Terry Tempest Williams, an environmental activist and author, will be featured in “The Hour of Land: A Personal Topography of America’s National Parks” on Saturday at CenterStage.

Her book has been called a love letter to America’s national parks. Reston Community Center’s website published the following biographical information about Williams:

A naturalist and fierce advocate for freedom of speech, she has consistently shown us how environmental issues are social issues that ultimately become matters of justice. “So here is my question,” she asks, “what might a different kind of power look like, feel like, and can power be redistributed equitably even beyond our own species?”

The event will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets for Reston residents are $15 and $20 for all other. Purchase tickets online. For more information, call 703-390-6167 or visit RCC’s website.

On Friday at around 8:18 a.m., the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report about an ongoing larceny at a store on the 46200 block of Potomac Run Plaza.

Cristian Hernandez-Mejia, a 32-year-old resident of Herndon, was charged with grand larceny after police caught him as he attempted to flee by foot to a nearby hotel. He is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on no bond.

On Wednesday, Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station also reported a burglary on the 12900 block of Park Crescent Circle. Someone entered the residence at around 8:30 a.m. and stole electronics, according to the report.

Meanwhile, in Fairfax County, FCPD’s Reston District Station reported the following crimes in the past week:

LARCENIES:

1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, wallet from vehicle

1500 block of Church Hill Place, documents from residence

11800 block of Freedom Drive, cell phone from building

9800 block of Georgetown Pike, liquor from business

1700 block of Port Plaza, parts from vehicle

11800 block of Sunset Hills Road, wallet from vehicle

12700 block of Thunder Chase Drive, purse from vehicle

1600 block of Reston Parkway, property from business

900 block of Walker Road, property from construction site

11900 block of Winterthur Lane, purse from business

STOLEN VEHICLES:

None reported.

As we reported earlier in the day, Fairfax County Police are investigating the stabbing of a male juvenile on Friday in the Hunters Woods Plaza. The victim is recovering from the non-life threatening injury.

Anyone with information about any of the crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).

Herndon Police Department’s weekly press report has not yet been released. This story will be updated. 

File photo

Reston Now welcomed Fatimah Waseem, the website’s new editor, this week.

Waseem, a Maryland native, comes from a previous full-time reporting position at the Baltimore Sun Media Group, where she covered municipal government and development in one of the most affluent counties in the country for two years.

Dave Emke, the previous editor for roughly 10 months, left his position earlier this month after moving out-of-state.

Waseem graduated from the University of Maryland in 2015 with degrees in government and journalism. Prior to covering municipal government, she worked for USA TODAY, McClatchy’s Washington bureau and The Muslim Link, a hyperlocal newspaper based in Maryland.

The transition from a traditional newsroom to a new, online news platform is a challenge Waseem looks forward to embracing. She hopes to bring more multimedia and coverage of business and development to the website.

“I’m excited to learn more about this community and provide journalism that captures the pulse of the area,” she said. “Journalism, whether it is laid to rest on the pages of an old newspaper or the fast-moving webpage, is about offering a service to readers. I hope to make that my mission.”

Waseem can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @fatimahwaseem.

Reston District police were unable to track down a man who was reported exposing himself to passers-by on Sunday night.

According to the police report, Fairfax County police were called around 9:30 p.m. to report a man who was allegedly exposing himself to others in a stairwell in the 13200 block of Overcup Court off of Sunrise Valley Drive. Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspect. A description of the man has not been released.

In a separate incident, a Reston man was arrested Sunday evening after Loudoun County sheriff’s deputies witnessed him make an illegal U-turn and strike another vehicle at Route 7 and Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn, according to the report. The man, identified as Alistair H. Temple, 30, was arrested for driving under the influence and refusing a breath test.

Another Reston man was arrested late Saturday night after Loudoun deputies reported he attempted to break into a home in Aldie while he was intoxicated. Deputies received the call just after midnight from residents of the home, located in the 25000 block of Green Mountain Terrace. When deputies arrived on the scene they located the man, identified as 43-year-old Lucio H. Cabrera-Sanchez, and arrested him for public intoxication and unlawful entry.

In other crime news from the FCPD’s Reston District Station over the past week:

LARCENIES:

1500 block of Browns Chapel Road, property from business

2400 block of Centreville Road, beer from business

11500 block of Drop Forge Lane, bicycle from residence

11500 block of Leesburg Pike, cell phone from business

11900 block of Market Street, bracelets from business

9800 block of Mill Run Drive, cell phone from residence

11600 block of Plaza America Drive, cell phone from business

2000 block of Post Road, jewelry from residence

12300 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, wire from residence

2200 block of Sanibel Drive, cash from vehicle

2200 block of Sanibel Drive, wallet from residence

12000 block of Town Square, beer from business

13200 block of Woodland Park Road, merchandise from business

STOLEN VEHICLES:

13300 block of Coppermine Road, 1999 Honda Civic

Editor’s note: A list of incidents recorded by the Herndon Police Department was not immediately available by early Tuesday afternoon. This post may be updated. 

