Primrose School of Reston, a private preschool that will provide early education and childcare, is expected to open at 1309 North Village Road in the fall.
The new facility, which is part of a franchise, will take up the former site of North Village KinderCare. Registration and enrollment have begun for the fall.
The facility serves children between the age of six weeks and five. The Reston location is owned by Rina Patel, as well as Beau and Urvi Athia.
Primrose Schools is a franchising company that offers early childhood education. It has more than 300 locations around the country and is accredited through AdvancED. The company has been known for its “balanced learning” approach, which aims to teach children academic fundamental and inculcate a strong foundation for good character, according to a school representative.
Other schools are located in Chantilly and Ashburn. New locations are also expected to open in Aldie and Leesburg, according to the company’s website.
The school will be open from Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. An exacting opening date has not yet been determined.
Photo via Primrose Schools
An update of the century — The 36th annual Century is still on, even though organizers are aware of collapsed roads in Loudoun County. The road of the century will likely be re-rerouted. [Reston Bike Club]
Take a Break concert tonight — Catch New Orleans jazz in the weekly summer “Take a Break” concert series. The concert is free and open for all ages. [Reston Community Center]
Family splash tomorrow — Drop in for a night of family fun at the Terry Smith Aquatics Center at RCC Hunters Woods from 7-9 p.m. today. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
In a preliminary dive into next year’s budget on Monday, Reston Association’s Board of Directors and members of its fiscal committee explored ways to navigate a possible increase in assessments next year.
The increase may be necessary to offset additional expenses and new capital projects, according to RA officials. A major driver of expenses is a $50,000 increase in health insurance premiums for staff and $215,000 to pay for unanticipated lease payments for the lease of RA’s headquarters. Although staff hiring savings of $90,000 are expected to offset some expenses, the association has also seen an increase in lawsuits, amounting to roughly $30,000. Revenues from the Lake House and tennis courts are also down, said Larry Butler, RA’s Acting CEO.
Other expenses include a $60,000 state-mandated reserve study, $40,000 in software updates, $44,000 to add dechlorination systems for pools, $30,000 for a new billing and collections software and $20,000 for targeted marketing. The dredged of Lake Audubon, which was pushed from this year to next year, is expected to cost $850,000. Projected cost estimates for improvements to Hook Road are also expected to be a major expense next year.
Butler pitched several budgeting strategies for next year’s budget. On the top of the list is a proposed 2.5 percent in membership dues or annual RA assessments. Other alternatives include cutting expenses by 2.5 percent, dipping into investment earnings for $35,000, and the use of RA’s operating reserves.
RA Board President Andy Sigle suggested that staff continue to explore ways to balance the budget with RA’s operating reserve, which was also used to pay the Lake House loan. A stronger understanding of the projected year-end balance for the operating fund was necessary to determine whether or not to increase assessments, Sigle said.
Board member Julie Bitzer also stressed the need to ensure budgeted amounts are conservative and realistic, citing that RA budgeting for a decrease in lease payments for its headquarters location, only to later discover a decrease was not expected.
RA staff and the board will take a second dive into the budget by presenting draft two of the budget in late September. Following a series of listening sessions with members, the fiscal committee will receive the budget in late October. The budget is approved at a November meeting by the board following additional member input opportunities and amendments.
Photo via Reston Association
Boston Properties’ Reston Gateway project, which sets between Reston Town Center and the future RTC Metro Station, will include plans for an athletic field.
Reston Gateway, the first major development on the north side of the station, will bring four office buildings, three residential buildings with 2,010 units, two hotels and 162,300 square feet of retail and restaurants, to the north side of Sunset Hills road between Town Center Parkway and Reston Parkway.
The development has triggered the need for a new athletic field, according to Fairfax County officials. The county’s Board of Supervisors approved the project in July. Several options are included in Boston Properties’ plans.
A full-size, synthetic turf field on an offsite property was pitched by Boston Properties’ officials as the preferred option. Information on the property under consideration has not been publicly disclosed. If the deal, which is currently under consideration, falls through, the developer may build a new field on top of the Purple Garage in RTC. Another alternative is pitching money that would go towards building a new field — a proposition that has some residents concerned due to limited developable land in the planned urban core of Reston.
If no alternatives are feasible, Boston Properties may dedicate 50,000 square feet at Reston Gateway for a performing arts center in lieu of the field.
