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Contributed by RCC The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized Reston Community Center and the Fairfax County Park Authority in May. The proclamation highlighted RCC’s leadership in helping residents of all ages build confidence, prevent accidents and stay safe in and around the water. “Water safety is not a seasonal effort,” RCC Aquatics DirectorMcCall told the Board. “RCC, along with the Park Authority, strengthens water safety across the county–from well-managed facilities to shared standards of excellence in aquatics programming and public education. Together, we are building a safer, more prepared community.” RCC’s Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center, located at RCC Hunters Woods, offers programs that help children, teens, adults and older adults gain skills that support safety, wellness and confidence in the water. From beginner swim instruction to advanced lifeguard certification, RCC provides residents with opportunities to learn techniques that prevent emergencies and save lives. RCC’s Aquatics Department has a broad community impact: RCC offers approximately 80 weekly group learn-to-swim classes and more than 2,000 private lessons annually, to help children, teens and adults become safer, more confident swimmers. Each summer, RCC provides free beginner swimming lessons for children, expanding access to lifesaving skills. Adapted aquatics offers year-round, individualized instruction for children and adults with physical or learning disabilities, providing accessible water safety education and specialized support. RCC’s aqua aerobics program offers 26 classes each week, helping adults and older adults build strength, balance, cardiovascular health and social connection. RCC is one of the largest public American Red Cross training providers in the region. More than 300 lifeguards have been trained in the past four months and RCC plans to increase lifeguard training capacity by 75% next year. McCall also recognized the RCC staff members whose work brings these programs to life every day, including Alfred Toussaint, Dory Traynham and Sophie Kartchner, who were present for the proclamation. Toussaint teaches children and adults to swim and stay safe in the water. Traynham helps adults maintain strength, mobility and confidence through aqua aerobics while building community beyond the pool. Kartchner trains lifeguards who protect community pools, helping many first-time job seekers become skilled, responsible safety professionals. Through RCC Aquatics, children learn lifesaving water safety practices, adults build strength and connection and lifeguards are prepared to act when it matters most. With every class and every swimmer, RCC is strengthening a culture of water safety throughout the community. Registration is now open for RCC’s summer aquatics sessions. Details are available at https://rebrand.ly/chqtfj4/

By Kaydence Smith, staff writer Midnightreats is located at Reston Town Center. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro Northern Virginia-based dessert company Midnightreats has relocated from Plaza America to Reston Town Center, bringing its plant-based cookies and late-night dessert menu to a more prominent location in the heart of Reston. The company opened its first storefront in Reston in 2022 after starting as a home bakery in 2017. Before opening a brick-and-mortar location, the business also operated from a ghost kitchen in Chantilly. According to co-owner Jemal Mahdi, visibility and foot traffic were major factors behind the move. "Our previous location was tucked away in the back of an office building that had once housed a Subway restaurant," Mahdi said. The new location's proximity to hotels, restaurants and community events made it an attractive fit for the growing business. Midnightreats specializes in plant-based cookies made from scratch using original recipes. The bakery is best known for its signature "monster cookies," one-third-pound treats that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The menu features four year-round monster cookie flavors: chocolate chip, birthday bash, cinna-roll and brownie. Three seasonal flavors rotate every two weeks. In addition to cookies, customers can choose from milk teas, dirty sodas, cookie pies and cookie nachos served with dipping sauces. Although the bakery markets itself as plant-based, Mahdi said most customers are not vegan. "People come because they love cookies," he said. Midnightreats has also become a popular option for customers with food allergies. The bakery operates a nut-free kitchen, with the exception of coconut, and all of its cookies are vegan. Another defining feature is its late-night hours. Midnightreats remains open until midnight every day, offering a dessert option long after many businesses have closed. "We're glad to provide a late-night dessert option for people, especially being so close to hotels," Mahdi said. Looking ahead, Midnightreats plans to continue expanding throughout the region, with locations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. currently in the planning stages. Midnightreats’ new location is located at 1826 Discovery St, Reston.

