Be A Volunteer — Looking to give back? The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting a Venture into Volunteering Fair for adults today, 10 a.m. to noon at Frying Pan Park Visitor Center, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Agency reps will be on hand to discuss a wide range of community outreach opportunities including helping kids with homework, meals on wheels and serving as a court-appointed advocate. [FCPA]
Bikeshare Aids Business — As Fairfax County looks into the feasibility and impact of a bikeshare here in Reston, here is a report that says a small but significant percentage of Capital Bikeshare users are spending their money at nearby businesses as a direct result of the bike ride to the neighborhood where they dock the bike. [WAMU]
Who Will Be George Mason’s New AD? — George Mason University Athletic Director Tom O’Connor says he will step down in June [George Mason]
FCPS Needs To Step Up Security — An audit for Fairfax County Public Schools’ recommends the system should improve security procedures after an employee was charged with stealing computers from the FCPS warehouse. The report recommends that the Fairfax County Department of Purchasing and Supply Management, which runs the county side of the warehouse, use an inventory tracking system that offers more control of user access and provides for an audit function. [Fairfax Times]
Do You Have a 5 Year Old? — Parents of rising kindergartners, take note. Registration and orientation for Fairfax County Public Schools’ kindergarten in 2014-15 begins now. Children may enter the class if they are 5 before Sept. 30. FCPS will tell you everything you need to know. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Where’s The Wealth? — One Reston neighborhood makes the grade as one of the nation’s wealthiest. Restonian takes a lighthearted look at the tiny pocket. [Restonian]
What Went Wrong With The Silver Line — How did such a large project as the $2.7 billion Metro extension to Reston miss the mark so badly on “substantial completion”? [WAMU]
Fashion Forward at Herndon High Thursday — Herndon High students will present their annual fashion show Thursday at 7 p.m. at the school. The show is dedicated to Julie Pickering, a long-time Herndon High Fashion Marketing teacher, who is fighting cancer. The show is directed by students in Advanced Marketing and Fashion Marketing, as well as members of DECA, and is presented with support from Men’s Warehouse. Admission is $6 in advance, $7 at the door.
Photo of Reston Little League’s Field Day by Melissa Gifford.
Silver Line ‘Slog’ — The Washington Post takes an editorial stance on the slow-moving Silver Line opening, but says “like all soap operas, this one will end — with passengers boarding no later than June, we hope.”[Washington Post]
Pink Lights at Washington Airports — Reagan National and Dulles International Airports are lighting things pink to get into the spirit of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Both will have pink lights, as well as pink-themed discounts and specials for the next few weeks. [Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority]
FCPS Hires An Auditor — The Fairfax County School Board has hired a new audit manager tasked with helping the school system better manage its $2.5 billion budget. Chris Horton will serve as the audit manager within the office of internal audit. The position was created in response to a long-held request by Fairfax County supervisors, who approve the school system budget. [Washington Post]
Back At The Budget — Virginia lawmakers began a special session on Monday to try and hash out details of a the Commonwealth’s budget. One big stalling point: Expanding Medicaid. [Washington Post]
Big Winner — The co-owner of a Herndon deli was a big winner of the Mega Millions’ $3 million jackpot March 14. She’s still at work at the Elden Street store. [NBCWashington]
Snow Days’ Longterm Impact — Fairfax County Public Schools students have had 11 snow days this winter. What are the effects of so much missed school in the long run? The missed class time could have an impact in Standards of Learning Tests, missed lessons and students already facing academic troubles. [Washington Post]
Another Storm On The Way? — In a seemingly endless winter, there may be one more blow from Mother Nature. Northern Virginia may get a dusting of snow on Tuesday. Capital Weather Gang swears it is a just a dusting though [Capital Weather Gang]
