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by Dawn Crosson, Owner, Publisher, Editor Ilia Malinin's mural is in the entryway at SkateQuest. Photo by Dawn Crosson Step into Reston’s SkateQuest rink and a mural of Ilia Malinin winning his first World Figure Skating Championship greets visitors in the entryway. The image celebrates the hometown skater who has trained there since he was 6 years old. Now 21, Malinin has become one of the most electrifying figures in men’s skating. He is widely recognized for pushing the sport’s technical limits, most notably as the first skater ever to land a quadruple Axel in competition. This February, he helped Team USA win gold in the team figure skating event at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Malinin entered the Olympics as a favorite for gold in the men’s event but finished eighth overall. While the result fell short of the lofty expectations that followed him to Italy, his Olympic appearance has only heightened excitement close to home. During the Games, SkateQuest hosted watch parties for Malinin’s performances and displayed handmade good-luck cards from throngs of young skaters. Many pause their own lessons just to watch the Olympian train, a reminder that elite talent sometimes shares the same ice where they practice their first jumps and spins. Seeing a world-class athlete up close can make their own ambitions feel more attainable. For Reston, having a world-class competitor train at the neighborhood rink is more than a point of pride. It’s a reminder that extraordinary achievements can begin on familiar ice. Later this month, Malinin will attempt to win his third World Figure Skating Championship—and the skaters at SkateQuest will be watching closely. SkateQuest issued the following statement on the local increase in skating popularity: SkateQuest is seeing increased interest in skating this season, a trend that often occurs during Olympic years. Our current Learn to Skate session is about 30% ahead of the same session last year, with beginner enrollment up more than 80% year over year. Periods of heightened interest in ice sports are always exciting for our team, and we look forward to building on this momentum throughout the year and welcoming new skaters to the rink. Having world-class athletes like Ilia Malinin and Sarah Everhardt training at SkateQuest adds excitement and inspiration for many of our young skaters. Sarah and Ilia will represent SkateQuest at the 2026 World Championships later this month. For those interested in getting started, SkateQuest offers its Learn to Skate program year-round and continues to welcome new skaters of all ages and skill levels to the rink.

Contributed by Reston Association Dear Reston Association Members, Last week, legislators in Richmond took action to amend SB 756, commonly known as the Fairfax County Casino Bill. As a member of the Reston Association, you should be aware of these changes as they could have a profound impact on life in our community. While earlier versions of this bill limited the site location to Tysons Corner, amendments made to the bill last week that removed that limitation. Other amendments include: Magisterial District Majority: The requirement for the casino to be approved by a majority of voters in the specific district where it would be located was removed from the bill. Only a countywide referendum is now required. Mandatory Labor Protections: Requirements for prevailing wages and union hiring contracts were removed. Enhanced Financials: The $150 million licensing fee and the 40% tax rate (which would have significantly benefited the county) were scaled back to align with current state law. Flexible Location: There is no longer a requirement for the casino to be in Tysons. It could realistically be placed anywhere in Fairfax County that meets the square footage requirement – including in Reston. Development Size: Any gaming establishment must be part of a larger mixed-use development of at least 1.5 million square feet. Both the Reston Town Center area and Reston Station area would meet this requirement. Public Safety Proffer: A mandatory requirement for the developer to fund or dedicate land for a public safety facility (e.g., police or fire station) remains. Expiration Date: The authority to hold a referendum expires on July 1, 2029. The bill will now be sent to the full House of Delegates for consideration. We Need Your Help We anticipate that SB 756 will be considered by the House as early as today or Wednesday 3/4. We encourage you to act NOW and contact members of the House to tell them to vote NO on this measure. Here are some helpful resources: Use our sample advocacy letter to delegates or write your own. We need to let legislators know we do not want a casino in our community. Use This Link to automatically send your message directly to 30 House leaders. Find a list of all House delegates and their contact information HERE. Additionally, it is likely the Governor is discussing this issue. If it passes the House, it will go to her desk for signature or veto. To make your voice heard in the Governor’s office contact: Abigail.Spanberger@governor.virginia.gov. The more our legislators in Richmond know about our opposition to a casino, the more likely they are to vote against it. We need your advocacy now to help defeat this measure and protect our community. Why This Matters Why is Reston Association opposed to a casino? Unlike any other Virginia jurisdiction targeted for a casino – our community has not asked for this. In fact, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally voted to oppose a casino in its legislative program; advancing SB 756 disregards local governance and land‑use planning. This bill conflicts with adopted community planning: the Reston Master Plan, shaped through extensive public input, never contemplated gaming; a casino would undermine the community’s long‑term, mixed‑use vision. It is also seen as an economic risk to a proven engine: Reston’s economy is built on major employers and innovation, and research shows that companies like them could our area a “no‑go zone” if a casino is built—jeopardizing well-paying jobs, investment, and commercial tax base. The last day of the legislative session is March 14. We encourage you to make your voice hard on behalf of the Reston community. Sincerely, Travis Johnson President Reston Association

