Two teachers from Reston’s Forest Edge Elementary School have been spending the summer at a prestigious education development program at George Mason University

Kathie Pfeffer-Hahn and Jennifer Walker attended the Elementary Science Institute at George Mason in June and July, where they concentrated on marine science and bringing innovative teaching methods back to the classroom, said a spokesman for The Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA).

From VISTA:

Funded by one of the biggest grants ever awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) teaches teachers how to shift from the traditional lecture-led classroom to problem-based learning. Problem-based learning is about examining “real world” problems and thinking like scientists to find solutions.

Since 2011, the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) has conducted Elementary Science Institutes, which are held at four sites across the state, to encourage students and teachers to work as scientific investigators and use innovative, critical thinking to help solve society’s most complex issues.

The institutes begin by teaching educators how to present a specific problem to students and by developing a scenario to engage students in a process to solve it.

The institutes also include a two-week embedded camp for students with high needs from local schools. The camp allows the VISTA-trained teachers to experience working with real students on timely and engaging issues.

In addition to the free, four-week program, each teacher receives a $5,000 stipend; $1,000 in teaching resources, science materials, and web content for their classrooms; a master teacher assigned to coach them in the new teaching method throughout the school year; and a trip to the Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute in the fall.

Photo: Katie  Pfeffer-Hahn (left) and Jennifer Walker on the George Mason campus/Credit: Lauren Wright

Truland Downfall Details — The first bankruptcy hearing for Reston electrical contractor Truland revealed some financial detail. [Washington Business Journal]

Save the Date: Reston Regional Book Sale — Friends of the Reston Regional Library will hold its used books sale for children, teens and educators on Thursday, Aug. 21 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.);  Friday, Aug. 22 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.); Saturday, Aug. 23 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 24 (1 to 3:30 p.m.) All proceeds go to benefit the Reston Regional Library and the Fairfax County Public Library system.

Artwork Needed — Reston Community Center seeks artwork for the Reston Multicultural Festival art exhibition, Art, Mirrors, Culture. Entry forms are due by Aug. 24. The exhibition begins on Sept. 3. The art exhibition is presented in two galleries in conjunction with the 14^thAnnual Reston Multicultural Festival on Sept. 27 at Lake Anne Plaza. Artists may submit two-dimensional works as well as ceramics, sculptures, bead work, mosaics, stained glass and woodwork. [RCC]

Join GRACE And Save — Greater Reston Arts Center is holding its annual membership drive. This year has something extra — if you join or renew by the end of 2014, you will earn 20 percent off at several Reston restaurants. [GRACE]

Recent South Lakes High School graduate Ayrton Climo was seriously injured last weekend in a street course go-kart accident in Trois-Riveres, Quebec, according to the Canadian Karting News website.

Climo was on a practice run at Le Monaco de Trois-Rivieres when he made contact with the hay bales ringing the track and was thrown from his cart.

From Canadian Karting News:

Following an immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his swelling brain from the impact, Climo was medically induced into a coma to allow the swelling of his brain to reduce. All of his vitals, bones and muscles are in good condition and the swelling in his brain is going down although as of Monday he still remains in the induced coma in critical but stable condition.

The Eastern Canadian Karting Championship and Coupe du Quebec were held last weekend in Trois-Riveres. Go-Karts can go up to 60 mph on that track.

Climo has been racing since he was 10 years old. He first tried it after watching Formula One races, he told the South Lakes Sentinel in 2010.

“You have to be able to think quickly,” he told the Sentinel. “The racing I do is left and right. I am not saying NASCAR is easy, but karting is hard. … You are literally an inch off the ground going really fast. It’s crazy.”

Racers and friends have started a #keepfightingAyrton Twitter hashtag to support the teenager.

Twenty-two years ago, sleepy and suburban Lake Fairfax Park was the place to be — if you were a grunge fan in the mosh pit with other Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers fans.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Park in Reston was the venue for two Lollapalooza festivals, in 1991 and 1992. That was back when many of the acts, their fans, and the music festival were young.

