Issuu

Our Thanksgiving Issue

WHAT ‘FREEDOM FROM WANT’ MEANS

N OV E M B E R 2 02 3

Our goal is to help you pursue yours. It’s that simple. At Merrill, we’ll help you get ready for the future with a financial approach that’s designed for you.

The Eveland Group Jeff Eveland, CFP®, CRPC™, CPFA® Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 3 South King Street Leesburg, VA 20175

703.779.2130 j_eveland@ml.com

fa.ml.com/evelandgroup

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. owns the service marks Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo, and the certification marks Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP5514095 | AD-07-23-0443 | 470948PM-0223 | 07/2023

Architect: Cawood Architecture, PLLC Photo by Christy Kosnic

Building Beautiful Homes in Hunt Country

Serving Loudoun County from our Purcellville office

AL AIRHUNTCOUNTRY.COM

Top-of-the-Line Service | Professional Installation

Call your local fencing experts today for a FREE QUOTE!

(571) 520-2225

Take $200 Off Installation Restrictions apply. Offer valid for full fence installation only in the Northern Virginia location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. One discount per household. Offer valid through June 30th. No cash value. Void if altered, copied, transferred, or sold. This is an independently owned and operated franchise.

Time for a New Fence?

Beauty. Safety. Security.

Scan to Learn More

It's the perfect time to start planning for a new fence. Explore our huge selection of aluminum, vinyl, and wood fencing in all your favorite colors and styles.

Financing Available

T O PR A IL F E NC E . CO M / L O CA TI O N S / N O RT H E R NV I RG IN I A

Optimize Your

Hormones

with Loop Wellness Clinic

Choose a

Healthier Future Today with Loop Wellness Clinic

Discover how Loop Wellness Clinic can revitalize your life by optimizing your hormones, helping you shed excess weight, and rejuvenating your overall health.

scan the code to learn more.

Where Quality is Our trademark.

22560 Glenn Dr. Suite 111, Sterling, Virginia 20164 | 703-424-9449 | sunburstdeck.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Freedom from Want

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@citylifestyle.com

Norman Rockwell painted “Freedom from Want” in 1942 and it was published on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1943. According to Wikipedia, it caused some distress in Europe which was then suffering dire privation during the height of WWII. But to view the painting itself 80 years later, framed by the meditation it took to reproduce the work for modern times, became itself an exercise in thanksgiving. What looked lavish in the eyes of war-torn Europe, for example, looks sparse by comparison to today’s holiday feasts. Before the excited gaze of a family seated at close quarters is a truly awesome turkey, true, but then just a few stalks of celery, a dish of home-canned gherkins and some table grapes. Not only all the people, but even the tablecloth and the China were white. Maybe the pie was in the kitchen. My point being -- we may well long for those family Thanksgivings of years gone by, but should do so because of the dear ones we miss having by our sides. Our personal prosperity and the bounty of our celebrations are unrivaled in history, and rarely experienced in other parts of the world. We can be grateful that those gathered around our own table – friends from the Bank of Clarke, and a special friend, Monti Mercer, who won last year’s Young Professionals Leadership Award from the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce – are all committed to building a stronger community together that is enriched by its diversity and its propensity to give to others in need. I'll also offer special thanks to my son, chef Jonathan Clawson in the lower right corner, who created a made-to-order Thanksgiving dinner with ALL the trimmings, just because I asked. (Leave yourself time to brine the turkey in herbs and apple cider; you won't be sorry!) I’ll also note that, poignantly, this proved to be our last Thanksgiving meal together with my mom, Anna Ruth Gipson, a member of The Greatest Generation, who gave everything to cement our values and secure our future. Please take the time to count your blessings this holiday season, starting with the family and friends who make every day worth living, and turn that gratitude into giving as you’re able. We can, together, set a table that is worth remembering and passing on for generations to come.

M E L I N DA G I P S O N , E D I TO R I A L C O O R D I N ATO R @LEESBURGLIFESTYLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/LEESBURG |

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise 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 area’s 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

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Prince Movers has been the #1 Leading moving company in the DMV and surrounding areas since 2014. Fair prices, superior quality, and exceptional customer service are guaranteed when you work with us. We are licensed, insured, and bonded.

Moving • Packing and Moving • Moving and Storage Local and Long Distance Moving

571-246-6194 • princemovers.com

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

20 Celebrating ‘Freedom From Want’

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Limelight FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

Hometown Hero A RTS + C U LT U R E

Local’s Choice A RTS + C U LT U R E

Inspired By A RTS + C U LT U R E

Giving Back LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Chef ’s Selection FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Thanking the Bank of Clarke for Giving Back

26 “Walk Through Fire”

Sheila Johnson’s Memoir of Love, Loss and Triumph

30 A Place to Be Takes Center Stage

New Therapy and Performance Center Opens in Village of Leesburg

42 Ringing in the Season

A Joyful Way to Help The Salvation Army Do the Most Good

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: MJLStudios From left: Bank of Clarke’s Traci Heflin (branch manager in Purcellville) and John Stokely (board); Monti Mercer (Janelia Community Relations Manager); Bank of Clarke’s Brandon Lorey (President and CEO), Tanya Matthews (board), Betsy Bennett (branch manager on Leesburg) and Tom Gilpin (Chairman of the Board); and chef Jonathan Clawson.

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

MARQUEL FORBES

MELINDA GIPSON

MARQUEL FORBES

1: Fashion designer Afua Sam acknowledges applause after the P7 Fashion Show the Red Affair benefitting SNMM. 2: Carol Barbe powerful in purple. See here to donate: 99percentcomplete.com/silence-no-more. 3: Silence No More Movement (SNMM), led by Lisa Jones. supports victims of domestic violence. 4: Arizette Carrinho, HomeWell Care Services CEO, was one of those sponsors, seen here with staff. 5: Gift Wyatt opened the show. 6: Stacey Metcalfe highlighted in white. 7: Bold colors ruled the runway.

CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

Join Us for a Season of Giving! We're the bank for that.

