The indoor pool at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) will be closed next week for emergency repairs.
The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will be closed from Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. to Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. The pool will reopen to the public on Oct. 5 at 6 a.m.
The needed repairs come from a mistake made while the pool was re-caulked, during a “traditional” maintenance period from Aug. 24 to Sept. 13.
“The mixture of ingredients used for this specialized compound went wrong and the seal is not satisfactory. As a result, the pool will need to be drained, caulking removed and replaced as quickly as practicable,” Reston Community Center said in a statement.
Weekday swim classes will make up missed classes during the week in between swim lesson sessions. Weekend classes will only miss one class, and the RCC will give students a one-time “free-swim” pass.
More than 150 black-and-white photos of Reston residents will be exhibited around the area as part of a larger discussion about diversity.
The photos are part of “We Make Reston,” an INSIDE OUT project, brought to Reston by the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) and Reston Community Center. The photos will be officially unveiled during the Reston Multicultural Festival, with an accompanying discussion about diversity on Sunday.
Photos are exhibited around Reston at the Lake Anne sea wall, Comstock Partners’ fencing wall at the Wiehle-Reston Metro Station and South Lakes High School. There is also an exhibit inside the Jo Anne Rose Gallery.
“It [“We Make Reston” wall] is diverse, playful, and exudes adventure and love – all crucial parts of the essence of Reston,” said Leila Gordon, the executive director of the Reston Community Center.
The Initiative for Public Art Reston and the Reston Community Center received more than 300 photos of Reston residents. Of the 300, 169 were selected to be displayed on the three walls.
“A book of all the submissions that met criteria will be made available to the public at the festival and online,” Gordon said.
To be considered, all photos had to be a black and white, vertical portrait. Comstock Partners, who joined in with IPAR and RCC to provide the Metro station and banner locations, also had a team of photographers take portrait shots of Reston residents.
“People should be intrigued and delighted [about the wall],” Gordon said. “And yes, I am sure there will be some surprises.”
Photo courtesy of RCC
The Reston community will be able to get a taste of the world with the return of the annual Reston Multicultural Festival on Saturday.
The free festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lake Anne Plaza, rain or shine, and features live music, food and arts from different countries, including India, Ghana, Mexico and Bolivia.
“The Reston Multicultural Festival is an annual event that brings together the people of Reston to celebrate our rich medley of cultures,” the Reston Community Center said on the event page.
The event kicks off with the annual naturalization ceremony, where new United States citizens will take an Oath of Allegiance.
“It’s inspiring, emotional, and affirming of our country’s greatness. When you start your festival experience on such a grace note, the day is set for you for discovery and fun,” said Leila Gordon, executive director of the Reston Community Center.
There will be live music, dance performances and demonstrations throughout the festival. Hungry attendees will be able to fill up on food from multiple cultures, including Thai, Mexican, Peruvian, Indian and Vietnamese.
“Each year, new entertainers, crafts people, organizations and food vendors participate,” Gordon said. “The inclusion of National Heritage Fellows means there are master artists new to the festival each year in addition to local favorites. The Multicultural Book Fair that was begun two years ago is a new crowd favorite and involves new titles for 2015.”
This year the Multicultural Festival will also look at diversity in the Reston community through the new “We Make Reston” photo wall. The Reston Community Center is holding a discussion on diversity at the Jo Anne Rose Gallery, where part of the exhibit is held, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
“This will give both participants and those interested in the exhibit an opportunity to talk about the public art project and our community’s diversity,” Gordon said.
Richard Titus, one of five candidates running for three seats on the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, has withdrawn from the 2015 Preference Poll.
“I don’t conclude that serving if elected would be the best use of my time,” he said in an email to RCC Executive Director Lelia Gordon.
The four remaining candidates (incumbents Bill Bouie, Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt, Gerald Zavala and newcomer Karol Anderson,) participated in a forum at RCC Hunters Woods on Thursday. Read more about them in their candidates statements.
Titus’ name cannot be removed from the online ballot since voting has already begun. The online ballot has therefore been updated to indicate “withdrawn.”
Preference Poll voting continues through Friday, Oct. 2 at 5:00 p.m. for walk-in and online ballots; Mail-in ballots must be received by the counting agent no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Board appointments are made by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors after participants have made their preferences known in the annual poll.
The five candidates running for three vacancies in the 2015 Reston Community Center Preference Poll will take part in a candidates forum Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods.
