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by Shanen Elliott, Guest Writer South Lakes cross country runners Aya Ryan and Quinn Jackson lead the pack at state tournament. Photo by Julian Brown The South Lakes Girls Varsity Cross Country Team capped its 2025 fall season with an outstanding post-season run. After a razor-thin, one-point second-place finish to Oakton at the Concorde District Championship, Coach Scott Raczko’s squad turned the tables the following week, capturing its first-ever Northern Region Girls Cross Country title over Oakton. The Seahawks finished with 53 points, 10 ahead of Oakton’s 63 (cross country scoring favors the lowest total). The scoring quintet—seniors Caroline Elliott (3rd) and Aya Ryan (7th), freshman Quinn Jackson (6th), sophomore Olivia Levey (15th), and junior Lillian Swartzbaugh (23rd)—was bolstered by strong 28th and 30th-place finishes from sophomore Charlotte Captain and senior Irene Ha. Elliott, Jackson, and Ryan earned All-Region honors, recording three of the top 10 times in South Lakes XC history on Burke Lake’s renowned 2.98-mile course. Elliott set a new school record with a 17:09 finish, surpassing the previous mark of 17:23. The Seahawks closed the season with a fourth-place finish at the Virginia Class 6 State Championship on the challenging Oatlands 5000-meter course in Leesburg. Scoring runners Elliott (4th, All-State), Jackson (14th), Levey (31st), Ryan (34th), and Captain (52nd) combined for 101 points, just two shy of third-place Woodson (99). State champion Robinson (58) and runner-up West Springfield (84) finished 1-2 for the second consecutive year. Looking ahead, the Seahawks hope to carry their momentum into the 2025–26 Indoor Track season. Seniors Elliott and Ryan will lead the team, both heading to Division I programs next year—Elliott at the University of Virginia and Ryan at the University of Richmond. With this leadership, South Lakes is expected to be strong contenders at the district, regional, and state levels.

by Holly Weatherwax, Staff Writer Kids at Common Ground love Josh and his guitar. Photo contributed by Josh Brooks You might think a celebrity has arrived when Josh Brooks walks into a classroom at Common Ground Day Care Center. The children erupt in excitement, knowing he’s about to pull out his guitar and serenade them with Disney favorites. A Reston native, Brooks attended Langston Hughes Middle School, South Lakes High School, and NOVA before earning a psychology degree from George Mason University. While in college, he worked at Common Ground as a teacher’s aide, floating between classrooms as needed. After graduation, he tried a “real” job with a government contractor. Nine months later, he realized it wasn’t for him and returned to Common Ground in a new role—as the school’s Social-Emotional Teacher. Brooks had never imagined such a specialty existed. Today, he visits every class daily, teaching lessons on everything from basic conversation to handling big feelings, while pitching in wherever needed. Music has always been part of Brooks’ life. Although he abandoned guitar lessons as a child—“I didn’t like practicing,” he admits—he later found a great teacher at Reston Music and joined the guitar ensemble at South Lakes. He even toured with a friend’s band when he was 22. These days, aside from the occasional child’s birthday party, professional performing is behind him. But when he brings out his guitar at school, the rock star returns. “No matter the age, students always go crazy when the guitar comes out,” he says. “Even young babies seem to move in response to music.” Parents have told him their children were inspired to ask for guitars and start lessons—a deeply rewarding outcome for Brooks. While his personal taste leans toward heavy metal, his classroom repertoire features classic children’s songs, Disney tunes, and age-appropriate pop and rock. Brooks’ role at Common Ground blends his psychology background with his love of music. What began as a college job has become a meaningful career. “Seeing Social-Emotional Learning gain traction—and getting to add my guitar to the mix—is an added bonus,” he says.

