If you traveled or just tuned out from local news during the holiday season, here’s what you may have missed:
Lake House Review: Work has still not begun on a review of how funds were handled to purchase and renovate what is now the Lake House at Lake Anne. It was decided an independent review was necessary after renovations ended up to be roughly three times what was budgeted, and money had to be borrowed from the Reston Association’s operating budget to cover the deficit. The RA Board previously went through months of negotiations with the firm MediaWorld, who had offered to do the review for just $1 if volunteers agreed to help with some of the busy work, but after more than two months of back and forth, it appears negotiations have been stalled or possibly terminated.
Development on the Horizon: Per the usual here in Reston, there are several major developments in the works around town. In particular, just before the holidays, more news broke about Vornado’s planned development near Wiehle-Reston East Metro, Comstock’s hopes for a development near Reston Station, and an approval for planned lofts by Pulte Homes near Reston Station.
Very Little Crime to Ruin the Holidays: Thankfully, very few crimes made headlines in the Reston area over the holidays. There were minor break-ins at the Carlton House condos at Reston Town Center and the Hidden Creek Country Club, and a tragic accident in D.C. involving a Herndon man. In a bit of good news, the community pulled together to help find a teen boy who went missing in North Reston within 24 hours.
Fourth Spot Opens Up on RA Board: Just before the Christmas and Chanukah holidays, North Point District Director Danielle LaRosa of the Reston Association Board of Directors tendered her resignation. LaRosa also serves as the board’s current treasurer. LaRosa’s seat joins three others that are opening up on the board when three-year terms come to an end in April, for a total of four out of the board’s nine seats up for election when voting begins March 3. The candidate elected to fill LaRosa’s seat will serve the remaining two years of her three-year term. A Candidate Information Session will take place tonight for those who want to learn more about running for the board.
As we kick off 2017, what are you most interested in or concerned about around Reston? Tell us what you most want Reston Now to cover in this new year.
How Expensive Are Reston’s Costliest Available Homes? — Two single-family homes, two condos and a townhouse make up Realtor.com’s top five most expensive homes currently on the market in Reston. Spoiler alert: They’re all priced over $1 million. [Reston Patch]
Reston Historic Trust Gets an Executive Director — Beth Didiano started work Tuesday as the Reston Historic Trust and Museum’s first full-time executive director. Didiano previously served in similar roles in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. [Reston Now]
Reston Association Plans Trip to National Gallery of Art — AÂ chartered bus trip to the National Gallery of Art in D.C. is being offered next week by RA. The Thursday, Jan. 12 excursion costs $29 for Reston residents and $34 for nonresidents. Advance registration is required. [RA/WebTrac]
As winter approaches, parents of students in Fairfax County public schools must prepare for one of the biggest disruptions to their weekday routine — snow days.
Fairfax County Public Schools officials will often try to make a decision the night before regarding whether to delay or cancel school. This can happen if snow has already begun to fall or if a majority of national weather forecasters agree inclement weather is likely by morning. In cases when the forecast is uncertain, though, officials may wait until 4:30 a.m. for the most up-to-date conditions.
One way to keep up with the latest school weather announcements is to download the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) app to your smartphone. The FCPS app is available in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play.
Parents can also contact their child’s school to sign up for text-message alerts about inclement weather decisions.
In addition, school officials say that decisions and announcements will be posted to the district’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, and emails will be sent to parents and subscribers of the FCPS “News You Choose” newsletter. Notifications are also posted to Fairfax County’s cable-access station, Channel 21 (Cox, Reston Comcast and Verizon customers), and sent to local print, online, radio and television media outlets.
Thirteen snow days are built into the 2016-17 school calendar. If 13 or fewer school days are canceled due to inclement weather, no make-up days will need to be added onto the end of the year in June, and no days off for holidays or in-service days will need to be canceled.
A 14th day is also allowed, however, as a free day. After the 14th missed day, every other snow day will need to be made up. A 15th snow day, for example, would be made up by canceling the traditional day off after Easter Sunday — which this year would be Monday, April 17.
We may see a bit of snow on the ground in Reston later this week, meteorologists warn, though the forecast remains in flux.
