Jazzmeia Horn, a Grammy-nominated jazz singer and songwriter, will perform at the Reston Community Center in March as part of her tour.

Her album “A Social Call,” which came out in 2017, earned Horn her first Grammy nomination in 2018. Her performance at the 60th Grammy Award Ceremony last year ended with a standing ovation.

Horn won the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition.

She is set to take CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road) at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. Tickets cost $20 for Restonians and $30 for everyone else.

Photo by Jacob Blickenstaff

There’s plenty to do around Reston and Herndon this weekend. Audubon enthusiasts can enjoy a recently opened exhibit showcasing award-winning bird photography.

The Audubon Photography Awards Show opened today (Feb. 8) at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive). The exhibit displays the winning bird photographs from the 2018 Audubon Photography Awards, which were selected from more than 8,000 entries submitted by photographers across the country, along with opportunities to learn more about local birdlife.

The exhibit is set to have a free open house on Sunday (Feb. 10) from 1-3 p.m. where visitors will be able to meet representatives from Nature’s Best Photography, which helped to judge the international competition. Visitors can take part in bird walks and activities, along with enjoying refreshments.

“We were thrilled to be selected as a host site of this amazing traveling show for a second year,” Nature Center Manager Katie Shaw told Reston Now, adding that the partnership with Audubon Society of Northern Virginia has many Reston members who share a passion for “the feathered wonders of this beautiful world.”

The exhibit focuses on the many bird species protected under the 100-year-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It will run until Feb. 27.

“We know that everyone who comes over to see the exhibit will get a fresh view on a some familiar species as well as an eye opener to species perhaps never seen before,” Shaw said.

Tomorrow (Feb. 9)

• Handmade Valentine Card Workshop (9:30-11 a.m.) — The Greater Reston Arts Center will lead a workshop for participants to create cards. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians.
• 10th Annual Fine Art Photography Competition Reception (7-9 p.m.) — Arts Herndon is presenting an exhibit featuring finalists in the annual Fine Art Photography Competition.
• Bookworms Club! with Sue Fliess (11 a.m.) — Head to Scrawl Books for a book club event for young readers. Sue Fliess will read her new book “Ninja Camp” and others.
• “In Their Own Words: STRETCH curator’s talk” (3 p.m.) — Co-curators Erica Harrison and Don Russell will discuss the process of organizing “STRETCH” and their thoughts on trends in contemporary art practice. The event is free.
• Ride with Reston Bike Club (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) — Join the Reston Bike Club for a bike ride starting from ArtSpace Herndon’s parking lot.
• An Evening with Broadway Legend Baayork Lee (8 p.m.) — Lee will talk about her career, the state of Broadway today and her work with the National Asian Artists Project, a nonprofit which showcases works by artists of Asian descent, at CenterStage. Tickets cost $15 for Restonians and $20 for everyone else.

Sunday (Feb. 10)

• Walk or run with Reston Runners (8 a.m.) — Join the Reston Runners for either a 3-mile walk, 6-mile walk or 10-mile run starting from the Sunset Hills Commuter Lot.
• Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels can learn how to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz at RCC Hunters Woods. Partners are not required. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians and $10 for everyone else.
• Country Western Dance (5:30-8 p.m.) — Participants can take part in line dance, two-step, shuffle and swing to popular country western tunes played by RCC’s DJ at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians and $10 for everyone else.

Photos courtesy of Nature Center 

Baayork Lee, an actress, singer and dancer, is coming to the Reston Community Center to talk about her career this Saturday (Feb. 9).

Born and raised in New York, Lee started dancing at a young age. At the age of five, she had her Broadway debut in “The King and I.”

She has appeared in the original company of George Balanchine’s “Nutcracker” and starred in the original production of “A Chorus Line.” Lee has been active in the D.C. area, from directing “Carmen Jones” at the Kennedy Center to being a resident choreographer for the Washington National Opera for 18 years.

Now, at the age of 72, Lee is slated to direct and choreograph “South Pacific” for City Springs Theatre Company in Sandy Springs, Ga. later this year.

Lee will talk about her career, the state of Broadway today and her work with the National Asian Artists Project, a nonprofit which showcases works by artists of Asian descent, at CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road).

She is set to take the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for Restonians and $20 for everyone else.

