Fairfax County Police are investigating an accident that occurred about 1 p.m. at Colts Neck Road and Glade Drive.

Crews were called to the scene after a Toyota RAV4 tipped over on to its side after it collided with a silver sedan.

The Toyota’s airbags deployed, but police said there were no serious injuries.

Colts Neck near Hunters Woods Village Center was briefly closed as police cleared the accident scene.

Voting is now open in the member referendum on Reston Association’s Tetra building purchase.

RA member households should have received their ballot by email this morning or by mail later today.

The referendum asks RA members if RA should :

1. Purchase the 3.47 acre Tetra property (formerly the Reston Visitors Center), inclusive of land and improvements, located at 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston, VA 20190 in the North Point District as an addition to Common Area pursuant to Article IV, Section IV.10 of the Reston Deed;

2. Renovate and repurpose the existing building and land for community and recreation program uses; and,

3. Borrow up to $2,650,000 on behalf of the Association to make the purchase?

RA’s fact sheet on the purchase is also available with the ballot. The fact sheet details why RA wants to purchase the building and revenue is expects to earn from programs and event rentals; items uncovered in a recent inspection that need to be fixed; and current zoning.

The building, built in 1983, served as Reston’s Visitors Center for 20 years. Since 2003, it has served as office space for its current owner Tetra Partners.

The building sits on the shores of Lake Newport and is adjacent to other RA properties such as Brown’s Chapel Park and Lake Newport Tennis. Acquiring the property would give RA 98 contiguous acres of open and community space and would guard against commercial development of the property, which has zoning authorizing an addition of 6,900 square feet.

Detractors of the purchase say there is little chance of commercial development as there are dozens of easements on the property and the parking lot serves as the spillway for Lake Newport. Opponents are also concerned that the building, whose tax assessment was $1.2 million the last two years, is not worth $2.65 million.

Balloting is open through May 8 at 5 p.m.

(Updated 4:40 p.m. Monday with time and location of memorial service)

Willie L. Hudgins, Jr., accomplished lawyer and beloved husband of Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins died Saturday, April 11. He was 72 years old.

Willie was born March 5, 1943, in LaCrosse, VA.cAfter attending both undergraduate and law school at Howard University, he and the Hudgins family moved to Reston. They have lived in Reston since 1969.

Mr. Hudgins’ professional life spanned 39 years working as the Section Chief and chief litigator for the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. During that time, he worked on some of the largest merger antitrust cases in U.S. history and was recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine as one the leading minority litigators in the country. He went on to join the law firm of Kelley Drye as a partner before retiring in 2007.

In conjunction with his professional career, Willie was also a dedicated member of the community.  His service included volunteering for such organizations as: Rising Stars, an education program for young students; The South Lakes High School Tutoring Program; Former Chairman of the Reston Community Center Board of Governors; Member of the Covenants Committee for Reston Association; Commissioner of Reston Soccer; and an usher at St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church.

Willie is survived by Cathy, his wife of 48 years, and his two sons, Tony and Michael.

There will be a public memorial service on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas a Becket, 1421 Wiehle Ave. in Reston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests people consider making contributions to the Brain Injury Foundation, the Initiative to Prevent and End Homelessness and/or So Other Might Eat (SOME).

Willie Hudgins Jr./Family photo

Restonians flocked to Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday to help Reston founder Bob Simon celebrate his 101st birthday.

Simon has been feted at the annul Founders Day since he turned 90.

Local dignitaries such as Sen. Janet Howell, Del. Ken Plum, County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova and Hunter Mill School Board rep Pat Hynes stopped by to wish Simon well, as well as take part in a “Cards Against Humanity”-style Reston game.

Simon’s birthday was on Friday. He kept a busy pace on Saturday, taking part in the Reston Little League Parade at Reston Town Center and helping kick of the Nature House Fund Run 5K earlier in the day.

Simon’s secret to being a hearty 101? A gin Bloody Mary and a martini daily, as well as lots of naps and walks, he says.

Reston Association staff began looking into the purchase of the former Reston Visitors Center in the fall of 2014, long before the RA Board of Directors voted unanimously to move forward with a member referendum on the purchase.

After a lengthy executive session during its regular meeting on Jan. 22, where the board was presented with details on the 3,128-square-foot building owned by Tetra Partners, the board voted to pursue a voter referendum for April.

