Spring registration for Girls on the Run, a national organization that promotes self-confidence and healthy habits for elementary school girls, is now open for Lake Anne Elementary School.
Girls on the Run provides a physical activity-based youth development program. In Fairfax County, it is available for girls from third grade to sixth grade.
Starting the week of March 4, the Lake Anne Elementary School team will meet every Monday and Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m. A 5k on the weekend of May 18 will celebrate the end of the season.
Registration opened today (Jan. 28) on the Girls on the Run NOVA. The standard program fee is $175, which includes 20 lessons and practices, a t-shirt, water bottle, entry into the 5k, a 5k medal and more. Financial assistance is available for anyone who needs it.
Girls on the Run NOVA received the 2018 FCPS Community Partner of the Year award in November.
Photo via Girls on the Run
Just a short walk from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, Lofts at Reston Station will debut new one- and two-level condominiums starting around $600,000.
The redevelopment by Pulte Homes consists of 12 two-level townhome-styled condos and 32 one-level condos in an elevator building.
Reston Now previously reported that a representative for Pulte said the 44 new homes could expect an early fall opening.
Now, Lofts at Reston Station anticipates completion this spring. The two-over-two condos are finished and the one-level condos in an elevator building are scheduled to be done in May, Randall Anthony, a sales consultant for the Lofts at Reston Station, told Reston Now.
Construction started last spring on the redevelopment project located at 1825 Michael Faraday Drive, replacing an office building and a parking lot. Plans for this development started back in 2015.
The one-level condos will feature seven different home designs. Each condo will include two bedrooms and two baths, according to the Pulte website.
Meanwhile, the two-level condos will include two different home designs, with both offering up to three bedrooms and two baths each, along with a one-car garage.
The website lists the starting price at $529,990.
Residents of The Lofts will be Reston Association members.
Reston Town Center can expect a new nail salon to open in April.
Construction on The Glossary Nail Spa is expected to start later this week on Friday (Feb. 1), Hollee Ho, an employee at the spa, told Reston Now.
Ho said that it should be complete and ready to open by the middle of April. “[The] latest would be end of April,” Ho wrote in an email.
The Glossary Nail Spa wrote in a Facebook post on Dec. 20. that it is “coming soon” to 1771 Library Street — the former spot of Obi Sushi, which closed in December.
The nail spa is one of six new retailers and food establishments slated to open in Reston Town Center later this year.
Image via Google Maps
Herndon’s Board of Zoning Appeals narrowly threw out a zoning violation for a local house concert series at its meeting on Thursday (Jan. 24).
Chris Devine, the host of The Crib, said he decided to challenge that citation on Dec. 20 after meeting with staff three days earlier. Devine told the Board of Zoning Appeals that the staff appeared unfamiliar with house concerts, which he likened to a sports fan who has fellow fans over to watch the show and asks for money to help cover food and drink costs.
Zoning Administrator David Stromberg testified on Thursday night that the Town of Herndon first received an anonymous complaint last year on Oct. 30 alleging that 70 people entered Devine’s single-family townhouse. Stromberg said that evening surveillance then took place during two scheduled concert dates.
After two more complaints on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10 mentioning a lack of visitor parking, a notice of violation was issued on Dec. 14.
“[This] activity constitutes an Indoor Entertainment use and is not a permitted use on the subject property pursuant to the Town of Herndon Zoning Ordination,” the citation said.
Stromberg said that the zoning ordinance doesn’t really define a “commercial use” versus “non-commercial use” for indoor entertainment, adding that he did not consider who was receiving the money from the tickets.
All of the attendees’ donations and tickets go to the artist, according to The Crib’s website.
Devine said at the meeting that he’s taken steps to remediate any confusion that could result from a cursory review of the house concerts.
He said that he changed the wording on the website from “ticket” to “suggested donation” to clear up any concern about where the money goes. He also removed reference to a limited liability corporation he had set up for potential professional endeavors unrelated to the house concerts.
“I am certainly free as a homeowner to invite into my home anyone that I choose, including those fellow music lovers who want to support those artists through a donation,” Devine said in response to a definition of commercial activities referring to open attendance. “While I have not had the occasion, I can also refuse to anyone at any time for any reason, therefore attendance to my home is not open to the public.”
Since launching in 2015, The Crib has hosted nearly 50 house shows with 28 different independent artists, according to its website. Each show lets the artist perform two 45-minute sets of original music. Seating is on a first-come basis with a capacity of roughly 40 people.
