It is still one year until the World Police & Fire Games come to Fairfax County, but there is a chance to get in on the fun next weekend at Reston Town Center.

Fairfax 2015 is hosting a community day on Sunday, July 13 from noon to 6 p.m.

There will be a full day of sports, music and fun so visitors can get a sneak peek at the 2015 World Police & Fire Games events, which organizers say is the largest multi-sport competition ever staged in the Washington metropolitan area. 

Among the activities:

• Live demonstrations of Honor Guard, Muster Carts, K9, Police Motors, Lawfit, Tug of War, Darts, Martial Arts and Sub Grappling — most of which will be competitions in the 2015 World Games next summer.
• Kids Zone featuring face painting, a visit from Emmie the friendly clown, and an ultimate fire fighter activity.
• A full lineup of fire engines, police and sheriff cruisers for children to explore.
• Visit the Sheriff’s Office booth and get a free ID card for your child.
• A local DJ will perform live throughout.   

From June 26 through July 5, 2015, more than 12,000 officers from police, fire and public safety departments in 70 countries will compete in 60 individual and team sports as well as police-and-fire-specific activities, such as ultimate firefighter.

The competition is held every other year. The 2013 Games were in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Fairfax games will take place at 53 venues in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.  

Reston will play a key role. Reston Town Center will serve as the Athletes Village for the event. Athletes Village is the location for registration, information, competitions, nightly entertainment and socializing with fellow athletes.

Games officials estimate that the Fairfax County economy will see a direct benefit of $60 to $80 million dollars from the event.

Reston will also be the venue for some of the sports competition, though details are still being finalized. Weightlifting and Honor Guard competitions will be at the Hyatt Regency Reston. Officials are also looking into a Dodgeball competition held here, as well as the open water swim and a cycling event.

Photo: Competitor at 2013 World Police & Fire Games/Credit: Discover Northern Ireland

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hopes that the county will have 5 percent more trees by 2037.

The 30-years goals for the tree canopy are based on recommendations in the Tree Action Plan, funded by the Environmental Improvement Program.

The goal, formally adopted in 2007, is to increase Fairfax County’s tree cover to 45 percent by the year 2037. Currently, the county has 40 percent tree cover. If tree planting efforts are not increased, by 2037 Fairfax could lose approximately 4 percent of its tree canopy cover.

To reach that goal, an additional 2 million trees — an average of 83,740 trees annually — will have to be planted, says the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division. However, they point out that if every resident in Fairfax County plants two trees for every member of their household over the next 30 years, the county will exceed its longterm goal.

The county says it is limited by available space. here. There are only 4,200 acres available for tree planting on county-owned properties and commonly-owned open spaces. Therefore, the majority of tree planting required to meet the 30-year tree canopy goal will have to occur on privately-owned residential lots.

Here is what citizens can do to help Fairfax reach its goal:

• Plant trees on your property.  Plant about 20 feet away from your home on the western exposures for optimum energy conservation.
• Plant at least one tree per car in your household to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Get involved with community tree planting groups such as Fairfax ReLeaf and Earth Sangha.  For more information, visit www.fairfaxreleaf.org or www.earthsangha.org.
• Advocate for tree planting on commonly-owned open spaces in your community.
• Remember that all trees need to be maintained after they are planted. Visit the Virginia Department of Extension for more information about tree planting and maintenance.
• Be sure to plant the right tree in the right place.  Use the Fairfax County Public Facilities Manual as a guide.
• Preserve trees during construction.

The Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment, adopted by the Board of Supervisors earlier this year, says preservation of natural resources, including “use of closely spaced street trees and landscaping in open space areas to increase tree canopy in the  transit station areas,” is a key element of Reston’s future.

Friends of Reston donated 50 trees to the community in honor of Reston’s 50th anniversary. The trees were planted on Arbor Day. Reston is a Tree City USA as certified by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Photo: Tree planting at Walker Nature Center in Reston/file photo

Photo: New trees planted on Fairfax County property/Credit: Fairfax County

Fairfax Unemployment Below 4 Percent — The unemployment rate in Fairfax County fell from 4.1 percent in March to 3.6 percent in April, says Fairfax County. [Fairfax County Economic Indicators]

First Teen Police Academy Class Graduates — Twenty-two students from 14 different area high schools went through Fairfax County Police’s first Teen Police Academy last week. The teens learned about exploring careers in law enforcement, as well as crime scenes, K9 units, SWAT teams and other emergency operations. [Fairfax County]

High Above Reston — A Washington Business Journal reporter got a good look at Reston from high above Reston Station. He took a climb to the crane atop Comstock’s 21-story BLVD apartments. [Washington Business Journal]

MWAA Steps Towards Building Rail Yard — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on Wednesday issued a Notice of Recommended Award to Hensel Phelps Construction of Chantilly, to design and build the rail yard and maintenance facility for Phase 2 of the Silver Line. Hensel Phelps’ bid was $252,989,000, the lowest of the four received by the Airports Authority. 

Photo: Campers and kids at Reston Association’s Nature Tots Camp. Credit: RA

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is warning county residents about the return of phone scammers.

A spokesman for Fairfax Sheriff Stacey Kincaid said they thought they had eradicated the scam in April.

From the sheriff:

We would like to warn people again that we would never call asking for money or threatening arrest

Scammers, identifying themselves as deputy sheriffs, are calling residents of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax and the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, threatening that they will be arrested unless they purchase a money card, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, or wire money through Western Union.

Usually, the scammer claims that the resident failed to appear for jury duty or did not pay a tax balance. To add to the confusion, the scammer may use the name of a real sheriff’s deputy or judge, both easily found on the official Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office website.

Please be aware! The Sheriff’s Office is in no way associated with this scam. Sheriff’s deputies will NOT call to ask you for money nor threaten you with arrest.

If you receive a threatening phone call related to jury duty or tax payments, please hang up immediately. Do NOT give out personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, passwords or any other identifying information. Regularly monitor all of your accounts and always use strong passwords.

To confirm a jury duty summons, contact the Circuit Court jury duty clerk at 703-246-7816 (press 0). For information about tax scams, visit the IRS consumer alerts page.

Meet Maggie — this week’s Reston Pet of the Week.

Maggie is an Irish Setter who is also a survivor. Last month, she celebrated her one-year anniversary in remission from lymphoma. Here is what her owner Cheryl has to say:

Maggie LOVES Reston and all it has to offer for dogs like her. On June 4 she is celebrating her one- year of remission from lymphoma and is The Hope Center’s Oncology poster child for Cainine Cancer Awareness Month.

Maggie has grown up in Reston, she moved here when she was a year old, as I (who also grew up in Reston) returned back to the place I love. Maggie is an 11 1/2-year-old Irish Red and White Setter. She is full of life & energy!

Growing up, she played in Reston, loving the paths, trails, woods, open spaces, lakes, and everything that Reston has to offer. The most favorite past time is finding tennis balls at the many tennis courts of Reston and swimming in the lakes on a hot summer day or a cold March one.

Maggie lives life at 110 percent — she is a very active dog, so having all the paths to walk along and lead us to the many community shopping centers has been wonderful. She gets a lot of exercise, sees nature, and visit with families.

In general, life has been fairly ordinary, but at Christmas time 2012, Maggie got sick. A trip to ER at The Hope Center in Vienna lead to our diagnosis of lymphoma. In 2013 she had 24 weeks of full chemotherapy, with many ups and downs. On June 4, 2013 she was declared in remission. For the rest of the year, she recovered by climbing the hills of Reston. She now has more energy than she has had for the past two years, Life is ready to be lived again.

While we know that time is limited and fleeting. We are so happy to be able to be in a place that is so pet friendly and we can do all that she loves to do:  Run, play and live.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

A record number of Virginians will hit the road this July 4 weekend, says AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA estimates a record 1.16 million in the state will travel — the majority by vehicle — for the long weekend, which they begin counting on Wednesday, July 2.

Not only is that a record-breaking number, but it also represents the first increase for July 4 since 2011, says AAA. Meanwhile, gas prices are the highest in six years, the agency said.

“Overall holiday travel has been steadily, yet slowly, inching up since 2008, however, this July 4 the numbers are not only a post-recession high, but are the highest since AAA began forecasting with its current model 13 years ago,” Martha Mitchell Meade, Manager, Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said in a release. “This record high number of travelers, despite the likelihood of the highest July 4 gas prices in six years, tells us that travelers are looking forward to better economic times.”

Meade said AAA expects the majority of drivers in Virginia will pay the highest gas prices for Independence Day since 2008.

