The 28th annual Best of Reston Awards celebrated honorees for their philanthropy and volunteerism in the Reston and Herndon communities last Thursday night.

The event, held in partnership by Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, raised $504,660 for Cornerstones, a local non-profit. 

The honorees for 2019 are:

• Bob Schnapp from A Simple Gesture
• Ellen and Mike Jennings from BEI 
• Omicron Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity/OKK Foundation, Inc.
• Mina and Mark Fies from Synergy Design & Construction 
• Helen and Taylor Yi from Touching Heart
• Maggie Parker
• Roz Rakoff
• Kurt Rose, owner of Aspen Jewelry Designs

Del. Ken Plum said that he and State Sen. Janet Howell “always look forward to coming to Best of Reston, because, although we are heavily involved in the community, it always is the case when we come here we meet wonderful new people that we hadn’t known about.”

Get Excited! Best of Reston 2019 is only an hour away! Many thanks to our staff and volunteers who make events like this possible #BOR2019 #BestofReston pic.twitter.com/60Ng1QOhLm

— Cornerstones (@Cornerstonesva) April 4, 2019

Photos via Chip McCrea Photography

Reston Association President Andy Sigle just added a new leadership position to his resume.

Leadership Fairfax, a nonprofit that aims to inspire private and public sector individuals to tackle community issues, announced today (March 4) that Sigle will be the new chief operating officer and vice president of external relations.

“Andy’s passionate dedication to community and his ability to collaborate across sectors makes him an ideal addition to the staff at Leadership Fairfax,” Karen Cleveland, the chief executive officer and president of Leadership Fairfax, said in a statement. “We know his vision will help guide the organization as we move into a new year of opportunity and growth.”

In his new role, Sigle will work with external community partners and serve as a sponsorship contact for the nonprofit’s signature events, according to the press release.

Sigle graduated from the 2014 class of the Leadership Fairfax Institute, a 10-month program to help strengthen professional and community leaders, according to the press release.

Since then, Sigle has volunteered and worked with a plethora of community groups, including Cornerstones, the Southgate Community Center Advisory Council, Lake Anne Brew House, the Reston Historic Trust and The Reston Chorale, according to the press release.

Last year, Sigle was honored as a Best of Reston recipient.

Recently in his role as the Reston Association’s president, Sigle has urged Restonians to get engaged with a proposal that would increase the Planned Residential Community (PRC) district — Reston’s primary zoning district — in certain areas. A spokesman for the Reston Association declined to comment on Sigle’s Leadership Fairfax role.

Photo by Reston Association

The finalists were recently announced for the 2019 Best of Reston Awards.

A reception hosted by Cornerstones, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and SOS International LLC (SOSi) on Tuesday (Feb. 19) unveiled the honorees.

An awards gala will take place on April 4 to celebrate the honorees:

• Bob Schnapp from A Simple Gesture
• Ellen and Mike Jennings from BEI 
• Omicron Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity/OKK Foundation, Inc.
• Mina and Mark Fies from Synergy Design & Construction 
• Helen and Taylor Yi from Touching Heart
• Maggie Parker
• Roz Rakoff
• Kurt Rose

SOSi presented Cornerstones with a $50,000 check at the event. The community nonprofit also received a $100,000 check from Bob and Lisa Van Hoecke.

Started nearly three decades ago, the annual Best of Reston Awards recognize individuals, businesses and community groups that have helped Reston and Herndon through philanthropy and volunteering.

The gala on April 4 is set to be held at the Hyatt Regency Reston (1800 Presidents Street).

Photo via Chip McCrea Photography

New Year’s Eve Glow Skate at Reston Town Center — Glow sticks will be available from 6 – 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the RTC Ice Skating Pavilion’s ‘Glow Skate.’ [Reston Town Center via Facebook]

‘Color Me Happy’ at Reston Regional Library on Jan. 10 — Relax, unwind and color your cares away at the library’s adult coloring session. Coloring pages and pencils will be provided. The session takes place from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Reston Meeting Room 2. [Fairfax County Government]

A Look Inside: One Reston Town Center — Akridge, a commerical real estate company, plans to deliver an “iconic landmark” at 1760 Reston Parkway that include a six-story atrium lobby, an outdoor plaza on the seventh floor and a rooftop lounge and terrance. [Washington Business Journal]

Where to Eat, Shop and Explore in Reston and Herndon — The Washingtonian breaks down the best place to have a bite or swing by shopping the local area. Top picks include ArtSpace Herndon, Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon Historic Walking Trail and Scrawl Books. [The Washingtonian]

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Cornerstones of Our Community: Best of Reston Awards, presented by Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Nomination forms are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.

