Ashburn Magazine | May/June 2023

Ashburn

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From the Publisher

CONTRIBUTORS

A CHILDHOOD CELEBRITY

Among my earliest memories of growing up in Richmond was watching the 1972 Washington Redskins go all the way to the Super Bowl. I was only 8 at the time, but a lifelong fan was born.

in the 2023 Best of Ashburn survey. He still lives in our community, and you can read about his career and life after football in the profile that starts on Page 58. This month’s issue is our biggest of the year, as we announce the more than 100 Best of Ashburn winners. We received a record of nearly 80,000 votes in this year’s polling from over 12,700 individual voters. I believe that incredible amount of participation showcases the passion that Ashburn residents have for our local businesses.

BUSINESS

ON THE WEB www.ashburnmagazine.com Facebook and Twitter: @ashburnmagazine

Ashburn Magazine is published every other month and distributed to over 13,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Ashburn Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustrations or photographs is strictly forbidden. ©2023 Rappahannock Media LLC.

So when I read Chuck Cascio’s profile of Pat Fischer, one of the stars of that team, it spurred a memory. I went digging in the deep, dark recesses of our basement. Sure enough, sharing a box with a faded ticket to a 1986 Bruce Springsteen concert and an O.J. Simpson football card (!) was a personally autographed photo of the same Pat Fischer, number 37.

I don’t remember how I came to have the photo – I think Fischer may have spoken at a sports banquet during my all-too-brief athletic career. But there’s no doubt I treasured it – on the back, in my best childhood cursive, is written: “Pat you’re good! Yea! Yea!”

Needless to say, I was delighted to learn that our readers chose Fischer, now 83, as the Favorite Local Celebrity

And our cover story spotlights the local family behind one of those businesses – the rapidly growing Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise, named Best Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt Shop for the third straight year. That feature begins on Page 48, immediately after the Best of Ashburn section – and it’s guaranteed to leave you yearning for a sweet frozen treat.

But first, I have a photo I need to frame. Pat Fischer isn’t going back in my basement.

BRUCE POTTER, PUBLISHER PUBLISHER@ASHBURNMAGAZINE.COM

Like Mother, Like Son

Career paths merge for local golf instructors

BY TRACY OWENS

FAMILY GOLF

Jericho, who grew up in El Paso, Texas, started golfing in her 20s, while she was living in Los Angeles. She won the city championship in 1987 and finished second in 1988 while eight months pregnant with her first child, daughter Shiloh.

She and the children’s father, a golf professional from Trinidad, moved to Reston in 1989, where they had another daughter, Jatonne, and then Johnlen. They got golf clubs into the children’s hands as soon as possible, and all enjoyed golfing together, especially at Hidden Creek.

“But my daughters didn’t take to it like Johnlen,” Jericho said. He spent almost every waking hour outside of school golfing – often with his mom.

Johnlen played competitive golf in his teen years, and in his freshman and sophomore years was on the Herndon High School team. In 2008, the family moved to Dallas. There, Johnlen led his new high school to a state golf championship in 2009 and played his senior year, too. But he was homesick for Reston.

“I missed my friends,” he said. He made a post-graduation visit to Reston in 2010 before enrolling in New Mexico State University. A relationship with his mom that might have been strained since the move out west had a chance to instead grow stronger when Jericho enrolled in the university, too.

Two things are constant in the lives of Johnlen Trianna and his mother, Jericho Trianna – their love of family and their love of golf. But even as the two bonded over the game while playing at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston in the 1990s and 2000s, they couldn’t have predicted where it would take them.

First, they became the only known mother-and-son duo to graduate from a PGA Golf Management University Program – at New Mexico State University in 2015.

And today, they are thought to be the only mother and son working together as teaching professionals.

Johnlen, 30, and Jericho, 68, teach at The Golf Club at Lansdowne, part of the Lansdowne Resort north of Ashburn along the Potomac River.

The club’s director of instruction, Brian Rogish, agreed there is probably no pair like the Triannas at any other club. “The golf business is a small community in general,” Rogish said. “With [the Triannas], this is certainly a demographic of one.”

(Clockwise from upper left) Johnlen and Jericho Trianna at the 2019 Masters tournament; mother and son at a tournament in Orlando; the duo graduating from New Mexico State University in 2015; Jericho with Johnlen when he was 12 years old at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston.

LEARNING TOGETHER

For more than 20 years, Jericho had a successful career in finance with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. But she said she hit a professional ceiling because she didn’t have a bachelor’s degree. She wanted the degree not just to gain career opportunities, but because earning it was a lifelong goal.

“I love to learn,” Jericho said. She enrolled to earn a degree in business (spoiler alert: She did — with honors). New Mexico State University is one of 17 universities that offer the PGA golf certification, and that intrigued her,

too. She asked Johnlen to go with her to learn more about the program, and they both signed up.

The two had lots of opportunities to be together, with Jericho helping Johnlen learn to take better notes and improve his study skills. More than their time in class, though, the two were again reunited on the golf course.

“It was a healing time,” Jericho said, as she and Johnlen frequently played together. “Our time in college let us gain respect for each other in a new way.”

One of Johnlen’s happiest college moments was when he learned that Jericho had passed her mandatory PGA Playing Ability Test.

“My mom hadn’t played competitively in a while,” Johnlen said, and when she was struggling in the first leg of the playing test, he wasn’t sure that she was going to make the necessary score.

But he was not going to tell her that. Instead, he texted her that he believed in her. When he saw her sink a 20-foot putt, he knew that she was going to be OK.

After the two graduated with their

bachelor’s degrees in 2015, they still had to complete internship credits for the PGA program certificate. Johnlen wanted to go back to where his golf journey started –Hidden Creek.

He spent the summer of 2015 finishing his internship credits there, but found that professionally it wasn’t the best fit for him. Even though he wasn’t going to pursue a job at his childhood club, there was no way he was going to leave the area again.

He quickly arranged to meet with the golf leadership team at Lansdowne. After a 6 a.m. interview, he started the next day and has been at the club ever since.

His mother had not yet completed her internship and needed to find a place to do so. Johnlen asked whether there was room for his mom, and there was. She joined him in Virginia in the spring of 2016.

LIFE ON THE COURSE

Lansdowne Resort has 45 holes of golf on courses designed by Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr., with the challenging

Norman course also offering breathtaking views along the Potomac.

Johnlen, who lives in Sterling these days, has a packed professional schedule, while Jericho, who calls Lansdowne home, works a little less – teaching, pinch-hitting for other instructors and handling administrative matters at the club. The two joked that if

“it’s a day that ends in Y,” Jericho plays golf.

“One of us plays significantly more than the other,” said Johnlen, adding that having had a long career, his mom has earned the right to have a more flexible schedule at this time in her life.

Rogish said the two bring a nice balance of personalities to the staff. “Johnlen is outgoing

and driven,” he said, while Jericho is organized and detail-oriented. “We very often call her mom. She takes care of us, for sure.”

Both Triannas enjoy working with junior golfers, and Johnlen said they bring different approaches to that. He wants to “break down the barrier to fun” for kids when he coaches. Jericho, he said, brings “being a mom” to the sport.

“Golf is a sport that grows with you,” Jericho said. “Taking up the game young allows you to up your game later in life.” Her best advice for other parents? “Let your kids be who they are.”

As for Johnlen, he appreciates that his mom taught him the value of being kind, honest and genuine. No matter where his PGA career takes him, he said, “I want to be the best version of myself. That’s up to me and my work ethic.” A

Tracy Owens is a former magazine editor who writes about arts, businesses and people in the Southeast. Her work has appeared in Salon, Gulfshore Life, Islandia Journal and many other publications.

The Triannas while playing at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards in South Carolina; (Below) Jericho Trianna teaching a woman's golf clinic at the Golf Club at Lansdowne.

Community arts center would benefit Ashburn residents

BY NANCY GRAVATT

I’m always thankful that most of my communications career has been in the culturally rich Washington area, where access to theater, art exhibits and concerts abound.

I moved to Ashburn seven years ago because of its well-planned and beautifully maintained communities, robust public transportation options, access to biking and hiking trails, green spaces and recreational opportunities of all types. But what’s one thing that’s missing? Easy local access to the arts.

As we age, many of us don’t want to drive as far at night to events. We also want to cultivate the arts in our local communities and support new generations of budding musicians, actors and visual artists. But there’s good news to report.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently voted unanimously for a Community Arts Center in eastern Loudoun County to be part of the county’s Capital Improvement Program as a “Project Identified for Future Development.”

