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By Caroline Ayres, Staff Writer As fall settles in, the Girls on the Run program is in full swing at Armstrong Elementary. The team is hitting the track, focused on exercise and empowerment. Armstrong’s team, part of a larger network of more than 100 teams and 2,000 runners across Northern Virginia, includes girls from various grades. The program not only trains them for running, but also builds their confidence and resilience. Each season culminates in a 5K race in November, with teams from Northern Fairfax typically participating at Dulles or Reston Town Centers. Girls on the Run promotes both physical and mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of self-worth. “It’s not just a running program,” said Jenevieve Lenz Miller, who has coached Armstrong’s team for seven years. This year’s theme, “You Have Starpower,” encourages girls to recognize their inner strength through activities that promote positive self-talk and self-appreciation. The focus on mental resilience is at the heart of the program. According to Lenz Miller, the girls leave with more confidence, ready to take on life’s challenges. Reflecting on her experience, she shared the joy of seeing these lessons carry forward in the girls’ lives, including her own daughters. Her eldest, once a participant, is now returning as a volunteer coach. “You can’t put a label on that,” she added. Although Armstrong’s program has fewer than 20 participants this year, the girls are ready to run toward fitness as well as the best versions of themselves.

by Megan Schmid, Staff Writer Originally from Manassas, Ann Alexander Murray graduated summa cum laude from George Mason University and now calls Reston home. “There are so many diverse opportunities for ambiance and experiences that Reston offers artists, as well as galleries and sculptures throughout the town for viewing,” she said. “From the beauty of the lake trails to the cityscape of Reston Town Center, I see so many opportunities to be inspired creatively and to recharge here.” Her surroundings, plus her faith, influence her instrumental piano compositions. Murray’s passion for piano began at age 14. “I would watch classmates play piano, and wanted to try playing those songs myself,” she recalled. “I would stay behind after class ‘plinking around’ and creating my own melodies, which I found far easier than playing songs already written by other artists.” Since then, she has composed more than 20 pieces, 11 of which will be on her upcoming album, “Shadows and Reflections,” set to release on all streaming platforms on Nov. 22. “It's difficult to explain, but the songs just come to me as I write them, and I hit keys and see what sounds fit next after phrases I have written,” Murray said. “It shocks and surprises me sometimes!” With her debut album soon to be released, her next dream is to perform live for a large audience. Meanwhile, she shares her work online. One of her compositions, “Before Me,” is available on her YouTube channel, Ann Alexander Piano. You can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4KhftyDMM8. Follow her on Instagram @annalexanderpiano for videos and updates on her album launch.

I never thought I’d be writing about politics. For the last decade, I have heard from many people struggling with severe depression and anxiety, fear, disgust, and dread, not just about their personal challenges, but also about the political climate in our country. I hear first-hand about marriages, friendships, and family relationships that have deteriorated significantly in the last several years, and the problem has multiplied exponentially with the upcoming presidential election. I wonder how many relationships could be salvaged if, instead of trying to convince a loved one to vote one way or another, we all made a decision to make choices that work for us and allowed others to do the same? In the latest issue of the American Psychological Association’s “Monitor on Psychology,” several contributing psychologists agree that “politics is a form of chronic stress.” That is detrimental to our mental and physical health. How do we attempt to heal ourselves and repair our relationships at a time when so much is “at stake?” As we approach the election, a potential starting point involves adopting and practicing an important mantra, everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Writing a text or email or calling with that in mind allows us to pause and remember that the person we are texting/emailing/calling has a history and set of circumstances that contribute to one choice or another. While I am not generally a fan of making assumptions, if we can assume that the person on the receiving end of our communication is doing the best he/she/they can, perhaps we would be less inclined to try to convince them that we are “right” and they are “wrong.” It is actually okay to love someone and to disagree with them, even in the current overwhelming political climate. You can decide not to talk about politics, not to turn on the news (which includes not keeping one news outlet or another on as background noise), and not to repost or pass along controversial information from social media. Try simply showing up for others and talking about any number of topics (e.g. your grandson’s adjustment to college, your new job, or Aunt Carol’s new pie recipe), without fueling further tension and conflict. Conserve your energy rather than giving it away to someone whose mind isn’t changing. I imagine we will all need it in the months ahead. 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 NEW THERAPISTS!

