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By Ellyn Wexler, staff writer Reston librarian Adrienne Leo received a 2026 Staff Excellence Award from Fairfax County Public Library's Board of Trustees. Photo contributed by Reston Regional Library On a typical Friday at the Reston Regional Library, chairs are set, a presentation is queued and conversation begins to fill the room. Behind the scenes, Adrienne Leo is already at work, preparing the space, shaping the program and ensuring every detail is ready before the first attendee walks in. Leo, the library’s adult services librarian, received a 2026 Staff Excellence Award from the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees for building programs that bring the Reston community together. She was honored at the board’s March 11 meeting following public nominations submitted in early February. Since coming to Reston in 2014, Leo has focused on creating opportunities for residents to connect through discussions of global issues, creative workshops and community events. That spirit is especially evident in the Great Decisions Discussion Group, a long-running series developed with the Foreign Policy Association. The monthly gatherings explore international topics through readings, videos and guest speakers and regularly draw about 70 participants. “Adrienne has been the mainstay of Great Decisions since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said program volunteer Mike Carpenter. “Working from a small space in the library, she kept the discussions going and brought in speakers from around the country.” Even after the return to in-person meetings, Carpenter said Leo’s careful planning continued to shape each session. “When we arrive, everything is ready—the chairs, the video, the speaker,” he said. “It is through Adrienne’s care and consideration that our group has grown and flourished.” Carpenter added that Leo’s strengths go beyond logistics. “What makes Adrienne so special to work with is her intelligence, reliability, warmth and wit,” he said. “She possesses all in abundance and is simply a pleasure to know.” Leo credits Carpenter and his fellow program volunteer and retired Foreign Service officer Ray Walser with helping secure speakers and strengthen the program. “It has been a great pleasure to know and work with Adrienne on Great Decisions for the past two years,” Walser said. “She keeps matters on track, supports the program efficiently and drafts announcements and updates with dash and often wit. One could not ask for more. Without her, Great Decisions of Reston would likely be kaput.” The library system recognized Carpenter and Walser last year with its Star Volunteer Award. Leo’s work extends well beyond a single initiative. She organizes writing workshops, book discussions and wellness classes, while also inviting local experts, from physicists to geologists, to share their knowledge with the community. Leo’s work has drawn praise from colleagues as well. “Adrienne does an outstanding job organizing and hosting Reston’s Great Decisions,” said Jaimie Donnelly, adult services manager and Leo’s supervisor. “Her ability to coordinate logistics while creating an engaging environment has made these sessions highly attended and impactful.” Before joining the library system, Leo worked at the National Archives and Records Administration in Maryland and earned a master’s degree in library science and archives management from the University of Michigan. For Leo, the work is as rewarding as it is varied. “My job is a real joy,” she said. “I feel lucky to meet people from all walks of life, learn from them and help make the library a cornerstone of the community.” Next up is a June program exploring Alexander Hamilton and the musical “Hamilton,” part of a broader celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Leo said it offers another opportunity to bring people together through shared learning.

by Lincoln Patience, staff writer Dr. Mehra has found a welcoming home in Reston. Photo contributed by Dr. Mehra When children as young as 6 are already more nearsighted than their parents, Dr. Sagar Mehra knows the problem is growing. The Reston optometrist—who opened his practice in 2022—has made early-onset myopia a central focus of his work. “I see 6- and 7-year-olds who have already exceeded their parents in nearsightedness,” Mehra said. He estimates he has treated “close to a thousand” patients with myopia. To slow its progression, Mehra offers Stellest lenses for children too young for contact lenses and stresses simple habits, including the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. He also advises protecting the eyelids from sun exposure to help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Mehra said he has wanted to be a doctor since childhood, when he watched the TV show "House" with his family and tried to diagnose its fictional patients. Unlike other members of his family, Mehra did not study abroad, but he and his wife now make travel a priority. They have visited more than a half-dozen countries, including Egypt, Jordan and Colombia. One standout trip took him to the Indian Himalayas, where he drove on one of the highest roads in the world. Outside the office, music—especially drumming—is a constant. In high school, Mehra worked as a DJ at local weddings and Sweet 16 parties after his mother loaned him money to buy his first turntables. His collection now includes a bongo, a tongue drum and a dhol, commonly used in Indian weddings. “Every time we travel, I try to collect an instrument that’s native to that place,” he said. His wife shares that passion. She played in her high school drum line and still has her drum set. Despite his travels and professional focus, Mehra said he enjoys the small surprises of everyday life in Reston, including once discovering that a man he met at Lake Audubon later sold him a boat on Facebook Marketplace. Mehra said he views his ADHD as an asset, helping him stay engaged with patients. What keeps him in the profession, he said, is the immediate impact of helping patients see better. In one case, he treated a woman with a retinal detachment. She later returned to the office with a crocheted floral piece in thanks. “I love the almost immediate results in terms of improving their quality of life,” he said. “If I had to choose, I would definitely do it all over again,” he added.

