The reception will be held Friday, March 22nd from 6:00-10:00 pm. This opening party will be locally catered and feature live music including a performance by the Saturday Night Specials whose music features elements of Blues, Gospel, and Funk. This art exhibit celebration is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted, and all artwork will be for sale.
Following exhibits featuring artists from every corner of the globe, AMERICULTURE shifts gears and lands closer to home with artwork from 14 artists riffing on American culture. Much of the artwork has a fun, lighthearted tone with influences coming from American cartoons, comics, movies, music, and more. Artist and musician Brian Hoffman not only enjoys the humor he can express through manipulating what is often cartoon inspired imagery, he often leans into surrealism with a desire to be provocative. “I want to get people feeling intrigued and reacting,” he says.
This exhibition features prints, paintings, drawings, mixed-media works, fiber art, and sculpture primarily by American artists. Hannah Hanski, is a Canadian pulp artist. Raised in Nova Scotia by a Latvian matriarchal family, Hanski was captivated by the vibrant images on television and Internet 1.0. These broadcast fantasies and digital worlds contrasted dramatically with the reality of her gray surroundings and complex family history, resulting in an obsession with popular entertainment as a means of remedy and escape. She draws on traditional textiles as well as a variety of digital technologies from AI to video games to create pieces that engage with archetypal figures of the collective unconscious. Her pioneering concepts have been instrumental in the creation of digital applications such as Bitmoji and her work has gained her a reputation in the experimental video game world and exhibitions in prestigious institutions such as The Hammer Museum.
Galactic Panther is pleased to showcase these artists alongside more phenomenal artwork in from Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, DMV, & beyond by Jarrett Alexander, David Beavers, Molly Davis, William Donovan, Matt Geer, Sanchez Mcgrath, Suzan Morgan, Shug The Great Bear, Matthew Vanderslice, Stewart Williams, Eric Wilson, & Dr. Wolfenbergen.
On view through May.
Galactic Panther is open Thursday & Friday 12-5, Saturday-Sunday 12-7 and by appointment (Felipe@galacticpanther.com). Please follow Galactic Panther on Facebook, Instagram, Eventbrite, & our website for further updates & information.
From day one a portion of all sales from Galactic Panther has supported non-profits who offer food security for those in need.
Galactic Panther is located at:
1303 KING STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA / #DC Metro Yellow Line
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Celebrate the start of gardening season with the American Horticultural Society’s annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm. This much-anticipated outdoor event, one of River Farm’s largest and most popular fundraisers, brings together plant, seed and garden accessory retailers, nature-focused artists and authors, gardening experts, food vendors, and fun for the whole family. The 2024 Spring Garden Market will take place April 12 & 13, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at River Farm.
Entrance to the Spring Garden Market may be purchased at the event or online in advance at www.ahsgardening.org/sgm2024. Entry fee is $5 per person for walk-up or $20 per car including all passengers. There is no entry fee or parking fee for AHS members including car passengers. Children six years of age and under are free. Additional restrictions and exceptions are available on the Spring Garden Market webpage.
Joining the Spring Garden Market for the first time this year are Mid-Atlantic Pine Straw Mulch, Plants with Purpose Farm featuring edible landscape plants, Gryffin River Shack and their decorative oyster garlands and wreaths, Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, and many others. Returning horticultural favorites include Nature by Design, Hill House Farm & Nursery, and Radical Roots Community Farm, among many others. Ask your toughest plant and gardening questions with the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association. Boost your energy with delicious botanical baked goods from Lilian and Nathalie Cake, a cup of fresh coffee from The Little Well, and the always pleasing barbeque from Rocklands.
Proceeds from the Spring Garden Market directly contribute to the maintenance, beautification and preservation of River Farm, headquarters of the AHS since 1973. Once part of George Washington’s farmland, the 25-acre site overlooking the Potomac River is enhanced by a blend of formal and naturalistic gardens, including an award-winning children’s garden, woodlands, and many breathtaking views. With free access to the community six days a week, River Farm is truly a local and national horticultural and historical treasure.
The Spring Garden Market is made possible thanks to its generous sponsors: Alexandria Living Magazine, Bartlett Tree Experts, Lauren Bishop – McEnearney Realtors, Linemark, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, Wegmans, and The Zebra.
River Farm is located at 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Virginia 22308. Current hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free entry and parking (excluding special events). For more information, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or visit www.ahsgardening.org.
About the American Horticultural Society
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) has been fostering innovation and passion for gardening and horticultural excellence since 1922. The Society’s membership includes over 22,000 individuals, including aspiring, new, and experienced gardeners, plant enthusiasts, and horticultural professionals, as well as numerous partner organizations. Through our educational programs, awards, and publications, the AHS connects people to gardening, raises awareness of earth-friendly gardening practices, introduce children to plants, and showcases the art and practice of horticulture.
As the Director of Community Relations for Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and Alexandria Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, family, community and service are all incredibly important facets of Jane Hughes’s day-to-day life—both on and off the clock. “Families need our help at the most vulnerable times in their lives,” says Hughes, who also serves on the Board of Lady Managers of Inova Alexandria Hospital as well as the Board of Senior Services of Alexandria. “I assure families and professional care providers that their important person will be cared for with competence and compassion in our communities. I am proud to represent hundreds of caring professionals who are working around the clock to care for short and long-term residents in our facilities.”
At home, she’s the sole parent to her children. “They inspire me,” she says. “We lost their father 10 years ago, and we have all made it through with the support of this community that has become our Alexandria family.”
That “Alexandria family” is filled with women who have also inspired Hughes in her career and in her personal life. “I have had the incredible support of many strong Alexandria women,” she says. “They span generations [and] represent various professions and diversities. I am so fortunate to live in a community where we generously support one another.”
Having been in the beauty industry for 23 years, Ruby Devine has an expertise that has served her entrepreneurial drive well. The owner of the LABoratory not only runs a successful salon, but is also an international educator with multiple hair color lines. “My salon is a collaborative environment, where my team receives continued education and explores innovation for the benefit of our clients,” she says. As a leader, I also focus heavily on personal growth for my team. My hope is that I can help grow and support other women to achieve success levels that surpass their expectations and dreams.”
Devine’s own family was supportive and encouraged her to pursue her dreams, instilling in her a very strong work ethic from a young age. “Although few of my family ever attended traditional college, entrepreneurship runs deep within my family,” she says. “My mother used to always say that she wanted all her kids to be ‘rock stars’ and, ‘I don't care if you're a garbage truck driver, I just want you to own the garbage truck company.’ The first time I got to be on a big stage doing hair, I definitely felt like I had achieved the ‘rock star’ status my mama always talked about.”
Congratulations to the Alexandria's Most Inspiring Women of 2024 (lovingly referred to as THE RED LADIES).
Each year, 12-15 local women are nominated and selected for this honor based on their recent achievements, service to the community, willingness to support their fellow female professionals and commitment to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® Initiative.