Photo via Reston Community Center 

The Cotting Quilters’ second quilt show opens today (Feb. 4) in the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center Lake Anne.

The group brings together Reston and Herndon quilters who focus on traditional and modern designs.

“Through The Eye of The Needle II” showcases full-sized quilts, art quilts, wall hangings, table runners and other fabric art, according to the Reston Community Center.

The exhibit features the following quilters:

• Dora Anderson
• Ruth Grubb
• Hannah Hamilton
• Barbara Happ
• Anita Lowen
• Nicky Moering
• Connie Wright-Zink

The show will run until March 3.

Photo via Reston Community Center

Adults are needed to participate in a movement installation for the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival.

Artist Heidi Latsky plans to “celebrate the beauty of differences” with a movement installation titled “ON DISPLAY/RESTON.” The installation is a sculpture court where the performers are the sculptures, according to the Reston Community Center.

The Reston installation is a local platform for a worldwide initiative called “ON DISPLAY,” which was created by a partnership between Heidi Latsky Dance, a New York City dance company, and the United Nations to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Men and women age 18 and older are able to participate — no formal dance experience is required. “Diversity and the most inclusive range of ability are welcome. The movement installations will involve focus, stillness and structured improvisation,” according to the press release.

“ON DISPLAY/RESTON” will take place on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. People interested in participating should contact Kevin Danaher at [email protected].

The three-day festival at Reston Town Center is set to start on Friday, May 17, and last until Sunday, May 19. More than 200 artists are anticipated at the festival.

Photo by Charlotte Jones

Open mic poetry — Virginia Poet Laureate Henry Hart and Bill Glose will kick off an open mic at 7 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon. Then anyone can take the mic from 8-9 p.m. [ArtSpace Herndon]

Herndon business acquisition — Government contractor CACI recently announced it struck a $750 million deal to acquire Herndon-based LGS Innovations, which provides network infrastructure for the Defense Department and the intelligence community. CACI, which is based in Arlington, has major operations in Chantilly, Herndon, Lorton and Reston. [Washington Business Journal]

“For the Love of Art” — The League of Reston Artists will debut a new painting and photography exhibit at RCC Hunters Woods. While RCC programming is canceled today due to the snow, locals can check out the exhibit this weekend. It runs until Feb. 28.  [League of Reston Artists]

Photo via Patty Rollin

Last day for MLK art exhibit — An art exhibit at RCC Hunters Woods that was created by Reston elementary school students for MLK Day is set to close today. [Reston Community Center]

Dollars and Sense — The free monthly group at Reston Regional Library focuses on business leaders and markets. Tonight’s 7 p.m. discussion will be about Tony Robbins’ “Unshakeable.” [Fairfax County]

Silver Line suit ends with $1 million settlement — “A contractor will pay $1 million to settle a civil case that it falsified test results for concrete panels it built for Phase 2 of the Silver Line Metro extension, the Justice Department announced Monday.” [The Washington Post]

Acquisition for Herndon business —  Herndon-based ePlus Technology, a provider of technology consulting services, recently acquired Virginia Beach-based IT consulting firm SLAIT Consulting. The acquisition is expected to help ePlus expand. [Virginia Business]

“Wicked Fairfax County” — Head to Scrawl Books for storytime and trivia at 7 p.m. from the author of “Wicked Fairfax County.” [Scrawl Books]

Photo via Marjorie Copson

As teens start picking out their dresses as prom season approaches, they’ll need to start thinking about accessories too.

Instead of asking for dress donations, the Reston Community Center wants people to drop off accessories for the “Diva Central Accessory Drive.”

The annual drive has amassed so many dresses in recent years that RCC says it doesn’t need to collect them for this upcoming Diva Central event.

Starting Friday (Feb. 1), locals can make tax-deductible donations by dropping off items at RCC Hunters Woods or RCC Lake Anne from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays or from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Shoes, jewelry, handbags, shawls, scarves and other accessories are all desired for RCC’s prom and middle school formal dress giveaway.

The drive runs until Feb. 28.

Photo via Reston Community Center

Need help with your taxes?

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is offering free help with tax preparation and electronic filing services to taxpayers.

In the Hunter Mill District, locals can find the drop-in services at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) starting on Friday (Feb. 1).

