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Apply now to have an August photo session for Nov. 2 art show. Photo by Joy Granados, Capture Joy Photography Capture Joy Photography is inviting families to apply for “Simply Me,” a black-and-white portrait project that will culminate in an art show benefiting the Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Adoption Program. Ten children will be selected. Portrait sessions are scheduled for August at the Herndon studio and will focus on natural expressions and personality, from laughter and playful faces to quiet, thoughtful moments, without props or colorful backdrops. “What if your child’s bold, quirky, joyful personality could be celebrated in a local art show?” said owner Joy Granados. “The ‘Simply Me’ project is designed to be simple, timeless and deeply expressive, capturing the little expressions parents never want to forget while supporting an incredible local cause.” Children of all ages may apply. Selected portraits will be featured in the Simply Me Art Show Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pinot’s Palette in Herndon. The event coincides with National Adoption Awareness Month. Application details are available by contacting Capture Joy Photography at joy@capturejoyphotography.com/ or 571-512-0162. Photo by Joy Granados, Capture Joy Photography

Contributed by PAR Public Art Reston has launched its 2026 Public Art Scavenger Hunt, a free community activity that encourages participants to explore public art installations throughout Reston. Participants of all ages can pick up a scavenger hunt card at Reston Community Center locations at Hunters Woods and Lake Anne Plaza, the Reston Museum and the Reston Art Gallery, or download one from Public Art Reston's website. The cards include QR codes that provide locations of public artworks across the community. To participate, individuals must take selfies with the artworks and post them on social media using the hashtag #PublicArtReston. Entry instructions and prize details are available on the scavenger hunt cards and online. All participants will receive a small prize, and five winners will be selected to receive $500 gift cards. The deadline to submit entries is Aug. 23. Winners will be announced Aug. 31.

by Phantom Foodie Founding Farmers' Southern Fried Chicken & Waffle & Founding Farmers' Shrimp & Grits I recently spent a week on the Eastern Shore, mostly cooking and consuming tide-to-table dishes. As I was driving home through the cornfields of Delmarva, I got to thinking about farm-to-table options here in Reston and the connection to the founding fathers around this milestone holiday. Enter Founding Farmers. I dropped my bags, grabbed Ms. Foodie, and went for the comfort food. Founding Farmers Reston Station sits conveniently right on the Silver Line plaza at Wiehle-Reston East. The concept is compelling: majority-owned by American family farmers, everything made from scratch, ingredients sourced from producers they know by name. It is a restaurant with a genuine origin story. We just wished the story was woven into our meal. We were greeted and seated quickly into a large booth in the main dining room. Menus tossed at the end of the table. Did we stumble into a diner? The booth cushions had seen better days but I felt the worn, torn cushions gave it a rustic feel. We started with the Cinnamon Sugar Bacon Lollis, a signature starter that appears on every must-order list. Tasty? Yes. Worth the hype? You will have to decide for yourself. They arrived warm and sweet but felt more like a novelty than a revelation. The mains, however, delivered. Ms. Foodie's Shrimp and Grits were fresh, well-seasoned, and satisfying — the kind of dish that reminds you why Southern comfort food endures. My Fried Chicken and Waffle with mac and cheese and green beans was generous, golden, and undeniably good. The chicken was crispy and juicy, and not at all greasy. I only wish the waffle was a complete waffle versus two quarters. We both devoured the mac and cheese quickly, fending each other off from across the table. The drink options are extensive and there is something for everyone. For the craft cocktail connoisseurs, definitely try the award-winning Founding Spirits line. While our beverages arrived promptly, we did have to ask for water as the mains arrived. Service was kind but transactional — orders taken, food delivered, check presented. What was absent was any sense of the restaurant's remarkable story. In a farm-to-table concept built entirely on the identity of farmer-owners, that narrative should be part of the meal. A server who could speak to the sourcing, the sustainability mission, the farmers behind the food would elevate the entire experience. Instead, we left full but not particularly moved. E pluribus yum. Out of many, one delicious meal. Founding Farmers is sow good. The food is fresh, made with care, and hits the comfort notes squarely. But a restaurant with this much story to tell deserves a dining experience that tells it. We'll be back — perhaps for brunch, with a cocktail from the Founding Spirits menu and a desire for a service staff who knows the farm behind the fork. Founding Farmers Reston Station 1904 Reston Metro Plaza Happy Hour: M-F, 3:30 - 6:00 PM Catering, Private Group Dining The Reston Letter and its staff do not receive solicitation, compensation, or special endorsement from any restaurant or culinary establishment. Our reviewer dines unannounced to make the experience genuine. Our mission is to provide our readers with an accurate representation of our reviewer's experience so they may make their own informed decisions. Taste, service, and culinary preferences vary.

