Four Reston eateries will be participating in the Metropolitan Washington Winter Resturant Week later this January.

Foodies around the area can enjoy lunch for $22 and dinner for $35 from Jan. 13 through 19.

A few places around the D.C.-area offer brunch specials — but not at any of the Reston locations.

Offerings vary from restaurant to restaurant, and places will feature either a specialed menu or a multi-course option.

PassionFish will offer lunch and dinner specials featuring nine different appetizer options like the Peruvian-style ceviche and main courses from their regular menu, as well as one of three desserts such as the almond biscotti crème brûlée.

A few items on their menu, such as the crab cakes, will include a $10 upcharge.

Other participating eateries in Reston include The Melting Pot (11730 Plaza America Drive), Founding Farmers (1904 Reston Metro Plaza Drive) and McCormick & Schmick’s (11920 Democracy Drive).

Anyone interested in taking advantage of the deals can either call ahead to reserve a space at the individual locations or make a reservation on OpenTable.

Photo via PassionFish/Facebook

An apartment fire at The Cosmopolitan at Reston Town Center was sparked by an electrical event in an HVAC unit, according to fire investigators.

The fire broke out on the 14th floor of the apartment building during the afternoon last Friday (Jan. 3).

Though a spokesperson originally told Reston Now that only one person was transported to the hospital, a tweet from the fire department this morning (Jan. 6) said that a second person was also taken to the hospital for a checkup.

A contractor working in the vacant apartment discovered the fire, which was too small to activate sprinklers, according to the latest Fairfax County Fire and Rescue tweet.

The fire resulted in around $1,000 worth of damages, according to the tweet.

Photo via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue/Twitter

Later this month, the Reston Community Center will host a three-day celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

On Saturday (Jan. 18), Sunday, (Jan. 19) and Monday (Jan. 20), people can attend a variety of events ranging from performances by the Reston Community Orchestra to community service projects, along with a keynote speaker luncheon. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Reston Community Center’s annual celebration.

Each day will feature different speakers and activities at various venues throughout the community.

Though most of the events are free, a few require registration or are accompanied by a fee, like the keynote address by Bakari Sellers. Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and can be purchased online.

This year’s community service project includes a winter coat drive for Cornerstones, a local non-profit. The RCC is also seeking volunteers for the community service project, the luncheon and a youth volunteer. Anyone interested can explore details online and register for positions.

A gallery will highlight artwork honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s accomplishments and life by local elementary school students. The works will be on display at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) from Jan. 11-31.

Image via Reston Community Center

The last holiday festivities of the season will wrap-up with the Post-Holiday Ugly Sweater Fundraiser Party on Jan. 4.

People are invited to come and bring non-perishable food for the South Lakes High Food Pantry to the Lake Ann Brew House (11401 North Shore Drive). The event is set to run from 1-4 p.m., and people are encouraged to dress in their festive sweaters.

Every drink purchased will donate a dollar to the cause.

Tomorrow (Jan. 4)

• Lake Anne Brew House Saturday Beer Run (9:45 a.m.) — People are welcome to gather in front of Lake Anne Brew House (11424 W. Washington Plaza) and run, jog or walk a lap or two before meeting at the brewhouse for beer, coffee and breakfast pretzels.
• Winter Bird Count (7 a.m. until 2 p.m.) — At the Walker Nature House (11450 Glade Drive), people can join in the effort to count local birds and enjoy a free lunch. This event is for adults only, and people are asked to register.
• Herndon Community Center Open House (7 a.m. until 6 p.m.) — The Herndon Community Center will celebrate its 40th anniversary with free admission all day. There will be activities for all ages between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sunday (Jan. 5)

• Tea Time (1 and 4 p.m.) — This monthly event invites people to the Elden Tea Shop (714 Pine Street) to enjoy tea, scones and pastries. Tickets are $18.50.
• Sunday Funday (1-4 p.m.) — The Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will host events for kids and their families. Though activities vary, families can expect to participate in either crafts, a scavenger hunt or another project for kids ages 5-12.

Updated at 2:40 p.m. — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue tweeted shortly after 2:30 p.m. that the building has been partially re-occupied.

“Rest of building expected shortly,” the tweet said. “Several units are returning to service. No other reported injuries at this time.”

Earlier: Fairfax County firefighters have extinguished an apartment fire at The Cosmopolitan at Reston Town Center.

The fire was reported shortly before 1 p.m., according to a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue spokesperson.