Trained counselors will be on hand to help with federal and Virginia tax returns.

Locals don’t need an appointment, but they will need to bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for themselves and their dependents, a copy of last year’s tax returns and all tax documents received.

The Reston Community Center tax prep will be available on the following days:

• Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursdays: 4:30-8:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free tax preparation will also be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays at the SunTrust Bank of Vienna (515 Maple Avenue East) and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Providence Community Center in Fairfax (3001 Vaden Drive).

The program is open to people of all ages and runs until Feb. 15.

File photo

Drone discussions — “Fairfax County is putting together a comprehensive plan for public safety in the county’s use of unmanned aircraft and is looking for public feedback with public meetings.” The Reston one is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunter Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). [Tysons Reporter]

Youth Media Awards — Scrawl Books will announce the award winners at 11 a.m. Then at 7 p.m., book enthusiasts can head to 11911 Freedom Drive for a panel discussion and celebration for the winners and honorees. [Youth Media Awards]

Nose to toes yoga — Young kids can try out yoga poses movement while enjoying books and songs with a children’s yoga instructor from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Reston Regional Library. [Reston Regional Library]

There’s plenty to do around Reston this weekend in addition to the many events for Reston’s 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.

If you’re looking to avoid the cold weather, plenty of indoor activities are scheduled for this weekend.

Tomorrow (Jan. 19)

Stuff the Bus (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) —  Head Herndon’s Fox Mill Giant (2551 John Milton Drive) to support Helping Hungry Kids as a part of “Stuff the Bus,” which takes place at various locations around the county to benefit local nonprofit food pantries. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova will join the event at 11 a.m. to assist with the food collection and also discuss the county’s resources for people impacted by the federal government shutdown.

Fantastic Films at Reston: A Wrinkle in Time (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) — The Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) plans to show the 2018 movie, which is based on the classic book by Madeleine L’Engle, with warm cocoa.

“Time Stands Still” auditions (1-4 p.m.) — The Reston Community Players is looking for people to come audition for a show that examines the lives of one couple making a living out of documenting the horrors of war. The auditions, which will be held at 266 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon, will consist of cold readings provided that day. Auditions will also be held at the same time and place on Sunday.

Chess club (1-2:30 p.m.) — Locals can learn chess from experienced instructors at the Herndon Fortnightly Library (768 Center Street).

Sunday (Jan. 20)

Crys Matthews performance (2 p.m.) — Matthews, a singer-songwriter from Herndon, is scheduled to perform her songs at CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets cost $15 for Reston residents.

Winter Restaurant Week ends (all day) — Sunday is the last day for locals to enjoy prix fixe menus at the four Reston restaurants that are participating in Winter Restaurant Week.

Photo via Reston Community Players/Facebook

RA urges members to attend PRC meeting — In the latest Reston Today video, Reston Association’s Board President Andy Sigle urges RA members who are concerned about population density to attend a Jan. 23 meeting related to the county’s proposed amendment to the Planned Residential Community zoning ordinance. [YouTube]

Dense fog alert — This morning the National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory until noon today for portions of the region, including Fairfax County. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, use their headlights and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. [National Weather Service]

“Superior Donuts” opens tonight — Reston Community Players’ production opens tonight at RCC Hunters Woods at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28. [Reston Community Center]

Ed-tech merger — Herndon-based Real Time Cases merged with Delray Beach, Fla.-based Elearis. The Herndon startup’s ideo-based business case studies paired up with the technology platform from Elearis for a new Herndon-based firm. [Washington Business Journal]

Photo via Marjorie Copson

Reston’s 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration has full schedules for the three-day event.

The weekend celebration, presented by the Reston Community Center, honors the late American Baptist minister and civil rights activist.

An art exhibit by Reston elementary school students already kicked off last Friday (Jan. 11). The exhibit at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) will run through Jan. 31.

Here’s a breakdown of what is on the schedule:

Saturday (Jan. 19)

Community service projects
9 a.m. at Southgate Community Center (12125 Pinecrest Road)
1 p.m. at North County Government Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive)

Community service projects at Southgate Community Center start at 9 a.m. Indoor projects include making bag lunches for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, sorting and organizing items from The Closet and several other service projects. There will also be outdoor projects such as cleaning up the natural areas, pathways and hardscape surrounding the area — weather permitting.

