Thousands of people are expected to visit Reston Town Center later this month for the return of the Tephra ICA Arts Festival the annual festival organized by the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Arts will take place on May 17 and 18 bringing together more than 200 artists from across the U.S “This weekend is an amazing opportunity to not only view and collect artwork from over 200 artists but to engage directly with those artists about their work and what inspires them,” Tephra ICA associate curator and festival director Hannah Barco said in a press release Like last year’s edition, the 2025 Tephra ICA Arts Festival will coincide with the launch of Reston Concerts on the Town, a free summer music series sponsored by the Reston Town Center Association The concerts will kick off with the ABBA tribute band Dancing Dream on Saturday Held at the town center’s pavilion (1818 Discovery Street) depending on whether there’s an intermission Here is the full Reston Concerts on the Town schedule: In addition to the Concerts on the Town kickoff, the Tephra ICA festival will feature artist booths and demonstrations, an art park, food vendors, a guided tour, and performances at Reston Town Square Park (11900 Market Street) by this year’s headliner: Chicago-based inflatables artist Claire Helen Ashley the festival routinely draws tens of thousands of people to Reston Town Center “We are so excited to welcome artists to the 34th Tephra ICA Arts Festival,” Tephra ICA Executive Director and Curator Jonell Logan said “Reston was founded with the belief that the arts are an essential component of a well-rounded life The Festival is a great opportunity to support this philosophy See below for the festival schedule, and a full lineup of the 200 artists participating this year can be found on Tephra’s website TysonsToday Staff May 3 Around Town, Art & Culture As the weather gets warmer the area’s summer concerts series return This season offers diverse choices with something for everyone—jazz So grab your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer in your neighborhood McLean Central Park1468 Dolley Madison BlvdMcLean Reston Town Square Park11900 Market StReston Every third Friday June through September6:30pm – 9:30pm Chillin’ on Church is the hottest block party around and fun for the whole town!  Held the every third Friday June through September on historic Church Street and family-friendly activities.  Admission is free Fourth Friday of the month May – October6:30pm – 9:30pm Old Town Square10415 North StreetFairfax City Please bring chairs and or blankets to sit on The Town Green in Herndon777 Lynn StreetHerndon Reston Town Square ParkCorner of Market Street and Explorer Street11900 Market St Reston One Loudoun on the Plaza20626 Easthampton PlazaAshburn 7:00pm – 8:30pmNo concerts on July 5 and August 9 Reston Town Center Pavilion1818 Discovery StreetReston Shops on Main Parking Lot10409 Main StreetFairfax Great Falls Village Centre GreenGreat Falls and a picnic dinner – or grab takeout at a local restaurant!  Join us at the gazebo for a laid-back evening of good music and good times with your neighbors Find more summer performances in Fairfax County parks here The views expressed here are the author's own Join us as we present annual awards to our participants and volunteers More than half of our participants attend SPARC's engaging day programs at no cost This event pays for our programs and enables those with multiple and severe disabilities to attend for FREE All participants receive reduced fees (which only cover 1/3 of the actual cost) Wednesday, 6:30 pmChantilly, VA Saturday, 9:00 amMarshall, VA Saturday, 11:00 amFairfax City, VA Tribute To The Music Of Taylor Swift Featuring Kanin Wren Event Kickoff: 6:00pm • Showtime: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Reston Metro Plaza Complimentary three hour validated parking in ParkX garages only This book club will focus on the protagonist's growth and maturity We will discuss how each one of us personally resonates with that growth we shall inevitably encounter other characters examining their influence on the protagonist and his/her effect on them.Our discussions will be rich with viewing each character through the prism of personal development such as the protagonist's capacity for introspection and critical thinking will form the foundation of our dialogues.This month we will read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.Shabnam Curtis an author and a life coach focused on adult growth and maturing will lead the book club by bringing thought-provoking questions a non-profit organization founded in 1990 by artistic director Janet Hall enriches the cultural lives of children through dance work with exceptional choreography and perform unique works annually originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon to a score by Léo Delibes telling the story of a mischievous doll and the villagers who mistake her for a real girl a mysterious girl who appears to sit motionless on the balcony of the eccentric Dr Coppélia is actually a lifelike mechanical doll When Swanilda and her friends sneak into the workshop to uncover the truth chaos ensues as she impersonates the doll to outwit both Franz and the toymaker Coppélia is a beloved staple of classical ballet Contact Events@reston.org for questions Visitors to Reston Art Gallery and Studios can now watch the artistic process play out in real time as part of a newly unveiled exhibit A collaborative effort involving nearly a dozen different artists the exhibit “TEXTURE: Paper & Paint / Quilts & Collage / Metal & More” opened at the gallery in Lake Anne Plaza (11400 Washington Plaza West) this past Saturday (May 3) the exhibition showcases works in a variety of media Created over the past year by 11 different artists some of the pieces