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By Alexis Estep, mom, chef, Restonian Chocolatey, crunchy nests with jelly bean or yogurt raisin "eggs" Spring has officially sprung and we wanted to celebrate by making a classic and fun snack, Bird Nests! Now I know what you are thinking, we won’t be eating real nests, but rather ones made from chow mein noodles and chocolate. What’s not to love?! Ingredients: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2⁄3 cup peanut butter or butterscotch chips 1 can (5 oz) chow mein noodles Jelly beans or yogurt covered raisins Instructions: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Melt chocolate and peanut butter chips on low heat over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 sec increments until melted and smooth. Fold in chow mein noodles until they are thoroughly coated. Spoon 2 tbsp of mixture into a pile for each nest. Top with a few jelly beans or raisins to resemble eggs. Refrigerate until set and then enjoy!

by Restonian The rumors are true. After nearly two decades of covering Reston like invasive English ivy, we’ve decided to move on to brighter, beiger pastures. That’s right—we’re swapping the earth tones of our plastic-fantastic planned community for the bright lights and particleboard charms of our neighbor to the west, Loudoun County. Back in the day, we used to derisively call this “graduating,” but we’re older and … older now. “But why?” one—maybe two—of you unrelated to us by blood or marriage might be asking. “What does Loudoun have that Reston doesn’t?” Thought you’d never ask, silly rabbits. Midscale chains. A wise man once said that when one is tired of visiting the same shops and restaurants found in exurban strip malls blanketing 98 percent of the country, one is tired of life. We do have that here, but fortunately, there’s an even greater movable feast of midscale chain eateries, shopperies, cofferies, saladaries, cupcakeries—maybe even a picklery, if we’re lucky—to our west. Unimproved roads. Ever since they added a fancy third turning lane to the intersection of Route 7 and Baron Cameron, we’ve been overwhelmed—what is this, Talladega? A windy two-lane road originally surveyed by a Civil War general, carrying traffic from dozens of massive subdivisions, would let us “bliss out,” as the kids no longer say, while sitting in never-ending traffic. Latency. When you’re in the highly lucrative online blogging business, every millisecond counts. The only way we can be sure we won’t be scooped on a critical bit of wastewater board meeting news is to have a massive data center behind our home to plug our 300-baud modem directly into. Advantage: Loudoun. Upscale vowels. The word “Reston” does roll off the tongue nicely, but having a couple of luxury “u”s in one’s address speaks to a certain exclusivity we’d like to grow accustomed to. Metro. The only thing better than a nonexpress, 50-minute train to downtown D.C.? A 75-minute one. One Loudoun, which is mathematically one better than Reston Town Center (no numerical value). Spring vibes. Thinking that the Loudoun lifestyle would be an improvement is like living April 1 every day. The end. —Restonian is a Reston blogger

By Hayley Sherwood, Columnist I often meet with parents who wonder why their children “don’t listen.” Many are exasperated after trying “everything” to motivate their kids. That often includes some combination of yelling, issuing consequences such as taking away electronics, offering rewards like shopping trips or money, imposing long or vague grounding, restricting time with friends or assigning extra chores. Instead, what if parents allowed children more say over certain aspects of their lives? Giving children age-appropriate choices helps them build the skills they will need as adults, including executive functioning, self-regulation and task initiation. As children approach adolescence, natural consequences are often more effective than parent-imposed ones. In other words, consider what outcome would most likely happen on its own. When a child has the intellectual and emotional capacity, parents can begin to step back from constant direction and control. Many children are not hungry at set mealtimes and prefer to graze throughout the day. Try to avoid bargaining with your child to “take a bite” or withholding other food if they do not like what is served. At the same time, parents are not short-order cooks. Keep a simple, nutritious option on hand—such as Cheerios—and allow your child to choose that instead of the prepared meal. Cheerios are always an option. Turning meals into a battle is a reliable way to create stressful power struggles and may contribute to disordered eating. It is OK if your child goes to school without a coat, forgets sneakers for gym or wears mismatched outfits. It is OK if they choose athletic shorts every day from elementary school through middle school and beyond. If your child can dress themselves, let them—and, as tempting as it may be, try to hold back commentary. If your child feels cold or cannot participate in P.E. or recess, they may choose differently next time. If they skip combing their hair and receive unsolicited feedback from a peer, that can be a learning opportunity, too. For middle schoolers, even something like toothbrushing can become an issue best addressed by a dentist or another trusted authority figure, rather than through repeated parental reminders. Many children need help with homework, especially early on. It can be useful to create a dedicated workspace at home, with a system for organizing papers, including a place for forms that require signatures and a brightly colored folder for items that need to be returned to school. Some children need time to develop a system that works and may benefit from practicing how to advocate for themselves with teachers, coaches and other adults. Once routines are established—particularly by late middle school—decisions about when and how to complete work should increasingly fall to the child. Teachers, administrators, other trusted adults and peers will help reinforce accountability, creating valuable real-world learning opportunities. Keep in mind that we only “have” our children for about 18 years, give or take. Allowing them the space to learn from experience is one of the best ways to prepare them for adulthood. Psych’d to see you next month! -Dr. S. Do you have a question or a topic you’d like me to address? Please submit suggestions to info@therestonletter.com. Dr. Hayley B. Sherwood is a longtime clinical psychologist in Reston-Herndon. To learn more, visit www.oakhillpsychological.com/ , or see the About Us section to learn more about the team of therapists.

