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Contributed by The Reston Letter Staff Herndon High and South Lakes have what has become one of the region’s fiercest high school rivalries. Each year, the schools’ varsity football teams square off in a rivalry game dubbed the Baron Cameron Bowl. The source of the rivalry seems to have been due to a point of conflict over South Lakes being intended to be the high school for all of Reston, but the community was split in districting when the school opened in 1978. The school boundary redistricting process determined that some of the North Reston students would continue to attend Herndon High School and all South Reston students would attend the new South Lakes High School. Today, the two elementary schools in North Reston feed into Herndon, while the rest of the elementary school students go to South Lakes. The boundary between the two is Baron Cameron Avenue. On rival game days, student sections multiply and fans and players are more excited, even though the teams play in different districts and the game doesn’t count for league play purposes. For 11 of the first 12 years of the Baron Cameron Bowl, Herndon took the title, but out of the following 14 years, South Lakes took 12 victories, to leave the teams each with 13 wins going into the game on a hot Saturday, Sept. 28. For the last nine consecutive years, South Lakes had brought home the hardware, but this time Herndon won for the first time since 2015. Each year, the game means a lot to the players. “We all knew how big of a game it was, not just for us, but the community; we weren’t just playing for ourselves, but for the school too," said senior wide receiver Ethan Buhler. “Before the game,” said Herndon junior defensive lineman Nana-Freduah Appou, “my brother who plays at UVA now, told me to win it for him, because when he played here they couldn’t win.” Appou went on to have two sacks. Brayden Humphreys, a senior all-state running back, led the Hornets, running for the most yards any running back has gained against South Lakes this year– he had 20 carries totalling 161 yards. Momentum swung the Hornets’ way after a botched kick, and Herndon went on to win 26-14, to bring the Hornets to a 14-13 lead in the history of the Baron Cameron Bowl.

By Sarah Golden, Staff Writer Some like it hot, and some do not. Fortunately, when you’re sampling Don Horne hot sauces, you have the option for either one. Dan Horner, the owner of Don Horne, has been making hot sauce for 15 years and growing some of the world’s hottest peppers in his own backyard. He was producing so many peppers that he was giving away almost 200 bottles of hot sauce a year to friends and family. After spending money on bottles and labels and not seeing anything in return – except for the gratitude and smiling faces of his friends and family, of course, he decided to take his product to the market. A lot about Don Horne’s stands out when compared to the average bottle of hot sauce. First, the bottles are eye-catching; each flavor features a little character on the label that somehow embodies the flavor. For example, their take on Sriracha, Donhorn Leghorn, is a nod to the rooster associated with the world’s most popular Sriracha brand, as well as the popular 1950s cartoon character. In addition to the unique look, finding the same kind of flavors and textures at a grocery store or restaurant is unlikely. Horner incorporates fruits like kiwis into his sauces, resulting in complex, round flavors that are unique crowd-pleasers. One of the most popular items, Purple Reign, features a blend of Fresno, Serrano, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers, garlic, and blueberries. For customers conscientious about consuming fresh foods need not be concerned. Don Horne used fresh peppers from Mt. Olympus Farms outside of Fredericksburg, VA, avoiding dehydration or mash. Furthermore, all processing and bottling is done at a non-profit farm co-op in Farmville, Virginia, keeping Don Horne’s whole development and production process fresh and local. Although Horner enjoys selling at Lake Anne in the Reston Farmers Market, as well as markets in Ashburn and West Virginia, he hopes to branch into the retail market. He recognizes there is still so much to learn, so he’s enjoying this time when he can make more in-person connections with customers. Horner wants customers to know that his sauces are not meant to smother an otherwise bland meal. They’re best enjoyed coupled with thoughtfully paired protein, veggies, and spices. Each bottle of Don Horne’s has food pairing recommendations on the back, making it easy to craft a delicious, and sometimes spicy, at-home culinary experience. To learn more about Don Horne and to purchase sauces, visit hornesauce.com. Find more pairing recommendations on Instagram: @donhornesauce. Horne will be at the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne on Oct. 19 with hot sauce samples. 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.

