After a challenge from her sister, a local teenager decided to write a poetry book based on alcoholic drinks — without having a sip of booze herself, according to the publisher Mascot Books.

“The Drink Selection; With Something To Nibble On” by Herndon resident Nisha Shankar is a collection of poems exploring various situations around wine, hard liquor and beer, according to the book’s description.

The book is currently available for pre-sale and costs around $18 on Amazon. An official release date is set for March 3, according to a press release.

“She is an amazing artist but did not originally set out to write a book of poems about alcoholic beverages,” the publisher said about Shankar.

In the acknowledgments of the book, Shankar thanks her dad for turning her into a young whiskey connoisseur and her sister for encouraging her to step up to the challenge.

“I know it wasn’t a suitable topic, but you guys loved it and encouraged me to write more,” she continued.

The 80-page book comes in hardcover for the time being and also can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, according to the press release.

Photo via Adam Jaime/Unsplash

Aldrin Elementary School will unveil a new mosaic art piece in its lobby come April, to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary.

The piece by international artist  Helen Marshall, will feature small mosaic tiles of students, teachers and community members at the school and make up a larger image of Buzz Aldrin’s iconic moon landing, according to Nicola Shelly, an Aldrin parent.

Shelley’s husband, Tom, is the President of Space Adventures and spearheaded fundraising efforts alongside the school’s principal, Nicola said.

Space Adventures is a company that opens up space travel opportunities to private citizens, according to its website.

Besides this upcoming project, Marshall commissioned other pieces for the Apollo 11 anniversary that were been displayed in London, New York and the Kennedy Space Center.

BBC recently featured Marshall’s work on another mosaic piece of Hilda Burkitt, an English suffragette.

Photo via Hellen Marshall/Facebook

A film festival celebrating artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and others with different disabilities is coming to Reston.

On Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m., people have the opportunity to see a film about Yunupingu’s success as a blind Australian artist.

This show is part of a larger project called “ReelAbilities,” which highlights artists with disabilities. Other films will be shown throughout the NoVA area, according to the event page.

“The festival will feature domestic and international award-winning films and engaging programming and art and performance that inspire the community to explore and celebrate our shared human experience,” the event page said.

The screening will be held at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). All ages are welcome to this free event. People interested can simply show up to the event — tickets are not required.

Photo via Denise Jans/Unsplash

Mardi Gras is approaching, and Arts Herndon is hosting a party for the public next weekend.

On Saturday (Feb. 22) from 7-11 p.m., Arts Herndon (750 Center Street) invites people to gather for an evening of food, drink music dancing and raffle activities, according to the event page.

Tickets are $50 and include food. People can RSVP online or call 703 956 6590 for more information.

Arts Herndon, a coordinated effort between the Council for the Arts of Herndon and the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts, provides local residents with cultural enrichment, according to the website.

Photo via Sung Jin Cho/Unsplash

(Updated 2/14/2020) Presidents’ Day is Monday and that means closures around the area.

All Fairfax County government offices, public schools and public libraries will be closed, according to the county website.

Trash and recycling will be collected on a regular schedule if community members are customers of Fairfax County, the website said, which added that people with a private company should contact the company directly.

Both Reston community centers at Lake Anne and Hunters Woods will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, according to the website.

In the Town of Herndon, recycling will be collected on Tuesday (Feb. 18) instead of Monday, the town’s website said.

The Herndon Community center will be open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., according to the site, which added that its government offices will be closed.

Regarding public transportation, the Fairfax Connector will be running on a Holiday Weekend Schedule on Monday.

The Metro will be running on a Saturday schedule from 5 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., according to the WMATA website.

Love is in the air, and these local events can help people get in the Valentine’s Day spirit.

Here’s where to find themed events in Reston and Herndon this week.

Reston

People hoping to enjoy a professionally cooked meal at home can order a special take-out dinner for two from Founding Farmers. For $65, people can enjoy three courses with two sides, a rustic white boule, dessert and two unscented glass votive candles, according to the website.

People should order by today (Wednesday, Feb. 12,) at 3 p.m. and pick up the meal on Thursday (Feb. 13) between 2-7 p.m. at the Reston location (1904 Reston Metro Plaza).

Beer My Valentine at Lake Anne Brew House (11401 N. Shore Drive) on Friday (Feb. 14) offers people over the age of 21 a special flight and pretzel drizzled in chocolate from 4-10 p.m.

The 55+ VDay Ride and Coffee Hour in Reston will take place at the New Trail Cycling Studio (1641 N. Washington Plaza) from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Participants will be able to take an exercise class and then head to the Lake Anne Coffee House after to relax.