]]>Congratulations to the Alexandria's Most Inspiring Women of 2024 (lovingly referred to as THE RED LADIES).
Each year, 12-15 local women are nominated and selected for this honor based on their recent achievements, service to the community, willingness to support their fellow female professionals and commitment to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® Initiative.
Go Red For Women® is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. It’s no longer just about wearing red; it’s no longer just about sharing heart health facts. In the pages ahead, you will meet the women who have made a commitment to stand together with VIP Alexandria Magazine and The American Heart Association of Greater DC. They are ready to take charge of their own heart health as well as the health of those they can’t live without. Are you?
Please join VIP on our mission to raise precious funds for this inspiring organization. There are so many ways to get involved! Be fierce. Raise Awareness. Spread the Word. GO RED! You can make a donation to the American Heart Association of Greater Washington here.
Story by Liesel Schmidt
If you’re someone who believes in the body’s ability to manifest mental or emotional struggles, you’re not imagining things. In fact, the CDC has documented studies on the correlation between heart disease and mental health disorders.
Much like how physical health involves every facet of the body, mental health is the overarching term referring to emotional, psychological and social well-being, which involves our thoughts, feelings, actions and decision-making—basically all the ways that the brain and the chemical reactions within it operate. For that reason, mental health disorders can affect a person’s mood as well as their behavior, their thinking and their ability to relate to others, both in the short-term and throughout their lifetime. Over the course of time, these mental health disorders impact the body by causing stress on its systems, most notably the heart. But how is one affected by the other—or is it all in your head?
In a way, it is. Studies show that people experiencing extended periods of depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD may suffer certain physical problems including increased cardiac reactivity—in layman’s terms, this refers to increased heart rate and blood pressure—as well as reduced blood flow to the heart and higher cortisol levels. Eventually, all of this can result in calcium and plaque buildup in the arteries, metabolic disease and heart disease.
On the flip side, clinical evidence shows that mental health disorders including depression, anxiety and PTSD can actually develop after such cardiac events as heart failure, stroke and heart attacks. In these cases, mental health disorders are caused by factors including pain, fear of death or disability and financial strain—all of which are associated with the cardiac event and can plague the individual long after the actual danger has passed.
As difficult as mood and brain chemicals can be to regulate, there is sometimes a need for medications. The use of any pharmaceutical comes with certain side effects—and, in the case of a number of medications used to treat mental health disorders, associated risks of cardiometabolic disease have been found. Some antipsychotic medications have been linked with obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, in addition to heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, stroke and death.
The fact that lifestyle choices are incredibly impactful on heart health is not news. However, anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that greatly affect behavior patterns—and, as such, these behaviors can often be destructive and unhealthy. Smoking, adopting an inactive lifestyle, failure to take prescribed medications, drinking and drug use are all examples of coping strategies that someone experiencing a mental health disorder may embrace, simply because they are not capable of making healthier choices. The longer these behaviors are in place, the greater the risk they pose to the heart, resulting in cardiac disease that could eventually cause stroke, heart attacks or death.
There are, of course, ways to avoid danger and treat the issue. It’s important to address mental health disorders early through counseling and therapy as well as finding support to encourage healthy behaviors such as increased physical activity, improved diet and smoking cessation—all of which can reduce the risk of a cardiac event.
]]>The 76th Annual An Affair of the Heart Luncheon & Fashion Show, hosted by the Women’s Board of the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, gathered over 700 guests on February 9. This milestone event commemorated the American Heart Association's 100 years of impact and recognized the unwavering commitment of the Women’s Board to saving and improving lives.
Co-Chairs Norah Gourlay and Kristi Bryan, along with Women’s Board Chairs Mimi Lawless and Nell Shapiro, successfully brought the event to life, raising over $600,000.
]]>"It is crucial to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, specifically in women, as it is the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide. Women may experience atypical cardiac symptoms (like nausea or fatigue) compared to men, which can contribute to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. When diagnosed early, heart disease is manageable and all women deserve to benefit from the clinical and academic strides made against this disease. Continued research and advancement in cardiovascular care is essential for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment to save lives, enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes." - Norah Gourlay, FNP-C, AOTH Co-chair
Story by Dawn Klavon | Photography Courtesy of Senior Services of Alexandria
Senior citizens sure don’t have it easy. Between keeping up with medical care, living on a fixed income and taking care of their aging bodies, it’s a lot.
“Being a senior citizen is not for the faint of heart—things start to happen when you least expect them,” says 84-year-old Alexandria retiree Jill Miller. “Dealing with these surprises can throw you off your stride.”
To support seniors in a variety of ways, non-profit organization Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) offers comprehensive resources to help. Whether it is through their programs like Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visitor, DOT Paratransit, AniMeals on Wheels, Groceries to Go or Information and Education Outreach, seniors can enjoy their golden years with community support.
“We’re the only nonprofit that serves all older adults in the City of Alexandria,” says SSA Executive Director Mary Lee Anderson.
Residents 60 or older who live in Alexandria zip codes 22301, 22302, 22304, 22305, 22311 and 22314 are eligible. With a mission to “foster independence and self-sufficiency, enabling seniors within the City of Alexandria to age with dignity,” about 3,000 seniors are served annually.
“We’re trying to reach seniors who have never been reached before, in meaningful ways, in the community, to make sure they’re connected." - Mary Lee Anderson
One important service SSA provides to seniors is Meals on Wheels. Recently, the meal program was affected by a warehouse fire that impacted Jeffery’s Catering. The Department of Community and Human Services and SSA stepped up to ensure the continued delivery of meals to participating residents. Goodwin Living, one of SSA’s partners, provided Meals on Wheels clients meals for several weeks until Jeffrey’s Catering was able to take over. Alexandria’s Recreation Department also coordinated a new pick-up location at Chinquapin Center. This new location was where volunteers picked up hot and cold meals daily. The Alexandria Sheriff’s Department also assisted in delivering meals during snowy winter weather.
“It makes you feel really good about Alexandria and how people just step up if you just ask."
SSA proudly operates the Meals on Wheels delivery through its Senior Nutrition Program. It is designed to be a life-sustaining program, providing two nutritious meals a day to be delivered to seniors unable to leave their homes or have challenges preparing meals. The meals are delivered every day of the year by faithful volunteers.
Another helpful program SSA provides is the Groceries to Go program, available to seniors living in the City of Alexandria who are 60+. Each recipient creates a personalized shopping list and groceries are ordered based on the lists, then delivered by screened volunteers, year-round, every other week. Recipients pay no delivery fees, nor are they required to make a minimum order.
Groceries to Go volunteers shop, deliver groceries and are happy to put away the food if recipients desire. The goal of the program is to improve the safety, health and nutrition of seniors in Alexandria.
“It makes a real difference for people who have some sort of a disability that makes grocery shopping unsafe,” says Anderson.
