Design Review Board to Meet Next Week — Reston Association’s DRB will meet via Zoom on Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. to discuss a number of requested cluster updates. Information to join the virtual meeting is available online. [RA]
Month-to-Month Count of COVID-19 Cases On Decline — “The coronavirus case trends are looking better in June and July than May for Fairfax County, according to the latest local and state health department data. As of Aug. 10, cumulative cases stand at 16,445. There have been 529 total deaths and 1,939 hospitalizations.” [Reston Patch]
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Awarded Grants — “FCFRD was awarded $78,738 under the Grant Programs Directorate’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S). The funds will be used to purchase critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.” [FCFRD]
No-fee Bulk Pickup Extended — “The special collection service available to residents for bulky items that do not fit within their refuse containers (such as furniture and appliances) is free through September 18. Pickups are by appointment only.” [Town of Herndon]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A Halt on Evictions in Virginia — Gov. Ralph Northam has granted a temporary statewide eviction moratorium through Sept. 7. Northam requested this moratorium in a letter to Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons on July 24. [Commonwealth of Virginia]
Goodbye to K-9 Jake — The K9 for the Herndon Police Department crossed the rainbow bridge last week. He served the residents of Herndon from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. [Herndon Police Department]
New Portal for Community Partners — “A new partner portal has been launched for local community leaders and organizations with shareable information about COVID-19 safety curated according to health messages. Users can grab-and-go with text and video content, visuals, flyers and other materials.”[Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Volunteers Needed at Fellowship Square — The Reston and Lake Anne location need volunteers who can call seniors and deliver food to senior apartments. Sign up is available online. [Fellowship Square]
Hoskins Reflects on Year One — “Victor Hoskins took the helm of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) on August 5, 2019, after leading economic development in Arlington County for almost five years and winning the biggest economic-development competition in history: Amazon’s second headquarters, aka HQ2.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Sales Tax Holiday Returns — The three-day holiday starts today and ends on Sunday. Residents can buy qualifying supplies, clothing, footwear, emergency preparedness items and Energy Star products without paying sales tax. [Virginia State Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Big Contract for Reston Company — “The General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Reston-based government technology company Octo Consulting Group an $11.8 million contract to provide framework and architecture services for the GSA’s System for Award Management (SAM).” [Virginia Business Monthly]
Public Art Reston to Host Virtual Talk Today — DeWitt Godfrey will discuss his latest work at Valley & Park, a new townhouse development in Reston. His sculpture is titled ‘Simon,’ and is expected to be installed this month. [Public Art Reston]
Collects for Kids Campaign –The Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools is collecting donations for school supplies. Donations can be made online. [FCPS Foundation]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Retail Rents Not Getting Paid — “Retail tenants have been hardest hit during the pandemic, across the board and for JBG Smith. The company collected 58% of rent due from those tenants in the second quarter, compared with nearly 99% for office and 98.5% for multifamily… JBG Smith is exploring the possibility of incorporating ghost kitchens, or food preparation facilities for delivery-only meals, to fill some of the void created by empty retail spaces as a temporary measure.” [Washington Business Journal]
Free COVID-19 Testing in Reston Today — The Fairfax County Health Department and Southgate Community Center are partnering to offer free testing ontoday from 5-8 p.m. at the community center, which is located at 12125 Pinecrest Road. [Virginia Department of Health]
Schools Take Part in Racial Truth and Reconciliation Week — “As part of Virginia’s declaration of August 2-8 as Virginia’s Racial Truth and Reconciliation Week, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be participating in activities to help educate citizens about the impact of cultural, historical, and racial inequity.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Photo by Ray Copson
Beware of Downed Power Lines — “The National Weather Service has indicated sustained winds of 10 to 20 mph with wind gusts up to 30 mph are likely for our area today. These winds, along with the saturated ground, may cause trees, tree limbs, and power lines to fall. Scattered power outages are possible.” [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
New Leadership at CertiPath — “CertiPath — a high-assurance identity management leader — has appointed industry veteran Jack L. Johnson as Advisor to its Board of Directors. In his new role, Jack will provide expertise and guidance on growth opportunities to the CertiPath leadership team and much more.” [CertiPath]
