(Updated at 9:05 p.m.) Local police are investigating an armed robbery that took place last night (Wednesday) at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston.
Police arrived on the scene at around 8 p.m. to investigate the incident. No injuries were reported.
At least one suspect reportedly displayed a handgun, a spokesperson for the Fairfax County Police Department told FFXnow.
“This incident is still an active investigation, and no other information can be provided at this time,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement.
According to the county’s police scanner, six juveniles were seen near the 15th hole on the golf course. A female individual reportedly displayed a hand gun.
The juveniles were reportedly seen attempting to steal golf carts, according to the scanner.
Earlier this month, police confirmed that several golf carts were stolen from the golf course at 1711 Clubhouse Road and later recovered.
FCPD did not provide any additional information about the incidents.
This fall, Fairfax County will launch a guaranteed income pilot program, following in the footsteps of neighbors including Arlington County and Alexandria.
The upcoming Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot (FCEMP) will begin providing families with monthly payments totaling $2 million to “promote economic stability and social capital,” according to a press release.
The monthly payments of $750 will go to 180 eligible families chosen via application over the course of 15 months, with the funds being considered untaxable COVID-19 disaster relief that families have the freedom to choose how to spend.
The amount was determined by evaluating the cost of living in the county and the anticipated amount of time necessary to observe and assess the effects of guaranteed income on participants’ lives, a county spokesperson said.
Eligible families will also get access to optional financial coaching from United Way of the National Capital Area‘s Financial Empowerment Center, a partnership with Britepaths and the county, the county spokesperson continued.
“Like other basic income programs, the FCEMP promotes dignity and self-determination by enabling residents to take ownership of their own life and spending decisions,” the county website says.
Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, have at least one child aged 16 or younger living in their household, and be employed with an income that falls between 150% and 250% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level. They must also live in one of the following zip codes: 22306, 22309, 20190, 20191, 22041, 20170, 22003, 22150, 20120 or 20151.
The zip codes were chosen by overlaying current Opportunity Neighborhood boundaries and the zip codes they serve with the county’s Vulnerability Index, which analyzes a variety of factors such as race to determine vulnerable areas within the county, a county spokesperson said.
Through the pilot, the county says it hopes the regular payments will result in improved physical and mental health, improved educational outcomes for the children, increased economic stability, higher full-time employment rates, and increased housing and food security.
The pilot specifically aims to help certain households that “earn too much income to be eligible for assistance programs like TANF and SNAP but are struggling to make ends meet or are unable to take financial steps that would allow for economic mobility,” the county says.
As a result, households receiving public assistance benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income, will not be eligible. However, participants won’t lose their eligibility if they experience any changes in income or public assistance benefits during the pilot.
Supported by a partnership with Beam, a startup that helps administer cash assistance and social safety net programs, the application portal will go live on Sept. 23 and remain open until Oct. 3. Applications will be electronic only, and those selected will be notified via email or text.
The county has also partnered with George Mason University on a study of the pilot. Researchers will collect information from optional personal questions on the application “to understand the impact that unrestricted cash payments have on the economic and social well-being of working households,” the county says.
Participation in the study will not affect an applicant’s likelihood of receiving cash payments.
“Establishing a baseline understanding of families participating in the FCEMP is needed to inform a fully realized program over time,” the county says. “Thus, the FCEMP will measure the economic mobility gains and overall wellness of participants who choose to take part in the research component.”
The FCEMP is authorized by the Board of Supervisors and funded by the county’s general county and American Recovery Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Photo via Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash
(Updated at 10:50 a.m. on 8/18/2023) A new hair salon is coming soon to Reston’s Plaza America.
Sola Salons is slated to open this summer at 11674 Plaza America Drive, a company spokesperson told FFXnow.
“Sola Salons provides high-end, fully equipped private salon studios to independent beauty professionals in addition to the customizable suites at a variety of prices and sizes,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement.
Fairfax County’s permit database shows that permits for alterations to the space are currently under review.
Founded in 2004, Sola Salon has over 650 locations throughout the country, including ones in Tysons, Fairfax City’s University Mall and Springfield.
CBRE’s website shows that Plaza America has three vacancies, the largest of which is a nearly 6,500 square foot space. The restaurant Brown Bag recently closed its location at the shopping center, paving the way for Taïm Mediterranean Kitchen to move in this fall.
