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By Rachel Singer, LHMS Team Technosaurus Rex Photo by Rachel Singer Langston Hughes Middle School’s FTC robotics team, Technosaurus Rex, earned a spot in this year’s Regional Championships after their success at the qualifier in Laurel, Maryland, on Feb. 8. Out of 28 mostly high school teams, the hard-working Langston Hughes team was one of six to advance to the FIRST Chesapeake Regional Championships, which combine teams from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Team 6633 Technosaurus Rex Roboteers includes Chris Hung, Kai Breitbarth, Devin Tanis, Thomas Hills, Ian Wood, Sachith Phulluke and Shreyansh Paudel. The team is coached by Paul Davis and supported by Club Director Franklin Kyle, Assistant Principal Dwayne Braxton and Principal Dr. Herman Mizell. They also collaborate with their sibling team, Team 14052 Nerdy Narwhals. Funding for the team comes in part from hardship grants provided by the DEKA Foundation, Bosch Community Fund, Timken Company and Jabil Cares Foundation.

by Holly Weatherwax, staff writer Amaya Samba aimed to help calm people with her book. Photo by Chrissy Kelley “Everyone needs help sometimes—and you can do this!” It’s simple advice, but it is also the inspiration behind "My Mindful Minis," a book written by local fourth-grade author Amaya Samba. Amaya, a Spanish-immersion student at Lake Anne Elementary School, loves to doodle and draw. Like many children, she has also experienced moments of feeling upset or anxious. Wanting to better understand and manage those emotions, she created a small book for herself, something she could carry in her backpack. Whenever she felt stressed or overwhelmed, she would flip through its pages to help calm her thoughts. It worked. She found that it truly helped. Soon, Amaya began to wonder if her book might help other students—and even adults—who feel anxious at times. She decided to publish it as a “mini book.” The size is intentional: 4-by-6 inches, about the size of a postcard or standard photograph. It fits easily into a backpack or purse. Soft-sided and lightweight, it’s designed to be carried every day and flipped through whenever needed—at school, at work or during everyday life. The project took about a year and many drafts before Amaya felt it was ready to share. With the support of her family, the book was self-published, and her mother, Rebecca, began spreading the word to friends on Facebook. It was an exciting time for everyone. Much to their surprise, the book quickly gained attention and began selling steadily. Before long, Rebecca realized that the sales had generated a meaningful amount of money. That led to an important conversation: Was there a charity Amaya might want to support with her earnings? Because Amaya believes it is hard to learn when you are hungry, she chose to support an organization focused on student hunger. The South Lakes Food Pantry was a natural fit. The pantry serves local students and their families, and Lake Anne Elementary is part of the same school pyramid. Through a mutual connection, Amaya connected with the pantry. On Jan. 15, she donated $500 from book sales to support its work. Founded in 2017, the South Lakes Food Pantry now serves approximately 500 students and families each week. Amaya’s generosity delighted the leadership team—Roberta Gosling, Amy Shaw, Abbe Pascal, Andy Sigle, Holly Vanderhoof, Laurie Asmussen, Mazie Barcus and Sherri Pudner. What began as a small, personal project to manage big feelings has grown into something larger: a book helping others and a gift supporting families in the community. For more information about "My Mindful Minis," contact Rebecca at xMymindfulminis@gmail.com /

By Taruna Rijhwani, Health Watchers PT Through years of working with individuals across different stages of life, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: those who remain active after 50 rarely rely on luck or genetics alone. They practice intentional habits that preserve mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term independence. One of the most important lessons they embrace is that “motion is lotion.” Movement isn’t something they turn to only when they feel stiff or sore; it’s what helps prevent stiffness and soreness in the first place. They prioritize mobility and regular activity because they understand the body is designed to move. Whether it’s daily walks, gentle stretching, or simply avoiding long periods of sitting, they know that consistent motion is often the secret to feeling good. Another shared trait is their willingness to invest in their health. They view their bodies as their greatest asset. Time spent exercising, recovering properly, or seeking professional guidance isn’t optional; it’s essential. They understand that showing up for their health today allows them to continue doing what they love tomorrow, from traveling and hobbies to keeping up with family and friends. Mindset also plays a powerful role. The most active people I work with carry a sense of optimism. That doesn’t mean they never experience pain or setbacks; it means they believe improvement is possible. They recognize that mindset is half the battle when it comes to health and wellness. Rather than assuming discomfort