A home in Herndon was engulfed in flames at around 3 a.m. today.
Fire and rescue crews took out the fire at the two-story, single-family home on the 1100 block of Silver Beech Road in Herndon.
Two adults and three children, who were in the home at the time of the incident, were evacuated safely.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene.
#FCFRD and @LoudounFire responded to a house fire shortly before 3 AM in 1100 block Silver Beech Road in Herndon area. Units arrived to find a two-story, single-family house with fire on several levels. 2 adults and 3 children exited the home safely. More later. #FairfaxCounty pic.twitter.com/h6EcvJRHmi
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 9, 2019
This story will be updated.
More than 50 artists from around the region will create live artwork using their preferred media at a live fundraising event tomorrow (Saturday).
The Greater Reston Arts Center will host the third annual Monster Drawing Rally, which helps raise funds for its programs, at Signature apartments (11850 Freedom Drive).
As works are completed, they will be hung on a wall and will be available for purchase at $75 each. The event is free and open to all.
Tomorrow (Saturday)
- Gifts from the HeART Shopping Event (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) — Residents can buy artwork, jewelry, and other items at Reston Community Center Lake Anne’s annual event.
- Mystery Authors Extravaganza (1-4 p.m.) — Authors from the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in crime will prevent their 2019 novels. Books will be available for sale and signing.
- Reston Friends Holiday Book Sale (10. a.m. to 4 p.m.) — Gently-used books will be available for purchase at the annual event at Reston Regional Library.
- Lake House Open House (10 a.m. to noon) — Light refreshments will be available at the open house which takes place at the Lake House.
- Reston Town Center Holiday Performances — Over the weekend, several performers and groups will perform at the Reston Town Center promenade. Performances continue through Saturday, Dec. 21.
Sunday (Dec. 8)
- Reston Friends Holiday Book Sale (1-4 p.m.) — Gently-used books will be available for purchase at the annual event at Reston Regional Library.
- Holiday Open House (1-4 p.m.) — A holiday open house to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Nature House takes place at the. Walker Nature Center. The event is free and registration is not required.
- Best Kept Secrets with Dr. Charles Thomas (2 p.m.) — Dr. Charles Thomas, CEO of Clear Cloud, discusses his new book, “Best Kept Secrets from Invisible Walk-ons to Life Champions.” The event takes place at Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive).
Photo via GRACE
State officials are warning residents to avoid using any third-party sites to find vital records.
In a release by the State Health Commissioner, officials urged residents to not pay fees for any vital record application forms, which are free. Searches require payment.
A growing number of fake vital records websites have been reported.
Official information forms are available at any Vital Records office in the state, the Virginia Department of Health’s website, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
The county also offers four vital records office locations, including one in Reston (1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100).
Photo via Unsplash
The Brand Consultancy, a DC-based brand strategy company, is encouraging the Reston Association to change its brand strategy to emphasize its amenities and “proven innovation.”
At a meeting on Wednesday, the company, which was contracted by RA to complete a stakeholder survey and shape its brand and strategy, presented the findings of its report.
Overall, an online survey found that 55 percent of respondents had an excellent opinion of RA. The survey was distributed online and used a non-random sample of 1,600 respondents.
Some members questioned the validity of the survey findings and the statistical significance of the survey, which was distributed online and is based on a non-random sample. More than 48 percent of the respondents have household incomes of more than $100,000.
Diane Beecher, The Brand Consultancy’s CEO and senior strategist, said the company is “very confident” that the results of the survey were “statistically reliable.”
Overall, survey respondents reported high levels of satisfaction (Upwards of 89 percent) with paved hiking trails, pathways, garden plots, and community space maintenance. Covenants, standards, and summer camp programs received the lowest levels of satisfaction from respondents.
Reston Association should capitalize on its strengths of providing high-quality amenities and creating a better place to live, according to Beecher. The organization should consider mitigating its primary weakness of community care and the preservation of design and value, according to the consultants.
The company pitched the following brand story:
Proven innovation. We bring it home.
Always grounded in purposes so we can elevate every experience.
Both forward-looking and value adding, we believe that if anything proves the power of our tomorrow, it’s what we’re doing today.
Because today, we’re aligning every service and amenity with every need and want.
Today, we’re increasing the value of homes and properties — and of visitor and member satisfaction. And today, we’re keeping your best interests at heart so that tomorrow we’re even more state-of-the-art.
So here’s to being the association where what we could do becomes what we did. The association that continuously creates better amenities, services and ways of living. And the association that’s always at the forefront of our future, powering a potential that’s exponential.
The company also suggested pushing out key messages like “our services and amenities are well priced” and “we provide high-quality services and amenities.”
The brand pillars of preservation drivers, community inspired and value-focused were also pitched by the company based on values derived from an analysis of survey results and qualitative interviews.
Reston Association’s next steps include operationalizing the organization’s strategic roadmap, refining its customer experience, and launching a newly-defined brand to members and those who live, work and play in Reston.
A spokesperson for RA did not disclose the cost of the contract with The Brand Consultancy.
Photo via YouTube
With the help of a Reston-based company that specializes in DNA technology, local police have new leads on the 2006 murders of two elderly Springfield women.
Marion Marshall and Marion Newman, who were both in their 70s and lived just two miles apart from each other, were killed in separate incidents. Autopsy results list their cause of death as strangulation and blunt force trauma. DNA evidence collected from the scene indicated both women were sexually assaulted and that the same offender was responsible for both murders, according to police.
After the case turned cold, detectives turned to Parabon NanoLabs, which specializes in DNA phenotypic and genetic genealogy analysis, to develop composite sketches of the suspect. Police previously ran DNA samples gathered from the scene across a nationwide database of samples, but failed to find any leads. Parabon uses its technologies to predict physical appearance and biological relationships from unidentified DNA evidence.
The company provided three sketches based on what the suspect may look like at the age of 25, 40 and 55.
“We are committing countless hours and all available resources to close these cases and provide long-awaited answers to victim’s families – and bring those who committed these awful crimes to justice. I am extremely thankful for our dedicated detective bureau and victim services staff for all they do in seeking closure.”
Marshall was last seen visiting a grocery store on the morning of Aug. 14, 2006. Police believe that the murderer approached her as she unloaded groceries at her home on the 6600 block of Bostwick Drive. She was found dead by a friend later that evening, according to police.
Newman was found dead by a friend inside her home on Nov. 21, 2006 after she visited her mother at a senior living community in Springfield.
Detectives urge anyone with information about the crimes to call the major crimes bureau at 703-246-7800 or submit an anonymous tip online or by texting “TIP187” to 274637.
Photo via FCPD
Fairfax Connector Offers Limited Service Today — As day two of a worker strike continues, several routes will only run on Sunday service and some routes will not run at all. [Fairfax County Government]
Metro Releases Concepts to Improve Service — Metro “released several preliminary concepts to improve reliability, meet future ridership demand, and better serve customers on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The concepts, part of the two-year Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study), include a range of infrastructure improvements and service alternatives to address both short- and long-term needs.” [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Wiehle-Reston East Station Closed This Weekend — “Crews are gearing up to try and finish construction of Phase Two of the Silver Line extension in time for a September opening, and it’s going to mean some continuous inconveniences for weekend Metro riders. Just like the past few weekends, the Wiehle-Reston East Station will close again order as crews work on the expansion project. The work (and the closures) will continue most weekends through February 2020, per Metro. Free shuttle buses will be available between the Spring Hill and Wiehle-Reston East stations.” [DCIST]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized more than a dozen employers for excelling in implementing green commuter programs.
The award, which is managed by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and Best Workplaces for Commuters, recognizes companies for offering transportation benefits and incentives, including teleworking, ride-matching services, and bike parking.
The board recognized 17 companies for receiving the award, including the following six employers based in Herndon and Reston:
- Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.
- Expedition Technology, Inc.
- InSequence Inc.
- Macedon Technologies
- SAP NS2
- Tobii Technology, Inc.
“Employers offering commuting alternatives receive value through enhanced recruitment and retention of staff, decreased parking expenses as well the ability to limit employee absenteeism. It’s a win-win for the employers, the employees and Fairfax County,” said Marcus Moore, lead employer outreach specialist with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.
The designation is offering through Best Workplaces for Commuters, a membership program managed by the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research.
Photo via Fairfax County Government
A new fitness center devoted to children’s health is setting its eyes for a location in Reston.
My Gym, which offers programs that help children six weeks through 10 years of age to develop physically, plans to open in Reston within the next year, according to the owner of the company’s Vienna location.
The business, which has locations in more than 30 countries, celebrated its grand opening this week. It has another location in Tysons and also plans to expand to Ashburn.
Here’s more from the company:
Our programs focus on growth in all three categories because we view each step of development in these areas as an essential “building block” toward becoming a happy, healthy, well-adjusted human being.
My Gym Vienna owner Guillermo Herboza said a location has not been finalized yet in Reston.
Photo via My Gym Vienna/Facebook
Thousands of books are available for purchase beginning today (Thursday) during an annual sale by Friends of the Reston Regional Library.
According to information provided by the Friends, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $700,000 for the library through its book sales over the past 15 years. In addition, it has been able to donate $200,000 to direct library support programs — including $100,000 in eBooks, $25,000 in children’s series books, a Braille printing station for the Access Services branch, librarian scholarships and more.
Science fiction, religion, romance, cooking, sports, history and many other genres of titles are available. Small paperback books are available for as little as 50 cents, with hardcovers books priced as low as $1.50.
The sale is on through 8 p.m. today, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Friends’ next sale will be mystery, thriller and adventure sale, which is set for Feb. 6-9. Friends of the Reston Regional Library is made up of nearly 100 active volunteers who donate over 10,000 hours a year to process donations, run sales and reach out to the community.
For more information about Friends of the Reston Regional Library and its book sales, visit its website or its Facebook page, find it on Twitter, call 703-829-5467, or email [email protected].
File photo
County Seeks Help Reporting Streetlight Outages — Residents can report streetlight outages through the county’s interactive map online. [Fairfax County Government]
Meeting on Silver Line Phase Two Set for Today — The Dulles Corridor Advisory Committee meets today. The committee will receive an update on phase two of the project, as well as funding needs. [Dulles Corridor Advisory Committee]
Reminder about Reston Association Board Elections — Members interested in running for a seat in 2020should submit applications by Jan. 24. [Reston Association]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Commuters who rely on Fairfax Connector service should plan to make alternate plans tomorrow (Thursday).
Fairfax Connector workers plan to begin a strike at 3 a.m. tomorrow, according to the Amalgamated Transit Union.
The service, which is used by 30,000 individuals on a daily basis, will operate on a Sunday schedule tomorrow.
The strike comes after failed negotiations over a contract extension and an ongoing six-week-long strike at a Metro garage in Lorton. Transdev, a private company recently hired by the county, operates both services.
Here’s more from the county’s transportation department:
As a result of the job action, Transdev does not expect all drivers represented by ATU Local 1764 to report for work on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, and bus service will be operated by a limited number of available personnel. The decision was made to operate a Sunday schedule instead of a weekday schedule because that is believed to be the maximum level of reliable bus service that can be provided under the current circumstances.
Workers plan to stand at picket lines at three locations in the county, including the stop at 268 Spring Street in Herndon.
Here’s more from the union on the strike:
Five weeks after its union-busting tactics unleashed an unprecedented Metrobus strike that continues to this day, private transit contractor Transdev is at it again.
With more than 36 allegations of labor law violations alleged against the company, six hundred Transdev workers who operate and maintain the Fairfax Connector are striking beginning December 5.
Commuters should sign up for text or email alerts, follow Fairfax Connector on Twitter and Facebook, or call the service’s customer service line at 703-339-7200 for updates on service impacts.
County officials are encouraging residents to carpool, bike, walk or telework tomorrow.
“We appreciate our passengers’ patience as Transdev and ATU are continuing to negotiate a new contract. Until an agreement is reached, Fairfax County will continue to update Fairfax Connector customers with operating status on a regular basis,” according to a statement by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.
⚠️Fairfax Connector bus service will operate Sunday schedule today due to a job action by Fairfax Connector drivers and mechanics. Please visit:https://t.co/ztkygOkVhq to learn which routes will and will not be operating today and disregard weekday buses shown in BusTracker.
— Fairfax Connector (@ffxconnector) December 5, 2019
As Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins concludes her two-decade-long career this month, she acknowledges that Reston is experiencing what some might call “the painful side” of growth.
Nonetheless, Hudgins, who helped expand the Silver Line into and beyond Reston and presided over major changes in the community, says that she is confident that the pipeline of projects in development will slowly transform the community into a more inclusive suburb with a thriving transit-oriented core.
As community consternation about the pace of development and supporting public infrastructure mounts, Hudgins says she is hopeful that the community’s growing pains — including increased traffic and the uncertainty of future transportation funding for projects — will slowly give way to a more welcoming community.
The arrival of the regional transit system prompted a flurry of redevelopment and development along the Wiehe-Reston East Metro Station and the Reston Town Center Metro Station. Hudgins, a big believer in the promise of commuter rail, hopes residents who are alarmed by the residential towers and mixed-use projects scraping the area’s skies can learn to embrace change that is inevitable due to the Silver Line’s expansion.
“When we announced that Wegmans was coming, everyone was happy. We have to remember that you can’t build a Wegmans and not have people going back and forth,” Hudgins said. “What Reston is seeing is the benefit of financial investment. The question is, how long does the vision take to shape out?”
As she prepares to hand off her position to former Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn, she worries that some issues are still lingering, including housing affordability.
“When we came to Reston, there was a price point that we could all live on, but that has changed,” Hudgins said. “The question is, how do you implement affordable housing? How do you fund it? And what do you build?”
As the community grows, Hudgins also hopes that the welcoming spirit that prompted her to settle into the area nearly 50 years ago, also grows.
“The challenge will be how to keep that sense of community that I bought into and that we bought into,” Hudgins says.
In addition to helping bringing rail to the area, Hudgins says she is also proud of the “little legacies” like creating a high school bus pass system for buses and Metro, as well as expanding Kindergarten from a half-day to a full-day program in 2011.
She hopes Alcorn will offer community engagement opportunities to keep Restonians updated on the holistic picture of planned development, infrastructure, and housing affordability projects.
Hudgins plans to “sit back and watch” and become a part of the community again.
“If we can get to a point where we have the diversity of transportation uses and the people who work here can live here, we will learn that we can have a really great community, even as it changes.”
She compares Reston’s pace of development to living in your home as it is being remodeled — which she weathered through even when the roof was damaged by a storm.
“In the end, the actual plan does work.”
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched an in-depth study of dog parks in the county.
The study will examine current and future needs for dog parks throughout the county and include strategies for long-term planning, development, and management.
Currently, FCPA is seeking feedback through an online survey, which is available through Dec. 15.
Residents can also submit comments via email at [email protected].
More information about the study is available online.
Photo by Jay Westcott
A felony hit and run incident closed Reston Parkway at Stevenage round today (Wednesday) shortly after midnight.
Police believe a man driving a black 2016 Honda Fit was traveling northbound on Reston Parkway when he crossed over into opposing traffic on the other side of the road and hit a black 2003 Toyota Corolla.
The man attempted to flee the scene by foot, but was caught after a helicopter-assisted pursuit. The suspect, whose name has not been publicly released, was taken to a local hospital after he was bitten by a police K9.
Police said the man was “combative” when officers attempted to arrest him. Charges are pending.
No other information about the incident was released publicly.
This story has been updated.
After brief changes to parking over Thanksgiving break, free holiday garage parking will return to Reston Town Center this month.
Although garage parking is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends, changes are planned for the holiday season. Typically, the first hour of parking is free on weekdays.
From Dec. 21 through New Year’s Day, garage parking will be free.
Parking was also free from Nov. 23 through Sunday (Dec. 1), in addition to the following holidays:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Columbus Day
- Veteran’s Day
File photo