Late Thursday night into early Friday morning, the forecasters say there is a chance we could experience a coating of up to an inch. There is a higher probability for snowfall between late Friday night and Sunday morning, the Capital Weather Gang says, but the prognosticators believe that snow could miss the local area and hit more to the southeast.
More information about school make-up days can be found on the FCPS website.
Video by Fairfax County Public Schools, via YouTube
Reston Association Board Candidate Info Session Tomorrow — Anyone considering running for one of the four seats on the Reston Association Board of Directors is invited to attend a candidate information session Wednesday evening. Terms will begin in April. All candidate forms and applications for those wishing to be on the ballot must be turned in by Jan. 27. [Reston Now]
My, How You’ve Grown, Reston! — The U.S. Census Bureau has released five years’ worth of data about Reston and its residents, and the numbers show just how much the planned community has grown. Among the highlights in the information is a 7,000-person increase in population and a median household income that has surpassed $100,000. [Reston Patch]
Herndon Man Dies After NYE Hotel Roof Fall — A 23-year-old Herndon man died shortly after midnight on New Year’s in an incident on the roof of his Dupont Circle hotel. Reports indicate John Leonard was on the roof of his hotel when he fell into a boiler shaft and plummeted 10 stories. [Washington Post]
R
eston residents can don costumes and get “ice, ice, crazy” during an annual charity event next month.
This year’s Virginia Polar Dip is slated to take place at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne on Feb. 11. The benefit helps raise money to send children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to Camp Sunshine in Maine.
This year’s goal is to raise $100,000, which would be enough to send about 40 area families to the camp, organizers said. The Reston event is held in conjunction with other Polar Dip plunges across the U.S.
In previous years, participants have worn wetsuits, superhero getups and pirate costumes as they leapt in the lake. But they don’t need to fully submerge themselves: attendees can also participate by just dunking their toes in the water during the so-called “Chicken Dip.” Participants who raise $100 or more for the cause will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
Registration on the day of the event is scheduled to begin at noon. The event itself will begin about two hours later.
The Reston Community Players are setting the stage to present their latest production, the Tony Award-winning play “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.”
The show opens Friday, Jan. 20 and runs through Saturday, Feb. 4. Performances are scheduled to take place on the CenterStage at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road).
The play, written by Christopher Durang, centers around Vanya and Sonia, middle-aged siblings who live happily together in rural Pennsylvania. But when their other sister, a B-list Hollywood star named Masha, shows up unexpectedly with her latest boyfriend, Spike, she tries to draw them into a kooky plan that inevitably upends their previously quiet life.
The modern comedy is based upon a 19th-century Russian play, “Uncle Vanya” by Anton Chekhov. In his play, Durang takes the classic tale and weaves it into a work of American pop culture that aims to bring laughter from audiences of all ages.
The cast of the Reston production includes Andrew JM Regiec as Vanya, Lee Slivka as Sonia, Joanne Maylone as Masha and Will MacLeod as Spike. The production is directed by Tel Monks, and it is produced by Bea and Jerry Morse.
Evening performances of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” are set to take place Jan. 20, 21, 27 and 28, and Feb. 3 and 4, at 8 p.m. A matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Read More
Reston-based Firm Could See Trump Bump — Defense contractors aren’t the only ones who could benefit from increased defense spending under the Trump administration, according to market analysts. Reston-based Leidos Holdings and McLean-based Booz Allen Hamilton could also see gains if the federal government seeks to modernize IT systems and increase cybersecurity. [Washington Business Journal]
Local Woman Aims to Drop Pounds in 2017 — How easy is it to lose 60 pounds? It’s only Jan. 2, but Rachel Krans is already more than halfway there with the help of Reston’s Lifetime Athletic Club. Though Krans has already shed 35 pounds, she wants to lose 25 more in 2017. [WUSA9]
Notable Obituaries: Mark S. Greenberg — Mark S. Greenberg, 70, of Reston, died Nov. 28. Greenberg was a lobbyist for education, transportation, defense and municipal issues. He also served as a special assistant for the Reagan administration, and in the Senate and House offices of Paul S. Trible Jr. (R-Va.). [Washington Post]
Reston Community Center is planning three days of special activities in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day next month.
Reston’s 32nd annual celebration will include special speakers, performances and community service projects over three days from Jan. 14-16.
The three-day birthday celebration is a collaborative effort by many entities such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church of Reston, Reston Community Center, the office of Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, Reston Community Orchestra, Reston Association, Southgate Community Center, Cornerstones, and many other local business and civic organizations.
See a schedule of events below.
Saturday, Jan. 14: Day of Service, Performances
Service Projects: Reston Community Center is partnering with the Southgate Community Center, Reston Association, Cornerstones and The Closet for a day of community service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Both indoor and outdoor projects will take place beginning at 9 a.m. at Southgate Community Center (12125 Pinecrest Road). Indoor projects include bagging lunches for local shelters and sorting donated items for The Closet. Outdoor projects include cleaning up walkways and local green areas. Activities conclude around noon, and then free lunch will be served to all volunteers. Volunteers age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. To volunteer, contact Ha Brock at Reston Association at 703-435-7986 or [email protected].
Reston Community Orchestra Performance: The RCO presents its annual memorial tribute concert beginning at 4 p.m. at the Hunters Woods Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road). All ages are welcome. Admission is free, but donations to the orchestra are welcome.
‘The Pursuit of Harmony’ Performance: Jewish-American songwriter Michael Hunter Ochs and Muslim Palestinian peace activist and songwriter Alaa Alshaham invite all to an evening of music and conversation with the goal of peace. The evening begins at 8 p.m. at CenterStage at Hunters Woods Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and employees and $10 for all others. The performance is sponsored in partnership with the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS).
Sunday, Jan. 15: ‘Voices of Inspiration’
Members of several local faith communities invite all to the 27th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. beginning at 4 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation (1441 Wiehle Avenue). The free event is open to all ages, and is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church of Reston.
Monday, Jan. 16: Seminars, Workshops, Youth Activities
Keynote Address: Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former Washington Post writer Eugene Robinson will speak his views on race relations in America, beginning at noon at Hunters Woods community center (2310 Colts Neck Road). Following the address, everyone is invited to the Community Lunch. Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and employees, and $10 for nonresidents.
‘Especially For Youth’ Activities: Children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in an afternoon of activities centered around the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, including a performance, an age-appropriate video and arts and crafts. The activities are free but registration through WebTrac is required. The session will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hunters Woods community center (2310 Colts Neck Road).
Building Bridges Workshop: Dr. Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt will lead a workshop with the aim of exploring how people can relate to one another across all races and backgrounds. Ages 16 and up are welcome. The workshop is free but registration through WebTrac is required. The workshop will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Hunters Woods community center (2310 Colts Neck Road).
For more information on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, visit Reston Community Center online.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s in Reston — Where do you plan to ring in 2017? If you’d rather get out of the house than stay home and watch the ball drop on TV, there are a few places offering special celebrations and dinners. [Reston Patch]
Missing Teen Found Safe — Fairfax County police say that 17-year-old Elliot Byrum, who went missing from North Point Village Center in Reston Wednesday afternoon, was found safe Thursday afternoon, after being missing for more than 24 hours. [Reston Now]
Plan Ahead for Childcare on Snow Days — Fairfax County’s Office for Children (OFC) maintains a database of regulated child care programs in the area on its website, including many that offer the option of occasional or back-up care. OFC invites all local parents of school-aged children to browse the database and line up emergency care now for the inevitable snow days ahead. [Fairfax County OFC]
Virginia State Parks Present Free ‘First Day Hikes’ on Jan. 1 — The Commonwealth invites all to celebrate the first day of 2017 by visiting any of Virginia’s 37 state parks, with free admission. Officials are also reprising their annual photography contest — take a photo while hiking or visiting one of the state parks and post it online, and three winners will be selected. Prizes include gift certificates toward overnight stays and a year of free state park admission. [Virginia State Parks]
With four of the nine members of the Board of Directors up for re-election in the spring, the Reston Association is putting out a call for candidates and prepping for next week’s Candidates’ Information Session.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about running for election to one of those four seats is invited to come to the session to learn more about the process of becoming a candidate, and learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a board member. The session will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).
The four board positions opening up in April include one at-large director, the apartment owners’ representative, and the directors for the Hunters Woods/Dogwood District and the North Point District.
Board positions have three-year terms. The first three board positions are coming to the end of their three-year terms. However, earlier this month, North Point District Director Danielle LaRosa — who also currently serves as the board’s treasurer —Â announced her intent to resign from her position at the end of the first year of her current three-year term. Therefore, the RA will hold an election to fill her seat, and the candidate that is elected will serve out the remaining two years of her term.
The other three positions are currently filled by Hunters Woods/Dogwood District Director Lucinda Shannon, At-Large Director Jeff Thomas, and Apartment Owners’ Representative Ellen Graves, who also currently serves as the board’s president.
Potential candidates must reside within the boundaries of the Reston deed, and may not have any outstanding balances owed to the association. In order to run for election, one must write a candidate’s statement and obtain signatures of support from at least 25 different households. If running to represent a particular district, all 25 households must be located within that district.
All forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 27 in order to qualify for the election.
Votes are cast by residents either in-person or by mail-in ballot between March 3 and April 3, and the winners are announced at the RA board meeting on April 11. The new board is sworn in on April 12.
Visit the RA’s election page for more information.
Reston Company Growing By Leaps and Bounds — The Reston-based media firm VideoBlocks is growing by such leaps and bounds that they will have to leave their longtime home in Reston for bigger digs in Arlington in 2017, CEO TJ Leonard said this week. The subscription-based company provides stock video footage, photos, music and other similar types of media, and has grown from six employees to 77, all while still occupying the same 7,500-square-foot office space. [DC Inno]
RA Calendar Moving to WebTrac in January — In just a few days, Reston Association’s new WebTrac system will be fully implemented. That means the calendar of events, usually viewable on RA’s main website, Reston.org, will be moved to WebTrac. Under “Events” on the RA website, visitors can now select “View RA Web Calendar.” Remember, you have to create a WebTrac account before you can make purchases or register for events via the new site. This can be done on the home page. [Reston Association]
More Than 36,000 Local Students Receive Donated School Supplies — This week, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) tweeted out a special thank-you to the local community for making it possible for more than 36,000 county students to receive much-needed school supplies, thanks to generous donations. The supplies were collected via FCPS’s “Collect For Kids” campaign. [Twitter/@FCPSnews]
Fairfax County Firefighters Learn Emergency Paramedic Skills — This week, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue shared a bit about the progress 11 local firefighters are making in the 10-month paramedic training they are taking part in. The 11 firefighters are learning emergency medical skills, and how to prepare for and respond to real-life emergency situations. Get an inside look at the training course and what they are learning on the department’s blog. [Fairfax County Fire & Rescue]
Update at 5:30 p.m. — The teen has been found safe, according to Fairfax County police. “Officers located Elliott Byrum a short time ago,” the police department said Thursday afternoon. “He is in good health and will be reunited with his family shortly. Thanks to all concerned.”
Fairfax County police are asking for the public’s help in locating a “critical” missing teen last seen in Reston.
Police said 17-year-old Elliot Byrum was last seen in front of the Giant grocery store in the North Point Village Center (1452 Reston Parkway) around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday. Byrum reportedly works at the grocery store, but never went inside and checked in for his shift.
Police said they are concerned for Elliot’s well-being due to mental health issues.
“We have reason to believe he may be in danger due to mental disabilities and his family is concerned for his well-being,” police said in a statement early Thursday morning.
Elliot is described as 5-foot-9, around 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He may be wearing his Giant grocery work t-shirt. Photos distributed by police also show him wearing glasses.
Anyone who thinks they may have information about Elliot Byrum or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Bill Woolf at 703-246-4059 or the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131. Anonymous tips can also be called into Crime Solvers at 1-865-411-TIPS.
If your New Year’s resolutions include being more active or perhaps running a 5K or marathon, then Reston Town Center is where you might want to be on Sunday.
Once again this year, the shopping center will be the starting and finishing points for the New Year’s Day 5K, sponsored by Potomac River Running, PR Races, Dunkin’ Donuts and Commonwealth Race Management.
Even better, you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn after a night of countdown celebrations, because the race begins at 10 a.m.