is inevitable with age, they stay curious, engaged, and proactive about caring for their bodies. They are also attentive listeners, especially when it comes to early warning signs. Instead of ignoring stiffness, recurring aches, or subtle changes, they pay attention. Small symptoms become useful information, not inconveniences to push through. Addressing issues early often prevents them from becoming larger, more limiting problems later on. Finally, people who stay active for life are strong self-advocates. They don’t accept “it’s just your age” or “you’ll have to live with it” as a final answer. They ask questions, explore options, and take ownership of their mobility and well-being. Aging is inevitable. Losing the ability to move well doesn’t have to be. When we move well, we stay connected to our families, our passions, and our communities. Want to learn more? Contact Health Watchers Physical Therapy & Wellness at 571-308-8252 or visit www.healthwatcherspt.com/

By Chuck Cascio, author and former South Lakes teacher Photo contributed by Dawn Garcia From her childhood in the Bronx to her teen years in Reston, Dawn Garcia knew she wanted to become a teacher. However, when she graduated from Marymount University with a degree in English and a license in secondary education, she felt the need to broaden her work experience before pursuing her long-term goal. “I was not ready to transition from being in the classroom as a student to being in front of a class as a teacher,” Dawn says. “I wanted some life experiences outside of school, so I took different jobs, including retail management, government contracting, and event planning.” After five years of exploration, she was ready. “I knew all roads would lead back to teaching, and when I finally stepped into a classroom as a teacher, it felt like coming home.” Dawn began her teaching career at George Marshall High School, then moved to Falls Church High School before transferring to South Lakes High School in 2011, where she has worked ever since. A 1997 graduate of South Lakes, she recalls that when her multiethnic family (her father is Filipino and her mother is Chinese/European) moved to Reston in 1993, just before her first year at the school, she was unsure of what to expect. “I thought starting high school far from my Bronx comfort zone would be extremely challenging, so I expected a culture shock,” she says. The reality, however, was different. “What immediately struck me about South Lakes and Reston was how welcoming and diverse the community was. I made friends easily, and the diversity of Reston felt very similar to what I was accustomed to in the Bronx.” Dawn’s appreciation for diversity shapes her approach to teaching. She is keenly aware of changes in how students learn, think, and express themselves. As a result, she has adjusted her instructional methods while maintaining her primary goal: “to stimulate critical thinking.” Having seen the evolution of students from the pre-social media era to today, she believes it is more important than ever to teach them how to approach information with a discerning eye for truth. Dawn has always sought to instill a love of literature in her students and to use it for multiple purposes. “My primary focus was to foster a deep love and appreciation for literature, especially multicultural literature,” she says. “My goals were to help students learn to read deeply and to find their own voice.” In today’s constantly evolving social media landscape, she has refined those objectives. “I now see literature as a way to help students learn about themselves and the world around them in the hopes of building empathy and understanding.” That refinement includes one significant addition to her work: exposing students to current events. “I worry that a lack of awareness about what is happening in the world leads to apathy. I want students to be more involved.” To that end, Dawn has incorporated monthly current events units to cultivate interest and engagement in real-world issues. She has also developed a unit on social media to help students examine its impact on themselves and on society. “Students always feel like they learn so much from that unit. It often causes them to reexamine their relationships with social media.” Dawn points to Elie Wiesel’s classic book “Night” as an example of how she uses literature to prompt layered personal and societal reflection. “Students must understand that genocides like the Holocaust did not happen in isolation, and as much as we would like to believe such atrocities could never happen again, they have continued to occur.” Reston has been important in Dawn’s life for many reasons. She briefly dated Clint Sigmon at South Lakes, but when his family moved to Thailand, they lost touch for 10 years. They later reconnected online, went on a dinner date at Clyde's Reston in Reston Town Center, and now live in Reston with their two children—a daughter who is an eighth-grader at Langston Hughes Middle School and a son who is a sixth-grader at Terraset Elementary School. “The way this community celebrates diversity reminds me of the potential of our country,” Dawn says. “I knew I wanted to raise my own family here. It feels like Clint and I have started something of a legacy in that regard.”

