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A P R I L 2 02 1

TH E ECO ISSUE A S P OTLI G HT O N S U PP O RTI N G S US TA I N A B I LIT Y.

When the world changes, rely on us We can provide customized, comprehensive advice and guidance to help you stay on track and pursue your goals. Call me to talk it through. The Eveland Group Jeffrey W. Eveland, CFP®, CRPC®, CPFA Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor 703.779.2130 j_eveland@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 3 South King Street Leesburg, VA 20175 fa.ml.com/evelandgroup

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

The Eco Issue...Loudoun Style NOW ENTERING THE SECOND YEAR OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, I THINK WE ARE ALL MUCH MORE AWARE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT. Getting outside and leaving the confines of our homes has taken on new meaning...I certainly appreciate

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Suzanne Otwell | suzanne.otwell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

the outdoors much more and I am ever more intent on helping preserve it. We live in a beautiful part of the world. I've traveled a lot and lived in many places and I know how lucky we are. Sometimes we can get caught up in buzzwords and politics and forget that if we all just do a little bit better in our daily lives, we can make sure our natural environment is protected and will last long after we, as individuals, are gone. So, for this issue, we looked around Loudoun County and found some entrepreneurs, farmers, and a celebratory event to bring some inspiration to our quest to protect the environment. Each of them, in their own way, are working to keep Loudoun and the wider world beautiful and — in some cases — make the products we use less toxic. As vaccines roll out, the sun begins to shine a little brighter, and we start to again find our freedom to explore, I encourage you all to take some time and get out into the natural world and take in all that the world gives us.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Hann Livingston, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER The partner-

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ship between EatLoco and local farmers helps sustain our environment through commerce.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CELESTE LINTHICUM 8

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

Proverbs 3:5-6 Leesburg Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leesburg areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Leesburg Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 18 House Cleaning Heroes Kills COVID and a Host of Other Viruses WITHOUT Harming You, Your Pets or the Environment

28 The Automation Angel: How Raphaela O'Brian Tames Technology To Save Time, Money, and Energy

34 Dig It! Help JK Community Farm Raise Organic Produce and Protein for Local Food Pantries This Spring

34 28

50 Earth-Friendly Farming An Interview with Andrew Crush at Spring House Farm

DEPARTMENTS 8

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Open House

Trend Setter

22 Hot Spot 40 Hometown Hero 46 Inspired By 50 Local Limelight

GOOD TIMES 1.

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Restores Celebrity Owl, Others to Health A barred owl, one of a known pair that lives at the South Riding Home Depot garden center, was given a blood transfusion and restored to his post in February by the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. Marci the opossum, a new animal ambassador, is an aspiring artist (one of her paintings was auctioned off at the center's charity event for $500!) Also in residence, a Fairfax fox and Red-shouldered Hawk with bilateral wing fractures.

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

GET INSPIRED

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Dear Neighbor,

SHOP LOCAL

I am thrilled to let you know that we SOLD our Leesburg neighbor’s home PRE-MARKET for full asking price, generating an overwhelming interest in both the property and neighborhood! We are currently working with multiple qualified and motivated buyers looking to buy in Leesburg — and multiple others have expressed interest! Today’s market conditions weigh heavily toward Sellers. Buyers are empowered by record-low mortgage rates, and the low supply of inventory gives Sellers an advantage. Thanks to this Seller’s market, we are seeing higher sale prices, favorable terms and quick closings for our clients. If you’ve considered selling your home, I welcome the opportunity to see if your property might be a fit for one of our Buyers. We are entering peak selling season, and market conditions are ripe for a lucrative sale. If you have any interest in selling your home, or if you’d simply like to discuss current market conditions, please don’t hesitate to reach out and start the no-pressure conversation. Just give me a call at 703.599.1178 or email me at Jean@GarrellGroup.com to set up a time to meet this week.

Jean Garrell

CALL JEAN FOR A CONFIDENTIAL MARKET VALUATION TODAY

JEAN GARRELL OWN E R · R E A LTO R ®

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

70 3.59 9 .1 1 78

Jean@GarrellGroup.com GarrellGroup.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 50 Catoctin Circle, NE. Leesburg, VA 20176

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

OPEN HOUSE

The homeowner now has views of the lake from the kitchen and living area.

MICHAEL NASH DESIGN BUILD’S RENOVATION PUTS NATURE ON FULL DISPLAY 14

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

Let the Outdoors Shine In

A new wine bar leads out to another patio.

“ The elegance of this project comes from the upscale stain less steel appliances, exotic q uartz countertops and distressed-look porcelain linear f loor.” – Sonny Nazem ian, master designer/remodeler at Michael Nash

CONNECTING THE OUTDOORS AND THE NATURAL ENVI-

Michael Nash Design Build took on the project.

RONMENT WITH OUR LIVING SPACES HAS BECOME A

“We enjoy complex projects,” says Sonny Nazemian, master

BIG PART OF MODERN HOME DESIGN AND REMODEL-

designer/remodeler at Michael Nash. “Our team spent countless

ING. Whether it is outdoor living spaces that can be enjoyed all

hours listening to the homeowner and coming up with a plan to

year round, or creating open living areas that take advantage of

bring her dream to reality. At the end of the day, we have to be

views, we are no longer treating our homes as just protection

creative and come up with solutions to meet each customer’s

from the outdoors.

needs and budget.”