Virginia’s average price of gas today is $3.49, is 16 cents per gallon more expensive than the average on July 4, 2013, when it was $3.33 per gallon. In recent years, gas prices have declined leading up to Independence Day, but this has not occurred in 2014 due to the high cost of crude oil resulting from violence in Iraq, says AAA.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is lifting lane closures for the holiday weekend effective noon Thursday, July 3 through noon on Monday, July 7 for easier travel. Additionally, VDOT has been extending the popular Reach the Beach campaign through the Richmond District to include dual travel times for drivers along the I-95, I-295 and I-64 corridors. The new messages will display approximate travel times to reach the Williamsburg area and Virginia Beach.

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is also considered one of the deadliest holidays during the year because of crashes involving intoxicated drivers. To ensure safety on the road, motorists can expect to see increased patrols and enforcement by the Virginia State Police as part of the annual, nationwide Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). The traffic-safety campaign requires 75 percent of all state troopers to be on patrol throughout the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Last July 4 weekend, seven people in Virginia died traffic crashes. Virginia State Police also made 104 DUI arrests and cited 11,350 speeders. Troopers cited 1,053 safety belt violations and another 335 child safety belt violations.

To see traffic trouble spots in the state, visit Virginia 511.

To see the cheapest gas near you, visit Gas Buddy.

Photo: Beltway traffic/file photo

Silver Line Is Look Into Future — A lot is riding on Metro’s Silver Line, which will bring rail to Tysons Corner and Reston later this month. Including the “future of the American suburb as we know it.” [City Lab]

Cornerstones And T.M. Wealth Team Up —  Reston nonprofit Cornerstones is partnering with Reston- based T.M. Wealth Management to offer a financial mentorship program to the clients of Cornerstones. The Financial Mentor Program will provide participants with the tools, education and confidence to move from financial dependence to financial stability.

FCPS’ “Collect For Kids” Starts Monday — Fairfax County Public Schools will start its annual drive to gather backpacks, calculators and other supplies for kids in need. [FCPS]

County Launches Daily E-Cycling — Residents no longer have to wait for Fairfax County’s occasional “Electric Sunday” recycling events for electronics. E-cycling is now available daily at two locations. [Fairfax County] 

Feel free to plan that big summer party: the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday scrapped plans for proposed new zoning rules on group assembly in private homes.

Earlier this year, the supervisors sought feedback from the public on new language in the zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance would have banned large gatherings — more than 49 people — in private residences more than three times in a 40-day period.

The board said on Tuesday there was not enough public support to move forward with the proposal. The county held three public hearings on the subject and read 200 submitted comments. As a result, the proposal was removed from the 2014 Zoning Ordinance Work Program that the board approved at its Tuesday meeting.

The supervisors began considering the proposal in February, saying that “over the last several years, there have been complaints from residents regarding frequent and large gatherings at neighborhood homes. These gatherings can create parking, noise, and other concerns for the neighborhood.”

More from the county:

Although occasional, large gatherings – such as private parties, house concerts, religious meetings and social clubs – are expected and permissible activities at a home, gatherings that occur on a regular basis involving numerous people can detract from the residential nature of a neighborhood because most residential structures and neighborhoods are not designed to accommodate such events.

Accordingly, it is recommended that language be added to the Zoning Ordinance to define what is a permissible “group assembly,” and when associated with a residence, when such a group assembly is an appropriate “accessory use.” Currently, the Zoning Ordinance does not identify guidelines for the frequency or scale at which group assembly is considered to be a permitted accessory use to a dwelling.

Without such specificity, managing and addressing impacts of these large, frequent gatherings becomes problematic, and the County is limited in its ability to respond to neighborhood concerns.

The proposal was criticized by many local residents, including this Reston Now reader:

“What a ridiculous proposal. I can have groups of 49 but that 50th person is “over the top? Every 41 days is OK but 40 is too much? Do children count? How are the police going to enforce, will the residents need to hand out numbered tickets to all their party guests or maintain a guest list so that when the cops come knocking we can show them we are in compliance?”

“Will this be 49 total for the day or at any one time? Don’t our local representatives have something better to do (like implement a meals tax or raise my property taxes)?”

It’s July 1. That means many new Virginia laws go into effect today, including a new voter ID law.

