<lst>Send announcements to The Reston Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to reston@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged. Questions? Call Michael O'Connell at 703-917-6449.
The Reston Character Counts Coalition is celebrating American Character Week, Sept. 6-17 to memorialize those who perished in the Sept. 11 tragedy, and to honor and recognize the countless acts of courage, compassion and other qualities that represent the best in human nature and the American character.
The following is a list of activities that the Reston Character Counts Coalition will be supporting during the week.
*Third Annual "Do the Right Thing" Essay & Poster Contest Kick-Off" on Monday, Sept.
9. The contest is for Reston students grades 4 through 12. Contact Cate Fulkerson at 703-435-6512 or cate@reston.org for more information.
*Dogwood Elementary Celebrates the Sprit of American Character on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Reston Association, in coordination with students from Langston Hughes Intermediate, and the Reston Character Counts Coalition will be leading Dogwood's student body in a special community project: Arbor Day, replanting the landscaping lost at Dogwood as a result of the school's tragic 2000 fire. Appalachian Spring of Reston is the event's sponsor.
*Skating Fun-raiser on Friday - Sunday, Sept. 13 - 15, at SkateQuest, 1800 Michael Faraday Drive, Reston. Take to the ice and help the Reston Character Counts Coalition raise funds for South Lakes High School's annual Ethics Day Program. SkateQuest will be donating a portion of its public skating session proceeds to the Coalition for use in purchasing materials for this important program. Contact Jenny Freitas at 703-709-1010 for information on open skate session times.
*Weeklong events with Reston Interfaith and YMCA of Reston: Youth forums about the lives of Americans of extraordinary character, service-learning opportunities, parades and sports events focusing on the six pillars of character counts — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Contact Eve Drewry at 703-318-5298 for information on YMCA's programs and Jim Padgett at 703-471-7438 for details on Reston Interfaith's events.
The Reston Triathlon Association is seeking volunteers for its 19th Annual Triathlon, to be held Sunday, Sept. 8, at South Lakes High School. The race begins at 7 a.m., beginning and ending at the Lake Audubon boat ramp on Twin Branches Road. Volunteers are needed for the run course, transition areas, bike course, swim course, food service area, finish line and tear-down and clean-up on race day. Lifeguards, canoes and kayaks are especially needed. Also, help with set-up at the high school and at the lake on Friday and Saturday, immediately preceding race day, is also needed. E-mail restontri@aol.com to obtain a volunteer form. For more information, visit www.restontriathlon.org, or contact Gretchen Roese, publicity chair, at dainscourt@aol.com or 703-435-5116.
Michaels Arts and Crafts is sponsoring "Warming Up America." Starting Sept. 1 through Oct. 21, people are asked to knit or crochet seven inch by nine inch squares to be dropped off at the Michaels' Reston Store. On 0ct. 26 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., the store will be hosting a joining party to piece together afghans to be donated to local shelters, the Salvation Army and Project Linus. For more information, call 703-736-0530.
Appalachian Spring is collecting school supplies for needy children as they prepare to return to school. On behalf of local elementary school students, they will be collecting the following donations: pencils, washable markers, crayons, notebooks, glue, filler paper, yellow highlighters, rulers and medium point pens. New and gently used backpacks are also accepted. Drop off these items through August at Appalachian Spring, 11877 Market St., Reston Town Center. The store is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday.
The Virginia Alliance of Family Child Care Associations will host its 11th Annual Child Care Training Conference on Sept. 21 at the Sheraton Reston Hotel, Reston. This conference is open to all child care providers. For more information, visit www. vafcca. org, e-mail vafccaconference@yahoo.com or call 703-437-1451.