By Katy Keffer, staff writer Accomplished artists and Restonites Margarita Reyes and Albert Halac hosted an opening reception at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods on May 31 for “Places I Have Seen and Peoples I Have Met,” their latest gallery event. This inviting and moving collection of oil paintings is a probing study of life and identity—across cultures, landscapes, and people. Reyes, born in Uruguay and the granddaughter of famous Uruguayan painter Pedro Figari, exudes graciousness, kindness, and a contagious energy for her art and the people around her. Halac grew up in Argentina and is a delightful storyteller, charming, and unpretentious. Together, this artistic duo’s magnetism mirrors the allure of their paintings. The oil paintings fit in with the multicultural, international, and natural space that is Reston. With Reyes’s images of nature, flowers, and trees, she captures the soft mood of place. Fall into the quiet and open air of countryside in “Scene of Virginia” or the pleasure of a pause at a riverside Parisian café in another titled “Eiffel Tower,” which rises high in the background. Halac’s paintings are commanding for their penetrating depictions across cultures and customs. Here, what stands out most are the eyes, hands, and precise poses of a people. His work represents the faces of daily living alongside messages of hope and prosperity, as seen in “Romanian Widow,” whose blue eyes pierce from the canvas. It’s also in the seated posture of a market seller whose gaze looks for customers in “Moroccan Chicken Peddler” where vivid orange, brown, and red of roosters and chickens pop off the canvas. Reyes and Halac in front of Reyes' work at the display's opening reception. Photo by Katy Keffer Reyes shared they had traveled much of the world—Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas—though one continent remained absent from their paintings. “We haven’t yet been to Australia,” she noted. Still, both artists continue to find daily pleasure in painting, affected deeply by current events and stories being revealed all around the world. Notably, one of Halac’s major works he hoped to feature, “After Guernica, Gaza,”—a raw and vulnerable study of the war in Gaza—did not meet the Reston Community Center’s exhibit guidelines and was removed. To fill its void mere days before the exhibit opened, Halac painted a still-unnamed work to convey the “wholeness and spirit of the exhibition,” Halac shared. With striking shades of blue showing a night sky in peacetime and at war, hope persists despite heartache. He is inviting the public to visit the gallery, rest with the painting, and help title the piece. The exhibit is free and open to the public with an opportunity to purchase any of the artwork on display. Visit Reston Community Center Hunters Woods at 2310 Colts Neck Road now through July 6.

By Megan Schmid, staff writer Thia Pyle has a big heart for animals and has used baking and crafts to make a difference for many pets in need. Photo contributed by Thia Pyle Third-grader Thia Pyle of Fox Mill Elementary School is already making a difference for animals in need. With the help of friends Clover and Lila, the young entrepreneur has spent the past few months baking cookies and making bracelets to raise money for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. So far, she has raised nearly $500 to help the shelter care for animals. “I’m just really glad that I am able to help them,” she said. When she is not at school or on the soccer field, Thia enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her dogs. Her family rescued a 3-year-old Labradoodle, Nola, and is currently fostering a blind puppy named Charlie. She also runs a small pet-sitting business, Caring Paws Pet Sitting, offering dog walking and in-home pet visits in Reston. Her passion for helping animals began when she started visiting the animal shelter at age 5. “There was a dog that had been there for two years,” she recalled. “He was really old with medical issues, and I felt really bad for him.” The experience stayed with her and inspired her fundraising efforts. She believes shelter animals are often misunderstood. “Everyone should take a chance on a shelter animal,” she said. “They are often the sweetest you can get.” The fundraiser combines two things she loves: baking and crafting with friends. One of her favorite treats to make is oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. “My mom bakes all the time,” she said. “I have learned a lot from her, but I read the recipes and do most of it by myself.” She sells her homemade cookies and bracelets door to door in neighborhoods around Reston and hopes to expand to more communities. Although she enjoys meeting people, knocking on doors can be challenging. “It’s hard to speak to adults sometimes,” she admitted. “And sometimes people say no.” Still, the encouragement she receives keeps her going. One neighbor especially stood out. “She kept calling me her hero,” Thia said. “She was really thankful that I was doing it and told us we were doing the right thing.” Thia says helping animals makes every cookie baked and every door knocked on worthwhile. “Even though we are just kids, we can make a huge difference,” she said. “We should all just do what we can.” When she grows up, she hopes to become a veterinarian and continue horseback riding. For now, she is focused on helping as many animals as she can, one batch of cookies at a time. To request a neighborhood visit or book pet-sitting services, contact Katie Brown at kathryneganbrown@gmail.com.

