Bear Vs. Car — Fairfax County authorities are urging all residents to be on the lookout as a motorist in Centreville hit a bear crossing the road Sunday night. [WTOP]
Rec Pass Sale — Fairfax County RECCenters, including Cub Run, Spring Hill and Oak Marr, are holding a leisure pass sale. [Fairfax County]
Debut For Reston’s ‘Food Network Star’ — Reston resident Emilia Cirker had a decent debut on Food Network Star Sunday night. She received some criticism for not smiling enough, but the judges enjoyed the pork lettuce wraps with peanut sauce that she cooked in the first challenge. “She can cook,” said judge Giada De Laurentiis. Cirker made it through to next week.
Vandals hit South Lakes High School’s turf athletic field and other outdoor areas with obscene graffiti, principal Kim Retzer said Monday.
The vandalism occurred Sunday night, Retzer said in an email to students’ families.
Herndon High had a similar incident last week. No suspect has been caught, authorities said. South Lakes and Herndon both had similar back-to-back vandalism incidents early in the 2013-14 school year.
Here is what Retzer wrote to the SLHS community:
Dear Seahawk Families,
Sometime last evening, vandals spray painted graffiti with inappropriate language and images on to our main turf field. This incident follows the discovery earlier yesterday of additional graffiti that was found on the senior wall and other stadium structures. A similar vandalism incident occurred at Herndon High School last week.
We have taken steps to begin the expensive process to clean the turf field. The other damaged structures have already been cleaned. As disappointing as it is, these criminal acts will not take away from our celebratory end of year activities. We will be working closely with law enforcement to hold the perpetrator(s) accountable and anyone with information is asked to contact Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Reston Town Center will turn into a food festival highlighting Reston’s restaurants as the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Reston returns June 19 and 20.
The Taste of Reston, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is the largest outdoor food festival in the area and was voted “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival”the last four years by readers of Virginia Living Magazine.
Here is what you need to know about the 25th annual Taste of Reston:
Festival hours are Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, June 20, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be carnival rides only on Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission is free, but you will need tickets to buy food and drinks and ride rides. You can purchase advance tickets online or in person at the festival.
Some of the participating restaurants: Clyde’s, American Tap Room, Pitango Gelato, Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro, Obi Sushi and many more. Visit the Taste of Reston website to see the full list.
Beer and wine will be served Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 20, noon to 10:30 p.m. in the main pavilion and at trucks on Library Street and Explorer Street. Over 21 only, and valid ID required. A mix of national brands and craft brews will be available, including beer from Flying Dog, DC Brau and Old Busthead Brewing Co.
There will be live entertainment on three stages, as well as a Family Fun Zone. See the full lineup and schedule.
Reston Now will have a booth at the festival. Stop by to visit us, ask a question, give some feedback and pick up some Reston Now gift items.
Fairfax County voters will likely be asked to vote on bond referendums this fall that will have a direct impact on Reston facilities, including a fire station and South Lakes High School.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has authorized a $151 million public safety and $310 million schools bond referendum. That means they can petition the Circuit Court to order the referendums for the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
If voters pass the referendum, $51 million will be used to replace Station 25, the Fairfax County Fire-Rescue station at Wiehle Avenue and Sunset Hills Road, as well as renovate or replace Merrifield, Penn Daw, Woodlawn, and Edsall stations.
Station 25 is one of the busiest stations in the county, Fairfax County says. It was built in 1972 and last renovated in 1986.
Fairfax County’s Capital Improvement Plan says $13,000,000 is needed for replacement as the building systems and infrastructure are well beyond the end of their life cycle. The replacement would include an expansion to a four-bay station. The fire station lacks women’s accommodations to include bunk rooms, lockers and bathroom facilities to meet 50 percent of minimum shift staffing. It is also in need of a workout room, an expanded men’s locker room area and laundry facilities.
The school bond referendum will go towards an addition for South Lakes High School, as well as renovating nine elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, along with planning for a new Northwest County-area elementary school.
South Lakes underwent a major overhaul in 2006-07, and then was part of a contentious redistricting that quickly turned the school from one of FCPS’ smallest to one that needed more space. Many classes are currently held in portable classrooms.
The school is over its capacity of 2,300 students. With population growing at nearly every FCPS school, the school district puts South Lakes capacity at 140 percent by 2017-18, according to FCPS’ 2013 Capital Improvement Plan. Projected enrollment by 2017 is 2,983, according to FCPS’ analysis.
Part of the SLHS renovations are already financed by the most recent $225 million school bond referendum, which was authorized in 2013.
