Back-to-back thunderstorms that ripped through Reston late Thursday afternoon left behind noticeable damage.

The Capital Weather Gang said the strong winds may have been a microburst.

The high winds knocked over many trees, and power is out in more than 2,500 Reston-area homes, said Dominion Virginia Power.

Here is what you need to know:

Many of the power outages appear to be along Lawyers and Glade Roads.

A tree fell on a power pole on Fox Mill Road near Fox View Way, knocking out power. Fox Mill Road was closed as of 6:30 p.m.

Reston Parkway Southbound is very backed up due to traffic lights not working. Fairfax County Police are on the scene directing traffic.

A downed tree is blocking Glade Drive near Millennium Lane.

So far, there are no reports of injuries from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

If you have to be somewhere, please check road conditions before you go.

This story will be updated if there is any additional info.

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce honored its own on Wednesday at its annual Awards for Chamber Excellence (ACE) luncheon.

The keynote speaker at the event at the Sheraton Reston was Vint Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google and widely known as one of the “Fathers of the Internet.”

The Chamber also installed its new officers and board members. Outgoing Chairman Karen Cleveland, President of Cleveland Coaching Group, passed the gavel to incoming chairman, Michael Bradshaw, Director of Cloud Platform of the East Region, Google.

Cleveland led the Chamber through a successful year. Under Karen’s leadership several Chamber initiatives are currently being implemented, including the  Healthy Workplace Initiative; Reston Marketing Initiative; and Re-launching  of IncSpire.

Other officers elected by the membership: Charles Kapur, EagleBank (Chair-Elect and Treasurer for 2015-2016); Matt Clary of the Law Office of Matt Clary (General Counsel);

The new board also includes:

• Eileen Ellsworth, Community Foundation of Northern Virginia
• Jill Norcross, Cornerstones
• Cate Fulkerson, Reston Association
• Denise Hogan, Boston Properties
• Eric Horwitz, Odin Feldman & Pittleman
• Diane Holland, Access National Bank
• Angela Inzerillo, Impact Business Solutions
• Joey Musmar, MillerMusmar, CPAs
• Charlene Wheeless, Bechtel
• Jen Sterling, Red Thinking LLC.

The ACE Awards are annual honors where the Chamber recognizes outstanding businesses, volunteers and committees that make the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce a successful place to do business.

This year’s winnners:

Committee of the Year: Communications Committee
Small Business of the Year: Visual Impact Productions, LLC.
Medium Business of the Year: Able Moving & Storage
Large Business of the Year: Odin, Feldman and Pittleman, PC
Member of the Year: Maggie Parker and Comstock Partners
New Member of the Year: Jason Butler, JB Printing & Specialties
Volunteer of the Year: Janel Giambrone, M&T Bank Reston
President’s Award: Cornerstones
Joe Ritchey Pinnacle Award: Matt Brennan, Brennan & Waite, PLC

Top photo: Google’s Vint Cerf at 2015 ACE Awards/Credit: GRCC; Bottom photo: ACE Award/Credit: GRCC

Remodeling is well underway at 11790J Reston Parkway, where Bento House Japanese Restaurant plans to open soon.

The restaurant signed a lease for the former space of Active Family Chiropractic in Reston’s Home Depot Shopping Center earlier this year.

Bento House owner Eric Zhou said at the time he hoped to be open by late spring.

Bento House will be a locally owned, counter service Japanese spot, he said.

Meanwhile, the future of the Home Depot Center — considered a “convenience center” by the Reston Master Plan — will remain as such as part of the revised Reston Master Plan.

The plan changes for Reston’s village centers, convenience centers and neighborhoods were approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors earlier this month.

The 22-acre retail area at Baron Cameron Avenue and Reston Parkway was originally planned to be part of Reston Town Center, but was never developed to the same scale or design as town center or the nearby Spectrum.

However, with the Spectrum slated for a massive mixed-use overhaul, the Master Plan Phase 2 took a look at the future of the center, which has a variety of stores, many of them locally owned.

The final report said the community is willing to accept additional uses in this area, such as residential, hotel, and office. However, the community does not desire the density or intensity of development allowed in the Reston Town Center.

The Home Depot center is likely to remain the same level of density and uses, but look for opportunities to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.

The Counter is offering a special Father’s Day treat all weekend.

The Counter’s national office says it is “reprising its annual BFD Father’s Day offer to celebrate the Big F—ing Deals out there.”

Visit the Reston Town Center location of The Counter (11922 Democracy Dr.) with Dad and tell your server “My Dad is a BFD.” Dad will receive one standard 1/3-pound burger.

Rules: Valid Saturday and Sunday. One burger per Dad.

Fairfax County Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a suspect in a robbery that took place last Thursday at Woodland Park Crossing Shopping Center in unincorporated Herndon.

The robbery took place last Thursday about 3 p.m., when a woman was returning to her car in the underground parking garage after grocery shopping Harris Teeter.

