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by Chuck Cascio, Author and Former South Lakes Teacher Ellen Bernard Smith Ellen Bernard Smith admits that her path to being an author and supporter of the arts has been atypical. As the title of her book, “Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker” confirms, Ellen often took a different approach to life's decisions. For example, when asked when she graduated from South Lakes High School, her response is, "Well, that depends on how you define 'graduated'." In fact, Ellen says, "SLHS and I had a messy breakup four months before graduation, so I graduated from Chantilly High School in 1993." However, as a "troublemaker," she says various lessons “taught me that I needed to find a way to get along with teachers and everyone else in order to succeed." She acknowledges “bright spots" in her years at South Lakes, including having teachers such as "my choir teacher Mrs. Stammer, history teacher Mr. Ruffin, biology teacher Mr. Baird..." and others. “They were among the ones who threw me crumbs of belief and oxygen." And there were positive experiences that continue to influence her: "I sang in every choir South Lakes offered: Concert, A Cappella, Madrigal, Jazz–making music with students from every race, religion, identity, and income level. That is what I love most about Reston--its beautifully diverse community didn’t just exist, it thrived, and we proved it when we lifted our voices together." Ellen admits that her self-described "troublemaker" status was due to her "questionable judgment.” Still, she remembers the pride of going to Terraset Elementary School, “the first underground elementary school with solar panel electricity and heating," and then to intermediate school at Langston Hughes: "I have always been proud to have gone to a school named for a Black poet who fought for civil rights. Plenty of schools teach his works, but very few are actually named for him." Pulling her early life experiences into focus, Ellen graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1998. "I majored in psychology because I was really just trying to figure out my own issues," she says. "I certainly learned a lot; however, years later, writing my book was probably the most therapeutic and cathartic experience of my adult life." “Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker,” published in the summer of 2024, was Ellen's first attempt at a major piece of writing. Consistent with her life's experiences, the road to publication was by no means direct: "In the summer of 1998 after my college graduation, I was faxing résumés from ads in the classifieds page.” Reston’s proximity to D.C. and my complete lack of imagination, pigeonholed me into fields like human resources, tech, and defense contracting." Ellen says she hated her first job out of college as a human resources generalist, so she "did what any confused twenty-something would do. I moved to New York to chase my dream of becoming a famous singer and to work in what I thought was the fun side of HR, recruiting. The job was fast-paced, misogynistic, and relentless...but I thrived, tripling my income, and becoming a top recruiter." However, when her ongoing pursuit of a singing career in New York "fizzled," she returned to Virginia, took a job in defense contracting, and eventually wound up at Amazon Web Services. There she took a "professional writing course that changed everything–with active voice, data, and clarity, I became the go-to editor for any document headed to leadership.” In 2023, Amazon was offering buyouts, which Ellen took "and decided to write something fun. I’d been journaling since childhood. ‘Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker’ is in many ways the grown-up version of that first journal." Writing, singing, and the arts were consistently engrained in Ellen's life: "I stayed drawn to creative spaces even when I couldn’t live in them." In January 2025, Ellen decided to fulfill her pursuit of the arts by becoming the art liaison at the Workhouse Arts Center, which was once the historic Lorton, Virginia, prison and is now dedicated to displaying and pursuing art in a variety of ways. "The Workhouse connects history and humanity through world-class arts education, galleries of professional artists, and the powerful Lucy Burns Museum, which tells the story of the suffragists who fought for women's right to vote,” Ellen says. “The Workhouse is a creative playground for all ages with art-inspired mini golf, live theatre, and the region’s best seasonal events. It’s a place to learn, connect, and be inspired--a masterpiece built from its past, thriving in its present, and open to everyone with free admission.” Ellen sees irony in the fact that she has engaged with the Workhouse Arts Center: "I spent much of high school convinced I was headed for jail, which now feels poetically appropriate given that I work at a former prison." She pauses and adds, "For the first time in my life, I feel like I have permission to live a creative life," a life the mostly reformed troublemaker shares with her husband, Dan, and their two daughters, ages 10 and 11.