After several locals testified in support of The Crib, the board voted 3-2 to overturn the violation.
The Crib’s next scheduled performance is set for Feb. 8 and will feature Dustin Furlow and Matt Thomas.
Image via Board of Zoning Appeals
Drone discussions — “Fairfax County is putting together a comprehensive plan for public safety in the county’s use of unmanned aircraft and is looking for public feedback with public meetings.” The Reston one is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunter Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). [Tysons Reporter]
Youth Media Awards — Scrawl Books will announce the award winners at 11 a.m. Then at 7 p.m., book enthusiasts can head to 11911 Freedom Drive for a panel discussion and celebration for the winners and honorees. [Youth Media Awards]
Nose to toes yoga — Young kids can try out yoga poses movement while enjoying books and songs with a children’s yoga instructor from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Reston Regional Library. [Reston Regional Library]
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- UPDATED: Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn Set to Close This Week in Reston Town Center
- Herndon Man Pleads Guilty to Running a Prostitution Ring
- Plans for Jinya Looking More Uncertain for Reston Town Center
- Peet’s Coffee, DC Row Among Six Newcomers Slated to Open in RTC
- FCPD Investigating Possible Weather-Related Deaths Outside Reston Senior Facilities
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.
There’s plenty to do around Reston and Herndon this weekend — especially if you are interested in learning more about fish and fishing.
The Herndon-based Northern Virginia Fish Club is set to hold its January meeting this weekend for aquarium enthusiasts.
Fishers can hone their skills before the warm weather arrives with a workshop at Lake Fairfax Park.
Tomorrow (Jan. 26)
Reston Camp Expo (9 a.m.-noon) — Reston’s sixth annual Camp Expo gives families a chance to learn about hundreds of Reston-area summer camps and out-of-school activities. This year’s event will also feature youth sports organizations and providers. It will be held at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road).
Bus service meeting (10 a.m.-noon) — Locals wanting to give feedback on the bus service in Herndon and Reston can head to the meeting at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609-A Washington Plaza). The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking input as part of a process to improve service and implement a plan for service changes, including connections to the future Metrorail Silver Line Phase 2 stations in Herndon and Reston.
Soup samples at Frying Pan Farm Park (10-11:30 a.m.) — Locals can go to Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 West Ox Road) to learn how to prepare home-cooked soups in winter. All participants will get to take home a serving of “Stone Soup” to enjoy. The cost of the program is $10 per person.
NoVa fish club meeting (1 p.m.) — The Northern Virginia Fish Club is scheduled to have their monthly meeting at the Herndon Fortnightly Library (768 Center Street).
Fishing workshop (4-5 p.m.) — Fishers can hone their skills at a workshop at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive). During the “Fishing Workshop-Tackle,” participants will learn about a variety of tackle, including rods and reels. The cost is $8 per person.
Herndon High School cabaret (7:30 p.m.) — This year’s annual performance will include family-favorites from “Come From Away,” “Matilda,” “Waitress” and “Kinky Boots.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Herndon High School Auditorium. Tickets cost $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.
Sunday (Jan. 27)
Winter Restaurant Week ends (all day) — Sunday is the last day for locals to enjoy prix fixe menus at the four Reston restaurants that are participating in Winter Restaurant Week. The event was set to end last week, but then the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington extended it.
“[title of show]” (2 p.m.) — Sunday is the last day for NextStop Theatre Company’s “[title of show],” a musical about four friends writing a musical about four friends writing a musical. Intrigued? Tickets start at $40 for the 2 p.m. performance at 269 Sunset Park Drive.
“Variety – The Spice of Life” reception (2-4 p.m.) — An opening reception will be held for paintings by Lassie Corbett, a Reston artist, on display at RCC Lake Anne’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609-A Washington Plaza).
Capitol Steps benefit performance (6 p.m.) — The annual performance by the political satire troupe raises money for Cornerstones to help families in the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Tickets start at $100, and the event is set to take place at the Hyatt Regency Reston (1800 Presidents Street).
File photo
Laurie Tyler Dodd, a lawyer in Reston, is the third Democratic candidate to enter the race for the Hunter Mill District seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Dodd is running on a campaign to maintain low density outside the Reston transit corridor, according to a Facebook post she wrote on Jan. 17. Reston’s density has recently been the focus of a contentious zoning proposal that would increase the maximum allowed population per acre in the Planned Residential Community district from 13 persons to any number up to 15.
