A Reston resident is headed to the Netherlands next fall to represent Team USA at the World Aquabike Championship.

By coming in sixth place at the Triathlon Multisport National Championships earlier this month, Paul Hartke earned his spot in two upcoming competitions. He will participate in the National Olympic Triathlon Championship in Cleveland next August before he heads to Almere, Netherlands in September to represent the U.S. at the World Aquabike Championship.

The championships in the Netherlands will consist of a 2.5-mile-long swim and 112-mile-long bike race against competitors from across the globe, according to a press release.

“The opening ceremonies and athlete parade will precede the week of world endurance events sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union,” the press release said.

Hartke is a long-time member of the Reston community, the press release added. He and his brother run the National Realty group in Reston. When not working, he and his wife spend time with the Reston Runners community.

Photos courtesy Paul Hartke

This week’s Summerbration Fun Brunch will bring Cello Fury to Reston for a free concert.

Self-described as “a cello rock powerhouse featuring three cellists and a drummer,” Cello Fury performs original music combining cello sounds with rock beats.

The performance will take place at Reston Station Plaza from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday.

Parking is free on weekends in the Metro parking garage.

Tomorrow (June 29)

• Síneadh Fada with Foley Academy of Irish Dance (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — Enjoy free Irish dancing outside the Jahn Building atop Wiehle-Reston East Metro.
• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — This book club for young readers meets regularly on Saturdays at Scrawl Books.

Sunday (June 30)

• Guesstimation Game (all day) — Preschoolers to sixth graders can learn how to guesstimate at the Herndon Fortnightly Library.
• Reston Runners (7 a.m.) — The Reston Runners will meet at the Lake Anne Village Center for 3- and 6- mile walks, 10- and 17-mile runs and a 12-mile trail run.
• Sunday Art in the Park: Two Bass Hit (7-8 p.m.) — Professor of Bass Donovan Stokes will lead a diverse program of jazz, gypsy jazz and other international music for two basses at the corner of Market and Explorer streets in Reston Town Center. The event is free and open to all

Photo via Cello Fury/Facebook

Robert Simon founded Reston in 1964. For the last 54 years, the community has celebrated Founder’s Day in the spring, around the date of Simon’s birthday.

The Reston Historic Trust and Museum is hosting the 55th annual anniversary on Saturday (April 6) with festivities around Lake Anne Plaza.

Founder’s Day this year will include a moon bounce, children’s activities, face painting, a public art tour and exhibits at the Reston Historic Trust and Museum and RCC Lake Anne’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery.

Attendees can also share their Reston stories with recorded oral histories from 1-3 p.m. at RCC Lake Anne. Meanwhile, exhibit enthusiasts can find several around the area including “Fine Lines” at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery, which features artists’ interpretations of lines.

Tomorrow (April 6)

• Run or walk (8 a.m.) — The Reston Runners will go for a 3-mile walk or 5-mile run starting at South Lakes High School.
• “You Gouda Brie Kidding!” (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) — Frying Pan Farm Park will celebrate National Grilled Cheese month with cooks frying up sandwiches and a variety of cheeses to sample. Attendees can also learn how to make fresh cheese at home and about cultural takes on different melted cheese treats. Tickets are $3.
• Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston (4-5:30 p.m.) — Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander and musician Randy Preston will team up for a performance at the Reston Regional Library. The free show will celebrate the paperback release of Alexander’s “Booked” and “The Crossover” in addition to the release of Alexander’s newest picture book called “The Undefeated.”

Sunday (April 7)

• Bird walk at Bright Pond (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Bird enthusiasts can search for birds at a variety of sites around Reston.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky from George Mason University will present the fourth part of his six-part lecture series at the Reston Regional Library.
• “Liner Notes” (3 p.m.) — A show combining live music, poetry and a multimedia design will perform at CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets are $15 for Restonians and $20 for non-Restonians.

