Fairfax County Adopts Social and Racial Equity Policy — The county’s Board of Supervisors and the school board have instituted the policy, called One Fairfax in order to consider equity in decision-making and in the development of future policies, programs, and services. [Fairfax County Government]
Cops and Kids Coat Drive Seeks New or Gently Used Coats and Warm Clothes — Bring the items to Herndon’s station at 397 Herndon Parkway through Sunday. The drive is made possible through a partnership between the Herndon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #64 and the Loudoun-Dulles FOP Charitable Foundation Lodge #69. [Herndon Police Department]
Company in the Spotlight: Serco — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority recently featured the Reston-based technology company Serco on its website. [Fairfax County EDA]
Police Body Cameras Coming to Fairfax County Early Next Year — Patrol officers from district stations in Mount Vernon and Mason will be equipped with the body cameras as part of a three month pilot approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors this week. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Holiday Open House at Reston Historic Trust and Museum — The nonprofit organization is hosting an open house on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will include exhibitions, Reston-inspired gifts, hot chocolate and cookies. Author Watt Hamlet and illustrator Jill Ollison Vinson will also be on-site for a book signing of their book “Reston A to Z.” [Reston Historic Trust and Museum]
Tennis Courts Closures In Effect — The Glade and North Hills clay courts closed for the tennis season on Monday. For more information about Reston Association’s tennis facilities, visit the association’s website. [Reston Association]
Reston Town Center Gears Up for Holidays — On its website, Reston Town Center provides a complete guide of local holiday events, including Toys for Tots, Reston’s holiday parade and tree lighting. [Reston Town Center]
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Creditors Take Over Reston Contractor’s Subsidiary — The company, STC Group Inc., received formal notice earlier this month of the default, which cited the company’s failure to comply with financial covenants of an $81.2 million credit agreement from two years ago, according to the report. Top executives resigned as a result. [Washington Business Journal]
Stolen Garage Door Openers Lead to Local Burglaries — According to WTOP, police in Fairfax County are investigating a series of burglaries that happened this week involving stolen garage door openers. The incidents occurred at four homes, two of which are in Reston. In three cases, homeowners said they spotted the suspect, whom they described as a black man in his late teens to early 20s. [WTOP]
Comstock Holding Companies Inc Reports Third Quarter Results — The Reston-based company reported a net los of around $1.5 million as compared to the third quarter of last year, during with a net loss of $1.1 million was reported. [NB Herard]
Farmer-owned Restaurant Coming to Reston Soon — The North Dakota Farmers Union, Agraria LLC and the Farmers Restaurant Group are considering a plan to open their seventh farmer-owned restaurant on the East Coast in Reston. [Bismarck Tribune]
Reston-based Federal Contractor Sold to Private Equity Firm — Whitney, Bradley & Brown, Inc., a contractor with ties to defense agencies, was sold to an affiliate of global private equity firm H.I.G. Capital. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but H.I.G. manages $24 billion in equity capital worldwide. [Washington Business Journal]
Parenting Talk Tonight to Focus on Sexuality Education for Children — Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston and Cornerstones are hosting Dr. Debra Haffner for a talk about sexuality education. Haffner will discuss her award-winning book, “From Diapers to Dating: A Parenting Guide to Sexually Healthy Children.” The book is a step-by-step guide on how to provide accurate information to children and convey values about sexuality to children. [UUCR]
Registration for Reston-Herndon Little League Now Open — Interested applicants can submit registration online. Applications are due by January 1. The league is open to children between 4 and 12. [Reston Herndon Little League]
Discussion on Sue Wrbican’s ‘Well Past the Echo’ Exhibition Tomorrow Night — Molly Donovan, curator of contemporary for the National Gallery of Art, will give a talk on the exhibition and the overlap between surrealism and contemporary art. The event will take place from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Greater Reston Arts Center. [Greater Reston Arts Center via Facebook]
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Save the Date: Reston Christmas Tree Market — The market, which begins Nov. 18 through Dec. 24, will bring winter season’s celebrations to hearts and homes. It takes place at 10800 Baron Cameron Avenue. [Reston Farm Market]