But according to documents released by RA, the board signed an appraisal agreement with The Robert Paul Jones Company in December 2014 that said the appraisal would be performed by Jan. 12, 2015. The fee for the appraisal would be $5,000.

RA CEO Cate Fulkerson said the early appraisal agreement was done so RA staff would be as prepared as possible when presenting the idea to the entire board. She said she first informed the board leadership team (Ken Knueven, Ellen Graves and Michael Sanio) of the opportunityto purchase the building last fall.

“The leadership team asked me to earmark time during the Jan. 12 Board Planning Committee to discuss the opportunity during executive session and also be ready to discuss the matter further during the Jan. 22 Board meeting in both executive and open session,” Fulkerson said.

“In preparation for those meetings, they asked that I be prepared with as much information as possible to discuss the matter, including an appraisal of the value of the property. As with any item presented to the Board, staff provides as much back up information and documentation as possible to enable the board to make an informed decision.”

RA, which entered to a conditional contract in late March, is seeking to buy the building, which sits on 3.48 acres adjacent to Lake Newport and Brown’s Chapel Park, in order to maintain open and community space and fend off any interested developers who could turn the spot into a commercial enterprise, which is allowable under zoning rules and the Reston Master Plan. The building is approved for additions that could extend it 50 feet into Lake Newport and add nearly 7,000 square feet of space.

RA is seeking to borrow up to $2.65 million for the purchase of building, which could be used for a variety of community programs and special event rentals, its says. The appraisal, completed in late January, values the building at that amount. Recent county tax assessments value it at $1.2 million. RA says the difference is due to estimating the building’s highest-and-best use, and not just space.

Renovations and repurposing of the building are estimated to cost $250,000, RA says. It is also expecting $650,000 from a developer contribution.

Meanwhile, RA documents show that Tetra Partners wanted $2.7 million for the building or they are not selling. Tetra also said several restaurants had toured the building, but there were no current commercial offers.

RA will hold a community meeting on the planned purchase on April 21, 6 p.m. at Brown’s Chapel.

The referendum starts Monday and runs through May 8. The results will announced May 11. The referendum needs votes from 1,751 households (10 percent of eligible households) to be valid.

See more Tetra-related documents on RA’s website.

Herndon High Principal William Bates has been been named the 2015 Fairfax County Public Schools’ Principal of the Year.

Bates, who has served as principal at Herndon High School since 2009 and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for 15 years, was also selected as a recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. Bates is one of 21 principals representing the public school systems in the Washington, D.C., area and private schools selected by the Washington Post for the award.

Bates’ philosophy: “We are educators because we are Hopeologists. Our world needs more Hopeologists, because children without hope become children without a future.”

At Herndon High, Bates has put that into practice. His mission for the school is”All Hornets are capable of Success…No Exceptions!”

“He believes in shared leadership and values the benefit of collaboration from multiple stakeholders, she said, adding that his administrative style offers many leadership opportunities for staff members while challenging them to seek strategies supporting the school’s mission,” said Herndon High teacher Claire Silva, one of the staff members who nominated Bates.

FCPS says that Bates’ mission “drives everything at Herndon, from the development of a professional learning community focused on student achievement via professional development for teachers, to the establishment of a curriculum support specialist who works with the instructional and assessment coaches to manage the school-wide data monitoring system used for academic intervention purposes. “

“With his backing, Herndon High and the Herndon Pyramid have adopted the Kids at Hope program, a national program that inspires organizations serving youth to create an environment where all children experience success.”

Bates has also improved school spirit and unity by implementing the PRIDE (participation, respect, integrity, diligence, and empathy) matrix that is followed by students and staff. The word pride can be found throughout the school.

Bates engages Herndon students at a monthly pizza lunch, with wide-ranging topics.

“It is with each child in mind that he has artfully created an environment conducive to learning, fostering creativity, and personal development,” says teacher and nominator Stephanie Stewart said in a statement. “With each initiative, Herndon High School has experienced much success in creating the desired portrait of a graduate paralleling the FCPS initiative of developing the whole child. Our students are well-rounded, creative, and compassionate individuals who are challenged and excelling while making a difference.”

Bates earned a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation from Slippery Rock University, a master’s in special education from California University of Pennsylvania, and an administrative endorsement in educational leadership from George Mason University.

