary pastry diploma at Le Cordon Bleu –Sookmyung Academy

• Washington, DC — Pastry roles at Michelin-starred restaurants (including a 2-star and a 1-star) and at a bakery commissary specializing in viennoiserie (meaning "things of Vienna" refers to baked products made in the style of Vienna, Austria with flour, active yeast cultures, sugar, and fats. they are usually enjoyed for breakfast or paired with co ee at any time of the day)

• Presently, owner and leads Shilla Bakery (Vienna), blending family’s tradition with the technique and hospitality that she learned abroad.

Michelle went in knowing the program and what the degree had to o er in terms of the studies, but she did not expect such a 360° view of the industry. Beyond HR, finance, marketing, and operations, she explored food science, ingredient structures, sourcing, agriculture/production, service culture (table settings and etiquette), and

even wine and spirits. That broader lens pushed her to work in multiple countries and roles to understand the full ecosystem of hospitality. After learning so much about cooking, baking, running a business, she decided to continue the family legacy and run her own location of Shilla Bakery, but with her own twist and newfound culinary knowledge. Michelle said, “we are constantly updating our menu and spread of goodies, so we encourage our neighbors to check us out and see what we have in store for the season! We also o er custom cake orders for any and all celebrations! I love seasonal flavors (pumpkin!) and have a soft spot for strawberry, honeydew, and the clean, nutty richness of fresh milk (our milk bbang is a favorite – bbang is a Korean bread). And yes, we intentionally built a menu with savory and sweet so there’s something for everyone (I also personally gravitate towards savory

pastries as there are so many flavors to work with!). Our croquettes are one of our OG items and a longtime fan favorite.”

One thing that makes Shilla Bakery unique is that almost half of the items are savory and the “sweet” items are not as sweet as most American bakeries tend to be. Even the adorable animal-themed cakes are not covered with fondant (even though it certainly looks like fondant); it is actually a fine butter/cream mixture which makes the frosting light and soft. There are also sandwiches (tuna, turkey, etc.) and a wide variety of teas, co ees, and cold drinks. The atmosphere is

bright and cheery with lots of natural light and customers are welcome to stay and relax.

When asked about favorites, Michelle said, “I think everyone in my family has a di erent favorite item. For instance, my mom loves our chestnut bread and would bring that home every day as a kid. My dad

© Best Version Media

loves our walnut balls as walnut balls are a common street snack you can find in Korea during the Fall/Winter season. My personal favorite items are our cream bread varieties, garlic cream cheese bread, pizza baguette, and green bean bread.”

As a reminder of this dynamic family/ team, here is an “introduction” –

• Ji Yu — Mother / Founder

• Song Yu — Father / Founder

• Richard Yu — Brother (lawyer)

• Michelle Yu — Owner / Operator -26 Christine, an older sister. She’s not directly day-to-day at Shilla but helps wherever help is needed, especially with design and social media. She also plans to enter the food & beverage space in the future.

So, why Vienna? Michelle replied, “Vienna’s energy matches our values— community-minded, family-friendly, supportive of local business. Shilla is a “total bakery”—not just pastries or co ee, but a place to pick up a cake for a birthday, meet a friend and linger, grab a morning co ee before work, or pop in for lunch on a busy day and we felt we could o er this

unique experience to the community in Vienna. Vienna supports and encourages their neighbors and we have definitely felt this firsthand. We have had so much support and truly felt the community. We are also very thankful to our neighborhoods in the Jade Center. Our neighbors have supported us by promoting our bakery, stopping by, and always lending a helping hand when needed.” She also has fond memories from childhood, going to festivals like ViVa Vienna! and other events.

The Yu family currently lives in Fairfax, VA. Michelle and her siblings grew up in Northern Virginia. Her parents lived in a few states before putting down roots in NoVA to build their family and open Shilla.

As one would imagine, there is little to no time for vacations presently, but there are fond memories of past family vacations. Michelle expanded, “We’re fully focused on the new Vienna location, so vacations are on hold. But two memories stand out with this question, visiting Korea when I was a child, as a family, was my first time connecting to our roots by going to my parent’s hometowns and learning so much about Korean culture. The second would be

as an adult, we were able to plan a big multigenerational trip with cousins, aunts, and uncles— hard to coordinate, but an unforgettable experience.”

