Voting in the 2014 Reston Association Board of Directors election is now open. There are nine candidates running for five seats. A candidates forum will be held Saturday, March 15 at Reston Association headquarters at 10 a.m.
Reston Association members should have received an election guide and ballot in the mail last week.
Reston Now will have Q & As with each candidate running daily this week and next. In the spirit of fairness, each candidate was given the same questions.
Today’s Q & A is with Colin Mills, one of five candidates running for the three-year At-large seat.
Q: How long have you lived in Reston?
A: I am a lifelong Restonian. I grew up here, swimming in our pools, attending our summer camps, walking our trails to get baseball cards at the Tall Oaks Giant or candy at the Lakeside Pharmacy. I decided to stay in Reston after college because I treasure everything our community has to offer: environmental beauty, recreational amenities, ample shopping and dining options, and (hopefully) soon, the Metro as well. I love living in a well-planned, balanced, diverse community with such smart, engaged citizens.
Q: What inspired you to run for the board?
A: As RCA [Reston Citizens Association] president, I have worked productively with RA on a number of shared issues, from the protection of Reston National Golf Course to the revisions to Reston’s Master Plan. I’ve enjoyed interacting with the RA Board and staff on these issues, and I would like to work with them even more closely. With the change that’s likely coming to Reston in the years ahead, I want to help RA shape the community’s future. I decided that this is the time for me to step up and get involved. Read More
The Reston location of Penn Station East Coast Subs will open at Plaza America Monday.
The shop, part of a nationwide franchise of more than 205 stores, is located at 11652 Plaza America Dr., in the space formerly occupied by Philadelphia Mike’s.
Penn Station specializes in large subs. Among the offerings: Philly cheesesteaks, Italian, chicken parmesan and vegetarian. It also is known for fresh-cut fries and lemonade.
The store is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Check out the full menu on Penn Station East Coast Subs’ website.
A man and his dog safely escaped from a burning townhouse in Reston Sunday afternoon.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to the fire at 1274 Vintage Place about 2:30 p.m.
Firefighters encountered smoke coming from three sides of the end unit, and fire in the basement of the two-story townhouse upon arrival, FCFD said.
The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. There was extensive damage in the basement, laundry room, and to the ceiling and flooring above.
Firefighters said an upstairs smoke alarm alerted the lone occupant, who escaped unharmed. Two residents have been displaced and the American Red Cross is providing support.
Damage is estimated at $150,000.
Fire investigators said the fire originated in the basement laundry room. The cause of the fire is undetermined as an ignition source was not found.
Fairfax County Bids Farewell To Fitzgerald — The long tenure of Merni Fitzgerald, the county chief public information officer for the last 14 years, ended Friday. Fitzgerald is retiring and will be replaced by Tony Castrelli, who was the former chief PIO for Alexandria [Washington Post]
A Hold On Tolls — Drivers of the Dulles Greenway were supposed to begin paying higher tolls (from $4.90 to $5.10 for a one-way trip beginning Feb. 15. However, Del. David Ramadan of Loudoun County sought a delay, which was granted Wednesday by the State Corporation Commission, putting a hold on the action for at least 30 days. [NBC4 Washington]
No Budget In Richmond — The Virginia General Assembly ended its 60-day 2014 session on Saturday, but members will return to Richmond in two weeks try and pass a state budget. The were at an impasse over the two-year, $96 billion spending plan. [Richmond Times Dispatch]
Giant Partners With Aldrin — Reston’s Aldrin Elementary and Giant of North Point have announced a new business partnership. Aldrin officials say this is the first school partnership for the North Point Giant, which has already shown school support by providing volunteers to work with our students, money for the Weekend Food Programs and educational field trips. Aldrin will support Giant by supplying student artwork for store display, communicating the partnership throughout the community and inviting Giant staff members to Aldrin school events.
Photo of dog on Lake Audubon by Kathy Scoggin.
Officers from Fairfax County Police’s Reston District station said appliances were stolen from a unit in the 2000 block of Royal Fern Court on Thursday.
The police did not give other details, such as which appliances were missing or whether there are any suspects.
Other larcenies reported by police for the week ending March 7:
11900 block of Market Street, purse from location
12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, merchandise from business
2400 block of Centreville Road, cell phone from location
11600 block of Plaza America Drive, cell phone from location
12000 block of Sunset Hills Road, wallet from location
Correction: An earlier version of this article said Royal Fern Court was in Shadowood Condominiums.
A trip back to the 1980s begins on Friday, March 7 when the Reston Community Players open their production of Xanadu.
Xanadu is a send-up of the 1980 cult classic Olivia Newton-John film. The musical combines Greek mythology with 1980 Los Angeles and features songs by Newton-John and the Electric Light Orchestra. Oh, and there is lots of roller skating too.
Somehow, it works. The basic plot is Kira, a Greek muse, descends from the heavens to inspire struggling artist Sonny in his vision to build a roller disco in an abandoned nightclub. Kira defies the laws of Zeus and falls in love with Sonny while her jealous muse sisters try and wreak havoc.
RCP is coming off its debut of Les Miserables in January and February.
Leads in Xanadu:
Evie Korovesis as Kira — Her past RCP shows include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Lend Me a Tenor, I Love You Because, and Legally Blonde.
Russell Silber as artist Sonny Malone — Silver has appeared in various performances around the region, including A Chorus Line at The Arlington Players.
Richard Durkin as Zeus and as Danny — Past shows include the RCP’s The Drowsy Chaperone as Underling, the singing and dancing butler. With the Elden Street Players (ESP), Richard has performed in Medea; Hamlet; The Iceman Cometh; The Violet Hour; and Glengarry Glen Ross, and in 14 ESP Theatre for Young Audiences shows.
The Tony Award-nominated musical opened on Broadway in 2007 and ran for more than 500 performances. Reston audiences may be familiar with the show as South Lakes High School’s Theatre Arts department performed in last year.
“Honestly, this show is so much better than it deserves to be,” Silber told DC Metro Theatre Arts. “It’s a musical based on an almost forgotten box-office bomb that essentially blew up the movie career of Olivia Newton-John. I think audience members will initially be surprised by the number of classic songs they recognize from the score, but I’m just so taken with how much the book writer Douglas Carter Beane was able to mine from the original movie’s creaky skeleton to twist around and subvert into a show filled with so much humor and heart.”
Xandau performances are March 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 at 8 p.m. (matinees at 2 p.m. on March 16 and 23 at CentreStage at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. For tickets visit RCP’s box office site or call 703-476-4500, press press 3 for the 24-hour ticket ordering system.
Voting in the 2014 Reston Association Board of Directors election is now open. There are nine candidates running for five seats. A candidates forum will be held Saturday, March 15 at Reston Association headquarters at 10 a.m.
Reston Association members received an election guide and ballot in the mail this week.
Reston Now will have Q & As with each candidate running daily this week and next. In the spirit of fairness, each candidate was given the same questions.
Today’s Q & A is with Mason Miller, one of five candidates running for the thee-year At-large seat.
Q: How long have you lived in Reston?
A: My family moved to Reston in 1971. We first lived at Inlet Court in Lake Anne. In 1977, we moved to Charlestown Lane in Hunters Woods. I relocated to San Diego for four years from 1987 to 1991. Since returning, I have lived in Hunters Woods, Lake Anne, Tall Oaks and South Lakes. Doing some quick math, I have lived in Reston about 39 years..
Q: What inspired you to run for the board?
A: My love for Reston and my appreciation for the history of the area. I have lived here, with some breaks, since 1971. As a child, I enjoyed playing in Reston’s woods and along many of the creeks that run through them. With all of the development on the horizon, I want to do everything I can to make sure that the same resources I enjoyed as a child are available to the children who will be here in 20 years.
Q: What are three of the biggest concerns you have for Reston?
A: 1. Keeping Reston as a single community, not two communities divided by the Dulles Toll Road.
2. Mitigating the effects of adding a huge number of households concentrated around the new Metro stations.
3. Making sure that Reston Association’s various property holdings cannot be developed in the future.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish by being on the board?
A: I would like to see Reston grow, while maintaining Reston Association’s natural resources and community. I would also like RA to examine putting deed restrictions on land owned by RA so that they could not be developed for any use other than Reston Association’s. There was a story recently in the local media about a proposal by a church to purchase RA land that borders Fox Mill Road. The feeling I got was that the board was not really inclined to make a sale of that land. While I am glad that the current board did not seem to want to sell any RA land, I think it would be better in the future if it was not even an option.
Q: How will your personal or professional experience help you in your role with RA?
A: I have done a number of things over the years professionally. My experiences growing up and working in Reston are varied and have exposed to me to a huge number of Reston’s individual neighborhoods as well as Reston as a whole.
A Reston man who federal officials said sold $250,000 worth of machinery parts from American manufacturers to Iranian companies pleaded guilty to felony charges in U.S. Federal Court in Alexandria on Thursday.
Vahid Hosseini, 62, ran a business called Sabern Industries from his home in Reston, FBI officials said.
Hosseini pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and a separate count of money laundering. Hosseini faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and fines totaling $250,000 when he is sentenced on June 6.
From the FBI:
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, from at least as early as January 2008 to July 2013, Hosseini operated a business known as Sabern Instruments from his residence in Reston. Through this business, Hosseini procured more than $250,000 worth of goods from over 60 American manufacturers, which he then repackaged and shipped to entities in Iran.
The list of high-tech goods included tachometers, power supply instruments, high-temperature probes, ammonia test tubes, valves, and machinery parts, all of which are used in a variety of commercial applications, including power plants. Hosseini routed these shipments through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an attempt to disguise the fact that the items were destined for Iran. Such exports are prohibited without a license issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
In a related money laundering scheme, Hosseini had over $700,000 wired into his company business account from entities in Iran and the UAE, much of which was derived from his illegal export business. He then unlawfully withdrew money from his business account for personal expenditures.
So Long For Now, Skating Rink — Meant to get to the outdoor ice rink at Reston Town Center all winter? Better move on it this weekend. The rink closes for the season after the skating sessions on Sunday, March 9.
Virginia Is (Not For Bike) Lovers — Politics, traffic and rural road issues have all had a part in the slow movement of Virginia bike laws. [Washington Post]
Parents Start “Keep Paul VI In Fairfax” Movement — Parents have mobilized in protest over the potential plans for Paul VI Catholic High School to move to Loudoun. More than 250 have signed a change.org petition in the last four weeks. The school announced in December it is eyeing the move in order to build a newer and bigger school. [Fairfax Times]
Library Board Welcomes New Member — Michael S. Donovan has been appointed to a three-year term on the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees by Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook. He fills the position recently occupied by David C. F. Ray. [Fairfax County]
Goldfish Swim School, a kids’ swim lesson franchise, plans to open a nearly 10,000-square-foot indoor facility in a Reston office park later this year.
The location at 12340 Pinecrest Dr. would be the first east coast location for Goldfish, which was founded in Michigan in 2006 and has expanded to 16 Midwest locations.
The Reston location will be owned and operated by Gina and Ryan Bewersdorf of Michigan. The couple, a doctor and lawyer, respectively, were introduced to Goldfish when their son learned to swim there after not embracing any other previous lessons, says Gina Bewersdorf. Goldfish franchisees pay about a $1 million to start their own swim center.
“Goldfish has figured out how to do it in a safe, fun environment,” she said.
Goldfish heats the 25-meter pool to 90 degrees and keeps its air temperature a similarly warm temperature, Bewersdorf said. The environment is very kid-friendly, with tropical-themed decor, a “Treasure Island Shack” and birthday party space.
Reston and surrounding areas have many swimming options for children. Among them: the Reston YMCA; 15 Reston Association outdoor pools; the indoor Reston Community Center pool; Lifetime Athletic; Pinecrest Swim Club; and Worldgate Sport & Health and the Herndon Community Center in Herndon. RCC and the Fairfax County Park Authority are also considering building a new, 50-meter indoor pool at Baron Cameron Park.
Bewersdorf said they spent about a year doing research and know there is a lot of competition. However, “we think there is a need that exists for kids; they can safely learn to swim and then join a club team,” she said.
Goldfish will offer lessons for ages four months through 12 years old. There are no more than four kids in a class, said Bewersdorf. Classes are “perpetual,” meaning you sign up for a day and time and continue to go until you stop, rather than starting and stopping in session increments.
Bewersdorf said she hopes the Reston location will open by the end of 2014.
Voting for the 2014 Reston Association Board of Directors election is now open. There are nine candidates running for five seats. A candidates forum will be held Saturday, March 15 at Reston Association headquarters at 10 a.m.
Reston Association members will receive an election guide and ballot in the mail this week.
Reston Now will have Q & As with each candidate running daily this week and next. In the spirit of fairness, each candidate was given the same questions.
Michael Mackart is one of five people running for the three-year At-large seat.
Q: How long have you lived in Reston?
A: 6 1/2 years.
Q: What inspired you to run for the board?
A: I am concerned about unchecked growth in Reston and want to have a voice in that process. I was encouraged by friends to run for the board because they trust my judgment and know I want what’s best for Reston.
Q: What are three of the biggest concerns you have for Reston?
A: 1) Growth and growing pains associated with the opening and development around the Metro stations. 2) Updating our infrastructure without overburdening the residents with increased assessments. 3) Preserving our Reston way of life.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish by being on the board?
A: I would like to bring a voice of reason and be an agent of positive change for the Board and Reston. I would like to be a part of shepherding Reston to a place of greatness in Northern Virginia as we continue to grow as a vibrant community without losing what love about living here.
Q: How will your personal or professional experience help you in your role with RA?
A: I have extensive experience volunteering in the Reston community and interacting with businesses and people. I believe those experiences give me a feel for the pulse of what is important in our community. My professional career as a leader and manager in federal law enforcement gave me invaluable experience interacting with diverse groups of people. I am able to lead, innovate and negotiate common ground to find solutions because of that experience. I believe those skills are imperative to achieving successful results in a setting such as the RA.
The Baron Cameron Park Dog Park will stay a part of a re-imagined park design — but may be moved to the park’s interior.
