Check your smoke alarm — When you move your clocks forward by one hour on Sunday, the fire department wants you to also check to make sure that your smoke alarm is working with these tips and tricks. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]
Spring Flea Market — Missed the flea market? This recap shares locals’ reactions and experiences at the event last weekend. [Connection Newspapers]
Herndon, Fairfax companies join — “On the heels of a promising earnings report, ManTech International Corp. announced an agreement Friday to acquire Kforce Government Solutions Inc. for $115 million — expanding its federal civilian services portfolio… The acquisition adds more than 500 KGS employees, who are mostly based in Greater Washington and Austin, Texas, to ManTech’s 7,800-person team.” [Washington Business Journal]
Grow with Google — Attend free workshops and one-on-one coaching focused on digital skills, job searching and small business growth and marketing tools today at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. The all-day event is in partnership with Google. [Fairfax County]
Updated at 9:45 a.m. — Corrects the area for the home’s location.
A homeowner near Reston found three unknown men standing in the home last Thursday (Feb. 28), according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Police say the homeowner heard a noise coming from the back of the home in the 1400 block of Wynhurst Lane around 6:06 p.m. The three men “ran away after being startled by the homeowner,” the report says.
“All three males were dressed in dark clothing with hoods pulled over their heads,” according to the report.
No property was taken, according to the report.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, beer from business
STOLEN VEHICLES:
1800 block of Wiehle Avenue, 2016 Ford Explorer
Herndon police arrested and charged a 27-year-old Herndon man with burglary after they found him locked inside of a store in the 1000 block of Elden Street attempting to steal a case of beer on Friday (March 1).
The man told officers that he fell asleep in the bathroom before the store closed and was planning on leaving the store with the beer, according to the report. He was transported to the Fairfax Adult Detention Center where he was held without bond.
File photo
Two exhibits highlighting Reston’s changes and values since its founding in 1964 recently opened at the Reston Regional Library.
Alex Campbell, the executive director of the Reston Historic Trust and Museum, told Reston Now that the museum reached out to the library late last year to inquire about hosting some temporary exhibits in an effort to bring Retson’s history out of the museum and into the community.
The “Reston Then & Now” exhibit shows early pictures of Reston and aerial photography, including images of Lake Anne Plaza being built and how the same area looks today and the large barn that used to be at Hunters Woods Village. The “50/100” exhibit, which was created for Reston’s 50th and Founder Robert E. Simon Jr.’s 100th birthday, highlights Reston’s founding and how its principles are still implemented.
“Both exhibits tell the story of Reston — of the community’s growth and transformation but also, in many ways, of its continuity,” Ha Hoang, the assistant branch manager for the Reston Regional Library, told Reston Now.
The library started to receive positive feedback during the exhibits’ first week, Hoang said. “Those who have just moved to the area and out-of-town visitors have been especially delighted to see the exhibits in the library and to learn more about Reston,” Hoang added.
Both Campbell and Hoan said that collaboration makes perfect sense.
“In many ways, our missions are very similar — we’re both community anchors and learning hot spots whose goals are to help our constituents stay informed, connected and engaged,” Hoang said.
The exhibits opened on Feb. 26 and will be on display until the end of April at 11925 Bowman Towne Drive.
The exhibits will then get replaced by others from the Reston Museum, Hoang said.
Image via Reston Museum/Twitter
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins’ motion to “indefinitely defer” the consideration of a proposed zoning amendment.
The zoning ordinance has been a hotly debated issue among Restonians.
It would have increased the maximum allowed population per acre in the Planned Residential Community (PRC) district — Reston’s primary zoning district — from 13 persons to any number up to 15, along with allowing residential development at a density of up to 70 dwelling units per acre in certain areas.
“There are those in the community who do not support this change to the PRC density because they do not support redevelopment of the village centers and are concerned about future growth in Reston,” Hudgins told the board before the vote. “There is also concern that this PRC amendment will somehow support residential development on one or both of the two golf courses in Reston.”
Hudgins also said that misinformation has plagued the push to update the zoning ordinance and thanked the staff for their work educating the community.
“I had hoped that we could have found a way to provide the necessary zoning tool to implement the adopted Reston Plan,” Hudgins said.
Hudgins said that she will work with staff and community representatives to outline a process and timeframe to reexamine the plan for the village centers before reconsidering the PRC amendment — the Planning Commission’s suggested solution.
The vote came shortly after noon on Tuesday (March 5) during the board’s meeting.
Chairman Sharon Bulova told Hudgins that she understands the PRC amendment has been difficult for her and the Reston community.
