Staff & Reader Submitted

Art Meets Architecture: Richard Binders New Sculpture Debuts at The Fitzgerald of Palisades

Carly Herbert — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:00:00 Z

Art Meets Architecture: Richard Binders New Sculpture Debuts at The Fitzgerald of Palisades

WHAT:On Monday, October 20, The Fitzgerald of Palisades, a Kisco Signature community, will host the unveiling of a newly commissioned outdoor sculpture by Washington, D.C.-based artist Richard Binder, whose work is known for its architectural sensitivity and thoughtful engagement with space. Created specifically for The Fitzgeralds landscaped courtyard, the sculpture draws inspiration from the buildings Art Deco design and the surrounding natural beauty of the Palisades.

This installation, titled Uplifting, was selected through a competitive Call to Artists hosted by The Fitzgerald and Amy Kaslow Gallery. Binders concept stood out for its powerful embodiment of community, connection, and support, all values that define life at The Fitzgerald. The sculptures swooping form, with intertwined arms reaching upward, serves as a visual metaphor for neighbors lifting one another physically and socially. It reflects the environment Kisco cultivates in its senior living communities: places where shared strength and resilience foster a culture of care. Uplifting is a permanent artistic tribute to the idea that we thrive best when we live for each other.

Media are invited to experience the debut of this site-specific installation, which serves as both a focal point for the community and a reflection of Kiscos ongoing commitment to integrating art into its living environments. The event will feature remarks from the artist, a presentation on the creative and fabrication process, and the opportunity to view the completed work in context.

This moment marks the culmination of months-long collaboration between the artist, Amy Kaslow Gallery and The Fitzgerald, resulting in a permanent work that brings together art, architecture, and placemaking in one of Washingtons most distinctive neighborhoods.

WHO: Richard Binder, Artist

Alphonso Westley II, General Manager, The Fitzgerald of Palisades

WHEN: Monday, October 20, 2025

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

WHERE: The Fitzgerald of Palisades

4865 MacArthur Blvd NW

Washington, DC 20007

MEDIA Darby Vrba, Pierpont Communications

CONTACT: Pierpont Communications

dvrba@piercom.com

713.389.0050

This event is not open to the public, but media is cordially invited to attend. Interviews can be arranged upon request.

Arlington's New Letterpress Studio + Shop Launches Theresa's Table

Theresa Esterlund — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:46:21 Z

Slow shopping experiences featuring handcrafted stationery and artisanal goods

Open to Being® announces Theresa's Table, a series of curated shopping experiences, October through December 2025, at its letterpress studio + shop at 2424 26th Rd. S in Arlington. These unique slow shopping events offer a welcoming alternative to crowded holiday markets by bringing together stationery enthusiasts and handmade gift lovers with creative entrepreneurs in a peaceful and inspiring setting. Guests can take their time to shop fine handcrafted goods, learn about letterpress, and even enjoy hands-on creativity with others who value local maker businesses and good company.

Open to Being is an Arlington-based, woman-owned artisanal stationery brand offering elegant, handcrafted stationery for heart and soul. A boutique retail destination and working letterpress studio, the Arlington location features a 1910 treadle-operated letterpress and reflects artist and owner Theresa Esterlunds museum education background, with moments to experience, learn, view, and be inspired by art and history.

Theresas Table takes root in my expertise designing immersive museum experiences and integrates my desire to create events that are personal and meaningful, says founder Theresa Esterlund. I want people to discover beautiful objects and connect with the stories and makers behind them, in a way that's relaxed and welcoming. In addition, slow shopping at the holiday season is a way to get grounded, reconnect with yourself, and shop with your values.

The first Theresas Table experience on October 25 (11am3pm, free) invites shoppers to gather around Open to Beings communal table and embrace autumn with a hands-on paper craft activity, discover stationery and gifts that speak to their hearts, and learn about letterpress.

On November 22 (11am3pm), Ashley Kurth-Reinhart brings Paloma Vintage Designs one-of-a-kind upcycled jewelry and holiday trees to the shop. Erin Eileen Fine Stationery will offer on-site calligraphy and gift wrapping for Early Access guests only ($10, 111).

