Bollywood Dance Fitness Tonight — Local instructor Aparna Rao offers a new Bollywood dance fitness program specifically for adults and teens at Reston Regional Library. The class runs from 6:30-8 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]

A Primer on Reston Association — RA is out with new video with details on what the organization is about. The video is centered around the theme “Together we make Reston great.” [Reston Association]

Shoutout: High Honors for Cpl. Sullivan — Devin Sullivan of the Herndon Police Department recently returned from Air Force Basic Training in San Antonio, TX. He finished in the top ten percent of his class and now heads to technical training school. [Herndon Police Department]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

In what’s become a familiar theme in Reston, the owner of a three-story office building on Old Reston Avenue wants to redevelop the 1980s structure into two three-story office buildings and a “campus-style’ setting.

The redevelopment project, which is located at 1856 Old Reston Avenue, is guided by the principles of “strength, dedication and permanence,” according to an application by the developer. The 5.2-acre site is also home to the historic A. Smith Bowman Manor House, which was built in 1899 and is listed on the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Sites.

The proposal by AP Reston Campus LLC, a subsidiary of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association, is in its early stages. The county accepted the application for review earlier this month.  AAFMAA bought the property in 2009 and has occupied it since 2010.

AAFMA said renovating the existing office buildings requires major capital investment, which is not feasible.

“Rather than continuing to invest in a 30 year old building, AAFMA anticipates a greater return on its investment by meeting market demand for modern, iconic, campus-oriented office buildings in close proximity to Reston Town Center,” according to the Feb. 19 application.

The company will preserve the manor house, a gazebo, pond and wall along Old Reston Avenue. A new landscaped garden is proposed behind the manor house.

A 45,000-square-foot office building is proposed on the north end of the property and a 94,000-square-foot office is proposing on the southern end. Both structures will be connected by an underground parking garage and shared conference facility. A 6,600-square-foot rooftop terrace will also run between the two buildings.

AAFMA said it is working with DBI Architects, Inc. to create a “innovative, sustainable, cutting -edge architectural statement along Old Reston Avenue,” according to the application. It hopes the new campus setting is an attractive backdrop to the Manor House.

The latest plan departs from the previously approved Boxwoods project, which would have brought 60 residential units to the site and converted the Manor House into a six-room hotel. The developer dropped those plans in 2009 to continue using existing office space on the site.

The Reston Planning and Zoning Committee will review the project tonight.

A legal representative for AAFMAA did not return a request for comment. A map of the proposed location is below.

Photo via Google Maps

Signs of summer are abound as the farmers markets run by the Fairfax County Park Authority in Reston and Herndon kick off this week.

FCPA’s six other markets will roll in by the first week of May.

The Reston and Herndon Farmers Markets accept SNAP benefits. All  purchases under the The Virginia Fresh Match Program are matched up to $20 for additional fresh produce.

Herndon’s market (777 Lynn Street) kicks off on Thursday (April 18) and runs every Thursday until Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Reston market (1609-A Washington Plaza N) starts on Saturday (April 20) and runs every Saturday until Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. until noon.

The Reston market welcomes three new vendors this year, said John Lovaas, who runs the Reston market. Shenandoah Seasonal, a “chemical-free produce farms,” adds a new variety of vegetables and fruits, Bee’s Wing Farm will sell flowers and Ozfeka Catering will bring a mix of Turkish savories and desserts to the market, Lovaas told Reston Now.

The county is also working with the market to carry out a pilot program to reduce the use of plastic bags. Clean Fairfax, a nonprofit organization that specializes in recycling and reducing the use of plastic, is partnering with the market for the program.

Information on other local farmers markets is available online. The Reston Farm Market (10800 Baron Cameron Avenue), which is not operated by FCPA, is open around the year, with few holiday exceptions, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

File photo

FireEye, a publicly-traded cybersecurity company based in Silicon Valley, has moved into an expanded office in Reston.

The new location at 11955 Freedom Drive in Reston will house the company’s biggest security operations center. More than 300 employees are expected to work at the new site.

Charles Carmakal, the company’s vice president, told Reston Now that FireEye’s new location offers “room for future expansion needs.”

“In line with this, FireEye plans to continue to hire top security professionals for all roles out of Reston, including technology, engineering and consulting,” he said.

FireEye offers a single platform for organizations struggling to prevent and respond to cyber attacks. Since it was founded in 2004 by Ashar Aziz, the company has filed more than 150 patents for technology related to cyber threat protections.

Carmakal also said the company chose Reston to leverage technology security talent present in the Dulles Technology Corridor. The company has had offices in Reston since 2011.

The company also has offices in Alexandria, where FireEye’s cybersecurity consultants are located. Overall, the company has more than 7,700 clients in 103 countries.

Photos via FireEye

After a successful inaugural event last year, the Reston Pride Festival is moving from its small home in the Unitarian Universalist Church to Lake Anne Plaza. The event is set for June 1 from 2-7 p.m.

“Last year’s response was so great that we opted for this new location and businesses and the plaza have been very supportive and involved,” Amiee Freeman, one of the festival’s organizers told Reston Now.