By Hayley Sherwood, Columnist I spend my days helping people manage anxiety, depression, grief, stress and many other challenges that come with being human. But I have to admit something: one of my favorite coworkers has four legs, a wagging tail and a fondness for claiming an entire couch as her own. Her name is Lila. She is my 10-year-old pit bull and the most empathetic pup I have ever met. Lila regularly joins me at the office, and while she does not have a psychology license (I've checked), she has an uncanny ability to know when someone needs a little extra comfort. Clients often smile as soon as they see her. Some pet her while talking through difficult memories. Some laugh when she gives them the side eye or express concern when she appears to be chasing a squirrel in her sleep. Others simply seem to breathe a little easier knowing she is nearby. Watching these interactions makes me curious. Is this just anecdotal, or does psychological research support what many pet owners already believe? As it turns out, science has quite a bit to say. The American Psychiatric Association's 2024 Healthy Minds Poll found that 84% of pet owners believe their pets have a positive impact on their mental health. The most common reasons were companionship, unconditional love, a calming presence, reduced stress, increased physical activity and greater social interaction. These findings mirror what many therapists hear every day. Researchers have also found that spending time with dogs, even for brief periods, can reduce psychological distress. A recent study published in the journal Emotion found that spending time with one's own dog was associated with improved emotional well-being, particularly during stressful periods. So how do pets help us feel better? One reason is that they excel at something humans sometimes struggle with: being fully present. Dogs are not worried about tomorrow's meeting or replaying an awkward conversation from five years ago. They simply enjoy being with us. Petting or walking a dog naturally encourages mindfulness, the ability to focus on the present moment, a skill therapists often teach to help reduce anxiety. Pets also provide something psychologists call "unconditional positive regard." They show up whether you've had a bad hair day, forgotten your grocery list or embarrassed yourself in front of your coworkers. They are simply happy to see you. That consistent acceptance can be surprisingly powerful, especially during times of stress or loneliness. Dogs, in particular, improve our lives in ways we may not even notice. They get us outdoors. They encourage regular routines. They introduce us to neighbors we might not otherwise meet. Those daily walks become small doses of exercise, sunlight and social interaction, all well-established contributors to well-being. Pets are wonderful, but they are not magical antidepressants. They require time, money, patience, training and veterinary care. At times, they can create stress as well as relieve it. Research suggests the relationship matters more than simply owning an animal. A loving bond with a pet appears to provide the greatest emotional benefits. Lila reminds me that comfort does not always come from words. Sometimes it comes from sitting quietly beside someone, offering warmth, acceptance and the occasional request for a belly rub. That's not a bad lesson for the rest of us, either. Keep cool and psych’d to see you next month! -Dr. S. Do you have a question for me? Are there topics you are hoping I will write about? Please submit your suggestions to www.oakhillpsychological.com/ Dr. Hayley B. Sherwood is a longtime Clinical Psychologist in Reston/Herndon. To learn more, please visit her website at www.oakhillpsychological.com/. Please visit the About Us section on our website to learn more about our team of therapists.

