The filing period for this year’s Reston Community Center‘s Board of Governors’ preference poll is open from today (August 1) to August 15.
The Board of Governors oversees the operations of RCC. All residents of Small District 5 above the age of 18 and up are eligible to run for the board.
Three positions for three-year terms are open. Candidates must complete a candidacy statement in order to have names placed on the preference poll ballot.
The schedule for the preference poll is below:
- August 1-15: Candidate filing period
- August 15: Candidate orientation and photos
- September 7: Ballot voting begins
- September 10: Preference poll candidates forum
- September 27: Deadline for mailed ballots
- September 28: Deadline for online or walk-in ballots
File photo
The renovation of the Reston Community Center’s Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center is on track to begin in January. The center’s roof will also be replaced, adding an expense of roughly $300,000 to the overall $5.5 million budget.
Construction costs have been driven up due to last year’s hurricane seasons, which created labor and material shortages and the impact of the Trump administration’s actions on tariffs. According to the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, construction costs have increased between 16 and 20 percent.
Despite changes in construction costs, the project is expected to remain on-budget, according to Leila Gordon, RCC’s director. Expected cost increases will be absorbed by using $45,000 previously allocated to replace the building’s hot water heater and year-end surpluses.
“Our reserves profile will remain well in excess of $1 million for both FY19 and FY20,” Gordon said.
Thus far, the pool will remain open until construction begins. Patrons will be given information about the project and other swimming options in September.
Gordon said she is confident the pool will offer a “modern, mechanically efficient environment” to serve patrons for the next couple of decades. Reston patrons can use the Herndon Community Center by paying 10 percent more than Herndon residents — a decrease from the usual 25 percent upcharge.
“The Board and staff remain convinced that this renovation project is going to be of great benefit to the community – nearly doubling our present service capacity for different aquatics programming and service options,” she said.
Construction is expected to be complete in October of next year.
Renderings via Reston Community Center
Silver Line concrete problem may not be critical — Preliminary tests on concrete panels show that major re-networking of the Silver Line extension to and beyond Dulles Airport might not be necessary. A whistleblower lawsuit raised concerns about improperly mixed concrete at Silver Line stations set to open in 2020. [WTOP]
Summerbration concert tonight — This week’s concert in Reston Station Plaza features the Jason Masi band. Parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. [Reston Community Center]
Local company cracks cases — Parabon NanoLabs has helped solve five cold cases since early May with a new approach to genetic analysis. [NBC News]
Nearby: Local weekender — Need a roundup of what to do this weekend? From ice cream making to a concert with a mix of jazz and Indian classical music, there’s a lot to do this weekend. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo of Lake Thoreau’s public art display, submitted by Russ Evans
Reston Community Center has released its 2018-2019 lineup for its Professional Touring Artists Series.
Ticket sales will open to Reston residents and employee within Small District 5 on August 1. Proof of residence of employment status may be required. Sales will open to the general public on August 8.
Box office business hours are from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. The box office also opens two hours before the curtain time for each performance.
This year’s lineup includes a mix of old and new professionals, including DeRay Mckesson a civil rights activist.
“From world-renowned authors to dance nights with the stars, from sensational jazz concerts to hysterical stand-up comedy, from a Broadway legend to an opera diva – the CenterStage couldn’t be more diverse or more timely,” said RCC Director of Arts and Events Paul Douglas Michnewicz.
The complete lineup, provided directly from RCC, for the 2018-2019 season is after the jump.
Photo via RCC
Reston Community Center has issued a call for candidates to run for seats on the Board of Governors, a nine-member body that oversees RCC.
Candidates for one of three open positions with three-year terms must complete candidacy filings by 5 p.m. on August 15 (Wednesday).
Each year, candidates are selected through a community preference poll with votes cast by residents and businesses located in Small District 5, a geographical area that broadly applies to Reston zip codes.
Online and mail-in balloting and walk-in voting will run from September 7 through September 29 until 5 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be received before 5 p.m. on September 27.
The Board of Governors establishes RCC policies, sets priorities for programs and makes decisions about the budget. The body was established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which will appoint board members based on votes cast.
Photo via Reston Community Center
Discovering hidden gems — There’s a lot to discover at Reston Association’s trails, each of which is color-coded. [Reston Association]
Oasis Island Sounds concert tonight — In this week’s “Summerbration” concert, enjoy Reggae on the open-air plaza atop Wiehle-Reston East Metro. Parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for these concerts. [Reston Community Center]
Parked — July is National Parks and Recreation month, but Restonians actually live in a park 12 months of the year. [The Connection]
Nearby: New fire chief — John Butler, former chief of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services in Howard County will take on his new role. he hopes to address complaints that management isn’t doing enough to address sexual harassment and discrimination in county firehouses. [WTOP]
Flickr pool photo via vantagehill
Capital savings — Fairfax County residents can save 50 percent off their annual capital bikeshare membership. Members must be county residents and have new memberships. [Fairfax County Government]
Opinion: unfair treatment — An opinion piece alleges that the Fairfax County library system treats Friends groups, including the Friends of Reston Library, unfairly. [InsideNOVA]
‘Take a Break’ concert tonight — In this week’s “Take a Break” concert, Bad Influence brings audiences blues and roots. The concert at Lake Anne Plaza is open to all ages. [Reston Community Center]
Soaring to national heights — Austin Miller, a pole vaulter from Herndon, placed eighth at the 2018 USA Track & Field outdoor championships. [The Connection]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Building worlds — A group exhibition of artists who explore the role of science fiction and fantasy in informing our fears and ideals is set to run from August 1 through September 15 at Greater Reston Arts Center. [Reston Town Center]
Herndon teen found — A 12-year-old from Herndon who went missing Tuesday night was found yesterday. She returned home and is safe and sound. [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office]
Showing their teeth — “In the first meet of the Northern Virginia Swimming League season, the Hunter Mill Sharks took a bite out of the Lee Graham Dolphins, with a final score of 269-151.” [Fairfax County Times]
Squeeze Bayou concert — This week’s “Take a Break” concert series features music folk music tied to the Cajuns. The event at Lake Anne Plaza is free and open to all ages. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The Greater Reston Arts Center is seeking funds to help finance a new 50-foot steel sculpture in Reston Town Center.
