Hundreds are expected to take to Reston’s streets this Sunday, May 3, for the annual March For Babies.
The event raises money every year to expand programs and educate medical professionals about premature birth.
“Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. Our team is walking in March for Babies because we want to do something about this,” one of the local teams participating in the event wrote on their fundraising page.
This Sunday’s march is one of the biggest taking place in northern Virginia. So far, local teams have raised more than $275,000.
The three-mile walk starts at 8 a.m., taking off from Reston Town Center at 11900 Market Street. Various checkpoints along the route will offer refreshments and a place to rest for a few moments.
Children between the ages of 1 and 10 can take part in the “Superhero Sprint.” Registering ahead of time ensures your little hero gets his or her own cape for the run!
Join in on the Reston march by signing up here. Those who can’t make the event can join a “Virtual Walk” online. Monetary donations can be made here.
Photo via March For Babies
The building of a new dock for the Lakeport Cluster homes still has not begun, due to permitting issues, said a representative for the project this week.
Paul Renard, chair of the Lakeport Cluster Association’s Dock Oversight Committee, said the project has been held up by permitting issues with Fairfax County.
“Because we were doing the project as a [homeowners association] rather than as an individual, Fairfax decided that we fell into a ‘critical commercial structure’ category, and we had to provide a great deal of additional engineering information that we had not included with our original permit request,” Renard told Reston Now this week.
The existing dock and nearby bulkhead have grown old and decayed over the years. Renard said members voted to use HOA funds to pay for a rebuild, though Renard said the group as a whole has decided not to disclose the project’s total costs to the public.
“In the end we will have a beautiful and much more usable dock with decades of life ahead, better lighting along the Reston Association path, and a newly landscaped focal point next to the dock for the community to enjoy,” the Lakeport Cluster Association said in a previous statement.
Furthermore, Renard added this week, “We expect about a 30-year lifespan for this dock, and perhaps longer given the quality of the design [such as] the pile depth, and the building materials.”
Though the project’s groundbreaking has been delayed due to the permit issues, Renard said they expect to be approved any day now.
“The good news is that we had done all the engineering work, so we were able to gather up the various reports, stress loads, etc. that were needed,” he said. “But this has put us at least a month behind schedule.”
“Our permit is currently with the Fairfax architectural reviewers and we hope to have a positive report in about a week.”
Renard said once they have been given the green light, they expect the construction to take about 60 days. During that time, the Reston Association-managed pedestrian pathway that extends through the area will be closed.
Photo: Rendering of the redesigned dock, courtesy of Lakeport Cluster Association
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) this week deferred a vote that could impact a developer’s application to build a new hotel in a section of the parking lot at Reston’s Lake Fairfax Business Park.
A vote on the necessary rezoning that would allow the project to move forward was on the BOS agenda Tuesday, but the vote has now been postponed to May 15 at 3:30 p.m. According to the BOS website:
“The PCAs and RZ application are needed to remove the property from the Lake Fairfax Business Park approvals and allow development of the existing surface parking lot on the property into an approximately 98,500 square foot twenty-four hour suite-style hotel to its own set of independent proffers. The Special Exceptions will permit the hotel and increase the permitted Floor Area Ration (FAR) from .50 to .67 (within the allowable range of up to .70).”
In other words the developers, TH Holding Company LLC, want the hotel to be considered separately from the business park, and be subject to its own zoning and permit regulations. County planning documents indicate that city staff members want some portions of the application to be denied.
The current plans for the hotel outline 299 parking spaces, including 149 spots for hotel guests and employees, and an outdoor terrace that would sit next to the hotel’s main entrance and face toward the neighboring office building.
The plan is designed to transition into a future street that would connect Business Center Drive to Michael Faraday Drive. Reston’s comprehensive plan proposes a local street running along the southwest border of the site.
Bear Season Is Upon Us — Fairfax County police warn local residents, this is actually black bear country. This is the time of year that bear reports of bear sightings start to increase, as the creatures wake up from their winter slumber between March and May. Locally, bears may wander into residential areas, drawn in by the smell of food inside homes. They are also attracted to the scents of bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, beehives, and berry shrubs. Police recommend bird feeders be taken down for the next several weeks, that garbage cans not be left outside for too long, and to bring outdoor pet food inside. (Fairfax County Police)
Reston Companies Make List of Forbes’ Best — Two Reston-based companies earned themselves a spot of Forbes Magazine’s list of the best employers. While major companies like Michelin Tires, Trader Joe’s grocery stores and Google topped the list of America’s best-rated companies to work for, Reston-based Leidos came in at number 327, and NVR–comprised of Ryan Homes, NVR Homes and FoxRidge Homes and Heartland Homes–came in at number 368. (Patch.com)
SLHS Student Council Earns Statewide, Nationwide Recognition — The South Lakes High Student Council has been recognized as a 2018 Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils “for its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community.” In addition, the Virginia Student Councils Association awarded the group’s Terraset Leadership Workshop with a 2018 Outstanding Student Council Project award. The project encourages Terraset Elementary students “to develop their leadership and teamwork skills through a variety of activities.” (Fairfax County Public Schools)
Reston Company Helps to Solve Cold Cases — Reston-based Paragon Nanolabs is garnering quite a bit of buzz lately. The company has been using DNA evidence to create 3D images and profiles of previously unidentifiable victims and suspects in crimes. The process, which they call “Snapshot DNA Phenotyping,” uses a person’s DNA evidence to predict traits such as a person’s eye and hair color as well as more complex features such as skin tone, face shape, and even whether or not the person has freckles. One of the company’s biggest successes so far was when, in 2016, the company identified the man they believe is responsible for the 1997 rape of a California woman. (NewsChannel 5)
David Bobzien resigned from his position as the president of the Reston Association Board of Directors Monday evening after revealing he has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement on RA’s website, Bobzien informed residents that he has already begun chemotherapy treatments for acute myeloid leukemia.
