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by Lincoln Patience, Staff Writer Insurance salesman and avid Chalkfest participant, Francis Deppner, drew a turtle as his animal of choice this year. Chalkfest "keeps me doing art," he said. Photo by Lincoln Patience About 800 people came out for Chalkfest at Reston Town Center on Oct. 19. This year, 100 amateur and professional artists transformed the town square into a vibrant outdoor gallery, filling the pavement with mind-blowing chalk drawings. Children drew, zipped by on scooters, and had their faces painted while parents walked dogs and snapped photos of the artists at work. “It’s like an outdoor art gallery,” said Dylan Van Vierssen, who teaches drums and keyboard at Herndon High School. Herndon’s Bach to Rock student band returned for another high-energy live performance that kept the festival buzzing. Photo by Lincoln Patience Event coordinator Ricki Marion said that proceeds from this year’s event will support two community art projects: the decoration of local utility boxes by Terraset Elementary School students and the renovation of the Free Little Art Gallery in Southgate. “Chalkfest is such an important event for us because it brings public art to the community at every level—professionals, amateurs, families, and kids,” Marion said. “Having public art that everyone can enjoy helps strengthen our community and reflects one of the core values Reston was founded on.” Professional artist Ben Morse has competed at Chalkfest every year since 2013 or 2014. “It’s fun, and it’s also a great way to connect with the public about art,” he said. His piece this year—a colorful hummingbird—paid homage to a painting by Salvador Dalí, whose work inspired him as a child. Insurance salesman and perennial participant Francis Deppner created a chalk turtle this year. “Every year I paint an animal,” he said. “A frog, a crab, Harambe—you name it. It’s the one thing that keeps me doing art.” Veteran chalk artist Penny Hauffe won first place in the professional artist category, followed by Morse (second) and Deppner (third). In the amateur division, Erin and Nancy Henry took first place, with Chloe Alford in second and Carla O’Brien, third. Amy Hoang earned the People’s Choice Award, while the Family and Kids category winners were Zinnia Marion, Jim Hannessian, and Grace Hutchison. Rossi and South Lakes STEAM Team teacher Marco Rando served as judges. Amateur artist Jen Lee hasn’t missed a single Chalkfest. Known for her detailed leaf tracings, Lee said her goal is simple: “What I love to do more than anything is inspire people to do art.” As she spoke, she handed her notebook to a child in a robot costume, who gleefully added an octopus to the page. “This is what happens when you get creatives together,” Lee said with a smile.

Join the Reston Museum for a special program on November 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., highlighting the history and cultural partnerships that took place at the original Reston Farm Market (1976–1997). Located at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, the event features a performance by Native American, Tomas Eaglebear, whose appearances at the Reston Farm Market became a meaningful and cultural engagement for Reston residents and visitors. The event includes an exhibit at the museum curated by the original owner and founder, Hall Kern. Mr. Kern will be available at the museum to discuss the market’s early years and its role as a gathering place for seasonal traditions, community building, and cultural exchange. A centerpiece of this history is the long-running collaboration between Hall Kern and Tomas Eaglebear, who first joined the market during the “Fort Pumpkin” autumn celebrations beginning in the 1980s. Tomas’ participation brought forward a broad scope of educational experiences rooted in the heritage of many First Nations. This partnership emerged at a pivotal moment in American history. Until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, many Native American cultural demonstrations and dances were restricted by law. Following the repeal, Native communities sought new opportunities to share and celebrate their traditions publicly. Reston became part of that movement when Hall Kern invited Tomas and members of Eaglebear’s organization, the Southwest Dancers, to the Farm Market. “This story reflects Reston’s founding values of inclusion, community learning, and shared celebration,” said Lisa Watts, Executive Director of the Reston Museum. “We hope this program will begin a renewed tradition, reflecting both the legacy of the market and the spirit of cultural respect and exchange that has been central to Reston since its earliest years.” This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Reston Museum at info@restonmuseum.org or visit www.restonmuseum.org/ . To learn more about Tomas Eaglebear and the Southwest Dancers, please visit southwestdancers.com/ Click here to learn more about Kern's scrapbook that memorializes Reston Farm Market.