Nothing like that has since been held at the park, now home to The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, sports fields and a skate park, as well as bucolic scenery, trout fishing and lots of trees.

There is a reason for that, says Hal Strickland, who joined the board at the Sully District representative in late 1992 in the aftermath of the concerts.

Lollapalooza, founded by Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell, went on hiatus for a while, but now has a permanent location in Chicago’s Grant Park. In its early years, the show traveled around the country, attracting up to 50,000 at some venues.

In Reston, the shows had estimated crowds of 25,000, and many attendees were treated for heat-related illnesses. Tickets for the all-day shows were $32.50.

After the first HFStival — a smaller show sponsored by former alternative radio station WHFS — took place at Lake Fairfax in 1990, Strickland said the park authority was pitched by Lollapalooza organizers.

The park authority was was under the impression that the festival would be somewhat family friendly, said Strickland.

“We were somewhat befuddled over the conduct of the attendees, ” says Strickland. “There was quite a bit of alcohol. And weed. And drugs. At no time did the park sanction that kind of event.”

Nearby residents were not too pleased, either. Traffic jams went several miles down Route 7, Baron Cameron Avenue and other major arteries. One neighbor told the Washington Post she was “enraged” at the concert being held here.

“They went ballistic,” Strickland said of nearby Reston residents. “They called the park authority. They called the Supervisors. Police got involved. Traffic was backed up for miles. [Concertgoers] were wandering into backyards.

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It has been six months since owners Alfredo and Rocio Melendez  flipped their last burger and scooped the last ice cream at Cafe Lakeside.

The breakfast and lunch counter at Lake Anne Plaza — under different names and owners — has been part of Lakeside Pharmacy for decades.

The Melendez’s closed the food service in February when the pharmacy went under contract to be sold. With the space’s future uncertain, the couple decided to retire.

Meanwhile, ownership of the pharmacy has turned over and the business continues to operate. Reston real estate brokers say that the lunch counter space can be leased or sold separately.

So, what do you think should go in this waterfront location at Lake Anne Plaza? Should it be a restaurant? Or another kind of business separate from the pharmacy?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Kenneth Gifford of Glen Burnie was in Reston on business a few weeks ago when he stopped for snacks at the 7-Eleven at 11846 Sunrise Valley Dr.

He also picked up a couple of the Virginia Lottery’s Venetian Scratcher tickets. One of those tickets turned out to be a $150,000 winner.

“I scratched the tickets in the car and had to pinch myself,” said Gifford.

Gifford told Virginia Lottery officials he hopes to buy a new truck with his winnings.

Gifford is the third player to claim the Venetian’s top prize, which means two $150,000 tickets are still unclaimed, lottery officials said. In addition, non-winning The Venetian tickets can be entered in the Virginia Lottery’s “Epic Vegas” Scratcher promotion for one of 10 Las Vegas trips worth $25,000 or a $150,000 cash prize. Eight of the Vegas trips have been awarded. The remaining two trips and a cash prize of $150,000 will be selected in a drawing on Sept. 10.

Photo of Ken Gifford/Courtesy of Virginia Lottery

Fairfax County Police are investigating two break-ins reported in North Reston last week.

The first took place on July 29. A resident in the 11800 block of Fawn Ridge Lane reported someone entered the residence and took property.

The next incident was a few blocks away four days later. A resident in the 11600 block of Deer Forest Road told police someone attempted to enter the residence.

Officers from the Reston District Station say a third robbery took place in unincorporated Herndon on Aug. 1. A resident in the 2500 block of James Maury Drive reported someone entered the residence and took property.