Summer Restaurant Week starts later this month across the region, with more than 30 Fairfax County businesses scheduled to participate.
The biannual event by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is intended to encourage diners to eat out during a sometimes-slow time of the year for restaurants.
Hundreds of restaurants are participating during this year’s summer edition, including several Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport eateries — a first for the campaign.
“This year’s Summer Restaurant Week cycle is a special one,” RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend said in the press release. “Not only does the promotional week take place during the DC Jazz Festival, we have multiple restaurants participating from our region’s airports, allowing both locals and travelers to the area to take part in the special offerings.”
The restaurants offer brunch and lunch menus for $25 a person and dinner for $40 or $55 a person. There will also be alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink specials as well.
There will be 32 Fairfax County restaurants participating in the upcoming edition, which will run from Monday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 3.
Dulles Airport
- Bistro Atelier — French cuisine
- Bracket Room — Sports bar
- Carrabba’s — Italian food
- Chef Geoff’s — American food
- Devil’s Backbone — Gastropub fare
- District Chop House — Steakhouse
- The Washington Burgundy and Gold Club — American classics
Merrifield
- 2941 Restaurant (2941 Fairview Park Drive) — French cuisine
- Alta Strada Mosaic (2911 District Avenue) — Italian food in the Mosaic District
- B Side (8298 Glass Alley) — American food in the Mosaic District
- Matchbox (2911 District Avenue) McLean, and Reston locations) — Pizza in the Mosaic District
- TRIO Grill (8100 Lee Highway) — American food
Reston
- Founding Farmers (1904 Reston Metro Plaza) — Locally sourced food and bar at Reston Station
- Matchbox (1900 Reston Metro Plaza) — Pizza at Reston Station
- North Italia (11898 Market Street) — Italian food at Reston Town Center
- Morton’s (11956 Market Street) — Steakhouse at Reston Town Center
- PassionFish (11960 Democracy Drive) — Seafood restaurant at Reston Town Center
- Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar (1871 Explorer Street) — Peruvian food at Reston Town Center
- The Melting Pot (11730 Plaza America Drive) — A fondue restaurant
Tysons/McLean
- Agora Tysons (7911 Westpark Drive) — Greek/Mediterranean/Turkish
- American Prime (1420 Spring Hill Road) — Steakhouse
- Circa at The Boro (1675 Silver Hill Drive) — American bistro
- Earls Kitchen + Bar (7902 Tysons One Place) — American food at Tysons Corner Center
- Founding Farmers (1800 Tysons Blvd) — Locally sourced food and bar at Tysons Galleria
- Jiwa Singapura (2001 International Drive) — Singapore cuisine at Tysons Galleria
- Joon (8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120) — Persian food in Fairfax Square
- Matchbox (1340 Chain Bridge Road) — Pizza in McLean
- North Italia (1651 Boro Place) — Italian cuisine at The Boro
- The Capital Grille (1861 International Drive) — Steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Tysons Corner Center. The Fair Lakes location at 12169 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive is participating as well.
