Reston Community Center will hold a series of events this weekend to kick-off the 33rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration.

Tamika Mallory, co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, will deliver a keynote address on Monday at noon at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and $10 for all others. A community lunch will follow the speech.

Mallory, a nationally recognized advocate for social justice, worked closely with the Obama administration to push for civil rights, health care, equal rights for women and ending gun violence.

Leila Gordon, RCC’s executive director, said Mallory is among the “new and urgent voices” pushing the country toward realizing Dr. King’s vision.

“Reston’s annual celebration of his birthday has always been designed to reinvigorate our commitments to the goals of the civil rights movement and the values of Reston’s founding. We look forward to Ms. Mallory’s visit and her call to action,” Gordon wrote in a statement.

Tickets are available for purchase at CenterStage box office or online.

A breakdown of events scheduled for the celebration weekend is below.

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South Lakes High School Indoor Track Team Earns Third Place — At The Freedom Games in New York, the school’s indoor track team had seven state qualifying performances. Sophomore Hannah Waller won the 300 meters and anchored the winning 4×200 relay team with recording breaking performances.  More than 4,000 athletes from 130 schools competed in the meet. [SLHS via Twitter]

Fairfax Coin Club Delves into The Secrets of Coin Conservation — The group will meet at 7 p.m. in Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) for a discussion on how to best conserve coins. [Fairfax Coin Club via Twitter]

Curator’s Talk at Greater Reston Arts Center on Saturday — Lily Seigel, executive director of GRACE, will discuss the exhibition of Paulina Peavy by examining the artist’s life and relationship to the art of her time on Saturday at 3 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public. Peavy’s work is on display at the center through Feb. 18. [GRACE]

Photo via Milestat

Inova Blood Drive Set for Tuesday — Locals can donate their blood at Reston Town Center beside the pavilion from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. On-site registration is available. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 1-866-256-6372 or www.inova.org/donateblood. [Reston Community Center]

Service Offered to Get a Free Ride Home — The Washington Regional Alcohol Program is offering free rides home through the SoberRide program for people who have consumed alcohol and do not wish to drive. The program will be offered nightly between 8 p.m. and 4 p.m. through Jan. 1. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Schedule Released — Reston Community Center has released the weekend schedule for this year’s 33nd annual birthday celebration. The program includes special performances, community service projects, and a voices of inspiration program sponsored by the Reston Martin Luther King, Jr. Church. [Reston Community Center]

Mohammed Bilal and Josh Goldstein will use their friendship to challenge American stereotypes in A hip hop concert in late January at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage.

Their show, The Color Orange, demonstrates a 10-step plan people can take to achieve cross-cultural communication and understanding. The show will take place on Sunday, Jan. 21 from 3 – 5 p.m.

Bilal is best known for his appearance in MTV’s The Real World. He holds a master’s degree in diversity studiest. Goldstein has been rapping for more than a decade with artists like Souls of Mischief and Del the Funkee Homosapien.

Tickets are $15 for Reston residents and $20 for all others. They can be purchased online.

Photo via Facebook

Holiday Toy Distribution Set for Today — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host a toy distribution today to offer toys to more than 350 children at 3304B Culmore St. in Falls Church. The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Fairfax County Park Authority and Pathways Sign Agreement — The partnership will allow adults with disabilities to intern in programs and activities by FCPA. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide competitive employment chances for qualified individuals. For more information, contact the pathways to careers employer relations coordinator John Gyourko at 571-249-9468 or [email protected]. [Fairfax County Government]

Ahead of the 2018 Virginia General Assembly, Reston residents will have a chance to discuss important issues with state Del. Ken Plum and Sen. Janet Howell, both Democrats who represent Reston.

The elected representatives will hold their annual pre-legislative session town hall at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery in Reston Community Center at Lake Anne (1609 Washington Plaza) on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Plum, 76, is in his 37th year representing the 36th district in Virginia’s House of Delegates. The retired teacher and school administrator recently told the Richmond Times-Dispatch he is eyeing the top position in the House, posing a challenge to current House Minority Leader David Toscano, a Democrat of Charlottesville.

