Weekend road closures canceled — Closures scheduled for the eastbound Dulles Access Highway between Centreville Road and Fairfax County Parkway this weekend have been postponed to next weekend. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Tickets for Professional Touring Artists series now available — Anyone can purchase tickets for Reston Community Center’s professional touring artists series. Presenters include activist DeRay Mckesson and opera diva Elizabeth Bishop. [Reston Community Center]
If it floats your boat — Don’t forget: The cardboard boat regatta at Lake Anne Plaza is on Saturday. Teams will make their own life-size cardboard boats, which will then take to the water for an eventful race. [Reston Historic Trust & Museum]
Summerbration concert tonight — Enjoy modern country rock as part of the weekly “Summerbration” concert series. Parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tonight’s event also includes free dancing instruction. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
More than 40 students from multiple schools were invited to take part in this year’s trip, which took place from July 3-11. Students visited homestays, interacted with Japanese students at local schools and attended cultural workshops. They also took a tour of Honda Motor Company’s operations.
For SLHS student Emma Sponga, the experience allowed her to apply her knowledge of Japanese in a real-world setting. She has been learning the language since first grade through an immersion program at Fox Mill Elementary School.
Sponga said she was most surprised by displays of kindness and respect in the country, as well as the cleanliness of Tokyo, the country’s capital, which boasts a population of more than 9.2 million.
“While in Japan, it didn’t take me long to notice that respect, not only to others, but to the environment and just about anything around you, is very important to the Japanese people,” Sponga told Reston Now. “Everyone I met in Japan was very welcoming.”
The 26th National Japan Bowl took place in the District in April this year, bringing together more than 200 students from 30 schools. The Kakehashi program is coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League and the Japan International Cooperation Center.
Photos by Emily Sponga
The Fairfax County Police Department has released new information about an attempted robbery on Tuesday at the 2200 block of Hunters Woods Plaza.
At around 5:15 a.m., a resident told police that several young men attempted to rob him at gunpoint. When one of the men implied he had a gun, the resident ran away. Two gunshots were fired and the group dispersed.
The man described the group as five Hispanic men who were at least 18 years old. Multiple shell casings were found on the scene and one bullet entered another resident’s home.
No one was harmed and nothing was taken. The incident remains under investigation. A helicopter-assisted search following the incident was unsuccessful in tracking the suspects.
File photo
Local police now armed with Narcan — In order to tackle the growing opioid epidemic, local police are now equipped with protective equipment that could reverse overdoses, including the popular use of Narcan. [Fairfax County Police Department]
If you’re a tennis fan — Reston Association is organizing a trip to the U.S. Open tennis championships on August 30. The trip is $190 for RA members and $200 for all others. [Reston Association]
Confession letter surfaces in the murder of Reston couple — “The alleged neo-Nazi teen accused of killing a Reston couple inside their home wrote a confession letter, ABC7 has learned. In new documents obtained in the case, the search warrant says the teenager “devolved in detail his actions on the night of this murder. Detectives believe the letter was mailed during the spring to a classmate at the Dominion School, which is now called the Kellar School.” [WJLA]
Photo submitted by Mike James
In a mix of party and protest, people have gathered for nightly protests outside the White House for three weeks. Acting as the backdrop of the crowd is Herndon-Reston Indivisible, a community action group that aims to push back against President Donald Trump.
Clad in neon yellow shirts, group members hold brightly lit orange letters spelling out the words “treason,” “puppet” and liar. For the last 23 nights, they’ve gathered at Wiehle-Reston at 6:30 p.m. to join in the protest, called “Kremlin Annex.”
Protests began on July 16 after Trump appeared to agree with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who denied interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Kremlin Annex plans to be there as long as Trump is in office. On average, seven people from the organization join the nightly protest, according to Joanne Collins, a member of Herndon-Reston Indivisible and co-leader of the group’s elections committee.
Collins says the environment is full of energy. Earlier this week, Rosie O’Donnell, an actress and TV personality who has been vocal against Trump, stood alongside Broadway musicians for the protest.
“It’s kind of like a party. It’s led by a young guy and they have bagpipes and have even had a mariachi band,” she said. “It’s been raining a lot and we’ve attended rain and shine.”
Herndon-Reston Indivisible was formed by Heidi Zollo and Carrie Bruns following the 2016 presidential election. The organization rallies on ten issue groups, including topics like the environment, immigration and election activities.
Photos via Herndon-Reston Indivisible
Pulte Homes Corp. has submitted plans to the county to add residential development to Reston Arboretum, which is located on the southern edge of the Dulles Toll Road at 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive.
The company is seeking to rezone the property from industrial uses to planned development commercial, which allows for office and residential uses. Under the current proposal, 44 single-family attached residential units and a parking garage.