Mystery Fiction by Arthur Semicolon Doyle Middle-school sleuth, Sage Greene, walks to the house of her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Gray. It’s a hot and humid summer day in Reston so Sage appreciates the cool air conditioning inside. She is greeted in the foyer by Kimble, an orange cat. As Sage removes her shoes, Kimble plays with the shoelaces. “Shoo, Kimble!” Mrs. Gray says. “He’s a year old but still as rambunctious as a kitten!” In the kitchen, Mrs. Gray offers Sage an ice tea, but her cupboard is empty. Her dishwasher has just finished so she opens it up for a glass. A big cloud of steam rises out and fogs up her eyeglasses. “Not again!” she laughs. “My glasses fog up all the time in the humid weather.” After pouring Sage a glass of iced tea at the table, they hear loud thumps from the living room. Curious, Sage and Mrs. Gray investigate. When they enter the room, Kimble jumps from the top of the coffee table and runs past them into the kitchen. Several magazines are on the floor. “Ooh, that cat is always knocking things over!” Sage helps Mrs. Gray pick up the magazines. Suddenly a loud shattering and splash sound comes from the kitchen. Then a terrified Kimble darts out of the kitchen, through the living room, and disappears around a corner. They look in the kitchen to see the floor is covered with iced tea and broken glass. Mrs. Gray gasps. Sage leans in the doorway and sees the table top also has iced tea and glass pieces on it. “Stay out of there, Sage.” says Mrs. Gray. “You don’t have shoes on.” Mrs. Gray shakes her fist in the air. “Kimble, you naughty kitty!” she shouts. “Knocking a glass off a table is going too far!” Sage interrupts, “Wait a minute. Kimble didn’t do it.” How does Sage know that Kimble is innocent? Solution: Mrs. Gray is confused. Sage says, “I know Kimble likes to knock things off tables, but if he pushed the glass off the table, it would have smashed when it hit the floor. Look at the table top. There’s broken glass and iced tea there too. The glass must have shattered while it was still on the table and then some pieces and tea fell on the floor.” “But how?” asks Mrs. Gray. Sage replies, “The glass was very hot from the dishwasher and then you poured cold iced tea in it. After a few moments, that temperature change can make a glass shatter on its own.” Sage and Mrs. Gray find the frightened cat hiding in the foyer and they discover his back is wet with tea. “Poor kitty got splashed,” says Sage as she dries him with a towel. “You know, Kimble, if you hadn’t lured us out of the kitchen that glass might have shattered in my hand. Thank you.” Kimble purrs as if to say “You’re welcome.”

By Matt Reider, staff writer High school hockey in Northern Virginia runs year-round. While teams compete in the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League from September through early March, the shorter spring season features more local competition. The Herndon-South Lakes varsity team (HSL) competes in the 11-team RRHS Spring High School League, sponsored by the Reston Raiders Hockey Club and hosted at SkateQuest in Reston. The spring season concluded June 10 when Herndon-South Lakes faced O'Connell in the 2026 championship game. HSL earned home-ice advantage by defeating Oakton in the semifinals, while O’Connell advanced with a win over Yorktown. HSL entered the title game with a 10-1 record. O’Connell brought an 8-1-2 mark, with its only loss coming earlier in the season against HSL. Junior Noah White led HSL with 25 points in 12 games. Campbell Wilkins topped the team with 13 goals. O’Connell’s leading scorer, Dylan Whiteman, entered the game with 17 points, including 10 goals, tied with teammate Lukas Malagrin for the team lead. Fans welcomed both teams with drums and cowbells as players took the ice. O’Connell seized control early and built a 2-0 lead in the first period. Defenseman Ray Baumann opened the scoring at the 11:23 mark when he fired a shot from just inside the blue line through traffic and into the top corner of the net. About five minutes later, Samuel Crean sent Whiteman behind the defense with a precise pass, and Whiteman finished the breakaway to double the lead. HSL answered in the second period. After officials assessed Edward Cope a roughing penalty midway through the period, HSL generated offense while shorthanded. Defenseman Stephen Reider collected the puck and fired a long pass to Johnny Petzold at center ice. Petzold carried the puck into the offensive zone before finding Wilkins streaking into the slot. Wilkins buried the pass behind O’Connell goaltender Akshay Vani to cut the deficit to 2-1. About 90 seconds later, Wilkins struck again. Cal Crosson threaded a pass behind the O’Connell defense, and Wilkins converted the breakaway opportunity to tie the game 2-2 heading into the second intermission. Both teams traded chances early in the third period as the physical play intensified. With less than six minutes remaining, Petzold gave HSL its first lead of the night. Using traffic in front of the net as a screen, he stepped into the slot and snapped a shot past Vani. Wilkins collected the assist on the eventual game-winning goal. O’Connell coach Jim Wisniewski called a timeout with 1:41 remaining and pulled his goaltender for an extra attacker. HSL repeatedly won faceoffs and cleared the puck before Clark Crosson finally found the empty net from just inside center ice with one minute remaining, extending the lead to 4-2. O’Connell continued to press with six skaters and narrowed the gap when Baumann scored his second goal of the game with five seconds left. The late goal cut the deficit to 4-3, but the visitors ran out of time. When the final horn sounded, HSL secured the RRHS spring championship with a 4-3 victory. Players celebrated with family and friends before both teams gathered at center ice for the traditional postgame handshake line. The championship carried added significance for several upperclassmen who will head to different schools this fall. After winning two spring championships and enduring several playoff disappointments over the past few years, they finished their Herndon-South Lakes careers with another title.

