The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission plans to fund a new express bus service, part of efforts aimed at reducing congestion connected with Interstate 66 and the Beltway.
The commission approved a plan yesterday to fund the bus service with over $5.1 million for two years. Routes would run from the Reston South Park and Ride lot to key destinations in Arlington County that include the Pentagon, Pentagon City and Crystal City.
With the new service, proposed by Fairfax County, funding would also cover buying six diesel buses to operate the 10 morning and 10 evening peak direction trips.
More environmental friendly vehicles require significant infrastructure, such as charging stations, which weren’t part of the proposal, officials said.
The commission’s approval sends the matter before the Commonwealth Transportation Board, which could vote on the matter Oct. 20.
Two other projects and $400,000 in administrative costs were included in the NVTC plan, too.
A second project involves $85,000 in funding for an effort by OmniRide to provide a $200 a month incentive payment to newly formed, eligible vanpools.
The third project calls for nearly $155,000 to subsidize and reduce fares of the Fairfax Connector express bus service between the Reston North Park and Ride and stops in Arlington County that include the Pentagon, Pentagon City and Crystal City. It would reduce fares from $7.50 to $4.25.
The three projects are part of a Commuter Choice funding program of which the NVTC approved an initial batch of projects last year. Toll revenues fund the program.
Fall activities for area schools are back.
Compared to last year when the pandemic disrupted sports, dances and parades, lineups are returning at Herndon and South Lakes schools and others.
Students are wearing masks as they attend school and make traditional homecoming decorations in school hallways; vaccine mandates for athletes have brought high school football back with as much normalcy as possible.
There will still be some differences as COVID-19 precautions persist: James Madison High School’s dance will be held Saturday night in two large tents at the school’s rear parking lot. The theme is “Highway to Homecoming.”
Last year, football and other fall sports were canceled as students largely studied remotely. Herndon canceled its homecoming parade, too, which can involve over 1,500 participants, and the school held a live virtual event for homecoming.
“Homecoming is a longstanding tradition in the Herndon community. It is very much a full-community effort,” Principal Liz Noto said in a statement, noting that many alumni return for the afternoon football game.
The Herndon Homecoming Parade will require all participants to wear a mask. It starts at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at Herndon Middle School and runs along Elden Street from Locust Street/Sterling Road to Lynn Street. The game against Washington-Liberty High School is at 1 p.m.
@SLHS2022 is ready for Homecoming Week! #lockerpoddecorations #spiritweekbegins @FCPSRegion1 pic.twitter.com/n0Z3p3Qnsa
— South Lakes High School (@southlakeshs) October 7, 2021
The South Lakes Seahawks will have their homecoming parade from 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 starting at Hunters Wood Plaza and ending at the high school.
The school will have its homecoming parade start at Hunters Wood Plaza and arrive at the high school before the big game that night at 7 against Chantilly.
Photo via twitter.com/southlakeshs
When Cathy Tunis’ neighbor recruited her to the Reston Garden Club in 1976, she heard the group wasn’t one where members wore white gloves or didn’t dig in the dirt.
True to that description, Tunis noted a 50th anniversary luncheon at Hidden Creek Country Club had members who have participated in gardening projects throughout the decades to beautify their community.
The club celebrated longstanding and new members, drawing over 50 attendees for the luncheon. It also raised money with a silent auction to create a $1,000 scholarship fund for South Lakes High School graduates to pursue horticulture or related studies.
“We’re here to celebrate the history of the garden club,” said Tunis, the chair of the group’s 50th Anniversary Committee.
Kathleen Driscoll fended off bidding over one such auction item: a “Munchkin Fire” hosta featuring a miniature home in the pot next to the perennial. Driscoll noted she had the perfect place to put it on display at her own house.
The 75-member group has had numerous milestones throughout the decades, from holding a weekly TV show from 1978 to 1983, raising money for an abstract art sculpture outside the Reston Regional Library that was dedicated in 1992, delivering gardening projects at schools, new intersections and more, holding an annual sale of holiday decorations, helping support the planting of memorial trees and other activities.
