To celebrate its unofficial birthday on Thursday, July 11, 7-Eleven stores across the country will be hosting Free Slurpee Day.

Each year, the franchise offers free, ice-cold Slurpees to customers. The beverage, which is essentially a sweet slushee, was invented by accident in the late 1950s.

The first free Slurpee Day was celebration in correlation with 7-Eleven’s 75th birthday.

Here’s more from the company’s website:

The Slurpee, an exceptionally sweet, slushee-type beverage sold and marketed by 7-Eleven, was invented on accident back in the late 1950’s and originally bore the name ICEE. It later became the well-known drink that we love and adore, and in 2002, the very first National Free Slurpee Day was celebrated in correlation with 7-Eleven’s 75th birthday. The long-standing tradition allows one to stop by a participating 7-Eleven on July 11, between the hours of 11am and 7pm, and receive a free, 12 oz Slurpee (while supplies last — so get there early). Join us while we ode to the greatest summer drink of all time!

The free offer is limited to one per person and only apply to small Slurpees.

Map via Google Maps; photo via Greg Rosenke/Unsplash

(Updated at 11:45 a.m.) Heavy rain that began early this morning has flooded multiple roads in Reston.

The parking lot at Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station is also flooded. Nearly three feet of standing water pooled in the area up to the windshields of parked cars, according to the National Weather Service.

State transportation officials urged residents to avoid the Reston North Park & Ride. Maintenance crews are on-site to manage flooding in the parking lot.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the following roads in the area are closed due to flooding:

Hunter Mill Rd between Cedar Pond and Hunter Station-Road Flooded

Sunset Hills/ Metro Center Dr

Walker Rd between Walker Glen and Berramin

Colvin Run/ Leesburg Pike

Springvale Rd/ Brevity

A flash flood warning is in effect until 1:45 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s more from social media:

https://twitter.com/AlphaPupObie/status/1148239325634551809

Non soccer post. Folks who parked in this Sunset Hills parking lot near my office…not far from Whiehe Avenue Metro in Reston…are in for a big surprise. Be safe folks pic.twitter.com/dDMzEQbNvl

— United In Spirit 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽️⚫🔴💪 (@unitednightout) July 8, 2019

At my husband’s office in Reston on Wiehle Road at the metro. So sorry for these people who have lost their cars! @capitalweather #weather pic.twitter.com/u3MwQAhz9t

— Tressa Mattingly (@tressairis) July 8, 2019

This story will be updated.

Two Reston residents were killed during a jet skiing accident on South River in Maryland last week.

Elizabeth Howle, 48, and her husband, Jeffrey Sessions, 53, were killed last Wednesday (July 3), according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Their bodies were found in Edgewater, Md. around 5:15 a.m. that day. Firefighters came to the scene after receiving reports about two missing jet skiers in the area.

Officials said that the couple hit a day marker and that they were not wearing a life jacket. Their 2019 Sea-Doo personal watercaraft was partially submerged when it was found.

Sessions was the CEO of Red River, an IT company that contracts in state, local and education markets.

The company issued a statement following the public announcement of Session’s death.

“The entire Red River family mourns this loss. Jeff led our company with intelligence, humor, integrity and passion. The contributions he made to the transformation of our business cannot be measured. Jeff’s impact on Red River, our people and the communities we serve will forever be felt. On behalf of our management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Jeff’s family.”

Flash Flood Warning in Effect — A flash flood warning is in effect for the area until 11:15 a.m. today. Drivers are encouraged to avoid flooded roads or roads with standing water. [Fairfax Alerts]

Lane and Ramp Closures This Week — Several roads, including Herndon Parkway, Edmund Halley Drive, and Sunrise Valley Drive will be closed for several hours this week due to construction on phase two of the Silver Line. All lane and ramp closures depend on the weather. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]

The End of Small Change Consignment at Lake Anne Plaza — Susann Gerstein, owner of Small Change Consignment at Lake Anne Plaza, closed her business, which opened in late 1981. [The Connection]

Man Arrested for Threatening Reston Hospital Center Staff — Brian Baker, 47, was arrested on July 2 fro assault and disorderly conduct. Police said he threatened hospital staff and spat on a police officer. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Trustar Bank will open in Great falls on July 10, making it the first new bank to open in the Washington area in more than a decade.

The Washington Business Journal reports that it is the first bank to receive approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporate and open its doors since FVCBank opened in November 2007.

Here’s more from the report:

Trustar most recently received approval from Virginia, which also made it the first bank since 2008 to get state consent. Meanwhile, other banks in organization are also working on their own approvals, including Tysons-based VisionBank, which hopes to open its doors in the coming months, D.C.-based Founders Bank started by Bank of Georgetown alums, and District-based Moxy Bank, which recently received its conditional approval from the District.

Trustar recently closed on more than $50 million in new funding, above the high end of the $35 million to $50 million it had originally intended.