Contributed by Fox Mill Elementary School Erin Edwards, Kaia Milligan, and Nora Gibbens traveled to Japan this fall. Photo contributed by FMES Fox Mill Elementary has restarted its cultural exchange program with Yabe Elementary in Yokohama, Japan. Fox Mill’s Japanese immersion choice fueled the exchange program, run by the collaboration with student guardians from the Japanese immersion program. The resumed exchange program consisted of children from Yabe who travelled to the U.S. in September 2024. Fox Mill fifth- and sixth-graders went to Japan in June 2025, where they practiced their Japanese language skills and learned more about the Japanese community by attending school with the Japanese students and spending seven days with a Japanese student’s family. Outside of school, the chaperones were flexible about the students’ choices. One of the longest trips was to Kamakura, a popular tourist spot near Yokohama, where the students viewed giant statues and towering temples and wood panel doors that lead to stone-lined paths descending into forests, and ate traditional Japanese cuisine. Sixth-grader Erin Edwards said she “was worried that they wouldn’t have many food choices for me, but the diversity of foods was astonishing, I really enjoyed the fresh fruit. It was truly a life changing experience, I really appreciate this opportunity and I'm so glad that I took it!” Kaia Milligan had a similar response: “I had an amazing experience and enjoyed being able to communicate with some Yabe students.”

Contributed by Reston Environmental Advisory Committee Photo by Reston Association staff As longtime Restonians, many of us have developed a deep appreciation for the environment. But as many communities are discovering, too much of even a good thing can become a problem. Such is the case with our overabundant deer population. Without natural predators and with plentiful food sources in our suburban landscape, deer populations have surged to unhealthy levels. While many recognize the damage overpopulated deer can inflict on gardens and plantings—as well as the danger they pose to motorists—fewer realize the harm this imbalance causes the deer themselves. Left unchecked, deer populations can quickly outgrow the environment’s ability to support them, leading to malnutrition, slow starvation, and the spread of diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal and highly contagious neurological disorder. Excessive deer browsing also devastates native plant populations and disrupts forest regeneration, as young trees—especially oaks and maples—are eaten before they can mature. As native wildflowers and shrubs decline, invasive species take over, reducing habitat quality for all wildlife, including the deer. In natural settings, predators would keep these risks in check. But in our altered suburban environments, where predators have been eliminated, the ecosystem has become unbalanced—threatening not only nature’s beauty, but also the health and future of our local woodlands and the deer populations they support. Although it may feel uncomfortable, responsible deer management—including population control—is essential for safeguarding both the environment and the animals themselves. Ecologists and wildlife managers agree that controlling local deer populations is key to restoring ecological balance, maintaining healthy forests, and protecting both people and wildlife. As good environmental stewards, we must develop a responsible management plan for Reston. The good news is that we are not alone in facing this challenge. Neighboring communities such as Fairfax County and Arlington County have already grappled with overabundant deer populations. Both have implemented management programs that combine public education, regulated hunts, and ongoing monitoring to address ecological and safety concerns. By learning from their experiences, Reston can create a balanced, effective approach tailored to our community’s needs—drawing on proven strategies to promote healthy forests and sustainable wildlife populations. To learn more about deer management, visit the Reston State of the Environment Report (RASER) on the Reston Association’s website and review the Wildlife Management Issues chapter.

