Arts + Culture

Nowruz

With the Persian calligrapher Nahid Boustani Article by Marie Robey Wood | Photography by Provided Barely two months after observing Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan, another venerable celebration is about to begin: Nowruz, an ancient festival over 3,000 years old. Although deeply rooted in Iranian culture, it is recognized by millions across Asia and other parts of the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. The holiday is the highpoint of the Persian year and is secular...

Local Services

Spring Break 2025

Enjoying the time off and experiencing local gems and activities Article by Bianca Bain Villegas | Photography by provided Spring break offers a wonderful opportunity for families to explore a variety of engaging activities. We are fortunate to live in a place where we have equally wonderful access to the outdoors and indoor activities. Here are some top recommendations to make your spring break memorable: Outdoor Adventures     •     Seneca Creek State Park: Spanning 6,300 acres, this...

Home + Design

Patrick's Elegant Living

No longer Tysons best kept secret Article by Marie Robey Wood | Photography by Provided “It all goes back to the customer -- he or she is like family and we will always make the customer our first priority,” declares Troy Englert, who with Patrick Dempsey co-owns Patrick’s Elegant Living in Tysons Corner. Englert isn’t just “all talk” because their store’s new location with its enormous, multi-storied building makes it easy to locate, situated at 1800 International Drive in McLean, and it...

Life + Culture

Holi

Celebrating the annual Hindu Festival Holi at These Local Events Article by Marie Robey Wood | Photography by Provided Holi is the annual “festival of colors” that originated in ancient India. Although it celebrates the beginning of spring, it is not held on a specific date. It usually lasts two days, with the first day being Holika Dahan and the second day being the main celebration. It is a time when people will play and dance in their community, including the custom of spraying water and...

Home + Design

Pools Removed

Transforming your property with pool and tennis court removal Article by Bianca Bain Villegas | Photography by Provided Pools and tennis courts, once seen as ultimate luxuries, can become impractical over time due to costly upkeep, safety concerns, or a desire to repurpose the space. Removing these features can be a transformative decision, offering opportunities to enhance your property’s functionality, appeal, and value. Pools Removed was started by Andrew Aksar in 2009 in the aftermath...

Real Estate

Team Nurit Helps Homeowners Fulfill Dreams

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Realtor Nurit Coombe offers valuable advice for buyers and sellers. Article by Mindy Toran | Photography by Erica Land For homeowners looking to buy or sell in the Potomac Region, working with a Realtor who can walk you through all the ins and outs of the market, highlight the pros and cons of various neighborhoods, and help educate you about what to expect throughout the process is extremely important. ...

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...