By: Ellyn Wexler, staff writer Burcu Mutlu and Uno Mutlu (above) started AI Project Academy last year. Their son Dalyan Mutlu was the inspiration for their for their program. Photos contributed by Uno Mutlu. When a fifth-grader with dyslexia—and a passion for basketball—posed a simple question, it sparked a new educational idea: “Why can’t kids use AI to solve real-world problems?” For Uno Mutlu, a Reston parent and technology professional with a doctorate in engineering, that question revealed a growing gap in how schools approach artificial intelligence. AI was already part of children’s lives, he realized, but there was no safe, structured, age-appropriate way for them to learn how to use it thoughtfully. Schools were often avoiding AI altogether or limiting it to advanced tracks, while many students were already experimenting with AI tools on their own, frequently without guidance. That realization led to the founding of AI Project Academy in May 2025. Based in Reston, the Academy was created by a team of instructors, technologists, and parents, including Mutlu’s wife, Burcu. Their goal was to introduce AI literacy early, in a way that is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with how children actually learn. As AI increasingly shapes how students research, communicate, and solve problems, Mutlu said families and educators have been left without a clear roadmap for helping young learners engage with it responsibly. Parents see AI creeping into homework, search engines, and social platforms, while also hearing about its importance for future careers, yet many lack a trusted pathway to guide their children. Educators, meanwhile, are under pressure to bring AI into classrooms but often lack the time, training, or practical models to do so effectively. The result, Mutlu said, is that AI instruction is either pushed aside or reserved for a small group of advanced students, leaving many others behind. AI Project Academy was designed to bridge that gap through a human-first, project-based approach that treats AI as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut. The Academy currently serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade, roughly ages 8 to 12—an age group Mutlu describes as critical, yet frequently overlooked in AI education. These are the years when students are forming learning habits, confidence, and identity, and the Academy plans to expand to older grade levels in the future. Mutlu’s involvement in the Academy is both professional and personal. His background spans advanced technology, research, and real-world problem solving, but it was his role as a Reston dad that made the issue impossible to ignore. He watched children, including his own, encounter AI with curiosity but little guidance. From the start, he said, the team was clear they did not want to build a tool-first program, but rather an after-school learning experience that supports future-ready skills such as critical thinking, fact-checking, creativity, and confidence—especially for students who do not always thrive in traditional classrooms. His own child, Dalyan, participates in the Academy, and that experience directly influenced its design. As a basketball player working to improve his three-point shot, Dalyan began using AI to communicate more effectively with his trainer, sharing ideas, analyzing feedback, and adjusting technique. What stood out most, Mutlu said, was not just the technical aspect, but Dalyan’s growing clarity of expression and confidence. AI became a way to organize thoughts and work through challenges, rather than a shortcut around learning. That philosophy is central to the Academy’s approach. Students are taught to learn with AI, not just about it, and are encouraged to question, fact-check, and challenge AI outputs. Technical skills are embedded within hands-on, real-world projects where students research, iterate, reflect, and present their ideas. Ethics, safety, privacy, and critical thinking are not treated as separate lessons, but as essential parts of the learning process from the beginning. What distinguishes AI Project Academy from other technology programs, Mutlu said, is this holistic approach. Students complete end-to-end projects within a single guided environment, using AI as a support for deeper thinking rather than a replacement for it. The curriculum is intentionally inclusive, designed to support a wide range of learning styles, and places ethical reasoning and responsible use at the foundation of every project. Since launching, the Academy has received a strong response from the Reston community. Through PTA outreach and local events, early waitlists have formed, and there has been interest from both public and private schools. The immediate focus is on strengthening partnerships within Reston and with local community organizations before expanding thoughtfully into other regions. “Our goal,” Mutlu said, “is to make sure every child has a seat at the AI table—and to start doing that right here in Reston.” For information, visit https://www.aiprojectacademy.com/