For the rest of 2023, our branches have chosen a charity to support through the #GiveWithBoC campaign. Show your support and consider giving at your local branch! #BankLocal

#GiveWithBoC www.bankofclarke.bank

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

7 5

1: Elizabeth Portillo Morejon and Josmar Hernandez Chavez, 2023 Loudoun Laurels Scholarship Recipients 2: Lisa Adams and Chair Phyllis Randall at the Loudoun Laurels celebration. 3: Gary Clemens, Mitra Setayesh and Luiz Taifas at Loudoun Laurels 4: Katie Schneider and Nicole Acosta at Loudoun Laurels 5: Alison and Tony Howard at Loudoun Laurels 6: Karen Schaufeld and David Bosserman of her husband Fred’s company Swan&Legend 7: Betsy Burnett and Mary Lanaghan Photography by Melinda Gipson

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @LeesburgLifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

703-793-8307

LEESBURG LOCATION NOW OPEN! 213 Crescent Station Terrace SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 14006 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Chantilly VA 20151

www.VirginiaKitchenandBath.com

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers Launches Wheelchair-Assisted Transportation Program

Discover the BeanTree Difference. Infants through Kindergarten Specialty Programs Advanced Curriculum Before/After School Ashburn Campus 43629 Greenway Corporate Drive 571.223.3110

Westfields Campus 5003 Westone Plaza Chantilly, VA 703.961.8222

www.beantreelearning.com 16

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

This month Loudoun Volunteer Care-givers launches its WheelchairAssisted Transportation program. With capital raising, financial support from Loudoun County, 100WomenStrong, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Philip Graham Fund, the Morgan Trust, and others, LVC raised enough money to purchase a new Dodge Ram ProMaster high-top van. LVC is looking for volunteers to assist riders, as well as volunteers to help in their other programs. Visit lvcaregivers. org or call Executive Dir. Susan Mandel Giblin at 703.779.8617. Photography: Melinda Gipson

Loudoun Hunger Relief Opens New Food Market Loudoun Hunger Relief’s new Community Services Center, opened in September, includes a newly expanded grocery-style food market centered around a nonprofit hub offering essential human services to people in need. Co-located nonprofits include Loudoun Literacy, Crossroads Jobs, and Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers. The public private partnership project was funded through a $3 million capital campaign with The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation providing the lead gift. Merritt Construction contributed the architecture, building plans and general contracting in-kind.

Personally invested in winning your case. Traffic | Criminal | Business

Photography: Loudoun Hunger Relief

Schedule a Consultation

www.shirafkanlaw.com | (703) 828-4529 CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Protecting What

Matters Most.

John C. Whitbeck

Jim Beglis

Elizabeth Lancaster

Sponsors Sought for Young Actors, Musicians

Our Services Family Law Education Law Estate Planning

StageCoach Foundation, the nonprofit arm of StageCoach Theatre Company, seeks donations and endowments to defray the cost of professional training for needy students and to ensure a vibrant community theatre presence. Speaking for the Foundation, Jerri Wiseman said, “The Arts help with confidence, decision making, communication, and social skills. By sponsoring scholarships and mentorships, the Foundation ensures that all those who want to pursue this passion are not constrained by finances.” Students learn from trained professionals. See stagecoachtc.com/ stagecoach-foundation. Photography: StageCoach 2023 Theatre Summer Acting Camp

Scan to read more.

Mental Health Law Scan QR code to learn more

(703) 777-1795

Want to be featured?

clientservices@wblaws.com WBLaws.com 18

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

Breaking bread, exploring solutions

Celebrating ‘Freedom From Want’ As readers can tell from our cover of this month’s “Thanksgiving” issue, we had an opportunity to break bread with Brandon C. Lorey, President and CEO of the Bank of Clarke, his “Philanthropy Engagement Officer, East and Leesburg branch manager Betsy Bennett, and others from the bank’s C-suite and foundation board in recreating Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom from Want” painting. Color us nostalgic, but sometimes a picture’s worth 1,000 words. Our point? Both in terms of wealth creation and in

giving to local charities, this particular bank has done more than most in keeping “want” from the doors of local families. We turned the occasion into a conversation about why we give and how philanthropy enriches both the giver and the recipient, for both individuals and businesses. For reference, in the 20-year period until 2019 when Brandon came on board, the Bank of Clarke gave a little more than $1 million to local charities. Since Brandon established the Bank of Clarke’ Foundation in 2021,

THANKING THE BANK OF CLARKE FOR GIVING BACK

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELINDA GIPSON

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

through the end of this year, the Bank of Clarke in the community, “has really helped significantly Foundation will have donated another $1 million with outreach.” (in just three years.) As part of the 2-year-old foundation’s strategic Creating the foundation as a 501c3 in 2021 was planning, it will begin to build out its mission statemeant to ensure that the bank would be able to give ment and establish guidelines so that its giving benin both prosperous years and lean. Says Brandon, efits both the entities that have the biggest impact “It may sound a little corny, but as a community in the communities they serve, and the smaller orgabank, from a strategic perspective, we’re only as nizations that help clients who would otherwise go strong as the communities we serve. It’s our job unnoticed. “I’ve worked for organizations that say to make sure that we remain a steadfast steward of their foundations aren’t going to do small donaour giving. I didn’t want the bank, if we had a year tions like $250 or $500. They want to do just a few where we had to cut expenses, for that to negadonations of $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000. I think tively impact the giving that the bank can do. It’s that’s a mistake, because, as difficult as it may be to no secret. If we look at the second quarter of 2023, administer, these amounts can make a big differlike every bank we have less earnings than last year, ence to smaller institutions.” One way that smaller but our giving is still up by 20% year over year.” groups benefit is during the holiday season when Grants to more than branch managers have 170 deserving charities the opportunity to select in the bank’s footprint, local charities that may both large and small, have touched their lives, have been made since and make them the focus the foundation’s incepof their own and their tion. Giving is focused depositors’ donations on community services, at the branch level. “I’ve children, health, envinever seen anything like ronment and education. it,” says Brandon; “the “We’re giving around generosity of our com$150,000 a year since munity is what makes 2019, and that’s just it special.” continuing to grow as As the foundation’s we expand,” he added. internal resources grow, Banks like all busiit will have more autonnesses, have stakeholdomy to make donation ers who expect them decisions, but will also Brandon Lorey to turn a profit, so one develop key perforfacet of the bank’s givmance indicators and ing is focused on the hone its strategic misnon-profits it serves as clients. “We’re the bank sion to help ensure the eff icacy of that giving, for non-profits,” proclaims bank marketing matehe said. At the end of the day, though, there’s rial. Non-profit business checking accounts earn no P&L statement for giving. Brandon explains, interest on all balances, with fees waived for cash “I think it comes down to, it’s the right thing management. Remote deposit and merchant serto do. That may sound simple, but I think that’s vices are available, as well as a professional trust why I’m a communit y banker and I’m not workdepartment to administer or set up a trust for ing for one of the big guys. The more we can these organizations. engage with non-prof it entities and they can “I’d love to say our giving is completely altruintroduce me to their boards, and we can work istic, but it’s also a way for us to build commuwith those other organizations that support nity relationships and create a non-profit niche them – all that goes to our bottom line, but it’s market for ourselves,” Brandon says. Besides its not something we objectively measure. We are foundation executive director, the bank also has working to maintain the connectivit y we’ve two regional philanthropy engagement officers, always had with the communities in which we “because we want to make it easier for such organioperate. I believe we’ve just improved upon zations to ask for money.” Having those positions what was already a great process.”

