CLEA LIVING M N
COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY
© Best Version Media
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE
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December
January
February
March
April
May
June 10
July 10
August 10
September 10
October 10
November 10
time, your presence, and your attention. But, as I always say, if you do want to express love through a gift, diamonds from Helvetia are always a good idea. Wishing you a month filled with connection, laughter, and love—in all its forms.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you all,
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
February is about connection, care, and the stories we share. Thank you for being part of this community.
© Best Version Media
FURNITURE RESTORATION
Joni Foerter | Front Porch Furniture Rescue 703-543-9248 | myfurniturerescue.com
DERMATOLOGY & SKIN HEALTH
Dr. Pantea Tamjidi, MD, F.A.A.D. | Tamjidi Skin Institute 703-345-6677 | tamjidiskininstitute.com
HOME SERVICES & CLEANING
Dawn Crawley | STW Cleaning 703-348-2221 | www.STW Cleaning.com
HEALTH & FITNESS
Janine Frank | 2 Health Nuts 410-935-9241 | 2healthnuts.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Andre Passos | Residential & Commercial Landscaping 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodonticst 703-790-1320 | islandchildrensdentistry.com
REAL ESTATE
Brian Mason | Signature Move Real Estate 703-936-6501 | Signaturemoverealestate.com IG: @BrianMasonDMVBIZ
COSMETIC & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dr. Geith Kallas, Founder & CEO | Smile Makers Dental Center 703-356-0250 | www.smilemakerscenter.com
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 540-314-8745 | vinsonshall.org
INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
HOME COMFORT SOLUTIONS
Justin Dobson | Comfenergy & Pros Basement Systems 1.800.604.2252 | 45714 Oakbrook Ct., Suite #180 Sterling VA comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com
BUSINESS BROKERAGE & COACHING
Erika Baez-Grimes | The BPH Group, LLC – Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
LEGAL SERVICES
Amy Griggs | Tysons Trial Law, PLLC 703-643-4021 | www.tysonstriallaw.com
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
Dr. Anna Le—Chief Executive Officer, Anna Health Annandale OBGYN PC (703) 642-7522 | www.annandaleobgyn.com
HOME DESIGN & INTERIORS
Anna Gibson - Founder & Principal Designer AKG Design Studio (571) 446-1108 | www.AKGdesignstudio.com
© Best Version Media
A Home in McLean A TABLE FOR ALL
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional Photos by MYRTLE ROY
In February—a month devoted to love in all its forms— McLean Living turns its focus to a man whose life has been shaped by devotion: to family, to heritage, and to the quiet, daily discipline of showing up with intention. For Dany AbiNajm, owner of the Lebanese Taverna Restaurant Group, love is not defined by grand gestures. It is found in presence, warmth, and the simple act of gathering—around a table, within a home, and across generations.
At the center of that life is his marriage. Dany speaks of his wife, Jenifer, with certainty and reverence. From their very first date, he knew she would be his partner for life—so much so that he told his cousins he would marry her, and he did. The two wed in May of 1991 and built their home in McLean with the intention of filling it quickly, grounding their life in family, shared values, and togetherness. Jenifer is his partner in every sense, bringing balance, perspective, and warmth not only to their home, but to everything they build together.
Today, Dany describes himself first not as a restaurateur, but as a husband and a father. Everything else follows from that point of reference. Titles matter far less than being grounded, intentional, and mindful of one’s impact on others. There is an intensity to Dany—often noticed when people first meet him—but it is the intensity of someone who listens deeply, cares profoundly, and leads with purpose. Authenticity, respect, and meaningful human connection are not ideals to him; they are expectations.
"Love is not defined by grand gestures. It is found in presence, warmth, and the simple act of gathering around a table, within a home, and across generations."
That sense of responsibility was forged early. At just fourteen, Dany experienced life in Lebanon during the civil war—an environment that leaves no room for passivity. Witnessing instability and hardship shaped his understanding of leadership, pressure, and consequence. When his family immigrated to the United States, those lessons came with him. Becoming a husband, and later a father, transformed him further—softening his edges, grounding his ambitions, and anchoring his decisions in a deeper sense of purpose.
