Reston Association’s CFO and acting CEO Robert Wood will resign, leaving two top leadership positions open at the homeowners’ association.
Wood was named acting CEO in February following former CEO Cate Fulkerson’s resignation in February. He has taken a new job at a national nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., ending a roughly three years of work at RA.
Larry Butler, RA’s senior director of land use and planning will take over as acting CEO. The board is actively searching for a new, permanent CEO following Fulkerson’s departure. Job listings were posted on online job platforms, including an April 9 posting.
Wood’s last day is tomorrow (April 20).
Photo via RA
Baron Cameron Avenue at Wiehle Avenue may be closed for several hours due to downed wires.
According to Fairfax County Government, the closure could remain in effect for several hours.
An alert sent at 1:32 p.m., officials estimated the road would remain closed for four to six hours. Police are diverting traffic onto Wiehle Avenue and encourage residents and drivers to avoid the area.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
This is a commentary from Del. Ken Plum (D-Fairfax), who represents Reston in Virginia’s House of Delegates. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now.
Legislators who were in Richmond on April 13 for the Special Session to complete work on the biennial budget interrupted their work on April 18 for the Constitutionally required Reconvened Session commonly referred to as the “veto session.” In 1980 the State Constitution was amended to provide that on the sixth Wednesday after the adjournment of a regular session the General Assembly is to reconvene “for the purpose of considering bills which may have been returned by the Governor with recommendations for their amendment and bills and items of appropriation bills which may have been returned by the Governor with his objections.” Prior to the establishment of a reconvened session, a Governor could veto bills without concern that the vetoes would be over-ridden.
Governor Terry McAuliffe set a record with nearly a hundred vetoes all of which were sustained by the General Assembly even if by the narrowest margin. Governor Ralph Northam has exercised his veto powers on eight measures that are highly unlikely to be challenged with the almost even distribution of partisan representation in both the House and Senate. A two-thirds vote is required to pass legislation without the Governor’s approval. In the case of Governor McAuliffe and now Governor Northam, vetoes by the other branch of government–the executive branch–have kept the General Assembly from enacting some of the more divisive laws on social issues proposed by extremely conservative legislators.
Two of the bills Governor Northam vetoed related to voter registration records that would unnecessarily burden the registration and voting process under guise of preventing fraud and abuse. Virginia has not had a problem with voting irregularities; the state’s problem has been to get more people to vote since Virginia has among the lowest levels of participation in the nation. Efforts to make it easier to vote such as “no excuse” absentee voting have been defeated in the General Assembly.
The Governor vetoed three bills that would limit the powers of local government when the local governments are in the best position to know what would best serve the people of a locality. One bill would have prohibited local governments from requiring contractors to pay more than minimum wage for work for the locality and another would interfere on local governments establishing property tax rates for country clubs. A bill that would prohibit “sanctuary cities” of which there are none in Virginia was also vetoed.
The Governor vetoed a bill that would have prohibited state participation in adopting regulations on carbon dioxide cap-and-trade programs thereby limiting Virginia’s ability to deal with climate change. He also vetoed a bill that would have allowed legislators to change legislative district lines between the federal census dates.
In considering bills passed by the legislature, all of which must be signed by the Governor to become law, the Governor can propose amendments. Of the dozens of amendments proposed by Governor Northam, most are technical corrections in language passed in the fast pace of the legislative session.
After the likely one-day Reconvened Session is adjourned, the General Assembly will return to the Special Session to complete the budget. I believe there will be good news to report on the budget very soon!
Reston Association’s Central Services Facility staff have removed trees at Glade Tennis Courts (11550 Glade Drive) in order to prevent future damage.
During a March windstorm, two large pine trees fell onto the tennis court, damaging the clay court, court lights and perimeter fencing, according to Ali Khatibi, the manager of the Central Services Facility.
After inspections, arborists determined standing and pine trees posed a threat to public safety. Trees were removed from the court.
On March 2, RA estimated windstorm cleanup could take at least one month. Arborists continue to remove trees from pathways.
“We appreciate your patience during this process,” Khatibi said in a Reston Today video.