Howell has been a state senator since 1992, prior to which she was a PTA president, community association president and chair of the State Board of Social Services.

For more information about the town hall, call 703-758-9733. 

File photo.

The work of Tracie Griffith Tso, a Chinese brush painting instructor at the Reston Community Center, is on display at RCC Hunters Woods through Jan. 4.

Griffith Tso began painting her first bamboo brushstrokes in a California studio and honed her skills under the training of a Hong Kong master. She created functional clay art at the age of 12 and now specializes in traditional flower bird painting.

In a release, Griffith Tso said enjoys painting without sketching, a form of spontaneous expression that she said reflects emotions and movement in body language, especially in freestyle drawings of animals. She uses traditional ink made of rice stalks and other organic materials on rice paper using wolf hair brushes.

The artist also sells her pottery and prints at the Torpedo Factory’s’ Scope Gallery in Alexandria. She lives in Reston with her husband and workshop rabbit and muse, Cleo. She has taught Chinese brush painting at art centers and museums nationwide. Griffith Tso also works with other media like tiles, apparel, accessories and professional graphics, according to her website.

The exhibit, titled “Far East Echoes: Broad Brushstrokes and Loving Details,” is on display through Jan. 4.

Image via Inksart.com

Tamika Mallory, co-chair of this year’s Women’s March in Washington, will deliver the keynote address at the 33rd Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Jan. 15.

Mallory, a social justice advocate helped organize the march with drew several hundred thousand participants this year. She has closely worked with the Obama administration to advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, health care, eradicating gun violence and eliminating police misconduct.

In a statement, Leila Gordon, Reston Community Center’s executive director, said Mallory’s address will encourage the community’s youth to participate in the celebration.

“It’s clear that civil rights issues are more important than ever and that new perspectives and voices are contributing to the vitality of the movement… Mallory is one of the young people who have stepped forward to advance the cause for universal social justice and equity passionately and effectively,” Gordon said.

The address will begin at noon at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Rd.). Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and employees and $10 for all others.

Mallory’s address is part of a three-day celebration at the community center. Events include community service projects, a 12th annual tribute by RCC’s orchestra and other programs. For more information, contact Kevin Danaher, community events director at 703-390-6166 or by email at [email protected].

A full program of the weekend is available on RCC’s website.

Photo via Reston Community Center

Reston Community Center is holding its 19th annual Gifts from the HeART exhibit and holiday gift shopping event on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza).

Art will be on display through Jan. 2 at the center’s art galleries. 3D exhibit items will remain on display through Feb. 21. Entry fees from artists’ submissions and 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Cornerstones, a non profit organization that aims to help neighbors overcome tough economic times.

“The annual ‘Gifts from the HeART’ exhibit and sale has become a Reston tradition,” said Cheri Danaher, RCC’s arts education director. “It celebrates the arts and the holiday season with one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting those in need in our community.”

The exhibit includes original artwork made with various media, including sculpture, stained glass, collage and acrylic paint. Artwork will also be available for purchase at the event.

According to a press release, the event will help Cornerstones continue its operations at Embry Rucker Community Shelter, the Laurel Learning Center and community services outreach, which includes job counseling and youth programs. The event has raised more than $10,000 for the organization since the exhibit began in 1999.

File photo.

The Reston Historic Trust & Museum will host a discussion on present-day challenges in preserving pieces of the past. The program, led by John Burns, chief appeals officer for the National Park Service, will examine several significant local structures including Lake Anne Village Center, the demolished American Press Institute building and a building in Herndon under threat.

The event will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the JoAnn Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center. The presentation will include an explanation about the National Register of Historic Places, the government’s official list of sites worthy of preservation.

Burns will discuss current issues in preserving the former API building, which was demolished last year to make way for a townhouse development project in Reston. The building was designed by 20th Century architect Marcel Breuer. The demolition effort drew vocal opposition from preservation activists and residents.