Seniors interested in the program must be residents of the City of Alexandria, be at least 60 years old and have a debit, credit or EBT card. For more information about the Groceries to Go program, contact (703) 836-4414, ext. 112.
Loneliness is something the SSA attempts to combat for seniors in the community. The Friendly Visitor program provides social interaction to seniors, thus improving their quality of life. The program sends individually matched, meticulously screened and carefully trained volunteers to visit socially isolated seniors living in assisted living and healthcare communities, as well as in their own homes, condos and apartments. Volunteers are paired with seniors depending on similar interests and life experiences; the social interaction, mental stimulation and emotional support enhances the senior’s life and can be beneficial. Volunteers visit seniors weekly for one hour. SSA is proud to say that since 2012, over 300 matches have been made, serving Alexandria’s senior community.
For those interested in volunteering for the Friendly Visitor program, or those Alexandria seniors interested in receiving a friendly visitor, contact Tanya Edwards at (703) 836-4414, ext. 120.
SSA partners with the Alexandria Animal Welfare League to provide free pet food delivery to eligible seniors. Every second Thursday monthly, participants receive 10 cans of wet food or 10 pounds of dry food. For more information, call (703) 836-4414, ext. 120.
Senior residents of Alexandria who have difficulty with public transportation can receive safe, reliable, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, curb-to-curb taxi service from DOT Paratransit seven days a week.
The program is helpful to those on a fixed income. According to the SSA website, DOT does not charge for one-way trips within the City of Alexandria. For trips up to five miles outside city limits, the one-way fare is $4.00. DOT’s one-way fare for trips over five miles outside the City of Alexandria is $6.00. This service has over 1,500 registered clients and provides over 50,000 rides annually.
“If you have a disability, regardless of age, that makes public transportation difficult for you, you can apply for the DOT program; it’s a very low-cost way to get anywhere in the city, Fairfax, Arlington or DC,” Anderson says.
SSA reservationists are happy to schedule rides for clients in coordination with the City of Alexandria and Diamond Transportation. For questions regarding the program, call (703) 836-4414, ext. 116. For those interested in signing up for the DOT program, call Tytiana White at (703) 746-4084 or email tiana.ward@alexandriava.gov.
Plan to participate in SSA monthly webinars and the Senior Ambassador Program. SSA works to ensure that each Senior Living in Alexandria speakers series program presents a relevant, timely topic interesting to seniors. SSA provides local experts to speak on topics designed collaboratively with local agencies and nonprofits. Senior ambassadors are trained volunteers who advocate for seniors and share information about programs and services in the City of Alexandria. Presently, there are 130 senior ambassadors. For more information about the Senior Ambassador program, call MaryAnne Beatty at (703) 836-4414, ext. 113.
“We get information out to them every week, so they can share it with the people they represent,” Anderson says.
There are plenty of ways to support seniors in the City of Alexandria. Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Also, SSA welcomes financial support from individuals, employer-matching gift programs, bequests, in-kind support, corporate and foundation giving, special events, celebratory and remembrance gifts and volunteering.
“The great thing about volunteering … is you’re interacting with people who, most likely, you’re the only person they’re going to see that day and you’re their connection to the community,” Anderson says.
For more information about giving, contact Medea Ranck, Development Director, at (703) 836-4414, ext. 114.
Senior Services of Alexandria is located on the third floor at 206 N Washington St, Suite 30 in Old Town Alexandria.
]]>Flash forward to 2024, I’ve had the honor of watching VIP Alexandria grow and shift under Kellie’s vision and creativity and be part of it all from day one, when it was just the two of us. And as it became bigger, the team also grew. By the time I finally had the opportunity to visit Alexandria, the magazine had been flourishing for two years. Two years during which I’d written about countless businesses and individuals of interest throughout Old Town, sitting at my computer in Florida. Through the interviews and articles I’d written, I had a certain sense of familiarity, but I could never have imagined how much I would fall in love with Alexandria when I visited for the very first time in 2021.
Since then, I’ve become something of a familiar sight in Old Town. I can’t seem to stay away. I love the history, the incredible architecture, the small-town feel, the friendliness of the people. I love running the cobblestone streets on my morning runs and staring out at the Potomac as the sun comes up. I love sitting in Fontaine with a cup of coffee and my laptop, knowing that, at any point, one of the quirky individuals I now count as friends will show up and take a seat at my table, distracting me with some conversation that I don’t want to miss. I’m honored to be part of a magazine that celebrates all of that as I have been for the past six years as staff writer. And now, I’m excited to take on a new role as editor of this amazing publication. As we continue to grow, I’m looking forward to what’s next.
As we do each year, this issue is dedicated to celebrating the inspiring leaps of faith that so many women have taken to make their dreams a reality, starting their own businesses or making career shifts. It takes heart, soul and a great deal of courage to jump into the unknown without a net.
Thank you for your continued readership and your support of this incredible leap of faith over these last six years.
Yours,
Liesel
]]>While AR Workshop Alexandria has been a familiar face on King Street, the DIY boutique craft studio has been under new ownership since February. “The concept behind it is one designed to empower and inspire creativity,” says new owner Stephanie Woodland Kelly. “The environment is a huge part of what makes it such a unique experience for shoppers and DIY-ers. It's not just about creating custom home decor and beautiful craft items—it's about building a vibrant community where people can come together to explore their creativity and forge lasting connections.”
]]>Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography Courtesy of AR Workshop
While AR Workshop Alexandria has been a familiar face on King Street, the DIY boutique craft studio has been under new ownership since February.
The AR Workshop franchise was created in 2016. Alexandria welcomed its first location in 2017 on N. Fairfax Street. In 2019, the studio moved to King Street. “The concept behind it is one designed to empower and inspire creativity,” says new owner Stephanie Woodland Kelly. “The environment is a huge part of what makes it such a unique experience for shoppers and DIY-ers. It's not just about creating custom home decor and beautiful craft items—it's about building a vibrant community where people can come together to explore their creativity and forge lasting connections.”
AR Workshop Alexandria offers various craft workshops, as well as a wide selection of unfinished projects, including custom wood plank signs, framed signs, canvas pillows, round signs, lazy Susans, centerpiece boxes, chunky knit blankets, porch signs, canvas tote bags and bottle paintings. The retail boutique sells items such as books, glassware, completed wood projects, jewelry and fashion accessories.
“Customized, handmade and DIY items are popular for a number of reasons—chief among them being the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes in knowing that you've completed a project from start to finish with your own hands and you love the end result!” says Woodland Kelly. “It's also a fantastic way to socialize with friends and make new ones.”
Much like AR Workshop Alexandria encourages creativity, Spectra Credit Union encourages entrepreneurial dreams through their small business loans and the support they offer entrepreneurs.
