Nominations Sought for Annual Volunteer Service Awards — Reston Association is seeking nominations for the ward by Friday, Feb. 28. [Reston Association]
Hours Extended at Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion — Hours will be extended on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. due to President’s Day. [Reston Town Center]
Reston-based Tech Firm Acquires Danish Company — “Reston-based federal contractor and tech firm SOS International LLC (SOSi) has acquired Denmark-based analytics software company NorthStar Systems, SOSi announced Tuesday, making it the company’s fifth acquisition since 2016, including New World Solutions, Defense Group Inc., STG Group Holdings Inc. and Vykin Corp.” [Virginia Business]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Extended Holiday Hours at Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion — Hours are extended through Jan. 3 at the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion, which is located at 1818 Discovery Street. [Reston Town Center]
Nine Deaths in Five Days on State Highways — “Nine people lost their lives on Virginia’s highways from Saturday, Dec. 21 through midnight on Christmas Day. Year to date, 800 people have been killed in traffic crashes across Virginia, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the Virginia State Police.” [Patch]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
State Democrats Take Control of State Legislatures — “Virginia Democrats continued their winning streak under President Trump on Tuesday and took full control of the statehouse for the first time in more than two decades. Suburban voters turned out in big numbers to back Democratic candidates, continuing a trend of once GOP-friendly suburbs turning blue. This is the third election in a row in which Democrats made significant gains since Trump was elected.” [Associated Press]
Reston Town Center Ice Rink to Open on Friday — The public ice skating rink will open on Friday (Nov 8). Access is $10 for adults, $9 for youth under 11, and skate rentals are $6. [Reston Town Center]
Edison Academy to Host Apprenticeships and Skilled Workforce Fair — “High school students and recent graduates interested in the construction-related trades, service industries, manufacturing, and information technology are invited to attend the Apprenticeships and Skilled Workforce Career Fair on Thursday, November 7, at Edison Academy. The fair is designed to encourage interest among high school students and recent graduates in the in-demand skilled career fields that are attainable through two-year degree programs, certifications, apprenticeships or on-the-job training.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Reston Town Center is celebrating National Picnic Day with a pop-up picnic today (Tuesday).
Several town center businesses will offer deals for the picnic, which will be located at 11900 Market Street. All are encouraged to bring lunch to the pavilion to “celebrate great weather” and a “fun picnic atmosphere,” according to event organizers.
Restaurants will offer the following specials:
- Balducci’s (1871 Fountain Drive) — 10% off entire purchase all day
- Le Pain Quotidien (11909 Democracy Drive) — Receive a free drink with purchase of the Tartine of the Day (Salmon & Ricotta)
- Peet’s Coffee (11830 Freedom Drive) — Purchase one pound of coffee and receive $2 off and a free drip coffee
- Ted’s Bulletin (11948 Market Street) — Receive a free Ted’s Tart with purchase of any take out meal
Photo via TAA PR
Several holiday events are planned around Reston throughout December.
Every Saturday evening in December, from 4-9 p.m., horse-drawn carriage rides will take visitors on a tour around the Reston Town Center. The carriage rides start in front of Talbots (11900 Market Street).
On Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m., train rides will be available for smaller children. Donations benefiting local charities are requested. The train departs in front of Clyde’s.
On Dec. 2 and 9, the Frying Pan Farm Park will also be hosting Christmas at the Farm. A variety of Christmas-themed activities, including cookie decorating and writing letters to Santa, will be held in sessions throughout the day at the park. Tickets are $10 per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.
- Dec. 1: Gifts from the HeART Exhibit — Artists from Jo Ann Rose Gallery will display and sell original works of art.
- Dec. 1: The Wonder of the Season — The Reston Chorale presents sounds of the season with guest artists Tim King and the Washington Symphonic Brass Quintet. Tickets are available through Reston Chorale.
- Dec. 1: Alternative Gift Market — The Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston will create a market with more than 30 local, national and international nonprofit organizations. All of the proceeds will go to the participating groups.
- Dec. 1: Jingle on Lake Anne — An ornament and cookie decorating event on Lake Anne, with Santa and his elves arriving by boat and paddle board at noon.
- Dec. 2: Run with Santa 5k — A race around the Reston Town Center starting and ending on Market Street. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. and participants are encouraged to wear ugly Christmas sweaters or Christmas elf costumes.