Incumbents Bill Bouie, Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt and Gerald Zavala are all seeking additional three-year terms to the board. Newcomers running for a seat are Karol Anderson and Richard Titus.
Voting in the poll opened in early September and will run through Oct. 2. Residents of Small District 5 may use the unique USERID and PIN found on their ballot to vote online, in person or by mail:
- Online: Visit the RCC login page to enter your unique household credentials and gain access to online voting. Online voting will be available through Friday, October 2 at 5 p.m.
- In Person: Ballots may be deposited into secure ballot boxes at either RCC location. Ballots must be received by Friday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.
- By Mail: Residents may use the return envelope provided with the ballot to cast a vote by mail. Postage required. Mailed ballots must be received by Thursday, October 1 at 5:00 p.m. Please note the earlier deadline for mailed ballots and allow time for delivery by the deadline.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established the RCC Board of Governors to represent the interests of Reston (Small Tax District 5) residents and businesses in developing policy and providing financial oversight for RCC. Board appointments are made by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors after participants have made their preferences known in the annual poll.
The Board of Governors works to establish the overall policy for RCC and to guide its programs and budget. Board members represent Reston Community Center at social, recreational, cultural and educational activities throughout the district as well as function as liaisons to RCC’s community partners.
Read the candidates’ entire statements on the RCC website.
Reston Community Center’s indoor pool at Hunters Woods will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday. It will reopen on Sept. 14.
RCC will also begin a new pricing structure when the pool reopens. RCC officials said the increase is necessary “in order for us to ensure that RCC and the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center continue to offer patrons a high-quality experience. Rest assured that our pricing will always factor in the subsidy that Reston patrons should and can expect as a result of the Small District 5 taxes they pay to support RCC.”
Daily visits will rise from 50 cents to $1.50, depending on status of visitor.
New fees:
Daily visit: $5 Reston resident; $10 Fairfax County residents; $15 non-County resident (youth and seniors: $3, resident; $6, county; $9 non-County)
20-Visit Pass: $82 Reston resident; $164 Fairfax County resident; $246, non-County resident (youth and seniors: $50, $100, $150)
Water aerobics: Reston resident/employee $5.50 per class session; Fairfax County resident $10.50; non-County resident $15.75 (youth and seniors: $3.25, $6.50, $9.75)
Five Reston residents, including three incumbents, will run for three spaces in the Reston Community Center Board of Governors 2015 Preference Poll.
Bill Bouie, Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt and Gerald Zavala will all seek additional three-year terms to the board. Newcomers running for a seat are Karol Anderson and Richard Titus.
Voting begins on Sept. 11. Each property in Small District 5 (SD 5) will receive a ballot in the mail. Mail-in ballots must be received then 5 p.m. on Oct. 1. Walk-in and online ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 2.
A Candidates Forum will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established the RCC Board of Governors to represent the interests of Reston (SD 5) residents and businesses in developing policy and providing financial oversight for RCC. Board appointments are made by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors after participants have made their preferences known in the annual poll.
The Board of Governors works to establish the overall policy for RCC and to guide its programs and budget. Board members represent Reston Community Center at social, recreational, cultural and educational activities throughout the district as well as function as liaisons to RCC’s community partners.
About the candidates (from their candidate statements):
Karol Anderson, left, has experience leading PTAs and several committee boards, including Chairperson (LHRC) Local Human Rights Committee Behavior Mental Health.
Bill Bouie, right, has served three terms on the RCC Board and is currently the vice chairman. He is also chair of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and the vice chair of the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR), among other community positions.
Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt, left, is a social worker by profession who has served in various Reston volunteer capacities, including Reston Swim Team Association and PTSAs.
Richard Titus, right, is a Ph.D. published author of numerous scientific studies utilizing survey research and program evaluation who says he will bring professional survey and data analysis to gauge what participants want.
Gerald Zavala is the current treasurer of the RCC Board who has also worked with the Fairfax County Park Foundation, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Cornerstones, Reston Soccer and Leadership Fairfax.
Comstock Partners has teamed with the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) and Reston Community Center for the upcoming We Make Reston public art project.
The project will feature portraits of Restonians in order to reflect Reston’s diversity. Originally slated for display at Lake Anne Plaza in September, Comstock will also participate by providing a second location for the exhibit.
We Make Reston will now also be featured on Comstock’s 140-foot fencing wall at the Wiehle-Reston Metro Station and on a seven-story banner visible from the Dulles Toll Road, Comstock says.
