Local Services

The Women's Center: A Community Anchor

Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of The Women’s Center 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. ...

Life + Culture

The Painted Legacy:

One Year Inside the Heart of McLean City Lifestyle Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Suzanne Purdy 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...

Education

Jane Abraham:

The Mission to Stitch Women into the American Narrative Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Jane 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...

Home Services

The Prendergast Perspective

Article by AJ Jones | Photography by 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...

Arts + Culture

A Masterclass in Creative Investment

Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Great Falls Studios Elizabeth Bertholon is redefining what it means to invest in a community. To step into her studio is to enter a sanctuary of sensory liberation: she is almost always barefoot, a furry rug beneath her feet, with music filling the air and a kaleidoscope of gold leaf and mirror fragments within arm’s reach. The space smells faintly of acrylic medium and fresh rain, a private gallery where every corner holds a half-finished story...

Health + Wellness

The Health Dividend:

Why Wellness is Your Family’s Greatest Financial Asset Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Anna Health Family Medicine A New Philosophy of Wellness A new philosophy of wellness is taking root: one that views healthcare not as a periodic necessity, but as a primary financial and emotional asset. For Dr. Anna Le and her team at Anna Health Family Medicine, the concept of "investment" is the guiding star of their practice. They are redefining community care by shifting the focus...

Local Services

The Rotary Club of Great Falls:

Planting the Seeds of Service Article by AJ Jones For the Rotary Club of Great Falls, the concept of investment is measured not in compound interest, but in the long-term vitality of the community. Guided by the motto "Service Above Self," the club views its work through a lens of quiet, enduring impact. As Dan Lundeen, Chair of the Rotary Club of Great Falls Foundation, explains, investing in service means "allocating social capital to organizations with specific needs where our volunteering...

Health + Wellness

Healthy Ingredients Make a Hot Chili!

When my husband and I decided to clean up our diet, we moved toward farm fresh foods and organic produce. Any of your family's favorite recipes can be improved with higher quality ingredients. We now belong to several farm buying clubs and frequent our local farmer's market to get the ingredients to our tried and true recipes.Recently, the McLean Business Forum hosted a Chili Cookoff for our members. I created a recipe designed to win, and fortunately the judges agreed. The recipe used no...

Professional Services

Homeland Contractors:

Crafting the Heart of the Home Outdoors Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Homeland Contractors For more than 20 years, Homeland Contractors has been a familiar name in Northern Virginia, built on the belief that a home doesn’t end at the back door. For owner Mario Monroy, the outdoor space is an essential extension of the home experience. His journey began with hands-on experience in outdoor work, where simple lawn care and small planting projects grew into a lifelong...

Home + Design

Tracing the Dream:

Timeless Living in Northern Virginia Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of James McDonald Associate Architects The Art of the Sketch The design process at James McDonald Associate Architects is a collaborative journey that begins with a simple roll of trace paper. McDonald believes in active listening, putting aside ego to truly understand how a family functions. He asks granular questions: Do the kids have space for their activities? How does the family use the kitchen? Is the...