Contriibuted by Reston Association Reston Association is preparing for summer and inviting local job seekers to its Seasonal Job Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 28, at RA headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. The event will feature a wide range of temporary positions in aquatics, camps, maintenance, tennis and member services, offering an opportunity to land a rewarding seasonal job — or even begin a long-term career — with Reston Association. RA’s seasonal roles are well suited for teens seeking their first job, college students returning home for the summer, retirees or adults looking for flexible, part-time hours, and anyone interested in working in a supportive, community-focused environment. During the job fair, attendees will have the chance to meet one-on-one with RA staff to learn about available positions, speak with human resources representatives about onboarding, certifications and training, and gain insight into work schedules, responsibilities and what a typical day on the job looks like. Job seekers can also network directly with hiring managers and apply on site for immediate consideration. RA offers a fun, engaging work environment where employees help support Reston’s popular community amenities. Many positions are open to applicants ages 14 and older. Advance sign-up is encouraged to help staff prepare. More information about seasonal employment opportunities is available at reston.org/careers/

By Katy Keffer, Guest Writer The Reston North playground will look a lot different this spring. Most notably, the dangerous wood retaining wall that kids love to climb is gone. Photo by Katy Keffner Reston prides itself on its favorable environment for outdoor activities, from its extensive network of trails to its neighborhood parks and recreation areas. One location in particular—Reston North Park, located at 11760 Stevenage Road and affectionately known by area parents as the “Home Depot Playground”—is receiving a significant upgrade this year, with new equipment and enhanced safety features. The project is expected to be completed in the spring, just in time for children to return to outdoor play. Renovation work began in late November, focusing on improving safety and accessibility throughout the playground and surrounding areas. Much of the park dates back to the 1980s and 1990s, and the original materials had reached the end of their lifecycle. Since construction began, the county has made steady progress, clearing outdated equipment, leveling the ground, and addressing site features such as stormwater management. In an email response, Andy Grabel, public information officer for the Fairfax County Park Authority, said the outdated playground is being replaced with “modern, universal play equipment.” Several new structures have been installed, revealing sleek, colorful designs that expand the park’s play options. According to Grabel, the upgrades include “sensory-rich experiences and activities for multiple age groups.” Although the playground is currently closed, nearby trails remain open, allowing residents to regularly observe progress. As construction vehicles move gravel and prepare the space, a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is taking shape. Safety and accessibility were key priorities in planning the renovation. Pathways connecting the parking lot to the playground and adjacent baseball field are being improved to create more accessible routes. Grabel highlighted the park’s new “single-level design,” which eliminates steps between play areas and incorporates poured-in-place surfacing to support safe, seamless movement. Before long, neighbors will again hear bubbling laughter, joyful squeals, and the crack of a bat meeting a baseball. The playground will reopen to children in late March or early April. Date of the county's ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced when the project nears completion.

By Bob Welland, Kids Section editor MacGyver was the star of an action TV show in the 1980s. He used STEM to save the day, like defusing a bomb with a paperclip or fixing a getaway car with an egg. Long after the show ended, the word “MacGyver” means to improvise a brilliant solution. Here’s some real world MacGyvering that you can do: Hold the Phone! Want to watch your phone hands-free but don’t have a stand? Simply cut a paper cup at an angle, leaving a lip at the bottom to prop up your device. No paper cup? Use a 15 oz plastic yogurt/cream container. Larger tablet? Use a 32 oz tub. Big screen TV? Use an oil drum or wine barrel. Clothespins Help in a Pinch Wooden clothespins are handy even if you don’t dry your clothes on a line. You can keep any bag closed, like chips, cereal or candy, for much cheaper than plastic Chip-Clips. At $5 per bag of 50, each one is about a dime. Scrape by without a Scraper Your parents will drive you to school on a cold day. But there’s frost on the car windows and they can’t find an ice scraper! Oh no! Just tell them to use a plastic card from their wallet. The card’s edge can remove thin ice. There’s a chance it could break so use an old loyalty/gift card (not an important ID/credit card). Have you ever MacGyvered your way out of a problem?

