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.

by Phantom Foodie Founding Farmers' Southern Fried Chicken & Waffle & Founding Farmers' Shrimp & Grits I recently spent a week on the Eastern Shore, mostly cooking and consuming tide-to-table dishes. As I was driving home through the cornfields of Delmarva, I got to thinking about farm-to-table options here in Reston and the connection to the founding fathers around this milestone holiday. Enter Founding Farmers. I dropped my bags, grabbed Ms. Foodie, and went for the comfort food. Founding Farmers Reston Station sits conveniently right on the Silver Line plaza at Wiehle-Reston East. The concept is compelling: majority-owned by American family farmers, everything made from scratch, ingredients sourced from producers they know by name. It is a restaurant with a genuine origin story. We just wished the story was woven into our meal. We were greeted and seated quickly into a large booth in the main dining room. Menus tossed at the end of the table. Did we stumble into a diner? The booth cushions had seen better days but I felt the worn, torn cushions gave it a rustic feel. We started with the Cinnamon Sugar Bacon Lollis, a signature starter that appears on every must-order list. Tasty? Yes. Worth the hype? You will have to decide for yourself. They arrived warm and sweet but felt more like a novelty than a revelation. The mains, however, delivered. Ms. Foodie's Shrimp and Grits were fresh, well-seasoned, and satisfying — the kind of dish that reminds you why Southern comfort food endures. My Fried Chicken and Waffle with mac and cheese and green beans was generous, golden, and undeniably good. The chicken was crispy and juicy, and not at all greasy. I only wish the waffle was a complete waffle versus two quarters. We both devoured the mac and cheese quickly, fending each other off from across the table. The drink options are extensive and there is something for everyone. For the craft cocktail connoisseurs, definitely try the award-winning Founding Spirits line. While our beverages arrived promptly, we did have to ask for water as the mains arrived. Service was kind but transactional — orders taken, food delivered, check presented. What was absent was any sense of the restaurant's remarkable story. In a farm-to-table concept built entirely on the identity of farmer-owners, that narrative should be part of the meal. A server who could speak to the sourcing, the sustainability mission, the farmers behind the food would elevate the entire experience. Instead, we left full but not particularly moved. E pluribus yum. Out of many, one delicious meal. Founding Farmers is sow good. The food is fresh, made with care, and hits the comfort notes squarely. But a restaurant with this much story to tell deserves a dining experience that tells it. We'll be back — perhaps for brunch, with a cocktail from the Founding Spirits menu and a desire for a service staff who knows the farm behind the fork. Founding Farmers Reston Station 1904 Reston Metro Plaza Happy Hour: M-F, 3:30 - 6:00 PM Catering, Private Group Dining 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 Hayley Sherwood, Columnist I spend my days helping people manage anxiety, depression, grief, stress and many other challenges that come with being human. But I have to admit something: one of my favorite coworkers has four legs, a wagging tail and a fondness for claiming an entire couch as her own. Her name is Lila. She is my 10-year-old pit bull and the most empathetic pup I have ever met. Lila regularly joins me at the office, and while she does not have a psychology license (I've checked), she has an uncanny ability to know when someone needs a little extra comfort. Clients often smile as soon as they see her. Some pet her while talking through difficult memories. Some laugh when she gives them the side eye or express concern when she appears to be chasing a squirrel in her sleep. Others simply seem to breathe a little easier knowing she is nearby. Watching these interactions makes me curious. Is this just anecdotal, or does psychological research support what many pet owners already believe? As it turns out, science has quite a bit to say. The American Psychiatric Association's 2024 Healthy Minds Poll found that 84% of pet owners believe their pets have a positive impact on their mental health. The most common reasons were companionship, unconditional love, a calming presence, reduced stress, increased physical activity and greater social interaction. These findings mirror what many therapists hear every day. Researchers have also found that spending time with dogs, even for brief periods, can reduce psychological distress. A recent study published in the journal