Helmut Jahn building wins award — The Reston Station building known for its iconic X design has won an award for best project and an award for excellence in safety. [ENR Mid Atlantic]
A passion for fish — PassionFish in Reston Town Center is celebrating ten years. Loyalty members can enjoy dinner specials to celebrate the restaurant’s milestone. [PassionFish]
No need to be alarmed — Units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department took part in roof ventilation and forced entry training in the area. The building will later be demolished. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Photo by Ray Copson
Chinchillas, hedgehogs and hermit crabs — Having these pets could be legal soon. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is looking into changing the definition of commonly accepted pets. The change was spurred by a 12-year-old desire to legally own a hedgehog. [WTOP]
Firing off on a firefighter — A 50-year-old woman who was being taken to the hospital in an ambulance attacked a firefighter and caused several minor injuries. She was charged with assault on a firefighter. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Feedback sought on Fairfax County Parkway improvements — Local and state officials are working on a longterm plan to improve the parkway and Franconia-Springfield Parkway. An online survey is available through Nov. 19. [Virginia Department of Transportation]
Photo by Richard Knapp
A glitchy laptop caught fire on Monday and caused $93,750 in damages to a Herndon home, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
The fire happened on Monday (Oct. 15) just before 1 p.m. on the 13100 block of Weather Vane Way in Herndon. Fire and rescue crews extinguished the fire, which started in a bedroom on the second floor of the two-story, single-family home. Damages were limited to the bedroom and no one was injured, according to the department.
One adult was home at the time of the fire. When she smelled smoke and heard crackling noises, she discovered a fire on the top of the bedroom’s bed.
Fire department officials said the fire was “accidental in nature.” Three adults were displaced because of the incident. Red Cross assistance was declined.
Photos via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Flash flood watch in effect today — The watch is in effect from 10 a.m. today through late tonight. Residents should continue to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action in the event of flooding. [National Weather Service]
Information sought on assault — The Herndon Police Department is seeking information about an assault that happened on Friday sometime between 8 and 8:30 p.m. on the path between Center Street and Park Avenue. Call 703-435-6846 if you have any information about the incident. [Herndon Police Department]
Highlights for October — Reston Community Center has released its lineup of kids’ events for October. Two new programs include preschool prep, a free class for kids between three and four, and Boo at the Pool, a Halloween celebration for kids. [Reston Community Center]
Nearby: Local firefighters head to North Carolina — Over the weekend, several local emergency personnel set off to help respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Book club tonight at Reston Regional Library — Join fellow book lovers for a discussion about “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston. The discussion, which will happen between 7 and 8:30 p.m., is part of The Great American Read series. [Reston Regional Library]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The window for spring cleaning may be over, so there’s no harm in taking advantage of some deals (and possibly steals) from your neighbors at tomorrow’s Reston Community Yard Sale from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Around 85 families are signed up to sell a mix of items at the event, which is located in the parking lot behind 1900 Campus Commons Drive and organized by Reston Association. But before you head out, make sure to check RA’s website and social media for updates in the event of cancellation due to rain. A tentative rain date has been set for Sunday.
Earlier this week, organizers announced that ChalkFest at Reston Town Center, a popular event for amateur and professional artists alike, was canceled due to the rain forecast. The event will not be rescheduled. In any case, there’s still plenty to do in Reston over the 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.)
- Between noon and 5 p.m. this weekend, you can drop in at the Reston Art Gallery & Studios (11500 Washington Plaza West) to take a look at art created by local first responders. The art show is called Ashes2Art.
- End tonight with a special benefit concert by Reston’s Diva Duo at the United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive) from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The cost of admission is $25. All proceeds will help support Reston and Herndon residents who are facing crisis and at risk of losing their homes, electricity or water.
- Don’t head to any Fairfax County libraries today, as all branches will be closed for staff training.
- On Saturday from 8:30-10:30 a.m., the Susco 8K and 2K is back for its 11th year at South Lakes High School. The event aims to raise money for brain aneurysm research and organ donation awareness programs.
- A former Arlington prosecutor and Fairfax County native will sign copies of his first novel, Daingerfield Island, at Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Reston Regional Library reopens on Saturday. Children between the age of 6 and 11 can invent a “drawbot,” a machine built to move and draw. Participants can also take their drawbots home. The event will take place from 2-3 p.m.
- As the Building Worlds exhibit comes to a close, the artists behind the exhibit at Greater Reston Arts Center will provide some insights on the inspiration and meaning behind their work. The event on Saturday will take place from 5-7 p.m.
- Earlier on Saturday, one of the artists, Rachel Guardiola, will lead a sensory workshop to create artwork inspired by her work. The event, which will run from 1-3 p.m., is open to all participants 18 and up.
- Robert Prather, author of “The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver,” will give a talk on the story of local pirate Jonathan Swift on Sunday from 2-3 p.m. at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive).
- Kids interested in dueling it out can participate in a Chess Club for Kids, also at the library on Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
- If birdwatching is your cup of tea, you can do so at Stratton Woods Park from 7:30-10:30 a.m. on Sunday. During the walk, which is cosponsored by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and The Bird Feeder store, attendees will visit a variety of sites.
- And if you’d rather stay indoors, there will be an open house at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Avenue) from 4-6 p.m.
Photo via Reston Association
On Thursday mornings, Fairfax County first responders have gathered with local artist Kathy Sullivan to create multimedia art projects that express their personal development
Now, the public can view the work created by first responders at an exhibition at the Reston Art Gallery & Studios (11400 Washington Plaza) from Thursday (September 6) through September 20.
The class, called Ashes2Art, aimed to help first responders express themselves through artistic outlets. A special reception open to the public is set for September 7 from 4-8 p.m.