AR Workshop Alexandria is located at 1212 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
]]>Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography Courtesy of Alexandria Police Department
When we think of the police forces that stand in service to our cities, we think of men and women in uniform, brave individuals who swear an oath to defend the people within their communities against crime, violence and danger. We think of their sacrifices and selflessness, their dedication and bravery in knowing what they sign up for when they put on their uniform.
Their service is remembered and acknowledged—saluted, even. We memorialize and celebrate them. We mourn their losses. But there are still some heroes whose service goes largely unrecognized: the dogs who are trained to be ready for whatever might be waiting and accompany teams on calls.
Serving faithfully as a member of the Alexandria Police Department for eight years, K9 Chance was born on January 19, 2010, in Czechia and joined the force in February of 2011 at 13 months old. To meet the needs of his job as a police K9, his initial training for patrol included hundreds of hours of training in obedience, tracking, building searches, evidence searches, area searches and handler protection. He later continued his training by becoming a narcotics detection K9, in addition to becoming a member of the Special Operations Team and serving as an SOT K9 for five years, during which time he assisted on search warrants and tactical operations throughout the city of Alexandria.
Four years after retiring in 2019, Chance crossed the rainbow bridge on November 20, 2023. “Even after retirement, he never lost the drive to come to work,” says Sergeant Kyle Russel, K9-Unit/Special Operations Division and Chance’s partner. “Chance loved to jump into the police cruiser and come into work with my new K9 partner, Taz, and bark at people as if he was still working. He also loved to visit the K9 facility for baths and run around and see the other handlers in our unit.”
Chance received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, including six consecutive triple crown awards from the United States Police Canine Association for certifying in Patrol, Tracking, and Narcotics detection all within the same year, from 2013 to 2018. He also received the 2016 United States Police Canine Association's Case of the Quarter award nationally for his work in locating a discarded firearm hidden in the woods that had been used in the robbery and shooting of a taxi driver.
“Chance had an incredible nose and was responsible for the location of evidence dozens of times, including multiple firearms and countless narcotics seizures and was instrumental in the apprehensions and arrests of violent offenders,” Russel says.
]]>Kermit Lynch, writing in his classic “Adventures on the Wine Route,” describes the Languedoc as “…a land of enormous possibility. These are wines that grab you by the nose and force you to pay attention;” and, they seem to “penetrate right into one’s bloodstream.” I’ll admit, in my preparations for our latest UnWined U Class on the Languedoc-Roussillon, I too became hooked. The white wines were of the bold and moreish style I’ve written about previously and the reds caused me to wonder, “Côtes du Rhône, who?” They were redolent with notes of olive tapenade, grilled thyme, and wet rocks, floating over a core of juicy blackberry. So, foodie too. They were reminiscent of Hermitage at less than half the price. It was clear what Kermit was onto those years ago.
But, the trick is conveying this excitement in a class format. The Languedoc-Roussillon is full of contradictions and nuance, almost defying generalization. Firstly, while adjoined with a hyphen and all too frequently spoken of in the same breath, the Languedoc-Roussillon represents two distinct regions with their own culture and winemaking traditions. The Languedoc is quintessentially Mediterranean French and is a crescent-shaped region that encompasses Nimes, Montpellier, Narbonne, and Toulouse; while the Roussillon is Catalan in its identity and borders the Languedoc at Fitou and Corberies and runs to the coast in the south at Collioure, framed by the Pyrenees inland. One is winemaking on the frontier; the other is winemaking in the wilderness, as a friend aptly put it.
Then there is just the sheer size and variedness of the terrain in question. Taken together, the Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest geographically protected area in France with more vines under acre than Bordeaux. Its wines run the gamut from sparkling wine that potentially predates Champagne to fortified wines that predate those of Port by hundreds of years. Not only are the styles of wine produced varied, but so is the terroir: the Languedoc alone has 20 distinct appellations with diverse soils, elevations, and microclimates. Yet, despite all of this complexity and history, the Languedoc-Roussillon is probably best known for the immense quantities of “cheap and cheerful” Pays d’Oc wines—a regional appellation with little in the way of regulation that spans both the Languedoc and the Roussillon—it churns out. Indeed, it was one of the largest contributors to the overproduction problem referred to as the “European wine lake.” These are the things that the textbooks tell you anyway. A far cry from “wines that penetrate straight into one’s bloodstream” with which we began.
If you pull on any one of these threads, however, a more compelling story emerges, one that gets us back to where we began. A good place to start would be with the EU’s Vine Pull incentive program, the results of which have been dramatic. In 2017 there were 224,00 hectares under vine in the Languedoc-Roussillon, compared with 292,00 in 1997, and 431,000 in 1968. The literal separation of the wheat from the chaff. The same warm and dry Mediterranean climate that allows for abundant production, also fosters conditions that make organic and biodynamic viticulture easier than in, say, Germany’s Mosel River Valley, for example. The Languedoc is the largest producer of organic wine in France, with roughly on third of France’s organic vineyards and ten percent of the total certified vineyards around the world.
The same relatively inexpensive land prices that allow for large successful negociant operations also allow for interlopers from other wine regions or other walks of life to reinvent themselves in the Languedoc-Roussillon. And so, we have famous French winemakers setting up shop alongside relative neophytes—names such as Rothschild, Rostaing, Pithon, Gros, Tollot, and Busch, shoulder-to-shoulder with ex-bankers, accountants, and tech-sector workers. Finally, the same loose regulations that allow for the production of innocuous varietally labeled wines, allow for a conscientious producer like Mas de Daumas Gassac to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wine that challenges many a left bank Bordeaux’s precision.
The wine I am recommending to you today is from an estate that embodies many of these themes, Château Coupe Roses “Orience” 2018 ($38). Coupe Roses was founded in 2008 by the Le Calvez family with a purchase of 15 acres in Petit Causse, which is a part of the Minervois cru in the Languedoc. Their holdings have grown to 143 acres today, with the additions since 2008 being scattered among 40 plots in Le Causse. A causse refers to an outcropping of barren rock that can support little more life than olives, grape vines, or the quintessential Mediterranean shrubbery known as garrigue. All(!) of their holdings are farmed biodynamically and sit between 750 to 1,350 feet above sea level, which creates cool nights that extend the growing season up to two weeks.
This is the domaine’s top cuvée and easily among the best I’ve tasted in the Languedoc-Roussillon. It is 90% Syrah with 10% Grenache, raised in barrels that are up to one-third new. Tinged with black and blue fruits, violets, and some spice from the oak, this wine simultaneously speaks of its mountain origins while possessing an easy plushness. It is just the thing for food from an early season grill, or a late winter/early spring braise.
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Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
The restaurant business is not an industry for the faint of heart, and as the director of operations and managing partner for her family’s business, HomeGrown Restaurant Group, Danielle Anderson proves her mettle daily. In her oversight of all six restaurants owned by the group, the bulk of Anderson's time is spent coaching the general managers of each location. “I love watching them grow!” says Anderson, who was inducted into the Chamber’s 40 under 40 class in 2022. “Some days, I’m giving them management style advice. Some days, I’m helping them mop the floor. Whatever I can do to make their job easier, I’m going to do that for them.”