For years, the owners of a townhome on Lake Anne in Reston

The main constraint was a bearing wall on the corner of the

had a dream of walking through the front door and having a clear

foyer and living room, which had a closet, main duct chase and

view of the scenic lake through an open floor plan that included

return ducts, plumbing and a structural load. By re-routing the

a modernized kitchen. They met with multiple firms and were

mechanical chases and reformulating all second floor plumbing

turned down due to the complexity of the project, budget con-

and ducts to the back walls and then inserting structural beams

straints and, as the homeowner put it, not “clicking with a design

to transfer the second floor joists to the front and back walls, the

firm that could feel my needs and put them into action.”

open floor design could be created.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Great designs create connected spaces.

Once three bearing walls separating the kitchen from the dining room, foyer and living room were removed and new

the kitchen and wine bar which greatly expands the storage space and made the area much more functional.

structural supports inserted, the kitchen was extended into the

“Once we created the space, we moved on to the aesthet-

dining room and connected to the living room. To create even

ics,” says Sonny. “The elegance of this project comes from the

more of an open feel, the ceiling was raised.

upscale stainless steel appliances, exotic quartz countertops and

“Once we created the space, we could begin the kitchen and

distressed-look porcelain linear floor. The contrasting white wall

living room design,” says Sonny. “The homeowner wanted a

cabinets and grey island storage picks up colors in the counter-

modern kitchen with lots of storage, upgraded appliances, new

tops and floor, which really creates a modern upscale look.”

counter tops and flooring.”

The large island also serves as a place to sit.

Now, when you look through the kitchen and living area

A large island with a cooktop and stainless steel hood,

upon entering the home, the lake can be seen shimmering

with an overhang for seating, became the centerpiece of the

through the sliding glass doors and it makes for a stunning

kitchen. A butler area with a wine chiller and glass cabinets

entrance and living environment.

was installed as a wine bar for easy access from the new din-

“I never thought I would see the day that I can cook and enter-

ing and living rooms. New cabinets now line the walls through

tain in my dream kitchen,” the homeowner says almost in tears.

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

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TREND SETTER

H O U S E C LE A N I N G H E R O E S K I LL S C OV I D AND A HOST OF OTHER VIRUSES

WITHOUT HARMING YOU, YOUR PETS OR THE ENVIRONMENT

COVID HAS MADE ALL OF US MORE CONSCIOUS OF CLEANLINESS – ESPECIALLY OF THE KINDS OF PRODUCTS THAT KILL GERMS. Like you, we wondered: how is it possible to kill all the germs and not harm the environment? Dawn Crawley, owner of House Cleaning Heroes, is a font of information on the subject, so we asked her about the practices she uses to keep her employees, her clients and the environment safe.

Dawn says there are three classifications of cleaning and it’s important to know the difference. “There is sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Sanitation and disinfection are very similar. Both methods can kill viruses like COVID-19 and the two vary by just .01% in effectiveness. Sterilization occurs when you use very hot water at around 250 degrees F, or the point at which it creates steam. With most

Dawn Crawley: House Cleaning Hero

viruses, very hot water and soap kills a lot of it. To disinfect, we use a product that is eco-friendly and kills not only COVID-19 but all CORONA viruses, norovirus, blood-born pathogens and more.”

“It’s very safe; it’s not harmful. We do wear masks and goggles to apply the product but the dwell time is only 2-5

“You can put it in a spray bottle and clean touch-

minutes and it kills multiple viruses. I recommend this to

point surfaces like door handles, light-switches,

people even apart from COVID if there’s something going

countertops and any surface people will touch

around like a stomach flu.”

ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

frequently. This product can also be used in an

electrostatic sprayer. Electrostatic spraying has

Something else she’s passionate about is that “smell

been around for longer than COVID. How it works is

does not equal clean.” She gets it – her generation used

it electro-charges a molecule and causes the mol-

Pine-Sol. But she asserts, “The smells that we’ve associated

ecule to attach to surfaces, even spaces that can’t

with cleanliness, won’t necessarily be present when we’ve

be reached with a cloth. If I’m cleaning with a rag

completely sanitized your home. If you want it to smell like a

and spraying, that’s the first line of defense, but an

particular scent, just provide us with an essential oil that you

electrostatic sprayer, which House Cleaning Heroes

like and we’ll use it.” The main reason she doesn’t use prod-

employs via a portable backpack, reaches and cov-

ucts with heavy odors like Pine-Sol or bleach, is the odor’s

ers the whole surface.”

effects on house cleaners, who may be doing two or three

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

House Cleaning Heroes: On a Mission to Save Your Weekend

houses a day. “They’re not just bad for the environment, bad

“Ask, does it look clean?” Dawn says. Environmental

for my employees, and so bad for you too!” If you can smell

toxins create allergies – even pets have allergies! So, it’s

bleach in the shower, then that is getting on your skin.

much safer just to eliminate perfumes along with the dirt that causes odors that actually could be bad for you.

Her quest for safe, effective cleaning products started years ago when she visited a job site where her worker was

HOUSE CLEANING HEROES USES GREEN

cleaning with bleach and she came away with a headache.

