By Matt Reider, staff writer High school hockey in Northern Virginia runs year-round. While teams compete in the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League from September through early March, the shorter spring season features more local competition. The Herndon-South Lakes varsity team (HSL) competes in the 11-team RRHS Spring High School League, sponsored by the Reston Raiders Hockey Club and hosted at SkateQuest in Reston. The spring season concluded June 10 when Herndon-South Lakes faced O'Connell in the 2026 championship game. HSL earned home-ice advantage by defeating Oakton in the semifinals, while O’Connell advanced with a win over Yorktown. HSL entered the title game with a 10-1 record. O’Connell brought an 8-1-2 mark, with its only loss coming earlier in the season against HSL. Junior Noah White led HSL with 25 points in 12 games. Campbell Wilkins topped the team with 13 goals. O’Connell’s leading scorer, Dylan Whiteman, entered the game with 17 points, including 10 goals, tied with teammate Lukas Malagrin for the team lead. Fans welcomed both teams with drums and cowbells as players took the ice. O’Connell seized control early and built a 2-0 lead in the first period. Defenseman Ray Baumann opened the scoring at the 11:23 mark when he fired a shot from just inside the blue line through traffic and into the top corner of the net. About five minutes later, Samuel Crean sent Whiteman behind the defense with a precise pass, and Whiteman finished the breakaway to double the lead. HSL answered in the second period. After officials assessed Edward Cope a roughing penalty midway through the period, HSL generated offense while shorthanded. Defenseman Stephen Reider collected the puck and fired a long pass to Johnny Petzold at center ice. Petzold carried the puck into the offensive zone before finding Wilkins streaking into the slot. Wilkins buried the pass behind O’Connell goaltender Akshay Vani to cut the deficit to 2-1. About 90 seconds later, Wilkins struck again. Cal Crosson threaded a pass behind the O’Connell defense, and Wilkins converted the breakaway opportunity to tie the game 2-2 heading into the second intermission. Both teams traded chances early in the third period as the physical play intensified. With less than six minutes remaining, Petzold gave HSL its first lead of the night. Using traffic in front of the net as a screen, he stepped into the slot and snapped a shot past Vani. Wilkins collected the assist on the eventual game-winning goal. O’Connell coach Jim Wisniewski called a timeout with 1:41 remaining and pulled his goaltender for an extra attacker. HSL repeatedly won faceoffs and cleared the puck before Clark Crosson finally found the empty net from just inside center ice with one minute remaining, extending the lead to 4-2. O’Connell continued to press with six skaters and narrowed the gap when Baumann scored his second goal of the game with five seconds left. The late goal cut the deficit to 4-3, but the visitors ran out of time. When the final horn sounded, HSL secured the RRHS spring championship with a 4-3 victory. Players celebrated with family and friends before both teams gathered at center ice for the traditional postgame handshake line. The championship carried added significance for several upperclassmen who will head to different schools this fall. After winning two spring championships and enduring several playoff disappointments over the past few years, they finished their Herndon-South Lakes careers with another title.