“This is not easy, and I know that folks have asked for the opportunity to maybe step back and try to revisit the process that will allow things to move forward in a way that has more community engagement and more community support for a path forward,” she said.
Photo via Fairfax County
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Luke Brindley will bring folk rock and acoustic guitar music to the Deepwood Sessions, a series of house concerts hosted in Reston, this Friday (March 8).
Based in Virginia, Brindley is a fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter. He also runs with his brothers a music venue, bar and cafe in Vienna called Jammin Java.
He released the “Dream Songs EP” in 2018.
The 7 p.m. show asks attendees each for a $15 minimum donation. Each concert for the Deepwood Sessions has a suggested minimum donation, which goes to directly to the artist.
According to the website, the series hosts its acoustic and unplugged concerts featuring independent artists with a variety of styles and musical genres.
RSVP-ing in advance is strongly recommended.
After two years on the force, Leon recently retired from his police dog duties at the Herndon Police Department.
The 4-year-old German Shepherd was diagnosed with advanced stages of an undetermined form of cancer, a spokeswoman for the Town of Herndon told Reston Now.
Leon graduated from the Fairfax County K9 School in late December 2016. He was trained in tracking and narcotics detection.
In 2017, Leon received his ballistic vests from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, which provides vests for police dogs in honor of fallen K9s.
Officer Trent Ashman, Leon’s handler and partner, told Reston Now that Leon has been deployed to the field 125 times since his 2016 graduation. Leon helped police discover and seize narcotics and weapons 49 different times, he added.
During his time at the police department, Leon aided with nine criminal apprehensions, Ashman said.
A highlight was when Leon tracked and found two suspects in a stolen vehicle case who were hiding in a creek miles away. “The stolen gun used in the crime was also located approximately 20 yards away from where the suspects were taken into custody,” Ashman said.
Leon officially retired on Feb. 22. “He will remain comfortably at home surrounded by his family,” the Herndon Police Department tweeted. “Thank you for your service, Leon. You’re a good boy.”
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of #K9 Leon for medical reasons. He will remain comfortably at home surrounded by his family, including his handler and partner, PFC Ashman. Thank you for your service, Leon. You're a good boy. #herndonpd pic.twitter.com/yVt9mqsqPt
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) March 4, 2019
Photos via Herndon Police Department
Silver Line snags — “Though there are three outstanding concrete issues for the line from Wiehle-Reston East to Ashburn, only one of them has had a plan approved to address it: The more than 1,000 faulty framing panels at stations.” [WTOP]
Mardi Gras party — Head to the Tall Oaks Assisted Living from 3-4:30 p.m. for a Mardi Gras celebration. Partygoers can enjoy a live performance by the Louis Pettinelli Jazz Duo. The event is free. [Facebook]
School lottery — Eyeing the magnet school program at Hunters Woods? Registration for FCPS elementary magnet lottery programs opened today at 8:30 a.m. [FCPS]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
Updated at 4:45 p.m. — Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins is expected to “indefinitely defer” the decision tomorrow, according to emails obtained by Reston Now. A reason was not given.
Updated at 4:30 p.m. — A public hearing on a Reston PRC zoning ordinance that was slated for tomorrow will not be held, a Fairfax County staffer told Reston Now.
Earlier: The agenda for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meeting tomorrow (March 5) just got lighter now that it doesn’t plan to hold a public hearing on a hotly debated issue among Restonians.
The public hearing, which was scheduled to take place after 4:30 p.m. and be the last item on the agenda, will not be happening, a Fairfax County staffer told Reston Now. The staffer was not aware of the reason.
Back in February, Fairfax County’s Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors deny the specific proposal, which would have increased the maximum allowed population per acre in the Planned Residential Community (PRC) district — Reston’s primary zoning district — in certain areas.
The board is set to authorize advertisements of a public hearing for an ordinance that would establish Economic Revitalization and Redevelopment Zones (ERRZs) throughout the county.
The zones stem from a bill passed by the General Assembly in 2017 that “provides for regulatory flexibility and financial incentives to encourage the private sector to assemble property for economic development purposes,” according to county documents.
The proposed amendment would offer expedited processing of development applications and other regulatory and economic incentives to private sector developers.
The commercial revitalization area of the Lake Anne Village Center would be one of the zones established, along with others including McLean and Springfield, Baileys Crossroads and more.
Photo via Fairfax County Government/Facebook
Reston Association President Andy Sigle just added a new leadership position to his resume.