“I think it comes down to, it’s the right thing to do.

That may sound simple,

but I think that’s why I’m

a community banker and I’m not working for one of the big guys.” —

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Brandon C. Lowrey

The bank itself has a fresh look, and dropped the word “County” from its name because of its rapidly growing footprint in Fauquier, Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland. It has doubled in size in four years, and its expansion in Loudoun County accounts for two-thirds of that growth. Known as a change agent at his prior posts, Brandon also is focused on making sure the bank’s

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

technology platforms offer “the products and services of Wall Street with the customer service of Main Street.” “Safe and sound” growth doesn’t mean that the bank won’t take risks. When he met Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) in 2021, he was proud to tell her that Bank of Clarke had done more PPP lending than any other bank in her district. “We were up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning processing loan documents and getting money out the

What 'Freedom from Want' Means for Everyone

door, but that’s the cornerstone of the Bank of Clarke and speaks volumes about who we are and what we do.” Collaboration for change also marks Bank of Clarke’s community commitment. In the midst of the worst Black Lives Matter rioting following the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, Brandon met with his fellow bank CEOs Scott Harvard of First Bank Virginia and Alice P. Frazer of the Bank of Charles Town to address the issue that PPP funding seemed not to be reaching minority businesses proportionately. Together they created a banking and diversity program that set aside $750,000 for 0-interest loans for minority start-ups. (Start-up loan funding was limited to $5,000 and $10,000 for existing businesses.) “In 2020, when interest rates were around 3 percent, that may not have seemed like a big deal, but three years later with interest rates at 7, 8, 9 percent, we’re still doing it and we’re meeting again next week to discuss re-funding the program for next year. It is absolutely a part of our ‘bottom line’ to grow these communities and I view it as as important as any other outreach.” The bank also hopes to be a trusted financial advisor to entrepreneurs, helping them build their profit and loss statements and decide how best to advance their business ideas.

Brandon Lowrey Explains the ways business works together with non-profits to build community

“We interview them and try to find them the resources they need. What’s your profit? What’s your margin? They’re going to be your customer for life, so it’s important they have the right processes in place.” No one can plan for every contingency, so there will always be people in every community who need help with basic services, he notes, but teaching the younger generation to save money can help to instill an interest in giving back to those in need. Again, it may seem like a small thing, but the Bank of Clarke is one of those few remaining local financial institutions that offers a “Christmas Club” account. “They are 100% manual and a pain to administer, but I will not be the CEO that gets rid of them because of what they teach about both saving and giving,” Brandon exclaimed. It takes both to put food on the table, so watch your local branch for this year’s opportunities to donate. This year, in Loudoun County, the designated beneficiaries for branch-based community giving are in Leesburg: Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun; at One Loudoun: The Humane Society of Loudoun County; and in Purcellville: Tree of Life Ministries -- just three of the 170 local charities the bank supports.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!

Live2Lead Coming to Loudoun County

November 30th and December 7th Hear from John C. Maxwell, Kendra Scott, Marcus Buckingham and Ryan Leak. Fireside Chat with special guest Tina Johnson, CEO Consulting Group, sharing insights on show helps entrepreneurs develop their businesses while taking it to a new level.

SCAN CODE TO REGISTER

Hosted by Deborah Leben deborahleben.com

We can help you get a peaceful night's sleep... The key to being your best.

With a focus in TMD and sleep apnea disorders, Dr. Jeffrey Brown’s office, Sleep and TMJ Therapy, focuses on what they do best! Each patient that walks through the door receives a personalized treatment based on their medical condition, symptoms, and diagnosis tools. Dr. Brown and his team’s goal is to help as best they can. In creating the treatment plan, Dr. Brown takes into consideration the patient as a whole while working in sync with other healthcare practitioners: osteopaths, physical therapists, dentists, internist, and others. The perspective is to have a whole-body approach for into symptom relief.

TMJ or TMD Treatment | Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy Neubie Stimulation Device/Laser/Massage sleepandtmjtherapy.com | 703.821.1103 2841 Hartland Rd Ste 301, Falls Church

Dr. Jeffrey L. Brown DENTIST

Dr. Brown understands sleep apnea and how it correlates to TMJ treatment. His knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep and orthodontics has given him a perspective unlike most other practitioners who perform basic dentistry. In addition, he has also learned the advanced techniques involved in expanding an airway so that both children and adults can breathe better.