The fire department first tweeted about the apartment fire in the 1800 block of Saint Francis Street around 1:20 p.m., saying crews were trying to determine the source of smoke that appeared from a window on the 14th floor.

One resident was brought to a nearby hospital for a routine checkup, according to the spokesperson, who added that other building residents should be able to return inside shorty.

Shortly before 2 p.m., the fire department tweeted that the “small apartment fire is out.”

“Crews working to remove smoke from 14th floor,” the tweet said.

UPDATE- apartment fire in the 1800 block of Saint Francis Street, Reston. Small apartment fire is out. Crews working to remove smoke from 14th floor. One building resident transported to area hospital for a check-up. #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty pic.twitter.com/nAKBR59r5d

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 3, 2020

Image via Google Maps and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue/Twitter

After serving her fourth term in the Town of Herndon, Mayor Lisa Merkel announced she doesn’t plan to seek reelection in 2020.

Merkel holds the title as Herndon’s first female mayor after she was elected to the position in 2012 during a three-way contested race, according to a press release.

She said in a video published this morning (Jan. 2) that she is pleased with everything accomplished during her time in office and that she is proud of her role in Herndon’s development.

She said her accomplishments included the announcement of June as LGBTQ Pride month, introduction of circulator buses to Herndon Station, the implementation of online and on-demand council meeting access, approval of construction plans for a new fire station and the establishment of the Economic Development Department, according to the press release.

“I’m anxious to see the next generation of leaders step up to serve,” Merkel said. “Fresh faces and new perspectives are what make a town like ours thrive.”

Going forward, Merkel said she plans to spend more time with her children and family.

Photo via Facebook

A fire that broke out this morning at a townhouse in Reston is now out.

Flames were sparked inside of a kitchen appliance at the 2200 block of Lofty Heights Place, according to a tweet shortly after 10 a.m. from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters have extinguished the fire, according to the fire department.

It is unclear if anyone was injured.

Units on-scene of a townhouse fire in the 2200 block of Lofty Heights Place in Reston. Fire in a kitchen appliance. Fire is out. Several units returning to service. #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty pic.twitter.com/Us12VzRKEJ

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 2, 2020

Map via Google Maps

As 2020 nears, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs around Reston and Herndon catering to people trying to spend their final hours of the year in style.

Here are some of the events in the Reston area where people can celebrate New Year’s Eve.

PassionFish Reston (11960 Democracy Drive) will host a party with no cover charge from 10:30 p.m. until 1:45 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The event will feature a DJ, a photo booth, a special bar menu and several dining options.

For those seeking an all-inclusive option, there will be an event at Clyde’s of Reston (11905 Market Street) on Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. For $125, guests can enjoy unlimited appetizers and drinks. There will be a DJ and party favors handed out at the event. This party is for guests 21 or older.

Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 N Washington Plaza) is offering guests the chance to celebrate with New Year’s Eve DECA Party, beginning at 6 p.m. The $10 charge will include party favors, live DJ, champagne toast and a specialty cocktail. Guests are asked to wear cocktail attire.

In Herndon, Anatolian Bistro (13029 Worldgate Drive) is hosting a dinner party with live entertainment including Turkish music and a belly dancer. The $85 dollar fee will include a three-course meal and a complimentary glass of wine. Times vary throughout the evening and people can make a reservation.

Ned Devine’s Irish Bar and Restaurant (2465 Centreville Road) invites people to come and enjoy New Year’s Eve with a celebration featuring live bands, a feed of New York’s Times Square celebration and free champagne at midnight. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. The event begins at 7 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m.

The roaring ’20s will return with an event at Bar Louie (13195 Parcher Ave) from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets are free unless attendees wish to purchase a package for $50, which includes drink tickets, a champagne toast and appetizers.  People are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire.

Photo via Jamie Street/Unsplash

The holiday season is here which means there are important closures around the area to keep in mind.

All Fairfax County government offices will be operating on a half-day schedule on Dec. 24 and be closed on Dec. 25.

For those who take public transit, the Fairfax Connector will operate on a normal schedule on both Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), according to a Fairfax County Department of Transportation press release.

On Christmas Day (Dec.25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) the buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Times for specific busses can be found online.

Metro riders can also expect trains to run on a varied schedule during the holidays.

