Baby critters are eagerly awaiting visitors at Frying Pan Farm Park.

It’s been a busy birthing season this year at the Herndon park. Hokie, the farm’s cow and part-time Virginia Tech mascot, delivered a healthy baby boy last month. Sheep Flufette and Stompey also delivered their lambs in March. Momma pigs Hazel and Puma also delivered their litter of piglets in February.

More news is expected as several sheep and two goats are due this month.

The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can also catch several programs during spring break, including puppet shows, a Bluegrass concert, and farm skills programs. Admission to the park and farm is free, but most activities and programs have fees. For more information, visit the park’s website.

Photos via Yvonne Johnson

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins lauded Frying Pan Farm Park for its clean water efforts, which recently earned the Herndon park a land-use award.

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) selected the park for the 2018 Fairfax County Clean Water Farm Award because of “its implementation of effective agricultural best management practices and diverse educational and outreach programs, as well as its close interactions with NVSWCD,” according to Fairfax County.

“It’s a fabulous park,” Hudgins said at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday (April 9). “It’s really exciting to be able to recognize them for the stewardship they do.”

Located at 2739 West Ox Road, the park preserves and interprets farm life of the first half of the 20th century. For the last two decades, the park has been working to comply with the Fairfax County’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program by following the Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan, according to the county.

Chairman Sharon Bulova also added to the praise of the park. “That is pretty impressive,” Bulova said about the farm earning the award. “It is a working farm with lots of animals.”

Hudgins asked that the Frying Pan Farm Park staff get invited to the board for recognition, along with representatives from the county’s Park Authority and NVSWCD.

Sunday is your last chance to watch NextStop Theatre Company’s final performances of “The Wolves” — a comedy about the lives of high school girls at their daily soccer warm-ups.

Written by Sarah DeLappe, the play was a recent finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

The show tonight (Feb. 22) starts at 8 p.m. at 269 Sunset Park Drive. Tomorrow, the curtain rises at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The last two shows on Sunday start at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets cost between $35-$60, depending on the demand.

Tomorrow (Feb. 23)

• All Gardeners’ Meeting (10 a.m.-noon) — Users of Reston’s community garden plots can attend the annual All Gardeners’ meeting, which will include two guest speakers and light refreshments, at the Reston Association’s headquarters. Discussion topics will include soil management, gardening with return on investments and gardening tips.
• Bored out of your Gourd (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) — Head over to Frying Pan Farm Park to make a birdhouse out of gourds the farm grew last year. The program costs $14 per person.
• Book Talk with Ralph Savarese (4:30-6:30 p.m.) — The author will join a panel of nonspeaking autistic students at ArtSpace Herndon.
• Reston Runners Annual Meeting and Dinner (6 p.m.) — The running group will meet at RCC Hunters Woods Village Center.

Sunday (Feb. 24)

• Meet Jason Michael Primrose (12:15 p.m.) — Jason Michael Primrose will introduce his latest sci-fi creation at Scrawl Books.
• Bird Walks (8-11 a.m.) — Beginning and expert birders are invited to search for birds around Reston. The walks start at the Lake Newport tennis courts.
• Maple Syrup Boil-Down (noon-2 p.m.) — Head to Colvin Run Mill to learn how sap is boiled down into syrup. Participants will get to taste some maple syrup. Tickets cost $5 per person.
• Annual NOVA Band Jam (4:30 p.m.) — Support the South Lakes High School at their performance at Ned Devine’s in Herndon. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Photo via NextStop Theatre Company/Facebook

This month marks the beginning of Fairfax County’s fiscal year 2020 budget process. Locals in the Hunter Mill District can attend a town hall in Herndon on the first Saturday of March to get more information on the proposed budget plan.

Projections expect the county’s revenue to grow by 2.9 percent, generating more than $156 million in additional revenue for FY 2020, according to the county.

The town hall is set to take place from 8:30-11 a.m. on March 2 at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center (2709 West Ox Road).

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, County Executive Bryan Hill and Fairfax County Public Schools staff will give the presentations, according to Hudgins’ newsletter.

After coffee and a conversation starting at 8:30 a.m., the elected officials and county staff will be available to answer questions.

