Life Time Club Set for September Opening
Life Time Athletic Reston will be 13th “Diamond” club in country.
Fitness buffs in Reston will soon have a new state-of-the-art gym to visit.
South Lakes Takes on the 80s
Drama department presents “Xanadu” May 2-4.
“My daughters looked at it the same way they look at ‘Grease,’ a story about people who live in a completely different time.” -- Terri Goldberg of Reston
Great Falls Farmers Market Hits Spring Season
Spring produce, other goods available at weekly market.
The Great Falls Farmers Market has kicked off its spring season, welcoming vendors returning and new with fruits, vegetables and other products. Three vegetable vendors are currently at the market, offering early spring crops.
South Lakes Senior Awarded Scholarship
Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere awarded $5,000 from Northern Virginia Urban League.
The Northern Virginia Urban League awarded $50,000 in scholarships to local high school students at its annual Community Service and Scholarship Awards Dinner Friday, April 19. The organization, whose mission it is to enable disadvantaged youth to achieve economic and academic success, awarded one scholarship to South Lakes High School senior Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere.
Reston Celebrates Simon’s 99th
Lake Anne hosts 10th annual Founder’s Day celebration.
Robert Simon opened up the first weekend of his 100th year at Lake Anne, celebrating with members of the community he founded. Simon, who celebrated his 99th birthday Wednesday, April 10, spent Saturday, April 13, surrounded by well wishers at the 10th annual Founder’s Day Celebration.
Best of Reston Recognized for Community Contributions
Bill Bouie receives the Robert E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award; other individuals, organizations honored.
Reston residents came together to pay tribute to their best Thursday, April 11, at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The annual Best of Reston awards recognized individuals and organizations whose efforts make the community a better place.
New Home for Turtles at Riverbend
Girl Scout Natalie Gilbert builds and donates new box turtle habitat.
Young visitors to the Riverbend Park Nature Center used to have a hard time looking at the three box turtles in the turtle habitat. The old habitat featured a solid wood wall, meaning children could only look straight down at the turtles and rarely had an opportunity to see more than the tops of their shells.
Ballet Studio Tells Cinderella Story
Classical Ballet Theatre performs classic fairy tale.
The Classical Ballet Theatre will present their spin on the classic fairy tale “Cinderella” starting Saturday, April 13. The not-for-profit dance studio will also host several free outreach performances.
Filmmaker Turns Camera on Reston
Rebekah Wingert-Jabi wins Peabody Award, begins work on documentary about Reston.
Rebekah Wingert- Jabi has lived all across the world. She moved to Reston as a child, attended college in Minnesota and California, studied abroad in China and lived in the Middle East. She became interested in still photography at a young age, and while in China she got a video camera and became fascinated with the idea of moving images.
Robotics Team Brings Home Hardware
After Washington, D.C. regionals, Herndon High School Robotics team competes in St. Louis.
The Herndon High School Robotics team gained several accolades at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) regional robotics competition, punching their ticket for the world championships in St. Louis, Mo., this month.
Examining Reston’s Natural History
Historic trust hosts program on Reston’s stewardship of natural resources.
When Robert Simon first saw the land that would eventually become Reston, he was struck by its beauty.
Foundation Prepares to Promote Mental Health
Josh Anderson Foundation to sponsor events across county for mental health and depression awareness.
Before Fairfax County students finish the school year and head to summer break, they first must deal with exams, both final and for AP classes. This can lead to a lot of stress over the final two months of school, pressure the Josh Anderson Foundation is determined to relieve.
Masonic Lodge Presents Annual Award
Connie Hutchinson, Bill Tirrell recognized with Community Builder award.
The Herndon Masonic Lodge presented their annual Community Builders award Monday, April 1, to Vice Mayor Connie Hutchinson and former councilmember Bill Tirrell. The two were recognized for their contributions to many aspects of the community.
Author Tells Tales of Rail
David Guillaudeu’s new book focuses on W & OD Railroad.
For a majority of the 1900s the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad provided transportation from the city of Washington, D.C., out to Loudoun County. Though it carried people, mail and other supplies along its route, the railroad faced difficulties throughout its history, eventually closing in August 1968.
RCA Names Citizen of Year
Cate Fulkerson of RA, Leadership Fairfax, recognized.
The Reston Citizens Association named their Citizen of the Year Thursday, March 7, at the Reston Community Center. Cate Fulkerson, Reston Association’s director of administration and member services, is this year’s recipient.
Senior Takes STEM Challenges Head On
Mayank Mahajan earns Siemens Foundation scholarship.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology senior Mayank Mahajan enjoys taking on tough challenges.
Alliance Pushes for Gun Control Policies
Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence holds vigil at NRA headquarters.
Members of the Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence gathered at the National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax Friday, Feb. 22, to advocate for stricter gun laws. This was the group’s second such protest, where more than 30 members carried signs citing statistics about gun-related deaths.