The new law requires Virginia voters to show an acceptable form of photo identification before being able to cast their votes in any upcoming elections.

Acceptable forms include a Virginia driver’s license; a U.S. passport or any other photo ID issued by the U.S., Virginia or one of its political subdivisions; a student ID issued by any institute of higher learning in Virginia; or any employee ID card.

Under the new law, introduced by Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg), Virginia residents who do not already possess one of the accepted forms of photo identification will be provided a photo ID card by their local registrar. They can obtain a photo ID card free of charge. Implementing the new ID process will cost the state $166,000 in startup costs as well as $13,000 in annual costs, state officials said.

However, residents who apply for these free cards will not have to prove their identity in order to get one. At the local level, details on the process are still being finalized, says Cameron Quinn, general registrar for Fairfax County.

Quinn told the Fairfax Times only about three percent of Fairfax County’s 700,000 registered voters, or about 21,000 people, would need to obtain one of the free cards in order to be able to vote.

Some of the other new Virginia laws going to into effect on July 1:

Hybrid car tax — The unpopular $64 annual license tax on hybrid vehicles is no more. The tax was implemented as part of a major transportation funding overhaul passed last year. The state will provide for refunds of the tax paid for registration years beginning on or after July 1.

Fairfax County Police are investigating three burglaries on Sunday that may have been committed by the same suspect.

Police were called to the 12200 block of Quorn Lane in Reston at 4:43 p.m. after a resident reported someone entered the residence and took property.

A similar suspect was then reported to have entered a residence in the 2200 block of Emerald Heights Court but left immediately when he saw someone in the home. Nothing was taken.

A similar suspect was then reported to have attempted to take a bicycle from a residence in the 12200 block of Turkey Wing Court. The suspect dropped the bicycle when confronted by a resident and he fled on foot.

The suspect was described as Hispanic, 18-24 years old, about 5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches tall.

In other crime news for the week ending June 30:

BURGLARY, 13300 block of Parcher Avenue, June 27. An employee reported someone entered the business and took property.

BURGLARY, 1700 Whisperhill Drive, June 27. A resident reported someone entered the residence and took property.

INAPPROPRIATE TOUCHING, bike path near Reston National Golf Course, June 17. A woman told police a man groped her while she was walking on the path about 7:45 p.m.

LARCENIES

1800 block of Discovery Street, purse from business

2300 block of Emerald Heights Court, bicycle from residence

2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, merchandise from business

1400 block of Lake Fairfax Drive, bag from business

12200 block of Turkey Wing Court, bicycle from residence

1500 block of Becontree Lane, bicycle from school

1400 block of North Point Village Center, liquor from business

2500 block of Reston parkway, bicycle from business

12000 block of Bowman Towne Drive, wallet from vehicle

9900 block of Deerfield Pond Drive, rings from residence

2100 block of Ferguson Place, bicycle from residence

1600 block of Oak Spring Way, bicycle from residence

1500 block of Cameron Crescent Drive, medication from residence

1800 block of Fountain Drive, headphones from business

2300 block of Ridge Hampton Court, bicycle from residence

12100 block of Sunset Hills, wallet and watch from business

2100 block of Astoria Circle, jewelry from residence

11900 block of Market Street, wallet from business

STOLEN VEHICLES:

Market Street/Saint Francis Street, 2000 Toyota Corolla

At the midway point in the RSTA summer season, two teams are tied for first place: defending champions Lake Audubon and 2012 champions Lake Newport, each with 3-0 records.

North Hills is close behind with a 3-1-0 record. These perennial powerhouses are often at the top of the rankings, but a closer look at the age group standings reveals teams with strengths that sometimes go unremarked.

The Ridge Heights Sharks are undefeated in the 15-18 age group, while the North Hills Hurricanes are undefeated in both 9-10 and 11-12 age groups. The Glade Gators rank first in both the 8 and under and 13-14 age groups. Autumnwood’s 9-10 year olds rank second in the league, as do Lake Anne’s 15-18 year olds.

“We’re very fortunate to have more than a few 15-18s who really enjoy swimming and competing together,” said Frank Sogandares, Ridge Heights manager. “We’re very proud of the progress made by all our swimmers. Everyone really seems to enjoy practicing and competing together; our coaches have done a great job keeping everyone focused on improvement without underwhelming expectations for summer swim knuckleheadedness too much.”