The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) was recently selected by the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) as a “50 For 50 Inspiration Award” winner.

From a pool of more than 350 nominees, GRACE was honored in the category of Bedrock Institutions, which recognizes organizations that have been around for more than 10 years and “have demonstrated a benefit to economic health and tourism in the local community.”

At the recent awards ceremony, attended by Governor Terry McAuliffe, GRACE was also recognized for its artistic excellence, its celebration of diversity, and its work toward helping to make Virginia a “cultural destination.”

GRACE was one of only four organizations statewide to be recognized in this category.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for GRACE. To be in such rare company is humbling,” said Executive Director and Curator Lily Siegel. “All of us here view this as a real legacy award — one that honors the many people, fantastic partners and generous sponsors who, over GRACE’s 40-plus years, have made this iconic community institution what it is today.”

Reston Saying Goodbye to Amazon Fresh? – Following its recent acquisition of Whole Foods Markets, Amazon announced recently it will be scaling back its fresh grocery delivery in parts of seven states at the end of this month–and parts of Northern Virginia and Maryland appear to be on the list. Currently, Amazon Fresh–a service available for a monthly subscription fee to Amazon Prime members–delivers fresh groceries locally in Reston as well as Oakton, McLean, Fairfax, Arlington, Annandale, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Fort Washington, Woodbridge, Dale City and Suitland. Reports indicate the only nearby areas that may see continued service are Baltimore and Washington, D.C. [Bloomberg News]

Reston School Becomes First to Receive STEM Certification – Ideaventions Academy For Mathematics and Science in Reston has become the first school in D.C., Maryland or Virginia to earn official STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) certification from the major education accreditation agency, AdvancED. The private school for children who want an advanced focus on science and math serves grades four through 12, with small class sizes. [Technically DC]

Photos: First Lady of Virginia Visits Reston Farmers Market – Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of Virginia’s Governor Terry McAuliffe, visited the Reston Farmers Market recently to witness a check presentation and shop for local produce. Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield representatives were on hand to present a donation check of $15,000 to Wholesome Wave as part of the Virginia Fresh Match Program (see photo above). [Fairfax County Park Authority/Flickr]

Nearby Commuter Garage To Close For Two Weeks – Due to construction of the new Fairfax County commuter parking garage at the future Metrorail Silver Line’s Herndon Station site, the access road from Sunrise Valley Drive to the Herndon-Monroe park and ride facility will be closed starting this Friday. Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 26. Commuters who wish to use the existing Herndon-Monroe garage during this time will need to enter and exit the facility via the Dulles Toll Road (Rt. 267). This detour will require drivers to pay a $1.00 toll upon exiting the garage with an E-Z Pass or exact change. Commuters are encouraged o consider using the Reston South Park and Ride located at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Fox Mill Road, where parking is free but limited, or the commuter parking garage located at the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, where parking costs $4.95 per day, payable by SmartTrip card, or credit and debit card only. Fairfax Connector bus commuters in the area should expect significant felays during the construction. [Fairfax County Government]

Image: Check presentation at Reston Farmers Market / Courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority

Many pet lovers came out to Reston Town Center on Saturday for the Home 4 The Holidays pet adoption fair.

Roughly 40 different breeds were there from local purebred rescue organizations to be cuddled and played with.

The adoption fair was sponsored by GoodDogz.org.

Virginia is one of only two states in the U.S. with statewide elections in November this year.

Here’s a list of what Restonians can expect to see on their ballot this Tuesday, Nov. 7, as well as information on where to find your polling place.

What’s On The Ballot?

Governor of Virginia: Virginia is a one-term-only state when it comes to its governors. Therefore, Gov. Terry McAuliffe is on his way out, and a number of candidates are vying for your vote to take his place. According to the Washington Post, as of Monday, Nov. 6, the race is neck-in-neck.

The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:

Libertarian Cliff Hyra – A 34-year-old patent attorney from Richmond, Virginia. This is his first bid for a public office.

Republican Ed Gillespie – A 56-year-old former strategist for House Republicans, former chair of the Republican National Committee, and White House advisor to the George W. Bush administration. Has worked as a lobbyist and political consultant, and ran against Virginia Senator Mark Warner in 2014.

Democrat Ralph Northam – At 56 years old, Northam is the current lieutenant governor to Gov. McAuliffe. Served as an Army doctor for American troops during Operation Desert Storm, and came home to start his own medical practice as a pediatric neurologist after.