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Reston Community Orchestra and NoVa Youth Ensembles have created a mentorship space where young musicians rehearse and perform alongside adults. Photo contributed by Laura Readyoff Nowhere is Reston’s musical spirit more visible than in the growing partnership between the Reston Community Orchestra (RCO) and the NoVa Youth Ensembles (NYE). What began as a single holiday collaboration has become a mentorship program that nurtures young musicians and strengthens the local arts ecosystem. The partnership took root last season when RCO conductor Maestro Dietrich Paredes invited NYE students to join the orchestra for its annual holiday sing-along. Their preparation and professionalism were immediately apparent. “The NYE students arrived on time at their first rehearsal, prepared, eager to take direction, and willing to be challenged,” Paredes said. “Our adult instrumentalists welcomed the youth as stand partners and quickly realized they needed to play their best when others were modeling them.” The success of that concert sparked a deeper collaboration that students, parents, and orchestra members now eagerly anticipate. Director Laura Readyoff founded NYE to address a gap in local arts education. Although the D.C. region offers several youth ensembles, young players in Reston, Herndon, and Sterling lacked accessible, affordable opportunities close to home. “Many students faced long commutes or barriers due to skill level, financial circumstance, or the absence of inclusive programs,” Readyoff said. “NYE was built to be a welcoming place where every child—regardless of background—could develop musicianship, discover joy, and find belonging.” Families quickly embraced that mission. Parent Nina Li saw her 11-year-old daughter, Katie Tung, a sixth-grade violist at Sunrise Valley Elementary, flourish. “She had outgrown her school program, but we weren’t ready for an expensive, intense private studio,” Li said. “NYE was exactly what we needed.” For students, rehearsing alongside experienced adults has been both inspiring and intimidating. Violinist Alexandra Castro, 14, said the biggest hurdle was conquering nerves. “Rehearsing with adult musicians means getting rid of the fear of making mistakes,” said the Park View High School freshman. “But it changed how I think about music and my future because it encouraged me to reach for my passion.” Park View sophomore and cellist Heidi Andrews, 15, agreed: “Playing with the RCO has helped me improve and encouraged me to possibly explore a career in music.” For others, the experience has been transformative. NYE violinist Dishant Maharjan said adjusting to the ensemble’s size and sound pushed him to new levels. “This experience allowed me to understand what professional music could sound like,” said the 15-year-old South Lakes High School sophomore. His mother, Shanti Maharjan Ranjitkar, saw immediate growth: “His tone, versatility, and emotion have been phenomenal. NYE creates the platform where kids can learn with experienced adults and respect the value they bring.” For RCO, the partnership reinforces its longstanding mission. As President Dave Tiller noted, mentoring has been central to the orchestra since its founding in 1987. “Our mission is to be Reston’s all-volunteer ensemble devoted to music, the community, and mentoring young musicians,” he said. That guidance takes many forms—shared stands, help with bowings and phrasing, encouragement through tricky passages, and even opportunities for youth to conduct or perform original compositions. That spirit was on full display at the March 2025 concert, when 17 NYE students joined RCO for Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Double String Orchestra.” Seated as their own section but surrounded by adult musicians, the students were literally encircled by support. Paredes led from his violin rather than the podium, modeling technique and pushing the tempo. The students rose to the challenge, practiced diligently, and earned a standing ovation. The impact continues to grow. Readyoff is preparing to expand NYE into band, choir, guitar, and percussion, noting that partnerships like this raise artistic standards and deepen community support. For RCO, the program helps ensure a love of orchestral music will thrive in the next generation. “Our hope is that many of these youth will continue studying their instruments through and beyond their school years, eventually joining RCO,” Paredes said. Families already see the results. “NYE is a great balance between quality instruction and a welcoming community,” Li said. “My daughter feels supported and looks forward to rehearsals every week.” And for young musicians like Katie, Alexandra, Heidi, and Dishant, the partnership is shaping not just their musical skills but also their confidence and connection to the community—proof that making music together can foster belonging, mentorship, and joy.

