Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn presented the inaugural Lake Anne Good Neighbor Awards this past Saturday, celebrating residents who embody the community spirit and civic dedication that define the historic Lake Anne area.

The 2026 honors were awarded to adult resident Pat McIntyre and five-year-old Elianna Malesic for their selfless contributions to the neighborhood.

“When I heard about this award, I was immediately all in,” said Supervisor Alcorn during the presentation. "Right now, there is nothing more important than highlighting the goodness we see in one another. By being good neighbors, we build a stronger community and quite literally make the world a better place.”

Honoring a Legacy of Connection

Founded by Radhika Murari, owner of local business OmBaked, the awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to ensure Lake Anne remains a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive home for all. The initiative was inspired by the vision of Reston founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., whose principles emphasized a connected, harmonious community where people of all ages and backgrounds support one another.

2026 Award Recipients

• Adult Category: Pat McIntyre. She was recognized for her beloved Saturday crafts table. Every week, she plans activities and provides all necessary supplies — funded entirely out of her own pocket — to create a space where local children can gather and create. Her quiet dedication and consistent generosity have made her a cornerstone of the Plaza’s social fabric.
• Youth Category: Elianna Malesic (Age 5) Elianna was honored for her environmental stewardship. On weekends, she and her father can be found traversing Lake Anne Plaza and nearby wooded trails with a bucket and trash picker. Her commitment to protecting the planet and keeping her neighborhood clean — always with a positive attitude — serves as an inspiration to residents of all ages.

Looking Forward

In 2027, the award will be expanded to include a wider geographic area around Lake Anne Plaza, Murari said.