On Wednesday (Feb. 26),  Reston residents can attend a candidates’ forum with candidates running in the upcoming Reston Association Board of Directors election.

The public is invited to the debate-style forum at the RA headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) beginning at 6:30 p.m. All seven candidates will available for a meet and greet as well, according to the event listing.

In this election, candidates will be competing for four open seats and the RA encourages all members and residents to vote. A minimum of 10 percent voter turnout is needed to make the results official.

The election will take place from March 2 until April 3, according to the RA, which added results will be available online later in April.

Those who cannot attend the forum in person, can watch it online and are even able to submit questions through email until the end of today (Feb. 24).

Participating candidates are below:

At-Large (3-year term):

• Kerri Bouie
• Robert T. Petrine

At-Large (1-year term):

• Paul Berry
• Sarah Selvaraj-Dsouza

Hunters Woods/Dogwood (3-year):

• Caren Anton

Apartment Owner (3-year):

• Mike Collins
• Jennifer Sunshine Jushchuk

Beginning later today, Reston Now will begin publishing candidate statements written by those running.

Photo via RA/Facebook

It’s been 15 years since Reston Association conducted a comprehensive review of how its recreational facilities are used and should be used in the coming years.

As the community’s infrastructure and demographics change rapidly, RA’s Board of Directors officially kicked off a data-driven review of its facilities at a Thursday meeting.

The board moved to establish a Recreation Facilities Working Group — which will include nine members — which will undertake the year-long effort along with staff.

Most park and recreation facilities typically conduct comprehensive planning efforts every ten years using data on utilization and other trends.

Discussions about a similar effort in 2018 were stalled. RA’s board noted that the organization is now uniquely positioned to complete the evaluation using new data generated from its WebTrac registration system and other data points.

Here’s more from RA on what’s  driving the effort:

A recent catalyst for conducting an in-depth evaluation of RA facilities is the condition of Lake Thoreau Pool. The RA Board has committed funds to renovate the facility, and this process is just getting started. It is a substantial commitment of funds whether to repair or fully renovate (as was done previously with four other pools.)

Lake Thoreau pool is the first in line, with a small number of other pools coming up for consideration and attention. The explosion of pickleball interest and demand is another barometer of RA membership’s changing interests and needs. RA has recognized the growth, embraced it, and is moving forward with providing dedicated pickleball courts. What other activity is out on the horizon for which membership demand will exceed our supply and RA will be playing catch-up?

Another important aspect to this is the role of other providers in the community – Reston Community Center, Fairfax County Park Authority and even the Y-Fairfax County Reston and other private businesses which offer fitness centers. With the 2021 budget development commencing this summer for near-term focus and the future focus of our biennial budget for 2022-2023 kicking off in mid-2021, now is the correct time to begin an evaluation that would include: data analysis of current usage, financial aspects (operating, maintenance and capital costs), demographic projections, a review of industry trends and understanding what other area recreation providers are planning and in what timeframe

RA’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will be temporarily suspended as the workgroup conducts its analysis.

The effort should be completed by February 2021, according to Larry Butler.

The organization will seek nine members for workgroup, including a PRAC representation, four representatives from each RA district, two at-large members, an RA board member who will serve as chair, and a parks and recreation staff member.

RA Board Vice President Julie Bitzer said that the organization’s fiscal committee will provide substantial input to the workgroup. A request to add a fiscal committee member on the workgroup –which would then reach a number impractical for voting and decision making –was rejected.

Community buy-in and feedback will be a critical part of the analysis, Bitzer said.

Photo by RA

Reston Association says that its internal controls and processes have come a long way since the botched purchase of the Lake House at nearly double its assessed value five years ago.

At a Thursday meeting, RA’s Board of Directors reviewed progress on fifteen recommendations suggested by global advisory firm StoneTurn Group in a $45,000 independent review of the controversial purchase.

Eric Carr, the board’s treasurer and chair of a committee formed to review the purchase, said RA was “not equipped to handle an undertaking and purchase like this.”

“This is why I ran and it was my goal above all other goals to make sure this never happened in the association ever again,” Carr told the board at the meeting. “I think we’re in a good place for that and I think we’ve done largely what the StoneTurn report requested us to do.”

RA purchased the Lake House property from Tetra in 2015. Renovations to transform the property into a community building cost three times more than expected, resulting in requests for independent audits and reviews.

The report found that RA’s governing documents had no defined process to ensure that internal controls and processes were being followed. The group also suggested that RA adopt a policy to improve transparency on items that are discussed in closed sessions without compromising its interests. At the time, RA did not have controls in place to prevent the contracting of an amount in excess of the budget.

Carr said that all but two of the company’s recommendations are either completed or already exist.