The next steps in the budget process include posting the proposed tax rates, followed by public hearings in April held by the county’s Board of Supervisors.

The FY 2020 fiscal year begins on July 1.

Image via Fairfax County

FCPS opening two hours late — “Fairfax County public schools are planning to open on a two hour delay Monday due to possible snow and freezing rain overnight.” [Reston Now]

Rise and shine on the farm — For $8, kids can learn about animals, farm chores and how farm life is different in winter at Frying Pan Farm Park. Stories, crafts and games will be on hand. Kids age 2 to 3 meet at 9:45 a.m., while kids ages 3 to 5 meet at 11 a.m. [Fairfax County]

Reston business acquisition — IT services company Ntiva, which is based in Tysons Corner, recently acquired Reston-based Network Alliance, which is a managed service provider. [Cision]

PRC op-ed — Mark Ingrao, the president and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, argues why “adding significant new residential development is central to the Task Force recommendations and essential to ensure balanced growth.” [Fairfax County Times]

Photo via John Appollony

There’s plenty to do around Reston and Herndon this weekend — especially if you are interested in learning more about fish and fishing.

The Herndon-based Northern Virginia Fish Club is set to hold its January meeting this weekend for aquarium enthusiasts.

Fishers can hone their skills before the warm weather arrives with a workshop at Lake Fairfax Park.

Tomorrow (Jan. 26)

Reston Camp Expo (9 a.m.-noon) — Reston’s sixth annual Camp Expo gives families a chance to learn about hundreds of Reston-area summer camps and out-of-school activities. This year’s event will also feature youth sports organizations and providers. It will be held at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road).

Bus service meeting (10 a.m.-noon) — Locals wanting to give feedback on the bus service in Herndon and Reston can head to the meeting at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609-A Washington Plaza). The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking input as part of a process to improve service and implement a plan for service changes, including connections to the future Metrorail Silver Line Phase 2 stations in Herndon and Reston.

Soup samples at Frying Pan Farm Park (10-11:30 a.m.) — Locals can go to Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 West Ox Road) to learn how to prepare home-cooked soups in winter. All participants will get to take home a serving of “Stone Soup” to enjoy. The cost of the program is $10 per person.

NoVa fish club meeting (1 p.m.) — The Northern Virginia Fish Club is scheduled to have their monthly meeting at the Herndon Fortnightly Library (768 Center Street).

Fishing workshop (4-5 p.m.) — Fishers can hone their skills at a workshop at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive). During the “Fishing Workshop-Tackle,” participants will learn about a variety of tackle, including rods and reels. The cost is $8 per person.

Herndon High School cabaret (7:30 p.m.) — This year’s annual performance will include family-favorites from “Come From Away,” “Matilda,” “Waitress” and “Kinky Boots.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Herndon High School Auditorium. Tickets cost $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.

Sunday (Jan. 27)

Winter Restaurant Week ends (all day) — Sunday is the last day for locals to enjoy prix fixe menus at the four Reston restaurants that are participating in Winter Restaurant Week. The event was set to end last week, but then the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington extended it.

“[title of show]” (2 p.m.) — Sunday is the last day for NextStop Theatre Company’s “[title of show],” a musical about four friends writing a musical about four friends writing a musical. Intrigued? Tickets start at $40 for the 2 p.m. performance at 269 Sunset Park Drive.

“Variety – The Spice of Life” reception (2-4 p.m.) — An opening reception will be held for paintings by Lassie Corbett, a Reston artist, on display at RCC Lake Anne’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609-A Washington Plaza).

Capitol Steps benefit performance (6 p.m.) — The annual performance by the political satire troupe raises money for Cornerstones to help families in the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Tickets start at $100, and the event is set to take place at the Hyatt Regency Reston (1800 Presidents Street).

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Bobby Cadabra magic show — Head to the Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon for the magic show, which starts at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $5. [Fairfax County]

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 Ric Edelman’s book “The Truth About Your Future.” [Fairfax County]

Money pouring into liquor stores — The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority said in a new report that its total sales were $983.3 million this fiscal year. The agency attributes the sales increase in part to opening five new stores across the state. [U.S. News & World Report]

Photo via David Toms

Whether you want to stay cozy indoors or venture outside, there’s plenty to do around Reston this weekend ahead of Christmas.

