Most Fairfax County offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.
Fairfax County libraries will be closed both days. Courts close at noon tomorrow (Wednesday) and will remain closed on Thursday and Friday.
All Reston Association offices, including the Nature House and Central Services Facility, will be closed. Offices close at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).
The Fairfax Connector operates on a Sunday schedule on Thursday. Routes without Sunday service will not operate. The next day, commuters can expect a modified holiday weekend schedule.
Reston Community Center Lake Anne is closed both days, while the location at Hunters Woods is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.
Residents who receive trash and recycling collection from the county will have regular collection services both days. Residents with collection services from a private company should contact the service provider for the modified holiday schedule.
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Silver Line Extension May Open in September — “The opening of the Silver Line extension could come as soon as September if all things go according to plan, Metro officials said. But with a sprawling $6 billion project, that’s not always guaranteed. The extension is being completed in two phases. The first was opened in 2014 and added five new stations to the Silver Line: McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill and Wiehle-Reston East.” [WAMU]
Metro Board Delays Naming Rights Bid — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has withdrawn an item from its board meeting involving potential naming rights for the Innovation Center Metro Station. [Washington Business Journal]
Self-Driving Trucks are in Town — “The vehicle manufacturer Daimler Trucks and the technology firm Torc Robotics are now testing self-driving trucks on U.S. public roads for the first time with Interstate 81 in southwest Virginia as the initial target, CNBC reported in September.” [Fairfax County Times]
Last Day for Thanksgiving Food Drive Locations — Today (Monday) is the last day to drop off donations for the drive, which is organized by the Reston Community Center, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones. [Reston Community Center]
Photo by Jay Westcott
The upcoming “Gifts from the HeART” fair in Reston will let community members shop for handmade crafts and unique items during the holiday season.
The 21st annual fair will take place at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne (1609 N. Washington Plaza) from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 7). It is free for all to attend.
Items vary in price, according to the event.
“Beautiful original artwork, remarkable ceramics, stunning jewelry and many other one-of-a-kind items will be sold by the artists themselves,” according to the event website.
People may email Gloria Morrow with any questions.
Photo via RCC/Facebook
Hunter Mill District Cathy Hudgins is concluding 20 years of service as the supervisor for the area later this year.
As former Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn takes her vacated seat, Hudgins’ staff are organizing a community farewell for the supervisor.
The party is set for Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
All are welcome and light refreshments and desserts will be reserved. Attendees must RSVP by calling 703-478-0283 or by emailing [email protected].
Hudgins announced her plan to retire in January, capping off her fifth term on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She was first elected to the board in 1999.
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The Lake Anne Nursery and Kindergarten is hosting a major children’s yard sale in Reston tomorrow.
The annual event, which happens from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a fundraiser that relies on donations.
The yard sale will include baby and kids gear like toys, games, book, stain-free clothing and gently-worn shoes. Larger items include high chairs, swings, music tables, bikes and kitchen sets.
All remaining items will be 50 percent off from noon to 1 p.m.
The sale takes place at 12021 North Shore Drive.
Tomorrow (Nov. 9)
- Sing Books with Miss Emily (10:30-11 a.m.) — Join Mis Emily to celebrate the 50th birthday of Sesame Street. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of Reston Regional Library.
- Sesame Street Birthday Celebration (10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — Celebrate the show’s 50th birthday, which will include games, activities, stories, songs and more.
Sunday (Nov. 10)
- Author Andrew Marble (2 p.m.) — Marble discusses his biography on a U.S. military leader. The event takes place at Scrawl Books in Reston Town Center.
- History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky of George Mason University continues his six-part lecture series on the wart Reston Regional Library. This weekend’s session is the last of the series.
- Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to dance at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. The session is open to participants age 18 and above.
- Country Western Dance (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — Dances are held monthly in the community room at Reston Community Center. The cost is $5 per session for Restonians and $10 for all others.
Photo via LANK/Facebook
Monday is Veterans Day — a chance to celebrate the servicemen and women who currently or previously served in the United States Armed Forces.
Across Herndon and Reston, certain businesses or offices are altering hours in remembrance or even offering perks for veterans.
The Town of Herndon will host a remembrance ceremony on the Town Green at 11 a.m. in coordination with the American Legion Post 184.
Founding Farmers (1904 Reston Metro Plaza) is offering a 50% discount on brunch, lunch and dinner for those who bring along a military ID or wear their uniform. The Department of Veterans Affairs compiled a list of other chain locations offering discounts or free things for servicewomen and men.
The Herndon Community Center will operate from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and also offer free admission for retired veterans and active military personnel with military ID. The Reston Community Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to its website.
The Fairfax County government offices and Fairfax County Public Libraries will be closed in remembrance, according to their website.
Fairfax County Public Schools will be open and teachers are encouraged to lead students in Veterans Day oriented activities.