Members such as myself of the Citizens for the Arts of Eastern Loudoun (AEL) are delighted that the initiative has moved one step closer to reality with this vote. The group advocates for a performing and visual arts center in the population-rich eastern section of the county.

“I like the fact this is now kind of a placeholder in the CIP,” said Supervisor Mike Turner of the Ashburn District. He noted that including it as a “future years” item in the capital plan will allow the county to negotiate development proffers, nonprofit donations, corporate sponsorships, and other possible sources that could complement county, state and

perhaps even federal funding.

Supervisor Sylvia Glass of the Broad Run District said she has heard from people who drive to Reston, Fairfax or Arlington to watch an orchestra perform or see a play. Instead, she said, an arts center in eastern Loudoun could attract people from outside Loudoun to come here for events, bringing revenue into the county rather than those monies being spent in other counties.

“A community arts center would bring additional tax revenues and only strengthen economic development opportunities in Loudoun,” Glass said.

A study by Americans for the Arts shows

that the arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses. Arts attendees, the study notes, spend $31.47 per person per event beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking and shopping – vital income for local businesses.

A community arts center would benefit Ashburn residents in many ways. It would make concerts, theater and festivals easily accessible to families of all sizes. It would provide an affordable venue for local and guest artists.

Ideally, a center would have an auditorium with seating for at least 500, a stage large enough for an orchestra, space for

art shows and special exhibits and rehearsal spaces and classrooms for dance, art and music.

Participation in the arts makes communities more cohesive and reduces feelings of isolation and exclusion. Arts improve the health, well-being and independence of older adults by offering programs that are entertaining and enjoyable.

That’s something that Karen Knobloch, executive director of the Loudoun Symphony Association, calls “life-enhancing programs.” She spoke before the Board of Supervisors at its budget public hearing March 4, urging its support for an arts center in eastern Loudoun.

Knobloch said an arts center would provide a stable rehearsal and performance space for the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, which it does not currently have. It would also provide a home for many local artists, such as the Sterling Playmakers, The Master Singers of Virginia and dance companies and visual artists, not to mention diverse cultural groups and speakers.

Our AEL group meets at 20960 Rocky Knoll Square in Ashburn at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month as we continue to advocate for funding by the county and cooperating private sources for a community arts center.

As Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall said of the initiative, “Let’s get this done.” A

A longtime supporter of the arts, Nancy Gravatt lives in Ashburn, where she is preparing for the launch of her debut book – a fantasy novel for young adults.

(Left) Ashburn resident Nancy Gravatt; (below) Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner (Ashburn District) speaks to Ashburn residents at a meeting of the Citizens for the Arts of Eastern Loudoun.

A guest essay written by one of our Ashburn neighbors.

Meet Your Favorites

Ashburn folks sure love sharing their opinions – whether about politics, data centers or the weather, everyone has a point of view. And when it comes to their favorite things around the community – well, they have opinions there too. 79,657 opinions to be exact. That’s how many votes were cast in our annual survey – the Best of Ashburn 2023. More than 12,700 voters participated. It was the biggest turnout yet.

From favorite bartender to favorite park, from favorite electrician to favorite sporting goods store – we have it all covered. Read on to find out how your favorites fared – and somehow we know you won’t be bashful about sharing your opinion on the results either.

Around Ashburn

BEST

PREACHER

Father James Hudgins, St. Theresa Catholic Church

THE TOP 10

A record of more than 3,000 businesses, individuals and organizations received votes in this year’s Best of Ashburn balloting, conducted online in February. This is the fourth year for the Best of Ashburn, and one business, Blend Coffee Bar, has been among the top 10 vote recipients all four years. Three other winners – Diana Paul, Ahso Restaurant and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – have finished in the top 10 for three of those four years. Here are the top 10 vote recipients in 2023 along with the prior years they have appeared in the top 10:

1 ROW HOUSE Fitness Center/Gym (2022)

2 DIANA PAUL, DIANA’S FITNESS LAB Personal Trainer/Coach (2021, 2022)

3 BEN HUNTINGTON Real Estate Agent (2022)

4 MY GUYS MOVING & STORAGE Moving Service

5 BLEND COFFEE BAR Coffee shop (2020, 2021, 2022)

6 AHSO RESTAURANT Fine Dining (2020, 2021)

7 PINEAPPLE7 TRAVEL Travel Agency

8 RUSSIAN SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS After-School Program (2021)

9 ASHBURN ACADEMY OF DANCE Dance Studio

10 BRUSTER’S REAL ICE CREAM Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt Shop (2021, 2022)

Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm

Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department

20688 ASHBURN ROAD, ASHBURN, 20147

ASHBURNFIRERESCUE.ORG

703-729-0006

Venture X

AhSo Restaurant

22855

Ashburn Park (Dinosaur Park)

For almost 80 years, volunteers of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (AVFRD) have freely given their time, talents and energy to provide the highest levels of fire and rescue service. We believe that when neighbors help neighbors, true community emerges and we become closer, stronger and safer. AVFRD is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization providing fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical services to over 40,000 homes and businesses. In 2022, our volunteers donated over 125,710 hours, running 4,850 calls.

St. Theresa Catholic Church

PLACE TO WORK

Autism Outreach Inc.

Abinaya Ayyamperumal, ArtBeyondImpressions

Ashby Ponds

44795 AUDUBON SQUARE, ASHBURN, 20147 ASHBYPONDS.COM

800-981-9329

Ashby Ponds is a premier continuing care retirement community. The 132-acre gated campus boasts three amenity-packed clubhouses with multiple dining venues, fitness centers, pools, a day spa and more. Choose from stylish apartment homes that are low on maintenance and big on style. A predictable monthly service package covers most utilities, property taxes, home maintenance and more. Ashby Ponds offers an integrated health and wellness model exclusively for older adults. Residents can age in place with higher levels of care available if they need extra support in the years to come.

Braden Quinlan

Notes n’ Beats Indian & Western Music School

Virginia Tire & Auto

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF ASHBURN FARMS

43781 PARKHURST PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20147

703-724-9000

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF BROADLANDS

43180 SOUTHERN WALK PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20148 571-291-2503

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF DULLES

44285 ICE RINK PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20147 703-840-1016

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF ONE LOUDOUN

44705 WELLFLEET DRIVE, ASHBURN, 20147 703-726-2100

VATIRE.COM

855-425-3677

Virginia Tire & Auto is a woman- and family-owned and operated full-service repair shop that’s been in business since 1976. For more than 45 years, we have worked hard to provide you with the finest in automotive service, and we’ll be here to keep you on the road for another 45 years, too. We continually invest in the best equipment and the best training for our employees. We provide the highest level of customer service, some of the lowest rates in the area and same-day service. And we believe in maintaining all our locations as well as having the cleanest, most comfortable stores.

CARWASH

Ducky Detailing

43699 FROST COURT, ASHBURN, 20147

DUCKYDETAILINGVA.COM

571-346-0129

TIRE STORE

Virginia Tire & Auto

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF ASHBURN FARMS

43781 PARKHURST PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20147

703-724-9000

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF BROADLANDS

43180 SOUTHERN WALK PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20148

571-291-2503

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF DULLES

44285 ICE RINK PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20147

703-840-1016

VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO OF ONE LOUDOUN

44705 WELLFLEET DRIVE, ASHBURN, 20147

703-726-2100

VATIRE.COM

855-425-3677

(See write-up, Auto Repair Shop category)

lives

offers world-class training, fostering growth in emergency response, medical expertise, and leadership skills. Build strong bonds with your team as you work together in high-pressure situations. Experience the rewarding feeling of giving back, fostering a safer environment for all. Volunteering with AVFRD is not just a service, it's a calling. Ignite your passion, empower yourself, and make a lasting difference – join AVFRD today!

property.

Beauty/Wellness

HAIR SALON

Current Salon & Color

Bar by Nese

44714 BRIMFIELD DRIVE, ASHBURN, 20147

CURRENTBYNESE.COM

703-724-9444

Since opening its doors in 2012, Current Salon has been a highly sought-after hair salon in the Northern Virginia area, winning top awards and recognition year after year. Located in beautiful One Loudoun, the collaboration of Ryan Mallard and Nese Altas and their experienced, award-winning staff offer contemporary and classic cuts, styling, color services and cosmetic treatments. Current Salon has the distinction of being the first Masters of Balayage (MOB) certified hair salon in the world. As a result of their partnership with MOB, as well as other global industry brands, Current Salon stylists receive the highest level of education to ensure a mastery of their craft.