By Katy Keffer, staff writer Officials cut the ribbon on June 3, and kids celebrated the new playground at the Reston North Park. Photo by Katy Keffer, staff writer Under a clear blue spring sky, the Fairfax County Park Authority celebrated the official reopening of Reston North Park, affectionately known by local parents as the "Home Depot Playground," on June 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a hands-on Wonder Wagon nature center, brief dedication speeches and a relaxed late-afternoon crowd that quickly filled the space. Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole opened the ceremony by emphasizing her commitment to playgrounds, noting that they encourage physical activity for children while creating opportunities for adults to connect. The redesigned facility now offers a 180-degree sightline, allowing caregivers to see nearly the entire area from most locations. The renovation project began in fall 2025 with the goal of creating a safe and accessible space for "kids to grow, explore and make memories," said Park Authority Board Vice Chair Bill Bouie. The $1.8 million project was funded through Fairfax County park bonds approved in 2016 and 2020, which Bouie said would not have been possible without residents' support. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, a Reston resident, said the park continues to reflect the community values on which Reston was founded while providing families with a welcoming place where children can play freely. The upgrades are significant, as many local parents can attest. The playground's new poured-in-place rubber safety surface provides a cushioned, slightly springy feel while ensuring stability and inclusive use. Aging wooden retaining walls have been replaced with durable concrete structures that also serve as seating areas for visitors. New benches are located throughout the park, while two large blue umbrellas provide shade for parents and caregivers. Accessible pathways connect the playground and ballfield. New trees have also been planted throughout the area, reinforcing Reston's longstanding commitment to preserving open, healthy and natural spaces. Unfazed by the celebratory activities around them, many children continued to test the new equipment, spinning, swinging, climbing ropes and racing down slides. For them, the renovated park was already serving its purpose: encouraging activity, exploration and a sense of adventure.