Lebanese Taverna itself was born from courage and unity. Dany’s parents, Tanios and Marie, arrived in Northern Virginia with Dany and his siblings—Grace, Gladys, David, and Dory—armed with just $700 and a dream. Together, they pooled resources, worked tirelessly, and modeled a loyalty that placed family above all else. The original Lebanese Taverna in Arlington opened in 1979 and remains a landmark today.
Lebanese hospitality is celebrated worldwide, and the Abi-Najm family elevated it to a defining principle. With deep culinary roots—Dany’s grandfather authored the first Lebanese cookbook, a foundational text still revered—the family expanded the brand thoughtfully over the years. What began as a single restaurant grew into thirteen locations, including fast-casual concepts, a market, and a large catering company. Making people feel genuinely cared for was never a strategy; it was tradition.
For a time, Dany imagined a di erent future. Armed with a degree in economics, he explored a career path outside the family business. But distance brought clarity. What his parents had built was more than a restaurant—it was heritage. Returning to Lebanese Taverna, Dany committed himself to preserving its foundation while evolving it with intention. Honoring tradition while trusting one’s own vision has guided him ever since, even when that meant personal risk. Today, the global appreciation for Lebanese cuisine a irms those early leaps of faith.
At home, Dany and Jenifer raised three children— Alexander, Danielle, and Sophia—each born two years apart, forming a tightly woven family dynamic rooted in togetherness, shared decision-making, and open doors. From an early age, their children were immersed in di erent cultures through frequent international travel.
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Lebanon remains a favorite destination—not only for its food and culture, but for the extensive family ties that endure there. Meals often serve twelve to fifteen, because in the Abi-Najm household, family extends beyond bloodlines.
“You don’t have to be related to be family,” Dany says—and his home reflects that belief.
Meaningful days are simple ones: shared meals, conversation, and laughter. Food plays a central role, not only as nourishment but as an expression of love. At home, Dany tends an extensive garden filled with herbs, vegetables, and fruit. Gardening, along with fishing, o ers him moments of reflection and a connection to the origins of food itself.
Fatherhood reshaped Dany’s leadership style. Patience and empathy deepened as he showed up consistently for both his family and his team. To him, words mean little without action. A meaningful life must embody kindness, integrity, humility, resilience, and accountability—values he strives to pass on to his children and those who work alongside him.
In February, when love is often reduced to a single day, Dany embraces a quieter interpretation. Valentine’s Day is about time together—a shared meal, meaningful conversation, and a pause from the rush of life. He prefers surprising Jenifer
with gestures of appreciation at unexpected moments, believing that love is most powerful when it isn’t scheduled. That same philosophy carries into the McLean Lebanese Taverna at Tysons Galleria. The location reflects who they are today: rooted in tradition, refined, and evolving. It is deeply personal as well, employing cousins, nieces, and nephews, and continuing a legacy of family collaboration. All three of Dany’s children have worked in the business while in school. There is perseverance in its story, too. In 1986, as the Galleria was being developed, Dany wrote expressing hope that Lebanese Taverna might one day be included. He never heard back. Years later, after the brand had proven itself, the opportunity came full circle—this time with the Galleria seeking them out.
When guests walk through the doors, Dany wants them to feel welcomed and at ease. Lebanese Taverna is never pretentious. It is warm, genuine, and rooted in equalopportunity hospitality—whether serving a celebrity or a first-time guest. Celebrating milestones across generations, watching team members grow with pride, and creating spaces where people feel they belong are the moments that rea irm why he does this work.
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Success today means balance: being present for his family, leading with integrity, and building something meaningful without losing himself along the way. What brings him the greatest joy is simple—time with his wife and children, fully present in those moments. Looking ahead, Dany is excited about deepening connections at home and at work, and continuing to grow with intention. New ventures include the founding of Star Restaurant Consulting, a company created to help others realize their culinary dreams, as well as BarBouzard, a new French restaurant in Washington, D.C., born from that same desire to build thoughtfully.
