McLean, VA May 2026

THE CENTER OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Chesterbrook Shopping Center is McLean’s neighborhood destination for dining, style, wellness, and everyday essentials, featuring Sweetgreen, RTR Pilates, Apricot Lane, Sorn ai, Bluemercury, SkinSpirit, Sassanova, Kosmo Nail Bar, and many more.

LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF OLD DOMINION DRIVE AND CHESTERBROOK ROAD IN MCLEAN

May Is Finally Here: Let the Sun Shine In!

What a gift to live in an area with all four seasons— but spring here has a mind of its own and often feels like it lasts only a week. One day brings warm breezes and the next feels like winter is still hanging on. And then suddenly, we step outside and it feels like July. Around here, spring doesn’t ease in… it leaps, it flutters, it surprises!

And yet, those quick shifts are part of its charm. Every warm day feels like a small celebration. Flowers burst with color, kids run to put on “summer clothes”  and neighbors begin to appear on patios and decks, settling into outdoor chairs and maybe firing up the grill. The air softens, the light stretches longer each evening and our whole community seems to come alive again.

May is also a month filled with motion—sports playoffs, outdoor events, graduations, and the familiar hum of life picking up speed. As we approach Memorial Day, that unmistakable feeling of summer begins to stir. Many of us will head off for a quick getaway—whether it’s a sandy beach, a quiet lake, or “the shore,” all close enough to reach before the day is over. It’s the unofficial start to the new season- sunshine, gatherings and the warm breezes blowing. Summer is around the corner and gives you a smile just thinking about it!

There’s something about those first warm May nights—the kind where you can finally sit outside and enjoy the weather—that makes you reflect a little. And this year, it feels especially meaningful.

McLean City Lifestyle, the "Ladies" issue, turns one this month, and I’m feeling so grateful. These past 12 months have been a gift… a chance to rediscover the community I’ve called home for so many years and to see McLean and Great Falls with a fresh sense of wonder. Getting to share the stories, the people, and the places that make this corner of the world so special has only deepened my appreciation for it. As we celebrate this first year together, my mission stays the same: to shine a light on the best of our community and share it with each other.

Here’s to May: a month that arrives quickly, changes fast, and brings with it all the color, warmth, and energy we’ve been waiting for. And here’s to our community—one I feel grateful every day to highlight, honor, and call home.

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Purdy | suzanne.purdy@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

AJ Jones | aj.jones@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AJ Jones, Kali Kasorzyk

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

SUZANNE PURDY, PUBLISHER @MCLEANCITYLIFESTYLE

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

All artists from this issue of City Scenes can be found at https://www.greatfallsstudios.com/ 1: Woodworker Mike Long combines silver maple, turquoise, and amethyst in this intricate artisanal collection. 2: A striking White Raku vase by Stacie Loftus. 3: An exquisite wheel-thrown vase by Stacie Loftus. 4: Handmade and hand-painted stoneware by Laura Nichols, designed for everyday use and durability. 5: Watch the Birdie by Don Fowler, captured from a remarkable distance of only eight inches. 6: Robin Kent, “waited five years before timing of sunset combined perfectly to make image possible" 7: Hens Over the Ha Ha Wall, a charming pastel on board by Pat Newman.

Discover What’s Next at German International School Washington D.C.

With over 550 students from preschool to 12th grade, we offer high-level academics in a warm, multicultural setting since 1961. Our German curriculum, combined with a global perspective, leads to a dual diploma graduation: the German International Abitur (DIA) and a high school diploma. Focused on world languages and science, we nurture critical thinking and prepare students for top universities worldwide. Please contact admissions@giswashington.org for your personal campus tour. German language skills are NOT a requirement for students enrolling in Preschool through Grade 5, provided the family is highly motivated for their child to learn German, and the child demonstrates strong academic performance.

business monthly

Meno-Start Expands Comprehensive Midlife Wellness Care for Menopause Support

Meno-Start, a concierge-style medical and wellness practice focused on women’s midlife health, announces expanded services to support those navigating perimenopause and menopause. Offering personalized medicine, fitness, nutrition, and holistic care plans tailored to each stage of the journey, Meno-Start helps clients optimize well-being and vitality. With a compassionate approach and expert guidance, the practice continues to empower women seeking proactive health strategies during midlife transitions.