Across the county, all neighborhood and community service centers will be closed.
Trash collection from the county will run on a normal schedule, although the offices will be closed, according to the website. Locals are advised to put their trash and recycling out by 6 a.m. for timely collection.
Fairfax County animal shelters are closed on Mondays, the website said.
Some Fairfax Connector routes will operate regular weekday service, while others won’t run at all.
Final Showings of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” — There are two showings left for the Reston Community Players’ performance on Nov. 8 and 9 at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets are available online. [Reston Community Players]
County Host Tactical Athlete Wellness Symposium — On November 7 and 8, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is hosting the 2019 Tactical Athlete Wellness Symposium – Mind, Body, and Soul. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Reston Association Markets The Lake House — The association is marketing the venue, which says it is ideal for events, parties and other special occasions. [Reston Today]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Reston Community Orchestra kicks off its 32nd season this Saturday (Nov. 2) at 4 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.
The ensemble, which is composed of volunteers, aims to enhance the culture of the community by presenting diverse symphonic music.
Maestro Dingwall Fleary has served as the music director and conductor of the ensemble since 1995.
The orchestra offers free concerts in an effort to fulfill its pledge, “Great music for a great community.”
The show, which is free and open for all, kicks off at 4 p.m. Donations are appreciated.
Photo via Reston Community Orchestra
With the holiday season approaching, organizations are setting up campaigns to help those in need.
The Reston Community Center teamed up with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones to collect food and basic necessities, while Food For Neighbors is sponsoring an online fundraiser to provide meals for those struggling with food insecurity.
On the Food For Neighbors’ website, anyone can donate money to help feed families. They are asking for amounts in $50 increments, which will provide a meal for one family.
Under the RCC, there are more than a dozen locations where people can drop off non-perishable items, including food, paper towels, plastic bins and hygiene items.
They are looking for food items that are unopened, unused and unexpired, including coffee, tea, canned products, oatmeal, dry beans and rice, peanut butter, jellies, flour, sugar, condiments and cooking oil.
Volunteers can sign up online to sort the items.
Below, is a list of locations where people can drop off new items.
- RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road)
- RCC Lake Anne (1609-A N. Washington Plaza)
- Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (1886 Metro Center Drive, Suite 230)
- Atlantic Union Bank (1800 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 105)
- Hunter Mill District Office (1801 Cameron Glen Drive)
- Guide Post Montessori Herndon (13251 Woodland Park Road)
- Long and Foster Realtors (2100 Reston Pkwy, Suite 102)
- Reston Association — HQ (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive)
- Reston Associaton — Central Services Facility (12250 Sunset Hills Road)
- Reston Association — Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive)
- State Farm Insurance (11868 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 200)
- Tall Oaks Assisted Living (12052 North Shore Drive)
- The Harrison at Reston Town Center (1800 Jonathan Way)
- Washington Hilton Dulles (13869 Park Center Road)
- YMCA Fairfax County Reston (12196 Sunset Hills Road)
Photo via Facebook
The Reston Community Center is expanding its online presence as part of its 40th-anniversary celebration.
The RCC created a series of six YouTube videos that cover local history and growth since the community center’s founding in 1979, according to a press release.
The first episode was posted last Thursday, Oct. 17, and featured the Reston Community Players, a community theatre group.
“The short videos were produced and directed by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker and Reston resident Rebekah Wingert, principal of Storycatcher Productions,” the press release said.
As an introduction to the mini-series, the center highlighted last spring’s production, Annie. The video takes viewers behind the curtain and shows them how to production was created.
Future episodes will highlight other aspects of outreach programs and various programs sponsored by the center.
New episodes are expected to make their debut every other week.
“By using our YouTube platform, we will share how RCC connects to our partners and patrons in these compelling videos,” RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon said.
Two incumbents and a newcomer will join the Reston Community Center’s Board of Governors for a three-year term that begins in early November.
Incumbents Beverly Cosham and Paul Thomas, as well as newcomer Laurie Dodd, will begin their terms on Nov. 4. The candidates earned the most votes in RCC’s annual preference poll, which is used to guide board appointments.
At the request of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed the three Reston residents to the board.
Michelle Moyer will leave the board after serving two three-year terms.
RCC wrote the following about the winning candidates:
Beverly Cosham is the current Chair of the RCC Board of Governors. She has served on RCC’s Board for six terms. She has been a resident of Reston since the 1960s and is active in many other civic and arts organizations, including the Reston Community Orchestra, the Reston Chorale and the Reston Community Players. She has served three terms on the Advisory Board of ARTSFAIRFAX.
Laurie Dodd has lived in Reston for more than 20 years. She is an attorney in private practice. She has served on the boards of Reston Swim Team Association, Reston Children’s Center and her church. Dodd has been an active volunteer with Coalition for a Planned Reston, Rescue Reston, Reston Runners and the Embry Rucker Shelter, among others.
