The 10th annual Washington West Film Festival continues through Monday with special screenings at Bow Tie Cinemas in Reston Town Center.

The festival showcases films from around the world.  Tomorrow’s schedules include a panel discussion about the process of independent filmmaking at 10 a.m.  

The schedule for tomorrow (Saturday) is below and tickets for each screening can be purchased online:

• 11:15 a.m.: Shorts Program, Get Creative
• Noon: Campesino
• 1:45 p.m.: Shorts Program, the Power of Art
• 3 p.m.: The Good, The Bad, The Hungry
• 4:45 p.m.: Shorts Program, Greener Grasses
• 5:45 p.m.: Burden, 17 Blocks
• 7:45 p.m.: Shorts Program, Breakthrough

The event on Saturday concludes with an annual party at the Reston Town Center pavilion.

The complete schedule is available online. All net box office proceeds help address issues like hunger and illness, according to the festival’s website.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• Halloween Face Painting (1-3 p.m.) — Try on a festive look at Reston Regional Library. The event is open for all ages.
• Reston Friends Jigsaw Puzzle Sale (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Puzzle books, games, and jigsaw puzzles are available for sale at Reston Regional Library.
• Halloween Movie (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Enjoy a screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at Reston Regional Library. Attendees can also enjoy popcorn and hot cocoa.
• Halloween Family Day (Noon to 2. p.m.) — Come dressed in your favorite custom and enjoy family-friendly performances. The event is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
• Trick or Treat at Reston Town Center (Noon to 4 p.m.) — Kids who wear costumes can get free treats at the town center.

Sunday (Oct. 27)

• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Dr. Harry Butowsky of George Mason University continues his six-part lecture series on the history of the war.

Photo via Washington West Film Festival

Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Sale Kicks Off Tomorrow —  The Friends of Reston Regional Library will hold an annual jigsaw sale tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]

Delays on Leesburg Pike at Drainesville Road — Expect delays on Leesburg Pike at Drainesville Road this morning due to a crash. No left turns are allowed at the intersection and police encourage drivers to use caution. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Reston Association Website Back Online — The association’s website, which went down yesterday due to technical issues, is back online. The board is expected to meet tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the budget and other issues. [Reston Association]

Photo via Flickr/Dario iparo

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 

Reston’s own Beverly Cosham, an entertainer known for her work in the local theatre and cabaret scene, returns to Reston Community Center’s stage tomorrow (Saturday).

Cosham presents her personal interpretation of the Great American Songbook at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Reston residents and $20 for all others.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• Hispanic Heritage Literary and Culture Fair (1-5 p.m.) — Celebrate Hispanic heritage month at this festival at Reston Regional Library, which features local authors who share selections of poetry and stories.
• STEM Club (10:30 a.m. to noon) — Children between ages 5 and 10 can enjoy hands-on engineering activities at Reston Regional Library. Registration is required online.

Sunday (Oct. 6)

• Picture This! (1-4 p.m.) — Children between ages 6 and 11 can drop in and create an illustration inspired by an excerpt provided by the library. Supplies are available at Reston Regional Library.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Hatty Butowsky of George Mason University kicks off his six-part lecture series on the war at Reston Regional Library.
• Fall Favorites (2-3 p.m.) — Families, couples and individuals can complete hands-on activities at the Walker Nature Center. Registration is $8 for Reston Association members and $10 for all others.

Reston Newcomers’ Bus Tour Coming Soon — Reston Association will offer a bus tour for newcomers to Reston on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes a tour, which is limited to new Reston Association property owners within the last year, and an open house. [Reston Association]

Bollywood Dance Fitness Tonight — Enjoy a free Bollywood dance fitness class inspired by popular music and Indian movies. No experience is necessary. The class runs from 6:30-8 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. [Reston Regional Library]

Absentee Voting Underway — In-person absentee-voting is available at various locations in the county. Several satellite locations are also available.  [Fairfax County Government]

Photo by Jay Westcott

The annual Reston Multicultural Festival is set to celebrate the community’s rich diversity tomorrow (Saturday) from 11 a.m. to6 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza.

The festival offers a mix of song, food, dance and art at the plaza. It is hosted by Lake Anne Plaza and co-sponsored by Reston Association.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in their multicultural attire at the free festival. This year’s event includes a naturalization ceremony, three performance stages, family arts and crafts, a global cafe, and a global market.

More information about the event is available online.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• Beer Run (9:45 a.m.) — Join the Lake Anne Brew House for a weekly Saturday morning beer run around Lake Anne. The lake loop is 1.5 miles and all ages and paces are welcome.
• Reston Friends Semi-Annual Book Sale (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) — The book sale continues today and tomorrow (Sunday) at Reston Regional Library. Thousands of gently-used books will be available for purchase.
• PSV Race to Make It All Better (8:30-11:30 a.m.) — Pediatric Specialists of Virginia will host their fifth annual fundraiser and 5k in Reston Town Center to support patients and families in need. The race and health fair also includes booth with giveaways, health tips, activities and prizes.

Sunday (Sept. 29)

• Walk to End Alzheimer’s (1;30-4:30 p.m..) — The Alzheimer’s Foundation hosts its annual walk, to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The event is open for all and there is no fee to register. Participants are encouraged to fundraise to take part in the walk.
• Shear Madness (2-5:45 p.m.) — Enjoy a trip to see Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center. The trip begins with bus pick-up at Reston Association’s headquarters. Tickets are $51 for RA members and $56 for all others.