Other bond money will go to renovate the Franconia District Police station ($100 million); to build a new, joint animal shelter and police station in the South County area; for construction and renovation for the Police heliport, Operations Support Bureau facilities and Emergency Vehicle Operations and K9 Center.
The proposal is one of the largest school bonds in recent years. Voters approved a $365 million bond in 2007.
The county has received the highest triple A rating from Moody’s Investors, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. The county is one of only nine states, 39 counties, and 33 cities to hold a triple-A rating from all three rating agencies, so Fairfax County’s bonds sell at relatively low interest rates compared to other tax-free bonds.
Photo: Portable classroom at South Lakes High School
Tickets are still available for Tuesday morning’s forum “The Future of Reston and Herndon,” sponsored by Bisow e-publications.
The seminar will feature several economic and commercial real estate leaders to discuss what Transit Oriented development means for Reston and Herndon now that the first phase of Metro’s Silver Line has opened.
Among the speakers are representatives from JBG, Renaissance Centro, Bechtel, Comstock, and Cushman & Wakefield.
The seminar, held at 12120 Sunrise Valley Dr., starts with breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m. The speakers begin at 8:30 a.m. and the forum will wrap up at 10 a.m. Tickets are $89 and can be purchased on Bisnow’s website.
After Phase 2 of the Reston Master Plan was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week, Reston 2020 and the Reston Citizens Association have decided to part ways.
Reston 2020, which was formed by RCA members six years ago to advocate for citizens concerned about the Master Plan process and other development activities, says it will also suspend major activities for now.
RCA’s Connie Hartke says many groups have jumped from RCA into independent organizations. Among them: Reston Planning & Zoning, which is now under Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins’ office, and Sustainable Reston.
“The RCA Board of Directors thanks the Reston 2020 Committee for the invaluable contributions and their tireless efforts on behalf of Reston,” she said. “The RCA Board wishes the Reston 2020 Committee continued success and look forward to collaborating with it on issues of joint concern to ensure Reston continues to remain a premier community in the Washington, DC Metro area where people wish to live, work and play. “
In addition to focusing on Master Plan issues, Reston 2020 offered analysis, white papers and testimony on, among others, the Dulles Toll Road, Metro’s Silver Line, Fairfax County Public Libraries, the new Reston Community Center, the recent Tetra purchase by Reston Association and Reston development in general.
Reston 2020 said the decision to temporarily suspend activities “is driven by the fact that Reston 2020’s core mission has been completed and those few committee members who have worked extensively on the Reston Master Plan and other Reston 2020 issues are exhausted. “
“This does not mean closing down the committee,” says Reston 2020. “Reston 2020 will accept and review ideas on community development topics and issues Restonians think it ought to pursue, proceeding on those that have a broad community impact.”
Reston Town Center will be the central location for World Police & Fire Games athletes when they arrive by the thousands later this month.
More than 10,000 police and fire rescue personnel from all over the world will compete in the games, which run from June 26 to July 5 at numerous locations in Fairfax County.
Reston Town Center is the site of the Athletes Village. Athletes will not be housed there, rather, it will be the spot for mingling, evening entertainment, dancing, and other nightlife.
Here is what will be at RTC:
The surface parking lot at Presidents Street and New Dominion Parkway will be Champions Square, for the public, athletes, friends and family. Champions Square will feature a Champions Pub, live bands, vendors, souvenir sales, entertainment and a concierge service.
The Liberty Lawn will be set up on the grassy area between Presidents Street and the Hyatt Regency Reston. This area is also for the public, athletes, family and friends and will feature hammocks for relaxation, lawn games and a “lawncierge tent” to rent soccer gear, volleyball, badminton, croquet, bocce balls and other sporting equipment.
The town center pavilion will be open for credentialed athletes and their guests. There will be a silent disco (dancing while listening to multiple DJs on headphones), a tech lounge, games and bicycles for rent.
Hours will vary at all locations. See the full schedule on the World Police & Fire Games website.
Reston will also be the site of several athletic competitions. Among them: Ice hockey (Reston SkateQuest), Marathon, Triathlon, Police Service Dogs (Lake Fairfax Park), Rugby (Lake Fairfax Park), and Wrist Westling (Reston Town Center).
For complete information, ticket sales and volunteer opportunities, visit the World Police & Fire Games website.
(Updated 11:20 a.m. Monday with quote from Reston Kabob owner)
Reston Kabob, a locally owned restaurant in the Reston International Center’s convenience center on Sunrise Valley Drive, will close its doors at the end of July, employees said.
The restaurant is the last remaining tenant at the convenience center located at 11844 Sunrise Valley Dr.