To summarize her feelings about the Yu family, Michelle replied, “We’re proud immigrants who built a business around warmth, quality, and community. We bake fresh daily, keep our desserts balanced (not too sweet), and continually innovate while honoring the classics. Our hope is simple: that Shilla becomes a place where memories are made—over co ee, breads, cakes, and conversation.”

Final words from Michelle, “Thank you, Vienna, for welcoming us so warmly. We have felt an overwhelming sense of community after opening, and we are truly so blessed to be a part of such a vibrant and friendly area. We hope to be your onestop café-bakery—from morning co ee and savory lunch to fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and desserts. Our goal is to be a comfortable neighborhood staple where you can meet friends, celebrate moments, and always find something delicious (sweet or savory!).”

Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at bestversionmedia.com/magazines/viennaliving and click on "submit content".

LBY DR. GEMA ISLAND BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST ISLAND CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS

© Best Version Media

aser dentistry can be less painful than using traditional drills and other dental tools, which may reduce the need for anesthesia. This is especially good for small children and infants who aren’t able to safely handle higher amounts of anesthesia. However, while laser dentistry may be able to reduce the amount of anesthesia needed, it does not completely eliminate the need for painkillers.

BIOPSY AND REMOVAL OF GUM

LESIONS

If your child has a lesion in their mouth, we can use a laser to carefully remove a small piece of the tissue for testing. While most mouth lesions are benign, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If the lesion is causing your child pain or discomfort, we can excise it with dental laser treatment.

Pediatric dental lasers can also be used to remove mouth lesions. When a dentist uses a laser, it minimizes the amount of bleeding and swelling by cauterizing the wound as it cuts. Not only does this help pediatric patients recover faster, but it also can be considered less painful than traditional methods of gum lesion removal.

TONGUE TIE TREATMENT

If you’ve noticed that your infant has a band of tissue

connecting the tip of their tongue to the floor of their mouth, you will want to consult with a pediatric dental professional as soon as possible. You may also be referred by a lactation consultant if you have been having problems breastfeeding as a result of your child’s tongue-tie. Tongue-tie left untreated can interfere with breastfeeding, eating solid foods, and normal speech development. To avoid the consequences of untreated tongue-tie, we recommend you schedule an appointment at Island Children's Dentistry.

CAVITY TREATMENT

For children who are afraid of dentist drills, you may want to consider laser cavity treatment. Laser treatment doesn’t create the same disconcerting drilling sound and can help save more of the healthy tooth during cavity treatment than a traditional dental drill. Depending on the type and placement of the cavity, it may still be necessary to use a dental drill with the laser.

To determine if laser dentistry is the right dental treatment plan for your child, be sure to consult with an experienced pediatric dentist. Dr. Island and her team of specialists are happy to guide you to make the right oral health decision.

We invite you to visit our new o ice at Tysons Corner, where Island Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontist proudly stands as the premier pediatric dental practice in the region. Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed specifically for children’s dental needs, ensuring a comfortable and e ective experience.

Led by our Board-Certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Gema Island, our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional dental care that emphasizes a functional approach to facial development. At Island Children’s Dentistry, we strive to deliver the highest standard of care for your child’s oral health, making us the trusted choice for families in Northern Virginia.

10/4

Oktoberfest

Church St (Center St to Mill St)

Time: 11 AM – 7 PM . Cost: Free www.viennabusiness.org

10/4-5

© Best Version Media

10/9

Anne Soﬁe von Otter, soprano

Kristian Bezuidenhout, piano Chamber Music at The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna

Time: 7:30 pm . Cost: start at $55.50 www.wolftrap.org

10/10

Dono Dono and ViRG

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 8 PM . Cost: start at $28.50 www.capitalonehall.com

10/10

Sasy Live in Northern Virginia

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 9 PM . Cost: start at $92 www.capitalonehall.com

10/11

Tonic

With Special Guest Brisk

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 7:30 PM Cost: start at $42 www.capitalonehall.com

10/12

Music Mania

Capital One Hall – The Vault

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 2 PM . Cost: start at $11 www.capitalonehall.com