by Katy Keffer, Guest Writer Hall Sheriff Kern's book memorializes Reston Farm Market What better time of year than November to call attention to historical Reston treasures than with Hall Sheriff Kern’s vibrant retrospective, “Reston Farm Market: An Oasis in the Desert of Common Things.” This book extends a warm invitation to revisit remarkable scenes from an early Reston landmark. Established and operated by Kern from 1976 until 1997, the Reston Farm Market became a household name and thriving business tucked within several acres of the corner pocket that is Baron Cameron Avenue and Leesburg Pike. Its seasonal bounty of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and beverages drew visitors from within Fairfax County and beyond. Memorable staples such as Fort Pumpkin, Native American powwows, and the annual arrival of the Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas trees cultivated a loyal following. Its closure in 1997 due to land development sparked an outpouring of support for the Reston locale. Just as a farm market is expected to have a cornucopia of offerings, this book delivers in equal measures. Like a polished scrapbook, many of its pages include nostalgic photos from the 1980s and 1990s of seasonal treats—samples of ripe watermelon, stacking of hay bales for a roadside labyrinth, or the straw people who dotted the market’s landscape. Also scattered within are informational narratives on the meaning of Native American attire or yellow-aged newspaper clippings that celebrate the market in its prime and honor it prior to closure. Colorful illustrations and promotional fliers further capture the unique and eclectic vibe. Even the occasional typo complements its down-to-earth charm. As with most businesses, the market depended on a community of steady customers, its friendly employees, and Kern’s own dream. Indeed, it is the book’s latter half that evokes these voices with distinct precision. In handwriting both legible and illegible, using cursive or print text, with some notes typed (typewriter-correct formatting included!), a special tribute through final memories, employee recognition, and warmhearted accolades rounds out the best of the Reston Farm Market. Scattered across these final pages are the individual voices who embraced the vision and are now part of its legacy. A pen drawing of an eye with two tears and the words “I’m gonna miss you;” another message of “boo hoo” with a frowny face; or the colored pencil drawings of each season shared by a young girl—so many of these tributes bolster the camaraderie built over its two decades. But perhaps the note that serves as a most appropriate sendoff is “what a cool place.” Find a copy of “Reston Farm Market”(August 2025) at The Reston Museum at Lake Anne or in The City of Fairfax Regional Library’s Virginia Room.

by Phantom Foodie Bar fare at Passionfish. Photo by Phantom Foodie Continuing my recent autumn happy hour tour around Reston Town Center, this month I opted for the happy hour bar experience at Passionfish. Having dined here in the past, the restaurant often delights seafood lovers. The expanded bar area features a curved bar seating 10 to 12 and four high-top tables. The décor is welcoming and upscale, with a beautiful bounty of fresh seafood displayed over ice to the left. Yet, the entry and ambiance didn’t quite match expectations. With the high-top tables occupied, I took a spot in the middle of the bar. Three bartenders were busy wiping down glassware rather than greeting guests or attending the bar. The staff’s lack of engagement made me feel more like an intruder than a guest—no greeting, no recommendations, no conversation. I’ve had warmer welcomes at the joints in Dulles Airport Terminal C. Learning a point-of-sale system on the fly is probably not something patrons need to know either. Moving on to the food—remember, we’re talking bar bites, not the full entrée menu. The roasted beet salad is a favorite. Black Angus cheeseburger sliders were a bit overcooked, but the sweet-and-salty bacon jam brought excitement to each bite. Two blackened fish tacos with pickled slaw were tasty, but not unforgettable; perhaps my palate prefers a hint of lime crema or sriracha aioli. The standout, however, was the spicy salmon maki roll. This six-piece roll impressed both in taste and value. All dishes arrived quickly, thanks to pleasant food runners, showing that the new order ticket system works well. Photo by Phantom Foodie One notable drawback: local, vocal regulars and their fur babies. While I’m dog-friendly, a small canine cameo at the bar was inappropriate and distracting while eating sushi. According to Passionfish policy, non-service dogs should be leashed on the outdoor patio. This awkward situation could have been easily avoided with staff intervention. What could have been a fun, random evening happy hour instead became a distraction, overshadowing an otherwise enjoyable meal. Bar service, aside from the food runners, was lackluster. Still, if you’re up for a drink, bar bites, quiet staff, and maybe a random dog tail with your cocktail, Passionfish’s happy hour is worth a try. Dining in offers a wider menu of options. Kids’ plates and family meals are available, as well as private events and online ordering. Loyalty club members enjoy exclusive privileges, and Thanksgiving To-Go options are currently available. 