by Meg Marsh, Reston neighbor UNICEF Unite SLHS members raised money for hungry children on Jan. 24. Photo contributed by the Schobert Family Many students throughout Reston and Herndon are required to complete community service hours as part of graduation requirements, honor society participation, or involvement in clubs and extracurricular activities. As the Fairfax County school year reaches its midpoint, now is a good time for students and families to review these requirements, make a plan, and—ideally—find meaningful ways to enjoy making an impact in the community. Finding service opportunities for students younger than 18 can sometimes feel challenging, so the options below have been vetted and are appropriate for middle and high school students. The nonprofit organization Cornerstones ( https://www.cornerstonesva.org/volunteerops/ ) provides housing, food, financial assistance, child care and youth services, family and community strengthening programs, and community resource centers. Its website offers a variety of off-site volunteer opportunities that count toward service hours and are especially well suited for students younger than 16. These opportunities include: Making snack packs Preparing bagged meals Catering for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter Building kits (hygiene, seasonal, or welcome-home kits) Hosting donation drives The Optimist Club of Herndon, which supports youth sports programs, offers an adaptive basketball league called Basketball Buddies. Students, ages 12 and older, may volunteer as “buddies” on Saturday mornings after registering through the club’s website. ( https://www.herndonoptimist.org/basketball/basketball-buddyball-program-current-season-information/ ) Great Falls Reston Soccer provides a similar program, TOPSoccer, for children with disabilities. Students can volunteer to assist with practices and earn service hours by signing up through the GFRSC website. ( https://www.gfrsoccerclub.org/community/ ) The Reston Association also offers opportunities through its Volunteer Reston program. By emailing Ha Brock at ha@reston.org, students can learn about upcoming volunteer activities and how to register properly. ( https://www.reston.org/199/Volunteer-Reston/ ) In some cases, high school students may earn service hours by volunteering at their school’s sports concession stands, depending on individual school policies and booster programs. While many clubs and honor societies require community service hours, they also often provide built-in opportunities to earn them. This approach removes much of the guesswork and allows students to volunteer in areas that align with their interests or skill sets, such as Model UN, UNICEF, English Honor Society, FBLA, DECA, Dance Team, Breast Cancer Awareness Club, and many others. In a world where most things can be found with a quick online search, earning service hours often requires a bit more initiative. Asking a teacher, coach, counselor, or other trusted adult for ideas or opportunities can open many doors. Although balancing service hours with academics, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs can be challenging, the experience gained through volunteering often shapes future interests in meaningful ways. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Seahawks girls wrestling program finishing its second season By Matt Reider, Staff Writer South Lakes freshman Anna DeMarco with a breakdown on a Madison wrestler on Jan. 17. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro Below the main gym at South Lakes High School is a large, low-ceilinged room covered wall-to-wall in wrestling mats. Across the hall is the football team office, with a small desk in the corner designated for the wrestling program. Although the varsity wrestling team is still technically listed as co-ed, a separate girls’ varsity wrestling team was created in 2024 and is now in its second year. On many nights, the mat is shared, with boys’ wrestling using one side of the room and the newly formed girls’ team practicing on the other. As head coach Victoria Smith led the girls through practice, Joy Suzuki, the girls’ wrestling assistant coach, explained that the sport is still new at the high school level. Suzuki has been part of the South Lakes wrestling program for more than 10 years, beginning with the co-ed team, and said nine girls made the roster after tryouts. Girls are not necessarily cut during tryouts, she noted, but athletes who do not commit the time and effort required will eventually be removed from the team. While the boys’ JV, boys’ varsity, and girls’ teams often compete on the same evenings, the smaller number of girls in certain weight classes means that sometimes only two or three wrestlers are able to compete. At tournaments, however, participation is broader, allowing athletes in all weight classes to wrestle. Like many newly added sports, finding a head coach in the summer of 2024 was a priority. Victoria Smith, South Lakes’ first girls’ varsity wrestling coach, wrestled at Oklahoma City University before transferring to compete on the women’s wrestling team at Lock Haven University in central Pennsylvania. After graduating, her boyfriend accepted a position with the coaching staff at George Mason University, prompting the couple to move to Northern Virginia. As Smith began attending local wrestling matches, she found herself missing the sport and decided to begin a job search of her own. At the same time, girls’ wrestling had just been added as an official Fairfax County varsity sport, with 12 coaching openings posted. Asked what she hopes to instill in her student-athletes, Smith