Metro Finalizes New Hours — Metro is set to have new operating hours that are scheduled to go into effect after SafeTrack safety work is complete in July. Trains will run until 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 p.m. Sundays. [WTOP]
Will Snow Pummel Reston This Winter? — Long-range weather forecasts are indicating that Reston could have a snowy winter. [Reston Patch]
Reston Authors Discuss Books — Local website Modern Reston recently sat down with Reston authors Eric MacDicken and Kristina Alcorn, who authored a biography of Reston founder Bob Simon, as well as the new book, “Myths and Monsters of Reston, Virginia.” [Modern Reston]
(Updated at 5:05 p.m.) Reston residents will have a chance discuss important issues with Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston) and Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston) as the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session grows nearer.
Howell and Plum will hold their annual pre-legislative session town hall at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne on Monday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Several hot-button issues appear to be on Howell’s and Plum’s radar, as evident by a number of bills they are are sponsoring as a chief or co-patron for 2017.
Among them are issues such as including restoring rights for felons and allowing for more absentee voting; rights for same-sex couples; and changing the Commonwealth’s constitution in regard to how Virginia’s Electoral College votes for presidential candidates are decided.
Both Howell and Plum are co-sponsoring HB-1482 with Del. Marcus Simon of Falls Church, a bill that would enter Virginia into an interstate agreement to elect the President by popular nationwide vote. If approved, Virginia’s Electoral College votes would go to the candidate that receives the most popular votes nationwide across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read More
More money for teacher salary increases and less state-mandated testing are among the Fairfax County School Board’s legislative priorities for 2017, members announced Wednesday.
Each year, the school board pinpoints a number of important education issues it plans to advocate for in regards to state legislation. For 2017, officials said that they are honing in on a few key issues that they want to focus on when advocating for Fairfax County families with school-age children.
When it comes to funding, school board members said they would like Virginia to allocate previously promised money for teacher salary increases — funding that was taken away earlier this year due to state budget shortfalls.
“Reinstating state funding for teacher salary increases would bring an additional $12 million over the biennium in state funds back to Fairfax,” said school board member Ryan McElveen, who serves as the county’s state legislative liaison.
One of the larger positions the school board plans to take in 2017 is that local school boards should receive more flexibility and autonomy when it comes to designing instructional programs, including how many tests students have to take each year.
School board members said they plan to advocate for what they call “multiple paths to graduation.” Specifically, they said they would like to provide students with more opportunities “to explore their career interests” in preparation for secondary education.
School board members also said they plan to advocate for fewer state-mandated tests and evaluations required of students, to ensure “a balanced assessment system that helps to inform instruction.”
The Fairfax County School Board’s full report on its 2017 legislative priorities is here.
Aviation Company Releases Aerial Footage of Reston — Vienna-based helicopter flight company Bussmann Aviation has put out an aerial video of Reston, apparently using a GoPro camera strapped to a drone. [Reston Patch]
Access to 911 Temporarily Blocked for Fairfax County Sprint Customers — Fairfax County Sprint cellphone users were unable to call 911 for several hours yesterday due to technical problems, though texts to the phone number still were working. [Fairfax County]
RA Fiscal Committee to Meet Monday — Reston Association’s Fiscal Committee will meet on Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at RA Headquarters (120001 Sunrise Valley Drive). The Fiscal Committee is tasked with reviewing many of the RA’s financial matters, including member assessments, investments and insurance policies, and participates in meetings regarding preparation of the annual budget. The meeting is open to the public. [Reston Association]
Governor Announces Funding for Treatments for Mental Health Issues, Substance Abuse — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday announced an increase to next year’s state budget to invest more than $30 million in treatments for mental and behavior health issues and combat substance abuse, including opioid addiction. McAuliffe said it is important to learn to treat problems, rather than just respond to crises. [Virginia.gov]
Reston Association CEO Cate Fulkerson has submitted a report to the Board of Directors looking back on 2016 and what she said were several “strategic accomplishments” made by the organization.
Fulkerson prefaced her annual report with a short message, remarking on what a busy time it is as winter approaches.
“There is much going in the organization at this time of year as we prepare our facilities for the cold winter months, respond to resident questions about the annual Assessment, and prepare for the 2017 program and services season,” she wrote.
Fulkerson then detailed a long list of achievements that she said took “a great deal of planning, collaboration and innovative thinking” on the part of directors, committees and staff to complete.