The 7-Eleven located two doors down from Reston Kabob closed its doors on May 31, and Sunrise Cleaners, located next door, also recently closed.
The departures are not a surprise as the area is slated for a massive redevelopment. Chili’s Bar & Grill across the parking lot closed late last year, and a Wells Fargo Bank branch has been empty since last August.
Reston Kabob’s Masoud Shoja says the restaurant is talking to dh are in talks with property owner JBG about possibly returning once the project is complete.
“It’s more likely than not we will return,” he said. “However, the projected completion date is set for 2017-2018 and a lot can happen from now until then.”
The Shojas will still operate their other nearby restaurant, Grill Kabob, 905 Herndon Parkway.
Developer The JBG Companies is planning the second phase of its Reston Heights development, which will include a six-story residential building, a 15-story residential building, a five-story building that incorporates a parking garage with residences and retail space; and a 10-story building that mixes office space, parking and retail space.
The plan includes 145,000 square feet of above-grade retail, 100,00 square feet of below-grade retail, 428,225 square feet of office and 498 residential units.
No construction start date has been announced.
Plans call for a 15-story addition to the Reston International Center office tower, though JBG sold the building to American Real Estate Partners for $35 million February of this year.
JBG first had a plan for the area approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2008. That plan featured 498 residential units, 245,000 square feet of retail and nearly 430,000 square feet of office in six buildings.
In the newer plans, approved by the supervisors in 2013, the numbers are similar, but the design has changed to better engage with the surrounding environment.
Only the stand-alone Popeye’s will remain as a holdover from current tenants.
There will be an entrance to the development from the Reston Parkway side, something the area currently lacks.
In a presentation to the Reston Association Design Review Board in 2013, Cunningham Quill Architects and Olin, a landscape architecture firm, said they were seeking a design that engages with the landscape and connects with the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station via bike and foot paths.
The new plans will also be harmonious with the adjacent Reston Heights project, also built by JBG. That includes the Westin Reston Heights hotel and the Mercer Condominium, as well as office space.
More Lights For Reston? — Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins says Reston could use more lighting on its streets and paths. Reston is notoriously dark, and citizens at a community meeting asked if more lights would deter crime. [Fairfax Times]
Create Your Masterpiece — Plots are still available for next weekend’s Chalk on The Water at Lake Anne Plaza. [Reston Now]
Age in Place – Planning to stay in your Reston home in your golden years? Reston Community Center is holding a Home Modifications workshop Wednesday, 1 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods. Learn the options available to seniors and others with mobility limitations to remain in their home and be able to
maintain their lifestyle. Cost is $5/$10 for non-Reston. [Reston Community Center]
Fairfax County Police are investigating a burglary and stolen vehicle that occurred early Thursday in North Reston.
Police said a resident in the 1600 block of Bennington Hollow Lane alerted them at 1:37 a.m. that her vehicle was missing.
Police investigated found a suspect entered the residence at night through an unlocked door and took the keys to the vehicle, as well as and other property.
The vehicle was later located in Herndon.
In other crime news this week:
LARCENIES
11600 block of Stoneview Square, phone from residence.
2900 block of Timberwood Way, beverages from residence.
11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, property from business.
There is a lot to see if you are looking for a new home in Reston. Check out some of this weekend’s open houses. For more real estate info and open houses, visit Reston Now’s Real Estate section.
1866 Post Oak Trail
4 BR, 3.5 BA SFH
$709,000
Open Sunday 1 to 3 p.m.
1858 Golf View Court
3 BR, 2 FB, 2 HB TH
$499,900
Open Sunday 1 to 3 p.m.
1426 Church Hill Place
2 BR, 2 BA Condo
$340,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
2414 Ivywood Road
3 BR, 2.5 BA SFH
$555,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
1648 Chimney House Road
1 BR, 1 BA Condo
$229,900
Open Saturday 1 to 3 p.m.
1394 Concord Point Lane
4 BR, 2.5 BA SFH
$749,990
Open Sunday 2 to 4 p.m.
1635 Stowe Road
6 BR, 3.5 BA SFH
$725,000
Open Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.
1649 Bennington Hollow Lane
5 BR, 2.5 BA SFH
$689,900
Open Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.
Herndon High School’s Class of 2015 will move on to 73 college and universities in the fall.
While the students will be spread out from New England to California, a majority will be staying here in Virginia.
Among the colleges that will see the highest number of Hornets:
- George Mason University, 25
- James Madison University, 23
- Northern Virginia Community College, 131
- Virginia Commonwealth University, 28
- Virginia Tech, 27
- University of Virginia, 20
- William and Mary, 8
South Lakes High School’s list was published in a previous Reston Now story.
See the entire list below.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Fairfax County Park Authority will mark the opening of a new bridge at Lake Fairfax Park that connects the Chestnut Grove Trail with other park facilities.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Lake Fairfax at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The bridge was built with grants from local organizations. The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) secured a $25,000 grant from Dominion Virginia Power to purchase and install the new fiberglass bridge, place interpretive signage and upgrade a portion of natural surface trail along the Chestnut Grove Trail.
Park Authority staff also worked with the Mid-Atlantic International Mountain Bicycling Association and other community groups to to develop the project and identify additional funding. Total project costs were $60,000.
Because of the ruggedness of the Chestnut Grove Trail, the ribbon cutting will be held between sites 27 and 23 in C campground near a similar bridge located by the nature trail.
Visitors should drive to the C campground at Lake Fairfax Park. Signage will guide you to the ceremony and a two-mile guided hike to the new actual bridge will be held afterwards.
Photo courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority
Frank Fumich will take off on a 3,000-mile cycling race from Oceanside, Calif., to Annapolis next week. He will ride more that 250 miles a day, since the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the most grueling athletic events around even for an endurance athlete like Fumich, must be completed in 12 days.
He is doing it in the hopes of raising about thousands of dollars for a local man he does not know that well, but can really use his help.
Fumich, 47, of Arlington, has raised about half of his $30,000 goal to help Ryan Diviney, who suffered severe brain damage after a fight at West Virginia University in 2009.
Ryan Diviney, who was born in Reston, is cared for full-time by his father, Ken, in their Ashburn home. That care costs about $2 million annually, Ken Diviney said. Much of it is paid for by the family’s insurance, but there are still tens of thousands of dollars left uncovered.
Fumich, who also attended WVU, said he heard of the Diviney’s story a little over a year ago — shortly after he raised more than $78,000 to aid victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Fumich ran 78 miles in 19 hours — representing three marathons for the three spectators who were killed on April 15, 2003. He then ran the money up to Boston.
“My plan was to run to Morgantown (W.Va.) from Northern Virginia,” said Fumich. “But it was too close to another race. But I knew I wanted to do something to help. I told Ken I was going to to the RAAM. I thought he would think I am crazy.”
Said Ken Diviney: “I did [think he was crazy].”
But he is also already very grateful.
“This helps enormously,” he said. “[The money] is a substantial amount that can help us in two ways. We put away money for Ryan’s longterm comfort and care and also help us in the short term with something he needs, like a therapeutic massaging chair.”
Ken Diviney said he “has not left Ryan’s side since that day in 2009.”
In November of 2009, Ryan was a 20-year-old sophomore who had earned an academic scholarship at WVU. Ken Diviney said his son was attacked by two other men (who later served jail time for the incident), suffering a fractured skull, a broken jaw, and bleeding of the brain.
Ryan had a third of skull removed in surgery to control the brain swelling and has suffered numerous complications. He has been a vegetative state since.
Ken works with Ryan, now 25, every day to keep his body and muscles moving. he also cares for his hygiene needs and feeds him via feeding tube.
“It’s relentless,” says Ken Diviney. “It never really ends. I try to keep his body in motion six to eight hours a day.”
Fumich, a father of 5-year-old twins, says being a dad has made him more empathetic. He said taking on an athletic feat like the RAAM for a worthy cause will make the miles worthwhile.
“It feels good to help someone,” he said. “When I was reintroduced to [the Diviney’s] story from a friend, I couldn’t help but be struck hard by the difference in our lives and how just a few seconds sent our destinies in completely different directions.”
“I knew I was going to do something to help Ryan and his family, and this is it. Every time I hit “the wall” and feel the urge to quit, I’m going to think of how hard Ryan has continued to fight, and how hard his dad Ken and family continue to push onward.”
To read more about Fumich and the RAAM and make a donation visit this webpage.
It’s National Donut Day! — Dunkin’ Donuts in Reston (and everywhere) are giving away free donuts today. Lots of other places have deals too. [WTOP]
Call For Artists — There’s a contest to design the Reston Century bike event T-shirt. [Reston Bike Club]
New At FCPS — Fairfax County Public Schools have hired a new executive director of the Education Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools, a non-profit partnership between the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and FCPS. [FCPS]
Read For Prizes — Fairfax County Public Library summer reading programs begin June 19. [Fairfax County Public Library]
Big FCPS Jump — There has been a huge increase in students eligible for FCPS’ Advanced Academic centers. [Fairfax Times]