Regardless of what her day involves, her focus is always the same: “It’s important that I make sure every customer that comes into one of our restaurants is given the best experience we can give them,” she says. “Being able to share a birthday, anniversary or special occasion with a guest makes me very happy!”
Giving back to the Alexandria community is another focus for Anderson. “As a company, we spend a lot of time working with ALIVE! and Carpenter’s Shelter,” she says. “Both do a lot for our community, and we want to support their work.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
Jude Maboné is a serious lover of the law with a fun side hustle—and one incredibly important mission. She thrives professionally at her day-to-day as part of the marketing team at Seward & Kissel LLP, but finds her creative fulfillment in her candle business, Old Flames Candle Company. But it’s charitable causes that are closest to her heart.
Having been crowned Miss District of Columbia 2023, Maboné has used her platform to provide CPR and AED education, lobby for life-saving legislation and advocate for preemptive heart screenings and heart-healthy lifestyles. “I spend the majority of my time working to advance heart health equity in the DMV and nationwide and serving the greater Washington region,” she says.
The mission is a personal one for Maboné. “This work is my life’s work,” she says. It’s more than a platform—it’s an integral part of my identity. I had my first heart attack when I was 16 years old and had suffered six heart attacks before the age of 18. Every day that I’m here is a miracle, so I use each day to enact the change that I want to see.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
Sarah Mason is living proof that dreams can come true. Built on dedication, determination and 20 years in the salon industry, she opened Sarah Mason Style LLC on the same street in Old Town where she started her career. “What a full circle journey this has been,” says Mason. “I try to help inspire everyone who comes into my space to feel like their best selves. I want each person to leave feeling relaxed, confident, uplifted and better than when they came in." Her makeup skills have been featured on TLC's Say Yes to the Prom with Monte Durham as well as on DC 9 news.
“My passion is driven by being a care giver and I would credit my mother and father for that quality,” she goes on. “They are the most caring and selfless people I have ever known and they continually inspire me to want to take care of everyone that comes into my space. Everyone needs a space to escape and be taken care of and that's what I aim to provide.”
Mason’s greatest inspiration in life and in work is her son, Harper. “He is my driving light for everything I do and he makes me strive to be better than I was yesterday.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
As the owner and founder of Balian Springs Social Club for Wellness, Stephanie Chon’s life focuses greatly on wellness—how to achieve it, how to maintain it and how to encourage it in others. “Building greater human connections within a community has immense benefits, which is why we strive to create a safe space for everyone to explore their own wellness and self-care,” she says. “This mission is important because we, as a society, are more stressed and more unhappy than ever before. We prioritize everything but our own self-care. Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.”
Chon’s work comes from a personal place, making it a passion project. “I wanted to give an option to anyone like me who struggles with mental and physical health.”
As challenging as being a business owner is, she takes inspiration from her family. “We've been through the best of times and the worst of times together,” she says. “My parents inspire me every day by how far they have come. I listen to their stories as immigrants, navigating a new world and an unknown language and starting from the humblest of beginnings. They push me to keep going every day because of the life and the opportunities they have given me, all because they took on all the struggles themselves in order to make our lives better.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
The concept of home is very important to Jordan Beck. As a Realtor at Compass, she is tasked daily with finding homes for her clients; and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in DC, she takes on the burden of helping abused and neglected children find permanence in the environments that give them a chance to thrive.
As busy and taxing as both roles can be, Beck holds a passion for each that comes from the impact she knows she’s making in the lives she touches, from the clients who entrust her with their needs, to the children she works with. “In my work as a Realtor, I get to assist people as [they] navigate one of the biggest purchases or sales in their [lives],” says Beck, who has been recognized as one of the Washingtonian’s Top Agents, along with being a top agent at Compass. “As a CASA, I am able to support youth in the community and advocate for their needs. In both roles, I am advocating for the best interests of others and providing people homes. Real estate and the idea of 'home' plays a crucial role in shaping communities, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
As both the Director of Operations and a Realtor at Kristen Jones Real Estate, Sabrina Porta has a lot on her plate, but her dedication for helping clients achieve their goals keeps her passionate. “My career is rooted in supportive roles that help businesses thrive and evolve, and working in real estate has given me the opportunity to use my expertise in efficiency and passionate dedication to ensure that our clients succeed,” she says. “I'm also proud to be the right-hand to a successful woman-owned business in Alexandria!”
Naturally, being rooted in the community is essential to her work. Porta’s personal love for Alexandria has served her As both the Director of Operations and a Realtor at Kristen Jones Real Estate, Sabrina Porta has a lot on her plate, but her dedication for helping clients achieve their goals keeps her passionate. “My career is rooted in supportive roles that help businesses thrive and evolve, and working in real estate has given me the opportunity to use my expertise in efficiency and passionate dedication to ensure that our clients succeed,” she says. “I'm also proud to be the right-hand to a successful woman-owned business in Alexandria!”
Naturally, being rooted in the community is essential to her work. Porta’s personal love for Alexandria has served her well. “Alexandria is where I bought my own first home and I love living here,” she says. “Our town has all of the perks of being in a thriving metropolitan area, but we keep a very ‘small-town feel’ in the way people support each other’s businesses, [organize] their neighborhoods and activities and [stay] engaged in continuously improving Alexandria.”
In the balancing act of work and family, Porta draws inspiration from her mother and late mother-in-law. “Both were successful in balancing their families and careers,” she says. “When I'm struggling with how to manage it all, I look at their example and know that anything is possible!”
Being in the beauty industry, hair is an important aspect of Leah Lattus’s work. As the owner and founder of Holistic Hair Studio, she’s interwoven her passion for hair with her desire to promote holistic beauty and sustainability. “I’m committed to guiding individuals towards a transformative journey of self-expression through their hair,” she says. “With a focus on holistic methods using organic products and sustainable practices, I have established a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being of my clients as well as that of my stylists and our planet.”
Lattus, whose husband and brother served in the armed forces, supports Veterans Moving Forward through her work at the salon. She also finds great inspiration in the late Princess Diana's legacy of compassion, service and advocacy to volunteer her time and skills to provide free haircuts at homeless shelters, hospices and has worked with various chapters of the Boys & Girls clubs. “I aim to not only uplift the spirits of individuals facing difficult circumstances, but also to provide them with a sense of dignity and self-worth,” she says.
In addition to direct volunteer work, Lattus also organizes fundraisers for nonprofit organizations such as Children with Hair Loss. “I am honored to contribute to initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of others,” Lattus says, “particularly children facing medical challenges.”
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Cookie Balcha was one of eight children. Understanding the value of hard work and the power of pursuing a dream, she emigrated to America as a teenager. In her own professional life, she wears “multiple hats” as a Realtor with Keller Williams Metro Center, in addition to being the founder and director of Bright Mind Preschool.
