An eco-friendly alternative to lawn-mowing in the shape of teddy-bear-like four-legged creatures has arrived in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax-based LambMowers uses a flock of roughly 11 sheep to mow lawns in the county. Cory Suter, who graduated with a phD in economics, jump-started the company in order to allow sheep to eat weeds instead of poisoning the soil and ecosystem with herbicides.
“One of many things I learned through my studies is that modern society was treating the soil and clean water upon which all life depends like it was dirt,” Suter said. “Rotational grazing on Silvopasture land is one great way of building back dark carbon-rich soil, a rapidly depleting resource. Suburbs with their mix of trees and grass can be very effective at sequestering carbon when managed thoughtfully.”
Herndon Company Scores Big Contract — Peraton, a Herndon-based company, won a 10-year, $2.69 billion contract from the Department of Homeland Security to help with data center and cloud optimization. [Virginia Business]
Restonians Share Local Acts of Kindness — Local residents shared ways in which strangers made their day better. The roundup was inspired by Random Acts of Kindness Day, which was established to make the world a kinder place. [Reston Patch]
Warrants Served in Officer-involved Shooting — A 34-year-old man remains hospitalized after he allegedly brandished a firearm at officers. An officer shot Michael Vaughn twice in the upper body. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Voting in the 2022 Reston Association Board of Directors election will run from March 1 through April 1. This week, we will begin posting profiles on each of the candidates. The complete election schedule is available online. All races are uncontested, but a 10-percent quorum must be met.
Featured here is Laurie Dodd, who is running for North Point District Director. With the exception of minor formatting edits, profiles are published in unedited form. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words.Â
How long have you lived in Reston? What brought you here?
My husband and I have lived in Reston for 26 years, raising two children here. We were lucky enough to find a home that backs up to a Reston Association path, so we have the woods in our backyard. Having lived in Oakton previously, we admired Reston’s planned community, with its inclusive values and its amenities. I continue to feel lucky to be part of this community and want to maintain and improve it.
What inspired you to run for the board? (Note: If you are currently on the board or have held a previous position on the board, emphasize why you are running again).Â
During my years in Reston, I have been deeply involved in the community, including board service for Reston Community Center, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Reston Swim Team Association, Reston Children’s Center, and my church. I have loved raising two children here. I have always been involved in community affairs, testifying at numerous meetings of RA, the Board of Supervisors, and the School Board. I ran for Hunter Mill Supervisor in 2019 on a pledge to preserve the open space and diversity of our area. I have been active in Reston Runners, Coalition for a Planned Reston, Rescue Reston, RA Community Gardens, and PTA. My commitment to a diverse, prosperous, and sustainable community motivates me to seek a seat on the Reston Association Board.
What are three of the biggest concerns you have for Reston?
- Environmental Sustainability. From protecting open space to maintaining and renovating our facilities efficiently, Reston Association must be mindful of our duty to protect the environment that makes our community life rich. All RA actions should promote sustainability and resiliency while working towards climate solutions.
- Fiscal Responsibility. Smart money management requires effective use of resources to avoid ballooning assessments. I will work to understand and face our financial challenges. As our facilities age, we must spread the cost of capital improvements among all who will benefit.
- Member Engagement. The RA Board must be committed to transparency and empowering our members. We must reach out to hear member concerns, and report on actions and choices to foster member participation.
What do you hope to accomplish by being on the board?
I want to continue to see the inclusive values of Reston’s founder put into practice as we move forward. As the Reston Comprehensive Plan is revised, the commitment to open space must be maintained. Protecting the beauty of our environmental surroundings is a high priority. I also want to help Reston residents be more involved in Reston Association decisions and will work to gain input from homeowners associations, senior residents, old-timers and newcomers – communities of all types.
How will your personal or professional experience help you in your role with RA?