The four-story office building on the property will remain. It was built in 1998 and contains 95,600 square feet. According to JBG Smith’s website, the property is within walking distance from the Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride and the future Herndon station.
A public hearing on the proposal is set for September 13 at 7:30 p.m. before the Fairfax County Planning Commission. The county’s planning and zoning staff will release their assessment of the project on August 29.
Map via Google Maps
For all that labor — Reston Hospital Center received recognition for its labor and delivery services. The recognition places the hospital within the top 10 ten percent of all hospitals for their care of mothers. [Reston Hospital Center]
It’s farmers market week — Bring the family for games, a free gift basket raffle, and healthy cooking demonstrations at farmers markets this week. No special events are scheduled in Reston, but the Herndon Farmers Market (700 block of Lynn Street) will participate from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
‘Color Me Happy’ at Reston Regional Library — Color your cares away in tonight’s coloring session. Coloring pages, pens and pencils will be provided. The event, which runs between 7-8:30 p.m., is geared toward adults. [Reston Regional Library]
A throwback to colder times, snapped by fiberlicious
The Reston Bicycle Club’s annual century ride is gearing up for a strong start. Nearly 1,000 people have registered for the 36th annual ride, which will take place on August 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration is limited to 1,500 riders. Early registration ended yesterday (August 6), general registration is open through August 18 for $60. Check-in at the beginning of the ride is not required and a wristband will be mailed to registrants. On the day of the event, registration is open for $75 only between 6:30 and 10 a.m.
A map of the routes is available online. In addition the 100-mile “Century” ride, participants can take part in the “Metric” (62 miles) or “Half-Metric (31 miles). The event will be held rain or shine.
For more information about the event, email [email protected] or follow the Reston Bicycle Club on Facebook.
In an effort to break its silence on regulating short-term rentals through websites like Airbnb, Town of Herndon officials are contemplating ways to regulate the growing market, which often pits homeowners seeking to make a profit against neighbors seeking to control noise and maintain safety.
The town’s planning commission is considering a zoning ordinance change that would allow residents to rent out their entire home for up to 90 days per year, so long as occupants are limited to six adults and parking is available. In return, residents must buy a $200 permit, which is active for two years, and undergo a property inspection. No restrictions on renting a room or portion of the property are imposed so long as the operator lives in the residence.
Efforts to regulate the burgeoning industry were set into motion last year when the state’s General Assembly approved legislation allowing localities to regulate short-term rentals. Just last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved its own set of regulations. After feedback from the public, the board made its regulations more restrictive by scaling back its definition of short-term rentals from a maximum of 90 days to 60 days.
Preliminary conversations about ways to oversee short-term rentals have begun at Reston Association. However, no formal plans or guidelines have been introduced yet.
The Town of Herndon’s proposal was modeled after Fairfax County’s plan, David Stromberg, the town’s zoning administrator told Reston Now. Yesterday’s public hearing on the proposal will continue during the planning commission’s September meeting. Changes may be proposed based on feedback from the public, he said.
“Nothing has been on the books. We’re trying to do regulations appropriately so that people who are doing short-term rentals can get their permits,” Stromberg said. “And if there are problems, we can do enforcement if necessary.”
It’s unclear how much revenue permits could generate for the town. Other area jurisdictions like Arlington County limited short-term rentals to 180 days while Alexandria has no limit.
Photo via Airbnb
A bicyclist crashed into a car while crossing the intersection of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail and Sunrise Valley Drive on Saturday.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the bicyclist did not stop before crossing the intersection and hit the side of a car around 5:55 p.m. The bicyclist did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
In a separate incident, a robbery happened today on the 2200 block of Hunters Woods Plaza at around 5:20 a.m. Despite a helicopter-assisted search early this morning, the suspects were not caught. An investigation is ongoing.
FCPD also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
2200 block of Castle Rock Square, cash from vehicle
2400 block of Centreville Road, bag from location
2500 block of Centreville Road, beer from business
600 block of Deerfield Pond Court, property from residence
1800 block of Fountain Drive, cash from locker
11700 block of Great Owl Circle, property from vehicle
11800 block of Great Owl Circle, laptop from vehicle
12200 block of Laurel Glade Court, backpack from location
1800 block of Fountain Drive, merchandise from business
11900 block of Market Street, merchandise from business
11600 block of Old Brookville Court, laptop from vehicle
11600 block of Plaza America Drive, cell phone from location
11800 block of Spectrum Circle, merchandise from business
11600 block of Springhouse Place, property from vehicle
11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, wallet from business
12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, merchandise from business
1600 block of Waterhaven Drive, laptop from vehicle
11400 block of Waterhaven Court, property from vehicle
11400 block of Waterhaven Court, property from vehicle
STOLEN VEHICLES:
1500 block of Deer Point Way, 2015 Infiniti G35
As we reported late last week, the body of Xuanfang Zhou, 81, a missing man, was found at Runnymede Park on Friday. Police said there is no indication of criminal activity.