Everything Dany Abi-Najm does is rooted in family and connection. For more than forty years, McLean has been home—the place where his children were raised, friendships were built, and lasting roots were planted. This community shaped the Abi-Najm family, and for that, they remain deeply grateful.
In a season dedicated to love, Dany Abi-Najm reminds us that the most enduring expressions are often the quiet ones: presence, warmth, and a table where everyone is welcome.
PLACE, MCLEAN
althy Smiles Growing Healthy y and Care Through
Community
- Island Children's
en's Dentistry & Orthodontics
February is a month that celebrates love, and in pediatric dentistry, love shows up every day through care, patience, and a commitment to the communities we serve. At Island Children’s Dentistry, our mission goes beyond teeth. We believe that healthy smiles grow best when children feel supported, encouraged, and surrounded by a community
Giving back has always been at the heart of what we do. One of the causes closest to my heart is Give Kids a Smile, a national program that provides free dental care to underserved children. I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Northern Virginia Executive Committee for the 2025–2026 term, helping ensure that more children have access to the oral healthcare they deserve. A healthy smile has the power to boost confidence, improve overall health, and open doors for a brighter future.
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Each February, in celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, our team also visits local schools to make learning about oral health fun and engaging. Through stories, music, hands-on demonstrations, and even a few puppet friends, we teach children the importance of brushing, flossing, and making tooth-friendly choices, lessons that can last a lifetime.
Our involvement extends beyond classrooms and clinics. We proudly support local school 5Ks, children’s plays, sports events, and community initiatives that encourage kids to stay active, confident, and connected. Additionally, I volunteer with the International Esperanza Project, providing dental care to underprivileged children in Guatemala, reinforcing my belief that every child, regardless of location, deserves quality care.
At the end of the day, dentistry is about people. When we come together as a community to support our children, their smiles and their futures shine even brighter.
Beyond Granite
WHY KITCHEN LAYOUT TRUMPS MATERIALS EVERY TIME
By ANNA K. GIBSON, CKBD, CLIPP - Certi ed Kitchen and bath Design and Living in place professional
Walk into any showroom and you'll be dazzled by marble samples, custom cabinetry finishes, and the latest appliance technology. Yet here's what fifteen years in luxury design has taught me: the most expensive materials cannot compensate for a poorly planned layout.
Your kitchen's true value lies in how it moves. Every successful kitchen design begins with understanding your specific cooking patterns, entertaining style, and daily rhythms. Do you prepare elaborate meals or prefer quick, healthy options? Do you entertain formally or casually? These answers shape everything.
The work triangle—the relationship between your sink, stove, and refrigerator—remains foundational, but modern life demands more nuanced thinking. Where will you stage
the ingredients? How will multiple family members move through the space simultaneously? Can guests interact naturally without disrupting the cook?
At AKG Design Studio, we've seen countless homeowners invest heavily in premium finishes while accepting a fundamentally flawed footprint. Then they live with daily frustration—reaching across the sink to access the dishwasher, navigating awkward corners, or constantly retracing steps during meal preparation.
The most successful renovations we've completed didn't necessarily feature the most expensive materials. They featured layouts so intuitive that cooking became e ortless, cleanup nearly disappeared, and the kitchen genuinely became the heart of the home.
Choose materials that delight you, absolutely. But first, perfect the bones. A brilliant layout with solid materials will outperform expensive finishes in a compromised space every single time.
Considering a kitchen remodel? Let's start with what matters most—your layout. Contact AKG Design Studio by visiting www.akgdesignstudio.com and schedule your free discovery call to discuss how your space can work beautifully for the way you actually live.
© Best Version Media
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MCC?
Each month, the McLean Community Center (MCC) brings the community together through a dynamic lineup of classes, events, and performances hosted at the MCC building, The Alden Theatre (located on the MCC campus), and the Old Firehouse Center in downtown McLean. From family-friendly programs to cultural performances and educational opportunities, there’s always something happening. For the most up-to-date information, visit mcleancenter.org—and be sure to join us for the fun.