Reston’s EverWatch Buys Firm — “Reston’s EverWatch, a defense and national security contractor under the Enlightenment Capital umbrella, has made its largest acquisition to date, an Anne Arundel County IT and cloud services firm.” [Washington Business Journal]
Touring Artists to Take CenterStage — “Even as it faces the challenges of COVID-19, the Reston Community Center CenterStage has programmed a Professional Touring Artists Series that aims ‘to help our community reflect on how structural racism impacts us all and to celebrate diversity,’ said Paul Douglas Michnewicz, RCC’s Director of Arts and Events.” [DC Metro Theatre Arts]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Route 7 Lane Shifts Begin — There will be permanent lane shifts between Towlston Road and Lewinsville Road beginning today. All residences, businesses and other facilities will remain accessible. [Virginia Department of Transportation]
Filing Now Open for Reston Community Center Poll — “Candidate filing is now open for Reston Community Center’s 2020 Preference Poll to fill three seats on its Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is a nine-member body responsible for overseeing the policies, programs and financial planning for RCC.” [RCC]
Northern Virginia Trails Eastern in New COVID-19 Cases — “While the northern region was the center of the coronavirus crisis in Virginia months ago, it has been trailing the eastern region for new cases lately. In the eastern region, additional restrictions have been implemented in Hampton Roads due to increasing new cases, hospitalizations and positive tests.” [Reston Patch]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Bechtel Taps New President — “For the first time in four years, Bechtel Corp. will have a new president and chief operating officer. Executives for the Reston engineering and construction company said Thursday that Craig Albert, president of its infrastructure segment, will take the reins as its president and COO, stepping in for current COO Jack Futcher, who is set to retire at the end of 2020.” [Washington Business Journal]
Town of Herndon is Open for Business — “The town has launched a “Herndon is Open for Business” promotional video campaign. The town with the help of HCTV is visiting 10-15 small businesses a month to highlight the unique and variety of businesses in the community.” [Town of Herndon]
New State Grant Launching Soon — “A new program, Rebuild VA, will open for applications on August 10 to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose normal operations were disrupted by the economic emergency created by the pandemic.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reston Firm Going Public — “SOC Telemed has signed a deal to go public through a merger with a blank-check company, 16 years after the Reston telemedicine provider launched as a videoconferencing service for hospitals — and as the coronavirus pandemic stimulates unprecedented demand for virtual care.” [Washington Business Journal]
Photo vis Marjorie Copson
Summer Entertainment Series Returns — “Beginning July 30, the Fairfax County Park Authority will livestream 25 free summer concert events featuring a mix of nationally known performers and singer-songwriters. These virtual events provide a new way to enjoy great performances from the safety of your home.” [Fairfax County Government]
Private Wagon Rides at Frying Pan Farm Park — The park is offering 30-minute private tours Monday through Friday mornings throughout August. The cost is $40 per family and advance reservations are required. [Fairfax County Government]
Public Art Reston to Host Virtual Artist Talk — “Join Public Art Reston for a live virtual artist talk with DeWitt Godfrey. The artist’s latest work ‘Simon’ is scheduled to be installed at Valley & Park here in Reston in August. During the artist talk, Godfrey will be interviewed by Public Art Reston Board Director and local artist Marco Rando. They will discuss the new sculpture, the artist’s creative process, and inspiration.” [Viva Reston]
Herndon Police Issues Warning about Unlocked Cars — Local police investigated reports of at least 10 vehicles that someone entered other than their owner. All vehicles were left unlocked. [Herndon Police Department]
Teachers’ Union Seeks Roles for All — The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers is asking Fairfax County Public Schools has a role for all staff including instructional assistants and bus drivers. [Fairfax County Federation of Teachers]
Arrest Made in Aggravated Assault Case — “Marian Jose Acuna Palma, 27, of Herndon, VA was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for the stabbing of a victim that is known to her. The victim went to Fair Oaks Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” according to police. The incident happened on the 1000 block of Elden Street on July 21. [Herndon Police Department]
Atlanta Firm Acquires Reston Company — “Atlanta-based investment company Battle Investment Group has acquired Reston-based telecommunications company Oceus Networks, the company announced Tuesday.” [Virginia Business]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Guidance for County Students on College — Northern Virginia Community College is inviting parents of FCPS students and recent graduates for an informational session on navigating college options for high school graduates. The virtual meeting takes place via Zoom today at 6:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