Photo via Reston Historic Trust and Museum

Want to learn how to make ramen (and then eat it)?

A cooking class on Saturday (March 30) will teach participants how to make umami-rich soup — and several variations — from scratch. Chef Kim Tran will teach the class, which will include a lunch of ramen.

The class takes place at 100 Bowls of Soup Kitchen (279 Sunset Park Drive) from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tomorrow (March 30)

• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Kids can join the free Scrawl Books’ club, which explores a new theme each week with picture books, special guests and authors. This week’s book is “Inky’s Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home” by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford.
• Diva Central (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) — Current middle and high school students will be able to pick out free prom dresses and accessories at RCC Lake Anne.
• “C-H-I-C-K-E-N-S … in Your Backyard” (1-2 p.m.) — Adults interested in raising backyard chickens, which can be a source for high-quality, fresh eggs and meat or as pets, can learn how. Willie Woode from the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District and St. Clair Williams, the senior assistant to the zoning administrator, will give a presentation at the Herndon Fortnightly Library.
• “On That Note — Brand New Day!” (7-9 p.m.) — On That Note will perform songs from musicals at ArtSpace Herndon. Tickets cost $20.
• Rob Fetters (7-10 p.m.) — Singer/songwriter and guitarist Rob Fetters is set to perform at a Restonian’s house. Tickets cost $25.

Sunday (March 31)

• Reston Runners walk or run (8 a.m.) — Starting at the Autumnwood Pool, runners can go for either a 3- or 6-mile walk or 10-mile run.
• “Hidden History of Herndon” book signing (1-2 p.m.) — Herndon Historical Society Historian Barbara Glakas will sign copies of her new book called “Hidden History of Herndon” at the Herndon Depot Museum. She will also answer any questions locals have about her book or about Herndon history.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky from George Mason University will present the third part of his six-part lecture series at the Reston Regional Library.

Photo via Facebook

Students score art awards — “South Lakes High School students swept the Fairfax County Art Region’s 2019 Regional Scholastic Art Awards, securing 24 honors. Twenty students earned a total of twenty-four awards, eight Gold Key, ten Silver Key and six Honorable Mentions.” [Connection Newspapers]

“Ambient Eye” performance — Ambient Eye is a multimedia collaboration between visual artist Monica Stroik and musician Doug Kallmeyer. They will improvise visual and auditory techniques at 7 p.m. at the Greater Reston Arts Center at Signature. The performance is free. Prosecco and petits fours will be provided by Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market. [GRACE/Facebook]

Run/walk from Reston Town Center — The Reston Runners will spend 50 minutes out and back from Potomac River Running in Reston Town Center starting at 6:30 p.m. [Reston Runners]

Photo courtesy Mark Yates

South Lakes JROTC Team Wins Award — “The South Lakes JROTC Marksmanship Team won the Spicer Cup, the Fairfax County rifle team championship, finishing the 2018-19 season undefeated.  Team members are Kridsada Cheunchom, Julie Pasette, Noah Davidson, Alexandra Perez, co-captain Isbella Dunkle, captain James Liddle, Victor Pineda, Mishal Khattak, Aiza Shabaz and Logan Jones.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

W&OD run or walk — At 6:30 p.m., the Reston Runners will start and end a 50-minute walk or run at One Life Fitness Gym in Isaac Newton Square. [Reston Runners]

PJ party at the library — The Herndon Fortnightly Library will host pajama party storytime from 6:30-7:15 p.m. [Fairfax County]

Before its opening next week at Reston Town Center, the coffeehouse chain will hold a free pre-opening gathering where locals can get a free cup of coffee from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. tomorrow (March 9).

As part of the celebration, Peet’s will be collecting in-kind donations for Shelter House, a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence.

Locals can donate the following new and unopened items:

• diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6)
• pillows
• toiletries
• pots, pans and silverware
• $5 Visa or American Express gift cards

In addition to the Saturday event, Peet’s at Reston Town Center (11830 Freedom Drive) will keep collecting donations during the first full week of its opening.