FebruaryMarch
YEAR OF THE RED FIRE HOUSE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
February 18 | 7:00 PM
Alden Theatre
Dance performance celebrating Lunar New Year with Dragon and Lion Dance
SPETTACOLO (FILM SCREENING)
February 19 | 1:00 PM
Alden Theatre
Italian film with English subtitles Free admission | Rated PG
BORISEVICH DUO: PIANO & VIOLIN
February 22 | 2:00 PM
Alden Theatre
Chamber music performance by Alden favorites
THE GREAT RACE: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC
February 28 | 6:00 PM
Alden Theatre
Family-friendly performance by Honolulu Theatre for Youth
MCC GOVERNING BOARD ELECTION –PETITION PACKETS AVAILABLE
February 18
McLean Community Center
Adult and youth board positions 2026–2027 term
FINANCIAL PLANNING: NAVIGATING THE PATH IN RETIREMENT
February 18 | 6:00–7:00 PM
McLean Community Center
Free educational seminar
Registration required
SOUND HEALING SESSION WITH COCOON VIBES
March 1 | 3:00–4:00 PM
McLean Community Center
Guided relaxation using sound therapy | Registration required
THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (FILM SCREENING)
March 4 | 6:30 PM
Alden Theatre
French film with English subtitles | Ages 18+
HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY – A NEW MUSICAL
March 6 | 7:00 PM Alden Theatre
Family-friendly musical about young John Lewis | ASL-interpreted
WELLNESS FOR CANCER PREVENTION
March 10 | 6:00–7:00 PM
McLean Community Center
Free educational seminar Registration required
SIX BY SONDHEIM (DOCUMENTARY FILM)
March 12 | 1:00 PM Alden Theatre
Documentary exploring the life and work of Stephen Sondheim | 13+
ST. PATTY’S PARTY DANCE (5TH & 6TH GRADERS)
March 13 | 7:00–9:30 PM
Old Firehouse Center
DJ, food, and activities Pre-registration required
© Best Version Media
MAKE APPRECIATION VISIBLE
What if thanking first responders became as normal as Valentine’s flowers?
• A handwritten note dropped o at a station.
• A co ee paid forward.
• A meal sent during a long shift.
• A simple “I see you” when you cross paths.
Small gestures land big when someone spends their days carrying the weight of other people’s worst moments.
And if you love someone who is a first responder, this matters even more. Their job doesn’t end when the shift does. The stress follows them home. The silence too. Loving them means recognizing that strength doesn’t cancel exhaustion.
SERVING LOVE IN REAL TIME
By GLORIA FONSECA
Love month usually spotlights romance, roses, and candlelit dinners. But there’s another kind of love that keeps the lights on when things go dark. The quiet, unglamorous, show-up-no-matterwhat kind.
This February, let’s make appreciation a tradition.
HAVE YOU THANKED YOUR FIRST RESPONDER TODAY?
We kiss our partners goodbye, hug our kids before school, and text hearts to friends. Meanwhile, somewhere nearby, a first responder is lacing boots, checking gear, and bracing for a shift that may include chaos, grief, danger, or all three before breakfast.
• Firefighters. EMTs. Paramedics. Police o icers. Dispatchers. ER teams.
• They run toward moments the rest of us instinctively run away from.
• They don’t know whose life they’ll hold in their hands today. They just know they will.
The month of love feels like the perfect time to widen the circle. Not just romantic love, but community love. Gratitude with teeth. Appreciation that moves beyond a social media post and into real life.
GRATITUDE IS A MUSCLE
We assume first responders know they’re appreciated. But appreciation, like love, has to be spoken to stay alive.
• Thank them when nothing dramatic happened.
• Thank them when you didn’t need them personally.
• Thank them simply because they exist, trained and ready, just in case.
Gratitude is a muscle. The more a community uses it, the stronger everyone gets.
LET’S MAKE IT A THING
Not a trend. Not a hashtag that fades. A habit.
February can be the reminder. But the goal is year-round acknowledgment of people who choose service over comfort, duty over convenience, and courage over fear.
So this month, alongside chocolates and cards, add one more act of love:
• Thank a first responder.
