Fairfax County School Board to Discuss  School Calendar — The board will review three options to change the school calendar for next year on Monday, Nov. 13. Changes include several options for the first day of school and the selection of the length of winter break and early release days. Proposed changes can be found on the school system’s website. For more information, contact the school system’s community relations and communication office at 571-423-1200. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Federal Capital Partners To Sell Amazon Web Services Building in Herndon — The landlord has hired a firm to market the One Dulles Tower, a 400,000 square foot building for sale. The company purchased the building for $80 million in 2015. [Washington Business Journal]

Event to Highlight Crash Management Efforts in Northern Virginia — Virginia’s transportation department will show how multiple agencies and jurisdictions work together to clear incidents on the state’s roads on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. The event, which will be held at the department’s Northern Virginia District Office (4975 Alliance Drive), is the first open house in Northern Virginia that will feature a simulated crash scene and indoor technology exposition. For more information, visit the department’s webpage. [Virginia Department of Transportation]

Herndon High School Theatre Presents ‘Twelfth Night’ —  William Shakespeare’s holiday comedy will be performed on Nov. 10, 11, 16 and 17  from 7:30 – 10 p.m. Timings for Nov. 12 and Nov. 18 are between 2 and 4:30 p.m. Parental guidance is recommended, as the performance is not suitable for audience members under the age of thirteen. Tickets, which are $12 for adults and $6 for students, can be purchased on the theatre’s website. Performances will take place in Herndon High School’s auditorium (700 Bennett St.). [Herndon High School Theatre]

Sobriety Check Set for Friday — Officers from the Reston District Station will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in the area this Friday. A first-time DUI offense can result in fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 and a one-year license suspension. Individuals arrested with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or higher must spend at least five days in jail. [Fairfax County Police]

File photo.

Despite the downpour of rain on Tuesday, a steady stream of voters cast their votes at Armstrong Elementary School in Reston. As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 209,223 residents of Fairfax County voted in Virginia’s election.

The state is only of of two in the United States with statewide elections this year. Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam are vying for governor in what is expected to be a narrow contest, according to The New York Times. Libertarian Cliff Hyra is also running.

In the last election in 2013, turnout rested at 46.8 percent. With a little more than four hours before polls close, turnout this year sits at 30.6 percent, according to the county.

A record number of absentee ballots were cast this year, according to Fairfax County officials. More than 41,000 Virginians participated in early voting, up by roughly 61 percent from voting in 2013. Absentee voting was up in every jurisdictions in Virginia, except three, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a non-profit organization that provides information about local politics.

There are more than 684,041 active registered voters in Fairfax County. Throughout the day, voters trickled in at various polling sites throughout Reston and Fairfax County. By 10 a.m., nearly 16 percent or roughly 109,000 of registered voters already casted their ballot.

All 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are up for election. Fifty-five of those seats are contested.

Reston’s current Delegate, Democrat Ken Plum, is running without opposition in this election. Plum is currently serving his 36th year as the local Delegate for the 36th District, which includes Reston. Prior to his political appointment, he served for roughly 20 years as a public school teacher and administrator. Plum recently commented on his unopposed race for re-election in his weekly commentary.

Two candidates, Republican Jill Vogel and Justin Fairfax are running to replace Ralph Northam as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, a role which often presides over the State Senate, and has the power to break tie votes. The race for attorney general is between the current attorney general, Democrat Mark Herring, and his opponent, Republican John Adams.

The Board of Supervisors has asked residents to approve the sale of $315 million in bonds. If approved, the county has published a list of school improvement projects they would use the money to pay for.

The American Civil Liberties Union received multiple reports from Virginia voters who said that they received calls falsely saying their polling place had changed. The civil liberties organization advised voters to confirm polling locations at elections.virginia.gov and report any issues by calling the organization at 804-644-8080.

Polling stations are open through 7 p.m. Results can be viewed live at VPAP’s website or on the Fairfax County Government website.

Photo by Fatimah Waseem

Herndon Police have found Donald Higgins, a 65-year-old Reston resident who went missing on Monday. Higgins, who suffers from dementia, was found after an extended search, according to the police department. He was last seen at 10:30 p.m on Sunday. when he left his home on Tyler Street in Herndon.

Earlier today, a Fairfax County Police Department helicopter cleared the area after searching for Higgins Tuesday morning near the Loudoun County line, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department.

LOCATED: Donald HIGGINS is home safely. Thank you to everyone who helped with the search and helped spread the word. #herndonpd pic.twitter.com/ZK7bG9SIN3

— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) November 7, 2017

Herndon Police are searching for Donald Higgins, a 65-year-old Herndon resident who went missing on Monday. Higgins, who suffers from dementia, was last seen at 10:30 p.m. when he left his home on Tyler Street in Herndon.

He was last seen wearing gray jogging shorts, a dark gray or blue black jacket, black loafers and a yellow Redskins jersey, according to the police department. He was also carrying a pair of blue Dockers pants and a dark plaid shirt. Higgins has a tattoo on his right forearm and wears reading glasses.

A Fairfax County Police Department helicopter cleared the area after searching for Higgins Tuesday morning near the Loudoun County line, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department.

ALERT: Last seen 10:30p 11-6-17 when he left home on TylerSt in Herndon. HIGGINS suffers from dementia. Full info: https://t.co/BzF16dK6SK pic.twitter.com/dy2Cm1DFMQ

— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) November 7, 2017

If you have any information, contact the police department at 703-435-6846. Information can also be directed to Detective Jeffrey Lange at 703-435-6881, ext. 2304 or by email at [email protected]ov.

The renovation of Reston Association’s Central Services Facility will begin this month, according to a video posted to RA’s video channel this week.

Plans to renovate 35-year-old building on 12250 Sunset Hills Road have been suggested for nearly three years. The facility is responsible for maintenance and care of Reston’s facilities, including pavilions, community buildings, garden plots and pathways. will begin this month.

Mike McNamara, RA’s deputy director of maintenance said construction is expected to last through March of next year. Upgrades are necessary as the facility must manage workforce increases, changes in the scope of work and more staff.

McNamara also said renovations will not impact the facility’s current operations.

“There will be contractors on site but services to the members will definitely not be impacted. Every job and every service that we provide will continue throughout the renovation,” he said.

The project was put on hold in June 2016 when RA’s Board of Directors put the project on pause. In December, the board approved releasing funds to allow staff to estimate the cost of the project. In February this year, the board released an additional $200,000 to begin the architecture and engineering phase of the project.

The project will include the following upgrades:

• bathroom in warehouse building for environmental staff
• additional exit and ADA accessibility for warehouse office area
• replace all windows in main building
• add to bathroom capacity in main building to meet volume needs
• address leaking roof
• improve reception area for staff and RA members
• provide HVAC system for shop area
• install security system
• upgrade LAN connectivity
• provide adequate workspaces
• provide modular training space

Fairfax County is celebrating the first year anniversary of Capital Bikeshare this month as more stations in Reston are on the horizon.

County officials laud the program as a success. According to the Capital Bikeshare’s website, more than 1,000 people have signed up to become members and more than 27,150 miles have been travelled overall. More than 10,000 trips have also been taken with the bikes.

Adam Lind, the county’s bicycle program coordinator, said the county sees the program as a success so far, especially compared to counties like Montgomery County in Maryland and Fairfax County overall.

“Memberships and trips taken have continued to increase and we expect this to continue as we expand bikeshare to new areas of Reston and the county,” Lind said.

Currently, there are 15 stations installed in Reston. Within the next few months, a new station will be on the way near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. A dozen additional stations are planned for next year in 2019, 11 of which will be funded by a federal grant and pone of which will be funded by a development. Ten of these stations are planned on the south of Toll Road, he said.

Funding is also available for expanding Bikeshare to the west of both sides of the Toll Road within phase two of the Silver Line extension.

The most popular stations are at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station and the Reston Town Center Transit station is the 2^nd most busy. The county expects bikeshare to continue to grow as more bike infrastructure is built in the community.

Trick-or-treaters have plenty of options for goodies, fun and scares throughout the area this weekend.

At the BOO-stravaganza at Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 West Ox Road), guests can enjoy themed games, enter a slightly-spooky barn and take a wagon ride through the woods at night. One-hour sessions begins at 6 and 7 p.m. tonight. The cost is $10 per person and reservations are required. Call 703-437-9101 for more information.

Children in costumes can visit participating retailers to trick-or-treat goodies on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m in Reston Town Center. Participating retailers will display a pumpkin flyer in their window.

Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza West) will also hold its annual Boo & Brews event on Saturday. The schedule runs from 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. and includes a pet costume contest, a live DJ, pet treats, pumpkin painting and beer gardens.

Children and their parents can trick-or-treat at decorated car trunks in the parking lot of Forest Edge Elementary School (1501 Beacontree Lane) from 3 – 4 p.m. on Saturday. The event, Trunk-or-Treat, is hosted by Reston Church.

Guests can also trick-or-treat in the playgrounds of Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) and enjoy s’mores and stories. The program runs from 7 – 8:30 p.m. and costs $8 per person. No reservations are necessary. Call 703-471-5414 for more information.

There is plenty else scheduled to take place this weekend in the area as well. Take a look at our list below.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• The Washington West Film Festival continues tonight and Saturday with dozens of screenings and opportunities for conversation with filmmakers. For the complete schedule, visit the festival’s website.
• The United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive) will holds its third annual Fall Art and Craft Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local artists and craftspersons will showcase their work in this juried fair. Admission and parking are free.
• Volunteer to help remove English ivy vines on the path between Sanibel Drive and Dogwood Elementary School (12300 State Route 4721) on Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon. Reston Association needs volunteers for its Habitat Heroes initiative to help protect the native mayapple plant. Attendees should wear long sleeves and pants. To volunteer, register online.
• The Reston Community Players’ 2017-18 season continues their presentation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.” The show, winner of four Tony Awards, will be performed through Nov. 11 at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). This weekend, the show is being performed at 8 p.m. on tonight and Saturday tonight and at 2;30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $27, with student/senior tickets available for $23.
• A trail of illuminated hand-carved pumpkins is welcoming visitors to “THE GLOW: A Jack O’Lantern Experience,” now through Sunday at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive). Presented by Townsquare Live Events, the “enchanting Halloween wonderland” features a third-of-a-mile trail decorated with more than 5,000 pumpkins. Tickets, which are $16 for kids ages 3-12 and $22 for adults, are available online and must be purchased in advance.
• Show off your best superhero costume at Scrawl Books (11862 Market St.) from noon to 6 p.m on Sunday. The book store is hosted a Be Your Own Superhero Day. All ages are welcome.

• The exhibit, Reston: The Art of Community, will continue at the Reston Museum (1639 Washington Plaza) this weekend. Produced by Public Art Reston in collaboration with the Reston Historic Trust & Museum, the display showcases the legacy of public art in Reston. The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 26.

• “Sue Wrbican: Well Past the Echo” will be on view at Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.) through Nov. 18.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m; and Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) every Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Movie lovers can enjoy eight special screenings today in Reston as the Washington West Film Festival continues for the third day this week. The festival, which will end on Saturday, showcases films from around the world.

The festivities will begin with a happy hour at Bow Tie Cinemas (11940 Market St.) at 4:30 p.m. Screenings explore topics from the life of legendary music man Clive Davis to screenings of several short films about powerful women, darkness and light and family-friendly topics. Davis will also participate in a discussion following the screening.

The day will conclude with a pavilion party at Reston Town Center Pavilion (1818 Discovery St.) at 9 p.m. Audiences, filmmakers and special guests will enjoy an evening of music, dancing and food. Guests are encouraged to wear a mask from a favorite movie. The suggested dress is cocktail attire.

The event is presented in partnership with The Harrison, M&S Grill, and Edibles Incredibles Desserts.

The complete schedule of screenings, discussions with filmmakers and other events in the area is online. All net box office proceeds help address issues like hunger, illness and limited organization, according to the festival’s website.

Photo via Washington West Film Festival

Fun, Fear and Treats Served Up at Halloween Event Tonight — At the BOO-stravaganza at Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 West Ox Road), guests can enjoy themed games, enter a slightly-spooky barn and take a wagon ride through the woods at night. One-hour sessions begins at 6 and 7 p.m. tonight. The cost is $10 per person and reservations are required. Call 703-437-9101 for more information. [Fairfax County Government]

Midtown Jewelers Fall Bridal Show to Begin Today — Representatives from Danhov and Michael M. collection will be on hand to showcase all the latest designs in wedding rings and bands. The show will take place from Friday through Sunday at 11990 Market St. To make an appointment, email  [email protected]. [Midtown Jewelers]

Department of Motor Vehicles to Offer Express Services in November —Apply for a new ID and driver’s license or get driving records, license plates and more when the DMV’s wireless office on wheels comes to Reston Town Center’s pavilion on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. [Reston Town Center]

The redevelopment of Herndon’s historic center moved forward Tuesday as local lawmakers passed an agreement that would transform nearly 4.7 acres of town-owned land into a mixed use development.

The seven-member Herndon Town Council unanimously approved a comprehensive agreement with Comstock Partners that lays out responsibilities of both parties. Comstock plans to bring 281 residential apartments, 17,600 square feet of retail space, an arts plaza and walkways, an 18,000-square-foot arts center and a 761-space parking garage to the center.

The public-private redevelopment deal states the town will pitch in $3.6 million to help with the redevelopment effort, including $500,000 for environmental remediation, $500,000 for transitional public parking, $250,000 for the relocation of the arts center, $100,000 for culvert repairs and up to $100,000 for any off-site easements. The town will also contribute land purchased for $5.8 million

In return, the developer will provide 339 public parking spaces in the garage, the arts center, an arts work and recreation proffer and $505,000 in proffer funds for town recreational services. The total value of the contributions is roughly $12 million, according to the town.

Construction, which is set to begin in early 2019, is expected to be complete by early 2021. With the green light from the council, the developer must begin designing the project. Once the design is complete, Comstock will submit a site plan to the town for approval and seek design approval from the town’s Heritage Preservation Committee — a process that could take one year.

The site on which the development would take place is north of Elden Street, east of Center Street, west of Station Street and south of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. The space in question includes municipal parking lots and the home of ArtSpace, as well as the former Stohlman Subaru building on Elden Street.

As the development moves forward, the town plans to work with Comstock on a transitional parking plan. ArtSpace will be relocated off-site during construction of the project. The future of the Herndon Festival is unclear as the festival’s committee will evaluate options for relocation. During construction, parking will either continue to be located on-site or be transitioned to other locations in downtown Herndon. The town will work with Comstock on the transitional parking plan.

In a release, Mayor Lisa Merkel applauded the council’s decision as a major step forward in the redevelopment effort.

“After decades of discussion, vision and planning, the town is thrilled to be moving forward on a project that will revitalize our downtown and solidify Herndon’s position as a 21^st century town where history and heritage are integrated into a thoroughly contemporary setting. We are grateful to the citizens, business owners and others with a stake in Herndon’s future who have dedicated so much time and energy to get us to this point, and we look forward to working with Comstock in bringing the town’s vision to reality.”

County officials project the purchase of the property will bring in roughly $300,000 per year from taxes and fees for licenses. The site is currently exempt from property taxes.

For more information about the plans, visit the town’s website.

Image courtesy of Anne Curtis

Changes could come to Lake Fairfax Park as the Fairfax County Park Authority, jumpstarts the planning process to update the master plan for 482-acre park.