PRODUCTS THAT:

She began a perpetual search for products that work, that

+ Kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria

clean well and kill germs, but that are still safe for employees

+ Have a broad-spectrum disinfectant

and homeowners. “I’m so sensitive now to the more toxic

+ Eliminate and control odors

cleaning products that I can smell them when they’re in cab-

+ Remove mold and mildew stains

inets and fumes are leaking out into the home. Why would

+ Comply with OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard

you want to use such a product when there are much better,

+ Provide food contact sanitization

more effective ways to clean?” she asks.

+ Are effective against Clostridium difficile and spores.

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

Dan Hine Founder & CEO EatLoco, LLC

I am continually asked how EatLoco markets are so different from other markets that have been around for much longer. It starts with our 2-fold mission statement. To our Customers: We strive to bring you only the best vetted professional vendors offering only high-quality, high-grade, locally made, government inspected food products that are both safe and delicious for you and your families. And to our Vendors, we promise to bring you a clean, well managed and well organized market each week, with rules, enforced guidelines and professional marketing services along the way. With almost 200 vendor applicants this year so far, our greatest challenge is to not over-saturate the market with any one vendor type, producing less than desirable end-of-day sales for our vendors as well as a more than frustrating shopping experience for our customers.

VEGETABLES

SPECIALITY FOODS

SERVED HOT AT THE MARKET

Asparagus Eggplant Basil Fennel Beans Garlic Beets Gourds Bell peppers Leaks Black-eyes Lettuce peas Microgreens Broccoli Onions Brussels Peas sprouts Potatoes Cabbage Radishes Califlowers Rosemary Carrots Spinach Celery Squash Cilento Sweet potatoes Collards Tomatoes Corn on the cob Zucchini Cucumber

Beef Jerky CBD items Fermented Foods Fresh cut flowers Granola Hibiscus drink Ice Cream Jams & Jellies Kettlecorn Kimchi Kombucha Nuts Pasta sauce Pet Food and Treats Pickles Potted plants Queso Dip Roasted Nuts Silk Flowers Soups Spices

BBQ ribs & brisket Empanadas Fresh Bagels & Cream Cheese Mexican food Peruvian Rotisserie chicken Turkish Wraps

Providing a wider selection of food vendors that give customers more unique food choices they wouldn’t find anywhere else, is more of our “secret sauce”. While most markets have fruits, vegetables, breads and coffees, EatLoco markets provide those items PLUS hundreds more, like freshly made bagels, homemade fudge, fresh made empanadas, kettle corn made on the spot, cookies stuffed with Nutella and Oreo cookie (yes you read that right), African spices, and tons of locally prepared-meals from several different ethnic cultures. We’re not your Fathers Farmers Market, heck, we’re not even your older brother’s farmers market. We’re YOUR farmers market. We’re here to serve you and your community every week of the year. Vendor Directory: www.eatloco.org/Directory Faces of EatLoco: www.eatloco.org/FacesOfEatLoco

www.EatLoco.org One Loudoun Market Saturdays, 9AM-1PM Atwater Drive

Brambleton Market Sundays, 9AM-1PM Corner of Olympia and Legacy

PREPARED MEALS TO GO Caribbean meals Chinese meals Healthy Prepared Meals Louisionly style meals Quiche Savory pies Thai prepared meals

Your Modern-Day Farmers Market PROTEINS Bacon Beef Chicken Fish Lamb Lobster

Pork Rabbit Sausages Steaks Turkey

BREADS & SWEETS Brownies Cakes Cupcakes Fresh Breads Fudge

Muffins Pies Scones Strudel Stuffed cookies

FRUITS

DRINKS

Apples Blackberries Blueberries Cherries Cantaloupe Nectarines Peaches Pears Plums Raspberries Strawberries Watermelon

All natural juices Coffee Flavored milk Hibiscus drinks Kombucha Teas

DAIRY Cheese curds Flavored milk Goat cheese Skim Milk Whole Milk

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HOT SPOT

A LOUDOUNER'S GUIDE TO VIRGINIA'S HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK Oak Spring Garden

VIRGINIA’S

HISTORIC

GARDEN

WEEK RETURNS THIS YEAR APRIL 17TH-24TH WITH SOME OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING GARDENS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. With last year’s event canceled for the first time since World War II, it’s especially refreshing to know Historic Garden Week is happening rain or shine with social distancing measures in place. But with 30 unique tours across the Commonwealth, it can be daunting finding your way around all the tours and know exactly where to go. That’s why we’ve created a guide specifically to the sites you must see in and around Loudoun County.

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

HISTORIC M I D D L E B U R G T O U R ( A P R I L 2 3 R D -2 4 T H )

ARTICLE SHAYDA WINDLE | PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGIANA WATT, MISSY JANES, ROGER FOLEY, BROOKE MYATT

ASHLEIGH, 3252 Winchester Road, Delaplane

This Greek Revival country house was built in 1840

on land that was originally part of Chief Justice John

White Hall Estate

Marshall’s estate, Oak Hill. The home was designed by Marshall’s granddaughter, Margaret Marshall Smith. The formal gardens contain English and American boxwoods, towering holly trees, sculpture and perennial plantings, including a spectacular center aisle of peonies. Melanie Blunt, owner of the Ashleigh house tells us, “We’re so excited the house is on the garden tour this year and we can share it with visitors. They’ll be able to see many American and English boxwoods which we’re fortunate to have given the Boxwood blight that caused so much devastation in the area.” Barry Starke, a local architect, designed a shallow reflecting pool and a beautiful fountain which will be new for visitors to see this year. A redbud arch leads to the heated pool and stone patio adjoining the pool house.

