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by Reston Letter Staff Photo contributed by Casey Menish. Herndon High School alumni Casey Menish (Class of 2009) and Sam Medvene (Class of 2011) have been installed as presidents of prominent regional Realtor® associations. Menish will serve as the 2025 President of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR), while Medvene will lead as the 2025 President of the District of Columbia Association of Realtors® (DCAR). Both are the youngest Presidents in their associations’ 100-plus-year histories, with Menish at 33 years old and Medvene at 31. NVAR, with its 13,000 members, is one of approximately 1,000 local-level Realtor® associations under the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and ranks as the 20th largest by membership size. DCAR, with 3,000 members, is one of 54 state-level Realtor® associations within NAR. Photo contributed by Casey Menish. Menish and Medvene have been family friends since their time at Herndon High School. Medvene, the second oldest of four brothers, shared a close connection with Menish through his older brother, Matt Medvene, one of her best friends. After graduating from Herndon High, Menish earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business in 2013. “Shortly after graduating, I pursued my real estate license, and I’m now in my twelfth year as a Realtor®. I focus on residential real estate in Northern Virginia,” said Menish. She began her career with RE/MAX Gateway before becoming the first agent to join Pearson Smith Realty in 2015, where she has remained ever since. Medvene pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with a minor in nonprofit studies, at James Madison University, graduating in 2015. Initially working in finance and operations for a high-end landscaping company, he also began collaborating with his older brother Matt on condo conversion projects in Washington, D.C. Inspired to get his real estate license, Medvene turned to Menish for advice. “I remember Sam asking me to meet at a Herndon institution, Mediterranean Breeze, for burger night to discuss what it’s like being a Realtor® in your early 20s,” recalled Menish. “I felt so confident Sam would excel in real estate. I encouraged him to pursue his license and gave him a long list of books to read.” Medvene earned his license while working on a second condo project and purchasing his first home. He began his real estate career at his Uncle Marc’s brokerage in Washington, D.C., where he learned the business fundamentals. “Uncle Marc is a mentor who taught me the ropes. He owned the regional franchise of Help-U-Sell and was broker/owner for more than a decade,” Medvene said. Since 2019, Medvene has grown his own team under Century 21 Redwood. Menish and Medvene began their leadership paths in their respective Realtor® associations and were appointed to the NAR Board of Directors around the same time. “It’s been so rewarding to see a familiar face and catch up with a fellow Hornet at real estate conferences,” said Menish. “Now, for both of us to take on the highest elected positions within our associations at the same time feels like a full-circle moment.” Together, Menish and Medvene will represent a collective 16,000 Realtor® members across the region as Presidents of NVAR and DCAR in 2025. Photo contributed by DCAR.

Proceeds will support their new 2025 art project on Lake Thoreau’s spillway. If you haven’t purchased your 2025 SLHS STEAM Team calendar yet, you still have time to grab one. The calendar will be available for purchase until January 31, offering a unique way to support the talented SLHS STEAM Team and celebrate their 2025 art installation on Lake Thoreau. The successful SLHS STEAM Team Calendar 2025 features photos taken by Reston resident and photographer Mary Prochnow. Each image captures the beauty of our community and nature throughout the year. Mary’s contributions have made this calendar a meaningful keepsake and a celebration of creativity. Every calendar sold helps raise crucial funds to purchase materials for next year’s sculpture at Lake Thoreau. Purchases not only bring art and inspiration to your home but also contribute directly to the SLHS STEAM Team projects led by Marco Rando to embellish our community. The calendar can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/Purchase2025Calendar and at the Reston Museum, located at Lake Anne Plaza. About Public Art Reston Public Art Reston was founded in 2007 by Reston civic and community organizations and leaders. A 501©(3) non-profit, Public Art Reston documents existing public art, commissions new public artworks and supports the creation of works by other community stakeholders. Over the past 14 years, its work has been guided by a Public Art Master Plan for Reston, adopted in 2008. For more information about Public Art Reston’s projects and programs, visit https://publicartreston.org.

by Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess Cheers to a new year of hosting! Andrew Sample Photography Happy New Year! Welcome to the second installment of my six-part series on mastering the art of hosting. Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or planning your first gathering, this guide will walk you through every step—from setting the mood to impressing your guests with unforgettable food and decor. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and dream big for the months ahead—a fresh start brimming with possibility. While setting hosting goals might not seem resolution-worthy, they can transform your gatherings into intentional, stress-free, and memorable experiences. With thoughtful planning and creativity, you can design events that reflect your unique style and foster meaningful connections. Look Back to Move Forward Begin by reflecting on your past hosting experiences. Which gatherings made you proud, where everything flowed seamlessly? On the flip side, were there any events marked by chaos or overcommitment, leaving you feeling drained? Understanding what worked (and what didn’t) will help lay a solid foundation for your hosting goals this year. What’s Your Vision for 2025? Think about the types of gatherings you’d love to host. Do you see yourself creating intimate dinners filled with meaningful conversation? Or maybe themed parties that celebrate different cultures or seasons? Defining your vision ensures your events feel personal, cohesive, and true to you. Set Specific Goals Break your vision into actionable steps: Learn Something New: Master a signature cocktail, try your hand at baking, or craft Pinterest-worthy tablescapes. Plan Signature Events: Aim for one standout gathering per season, like a spring garden brunch or a fall wine tasting. Reconnect with People: Invite a mix of new friends and old acquaintances to keep your gatherings dynamic and engaging. Map It Out Grab your calendar and start planning your year. Highlight important milestones like birthdays and anniversaries, then sprinkle in seasonal events you’d love to host. Spacing out your gatherings prevents burnout and gives you the time and energy to make each one special. Add themes or ideas to spark creativity and make planning more enjoyable. Step Up Your Game Refresh your hosting toolkit. Treat yourself to upgraded dinnerware, experiment with new recipes, or invest in versatile linens that suit any occasion. Small, thoughtful touches can make your guests feel truly special. Celebrate Every Step Remember, every gathering—big or small—is worth celebrating, even when things don’t go as planned. Appreciate your efforts. Hosting isn’t just about the decor or the menu; it’s about sharing joy, strengthening relationships, and creating memories your guests will treasure. Stay Organized and Inspired Inspiration is all around—from blogs and Pinterest to books on entertaining. Use checklists or a hosting playbook to streamline your planning process. Themed events can also help keep things fresh, cohesive, and fun. A Year of Meaningful Gatherings Let’s make 2025 your most fulfilling year yet. Set clear hosting goals, embrace creativity, and step out of your comfort zone. You might be amazed by what you can achieve. Here’s to hosting in 2025 with heart, style, and confidence! 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

by Louise Seirmarco-Yale, Reston Artist Winter often feels like a time to retreat, but it also holds a unique power to unlock creativity. Winter’s gift is rest, renewal, and the freedom to create. The stillness of winter encourages people to dive into creative hobbies like painting, writing, knitting, and crafting. It allows us to express feelings and ideas that may have been overshadowed during busier months. When your brain is at rest, your default mode network becomes active, allowing daydreaming. Daydreaming is the value of downtime and supports creativity. Cold weather invites peaceful walks in nature. The nuanced colors of a snowy landscape remind us that a winter scene is not just white—it is full of subtle blues, silvers, and soft shadows that shift as the light changes. Bare tree branches, with their stark skeletal silhouettes, form striking patterns, especially at dawn or dusk when the light casts a magical glow. Without the color of leaves and brush, we have a new monochromatic filter through which we can discover previously unseen shapes. Winter birds stand out vividly against bare branches and snowy backdrops. New shapes discovered in the morning frost or tiny perfect drops of rain on the window may spark ideas of making art to showcase the beauty of these little art forms. Paint rainy cityscapes, and let the medium’s fluidity mimic the softening effects of rain. Consider placing a piece of watercolor paper outdoors briefly, letting raindrops create natural patterns on water-soluble paints or inks, then finish the piece indoors. Use a toothbrush or a spray bottle to mimic the randomness and softness of a light drizzle. Notice the beauty often present in puddles. Winter’s slower pace often encourages reading more books, which is renewing. Journaling is another outlet for introspection and self-expression, whether through stories, poems, or blog posts. The quiet of winter, paired with soft lighting, creates the perfect environment for cozying up with a cup of tea for a time to refresh. Some use the winter months to declutter their homes, providing physically and mentally clear space for personal growth and creativity. Winter also can be the perfect time to reconnect with one’s spirit through prayer, religious observance, or spiritual reflection, helping us find renewal and guidance. Art and creativity can emerge when we shift our perspective. Let that be your art mission in January: engage in a renewing activity, embrace your creative instincts, and follow where they lead. Imagination fuels both artmaking and appreciation. Discover the art within you and let it flourish. Louise Seirmarco-Yale is a Reston artist, speaker, teacher and author of “Art. You Be The Judge. Reawaken your Instincts and Enjoy Art On Your Own Terms” is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.peopleneedart.com, or email her at: hello@peopleneedart.com