Scan to read more

Miorini Law: Caring for Your Legacy, Near and Far

Miorini Law combines global reach with a boutique, Northern Virginia touch. This woman-owned McLean firm specializes in estate planning, probate, and elder law, offering expert guidance in 10 different languages. From protecting local assets locally to navigating international legacies, Miorini Law delivers compassionate, tailored legal solutions designed for your unique world.

HopeSeed Acupuncture Introduces New Rebrand While Delivering Trusted Holistic Care

HopeSeed Acupuncture – McLean unveils its new name and logo, reflecting a fresh identity rooted in growth, renewal, and the same compassionate care patients trust. The rebrand represents an expanded vision for holistic well-being while preserving the gentle approach, skilled practitioners, and personalized treatments the community has come to rely on. All services, appointments, and providers remain unchanged as the clinic enhances its offerings and continues delivering the high-quality, patient-centered experience previously known at Balance Art Acupuncture. Scan

Creating a HOME

Entrepreneurial Visionary and Community

Philanthropist, Jane Abraham

Jane

ARTICLE BY AJ JONES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JANE ABRAHAM

The Mission to Stitch Women into the American Narrative

Abraham:

Walking into Scout & Molly’s feels less like entering a boutique and more like “shopping in your best friend’s closet.” Amidst the curated racks of silk and suede in Reston Town Center, Mosaic District, or Annapolis, there is a palpable sense of support that transcends mere retail. For Jane Abraham, clothing isn’t just about fashion; it’s a tool for confidence, a common thread used to weave together a community of women. Abraham has spent her life as a “catalyst,” helping people with similar ideas collaborate to move meaningful efforts forward.

FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT TO THE NATIONAL STAGE

Abraham’s journey of leadership began long before she opened her storefront. A high achiever who skipped a grade in middle school, she arrived at Oakland University in Michigan with “stars in her eyes” and a drive to change the world. It was there, through student government, that she realized meaningful change requires engagement across every sector: from political involvement to nonprofit work.

“I’ve always had a passion for seeing women succeed,” Abraham reflects, noting her career-long dedication to creating paths where women were previously underrepresented. This ambition eventually led her to work in both the political arena and the nonprofit world, where she sought to bring together women in healthcare, government, and politics to foster collaboration.

A RUNWAY FOR THRIVERS: TRANSFORMING FASHION INTO A FORCE FOR HEALING

Jane Abraham’s commitment to community found its local heartbeat in 2017 with the launch of Runway to the Cure. Having recently opened Scout & Molly’s alongside her daughter, Jane sought a way to quickly

connect with the Reston community. Breast cancer, a cause deeply personal to Jane due to her family’s history with the disease and her years on the national board of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, became the bridge. What began as a grassroots fashion show featuring customers and local students has since blossomed into a dedicated nonprofit raising approximately $100,000 annually for research and patient support.

The defining shift in the event’s evolution occurred when Jane and her non-profit board decided that every woman on the catwalk would be a “thriver.” This distinction is vital; it celebrates women who are not just surviving but living vibrantly after their journey. “It’s the most meaningful process,” Jane reflects, describing the intimate styling sessions where she gets to know each of the 30 models personally while fitting them with outfits. When these women

CONTINUED >

“I’VE ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR SEEING WOMEN SUCCEED... WOMEN’S HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY. WE WERE PRESENT AT EVERY MOMENT OF THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT. WHEN PEOPLE UNITE AROUND A COMMON PURPOSE, IT BENEFITS EVERYONE, ENSURING OUR STORIES ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN.”

finally step into the spotlight at the Reston Town Center Pavilion, their individual stories are shared with the crowd, creating emotional bonds that turn participants into “legacy models” who return year after year to volunteer.