December 6 (11am3pm) features Gretchen Mull Ceramics and Jessica Eason of Rough Seas Productions. Rough Seas Productions organic herbal teas grown in Arlington pair beautifully with Gretchen Mull's elegant, minimal ceramic mugsa lovely match for Open to Being greeting cards, journals, and limited edition prints. Early Access tickets ($10, 11am1pm) offer limited admission with complimentary light breakfast treats and special offers, while General Admission is free from 13pm.

Enhancing the holiday season experience, Open to Being will also offer wrapping workshops on November 20th ("Slow Wrapping: Techniques for Thoughtful Gifts") and December 4th ("Beautiful, Effortless, and Sustainable Gift Wrapping).

The studio is located in Arlington's Ridge neighborhood, easily accessible to DC area residents seeking authentic alternatives to commercial holiday shopping.

Event Details

Dates: October 25, November 22, and December 6, all from 11am3pm.

October is free; November and December offer Early Access tickets ($10, 11am1pm) with General Admission free, 13pm.

Location: Open to Being, 2424 26th Rd. S, Arlington, VA 22206

Parking: Street parking available (mix of paid and free)

Accessibility: Ground level with ADA-accessible restroom

Information: www.opentobeing.com or (703) 829-6288

Media Contact

Theresa Esterlund, Owner
theresa@opentobeing.com
(703) 829-6288

A Life in Motion: Margy Pastor Leaps into National Dance Day

Carly Herbert — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:12:39 Z

Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2025) In honor ofNational Dance Day on September 20, The Fitzgerald of Palisades is celebrating the inspiring journey ofMargy Pastor, a lifelong dancer, educator, and advocate for the expressive power of movement. Though dance is often seen as an art form limited by age, Margy, a member at The Fitzgerald of Palisades, continues to embody its spirit with grace and curiosity.

From the grassy fields of Ann Arbor, Michigan to the vibrant dance scenes of Southeast Asia, her life is a testament to how movement can shape identity, bridge cultures, and awaken the soulat any stage of life. Pastors earliest inspiration came from her mother, a musical spirit who taught Hawaiian dance to her Brownie troop using hula skirts and leis, and who hummed and whistled while hiking with her children. That joy of movement and rhythm became the foundation of Pastor's lifelong relationship with dance.

Dance changed my perception of what the human body could express, Pastor reflects. It was cathartic, but my ability to express emotion through movement was shaped by my exposure to the other arts.

Pastor began with ballet as a child, recalling the discomfort of toe shoes in the grass, but it wasmodern dancethat truly captured her heart. AtGeorge Washington University, she studied underMaida Withers, a pioneering choreographer known for her daring performances in unconventional spaces from churchyards at night to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Withers work with theMaida Withers Dance Construction Companyblended dance, technology, and media in collaborative, experimental ways that deeply influenced Pastors own artistic vision.

Another key figure in Pastor's journey wasJohn Bailey, her dance partner and a muralist whose artistic sensibilities transcended boundaries. Together, they explored movement inspired by music and visual art, creating performances that defied convention and celebrated emotional depth.

Pastor taught modern dance to students of all ages but found her greatest joy in evening classes with women from all walks of life. These dancers brought rich life experiences, emotional depth, and musical intuition to their movement. Many had studied different styles, some had danced before, and others simply carried a natural rhythm and curiosity. Together, they formed a vibrant and expressive community that reinforced Pastors belief that dance is for everyone, regardless of background, training, or age. Though offered a studio during this time, she chose to remain focused on the art itself: I liked to just dance, she says.

Margys story is a beautiful reminder that passion doesnt fade with age, it evolves, saysAlphonso Westley, general manager at The Fitzgerald of Palisades. Her ability to connect people through movement reflects the kind of vibrant, purpose-filled living we strive to support every day at our community.

Pastors travels later in life, especially toVietnam and Saigon, revealed the global evolution of dance. She was moved by performances that told the stories of Vietnamese history through movement and music, reinforcing her belief in dance as a universal language.