Records Set

In individual stand-out performances at meets on June 28, Lake Anne’s Darius Truong set a new team record in the 11-12 50-meter butterfly, crushing a record of 34.09 set in 1993 with a new time of 32.66. Emily Meilus broke her own team record from earlier this season in the 15-18 50-meter backstroke with a new time of 30.84.

Ridge Heights’ Hailey Brown set a new team record in the 8 and under 25-meter backstroke with a time of 21.89.

Click through to see team reports. Read More

July 4 is Friday. Do you know where you are celebrating? Here are some ideas in and around Reston.

Firecracker 5k For the Troops

8 a.m., Reston Town Center

There will be live music, face painting, waving flags and free massages, as well as a race. Come out and root for your favorite military branch in the “Battle of the Branches” competition. Potomac River Running will make a donation to the USO on behalf of the branch with the most runners in the race.

More details and registration on Potomac River Running’s race site.

Great Falls July 4th Festival 

Georgetown Pike and Walker Road.

8 a.m. – 5K Walk/Run — Great Falls Freedom Memorial (Library Grounds). Register the morning of race.

8 a.m. – 1:30pm – INOVA Blood Drive — Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Everyone who completes the donor screening procedure will receive a $10 Gas Card. Photo ID required.

9 a.m. – Little Patriot Parade, Village Centre Green (at the Gazebo) — Babies and Toddlers up to age 5 are welcome to parade their finest patriotic display around the Green. Awards for “Young George Washington,” Little Miss Betsy Ross,” and “The Star Spangled Family.”

10 a.m. – Main Parade, Great Falls Village Centre — See the floats, horses, antique cars and pets in the main parade.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Festivities, Food & Fun, Village Centre Green. After the parade, enjoy burgers, dogs and sno cones along with music, field games and festivities on the Village Centre Green with your Great Falls neighbors.

Herndon July 4 Celebration

Herndon Community Center/Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Ave.

6:30 p.m. – Face painting, balloon animals, bingo and crafts. Festival foods will be available for sale.

7 p.m. – Live music with The Plaids Band.

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks set to music. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No pets.

Lake Fairfax Park Fireworks Spectacular

1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston

Park open all day, including carousel and Water Mine.

Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.  Free admission. Arrive early to get a good seat.

Town of Vienna 4th of July Celebration

120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna (Yeonas Park – Southside Park)

Festival at the Community Center, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Entertainment at Yeonas Park, 7 p.m. Fireworks at Southside Park, 9:15 p.m.

The day’s activities include a flea market of arts and crafts, food and drink, music, family games, children’s entertainment, antique and classic car display and of course, fireworks at Southside Park.

For more ideas, including events in Washington, D.C., check this list from the Fairfax Convention and Visitors Center.

Photo: Fireworks/Credit: ARLnow.com file photo

Silver Line Confusion — Metro’s Silver Line opens July 26, but there are still many people who don’t know exactly where the rail can take them. [Washington Post]

Remembering 2012’s Derecho — Two years ago today, many Fairfax County residents were still without power in the aftermath of the June 29 Derecho. What have county agencies and residents learned about emergencies?  [Fairfax County]

Backpacks for 2014-15 — School’s out, but Cornerstones is already planning for next year. The nonprofit is starting its backpack drive. Cornerstones will distribute thousands of backpacks to local kids in need. Find out how to donate. [Cornerstones]

New FCPS Calendar Includes Two-Week Winter Break — The FCPS School Board last week approved a master calendar revision that allows more flexibility for snow days and eliminates early release Mondays. The calendar for 2014-15 has now been approved, if you want to pencil in important dates. [FCPS]

Photo: Reston Relay Triathlon finish line/Credit: Kristina Alcorn via RA

Fairfax County Public Schools will begin the 2014-15 school year with several changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities regulations.

The FCPS school board approved the changes at a meeting last week. The SR&R is the guideline for school system rules and the consequences for violating them. All students must sign it each year.

Among the changes:

• Reducing the number of offenses which carry mandated consequences.
• Extending expedited review to first time use of marijuana which does not occur on school grounds during the school day or during school-sponsored activities.
• Adding smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes and hookah pens under “tobacco products.”