The program will also include a discussion on the Center for Innovative Technology campus, a 26-acre sprawl of land in Herndon that is being pitched for Amazon’s HQ2. Loudoun and Fairfax counties are pushing to propose the site.

Burns makes decisions about appeals of projects denied certification for federal rehabilitation tax incentives. He has also worked as the assistant director of heritage preservation assistance programs for the NPS. He currently serves as chairman of the Fairfax County Architectural Review Board.

The event is free, but seating is limited.  To make a reservation, call 703-709-7700 or email [email protected].

RCC Offers Day Camps On Student Holidays Next Week — Reston Community Center is hosting “Fun Fusion Days” on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 6 and 7, when Fairfax County Public Schools are not in session. RCC staff will lead children ages 7 to 11 in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, movies and cooking, aiming to keep children happy and engaged. Campers must bring their own lunch, snacks, and drinks. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The fee is $45 per day for residents or $68 per day for nonresidents. Register online through WebTrac. [Reston Community Center]

Beware of Local Solar Scams — Fairfax County Government is warning residents of a scam involving solar companies. In an online statement, officials said local residents have reported being contacted and given a sales pitch by companies claiming to be part of a county-wide program called “Solarize Fairfax.” While in the past the county has partnered with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), which negotiated rates for county residents with two specific companies, county officials said that program is no longer active, and the county has never endorsed any specific solar companies. [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Woman Named One of 2017’s ‘Women Who Mean Business’ — Reston resident Lynn Dugle has been named one of Washington Business Journal’s 2017 “Women Who Mean Business,” which “honors the region’s most influential businesswomen.” Dugle is the CEO of Engility Corporation and has more than quadrupled the firm’s business during her short tenure. Most recently, she helped the company land a lucrative, $200-million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration to help modernize the country’s air traffic control systems. In her spare time, Dugle is on a mission to visit at least 100 different countries during her lifetime–and she’s already 80 percent of the way there. [Washington Business Journal]

Fairfax County Police Stop Child Exploitation Ring — Fairfax County police officers received a tip over the weekend that underage girls were being held against their will at a Springfield hotel. Officers responded to the TownPlace Suites on Brandon Avenue in Springfield and found one young victim in the lobby, and another two in one of the hotel’s rooms. Officers also located the suspect holding the victims hostage and took him into custody. A 22-year-old Fredericksburg, Virginia man is charged with commercial sex trafficking, abduction with a firearm, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. [Fairfax County Police]

See ‘Nosferatu’ With Live Music Tonight — Get into the Halloween Eve spirit with a showing of F. W. Murnau’s spooky film “Nosferatu,” based upon the 1897 novel, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The film will be enhanced with live musical accompaniment by Tom Teasley. Plus, if you come dressed as Dracula, you will receive a special Halloween surprise. The showing is part of the 2017 Washington West Film Festival and is sponsored by the Reston Community Center. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. at CenterStage in RCC Hunter’s Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. All ages are welcome. [Reston Community Center]

Meeting Thursday About Future of Hook Road Recreation Area — Residents are invited to a meeting Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. about the future of the Hook Road Recreation Area. Members of the Reston Association staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will be on hand to discuss and solicit feedback on ideas for the park facility’s usage and more. This meeting is one in a series of community engagement meetings the two groups will be hosting this season on the matter. The meeting will take place at the Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Ave. Questions and written feedback can be sent to [email protected]. [Reston Association]

Reston Apartment Ransacked While Residents Were Out — Police were called to a home in the 11900 Winterthur Road around 2 p.m. Wednesday after the residents returned home to find someone was in their apartment. The suspect managed to flee before police arrived. The residents said nothing appeared to be stolen, but there was “obvious damage” from the home being ransacked. Police are still searching for the person or persons responsible. [Reston Patch]