As of late July, developers have committed $10.3 million to help fund athletic fields in the greater Reston area. All funds are unspent.
Photos via Fairfax County Government
Runway to the Cure will return to Reston Town Center’s Ice Skating Pavilion on September 29 from 6-8 p.m.
The second annual event aims to raise money for breast cancer research and advocacy. local businesses and sponsors will work together to produce a runway fashion show. Breast cancer survivors will model clothing from Scouty & Molly’s and Athleta, as well as accessories from The Eyewear Gallery and Kendra Scott.
Organizers said this year’s goal is to raise $22,000, double the amount raised last year during the inaugural event. The event is free but a donation of $25 is suggested.
Photo via Runway to the Cure
L’OCCITANE En Provence, a natural skin care, body and bath products store, has temporarily closed in Reston Town Center (11951 Market Street).
The French bath and body store closed on August 13 for renovations. Construction is expected to be completed roughly six weeks from this week. The store first opened in September 2011 in Reston Town Center.
Amanda Pasquariello, a spokesperson for the company, offered the following details about the renovation:
Through a sleek new design, with a hint of vintage detailing, a focus on warm elegant materials, and an emphasis on light, the new in-store experience will convey a renewed sense of modernity & conviviality for the brand. Stepping inside the new store guests will be greeted with an ‘Ice-breaker’ sink unit and this is where they will begin their L’OCCITANE discovery journey… Other parts of the boutique will feature an area dedicated to professional skincare consultations, an inviting Provencal lounge, and an enhanced cashier area featuring an impactful Gift Atelier where customers can explore our expertise in the Art of Gifting. The new store is due to open Fall 2018 and we are excited to bring the Sunshine & hospitality of Provence to Reston Town Center.
Photo by Fatimah Waseem
Building worlds on display — An art exhibit that mixes scientific fact and fantasy is on display through September 15. Several artists’ work is featured in the gallery at the Greater Reston Arts Center. [Greater Reston Arts Center]
Nearby: Springfield man faces charges after threats against mosque — A 22-year-old man faces nine charges after being arrested at Masjid Noor in Springfield. Police believe Zulqarnain Khan threatened to kill everyone the encountered at the mosque. [Fairfax County Police Department]
The biggest of them all — The Washington Business Journal has listed Reston Station as the second largest ongoing construction project in the Greater D.C. area. Projects are ranked based on their construction cost. The project is expected to cost $690 million. [The Washington Business Journal]
Discussion on book themes tonight — Dive into a discussion about why books matter, why we’re drawn to specific themes and what these themes tell us about ourselves. The event is part of PBS’s The Great American Read. [Reston Regional Library]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
‘Muscle Up Mondays’ continue today — Crunch Fitness will continue to offer free group fitness classes on Mondays through October 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Reston Town Center. [Facebook]
Delays on Orange, Silver and Blue lines continue –Metro commuters are encouraged to seek other transportation options this week as major construction work continues through August 26. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Ramp and lane closures in effect this week — Several local lanes and ramps will be closed this week as work on phase two of the Silver Line continues. Impacted roads include the Dulles Toll Road, Sunset Hills Road, Sunrise Valley Drive and Herndon Parkway. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Let’s talk finances — Reston Association’s Board of Directors will meet with the organization’s fiscal committee to review the first draft of the operating and capital budgets, as well as the PRC zoning amendment. [Reston Association]
In summary: Downtown Herndon redevelopment — Comstock Partners has officially withdrawn its application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to the Town of Herndon’s Heritage Preservation Review Board for the redevelopment of downtown Herndon. But plans are in the works to resubmit the proposal, which calls for roughly 17,600 square feet of retail, 200+ apartments, and a 761-space parking garage. [Fairfax County Times]
Photo by Beth Allgaier
Two residential projects are up for a vote by the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the North County Government Center.
Woodfield Acquisitions is seeking to redevelop Roland Clarke Place, a 3.6-acre of land less than one mile from both the Wiehle-Reston East and Reston Town Center Metro Stations. The developer seeks to replace the office building on 1941 Roland Clark Place with 310 residential units in one building. The second office building at 1950 Roland Clarke Place would be redeveloped at a later date.
Plans include courtyards, pocket parks, a dog park and a trail that loops around the property. If approved, the project would be developed in two phases. A public hearing date before the Fairfax County Planning Commission is set for October 11.