• Dec. 24: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Dec. 25: 8 a.m. t0 11 p.m.
• Dec. 31: 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Jan. 1: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The United States Postal Service will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

All Reston Association offices, including the Central Services Facility and Nature House, will be closed Tuesday through Friday (Dec. 24-26). Offices will close at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31 and remain closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day, according to the RA website.

Reston Community Center at Lake Anne will be closed on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) through New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) and will reopen on Jan. 2.

The Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. It will be closed on Christmas. On New Year’s Day, the center will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

In Herndon, town offices will close at noon on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, according to a press release.

Trash will be collected on Tuesdays — Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 — instead of Christmas and New Year’s Day in Herndon.

The Herndon Community Center will have varied hours throughout the week:

• Tuesday (Dec. 24): 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday (Dec. 25): closed
• Thursday (Dec. 26): 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Tuesday (Dec. 31): 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday (Jan. 1): closed
• Thursday (Jan. 2): 6 a.m. 10 p.m.

For golfers, the Herndon Golf Course also has a limited schedule — and if the weather cooperates.

• Tuesday (Dec. 24): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday (Dec. 25): closed
• Tuesday (Dec 31): 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday (Jan. 1): 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Due to holiday festivities, Reston Now won’t be publishing on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. We will be pushing on a shortened schedule today from tomorrow (Dec. 24) to next Tuesday (Dec. 31).

Photo courtesy Reston Town Center 

Finn Thai plans on expanding from its original location in Reston to Great Falls.

The restaurant, which serves traditional cuisine from South East Asia, will take over the space currently occupied by Wild Ginger, according to Finn Thai’s owner Willy Chaokrajang. 

Currently, the new Finn Thai location is waiting for approval to serve wine and beer at 752 Walker Road, Suite A.

The eatery is expected to open in February, Chaokrajang said, adding that the location was chosen because he thinks it will be convenient for customers.

“The menu will be similar to what we have in Reston,” he added. 

Currently, the restaurant has three other locations scattered throughout the D.C. area.

Photo via Finn Thai/Facebook

(Updated) In the holiday spirit, the Reston Town Center Holiday Performances this weekend are among several events bringing together people from around the community.

The free event tomorrow (Saturday) will feature two performances. People can listen to the Northern VA Ukulele Ensemble. The last performance of the season will feature Rick Landers playing guitar from 3-3:45 p.m.

The performances are set to take place between Market Street and Democracy Drive.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• 4th Annual Children’s Winter Wonderland (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) — The kids’ wonderland event will take place at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road). Families will be able to enjoy crafts, refreshments, face painting, games and a visit from Santa.
• SBC December Gala (1-3 p.m.) — This event features ballet and musical performances at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive). Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for kids.
• Cissa Paz Music (6:30-9:30 p.m.) — Artist Cissa Paz will perform Brazillian music at the Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar (1612 N. Washington Plaza).
• Christmas Party Ho-Ho-Hoedown (8 p.m.-midnight) — Sully’s Pour House (754 Elden Street) is hosting a holiday celebration with a white elephant gift exchange, raffle and an ugly sweater contest.

Sunday (Dec. 22)

• Christmas Orchestra (9-10 a.m.) — This free event at the Herndon United Methodist (701 Bennett Street) gives community members a chance to listen to live instrumental music from their fellow community members.
• Bootcamp, Brunch and Booze: Indoor Winter Series (9-11 a.m.) — This event features a workout from Fitness 2 Go along with brunch from LoKL Gourmet at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. Tickets are $25.
• Storytime Social (11 a.m.) — Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) invites families to a reading of “Let the Children March.” This free event includes snacks and coffee for the adults.

Photo via Reston Community Center Facebook

Restonians will be able to see the North Hills Tennis Courts’ new renovation in the spring.

The Reston Association decided to remodel the courts as part of the Capital Project and will feature new LED lighting, a clay surface, an irrigation system and an after-hour bathroom entrance, according to the RA.

Reston Now received conflicting reports from RA staff whether the courts were already open for use, but Rob Tucker, RA’s tennis program manager, said that they are mostly complete and will be unveiled for use in April 2020 with a ribbon-cutting.

North Hills Tennis Courts received a ground-up renovation, according to Tucker, who said that the new facilities are state of the art and require a special water irrigation system.

The clay courts are maintained using what Tucker described as a “sponge that sits under the courts.” When the courts become dry, water is pumped into the underlayer so the courts don’t crack.

“It’s a premium system and about the best you can get,” he said.

Overall, Tucker said the project cost roughly $400,000.

