At an annual meeting held online yesterday (Thursday), Reston Association announced the results of its board election.

Robert Petrine won the at-large seat for a three-year term while Sarah Selvaraj-Dsouza won the at-large seat for a one-year term. Current board member Caren Anton retained her three-year position for the Hunters Woods/Dogwood District seat and Mike Collins won the seat for apartment owners, which also has a three-year term.

Ed Abbott, chair of the elections committee, said that a 10 percent quorum to make the results official was met in the election this year. Overall, turnout was around 16 percent for all races.

Despite technical challenges on the first few days of voting, Abbott said he was confident about the integrity of the election results. Some RA members received ballots with names of other members.

A breakdown of voter turnout for each position is below:

• At-large (one-year): 18 percent
• At large (three-year): 18 percent
• Hunters Woods/Dogwood: 14.5 percent
• Apartment Owners Representative: 33 percent

The new board will select officers this month. The elections committee will evaluate the election and provide recommendations on how to improve the voting process to the board in the coming months.

The meeting was held virtually via Zoom and included live comments from RA members. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who spoke at the meeting, said he was impressed by the set up of the event.

Photo via YouTube

Reston Man Charged on Outstanding Warrants — Lewis Rose, 33, of Reston, was arrested on two outstanding warrants for burglary and grand larceny. He was seen “acting disorderly” and trying to steal his ex-girlfriend’s car on April 29, according to police. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Services for Former Police Captain Darryl Smith Begin Today — A local funeral home will live stream the funeral services and graveside committal service with police honors of Smith, who served as a Herndon Police Department captain and the police chief of the Purcellville Police Department. [Adams-Green Funeral Home]

Virginia Dental Practices to Reopen — “Some Virginia dental practices will reopen their doors to patients on Friday. On Wednesday, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced the Commonwealth would allow its temporary ban on medical and dental elective procedures to expire after April 30. Dental offices could only perform emergency procedures or surgeries prior to the ban’s implementation, according to the governor’s office.” [WUSA 9]

Reston Citizens Association Creates Local Restaurant Guide — The nonprofit organization has created a local restaurant guide with takeout and delivery options. The document can be downloaded online. [Reston Citizens Association]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

The Herndon Police Department’s Police Chief Maggie DeBoard is urging residents to avoid driving in the downtown area as former police captain Darryl ‘Smitty’ Smith is laid to rest tomorrow (Friday).

Smith, a prominent community leader, the town’s first African American Officer and Purcellville Police Chief, died on Sunday. Due to restrictions created by COVID-19, the funeral service will be restricted to family members only.

Community members and other wishing to pay their respects can gather along the procession route, but DeBoard said efforts to maintain social distancing should be adhered to.

Here’s DeBoard’s statement:

Due to the restrictions brought upon our community by COVID-19, the funeral service is restricted to family members only. We will also be avoiding driving through the downtown area as we escort Darryl to his final resting place to avoid the congested areas where people may want to congregate to pay their respects, all in the interest of safety.

The Herndon Police Department, along with representatives from the Purcellville Police Department, have made plans to formally honor Darryl at his graveside service, while doing our best to keep the family and our officers safe. Please respect the Governor’s Orders and our efforts to limit exposure at this service both to Darryl’s family and to our officers by remaining away from the cemetery. It is truly heartbreaking to lay a beloved lifelong public servant to rest without full honors and the support from the community he served, but safety must prevail and we all know that Smitty would stress this if he were still here with us today.

Please know that Darryl’s police families will provide a proper sendoff to him that lets his immediate family know how much he was loved and respected.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation during this painful and difficult time.

Adams-Green Funeral Home and Crematory, which has adapted to changing circumstances due to COVID-19, is hosting a virtual viewing of the funeral and graveside services online.

The funeral home invited members of the public to stand along the funeral procession route form the funeral home to Chestnut Grove Cemetery. More information about the services is available on the funeral home’s website.

A “celebration of life” service will be held at a later date once it is safe for crowd to gather.

Photo via HPD

Boston Properties, the owner of Reston Town Center, says that rent collection and leasing activity in April has remained strong this month despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

During a quarterly earnings call yesterday (Wednesday), company representatives said that roughly 90 percent of its office and retail tenants paid rent for April 1. The company’s first-quarter revenue is up from four percent over the previous year.

The company has signed a 135,000 square foot lease with a defense contractor at RTC. Construction of a 276,000-square-foot building that will be fully occupied by Leidos is also complete.

In Northern Virginia, leases amounting to 900,000 square feet of space are in active negotiations.

CEO Owen Thomas said it is difficult to determine where market rents are today and how the pandemic will impact the overall market.

“As in past recessions and economic slowdown created uncertainty, which reduces some users need for space, business leaders can become more cautious and reluctant to invest capital in new offices.”

The complete transcript of the call is available online.