The impact of this work extends well beyond the runway through a long-term research partnership with the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Simultaneously, Jane channels the resources of her boutique to support Women Giving Back in Sterling, Virginia. By donating large quantities of brand-new professional attire and seasonal inventory, she ensures that women facing financial hardship can walk into job interviews or life milestones with confidence and dignity.

REDEFINING THE NATIONAL MALL

Abraham’s most enduring legacy may be the one currently being etched into the landscape of the National Mall. In 2014, she was asked to chair a bipartisan congressional commission to study the creation of a National Women’s History Museum. Working with a team of four Republicans and four Democrats, Abraham insisted on a singular rule: no recommendation would move forward unless it was unanimous.

“That meant we truly had to listen to each other and work through our differences,” she recalls.

The strategy was successful; the commission unanimously recommended the museum become part of the Smithsonian Institution. Legislation passed in December 2020 and was signed into law, leading Jane to her current role as Advisory Council Co-chair of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum alongside former Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. Together, they have already helped raise over $71 million toward construction and national programming.

While the physical building is still in progress, the museum is already bringing history to life through digital initiatives and volunteer projects like “Wikipedia edit-a-thons” to expand stories about notable women often missing from historical records. For the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S., the museum is launching an augmented reality project that pairs women’s stories with five existing monuments of men on the National Mall.

THE COMMON THREAD

Across her boutique, the fashion show, and the museum effort, Jane sees a singular mission: uplifting women and building community. “Women’s history is American history,” she says firmly, noting that women were present at every moment of the country’s development. Abraham hopes her work inspires future generations to make community commitment part of their “DNA.” In her view, when people unite around a common purpose, whether finding a cure or recording forgotten history, it benefits everyone.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

THE PRENDERGAST Perspective

ARTICLE BY AJ JONES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARIANNE PRENDERGAST

The air in Northern Virginia at 6:00 a.m. carries a specific kind of stillness, but for Marianne Prendergast, it is the hour of momentum. Unless the thermometer dips below an unforgiving 25 degrees, you will find her outdoors with a workout group she has championed for over two decades. It is a ritual of sweat and sisterhood that mirrors the philosophy of her life: discipline is the foundation, but community is the prize.

“I grew up as one of twelve children in a large Catholic family in Minnesota,” Prendergast says, her voice carrying the grounded assurance of someone who learned the value of a dollar and a hard day’s work before she hit her teens. “By twelve, we were caregivers. By sixteen, we were the engines keeping the household running. Hard work wasn’t a choice; it was our DNA.”

That Midwestern steel served as her compass when she arrived in Washington, D.C. at age 23 with a journalism degree and a job in the male-dominated corridors of defense contracting. It was an era of glass ceilings, yet Prendergast found her footing through the mentorship of powerful women who saw her potential. Her trajectory took her through the high-stakes consulting world of Booz Allen Hamilton, where she led major contracts in New York and Paris, before a transformative stint at  Luxury Homes Magazine shifted her gaze toward the hearth.

FROM HOUSES TO HOMES

Today, as the leader of The Prendergast Team, Marianne has traded defense contracts for the delicate art of the listing. But for her, real estate has never been about the transaction; it is about the transition.

“A house only becomes a home when the people living in it infuse it with their personality, love, and life,” she reflects. “Empty walls are just architecture. It’s the heart of the family inside that matters. To me, home represents identity, safety, and belonging.”

This perspective has turned her business into something of a regional institution in McLean and Great Falls. Her strategy isn’t found in a traditional sales manual, but in the pages of  The Wall Street Journal  and  The Washington Post , which she devours daily at 5:00 a.m. to stay ahead of the economic curves. In a market currently obsessed with “wellness spaces,” ranging from integrated home spas to the rise of the neighborhood pickleball court, Prendergast remains the steady hand guiding clients through the shift toward hybrid lifestyles and multigenerational living.

enough to send their daughter or their best friend. Many of my clients have become lifelong friends, and their continued confidence is the highest compliment I can receive.”

When you invest deeply in your community, the community has a way of investing back in you.

