Arts + Culture

Artist Jill Banks:

Painting Life, Love and Serendipity Article by Yankel Polak “I started this journey in 2003 with drawing and painting classes,” says artist Jill Banks, whose joyful, light-filled paintings have become beloved throughout Northern Virginia and beyond. “It took no time at all before painting was an all-in passion. My dream from almost the beginning was to travel, to capture life in oils, and to support a full, exciting life through my art. I’ve now been painting — almost every day — for 22...

Arts + Culture

The Magic of Gifting

How McLean’s Child’s Play Helps Families Find Joy in Every Gift Article and Photography by The holidays have a way of bringing out the best in all of us — that childlike excitement, the joy of discovery, and the spirit of giving. And when it comes to choosing toys that truly spark imagination and connection, there’s no better place to turn than McLean’s beloved Child’s Play — a local treasure inspiring creativity and generosity for decades. In a season overflowing with wish lists and flashing...

Arts + Culture

Pauline Thompson: Queen of Tysons

A Legacy of Leadership, Generosity, and Gratitude Article by Yankel Polak As the holidays bring warmth and reflection to Northern Virginia, few stories embody the spirit of perseverance, gratitude, and generosity quite like that of  Pauline Thompson , Founder, President, and CEO of  Tysons Realty, Inc. Known affectionately as  “The Queen of Tysons,”  Pauline has spent more than four decades helping to shape one of the region’s most vibrant communities. Her name is woven into the very story...

Arts + Culture

Gratitude in Every Brushstroke

Ellen’s Journey from Architecture to Art Article by Yankel Polak Walking into Ellen’s studio at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria feels like stepping into a world of soft light, vibrant colors, and quiet reflection. Her landscapes breathe with calm energy, holding both the familiar rhythms of rural America and the refined balance of an architect’s trained eye. This month, as we celebrate gratitude, Ellen’s story is one of transformation, persistence, and the deep sense of thanks she carries...

Arts + Culture

Pay It Forward

The Best Buddies Mission to Empower People with Disabilities Article by Yankel Polak   When Molly Whalen stepped into her role as State Director for Best Buddies Virginia and D.C., she brought with her a personal and professional mission: to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have every opportunity to thrive. Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending isolation for individuals with IDD. Across Virginia and D.C., the program now...

Life + Culture

Style on the Menu:

Inside Scout & Molly’s with Jane Abraham Article by Yankel Polak At Scout & Molly’s, fashion is never just about clothes. For owner Jane Abraham and her daughter, Betsy, style is woven with story, connection, and, like a beautifully curated dinner party, the joy of bringing people together. “When women walk into our stores, we want them to feel like they’re stepping into their best friend’s closet,” Jane says. “Outfits should reflect your personality, and make you feel beautiful. And they have...

Food + Beverage

Mindful Meals

How McLean Teen Amelia Cho Is Redefining Food and Education Article by Yankel Polak In McLean, food often feels abundant, but for high school junior Amelia Cho, it’s about more than access—it’s about responsibility. After moving from Korea at age ten, Amelia was struck by the difference in school lunches. “In Korea, meals were balanced and diverse. Here, I saw unhealthy pizza and cheese sticks being served consistently. This was the first moment that made me realize the social gap between food...

Health + Wellness

From Seashells to Smiles

A Fresh Look at Pediatric Dentistry in McLean Article by Yankel Polak Island Children’s Dentistry doesn’t just change how kids care for their teeth—it changes how they feel about visiting the dentist. When you walk through the doors, you’re immediately transported, not just into a dentist office, but into an oasis. The calming blues of the ocean, sandy accents, and playful sea creatures adorning the walls suggest you’re closer to the beach than the Beltway. For Dr. Gema Island, this aesthetic...

Arts + Culture

McLean Chic

Inside the Whimsical World of The Preppy Pink Pony Article and Photography by Yankel Polak Nestled in the heart of McLean, The Preppy Pink Pony is more than a boutique—it’s a local institution, a carefully curated experience that feels like stepping into the most charming chapter of a Southern storybook. At its center is Virginia Kennedy: a former attorney turned tastemaker, whose journey from the back of a horse show box truck to boutique owner is as colorful as the monogrammed gifts lining...

Health + Wellness

Doctor, Designer, Dream-Builder

Inside the Wellness World of Dr. Anna Le Article and Photography by Yankel Polak Walk into Anna Health  and you might momentarily forget you're at a doctor's office. Soft lighting. Thoughtful palettes. Furniture that belongs more in Architectural Digest than a waiting room. But for Dr. Anna Le, every square foot is an extension of the mission: care that feels human . “I always tell my staff, our patients are VIPs,” says Dr. Le, founder and physician extraordinaire behind one of Northern...