A Valentine’s Show at Café Montmartre (1625 Washington Plaza) will take place from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday with an open mic and dancing. People interested can call 703-904-8080 for tickets.

Herndon

People with a sweet-tooth can attend the Valentine Cake Decorating Workshop at Amphora Bakery (294 Sunset Park Drive) in Herndon. For roughly $70, people can learn to bake and decorate a themed cake. This event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday (Feb.13).

Parents’ Valentine’s Night Out allows Herndon parents to take a break by offering a babysitting service from 6-9:30 p.m. on Friday. The cost is $35 per child, and people can register online. This is an official event that’s sponsored by the town.

Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer in Herndon at Breakers Sky Lounge (2445 Centreville Road) lets people meet potential dates while playing pool, darts, and karaoke. This event is free and open to the public on Friday from 7-10 p.m.

The Valentine’s Winter Brew Fest will take place from 1-8 p.m. at Mile 20 (783 Station Street) on Saturday (Feb. 15), letting guests taste-test beers from several local breweries. Tickets are $18 per person, $27 for two people or $5 for entry and only one sample. There will be music, karaoke and booths from businesses at this event.

People with a passion for art can gather for a paint and sip event at Pinot’s Palette (12976 Highland Crossing Drive) from 6-8 p.m. on Friday. The theme will be Van Gogh. The event costs $40.

Photo by Laura Ockel/Unsplash

A traffic incident at the intersection of Herndon Parkway and Summerfield Drive may cause a disruption to drivers this evening.

The Herndon Police Department sent out a tweet around 4:30 p.m. today (Feb. 10) informing people that traffic is down to one lane.

Police and other emergency responders are on the scene, according to the tweet.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Inner Loop of Herndon PW at Summerfield Dr is down to one lane due to an accident. Police and rescue are on the scene. Updates as available. #herndonpd pic.twitter.com/KfwyaWigHo

— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) February 10, 2020

Image via Google Maps

After the mysterious horse beheading at Lake Anne Plaza back in September, the artist of the wooden sculpture said that he is in the process of building a replacement.

The new horse is almost complete and will be available for public viewing shortly, artist Marco Rando said, confirming that natural decay caused the damages.

The name for the upcoming piece is “Intent, The Wooden Horse” and includes pieces from the previous version for the sake of nostalgia — including the head, Rando said.

“The horse is a metaphor for the energy and work required to bring an idea into existence, and the heart is the symbol for creative passion fueling intent,” he said.

Rando, who currently works at South Lakes High School, said he received assistance throughout the project from his students, who helped to conceptualize the design and will create graphics for the horse’s heart.

“These students are in my STEAM Studio Art & Design classes. They have been given a real-world assignment to design, create and fabricate a public work of art for Boston Properties and Reston Town Center,” Rando said. “The students have collaborated to achieve exceptional work.”

Photos courtesy Marco Rando

Local history lovers can learn more about their community with an upcoming event at the Reston Museum.

“The Reston Story — Case Exhibit” (1639 Washington Plaza) invites people to check out an illustrated history of Reston from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., according to the Facebook page.

Illustrated pages offer guests the chance to see how people used to “live, work and play” in Reston, the website said.

This is exhibit is available for a limited time through the end of the month (Feb. 29), according to the website.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• Pebble to Pearl Party at Crafthouse Reston (10 p.m.) — This live musical event at 1888 Explorer Street invites people to come and enjoy live music, which brings together a variety of groups for a comprehensive musical experience — including local artists, according to the Facebook page. Drink and food will be served on-premises.
• Candy Making Party (3-4:15 p.m.) — A candy making party at Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 W. Ox Road) welcomes people to enjoy a sweet day of historical candy making. This event includes a history demonstration lesson on a wood-burning stove. Admission is $10 and people over the age of 10 are welcome.
• Romantic Roost (7-10 p.m.) — This event at 12976 Highland Crossing Drive allows people to come and drink wine while painting. Tickets are $55 per person.

Sunday (Feb. 9)

• Carolina Blue (7 p.m.) — Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 W. Ox Road) is hosting a bluegrass concert from an award-winning group. This event is free and open to the public.

Image via The Reston Museum/Facebook

Nostalgia might just be a common theme at an upcoming game night hosted by the Reston Historic Trust & Museum.

At the Retro Game Night on Friday (Feb. 28), attendees can gather with friends and family to play a variety of games from 6-9 p.m. at 1639 Washington Plaza, according to a press release.

More than a dozen games provided by Staring Player Pop-Up will be available for guests, the press release said, adding that people are also welcome to bring their own games.