Tomorrow (March 9)

• Run or walk (8 a.m.) — Lace up your sneakers and join the Reston Runners for either a 3-mile walk or 5-mile run, starting at 11120 South Lakes Drive.
• Colvin Run Mill During Special Tour (10:30 a.m.) — Go to Great Falls for a hike around the 200-year-old working mill. The “Four Floor Tour Class” involves climbing steep stairs get to spots not seen on the regular mill tours. The tour may last up to two hours and costs $10 per person.
• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Scrawl Books will have authors Mary Quattlebaum and Joan Waites bring their animal tales, followed by an art project with the authors.
• Chinese Dance Workshop (2-3 p.m.) — Kids can enjoy a performance by the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble and learn about China’s different ethnic groups at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. Attendees will receive a short dance lesson.
• Astronomy Festival (6 p.m.) — Head to the Observatory Park at Turner Farm for guided star gazing and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around a campfire. Tickets are $10.

Sunday (March 10)

• Reston Friends Mystery and Adventure Sale (1-5 p.m.) — get ready to investigate the wide selection of titles available at the Reston Friends Mystery and Adventure Book Sale at the Reston Regional Library.
• Youth Art Month Exhibit Reception (2-4 p.m.) — Enjoy a reception for an exhibit including Reston elementary school student art at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery.
• Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers can do the foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians.
• Sunday Country Western Dance (5:30-8 p.m.) — get your boots on for some line dancing, two-step, shuffle and swing at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians.

Valentine’s Day is come and gone, but Scrawl Books plans to keep spreading love with a fundraiser this Sunday (Feb. 17).

The post-Valentine’s “Galentine’s Party” — which originated from an episode about female friendship on the show “Parks and Recreation” — will benefit Cornerstones and the Laurel Learning Program.

Authors Orly Konig and Erika Marks will discuss books, writing and life, according to the event description. The fundraiser will also have raffles and giveaways.

Interested? The fundraiser runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 11911 Freedom Drive. Scrawl Books asks for a $10 suggested donation at the door.

Tomorrow (Feb. 16)

• Raptors Up Close (11 a.m.-noon) — Locals can join naturalists at the Walker Nature Center for programs designed for a mix of ages. Participants will be able to take an exploratory hike, explore outside or participate in an indoor Nature House program to learn about the natural world. Costs range from $7 to $9 per person.
• Glowing LED Artworks (2-3 p.m.) — Observe light and sculpture using LED’s, batteries and art materials. and then create your own at the Reston Regional Library. The event is for kids ages 6 to 11.
• Astronomy Festival (6 p.m.) — The Observatory at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls will have guided stargazing, telescope viewing and listening to ancient stories about constellations around a campfire. Hot chocolate and snacks will also be available for purchase. The cost is $8 per person if you register online before the event and $10 at the door.
• Stage Reading “Haint So” (7:30-9:30 p.m.) — The original work explores “the rich tradition of folklore, superstition and the mystical spirits of the dark mountains in Virginia,” according to the event description. Intrigued? Register for the ArtSpace Herndon event.

Sunday (Feb. 17)

• Walk or run (8 a.m.) — Join the group for either a 3- or 6-mile walk, a 10-mile run or a 12-mile trail run. Bring your running shoes to the South Lakes Village Center.
• Herndon Library Board Games (1-2:30 p.m.) — Adults are invited to play classic board games. No registration is necessary.
• Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — Locals can explore nature while a naturalist guide will point out signs of creatures in the woods at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Participants can enjoy a campfire with s’mores after the hike. The cost is $9 per person.

File photo

There’s plenty to do around Reston and Herndon this weekend. Audubon enthusiasts can enjoy a recently opened exhibit showcasing award-winning bird photography.