by Scott L. Parkin, Staff Writer When we first moved to Reston, there was a lot more snow and ice. For several years, there was enough snow on the ground for a week or two so that I could take out my cross-country skis, drive to Reston National Golf or Hidden Creek and ski for hours, often without seeing another soul. Similarly, I could take the kids to the top of “Reston Mountain” and sled down for more than one weekend a year. It might be an urban or suburban myth, but I was told there was once a rope tow there for downhill skiers. Regardless, it remains steep and long enough for a thrill ride to the bottom as long as there’s enough snow. While I know it was probably unsafe, I skated on Lake Audubon more than once in the last thirty years. This was only when the temperatures were in the teens for more than a week and there were no visible breaks in the ice. I know it’s frowned upon for good reason especially since it’s rare for there to be enough cold days in a row. In the mid-80s, we owned a four-wheel drive (not all wheel-drive) Subaru wagon. I was proud of its ability to weather almost any storm and looked for any opportunity to use the drive. Since I mostly commuted to work via bus and train, I remember one day knowing it was going to snow using the car instead. That night, I kindly offered to drive my boss to her North Reston home from downtown DC in a raging blizzard. The wagon easily braved the rolling Baron Cameron hills and plowed through drifts on North Village Road to get her safely home. Since then, I don’t think there has been a winter that required four-wheel drive to traverse Reston’s streets, allowed for much skiing of any kind, or much sledding on the mountain. I don’t think it’s been possible to safely skate on our lakes. Of course, I’m probably too old to take advantage of any but winter driving. We now own an all-wheel drive that I know can hold its own. The Farmer’s Almanac says we may have a white Christmas and more snow and cold than usual. Meanwhile, there may be a neighbor of yours who is elderly, alone and unable to get out because of snow or ice storms. Knock on the door, give them a call, email or text them to make sure they are ok. Scott L. Parkin is president of Reston for a Lifetime ( www.RestonforaLifetime.org/ ) , a nonprofit organization with a mission to inform and educate residents about aging in place.

Targeted Therapy That Lets You Hike, Travel and Enjoy Life Again by Taruna Rijhwani, Health Watchers PT Back pain is one of the most common reasons active adults slow down or stop doing what they love. Many people who come to our clinic share similar frustrations: they’ve tried multiple treatments with little lasting relief, they’re not ready for surgery, and they don’t want to accept limits on their mobility or lifestyle. They want to keep traveling, stay active, enjoy long hikes, and sit comfortably on long car or plane rides. In short, they want their lives back. A major reason people struggle to improve is that the root cause of their pain is never clearly identified. Even when it is, treatment is often too general. Broad stretching routines or generic mobility exercises can feel helpful, but they rarely solve the underlying problem. Our practice takes a different approach. We use the McKenzie Method, which helps us pinpoint the exact source of the issue. From there, we provide highly specific treatment aimed directly at the cause — no extra exercises or therapies “just because.” Many patients experience significant relief within weeks, sometimes sooner, and return to activities such as yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, travel, or simply long walks without fear. Another key element of our care is patient empowerment. We teach people why their pain developed, what movements aggravate it, and which ones help it improve. With this understanding, they can manage symptoms independently and make better decisions about their daily activities. For many, that confidence is just as transformative as becoming pain-free. Finally, we help patients avoid another common pitfall: doing too many treatments at once. When people try to juggle multiple approaches, they rarely give any single one enough time to work. By stripping away unnecessary interventions and focusing on what truly creates change, recovery becomes clearer and faster. Our upcoming workshop, “Exploring New Paths: How to Overcome Back Limitations,” takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Attendance is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling or texting 571-308-8251 or emailing info@healthwatcherspt.com /

by Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer A Tea Party for George front cover When longtime tea enthusiast Susan Baime set out to find an English-language children’s book about tea for her grandson in Amsterdam, she didn’t expect to discover a glaring gap on the shelves. Almost every tea-themed book she found starred girls—often in princess-like roles—and not a single one centered on a boy. That absence became the spark for her debut picture book, “A Tea Party for George” “Princessy girls are not going to appeal to a 9-year-old boy,” Baime said with a laugh. Realizing boys were missing from the tea-party narrative, she simply decided, “Okay, I better write one.” The result is a joyful story about George, a young boy invited to tea—proof that teatime isn’t just for girls. Tea has woven through Susan’s life since childhood visits to her grandmother, who always served tea and cookies. Over the years, she passed that love along to her siblings, her children, and now her grandchildren. Today, she works at Elden Street Tea Shop, hosts tea events, and even travels the world in search of memorable afternoon teas. When it came time to write her book, Susan immersed herself in the craft. She checked out every children’s book writing guide she could find, learned the typical word counts and illustration norms, and researched publishing options. She ultimately chose a hybrid publishing route with Archway Publishing, part of Simon & Schuster. The process was more involved than she expected, especially when translating her vision into illustrations. Her sister, a retired preschool teacher, became a trusted second set of eyes and helped shape several positive revisions. For Susan, “A Tea Party for George” is deeply personal—“another baby,” she says—complete with characters named after family members. Her goal was never commercial success; it was to create a story that included everyone and challenged the stigma that boys don’t drink tea. What she hopes readers of all ages take away is simple: tea is for everyone, and it can be a comforting ritual in a chaotic world. She notes a recent New York Times article highlighting afternoon tea’s resurgence amid global uncertainty, a trend she sees daily at the shop, where people—men included—gather over cups of tea instead of beer. “Why not?” she says. “It’s relaxing, it’s calming. It brings people together.” “A Tea Party for George” is available through Amazon, ThriftBooks, Barnes & Noble, Ingram, and Bookshop.org/

by Marisol Yanguas, Guest Writer Paddle-boarding elves escort Santa and Mrs. Claus to greet crowds of adoring families. Photo by Sol Street Photo The holiday season is officially underway, and one of Reston’s favorite traditions returned to Lake Anne on Dec. 6: Jingle on the Lake. This festive, annual event brings Santa and Mrs. Claus across the lake by pontoon boat, accompanied by a lively crew of holiday characters and paddle-boarding elves who delight crowds of families gathered along the waterfront. Festivities continue at Lake Anne Plaza with a Christmas market, holiday crafts for children, and performances from local schools and community groups. Indoors, Reston Community Center holds its annual holiday arts and crafts shopping event– perfect for picking up unique gifts for everyone’s lists. Photo by Sol Street Photo This year visitors also enjoyed music from the Lake Anne and Sunrise Valley elementary schools’ choirs, several South Lakes High School A Cappella Groups, the Reston Conservatory Ballet, and the Vienna Singing Princesses. As the years have come and gone, more traditions have been added to Jingle on the Lake. In 2016, lifelong Restonian Steve Gurney helped expand the long-standing tradition of Santa arriving on a pontoon boat by adding paddle-boarding “elves” to the mix. The idea came up casually and Steve, an avid paddleboarder, decided to give it a try. The first year was a bit challenging, with cold weather and strong winds, but the enthusiasm of the participants and the excitement from onlookers made the event an instant favorite. Since then, it has continued to grow and become a cherished tradition that showcases the creativity and spirit of Reston residents. “Kids LOVE Santa,” Steve said. “Last year, as we were pulling up to the dock, I realized this must be what it’s like to be a rock star—kids were losing their minds, and I’m one of Santa’s backup singers!” As the Jingle Paddlers group continues to grow and add its own creativity to the longstanding Jingle on the Lake tradition, Steve hopes it will keep bringing neighbors together and continue spreading positive vibes throughout the community. Photo by Sol Street Photo

by Anthony Ozdemir, Staff Writer Sarah reads her book at Lake Anne. Photo contributed by Sarah Carpenter It’s not often that an author wins a national award with their first published work, but this past October, Reston’s own Sarah Carpenter did just that. Her interactive children’s book of poems and short stories, “Beware of the Jornsnout,” won the 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the Children’s Poetry category. The recognition was meaningful, but for Carpenter, the journey—and the community that supported it—matters just as much. A few years ago, Carpenter decided she wanted to try something new. She committed to writing every day for a month and enlisted her children as her most honest—and toughest—editors. “So for 30 days, I just wrote something every single day, and to do that, you have to be mindful and present and look for opportunities to capture special moments,” she said. “At the end of the day, the kids would be my really tough editors. And that's how it started.” That daily practice, combined with time spent listening to her own kids and others in the Reston community, sparked the idea for her book. She noticed that children see the world with a kind of clarity and creativity adults often lose. “I just mindfully watched my kids and the kids in my neighborhood and listened to their conversations,” she said. “Kids will notice things adults never do. They’ll say sentences that have never been said