By Hayley Sherwood, Columnist I often hear the claim that "therapy doesn’t work," and I want to set the record straight. Traditional medical professionals, such as physicians and nurses, receive years of training to treat general or specialized areas of the body. These providers often see upwards of 30 patients per day, spending about 10 to 15 minutes with each one. Many of us maintain long-term relationships with our medical providers, who may care for us and our families for decades. I have immense respect for the medical profession and feel deeply grateful to the many professionals in this community who have cared for me personally and for my patients facing physical challenges like migraines, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, addiction, and sleep disorders. Medical professionals come with a range of interpersonal skills and limitations. For example, you might encounter an exceptional physician with limited bedside manner, whose expertise in treating a specific condition outweighs their ability to engage warmly with patients. In these cases, the relationship with the doctor is secondary to the treatment and care they provide—personality can feel like a “bonus.” In contrast, therapy revolves around the therapeutic relationship. Therapists typically meet with clients for 45 to 60 minutes weekly or biweekly. Like medical professionals, therapists come with various credentials—Ph.D., Psy.D., LCSW, LPC—each representing unique training and experience. Therapy "works" only if you feel connected to and psychologically safe with your therapist. What does that mean? Much like dating, you may not "click" with the first or even the second therapist you meet. A skilled clinician will encourage you to reflect after your initial sessions. Ask yourself: Do you feel heard and validated? Do you feel comfortable being honest about your current struggles and vulnerable about your past? If the answer is no, that therapist may not be the right fit for you. Finding a therapist with availability can be challenging, but persistence is often worth it. Start by exploring behavioral health providers within your insurance network or using therapist referral resources like the American Psychological Association (locator.apa.org) or Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com). You can also ask your primary care provider, a trusted medical professional, or a friend for recommendations. If you or someone you love needs immediate mental health care, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Psych’d to see you next month! - Dr. S. Dr. Hayley B. Sherwood is a longtime Clinical Psychologist in Reston/Herndon. To learn more, please visit her website at www.oakhillpsychological.com. Please visit the About Us section on our website to learn more about our team of therapists!

Contributed by Restonian, Local Blogger Before there was an ersatz downtown, fanciful concrete bollards, parking validation, or even woonerf, there was Reston's arguably greatest contribution to suburban planning: the McTacoHut. The combination of McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, each with ample parking, seemed to tempt the fates with its excessive hubris (and cholesterol). Its location on Roger Bacon Drive served as proof that Reston's early planners actually did have a sense of humor (for further proof, consider the "sunken living room"). DRB-friendly rules confined the Golden Arches within a modest stucco box. The other two eateries didn't even have roadside signs, making them exclusive spots known only to the earth-toned hoi polloi. Even so, the McTacoHut would supplant early Reston fast food gems like Burger Chef and Jack in the Box, which proved incapable of competing with the temptations of three different kinds of carbohydrate-laden products. And McTacoHut made headlines! A 1970s issue of The Reston Industrial Landsales Newsletter, a real publication that rivaled the The New York Times and The Washington Post in circulation among aficionados of industrial land sales, profiled what it called Reston's "fast food park," as if scarfing down doughy breadsticks is as healthy as a leisurely stroll, noting that our Pizza Hut was the second-highest grossing location in all of Northern Virginia. Sadly, McTacoHut is no more. The McDonald's "modernized" its look, replacing the original building with an earth-toned box. Very Reston, come to think of it. Pizza Hut departed next, leaving us with the original architecture, a bougie pizza place, and the less dignified McTacoPup moniker. And now, with the Taco Bell reduced to rubble as part of a renovation, who knows what will rise in its place -- except that we know it will use soda dispensers to inject tortillas with meat. But we digress. Every time you're on some interstate zipping through West Spittle, Nowhere, and you see a combination KFC/Taco Bell, you can thank the McTacoHut, or not, the end.