This event is free and open to all ages. Attendees will receive a “The Game of Reston” poster, according to the press release.

Photo courtesy Reston Historic Trust & Museum

Early next week, Town of Herndon residents have the chance to share their opinions on the upcoming budget for the Fiscal Year 2021.

The public hearing will take place on Tuesday (Feb. 11) at 7 p.m. at the Mary Ingram Council Chambers (765 Lynn Street). Residents can speak their minds on matters regarding programs and services that the budget supports, according to a press release.

“As we consider resource allocation for the next fiscal year, we encourage citizens to share with us their views on programs and services that are most important to them,” Lisa Merkel, the town’s mayor, said.

Anyone who cannot attend in person may also submit feedback online.

A draft of the budget is expected to be delivered to the town council by April 1, according to the press release, which added other public hearings will be held on April 14 and 28.

Image via Town of Herndon

Crate and Barrel released a new sofa line that looks like it was designed by Robert Simon himself.

The “Reston Queen Trundle Sleeper Sofa” model sells for about $2,500 and was called out by the Restonian — a local blog — for having oddly similar features to that of the community.

Its blocky design fits buildings found around Reston and its price tag might remind homeowners of the high cost of living in the area — at least compared to the national average.

One commenter on Crate and Barrel’s Facebook page said that the design is a “ChaCh$ing – couch” while another said it was simply overpriced and they found better deals elsewhere.

The sofa sleeper comes in almost 10 colors, each of which are monotone shades of greys, browns and tans. When Reston residents take a walk around town, they’re likely to notice a similar color-scheme within their own community.

Though it appears that Crate and Barrel have removed some of the items from its website, The Restonian did a side-by-side comparison to other sectionals within the Reston Sofa family to that of buildings around town.

It is unclear if the sofa was actually modeled after the Reston community, but people are free to make up their own conspiracies about the design.

Photo via Crate and Barrel Facebook

A new art exhibit at the Greater Reston Arts Center uses collaged photographs to explore the memories of refugees living in Vietnamese internment camps.

“Day Dreams” by Khánh Lê will be on display from now through May 26, according to the webpage. Works in the collection explore concepts such as home, country and safety, according to the event page, which added that many pieces feature bits of his Vietnamese heritage and culture.

More from the Greater Reston Arts Center on the exhibit:

Lê creates dazzling compositions based on deteriorating photographs and collective memories of his and his relations’ experiences as refugees living in Vietnamese internment camps in the 1980s. Through the collaging of materials such as acrylic paintings, glitter, prints, and sparkling plastic craft jewels, Lê merges narratives–both horrific realities and idyllic fantasies–that are filled with tension as he explores notions of home, country, and safety.

The artist will be at the Greater Reston Arts Center (11850 Freedom Drive) on Thursday (Feb. 6) from 6-8 p.m. for an open reception and presentation.

People wanting to visit the display should arrive on the Freedom Drive side of the building and wait for the concierge to buzz them in, the event page said.

The hours for the exhibit are from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Image via Greater Reston Arts Center/Facebook

Runners and exercise enthusiasts can take part in the sixth annual For the Love of It 10K this Saturday.

Beginning at 8 a.m. outside South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive), participants can compete to make it across the finish line first, according to the website.

There will be awards for the first three male and female participants to finish the race as well as other awards in various age categories, the site said.

After the race, attendees can enjoy Valentine’s Day-themed treats, refreshments and photo opportunities. People who preregister will receive a long sleeve t-shirt.

A course map can be found online. Registration fees range from $45-50 now that early bird pricing has ended.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• Ukelele Jam Session (10:30 a.m.) — At Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) kids are invited to a performance by the Northern Virginia Ukulele Society and have a chance to learn about rhythm. This event is free and open to the public.
• Groundhog’s Shadow (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.) — The Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) invites young kids to learn about groundhogs, make puppets and make weather predictions. Tickets are $6 for RA members.
• Annual Freezin’ for a Reason (2-5 p.m.) — This charity event raises money for Camp Sunshine, which serves kids with life-threatening illnesses. This event is donation based and anyone who raises over $100 will receive a t-shirt. Participants can gather at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road).

Sunday (Feb. 2)

• Kickstart Your Sweat Life (8-10 a.m.) — Lululemon at Reston Town Center (11957 Market Street) offers free sweat sessions every week. Refreshments will be provided.
• Super Bowl Watch Party (5:30-10 p.m.) — The Lake Anne Brew House (11401 North Shore Drive) invites people to come to view the SuperBowl. Tickets are $25 and include an unlimited nacho bar and other snacks. Drinks are available separately on-site. This event 21+.

Photo via For the Love of it 10k/Facebook