For its 10th anniversary, the Arts Herndon calendar competition is providing an opportunity for upcoming photographers to showcase their skills.
Both amateur and professional photographers from around the area are invited to submit photos within the town limits of Herndon that could potentially be used for an upcoming calendar, according to the Arts Herndon website.
“The purpose of this competition is to not only to produce an amazing 2021 calendar from the town, but to offer all photographers, residents and students the opportunity to share their vision and talents and be recognized even in these challenging times,” the website said.
Competition organizers ask that the snapshot of the work encompass town life with an emphasis on beauty and richness of experience.
Anyone interested in submitting a photo can do so by emailing [email protected] until June 12, the website said, adding that each person can submit up to two photos. Along with a brief description, people should name the photo “lastname_firstname_email_Title of Photo.”
Typically, award winners would be invited to a public reception, but due to social distancing guidelines and the closure of ArtSpace, winning submissions will instead be displayed at an online gallery and possibly a walk-by window display in the town, according to Arts Herndon.
Anyone seeking more information can email Arts Herndon.
Photo via Arts Herndon/Mike Madigan
This May, Reston residents are invited to go outside and participate in a month-long stay-at-home chalk art challenge.
Participates of all ages are asked to model drawings after a weekly theme posted by Public Art Reston, a press release said, adding that the first theme will be announced next Monday (May 4) on Facebook.
“Get creative with your community throughout the month of May by making chalk drawings at home on your driveway, sidewalk, or whatever safe paved space you can find,” the event page said.
Once completed, participants are encouraged to submit their photos by posting a picture on social media using hashtags #AtHomeChalkArt and #PublicArtReston or emailing it to Reston Public Art.
Organizers ask that people respect social distancing guidelines while creating the art outside, make sure kids are supervised and avoid nude or lewd images.
For those unfamiliar with chalk-art, the press release suggested a list of tips for best results including making a preliminary drawing of the plan, applying a few layers of chalk, blending colors for a new effect and using a plastic tarp to cover the art in case of rain.
“If you want your proportions to be correct, you might consider drawing a grid over the drawing/photocopies using a ruler and thin marker,” the press release said.
Participants are expected to use their own supply of chalk and tools and the challenge will conclude on May 31.
Local businesses and organizations are also encouraged to apply, the page said.
Photo via Sam Haddad/Unsplash
Known for its elaborate cakes, Amphora Bakery is now offing grocery delivery through its sister catering service.
Amphora Catering in Herndon now delivers basic items to customers’ homes without a delivery fee for orders above $75 and within a 10-mile radius, the website said.
“In an effort to support our community, Amphora is offering contact-less delivery of essential ingredients that are increasingly more difficult to come by at the markets or without the potential risk,” the site said.
Offerings include freshly baked bread, milk, eggs, cheese, various meats, veggies, fruits, flour, sugar and bathroom essentials like toilet paper.
Anyone interested can fill out an online cart order and select a delivery day. Deliveries will arrive sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., the site said.
Photo via Sven Scheuermeier/Unsplash
People looking for group exercise without being in close proximity to fellow athletes can take part in an upcoming “virtual race.”
Organized by the Reston Association and Reston Camps, the event encourages people to stay fit on their own time. Anyone from around the area can participate — not just Restonians.
Participants are expected to pick a distance goal and complete their challenge either on a treadmill at home or around their neighborhood.
“The gyms are closed but the sidewalks and trails are open and there is no better way to get some exercise than by using your own in-home equipment or by walking, running, or jogging,” the event page said.
People can track their distance using a walk-run distance tracking log, which can be found online. Runners, walkers or joggers must submit their log for April 24-May 22, the Facebook page said.
The challenge is free and open to people of all ages and abilities, the event page said.
People who want to support the cause can post on social media accounts using the hashtag #FlattenTheCurve, while wearing their own printable race bib.