Her influence extends far beyond the closing table. Whether she is serving at St. Luke Catholic Church, supporting the MLAN Project for the Arts, or donating her time to local nonprofits, Prendergast operates as a “catalyst,” a term she uses to describe the collaborative leadership style defining the modern Northern Virginia woman. Watching her own daughter enter the world of commercial development, Prendergast sees a region that has evolved from a government town into a dynamic hub of female CEOs and innovators. It is a landscape she helped cultivate, one relationship at a time.

A GROUNDED WISDOM

As the morning sun finally clears the trees in McLean, Prendergast’s dog-earred schedule beckons. With five children and a demanding career, her life is a masterclass in time management, yet she never appears rushed. She is a woman who knows exactly where she belongs.

THE REFERRAL AS A LEGACY

In an industry often critiqued for its translucence, Prendergast’s currency is trust. “Success is a referral,” she says simply. “It’s a client trusting me

When asked what wisdom she offers the next generation of women leaders, her answer is as sturdy as a well-built foundation: “Stay grounded. Stay curious. And stay confident in your abilities. You belong in every room you enter.”

THE WOMEN'S CENTER: A COMMUNITY ANCHOR

In the quiet, light-filled corridors of their newly expanded Tysons space, there is a palpable sense of what the French call  solidarité. It is a word that suggests more than just support; it implies a shared standing-up, a collective holding of the breath until the crisis passes. This is the heart of The Women’s Center, an institution that has quietly anchored the Northern Virginia and D.C. community for over half a century.

ARTICLE BY AJ JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY OF THE WOMEN’S CENTER

To understand the Center today, one must look back to 1974. It was a time when the “glass ceiling” was not yet a phrase, but a very real,

low-hanging roof. College graduates Joan Alden Parks and Peggy Lockhart Mummerling saw a specific void: women were trying to re-enter the workforce and finding no bridge to get them there. What began as the Northern Virginia Information and Counseling Center for Women was a radical act of pragmatism: a place for career training and employment support.

By 1984, the name was simplified, but the mission was deepening. Today, the Center is a 35,000-hour-a-year powerhouse, serving more than 3,300 individuals annually. And while the word “Women” remains proudly on the door (a nod to its founding mothers), the doors themselves are open to everyone, including men, children, teens, and families of every configuration.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF HEALING

What makes the Center unique isn’t just that it offers therapy; it is  how it defines well-being. It is a holistic ecosystem. If you walk through their doors, you are not just a patient. You are a person whose emotional health is inextricably tied to your bank account, your legal status, and your physical safety.

“We approach support by integrating emotional, physical, economic, and social well-being into every aspect of our services,” says the leadership team. This manifests in a staggering menu of resources. Beyond traditional individual and couples counseling, the Center provides:

• Economic Empowerment: Career coaching, job-search counseling, and financial education workshops.

• Legal Guidance: Divorce mediation led by certified attorneys and free consultations with family law experts.

• Crisis Advocacy: Intensive support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including court accompaniment.

• Specialized Care: Programs like “It Takes a Village” (ITAV), a pilot initiative addressing the maternal mental health crisis.

THE HUMAN RIPPLE EFFECT

Statistics provide the skeleton, but the clients provide the soul. Consider Rory, a 16-year-old who arrived at the Center feeling shattered by home conflict and school disruptions. Her journey did not happen in a vacuum. Her therapist met her where she was, quite literally. When Rory was in a juvenile facility, the therapist continued to show up, offering a steadying hand that did not try to “fix” her, but rather listened.

Today, Rory has a job, a fresh mindset for school, and a restored relationship with her younger sibling. “You can’t hold pain in forever,” Rory says now. “Counseling helped me see that. It helped me feel heard.”

Then there is Julia, a mother of two and a survivor of domestic violence. For years, Julia was silenced by a controlling relationship. Through the

Below: The Center provides career, financial, and legal workshops both in-person and virtually to empower participants and build personal confidence.

Center’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault services, she worked with a therapist named Sophie to rebuild her identity. It was not just about emotional processing; it was about the logistics of survival: navigating custody evaluations, setting boundaries, and regaining a voice in the legal system. Julia is not just surviving now. She is leading her family with a courage she once thought was lost.

A COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

The Center’s impact is a study in the “Ripple Effect.” When a woman gains economic stability or heals from trauma, her children thrive, her neighborhood stabilizes, and the local economy grows more resilient. This is particularly crucial as the D.C. metro area faces a projected loss of 40,000 federal jobs over the next several years. This 21% reduction in the workforce historically correlates with spikes in domestic violence and mental health crises.

Furthermore, Northern Virginia is more diverse than ever, with more than one in four residents speaking a language other than English at home. The Center is meeting this by expanding culturally competent services for immigrant women who often face heightened vulnerability due to a lack of legal protections.

The engine behind this work is a sophisticated blend of professional staff and a dedicated “army” of volunteers. From the Fall Gala to the year-long Annual

Campaign, the community fuels the Center’s ability to offer sliding-scale fees and even free services for those in the greatest need.

LOOKING TOWARD 2030

As the Center looks to the next three to five years, the focus is on expansion and sustainability. In 2025, they launched the Resident and Supervisee Program, a brilliant double-play that helps new clinicians reach their licensure while increasing the Center’s capacity for reduced-fee counseling by 20% each year.

The message is clear: investing in the well-being of the community’s most vulnerable is not just charity. It is a regional necessity. When people like Rory and Julia find their footing, we all stand a little taller.

As one client poignantly put it: “Without The Women’s Center, I wouldn’t have that anchoring in myself. I would still be lost.” In the heart of McLean, that anchor remains as heavy and as hopeful as ever.

Dedicated volunteers field 8,000 annual calls, providing compassionate listening and essential resource referrals for individuals in need of support.

Brooksfield School in McLean, Virginia offers a warm, Montessori-inspired environment where children develop confidence, creativity, and a love of learning. Rooted in community, the arts, and nature, Brooksfield fosters meaningful connections and joyful exploration every day.

Schedule a tour of our BRAND NEW CAMPUS and meet our dedicated team.

1724 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, Virginia 22101

703-356-5437

www.brooksfieldschool.org brksfield@aol.com

Rooted in Love, Growing Together

HONOR THEM WITH REST, RENEWAL, AND A THOUGHTFUL GIFT.

With the purchase of a 90 minute Premium Spa Treatment, celebrate the ones who mean the most. Whether you join your parents or grandparents for a shared moment of relaxation, or gift them a peaceful visit of their own, we will include a thoughtfully curated keepsake set. Simply provide one printed photo and we will place it in a beautiful picture frame, along with a cooling brush, gua sha comb, and soft microfiber towel to continue their care at home.

RESERVE YOUR PREMIUM TREATMENT AND LET US ADD A THOUGHTFUL GIFT. CALL OR TEXT 703-995-0155 TO BOOK. 110 PLEASANT ST NW · VIENNA, VA 22180

Real Hope, Real Solutions for Menopause

Meno-Start is a holistic program for perimenopause and menopausal women to help them navigate this phase of life! We provide comprehensive medical care with a board certified gynecologist for managing HRT, metabolism, mood and other symptoms with holistic and traditional treatment options. We also offer fitness and nutrition services with a certified personal trainer in our private studio. This unique approach combines medical and wellness to ensure you can thrive in this phase! Schedule a Free-15 minute consult through our website to get more information and to see how we can personalize the program for you.

Or

A Fresh Look. The Same Care You Trust.

Balance Art Acupuncture is now HopeSeed Acupuncture – McLean—a name that reflects growth, renewal, and a deeper commitment to your well-being.

While our name has evolved, everything you value remains the same: the same trusted practitioners, the same personalized treatments, and the same calming, patient-first experience. As HopeSeed, we’re expanding our vision—bringing new techniques, programs, and holistic support to help you heal, restore, and thrive.

New name. Stronger roots. Your care, always at the center.