Civil War Raid Comes to Downtown
March 17 marks 150 years since Mosby’s raid of Herndon.
On St. Patrick’s day 150 years ago, Union soldiers from the First Vermont Cavalry were at the Town of Herndon depot and sawmill. They were expecting a group of reinforcements, but instead Confederate Capt. John Mosby and his unit arrived on a raid, sparking a brief skirmish.
Bulova Gives State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her “State of the County” address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Civil War Raid Comes Downtown
March 17 marks 150 years since Mosby’s raid of Herndon.
On St. Patrick’s day 150 years ago, Union soldiers from the First Vermont Cavalry were at the Town of Herndon depot and sawmill. They were expecting a group of reinforcements, but instead Confederate Capt. John Mosby and his unit arrived on a raid, sparking a brief skirmish.
Alliance Pushes for New Policies
Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence holds vigil at NRA headquarters.
Members of the Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence gathered at the National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax Friday, Feb. 22, to advocate for stricter gun laws. This was the group’s second such protest, where more than 30 members carried signs citing statistics about gun-related deaths.
Senators Speak on Debt Situation
Mark Warner, Tim Kaine address Northern Virginia Technology Council.
Senators Mark Warner (D) and Tim Kaine (D) spoke to members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Friday, Feb. 8, at the Sprint building in Reston.
Declaration of Independence Signer and Loudoun County Resident Remembered
Few people are aware that the land occupied by Washington Dulles International Airport was once the home of one of the country’s founding fathers.
Herndon High Presents ‘Hansel and Gretel’
Annual children’s production tells classic fairy tale.
The Herndon High School Theater Department will present their annual children’s show starting Friday, Feb. 15, featuring “Hansel and Gretel.”
Student-Athletes Mark Black History Month
Herndon students commemorate 150 years since signing of Emancipation Proclamation.
Three years ago, Elise Ashby Arrington decided that she wanted her son Harrison Craddock to understand the importance of Black History Month.
Taking the Plunge at Lake Anne
Hundreds participate in Polar Bear Dip to raise money for Camp Sunshine.
When Jean Young of Reston bundled up for her Saturday walk with her dog Seamus around Lake Anne Saturday, Feb. 2, she was worried her down jacket, long underwear, wool hat and gloves might not provide enough protection from the 30- degree weather. Little did she know she would be encountering more than 100 people wearing even less.
MLK Foundation Celebrates Diversity
Organization welcomes member of Tuskeegee Airmen.
The Martin Luther King Cultural Foundaion hosted a celebration of cultural diversity Saturday, Jan. 26, at ArtSpace in Herndon. The Reston-based organization provides thousands of dollars per year to send local students to college.
Change to Intersection Raises Concerns
Residents object to potential traffic signal at Hunter Mill and Crowell.
The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee heard a request from Oakcrest School Tuesday, Jan. 15, to amend the special exception that would allow them to alter the intersection at Hunter Mill Road and Crowell Road, an alteration that has raised objections from nearby residents.
Reston Pays Tribute to King Legacy
Commemorative march, concert highlight weekend activities.
As he stood in front of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation Sunday, Jan. 20, to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Isaiah Roberts of Reston knew he was participating in something special.
Students Get Blast From the Past
Reston Rotary tours elementaries with Thomas Jefferson re-enactor.
Students across Reston elementary schools got a blast from the past Tuesday, Jan. 8 and Wednesday, Jan. 9, courtesy of the Reston Rotary Club. Bill Barker, an actor who has played Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg since 1993, toured Forest Edge, Terraset, Dogwood, Fox Mill, Hunters Woods and Lake Anne Elementary Schools to tell the students about his life and beliefs.
Best of Reston Named
Individuals, organizations, businesses recognized at annual awards announcement.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith named their 2013 Best of Reston award winners Thursday, Jan. 10. The annual awards recognize individuals, organizations and companies that represent the community’s founding ideals.
Restonians Sound off to Legislators
Metro funding, gun control high priorities for residents for General Assembly session.
State Sen. Janet Howell (D-31) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36) spoke to Reston residents about their priorities and goals for the upcoming General Assembly session Thursday, Jan. 3. The session, which starts Jan. 9, is scheduled for 30 days, with the possibility of an additional 30 days if needed. This is standard procedure for odd-numbered years; during even numbered years the session is scheduled for 60 days.
Orchestra Turns to Local Talent
Reston Community Orchestra to perform songs of Brian Scarbrough in MLK Concert Jan. 19.
At a very young age, Brian Scarbrough of Reston was already showing signs of musical prowess. His mother Richie remembers singing a commercial while her young son was around, and Brian Scarbrough promptly informed her she was off-key.
Town Center Lights Christmas Tree
Santa and Mrs. Claus, Reston Chorale appear at annual tree lighting.