By Sarah Golden, Staff Writer Calleva campers learn about the outdoors and how to love them at an adventure camp in 2024. Photo contributed by Calleva With a dusting of snow on New Year’s Day, it may be hard to imagine that summer is only months away. Still, some Reston parents are already beginning to think about summer camp plans. Calleva Summer Camp, now with a new Great Falls location, is an option for curious, outdoors-loving children and for parents interested in a throwback, ’90s-style summer—outside and screen-free. Calleva, which has locations in Dickerson, Poolesville, McLean and, most recently, Great Falls, is an outdoor adventure camp for children as young as 4. Campers are grouped by age and focus area, giving them opportunities to learn new outdoor skills, go rock climbing and kayaking, create crafts, and do what many children rarely get to do today: spend time outside and get their hands dirty. The Fraser Camp in Great Falls borders the Potomac River, offering campers access to wetlands where they can explore and learn about local wildlife. The property, acquired by Calleva in February, includes a large main lodge, bunk rooms, a commercial kitchen and a climbing wall. Fraser offers camps for 4- and 5-year-olds, called VA Cubs, and for children ages 6 to 9, called VA Explorers. A fishing and ecology camp is also available for older preteens, with a focus on lure selection, fish identification and conservation. Photo contributed by Calleva In addition to its range of programs, Calleva takes a fully unplugged approach. The camp enforces a no-screens, no-phones policy, and staff members use digital cameras instead of phones to limit distractions. The goal, organizers say, is to help children reconnect with the outdoors rather than with a screen. Calleva’s ultimate aim is to spark a sense of wonder while helping campers build confidence through independence and exploration. Campers are given space to learn, explore and get messy, an approach Calleva describes as “organized chaos.” Organizers say children consistently thrive in that environment. Registration for returning Virginia campers opened Jan. 6, while new campers may register beginning at noon Monday, Jan. 12. Camps are offered in one-week increments, and families may choose individual weeks or enroll for the full season. In addition to on-site drop-off and pick-up, Calleva offers transportation from several area locations, including Ashburn Library and Dulles Towne Center. Additional information, including registration details, is available at calleva.org/

by Chuck Cascio, Staff Writer The Kensington assisted living community has a new way to share art with Reston. At The Kensington, a senior-living community in Reston, staff members are always looking for ways to provide creative outlets for residents, including on-site concerts, cooking programs, and various other life-enrichment activities. One recent unique initiative involved installing a weather-proof box called a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) outside the building near a patio with benches and a sculpture of an older man playing chess with a child on a park bench. "My hope is that this FLAG will result in an ongoing, multi-generational art exchange between Kensington residents and members of the greater Reston community," Shari True, assistant living life enrichment coordinator at The Kensington, says. "Anyone from neighborhood children to retired artists to working professionals can contribute fun-sized art, and anyone can take a tiny artwork from the FLAG and leave one of their own behind." A similar type of exchange that involves books has been part of Reston for many years, but True recalls that the installation of a FLAG at The Kensington was inspired by one she found herself visiting regularly in her walks around Waterview Cluster. "It made me think that having a FLAG here at The Kensington would be another way to actively and regularly engage our residents." True has seen first-hand how residents of The Kensington are inspired by various types of creative endeavors, and the FLAG gives them another opportunity not only to display their creativity but to exchange it with others. "Participating in creative and artistic endeavors contributes toward improving older adults’ quality of life and well-being, from better cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction," True says. "I believe this will provide them with a sense of purpose and satisfaction." Jacqueline Mills, assisted-living manager and certified Positive Approach to Care trainer, adds, "Many of our residents are not initially from the Reston community. They come to The Kensington because they have loved ones living in Reston. One of the benefits of the FLAG is that it allows our residents to help make the connection to Reston as their community, too." Both True and Mills encourage residents of The Kensington and everyone in the Reston community to enjoy seeing the creativity inside the FLAG and to deposit some artwork of their own. Doing so can be an inspiration to everyone who visits, and to residents of The Kensington in particular. "I have seen that even for individuals who have a hard time expressing themselves, drawing, coloring, painting, or sculpting can be a powerful tool in helping them work through their emotions," True says. "We create opportunities for residents to share their talents, experience purpose, and bring joy to others--honoring their individuality, dignity, and quality of life every day which will, in turn, provide them with a sense of purpose and satisfaction.” For True and others on The Kensington staff, the FLAG will provide another way of achieving those goals.