Lieutenant Governor – Two candidates are running to replace Ralph Northam as Virgnia’s lieutenant governor, a role which often presides over the State Senate, and has the power to break tie votes.

The candidates, in alphabetical order, are: Read More

Public Art Reston is growing up! The organization will celebrate its foray into double digits by celebrating its 10th anniversary with a birthday party this Thursday night, and the public is invited.

The nonprofit organization, which aims to celebrate the fine art through starting a dialogue about public works and bringing more of them into existence throughout Reston, got its roots in 2007 as the Initiative For Public Art – Reston. As the group turns 10 years old, representatives say they are experiencing a rebirth of sorts, including changing the name to Public Art Reston.

The group has helped introduce many public works of art throughout the Reston community over the past 10 years, including sculptures, statues and other works, as well as hosted many art-inspired events that engage people of all ages and encourage them to create their own works of art.

“This year’s community’s events like ChalkFest at Reston Town Center and the Annual Reception will celebrate this milestone year and the impact that public art has made on the Reston community, and the future of public art in Reston,” representatives say.

The organization is currently hosting an exhibit about the legacy of public art in Reston, entitled “Reston: The Art of Community Exhibition,” through Nov. 26 at the Reston Historic Trust and Museum, 1639 Washington Plaza.

The birthday party this Thursday will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Aperture, 11410 Reston Station Blvd. The cost is $25 per person and includes light food and drinks. A string quartet from South Lakes High School will perform, as well as a DJ. A public art activity will be available for participants to take part in, as well as raffles and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online. Donations to the organization can also be made through Public Art Reston’s website.

Image: Convergence sculpture at Aperture apartments, sponsored by Public Art Reston / Credit: Reston Now.

Image: ChalkFest event hosted by Public Art Reston / Credit: Reston Now.

Public Meeting on Soapstone Connector Project Wednesday — The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is holding a public hearing on the environmental assessment for the Soapstone Connector Project this Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Dogwood Elementary School, 12300 Glade Dr. in Reston. A formal presentation of the assessment will be given at 7:15 p.m. Interested residents can view the full environmental assessment report online. Residents will be allowed to make formal comments during the meeting. In addition, written comments can be submitted up to 10 days after the meeting via email to [email protected] or via mail to Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA, 22033. [Fairfax County Government]

Young Reston Woman Featured in News Special For Athletic Accomplishments — Reston native Rose Pleskow was featured on ABC7 News this past week as a rising star in international open-water swimming, as well as running. Born with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy, Rose has never let her obstacles stop her, and she won a bronze medal in the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece, in the 1500-meter dash. Next up for Rose is a college degree, she told the TV news channel. [WJLA.com]

South Lakes High Earns Award for Scholastic Journalism — South Lakes High announced this week that it has been chosen as one of only four schools in Virginia to be honored with the Charles E. Savedge Award in scholastic journalism, for its excellence in producing its annual yearbook. The 2017-18 yearbook is currently available for pre-order. [South Lakes Yearbook/Twitter]

It’s the end of another week, but before we head out for the weekend, these were our most read stories this week:

1. Man Pronounced Dead After Falling From Reston Town Center Parking Garage
2. Driver Charged in Fatal Reston Crash on Sunday
3. Man Beaten, Robbed at Reston Laundromat
4. Man Arrested in 22-Year-Old Reston Sexual Assault Cold Case
5. Le Pain Quotidien to Open at Reston Town Center This Week

Feel free to discuss anything of local interest below. Have a great weekend!

Reston Association staff announced that RA members can get free firewood this weekend.

Interested takers can get complimentary firewood at Brown’s Chapel Park, in the parking lot near the upper ball fields.

Staff said the firewood is available on a first-come, first-served basis as long as the supply lasts.

Brown’s Chapel Park is located at 1686 Browns Chapel Road, across from Lake Anne Plaza.