Contributed by Reston Farmers Market This fall, Fairfax Park Authority farmers markets are hosting a fresh food drive to support communities. Residents can help local farmers by purchasing extra fresh produce at the farmers markets and donate to a Fairfax food pantry serving neighbors in need of food assistance. Donations can be dropped off at the information tent at any market location. The Farmers Market Fresh Food Drive program runs once a month at each Fairfax market through the end of November. Reston Farmers Market dates are Sept. 28, Oct. 26, and Nov. 30. Start by grabbing a free, reusable basket at the market information tent at the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne, then fill it to the top with fresh produce as you shop. Once your basket is full, bring it back to the tent, donate the produce, and the basket is yours to keep!

Contributed by Reston Environmental Advisory Committee In April 2018, Reston became part of the exclusive international Biophilic Cities Network that recognizes communities that prioritize nature in their design, planning, and management processes, and the benefits a healthy environment brings to the community. One of Reston’s treasures is its wetlands, consisting of non-tidal marshes, vernal pools, and occasionally beaver ponds. They are found along many of Reston’s trails, streams, lakes, and ponds. Wetland ecosystems protect and improve water quality, provide flood protection and erosion control, maintain surface water flow during dry periods, present opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation, and offer critical habitats for many birds and wildlife. Vernal pools, which are typically wet in the spring but dry out in the summer, are especially important breeding habitats for amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders. Wetlands are also effective at capturing and storing carbon (storing an estimated 20 to 30 percent of global soil carbon), and play a critical role in managing climate change. Sunrise Valley Park wetlands, one of Reston’s more well-known wetlands, offers a range of habitats for birds and wildlife; its boardwalk and trails are great for bird watching, dog walking, and other passive recreation. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/plan2build/mapping-applications for some of the potential wetland sites (excluding vernal pools) in and around Reston. Here are some ways everyone can help conserve wetlands: • Implement sustainable erosion control practices for your lakefront or streamside property by installing a living shoreline which uses plant roots to stabilize the soil and flowers for landscaping. • Reduce and pick up litter whenever possible to limit waste from ending up on our wetlands and waterways. • Reduce chemical pollution from entering the waterways by limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers, choosing non-toxic household cleaning products like phosphate-free detergents (phosphates encourage algae growth which can suffocate aquatic life). • Plant native species on your property. Native species need less maintenance and help preserve the ecological balance of nearby wetlands. For more information, check out the 2022 Reston State of the Environment Report (2022 RASER) which contains a comprehensive chapter dedicated to wetlands at www.reston.org/nature-environmental-overview .

By Naaisha Mahajan, Guest Writer On Sept. 15, 2022, two local Girl Scouts, Naaisha Mahajan and Maritza Becker, installed a Little Free Pantry at Cathy Hudgins Community Center for their Silver Award project. Their goal was to help those in the community who were struggling with food insecurity; their motto, “Take what you need, give what you can,” motivated many to donate to those in need. The pantry uses a give and take system. Those who are fortunate can donate non-perishable items by leaving them in the pantry for others, making it accessible at any time. Installing a pantry wasn’t easy. The two Girl Scouts had to find a place to install the pantry, then write a proposal that had to be approved by the Reston Board. They learned to plan and create blueprints with help from the associates at the community center. Once the approval was received, the girls got help from Michael Hedrick and his company, Denny and Gardner, who volunteered and sponsored the Little Free Pantry. The girls painted the motto and the Girl Scouts logo on it to signify what motivated them for this project. They later installed it at the approved location, which also had a Little Free Library and Little Free Art Gallery adjacent to it. The pantry has its own Instagram account, @littlefreepantrychcc, where they spread awareness about food insecurity in the community and encourage people to donate to those in need. Their self-sustaining pantry was a huge success. In the initial stages, they donated every week for a couple of months. In order to gain traction, they began posting on local social media communities. Soon they started noticing food left by others almost every week. Mahajan and Becker were pleased that their endeavor to achieve the Silver Award resulted in a positive impact on the underprivileged population. For any questions about the pantry feel free to communicate with them at LittleFreePantryCHCC@gmail.com or their Instagram account.

