As teens start picking out their dresses as prom season approaches, they’ll need to start thinking about accessories too.

Instead of asking for dress donations, the Reston Community Center wants people to drop off accessories for the “Diva Central Accessory Drive.”

The annual drive has amassed so many dresses in recent years that RCC says it doesn’t need to collect them for this upcoming Diva Central event.

Starting Friday (Feb. 1), locals can make tax-deductible donations by dropping off items at RCC Hunters Woods or RCC Lake Anne from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays or from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Shoes, jewelry, handbags, shawls, scarves and other accessories are all desired for RCC’s prom and middle school formal dress giveaway.

The drive runs until Feb. 28.

Photo via Reston Community Center

Furloughed federal employees affected by the government shutdown now can pay a reduced cost for summer camp.

The Reston Community Center announced today (Jan. 15) that it will offer special summer camp fee waivers for affected families, allowing them to pay $10-$20 per child per week this summer.

Families can pay $10 per child per week of camp, with some camps planned with half-days. They can also pay an extra $10 for “Zen Zone,” an after-care option for those in less than a full day of camp.

“Reston is home to many people who have been affected by this event,” RCC’s Executive Director Leila Gordon said in a press release. “We know that discretionary spending for summer activities would be among the first things families would likely cut back on or eliminate in trying economic circumstances.”

Gorden said that she doesn’t want the shutdown — now the longest one in U.S. history — to deprive kids of their summer fun. She added that RCC will offer the fee waivers even if the government employees are called back to work soon.

“The economic impact has already been profound for federal employees,” she said.

Reston Community Center’s summer camps include a variety of half-day and full-day options.

Full-day camps let campers go on daily adventures to museums, water parks and more; create art; or practice theatre for a performance at RCC’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). Options for half-day camps include cooking, woodworking, magic, community service, photography, STEM and more.

RCC plans to host the Reston Camp Expo, which will have exhibitors from area nonprofits and Fairfax County government agencies, at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Registration for summer camp begins on Feb. 1 for Restonians and on Feb. 8 for everyone else. Families who live or work in Reston must present their federal government employee identification when registering for 2019 camp sessions.

Photo via the Reston Community Center 

Candidates interested in running for one of the five spots in the Reston Association’s 2019 Board of Directors election can attend an informational session tomorrow.

The session for prospective candidates will be at RA’s headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) at 7 p.m. on Thursday (Jan. 3).

The open seats in 2019 are the following:

• At-Large for a three-year term
• Apartment Owners for a one-year term
• Hunters Woods/Dogwood for a one-year term
• North Point seat for a three-year term
• Lake Anne/Tall Oaks seat for a three-year term

The one-year terms are due to prior mid-term resignations and the appointment of interim replacements in 2018.

Candidates must be RA members, and residents seeking a district seat must live in that district.

The Reston Association Elections Committee wants interested members to fill out a candidacy statement form and return it by 5 p.m. on Jan. 25. The committee will then validate candidates by the end of the month.

The month-long election begins on March 4, with the election results unveiled at the Annual Members’ Meeting in April.

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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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A new exhibition featuring the work of artists age 55 and above is coming to Reston next week.

The exhibit, “Young at Art,” opens on Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the showroom of Hunters Woods at Trails Edge (2254B Hunters Woods Plaza).

Attendees can meet the artists behind the event and enjoy local wines paired with desserts. RSVP by emailing [email protected] or by calling 703-708-4047.

Hunters Woods at Trails Edge is an independent living and assisted living facility expected to open by the spring of 2019. The $72 million project is the first Virginia location for IntegraCare.

Photo via Marion Myers

A police officer who last worked in the Reston District Station and was charged in connection with the death of his six-month-old daughter was fired on Friday (Sept. 28).

Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. fired Jason Colley, 38, following his arrest in Maryland in connection with the baby’s death, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Colley, of Monrovia, Md., turned himself in after an indictment was signed in late August by a Maryland judge. He was charged with child abuse in the first degree resulting in death, child abuse in the first degree resulting in severe physical injury and felony assault in the first degree. The baby died on in October last year.

Roessler Jr. called the charges against Colley “abhorrent.” No other information was released by the police department about the incident.

Colley was relieved of all law enforcement powers on April 20 when Fairfax County police learned he was a suspect in the care.

In a separate incident, a man was robbed on Friday while walking near Hunters Woods Shopping Center at around 1:30 p.m. The suspect assaulted the victim and stole personal items from him when he said he did not have any money. Police described the suspect as a white male approximately 5’11” – 6’2″ and about 150 to 180 pounds. 

Sometime between Sept. 18 and 26, a man was found sleeping inside a vacant house on the 12000 block of Kinsley Place. The owner of the house discovered a man in his 20s who appeared to be sleeping inside the home as it underwent repairs, according to police.

FCPD also reported the following incidents in recent days:

LARCENIES:

1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, wallet from location

1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, wallet from location

2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, liquor from business

2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, liquor from business

2500 block of John Eppes Road, steering wheel and airbags from vehicle

1400 block of North Point Village Center, cash from business

12900 block of Park Crescent Circle, airbag from vehicle

2000 block of Royal Fern Court, wallet from location

South Lakes Drive/Pinecrest Road, wallet from vehicle

1800 block of Town Center Parkway, ring from location

13500 block of Virginia Randolph Avenue, airbag from vehicle

STOLEN VEHICLES:

None reported

Photo via FCPD

Local police continue to investigate an attempted robbery on the 2200 block of Hunters Woods Plaza that occurred on August 7.

A man was approached by a group of Hispanic men who tried to rob him at gunpoint, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Gunshots were fired and a bullet entered another resident’s home. No injuries were reported.

In a separate, incident, a Herndon man was arrested on August 11 in connection with the theft of a car on the 4600 block of Community Plaza in Sterling.

Police believe David Anticonachoy, 33, took the car after the victim loaned the suspect keys to get items from the car. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the man drove the car to Washington, D.C. where he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department. Charges are pending in Loudoun County.

FCPD also reported the following incidents in recent days:

LARCENIES:

2400 block of Centreville Road, sunglasses from business

2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, food from business

1800 block of Library Street, cash from business

12000 block of Market Street, keys from location

2100 block of Monaghan Drive, jewelry and cash from residence

23200 block of Sunset HillsRoad, electronic device from business

12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, merchandise from business

2700 block of Viking Drive, cell phone from location

2600 block of William Short Circle, cell phone and wallet from location

STOLEN VEHICLES: 

None reported

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A showroom for Hunters Woods at Trails Edge, a senior living community under construction at 2222 Colts Neck Road, is now open in Hunters Woods Village Center nearly one year ahead of the project’s completion.

The project includes 90 independent units, 81 assisted living units, 15 units for individuals with special needs, and 24 units assigned for memory care.

“Hunters Woods at Trails Edge promotes Reston founder Bob Simon’s vision of a community where residents can live, work, play and, now, grow older.” says David A. Ross, Partner and President of Atlantic Realty Companies. “We are proud to bring this leading-edge amenity to the community, the first of its kind in Reston.”

Hunters Woods at Trails Edge is expected to be completed by spring 2019. The showroom is located at 2254B Colts Neck Road.

Photo via Myers Public Relations

Medicare experts from the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program will discuss Medicare plan options tomorrow for the coming year.

The event will take place at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road).

To receive one-on-one Medicare advice, participants are encouraged to call Fairfax County’s VICAP at 703-324-5851. The event is free.

For more information, visit VICAP’s website.

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A vacant position on Reston Association’s Board of Directors could be filled on Friday (May 24).

Four candidates — Rick Landers, Caren Anton, John Bowman and Travis Johnson — are vying for the open Hunters Woods/Dogwood District seat.

The position became vacant in April — just one day after the board election — when Victoria White resigned. The board will vote to elect the new director during its meeting.

Bowman finished second for the one-year, at-large director seat during elections earlier this year. Johnson finished fourth in the race for a three-year, at-large director as well.

The candidates’ statements are below.

Candidate Statements – Vacancy by Fatimah Waseem on Scribd

Photo by Reston Association 

Fairfax County police are investigating a stabbing that took place Friday afternoon in the Hunters Woods Plaza.

According to a Fairfax County Police Department spokesperson, a male juvenile was stabbed on Friday. Police responded to a call at 4:43 p.m. on Friday indicating someone had been stabbed.

INCIDENT ADVISORY: Officers investigating stabbing in 2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza (Reston). One victim, non-life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/hAxL8f0TTK

— Fairfax Co. Police (@fairfaxpolice) November 24, 2017

The victim was found in the 2300 block of the plaza with a non-life threatening wound to the upper body. He was taken to the hospital and is recovering, the spokesperson said.

Police do not have any updates on the investigation at this time. Anyone with information about crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).

Syazana Durrani and Victoria White, candidates for the Hunters Woods/Dogwood District seat on the Reston Association Board of Directors, squared off in a candidate forum Thursday at Reston Association headquarters.

White, a contracts administrator who has lived in Reston since 2004, said she has become distressed with the way the RA board has operated in recent years.

“The big commitment I’m going to make is to find out why we aren’t making good decisions within the RA, why we’re not meeting our budget line items such as at the Lake House, and what I can do to help preserve green space within Reston Association lands and in our community in general,” she said.

Durrani, a six-year resident, described Reston as a charming place with an unmatched sense of community she wants to help grow and prosper.

“We need to keep beauty in the green space, beauty in the people, beauty in the community, beauty in the association,” she said. “When we work together, I think that’s when we are our best.”

White said bringing “civility” back to the board is a goal of hers.

“When you go to a board meeting, at times there is a lack of civility among board members and a lack of civility between the board and the community,” she said. “I’d like to bring it back to where there is a modicum of respect between the two.”

When asked about the need for pedestrian lighting in the area, including around Hunters Woods Plaza, White said she is “not necessarily a fan” of the idea.

“I worry about the animals that live in the woods and how the light would impact their sleep cycles,” she said. “I also wonder about the safety benefits from having lights — as anybody who walks through lights on a lighted path at night knows, when you’re under the light you see everything around you, but when you reach the end of the light you can’t see what’s two feet in front of you.”

White said additional patrols by Fairfax County Police Department officers are necessary to increase safety and decrease crime in the area. Durrani said CCTV could be used to make problem areas more safe, and she also believes cluster associations should be engaged in public safety.

“Just getting together, I think, and helping one another — that’s what community is about,” she said.

Both candidates spoke about the Pony Barn proposal, which is currently on hold, saying that it is the type of project Reston Association must be more careful when undertaking.

“How in the world [did we go] from a $30,00 budget that suddenly went up to $350,000?” White said. “These are things that made we want to get interested [in becoming a board member].”

“Everyone loves a beautiful butterfly garden,” Durrani said. “But I don’t think right now we need something like that.”

Director Ray Wedell’s proposal for tiered assessments based on property values was something both women said they can get behind — at some point in the future.

“As time has marched on, the difference between the high end and low end of property values in Reston has gotten further and further apart,” White said. “This is definitely something we should be discussing; however, I think maybe we should be discussing it a little bit further down the road, because we do have some very pressing issues.”

Durrani said the proposal is in line with her goal of continuing Reston’s sense of community for all.

“The vision that I have for Reston is all within our fingertips — the brilliant minds, the passionate communities, the efficacy of the symbiotic relationships,” she said. “I see the discussion, the proposal of the tiered assessments, really mirrors that.”

The candidates also answered questions on better member outreach, future capital improvements and more. The forum can be viewed in full on Reston Association’s YouTube channel.

The candidate who wins the race will serve a three-year term on the board. Voting will continue through April 3 and can be done by mail or at reston.org.