Reflecting pool at the Ashleigh House Gardens at White Hall

WHITE HALL, 6551 Main Street, The Plains White Hall, located in the Plains, was originally a wood framed house built in 1903. After several renovations, this Greek Revival house was covered in stucco in the early 20th century then overlaid with brick by mid-century. In 2019, 28 new trees were installed to update and complement the existing mature landscape. The front walk is bordered with ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas, ‘Wintergreen’ boxwood and crepe myrtles; plumbago and plum yew provide ground cover. The front wall is graced with magnolia, while ‘Yoshino’ cherry trees line the service driveway.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

GARDENS HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Only a limited number of tickets will be available and on sale from mid-March. The Oak Spring estate was the home of Paul Mellon (19071999) and Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon (1910-2014), two of the greatest philanthropists of the late 20th century. Bunny was most known and revered for her brilliance in garden design, which began at a young age, and is considered to be crowned by her design of the Kennedy’s White House Rose Garden. Visitors will have a chance to see part of the main residence and the walled garden which was designed by Bunny Mellon and includes espaliered fruit trees, two reflecting pools, and a bridge to a garden pavilion. Beyond the north wall, an arbor leads to the formal greenhouse with two further reflecting pools.

O A K S P R I N G T O U R ( A P R I L 2 3 R D -2 4 T H )

*The Oak Spring ticket includes admission to Oak Spring only.

While you’re in town for Historic Garden Week, stop by these must-see sites to experience more of Bunny Mellon’s gardening legacy.

Front Doors to Trinity Episcopal Church

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 9108 John S Mosby Hwy, Upperville Many don’t know that Bunny Mellon did far more than just design gardens. Stop by to see this historic site and the gardens she created which include a beautiful cobblestone courtyard surrounding a Hackberry tree, Bunny's famous crab apple trees, and some hearty orange trees were beloved by her "because they were a place for the birds to nest,” Linda Jane Holden, author of The Gardens of Bunny Mellon, tells us. Linda's 300-page book is filled with information and stunning images of the gardens Bunny Mellon designed. Trinity Episcopal Church boasts unique wrought iron lanterns and elements that she sourced specifically for the church redesign. The antique double doors to the church operate with handmade hinges and pulls in the shapes of horse heads, a “subtle Greenhouse at Oak Spring

nod to Upperville’s location in the heart of hunt country,” Linda says. Visitors have the chance to see the “Mellon Close” behind the church, the cemetery where Bunny and her family were laid to rest.

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

JEWELRY - GIFTS - APPAREL

Trinity Episcopal Church

IN-HOUSE JEWELRY REPAIR

Creme de la Creme

CUSTOM DESIGN

CRÈME-DE-LA-CRÈME, 23 E Washington St, Middleburg Creme- de-la-Creme is a quaint boutique inspired by French and Italian living with a touch of southern hospitality, carrying a unique collection of intriguing finds for visitors new and old. The store is located in the heart of hunt country in the village of Middleburg, Virginia. Stop by Crème-de-la-Crème anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 23rd or 24th for a book signing hosted by Linda Jane Holden, author of both The Gardens of Bunny Mellon and Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon.

visit our NEW LOCATION at numerous local outlets listed by tour, or online at

212 Catoctin Circle, SE

www.vagardenweek.org where the full Guidebook is

always@kettermans.com . 703.777.0033 . www.kettermans.com

Advance tickets to Historic Garden Week are available

also available for purchase.

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

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Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

settle for

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Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

M E L I N DA

HOW RAPHAELA O’BRIEN TAMES TECHNOLOGY TO SAVE TIME, MONEY, AND ENERGY

D PH OTO

THE AUTOMATION ANGEL: LE

The latter might make use of refrigerator sensors to monitor grocery needs, motion sensors in the bedroom or bathroom to make sure older adults are still getting around, or even hidden cameras to monitor in-home health-care providers or companions. None of these appliances are substitutions for personalized attention, but help preserve older relatives’ autonomy while still being able to look after them in a supporting role. AUTOMATED HOME APPLIANCES CARRY WITH THEM THE

Ella typically begins by asking her clients about the pain points

PROMISE OF LOWER UTILITY BILLS AND INNUMERABLE TIME

they want automation to solve. “People with young children may be

SAVINGS – IF YOU COULD JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO INSTALL

most annoyed by the lights being left on so we look at whether they’d

AND CONFIGURE THEM! Admit it, if you’ve been tempted by, but

find it easier to have motion sensors installed or if they’d rather have

passed on, buying one of those “Google Nest Learning Thermostats”

lightbulbs that they can turn on and off via an app on their phones.

from Costco, what stops you is the nagging suspicion that these giz-

Do they want analytics to find out when there is no one in the room

mos are smarter than we are.

the lights turn off so they can address the problem with a click, or

That’s not an indictment of our “DIY” intelligence, only our vary-

do they want the system to regulate itself?” As another example, she

ing patience with technology installation and integration. We may

offers, “We hear couples say, ‘I’m always cold but he’s always hot

adore the idea of “smart” devices but don’t have a clue how to

and we’re trying to sleep in the same room together,’ so we’ll work

make them work for us with the calm assurance of someone who

to find a compromise where one part of the house is warmer and

actually knows what they’re doing.

another is cooler.” Bottom line, “We’re just focused on what drives

Enter Raphaela O’Brien, Angel of Automation. Raphaela (Ella to

them the most insane at home.”

