It has been a whirlwind of a year! It is a treasure to be involved in this community. It is a wonderful time to talk to neighbors, meet new neighbors, and chat about things that make our neighborhood and town a great place to live.

This year, we hosted some wonderful events and attended others. Here is a recap of some of the great events from our community and in nearby McLean and surrounds.

The Annual end of year Ice Cream Truck Event is a huge hit with the school kids of all ages. For that matter, it’s a hit for neighbors of every age. It’s the perfect ushering in of hot weather and pools opening. We love this event and we love seeing our neighbors come out and enjoy a treat or two. 

 One of our favorite yearly events – the Annual Ice Cream Truck!

HBC Group has absolutely amazing clients. We love to celebrate our clients and do so at a few fun events each year. In April, we had a good time at Washington Golf & Country Club and also at Bolwero in November.

 Client Event at the Washington Golf Club

 HBC Bowling Party with clients

Of the many great things about living in Chesterbrook Woods and having close access to DC, is the many ways to stay active and get fit. One of my favorite activities is doing the Monument Run with neighbors and friends.

 Monument Run with the beautiful Sarah Saxe

Our 123Junk Cleanup day in May was a success. We filled two and a half truck loads of furniture and other giveaways. Thank you to all who took this opportunity to declutter and clear space in their homes and to the strong arms at 123Junk that help hoist everything away!

The HBC Group Secure Document Shred Event in September was an excellent chance to shred those pesky boxes of important documents that collect dust. Be sure to watch out for dates in 2025 for our secure shred and take advantage!

 The Junk and Shred events are excellent for decluttering!!

 Community flower arranging with HBC Group’s Emma Powers

 Happy Hour at Milly’s with Karen Briscoe and Ellie Shorb

 Emery’s senior track day

 Visiting the East West Cafe in Clarendon

 Saint Patrick’s Day with Katharine Powell and Nicole Backus

Being a part of the McLean Project for the Arts is an exciting and rewarding experience. I have loved seeing this incredible organization create art spaces and celebrate artists and their work in our community. Exciting happenings have been taking place with MPA, as they have secured their new Downtown Arts Center at the Signet Building with gallery space, pottery classroom space and Cafe Monnet and is expected to open in the next 12-18 months! Stay tuned!

 McLean Project for the Arts Spring Benefit

Emery Graduated this year! With huge congratulations and a heavy heart, we were thrilled to see Emery finish her high school career and set sail for the next. It feels like yesterday we were sending her off for her first year of Pre-K with the wonderful Mrs. Wynnehouck. How quickly time passes! Off to bigger adventures, Emery is tackling college at Boston University and we couldn’t be happier for her. 

 Emery’s senior prom and graduation!

 Cherokee Nation Day in Sandy Spring, MD

 Karen and I touring a historic McLean property

 Hilarity for Charity event in McLean with Mary Cull

Design Week at the Italian Embassy with Lisa D’Angelo

Holiday Teatime is one of the loveliest ways to end the year and catch up with friends and new faces. This year our tea lady Kirstyn McNamara of One Chic Chef outdid herself with a tea table that was divine and full of mini surprises. The mini lemon tarts were gorgeous, the honey fig jam for the scones was delectable, and the chocolate coconut balls were difficult to ignore. It was a table worth celebrating. And the best part is sharing special moments with the neighbors who stop in to say Happy Holidays!

 The Nutcrackers! A holiday favorite!

We wish you all a very Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing many of you this year around town and in the neighborhood.

Warm Wishes,

Lizzy