11960 Democracy Drive Daily Happy hour 2:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday; 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday Reservations via OpenTable or 703-230-3474 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 Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess I love hosting dinner parties and do so often. It’s part passion, part tradition, rooted in my big Italian family, where meals were lively, laughter-filled events that made everyone feel they belonged. Some of my dinners are styled to the nines with layered china and seasonal menus; others are simpler—candlelight, a good bottle of wine, and guests I think will enjoy meeting. Whether I’m mixing people from different corners of my life or carving out space for real conversation in a world that rarely slows down, the goal is always the same: to make people feel welcome. At a recent dinner, guests who’d never met lingered for hours, laughing and planning their next get-together. It reminded me how little it takes to create something meaningful—and how much we need that right now. When did you last sit down to dinner without rushing? No phones, no TV, no juggling schedules—just people talking and eating together. For most of us, those meals have become rare. We eat on the go, in front of screens, squeezed between obligations. But here in Reston, connection has always been part of the design. From the beginning, this community was built around the belief that neighborhoods thrive when people come together in shared green spaces, at cultural events, and around the table. Founder Robert E. Simon’s 1964 vision still holds: we’re at our best when we gather. Historically, the table has been more than a place to eat. It’s where memories take shape, stories unfold, and relationships grow. Yet as life speeds up, we’ve let the table become a place we pass through instead of a place we pause. Something changes when we slow down and sit together. Conversation flows. People soften. Passing food creates space for listening and laughter. It doesn’t take much—a meal, a table, and time. If we want more face-to-face connections, we need to make room for them. Host that dinner you’ve been putting off. Light the candles. Invite someone over. Begin with what you have. Pull up a chair, Reston. The table is ready. Noelle Sharbaugh, the High Heeled Hostess, is a published and award-winning tablescape designer dedicated to helping people transform dining experiences into unforgettable events. For more tips, tricks, and hosting inspiration, visit www.highheeledhostess.com/ , or email her at noelle@highheeledhostess.com

Each November, I am struck that World Kindness Day, on Nov. 13, falls in the same month as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, Nov. 22 this year. We all have stories—different histories, experiences, and memories that shape our daily choices. A quick Google search defines kindness as being generous, friendly, and considerate. Choosing kindness over judgment keeps us open to connection. In our current environment, connection—to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, teammates, and even strangers—is essential to keep us afloat. Mental health professionals often struggle with sharing our own stories, and believe me, we all have them. Early in my career, I realized that revealing some details about my life allows clients to see me as human, deepening trust and strengthening the therapeutic relationship. I don’t disclose daily, but when appropriate, sharing helps clients feel less alone. I will never forget the relief on a client’s face when I shared that I, too, have yelled at my (now young adult) children, been frustrated with an aging parent, lost a loved one, or made a poor decision. I, too, forget to pause before speaking or acting sometimes. As we prepare for holiday gatherings—many of which can be challenging—I want to share part of my story to remind us all to choose kindness. Warning: the following paragraph includes details of suicide. I am a survivor of suicide loss. My father, a complicated man who would have turned 86 this month, had highs that charmed everyone and lows that kept him on our couch for days. He showed love in his own way, but his bipolar diagnosis complicated everything. I last saw him at 13, and in 2000 learned from my uncle that he had died by suicide. Processing this over the years has been both painful and enlightening—and part of what led me to pursue psychology. So now you know something about me that would otherwise remain hidden. Imagine all the hundreds of people we meet whose stories we don’t know. As you face family and others in the coming months, remember that everyone carries struggles. A sister-in-law who seems abrupt might be overworked; approach her with kindness and grace. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving—please be kind, grateful, and maybe stay away from the news during the holidays! Psych’d to see you next month! -Dr. S. 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!