Contributed by Gwyn Whittaker, CEO, GreenFare "There is no money in health." These words, spoken in the early 1990s during the "War on Cancer," stuck with me as I witnessed the National Cancer Institute implement a $32 million supercomputer. Decades later, despite hundreds of billions spent on research and treatments, the cancer mortality rate has barely budged. While some treatments shrink tumors, they often fail to extend life. Unfortunately, the medical system has focused more on diagnosing symptoms and prescribing endless medications—heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical industry—than on teaching health and wellness. Fifteen years ago, after losing a partner to heart disease, I found myself asking if anything could have prevented that loss. In 2013, I discovered the answer when I watched the documentary “Forks Over Knives.” The film revealed that the two most common chronic diseases in the U.S.—heart disease and cancer—are largely self-inflicted through lifestyle choices and are, in many cases, reversible. Inspired, I reached out to Dr. T. Colin Campbell, one of the key figures in the film, to learn how I could contribute. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into documentary filmmaking, starting with a donation to help complete the “PlantPure Nation” documentary. As detailed in the film, I launched my own pilot program: a 10-Day Jumpstart. This initiative combined education, 10 days of whole-plant meals, and biometrics tracking (lipids, blood pressure, and weight) overseen by a nurse. Forty-five participants joined, watched the film, and engaged in a Q&A session with Dr. Campbell, who attended the kickoff. The results were transformative. In just 10 days, participants experienced an average 20% reduction in lipids (outperforming many statins), normalized blood pressure, and an average weight loss of 5.5 pounds—all through healthy, plant-based eating. With a background in electrical engineering and 35 years of experience introducing new technology to the intelligence community, I recognized the competitive advantage this lifestyle change could offer. However, I also saw the challenges people face in adopting it. To address these obstacles, I founded GreenFare, an educational café designed not just to provide meals but to change lives. At GreenFare, we offer a structured 21-Day Kickstart program featuring 42 ready-to-heat organic plant-based meals, four educational classes, and optional blood testing. Now in its tenth year, the program has served more than 2,000 participants, including former Redskins star Darrell Green, who attended twice—once solo and later with his family. Remarkably, more than four dozen medical doctors have joined, often after seeing their patients reverse chronic diseases and eliminate the need for medications. I’m thrilled to contribute a monthly column to the Reston Letter, a trusted local publication that highlights community news, businesses, events, and heroes. My columns will focus on health, the environment, and compassion, with the goal of inspiring a healthier and more connected community. Gwyn Whittaker CEO, GreenFare Organic Café, 408 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170 http://greenfare.com

Contributed by CitySwing Photo of CitySwing golf lesson by Benjamin Burgess Reston Town Center has a new attraction: CitySwing (Reston), an indoor golf studio that opened in September. This cutting-edge facility features two temperature-controlled indoor golf suites, allowing golfers of all skill levels to practice and refine their game year-round. CitySwing (Reston) marks the company’s latest expansion, building on the success of its downtown D.C. studio. Located at 1805 Discovery St., in the former Williams-Sonoma space, the studio is open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. While walk-ins are welcome, online reservations are recommended for lessons and simulator rentals. One of the standout features of CitySwing (Reston) is PGA Golf Professional Jake Gray, whose expertise and passion for teaching make him an invaluable resource for the community. With more than five years of golf coaching experience in the Mid-Atlantic region, Gray is committed to helping golfers achieve their goals. He employs advanced tools like Trackman Technology and video analysis to provide customized instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs. “I love helping students of all levels improve their game and enjoy the sport more,” Jake said. “Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced golfer aiming to break 80, I’m here to support you.” As a longtime Reston resident, Jake’s connection to the community enhances his dedication to fostering a love of golf. CitySwing (Reston) boasts a range of amenities, including a full-service bar offering chicken nachos, sliders, salads, and other appetizers, along with a curated selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and seltzers. The studio is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for golfers of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out. CitySwing (Reston) also offers private event bookings, allowing companies or large parties to customize their experience with the help of the CitySwing sales manager. Why not swing by and see what CitySwing (Reston) has to offer? For more information, visit https://www.cityswing.com/reston or contact Gray at Jake@cityswing.com.

Contributed by SLHS Inclusive Art Program Photos of student artwork submitted by SLHS. The South Lakes High School special education Cat B program serves students who access an adapted curriculum, receive specialized instruction, and use tailored resources. These students participate in an adaptive art course designed around the principle of radical inclusion, allowing them to fully engage in the creative process. The program focuses on helping students navigate challenges posed by their disabilities, providing support to access materials and techniques. The students maintain full autonomy in making decisions about their work, fostering independence and artistic expression. Each student has developed a unique visual language that carries personal meaning and significance. In class, we explore and refine this language with the goal of making it increasingly compelling and impactful.