By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Sean Joyner's new law practice is helping his Reston neighbors. Photo by Benjamin Burgess After more than a decade as an environmental attorney with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Reston resident Sean Joyner returned to his hometown with a new mission: helping Northern Virginia families plan for the future. Joyner launched his estate planning practice in Reston in October, focusing on a task many families postpone despite its significance. “Estate planning is one of the most important things people can do for their families, and it’s also one of the most commonly ignored,” he said. Before opening his firm, Joyner spent 13 years in federal service working on complex environmental enforcement and compliance matters, including hazardous substance cleanups that often stretched on for years. His work involved negotiating tens of millions of dollars in settlements with responsible parties and managing cases that remained ongoing when he left federal service last April. While Joyner said he strongly believes in the mission of preserving natural resources, the nature of the work—and the incentive structures surrounding it—eventually led him to reconsider his career path. “Much of my work involved cleaning up damage after the fact,” he said. “I also saw how hourly billing could create incentives for delay rather than resolution.” Joyner’s connection to Reston spans decades. He lived in the community from 1972 to 1990 and returned in 2009. He and his wife, Anna Warburton, have raised their two children in Reston. Their son is a sophomore at the University of Mary Washington, and their daughter attends Langston Hughes Middle School. “When I left federal service, I wanted to make a real difference in the lives of people in my own community,” Joyner said. “Estate planning allowed me to do that in a very direct way.” That shift in perspective is reflected in how Joyner structures his practice. Joyner describes his approach as “relational, not transactional.” Unlike traditional law firms that bill by the hour, he works on a flat-fee basis agreed upon in advance, allowing clients to call or email with questions without worrying about unexpected charges. “I wanted to remove the friction that keeps people from asking questions,” he said. “Better communication leads to better planning.” Joyner also emphasizes follow-through. Every client receives a review of their estate plan every three years, along with a check-in to account for life changes such as births, deaths, new assets, or shifting priorities. Much of Joyner’s work involves fixing—or preventing—common estate planning mistakes. One of the most common problems he sees is an estate plan that exists on paper but not in practice. Assets are often not properly transferred into a trust, leaving families vulnerable to probate despite having signed estate planning documents. Probate is the court-supervised process used to validate a will, pay debts, and transfer assets to heirs. For Reston residents, probate cases are handled by the Fairfax County Circuit Court. The process is public, can be costly, and often takes more than a year to complete. An even bigger issue, Joyner said, is having no plan at all. In those cases, Virginia’s intestate laws determine who inherits assets and who is responsible for minor children. “These are rigid, one-size-fits-all rules that often produce results families never would have chosen,” he said. Joyner also pushes back against the idea that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In an affluent area like Reston, he said, many homeowners with retirement accounts and children already have significant estates, whether they realize it or not. “Estate planning isn’t about being rich,” Joyner said. “It’s about protecting the people you love and making sure your family isn’t left with confusion, court involvement, and unnecessary expense.” After years spent addressing environmental damage once it had already occurred, Joyner now views his work as preventative. “I used to deal with toxic cleanups,” he said. “Now I help families avoid a legal and emotional cleanup by planning ahead and keeping those plans up to date.” More information about Joyner’s practice is available at joynertrustlaw.com/

By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Advantage Physical Therapy Clinic Director Dr. Sarah Sheridan and Physical Therapist Dr. Kaelie Walsh. Photo contributed by APT Advantage Physical Therapy has opened a new office in Reston, expanding its Northern Virginia presence and making specialized rehabilitation services more accessible to patients with complex and often underserved conditions. The practice has served patients from its Falls Church location for 17 years, and Clinic Director Dr. Sarah Sheridan said the decision to expand was driven by both growth and access. In recent years, the clinic added physical therapists with advanced training in specialty areas, increasing demand for space while also revealing how geography was affecting patient care. “We began to outgrow our Falls Church office,” Sheridan said. “But just as important, we realized that distance itself was becoming a barrier. We had patients traveling long distances for care, which can be especially challenging for individuals managing chronic or autonomic conditions.” Reston emerged as a natural next step. Its central location and active population offered an opportunity to serve patients who previously faced lengthy commutes. “Reducing travel time isn’t just a convenience,” Sheridan said. “For many patients, it directly affects their ability to participate consistently in therapy.” That focus on access aligns with Advantage Physical Therapy’s identity as a specialty-focused private practice. A