in the history of humankind. Their perspective is so beautiful and fresh, so present. Really, what I did was take the things they noticed, give it a framework, give it words and art, and give it back to them.” From that inspiration came Arnie, the misunderstood, pizza-loving, “fearsome and terrifying” Jornsnout. Carpenter says Arnie’s story carries a simple message: “When you're scared of something, you just need to learn about it more. You can miss out on a really good friendship if you just go off what people say.” “Beware of the Jornsnout” eventually grew into a collection of 56 poems and short stories, filled with memorable characters and interactive prompts that invite readers to participate in the adventure. “The biggest feedback I get from families is that they really appreciate the little questions,” Carpenter said. “Before you know it, you’ve learned something about your kid you hadn’t known before. It’s so easy just to sit next to each other and read and feel like you’ve connected.” Carpenter helped spread Jornsnout’s legend by setting up a booth at the Reston Farmers Market, where she read poems, talked with children about creative writing, and encouraged them to explore their own imaginations. The experience was meaningful not only for the kids and their families, but for her as well. “That’s how I knew the experience—not just the book—was special,” she said. “Connecting with kids, helping them love reading, encouraging them to move from observer to artist. All of a sudden, you’re an author; all of a sudden you’re an illustrator.” Carpenter plans to return to the market when it reopens. Her gratitude for the community, she says, is as deep as her pride in the award. “I have overwhelming gratitude for the families in Reston who have bought the book at the market, sat with me, and been so supportive,” she said. “I can’t express my thanks enough for the kind words and for lending their kids to me for a few minutes so we could have fun together. This award is like the icing on the cake of a really beautiful experience.” To buy a copy of “Beware of the Jornsnout” or learn more about Sarah Carpenter, visit www.bewareofthejornsnout.com/

Written by Sarah Bader of Loudoun Valley High School Cara Ethington as Abby Brewster, Hamad Aljibreen as Teddy Brewster, and Ember Howard as Martha Brewster. Photo credit: Hanna Tomhave Are you old and lonely, with no friends or family? Come on over to Herndon High School, the Brewster sisters will happily keep you company! Just be sure not to drink the elderberry wine they'll offer you... Dating back over 80 years, “Arsenic and Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring made its Broadway debut in January of 1941. While retold and exaggerated, the dark comedy is based on a real string of murders in a Connecticut boarding house. This clever retelling, performed by the spectacular cast and crew of Herndon High School, follows the story of Abby and Martha Brewster, two cheeky and eccentric sisters, and their nephew Mortimer. The seemingly sweet old ladies are hiding a deadly secret (or twelve): they've been poisoning lonely old men to "bring them peace" and hiding the bodies in their basement! Upon discovering this, Mortimer runs laps about the story to cover up and prevent further killings, alongside fending off his equally psychotic brother. After all, having such an unconventional family would ruin his image in the mind of the girl he's trying to marry! Cara Ethington and Ember Howard might be real sisters, for the chemistry they had while playing Abby and Martha was impeccable. Their comedic timing together was perfection, consistently landing jokes--they really put the sense of humor into the term "dark comedy." Ethington and Howard played off of each other splendidly across the entire show, keeping the energy high with their amusing old lady mannerisms and accents. Luca Aten, as Mortimer, seemed like the only normal person in a sea of neurotics. His back-and-forth antics with his aunts, brother (Ryan Hertel), and fiancée (Natalie Delpino) were witty and attention-grabbing. With an impactful voice like a classic radio announcer's, Aten stole the spotlight every time he was onstage. As a whole, the entire cast was full of life, drawing the audience into the story. There was never a dull moment onstage, even for characters in the background; the energy was consistent across the show, and there were new bits to discover with every scene. Whether romantic or familial, the chemistry between every actor and their scene partner was spectacular. Bringing together the 1940s sitcom feel were the impeccable technical elements of the performance. With a set designed and created entirely by students (Carson Brownlee, Mubeen Ahmad, Trevor Freeman, Serena Indrisano), the stage was full of minute details that pulled the entire show together–stepping through the theatre doors took you straight into the home with the characters. Keeping the atmosphere alive was the soundscaping, designed by Virginia Williams. The sound effects throughout were selected to reflect the 1940s setting, including a blaring doorbell and a cheery phone ring, which tied all aspects of the show together. Throughout the comedic chaos of the play, the cast and crew of Herndon High School teach you two important lessons: respect your elders, and DON'T drink the elderberry wine!!