By Matt Reider, staff writer Lila Jaster, a Reston resident, multisport athlete and recent South Lakes High School graduate, is preparing for her next chapter as a scholar-athlete in the NCAA Emerging Sport of Women's Flag Football. She has accepted a full scholarship to Hollins University in Roanoke and is expected to compete for a spot at middle linebacker. Jaster is perhaps best known as the first female player to score in a South Lakes varsity football game when she converted a point-after attempt on Sept. 13, 2024. Her athletic journey began long before that historic moment. A pattern emerged throughout high school: whenever a new opportunity presented itself, Jaster was willing to step outside her comfort zone and give it a try. "I was looking for a new challenge," she said. "My older brother loved football but didn't play, so I thought it could be something that brought us together." Her first soccer coach, Todd Shea, encouraged her throughout her athletic career, while support from coaches and fellow female player Emily Brown helped her feel welcome on the football team despite some social anxiety. Joining the team opened additional opportunities, including an invitation to play basketball. Despite limited experience in the sport, she joined the freshman team and earned a spot on the junior varsity squad the following year. The next year, Jaster added another sport to her schedule by joining the girls wrestling team. Wrestling quickly became her favorite sport, and she qualified for the Virginia High School League girls state tournament last year. Girls flag football arrived in Fairfax County in 2025. Even before the inaugural season began, Jaster's enthusiasm for the sport grew. At a Washington Commanders event recognizing teams from Northern Virginia and Maryland, promotional materials described the athletes as "trailblazers." By joining South Lakes' inaugural team, Jaster continued her own tradition of breaking new ground for female athletes. Being a multisport athlete required a significant commitment. Jaster battled injuries, illness and a kidney issue while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. She eventually scaled back her participation in soccer to focus on her varsity sports at South Lakes. Along the way, she learned new skills, adapted to new teammates and coaches, and developed resilience. Through those experiences, she gained a deeper appreciation for hard work, preparation, coaching and teamwork. That memorable point-after kick remains her favorite athletic moment. "I remember my brother had this solo part in the band that night, and he forgot to play because he was so pumped up about my point," she said. "That night, I really felt like my team was supporting me." As a senior, she also enjoyed serving as a leader and mentor to younger teammates on the wrestling and flag football teams. College coaches took notice of Jaster's unique combination of leadership and athletic ability. She drew interest from Radford University, George Mason University and other schools building flag football programs. She ultimately chose Hollins because it offers a Division III varsity program, while many larger schools currently compete only at the club level. Jaster hopes to return to South Lakes and support the Seahawks' flag football program as it grows, even as she begins her college career at Hollins. In May, women's flag football received a formal recommendation to become an NCAA championship sport, with the first national championship expected to be awarded in spring 2028—a sign of how quickly the sport she helped pioneer at South Lakes is gaining momentum.