by Chuck Cascio, Author and Former South Lakes Teacher Born and raised in Reston, Melinda Arons has built a life that hits the very core of meaningful media-related activity. The 1994 South Lakes High School graduate who grew up on Yellowwood Court and then on Cross School Road says of Reston, "It is hard to count the many fond memories. I especially loved the summer pool culture...I was a total pool rat." A unique aspect of her years in Reston is "you didn't need to belong to a country club or live in a super fancy house...you could just hang all day with your friends and swim, eat ice cream from the Good Humor truck, and be totally safe with very little parental supervision. I didn't realize how rare and special that was until I was an adult." As an adult, the impact of those early years helped shape Melinda's career. Reflecting upon her graduation from Georgetown University in 1998, Melinda admits, "I've always been more about vibes than plans. After graduation, I went to London for a year with two close college friends, and would have loved to have stayed, but my visa expired. However, I did make a contact there that got me my first job in news in New York, and that got the ball rolling." That ball has rolled Melinda into many influential media roles, including 12 years as a producer at ABC News and three years as a manager of strategic partnerships at Facebook. All these roles often put Melinda at the forefront of critical issues, and in 2016, she became Director of Broadcast Media for Hillary for America where she oversaw television coverage of the Hillary Clinton campaign, and managed their relationships with the networks. After the election, Melinda spent a year consulting. "That experience gave me the confidence to believe that if I ever tried working on my own, I was far enough along in my career with enough contacts and skills to make it work." With that confidence, Melinda founded Arons Advisors in 2021. One of the major projects her namesake organization took on was as part of the "first-ever team of former television journalists brought in by Congress to help produce televised hearings of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol, laying out the committee's evidence to the country. It was by far the most important and meaningful thing I've ever been a part of." Melinda resides in New York’s West Village, but life in Reston and at SLHS remains vivid: "My group of friends and I just celebrated our 30th reunion together! It was magical...truly a special, completely hilarious group. Another major influence from high school would be the teachers, especially Faye Cascio in biology and Kent Harris in English. Ms. Cascio made us feel so smart and well taken care of, and Mr. Harris was incredible; he taught me how to write." Seems like the “vibes” Melinda values have been nurtured by the community where she grew up as she continues to make an impact.

by Sarah Golden, Staff Writer Anyone who has moved to a new town knows how crucial it is to scout out the best local spots — from finding the grocery store with the freshest produce to discovering the nail salon with the perfect shade of red, or the coffee shop that gets the “just right” latte temperature. But perhaps the most important quest of all: locating the best Chinese takeout. Few things feel better after a long day at work than slipping into your comfiest sweats, turning on a binge-worthy Netflix show, and indulging in classic takeout staples like Crab Rangoon, Fried Rice, and Orange Chicken. Now, let’s be clear — this is not an attempt to downplay the greatness of Orange Chicken. But much of what we recognize as Chinese food in America is actually American in origin. Crab Rangoon, for instance, first appeared in San Francisco, making it as American as apple pie. For those ready to expand their takeout routine, Lakeside Asia Café in Reston is a perfect place to start. Specializing in Sichuan cuisine, it brings authentic flavors straight from China’s Sichuan province. The modest storefront, tucked away in South Lakes Village Shopping Center, may be easy to miss, but the flavors inside are hard to forget. While the spring rolls and steamed dumplings make for good appetizers, the real star power is in the entrées. If you're feeling unsure about what to try, the Mapo Tofu is a sure bet. One of Lakeside’s most popular dishes, it features melt-in-your-mouth tofu bathed in a rich pork chili sauce, giving you a hug in every bite, while the Sichuan peppercorns bring that signature fiery kick. It's a great introduction for anyone hesitant about tofu. Another standout is the Sichuan-style green beans. Cooked to perfection, these beans are bursting with flavor, thanks to the peppercorns that elevate even simple veggies. The duck, served with a flavorful au jus, also deserves a mention. On the flip side, the Soybeans with Shredded Pork and Mustard Greens didn’t leave quite as lasting an impression. This writer will absolutely be returning to ask the chef for recommendations which will hopefully result in experiencing some more stand-out dishes. Lakeside Asia Café 11130 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA 20191 Monday Closed Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM Thursday 11 AM–9 PM Friday 11 AM–9:30 PM Saturday 12–9 PM Sunday 12–9 PM https://lakesideasiacafeva.com/ We have never been and will never be reimbursed for our restaurant reviews, nor do the restaurants our staff review know that they are writing about their food and experience beforehand.

