Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, and the holiday means it’s time to take a look at which community sites will be open, and which will be closed.
All Fairfax County government offices will be closed. Libraries and courts will be closed as well.
The Fairfax Connector will be operating on its Holiday Weekday Service, with several routes altered.
Fairfax County Public Schools will hold an all-virtual, two hour early release day for all students.
All parks will be closed with the exception of Frying Pam Park, which will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
RECenters will be open, offering free service to all veterans for the day. Due to COVID-19, reservations will be required.
Reston Community Centers will be open and operating under normal hours. However, the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services community centers will be closed.
Photo by Aaron Burden/Unsplash
Job site Monster’s list of the 2019 best places for veterans to work includes several Reston-based companies.
Ahead of Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), Monster and Military.com ranked 10 companies in the United States as the best companies for veterans.
Intelligent Waves, a veteran-founded company that specializes IT and communications support, ranked second on the lost. This year, half of its hires were veterans and 44 percent of its total workforce are veterans. judges noted the company “focuses on placing veteran hires on the right job where they can be successful at building a civilian career.”
Cybersecurity and IT enterprise solutions company PRISM came in sixth on the list. Roughly 25 percent of its total workforce are veterans. The company was recognized for offering a veteran-focused performance management program.
A Tysons-based company, DynCorp International, topped the list. Roughly 60 percent of all employees are veterans.
The list was created with the help fo veteran-hiring experts who selected employers that demonstrated an “extraordinary commitment to veteran-hiring and retention,” according to a press release.
File photo
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.
Quake Drill Set for This Morning — The Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill, scheduled for 10:19 a.m. today, is an effort to help families and organizations be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
Looking Back at the Reston Home Tour — Six private residences in Reston were opened up to visitors last weekend as part of the Reston Home Tour, which benefitted the Reston Historic Trust and Museum. [Connection Newspapers]
Crash at Reston Kiss and Ride — A Twitter user posted a photo this morning of a vehicle that struck a pillar at the Wiehle-Reston East parking garage. [Twitter/@CompSciGuy31415]
Herndon Town Council Celebrates Veterans — Town residents are encouraged to honor Veterans Day with appropriate events and activities, and take time to pause in silent tribute to veterans. [Connection Newspapers]
Junior Farmer Event at Frying Pan Park — On Thursdays in October, kids are invited to help farmers with their work while exploring subjects such as caring for farm animals, tinkering with farm machinery and the importance of crops and gardens. The topic for tonight’s event at the park (2709 W. Ox Road, Herndon) is harvest time. [Fairfax County]
Wednesday is Veterans Day. If you served (are are currently serving) our country, thanks for your brave service. If you have the day off, enjoy, no matter what you do. Reston Now is off today.
Here is a list of what is open and closed:
It is a federal holiday, so the federal government is closed. There is no mail delivery and most banks area closed.
Fairfax County Public Schools are open.
Fairfax County government, courts, animal shelter and public libraries are closed.
Fairfax Connector – Routes with holiday weekday service operate according to the weekday schedule except routes 335, 394, 395, 432, 493, 494, 495, 585, 599, 724, 734 and 985, which will not operate.
Park Authority – RECenters operate on regular schedule. Historic sites are closed. Nature centers are closed. Riverbend Park’s visitor center is closed. Frying Pan Farm Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens is open noon to 4:30 p.m.; the historic house is closed.
Teen and Senior Centers – Closed.
Community Centers – Closed.
Reston Community Center Hunters Woods – Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Reston Community Center Lake Anne – Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Here is a list of businesses offering specials and freebies to vets and their families.
Photo: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/Wikipedia Commons
Wednesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, and many national businesses have specials to thank our troops.
Here is a list of some discounts and deals in and near Reston:
On the Border (Spectrum): A free “Create Your Own Combo” featuring a selection of tacos, salads, enchiladas, and more (max value: $10.79) is available to all veterans and active military.
California Tortilla (North Point): Show a military ID and get one free taco.
Outback Steakhouse (Elden Street): Customers with military ID get a free Blooming Onion appetizer and free beverages on Nov. 11, and all military and their families get 15 percent off the bill anytime from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.
Bar Louie (Herndon): Free appetizer or entree for veterans and active military on both Tuesday, Nov. 10 and Wednesday, Nov. 11.