A child advocate attorney with my own practice, I have worked with families of all descriptions throughout the county. Through my community involvement with groups from Reston Runners to my church, from swim teams to PTAs, I have worked with other Reston residents to strengthen our community. My paid and unpaid work has cultivated skills of collaboration, mediating among parties with varying interests, and solving problems. I am eager to continue my service to Reston as a member of the RA Board.
Photo via Reston Association
(Updated at 3:07 pm to clarify opening date) Reston Town Center’s new steak house is gearing il for a launch this year.
Fogo de Chão plans to on open in the spring at 11915 Democracy Drive.
The restaurant, which has locations in Tysons, North Bethesda and Penn Quarter, will feature an open-air churrasco bar where guests can watch chefs prepare multiple cuts. Another bar area includes whiskey and bourbon.
This is the second Fogo location in northern Virginia. It takes space formerly vacated by Big Bowl, which called RTC home for nearly two decades.
“We are proud of our brand’s rapid growth in recent years as we expand in new and existing cities, and credit that to our differentiated, experiential dining and broad guest appeal,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “We’ve been fortunate to be able to bring our experience to the Metro DC area for nearly 17 years, and we look forward to sharing the culinary art of churrasco with guests at Reston Town Center soon.”
Here’s more from the company on the opening;
The new restaurant will feature unique design aesthetics, including wood-beamed ceilings, modern chandeliers and a towering glass wine case displaying many of South America’s finest varietals. Dry aged meat lockers for in-house aging display indulgent cuts such as a 32 oz. long bone Tomahawk Ribeye, aged for a minimum of 42 days for rich flavor. Fogo’s “next level” design concept includes an elevated bar experience for guests to enjoy all-day happy hour and relax with a craft cocktail, premium South American wine, whiskey, or bourbon. The Reston location will also offer Fogo To-Go and Offsite Catering so guests can enjoy Fogo in any space.
The restaurant was first founded in southern Brazil in 1979 and has since expanded throughout the world.
Image via Fogo de Chão
Wind Advisory Takes Effect Tonight — Winds could reach 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, potentially blowing down tree limbs and creating power outages, the National Weather Service warns. Its Wind Advisory for Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, will be in effect from 10 p.m. today (Thursday) to 10 a.m. tomorrow. [NWS]
Herndon Police Welcomes New Officer — Officer Stephen Ferrigno joins the Herndon Police Department with three years of previous law enforcement experience. [HPD]
Appraisal Roadshow Returns — The annual event, which is organized by Reston Association, returns on March 5 at 11 a.m.. at the association’s headquarters. Registration is now open. [RA]
Local Zoo Celebrates National Bird Feeding Month — Roer’s Zoofari in Reston is celebrating National Bird Feeding Month. The zoo has several bird-related events planned and is currently home to 12 different bird species. [Roer’s Zoofari]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Diners now have a better chance to get a table at the Desi Breakfast Club.
The Herndon-based Indian and Pakistani cuisine restaurant (3065-G Centreville Road) expanded its dining room from its original 1,500 square feet to 5,500 square feet late last year.Â
The breakfast club is currently celebrating their grand reopening this month and is inviting potential customers who are interested in dining on some of their more popular specials such as Nehari (a slow cooked beef shank stew) and Haleem (shredded chicken with wheat, barley, and lentils).
According to co-owner Malik Waleed Amhed, Desi was able to acquire the space next door in July 2021 making the extension of the dining room possible and has allowed Desi to expand its capacity to 250 people.Â
“This has been in the making since July last year. We are celebrating our grand [opening] this entire month of February and invite everyone to come experience Desi Breakfast Club,” says Ahmad.Â
Desi first opened in June 2021 and markets itself as the first halal breakfast restaurant in Virginia, the restaurant was founded by Ahmad along with his brother Zaheer Ahmed and his father who all emigrated to the United States from Pakistan 19 years ago.Â
The restaurant is opened Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays. Desi also serves High-Tea daily from 2-6 p.m.