The Audubon Photography Awards Show opened today (Feb. 8) at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive). The exhibit displays the winning bird photographs from the 2018 Audubon Photography Awards, which were selected from more than 8,000 entries submitted by photographers across the country, along with opportunities to learn more about local birdlife.

The exhibit is set to have a free open house on Sunday (Feb. 10) from 1-3 p.m. where visitors will be able to meet representatives from Nature’s Best Photography, which helped to judge the international competition. Visitors can take part in bird walks and activities, along with enjoying refreshments.

“We were thrilled to be selected as a host site of this amazing traveling show for a second year,” Nature Center Manager Katie Shaw told Reston Now, adding that the partnership with Audubon Society of Northern Virginia has many Reston members who share a passion for “the feathered wonders of this beautiful world.”

The exhibit focuses on the many bird species protected under the 100-year-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It will run until Feb. 27.

“We know that everyone who comes over to see the exhibit will get a fresh view on a some familiar species as well as an eye opener to species perhaps never seen before,” Shaw said.

Tomorrow (Feb. 9)

• Handmade Valentine Card Workshop (9:30-11 a.m.) — The Greater Reston Arts Center will lead a workshop for participants to create cards. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians.
• 10th Annual Fine Art Photography Competition Reception (7-9 p.m.) — Arts Herndon is presenting an exhibit featuring finalists in the annual Fine Art Photography Competition.
• Bookworms Club! with Sue Fliess (11 a.m.) — Head to Scrawl Books for a book club event for young readers. Sue Fliess will read her new book “Ninja Camp” and others.
• “In Their Own Words: STRETCH curator’s talk” (3 p.m.) — Co-curators Erica Harrison and Don Russell will discuss the process of organizing “STRETCH” and their thoughts on trends in contemporary art practice. The event is free.
• Ride with Reston Bike Club (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) — Join the Reston Bike Club for a bike ride starting from ArtSpace Herndon’s parking lot.
• An Evening with Broadway Legend Baayork Lee (8 p.m.) — Lee will talk about her career, the state of Broadway today and her work with the National Asian Artists Project, a nonprofit which showcases works by artists of Asian descent, at CenterStage. Tickets cost $15 for Restonians and $20 for everyone else.

Sunday (Feb. 10)

• Walk or run with Reston Runners (8 a.m.) — Join the Reston Runners for either a 3-mile walk, 6-mile walk or 10-mile run starting from the Sunset Hills Commuter Lot.
• Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels can learn how to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz at RCC Hunters Woods. Partners are not required. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians and $10 for everyone else.
• Country Western Dance (5:30-8 p.m.) — Participants can take part in line dance, two-step, shuffle and swing to popular country western tunes played by RCC’s DJ at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians and $10 for everyone else.

Photos courtesy of Nature Center 

W&OD run — The Reston Runners will be enjoying the warmer weather with a 50-minute run or walk at 6:30 p.m. tonight. They plan to meet at the OneLife Fitness Gym in Isaac Newton Square. [Reston Runners]

Tai Chi — Instructor Jeffery Edwards teaches a class once a week for six weeks on Tai Chi, an ancient “internal” martial art and mind-body discipline rooted in Chinese tradition. Participants can try out the weight-bearing callisthenic from 7-8 p.m. at the Glade Recreation Area for $70 for Reston Association members and $90 for nonmembers. [WebTrac]

Reston startup expansion — Reston-based software company GoCanvas was recently acquired by private equity firm K1 Investment Management for more than $100 million. Currently headquartered at Reston Town Center, the acquisition is meant to help GoCanvas double in size. [Washington Busines Journal]

With the first weekend of 2019 coming up, Reston Now has some suggestions for things to do around Reston and Herndon.

Tomorrow is the last chance to check out the National Parks photography exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street). The gallery features Jim Schlett’s national park photography. Most of the work was photographed during long walks through the parks around dawn or dusk.

Tomorrow (Jan. 5)

Winter bird count (7 a.m.-noon) — Get outside and take part in Reston’s winter bird count. The free event has participants meet at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) before the volunteers spread out to observe a variety of habitats around Reston. Volunteers will be provided lunch.