By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer NV Rides provides an avenue for volunteers to help older and disabled adults with essential transportation needs and social connections. Photo contributed by NV Rides A Northern Virginia nonprofit is helping older adults and people with disabilities stay mobile and connected by providing transportation to essential destinations. NV Rides, founded in 2014, began as an initiative of the Fairfax County Health Department to address gaps in transportation for seniors. “Most rides provided are to doctors’ offices,” said rides coordinator Janice Sokol, noting that services extend beyond health care. Riders also rely on the program for everyday needs such as grocery shopping and trips to the library. Since its founding, NV Rides has grown into a coordinated network of 15 community partners, including churches, community centers and volunteer groups. Together, they provide transportation and other supportive services across a broad region, from Alexandria through Fairfax County and into Prince William and Loudoun counties. The organization’s mission is to create a centralized, coordinated network of volunteer driver programs that helps older adults maintain independence, reduce isolation and access essential services. The program also supports social connection. In addition to transportation, some partner organizations offer services such as yard work and friendly visits. “People go and just converse with somebody who might not have anybody else around,” Sokol said. “It really depends on the agency we’re talking about.” The need for reliable transportation is especially significant for those who no longer drive. In a recent NV Rides survey, one rider said, “I don’t have to worry about driving myself; the driver is great.” Another commented, “It allows me to keep going to the library and grocery store without paying for an Uber or taxi.” As demand continues to grow, the organization is focused on expanding its network and reaching more people in need. “The plan for the future is to increase our drivers and, of course, increase our riders,” Sokol said. “But we can’t provide rides unless we have the drivers.” She added that increasing the number of partner organizations would help NV Rides fulfill more ride requests and extend service into areas it does not currently reach. Community members can get involved in a variety of ways, from volunteering as drivers to assisting with outreach at local events. To become a driver, visit nvrides.org. To volunteer in other ways, visit volunteer.thej.org/ Above all, NV Rides aims to raise awareness about its services and its role in supporting independence. For many in Northern Virginia, that support is already making everyday life easier.

Contributed by Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation A Dogwood Elementary student enjoys her new vending machine book. Photo by NWFCU Foundation Across Herndon and Reston, schools are expanding learning beyond the classroom through programs supported by the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation. The foundation’s N.E.E.D.S. Project (Nurturing Education, Experiences and Dreams for Students) provides funding and support for school-based initiatives identified by educators. Projects focus on needs ranging from literacy to the arts and student support. At Dranesville Elementary School, the program helped launch a reading challenge that led students to log more than 3,000 books. The effort culminated in the installation of a book vending machine, allowing students to use earned tokens to select books of their own. A similar initiative is underway at Dogwood Elementary School, where a book vending machine is being used to encourage reading and build student engagement. The foundation also supports arts programming. Students at Dogwood, Clearview and Hutchison elementary schools are participating in “Stars on the Stage,” which introduces children to live performance and creative expression. At South Lakes High School, support from the foundation helps fund the Winners Breakfast Club, a before-school program that provides meals and academic support. About 100 students attend weekly, meeting early in the morning with volunteers and peer mentors. “Every one of these projects starts with listening,” said Taralyn Kohler, vice president and foundation director. “When we ask educators and students what they truly need, we’re able to bring ideas to life that make a real difference.” The Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation partners with dozens of schools and community organizations across the region. Educators can apply for support through the N.E.E.D.S. Project at nwfcu.org/