Pastors academic journey also shaped her approach to movement and education. She received a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Stanford University, a master of arts in anthropology/sociology from Washington University in St. Louis, and a master of arts in dance/education from George Washington University. These areas of study deeply influenced her philosophy of dance as a tool for cultural understanding, emotional expression, and lifelong learning.

Margys advice to young dancers today is simple yet profound, Dance, like the world of books, opens up the body and the mind to the diversity and opportunity of life. Seize it.

Now in her later years, Pastor sees dance in nature, in the sway of trees, the rhythm of waves, and the quiet choreography of life itself. For her,National Dance Dayis a chance to witness the many forms of expression that dance takes, wherever we are.

Pastor has lived a life rich in exploration from political work in Atlanta to Fulbright adventures in Mexico, and travels across the globe. Her late husband,Robert Pastor, served as U.S. Ambassador to Panama and was a respected voice in international affairs. Their legacy continues through theRobert and Margaret Pastor Lecture in International Affairsat Lafayette College.

ABOUT THE FITZGERALD OF PALISADES
Nestled in the lush Palisades, one of Washingtons most desirable neighborhood enclaves, The Fitzgerald is a boutique residence where urbane style meets small-town tranquility. Designed from the ground up for worldly, highly educated seniors, the art decoinspired community captures the spirit and elegance of the 1920s through imaginative interiors, world-class dining, tailored service, and a zest for living each day to its fullest. A destination for meaningful connections and rich cultural experiencesmany delivered through exclusive partnerships with D.C.s most respected institutionsThe Fitzgerald offers incredible living in one of the worlds greatest cities.

ABOUTKISCO SIGNATURE SENIOR LIVING
Kisco Senior Living, headquartered inCarlsbad, California, manages 32 diverse senior communities in nine states and theDistrict of Columbia. The company recently launched its Signature Communities portfolio, premium locations that offer enhanced hospitality and services. The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center inGaithersburg, MD is the first of these in the Northeast, followed by The Newbury of Brookline in Brookline, MA, and The Fitzgerald of Palisades in Washington, D.C, joining other noteworthy sites like Crestavilla in Laguna Niguel, California, and The Cardinal North Hills in Raleigh,North Carolina. With a history spanning over 30 years, Kisco's unique approach is now anchored by Life Enrichment, a holistic wellness philosophy focusing on intellectual, physical, and emotional wellbeing. This program offers residents a variety of tailored activities and resources to support a fulfilling, active lifestyle. For further information, call (760) 804-5900 or visit kiscosignature.com.

Back-to-School, Back to Healthy: Fresh Meals for Kids and Parents

Cher Murphy — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:05:04 Z

With school back in full swing, many parents are facing the dreaded task of trying to feed their families night after night. Many are also tasked with finding ways to get a healthy lunch into their child's hands each day, or to take one to the office themselves. Increasingly, parents are becoming busier and find it more challenging to make healthy meals a staple in their home, making it crucial that they have some tips and tricks to help make it happen.

I started my company because as a mom, I know that it is essential to ensure your family is eating healthy, despite having hectic schedules," said Shana Greenbaum, founder of Healthy Fresh Meals, a home delivery meal prep service. "We help ease the stress in this area so that parents can focus on other things in their lives. This one thing they can cross off their to-do list."

Most parents want to ensure their families are eating healthy meals, at least most of the time. They also want to take healthy meals to work for their lunch and pack healthy items for their kids to get them through the day. Doing this regularly, however, is no easy task for most people. They have a whole load of other duties and items on their agenda that leave them little time to focus on preparing healthy meals, which require planning, shopping, organizing, and cleanup.

A study published in the journal Children focused on this issue, sharing the findings of research conducted on 42 families. They found that there were barriers to consistently eating healthy meals and being able to eat them together, including time constraints, over-scheduling, long work hours, a lack of meal planning, inadequate cooking skills, and food-related challenges, such as having picky eaters, among other issues cited. They conclude that parents have a desire to have healthy family meals with their children, but they feel there are too many barriers to making it happen. However, making it happen can play an essential role in helping to reduce childhood obesity.

