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

Celebrating a Hometown Hero

Article by Christine Gilgallon As our nation honors 250 years of American history, we are reminded that The Cold War consumed nearly one-fifth of our entire national timeline. This long era of global tension left behind a significant legacy rooted right here in our local area. McLean claims a unique piece of this history through a genuine hometown hero: Francis Gary Powers. To honor his father's memory and ensure this critical time period is properly taught, his son, Gary Powers Jr., helped...

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...

Food + Beverage

The Shell-ebration Roll

Article and Photography by AJ Jones Nothing defines a classic American summer quite like a buttered lobster roll enjoyed during a holiday weekend. To keep it festive for the 4th of July, we are aiming for that perfect balance of high-end indulgence and backyard ease.  Whether you are hosting a sprawling lakefront bonfire or a quiet backyard patio gathering, these rolls represent the peak of seasonal culinary freedom. By focusing on high-quality, fresh-caught lobster and a perfectly toasted bun...

Food + Beverage

The Independence Day Triple Berry Sparkler

Article and Photography by AJ Jones This Triple Berry Sparkler is designed to be the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday spread. Featuring the vibrant reds of ripe strawberries and raspberries paired with the deep blues of fresh blueberries, it captures the spirit of the American flag in a glass. The use of coconut water ice cubes ensures that as the afternoon sun beats down, your drink doesn't just stay cold—it actually gets more flavorful and hydrating as the ice melts. Yield: 4–6...

Life + Culture

A Quarter-Millennium of Becoming:

The American Semiquincentennial Article and Photography by AJ Jones History has a way of creeping up on us. We spend our days focused on the immediate, like the morning commute, the deadline, or the grocery list. Then, suddenly, we look at the calendar and realize we are standing on the doorstep of a milestone so grand it requires a word most of us can barely pronounce: the Semiquincentennial. It is a mouthful of a word for a monumental occasion: the 250th anniversary of the United States. As...

Health + Wellness

Holistic Approach to Resolving Knee Pain

When I first learned of a degenerative knee issue, it was due to sharp stabbing pain when I walked up and down the stairs in our four level home. The doctor told me I was too young for the medical option, which is joint replacement surgery. So I was urged to work on losing weight and strengthening the quadriceps muscles to better support the knee joint. I had seen the South Beach diet book at my mother's home, and decided to try that diet. My husband and I both lost weight as he, too, joined me...

Local Services

Lifting Spirits:

The Soaring Mission of Luke’s Wings Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Luke's Wings Walk through the quiet, clinical corridors of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and you might expect to find a focus solely on modern surgeries and rigorous physical therapy. However, back in 2007, a single observed moment revealed that the most potent medicine often arrives not in a vial, but through a doorway. When Sarah Wingfield watched the heavy, disinterested silence of a...