Reston Association Election Site Working Again — The RA online voting system was briefly offline over the weekend. If you tried to cast your vote and could not, try again. Voting goes through March 31. [Reston Association]
Fresh Start in Fairfax — FACETS has helped 18 former homeless people in Fairfax County get settled into permanent housing. [WTOP]
It’s 5 p.m., So Forget The Latte — Starbucks announced it will start selling beer, wine and “evening” snacks at thousands of stores. No word on wether the nighttime menu will be available in Northern Virginia stores. The rollout is expected to take more than a year. [Washington Post]
PassionFish Company Up For a RAMMY — The RAMMYS, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s annual awards, were announced this week. Among the nominees for Restauranteur of the Year are Gus DiMillo, David Wizenberg, Jeff Tunks of Passion Food Hospitality, which owns several restaurants in the DC area, including Reston’s PassionFish. A second PassionFish will also open in Bethesda next year. [Washington City Paper]
Layoffs At Bechtel — Bechtel, the Reston-based contractor that helped build Phase 1 of Metro’s Silver Line, says it plans to layoff more than 100 people as Phase 1 construction draws to a close (even though there are still many issues to fix before the rail extension can open). [Washington Business Journal]
Photo: Crocuses on the first day of spring/Credit: Monica Russ, Green Thumb Gardening
Will Silver Line Have Gold-Level Impact? — Metro’s Silver Line, when it finally opens, will drive population and employment growth and produce an average of 200,000 square feet of net office demand annually through 2017 in Tysons Corner, says an analysis from CBRE. The Silver Line’s Phase 1 will end at Reston’s Wiehle Avenue. [Washington Business Journal]
Kudos For Fairfax Chamber’s Gordon — Virginia Business magazine named Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), to its “50 Most Influential Virginians” list for the second straight year. The magazine described Gordon as a “hard-charging leader who scores deals. ” [Virginia Business]
Warner Wants To Ease College Tuition Sticket Shock — Sen. Mark Warner says he has a plan to ease the pain of paying for college. He told a group of educators this weekhe’s working on legislation in three areas: greater flexibility for borrowers in paying off student loans; stronger rules that require specific, early information about college costs and future earnings for prospective students and their parents; and federal assistance for needy high school students who want to take community college courses. [Hamptonroads.com]
Hunters Woods ES Speller Wins Again — Hunters Woods Elementary School’s Jae Canetti recently won the Fairfax County Spelling Bee for the third straight year. Jae will head to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which this year will be held May 25-31 at National Harbor’s Gaylord Hotel. [Fairfax Times]
Back to the 1980s in Reston — Xanadu is playing for two more weekends at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage. Maryland Theatre Guide says “…if you enjoy a brief throwback in time and timely songs, with those manipulative melodies, there’s ‘Xanadu’ for you.” [Maryland Theatre Guide]
No Track Work Till April — Metro is taking a four-week weekend track work break in order to not have any disruptions during Cherry Blossom season. [Metro]
Think Summer — Registration is now open for summer academic programs sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools. Among the offerings: STEM Camp, Institute for the Arts, online summer school, and Tech adventures camp. [FCPS]
There’s An App for Alcohol — Oak HIll’s Ben Katz, a recent Virginia Tech grad, has created a “VABC” app for the iPhone and the Android. The app (99 cents on iPhone, free on Android) allows you to compare between 2,300 types of drinks, and it also incorporates review ratings of the various brands from both the Beverage Testing Institute and the Wine Enthusiast. [Washington Post]
FCPS Two-Hour Delay — All Fairfax County public schools will open two hours late today. Morning preschool (special education) classes are canceled. Afternoon preschool (special education) classes start on their regular schedule. Morning field trips are canceled. SACC centers will be open by 7:15 a.m. Morning transportation for high school academy classes is canceled. Afternoon academy transportation will be provided.