The authority will hold a public information meeting on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lake Drive) to discuss possible revisions to the park’s master plan. The process establishes the longterm vision for how the park will be used in the future and current unmet needs.

Updates come as demand for more recreation and park options grows, according to county officials. The current plan, which was launched in 2001, is outdated as additional parcels and structures have also been added to the park since its creation. Roughly five acres along Hunter Mill Road were also added to the park within the last decade.

“The plan will focus on the features of the added property, potential new facilities, and reevaluating existing facilities to see if they are still meeting the community needs and preferences,” said Judy Pedersen, the authority’s spokeswoman.

The meeting in November will introduce the project to the community and include time for community input as the authority assembles a draft concept plan. At a second meeting, staff will present the draft plan to the community and hear feedback, after which the Park Authority Board will make a decision about the final master plan.

The plan will also recommendations for land uses of recently acquired parcels and potential new facilities, Pedersen said.

“Ultimately, the purpose of the master plan revision is to determine how to best incorporate the newly acquired acreage and determined needs within the existing framework of the park,” she said.

While the master plans lays out a refined vision for the park, it requires capital funding for complete implementation.

The park, which was originally a dairy farm in the early 1900s, currently includes a 20-acre lake with fishing, boat rentals, a carousel, athletic fields, picnic shelters, a skate park and campgrounds. The authority acquired a 292-acre parcel in 1966 and a 129-acre parcel in 1972.

As of mid-October, the authority owns or cares for more than 23,000 acres or roughly nine percent of all open space in the county.

The authority is accepting public comments and questions through Dec. 1 via email at [email protected].  For more information on the planning process and for project updates, visit the county’s website.

Corridor Four, a documentary that follows the story of a 9/11 first responder, will premiere at Bow Tie Cinemas (11940 Market St.) at 7 p.m. as part of the Washington West Film Festival.

A reception, which will include light appetizers and drinks, will follow the screening. The filmmakers and the subject of the documentary will also participate in a question and answer session.

The festival, which began on Wednesday and runs through Saturday, showcases films from around the world.

The complete schedule of screenings, discussions with filmmakers and other events in the area is online. All net box office proceeds help address issues like hunger, illness and limited organization, according to the festival’s website.

Filmmakers and subject will participate in a Q&A following the Thursday night screening. 7 p.m.

Video via Washington West Film Festival

Philosopher Rachel Jones, choreographer Britta Joy Peterson and visual artists PLAKOOKEE will present a creative professional performance in response to work on view in the gallery of the Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.) on Thursday from 6 – 7 p.m.

The event, called as a creative response, allows presenters to comment on work they have viewed through an innovative presentation. The performances are followed by an open discussion.

October’s creative response is held in conjunction with the Now Be Here project. The event is free and open to the public.

Jones, whose background is in philosophy, is interested in using art and literature to explore the intersection of feminist philosophy, queer theory and critical race theory.

Peterson is a dance artist who specializes in contemporary dance. She is also the director of dance at American University.

PLAKOOKEE is a creative collaboration between Justin Plakas and Rachel Debuque, designers and artists who combine sculpture, installation, constructed realities and new media to create art.

For detailed descriptions of the presenters and for more information, visit GRACE’s website.

Photo via GRACE

Management has begun hiring for all positions as Nando’s Peri-Peri (12120 Sunset Hills Road) as the Portuguese-style chicken restaurants gears up for its opening day on Nov. 13, according to a company representative.

Nando’s has about 1,200 restaurants in 23 countries on five continents. It was founded in 1987 in South Africa, with its first location debuting in the United States in D.C. nearly nine years ago. Other restaurants are located at One Loudoun and the Mosaic District.

The business will open a little over a month after a Starbucks opened next door. The Starbucks is the fifth in Reston and progress continues at Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, which will also sit next to Nando’s.

The company is hiring for all positions. Company representatives dispersed information outside the location early this week.