by Sarah Hickner, Staff Writer & Book Club President Kathy Tracey is bringing Reston and Herndon closer with her personality and her Instagram account. Photo contributed by Kathy Tracey From hidden gems to hot homes, Kathy Tracey’s @greaterrestonliving shows what makes Reston and Herndon special. In 2025, the @greaterrestonliving Instagram account racked up more than 6 million views across 74 videos and carousels. For locals, Kathy Tracey’s social media has become the go-to source for what’s new, what’s happening, and what’s worth exploring in Reston and Herndon. Which Reston parking lot is the worst? Was there really a nudist colony in south Reston? Where can you grab a rooftop drink? And, of course, what are the hottest new homes on the market? These are just a few of the topics Tracey covers with her upbeat, engaging videos. What began as a way to share her love for the community has grown into a trusted resource for thousands of residents eager to stay connected. Tracey’s story with Reston began long before she became a realtor. She and her husband Graham moved from New Jersey in 1996, starting in a small condo in Chestnut Grove Square. “It felt like everything was right outside our front door,” she recalls. Their children were both born at Reston Hospital, and over nearly three decades, the couple has watched the community grow and evolve. “For us, it’s more than a house. It’s about how you want to live your life,” she says. Photo contributed by Kathy Tracey That philosophy guides her work as a realtor. She enjoys helping buyers who assume homeownership is out of reach. “I talk to so many people who think buying a home isn’t possible, but knowledge is power,” she says. “Some have moved into their new home just a month after we first talked.” When residents must leave the area, Tracey helps them sell their homes while preserving the lifestyle that drew them in. “Most of them have a little sadness about leaving,” she notes, “but they’re glad we’re able to sell the Reston lifestyle they fell in love with.” Her Instagram content reflects that lifestyle. Posts cover new businesses, urban myths, nature spots, and local history. “Everyone loves a pretty or unusual home, but they also want to know what’s outside their front door,” Tracey says. With lakes, distinctive architecture, proximity to D.C. and the Shenandoah, and small businesses that give the town character, she believes Reston offers a fuller way of living. Only 20% of her content is real estate-related; the other 80% celebrates the community itself. “Know me before you need me,” she says. Tracey’s favorite Reston views include lakes at sunset, Glade Drive in peak fall color, the rooftop at SYN, a beer on the deck at Lake Anne Brew House, dinner at Red’s Table, and the Van Gogh Bridge during cherry blossom season. Her favorite moments on Instagram? When someone stops her in public to say they learned something new from her videos. Through @greaterrestonliving, Kathy Tracey is building more than a following—she’s knitting the community together one reel at a time.

by Reston Letter Staff Zachary Parker, who grew up in Reston, played at South Lakes and then professionally, organized his first annual Christmas giveaway to local kids, as a way to give back to the community who helped him as a child. Photo (left) by Benjamin Burgess (right) contributed by Zachary Parker Zachary Parker, a Restonian and former South Lakes Seahawks football star and professional football player, hosted a Christmas giveaway event on Dec. 23. After his time at South Lakes, Parker received a full ride football scholarship to Liberty University, was invited to the Washington Redskins rookie camp in 2018, then went on to play in the Canadian and Arena football leagues. At the event, Parker gave away 500 toys, over 100 pieces of sports equipment, 15 pairs of brand new shoes, and fed all the kids and families who came to the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. “I want to give back to the community because they have supported me so much since I was young. Northern Virginia is the best place in the world and I love being from here.” Parker plans to make his giveaway an annual event for the Reston community.