According to information provided by Cornerstones:

Awardees will be selected for working selflessly without consideration of recognition to improve communities served by Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Nomination applications can be found at www.cornerstonesva.org/BOR. Finalist selections and notifications will be completed by early January 2018.

In 2018, finalists will not be broken into categories, as they have been in previous years. Rather, they will be recognized collectively as “Best of Reston Finalists.” According to Cornerstones, this will enable them “to consider the merits and diversity of community service, volunteerism and/or philanthropy, whether demonstrating an immediate impact or sustained over a period of time, without the restrictions of being defined by a category.”

The 2017 awards event raised more than $515,000 for Cornerstones, in support of the organization’s strategies of starting individuals on a pathway to sustainable living-wage employment, and to identify and address other barriers to move from surviving to living prosperous, healthy lives. Highlights from last year’s event are available at Cornerstones’ website.

The awards have been given out each year since 1992.

The 2018 ceremony will be held Thursday, April 12 at the Hyatt Regency Reston (1800 Presidents St.).

Anyone with questions about the nomination or selection process can contact to Likitta Crawley at [email protected] or by calling 571-323-9570.

Image from 2017 Best of Reston Awards courtesy Chip McCrea Photography

The community’s best were honored Thursday evening during the 26th annual Best of Reston Awards Gala, a partnership between Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.

Twenty-two finalists for the awards were announced earlier this year, and honorees at the gala included:

• Small Business Leader Award: The CST Group
• Civic/Community Organization Awards: Women Giving Back, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
• Large Business Service Award: Odin, Feldman and Pittleman, P.C.
• Individual Community Leader Award: Bill Keefe
• Family Service Award: Vincent and Gillian Sescoe

In addition, the Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award, presented for only the third time since its inception, went to Herb Williams-Baffoe. According to Cornerstones, the award “honors acts of volunteerism and leadership that motivate and inspire a new generation of leaders and create a legacy of service. Herb was recognized because he inspires us all, and shows the power of believing in our youth and what that does for their self-belief.”

The Robert E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Vicky Wingert “for her lifetime commitment to Reston values, for cementing the legacy of Bob Simon and for capturing the history and future of Reston,” according to Cornerstones.

A check for more than $515,000, representing funds raised through this year’s Best of Reston, was presented to Cornerstones to support the organization’s strategies of starting individuals on a pathway to sustainable living-wage employment, and to identify and address other barriers to move from surviving to living prosperous, healthy lives.

“Cornerstones counts on your support of its work to stabilize those who are struggling, empower those who may not have a voice, and bring hope to our community,” said Charlene Wheeless, Bechtel principal vice president and a 2016 Best of Reston honoree who co-chaired the event along with Doug Bushee. “Now more than ever we need organizations who work to ensure everyone has access to food, shelter and opportunities for a stronger future.”

Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones CEO, said community support has helped the organization made great strides toward curtailing homelessness.

“We believe that our job is to end homelessness — not just manage it — by developing housing that is affordable for people over their lifetime,” Wilson said. “We are so grateful for the incredible support that helps Cornerstones and its partners to reduce homelessness in our community by 47 percent in the past eight years.”

For more photos from Thursday evening’s gala, visit photographer Chip McCrea’s website.

Photos courtesy Chip McCrea Photography

In a break from previous tradition, 22 finalists for the 2017 Best of Reston Awards were announced Thursday night. In past years, only the winners have been honored.

According to Cornerstones, which puts on the awards along with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, the new process serves to recognize the importance of the “many fine people, businesses and organizations involved in giving back in greater Reston/Dulles corridor.”