- Wildfire (2001 International Drive) — Steak and seafood in Tysons Galleria
- Wren (1825 Capital One Drive South) — Japanese restaurant at Capital One Center
County Releases Draft Outdoor Dining Rules — “Fairfax County officials are crafting a proposed zoning-ordinance amendment to make permanent some of the relaxed outdoor-dining rules implemented during the pandemic, but also address concerns about noise and the number of seats.” Virtual meetings on the proposal were held last week and on Tuesday (Aug. 15), with public hearings expected in early 2024. [Gazette Leader]
Tysons Nonprofit Opens Drone Testing Range — “Research and development nonprofit MITRE, with dual headquarters in McLean, Virginia and Bedford, Massachusetts, cut the ribbon this week on a new drone testing range near Orange, Virginia. The facility will be used to experiment with small, uncrewed aircraft systems and serve as a proving ground to develop, test and evaluate new drone, counter-drone and autonomous systems.” [WTOP]
I-95 Express Lanes Are Now Complete — “The last planned extension of the I-95 Express Lanes is set to open late Thursday night, and with the opening, Virginia will have longest reversible toll lane in the nation at more than 45 miles long. The 10-mile extension, which officials are calling FredEx, runs from Aquia Harbor to Fredericksburg” [DCist]
Woodlawn Dunkin’ Donuts Now Open — “The new Dunkin’ with a drive-through opened Aug. 12 at Woodlawn Shopping Center. According to a store employee, the business will hold a grand opening sometime in the next few weeks, though an exact date hasn’t yet been determined.” [On the MoVe]
Overnight Traffic Stops Start on Beltway Ramps in McLean — “Four nights of intermittent traffic stoppages are scheduled to occur beginning Thursday, Aug.17 on the ramps connecting Georgetown Pike and I-495 South as well as at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and I-495 South for traffic signal work as part of the 495 NEXT project. These stoppages, which may be up to 30 minutes each, will occur between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.” [VDOT]
Twirling Encouraged at Annandale Dress Shop for Dancers — “Inside, Julie Wilson runs a business here in the family home, known by those who need to know as Encore Ballroom Couture. It’s considered the ballroom dance industry’s leading consignment and consignment-rental dress company.” [Washington Post]
Repairs Planned for Cross County Trail in Fairfax — “Tibbs Paving will be making repairs and paving the stretch of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail from Route 50 to Thaiss Memorial Park (City of Fairfax) starting on or about Tuesday, Aug. 22, weather permitting. It is anticipated that work should be completed by Friday, Sept. 1.” [FCPA]
Lake Accotink Celebration Coming Next Week — “Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for a free, family-friendly celebration at Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m…This one-day celebration is free for all participants and all activities are first-come, first-serve.” [FCPA]
It’s Thursday — There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 88. On Thursday night, a slight chance of precipitation continues until 2am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 72. [Weather.gov]
A new exhibit at the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art in Reston delves into the metaphor of portage — the act of carrying a boat or goods over land between two bodies of water.
Created by five artists — Ashley Freeby, Noella Garcia, Jeff Huckleberry, Jackie Milad and Michael Rakowitz — the exhibit “Choosing to Portage” will open on Sept. 8 with an artist talk from 6-8 p.m. It’s the second in a series of three exhibitions that mark the institute’s 50th anniversary.
According to Tephra, the included artworks investigate issues like the “absurdities of white masculinity, the erasure of indigenous cultures, police killings of Black men, the visibility of Iraqi culture in the US, the ravages of war, and the need for public acts of grieving.”
“The featured artists wield agency as they navigate the turbulent waters of contemporary identity,” Tephra wrote in a press release. “In doing so, they forge paths for us to embrace the complexity of cultural heritage and embody our collective inheritance as simultaneously burden, responsibility, and empowerment.”
Here’s more from the institute on what’s in the exhibit:
In material and imagery, the artworks index the lived experience of cultural heritage. Gallery visitors will first encounter a meticulously made quilt of bold pink, black, white, and blue squares made by Ashley M. Freeby’s grandmother; and around the corner is Freeby’ Attempt #1 to Remake Grandma’s Square Quilt in which the squares do not quite line up. Imported jars of date syrup – some full some empty – and a glass cutting board emblazoned with a logo using the colors of the Iraqi flag are among the objects set on a table as part of Michael Rakowitz’s Enemies and Kitchens installation.
Other objects are in vitrines, such as Noelle Garcia’s Revolver (Cowboy Gun), a beaded recreation of the classic gun in sparkly silver and lavender glass beads, drawing critical attention to how Western museums, in the legacy of colonization, have represented indigenous cultures.
Photo documentation selected from Jeff Huckleberry’s performances over the last 20 years, show the artist toiling with the “tools of the trade”: lumber, power tools, cheap beer, coffee grounds, and paint.
With jewel tones, bright yellows, pinks, and lush greens, and even some rainbows, the vivid colors in Choosing to Portage provide a sense of vitality and persistence to the work of building a better world out of the one we have inherited.
The exhibit is on display through Nov. 18. It will be accompanied by “a diverse set of public lectures and workshops,” including an indigenous beading workshop led by Noelle Garcia and a closing performance by artist Jeff Huckleberry.
Located in Suite 103 at 12001 Market Street in Reston Town Center, the institute is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fairfax County Public Schools has officially announced that it will not implement the Virginia Department of Education’s recently finalized model policies regarding transgender and nonbinary students.
Yesterday (Tuesday), FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid released a statement confirming that FCPS won’t adopt the new guidelines after a “detailed legal review” found that its current policies are “consistent” with state and federal law.
