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by Matt Reider, staff writer Members of the first-ever South Lakes crew team practices in the lecture hall at the high school. Photo by Stephen Reider Amateur rowing, or “crew,” began in the late 18th century when British public schools formed boat clubs to compete against each other. In Fairfax County, crew has long been a recognized sport. The Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) was chartered by five schools in 1979 and now includes more than 40 teams. This spring, South Lakes High School is fielding a crew team for the first time. Tryouts were held the week of Feb. 23, including on-land rowing and a swim test at Reston Community Center. The previous Friday, during a “green day,” a lecture hall held eight rowing machines, or ERGs, where five boys and six girls rotated through 1,000-meter pulls. They were led by first-year coach Erich Hoefer, a Georgetown rowing graduate, while parent and booster Konrad Huppi assisted. The team is still seeking a dedicated coach, but Erich stepped in to launch the inaugural season. Crew has been a family affair for the Huppis. Konrad’s oldest son, John, rowed at Tulane University and now serves as head coach of Tulane’s men’s and women’s teams while teaching in the School of Architecture. His younger brother, Ryne, took up crew in Loudoun County but had no spring high school team at South Lakes—until now. In 2025, the Westfield High School crew dissolved, freeing storage space at Bull Run Marina. With guidance from VASRA President Dorothy Lazor, Langley High Crew coach Kevin Bedell, and South Lakes Athletic Director Andrew Duggan, the South Lakes Crew was formed. The booster club expects more than 20 students to participate this spring, fielding both boys’ and girls’ varsity eights (eight rowers plus a coxswain). Launching a crew team presents challenges. The Fairfax County School system purchased used ERG machines for winter workouts, and established teams have loaned oars, launch boats and motors. The novice team will practice three days a week, shuttling 30 minutes to Bull Run Marina for on-water training before its first competitive regatta. Ryne Huppi, one of the few team members with prior rowing experience, has helped recruit students and sees crew as a path to collegiate opportunities. His twin sister, Kyra, serves as team manager and social media coordinator, while other parents and boosters will support regattas, which will be held nearly every weekend in the spring on the Occoquan River at Sandy Run. South Lakes now joins other Fairfax County schools—Langley, Lake Braddock, Oakton and Fairfax—in offering crew. Rosters, schedules and volunteer opportunities will be posted as the Seahawks take to the water for their inaugural season.