The report includes her reflections on the:
New capital projects management process. The managing of capital projects and funding has become a hot-button issue the past couple of years. Fulkerson praised the new process the RA board received in July. The plan consists of better ways to “plan, seek bids for, and track capital improvement projects undertaken annually,” including new processes for budget planning, expense tracking and forming detailed schedules, she said.
Roadways and lighting work. Fulkerson pointed out how crews worked over the spring and summer to service all 125 miles of curb throughout Reston, cleaning out the gutters and clearing curbs of debris. “With many years of unchecked growth, this edging work was done by hand,” she said, along with weeding and curb-side sweeping. In addition, a new Pedestrian Lighting Working Group was established this year to seek out bids to design a Comprehensive Lighting Plan that would prioritize safe lighting of all paths, walkways, transit areas and outdoor recreation areas throughout Reston.
Launch of the new RecTrac web system. The RA upgraded its online storefront from the long-standing Marketplace system to the new WebTrac system. All in one place, residents can register for programs, rent community buildings and pavilions, and purchase pool and tennis passes. Fulkerson said the new system is more user-friendly, and all staff have received extensive training on the new system. “[WebTrac] is one of the leading activity registration programs in the country, and will be a familiar interface for many of our members as several neighboring organizations in Fairfax and Loudoun County also use the system,” Fulkerson said. “[It] will provide easier navigation, a shorter registration process, and faster pass renewal process moving forward.”
Ethics. Fulkerson pointed out that a task force was formed this year to work with a consultant from Quantum Governance to develop a formal Code of Ethics for the association.
Opening of the Lake House. Though the purchase and renovation budget of the Lake House were mired in a certain amount of controversy, Fulkerson praised the opening of the RA’s newest facility. “In the fall, the Lake House Working Group, in collaboration with RA staff, hosted a very successful open house of the facility with over 650 in attendance during two day period,” she said.
Fulkerson’s entire report is available in the RA meeting report packet for tomorrow.
Photo via Reston Association
The Reston Association’s Board of Directors is slated to hold its latest meeting tomorrow evening, with discussion on parks and recreation and community engagement committee appointees.
Parks and Recreation Looks to Form Sports Council
The board is is expected to vote to adopt the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee’s 2017 goals and recommendations, which it presented in October.
Among them, PRAC has recommended the formation of a Sports Council consisting of representatives from several area sports organizations. The council would work to coordinate the use of Reston facilities and manage a community calendar of events, among other goals.
The council also would help keep RA staff informed of needed improvements and repairs for facilities and work with staff to ensure proper lighting for outdoor facilities and paths.
The committee’s recommendations are not expected to have any effect on the RA’s budget. But the board would consider any funding needs that may arise.
Community Engagement Advisory Committee Appointments to Get Vote
The board is expected to vote on the appointments of Colin Mills and Carol Nahorniak as the chair and vice-chair, respectively, for the board’s Community Engagement Advisory Committee for terms of one year.
Nahorniak is an incumbent member of the committee, and works at Myers Public Relations, which represents Reston Town Center.
Mills has served as the committee’s chair for the past two years, and has sat on other civic boards, including the Reston Citizen’s Association and the Reston Community Center’s Board of Governors.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. A portion of the meeting will allow for locals’ comments.
Reston 2020 Recaps MediaWorld Meeting — Reston 2020, a local citizens’ group that advocates on community planning, published a lengthy post on its website recapping last week’s Reston Association board meeting on contract negotiations with MediaWorld to review the Tetra/Lake House budget overrun. [Reston 2020]
McAuliffe Proposes Pay Increase for Virginia Teachers, State Workers — Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday announced that he is proposing a 1.5 percent pay increase that would go into effect for Virginia teachers and state workers beginning in December 2017, if approved by the General Assembly. The merit increase would come with a $130 million price tag. [Reston Patch]
Reston Pastor: Church Attendance Up Since Election Day — Rev. Debra Haffner of Reston’s Unitarian Universalist Church was recently interviewed by The Atlantic about how the atmosphere during her services has become more like “a funeral” since Donald Trump was elected president on Nov. 8, with a significant increase in attendance. [The Atlantic]
A national chain centered around bubble tea and coffee has plans to open a location at the Hunters Woods Village Center.
Kung Fu Tea is due to open at 2280 Hunters Woods Plaza, according to a permit application filed with Fairfax County.
A representative for Edens, the company that manages the shopping center, said the store could open as soon as next summer.
Kung Fu Tea is a national chain that specializes in drinks such as bubble tea, milk tea and yogurt tea. The business also sells coffee, slushes and punch beverages.
The forthcoming Reston location will be the company’s third in Virginia, according to its website.