Several of its members stopped their involvement to pursue careers over the years but have since returned. Barbara Pelzner did so to teach fifth grade but is now back in the club — able to attend its daytime meetings.
Some of the club’s key outreaches continue to remain, such as providing Holiday Greens arrangements to support public service facilities, maintaining the Wildflower Trail at the Walker Nature Center and tending to plants at the center and the Reston Regional Library.
The club started in 1970 when a few residents noted the need for such a group. Joanna Davis and Diane Jowett Shoup shared their ideas with Reston’s outdoor director, Vernon Walker, and the two women soon assembled a group of interested participants, from those with green thumbs to others with little gardening experience.
Shoup teared up during the luncheon when speaking about her friend, who died in 2012.
“Little did we imagine where this club would go and what it’s legacy would be,” Shoup said. “I never, ever could [have imagined] that this club would go this long.”
House of Delegates candidates answered questions on a range of issues that they could face in Richmond, giving voters a firsthand look at their viewpoints.
The nonprofit Cornerstones hosted the forum online with 36th District candidates Matt Lang, a Republican security consultant and veteran, and incumbent Ken Plum, a Democrat who has held the office since 1982.
For the 86th District race, the forum also featured candidates Julie Perry, a Republican high school history teacher, and Irene Shin, who won the Democratic Primary in June to take the nomination away from incumbent Ibraheem Samirah.
Candidates fielded questions from panelists and the audience in the hourlong event. A recording of the forum was slated to be posted on Cornerstones’ website.
Extending child care subsidy
Panelist Nasia Ashkir noted a federal subsidy for child care will end in December, and she asked if candidates would support extending it with leftover American Relief Act Money.
Plum shared his support for doing so and noted that he wrote about the issue for a column this month. He cited research showing how kids who received pre-school education have been linked to less societal costs, mainly in the area of crime.
Lang also said he’s support such an extension and would want to look for how to fund it once the federal aid runs out in ways that don’t raise taxes.
“Like Del. Plum just said, children are the future,” the Reston resident said. “Their education and their foundation is going to be our success down the road.”
Addressing affordable housing
Pastor Stephen Smith-Cobbs, who served as the forum’s second panelist, noted how $4.3 billion in flexible funding is available through ARPA but hasn’t been spent so far in affordable housing.
“Many people who work in Fairfax County simply can’t afford to live here,” Smith-Cobbs said, asking what candidates’ plans were for increasing the stock in affordable housing.
Both Republican candidates noted concerns with long-term assistance.
“If we help them forever, they’re never going to have the incentive to want to try their best and shine in society,” Perry said, adding that everybody can live the American dream.
Shin, the executive director of the nonprofit Virginia Civic Engagement Table, which looks to support progressive organizations, said she would support fully funding the Virginia Housing Trust, saying it incentivizes developers to make affordable housing.
Lang also said that increasing the supply of rental units or homes could help reduce the sales of existing homes, and lowering prices of other things, such as fuel taxes, would help put more money in people’s pockets.
His opponent said Cornerstones serves as a model for how to go forward by providing comprehensive services, such as child care and job training. Plum also said he expects the governor’s upcoming budget proposal to increase affordable housing investments, such as by working with organizations, setting up land conservation trusts and pursuing other efforts to leverage public money.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Station 25 should be complete and occupied by the end of this year.
That’s the most recent timeline for the project (1820 Wiehle Ave.), according to the department’s director of public information, Ashley Hildebrandt.
“Station personnel are very excited about the new station,” she says in an email.
Demolition on the former station began in March 2020 for the nearly $15 million project that will double the size of Station 25.
The former station was 2 1/2 bays, designed in 1972 and had “become undersized” and lacked “inadequate critical infrastructure and support functions to meet the needs of the expanding department and the community it serves,” according to a description by the project’s architect.
The new station has four bays and makes other adjustments for more firefighters to be located there, such as by providing 41 parking spaces.
Firefighters have temporarily relocated to 1840 Cameron Glen Drive during the construction to continue providing service.
