Lake Thoreau residents – there is still time to show your holiday spirit in lights for a good cause.

The Lake Thoreau Entertainment Association invites all residents of the lake to participate in the third annual Lake Thoreau Festival of Winter Lights. The association’s goal is to have as many houses, townhouse, boats, and condos to light up their lake-facing side.

Last year’s festival raised more than $10,000 for nonprofits.

To get maximum participation, anonymous donors will donate the following for each condo, house, and boat that lights up the night:

• $15 to Road Dawgs and Outward Bound Baltimore grant. Road Dawgs is and anti-gang initiative sponsored by the Fairfax County Police. Outward Bound is a wilderness program that teaches self reliance
  and develops confidence. You can found out information on both with the by clicking
  below:
• $10 to to Cornerstones.

In addition, the association invites anyone who wants to become an additional donor to one of the above organizations or to another charity on a per-house basis. Choose your own pet cause and have the light up the lake challenge decided your contribution. Any amount would be appreciated (even a dime per home or boat).

Ten years.

That’s how long plans for revitalization of Lake Anne Village Center were discussed and criticized, reviewed and voted upon, anticipated, and finally revoked.

Lake Anne Development Partners (LADP) announced late last week that it was terminating its agreement with Fairfax County for the giant redevelopment plans for Crescent Apartments and the area near Lake Anne Plaza.

LADP’s plans called for moving roads (Village Drive) and tearing down buildings (Crescent’s aging garden apartments, as well as an office building and the the former Millennium Bank building). They envisioned a high rise along North Shore Drive; nearly 200,000 square feet of office space; a parking garage and an expanded retail boulevard leading into Lake Anne Plaza’s historic section.

But LADP, chosen by Fairfax County after a request for proposals in 2013, never put a price tag on the grand plan. LADP said on Friday that it “has not been able to satisfactorily assemble all of the required land parcels needed for a viable development plan.” Sources said that did not happen because the company was unable to get the necessary financing to do so.

Here are some questions and answers about the project.

Why was Fairfax County involved in the project?

Fairfax County owns Crescent Apartments, which it purchased for $49.5 million in 2006 to use as affordable housing.

Also in 2006, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized evaluation of a plan amendment for Reston’s Lake Anne Village Center and adjacent areas. In March 0f 2009, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the final Comprehensive Plan text to guide the revitalization of 41 acres of Lake Anne.  Read More

Pet Valu, a franchise pet supply store, has been issued permits to renovate the space at 1422 North Point Village Center.

That storefront formerly housed an AT&T store, which closed in October 2014.

This will be Pet Valu’s second location in Reston. There is a Pet Valu at South Lakes Village Center selling pet food, toys, treats, grooming supplies and other necessities. It also features pet rescue group adoptions on weekends, as well as a do-it-yourself dog wash.

No opening date has been announced.

Three From Reston Company Killed in Small Plane Crash — Three consultants from Reston-based Capital Edge Consultants were among the three killed in a small plane crash in Pennsylvania on Saturday. [Washington Business Journal]

Office Building Near Wiehle-Reston East Sells — The owners of 1811 Campus Commons Dr., said the building has sold for more than $65 million after being on the market for nearly a year. The office building, which is 91 percent occupied, is less than a half mile from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. [Globest.com]

Record-Breaking Temps — It was 73 degrees at Dulles International Airport on Sunday. That broke a record. The previous record for Dec. 13 was 71 degrees in 1984. New records were also set at Reagan National and BWI. [Washington Post]

Reston’s Conservatory Ballet makes holiday magic come to life this weekend with its 43rd annual production of The Nutcracker.

Performances began Wednesday and will run through Sunday at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.

Want to see the holiday classic performed by students? Here is what you need to know:

There are toddler matinees Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at noon. These shows are 90 minutes. Tickets: $22.00 for adults and $17.00 for youth (12 & under)

Full-Length matinee performances are Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for youth (12 & under)

Full-Length Evening performances are Friday and Saturday at at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for youth (12 & under)

Tickets are available online or one hour before performance at RCC.

To purchase online, click the links below.

Friday, December 11th at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 12th at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, December 12th at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 12th at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 13th at 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 13th at 3:30 p.m.

For additional ticket information, visit Conservatory Ballet’s website.