The statement notes that gender-expansive and transgender students will continue to be referred to by their chosen names and pronouns, given access to school programming and facilities based on their gender identity, and “have their privacy respected,” regardless of their gender identity or legal sex.
“Let me be clear that FCPS remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff, including our transgender and gender expansive students and staff,” Reid wrote. “We believe that supporting our students and working with parents and caregivers are not mutually exclusive; we already do both and will continue to do so. We know that students can only learn effectively when they feel safe and supported.”
The policies that FCPS plans to keep in place directly oppose Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s guidance, which has two main requirements:
- Students must participate in school activities and use school facilities according to their sex legally assigned at birth rather than gender identity
- Parents must provide written consent if a student wants to go by a name and/or pronouns that differ from what appears on the student’s official records
Youngkin has characterized the policies as keeping parents involved “in conversations about their child’s education, upbringing, and care.”
Waves of backlash from LGBTQIA+ advocates have rippled across the state since late 2022, when Youngkin first announced his proposed changes to former governor Ralph Northam’s previous policies.
FCPS Pride, an LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization for employees and other adults affiliated with FCPS, played a leading role in advocating for FCPS to take a firm stance against Youngkin’s policies and in favor of transgender and gender-expansive student rights.
FCPS Pride co-chair Robert Rigley Jr. says the state guidelines — which he nicknames the “Don’t Be Trans” policy — make transgender and non-binary students feel unwelcome in Virginia schools and “remove civil and human rights.”
“[The policy] makes it so that some adults have veto power over someone’s gender identity, which from a queer person’s point of view is absurd,” Rigley Jr. said. “…It steals agency in particular from transgender children. It says that you are not in control of your identity at a very basic level, and it turns families and schools against one another, battling over children who are among the most vulnerable children in this state.”
“It traumatizes a whole generation of queer kids in Virginia,” he continued.
FCPS Pride and nine other community organizations held a rally at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Road) in Merrifield. Originally intended as a protest for FCPS to take a clear stance against Youngkin’s policies, the rally transformed into a celebration after the release of Reid’s statement.
“I wanted to share that the morning that this round of these policies came out, my high school student came to me with tears in his eyes and literally said, ‘Can’t we just exist?’” Chris McCormick, a mother of two openly transgender FCPS students, said. “Today I was proud to share with him, ‘Yes, you can.’”
“We’re glad to see that our school district is one that’s going to stand up when our students are facing abuse at the state level,” first grade teacher Emily Vanderhoff echoed. “You know, school is starting up in less than a week. I know I’ve heard from these families who the parents and their children have been scared to see what school is going to look like for their child when they walk in the door on Monday. And I know that teachers and other school staff want to affirm these students, and they need to know that their district has their back.“
Others also used the rally as an opportunity to denounce Youngkin’s administration for promoting what they see as regressive and harmful policies.
“[This is] teaching the rest of the commonwealth a lesson on how to handle a bully because that’s what Glenn Youngkin is and his administration are,” Del. Marcus Simon (D-53) said. “They’re an administration full of bullies. They’re taking out their frustration and anger and distracting us from their own failings by picking on our trans and nonbinary students. The only way to stand up to them is to say, ‘No, we’re not going to do it, go away, leave us alone.’ We’re going to do it the right way here in Fairfax County.”
The rally was followed by a march of over 80 community members along the west side of Gallows Road in sight of the WMAL broadcast tower, a location “specifically” chosen “to label that there are ‘media’ that generate animosity towards LGBTQ people,” according to Rigley Jr.
Though activists in attendance of the rally took yesterday night as a rare victory, many cautioned that the battle is far from over, encouraging more people to get involved with their local community and vote in local officials who will protect transgender rights.
Yesterday, Spotsylvania County Public Schools became the first district in Virginia to adopt the new model policies.
“The fight for human rights against an enemy that’s seeking to seize the rights of women, of minorities, of immigrants, LGBTQIA — it’s real,” said Mateo Dunne, who is seeking to represent the Mount Vernon District on the school board and said he has an openly gay daughter. “And with the radical Supreme Court and the radical governor, with radical candidates for president, we have to fight, now and everyday for the rest of our lives to ensure everyone’s basic human rights and dignity are respected.”
