Life + Culture

AROUND TOWN

Discover local organizations & events transforming generosity into action, support and hope. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Provided     NOVEMBER 20 & 22 Story Tapestries’ Maryland Gala . Join an inspiring evening supporting arts education. Celebrate creativity and community impact. Reserve your spot here: https://storytapestries.org/maryland-gala/ Holiday Giving Project Rockville United Church | Rockville Community Reach of Montgomery County helps make Thanksgiving...

Home + Design

Seasonal Magic

Creating a Little Holiday Magic at Home Article by Zeina Davis | Photography by Leo Sardarian The most memorable holiday spaces aren’t necessarily the ones with the most decorations. They’re the ones that make you feel something. I’m Zeina, President of Mosaic Creative Agency here in Montgomery County, where we create immersive seasonal design for homes, businesses and events. I love what I do and I bring that same magic into my own home, for my family and for myself. I think it’s time we...

Real Estate

Work That Matters

For Colette Releford, serving others is a family legacy woven into her work and community. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Colette Releford Colette Releford can go almost anywhere in Gaithersburg and find a familiar face. Maybe it is a friend she has known for years, someone she met through community service or even a stranger who will not be a stranger for long. Her friends, after all, have a running joke about her ability to make connections wherever she goes. “Here’s Colette...

Life + Culture

Holiday Happenings With Heart

Celebrate the season through local events, volunteer opportunities and traditions that give back. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Provided NOVEMBER 20 & 22 Story Tapestries’ Maryland Gala . Join an inspiring evening supporting arts education. Celebrate creativity and community impact. Reserve your spot here: https://storytapestries.org/maryland-gala/ Holiday Giving Project Rockville United Church | Rockville Community Reach of Montgomery County helps make Thanksgiving...

Finance + Legal Services

Giving Back, From the Heart

For attorney Paul A. Samakow, helping others is a lifelong commitment rooted in community and service. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Paul A. Samakow Paul A. Samakow was about 8 years old when an experience in his Maryland neighborhood left an impression that would shape the rest of his life. A neighbor’s house caught fire and burned down. Samakow’s parents opened their home to the displaced family, who lived with them for about two months. One night, he remembers seeing the...

Food + Beverage

Ela Mesa Taste of Greece

A Farm-to-Table Gathering Spot in Gaithersburg Article by David Robert Lambert | Photography by Ela Mesa Taste of Greece, David Robert Lambert Driving through Gaithersburg's Spectrum Town Center on a Thursday afternoon, I was still getting my bearings in a part of Montgomery County that seems to reinvent itself every few years when I arrived at Ela Mesa Taste of Greece. The restaurant's name means "come in," and after sitting down with owner Georgios "George" Papaevangelou, it became clear why...

Health + Wellness

A Smile Worth Sharing

How Dr. Yu Orthodontics Is Helping Families Build Healthy, Confident Smiles Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Dr. Ceylon Mitchell October is all about gathering around the table. From pumpkin patches and football tailgates to family dinners and Halloween treats, food has a way of bringing people together. Behind every laugh, conversation and celebration is something we often take for granted: a healthy smile. At Yu Orthodontics, creating beautiful smiles is only part of the mission...

Travel

Coastal Luxury, One Course at a Time

Beach House Fort Lauderdale redefines the luxury getaway with elevated dining, curated experiences and unforgettable waterfront hospitality. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Beach House Fort Lauderdale Some destinations are known for their beaches. Others are celebrated for their restaurants. At Beach House Fort Lauderdale, guests never have to choose between the two. Set along the golden sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the newly reimagined all-suite resort offers more than a...

Food + Beverage

THE LOCAL LIST

Eat, Drink & Explore Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney & Beyond Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Provided From authentic family recipes and chef-driven neighborhood favorites to locally brewed beer, outdoor adventures and entertainment, Montgomery County offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore. Whether you're looking for your next dinner reservation, a laid-back brewery afternoon or something different to do this weekend, consider this your local list of places worth a visit. ...

Food + Beverage

Maple Apple Old Fashioned

A cozy, slightly spiced twist on the classic Old Fashioned, perfect for crisp autumn evenings. Article and Photography by Carly Mac Manus Serves:  1 Ingredients 2 oz bourbon 1/2 oz pure maple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 dash apple bitters (or an additional dash of Angostura bitters) Orange peel, for garnish Thin apple slice, for garnish Cinnamon stick, for garnish Large ice cube Directions Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura...