Let your imagination run wild – Today is the last day an art proposal in response to the prompt, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” Greater Reston Arts Center will select five artists to participate in the Mary B. Howard invitational later this year. [GRACE]
Delays on Metro This Weekend — The Silver, Orange and Blue Lines are scheduled to run every 24 minutes, thanks to weekend track work. [WTOP]
A new home for OVHcloud – The global cloud provider opened its headquarters in Reston. The company’s CEO Russ Reeder said he’s glad to be back in the region. [OVHcloud]
Discussion on Russia’s foreign policy today — Watch a segment of the “Great Decisions” documentary and delve into a roundtable discussion at Reston Regional Library from 2-4:15 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
Empty office space woes – Near Silver Line stations, millions of square feet of office space is available. Some developers and brokers are struggling to court good tenants. [Bisnow]
Body Found in Early February Outside Reston Town Center High Rise – On Feb. 2, a woman’s body was found in a driveway outside condominiums in Reston. Police investigated the incident as a possible suicide.
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Public forums to engage with the 13 candidates vying for seats on Reston Association’s Board of Directors are slated for the end of the month.
There are 11 candidates are running for three at-large board seats and two candidates are running for the South Lakes District seat in an election that could dramatically alter the makeup of the board.
The at-large candidates’ forum for candidates seeking a three-year term is set for Monday, Feb. 26 from 7-9 p.m. at RA headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive). The forum for South Lakes candidates and at-large candidates seeking a one-year term is set for the next day at the same time and place. A tentative rain date is set for March 1.
The breakdown of candidates is as follows:
- Two at-large seats (three-year term): Aaron Webb, Colin Meade, Derrick Watkins, John Pinkman, Sridhar Ganesan, Travis G. Johnson and Ven Iyer
- At-large seat (one-year term): Andy Sigle, David Ballard, John Bowman, Ray Wedell
- South Lakes District seat (three-year term): Tammi Petrine and Julie Bitzer
The voting period for the election is March 5 through April 2. Results will be announced on April 10 at the annual members’ meeting at 7 p.m.
Stay tuned for candidate profiles on Reston Now in the coming weeks. Information on each candidate is available on RA’s website.
File photo.
Elementary schools in Reston often give students in need food for the weekend.
But that resource largely ends in middle school, adding to challenge of adjusting to the unfamiliar and sometimes daunting environment of middle school.
When school counselors at Langston Hughes Middle School realized this was the case, they partnered with two non-profit organizations to create a food pantry for students who need meals over the weekend. Since the program launched this year, 20 students have signed on.
The list is growing. Roughly 35 percent of all students receive free or reduced meals at the school, down from nearly 40 percent in the 2014-2015 academic year, according to county data.
“This is run by the community. We want to support all the kids in our building over the weekend so they can be ready for school,” said Marissa Brooks, a counselor at the school.
To jumpstart the program, the school received a grant from Britepaths, a nonprofit organization that offers healthy meals, drinks and snacks over the weekend. Another nonprofit, Blessings in a Backpack, has also committed to providing bagged items through the end of the academic year.
The school has an Amazon wishlist and accepts donations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Accepted donations include dried fruit, snack packs, pasta, sauce and breakfast bars.
Other local schools like Hunters Woods Elementary School and South Lakes High School also offer similar programs.
Photo by Susie Finotti
NII Holdings hangs on — The Reston-based company is trading above the minimum share price to retain its place on the NASDAQ. But it hasn’t fully steered clear of financial trouble yet. [Washington Business Journal]
Hunting down traffic — For years, county officials have mulled plans to tackle backups on Hunter Mill Road near the Dulles Toll Road. A county commission is set to vote on a new solution tonight. [Fairfax County Government]
A shoutout to Ms. Anne — In honor of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, the employee at Lake Anne Elementary School was selected as one of the top six crossing guards in the state. [Lake Anne Elementary School]
Honoring young artists — The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers selected 14 students from South Lakes High School for the annual Scholastic Art Awards, one of the most prestigious scholarships for creative teens. [The Connection]
Photo by Fatimah Waseem
An armed man robbed the Sunoco Gas Station on 11190 South Lakes Drive Tuesday night, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
A man entered the gas station at around 10 p.m. yesterday and demanded cash while displaying a weapon. The suspect took the money and then ran away, police said.
The police department issued the following description of the suspect:
The suspect was described as white, 30 to 38 years old, 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall, wearing a black mask, black hooded jacket, pants, and gloves.
Anyone with information should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
File photo.
Building unity through service — Helping mankind is at the heart of the teachings of the Bahá’í faith. Find out what a Reston-based community is doing to serve humanity in big and small ways. [Reston Association]
An early warning for Metro riders — Although this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival won’t directly impact the Silver Line, August may be a rough ride. Service will be significantly reduced beginning August 11. [WMATA]
Ebola, a monkey house and a throwback to 1989 — Here’s a blast from the past: a story about when the most dangerous strand of ebola, a silent killer, lurked in Isaac Newton Square. [WETA]
Photo by Angelika Stadel
The case of Roberta Walls, a 22-year-old library worker who was stabbed, raped and dumped in a baseball field in Virginia Beach, went cold in 1988. Local police collected DNA from 41 people with ties to Walls. But no one checked out.
More than 30 years later, the work of Parabon NanoLabs, a Reston-based company, is helping breath new life into the case.
The company uses DNA phenotyping to predict physical traits and ancestry from genetic material left at crime scenes. Genetic sleuths can track eye color, skin color, face shape and heritage, but not other traits like age, weight and hairstyle.
It’s a new way to look at DNA, which law enforcement agencies use by matching a suspect’s DNA to that found at a crime scene or cross-checking against government databases.
But at Parabon, staff see DNA as a blueprint, not a fingerprint, said Ellen Greytak, Parabon’s bioinformatics director. Forensic artists can use information from DNA phenotyping to develop a composite image, which investigators use to narrow suspect lists, sans witness descriptions. The method can also help further investigations about unidentified remains.
But the method has raised some concerns, including questions about accuracy, racial profiling and privacy infringement. The American Civil Liberties Union, for example, calls composites “science fiction.” The organization says DNA phenotyping should not advertise suspects to the public until the science is firmly proven and established.
“The actual suspect may look nothing look the speculative image, which could end up detouring or otherwise harming an investigation,” Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst, wrote.
Greytak said the company is simply providing the same service a witness would have provided from an “objective” perspective. Law enforcement officials are becoming more open to the technology after Parabon analyzes DNA samples provided by police.
“We’re a genetic witness providing a description of that person. The information should be and is used by investigators in the same way a witness description should be,” Greytak said.
Although the company has limited control over how law enforcement agencies use the information, Greytak said most agencies understand the technology is not a panacea. The company cautions against running facial composites in facial recognition software.
“We always emphasize the composite is not a photograph of the person. We only have access to the DNA. It’s important to remember that two people with similar DNA could have a different appearance,” she said. “It’s not going to immediately solve every case but it’s always going to give you more information than what you have before.”
In the future, the company hopes to expand the number of predictable traits – especially age – and build up its database, which is used to build predict models. Currently, the database has information about DNA and physical appearance from volunteers.
Until then, Greytak said she finds the work especially worthwhile. Recently, the company began receiving handwritten thank you notes from loved ones whose cases Parabon is considering. For many, newfound hope in abandoned cases is uplifting, she said.
Photo via Parabon NanoLabs
A 25-year-old Herndon resident was arrested in connection with the robbery of the CVS Pharmacy in Reston Town Center last week.
Alexander Berman faces charges for robbery and the use of a firearm in commission of a felony, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. The department announced the arrest today.
Meanwhile, local police are searching for a suspect who robbed a 7-11 on 11501 Leesburg Pike in Herndon at 10:57 p.m. on Sunday.
Police believe a Hispanic man in dark clothing entered the store with a handgun and stole cash and cigarettes. No injuries were reported, police said.
FCPD also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
2200 block of Colts Neck Road, tools from business
1800 block of Discovery Street, bags from vehicle
11500 block of Leesburg Pike, beer from business
11900 block of Market Street, merchandise from business
1800 block of Presidents Street, medication from residence
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, airbags from vehicle
2400 Block of Pyrenees Court, electronics from a residence
11900 block of Killingsworth Avenue, wallet from business
12000 block of Town Square Street, merchandise from business
12600 block of Noble Victory Lane, wallet from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
1200 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
2200 block of Halter Lane, personal items from a vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
12500 block of Fox View Way, laptop from vehicle.
13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, parts from vehicle.
2300 block of Cavesson Court, Wallet from vehicle.
2300 block of Darius Lane, GPS and money from vehicle.
12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, electronics from business.
11500 block of Embers Court, wallet from vehicle.
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported.
In the above list, at least 17 incidents happened between Wednesday night and Thursday last week. As we reported yesterday, police haven’t indicated yet if the reports are connected.
Anyone with information about any of the crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
Photo via FCPD
Reston Town Center will welcome &pizza, a fast-casual pizza restaurant known for its oblong-shaped pizzas, this fall.
The new tenant will take up a 1,363-square-feet space on 1818 Library Street, the former location of Teavana.
No word yet on the exact opening date, a Boston Properties retail property manager told Reston Now.
In the spring, Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market is expected to open on the ground floor of The Signature, a new 508-unit apartment building at 11850 Freedom Drive.
&pizza has six other spots in Virginia, as well as other locations in Maryland, the District, New York and Pennsylvania.