Contributed by Reston Community Players The cast of She Kills Monsters poses for some shots during the weeks leading up to their performances. Opening night is Jan. 16. Photo by Chip Gertzog Reston Community Players (RCP) kicks off the new year with an action-packed and unexpectedly heartfelt comedy, “She Kills Monsters,” running Jan. 16 through Feb. 1 at the Reston Community Center’s CenterStage. Written by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen, “She Kills Monsters” blends humor, fantasy, and grief into a story that resonates with longtime theatergoers and first-time Dungeons & Dragons fans alike. The play centers on Agnes Evans, a high school teacher struggling to understand the sudden death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes discovers a D&D campaign Tilly created, she steps into a vivid fantasy world filled with warriors, demons, and mythical creatures—learning along the way that the game reveals far more about her sister’s life, friendships, and identity than she ever knew. What unfolds is both a thrilling adventure and an emotional exploration of loss, connection, and the ways stories help us survive difficult moments. Since its debut, “She Kills Monsters” has become one of the most frequently produced plays in American theatre, celebrated for its inclusive storytelling, pop culture references, and powerful emotional core. RCP’s production is directed by Joshua Paul McCreary and features stage combat choreographed by members of The Noble Blades, a group of professional stage combat artists. Audiences can expect fast-paced fight scenes, inventive puppetry, bold visuals, and a cast drawn from the region’s deep pool of local talent. “Continuing our season exploring issues of identity and freedom, ‘She Kills Monsters’ is a perfect companion to last fall’s ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and our upcoming productions of ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,’ ” said RCP Board President Michael Barret Jones. “We’re excited for audiences to experience the joy, humor, and heart that ‘She Kills Monsters’ brings to the stage.” The production holds special meaning for Producer Laura Mills, whose personal connection to the material deepened during rehearsals. “I recently lost my brother in November, and he played D&D, Magic: The Gathering, and live-action role-playing when we were growing up,” Mills said. “While the sadness and anger of my grief can mirror that of Agnes and her friends, the laughter and love I feel when watching rehearsals is all the more powerful because of the wonderful cast and crew. I know audiences will enjoy this adventure, and I hope they will walk away feeling inspired and ready to fight their own monsters.” Performances take place at the Reston Community Center’s CenterStage, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Shows start at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Jan.16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31, and at 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. There is no performance on Sunday, Jan.18. Tickets may be purchased online at restonplayers.org/ or through the Reston Community Center Box Office by calling (703) 476-4500, Press 3.

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer BodyBar Pilates owner/instructor Joyce Ko and her dog Cora hold a teaser pose on a reformer. When Joyce Ko opened BodyBar Pilates Reston/Herndon, a locally owned studio within the national BodyBar Pilates franchise, in September 2024, she combined a proven brand with a personal connection to the community. Ko, who grew up in Fairfax County, has long been drawn to fitness and movement. After working in studios throughout Northern Virginia, she said the Reston-Herndon area stood out as the right place to open her own franchise location. “I had taught everywhere else,” she said. “The location, the demographics and the timing all lined up. It felt right to build something here.” Before discovering Pilates, Ko explored a wide range of movement disciplines, including Thai kickboxing, judo, and jiu-jitsu. While she enjoyed the intensity of martial arts, the physical wear and tear eventually led her to look for something more sustainable. Pilates first caught her attention through social media. “It looked hard and fun,” she said. “And I knew it was something I wanted to try.” Her interest quickly deepened. Ko took a front-desk job at a Pilates studio, then trained as an instructor, teaching for three years before deciding to open her own studio. When it came time to choose a business model, she selected the BodyBar Pilates franchise, drawn by its structured approach, training support and emphasis on accessibility. Her mother played a key role in helping her open the studio. As part of the BodyBar franchise, the Reston-Herndon studio follows a consistent class format while allowing local owners flexibility to serve their communities. The studio features 12 fully equipped Pilates stations, including reformers, chairs with split pedals and towers with push-through bars—equipment that allows for a wide range of exercises and skill levels. “Accessibility was huge for me,” Ko said. “I wanted a product that really helps people and offers enough variety for beginners, athletes and people rehabbing injuries, without being intimidating or out of reach.” That philosophy carries directly into the classroom. Instructors move continuously through each class, cueing proper positioning and form, offering verbal encouragement and providing hands-on corrections when appropriate, helping clients engage the correct muscles safely and effectively. The