Fitness

89 Ways to Give Back

Former NFL Player Santana Moss Proudly Uses Philanthropy to Change the World Article by Debra Wallace | Photography by Alimond Photography Santana Moss, a former NFL Wide Receiver for the Washington Commanders/Redskins, has a specific vision for improving the lives of local families which has become a major part of his legacy. The 45-year-old Leesburg resident has long believed in supporting the people in Northern Virginia and serving as a positive role model, especially to the children and...

May 2025

Home + Design

Their Mission: Rejuvenate Your Land

Veterans LLC can increase your property value—and your joy Article and Photography by If you’ve got a patch of land that’s overgrown, unusable, or just not living up to its potential, you’re not alone. Did you ever wonder what would it take to reclaim that land and make it something useful, beautiful, and even valuable? That’s where Veterans Land Rescue LLC comes in. Based in Lovettsville, Va., and led by Marine Corps veteran Dave Andersen, the company specializes in land...

May 2025

Real Estate

Leesburg Real Estate Trends

J.C. Silvey of Compass Real Estate explains where the market is—and where it’s headed. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Photos courtesy of JC Silvey If you’ve been interested in the Leesburg real estate scene—whether house-hunting, selling, or simply watching from the sidelines—you probably noticed the early spring buyer activity, with homes flying off the market as early as February. “It’s definitely a seller’s market,” said JC Silvey, a local real estate expert, who’s seen houses draw...

May 2025

Life + Culture

Elaine Espinola: On a Mission to Empower Women

The new full-time co-host of Good Day Washington shares her journey to realizing a dream. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Photos Courtesy of Elaine Espinola As Elaine Espinola stepped into a new role as co-host of Great Day Washington in March, she was fulfilling a dream she’d had for a decade. “I hope to bring great, inspiring stories to Great Day Washington,” she said. “I have a strong interest in highlighting women, diverse people, and anyone who’s doing something powerful for the...

April 2025

Health + Wellness

Capital Caring's Compassion

This nonprofit provides solace, support, and innovative services to patients and their families. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Courtesy of Capital Caring A few years ago, a Capital Caring hospice patient nearing her final days wished to be with her collie. Unlike most hospice patients, she remained in a hospital, so her hospice nurse approached the hospital administration asking if that could be arranged. When the answer was no, the nurse convinced hospital staff to let her take the...

April 2025

Beauty

Wellness Inside and Out

Sarah Safa and Monica Unni collaborate to help patients holistically Article by Glenye Oakford | Photography by Love & Sol Photography Looking for state-of-the-art treatments that can boost wellness, restore energy, and even raise your confidence? Downtown Leesburg’s Loop Wellness Clinic and Refined Aesthetics have a uniquely collaborative solution for that. Upstairs, Refined Aesthetics owner Sarah Safa, MS, PA-C, helps clients look their best through her medical aesthetics practice...

April 2025

Life + Culture

Take a Bird-Friendly Coffee Break

Article by Glenye Oakford Each spring and fall, Northern Virginia welcomes the variety of migratory birds passing through our region. These avian migrants connect us to distant ecosystems thousands of miles away. But many of these beloved bird populations are disappearing at a dramatic rate. "Bird populations are in steep decline," explained Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s BJ Lecrone. "The bird population in the U.S. and Canada has declined by almost 30%—that’s about three billion birds since...

April 2025

Finance + Legal Services

Staying the Course

Dramatic headlines shouldn't pull investment strategy off track, say Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Wealth Advisors. Article by Glenye Oakford The financial markets’ winds are always shifting. That can make investing feel more like a roller coaster than a reliable path to building wealth. So how should everyday investors navigate uncertain times? We asked Chartered Financial Analyst Jeff Gordon and Certified Financial Planner Darren Koch at Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Wealth Advisors in Leesburg...

March 2025

Local Services

Invest in Your Land: 3 Smart Grooming Moves

Photography by Veterans Land Rescue Your property is more than just land—it’s an investment. Whether you want to boost value, increase functionality, or prepare for future projects, land grooming is a strategic way to maximize your return. Veterans Land Rescue coined the term "land grooming" to set a higher standard in property enhancement. As an upper-echelon choice, Veterans Land Rescue transforms neglected spaces into valuable assets. Here’s why investing in land grooming is one of the...

March 2025

Health + Wellness

Investing in Peace

Beth Gibney from An Anchored Life shares how to practice mindfulness, meditation, and yoga for overall wellbeing. Article and Photography by Beth Gibney first turned to yoga and meditation to help her slow down the pace of her life.  “The practices helped me to shift my attention inward, away from the busy distractions of life,” she said. “Gaining this skill of turning inward has helped me navigate all the challenges of my adult life.”  Some of those challenges have included chronic pain...

March 2025