Delta Knyght, a DC-based drag entertainer, and Ken Williamson, minister of music for Washington Plaza Baptist Church and a former Las Vegas entertainer, will emcee the event. Elected officials scheduled to speak include Del. Ken Plum and Del. Danica Roem, according to event organizers. Interfaith leaders from the United Christian Parish, the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and Restoration Church, will also give remarks at the event.

“Our hope is that this event will not only be awareness-raising, but also a fun and engaging expression of inclusion,” Freeman said.

Last year’s event attracted more than 1,200 people and was co-sponsored by more than 20 community organizations. The event is the brain child of Rev. Debra Haffner, a minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston and co-chair of Reston Pride.

She says the festival aims to “break silence in the greater Reston/Herndon area about LGBTQ+ people and issues.”

“We are thrilled that so many organizations are working together to bring the community the second Pride festival and to launch what we hope will be an annual event,” she said.

Photo by Debra Haffner

Contractor Identifies New Problems with Silver Line Phase Two — “The contractor building Phase 2 of the Silver Line has identified another problem with the beleaguered project. This time it’s at the Dulles Airport station, where concrete pedestals designed to support the two-story structure’s glass walls and windscreens are cracking because they were built without proper internal reinforcement.” [The Washington Post]

Famous Toastery Now Open— The breakfast-focused North Carolina-based chain opened on Saturday (April 13) at RTC West (12100 Sunset Hills Road). Diane and Gary Reedy, both Reston natives, are the owners of the new Reston location.[Reston Patch]

Indian Restaurant Opens Today — Bombay Velvet will join other restaurants at RTC West. The chef and entrepreneur behind the venture, Rajiv Chopra, describes the new business as an “upscale” business that brings new tastes to the area. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner today. [DC Eater]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

The work week will begin with a windy start. The National Weather service has issued a wind advisory, which is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for today (April 15).

Winds between 45 to 55 miles per hour are anticipated, which could make driving difficult, according to NWS.

Although today will be chilly, highs in the upper 60s and low 70s are expected for the rest of the week.

Here’s more from the alert:

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 8 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* TIMING…From 8 AM this morning until 8 PM this evening. The strongest winds are likely from late morning and through the afternoon hours.

* WINDS…West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* IMPACTS…Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.

Photo via NWS

Lawyers Road at Drop Forge Lane in Reston is now open after rescue personnel removed someone who was trapped inside a burning car.

Crews extricated  someone who was trapped inside a car involved in the crash. Local fire and rescue crews said the person was conscious and was flown to an area hospital. The car was on fire and the person suffered serious injuries.

The Fairfax County Police Department urged motorists to avoid the area and use an alternate route. The crash happened today (April 13) at around 2:15 p.m.

ROAD CLOSED: Lawyers Rd at Drop Forge Ln in Reston closed in both directions due to a crash and downed wires. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route. #FCPD pic.twitter.com/2GuJbvREE7

— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) April 13, 2019

This story has been updated.

Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now this week.

1. Herndon HS Theater Director Charged With Unlawful Filming
2. BREAKING: Police Find Weapons, Drug Stash in Reston Brothers’ Home
3. Reston Man Killed in Pedestrian Crash in Fairfax
4. Ben and Jerry’s Giving Out Free Cones in Reston Town Center Tuesday
5. Have You Seen These Eight Public Art Pieces Around Reston?

If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip. Don’t forget to pitch name suggestions for Reston Town Center’s family of falcons.

Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.

Photo via FCPD

Plan to break a sweat this Saturday (April 13) during the Nature Center 5K Run and Walk. Although online registration for the annual run — now in its 16th year — closed on Wednesday, participants can still register on-site at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Walkers are welcome, but pets and strollers are not.

The race begins and ends at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) and will start promptly at 8 a.m. Runners will be greeted with refreshments, music and prizes at the finish line. Funds raised by the race will help support the Walker Nature Center.

Tomorrow (April 13)

• EGGnormous Egg Hunt (10-11:30 a.m.) — Eggspect lots of entertainment, including a strolling magician, games and moon bounces, during this egg hunt at Sunrise Valley Elementary School. Don’t forget to bring a basket to carry your eggs, a camera for photo opportunities, and a picnic to enjoy outdoors.

• Sing Books (10:30-11 a.m.) — “Sing Books with Emily” is back to sing illustrated songs with kids for all ages at Reston Regional Library.

• Hena Khan (2-3:30 p.m.) — Khan, the author of “Under My Hijab,” goes beneath the veil with this author talk and book signing at Reston Regional Library. The program is made possible by Reston Regional Library and Scrawl Books. Her books feature Muslim characters and portray Islamic culture. Herndon senior Nura Behgoman will moderate the discussion.

• Lake Anne Brew House Third Anniversary Party (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) — An all-day celebration is brewing at the Lake Anne Brew House. The family-friendly celebration will feature an extended lakefront beer garden, live music, outdoor games, and more. Owner Melissa Romano says she’s “proud to be part of such an amazing community.”

• Pictures with Easter Bunny (Noon to 3 p.m.) — Bring the little ones to take pictures with Easter Bunny during this free event at Reston Farm Market. Each child will get an Easter gift bag and a one-day pass to the market’s fall festival.