CONTINUED >

her friends), like her namesake, tackles the demonic complexity of home automation and entertainment systems in all their disparate forms, and angelically, capably bends them to her customers’ will. “I wanted to make people’s lives easier by helping them use automation in their homes, in their business, and in their life in general,” she says. Her 100% woman-owned business is called AIVI Global, where AIVI stands for Automation, Integration,

must-try + Smar t T hermos tat + Smar t T V and Gaming Sys tems + Voice Ac tivated Sys tems

Visual and Infrastructure – all elements of the technologies the company employs to unleash convenience and utility. Though she’s not herself an engineer, she worked in the architectural and engineering field after college and has an uncanny understanding for how technology can transform our lives in practical ways. AIVI began as a security firm focused on helping businesses

Raphaela: Unafraid of Technology or Tools

install security cameras and sensors. Her own appreciation for how hard it can be to understand and properly deploy autonomous systems residentially led her to reach out to help homeowners too. Now, most of her customers are either growing families looking to variously conserve energy or end temperature regulation disputes; or those looking to automate and monitor the homes of loved ones determined to “age in place.”

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

THE AUTOMATION ANGEL (CONTINUED)

and IT integrators. “Depending on what you’re interested in automating and integrating, we can pull that together for you,” she says; even if it’s as simple as configuring that Google Nest you decided to buy. “We do that all day, every day!” Being a woman-owned business makes her more appreciative of the aesthetics of installing various forms of technology, whether it comes down to hiding cords in the installation of high-end entertainment systems, or the color of smart thermostat covers. With her characteristic good humor, Ella says this sensibility uniquely equips her Using analytics to determine where families spend

Recently, she was moved by the impact her company

water are being wasted obviously generates savings.

had on an older customer’s personal life. When he moved

Since the pandemic has more people spending much

to a downsized living situation and bought a new, larger

more time at home, those savings can be even more

home entertainment system, she asked him if he wanted

substantial, and the biggest of all potential savings may

them to install Alexa voice commands. He didn’t think he’d

be sensors on plumbing that could burst and generate

use them, but said, “Sure, go ahead.”

thousands of dollars in water bills before the home owner is even aware it has malfunctioned.

The week following, he was unpacking boxes and took a tumble down the stairs, injuring his dominant arm

It may sound simple, but the key to Ella’s success may

– the same one he uses for most menial things like his

simply be in not generating more annoyance than auto-

TV remote. “He called us to thank us that he didn’t have

mation is designed to solve. “You have to find what works

to struggle to watch his favorite shows or listen to music

best for each family,” Ella says. “Some people like to get

throughout the house. He was ecstatic and said, ‘It’s a

the pop-up alerts on their phone that say, ‘hey, Johnny just

game-changer! I’m so spoiled now.’”

went out the front door,’ or ‘Becky left the bathroom light

She’d agree about the impact of voice technology,

on.’ Other people just want the lights to go off, they don’t

though her own uses are as simple as turning out the

want to think about it or press anything.... You also don’t

lights by saying, “Good Night,” or turning off the Internet

want to put in a solution that forces someone to always

in the kid’s rooms when it’s time for bed on a school night.

have to call their kids or grandkids to help them figure out

“Sometimes the small things can make a big difference.”

how to work it. We always consider how tech-savvy the person is and how much they’re willing to learn, and find a solution that will work for them.” AIVI Global (https://www.aiviglobal.com/) offers a few generic packages using a short list of best-in-breed autonomous tools that work for most people, but is willing to customize solutions based on the lifestyles of any family. Tools of her trade include smart locks, smart lights, smart thermostats, utility bill analysis, smart plugs, apps and sensors, and she employs specialists from HVAC technicians, plumbers and electricians to Audio-Visual

to “un-man-cave the family room for everyone.”

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dig it! HELP JK COMMUNITY FARM RAISE ORGANIC PRODUCE AND PROTEIN FOR LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES THIS SPRING

ARTICLE KRISTIN ROCK, INKWELL CREATIVE ELEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA KUHN

Farm Manager Mike Smith in Greenhouse with Board Member, Brad Nicklin

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

" Part of our work is t o educ ate our community t h at growing is bet ter t h an buying bec ause it st reng t hens our connection t o our food sources," expl ains Samant h a. "I t 's t he difference between easy and quality."

GROWING IS WHAT THE JK COMMUNITY

JK Community Farm grows produce and

FARM DOES BEST. In the last year, the

raises beef, pork and eggs exclusively for food

organization attracted more than 7,000 vol-

pantries in Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, and

unteers, doubled the land used for growing

soon D.C. The goal is to combat the socio-

produce, and increased their donations

economic issues that often prevent families

to the area’s largest food pantries to more

from getting the healthy food their bodies

than 300,000 pounds of food! If that’s hard

need. Kuhn acknowledges the incredible

to imagine, it’s the equivalent of 250,000

community support that helps others fill bags

meals, including more than 5,000 peppers.

with packaged staples each week, but credits

Pepper-planting logistics are on Executive Director Samantha Kuhn’s mind this month.

the farm for its critical focus on adding fresh, locally grown food to that mix.