A playground behind Reston’s Home Depot is slated for replacement.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is currently in the midst of developing a site plan for the project at Reston North Park, which is located along Stevenage Road near Reston Parkway.
“The playground at Reston North Park is among those next in line for replacement,” Ben Boxer, a spokesperson for the park authority, said.
The new facility will include accessible components and features like play platforms, slides, swings, climbing and sensory features for children from ages 2 to 12, according to the county.
It will also include site upgrades, including a poured-in-place playground surface and improvements to sidewalks surrounding the park.
A timeline for the project has not yet been set, but it’s expected to cost $1.6 million.
“The construction schedule is yet to be determined and is pending the completion of the site and funding plans, material availability and other factors,” Boxer said.
Image via Google Maps
Annandale Church’s “Black Lives Matter” Banner Vandalized — “Someone tore down banners at Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale during the night of Sunday, Aug. 13. One banner said ‘Black Lives Matter.’ The other said ‘Be the church'” and phrases like “fight for the powerless,” “reject racism” and “embrace diversity.” [Annandale Today]
Tysons Concourse Office Buildings Acquired — “A Rockville developer has acquired a 1980s-era office complex near Metro’s Silver Line in Tysons with an eye toward eventually redeveloping it as a mixed-use property with a focus on residential.” The new owner, Berman Enterprises LP, says its short-term plan is to lease the twin seven-story buildings at 1593 Spring Hill Road, but it will later evaluate “what a redevelopment could look like.” [Washington Business Journal]
FCPD Promotes New Internal Affairs Commander — “John Lieb has been promoted to Major and will serve as Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau. Major Lieb previously served as the Captain of the Franconia District Police Station.” Police Chief Kevin Davis also announced promotions for director of crime control strategies and data analytics, the operations support bureau’s traffic division captain and captain of the IAB’s compliance division. [FCPD]
Hot Chicken Restaurant Opens in Annandale — “New location alert!! @hangryjoeschicken is
NOW OPEN in Annandale, VA. Come and visit us at 7042 Little River Turnpike Space G…We are bringing the heat to you! We’re serving up the best Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich and wings” [Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken/Instagram]
Vienna Library Plans Will Be Finalized Soon — “Design plans for the…new Patrick Henry Library in Vienna, along with a parking structure that also would be used for public parking, are on track to be finalized and presented to the Vienna Town Council this fall, said Jessica Hudson, director of Fairfax County Public Library.” [Gazette Leader]
Local Arts Organizations Awarded Grants — ArtsFairfax has allocated over $590,000 “in Operating Support Grants to 50 nonprofit arts and culture organizations based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.” This year, the nonprofit lowered the minimum eligible budget and raised the maximum request allowed “in recognition of the rising costs of labor and materials.” [ArtsFairfax]
Singer to Make Virginia Debut in Reston — “Singer/songwriter and activist Tae Phoenix makes her Virginia debut Friday at 6 p.m., at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston…Phoenix has worked extensively with Herndon-Reston Indivisible, a local political action group…and was honored to make her first Virginia performance in Reston with the support of that group.” [Patch]
Beware Traffic From GMU Move-ins — “Beginning…August 16, until August 20 there will be high traffic volume on George Mason’s campus for Move-In. Freshmen move in August 16 and August 17 from 9am-5pm and Upperclassmen move in August 18-20 from 9am-5pm. Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and the Rappahannock Parking Deck.” [Supervisor James Walkinshaw/Twitter]
It’s Wednesday — The forecast for Wednesday is sunny with a high temperature near 86°F. As night falls, the sky will turn partly cloudy, and the low temperature will reach a mild low of 69°F. [Weather.gov]
More reports of the spotted lanternfly are popping up throughout Fairfax County, according to local officials.
The invasive insect — which is native to China, India and Vietman — has been seen in more areas of the county, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services says.
Officials are asking the public to help kill the pest. So far, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has been working closely with the county to determine how to reduce its numbers.
After first arriving in a grocery store shipment to Annandale, the bugs have primarily proliferated in the western area of the county, including Herndon, Centreville and Chantilly. Infestations have also been reported in Burke and Dunn Loring, according to a DPWES graphic.
The insects feasts on more than 70 plant species, particularly the invasive tree-of-heaven, and is particularly problematic for Virginia, where they’re threatening the peach, apple, grape and wine industries, DPWES says.
“Spotted lanternfly has the potential to cause severe nuisance to residents by feeding on trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants in unusually large numbers and leaving a sticky, smelly mess when they leave,” DPWES said. “While plant mortality is not a widespread concern, the nuisance created by these insects could cause some reactionary behaviors, leading to unnecessary pesticide use and the potential removal of valuable tree canopy and other vegetation.”
Egg masses are common in September and throughout the first few hard frosts. Vehicles help spread the pest around, particularly those near trees or the edges of a forest.
Here’s more from DPWES on how to help:
If you find spotted lanternfly, please report your findings through the mobile app iNaturalist or call 703-324-5304.
You can also report your findings by email at [email protected]. Provide photos and an address with your report.
After careful identification, trap or kill the insect, and scrape and smash the egg mass.
Check your vehicles, trailers and mobile equipment (tractors, bobcats, etc.) before visiting other locations.
Photo via Magi Kern/Unsplash
Construction on two-level garage condominiums near the Innovation Center Metro Station is well underway.
The site at 13570 Dulles Technology Drive — named Overlook at Dulles Tech — will be home to the neighborhood. It includes several pocket parks, a meditation area, a tot lot and an open lawn exercise area.
“Construction began in March 2023 and is expected to be completed in early 2025,” Kiante Chapman, a spokesperson for Stanley Martin Homes, said.
The units start at roughly $603,000. A mix of units are offered, ranging from two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms to three beds and 2.5 bathrooms. The size of the units range from 1,553 square feet to 2,507 square feet.
Halley Rise, a mixed-use development in Reston, is hosting an inaugural event with craft brews, live music and bouquet-making.
The first-ever Beer in the Garden event is in partnership with Lost Rhino Brewing Company, a brewery located in Ashburn. It will take place at the farm at Halley Rise, a pop-up urban farm at 2025 Fulton Place that is the site of community events.
The event is set for Sept. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. Open to guests ages 21 and up, tickets are $10 and include a custom pint glass, a flower bouquet, root beer and a $5 donation to the nonprofit Cornerstones.
The rock band Hand Painted Swinger will perform at the event, and an on-site farmer will help attendees craft bouquets. The Little Miner taco truck will also be at the farm.
In addition, food, beer and other drinks will be available for purchase. Attendees under 21 are free but must register online through Eventbrite.
The farm opened in 2022 and grows fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Produce grown on the farm is donated to Cornerstones.
Meeting Tonight on Burke Centre Parkway Safety — Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw is hosting a virtual community meeting at 7-8 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) to address the roadway’s safety after last month’s fatal crash. Police will touch on recent traffic enforcement, and VDOT will share the process for “potential design changes.” [The Walkinshaw Advisory]
People Found Sleeping in Reportedly Stolen Car Arrested — “Two people were arrested in a Lorton shopping center parking lot after they were found sleeping inside a vehicle that had been reported stolen, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.” [Patch]
How to Help Hawaii Residents Affected by Wildfires — “The D.C. region has a thriving Hawaiian community, and many are worried about the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones on the island. Kaimana Chee, a local halau instructor and chef, says the disaster on Maui hits close to home.” [DCist]
Fairfax Starts Changing Streetlights to LED Bulbs — Fairfax City has begun “Phase 1 of installing new LED streetlights in place of the aging natural gaslights in Old Town Fairfax. Work is expected to continue through Oct. 1” and will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the dates listed below. [City of Fairfax]
Rehab Planned for Aging Annandale Bridge — “The Virginia Department of Transportation is providing a virtual public involvement opportunity on plans to rehabilitate the King Arthur Road (Route 3679) bridge over Accotink Creek to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians and extend the overall life of the bridge.” Feedback on the proposed improvements is being accepted through Sept. 5. [VDOT]
GMU-Led Play Wins Festival Award — Audiences at last month’s Capital Fringe festival in D.C. gave a best drama award to “The Road to the End,” a play with a cast and crew composed entirely of George Mason University students and graduates. The play was inspired by a trip to the Grand Canyon that Oakton-based writer Bella Panciocco took to mourn her late grandfather. [GMU]
Annandale School Dedicates Building to Former Leader — “The Pinecrest School’s board of directors dedicated its lower building to former Head of School Nicole McDermott in honor of her 18 years of visionary leadership, from 2005 to 2023…A plaque naming the building the Nicole McDermott Lower School Building…was unveiled on Aug. 10.” [Annandale Today]
Principals Wanted for Southeast County Schools — “It’s back to school time [on] Aug. 21 for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and several schools around the Richmond Highway Corridor are in the process of finding new principals following some recent departures. Three of the seven county-wide FCPS schools without a permanent principal are in Region 3” [On the MoVe]
It’s Tuesday — There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 88°F. At night, the chance of showers and thunderstorms drops to 30% before 11pm, followed by a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Expect partly cloudy conditions with a low around 67°F. [Weather.gov]
Reston Association has begun the planning phase for the next fiscal year’s budget.