By Shannon Foley Dilles, Reston Resident & Owner of Foley Academy of Irish Dance As winter begins to loosen its grip and hints of spring return, Reston and the surrounding communities are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in style. March brings with it a full calendar of Irish music, dance, food, and community gatherings—offering something for everyone, from young families to longtime pub regulars, and hopefully locals were able to take in something festive this past weekend, or will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the next few days. Our area has a wonderful range of cultural traditions, and Irish dance is one small part of that. Let’s take a peek at some facts from Ireland. Ireland may be a small island on the edge of Europe, but its cultural reach is enormous. One way to understand the country is through the numbers that shape its geography, language, traditions, and daily life. Ireland is traditionally described in terms of 4 historic provinces — Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster — which together contain 32 counties. Of those, 26 counties are in the Republic of Ireland (Éire), while 6 counties form Northern Ireland. Across the island, many traditions — from music to sport to storytelling — are shared and widely recognized. Language tells another important story. Until the early 19th century, Irish (Gaeilge) was the primary spoken language of the country, especially in rural areas. Today, English is used in daily life across the country, but Irish remains the national language and the first official language of the Republic of Ireland. It is taught in schools and appears on road signs, public buildings, and official materials. In certain regions known as the Gaeltacht — including parts of Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, and Meath — Irish is still used in everyday conversation, at home, in shops, and in schools. Across the island, nearly 2 million people report that they can speak at least some Irish, keeping the language alive as part of daily life rather than simply as a subject in school. Ireland’s rural character also shows up clearly in the numbers. Farming remains central to the country’s landscape and identity, and livestock outnumber people by a wide margin. There are roughly 2 million more cattle than people in Ireland. The country is home to about 7.4 million cattle, along with roughly 5 million sheep and 1.7 million pigs. Across the countryside, about 135,000 farms operate nationwide, supported by tens of thousands of tractors working the land. These agricultural traditions shape everyday life, but they also influence Ireland’s festivals and gatherings. Some of the country’s most distinctive events have roots that stretch back centuries. One of the oldest may be Puck Fair in Killorglin, County Kerry. Each August, a wild mountain goat is crowned “King Puck” and presides over three days of celebration, music, markets, and street gatherings. No one knows exactly when the fair began, but it has drawn crowds for hundreds of years and remains one of Ireland’s longest-running festivals. Music and dance are just as central to Irish identity, and nowhere is that more visible than at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance, and language. Held in a different host town each year, the week-long event attracts roughly 600,000 visitors, transforming the entire community into a celebration of traditional arts. Competitions, concerts, workshops, and informal music sessions fill the streets from morning until late at night. Of course, the single biggest celebration tied to Ireland worldwide is St. Patrick’s Day. In Dublin alone, the official festival draws about 570,000 attendees, with parades, performances, and cultural events running across multiple days. What began as a religious feast day has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture, with cities across the world now marking the occasion. Taken together, these numbers paint a picture of a country where history and modern life sit side by side. A nation of farms and small towns, yet one that hosts massive festivals. A place where an ancient language is still spoken in daily life. A culture where a local music session matters just as much as an event that draws hundreds of thousands. Ireland’s size may be modest, but its cultural influence stretches far beyond its shores. Each March, that influence can be felt here as well, as communities gather to share Irish music, dance, food, and tradition. The numbers help tell the story, but the real experience comes from hearing the music, watching the dancers, and joining in the celebration.

by Shanen Elliott, Guest Writer SLHS Indoor Track and Field team captured both the Boys and Girls regional titles The South Lakes Seahawks delivered when it mattered most, earning clutch points down the stretch to capture both the Boys and Girls Northern Region 6D Indoor Track and Field titles. After sweeping the Concorde District championships, Coach Scott Raczko’s teams repeated the feat at regionals, adding to the program’s legacy with its ninth regional championship for the boys and seventh for the girls. Boys pull away late The Seahawk boys tallied 75 points, pulling away from runner-up Chantilly Chargers (63.33 points) in the closing events. Caroline Elliott winning the 1600 meter race. Photos by Brooks Ross, rossvisualzz Senior Alex Guthrie accounted for 28 points with a dominant all-around performance: first place in the 300 meters, second in the 55 meters, third in the long jump, and fourth as part of the 4x200-meter relay. Earlier this season, Guthrie set a school record in the 55-meter dash with a time of 6.31 seconds, a mark that currently ranks 12th nationally. Senior Blake Jackson added 22 crucial points, winning both the long jump (22 feet) and triple jump (45 feet, 9 inches)—the latter by an impressive four-foot margin. Jackson then sealed key team points with a fifth-place finish in the 300 meters to help secure the regional title. Girls dominate with depth and relays The Seahawk girls combined balanced scoring with relay dominance to amass 105 points, comfortably ahead of Chantilly’s 85. South Lakes swept the relays, earning a perfect 30 points with first-place finishes in the 4x200, 4x400, and 4x800. Sophomores Tia Tuffour and Collins Han delivered standout performances. Tuffour captured the regional title in the 55-meter hurdles, while Han narrowly missed first place in the 55-meter dash, finishing second by less than one-hundredth of a second. The Seahawks placed three runners in the top five in that event (second, fourth, and fifth). Han later added another second-place finish in the 300 meters and ran the anchor leg in the victorious 4x200 relay. Senior leaders Caroline Elliott and Aya Ryan once again paced the team, each contributing 30 points. Elliott won both the 1600 and 1000 meters, breaking a 25-year-old Northern Region record in the 1000 with a time of 2:51.77. Ryan claimed her first individual regional title with a dramatic victory in the 500 meters, winning by just six-hundredths of a second. The duo also anchored two relay victories, with Ryan closing out the 4x800 before handing off to Elliott for the meet-ending triumph in the 4x400. Eyes on the state meet Next up, the Seahawks travel to the Virginia Beach Sports Center for the VHSL Class 6 Indoor Track and Field Championships. The girls will look to extend their dominance in the 4x800 relay, where they have won three consecutive indoor state titles and hold the Virginia state record. Elliott aims to defend her back-to-back state championships in the 1600 and 1000 meters (2024 and 2025), while Guthrie will chase the 55-meter sprint crown. The Seahawk boys enter the state meet motivated after a narrow runner-up finish at last year’s championship.