Specialty-Focused Model Sheridan describes the practice as specialty-focused, noting that this distinction is critical for patients whose conditions do not respond well to standard rehabilitation approaches. Clinicians develop deep expertise in specific areas, she said, allowing patients to work with providers who understand complex or uncommon conditions. The team treats a wide range of patients, including those needing oncological rehabilitation, pediatric care, women’s health services, and support for complex neurologic and autonomic disorders. “Many of our patients have overlapping diagnoses and don’t fit neatly into one category,” Sheridan said. “Having clinicians with distinct specialty areas allows us to collaborate internally rather than sending patients from office to office.” According to Sheridan, many of the conditions the practice treats are underserved because they require time, education, and specialized knowledge that traditional care models often struggle to provide. Understanding Dysautonomia One of Advantage Physical Therapy’s distinctive areas of expertise is the treatment of dysautonomia, a condition that remains poorly understood by the general public. “Dysautonomia occurs when the autonomic nervous system—responsible for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature—does not function properly,” Sheridan said. Symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, overheating, brain fog, and difficulty tolerating everyday activities such as standing, showering, climbing stairs, or running errands. Because autonomic regulation is impaired, many patients experience exercise intolerance and abnormal vital sign responses. “Traditional exercise programs assume the body’s regulatory systems are working normally,” Sheridan explained. “For patients with dysautonomia, that assumption can worsen symptoms.” The practice uses a carefully graded exercise approach tailored to each patient’s physiology. Treatment often begins in a flat or reclined position, below the patient’s symptom threshold, with minimal heart-rate demands. Upright activity is introduced gradually, and progress is guided by physiologic response and symptom improvement rather than a predetermined timeline. Redefining Success For patients with dysautonomia and other complex conditions, success in physical therapy often looks different from typical orthopedic rehabilitation. “Progress isn’t always measured in strength or speed,” Sheridan said. “It may look like standing without dizziness, returning to school or work, or walking around the block without experiencing symptom flare-ups afterward.” She has seen patients move from being nearly bed-bound to re-engaging in daily life. “These experiences are powerful reminders that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be life-changing,” she said. Education as Empowerment Education is central to the practice’s approach, particularly for patients with autonomic disorders that are often long-term or lifelong. “Our goal isn’t just short-term symptom relief,” Sheridan said. “We want patients to develop the skills and understanding they need for long-term independence and self-management.” Patients learn what is happening in their bodies and why, along with practical strategies to manage symptoms, including skeletal muscle activation to support circulation, pacing activity, and managing factors such as hydration and salt intake. “Knowledge gives patients agency,” Sheridan added. “When people understand their condition, they’re better equipped to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their care.” Looking Ahead in Reston The new Reston office is designed to serve as a resource for patients and the broader community—supporting local physicians, schools, and families with evidence-based care for complex conditions. “We’re very interested in expanding specialty services and community education efforts at the Reston location,” Sheridan said. “Increasing awareness and understanding of these conditions remains one of the biggest gaps in care.” As Advantage Physical Therapy settles into its new home, its mission remains unchanged: thoughtful growth, reduced barriers to care, and a commitment to helping patients reclaim their independence—one carefully guided step at a time. For more information, visit www.myadvantagept.com/

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer Tori Mayfield-Brown performs in Lopez Studios’ “The Little Mermaid.” Photo contributed by Mayfield-Brown family. At 18, Tori Mayfield-Brown is challenging audiences to rethink the Constitution—one sharp, fearless performance at a time. In Reston Community Players’ production of "What the Constitution Means to Me," Mayfield-Brown plays the Debater, a teenager who brings urgency and humor to questions that have shaped America for centuries. Her age, director Rikkie Howie says, is part of the point. “Having a young performer at the center makes it immediate,” Howie said. “It reminds the audience this isn’t a settled conversation. It’s a living debate.” If that sounds heavy, Mayfield-Brown insists it isn’t. “I was shocked at how funny it was,” she said of her first read-through. “I assumed it would be rehashed politics without real emotion. Instead, it completely changed my view of the Constitution.” From Pride festival to center stage Mayfield-Brown’s journey with Reston Community Players began not in a rehearsal room but at Reston Pride in 2022. “I had just started getting into theater and was excited to learn we had a local company,” she said. “I decided once I was satisfied with my training, I’d give RCP a try—and here I am.” The homeschool advantage—and the hustle Homeschooled and self-directed from a young age, Mayfield-Brown credits that independence for shaping her stage presence. “I have to learn