With relatively nice fall temperatures and only a slight chance of rain, there’s plenty to do around Reston and nearby this weekend.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• Tonight is the last game of the regular season for the South Lakes Seahawks football team. The game will take place at 7 p.m. at South Lakes (11400 South Lakes Dr., Reston) versus Herndon High’s Hornets. Game tickets are $5.
• If your child is a fan of the book series “My Weird School,” “Genius Files” and “Baseball Card Adventures,” they can have the chance to meet author Dan Gutman at Herndon Middle School (901 Locust St., Herndon) tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. Ages 6 and up are welcome. Register for free online.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• All are invited to an open house this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston). Enjoy light refreshments and views of Lake Newport while learning about all the different private events that can be held in Reston Association’s newest community property.
• Get out into nature, make new friends and enjoy the fall colors, all while helping to keep Reston’s streams healthy. New volunteers are invited to help with stream monitoring this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn to collect data, identify insects and more. Regular volunteers can even work their way up to receiving a stream monitoring certification. For more information or to volunteer, contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or email [email protected].
• The Reston Community Players’ 2017-18 season continues their presentation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.” The show, winner of four Tony Awards, will be performed through Nov. 11 at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). This weekend, the show is being performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $27, with student/senior tickets available for $23.
• Scrawl Books pop-up store at Reston Town Center (11862 Market St.) has a number of events this weekend. On Saturday from 11-1 p.m. they will welcome children’s author Megan Wagner Lloyd to read and sign copies of her book “Fort Building Time.” Later that afternoon, staff from Greater Reston Arts Center will welcome artist Sue Wrbican and curator Lily Siegel to discuss the new art book “Biography of Catastrophe and the Eventual Outcome of an Instant,” from 3-4:30 p.m. in a free event that is open to the public. On Sunday from 4-6 p.m., Scrawl Books will welcome author LC Rogers to discuss and sign her book “Pocketbook Diaries.”
• Nothing says autumn like s’mores by the campfire and harvest-themed wagon rides. Enjoy Cocoa Wagon Rides at Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 W. Ox Road, Herndon) this Saturday at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Ages 2 and up are welcome. Cost is $10 per person. Register online.
• The exhibit, Reston: The Art of Community, will continue at the Reston Museum (1639 Washington Plaza) this weekend. Produced by Public Art Reston in collaboration with the Reston Historic Trust & Museum, the display showcases the legacy of public art in Reston. The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 26.
• Bring the whole family to Reston’s Plaza America (Plaza America Drive off Sunset Hills Road, Reston) on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. for the Plaza America Fall Fest. Bring toiletries or monetary donations for the local nonprofit Cornerstones and let the kids enjoy a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, coloring pages, making pipe-cleaner scarecrows, face painting and more. Parents are invited to enjoy live entertainment as well as samples, tastings and exclusive savings from Plaza America retailers. Parking is free.
• Line dance, two-step, shuffle and swing the night away to popular country-western music at the Sunday Country-Western Dance at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Cost is $5 for Reston residents or $10 for nonresidents, collected at the door.

Image: South Lakes Seahawks football team / Credit: South Lakes Athletics

With only a few slight chances of rain, Reston could be looking at a warmish days for the first weekend in November. Here’s what weather reports for the region are predicting:

Friday: Sunshine should dominate most of the day, but chances of rain increase as the evening hours approach. The folks at Capital Weather Gang say to look out for a “Hunter’s Moon” tonight which will cool temperatures, bringing us into the mid-40s to lower 50s overnight.

Saturday: Easterly winds will bring in clouds for most of the day, with temperatures in the 50s to, at most, the low 60s, with a chance of sprinkles in the mid-afternoon to early evening. Chances of light rain increase to about 40 percent later in the evening.

Sunday: We can expect mostly clear skies Sunday, with temperatures possibly approaching 70 with some humidity.

RCC Offers Day Camps On Student Holidays Next Week — Reston Community Center is hosting “Fun Fusion Days” on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 6 and 7, when Fairfax County Public Schools are not in session. RCC staff will lead children ages 7 to 11 in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, movies and cooking, aiming to keep children happy and engaged. Campers must bring their own lunch, snacks, and drinks. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The fee is $45 per day for residents or $68 per day for nonresidents. Register online through WebTrac. [Reston Community Center]

Beware of Local Solar Scams — Fairfax County Government is warning residents of a scam involving solar companies. In an online statement, officials said local residents have reported being contacted and given a sales pitch by companies claiming to be part of a county-wide program called “Solarize Fairfax.” While in the past the county has partnered with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), which negotiated rates for county residents with two specific companies, county officials said that program is no longer active, and the county has never endorsed any specific solar companies. [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Woman Named One of 2017’s ‘Women Who Mean Business’ — Reston resident Lynn Dugle has been named one of Washington Business Journal’s 2017 “Women Who Mean Business,” which “honors the region’s most influential businesswomen.” Dugle is the CEO of Engility Corporation and has more than quadrupled the firm’s business during her short tenure. Most recently, she helped the company land a lucrative, $200-million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration to help modernize the country’s air traffic control systems. In her spare time, Dugle is on a mission to visit at least 100 different countries during her lifetime–and she’s already 80 percent of the way there. [Washington Business Journal]

Fairfax County Police Stop Child Exploitation Ring — Fairfax County police officers received a tip over the weekend that underage girls were being held against their will at a Springfield hotel. Officers responded to the TownPlace Suites on Brandon Avenue in Springfield and found one young victim in the lobby, and another two in one of the hotel’s rooms. Officers also located the suspect holding the victims hostage and took him into custody. A 22-year-old Fredericksburg, Virginia man is charged with commercial sex trafficking, abduction with a firearm, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. [Fairfax County Police]