The effort comes down to two critical days in

“Part of our work is to educate our com-

May. That’s when the nonprofit farm hosts its

munity that growing is better than buying

annual Plant-A-Thon. The event coordinates

because it strengthens our connection to our

volunteers, working in two-hour shifts, to

food sources,” explains Samantha. “It’s the

plant ALL of this summer season’s crops. It’s

difference between easy and quality. Nutrients

a giant undertaking, but Samantha is follow-

matter. Freshness is something you can taste.”

ing the family tradition of doing things big.

This spring, the farm will plant sweet

Charles Kuhn, Samantha’s father, is the

and white potatoes, lettuce, corn, zucchini,

founder of JK Moving, now the country’s

watermelon, cucumbers, carrots, eggplant,

largest

moving

asparagus, and more than a dozen varieties

company. The Kuhn family has also been

of hot peppers, a clear favorite listed in sur-

a force in preservation efforts in Loudoun,

veys of the families it feeds.

independently-owned

purchasing land parcels to place into con-

“The farm represents the essence of

servation easements including the Westpark

Loudoun. What we’ve seen is that people here

golf course, Stumptown Woods, and the

really want to help each other,” said Samantha.

150-acres that are now home to the JK

Chuckling, Farm Manager, Mike Smith adds,

Community Farm.

“We only planted four acres our first year

The farm’s mission tackles a big challenge, too: food insecurity.

because we were worried that volunteers wouldn’t show up. We don’t worry anymore.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

DIG IT! (CONTINUED) Indeed, growing food takes many hands. The farm only employs two full-timers – Samantha and Mike – relying heavily on help from volunteers that include employees from JK Moving and numerous other businesses, families, and even schoolchildren. “Our littlest volunteers are the best part of our program,” says Samantha. “We had a group of kindergarten and first graders sched-

Volunteer Taylor Brown Introduces Baby Hank to Farm-Fresh Kale.

uled to come out to plant kale, and we figured they would plant a single row and be done. But they planted the whole field, and it was one of our best-growing crops.” The farm received a grant from 100 Women Strong last year to build bio-intensive beds. These 40’ raised beds are filled with nutrient-dense soil for year-round growing. The good stuff in the soil results in produce that grows faster and contains more nutrients. The farm also uses other sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and cover crops. “Our food pantry partners see more of a need than ever before,” says Samantha, “We want to grow as much as possible to saturate our food pantries. And then encourage other communities to duplicate our model.”

Mother and Son at Plant-A-Thon

YOU CAN DIG IT! The JK Community Farm is registering volunteers for its 2021 Plant-A-Thon, May 22 and 23, from 8 am to 6 pm. Individuals, parents and children, and groups can register at the new website https://www.jkcommunityfarm.org for a time slot and instructions for safe, socially-distant planting. The farm also needs volunteers to cultivate and harvest this summer, and accepts donations from home gardeners and hobby farmers.

JK Community Farm Exec. Dir. Samantha Kuhn in Greenhouse

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

Cigna Volunteers Brought Their Families To Help

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

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HOW A MS DIAGNOSIS LED TO A CLEAN SKINCARE COMPANY

ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

NATALIE WHITE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN JULY OF 2014, AND CREDITS THE DIAGNOSIS WITH SAVING HER LIFE. Her husband Mitch had been running a health foods business at the time and they already believed in a “clean living, clean eating” lifestyle, so she began a search for how to treat her symptoms naturally, without the aid of medications – which didn’t promise a cure. They quickly found The Wahls Protocol, a book by Dr. Terry Wahls, M.D., which detailed a revolutionary ketogenic nutrition plan to treat chronic autoimmune conditions. Dr. Wahls, a committed athlete, was so disabled by rapidly advancing MS that she was in a tilt/recline wheelchair when she began experimenting with nutritionally dense foods to treat her condition. Her book detailing a seemingly miraculous recovery, clinical trials, a therapeutic lifestyle clinic at the Veteran’s Administration and cookbook followed. For Mitch and Natalie, adopting the keto-based diet were similarly life-changing.

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

B E W E L L C O M PA N Y S K I N C A R E :

HOMETOWN HERO

Natalie, the 'Skincare Chef' in Studio

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Replenish Oil Roller

Exfoliator

Natalie was virtually bed-ridden with pain, fatigue, brain-fog,

During this period of discovery Natalie

migraines, and tingling for a year before a full blown relapse had

found that, “the average woman places 515

her unable to walk without falling. She had slurred speech and

toxic chemicals on her body every single day.”

impaired vision. Scared and exasperated, Mitch carried her into

Skincare isn’t regulated like food is, so she

the ER were an MRI revealed clusters of lesions were covering

found it difficult to find natural skincare prod-

portions of her brain and spine. Her neurologist confirmed that it

ucts that worked and she felt confident in using.

was indeed MS. “He said, ‘There is no cure. Here’s a pamphlet of

“I knew that whatever I was placing on my body

all the drugs available that may help slow the progression of the

was going directly into my blood stream.”

disease; pick the drug cocktail that you want to start with, and let’s

Already making delicious food for her body,

see if you like them,” Natalie recalls. He also prepared her that a

she began creating delicious skin food recipes

wheelchair would be in her future as she continued to decline. That

to feed her skin. At 44, she launched be well

was seven years ago; she was just 42.

company skincare.