Fairfax County is joining regional and national efforts to combat drunk driving over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

SoberRide, a project of The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), is offering its Holiday SoberRide program starting beginning tonight — Friday, Dec. 11 and running through New Year’s Day.

Every evening on these days, free cab rides will be available for fares up to $30 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Residents who have been drinking and need a safe ride home can get their free ride by calling 1-800-200-TAXI toll-free. Those who have AT&T cellular service can also dial #WRAP to get the service.

“Last December, nearly 1,200 Greater Washington residents did the right thing and availed themselves of this lifesaving service rather than possibly driving home impaired,” said WRAP President Kurt Gregory Erickson in a statement.

Erickson said on New Year’s Eve alone, SoberRide gave 420 rides — or removed a would-be drunk driver from the road every 68 seconds.

To see more specifics on SoberRide (where it will pick up and drop off, participating cab companies), visit the WRAP website.

There will be no dashing through the snow this weekend. No sleigh bells or Jack Frost, either.

There may, however, be some driving with the top down to do your Christmas shopping.

Weather forecasters are predicting highs of nearly 70 degrees — more than 20 degrees above normal — for Saturday and Sunday.

Here is what the Capital Weather Gang is saying:

Saturday is a delight from start to finish. There should be plenty of sun with some occasional clouds passing by. Breezes start to pick up from the southwest and help push highs to mid-to-upper 60s. The sunset comes much too early but with readings still in the 60s in the evening it is hard to find fault. Clouds begin to build in overnight. Lows only fall to the upper 40s to lower 50s.

Skies on Sunday have a veil of high clouds. A warm wind from the south provides a good chance that some areas could hit record highs as temperatures peak in the mid-60s to around 70. Clouds are likely to increase in the evening as a storm in the Mississippi Valley starts to fire up and head our way. Overnight lows only drop to the low-to-mid 50s.

Could this mean a mild winter in Northern Virginia? The Capital Weather gang says expect a “run-of-the-mill” season with a few snow events.

But for now, enjoy the last taste of fall.

Here are some of the highlights from the Fairfax County Police’s Reston District Station police blotter this week:

UNLAWFUL ENTRY: 1900 block of Crescent Park Dr. Dec. 9.1:30 p.m. A resident reported someone entered the residence and apparently used a downstairs restroom. Nothing was taken.

LARCENIES:

 12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, merchandise stolen from business

10400 block of Dunn Meadow Rd, cash and property from vehicle

1700 block of Fountain Dr., cash from business

2500 block of John Milton Dr., Liquor from business

 11900 block of Market Street, merchandise from business.

1700 block of Business Center Drive, property from vehicle.

 STOLEN VEHICLES:

 2200 block of Sanibel Drive, 2012 Nissan Quest

The long-awaited 1.7-million-square-foot revitalization plan for Lake Anne is off the books for now.

Residents of Crescent Apartments received a letter from Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins on Thursday advising them that Lake Anne Development Partners (LADP) has informed them the project “may not be feasible.”

Crescent’s 181 units were slated to be rebuilt as part of the mixed-use development of 1,037 residential units (including replacement of the 181 affordable units at Crescent); 60,000 square feet of retail; a 15,800-square-foot grocery store;and 78,000 square feet of office space.

The plan, which would have taken about 12 years to complete, also sought to re-route Village Road, build an outdoor amphitheater, add a parking garage and a grand boulevard of shops leading to the historic part of Lake Anne Plaza.

“Regrettably, Fairfax County has recently been advised by the Lake Anne revitalization project’s primary developer, Lake Anne Development Partners (LADP), that their public-private partnership with the County to redevelop the Crescent Apartments and the Lake Anne Village Center may not be feasible,” the letter reads.

“While such situations are not uncommon in large, complex developments, the County and LADP are deeply disappointed by this turn of events and shares the frustration that we know the community must be feeling.”

After years of discussions with the community about the best uses for Lake Anne, LADP was chosen in 2013 to take on the revitalization of Crescent, the county-owned, aging, affordable housing complex, and the surrounding areas.

The project received final approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in early 2015. LADP had said it hoped to break ground this year.

But that never happened. Sources said there were a “collection of reasons” why, but mainly due to financing of the giant project, which sought to add major density to Lake Anne.

