See Snow Photos from Around Reston — “That’s the other thing about winter storms. They make everything look so beautiful. Here are some of the photos readers from the Reston area submitted to Patch.” [Patch]
Metro Announces Changes in Response to Omicron — Rising COVID-19 infections among Metro employees have fueled a staffing shortage, prompting the transit system to reduce weekday bus service to its typical Saturday schedule starting on Jan. 10. WMATA will also let bus drivers bypass potential riders who aren’t wearing a mask. [DCist]
Break-in Reported in Herndon — Sometime overnight from Dec. 30-31, an “unknown number of subjects” broke glass doors and windows of a building in the 800 block of Ferndale Avenue, which could be either the Herndon Community Center or St. Joseph Catholic Church and School. Nothing appears to have been taken, but the case remains under police investigation. [Herndon Police]
Summer Camp Registration Begins Next Week — “Registration for summer camps begins Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers more than 1,000 summer day camp options for kids ages 3 to 17 at dozens of locations at Rec Centers, nature centers, historic sites, lakefront parks, golf courses and schools.” [FCPA]
Water Mine Hiring Season on the Way — “Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole has a splashtastic summer job opportunity! From lifeguards and park attendants, more than 200 positions need to be filled. Virtual interviews start Jan. 15; open hires start in March.” [FCPA/Twitter]
Yard Waste Piles Up in Fairfax County — Fairfax County collects solid waste and recycling for about 10 percent of its residents. Some residents say the job just isn’t getting done. The county says an unprecedented labor shortage is to blame. [NBC4]
Herndon Police Investigate Burglary — Someone broke into a home on the 1000 block of Elden Street on Sept. 25 some time between 3-11:30 p.m. The case is under investigation. [Herndon Police Department]
Town of Herndon Releases Annual Report — Town Manager Bill Ashton presented the town’s annual report for the fiscal year. He offers details on how the town responded to the pandemic. “From a town operations perspective, COVID-19 forced us to quickly adapt and pivot to new ways of doing things,” Ashton writes. [Town of Herndon]
Local Pumpkin Patch Options — Michael O’Connell from Patch rounds up some local options for visiting pumpkins patches, including Reston Farm Market and Cox Farms. [Reston Patch]
Herndon Fire Causes $6K in Damages — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units responded to a passerby’s report of a building fire in the 2400 block of Centreville Road around 7:22 a.m. yesterday (Monday). Investigators determined that the fire, which was seen on a countertop, was caused by an electrical event involving a power strip. There were no reported injuries, but the damage was estimated to be $6,000. [Patch]
Police Seek Assistance in Finding Great Falls Burglary Suspects — The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston Station is seeking to identify two men who reportedly caused more than $20,000 in damage to a house in the 800 block of Hortense Place in Great Falls on June 12. Detectives have not yet determined if the incident is related to incidents involving damage to two homes in the same block on July 12. [Patch]
Virginia to Use COVID-19 Relief Funds for School Ventilation — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam wants to allocate $250 million of the state’s federal coronavirus relief money to projects that will improve air quality in public schools. In a statement Monday, the Democratic governor said the state funding would be matched with another $250 million in local funds for an investment that would allow for the completion of nearly all Virginia school divisions’ currently planned projects.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Reston Hospital Completes First Spinal Implant Using AI and Augmented Reality — “Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), top surgeons at Virginia Spine Institute deliver personalized spinal implants to a 17 year old patient. Spine Surgeons Dr. Ehsan Jazini and Dr. Christopher Good performed the procedure at Reston Hospital on Monday, July 26, 2021.” [Virginia Spine Institute]
Reminder: Weigh In On Future of Reston Parking — “Help us determine the future of parking in Tysons and Reston. We want to hear from residents, commuters, employees and patrons about how you use parking in these areas. Take our managed parking survey, open now through July 31.” [Fairfax County Government/Twitter]
Editor’s note: Reston Now will be taking Memorial Day weekend off starting tomorrow (Friday). Except in the case of breaking news, publishing will resume on Tuesday (June 1).