Photo via Desi Breakfast Club
Comstock Unveils Reston Station’s Next Phase — The company plans to build a six-tower, two-million-square-foot project complementing its Reston Station buildings on the opposite side of the Dulles Toll Road. Plans include the demolition of the building at 11400 Commerce Park. [Washington Business Journal]
Diversity and Accessibility in Reston Comes Into Focus — Reston Community Center is hosting a discussion on Reston’s early dedication to diversity and accessibility today. The event takes place online. [RCC]
County Warn of Covid-related Scams — The county is encouraging residents to be wary of Covid-related scams, including fake testing kits and misinformation about treatment methods on social media. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
The Herndon Police Department is warning residents of a parking ticket scam, which comes after the town passed sweeping parking restrictions.Â
The fake ticket, which is blue, urges residents to pay $50.
A spokesperson for the Herndon Police Department told Reston Now that it is unclear how widespread the issue is at this point.Â
“Until we can determine who created the fake ticket and placed it on the vehicle, the only thing we can do is education the public on the fact that this is a scam,” said Lisa Herndon, a spokeswoman for HPD.
So far, only on citizen sent in a check for payment after receiving the fake ticket on their vehicle.Â
Residents who receive the parking ticket should report it to HPD by calling 703-435-6846.
In late January, the town’s council restricted how close drivers can park to drivers and doubled down on parking of commercial vehicles in neighborhoods.
The "parking ticket" shown was found on a vehicle parked on Locust Street. This IS NOT a legitimate parking ticket from HPD or the @TownOfHerndon. If you receive one on your vehicle, please report it to us by calling 703-435-6846. #HerndonPD pic.twitter.com/s63SzCBGSV
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) February 11, 2022
Teachers Get Valentines — Fairfax County Public Schools’ teachers received 7,000 personal Valentine cards across 40 schools last week. The initiative was part of Volunteer Fairfax’s annual Valentine’s challenge. [FCPS]
New County Testing Sources Begin Today — After the closure of community testing center, the county is working with the state to launch a vendor-operated van for testing. The service is expected to begin today and will offer free PCR testing for individuals three months and older. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Manager Receives Lifetime Award — Caliber Home Loans recognized Michael McBride with a lifetime achievement award for managing the company’s Northern Virginia Branch. McBridge was selected from a pool of nationwide contenders. The award is given to managers who provide exceptional production performance. [Reston Patch]
Photo by Terry Baranski
County Promotes Redevelopment Incentives — The county is encouraging redevelopment by offering a 10 percent reduction in site planning fees and some real estate tax abatement. The move comes in response to state enabling legislation that passed in 2017. [Sun Gazette]
Tent Community Goes Up in Reston — Over the weekend, Reston Strong, a local nonprofit organization, set up at least 100 tents along Reston Parkway to raise awareness about homelessness in the community. [WJLA]
Reston Association Seeks Volunteers — The association is seeking a volunteer to fill the North Point District seat on its covenants committee. The seat is for a three-year term and applications are due by Feb. 28. [RA]
Deadline for Annual Assessment Approaches — RA members are encouraged to pay their annual dues by March 1. Payments can be made over the phone, online or by mail. [RA]
Metro to Add More Trains — Although the transit agency is waiting to bring 60 percent of its rail car fleet back into service, Metro could add other trains. Its 7000-series cars were suspended due to a federal investigation into derailment issues. [Washington Post]
Photo by Ray Copson
(updated at 2:20 p.m. to correct the grand opening date) Sacred Roller Skate Supply, a small business that sells roller skate gear, is opening up shop in the Town of Herndon.
Katie McDonald, who grew up in the town, said launched the small business after learning that a lease at 681 Monroe Street — next to American Carpet and Floor — was open.
“It has been a dream of mine to open a small business in a town that values community involvement and development, where I can have a tangible, positive impact on the community, and I truly feel like Herndon is the perfect location for this,” McDonald wrote in a statement to Reston Now.
