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.
Updated at 3:25 p.m. — Deputy Minority Leader Mark Sickles was recently added to the event.
An upcoming Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce event plans to examine how the current political climate will likely impact businesses across the state.
The event next Wednesday (March 13) features House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox (R-66th District), Deputy Minority Leader Mark Sickles (D-43rd District) and Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.
Attendees can expect to learn about how Gov. Ralph Northam’s policies and a narrowly divided General Assembly may affect businesses for the next two years. Cox will provide insight into which passed bills will impact the business community.
The event will be held from 7:30-10 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Reston (1800 Presidents Street). Online registration will close on Tuesday (March 12).
Image via @SpeakerCox/Twitter
Updated at 3:25 p.m. — Herndon police tweeted at 3:18 p.m. that all of the lanes are now open.
Earlier: Plan on giving yourself more time if you’re going to drive on Elden Street by the Town Hall today.
The Herndon Police Department tweeted at 9:41 a.m. that utility work in the downtown area has traffic alternating one lane on Elden Street between Spring and Center streets.
The utility work will continue until around 3 p.m., police say.
Drivers should expect delays.
UPDATE: Utility work is project to continue until about 3 pm. Updates as available. #herndonpd https://t.co/RbqtuWLZ8P
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) March 8, 2019
Image via Google Maps
Celebrate International Women’s Day — Head to Lake Anne Plaza tonight for a kick off of weekend events honoring the women who helped shape the plaza. A free event tonight at Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery includes a gallery reception and panel discussion starting at 7:30 p.m. [Reston Now]
Call for candidates — The Reston Association’s Design Review Board is looking for a member to fill a design professional volunteer position. Architects, land planners and landscape architects are encouraged to apply. [Application]
Done deal — Herndon-based Tyto Athene recently bought Island Information Technology Consultants in a move meant to continue the Herndon company’s strategy of building mid-market tech solutions and managed services. [Washington Business Journal]
Just like last week, locals can expect snow and wintry weather as the weekend arrives.
The Virginia Department of Transportation wants locals to stay alert to possible snow and a wintry mix starting Friday (March 8) and continuing through Sunday (March 10).
Crews have already done spot pre-treatments of areas prone to freezing today (March 7), according to VDOT. Crews will begin staging along roads early Friday morning.
For Reston, the National Weather Service expects a slight chance of snow before 10 a.m., followed by rain and more snow totaling about less than half of an inch for tomorrow. Rain is likely for Saturday and Sunday, NWS says.
Photo by @MrErrett/Twitter
Spring is still about two weeks away, but the Reston Association wants locals to start thinking about warmer weather activities.
The Restonian Association recently took to YouTube to remind Restonians — members and nonmembers of the association — that they can purchase pool and tennis court passes.
The passes give access to the Reston Association’s 52 outdoor tennis courts and 15 pools. They can be purchased online or at the Reston Association’s Member Services Office (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).
The two heated pools open early May before the other pools, according to the RA. The tennis courts stay open year-round — weather permitting.
Fairfax County wants locals to sign up for the upcoming statewide tornado drill.
The annual drill is meant to help prepare residents for tornadoes, which can strike quickly and cause extensive damage. Virginia has averaged 24 tornadoes per year over the last 10 years, according to the county.
After locals sign up to participate, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning over NOAA Weather Radios at 9:45 a.m. on March 19.
The test should come through a tone or message alert simulating what people would hear and see during an actual tornado. Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets will also participate by broadcasting the test message.
Once the drill starts, here’s what to do: move to a safe area, crouch, face down and cover your head with your hands. Some examples of safe areas include sturdy buildings, basements and storm cellars.
If you are in a car or outdoors, cover your head and neck and try to cover your body with a blanket or coat.
Here are things not to do:
- do not outrun a tornado in a vehicle
- do not go underneath an overpass or bridge
- do not stay near windows, doors and outside walls
Image via Fairfax County
The wait is almost over for Bombay Velvet, a fine-dining, Indian restaurant, at RTC West.
With the inspections process winding down, the restaurant will open in late March at 12120 Sunset Hills Road, Owner Rajiv Chopra told Reston Now.
The restaurant will be the latest addition this year to RTC West’s food scene, which includes Honeygrow, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill and BGR The Burger Joint.
Famous Toastery, a breakfast and brunch restaurant, is also set to open this month, an employee told Reston Now.
Updated at 3:15 p.m. on March 8 — Corrects how many kids residents in the county may care for and the permission needed.
A home childcare center off of Frying Pan Road in Herndon wants to expand.
The childcare at 2472 Silk Court is open during regular business hours on weekdays and provides care for Reston and Herndon kids, according to county documents.
Residents in Fairfax County may care for up to four kids with a county permit, and residents who want to care for five or more kids need a state license, according to the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Madhuri Peddi is seeking a special exception that will allow care for up to 12 kids.
The county is expected to consider the special exemption request with a hearing on June 19.