Sunday (April 14)

• Fairfax Veg Fest (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — In case you need a reminder to eat your greens, this inaugural event “showcases the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle,” according to event organizers. The festival takes place on the surface parking lot between the Northwest Federal Credit Union (200 Spring Street) and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky of George Mason University nears the end of his six-part lecture series on the history of the war. The talk at Reston Regional Library is geared toward adults and teens.

Photo by Flickr user vantagehill

Signs portending the opening of Local VA at Lake Anne Plaza have raised some eyebrows on what the new business will bring to the plaza.

The business takes the place of Singh Thai, a locally owned Thai restaurant that left the plaza it called home for nine years earlier this month.

Owner Dylan Clark described Local VA as a “gourmet dive bar, unpretentious and comfortable with a neighborhood appeal.” Clark says the service will be “relaxed, very friendly and correct, creating an informal, comfortable environment.”

In an effort to ensure most ingredients are sourced locally, Clark said he is working with brewers, farmers, bakers and other purveyors in the state. The opening date is not final, but Clark hopes to open by June 1.

Singh Thai closed in March after the chefs, the owner’s parents, decided to retire and move back to Thailand.

Photo by Eve Thompson

Herndon Teacher Charged with Unlawful Filming Previously Recorded Woman — “The Herndon High School teacher charged with the unlawful filming of a woman inside his home had previously recorded another woman under the same circumstances. Court records obtained Thursday by ABC7 show that the 19-year-old woman, an au pair, said she went to police after finding out about the hidden camera inside an air conditioning vent at the home when a former au pair who worked there said the suspect did the same thing to her.” [ABC7]

The Value of Moscow Tonight — A new comedy about three adult sisters who are forced to live together after their lives have fallen apart takes the stage at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street) tonight. Registration is open online. But beware: the show contains strong language and what the organizers call “comedic violence.” [ArtSpace Herndon]

County Workers Push for Cost of Living Standards — “Some county workers are batting an eyebrow at the county’s proposed Market Rate Adjustment which acts as a cost of living adjustment, and the county’s proposed budget isn’t going to fully fund. With it not being fully funded, this could cost workers to lose out on hundreds of dollars annually. Some workers say it will impact them largely.” [Local DVM]

Beacon Roofing Supply Branches Out — The company, which is headquartered in Herndon, opened five new branches in the first half of its fiscal year. Fun fact: it’s the largest publicly traded distributor of residential and commercial roofing materials in the country. [Citybizlist]

File photo

The county is considering a proposal to bring a new telecommunications facility with a 124-foot monopole and a fenced 91-by-35 foot compound to Herndon High School.

Milestone Communications Inc. is working with Fairfax County Public Schools to build the telecommunications facility on school property and lease space to wireless providers in the county, according to an application accepted by the county on April 4.

If approved, the monopole and compound would sit on the north side of the football field, just west of the visitors’ bleachers and between two existing stadium light poles. Spring antennas will be located on a platform on top of the monopole and a six-foot tall rod will extend from the tower.

It’s not the first time Milestone has worked with FCPS to build a cell tower. The company has similar projects at South Lakes High School and Herndon Middle School. Len Forkas, the company’s president said the company is committed to informing the community about the project in a transparent manner.

“We’re super excited about being able to improve services and we look forward to the whole process to obtain necessary approvals,” Forkas told Reston Now.

The compound area will be closed off by a 10-foot tall chain link fence in an attempt to create “a solid visual barrier,” according to the application. To go forward, the county must rezone land designated for general public use to the proposed public use of telecommunication facilities.

“The proposed use is benign and will not generate noise, light, dust, glare, vibration, fumes or odors. The traffic generated will be very minimal. The proposed use does not present a threat to the public health, safety or welfare and will not impact radio, television or telephone reception. It will have no negative impact upon the air and water quality, nor will it impact any existing environmental features on the subject property,” according to the submission.

Forkas also said football fields are ideal locations for cell towers because they already have tall lights.

The company says the new facility is necessary to boost coverage along Dranesville Road, Wiehle Avenue, the Fairfax County Parkway and residential communities around the high school site. Currently, Sprint’s coverage in the area is “weak,” according to the application. The tower will also accommodate up to five telecommunications carriers.

The administrative office of FCPS has approved the location on the site, according to the application.

A hearing before the Fairfax County Planning Commission is set for Oct. 2.

Photo of equipment on Lake Braddock High School property via Len Forkas

Two brothers from Reston are facing multiple felony charges after local police found weapons and drugs worth $80,000 in their home.

Fairfax County police arrested Jonathan Dailey, 27, and Timothy Dailey, 22, after a rifle, shotgun, handgun, body armor, and narcotics were found in their home, the police department reported today.

The investigation started when police discovered information about drugs being sold out of the home, police said. After receiving a search warrant, a SWAT team found seven pounds of marijuana and 250 hash oil cartridges along with the guns.

Jonathan Dailey, 27, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing a gun with drugs. Timothy Dailey, 22, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and distribution of hash oil.

Photos via Fairfax County Police Department