Help The Fine Arts Festival — The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival returns to Reston May 16-18, and can use many volunteers. Volunteer registration is now open. Can you help? [Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival]
Simon Sings — Reston founder Bob Simon joined the Reston Community Orchestra for Ch. Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem at a performance Sunday dedicated to Simon’s upcoming 100th birthday. The concert was one a series of tribute events in Reston as Simon’s 100th birthday approaches on April 10. [YouTube]
Reston Gymnast Wins Title — Olivia Norman, a South Lakes High School freshman, won the uneven bars medal in the Virginia USA Gymnastics Level 8, 9, and 10 State Championships in Richmond. Norman, Level 9 gymnast, scored 9.425 and won the title for the 15-year-old age group.
Testing Healthy School Eats — Fairfax County Public Schools are working on a pilot program to expand fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods in schools. The program is in four schools now, with plans to expand to 10 more schools in the 2014-15 school year, then to all high schools in 2015-16. [Fairfax Times]
Herndon Has a Big Winner — A store in Herndon sold a $3 million Mega Millions ticket on Friday. The ticket sold at Elden Market and Deli matched the first five numbers in the Virginia Lottery’s Mega Millions jackpot — 7, 20, 40, 54, 69. If the ticket had matched the final number (the Mega Ball), the buyer would have won the jackpot, which is now about $400 million. [Washington Post]
Four Deaths Lead to Suicide Awareness in Fairfax County — Parents and educators are working together to raise suicide awareness and prevention in the wake of recent deaths of four students in local schools. Two boys at Woodson High School and two at Langley High School recently took their own lives. [Fairfax Times]
Nominate a Great Volunteer – Fairfax County is now accepting nominations for the Barbara Varon Volunteer Award. The award which recognizes a county resident whose dedication to improving the community through volunteer service honors the memory of Barbara Varon, former chair of the Fairfax County Electoral Board. Nominations must be received by the second week in June. [Fairfax County]
Boost The Seahawks — The South Lakes High School Athletic Boosters’ Casino Night is Friday at 7 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Come by for casino games and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Seahawk Athletic Boosters. [Reston Now]
Stay Safe on the W & OD — The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is conducting a safety survey. Take a few minutes to answer it so future topics can be adequately addressed at an upcoming safety seminar. [Survey Monkey]
Kudos For Hornets — The Herndon High Navy JROTC Varsity Orienteering Team recently placed third among 22 schools at the two-day Navy National Championship competition held recently in Georgia. Individual standouts were Virginia Murphy, who finished third out of 17 female varsity competitors; Marshall Wilkins, who finished sixth out of 76 male varsity competitors; Joe Jackson, who finished 14th out of 69 yellow course competitors; and Joe LaRosa, who finished 18th out of 88 orange course competitors.
Taxes Up, But Are Services? — In Northern Virginia, where property taxes are rising, but services such as libraries and schools seem to always be playing catch-up. [Washington Post]
A Pot of (Pet) Gold This Weekend — The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is holding a special pet adoption event in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Visit the shelter March 13-15, where adoption fees for adult pets (ages five and over) have been cut in half. Adoption fees for 10 of the pets will be completely waived. Currently, there are more than 25 dogs and puppies, 30 cats and kittens and 15 small pets that are hoping to “get lucky” this weekend. [Fairfax County]
From Egypt To Reston — Reston’s Lisa-Maria Padilla is a celebrity in the world of trained cats. Her performance cats called “Abys” do feats of athleticism at cat shows in Madison Square Garden, Orlando, and Las Vegas. She also operates Hitails Abyssinians Cattery in Reston, where she breeds the felines that originated in Egypt. [Reston Connection]
Get Reston Now In Your Inbox — Have you subscribed to Reston Now’s daily email blast? Get the day’s headlines in your inbox at 4 p.m. weekdays — for free. [Reston Now]
Robocalls in Reston — Restonian takes a humorous look at the the campaign methods in this year’s Reston Association Board of Directors election. [Restonian]