by Bob Welland, Kids Section Editor Everyone loves Spring Time, when we appreciate the bouncy coils inside mattresses, pogo sticks and cars’ suspensions. Squeeze them or stretch them, they always come back, like a season of the year. Let’s expand our minds and celebrate springs big and small. Big Springs The famous spring toy, the Slinky, was invented 83 years ago. The world’s largest Slinky, located in Oaks, Pennsylvania, is 4 f eet in diameter and can stretch to 100 feet long. Skyscrapers are so tall that side-to-side motion from wind or earthquakes can cause major damage or even collapse. One solution is mass dampeners. On a high floor, a block weighing hundreds of tons is attached to big springs. If the building sways one direction, the springs let the heavy block stay mostly in place. This creates an opposite force that reduces the building’s movement. Small Springs Click! Retractable ballpoint pens were a big hit when they came out in the 1950s because you didn’t need to fiddle with a cap. There’s a little spring inside that’s only an inch long. But can we go smaller? Yes. Your phone knows when you hold it in portrait or landscape because of a tiny device called an accelerometer. A microscopic weight is held by elastic silicon beams. The beams are not coiled, but they are springs that bend when you move your phone. They’re 30 times thinner than a human hair. Let’s go 1,000 times even smaller! The DNA inside your cells are in a shape called a double-helix. That’s a spring! This saves a lot of space. If you straightened out a chromosome, it would be 10,000 times longer. Its springiness allows it to be unzipped as needed to keep your cells working. With trillions of them in your body, it’s Spring Time all year round.

Quinn is ready to mix up muffins! March Madness! Are you going a little crazy with all these snow days we’ve had? We like to build snowmen and sled as much as the next person but we’re ready for more sunshine and warmth. That’s why we are so excited for it to be March with the promise of more time outside, spring sports, and trees and flowers blooming. Speaking of spring sports, are you a budding athlete and need constant fuel and snacks? If you are in a bind, make these muffins to tide you over! Greek Yogurt Muffins adapted from yummytoddlerfood.com/ ● 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour ● 3⁄4 cup protein baking mix, such as Kodiak Cakes ● 1 teaspoon baking powder ● 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda ● 1⁄4 teaspoon salt ● 1 cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt ● 1⁄3 cup maple syrup ● 1⁄4 cup oil, light olive oil or canola ● 2 eggs (lightly beaten) ● 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Optional Add-Ins (Choose One) ● 1 cup mini chocolate chips ● 2 cups finely diced strawberries (add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest if desired) ● 2 cups blueberries (add 1 teaspoon cinnamon if desired) ● 1⁄4 cup sprinkles and 1 tsp almond extract Instructions ● Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup standard muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with muffin liners. ● In a medium bowl, stir together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. ● In another bowl, stir together the yogurt, maple syrup, butter, eggs, and vanilla. ● Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture. ● Stir in your desired add-in. (optional) ● Put 1⁄4 cup of batter for each muffin in the pan. ● Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and cool before serving.

