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by Gene Powell, Staff Writer Dominion Energy has started a new round of clearing trees and brush near its transmission line towers along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. The work, which began Oct. 20, is expected to last three to four months. This phase covers a 2.6-mile stretch of the trail between Vienna and the Hunter Mill Road area near Reston. In an Oct. 9 letter to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks), Dominion said it plans to remove “36 dead, dying, or diseased trees,” along with “overgrown brush and invasive plant species” within its right-of-way beside the trail. Dominion describes the work as part of its regular vegetation maintenance program, meant to keep transmission lines secure and ensure safety for trail users. The company holds an easement along much of the W&OD Trail—land access rights it retained when it sold the corridor to NOVA Parks in 1974 to establish the trail. The route had been owned earlier by the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, which shut down in 1968. Earlier this year, Dominion’s tree-clearing between Dunn Loring and Vienna drew criticism from residents and local officials, who called it unnecessary and damaging “clear-cutting.” In response, Dominion paused its next phase and worked with park staff to develop a more selective approach, which resumed later in the summer. In its recent letter to newly appointed NOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson, Dominion said it had completed a “walk-through” of the next work area with park staff—a step NOVA officials had requested before any new clearing began. Dominion also proposed meeting with park staff to finalize a replanting plan, possibly including pollinator habitats or native, low-growing trees and shrubs. The company noted that replanting would need to start soon, before colder weather sets in. Wilson confirmed that discussions with Dominion are ongoing. While NOVA’s earlier, more extensive replanting and longterm vegetation management plan is no longer under consideration, he said communication between the two groups has improved. Both sides are now working toward a new “Memorandum of Understanding.” “We walked the 2.6-mile portion of the trail recently, and while we’re still working through some details, the engagement was much better,” Wilson said, noting that the new work will be more selective and “not clear-cutting.” Dominion’s transmission lines run beside the eastern 30 miles of the 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion Trail, managed by NOVA Parks. The trail stretches from its eastern trailhead in Shirlington through Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, and Herndon in Fairfax County, and west to Sterling, Leesburg, and Purcellville in Loudoun County.

By Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess Themed cocktails set the mood. Photo contributed by HHH Holiday entertaining can be one of the year's most joyful and overwhelming times. It doesn’t have to be. With a few strategies and well-placed touches, your gathering can be festive and elegant without much effort. From throwing a cocktail party to hosting a sit-down dinner or planning a casual open house, these five tips will help you entertain with confidence, style, and make your guests feel well cared for. Start with a Showstopping Table Before anyone takes a bite, the table sets the tone. Create a setting that feels special and seasonal: Layer with texture and seasonal elements such as runners, metallic accents, or fresh greenery. Add ambiance with candles and place cards—bonus points for small favors at each setting. Choose a theme or color palette to keep the look cohesive and visually striking. Curate a Manageable (but Memorable) Menu Your menu doesn’t have to be complicated to impress. Focus on a few make-ahead dishes to save time—and your sanity. Include one signature appetizer guests will remember and a crowd-pleasing dessert to end on a high note. Be thoughtful about dietary needs with a vegetarian or gluten-free option. Have a backup plan in place in case of unexpected mishaps. Think Uber Eats or your favorite local pizza spot. Create a Signature Sip or Beverage Station Drinks are more than just refreshments—they set the mood. Serve a themed cocktail like a cranberry thyme spritz or spiced pear fizz. Set up a self-serve drink station with garnishes, glassware, and signage for some flair. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options like mulled cider or a sparkling holiday mocktail. Set the Mood with Lighting and Music The right atmosphere sets the tone before the first bite is served. Use string lights, dimmers, and votives to create a cozy glow. Curate a playlist that fits the mood—lively for mingling, mellow for a sit-down dinner. Add a seasonal scent with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or a simmer pot on the stove. Focus on the Thoughtful Details Guests may not remember every dish, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. Greet guests with a welcome drink and some light snacks so they are not starving by the time you serve the meal. Include festive extras like printed menus, themed napkins, or a fun photo spot. Send guests home with a small takeaway—wrapped cookies, an ornament, or a handwritten note. Holiday hosting doesn’t have to feel like a performance. With a little planning and creativity, you can design a meaningful and beautiful gathering—and enjoy it, too. Here’s to sparkling tables, delicious bites, and the joy of welcoming others this holiday season. For more seasonal inspiration and entertaining ideas, visit www.highheeledhostess.com and follow for updates and exclusive content. 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

Reston Town Center’s Rocktoberfest was a smashing success! The event drew a record crowd of over 7,500 people – the largest ever for a Town Center concert. Some of the highlights included Smash Mouth prompting the crowd to light up the night with their phones, a moment that completely electrified the plaza. Similarly, the crowd responded very well to the high-energy finale featuring fan-favorites “I’m a Believer” and “All Star.” During “All Star,” Smash Mouth generously asked Ace Monroe (one of the fantastic opening acts) to join them on stage. That scene was emblematic of the night and represented the joy that filled the town center. By the end of the night, every single person was on their feet singing. The event also provided a strong boost for local restaurants participating in the RTC sponsored Sip & Stroll collaboration. The Reston Town Center Board will meet in December to set the budget and schedule for next year and we’re hopeful this will become an annual tradition. -Robert Goudie, Executive Director of the Reston Town Center Association (RTCA) Photos by Isadora Guerreiro For the 8th year, ‘SUP Witches’ Halloween Coven Paddle brought Halloween spirit to Lake Anne More than 60 witches, warlocks, and costumed paddlers brought Halloween fun to Lake Anne for the annual ‘SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Witches’ Halloween Coven Paddle in Reston. What began as a small gathering in 2018 has grown into a beloved neighborhood tradition that residents of all ages look forward to. Laughter, cheers, and playful cackles echoed across the lake as they glided toward the plaza, wrapping up the parade by enjoying music and spooky brews at Lake Anne Brew House (LABH). Photos by Sol Street Photo

by Lincoln Patience, Staff Writer Photo by Lincoln Patience Ovissi Boutique, an art shop honoring the work of Iranian-American painter Nasser Ovissi, opened at Reston Town Center on Oc. 19. The boutique’s debut featured many of Ovissi’s celebrated paintings alongside works by several other Iranian artists, curated by his daughter, Maryam Ovissi. “This is in celebration and honor of him as a living legend,” she said. Now 91, Nasser Ovissi served for more than a decade as a diplomat and cultural attaché for the Iranian government, frequently traveling to Rome and Madrid. He reached the height of his artistic fame in 1977, when he exhibited alongside Salvador Dalí. While in Madrid during the Iranian Revolution, Ovissi chose to leave his diplomatic career behind to dedicate himself fully to art. Soon afterward, he moved to Reston, where he has lived and painted ever since. Ovissi is best known for his stylized depictions of women, horses, and pomegranates. His works blend traditional Persian symbols and geometric motifs with a modern focus on the strength and vitality of women. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of the Saqqakhaneh movement—a grassroots and highly personal artistic trend that reinterpreted traditional Persian imagery in a contemporary light. Many of its artists, including Ovissi, drew on international experiences to inform their work. Photo by Lincoln Patience Proceeds from the boutique benefit the Ovissi Foundation, a family-run nonprofit supporting Iranian artists such as award-winning ceramicists Delaram Pirooz and Behzad Eslami. The shop’s opening also showcased creations by designer Sarah Barzmehri and jeweler Azar Delaimi, a metalsmith who crafts contemporary heirlooms inspired by Persian traditions. “I think we all need a little writing, art, and poetry in our lives,” Delaimi said. “It reminds you of a culture that you’re used to—a culture that’s part of me.” “It’s very authentic,” added chemist and visitor Ali Mohamad. Largely self-taught, Ovissi produced much of his artwork in response to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which stripped Iranian women of many of their rights, including the freedom to sing and dance. “Nasser Ovissi celebrated women, placing them front and center—showing them in seats of power as nobility, singing, dancing, and in harmony with nature,” Maryam Ovissi said. “Placing women front and center is an act of defiance against a regime that tried to hide and disempower them.”

by Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer Reston's own Chuck Cascio has published his latest work, a collection of short stories. He encourages everyone to share their own stories. Chuck Cascio, award-winning journalist, author, and contributor to The Reston Letter, has just released “Awakenings,” a collection of short stories that blends everyday realism with emotional depth. This latest work follows his earlier books “The Fire Escape Stories, Never Ask ‘Why’” and “The Fire Escape Belongs in Brooklyn.” Cascio says writing is “in my blood,” noting that his maternal grandfather founded the first Italian American newspaper. Cascio himself joined his high school paper, where he learned every aspect of the craft—from writing and editing to layout and production. He continued writing for numerous newspapers throughout college and even earned an “A” in one class after his instructor promised the grade to anyone who got published in The Washington Post. Cascio’s article, about a local church that served as a hospital during the Civil War, appeared in the Post—and led to hundreds more published pieces for the paper over the years. Along the way, Cascio turned his creative energy toward books, both fiction and nonfiction. That path has now led to “Awakenings.” Many of the stories in the collection trace their roots to years of accumulated notes and ideas—thoughts jotted down during his time as a student, journalist, and educator—that finally took shape as complete narratives. Cascio writes with the reader’s experience in mind. “I love when a story leaves a little space for the reader,” he says. “Let them interpret. That’s when the story keeps living, even after it’s done.” A longtime educator and storyteller, Cascio’s writing has always been grounded in realism. “Awakenings” continues that tradition, offering stories that feel both familiar and fresh—whether rediscovering friendship, experiencing quiet revelations, or exploring moments of change. Each reader is likely to find at least one story that resonates. Although currently focused on “Awakenings,” Cascio has no shortage of future ideas. He’s developing two novel concepts, one about a mysterious “freelance terrorist” hiding in a beach town, and another about three lifelong friends navigating life’s complexities. For now, though, his attention remains on sharing “Awakenings” and inspiring others to write. “If you don’t put something out there, nothing will happen,” he says. “You’re writing for yourself, yes, but also for someone you may never meet. That’s the beauty of it. So tell the story. Get it out there.” “Awakenings” is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats at https://a.co/d/hP9g4NA/ To explore more of Cascio’s work, visit www.chuckcascioauthor.com .

'Arsenic & Old Lace' to take Herndon Theatre stage' by Erin Grogan, HHS Theatre Under the direction of Scott D. Pafumi, Herndon Theatre transports audiences to the Brewster home, where seemingly sweet sisters Abby and Martha live with their nephews Mortimer and Teddy. But all is not as it seems in Brooklyn. Mortimer soon discovers that his aunts are poisoning lonely old men with homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and cyanide. Meanwhile, his brother Teddy believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, digging locks in the Panama Canal in the basement, and their estranged, homicidal brother Jonathan has returned with his nefarious companion, Dr. Einstein. How can Mortimer possibly marry his sweetheart Elaine from next door with all this chaos? Hijinks ensue, identities are mistaken, and madness reigns as the Brewster family teeters between sanity and mayhem. “The students thrive in comedy, and their energy plays off each other really well,” says student teacher Isabel Nemati, who joined the Herndon Theatre community this semester. Student director Ace Lamoureux adds, “It’s the perfect blend of comedy and murder, and the actors push themselves to put on an exceptional show.” Don’t miss it! Junior Hamad Aljibreen, who plays Teddy, says, “It’s the perfect introduction to what Herndon Theatre is all about.” A monster calls! Friday is opening night Contributed by A Monster Calls PR team You’ve never seen high school theater like this before! “A Monster Calls” at South Lakes High School isn’t just being performed; it’s being created. It’s known as “devised theater,” storytelling built entirely through collaboration. Most plays start with a script. Devised theater starts with imagination. In this process, the story has been shaped together through improvisation, movement, and ideas from every member of the cast, crew, and creative team. Every moment you see on stage is born from exploration, not just repetition. “‘A Monster Calls’ has been the most personal piece I’ve ever directed,” says Theatre Arts Teacher Michael Viola. “Reliving some of the darker parts of my childhood through the main character’s eyes has been a challenge, but it’s also been a uniquely cathartic experience. I know that the story is immensely personal for many of my students involved and will be for many audience members, too. It’s beautiful and impactful.” Performances are scheduled for Nov. 14 , 15, 21 and 22. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up due to mature themes including bullying, death, and grief. Special effects, including haze, fog, and flashing lights, will be used. Tickets may be purchased through etix.com/

By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Greenery and natural light give Potters Union an organic and modern feel for potters to enjoy while creating. Photo by Benjamin Burgess It began simply—two successful professional women, each seeking a change of pace, each drawn to clay—and has grown into a quietly transformative studio now open to the community. Earlier this year, Reston neighbors and best friends Jennie Persson and Paola Lluberas turned a backyard hobby into something much bigger: Potters Union, a membership-based pottery studio built around creativity, connection, and calm. Both women left established careers—Persson in international development, Lluberas in finance—to create a space where people could slow down, work with their hands, and find inspiration together. Their shared passion for clay evolved into a mission to build community through art. “We’re not just stay-at-home moms,” Persson said. “We both were successful career women in corporations, traveling, working too many hours a day. We traded that for something we love and can grow—and still have time for our kids.” The business offers them the flexibility to handle