were developed individually One contribution has yet to be completed: all of the participating artists will be working on a single large-scale collage throughout the exhibit Inspired by the prompt “Shades of Blue and Things That Fly,” the artists began working on the collage and offering live demonstrations during the exhibit’s opening reception yesterday (Sunday) “This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of textures and techniques and to see artistic collaboration in action,” Reston Art Gallery said in the release The artists involved in the exhibit are Parinaz Bahadori Founded in December 1986 by owner Pat Macintyre Reston Art Gallery and Studios currently has seven juried artists and two adjunct artists whose works are showcased in monthly exhibits that rotate through its main gallery A closing reception for “Texture” is scheduled for Sunday Later this month, Reston residents can also revel in the local arts community with the return of the annual Tephra ICA Arts Festival which draw over 200 artists to Reston Town Center on May 17 and 18 The festival will coincide with the launch of this year’s Reston Concerts on the Town Three proposals for future development in Reston were mostly greeted with varying degrees of skepticism by community members who crowded into the cafeteria at Langston Hughes Middle School (11401 Ridge Heights Road) last Monday (April 7) Drawing an estimated 350 to 400 attendees, the meeting was one of three held by Fairfax County planning staff over the past two weeks to gather feedback on 11 different pitches for changes to land use guidance in the Reston Comprehensive Plan The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on which nominations to advance to the work program on June 10 after receiving recommendations from the county’s planning commission The first presenter at the April 7 meeting, DLA Piper commercial real estate attorney Brian Winterhalter, survived the encounter relatively unscathed, as he proposed allowing residential development to replace the office building at 11600 Sunrise Valley Drive seen demand decline after COVID-19 accelerated an embrace of remote work an affiliate of the Bernstein Management Corporation “We’re not seeking to remove the office option but we think there’s a better opportunity to move forward in the near-term with housing,” he said DLA Piper proposed two development concepts: A woman who said she’s lived in Reston for 50 years sought more open or green space than what’s visible in the presented concept plans and asked about the potential impact on schools Winterhalter responded that those details will be worked out and evaluated during the rezoning process which would begin after the proposal is accepted for the SSPA work program Grumbles and at least one shout declaring “We don’t want Comstock” erupted when county staff introduced Comstock Companies’ proposal to expand its Reston Station development west Encompassing 17 parcels totaling approximately 35 acres of land, the nomination would consolidate two sub-districts in the Wiehle-Reston East Transit Station Area to set the stage for additional mixed-use development With an even split between residential and non-residential uses Comstock proposes organizing the development into four districts: Hunton Andrews Kurth land use attorney Jill Parks described the nomination as a “visioning exercise.” The scope could evolve as Comstock continues discussions with neighboring property owners and the broad language is intended to enable future developers to “entertain new ideas and respond to the market.” “We’re just planning” for the future highlighting the central park and a new linear park system that would replace some commuter parking lots along Sunset Hills Road as possible benefits The consolidation could also open the door for the Soapstone Connector with Comstock getting three property owners on board to dedicate land for the future road Other transportation improvements could include an extension of Reston Station Blvd to Plaza America “It could accommodate a trolley,” Parks said attributing the suggestion to Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn “… We think it’s a good idea.” Alcorn later clarified to FFXnow that there are no specific plans for a “trolley” at Reston Station, but he believes the county needs to explore additional transit options to close gaps between Metro stations “Metrorail is not enough. Eventually … we need to start thinking more long-term about what other transit options should be built toward in our Metro station areas. The trolley’s one idea,” he said, adding that another possibility could involve expanding Reston Town Center’s free shuttle service “I think this process is very premature,” Rescue Reston Board of Directors member John Pinkman said “You have so far to go to win back the trust from people in this room.” Cooley partner Mark Looney argued that “change has to occur” at the golf course which hasn’t seen significant renovations since it was built nearly 60 years ago the golf course needs technological and design updates to compete with other sites including ones run by the Fairfax County Park Authority but facility updates alone still wouldn’t be enough to recoup the $23.57 million that War Horse and Weller paid to acquire the property in 2019 — a price that county land records note reflected expectations of future redevelopment “They have a right to achieve financial return on their investment,” Looney said when asked whether a renovation could be done without also adding townhouses “Fixing the sprinkler doesn’t make it an economic success They need to bring more patrons in.” However, several community members accused War Horse Cities of neglecting the golf course to justify its redevelopment plans. One woman claimed the current manager, Kemper Sports, doesn’t implement frost