Updated at 4:35 p.m. on Jan. 2 — A person was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters responded to an apartment fire on Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units were at the scene at 7:03 p.m. of a fire in a bedroom closet of an apartment in the 1700 block of Ascot Way. An electrical event with the light fixture in the closet started the fire.

Smoke was spotted in the front of the two-story, condominium building. One person in the apartment self-evacuated after the smoke alarm went off and was transported to an area hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries, according to the fire department.

More from a fire department press release:

On Tuesday, December 25 at approximately 6:40 p.m., units were dispatched for a reported fire in a condominium in the 1700 block of Ascot Way in the Reston section of Fairfax County.

Units arrived on scene with smoke showing from the front of a two-story, condominium building. Crews quickly extinguished a fire in a bedroom of one of the units. There were no reports of firefighter injuries. One occupant was treated and transported to an area hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

There was one occupant home at the time of the fire. The fire was discovered by the occupant after a smoke alarm sounded. The occupant was able to self-evacuate and call 9-1-1.

Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started in a bedroom closet. The cause of this fire was an electrical event involving the light fixture in the closet.

No one was displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered but was declined. Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $18,750.

This story will be updated. 

Units on scene of garden apartment fire in the 1700 Ascot Way in Reston with smoke showing from front. Report of fire in closet. #fcfrd #news #fairfaxcounty pic.twitter.com/1whjhEzdJ9

— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 26, 2018

Map via Google Maps

“O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree” — If you’re looking for a place to get a tree this holiday season, this roundup lists nearby Christmas tree farms. [Reston Patch]

Dollars and Sense — The free monthly group at Reston Regional Library focuses on business leaders and markets. Tonight’s 7 p.m. discussion will be about Mel Lindauer ‘s book “The Bogleheads’: Guide to Investing.” [Fairfax County]

Tackling Reston’s housing inclusiveness — Richard Rothstein, author of “Color of Law: The Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America,” will lead a discussion on how housing policy impacts equitability and inclusiveness in Northern Virginia communities. An interactive panel discussion with local community experts will follow. The event takes place tonight at the Reston Community Center at 5 p.m. [Reston Community Center]

Investigating how the media impacts victims of crime — Karen Bune, a criminology professor at George Mason University, will dive into the news media’s role related to crime victims and ways to disseminate news without negatively impacting victims, survivors, confidentiality and ongoing investigations. The event is at 7 p.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. [Fairfax County]

Photo via Ray Copson

 

Looking to get into some holiday spirit? Lake Anne Plaza is preparing to host its classic event, “Jingle on Lake Anne,” on Dec. 1.

The event at 11609 Washington Plaza kicks off with a craft market at 8 a.m., followed by cookies and kids’ crafts. Adults and children can make ornaments and decorate cookies while listening to the Lake Anne Elementary School students’ perform.

At noon, Santa and his elves will arrive via boat and paddle across the lake for photo opportunities.

The events throughout the day are as follows:

• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Craft market
• 10 a.m. to noon:  and kids’ crafts
• 11 a.m. to noon: Lake Anne Elementary School chorus and orchestra
• Noon: Santa arrives and pictures are taken
• Noon to 2 p.m.: Music on the plaza

The event is sponsored by Lake Anne merchants.

Photo by Ken Knueven via Facebook

Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of  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. Know of other events in the area? Comment below.

Closures are in effect ahead of Christmas weekend, but there are still a few options for things to do in the area:

• Horse-drawn carriage rides continue on Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. at Reston Town Center. Rides depart from Market Street near Clyde’s and cost $5 per person. Children under 5 ride free.
• Have your gifts wrapped by volunteers at Hyatt Regency’s Market Street entrance on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Donations will benefit Kids 4 First.
• Enjoy a holiday break brunch at Mon Ami Gabi from Tuesday through Friday. The brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. through 4 p.m.
• Take part in college night skate night at the Ice Skating Pavilion in Reston Town Center every Thursday through March from 6 – 9 p.m.
• Paulina Peavy’s exhibition at Greater Reston Arts Center continues every Tuesday through Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Santa will visit Glory Days Grill on 1400 North Point Village Center on saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Inova Blood Drive Set for Tuesday — Locals can donate their blood at Reston Town Center beside the pavilion from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. On-site registration is available. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 1-866-256-6372 or www.inova.org/donateblood. [Reston Community Center]

