Reston People

Heroes of Mount St. Helens

Reston resident writes about role of gophers.

Among the smallest of the animals that live on Mount St. Helens, the northern pocket gopher has been credited with aiding in the restoration of Mount St. Helens. "Gopher to the Rescue," a newly released book written by Reston resident Terry Jennings, examines the role of gophers in eco-system recovery following a volcanic eruption.

Column: Are We Still Slaves?

This Friday evening, April 6, Jews the world over will be celebrating the first night of Passover with a traditional meal called the "Seder." A ritual celebrated every year commemorating the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt 3,323 years ago.

All That Glitters

The Campagna Center’s annual Toast to Fashion fundraiser sparkles with fashion, food and fun.

With glittering displays of spring’s hottest fashion trends and most coveted accessories, the ballroom of the Belle Haven Country Club was transformed into a fashion-lover’s dream during the Campagna Center’s 13th annual Toast to Fashion on Thursday, March 22.

RCO Presents ‘Mostly Baroque’

Late Sunday, the Reston Community Orchestra pulled in a large and enthusiastic audience to the Reston Community Center.

Celebrating Nowruz in Reston

Community comes together to celebrate Persian New Year.

The Persian New Year was greeted by a day-long celebration at the Reston Town Center on Sunday. Folk musicians played traditional music in the Pavilion, adults ate, talked and shopped and children played everywhere.

The Reston Chorale Presents ‘Americana’

The Reston Chorale did two performances Saturday night at the Community Center, both to full capacity and very enthusiastic audiences. There was a complete blend of styles, progressing through time from the sweet and smooth work of Pre-Civil War Stephen Foster, down to the early rock and roll of Bill Haley and finally to the edginess of the contemporary group Owl City.

Following Birds to Nicaragua

Lake Anne teacher’s trip to Nicaragua makes learning "real."

Iconic birds, such as the ruby throated hummingbird, birds that bear the names of our cities, like the Baltimore oriole, and birds that are thought of as uniquely North American birds, such as numerous wrens and warblers, plus more than 150 other varieties of birds travel hundreds of miles every year to spend the winter on an island in Lake Nicaragua. From September to March these birds make their home in the tropical forests of Ometepe Island. In the spring they return to eastern United States to find mates and raise their young.

Real World Comes to South Lakes

More than 55 careers represented at Career Expo.

More than 55 careers were represented Monday, March 19 at South Lakes High’s Second Annual 10th Grade Career Expo. The careers represented ranged from electricians to Internet technology, said Elizabeth Vandenburg, South Lake’s PTSA community outreach representative.

Alcorn Named Citizen of the Year

Planning Commissioner recognized by Federation of Citizens Associations.

The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations named their Citizen of the Year Sunday, March 25, recognizing county Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn for more than a decade of service on the commission.

First Responders Recognized

34th Annual Valor Awards presented to police officers, firefighters.

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognized 108 of the county’s first responders Wednesday, March 21 at the 24th annual Valor Awards. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as from the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, were given awards.

Empty Bowls Event to Benefit Hunger Relief

The Giving Circle of HOPE will host its fifth annual "Empty Bowls," a benefit supper for hunger relief, on Friday, April 13, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon. All proceeds will go directly to Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food to needy people in Northern Virginia.

South Lakes Sophomore Wins Music Competition

Fedor Ouspensky, violin, wins First Prize in the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s Feuer Competition.

Fedor Ouspensky, violin, a sophomore at South Lakes High School (Reston), along with Michael Lewis, bass, a junior at West Potomac High School (Alexandria) and Cory Rivera, violin, an eighteen-year-old high school senior took the stage Saturday night at the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks concert to receive their awards and recognition as the three winners of the FSO’s 2012 Feuer Memorial String Competition.

Candidates Sound Off at RA Forum

Five vie for two at-large seats, one for South Lakes district.

Five residents are running for two open at-large seats on the Reston Association Board of directors, while past board member Richard Chew is running unopposed for the South Lakes District. Current Vice President Paul Thomas will not be running for re-election, opening up one seat, and incumbent Tom Vis is hoping to keep his seat.

Dick Warren Hays, of Reston, Dies

Dick Warren Hays, 78, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education, community leader and bicycle activist, died of complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease on Feb. 25, 2012 at his home in Castle Rock, Colo. He moved to Colorado from Reston in July 2010.

A Mission of Mercy Helps Hundreds

More than 800 residents receive free dental services during two-day event.

The triage center at Saturday’s Mission of Mercy Dental health clinic resembled a modern-day MASH unit.

Reston Connection