By Matt Reider, staff writer Lila Jaster, a Reston resident, multisport athlete and recent South Lakes High School graduate, is preparing for her next chapter as a scholar-athlete in the NCAA Emerging Sport of Women's Flag Football. She has accepted a full scholarship to Hollins University in Roanoke and is expected to compete for a spot at middle linebacker. Jaster is perhaps best known as the first female player to score in a South Lakes varsity football game when she converted a point-after attempt on Sept. 13, 2024. Her athletic journey began long before that historic moment. A pattern emerged throughout high school: whenever a new opportunity presented itself, Jaster was willing to step outside her comfort zone and give it a try. "I was looking for a new challenge," she said. "My older brother loved football but didn't play, so I thought it could be something that brought us together." Her first soccer coach, Todd Shea, encouraged her throughout her athletic career, while support from coaches and fellow female player Emily Brown helped her feel welcome on the football team despite some social anxiety. Joining the team opened additional opportunities, including an invitation to play basketball. Despite limited experience in the sport, she joined the freshman team and earned a spot on the junior varsity squad the following year. The next year, Jaster added another sport to her schedule by joining the girls wrestling team. Wrestling quickly became her favorite sport, and she qualified for the Virginia High School League girls state tournament last year. Girls flag football arrived in Fairfax County in 2025. Even before the inaugural season began, Jaster's enthusiasm for the sport grew. At a Washington Commanders event recognizing teams from Northern Virginia and Maryland, promotional materials described the athletes as "trailblazers." By joining South Lakes' inaugural team, Jaster continued her own tradition of breaking new ground for female athletes. Being a multisport athlete required a significant commitment. Jaster battled injuries, illness and a kidney issue while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. She eventually scaled back her participation in soccer to focus on her varsity sports at South Lakes. Along the way, she learned new skills, adapted to new teammates and coaches, and developed resilience. Through those experiences, she gained a deeper appreciation for hard work, preparation, coaching and teamwork. That memorable point-after kick remains her favorite athletic moment. "I remember my brother had this solo part in the band that night, and he forgot to play because he was so pumped up about my point," she said. "That night, I really felt like my team was supporting me." As a senior, she also enjoyed serving as a leader and mentor to younger teammates on the wrestling and flag football teams. College coaches took notice of Jaster's unique combination of leadership and athletic ability. She drew interest from Radford University, George Mason University and other schools building flag football programs. She ultimately chose Hollins because it offers a Division III varsity program, while many larger schools currently compete only at the club level. Jaster hopes to return to South Lakes and support the Seahawks' flag football program as it grows, even as she begins her college career at Hollins. In May, women's flag football received a formal recommendation to become an NCAA championship sport, with the first national championship expected to be awarded in spring 2028—a sign of how quickly the sport she helped pioneer at South Lakes is gaining momentum.

Contributed by NWFCU Foundation (Left to right) Jamison Daly, Ethan Ham, and Selah Haywood-Philbert received Aspire High Scholarships this year. James Butlin (far right) a former scholarshop recipient, spoke at the scholarship breakfast. Photo contributed by NWFCU Foundation The Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation has named three students from Reston and Herndon to its Aspire Higher Class of 2026, awarding scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership and community service. This year, the foundation awarded $170,000 in scholarships to 32 students across the region. Since 2005, it has awarded more than $2.6 million to 500 students. Recipients were honored June 18 at the annual Aspire Higher Scholarship Breakfast. Herndon High School seniors Selah Haywood-Philbert and Jamison Daly were among the scholarship recipients. Haywood-Philbert, an AP and honors student and captain of the Herndon Step Team, plans to study neuroscience at the University of Toronto before pursuing a career as a physician. Daly, a varsity athlete and member of several honor societies, will attend the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to study biological sciences and plans to become an Army Medical Corps physician. South Lakes High School's Ethan Ham also received a scholarship. The National Honor Society member and artist plans to study fine arts with a concentration in animation. Also recognized was 2025 scholarship recipient James Butlin of South Lakes, who returned to this year's breakfast as a guest speaker, sharing his experiences in leadership, service and advocacy with the new recipients. "The Aspire Higher Scholarship is about more than financial support," said Taralyn Tharp Kohler, foundation director. "It is about recognizing students who lead with purpose, give back to their communities and are committed to building a better future." Applications for the 2027 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program open Oct. 15.

