by Gene Powell, Staff Writer This county planning map shows a new study area, “Reston East,” and outlines five parcels within it identified thus far by developers for potential replacement of low-rise office buildings with residential units, likely to be townhouses. Several major housing and redevelopment initiatives advanced in Reston during July, including the long-planned Reston Town Center North proposal, a new planning study for the area dubbed "Reston East" along the Dulles Toll Road, and a plan to preserve one of Reston's oldest homes. The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval of the 48-acre Reston Town Center North project July 22, moving it a step closer to a final vote by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The site is north of Reston Town Center and bordered by Town Center Parkway, New Dominion Parkway, Fountain Drive and Baron Cameron Avenue. The proposal calls for swapping several parcels between Fairfax County and Inova Health Care Services to better align public and private development. The project has been under discussion for more than a decade, and officials have said full buildout is likely to take another 10 years or more. The publicly funded portion would include a new Reston Regional Library, a new home for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, an athletic field, a county recreation center and a "Central Green" park. The privately owned portion could include up to 1,000 residential units and retail space. Land also has been designated at the northern end of the public property for a future elementary school. Fairfax County planners presented the 119-acre "Reston East" study area at a July 27 public meeting, where they answered residents' questions and accepted comments. The study area is occupied by low-rise office buildings on more than 30 parcels. It is bounded by Sunrise Valley Drive to the south, Campus Commons to the west, Hunter Mill Road to the east and the Dulles Toll Road to the north. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said the meeting was intended to gather public input on the area's future as the county considers several proposals to replace underused office buildings with residential development, a trend occurring in several parts of Reston. Five proposals totaling up to 1,200 residential units are seeking redesignation from office-industrial to residential under Reston's Comprehensive Plan. Developers displayed preliminary concepts showing where and what types of housing might be built, but county officials cautioned that approval of any specific project could be years away, if it occurs at all. Residents raised concerns about traffic, school enrollment, impacts on Reston's parks and recreational amenities, and whether high-rise residential buildings would be permitted. One developer, proposing the Bells Crossing project east of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, said the development would join the Reston Association, generating additional revenue for the homeowners association. Much of the Reston East study area lies outside the association's jurisdiction and within the Reston Town Center Transit Station Area, which includes property on both sides of the Dulles Toll Road and Metro's Silver Line. In mid-July, the Board of Supervisors approved rezoning for 57 townhouses in nine buildings surrounding the 125-year-old A. Smith Bowman House, one of the few remaining structures from Wiehle, the community that predated Reston. The 5-acre site is bordered by the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, Old Reston Avenue and Stratford Park Place. The property's owners received county approval in 2019 to replace all existing structures with two office buildings but recently revised their plans to preserve the historic house and pursue residential development instead. The house could become a clubhouse or return to residential use. The Board of Supervisors also approved rezoning July 14 for the second phase of the Lofts at Reston Station condominium development, east of Wiehle Avenue at Michael Faraday Drive. PulteGroup's Lofts at Reston Station II would replace three low-rise office buildings in the 1800 block of Samuel Morse Drive with 112 condominiums and 46 stacked townhouses. The proposal also includes a future extension of Easterly Road to Sunset Hills Road in cooperation with another property owner. Although the Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval, the Reston Planning & Zoning Committee did not support the application. During several public meetings this year, residents cited concerns about parking, loading areas, snow removal, and construction dust and debris at the first phase of the development. Pulte representatives said they are working to establish a developer consortium to clear snow within 24 hours. If that effort is unsuccessful, the company said it will remove snow at its own expense.