“The changes to the SR&R were made to better align with best practices, to reduce suspensions, and to include changes that have been made to the Code of Virginia,” School Board Chairman Ilryong Moon said in a news release. “The adopted changes emphasize the School Board’s desire to keep students in class by promoting alternative forms of discipline and reducing the length of suspension for certain offenses.

“However, serious infractions will still be dealt with in a manner that protects students and staff.”

FCPS discipline processes have been under review the last several years, in part because public pressure after suicides of two high school students who had been or were going through the discipline process for minor drug possession violations.

In 2011, the process was essentially overhauled, with additional changes to the SR&R being voted in by the school board in years following.

Other changes coming in 2014-15:

• Increased focus on school-based interventions, changing “recommendation for reassignment” and “recommendation for expulsion” to “referral to the Division Superintendent.”
• Limiting suspensions for violations which are not being referred to the Division Superintendent to a maximum of five days, and permitting principals to take action other than referral to the Division Superintendent when a student self-reports and voluntarily turns in a knife or other non-statutory weapon.
• Eliminating the requirement of a 10-day suspension when there is a referral to the Division Superintendent and instead, permitted this based on circumstances.
• A record review process by a cluster assistant superintendent (which will change to a regional assistant superintendent) to address chronic misconduct.
• A record review for students in K-6 before referral to the Division Superintendent for chronic misconduct.
• There will now be principal documentation of investigations of bullying and a reporting of all allegations of sexual harassment and discriminatory harassment to the FCPS office of Equity and Employee Relations.
• Clarification of the need to have a note to leave school early and to include the description of the use, in certain circumstances, of a letter of agreement from the Superintendent.

The School Board said it will collect data each semester on all first-time possession and/or use of marijuana cases. The data will include the total number of expedited written record reviews, disciplinary hearings, school reassignments, and recidivism rates.

Superintendent Karen Garza agreed to provide the School Board with the following data for each semester: how many students were suspended out-of-school; how many were suspended in-school; and how many were not suspended, out of the aggregate number of students referred to the Superintendent for violating the SR&R.

The amended Student Rights and Responsibilities will be published in time for the 2014-15 school year.  The current SR&R can be found on the FCPS website.

Metro officials said on Monday they “remain confident” that all punch list items will be completed before Silver Line service begins on Saturday, July 26.

Lynn Bowersox, Metro assistant general manager for customer service, communications and marketing, says four items were closed out in the last week. However, about 20 punch list items (down from 35) still need to be completed, she said. Many are multistep items, she added.

“We are working closely with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the FTA [Federal Transit Administration] and the Tri-State Oversight Committee to complete the punch list items, obtain the certificates of occupancy and finish safety and security reviews. We remain confident the work will be completed.”

After months of delays, Metro last week finally set an opening date for service on the 11-mile, $2.9 billion Phase 1 of the Silver Line, which will run from East Falls Church to Reston’s Wiehle Avenue.

Bowersox said Metro and public safety officials successfully completed their final safety exercise on Sunday. The first responders practiced an emergency drill on the elevated tracks near the Spring Hill Station.

Metro is now looking ahead to the opening day schedule. Here are some things to know:

There will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting with local officials at the Wiehle Reston East Station at 10 a.m.

If you want to be one of the first riders, you are encouraged to board at McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro or Spring Hill. Those stations will open at 11:30 a.m. The first train will leave Wiehle-Reston East at noon. It will arrive at Spring Hill at 12:08 p.m., Greensboro at 12:10 p.m., Tysons Corner at 12:12 p.m. and McLean at 12:14 p.m, then continue on to regular stations along the Silver and Orange lines.

On opening day in Reston, Fairfax Connector buses will take people to the Wiehle-Reston East parking garage and to points on both the North and South sides of the station. The 3,300-space garage will open at 9:30 a.m. on July 26. Parking will be free that day as it will be on all weekends.

There will be a ribbon cutting and transit fair at Wiehle-Reston East on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can check out the facilities, including the 200-space bike room.

If you want ensure you are one of the first Silver Line riders, subscribe to the Silver Line Bulletin, where you will be entered into a sweepstakes to be among the inaugural riders.

Metro will also be issuing a commemorative SmarTrip. The card will cost $10 and it will be loaded with $8 of fare value, said Bowersox. Cards will be available at all stations and online beginning July 26.

Photo: Silver line Commemorative SmarTrip card/Credit: Metro