All displays will open Sept. 26, in conjunction with the Reston Multicultural Festival.
Comstock will have a “street team” of photographers on the Reston Station plaza near the north entrance to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, photographers will provide more info to Reston commuters and residents and invite them to add the photos to the project, says Comstock spokeswoman Maggie Parker.
On Wednesday, interested participants can return with their signed release and be photographed, said Parker.
We Make Reston is part of the INSIDE OUT project – a global initiative with 200,000 participants from more than 112 countries.
Residents are still encouraged to submit their own portraits for the project. The deadline for submission in Aug. 9. Photos must be black and white and vertical in orientation. For more submission details visit RCC’s website.
Residents interested in serving on Reston Community Center’s Board of Governors have until Aug. 15 to file for candidacy.
The candidate filing period opened on Aug. 1. Candidacy Statement forms are available at RCC (Hunters Woods or Lake Anne.
The nine-member Board of Governors helps guide RCC’s programming and budget. Board members also represent RCC at social, recreational, cultural and educational activities in Reston.
Three spots will be open in 2015, and candidates are selected in a Preference Poll
All residents of Small District 5 (Reston) who are 18 or over are eligible to run. Candidates must complete a Candidacy Statement in order to have their names placed on the Preference Poll ballot.
Online and mail-in balloting and walk-in voting will be available from Sept. 11 through Oct. 2. Mail-in ballots must be received by Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
Seniors who like to sing: Reston is getting a new outpost of a nationally recognized chorale program.
The Encore Chorale, which grew from study on creative aging and an idea from DC’s Levine School of Music about 15 years ago, will start a 14th regional group at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods in September.
Encore Chorale of Reston is for singers 55 and older. It will be under the direction of David Brian Lang, conductor of the Reston Chorale.
There are no auditions for the Encore Chorale of Reston, singers may be seated for rehearsals and performances, and rehearsals are held during daylight hours.
Encore Chorale says it is for evertone: “If you have sung sometime in your life, want to return to singing, or have never sung outside the shower.”
Weekly rehearsals will be held at the RCC Tuesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. starting on Sept. 1. The first two rehearsals, on Sept. 1 and Sept. 8, will be held at an alternate location, the Reston Community Center Lake Anne, due to unavailability at Hunters Woods those weeks.
After 15 weeks of rehearsal, Encore Chorales perform free concerts for friends, family and the community, at large, high profile venues. The highlight of the holiday season for the last seven years has been the Dec. 23 concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which features more than 200 Encore singers on the Millennium Stage.
Registration opens Aug. 1 for Reston residents (Aug. 8 for non-residents). Contact Cheri Danaher, RCC Arts Education Director at 703-390-6175 or [email protected] to register.
Tuition is $160.00 for Reston residents/$240.00 for non-Reston residents.
Photo: David Brian Lang/Courtesy Reston Chorale
Reston Community Center is seeking residents to serve three-year terms on its Board of Governors.
The nine-member Board of Governors helps guide RCC’s programming and budget. Board members also represent RCC at social, recreational, cultural and educational activities in Reston.
Three spots will be open in 2015, and candidates are selected in a Preference Poll
All residents of Small District 5 (Reston) who are 18 or over are eligible to run. Candidates must complete a Candidacy Statement in order to have their names placed on the Preference Poll ballot.
Candidacy Statements will be available at RCC (Hunters Woods or Lake Anne) or online beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. The deadline for candidacy filing is 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Online and mail-in balloting and walk-in voting will be available from Sept. 11 through Oct. 2. Mail-in ballots must be received by Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
NV Rides Reston, a free transportation service for residents 55 and older, is still looking for volunteer drivers.
NV Rides partnered with Reston Community Center to launch the service here last spring.
Volunteer drivers provide door-to-door rides for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments, shopping, personal care and banking for seniors who are no longer comfortable driving.
The service area covers residents in the Small Tax District 5 boundaries of Reston. Volunteers self-select ride requests and may choose not to drive farther distances.
To volunteer, visit NV Rides on RCC’s website and download an application. They will pay for a DMV and background check. You can choose your own rides and hours.
A large-scale public art display featuring photos of Restonians will make its debut at Lake Anne Plaza this fall.
The Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) and Reston Community Center are teaming up on the We Make Reston, an INSIDE OUT Project.
We Make Reston will feature large-scale photographic portraits representing the diverse faces of Reston. The outdoor exhibit will be unveiled at the Reston Multicultural Festival on Sept. 26 at Lake Anne Plaza.