Photo via Reston Association/Facebook
To adapt to changing demands brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic, an eatery in Reston is adapting to offer a selection of grocery items.
Founding Farmers Reston (1904 Reston Metro Plaza) now delivers groceries and allows customers to sign up for a curbside pickup time slot, according to its website. Called Founding Farmers Market and Grocery, the service will offer booze to go, meals typically made through the eatery’s kitchen and groceries.
Market products include bread, snacks, milk, eggs, meats, pre-sliced deli items, fresh produce, desserts like cookie dough and household items such as paper towels, hand soap, laundry detergent and trash bags.
The grocery market program began on April 17, according to the eatery’s Facebook page and continues to expand its menu.
Customers can choose delivery or curbside pickup time from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., according to the website.
With each grocery order, a $6.99 surcharge will apply to the total, the website said, regardless of the total cost.
Those interested in testing out this service can fill out a virtual cart through Founding Farmer’s online portal and choose a time for pickup or delivery.
As a way to support people struggling during this time, Founding Farmers is offering 50% off for first responders, those in the medical field and employees, the website said.
Photo via Founding Farmers Reston/Facebook
Scrawl Books, a locally-owned shop in Reston, though strained by the lack of foot traffic in the shop, seems to be doing well thanks to community support.
The shop’s owner, Rachel Wood told Reston Now that the store is staying afloat because of the local bibliophiles who are taking the campaigns encouraging people to support local businesses to heart.
In the past few weeks, the shop has shifted its business model to include curbside pickup and home delivery –which is free for people in Reston, Herndon and parts of Vienna.
“We are really happy to be able to be here for the community and get books to people so they can stay home longer and have a better time while they are there,” Wood said.
All of the free community engagement events that used to be held in-person, like the bookclubs and speakers, were simply moved onto digital platforms. Many of the events hosted by Scrawl still have a significant number of participants, according to Wood, who added that people are looking for activities to combat the boredom of self-isolation. Anyone interested in Scrawl’s events can check out the location’s Facebook page for links and details.
In terms of staff favorites, Wood said she is currently enjoying a book called “Barn 8: A Novel” which tells the story of two auditors in the US egg industry who try and pull off a heist, according to the book’s publisher. The book retails at the shop for $16 in paperback.
Those who wish to order books for delivery or pickup from Scrawl (11911 Freedom Drive) may do so or by calling 703-966-2111 from noon. until 6 p.m. daily or ordering online.
For anyone who wants to help young kids who no longer have access to books through the public library system, Scrawl is collecting donations for teachers planning to send books to their students so the kids can continue to boost their literacy skills.
Unfortunately, though, other stores in the area such as Reston’s Used Book Shop have closed indefinitely, according to its website. There is no word from owners when the shop will reopen.
Photo via Scrawl Books/Facebook
For National Volunteer Week, the Reston Association is celebrating local do-gooders.
Roughly 1,400 individuals contributed 6,900 hours of volunteer time to community projects last year, according to the website. The RA chose to recognize several individuals for their work in 2019 with the annual Reston Service Awards.
Instead of an in-person reception due to concerns over COVID19, the RA said it will celebrate award winners by highlighting their “outstanding” work on social media accounts and electronic campaigns.
All of the winners are a part of Volunteer Reston. “The mission of Volunteer Reston is to enhance Reston Association’s services and programs by matching the talents of individuals and groups of all ages, interests and skills to a variety of engaging projects and endeavors,” the website said.
Detailed bios of award winners can be found online.
Individual award winners include:
- Surekha Sridhar for Volunteer of the Year
- Kevin Alegre for Youth Volunteer of the Year
- Susan Beffel and Irwin Flashman for Volunteers Over 55
Group award winners include:
- George Mason University Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) for Group Volunteers of the Year
- The Bike Lane for Community Partner of the Year
- Lakes, Docks and Boats Working Group for Work Group of the Year
“Volunteerism is deeply rooted in Reston’s history and was one of the core principles of Reston founder Robert E. Simon Jr.,” the RA press release said.