“At a time of uncertainty and change in our nation, the Best of Reston Community Service Awards serve as a powerful reminder that there is so much that unites us,” said Kerrie Wilson, CEO of Cornerstones. “This new approach to the awards was recommended as a way to lift up those who are bringing our community together, and affirms principles of service that are core to the work of Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.”

Nominees for the awards are as follows:

INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY SERVICE

• Robert Goudie
• Vernon and Kathy Joyner
• Bill Keefe
• Shreya Papneja
• Maggie Parker
• Bob Schnapp
• Vincent and Gillian Sescoe
• Herb Williams-Baffoe

CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, VOLUNTEERISM THROUGH NONPROFIT SERVICE

• Herndon Community Leo Club Youth
• Omicron Kappa Kappa
• The Reston Chorale
• Touching Heart
• Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
• Women Giving Back

LARGE BUSINESS

• JK Moving Services
• Navient
• Odin, Feldman and Pittleman, P.C.
• SOSi

EMPLOYEE-OWNED AND SMALL BUSINESS

• SpeedPro Imaging Northern Virginia
• Storycatcher Productions
• Synergy Design & Construction
• The CST Group

Up to two awardees will be selected from each category and will be honored April 6. Proceeds from the celebration benefit the programs and people served by Cornerstones.

Mark Ingrao, president and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, said the candidates are all vital parts of the community.

“We believe that service is a cornerstone of any thriving community, and this event… says it all,” he said. “Through their volunteerism and philanthropy, the past Best of Reston honorees and the candidates for the 2017 Awards work throughout the greater Reston and Dulles corridor region to make it a stronger community.”

Leidos, which hosted Thursday night’s reception, has partnered with cornerstones as the Annual Champion Partner. The company presented Cornerstones with a $100,000 check during the event.

“It is our hope that this support will be a beacon and spread the light of the good work Cornerstones does on behalf of Reston and beyond,” said Melissa Koskovich, Leidos senior vice president and marketing director. “Partnering with Cornerstones, who empowers people in our community to become self-sufficient, allows us to have a lasting impact in Reston and the greater Dulles Corridor.”

For more information about the awards, visit Cornerstones online.

Photos courtesy Chip McCrea Photography

‘Best of Reston’ Applications Due Today — Nominees for the 2017 Best of Reston Community Service Awards, sponsored by Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, must be submitted by 5 p.m. today. The awards will be presented Thursday, April 6. [Cornerstones]

Cybersecurity Company May Make Passwords Obsolete — Daon Corporation, based in Reston, is working on technology that would allow for unique human factors such as voice and face structure to take over for passwords in smartphones and beyond. [WJLA]

Reston Women Collecting Hats for D.C. March — Carrie and Molly McKnight have made their home the collection point for pink knitted hats. The hats will be worn by thousands participating in the Women’s March on Washington on Jan. 21. [WUSA]

Reston Native Stars in History Channel Show — Britt Ahart, who attended South Lakes High School and lived in the area for more than 30 years, is starring in the latest season of “Alone,” a show about stranding people in the middle of nowhere to see how they survive. [Reston Patch]

A Celebration of Christmas — Reston’s Washington Plaza Baptist Church (1615 Washington Plaza West) is inviting locals to come hear the choir sing festive holiday music at its annual Christmas concert Saturday from 4-5:30 p.m. A reception is scheduled to follow the free concert. The church is also collecting winter gloves for children and cans of food local charities. [WPBC/Facebook]

Know Someone Who Deserves to Be Recognized? — Cornerstones has opened nominations for its annual Best of Reston awards, which honor those who have given selflessly to the Reston/Dulles Corridor communities. This year’s awards include categories for Individual/Family, Civic/Community Group or Nonprofit, Employee-Owned Company or Small Business, Corporate/Large Business, and a special award, the Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriquez Legacy Award, with the theme “Entrusting Our Community’s Future.” [Cornerstones]

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Tickets are going fast for the 25th Annual Best of Reston Awards Gala, which will be held April 7 at the Hyatt Regency Reston.

The awards honor Reston individuals and businesses for their commitment to community service.

See the list of this year’s honorees in this previous Reston Now article.

The gala is also a large fundraiser for Cornerstones, the Reston nonprofit that helps people in need find affordable housing, food and other necessities. This year’s gala has a goal of raising $500,000, says Cornerstones.