By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Ateeth Dentalcare, led by Reston resident Dr. Archana Srinivasan -- fondly known as Dr. Sri -- opened its doors Sept. 6. With a comprehensive background in dentistry and an emphasis on patient well-being, the highly skilled and compassionate dentist strives to redefine the area’s oral healthcare. Dr. Sri aspires to personal relationships with her patients, considering them “my extended family of friends and neighbors,” she said. “I am proud to serve the community I’ve lived in for nine years.” Her journey into dentistry is as inspiring as her approach to patient care. Growing up with parents who were doctors that ran a small town hospital, Dr. Sri was drawn to the world of medicine early on. Her passion for dentistry was ignited by a dental injury during her teenage years, leading her to discover the field’s intricate connection between science, art, and medicine. After earning a bachelor of dental surgery degree and completing a master’s in endodontics in her native India, Dr. Sri met and married primary care physician Dr. Jeevan Errabolu, and moved to the U.S. in 2007. She completed a residency at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health in Rochester, New York, an experience that refined her skills and deepened her understanding of patient-centered care, particularly for people with dental anxiety and special needs. What sets Ateeth Dentalcare apart is Dr. Sri’s holistic philosophy. She believes in treating not just the dental issue at hand, but also considering the patient’s overall health. “Dentistry goes beyond just treating teeth,” said Dr. Sri. “It’s about treating the whole person.” This perspective ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to meet the patient’s unique needs, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures and preserving natural tooth structure. Dr. Sri’s practice emphasizes conservative care, opting for treatments like remineralizing early tooth decay or healing irritated nerves before turning to more invasive procedures like root canals or extractions. This thoughtful approach restores oral health and enhances overall well-being. At Ateeth Dentalcare, patients are welcomed into an environment where they feel understood and valued. Dr. Sri and her dedicated team – administrative manager Barbara Smith and dental assistant Marellyn Ayala -- foster strong relationships with their patients, built on trust, empathy, and respect. This personalized care approach ensures that each patient’s concerns are heard, and their treatment aligns with their comfort and health goals. “Our focus is on creating healthy, radiant smiles that last a lifetime,” Dr. Sri said. “Beyond that, we want our patients to leave feeling better, knowing that their well-being is our priority.” Ateeth Dentalcare is not just a sparkling new dental office; it is a sanctuary for people seeking comprehensive care that considers both oral health and overall wellness. Dr. Sri’s blend of expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient education ensures that every visit is a positive experience. For those looking for more than just dental care — who seek a practice that treats them as whole individuals —Ateeth Dentalcare stands ready to make a difference, one smile at a time. When we feature businesses in The Reston Letter, we are not endorsing them as a company or speaking to their credibility. We are telling their stories according to them. We want to give exposure to a lot of businesses, but that does not necessarily mean that we have firsthand experience with them as clients. Hopefully you will always have great experiences with them, but our job stops once we've told their story. We cannot vouch for them beyond that.