by Emma Kingkeo, guest writer Photo contributed by April King When Jeff Marco and April King decided to open Virginia's first Sweat440 studio in Reston, they weren't just launching a fitness business. They were creating the kind of supportive environment that each says transformed their own life. Sweat440 is a Miami-based fitness franchise offering 40-minute classes that begin every 10 minutes while the gym is open, making it easy to fit a workout into almost any schedule. Each class rotates through four stations with exercises that can be adapted to different fitness levels and abilities, while coaches provide instruction, monitor form and offer modifications as needed. "We've had folks that are athletes to folks in their 70s wanting to do some strength training at different levels. And they can both literally be working next to each other and do what they need to do for their own bodies and be okay," said Studio Manager April King. The gym layout changes daily to match the programming displayed on screens at each station, ensuring no two classes are alike. Sessions focus on the upper body, lower body or full body, depending on the day. "In the fitness space, there's a lot of focus on heavy cardio," said owner Jeff Marco. "And there's a cardio component to Sweat440 for sure, but we are a strength-based gym. You get your cardio because you're moving and working for 40 minutes nonstop in a strength-based atmosphere." Unlike many group fitness programs where instructors lead from a stage, Sweat440 coaches spend class on the floor, offering guidance, encouragement and accountability. "They're right beside you while you're working out, just to make sure that you're doing everything safely, providing a little bit of motivation, and if you want to share your goals, they'll provide a little accountability," Marco said. Marco said the model removes many of the barriers that prevent people from exercising consistently. For him, that mission is personal. An athlete throughout his life, from martial arts to mountaineering, Marco has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 25 years. About 10 years ago, he began experiencing muscle weakness and changes in his gait, common symptoms of the disease. Staying active has been central to maintaining his mobility, and opening Sweat440 gives him an opportunity to help others experience the benefits of regular exercise. "It's a natural fit because, for me, I get to share the power of consistent movement. I know firsthand what a difference that makes," Marco said. King also credits exercise with transforming her life. After struggling with eating disorders and severe anxiety, she found confidence and improved mental health through fitness. "I think for a lot of people, we think about the physical side because obviously there's a physical benefit, but we underestimate the emotional," King said. She oversees community outreach, social media and membership engagement, focusing on building relationships. "We're strangers to the community," King said. "People are starting to get to know us, but it's much easier to let people see what we do and then experience it for themselves." Marco and King say they want Sweat440 to offer more than exercise classes. Their vision centers on creating an environment built on encouragement, connection and support. "If you just want to be in your own head and do your own workout, that's fine too," Marco said. "But this gives you the opportunity to engage with like-minded folks. And I think that's where the fun happens." The studio has also begun partnering with other small businesses. King has partnered with businesses specializing in nutrition and recovery, expanding resources for members while strengthening connections among local businesses. "Part of the fun in this job is being able to create connections not just within the studio, but also among local businesses," King said. As Sweat440 prepares to open, Marco said the motivation behind the business extends beyond fitness. "This is about bringing an amazing health and wellness experience to Reston because it's been really important to both of us in our lives. To be able to share that means more to us than anything," Marco said. "We're starting to see the fruits of our labor take shape in the community we're building," King said. "There's a vision of where it's going, and we're excited to see it get there."

Contributed by Tisseront Orthodontics Photo contributed by Tisseront Orthodontics Dr. Stephan Tisseront and the team at Tisseront Orthodontics hosted the practice's 22nd annual Patient Pool Party on July 10, welcoming more than 300 current and former patients, along with their parents, siblings, extended family members and friends, for an evening of swimming, food, music and raffle prizes at Lake Newport Pool in Reston. The annual event has become a tradition for the Reston orthodontic practice, which has served the community since 1998. What began as a small patient gathering has grown into a yearly celebration, with many families returning to reconnect with Dr. Tisseront and the practice staff. This year's event featured raffle prizes ranging from beach towels and water bottles to a gaming console and an e-bike. Photo contributed by Tisseront Orthodontics "Our Annual Pool Party is one of my favorite traditions because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the families who have trusted us with their smiles," Tisseront said. "This evening is simply our way of saying thank you. We put orthodontics aside for a few hours so families can relax, have fun and know how much we appreciate their support." The event is hosted by the practice at no cost to patients and their families as a way of expressing appreciation for their support. In addition to the annual pool party, Tisseront Orthodontics participates in community outreach throughout the year, including school visits that promote dental health with the practice's mascot, Freddy Flossasaurus, and its annual Halloween Candy Buy-Back program, which has donated thousands of pounds of candy to service members overseas and raised tens of thousands of dollars for Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1998, Tisseront Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children and adults in Reston and throughout Northern Virginia, offering traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign and lingual braces. For more information, visit tisserontorthodontics.com/