By Chuck Cascio, author and former South Lakes teacher Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward Of the many ways Reston has been described by people who were raised in the community, perhaps the most unique comes from Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward: "Growing up in Reston was like living in a warm hug!" That environment led to a childhood in which the two 1988 South Lakes High School graduates spent hours exploring nature. "We would go for nature hikes in the woods and look for signs of tadpoles, squirrels or baby rabbits," Beth said. "We thrived in nature, and there was so much around us." Their affection for Reston's natural settings led them to spend countless hours exploring. "When we met in January 1973, we were instant friends," Beth said. "We always loved animals and spent endless hours researching careers involving them." It would be logical to assume that the two pursued careers in biology, science or veterinary medicine. "We considered becoming vets, of course—but there was too much blood to deal with—and then looked at being naturalists or marine biologists," Beth said. Instead, Pam graduated from St. Paul's College in Virginia with a degree in sociology and a minor in business, while Beth left the University of Delaware after one semester and returned to Reston. Even while working full time at the Washington Speakers Bureau in Alexandria, they continued pursuing their interest in animals and nature. Then, in April 1998, Pam told Beth, "I had a dream about pet sitting." After researching the idea, she suggested it could become a part-time business. Later that month, while keeping their full-time jobs, they launched what was then called Best Friends Pet Care, now known as All Friends Pet Care. The business grew quickly. By Jan. 1, 1999, pet care had become their full-time occupation. Today, All Friends offers services including midday dog walks, vacation visits, overnight stays and more. "We have never looked back," Pam said. For Beth and Pam, the rewards extend beyond building a successful business. The two continue to work as both owners and operators. "Clients can reach out and speak to either of us with any questions, concerns or booking requests," Beth said. "I often say, 'It is tough to stay in a bad mood in this job,' because as soon as you walk in the door, you become the center of a pet's world." In 2020, the pandemic slowed business and led to a reduction in some services. "We got by on Small Business Administration loans and a lot of prayers," Pam said. "We also offered future-use gift cards for clients to purchase. It gave us a little cushion in our bank account, and clients could use the credit when they were ready to travel again." She added that several regular dog-walking clients continued paying their biweekly rates to help support the business and its pet sitters. "We wouldn't have made it without them," she said. After more than 25 years in business, All Friends continues to evolve. Beth said the company is testing a new service called "Hangout Buddy," which provides extended daytime pet care of three hours or longer. The company is also considering expanding services for exotic pets. All Friends supports several local rescue organizations, including Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Homeless Animals Rescue Team, Friends of Homeless Animals and Husky Education and Rescue Team. "We participate in events with Reston Town Center and Reston Association and are always looking to develop new partnerships throughout the community," Pam said. Beth and Pam are also co-authors of the book "Torchbearer Chronicles: Yin and Yang." The warm hug Beth and Pam associate with Reston is also reflected in the satisfaction they derive from their work. "Our clients are always very grateful that they can travel or work worry-free, knowing their pets are being well cared for," Beth said. "That's what makes this job so rewarding for us, despite the occasional difficult days and long hours."

By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer Tanya Lee founded Woofie's in 2019. Photo contributed by Woofie's For many pet owners, animals are part of the family, a philosophy that guides the services offered by Woofie's, a pet care company serving Reston and surrounding communities. Founded in 2019, the company opened its first location in Loudoun County and has since expanded throughout Northern Virginia and other markets. Services include dog walking, pet sitting, mobile grooming and dog training. Franchise owner Tanya Lee said new dog-walking and pet-sitting clients receive an initial consultation, allowing staff to meet the pet and owner and discuss the animal's needs before services begin. While mobile grooming focuses on dogs and cats, pet-sitting services are available for a variety of small animals. "We love taking care of pets and really care about what we do," Lee said. Lee said many clients choose mobile grooming because it eliminates the need to transport pets, making the service especially convenient for older adults and people recovering from injuries. The company recently opened a grooming school at its Ashburn location to help address the shortage of trained pet groomers. "We're helping young people get a profession," Lee said. Additional information is available at www.woofies.com/

by Ava-Grace Satterfield, Staff Writer The three co-founders of Bogey's Mix, Zachary Feldman (front), Adam Totter (second) and Judson Smith (last) work alongside two other members from the kitchen staff. Photo contributed by Bogey's Mix When Leesburg business owners Caroline and Zachary Feldman brought home their boxer, Bogey, they wanted to feed him the healthiest diet possible. After struggling with traditional kibble and subscription dog food services, they teamed up with friend Adam Totter to launch Bogey's Mix, a fresh dog food company that prepares affordable meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The difference was almost immediate. "We saw him vertically leap in the air when we first fed him fresh food," Caroline Feldman said. "Bogey's the whole reason behind Bogey's Mix, and he's just thriving." The company operates from a commercial kitchen in Leesburg, where head chef Judson Smith prepares two recipes, Turkey Feast and Beef Bonanza. Both are made with whole ingredients, contain no preservatives and feature meat sourced from suppliers around the Washington region. Transparency is central to the business. "As a pet owner, I'm reading labels constantly," Feldman said. "I always want to know what's in his food." The company lists every ingredient and explains its purpose on both its website and product packaging. Before starting Bogey's Mix in 2024, the Feldmans found that meal plans from several subscription services didn't provide enough food for Bogey. Today, the company works with pet nutritionists to develop recipes that meet dogs' nutritional needs. Its website calculates customized meal plans based on a dog's age, weight, activity level and other factors, tailoring portions within about 50 calories of each pet's daily requirements. Bogey's Mix hand-delivers meals each week to customers from Reston to Fredericksburg and also sells its products at markets and community events throughout Northern Virginia. The enthusiastic response from dogs and their owners keeps the team motivated. "Some dogs will jump up on the table and house the bowl, while some try to eat another dog's meal," Feldman said. "It's cool to see the excitement from the dogs and that we're creating a product people believe in." The company continues to refine its recipes and cooking methods while keeping its mission in focus. "We're always refining our recipes and enhancing ingredients," Feldman said. "We want to keep evolving." For the Feldmans, the business is personal. "Bogey is my bestie, and he's a family member through and through," Feldman said. "We really hope he lives a really long life."