Tomorrow (Dec. 22)

Teen Maker Boxes (all day event) — Head to the Herndon Fortnightly Library for some arts and crafts time. Locals can try out origami, 3D pen and sewing to make handmade ornaments. Participants can also try their hand at watercolor painting, Sharpie art, poetry boxes and Duct Tape creations.

Shrek The Musical (1-2:30 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m.) — Tomorrow is the last day to catch the last two shows for Nextstop Theatre Company’s (269 Sunset Park Drive) production of Shrek The Musical. Tickets are available online.

Zee performance (1-3 p.m.) — Enjoy the final performance for Reston Town Center’s holiday entertainment lineup for December. Zee will sing and play the keyboard between Market Street and Democracy Drive across from the Starbucks.

“You’ve Got Mail” (2-4 p.m.) — Warm up with hot cocoa while watching the 1998 movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The movie screening is a part of Reston Regional Library’s Fantastic Film series.

Tour de Lights (5-7 p.m.) — Join the Reston Bicycle Club for a slower paced, 10-mile ride to enjoy the holiday scenery. Bicyclists will meet at Lake Anne Plaza at 4:45 p.m. The first ride with the club is free and the membership costs $25 per year. Riders are encouraged to “light up” their bikes with holiday lights and anything else that is festive and increases visibility. In case of rain, the makeup date will be at the same time and place on Dec. 23.

Sunday (Dec. 23)

Reston Runners (8 a.m.) — Join the running and walking group for either a 3-mile walk or a 5-mile run starting at the Lake Newport Tennis Courts.

Sleigh Bells (12:30-2:30 p.m.) — Join Belgian draft horses Jeff and Charlie for a decorated wagon ride around the woodland and rolling farmland at Frying Pan Farm Park. All ages are welcome. Tickets cost $6 per person.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides (3-8 p.m.) — The Reston Town Center is holding festive horse-drawn carriage rides departing at Market Street near Clyde’s to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Rides cost $5 per person and are free for kids under the age of 5. Proceeds will go to The Reston Chorale.

Photo via Reston Town Center

In case you were planning to visit these government facilities around Fairfax County during the holiday season, check to see whether or not they will be closed on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and Jan. 1.

Fairfax County 

Fairfax County’s government offices, libraries and courts will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas and Jan. 1.

The county’s public schools will be on winter break from Monday, Dec. 24, until Friday, Jan. 4.

The Fairfax Connector will be running on a holiday weekday schedule for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. A full list of routes running in the Reston area is available online. The next day, the bus will operate on a Sunday schedule for Christmas and Jan. 1.

Frying Pan Farm Park and Colvin Run Mill Historic Site will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

County trash and recycling collection will not happen on Christmas. The updated collection schedule for next week is:

• Tuesday customers will have collection on Wednesday (Dec. 26)
• Wednesday customers will have collection on Thursday (Dec. 27)
• Thursday customers will have collection on Friday (Dec. 28)
• Friday customers will have collection on Saturday (Dec. 29)

Reston

The Reston Association offices will be closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

Nature House will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Reston Community Center Lake Anne will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods will be closed on Christmas. It will have modified hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will be closed on Christmas. It will have modified hours from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Herndon

Town of Herndon government offices will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and Jan. 1.

Refuse will be collected on Christmas Eve, but refuse normally collected on Tuesdays will be collected on Thursday (Dec. 27) and New Year’s Eve.

The Herndon Community Center will be closed on Christmas and Jan. 1.

The Herndon Centennial Golf Course will only be closed for Christmas.

Metro, DMV and more

All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service centers will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

The Metro and Metrobus will be running a Sunday schedule on Christmas and Jan. 1, operating from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Metro will provide special late-night rail service on New Year’s Eve with trains running until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Speaking of closed offices, Reston Now will be on breaks for Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

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In addition to the Holiday events we covered earlier, there’s plenty to do around Reston this weekend. This weekend should be especially busy for the more artistically inclined readers, with dancing, music, and photography events tomorrow and Sunday.