By McAllister Pearce-Biney, student writer Senior Hayden Rita pitched four shut-out innings at the Hornets' home opener. Photo by Karl Majer Herndon’s baseball team has opened the season strong with a 5-2 record, including wins in its first series at home and on the road against Wakefield. The Hornets have shown early consistency at the plate and on the mound. “Preparation played a major role in our success,” said senior David Castillo. “This was a great start, but we can’t be complacent. We emphasize winning the week, and the players have shown grit, togetherness and a growth mindset.” In last week’s series, junior Max Tiboni reached third after a throwing error and scored the go-ahead run on the next pitch. Senior pitcher Hayden Rita set the tone with four shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out six. Castillo led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a triple, two runs scored and two RBIs. Senior Charlie Morgan made key contributions, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs, a run scored and a stolen base. Senior David Castillo races toward first base, going 2-for-3 on opening night. Photo by Karl Majer Herndon’s strong start reflects a program that has posted one of the best records in three of the past five seasons. “Getting a win in front of the home crowd shows the work we put in behind the scenes pays off,” Rita said, adding that the team feeds off strong community support. Coach Stephen Frank said the goal is clear. “We want to be the No. 1 seed and win our district tournament. This team is well prepared for the challenge.” He pointed to consistency on both sides of the ball as a key to the team’s early success. During spring break, the Hornets traveled to Charleston, S.C., for the Shipyard Charleston Invitational, going 2-2 against strong competition, including Vero Beach, Fla., which is 44-6 in its last 50 games. Herndon's JV and varsity teams both comfortably beat their rivals South Lakes this week. The next varsity home game is Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 against Woodgrove.