Walk

“

Throug h Fire” SHEILA JOHNSON'S MEMOIR OF LOVE, LOSS AND TRIUMPH

Among the most heartwarming vignettes in Sheila Johnson’s new memoir, “Walk Through Fire,” is the story behind Middleburg’s now beloved Market Salamander. Sheila, who should be credited as the first black woman billionaire – a fact Forbes and Wikipedia stubbornly refuse to acknowledge – bought the market property on Washington St. in Middleburg in 2001 shortly after divorcing her husband and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, Bob Johnson. Reeling from the dissolution of her emotionally abusive, 30-year marriage, Sheila moved to Middleburg in 2000 to escape Washington, D.C., in search of a little peace and healing. With its bucolic surroundings and time-honored traditions, Middleburg delivered that sanctuary, for the most part. There was just this one thing that refused to give her peace: a Confederate flag hanging in the window of the Powder Horn Gun & Antique shop on Middleburg’s main thoroughfare. “I hated seeing that thing. Even just a glimpse of it was enough to put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.” She knew how the owner might react to a Black woman asking him “to take down that hateful piece of cloth,” so, at first, she decided she’d have to get used to it. Then the love she felt for her new home town and steadily returning sense of self-respect suggested another recourse. She’d just buy the place. The elegant and meticulously restored market that replaced the gun store was the first opportunity for her new neighbors to experience this remarkably creative woman’s refined sense of taste and decorum. Market Salamander was unearthed from

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELINDA GIPSON, SIMON & SCHUSTER

H OM E TOWN H E R O | ARTS + CULTURE

its surrounding shell to become a beautiful, welcoming Frenchstyle café and market – the brunch darling of NoVa foodies – AND a harbinger of Sheila’s commitment to quality and luxury that is the foundation of her hospitality empire. The heartbeat of that empire is of course The Salamander Hotel & Spa, and we grow to understand why, as Sheila relates the manner in which she embraced her new hometown. This is no sugar-coated tale but an honest accounting of a part of Loudoun in the early 2000s that was afraid of any change that might rob it of its historic character. In fact, that character, and Sheila’s interest in preserving it, resonates with the books overarching theme of resilience in the face of considerable adversity. As she herself puts it, her book is a “memoir of love, loss and triumph” – specially penned to encourage every woman who has ever faced adversity in becoming all she can be. “I truly believe that, in life, things happen for a reason,” she writes. Her childhood struggles, her trying and often demeaning 30-year marriage, the sacrifices she made to found an iconic, Black-owned business, and later the opposition she overcame to fashion her dream company all help to explain why Sheila’s spirit animal is the salamander – which, according to myth, is the only animal who can walk through fire and survive. Just one suggestion: buy the audio book. Listening to Sheila tell her story in her own words will pierce your heart and make you love this woman like a sister. And, keep an eye on Salamander as it sets the stage for more author spotlights to come.

T O P L E F T: Judge Bill Newman and Wife Sheila Johnson T O P R I G H T: Shannon Curvey and Tina Johnson at Sheila Johnson’s Book Launch B O T T O M L E F T: Walk Through Fire, Simon & Schuster B O T T O M R I G H T: Sheila Johnson Reads from Her Book at a Salamander Hotel Launch Party for 300

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION.

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME

Meet Jan Benjamin, BeBalanced owner “The picture on the right (before) was what motivated me to get healthy! When I saw it, I could not believe it was me. The picture below (after) is me now, 50 pounds lighter and have kept the weight off for over four years, thanks to BeBalanced! Not only did I lose weight, but I have so much more energy, I sleep better, and I don’t wake up soaked in sweat like I used to. I’m back to riding my horses’ multiple times a week and believe me they appreciated a lighter me too! I am excited to have the women of Northern Virginia join me on this journey to better health and wellbeing. If you are stuggling to lose weight, and feel like yourself, BeBalanced can help!” - Jan, BeBalanced owner

Lose 15-21 lbs in 30 days*

plus experience improvement in:

9 Mood 9 Sleep 9 Energy

9 Hot flashes 9 Libido 9 And more! 221 Crescent Station Terrace Leesburg, VA

571-258-4782 LEARN MORE NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

PHOTOGRAPHY BY A PLACE TO BE AND MELINDA GIPSON

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON

Dr. Judith Hanley and Kim Tapper in A Place to Be's New Lobby

LOCA L’S CH OICE | ARTS + CULTURE

Just inside A Place to Be’s new 7,500 square foot facility in the Village at Leesburg hangs a sculpture of fluffy white clouds. It’s as good a metaphor as any for how excited everyone is to welcome clients to the non-profit’s new program and performance center. There’s more art coming including a mural by Penny Hauffe; new instruments are poised for play, and the in-house Mars-Schmidt Theater is ready to host around 100 patrons for each of five performances of The Snow Monster children’s production in early December. A ribbon-cutting set for November 8 will actually be preceded by a Halloween themed opener. In short, there’s never a wasted moment for the 13-year-old program, and its staff has grown to 25 providers, many drawn from the organization’s nationally recognized internship program with more than a dozen universities. Its therapists touch in the neighborhood of 400 clients a week, some multiple times per week, and its partnerships expand the program’s reach far beyond county boundaries. A group from Makom (makomlife.org), which helps young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn social skills in Rockville, Maryland, traveled to the new facility to enjoy a singing session the day we visited. A Place to

A PLACE TO BE TAKES CENTER STAGE Be also works with The Arc of Loudoun, Jill’s House, Grafton, and many other organizations. The need, in short, is great; its clients number in the thousands, and its productions, which touch many family members and others in community outreach, is in the tens of thousands. Co-founder and Community Director Kim Tapper, MS, PCC, CTP, explains that all of A Place to Be’s children or family theater productions are threefold in nature. “Every show has some kind of therapeutic theme. In The Snow Monster, a young man who has been kicked out of several foster families learns how to cope with anger.” How to cope with rejection and bullying and how to show empathy for others are behaviors baked into the plot. The second purpose is to create a space for clients to participate to give them the experience of performing. In the October show, for example, there were parts for non-verbal clients who use various devices to communicate. And, finally, the performances themselves create the opportunity for people to be seen in a way they aren’t normally. “It creates confidence and high motivation to work towards a project in collaboration with others, navigating the skills they need in real life.” The impact of all these efforts ultimately is joy. Says Kim, “I would say the arts overall are really windows to our soul. First of all, it’s so cliche but really true – It opens up a place of expression and it helps us define our own sense of humanity. So, whether you’re an audience member, maybe shifting your perspective about somebody with a disability or what they’re capable of, or you’re just experiencing joy through the notes of a song, those are the most human elements we offer one another.”

