South Lakes High School Among Best Schools in the State — SLHS was ranked the 39th best high school in Virginia, according to rankings by the U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were released Tuesday and evaluate more than 17,000 schools across the country. [Reston Patch]

Police Investigate Shots Fired in Parking Lot — Last night, officers were on the 1500 block of Cameron Crescent Drive after receiving a report that a man fired shots in a parking lot. No one was hurt and the police department is investigating the incident. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Semi-Annual Book Sale at Reston Regional Library — Reston Friends get first dibs on the book sale today from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of books will be available for purchase. [Fairfax County Public Library]

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Approves Budget — The board “gave preliminary approval to the $4.4 billion 2020 fiscal year budget. The proposed budget fully funds the operating budget request from Fairfax County Public Schools and holds the real estate tax rate at its present level.” [Fairfax News]

“Black America Again” and “Letter to the Free” Tonight— Enjoy a free screening at CenterStage at 7:30 p.m. “Black America Again” explores the perseverance of the black community and “Letter to the Free” documents the stories of talented jazz musicians at the Queens Detention Complex. The film is presented with promotional support from the Washington West Film Festival. [Reston Community Center]

Photo by Wade Gilley Sr

Dogs and their owners are invited to a Pup Social tomorrow at Hyatt Park in Reston Town Center (1800 Presidents Street). In this on-leash dog event, dogs and their owners can socialize with their neighbors from 2-4 p.m.

Attendees will also get the chance to get a professional portrait of owners and their dog. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a $100 RTC gift card. Refreshments will be provided by EagleBank. The event is hosted by Public Art Reston.

Tomorrow (April 27)

• Woofie’s Grand Opening (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — The business, which offers pet sitting, dog walking and a mobile pet spa, will host a grand opening event at Jimmys Old Town Tavern (697 Spring Street).
• Community Yard Sale (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Eighty families will sell a variety of items in this event hosted by Reston Association at 1900 Campus Commons Drive.
• Spring Carnival (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — The spring carnival by Reston Children’s Center includes food, carnival games, fire truck visits, a treasure hunt and more. Entrance is free but game tickets cost 50 cents per ticket. The carnival will take place at Reston Children’s Center (11825 Old Crafts Drive).
• Opening Reception of Things That Don’t Have Names (5-7 p.m.) — Join the Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market Street) for the opening reception of  this exhibit by DC-based artist Stephanie Williams. The exhibit of objects apparently doesn’t have names.
• Annie (8 p.m.) — Reston Community Players kicks of a performance about the comic strip heroine, Little Orphan Annie. Additional performances are planned through May 18.

Sunday (April 28)

• Bird Walk (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Beginners and experts will search for birds across a variety of sites starting from Glade Stream Valley Trail. The event is for adults only and registration is not required.
• Healthy Kids Day (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) — Kids can awaken their imagination by exploring new activities and healthy habits with activities like swimming in a pool and a petting zoo. The event takes place at the YMCA in Reston (12196 Sunset Hills Road).
• Bike Drive for Kids and Bike Maintenance Check (12-4 p.m.) — Athletes competing in the Reston Sprint Triathlon and the BeAMYazing Reston Youth Triathlon can get free bike safety checks at The Bike Lane (1150 Sunset Hills Road). Event organizers will also accept like-new or gently-used bikes for low-income kids.

Overturned Truck on Dulles Toll Road Causes Delays — “An overturned truck on Va. 267/Dulles Toll Road just after Route 7 in Vienna, Virginia, caused significant delays starting Wednesday afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m., the overturned ready-mix concrete delivery truck prompted lane closures and traffic reroutes.” [WTOP]

Dollars and Sense Today at Reston Regional Library — Join a monthly group discussion about business leaders and markets from 7-9 p.m. This month’s session covers “Moneyball” by Michael Lewis. The event is free and open to the public. [Reston Regional Library]

Live from the Den — In the continuing saga about a local fox family, the Walker Nature Center releases another live video from the den. [Walker Nature Center]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Herndon Planning Commission Meets Tonight — The commission takes another dive into establishing regulations for Airbnb-style rentals and creating new architectural guidelines for the Herndon Transit-Oriented Core. [Town of Herndon]

Tips on How to Sell Your Home — Mark Sierakowski, a realtor with Long and Foster, offers tips on how to sell your home in this free workshop at Reston Regional Library today from 7-8 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]

Kiddar Investors Gain Control of Herndon Office Building — “The investor group that backed Kiddar Capital’s acquisition of a Herndon office building entangled in a larger securities fraud case has been granted control over the 4.8-acre site.” [Washington Business Journal]

Earth Day with the Walker Nature Center — Celebrate Earth Day by sprucing up the nature center with new plants and fresh woodchopper tails. The event is organized by the Walker Nature Center and Reston Association. [Walker Nature Center]

With Easter Sunday on the horizon, there are plenty of local options for egg hunts and celebrations. The Town of Herndon is hosting its annual egg hunt on Saturday at 777 Lynn Street.