Service Offered to Get a Free Ride Home — The Washington Regional Alcohol Program is offering free rides home through the SoberRide program for people who have consumed alcohol and do not wish to drive. The program will be offered nightly between 8 p.m. and 4 p.m. through Jan. 1. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Schedule Released — Reston Community Center has released the weekend schedule for this year’s 33nd annual birthday celebration. The program includes special performances, community service projects, and a voices of inspiration program sponsored by the Reston Martin Luther King, Jr. Church. [Reston Community Center]

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is reminding locals to water their live Christmas trees in order to avoid fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 200 homes fires each year begin with a Christmas tree.

NPFA provides the following tips to avoid Christmas tree and decoration fires:

• Cut the two-inch base from the trunk before placing it on the stand.
• Keep the tree at least three feet away from all heat sources.
• Ensure the tree does not block any exists.
• Add water to the tree stand daily.
• Use lights labeled with an independent testing laboratory.
• Replace the string of lights with worn or broken cords.
• Turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• Remove the tree after Christmas. Do not leave trees in the home, garage, or directly outside the home.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology released the following video detailing the dangers of an unwatered tree:

Holiday Toy Distribution Set for Today — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host a toy distribution today to offer toys to more than 350 children at 3304B Culmore St. in Falls Church. The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Fairfax County Park Authority and Pathways Sign Agreement — The partnership will allow adults with disabilities to intern in programs and activities by FCPA. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide competitive employment chances for qualified individuals. For more information, contact the pathways to careers employer relations coordinator John Gyourko at 571-249-9468 or [email protected]. [Fairfax County Government]

Reduced Shakespeare Company, a troupe that has been performing shows for more than three decades, will bring their interactive skits to Reston Community Center’s CenterStage on Saturday.

The group will perform “The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)” on Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. in an effort to “rekindle the joy, inner-child and familial dysfunction inside us all,” according to the troupe’s description of the show.

Audience members can bring a Christmas gift of $5 value or less and participate in an audience gift exchange. RSC’s shows are known for their unique tongue-in-cheek interpretations of the world and interaction with the audience during live shows.

During the show, the artists will describe how Santa saved Christmas, delve into the history of famous Christmas traditions, explore the origin of the term nutcracker and more.

Tickets are $25 for Reston residents and $35 for all others. For more information, visit RCC’s website or call Paul Douglas Michnewicz, the arts and events director at 703-390-6167.

Volunteers Enhance Safety at Fellowship House — Nearly two dozen volunteers gathered at the Hunter Woods Fellowship House in Reston on Nov. 11 to make bathrooms in the 222-unit apartment complex more accessible. [Fairfax County Times]

Holiday Performances on The Promenade Announced — Reston Town Center will feature outdoor musical performances on The Promenade, including the Northern Virginia Ukulele Society at noon on Dec. 17, Catchin’ Toads at 3 p.m. on Dec. 17 and Tenor Tim McKee at noon on Dec. 23. [Reston Town Center]

Local Group Celebrates 50 Years of Volleyball in Reston — The group, Hickory Volleyball, was founded in 1967 by longtime Restonian Philip Lilienthal, founder and president of Global Camps Africa. [Fairfax County Times]

Safety Tips for Displaying Christmas Trees — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department suggests reviewing Electronic Safety Foundation International’s tips on how to display Christmas trees in your home. [The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

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. Know of other events in the area? Comment below.