“The Wahls Protocol absolutely worked for me,” said Natalie, “We

“I wanted to give people clean products that

changed our food immediately, going completely organic with zero pre-

would deliver outstanding results immediately,”

servatives. That was the beginning of our real clean eating, clean living

Natalie explains. “I am out to change the mis-

lifestyle,” Natalie says. Within days she began to feel better. “Within a

conception that natural skincare doesn’t work.”

week, I was able to walk and talk and my brain fog was lifting, Mitch and

Most skincare products contain water as

I looked at each other in disbelief.” They continued exploring “toxic free

one of the first 3 ingredients, which ultimately

living” to include other products with which they surrounded their lives.

causes mold, and explains why they’re loaded

Within six months Natalie had reversed 90% of her symptoms.

with preservatives. be well company products CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

I T W I L L B E T H E K I N D O F D E S T I N AT I O N WHERE YOU ARE DR AWN TO BE, A P L A C E T O F E E L I N S P I R E D, D I S C O V E R S O M E T H I N G N E W, O R F I N D H E A L I N G

are made fresh with zero preservatives in their

Natalie desires for her recipes. Still, no obstacle

home studio in Lucketts. “Our ingredients are

is too great for a couple that vanquished a seem-

real, recognizable and as close to nature as pos-

ingly “incurable” disease, and their goals are as

sible.” Retail demands a 24-month shelf-life, so

boundless as their energy.

be well company went the opposite direction and

Ultimately, the Whites envision the business

chose to sell exclusively online making it fresh

expanding to include a be well company wellness

and direct to the consumer.

center that shares the lifestyle choices and food

She calls herself “the Skincare Chef” and seeks

they used to reverse Natalie’s MS symptoms and

to inspire everyone to make one healthier choice

techniques they’ve made part of their own lives. “It

today and feel amazing in their skin at every age.

will be the kind of destination where you are drawn

She chooses superfood ingredients for the products

to be, a place to feel inspired, discover something

that create an “entourage” effect, working synergis-

new, or find healing” Natalie says. And, it’s a vision

tically together to magnify their properties. She only

for which Loudoun County may be ideally suited.

uses USDA certified organic food grade ingredients, explaining, “You shouldn’t have to Google what’s

Where to start: https://bewellcompany.com/

in your skincare,” she explains. “Most skincare

The “Get Me Started” kit contains the 3 founda-

products, even ones claiming to be natural, include

tional products perfect for everyone; a cleansing

known toxins. It’s scary to think that we’ve been

oil, a probiotic toner, and a nourishing face cream.

doing this to ourselves for years.” The body filters

Natalie’s favorite kit is the “Graceful Aging” kit and

the food we put in our belly, but the skin does not

adds, “It’s time we stop the outdated “anti-aging”

have those same filters. She adds; be well company

marketing, as we are all aging.” Their market dis-

products are “literally food for your face.”

ruptor is their multi-award winning natural deodor-

In May, be well company will celebrate its 4th

ant fittingly called “The Best Deodorant” that

birthday and has doubled every year to become

contains zero aluminum which has been linked to

a robust, seven-figure business. Since Covid, it’s

Alzheimer’s. Overall, the best approach to skin care

been a challenge sourcing ingredients from

starts by asking what it is hungry for. For more info

around the world with the specific properties

on products visit the website.

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

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ARTICLE CHANDLER VAN VOORHIS PHOTOGRAPHY ROB BANNER

Trees: Nature's Technology to Tackle Climate Change Chandler Van Voorhis

LISTEN UP, LOUDOUN LANDOWNERS. Rejoining the Paris Accord has far-reaching implications for you, especially if your land has room for more trees! According to World Resource Institute (WRI), every Paris Accord model for reducing global warming relies on massively scaling up carbon removal with natural climate solutions. That translates to planting more trees — a lot of them — while at the same time earning money from carbon producers in exchange. Carbon removal is the process of taking carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere and storing it. Carbon removal is distinctly different from carbon reduction. Simply, a carbon reduction is about being “less bad” for the environment like switching from coal to gas or from gas to wind/solar. Each move to a lower-emitting technology represents a reduction of emissions. Carbon removal, on the other hand, is about repairing the past. There are two primary ways to remove carbon from the atmosphere. The first is through biological systems, and the second is mechanical. Mechanical solutions are neither scalable nor cheap. So, the whole world is looking at how to scale up the biological approaches like afforestation, reforestation, agriculture, and grassland restoration. For us, that means thinking of trees as a technology — Mother Nature’s technology. The former Chairman and CEO of Duke Energy, Jim Rogers, once told me, “there are two forms of intellection property — technological and how you get to scale. Most technologies fail on how you get to scale.”

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

Reducing carbon emissions is a corporate commitment. Removing carbon emissions is about growing trees at scale. Plant trees, and you plant hope.