administrative work when the children are asleep. Lluberas, who moved to Reston in 2021, has two children; Persson, who arrived two years later, has one child and another due in December. Their paths to pottery began differently. Lluberas’ late husband gifted her a small pottery wheel and a set of tools, and she began “throwing” in her backyard. She soon invited Persson—who had done pottery years earlier—to join her. When they wanted to work indoors again, they discovered that local studios were full. Then came a lightbulb moment: why not open their own? By mid-May, they had incorporated; by June 1, they had signed a lease. The real work began immediately. They tore out the former office layout, designed tables and shelving—the biggest challenge for any pottery studio—and renovated the kitchen. The space itself was chosen with intention, Lluberas said. “Filled with greenery, natural light, and modern, organic design elements, the studio feels like an extension of home.” A lounge area and a balcony with a view of tall, leafy trees provide room to relax and exchange ideas. Their goal was not an industrial warehouse, like many studios, but a cozy, light-filled environment for creativity and connection. They bought kilns, wheels, and tools—and learned by doing. “I had never seen a kiln before,” Persson admitted. Her advice to other women considering a big change: “Take the leap. You can learn literally anything.” Potters Union operates much like a gym for clay. With 25 members (and one spot still open), it offers flexible tiers: full membership with open access six days a week or a smaller-shelf option for three days. Members receive discounts on classes and workshops. The studio culture is designed to be open and welcoming. “Many studios require an audition, which can feel intimidating,” Persson said. “We say, ‘Bring your hands, bring your energy—you don’t need to be a professional.’” Neither founder calls herself artistic in the traditional sense, but both promise newcomers will “try it once and fall in love.” Potters Union offers eight-week beginner and intermediate/advanced sessions led by six instructors with varied backgrounds. Classes cover hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glaze-mixing—where a little chemistry goes a long way. While the local community center’s pottery studio is available only by lottery, Potters Union offers steady access through membership. They’ve already learned from their members—what clays people prefer, what techniques inspire them—and have even welcomed participants from Dubai and Japan, bringing global perspectives to the local clay community. Potters Union is more than a hobby space. Research shows that working with clay reduces stress, builds focus, and fosters social connection. “With clay on your hands, you cannot check your phone,” Persson said. Lluberas added, “Find peace—your own sanctuary, a home away from home… and have so much fun.” In a fast-moving world of screens and deadlines, Potters Union invites everyone to slow down, get their hands dirty, and shape something real—not just clay, but friendships, focus, and self-expression. Persson and Lluberas already envision future locations, but for now they’re focused on refining this one, welcoming members, and becoming part of the area’s creative fabric. As they like to remind newcomers: take the leap, learn something new, make space for yourself—and maybe walk out with a bowl you made and a sense of belonging you hadn’t expected. Potters Union is located at 427B Carlisle Drive. Visit www.pottersunion.com/

by Emma Ayres, Guest Writer SLHS teacher Marco Rando accepted his reward on Oct. 24. Photo by Du Col Portraits South Lakes High School art teacher Marco Rando accepted the ArtsFairfax Education Award on Oct. 24. The award honors artists who are “providing exceptional arts education opportunities and experiences,” according to ArtsFairfax. Rando is the founder and sponsor of South Lakes’ STEAM Team, which creates public art for the community and organizes outreach programs in Reston. “STEAM is an amazing program that affords students a real-world experience as a consultant in an art and design corporation,” Rando said. Students in the club work directly with Public Art Reston, allowing them to learn the process for creating public works as a professional. Rando attributes much of the program's success to the students in it. “We need everybody's different skills and talents to come together and collaborate to make this larger work of art that is meant to create a dialogue with the community,” Rando said. Another aspect of the program is the constant cycle of students graduating and new students joining. “It's been amazing because each year the club morphs into its own energy entity because students are different,” Rando started, “Though they do the same sort of exercises [each year], it's always different, and that's what makes it exciting.” Rando said he was “ecstatic” to learn he’d won the award for STEAM’s success. “I knew what ArtsFairfax was, but I had no idea their reach throughout the county,” he said. “I knew they amplified the arts in the county, but when I went to the ceremony and saw hundreds of people in the audience, I was blown away.” The win affirmed the STEAM program’s mission over the past 14 years. “The award means that what we are doing is completely valid because students get to share their authentic voice to the community,” Rando said. At the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Reston, Rando was nervous about giving his acceptance speech before he realized that he would be surrounded by South Lakes administration and local politicians. “It was easier to be up on stage with all these people behind me because I just felt the support,” he said. “Of course I wrote out a script that I was going to follow. When I got there, I just felt like it's time to go off script and speak more from my heart.” STEAM students were excited to hear of their teacher’s win. “He’s very invested and gets us all moving,” said Jaya Chatfield, STEAM TEAM’s student president. “He's very dedicated to what he does, and is good at getting people involved.” Rando is excited about STEAM’s future. “The biggest kick I get is seeing people in the community. They'll approach me and ask ‘‘When's the next project?’ Now their expectation is “to see more of what the students can do,’” Rando said. “That's a huge feeling. It's just a warm, fuzzy feeling to know that that connection has been made to the community.” “I appreciate the award, and I feel like I'm awarded every year getting to be part of the club,” he added.