“Both roles allow me to make substantial, positive impacts within my community,” says Balcha, who was featured as a trendsetter by the Washington Post for her innovative approach to both real estate and early childhood education. “My career is anchored in a deep-seated passion for serving others and a relentless pursuit of excellence across all facets of my work.”
Balcha considers her mother to be the most profound influence on her life and her career. “Her strength, resilience and unparalleled ability to balance her roles have left an indelible mark on me,” she says. “Raising eight children, my mother exemplified what it means to be a pillar of strength and a beacon of perseverance. She navigated the complexities of motherhood with grace, all while building and maintaining a business. Her example has been instrumental in shaping who I am today, guiding me to pursue my goals with tenacity and to support others in their endeavors.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
As an instructor at the MVMNT Society and an AEM at Compass, Nawal Africano’s work is all about helping others be the very best they can be. “Being an instructor at MVMNT and witnessing my clients' motivation to give their best is incredibly rewarding,” says Africano, who teaches all of the class formats MVMNT offers. “Each class is a unique experience that fuels my passion for fitness and inspires me to continue making a positive impact on the health and wellness of women in Alexandria. Additionally, I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Compass agents. By helping them leverage technology effectively, I not only can contribute to the success of their business, but also improve the overall experience for their clients, especially in what could possibly be the biggest decision a person can make—home buying or selling.”
Transitioning from her previous career as an adapted physical education teacher was a leap of courage for Africano, and she credits the incredible example of other women in her life for inspiring her to live her best life, both in her career and as a mother. “They've shown me that motherhood isn't just a job, it's a superpower.”
Why is the GO RED movement important to you?
“The Go Red movement is important to me because I'm passionate about health and wellness, especially when it comes to women. I learned quickly after becoming a mom that it's easy for us to put our own health on the back burner while taking care of everyone else. Go Red reminds us to prioritize our well-being by spreading awareness and promoting healthy habits.”
In the four years since launching DrainALX, Waynick worked with residents and city officials to establish an ad hoc stormwater group and made incredible impact in raising the issue at a higher level, both through advocating for various city and state-wide legislative efforts and by working in an official capacity.
In all that she does, Waynick draws inspiration in her life from her mother and grandmothers. “Their stories and their grace left lasting impressions,” says Waynick, who works as a marketing manager at a financial services company. “My mother wanted to be an architect, but was dissuaded from following her dream and instead went into design. As a kid, I thought it was the coolest thing to walk through a house still being framed and watch her work, never realizing how intimidating it could be to be the only woman on some of those sites. She and my grandmothers are a reminder of how far women have come and how far we still have to go.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
Giselle Pelaez’s life revolves around children. As the Executive Director for the Center for Alexandria's Children (CAC), Inc. for the past 16 years, she dedicated herself to the organization’s mission of ending child abuse in Alexandria. “I’m incredibly proud of the significant partnerships and collaborations we foster and maintain because they enable us to be effective and impactful in our strategies to treat and prevent child abuse,” she says. “Every child in Alexandria deserves a safe, loving family and to have their basic needs met. The prevention of child abuse is everyone’s responsibility and requires the commitment and engagement of the entire community.”
Peleaz considers her own children as an incredible inspiration—both in life and in her work. “My children are amazing and an unending source of inspiration,” she says. “At 21 and 17, they have lived through a major pandemic that isolated them at a critical time in adolescent social development. The biggest lesson that my husband and I have learned from them is that there is no straight-line path to adulthood. Theirs may not look like the traditional one that we were on; and that’s okay. We have learned to appreciate each day/moment/stage with our children and prioritize their health, well-being and happiness. Life’s too short to do otherwise.”
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait by Jonathan Thorpe
Becky Harris believes in the power of a good rye—both in the making and in the drinking. “For me, making rye is connecting people through spirits to the early agricultural history of the region, when tobacco was the main crop and rye, the cover crop, was turned into currency by becoming whiskey,” says Harris, co-owner, co-founder and chief distiller at Catoctin Creek. “All of this was before the American Revolution. This is a history lesson which can be used to tell stories, relax and celebrate special occasions.”
Harris is clearly passionate about her work, and that translates into the interactions she has on a daily basis. “I truly enjoy hearing how people discovered our products and their favorite ways to enjoy them,” she says.
Being business partners with her husband, Harris’s work and home life are deeply intertwined. “My husband has been an integral part of our business since day one,” she says. “He runs the business side of our work, making it possible for me to work creatively in the production side. He’s also my number one cheerleader and reminds me to build in time into my schedule to rest, so I can keep from burning out.”
Each year, 12-15 local women are nominated and selected for this honor based on their recent achievements, service to the community, willingness to support their fellow female professionals and commitment to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® Initiative. Their inspiring stories are shared in the February Issue of VIP Alexandria Magazine. This is available in print and online.
This year, our Go Red for Women photo shoot is being graciously hosted by Balian Springs, a local social club for wellness. Our 2024 Red Ladies will have the opportunity to work with our photography team to capture the perfect portrait to accompany their story while exploring the wonderful amenities that Balian Springs has to offer such as pool areas, saunas, lounges, bar + more. The best part: They will be joined by all past Red Ladies who are also welcome to join in on our VIP Go Red Spa Day!
This event and others hosted by VIP throughout the month of February will all benefit the American Heart Association of Greater DC. So place your nominations and stay tuned for the big announcement. Last year our cover reveal took place LIVE on the FOX 5 Good Day DC (you can watch it here). You just never know where VIP will pop up!
Need some inspiration? You can get to know all of our Red Ladies from years past! Click here to read their stories and learn how VIP has been a proud advocate of the American Heart Association.
]]>ALX Impact is brought to you by McLaughlin Ryder Investments
Story by Dawn Klavon | Photography by Zoophoria Photography
Back in Alexandria’s infancy, fire was a constant danger, especially because residents of the wood-structured town used fire for heating, cooking and lighting. The risk of fire was significant, and extinguishing a fire was arduous at best—buckets of water were carried from a well, a town pump or from the Potomac River. Hidden among the cobblestone streets and historic charm of Old Town stands the Friendship Firehouse, a local museum that has witnessed centuries of history and held the hearts of its community.
The Friendship Firehouse, established in 1774, is a living testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and the crucial role of volunteer firefighters in shaping the early American landscape. Known as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria, the current firehouse—built in 1855—is now a remarkable museum open to the public.
“This was a very first piece of volunteerism in the city,” says Mary Bramley, Development Officer for the Office of Historic Alexandria. “That, to me, is one of the best things about it—the fact there were these people that came together to protect the city and they were doing it for so many years.”\
At the heart of the Friendship Firehouse's story is its role as a gathering place for the community's volunteer firefighters. Established even before the United States officially became a nation, the Friendship Firehouse became a beacon of brotherhood. Volunteer firefighters, often called "the Friendship Fire Company," were instrumental in safeguarding the historic town of Alexandria from devastating fires, forming deep bonds as they worked tirelessly to protect their beloved city.