The bank has also fleshed out its advisory board, recently adding Ryan Kerrigan, a star outside linebacker for Washington’s NFL team, and former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock, who lost a 2018 bid for reelection in Virginia’s 10th District.

The bank is rapidly expanding in the area. It has signed a letter of intent at The Spectrum at Reston Town Center (11846 Spectrum Center) and plans to open a lending office in McLean.

Logo via Trustar

This is an opinion column by Del. Ken Plum (D), who represents Reston in Virginia’s House of Delegates. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now.

The threats to our democratic-republican form of government are more numerous than weeks of this column could enumerate. While I will not mention the more obvious ones brought on by the current administration in Washington, I do want to focus on two that have come about in the recent past — one just last week. They impact all levels of government and come about not from the executive branch of government or the dysfunctional Congress but rather from the judicial branch and its highest level, the Supreme Court! While I have always viewed the Supreme Court as a safety backstop that would save our republic from harm by the Congress or the president, in recent years it is the Court that has become one of the real threats to democratic governance.

One of the biggest inhibitors of advancement on progressive issues in Virginia has been the unrestrained ability of the members of the party in power at the time of the decennial census to choose the voters they want to represent for the next decade by gerrymandering district boundaries. For some of us there has been a struggle to put in place a non-partisan method of drawing district lines. With the great organization OneVirginia2021’s efforts there has been real progress towards meeting that goal. A Constitutional amendment passed the last session of the General Assembly that would establish what is described as a non-partisan and transparent process for redistricting. It must pass the 2020 session without change in order to be sent to the voters in a referendum before becoming part of the state constitution.

In the meantime lawsuits were successful in federal courts to have the Virginia Congressional and House of Delegates districts redrawn to eliminate discrimination based on race. The Supreme Court refused to review the new House of Delegates districts drawn by a lower federal court on a technicality that the current members bringing the suit did not have standing.

Of great concern, however, is the Supreme Court decision last week saying in effect that federal courts do not have the power to redraw politically gerrymandered district lines. The outcome could be more devastating to a republican form of government as the dominant party would be left free to establish itself in power without a way to challenge it.

The Supreme Court has historically sidestepped cases in the past that would have brought them into resolving partisan redistricting. I am fearful that the Court’s decision will result in rampant gerrymandering of legislative districts creating unparalleled control of legislatures. This unfortunate decision by the Supreme Court may have been exceeded in its partisan implications only by Citizens United that many people feel may have been the Court’s greatest mistake by bringing uncontrolled corporate influence into elections.

As usual the checks, although extremely limited to these kinds of bad decisions, continue to be voting the very best people into elective office.

File photo

Reston Hospital Center is planning to improve its neonatology services for babies that need advanced or long-term care.

The center is partnering with Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C. Beginning this month, the care team from Children’s National will provide services for babies at RHC who need advanced care due to premature birth, labor complications or birth defects.

Dr. Robin Steinhorn, senior vice president at Children’s National, said a board-certified neonatologist will be on site at Reston Hospital Center at all times, bringing services closer to home for patients.

The news comes as the center expanded its critical care unit for babies and high risk pregnancies.

“Children’s National is the nation’s leader in neonatal care. Partnering with them complements the recent expansion of our Women’s and Children’s Services,” says John Deardorff, president and CEO of Reston Hospital Center.

The pediatric hospital has been named the county’s sixth best pediatric hospital by the U.S. News and World Report. For the last three years, it has also been ranked number one in newborn care.

Photo via Reston Hospital Center

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station has released new information about a recent robbery at a local 7-Eleven.

Police believe three men and three juveniles were involved in a series of robberies at four local 7-Eleven stores. The suspects were arrested Monday morning after they attempted to rob a store on 10508 Leesburg Pike at around 2:30 a.m. Police tracked a getaway car they believe was used by the suspects.

Michael Ackah, 20, of Alexandria was charged with robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Amon Headley and Victor Obinim, both 18 and from Alexandria, were charged with robbery. Three additional juvenile boys were arrested and charged with robbery. 

Other robberies followed a similar pattern, according to police. A group of suspects entered the store, displayed a firearm and demanded cash at the following locations:

• 6820 Old Dominion Drive (June 21, 1:54 a.m.)
• 2501 Centreville Road (June 22, 3:37 a.m.)
• 6910 Bradlick Shopping Center (June 29, 2:58 a.m.)

Additional charges related to the other robberies are pending.

Photo via FCPD

Golf Carts Stolen from Hidden Creek Country Club — Someone stole three golf carts on Monday, July 1 at around 12:03 a.m. The carts mysterious resurfaced on a nearby street. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Dog Days of Summer Kicks Off Today — A special play zone for dogs and their owners is back in Reston Town Center’s pavilion from 5-7:30 p.m. The last event is on September 4. [Reston Town Center]

Prepping for Back to School — Collect for Kids is looking for new backpacks and school supplies for its annual drive for students in need. Monetary donations are also accepted. [Collect for Kids]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

North Italia, a national chain which makes pizzas made from scratch, is opening in Reston Town Center this month.