As Craft Beer Industry Grows, Fairfax County Hopes to Catch Up to Loudoun County — The roster of breweries that have opened in the county has grown since 2015, including Reston-based Lake Anne Brew House. Changes to zoning laws could make room for many more. Nationally, breweries have opened as anchors of mixed-used developments and communities. [Bisnow]
Virginia State Bar Publicly Reprimands Herndon-based Attorney — The state bar’s fifth district subcommittee issued a public reprimand with terms to Amy Wilson for what they said was violating professional rules that govern diligence, communication, fees, safekeeping of property and declining or terminating representation. [Virginia State Bar]
Nationally Televised FOX News Town Hall Comes to Herndon — The program, which will be hosted by FOX news and House Speaker Paul Ryan Tuesday night will take place at the Hilton Washington Dulles. [Reston Patch]
Fairfax County School Board to Discuss School Calendar — The board will review three options to change the school calendar for next year on Monday, Nov. 13. Changes include several options for the first day of school and the selection of the length of winter break and early release days. Proposed changes can be found on the school system’s website. For more information, contact the school system’s community relations and communication office at 571-423-1200. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Federal Capital Partners To Sell Amazon Web Services Building in Herndon — The landlord has hired a firm to market the One Dulles Tower, a 400,000 square foot building for sale. The company purchased the building for $80 million in 2015. [Washington Business Journal]
Event to Highlight Crash Management Efforts in Northern Virginia — Virginia’s transportation department will show how multiple agencies and jurisdictions work together to clear incidents on the state’s roads on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. The event, which will be held at the department’s Northern Virginia District Office (4975 Alliance Drive), is the first open house in Northern Virginia that will feature a simulated crash scene and indoor technology exposition. For more information, visit the department’s webpage. [Virginia Department of Transportation]
Herndon High School Theatre Presents ‘Twelfth Night’ — William Shakespeare’s holiday comedy will be performed on Nov. 10, 11, 16 and 17 from 7:30 – 10 p.m. Timings for Nov. 12 and Nov. 18 are between 2 and 4:30 p.m. Parental guidance is recommended, as the performance is not suitable for audience members under the age of thirteen. Tickets, which are $12 for adults and $6 for students, can be purchased on the theatre’s website. Performances will take place in Herndon High School’s auditorium (700 Bennett St.). [Herndon High School Theatre]
Sobriety Check Set for Friday — Officers from the Reston District Station will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in the area this Friday. A first-time DUI offense can result in fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 and a one-year license suspension. Individuals arrested with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or higher must spend at least five days in jail. [Fairfax County Police]
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Reston Saying Goodbye to Amazon Fresh? – Following its recent acquisition of Whole Foods Markets, Amazon announced recently it will be scaling back its fresh grocery delivery in parts of seven states at the end of this month–and parts of Northern Virginia and Maryland appear to be on the list. Currently, Amazon Fresh–a service available for a monthly subscription fee to Amazon Prime members–delivers fresh groceries locally in Reston as well as Oakton, McLean, Fairfax, Arlington, Annandale, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Fort Washington, Woodbridge, Dale City and Suitland. Reports indicate the only nearby areas that may see continued service are Baltimore and Washington, D.C. [Bloomberg News]
Reston School Becomes First to Receive STEM Certification – Ideaventions Academy For Mathematics and Science in Reston has become the first school in D.C., Maryland or Virginia to earn official STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) certification from the major education accreditation agency, AdvancED. The private school for children who want an advanced focus on science and math serves grades four through 12, with small class sizes. [Technically DC]
Photos: First Lady of Virginia Visits Reston Farmers Market – Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of Virginia’s Governor Terry McAuliffe, visited the Reston Farmers Market recently to witness a check presentation and shop for local produce. Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield representatives were on hand to present a donation check of $15,000 to Wholesome Wave as part of the Virginia Fresh Match Program (see photo above). [Fairfax County Park Authority/Flickr]