More Early Voting Sites to Open Saturday — Fairfax County will add 13 more early voting sites for the June 8 Democratic primary on Saturday (May 29), bringing the total number of locations up to 16. In the Reston/Herndon area, the Herndon Fortnightly and Great Falls libraries will join the North County Governmental Center, which has hosted early voting since April 24. [Fairfax County Government]
Couple Killed in Springfield Shooting — “A husband and wife are dead following a shooting in a residential area of Springfield, Virginia, on Wednesday morning, according to police. Police Chief Kevin Davis said authorities believe the ‘shooter or shooters’ are ‘known to a relative of our two victims.'” [WTOP]
Fairfax County Considers Renaming Two Highways — “A list of possible new names for Lee Highway (Route 29) and Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway (Route 50) could be ready as soon as this December. On July 13, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could approve about 25 members for a task force to examine the possibility of renaming the highways and appoint the group’s chair.” [Tysons Reporter]
Herndon Businesses Burglarized — The Herndon Police Department is investigating multiple commercial burglaries where individuals smashed businesses’ front doors and windows with rocks and stole cash and cash registers. The first incident occurred overnight between May 17 and May 18 in the 600 block of Carlisle Drive, and the second happened shortly after 1 a.m. on May 18 in the 300 block of Elden Street. [HPD]
Herndon to Hold Memorial Day Observance — The Town of Herndon will observe Memorial Day on Monday (May 31) at Chestnut Grove Cemetery on Dranesville Road with an Avenue of Flags that will be erected from dawn until dusk. The holiday takes place on the final Monday of every May as “a day to remember all American lives lost during military service.” [Patch]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
No South Lakes HS Vaccine Clinic Next Week — Contrary to notices from Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay’s office and Dogwood Elementary School, there will not be a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for students at South Lakes High School next Wednesday (May 26). FCPS spokesperson Lucy Caldwell told Reston Now that the site was changed and will be at Langley High School in McLean, as previously reported. “We are adding sites as needed and as school space availability/staffing allow,” she said.
Amazon Hiring for Hundreds of Jobs in Herndon — “Amazon.com has more than 3,000 job openings in Northern Virginia. More than 2,100 of those openings are in Arlington, many attached to HQ2…Almost 800 are in the Herndon area, where [Amazon Web Services] has its East Coast headquarters.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reston Man Raises Money to Send Oxygen to India — A GoFundMe started by Reston resident Afzal Memon and five other organizers has raised over $36,000 to buy and ship more than 100 oxygen concentrators to India on behalf of The Saiyed Foundation, a nonprofit that provides health care and emergency aid to remote villages. India is in dire need of oxygen and other medical supplies as the country struggles with a COVID-19 surge that claimed a reported 4,329 lives just on May 17. [Patch]
Elden Street Business Burglarized — The Herndon Police Department is investigating a burglary that reportedly occurred in the 1100 block of Elden Street overnight between May 15 and 16. Police say “an unknown number of subjects gained entry” to the business through a rear door and took “cash and various equipment.” [Herndon PD]
Litter Clean-up Coming to Glade Drive — “Reston Association, @FairfaxCountyPD, Southgate Community Center, & Dogwood Elementary School, FCPS will be hosting a community cleanup May 26-29th along Glade Drive from Reston Parkway to Sunrise Valley. For more information or to get involved contact Ha Brock at [email protected].” [RA/Twitter]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Power Shut Off around Reston Town Center — Dominion Energy turned off power in Reston on Saturday evening (May 8) so that first responders from Fairfax County’s police and the fire departments could address “an incident involving an individual who has climbed a power transmission line.” [Fairfax Alerts]
