The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park has been named one of the region’s best waterparks by Washingtonian Magazine.

The publication, which made different selections based on the type of waterpark, wrote that the water mine was one of the best in the area for children between ages 7 and 11.

“Older children beeline for the three lengthy, winding water slides standing three stories tall,” the magazine wrote. “There’s also a log walk, a lazy river, more slides, and a splash area for younger kids.”

The Fairfax County Park Authority wrote the following about the waterpark:

The Water Mine captures the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with themed attractions including more than an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables, and an interactive water playground. Kids can careen off covered wagons, float on wild animals, dash through showers tipped from water-filled ore carts, or float along the Rattlesnake River, a 725-foot lazy river. The centerpiece is Pete’s Peak, a craggy mountain featuring water slides of various size and intensity. 

Although the water mine will be open tomorrow (Friday) from noon to 6 p.m., it goes to the dogs with a season-ending event on Saturday (September 7) to benefit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Photo via FCPA

More than 50 artists will converge at the Greater Reston Art Center’s gallery in Reston Town Center next month for the annual Monster Drawing Fundraiser.

The rally turns the gallery into a public performance space as artists create artworks on-site using the media of choice from 4-8 p.m.

Completed works are hung on the wall and are available for purchase at $75 each. If more than one person is interested in an artwork, the buyer will be determined through a drawing.

All proceeds from the event will benefit GRACE’s exhibition programs.

The event, which is sponsored by Collective Arts Brewing, is free and open for all.

Volunteers can sign up online to help with the event.

Photo via GRACE

The annual Reston Pumpkin 5K and Kids’ Pumpkin Dash is set for Sunday, October 13.

Although the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce dropped its plans to host the annual Flavors of Fall festival, the pumpkin dash is expected to feature the same activities and programs as in previous years.

Participants are encouraged to debut their Halloween costumes the event, which start at 8:15 a.m. at Reston Town Center.

Registration for the 5K is $20 per person through October 11 and $25 per person from October 12 to October 13. Registration for the kids’ event is $10 per person until October 11 and $15 per person from October 12 to October 13.

All runners will receive a T-shirt, race bib, and post-race refreshments.

Awards will be given baed. On several age groups to the top male and female participants.

More information about the event is available online.

Photo via Don Renner

The 37th annual Reston Century Bike Tour returns to Reston Town Center on Sunday (August 25).

Riders select routes of 22, 60, 80 or 100 miles — with all routes start and ending at RTC.  The event is set to happen rain or shine. A post-ride party will be held in the pavilion for participating cyclists.

Registration is open online.

Tomorrow (August 24)

• Dog Paddle for Small Dogs (10 a.m. to noon) — Dogs under 30 pounds can dip in the pool during this event at the North Hills Recreation Area. Registration is $6 for RA members and $8 for all others. A second session is planned from 2-4 p.m.
• Summer Stem (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Children between ages 9 and 14 can dive into the exciting world of robotics. Registration is open online.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance by Rocknoceros at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free and open to all.
• Reston Concerts on the Town (7:30-10 p.m.) — The final “Reston Concerts on the Town” performance brings Empire Strikes Bass to the pavilion at Reston Town Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket.

Sunday (August 25)

• Dog Paddle for All (10 a.m to noon) — Dogs of all sizes are invited to dip in the pool at North Hills Recreation Area. Female dogs in heat are not permitted and all dogs must remain under control at all times.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance by a face painter, balloon twister and stilt walker at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free and open to all. Parking is free on weekends in the Metro garage.

Photo via Ed Robichaud

The Reston Historic Trust & Museum’s18th annual Reston Home Tour returns on Saturday, October 19.

This year’s home tour includes five private properties that have different styles and flair. The tour also includes the VY/Reston Heights, new luxury apartments, and Hunters Woods at Trails Edge, a new retirement community. 

Tickets are on sale online and in the store at Reston Museum, The Wine Cabinet, Chesapeake Chocolates and the Greater Reston Arts Center. All proceeds will benefit the Reston Historic Trust and Museum. Attendees can purchase a $12 box lunch at the retirement community and refreshments at VY, courtesy of JBG Smith. 

Descriptions of the homes, which were provided by the museum, are below:

• Goldcup Lane – Beth Arborgast: “It was “love at first sight” for Beth the first time she saw Goldcup Lane. Built in the 1970’s and still occupied by the original owner, this Michael Oxman designed home had great architectural appeal, but there was work to do! Renovations were not unfamiliar to Beth; after owning 17 homes in the last 27 years, she was experienced at remodeling and took on the challenge. Visitors will enjoy the finished product, including the remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and soothing paint colors. Modern and minimalistic furnishings and beautiful artwork collected over the years complement the natural Reston setting of the home.”
• Beacon Place – Matthew Benson and Carol O’Connell:  “On a cloudy day in 1999, Carol was the last visitor of the day at the model home on Beacon Place, and the site manager was on her way out the door. Despite the lights being off and the cloudy sky overhead, the home offered wonderful architecture and natural light that led Carol to draw up the contract the next day. In 2017, Carol and Matt decided to go through a major renovation on the main and upper levels to bring the home up-to-date.They moved into an apartment at Reston Town Center for seven months while their home was under construction. Carol and Matt love to cook and entertain, and their kitchen is the heart of their home. Lots of thought was put into the materials selected. It’s a true chef’s kitchen built to last and sure to inspire.”
• Wild Bramble Way – James and Tammy Edgemond:  “After seven years in their first home together as a family in Reston, the Edgemonds found their current house of 14 years just by coincidence when they received a letter by mistake. Being a good Samaritan, James delivered the letter to the next street over (which had the same house number as theirs). Noticing it was on the market, they took a peek and put in an offer! Providing more square footage and a larger yard for their growing family without going too far from their friends, the house was perfect for their needs. They sold their home, packed and moved in just four weeks – all just as school was starting. They have done major renovations in all five bathrooms, the kitchen, family room, a fabulous screened porch (their favorite spot), sunroom, office and laundry room.”
• Wedge Drive – Brandon and Shayda Power: “As the first house seen on Brandon’s house tour in 2004 with his realtor, this Wedge Drive home ticked all the boxes. After viewing six to eight more homes, they circled back to Wedge Drive. This was the one! The previous owners were downsizing and relocating to an assisted- living facility and were unsure how they would be able to keep their six-year old beagle, Trouble. Being a dog lover, Brandon quickly offered to keep Trouble. The beagle conveyed! Marrying Shayda in 2013 and getting their dog day care and boarding business off the ground, they were able to start their major house renovation in 2017. With the help of Brandon’s mother, a talented interior designer, and some skilled contractors, they have created a very functional yet exquisite home. Visitors will find amazing entertaining spaces inside and out and incredible use of cabinetry that maximizes storage potential.”
• Wedge Drive – Ray Fernandez and Kathleen Williams:  “With only two weeks to find a house and low inventory to choose from, Kathleen settled for Wedge Drive. She honestly didn’t like the house at first but has since crafted an eclectic home that tells the story of all their travels and chapters in their life. Being a social worker for the Navy, Kathleen has many interesting experiences to share. Each collectible, piece of furniture and artwork help bring the years together. The setting on the edge of Hidden Creek Golf Course among the trees and the garden that is in constant development all help tell the story. Visitors should not miss Ray’s garage, which is his sanctuary. The early bird rate for tickets is $25 and is only available at the museum. Early bird pricing ends on October 11.”

Photos courtesy Charlotte Geary Photography

Friends of the Reston Regional Library is hosting a fall book sale in September.

The fall sale is set to take place from Thursday, September 25 through Sunday, September 29. 

The used book sale is one of the library’s largest book sales in the year. No children’s books will be offered at the sale. All items are in gently-used and good condition.

Timings are below:

• Thursday, September 26 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Friday, September 27 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Saturday, September 28 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Sunday, September 29 (Noon to 3:30 p.m.)

A special members night is set for Wednesday, September 25 from 5-8 p.m. The sale takes place at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive).

More information about the Friends’ other six annual sales is available online.

File photo

Facilities Planning Council Seeks Representative — The school board’s Facilities Planning Advisory Council is seeking a member to represent the Hunter Mill District. Howard Perlstein, the current representative for the district, is leaving the council since it was established over a decade ago. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

County Hosts Launch of Statewide Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign — State and local officials “launched the annual statewide anti-drunk driving Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign. The DUI law enforcement and public education campaign continues through Labor Day weekend and will resume during Halloween and the holidays. Complementing the high visibility enforcement, Checkpoint Strikeforce is sponsoring an advertising campaign called “Act Like It.”‘ [Fairfax County Police Department]

Dog Days of Summer is Today — Enjoy a special play zone for dogs and their owners today at Reston Town Center’s pavilion from 5-7:30 p.m. The last session is on September 4. [Reston Town Center]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

As fall descends on the region, North Point Village Center is hosting a fall kick-off event next month.

The event, which is set for September 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Point Village Center, will include fun, food and prizes.

A guest appearance  is scheduled between noon at 2 p.m. — although details have not been released yet.

The kick-off event will also include an obstacle course, moon bounce, and other games.

The event is free and open to all. The village center is located at 1452 North Point Village Center.

Photo via North Point Village Center/Facebook

The 13th annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Music Festival returns to Lake Anne Plaza on August 31.

The event, which takes from place 2-8 p.m., brings together several bands and artists. Beer will be provided by Ornery Beer Company and tacos will be provided by Lake Anne Deli.

The following groups and individuals are scheduled to perform:

• BIG Whitson
• Shacara Rogers
• The Vaughan
• Ambrose Octet
• Jamal A. Brown, Feedel Band
• Michael Pavone
• VMC!

