A 5k in Herndon this weekend aims to end people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

From 9 a.m. until midnight this Saturday (Oct. 12), the Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 5k will raise money to prevent underage drinking, help victims and support educational outreach. The race will start at the Herndon Police Department (397 Herndon Pkwy #300).

The organization was started in 1980 by a mother who lost her daughter to a drunk driving incident, according to the organization’s website. The organization boasts helping nearly 1 million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors.

So far, the event has raised more than $1,800 with 22 participants, according to the event page.

People can register or donate online.

Image via Facebook

Breast cancer survivors will model top name brands to raise funds and awareness at Reston Town Center next week.

The Runway to the Cure Fashion Show will take place on Saturday (Oct. 19) from 6-9 p.m. at 11900 Market Street and will mark the event’s third year. Tickets are donation-based but event organizers recommend a $25 donation.

Attendees will have the chance to participate in a raffle and silent auction as well. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.

The money raised from the event will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Step Sisters organization, both of which help women battling breast cancer.

Event sponsors include Scout and Molly’s Boutique, Hyatt Reston, Reston Town Center, Reston Hospital Center and Washington Radiology.

People who have questions or want to donate items for the auctions can call Jane Abraham at 703-362-5860.

Photos via Runway to the Cure/Facebook

A former landfill used by the CIA and the Russian embassy near Great Falls is looking to push past its complicated history and become protected agricultural land.

The current owners of Lockmoor farm (802 Utterback Store Road) went before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on Thursday (Oct. 2) to request that the county label the farm as an agricultural district — ultimately giving the owners a tax break as long as they do not develop the land. They plan to add goats, sheep, bees and possibly a vineyard to the property.

The landfill was in use from 1970 until 1989 and served as a place to dump old tree stumps, earning it the nickname “Stump Dump,” as well as a dumping ground for waste from the CIA and certain foreign embassies, according to a Fairfax County report.

Both the CIA and the Russian embassy used to dump garbage there.

“The Russians arrived every few months, paying the dump fee in cash or bottles of vodka,” according to the Washington Post. “A landfill employee would then call the FBI, whose agents would soon arrive to paw through the discards, usually restaurant receipts and parking tickets but once a stripped-down, brand-new Russian car.”

The almost 69 acres of land was also once a zoo with giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, gazelles, buffalos and other non-carnivorous creatures, according to Fairfax planners. The previous owner also wanted to bring lions and bears to the property, but Fairfax County wouldn’t allow it, Peter Murphy, the chairman of the Planning Commission, said. 

Evidence of the zoo can still be seen from underground enclosures at the base of the hill on the property.

Despite previous uses, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality determined that the land is fit for agricultural use because the soil and water meet safety and health requirements. VDEQ stopped monitoring the area in 2016 and now requests that the current owners maintain the landfill cap, which sits on the top of the hill. 

Partners John Nguyen and Hanna Chakarji bought the land two years ago in pursuit of their lifelong dream of farm ownership, Chakarji told the Planning Commission. 

“When the opportunity presented itself to purchase this property, we jumped, we grabbed it and have no intention of developing it,” Chakarji said. “We want to keep it in its present state, which is beautiful.”

The land is now divided into five parcels. Onlookers can spot the growing Tysons skyline in the background of the property, as the farm sits on one of the highest points in Fairfax County.

Currently, the men own several cows and ducks, 20 chickens and 49 goats. They sell the goats to local restaurants in D.C. and produce more than 1,000 pounds of tomatoes, which they donate to local churches, according to county documents.

Chakarji said their top priority is to integrate the sheep and bees, saying they understand that a vineyard and winery would take time.

“The winery is an afterthought, I’m sure it will take a lot of zoning,” he said, adding that his top priority is to preserve the farmland for his family. 

After an extensive discussion about goats, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the agricultural district proposal, which now heads to the Board of Supervisors next week.

“This was probably the most interesting agriculture and foresting districting we’ve had in a long time,” Murphy said.  

Images via Fairfax County

State Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd) and her daughter-in-law are set to celebrate the release of their new book about women leaders this weekend in Reston.

Howell and Theresa Howell, the authors of “Leading the Way: Women in Power!,” will be at Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 13) where they will discuss the 50 women profiled in the book and host a discussion with the audience.

The book examines the ways outstanding women throughout history have contributed to American society, according to Scrawl Books.

“This engaging and wide-ranging collection of biographies highlights the actions, struggles, and accomplishments of more than 50 of the most influential leaders in American political history — leaders who have stood up, blazed trails and led the way,” according to Scrawl Books.

Howell is a record-breaking woman herself — she is the longest-serving female legislator in Virginia, according to Scrawl’s website. She has been a senator since 1992 and a civil rights advocate since her college years.