10/12

The McLean Symphonic Spooks: A Concert for the Whole Family

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 3 PM . Cost: start at $6 www.capitalonehall.com

10/16

Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul, and Mary)

Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna

Time: 7:30 PM . Cost: start at $71.50 www.wolftrap.org\

10/17-19

Mrs. Doubtﬁre, the New Musical

Comedy Broadway in Tysons

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: times vary Cost: prices vary per show www.capitalonehall.com

10/17

Hiss Golden Messenger (Solo)

Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 7:30 PM Cost: start at $43.25 www.wolftrap.org

10/18

Pat McGee Band Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna

Time: 8 PM . Cost: start at $60 www.wolftrap.org

10/19

Chandrika Tandon The Divine Ecstasy Tout Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna

Time: 8 PM . Cost: start at $60 www.wolftrap.org

10/24

The Autumn Defense Chris Stamey Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 7:30 PM Cost: start at $48.50 www.wolftrap.org

10/24

Desi Banks The Elevation Tour

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 7:30 PM . Cost: start at $41 www.capitalonehall.com

10/24

Groovalicious

Capital One Hall – The Vault

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 8 PM . Cost: start at $27 www.capitalonehall.com

10/25

Book It for Books

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF NOVA) 10K/5K Fun Run Accotink Park, Springﬁeld Time: 8-10:00 AM . Cost: Free www.rifnova.org/2025-book-it-forbooks.html

10/25

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 8 PM . Cost: start at $60 www.wolftrap.org

10/25

Leela James: Right on Time Tour

Capital One Hall – Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 7:30 PM . Cost: start at $72 www.capitalonehall.com

10/26

Il Divo By Candlelight With Special Guest, Simply Three Capital One Hall – Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 3 PM . Cost: start at $67 www.capitalonehall.com

11/2

Elements:

Showcasing the Diverse Dances of India and beyond

Presented by Rhythmaya Dance

Capital One Hall – The Vault

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 4-6:00 PM

Cost: start at $47 www.capitalonehall.com

11/5 – 6

Jim Brickman Wolf Trap, The Barns 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 8:00 PM . Cost: start at $60 www.wolftrap.org

11/7

The Barr Brothers Let It Hiss Tour, Land of Talk 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 8:00 PM

Cost: start at $48.50 www.wolftrap.org

11/7

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: In Concert Live to Film with The Fairfax Symphony

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons

Time: 7:30 PM . Cost:TBD www.capitalonehall.com

11/7

Tay Tay Dance Party

Capital One Hall – The Vault

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 8:00 PM Cost: start at $29 www.capitalonehall.com

11/8

North Mississippi Allstars Still Shakin’ Tour 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 8:00 PM . Cost: start at $60 www.wolftrap.org

11/9

Patriotic Landscapes: 250 Years of “We the People”

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 7:00 PM . Cost: start at $11 www.capitalonehall.com

11/13

A Drag Queen Christmas Hosted by Nina West

Capital One Hall – Main Theater

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 7:30 PM

Cost: start at $47.00 www.capitalonehall.com

11/15

Get Healthy Vienna! VBA Expo 2025 Vienna Community Center 120 Cherry St. SE Time: 10-2 PM . Cost: Free www.viennabusiness.org

11/15

Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour

Capital One Hall – Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: start at $54.00 www.capitalonehall.com

11/15

2025 Bourbon and Bubbles 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: Sponsorships begin at $3,500. Individual Tickets will Be available in October www.wolftrap.org

11/16

Viola Celebration Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Mozart Chamber Music Society Of Lincoln Center 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 7:30 PM

Cost: start at $55.50 www.wolftrap.org

11/21 – 22

C.J. Chenier and Marcia Ball With the Red Hot Louisiana Band 1635 Trap Road, Vienna Time: 8:00 PM . Cost: start at 70.50 11/22 is SOLD OUT www.wolftrap.org

11/29

The Nutcracker: Ravel Dance Company presents The Nutcracker Capital One Hall – Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 2:00 PM Cost: start at $60.00 www.capitalonehall.com 11/30

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet Capital One Hall – Main Theater 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons Time: 2:00 PM Cost: start at $39.00 www.capitalonehall.com

Whiskers, Paws and Love Inc: A Nonprofit Like No Other

WRITTEN BY CATHERINE HARDMAN // PHOTOS PROVIDE BY WHISKERS, PAWS AND LOVE® TEAM

Driven by years of experience in animal rescue, our founders launched WPL with a mission to educate the public, especially children, on the importance of animal respect, proper care, and health. By focusing on education, we aim to reduce the number of animals entering shelters and rescues.