Photo via Facebook / Kung Fu Tea
Car Crash Injures Fairfax County Police Chief — Fairfax County police chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. received minor injuries in a car crash at Lee Highway and Stone Road last night. A motorist, who is “is being charged with DWI,” hit Roessler’s stopped cruiser after a police awards event, according to FCPD spokeswoman Julie Parker. [Washington Post]
New Development Coming Near Herndon Metro Station — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved last week the Woodland Park Waterview development near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. Woodland Park Waterview will consist of 295 apartments in a five-story building, 56 townhomes and 32 attached four-story townhomes. [Fairfax County NewsWire]
Reston Association Board to Evaluate RA’s CEO Tonight — The Reston Association Board of Directors is set to hold a special meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) to “review and evaluate the performance of the CEO on the goals established by the Board of Directors for 2016, and to consider the Board’s and CEO’s goals for 2017,” according to the panel. [Reston.org]
Hunters Woods, Forest Edge to Host Winter Break SACC Program — Fairfax County’s School-Age Child Care program will hold two weeks of a special winter break camp with the history theme, “Tangled Up Time.” The camps are set for the first four days of the weeks of Dec. 19 and Dec. 27. Twenty-three sites in the county will host the camps, including Reston’s Hunters Woods Community Center and Forest Edge Elementary School. [Fairfax County SACC]
Last Week to Donate to Toys For Tots — It’s down to the last few days to make a donation of new, unwrapped toys to the Fairfax County’s Toys For Tots program. The county’s fire and police stations will collect the gifts through Friday. [Fairfax County Fire & Rescue]
The Reston area, as well as neighboring Herndon, is full of opportunities to enjoy holiday musical performances through the end of December.
With Christmas Day just two weeks away, here are a number of ways to ring in the holiday spirit between now and then. Events include music performances, theatrical shows and even a holiday-themed puppet show at Frying Pan Park:
Sunrise Valley Elementary School Chorus — The students of Sunrise Valley Elementary will put on a mid-week concert at the Reston Town Center pavilion on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. [Reston Town Center]
A Showgirl Christmas — NextStop Theatre Company’s production of “A Showgirl Christmas” will feature over-the-top holiday numbers by showgirls in sparking costumes. The show is scheduled to go on this Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9 p.m. at the theater, which is located at 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon. Tickets are $25. This show is recommended for adults only. [NextStop Theatre Co.]
Holiday Music by Tim McKee — Singer Tim McKee will perform holiday numbers at Reston Town Center’s promenade this Saturday, Dec. 17, with shows at noon and 1 p.m. McKee will be followed by Catchin’ Toads, a Reston rock trio, at 2:30 p.m. [Reston Town Center]
Happy Vaudeville Holidays — Mr. Vaudeville and friends will put on a spirited holiday singalong at the Reston Community Center’s CentreStage (2310 Colts Neck Rd.) on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for residents or $10 for non-residents. [Reston Community Center]
Holiday Caroling Party — The Closet, a second-hand store that supports local charities, is slated to host a Holiday Caroling Party at the Herndon Moose Lodge (779 Center St., Herndon) this Saturday, Dec. 18, 4-6 p.m. Holiday songs will be sung, and cider and cookies will be enjoyed. Attendees are asked to bring a donation of a nonperishable food to benefit Western Fairfax Christian Ministries Food Bank. [Reston Now]
Nutcracker Fantasy Puppet Show — Puppeteers are scheduled to turn Frying Pan Park into a “Nutcracker Fantasy” land later this month. Performer Bob Brown’s “lively marionettes” will help “put their own twist” on the timeless Christmas story of the Nutcracker during a performance at te park on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $5 for county residents, or $7 for non-residents. Advance registration is recommended. [Reston Now]
The Reston Association has issued a call for candidates, as three Board of Directors members’ terms are expiring in 2017.
The positions that are opening up are for an at-large board director, the Hunters Woods/Dogwood District member and an apartment owners’ representative. All terms are for three years.
The terms expire in April for Hunters Woods/Dogwood District member Lucinda Shannon, at-large director Jeff Thomas and apartment owners’ representative Ellen Graves, who also serves as the board’s president.
Reston Association describes the duties and responsibilities of board members as:
- Determining the long-range mission and goals of the association;
- Establishing RA policies and procedures; and
- Monitoring finances, approving budgets, and setting the annual assessment rate.
In order to run for a seat on the board, a potential candidate must write a candidate statement and obtain signatures of support from at least 25 different households. If running for a representative of a certain district — such as the open Hunters Woods/Dogwood District — all 25 households must be located within that district.