Drum Therapy

Snow Monster Rehearsal Exec. Dir. Dr. Judy Hanley in APTB's new conference room

She added, “All of the arts really have this opportunity to uplift and to connect us beyond words and beyond our challenges – it’s something that just moves your soul. The three anchor components that we hope every single person feels no matter why they came here is a sense of community – that they’re actually part of something – a sense of belonging – that they matter and they have value – and a sense of hope. A lot of the folks we see with disabilities and medical challenges and mental health issues experience a deep loss of community. There’s a lot of isolation. There’s rarely a sense of belonging to anything. And there’s not a whole lot of hope sometimes. So that’s our real purpose: to shift the landscape of their lives.” While music therapy underlies most of A Place to Be’s work, there’s also dance, movement, the visual arts, theater, drama, poetry and writing too. Kim herself was a professional dancer before discovering music therapy. “Most of our staff are clinical board-certified arts therapists. Clinically, they’ve been trained as therapists, but they’re using the mediums of music or drama to work on an individual’s goals and objectives. The arts often kind of disguise the therapy so it just looks like a lot of fun. But everyone here is working on something. They’re working on CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

LOCA L’S CH OICE | ARTS + CULTURE

TOP: Music Therapy Session BOTTOM: Out of the shadows and into the spotlight

communication or speech, sensor integration, or making friends and relationship building. For many of our folks that is the really challenging part that goes along with their various diagnoses.” “In the broadest stroke we’re helping individuals to lead their best lives,” she concludes. The science behind music therapy stems from the fact that, “music lights up both sides of the brain at the same time, which nothing else really does.” Their therapists’ success with clients has led them into the Inova Hospital system, working with patients from the Neonatal Intensive Care unit to pain management, anxiety, disorientation, stress, brain injury all the way to end of life/ hospice situations. There are even two brain injury choirs. Support for the facility comes via a mixed model of pay for services – largely offset by financial aid – community grants, foundations and individual donations. Its commitment to community doesn’t stop with its clients; most Loudoun residents learn about its programs through a children’s theater production that may have been performed in their school. That’s fitting, given that Kim met co-founder Tom Sweitzer when he was teaching theater at The Hill School and booked Kim’s dance company for a performance. The school needed a choreographer for its next children’s show and Kim got the job. Both shared backgrounds where their fathers overcame serious disabilities. Both shared professional success in their artistic careers, but thought the arts could do much more to help others. Their first non-profit collaboration helped teens in the arts, helping them “find their voices,” as Kim puts it. “That was the warm up to this place.” Both understood how to put together performances and how to work with children. Each developed specialties in running the business. Then, as it grew, handed administration off to others like Executive Director Dr. Judy Hanley, who joined the organization a year and a half ago. With a Ph.D. in child development with a specialization in brain development, as well as 23 years in non-profit leadership, she is certainly prepared for the job, but even she was surprised by the impact of music therapy on A Place to Be’s clients. “I had a mother tell me that in 34 years, she’s never seen the kind of impact that we’ve had in the last three months.” She advises anyone interested in learning more about music therapy to watch the documentary “Music Got Me Here,” a documentary on AppleTV, iTunes and Amazon. Both Kim and Judy commented that what makes the new space special is its ability to bring people who typically lead their lives out of sight into the community’s town square. Says Kim, “I hope this space can provide a respite from a world that is so focused on pain and negativity and loneliness. The world is in desperate need of things, places, messages and people that remind us what it means to be human and that there’s something bigger than ourselves.” Want to help? Donations are always welcome and you can find tickets to their productions as well at their website aplaceto beva.org. The Loudoun County Social Collective (LoCoSoCo) also has made the charity the beneficiary of its Third Annual Christmas Tea December 5th, and sponsorships are welcome. See: thesocialcollectives.org for information.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

JEWELRY - GIFTS - APPAREL - ACCESSORIES - IN-HOUSE REPAIR & DESIGN

FOR ALL OF YOUR EQUINE AND FARM INSURANCE NEEDS. CONTACT US TODAY TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE PROPERLY INSURED.

Anna Connors

(703) 398-4734 | C onnors c over ag e g roup. c om P.O. B ox 1211, Purcel lv i l le, VA 20134

live theatre Heart of the Mummy

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Nov 4 at Oatlands in Leesburg

Finding Nemo KIDS

Musical Theatre Nov 4 and 5at 11:00am and 1:00pm

Melekaliki-Murder

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Dec 1 - 17 at area wineries, breweries & venues

Junior Claus

Family Musical Dec 9, 16, 21, 22 & 23 at 7:00pm Dec 10 & 17 at 2:00pm

Sly’s Magic

Dec 8 at 7:30pm

Blessed to be voted Loudoun’s Best Jeweler for over 30 years and Best Gift Store 2022-2023

212 Catoctin Circle, SE always@kettermans.com . 703.777.0033 . www.kettermans.com

StageCoach Bandits Improv Dec 15 at 7:30pm

   After School Theatre Classes for ages 5-18

www.StageCoachTC.com ▪ 571-477-9444 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120 Ashburn, VA 20147

Whole-istic Childhood Dental Treatment in a Warm, Caring Environment Healthy, beautiful smiles start at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry! As parents, we want the best for our children at every stage of development, and for many families the journey to optimal dental and whole-body health begins at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. Preventative & Comprehensive Care Cosmetic & Restorative // Child Growth & Development

703-997-7789

www.kidzsmile.com 44025 Pipeline Plaza Ashburn, Virginia Dr. Lynda & Dr. Krystle

SAVING THE WEEKEND ONE HOUSE AT A TIME! Meticulously cleans all surfaces Blinds, Baseboards, we clean it all Quality comes ﬁrst, every time IN A HURRY

BREAKS PRECIOUS ITEMS

COVID-19 Protocols At STW Cleaning we STILL will...

mtv Solar offers a friendly, professional process to customize your energy solutions.