The typical hard courts run by the Reston Association will be open year-round, according to Tucker, but the new clay courts will be open seasonally during warm weather months.

North Hills Tennis Courts are the first in Reston to receive upgraded LED lighting, Tucker said.

Photo via Reston Association

Hanukkah begins this year on Sunday (Dec. 22) and will end on Monday (Dec. 30).

Multiple events happening around Herndon invite the community to celebrate and participate in holiday traditions.

The Chanukah Gelt Drop will take place at 5 p.m. at the Herndon Town Hall (730 Station Street). People can come and light the menorah while enjoying chocolate from the local fire department. There will be live music, hot drinks, donuts and latkas. Everyone is welcome to this free event.

The Chanukah Hop to the Donut Shop will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Duck Donuts (300 Elden Street) on Dec. 26 (Thursday). This event is hosted by Growing Jewish Families in Northern Virginia and will feature spinning dreidels, crafts and stories.

The Flip Like a Latke Trampolene Party invites families to Launch Trampoline Park (13348 Franklin Farm Road) from 4:30-6 p.m. for a menorah lighting with a surprise guest, food and raffles. This event is free but there is a suggested $10 donation. All are welcome. No synagogue membership or affiliation is required, according to the event page.

Photo courtesy Chabad Reston-Herndon

The Reston Association has decided to rename its camp program and add more options for people hoping to get involved next summer.

Now called Reston Camps, after rebranding from RA Camps, the program decided to institute several new camp opportunities after receiving feedback from kids and parents.

In 2020, the camp will offer new programming including a boating camp, aquatics camp, a young naturalist program and several others along with their traditional programs, according to Laura Kowalski, the director of recreation and environmental education for Reston Camps.

The organization also plans on revamping its lifeguard program.

Kowalski said that camp organizers will look at camp offerings and make changes to programming based on parent feedback, national trends and registration statistics from past years.

Regarding the name change, Kowalski said the organization decided it better suited their mission. “With any company, sometimes you just need to refresh.”

Reston Camps was originally founded in 1974, according to Kowalski and is the oldest camp in the area.

Katherine Caffrey, the camp director, said the program is constantly trying to evolve and suit the wishes and needs of campers.

A while back, Reston Camps instituted a ride service that picks kids up and drops them off at their home or parents’ work. Caffrey said that many parents aren’t aware of the program and encourages people to use it.

One thing that makes Reston Camps unique is its partnership with local scientific organizations, according to the organization’s staff.

“We have a pretty unique relationship with the United States Geological Survey,” Caffrey said.

Reston Camps works with USGS to schedule tours for kids and encourage an appreciation for science.

The new program announcements and registration can be found online. A lot of parents sign up their kids early, around January or February in anticipation for summer programs, Kowalski said.

Reston Association's camp program name has changed from RA Camps to Reston Camps. Along with the name change, there will be additional camp offerings in 2020. You can read about the new camps in the inaugural edition of the RA Activities Guide.#Reston #EnjoyReston #RestonCamps pic.twitter.com/gVcLbyODMX

— Reston Association (@RestonOnline) December 13, 2019

Photo via Reston Association

The Reston Association recently made several key edits to the draft of the 2020-2022 strategic plan, which is up for final approval on Thursday (Dec. 19).

Potential changes in the plan, drafted in November, include:

• working with Fairfax County officials to ensure developments align with the Reston Master Plan
• hosting more public forums to discuss land use and strategize with the community
• increasing community leadership and RA’s public reputation
• adjusting the association’s budget plans

RA CEO Hank Lynch will present the latest draft of the strategic plan, which is currently available online, before the final vote by the RA this week.

The draft addresses concerns about efficient and productive land use around Reston.

A section of the strategic plan said that the “RA will be actively engaged in the continuous land-use development process in Reston.”

By 2022, operation costs for the Reston Association are expected to rise to $17.9 million, but revenues are expected to increase proportionally by 2.5% as well, according to RA documents.

In 2019, the RA made $300,o00 more than expected, according to the documents.

“When revenues exceed plan and expenses are below budget, it is an indicator of a well-managed organization,” according to the documents. “Reston Association is such an organization.”

When polled by the RA, 73% of community members said they either considered the organization to be good or excellent, while 13% ranked the condition as poor.

A list of proposed goals included several ways that the association could improve public opinion — including the integration of more public forums.

The RA Board will vote to finalize the matter at its meeting on Thursday (Dec. 19) at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Data in graph via Reston Association