Volunteers get a free lunch around noon. An additional project at the North County Government Center begins at 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed until 3 p.m. to sort and organize the donated items for the Hunter Mill Winter Coat Closet.

All ages are welcome for both events, and participants must register around of time through the Reston Association by contacting RA Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or [email protected].

Reston Community Orchestra
4 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods

The Reston Community Orchestra will perform a free concert. The tribute will combine traditions of African-American culture and Western classical music. Featured performers will include students from Al Fatih Academy and Beverly Cosham, a Reston song stylist.

Sunday (Jan. 20)

Performance by Crys Matthews 
2 p.m. at the CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods

Matthews, a singer-songwriter from Herndon, is scheduled to perform her songs at CenterStage. Tickets cost $15 for Reston residents.

Voices of Inspiration Program
4 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation (1441 Wiehle Avenue)

The free event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church and includes many Reston faith communities.

Monday (Jan. 21)

Keynote address by DeRay Mckesson
Noon at RCC Hunters Woods

Mckesson, an organizer, activist and author, will deliver the keynote address. Afterward, attendees can enjoy a family-style community lunch in RCC’s Community Room. Following the lunch, Mckesson will sign copies of his new book, “On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope,” which will be available for purchase.

Tickets for the lunch and keynote address cost $5 for Reston residents and employees.

Especially for Youth Program
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods

Children ages six to 12 can participate in free activities based on the history of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Children will rotate through a series of activities including a performance, an age-appropriate video and arts and crafts.

Parents are encouraged to register their children in advance, although there will be limited onsite registration on the day of the event.

Photo via Center for National and Community Service

Abby Wendle, the producer of NPR’s “Invisibilia,” will spill her thoughts on art as a part of Greater Reston Art Center’s “Creative Response” events.

One Thursday of each month, GRACE invites an expert in their field to respond to the work on view in the gallery with an open discussion. Presenters may range from poets to dancers, from writers to musicians.

Wendle was a farm reporter for Harvest Public Media in rural Illinois and helped launch This Land Radio in Tulsa, Okla. Her work has appeared on NPR News, the BBC, CBC and ABC in Australia.

In her spare time, she enjoys creating experimental sound art, according to GRACE. In fact, she has an ongoing collaborative sonic experience called “~1652Hz (the howling dome)” in which people are invited to make noises they associate with a pain or grievance in their life.

Maryam Ovissi, the chief executive officer and founder of Beloved Yoga in Reston, will provide a “sonic introduction.”

The free monthly event is sponsored by Reston Community Center. The event starts at 7 p.m. tonight (Jan. 17) at 12001 Market Street, Suite 103.

Photo via Greater Reston Arts Center

Furloughed federal employees affected by the government shutdown now can pay a reduced cost for summer camp.

The Reston Community Center announced today (Jan. 15) that it will offer special summer camp fee waivers for affected families, allowing them to pay $10-$20 per child per week this summer.

Families can pay $10 per child per week of camp, with some camps planned with half-days. They can also pay an extra $10 for “Zen Zone,” an after-care option for those in less than a full day of camp.

“Reston is home to many people who have been affected by this event,” RCC’s Executive Director Leila Gordon said in a press release. “We know that discretionary spending for summer activities would be among the first things families would likely cut back on or eliminate in trying economic circumstances.”

Gorden said that she doesn’t want the shutdown — now the longest one in U.S. history — to deprive kids of their summer fun. She added that RCC will offer the fee waivers even if the government employees are called back to work soon.

“The economic impact has already been profound for federal employees,” she said.

Reston Community Center’s summer camps include a variety of half-day and full-day options.

Full-day camps let campers go on daily adventures to museums, water parks and more; create art; or practice theatre for a performance at RCC’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). Options for half-day camps include cooking, woodworking, magic, community service, photography, STEM and more.

RCC plans to host the Reston Camp Expo, which will have exhibitors from area nonprofits and Fairfax County government agencies, at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Registration for summer camp begins on Feb. 1 for Restonians and on Feb. 8 for everyone else. Families who live or work in Reston must present their federal government employee identification when registering for 2019 camp sessions.

Photo via the Reston Community Center