One glaring gap — establishing an ethics code — remains. Discussions on establishing the code, which has been underway for nearly two years, are expected to formalize at the board’s meeting in March.

Highlights of steps undertaken in response to recommendations are below:

• General Counsel will continue to review policies as necessary and as directed by the board
• Although staff indicated recommendations to establish “owners of the internal processes” were vague, RA has a resolution governing internal financial controls
• Greater transparency in executive sessions will be pursued so long as it does not contradict POAA rules
• Establishing processes where capital expenditure maximums are calculated and included in the budget
• Clarification of policy to provide guidance if a project exceeds the budget or if the budget estimate is found to be impractical or incorrect
• Preparation of a long-term capital improvement plan that is updated on an annual basis
• Written policies and procedures to evaluate and management capita projects that emphasize key assumptions and estimates
• Ensuring purchase orders and contracts are not issued unless funds are available and allocated within the approved budget

A complete breakdown of StoneTurn’s recommendations and progress made is available online. Board vice president Julie Bitzer requested the progress update.

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr; YouTube

More Delays for Phase Two of the Silver Line — Yes, you read that right. Originally expected to open in 2016, the extension of Metro’s Silver Line likely won’t open until the spring of 2021, according to general manager Paul Wiedefeld. [WJLA]

Reston Association Phone Service Down Later Today — If you’re trying to reach RA offices later today, you might want to try again. Phone service will be down between 5:30-6:30 p.m. today (Friday) and on Tuesday (Feb. 25) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The organization is moving to Verizon. [Reston Association]

County Schools to Host Free Sessions on Digital Learning — “Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students, families, and community members are invited to attend any of five upcoming digital learning and digital citizenship events.  All sessions are being held free of charge.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Staff photo by Jay Westcott

At tonight’s Reston Association Board Meeting, attendees can expect discussion on a variety of topic such as the 2019 budget, planning for future community events and forward looking plans for things like RA facility maintenance and bus routes.

The meeting is expected to begin at 6:30 p.m. and presentations from speakers are likely to begin around 7:25, according to the online agenda.

For the 37th Annual Reston Triathlon, which will take place in September, event organizers are requesting permission to use Lake Audubon and the Lake Audubon Pool Facilities for the swim portion of the event and swim to bike transition area, according to RA documentation.

Later in the meeting, the RA is expected to approve easements of a common area along Wiehle Avenue near the southern intersection with North Shore Drive for the installation of Fairfax County for a bus stop facility.

Resurfacing from 2017, another key topic of this meeting will be a review of StoneTurn’s recommendations for RA policies, which will help the organization to run more smoothly, according to RA.

Lastly, RA will discuss a plan to refurbish and maintain many of its amenities and facilities by conducting a facilities’ review and analysis.

RA community members are also welcome to share their thoughts with the board during the meeting. Individuals will be given three minutes to speak and those representing a group or homeowners association will have five minutes.

Image via RA

New Tip Line Number for County Schools — Fairfax County Public Schools officially have a new text number: 888-777. All information is treated as anonymous and confidential. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Reston Association Board Meets Tonight — The Board of Directors will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. in RA headquarters. The meeting will be live-streamed online. [Reston Association]

Outdoor Lighting Standards Changed — “Fairfax County is updating our outdoor lighting standards to reduce glare and excessive illumination and match the expanded use of LED lights, which can improve the quality of life for county residents.” [Fairfax County Government]

Herndon Mayor Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President — Mayor Lisa Merkel announced her endorsement of the presidential candidate ahead of his town hall on Sunday, Feb. 23. In a press release, she says he’s committed to “bringing the local executive leadership to Washington and making Washington look more like best-run cities and towns.”

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

High Honors for Lakeport Cluster Association — “The Lakeport Cluster Association was named “Community Association of the Year” by the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute. An article will be included in the March edition of the chapter’s magazine.” [Reston Association]

A Recap of the Audubon Photographer Award Winners Exhibition — “There’s still time to visit the traveling 2019 Audubon Photography Award Winners Exhibition presented in association with Nature’s Best Photography. Running through Feb. 26, the photos covering a range of species and geographic locations can be viewed for free at Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive in Reston.” [The Connection]

Virginia Program for Veterans Certifies 1,000th Employer — “Shortly after Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell started a program in 2012 to provide jobs to Virginia veterans, it aided roughly 5,000 veterans. Since then that number has jumped to nearly 60,000. Tuesday morning, current Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced the 1,000th employer to earn certification in the Virginia Values Veterans program–the Reston-based technology solutions provider Carahsoft.” [WJLA]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

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

Reston Sophomore Helps Elementary School Students — “South Lakes High sophomore Andrew built a simple sitting bench last summer for the fun of it. He then considered building an improved bench that he could donate to a worthy cause.  A few brainstorms later, he contacted Herndon Elementary garden lady Jill Vinson and floated the idea of creating a planters table.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

A Senior Caught in a Dating Scam — A 72-year-old senior from Reston shares a story about how she was caught in an online dating scam. She says the man convinced her to sell her condo and give him large amounts of cash. [WAMU]

Reston Association Seeks Volunteers for Design Review Board — Lisa Heath, the DRB’s meeting manager, discusses the need for architects, land planners and landscape architects on the board. [Reston Today]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Reston Association’s elections committee has certified seven candidates to run for open seats on the organization’s Board of Directors.