Following COVID-19’s effects on the wedding industry, Reston Association expects its Lake House amenity — a venue especially geared toward wedding events — will become more of a destination spot in coming years.
The community building — like other wedding and event venues — had revenue “significantly impacted” in 2020 but could bring in over $135,000 this year, according to the association. But it comes after RA has sunk millions of dollars into the property.
A wedding expo on Nov. 7 looks to feature the venue as well as vendors in the greater Washington area that offer entertainment, catering, bridal fashions, photography and cakes.
“The Wedding Expo is an opportunity to showcase The Lake House to not only Reston Association members but also others from the DMV looking to book their wedding or celebration at a beautiful lake view venue,” RA spokesperson Mike Leone said in a statement.
No new capital expenditures are planning in upcoming years, according to a capital projects plan; a dock could be added, but there are currently no plans to do so, Leone also stated.
RA projects operating revenues to increase to $185,000 in 2022 and $195,000 in 2023, according to a budget draft, while the association seeks to reduce costs to around $39,100 and $40,600 for those years.
The capital projects plan, which was presented last month and runs from 2022-2026, notes the following:
The Lake House, which was built in 1983, purchased by RA in 2015, and then renovated in 2015, facilitates as a community rental building for RA. The 3.47-acre property … is located immediately adjacent to Lake Newport and offers lakeside views to members and guests. It is ideally suited for small to mid-sized weddings and celebrations, corporate functions, workshops, conferences, and private functions with a capacity size of 145 people. … Future plans for this facility include the addition of a dock extending from the covered deck into Lake Newport, an event tent, and a dedicated public address system.
The facility has drawn controversy throughout the years after the association bought it for $2.6 million in 2015 and repairs were three times more than expected, leading to an independent review of the asset.
The RA Board of Director could pursue the dock addition in upcoming budgets, though, including the current budget.
A first public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by meetings on the process throughout October before a second public hearing on Nov. 10.
The board is slated to approved the budget and set the assessment for 2022 on Nov. 18.
Monday, October 4
- “Judy” (10 a.m.) — Reston Community Center Hunters Woods’ CenterStage gives a free showing of the 2019 biographical drama about “The Wizard of Oz” star Judy Garland.
Tuesday, October 5
- Aspen Trees at Sunrise (6:30-8:30 p.m.) — Check out a Pinot’s Palette wine-and-painting class. Cost is $39.
Wednesday, October 6
- Reston Farmers Market (3-7 p.m.) — Stop by for some fresh produce at the parking lot of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Thursday, October 7
- Herndon Farmers Market (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) –Local vendors sell a variety of fresh produce.
- Lunchtime with the Arts at Mason (12:30-1:30 p.m. — Jazz vocalist Darden Purcell and George Mason University faculty and students perform at Reston Town Square Park.
Friday, October 8
- “A Familiar Melody” (8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday as well as 2 p.m. on Sunday) — A NextStop Theatre Company show brings together a selection of Broadway hits. Tickets are $30.
Saturday, October 9
- Community Yard Sale (8:30 a.m. to noon) — Eighty families are again filling the Reston Association headquarters’ parking lot.
- Reston Baby Expo (9 a.m. to noon) — Find out about local organizations and resources focused on babies at this Reston Community Center Hunters Woods event that features workshops, educational sessions and more.
- Miles for Migraine (9 a.m.) — Help support this nonprofit working to address this neurological condition, advance research and end stigma. Virtual venue as well as an in-person event at Lake Fairfax Park.
Sunday, October 10
- Bird Walks (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Beginner birders will gather to spot winged friends at Bright Pond.
An online tool has created ways for craft beer drinkers and wine aficionados to pour out discounts.
The tourism organization Visit Fairfax announced today the launch of its Locally Poured Field Guide, a free digital passport that comes via text message and email to get deals at breweries and wineries in the region. People can sign up at www.FXVA.com/beer.