• The newly opened Nando’s PERi PERi at 12120 Sunset Hills Road is hosting a grand opening on Saturday. All sales will be donated to the bands of South Lakes High School and Herndon High School. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Remove English ivy at South Shore Road on Saturday from 10 a.m. through noon. Volunteers will dig roots with small tools and pulls vines until the area is cleared from a section of the woods. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Follow the Habitat Heroes signs for directions. For details on how to register as a volunteer, visit RA’s website.
• Create Thanksgiving centerpieces at the Walker Nature Center (11540 Glade Drive) from 10:30 a.m. through noon on Saturday. All materials are provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
• Herndon High School Theatre presents “Twelfth Night” today from 7:30 – 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the school’s auditorium. Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for adults.
• Learn techniques in metalworking, material manipulation and beading at the Greater Reston Arts Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The event is for attendees ages 18 and up. The fee is $45 for residents and $55 for all others.
• Enjoy a ride on Engine $62 of the Resources Railroad at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Create your own Thanksgiving-themed craft to take home. The cost if $5 and the Fairfax County Park Authority will be collecting non-perishable food items for a local food bank.
• The Martin Luther King, Jr. Church will have a one-day Christmas Bazaar on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 11140 North Shore Drive.
• Meanwhile, the 8th annual tree lighting festival kicks off this Saturday from 3 –  4 p.m. at the Village at Leesburg Shopping Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Toys for Tots program.
• Harry Butwosky will present a six-part lecture series on the years between World War I and World World II from 2 to 4 p.m. at Reston Library on Sunday.
• On Sunday, Ingrid King discusses her books and a hodgepodge of topics ranging from lessons learned from pets and cat health. The event will take place at Scrawl Books (11862 Market St.) from 4 – 6 p.m.

 

As holiday festivities begin, the 27th annual Reston Holiday Parade is set for Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. The half-mile parade will include Macy’s-style balloons, music, dance, community groups, antique cars and more.

The parade, which takes place along 11900 Market St. will also welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn garage. Jingle bells will be distributed to people along the route of the one-hour parade.

Between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos. Mini-train rides will also run during this time.

The Clauses will then participate in a tree lighting and sing along between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Horse drawn carriage rides will also be offered to the community following the lighting until 10 p.m. Proceeds from photos and rides will benefit local charities, according to Reston Town Center.

USA Today readers ranked the parade the fourth best holiday parade in the country last year. The parade has taken place since 1991, rain or shine.

To register as a volunteer, visit RTC’s website.

File photo.

It was a quiet holiday weekend for crime in Reston.

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station reported only three items over the Christmas holiday.

Among them: an apparent Christmas Eve burglary at the Hidden Creek Country Club, a theft of silverware from a home on Manning Street and the theft of a licence plate from a vehicle on Oak Hampton Place.

From FCPD:

RESTON DISTRICT STATION

BURGLARY: 1700 block of Clubhouse Road (Hidden Creek Country Club), 12/24/16 around 2:45 a.m. The business was burglarized. It could not be determined at the time whether anything was missing. There were no signs of forced entry.

LARCENIES:

1000 block of Manning Street, silverware from residence

2500 block of Oak Hampton Place, license plate from vehicle

Nearly 2.6 million people in the D.C. area were expected to travel during the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s holiday period this year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

That’s a Christmastime record to the region.

Were you among those holiday travelers? Or did you stay put?

Let’s try to see what percentage of Reston residents left town for the holidays.

To put Reston’s holiday weather forecast in musical terms, the chances are pretty low for a “white Christmas” this year, but hopefully the day will turn out “merry and [at least somewhat] bright.”

Temperatures likely will reach the upper 40s Sunday in Reston, with some peeks of the sun, according to Weather.com.

Christmas Eve is more likely to be wet, though, with a 40 percent chance of rain in the morning. But with the high and low temperatures expected to stay above freezing (47 and 36 degrees, respectively), rain probably won’t turn to freezing rain or snow. The chance of precipitation goes down to only around 10 percent by Christmas morning.

During the past 25 years, the chances of Northern Virginia seeing a white Christmas on any given year have stayed around 25 percent, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In fact, the only areas of the U.S. where chances are 50 percent or above are in “the mountainous West, northern New England and the far northern tier,” NOAA says.

Reston and the greater D.C. area have had a white Christmas less than 10 times in the past 127 years, according to Reston Patch and DCist. Snow was last on the ground on Christmas in 2009, after the “Snowpocalypse” hit the area.

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Santa Claus is set to visit a Reston child care center for breakfast next week.

Common Ground Child Care Center (1700 Wainwright Drive) is scheduled to host the big man in red from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, according to the organization. Children can have some food, play games, work on crafts and take a photo with the jolly old elf.

Admission is $5. Parents also are asked to donate a new or gently used children’s book for Common Ground’s library.

Families are encouraged to RSVP at [email protected].

Founded in 1972, Common Ground provides programs for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 12 years old.

Photo via Wikimedia/Bailiwick Studios