He joined FCPS in 1999 as a special education teacher at South Lakes High School, served as a LEAD administrative intern at Fairfax High School, and was an assistant principal at Centreville High School and Herndon High School before being named principal at HHS. Bates currently serves as president of the FCPS High School Principals Association.

Photo: Herndon Principal William Bates/Courtesy FCPS

Reston founder Bob Simon turns 101 years old Friday.

Come out to wish Simon — and Reston — a happy birthday at the annual Founders Day celebration at Lake Anne Plaza Saturday.

The free events, hosted by the Reston Historic Trust and Museum, run from noon to 3 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza.

State, local and national elected officials will participate in a game of “Random Reston,” which will be emceed by Chuck Veatch. There will also be musical entertainment, the dedication of the plaza’s newest commemorative bricks, as well as birthday cake.

Simon, who envisioned a “new town” with European-style village centers and high-density housing in what was then a Virginia pasture, turns 101 on April 10.

There will also be a raffle, which will benefit the Reston Historic Trust & Museum Endowment Fund. The RHT is raffling off a pair of “inside out” diamond hoop earrings valued at $2,500. The earrings, donated by Aspen Jewelry Designs, contain 50 diamonds weighing 1.01 carats.

Raffle tickets are $10 each, 3 for $25 or 7 for $50. They can be purchased  in advance at the Reston Museum at Lake Anne Plaza, online at restonmuseum.org or at the Wine Cabinet at North Point Village Center. The drawing will follow the celebration. You do not have to be present to win.

Other events of note this weekend:

Reston Association will host the 12th annual Nature House Fund Run 5K on Saturday. The race will benefit Nature House at the Walker Nature Education Center and The Friends of Reston.

Race start time is 8 a.m. at Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Dr.

The course is run on mostly RA’s paved walkway. Walkers and children are welcome, but pets and strollers are not permitted.

To register and see the course map, visit the race website.

After 25 years in on Cameron Glen Drive, the Robert E. Simon Jr. Children’s Center is getting a new home.

The child care center named for Reston founder Robert E. Simon Jr. is moving in June to a new location on Sunrise Valley Drive, in the same complex that houses Reston Association and the Wednesday Smartmarket Farmers Market.

The center is moving because the building in which it stands, owned by Inova, is part of the land slated to become Town Center North, a park, recreation center and other community space off of Fountain Drive near Baron Cameron Avenue. Cameron Glen Care Center, a nursing home that shared the building with the child care center, moved to Potomac Falls in 2014.

Like any move to a new home, there will be a need to furnish and supply a new space, said Raquel Witkin, a board member for the child care center. The nonprofit center is in the midst of a relocation capital campaign to raise $100,000 for items such as a new playground and new cribs for an infant room, she said. Also on the list: a rubberized playground surface ($33,000), kitchen appliances ($6,000) and a privacy fence ($7,000).

“Sometimes people want to know where their money is going,” said Witkin, whose preschooler attends the Simon center. “We’re reaching out to the community, to alumni and to people who want to know we will continue to offer great child care in Reston.”

Simon, who turns 101 on Friday, will be at the new center’s ribbon cutting, scheduled for July.

For more information and to donate, click on this the 2015 Simon Center Packet.

Photo: Building at 1800 Cameron Glen will no longer house child care center/file photo

Meet Writer Kwame Alexander — Lake Anne Elementary is hosting 2014 Newberry Award Winner Kwame Alexander at a book signing on April 15. [Reston Now]

Bus Hits Guardrail on Dulles Access Road — Three passengers received medical evaluation after their Metrobus hit a Dulles Access Road guard rail late Wednesday. [Washington Post]

FCPD To Aid in Fighting Regional Heroin Abuse — Fairfax County Police Chief Ed Roessler will join with Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) and representatives from the Drug Enforcement Agency and FBI on a regional Heroin Operations Team in Northern Virginia. [Fairfax Times]

Walk For A Cause — Walk MS Reston is at 7 a.m. Saturday at Reston Town Center. Hundreds (including you?) will walk to raise awareness and money for Multiple Sclerosis? [Walk MS]

Photo: New mosaic at Hunters Woods Elementary created by sixth-graders/Courtesy HWES

The Fairfax County Park Authority unanimously voted on Wednesday in favor of a land deal that will clear the way for an indoor recreation center and other community space at the area known as Town Center North.