TGI Friday’s (Worldgate): From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 11 free lunch for veterans and active duty military.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Sunset Hills Road): Free appetizer for veterans and active duty military now through Sunday, Nov. 15.
World of Beer (Reston Town Center): Show an ID card with proof of service and you’re welcomed to pick a free draught beer.
Amazon.com: Offering 20 percent off of select apparel on Veterans Day 11/11/15. Promotion code: “20veterans”
Starbucks (various): — Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses will receive a free 12-ounce cup of coffee.
For more specials and deals, see this list on Money magazine’s website or MilitaryBenefits.com.
Fairfax County Public Schools students traditionally go to school on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
While it is a federal holiday, for years FCPS has been packaging November days off as a semester break/Election Day/teachers-conference two-day event the first few days of November.
The tradeoff is school on the national holiday.
While many schools have Veterans Day activities on Nov. 11 — for many years, Reston’s Sunrise Valley Elementary, for example, has invited Veterans to speak at a morning assembly. But not all do, and the day is just business as usual.
Should there be school on Veterans Day? Or should it be a chance to reflect and honor on what veterans have done for the United States?
Take our poll and tell us in the comments.
Reston Now is off Tuesday for Veterans Day. If you are off too, enjoy your day. And if you are a veteran, thanks for your service!
What’s open and what’s closed today.
Freebies and deals just for veterans.
Headed downtown to the Concert for Valor? Here is what you need to know.
Photo: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery/Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Tuesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. Many national stores and restaurants with locations in Northern Virginia have special deals for military members as their way of saying “thanks.”
Here are a few. Click through the links if you want more details.
Bar Louie Free Lunch or Dinner (Herndon)
Monday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 11, Bar Louie will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value when they show valid military ID or other proof of service.
Bob Evans (Fairfax/Oakton)
Veterans and active military personnel will receive free all-you-can-eat hotcakes. Just show a valid military ID.
Carrabba’s (Reston)
All active and retired veterans receive a free appetizer at participating locations Nov.8 through 11.
Glory Days Grill (Herndon)
Glory Days will give a free appetizer or wings with proper ID on Nov. 11 to all veterans.
IHOP (Sterling)
On Nov. 11, participating IHOPs will offer free Red, White and Blue pancakes to military members from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On The Border (Reston)
On Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military will receive, for free OTB’s “Create Your Own Combo menu,” on Nov. 11.
Outback Steakhouse (Herndon)
All active, retired military and veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. Plus, all military personnel get 15 percent off from Nov. 12 thru Dec. 31.
Red Hot & Blue (Herndon, Fairfax)
Veterans, Active Duty, Retirees and Reservists receive a free meal with the purchase of a second meal of equal or greater value. Proof of military service required. Dine-in only. Print and present the coupon before ordering. Offer valid on Monday, Nov. 10 to Wed. Nov. 11.
Starbucks (Everywhere)
On Veterans Day veterans, active duty military and their spouses get a free, tall brewed coffee at participating stores.
Zoes Kitchen (Reston)
Zoes is offering a free entrée to those with a military ID and an additional 10 percent off for all family members on Tuesday. Nov. 11.
Fairfax County Parks and REC Centers
The Fairfax County Park Authority will provide complimentary RECenter admission at its nine RECenters on Veterans Day. Veterans and their immediate family members can use the pools and spas, fitness rooms, gyms and racquetball courts at no cost during this one-day event. Veterans and their families will also have the opportunity to enjoy free wagon rides as well as rides on the antique carousel at Frying Pan Farm Park located in Herndon.
To see many more Veterans Day deals and specials, visit MilitaryBenefits.info
If you know of any other specials — or just want to thank a veteran — let us know in the comments.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. It is a federal holiday, so the federal government is closed. There is no mail delivery.
Fairfax County Public Schools are open.
Here is info on Fairfax County government:
County Government – Closed.
Courts – Closed.
Public Schools and School Offices – Open.
Animal Shelter – Closed.
Library – Closed.
Fairfax Connector – Routes with holiday weekday service operate according to the weekday schedule except routes 335, 394, 395, 432, 493, 494, 495, 585, 599, 724, 734 and 985, which will not operate.
Fastran – Not in service.
