Life + Culture

Pet Pantry Provides for Four-Legged Family Members

Article by Beth Rasin Little by little, the bins begin to fill. People stop by select stores, veterinary clinics and boarding facilities across Loudoun County to drop off cat and dog food for the Loudoun Pet Pantry. Volunteers from the Humane Society of Loudoun County and the Loudoun County Animal Shelter collect the items, package them into kits, and deliver them to Loudoun Hunger Relief in Leesburg for families experiencing food insecurity. One client collecting pet food in the Hunger Relief...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Santosh Tiptur Will Tempt You With Chocolate at The Conche

With a unique take on sweet and savory, this inspired chef has created his own niche. Article by Beth Rasin Growing up in India, Santosh Tiptur had a favorite chore: biking to the market to collect groceries for his parents and five siblings, returning with bags of fresh produce. “I enjoyed sourcing high-quality, fresh ingredients,” he said. “I started testing new dishes, making cakes.” He’d had Cadburys as a child, he said, but when he tasted an éclair, the “real chocolate” revealed his...

September 2024

Entertainment

Tips for a Winning Race-Day Tailgate

Six secrets for steeplechase party success. Article by Glenye Oakford At Virginia’s iconic steeplechase meets, tailgating isn’t just about parking the car, setting up a few folding chairs and breaking out the cooler to watch the races—it’s a full-blown, competitive race in itself. Tailgate competitions are where racegoers’ creativity, culinary skills and camaraderie shine for both their guests and judges. If you’re aiming to take home the coveted prize for best tailgate this fall, here are...

September 2024

Home Services

Giving Back is Always in Style

Natasha Magrath Puts Service First, to Her Clients and Her Community Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Mary Lanaghan, MJL Studios “The heart of my business is my community,” says Natasha Magrath. A veteran of the hospitality industry, she founded the Northern Virginia franchise of You’ve Got Maids in 2017 because she wanted to build a business that would help build her community, and that she could one day pass along to her children and grandchildren. “We need every business to...

August 2024

Arts + Culture

The Red Affair

Backstage With the P7 Sisterhood Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Mary Lanaghan, MJL Studios The Silence No More Movement kicks off its fifth annual Red Affair fashion show supporting survivors of domestic violence September 21st at Carahsoft in Reston. The local P7 “divas” who stride down the runway in bespoke styles created for the event by designer Afua Sam of Studio D Maxsi, invest more than 60 hours in rehearsal time to put on a show that will rival any you’ll see during Fashion...

August 2024

Arts + Culture

Crossroads Music Festival Comes of Age

Headliner Howard Jones Selling out Tally Ho Article by Michael Gavreau | Photography by Jed Hoile, BENEFIT “We want people to be moved to give, motivated by the generosity of our artists who donate their performances.” Amy Bobchek, BENEFIT Co-Founder While this year’s Crossroads Music Festival organized by BENEFIT has lost none of its free, live-music-on-every-streetcorner vibe, the two-day charity showcase is coming of age as a must-see music happening in the Mid-Atlantic. Premium balcony...

August 2024

Style + Beauty

Fall Gleams Golden at Ketterman's

Article by Melinda Gipson with Richi Norman | Photography by Mary Lanaghan, MJL Studios Gold is making a comeback this Fall – in fashion as well as on Wall Street. The trend embraces the eclectic, pairing pieces you’ve had sitting in your jewelry box for years, like bangles from Mom, with a new piece or two to create a modern stack. Ketterman’s Jewelers’ Richi Norman layers multiple pieces of different styles and textures to create her own look. On the facing page, Richi is wearing Fossilized...

August 2024

Life + Culture

Going Out in Style:

Saying Goodbye to Those We Love Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Peter Souza, DALL-E, Clozure Few topics are as uncomfortable or avoided as death. Yet Victoria Burke, a third-generation mortician and funeral director with more than 30 years of experience, believes that embracing this reality can lead to profound healing and a celebration of life. Her journey into the world of mortuary science began with a traumatic experience at age 16, which ultimately shaped her compassionate...

August 2024

Entertainment

Birthday in a Box

Giving back with your kids in an easy and heartwarming way will brighten someone’s special day Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Qiana Kelsch The elements Collect your essentials and special decorations   Putting it together Place each element in the baking pan, including directions, and cover with the lid   Time to deliver Collect your birthday cake boxes together and drop it at your favorite food pantry   Looking for a fun, easy and creative way to help those in need...

July 2024

Life + Culture

Celebrating Community Heroes:

Loudoun Cares Honors Volunteers for Exceptional Service Article by Emily Long | Photography by Alex Mangione Volunteering is a great way to explore how you can help your community. In a heartfelt ceremony that resonated with a spirit of gratitude and admiration, Loudoun County gathered in May to pay tribute to those unsung heroes who embody selflessness and servant-hearted commitment to volunteering. Among the recipients of this year's prestigious awards are individuals and teams who serve as...

June 2024