- Dec. 4: Reston Sings: Handel’s Messiah! — The Reston Chorale will be performing George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” General admission tickets are $15, or $10 with the donation of a new or gently used coat or other winter apparel.
- Dec. 9: Chanukah on Ice & Outdoor Menorah Lighting — An ice skating party is planned to celebrate Chanukah at the Reston Town Center Pavilion. A lighting ceremony is open to all, with a $12 fee to skate. Latkes and donuts will be served.
- Dec. 15: Reston Town Center Winterfest — Treats and activities are planned for the festival running from 12-5 p.m., including a carousel at the ice skating rink.
Photo via Facebook
Let the skating begin — The Reston Town Center ice skating pavilion reopens today, just in time for colder temperatures that are expected to befall the region this week. [Reston Town Center]
Getting a little trashy — In Fairfax County, nearly 30 percent of all recycling material received was actually trash. Here’s what you need to know to reduce the amount of contaminated materials placed in recycling bins. [Fairfax County Government]
841 stronger — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority worked with 21 businesses in the third quarter of the year to bring in 841 jobs to Fairfax County. Bechtel, a leading engineering and construction firm, consolidated its company headquarters in Reston, adding 150 jobs as a result. [Fairfax News]
Veterans Day Closures Next Week — Fairfax County Government offices will be closed Monday for the observance of Veterans Day, but county schools will remain open. [Fairfax County Government]
Shedding light on Diwali — South Lakes High School’s International Club learned about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights recently. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Official Herndon Town Council results are in — Pradip Dhakal came in fifth place for the election, taking off Joe Plummer from one of the six candidates to take a seat on the council and sliding incumbent Bill McKenna to sixth place. [Reston Now]
Sharing mental health battles — Local first responders share their mental health battles in an effort to help others. [NBC 4]
Get your skates on — The Reston Town Center ice skating pavilion opens tomorrow at 11 a.m. for public ice skating and daily skate rentals. [Reston Town Center]
Herndon High School Theatre presents The Diary of Anne Frank — A performance of the play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett begins tomorrow. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. [Herndon High School]
Photo by Tina
Reston Town Center’s ice skating pavilion will reopen for the season on November 9 (Friday).
The season will end on March 10. The hours for the rink are as follows: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under, senior citizens 55 and older, and military personnel. Skate rentals are $6. On Thursdays, college students can earn a $2 discount from 6 to 9 p.m., with a valid college ID.
Skating events scheduled for the year include “Rock the Rink” on Fridays from 8-10 p.m. and “Cartoon Skate” on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Skating lessons are offered on Saturdays from 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:15-10:45 a.m. Three sessions, each at a cost of $125, are available and more information is available online.
File photo
Antsy about antennas — T-Mobile is trying once again to put cell phone equipment on top of the Waterford Square condominium building. Plans were rejected earlier this year, but a second shot is planned will be proposed to Reston Association’s Design Review Board tonight. [Reston Association]
Meet MeSpoke — This company based in Reston offers a digital community for retail shopping. Users download the app and create a billboard, which curates photos of clothing ensembles from the user’s favorite brands. [WTOP]
Meeting on transit station guidelines tonight — A meeting about draft guidelines for Reston’s Transit Station Areas is set for today at 6 p.m. in Reston Association headquarters. Guidelines are intended to implement Reston’s comprehensive plan, which was amended in 2014. [Reston Association]
Woodfield to replace office building — The company wants to tear down the small office building at 1941 Roland Clarke Place in order to build a larger, 308-unit apartment building. [Washington Business Journal]
Farmers Market returns to Reston Town Center — The market will be on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the pavilion. [Reston Town Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
A winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent will perform at the last summer concert at the pavilion in Reston Town Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. was the season six winner of the talent show, winning the largest vote total in the show’s history. He went washing cards from a living and volunteering as a singer in the community to winning the top title of the show.
“I am excited about my performance and my fans will have a good time. Together we will create some fun memories,” Landau said.
His show on Saturday will offer a salute to Frank Sinatra and the magic of Motown. Murphy has performed around the world, sharing the stage with the Boston Pops, George Benson, Christopher Cross and others.
Since winning the show, he released three albums. His latest album, “Landau,” released in December 2016, features his take on new versions of classic R&B and new compositions. He also co-authored a book with Rick Robinson titled, “Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.: From Washing Cars to Hollywood Star.” The book debuted at #1 on Amazon’s jazz book chart.