delays to prevent damage to the course and another resident alleged that trees were cleared from a resource protection area “What it sounds like is you’re running it into the ground and threatening us with development,” one man said noting that he lives next to the property and sees “golfers going by all the time.” With Alcorn maintaining that he’ll oppose any amendment to the comprehensive plan’s designation of the site as a golf course unless it gets community support a full-scale redevelopment appears unlikely to advance According to Cooley, the PRC plan can be implemented without any zoning revisions — and therefore, no public hearings — because the townhouses would be built on 14 acres already zoned for housing under a development plan approved by the Board of Supervisors in 1966 Even that assertion has been met with skepticism I am not convinced,” Alcorn said to applause during the meeting In addition to serving as president of Rescue Reston a volunteer organization that advocates for preserving Reston’s private golf courses Connie Hartke told FFXnow that she’s a “small” real estate developer so she understands from experience that it “hurts” for an investment not to pan out “But you don’t invest money that you can’t afford to lose,” she said “… I think it’s time for [War Horse Cities] to stop harassing this community and fold it and let someone buy the golf course at a golf course price that wants to run a golf course Hartke indicated she could be open to the Sunrise Valley redevelopment “Perhaps that is one that should move forward to the next level of conversation [County] staff will decide,” Hartke said “… There are areas that need to be redeveloped Though the meeting was dominated by opponents to the proposed Reston National development a couple of noticeably younger community members spoke in favor of building more housing — if not on that site one speaker who said he grew up in Reston questioned whether the mostly older overwhelmingly white crowd is representative of the full community Though it was founded as an integrated community, Reston is now nearly 60% white, and its two largest demographics by age are people between 25 and 34 years old, and people 65 and older, according to county data Nielsen says he had to move from an apartment in the Reston Station area last year to another place in the Hunter Mill District he said he hopes to someday buy a house in Reston he told FFXnow he found the reaction to his comments less-than-welcoming “You cannot be progressive and be exclusionary at the same time and you do not see a bigger divide about that than when it comes to issues of housing,” Nielsen said but we do get that nice development at the Wiehle Metro that’s still a huge net positive for Reston and for Fairfax County But events like this really show people’s true colors and I think that that’s something that is worth taking note of.” The need for more housing is also personal for Evan Ramee, a lead for the YIMBYs of Northern Virginia and undergraduate student studying civil engineering at George Mason University because I do want to live in this community for the next 59 years and the fact that I might not be able [to stay] here is something that I want to fix because it affects me directly,” Ramee said He lauded the Sunrise Valley Drive and Reston Station proposals as “excellent examples of infill development,” singling out the former for potentially revitalizing a site mostly taken up by an asphalt parking lot Ramee says “it would be great” to see the golf course turned into a county park or to see it split between open space and housing but he predicted that the PRC plan renovation will likely prevail there was a lot less aggressive NIMBYism,” he said “It’s not like we are holding back regulatory approvals for new residential in Reston,” Alcorn said “We have so much that is already allowed and that’s what these nominators are trying to change I think it’s healthy for the community to weigh all that whenever providing input.” One of the world’s most popular fast-casual brands will open a new Reston restaurant tomorrow six years after closing its last neighborhood eatery Panera Bread is coming to 2401 Fulton Place, placing a grab-and-go option in the mixed-use development Halley Rise — located at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive near the Reston Town Center Metro station Panera is scheduled to open its doors at 6 a.m where the first 100 guests will receive a year’s worth of free meals under the brand’s “You Pick Two” option “We are thrilled to be opening the first Panera in Reston,” area operating partner Joel Duprey said “We are excited to grow our presence in this wonderful community and look forward to delivering the great tasting food and impeccable service our local guests have come to expect from Panera.” Though the new location will feature all of the menu items that longtime patrons have come to enjoy there’s a hitch: the restaurant follows the brand’s new “urban format,” which is “geared toward serving guests on the go,” a spokesperson said The 3,255-square-foot cafe is designed with limited counter seating and features updated ordering kiosks and a fully digitized menu The popular “You Pick Two” option allowing customers to pick a combination of two half-sized entrees as does a wide variety of morning bagel options and much more the new Reston eatery will be open daily from 6 a.m Panera Bread is the latest tenant at the mixed-use development complex, joining the likes of Chase Bank, Wegmans and more Mark your calendars—Reston Pride is back and bigger than ever with a full weekend of celebration and community action: Saturday We’re bringing you two days filled with vendors We recognize the challenges and harmful policies being pushed by the current administration against LGBTQIA+ individuals across the country That’s why