• Appreciate a provider.
• Teach your kids to say “thank you” to the people who protect them.
Love doesn’t only live in romance. Sometimes it wears a uniform, answers a call at 2 a.m., and shows up on the worst day of someone’s life.
That kind of love deserves recognition.
Standing in the Gap How Fairfax CASA Gives Children a Voice
By MARIANNE BANE |
by NATIONAL CASA/GAL ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN
Some heroes wear uniforms. Others carry clipboards, attend court hearings, and sit on the floor to listen to a child who has learned too early how fragile the world can be. In Fairfax County, those heroes are Court Appointed Special Advocates, ordinary people doing extraordinary work for children who need someone firmly in their corner. Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates, known simply as Fairfax CASA, was founded in 1989 after a local judge recognized a troubling gap in the child welfare system. While attorneys, social workers, and other professionals all play essential roles, no one was assigned solely to advocate for the child’s best interests. Determined to change that, Judge Jane Delbridge gathered compassionate community members and laid the groundwork for an organization centered on one simple but powerful idea: every child deserves to be heard.
Since then, Fairfax CASA has served more than 9,000 abused and neglected children, supported by nearly 2,000 volunteers who step into complex cases with dedication and care. Each volunteer goes through a rigorous screening process, multiple interviews, a background check, and an intensive two-week training program. They learn the inner workings of the child welfare system, practice writing court reports, and are carefully prepared for the responsibility ahead.
Once sworn in, CASA volunteers become a steady presence in a child’s life during what is often the most uncertain season they have known. They visit regularly, gather school and health records, communicate with caregivers and professionals, and make thoughtful, informed recommendations directly to the court. In many cases, the CASA volunteer becomes the one consistent adult who knows the full story, the child’s needs, fears, strengths, and hopes.
That consistency matters. With a dedicated advocate, children are more likely to experience safer placements, better educational outcomes, and a clearer path toward stability. Most importantly, their voices are not lost in the shu le of the legal system.
Each year, more than 100 children in Fairfax County enter the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect. The need is ongoing, and the impact of one committed adult can be life-changing.
Fairfax CASA depends on both volunteers and donors to continue this vital work. No prior experience is required, only empathy, commitment, and a willingness to stand up for a child who cannot do so alone.
Sometimes, changing a child’s life begins with simply showing up and saying, “I’m here…and I’m not going anywhere.”
For more information, visit www.FairfaxCASA.org
Photos
© Best Version Media
© Best Version Media
FOOD AS MEDICINE
Nourishing Your Immune System from the Inside Out
By JANINE FRANK, Co-Founder, 2 Health Nuts
During cold and flu season, many people’s first instinct is to reach for supplements or medications. While this can be both a beneficial and necessary option, one of the most powerful tools for immune health is something we use every day - FOOD! The concept of “food as medicine” is rooted in the idea that what we eat can actively support our body’s ability to defend, repair, and thrive.
A strong immune system starts in the gut - nearly 70% of our immune cells reside here. This is why prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods is absolutely essential! Decorating your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables will do your body a world of good. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and leafy greens are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help protect immune cells from damage. Deeply colored vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash provide beta-carotene which supports the body’s natural defenses.
Equally important are foods that nourish gut health.
Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi introduce beneficial probiotics that help maintain a balanced microbiome. A healthy gut allows your immune system to respond e iciently to threats instead of being in a constant state of inflammation.
Don’t overlook the role of protein and healthy fats. Lean proteins like eggs, fish, beans, and poultry provide amino acids necessary for immune cell production. Fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and olive oil deliver omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce chronic inflammation and support immune regulation.
Finally, hydration and minerals matter. Foods rich in zinc such as pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and whole grains play a key role in immune response, while staying well hydrated helps the body flush toxins and circulate immune cells e ectively.
Food isn’t just fuel; it’s information for your body! By making intentional, nourishing choices daily, you empower your immune system to function at its best, both naturally and sustainably through every season!