The Painted Legacy:

THE PAINTED LEGACY: ONE YEAR INSIDE THE HEART OF MCLEAN CITY LIFESTYLE

There is a specific kind of gravity to a magazine publication that earns a permanent spot on a coffee table. It is the weight of thick paper and the pull of a curated aesthetic, a feeling that harkens back to the golden age of  Architectural Digest. For Suzanne Purdy, the force behind  McLean City Lifestyle, this was precisely the point. As the publication crosses the threshold of its first anniversary, it has become more than a monthly arrival in the mailbox; it has become a visual diary of a community that prides itself on being a small town located only ten miles from the White House.

A VISION IN WATERCOLOR

The most striking element of the magazine is its refusal to follow the modern trend of high-gloss photography on its covers. Instead, every issue greets the reader with a piece of fine art. This choice was deeply personal for Purdy, rooted in a childhood home where beautiful periodicals were displayed like décor. It was further inspired by a family tradition: her husband, a hobby watercolorist, creates a painting for their family Christmas card every year.

That intimacy has translated into a signature brand identity. By giving local artists a platform to reach thousands of homes, Purdy has fostered a “McLean feeling” that is warm and uplifting. Whether it is a soft watercolor or a bold oil painting, the cover art is selected to mirror the season and evoke a sense of goodness. One year in, the community has embraced this artistic gamble. Readers often remark that they look forward to the cover reveal as much as the stories inside.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF TRUST

Reflecting on the early days, Purdy admits that the journey was not without its hurdles. The biggest challenge was not the logistics of printing, but the art of persuasion. Before the first issue existed, she had to sell a dream to skeptical partners and advertisers. She had to paint a picture of a publication that did not yet have a physical form.

“It is no coincidence that our anniversary coincides with our "Ladies" issue. Both celebrate the same thing: the purposeful, legacy-minded people who make this community a home. We are just here to tell their stories.”

The gamble paid off. One partner recently noted that the magazine has accomplished more in twelve months than many do in three years. This success is built on Purdy’s simple, unwavering mission: to celebrate success stories and focus exclusively on good news. From highlighting beloved teachers to profiling local nonprofits, the magazine serves as a mirror reflecting the best version of the community back to itself.

THE MODERN MCLEAN LADY

Because this anniversary coincides with the “Ladies” issue, the celebration of local women feels particularly poignant. In a region dense with high achievers, the selection process is rigorous. The “McLean Lady” of today is defined by more than her professional title or her accolades. To Purdy, she is defined by her legacy.

“She is purpose-driven,” Purdy notes. Whether these women are leading government contracting firms or building grassroots charities, the common thread is a desire to make a lasting, positive impact. The magazine acts as an amplifier for these women-led businesses, encouraging a culture where neighbors genuinely support neighbors and businesses lift one another up.

LESSONS FROM THE SUNDAY TABLE

The drive to build something timeless is fueled by Purdy’s deep-seated respect for the women who came before her. She often leans on the memory of her grandmothers, one a bookkeeper and librarian, the other a nurse who spent her later years rocking newborns in the hospital.

However, it was her mother who provided the most enduring lesson in leadership. She was a woman who ironed everything, from clothes to tablecloths, not as a chore but as an act of joy. She thought about her family using each piece as she worked. That philosophy, finding purpose in the smallest tasks and showing up for those who rely on you, is the heartbeat of Purdy’s work today.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

As  McLean City Lifestyle enters its second year, the goal remains rooted in connection. Purdy hopes to re-energize a community that was disrupted by years of social distancing, using her pages to spark realworld gatherings at local parks and events.

Looking a decade down the road, she hopes the magazine’s early years are remembered as the start of an incredible legacy. It is a legacy built on the belief that when you shine a light on the good happening around you, everyone stands a little taller. For now, the focus is on the next story, the next artist, and the next Sunday dinner where Suzanne can unplug with her family and savor the community she has worked so hard to document.

events

MAY 1ST

Hershey Super Sweet Adventure

Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd. Tysons, VA 22102

A literal sugar rush! Take the kids through an immersive candy wonderland at Tysons Corner Center. Interactive games, giant chocolate bars, and endless photo ops await.

Daily in May (10 AM – 7 PM) | Tysons Corner Center.