The live concert is free and open to the public.
Photo via Shaili Priya
Runway to the Cure will return to Reston Town Center’s Ice Skating Pavilion on September 29 from 6-8 p.m.
The second annual event aims to raise money for breast cancer research and advocacy. local businesses and sponsors will work together to produce a runway fashion show. Breast cancer survivors will model clothing from Scouty & Molly’s and Athleta, as well as accessories from The Eyewear Gallery and Kendra Scott.
Organizers said this year’s goal is to raise $22,000, double the amount raised last year during the inaugural event. The event is free but a donation of $25 is suggested.
Photo via Runway to the Cure
‘Muscle Up Mondays’ continue today — Crunch Fitness will continue to offer free group fitness classes on Mondays through October 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Reston Town Center. [Facebook]
Delays on Orange, Silver and Blue lines continue –Metro commuters are encouraged to seek other transportation options this week as major construction work continues through August 26. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Ramp and lane closures in effect this week — Several local lanes and ramps will be closed this week as work on phase two of the Silver Line continues. Impacted roads include the Dulles Toll Road, Sunset Hills Road, Sunrise Valley Drive and Herndon Parkway. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Let’s talk finances — Reston Association’s Board of Directors will meet with the organization’s fiscal committee to review the first draft of the operating and capital budgets, as well as the PRC zoning amendment. [Reston Association]
In summary: Downtown Herndon redevelopment — Comstock Partners has officially withdrawn its application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to the Town of Herndon’s Heritage Preservation Review Board for the redevelopment of downtown Herndon. But plans are in the works to resubmit the proposal, which calls for roughly 17,600 square feet of retail, 200+ apartments, and a 761-space parking garage. [Fairfax County Times]
Photo by Beth Allgaier
Easy, fun and raw — A professor offers tips on how to add more raw food to your diet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at Reston Regional Library. [Fairfax County Government]
Rename Rock N’ Skate — The Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion is looking for new names for its weekly ice skating series. The grand prize winner will receive 10 free admission tickets. [Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion]
Summerbration concert tonight — Enjoy Latin music with free dancing and instruction as part of the weekly “Summerbration” concert series. Parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. [Reston Community Center]
Nearby: If you have the energy for it — “Fairfax County has pledged to reduce the energy consumption of its facilities by 20 percent per square foot over 10 years as part of an operational energy strategy adopted by its Board of Supervisors on July 10.” [Fairfax County Times]
Search for missing woman continues — Susan Carstens, 51, was last seen in Reston on Wednesday. A search continues for the woman, who police believe may be endangered. [Reston Now]
Photo by Ruth Sievers
Fox 5 DC will broadcast their morning show live from the Reston Town Center Pavilion on Friday (June 22) from 6-11 a.m.
The show is part of the channel’s “zip trip” series, which takes viewers to a new city every Friday in the DMV region through Labor Day weekend.
Reston is the fifth community to be featured on the series, joining Anacostia in District, Laurel in Maryland and Alexandria.
The following individuals, organizations and businesses are scheduled to appear on the show:
- Reston Raiders Hockey Club
- Congressman Gerry Connolly
- South Lakes High School String Quartet
- Reston’s U.S. Winter Olympian Maame Biney
- Lake Anne Brew House
- Reston Museum
- Canine Companions for Independence
- Greater Reston Arts Center
- Ted’s Bulletin
- Kitty Bernard – Century 21 Redwood
- Fairfax County Fire Station 25,
- PassionFish Reston
- South Moon Under
- Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market
- Crunch Fitness
Photo via Visit Fairfax
Big wins for Boston Properties — Ray Ritchey, senior vice president of Boston Properties, can’t remember a better year for the company, which has inked major deals since last July. [Bisnow]
Last chance to hit the ice — The season for skating at the Ice Skating Pavilion in Reston Town Center will be over this Sunday. Get on the ice while you can. Ice ice baby! [Reston Town Center]
If you’re concerned about issues in Reston — The Reston Citizens Association, a civic, non-profit organization, is looking for volunteers for various committees. [Reston Citizens Association]
Free caregiver support group — Are you a caregiver for an older adult? The county is offering a free online program to help you navigate the process. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Ruth Sievers