“We have seen continued growth in Fairfax County’s craft beverage scene over the last several years and have been working closely with our local brewers and winemakers to support their businesses through tourism,” Barry Biggar, president and CEO of Visit Fairfax, said in a news release.
Discounts currently listed through the online tool include 50% off beer flights at various breweries, 5% and 15% reductions from one’s tabs or bills at two places, and for Lake Anne Brew House, $1 off a new visitor’s first pint, 10% off merchandise and 20% off growler fills. Participants show their phone to check in and redeem discounts.
“This new digital-only Field Guide welcomes Fairfax County’s two vineyard wineries and one urban winery to the fold, in addition to the now 12 craft breweries located within the county’s jurisdiction,” tourism reps said in the news release.
The tourism organization hopes to promote the county’s breweries and wineries and it also includes prize drawings for checking in at seven of the 15 participating locations.
Technology company Bandwango, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, partnered with Visit Fairfax to develop the program.
Current participating breweries and wineries are the following:
- Aslin Beer Co. in Herndon
- Bike Lane Brewing & Cafe in Reston
- Bunnyman Brewing in Burke
- Caboose Commons in Merrifield
- Caboose Tavern in Vienna
- Fair Winds Brewing Co. in Newington
- G34.3 Brewing Co. in Newington
- Honor Brewing Co. in Chantilly
- Lake Anne Brew House in Reston
- Mustang Sally Brewing Co. in Chantilly
- Ono Brewing Co. in Chantilly
- Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton
- Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. in Idylwood
- The Winery at Bull Run by Manassas National Battlefield Park
- Woodlawn Press Winery in Mount Vernon
Reston Gateway, a major mixed-use project slated to house two key corporate headquarters and other features, has reached a development milestone.
Clark Construction Group, a Maryland-based company, said it’s completed the core construction of two office buildings, and the business is now, with other contractors, fitting out tenant spaces — with the first one slated to be ready for use in November.
Volkswagen’s North American headquarters and Fannie Mae are moving operations to the commercial space of the development, dubbed Reston Gateway. Developer Boston Properties has also looked to build a 570-room hotel there along with residential towers that could be as high as 36 and 12 stories.
“Clark really set a high bar with their delivery of this cornerstone project in our next phase of Reston Town Center,” Mike Holland, vice president of construction at Boston Properties, said in a statement. “Not only did they deliver the project on time, but they did it despite the unprecedented challenges COVID presented.”
Construction began in 2018 and took just under three years.
Per a news release:
2000 Opportunity Way is a 28-story, 800,000 square foot office building, including 8,000 square feet of retail space and a six-level parking structure. 1950 Opportunity Way is a 20-story, 623,000 square foot office building with 8,000 square feet of retail space and a six-level parking structure. The two office towers are structurally adjoined at levels 7 and 8 by a 20-foot-high connector floor. The project also includes a 7,000 square foot fitness center, a roof deck, and multiple private roof terraces.
The project also calls for six acres of public open space, featuring a public plaza as well as multiple outdoor amenity and green spaces.
The development is by the forthcoming Reston Town Center Metro station, which would extend service westward but has undergone numerous delays.
An opening date of April or May 2022 for the Metro line extension would be years after it was supposed to have been completed.
The Town of Herndon will restrict guns at certain government buildings, the Herndon Community Center and a town golf course clubhouse.
Following passionate testimony during public hearings, the measure passed 4-3 on Tuesday with council members Signe Friedrichs and Sean Regan as well as Mayor Sheila Olem opposing it. It carries a misdemeanor penalty and will go into effect Jan. 1.
Town officials had reviewed the ordinance with two versions. One measure, Option A, included town buildings and parks. The other, Option B, was more narrowly confined to town buildings with staff or those with public access.
“We must respond to what has gone on … in the country … for the last two years or even before that,” Councilmember Jasbinder Singh said. “We continue to avoid some responsibility.”
The passed measure, Option B, exempts law enforcement, security personnel hired by the town and certain other cases.
The town has also been considering a related measure to improve security. The ordinance passed didn’t list those figures, but the town identified costs in an impact assessment that has called for spending nearly $2.8 million to upgrade building doors, counters and other changes and also paying nearly $745,000 per year in security costs.