A Good Operator vs. A Good Owner
By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES, CM&AP, Founder The BPH Group, LLC
If you are a business owner, chances are you are very good at running your company, and if you’ve been in business more than 5
You know your customers, your people, and your numbers. You're likely involved in decisions every day, and the business works because you are paying attention. These qualities are not flaws; they’re key characteristics necessary to build wildly successful companies.
But there is an important distinction that many owners never stop to examine: the skills that make you a strong operator are not the same skills that make you a strong owner. Because:
• A good operator knows how to run a business.
• A good owner knows how to build one that lasts without them.
Operators live in execution. They manage day to day, they put out fires, close deals, oversee sta , and ensure customers are taken care of!
When something breaks, they fix it. When performance dips, they step in & business moves forward because of their direct involvement.
Owners think at a di erent altitude. They step back and view the business as a system rather than a series of tasks or a baby who’s reliant on them for survival.
Their focus is not on today’s issues; they look at their organization from a di erent angle, looking at things like repeatability, predictability, and risk.
They consider things like
• What happens if I step away for a month?
• Who makes decisions when I am not available?
• Where is the business fragile?
• What would make a buyer hesitate?
Operators optimize for control.
Owners optimize for leverage.
In many cases, control feels responsible. It feels like leadership… But too much control creates dependency, and dependency limits value.
On the flip side, leverage requires trust, documentation, and structure. It means building systems that work even when you are not present and people who can perform without constant oversight.
This is where many founders unknowingly trap themselves. They believe their involvement is the business’s greatest strength. In reality, it is often its greatest risk. The more indispensable you are, the harder the business is to sell, scale, or step away from.
Buyers do not pay a premium for e ort or sacrifice. They pay for predictability. They want clean financials, durable margins,
leadership depth, and systems that do not rely on one person’s memory or relationships.
The shift from operator to owner is not about working less. It is about working di erently.
Operators create income.
Owners create equity.
And the businesses that command the strongest valuations are almost always built by owners who learned when to stop operating and start owning.
If you'd like to learn more about how to begin optimizing your business and become the owner you've dreamed of, LET'S CONNECT!
Erika Baez-Grimes, CM&AP | Founder
The BPH Group, LLC | A Business Exit & Strategy Co. Erika@ErikatheBroker.com 804.750.3008
202.643.1549
Info@mroyphoto.com www.mroyphoto.com
For more than two decades, Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Virginia, has carried the spirit of Northern Virginia far beyond its borders—building meaningful relationships with families in Honduras through a longstanding partnership with Honduras Outreach International (HOI). Founded in 1989, HOI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities in the remote Agalta Valley through healthcare, spiritual life, education, community development, and agriculture.
Since their first mission trip in 2000, members of Grace Presbyterian have returned year after year. They’ve poured cement floors, installed water filters, built sinks, and tackled countless practical needs. Yet what continues to draw volunteers back is not just the work itself, but the deep, lasting bonds formed with the families they serve.
For many, the journey begins with a powerful first impression. Longtime team leader Greta Tosi-Miller vividly recalls her initial trip:
“The bus ride from the airport to the ranch was sho so much poverty, such dire needs, families without water and electricity. How do you cook when you don have electricity for a refrigerator to store your f mind raced with questions.”
As the days unfold, volunteers quickly realize that physical resources may be limited, the communities are rich in ways that matter most—through resilienc generosity, and love.
Grace Presbyterian’s Mission Teams Carry Northern Virginia Compassion to Families Across Honduras
By CAROLYN HILPERT, Engagement Coordinator at HOI
Greta reflects on why she continues to return:
“I come back not only for the immense spiritual renewal I experience on every trip, but to witness the seeds that are planted with each new traveler.”
Another defining moment comes from team leader Ed Bryant, whose perspective shifted during what seemed like a routine task. As he counted unfinished water filter stands, his focus was purely logistical—until a local village leader, Gilma Sanders, gently tapped his shoulder and pointed to a stand marked with a family’s name.
“It was as if the Holy Spirit shook my soul,” Ed recalls. “I realized I wasn’t counting wooden stands—I was counting the lives of families who would now have clean drinking water. To
This Valentine’s Day, free up time for the people you love — not chores you tolerate. STW Cleaning o ers professional home & business cleaning services designed to give you back your weekend.
