Author Christina June to Discuss ‘No Place Like Here’ — June will discuss her book at Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) today at 7 p.m. [Scrawl Books]

A Close Look at Campus Commons — “New York-based TF Cornerstone filed plans nearly 30 months ago to redevelop an 11.6-acre site located immediately east of Wiehle Avenue, between Sunrise Valley Drive and the Dulles Toll Road. Over the course of those two-plus years, per a recently released staff report, the applicant and the county worked through issues related to the mix of uses, design, connectivity, and transportation improvements.” [Washington Business Journal]

Falls Comes Early to Fairfax County — “In Fairfax County, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents have noticed a lot of white and red oak trees dying. Senior extension agent of horticulture, Adria C. Bordas, says the factors are explained in a report by the Virginia Department of Forestry.” [The Connection]

Staff Photo by Jay Westcott

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

Scrawl Books is hosting a family-friendly party to benefit an organization that high-quality early learning for kids.

The Reston bookstore will have fun activities for kids and parents scattered throughout the store and each half-hour a staff member will read a book for the audience. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 11911 Freedom Drive on Saturday (Sept. 7).

Donations will be accepted on-site and a portion of sales will benefit the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children.

The organization’s goal is to create a safe, healthy and happy learning environment for every kid under the age of eight.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Wood

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.

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church will host a book sale to help immigrants at the border on Sunday (July 21).

All proceeds from the event will go to the Refugees and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services.

Only cash will be accepted during the sale, which runs from 1-4 p.m. The church is located at 1700 Wainwright Drive.

Tomorrow (July 20)

• Butterfly Count (9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Help count butterflies in the national areas of Reston and learn tips on identification. Data will be submitted to the North American Butterfly Association for inclusion in their Fourth of July Butterfly Count report.
• Otto the Auto (10:30-11:30 a.m.) — Otto the talking car gives kids lessons on traffic safety. The event is geared toward children between ages three and six.
• Family Fun Entertainment Series (10-10:45 a.m.) — Turley the Magician offers entertainment and itneractive magic at Reston Town Square Park. The event is free for all ages.
• Children’s Friendship Afternoon Tea (1-4 p.m.) — Scrawl Books hosts its very first childrens’ tea at Elden Street Tea Shop. The event also includes an affordable trunk show with American Girl authors reading at each afternoon tea sitting.
• Survivor Girl Launch Party (5-7 p.m.) — Celebrate the lunch of a middle-grade novel, “The Friendship Experiment,” at the Walker Nature Ceter. Writer Erin Teagen will host the party and introduce her new book.
• Books Alive (2:30-3:15 p.m.) — Students will explore age-appropriate stories through creative drama at Reston Regional Library. Registration is required for this event.

Sunday (July 21)

• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy interactive theater at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free and open for all ages. Parking is free on weekend in the Metro Parking garage.
• Sunday Art in the Park with GRACE (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — Greater Reston Arts Center partners with Reston Community Center to offer creative activities at Reston Town Square Park.
• Sunday Art in the Park (7-8 p.m.) — Robert Larson, a professor of jazz, joins special guests for an evening of jazz trio standards at Reston Town Square Park. The event is presented by Reston Community Center and Reston Town Center Association.
• Family Dive-In Movie (8:30-10:15 p.m.) — RA pass holders can come to the Dogwood Recreation Area for free pool-side movies. Registration is not required and the event will be cancelled in the event of rain or possible rain.

Photo by Ray Copson

Six folk, bluegrass and blues bands are in the lineup for the fourth annual Lake Anne Roots Music Festival.

The festival, which features a beer and wine garden and fun for the whole family, is set for tomorrow (Saturday).

The event kicks off with the opening of taps at 11:30 am. Performances will take place through 8 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Friends of Lake Anne and Reston Community Center. It will take place at Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza).

Saturday (July 13)

• Fairy Festival (10-11:30 a.m.) — Explore a woodland trail with fairy house and help build a fair house from natural materials.
• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Young readers can take part in the weekly club at Scrawl Books. Each week, readers explore a new theme with picture books. Members who attend ten sessions receive a free book.
• Summer STEM (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Children between ages two and nine can learn how to build structure with a mix of materials at Reston Regional Library.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy Motown and rock at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free and open for all ages.
• Family Fun Entertainment Series with Guava Jelly (10-10:45 a.m.) — The pair performs music infused with a “lively island feel” at Reston Town Square Park. The event is free and open for all ages.

