Arts + Culture

Valentines By Kids

Spreading love, one valentine at a time Article by Bianca Bain Villegas | Photography by Provided by Valentines by Kids Patrick Kaufmann, a junior at the Washington International School and Potomac resident, is brightening lives through his nonprofit, Valentines By Kids. More than 40,000 children across the DC/MD/VA area participate in the program, which Patrick runs from his home. The concept is simple: Patrick encourages schools to have students create vibrant Valentine’s Day cards...

Fitness

The Mastery of the Mind Mentality

Coach Lala teaches Student Athletes Life Skills Article by Manuella Hancock | Photography by Courtesy of Coach LaPietra When it comes to athletics, young people are taught to leave it all on the field, but Coach Joe LaPietra wants the opposite. He sees kids showing so much grit in sports, and he wants them to show up in other parts of their lives with the same determination, confidence, and spirit. In his incredibly successful Mastery of the Mind (MOTM) courses, Coach “LaLa” doesn’t teach...

Fitness

50 After 50: Reframing Your Next Chapter

Inspiring ideas for living your best life after age 50 Article by Mindy Toran | Photography by Courtesy of Maria Leonard Olsen For most of us, reaching age 50 is a milestone to be celebrated and enjoyed with family and friends. We’ve built careers, gotten married, raised families, accomplished many of the things we set out to do. But it can also be a time of reflection and introspection, of asking ourselves what’s next over the next 50 years, or whatever time we have left in this life. For...

Wellness

Dog Lovers Take Notice

Community-Oriented Veterinary Park Potomac Welcomes Two New Vets into the Practice Article by Debra Wallace | Photography by Judah Avenue Photography  Since Dr. Katie Malehorn opened her veterinary practice, the primary purpose has been to offer better medicine, top-notch surgery, and premier customer service. That exemplary “gold standard of medical care” continues with every new hire, every human client, and every beloved pet.  One aspect of veterinary medicine that is noteworthy to...

Education

Historically Black Colleges & Universities

Serving as a gateway to personal and professional advancement Article by Bianca Bain Villegas | Photography by Courtesy of the Universities With Black History Month upon us and our Local Love issue underway, we felt it essential to highlight some glowing examples of black excellence within Maryland and Washington, D.C. and to mention some of the great leaders that have risen within their careers as alumni from these exceptional institutions. HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and...

Arts + Culture

Potomac Community Village

Neighbors helping neighbors remain engaged in their community Article by Marie Robey Wood | Photography by Provided by PCV At the height of the Covid pandemic in 2021, Arthur and Sandy Becker of Potomac missed being active in their community and local synagogue. As retired professionals – Arthur practiced medicine as an OB/GYN and Sandy worked at Westat – they decided it was time to “broaden their horizons.” After a friend mentioned the great programs provided by Potomac Community Village...

Life + Culture

Meet Your Match

Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger and Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos on Finding Love Article by Debra Wallace | Photography by Courtesy of Patti Stanger Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger  knows that love and romance are always possible for those of us who are seeking them, regardless of our stage of life. The CEO, reality TV star, producer, author, and relationship expert grew up passionate about helping people find their special someone. This all started when she was a child...

Life + Culture

Mining The Golden Bachelorette

Advice on Dating and Love from Rockville's Joan Vassos - Fortune Favors the Bold! Article by Debra Wallace | Photography by Courtesy of the ABC Network Golden Bachelorette  Joan Vassos says that since her reality TV show ended, her normal routine turned into a whirlwind of romance, family, and first-time opportunities that she is savoring with great relish. The 62-year-old Rockville native and former private school administrator performed in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway and has been shopping...

Health + Wellness

Furry Friend Finds

A Curated List from the DMV's Leading Event Planner Article by Brittany Ford | Photography by Axel Makeup Academy Canine Carousel  Founded in 1977, this family-run, boutique pet groomer offers grooming, supplies, healthy treats and holistic pet food in Ashburn, Va. Their warm demeanor, clean facility and inclusivity for all breeds won us over immediately. Check out their second location in Herndon! Caninecarousel.com   Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC This alluring hotel oozes with style and...

Arts + Culture

ON St. Elmo

A New Restaurant, Bar, and Performance Venue in the Woodmont Triangle of Bethesda Article by David Robert Lambert | Photography by Hawkeye Johnson Photography ON St. Elmo is a vibrant fusion of a restaurant, lounge, and entertainment with immersive experiences. Key features include a central bar, private event spaces, and live performances. It is located in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle, and hosts live DJs, comedy, music, and live acrobatics. ON St. Elmo has extended hours from 3 PM to 3 AM on...