by Gwyn Whittaker, Owner of GreenFare When I first read “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” by Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., it was an awakening. I had lost my partner to heart disease when he was only 50. Both his parents had also died of it, and his South Carolina upbringing—where food is often barbecued or fried—undoubtedly played a role. Before reading Esselstyn’s work, I hadn’t realized how directly diet could cause heart disease. Esselstyn showed that in the United States, heart disease is already common among young adults aged 17 to 34. We often treat its symptoms with medications and procedures but rarely reverse the condition through a proven dietary intervention: a whole-food, plant-based diet without added oil. The revelation that heart disease can not only be prevented but also reversed was profound. As I explored other books—such as “Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes” and Michael Greger’s “How Not to Die”—I discovered a striking pattern: for most chronic illnesses, the cure (not just the treatment) is nearly always the same. Since 2002, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (lifestylemedicine.org) has educated medical professionals on the fundamentals of a whole-food, plant-based diet, along with the importance of exercise, sleep, stress management, and healthy social connections. Physicians certified by the ACLM focus on empowering patients to reverse chronic conditions rather than immediately prescribing medications or procedures. At GreenFare Organic Café, a sign in the window reads: “If your doctor prescribes a medication without asking about your diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol consumption, stress level, or family history, you don’t have a doctor—you have a drug dealer.” While blunt, it highlights an unfortunate truth: some doctors still claim that diet has nothing to do with health. Yet intuitively, we know that “you are what you eat.” In just 21 days, we routinely see people reduce or eliminate medications for blood pressure and cholesterol, and even begin tapering diabetes medications within the first week. Health is the natural state, yet as a society we’ve grown heavier and sicker because of our reliance on processed foods and animal products. Removing oils and animal foods—and instead eating generous portions of beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits without added salt, oil, sugar, preservatives, or dyes—can bring dramatic improvements in a short time. This rapid recovery remains a well-kept secret, not by design but due to the lack of education about nutrition’s powerful role in health. Most physicians receive only a single nutrition class during training. The message we share through the GreenFare 21 Kickstart program and other free events is one of empowerment: how to make these changes and let them work for you. The expectations are high, and the results can be life-changing.

by Alexis Estep, Kids Section Writer Quinn Estep, 2nd grader, makes Thanksgiving Turkey Roll-Ups Friendsgiving, the best holiday of the Year! Now that Halloween has passed, it is time to focus on what I consider to be my Olympics, Thanksgiving. It is a time when I can cook all of my favorite foods, try out new recipes, and spend quality time with the ones I love. In our home, Thanksgiving doesn’t mean just family. In fact, when I was growing up, it was a time of year when we opened our home to those who may not have had a place to go or friends we considered to be family. Now that I have my own children, we keep that tradition alive by hosting Friendsgiving! We like to celebrate the weekend or two before actual Thanksgiving, so that as many friends as possible can join us. Everyone brings a dish to share, kids get to have a giant play date, and parents can reconnect. Whatever your traditions may be, or who you celebrate with, I hope that it's filled with fun and good food! And maybe make these yummy roll-ups made from your leftovers! ;) Thanksgiving Tortilla Roll-Ups Ingredients: ● 4 12-inch flour tortillas ● 4 tsp Boursin cheese (or cream cheese) ● 1/2 lb roasted turkey slices ● 1 cup fresh spinach ● 4 tbsp cranberry sauce ● 1 tablespoon olive oil Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 2. Lay the 4 tortillas on a counter or work surface. Spread the boursin cheese(or cream cheese) evenly over each of the 4 tortillas. Place the roast turkey evenly over the cheese, and then spread with cranberry sauce. Finally, sprinkle the spinach over the turkey. 3. Working with one tortilla at a time, fold the sides of the tortilla in, then tightly roll the tortilla into a roll. Brush a little bit of the olive oil on the edge of the tortilla to help it stick closed, and place seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. 4. Brush the remaining olive oil over the tops of the roll-ups. 5. Bake in the preheated oven until the roll-ups are browned, about 10 minutes. 6. To serve, cut the roll-ups in half and enjoy!