Here’s how she described the business:
Sacred Roller Skate Supply is woman and LGTBQAI+Â owned. In addition to providing the high quality, industry standards of roller skate gear and customized, individualized attention to the specific needs all levels of skaters, I strive to provide a safe, accepting, and judgement-free zone for members of the community. Come for the skates; stay for the comradery and good vibes! Â
McDonald says that Herndon was the best place to spend her childhood. She moved to Herndon when she was three years old in 1990. After moving around the country, she said she landed back in Fairfax County with her husband and two dogs.
Growing up, McDonald says she attended the Herndon Festival without missing a single year, took lessons at Herndon Community Center, and worked at a receptionist and assistant at Maude Hair Salon.
A grand opening day is set for Feb. 19 — National Skate Shop Day — what McDonald describes will be a “welcome home party.”
“I’m honored to give back to the town that helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Photo by Katie McDonald
Reston Olympian to Race Today — “Fans of Team USA will need to set their alarms early on Friday if they hope to catch Reston short track speedskater Maame Biney’s next race in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Biney will be competing at 6:04 a.m. (EST) on Friday in the second quarterfinal round of the Short Track Women’s 1000m.” [Patch]
Kids’ Trout Fishing Derby Returns — The Town of Herndon will restart the 17th annual kids’ trout fishing derby on March 19. Pre-registration is open through March 18. The event is open for children between the ages of 2 and 15. [Town of Herndon]
Changes Underway at Reston Tennis Courts — Two courts at Autumnwood in Reston are closed due to cracks caused by low temperatures. Reston Association is working with a contractor to repair the cracks. It’s unclear when the courts will reopen. [RA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
After 31 years of business, Clyde’s of Reston is closing its doors.
In an announcement yesterday, Clyde’s Restaurant Group said the Reston Town Center will close on May 21, bringing an end to a business that has been a part of Reston’s urban core for decades.
CRG’s president John McDonnell said the company has enjoyed being a part of the community.
“From its earliest days, Clyde’s of Reston has been a part of the extraordinary Reston neighborhood as a comfortable and timeless gathering place,” says John McDonnell, CRG President. “Clyde’s has had a tremendous 31-year run in the Town Center and we are so grateful for the steadfast support of the community.”
Clyde’s lovers may not need to grieve for long, however. The company is considering opening another location in the Greater Reston area.
“We are very excited about the growth and development activity in the area and are eager to share some big news soon,” Jeff Owens, CRG’s chief financial and corporate development officer, said.
The company plans to retain its 73-member staff roster in other locations.
Boston Properties did not indicate what will replace the business once it shutters.
“Reston Town Center continues to offer a variety of restaurants to suit different tastes and budgets and we look forward to announcing some exciting new additions in the coming months,” the company’s marketing director wrote in a statement to Reston Now.
Photo courtesy of Molly Quigley
County Government to Develop COVID-19 Memorial — “Fairfax County supervisors on Feb. 8 directed staff from the county’s Facilities Management Department, Park Authority and other agencies to begin planning for a COVID-19 memorial that will be placed on property owned by the county government or its park system.” [Sun Gazette]
Reston Association to Host Candidate Forum — Residents can meet candidates running for RA’s Board of Directors election in a debate-style forum on Feb. 23. [RA]
McKay Responds to Senate Move on Mask Authority — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said that he is deeply disappointed in the state Senate’s attempt to overturn local authority to be able to require masks in schools. He says that a “one size fits all directive will only put our children and teachers at risk.” [McKay]
Photo by David Taube
It appears that a Reston staple of nearly 30 years has closed.
The Bird Feeder, a specialty shop that sells supplies for feeding and housing birds, has closed up shop at the Home Depot Center.
Located at 1675 Reston Parkway, the store was the first to call the shopping center home. It opened in the same location 28 years ago.
Over the last few months, the business held several major sales. Signs have been removed from the exterior of the building.
The business did not immediately return a request for comment.
Photo by Tom Newberry