A candidate for apartment owners representative does not need to be a member of the association and does not need signatures of support. The candidate only needs to write a candidate statement and fill out the required candidacy forms.
Potential candidates must reside within the boundaries of the Reston deed, and may not have any outstanding balances owed to the association.
An information session for interested candidates will be held at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017.
The deadline to submit completed candidacy forms is 5 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2017.
Visit the board’s election page for more information on running.
Voting via the Internet and ballots mailed to residents’ homes run from March 3 to April 3. Election results will be announced at the RA meeting on April 11.
Reston 20/20 Lobbies for Open Sessions for MediaWorld Contract Negotiations — Reston 20/20, a local advocacy group focused on community planning, urged the Reston Association Board to conduct open sessions for contract negotiations with MediaWorld, the firm chosen to review the Tetra/Lake House budget overrun. The board decided to have a closed meeting to conduct contract discussions with the RA’s legal counsel. [Reston 20/20]
South Lakes Beats Herndon in Boys Basketball — The South Lakes High School boys varsity basketball team took on rival Herndon Hornets Friday evening and won, 79-67, bringing the squad to a 2-2 record this season. The Seahawks next will face Langley High School on Tuesday night. [South Lakes Athletics]
Former SkateQuest Cook Opens Restaurant — Nery Hernandez, who was the cook behind the counter at Reston’s SkateQuest Cafe, has opened Nery’s Pupuseria in Purcellville. She cooks up pupusas, flautas, curtido and her other favorites from her home country of El Salvador. [Fairfax Connection]
Senior Advisory Committee Seeks New Ideas – Reston Association’s 55+ Advisory Committee is looking for new ideas and fresh perspectives on the best programs, activities and services to benefit local senior citizens. Join the committee for its latest meeting this Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at RA Headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Dive). [Reston.org]
The annual Reston Holiday Parade came in fourth nationwide, thanks to people who voted for the country’s top 10 holiday processions in a USA Today contest.
Reston’s fourth-place slot put it one spot ahead of the nationally-televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, according to the contest results that were announced this afternoon.
Top honors went to the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade in Annapolis, followed by the Twinkle Light Parade in Albuquerque and the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade in Houston, respectively.
USA Today said a panel of experts whittled down a long list of nationwide events to come up with the initial top 20, which were put up to readers’ votes to determine the top 10 holiday parades in the country. Voting took place over the past month and closed on Thursday.
Rounding out the winning top 10 were events in Calistoga, Calif.; Chicago, Fort Lauderdale; Portland, Ore.; and Disney World in Orlando.
Photos via Reston Town Center
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week approved plans for a new 260-unit apartment complex near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.
The seven-story apartment complex, dubbed “the Lincoln,” will be located next to the site of the future Metro Commerce Center, a multi-acre development by Vornado Realty planned to consist of four towers featuring offices, residences, retail and a hotel.
The Lincoln is slated to be built on three acres near the corner of Sunrise Valley Drive and Commerce Park Drive, where a surface-level parking garage for the Executive II office building is located now.
The firm developing the Lincoln, Wiehle Station Ventures LLC, told the board that the apartment complex will feature an interior 
courtyard and underground parking.
“The developer will also help to build the planned shared-use path along Sunrise Valley,” the board said in its announcement Thursday.
The site for the Lincoln complex is close to Reston National Golf Course and Soapstone Drive, where a future toll road crossing is planned.
Reston Native Stars in History Channel Show — Britt Ahart, who attended South Lakes High School and lived in the area for more than 30 years, is starring in the latest season of “Alone,” a show about stranding people in the middle of nowhere to see how they survive. [Reston Patch]
A Celebration of Christmas — Reston’s Washington Plaza Baptist Church (1615 Washington Plaza West) is inviting locals to come hear the choir sing festive holiday music at its annual Christmas concert Saturday from 4-5:30 p.m. A reception is scheduled to follow the free concert. The church is also collecting winter gloves for children and cans of food local charities. [WPBC/Facebook]
Know Someone Who Deserves to Be Recognized? — Cornerstones has opened nominations for its annual Best of Reston awards, which honor those who have given selflessly to the Reston/Dulles Corridor communities. This year’s awards include categories for Individual/Family, Civic/Community Group or Nonprofit, Employee-Owned Company or Small Business, Corporate/Large Business, and a special award, the Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriquez Legacy Award, with the theme “Entrusting Our Community’s Future.” [Cornerstones]