• Wear masks & gloves • Practice social distancing

RESIDENTIAL

35+ Years

Industry Experience

Non-Toxic

EPA-Approved Cleaners

Unmatched

Training & Expertise

COMMERCIAL

We offer a customized approach to We develop a full system design reducing your electric bills with every available incentive by generating your own electricity. incorporated into your financial analysis.

540-686-2052 WWW.MTVSOLAR.COM

“Love to cook, hate to clean? We have you covered!”

- Dawn Crawley,

Founder & Chief Executive Hero 2021 Loudoun Entrepreneur of the Year

#SAVEYOURWEEKEND

info@stwcleaning.com | 703-348-2221 SERVING WEST VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA, MARYLAND & PENNSYLVANIA NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Tom Sweitzer, Playwriter and Performer: ‘God is My Connection’ ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY A PLACE TO BE

Tom Sweitzer, co-founder of A Place to Be therapeutic arts organization, didn’t make the organization’s open house on its new facility in the Village of Leesburg. He’s in New York City performing his 90-minute, one-man, Off-Broadway play, “20 Seconds,” relating the story of his chaotic childhood being raised by a schizophrenic, and how he learned to forgive him. (The title, “20 Seconds,” references the length of the hug Tom gave his father when he forgave him.) Tom has been an actor for many years and has either written or co-authored many of the plays A Place to Be performs as vehicles of expression for its clients. And, it turns out that telling their own story through the arts as a way of self-expression and personal realization is something all A Place to Be’s principals have done over the years. But the fact that Tom’s story will take the stage Off Broadway, among the brightest lights the arts can offer, is a testament to his artistry, passion and resilience – more than a decade of writing, performing, refining and finally producing the work for with the help of the community he’s helped to build to help the mentally and physically challenged or disabled among us. He was in the midst of his 48-show run in September when he shared with us what it’s been like to come so far.

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

Tom Sweitzer and A Place to Be co-founder Kim Tapper Outside the Signature Theatre Off Broadway

Q: WHY TELL YOUR STORY AS A PLAY? Tom: I feel the world needs more stories about Forgiveness. My childhood and upbringing were hard but colorful, and I know what makes good storytelling and art, so I thought I should use my own story. They always say do what you know. I know myself and my story and if it can help someone else then why not use the artform I am most comfortable with?

Q: WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE IT CONVEYS? Tom: It’s never too late to forgive someone. That even through the darkest of times you can find your way with some love. And, music is a powerful tool for healing.

Q: IT’S AN ASTONISHING ACCOMPLISHMENT … THE THEATRE YOU’RE IN IS TOP SHELF. HOW IS IT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO PULL THIS OFF? WHAT MADE THE STARS ALIGN? Tom: I know. The Signature Theatre is a beautiful space. I think my fate has led me here and years and years of hard work. I started this script in 2016. I have workshopped the show over 25 times and have done about 200 rewrites. I was determined. I had an Angel Producer to help me launch this, Teresa Wheeler from Loudoun County, a philanthropist who is interested in social and community concerns. She knew my show had a message of healing. Then, after winning Best Solo at the Capital Fringe Festival in 2022 I knew I had to get my message to a larger stage. The final scene in the show is about A Place to Be, our Music Therapy and Expressive Arts center. So, A Place to Be helped get this to its next phase by making it possible for producers to become donors. These generous people donated completely separately for this show, so as to not take anything away from our needs as a nonprofit. This was led by Mrs. Jacquie Mars. The greatest part of it is that I am allowed to fundraise for A Place To Be throughout my show, as well as educate people about our organization and teach people what music therapy is and how powerful the expressive arts are. To put on a show like this for this length of time can cost anywhere from $250,000 - $500,000. Thanks to 25 producers and the support of my friend Renee Fleming, I am here.

Scene from "20 Seconds"

“It’s never too late to forgive someone. That even through the darkest of times you can find your way with some love. And, music is a powerful tool for healing.” Tom Sweitzer CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Q: WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR YOUR CAREER? FOR A PLACE TO BE? Tom: It’s an amazing platform for me and for A Place To Be. Just last night a crowd in the lobby said they had never heard of Music Therapy and they went onto our website. For me, I was born an actor first, so this is where I feel most comfortable and it’s a beautiful partnership that my performance will bring light to our work at A Place To Be.

Q: A LOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT WANT TO GO OUT AND WRITE AND FIELD A BROADWAY PLAY. A LOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU POSSESS, OR WHAT DO YOU DRAW UPON, TO BE THE KIND OF GUY WHO ACTUALLY DOES THESE THINGS? Tom: As I explain in the show, I graduated with Music Theater degree in 1994, but I knew I wanted to do something beyond the stage. The acting lifestyle can be cutthroat and exhausting and disappointing. I knew I wanted to teach. So, for more than 25 years I have taught, directed children, and then became a music therapist because something in me the whole time just kept growing and telling me I needed to give broader, that I had the ability to share messages through music, theater and myself. I have been driven my whole life. Even when I put on shows in my backyard when I was eight. I would write them, gather the neighbors to be cast members, make sets and then charge 10 cents admission. Some of how I got here truly is because I had a calling since I can remember. The other part is work, work, work. Many people have dreams and dreams are wonderful, but you have to get up and begin somewhere to make them happen and they don’t come fast and they don’t come exactly how you imagine them. There is a way for every person to create a way to give back and be creative in that giving. We get stuck inside of ourselves often and at A Place To Be, as in my life, I found out that giving is everything. It can be by making someone an old-fashioned card or a phone call or starting your own support group. I worked with someone recently and she said, ‘I could never do what you do, all I do is knit.’ After talking to her she started a knitting group with about five other ladies. They meet and turn on their favorite music, bring wine and now this lady feels she has a connection. At the end of the day that is it – connection. To save ourselves from this confusing and sometimes hard world we must connect. Connect to something – anything bigger than ourselves. So, I am not afraid or embarrassed to say God is my connection. God and music. It’s a lonely world to go without something you believe in. And that is truly how I got here. I have a responsibility to help others through my art. Note: If you’ve missed the show’s limited run through October, there may be other chances to hear Tom’s story. We’re told it was filmed, and hope it has the opportunity to be streamed at some later date.