Mystery Fiction by Arthur Semicolon Doyle Family Fun Night in the elementary school gymnasium is chaos. Children run around between activity stations of hula-hoops, obstacle courses, dancing and more. Middle-school mystery solver, Sage Greene, stands in the middle of it looking around nervously. “22… 23!” shouts a man in the corner. A boy screams, “22! That’s me!” and runs past Sage so fast it spins her around. She comes face to face with her elderly friend Mrs. Gray, who asks, “Aren’t you a little old to be here, Sage?” Flustered, Sage says, “I’m babysitting my neighbor Cassie because her parents couldn’t come. But I’ve lost sight of her.” Mrs Gray comforts her, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you find her.” As they look around, Mrs Gray says, “I’m a little old to be here too. This is my grandson’s school so I donated 24 of my famous cupcakes for the giveaway.” “And finally 24!” yells the man. Mrs Gray says “That’s Mr. Rash. He gave out my cupcakes to kids with numbered tickets.” They find Cassie by a wall, looking gloomy. “What's wrong?” asks Sage. “I didn’t get my cupcake and he’s all done now,” says Cassie, handing Sage her ticket with six written on it. They hustle over to the giveaway table. Mr. Rash is putting on his coat in a hurry. Sage asks him, “Excuse me–” but gets interrupted by a little boy. “Mr. Rash, you’re looking very Skibidi today!” Mr. Rash loses his temper. “Uggh! You kids and your meaningless sayings! I can’t take it anymore!” Mr. Rash storms away. Before leaving the gym, he barks at Mrs. Gray, “Your cupcake container is in the corner.” Sage is stunned, until she hears a kindergarten girl sniffling beside her. She shows her ticket to Sage and cries, “I’m s’posed to get a cupcake.” Looking at the ticket, Sage says, “Oh, I see what happened. Don’t worry, girls. Your numbers got skipped but I think your cupcakes are in Mrs. Gray’s container right now.” Mrs. Gray opens the container and two cupcakes are there. She asks Sage, “How did you know?” Why did Mr. Rash skip the girls’ numbers?

By Sarah Golden, staff writer Reston Girl Scouts gather on World Thinking Day. Photo by Elizabeth Witter Reston Girl Scouts celebrated the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day in February, joining troops around the globe in honoring the diversity of the international sisterhood. Troops based in Reston each selected a different country to study, exploring traditions, food and culture. At an event at Forest Edge Elementary School, Scouts presented what they learned to fellow troop members and families. Countries highlighted included Australia, Austria, Costa Rica and France. Scouts also performed skits, building public speaking skills, while older Scouts led the program. A power outage at the school forced the event outside to the parking lot, but Scouts adapted quickly, using cellphone flashlights and continuing the presentations despite the cold. The local troops operate entirely on a volunteer basis through the Girl Scouts of the USA. After a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, membership interest in the Reston area is growing, and Service Unit 51-5 is seeking additional adult volunteers. Unit managers Kaitlin Collier and Melissa Hess can be reached at gs.sum51.5@gmail.com. Those interested in joining, volunteering or starting a troop can visit the Girl Scout Troop Catalog at https://mygs.girlscouts.org/search;type=TROOP/

by Scott Parkin, staff writer "Move to Reston for the kids and stay for the parents. And that it be possible for anyone to remain in a single neighborhood throughout his (her) life, uprooting being neither inevitable nor always desirable.” -- Robert E. Simon For many Americans, “home” means a single-family house. Culture often reinforces that expectation. But Robert E. Simon envisioned something different for Reston. He designed a suburban community with a range of housing options—not rows of detached houses stretching to the horizon. Today, Reston includes more than 130 townhome communities alone. If you haven’t watched “Another Way of Living—The Story of Reston, Virginia,” a video produced by the Reston Community Center, it’s worth your time. The film explains what sets Reston apart and why its mix of housing was so innovative. Simon’s planning allowed many of us to choose options that once seemed unusual in suburbia. My family started in a small townhouse in South Reston, moved to a larger one nearby and later to an even larger home in North Reston as our budget allowed. Today, we live in an apartment—and we consider it home. So what defines home for you? In his book “The Good Life,” Dr. Bill Thomas asks questions that resonate, particularly for older adults: Are you living where you want to live? Are you living how you want to live? What is the best thing about your home? What is the most challenging aspect? When do you feel safest? When do you feel least safe? If you could describe your home in one word, what would it be? For many older Restonians, the answers center on independence, the ability to live life on their own terms. Safety also ranks high, especially for those who hope to age in place. If you are 65 or older and haven’t talked with your spouse, family or close friends about what home means to you, consider starting that conversation now. Scott Parkin is a cofounder and board member of Reston for a Lifetime, a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and inform residents about aging in place. www.RestonforaLifetime.org/