Here are some tips from Greenbaum to help make it easier and more accessible to get healthy family meals on the table, especially during the school year:

Plan. Many people feel this is easier said than done, but it is a crucial step to ensuring healthy family eating. Those who don't plan often end up sacrificing their food choices for whatever they can get quickly, easily, and on the go with minimal effort. Each weekend, make a list of what the family will be eating all week. Doing a little planning ahead on the weekend will help ensure a smoother, quicker, and healthier week.
Get help. Many people dont know how to cook or dont like to, and thats okay. There is help available, such as meal prep services like Fresh Healthy Meals. Such options can be budgeted for and will ensure that the family is eating well. These options will help reduce stress and free up time that can be used for other purposes, such as spending more time with family and friends.
Automate it. The more that families can automate their healthy eating habits, the easier it will become to keep them up. Find ways to automate healthy eating, whether it is having the same meal every Monday night, using a service, or having groceries delivered; it will all make it easier.
Be the example. It's great when parents can set a good example for their kids, showing them how to make healthy eating a priority, even on stressful and busy days. This will go a long way toward helping them to grow up knowing that it is a priority and how they can also make it happen.
Get kids involved. When kids get involved in helping to shop, prepare, and choose what to eat, they are more likely to enjoy the food and will grow up being more aware of their eating habits. This will help grow healthier kids and provide more quality time for the family to be together. Give each child an age-appropriate task to help prepare the healthy meal.

"I learned from a young age that eating healthier was going to be beneficial to my health and life overall," added Greenbaum. "I'm a healthy eater today because of the example that my mother set while growing up. If you get your kids on the right path today, they will also carry that into their adulthood and pass it on even further."

Healthy Fresh Meals offers a home delivery meal prep service to residents in the Washington, DC area, including those in Virginia and Maryland, with expansion plans. They offer an extensive menu of items to choose from, which changes weekly. The meals are all prepared by a team of professionally trained chefs, and they are all well-balanced meals for adults and children. They offer a wide variety of options each week, including meals explicitly created for athletes, high protein, low carb, gluten-free and dairy-free, vegan, and more. The meals are nutritious, great for picky eaters, and there are no subscriptions. There are breakfasts, lunches on the go, dinner entrees, family meals, and healthy treats. To learn more about Fresh Healthy Meals and see a menu, visit the site at: https://www.healthyfreshmeals.com/

Global Press Release: "TAX FREE AT LAST" - A Bold New Vision for Tax Reform

john Crone — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:18:18 Z

Seattle, USA, August 6th 2024 In the face of complex and often bewildering tax laws, a new book is set to revolutionize the discourse on tax reform. "TAX FREE AT LAST," authored by John Crone, a passionate advocate for fiscal responsibility, is slated for release in July and promises to offer a clear and sensible path forward for the U.S. tax system.

"TAX FREE AT LAST" is not just another critique of the current tax code. It is a bold manifesto that calls for a fundamental overhaul of how taxes are levied and collected in the United States. The books premise is simple yet profound: our tax laws are needlessly complex, and its time to streamline them.
One of the most striking proposals in "TAX FREE AT LAST" is the simplification of depreciation calculations. Currently, this process involves 140 pages of detailed instructions. The book proposes reducing this to just two paragraphs, achieving the same financial outcomes with far less hassle. This change alone could significantly reduce the burden on taxpayers and professionals alike.
Beyond simplification, "TAX FREE AT LAST" addresses the broader fiscal challenges facing the nation, including the potential insolvencies of Medicare, Social Security, and the federal government. By simplifying the tax code, the book argues, we can better forecast revenues, stabilize the budget, and create a more predictable economic environment.
Fairness is another key theme. The book proposes a tax structure that ensures higher-income individuals pay their fair share, generating surplus funds to tackle national debt and unfunded liabilities. This approach promises a more equitable tax system and a stable fiscal future.
The book also emphasizes the need for stability in tax laws. By protecting key provisions from frequent changes, "TAX FREE AT LAST" aims to create a tax environment that fosters long-term economic planning. This stability is crucial for both individuals and businesses.
Another innovative idea is the significant increase in the exemption on estate and gift taxes. This proposal, inspired by progressive ideas but tailored for broad appeal, aims to reduce the contentious debates surrounding wealth and taxation.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building. "TAX FREE AT LAST" is poised to make a significant impact on the discourse surrounding tax policy, offering practical solutions to some of the most pressing fiscal challenges of our time.
Join the conversation and be part of the movement for tax reform. Together, we can create a fairer, simpler, and more efficient tax system that works for everyone.