by Holly Weatherwax, Staff Writer If you’ve visited Lake Anne Plaza in the past decade, chances are you’ve paused to watch the cats playing in the window of the Just Cats Clinic. More recently, you may have noticed the clinic’s expansion to the building (11401 North Shore Drive) that anchors the front of the parking lot. Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, the clinic's owner and primary veterinarian, serves cats and their owners from all over the D.C. Metro area. She began her career at a feline clinic in Arlington, but after years of commuting from Reston, she realized many of her cli ents were making the same commute from Reston and Herndon. Recognizing a local need for specialized feline care, she opened Just Cats Clinic in Reston. While many clients come from the immediate area, some travel from as far away as Winchester, Warrenton, and even Baltimore. In the 10 years since opening her original location at Lake Anne Plaza, the practice has grown steadily. Dr. Chapman initially envisioned having three or four practitioners. Today, the clinic has six full-time veterinarians, including Dr. Chapman, and they are continually on the lookout for more doctors and staff who share their passion for feline care. The original location, still under lease, is now used primarily for boarding and for the clinic's partnership with the Feline Foundation of Greater Washington, supporting local cat adoption efforts. With a singular focus on cats, Just Cats Clinic strives to ensure a calming environment for both pets and owners. The clinic takes special care with the physical treatment of the cats and the atmosphere in which they’re treated. The new facility features large windows in every exam room, allowing natural light and a view of the outdoors to help keep the cats relaxed. The doctors dedicate extra time to each patient, conducting thorough exams and diagnostics. Currently, the clinic performs about three surgeries per day. The new space is designed to accommodate more surgeries daily, with improved preparation and recovery areas for cats, though they are limited by available staff and doctors. In addition to regular services such as dental care and spay/neuter procedures, the clinic offers specialized treatments like acupuncture for pain management and arthritis, and laser therapy to reduce inflammation. The new facility also includes space for a complementary practice, featuring a reception area and two consultation rooms. Dr. Chapman’s long-term vision for the clinic is to evolve into a 24-hour care facility for cats, offering services similar to those at the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center and VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center. The Just Cats Clinic celebrated the grand opening of its new location with an Open House on Sept. 7. The event featured public tours of the examination suites, surgery rooms, dental suite, and cat condos for preparation and recovery. Attendees had the chance to make their own cat ears, play bean bag toss, use a photo booth, and enjoy snacks and cake. Just Cats Clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), meeting more than 900 standards for high-quality medical care and safety. They also are certified as a Cat Friendly Gold Standard clinic, ensuring the best possible care from the start to the end of each visit. Dr. Chapman and her staff are thrilled about the clinic's expansion and look forward to continuing to care for the cats of Reston and beyond. "We’re excited about the new facility and are grateful for the incredible support from the Reston community!" To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit justcatsclinic.com. When we feature businesses in The Reston Letter, we are not endorsing them as a company or speaking to their credibility. We are telling their stories according to them. We want to give exposure to a lot of businesses, but that does not necessarily mean that we have firsthand experience with them as clients. Hopefully you will always have great experiences with them, but our job stops once we've told their story. We cannot vouch for them beyond that.