focus, Ko said, is not just on completing exercises but on understanding how the body moves. Ko emphasizes that reformer-based Pilates complements nearly any fitness routine and is often misunderstood. Reformer Pilates uses a specialized piece of equipment — a sliding carriage attached to adjustable springs — to provide resistance and support at the same time. Exercises can be strengthened, assisted, or modified based on a participant’s experience level, mobility, or injuries. Unlike high-impact workouts or heavy weightlifting, reformer Pilates focuses on slow, controlled movements guided by breath and precise alignment. “The main point of reformer Pilates is controlled spinal movement in all directions,” Ko said. “Most strength training or sports keep the spine rigid. The reformer allows you to build strength while still moving the spine.” The spring-based resistance challenges balance and stability while reducing strain on joints. BodyBar Pilates Reston offers classes seven days a week, with morning classes daily and evening options Monday through Friday. The schedule continues to expand as membership grows. Ko currently works with a team of four instructors, all trained through the BodyBar franchise’s formal education program. She also provides one-on-one mentorship and ongoing professional development to ensure consistency across classes. Despite common misconceptions, Ko said reformer Pilates is designed for everyone, from people new to movement to high-level athletes. While she has worked with elite athletes, including NFL players, Ko said the majority of her clients are regular people in their 30s to 50s. Classes can be modified for knee, hip, shoulder and back issues, particularly in lower-intensity offerings such as Power Tower, Classic and Stretch & Balance. Reformer and Mixed Equipment classes move a bit faster, but also can be modified. Community engagement is a core part of Ko’s approach as a franchise owner. She seeks out partnerships with local schools, PTAs and businesses, contributing to silent auctions, teacher appreciation events and other initiatives. “Being a franchise doesn’t mean you’re disconnected,” she said. “This studio is very much part of the local community.” Looking ahead, Ko hopes to open at least one additional BodyBar franchise location and eventually help other owners bring the brand to more Northern Virginia communities. Her broader goal is to help people move with confidence and consistency, while also working toward becoming a master trainer within the franchise. Ko studied music at George Mason University and trained as a singer, an experience she said influences her teaching. “Breath, control and awareness all matter,” she said. “Those skills translate directly to Pilates.” “At the end of the day,” Ko added, “I love that I get to run my own business while being supported by a national brand — and still create something that feels local.” For more information, visit bodybarpilates.com/studios/reston/

By Lincoln Patience, Staff Writer Civic participation has always been central to Bill Brazier’s life. The son of a political science professor in Boston, Brazier grew up steeped in conversations about government, public service, and civic duty. As a young adult, he worked behind the scenes of Massachusetts politics—keeping company payment records current with the Secretary of State’s office, calling voters, and helping organize party caucuses and conventions when his boss ran for re-election. “That was both fulfilling and frustrating in so many ways,” Brazier said. Brazier went on to earn a degree in Soviet Studies at Columbia University before moving to Arlington, where he worked as an analyst for the Committee on U.S.-Soviet Relations during the final, turbulent years of the Soviet Union. While energized by the democratic changes unfolding in Russia, he ultimately decided to change course. “I thought it would be difficult to have a family and work for the Foreign Service,” he said. By 1993, he and his wife had welcomed the first of their two children and had settled in Reston, drawn by its open spaces and engaged community life. Brazier began teaching at Loudoun County High School before moving to Stone Bridge High School, where he later chaired the social science department. Over nine years in the classroom, he found particular joy in teaching electives. “I considered myself very lucky because I got to teach the electives,” Brazier said. “They gave me the chance to explain a lot of ideas that I hadn’t really explored before.” Philosophy was one of those areas. Brazier returned to school at George Mason University, earning a master’s degree and deepening his engagement with the discipline. “I think the questions philosophy raises are foundational to us as human beings,” he said. “We can’t set up a society for human beings until we have an answer to what human beings are.” Those ideas form the backbone of his new book, “We, the Learners: Knowing, Learning, and Participating in a New Republic,” which traces the development of Western philosophy through thinkers including Locke, Kant, Berkeley, Nietzsche, and others. In 2003, Brazier became Supervisor of Social Science and Global Studies for Loudoun County Public Schools, a role he held for 15 years. A 2020 district Facebook post announcing his retirement credited him with helping replace certain Standards of Learning tests with performance assessments, an approach later reflected statewide when Virginia eliminated five SOL tests in 2014. Known for clear communication and a commitment to best practices, Brazier also encouraged students, including his own daughters, to study