With a dedicated team of volunteers who bring diverse expertise in rescue work, we strive to make a lasting impact - one animal and one person at a time.

Committed to the power of knowledge, we strive to improve lives and advocate for the vulnerable and voiceless. https://whiskerspawslove.org/about-us/

Our Vision

Our vision has inspired outreach to local Daisy Troops, teaching children how to safely interact with animals and understand their needs - highlighted by introducing a blind, special needs dog to reinforce lessons taught and show that all animals matter. We have partnered with local shelters to develop pet parenting classes for new adopters, helping reduce return rates. Additionally, we have contributed to educational curricula for grades 3–8, promoting adoption, spay/neuter programs, proper vaccinations, and the value of a pet’s unconditional love.

In 2023, we became aware of the critical

link between domestic violence and pet abuse, and the barriers women face when trying to leave abusive situations with their pets. Deeply moved by the statistics, we acted - raising awareness and partnering with a women’s shelter to develop a pet fostering pilot program. This initiative includes medical and behavioral support, foster training, boarding and sitting services and ongoing assistance, providing safety and hope for both women and their pets.

Whiskers, Paws and Love® advocates for animals by educating all ages, raising awareness of the connection between domestic and animal abuse, and supporting shelters and women in need.

BePaws We Care

At WPL, we recognize the vital role small local businesses play in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and adding unique value to our community. By coming together to support and uplift these businesses, we help build a thriving economy and open doors to learning and growth for all.

We are proud to have personally connected with a diverse group of local organizations and vendors at various events, and we are excited to highlight them here. Take a moment to explore their unique products and services as they just might bring something special to your life and to the lives of your cherished pets.

See the list of local organizations and vendors:

https://whiskerspawslove.org/friends/ Whiskers, Paws and Love® is a 100% Volunteer Organization All proceeds go toward WPL’s mission Volunteer

Thank you for wanting to be part of our team and our unique, but awesome journey. Please check out how you can help below and reach out to us with any questions or interest volunteer@whiskerspawslove.org

• Volunteer Web and Graphic Designer: Fully Remote (or not) Volunteer Role

Are you a creative powerhouse with a passion for animals and storytelling? Whiskers, Paws, and Love Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of furry companions, is looking for a Web and Graphic Designer!

• Volunteer Social Media Guru

Are you a Social Media Superstar? We are looking for a person with creativity, heart, and just the right amount of meme energy to help us grow our online presence.

• Event Volunteers

Do you like talking to people? Join us at one of our events and help us get our message out to the masses!! We are always looking for energetic animal lovers to help us at our various events.

• Volunteer Writers and Researchers: Fully Remote (or not) Volunteer Role

Do you like telling a story or informing people about animals? If you have a passion for writing or journalism, please consider becoming a volunteer adding content to our platform to inform others of animal health, welfare and safety and just overall happiness.

• Volunteer Volunteer

Have any other ideas how you may be able to help? We definitely are out-ofthe-box thinkers, so if there is anything else you want to help us with that you don’t see listed, reach out with your ideas!

• Young Ambassador Volunteer Opportunities *with parent &/or legal guardian supervision*

Under 18 but want to make a di erence? Contact Us for more information + possible opportunities!

Foster

Open your heart and home to a pet in need and help the pet and the owner seeking help at a domestic abuse shelter! Reach out to us at: foster@whiskerspawslove.org

Shirts Support

WPL uses your contribution to educate the young and assist foster programs for women’s shelters support or add us on iGive.com or allgives.com to contribute as you shop for anything!

Paws Together™

Pets are often the overlooked victims of domestic. Abusers may harm or threaten animals as a method of control and manipulation, knowing the important emotional bond between victims and their pets.