Registrations are Open for Both Artists and Families & Kids Contributed by Public Art Reston Back by popular demand, Public Art Reston is thrilled to announce the return of ChalkFest at Reston Town Center! On Saturday, Oct. 20, 2024, Market Street will be transformed into a vibrant canvas where professional and amateur artists, as well as families and kids, will transform the pavement into a vivid kaleidoscope of inspired chalk designs. This lively event will also feature face painting and live music from Bach to Rock Herndon, creating an atmosphere that’s fun for everyone. Each participant will be assigned a square and provided with chalks and art supplies upon registration. Chalking starts on 10 a.m. and winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Registrations are now open at tinyurl.com/2024chalkfest in three categories: “Professional Artists ($35)”, “Amateur Artists ($30)”, and “Families & Kids ($25)”. Prizes will be awarded in each category as well as Audience Choice Awards. Additionally, businesses and community groups are invited to join for a fantastic team-building experience. This year, Public Art Reston has set aside a limited number of complimentary squares for families and kids in need of financial assistance. Everyone is encouraged to register in advance, as previous events have sold out days before the event. In case of inclement weather, chalk kits will be available for pick up and participants are encouraged to share their art on Public Art Reston’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations looking to connect with a diverse audience. Previous ChalkFest events have drawn over 4,000 visitors, making it a fantastic way to engage with the community. For sponsorship information, please contact admin@publicartreston.org. All funds raised at ChalkFest at Reston Town Center 2024 will help support future public art projects and programs. ChalkFest at Reston Town Center 2024 Supporters include: Presenting Sponsor, Reston Community Center, in partnership with County of Fairfax, Virginia, Reston Town Center Association, Boston Properties, Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and ArtsFarifax. More information about ChalkFest 2024 can be found at https://publicartreston.org/chalkfest-2024

Contributed by Reston Museum Featuring some of Reston’s most fabulous homes, the annual Reston Home Tour will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. “All of us at the Reston Museum are very excited to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the home tour! This much-anticipated event always brings out those who love and appreciate what makes living in Reston so special,” commented Lisa Watts, Reston Museum executive director. “Our three co-chairs, Debban Dodril, Stephanie Randall and Mary Miceli, have done an exceptional job finding the most exciting and inspiring homes for this year’s tour. Beginning with the original architectural elements of each property, the homeowners thoughtfully created new designs and spaces—and added unique features—to make the home their own." This year’s featured homes include an expertly renovated lakefront masterpiece highlighted by walls of windows and an organic modern design aesthetic; a stunning remodeled mid-century home featuring a one-of-a-kind expanded outdoor living space drawing you to the Hidden Creek Country Club golf course views beyond; a completely renovated vintage Reston home offering a clever multi-generational floor-plan and a modern /vintage design; a beautifully-landscaped and updated colonial offering an abundance of indoor and outdoor living; a treasure-filled accessible Reston Town Center condo providing a glimpse into the owners adventure-filled world-travels; and, a reimagined split-level featuring awe-inspiring interior and exterior designs. Showcasing the range of lifestyles that Reston offers, the tour is self-guided and homes may be visited in any order. Docents will be stationed throughout the homes to provide information on specific rooms and their features. Currently, tickets can be purchased online at restonmuseum.org, at the Reston Museum or The Wine Cabinet. Guide booklets will be available on tour day. 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 the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Reston Home Tour, and Founder's Day. For more information, please visit www.restonmuseum.org

By Dawn Crosson, Owner and Editor Most people can look back at their formative years and think of one or two people who made a substantial difference in their lives. For countless local students, Kathleen Jacoby will be that person. During her 17 years as band director at Herndon High School, Jacoby has touched the lives of thousands of North Reston and Herndon teenagers. Last month, Jacoby accepted a position at the Fairfax County Public Schools [FCPS] central office where she will apply the skills she has honed through planning and executing large-scale marching band events to overseeing the FCPS employee recognition program. When she announced her decision to her current students on Sept. 20, emotions ran high. The students cried, but within minutes, they had dozens of alumni on FaceTime for an impromptu virtual reunion. Later that night, her inbox was flooded with break-up songs from her students. “This age group is an age group I connect with so much,” Jacoby said. “The students are my heart and soul.” And that connection has been reciprocated. “Mrs. Jacoby is the most selfless person I know,” said Keny Mejia-Alvarenga, Class of 2024. “She’s kind, generous, warmhearted, and overall, a great person. She willingly