by Reston Letter staff Photo contributed by Reston Raiders The Reston Raiders 16U ice hockey team defeated their counterparts from Capitals Hockey Academy (Arlington, VA) in a white-knuckle brawl to win the Virginia state championship tournament, which was held at SkateQuest in Reston. The win punched the Raiders' ticket to the USA Hockey National Championship tournament in Anaheim, CA later this month. The Capitals, victorious against the Raiders in all three previous meetings this season, scored a late goal to tie the game and force overtime, but the undaunted Raiders brought home the Virginia crown with a thrilling sudden death goal on a wild scramble in front of the opposing goalie.

By Louise Seirmarco-Yale, Reston Artist Want to know how much a tiny flower can influence a society in an artful way? Consider the attraction of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Why? Because cherry blossoms are beautiful. Like all art, they make us feel good. On March 27, 1912, Japan formally presented 3,020 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, jointly planted the first two trees along the Tidal Basin. That moment became the foundation of the festival that unfolds every spring. Sharing art, gardens, and traditions was seen as a peaceful bridge between nations. Cherry blossoms came to represent renewal, beauty, mutual respect, and a shared appreciation of nature. Cherry trees often bloom almost simultaneously. The entire landscape shifts at once. People gather simply to walk among the trees and celebrate the blooming season, known in Japan as sakura. The Tidal Basin offers a setting where seasonal blooms create a dramatic public experience. Clouds of pink blossoms are visually juxtaposed with the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. The fragility of the petals set against the endurance of stone and marble is striking. It is not just the blossoms that make sakura art. The clarity of spring’s blue sky provides an important contrast, making the experience even more emotionally potent. There is a subtle lift in our mood — another gift of powerful art. Cherry blossoms appeal to us because soft, pale pink tones are often associated with calmness, renewal, and gentleness. These clouds of color offer relief from winter fatigue as daylight increases and temperatures rise. As with meaningful artistic moments, we feel renewed energy. The blossoms become symbolic markers of emotional reopening. They are fragile, yet powerful — moving us from winter to spring, from dormancy to emergence, from quiet stillness to energy. These threshold moments resonate because they mirror our own psychological transitions: beginnings, endings, and personal change. To artists, cherry blossoms suggest abundance. Their softness contrasts with the strength of dark branches. They bloom suddenly, reach peak beauty briefly, and then fall within days. Many artists are drawn to this final phase, when drifting petals create movement, atmosphere — poetry. Falling petals stir emotion because we are deeply sensitive to transience. We place greater value on what is fleeting. The awareness that “this won’t last” intensifies the experience. Like art, it is powerful precisely because it is temporary. In Japan, cherry blossoms have inspired centuries of poetry. The rare female haiku master Chiyo-ni (1703–1775) wrote of suspended time in sakura: “Blossoms at dawn — even the sky seems to pause.” Haiku so often captures art’s quiet effect on us. This year’s blossoms are expected between March 20 and April 12 (dates vary with weather). It is our annual invitation to recognize the power of a tiny flower as art. Look up! Louise Seirmarco-Yale is a Reston artist, speaker, teacher and author of “Art, You Be The Judge: Reawaken Your Instincts and Enjoy Art On Your Own Terms.” It is available on Amazon or for free download at peopleneedart.com/ . Email her at hello@peopleneed this. com.