answered without hesitation. “I’m trying to install resilience and strength,” she said. “It’s just you on the mat. I’m trying to build strong, independent women.” As for the team’s progress, she described it as a work in progress. “We’re a solid team,” she said. “The girls who started last year are very strong, but the newer participants are still ‘green’ because the program is so new.” On the evening of Jan. 17, the Seahawks hosted Madison for two girls’ matches. A third match had been scheduled, but the Madison competitor withdrew due to illness. In the first bout, Mariana Artibee fell behind 3–0 in the opening period and trailed 4–0 early in the second. She responded with three points in the second period and three more in the third to secure a 6–4 comeback victory. Anna Day Marco started strong, building an early three-point lead, but was pinned in the second period, giving her opponent the win. The crowd, which included several male wrestlers who arrived early, gathered specifically to watch the girls’ matches. Their presence reflected a clear respect for the skill and determination of their female teammates. Although the season is short and the roster small, Smith and her trailblazing wrestlers are laying the foundation for what promises to be a strong and lasting program. Hornet girls wrestling team unites in second season By McAllister-Pearce-Biney, Student Writer Herndon freshman Valeria Torrico Vasquez takes on a South Lakes wrestler on Dec. 10. Photo by Karl Majer Across town in Herndon, the girls wrestling program is also wrapping up its second season. While the girls and boys teams compete separately, they train and practice together in their low-ceilinged, mat-lined wrestling room. Senior Eja Gatewood reflected on the season from a team-first perspective, noting that while the team’s record showed steady improvement, the most meaningful progress came through a growing sense of unity. “Wrestling teaches discipline in a way few sports can,” Gatewood said. Through demanding weight cuts, grueling training sessions and the challenge of working through injuries, the team learned to rely on one another. Senior Sharon Alcantara-Ramirez echoed that sentiment. “Showing up every day, pushing through exhaustion and committing even when things get difficult builds a different level of mental focus,” she said. Alcantara-Ramirez, Sabrina Cardwell, Flor Diaz Ventura, Gatewood, and Valeria Torrico Vazquez will represent Herndon High School at the Liberty District tournament, which will be hosted by Herndon on Feb. 14.

By Gene Powell, staff writer Powerlines stretch over a section of the W&OD Trail, winding through Reston. NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy's agreement reflects a committment to environmental stewardship while keeping the W&OD Trail safe for all. Photo by Benjamin Burgess A new agreement has been reached between NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy Virginia governing vegetation management and tree trimming along the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park. “The new agreement formalizes practices that support current reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship standards while strengthening coordination between the organizations, local governments, and trail users,” Dominion said in a Feb. 3 news release. “This MOU (memorandum of understanding) reflects a shared commitment between NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy to protect both the health of our community and the natural resources that define this region,” said NOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson. “…The MOU prioritizes thoughtful pruning to preserve the park’s character while also investing in long-term habitat restoration, including invasive species management, native plantings, and the introduction of pollinators. Together, we can help ensure the W&OD Park, and its 45-mile trail, remains a vibrant and valued community resource for generations to come.” Joe Woomer, Dominion Energy’s senior vice president of electric transmission, said in the release that “by working together, we are balancing the safety and reliability of the grid with the long-term stewardship of this cherished resource. That’s a win-win for our customers and communities.” The agreement replaces a 25-year-old MOU between the energy company and NOVA Parks that had been discarded. Park and local government officials objected in November 2024 when Dominion began what they described as “clear cutting” under its transmission lines in the Dunn Loring area of the trail. Work was halted temporarily, and Dominion and NOVA Parks developed an interim plan that allowed trimming and limited replanting—primarily between Dunn Loring and Vienna—to resume. Under the new MOU, Dominion will provide 30 days’ advance notice to NOVA Parks, neighboring jurisdiction officials, and nearby residents before undertaking transmission projects or major maintenance work. Notices will be sent by mail and posted on signage along the trail, the company said. The agreement promotes pruning of existing trees as the initial step, with tree removal undertaken only when necessary, according to the release. It also encourages the planting of low-growing native trees and pollinators, along with enhanced invasive species management, to support the park’s long-term ecological and aesthetic value. The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park features a paved trail running 45 miles between Shirlington and Purcellville, passing through Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Leesburg, and Purcellville. More than 2 million people use the trail each year.