Contributed by StarKist, Feed the Children StarKist employees were among the 50 volunteers who helped deliver food and supplies to families. Photo contributed by StarKist About 400 Northern Virginia families received food and household supplies during the Fifth Annual Summer Food & Resource Rally held at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon. The event was organized by StarKist, Feed the Children, Cornerstones and Flo- ris United Methodist Church to help families experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers distributed 400 family kits containing StarKist products, 25-pound boxes of shelf-stable food, 15-pound boxes of household and personal care items, Avon products and information about community resources. Organizers said each kit was designed to support a family of four, providing the equivalent of more than 8,300 meals. More than 50 volunteers, including StarKist employees, community advocates, business leaders and elected officials, participated in the event. The rally is part of an on- going partnership among the organizations to address food insecurity and connect families with essential resources. "For families facing hunger and hardship, every moment matters — and every meal matters," said Emily Callahan, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "Together with StarKist and community partners like Cornerstones, we can put food and essential resources directly into the hands of the families who need them most." Cornerstones, a nonprofit serving Northern Virginia since 1970, provides housing, food assistance and other support services to individuals and families experiencing hardship.

By Gene Powell, staff writer The American Dream Way project shortly after groundbreaking in 2024. The upscale housing project was set to be completed by the end of 2026. Land development is a hot topic in Reston, with major projects underway and proposals for more on the rise. Photo by Benjamin Burgess Several major proposed Reston-residential and commercial developments moved forward in June through government reviews. Reston National Golf Course: Developers are proceeding to seek county approval to develop a 14-plus acre portion of the 166-acre course, to build 308 townhouses along the property’s northwest and west sides. The owners also propose renovating existing facilities and adding features such as a multi-story lighted driving range facility and a second restaurant on the remaining 152 acres of the 56-year-old course. The next step in review of the proposal is a Sept. 23 hearing by the county planning commission. The course owners maintain the small tract is already zoned for such residential housing, having been left outside 1971 rezoning that covers the remaining course. County officials have expressed skepticism about the claim. Officials last year rejected a proposal involving the entire course, in which as many as 800 residences would have been built on part of the land, and the remaining acreage would be a “linear” public park space donated to either Fairfax County or Reston Association (RA). The association’s board solicited comments in June from residents on RA’s next steps and voted at a June meeting to continue its opposition to development of the course. At an April RA board meeting, Michele Hudnall, president of the Whitney Park East Homeowners Association and a Realtor, said she had conducted a study that shows $47 million in combined property equity would be immediately lost by 441 adjacent homeowners if the course is developed. Lofts II at Reston Station: A planned June 23 public hearing by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was deferred to a later date on a plan by Pulte Group for a second phase to the existing Lofts residential development. The project, east of Wiehle Blvd. and south of Sunrise Valley Drive, would replace three existing low-rise office buildings with about 160 homes –condominiums and stacked townhouses and some underground parking. On June 10, the Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning application for the project, but the advisory Reston Planning and Zoning Committee on June 15 voted not to recommend the plan. Residents in the existing Lofts development continue to raise questions about parking, traffic, promised retail development and development of a new north-south street along the west edge of the proposed development. Reston Town Center North: County officials on June 16 held the latest public hearings on the 47-acre proposed development bounded by Baron Cameron Drive, Town Center Parkway, Fountain Drive and New Dominion Parkway. The next step for the project is a July 22 review by the county planning commission, and a Sept. 15 public hearing by the board of supervisors. In what is expected to be a decade-or-more series of projects, the area is projected to contain a new Fairfax County elementary school, a county recreation center, and athletic field. Relocation of both the existing Reston Regional Library and the Embry Rucker Shelter are included – and funded - in the tentative outline for the overall project, along with a central 3.6-acre green space and public performance area. Citizens attending the hearing inquired