by Matt Reider, staff writer Senior third baseman Kayla Rudolph (left) and senior pitcher Meagan Maguire celebrate as Payton Berry looks on. The Seahawks softball team spent much of spring break kicking off their season. Photo by Beth Shaw While most high school students were out of the area—or at least out of classes for spring break—Coach Joe Mills spent a summerlike evening in late March at the softball field. His South Lakes varsity team was among Fairfax County squads competing in the annual Spring Break Varsity Softball Invitational. Before the game on Monday, Mills stood outside the left-field fence, coordinating his lineup while sporting a blue South Lakes shirt. His team was spread out beside him, each pair tossing a softball back and forth to warm up. It is his first year coaching South Lakes, although he has been in the softball dugout for years. Like most coaches, he liked his team’s chances. “We have a good group this year,” he said. “We just need to work on a few things.” Although South Lakes had four games scheduled for the tournament, the first, on Saturday, was rained out. The location in Hayfield is a 40-minute drive from South Lakes Drive, yet that night they were considered the home team, hosting the visiting—and undefeated—South County Stallions. Prior to the game, Meagan Maguire (No. 8) and Payton Berry (No. 30) threw warmup pitches along the first-base side. It was a perfect day for softball, the crack of the catcher’s glove echoing the velocity of Maguire’s fastball. The rest of the team took fielding practice from Mills as some parents raked the infield. After a dropped pop fly or two, the coach called out, “Stop being nonchalant and let’s go.” About 10 minutes before the game, three umpires arrived and collected the game balls from the home dugout. A quick meeting at home plate followed among the coaches, umpires and team captains. Maguire started, and the first Stallions batter walked on a 4-1 count. After settling in on the mound, she retired the next three batters in order, ending the half-inning. Like most high school sports, parents were part of the action. Ronny Shaw ran the scoreboard and announced the batters, while Sean Berry kept the scorebook. Parents staffed the snack shack selling $3 hot dogs, younger siblings ran around, and friends and family lined both sides of the field, offering encouragement and restrained commentary on the strike zone. Beth Shaw roamed the sideline taking photos. After two and a half scoreless innings, South Lakes took the lead with three runs on timely hits with runners in scoring position. South County responded in the top of the fourth with two runs. After trading runs, South Lakes held a 4-3 lead in the top of the sixth. Senior Fiona Shaw on base. Photo by Beth Shaw The Stallions rallied, taking a 6-4 lead before Mills called in a reliever. Berry entered with one out and closed out the inning without further damage. South Lakes, however, could not capitalize in its final at-bat, and a strikeout ended the game. The team and coach cleared out quickly, holding a brief postgame meeting outside the left-field fence where warmups had taken place a few hours earlier. The buses were ready to depart, and the team looked ahead to the rest of the tournament. The following day, South Lakes hosted the Alexandria City Titans, and the result was never in doubt, an 11-0 victory for the Seahawks. Kayla Rudolph set the tone with two hits, including a triple. Madeline Bryant had two doubles, and Isabel Stinchcomb added two hits, while Cassandra De La Cruz, Rudolph and Maguire all contributed at the plate. Berry hit her first varsity home run, driving in three runs, and also excelled on the mound, holding the Titans scoreless with 12 strikeouts. Later that evening, under the lights, South Lakes again played at home, this time against the Washington-Liberty Generals, but fell 5-2. Maguire started and held the Generals to three hits over seven innings, striking out four. She also issued five walks, which led to four unearned runs. Defensive highlights included a double play, while Berry and Fiona Shaw each drove in a run. Now, more than a week later, as students have returned to their routines and the season has begun to take shape, the Spring Break Invitational stands as an early test for the Seahawks—one that offered a mix of promise, challenges and a glimpse of what may lie ahead under Mills’ leadership.

By Shanen Elliott, sports writer South Lakes Distance Medley Relay team came in third place at Nike Nationals. Photo by Brooks Ross, rossvisuazz The South Lakes Seahawks boys and girls indoor track and field teams wrapped up successful seasons with third-place finishes at the VHSL Class 6 State Championships at the Virginia Beach Sports Complex. The boys scored 44 points, trailing only state champion Gainesville (51) and runner-up Patriot (49), while the girls scored 51 points, behind Robinson (75) and North Stafford (53). Seniors Alex Guthrie and Blake Jackson led the boys. Guthrie claimed the Class 6 sprint titles in the 55-meter dash (6.33 seconds) and 300-meter dash (34.03 seconds, a school record) and anchored the boys 4x200 relay team to seventh place. Jackson won the long jump (23-5.5) and placed second in the triple jump (47-2.75), setting South Lakes school records in both events. The duo contributed 40 of the boys’ 44 points. Other scorers included senior Milo Wilkins (shot put, 5th), senior Hayato Tano, junior Lordweasley Ahape and senior Julian Laurence. The girls continued their relay dominance with a fourth consecutive state title in the 4x800 relay, finishing in 9:04.67 and overcoming a 60-meter deficit on the final lap. The team—freshman Quinn Jackson, junior Sarah Ghantiwala, senior Aya Ryan and anchor Caroline Elliott—ranked fifth nationally. Elliott also added 14 points with runner-up finishes in the 1,600 and third in the 1,000 meters, while Ryan placed second in the 500 meters and anchored the 4x400 relay to fourth place. Other standout performances included sophomore Tia Tuffour, third in the 55-meter hurdles, and the 4x200 relay team, which finished second. Two weeks later, several Seahawks competed at Nike’s Indoor National Championships at New York City’s Armory. Alex Guthrie finished sixth in the 200 meters, while the girls 4x200 relay also placed sixth. Both the girls Distance Medley and Sprint Medley relays earned All-American honors, with the Sprint Medley setting a new South Lakes school record of 3:59.08. The South Lakes Seahawks will carry their post-season momentum into the VHSL outdoor track and field season.