Nearby Commuter Garage To Close For Two Weeks – Due to construction of the new Fairfax County commuter parking garage at the future Metrorail Silver Line’s Herndon Station site, the access road from Sunrise Valley Drive to the Herndon-Monroe park and ride facility will be closed starting this Friday. Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 26. Commuters who wish to use the existing Herndon-Monroe garage during this time will need to enter and exit the facility via the Dulles Toll Road (Rt. 267). This detour will require drivers to pay a $1.00 toll upon exiting the garage with an E-Z Pass or exact change. Commuters are encouraged o consider using the Reston South Park and Ride located at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Fox Mill Road, where parking is free but limited, or the commuter parking garage located at the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, where parking costs $4.95 per day, payable by SmartTrip card, or credit and debit card only. Fairfax Connector bus commuters in the area should expect significant felays during the construction. [Fairfax County Government]
Image: Check presentation at Reston Farmers Market / Courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority
Public Meeting on Soapstone Connector Project Wednesday — The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is holding a public hearing on the environmental assessment for the Soapstone Connector Project this Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Dogwood Elementary School, 12300 Glade Dr. in Reston. A formal presentation of the assessment will be given at 7:15 p.m. Interested residents can view the full environmental assessment report online. Residents will be allowed to make formal comments during the meeting. In addition, written comments can be submitted up to 10 days after the meeting via email to [email protected] or via mail to Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA, 22033. [Fairfax County Government]
Young Reston Woman Featured in News Special For Athletic Accomplishments — Reston native Rose Pleskow was featured on ABC7 News this past week as a rising star in international open-water swimming, as well as running. Born with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy, Rose has never let her obstacles stop her, and she won a bronze medal in the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece, in the 1500-meter dash. Next up for Rose is a college degree, she told the TV news channel. [WJLA.com]
South Lakes High Earns Award for Scholastic Journalism — South Lakes High announced this week that it has been chosen as one of only four schools in Virginia to be honored with the Charles E. Savedge Award in scholastic journalism, for its excellence in producing its annual yearbook. The 2017-18 yearbook is currently available for pre-order. [South Lakes Yearbook/Twitter]
RCC Offers Day Camps On Student Holidays Next Week — Reston Community Center is hosting “Fun Fusion Days” on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 6 and 7, when Fairfax County Public Schools are not in session. RCC staff will lead children ages 7 to 11 in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, movies and cooking, aiming to keep children happy and engaged. Campers must bring their own lunch, snacks, and drinks. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The fee is $45 per day for residents or $68 per day for nonresidents. Register online through WebTrac. [Reston Community Center]
Beware of Local Solar Scams — Fairfax County Government is warning residents of a scam involving solar companies. In an online statement, officials said local residents have reported being contacted and given a sales pitch by companies claiming to be part of a county-wide program called “Solarize Fairfax.” While in the past the county has partnered with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), which negotiated rates for county residents with two specific companies, county officials said that program is no longer active, and the county has never endorsed any specific solar companies. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Woman Named One of 2017’s ‘Women Who Mean Business’ — Reston resident Lynn Dugle has been named one of Washington Business Journal’s 2017 “Women Who Mean Business,” which “honors the region’s most influential businesswomen.” Dugle is the CEO of Engility Corporation and has more than quadrupled the firm’s business during her short tenure. Most recently, she helped the company land a lucrative, $200-million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration to help modernize the country’s air traffic control systems. In her spare time, Dugle is on a mission to visit at least 100 different countries during her lifetime–and she’s already 80 percent of the way there. [Washington Business Journal]
Fairfax County Police Stop Child Exploitation Ring — Fairfax County police officers received a tip over the weekend that underage girls were being held against their will at a Springfield hotel. Officers responded to the TownPlace Suites on Brandon Avenue in Springfield and found one young victim in the lobby, and another two in one of the hotel’s rooms. Officers also located the suspect holding the victims hostage and took him into custody. A 22-year-old Fredericksburg, Virginia man is charged with commercial sex trafficking, abduction with a firearm, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. [Fairfax County Police]