Bobzien was elected to a three-year term on the board in 2017, as the apartment owners’ representative. He has served on several committees, and was the board’s vice president before the board elected him president.
Sridhar Ganesan, the board’s current vice president said in a statement, “David played a strong leadership role during the last year helping Reston Association make some critical decisions. His governance approach helped bring about consensus on many matters before the board. I thank him for his service to RA during a critical time and wish him strength and success through his treatment and a speedy recovery. “
“David will be missed as both a board member and president. His understanding of the county and its many components was a real benefit to RA,” said RA’s acting CEO, Larry Butler. “I am hopeful that his treatment is speedy and effective so that he can get back to all of the things in which he was involved in the Reston community.”
Bobzien’s departure means there are now two vacant seats on the board, as Hunters Woods/Dogwood Director Victoria White resigned her position on April 11 when she moved out of her district. A replacement for White is scheduled to be elected during the May 24 meeting.
A replacement for the apartment owners’ representative will be elected by a majority vote of apartment owners, to serve out the rest of the year until the 2019 elections.
Though he won’t be on the Board of Directors anymore, Bobzien said his love for Reston will remain strong.
“My hope is to get through this so that I can continue to enjoy the people and pathways that [my wife] Cathy and I fell in love with when we moved to Reston in 1975,” said Bobzien. “‘Reston for Life’ has taken on a new meaning for us.”
The Fairfax County school district recently recognized South Lakes High School for their work in organizing a hair donation event benefiting cancer patients.
In partnership with well-known shampoo company Pantene, seniors Samantha Lowe and Sarah Wolfe along with teacher Rebecca Samba organized the “Beautiful Lengths” event, in which people with long hair could donate a portion of their locks to be made into free wigs for cancer patients.
Stylists from Maude Hair salon in Herndon and students from the Chantilly Cosmetology Academy donated their time to cut donors’ hair.
In all, 20 people–a mix of students, parents and teachers–donated more than eight inches of hair each during the event last week.
Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Public Schools
The past week has been particularly quiet around the Reston area, with no major crimes or arrests reported.
Police in the Reston District reported the following minor incidents:
LARCENIES:
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, laptop computer from vehicle
11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, wallet from business
1800 block of Sycamore Valley Drive, wallet from vehicle
11000 block of Becontree Lake Drive, laptop computer and purse from residence
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
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).
Hunters Woods Elementary in Reston will add a new, fresh salad bar to its daily lunchtime offerings on Wednesday this week.
Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with the organization Real Food For Kids to bring fresh salad bars to all 141 elementary schools. School officials said they are gradually rolling them out, at a rate of around 30 schools per year for the next four years. The first schools received salad bars during the 2016-17 school year.
The Hunters Woods PTA described what the salad bar will be like and how it will fit in with current lunch offerings in a letter to families recently:
“Students will be able to go through the salad bar to get fresh fruits, vegetables, lettuce, proteins and other toppings. Students can purchase a stand-alone meal if they would like to get their fruits, vegetables, and protein from the salad bar, or they could get a hot entrée and a pretzel from the lunch line to accompany fruit and vegetable selections from the salad bar.”
The salad bar is scheduled to open this Wednesday, May 2, and the school’s PTA says volunteers are needed during the first two weeks to help ensure a smooth debut, and show students how to utilize it. Available volunteers can contact the school for details on how to help at 703-262-7400.