Sunday (July 14)

• Jennifer Ryan at Scrawl Books (2 p.m.) — The author of “The Spies of Shilling Lane” will be on-site for a book signing. This is Ryan’s second novel.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch with a Stilt Walker, a Juggling and a Face Painter (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance by a trio at Reston Station Plaza. The event is free for all ages. Parking is also free on weekends in the Metro Parking garage.
• Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skills levels can dance the afternoon away at this drop-in event. Registration is $5 for Restonians and $10 for all others.
• Art in the Park with GRACE (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — Greater Reston Arts Center and the Reston Community Center welcome visitors to take part in creative art activities for all ages.

Photo via Lake Anne Plaza/Facebook

Bestselling author Jennifer Ryan will visit Scrawl Books this weekend at 11911 Freedom Drive.

Ryan will discuss and sign her latest book, “The Spies of Shilling Lane.” The story revolves around female spies in World War II.

The book has been called a “delightful mystery’ by the New York Times.

This is her second novel following the release of “The Childbury Ladies Choir” in 2017.

The event begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.

Photo via Crown Publishing

This week’s Summerbration Fun Brunch will bring Cello Fury to Reston for a free concert.

Self-described as “a cello rock powerhouse featuring three cellists and a drummer,” Cello Fury performs original music combining cello sounds with rock beats.

The performance will take place at Reston Station Plaza from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday.

Parking is free on weekends in the Metro parking garage.

Tomorrow (June 29)

• Síneadh Fada with Foley Academy of Irish Dance (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — Enjoy free Irish dancing outside the Jahn Building atop Wiehle-Reston East Metro.
• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — This book club for young readers meets regularly on Saturdays at Scrawl Books.

Sunday (June 30)

• Guesstimation Game (all day) — Preschoolers to sixth graders can learn how to guesstimate at the Herndon Fortnightly Library.
• Reston Runners (7 a.m.) — The Reston Runners will meet at the Lake Anne Village Center for 3- and 6- mile walks, 10- and 17-mile runs and a 12-mile trail run.
• Sunday Art in the Park: Two Bass Hit (7-8 p.m.) — Professor of Bass Donovan Stokes will lead a diverse program of jazz, gypsy jazz and other international music for two basses at the corner of Market and Explorer streets in Reston Town Center. The event is free and open to all

Photo via Cello Fury/Facebook

Reston Regional Library and Scrawl Books are partnering to host an author talk and book signing with Julie Langsdorf and Angie Kim tomorrow (Saturday).

Langsdorf will discuss her first novel “White Elephant” while Kim will discuss her first novel “Miracle Creek.”

The event runs from 2-3:30 p.m. at Reston Regional Library.

Both authors have earned national praise for their work. Langsdorf lives in the District and teaches yoga. She has also won four individual artist awards from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Kim, a former editor of the Northern Virginia with her husband and three sons.

Tomorrow (June 22)

• Habitat Heroes (10 a.m. to noon) — Help Reston Association track down invasive plants like English ivy. Participants should park along North Shore Drive between Northgate Square and Wiehle Avenue. But be warned: there is poison ivy on this site.
• Family Fun Entertainment Series (10-10:45 a.m.) — Enjoy a one-woman circus by “Wheelie itty Wacky Silly Suitcase.” Parking is free on weekends at Reston Town Center.
• Robotics Workshop (1-4 p.m.) – Participants between ages 6 and 18 will learn how to build and program robots from legos and metal at Reston Regional Library. The event is presented by the Teen Advisory Board.
• Reston Concerts on the Town — Hard Day’s Night brings Beatles’ tunes to Reston Town Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to grab a spot at the pavilion.

Sunday, June 23

• Sunday Art in the Park (7-8 p.m.) — Byron Jones, an associate professor of voice, performs a selection of classic songs from American musical theatre at Reston Town Square Park. The event is free and open to all.
• Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance by Zig Zag the Magic Man at this weekly summer series at Reston Station Plaza. Parking is free on weekends in the Metro parking garage.

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, which is now in its 28th year, continues this weekend at Reston Town Center. Artists from around the country will take part in this outdoor festival, which has attracted roughly 30,000 patrons annually.

Donations collected from the festival will go to the Greater Reston Arts Center. The festival is on for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on tomorrow and Sunday.

A festival party set tomorrow, which includes the 2019 Awards of Excellence, refreshments, entertainment, and more, is for members only. Attendees must be contributing supporters to receive a complimentary invitation to the event.