Contributed by NWFCU Foundation (Left to right) Jamison Daly, Ethan Ham, and Selah Haywood-Philbert received Aspire High Scholarships this year. James Butlin (far right) a former scholarshop recipient, spoke at the scholarship breakfast. Photo contributed by NWFCU Foundation The Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation has named three students from Reston and Herndon to its Aspire Higher Class of 2026, awarding scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership and community service. This year, the foundation awarded $170,000 in scholarships to 32 students across the region. Since 2005, it has awarded more than $2.6 million to 500 students. Recipients were honored June 18 at the annual Aspire Higher Scholarship Breakfast. Herndon High School seniors Selah Haywood-Philbert and Jamison Daly were among the scholarship recipients. Haywood-Philbert, an AP and honors student and captain of the Herndon Step Team, plans to study neuroscience at the University of Toronto before pursuing a career as a physician. Daly, a varsity athlete and member of several honor societies, will attend the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to study biological sciences and plans to become an Army Medical Corps physician. South Lakes High School's Ethan Ham also received a scholarship. The National Honor Society member and artist plans to study fine arts with a concentration in animation. Also recognized was 2025 scholarship recipient James Butlin of South Lakes, who returned to this year's breakfast as a guest speaker, sharing his experiences in leadership, service and advocacy with the new recipients. "The Aspire Higher Scholarship is about more than financial support," said Taralyn Tharp Kohler, foundation director. "It is about recognizing students who lead with purpose, give back to their communities and are committed to building a better future." Applications for the 2027 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program open Oct. 15.

By Chuck Cascio, author and former South Lakes teacher Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward Of the many ways Reston has been described by people who were raised in the community, perhaps the most unique comes from Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward: "Growing up in Reston was like living in a warm hug!" That environment led to a childhood in which the two 1988 South Lakes High School graduates spent hours exploring nature. "We would go for nature hikes in the woods and look for signs of tadpoles, squirrels or baby rabbits," Beth said. "We thrived in nature, and there was so much around us." Their affection for Reston's natural settings led them to spend countless hours exploring. "When we met in January 1973, we were instant friends," Beth said. "We always loved animals and spent endless hours researching careers involving them." It would be logical to assume that the two pursued careers in biology, science or veterinary medicine. "We considered becoming vets, of course—but there was too much blood to deal with—and then looked at being naturalists or marine biologists," Beth said. Instead, Pam graduated from St. Paul's College in Virginia with a degree in sociology and a minor in business, while Beth left the University of Delaware after one semester and returned to Reston. Even while working full time at the Washington Speakers Bureau in Alexandria, they continued pursuing their interest in animals and nature. Then, in April 1998, Pam told Beth, "I had a dream about pet sitting." After researching the idea, she suggested it could become a part-time business. Later that month, while keeping their full-time jobs, they launched what was then called Best Friends Pet Care, now known as All Friends Pet Care. The business grew quickly. By Jan. 1, 1999, pet care had become their full-time occupation. Today, All Friends offers services including midday dog walks, vacation visits, overnight stays and more. "We have never looked back," Pam said. For Beth and Pam, the rewards extend beyond building a successful business. The two continue to work as both owners and operators. "Clients can reach out and speak to either of us with any questions, concerns or booking requests," Beth said. "I often say, 'It is tough to stay in a bad mood in this job,' because as soon as you walk in the door, you become the center of a pet's world." In 2020, the pandemic slowed business and led to a reduction in some services. "We got by on Small Business Administration loans and a lot of prayers," Pam said. "We also offered future-use gift cards for clients to purchase. It gave us a little cushion in our bank account, and clients could use the credit when they were ready to travel again." She added that several regular dog-walking clients continued paying their biweekly rates to help support the business and its pet sitters. "We wouldn't have made it without them," she said. After more than 25 years in business, All Friends continues to evolve. Beth said the company is testing a new service called "Hangout Buddy," which provides extended daytime pet care of three hours or longer. The company is also considering expanding services for exotic pets. All Friends supports several local rescue organizations, including Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Homeless Animals Rescue Team, Friends of Homeless Animals and Husky Education and Rescue Team. "We participate in events with Reston Town Center and Reston Association and are always looking to develop new partnerships throughout the community," Pam said. Beth and Pam are also co-authors of the book "Torchbearer Chronicles: Yin and Yang." The warm hug Beth and Pam associate with Reston is also reflected in the satisfaction they derive from their work. "Our clients are always very grateful that they can travel or work worry-free, knowing their pets are being well cared for," Beth said. "That's what makes this job so rewarding for us, despite the occasional difficult days and long hours."