By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer The League of Reston Artists (LRA) is a cornerstone of the artistic community in Reston, and its surrounding areas. Established in 1974, this nonprofit has been pivotal in promoting the visual arts and providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work. Starting as a small group of local artists, the LRA has grown into a vibrant organization with a membership of 103, about 60 percent of whom are Reston residents. The organization encompasses a diverse range of artistic mediums and styles, attracting artists of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. The group is known for its commitment to offering members opportunities to display their art in public spaces. These exhibitions not only give artists much-needed exposure, but also bring art into the daily lives of the community, enriching the area's cultural fabric. The LRA organizes about eight group exhibitions annually at venues around Reston, such as RCC Hunters Woods, JoAnn Rose Gallery at Lake Anne, and the United States Geological Survey art hall—where “Paint & Beyond 2024” is currently on view through Sept. 27. In addition, LRA occasionally hosts “pop-up” shows. The League’s Art in Public Places program, a partnership with Northern Virginia businesses, allows members to showcase their art in public venues on a three-month rotation. These mostly solo shows are held at locations including Herndon Community Center, Herndon Senior Center, Potomac Falls Health Center, Reston Hospital, and Prosperity Flats. On its website, LRA also hosts virtual exhibits and a "Shop Our Artists" virtual gallery. Education is a key component of the LRA’s mission. The organization offers workshops and classes that help artists develop their skills and explore new techniques. Experienced instructors cover topics ranging from traditional painting and drawing to digital media and photography. The LRA also holds special events, such as speakers and tours, like a recent one at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. The LRA also offers informal critique sessions where members can present their work and receive constructive feedback from peers. These sessions provide invaluable insights, helping artists refine their craft in a supportive environment. The League is committed to inspiring the next generation of artists. Its Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to high school art students preparing to enter college through the Gold Key portfolios of the Fairfax County Public Schools Scholastic Art Program. Personal stories from members highlight the sense of community within the LRA. For example, Guernica, a Reston painter who became involved with LRA after retiring in 2015, found the group while searching for a place to exhibit his work. He gradually became more involved, eventually joining the board, where he led efforts to revise the bylaws and redesign the website. “Being part of the League has helped me principally by providing insights from other artists and exhibit opportunities. It has also given me an outlet for friendships, socializing, and honing my organizational skills,” said Guernica who now serves as president.. Antonella Manganelli, a seasoned painter and LRA board member, discovered the group in 2012 during a walk around Lake Anne, her favorite spot in Reston. “Ever since, I've been deeply engaged in organizing art shows, creating catalogs for exhibitions, and fulfilling various volunteer tasks as a board member. The LRA has been a significant influence in my life, offering me a fresh start on my artistic path and the opportunity to meet numerous talented artists in my new town,” Manganelli said. Newer members like Sabri Said, an abstract painter and former advertising designer, have quickly embraced the LRA community. Having exhibited two small paintings in August and two large paintings this month, Said expressed optimism about his future with the group: “I have a feeling that I will become famous for my participation with them.” For more information about the League of Reston Artists, visit https://www.leagueofrestonartists.org/.