Photo via Reston Association/YouTube
Local police have identified a man found dead in Fairfax Station on Wednesday as Michael Cooker, 30, of Herndon.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Cooker was found on the 6500 block of Colchester Road around 6:49 a.m. on Wednesday. A passerby saw a man laying on the side of the road and alerted police.
Police are investigating the incident as a homicide. Cooker sustained upper body trauma. No weapons were found on the scene.
An autopsy, which will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, will determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Anyone with information should contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 or via text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES (274637), by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or 703-691-2131.
Photo via FCPD
Cheers for volunteers — Reston Association will recognize volunteer individuals, groups and corporate partners at the 2018 service awards reception tonight. [RA]
Hairspray JR begins tonight — Students from Langston Hughes Middle School will kick off their production of Hairspray JR beginning today. The show, which captures the spirit of Baltimore in 1962 with laughter, dance, romance and songs, will run through Saturday, April 21. Tickets are available online. [Langston Hughes Middle School]
A walking art tour — Art historian Phoebe Avery will lead a tour of public art around Lake Anne tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.. [RA]
Honey, I shrunk the... — Honeygrow, a fast-casual Philadelphia import restaurant, is getting ready for opening day at RTC West. Hiring has begun. [Honeygrow]
Look who’s in town — The Herndon Youth Advisory Council, which was created by the town council late last year, is off to strong start this year. [The Connection]
Photo by Jessica Wallach
Reston-based Appian to move headquarters — Software company Appian is moving from its current headquarters in Reston Town Center to Gannett’s former home at 7950 Jones Branch Drive in Tysons. [WTOP]
Diva Central — Three marketing students from South Lakes High School are featured in Reston magazine for their involvement in Diva Central, which offers free, gently used formalwear to students for prom. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Active violence in the workplace — The local police department is offering a workshop on how to deal with active violence in the workplace on April 23 in Reston. [Fairfax County Government]
Flickr pool photo via Courtlyn McHale
If you’re a pedestrian, you probably know to look left, right and left again before crossing the street — at least in theory.
In some parts of Reston Town Center, some pedestrians might be adding another unconventional step: waving a flailing yellow flag.
According to the local blog Restonian, signage near the Hyatt Parking Garage indicates a crosswalk pilot program has begun at the edge of Reston Town Center.
Instructions encourage pedestrians to grab a yellow flag from the edge of the crosswalk and wave it until approaching vehicles come to a complete stop, according to the news blog.
Signs caution that the flags are “just a safety tool” and that “pedestrians are reminded to look both ways, make eye contact with the driver and exercise caution before entering all crosswalks.”
File photo
A 21-year-old Herndon resident was caught yelling racial slurs in front of a home on the 1500 block of Poplar Grove Drive Friday night.
Carrick Shannon was charged with destruction of property, disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice.
Local police responded to a report that a suspicious man was attempting to enter a home in the area around 9:57 p.m. on Friday.
When officers arrived, they saw Shannon standing outside the home. He was arrested after a foot pursuit in woods nearby the home.
Police said they also found security footage of Shannon yelling racial slurs in the security camera and damaging the camera.
In a separate incident, a burglary was reported at House of Mandarin (2303 Soapstone Drive) around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday. Staff of a neighboring business heard glass breaking next door.
A burglary was also reported at a local Exxon (12080 Glade Drive) on Thursday around 2:20 a.m.. Police believe someone broke into the business and stole cash.
The Fairfax County Police Department also reported the following incidents:
Larcenies:
1300 block of Blairstone Drive, packages from residence
1300 block of Browns Mill Court, laptop computer from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, airbag from vehicle
11900 block of Market Street, wallet from business
1000 block of Pensive Lane, wallet from business
12000 block of Town Square Street, bicycles from business
1800 block of Town Center Parkway, wallet from business
1600 block of Waters Edge Lane, purse from vehicle
Stolen Vehicles:
2200 block of Chamblee Place, 2000 Toyota Corolla
Photo via FCPD
The big boom — Big change is taking place in formerly quiet places. Reston is on the list of places where dramatic transformations — and price hikes — are coming. [Washingtonian]
A full plate — Reston Association’s Design Review Board will consider several major projects during today’s 7 p.m. meeting including an art spillway project by local students and upgrades to South Lakes Village Center. [RA]
Post-election analysis — RA’s elections committee is also set to meet this evening to discuss improvements to the elections process. [RA]
Balducci’s is coming soon — The food lover’s market is expected to open sometime in May in Reston Town Center. [Balducci’s]
Photo by Lauren Pinkston
A fire that engulfed a home on the 11900 block Grey Squirrel Lane Saturday night was caused by an unattended charcoal grill, according to the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.