The photos will remain on display for up to four weeks, depending on weather.
RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon says that the project will contribute to a diversity dialogue that began when Reston was founded as one of Virginia’s first racially integrated communities more than 50 years ago.
“This public art project kicks off community discussions occurring over the next months,” says Gordon. “RCC and our partners hope these dialogues will help us reconnect to and sustain our founding values and how we live them,
Want to be a part of the project? Reston residents and employees are invited to submit black and white photos to be considered for inclusion. Submissions will be accepted from July 15 through Aug. 9.
To submit an image and application for inclusion in “We Make Reston,” please visit youjudgeit.org/restonpublicart between July 15 and Aug. 9.
For submission guidelines and more information, please visit RCC’s We Make Reston page.
Guidelines include:
- All photos must be at least 1MB at 100 dpi or greater. Acceptable files include .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, or .bmp. PNG and PDF files will not be accepted.
- All portraits must be black-and-white with vertical orientation.
- One person per portrait.
- Each person may enter up to three portraits.
- The person featured in the portrait must live or work in Reston.
- Portraits should be of yourself or anyone who has given you permission to share their image.
- The portrait must be of just a face, with no additional body parts, disguises, or pets. Let the story of you inspire your expression.
- No brand names, product placement, or copyrighted material may be in the image. You may not use the project for any commercial purpose. You may not promote yourself, a product, or brand in the portrait or through this exhibit. You may not publicize an organization.
- All liability waivers/copyright release forms must be signed and submitted with each portrait.
- Each entry must be accompanied by a seven-word bio about the photographer.
- Employees of Reston Community Center or Initiative for Public Art – Reston are not eligible.
We Make Reston is part of the INSIDE OUT project – a global initiative with 200,000 participants from more than 112 countries and territories.
The INSIDE OUT project is a creation of the artist JR, recipient of the 2011 TED Prize. INSIDE OUT says in its mission statement that “everyone is challenged to use black and white photographic portraits to discover, reveal and share the untold stories and images of people around the world. “
INSIDE OUT Toronto project/Credit: INSIDE OUT
The impact of AIDS in our society will be explored through dance, poetry and visual design at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Persistent Voices by the Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company combines choreography and thought-provoking poetry to explore the effect of AIDS in our lives.
The performance is inspired by the anthology Persistent Voices: Poetry by Writers Lost to AIDS, which includes the work of eight DC poets whose lives and creativity will be celebrated through this performance.
The performance is choreographed by Daniel Phoenix Singh. The Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation Fund Project co-commissioned by Dance Place in partnership with Kala Vandanam Dance Company and NPN.
In the first half of the performance, Dakshina presents an excerpt that showcases Singh’s unique vision combining modern and Bharata Natyam movement. Dakshina presents a work choreographed by the esteemed danseuse Rama Vaidyanathan from India on one of Dakshina’s principal dancers Sudha Radhakrishnan.
Tickets are $15 for Reston residents; $30 for non-residents and are available online.
Persistent Voices dance/Courtesy RCC
Washingtonian magazine’s Neighborhood Guide takes readers to Reston and Herndon in the May issue, released this week.
It divides a visitors time into three segments: 1. Shop Till You Drop; 2. Day of Family Fun; and 3. Plunge Into the Arts.
Shop Till You Drop guides readers to Lake Anne Plaza (Reston Museum, Cafe Montmartre, Reston’s Used Book Shop, Chesapeake Chocolates), a side trip to sushi spot Ariake at Hunters Woods, and then takes a spin through Reston Town Center with advice to stop in at The Tasting Room, Clyde’s, PassionFish and others 
before visiting Herndon.
Family Fun recommends Reston Association’s Walker Nature Education Center and Fairfax County Park Authority’s Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, as well as back to town center for meals at Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food and Ted’s Bulletin and dessert at Red Velvet. Small Change Consignment and Baby Blossom at Lake Anne get a nod, as do local farmers markets.
Plunge Into the Arts recommends the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, which returns to town May 15-17, as well as ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon’s Friday Night Live , Reston Community Center’s CenterStage and Herndon’s NextStop Theatre Company.
What do the residents say? If you live here, the guide likely featured nothing new, but may have left off your favorite places, off the beaten path or otherwise unknown to Washingtonian’s editors.
If any of your local favorites were not mentioned, tell us in the comments to offer some real insider information.
Top, Nature House at Walker Nature Education Center. Bottom, PassionFish/file photos