Paul Thomas will serve his second term on the RCC Board of Governors. He grew up in Reston and has served many community organizations, including Reston Association, the Reston Swim Team Association and the Reston Historic Trust. He also served on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force, and is currently president of the South Lakes High School PTSA.
Thomas received the most votes (1,637), while Dodd came in second with 1,384 votes. Cosham earned 1,337 votes while Moyer received 1,219 votes and Robert Petrine received 1,143 votes.
Photo via RCC
Halloween is only two weeks away and there are a variety of events happening around Reston to help people get into the holiday spirit.
Jack’s Pumpkin Glow will guide guests through a trail lined with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins lit up with tiny lights, according to the website. People will also be able to enjoy beverages and food while picking out a pumpkin of their own.
Tickets are $17, and the event will take place on (Friday) Oct. 18 from 6-9 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive).
Halloween Fun Fest invites kids from ages five to 12 to Life Time Athletic (1757 Business Center Drive) for an afternoon of fun costumes and activities on Saturday (Oct. 19) at 6 p.m. Admission is complimentary with a membership.
At the upcoming Trunk or Treet event, all ages are welcome to gather at YMCA Fairfax County Reston (12196 Sunset Hills Road) from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 24) for an evening of trick-or-treating, cornhole and a trunk decoration competition.
Tickets are $3 or $25, depending on whether people want to set up a trick or treating stop and participate in the competition. Participants for trunk competition are asked to register through email.
Halloween Family Fun Day is for families with children under eight years old and will feature live performances and carnival games from noon until 2 p.m. at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) on Saturday (Oct. 26).
Halloween Owls at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) will allow attendees to get a close look at live owls in a safe and secure environment while learning about the creatures before touring the Halloween House. Tickets are $15 and can be found online. Times are spaced out throughout the day on Friday (Oct. 25.)
Image via Facebook
Although Flavors of Fall will not be happening this year, residents can still enjoy the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Reston Pumpkin 5K and Kids Pumpkin Dash on Sunday (Oct. 13). The race kicks off at 8:15 a.m. at Reston Town Center and the pumpkin dash kicks off at 9:15 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to debut their Halloween costumes. Today (Friday) is the last day to take advantage of the early registration rate $30 per person. Prices rise to $35 per person over the weekend.
Participants in the pumpkin dash — which is open to children age 14 and under — are divided into heats based on age. Distances vary from 20 to 100 yards based on the age of participants.
Tomorrow (Oct. 12)
- Indie Author Day (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — Drop by and meet local writer sin the community at Reston Regional Library. Books will be available for sale and signing.
- ArtSplash for Adults (2-4 p.m.) — Create your own masterpiece in this workshop led by artists from Abrakadoodle Northern Virginia.
Sunday (Oct. 13)
- Bird Walks (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Search for birds in some of Reston’s most beautiful areas at this walk, which is co-sponsored by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and The Bird Feeder store.
- History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky, a George Mason University professor, continues his six-part lecture series on the war at Reston Regional Library.
- Book Launch Party with Sen. Janet Howell (2 p.m.) — Howell and her daughter-in-law, Theresa Howell, will introduce their new book, “Leading the Way: Women in Power,” at Scrawl Books.
- Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels are invited for an afternoon of dance at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Each session is $5 for Reston residents and $10 for all others.
- Country Western Dance (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — Western dance is the focus of this evening session at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Each session is $5 for Reston residents and $10 for all others.
Photo by Chip McCrea
Columbus Day, a federal holiday that is also a workday for some, is on Monday. Here’s a look at what is open and what is closed for the holiday.
Fairfax County government offices and public schools are closed. Local libraries will also be closed on Monday. No in-person absentee voting will be offered at the Fairfax County Government Center. Reston Association offices, including the Walker Nature Center and Central Services Facility, will also be closed in observance of the holiday.
Reston Community Center Hunters Woods and Lake Anne are open, but check if your individual class or event is scheduled. Fairfax County parks and RECenter are also open.
Meanwhile, Metro will run on a Saturday schedule and Metrobus will operate on a modified Saturday schedule. MetroAccess and paratransit services will operate on a regular schedule.
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Meet the Artist: Peter Fraize — Meet Fraize, a saxophonist and George Washington University professor, today at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage from 2:15-3:30 p.m. Fraize is best known for his freestyle jazz. [Reston Community Center]
Reston Association Board to Discuss Budget Today — RA’s Board of Directors will hold a budget workshop today at 6:30 p.m. at RA headquarters. The 2020-2021 budget includes a five percent assessment increase for members. [Reston Association]
County Fire Station to Host Open Houses — All Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Departments will host an open house this Saturday (Oct. 12) from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Residents can meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