The Fix Clinic

22114 GRAMERCY PARK DRIVE, SUITE 130, ROOM 2, ASHBURN, 20147

703-576-8315

THEFIXCLINIC.COM

Childcare/Education

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Russian School of Mathematics

21021 SYCOLIN ROAD, ASHBURN, 20148 MATHSCHOOL.COM

571-440-2020

Award winning K-12 after-school math program that has empowered students to achieve excellence for over 25 years. The program emerged as a partnership between a passionate parent and gifted teacher and has since launched a movement.

RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. RSM uses rigorous study of mathematics to develop students’ math fluency, intellect and character. Students are guided to think about math logically and conceptually, building deep connections between concepts.

CHILDCARE/PRESCHOOL/ DAYCARE

Hope Preschool

43454 CROSSROADS DRIVE, ASHBURN, 20147 HOPEPRESCHOOL.ORG 703-729-4673

SPA

Daniel Patrick Clinton, Loudoun School for Advanced Studies

20577 ASHBURN ROAD, ASHBURN, 20147 LOUDOUNSCHOOL.ORG 703-956-5020

At Loudoun School for Advanced Studies (LSAS), we challenge our students to reach their utmost potential. With our compelling educational programs for students from sixth to 12th grade, LSAS students receive an education designed to help them excel in today’s world. We combine rigorous science and mathematics courses with high-concept arts and literature courses, creating an education that enlivens the imagination and promotes creative and critical thinking. We are currently enrolling all grade levels for the 2023-24 school year. To learn more about our programs and application process, go to www.loudounschool.org or call 571-946-1640.

TEACHER/HIGH SCHOOL

Thomas Sakole, Riverside High School

TRUCK

Ford’s On The Road

BEST WAITER/WAITRESS

Crump Maxwell, Ahso

22855 BRAMBLETON PLAZA, NO. 108, BRAMBLETON, 20148 AHSORESTO.COM 703-327-6600

BREWERY/DISTILLERY

ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT SHOP

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

43150 BROADLANDS CENTER PLAZA, NO. 114, ASHBURN, 20148 BRUSTERS.COM/ASHBURN 703-340-1003

INDIAN/SOUTH ASIAN

Saffron Fine

Indian Cuisine

ITALIAN

Pazzo Pomodoro

MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN

Parrando’s

Tex-Mex Grill

OUTDOOR DINING

AhSo Restaurant

22855 BRAMBLETON PLAZA, NO. 108, BRAMBLETON, 20148 AHSORESTO.COM | 703-327-6600

COFFEE SHOP

43170 SOUTHERN WALK PLAZA, NO. 120, ASHBURN, 20148 BLENDCOFFEEBAR.COM

571-442-8718

DELI/ SANDWICH SHOP

The

(Lansdowne)

FAMILY RESTAURANT Blue

Ridge Grill

FINE DINING

Ahso Restaurant

22855 BRAMBLETON PLAZA, NO. 108, BRAMBLETON, 20148 AHSORESTO.COM

703-327-6600

HAMBURGER/CHEESEBURGER

Wicket Door Pub

44921 GEORGE WASHINGTON BLVD., SUITE 100, ASHBURN, 20147 WICKETDOORPUB.COM 703-687-3876

BioMechanic PT techniques are founded on body mechanics – from when your foot hits the ground and up through knees, hips and beyond. Our doctors ensure that the physics of you are optimized to get to the reason why you developed a problem –whether it came on slowly or from an injury or surgery. We use precise tools to measure, our analytical minds to problem-solve and our hands to restore you to perfect condition. We are a manual therapy clinic that uses ancient techniques and the latest technology. We know it is important to address your symptoms now, but to also correct the

Dr. Maya Bachour, Loudoun Smile Center

20405 EXCHANGE STREET, SUITE 201, ASHBURN, 20147 LOUDOUNSMILECENTER.COM | 703-297-4407

Loudoun Smile Center is a family and cosmetic dental office in Loudoun County’s hip downtown, One Loudoun. The office is led by Dr. Maya Bachour, DDS, who received her degree in general dentistry from Loma Linda University in California. Dr. Bachour and her team are dedicated to providing you and your family with complete health dentistry and beautiful smiles. They are committed to being your partner in wellness and know the mouth is the gateway to a healthy body. State-of-the-art dental technology and the dedicated Loudoun Smile Center team ensure a positive experience during your visit. They love seeing their patients smile.

DENTIST PRACTICE/GROUP

Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

42395 RYAN ROAD, SUITE 104, ASHBURN, 20148 WWW.COSTASMILES.COM 703-542-7000

Costa Dentistry is an innovative, luxury and high-tech dental practice featuring specialty comfort amenities for patients.

Dr. Shane Costa has been serving the Northern Virginia region since 2004 with two office locations in Ashburn and Great Falls. Our experienced team puts the well-being and care of the patient first. With access to Netflix, doTerra essential oils, headphones, neck pillows, fleece blankets, and more, you will feel at home in the dentist’s chair. Costa Dentistry offers cosmetic services, iTero digital scanning and GLO teeth whitening to perfect your smile.

EYE DOCTOR

Dr. Seema Mohanan, Optics&EyeCARE

43150 BROADLANDS CENTER PLAZA, SUITE 160, ASHBURN, 20148 OPTICSANDEYECARE.COM | 703-687-4719

Welcome to Optics&EYECARE, your trusted full-service optometry practice in Loudoun County for over nine years. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Seema Mohanan with over 17 years in practice, provides exceptional eye care services, specializing in dry eyes and myopia control. Our office is equipped with state-of-theart technology to ensure the best possible care. But that’s not all. We also offer one of the area’s largest selections of quality frames, including popular brands like Nike, Ray-Ban, Gucci and Tom Ford. We have frames for children and sports goggles, too. We have glasses for the whole family. Let our team of experts help you look good and feel good.

GENERAL PRACTICE/GROUP

Broadlands Family Practice

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Dr. Anjali Garg. INOVA Medical

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE/GROUP

Ashburn Pediatrics

PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Resa Davis

SPEECH & HEARING / AUDIOLOGY

Little Hands Pediatric Therapy

Thank You for Voting Stream Valley

Dr. Joseph Errera, Ashburn Pediatric Dental Center

42882 TRURO PARISH DRIVE, SUITE 201, ASHBURN, 20148 APDCSMILES.COM

703-726-4333

Ashburn Pediatric Dental Center (APDC) is a modern, stateof-the-art pediatric dental and orthodontic practice in Broadlands. Dr. Ajit Patel, our pediatric dentist, and Dr. Joe Errera, our board-certified orthodontist, both have advanced dental training, which equips them to deliver the highest-quality dental care in a comfortable, stress-free environment. Our doctors are known in the community for their honest and personalized treatment for each and every patient. With private treatment suites, monthly giveaways, game rooms and an arcade, as well as the friendliest team in town – we promise to provide a fun and inviting atmosphere for patients of all ages.

Mary A. Corey,

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Larry Lickstein, Elle Plastic Surgery

21021 SYCOLIN ROAD, SUITE 001, ASHBURN, 20147 PLASTICSURGERYNORTHERNVIRGINIA.COM

571-440-5005

We provide boutique, personalized care and offer comprehensive services for face and body, employing surgical and non-surgical treatments, devices and therapies, in an environment emphasizing luxury, hospitality and safety. As the largest and most comprehensive aesthetic center in Loudoun, we blur boundaries between plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine, contemporary laser therapy and advanced skin care, guiding our clients to elevated health, beauty, confidence and well-being.

PSYCHIATRIST/PSYCHOLOGIST/COUNSELOR

Network LLC

44335 PREMIER PLAZA, SUITE 230, ASHBURN, 20147 RESILIENCE-NETWORK.NET

571-498-0109

Brocato Design + Co

LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT

Outdoor Spaces LLC

25 1ST STREET SE, SUITE NO. 3, LEESBURG, 20175 OUTDOORSPACESDESIGN.COM

703-771-1550

Outdoor Spaces designs and manages the installation of landscapes and outdoor living spaces in the Northern Virginia and Washington metro area. With a background in landscape architecture and a vast knowledge of construction, we’ve used our talents to design and build a wide array of projects throughout the area. Whether you’re looking to renovate your deck, patio or porch or a complete property transformation with a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace and more, we have the tools and the creativity to match your big dreams. We’ll work with you to build an outdoor space you can be proud of.