Each year, members have the opportunity to elect three new individuals to the nine-member board. Caren Anton, the director for the Hunters Woods and Dogwood District, is the only candidate seeking re-election for the three-year term. The seat is uncontested.

Kerri Bouie, the director of interior design at Wingate Hughes Architecture, is up against Robert Petrine, who has 28 years of experience in the private sector, for an at-large seat with a three-year term.

For the at-large seat for a one-year term Paul Berry, who brings more than 10 years of experience in private business, is up against Sarah Selvaraj-Dsouza, the owner of Kiln & Co. at Lake Anne Plaza.

Mike Collins, an attorney who also served as a director from 2010 to 2013, and Jennifer Sunshine Jushchuk, vice president of technology, talent at consulting at the Rural Broadband Association, are competing for the apartment owners’ seat, which also has a three-year term.

The month-long voting period kicks off on March 2 and ends on April 3 at 5 p.m. Election results will be announced at RA’s annual members’ meeting in April.

Candidate statements are available online.

Photo courtesy Reston Association

Moving Day for Fire Station 25 — “Station 25, Reston, A-Shift had a busy day moving to their new temporary station, located at 1840 Cameron Glen Drive. FCFRD personnel will be operating out of the temporary station while the new Station 25 is built. Crews will maintain continuous emergency response to the Reston community during construction. The existing station on Wiehle Avenue will be demolished in the next several weeks.”

Three Suspects Rob Bicyclist on Washington & Old Dominion Trail — A man was riding his bicycle along the trail near the 1000 block of Crestview Drive when three victims showed him a weapon and took his belongings. The incident happened on Jan. 24. [Herndon Police Department]

Reston Association Board Voting Begins in March — Voting for the month-long election for the Board of Directors begin on March 2. Ballots will be mailed to members and voting can be done online or by mail. [Reston Association]

Playing Games at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods — Residents can gather at the center today (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. to play board games and other tabletop games. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own game collections. [Reston Community Center]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Reston Association’s tennis programs are getting a nod from a national organization next month.

The Professional Tennis Registry, a South Carolina-based organization that aims to educate and certify tennis teachers around the world, named RA the “Public Facility of the Year.”

Here’s more from RA on the award and its tennis offerings:

RA tennis programming had a solid 2019, with 550 junior (ages 3-17) lesson-takers from beginners to 4.5-level advanced players. More than 350 adults took lessons. RA works hand-in-hand with the USTA to hosts tournaments for all age groups and levels of play. More than 350 players participate in GWTA, NVTL, Reston Team Tennis and senior leagues. The associatioon also promotes tennis via its scholarship program.

RA has 52 tennis courts across more than 1,300 acres of land, including six permanent courts for children’s tennis.

PTR will present the award at a symposium in South Carolina next month.

Photo courtesy of RA

Reston Association has hired design consultant Kimley-Horn to lead the design and engineering process for Lake Thoreau’s pool.

The company will share findings of its site analysis at a public meeting on Feb. 11 at RA headquarters. The meeting — which kickstarts discussions about the future of the pool — will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The future of the degraded facility, which opened in 1981, has been in question for the last several months.

A previous consultant hired by RA found major structural problems with the pool, including possible safety issues like a deteriorating retaining wall and cracks in the pool shell and concrete deck.

The pool will remain closed until a renovation plan is implemented.

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

The Reston Association recently decided to institute a new payment method for its annual assessment fees.

Starting later this week, people will be able to pay the 2020 assessment fee using a new and improved portal, according to a Reston Association representative.

The RA decided to abandon the previous portals because they were glitchy and people were not able to log in, the representative said, adding that for the time being, people are not able to pay their bills online.

Instead, they can pay them over the phone by calling 703-435-6530, send a check in the mail or pay in person at the member service desk (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).

RA members have between now and March 1 to pay their assessment fees.

The representative said she wasn’t sure if late fees will temporarily be waived because of the system malfunctions.

People who already paid their fees will not have to resubmit their payment, according to the RA website.

Photo via RA/Facebook