As was common in that era, the Friendship Fire Company’s members were white men who volunteered their efforts. Women played a role in the firehouse’s philanthropic arm, as they spearheaded fundraising efforts. The Friendship Firehouse website states that at one fundraising fair in June 1855, the Alexandria Gazette noted, "Preparations are being made by several ladies and their friends for holding a Fair for the purpose of raising funds for building an Engine House for the Friendship Fire Company." Their efforts were successful. "The gross receipts from the Fair ... will fully enable [the company] to consummate its wishes as regards its engine house."
In the early 20th century, as technology advanced, the role of volunteer firefighters began to diminish. However, the Friendship Firehouse stayed relevant by repurposing itself as a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of firefighting and celebrating the history of the Friendship Fire Company.
“Supporting the community has always been an important part of its history,” said Lloyd. “While Friendship was important to fighting fires … [the members] were also involved in, shall we say for lack of a better term, boosterism. They would participate in parades and such just to show commitment and rally around the community.”
Today, visitors to the Friendship Firehouse can explore a treasure trove of artifacts, including antique fire engines, equipment and uniforms. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of firefighting in the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as an educational resource for the community. The museum's historic firefighting vehicles can be viewed, as well as the Rodgers Suction Engine (1851) and the Prettyman Hose Carriage (1858).
The Friendship Firehouse doesn't just celebrate history; it actively engages with the community. The firehouse hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate Alexandria's heritage and foster a sense of unity. From educational programs for local schoolchildren to annual events like the Friendship Firehouse Festival held each August, this historic site continues to strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity within the city of Alexandria.
“Back then, the commitment to the community was stopping fires, but now the commitment to the community is different because it’s no longer a functioning firehouse; but the people that are involved with it are still giving back in other ways,” says Bramley.
The Friendship Firehouse Museum is not just a place to view relics of the past; it's a living testament to the enduring values of courage, camaraderie and community. It reminds us that, while technology may have evolved, there is great value in working together to protect our communities.
Plan to visit the museum, located at 107 S. Alfred Street in Old Town. It is typically open one Saturday per month, but in December 2023, it is open on both December 2 and December 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The experience includes a visit to the Engine Room, which houses vintage hand-drawn fire engines, authentic leather water buckets, a hose-reel, axes, early rubber hoses and firefighting technology exhibits.
The crown jewel of the museum’s collection is the suction engine, purchased by the Friendship Firehouse in 1851. Back in the day, bucket brigades would form with two lines of people using water from a river or well to extinguish the fire. The number of men necessary to put out a fire was many. Then came the invention of the suction engine, which provided water through a hose in a more effective manner. The Friendship Firehouse’s suction engine is the flagship of the museum and offers a tangible example of early American firefighting techniques.
“One thing that I think is very special about Friendship is that there are two mid-19th century pieces of firefighting equipment in our collection … and were used fighting fires in our community,” Lloyd says. “That sort of tangible connection really provides some wonderful continuity.”
The Friendship Firehouse was first built in 1774, then the current structure was built in 1851, remodeled in 1871 and restored in 1992. Over the years, the museum raised funding for important restoration projects. At present, the Friendship Firehouse hopes to restore the Rodgers suction hand engine so future generations can learn about firefighting techniques and how they have evolved since the 1800s. Donations can be given on the City of Alexandria’s website.
Alexandria’s Friendship Firehouse stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and community that has defined this historic town for centuries. From its humble beginnings as a gathering place for volunteer firefighters to its current role as a museum and community hub, the Friendship Firehouse continues to preserve the past while fostering connections in the present.
“I’ve done some digging back into the Friendship Firehouse festivals and you just see how excited everybody is,” says Bramley. “You get to see how it looked and worked—that’s so neat about it— at Friendship Firehouse, here are the actual tools they were using.”
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Brought to you by Healthy Minds Therapy
As the First Impressions Associate at a mental health private practice (and a proud therapy attendee as well) I have the unique opportunity to speak with many mental health professionals and get the 411 on boosting my boss mode. I’ve compiled the best tried and true advice below:
The decision to bring movement into your life doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating; it can be simple and confidence boosting. Instead of swearing that you’re going to go back to the gym five days a week, or purchasing new workout gear in the hopes that it will motivate you, try something fun and stress-free like “Hot Girl Walks.” What is a hot girl walk? Exactly what it sounds like: you dress cute, grab your tennies, sunnies, and your fave water bottle, and you take yourself on a walk. You can use the hashtag #hotgirlwalk on the apps and see the countless other people who’ve made the choice to elevate their exercise routine in a fun and sassy way. Note: If “hot girl walks” don’t feel like you, feel free to try taking “silly little walks for my mental health.” Enjoy those endorphins!
Meditating is an investment of time that results in better mental health. What many people don’t know about meditation is that it only takes as little as five minutes a day to see results. To meditate, all you need to do is be mindful of your breathing and redirect your thoughts, when they pass by, back to your breathing. You don’t have to sit with perfect posture, you don’t need a special pillow, and you don’t need a guru to give you directions; you just need to breathe, be mindful, and relax into the moment. Maybe you meditate in your house, on public transportation on your commute to work, or out in nature, but wherever you meditate, make it intentional. Before you know it you’ll be calmer, more focused, and have a sunnier outlook. You can even do a walking meditation—be mindful of where you put your feet, observe your breath, and let your thoughts glide in and back out again.
Whether you’re into the artistic craft of bullet journalling, the quick and dirty practice of morning pages, or just writing about your feelings every now and then, journalling is a great way to process emotions and find a stronger sense of inner peace. Journalling can help you solve puzzles and find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had! If you feel like you don’t know where to begin, you can start by setting a five minute timer and just writing down every thought that comes into your head. It may feel weird at first, but as with anything, this gets easier to do with time! Write on!
If you don’t love to talk on the phone, consider starting a weekly brunch with buds or coffee date with a choice companion. However you do it, the goal for this resolution is connection. Nothing soothes the soul like time spent with cherished friends or family. It feels good to feel liked, to feel seen, to feel connected to those around you. Spend your time more meaningfully with the people who give you strength, love, and good advice, and your mental health will reap the rewards!
It’s important to remind yourself that self care isn’t always a bubble bath. Sometimes self care can look like doing a load of laundry or cleaning and vacuuming out your car. Sometimes self care can look like making the time to read a book (for fun!) or sitting down with a crossword puzzle instead of rushing through breakfast. While self care can definitely be that aforementioned soak in the tub with a favorite beverage, at its core, it’s about paying attention to your mind and body, and scheduling in time for the actions and activities that will make you feel better inside and out. That means that sometimes self care can look like making healthy choices in eating something green (or going on a hot girl walk!), or making time for a hobby that you never seem to get around to but will make you feel happier or more balanced. Self care is going to look different to everyone, so make sure to check in with yourself (through journaing, perhaps!) to figure out what self care looks like for you this year and treat yourself to a little bit of extra love and care.