K&H Landscape Design and Ground Maintenance

M&WR Cleaning

M&WR Cleaning is a minority- and woman-owned, 8(a) corporation certified by the SBA. For over 30 years, we have provided the Washington area with reliable, excellent and committed residential and facility services. With over 50 years of combined experience, you can be assured we have the knowledge, aptitude, and personnel to service any of your needs. At M&WR Cleaning, we strive to provide service that is convenient, efficient and respectful.

Pets

Olde Towne Pet Resort

21460

888-475-3580

A family-owned business for over two decades, Olde Towne Pet Resort knows that every pet in our care is more than just a client. They are family to those who love them – and part of our family, too. We offer premier dog and cat suite boarding, day camp, grooming, training, and swimming as services, but most of all we offer safe, secure fun and lots of love to the pets in our care.

Woofie’s

Professional Services

Kenneth K. Liu, CPA, LLC

ATTORNEY

Real Estate/Home Improvement

Sky Marble and Granite ELECTRICIAN

John Nugent & Sons

FLOORING COMPANY

Loudoun Valley Floors

20700 LOUDOUN COUNTY PARKWAY, NO. 156, ASHBURN, 20147 LOUDOUNVALLEYFLOORS.COM

703-724-4300

Loudoun Valley Floors, your independent flooring center for over 30 years, takes pride in every customer outcome. You can count on our time-honored commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction – all at a fair price. Get the flooring you want with local service you can trust. Let our sales and design team inspire you with options for your vision and budget. From beginning to beautiful, we take care of you every step of the way.

JP Handyman Services LLC

SERVING ASHBURN AND SURROUNDING AREAS

JPHANDYMANSERVICESLLC.COM

703-987-1688

John grew up under the talented influence of his dad and grandpa, doing home projects. His grandpa is a master woodworker and taught John how to do fine woodworking and many other skills. He spent several summers with his youth group in Kentucky repairing homes for those in need. Our business is based on the belief that our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We have improved homes and offices in Northern Virginia since 2006 with high-quality service and customer satisfaction. No job is too small.

MASON/DECKS Sunrise Landscape & Design

43813 BEAVER MEADOW ROAD, SUITE 100, STERLING, 20166 SUNRISELANDSCAPEANDDESIGN.COM

703-544-0028

HVAC COMPANY

R.A. Dobson

SERVING AREAS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA RADOBSON.COM

703-481-3700

For over 45 years, R.A. Dobson has helped people throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia address their air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs from scheduled maintenance and repairs to new installations. We are a second-generation family-run business with decades of experience, now serving two generations of customers. We stand behind our work. With all services, you’ll receive a minimum of one-year warranty and applicable manufacturer warranties. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer the latest in energy efficient heating and air conditioning technology. Call us today and be our next five-star review.

POWER WASHING

Gutterman Services

45888 WOODLAND ROAD, STERLING, 20166 GUTTERMANSERVICES.COM

703-430-4420

(See write-up, Roofing Company category)

Plumb Professionals

REMODELING

MAC design+build UNIVERSITY

ROOFING COMPANY

Gutterman Services

45888 WOODLAND ROAD STERLING, 20166 GUTTERMANSERVICES.COM 703-430-4420

SPORTS ACTIVITY VENUE

XCAL Shooting Sports & Fitness

44950 RUSSELL BRANCH PARKWAY, ASHBURN, 20147 XCAL.COM | 703-740-4625

Diana Paul, Diana’s Fitness Lab

Ashburn Academy of Dance

XCAL, voted Best Sports Activity Venue in Ashburn, is a revolutionary new concept integrating both shooting sports and fitness in one convenient location. Our shooting sports area features three distinctive indoor shooting ranges, expert-led training courses and safety classes, along with a retail store, group training classes and shooting competitions. The state-of-the-art fitness center offers a luxurious spa, traditional fitness options as well as functional fitness spaces, a competitive mixed martial arts dojo, a dedicated spin studio and a variety of group classes, as well as personal training. In addition, the Midway Café adds to the host of amenities to provide a fantastic experience.

Shopping

Hope’s Treasures Good Shepherd Alliance

JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES

Loudoun Jewelry

44927 GEORGE WASHINGTON BLVD., SUITE 120, ASHBURN, 20147 WWW.LOUDOUNJEWELRY.COM | 703-938-0000

Loudoun Jewelry is the place to go for fine jewelry. We buy and sell jewelry of all kinds, including diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Estate jewelry, famous makers and watches are our specialty. With over 100 years of combined experience, our professional staff are experts in custom jewelry and repairs. Our selection is always changing, so come by today and find something perfect for you.

MISCELLANEOUS LOCAL RETAIL STORE

Mon Amie Amy

42780 CREEK VIEW PLAZA SUITE 115, ASHBURN, 20147 MONAMIEAMY.COM | 571-291-2116

SPECIALTY STORE/ GIFTS

Ahso Cellars

22855 BRAMBLETON PLAZA NO. 105, BRAMBLETON, 20148 AHSOCELLARS.COM | 703-327-6601

SPORTING GOODS STORE

Cheers Sports

20700 LOUDOUN COUNTY PARKWAY ASHBURN, 20147

CHEERSSPORTS.COM | 703-723-3111

One Loudoun

20626 EASTHAMPTON PLAZA, ASHBURN, 20147 WWW.DOWNTOWNONELOUDOUN.COM | 571-498-2149

One Loudoun, owned by Kite Realty Group, is a unique open-air, mixed-use lifestyle community that brings a diverse collection of boutiques, restaurants, services, offices, entertainment and luxury apartments in the heart of Loudoun County. Stroll along the beautifully designed streetscapes as you shop your favorite brands, dine at the trendiest restaurants and bars, or enjoy a community event on the Downtown Plaza. With a packed calendar of happenings and an ever-growing list of new stores and restaurants to discover – including Lululemon and Ted’s Bulletin –One Loudoun has quickly become one of the hottest destinations in Loudoun County. A

Thursdays,

Summer Concert Series

Saturday, May 13, June 10, July 15, Aug 19, and Sept 16 | 1–9pm

Kid’s Concert Series

Mondays, June 5–Aug 28 11am–12pm

Carnival at One Loudoun Uptown June 7–25, and Aug 9–20

Halloween Bark Bash

Saturday, October 28

Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 2

ICE CREAM

took his girlfriend, LeAnne, to his became their dream – and life went on.

The duo married in 1989 and started coordinating events for a large church. They moved all over Loudoun County – first to Ashburn, then Leesburg and Hamilton and finally back to Ashburn. But they never forgot their goal of one

“It would come up every few years,”

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream shop at the Broadlands Village Center in Ashburn.

“Ashburn is home,” said Bri, who graduated from Stone Bridge High School just up the road. “We knew that’s where we wanted to plant our roots.”

Good choice. The shop was an immediate hit.

“I just remember looking outside and there were lines down both sides of the store,” Bri recalled about opening day. “We couldn’t make enough ice cream to keep up at first.”

That first weekend, they scooped 10,000 cones. They went through nine

buckets of mint chocolate chip ice cream alone on the first day. Each bucket holds about 100 scoops. It was the highest opening weekend volume for any non-drive-thru Bruster’s location.

The shop’s fans are legion. With its fresh-made Caramel Crackle, Lemon Blueberry Cake, Peppermint Stick and more than 150 other ice cream flavors, Bruster’s Broadlands location was voted Best Ice Cream in Ashburn Magazine’s Best of Ashburn 2023 contest for the third consecutive year.

The Smarts have built on the success of that first location, opening three more locations in less than three years. Their ice cream empire now stretches from Ashburn to Leesburg, Fairfax and most recently Aldie.

“In all honesty, we had a deal with Bruster’s for just one location. We wanted to be fiscally responsible in case it didn’t work,” Joel said. “But

BY CHRIS WADSWORTH

(Left to right) LeAnne, Bri and Joel Smart — owners and operators of Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Ashburn.

PHOTOS BY ASTRI WEE

after 60 days, we knew it was going to be successful.”

While the business side and all the success are nice, Joel, LeAnne and Bri say the best part of the job is the relationships they build with customers, many of whom are regulars at the windows of the Bruster’s in Ashburn.