took on the challenge of managing kids of all ages, and seeing her start a new chapter is emotional because she’s always put others first. Wherever she goes, whoever she's with, she's always got the love and support of HHS Band, staff, and alumni." Jacoby, an Arlington native, spent her first four years after college teaching band in Spotsylvania County before coming to Herndon High. At the time, her father, a diplomat, had just purchased a home in Herndon. Even though she owned a home in Fredericksburg, Jacoby she moved in with her dad to take on the role of band director at Herndon, leading the Pride of Herndon, the oldest marching band in Fairfax County Public Schools, founded in 1947. Soon after, she and her husband, the current band director at Falls Church High School, bought a home near the school. Their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, have grown up around Herndon High, attending the daycare across the street, where they could see their mom on her lunch breaks, and went to band camp with her every morning in the summers. “Amy took her first steps in the front office at Herndon,” Jacoby remembers. “I was talking with the front office staff; we were going over budget stuff. I stuck her on the ground and she started toddling. They are very much Herndon kids.” For 17 years, Jacoby gave everything to her students. In 2019, she took the Pride of Herndon to Normandy, France to represent the United States at the 75th-anniversary commemoration of D-Day. The band’s participation included marching in dress blues borrowed from sailors aboard the U.S.S. Herndon, a destroyer that played a pivotal role on D-Day and shares its name with the town. The ship led the naval assault off the coast of France on D-Day. Handling teenagers in a band room and on a drill field is one thing; traveling across an ocean, through airports, hotels, and foreign towns with them is another. But Jacoby pulled it off, and did it again last year, this time across a different ocean. In December 2023, The Pride of Herndon hopped the Pacific to Hawaii to perform in the 2023 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, where they marched down the streets of Waikiki, and performed on the U.S.S. Missouri. Students say memories of these trips and of their time in the band will last their lifetimes. “Ms. Jacoby played a big part in my high school years, She always demonstrated passion and dedication not only to the music, but to her band family as well,” said band alumnus Hedy Vargas. “She was more than a band director to me; she was like a second mom at school. I knew I could always count on her to help me get through stressful times.” Parents, too, recognize Jacoby's extraordinary commitment. "Kathleen has been far more than a band director," said Rini Dutta, former HHS Band Parent Association Communications Chair. "She has been a positive adult influence in the lives of so many students at an age when this is vital. She has been the strong reason for the underlying helpful spirit of the band—where the first thing the students learn is to support each other like a family." Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Jacoby was named FCPS Secondary Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for the Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year, and a nominee for Virginia State Teacher of the Year. These accolades will serve her well in her new role managing employee recognition at FCPS. Although she’s stepping down from her position at Herndon High, Jacoby and her family will remain in the area. She will continue to guide the marching band until a replacement is found. The decision to leave the classroom wasn’t planned, but came at the right time. “I wasn’t actively looking for a job,” Jacoby said. She and her husband had been discussing if one of them could transition to a steadier schedule to be more present for their girls as they grew older, thinking that to continue working such hours through retirement was not sustainable for their family. “When I sat down and made my pros and cons list I saw that all the reasons I had for leaving were for my kids, and all the reasons I had for staying were for other people's kids," she said. Jacoby’s job responsibilities will now be cut in half. “Managing teams of people, managing large-scale events,” she said. “It’s everything I do on top of my teaching job. I’m taking all the extra things I do and that will be my whole job instead of doing a full time teaching job also.” Her daughters will get to see their mom more as they grow older, which is invaluable. While Jacoby’s departure marks the end of an era for Herndon’s band program, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence. The Pride of Herndon, which includes Marching Band, Color Guard, Indoor Drumline, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble, is recognized as one of the top band programs in Virginia. But more importantly, she has instilled a lifelong love of music, the importance of teamwork, and the power of a supportive school community in thousands of students. Here's what some had to say about Jacoby: “Mrs Jacoby is one of the most influential people I’ve met in my life. She’s given many people so many opportunities to learn and grow and I will forever keep that in my heart! Feven Mekonnen (Class of 2024) "Ms. Jacoby made Band my favorite part of high school and impacted my life in such a positive way. Thank you for everything Ms. Jacoby!" -Tasneem Abdul-Rashid (Class of 2024) "Thank you for the dedication, guidance, and heart you’ve poured into the band. You've made a lasting impact on each