Image via Google Maps
Tai chi — The Reston Regional Library will a tai chi fitness class led by local instructor Susan Shen from 6:30-7:30 p.m. tonight. [Fairfax County]
Sinking solution — “Officials have finally repaired a $52 million parking garage along Phase 2 of Metro’s Silver Line expansion that was sinking, but the garage is greatly behind schedule, according to a report. NBC Washington transportation reporter Adam Tuss reported that the parking garage slated for the Innovation Center Station has been repaired and work on it has resumed, but it is now 8-10 months behind schedule.” [Patch]
Reston activist dies — Barbara Freeman, a civic and community activist, died Jan. 26 at her home in Reston at the age of 91. Her daughter told the Washington Post the cause was pneumonia. Freeman volunteered with the Reston Community Association, Reston Interfaith, the League of Women Voters of Fairfax County and youth soccer. [The Washington Post]
Scavenger hunt in Herndon — “During February, teachers at Herndon Community Center Preschool taught their young students about community helpers, the given individuals traditionally seen working in public service roles of safety, health and education.” [Connection Newspapers]
Herndon company acquired — A Texas-based software provider acquired Herndon-based MicroPact, which currently serves NASA, the Social Security Administration and the Justice and Treasury departments, in a $185 million deal. [Washington Technology]
M&T Bank plans to open a new location near Reston Station about half of a mile away from its current spot along Wiehle Avenue.
The regional bank is set to open late fall at 1886 Metro Center Drive, Maggie Parker, a spokeswoman for Comstock Companies, told Reston Now.
“The office will be on the same level as Metro Center Drive, just inside the front door, across the lobby from the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce,” Parker wrote in an email.
M&T has a branch and ATM nearby at 1861 Wiehle Ave. It is unclear at this point whether or not the Meter Center Drive opening will affect the current location.
Images via Google Maps
Midtown Jewelers, a family-owned jewelry boutique in Reston Town Center, recently received awards from two wedding planner websites.
The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” 2019 honor for jewelers and WeddingWire’s 2019 “Couples’ Choice Award” add to the boutique’s list of previous prizes, including “The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame” and nine other WeddingWire awards.
Located among the retailers at Midtown, the jewelry boutique has been at 11990 Market Street, Suite D for more than 10 years, according to its Facebook.
Image via Midtown Jewelers/Facebook
A weekend of events will take on Lake Anne Plaza in honor of International Women’s Day (March 8).
The events aim to raise awareness and celebrate the achievement of the women who helped shape Lake Anne Plaza, according to Rachel Piering, who shared details about the celebration to Reston Now. Women own and operate three-fourths of the businesses on the plaza, Piering said.
A free reception on Friday (March 8) at Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609 Washington Plaza) kicks off the first Annual International Women’s Day Celebration with a gallery reception and panel discussion starting at 7:30 p.m.
Small Change Consignment Owner Susann Gerstein, Reston Used Book Store Owner Susan Burwell and former Lake Anne Nursery and Kindergarten Director Ann Potts will join Linda Fuller, who used to own the Lake Anne Florist, for the panel.
Before the panel begins at 8:14 p.m., attendees can view the gallery’s photography exhibit by local photographer Charlotte Geary and vintage photos from the Reston Historic Trust and Museum.
Sales of limited edition commemorative posters will benefit Shelter House, a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence.
Throughout the weekend, locals will be able to enjoy several musical performances, art exhibitions, book signings and special promotions for shops and eateries, Piering said. The International Women’s Day Celebration is provided by the Lake Anne Merchants and Professionals Committee.
Businesses participating in International Women’s Day include:
- Chesapeake Chocolates
- Kalypso’s Sports Tavern
- Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar
- Lake Anne Brew House
- Reston Historic Trust and Museum
- Reston’s Used Book Shop
- Reston Art Gallery and Studios
- Small Change Consignment
On Saturday (March 9) the New Trail Cycling Studio will hold a women-only ride on from 9:30-10:20 a.m. to help raise money for the Reston Runners’ “Seize the Day Women’s 5K” training program and race. Tickets are $20.
“Proceeds are going toward creating scholarships for local underprivileged women to train for and run their first 5k,” Liz Kamp, the owner of New Trail Cycling Studio, told Reston Now, adding that Reston Runner’s Women’s Training Program will help the women prepare for the race.
Image via Rachel Piering
At Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins’ request, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed yesterday (March 5) to speed up the review process for proposed changes to the development bringing Reston its first Wegmans.
The proposed plans would adjust the grid of streets and accelerate construction of the streets to coincide with the opening of the grocer in June 2020, Hudgins said.
The applicant is not proposing any significant changes, Hudgins said, adding that expedited processing of the zoning applications and the road site plans concurrently will help construction start.
Known as Halley Rise, the nearly 4 million-square-foot mixed-use development will be adjacent to the Reston Town Center Metro Station, occupying the northwest corner of the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive.
The county staff will now expedite scheduling the public hearings on the zoning applications.
The board also approved directing the Land Development Services to accept and review site plans to speed up the application prior to the board taking them up.
Rendering via Halley Rise website
Updated at 9:45 — Police say the road opened back up around 9:42 a.m. Crews are on their way to treat the icy conditions on the road.
Earlier: Frying Pan Road is closed near Sunrise Valley Drive shortly after 9 a.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
“A traffic crash with icy conditions” caused the closure, an FCPD tweet says.
Police ask locals to avoid the area and find an alternate route.
UPDATE: Frying Pan Rd is open but please use caution due to icy road conditions. Crews are in route to treat the road.
https://t.co/k7norcOeny— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) March 6, 2019
Images via Google Maps and Virginia 511