“I’ve had customers bring their baby – after seeing them pregnant at the window for months – for their child’s

first taste of ice cream,” Bri said. “I’ve seen a middle school boy bring his little brother for ice cream and count out coins just to get him something sweet.”

Being so close to the community also means that the Smarts listen to the wishes of their clientele. This includes launching what they call international flavors for the area’s diverse cultures. Examples include Chikoo ice cream, flavored after a fruit popular in India, and Sitafal, a custard sugar apple flavor. They also have Ube, a ice cream inspired by a purple sweet potato that has a “very marshmallow-y flavor,” according to the Smarts.

“On one particular evening, three families were at our window and ordered one of the international flavors,” Joel said. “We had just made our first batch of Sitafal [ice cream], so I took a couple of dishes out for them to taste-test. One spoonful and one of the young women began to cry. She said, ‘I just went back to being 5 years old in India and sitting on my grandfather’s lap. He used to take me for this flavor

every Friday when I was young.’”

Amy Lee and her husband, Chris, are big fans of Bruster’s ice cream. The Broadlands couple has more free time these days as empty nesters, and Amy jokingly says much of that time is spent at Bruster’s.

“It’s fresh – they make it right there. It has this rich cream… buttermilk… I don’t know what the hell it is – but I think it is heads and tails above other

Sitting Is the New Smoking

BY DR. MISTY PAUL

ice cream,” said Amy Lee, struggling to find the perfect words to describe Bruster’s ice cream. “I love the Butter Brickle and my fallback is always Oreo. My husband loves the White Raspberry Truffle. The kids there are friendly. They’re quick. They never screw up the orders. And it’s right down the street. You can’t beat it.”

That’s music to the ears of the Smart family – and it’s music they probably intend to spread. They’ve already added two ice cream trailers and a food truck to their business offerings. Although they are coy about plans for future locations, anyone who has opened four ice cream shops in three years is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

“Interestingly, we continually have landlords reaching out to us based on the vibe they [feel] we bring to the centers where we … operate,” Joel said. “Ice cream is – after all – a happy experience.” A

How many of you know smoking is bad for your health?

We all understand the detrimental effects, right? Smoking causes lung disease, cardiovascular problems, stroke, even diabetes. What if I told you, sitting is just as harmful to your health? Our daily sitting habit is slowly killing us. Many of you have long commutes to work, sit in front of a computer for work, then when you come home, you look forward to sitting on the couch to relax…

In fact it may come as no surprise that the less active we’ve become, the unhealthier we are. Some of you may sit longer than you sleep! Today 80% of our jobs are sedentary. The adult obesity rate stands at 42.4% for the US; while cardiovascular disease has increased by almost 27% since 2010. And of course statistics show the ‘Pandemic 15’ weight gain is no joke.

We’ve also seen the rise of lower back pain along with the above statistics…

THE PROBLEM w/ SITTING

1. Causes stress & pain in the neck & back

2. Increases Inflammation, leading to osteoporosis

3. Accelerates aging

The stress and eventual pain in the spine is a direct result of increased pressure on our vertebral discs from sitting. Disc

WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS

compression over time leads to weakening of the spine and muscles. The ‘use it or lose it’ holds true and we feel stiff and achy. Our internal organs are also being continuously compressed with long periods of sitting. Lung capacity decreases, so the rate of oxygenation and blood circulation slows. Muscles that sit idle don’t utilize insulin in the same manner…the result is chronic inflammation, cellular aging & disease.

If all that isn’t bad enough, long bouts of sitting make us appear old and tired:

• Text neck

• Humpy back

• Mushy abs & butt

THE SOLUTIONS

1. Sit/Stand Desk to alternate between the two. A gentle reminder, standing all day isn’t good either.

2. Mind your Posture…as our Mom’s used to say! Sit and Stand tall; the way you would in an interview…or a date!

3. Motion is Lotion for your joints. Set your timers and every 30 min get up move for 3 min. You can march in place; do 10 squats; stretch your arms & neck; use resistance bands…

Want to see how others see you? Schedule your new patient consultation at basicsfirstchiropractic.com.

Call To Schedule Your New Patient Consultation

Regularly $100 – Includes consult, exam, posture scan, and assessment outlining your best course of treatment

Therapies Offered

•Chiropractic

•Electric Muscle Stim

•Ultrasound

•High Powered Laser

•Massage/Traction Table

Treating back & neck pain, headaches, sciatica, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, and so much more!

Pregnancy Related care and treatment of Infants, Toddlers, and Children of all ages!

Dr. Misty Paul

Ashburn’s Old Ox Brewery Whips Up ‘Bye Dan’ Beer

Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn has a hit new brew on its hands thanks to some clever marketing. The brewery sensed that Dan Snyder’s controversial tenure as owner of the Washington Commanders was ending and it had a plan ready: a special IPA called Bye Dan. The label included a helmeted hog saying, “Tastes like 23 years of bitterness.”

The first batch was released in mid-April and sold out almost immediately. Lines formed outside the brewery’s headquarters on Guilford Drive, and TV news crews from Washington came out to cover the hoopla. Another batch of Bye Dan beer is already brewing and scheduled to be released sometime on or around May 12.

Relationships Resolved Offers Couple’s Coaching

Anew couples coaching practice has opened in Ashburn. It’s called Relationships Resolved, founded by local resident Paula Halewski.

Here’s how Halewski describes her services on her website: “Couple’s coaching is a safe and non-judgmental space where couples can communicate openly and honestly with each other. The aim is to help them shift their habitual patterns of relationship dynamics and develop healthier and more effective ways of relating to each other.”

Halewski, a licensed therapist, has been coaching since 2016. She started Relationships Resolved after four separate friends mentioned to her that they were having trouble finding couples counseling in the Ashburn area.

New Temple Baptist Church Opens at Kincora

Temple Baptist Church has officially come to the Kincora development near Ashburn’s easternmost edge. It’s across the street from the fire station and the Wawa on Russell Branch Parkway.

The church – founded in 1975 in Herndon – includes not only the worship center, but also an accredited K3-12 school. At Kincora, it has built a 41,000-square-foot sanctuary with a 650-plus seat auditorium, choir loft, orchestra pit and two large LED walls. The new building also features a welcome center, banquet hall, nurseries, kitchen, kindergarten wing, elementary wing, music wing, bookstore, teen center and offices. And this is just Phase 1.

The second phase of Temple Baptist – which should open early next year – will include a double gym, library, commercial kitchen, cafeteria, high school classroom wing with state-of-the-art science and computer labs, outdoor pavilion with concessions, athletic fields and courts, an amphitheater and a large playground. A

Chris Burns, president of Old Ox Brewery

HIT

Former NFL star Pat Fischer known for physicality, energy

BY CHUCK CASCIO

MAN

Anyone who ever saw defensive back Pat Fischer play football remembers him. His small stature for a football player – just 5-foot9, 170 pounds. His fierce “bump-and-run” style of defense, where any offensive player who entered his territory paid a physical price. His contagious energy, which he shared constantly with every teammate. And fans will be happy to know that despite being 83 years old and slowed somewhat, Fischer continues to be the positive, energetic leader he always has been – undoubtedly why he was voted “Favorite Local Celebrity” in Ashburn Magazine’s

Best of Ashburn 2023. Fischer came to Washington’s NFL team as a free agent in 1968 after seven seasons with St. Louis (then the Cardinals). A native of Nebraska, he was immediately attracted to the then-rural areas of Loudoun County. He settled his family here and never moved, even after retiring in 1978. Today, he lives in Ashburn’s Waltonwood retirement community.

“After football, my dad leased farmland where he raised horses,” said his daughter, Allison Shannon, founder of the 37 Media and Marketing Group in Ashburn (“37” being her father’s jersey number during his playing career). “He learned everything about horses himself and then – when the farmland was sold to be developed into what is now Raspberry Falls Golf Course –my dad became a stockbroker and Realtor.”

Shannon recently arranged a small gathering at the Washington Commanders training facility in Ashburn, where her dad reflected on his time on the playing field as he joked with two close friends, former Washington team trainer Bubba Tyer and Jerry Olsen, president of the Redskins Alumni Association.

“All the years in D.C. were pretty tough,” said Fischer, nodding at the memories. “For me, the only way to make any team was to show the coaches I could do it.”

And he definitely could do it. In part

because of Fischer’s leadership, the 1972 team, known as “The Over the Hill Gang” and coached by George Allen, went to Washington’s first Super Bowl. Washington lost to the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7 despite Fischer and his fellow defenders allowing only 69 passing yards.

