Search Results

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

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

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

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

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

By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer The Crowned Prom King and Queen. Photo by ServiceSource. The CARE Mobile Program, a division of ServiceSource, was developed to help older adults who experience social isolation. The Mobile Program goes directly into the community to interact with older adults and provide engagement opportunities, such as the Senior Prom held at the Lake Anne House. Yashoda Premysler, CARE Mobile Program Manager, says that the impact these events have had is huge. “I always ask residents what they enjoy about the events and why they come. Many tell me that if they didn’t attend these events, they would simply stay in their apartments watching TV,” Premysler states. “They tell me the events make them happy and give them something meaningful to do. It’s also a chance to see neighbors and feel more connected to the community.” Senior Prom attendees pose. Photo by ServiceSource Because Care Mobile visits different communities every month, people get opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and become more engaged in their communities. “Over time, people start seeing the same faces at events and become more comfortable with one another. Then, even after I leave, they continue interacting on their own. They meet in the hallways, spend time in the lobby together, go on walks, or play board games. They’re building friendships and support systems so they don’t feel alone.” The Senior Prom took place at the Lake Anne House on May 27, and the turnout shocked even Care Mobile team members. With money given by Fairfax County, Care Mobile and ServiceSource were able to provide the community with a fun event complete with music and dancing, food, games, and prizes, a photobooth, and even a prom king and queen. Premysler expresses her gratitude to both Lake Anne House for hosting, decorating, and catering, as well as the residents and volunteers who showed up for the event. “It’s also exciting to see both familiar faces and new residents attending. Some people have been coming to my events for years, and some join for the first time today,” says Premysler. To attend a Care Mobile Event or volunteer, visit https://servicesource.org/care-mobile/

By Hayley Sherwood, Columnist I recently met with a young dad who asked me how he could better manage his stress. He explained that he has a demanding job in which he is unfulfilled and often comes home frustrated. His partner and children are happy to see him at the end of the day, but because he has not learned how to deal with his feelings, the people he loves most often get the worst of him. He has little patience for the “kid stuff” that can fill an evening: whining, disinterest in dinner, not listening at bedtime and overtired meltdowns. Having grown up with emotionally unreliable adults, he survived by making himself small, meaning he learned to function without expressing emotional needs, overachieving in school and relying only on himself. By the time he met and married his partner decades later, he could comfortably express only two emotions: anger and withdrawal. Every time he experienced sadness, anxiety, disappointment, boredom, loneliness or other difficult emotions, he either became angry or isolated himself. This man is not alone. Many adult men exhibit similar emotional patterns, especially those who grew up with men who modeled the same behaviors. Over time, many men have learned to push down their feelings because it feels safer than experiencing them. When feelings are not released, however, they settle within the body and eventually emerge more loudly and destructively. By the time many men become dads, they have already mastered several essential parenting skills, such as assembling impossible toys without instructions and pretending not to notice Play-Dough permanently embedded in the carpet. What many dads have not mastered is talking openly about their mental health. For decades, psychological research focused primarily on maternal mental health and child development. That work remains critically important. But a growing body of research now makes something abundantly clear: Fathers’ mental health profoundly shapes children’s emotional, cognitive, behavioral and relational development from infancy through adolescence. In other words, dads matter emotionally, not just structurally. Children do not simply need a father who “shows up.” They benefit from a father who is psychologically present. For generations, men were often taught that being a “good dad” meant providing financially, remaining stoic and pushing through stress. Many men were raised with spoken and unspoken messages such as “Be strong,” “Don’t complain,” “Stop crying” and “Don’t ask for help.” In other words, they were taught that vulnerability is weakness. Contemporary research paints a different picture. Children thrive not simply from having an involved father, but from having an emotionally available one. Studies show that dads who enter parenthood with untreated depression, chronic anxiety, unresolved trauma, substance misuse or high levels of stress are at greater risk for difficulties bonding with their children and supporting healthy family relationships. A 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Affective Disorders found significant associations between paternal mental health problems and stress surrounding fatherhood, particularly when pregnancies were unintended or dads felt emotionally unprepared. Research increasingly demonstrates that paternal mental health affects children’s emotional and developmental outcomes and has linked paternal depression and chronic distress with increased behavioral difficulties, emotional dysregulation, language delays and social problems in children. Conversely, dads who attend to their own emotional health model something profoundly valuable: that strength includes self-awareness, emotional regulation and the willingness to seek support when needed. Children do not need flawless fathers. In fact, children benefit far more from dads who are authentic, reflective and capable of repairing mistakes than from dads who attempt to appear invulnerable. One of the healthiest messages a father can communicate is: “Feelings are manageable, relationships can heal and asking for help is normal.” For men considering fatherhood, emotional preparation deserves the same seriousness as financial preparation. Therapy, stress management, healthy friendships, treatment for depression or anxiety, reducing substance use, improving communication skills and addressing unresolved childhood wounds are not luxuries. They are investments in future family stability. For dads already raising young children, it is never too late to begin. For dads of tweens and teens, mental health is just as important. Adolescents are highly perceptive and often learn to cope by watching how parents manage stress, anger, disappointment and vulnerability. Dads who can remain emotionally steady, communicative and psychologically engaged during these years help create a home environment where teenagers are more likely to discuss difficult emotions rather than hide them. Sometimes the strongest sentence a father can say is not, “I’ve got this.” Sometimes it is, “I think I need some support.” Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and those who serve as dads! Psych’d to see you next month! -Dr. S. Do you have a question for me? Are there topics you are hoping I will write about? Please submit your suggestions to 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 Sean Joyner, Reston lawyer and guest writer Once you turn 18, your parents lose the automatic legal authority to make decisions for you, even in an emergency. If a sudden medical crisis or accident leaves you unconscious or unable to communicate, you may be considered legally incapacitated. In that situation, your family cannot automatically step in on your behalf. Without the proper legal documents in place, your family’s hands could be tied, even if they are standing beside you in the emergency room. To help ensure your loved ones can assist you if needed, consider putting these two documents in place: A financial power of attorney (POA) allows you to name a trusted person to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. This could include accessing your bank account to pay rent or resolving an insurance issue while you recover. An immediate POA takes effect right away, while a “springing” POA only takes effect if a doctor certifies incapacity. For many young adults, naming a parent as an agent under an immediate POA can simplify matters by avoiding delays during a medical emergency. Whoever you choose should be someone mature, trustworthy and capable of acting in your best interests under pressure. In Virginia, a medical power of attorney and living will are often combined into a single legal document called an Advance Medical Directive. This document serves two purposes: It appoints a health care agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, and it outlines your wishes regarding life-prolonging procedures in the event of a terminal or vegetative condition. Putting these wishes in writing can help spare family members from having to guess about your preferences during a crisis. As with a financial POA, choosing a health care agent requires careful thought. The role calls for someone who can advocate for your wishes and make difficult decisions under stressful circumstances. For many young adults, a parent or close family member is the most practical choice. Once your documents are signed and notarized, scan them and share digital copies with your designated agents. Provide a copy of your Advance Medical Directive to your primary care physician. Your agent also may need access to your smartphone or digital accounts in an emergency, so make sure they know how to access important information if necessary. Keep the original documents in a safe place, such as a waterproof and fireproof box, alongside other important family records. Taking care of these documents can be an important first step into adulthood and may also open the door to conversations about your family’s broader estate planning needs. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state, and readers should consult a qualified estate planning attorney regarding their specific legal needs and circumstances. Sean Joyner is an estate planning attorney at Joyner Trust Law (joynertrustlaw.com/, 703.485.8995), helping Northern Virginia families protect what matters most.