The race will be professionally timed by Commonwealth Race Management and racers will be given ChronoTrack B disposable tags. The full results of the race will be posted online following the event.
Cash awards of $150, $100 and $50 will be presented to the top three male and female race finishers in each of several age categories. In addition, anyone who pre-registers for the race will receive a long-sleeved “tech” t-shirt.
Parking at Reston Town Center will be free on New Year’s Day. Strollers and dogs are prohibited along the race route.
High-resolution photos of racers will be taken by Potomac River Running and will be available for downloading for free on the store’s Flickr page after the race.
Potomac River Running is looking for volunteers to help with the event. Those interested in volunteering should email [email protected].
Advance registration is $35 and will be open until 8 p.m. on Dec. 30 online. Registration will be available for $40 during packet pickup, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. at Reston Town Center. Runners can register in person on race day for $40 if the event is not sold out.
Now that Christmas Day is behind us, we can look forward to a new year beginning this Sunday.
That means many things will close early on Saturday for countdown celebrations, and will remain closed Monday in observance of the New Year’s holiday.
Reston Now will be publishing as usual on Monday, Jan. 2.
Reston Association and Fairfax County Government:
- Reston Association offices and facilities, including the Central Services facility, will close on Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of New Year’s Day. In addition, the Nature Center will close Dec. 31 through Jan. 2, though the trails at Walker Nature Center will remain open.
- Fairfax County government offices are also closed Monday, Jan. 2.
Public Schools:
- Fairfax County Public Schools remain on Winter Break, with school resuming on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
County Libraries, Recreation Centers:
- Fairfax County public libraries are closed Sunday and Monday, Jan. 1 and 2.
- On Saturday, Dec. 31, all Fairfax County RECenters are open at their usual time and will close at 4 p.m. except George Washington, which is closed. All other sites such historic sites, nature centers, visitors centers and houses are closed.
- Historic sites, nature centers and Riverbend Visitors Center are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Visitors Center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Green Springs Gardens Horticultural Center is open 12-4:30 p.m. but the Historic House is closed.
- On Sunday, Jan. 1, all RECenters except George Washington are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All historic sites and visitors centers are closed.
- More detailed information and hours for specific locations is available on the county government website.
Reston Community Centers:
- RCC Hunters Woods is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. and 12-5 p.m. on Jan. 1. The center is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2.
- The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center is open 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 12-4:30 p.m. on Jan. 1. The center is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2.
- RCC Lake Anne is closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2.
Fairfax County Courts:
- Fairfax County Circuit and General District courts are open as usual on Dec. 31, and will be closed Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of New Year’s Day.
WMATA:
- On Saturday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve, Metrorail will operate on a Saturday schedule from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. In addition, fares will be waived between midnight and 3 a.m. thanks to a partnership with MillerCoors. Metrobus will operate on a Saturday schedule. MetroAccess subscription rides are canceled.
- On Sunday, Jan. 1, Metrorail will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight on a Sunday schedule. Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess subscription rides are canceled.
- On Monday, Jan. 2, Metrorail will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight on a Sunday schedule. Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess subscription rides are canceled.
- Off-peak fares will be in effect on all three days, and parking fees are waived at all Metro-operated parking facilities.
- Track work will resume on Monday, Jan. 2 on the Red, Orange, Silver and Blue Metrorail lines.
Connector Buses and Fastran:
- Fairfax Connector buses will run on a Sunday schedule on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 1 and 2. See details of all routes online.
- All Fastran neighborhood and community service transportation programs will be closed Saturday through Monday, Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.
Trash and Recycling:
- Residents should contact their individual service providers to find out their holiday collection schedules. Information about various providers throughout the county are available on the government website.
- For residents who wish to recycle household items, hazardous waste and items such as Christmas trees, the I-66 Station in Fairfax will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1.
Whether you’re looking for a way to entertain out-of-town guests, or just want to get out of the house for a bit and see some festive sights, there are a handful of holiday-themed events left on the calendar as we inch closer to the end of 2016.
We found a number of events happening in Reston and the surrounding area. Let us know about any events we may have missed in the comments, and let us know what your plans are if you’re staying in the area.
Happy Holidays!
