NextStop Theatre Company’s newest performance, The Wedding Singer, is set to kick off tomorrow (September 13) and will run through October 15.
The show is based on the comedy starring Adam Sander and Drew Barrymore. It features the storie of Robbie Hart, a wannabe rock star and New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. Organizers say the show is a “big-singing, big-dancing, big hair tribute to the 1980s.”
The price of tickets ranges between $40 and $65 depending on the time of purchase. The performance contains adult language and situations that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Tickets can be purchased online.
Photos by Lock and Company
The Greater Reston Arts Center is closing its “Building Worlds” exhibition this weekend. The exhibition, which future worlds reimagined by five artists, will end with two events on Saturday.
One of the artists Rachel Guardiola will lead attendees through an interactive workshop based inspired by her artwork from 1-3 p.m. The activities will explore themes like the role of science fiction, fact, and fantasy. Registration is open online. The event, which is sponsored by Reston Community Center, is open to participants age 18 and up.
From 5-7 p.m. the same day, the exhibition’s artists and curator will take part in a panel discussion and a question and answer session. The event, which is also sponsored by Reston Community Center, is free and open to the public.
A new exhibition featuring the work of DC-based artist Caitlin Teal Price is next up on GRACE’s line of displays. Price’s exhibition, “Green is the Secret Color to Make Gold,” explores themes of daily life.
She’s known for her photographs of people and objects collected by her young son on walks they take together. The exhibit will run from September 29 through November 24 at GRACE. An opening reception is set for September 29 from 5-7 p.m.
Photo via GRACE
This is an op/ed submitted by Terry Maynard, co-chair of the Reston 20/20 committee. It does not reflect the opinions of Reston Now.
Reston’s future lies largely in the numbers that define the county’s plan for Reston’s transit station areas (TSAs)–the areas roughly within a half-mile of each Metro station. The results of looking at those numbers are shocking, but not really surprising.
The Board of Supervisors-approved Reston Master Plan calls for 44,000 dwelling units (DUs) in Reston’s TSAs, virtually all of which will be high-rise (“elevator”), high-density DUs–condos and apartments.
County planning assumes 2.1 people will live in each high-rise, high-density DU.
Put together, that means a potential population of 92,400 people in Reston’s station areas. That’s without any affordable housing “bonuses” or development waiver approvals or other uncounted DUs or people, a frequent fact of life in Fairfax County.
When the Reston Master Plan Task Force was working on a new plan for the station areas, the county provided several different numbers for the actual acreage of the study area. These ranged from 1,232 acres (1.925 square miles) to 1,683 acres (2.630 square miles) of land in Reston’s TSAs. The county provided no explanation for the range of values.
Dividing the number of people by the acreage, the resulting number is somewhere between 55 and 75 per acre. On a square mile basis, that Reston TSA density is between 35,200 and 48,000 persons per square mile (pers/SM).
According to Wikipedia, Manhattan has a density of 26,403 pers/SM. That makes the planned population of Reston’s TSAs at least one-third denser than and potentially nearly twice as dense as Manhattan is today.
Wikipedia adds that Manhattan’s residential density “makes it the densest of any American municipality with a population above 100,000.” And Reston’s TSA population may well exceed that 100,000 number if the county continues its bonus and waiver giveaways to developers.
I don’t think anyone who lives in Reston thinks that two square miles of super-density in Reston’s TSAs cutting through the middle of our community is consistent with any definition of preserving, much less improving, Reston’s quality of life. And the county has no meaningful plans or means to meet the infrastructure requirements of this population or the needs of the surrounding Reston community.
A farmers market is coming to Reston Town Center starting tomorrow (September 11) through September October 23. Every week, the market will be located at the pavilion, with the exception of October 9, when it will be located at Town Square Park.
Items available for purchase include produce, kettle corn, pastries, meats, salsa, honey, and smoothies. The hours of the market are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Other area farmers markets will remain open through early December. The market at Lake Anne is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through December 1 at Lake Anne Plaza.
The Reston Farm Market (10800 Baron Cameron Avenue) is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A fall festival, which will include face painting, a petting zoo, a train raid, balloons and a petting zoo, is set for Saturday, September 22 to celebrate the market’s anniversary.