Whispers, Paws and Love Inc. created the Paws Together project to support victims of domestic violence and their pets by partnering with a women’s shelter to establish pet fostering programs. Together, we are helping both animals and people in crisis – and your support that can help that mission.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or text “START” to 88788

FutureAmbassadors

WPL strengthens the bond between children and animals through hands on on projects and workshops that use positive reinforcement to promote empathy, responsibility, and respect. We aim to inspire them to become future ambassadors for the animals they lovecompassionate guardians who understand that animals are treasures and not trophies. Through our meaningful projects, children understand the lasting impact of kindness and care, realizing that even a small act of compassion - or choosing to respect and leave animals unharmed - can make a life changing di erence for vulnerable creatures who rely on us. The most vulnerable lives often hold the greatest meaning in this world - and with compassion and unity, we can all be their voice, their hope, and their protectorsambassadors/

889 ResourceArticles

WPL believes every pet deserves a safe, loving home, and all wildlife should be treated with respect. We collaborate with trusted professionals to provide accurate, ethical pet care information through educational guides and current resources. Committed to the power of knowledge, we strive to improve lives and advocate for the vulnerable and voiceless.

https://whiskerspawslove.org/articles/

Come support us and remember: Every Action –Big or Small –Makes a Di erence

Evolve Tysons Medical aesthetics & Wellness Center

WELCOMEAUTUMN

SUMITTED BY CARMELLA ANTONINO

WRITTEN BY LYNDSEY WARHURST BRIDGERS

PHOTOS BY MERRIFIELD GARDEN CENTER

Refresh your outdoor space and bring the feelings of fall home with a visit to Merrifield Garden Center this season. With foliage in the fiery shades of fall, ornamental cabbage and kale, pumpkins and gourds, and the beautiful blooms of pansies and celosia, you’ll find everything you need to decorate for the season–plus expert guidance to get your garden off to the right start.

In this showy container, the bright blooms of black-eyed Susan, celosia and chrysanthemum pop oﬀ the deeper hued heuchera and ornamental peppers, providing contrast and a depth of color. The wispy plumes of fountaingrass dance in the breeze, proving feathery texture and movement. This foliage is balanced with the broad leaf of heuchera and the whimsical shape of wire vine. For an added pop, miniature pumpkins and gourds provide structural interest in the foreground.

Create your own version of this container design to dress your entrance for the season. Plants featured in this arrangement:

1. Fountaingrass

2. Black Eyed Susan

3. Heuchera

4. Wire Vine

5. Ornamental Peppers

6. Chrysanthemum

7. Caryopteris

8. Celosia

Fall is a wonderful time to work in the garden. The cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable and there’s plenty of time to get your new plants established before the cooler weather of winter sets in. The plant specialists at Merriﬁeld Garden Center recommend taking on these seasonal gardening tasks in October:

• Plant spring blooming bulbs, such as crocus, daﬀodils, iris, hyacinth and tulips for a showy display of color early next year.

• Add hardy evergreen perennials, such as autumn fern, helleborus and heuchera to your garden beds for color and interest that will last all winter.

• Revitalize your lawn by overseeding, fertilizing and liming. Repair bare patches in your lawn by overseeding with one of our custom grass seed blends: Merrifield Tuff Play or Merrifield Shady. Fertilize newly seeded and sodded lawns with Merrifield Select seed starting lawn food and established lawns with Merrifield Premium lawn food. We recommend feeding your lawn once in the spring and twice in the fall.

• Remove your old warm season vegetable plants, like beans, cucumbers, squash and tomatoes and put them in the compost pile. Then spade or till the garden.

• Transition your houseplants that were outside for the summer back inside before the cool weather hits. Spray them ﬁrst with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control aphids, mites and other insects that may be on the plants.

Merriﬁeld Garden Center is a family owned and operated, full-service garden center and landscaping company with three locations in Northern Virginia, one of which is located right around the corner on Gallows Road. With its team of over 600 family and extended family members, Merriﬁeld Garden Center strives to bring the highest quality plants, unmatched selection and exceptional customer service to help you be successful in your next gardening endeavor. Visit this weekend to pick up everything you need to complete your fall gardening tasks.

6895 Wellington Road, Gainesville, VA 703-368-1919