“Lake Anne Development Partners has actively pursued the redevelopment of Lake Anne Village Center since 2012,” LADP said in a statement Friday. “Unfortunately, LADP has not been able to satisfactorily assemble all of the required land parcels needed for a viable development plan. It is with true regret and disappointment that LADP’s planned redevelopment of Lake Anne will not be moving forward.”

LADP’s website was disabled as of this morning.

Hudgins said the county will begin deliberations about the longterm implications for the future of Crescent.

“At this time, the County is not prepared to predict when or how we will proceed with redevelopment of the project,” wrote Hudgins.

Hudgins told residents of Crescent:

That you can continue to live at the Crescent and that we will remain committed to keeping the Crescent a vibrant, attractive place to call home. We will have high standards for the appearance of the property, and will maintain it with great care.

That we will maintain and grow our very strong partnerships in the community, including with Cornerstones and the local schools; and

That we will communicate with you and keep you carefully informed as to next steps.

However, Hudgins said Crescent has a high number of vacancies due to the planned redevelopment but it will start leasing again in coming months. Read More

Kudos, Herndon High Physics Students — A pair of students from Herndon High were named winners of the 2015 Association of Space Explorers (ASE) AstroSat Challenge. Ian Boll and Cyril Antoney created a team named Herndon Space Voyagers, which explored the relationship between pollution, sunlight, and global temperatures.

Mural Musings From Restonian — Reston Artist Dana Scheurer’s mural at Reston Town Center was the subject of a “Second Glance” feature in The Washington Post magazine this week. Restonian points out what you did not see in either photo. [Restonian]

New Voting Districts For North Reston — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved new voting districts for North Reston. A new precinct at Armstrong Elementary was created by dividing Aldrin and North Point precincts; The northern portion of North Point precinct combined with the northern portion of Aldrin will retain the name “North Point,” with polling place at St. Thomas a Becket Catholic Church, 1421 Wiehle Avenue, Reston;  the southern portion of Aldrin retains the name “Aldrin” and polling place at Aldrin Elementary School. [Fairfax County]

Christmas is getting closer, Chanukah is nearly over and pretty lights and carriage rides are for everyone.

There are a bunch of things to do iat Reston Town Center this weekend, however you celebrate.

Mini train rides down Market Street will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pickup is in front of Talbots. A suggested donation of $5 is appreciated.

Horse-drawn carriage rides beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday (But it will be 60 degrees, so no dashing through the snow). Pick up is in front of Talbots. A $5 donation per person benefits local charity (children 5 and under ride free).

The Reston Chorale will be performing in the Promenade  (by Mon Ami Gabi) at noon and 1 pm. Saturday. Sunday performances include the Northern Virginia Ukulele Society (2 p.m.) and teen band Catchin’ Toads at 3 p.m.

Special screening of A Christmas Story at Bowtie Cinema Reston Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Fee: $5.50.

The traditional Gingerbread Village will be on display at the Hyatt Regency Reston.

On Sunday, Chabad of Reston-Herndon will mark the end of Chanukah with Chanukah on Ice from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Reston Town Center ice skating pavilion.

There will be ice skating to Chanukah music; a grand menorah lighting to commemorate the end of the holiday; latkes, donuts and gelt; and a grand raffle.

Kosher boxed dinners (hot dog, snack, juice box) available for purchase at $3.50.

The event is free. Skate rentals are $12.

Visit Reston Town Center’s events calendar for a full schedule for December.

Stop by Herndon High School Saturday for one-stop holiday shopping, a silent auction and other holiday activities.

The Holiday Vendor Sale is co-sponsored by Education for Employment – SkillsUSA
and Emerging Leaders of Tomorrow.

Here is what you need to know:

Herndon High School is located at 700 Bennett St.