© Best Version Media
this day, a tear comes to my eyes thinking of her smile.” While these mission trips provide tangible support to communities in need, they also leave a lasting imprint on the volunteers themselves. One mother shared that her daughter returned home with a new perspective— realizing she needed far less than she once thought. For those who feel called to serve, joining an HOI mission trip o ers a profound opportunity for connection, humility, and growth—transforming not only the lives of the families served, but also the hearts of those who make the journey.
Want to support or learn more?
WARM YOUR BUSINESS GOALS THIS WINTER
In
Mandira
place, McLean VA 22101
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An Invitation to an Evening of Purpose and Promise
NOW OFFERING Prom, Gala Dresses & Spring Wear!
By SUMAIRA MALIK - Events Chair for WCGF Scholarship Fund
True to the spirit of community that defines Great Falls, the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Foundation invites friends, neighbors, and supporters to take part in an evening where elegance meets impact.
On May 1, 2026, the Scholarship Foundation will host its signature fundraising event, the Masquerade Ball, at River Bend Country Club. More than a formal celebration, the Masquerade Ball is a powerful expression of collective generosity, bringing together community leaders, donors, and scholarship recipients in support of students striving to achieve higher education despite rising tuition costs, transportation challenges, and family responsibilities.
Each ticket, sponsorship, and donation directly fuels lifechanging scholarships for deserving students across Northern Virginia—helping them remain enrolled, complete their degrees, and move forward with confidence toward their futures. The evening serves as both a celebration of educational possibility and a reminder that when a community invests in its students, the impact lasts for generations.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Partner with the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund to support student scholarships and receive exclusive recognition at the Masquerade Fundraiser and throughout the year.
Learn more at womensclubgfsf.org
COO - Lucia Tirondola
More Than Words
By ALICIA VILLARS – Helvetia Jewelry
A true Valentine’s gift does not need explanation. It speaks before it is opened. It carries love without limits, loyalty without conditions, and passion without apology.
At its best, it is a reflection of the giver—revealed without a single word. This is why jewelry has endured as humanity’s most intimate language. Long before love letters and grand speeches, jewels carried messages that could not safely be spoken aloud. In gold and stone, emotion found permanence.
Among all symbols, none is more charged than the heart-shaped diamond. For centuries, jewels were not merely adornments; they were instruments of diplomacy, devotion, and power. Monarchs exchanged
sent her cousin, Elizabeth I, a heart-shaped diamond ring. It was a rare and daring choice—a diamond carved into one of the most technically demanding shapes, reserved for moments of consequence.
Historians believe the unspoken message embedded in that jewel was clear and vulnerable: I place my fate in your hands. In that single object lived hope, trust, kinship, and courage. The heart-shaped diamond became forever linked with emotion that transcends words—a symbol of devotion o ered even in uncertainty. Long before Valentine’s Day cards and red roses, it stood as an aspirational expression of love and loyalty at the highest level.
Why Diamonds Endure
Diamonds are not simply beautiful.
To give a diamond is to make a statement:
What I feel is not fleeting. What I promise is lasting. The heart-shaped cut elevates that promise further. It transforms strength into tenderness. Power into vulnerability. It is not chosen casually; it is chosen intentionally.
Helvetia Jewelry at 1305 Vincent
The Foundation of a Healthy Smile Why Proper Occlusion Matters
By DR. GEITH KALLAS, DDS
When most people think about straight teeth, they think about aesthetics—a beautiful smile, increased confidence, or improved first impressions. While those benefits are very real, there is something far more important happening beneath the surface: proper occlusion, or how your teeth come together when you bite.
Occlusion is the foundation of oral health. When your bite is properly aligned, your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles work together in harmony. When it isn’t, the consequences can extend far beyond crooked teeth.