Emotion found that spending time with one's own dog was associated with improved emotional well-being, particularly during stressful periods. So how do pets help us feel better? One reason is that they excel at something humans sometimes struggle with: being fully present. Dogs are not worried about tomorrow's meeting or replaying an awkward conversation from five years ago. They simply enjoy being with us. Petting or walking a dog naturally encourages mindfulness, the ability to focus on the present moment, a skill therapists often teach to help reduce anxiety. Pets also provide something psychologists call "unconditional positive regard." They show up whether you've had a bad hair day, forgotten your grocery list or embarrassed yourself in front of your coworkers. They are simply happy to see you. That consistent acceptance can be surprisingly powerful, especially during times of stress or loneliness. Dogs, in particular, improve our lives in ways we may not even notice. They get us outdoors. They encourage regular routines. They introduce us to neighbors we might not otherwise meet. Those daily walks become small doses of exercise, sunlight and social interaction, all well-established contributors to well-being. Pets are wonderful, but they are not magical antidepressants. They require time, money, patience, training and veterinary care. At times, they can create stress as well as relieve it. Research suggests the relationship matters more than simply owning an animal. A loving bond with a pet appears to provide the greatest emotional benefits. Lila reminds me that comfort does not always come from words. Sometimes it comes from sitting quietly beside someone, offering warmth, acceptance and the occasional request for a belly rub. That's not a bad lesson for the rest of us, either. Keep cool and psych’d to see you next month! -Dr. S. Do you have a question for me? Are there topics you are hoping I will write about? Please submit your suggestions to www.oakhillpsychological.com/ 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.

Mystery Fiction by Arthur Semicolon Doyle Middle-school sleuth, Sage Greene, walks to the house of her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Gray. It’s a hot and humid summer day in Reston so Sage appreciates the cool air conditioning inside. She is greeted in the foyer by Kimble, an orange cat. As Sage removes her shoes, Kimble plays with the shoelaces. “Shoo, Kimble!” Mrs. Gray says. “He’s a year old but still as rambunctious as a kitten!” In the kitchen, Mrs. Gray offers Sage an ice tea, but her cupboard is empty. Her dishwasher has just finished so she opens it up for a glass. A big cloud of steam rises out and fogs up her eyeglasses. “Not again!” she laughs. “My glasses fog up all the time in the humid weather.” After pouring Sage a glass of iced tea at the table, they hear loud thumps from the living room. Curious, Sage and Mrs. Gray investigate. When they enter the room, Kimble jumps from the top of the coffee table and runs past them into the kitchen. Several magazines are on the floor. “Ooh, that cat is always knocking things over!” Sage helps Mrs. Gray pick up the magazines. Suddenly a loud shattering and splash sound comes from the kitchen. Then a terrified Kimble darts out of the kitchen, through the living room, and disappears around a corner. They look in the kitchen to see the floor is covered with iced tea and broken glass. Mrs. Gray gasps. Sage leans in the doorway and sees the table top also has iced tea and glass pieces on it. “Stay out of there, Sage.” says Mrs. Gray. “You don’t have shoes on.” Mrs. Gray shakes her fist in the air. “Kimble, you naughty kitty!” she shouts. “Knocking a glass off a table is going too far!” Sage interrupts, “Wait a minute. Kimble didn’t do it.” How does Sage know that Kimble is innocent? Solution: Mrs. Gray is confused. Sage says, “I know Kimble likes to knock things off tables, but if he pushed the glass off the table, it would have smashed when it hit the floor. Look at the table top. There’s broken glass and iced tea there too. The glass must have shattered while it was still on the table and then some pieces and tea fell on the floor.” “But how?” asks Mrs. Gray. Sage replies, “The glass was very hot from the dishwasher and then you poured cold iced tea in it. After a few moments, that temperature change can make a glass shatter on its own.” Sage and Mrs. Gray find the frightened cat hiding in the foyer and they discover his back is wet with tea. “Poor kitty got splashed,” says Sage as she dries him with a towel. “You know, Kimble, if you hadn’t lured us out of the kitchen that glass might have shattered in my hand. Thank you.” Kimble purrs as if to say “You’re welcome.”