Contributed by South Lakes PTSA Food Pantry staff The South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry is thrilled to announce the 7th Annual “Do It Your Way 0.5K,” happening on September 29th from 2-4 pm at Lake Anne Plaza, or virtually all weekend long! Whether you're a serious walker or just in it for the treats, this fun-filled event has something for everyone. Participants can look forward to a lively kickoff featuring celebrity starters including community leaders and elected officials, prizes, pre-race warm-ups, plus the famous mid-race treat station. Yes, you heard that right—we’ll have free treats to put some extra pep in your step as you cross the halfway mark! Register online now or sign up at the event and take advantage of special pricing for students and families. We also have a limited number of VIP tickets available for front-row seats and a few extra goodies. Every participant will receive a reusable shopping bag, a race bib to show off your commitment, and a choice of SWAG that will make you the envy of the neighborhood. But it’s not just about fun and treats. 100% of the proceeds from the “Do It Your Way 0.5K” go directly toward supporting over 500 families in the South Lakes Pyramid each week with food, toiletries, and other essentials. It’s truly “The Most Rewarding 650 Steps You’ll Take This Year!” This beloved community event has become one of Reston’s favorite fall traditions, and we’re aiming to make 2024 our biggest year yet. Don’t miss out on the live raffle either! Aspen Jewelry Designs is donating a custom-made piece of jewelry, and we’ll have some fun gift baskets and other great items. It’s a chance to win big while giving back. With the support of amazing local partners we’re set to make a huge impact. Please thank our partners who include: Reston Community Center, Capital Area Food Bank, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Safeway, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Restoration Church, Rustic Love, NuAxis Innovations, Aspen Jewelry Designs, Century21 Redwood Realty, Dev Technology Group, Long and Foster, Creative Strategies, Lake Anne Brew House, StarKist, Northwest Federal Credit Union, Pho From Home, New Trail Cycling & Fitness, The Bike Lane, Unbroken, OmBaked, Chesapeake Chocolates and Kalypsos. So, lace up those sneakers (or flip-flops—we won’t judge), grab your friends, and get ready to walk, run, or just enjoy the day your way. We can’t wait to see you there! Aren't able to attend? Show your support with a donation or by volunteering with the food pantry here .

By Casey Menish, Staff Writer Aesthetic Chemistry MedSpa opened in May to help Restonians enhance their inherent beauty. Each of its co-owners has a unique skill set: Sue Mattis is the CEO; Alissa Mattis, the marketing director, and Sheida Chaikin PA-C, the master injector. The trio met when working together at another medspa where they discovered they had “the perfect working chemistry,” Sue Mattis said. Their logo features a molecule where each of three atoms represents one of the owners, and how “when the three come together, there is a powerful outcome,” she explained. Chaikin comes from a background in primary care. She has always been passionate about medicine, which makes their “molecule” an ideal trio where Sue Mattis takes care of the business end and Alissa Mattis focuses on marketing. Chaikin and her family have lived in Reston for more than 11 years; she has resided in Northern Virginia since she was born, a self-proclaimed “NoVa Lifer.” She loves the community that supported her through her breast cancer, and now she wants to give back. “The medspa space can be hard to get into,” said Chaikin, so to make them stand out they were strategic with which services they chose to offer. Chaikin’s years as a Restoninan provided her with insight into what services and products make sense for the local population. Aesthetic Chemistry MedSpa “didn’t want to have an overwhelming amount of options, not too much,” she said, and they plan to further tailor their available services to their client needs as they grow. Services include injectables, aesthetics (Hydrafacial, Morpheus8, SkinPen, and more), and laser treatments (IPL and hair removal). They are the only business in Northern Virginia with the brand-new OptimasMAX machine. They create specialized treatment plans around individual needs. Their suite of treatments was “carefully designed to work together, enhancing and complementing each other to achieve the best possible results for our clients,” said Sue Mattis. The team also offers semaglutide, and what makes them different is that “it is medically monitored,” said Chaikin. They offer “a complete package with nutritional consults. People aren’t just coming in for their injections; they come for the full program of diet and exercise to make sure it will be successful.” 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 Chuck Cascio, Author and Former South Lakes Teacher As a student at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Ethan Berlin had a problem: “I kept getting in trouble for making jokes in class.” That “problem” has become Ethan’s trademark characteristic in a career of “making funny things because that is what fulfills me.” In fifth grade, Ethan transferred to the Gifted & Talented program at Sunrise Valley Elementary School where “my teacher, Mr. Bromley, was both funny and emotionally supportive. He made me realize it was not only okay to be weird and funny, but it was also an important part of being a person. Those experiences validated and grew what was already inside me.” Living in the Deepwood Community within Reston, “there were so many kids, there was always someone to joke with!” Ethan spent summers at the Reston Community Center’s Young Actors Theater “where I continued my love of performing and comedy.” That affection developed further at South Lakes High School: “I took Theater Arts with Ms. Harris and Film Production with Ms. Belt.” Ethan graduated from SLHS in 1995, and went to the University of Virginia, but he says, “I never quite found my