Preregistration is $9 until 5 p.m. today (Friday) and $10 the day of the event. Three egg hunts are planned, with the first beginning at 9:45 a.m. Other activities include quilt crafts, decorating a mural, a petting zoo, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, and more.

Parking is free and the event will be held rain or shine. More information is available online.

Tomorrow (April 20)

• Reston Farmers Market (8 a.m.) — The market, which is located at Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza), kicks off with an offering of fruit, veggies, breads and snacks to satisfy your taste buds.
• Growing Healthy plants with Smart Pots (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — In this free educational workshop, attendees will learn about to grow healthy plants with smart pots. It’ll be held at Reston Farm Market (10800 Baron Cameron Avenue).
• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Young readers are invited to take part in this free book club where a new theme will be explored each week at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive). Readers can join at any time
• Fix-it Clinic (2-4 p.m.) — Bring bikes, small appliances jewelry, and fabric items for minor repairs at the library’s first fix-it clinic. The event is taking place as several libraries, including Herndon Regional Library and Reston Regional Library.

Sunday (April 21)

• One-on-one Computer Help (all day) — Need some help with your device? You can make a one-hour appointment with a tech volunteer. Just make sure the device is fully charged (and don’t forget your password).
• Restoration Church Egg Hunt  (10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — The church (1501 Becontree Lane) will offer an egg hunt, face painting, food, games and more.  Two services will take place in the morning before the big event.

Photo by Annie Spratt 

Bollywood Dance Fitness Tonight — Local instructor Aparna Rao offers a new Bollywood dance fitness program specifically for adults and teens at Reston Regional Library. The class runs from 6:30-8 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]

A Primer on Reston Association — RA is out with new video with details on what the organization is about. The video is centered around the theme “Together we make Reston great.” [Reston Association]

Shoutout: High Honors for Cpl. Sullivan — Devin Sullivan of the Herndon Police Department recently returned from Air Force Basic Training in San Antonio, TX. He finished in the top ten percent of his class and now heads to technical training school. [Herndon Police Department]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Plan to break a sweat this Saturday (April 13) during the Nature Center 5K Run and Walk. Although online registration for the annual run — now in its 16th year — closed on Wednesday, participants can still register on-site at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Walkers are welcome, but pets and strollers are not.

The race begins and ends at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) and will start promptly at 8 a.m. Runners will be greeted with refreshments, music and prizes at the finish line. Funds raised by the race will help support the Walker Nature Center.

Tomorrow (April 13)

• EGGnormous Egg Hunt (10-11:30 a.m.) — Eggspect lots of entertainment, including a strolling magician, games and moon bounces, during this egg hunt at Sunrise Valley Elementary School. Don’t forget to bring a basket to carry your eggs, a camera for photo opportunities, and a picnic to enjoy outdoors.

• Sing Books (10:30-11 a.m.) — “Sing Books with Emily” is back to sing illustrated songs with kids for all ages at Reston Regional Library.

• Hena Khan (2-3:30 p.m.) — Khan, the author of “Under My Hijab,” goes beneath the veil with this author talk and book signing at Reston Regional Library. The program is made possible by Reston Regional Library and Scrawl Books. Her books feature Muslim characters and portray Islamic culture. Herndon senior Nura Behgoman will moderate the discussion.

• Lake Anne Brew House Third Anniversary Party (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) — An all-day celebration is brewing at the Lake Anne Brew House. The family-friendly celebration will feature an extended lakefront beer garden, live music, outdoor games, and more. Owner Melissa Romano says she’s “proud to be part of such an amazing community.”

• Pictures with Easter Bunny (Noon to 3 p.m.) — Bring the little ones to take pictures with Easter Bunny during this free event at Reston Farm Market. Each child will get an Easter gift bag and a one-day pass to the market’s fall festival.