By Ava-Grace Satterfield, guest writer South Lakes junior Olivia Levey stands with "Rolling Ruins," a 17-by-22-inch digital photograph. Photo by Ava-Grace Satterfield The "Celebration of Resiliency" art exhibition, hosted by South Lakes High School senior Anya Crevits, featured more than 100 original works in a variety of media created by 45 South Lakes artists. Celebrating student artists' creativity and resilience, the exhibition took place June 10-12 at the Iranian American Community Center. The Aryan Art Gallery buzzed with energy as dozens of artworks filled its walls and South Lakes artists proudly shared the creativity, perseverance and dedication behind their pieces with the community. Partnering with South Lakes art director Marco Rando and Iranian American Community Center art director Roya Chadab, Crevits welcomed her peers to showcase and sell their artwork in a professional exhibition setting, a rare opportunity for emerging artists. For South Lakes junior Olivia Levey, the exhibition encouraged her to share her photography publicly for the first time despite initial doubts. South Lakes senior Yolanda Goyone stands with "Purity," a ceramic vase. Photo contributed by Yolanda Goyone. "Sometimes you don't think that it's good enough, but [I learned that] it can spark something in somebody else and it can be meaningful to them, no matter how meaningful it was or wasn't to you," she said. In addition to providing a platform for student artists, the exhibition's theme of resilience encouraged participants to explore deeper meaning in their art. Each piece reflected a personal story of perseverance, whether it addressed a deeply personal subject or represented a project that required overcoming setbacks to complete. Demonstrating that spirit, participating artists donated 20% of their sales to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides fresh meals to communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises around the world. "It's not just an art exhibition, it's a donation toward a good cause," Crevits said. The exhibition generated $400 in sales, with $80 donated to the organization. Crevits explained why she chose to incorporate philanthropy into the exhibition. "Celebration of Resiliency" organizers Marco Rando (left) and Anya Crevits (center) stand with South Lakes High School Principal Carlos Seward at the exhibition's opening reception. Photo by Anya Crevits "The [overall] message was that these artists are not only being resilient in selling their work and having their work in an art exhibition, but they're also contributing part of their sales to go to this organization," she said. The charitable aspect of the exhibition also motivated South Lakes graduate Christopher Vaquerano to sell his artwork. "I realized that it feels good not just to sell my work because other people get to have it, but also that it gets to go to a good cause," he said. The opening reception drew a large crowd of community members eager to support emerging artists and their cause. Following remarks by Crevits, Rando and community leaders, Rando invited any artist who wished to speak about their work to address the audience. Many artists set aside stage fright and stepped to the podium to discuss their art, providing a fitting example of the exhibition's theme as it opened its three-day run. Among them were several artists whose works reflected deeply personal stories. South Lakes graduate Cole Johnson's acrylic painting, "Family Conversation," took center stage in the exhibition's main room. The scene, depicting a moment in Johnson's family living room, was emotionally challenging to create. "It's about savoring the present and having something to connect you to moments of childhood that are painful to understand that you're losing," they said. "The most meaningful art comes from really vulnerable places." South Lakes senior Yolanda Goyone's ceramic vase, "Purity," reflects her definition of being human. South Lakes graduate Cole Johnson stands with "Family Conversation" (28-by-36-inch acrylic). Photo contributed by Cole Johnson "The inherent human nature to triumph past the harsh exterior of those who inhabit around us is a token of pure resiliency; it's the way that the human soul continues to inhabit within us," she said. South Lakes junior Olivia Levey enjoys photographing places she visits. "Rolling Ruins" captures a moment of reflection after reaching the summit of a mountain overlooking Incan ruins. "The hike up there was long and difficult, and as we slowly saw more ruins and everything coming to life, it made me realize how far the Incan tribe had to come to get where they are. I was thinking about how tough their journey must have been," she said. Christopher Vaquerano, a 2026 South Lakes graduate, plans to study art at Virginia Commonwealth University. "James & Julia" is one of his favorite pieces because it reflects the distinctive artistic style he has developed. His resilience stems from the "ability to create art authentically without the fear of censorship or conformity," he said. Following the exhibition's success, Crevits plans to establish a program to support larger exhibitions in the future. Anyone interested in purchasing artwork from the exhibition may contact Crevits at anyapmc2020@gmail.com.