By Alexis Estep, mom, chef, Restonian Quinn putting the finishing touches on our batch of cookie dough bark! Summertime is the best! We love biking/hiking local trails and especially swimming. With the longer days, there are more activities going on and so appetites and snacking are at an all time high. I usually like baking treats but in the summer no one wants to turn on the oven! That’s where no-bake snacks come in. This recipe has been making the rounds and it's not hard to see why it is so popular. Cookie Dough Bark is a slam dunk recipe, simple ingredients that are interchangeable to suit likes/dietary restrictions and ready in a flash. We hope you enjoy our adaptation! Cookie Dough Bark adapted from yummytoddlerfood.com/ Ingredients: 1⁄2 cup peanut butter or cashew/almond butter or melted unsalted butter 1⁄4 cup honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 1⁄4 cups almond flour 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 cup dark chocolate chips 1⁄4 cup sprinkles Topping: 1⁄4 cup dark chocolate chips 1 tsp coconut oil Sprinkles or flakey salt 1. If your peanut butter and/or honey are firm, warm them for 15 seconds in the microwave in a heat-safe container to make them easier to stir. 2. Add the ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir well with a spoon to make the batter evenly combined. 3. Use clean hands to spread the dough onto a parchment-lined baking pan to about 1/2-inch thick. 4. Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil, then spread over the top. Top with sprinkles or flaky sea salt, if desired, and freeze for at least 20 minutes to set firm enough to snap into pieces. Store in the fridge or freezer in a storage bag after breaking.

