Susan Rose, co-owner of Restoration Massage in Herndon, Reston resident since 1976. Favorites: “I send people to the Lake Anne Coffee Shop and the Lake Anne Brew House. I love the Jazz Festival on Labor Day Weekend. This year it is on Sept. 1. Lake Anne is iconic Reston; unlike Reston Town Center, Walker Nature Center is one of Reston's best-kept secrets.
Concerns: “I am concerned if Amazon comes here as there will be so much traffic, and with all the growth and density, there will be stress on our resources. I am not opposed to change; it is just happening too fast without consideration for the impact.”
Event Notices: “I find out about many events through social media but I've lived here a long time, so I know what's coming. On occasion, I do forget. I would like to add, I am a member of the Reston Runners. They are not all runners. They have a huge walkers group and a walker-runner group. This is my social club. Also, the Jo Ann Rose Gallery located at the Reston Community Center is named after my mother. The gallery offers a range of different exhibits by local and regional artists with many works for sale.
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Mia Nelson, Researcher Cyber Security, 10 years in Reston. Favorites: “There are trails; I am a runner. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center and the Reston CenterStage concerts during the holidays. Reston Town Center even plays classical music through their speakers.”
Concerns: “The Reston Association Board.”
Event Notices: “I learn about things through word of mouth, but sometimes I just know.”
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Reazul Islam, Reston resident cycling at Reston Town Center with his sons Ahwanith, 11, (left) and Arjav, 12, (right). Favorites: “I like the Bow Tie Cinemas at Reston Town Center. The Center is my favorite place. The people look as if they like living here; you can see it in their faces. They are happy to live in Reston and not because they work here. I like Music Spectrum School for the Arts. We are going there and bike everywhere in Reston. Whether you are walking or driving, it is very safe here even at night. There is no loitering. The schools are very highly rated.”
Concerns: “No concerns.”
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Terra Saunders, Founder of della Terra Skin and Hair Care, longtime Reston resident. Favorites: “The Lake Anne Farmers Market, Lake Fairfax Park in Reston 4th of July Fireworks, Love Your Body Yoga Festival in June at Reston Town Center, and all the shade and trees in Reston.’
Concerns: “Honestly, I love Reston. Planned communities tend to do well even though some of the original infrastructure has gotten old and needs a refresh, such as roads and parking lots.”
Event Notices: “Social media and person-to-person word of mouth. I would like to add, Reston was a great place to be a kid and a teen. It offered security for parents. We would ride the bus system. There were things for kids to do to keep us out of trouble.”
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Linda Falkerson, longtime Reston resident with her visiting grand nieces, Adriana, 8, who said there is so much to do in Reston, and Isabella, 10, who said she likes the history in Reston. Favorites: “I like the proximity to nature, the walking paths and the diversity.”
Concerns: “I am afraid Reston will be overmined. It is going to turn into a Bethesda with high-rise buildings, density and less diversity. I do not want Reston to become less diverse socially and economically. Traffic is a concern. I moved out of Vienna because of it, and I am afraid Reston will turn to Vienna gridlock.”
Event Notices: “When I come to the plaza, I see flyers and posters and those remind me of events.”
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Elizabeth Storm, Office Manager, 3 months in Reston. Favorites: “Lake Anne, I wander around here and take walks. I love the architecture in the area. It is the best I've seen of mid-century modern. And I like seeing the dogs everywhere.”
Concerns: “The price of housing and gas.”
Event Notices: “I find out about things accidentally.”
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Ben Foster, neuroscience research, 1 year in Reston. Favorites: “The trails, greenery and the number of small businesses. I'm glad I'm here.”
Concerns: “The price of housing.”
Event Notices: “The Reston Association newsletter and booklet and listings at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.”
Photo by Mercia Hobson
Jose Ribas, 22 years in Reston. Favorites: “I like Reston Town Center, their concerts and Rio Grande Restaurant in Reston.”
Concerns: “The buses.”
Event Notices: “I find out about events in the newspapers.”