BLACK HEALTH MATTERS TO HOST FREE SPRING HEALTH SUMMIT AND EXPO IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Linette Roach — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:08:49 Z

Popular health-focused event to feature free screenings, conversations with experts and celebrities

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2024) Black Health Matters (BHM) a leading nonprofit health advocacy organization that provides health and wellness information to the Black community will host its annual Black Health Matters Spring Health Summit and Expo in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 13. As part of the award-winning health summit series, the free, one-day event will be held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University at 800 Florida Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20002 and includes celebrity hosts, medical professionals, health screenings, prizes, breakfast, and lunch. The event is open to the public and will begin at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast and conclude at 3:30 p.m.

"Every day is a great day to start setting yourself up for a healthier tomorrow, and the free, Spring Health Summit and Expo will put you on that path through education, first-hand stories, screenings and interaction with medical professionals, says Roslyn Young Daniels, founder, and president of Black Health Matters. "As the Black community continues to suffer disparities in healthcare, Black Health Matters is proud to educate and encourage our community to be more mindful of their health and approach to food, diet and exercise while reaching audiences that otherwise wouldnt have the opportunity to engage with so many medical professionals.

After over a decade of hosting the popular health-focused summits, this will be the first in Washington, D.C. for Black Health Matters. The event will be hosted by actor and health advocate Lamman Rucker, known for his roles in All My Children and Tyler Perrys Why Did I Get Married and NBC4 Washingtons Jessica Faith.

Key summit highlights also include:

Conversations with leading experts and first-hand accounts on living with donor kidney transplants, severe autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, inflammatory skin conditions, and mental health conditions. Panels on developments affecting health policies and legislation and diversity in clinical trials will also be featured.
Fitness trainer DaShaun Johnson known as The Guru of Abs - will lead an afternoon workout session for all participants.
Notable panelists and moderators including Dr. Lisa Loury Lomas, Eastern Area Director for The Links, Incorporated and licensed mental health clinician; Margaret Alabi, PharmD, Director Patient Advocacy, US & Global Dermatology, Regeneron; JaBari D. Swain, Medical Executive, Health System Systems Integration, Johnson & Johnson; and Kemi Osundina, PharmD and Director US Patient Advocacy Transplant, Sanofi.
Access to free on-site health screenings for glucose, hypertension, BMI, memory, cholesterol (HDL, LDL and triglycerides), metabolic rate testing, HIV-1/HIV-2, Hepatitis C, PSA and incontinence; as well as COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and a self-measured blood pressure program.

The Black Health Matters Spring Summit & Expo is sponsored by leading health organizations including Sanofi|Regeneron, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Research Includes Me, BMS, Sanofi, argenx, Vertex and CISCRP. Black Health Matters is also proud to collaborate with numerous community partners including Allergy & Asthma Network, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Unite for Her, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., The Links, Incorporated-Eastern Area, Northeast Region National Pharmaceutical Association, Sibley Memorial Hospital, National Panhellenic Council, 2GIP, The National Hand Dance Association, Walgreens, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Arta Medica Spa, The Difference Pearl & Ivy Educational Foundation, Inc., and Mocha Moms.

Notable partners are Howard University Hospital; DC Department of Health Care Finance; Precision Wellness; and American Association of Kidney Patients. To register for the free summit, please visit www.bhmspring2024summit.com.

About Black Health Matters

Founded in 2012, Black Health Matters is the leading evidence-based, chronic disease management and wellness resource for African Americans. We exist to radically redefine health and wellness for Black Americans by empowering them to demand the best in healthcare utilizing our multi-platform approach. We reach over one million African Americans interested in health monthly across our ecosystem that includes digital, social, and experiential. We create a culture of health where Black Americans can achieve their best quality of life possible and work with the top pharmaceutical companies across the country.