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

Scene from "20 Seconds"

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

theguestroomfurniture.com 312 E. Market Street in Leesburg

703.771.9484

| Custom tailored in over 850 fabrics and leathers, ready to ship in 35 days

LEESBURG LIFESTYLE™ Good news happening right in your neighborhood.

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Hidden gem alert!

Local content by local creators.

SCAN TO CONNECT

FIREPLACE STORE SALES. INSTALLATION. SERVICE. REPAIR.

1201 WOLF ROCK DRIVE PURCELLVILLE, VA 20132

(540) 751-9292 GRILL CYLINDER FILL STATION GRILL CYLINDER REFILL: $1.99 PER GALLON

ENFORCE PREMIUM DIESEL Best Performance Benefits For All Diesel Engines

AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL

Like the perfect custom denim, it doesn’t get any better than American innovation. Experience the iconic blend of beauty and quality in RevWood.

Planet-Friendly Collection: RARE ELDERWOOD VINTAGE Color: AGED FAWN COPPER EARTHEN CHESTNUT CHESTNUT OAK

•

Long-Lasting Beauty

•

Collection: WESTERN MORENA BLUFFS ROW

CATTAIL SUNBATHED SUN DRIED PECAN OAK PECAN SPECIAL FINANCING &Color: SAVINGS ON SELECT FLOORING

Retailer Name Address • PURCELLVILLE • loudounvalleyfloors.com ASHBURN City, State ZIP Phone

Waterproof Protection Collection: MORENA RARE VINTAGE BOARDWALK BLUFFS COLLECTIVE Color: FRESH CEDARDUNE SAND SPRING CHESTNUT PECAN

Logo/Image Area (Optional) NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Sterling Rotary

Ringing in the Season A Joyful Way to Help The Salvation Army Do the Most Good ARTICLE BY BONNIE INMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOUDOUN SALVATION ARMY

Dominion High School Volunteers

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

In December of 1891, a Salvation Army Captain in San Francisco resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area’s poor. But how would he pay for the food? Reminded of his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England, he recalled a large pot called “Simpson’s Pot” into which charitable donations were thrown by passers-by. The next morning, he obtained permission to put a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing at the foot of Market Street, so the passengers could see it as they boarded. The tradition spread and by 1897 donations bought more than 150,000 Christmas dinners. In 1898, the New York World hailed The Salvation Army kettles as “the newest and most novel device for collecting money.” The Newspaper also observed, “There is a man in charge to see that contributions are not stolen.” Those were the first volunteers. In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years. Today, the homeless and poor are still invited to share holiday dinners and festivities at hundreds of Salvation Army centers, but families also are given grocery checks to buy and prepare their dinners at home. Annually, The Salvation Army in the United States aids more than 6,000,000 people at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kettles have changed since the first utilitarian cauldron was set up in San Francisco. Some new kettles have a self-ringing bell and even the ability to donate via credit card. These technological advances help keep the brand relevant to a new generation of donors and volunteers who are “Doing the Most Good” in their communities. The Loudoun Corps, which has served the community for around 30 years, is focused on meeting basic human

needs. Our Emergency Distribution program provides rental and utility assistance, eviction prevention, emergency food assistance, clothing and furniture vouchers, diapers, gifts for children at Christmas, holiday meals and case management. Funds raised through Red Kettles are vital to our ability to provide financial assistance, and volunteers are critical to that effort. You’ll see Red Kettles stationed throughout Loudoun from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Volunteers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises significant donations. National Honor Society students at Dominion High School are among the most loyal volunteers, thanks to the leadership of Tom Chuba, a former chemistry teacher and now testing coordinator. Tom first recruited students from what is now called Junior Optimists International and later The National Honor Society because he received a request for volunteers from the Loudoun Corps. He has since become a quasi-volunteer coordinator. He first motivated students with a challenge: both he and the principal would each take shifts. Over the years students have made their volunteering as much fun as possible, running a power chord to a boom box in the early days, and later playing iTunes on their phones. Two students once played their electric guitars. As many as 1,200 students have volunteered since they started ringing 15 years ago, and their kettle collections typically come in first or second place among all locations, a particular point of pride. Says Tom, “They’re really proud of how much they can they can raise. They know that if they stand there and look totally bored, people aren’t going to donate. But if they interact and are cheerful, the donations pour in, so they work at it!”

“Our student volunteers learn more about reaching out to those less fortunate by participating in the Red Kettle program. They can relate to the days they used to drop money in the kettle because it was fun. Now, they’re on the other side helping, knowing how much each contribution assists others. We’re all committed to leaving our community and thus the world a better place than we found it.” — Tom Chubb, Dominion High School CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Mayor Burke Grabs a Bell

“I am committed to the project because I can see how much good the Salvation Army does in the community.”

committed to the project because I can see how much good the Salvation Army does in the community. Our student volunteers learn more about reaching out to those less fortunate by participating in the Red Kettle program. They can relate to the days they used to drop money in the kettle because it was fun. Now, they’re on the other side helping, knowing how much each contribution assists others. We’re all committed to leaving our community and thus the world a better place than we found it.”

It is difficult to accurately document the amount of funds that have been raised by Dominion High School, but taking the average of $2,000 per year, that amounts to close to $30,000. As important as the funding is to the mission’s bottom line, motivating young people to serve and interact face-to-face with their neighbors is a deliverable that will offer long-standing value to the community. Tom chuckled as he said, “My wife knows there will be no vacation in December.” But he explained, “I am

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

For more information about the Red Kettle program and volunteering visit loudoun.salvationarmypotomac.org/loudoun-county or sign up to volunteer at Register to Ring – bit.ly/LoudouRedKettle. Red Kettle Partnerships are also needed. Make a difference and gain exposure for your company by sponsoring a Red Kettle site where for 25 days your brand is in full view of thousands of holiday shoppers. Call me at 571-5102196 or email bonnie.inman@uss.salvationarmy.org

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OU T OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH LEESBURG LIFESTYLE™ LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/LEESBURG

Call To Schedule Your

New Patient Consultation Regularly $100 – Includes consult, exam, posture scan, and assessment outlining your best course of treatment

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Hit a home run with summer savings up to $1200 off a new air conditioning system!