Several people noted their opposition for the measures:
- “There’s no gun issue in the town,” resident Eric Boll said. “I’ll be very unhappy to see town services reduced or property taxes increased to address a nonexistent issue.”
- “Bad guys are not going to obey signs and won’t follow the law,” resident Linda Mohr-Paraskevopoulos said. “This ordinance doesn’t make anyone safer.”
- “We are not having any kind of gun emergency in town,” resident Barbara Glakas said.
Glakas expressed support for one-time capital expenses for the issue but raised questions about magnetometers for families going to pottery classes, swimming and attending gymnastics classes.
She also said pro-ordinance supporters are using fear mongering in arguing their case and described the town becoming a little police state.
Residents also said the ordinance would expose the town to lawsuits and said politics are fueling the issue.
But the gun restriction also drew support.
Sherry Blanton noted she was greatly outnumbered but asked the town to pass the ordinance. “A yes vote will tell me that the town cares about me and my wellbeing as well as the families and children who use our parks,” she said, noting concerns over kids accidentally grabbing guns that others have.
Prior to the final vote, council considered a measure by Friedrichs to table the issue.
Friedrichs said most comments from people noted the town doesn’t have a gun violence problem and said the council could return to the matter.
“To me this is theatre,” Friedrichs said, asking that the measure be postponed indefinitely.
Only she and Olem supported tabling the matter.
Vice Mayor Cesar del Aguila noted hundreds of people submitted comments and said he thinks it’s imperative to show the town is serious about safety.
He noted how the town hall turns into a courthouse on Wednesday each week and bans guns. He said the town isn’t taking away anyone’s right to own guns. They’re just asking people to not bring them to certain buildings.
Reston Association is weighing how it will address expected costs that are projected to rise.
A budget document presented to the board suggested a 6% increase in next year’s assessment, which would potentially move dues from $718 to $764. But acting CEO Larry Butler said the board has a variety of ways to try to address the potential increases in costs, which could include reducing services or a mixture of strategies.
Butler discussed possible funding scenarios at the Board of Directors meeting last week. The second draft of the budget will go to RA’s fiscal committee for review on Oct. 13 following a public hearing on Oct. 6.
The board is expected to hold a second public hearing on Nov. 10 and adopt the final budget on Nov. 18.
The budget for 2021 set $19.2 million for operating revenues. That’s slated to rise to $21.6 million for 2022 and nearly $21.7 million in 2023, where budget documents appear to use a placeholder of an increased assessment fee.
Rather than have an increased assessment fee simply take care of the issue, the board is exploring budget iterations about how to move forward.
“Clearly you can — you can just raise the assessment 15.5%,” Butler said during a Thursday meeting regarding the biennial budget, which would make the assessment $829. “I’m … not recommending that.”
RA is looking to increase operating costs from less than $16 million for its 2021 budget to $17.5 million next year and $17.9 million the following year, based on a budget draft so far.
Around two-thirds of the service organization’s operating costs are personnel, and Butler is strongly recommending a 3% merit-based increase. He suggested that would help retain staff, which total around 100 full-timers.
The association is also looking at a five-year capital projects plan. It calls for improvements to facilities such as pools including Lake Thoreau and tennis courts, of around $3 million to nearly $4 million each year from 2022-2026.
According to a memo from Butler to the board of directors and a fiscal committee, the draft budget called for adding several new positions that include the following:
- a registrar to assist members with online transactions, run reports, improve the customer experience and more; the position would have a total compensation of $60,000 and that could reduce other budget line items by $13,800 with the new position,
- a financial services manager, whose salary and benefits would total $102,000,
- a capital projects manager whose total compensation would be $84,000,
- an applications analyst, whose duties would include but not be limited to data analytics, with a compensation package of $108,000.
The association is also eyeing whether it would replace or change current openings that involve a director of information technology and an aquatics program manager.
Despite the draft budget discussed, the association says a preliminary budget is not yet available.