Chandler Van Voorhis

With Mother Nature, scale is everywhere! But

produce oxygen, and provide habitat to many species.

what’s needed is a way of encouraging people effi-

Recognizing the importance of nature, Microsoft’s

ciently and effectively to restore lands. Think of it as

commitment to be carbon negative by 2030 includes

harnessing and mimicking the genius of nature.

eliminating all the emissions the company has ever put

Two important developments have turned trees

into the atmosphere since its founding in 1975. The only

into a different kind of cash crop. First, at Davos,

way to achieve the company’s goal is to scale-up nature

the former head of the Bank of England, released a

while it invests in a greener future through renewables.

report entitled, Scaling Up The Voluntary Markets

Our company GreenTrees (https://www.green-

(https://www.iif.com/tsvcm). This report repre-

trees.com/) is contributing to Microsoft’s natural

sented a consensus by major banks, companies, and

solution by providing a substantial part of their 1m tons

market participants to scale up natural climate solu-

of carbon removal. The nearly 600 landowners who

tions by a factor of 15 by 2030 and by a factor of 100

participate in our ACRE Investment Management,

by 2050. More than 1000 companies have pledged to

LLC are the beneficiary. As their trees grow, they earn

be carbon neutral by then. The report calls for 7 billion

money from the annual year over year growth, paid to

tons of carbon reduction to be produced from natural

them by carbon producers.

climate solutions by 2030, and that puts a price on

Microsoft’s leadership is drawing other businesses

carbon to these companies, equivalent to greater

into the fight to address climate change, and they

than the amount they generate in their businesses.

need landowners to join the fight. We view land-

The second key development was Microsoft’s Carbon

owners as first responders to climate change. Every

Removal Announcement (http://bit.ly/MSCarbon)

land-use decision can have a profound impact on

In this plan, Microsoft illustrates how much effort it will

how humanity tackles this issue together, and can

take to become carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft has

make Loudoun County and our region a lynchpin for

decided not only to invest heavily in renewables and

positive change. Reach out and learn how.

efficiencies to lower its carbon impact, but to scale up its investments in natural climate solutions. This is where

Chandler Van Voorhis is the Co-founder and Man-

nature and carbon removal comes in.

aging Partner of ACRE Investment Management

Again, think of trees as a technology. As trees

(www.acre-investment.com), recipient of the 2002

grow, they take in carbon dioxide, store the carbon,

ChevronTexaco Conservation Award, and a member of

and release oxygen. Trees purify the air, clean water,

the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE HANN LIVINGSTON

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW CRUSH AT SPRING HOUSE FARM

PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTE LINTHICUM

E A RT H - F R I E N DLY FA R M I N G

Andrew Crush Tends the Land as well as his Herds

WE SAT DOWN WITH ANDREW CRUSH, OWNER AND FARMER AT SPRING HOUSE FARM. Along with his wife, Liz, and children Amelia and Wyatt, they raise pasture-raised and forest-finished pork, grass fed and finished beef, poultry, eggs, lamb, goats and honey in Loudoun County. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FARMING? We started this as a hobby farm on 10 acres in Lovettsville, just raising a few animals and experimenting. We liked having meat and produce with flavor and it grew from there. Now we manage 400 acres on four different farms. We get up to 150 cows and 80 pigs during the growing season and back our numbers down for the non-growing season. HOW DOES YOUR PROCESS HELP THE ENVIRONMENT WHILE PRODUCING GREAT PROTEIN? It all starts with the soil quality. If we allow the environment

Spring and nest. An adult pair can eat 8,000 flies a day, so we can raise our animals without pesticides or nasty chemicals.

to deteriorate then the grass and the grain won’t grow well,

All of our acreage that we manage is in Loudoun County. Our

which effects the animals and our bottom line. We asked our-

philosophy is that if we take care of the land and manage it prop-

selves, how do we improve this without putting a lot of fertilizer

erly, you can bring it out of peril quickly, you can raise excellent

on the ground? So we switched to a regenerative agricultural

produce and animals, and it can become profitable for farming.

model three years ago to improve the soil, and we work very

If the only people who stand to make money off of the land are

hard to improve the ground first and constantly analyze the

developers, then it is going to be developed.

soil and water absorption. (To learn more about Regenerative Agriculture, check out the movie: Kiss The Ground on Netflix.) We are moving herds constantly depending on our

DO YOUR FARMING PRACTICES IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR PRODUCTS?

desired effects and weather. Cattle are moved between once

When pork is raised in small areas in mass quantities, they get

a day and 9 times per day in certain scenarios. If we know

their vitamin D and nutrients through vitamin packs and genet-

we are going to have a lot of snow or rain and mud, we move

ically modified corn. Our pigs graze on pasture and then forage

the animals to higher ground so we don’t kill the natural

on the mountain, eating worms, plants, snakes, root balls, grape

grass. The grass stays in place and we have less run-off into

skins from the vineyards and brewer’s mash from breweries. The

streams. We haven’t been affected by any drought since we

flavor of pork is in the fat and our method creates a superior din-

started the program where most other farmers in the area

ing experience right at home.

have been. A typical operation doesn’t move the herd much and that negatively affects the soil. We have even installed 50 Tree Swallow houses around the cow pastures. As a migratory bird, they come in the

Leesburg Lifestyle | April 2021

To learn more and find information on their farm store in Hamilton and Sterling, visit https://www.springhouse.farm/. You can also find them at the One Loudoun EatLoco market.

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