County NAACP Chair Considers Run for Lt. Governor Seat — “Sean Perryman, president of the Fairfax County NAACP, is considering a bid for the Lt. Governor of Virginia in 2021. He announced Monday in a release the formation of an ‘exploratory committee.'” [Reston Patch]
Herndon Police Department Seeks Public Comment for Re-accreditation Process — The Herndon Police Department is being reassessed for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies’ accreditation award. Public comment is sought vi email and during phone-in sessions. [Herndon Police Department]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Northam Considers Rolling Back Reopening — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has a warning for Virginians. He tweeted Saturday that he will be watching public health data as COVID-19 cases increase in the Commonwealth.” [FOX 5]
Quiet Opening for Apple Store in Reston Town Center — “The new, larger store has quietly opened for business, welcoming customers earlier this month. Usually, new Apple stores are accompanied by much hoopla and celebration. But not this time. In order to keep crowds down, the store just opened. Temperature taking, hand sanitizing, limited customers inside, and lines out front are all part of the new Apple store experience.” [The Burn]
Design Review Board Candidates Sought — Reston Association is seeking volunteers to serve on the board for two volunteer positions. The application is available online. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A Reminder about School-required Immunizations — Immunizations remain mandatory for school enrollment. The Fairfax County Health Department is offering nine additional community childhood vaccination clinics and has also expanded office hours. [Fairfax County Government]
Columbus Day Renamed to Indigenous Peoples’ Day — “The Fairfax County School Board has voted to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day for the previously approved 2020-21 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) school year calendar as well as the yet-to-be approved 2021-22 school year calendar. The 2021-22 calendar is scheduled to be adopted in September.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Herndon Company Operates New Satellite Technology — “HawkEye 360, a radio frequency (RF) data analytics company based in Herndon, operates a first-of-its-kind commercial satellite constellation to identify, process and geo-locate a broad set of RF signals especially for defense, security and intelligence missions. John Serafini, chief executive officer, spoke to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority about HawkEye 360, including the applications of its satellite technology operations, hiring projections, and why Fairfax County is a great place for the company’s headquarters.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Transportation Service for Oakton, Vienna, Reston and Herndon Residents Returns — “The Board of Directors of Shepherd’s Center serving Oakton-Vienna-Reston-Herndon (SC) has announced that their face-to-face medical and companion transportation service are now being offered. Due to virus safety concerns for their clients and volunteers, SC had put that service temporarily on hold. If you are a current client and you live in Oakton, Vienna, Reston or Herndon, SC is available to, once again, provide this invaluable service for seniors.” [Shepherd’s Center]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Weather-related Road Closures — Although no roads are closed in Reston, a number of areas throughout the county remain impacted by yesterday’s storm. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Reston Association Board Meets Tonight — The Board of Directors will meet virtually today at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place via Zoom. [Reston Association]
Founding Farmers, Comstock to Deliver Food to Shelter — “Comstock Companies and Founding Farmers are partnering to provide breakfast and boxed lunches to the the Embry Rucker Shelter over the next month. Embry Rucker, which is located at 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, is a 70-bed residential shelter that provides housing for individuals and families in Reston.” [Reston Patch]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
Fairfax’s Edge in Flagging Office Market — Microsoft’s 400,000-square-foot-deal at Reston Town Center was one fo the biggest leasing wins for this region this year. But county business leaders see more deals coming, despite a slowdown created by the coronavirus pandemic. [Bisnow]
Reservations for Ridge Heights Pool Open Tomorrow — Reston Association is now offering members and non-members a chance to reserve a spot at the pool. The updated pool schedule is also available online. [Reston Association]
Herndon-based Company Offers Virtual Learning for Students — “Herndon-based online education provider K12 Inc. announced Wednesday it plans to hire more than 1,300 educators for the 2020 through 2021 school year, in light of a massive push to move education online during the pandemic. Across Virginia, schools have been making decisions regarding reopening in the fall, with some already opting for full online learning.” [Virginia Business Monthly]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