how to catch myself and make corrections when things aren’t working,” she said. “Getting notes during rehearsals or hearing audience reactions feels like someone doing my homework.” Her mother, Bernice Mayfield, describes the discipline behind the scenes as intense. “Homeschooling gives her time, but she still has to do the emotional lifting,” she said. “I see the stress, the doubt and the fears she fights to overcome for every role.” That vulnerability surfaced after Tori once landed a major part and quietly asked, “Why do they think I can do this?” “She doesn’t just rely on talent,” her mother added. “She works incredibly hard.” A debate that hits home In "What the Constitution Means to Me," Mayfield-Brown’s character brings a present-day teenage perspective to constitutional questions. One moment in particular resonates. Her character references the 13th Amendment, which abolished chattel slavery but still permits forced labor as punishment for a crime. “I have family members who come from many walks of life,” she said. “Incarcerated individuals deserve rehabilitation. They deserve health care. They deserve to be treated as human, not as profit or statistics.” Howie said she knew she had found her Debater at the audition. “The role is written for someone high school age, so I trusted the play,” Howie said. “But when she auditioned, the improv piece she inserted made me call her the next Ketanji Brown Jackson. We were blown away.” More than a hobby While theater is her foundation, Mayfield-Brown hopes to pursue film and voiceover work, particularly in video games. A self-described film and video game junkie, she is building a résumé that includes acting, writing, filmmaking and music. Her accomplishments include a summer writing intensive at Yale University, poetry readings at Northern Virginia Community College, and recognition as one of 30 national finalists for the Black Girl Film Camp Future FilmmakHERs Collective. Community theater, her mother says, is where those talents converge. “It builds both skill and character,” she said. “Community theater provides the stage for these talents to come together.” Sparking the “hmm” Howie chooses projects with a simple test. “If a piece doesn’t make you go ‘hmm’ at least a little, I’m not interested in directing it,” she said. “With this show, we get to make people go ‘hmm’ more than a little.” Mayfield-Brown hopes audiences leave thinking critically—not just about the Constitution, but about the systems that shape daily life. “Where do they stem from? Who do they impact most? How do they affect things in unexpected ways?” she asks. Howie agrees. “I hope it opens space for young people to be seen not just as the future, but as the present—capable of insight, leadership, challenge and truth right now.” "What the Constitution Means to Me" will be performed at 8 p.m. March 26, 27 and 28; 2 p.m. March 28 and 29; and 5 p.m. March 29 at Reston Community Center’s Leila Gordon Theater, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Tickets range from $26 to $36, with discounts for juniors and seniors. Visit www.restonplayers.org/tickets-1/

By Gene Powell, Staff Writer Candidates for the Reston Association board of directors participated in a public Q&A session Feb. 24. Residents may vote by mail or online through March 31. There are multiple candidates for two of three seats on the nine-member board, which sets association priorities, oversees personnel policies and approves a biennial budget of $23 million for one of the nation’s largest homeowners’ organizations. Candidates: At-Large Director (3-year term): John Farrell, Greg McCandless, Daton Lynch Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director (2-year term): Georgina Cannan, Ramon Pardo, Nathen Phillips Apartments Owners’ Representative (3-year term): Margaret Perry Candidate profiles and statements are available online at the RA Board of Directors Election page. Six of the seven candidates delivered brief statements at the opening and closing of the forum. RA officials said McCandless was chairing a condominium board meeting at the time, and his written opening statement was read to the audience. At least 10 percent of the association’s 63,000 members must cast ballots for the election results to be valid. Voting began at 5 p.m. Feb. 27 and all ballots must be received by 5 p.m. March 31, RA representatives told the forum. In opening remarks and in responses to pre-submitted questions, all candidates pledged fiscal responsibility, opposed a proposed casino project in Fairfax County, and supported preserving Reston’s two existing golf courses. All favored strategies to encourage residents of new developments to join RA, noting that current and future residents within Reston’s general boundaries enjoy amenities without paying annual RA fees. On RA fees, most candidates called for the annual charge to remain flat per residence. Quarterly payments were mentioned but not prioritized. Board functioning was a frequent topic. Candidates and audience members noted long meetings and a need for better coordination among members. Suggestions included clearer distinctions between board and staff responsibilities, improved preparation for meetings, and avoiding personal attacks or emotional exchanges. Proposed residential development on Reston National Golf Course was identified by several candidates as the greatest threat to property values. Other concerns included over-development, strengthening the community’s relationship with Fairfax County, and increasing resident involvement in budgeting and decision-making. According to RA, four of the eight directors represent districts—Hunters Woods/Dogwood, Lake Anne/Tall Oaks, North Point and South Lakes—while four serve at-large. One director represents apartment owners.