By Victoria Stacy, Co-Editor of the Kids’ Section By helping, speaking up, and voting, every citizen can make a difference! November is a special month in the United States, as many elections happen during this time. Even if you’re not old enough to vote yet, it’s a great time to learn how people participate in government and help their communities. In and around Reston, there are three big ways citizens get involved: voting, activism, and community service. 1. Voting Voting is one of the most important ways adults help make decisions for their community, state, and country. In November, people go to polling places to choose leaders and vote on important issues. Even here in Reston, citizens take part in local elections, such as voting for the Reston Association Board of Directors. Try this: Ask a trusted adult to show you what a ballot looks like or talk with you about elections. If it’s allowed, go with them when they vote so you can see how people make their voices heard! 2. Activism Activism means speaking up about things that matter, like protecting nature, improving schools, or making neighborhoods safe and welcoming for everyone. In Fairfax County, groups help teach citizens how to share ideas with leaders and learn about what’s happening in their community, so that they can make informed decisions. Try this: Write a short letter or draw a picture to thank a community leader, or share a positive idea that could help others. Using your voice respectfully can make a big difference! 3. Community Service Helping others is another powerful way to shape a community. In Reston, Volunteer Reston organizes activities like cleaning nature trails, helping at events, and caring for local parks. Try this: Join a family volunteer day, or simply help clean up a playground or park. Acts of service show pride in your community and help everyone enjoy where they live. You Can Make a Difference! By learning about voting, activism, and community service, you are already becoming a thoughtful and responsible citizen. Even small actions can help shape the world around you. Keep asking questions, stay curious about how decisions are made, and look for ways to help others. Your voice, your ideas, and your kindness all matter, and one day, you’ll be the one leading the way in your community!

By Victoria Stacy, Co-Editor of the Kids’ Section Have you ever said “thank you” and felt a little happier afterward? That’s not just a feeling! Something special is happening inside your brain! Gratitude, which means noticing and appreciating the good things in life, can actually change how your brain works and help you spot even more positive moments around you. What is gratitude (and what’s mindfulness)? Gratitude is paying attention to the things, big or small,that make life better: a friend sharing a snack, a warm blanket, a teacher helping you, or a fun game at recess. Mindfulness is slowing down and focusing on what’s happening right now. When you combine mindfulness with gratitude, you give your brain a chance to really notice the good things instead of rushing past them. Your brain on gratitude Scientists have discovered that when you think about something you’re thankful for, certain brain areas light up—especially the parts that help you feel happy, calm, and connected to others. When these parts of the brain are active, your body releases more “feel-good” chemicals. Even cooler? The more you practice gratitude, the stronger those parts of your brain become just like a muscle! Over time, your brain learns to look for the positive instead of focusing only on problems or stress. Researchers say that gratitude can even make your brain better at noticing kindness, joy, hope, and good opportunities around you. It’s like switching on a “positive-finding flashlight” inside your head! Why does gratitude matter in everyday life? Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes we have tough days, feel frustrated, or things don’t go our way. Gratitude doesn’t erase challenges, but it balances them by reminding us that good things still exist. Kids who practice gratitude often: Feel happier and less worried Sleep better Get along more easily with others Feel more confident and proud of themselves Gratitude can even help us bounce back faster after something disappointing happens because our brains know where to look for hope and support. Train your brain! Your brain pays attention to what you practice. If you complain a lot, your brain gets better at spotting what’s wrong. But if you practice gratitude, your brain becomes better at finding what’s right. That means every “thank you,” every happy memory you notice, and every moment you appreciate something helps your brain grow stronger and kinder. A tiny experiment you can try right now Take a slow breath. Think of one good thing that happened today-anything! Maybe you enjoyed breakfast, someone smiled at you, or you learned something new. Notice how thinking of that good thing feels in your body. Warmer? Calmer? Smilier? That’s gratitude doing its job! Your brain is always learning. When you focus on what’s good, your brain becomes better at seeing the world as a place full of possibility, kindness, and little moments of joy. So take a second today to say, “Thanks, brain!” Because being thankful helps you become the best version of you.