WHAT IS PROPER OCCLUSION AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Proper occlusion means that your upper and lower teeth meet evenly and e iciently. This balance allows you to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and protect your teeth from unnecessary wear. When the bite is misaligned, patients may experience uneven tooth wear or fractures; jaw pain, headaches, or facial tension; clicking or discomfort in the jaw joints (TMJ); gum recession or bone loss; di iculty chewing or speaking; and chronic muscle fatigue in the face and neck.
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Over time, an improper bite can place excessive stress on both the teeth and the jaw joints, leading to issues that often worsen with age if left untreated.
THE ROLE OF CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY
Today, one of the most e ective and discreet ways to correct bite issues is clear aligner therapy.
While many people associate aligners with cosmetic straightening, their real power lies in how precisely they can guide teeth into healthier positions.
Clear aligners work through a series of custom-designed trays that gently and gradually move teeth into optimal alignment. This controlled movement allows us not only to straighten teeth, but also to improve how the bite functions as a whole.
Because aligners are digitally planned, we can visualize the end result before treatment even begins, ensuring both functional and aesthetic goals are met.
A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH, NOT JUST COSMETIC
At Smile Makers Dental Center, we approach orthodontic treatment with a function-first philosophy. Straight teeth are important, but what matters most is how those teeth work together. When occlusion is corrected properly, teeth last longer, gum and bone health improves, jaw discomfort often decreases, patients experience fewer dental emergencies, and overall oral health becomes easier to maintain.
Many patients are surprised to learn that issues like chronic headaches, jaw tension, or excessive tooth wear are connected to their bite—and that aligner therapy can play a significant role in addressing those concerns.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM CLEAR ALIGNERS?
Clear aligner therapy isn’t just for teenagers or those with obvious crowding. Adults of all ages can benefit, especially those who have experienced shifting teeth over time, grind or clench their teeth, notice uneven wear or chipping, experience jaw or muscle discomfort, or want a discreet treatment option that fits a busy lifestyle.
Because aligners are removable, they allow patients to maintain excellent oral hygiene while undergoing treatment, an important factor in long-term success.
INVESTING IN LONG-TERM ORAL HEALTH
Your bite a ects far more than your smile; it a ects how your entire mouth functions every day. Correcting occlusion is an investment in comfort, durability, and overall health.
Clear aligner therapy o ers a modern, e ective solution that aligns teeth thoughtfully and intentionally, creating balance that supports you for years to come.
A healthy smile isn’t just about how it looks… it’s about how it works.
Vienna Eyecare Center
Contributed by DR. NICOLE M. ARDURA, O.D.
For more than four decades, Vienna Eyecare Center has been a trusted provider of family eye care in Vienna and the surrounding communities. Since opening its doors in 1984, the practice has been known for combining clinical expertise with a warm, patient-centered approach—taking the time to listen and care for patients of all ages in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Under the leadership of Dr. Nicole M. Ardura, who joined the practice in 2016 and became its owner in 2025, Vienna Eyecare Center continues to evolve while staying rooted in community values. Dr. Ardura brings advanced training in primary and pediatric eye care, ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, and dry eye management. As both a mother and small business owner, she takes pride in building lasting relationships with the families she serves, helping them see clearly through every stage of life.
Serving the Vienna community
From comprehensive exams to specialty treatments, we’re here to protect your vision and keep you seeing your best.
What Every Woman Should Know
By ANNA LE, MD, FACOG
Uterine leiomyomas a ect millions of women worldwide; the cumulative U.S. incidence is 70–80% by age 50. (Borah et al., American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2013)). These noncancerous growths develop in or around the uterus and often appear during the reproductive years.
While many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, others may notice:
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Bloating or abdominal fullness
• Frequent urination
• Pain during intercourse
Fibroids are influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen, which helps explain why they often grow during the reproductive years and may shrink after menopause.
It’s important to know that fibroids vary widely in size, location, and impact. Some remain stable for years, while others grow more quickly. Regular gynecologic exams and imaging, when
The most important step is recognizing when symptoms interfere with daily life. Heavy bleeding, anemia, persistent pain, or pressure should never be dismissed as “normal.”
With individualized care and modern treatment options, most women can manage fibroids e ectively and maintain an