Contributed by Past RA Board Presidents: Caren Anton, Cathy Baum, Julie Bitzer, Kathleen Driscoll, Andy Sigle Reston Association Board of Directors elections are underway. Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, and a 10% quorum is required to validate the election of two new directors: one Member-at-Large and one Tall Oaks/Lake Anne district representative. Reston's quiet strength has always been its clarity of purpose—knowing what it is, and what it is not. That clarity traces back to founder Robert E. Simon and his vision of thoughtful planning, shared responsibility, and community self-governance within the broader framework of Fairfax County. That perspective matters as a newly elected Board takes shape and prepares to guide the Association through important financial, infrastructure, and community decisions in the years ahead. At its best, the nine-member Board sets direction and policy. Directors ask thoughtful questions, weigh competing priorities, and safeguard the organization's financial health and long-term mission. The Board governs, and the RA CEO and professional staff manage day-to-day operations and implementation. When those roles are clearly defined and respected, accountability is stronger, staff can operate effectively, and the entire community benefits. Reston needs directors who understand that distinction and who can work collaboratively, at least collegially, on the major issues facing our community, including: How to responsibly renovate and modernize amenities to meet evolving interests—from pickleball to disc golf—while respecting existing users and budget realities. How to ensure residents can remain active and connected at every stage of life. How to improve equity and accessibility across programs and facilities. How to maximize the long-term value of RA's assets for a diverse and multigenerational membership. These questions affect long-time Restonians on fixed incomes who value stability and predictability, as well as young and growing families seeking opportunity and access. Good governance requires balancing these interests within a roughly $23 million annual budget, planning for capital reinvestment, and maintaining fiscal discipline that protects both current Board leadership also extends beyond RA itself. Effective directors must engage constructively with Fairfax County and the Hunter Mill District Supervisor. Demonstrating credibility and partnership, the RA Board of Directors can re-build productive relationships, and advocate thoughtfully for Reston's interests. Collaboration does not mean capitulation; it means showing up informed, prepared, and solution-oriented. Reston does not operate in isolation. At the same time, RA's role is clear. As a homeowners association, its responsibility is to serve residents, and steward shared assets, while upholding Reston's founding principles and values of equity, economic diversity, environmental sustainability, and our open space and dark skies. Broader land-use and development decisions involve multiple established civic channels, including the County and its planning bodies. Respecting those roles strengthens Reston's voice rather than diluting it. Robert Simon believed in governance structures that empowered people while maintaining clarity of responsibility. That principle remains relevant today. A strong Reston depends on directors who focus on policy, steward resources carefully, think long-term, and collaborate effectively, leaders who understand that fiduciary responsibility and community vision go hand in hand. The future of our community depends on participation. Please take time to vote. Thank you. Signed, Past RA Board Presidents: Caren Anton Cathy Baum Julie Bitzer Kathleen Driscoll Andy Sigle

by Reston Letter staff Reston Station was the proposed site for a casino in Reston when it was up for approval two years ago and was fought off by a grassroots organization. Photo by Benjamin Burgess On March 4, SB 756, known as the Fairfax County Casino Bill, passed the Virginia House of Delegates by a 64-32 vote. Three members of the House and three members of the Senate will discuss the bill as a committee before it will land on the Governor’s desk for either a signature or a veto. Reston Association Board President Travis Johnson shared: “Reston Association remains opposed to a casino in our community. Unlike any other Virginia jurisdiction targeted for a casino – our community has not asked for this, and the passage of SB 756 disregards local governance and land‑use planning as well as the wishes of the vast majority of our members. We will do everything we can to mobilize the people of Reston to oppose this legislation.” To share your views on a casino in our community, contact the Governor at: Abigail.Spanberger@governor.virginia.gov /