Hunter Woods Community Gardens Plagued by Thefts — Two community gardens at Hunter Woods Park have been repeatedly targeted by thieves, who have taken thousands of dollars in plants over the past two years, volunteers say. The thefts have persisted despite the installation of surveillance cameras, motion-sensor-triggered lights, and new fencing with a padlocked gate. [Patch]
Halley Rise Officially Signs Second Tenant — The bowling, bocce, and bar venue Pinstripes has had its sights set on the Halley Rise development for at least two years, but the move is now official. This is the second retail tenant to join the mixed-use development next to the Reston Town Center Metro station, which will be anchored by Wegmans. [H&R Retail]
South Lakes Safeway Burglarized on May 2 — “A man entered the store, damaged a secured high-end liquor cabinet and stole property. An employee confronted the man and was subsequently assaulted. The man implied he had a firearm then left with the property.” [FCPD]
Contract Awarded for Fox Mill Elementary Renovation — The Fairfax County School Board voted on Thursday (May 6) to award a nearly $20 million contract to Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. for the Fox Mill Elementary School renovation project. On-site construction work will begin this month and is expected to be completed by spring 2023. [FCPS]
Reston Wellness Center Reopens Today — The nonprofit Reston Wellness Center (1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 200) is restarting in-person services on May 10 after being closed due to the pandemic. The center provides meals, employment assistance, support groups, and other services for free to people in recovery for mental health and substance use issues. [Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Local police are investigating burglaries at three Herndon businesses that happened on March 15.
Two burglars smashed the front doors and windows of businesses on the 700 block of Grant Street with rocks and stole cash registers. A third suspect waited in the car, according to the Herndon Police Department.
Information about the incident was released on Tuesday. A spokesperson for HPD declined to release the names of the targeted businesses.
“We aren’t releasing the business names right now, for privacy reasons and because of the ongoing investigation,” the spokesperson told Reston Now in a statement.
Police believe the burglars attempted to target another business but ultimately failed.
(Updated at 12:42 p.m.) Four businesses in Hunters Woods Village Center were burglarized earlier today.
Police say they responded to a report of a burglary at the plaza shortly after 8 a.m. today.
Someone forced entry into Jersey Mike’s Subs, Ledo Pizza, the Buffalo Wing Factory and King Pollo, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
FCPD told Reston Now that it is currently unclear what was taken but all four businesses were damaged.
Officers and detectives are on the scene investigating the incident.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call the police’s non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
A Falls Church man has been arrested in connection with two Reston burglaries and car theft, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
On August 12 at around 1:30 p.m., homeowners contacted police about a home burglary that happened that night on the 2200 block of Double Eagle Court. A 2011 Toyota Sienna van was also taken.
Two days after the report, police found two men near the van, which was parked on the 11700 block of Briggs Court.
One of the men, David Pugnetti Webb, 23, was connected with another burglary on Aug. 8 in the 1700 block of Chimney House Road.
Webb was charged with two counts of burglary, four counts of grand larceny, credit card theft, attempted credit card fraud and possession of narcotics.
Information about the incident was released in FCPD’s weekly crime report.