Baron Cameron Park, a 68-acre parcel operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, is in the midst of a master plan revision. The process began close to a year ago, with a community meeting at Buzz Aldrin Elementary aimed at getting input on what the park needs as it moves forward as a “District Park” serving not just Reston, but close-by communities such as Vienna and Great Falls, Park Authority Board Chair Bill Bouie said.
The public will have a chance to comment on the draft master plan revision at a public meeting March 27 at Buzz Aldrin (11375 Center Harbor Rd.). The meeting kicks off a 30-day public comment period. If you wish to speak at the meeting, you can register ahead of time by calling 703-324-8662 or emailing [email protected].
The dog park has been a source of controversy lately as a group of residents of Longwood Grove, located across Wiehle Avenue from the park, has threatened a lawsuit against the park authority and Reston Dogs, the nonprofit that monitors the park. Residents say they are subject to noise from barking dogs at the park and they request that the park either move or close.
“At this time, my clients firmly believe that the only way to fix this problem is to close and/or move the Baron Cameron dog park to a new location,” reads a letter sent by attorney Zachary Williams. “Given the ongoing Baron Cameron Master Plan revision process, now is an opportune time to close the dog park so that this area of Baron Cameron Park can be redeveloped in a manner that is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.”
One plan for Baron Cameron has the park staying as is, on the park’s edge near Wiehle Avenue.
The second option moves it to the center of the park, putting a community flexible use space where the current dog park is located.
The second option does not come without other developments, however.
The interior dog park spot is included with the option to build a 90,000 square foot indoor recreation center in partnership with Reston Community Center. The center would feature an indoor, 50-meter pool, fitness rooms, and other community use facilities. It also would include space an additional 250 parking spots. Read More
Kathy Kaplan, a longtime Restonian and community activist, will be honored as the Reston Citizen of the Year at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.
The award recognizes Kaplan’s exemplary leadership, perseverance, effectiveness, and commitment to Reston’s values in her continuing efforts to protect the future of the County’s public libraries, including Reston Regional Library, said RCA president Colin Mills.
“Kathy’s award is a demonstration of the power of individual citizens to make a big difference in the community,” said Mills. “We in Reston love our library, and we’re grateful to Kathy for everything she’s done to protect it.”
A published author of poetry and children’s books, Kaplan is an avid user of the Reston Regional Public Library. She brought to light last year that the library system was no longer recirculating books. Instead, they were dumping them.
After Kaplan noticed that the bookshelves were increasingly empty, she began to investigate why.
Through personal outreach and research of obscure Fairfax County documents, she discovered that the county had thrown away more than 100,000 books, and was slated to reduce the library budget and cut the professional librarian staff as part of a departmental strategic plan.
Reston Regional to be part of the library system’s “Beta Plan,” but Kaplan mobilized citizens to protest the cuts. Read More
The Reston Farmers Market will be among several Fairfax County-sponsored markets that will take SNAP benefits this season.
The county received two grants to support expansion of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) at-market benefits program, formerly known as food stamps.
The 2014 grants will allow for an expanded program that will make farmers markets more accessible to low income families shopping for fresh, locally produced food, says Fairfax County.
In addition to the Reston Market — which operates Saturdays beginning May 3 at Lake Anne Plaza – markets in Lorton and Mount Vernon, as well as the farm stand at Herndon’s Frying Pan Farm Park, will also accept SNAP.
Expansion of the program was made possible through partnerships with Cornerstones, Arcadia, INOVA and the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, says Fairfax County.
Reston, Lorton and Mount Vernon will also offer matching dollar programs, in which the amount of money spent by SNAP recipients will be matched up to $10 for fruits and vegetables. The intent of the matching program is to enable recipients to choose healthier options without spending more of their SNAP funds.
The matching dollars programs at Lorton and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon markets are supported by Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. The matching dollars program at Reston is supported by INOVA. Fundraising efforts continue through other community organizations and grant opportunities to expand this program.
Snow Shows Big Impact on Small Biz — Four in 10 Virginia businesses say they are impacted by weather issues, including this winter’s snowstorms. A recent survey shows those business say weather costs them up to $25,000 annually. [Washington Business Journal]
National Parks Boosting Virginia Business — Virginia national park sites are drawing millions of visitors a year and are pumping nearly a billion dollars into the state economy. The U.S. Department of the Interior says Virginia’s national park sites yielded nearly $1 billion dollars in economic benefits and attracted 23 million visits in 2012. [WAMU]
Boost The Band — The South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School Bands are holding an online auction for a sparkly diamond necklace from Aspen Jewelry Designs in Herndon. Proceeds will help the bands replace instruments and other pay other expenses. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five. The drawing is March 19. [SLHS Band Boosters]
Aiding GRACE — Naked Pizza is honoring March’s Youth Art Month by donating 20 percent of order totals to Greater Reston Arts Center. Offer is good March 7 through April 5. Use code GRACE when ordering.
Photo by Joy Every