The sculpture by artist Sue Wrbican is inspired by the work of Kay Sage, an American surrealist who was known for her paintings of scaffolded structure and furled fabric in barren landscapes.
Wrbican’s work was previously featured by GRACE last fall. Installation and an opening ceremony are expected in August. Donations can be made online.
Less than half of the required funds needed to make the project possible have been raised from Reston Town Center Association, Reston Community Center, ArtsFairfax and Public Art Reston.
Photos via Greater Reston Arts Center
Time for the crescent — The Fairfax County Planning Commission is scheduled to review the Reston Crescent project, a mixed-use development plan that includes a new Wegmans, tonight at 7 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
And time for the full moon — Experience the moon at Frying Pan Park tonight at 8:45 p.m. Attendees between ages seven and above can view the moon through telescopes, take a walk around the farm and enjoy a theme-related dessert. [Fairfax County Government]
Nearby: Unarmed man dies in police custody — Six local police officers have been placed on administrative leave as an investigation continues on how an unarmed, naked man died after encountering police in Northern Virginia. [Richmond Times-Dispatch]
“Take a Break” concert series tonight –– Cheich Hamala Diabata brings the traditional music of Mali, mixed with modern grooves, to Lake Anne Plaza tonight at 7 p.m. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Reston Town Center Association is hosting a lunch event at Reston Town Square Park tomorrow from noon to 1 p.m.
Gin Dance Company will offer a free one-hour performance. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch to the park. Vapiano and Le Pain Quotidien will offer brown bag specials for take-out orders placed between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Vapiano is offering 10 percent off takeout pizzas and Le Pain Quotidien is offering 20 percent off entree orders of a sandwich, salad, tartine or soup, along with a free dessert.
The event is produced by Reston Town Center Association and Reston Community Center.
Photo via Reston Town Center Association
Fit(ted) bikes — The Reston Bike Team fitted the entire fifth-grade class at Hutchison Elementary School with bike helmets. [Fairfax County Police]
Last chance: summer art camp registration — Looking to enroll your child in Greater Reston Arts Center’s camps this year? There are only a few spots left. Registration is open online. [Greater Reston Arts Center]
Take a Break concert: Mystic Warriors — Enjoy world music at Lake Anne Plaza in this free concert series on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. [Reston Community Center]
Nearby: Meet the Northern Virginians of the year — This year’s service, honor, excellence, leadership, and dedication award was given to Michael Rossiter, and Alexandria Police Department sergeant. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Photo by Maureen Jules-Perez
The “Summerbration” concert series at Reston Station Plaza will feature a new addition on Friday summer nights.
Professional dance instructors will offer lessons during select concert performances hosted by Reston Station. Lessons vary from swing dancing to African dance.
Reston Community Center’s executive director Leila Gordon said the center is “thrilled” to add professionals to the lineup. She said Reston Station Plaza is “becoming a destination experience for people.”
Dance instruction begins with Friday’s King Teddy Concert. Each concert runs from 7-9 p.m. and parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. during the concerts.
The complete lineup, which includes dancers and instructors, is below:
June 15
King Teddy
Swing dancers – dancing and instruction
June 22
Cedar Creek
Country line dance instruction
June 29
Elikeh
African dancers – dancing and instruction
July 6
Four Star Combo
Sock hop dancers – dancing and instruction
July 27
Alfredo Mojica & Friends
Latin dancers – dancing and instruction
August 10
Scott Kurt & Memphis 59
Country dancers – dancing and instruction
August 24
The Swingin’ Swamis
Swing dancers – dancing and instruction
Photo via Reston Community Center
As the school year ends, the “Family Fun Entertainment Series” returns to Reston Town Center this Saturday (June 16). The event is held at Reston Town Square Park, located at the corner of Market Street and Explorer Street, on Saturdays from 10-10:45 a.m.
This Saturday’s performance features Pinot & Augustine, a comedy with classic mime antics. The characters try to prove who is the star of the show through humor and playful interaction, according to a description of the show by Reston Community Center.
The complete line-up of performances, which will run through August 4, is below:
- June 23: The Uncle Devin Show
- June 30: Kwame Ansah-Brew African Sounds
- July 7: Rocknoceros
- July 14: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre – Pig Tales
- July 21: Turley the Magician
- July 28: Guava Jelly
- August 4: Classic Comedy by Mark Lohr
Parking is free on Saturdays. The event is hosted by Reston Town Center Association and presented by RCC in cooperation with MSE Productions, Inc.
Photo by Mukul Ranjan via RCC
Reston Community Center’s Board of Governors will hold an annual public hearing on the center’s programs and budget on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. in RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road).
The hearing will include a presentation about RCC’s highlights and challenges over the past year. Information will also be presented on the center’s budget appropriate for fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
Updates on the renovation of the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will also be provided.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected] by June 15 (Friday). Written comments and questions can also be submitted via email.
File photo