Tomorrow (Dec. 8)

Cookies with Santa (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) — Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for children and adults at an arts and crafts event hosted by the Reston Association at Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Ave). The program is geared towards children ages 2-12. Admission is $15 for Reston Association members of $20 for non-members.

Irish Dance (12-1 p.m.) — The Foley Academy of Irish Dance will offer a dance performance and lesson at the Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Dr).

Singer Songwriter Crys Matthews (6:30-9:30) — The alternative rock singer-songwriter will be performing at the Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar (1612 Washington Plaza) tomorrow night. Matthew is also scheduled to perform in January at a three-day event for Reston’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.

National Parks Photography Exhibit Reception (7-9 p.m.) — Artspace Herndon (750 Center St) will host a reception for Jim Schlett’s gallery of national park photography. Most of the work was photographed during long walks through the parks around dawn or dusk. The exhibit will run until Jan. 5.

2018 Reston Santa Bar Crawl (8 p.m.-1 a.m.) — The rules for a Santa Bar Crawl are simple: wear a Santa suit, or some other holiday costume, and hit up a series of Santa-friendly bars across Reston. A full list of participating bars is available at the event page.

Sunday (Dec. 9)

Christmas at the Farm — The Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 West Ox Rd) will offer cookie decorating, Sant-driven dractor rides, and more for $10 per person. Sessions at the farm are held throughout the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — The Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Rd) is hosting a dance for all skill levels, with music ranging from waltz and swing to modern dance selections. Partners are not required. The cost is $5 for Reston residents or $10 for non-Restonians. The event is followed by a County Western Dance from 5:30-8 p.m.

Photo via Facebook

A cow’s lunchtime stroll raised some eyebrows last week when the Black Angus cow, named Hokie, sped off onto a Route 28 exit ramp from her new home in Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.

The 1,200-pound heifer, which had been purchased by the park from Virginia Tech just two days before the incident, was under routine quarantine at the farm when she suddenly jumped over a 3.5-foot tall wagon during stall cleaning and bolted through the Herndon area, surprising onlookers as she jumped over guard rails and jersey walls to evade capture.

According to the Fairfax County Park Authority, the help of some “agile” drivers resulted in the capture of the cow on an exit ramp roughly 2.5 miles from the park. Drivers used their cars to help emergency personnel corner the cow on the ramp, with one driver raising his hands on the opposite side of the ramp to prevent Hokie from jumping over the wall.

Help was also lassoed in from the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, who promptly joined in the hot pursuit.

The Fairfax County Park Authority offered the following thanks in a Facebook post following the incident:

“Thanks to the entire community for coming together to ensure the safe return of our newest cow. Farm staff is working to acclimate Hokie to her new home and have increased security measures to prevent the surprisingly nimble cow from escaping again. 

Photos via Fairfax County Park Authority

The Hindu Festival of Lights, known as Diwali, lights up Reston Regional Library with a cultural fair on Saturday.

The event will include games, music, food, arts and crafts and other activities. Attendees of all ages are invited to the fair, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Below is a limited list of other 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.

• In the mood for a little theater? Performances of Hairspray continue today and this weekend on CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 65 and older, and $24 for students and youth under 18.
• Junior merchants will sell a variety of gently-used toys, books, and other child-friendly items on Saturday at the Children’s Fall Flea Market at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
• You can also kickstart your morning with a beer run near Lake Anne Brewhouse from 9:45-10:30 a.m. All ages and paces are welcome.
• On Saturday, Reston Community Orchestra will kick off the season with their opening concert at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods at 4 p.m. The concert is open to attendees of all ages.
• Sing books with Miss Emily on Saturday at Reston Regional Library from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of Reston Regional Library.
• Blue Sky Puppets present folktales with puppets Chester, Buster, and Suzy Pig on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. The event is also cosponsored by Friends of Reston Regional Library.
• Reston Association needs volunteers to help monitor stream conditions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. No prior experience is required and all ages are welcome.
• The Lake House will be open for community drop-in time and light refreshments from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday as part of a series of open houses.
• Maria Gianferrari reads her book “Operation Rescue Dog” at Scrawl Books on Saturday at 11 a.m. The story is about a girl who goes on a quest to find a rescue dog she plans to adopt.
• International games week kicks off on Sunday with the chance to play a few classic board games at Reston Regional Library from 1-5 p.m.
• Professor Harry Butowsky also continues his six-part lecture series on the history of World War II on Sunday at the Reston Regional Library from 2-4 p.m.
• On Sunday, Gina Clowes will perform as part of Frying Pan Farm Park’s Bluegrass Barn Series. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

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Get ready to get in the Seahawk spirit tonight as South Lakes High celebrates homecoming!