by Ellyn Wexler, staff writer Photo courtesy of Cornerstones After nearly 25 years leading one of the region’s most visible human services organizations, Cornerstones CEO Kerrie Wilson is stepping away—leaving behind an agency that has grown dramatically in reach, partnerships and impact. When Wilson became CEO in 2001, Cornerstones had a $3 million budget and focused largely on emergency services such as shelter, childcare and a small food pantry. Today, the nonprofit serves about 26,000 people annually with a budget exceeding $21 million, including its housing affiliate. Its work now includes affordable housing development, food rescue, homelessness prevention and regional partnerships across Fairfax and Loudoun counties. “The biggest shift has been focusing upstream,” Wilson said. “Not just responding to crisis, but addressing the root causes—housing affordability, access to services and community leadership.” Wilson recalls early milestones, including helping establish the Herndon Official Worker Center in 2006, a day-labor site created with residents, employers and local leaders. Though the center later closed, she says it reinforced her belief that progress comes from finding common ground. Other milestones followed: Fairfax County’s 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, the launch of Connections for Hope to improve access to services, Opportunity Neighborhoods, which empowers parents and residents as community leaders, and most recently, the FREE from Hunger Center, a regional food rescue initiative that has redistributed more than 1 million pounds of food. Wilson’s tenure also included major challenges. During the 2008 housing market collapse, the agency addressed a wave of foreclosures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cornerstones opened a second emergency shelter and expanded food distribution. “Our staff showed extraordinary resilience and creativity,” she said. Rising housing costs and widening income gaps have left many families struggling. “Middle-income families are increasingly squeezed, and very low-income households are barely surviving,” Wilson said. Food insecurity remains widespread, inspiring initiatives like the FREE from Hunger Center. Wilson describes her leadership philosophy simply: stewardship. “No single leader or organization has all the answers,” she said. “Leadership is about listening, bringing people together and creating the conditions for others to contribute their talents and ideas.” Cornerstones grew out of the founding vision of Robert E. Simon, who imagined Reston as an inclusive community. That spirit remains today, reflected in volunteers serving meals, residents helping job seekers, and community members supporting children’s programs. One family story illustrates the impact. Cheryl entered shelter with her twins after falling into debt while caring for extended family. With Cornerstones’ support, she moved into transitional housing, became a homeowner, and raised two children who completed their education. Today, she chairs the board of Cornerstones’ housing corporation. Wilson’s successor, Shannon Steene, will lead the organization into its next chapter. “He has a deep commitment to community and dignity for every person,” Wilson said. As she steps away, Wilson plans to spend more time with family and grandchildren, take long walks on the beach and enjoy a glass of wine with her husband of 40 years. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to be part of the Cornerstones story,” she said. “The compassion and generosity of this community make it possible to meet people every day with dignity, hope and practical help.”

By Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess Lush Reston backyards provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor dining. Photo contributed by High Heeled Hostess Outdoor entertaining may sound effortless, but it can quickly become more complicated than it should be. Between food, setup and guest flow, hosts often end up managing too many moving parts and missing the very experience they set out to create. The secret to stress-free dining al fresco is not doing more. It is simplifying each element so the focus stays where it belongs: on the gathering itself. Simplify Your Setup A successful outdoor gathering starts with a thoughtful, restrained setup. Rather than trying to style your entire backyard, focus on one defined area—a patio, a deck or an inviting corner of the yard. A contained layout is easier to manage and creates a more intimate experience for guests. Your table should feel intentional, not overdone. A neutral base with one focal point—seasonal florals or fresh greenery—creates an elevated look without unnecessary effort. Durable, low-maintenance pieces keep you from worrying about every detail once guests arrive. The simpler the setup, the easier the preparation and cleanup. Build a Simple Menu One of the fastest ways to create stress is overcomplicating the menu. Keeping things simple and strategic allows you to stay present and enjoy your guests. A balanced approach might include one main dish, two easy sides and a dessert that requires little to no last-minute attention. Grilled items and make-ahead dishes work especially well for outdoor entertaining, as they reduce the need for constant oversight and keep you out of the kitchen. If a dish requires too much attention on the day of the event, save it for another occasion. Make It Self-Serve A self-serve setup is one of the simplest ways to take pressure off the host. A drink station with a signature cocktail, wine and water and a nonalcoholic option lets guests help themselves and keeps the atmosphere relaxed and easy. The same approach works well for food. Whether you preset items or offer a grazing-style spread, inviting guests to serve themselves creates a comfortable, unhurried rhythm and frees you to be present rather than managing every detail throughout the event. Prioritize Comfort Over Perfection Outdoor entertaining always comes with variables outside your control, which is exactly why comfort matters more than perfection. Thoughtful timing—hosting later in the day to avoid peak heat, for example—can make a noticeable difference in how guests experience the gathering. Simple details like shade, seating and bug control go a long way. When small imperfections arise, embracing them as part of the charm keeps the gathering feeling relaxed rather than rigid. The Final Touch Stress-free outdoor entertaining is about creating an environment where you and your guests can simply enjoy being together. Simplify the setup, keep the menu manageable, plan for comfort and let go of the rest. Reston, summer is here. That gathering you’ve been meaning to host? The weather is perfect, the season is short and your guests are ready. Pull up a chair—it’s time. For more seasonal tips, tricks, and hosting inspiration, visit www.highheeledhostess.com/ and follow along for updates and exclusive content, or email noelle@higheeledhostess.com Noelle Sharbaugh, the High Heeled Hostess, is a published and award-winning tablescape designer dedicated to helping others transform dining experiences into unforgettable events.

By Gene Powell, staff writer While Lake Anne Plaza and Reston Museum hosted Celebrate Reston!, Public Art Reston hosted ChalkFest at Town Center this month. The event drew amateur as well as professional artists in a celebration of art and Earth on "eARTh Day." Penny Hauffe's entry "Growing Greener" was one of the winners. Photo by Public Art Reston Reston celebrated its 62nd anniversary on April 18 with music, author readings, walking architecture and history tours, and a boisterous afternoon crowd that at times filled Washington Plaza at Lake Anne. The annual celebration started in 2004 as “Founder’s Day,” marking the 90th birthday of Robert E. Simon, the real estate entrepreneur who established the planned community in 1964. Its name combines his initials, R-E-S, with “town.” “Celebrate Reston” was presented by the Reston Museum and hosted by Lake Anne of Reston (LARCA), a condominium unit owners association, and the Reston Community Center, with the publicly funded center shouldering much of the event’s costs. The name was changed to “Celebrate Reston” two years ago to “make the event more inclusive,” said Lisa Watts, festival organizer and executive director of the Reston Historic Trust and Museum. The annual celebration was broadened this year to include live art, 30-minute tours and an exercise display, to establish it as more than an author-focused event, Watts said. Occasional gusty winds presented a challenge to vendors and displays, momentarily overturning at least one blue sun shelter tent, but skies were mostly sunny. This year’s program included a presentation, “All Men Are Created Equal: America’s 250th Anniversary and the Founding of Reston,” by Kenneth Plum, who retired in 2024 after a total of 44 years of service in the Virginia House of Delegates. Mindshift Gym’s refurbished fire truck was the centerpiece of a jungle gym and obstacle course, and the Fairfax County Park Authority’s mobile nature center, a large van dubbed “Wonder Wagon,” was on display near the entrance to the celebration. Performers included George Mason University’s Fife and Drum Corps, the Reston Community Players, the Foley Irish Dance Academy and Bach to Rock. Reston’s Used Book Shop and the Reston Museum featured talks by local authors Chuck Cascio, G.G. Eddins and Alexandra Campbell. Simon, who lived in the Lake Anne area for more than a decade late in his life, died in 2015. A lakeside bronze statue of Simon sitting on a park bench stands in the plaza, the original center of the new town. The Lake Anne Center Historic District was added in 2017 to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.