Mystery Fiction by Arthur Semicolon Doyle Middle-school mystery solver, Sage Greene, is babysitting her neighbor Cassie on a warm but cloudy day. They strolled to the Walker Nature Center and Cassie joined a group of kids doing activities. Sage waits near the seven-foot-wide Memorial Sun Dial, near the entrance to the center. Cassie runs to Sage with a paper in her hand. “What’s that?” Cassie asks. Sage replies, “This is a sundial. It tells the time of day.” Cassie says, “Oh, what time does it say?” There is no shadow on the sundial. Sage looks up at the clouds. “It only works when the sun is out.” “That’s useless,” says Cassie, “Don’t they know that people have phones?” Before Sage can argue about that, Cassie shows her the paper and says, “This is a map for a scavenger hunt. The X’s show where the treasure is.” Cassie frowns at the map and turns it around and around. “Which way is up?” Sage points to a letter N and an arrow on the map. “You want to hold the map so that arrow is pointing north.” “Which way is north?” Cassie asks. Sage asks back, “They didn’t give you a compass?” “No. But, oooh! I have a compass app on my phone!” Cassie pulls out her phone and sees that the battery is at 1%. “Oh, no!” she says and she frantically flips through app icons on the phone looking for the compass app. As soon as she presses the Compass app, the screen goes dark. “Ahhh!” Casssie screams. “Sage, use your phone!” Sage smiles and points. “North is that way, and I know thanks to this.” She pats the sundial. Cassie looks up at the cloudy sky. “But there’s no sun,” she says, “So it’s as dead as my phone.” How did Sage know which way was north? Solution: Sage points to the metal triangle on the sundial. “The part of the sundial that casts a shadow is called the gnomon and it points north. That’s how I knew. Also, the angle of the gnomon matches the latitude of where it is on Earth.” As if on cue, the sun peeks out from the clouds and the gnomon casts a crisp shadow on the sundial. Sage puts an acorn on the dial at the shadow. Then Sage and Cassie follow the map for the scavenger hunt, hiking around the grounds of the Walker Nature Center. Later, as they are leaving, Sage shows Cassie that the shadow on the sundial moved since she put the acorn on it. Based on the dial lines, they figure that one hour has passed. “So it's a timer too?” says Cassie. “Who knew sundials had so many apps!”

By Bob Welland, Kids Section Editor Reston has more than 20 underpasses that allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross under busy roads like Reston Parkway, Colts Neck Road and North Shore Drive without worrying about traffic or waiting for lights. They connect our trails and footpaths so we can walk around our community safely and conveniently. Plus there’s art under there. Under where? I just made you say “underwear.” These tunnels don’t have to be dim and drab. Five underpasses in Reston are sites of beautiful public art. Three are located in northern Reston along North Shore Drive near Lake Anne. Two others are near Hunters Woods Village Center in south Reston. Use the maps to plan a visit with your family! The first art site was installed in 1965 by Gonzalo Fonseca at the North Shore Drive Underpass. It’s a set of concrete geometric shapes dispersed around the area. This creative work has the less creative name, “The Underpass.” Then in 1967, Baltimore-based potter, Olin Russum, made a textured ceramic mosaic on the walls of the Moorings Drive Underpass. Its bumpy chunks look like rocks, roots and branches. Much more recently in 2010, Valerie Theberge decorated the Glade Drive Underpass with “Emerge,” a vast collection of colorful glass tile mosaics. Many are circles with tiles radiating out from the center, called mandelas. Other shapes are squished and stretched like amoebae. In 2018, Lake Anne Elementary School students painted “Community Circles” in the nearby Fairway Drive Underpass. These are also colorful mandelas painted along the walls. Then in 2019, the Colts Neck Road Underpass was wrapped with an energetic mural called “Thoreau’s Ensemble” by Ben Volta. The overlapping colorful lines are a combination of more than 700 individual drawings by local students and seniors. It takes a lot of work and planning by artists and community groups such as Public Art Reston to beautify an underpass in Reston. Let’s hope that in the future there will be many more underpasses with art. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the five sites we have. Don’t pass over these underpasses. Wander through the wander-passes. Wonder at the art in the wonder-passes. Because missing them would be a blunder-pass.

By Shanen Elliott, guest writer 31 track and field South Lakes athletes competed at the state tournament. Photo by Shanen Elliott The South Lakes Seahawks track and field team capped another successful Virginia season by sweeping Regionals (5th straight girls title/2nd straight boys), then adding to it with 3rd (45 points) and 5th place (37 points) finishes respectively at VHSL States. Seniors Aya Ryan and Caroline Elliott anchored the girls as the dynamic duo paired with Quinn Jackson and Sarah Ghantiwala to finish second in the 4x800m (USA 11th best time of 8:56.03). They added 2nd place finishes in the 1600m (Elliott) and 800m (Ryan, Elliott 5th), before Ryan closed her career with an outstanding 4x400m final leg (Anya Catto, Olivia Friends, Karletta Webb, Ryan, 4th). Additional girls scoring came from Catto (300m Hurdles, 5th), Tia Tuffour (100m Hurdles, 7th), Collins Han (100m, 4th), and the 4x100m relay team (Melanie Velasco, Friends, Suriah Fornah, Han). Meanwhile, the boys' squad was highlighted by a couple of school-record-breaking performances from seniors. Blake Jackson established the new school benchmark in the triple jump (2nd place), before finishing 2nd in the long jump, while Milo Wilkins put himself atop the SLHS record board in the shot put (6th). Alex Guthrie continued his hot streak with 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 200m and 100m, then joined Jackson to anchor the 4x100m alongside Joshua Dagne and Brooks Ross (5th). This wrapped up an action-packed week at South Lakes that saw multiple track & field seniors walk first at their Friday graduation, before boarding buses to compete that same day at States. The team was also strongly represented at the annual "The Lakes Show Awards Ceremony!" Award winners included: Elliott & Guthrie (Female & Male Athletes of the year), Ryan & Wilkins (Tri-Sport Athletes), Q.Jackson (Top Rookie), Guthrie (Top Record Breaker), Scott Raczko (Coach of the Year), and South Lakes Track & Field (Team of the Year).