Sunday (April 14)

• Fairfax Veg Fest (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — In case you need a reminder to eat your greens, this inaugural event “showcases the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle,” according to event organizers. The festival takes place on the surface parking lot between the Northwest Federal Credit Union (200 Spring Street) and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky of George Mason University nears the end of his six-part lecture series on the history of the war. The talk at Reston Regional Library is geared toward adults and teens.

Photo by Flickr user vantagehill

Robert Simon founded Reston in 1964. For the last 54 years, the community has celebrated Founder’s Day in the spring, around the date of Simon’s birthday.

The Reston Historic Trust and Museum is hosting the 55th annual anniversary on Saturday (April 6) with festivities around Lake Anne Plaza.

Founder’s Day this year will include a moon bounce, children’s activities, face painting, a public art tour and exhibits at the Reston Historic Trust and Museum and RCC Lake Anne’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery.

Attendees can also share their Reston stories with recorded oral histories from 1-3 p.m. at RCC Lake Anne. Meanwhile, exhibit enthusiasts can find several around the area including “Fine Lines” at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery, which features artists’ interpretations of lines.

Tomorrow (April 6)

• Run or walk (8 a.m.) — The Reston Runners will go for a 3-mile walk or 5-mile run starting at South Lakes High School.
• “You Gouda Brie Kidding!” (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) — Frying Pan Farm Park will celebrate National Grilled Cheese month with cooks frying up sandwiches and a variety of cheeses to sample. Attendees can also learn how to make fresh cheese at home and about cultural takes on different melted cheese treats. Tickets are $3.
• Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston (4-5:30 p.m.) — Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander and musician Randy Preston will team up for a performance at the Reston Regional Library. The free show will celebrate the paperback release of Alexander’s “Booked” and “The Crossover” in addition to the release of Alexander’s newest picture book called “The Undefeated.”

Sunday (April 7)

• Bird walk at Bright Pond (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Bird enthusiasts can search for birds at a variety of sites around Reston.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky from George Mason University will present the fourth part of his six-part lecture series at the Reston Regional Library.
• “Liner Notes” (3 p.m.) — A show combining live music, poetry and a multimedia design will perform at CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets are $15 for Restonians and $20 for non-Restonians.

Photo via Reston Historic Trust and Museum

Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander and musician Randy Preston will team up on Saturday (April 6) for a performance at the Reston Regional Library.

The free show at from 2-4 p.m. 11925 Bowman Towne Drive will celebrate the paperback release of Alexander’s “Booked” and “The Crossover” in addition to the release of Alexander’s newest picture book called “The Undefeated.”

Books will be available for purchase, and a limited number of free copies will be given to Fairfax County Public School educators at the event, which is hosted in partnership with the Reston Regional Library and Scrawl Books.

Photo via Reston Regional Library

Herndon student makes honors choir — A student from Herndon Middle School, along with 79 other students from Fairfax County public schools, has been selected by the Virginia Choral Directors Association to perform at the All-Virginia Middle School Honors Choir event scheduled for April 4-6. [FCPS]

Millennials book club — Today, adults in their early 20s and 30s can discuss “Carry On, Jeeves” by PG Wodehouse at the Reston Regional Library from 7-8:30 p.m. [Fairfax County]

What’s up with the Silver Line? — A series of stories by Bisnow is looking at how little of the Silver Line expansion is built as it nears its debut and the developments slated to pop up around the Metro area. [Bisnow]

Restonian bringing laughs to Herndon — Dark Horse Theatre Company will present the regional premiere of the dark comedy, “The Value of Moscow,” by  Amy Dellagiarino, who grew up in Reston and is a South Lakes High School alumna, on April 12-27 at ArtSpace Herndon. [Connection Newspapers]

Photo courtesy Layna Cook

Tai chi — Local instructor Susan Shen will lead a class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library. [Fairfax County]

RA seeking lighting standard for pool facilities — Reston Association is requesting the establishment of a lighting standard for RA-owned pool and parking lot facilities. This application will be heard at the Design Review Board meeting on April 8 at 7 p.m. [Application]

Reston Hospital Center planning Tysons ER — “The hospital is proposing a freestanding emergency department at an existing building on Route 7 in Tysons, after initiating plans in late 2017 to build a new ER on a vacant parcel about a mile away, the hospital confirmed Monday after filing a zoning application with Fairfax County.” [Washington Business Journal]

Stream restoration at Wiehle South — Reston Association has a video giving an update on the stream restoration project. [YouTube]

Photo courtesy Logan Kleinwaks

Want to learn how to make ramen (and then eat it)?

