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.

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.”