by Ellyn Wexler, staff writer Master John K. Thomas, Sensei Murali Mooliyil and Sensei Nathan Keysor. Photo contributed by Kathryn Keysor A pillar of the Reston martial arts community has stepped off the mat for the final time. The United States Karate Center, a longtime institution tucked away in Isaac Newton Square that trained thousands of area children and adults since 1983, closed at the end of May after 43 years in business. Mounting financial and scheduling challenges ultimately forced the decision. Master John K. Thomas, a former U.S. national full-contact champion, founded the dojo. Two years ago, leadership passed to longtime students Sensei Murali Mooliyil and Sensei Nathan Keysor, a retired Fairfax County master police officer who grew up in Reston and attended South Lakes High School. Keysor first walked into the dojo at age 13 in 1987, an experience that shaped the course of his life. “Master John K. Thomas’s teaching style immediately resonated with me, and martial arts became a central part of my life from that moment on,” he recalled. After earning his black belt in 1994, Keysor began teaching, motivated by the lessons martial arts had given him. “I was inspired by the profound impact martial arts had on my own life, giving me discipline, confidence and a sense of purpose,” he said. “I wanted to pass those same benefits on to others, especially children and young adults.” The closure marks the end of a dojo that emphasized character development over rapid belt advancement. While many martial arts schools operate on a high-turnover “belt factory” model, the center focused on individualized progress. That philosophy led local parent Nina Li to enroll her daughter, Katie Tung, in the program 18 months ago. “When we were looking at martial arts programs, one thing I wanted to avoid was places that focus purely on advancing through belts as quickly as possible,” Li said. “The United States Karate Center was completely personalized. My daughter competed with herself, not against other kids. The senseis never rushed anyone through.” Li described the atmosphere as relaxed and welcoming. “The senseis chatted with the kids and the parents about their lives,” she said. “There was a board on the wall celebrating monthly birthdays. It was a small thing, but it showed they valued the kids as individuals.” The school also emphasized realistic self-defense training, introducing sparring early to help students build confidence. “She became much more confident,” Li noted of her daughter. “The senseis wanted kids to become comfortable with someone directly in front of them. That’s a much more realistic self-defense scenario.” Parent Alvaro Soto Jr., whose daughter Mya trained at the dojo for more than two years, said the school became a second home for many families. Beyond martial arts instruction, he watched his daughter develop confidence, resilience and self-discipline that carried into other areas of her life. Like many families, Soto believes Reston is losing more than a martial arts school. He sees the closure as the loss of a community where children formed friendships, learned leadership skills and grew into more confident versions of themselves. Keysor said his 20 years in law enforcement heavily influenced his teaching philosophy. “My background reinforced the importance of real-world self-defense, situational awareness and mental toughness,” he explained. “Martial arts is not just physical. It’s about developing character, integrity and the ability to protect oneself and others.” For Keysor, the most important lessons were not physical. “Control, honor and discipline,” he reflected. “True martial arts training should make someone a better person, not just a better fighter.” Taking over the dojo two years ago was both “humbling and challenging” for Keysor. “I never expected to step into Master Thomas’s shoes, but I felt a strong responsibility to preserve the school’s legacy while adapting to new realities,” he said. Keysor was recently named a 2026 inductee into the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame and recognized as a Level 7 Instructor by the Police Tactics Instructors of America. Ultimately, rising operational costs in Northern Virginia and Keysor’s relocation to West Virginia made it impossible to continue. “It was a tough but necessary decision,” he acknowledged. For Keysor, the most meaningful part of the school’s legacy was watching students grow over the decades. “There are so many memories: watching shy children become confident leaders, seeing students overcome physical challenges and celebrating black belt achievements,” he said. “Many former students still reach out years later to tell me how USKC positively shaped their lives.” Despite the closure, Keysor hopes the school will be remembered for more than martial arts instruction alone. “I would like the school to be remembered as a place where students learned not just techniques, but values, respect, discipline and personal growth under the guidance of Master Thomas’s authentic teachings,” he said. Families and alumni wishing to share memories or stay connected with former dojo members can still reach the organization through its longtime email address at uskc.online@gmail.com.

by Phantom Foodie Get a taste of the World Cup with some local eateries: Empanadas de Mendoza, Willards and Taste of Istanbul! Photos by Phantom Foodie. The beautiful game is back, and screens across Reston are about to get a serious workout. Just for kicks, allow me to pitch you a match-by-match menu worthy of the occasion, a lineup of dishes to make or order as Team USA takes the pitch. No one remembers every offside call, but they will remember that dish, or most valuable plate. Team USA lands in Group D: three matches, three countries, three culinary opportunities. Let's play soccer, or rather, fútbol! June 12, 9 p.m. ET: USA vs. Paraguay A Friday night opener in Los Angeles deserves a proper formation. Paraguay's culinary soul is built on corn, beef and the smoke of an open grill, and a simple play is empanadas: golden, hand-crimped pastries filled with savory delights. Although technically Argentine, Empanadas de Mendoza at North Point Village Center has you fully covered, with 12 flavors including traditional beef, spicy chorizo, pineapple chicken and honey barbecue pork. I've indulged in empanadas from Bogotá to Barcelona, and these are the real deal. They will be part of my summer rotation, paired with grilled corn on the cob. I prefer mine baked, but you can also get them fried for extra crunch. Order ahead, grab a batch and add their delicious chimichurri sauce on the side. Goal. For a homegrown American appetizer to round out the half, Old Bay deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser and squarely on our home turf. The Dash Rapid Egg Cooker remains this foodie's go-to for simple, perfectly cooked eggs every time. June 19, 3 p.m. ET: USA vs. Australia An afternoon match calls for a laid-back set piece. Australia's food culture leans coastal and fresh, so fire up the cast-iron skillet and go with grilled shrimp skewers and a zesty citrus aioli. Or keep things Australian-American neutral with a classic pulled pork slider spread. Low and slow wins the day, but if you're short on time or without a slow cooker, add takeout from Willards BBQ in the Home Depot shopping center to your playbook. Tasty barbecue and scrumptious sides await every fan. For the adventurous, try a Vegemite and Nutella sandwich. The sweet-and-salty combination will have your watch party talking at halftime. Grab a craft lager, Foster's, or an Athletic Brewing nonalcoholic option and let the afternoon unfold. Bonus points if someone brings Tim Tams. Consider it extra time for dessert. I will be serving crispy air-fryer onion rings with my homemade blooming onion sauce and may even try my hand at a classic beef-and-bacon meat pie. June 25, 10 p.m. ET: USA vs. Türkiye A late-night kickoff demands food built for the hour. Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great snacking traditions, featuring flaky börek with feta and spinach, spiced lamb flatbread, and mezze spreads made for lingering. Pick up phyllo dough at any grocery store and layer it with feta, egg and herbs before baking. For those who would rather stay out of the kitchen, Taste of Istanbul in Reston Town Center offers a strong mezze spread that travels well. The classic döner wrap and flatbreads are flavorful options that are ideal for late-night sharing. After a full 90-minute match, at minimum, have Turkish coffee ready for the morning. Should Team USA advance, new opponents will mean new menus. Culinary inspiration and global sports are a winning combination. As the great Ted Lasso once said, "I believe in hope. I believe in belief." Believe in Team USA. And believe in the spread. Let's go!