By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer Tanya Lee founded Woofie's in 2019. Photo contributed by Woofie's For many pet owners, animals are part of the family, a philosophy that guides the services offered by Woofie's, a pet care company serving Reston and surrounding communities. Founded in 2019, the company opened its first location in Loudoun County and has since expanded throughout Northern Virginia and other markets. Services include dog walking, pet sitting, mobile grooming and dog training. Franchise owner Tanya Lee said new dog-walking and pet-sitting clients receive an initial consultation, allowing staff to meet the pet and owner and discuss the animal's needs before services begin. While mobile grooming focuses on dogs and cats, pet-sitting services are available for a variety of small animals. "We love taking care of pets and really care about what we do," Lee said. Lee said many clients choose mobile grooming because it eliminates the need to transport pets, making the service especially convenient for older adults and people recovering from injuries. The company recently opened a grooming school at its Ashburn location to help address the shortage of trained pet groomers. "We're helping young people get a profession," Lee said. Additional information is available at www.woofies.com/

by Ava-Grace Satterfield, Staff Writer The three co-founders of Bogey's Mix, Zachary Feldman (front), Adam Totter (second) and Judson Smith (last) work alongside two other members from the kitchen staff. Photo contributed by Bogey's Mix When Leesburg business owners Caroline and Zachary Feldman brought home their boxer, Bogey, they wanted to feed him the healthiest diet possible. After struggling with traditional kibble and subscription dog food services, they teamed up with friend Adam Totter to launch Bogey's Mix, a fresh dog food company that prepares affordable meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The difference was almost immediate. "We saw him vertically leap in the air when we first fed him fresh food," Caroline Feldman said. "Bogey's the whole reason behind Bogey's Mix, and he's just thriving." The company operates from a commercial kitchen in Leesburg, where head chef Judson Smith prepares two recipes, Turkey Feast and Beef Bonanza. Both are made with whole ingredients, contain no preservatives and feature meat sourced from suppliers around the Washington region. Transparency is central to the business. "As a pet owner, I'm reading labels constantly," Feldman said. "I always want to know what's in his food." The company lists every ingredient and explains its purpose on both its website and product packaging. Before starting Bogey's Mix in 2024, the Feldmans found that meal plans from several subscription services didn't provide enough food for Bogey. Today, the company works with pet nutritionists to develop recipes that meet dogs' nutritional needs. Its website calculates customized meal plans based on a dog's age, weight, activity level and other factors, tailoring portions within about 50 calories of each pet's daily requirements. Bogey's Mix hand-delivers meals each week to customers from Reston to Fredericksburg and also sells its products at markets and community events throughout Northern Virginia. The enthusiastic response from dogs and their owners keeps the team motivated. "Some dogs will jump up on the table and house the bowl, while some try to eat another dog's meal," Feldman said. "It's cool to see the excitement from the dogs and that we're creating a product people believe in." The company continues to refine its recipes and cooking methods while keeping its mission in focus. "We're always refining our recipes and enhancing ingredients," Feldman said. "We want to keep evolving." For the Feldmans, the business is personal. "Bogey is my bestie, and he's a family member through and through," Feldman said. "We really hope he lives a really long life."

Contributed by StarKist, Feed the Children StarKist employees were among the 50 volunteers who helped deliver food and supplies to families. Photo contributed by StarKist About 400 Northern Virginia families received food and household supplies during the Fifth Annual Summer Food & Resource Rally held at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon. The event was organized by StarKist, Feed the Children, Cornerstones and Flo- ris United Methodist Church to help families experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers distributed 400 family kits containing StarKist products, 25-pound boxes of shelf-stable food, 15-pound boxes of household and personal care items, Avon products and information about community resources. Organizers said each kit was designed to support a family of four, providing the equivalent of more than 8,300 meals. More than 50 volunteers, including StarKist employees, community advocates, business leaders and elected officials, participated in the event. The rally is part of an on- going partnership among the organizations to address food insecurity and connect families with essential resources. "For families facing hunger and hardship, every moment matters — and every meal matters," said Emily Callahan, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "Together with StarKist and community partners like Cornerstones, we can put food and essential resources directly into the hands of the families who need them most." Cornerstones, a nonprofit serving Northern Virginia since 1970, provides housing, food assistance and other support services to individuals and families experiencing hardship.