That’s similar to the amount raised each of the last two years, says Cornerstones chair Jill Norcross. Two years ago, Cornerstones was able to double its stock of affordable housing with money raised.

Tickets to the gala start at $200 (includes dinner) and can be purchased online.

Do you know someone who is truly the Best of Reston?<

Then nominate them for the annual Best of Reston Awards.

Nominations for the Best of Reston are being accepted through Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.

This is the 25th year Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce have teamed to organize individuals and businesses who have worked to make an impact in the community.

The awards will be announced in early 2016 and presented at a gala at the Hyatt Regency Reston on April 7. The awards are a major fundraiser for Cornerstones, raising more than $500,000 in each of the last two years.

Click to see criteria and nominate businesses and leaders in the categories below.

Individual/Family Community Leader(s)

Civic/Community Group(s)/Nonprofit Organization

Employee-Owned Company/Small Business Leader(2-100 employees)*

Corporate Business Leader (101+ employees)*

Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriquez Legacy Award-Entrusting Our Community’s Future (Special Award) 

Download a PDF of the nomination application, though online nominations are preferred.

The following are not eligible for a Best of Reston award:

• Elected officials holding federal, state, or county office
• Individual schools or congregations (individuals/groups working within institutions may be considered)
• Posthumous nominations
• Current employees of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce or Cornerstones

Read about last year’s winners in this previous Reston Now article.

Photo: Best of Reston 2015/Credit: Chip McRea

Restonians came out to honor their own Thursday at the 2015 Best of Reston Awards for Community Service at the Hyatt Regency Reston.

The 24th annual event, chaired this year by developers Boston Properties, Comstock, and The JBG Companies, benefits Cornerstones, which uses the money to benefit those facing homelessness in our community.

The 2015 event raised about $540,000, which will enable Cornerstones to help those in the community facing homelessness.

The annual awards honor individuals and businesses in Reston who have made a strong contribution to Reston.

While most of the award winners were announced at a January ceremony, there was a surprise category on Thursday. Lynn Lilienthal was honored with the Robert E. Simon Lifetime Community Achievement Award. The Simon award has been given to a small, select few since it began in 2009.

Lilienthal and her husband, Phil, have been Reston residents since 1968. Lynn Lilienthal founded PALS child care center and has been an active volunteer and leader with the Reston Historic Trust and Museum, Cornerstones and many other organizations.

“It is important to keep giving back to the community,” said Lilienthal, who was a Best of Reston honoree in 1998. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The other 2015 honorees include:

Larry Butler — Individual Community Leader 

Butler, Reston Association’s Senior Director of Parks and Recreation, has used his passion for the outdoors in volunteer work that includes the Reston Triathlon, the Reston Sprint Triathlon and the Reston Kids Triathlon. The latter event offers scholarships to 50 kids in need to get involved in the sport.

“His can-do attitude, insight and advice, and leadership in making connections across the community create the added value in every event or activity in which Larry is involved,” the Best of Reston committee said. Read More

Reston will honor its own — and raise money for Cornerstones — on Thursday at the 24th annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service gala at the Hyatt Regency Reston.

The event is nearly sold out, says Cornerstones, so if you have not purchased a ticket, act fast. Individual tickets start at $200.

The event begins with cocktail hour and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. The program starts at 6:45 p.m.

Last year, the Best of Reston raised $675,000 to benefit Cornerstones’ efforts to secure affordable housing for citizens facing homelessness.

This year’s event will honor

• Civic/Community Organization: His Hidden Treasures (Troy and Lois Hughes)
• Small Business Leader: Maid Bright (Maria Fedick, Yusuf and Zeynep Mehmetoglu)
• Corporate Business Leader: Leidos (Mike Coogan, Director, Corporate Responsibility)
• Corporate Business Leader: MAXIMUS (Susan Boren, Mark Andrekovich, Tom Romeo)
• Individual Community Leader: Francis C. Steinbauer
• Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award: Casey Veatch
• Individual Community Leader: Larry Butler, Reston Association Senior Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources

Read more about the honorees in this previous Reston Now post.