By Erin Gibbens, SLHS theatre boosters There’s something special about a musical that makes you laugh while also making you feel seen. That’s exactly what audiences will experience in "9 to 5: The Musical," on stage at South Lakes High School April 30 through May 2. Set in a 1970s office, the story follows Violet (Lily Ingraham), Judy (Jocelyn Looney) and Doralee (Sidney Walkup), three women who are very different but united by a shared experience: being underestimated. Doralee, in particular, challenges assumptions and forms an unexpected alliance built on dignity, strength and self-awareness. “Playing Doralee has been really special, not just because it’s been so much fun, but also because of what she represents,” said Walkup, a South Lakes sophomore. “Women are often judged for what they do, say or wear, and Doralee shows the importance of staying true to yourself. That’s a message I’m proud to share.” The production highlights the small, real moments of solidarity—side glances, shared laughter and the courage to stand up for one another. “It’s a story that celebrates friendship, resilience and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right,” said Michael Viola, director of South Lakes Theatre Arts. Tickets are available for performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.slakestheatre.com/

By Ellyn Wexler, staff writer GlamourGals South Lakes founder Zahra Nikzad poses with a Brightview Great Falls resident. Photo by Azza Ali When Zahra Nikzad launched a chapter of the nonprofit GlamourGals at South Lakes High School in 2025, she hoped to make a meaningful difference. Unable to visit her own grandmother, who lives in another country, she saw an opportunity to reach out to seniors in her local community. The idea felt ambitious, but she was drawn to the organization’s mission: bringing teens and seniors together to build lasting relationships through small acts of kindness. “It’s about showing up,” Nikzad said. “That’s what makes the difference.” GlamourGals, a national nonprofit with 162 chapters, pairs students with seniors for hands-on grooming sessions and companionship. The program aims to combat social isolation and foster intergenerational bonds. Students help seniors feel confident and appreciated through thoughtful attention, whether painting nails, styling hair or sharing a relaxed conversation over tea. For Nikzad, the most rewarding moments come from seeing seniors light up when someone listens, laughs or takes the time to engage. A resident at Brightview Great Falls shows off her manicure alongside GlamourGals volunteers Charlotte Kaple and Lily Bowen. Photo by Zahra Nikzad Treasurer Noor Atiya never expected that a simple manicure or conversation could spark such meaningful connections. “I thought it was just about doing nails, but it’s so much more,” she said. “Even a smile or kind word can brighten someone’s day and teaches patience, empathy and the value of listening.” Vice President Mena Yacob agreed. “It’s not about the nails or the hair,” she said. “It’s about building real relationships. Listening to their stories, laughing at their jokes and learning from their experiences—those are the moments that stay with you.” For many students, GlamourGals has been a chance to step outside their own routines and gain perspective. “I’ve been struck by the humor and resilience of the seniors I meet,” said club member Azza Ali. “They tell stories you’d never hear in school and they have this amazing ability to find joy in little things.” Students often bring personal touches to their sessions, such as themed nail art, crafts or favorite music. Nikzad said these gestures deepen connections and leave lasting impressions. Books, games or personal photos from students’ lives often spark laughter and conversation, creating bonds that extend beyond the time together. Nikzad observed students applying nail polish while chatting with residents, laughing over shared stories and gentle teasing. One initially shy resident lit up when a student asked to see her favorite family photos. She proudly showed the photos and told stories about her grandchildren, a moment that showed these experiences are equally rewarding for seniors and students. Nikzad said she’s seen how these visits lift spirits and encourage conversation among residents. GlamourGal volunteer Azza Ali works on a manicure for a resident of t Brightview Great Falls. Photo by Zahra Nikzad Through these interactions, students say they’ve grown more confident, compassionate and aware of the challenges seniors face. “You realize that gestures of attention and support can make a real impact,” Nikzad said. “It’s motivating to see that what we do matters, not just for the seniors but for ourselves too.” In just a few months, South Lakes’ GlamourGals chapter has grown from a single idea into a lively program that bridges generations. More than a club, it’s a place where students and seniors connect, swap stories, share laughs and spread a little joy, proving that even small acts of kindness can leave a big mark.