by Phantom Foodie Salmon I was cruising around Reston Town Center one evening and hit the brakes at Open Road Restaurant & Bar. I'd never been, so I brought two phriends along. Sometimes you stumble upon a restaurant that feels like a road trip you didn't plan but are glad you took. Open Road is that kind of place: sprawling, spirited and unapologetically American. Here's my distilled take. Brick Chicken We arrived to a lively crowd and were greeted and seated promptly. The space is massive, think wide-open highways, not cozy country lanes. The noise level runs high, as expected for a venue that doubles as a sports bar, but the energy suits the space. Come prepared to lean across the table. Before the menus arrived, a bowl of complimentary popcorn landed on the table. Salty, simple and a welcome start, or perhaps a clever nudge toward the drink order. We skipped the cocktail menu and instead opted for a nonalcoholic beverage, which took a minute to find tucked among the alcoholic offerings. Worth noting: Open Road has its own distillery, Open Road Distilling Co., with house-made vodka, gin, bourbon and barrel-aged rye. That's a road worth traveling, rideshare recommended, on our next visit. We started with the crispy onion rings, which were well executed, golden and easily shareable. My Brick Chicken arrived with crispy skin and was evenly cooked, paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes that quietly stole the show. The Atlantic salmon came beautifully marked from the grill, resting on a hearty farro salad with spinach, assorted mushrooms, halved plum tomatoes and olives. The portion was generous without being overwhelming. One note: The chef recommended medium, but the consensus at the table was that medium-rare would have been preferable. We also sampled the Margherita pizza. Tasty, thin and a solid choice for the table. Then came the S'mores Bar: warm, gooey and deeply satisfying. It was the kind of dessert that evokes campfire nostalgia. Do not skip it. Service was friendly, attentive and unhurried. Our server checked in without hovering, kept things moving and made the evening feel easy until it was time to close out. Splitting the bill became something akin to cracking the Enigma code at the point of sale. Open Road isn’t trying to be something it isn’t. It’s a big, loud, fun American restaurant with good food, strong bones and a distillery waiting to be explored. The first trip went well, and we’ll be back for a Commanders game, along with Ms. Foodie, to check out the Heirloom speakeasy hidden inside. Open Road 1871 Fountain Dr Suite 200 Happy hour: M - F 3 - 6 PM Gift cards available Disclaimer: 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 Chuck Cascio, author and former South Lakes teacher Doug Trout Whether commenting about growing up in Reston or his work as CEO of DRiWaterstone Human Capital, there is often a chuckle in Doug Trout's stories. The 1989 South Lakes High School graduate speaks with humor, but his stories also reveal the experiences and values that have shaped his life. Doug now lives in Charlottesville, but remains deeply attached to Reston. "Reston did not influence any major decisions in my life. It probably influenced all of them," he says. "I moved to Reston with my mom, brother and sister in the middle of sixth grade because my parents had gotten divorced. We lived on Golf Course Drive. There were tons of kids, and I walked to school and kissed a girl. I'm still friends with countless people from the neighborhood and elsewhere in Reston. I am in touch with them regularly." Doug built on those bonds throughout his childhood and his years at South Lakes. He often credits his mother, Sally McKeown, with shaping the trajectory of his career. "My mom has been the most important influence on me, my brother and my sister. When we came to Reston, my mom did not have a college degree and taught Jazzercise while she went back to school at George Mason University to earn her teaching degree. Mom told me at a very young age to always keep going north, to always build. You can't have it all at once, so the idea of building a career was important." With that in mind, Doug became captivated by politics during President Ronald Reagan's administration. "I went from being terrified of nuclear war to seeing the USSR disintegrate," he says. His interest in politics led him to believe he would someday "be the next great senator from the Commonwealth of Virginia." After graduating from James Madison University with a major in political science and a minor in economics, Doug began working for nonprofits, including "a very cool organization called Presidential Classroom that focused on bringing high school students to Washington, D.C. for a one-week stay, where they visited various sites and met with a range of organizations." When Doug's wife, Kelly Titus Trout, also a South Lakes graduate, was accepted into graduate school at the University of Virginia, they moved to Charlottesville. Doug took a job at UVA, where he worked for 20 years. "I was able to work with some great institutions that allowed me to see what helping other people really looked like, and I loved it," he says. While in Charlottesville, Doug also participated in the Sorensen Institute, which he describes as "essentially a yearlong training ground for people who want to run for office. Most people leave that program and run. It had the opposite effect for me. Instead, I decided I wanted nothing to do with elected politics. My mind went from government, 'no,' to nonprofits and higher ed, 'yes.' I'm still a nerd about politics, but I don't consider myself an advocate. I'm not overly passionate about one particular issue." Over the years, Doug has become increasingly aware of what he considers one of his defining characteristics. "Everything for me centers around people." At DRiWaterstone, Doug focuses on helping organizations maximize their impact through nonprofit talent management and culture transformation. He works "only in the nonprofit, foundation and association space, which in the D.C. area is ground zero for them. There are too many organizations suffering significant funding cuts. We can't help all of them, but our goal is to help more of them." Reflecting on life in Reston, especially his mother's influence, Doug says, "You can't get by on charm alone. Being successful at work, in your marriage and as a parent requires discipline and the ability to do things you don't always want to do. At the same time, you'd be amazed at how much easier life is if you treat people well, laugh at yourself constantly, don't think you're better than anyone else, and let other people take credit when things go right while you take the blame when things go wrong." Doug also points to the lifelong friendships he formed in Reston and the many experiences that shaped him, sometimes in unexpected ways. "We played until it was dark, and then my mom would ring a cowbell, and that was the signal that we needed to come home. I got decent at golf, sneaking onto the third hole at Reston National (then called Reston South) at dusk. While in elementary school at Terraset, my friend and I thought it would be cool to flood the bathroom ... um, it was not. So not everything was perfect, but my mom was always incredibly positive without being phony, and the Reston community embraced her. I cannot imagine having a cooler growing-up experience." Looking ahead to the social impact he hopes his work will continue to make, Doug still has one seemingly unusual goal that may become the subject of a future story. "I still would love to open my own lawn mower repair shop!"

By Robin A. Duska, Fairfax Master Naturalist The same adult female peregrine falcon has nested at Reston Town Center since 2015. Photo by Mary Prochnow Sad news: Both juvenile peregrine falcons that hatched in May and June and later left their nest atop a Reston Town Center building have died. The first, a male, died June 11 after colliding with a building. The second, a female, suffered a broken leg in a separate building collision June 19 and was euthanized in July. Neither collision was witnessed, so the exact circumstances remain unknown, according to Steve Potts, a retired raptor biologist who coordinates monitoring of the falcons with the building's management and the Center for Conservation Biology, which tracks Virginia's peregrine falcon population. Peregrine falcons, the fastest animals on Earth, can reach speeds of more than 200 mph during high-speed hunting dives known as stoops. The birds have nested in Reston since 2015, and the same adult female has raised 40 nestlings during that time. While some young falcons have been injured after leaving the nest and later recovered, only one other juvenile from the Reston nest is known to have died before this year. Because of its relatively small population, the peregrine falcon is classified as a Tier I Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Critical Conservation Need) in the 2025 Virginia Wildlife Action Plan and is listed as state threatened by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Both juvenile birds will become part of the Smithsonian's Division of Birds collection.