Park Authority – RECenters operate on regular schedule. Historic sites are closed. Nature centers are closed. Riverbend Park’s visitor center is closed. Frying Pan Farm Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens is open noon to 4:30 p.m.; the historic house is closed.
Teen and Senior Centers – Closed.
Community Centers – Closed.
McLean Community Center – Closed; Old Firehouse Teen Center – Open 2 to 6 p.m.
Reston Community Center Hunters Woods – Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Reston Community Center Lake Anne – Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
County Trash and Recycling Collection:
- Private Collection Service Providers – Residents should contact their trash and recycling collector directly for service schedule changes due to the holiday.
- Fairfax County Collection Customers: Trash and recyclables will be collected as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Please have your materials to the curb no later than 6 a.m. to ensure collection. Any questions may be directed to the Customer Service Center at 703-802-3322, TTY 711.
Recycling and Disposal Facilities at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex – Open.
Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11, and many national businesses with locations in and around Reston have specials to thank the men and women of our military.
A few the offerings, according to VetsFirst, a military support organization
In Reston:
Chili’s (11840 Sunrise Valley Dr.) — Veterans and active duty can get a free entrée all day from a special limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11.
McCormick & Schmick’s (11920 Democracy Dr.) — On Sunday, November 10, participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu.
On the Border (11880 Spectrum Center) — Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on Monday, Nov. 11.
Home Depot (1651 Reston Pkwy) — Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans during Veterans Day. Home Depot offers the 10 percent discount year round to for active duty and retirees.
Einstein Bagels (1825 Fountain Dr.) – Free Bagel and Schmear for Vets.
Nearby:
California Pizza Kitchen (Tysons Corner and Fairfax) — Veterans and active military receive a free pizza on Monday, Nov. 11.
Denny’s (Fairfax) — Active, inactive and retired military personnel can get free all-you-can-eat pancakes on Veterans Day nationwide.
Friendly’s (Sterling) — Veterans and active military receive a free Big Two Do Breakfast and coffee on Monday, Nov. 11.
Olive Garden (Tysons Corner) — On Monday, Nov. 11, all veterans and current service members get a free meal from a limited menu. Family dining with them will also receive 10 percent off their meal.
Red Robin (Sterling) — Veterans and active duty military get a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Monday, Nov. 11.
TGIFridays (Herndon and Tysons Corner) — Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bed Bath and Beyond (Sterling, Fairfax and Tysons CornerBed Bath and Beyond is offering veterans 20 percent off their entire purchase on Nov. 9, 10, and 11. This is good for active duty, DoD, reserves, guard, retirees, veterans, and military spouses.
Massage Envy (Herndon) — Participating Massage Envy locations in the Washington DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia region are offering a complimentary one-hour massage to active military, veterans and spouses on Monday, Nov. 11.
VetsFirst says you will most likely need to show proof that you served in the military. That proof might include a Department of Veterans Affairs identification card, a DD-214, a membership card for a veterans service organization, or a photo of you wearing your military uniform. Although national chains may offer promotions, you should still check with the location you plan to visit to see if they are participating in the promotion. For a complete list of businesses participating, visit VetsFirst.
South Lakes High School, Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and several Reston community organizations are teaming up for a Support Our Troops Project this week.
The project, also being supported by Reston Youth Association and Reston Soccer Association, will being a taste of hime to a unit of 78 servicemen and woman serving in Ghazni, Afghanistan, says Supervisor Hudgins.
This unit has a special connection to Reston as the forward operating base commanding officer is Navy Commander Halle Dunn, a graduate of South Lakes High School.
Here is how to help:
Students and football fans are encouraged to bring donations for care packages to the final South Lakes’ varsity football game on Friday. Items can also be delivered through Nov. 15 at the Hunter Mill District Office, 12000 Bowman Towne Dr.
Cold weather winter items, holiday decorations, food, toiletries, entertainment and sports equipment are some of the items needed to support these sailors and soldiers. For additional suggestions, see the list attached to this article.
Letter of support from community members are also welcome. They can be sent to:
Cdr. Halle Dunn
PRT Ghazni
FOB Ghazni
APO, AE 09364
Additionally, a flag that was flown by the Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni over their base will be presented and flown at South Lakes High School on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. as part of the school’s Veteran’s Day commemoration.