community there. Things I valued – creativity, silliness, compassion, humor – were not valued by many of my peers.” Spending his junior year at Ireland’s Burren College of Art, he “found a collective of fellow artists and weirdos! I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have finished college without that experience.” After graduating from UVA, Ethan plunged into a creative journey. He worked the Jumbotron at Capital Center, then moved to Los Angeles and “achieved my dream of first becoming an overworked TV assistant, writing for TV shows, and eventually being nominated for some Emmy Awards.” He eventually moved to New York and continued working on TV while cultivating his pursuit of children’s humor. Then a critical event occurred: “I made a funny iPhone calculator app and showed it to another parent at a kids’ party. She thought the app was funny and said she was a children’s book editor, and asked if I had ever thought about writing for kids.” Ethan grabbed the opportunity to pursue a lifelong goal of making kids laugh: “I sent her several manuscripts for children’s picture books. She ended up buying ‘The Hugely- Wugely Spider,’ about a spider that is too big to fit up the waterspout with the Itsy-Bitsy Spider. I was always the biggest kid in class, so I wanted to write a story about a big character who ends up saving the day.” Since then, Ethan, who has two children and now lives in New Jersey, has had six children’s books published, the latest being “How to Draw a Brave Chicken” that “starts as a typical how-to-draw book and then goes off the rails! My fifth-grade self would definitely have found it amusing.” That same natural humor led Ethan to create the children’s monthly magazine, The Journal of Nonsense: The Funny Magazine for Silly Kids, which is filled with “ridiculous activities, weird jokes, absurd games, and the occasional picture of hippopotamuses” and more. As Ethan reflects on his love of humor, he admits, “It has long-felt that making funny things is the only thing there is; it is the language I speak and just feels like what I am supposed to do.”

By Matt Reider, Guest Writer For the first time in more than 20 years, the gymnasium at South Lakes High School is hosting practices and games for a Varsity Boys Volleyball team. During the past two decades, male volleyball players in the county played on club teams, often affiliated with their schools, but not officially recognized as a Virginia High School League (VHSL) sport. According to the American Volleyball Coaches Association, boys volleyball grew by nearly 10,000 players in the 2022-23 school year. Fairfax County teams continued to attract interest and grow, and the Fairfax County school district noticed, adding the boys varsity program to each of its 28 high school athletic programs for the 2024-25 year. The county school budget provides home and away jerseys, team travel to away games, and all the equipment needed to get the program off the ground. Like all Fairfax County high schools, South Lakes had to rebuild its program quickly. In the spring, interested boys were invited to “green day practices,” where they learned and practiced skills alongside the girls volleyball teams. Practices continued throughout the summer in preparation for fall tryouts. During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the group discussed the men’s volleyball games online and in-person as they followed Team USA on their route to a bronze medal. At the same time, the school focused on hiring a boy’s volleyball coach who would be ready to build this new program. Jake Kaplan heard about the coaching position from his family friend and SLHS Girls’ assistant coach Khuong Mulvaney. He is a son of a South Lakes graduate and was raised in nearby Loudoun County. When Kaplan heard that Fairfax County was adding Varsity Boys’ Volleyball, he was “incredibly excited, and knew right away that [he] wanted to be involved somehow.” “Adding a new sport has been exciting for the school and the kids who are part of the team. This has been in the works at the county level for a couple of years and to be able to get it up and running is exciting,” said Andrew Duggan, South Lakes Activity Director. South Lakes, he added, is “fortunate to have Coach Kaplan on board to lead the program. He is a hard worker who brings knowledge and energy to the program.” In high school, Kaplan played at the Braddock Road Youth Club in Loudoun, and wore #10 as an outside hitter at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. After college, he returned to the Northern Virginia area to help grow the game. Kaplan coached girls’ volleyball at Heritage High School in Leesburg, and still serves as a coach for The St. James boys club team in Springfield. Jake is joined by assistant coaches from The St. James team – Angelica Nichols and Drew Castleman – who “bring a unique perspective and skill set that match [his] approach in a positive way.” Kaplan indicated that the tryout process “exceeded [his] expectations.” During the three days of tryouts, about 30 potential players participated. In the end, 17 athletes were selected for the team, including one senior, six juniors, four sophomores, and six freshmen. Several of the student-athletes have club level experience, but the team also includes young players who are newer to the sport. Kaplan plans on involving everyone, noting that “regardless of experience, everyone on the team has a role to play.” He and his team are “super excited to get the regular season underway.” “It’s been fun to watch the kids in the two matches we have had at home. I’m looking forward to seeing them play some more,” said Duggan, who is always courtside on game nights. The team has started strong, winning their two first games against Woodson and Fairfax. As a Varsity-level sport, the team practices every school day, and plays one or two games each week, 13 in total, from late August until the end of October. Game schedules for Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball, and all South Lakes Athletic Teams, can be found on https://southlakesathletics.net/.