Howell, who lives in Colorado, is an author and previously published “Maybe Something Beautiful.”

This free event is open to all ages. People can pre-order a hardcover copy for $24.

Image via Scrawl Books

Reston commuters may experience delays as a new construction project begins Monday (Oct. 7).

Construction will take place between Jarrett Valley Drive and Delta Glen Court on Route 7. Drivers should expect delays and possible lane closures during the night and off-hours, according to the Virginia Department of Transporation.

There will also be work between Delta Glen Court and Reston Avenue beginning later in the fall, according to a VDOT press release. The work is apart of VDOT’s “Connect Route 7” project.

Community members who use the routes at night can expect delays from Sunday-Thursday from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m., Fridays from 1o p.m. until 9 a.m. and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.

Drivers should note a reduced speed limit will be in effect between Reston Avenue and Delta Glen Court, which has been lowered to 45 miles per hour due to construction crews in the area.

Map courtesy VDOT

A charity event later this month in Reston invites guests to hear from keynote speakers and vote for their favorite non-profit presentation.

Together We Give is an annual event that donates money to a local charity supporting kids. The fourth annual event will take place this year on Thursday (Oct. 17) from 6:30-9 p.m at the Leidos Conference Center (11951 Freedom Drive). Tickets cost $25.

The exact organization receiving the grant money will be decided that evening by attendees following pitches from Heeling House, Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect and Kids R First. Funding will come from audience donations and ticket sales, according to the event page.

The keynote speech will be given by Victoria Vrana of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the event Facebook page said.

Together We Give is organized by Giving Circle of Hope, a Reston-based organization that focuses on small nonprofits in the Northern Virginia area.

Image via Giving Circle of Hope

Dog lovers can participate in the upcoming HernDOG Bark Bash this Saturday (Oct. 5).

Pet owners are invited to bring their fluffy friends by from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Town Hall Square (730 Elden Street) for a costume parade and festivities. All are welcome to this free event regardless of pet ownership status.

The first 75 dogs to attend in costume will receive goodies, according to the event.

There will be a variety of booths and representatives at the event, including Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, an organization that matches cats and dogs with loving homes.

Event organizers ask that pet owners only bring vaccinated and friendly animals on a leash.

Anyone wishing to volunteer at the event or become a vendor can contact John Walsh at 703-435-6800.

Several Reston schools will participate in the annual walk-to-school day tomorrow.

Kids across the country are encouraged to walk or bike to school on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in order to limit their carbon footprint, live healthier lives and learn safety procedures, according to the National Center for Safe Routes to School website.

“When families decide to lace up their sneakers or strap on their bike helmets to get to school instead of riding in a car, they help reduce the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles,” the center said, adding that the program began in 1997 and now has participants from all 50 states and more than 40 countries.

So far, six schools around the Reston area are signed up to participate and are listed below.

• Aldrin Elementary
• Dogwood Elementary
• Forest Edge Elementary
• Hunters Woods Elementary
• Sunrise Valley Elementary
• Terraset Elementary

For parents or guardians concerned about safety, the website says parents can accompany their children to school or see if there are any “walking school-buses” organized by fellow parents.

Contact phone numbers for adults leading walks to specific schools can be found online.

Runners can take part in a Halloween-themed triathlon in Reston in late October.

YMCA Reston and CORE Foundation are hosting a Trick-or- Tri triathlon on Oct. 27 beginning around 9 a.m. at the YMCA Reston (12196 Sunset Hills Road).

Participants will be tasked with a 10-minute indoor swim, a 30-minute ride on a stationary bike and a 20 minute run on a treadmill. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in a costume, though event organizers ask that people do not wear makeup in the pool.

Registration is $35 for YMCA members and $50 for the public and includes a swag bag full of gear and snacks as well as a free massage and stretch.

Participants will be awarded based on distance in each category, and all categories will be considered equally. There will also be a prize for the best costume.

Those wishing to participate can pick up their packets at the YMCA on Friday (Oct. 25) from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday (Oct. 26) from 9-11 a.m.

Event organizers are also looking for volunteers. Those interested can sign up online.

Image via Google Maps

A musical promising the audience a synthesis of comedy and murder is coming to Reston next month.

A local production of the Tony award-winning “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” will open at the Reston Community Center’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road) on Oct. 18 and run through Nov 3.

Here’s more about the plot from RCC:

Set in London in 1907, Gentleman’s Guide focuses on the low-born Monty Navarro, who suddenly learns that he’s ninth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family and sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm… and a dash of murder. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder retains a classic aesthetic but with humor that is modern and relevant,” Rich Farella, the director of the production, said in a press release.

The production will be put on by the Reston Community Players, a local non-profit theatre group.

Tickets are available online and start at $24 for students and seniors. Showtimes will take place on the weekends and include matinee and evening performances.