The 47-year-old woman was approached by a man, who forced her into the passenger seat of her vehicle and threatened her with a knife. He demanded money and her phone. She handed it over and he fled, police said.

The suspect was described as Hispanic, around 50 years old, wavy hair and wearing a light blue shirt and light brown pants.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637).

A $100 to $1,000 cash reward will be paid for information that leads to an arrest.

As always, callers never have to give their names or appear in court.

Reston Association is considering new Design Review Board guidelines that will make it much tougher to remove a tree from your property.

Tree removal is just one area, but an extensive one, for the proposed DRB updates. See the entire list on RA’s website.

Among the tree rules under consideration: residents will no longer be able to say “excessive shade, establishing a lawn, and undesirable litter” are reasons for getting rid of a tree, RA says.

The DRB said it received feedback from RA staff, the Environmental Advisory Committee and RA members on the topic an is making changes in order to more clearly convey the DRB objective to protect and preserve Reston’s natural wooded areas and maturing landscape.

Among the other tree rule changes:

The height from the ground for trunk diameter measurement is changing from 4′ to 4.5′ to match industry standard.

Wording is being added requiring an application if the removal of smaller trees and understory vegetation will change the overall character of a natural wooded area.

Clear information on the expected treatment of stumps has been added (Stump Treatment).

Definitions of Tree Save or Save Tree Area, Natural Area, and Resource Protection Area (RPA)/Conservation Easement have been added.

Instructions to obtain documentation for dead trees, allowed non-tree vegetation removal and instructions on allowed pruning have been added to the No Application section.

A requirement for notification signatures has been added to all live tree removals (any size ornamental and 4″ or greater diameter for deciduous) with the allowance of staff level review for up to three trees.

The requirement of a certified arborist statement when photos do not clearly substantiate the reason for removal and that the statement must include the arborist’s certification number and reason for removal have been added.

A requirement that replacement trees must be maintained has been added so that owners know they must replace required replacement trees which die.

A requirement to obtain DRB approval for changes which alter the overall character of a natural wooded area has been added.

The application checklist has been edited to more fully represent all items necessary for submission of an application for tree removal.

The proposed changes for all categories will go before the RA Board for a vote later this summer.

Food Network Watch Party — Friends of Emilia Cirker, the Restonian who is competing on Food Network Star, will host a watch party at Kalypso’s Sunday from 8 to 11 p.m.

Carve With Dad — Take pop to Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls for a Father’s Day wood carving  program on Sunday. [Fairfax County]

Company Purchase — Reston-based Knowledge Consulting Group has been acquired by Fairfax  IT contractor ManTech International for an undisclosed amount. KCG, a cybersecurity advisor for both government and commercial customers, was founded in 2000. [Washington Business Journal]

The Fairfax County Police Department says it has re-trained many of Fairfax County Public Schools’ nearly 100 crossing guards, which should lead to a safer and more effective system when the 2015-16 school year begins in September.

Police Chief Ed Roessler said in a letter to parents that FCPD conducted an audit in the fall of 2014. The audit reviewed pedestrian safety and motor vehicle traffic flow.

A year later, though, the school system still heard from many FCPS parents who were concerned about student safety around schools, many of which are seeing increased traffic on nearby roads and an increase in the number of kids using the “kiss-and-ride” area.

Among the questions: Are crossing guards sworn police officers? Can they legally direct traffic? Are highest safety standards being met?

Under county and state law, crossing guards were supposed to control traffic, not direct it.

Said Roessler:  “Based upon this audit and community input, we have re-trained our crossing guards and coordinated traffic flow issues with School
Transportation. Additionally, several crossing guards were trained and
certified to direct and control vehicle traffic outside the basic scope of just
crossing children in the crosswalk.”

“Our follow-up audits found these measures have assisted with pedestrian safety and mitigating traffic flow.”

Photo: Fairfax County

Show Dad some love by running with him this Father’s Day.

Potomac River Running is hosting the Run With Dad 5K Sunday, June 21 at South Lakes High School. The 5K begins at 8 a.m.; the one-mile fun run/walk is at 8:45 a.m.

Each Dad who completes the race gets a commemorative race item and all runners will receive a Run with Dad 5K short sleeve t-shirt. (Shirts may be limited for late and race day registrants, so be sure to register early)  (Youth sizes are cotton shirts).

The course goes on the SLHS track and Reston Association paths, so no roads will be affected.

This course is stroller friendly, so bring the kids. There will also be a Tot Trot — 100 meters along the SLHS track at 9 am following the 5K finish. Sign up will be morning of at the finish line area. All finishers will receive a bib.

In addition to age group medals, there will be awards for top father/child teams and intergenerational teams (three generations or more).

Advance online registration is $35 (5K) or $30 (Fun Run) through Friday at 8 p.m.

Photo: Run With Dad 5K 2014/Credit: Potomac River Running

Fairfax County Public Schools are facing a potential $100 million shortfall for 2016-17, and Superintendent Karen Garza has organized a Budget Task Force to look at cost-cutting measures.