Firefighters battled the blaze at around 9 p.m. on Saturday (April 14). A major fire was visible when units arrived on the scene.
Three occupants were in the two-story single family home during the incident, but no one was injured. They evacuated the home prior to the department’s arrival.
Damages are estimated as $202,500. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined by the residents.
The grill was located under the deck of the back of the home.
Photos via Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department
A cast bronze sculpture inspired by the power of Mother Nature was installed at Reston Station Plaza this month.
The piece, “The Force of Nature,” is by artist Lorenzo Quinn and is located on the north side of Wiehle-Reston East Station.
A statement from the artist is below:
“We humans think of ourselves as supreme beings, above all others and in absolute control of our destiny and our surroundings. We live with a false sense of security only to be awakened by Mother Nature’s fury, almost as if she needs to remind us of her presence and our responsibility towards her child (The Earth).
After having seen the ravaged coast of Thailand and the Hurricane that affected the Southern States I decided to create a sculpture dedicated to Mother Nature. This would be reminiscent of the early statues made as peace offerings to the Gods in the hope of quenching their anger.
In essence, people are not very different today from the people who lived thousands of years ago. We still devote ourselves to symbols in order to escape our destiny.”
Photos via Public Art Reston
A local pet sitting company that offers services for Herndon, Reston, Sterling and Ashburn, will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow (April 17) at 2:30 p.m. in front of Herndon’s Old Town Hall.
Pooch Pros Pet Care Services is owned by Herndon resident Cyndie Anderson.
Anderson, who has lived in Northern Virginia for 21 years, left her corporate job in 2000 to stay at home with her two stepdaughters. She opened her business after becoming an empty nester.
She owns two fur babies: a 14-year-old mixed breed and a nine-year-old Maltese.
The business is licensed, bonded and insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas and Travelers Insurance, according to its website. A reception will follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street).
Photo via Pooch Pros
The 27th annual Best of Reston Awards celebrated eight honorees for exception philanthropy and volunteerism late last week.
The event, held in partnership by Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, raised $444,125 for Cornerstones, a non-profit organization that helps individuals overcome tough economic times.
The honorees are as follows:
- Marybeth Haneline – Engineering Inclusion and Making an Impact
- Leslie Kane – Revealing the Beauty of Kindness
- Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation – Launching Young Lives
- Terry Redican – Reston’s Coach for all Seasons
- Andy Sigle – Support that Sings
- SOSi – Serving Those Who Serve
- South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry -Food from Heart to Heart (The Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award: “Entrusting the Community’s Future”)
Cornerstones’ CEO Kerrie Wilson lauded attendees for their support of the organization.
“Because of you, and your support, Cornerstones can offer support that provides stability to people at time of crisis, then empower them with resources and skills that offer hope for the future, for themselves and their family members,” she said.
Photos via Chip McCrea Photography
Flood warning in effect — A warning is in effect for several areas in Northern Virginia through 11:45 a.m.. [Fairfax County Police Department]
A bridge to somewhere — State officials plan to replace the aging bridge on Hunter Mill Road over Colvin Run. A informational meeting is set for today at 6:30 p.m. in Reston. [Virginia department of Transportation]
A white knight — Reston-based SOSi acquired STG Inc. for $83 million, positioning the company to expand technology and cyber services in the national security and diplomacy arena. [Washington Technology]
Thoroughly awesome? — Reston Community Players’ new performance, Thoroughly Modern Millie, debuts this Friday. The show is based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film. [DC Metro Theater Arts]
Flickr pool photo via vantagehill