Contributed by Reston Museum Get ready for a day of creativity, competition, music and plenty of fun as the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta returns to Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 8,. featuring over 40 homemade boats. This much-anticipated Reston tradition, sponsored by the Reston Museum, brings an afternoon of hilarious mishaps, fierce-but-friendly competition and plenty of fun, free for the community to enjoy. Crush Funk Brass brings its energetic sound to the plaza from noon to 1:00 PM providing the perfect soundtrack for the festivities. Among other activities, Mindshift Gym will have an exciting obstacle course for kids, giving them a chance to test their skills while having some fun. Boat races take place from 1 - 3 p.m. Participating teams of all ages will construct and decorate their own life-size cardboard boats. In the past, boats have taken all shapes, sizes, designs, and colors. It is as much fun to see the creativity of the crews as it is to watch the boats race! Awards will be given to the fastest boats in each category as well as the "Titanic" or fastest boat to sink. “Whether you are building a boat, cheering from the shore or simply looking for a fun way to spend a summer afternoon, the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta promises something for everyone,” said Lisa Watts, executive director of the Reston Museum, “Seeing everyone have so much fun and hearing the swells of cheers and laughter throughout the afternoon makes all the work behind this race well-worth the effort.” The Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta has quickly become a community favorite growing in size each year. In this festive environment, Lake Anne Plaza swells with hundreds of spectators who cheer on their favorite boats. The regatta is free to spectators through the generous support of local businesses, including presenting sponsors Wegman’s and 123 Junk, as well as Aspen Jewelry Design, Elden Street Tea Shop, Fairfax 250, Novec Helps, Open Road Brewery, Realty One Capital, Restoration Church, Starkist, Robert E. Simon Jr Children's Center, and the RoSigle Foundation. Whether you are a fearless boat-builder, an enthusiastic spectator or someone who simply enjoys watching other people attempt to make cardboard float, this is one summer event you won’t want to miss! All proceeds from the event support the Reston Museum. Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta Lake Anne Plaza Reston, VA 12 - 1 p.m. Crush Funk Brass 1- 3 p.m. Boat Races About Reston Museum Reston Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Reston’s past, informing the present, and influencing the future of Reston. Reston Museum preserves a collection of archival material and artifacts related to the history of Reston, many of which are exhibited at the Reston Museum. Located at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday free of charge. Reston Museum also conducts educational and public programming, exhibitions, and public events including Celebrate Reston!, the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta, and the Reston Home Tour. For more information, visit www.restonmuseum.org/

By Bob Welland, Kids Section editor Pets come with responsibilities like feeding, grooming, training and cleaning up you-know-what. In 1975, this gave Gary Dahl the idea to make the ultimate low-maintenance companion, the Pet Rock. He sold smooth beach rocks in cardboard boxes (with air holes.) It included a 33-page humorous book with care and training instructions. The book explained how easy it was to train the pet rock to obey commands like “sit” and “stay”. Surprisingly, it taught more complex tricks, such as “roll over,” which was best done “on the side of a hill.” Pet Rocks were a short-lived fad, selling 1.5 million in the first year. Pet Rock Book, credit Rock Bottom Productions Another peculiar pet from the past was the Chia Pet. You bought a terracotta (baked clay) figure in the shape of a ram, puppy or other animal with grooves on the back. You would soak chia seeds in water until they became a sticky paste that you spread in the grooves. By keeping the hollow animal figure full of water for two weeks, the chia would sprout and grow into green “fur.” They were popular in the 1980s, thanks to a catchy TV advertising jingle of “Ch-ch-ch-chia!” But nowadays, chia seeds are used more for adding fiber and protein to puddings and smoothies. Hedgehog Chia Pet, credit Chia Pet Chia Pets were more work for their owners than Pet Rocks, because the chia plants were actually alive. Then in the 1990s, the first digital pets came from Japan that simulated the care and feeding chores of a living pet. They were called Tamagotchi (meaning egg-shaped watch in Japanese). When you activated the toy, the screen showed a little alien creature hatching from an egg. You pressed buttons to feed, clean and play with the virtual creature and over days, it would grow from baby to teenager to adult. But if you didn’t attend to it, it would grow sick and possibly die. Kids would bring them everywhere, even school which caused distractions and angry teachers. Hmm, that sounds familiar. Maybe our smartphones are today’s peculiar pets.