RA spokesperson Mike Leone said in a statement, “The Board of Directors, Fiscal Committee and RA Staff are working to develop a draft budget for discussion at the Oct. 4 Board Budget Work session.”
Tuesday, September 28
- Health and Wellness Fair (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — The YMCA Fairfax County Reston is hosting this Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce Network Night that features healthy snacks, alcohol and wellness resources.
Wednesday, September 29
- BEER RUN pre-Ragnar Q&A (6:30-8:30 p.m.) — While registration has closed for Ragnar Sunset NoVA‘s Saturday race, you can still learn more about it, run some laps and have some beers while asking questions with the race director at Lake Anne Brew Plaza.
Thursday, September 30
- Herndon Farmers Market (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Stop by for some fresh produce from local vendors. Recurs weekly.
Friday, October 1
- “A Familiar Melody” (8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday as well as 2 p.m. on Sunday) — A NextStop Theatre Company show brings together a selection of Broadway hits. Tickets are $30.
Saturday, October 2
- Reston Farm Garden Market Fall Fest (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) — Enjoy bounce houses, games, a maze and petting zoo, train rides and more. This recurring weekend event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31. Cost is $28 per child, $6 for adults and free for children age 2 and under.
- Reston Farmers Market (8 a.m. to noon) — After taking a break last week due to the Reston Multicultural Festival, this staple returns with local vendors.
- The Seldom Scene (8 p.m.) — American bluegrass band The Seldom Scene performs at the CenterStage at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Cost is $25 for Reston residents.
- Movies in the Park (7 p.m.) — Enjoy a showing of “Tom and Jerry” at Lake Newport Soccer Field and bring a picnic dinner or buy popcorn, candy and drinks there. Free for kids 3 and under.
Sunday, October 3
- GWTCS 5K Run — (8:30 a.m. to noon) — The Greater Washington Telugu Cultural Sangam is bringing people to Lake Fairfax Park and recognizing participants with medals. Event includes breakfast. Tickets for kids are $10 and adults are $15. Registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 2.
- Putting the Animals to Bed (6:30 p.m.) — Learn how Frying Pan Farm Park staff put the animals to bed. Bring a flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour. The cost is $10 per person.
- Mushrooms of Reston (2-3:30 p.m.) — Learn about the area’s natural resources in this adult nature program. Tickets start at $5.
Southgate Community Center will be renamed after former Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins at a formal community day next month.
Hudgins, who represented the Hunter Mill District from 2000 to the end of 2019, solidified the center’s future by recreating it as a county-owned facility in 2006.
The move was pushed forward by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who noted that Hudgins negotiated the land lease with Reston Association, secured funding, and ensured the project was completed.
The community day will take place from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 at the community center (12125 Pinecrest Road) and featuring games, kids’ activities, food trucks, entertainment, raffles and more.
“Supervisor Hudgins worked tirelessly to negotiate the land lease with the Reston Association, secure the financing, review the building design, monitor its construction, and support the center’s program activities,” Alcorn wrote in a previous board motion.
A former AT&T technical consultant and programmer/analyst, Hudgins became involved in the county government as electoral board secretary and then as chief of staff for former supervisors chairwoman Kate Hanley.
The county revived the shuttered Southgate facility with a multimillion-dollar push in 2006, and it now offers community programs serving residents ranging from kids and teens to people with disabilities and seniors. The programs cover recreational, educational and cultural activities.
“It was her vision and dedication that has made Southgate Community Center the success that it is,” Alcorn’s motion said.
The renaming will be featured during a ceremony at 2 p.m. during the event.
A business acting as a trading post for outdoor gear is ramping up for a big unveil in Herndon.
The newly formed Good Wolf Gear looks to buy and sell camping goods, pet products and other items at Herndon’s Sunset Business Park (287 Sunset Park Drive);
The business is focused on backpacking, camping and hiking gear and features brands such as Arcade Belts, Cotopaxi, Gregory, National Geographic Maps and Rumpl.