about parking, pedestrian safety and the potential for a new school on the site. A representative of Inova said there are no plans to relocate its long-standing health care facility at the northeast corner of the project’s acreage but also said there is no commitment for permanent presence. Isacc Newton Square: The county planning commission advanced a plan for 143 new townhouses in the northern portion of the square, a second step in changing the existing 36-acre office park into a total of 2,100 residences. The entire project gained general approval in 2019. The next step for the proposal is an Aug. 25 review by the county Board of Supervisors. The full project envisions several types of townhomes and a seven-story, 345-unit multifamily building, according to planning commissions records. Lake Anne Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Crescent development Fairfax County Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn hosted a town hall meeting June 25 on updating the Lake Anne Comprehensive Plan to allow the option to include the Reston Community Center in the redevelopment of the Crescent Apartments. The complex was purchased by the county several years ago. If approved as part of redevelopment to add additional affordable housing, the community center would be relocated from its current location at Lake Anne’s Washington Plaza. The new complex will contain as many as 750 multi-family residences. At the meeting, Alcorn noted a major consideration is that the current community center is in a long-term lease through 2039 on private property, while relocating to the Crescent site would place it on publicly owned land. Attendees at the program asked about the future of existing art and other programs at the existing center, expansion of current and new programs, and the time it would take to build a new center. Alcorn said it’s likely a new center will not be built for at least 5-6 years, at the earliest, if approved by the Board of Supervisors.

by Ellyn Wexler, staff writer Andrew Black's "The Art of Play" will feature more than 50 of his paintings and drawings at Reston Community Center at Lake Anne from July 20 to Aug. 4. His artist's reception will be July 26 from 2-4 p.m. Photo contributed by Andrew Black When Andrew Black heads into his studio, he rarely knows exactly where a piece will end up. A patch of color may spark a new idea. A mark made on impulse may change the direction of a painting. For the longtime Reston artist, that uncertainty is part of the fun. It is also the inspiration behind “The Art of Play,” his solo exhibition featuring more than 50 abstract paintings and drawings on display at Reston Community Center Lake Anne from July 20 to Aug. 4 with a reception on Sunday, July 26, 2 to 4 p.m. For Black, creativity is less about producing a finished work than enjoying the journey. “Play is an act of doing something simply for the recreation or enjoyment of it,” he said. “I think that is the perfect definition of my creative process. The creating, rather than the creation, is what truly fulfills me.” That outlook fits naturally in the community he credits with shaping both his life and artistic perspective. “Reston is a very diverse and nurturing community,” he said. “Reston’s philosophy of embracing nature and being a responsible steward for our planet has long resonated with me.” He also credits Reston’s programs and facilities with exposing him to new art forms and providing access to equipment he might not otherwise have used. Black graduated from James Madison University in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. The university’s art program encouraged students to work across multiple media and instilled a willingness to experiment that still guides his work today. “Not to be afraid to try something different, and not to be afraid of failure,” he said. “Failure is not a weakness; it is part of the process that allows me to grow as an artist.” More than 35 years as a federal graphic designer sharpened his eye for balance, composition and craftsmanship. The experience also taught him not to settle for work that fell short of his expectations. Retirement in 2017 gave him something he had long lacked: time. “Being able to devote hours to my work and sustain that over several days was a gift,” he said. Freed from the demands of client projects, Black could focus entirely on his own artistic vision. “Now, I get to make what I want to make, not what someone else wants.” Much of the work in the exhibition was created during the past five years. The collection includes colorful abstract paintings layered with circles, dashes, scratched lines and other recurring marks, as well as intricate pen-and-ink drawings filled with patterns and textures. Black often jokes with his wife that he is going to “play around for a while” when he heads to the studio. In reality, that is his shorthand for making art. His process is intentionally open-ended. A piece may begin with a few areas of color or a handful of quickly sketched shapes before evolving through layers of marks, patterns and textures. Rather than working toward a predetermined image, he responds to what unfolds on the canvas or