The parade kicks off at 5 p.m. from Hunters Woods Shopping Center. It will continue north on Colts Neck Drive, turn east onto South Lakes Drive and finish at SLHS. The football game against Yorktown High School begins at 7 p.m. shortly after the parade. Admission is $5 and the Class of 1998 will also be on-site to celebrate their 20th reunion.

(Update: the homecoming parade has been cancelled due to rain.)

Sorry folks, we are disappointed too.
Game is still on at 7 on
Please spead the word@SLHShypesquad @RestonNow @RestonPatch @SLHS2020 @SLHS2019 @2021SLHS @SLHS2022 @SouthLakesSGA @SeahawkBoosters https://t.co/25LGnArHCG

— SouthLakes Athletics (@SeahawkSports) October 26, 2018

The Washington West Film Festival celebrated opening night Thursday, and screenings of films will continue to take place throughout the weekend in Reston and other locations west of the District. See the full schedule of films and purchase tickets online through the festival’s website.

Below is a limited list of other 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.

• Enjoy the first free Harvest Festival at Lake Anne Plaza from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Activities will include wine and beer tastings, a morning craft project for kids with the Reston Art Gallery and Studio, consignment and souvenir sales, a used book sale, sweet treats and much more, featuring all local businesses.
• Bring the kids and enjoy an indoor dip at the Family Splash at RCC Hunters Woods on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The cost for families with up to 5 people is $13 for Reston residents and $26 for non-residents.
• In the mood for a little theater? The Reston Players present the musical Hairspray at 8 p.m. Friday on CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 65 and older, and $24 for students and youth under 18.
• Looking to give back to your local community? Habitat For Heroes will host its “Stop the Choking, Save the Natives” event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed along the asphalt path between Sanibel Drive and Dogwood Elementary School to help remove invasive English ivy vines, in order to help give native wildflowers a chance to thrive. No prior experience is required, and guidance will be given by experts.
• As the weather gets colder, you may be thinking ahead to indoor family activities like playing board games and putting together jigsaw puzzles. The Friends of the Reston Regional Library will hold their annual Puzzle Sale today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring gently used puzzles, games and more.
• Children ages 5 to 12 can learn more about the culture of China and learn some of the country’s traditional folk dances at the Reston Regional Library today from 2-5 p.m at the library’s free Chinese Dance Workshop.
• The Great American Read continues this weekend with a free Green Screen Photo Booth at the Reston Regional Library from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. Place yourself in an exciting scene from one of your favorite books through the magic of green screen technology.
• Celebrate the fall season with Frying Pan Farm Park’s “BOO-stravaganza” tonight at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Children ages 3 to 8 will enjoy a variety of themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals and enjoy a wagon ride, and will finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road. Reservations are required, and the cost is $10 per person.
• The Reston Farmers Market is still going strong. With the end of summer, cold-weather favorites like greens, gourds, pumpkins, peppers and apples can now be seen among the stands, along with the usual baked goods and a variety of fresh meats from beef, pork, and chicken to healthy water buffalo. The markets take place every Saturday through Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon at Lake Anne Plaza, including this Saturday for the free Harvest Festival.

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As Halloween creeps up, Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road) in Herndon will host a special Halloween celebration on Friday (Oct. 26) at 6 p.m.

At the “BOO-stravaganza,” attendees can enjoy themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals and enjoy a wagon ride. Small treat bags will also be provided.

Reservations are required for the event, which costs $10 per person. Two sessions will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Registration is open online. This year’s event will take place outside at the Kidwell Farm.

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