In other crime news reported in the last week:

LARCENIES

• 2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, merchandise from business
• 2500 block of John Milton Drive, liquor from business
• 11700 block of Ledura Court, bicycle from residence
• 11900 block of Market Street, merchandise from business
• 1000 block of Walker Mill Road, laptop computer from residence
• 2200 block of Hunters Square Court, cell phone from business
• 2300 block of Hunters Square Court, passport from vehicle
• 12900 block of Oak Lawn Place, purse from vehicle
• 11600 block of Plaza America Drive, merchandise from business
• 2100 block of Centreville Road, merchandise from business
• 1000 block of Towlston Road, camera from residence
• 12000 block of Bowman Towne Drive, license plate from vehicle
• 11100 block of Lakespray Way, bicycle from residence
• 2600 block of William Short Circle, package from residence

STOLEN VEHICLES

• Library Street/Bluemont Way, Honda Pilot
• 13400 block of Coppermine Road, 2008 Ford Escape
• Lakeport Way/Sunrise Valley Drive, 2009 Audi
• Fountain Drive/Freedom Drive, 2013 Toyota Highlander

Speed Survey — Fairfax County Police want to know how you feel about or whether you see people speeding through your neighborhood. [Fairfax County Police]

Reston Biz Says ‘Happy Birthday, Wizard of Oz’ — ArtInsights Animation & Film Art Gallery is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia for “There’s No Place Like Home,” an exhibit and sale of official art from The Wizard of Oz.  In honor of the Hollywood premiere of The Wizard of Oz on Aug. 15, 1939, all are invited to an open house from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, and to an event featuring official Warner Bros. artist Andrea Alvin on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 5 p.m. to 9p.m. at ArtInsights, 11921 Freedom Dr. at Reston Town Center.

Reston 2020 Wants Longer Phase II Process — The Reston citizens advocacy group tells Supervisor Cathy Hudgins that additional meetings should happen this fall so everyone can better understand the Phase II project, which will look at the future of Reston’s neighborhoods and Village Centers. [Reston 2020]

FCPS To Raise Food Prices — For the first time since 2009, FCPS is raising the price of its breakfast and lunch meals.  In elementary schools, breakfast will cost $1.75 and lunch will cost $2.90 (up from $1.50 and $2.65, respectively). In middle and high schools, breakfast will cost $1.75 and lunch will cost $3.00 (up from $1.50 and $2.75, respectively). The cost of milk and soy milk will not change, nor will the costs for students who are eligible for free and reduced price meals.

Classic Reston is a biweekly feature sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce that highlights businesses, places and people with deep roots in Reston.

As Fairfax County planners begin to re-evaluate — and possibly re-imagine Reston’s village centers — they may look to what did and did not work with the original plans for the new town.

Reston founder Robert E. Simon envisioned Reston with seven European-style village centers where residents could gather, kids could play and shops could do business. In the mid-1960s, as America’s suburban car culture was building and strip malls and indoor malls were flourishing, Simon’s idea of a central plaza was unique.

And so in the mid-1960s, Lake Anne Village Center was born, followed by Hunters Woods Village Center in 1972. Later village centers in Reston followed a more traditional strip-mall footprint, but they may be rearranged in the future depending on the outcome of this latest comprehensive plan amendment.

Simon, who at age 100 lives in Heron House overlooking Lake Anne Plaza, still believes that village centers should be the hallmark of Reston. He says that the Reston Master Plan Phase II is a crucial time for Reston’s future and he would like to see

“The village centers are my chief passion, of course,” says Simon. “The reason for the incredible reception (of Reston) when it was built was because of the plazas. I would like to see all the village centers look like Lake Anne, with plazas surrounded by density. Density IS coming to Lake Anne now.”

Simon is referring to Lake Anne Development Partners’ revitalization plan, chosen by the county in 2013, that will bring 60,000 square feet of new retail space, up to 82,500 square feet of office space, and 1,037 residential units near the plaza. The plaza itself will not be altered as it has a historic preservation designation. However, it is expected that the interior of the plaza will see a boost (and some cosmetic work) as more retail and residential is built around it.

The redevelopment is expected to get underway in mid-2015. It will take about 10 years to phase in all developments, Republic officials said.