Town Hall Meeting Wednesday About Lake Fairfax Master Plan Revision — The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to come to a town hall meeting Wednesday to hear ideas for improvements to Lake Fairfax Park’s Master Plan, and offer feedback or ask questions. Lake Fairfax Park dates back to 1979 and is home to the popular Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole water park, campgrounds, the lake, walking trails and more. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, Nov. 1 at South Lakes High School, Lecture Hall 333, 11400 South Lakes Dr. Questions and feedback can also be sent to [email protected] before Dec. 1. [Fairfax County Government]

The Reston Community Players’ 2017-18 season opens tonight as the curtain rises on their presentation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.” The show, winner of four Tony Awards, will be performed through Nov. 11 at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road).

This weekend, the show is being performed at 8 p.m. both tonight and Saturday night. Tickets are $27, with student/senior tickets available for $23.

For more information about the show or about other upcoming events from the Reston Community Players, call 703-476-4500, ext. 3.

There is plenty else scheduled to take place this weekend in the area as well. Take a look at our list below.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• A trail of illuminated hand-carved pumpkins is welcoming visitors to “THE GLOW: A Jack O’Lantern Experience,” now through Oct. 29 at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive). Presented by Townsquare Live Events, the “enchanting Halloween wonderland” features a third-of-a-mile trail decorated with more than 5,000 pumpkins. Tickets, which are $16 for kids ages 3-12 and $22 for adults, are available online and must be purchased in advance.
• The South Lakes High School football team, 6-1 on the season and ranked No. 13 in the region by the Washington Post, return home tonight for a 7 p.m. game against McLean.
• “Sue Wrbican: Well Past the Echo” will be on view at Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.) through Nov. 18.
• The Woodland Park Crossing HarvestFest will take place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday in the plaza, located at 12960 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon. The event will feature strolling performers, tenant giveaways, face painting and entertainment, and participating restaurants will offer specials and samples.
• A digital scavenger hunt is planned in downtown Herndon from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Participants will explore various businesses and areas in downtown Herndon to find what they seek. Prizes will be given to winners who discover all the hidden treasures. The event is open to all ages, but parents must accompany any children who play.
• The bluegrass series at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (1090 Sterling Road, Herndon) will present a performance by The Blue Moon Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $15, with children 12 and under admitted free.
• At 11 a.m. Saturday, kids ages 6-12 are invited to take part in the “Halloween Science Spectacular” at the Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive). Kids will explore fun Halloween science experiments that are “gooey and foggy.”
• During “Giraffe-toberfest,” celebrate fall with animals at Roer’s Zoofari (1228 Hunter Mill Road) on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can meet the zoo’s giraffe, “Waffles.” Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will support giraffe conservation.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Fashion illustrator Joanna Baker will be at Scout & Molly’s (11944 Market St.) from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. Her prints will be available for purchase and she will be on hand to answer questions.
• Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m; and Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) every Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Reston’s DRB Meets Tonight — Among items on the Design Review Board’s agenda are specific aspects of the upcoming redevelopment of Tall Oaks Village Center. [Reston Now]

Children’s Art on Display at RCC — The mixed media exhibit “The World in the Eyes of Children” is on display at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) until Nov. 5. [Reston Community Center/Instagram]

Body Camera Pilot Program Proposed by FCPD — If approved by the county Board of Supervisors next month, officers in the Mason and Mount Vernon districts may begin the 90-day program as early as February. [Fairfax Times]

New School in Herndon To Be Discussed — The Hunter Mill Land Use Committee will meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. at McNair Elementary School (2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive, Herndon). To be discussed is a proposal from the Fairfax County Board of Education to construct a new three-story school building on the site. McNair Elementary currently serves grades K-6. In the plan, the existing school would serve K-3 and the new building would take grades 4-6. [Hunter Mill Highlights]

Seahawks Up One in Post Poll — Following their 44-0 win over Washington-Lee last week, the South Lakes High School football team settles in at No. 13 in the area rankings. They had been ranked No. 14 the previous week. The 6-1 Seahawks return home Friday night to play McLean. [Washington Post]