By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer An LHMS middle school student operates the book vending machine at its ribbon cutting. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro A new kind of vending machine in Reston dispenses books instead of snacks. The RoSigle Foundation, a local nonprofit, recently installed a book vending machine at Langston Hughes Middle School, giving students a fun and engaging way to access free reading material. The initiative supports the organization’s broader mission to promote literacy and educational equity. Two couples, Andy and Kim Sigle and Dianne and Kurt Rose, founded the organization and share a passion for education and reading. Their backgrounds include librarianship and early childhood education. After learning Reston was not enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails free books each month to children from birth to age 5, they stepped in to bring the program to the community. The founders cover all administrative and personal costs, allowing every donation to support literacy programs directly. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro The nonprofit serves multiple age groups and focuses on building a strong foundation in reading. It helps families enroll in the Imagination Library and has distributed more than 26,000 books since launching locally. The program now reaches about 1,000 children in the Reston area. As the program grew, organizers identified a gap among middle school students, who often prove harder to engage in reading. They developed the book vending machine to address that need. Students “purchase” books using tokens they earn through positive behavior, academic effort or other school-based incentives. At the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony, students gathered around to watch the first few books get dispensed from the machine, starting with the student who designed the artwork on the outside of the machine. “We wanted something that is exciting for them,” Kim Sigle said. “Book ownership is one of the predictors of academic success. That’s why we’re trying to get books into kids’ hands.” The project drew strong community involvement. A local creative team repurposed a traditional vending machine into a customized book dispenser, and students designed its exterior through an art contest. Librarian Kim Sigle curates the book selection and updates it regularly to reflect student interests and school initiatives. The foundation sources many books from local businesses such as Scrawl Books. The Langston Hughes machine marks the start of a broader effort. The foundation plans to install additional machines in area elementary schools, with designs tailored to younger readers and larger picture books. Beyond the vending machines, RoSigle distributes books at Reston summer camps, maintains a Little Free Library at George Mason Center for Mental Health, supplies books to food pantries and supports programs such as MathCounts. Community members can support the foundation through donations that fund book purchases and program expansion. Even small contributions can make a difference. The RoSigle Foundation shows how a simple idea can create lasting impact, one book at a time. For more information, visit rosigle.org/

Contributed by Public Art Reston ChalkFest will be at Town Center April 25. Photo by PAR Public Art Reston will bring ChalkFest back to Reston Town Square Park on Saturday, April 25, as part of the annual eARTh Day celebration hosted by the Reston Town Center Association. The outdoor event, set for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., invites artists of all ages and skill levels to create chalk murals in designated squares throughout the park. Categories include professional and amateur artists, families and children, along with a people’s choice award. Chalking begins at 11 a.m. and judging at 4 p.m.; winners will be announced at 5 p.m. Visitors can watch the artwork take shape throughout the day, with designs inspired by nature and environmental themes. The event will also feature live music, free face painting and other family-friendly activities. Winning entries from Public Art Reston’s poetry contest will be featured during the event. Artist registration is open, with details available at publicartreston.org/ Photo by PAR