Photo by R. Dawson/Flickr

The construction of a series of stormwater ponds to collect and treat runoff from phase two of the Silver Line is underway.

A spokesperson for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project says that four of the 15 stormwater management facilities along the extension project have been completed.

The largest facility is wetlands constructed near the county’s garage south of Herndon Station.

The extension project implements new stormwater management standards to treat runoff and remove pollutions, according to Stephen Barna, the project’s engineering director.

“The project elected to adopt the new standards for the benefit of the public,” he said.

Here’s more from the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project on the projects:

They have varying features from dry swales with specialized filters to manmade wetlands that contain multiple bioretention pools to treat stormwater flow.

While the stormwater management facilities in Phase 1 were designed primarily to prevent flooding, the ones that were built in Phase 2 were designed to also remove pollutants while retaining runoff.

Special grasses and plants are planted within the Phase 2 ponds, while locally appropriate trees.

Photo via Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project

A flash flood watch is in effect for most of the day today.

The National Weather Service issued an alert that runs from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. this evening.

Heavy rainfall, with the potential for flooding, is expected, according to the NWS.

Here’s more from the county on the alert:

Widespread rainfall totals of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches are expected with locally higher amounts of three inches or more possible.

This amount of rainfall will likely result in small stream and main stem river flooding. Moderate river flooding is also possible.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Rain will continue through the day across the area. The attached graphic shows high end potential rainfall amounts through the remainder of the event (doesn't include rain that has already fallen). Instances of flooding are likely through the day. pic.twitter.com/eNM3syXqGI

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 30, 2020

Photo by Jay Westcott

Local Company Tapped for Contact Tracing — The Indiana State Health department has hired Maximus Inc., a Reston-based company, to begin contact tracing for its 92 counties. The company will begin the laborious process of reaching out to people who have tested positive and determining who they have been in contact with over the last two weeks. [Indiana Business Journal]

Herndon Cares Seeks More Support — The initiative has provided more than 1,000 community members with takeout dinners fro local restaurants. The four-week-old program is made possible with partnerships with local faith communities. [Reston Patch]

Local Restaurant Offers Food for Front Line Fighters — Pica Deli, a Reston-based restaurant, raised $2,600 to help fund costs to donate deli sandwiches to frontline hospital medical staff and first responders. [The Connection]

Reminder: County Small Business Loans — Small businesses based in Fairfax County are eligible for up to $20,000 at zero percent interest through the county’s recently established Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund. [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Association Annual Meeting is Today — The annual meeting is set for 7 pm. today and will be held via Zoom. The meeting will also be streamed online via YouTube. [Reston Association]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially rough for Roer’s Zoofari, a local family-owned zoo and safari, that is temporarily closed.

With no foot traffic due to stay-at-home orders, zoo staff work in tight shifts to care for animals. Some take walks with animal care staff where children during field trips and other guests would have walked to enjoy the zoo’s cheetah, zebra, water buffalo, and other animals.

Owner and CEO Vanessa Roer says the last eight weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.

Just as COVID-19 led to a local standstill, the zoo had little to bank on in the months where it typically sees visitation pick up due to birthday parties, field trips and warming temperatures.

“Most days we keep our chins up, but every so often, we lock ourselves in the walk-in cooler and scream and cry in frustration. Then we go outside and kiss our giraffe, hug a baby goat and step forward — one step at a time.”

The zoo turned to crowdfunding when it became clear that it would take time for funding from the Small Business Administration to cash in. Typically, the zoo does not make enough revenue to cover off-season costs from November through the end of February.

“We plan for four months of little income, but we never saw months five and six with zero income,” Roer said.

The business moved quickly to furlough all non-essential employees.

The crowdfunding campaign has raised $34,786 of its $100,000 goal — a response that Roer said went beyond what she expected. Community members have donated produce, meat, dry feed, and hay to help out.

But it took 28 days for the business to receive funds from GoFundMe as other residents and businesses raced to online platforms to secure cash flows.

“I literally processed payroll at the beginning of that week without enough money to cover the Friday distribution — on a wing and prayer,” Roer said.

Although funding soon began pouring in — the zoo received a Paycheck Protection Program loan that covered two months of payroll — the zoo still needs money to keep afloat through June.

A federal loan through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance is critical to the longterm success of the zoo. After technical hiccups on its first application, the Zoofari is still waiting on securing that loan since applying on March 31.

“Since our revenue is seasonal, each day we are closed, we are not earning money that will be saved for next winter,” Roer said. “Just getting by right now will mean that we may not get by in 9-12 months.”

Still, the animals are getting good care, she says. Roer’s veterinarian is making visits to the zoo and mask-wearing staff work in pairs to take care of animals.

Donations are still needed, Roer said. If the zoo does not pay its mortgage payments by June 1, the business could go back to its previous owner. So far, a forbearance period lasts until June 1. Funds are also needed to pay for health benefits, insurance, utilities and veterinary care.

Photos via Roer’s Zoofari/Facebook

The Town of Herndon’s proposed budget for next year is slated for major changes, according to Herndon Town Manager Bill Ashton.

At a Herndon Town Council meeting last night (Tuesday), Ashton said that town officials are closely monitoring current expenditures and revenues. The revised budget for fiscal year 2021 will be released on May 1.

“We are making some very dramatic changes to it,” Ashton said, adding that the town’s revenue streams are doing “a little better” than town staff originally projected.

The Herndon Town Council will review the budget at work sessions on May 5 and May 19,  followed by public hearings on May 12 and May 26.

All sessions will be held online due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. The town will release more information on how to make live public comments during the public hearing. Residents can also submit comments on the proposed budget by emailing [email protected].

Image via Town of Herndon

Big Bowl, a popular Chinese and Thai restaurant in Reston Town Center, has closed permanently after nearly two decades of business.

The restaurant will not be reopening due to the expiration of its lease, according to its website.

“We appreciate our many loyal guests and employees that have supported us over the last 19 years, our team has enjoyed serving you,” the statement read.

County permits do not yet indicate what will fill the space at 11915 Democracy Drive, which is known for its iconic circular storefront.

Image via Google Maps

Police officers at the Reston District Station will be among the first to wear body cameras as the county-wide program begins next month.

This year, the Reston, Mason and Mount Vernon District Station, which took part in a pilot program in 2018, will receive a combined total of 416 cameras. Training on how to use the devices is currently underway.

The program is expected to result in 13 new positions, including three in the police department, eight in the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and two in the Department of Information Technology.

But it’s unclear when the rest of the county will receive the cameras. Although a three-year implementation plan with funding was originally planned for, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill to delay the rollout of the program.

The proposed budget — which was scaled back considerably in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — maintains an increase of $1.77 million to support the first full year of the program. The $4 million was first approved in late 2019 by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Colonel Edwin Roessler said the police department hopes the program through despite revisions to the latest budget.

“We are committed to seeing the body-worn camera program through to full implementation,” Roessler said.

Photo via Fairfax County Police Department

Local residents looking to get their farmers market fix and support small businesses can do so beginning next month.

Reston Farmers Market will return to the parking lot at Lake Anne Village Center on May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Fairfax County Park Authority approved the opening of the market this week.

Organizers say the market will have a very different look and feel due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Layout stands will be spread out in order to practice social distancing at the parking lot (1609 Washington Plaza-W).

The following new rules are expected to be implemented:

• Do not enter if sick
• Keep at least six feet apart from other people
• Everyone should wear a face mask or other facial covering
• No pets are allowed
• One customer at a stall at a time
• Do not touch products and surfaces. Vendors should manage bag purchases
• No on-site eating of purchases or sampling
• Payment by credit or debit card preferred
• Do not linger. Try to complete shopping as quickly as possible
• Leave by designated exits only

“It will be important that all customers adhere to them in order to assure that the Reston Farmers Market be permitted to stay open to serve you and to protect the health and safety of everyone in the market,” said John Lovaas, co-market manager.

Opening dates for other farmers market in Fairfax County have not been determined, but are expected soon.

More than 100 people in Fairfax County have died as a result of COVID-19, according to state data.

As of today (Tuesday), 114 people in the county died from the respiratory illness. The number of total cases — 3,278 — continues to rise.

A new dashboard created by the county offers new insights into localized data.

The number of new cases by week for the Fairfax Health District — which includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church — is below:

• Feb. 28: Four cases
• March 1: 27 cases
• March 8: 103 cases
• March 15: 247 cases
• March 22: 305 cases
• March 29: 411 cases
• April 5: 532 cases
• April 12: 553 cases
• April 19: 239 cases

Data for the last three weeks is incomplete due to gaps between the time of exposure and the onset of symptoms, according to the county.

The case incidence per 100,000 persons in Fairfax County is roughly 285.

So far, the pandemic continues to grow exponentially if the number of total confirmed cases is charted against the number of new confirmed cases per week. This means that the rate of new cases is equal to the rate of existing cases.

A slowdown in new cases is detected when the line begins to trend downward.

Images via Fairfax County Health Department

Local Resident to Serve on Statewide Coronavirus Taskforce — Warren Thompson, president and founder of Reston-based Thompson Hospitality, will serve on Gov. Ralph Northam’s recovery task force for businesses. The task force will advise Northam on how to ease restrictions on individuals and businesses. [Patch]

Two Men Rob Pedestrian — Police believe two men implied they had a weapon and attempted to steal the victim’s backpack on April 25 at around 9 p.m. The incident happened at the intersection of Springer Drive and Enright Place. [Fairfax County Police Department]

FCPS Distance Learning on Kojo Nnamdi — The Kojo Nnamdi Show will feature the Fairfax County Public School System’s distance learning woes during a show today at noon. [Kojo Nnamdi]

Photo by Marjorie Copson