Republic’s plan was selected by the county after years of studies, discussions and charrettes on ways to revitalize Lake Anne. Lake Anne was once home to a supermarket, a library, a child care center, a coffee house and other retail necessities. But though the lakefront setting was attractive, as the years went on, it proved difficult to get many Restonians out of their cars and running errands by foot.

It was a similar story at Hunters Woods, minus the lake views. The original Hunters Woods Village Center was designed “oriented towards people not automobiles,” according to an early marketing brochure. Some of the more stable tenants over the first 10 years: Drug Fair, Safeway and Baskin-Robbins. Others that came and went: Bangkok West, Big Daddy’s restaurant, La Gazelle, Ryder’s, Pizza Inn, the Seafood Emporium and the Alpenhaus Cafe. Fritzbe’s was a popular restaurant there for 14 years, from 1980 to 1994.

But it did not become the village gathering spot once envisioned. By 1979,  Martha Pennino, Reston’s rep on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, said the way the center was built was “simply not conducive to good business. People go to the liquor store and the Safeway, and then leave,” the Washington Post reported.

By 1997, the center had been sold several times and a new plan was submitted to the county. The plan called for tearing down the entire 114,000-square-foot center and building a new one in its place.

The “new” Hunters Woods, now 16 years old, now faces the parking lot. Just like Simon was trying to avoid.

Photo of original Hunters Woods Village Center/Credit: Northern Virginia Digital Archives

Ridesharing services Uber and Lyft can legally operate in Virginia again, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced on Wednesday.

McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark Herring said the commonwealth has reached an agreement with the new transportation companies with stipulations that will allow them to operate in Virginia. The companies had been operating in spite of  a June cease-and-desist order after complaints from taxi companies.

McAuliffe said in a statement that having smartphone-driven ride companies is necessary for Virginia’s economy.

“In order for Virginia to remain economically competitive, it is important that we welcome innovative companies like Uber and Lyft and provide them with the resources they need to safely and effectively operate in the Commonwealth,” he said.  “Technology — specifically related to smart phones — continues to advance at a rapid pace, and I am pleased that we were able to work together to find a swift solution that will provide Virginia’s workers, students, and families with more transportation options.”

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles issued the cease-and-desist order to the companies on June 5 for doing business in Virginia without an operating permit. Uber and Lyft have continued to operate in the state, which has led to protests from taxi drivers and a lawsuit from taxi companies.

To welcome Metro’s Silver Line to Reston two weeks ago, Uber offered two free rides to users in this area.

McAuliffe’s office says it will study how best to permanently allow Uber and Lyft to operate in Virginia without disrupting competitive balance with taxi companies or scarificing rider safety. The study is expected to conclude by the 2015 legislative session, McAuliffe’s office said.

Going forward, Uber and Lyft must adhere to conditions set by the Commonwealth.  In order to keep their transportation broker’s licenses and temporary operating authority, the companies must comply or the Department of Motor Vehicles can revoke the temporary operating authority.

The conditions:

• Extensive background checks of drivers, with immediate disqualifiers including convictions for any felony, fraud, sexual offenses, or violent crimes, or registration as a sex offender.
• A review of driving history, with disqualification for drivers convicted of three or more moving violations in the last three years, DUI, underage drinking, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer, hit and run, or eluding law-enforcement, or a revocation of a driver’s license.
• Zero tolerance for the use of drugs or alcohol by any drivers, and a suspension pending investigation of any driver accused of violating the zero tolerance policy.
• Only employing drivers who are properly licensed and over 21, and vehicles that carry a maximum of seven passengers and are properly registered and inspected for safety and emissions, where applicable.
• Rigorous insurance requirements, including requiring drivers to maintain automobile liability insurance, maintaining on behalf of all drivers an additional $1,000,000 of coverage from the moment a driver accepts a trip request until the passenger leaves the vehicle, and liability insurance for drivers who are logged onto the companies’ software but not providing services.
• Maintaining documentation for each driver of his or her background check, sex offender registry check, driving record, proof of insurance, valid driver’s license, Social Security number, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle safety inspection. Documentation must be available to DMV on demand to investigate any complaints, and must be available for periodic audits to ensure compliance.
• Paying any previously assessed civil penalties for non-compliance and dropping any appeals, which both companies have already done.
• Features to help customers identify their driver and vehicle, including from the outside of the vehicle.
• Drivers notifying the companies of any change in their license status, vehicle registration, insurance, or any arrest for a crime that would disqualify them from being a driver.
• Rate transparency and documentation.
• Companies advising drivers of their need to comply with applicable tax laws.
• Only accepting rides booked through the companies’ mobile device apps, not street hails.
• Companies maintaining a Virginia transportation broker’s license.