The deal involves a land swap between the county, the park authority and Inova. The park authority is giving a plot of land back to the Board of Supervisors in consideration for a 2.6-acre urban Central Green. It also provides the park authority’s commitment to the plan for a 90,000-square-foot indoor recreation center, as well as “other items for consideration that may be advantageous to the Park Authority mission.”

The recreation center will be just one feature in the the 47-acre Reston Town Center North area bounded by Baron Cameron Avenue, Fountain Drive, Town Center Parkway and Bowman Towne Drive.

Speaking in favor of the plan at Wednesday’s park authority board meeting were Reston Community Center Executive Director Leila Gordon and Reston Association Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Larry Butler.

Park Authority Board Chair Bill Bouie says a first proposal for the space should be assessed by the park authority by the end of the year.

“From that point, we will have a better idea of timing and what is contained in that first proposal,” he said in an email. “In the meantime, we will have discussions on the board next Spring about what is contained in the Bond package in 2016 relating to all capital programs. “

The exact cost of building the rec center, which would likely contain a 50-meter indoor pool, is not yet known. However, studies done in the last two years by Reston Community Center, which looked into building a smaller facility at Baron Cameron Park, estimated the cost of that building at $35 million. The Town Center North facility is likely to cost much more.

Bouie has said the rec center would primarily be funded with bonds. There are two upcoming bonds to be voted on — an $87.7 million bond to be put to voters in 2016 and an $88 million bond on the ballot in 2020, said Bouie. He added the park authority would seek developer proffers to help pay for the facility. Typical proffers are around $800 per residential unit, he said.

Photo: Map of Reston Town Green area/Courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority

The Reston Citizens Association will honor longtime resident Marion Stillson as its Citizen of the Year at a ceremony next week.

The annual RCA Citizen of the Year Award honors an individual who has contributed to the quality of life in Reston, helped others in need and acted with the goals of Reston in mind, without thought of personal benefit or recognition.

Stillson, an attorney who served as RCA’s president from 2008-11, has been a leader on community issues such as diversity and accessibility for the disabled.

As president of RCA, she founded three committees: The Reston Accessibility Committee; Reston 2020, which monitors Reston development; and the Environmental Committee, which morphed into Sustainable Reston.

She also has served on several Fairfax County committees; as a county election officer and held many state and national leadership positions with the American Association of University Women.

The ceremony is Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.

The public is invited to the ceremony free of charge, but should RSVP on the event site.

Photo: Marion Stillson/Courtesy RCA

The new owners of Tall Oaks Village Center are offering Reston residents two upcoming chances to see what changes they have in store for the nearly vacant center.

Tall Oaks Development Group, a division of the Jefferson Apartment Group of McLean purchased Tall Oaks in December for $14.3 million.

The Jefferson Apartment group has developed more than 18,000 rental units in 10 states, including Virginia.

Locally, the Jefferson Apartment Group has developed, among others, the Residences at the Fairfax County Government Center, Tellus in Arlington, The Asher in Alexandria and the Jefferson at 14W, a seven-story, mixed-use luxury development in Northwest DC.

Jefferson representatives, who did not return phone calls Wednesday, will hold meetings April 23 and 27 at 7 p.m. at Reston Association headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.

RA says Tall Oaks is being considered for a redevelopment project that would include a mix of residential and commercial uses. The Jefferson Group will provide a brief overview of the center’s history along with a proposed conceptual plan for redevelopment at the April meetings. The company will also provide comment/response cards for meeting attendees to fill out.

Tall Oaks is zoned industrial/commercial, so turning the 7.6-acre parcel into residential would likely involve rezoning, as well as approval by the RA Design Review Board, Fairfax County Planning Commission and the county Board of Supervisors.

What do do with Tall Oaks, which in the last several years has seen many tenants leave the village center without new ones opening, has been a subject discussed at length in Reston.

Last fall, residents at a Master Plan Phase 2 meeting suggested that it may be time to repurpose Tall Oaks‘ 18-acre site as something other than a retail center. The center is about a mile from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro.

The anchor space, which housed a Giant Foods and later two international grocery stores, has been empty for more than four years. The stand-alone former Burger King space has been vacant for nearly a decade. Other recent departures include El Manantial restaurant, Curves, 7-Eleven and Total Rehab Chiropractic.

It was suggested at the Phase 2 meetings last fall that Tall Oaks could survive as a convenience center with limited retail and the remaining space could be used for a variety of other purposes.