Photo via Reston Association
Around Reston and Herndon, community members are setting up GoFundMe pages to support servers and other workers affected by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reston Now has rounded up GoFundMe pages that are working to support restaurants and staffers who were recently laid off. Some crowdfunding campaigns are run directly by restaurant managers and owners. Others may be run by various community members as well.
Here are the latest fundraisers we found:
Uncle Julio’s of Reston employee relief aims to collect $20,000 to help employees who no longer have jobs or health insurance, according to the page. If people would prefer to support the restaurant in other ways, it is also still open for take-out and delivery, the website said. People can check out the website online.
“Some of you may recognize the friendly faces of our servers, bartenders, and hosts- but the most important part of the Uncle Julio’s family is our dedicated back of house staff,” the page said.
Cooper’s Hawk in Reston has almost already met its fundraising goal of $4,500. Currently, people have donated a total of $4,055 so far, according to the GoFundMe page.
All the proceeds will go to the nine bartenders at the location who rely so heavily on tips, according to the page. “Not just the best bartenders in town, but also our friends,” someone who commented on the page along with a $50 donation said.
Sweet Green created a pack on April 6 and has raised $245 of its $5,000 goal, according to the page, which added that “The funds will be divided equally amongst all 19 workers.”
Edwin Thorpe, a member of Morton’s Steakhouse bar team in Reston, created a page to support himself and his colleagues, the page said, which added he hopes to raise $5,000.
Pica Deli in Reston is also asking for financial support. So far, only one person has donated to the page.
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon is putting together a digital employee tip pool where patrons can help out staff and servers during this time. Of it’s $10,000 goal, 101 people have already donated $9,695 as of this writing.
“Each and every one of our employees is invaluable to us and we care deeply for their safety and their financial well-being,” the page said. “Some of our key employees have voluntarily left the company so that others can continue to work. Sadly, we’ve had no choice but to lay off a handful of our colleagues.”
Crafthouse is also asking for donations. The location’s GoFundMe has raised $6,167 raised of $20,000 goal so far, according to the page. One donor even gave $1,000 to the cause roughly a month ago.
PassionFish decided to join the group and request donations from the community. Since March 21, they have raised $7,340 raised of $10,000 goal, the page said.
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern was forced to lay off employees on March 25, according to owners George and Vicky Hadjikyriakou. Now, the eatery’s GoFundMe page aims to raise $15,000.
“Ensuring the well-being of our guests and staff meant that we could no longer open our doors to the community we have served for 10 years,” the page said, adding that donations will go to bartenders, servers, cooks, dishwashers and managers.
On The Border in Reston is trying to raise $4,000, according to its GoFundMe page, which appears to be organized by the manager at the restaurant who was also laid off due to COVID19.
This week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam extended restrictions for non-essential businesses, which were set to expire next week, to May 8.
Small businesses based in the county can also apply for county loans of up to $20,000. The program was approved by the county’s board this week.
Photo via Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern/Facebook
Fatimah Waseem contributed reporting.
Fitness studios in Reston and Herndon are among the locally-owned businesses struggling with the loss of revenue after they were forced to shut down because of the pandemic.
Several studio owners told Reston Now that they saw a dramatic decrease in revenue after they decided to offer a membership service payment freeze — even though they also began offering classes that can be streamed from someone’s living room.
For example, take New Trail Cycling Studio owned by Liz Kamp. Opening in late 2018, the studio is a somewhat recent addition to the Reston area.
One of her biggest challenges so far has been managing to keep her staffers on payroll so she can reopen when this is all over, she said.
“The revenue isn’t there,” Kamp said, adding that larger companies like Peloton are taking away their business by offering free classes.
Though she said she understands the benefit of the free classes, especially for people who have been laid off or had pay cuts, she admitted it is detrimental to her business in the long-run.