In the end, New Year’s Resolutions are about becoming the person you want to be moving forward, and none of that would be possible without taking care of your mental health. Our bodies and minds are irrevocably intertwined, so recognize that any change you make to one will also affect the other. Whether you try all of these ideas or none of them, I hope you take some time to reflect on just how far you’ve already come.
Lucy Appling, First Impressions Associate, works side by side with Becky to make your experience with Healthy Minds Therapy as pleasant as can be! She tries her best to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment so that everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Lucy is kind, thoughtful, hard-working, and loves making people smile. She works to ensure your experience with Healthy Minds Therapy is meaningful as well! Lucy graduated from the University of South Carolina in with a BA in Experimental Psychology and has always been fascinated with the mental health field. She loves audio books, crafting, and her plant collection and is proudly neurodivergent, vegetarian, and queer.
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Elevate your festive style with bold, colorful hand-beaded handbags in various styles. Wild Gardenia Boutique
Personalized superhero capes to ignite imaginations and build a positive self image. Creative Capes
18k Yellow Gold Rope Chain w/ with London Blue Topaz Gems + an eternity band of diamonds. Mystique Jewelers
Cleverly designed and lightweight, ensuring comfort and relief with every step. Comfort One Shoes
This infusion of plants penetrate the scalp + hair shaft to deeply repair, strengthen and nourish. Salon deZEN
Wearable art that is hand-painted using traditional textile techniques. Khadija Brand
Smooth and sweet, with a ZING! $1 for every bottle sold is donated to help conserve bees. Catoctin Creek
Help support the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to care for local pets and people. Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
This candle will undoubtedly get you excited for cold, snowy days huddled by the fireplace. ISO Candles
Come aboard The Tall Ship Providence floating museum for a memorable, interactive experience. Tall Ship Providence
This 14K yellow gold Hexagon Necklace features a white topaz and diamonds. Today's Cargo
Exclusive to The Old Town Shop, this design by Ali Douglas captures the charming spirit of Old Town. The Old Town Shop
Handcrafted using real Alexandria flowers. No two pieces are alike. Inti Phaxsi Gems
With room for your phone, sunglasses, keys and wallet, this purse flaunts mini with a loud voice. Haus of Jung
Treat your loved one to an original painting in oil, acrylic or watercolor. Collins Collective
This elegant and eco-friendly bathrobe is handcrafted from recylced silk sari fabric. Ten Thousand Villages
This limited-edition set will keep your hair lookin gorgeous, all in a convenient travel-ready set. Cynthia Santana
Set in sterling silver, with glass cover. Includes certificate of authenticity from the artist. Kellie Sansone Creates
Choose from 2, 4 or 6 bottle monthly memberships and enjoy a wine tasting event each month at Sonoma Cellar. Sonoma Cellar
Have ten issues of VIP mailed to yourself or someone you love. VIP Magazine
What better way to raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer than to rock some purple hair? The temporary extensions that Salon deZEN is offering are just $40 and are quickly and easily placed, cut to length and blended by their professional team! 100% of these sales will be donated to PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network), which is an organization that is near and dear to owner Maria Elizabeth's heart.
Maria's passion to get involved was inspired by her friend and colleague, Amy Benitez. Amy lost her Mom, Georgia Sobolewski, to pancreatic cancer on May 4, 2019. She has been spreading the word and sharing this initiative ever since! Her hope is that Alexandria will get involved in the fight against the horrible disease that stole her Mom away from her and her family way too soon.
Maria Elizabeth + Amy Benitez
The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is a mere 9% because most individuals receive a Stage 4 diagnosis. This is the lowest 5-year survival rate of ANY cancer. With mild symptoms, people often dismiss them as normal fluctuations in their bodies. The time is NOW to bring more awareness to the symptoms which include: mid-back pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, stomach pain, indigestion, new-onset diabetes, jaundice, and changes in stool. When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at Stage 1, the five-year survival rate increases to 34%. It is estimated that in 2020, about 57,600 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and about 47,050 will die from this horrible disease.
The statistics are unsettling. However, with more awareness, research, and funding, we can ultimately increase the survival rate and give patients and their families more time together.
In addition to the fundraiser at Salon deZEN, Maria and Amy encourage you to join in on the "Light it UP Purple" campaign on November 16. Not only does switching out a light bulb to purple help shed light on this deadly disease, but it also gives honor to those who have passed or who are battling the third deadliest cancer in the United States.
For more information, please email: maria@salondezen.com. Lastly, don’t forget to snap a picture of your purple hair and/or light and post to IG or FB with the hashtags #WPCD #immunovia #PANCaware #earlydetection. Be sure to tag @salondezen and @vipalxmag
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography Courtesy of Greentstreet Gardens
Greenstreet Gardens is a proud, family-owned and operated company. Ray and Stacy Greenstreet, with their three children, all play roles in its success. With a tagline like "Success Grows Here," it's no wonder you'll find so much more than product variety at Greenstreet Gardens. This business prides itself on customer service, knowledgeable staff, and dedication to quality.
Since opening their flagship garden center in Lothian, Maryland in 2000, Greenstreet Gardens has been a trusted source for all things horticultural, from seeds and flowers to gardening implements and tools. Offering more than just product variety, however, theirs is a business model built on customer service, knowledgeable staff and dedication to quality. “Our tagline is ‘Success grows here,’ and that is also essentially a mission statement for our company,” says Ray Greenstreet, who co-owns and operates the company’s two locations—the original, in Lothian and their second, in Alexandria, Virginia, which opened in 2011—with his wife, Stacy. “We’re different to the big box stores because of the way we operate and assess customer needs to ensure that they get the products and tools that best suit those needs and interests.”
Greenstreet Gardens is a proud, family-owned and operated company. Ray and Stacy’s three children have also all played various roles in its success—including helping with annual events like the Fall Festival, which recently welcomed 20,000 visitors to the Lothian location for attractions like the pumpkin patch, corn maze and woodland farm, benefitting various needs in the community. Their much-anticipated open houses, held in both Lothian and Alexandria, are an opportunity for the adults to have dressed-up, festive fun and get the holiday season kicked off, with representatives from local distilleries and restaurants onsite for tastings. Proceeds are given to the local chamber of commerce. In the spring, Greenstreet Gardens greets the season with an Easter Egg Drop. “It’s all about community,” says Ray.
Just as community is a driving force in Greenstreet Garden’s business, so it is for Spectra Credit Union. Serving the needs of clients across NOVA, Maryland and DC, they help grow the local economy and build dreams through their small business loans. To learn more visit www.spectracu.com.