Photos courtesy Reston Community Players

An author, history buff and former journalist will speak in Reston next week about her recent historical novel.

Laura Elliott will be at Sunrise Senior Living (1778 Fountain Drive) on Tuesday (Oct. 1) to give a presentation on her novel “Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship,” which explores the friendship between American historical figures Peggy Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton.

The event is part of “Creative Conversations” at the senior living facility, with similar talks scheduled through 2020, according to Connection Newspapers. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Elliott began her writing career as a journalist and was a senior writer with Washingtonian where she said she wrote about women’s issues. Later in her career, she decided to become a novelist and has written nine novels so far, she told Reston Now.

She said she decided to write the novel after learning about their friendship — Peggy helped Hamilton by acting as a “wingman” to help Hamilton court her sister, Elizabeth.

Elliott said that many of her readers first became interested in the topic after hearing about the popular Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

“It’s amazing how much history they fit into the musical,” Elliott said.

She will tailor the presentation to the audience, understanding that some of the seniors at the living community may be veterans, she said.

“The thing about seniors is that they know their history,” Elliott said. “I really do try to gauge what interest the audience most and leave time for questions.”

Looking forward to the future, Elliott said she is discussing with her publisher another book focusing on other prominent figures from the era. She told Reston Now she is considering writing a novel about John Laurens, who was a soldier during the Revolutionary War.

Photo via Facebook

An upcoming walk aims to raise money to assist people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Take Steps, a national organization, plans to host charity walk on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Woodland Park Crossing (12960 Highland Crossing Drive) starting at 10 a.m.

All of the funds will go toward research for cures, patient advocacy and community education, according to the website.

There will be food and music at the event, a press release said, adding that the walk is also dog and family-friendly.

Participants can register as a team, an individual or as a “free agent” to join another team. During registration, participants can donate money and start a sponsorship campaign so their friends can donate as well.

“Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract,” according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Though similar, ulcerative colitis only affects the inner lining of the large intestine, according to the site.

Over three million men and women are affected by the illnesses around the United States, according to the foundation.

Photo via Take Steps

Absentee voting in Fairfax County begins tomorrow (Sept. 20) for the Nov. 5 elections.

Eligible community members can register to vote for the upcoming elections online or at the Office of Elections (12000 Government Center Parkway) in conference rooms two and three. Voters may also receive their ballots through the mail.

Absentee voters in Reston may also submit their registration or ballots to the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive) on Oct. 17- Nov. 2 from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays.

All absentee voters will need a valid driver’s license or state-issued identification card and their social security number to register.

For those unfamiliar with the process of absentee voting, Fairfax County published a variety of resources to explain the procedure and help answer questions.

Ballots will be translated into English, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese.

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is seven days before the election, or Oct. 29 by 5 p.m., according to Fairfax County. All absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 in order to be counted.

Fairfax County officials want to take a closer look at the costs linked to adding body worn cameras to the county’s police department.

After studies observing the impact of police officers wearing body cameras while on duty, several members on the Board of Supervisors came out in support of the new proposal draft. As body worn cameras get closer to receiving the board’s approval, two supervisors want more information to determine the fiscal impact of the project.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity kicked off the discussion of the body worn cameras at the Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday (Sept. 17) by asking what the fiscal impact would be.

The program would cost about $6.2 million by fiscal year 2022, Deputy County Executive for Public Safety Dave Rohrer told the board.

“That includes the Commonwealth Department of Information Technology, the police officers, the cameras, the storage and equipment,” Rohrer said. “It’s an all-in number.”

Braddock District Supervisor John Cook said that if Board of Supervisors approves the action items on the body worn cameras at the meeting next Tuesday (Sept. 24), he will request a report on how it could affect the budget for the Public Defenders’ Office.

Cook noted that the presentation about the pilot program included information about costs for the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Photo via Fairfax County Police Department

The deadline to participate in Herndon’s Homecoming Parade is approaching.

Monday (Sept. 23) is the last day for organizations to register for representation in the parade on Saturday, Oct. 19. Those wishing to simply watch the parade may line up at 9:30 a.m. around Elden Street on the day of the parade.

“Into the Future” will be this year’s parade theme. Participants are welcome to join the parade with a vehicle-powered float, walking float or a group of people, the application form said.

There will be prizes for floats that demonstrate outstanding creativity and adherence to the theme for the following groups:

• School Group
• Performing Group
• Civic Group
• HHS Class Float
• Show Group

Parade organizers want floats to be presentable from both sides, fit the theme and appeal to a wide variety of age groups.

Anyone wishing to volunteer and assist with the parade may sign up online.

More than 58 units and around 1,300 participants took part in the 2018 parade, according to the event website.

Photo via Herndon Parks and Recreation