By David Michaelson, MRI Spring is usually when people start noticing their roof again. The light changes, the trees fill in, and after a winter of wind and rain, something about it just feels worth a second look. Having grown up in Reston and now working on roofs here every day, I’ve learned that our homes tend to age quietly. We rarely see the dramatic storm damage reported in other parts of the country. Instead, it’s the small things, like loosened flashing, worn sealants and drainage issues, that slowly add up over time. I often suggest to neighbors that they simply get to know the condition of their roof before a problem arises. Spring is an ideal time for that—no urgency or pressure, just an opportunity to understand what’s there and what might need attention down the road. One caution I share is to avoid letting too many people walk on the roof after storms. Not every storm causes damage, and unnecessary inspections can sometimes create more questions than answers. When you already have a clear sense of your roof’s condition, it’s easier to make calm, informed decisions later if something really changes. Most of us think about our roof far less than almost anything else in our home, even though it protects everything beneath it. A little springtime attention, unhurried and thoughtful, can go a long way toward avoiding surprises later.

By Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess A spring mimosa bar cart with champagne, fresh juices, and seasonal garnishes. Photo contributed by High Heeled Hostess Brunch is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and one of my favorite ways to gather people around the table. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and celebratory, with natural light that lifts the mood—and gives everyone a little extra glow. Best of all, brunch can feel polished without putting unnecessary pressure on the host. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend get-together or a seated affair, these simple strategies will help you host with ease. Keep the Menu Simple Brunch shines when the menu is uncomplicated. Choose items you can prepare ahead of time so you’re not tied to the kitchen once guests arrive. A few reliable options: Overnight casseroles such as French toast bakes or egg strata A frittata or quiche that reheats beautifully Fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and pastries from your favorite bakery Fresh spring florals and a layered plate stack create an elegant brunch table. Photo contributed by High Heeled Hostess From a build-your-own casserole bar to a plated presentation, you have plenty of flexibility. Keep it casual or elevate it depending on the occasion. Create a Self-Serve Drink Station A brunch drink station sets a festive tone and frees you from refilling glasses all morning. Offer one or two fun options alongside the basics so everyone feels considered. Two simple, high-impact ideas: A mimosa station with sparkling wine and juices like orange, grapefruit, or peach A Bloody Mary bar with tomato juice, garnishes, and seasonings so guests can adjust the spice level Add coffee, tea, sparkling water, and a non-alcoholic option so guests can help themselves while conversation flows. Set a Bright, Inviting Table or Buffet Brunch is wonderfully flexible. Use your kitchen island for a casual, help-yourself spread, create a buffet table for easy flow, or set a seated table for a more traditional gathering. Incorporate a few thoughtful touches to elevate the atmosphere: a table runner, bright napkins, your favorite china, or a mix of pieces for a relaxed look. Finish with flowers, greenery, or candles to ensure guests feel welcomed the moment they arrive. Keep the Atmosphere Relaxed The best brunches feel unrushed. Play soft background music, serve food family-style if it suits the setting, and allow guests to graze and linger. If children are attending, set up a simple activity and offer kid-friendly options so adults can relax and enjoy the conversation. Brunch doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Thoughtful details, an easy menu, and a welcoming table go a long way. Make It Your Own Brunch remains a favorite because of its flexibility. It can be casual or elegant, buffet-style or seated, savory or sweet—or anything in between. It beautifully combines the best of breakfast and lunch, giving guests plenty of choices. The magic lies in creating an atmosphere that encourages ease, unhurried conversation, and genuine connection. The Final Touch A fabulous brunch isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a moment where good food and good company come together naturally. When your table feels welcoming and your guests are at ease, you’ve done it right. With a bit of planning and a few thoughtful touches, you can create memories that linger long after the plates are cleared. For more seasonal inspiration and entertaining ideas, visit www.highheeledhostess.com and follow along for updates and exclusive content. Noelle Sharbaugh, the High Heeled Hostess, is a published and award-winning tablescape designer dedicated to helping others transform dining experiences into unforgettable events. For more tips, tricks, and hosting inspiration, visit www.highheeledhostess.com/ or email noelle@highheeledhostess.com /