Possible changes to the structure of the yearly assessment and changes to some capital projects may be on the horizon. A joint work session between RA’s Board of Directors and fiscal committee is planned for Wednesday (Aug. 16).
In an early draft, RA CEO Mac Cummins said staff have proposed pushing several major projects out from 2024 to 2025 or later, including the renovation of the tennis facilities at Newport and improvements at Golf Course Island Pool.
Cummins said the changes were driven by a recent community survey that “will have a large impact” on facility renovation and improvement decisions and by delays associated with improvements at the Barton Hill and Glade tennis facilities.
“Staff is concerned about too many facilities being under construction at one time during peak seasons next year will affect membership,” Cummins wrote.
The draft capital improvements plan is about $2 million less than what RA typically budgets. An updated reserve study and an evaluation of a recent community survey will determine next steps, Cummins said.
The association is also considering adding the cost of using of its recreational facilities to the annual assessment charged for members. So far, Cummins and staff support the proposal.
It’s unclear what direction the assessment will go this year based on the presented draft proposal.
Cummins said that if the board wishes to freeze the assessment rate at $763 per year, reductions in staff and services to members may be needed.
“The primary reasons for this conclusion are that we are a service driven organization and as such our primary expenses are people related; and specifically, to provide service to the membership,” he said.
Cummins also said using surplus cash to effectively buy down the assessment, as the RA board did in 2022, may not be a sustainable solution in the future.
“A ‘no increase’ assessment budget will not be accomplishable without considering reduction or elimination of some services to the membership,” Cummins said.
Cummins is expected to present a complete version of the budget at the board’s September meeting.
Ongoing electrical issues have prompted a location change for Reston Association’s seasonal dog paddle event.
The paddle was moved from Autumnwood Pool to Dogwood Pool (2460 Green Range Drive). During the event, owners can bring their dogs for a final dip in pools that have closed for the season.
The Autumnwood Pool was scheduled to close for the season yesterday (Sunday), but it was shut down prematurely in July after repairs to the electrical system that powers the facility’s filter pump failed.
“The source of the electrical failure has been identified, and we are in the process of finding replacement parts for the repairs,” RA wrote in a statement.
We hope you've been enjoying all of our Pools this summer! The following is a message from our Aquatics team about the upcoming Season 4 and Season 5 schedules and an update on Autumnwood Pool.
If you have questions, please call 703-435-6530 or email [email protected] pic.twitter.com/HrcXEVa6Em
— Reston Association (@RestonOnline) August 11, 2023
The next dog paddle is set for this Saturday (Aug. 19) at Dogwood Pool, followed by Hunters Woods Pool on Sunday. Additional events are planned at North Hills Pool on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2, and Dogwood Pool on Sept. 9.
There is a $15 fee per dog for RA members and a $20 fee for non-members.
The fourth season of RA’s pools begins today (Monday) through Sept. 24, including at Glade, Lake Newport, North Shore and Ridge Heights.
Season five will run from Sept. 5 through Sept. 24. It includes North Shore and Ridge Heights pools.
RA also announced on Friday (Aug. 11) that it has expanded the lap swimming and fitness hours at Lake Newport Pool through the fifth season “based on member requests.”
Due to ongoing electrical issues at Autumnwood Pool, next Saturday's Dog Paddle event has moved to Dogwood Pool. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sign up today at https://t.co/9QGMF9FLcq
#EnjoyReston #Reston #ThingsToDo #DogPaddle #FXVA pic.twitter.com/lhU1vOcOiA
— Reston Association (@RestonOnline) August 11, 2023
Photo via RA/YouTube