Having just moved to Reston in July, Bill and Marie Jones and their two children weren’t aware of the annual festivities that happen at Reston Town Center every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, just after dark. They thought they were headed to town center for an evening of ice skating and frozen yogurt.
Reston Hosts Holiday Parade
Local groups participate in annual Reston Town Center parade Nov. 23.
Thousands of people spent the early part of their Black Friday spread out along Market Street for the annual Reston Holiday Parade. Organizations from across the area made their way down .3 miles of the road carrying balloons, performing and interacting with the crowd.
Herndon High Performs ‘Brigadoon’
Theater department puts on annual fall musical.
For many cast members in the Herndon High School Theatre Department, the musical "Brigadoon" wasn’t a familiar title to them. The story of two New Yorkers who stumble upon a mystical disappearing Scottish village features one of the young men, Tommy, who falls in love with one of the town’s residents, only to be confronted by the fact that the town only appears once every hundred years.
Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits
Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.
As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.
Author Examines Life by the Letter
Joe Reynolds publishes collection of letters on variety of topics.
In an era of e-mails, text messages and tweets, the art of writing a letter hasn’t been lost on McLean resident Joe Reynolds. It’s something he was raised on, his father and grandfather wrote him letters while he was at college, a tradition that he continued while his three children were away at school.
Getting Up to Speed on Healthcare
Panel discussion addresses small business issues with Affordable Health Care Act.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion Friday, Nov. 16 at the Dulles Westin, to examine the effects of the Affordable Health Care Act on business owners.
Paying Tribute to ‘Dogs of War’
Local author’s new book examines American leaders and their dogs.
Kathleen Kinsolving knows that inspiration can come from strange places. In 2000, she was helping a friend move when she came upon a trunk full of books, including Carlo D’Este’s biography of Gen. George Patton, “Patton: A Genius for War.”
Gift Ideas in Great Falls
Maison et Jardin, Maison du Vin offer gift ideas for holidays.
While places like Tysons Corner might draw the large crowds and big numbers during the holiday shopping season, plenty of local residents are able to find gifts much more locally. The shops at the Great Falls commercial center offer a wide variety of items from locally owned businesses.
LEAP Awards $5,000 to Homeowners
Marti Fucile and Eric Shor receive award to make home more energy efficient.
Living on Lake Audubon, Marti Fucile and her fiancé Eric Shor have learned to love their view of the lake. But as environmentally-friendly homeowners, they also know the reality that comes with the high ceilings and large windows in their townhouse.
Used Book Shop Offers Gift Ideas
Lake Anne shop has been "where books and people meet" for more than 30 years.
Whenever he comes to Lake Anne, Jeremy Thompson of Reston has a place he always stops. A place he calls an "increasing rarity" in today’s world.
Orchestra Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Reston Community Orchestra prepares 25th season.
Twenty-five years ago, Joellyn Kinzer, a cello player, invited a dozen like-minded musicians to her living room for some baked goods and a chance to play together.
Garden Club Hosts ‘Big Dig’
Reston Garden Club performs beautification project at Reston library.
When members of the Reston Garden Club planned their “Big Dig” project at the Reston Regional Library, one of their main goals was to beautify the traffic islands in the parking lot. By adding dozens of plants to previously barren patches of dirt Monday, Nov. 5, the club achieved several goals.
Fairfax Republicans Come Together for Election
What started as a night of hope for the Fairfax County Republican Committee ended on something of a sour note, as Republican presidential, senate and congressional candidates were not able to oust incumbents.
Skate Park Opens at Lake Fairfax
New park is 15,000 square feet, offers variety of features.
The Fairfax County Park Authority opened the Lake Fairfax Skatepark Saturday, Oct. 27, welcoming hundreds of skaters to one of the biggest parks in the area. The 15,000 square-foot features a large bowl on one end, and more than a dozen other features made of concrete with steel edges.
Local Horrors at Haunted House
Bradley Farm hosts annual haunted house fundraiser.
Charlie Bowen came to the Bradley Farm clubhouse expecting to see some people in zombie makeup, maybe with some gruesome props. He didn’t expect to spend what felt like the longest 120 seconds of his life jumping at every single sound.
Discussing Budget Morality
United Christian Parish hosts discussion on intersection of budgets and social services.
The United Christian Parish in Reston hosted a forum featuring one of the “Nuns on the Bus” Thursday, Oct. 25 for a discussion on the intersection of morality and budgets: Sister Marge Clark, one of a group of nuns that have toured the U.S. meeting with elected officials and locals about morality and budgeting. Clark is the author of the Faithful Budget, which is created by an inter-religious group that determines basic domestic human needs.
Robotics Team Shows Off Hardware
Herndon High School Robotics demonstrate at Udvar-Hazy Center.
The Herndon High School Robotics Team showed off its hardware at the Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center Saturday, Oct. 27, as part of the center’s Air and Scare event.