Photo via RCC

Herndon Middle School Gets At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program –The school is one of 13 in the county to receive the at-risk afterschool meals program. The same meals will be available at no separate charge to all participants. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Reston Friends Semi-Annual Book Sale Continues — Thousands of used books will be available for purchase during the sale, which continues into the weekend. The sale is on today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. [Reston Regional Library]

International Walk to School Day is Next Week — County schools will take part in International Walk to School Day on October 2 in  “an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school or PTA to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Herndon-based Company Acquires Silicon Valley Company — iDirect Government, a Herndon-based unit of Singapore’s ST Engineering paid $20 million in cash to acquire Glowlink Communications Technology. [iDirect Government]

Reston Semi-Annual Book Sale Kicks Off Today — The book sale is open for Reston Friends today from 5-8 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. It will open up to the public for the rest of the week. [Reston Regional Library]

Last Week to Vote in Preference Poll — The deadline to vote in Reston Community Center’s annual preference poll for online and in-person ballots is on Friday, Sept. 27. Mailed ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. [Reston Community Center]

‘Meet Me at the Movies’ for Seniors — Reston Association and Reston Town Center Bow Tie Cinemas presents the 25th anniversary of the movies series. This month, seniors can watch “The Best of Enemies” at 9:15 a.m. at the cinema. [Reston Town Center]

Staff Photo by Jay Westcott

Reston Association is hosting a community yard sale tomorrow (Saturday). Eighty families will gather to sell a variety of items from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Families will set up their booths at the parking lot behind 1900 Campus Commons Drive.

All sales are final. Space is limited and pre-registration was required to take part in the event. Anyone with questions is encouraged to email [email protected].

Tomorrow (Saturday)

• A Conversation with Fran Lebowitz (8 p.m.) — Lebowitz, who is known for her acerbic views on current events and the media, will speak at Reston Community Center. Tickets are $25 for Restonians and $35 for all others.
• Susco 8K (8:30 a.m.) — Tom and Nancy Susco of Reston organize the last 8K race in memory of their son, Tim Susco, who died due to a ruptured brain aneurysm. The race, which has raised more than $500,000 for charity, kicks off at South Lakes High School.

Sunday (Sept. 22)

• DogFest (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — Dog lovers can unite for a one-mile walk to celebrate dogs and raise money for providing service dogs to individuals with disabilities.  The event, which is organized by nonprofit Canine Companions, takes place at Reston Town Center.
• High Intensity Interval Training (11 a.m.) — Enjoy free one-hour high intensity interval training at Reston Town Center at 11 a.m. The event is organized by Athlete.

File photo

The first-ever Lake Anne Stand Up Paddle Board Triathlon is set to take place on Sunday (September 15) at Lake Anne Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New Trail Cycling Studio, Lake Anne Brew House, Surf Reston, and CORE Foundation are teaming together to bring the multi-sport event to the plaza. The event features a one-mile paddleboard, a seven-mile ride on a New Trail Cycling stationary bike, and a 5k lap around Lake Anne on Reston pathways. Proceeds benefit the CORE Foundation.

The event is completely sold out, but volunteers are needed and attendees are welcome to watch the festivities.

Tomorrow

• ChalkFest at Reston Town Center (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) — Amateur and professional artists will bring Reston Town Center’s walkways to life with chalk drawings. Prizes will be awarded for different categories. The program is presented by Reston Community Center and Public Art Reston.
• Book Launch Party (11 a.m.) — Authors Tracey Kayle and Marcie Atkins launch their books at Scrawl Books. The party includes games, cookies and giveaways.
• Geocaching (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Representatives from the Northern Virginia Geocaching Organizations give an overview of an outdoor hunting game that requires GPS-enabled devices and apps at Reston Regional Library. Participants will then get a chance to find their first geocaches.

Sunday (September 15)

• Bird Walk (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Beginning and expert participants can search for birds during this guided walk at Stratton Woods Park. The walk is co-sponsored by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and The Bird Feeder store.
• Apple Picking at Stribling Orchard (Noon to 4 p.m.) — Spend the afternoon picking apples in Markham. Tickets are $8 for Reston Association members and $12 for all others.
• Chess Club for Kids (2-3 p.m.) — Players will get a chance to play against players who are at their level at Reston Regional Library.
• The New Negro (7 p.m.) — Author Jeffrey Stewart sits down with Dr. Jane Censer, a George Mason University professor, to discuss his Pulitzer-Price winning book, “The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke.”

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

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

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

As schools go back into session later this month, the Friends of the Reston Regional Library is hosting a book sale for teens, children, and educators this weekend.

The book sale, which began on Thursday, continues through the weekend. Books will be available for purchase tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday (August 18) from 1-3:30 p.m.

It takes place at Reston Regional Library and features books in used condition.

The next book sale — which will not include children’s books — is set for September 25.

Tomorrow (August 17)

• Back 2 School Bash (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — The bash includes interactive activities and offers information to help children and families prepare for school. The event takes place at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive).
• The Arithmechicks Add Up Book Launch (11 a.m.) — Ann Marie Stephens celebrates the launch of her third children’s book “Arithmechicks Add Up.” Refreshments will also be offered.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy tunes from the Ryan Forester Band at the Reston Station Plaza. Parking is free on weekends in the Metro parking garage.
• Reston Concerts on the Town (7:30-10 p.m.) — Underhill Rose brings progressive bluegrass, country and Americana to Reston Town Center’s pavilion. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket.

Sunday (August 18)

• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance by Interactive Theater of Jef at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free and open for all ages.
• Sunday Art in the Park (7-8 p.m.) —  The class of 2020 presents a cabaret-style performance featuring Broadway hits at Reston Town Square Park.

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