Herndon-Reston Youth Softball Opens Registration, Announces Scholarships — The Herndon Reston Youth Softball (HRYS) League has opened registration for its spring 2018 season, as well as the opportunity for qualifying families to have their participation fees waived under its new scholarship program. According to the HRYS website, female athletes living in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax who are enrolled in grades K-12 in school and currently qualify for Free or Reduced School Lunch, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Aid for Dependent Children, Foster Care, or Medicaid may also qualify for the Fairfax County Youth Sports Scholarship Program. HRYS representatives said they will waive registration fees for these athletes. During registration, qualified families need only to check the box “I request a waiver of all fees” during registration. [Herndon-Reston Youth Softball]
Rapper, Actor ‘Common’ Dines In Reston — Of all the places he could chosen, celebrity actor and rapper Common was spotted dining with a party of eight in Reston at Passionfish restaurant, located in the Reston Town Center, this week. Common was in town for the screening of his movie “Black America Again” at the Washington West Film Festival. [Washington Post]
Meet ‘Adoptable Underdogs’ This Weekend — If you’ve been thinking about adopting a rescue dog, you may want to head over to Reston Town Center this Saturday, Nov. 4. The folks from Rural Dog Rescue will be bringing some of their favorite underdogs out to meet potential forever families. The “Home For The Holidays” event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. [Twitter/Rural Dog Rescue]
Batman and Robin, Little Red Riding Hood, A Dragon and More — A big crowd came out for the Lake Anne Boo and Brews Festival a few days ago, with many Restonians winning awards for their impressive costumes, and many incorporating their pets into their costumes as well. See Little Red Riding Hood and The Huntsman with their dog as Grandma, Batgirl with her dog as Robin, and many more in photos. [Connection Newspapers]
Reston Food Drive Starts Today — Reston Community Center is once again partnering up with Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce to collect food for families in need this month, starting on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off through Nov. 20 at the community centers at Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) and Lake Anne (1609 Washington Plaza N.), or at the Chamber of Commerce (1886 Metro Center Dr., Suite 230). A long list of other drop-off locations, along with a list of the most needed items, is available online. [Reston Community Center]
Franchise Job Fair Coming to Reston on Monday — Budding entrepreneurs who have been considering opening a franchise business are invited to the Capital Area Franchise Fair to learn all about various opportunities and learn more about the process. The fair will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Reston Association Conference Center, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr. in Reston. Representatives from the Virginia Small Business Administration as well as from various franchise industries will present information and talk with attendees, and funding experts will be on hand. Tickets are $39 in advance and $49 at the door. [Capital Area Franchise Fair]
GoCanvas to Host Halloween Extravaganza Today — Reston-based GoCanvas will host a Halloween Extravaganza this afternoon from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Reston Town Center Pavilion, and local businesses and residents are invited. There will be a pumpkin decorating contest with gift cards to local restaurants as the prizes, and a special surprise at 12:30. [GoCanvas]
Chamber Invites All to Prospective Member Breakfast — Members of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce invite all local business persons to its Fall Prospective Member Breakfast this Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hunters Woods Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road. In addition to information about the Chamber itself and how to join, keynote speeches from representatives of local companies like Canvas, Refraction and the Reston Hospital Center will be presented. This event is free for prospective members. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]
Pick Up Your Free Reflective Flasher For Walking and Cycling at Dark — As Daylight Saving Time approaches this weekend, morning and evening rush hours are likely to get darker and foggier, limiting visibility for people who ride their bikes or wait at bus stops. Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates 75 percent of all fatal crashes occur just before dawn and just after dusk. Therefore Fairfax Connector will be handing out free reflective flashers at a number of locations through Nov. 9, including Reston Town Center. For more information, visit the Fairfax Connector page of the county website. [Fairfax County Government]