“As emergency services personnel, we sometimes focus our identity too heavily on our work life. The art program provides a unique stress-free environment that encourages individuals to explore and discover new outlets for their energy in a positive way. The program allows participants to employ the unique creative abilities of emergency personnel directed in new ways,” according to a statement from the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.
The program is supported and funded by the community. The Reston Art Gallery & Studios also donated display space for the show.
Photo via Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department
Wrongful entry — A car crashed into a garage on the 11400 block of Summer House Court in Reston on Tuesday. The Car took out two columns. The driver was taken to the hospital for a check-up. No major injuries were reported. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Longtime CEO leaves Fairfax County Economic Development Authority — Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of the FCEDA, will retire at the end of the year. He led the organization since 1987 and has been known for his efforts to diversify and build the county’s business community and economy. [FCEDA, The Washington Business Journal]
Take a Break concert tonight at 7 p.m. — Enjoy New Orleans jazz by listening to the New Line Brass Band play at Lake Anne Plaza. The event is free and open for all ages. Today’s event is the last “Take a Break” concert of the summer. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
A word about panhandling — Last year, local police received about 2,100 calls related to panhandlers in the county. Here’s what you need to know about laws, public safety and steps you can take if you come across a panhandler. [Fairfax County Government]
Updates on a Herndon apartment fire — A fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in garden-style apartments on the 13600 block of Legacy Circle in Herndon late last week. No one was in the apartment unit that caught fire, but 20 people were in the building at the time. No one was injured. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Nearby: Facebook and Tysons — Facebook, Inc. is edging closer to a deal to open a 75,000-85,000 square foot office in Tysons. [Washington Business Journal]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Units have controlled a fire in an apartment building in Herndon, according to a statement released around 3 p.m. today.
The fire was believed to be in a garden-style apartment in the 13600 block of Legacy Circle in Herndon, according to the Fairfax County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
No further information was immediately available.
This story has been updated.
A natural gas leak prompted the evacuation of four commercial buildings late Friday afternoon as a precautionary measure, according to the Fairfax County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Units were on the scene on the 11500 block of Sunset Hills Road where the gas leak is suspected to have occurred.
In a statement, authorities described the situation as “stable.” No injuries were reported.
This story was updated on 7:38 p.m.
Hummingbird rescue — Yes, we’re serious. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel nursed a hummingbird who appeared “weak and lethargic” back to health on the Herndon and Reston boundary line. [Reston Patch]
An ode to Kalypso — Kalypso’s Sports Tavern is celebrating its eight-year anniversary next week. The party will include a crab feast and musical performances. Reservations are recommended. [Kalypso’s Sports Tavern]
Nearby: don’t block intersections — Local police are ticketing drivers who block intersections when stoplights change. Drivers could get a $30 ticket and a $67 bill for court costs. [WJLA]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Why Bechtel matters — The corporate giant already has a Virginia home, so why does the move of its headquarters to Reston matter? [WTOP]
Alerts about pool alerts — On Saturday and Sunday, two Reston Association pools were closed. On Sunday, Autumnwood pool closed early due to a failed mechanical component and on Saturday, Uplands fountain pool closed due to water contamination. [Reston Association]
Making bank –– The Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department can expand medical services after winning a $10,000 grant from a toll road network manager. [Fairfax County Times]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Watch the butts — Recent fires in Fairfax County have highlighted the danger of improperly discarded cigarette butts and smoking materials. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Mark your calendars — The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival will take place this weekend at Reston Town Center. Remember, this year’s event includes three days of back-to-back festivities, musical performances and wine tastings. [Connect Northern Virginia]
A peek into Reston Community Center — In this interview with RCC’s artistic director, Paul Michnewicz, we learn more how programs and events are selected, attendance, race and diversity. [Fairfax County Times]
Submitted photo by Linda Stanley
A Fairfax County firefighter was assaulted in the emergency room of Reston Hospital Center (1850 Town Center Parkway) on Saturday at 9:40 p.m.
Thomas Feeley, 25, of Reston, was charged with assault on a firefighter. Emergency personnel brought Feeley to the hospital because he was bleeding and stumbling around Reston Town Center.
Once he arrived at the hospital, police said he began fighting hospital staff and emergency personnel. He was charged after being released from the hospital, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
FCPD also reported the following incidents:
LARCENIES:
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, cash and electronic devices from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, bicycle from residence
12900 block of Centre Park Circle, tires from vehicle
12900 block of Highland Crossing Drive, laptop computer from vehicle
13100 block of Parcher Avenue, keys from vehicle
11600 block of Stoneview Square, jewelry from residence
1800 block of Town Center Parkway, cell phone from residence
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
A 23-year-old Reston resident was caught sleeping in a stranger’s front yard on the 800 block of North Sterling Boulevard on Saturday around 1:14 a.m. Loudoun County sheriff’s deputies arrested and charged Julio Cabrera-Mercado with public intoxication.
On Friday, a 21-year-old Herndon resident was also arrested and charged with public intoxication. Police believe the man, Erick Portillo-Guevara, refused to leave a restaurant on the 2000 block of Minot Drive in Ashburn.
File photo via FCPD
A fire that engulfed a home on the 11900 block Grey Squirrel Lane Saturday night was caused by an unattended charcoal grill, according to the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.
Firefighters battled the blaze at around 9 p.m. on Saturday (April 14). A major fire was visible when units arrived on the scene.
Three occupants were in the two-story single family home during the incident, but no one was injured. They evacuated the home prior to the department’s arrival.
Damages are estimated as $202,500. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined by the residents.
The grill was located under the deck of the back of the home.
Photos via Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department