Photo: Fairfax County Public Schools
Try Reston’s Newest Restaurant For Free — Honeygrow has been named one of the healthiest fast-casual restaurants in America by Food Network – and now, Reston is home to one. For a limited time, Honeygrow’s owners are inviting locals to try a meal for free to get them acquainted with their ultra-fresh salads and stir-frys. Register online to enjoy a free lunch or dinner next week on May 10, as space is limited. The restaurant opens to the public on May 11. (Honeygrow)
Three Chances Left to See ‘Phantom’ — South Lakes High’s musical production of “Phantom” has three shows left this week – Thursday, Friday and Saturday. All shows start at 7 p.m, and the doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for adults. Purchase tickets online, or at the door as space permits. (South Lakes Theatre)
Calling All Artists, Entertainers and Food Vendors! — The 2018 Reston Multicultural Festival is scheduled to take place on Sept. 22. Reston Community Center is currently accepting applications for performers and vendors. This family-friendly festival welcomes live entertainers, artists, food vendors, community organizations who want to have informational booths, and more. Details are available online, along with a schedule of application deadlines. The festival will take place at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. (Reston Community Center)
Networking Before Nine — The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is reviving its bimonthly “Networking Before Nine” breakfast series, starting this week. Sponsored by Microsoft, this week’s event will take place on Thursday from 8-10 a.m. at the Microsoft Retail Store at Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road. Current and prospective members should bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to give a 30-second description of yourself and your business during introductions. A presentation on how M365 Business works will also be included. Register online. (Greater Reston Chamber)
Today may have been a cooler, crisper day, with highs in the low 60s, but according to the Capital Weather Gang, that will likely all be gone by tomorrow.
The Gang predicts Reston could reach the 80s by Tuesday, and possibly hit 90 degrees by Thursday.
With the warmer, dryer temperatures comes an increased risk for fires. The National Weather Service warns that the local area is under a fire warning “due to low dewpoints and a gusty northwest wind.”
By the weekend, temperatures should be back in the 70s, which means a sunny weekend perfect for outdoor activities.
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- Honeygrow to Open in Reston Town Center West in May
- Thursday Morning Notes
- Reston Association’s CFO and Acting CEO Resigns
- Updated: Baron Cameron Avenue at Wiehle Avenue Closed
- Residents Worry Upgraded Plaza in South Lakes Village Center Will Attract Teens, Noise
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. Have a great weekend.
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
You don’t want to use Metro, anyway — Sign up for the Bike To Work Day event closest to your place of business. [Reston Bike Club]
Some like it hot — According to the Farmer’s Almanac, this summer is going to be a scorcher. [Patch]
Bae (systems) wants to move — Aerospace company BAE Systems is reportedly looking to consolidate offices. They’ve currently got one office in Reston. [Washington Business Journal]
Spooked yet? — South Lakes High School will present a performance on “Phantom” today through May 5. Tickets are available online. [SLHS]
Flickr pool photo via vantagehill
Calling all pets and pets owners: The Pet Fiesta is coming to Reston Town Center on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Sponsored by RTC and NOVADog Magazine, the outdoor festival brings together business, rescue groups and pet owners for activities and demonstrations. The event, which is open to all, also includes face painting and onstage entertainment. Animals will also be available for adoption.
This year, a dog walk around Reston Town Center and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail was cancelled due to a lack of registrants.
Volunteers can sign up online. More information is available online.
The event benefits GoodDogz, a non-profit organization that aims to educate future dog owners on dog selection and supports rescue groups.
Photo via Gooddogz.org
Boston Properties is ready to kickstart the first phase of Reston Gateway, 22-acre site next to the future Reston Town Center Metro Station, a company executive said.
During the company’s quarterly earnings conference call Wednesday, BXP Chief Executive Officer Owen Thomas lauded a recent lease signed with Fannie Mae for the mixed use project. Fannie Mae will anchor two office building in the project, which also includes 3.5 million square feet of development.
The new mixed use project is designed to complement “the amenity base and community environment of the highly successful Reston Town Center,” Thomas said.
Fannie Mae plans to occupy the building in the first quarter of 2022. A mid-sized hotel, more than 600,000 square feet of residential development and 90,000 square feet of ground floor retail is planned on the site.
BXP President Doug Linde said he was pleased by the strength of Reston Town Center, which he called “a magnet for private sector contractors and technology tenants.”
“We have recently signed two expansion and extension deals with technology tenants for 112,000 square feet. One tenant grew 30% and the other grew 40 percent. And we are negotiating a third expansion and extension this time growing 115,000 square feet tenant to a 160,000 square feet. We are also in early renewal discussions with tenants for more than 300,000 square feet of space,” Linde said.
The company opened the Signature, a residential high-rise in Reston Town Center, in January.
So far, 11 percent of residential units or 86 of the 508 units are leased, Linde said.
Overall, the real estate investment trust reported an income of $176 million, up from $97 million this time last year.
File rendering
Fairfax County is participating in Operation Medicine Cabinet Clean-out, a program by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative, on Saturday (April 28).
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents are encouraged to drop off unused or expired medications at any Fairfax County Police district station. Only pills or liquids are allowed. No pressurized canisters or needles will be accepted.
Organizers say the disposal is free, confidential and safe. The program is intended to prevent accidental poisoning and drug abuse. Reston’s District Station is located at 12000 Bowman Towne Drive.
The initiative is part of a partnership between county departments, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and local businesses.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