It’s been operating by appointment only but will have its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16. Once open, it will have store hours fr0m that same timespan Tuesdays through Saturdays.
“When people ask why we decided to open Good Wolf Gear, the truth is that we were inspired by our friends: they helped set up our first tent; they shared their scary stories around the campfire; and they let us dig into their Dutch Oven breakfasts while we struggled to get our contacts in,” owners Margaret Kim and Tana Sarntinoranont say on the Good Wolf Gear website.
The owners say they created Good Wolf Gear for those friends and anyone else willing to share those experiences while helping people become better stewards of nature. That’s why they prefer reselling items — to keep them from landfills.
“I hope we can inspire people to connect with a part of nature they never even knew existed,” store manager Spencer Horn says in a news release. “Ultimately, we’re storytellers, and we want to inspire others to become storytellers as well.”
Resellers can get 25% of the resale price in cash or 50% of the resale price in store credit.
“Good Wolf Gear’s goal is to build community through sustainability,” the company says. “Has your toddler outgrown her kid carrier? Trade it in for credit towards her first pair of hiking boots, and tell us about the adventures you’ve shared. Has your family pup learned to stay on the trail? Stop by for a local trail map and get advice on favorite hikes from other dog owners.”
Photos via instagram.com/goodwolfgear
An entity that launched to serve those in need over 50 years ago is celebrating its successes and looking at what’s ahead in order to help others.
What began as religious organizations coming together, the outreach once known as Reston Interfaith has evolved into community centers providing everything from recreational needs to social services, a 24/7 70-bed homeless shelter, over 100 affordable homes and more.
“The single-most-important thing we built is a reputation for reliable, low-drama services to our neediest neighbors,” said Larry Schwartz, chair of Cornerstones’ Board of Directors.
The homeless shelter now bears the name of Embry Rucker, a businessman turned pastor who sought to avoid building churches and instead focus on social services.
As the region changes, the nonprofit expects to double the housing stock it owns, which currently allows people to live in affordable housing while capping families’ costs at 30% of their income.
The Reston-headquartered organization has grown with its donors and volunteers, where before the COVID-19 pandemic it had around 6,000 people helping annually. Their efforts range from aiding Thanksgiving food drives to helping out with winter clothing campaigns.
During the pandemic, the organization also obtained $1.6 million in CARES Act relief to people in need, Schwartz said.
The pandemic was a factor in delaying the organization’s celebration of its 50-year milestone, causing a fundraising gala to be held during the organization’s 51st year now in 2021. It will take place virtually and in person on Sept. 30.
The organization is also highlighting its progress throughout the decades with a gallery of photos capturing key moments, including the opening of the Laurel Learning Center (11484 Washington Plaza West, Suite 200 in Reston) and its expansion with an infant and toddler day care named after former Reston Interfaith CEO Connie Pettinger.
As the cost of childcare can cost over $12,000 per kid before they reach preschool, Cornerstones scholarships and Fairfax County assistance help families get the support they need.
“The families can afford quality childcare while they’re outside the home trying to build the home,” Schwartz said.
Cornerstones’ Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center (1086 Elden St.) at the Dulles Park Shopping Center serves as a one-stop-shop for social services ranging from financial counseling to legal services for immigrants and job training as well as housing a health care center.
While the organization has its roots with religious groups, it changed its name in 2013 as it’s sought to be more inclusive with businesses, civic and community organizations, foundations and other supporters. Nevertheless, the group noted the new name, Cornerstones, is one that “has meaning in many of our faith traditions,” a letter by CEO Kerrie Wilson said.
Currently, Wilson describes Cornerstones as being at the front end of responding to eviction challenges amid the pandemic and helping families stabilize and ensure they have the support they need.
She noted that policies put in place years ago as a country have influenced how people are stuck in poverty and created barriers for home ownership.
“We will continue to serve on the frontlines,” she said, “But I think the biggest additional change and emphasis for us has to be the work in changing policies and systems that will let us truly end hunger and ensure that all families … have that first chance at home ownership.”
Photo via Cornerstones/Instagram