Photo via Reston Town Center
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- Updated: Mother, Two Children Found Dead in Apparent Double Murder, Suicide
- Updated: Three People Found Dead Inside Herndon Home
- Body Worn Camera Pilot Program in Reston Ends
- Police Investigate Robbery at 7-Eleven on Soapstone Drive
- Restriping of South Lakes Drive Ignites Concerns, Fury
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip. We’re also looking for photos of Reston submitted by readers.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
Photo via Fairfax County Police Department
The Shadowood tennis courts, which are located on Springwood Drive, will be closed for repairs beginning Monday (September 10).
Reston Association expects the courts to reopen on or around October 1. Routine maintenance, which includes court cleaning and cracks repair, will be completed during the closure. A fresh coat of paint will also be applied to all four courts.
Mike Leone, RA’s director of communications and community engagement, said the courts “will look like new” once the work is completed.
Other tennis facilities in Reston are open and a complete list is available online.
File photo
A man fired a gunshot at a bicyclist in Herndon on Wednesday (September 5) at around 10:40 p.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Local police are investigating the incident, which occurred on the 2400 block of Centreville Road in Herndon.
Police said the victim, who was not hit, knew the man who fired the gun. The victim left the area on his bicycle after a “physical altercation” with the man, according to police.
The suspect then drove a car next to him on Centreville road and fired at the bicyclist from inside the car. The suspect then drove away. No arrests have been made.
File photo
We’re bringing the weekend roundup of events in Reston areas back after retiring the twice-weekly rundown of events and deals by Tim’s Reston.
This weekend, Kwame Alexander, a local New York Times bestselling author, will take part in an author talk and book signing on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at Reston Regional Library.
The talk is part of The Great American Read programming at Reston Regional Library and it’s sponsored by a host of entities like Reston Regional Library, PBS, the American Library Association, WETA-TV 26, and Friends of Reston Regional Library. All attendees ages six and up are encouraged to take part.
The Reston Triathlon also returns to Reston this weekend. Everything you need to know about the event is available online.
If that isn’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty of other things to do in the area this weekend:
- Bring your dog for a dip in the pool in the Dogwood Recreation area from 4-7 p.m. today. People are not allowed in the water with the dogs and a current dog license is required.
- Families, couples and individuals are invited to take part in a “Nature Scavenger Hunt” from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday at the Walker Nature Center. Registration is $5 for Reston Association members and $7 for all others.
- Miss Emily is back in town for singing storytime with illustration songs from 10:30-11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library on Saturday. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Reston Regional Library.
- Oil and watercolor works by Gwen White are on display from Saturday through October 7 at Reston Community Centers Hunters Woods. The exhibit is titled “It’s Finished When It’s Finished.”
- Author and Spanish teacher Tracey Kyle leads participants through bilingual story time at Scrawl Books from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Her books include Gazpacho for Nacho, Food Fight Fiesta and A Paintbrush for Paco.
- Scout & Molly’s boutique in Reston Town Center is hosting a Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show featuring its holiday and spring collection at noon until 6 p.m on Saturday.
- The season for cherries and watermelons may be ending, but the Reston Farmer’s Market at Lake Anne Plaza is here to stay until early December. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
- “Contemplate Creativity” with this meditation workshop at Greater Reston Arts Center from 9:30-11 a.m on Saturday. Registration is free for GRACE members and $5 for all others.
- Also at GRACE tomorrow, explore the intersection of art and engineering by creating your own kinetic art box with artist Tim Harper from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday. The event is open to participants ages six and up.
- The Tour de Cure, a community festival and a fundraising event dedicated to diabetes in Northern Virginia will take place at Reston Town Center from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
- Show of your dancing skills during the “Sunday Afternoon Dance” at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Three mini-lessons and light refreshments will be provided. The cost is $5 for Restonians and $10 for all others. You can also try your hand (or your feet) at western dance from 5:30-8 p.m. the same day, if you’re game.
- If you’re rusty on your computer skills, technology volunteers will be available to guide you through a one-hour session on computers, Internet and ebook help on Sunday. The session is from 2-3 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Participants should call the library to book an appointment.
- Celebrate the “High Holidays” at Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon from 6-7 p.m on Sunday. Seats are available for services with family-friendly options.