By Shanen Elliott, Guest Writer Aya Ryan and Quinn Jackson lead the chase pack at Regionals. Photo by Shanen Elliott The South Lakes Girls Varsity Cross Country Team finished their 2025 fall campaign on a high note with an excellent postseason run. Following a razor-thin 1-point second place finish to Oakton at the Concorde District Championship, Coach Scott Raczko's girls squad flipped the script the following week, winning their first ever Northern Region Girls Cross Country Title over second place Oakton. The Seahawk Girls finished with 53 points, ten points ahead of Oakton's 63 points; the lowest score wins in cross country. The quintet of senior Caroline Elliott (3rd place), freshman Quinn Jackson (6th), senior Aya Ryan (7th), sophomore Olivia Levey (15th), and junior Lillian Swartzbaugh (23rd) combined to score for their team, complemented by strong 28th and 30th place finishes by sophomore Charlotte Captain and senior Irene Ha. Aya Ryan and Caroline Elliott at Regionals. Photo by Shanen Elliott The trio of Elliott, Jackson, and Ryan earned All-Region honors, recording three of the top 10 times in South Lakes XC history in the process on Burke Lake's renowned 2.98 mile course. Senior Elliott set a new school record, completing the race in 17:09, surpassing the previous mark of 17:23. The Seahawks concluded their season with an impressive 4th place finish at the Virginia Class 6 State Championship on the challenging hills of Oatlands 5000 meter Course in Leesburg, VA. South Lakes runners Elliott (4thPlace, All-State), Jackson (14th), Levy (31st), Ryan (34th), and Captain (52nd) comprised the scoring for the Seahawks 101 points, finishing just two points behind 3rd place Woodson (99 points). State Champion Robinson (58 points) and runner-up West Springfield (84 points) finished 1-2 for the second consecutive year. Caroline Elliott climbs "the hill" at States. Photo credit: Julian Brown The Seahawk Girls look to carry their momentum into the 2025-26 Indoor Track season, where they are expected to be strong contenders in the district, region, and state. The Seahawks will be led on the oval by seniors Elliott and Ryan, who will be competing next year in Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field at the universities of Virginia and Richmond, respectively. From left to right: Quinn Jackson, Charlotte Captain, Aya Ryan, Caroline Elliott, Irene Ha, Lillian Swartzbaugh, Olivia Levey. Photo by Shanen Elliott

Contributed by Sylvan Learning of Reston, a proud sponsor of The Reston Letter Photo by Isadora Guerreiro. As the first quarter of the school year wraps up, many parents in the Reston and Herndon area are taking a closer look at report cards and noticing where their children might be struggling. Whether it’s slipping confidence in math, challenges in reading, or lower-than-expected test scores, the good news is that it’s still early enough in the year to make meaningful progress. Sylvan Learning of Reston sees this as a turning point: time to rest, refocus, and rebuild your child’s learning foundation. Every student learns differently, and that’s why personalized support can make such a difference. When a child gets one-on-one attention, targeted lessons, and consistent encouragement, school feels manageable again and success starts to snowball. Here are a few tips for parents looking to get their child back on track after the first quarter: Talk with teachers. They can share specific insights into your child’s strengths and struggles, helping you focus your efforts where they’ll make the biggest impact. Build steady routines. Setting aside regular homework or study time helps kids stay organized and reduce stress, especially as subjects get tougher. Seek support early. Tutoring isn’t just for students who are behind; it’s for any student who wants to strengthen skills, prepare for upcoming tests, or gain confidence. Sylvan Learning of Reston offers tutoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including personalized programs for reading, writing, and math, as well as college exam prep for the SAT and ACT. Our programs are tailored to each child’s unique needs and designed to make learning engaging and rewarding. The first quarter may be over, but the school year is just beginning. With the right support, your child can regain confidence, close learning gaps, and finish the year strong. To learn more or schedule an assessment, call 703-382-6300 or come visit at 2579 John Milton Drive, Suite 120. Let’s make this school year your child’s best one yet!

