Take a Silver Line Tour — Fairfax County has a video tour to introduce potential riders to Silver Line Phase 1, which should open in the next few months. Will you be one of the first riders from the Wiehle-Reston East station? [YouTube]
Concerned About Oakcrest School Construction? — Oakcrest, a private girls school has requested a traffic signal replacement at the intersection of Crowell and Hunter Mill Road, where it intends to relocate its campus. The county public hearing has been deferred while a committee made up of community member and the school works out logistics regarding the special exception amendment. Want to know details? Attend a community meeting Tuesday, Jan. 21 7 p.m. at Colvin Run Elementary School, 1400 Trap Road, Vienna.
Special Election Today — Voters in Virginia’s 33rd State Senate District will go to the polls Tuesday to elect a senator to fill the seat vacated by new Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring. The 33rd covers part of Herndon and Oak Hill. Polls open at 6 a.m. [Fairfax County]
More Band Kudos for Herndon High — The Herndon Town Council honored the Herndon High School band at its Tuesday meeting. The band recently performed in the Pearl Harbor Day Parade, where it earned Grand Champions designation. [Herndon Patch]
Thin Ice — When it gets cold this time of year, some residents are tempted to step onto Reston and Fairfax County lakes and streams, which appear to be frozen. But last week’s death of a 10-year-old Gaithersburg boy, who fell through the ice, shows no ice in the region is really safe. Fairfax County has a short video explaining why. [YouTube]
Open Tables — It is still Washington Restaurant Week through Sunday. To see if Reston’s Vinifera, El Manitanal, PassionFish or The Melting Pot (or the other 200+ other participating restaurants still have space for you, visit the Restaurant Week website. [Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week]
Rendle Earns All-American Nomination — South Lakes High School girls basketball center Abigail Rendle, who will play at William & Mary next year, is a McDonald’s All-American Team candidate. She is one of seven Virginia girls basketball players in the pool, which features top players from across the country. The final list will be whittled down to 24 in February. The McDonalds All-American game is April 2 in Chicago. [Washington Post]
Bird Watch — Fairfax County Police are asking residents to be aware of migratory birds that may be “lost” due to the recent cold snap. Injured members of the Eared Grebes species have been found injured around the county. [Fairfax County Police]
Police Target Human Trafficking — County law enforcement officials have launched a new website aimed at helping residents spot sex trafficking and report it. The new site, www.justaskva.org, is paid for in part by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Justice Department. [Fairfax Times]
Senate Committee Votes to Repeal Hybrid Tax — The Virginia Senate Finance Committee voted 10-5 on Thursday to repeal the “hybird tax,” a penalty hybrid auto owners were mandated to pay as part of the McDonnell administration’s transportation legislation. It will now move to the entire Senate and then the VA House. [Sen. Chap Petersen’s blog]
School System Employee Accused of Stealing 1,200 Laptops — Fairfax County Police charged a 60-year-old Alexandria man employed by Fairfax County Public Schools with embezzlement after he allegedly stole more than 1,000 laptops from the school warehouse and tried to resell them online. [Fairfax County Police]
Speak Up on Parks Fees — The annual public comment period for for proposed fee increases by the Fairfax County Park Authority is now open. Check out the proposed hikes and give your feedback via mail, email or at meeting Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Pkwy in Fairfax. [Fairfax County]
A ‘Bear-y’ Good Gift — Check out what outgoing Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell left in his private bathroom as a gift for new Gov. Terry McAullife. [Washingtonian]
‘Reston Today’ Looks Ahead — What’s coming up in January and February in Reston? Reston Association’s monthly video previews some of the neighborhood highlights. [YouTube]
Fewer SOLS for Virginia Students? — On the agenda at the 2014 Virginia General Assembly session in Richmond: test reform. Local legislators would like to see less emphasis on standardized testing and let teachers do project-based assessments instead. Several bills are in the works, one of which may bring the number of Virginia SOLs down to 26 from 34. [Washington Post]
SLHS Awards 103 International Baccalaureate Diplomas — Students from South Lakes High School’s Class of 2013 who met IB Diploma standards returned to school last week to receive their diplomas. IB diplomas are high-level honors in students must complete rigorous coursework and testing, write an extended essay and participate in community service. [Reston Patch]