By Laynie Kouhsari, student guest writer Graduating South Lakes High School seniors Olivia Inglefield and Irene Ha will continue their education at prestigious U.S. service academies while pursuing careers in STEM fields. This fall, Inglefield will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where she plans to study chemical engineering. Although she was accepted to several universities, including the University of Virginia, Georgia Tech, Purdue University and the University of Texas at Austin, she chose West Point for its structured environment and emphasis on both academic and physical rigor. "I always knew I wanted to do some sort of engineering," Inglefield said. After considering careers in medicine and research, she recently decided to focus on chemical engineering. Inglefield hopes to attend graduate school after West Point, earn a doctorate in chemical engineering and then fulfill her Army service commitment as a chemical engineer. Ha will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, a goal she has pursued since her sophomore year. After visiting the campus several times, she said she was drawn to its traditions, people and environment. Ha plans to major in chemistry or data science and minor in a foreign language. She was also accepted to the University of California, San Diego; Virginia Tech Honors College and George Mason University. "My older sister has always been my inspiration and role model and motivated me to pursue the Naval Academy," Ha said. "She is a true example of a hardworking and resilient person and has inspired me to face challenges with determination and pursue my goals." Unlike traditional college applications, the service academy admissions process required months of preparation, including interviews, fitness tests, medical examinations, recommendations and congressional nominations. Ha described the process as lengthy and stressful while also completing the International Baccalaureate diploma program. After graduation, she hopes to serve in the military beyond the required five years, possibly in surface warfare or naval aviation. She also plans to earn a master's degree. Both students have chosen demanding academic paths while preparing for careers in military service. Their commitment to scholarship, leadership and service will help shape the next chapter of their lives.

By Ellie Norris, student writer Under the stage lights of The National Theatre, four talented South Lakes students were recognized amongst competitors from 25 schools for their outstanding talent in High School theatre. The Brandon Victor Dixon Awards, DC’s regional awards program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (aka The Jimmy Awards), celebrates artistry in performance in our Nation’s capital. On Stage, Lua Songer-Johnson won a coveted spot as a Best Actress finalist. She said, "Being a finalist has been one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences, and I am so blessed to have gotten this far. Not only did I get to do what I love and share it with so many people, but I also had the privilege of working alongside exceptionally talented individuals. Their kindness, support, and welcoming nature made this experience even more meaningful and memorable." Liam Birch, nominated as a semi-finalist in the Best Actor category, along with Songer-Johnson, performed solos in the opening number and shone in the closing number. A finalist for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Theatre, Sebastian Harman received accolades for his superior technical direction. Alden Walcott, a BVD-nominated student reporter, was chosen by The Jimmy Awards as a national finalist. The Fifth Brandon Victor Dixon awards proved once again that South Lakes remains a powerhouse for high school theatrical excellence.