Wolf Trap’s 2014 Season Lineup — Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced its 2014 summer schedule on Tuesday. Among the performers at the Filene Center in Vienna this summer: Yo-Yo Ma, Ringo Starr, Hall & Oates, Diana Ross, and “Beauty and the Beast.” [Wolf Trap]
Road Work Near Silver Line Tied To Weather — The opening of Metro’s Silver Line likely won’t happen until least May. However, work nearby, such as on Route 7 near Tysons, has faced its own delays due to weather. Storms and below-freezing temperatures have slowed down the paving work associated with construction of the Silver Line. [Washington Post]
Fairfax County Has New Citizen Crime Tool — Fairfax County has a new and improved online crime reporting system. Citizens can use it to report anything from vandalism to theft to a suspicious person in the neighborhood. [Fairfax County]
Remembering Former “Kids of the Plaza” — A group of people who grew up in Reston in the 1970s is rallying to memorialize former “Kids of the Plaza” who have passed away. The group set a $1,200 fundraising goal on Youcaring.com to buy commemorative bricks for Lake Anne Plaza. The bricks will be unveiled at Founders Day on April 5. The group collected $1,315, surpassing its goal. [YouCaring.com]
Kudos For Armstrong Crossing Guard — Reston’s Phyllis Krapf, a crossing guard at Armstrong Elementary School, has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Transportation as one of Virginia’s Most Outstanding Crossing Guards of 2013. Krapf works the Lake Newport Road crossing and is praised for going above and beyond her job, coming in early to make sure students can cross safely and looking out for families who are running late. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Lake Anne Plaza Celebrates Virginia Wine Month — March is Virginia wine month, and there will be several events at Lake Anne Plaza. Among them: Wine tasting at Lake Anne Florist – Virginia Wine & Gourmet from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. Check Virginiawine.org for other nearby wine events. [Virginia Wine]
Make It To The Maker Faire — Tickets are still available to the NoVa Mini Maker Faire Sunday at Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School. The event brings together area craftsman, inventors, engineers and other ideas. [NoVa Mini Maker Faire]
Fairfax County Bids Farewell To Fitzgerald — The long tenure of Merni Fitzgerald, the county chief public information officer for the last 14 years, ended Friday. Fitzgerald is retiring and will be replaced by Tony Castrelli, who was the former chief PIO for Alexandria [Washington Post]
A Hold On Tolls — Drivers of the Dulles Greenway were supposed to begin paying higher tolls (from $4.90 to $5.10 for a one-way trip beginning Feb. 15. However, Del. David Ramadan of Loudoun County sought a delay, which was granted Wednesday by the State Corporation Commission, putting a hold on the action for at least 30 days. [NBC4 Washington]
No Budget In Richmond — The Virginia General Assembly ended its 60-day 2014 session on Saturday, but members will return to Richmond in two weeks try and pass a state budget. The were at an impasse over the two-year, $96 billion spending plan. [Richmond Times Dispatch]
Giant Partners With Aldrin — Reston’s Aldrin Elementary and Giant of North Point have announced a new business partnership. Aldrin officials say this is the first school partnership for the North Point Giant, which has already shown school support by providing volunteers to work with our students, money for the Weekend Food Programs and educational field trips. Aldrin will support Giant by supplying student artwork for store display, communicating the partnership throughout the community and inviting Giant staff members to Aldrin school events.
Photo of dog on Lake Audubon by Kathy Scoggin.
So Long For Now, Skating Rink — Meant to get to the outdoor ice rink at Reston Town Center all winter? Better move on it this weekend. The rink closes for the season after the skating sessions on Sunday, March 9.
Virginia Is (Not For Bike) Lovers — Politics, traffic and rural road issues have all had a part in the slow movement of Virginia bike laws. [Washington Post]
Parents Start “Keep Paul VI In Fairfax” Movement — Parents have mobilized in protest over the potential plans for Paul VI Catholic High School to move to Loudoun. More than 250 have signed a change.org petition in the last four weeks. The school announced in December it is eyeing the move in order to build a newer and bigger school. [Fairfax Times]
Library Board Welcomes New Member — Michael S. Donovan has been appointed to a three-year term on the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees by Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook. He fills the position recently occupied by David C. F. Ray. [Fairfax County]