one of us". -Amran Ahmed (Class of 2024) “Mrs. Jacoby, you shall always be the heart of the Pride of Herndon. I’ve learned how to be a better musician, leader, and person because of you." -Jason Coleman "My years in band with Mrs Jacoby were my favorite memories from high school. She always inspired us to work hard to become better musicians, leaders, and community members." -Jenna Ainge "This program has helped me grow into the position of leader, gaining confidence and communication skills". -Color Guard Captain Carrie Toohey (Class of 2025) "Kathleen Jacoby has created an environment of diversity and inclusion in which every band student grows and thrives. I especially appreciate her support of students to start and run their own ensembles" -Lynn Reda, President, Herndon High School Band Parents Association “My best memory of Ms Jacoby is meeting her for the first time. I wasn't very excited about band at that time and was just about to move from Seattle to Virginia (not very happy about it), but she met with me on a zoom call to hear me play and was so kind that I got excited to stick with band." -KC Cummings (Class of 2025) “Band ten hut... HUT! We will do better tomorrow” -Seif Adul-Rashid "Her influence touched all of our hearts" -David Merlos "It's because of you that the band program feels like a home for so many" -Julia Morgan (Class of 2015) Mrs. Jacoby, thank you for dealing with missed notes and stepoffs for over 17 years! Thank you for helping me improve not only my music skills but my leadership skills too. One of the MANY great things about you was how you told us when there were events at other schools, like the Shenandoah brass and Bridgewater marching band days, among many others. Those events 100% helped me improve, but I only knew about them bc you told us. - Brass Captain, Leeland Blouch, (Class of 2026) Thank you Mrs. Jacoby for everything you always supported me and pushed me to be my best. You have given me the opportunities I never imagined I could have had. Thank you for caring about me and my family. You are like my school mother. I will miss you. Have fun at your new job and soar high - Gus Bonilla-Lemus (Class of 2025) Every memory I have in high school relates back to the band. Thank you to Ms. Jacoby for being kind, understanding, and a role model. - Natalie Branson (Class of 2023) I would have never ended up in the music education major if it wasn't for Ms. Jacoby’s phenomenal job of fostering the sense of family in the band. My entire philosophy of music education is centered around the idea of creating family in the classroom. It amazes me how many of my high school friends I can go so long without seeing and still have that spark with them. I cannot wait to spread the love of music with my students one day. - Drum Major 2022, Ethan Boswell (Class of 2023) I have never had such a supportive and caring teacher throughout my education experience. I am truly grateful for all the memories I've made and the impact Ms. Jacoby has had on my presence within the band. - Maisha Hannan, (Class of 2022) Ms. J showed me the beauty, the need, and the independence of the French Horn. A super hard yet super beautiful melody that can flow from a Horn like the sea flowing at its lightest. I could never thank you enough for being my Band Director, I won't forget these moments until the day of death arrives to my soul. - Devon James Pipes (Class of 2024) Thanks for being a band director who lets students grow as musicians and as people while letting them retain some of the idiocy expected from teenagers. You've been the best teacher a high schooler could ask for these past 17 years. Heck, you've been so good, you made a pipeline of music majors to your alma mater, JMU. Have fun with life. - Michael Fullerton (Class of 2024)

Contributed by New Trail Cycling New Trail Cycling & Strength, a locally owned, independent fitness studio, is dedicated to supporting the Reston community. The studio, owned by Reston resident and mother of three, Liz Kamp, is committed to making a difference. Through her involvement in her children's schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) system, Kamp became aware of the significant number of students who rely on meals provided by the schools and local non-profits. "Through my volunteer work at my kids' schools, I discovered the alarming number of students who depend on food from FCPS and local non-profits,” Kemp said. “It's crucial to support organizations like Food for Neighbors, which works tirelessly to ensure students and their families have food. Without these organizations, many students would be uncertain about where their next meal will come from." In response, New Trail is hosting a food and donation drive throughout October to support Food for Neighbors, a non-profit dedicated to providing meals for students who face hunger after school, on weekends, and during school breaks. Community members are encouraged to drop off grocery donations at New Trail during class hours. In addition, New Trail will donate $10 from every new customer package or membership sold in October. New customers can purchase their trial package online at www.newtrailfitness.com/pricing. The drive will culminate in a Coffee Hour event on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at New Trail's studio, 1641B Washington Plaza North, Reston. Guests are invited to enjoy coffee, meet representatives from Food for Neighbors and co-sponsor The Reston Letter, and drop off donations. Those interested can also try a fitness class at 8 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. that day.