For preexisting New Trail Cycling members, Kamp said the studio froze in-person memberships or packages until non-essential businesses are able to reopen.
New Trail Cycling does offer a few free classes on Zoom as well as a new paid digital membership, but Kamp said she will never be able to compete with companies like Peloton when it comes to the production value of the videos.
For $15 per week, people can sign up online for unlimited classes through Zoom. The studio also offers a digital nutritional coaching session for $10, which is led by medical professionals. People can rent equipment from the studio depending on the circumstances, the website said.
“I have to hold onto the hope that the community values what we do here and understand that their support now is what will help me open my doors again,” Kamp said.
She said she understands it will be a difficult path forward, hearing from her members and receiving positive feedback on the new digital classes keeps her afloat personally.
“Right now it’s about trying to keep people connected and supporting our participants however we can from a distance,” Kamp said. “We are all missing the in-person connection and community.”
New Trail Fitness decided to start a Facebook group for members who missed seeing each other at the studio, according to Kamp. The group features daily challenges that include things like meditation and self-care tips.
Meanwhile, Homegrown Power Yoga in Herndon is yet another small fitness studio affected by the pandemic.
Owner Alison Adams told Reston Now in an email that the yoga studio was quick to adapt after the mandate to close non-essential businesses. Within 12 hours, they were able to offer online Zoom yoga classes, she said.
“As incredibly hard as it has been to close our doors, and work with the unpredictability of the sustainability of our business,” she said. “This is nothing compared to what each person who is working the frontline is contributing during this crisis.”
The studio is also offering free classes to medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Adams.
Photo courtesy Liz Kamp/Charlotte Geary Photography
After deliberation from Fairfax County officials, the fate of farmers markets around Reston and Herndon is still undecided.
Many farmers markets were expected to open within the next few weeks but were indefinitely delayed because of safety concerns over COVID-19, according to Fairfax County’s website.
Though this decision will likely negatively affect local vendors who sell goods at these markets, it is unclear what the long-term economic impact might be.
People who still want to support vendors in this time of crisis can check out places like Sterling-based Baguette Republic, which allows customers to order freshly baked goods online. Customers can score six personal size ciabatta rolls for $6, according to the website.
Ashburn-based Roots to Rise is another local food producer that offers pickup at several locations. Customers can order fresh juices, breakfast and lunch, the website said.
Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay issued a statement today (April 14) during a Twitter Q&A saying that county staffers are trying to come up with a configuration that allows people to shop while still practicing the six-foot social distancing requirements.
Currently staff is working on a future plan that meets social distancing requirements for farmers markets using health and social distancing related guidelines and a plan that we can configure things in such a way as to open in a safe manner on a case by case basis. https://t.co/h7H61UCcay
— Jeff McKay (@JeffreyCMcKay) April 14, 2020
Photo via Anne Preble/Unsplash
Despite social distancing measures, the Herndon community still came together yesterday (April 13) to celebrate the 90th birthday of local resident Muriel Turner.
A neighborhood resident since 1986, Turner is beloved by many of her neighbors who threw an event so people could celebrate her while still staying safe. Not only did they decorate her house and put a large celebratory sign in her yard, but the neighbors also coordinated a walk-by so people could wave and say hello, according to a press release.
Turner is a nationally renowned flower designer and also a spritely woman who refuses to stop helping her community, according to Paul Sullivan, one of the neighbors in charge of coordinating the celebration.
“I like to call her a renaissance woman. She is interested in a plethora of things,” Sullivan said, adding that while not in self-isolation, she can often be found swimming laps at the local community center, volunteering at Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church, feeding the homeless and serving as an officer in her garden club.
“Her neighbors on Lake Shore Drive in Herndon wanted to make sure that despite COVID-19, this milestone birthday was celebrated in style,” a Hunter Mill District spokesperson said.