by Chuck Cascio, Author and Former South Lakes Teacher Mikie Sherrill Stepping forward in today's dynamic political landscape would seem to be a difficult decision to make--scrutiny has never been higher, social media contribute to informational skepticism, and an increased public profile often results in individuals being targeted in unique ways. Still, dynamic leaders are needed and are arguably more essential than ever. Taking that major step forward is former Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), who grew up in Reston and was recently elected Governor of New Jersey. For Mikie (aka Rebecca Michelle Sherrill), taking the step to move from Congress to the leader of her state, is rooted in her longtime commitment to public service. "I have always been motivated by service – to country, to community, and to those around me," she says. "Serving others has always been my focus, and I look forward to continuing to do that as Governor of New Jersey." Mikie's dedication to service is reinforced by her personal history. After graduating from South Lakes High School in 1990, she attended the Naval Academy and then served for nearly a decade as a helicopter pilot and a Russian Policy Officer. "After leaving the Navy, I went to law school and eventually became the first outreach and reentry coordinator in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey," she says. "In that role, I was able to make sure the people leaving prison – and their families – were set up for success with a steady job, a safe place to live, and adequate healthcare." Contributing to her impressive personal background is the fact that she also earned a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics and a certificate in Arabic language from the American University in Cairo. Her military service deeply fed Mikie's awareness of differences that she feels need to be addressed: "The experiences I had serving in countries where women and minorities were second class citizens and where people often didn’t have equal rights or protections impacted my understanding of how important our Constitution and good government are. Those are certainly some of the experiences that led me to want to continue serving the country as an elected official, first as a member of Congress and now as Governor of New Jersey." Her commitment to addressing those issues is at the core of Mikie's objectives as she moves into the role of Governor. In defeating her Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli by 14.4% she ran on three main issues--"lowering costs, protecting our kids, and bringing transparency and accountability to state government in Trenton," she says, adding that "On Day One as Governor, I’ll declare a state of emergency on utility costs and freeze rate hikes to lower resident’s bills. I’ll cut through red tape to help reduce the time it takes to get projects into our energy grid." Mikie's own energy has been apparent since her early days roaming around Reston, swimming for the Fox Mill Woods Swim team, and playing soccer for the Reston Rowdies. At SLHS, she was a cheerleader ("which was especially fun at basketball games with Grant Hill playing," she says) and a French horn player in the band as well as an outstanding student ("I still remember learning about the gene mapping project in Mrs. Cascio's biology class, and I would have considered a major in biology if the Naval Academy had offered it."). Upon reflection, Mikie recognizes that spending her youth in Reston influenced her worldview and impacted a major decision in her own life. "Growing up in Reston with my two younger sisters, Megan and Mary, I took many of the experiences we had for granted," she says. "Reston was diverse, many families had also lived in other countries, and a lot of parents were public servants." As a result, after leaving the military, going into law, moving to New York, getting married, and starting a family of four children, Mikie says, "As my husband and I were living in New York and deciding where to raise our kids, I wanted them to grow up in the same kind of community. So Reston impacted one of the biggest decisions I made!" From Reston to all over the world to New York and then to New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill has never backed away from taking the major step. She recognizes and embraces what that means, saying, "I’ll work to ensure that New Jerseyans know exactly where their tax dollars are going and that those programs are delivering for their community. When I’m Governor, the buck stops with me."