Photo via Kwame Alexander
The 17th annual Classic Car Show returns to Herndon on Sunday (September 9).
Owners of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles will participate in the event which is produced by the Herndon Rotary Club. The event will take place at 777 Lynn Street.
This year’s title sponsor is Griffin Owens Insurance. The schedule for the program is as follows:
- 7 a.m.: Car registration begins
- 10 a.m.: DJ Fred Cheshire performance
- 10:30 a.m.: Opening ceremony
- 12:30 p.m.: Gottaswing Dance Company performance
- 2:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony
- 3 p.m.: Closing
Photo via Classic Car Show/Facebook
Local police are seeking the public’s help to identify two men suspected of robbing a gas station on August 28 at 1:10 a.m.
Police believe two African American men wearing masks entered the 7-Eleven on 2303 Soapstone Drive and stole tobacco products and cash at gunpoint. The men were described as average build, between 5’10” and 6′.
The Fairfax County Police Department also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, package from residence
10000 block of Carpers Farm Court, jewelry from residence
12900 block of Highland Crossing Drive, wallet from location
1800 block of Jonathan Way, watch from residence
1700 block of Wainwright Drive, clothing from residence
STOLEN VEHICLES:
1900 block of Villaridge Drive, 1992 Toyota Camry
Anyone with information about any crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
A heat advisory is in effect for Reston and nearby areas from noon to 7 p.m. today.
According to the National Weather Service, heat index values are expected to climb to around 105 degrees and dewpoints are expected to hover in the mid-70s. Heat and humidity could cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.
More from the alert:
A Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is
expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity
will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water.To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency – call 911.
Be aware and be prepared. It is going to be HOT! Drink fluids and stay cool. https://t.co/8JfqAfxgOS
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) September 4, 2018
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- Restriping of South Lakes Drive Ignites Concerns, Fury
- Edibles Incredible Desserts to Leave Reston Town Center Location of 15 Years
- Design Guidelines for Reston’s Transit Station Area Move Forward
- $50 Million Luxury Condo Tower Planned North of Reston Town Center
- Thursday Morning Notes
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip. We’re also looking for photos of Reston submitted by readers.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
File photo
Newcomers to Reston can take advantage of a free bus tour on October 13. The event is sponsored by Comstock.
RA is offering two bus tours between 10 a.m. and noon and between 1-3 p.m. The guided bus tour will feature stops at Reston’s “most interesting places,” including Walker Nature Center, according to organizers. Bus tours will begin and end at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Avenue). Bus tour participants can also enjoy refreshments and tour The Lake House between the bus tours.
In order to participate, residents must have become RA property owners within the last six months. An open house open to all members at The Lake House will run between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Catering is provided by Kalypso’s Sports Tavern.
Registration is required for the tour.
File photo
As we head into Labor Day weekend, here’s a look at some area closing for the holiday.
Public schools, libraries, county offices, the county’s animal shelter, Circuit Court, General District Court, and Reston Community Center will be closed.
Fairfax Connector bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. The Metrorail system will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will also run on a Sunday schedule. Parking will be free at Metro parking facilities and off-peak fares will be in effect. Metrobus will also run on a Sunday schedule.
Most county parks will be open. Frying Pan Farm Park is open but the visitor’s center will be closed. Reston Association offices, including the Central Services Facility and the Walker Nature Center, will also be closed, but RA pools will be open on Labor Day weekend.
The hours of pools are as follows:
- North Shore heated pool & spa: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Ridge Heights heated pool: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Lake Newport 50-meter pool: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Photo via DKrebs Via Flickr Creative Commons
Reston’s Diva Duo, Beverly Cosham and Menda Ahart, will perform at a benefit concert at the United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive) on September 14 (Friday).
All proceeds from the event, which will take place from 7:30-8:30 p.m., will support Reston and Herndon residents who are at risk of losing their homes, electricity or water.
Cosham is a Best of Reston honoree and has performed her cabaret act around the country. Ahart has been singing all of her life in church choirs. She is also a part of Mosaic Harmony, an interfaith, multicultural choir that draws on the rich heritage of African American inspiration music.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. Misha Tumanov and musician Michael Girdy will also perform during the performance by Reston’s Divas.