paper. Visitors may notice recurring circles, textures and color relationships throughout the exhibition. Together, they form a visual vocabulary that connects the pieces while allowing each work to develop its own personality. The exhibition also reflects how his artistic voice has evolved. Earlier works often incorporated dimensional constructions made from wood and found objects. Over time, he shifted toward the more spontaneous abstract paintings and drawings that now dominate his work. Although Black admires artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Martin Puryear, Edward Hopper and Sally Mann, he resists pointing to any single influence. Instead, he continues to follow the lesson that has guided him since college: keep exploring. As for what he hopes visitors take away from “The Art of Play,” his answer comes back to the joy that fuels his work. “A work of art is not fully complete until it is experienced by others,” he said. “I hope they leave with the same sense of joy that I received while making it.” At an age when many retirees are slowing down, Black is still looking for new creative challenges. In August, he plans to take a class in pine-needle basket making. The medium may change, but the approach remains the same: keep experimenting, keep learning and keep playing.

By Ellyn Wexler, staff writer "Memory Lane" mural had its official ribbon-cutting with the Herndon mayor, owners, artist, and MEG founders on-hand. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro A once-plain wall behind Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern has become a colorful landmark honoring those who respond to emergencies, protect their communities and serve the nation. The 35-foot-long, nearly 12-foot-tall “Memory Lane” mural transforms the tavern’s outdoor gathering space into a public artwork inspired by the First Responder Flag. Bold bands of blue, red, green, gold, white and gray represent law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, correctional officers, members of the military and veterans. The project also serves as a fundraiser for Making Everything Good (MEG), a Northern Virginia nonprofit supporting those communities, along with military families and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The mural overlooks a brick-lined memorial walkway honoring loved ones who have died, many of whom served their communities or country, creating a place for both gathering and remembrance. For Jimmy and Maureen Cirrito, owners of the tavern, the project extends a long tradition of recognizing those who serve. The Cirritos signed the original lease on Veterans Day in 1996 and opened the restaurant on Memorial Day in 1997, later securing the neighboring space on Flag Day in 2012 before completing an expansion in 2018. “Both dates were random,” Jimmy said. The expansion added engraved hundreds of commemorative bricks that line the outdoor beer garden. One section was set aside as “Philip James Curtis Memory Lane,” named for Navy veteran Philip James Curtis, one of the tavern’s landlords, who played a key role in the project before his death during construction. “It is a beautiful tribute,” Jimmy said. “Majestic.” The Cirritos said the space reflects both gratitude and remembrance. “Memory Lane reminds us how lucky we are to be able to walk into an American tavern on Main Street USA to enjoy ourselves, feed our bellies and tip a pint with friends new and old,” they said. “Our military and first responders sacrifice every day for us to have this comfort.” Over the years, the tavern has become a gathering place for military members, veterans and public safety professionals, making the mural a natural extension of that connection. Unlike many public murals, this one includes contributions from those it represents. During painting sessions, police officers, firefighters, emergency dispatchers, military members, retirees, family members and children of first responders painted sections of the colored stripes. “That made the mural even more meaningful,” said Meg Hawkins, president and co-founder of Making Everything Good (MEG) and a retired Northern Virginia police officer. “They all expressed such gratitude for being able to be part of it.” Created by Herndon muralist Meghan Bogue of Wholeheart Murals, the design centers on the First Responder Flag. Shooting stars symbolize hope, remembrance and the legacy of service. Visitors will also find details including the MEG logo, service dogs Tybee and Denny, the tavern’s goose mascot dressed as a firefighter and tributes to the Herndon Police Department and Herndon Volunteer Fire Department. For Bogue, the project shows how public art can deepen community connection. “Murals are an incredible way to bring people together, tell others’ stories and connect the community through art,” she said. The idea began more than a year ago when Bogue met Hawkins at a networking event. The mural was completed in four days using exterior latex paint. “It was so uplifting to hear so many positive and grateful comments from the people passing by,” Bogue said. Local contractor Chuck Brown and CB’s Services donated more than 200 hours constructing the supporting wall, working with