File photo
Silver Line pleads guilty to falsifying concrete tests — A contractor admitted to falsifying concrete quality tests for stations on the Silver Line extension to Dulles International Airport last week. The contractor, Andrew Nolan, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to five years in prison. [The Washington Post]
LED lights the way — Fairfax County has entered into a new regional agreement with Dominion Energy that would convert existing streetlights into more energy-efficient LEDs. The company installs, owns and maintains most of the nearly 58,000 streetlights in the county. [Fairfax County Government]
Commuter alert: Lane and ramp closures — A number of lane and ramp closures are effect in Reston and surrounding areas, including Herndon Parkway, Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road through Aug. 11. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Photo by Mike James
It’s that time of year again: Fairfax County Public Schools will begin the new school year on August 28. Ahead of the new academic year, a “Back 2 School Bash” with one-stop-shop resources for getting ready to go back to school will be held on Aug. 18 at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive).
The event, which is free and open to all ages, will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local schools, government agencies and nonprofit providers will be on-site to provide information about resources, programs and services offered by community agencies and through other partnerships.
The bash is cosponsored by FCPS, Cornerstones, Reston Community Center, YMCA Reston, and Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Service.
For more information, contact LaTanja Jones, Collaboration and Outreach Director, at 703-390-6158, or [email protected].
File photo
Each Monday, Tim’s Reston sets the table with deals and events for the work week ahead in Reston. On Friday, we’ll catch up with Tim again with the upcoming weekend’s deals and events.
Highlights for the upcoming work week include:
Event of the Week: Reston Association is throwing a Pirate & Princess Party this Wednesday @10:30 a.m., with dress up, crafts, games, & fun activities. Fun for kids 3 to 5 years old. $10 for RA members; $14 for non-RA members.
Monday:
- $7.99 Pizza Monday @ Harris Teeter
- Open Rehearsals @ Reston Community Orchestra
- Free Muscle Up Monday @ Reston Town Center
Tuesday:
- Cocktails with a Contractor @ Founding Farmers
- Kung Fu Panda 3 FREE @ Bow Tie Cinemas
- $7 Movies @ $5 Popcorn @ Bow Tie Cinemas
- Free Yoga @ Reston Station
Wednesday:
- Free Zucchini Noodles @ Noodles & Company
- Kung Fu Panda 3 FREE @ Bow Tie Cinemas
- Dog Days of Summer @ Reston Town Center
Thursday:
- Beaver Hike @ Walker Nature Center
- Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet LIVE @ Lake Anne Plaza
- Lunch Perks Event @ Rise Well-Being Center
- Free Yoga @ Reston Station
See the entire list by category or scroll through the entire list here:
Follow Tim’s Reston on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & his newsletter for new deals and events, posted regularly throughout the week!
Interested in special promotion as the Deal or Event of the Week or Weekend? Have a deal or event tip? Comments? Suggestions? Email Tim at [email protected]!
Photo via Tim’s Reston
Airbnb no longer up in the air — If you’re looking to make your place into an Airbnb, you might have to buy a $200 two-year permit to rent out your house for up to 60 days a year. [The Washington Post]
Lifeguards sought at Reston Community Center — Positions are open at the center for water safety instructors and lifeguards. The positions pay between $11 to $20.77 an hour. [Reston Community Center]
Drawing class tonight — Reston Regional Library is hosting a class on how to draw your favorite cartoon. The event is open to attendees between the age of 10 and 18. [Reston Regional Library]
Nearby: Overnight shooting — Two juveniles were shot Sunday night in McLean. One of the victims died and another remains in the hospital. [WTOP]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Several Reston roads will be closed Sunday morning as kids and attendees take to the streets to participate in the eighth annual Reston Kids’ Triathlon, which is co-sponsored by Reston Association and YMCA Fairfax County Reston.
RA provided the following information via a statement:
Ridge Heights Road will be shut down between Terraset Elementary School and Turtle Pond Drive from approximately 7:15 to 10 a.m. and Seahawk Drive will be closed from about 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. There will be a coned-off bike lane on Ridge Heights Road, South Lakes Drive and Soapstone Drive – all on the inside lane of the triangle formed by those roads.There will be no parking along the south side (Langston Hughes Middle School side) of Ridge Heights Road beginning at midnight extending from Soapstone to South Lakes. The above map shows the bike course on those three roads.
Photo via RA