Tomorrow (May 18)

• Baby Expo (9 a.m. to noon) — Learn about products, childcare resources and fund things to do with the family in this event at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. The expo is free and open to all.
• Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Dive into reading “Pig the Stinky” and “Book hog” at Scrawl Books. Each week, readers explore a new theme and can participate at any time.
• Relay for life of Reston-Herndon (2 p.m.) — Help race money to help the American Cancer Society fight cancer in this annual event, which takes place at South Lakes High School.
• Habitat Heroes (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — Volunteers can help remove invasive garlic mustard from the woods and stream banks at Old Trail Drive Natural Area. Spring is the best time to tackle this invasive plant that attacks native trees, ferns and wildflowers.
• On That Note: Brand New Day (7-9 p.m.) — Sterling Playmakers will perform popular songs from musicals at this ticketed event at ArtSpace Herndon.

May 19

• Luau on the Lake (1-4 p.m.) — Lake Anne Brew House is hosting what organizers are calling a “fun-filled, luau-themed afternoon” to benefit South Lakes High School’s food pantry. Attendees should bring non-perishable donations. A percentage of proceeds will go directly to the pantry.
• Bringing Art to a New Town (7-9 p.m.) — Artist Pat Macintyre shares her story about her 1970s TV show and how Reston inspired her artwork. The event takes place at the Reston Museum. 

Photo by Don Renner

Connect Route 7 Public Meeting Tonight — State transportation officials are looking for feedback on their plans to widen seven miles of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive from four to six lanes. A meeting is set for tonight at 7 p.m. at Forestville Elementary School in Great Falls. [Connect Route 7]

Local Investor’s Ties to Beyond Meat — “Los Angeles-based Beyond Meat Inc. had one of the most impressive initial public offerings in nearly two decades — but it was the company’s dedication to the science behind making a non-meat burger or sausage taste good that first drew in John Backus, co-founder and managing partner of Reston-based Proof.VC. [Washington Business Journal]

Deadline Extended for Fairfax County Parkway Survey — If you haven’t yet given feedback on planned improvements on the parkway, you still have a chance to do so online. State and county transportation officials have extended the deadline of an online survey to May 20. [Fairfax County Government]

Create Giant Paper Flowers Today — Scrawl Books is hosting a Reston Community Workshop on making giant paper flowers with cardstock tonight at 6 p.m. Registration is $40 for residents and $60 for all others. [Scrawl Books]

Photo by Tom J.

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

(Updated at 10:45 a.m. on April 8) Scrawl Books, an independent bookstore in Reston, wants readers to pick up books written by local authors.

The book store first opened in 2015 at Wiehle Metro before moving to its current spot in Reston Town Center at 11911 Freedom Drive.

Along with its broad selection of titles for kids, teens and adult, Scrawl Books hosts weekly events to bring book lovers together for social hours, story time for kids and book clubs.

Reston Now asked Scrawl Books to share some favorite books about Reston or written by local authors. Here’s what the staff recommended, including two authors from Great Falls — L. M. Elliott and Angie Kim, and another book by Reston author Kwame Alexander.

“Hamilton and Peggy” by L. M. Elliott  

Description: L. M. Elliott has researched and written several historical fiction novels for Young Adults, but they are fantastic reads for anyone who loves a great story, history and suspense.

Why we like her: Her book “Hamilton and Peggy” tells about a relatively unknown figure from the Hamilton narrative, Peggy Schuyler. Through Peggy, Elliott proves that girl power was always a thing — even during the Revolutionary War.

The book costs $17.99 at Scrawl Books.

“Miracle Creek” by Angie Kim 

Description: This debut author’s first book, “Miracle Creek” hits the shelves in April, and it is an outstanding, character-driven drama. The story is told through a murder trial, but delves deep into the back story of each character and offers several different perspectives on a controversial medical treatment, cultural differences and our perceptions or misperceptions of people and circumstances.

Why we like her: Her characters are fascinating and the mystery holds up right to the end.

The book costs $17.99 at Scrawl Books.

“The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Description: The Newbery winner composes novels in verse and poems for a younger audience (mostly middle grade and Young Adult), but his work is so compelling that readers of all ages find it difficult to resist and impossible to forget.  His latest book, “The Undefeated” is based on a poem about black life that originally aired on ESPN and made an incredible impact.  The book is even better!

Why we like him: His writing style is unique and his ability to tell a story is amazing. His support of the local community is immeasurable, and he goes out of his way to inspire kids (and adults) to read and write.

The book costs $17.99 at Scrawl Books.

Photos via Scrawl Books