by Dawn Crosson, Owner, Publisher, Editor For three years without pause, The Reston Letter has provided monthly copies of our publication to almost two-thirds of Reston mailboxes free of charge. After trial and error, wins and losses, we have decided to take a fresh approach to our distribution model in 2026. With enormous confidence in the quality and importance of our community-supported and volunteer-run publication, we will continue to make it free to everyone and available at public locations around town. However, we will now offer a Reston Letter subscription option for those who would like copies delivered directly to their mailboxes and to enjoy members-only benefits. Those monthly subscriptions will serve to help continue our mission. Some great news about this fresh approach is that it will not limit distribution to Reston zip codes, as our previous model did; you can pay for a subscription to be mailed to you wherever you live– in Herndon, or all the way in Oregon– and by doing so support local, independent journalism in our country. These members will be ‘Friends of The Reston Letter’ and along with copies in their mailboxes, will enjoy exclusive content, invitations to members-only events, discounts from Reston businesses, and other perks. Thank you for your three years of love and support. We constantly hear how beloved our paper has become to many residents. Please continue to read and enjoy The Letter, and if you’re able to, support us on a monthly basis via a membership plan and get the most out of what we can offer. Please sign up now for a monthly cost of $5.00 to secure your next issue in your mailbox and your membership rewards. This is the last issue that will be delivered for free to Reston mailboxes. To order your subscription, please visit our website or click here. Subscribe here!

By Gene Policinski, Staff Writer Festive parade participants, made up of 60 groups and hundreds of marchers, brightened up the morning on Nov. 28. Photo by Patricia Kovacs Thousands lined streets in Reston Town Center on Nov. 28 for the 2025 Reston Holiday Parade and evening tree lighting event, bundled against brisk winds and wind-chill temperatures near 20 degrees. The 33rd annual parade down Market Street featured multiple choral and dance troupes, the Washington Nationals’ “racing presidents” mascots, and costumed Kiwanis Club marchers promoting the group’s annual “Polar Dip.” The 2026 plunge into Lake Anne is set for Feb. 7, raising funds for groups that support children’s services. The parade–recognized first in 2015 by USA TODAY as one of the nation’s leading holiday festivities–featured around 60 parade groups and hundreds of marchers, including giant balloons, scout troops, members of the Shriners’ fraternal organization driving tiny racing cars. and local sports league team champions. Police and fire and rescue units from Fairfax County, Fair Oaks, Sterling, and Washington D.C. drove the route, some with lights and sirens blaring, along with motorcycle teams. Several thousand spectators standing three- and four-deep on sidewalks saw costumed characters Frosty the Polar Bear, Peppermint Penguin, and The Grinch strolling down Market Street. The characters remained afterwards for “selfies” with spectators. Photo by Patricia Kovacs Some sightseers said they arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. to gain curbside seats along the route. Others said they had attended the parade as children and now bring their youngsters. The crowd included families from Herndon, Sterling, Fairfax, and South Riding, holiday visitors from New York City and Chicago, and families from several other nations. Angie Goff and Marina Marraco from Fox 5 DC were parade hosts. They noted that the SLHS marching band, marching near the parade’s conclusion, is preparing to represent Virginia at the national Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on Dec. 7 in Hawaii. A notable parade participant was Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, riding in an open car, the first woman to hold that law enforcement post. Newly elected U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw, Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn, State Delegate Karen Keys Garmarra, and State Sen. Jennifer Boysko also rode in the parade. Photo by Patricia Kovacs The SLHS Vocal Arts Chorus began the parade with the national anthem, along with the Fairfax County Police Honor Guard–which the parade host noted had performed earlier this year at the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter. The arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, in a horse-drawn carriage, closed the one-hour, half-mile parade. They returned about 6:30 p.m. for the lighting of the Town Center holiday tree. During the day, the holiday celebration along Market Street featured ice skating, ice carving demonstrations, mini train and horse-drawn carriage rides, a special mailbox for “letters to Santa,” and live holiday music from the Reston Chorale and the Reston Orchestra. BPX, Reston Town Center Association and Reston Community Center are partners and sponsors of the parade and tree lighting. A representative from Town Center developer BPX said in e-mail comments that planning for each year’s parade begins in the first three months of the year. Video coverage of the entire 2025 parade Fox 5 News is available at https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1748382/