Photo via &pizza
Maame Biney, a Reston teen whose infectious spirit, electric smile and notable speed has grabbed national attention, did not advance in the 500-meter quarterfinal at the Winter Olympics.
At the games earlier this morning, Biney, 18, began with a slow start and was unable to to recover.
But the speedskater’s time to shine in PyeongChang isn’t over. She has another chance to compete in the 1,500-meter race on Saturday at 5 a.m.
Biney’s journey to the United States began when she left her mother in Ghana to join her father. NBC News mapped her story in a video linked below.
She is the first black woman to qualify for the U.S. Olympic speedskating team.
Photo via NBC Nightly
The largest yoga studio in the District area just opened in Reston – Beloved Yoga: A Sanctuary for All celebrated its grand opening on 11109 Sunset Hills Road over the weekend. [WTOP]
Firing up some love for Reston Olympian Maame Biney – Fire Station 39 in North Point is showing Biney, a short-track speed skater, some love on their entrance sign. She advanced to the 500-meter Olympics quarterfinal over the weekend. [Fairfax County Fire Department]
Class on Insight Meditation and Mindfulness Practices Today — Steady your mind with this guided class on insight meditation, an art that aims to cultivate natural wisdom and compassion. The class will take place atUnitarian Universalist Church in Reston (1625 Wiehle Avenue) from 7:30-8:45 p.m. Newcomers are welcome and registration is free.
If you’re feeling adventurous – Reston’s Tropical Smoothie Cafe is offering a “red hot love” smoothie in celebration of Valentine’s Day through Wednesday. We’re told it’s a mix of green apple, white chocolate and cinnamon candies. [Tropical Smoothie Cafe]
Car parts were stolen from more than a dozen vehicles within a half-mile radius in the Herndon area late last week, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
The police department told Reston Now it’s unclear if the incidents, which happened between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, are connected.
“These incidents are still under investigation so we are unable to confirm or deny if they are connected,” a spokesperson for the police department wrote in a statement.
Police reported eight separate incidents where parts were taken from vehicles on the 13100 block of Fox Hunt Lane. On the 2300 block of Rolling Fork Circle, car parts were taken from another eight vehicles. One incident occurred on the 1200 block of Rolling Fork Circle.
Other larcenies from vehicles over the same time period include:
2300 block of Cavesson Court, wallet from vehicle.
11500 block of Embers Court, wallet from vehicle.
12500 block of Fox View Way, laptop from vehicle.
2200 block of Halter Lane, personal items from a vehicle.
12600 block of Noble Victory Lane, wallet from vehicle.
No other information was immediately available.
Anyone with information about any of the crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
File photo.
Wheelock Street Capital acquired Charter Oak Apartments in partnership with local investment firm Canandaigua & Pratt Holdings this month.
The news comes as Wheelock Communities, an affiliate of the company, acquired Hidden Creek Country Club in October. The club is adjacent to the apartments, which are located at 11637 Charter Oak Court.
The real estate firm has no immediate plans to redevelop the apartment community, which has 262 units and a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
“As for future plans, they have retained Gates Hudson to manage the property in its current form,” wrote Jeff Laliberte, Wheelock’s managing director, in a statement to Reston Now.
“We plan to invest additional capital into the property in the coming years and look forward to continuing to provide the Reston community with attractive housing options,” he added.
At the adjacent golf course, however, the company’s affiliate has hinted at possible redevelopment, including “new housing choices,” in the future.
A company representative would not disclose the terms of the apartment acquisition, including the purchase price.
Photo via Charter Oak Apartments
“Naturally Yours Valentines” Today at Walker Nature Center — Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making a card, enjoying tasty treats and taking home a special gift made from natural materials. The program, which runs from 10-11 a.m., is for toddlers between 18 and 35 months . Can’t make it today? Don’t worry. There’s another session tomorrow: same time, same place. [Reston Association]
Reston Olympian Advances in Speedskating Round — “Biney advanced to the quarterfinal of the 500m despite late pressure from Kim A-Lang. Biney finished with a time of 43.665 seconds, good for second in her heat.” [NBC 4]
County Eyes Other Uses for Office Buildings — “Reston Association’s Land Use Planner, Kelsey Steffen, explains how Fairfax County is forming a policy amendment that would allow for vacant or underutilized office buildings to be converted for other uses, such as retail and residential.” [Reston Today]
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- Fairfax County Police: 20 Break-Ins in Herndon and Reston Could Be Connected
- Herndon Father of Five Killed by Taliban in Afghanistan
- Crime Roundup: Armed Man Robs CVS Pharmacy in Reston Town Center
- Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market Set to Open in Spring
- Trump Visits Reston for Meeting on Homeland Security
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip. Have a great weekend.
Photo via Flickr user @vantagehill