Submitted by Reese Heitmann South Lakes International Theater Society performed 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for a sold-out crowd on Dec. 20. Photo by Josef Garcia. The South Lakes International Theater Society (Troupe 4709) performed “A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 19 and 20 at South Lakes High School. This collaborative production featured Langston Hughes Middle School performing “Let It Go” and performances by two South Lakes a cappella groups. Friday night's show was a sold-out event! After the performances, children enjoyed a meet-and-greet with their favorite characters and photo opportunities with Santa. The production was entirely student-organized, with South Lakes students managing everything from acting to production. Senior Reese Heitmann directed the show, while junior Lily Ingraham served as producer. Junior Grace Gibbens was the stage manager; junior Isabelle Philippe was the technical director, and senior Isaac Garcia was musical director. Tech Theater I class students created the costumes. In the play, Charlie Brown (Colby Smith) embarks on a quest to discover the true meaning of Christmas with the guidance of Linus (Zach Masefield). Along the way, he faces discouragement from Lucy (Lucy Ishaq), distractions from Sally (Marin Paradis), and Snoopy’s (Liam Birch) focus on commercialism. The sets—featuring iconic elements like Snoopy’s doghouse and Lucy’s psychiatric help booth—were highlights of the production. Seniors Tomas Bocock and Henry Collins led the set construction crew, while sophomore Lana Vittor oversaw the artistic direction for the cartoon-inspired painting. Photo by Josef Garcia.

Contributed by Ideaventions Academy Ideaventions robotics team won back-to-back national championships in AVR. Photo contributed by Ideaventions Academy. The Ideaventions Academy robotics team, Daedalus, began its journey to defend its National Championship title with an impressive performance at the AVR qualifying competitions on Nov. 9 and 10 in Arlington, Texas. The team secured 1st Place Overall and earned recognition for Best Presentation, demonstrating innovative engineering and teamwork. Building on this success, Daedalus advanced to the National Championship on Dec. 7 in Dallas. There, they showcased exceptional skills and creativity, earning national leadership honors in engineering solutions and teamwork for the second consecutive year, solidifying their status as back-to-back champions. This year’s AVR challenge tasked teams with designing and building large drones equipped with thermal and visual sensors to simulate disaster relief operations following a Category 5 hurricane in Florida. The competition also required teams to program a second drone and a ground vehicle for autonomous navigation; operate small, manually controlled robots for additional tasks, and present engineering notebooks and strategic designs to industry experts. Daedalus excelled by integrating advanced skills such as robot operating systems design, 3D printing, and laser cutting. This marked their third year in the competition, having placed second nationally in their debut year and winning the national title for the past two. "I'm very proud of the team and all the hard work they've done this season. Winning in Texas was a testament to their dedication," said Shivam, a senior and Daedalus team co-lead with Ari Stehney. Coach and Ideaventions Academy Co-Founder Ryan Heitz praised the AVR competition for its complexity and real-world relevance. “Coordinating multiple drones and ground vehicles in a disaster scenario presents unique challenges and offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology,” he said. For more information, visit www.ideaventionsacademy.org.

Contributed by Hopecam Photo contributed by Hopecam. Reston-based nonprofit, Hopecam, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. This funding will enhance Hopecam's efforts to help young cancer patients stay connected with their friends, classmates, and teachers during treatment. Reston resident Len Forkas founded Hopecam in 2003 after his son’s leukemia diagnosis. Forkas recognized the emotional toll that isolation can have on children undergoing treatment. Hopecam bridges this gap by providing laptops, tablets, and internet connectivity to children so they can stay connected to their classmates, teachers, and loved ones while recovering at home or in the hospital. The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, established in honor of the legendary football coach who passed away from cancer, supports programs that improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. By awarding this grant, the foundation recognizes Hopecam's innovative approach to addressing the emotional and social challenges faced by children with cancer. "Receiving this grant from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is an incredible honor," said Brett Fox, Hopecam's Director of Operations and Philanthropy. "It will allow us to connect even more children with their classmates and loved ones, giving them the encouragement and strength they need during their cancer journey." During the past 20 years, Hopecam has connected 5,500 children with cancer to more than 100,000 of their classmates, and this new funding will help expand its reach even further. The grant reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that no child has to endure the isolation that often accompanies cancer treatment. Every time a child is diagnosed with cancer and isolated from friends, their mental health is at risk. Hopecam can change that trajectory by virtually connecting kids with their world. Hopecam helps kids feel more supported and less depressed through the power of connection.