County to Enter Phase Three Tomorrow — As health metrics continue to stabilize, the county will move into phase three along with the rest of the state beginning tomorrow. Social gatherings of up to 250 people will be allowed. New guidelines also end the cap on the number of customers allowed inside non-essential retail stores, restaurants and bars. Face coverings are still required inside public places. [Fairfax County Government]
Trio of Business Burglaries Reported — Three businesses were burglarized over the weekend. Two were located at the 2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza while the third was located at 11800 block of Baron Cameron Avenue. All incidents are under investigation. [Fairfax County Police Department]
State Court Upholds Face Mask Requirement — “A winery’s challenge against Gov. Ralph Northam and State Health Commissioner Norm Oliver’s face mask requirement has not succeeded in court. Fauquier County’s Philip Carter Winery and its owner filed suit earlier in June challenging executive order 63, which took effect on May 29. The executive order applies to indoor public places, including food and beverage establishments. There are exemptions for individuals eating and drinking, among other reasons.” [Reston Patch]
Feedback Sought on Title VI Program — The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on its Title VI program, which aims to ensure equitable distribution of transit services. Comments on the updated policy will be accepted through July 31. [Fairfax County Government]
Last Day to Vote for Thoreau’s Ensemble — Today is the last day to vote for Thoreau’s Ensemble, which is up for an international art award. The artwork, designed by Philadelphia-based artist Ben Volta, is located at the Colts Neck Underpass. [CODAwards]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Voting Underway for Reston Association Election — The last day to vote is April 3 for RA’s 2020 election for the Board of Directors. Voting information is available online. [Reston Association]
Charges Pending for Home Burglary — A burglary was reported on the 1600 block of Hiddenbrook Drive on Feb. 29 at around 3:44 a.m. The homeowners said they were awakened by the sound of knocking on their front door. Two juveniles were located a short distance away. Charges are pending. [Fairfax County Police Department]
South Lakes Girls Finish Second — “Senior Hannah Waller finished her final season on the South Lakes High School girls indoor track team as a state champion, finishing first in the 55 meters with a winning time of 6.95. This effort helped to lift the South Lakes girls indoor track team to its third consecutive second place finish Feb. 28-29, at the 6A State Championships, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.” [Reston Patch]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Cops May Have Been Exposed to Data Breach — “Officials say a possible data breach may have compromised the personal information of more than 500 employees of a Virginia police department. Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. told the Washington Post that he doesn’t have any reports that officers’ personal information has been exploited.” [FOX 5]
Home Burglary Reported on Vernon Drive — Police are investigating a burglary at a home on the 9400 block of Vernon Drive on Nov. 15 and stole personal property. [Fairfax County Police Department]
FCPS Wins First Place in Virginia Energy Efficiency Competition — “Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded first place in the academic category of the 2019 Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards, sponsored by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council. The awards showcase how organizations across Virginia save money on energy bills while reducing energy consumption and stimulating job growth and the economy.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Someone broke into a home on the 11600 block of Charter Oak Court on Oct. 23.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the incident happened between 11:15 a.m. and 1:38 p.m. Personal items were taken.
FCPD’s Reston District Station also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
600 block of Deerfield Farm Court, laptop computer from vehicle
2500 block of John Milton Drive, merchandise from business
2100 block of Reston Parkway, property from vehicle
11300 block of Sunset Hills Road, purse from vehicle
13300 block of Parcher Avenue, tools from vehicle
11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, food from business
12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, wallet from location
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
Photo via FCPD
Warning about World Series Ticket Scams — “Detectives are investigating an increasing number of online and phone scams involving the sale of World Series tickets. Fans are reminded to use caution when purchasing tickets from sources other than Major League Baseball or authorized dealers. Be sure to research the vendor and review their security protocols before providing personal information or payment.” [Fairfax County Police Department]
Burglary Reported at 11600 Block of Charter Oak Court — Someone broke into the home on Oct. 23 sometime between 11:15 a.m. and 1:38 p.m. and stole personal items. The incident is under investigation. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Washington West Film Festival Continues Today — A happy hours, three shorts programs, and two films will air as part of the festival at Bow Tie Cinemas today. The festival continues through Monday (Oct. 28). [Washington West Film Festival]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Reston Association Board to Discuss Budget — RA’s Board of Directors will discuss the first draft of the upcoming budget at a meeting today (Thursday) at RA headquarters. Issues related to boat and dock policies, as well as path lighting near Hunters Woods Village Center, will also be discussed at the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. [Reston Association]
Burglary Reported at Forest Edge Elementary School — Police believe some broke into a school trailer and damaged property. The incident happened between Sept. 20 and Sept. 23. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Spots Available on Fairfax County Chaplain Corp. — The Fairfax County Community Chaplain Corps works as part of an emergency disaster team to provide chaplain care to community members impacted by the effects of a disaster or emergency. Register for an orientation session to meet current community chaplains, learn more about what it means to serve as a community chaplain and learn how to apply. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Jay Westcott