Contributed by Hornets vs. Cancer Club Last year, high school students from Reston and Herndon formed a club with a mission: raise awareness and support for people impacted by cancer. Hornets vs. Cancer has partnered with two Reston-based nonprofits—the Barnett-Searing National Cancer Foundation and Hopecam—on projects that include assembling care packages for women undergoing cancer treatment and creating cards of encouragement for children with cancer. “I joined the cancer club because strength grows when people stand together,” club member Xavier Carter said. “If they can be brave every day, the least I can do is stand beside them.” The club’s newest campaign focuses on raising awareness and funds for bone marrow donor registration through NMDP, formerly known as Be the Match. For many patients with blood cancers, a bone marrow transplant offers the best chance for survival. But finding a compatible donor can be difficult. Donors must be between ages 18 and 35 because younger donors typically provide better outcomes for patients. That limited age range makes high school and college students especially important to the registry. Students also aim to dispel outdated misconceptions. Bone marrow donation is not the major surgery many people remember from decades past. In most cases today, doctors collect stem cells through a process similar to donating blood. Joining the registry begins with a simple cheek swab, takes only minutes and costs nothing—but it can one day save a life. The club encourages community members, 18 and older, to join the registry and invites those younger than 18 to pre-register to receive a reminder on their 18th birthday. “My mom’s best friend (Lisa Langer) has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life,” said club president Max Fox. “When I learned how simple it is to join the registry, I knew other students would want to step up.” Lisa Langer has been active in the Reston community and Herndon Middle and Herndon High PTAs for many years, and after her diagnosis, the club’s mission has become even more personal as they’ve learned from her experience. “Being told you have leukemia makes everything else fade away. You immediately start thinking about your family, your future, and whether there will be a cure,” Langer said. “For many of us, a bone marrow transplant is the only thing that can save our lives.” Members of the club are now working with renewed urgency to help find a donor match for the mother of a classmate. Community members who would like to support the students’ efforts can learn more at https://fundraise.nmdp.org/participant/HornetsvsCancer/

Contributed by NWFCU Northwest Federal Credit Union (Northwest) completed its Winter Coat Drive at the credit union’s Herndon branch. The drive was hosted in partnership with Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil and his wife Seli to support local families in need of warm outerwear this season. The event resulted in the collection of 178 winter coats. Commanders fans and Northwest members were invited to donate new and gently used winter coats of all sizes. The coats will be distributed throughout the DMV by the NWFCU Foundation to community members who might otherwise go without reliable cold-weather gear. “Collecting 178 coats on one of the coldest days of the year is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together,” said Taralyn Kohler, VP and Director of the NWFCU Foundation. “At a time when warmth is needed most, the generosity of our members, partners, and Commanders fans truly shows the power of collaboration.” Throughout the morning, attendees had the opportunity to meet Mike and Seli, drop off donations, and learn more about how Northwest and its Foundation support local nonprofits and families year-round. Mike and Seli’s inspiration for the drive grew out of personal experience during the winter season. “While we were driving, we saw a child walking outside without a jacket during the cold winter season,” said Seli Sainristil. “That’s when the idea sparked that there are probably many people, especially young children, who are in need, and we have the platform to do something about it.” More than 275 members and fans attended the Winter Coat Drive with bags and boxes of coats, contributing to a strong turnout that will translate into meaningful relief. “A little help goes a long way,” Mike Sainristil said. “If there’s anything you can do for someone else, no matter how big or small, it can make a big impact.”