Contributed by Laurie Callahan, UCP Board clerk and ARRO Board secretary Alaha Ahrar (left) and well-known Afghan singer Latifa Azizi were among those who shared on National Women's Day in Reston for Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization. Photos contributed by ARRO-USA Women from across the Washington, D.C., area gathered at United Christian Parish in Reston on Sunday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day with the Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO-USA). The event offered a space to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities for building a life in the U.S. Speakers highlighted stories of resilience and determination. Master of ceremonies Hamida Arash, president of Arash Fashion, spoke about the severe restrictions women face in Afghanistan and how she built a successful business in the U.S. Alaha Ahrar, president of International Kindness Sharing, emphasized the importance of education and work for women’s empowerment. “If women are educated, families will flourish, and if women are able to work, society will flourish,” she said. Attendees also shared personal stories of women who shaped their lives, including mothers, teachers and mentors. Guests reflected on the challenges of adjusting to life in the U.S. Palwasha Azimi, who moved to the U.S. in 1993, described adapting to a new culture as her biggest hurdle. An asylum seeker, who asked to be called Nooria, spoke about the difficulty of starting over as a refugee and building a community while facing language barriers. Anne Hochstrasser, a retired Fairfax County social work supervisor, offered guidance on government and nonprofit resources to help new arrivals navigate resettlement. The evening included an Iftar dinner after sunset during Ramadan and a performance by Afghan singer Latifa Azizi, whose songs invited audience participation. Several husbands attended to support their wives and daughters, along with Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, former Afghan Minister of Information and Culture, and many American friends. Sediqa Khalili, vice president of ARRO-USA, introduced the Voice of Afghan Women Initiative, which aims to advocate for women’s rights and build community support. Bilal Ahmad Niazi, president of ARRO-USA, closed the evening by announcing new partnerships with Arash Fashion, Mantu Halal Food Company, and International Kindness Sharing to strengthen social, economic and cultural support for Afghan women. The celebration highlighted resilience, hope, and the power of community in empowering Afghan women in the U.S.

EatLoco opens new farmers market, walkable from Town Center by Dawn Crosson, owner and editor Eager market-goers welcomed EatLoco's first Reston location on March 29. The market will be open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November. Photo by Benjamin Burgess EatLoco opened its newest weekly market in Reston on March 29, bringing 80 vendors, local food and family-friendly fun to a parking lot near Wegmans and Halley Rise apartments. Visitors sampled pastries, coffee and pickles, chatted with local vendors and even fed alpacas, enjoying the crisp, sunny spring day. This is EatLoco’s fourth location and the first to open under its new owner and CEO, Lauren Katz. She helped launch a market last year as director of operations. “I’m most excited about the location and the ability to create a huge market. I’m also thrilled to bring EatLoco to the community where I grew up,” Katz told The Reston Letter. The market is designed to be convenient for walkers. Reston Town Center residents can easily reach it via the metro pedestrian bridge over the toll road. The market will run Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 22. Organizers chose the timing to avoid competing with the Reston Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon from April through November at Lake Anne. “We believe there is room for everyone in Reston to enjoy fresh, local food,” Katz said. “We’re excited to be part of the community while respecting the established market’s loyal customer base.” Photo by Isadora Guerreiro Fran Lovaas, co-manager of Reston Farmers Market, said the feeling is mutual. “We think there is always room for more farmers markets; supporting the small farmer is our core belief. There are more than 63,000 residents in Reston and our market draws more than 2,000 customers most Saturdays.” The market also attracts visitors from outside the area. After opening day, Katz said clearer parking signage became a top priority. EatLoco pays a flat fee to provide free parking, but nearby pay-to-park signs may confuse visitors. With 1,000 free spaces available, shoppers are encouraged to follow posted signs and enter via Edmund Halley Drive, turning right at the circle. Vendors can sign up at EatLoco.org. Organizers are aiming for 80 to 100 vendors weekly while limiting duplicate categories. So far, lemonade and coffee vendors have been especially popular and dozens were turned away on opening day. “We have plenty of room for dairy, meat and unique product vendors,” Katz said. At Lake Anne, Reston Farmers Market will kick off its 29th season on April 25. Shoppers will find 30 returning vendors, some of whom have participated all 29 years, along with four new additions. Its small-town feel, combined with proximity to the Lake Anne Merchants craft market, shops and restaurants, makes it walkable for North Reston residents. Vendors interested in RFM can visit the Fairfax County Park Authority website for more information. Both markets feature live music, with many performers returning to RFM year after year. “They make the market dance!” Lovaas said. Visitors can also consult Master Gardeners most Saturdays for advice on growing plants. Reston Farmers Market asks customers to keep dogs away from vendor areas, while EatLoco allows leashed dogs. RFM provides mesh and compostable bags to encourage a plastic-free experience. As a third option, Reston is home to a midweek farmers market on Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church off Lawyers Road. Run by FRESHFARM, a local network with 26 markets and farm stands in the DMV, this market is open all season. More of a quick stop for fresh groceries than an experience in itself, visitors enjoy this market for its smaller crowds. Together, the three farmers markets offer Restonians strong opportunities to support local businesses and enjoy fresh, local food.