By Hayley Sherwood, Columnist As parents, we are responsible for raising children who are prepared to become independent, self-sufficient adults. Barring intellectual, developmental, or social-emotional challenges that may require a longer period of support, we have roughly 18 years to do so. There are, of course, many paths to adulthood—college, trade school, a gap year, or the military, among lthem. While how young adults develop their academic and professional identities certainly matters, I am far more concerned with the ways parents undermine their children’s ability to become emotionally independent adults. Parents often get in their children’s way from a very young age, frequently without realizing it. In many cases, this happens because they have internalized their own parents’ missteps and unconsciously repeat them. Snowplow parenting—also known as lawnmower or bulldozer parenting—occurs when parents, like a snowplow clearing roads, remove all obstacles from their children’s lives so they never experience disappointment, frustration, discomfort, or failure. In doing so, parents deprive their children of opportunities to take ownership of themselves and to develop critical problem-solving and coping skills. These children often grow into adults who struggle to advocate for themselves, show vulnerability, tolerate difficult emotions, or choose healthy relationships. As a result, they may be at greater risk for issues ranging from addiction and self-harm to profound loneliness. Many mental health providers, educators, authors, podcasters, and others speak about the mental health crisis among today’s youth. Parents who have snowplowed every academic, social (including athletic and artistic), and emotional challenge their children encounter may believe they are helping. In reality, they are handicapping them. Consider this scenario: a 10-year-old boy does not make the travel baseball team. He feels sad and cries after hearing the news. Instead of asking how he feels, listening with empathy, and allowing him the time and space to process his disappointment, a snowplow parent may contact the coach, berate him for rejecting their son, demand an explanation, and badmouth the coach, the league, or both—to friends, family, and even online. In the first scenario, the child learns that it is safe to express his emotions and that sadness and disappointment are part of life. In the second, he learns none of that; instead, he learns to deflect responsibility and blame others. Unfortunately, I hear far too often about parents who swoop in and attack teachers, administrators, coaches, music and theatre directors, and countless others who oversee children’s activities—many of whom are volunteers. Parents who cannot tolerate their children’s discomfort often have unresolved issues of their own. These may include growing up with parents who were emotionally or physically absent, overly harsh or critical, controlling, or abusive. As parents, we are our children’s primary role models and their first relationships—the ones that set the stage for all others. It is critically important that we heal ourselves (which does not mean “fixing” ourselves, as no human is ever truly “fixed”). Healing means doing the work required to become self-aware, to accept responsibility, and to remain open to growth. Otherwise, we risk passing our unmet needs and unresolved pain on to our children. Our children are their own people, not reflections of their parents’ pasts. Stay warm and safe in the actual snow! Psych’d to see you next month! -Dr. S. Dr. Hayley B. Sherwood is a longtime Clinical Psychologist in Reston/Herndon. To learn more, please visit her website at www.oakhillpsychological.com/ . Please visit the About Us section on our website to learn more about our team of therapists!