The 6,400-square-foot location will be the first in Northern Virginia. It is located at 11898 Market Street and will open on Wednesday, July 31.

The restaurant is hosting a job fair at the Reston location this week on tomorrow (July 3), Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

North Italia described its location as follows:

At North Italia, guests can expect to find handcrafted Italian food paired with a warm, contemporary atmosphere. From made-from-scratch pizzas and pastas, to a tempting assortment of wines, beers, and inventive cocktails, there is something to match everyone’s occasion and palate. 

Highlights include Prosciutto Bruschetta with crescenza cheese, grilled asparagus, truffle, grana Padano from the ‘small plates’ section; Funghi Pizza with roasted mushroom, cipollini onion, smoked mozzarella; Squid Ink Mafaldine with white shrimp, calamari, acqua pizza, mint, fennel pollen, Calabrian chili from the ‘pasta’ section; Wagyu Skirt Steak with asparagus, sweet potato, salsa verde, arugula, grana Padano from the ‘entrees’ section. Also not to be missed is the restaurant’s extensive selection of house-made cocktails, including the Milano Mule with District-made vodka, aperol, lime, ginger beer, and Sicilian Margarita with blanco tequila, fiorente elderflower, greenbar ginger, cucumber, and lime. 

The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch. Dinner hours from Sunday through Thursday are from 4-10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 4-11 p.m.

Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photo via North Italia

Local police have arrested four suspects in connection with a robbery at 7-Eleven (10508 Leesburg Pike).

Police believe four people entered the store, displayed a handgun and stole cash from the registers on Monday, July 1 at 2:38 a.m.

After the suspects left in a car, a lookout was broadcasted to neighboring jurisdictions. Deputies from the Loudoun County’s Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspects.

The Reston District Police Station also reported the following incidents in recent days:

LARCENIES:

2200 block of Astoria Circle, wallet from vehicle

11900 block of Bowman Towne Drive, cell phone from location

1500 block of Cameron Crescent Drive, property from residence

1800 block of Discovery Street, property from vehicle

9600 block of Farmside Place, jewelry from residence

2200 block of Herman Court, electronic device from vehicle

2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, beer from business

1400 block of Lake Fairfax Drive, wallet from vehicle

1800 block of Library Street, liquor from business

2200 block of Monaghan Drive, cash and purse from vehicle

11400 block of Isaac Newton Square, purse from vehicle

11300 block of Reston Station Boulevard, tip jar from business

2200 block of Rock Hill Road, laptop computers from business

11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, golf cart from location

11100 block of Saffold Way, cell phone from location

12000 block of Town Square Street, merchandise from business

11700 block of Summer Chase Circle, package from residence

STOLEN VEHICLES:

10900 block of Thrush Ridge Road, 2019 Subaru Forrester

In a separative incident, a Realtor entered a home on the 11300 block of Geddys Court to discover a man sleeping in one of the bedrooms.

The man, who police described as white and in his 20s, ran off before officers arrived.

A burglary was also reported on the 9600 block of Perkins Farm Lane on June 27 at around 7 p.m. Cash and jewelry was taken from the home.

Another home burglary was reported on the 1600 block of Admirals Hills Court on June 22 at around 5:30 p.m. It’s unclear if anything was taken from the home.

Photo via FCPD

Fairfax County government offices and libraries are closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday.

The following is a list of closures and openings in the area:

• Reston Community Center Hunters Woods: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Reston Community Center Lake Anne: Closed
• Reston Association headquarters: Closed
• Frying Pan Farm Park: Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• County trash and recycling collection: Contact trash and recycling collector directly for service schedule changes
• Circuit Court: Closed
• General District Court: Closed
• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court: Closed

There are plenty of local places to catch Independence Day events in Reston, Herndon and Great Falls.

Photo via Elisha Terada/Unsplash

The nine-month renovation of the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center is gearing up for its final stages. It will likely reopen in early November.

The 40-year-old center is receiving a makeover that adds two pools — a 25-yard lap pool and a warm-water therapeutic pool — along with a new roof.

In June, work on the new roof continues and the two pools are beginning to take shape. Work on plumbing and changes to designed mechanical systems has also been underway.

The deepest part of therapy pool is 750 square feet and is designed for 15 people for aqua aerobics and other exercise. The shallow side of the pool has about 900 square feet of usable area for aquatic programming. Because the overall area is not a rectangle, a class of 20 people can be accommodated.

RCC staff are planning to develop a schedule to reopen pools. Project completion is scheduled for October and pool reopening is scheduled for early November. The center is also looking to hire lifeguards and instructors.

Photos via Reston Community Center

Healthy eating requires preparation.

At a workshop on Thursday, July 18, participants will learn how to make healthy snacks. A Giant Food nutritionist will share tips and teach how to make healthy snacks at home.

The workshop is set for Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods from 2-3 p.m. Registration is required, but the event is free.

The event is open to individuals age 18 and above.

Photo via Melissa Belanger/Unsplash