The Reston Letter serves as a classroom resource By Ellyn Wexler, staff writer An instructor guides students in reading about their own community in The Reston Letter to practice everyday language structures with relevant content. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro. Adult English learners in Reston arrive from around the world, often with little or no English as they begin building basic communication skills. At the community site where English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are held, director Quincy Lewis describes classrooms defined by linguistic diversity. Students speak languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Korean, Urdu and Farsi. Sessions open with a brief interactive warm-up before the day’s lesson, followed by instruction. Teachers incorporate real-world materials known as “realia” to support learning. Marcia Tugendhat said Stacy Casey, volunteer coordinator and instructor from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax in Oakton, first encouraged her to bring in a local newspaper, which is now a regular classroom tool. Instructors say peer support plays a key role as students become more comfortable using English. “I had such a fun time using The Reston Letter this morning,” Tugendhat said, noting that repetition helps reinforce vocabulary and everyday language structures as students work with “headlines, sections and ads.” Tugendhat, who moved from Venezuela to the United States about 50 years ago, said persistence defines the classroom experience. “I simply love teaching these students,” she said. “They keep showing up, they keep trying, and that makes all the difference.” The ESOL program began in August 2023 through a partnership with the Oakton congregation. Thirteen parents attended the first weekly class, and participation grew as word spread through schools and community networks. Carmen Fonseca Londono, a parent liaison at Dogwood Elementary School, has helped connect families to the program. A native of Colombia, she said many parents initially feel uncertain about their English but gain confidence through consistent participation. “Once they start coming, they realize they are not alone,” she said. The program’s early growth required flexibility in finding a stable location. With no space available at Dogwood, parent liaison Andrew Sigle arranged with Lewis to use the community site. Lewis said the ESOL program demonstrates how shared community spaces support learning and community connection. Classes now run weekly, serving adults balancing work, family responsibilities and language acquisition. The original one-class-per-week structure was intentional, allowing the program to expand gradually while maintaining a supportive environment for new learners. Fonseca Londono said the impact extends beyond language acquisition, especially for families connected to Dogwood. “As their English improves, they become more engaged in the school community,” she said, noting increased participation in school activities and communication with teachers. Tugendhat said progress is visible in small but meaningful steps each week, noting that students “start recognizing words, then phrases, then they start speaking without fear.” Sigle described the program as reflecting both need and community collaboration. “It all just came together, and it continues today,” he said.

Beloved summer series returns to Reston Town Center with free, open-air performances Contributed by RTC RTC Concerts on the Town series will play its 33rd season this summer. Photo contributed by RTC Reston Concerts on the Town will begin its 33rd season at Reston Town Center (RTC). The free outdoor concert series will take place at the Pavilion on Saturday evenings beginning on May 16. The series transforms the Pavilion into a vibrant destination featuring live music that offers a mix of high-energy performances and family-friendly entertainment in an open-air environment. This year's lineup features something for every musical taste. All concerts are open to the public, with free garage parking onsite. The 2026 concert lineup includes: May 16: Yacht Lobsters: Delivering the smooth, polished sound of 1970s and early 1980s soft rock, inspired by artists like Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates and Toto May 23: emmet swimming: One of Virginia's most successful touring bands, with national recognition and tours alongside major artists May 30: Delta Spur: A Northern Virginia country cover band known for high-energy, dance-ready hits from today's top country artists June 5 & 6: Big Al & The Jokers: A special two-night U.S. premiere featuring a nine-piece Latvian band blending swing, R&B and rock with a full horn section June 13: Herr Metal: An '80s rock tribute band from Germany delivering a high-energy, nostalgic performance June 20: Pat McGee Band: A fan-favorite group with a 25-year career and history of sharing the stage with legendary artists June 27: RDGLDGRN: A Reston homecoming for a genre-blending band known for collaborations with Pharrell, Dave Grohl, and Method Man July 11: Discoteks: An eight-piece band bringing disco and Motown classics to life with high-energy performances July 18: Reflex: Recreating the sounds and style of the biggest hits from the 1980s July 25: Hell's Belles: An all-female AC/DC tribute band delivering powerful, high-voltage rock Aug. 1: Ace Monroe: A modern rock band known for gritty guitar riffs and electrifying live shows Aug. 8: Hard Day's Night: A Beatles tribute band offering an authentic concert experience Aug. 15: The Ocean Blue: An alternative rock band known for charting hits and MTV success Aug. 22: Almost Queen: A tribute band delivering a powerful recreation of Queen's iconic sound and stage presence