the Town of Herndon to ensure durability and code compliance. “CB’s is proud to be part of the strong building foundation that helps America and its first responders stand strong,” Brown said. The collaboration also reflects MEG’s mission. Founded in 2018 by Hawkins and her husband, Eric Provow, the all-volunteer nonprofit supports those communities through crisis transportation to mental health treatment, peer support, victim assistance and service dog-related support for individuals and families in need. “This mural represents more than artwork,” Hawkins said. “It reflects community, healing, remembrance and unwavering support for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.” Community members can continue supporting the project by sponsoring mural sections, with proceeds benefiting MEG programs. Together with the engraved bricks below, the mural creates a lasting place of remembrance, gratitude and community in downtown Herndon. Sponsorship information is available at https://bit.ly/jottmural/

by Dawn Crosson, owner Spectators watch fireworks from VIDA's rooftop pool. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro Reston bustled with America 250 celebrations this June and July as thousands gathered to celebrate 250 years of our own United States of America. On June 26, Lake Fairfax put on Fairfax County’s first-ever drone light show, mesmerizing hundreds with the accuracy and clarity of their images in the clear night sky. The drone show is a cleaner alternative to traditional fireworks, and made many pet owners happy. Food trucks, live music, family-friendly fun abounded all day before the evening light show. Reston Station held a multi-day America 250 celebration that kicked off with a young girl singing the National Anthem on Thursday, July 2. The event included Clydesdale horses, cotton candy making, founding father impersonators, The Sandlot on the big screen, fireworks, a splash pad, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, and loads of family fun. Though the hot weather (102 degrees was the official high) may have turned some away, there was standing and pre-positioned lawnchair room only by the time the fire- works lit up the sky on July 2, reflected in all the shining buildings surrounding the plaza. The celebration was part of Reston Station's Summerbration series, a lineup of free community concerts and events. Though Reston Town Center’s Stars and Stripes Family Night was canceled due to the heat, many local establishments had festive specials and everyone had decorations, as the town joined together to celebrate our shared freedoms in the United States of America. A crowd dances to Bruce in the USA at Reston Station on July 2. Photo by Isadora Guerriero

By Patricia Kovacs, staff writer Reston Station will host a star-spangled community celebration recognizing America's upcoming semiquincentennial on Thursday, July 2. The free pre-Independence Day event, organized by developer Comstock, will transform the plaza into a patriotic gathering place for all ages as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with lawn games, face painting, photo opportunities, inflatables and other family-friendly activities. Food and beverages will be available from Reston Station retailers and the JW Marriott. At 7:20 p.m., a live performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will kick off an evening of entertainment featuring Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. A fireworks display is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. During the events, visitors can rub shoulders with The Reston Letter staff members, a well-rounded group of volunteers that includes a lifelong champion of the First Amendment; staff writer and career journalist Gene Powell will make an appearance as Benjamin Franklin at The Reston Letter's booth. Guests can pop in for a photo opp with the Founding Father and maybe even chat about our rights as Americans. "We want to create a memorable experience that brings people together through entertainment, civic pride and shared celebration," event organizers said. "The vision is to establish Reston Station as a premier gathering place for the community while honoring America's 250th anniversary in an inclusive and engaging way." The event comes as Reston Station continues to expand as a mixed-use destination with hospitality, residential, dining, office and entertainment offerings. Located along Metro's Silver Line, the district has become a regional hub for residents, workers and visitors. Organizers view the celebration as an opportunity to bring the broader community together around a significant national milestone. When asked whether the event could become an annual tradition, organizers were optimistic. "We certainly hope this becomes a signature tradition for the community," they said. "The enthusiasm and collaboration surrounding the event have been incredibly encouraging." Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Parking will be available in Reston Station garages, and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station provides direct access to the plaza. Early arrival is recommended, as a large crowd is expected.