North Hills Pavilion run (8 a.m.) — Join Reston Runners at N. Village Road for either a 3-mile walk or 5-mile run.

Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Bring your young avid readers to Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) for the free “Bookworms Club.” The club explores a new theme each week with picture books, special guests and authors.

The Six Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — A free workshop will be held at The Carroll Institute (11710 Plaza America Drive) by Dr. Garland Glenn called “Reversing the Cause of Autoimmune Disease.” Glenn will discuss simple steps that can reverse the root causes and provide a strategic action plan.

Chess Club (1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) — Feeling competitive? People ages five and older can learn how to play chess from experienced instructors at the Herndon Fortnightly Library (768 Center Street).

Bach2Rock Fundraiser Showcase (6 p.m.-8 p.m.) — Multiple bands and solo artists from the B2R catalog are set to perform at the fundraising concert at ArtSpace Herndon. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $20. All of the proceeds will benefit ArtSpace Herndon.

Sunday (Jan. 6)

Reston Runners (8 a.m.)– Meet the running group for either a 3-mile walk, 6-mile walk or a 10-mile run. Starting locations vary.

Breaking the Weight Loss Plateau (4 p.m.-5 p.m.) — Already behind on your New Year’s goal to lose weight? Head to the GreenFare Organic Cafe (408 Elden Street) for a fitness class taught by Pericles Silva. Admission is $5.

Photo via ArtSpace Herndon

Warm up with a run — Join the Reston Runners tonight at 6:30 p.m. for a 50-minute run/walk starting at Reston Town Center. [Reston Runners] 

Holiday book sale — The Reston Friends Holiday Book Sale starts today at 10 a.m. and continues through the weekend at the Reston Regional Library. [Reston Library Friends]

Reston executive is a winner — Jay Shah, the executive vice president for healthcare and commerce for Octo Consulting Group, was recognized as a 2019 FedHealthIT 100 award winner, marking his second time receiving the award. The FedHealthIT 100 honors individuals recognized for driving change and advancement in the Federal Health Information Technology Market. [Business Wire]

Measles reported in Virginia — As cases of measles increase across the country, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that Virginia is one of 26 states hit. [Reston Patch]

#GivingTuesday is today — In the spirit of season, The Connection has rounded up places to drop off clothing and food donations in the area. [The Connection]

Work off the Thanksgiving feast — Reston Runners plans to meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. for a 50-minute workout at the Onelife Fitness gym in Isaac Newton Square. [Reston Runners]

Ways to end “wishful recycling” — These five tips are meant to help residents stop throwing trash in the recycling bin. [Fairfax County]

Reston-based Virid makes Tech 100 list — The 2018 Northern Virginia Technology Council last week listed Virid, which provides eCommerce solutions for growing retail brands, in its top 100 tech companies of the year. [Northern Virginia Technology Council]

Flickr pool photo via Reston2020

Board President Addresses Pool Schedule — Sherri Hebert, president of the Reston Association Board of Directors, says RA’s pool schedule is broken into six sessions this year in the effort to maximize association resources. She says the board will be looking at each line item in the 2017-18 budget “to identify ways to shift funds to meet the community’s requests as they apply to pools and other matters.” [Reston Association]

Television Interview at RTC Cut Short — When a local television crew came to Reston Town Center to do a story on the effects of paid parking, they had to move across the street after security told them “photography is no longer allowed on the Town Center’s site.” [WHAG]

Bojangles’ Coming to Northern Virginia — The restaurant chain has a multiunit development agreement with a new franchisee that will bring its Southern-style chicken joints to the area. No news yet on how many are coming or where they will be. [Washington Business Journal]

Registration Open for Women’s 5K — Reston Runners will put on the “Seize the Day” women’s 5K on Saturday, June 17. The course is on Reston Association pathways. [Reston Runners]