Other major issues she wants to address include:
- preserving Vienna’s “small town feeling”
- protecting the environment
- ensuring the district is “welcoming to all and supportive of its families and business”
The Washington Post reported that Dodd joined the race as a Democrat before Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins announced on Jan. 22 that she won’t seek re-election this year.
Dodd currently is an attorney primarily practicing in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, according to her LinkedIn. She represents the best interests of children, addressing issues such as custody, visitation and foster care planning.
She has lived in Reston for 23 years.
Two Democratic candidates have already joined the race for her seat, Reston Now previously reported.
Shyamali Hauth, a United States Air Force veteran and community advocate, has her campaign focused on transportation, affordable housing, construction practices, budgets, security and education systems. Parker Messick, a recent graduate of Roanoke College, is running on a platform to “stop big development.”
The election for the county’s Board of Supervisors will take place on Nov. 5.
Photo via Laurie Tyler Dodd/Facebook
Updated at 2:05 p.m. — The owner confirmed that the store is closing today.
Less than a month after the Koko FitClub closed in the North Point Village Center, the Herndon location is set to close as well.
“We are closing this location as we have another place in Herndon but waiting on permission and buildout, but our landlord did not agree for a short term lease,” Kavitha Reddy, the owner and managing director for the Herndon location, told Reston Now in an email.
Reddy said that the spot at 2537 John Milton Drive in the Fox Mill Shopping Center will close by the end of today (Jan. 25).
“[We are] hoping to start back in April [or] May as so many members shared their story on how Koko helped improve their health,” Reddy wrote, adding that the new location is slated to be along Sunset Park Drive. “We want to give something back to the community.”
Back in December, Koko FitClub closed at 1424 North Point Village Center. The owner of that location declined to say why the Reston spot shuttered.
The “digital gym” offers a three-step Koko Smartraining System, individualized coaching, personalized nutrition, 30-minute strength conditioning and 15-minute HIIT cardio training.
More than 60 locations span 20 states and Canada. The Herndon and Reston closures will leave Koko FitClub without any locations in Virginia.
Image via Google Maps
This story has been updated
Connie Haines Hutchinson, a former vice mayor of the Herndon Town Council, is joining the race for the 86th District seat, which represents Herndon and parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
Hutchinson is running on a campaign to improve education, revamp transportation, lower medical costs and ensure Northern Virginia gets support from the Commonwealth.
Ever since she ran for the Herndon Town Council in 1990, Hutchinson said she is dedicated to “give my time and talents to improve the quality of life in my hometown,” according to her website, adding that her seven terms on the council gave her the background and knowledge to represent the area in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Hutchinson, who claims that her main issues are nonpartisan, decided to run as an Independent for the 86th District seat because elected officials in Herndon run as Independents “in order to allow cooperation and collaboration without divisive party politics,” her website says.
Currently, Hutchinson is the general manager at The Borenstein Group, according to her LinkedIn. She is also the treasurer of the Herndon Hospitality Association, a nonprofit she founded to assist Herndon’s hospitality industry.
Previously, she has served on the Virginia Municipal League’s Legislative Committee and was the president of the Dulles Area Transportation Association.
In 1992, she became a member of the Herndon Town Council, and she served as vice mayor during the 2008-2010 term and again in 2012-2014. Prior to that, Hutchinson served on the town’s architectural and heritage preservation review boards.
She has also been involved with the Optimist Club of Herndon, Herndon Recreation, Inc., Herndon Youth Soccer and the parent-teacher associations for Herndon Elementary School and Herndon Middle School.
Hutchinson is a Herndon native, and her four children attended Herndon schools, according to her website.
Hutchinson will face Republican Gregg Nelson and Democrat Ibraheem Samirah in the special election set for Feb. 19.
Photo via Connie Haines Hutchinson/website
Reston Town Center now has two large vacant spaces flanking the pavilion after two large, home goods retailers closed three days ahead of schedule.
Spokeswomen for Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma, which are both operated by Williams-Sonoma Inc., told Reston Now earlier this week that the stores were set to close on Sunday (Jan. 27). Yet surprised customers last night (Jan. 24) discovered that both stores planned to close for good by the end of the day.
Employees at both of the stores confirmed to Reston Now that Thursday was indeed the final day. Employees at the Williams-Sonoma said that the corporate office suddenly alerted them to the Thursday closing date after telling them that it would be Sunday.
A handful of customers were browsing the last few items left in Pottery Barn (11937 Market Street) when a store employee locked up the doors at 6 p.m.
