RCC Staff Goes Above And Beyond During Coronavirus: Reston Heroes

RESTON, VA —What is the definition of an "essential worker?" Is it just someone who has to be there to turn the lights on, or is it someone whose dedication and hard work makes everything better for everyone around them?

One thing about the coronavirus pandemic, it's given all of us a new appreciation for "essential workers," whether they are grocery store clerks, firefighters, teachers Skyping with their students, or health care professionals.

Patch is inviting members of the Reston community to nominate individuals as Patch Local Heroes. These are people who are going above and beyond during these difficult times and making the community a better place.

Richard Stillson is a member of the Reston Community Center Board. Even though RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon, as well as the RCC management and staff, may not technically be considered "essential," Stillson nominated them as Patch Local Heroes because of the work they're continuing to do, even though the facility is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

Name of the nominee:
Leila Gordon and Reston Community Center management and staff

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Richard Stillson

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
Executive Director of the Reston Community Center

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Although not what is called an "essential" worker, she and the staff of the Community Center have been working more than full time to keep the facilities disinfected and maintained, rearrange programs and devise new ways of helping the community such as safely providing showers for homeless people at the Embry Rucker Shelter, refund money for cancelled programs, and devise plans for a very uncertain summer. This is important because when the lockdown ends, the Community Center will have to quickly provide the facilities and programs for a community that will sorely need to come together after a difficult isolation.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
When she could have slowed down because the Community Center was closed, she instead shifted into high gear to ensure that the Center will be able to start up immediately after the lockdown allows it to reopen.

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.

Also see ...

Reston's Heroes: Help Patch Recognize Those Making A Difference