Economic Impact? Not So Much for VW — Volkswagen of America has its headquarters in Herndon, which should mean big local impact. Not really. About 400 work in Herndon, and VA recently announced a $7 billion investment in North America, but that does not mean the big impact will be here. [Washington Business Journal]
Janet Howell Working to Improve Mental Health Services — Reston’s state senator has been tapped for the Virginia Governor’s Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response. Howell (D-32nd) has been a longtime advocate of upgrading access and services for those in need. The 37-member group is reviewing existing services and challenges in Virginia’s mental health system. [Fairfax Times]
Welcome, Governor McAuliffe — Terry McAuliffe was sworn in as Virgina’s new Democratic governor on Saturday. Here is a quick primer on some things to watch for in his four-year term. [Washington Post]
Princess is Rebounding Queen — Meet South Lakes High School girls basketball forward Princess Aghayere, whose skills have helped the Seahawks to an 11-1 record this season. [Washington Post]
Cardless Metro? — Metrorail will institute a test program that will use smartphones instead of farecards. The agency awarded a $184 million contract to Accenture to test the idea at 10 rail stations, 50 Metrobuses and at two parking lots. The new technology will provide more flexibility, reliability and more choices for riders, say Metro officials. [Washington Post]
Energy Checkup Will Aid Reston — In honor of Reston’s 50th anniversary in 2014, the non-profit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is offering a one-hour Home Energy Check-Up. The check up, a $250 value, costs Reston Association members $45 — and LEAP will donate $10 to Friends of Reston. [Reston Association]
Check Out The Avant — The Avant, the luxurious new rental apartment building at Reston Town Center, is inviting you in on Friday. Stop by their open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be champagne and cupcakes, as well as tours of the model units. The Avant is located at 12025 Town Square St.
Record Power Demand For Dominion — Dominion Virginia Power met record demand for electricity during Tuesday’s frigid temperatures. Use of heaters during the record cold temperatures earlier this week helped push energy demand to 19,730 megawatts during the day on Tuesday. That’s well above the previous peak winter demand record of 18,079 megawatts, set in February 2007, but below the company’s summertime record of 20,061 megawatts, set in July 2011. [Dominion]
Photo of a chilly Lake Thoreau courtesy of Carole Burnett
Now Hiring: Ted’s Bulletin — No official opening date yet for the new Reston Town Center restaurant, one of a local chainlet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. But Ted’s Bulletin, located on Market Street in the old Uno’s space, his now hiring for all positions. [Ted’s Bulletin Reston]
Know a Great Corporate Citizen? — The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for its annual Outstanding Corporate Citizen Awards. The awards honor individuals, businesses and non-profits for above-and-beyond business leadership, employee engagement, and corporate social responsibility. New this year: a Sustainability Award and a Partnership Award. Deadline is March 21. [Fairfax Chamber of Commerce]
Applications Open for FCPS Elementary Magnet Program — Want your young student to attend Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences? Applications for the program’s lottery are now available and an information night will be held at the school on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
GRACE Welcomes STITCH — New exhibit opens at Greater Reston Arts Center Jan. 16. See how needlework is incorporated into contemporary art, including some by artist Kate Kretz, who used her own hair as thread. Exhibit runs through March 1. [GRACE]
Cold Won’t Stop Baby — A baby was born in a car in Vienna during Tuesday morning’s cold snap. Everyone is doing fine. [Vienna Patch]
Deeds Takes Aim — State Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath), who was stabbed by his son in November, has proposed three bills for the 2014 Virginia General Assembly to improve mental health services. Deeds’ son, 24, shot and killed himself in the altercation, which came just hours after he was released from emergency custody for a mental health evaluation. The Virginia General Assembly session begins Wednesday in Richmond. [Richmond Times Dispatch]
Cast Your Vote — Reston Association’s “My Community” Video Contest entries have now been posted. Contestants were tasked to make a three-minute film about Reston. You can now watch and vote for your favorite. [Reston Association]
Photo of STITCH work by Kate Kretz courtesy of GRACE.