Leadership Fairfax, a nonprofit that aims to inspire private and public sector individuals to tackle community issues, announced today (March 4) that Sigle will be the new chief operating officer and vice president of external relations.
“Andy’s passionate dedication to community and his ability to collaborate across sectors makes him an ideal addition to the staff at Leadership Fairfax,” Karen Cleveland, the chief executive officer and president of Leadership Fairfax, said in a statement. “We know his vision will help guide the organization as we move into a new year of opportunity and growth.”
In his new role, Sigle will work with external community partners and serve as a sponsorship contact for the nonprofit’s signature events, according to the press release.
Sigle graduated from the 2014 class of the Leadership Fairfax Institute, a 10-month program to help strengthen professional and community leaders, according to the press release.
Since then, Sigle has volunteered and worked with a plethora of community groups, including Cornerstones, the Southgate Community Center Advisory Council, Lake Anne Brew House, the Reston Historic Trust and The Reston Chorale, according to the press release.
Last year, Sigle was honored as a Best of Reston recipient.
Recently in his role as the Reston Association’s president, Sigle has urged Restonians to get engaged with a proposal that would increase the Planned Residential Community (PRC) district — Reston’s primary zoning district — in certain areas. A spokesman for the Reston Association declined to comment on Sigle’s Leadership Fairfax role.
Photo by Reston Association
Locals can soon see sculptures combining cast iron and knitting. Hooked?
Artist Alyssa Imes’ solo show titled “Looming Connections” opens tomorrow (March 5) at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street).
The mixed media exhibit includes sculptures made from cast iron and other metals covered with knitted fabric, along with earthen colored drawings on raw paper.
Imes, who describes herself as a social person, explores physical bonds and emotional relationships with her artwork — a theme that carries over into her exhibit.
From the ArtSpace Herndon description:
The artist sees the yarn as time and life, and the knots as experiences we share. The looms are the places we meet people. The pieces of fabric are knitted from the sculptures themselves so the iron looms create support and help mechanically weave fabric from an individual strand of string.
A reception will be held on Saturday (March 9) from 7-9 p.m.
“Looming Connections” will run until April 6.
Photo via ArtSpace Herndon/Facebook
Two months down and about seven more to go for the renovation of the Reston Community Center’s Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center.
RCC recently shared its monthly construction update on the project, which will update the 40-year-old aquatics center with two pools.
Two progress meetings took place before March 1, and the project “remains on schedule and on budget,” according to the post.
Demolition started in late January and continued through February. The demolition is expected to finish in early to mid-March, the post says.
The newly renovated facility, which will include a 25-yard lap pool with zero-depth entry, a warm-water therapeutic pool and a new roof, is slated to reopen in October.
Photos via Reston Community Center
Voting for Reston Association’s elections begins today for five uncontested seats on the Board of Directors.
Three candidates are incumbents:
- Catherine Baum for a one-year term as the Apartment Owners Representative
- Caren Anton for a one-year term as the Hunters Woods/Dogwood Representative
- John Mooney for a three-year term as the North Point Representative
Tom Mulkerin, a residential real estate agent who has served on the board of the Lakewinds II Cluster Association, is running for a three-year-term At-Large seat.
Aaron Webb, who has served on the board of the Lakeside Cluster, is running for a three-year term for the Lake Anne/Tall Oaks Representative, which is currently filled by Sherri Herbert.
Mooney, Mulkerin, Webb and Anton participated in a candidates’ forum last week where they responded to questions about resource management, Reston’s density cap, the board’s authority and community outreach.
At least 10 percent of eligible voters are needed to make the results official.
The month-long voting period ends on April 1. The results will get announced at the Annual Members’ Meeting in April.
Photos courtesy Reston Association
RA election starts — Voting begins today for the Reston Association’s Board of Directors. [Reston Association]
Community conversation — Want to help Fairfax County on its strategic planning process? Join a meeting tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center. [Eventbrite]
Youth Art Month — Exhibits open today at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery and the 3D Gallery at RCC Lake Anne featuring artwork by kids from eight Reston elementary schools. “National Youth Art Month has been observed annually since 1961. It emphasizes the value of art education and encourages support for quality school art programs.” [Reston Community Center]
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now this week.
- The Tasting Room Set to Close Next Month in Reston Town Center
- Crime Roundup: Herndon Woman Arrested in Connection with Husband’s Death
- Here’s the Latest on Penzance’s Planned Herndon Parkway Development
- DC Row Set to Open in Reston Town Center This Summer
- Herndon, Reston High School Students Win Peace Awards
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
Image via Google Maps