foreign languages. Public service runs deep in the Brazier family. His older daughter has done healthcare work in Guatemala. His younger daughter is a family services attorney in Portland, Maine, working with immigrants and refugees, many from French-speaking Africa. His wife spent 40 years as a special education teacher in Washington, D.C. At the core of Brazier’s worldview is intellectual humility, a principle that guided his work developing equity and inclusion training for the State of Virginia and the U.S. Capitol Police, an area that has grown increasingly politicized. Brazier describes his approach as educational rather than ideological. “If you have people who are willing to adopt a disposition of intellectual humility, it works better,” he said. “People know their egos aren’t involved. If you have that disposition, you’re going to have more productive humans, more productive work, and more productive outcomes.” After earning their trust, he would tell police officers, “Nobody has all the answers. We have to find the answers together.” That search for shared understanding—and for a collective public will—now shapes Brazier’s political thinking. In the concluding chapters of his book, he proposes constitutional modifications inspired by the fictional city in Plato’s “Republic.” While the specifics may spark debate, Brazier said his larger aim is not sweeping reform but renewed civic conversation. “Learning is the center of who we are,” he said. “When we lose that, or when we have a society that doesn’t promote it, we’re all off-kilter.” Ultimately, Brazier hopes to move policy, and the discussions that shape it, out of congressional gridlock and presidential fiat, and back into the hands and minds of informed citizens. “I think Reston is the kind of place where that conversation can begin,” he said.

by Matt Reider, Staff Writer Capitals Defensemen Matt Roy is escorted by South Lakes’ Stephen Reider as the player arrives at the Youth Hockey Night game on Jan 3rd. The photos on the wall are Capital's players photos as youth. Photo by Washington Capitals Photography. The Washington Capitals have supported youth hockey since their inception in the 1970s, and those efforts have long included an annual street hockey extravaganza, high school and college games, and other events designed to grow the sport locally. In recent years, Youth Hockey celebrations have expanded into a full weekend, featuring learn-to-play sessions, equipment donations, and both ice and inline hockey opportunities. On Jan. 3, the Capitals hosted Youth Hockey Night ahead of their game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena, part of Youth Hockey Weekend in the nation’s capital region. Reston was represented at Washington Capitals Youth Hockey Day by players selected from both inline and ice hockey teams. Stephen Reider, a Herndon–South Lakes varsity high school player, and Paxton Worthy, a 14U player from the Reston Raiders, were chosen to participate. Each youth player was paired with a Capitals player to escort them into the locker rooms, where the NHL player donned a matching jersey before walking the hall together for photos and videos. Local youth who serve as on-ice officials were also included and introduced later in the evening. Reston Raider 14U player Paxton Worthy was paired up with Capitals player Rasmus Sandin. Photo by Washington Capitals Photography Earlier in the afternoon, the players were led down the stairs into a newly renovated area of Capital One Arena by Andrew Nash, manager of youth hockey development for the Capitals. Nash oversees off-ice programming, school initiatives, and grassroots events, and also coaches multiple youth teams. A Bethesda native, he was joined by staff members wearing gray “Capitals Youth” quarter-zip sweaters as they chatted with players and families. Around the room, youth participants wore their team jerseys, with more than 20 teams represented. Several play in the Capitals Inline Hockey League (CIHL), a co-ed league sponsored by Capitals Youth Hockey and now in its third year. The league was created to provide a unified structure for inline hockey players and competes at rinks throughout the region, including the Lake Fairfax Inline Skating Rink. The rink—Fairfax County’s first inline facility—was built in partnership with the Capitals and opened in May 2024. Ice hockey teams from both the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association and the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League were also represented. The youth players then moved to the parking garage, where they waited in folding chairs for their NHL counterparts. Capitals forward Ethan Frank arrived first for photos, followed by defenseman John Carlson. Tom Wilson appeared shortly after, followed by defenseman Matt Roy. Roy was paired with Stephen Reider, a Reston resident representing the Herndon–South Lakes High School team. Reston Raiders forward Paxton Worthy escorted Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin. Following the walk and photo sessions, players and families headed to Section 407 to watch the game. During the first intermission, the Piedmont Predator mites took the ice for the popular “Mites on Ice” segment. Additional youth participants appeared in intermission activities, with photos and videos displayed on the arena’s big screen. The Capitals and Blackhawks finished regulation and overtime tied 2-2, with Chicago earning the win in a shootout. While the result may not have thrilled local fans, more than 20 area youth hockey players and their families left with memories that will last a lifetime.