By Matthew Reider, Staff Writer Ultimate Frisbee is a year-round sport in our area, with many leagues and events organized by Fairfax Ultimate, established in 2014. There are teams for ages U9 through adults. Rules are sanctioned by USA Ultimate, which was originally founded as the Ultimate Players Association in 1979. Ultimate is played on a field with two end zones, similar to that of American football. Like football, the goal is to get the disc into the end zone by passing it across the field towards the end zone. The game is characterized by precision passing, leaping aerial catches, and positional defense. One notable strategy in the game is the "huck," a long-distance throw typically more than 30 yards. A huck is often used in a play called "Huck and Play D," where the offense intentionally throws a long pass and then transitions quickly to defense, aiming to force a turnover. A defining feature of Ultimate since its founding in 1966 is an emphasis on sportsmanship and the "spirit of the game." Unlike most sports, there are no referees on the field. Instead, players are responsible for officiating their own games, requiring a deep understanding of the rules and calm discussions between teams to resolve any disputes. This unique aspect was on full display one overcast Sunday at Baron Cameron Park when a disagreement arose over whether a player had caught the disc inbounds or out-of-bounds. With no clear consensus, the teams agreed to reset the play to the previous spot, reflecting the spirit of fairness that characterizes the game. Eric Miner has been coaching the South Lakes Seahucks for three years. With a decade of experience in Fairfax’s adult leagues and seven years as a pro, Miner has embraced the sport’s core values. “Whenever someone scores or does something awesome, the entire team celebrates together—even cheering for great plays by the other team,” he said. “There's very little individual showboating, and that team-centric mentality draws a lot of crossover athletes from other sports.” The Seahucks represent South Lakes High School in the Fairfax Ultimate High School Club Season. Their all-girls team, the "Shehucks," has been highly competitive in past years. During the fall, co-ed teams compete, with a state championship to be held in November. In the spring, the boys and girls teams compete separately. Summer is the peak season, when select players form regional teams to compete in various tournaments. Unfortunately, the Shehucks won’t be competing in the girls' state championship this fall due to a wave of graduations that left the team without enough players. Like many other club sports, Ultimate teams are not officially supported by their schools, so participation often depends on student-led efforts to form interest clubs and generate enthusiasm. One such player is Jackson Snell, who joined Ultimate last year. Determined to expand interest in the sport at South Lakes, he founded an Ultimate Frisbee interest club just hours before the school's block party, securing a sponsor and completing the necessary paperwork. At the event, he and his teammates set up a table to introduce students to the sport, handing out mini frisbees with the club logo. Reflecting on his favorite part of Ultimate, Snell said, “It’s the community and the fun. Ultimate players across all teams are like a big community. Even if we don’t win, we still have a great time.” He added, “In other sports, if you make a mistake, you might get punished with extra laps. In Ultimate, we’re just enjoying the game together.” This fall, South Lakes competes alongside teams like the Lake Braddock Bruins, the Fairfax Fog, and Vienna Madhouse. There are nine high school club teams in the area, representing either individual schools or collections of schools. The fall state tournament, featuring about 15 teams, will take place at Oakmont Rec Center (2-6 p.m. Nov. 16) and Arrowhead Park ( 5-10 p.m. Nov. 17). Fairfax Ultimate always welcomes new players to help grow the sport. For more information, visit fairfaxultimate.org.