During his 17-year pro football career, Fischer played in 213 games and snared 56 interceptions, earning him a spot in the Washington Ring of Fame. He also was named to the All-Pro team four times and played in the Pro Bowl three times and is honored as one of the 80 greatest players in Washington football.

Tyer chuckles at the memory of how Fischer prepared to play on game day. “He would brew a pot of coffee – not just a

IT'S LIFE CHANGING

Finally! A local Doctor is helping cancer survivors live lives free from the constant pain and suffering associated with Peripheral Neuropathy!

cup, a pot – and drink it all. That fired him up,” Tyer said. “Remember, when he first came to Washington, we had no uniform small enough to fit him. We thought he was a ball boy.”

Fischer laughs at that, but does not deny it, admitting that he needed any advantage he could find. He remembers how at the University of Nebraska, he played various positions on offense and became all too aware that “everybody is trying to get the guy with the football.”

As a result, when he turned pro, Fischer was eager to play defense, where he developed a technique he refers to with a wink as “hit and lift.”

Many opposing players experienced the power of Fischer’s hits and lifts, some even

acknowledging to him that his impact was unique. For example, Tyer recalls how Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka once broke free and was racing downfield until Fischer, using his trademark technique, slammed into him.

“Csonka went down hard,” Tyer said, “and when he slowly got to his feet, he lifted his facemask toward Fischer as a salute.”

Fischer, Tyer and Olsen play golf together locally when they can, which apparently is always an outing that has some typical Pat Fischer sideshow.

“I mainly go looking for golf balls, while they play,” said Fischer, and then he adds in a whisper, “But I do steal golf balls out of those guys’ bags.”

Olsen overhears this and laughs. “Pat

Irreversible is not a word you want to hear from your Doctor but it’s a common one if you’ve been diagnosed with ChemotherapyInduced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN.

John T. of Leesburg survived testicular cancer only to be living life in constant pain. He felt as though he were walking on pins and needles, becoming weaker and weaker every day. “I was beginning to be worried that one day I would be wheelchair-bound.”

Nearly half of the patients who undergo chemotherapy will develop Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN.

Chemotherapy meds travel throughout the body and attack cancer cells; sadly they can also cause severe damage to healthy nerves. CIPN can begin within weeks of starting treatment and can worsen as treatment continues. A high number of really unfortunate people will be forced to endure the symptoms associated with CIPN for months, or even years after they’ve completed chemo.

When asked how CIPN was affecting his quality of life, he responded, “It was difficult to even walk up and down stairs and do other things we usually take for granted.”

Visit

The most common symptoms include:

pain, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness in arms, hands, legs or feet sudden, sharp, stabbing or shocking pain sensations loss of touch sensation clumsiness and trouble using hands to pick up objects or fasten clothing loss of balance and falling

For some, their nerves will recover over time For most, the nerve damage is ‘irreversible.’ John had been told just that by a series of Doctors and specialists. Essentially they could cure his cancer but couldn’t fix the damage done by the drugs used to cure his cancer.

Then John made a call to Rachal Lohr of FIREFLY|Acupuncture & Wellness right here in Ashburn. Rachal and her team are using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

After a series of treatments John was taking stairs with stride!

“We have a beach house and it’s up stairs. This morning I walked right down the stairs and got in the car,” John shared.

“I remember thinking ‘that’s become mighty easy for me’, I didn’t have to hold on to the hand rail or anything! It’s life changing to have this mobility back!”

Again and again, we meet with patients who were once diagnosed as "untreatable” or “incurable” but after receiving Rachal Lohr’s treatments are now living lives free from pain and suffering. For almost 16 years she has been reversing the effects of CIPN and other varieties of Peripheral Neuropathy, including that caused by diabetes without invasive surgeries and medications that come with uncomfortable side effects.

If you’ve recently beat cancer only to find that you’re living a life in constant pain and discomfort or you’re struggling with the same symptoms as a result of either Idiopathic Neuropathy or Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Rachal and the incredible team at FIREFLY can help!

Rachal Lohr is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect her patients, both current and future, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic.

Only 10 new neuropathy patients will be accepted monthly so call (703)263-2142 now to schedule a consultation.

(Clockwise from top left) Pat Fischer with his former wife, Carol, daughter, Allison, and son, Marty, in the early 1980s; Fischer during his playing days; Fischer and Carol in the early 1970s; Fischer with Carol and her father at Fischer's farm in Leesburg, circa 1975. The farm was called Raspberry Plain and today is part of the Raspberry Falls Golf Course.

Take advantage of this Seasonal Sale and replace your worn asphalt. Free Estimates - just a phone call away. With our crew and equipment close by, we are offering prompt service and reasonable rates to all area residents.

We specialize in complete overlays of existing asphalt driveways parking lots etc.

We will use existing asphalt as a base foundation bring low areas back to level remove badly cracked and damaged areas. Then install a new fresh layer of hot mix asphalt with a paving machine then roll to a hard finish.

actually plays pretty well,” he said. “And we know when he is using his own golf balls because they are marked with his number, 37.”

The three men also go on walks together in Algonkian Park, and Fischer still fondly recalls speaking at various community events and schools. Allison affectionately sums up the message that her father’s life has delivered to her and to thousands of others on the football field and elsewhere.

“My dad came from nothing,” she said. “He works harder than any other person I have ever known. He has always led by example, showing the way, and he would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He is above nothing and is fair to everyone. My dad is a fine man – a protector.” A

Chuck Cascio is a longtime freelance journalist and author whose works can be found at www.chuckcascioauthor.com.

(Above) Pat Fischer on the field during his playing days with the then-Washington Redskins; Fischer and daughter, Allison, at his home at Waltonwood in Ashburn. The two get together each Friday for "Donuts with Dad"; Fischer and his grandson, Landon, at Landon’s first football game in 2022 at Ashburn's Independence High School; Fischer (center) with longtime friends Jerry Olsen (left) and Bubba Tyer (right).

JAMES TORRENZANO PHOTOGRAPHY

One Bite At a Time

Ashburn-based professional home organizer writes book filled with life lessons

BY CHRIS WADSWORTH

The statistics are shocking. The average American home has 300,000 items, and homes have tripled in size in the past 50 years. One out of 10 Americans rents an off-site storage space – the fastest-growing segment in commercial real estate for decades. A quarter of people with two-car garages don’t have room to park any cars in them, and 32% can fit only one car. These are the kind of unfortunate facts that drive Lisa Geraci Rigoni. She’s the

founder and owner of The Organizing Mentors, an Ashburn-based company that helps people weed out the clutter in their homes and organize what’s left.

The goal is to bring lasting calm to the home and peace of mind to the homeowner.

“I started my professional, organizing business under the name Leave It to Lisa in 2008,” Rigoni said. “I rebranded in 2015 when I realized we were doing much more than just organizing people’s stuff. We were

teaching our clients – and mentoring them – to instill confidence that they do know how to organize and keep their home the way they want it.”

To that end, Rigoni has recently published a book that pares down 15 years of experience with clients into a self-help style book that offers both a physical and mental deep cleaning. She answered questions for Ashburn Magazine, and here is some of what she had to offer.

ry townhouse in which he didn’t use the upstairs bedrooms and could not use the kitchen. He slept, did all his work, read and ate in the basement. We worked together – along with meetings with his therapist – and the growth and change he made in those eight months was astounding.”

It sounds like this book goes beyond just helping people organize or weed their homes? Can you explain a little?

“Early in my career, I noticed a theme with my clients and myself – a struggle we all have of holding on and letting go of mental and physical clutter. We hold on for different reasons. We have excuses, regret, guilt. Sometimes we don’t even know why we hold onto a comment someone said to us, or a belief we have about ourselves. So, finding the answer to those questions is the first step in changing. Life is a balance of holding on and letting go, and once we acknowl-

edge why we’re holding on, the answers will help us create more of a balance in our lives.” How did you first get into home organizing?

“I was on play dates and some of the moms would be talking about how cluttered their kitchen was or the basement or the garage, and I would offer to help. And the results were amazing. My friends felt great. Their space was less cluttered and more organized. It was very cathartic and rewarding for me, and I was really good at it. When a friend of mine suggested I should start a business, I didn’t think that it was a business, but – lo and behold – it was.”

What’s the elevator version of how your service works?