By Gene Powell, staff writer The growing use of e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and mini-bikes on area roads and trails has prompted local education and enforcement efforts, as well as a state review of laws governing the vehicles. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn raised the issue during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting June 23, citing concerns about younger riders operating e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and mini-bikes on public roads, shared-use paths and privately owned trails. Alcorn pointed to a recent incident on Wiehle Avenue in Reston in which a young rider struck a median, fell into a traffic lane and was injured. "I fear it's a matter of time before we have a serious injury or worse," Alcorn said. State lawmakers also are examining the issue. A working group created this year under House Bill 1120, introduced by Delegate JJ Singh, is studying possible safety legislation involving electric power-assisted bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, along with e-dirt bikes, motorized skateboards, scooters and similar devices. Fairfax County police, the Town of Vienna and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office have expanded education and enforcement efforts, including instructional traffic stops, safety advisories and online videos promoting safe and legal operation. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office has created an online traffic complaint form for residents to report unsafe riding. When a complaint identifies a juvenile or home address, deputies will attempt to contact a parent or guardian to discuss Virginia law, the agency said in a June 15 social media post. Several Fairfax County supervisors noted that legal e-bikes can provide transportation for young people who may not have reliable ways to get to school, jobs, sports practices and other activities. Fairfax County police have published guidance explaining the difference between legal e-bikes and illegal e-dirt bikes under Virginia law. Legal e-bikes have operable pedals and motors rated at 750 watts or less and do not require registration, licensing or insurance. E-dirt bikes lack pedals, can exceed 35 mph and are classified as motor vehicles, requiring registration, licensing and insurance. Riders may face violations, including reckless driving charges. Mini-bikes also are classified as motor vehicles under state law. Virginia law requires riders and passengers younger than 15 to wear helmets on all classes of e-bikes. Riders of e-bikes capable of traveling faster than 20 mph, sometimes called e-motos, must be at least 14 years old. In his June Hunter Mill District newsletter, Alcorn noted that slower-speed e-bikes generally are permitted wherever traditional bicycles are allowed. Faster e-bikes, however, are prohibited on sidewalks and on some parks, trails and shared-use paths, including the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Reston Association's privately owned trails. The Vienna Police Department launched an E-Bike Safety Awareness Campaign in May after receiving increasing complaints about excessive speeds, traffic violations and unsafe riding near parks, neighborhoods, schools and trails. The department said it will continue targeted patrols in areas where concerns have been reported and encourages residents to report dangerous riding. NOVA Parks officials said they are partnering with law enforcement agencies in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties to educate users of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail about which powered vehicles are allowed.

Apply now to have an August photo session for Nov. 2 art show. Photo by Joy Granados, Capture Joy Photography Capture Joy Photography is inviting families to apply for “Simply Me,” a black-and-white portrait project that will culminate in an art show benefiting the Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Adoption Program. Ten children will be selected. Portrait sessions are scheduled for August at the Herndon studio and will focus on natural expressions and personality, from laughter and playful faces to quiet, thoughtful moments, without props or colorful backdrops. “What if your child’s bold, quirky, joyful personality could be celebrated in a local art show?” said owner Joy Granados. “The ‘Simply Me’ project is designed to be simple, timeless and deeply expressive, capturing the little expressions parents never want to forget while supporting an incredible local cause.” Children of all ages may apply. Selected portraits will be featured in the Simply Me Art Show Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pinot’s Palette in Herndon. The event coincides with National Adoption Awareness Month. Application details are available by contacting Capture Joy Photography at joy@capturejoyphotography.com/ or 571-512-0162. Photo by Joy Granados, Capture Joy Photography

Contributed by PAR Public Art Reston has launched its 2026 Public Art Scavenger Hunt, a free community activity that encourages participants to explore public art installations throughout Reston. Participants of all ages can pick up a scavenger hunt card at Reston Community Center locations at Hunters Woods and Lake Anne Plaza, the Reston Museum and the Reston Art Gallery, or download one from Public Art Reston's website. The cards include QR codes that provide locations of public artworks across the community. To participate, individuals must take selfies with the artworks and post them on social media using the hashtag #PublicArtReston. Entry instructions and prize details are available on the scavenger hunt cards and online. All participants will receive a small prize, and five winners will be selected to receive $500 gift cards. The deadline to submit entries is Aug. 23. Winners will be announced Aug. 31.