Contributed by SYN SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge in Reston is celebrating the Kentucky Derby all day on Saturday, May 2. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest southern flair to fete the annual Run for the Roses. SYN will screen the big race—along with every lead-up—set against skyline views from Reston's only public rooftop. To celebrate, guests can sip a triple crown of julep cocktails all day Saturday, served three ways: traditional, raspberry, and blackberry. The menu will also feature Chef Alexis Hernandez's signature brunch and dinner offerings, from Huevos Rancheros with refried beans, avocado, sunny-side-up eggs, tomato sauce, and cotija cheese to Tuna Tataki finished with ponzu, wasabi aioli, and crispy quinoa. The guest with the standout Derby look—hat included—will win a SYN gift card. Reservations are encouraged.

Join your friends and neighbors as we celebrate the history, people and culture of Reston! Contributed by Reston Museum Photo courtesy of Reston Museum This exciting and enriching community event has something for everyone to enjoy: ● The Wonder Wagon will be on site sharing more about Reston’s green spaces. ● Mindshift Gym is bringing a refurbished fire truck turned jungle gym and obstacle course. ● There will be a performance from George Mason University Fife and Drum Corps ● Ken Plum will deliver the presentation “All Men Are Created Equal: America’s 250th Anniversary and the Founding of Reston.” ● The Reston Community Players will perform hits from the Broadway musical Hamilton ● Enjoy performances by the Foley Irish Dance Academy and Bach to Rock. ● Reston's Used Book Shop and the Reston Museum will feature talks by local authors Chuck Cascio, G.G. Eddins, and Alexandra Campbell. ● Throughout the afternoon, Public Art Reston will provide live art along with scheduled architectural and art walk tours. ● And so much more to enjoy! When: Saturday, April 18 12:00 to 4 p.m. Where: Lake Anne Plaza in Reston Admission Free! Celebrate Reston! is presented by the Reston Museum and hosted by Lake Anne of Reston, A Condominium Unit Owners Association, and Reston Community Center. Admission is free. For more information visit restonmuseum.org/

Contributed by Reston Association Members of the Reston Association Elections Committee announced the winners in the 2026 Board of Directors Election and named the full slate of the Association’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors. The announcement came as part of the Association’s 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting, which also included a report on the State of the Association and honors for 2025 Volunteer Service Awards. Three seats on RA’s nine-member Board were included in the 2026 election, which took place February 27-March 31, 2026. All members of Reston Association were eligible to vote in the election. The winners announced April 14 include: • John Farrell – At-Large Director • Georgina Cannan – Lake Anne/Tall Oaks Director • Margaret Perry – Apartment Owners’ Representative Directors Farrell and Perry have been re-elected to serve new three-year terms on the Board. Cannan is new to the Board and was elected to a two-year term. The RA Board plays a vital role in shaping the community’s policies and guiding Reston’s future, including determining the annual member assessment. All RA members – owners and renters – are eligible to vote in the election. A quorum of at least 10% of eligible voters was required to validate the election. The complete Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term are (in alphabetical order): • Georgina Cannan, Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director • John Farrell, At-Large Director • Travis Johnson, Hunters Woods/Dogwood District Director • Jennifer Jushchuk, South Lakes District Director • Michael Lanza, North Point District Director • Jalal Mapar, At-Large Director • Matthew Mullenix, At-Large Director • Margaret Perry, Apartment Owners Representative • Izzy Santa, At-Large Director The Board will meet for its organizational meeting on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. to select officers for the 2026-27 term.