“The Organizing Mentors help you create a system and a plan. We start by removing things you know you don’t want in the space or in the home. Everything that’s left – we organize with you, so it makes sense to you. We do have maintenance programs and set people on schedules to check in and make sure they are happy in their space and it’s not anxiety-filled and overwhelming.”

Why do we accumulate so much stuff? It seems to be a universal problem.

“To most people, organizing isn’t fun. Buying things is much more fun. We live in a ‘more, more, more’ society where having lots of stuff makes people happy. Sometimes we don't realize until [we feel

A before (above) and after (right) look at a garage space that The Organizing Mentors team worked on with a homeowner.

overwhelmed] and we seem to have no space to breathe that we have just too much stuff. The key is to really need what you were buying to replace something that doesn’t work for you anymore. And to donate the item that you don’t need anymore.”

What are the benefits to having less clutter and less “stuff” piled around?

“Your eyes can relax and breathe, so to speak. You know where everything is.

You don’t over-purchase items that you already have because you know what you have in the first place. Some people cannot relax because they know they have piles of stuff they need to go through – papers to organize or clothes to go through or items that are sitting in boxes from their move 10 years ago. Our minds think clearer when our space is clearer.”

If someone is thinking of doing a decluttering project in their own home, but feels overwhelmed at getting started – what’s your best single piece of advice (besides to buy your book)?

“The biggest thing is to set a schedule and just get started. It’s like anything else you need to do in your life – go to the doctor, get a haircut. If you make a plan, you will make it happen. If you can’t get any cars into it, don’t try to do your whole garage over [one] weekend. Set realistic goals. I often say, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’” A

(Left) Lisa Geraci Rigoni with a sign promoting her new book; (above) The team from The Organizing Mentors.

Ashburn’s TOP TEN

Home sales dropped nearly 47% in the two Ashburn Zip codes combined in March, compared with March 2022, but sales prices remained strong and houses continue to sell quickly, according to the latest data from the Dulles Area Association of Realtors.

Closed sales were down 49.5% in the 20148 Zip code and 44% in 20147. Total sales for the month in the two Zip codes were 100, down from 188 a year earlier, and the decline exceeded the overall Loudoun County decline of 35.1%. Only Chantilly

Zip code 20152 fared worse than the two Ashburn Zip codes in March.

Fewer homes were on the market, as new listings were down 29.2% in 20148 and 10.8% in 20147 in March. That helped median sales prices remain strong – they rose 3.4% to $675,000 in the 20147 Zip code and

1.2% to $819,900 in 20148.

The average number of days on market for homes that sold in March were only 12

in the 20148 Zip code and 11 in the 20147 Zip code.

“While supply continues to inch upward in Loudoun County, homes are still selling above asking as lack of inventory continues to drive bidding wars,” said Allan Marteney, 2023 DAAR president. “Without question, lack of inventory will remain an issue for some time as many sellers are reluctant to enter the market with current mortgage rates and other economic factors.”

Highlighted below are the five highest-priced homes that sold in each of Ashburn’s two Zip codes between late February and late April, along with the sales price and other key information. Data and photos from Realtor.com.

20147 20148

43950 VENDOME COURT

$1,610,000 Sold: April 5

7,465 square feet

43133 TALL PINES COURT

$1,606,500 Sold: April 14

5 bedrooms

5½+ bathrooms

6,212 square feet

19905 AUGUSTA VILLAGE PLACE

$1,470,000 Sold: April 6 5 bedrooms

4½ bathrooms

6,802 square feet

43173 TALL PINES COURT

$1,450,000 Sold: April 19

4 bedrooms 4½ bathrooms

5,504 square feet

44653 DANVERS TERRACE

$1,300,000 Sold: March 23 4 bedrooms

3½+ bathrooms

4,330 square feet

23036 BRYNDON HALL PLACE $2,200,000

WELBOURNE WALK COURT

MONT BLANC PLACE

Cakes for a Cause

Ashburn residents help make children’s birthdays special

BY JILL DEVINE

Rosa Tobar says it’s all about the smiles.

She is the Sterling operations manager of INMED Partnerships for Children, an organization that helps children in need – kids whose lives are topsy-turvy for any number of reasons. In that uncertainty, simple things like a birthday can be overlooked.

So, when Tobar can present one of these kids with a personalized birthday cake, it’s a big moment.

“It’s amazing to see the kids’ smiles when they receive their cakes,” Tobar said. “These children face many challenges, so the cakes provide valuable moments of normalcy.”

Tobar regularly receives cakes that are made by volunteer bakers with Cake4Kids. The California-based nonprofit has chapters across the country, including here in Northern Virginia.

Since its founding in 2010, Cake4Kids has delivered more than 40,000 free cakes nationally to youth in need, including those who are homeless or in foster care, victims of domestic violence or human trafficking, or living in low-income or shelter housing. Cake4Kids bakers also deliver sweet treats to celebrate graduations, academic achievements, adoptions or special holidays.

Cake4Kids partners with public and private agencies that identify and discretely deliver the cakes to recipients. Bakers never actually meet the children who receive their creations – but they sometimes hear about

FARAH SYED

One child requested a Harry Potter-themed cake. “I went all out with a fondant hat and wand,” said Syed. “I received feedback from the agency that the child was thrilled and even asked why a person they didn’t know would do this nice thing for them.”

Syed struggled with decorating a diamond-and-pearl-covered cake for a girl. “I did my best and wanted it to be absolutely perfect for her,” she said. “I heard that she loved the cake, which made me happy.”

Syed creates everything from scratch, including batter and buttercream frostings.

Syed researches each request in hopes of making dreams come alive. “I didn’t know what Minecraft was, but when a child asked for a Minecraft cake, I looked it up.”

She enjoys interacting with other local bakers on the Cake4Kids Northern Virginia Chapter’s private Facebook page. “It’s a close-knit community where we exchange ideas and techniques.”

Whatever the child requests, Syed is determined to deliver. “If a girl asks for a Disney ‘Frozen’ cake, she will get exactly that,” Syed said. “I made a soccer ball cake once, and the staff at the agency told me it looked too real to be a cake and was just like what the boy requested, and that is always my goal.”

KATHLEEN TRAMMEL

Kathleen Trammel, who lives near George Washington University in Ashburn, was at home recovering from surgery in 2021. “I was bored to tears, so my daughter told me about Cake4Kids,” said Trammel, who works in the pathology laboratory at Inova Loudoun Hospital.

the happy reactions.

Tobar recalls one middle school boy who was exceptionally quiet and withdrawn.

“He was into gaming and music, so the baker made sure all of that was put into the decorations,” she said. “When he got his cake, it was the first time he actually looked me in the eye and smiled.”

Let’s meet three Ashburn bakers who help make kids’ dreams come true.

Farah Syed, a stayat-home mom who lives in Brambleton, discovered Cake4Kids on Facebook and told herself, “Hey, I can do this.” Syed says she was looking for a meaningful way to make an impact.

“Friends have told me I should start a bakery, but this is my calling. I don’t want money for it,” she added.

“Everyone at work knows me as the lady who brings in goodies,” said Trammel. She honed her baking skills years ago working in the bakery department at the long-gone Xerox Training Center in Ashburn.

Trammel has created more than 30 cakes for Cake4Kids. Using decorations she buys on Amazon, Trammel delights in making children’s cake wishes come true.

“One child liked to cook, so I found some dollhouse pots and pans, little breadbaskets, and things like that to denote his interest in cooking,” she said. She has also created cakes decorated with sparkly

(Right) One of the cakes made by Farah Syed; (below) a happy recipient with his cake.

crowns, edible flowers and video games.

“I like to imagine how surprised the child will be when they get their cake,” Trammel said. “I make tiered cakes, with lots of piping and color. I just love how they look when I’m finished. … My daughter asks why I don’t just do a sheet cake, but I tell her no, because it has to be special. And luckily, I know how to do special.”

SHIRLEY WRIGHT

“I never had a birthday cake as a child myself,” said Wright, operations manager for technology company TIAG in Reston. Wright’s birthday always fell on or close to Thanksgiving, when her mom was busy preparing for the holiday.

A 2010 job transfer brought Wright and her husband, Terry, to Ashburn from Indiana, where they left behind three grown

“I cried and cried,” Wright said. To fill the void, she began decorating cakes. “I don’t eat cake, so I told the lady at the shop where I buy supplies that I wish I had someone to give these cakes to. That’s when she told me about Cake4Kids.”

After registering and completing online training, Wright joined the group in November 2021 and has since delivered about 30 cakes.