The event is hosted by the Friends of Lake Anne and is sponsored by Lake Anne, Reston Community Center, Friends of Lake Anne and Foxes Music Company.

Photos via Charlotte Geary Photography

Danielle Stinson will debut her new novel, “Before I Disappear” at Scrawl Books tomorrow (Tuesday).

The young adults novel follows a young woman as she tries to find her little brother after her town disappears into thin air.

The author will take part in a discussion about writing science fiction for young adults and publishing her first novel.

MacMillan Publishers wrote the following about Stinson’s book:

Rose Montgomery parks her family’s trailer in Fort Glory, Oregon with one goal: to carve out a new life for herself and her little brother, Charlie. They need a fresh start for their family, and she thinks she’s finally found it in a town where nobody knows them.

But Rose’s plans come crashing down when, in an instant, Fort Glory disappears and every person in town vanishes into thin air–including Charlie.

Rose and four other teens become trapped in the Fold, a patch of woods caught halfway between the real world and the lost town. In the Fold, a mysterious force suspends the laws of physics, and everyone’s inner darkness has the power to kill.

To survive the Fold, Rose must unravel the clues Charlie sends her from the missing town. And Rose has to find Charlie soon–or he’ll be gone forever.

The event is set for 7 p.m. at the bookstore, which is located at 11911 Freedom Drive.

Author Jeffrey Stewart will discuss his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke” at Reston Community Center next month.

Stewart will sit down with Jane Censer, professor emeritus of history at George Mason University, to discuss the life of Locke, who is considered the father of the Harlem Renaissance.

The event, which is being held in partnership for the Fall for the Book Festival, is set for Sunday, September 15 at 7 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods.

Based in George Mason University, the Fall for the Book Festival is a non-profit literary arts organization that aims to promote reading. Its flagship Fall for the Book Festival is held annually in October.

Stewart is a Fulbright Professor of American Studies at the University of Rome, a W.E.B. Du Bois, a Charles Warren Fellow at Harvard University. He is also a professor at George Mason University and has written other books like “1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History” and “Paul Robeson: Artist and Citizen.”

Tickets are $15 for Reston residents and $20 for all others.

Photo via Oxford University Press

More than 60 teams will converge at Lake Anne Plaza to take part in the third annual Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta tomorrow (Saturday).

Boats will begin arriving at the plaza between 10:30 a.m. and noon. The first race begins at 1 p.m. Races continue between two teams at a time throughout the afternoon.

An awards ceremony will be held in the afternoon.

More information about the race is available online.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• ACEing Autism One Day Clinic (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — The clinic will take place at Lake Newport’s tennis courts (11452 Baron Cameron Avenue). A convenience fee of $2.95 will be waived at checkout.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance by a latin and salsa band at Reston Station Plaza. This week’s performance includes dance instruction. Parking is free on weekends in the Metro Parking garage.

Sunday (August 10)

• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m) — Enjoy a performance by Dixieland Band at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free and open for all.
• Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels convene at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods for an afternoon of dance. The cost if $5 for Restonians and $10 for all others.
• Sunday Art in the Park (7-8 p.m.) — Professor of Flute Jonathan Snowden performs with his Wife at Reston Town Square Park. The event is free and open for all.

Photo via Nova Labs/Facebook

Tickets Open for 2019-2010 Professional Touring Artist Series — Members of the public can now purchase tickets for Reston Community Center’s professional touring artist series, which features best-selling authors, musicians, and other notable figures. [Reston Community Center]

A Recap of Totally Trucks — Reston Association crew members encouraged children and adults to climb their smaller and mostly off-road units at the 20th annual Totally Trucks event on August 1. [The Connection]

Public Interest Registry Has a New Chief Financial Officer — The Reston-based firm hired Laurie Tarpey as its CFO. She will expand the expertise of the company’s executive team and ensure the “the measured growth of the .org domain.” [Cision]

Photo by Dario Piparo/Flickr

A state affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is hosting an informational seminar on accessing medical cannabis at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive).

Virginia NORML will host the event, “Accessing Medical Cannabis in Virginia” on Wednesday, August 21 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Organizers wrote the following about the event:

Virginia’s medical cannabis program is already accepting patient, caregiver, and practitioner registrations, and facilities will begin opening in the second half of 2019. Learn how to get a recommendation, how to register, and what the new laws mean for patients and providers.

Seating is limited and reservations can be made online.

Parents and students looking to prepare for the new school year can do so at the annual “Back 2 School Bash” next week.

The event, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 17, at South Lakes High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is designed to be a one-stop destination to prep for the return to school.

Local schools, government entities and non-profit provides will be on-site to provide information and resources for local community members.

The bash is co-sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, Cornerstones, Reston Community Center, YMCA Reston and Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services.

The first day of school for FCPS is on Aug. 26.

File photo