Health + Wellness

Inspired by mom’s strength — and her pink kicks

McLean teen turns family love into action Article by Molly MacDermot | Photography by Courtesy of the Singer Family For 16-year-old McLean resident Owen Singer, watching his mom battle breast cancer wasn't just a family challenge—it was the inspiration for an idea to help others. Before every grueling chemo session, his mom, Sue, had a ritual: she would wrap herself in a cozy blanket and lace up her favorite pink sneakers. Inspired by his mom’s fierce resilience, Owen turned his love into...

Arts + Culture

Local Photographer's Lifelong Connection to Animals

For Gloria Freund, a camera is more than a tool—it is a bridge between worlds Article by Christine Gilgallon | Photography by Courtesy of Gloria Freund Whether photographing a beloved farm animal, a curious household pet, or a colorful reef creature thousands of miles from home, Gloria’s goal is the same: to help people recognize the connection we share with the living beings around us. “My work and pleasure is about expanding the community of people who understand and feel the sentience and...

Life + Culture

Spotlight on the Artist

McLean resident Jessica Speckhard shares her artistic journey Article by Molly MacDermot | Photography by Margaret Bakke Meet Jessica Speckhard, a McLean, Virginia-based multidisciplinary artist who created this month’s cover, inspired by her pet cat and love of summer. Jessica crafts vibrant worlds through watercolor, ceramics, and stained glass. Inspired by her deep love for animals, nature, and travel, Jessica balances her creative practice with family life alongside her husband, Taylor...

Education

The Legacy of the Potomac Canal

Article by AJ Jones The roar of the Great Falls of the Potomac was once a sound of defiance. For the early American republic, these crashing waters represented a jagged barrier between the bustling Atlantic ports and the untapped wealth of the Ohio River Valley. Yet, in the late 18th century, this geological obstacle became the catalyst for a monumental "Cartography of Cooperation." The construction of the Patowmack (Potomac) Canal was not merely an engineering triumph; it was a physical...