The event is from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Participating Vendors:

• Arbonne International
• Avon
• Beading with Grace
• Chloe and Isabel Jewelry
• Clear Gear Bags
• The Clever Container
• Deep Sea Publishing
• Dena Fleisher, Author
• Dolls & Crafts
• Fleece by bev
• It Works
• Jamberry Nails, Inc.
• KBC Design
• Karen Hollender Handcrafted Beaded & Wire Jewelry
• Mary Kay
• Melts by Melanie
• More Than a Sign
• MyThirtyOne
• NYR Organics
• Norwex
• ORGANO
• Paparazzi
• Pampered Chef
• Patti’s Pretties
• Rodan & Fields
• Scarlet Stitch
• Scentsy-Fragrance Consultant
• Seaglass
• Silver and Shells
• Stella & Dot
• Tastefully Simple
• Tomboy Tools
• Traci Lynn
• Tupperware
• Uniquelings
• Usborne Books

Several parents representing the #I Am FCPS advocacy group spoke to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at their last meeting of 2015 on Tuesday, asking the board to fully fund Fairfax County Public Schools for Fiscal Year 2017.

The group is comprised mainly of parents and was recently formed in response to the FCPS Budget Task Force report that looks at ways to slash $50 or $75 million from the budget for 2017.

FCPS Superintendent Karen Garza has said the school could be facing a shortfall in that range if the county supervisors give the schools the standard 3-percent increase in funding for next year.

I Am FCPS member Melanie Mehren, a Vienna resident, says the group has mobilized to write 12,000 letters and get 1,200 Facebook likes in the last month.

“We are asking for your leadership to determine how to fully fund the schools for the longterm,” she told the supervisors. “Funding has not kept pace with our growing and changing community. FCPS has grown at the rate of one classroom per day. We are now spending $1,000 less per child when compared with 2009.”

The Virginia General Assembly will determine in its January session how much money to give local school systems. After that, counties can work on what their contributions.

Garza has said a large portion of the school system’s rising costs are due to increases in compensation, rising health care costs and retirement fund contributions. The school system — now with 188,545 students — has a growing enrollment with an increased need for special services.

Garza will present her proposed budget in January. The final budget will be adopted by the school board in May — and it may contain changes such as increased class size, cutbacks in sports and activities and a reduction in staff positions, among others.

Board of Supervisor Chair Sharon Bulova said fully funding schools is the board’s No. 1 priority on their legislative agenda for the 2016 General Assembly. She pointed out that the problem begins at the state level.

“The state has reduced its share [of funding all Virginia schools] by $1 billion,” she said. “Counties have tried to make up the difference. In Fairfax, we have increased about $200 million for schools.”

Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity pointed out that the board did fund 99 percent of school board requests last year. He also wanted to know how much FCPS is spending on its #SAVEFCPS campaign, which is not affiliated with #IAMFCPS.

FCPS gets about two-thirds of its funding from the county. More than half the county’s $2 billion in spending goes to education.

Rachel Stot, Kilmer Middle School PTA president, said a standard 3 percent transfer from the county “will leave a devastating shortage that will affect the whole community.”

“There are no acceptable cuts left,” she said. “Please fully fund the ask.”

Photo: Supervisor Chair Sharon Bulova

A traffic stop ended in a scuffle with police and drug charges for a 27-year-old Reston man Tuesday night.

An officer made a traffic stop for an expired license plate and no state inspection in the 1500 block of North Village Road about 10:57 p.m.

As the officer approached the car on foot, she said she detected a strong smell of burning marijuana. She asked the driver to step out of the vehicle and when he did, the driver locked the door and put the car keys in his pocket and became uncooperative and belligerent with the officer, police said.

Backup officers arrived and attempted to take the suspect into custody for obstruction of justice, but he physically resisted. An officer deployed a taser “Drive Stun” mode to gain compliance. The suspect was then arrested without further incident. There were no injuries.

The vehicle was searched incident to the arrest and suspected marijuana and cocaine was seized from the vehicle and from the suspect.

The suspect, Ty Connor Allen, 27, of Waterfront Road in Reston, was transported to the Adult Detention Center and charged with obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, and possessing a chemical unlawfully received.

Hit and Run in Herndon — Herndon Police are asking for help to find a driver who hit a man on Elden Street last Friday. [Herndon Patch]

Thanking First Responders — The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted its 8th Annual First Responders Holiday Celebration on Tuesday. Many area restaurants contributed to the celebration, which honors police, fire and rescue and EMT personnel for their service.

High Rents — Reston is in the midst of a construction boom for (expensive) apartments.Why new multifamily housing in the Washington area is geared to the wealthy and how that affects younger renters. [Washington Post]

Photo by May Goren via Instagram/Reston Town Center Facebook