Throughout the day, Turner had visitors “almost non-stop,” according to Sullivan, who added that many people left gifts and cards for her. “She was on the phone or answering her door from 8:30 a.m. on,” he said.
Over the course of the day, Sullivan said he was pleased with the outcome of the event and added that more than 100 people, including Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn, came to share well-wishes for Turner’s big day.
Around 11 p.m. Sullivan received a call from Turner, which he said frightened him because she is usually in bed by that time. Luckily, it turns out that she was simply thrilled to see herself on TV after a local news station ran a feature on her, and she felt the need to share her joy with Sullivan.
“We would all live a great life if we mirrored how she lives hers,” Sullivan said.
Photo courtesy Walter Alcorn Staff
The public artwork titled “Spectrum” on Lake Thoreau Spillway will stay in place a little longer than originally planned at the request of local residents.
The piece was commissioned by Marco Rando, an art teacher at South Lakes High School along with his students and is a part of a rotating annual project. Each updated piece of art usually stays up from July until the beginning of December, according to Anne Delaney the executive Director for Public Art Reston.
Now, the piece will be on display until the end of June, according to Delaney, who added that they plan to take down the piece before July 4 so it isn’t damaged by fireworks.
For now, Delaney said Rando hopes the artwork will help keep residents in good spirits despite the COVID19 pandemic.
“Spectrum” marks the sixth piece of art created by Rando and his team of students and the project is supported by Public Art Reston, which aims to engage the public and help foster a sense of community, the website said.
A petition led by residents earlier this year requested that the art project remain on the spillway for longer than originally planned.
“After two years of creating sculptures with strong conceptual origins that featured minimalist color palettes, STEAM decided to change direction and create a sculpture that prioritized an exploration of aesthetic elements over a representation of a tangible theme,” Public Art Reston’s website said about the piece.
Photo courtesy Public Art Reston
In times of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, many expectant mothers are facing unforeseen challenges.
Lack of knowledge around and educated guesswork around the coronavirus behalf of doctors can be unsettling — especially when dealing with the lives of newborn babies.
Around Reston, OBGYN offices such as the Virginia Women’s Health Associates in Reston are changing tactics to help new mothers and pregnant women stay safe by offering more online resources and flexible appointment dates for women who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The Virginia Women’s Health Associates are even offering online appointments through a new portal system.
For everyday care, local OBGYN offices are taking extra preventative measures to help patients respect social distancing measures and ensure the health of their patients.
Because of the lack of research doctors, such as Amy Banulis, a certified doctor out of Falls Church who published a professional article in the Northern Virginia Magazine, are recommending that expectant mothers be sure to practice self-isolation and be sure to take care of themselves not only physically but mentally as well.
“While there is currently no evidence that you are more likely than anyone else to be infected with COVID-19, you may be at higher risk of developing a severe case,” Banulis wrote. A similar statement can be found online from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
When it comes to breastfeeding and other concerns, the CDC said breast milk usually provides protection against infection and has not been shown to transmit COVID-19 in “limited studies.”
A local mom in Falls Church said that she took extra precautions leading up to her delivery date.
“I just feel the research out there is limited. I’m skeptical and don’t want to take a risk,” Nicole Sud, who recently gave birth to twins at a Virginia Hospital Center, said.
Before her delivery date, Sud said she self-isolated — only leaving the house for doctor appointments and had neighborhood friends help deliver groceries and essentials. She said that her primary care doctor didn’t recommend any additional steps for keeping healthy beyond the CDC’s guidelines for the public.
When Sud was first checked into the hospital, said she doctors gave her one surgical mask and a paper bag to put it in. Surgical gloves that would typically sit by the sink in any doctor’s office had been removed because of thefts, Sud said.
After Sud delivered the twins, she was disappointed because the couple learned the hospital nursery was closed due to COVID-19 concerns.