By Moses Gregorio, General Manager, Goldfish Swim School Reston Goldfish Swim School is one of Reston's indoor swim facilities. Photo by Moses Gregorio Reston was designed around the idea that nature and community should be just outside our front doors. Whether it’s a morning jog around Lake Anne or a weekend stroll through the Town Center, neighbors here are known for staying active, no matter the season. But as the gray Virginia winter stretches into February, even the most energetic families can start feeling cabin fever. While outdoor pools won’t open for months, some families find ways to keep moving indoors. Swimming in a heated pool is a favorite option for many. It helps children stay active when playgrounds are too cold and provides a sensory reset that can lift moods during the darker months. Keeping up with swim practice year-round also helps children maintain the skills they built over the summer—like any muscle, swimming abilities need consistent work. Indoor swim facilities in Reston offer environments that make winter swimming easy for parents and kids alike, with warm changing areas and practical features like hair dryers to avoid the chill after lessons. Beyond exercise, some of these facilities have become local hubs where teens and community groups gain experience and connect with others. Students from area high schools often work there, and programs occasionally open their doors to groups testing new ideas, from robotics teams to educational activities. These spaces reflect Reston’s long-standing focus on active living, learning, and community connection. Even in the depths of winter, families can find ways to stay active and keep kids ready for summer swimming—all without leaving town. For more information, visit goldfishswimschool.com/reston/

By Anthony Ozdemir, Staff Writer Photo contributed by Riverbend Fútbol Club This spring, Riverbend Fútbol Club launches with a clear mission: to keep soccer fun for kids while reconnecting the community with youth athletics. Led by experienced directors, the club emphasizes character and confidence, growth on and off the field, and meaningful community engagement—pushing back against trends that have reshaped the youth sports landscape. That mission responds to challenges facing youth sports nationwide. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the sharp rise in sports specialization has contributed to increased stress, anxiety, burnout, and a loss of community connection among young athletes, with nearly 70 percent of children dropping out of youth sports by age 13. Club directors Melissa Yu (Riemer) and Ben Mortimer have seen the effects firsthand and are committed to creating a positive environment that allows kids to be kids again, at both the recreational and competitive levels. Both bring extensive experience and shared values that place children and community at the center of the program. Executive Director Yu has more than two decades of leadership experience in youth soccer, along with a background in the sciences that informs her focus on players’ physical well-being. Technical Director Mortimer, a former standout player at George Washington University, brings years of Division I coaching experience and a player-first approach centered on development, confidence, and enjoyment. Together, they provide leadership grounded in youth development and meaningful relationships. “Kids just really want to have a positive experience and belong,” Yu says. “Feeling comfortable, happy, and included—even if you’re not the best—is part of that. We want kids to enjoy sports and participate for as long as they choose.” That philosophy challenges the growing expectation that children commit to a single sport year-round, often at the expense of their well-being. Research shows such pressure can do more harm than good. At Riverbend Fútbol Club, success is defined as more than wins and losses. “Youth sports should be about more than standings and scholarships,” the club emphasizes. Coaches are hired and trained to prioritize positive relationships and community connection, easing the pressure that has pushed many young athletes away from the games they once loved. Community engagement is central to the club’s vision. Yu credits Mortimer’s technical leadership with fostering opportunities to bring families together beyond the field. Partnerships with Inova Health and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, along with community events featuring food trucks and a festival-style atmosphere, are designed to help children “understand service and value connection with their community.” The club also emphasizes sustainable development beyond soccer. “We are partnering with companies to serve as mentors for kids exploring future pathways,” Yu says. These partnerships connect young athletes with resources, role models, and opportunities while strengthening the region’s social fabric. Built on its core values—R.I.S.E. (Respect, Integrity, Strength, and Excellence)—Riverbend Fútbol Club offers Northern Virginia a youth soccer organization that values every player and family, supports healthy competition, and keeps the game fun while making soccer a meaningful part of community life. For families, the club presents a refreshing alternative. At a time when youth athletics has left many children behind, Riverbend Fútbol Club aims to create space for kids to enjoy the game, be themselves, and build lasting connections. Registration for recreational programs and tryouts for the summer league are now open. Tryouts for the club’s competitive program will begin in March. For more information or to register, visit rb-fc.com/