By Joe Steiner, Appalachian Trail 2000-miler Photo by Joe Steiner Let's plan a final trip to Shenandoah National Park this season, using the Lewis Mountain Campground as our base. Fall is prime time here as the foliage puts on a spectacular show and a chill in the air marks the changing season. By early November, the leaves at higher elevations are past their peak, but the barren trees open up dramatic views and provide unobstructed wildlife viewing. The park begins seasonal shutdowns in November, and nearly all amenities are closed by the end of November, but there's time for one last trip before the season runs out and winter settles in. Of the four developed campgrounds, the only options past the first weekend in November are the large reservation-only Big Meadows Campground and the much smaller Lewis Mountain Campground, which is strictly first come, first served, and will be our destination. Lewis Mountain Campground is easily reached via Swift Run Gap and is about two hours from Reston and Herndon. Entry fees for Shenandoah National Park are $30 per vehicle for one week, or free with an $80 America the Beautiful pass. Other passes are also available, but remember that camping fees do not cover park admission. When I visited during the government shutdown last week, they were waiving fees, which was actually a bummer for me because I was excited about using my pass! Car Camping The 31-site Lewis Mountain Campground is a hidden gem that will make you forget that Shenandoah National Park receives about 1.5 million visitors each year. The $30 nightly fee is payable on site by credit card only. With all sites at this campground being first come, first served, you'll want to arrive early, and midweek is the best bet for a good selection. I arrived at noon on Wednesday and had a decent choice, and it didn't fill until Friday morning, when prospective campers were lined up in hopes of getting a spot. You can opt in to campsite availability notifications by texting SHENCAMP to 888777, although this was suspended during the shutdown. Don't despair if you find Lewis Mountain full, because you still might snag a spot at Big Meadows, just a few minutes north on Skyline Drive. As the color fades and nights get colder, demand also decreases, and campsites should be less scarce in November. All campsites include a fire ring, picnic table and bear box, but few offer much privacy or extra tent space. Sites 14-16 and 18 on the perimeter are among the best. The central bath house has flush toilets and drinking water, and you'll be glad it's heated on chilly mornings. A short walk takes you to the well-stocked camp store, where the friendly staff serves both campers and cabin guests. They are likely to have any food or gear you might have forgotten, plus they have coin-operated hot showers. They even have just about anything a passing Appalachian Trail hiker might need. Their firewood was indispensable for keeping warm, and I was unable to resist the modest, but well-curated craft beer selection. I'll be on the lookout for Alewerks Pumpkin again! Photo by Joe Steiner Backpacking There are abundant opportunities for backpacking at Shenandoah, and the Appalachian Trail runs past the campground. We'll explore some options in other posts, but remember to get your permit in advance. Among the trails described here, look for a nice campsite uphill from the Rose River Loop Trail just before the falls. Hikes No matter your ambition, there is a hike for you in this part of Shenandoah. I highly recommend the Rose River Falls Loop and the Bearfence Rock Scramble. There's also a half-mile trail from the campground to a peak for your morning warm-up or to enjoy a sunset. Other options are available on the park website. The four-plus-mile Rose River Falls Loop is well-described on the Park Service website, and I strongly recommend hiking it clockwise as described. The parking is about eight miles north of the campground, just north of Fishers Gap at Skyline Drive mile 49.4, and you'll cross Skyline Drive to the trailhead. Located on the east side of the ridge, this trail gets some morning sun to help you warm up. The descent to the falls is pleasant, although the falls were underwhelming when I visited after an extended dry spell. The walk in the Rose River gorge and the ascent of Dark Hollow along Hogcamp Branch were the real highlights for me. By walking clockwise, you'll have views of countless cascades that will make you forget you are working hard to climb. Definitely take the short, but steep, side trail to Dark Hollow Falls; it's worth the effort. The smooth fire road makes the rest of the climb easier, and be sure to visit the historic Cave family cemetery, a quiet reminder that people have lived and died in these mountains for many years. Bearfence Rock Scramble may be the most memorable hike on all of Skyline Drive, and I am all smiles just thinking about it. Leave