(571) 200-4232

LET US UPGRADE YOUR HOME! WE ARE TRUSTED PARTNERS FOR FLOORING AND HOME REMODELING.

(703) 962-7500 22900 Shaw Rd Ste 107 Sterling, VA

www.novahomeworks.com

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K SHOP LOCAL 46

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

Grazing EatLoCo Year-Round ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELINDA GIPSON AND EATLOCO

Grazing EatLoCo (eatloco.org) doesn’t end with the Autumnal Equinox. If anything, its farm-grown fare and sumptuous prepared meals get heartier and more artisanal. Here are some prime examples of why your trip to One Loudoun, Brambleton, Loudoun Station or MetPark can continue year-round. Start with Smith’s of Mecklenburg (smithsofmecklenburg. com). Ed Smith is a retired tobacco farmer who always thought the four-generation family business would continue far into the future. Instead, as he puts it, “I live in one of the poorest counties in the state and I come to one of the richest counties in the country to work.” Technically, most of the work occurs on the family farm where they make hand-tied sausage (sweet or hot Italian, Polish, El Diablo, Andouille, brats, garlic parmesan, Jalapeno, and Old Bay), country sausage (mild, hot, brown sugar maple and Chorizo, sausage stuffed mushrooms, Carolina Style BBQ and BBQ sauce, hot stews, pickled cayenne peppers, cayenne pepper sauce, salsa and pickled okra (a.k.a. “Hawaiian Cowgirl Candy”)). Picture your next cold, wet Saturday morning as an opportunity to load up on fare that will keep your own range bubbling with think, savory sauces, hot brats and the makings of the penultimate country brunch. In search of a great breakfast sandwich? Look no further than Good As Deli. Owner Wilhelmina Cahir says, “We believe in the simplicity of great quality ingredients, the importance of supporting local communities and providing the best experience to our customers.” The female, student-owned and operated business relies on students and alumni from Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, University of Tennessee and Rock Ridge, James Madison and Independence High Schools, giving all an opportunity to experience a small business from the ground up. Eggs come from Chestnut Hill Farm in Smithsburg, Maryland; Smiths of Mecklenburg, in South Hill, Virginia provides all the pork products, and Baguette Republic supplies the buns. Every bite is that good. Crave something sweeter? Try Bagel Joy, culinary creation of David Picard with the help of his son, then University of Mary Washington senior Caleb. Together they’ve developed a consistently dependable recipe based on hundreds of tweaks and crowdsourced tastings. They launched at EatLoco One Loudoun one windy February in 2021 and have expanded to include Brambleton

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Ed Smith, Smith's of Mecklenburg

Good as Deli Bagel Joy

Villacaro Farms' Kat Zajac Jerk Wingz & Tingz

and Loudoun Station. This year, the 20-member team has baked more than twenty-five thousand fresh bagels, with every unsold bagel finding its way to the United Methodist Community of Faith Food Bank. The team produces out of Frontier Kitchen, a restaurant incubator in Chantilly, and actively plans to open their own NOVA bricks and mortar space before year end. Wagyu beef and eggs raised using regenerative and humane farming practices comprise the “pasture to plate” experience offered by Villacaro Farms. Kat Zajac, a former personal trainer and fitness studio owner, is a first-generation farmer in the small town of Toms Brook in the Shenandoah Valley. Kat tends to her land with the same care she gives her animals, including establishing two wildlife conservation areas. Her focus on fitness frames all her farming, gleaned from the Virginia Forage & Grassland Council, online animal nutrition courses and hands-on experience. Healthy, happy livestock produce the highest quality food, available from EatLoCo One Loudoun and MetPark or online for shipping or farm pick-up. See villacarofarms.com. Jerk Wingz & Tings often sells out of its spicy chicken wings – 1,000 or more every Saturday and Sunday – and its “Jerk Crab Mac & Cheese,” so you might want to visit them early. Kamal, born in Oklahoma and raised in Sterling, and his wife Patti Thomas, from Antigua British West Indies, man the tent in more than one market per week. While a purist might take exception to the “jerk” description (the Thomas’ fare lacks some of the sweetness of more traditional Caribbean fare of that description), it does pack a certain zing. Also on hand: Jerk lamb chops, cabbage, rice and peas, “rasta pasta” and Antigua lemonade, which you might need after a hefty helping of wings.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

e c n a D n To

Lear

Let the world leader in dance instruction show you how quickly you can learn for your wedding, a vacation, or your next night out! Call for a complimentary first lesson* *New students only

703.729.7055 | www.arthurmurraynova.com 21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr, #105, Ashburn

You Deserve Honesty & Integrity REPLACING A ROOF IS A BIG INVESTMENT.

If you know you’ll need a roof in the next 5-10 years, and want to be prepared when you do, check out our Platinum Service Plan. SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION AND WE GIVE YOU A $25 VISA CARD HAS TO BE REDEEMED NOV 25

repairfirstroofing.com | 703-249-9998

You Deserve Better

We build you the best decks and patios on time and on budget the first time, every time!

Project Calculator

Portfolio

battlefielddecks.com | 571-469-7979

To all our Vendors, Local Farmers, Food producers, Artisans & crafters, for setting up week after week, putting EatLoco Farmers Markets on the map. To our Venues, who provide us with our gorgeous showcases. To our local Health Dept, Fire Marshal & Police Dept. for keeping us safe, week after week. And of course to all of you, our friends, patrons, guests & visitors. Without you, there would be no us.

Dan Hine

Founder & CEO EatLoco, LLC.

Thank You!!