By Bianca Moskaitis, guest writer The YMCA Fairfax County Reston hosted its annual Healthy Kids Day on April 18, bringing together families, community partners and local leaders for a day focused on health, wellness and community connection. Families rotated through activity stations that included a high-energy Zumba session, a read-aloud with Reston Regional Library staff, and hands-on activities such as chalk art, yard games and face painting. The event also featured a confidence clinic and catwalk, along with a themed pool visit that added an element of fun and imagination. Miss US International 2025 Nicky Kandola, a Reston native and former YMCA member, attended the event, returning to a place where she once participated as a child. Several local organizations participated, including Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, Reston Association police, Reston Runners and other health and wellness groups, offering resources and information to families. “Events like this reflect what the YMCA is all about—bringing people together and creating opportunities for families,” said Caleb Mousley, YMCA program director. Healthy Kids Day is held annually at YMCA locations nationwide and promotes active lifestyles and community engagement.

by Reston Letter staff High school runners were awarded scholarships at Run Thru Reston on April 26. Photo by Sol Street Photo https://www.solstreetphoto.com After the Reston Runners’ 5K and half marathon on April 26, the group awarded scholarships to local student-athletes through the Reston Runners Community Fund. Reston Runners is a club led by an unpaid, nine-member board of directors elected annually by the membership. Funds raised at the annual Run Thru Reston race help support young runners pursuing college. The Reston Runners Community Fund awarded the $4,000 Tim Cohn Scholarship, given in memory of Reston Runner and scientist Tim Cohn, to Anya Moon. Moon, a South Lakes High School student, is an International Baccalaureate candidate, soccer player and runner. She is a member of the Math, Music, French and National Honor societies and coaches youth soccer. She placed fourth in her age group at the 2025 Richmond Marathon and will attend American University. The group also awarded $1,000 Reston Runners Community Fund scholarships to three additional student-athletes. Thomas Dilli is an Advanced Placement and honors student at Herndon High School, a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year cross country and track and field athlete. He plays trumpet in the school band and plans to attend James Madison University. Jensen Hoffman is captain of the cross country and track teams at Herndon High School, an Advanced Placement and honors student and a member of the National Honor Society. He coaches youth soccer and works as a lifeguard. He plans to study architecture and has been accepted to the University of Tennessee and Drexel University. Ryan Quinn is a distance runner at South Lakes High School, where he has been named all-state and All-American and serves as boys distance team captain. He also coaches elementary school track and is an Eagle Scout candidate. He will attend James Madison University.

By The Reston Letter Staff Nick Turner (left) finished first in overall in the half-marathon with a time of 1:23:56.38. Jacob Waier came in first overall in the 5K with a time of 19:01.1. Photos by Sol Street Photo Although temperatures were a bit chilly, conditions proved ideal for runners competing in the 13th annual Run Thru Reston on April 26 at South Lakes High School. Originally known as the Runners Marathon of Reston, the event is hosted by Reston Runners, a member of the Road Runners Club of America. Over the years, the race has evolved into a 5K and half marathon that draws participants from across the region. Founded in 1974, the club was created to encourage and train young runners while building enthusiasm for the local running community. Today, Reston Runners helps participants achieve personal goals, overcome challenges and build friendships through running and walking. The organization also remains committed to supporting young athletes through area school running programs and scholarships. Funds raised this year will support scholarships for four local high school runners, which were presented to students on the high school track at the event. (For more on the scholarships, see the Education section.) This year, Reston Runners recognized the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female runners in five-year age groups from 15 to 80 and older in both races. A total of 566 runners registered for the 2026 event, up from 470 in 2025. The race was also supported by 30 community sponsors, helping make the day memorable for runners of all ages.