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Jonell Logan serves as Executive Director and Curator of Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art in Reston Town Center. Photo courtesy of Tephra ICA By the time Jonell Logan became Executive Director and Curator of Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art in October 2024, she had already been impressed by the organization’s history and ambition. Tephra’s 50-year legacy, strong exhibitions, and committed board drew her in, as did its mission to deepen engagement with contemporary artists while serving as a cultural connector. “Now that I am here, I’ve learned even more about the amazing leaders and artists who have been a part of Tephra ICA,” she said. “I’m glad to be a part of this organization.” Reston’s longstanding embrace of the arts also resonated with Logan, who said the idea that the arts have always been central to community life here is both “exciting and inspiring.” That sense of connection aligns closely with how she views Tephra’s role in the region. Logan sees the organization as a place where artists, neighbors, and visitors can engage with contemporary art in accessible, meaningful ways. “This work can be challenging, both thematically and visually,” she noted. “But Tephra ICA is committed to making it more approachable, one visitor at a time.” That commitment to approachability hasn’t limited the organization’s reach. Tephra routinely links Reston with the broader art world, often presenting artists who later exhibit internationally or receive major awards. The months ahead will further that momentum. In January, Tephra will host its first regional artist residency with Abdulrahman Naanseh, who will transform the gallery into a working studio where visitors can watch new pieces take shape. In the spring, an exhibition will pair painter Janet Loren Hill with ceramicist Andrew Casto, creating a dynamic dialogue between materials, scale, color, and gesture. A fall show, soon to be announced, will explore how technology can bring communities together. Accessibility remains central to Logan’s priorities, and Tephra ICA maintains free admission to ensure that anyone can walk in and explore. Programs such as Slow Looking mornings, hands-on workshops, and artist demonstrations are designed to welcome visitors who may feel unsure about contemporary art. “Contemporary art is simply art that is made today,” Logan said. “You don’t have to ‘get’ it. You just have to give yourself space to consider it.” Partnerships with organizations including Reston Community Center, BXP, Capital One Hall, Reston Town Center Association, Langston Hughes Middle School, and NextStop Theatre help extend that sense of openness throughout the community. Looking further ahead, Tephra is guided by a newly completed three-year strategic plan that focuses on increasing visibility, expanding support for regional and national artists, and strengthening its financial foundation. Logan hopes these efforts will lay the groundwork for a renovated or expanded physical space within the next five years. “My ultimate goal is for Tephra ICA to feel like that smart, cool friend you want to hang out with—accessible, inspiring, and a desired destination in Reston,” she said. For Logan, settling into Reston has already brought the small, meaningful moments that make a place feel like home. “My dog Zuri—who is also the Tephra ICA gallery dog—now has dog friends here. That’s huge,” she laughed. “And running into people I know at the library—those moments make you feel at home.” Residents who want to get involved can visit the gallery, attend programs, become members, or support the year-end giving campaign that helps ensure exhibitions and programs remain free. Collectors can find artwork at the annual Tephra ICA Arts Festival, in rotating exhibitions, or at the Alloy Project fundraiser and auction. More information is available at tephraica.org/

By Gene Powell, Staff Writer Photo courtesy of Fairfax County records The next phase of Reston Town Center, including a proposed community arts center, has been approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The newest version of the 22-acre “RTC Next” project, approved Nov. 18 on a 9-0 vote, now includes: An increase in office space from more than 640,000 square feet to 930,000 square feet, and about 86,000 square feet of retail space –changes from plans originally presented to the county in 2018 by developer BPX (formerly Boston Properties). An estimated 1,400 residential units in three areas within the project Relocation of a 60,000-square foot art facility from land facing Sunset Hills Road to a tract facing what a BPX representative