Uber and Lyft authorities said they are looking forward to resuming a relationship with Virginia.

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor McAuliffe and Attorney General Herring for putting consumers first and embracing innovation, choice and opportunity,” said Justin Kintz, Uber’s public policy representative.

File photo of UberX car

Reston has long touted the Reston Town Center as its urban core. Now town center has an urban problem.

Reston Town Center management has notified residents that Reston Town Square Park is experiencing a rat issue.

Here is the memo that residents of The Midtown Condominium received Wednesday morning

There is a spot at Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza that serves authentic Latin American food and is open seven days a week.

We would tell you about it, but it has no name.

Lake Anne Market and Deli — the stand-alone convenience store at 1645 Washington Plaza — is mostly a bodega, but in the back of the store you will find Lake Anne Market employees cooking fresh specialities from El Salvador, Mexico and other Central American countries, as well as Tex-Mex versions of popular dishes.

Owners Rogelio and Wendy Martinez installed the kitchen about four years ago. The food service counter has caught on with the neighborhood’s Latin American population — as well as Lake Anne-area residents in the know about the the quality empanadas, pupusas and tacos.

Earlier this summer, the market began selling some of its specialities at a table across the parking lot at the Saturday Reston Farmers Market. It has boosted business in a big way, said Rogilio Martinez.

“We make everything fresh,” he says. “We make the tortillas right here, at the same time you place your order.”

Some of the customer favorites:

• Tacos Tipicos — Three chicken, beef or pork tacos served with black beans, slaw and fresh avocado slices. ($12.25)
• Steak, chicken or cheese enchiladas ($10.50)
• Sides of yuca (5.00) and fried plantains ($4.25)
• Cheese enchilada platter ($9.50)

Food is available to eat-in at a counter and one table or take out.

The market is open 9 a.m. to midnight every day.

How Is VDOT’s Access? — In collaboration with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, VDOT is conducting a survey of non-compliant ADA curb cuts in the state. Take this survey and help the agencies comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. [VDOT via Survey Monkey]

Back-to-School Immunization Talk — Fairfax County Health Department officials hosted an online chat on Tuesday. If you missed it, see if any of your questions are answered in the transcript. [Fairfax County]

RCC Board Of Governors Reminder — There is still time to declare candidacy for the 2014 Reston Community Center Preference Poll. Three three-year terms are open on RCC’s Board of Governors. The deadline is Aug. 15.[Reston Community Center]

Bring On The FBI — Fairfax County Economic Development Authority officials are pleased a county location is a finalist for the new FBI headquarters. [Inside Nova]

Photo: Reston Association Day Campers climbing at Lake Anne Plaza 

New Family Naturals, the health food store and smoothie bar located at Lake Anne Plaza, has closed up shop.

Toya Tanis opened the location at 11414 Washington Plaza West in Summer 2012, after crowdsourcing some of the opening costs on Indiegogo.

The company raised $2,225 in donations to buy commercial sinks and retail refrigerators.

Tanis started New Family Naturals in 2011, mostly selling homemade kale chips and other snacks and juices at farmers markets, including the Saturday Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne. After leasing the space at Lake Anne Plaza, Tanis remodeled the retail space with eco-friendly features.

Tanis could not be reached, but customers say she is going back to a catering and farmers market operation.