MAY 3RD

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Neutral Ground

Neutral Ground, 6641 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA 22101 | 11:00 AM

Skip the rushed breakfast. Spend your Sunday morning in Falls Church with live syncopated rhythms and a menu that redefined "coastal chic."

Sundays | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

MAY 10TH

Mother’s Day Tea at Cherry Hill Farmhouse

Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046 | 2:00 PM

Transport Mom back to the 19th century with an elegant afternoon tea. Think costumed interpreters, fine china, and bottomless tea in a historic parlor. It’s the refined celebration she deserves.

MAY 10TH

Spa & Rosé at The Salamander DC

The Salamander DC, 1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 | 11:00 AM

The Garden Escape. Celebrate Mom with a blooming garden brunch followed by a tranquil spa afternoon. If you want a "resort" feel without leaving the metro area, the Salamander (from the creators of the famous Middleburg resort) offers an ultra-upscale Mother’s Day Garden Brunch. Pair it with a signature treatment at their world-renowned spa for the ultimate gift of relaxation.

MAY 13TH

LifeWave Light Therapy for a Better You

Mason Enterprise Center 10300 Eaton Place, Fairfax, 1st Floor Conference Room | 6:30 PM

Wearable light therapy patches are a new way of promoting better health and wellness. Using only your body heat and light, the X39 patch produces pain relief, more energy and deeper more restorative sleep. Come learn more at this informative talk. May 13, 6:30pm, Mason Enterprise Center 10300 Eaton Place, Fairfax, 1st Floor Conference Room.

Register to attend with Kimberly 703-675-5557.

MAY 15TH

McLean Day 2026

Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA 22101 | 3:00 PM

The ride of your life is back! McLean’s favorite weekend returns with a Friday night carnival and a full-blown Saturday festival. From the petting zoo to the beer & wine garden, it’s the definition of community vibes.

Parent Hack: Park at the McLean Community Center and take the free shuttle to McLean Day. Your sanity (and stroller) will thank you.

Estate Planning Seminars

MAY 21ST

Sting at Wolf Trap

Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA 22182

It isn't just a concert; it’s a Northern Virginia rite of passage. Pack a gourmet picnic basket (think brie, prosciutto, and local honey) and snag a spot on the lawn under the stars for the ultimate luxury date night.

MAY 25TH

44th Annual Memorial Day Parade & Festival

City Hall & Park Ave, 223 Little Falls St. Falls Church, VA 22046 | 9:00 AM

Small-town charm, big-time celebration. Join thousands in Falls Church for the legendary parade down Park Avenue. Start with the 3K Fun Run, stay for the carnival rides, and cheer for the marching bands!

Monday, May 25 (9 AM – 5 PM; Parade at 2 PM)

MAY 25TH

VA250 Mobile Museum

223 Little Falls St. Falls Church, VA 22046 | 9:00 AM

History on the move! Bringing 250 years of Virginia history to life through interactive tech and exhibits. A fun, brainy pitstop for the kids during the Memorial Day festivities.

Monday, May 25 (9 AM – 5 PM) | Park Ave, Falls Church.

MAY 28TH

The Tower Club Summit

8000 Towers Crescent Dr. Ste 1700, Vienna, VA 22182 | 6:00 PM

Tysons’ premier private club opens its doors for an evening of high-level networking. If you’re looking to connect with the region’s movers and shakers against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling skyline views, this is your RSVP.

MAY 29TH

Meredith Willson’s "The Music Man" at Capital One Hall

7500 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102 | 8:00 PM

High-culture theater in the DMV’s newest architectural gem. This isn’t just a show; it’s a full-scale Broadway production featuring soaring acoustics and a stunning Tysons skyline backdrop. Perfect for those who want a "New York City night" without the flight. Grab a preshow cocktail at The Perch before settling in for this legendary musical masterpiece.

MAY 31ST

DMV Summer Kickoff Music Fest

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Dr, Tysons, VA 22102 | 12:00 PM

The official start of summer is here! Rare Essence is bringing the Go-Go energy to Tysons. Grab your crew, hit Lerner Town Square, and dance the afternoon away.

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