Big Honor for Herndon High Band — The Pride of Herndon, fresh from winning grand champions at the Pearl Harbor Day in Hawaii, was given a commendation by Rep. Gerry Connolly. [Herndon Patch]
Fairfax County Sets Up Emergency Warming Centers — With record cold bearing down on the area Tuesday, the county will use many libraries, community centers and the Fairfax County Government Center as places to get out of the elements [Fairfax County Emergency Blog]
Cool New Cars for Metro — Metro gave a sneak peak at its new Series 7100 rail cars on Monday. Features include a sleek look, as well as high-tech communications and safety upgrades. [DCist]
Virginia Bars Can Now Advertise Happy Hours — Starting Jan. 29, restaurants in Virginia will be allowed to advertise the fact that they offer happy hour specials. That’s the result of new Va. Dept. of Alcohol Beverage Control rules. However, restaurants are still not allowed to advertise the price of the drinks on special. Other alcohol-related “blue laws” that remain in effect in Virginia include a ban on open bars with unlimited drinks and a ban on serving mixed drinks by the pitcher. [Washington Post]
Photo of Pride of Herndon Band courtesy of Pride of Herndon Band via Facebook
Silver Line Leads — The Washington Post’s Dr. Gridlock says Metro’s Silver Line, which will run from Tysons Corner to Reston’s Wiehle Avenue, will be the top transportation story to watch in 2014. There is still no projected opening date for the rail project, which is now in the testing phase. Stay tuned… [Washington Post]
Building a Barricade — The Reston Community Players are busy preparing for the debut of Les Miserables, which opens at CentreStage on Jan. 17. But the set construction crew needs the community’s help. The crew must build a barricade, a crucial part of the student uprising, which these days costs money, as any revolution does. The paint and glue alone are estimated to cost $400; lumber, $2,500. Can you contribute a few francs (or American dollars)? [Reston Community Players]
Helping Metro Run Smoothly — Metro is seeking user feedback as it prepares for the 2015 budget. The proposed FY15 budget and Capital Improvement Plan would invest $3 billion in the transportation system and future improvements. So tell Metro how your think the money should be spent — and how much more riders should have to pay by taking an online survey. [Metro]
Small Change, Big Savings — Lake Anne Plaza’s Small Change Consignment is holding its annual Half-Price Winter Sale starting Saturday. Beginning at 10 am, all clothing, accessories and coats will be 50 percent off. All toys will be 20 percent off. The sale ends when the last winter product has been sold. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Play Ball — It may be freezing outside, but it is time to think Spring. Registration for Reston Little League is now open. [Reston Little League]
Big Chill — It’s going to get cold today. Very very cold. Wind chills likely to be in single digits Friday and there may be a little snow on the ground this morning. More cold on the way early next week, too. It is January after all. [Capital Weather Gang Blog]
New Name and Menu for Vienna’s Alegria — Alegria, the popular Vienna restaurant owned by Patrick and Julie Bazin, is changing its style.
The owners say Alegria will become “Bazin’s Next Door” and lose the Mexican-inspired theme.
“As proud as we are of Alegria we recognize that authentic Mexican cuisine does not have the same broad appeal that our Bazin’s style food has. With this in mind we have made the decision to introduce a new restaurant “Bazin’s Next Door,” the owners said in a statement. [Vienna Patch]
Photo of Small Change Consignment courtesy of Spotted MP Public Relations
RCC Retreat — The Reston Community Center Board of Governors will hold its annual off-site retreat Friday and Saturday. Watch for updates soon on the future of RCC’s hopes to build an indoor rec center featuring a 50-meter pool. The issue has been discussed for nearly a year, and RCC officials say a decision to move forward with a referendum on the issue should come in 2014. [Reston Community Center]
Counting the Money — The Fairfax County Public School Board has OKed the hiring for two auditing positions. The additional staff will aid the school system in trying to find ways to tighten the budget as the system faces a $132 million budget shortfall. [Fairfax Times]
Counting the Birds — Reston Association will hold its annual Bird Count on Saturday. The half-day event will survey the birds in Reston. [Reston Association]
Shanahan’s Sandwich — What did Redskins coach Mike Shanahan do after he was fired Monday morning? He headed back to Reston, where he reportedly lives, for a sandwich at Potbelly’s. Life goes on, we guess. [NBC4 Blog]
Happy New Year From Reston Association — What says good tidings like a $634 bill that is technically due Jan. 1? [Restonian]
No Flu For You? — Have you gotten a flu shot? It’s not too late. Virginia health officials are saying cases in the Commonwealth are on the rise [WTOP]
Goodbye, Governor — Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell reflects on his term, the scandals and the future of the Commonwealth as he prepares to turn over the office to Terry McAuliffe in early January. [Fairfax Times]
Herndon Fire Damage Small Thanks to Neighbor — An resident at a Herndon apartment complex called 911, saving her neighbor’s unit from extensive damage. [Fairfax Times]
Checking in With RDGLDGRN — The Reston-based go-go influenced band gained national prominence in 2013 [Washington Post]
State Appointment for Former GOP Candidate — Patrick Murray, the two-time unsuccessful Republican challenger to Rep. Jim Moran (D), has received a state appointment from Gov. Bob McDonnell (R). Murray, a retired U.S. Army colonel, was appointed to the Board of Veterans Services. [Commonwealth of Virginia]