A cooking class on Saturday (March 30) will teach participants how to make umami-rich soup — and several variations — from scratch. Chef Kim Tran will teach the class, which will include a lunch of ramen.

The class takes place at 100 Bowls of Soup Kitchen (279 Sunset Park Drive) from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tomorrow (March 30)

• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Kids can join the free Scrawl Books’ club, which explores a new theme each week with picture books, special guests and authors. This week’s book is “Inky’s Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home” by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford.
• Diva Central (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) — Current middle and high school students will be able to pick out free prom dresses and accessories at RCC Lake Anne.
• “C-H-I-C-K-E-N-S … in Your Backyard” (1-2 p.m.) — Adults interested in raising backyard chickens, which can be a source for high-quality, fresh eggs and meat or as pets, can learn how. Willie Woode from the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District and St. Clair Williams, the senior assistant to the zoning administrator, will give a presentation at the Herndon Fortnightly Library.
• “On That Note — Brand New Day!” (7-9 p.m.) — On That Note will perform songs from musicals at ArtSpace Herndon. Tickets cost $20.
• Rob Fetters (7-10 p.m.) — Singer/songwriter and guitarist Rob Fetters is set to perform at a Restonian’s house. Tickets cost $25.

Sunday (March 31)

• Reston Runners walk or run (8 a.m.) — Starting at the Autumnwood Pool, runners can go for either a 3- or 6-mile walk or 10-mile run.
• “Hidden History of Herndon” book signing (1-2 p.m.) — Herndon Historical Society Historian Barbara Glakas will sign copies of her new book called “Hidden History of Herndon” at the Herndon Depot Museum. She will also answer any questions locals have about her book or about Herndon history.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky from George Mason University will present the third part of his six-part lecture series at the Reston Regional Library.

Photo via Facebook

“Storytime Social!” — Parents, caregivers and kids can join Scrawl Books’ storytime social hour, which includes coffee for the adults and stories for the kids. The event starts at 11 a.m. [Scrawl Books]

Reston Friends Children and Educators Book Sale — From 10 a.m.-5 pm., locals can browse and buy children’s book and teaching materials at the Reston Regional Library. [Fairfax County]

Herndon startup raised millions — Herndon-based DocASAP, which aims to streamline the process of scheduling doctor’s appointments and physician-to-physician referrals, has raised $14 million from multiple investors, which it plans to use to expand its network of healthcare providers. The health tech firm also recently partnered with the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. [DC Inno]

Darwin Martinez-Torres sentenced — The 23-year-old has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to raping and killing 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen in June 2017. [WTOP, Reston Now]

Kids’ Trout Fishing Day recap — If you missed the Reston Association’s annual event at Snakeden Stream last Saturday (March 23), this article shares details about the day. [Connection Newspapers]

Apple is bringing the beats to its Reston Town Center store tomorrow.

People can sign up to explore how to make beats in GarageBand, a digital audio workstation, on iPads. Producer Swizz Beatz and “Apple Creatives” will show participants how to create their own vibes, ranging from hip-hop to EDM to  R&B beats.

People can bring their own iPads or have one provided to them.

The event runs from 3-4:40 p.m. at 11949 Market Street.

Tomorrow (March 23)

• All Gardeners’ Meeting (10 a.m.-noon) — All users of community garden plots in Reston can attend the annual All Gardeners’ meeting at the Reston Association’s headquarters. The meeting will include discussions on soil management, gardening with return on investments and gardening tips.
• Dog Tales (10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) — Kids ages 5 to 12 can read to a trained therapy dog for 15-minute sessions at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. Kids can bring their own books or choose one from the library.
• Fundamentals of Figure Drawing (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Participants can pay $200 for an eight-week drawing at ArtSpace Herndon. This week’s session, taught by John Koebert,  will focus on human figure drawing using a live model in the studio.

Sunday (March 24)

• Walk or run (8 a.m.) — The Reston Runners will go on a 3- and 6-mile walk and a 10-mile run. The group will meet at North Point Village Center.
• History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky from George Mason University will present the second part of his six-part lecture series at the Reston Regional Library.