To ensure that the couple’s two-year-old daughter didn’t catch anything at the hospital and pass it onto the newborns, her pediatrician suggested that the young girl live with Sud’s in-laws for two weeks before returning home.
Upon discharge from the hospital, nurses simply included a COVD-19 packet among other materials typically given to mothers, Sud said.
Photo courtesy Nicole Sud
High School can be a difficult time for many teens, but three high school students living in Reston began their sharing experiences through a podcast in hopes of empowering others.
“The Epic Theory” began under three South Lakes High School Juniors named Anastasia Vlasova, Esha Pathi and Hannah Giusti in July of 2019. Since then, the students have produced 15 episodes of the podcast that are available for free on Spotify and other apps, according to the website.
The podcast is “focused on self-growth, venturing outside of our comfort zones, finding passion and uplifting the global community,” the students wrote in an email to Reston Now.
What began as a “curiosity-driven summer project” turned into so much more as the girls said they began to attract international followers.
In the last several months, the team built a relationship with the CORE Foundation, a non-profit that helps social entrepreneurs achieve their goals. The group is helping to boost the podcast, according to the girls.
“In addition to recording our authentic, existential conversations, we have hosted a “Dream Big” event at a local elementary school, during which we interacted with sixth graders and encouraged them to pursue their dreams,” the girls said. “We explained to them the power of brainstorming solutions in pursuit of their dreams, as they will inevitably experience obstacles.”
During the event, the trio said they helped the kids embrace optimism about their future and the power of their individual voices.
The girls were actually planning yet another upcoming “dream big” event but unfortunately had to cancel it due to concerns over COVID-19.
“But we are still moving forward with recording podcast episodes and solidifying our status as a non-profit,” the girls said about the forced cancelation. “We are using this time to brainstorm, update our website, share social media content, and record podcast episodes.”
In the latest episode of “The Epic Theory,” Vlasova hosted the podcast by herself since the girls decided to voluntarily self-quarantine. She spoke about what it means to “live your best life” during quarantine and shared tips about how to feel fulfilled during this time.
“The whole idea of stagnancy really freaks me out, and that’s why I am so motivated and eager to learn and try new things,” Vlasova said, adding that she tries to never plateau in her quest for knowledge. To avoid boredom during this time, she said she is always reading new articles or researching cool ideas.
“As news of COVID-19 is occupying most of today’s media coverage, we would love a chance to shine light on what we, as teenagers, are doing to positively contribute to the world,” the students said.
Image via The Epic Theory/Instagram
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn is hoping that more resources get allocated to small businesses as Fairfax County officials discuss the revised fiscal year 2021 budget.
Alcorn held a media call this morning (April 9) to discuss dramatic cuts and changes to the changed budget proposal, following a digital public hearing he held last night with residents.
“I’m not happy about the updated budget but it does reflect the reality we’re in right now,” Alcorn said during the media call.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill to revise suggestions for the upcoming budget, which were integrated into a draft and published on Tuesday (April 7).
Many of the changes include halting the expansion of new projects — focusing instead to retain projects already in progress, according to Alcorn.
“We are going to see some delays on some of our affordable housing projects,” Alcorn said, “It’s disappointing to me because doing more on affordable housing will help the same folks who are being impacted by the Covid emergency… These are some of the same folks who have been laid off.”
Other programs that will likely be delayed are the implementation of body cameras for police officers and a freeze in salary for Fairfax County employees.
“It really is an attempt to put the breaks on anything new,” he said.
Alcorn said he also wants to see relief programs for small businesses in Fairfax County, which may happen.
Next Tuesday, the Board of supervisors will discuss a micro-loan program for local business owners impacted by the pandemic, Alcorn said.
The Budget Committee spoke last week about the potential for the program to offer up roughly $1 million for small businesses, but Alcorn suggested this number was meant to be a “place holder” until there was an opportunity for further discussion.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the final adjusted budget during the May 12 meeting, which was later than previously suggested in Fairfax County documents.