See ‘Nosferatu’ With Live Music Tonight — Get into the Halloween Eve spirit with a showing of F. W. Murnau’s spooky film “Nosferatu,” based upon the 1897 novel, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The film will be enhanced with live musical accompaniment by Tom Teasley. Plus, if you come dressed as Dracula, you will receive a special Halloween surprise. The showing is part of the 2017 Washington West Film Festival and is sponsored by the Reston Community Center. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. at CenterStage in RCC Hunter’s Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. All ages are welcome. [Reston Community Center]
Meeting Thursday About Future of Hook Road Recreation Area — Residents are invited to a meeting Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. about the future of the Hook Road Recreation Area. Members of the Reston Association staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will be on hand to discuss and solicit feedback on ideas for the park facility’s usage and more. This meeting is one in a series of community engagement meetings the two groups will be hosting this season on the matter. The meeting will take place at the Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Ave. Questions and written feedback can be sent to [email protected]. [Reston Association]
Reston Apartment Ransacked While Residents Were Out — Police were called to a home in the 11900 Winterthur Road around 2 p.m. Wednesday after the residents returned home to find someone was in their apartment. The suspect managed to flee before police arrived. The residents said nothing appeared to be stolen, but there was “obvious damage” from the home being ransacked. Police are still searching for the person or persons responsible. [Reston Patch]
Town Hall Meeting Wednesday About Lake Fairfax Master Plan Revision — The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to come to a town hall meeting Wednesday to hear ideas for improvements to Lake Fairfax Park’s Master Plan, and offer feedback or ask questions. Lake Fairfax Park dates back to 1979 and is home to the popular Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole water park, campgrounds, the lake, walking trails and more. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, Nov. 1 at South Lakes High School, Lecture Hall 333, 11400 South Lakes Dr. Questions and feedback can also be sent to [email protected] before Dec. 1. [Fairfax County Government]
Reception to Celebrate Exhibit About Public Art in Reston Tonight — Public Art Reston and Reston Historic & Museum will co-host a reception to celebrate the exhibit Reston: The Art of Community at the museum (1639 Washington Plaza North) from 5:30 – 7 pm. The reception will be followed by a screening of Peabody Award winning director Rebekah Wingert-Jabi’s Fun, Beauty, Fantasy: Reston’s Public Art and A Bird in the Hand – Patrick Dougherty’s Sculptural Installation in Reston, VA from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center Lake Anne (1609 Washington Plaza North). Attendance is free. RSVP by emailing [email protected]. [Public Art Reston]
Virginia Officials Push Hard on E-ZPass Awareness for I-66 Tolls — State officials plan to encourage more drivers to get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex. Around half of drivers using Interstate 66 do not have the devices, even though new tolls lanes will open in less than two months. [WTOP]
Meet Marion Baker at CenterStage Tonight — Baker, who has been the principal cellist of the Fairfax Symphony for several years, will be featured in this event at Center Stage (2310 Colts Neck Road) from 2:15 – 3:30 p.m. tonight. All ages are welcome. [Reston Community Center]
Beer Run at Lake Anne Brew House Set for Wednesday — Runners can take a lap around the lake in Lake Anne Plaza at 6:30 p.m. The taproom will be open for runners and the cheering squad until 8:30 p.m. for beer and freshly-baked pretzels. All ages and paces are welcome. [Lake Anne Brew House]
South Lakes High School’s Football Team Overpowers McLean High School — The football team crushed McLean with a 77-7 win last Friday. The win, which happened on senior night, was the biggest margin of victory in four years. [South Lakes Athletics]
HighPoint Global Acquires Herndon-based Contractor — The company acquired Primescape Solutions, and information technology platform and services contractor, for an undisclosed sum. The move could improve the delivery of citizen experiences services to government agencies. The combined company could record around $140 million in annual revenue, according to a news report. [GovCon Wire]
Reston-based Serco, Inc. to Buy Massachusetts Firm — The 8,000-employee government services firm will acquire BTP Systems LLC in order to boost its hold over the defense sector business. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. [Washington Business Journal]
CEO of comScore in Reston to Retire in January — The news comes as the cross-platform measurement company settled a lawsuit with shareholder and activist Starboard Value. [Washington Business Journal]
