Chuck Veatch has worn many hats in Reston. He sold homes as part of Bob Simon's original sales team in 1964; developed commercial real estate; and has served on several Reston non-profit boards. 

 Veatch wrote "The Nature of Reston," a book that celebrates Reston's natural beauty. All book profits were donated to support programs at the Walker Nature Education Center.   Earlier this year, Veatch received the Best of Reston's Robert E. Simon Community Service Award, recognizing life-time service to the community.

Reston Patch caught up with him as he was putting the finishing touches on an exhibit of nature photographs opening Friday at the Reston Museum from Nature's Best Photography magazine, of which Veatch is an owner and associate editor.

Q: What is a favorite Reston memory?

A:  It was the summer of 1965, and I'd worked late one night. I was standing near the office in the Lake Anne Village Center with all the lights on around the lake and fountain.  Bob Simon came down for a walk.  It was just the two of us standing there, looking out at the beautiful scene.  I said to him, you just have to be so proud of this.   He replied, "Believe me, I am."

Q: What is the biggest change you have seen in Reston during your time here?

A: Without question it would be the number of jobs.  In the beginning Reston was slated for one job per household, which would mean 22,000 jobs.  Now there are close to three jobs per household. 

Q: What do you like best about Reston?

A:  It's very tough to ask someone who's been here for 46 years what the best is - but I'll say the sense of community, and that includes the sense of service.   Like others, on the Reston tag line I've added one word:  live, work, play…and serve.

Q: What are your favorite places in Reston?

A: Walker Nature Education Center, the trails and the woods, Reston Town Center, and Lake Anne.

Q:  What is the most important issue facing Reston today?

A:  How we handle redevelopment.

Q:  Were you really Reston's first postmaster?

A:  Yes, and it paid $1.00, but the Treasury Department's books are messed up because I never cashed that check.   I still have it. 

There is a reception Friday at 6:00 p..m. to mark Veatch's new photo exhibit opening at the Reston Museum.

Nature photos and "Nature's Best Photography" issue magazines will be on display through Nov. 18.  Gallery hours are noon to 5:00 pm, Tuesday-Sunday.  Admission is free.