The store had mostly barren shelves, a few barstools for sale and boxes of packaged merchandise. A sign in the storefront window that read, “Today is our last day!” advertised 70 percent off bedding, barstools, dining tables and dining chairs, along with 50 percent off everything else.
Down the street, the Williams-Sonoma (11897 Market Street) still had a selection of items ranging from kitchenware to candles. An hour before its closure at 7 p.m., about half of a dozen customers were still roaming the store, which offered 40 percent off everything. An additional 50 percent off was available for open cutlery, and furniture was 60 percent off.
The two closures are the first large retailers to leave Reston Town Center after several restaurants and small businesses left in 2018.
While replacements for the now-empty spaces haven’t been announced, Reston Town Center unveiled yesterday six newcomers slated to open later this year, including Peet’s, DC Row and True Food Kitchen.
The announcement did not indicate the expected opening dates or addresses.
Locals looking for another Williams-Sonoma store can find ones at Tysons Galleria, the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax and in the Mosaic District. Pottery Barn has locations in Tysons Corner and the Fair Oaks Mall.
Family yoga — From 10:30-11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, families can enjoy yoga along with stories and songs with a children’s yoga instructor. The event is meant for children ages 2 to 4. Families are encouraged to bring a mat or blanket. [Fairfax County]
Herndon High School 2019 Cabaret — This year’s annual performance will include family-favorites from “Come From Away,” “Matilda,” “Waitress” and “Kinky Boots.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Herndon High School Auditorium. Tickets cost $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. [Herndon High School]
New case study unveils history behind “One Fairfax” — The Center for the Study of Social Policy’s 15-page study was released on Jan. 22 to present an overview of the decades-long process and the milestones that led to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board adopting the “One Fairfax” policy in November 2017. [Fairfax County]
Reston care merger — Reston’s Clinical Care Options has merged with Greenwich, Conn.-based Practicing Clinicians Exchange. [citybizlist]
Locals who stop for a meal at the Chick-fil-A on Sunset Hills Road in Reston on Monday night can help raise funds for the Herndon Middle School.
The Chick-fil-A at 12160 Sunset Hills Road will donate 25 percent of the proceeds when customers display the print or digital flyer.
The fundraiser runs from 5-8 p.m. on Monday (Jan. 28).
Image via Google Maps
Updated at 10:45 a.m. — Includes information about feeding the TSA workers from Gaurang Shah.
Vapiano in Reston Town Center has been pitching in to help government workers as the partial federal government shutdown looms on without an end in sight.
The recent efforts stemmed from a desire to “take care of those who take care of us during this political standoff,” according to a press release.
Earlier this week, the Italian restaurant at 1875 Explorer Street offered 50 percent off for furloughed federal workers on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Gaurang Shah, the local behind the Reston Going Out Group on Meetup.com and a Vapiano regular, approached the restaurant with an idea: ask for food donations to serve to TSA workers.
Vapiano then created a menu of homestyle Italian meals. Shah told Reston Now that he pitched in supplies and other food, along with reaching out to a TSA Supervisor at Dulles International Airport who agreed with the proposal.
Shah said that hundreds of TSA workers came to the restaurant for the food.
Our Team Vapiano Reston Town Center ❤️ did treat our Washington Dulles International Airport #TSA Team ❤️ Thank you for your service ❤️ #GovernmentShutdown #GovernmentShutdownstories pic.twitter.com/GzfoQ95oxV
— Vapiano USA (@VapianoUSA) January 21, 2019
On MLK Day we'd like to give back to the community & offer all furloughed Federal Workers 50% off their entire check. Just come by & show your government ID when checking out. See you in a bit!#GovernmentShutdown #MLK2019 pic.twitter.com/7K5GqIiuXd
— Vapiano USA (@VapianoUSA) January 21, 2019
Image via Vapiano/Twitter
The Capitol Steps are back in Reston this Sunday (Jan. 27) for the troupe’s 36th annual benefit performance for Cornerstones.
The D.C.-based political satire group is known for mocking both sides of the aisle in songs and comedy skits. The troupe has recorded more than 35 albums since Senate staffers started Capitol Steps in 1981 according to the website.
The show starts at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Reston (1800 Presidents Street). Tickets start at $100.
Proceeds from the performance benefit families in the Cornerstones’ Embry Rucker Community Shelter. In recent years, the annual benefit performance has raised more than $300,000.
Photo via The Capitol Steps/Facebook