By Megan Schmid, Staff Writer The first day of school has come and gone, but the toothy grins and oversized backpacks will live on forever in the annual Back to School photos taken by the parental paparazzi. While getting your child to smile may have been the most stressful part of the morning, capturing memorable moments like these are essential. Babies do not keep, but photos do. “After my daughter was born, I was obsessed with recording history and those little aspects of babies that change quickly, like those little ears and toes,” Reston photographer Chris Livingston said. “While I have tons of pictures of my wife and kids, I am not in 99 percent of them. If I had it to do over again, I would have found someone to take pictures of all of us together. This was my motivation to start my family photography business here in Reston.” Livingston, known by many as "The Paparazzi Poppa," works for a consulting firm full-time and runs his business, Chris Livingston Photography, afternoons and weekends. One thing that sets him apart from other photographers is his processing style. “My photos are very colorful, and I give them a rosy glow to make them look warm and sunny, even if it is gray and overcast,” he explained. Among his favorite places to shoot is Lake Fairfax because of the abundance of open green space. In addition to family photography, Livingston takes photos for the Hiddenbrook Hurricanes swim team during the summer. Livingston offered some tips to help parents get better photos of their kids, using the camera you always have on you – your cell phone. 1. Get down low to the kid's eye-level or even lower. This is a different point of view from most people, and will make your pictures stand out and look more professional. 2. Get in closer. Get in tight and take a “faces-only” picture first, then pull back if you want to get a full body shot or include the environment. Close-up pictures have more impact, especially on social media. Most people (especially kids) tend to get “smile-fatigue” after three to five seconds. Kids will continue to smile with their mouths, but their eyes will often sag back down and lose their expression. It's better to get that closeup face picture first. 3. When getting in close, don’t get closer than 15 inches or your kid's nose or forehead will seem unnaturally large. A wide-angle lens makes whatever is closest look bigger when you are too close. If you have a 2X, 4X, or 5X zoom, use that to get the closeup. Always avoid pinch to zoom if you can, as it adversely affects the quality when the camera tries to create pixels for an “in-between” zoom like 3.4X. 4. Wipe off your phone's camera lens occasionally – extra credit for using a lens cleaning wipe, but even your shirt will work. Fingerprints and dirt build up over time and detract from the picture quality. Visit www.ChrisLivingstonPhotography.com for more information or to schedule a family photo session. 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.

Contributed by Synergy Design and Construction Sustainability has become a growing topic in everyday life, and it’s here to stay, so why not get on board and help make a positive impact on our environment? Try some of these eco-friendly technologies and sustainable design strategies to develop a green living space for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Eco-friendly Technologies Consider using energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption and waste. Appliances like smart thermostats can track your patterns of heating and cooling cycles, making energy-saving adjustments without your having to lift a finger. Another great option are rainwater harvesting systems designed to help recycle and store rainwater for later use. This will not only reduce your water bill but also your carbon footprint. Sustainable Design Strategies Don’t worry, these strategies can be both environmentally friendly and stylish. Imagine transforming the top of your building or home into a lush garden with a green roof, creating a beautiful space that cuts down on energy use and helps freshen the air. Also, try switching to natural ventilation to maximize air flow and reduce the need for air conditioning. Lastly, don’t forget about water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow toilets and faucets to help conserve water resources and save money on your bills. Contact Synergy Design and Construction to start your sustainable home renovation journey today! https://www.renovatehappy.com/contact/ 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.