The committee will also consider a second proposal by Pulte Home Company, LLC to rezone intended for industrial use to allow for planned commercial development. Plans include building 40 single family attached units and a parking garage. The project is located at 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive.
The existing office on the property will remain. Open space amenities include a tot lot, a wildlife observation area, a central green space, and a gathering place with public art for future residents and employees of the office building. According to the application, the plan is intended to transition between existing and planned high-intensity development surrounding the future Herndon Metro Station and single-family houses across Sunrise Valley Drive. A public hearing before the Planning Commission is set for September 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Photo via Google Maps
Lorton teen accused of killing Reston couple incompetent to stand trial — The teenager accused of killing his girlfriend’s parents in their Reston home in late December is incompetent to stand trial. The now 18-year-old Lorton teen was charged as a juvenile in connection with the murders of Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43, and Scott Fricker, 48, on December 22. A judge ruled that brain damage caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound impacted the teen’s ability to understand the trial. [The Washington Post]
Back to school bash — Get your school spirit back to prepare for the return to school at Saturday’s event at South Lakes High School. Information about resources, programs and services will be available for the family. [Reston Community Center]
EXO-itement — The apartment building on 1807 Oracle Way is gaining more attention for its color-changing facade. [The Washington Post]
Uniting against crime — Local residents gathered in Reston neighborhoods to celebrate National Night Out, a nationwide crime-prevention event held the first Tuesday of August. [The Connection]
Summerbration concert tonight — Enjoy a world jazz concert tonight at Reston Station Plaza from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The 10th annual Northern Virginia Walk like MADD and MADD DASH is set for October 13 at the Herndon Police Department from 9 a.m. to noon.
Thousands are expected to rally together in over 90 cities across the country in order to increase awareness about drunk driving. Registration for the Herndon event, which is open online, will also take place on site from 8-9 a.m.
The police department is also accepting donations of used sneakers to donate to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate drunk driving, prevents underage drinking and advocates for stricter impaired driving policies.
Donated items should not have any holes. Donations will be accepted at the race and at the Herndon Police Department (397 Herndon Parkway).
Photo via Walk like MADD
The Friends of Reston Regional Library is hosting a back to school book sale that begins today and runs through Sunday (August 19).
More than 10,000 books in good condition will be available for purchase. Children’s selections range from board books to middle school books. Teaching and education materials, as well as books for teens, will also be available.
No scanners are allowed at this sale and volunteers reserve the right to limit purchases per family on a daily basis. No strollers are allowed in the sale.
The book sale runs today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1-3:30 p.m.
File photo
Local police are investigating an incident during which a man was hit by a possible BB pellet while walking his dog earlier this morning in the area of Soapstone Drive and South Lakes Drive.
The man suffered a minor injury, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. He was hit in the chest by the object.
The incident remains under investigation. No further information was immediately available.
This story will be updated.
A Herndon man scratched to win the top prize in the Virginia Lottery’s Ford Expedition Plus $100K game.
Santos Matute walked away with $100,000 in cash and a new Ford on August 10. Matute received the keys to his new car at Koons Sterling Ford in Sterling.
His winning ticket was bought at Fresh World in Herndon (1070 Elden Street).
The contest is run through the Virginia Lottery, with prizes ranging from $5 to $100,000. According to a release by the Virginia lottery, Matute is the first person to scratch and win a car and $100,000 in cash.
The odds of winning the top prize are in 1 in 1,387,200.
Photo via Virginia Lottery
Musical this weekend — NextStop Theatre Company is offering several shows this weekend of ‘Amour,’ a Broadway musical based on a classic French Fable. It follows the story of a simple working man who unexpectedly gains a new and mysterious power: walking through walls. [Maryland Theatre Guide]
Falling for fall — Reston Community Center has released its fall program guide, which offers a glimpse into upcoming events, aquatics, leisure and learning and other programs. [Reston Community Center]
‘Take a Break’ concert tonight — Enjoy Latin music by Mambo Combo at Lake Anne Plaza tonight from 7-9 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages. It will also include dance demonstrations and lessons. [Reston Community Center]
Nearby: Sketch of suspect who exposed himself released — Local police have released the sketch of a man they say exposed himself to a teenage girl in Fairfax County earlier this month. [WTOP]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