FCPS is also seeking citizen input. Citizen suggestions have ranged from cutting varsity sports to paying for Advanced Placement tests to doing away with center-based Advanced Academics.

Reston Now organized some suggestions based on general themes from citizen input (and not due to any scientific examination of FCPS’ financial statements).

Which areas do you think could be better financially managed? Cast a vote and tell us in the comments.

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Reston returns to Reston Town Center Friday and Saturday.

The 25th annual event will feature food from Reston-area restaurants, as well as beer and wine; live entertainment, a Family Fun Zone ; a Wine & Dine area with cooking demonstrations; and carnival rides.

Festival hours: Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday (Carnival rides only), 10 a.m. to  8 p.m.

Admission is free, but you need tickets for food, beer and rides.

Here is what’s on the menu:

• American Tap Room – BBQ Pork sliders with pickle
• Big Bowl – Pot stickers, vegetable summer roll, spicy peanut noodles, combination plates
• Buffalo Wing Factory – Buffalo wings and buffalo bites
• Clyde’s Bruschetta – Chicken, Gazpacho, Berry shortcake
• Flippin’ Pizza – Cheese and pepperoni pizza
• Gregorio’s Trattoria – Meatball slider
• M&S Grill – Chicken + waffles, lettuce wraps and crab tots
• McCormick and Schmick’s – Crab cake sandwiches, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, and French fries
• Melting Pot – Chocolate-covered Strawberries
• Mon Ami Gabi – Bahn Mi sliders, homemade dog bones
• Mum Mum Nova – Custard balls, stir fried noodles, butcher prime pork with satay sauce, and chicken skewers
• Naked Pizza – Cheese and meat pizza
• Neyla Mediterranean Bistro – Neyla signature hummus & pita
• Nitro’s Creamery – Ice cream
• Obi Sushi – Sushi rolls, fried sweet potatoes, and vegetarian pot stickers
• Paradise Catering – Shrimp kabob, Fried Oreo’s, Funnel cake
• Pitango Gelato – Gelato coolers
• Robek’s Fruit Smoothies – Fresh fruit smoothies
• Tavern 64 – Virginia Cheesesteak
• Ted’s Bulletin – All-American burger and Root Beer floats
• Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro – Crab dog

Photo: Taste of Reston/Courtesy Reston Town Center

Fairfax County Police are investigating a robbery in the 11900 block of Winterthur Lane in Reston last Thursday.

A man told police he was walking on Winterthur about 6 p.m. when he was approached by two men.

The suspects took the victim’s property by force then fled. No weapon was used and the victim did not required medical attention, police said.

The first suspect was described as black, 20s, about 6 feet tall, 170 pounds, and wearing T-shirt and dreadlocks. The second suspect was described as black, 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds and was wearing a purple, hooded sweatshirt.

World’s Largest Swim Lesson — Everyone’s invited to Reston Community Center Hunters Woods Thursday at 10 a.m. for the local offering of this (free) national event. [RCC]

Crime Stats For Fairfax — Here’s a look at overall crime trends in Fairfax County. [Fairfax Times]

Eco-Schools Honor — Lake Anne Elementary School earned a National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools USA designation for exceptional achievement in ‘greening’ physical structure and grounds, conserving natural resources and integrating environmental education into curricula. [Reston Connection]

Chalk Winners — Here is who won prizes at Lake Anne Plaza’s Chalk on The Water Festival over the weekend. [Lake Anne Plaza on Facebook]

Silver Line Groundbreaking — Construction on Innovation Center, a massive Silver Line Phase 2 mixed-use development, is now underway. [Bisow]

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va. 11) says Metro “continues to lack a top-to-bottom culture of safety.”

Connolly’s remarks came at a briefing Tuesday of the DC-area House and Senate members by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) officials on its Safety Management Inspection of Metro.

“This FTA safety inspection confirms what many of us have feared, that Metro continues to lack a top-to-bottom culture of safety,” said Connolly. “It’s time for the Metro Board to bring on new leadership to get the system back on track. Restoring rider confidence in the system will require tougher oversight and new resources from all partners at the local, state, federal levels.”

The briefing was in response to the January incident at L’Enfant station, where one woman died and 84 passengers were hospitalized after their train car and the Metro tunnel filled with smoke. The FTA will release a report on the incident on Wednesday.

Said Connolly: “Sadly the FTA is just the latest oversight agency to cite concerns with Metro’s emergency management, training protocols, and maintenance backlog. It’s long past time that Metro makes safety its top priority.”

Sens. Warner  (D-Va.) and Kaine (D-Va.) said at the hearing Metro needs a turnaround specialist as its next general manager. Metro GM Richard Sarles left the agency in 2014.

“Unless Congress is willing to pass a long-term transportation bill, aging infrastructure and inadequate funding will keep causing transit challenges,” Kaine said in a Tweet.

Photo: Rep. Gerry Connolly (left) at Metro Silver Line opening in 2014.