termed “community space” along Visionary Way A “central park” area open to the public between Visionary Way and Navigator Way, from the Washington and Old Dominion regional park path to Sunset Hills Road A pedestrian bridge connecting RTC Next with the Town Center Metro Station, to be built over Sunset Hills Road Bike lanes – originally planned along Sunset Hills Road, that now will be included in an off-street, 14-foot wide “shared use” pathway Construction of the first phase of RTC Next, west of Visionary Way, is complete. It includes the 40-story Skymark apartment building – the tallest residential high-rise in the Capitol area, several retail and restaurant spaces, office buildings occupied by Fannie Mae and Volkswagen, a Marriott AC Hotel and a Residence Inn. The next phase of RTX Next occupies a tract to the east of the completed first phase. It is bounded by the W&OD regional park trail on its north side, Reston Parkway on the east, Sunset Hills Road on the south and Visionary Way on the west. Some existing office buildings within the project’s overall area will be demolished. An existing office building and a parking garage will remain. During the brief hearing, BPX presented preliminary drawings of the proposed arts center, which the company representative said were done at the request of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn. The BPX representative said such drawings will assist the county in finding potential donors to help fund the center. One person spoke at the public hearing, by telephone, in favor of the latest plan. Alcorn told his fellow board members that the RTC Next project will be a landmark, high visibility project benefiting Reston and Fairfax County, given its visibility to the Dulles Toll Road and Metro’s Silver Line.

by Phantom Foodie Filet and lobster tail. Photo by Phantom Foodie Ms. Foodie and I tossed the budget aside this month and went all in on a special date night at Ruth’s Chris. It was a welcome change—and a truly memorable one. In fact, it was so nice we did it twice: once at the restaurant and once at the happy hour bar, on two separate nights. Whether you’re stopping by for an after-work drink or settling in for a full steakhouse dinner, this local favorite delivers on both fronts. First, the bar. If you want a high-quality experience at a friendlier price point, try happy hour, Sunday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. We were impressed by the expansive yet cozy bar, with news and sports on the TVs and a well-balanced music mix in the background. The happy hour menu features sandwiches and shareables—zucchini fries, goat cheese and artichoke dip, spicy shrimp, and seared ahi tuna, to name a few. We chose the seared tuna and the steak sandwich, served with perfectly cooked, flavorful fries. Our bar mates praised the cheeseburger and the artisan chicken sandwich: a cilantro-marinated breast topped with mango chutney and Brie. Night number two moved us from bar to booth. The dining room carries that same confident ease, with floor-to-ceiling wine displays that tempt at every turn. The room is filled with ambiance—ideal for a classic romantic dinner or a polished business meal. Booths and tables offer ample comfort, with partitions that allow for easy, intimate conversation. The staff are pros—warm but never overbearing, quick with recommendations, and clearly proud of the food they present. The service was impeccable, complete with a manager stop-by to check on our experience. It was seamless team service from start to finish. And the filet? Textbook perfection: buttery, tender, and cooked precisely to order—medium rare (none of that “medium rare-ish” or “medium rare plus” business). It arrived glistening in a signature pool of sizzling butter that melts in your mouth and dares your arteries to complain. Add a classic side like creamed spinach or a gigantic loaded baked potato, and you remember instantly why steakhouses became special-occasion staples. While the chef’s fall selections were tempting, Ms. Foodie went straight for the three-course option—comforting, filling, and spot-on: steak house salad with homemade balsamic, garlic mashed potatoes, and a steak with lobster tail. Save room for dessert. The creamy cheesecake or the flourless Chocolate Sin Cake makes for a deeply satisfying, timeless finale. For a night out that blends polish with indulgence, Ruth’s Chris Reston is a sure bet. Steaks, seafood, and service—done right. Private events. Online ordering. Gift cards. Thanksgiving options available for dine-in or take-home. Happy Hour Sun - Fri 4-6pm 571.749.9537 11990 Market St Unit 106 Note dress code 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.