Plan your trip, see current rates,

Because you can’t blame it on the snooze button.

Northern Virginia Chapter of Cake4Kids

Mary Campbell lives in Fairfax County and is the national Cake4Kids operations manager. She started the Northern Virginia Chapter in 2019, for which she is also the volunteer chapter ambassador. Campbell has more than 600 bakers on her Northern Virginia roster, including about 30 in Ashburn.

So far, the chapter has delivered about 4,000 cakes, partnering with more than 100 local agencies. “We need many more bakers to meet demand,” Campbell said.

If you would like more information about the Cake4Kids organization or are interested in participating, visit cake4kids.org/chapters/ northernvirginia or email Campbell at maryc@ cake4kids.org.

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Loudoun Hunger Relief breaking down walls

Loudoun Hunger Relief recently celebrated an interesting milestone that will have ramifications across Ashburn and Loudoun County. On March 20, the nonprofit held a “wall breaking” instead of a “ground breaking” for the new community market it is building.

The nonprofit is expanding its facility at 750 Miller Drive SE in Leesburg, and the project will increase the size from 4,300 square feet to 13,500 square feet – more than three times larger. The market will offer a traditional gro -

cery store setting to individuals and families in need. By creating a market and allowing clients to shop for themselves, it adds both dignity and more choices to the shopping experience. There will also be more warehouse space – including dry, refrigerated and frozen storage – plus truck bays and workspace for volunteers.

The new facility will also serve as a hub for many charitable organizations in the area. By having multiple nonprofits in one spot, it will give families in need of support the convenience of a “one-stop-shop.” The expansion is being funded by a $3 million capital campaign. The lead donor is

Charitable Foundation, and

the Claude

will contribute in-kind architecture, building plans and general contracting.

If all goes smoothly, Loudoun Hunger Relief hopes to open the new market in September. A

Moore

Merritt Construction

(Above) Artist renderings of the future Loudoun Hunger Relief community market; (right) Participants in the March 20 "wall breaking" ceremony take sledgehammers to a wall that will be removed to make way for the market.

120, Ashburn

Have fun and learn new culinary skills while creating a charcuterie board for two with The Cornichon, Ashburn’s cheese and charcuterie experts. A perfect gift for any mom in your life. Tickets and advanced registration required.

ASHBURN VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Sunday, May 14, 8 a.m.

AVFRD Founder’s Hall, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn

Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking a mom in your life out for breakfast – all while supporting our local first responders. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, tea and coffee are all on the menu.

BRAMBLETON BREWFEST 2023

Saturday, May 20, Noon-6 p.m. Brambleton Town Center Plaza

Join your friends and neighbors and sample the brews from 18 area breweries at Brambleton’s BrewFest 2023. There will also be food and live music. Admission tickets include tastings from the breweries and a souvenir glass.

MEET THE AUTHOR EVENT WITH SOPHIA KATINA

Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m.-noon. Barnes & Noble at One Loudoun, 20427 Exchange Street, Ashburn

Meet Northern Virginia author Sophia Katina, author of children’s books such as “Little Gnome,” “The Collector” and “We Wear Braids Because They Fasten Our Crowns.”

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday nights, June 3 to July 22, 6-10 p.m. Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg

Polo in the Park brings fast-paced arena polo action to Loudoun on Saturday nights in June and July throughout its seven-week season. Multiple picnic and tailgate options are available. This unique event is the place to go for date nights, family outings, girls’ night outs or corporate entertaining. Tickets at InsideNoVaTix.com.

ONE LOUDOUN CARNIVAL

Daily, June 8 to June 26, Mondays through Fridays, 5-11 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-11 p.m.; Sundays, 3-11 p.m. One Loudoun Uptown, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn

Come one, come all! Step right up! Join the team at One Loudoun for this year’s Carnival at Uptown for all your favorite rides – including the giant Ferris wheel – as well as games and carnival midway food galore.

WANT MORE?

For a complete list of events around Northern Virginia, visit InsideNoVa.com/calendar

MANASSAS’ 150TH QUEEN’S JUBILEE BALL FUNDRAISER

Saturday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas

The city of Manassas is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and events include this fundraising gala to support the ARTfactory. Don your best period dress (or black tie) and enjoy an elegant evening of Victorian dance demonstrations, food and drink. Tickets at InsideNoVaTix.com.

RED, WHITE & BREW 5K

Saturday, July 1, 8 a.m. House 6 Brewing, 44427 Atwater Drive, Ashburn Join the folks at House 6 Brewing for a patriotic morning of fitness, food and beer. There’s a 5K run, a 1K fun run and the Red, White & Brew Hot Dog Mile. This year’s charity partner is HeroHomes, a nonprofit that helps build homes for disabled veterans. A

A round-up of the latest restaurant, retail, and other cool news from Ashburn and beyond. Check out The Burn at TheBurn.com and follow it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

1 PARIS BAGUETTE CHOOSES FIRST LOUDOUN COUNTY LOCATION

Big news for Brambleton and all of Ashburn: A deal has been signed to bring the first Paris Baguette restaurant to Loudoun County. It will be going into the new Bram Quarter project at Loudoun County Parkway and Evergreen Mills Road. It’s the first retail tenant announced for the center. Paris Baguette is an international fast-casual chain serving French-style sandwiches, fresh baked bread and pastries and desserts. There are more than 100 locations in the United States and thousands overseas. The closest current one is in Centreville, and another is in the works for Herndon.

2 POTOMAC TAPHOUSE PREPARES FOR MAY OPENING

establishment is expected to open in midMay in the University Commerce Center. That’s north of Route 7 off George Washington Parkway. The menu is still being finalized, but we know the owners expect to offer more than 100 different beers – either on tap or in bottles and cans. The taphouse is being opened by the same folks who own Massaya Lebanese Restaurant and Bar in the Goose Creek Village shopping center.

3 NEW HANDMADE BY LMAC STORE COMING TO ONE LOUDOUN

4 BELLY RUBS BISCUIT BAR & SPA EXPANDING IN ASHBURN FARM

The signs for the new Potomac Taphouse have gone up at the restaurant coming to Ashburn’s north side. The new

At press time, a new retail store was headed to One Loudoun called Handmade by LMAC. The acronym stands for Local Makers, Artists, and Crafters. It will be taking over the space vacated by Marcus Blaque, a clothing boutique that recently closed. This will be the second location for Handmade by LMAC. The first is just down the road at Dulles Town Center. Like the original location, the new store will carry a wide variety of goods – things like handmade candles, wooden cutting boards, unique jewelry, colorful scarves, gift baskets and more.

Belly Rubs Biscuit Bar & Spa is expanding its store in the Ashburn Farm Market Center. That’s the Giant-anchored plaza at the corner of Ashburn Farm Parkway and Claiborne Parkway. Belly Rubs offers dog grooming services, plus its own line of custom-created dog treats. Now the store is taking over the space next door that used to be home to Loyal Companion, a different pet supply store that closed earlier this year. As part of the expansion, Belly Rubs will begin selling a selection of “healthy and natural” pet foods.

5 BRAMBLETON TOWN CENTER COULD GET MORE RETAIL, RESIDENCES

the Himalayan Wild Yak restaurant. Signs have long stated that it was the future home of more retail and office space. But plans have changed. There would be a single 3,200-square-foot retail space on the ground floor and 48 apartments on the four floors above. Right now, the concept is just in the early proposal stages.

6 LACROSSE UNLIMITED OPENING FIRST LOUDOUN LOCATION

gear. Lacrosse Unlimited, a national chain of lacrosse stores, has signed a lease for its first Loudoun location in the Lansdowne Town Center. Lacrosse Unlimited was founded in 1990 and has grown to include stores in at least a dozen states. There are several in the region, the closest one being in Vienna. The store carries everything from sticks and protective gear to footwear, apparel and lacrosse accessories. A

The Brambleton Town Center could be seeing some additional development – in the form of an apartment building with retail space on the ground floor. The proposal is for the open parcel of land across the street from

Lacrosse players in Ashburn will have a new option when it comes to getting their lacrosse

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Exclusive to Compass, our Concierge program is designed to prepare your home for sale. From staging to landscaping, we’ll assess every opportunity to elevate your home’s value. Once the necessary improvements have been determined, Compass will cover all costs, collecting payment for the services rendered at the time of the property’s closing. By investing in your home’s potential, we aim to provide a swifter, more profitable sale.