your pets and trekking poles at home, because it's not safe for pets and you'll need your hands free. And skip this one in wet weather because the rocks can be dangerously slick. The parking is about a mile north of the campground at Skyline Drive mile 46.4. The short 1.4-mile distance and modest elevation gain belie the effort of the scrambling you'll do to reach the spectacular 360-degree viewpoint. This trail gives a small taste of parts of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire and Maine, or the Long Trail in Vermont, but it's much closer to home and only takes an hour. Definitely do this trail if you're up to the challenge. I'm still smiling about it, by the way! Lewis Mountain Summit Trail leaves the campground across from site 16, crosses the Appalachian Trail and ascends 150 feet to viewpoints on Lewis Mountain. It would be a perfect place to watch a sunset. Interesting fact The Lewis Mountain area was originally opened in 1939 as a segregated recreation area to comply with Virginia state law, and the park was not fully integrated until 1950. Worth a stop The Ole Country Store & Bakery in Culpeper has temptations beyond your sweet tooth's wildest dreams and is definitely worth a stop. I bought a made-to-order sandwich to go for lunch at the park, and was delighted they had chocolate cookies just like my mother used to make. LINKS Shenandoah National Park https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm/ Lewis Mountain Campground https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/lewis-mountain-campground.htm/ Shenandoah Hikes https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking.htm/ Rose River Falls Loop https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/rose-river-falls.htm/ Bearfence Rock Scramble https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/bearfence-rock-scramble.htm/

South Lakes girls launch Fairfax County’s first flag football team by Matt Reider, Staff Writer South Lakes' flag football team includes (L to R) Lila Jaster, Emily Brown, Isla Eckhardt, Grace Gibbens, Nyla Heard. Photo by Matt Reider On a crisp fall evening in early October, a group of trailblazers were getting their reps in at the South Lakes High School stadium under the big lights. About 30 girls sprinted and cut across the gridiron, each with yellow or light green flags at their sides. Girls’ flag football is a brand-new club sport in Fairfax County, sponsored by the Washington Commanders NFL team. This year, the Commanders have backed teams in Virginia’s Richmond, Henrico, and Fairfax counties, as well as Prince George’s County in Maryland. In late summer, Spenser Alston was named head coach of the South Lakes team, just a few weeks before the first interest meeting and tryouts. Alston, founder and CEO of Neuroform DMV, a company that helps athletes optimize mental, cognitive, and physical performance, jumped at the opportunity. “It fits perfectly with what I love—helping athletes reach their potential,” he said. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro Because girls’ flag football is a winter sport, Alston had to move quickly. The first meeting on Aug. 23 drew strong interest, followed by a Commanders-hosted coaches’ clinic on Sept. 27. Tryouts and practices began almost immediately after. Despite being new, the team quickly found its leaders. Senior Lila Jaster spent three years as a kicker for the boys’ football team and joined as soon as she heard about the program from South Lakes Activities Director Andrew Duggan. She’s joined by senior Emily Brown, who also played tackle football, and junior Isla Eckhardt, who had played girls’ flag football through middle school and kept checking athletic websites until the new team appeared. Senior Grace Gibbens, a soccer player recruited by Lila, is new to the sport, while senior Nyla Heard brings experience from both youth flag football in Vienna and elite rugby. Duggan is thrilled to see the new program take shape. He hopes girls’ flag football will attract students who haven’t participated in traditional sports, expanding opportunities for more South Lakes athletes. “It’s exciting to watch something new take root,” he said. Girls’ flag football’s momentum extends far beyond Reston. The sport has grown rapidly from Florida and Texas into schools nationwide. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), more than half a million girls participated across the country in 2023. By 2026, over 35 club teams will compete in NCAA Division I women’s flag football, and the sport is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro For the Seahawks who began practice in late September, the season is about more than competition; it’s about camaraderie, confidence, and paving the way for others. They’re building a new tradition at South Lakes, one sprint, pass, and touchdown at a time, and they hope the community will come out and cheer them on.