our 2025 theme is a call to action: RISE UP We’ll be sharing local and national resources and how we can make real change—side by side and we’re so grateful for your continued support 📅 Save the Dates: Concert -May 31 6:00pm – 9:00 pm / Festival June 1st 11:00am – 6:00 pm 2025 The Fairfax County Police Department said a man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a victim inside a Target (12197 Sunset Hills Road) near the Reston Town Center Police said in a release today that the incident took place on April 14 around 1:40 p.m was arrested by the Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Abuse Squad after he was found hiding inside a clothing rack in the Target after the incident Bavon is charged with aggravated sexual battery as well as being served a warrant for an unrelated incident Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Abuse Squad have arrested a man after he sexually assaulted a victim inside a retail store in Reston officers responded to a sex offense case at a retail store in the 12100 block of Sunset Hills Road in Reston Officers learned while the victim was inside the store a male suspect touched the victim inappropriately Officers located and arrested Jonathan David Bavon of no fixed address hiding inside of a clothing rack inside the store Bavon was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with Aggravated Sexual Battery He was also served a warrant on an unrelated incident Fairfax County planning staff appear to agree with many neighboring residents that Reston National Golf Course should remain a golf course Released late last week following a series of community meetings the white paper doesn’t delve into staff’s objections to each development pitch but it indicates that they all would’ve presented environmental or neighborhood challenges “These nominations are not recommended by staff due to clear and significant policy issues all of which relate to land use compatibility and/or environmental protection,” county staff wrote Anticipating public opposition based on past experience Reston National’s owner is already exploring an alternative that would renovate the golf course and add 288 stacked townhouses on 14 acres where it says residential development has been permitted since the 1960s The other nominations without staff support are: Trend toward residential over commercial development continues staff recommend adding 35 to a work program for official study Staff based their recommendations on a variety of criteria including whether a given nomination reflects community needs and aligns with the county’s priorities and vision for a particular area According to the white paper, nearly all (86%) of the nominations seek to open up sites for housing, continuing a trend in development fueled by declining office demand post-Covid Only two nominators are proposing additional office space — Valo Park owner Tamares in Tysons and Reston Station developer Comstock Companies — and in both cases the office would be part of mixed-use developments with residences The SSPA nominations collectively call for 14,583 additional housing units, exceeding the county’s maximum potential currently envisioned in the comprehensive plan by 8,591 units. Eighteen pitches focus on multi-family residences, though one developer recently told the Fairfax County Planning Commission that construction is facing challenges of its own non-residential uses would drop by 400,000 square feet from the comprehensive plan’s existing guidance The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will ultimately determine which SSPA nominations to add to the work program in June. Before that, the planning commission will review the proposals and accept public input in workshops on May 1 A nomination advancing isn’t a guarantee that the proposed development will come to fruition. In the white paper, staff recommend removing nine previously authorized studies from the work program because they’re not being actively pursued lack funding or otherwise don’t no longer need to be reviewed The owners of Reston National Golf Course have teed up another redevelopment proposal with public opposition expected to remain high they’re considering a backup plan that would involve renovations and more limited housing Property owner War Horse Cities enlisted the developer NVR to nominate the 168-acre golf course at 11875 Sunrise Valley Drive for a Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan amendment that would allow housing on part of the site while turning the rest into publicly accessible recreational or open space The nomination was among 53 submitted to the county earlier this year for its 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process which opens up individual properties for potential land use changes requested by developers and other members of the public NVR’s new SSPA nomination — which was among dozens accepted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for a screening review on March 4 — proposes residential development with some outdoor amenity spaces on 86.7 acres of Reston National Golf Course Another 81 acres would be converted into open and recreational space for public use Suggested amenities could include lawn spaces restored meadows and public art installations the developer argues that the envisioned neighborhood would feature more accessible recreational options than the existing golf course which is only open to paying customers — less than 15% of them Reston residents “By permitting a portion of the Property to develop with residential uses and the balance of the Property to be dedicated for publicly accessible open space or park space the Property can evolve into a community-serving asset that meets the needs of a broader cross-section of Reston and Fairfax County residents,” Cooley LLP land use attorney Amanda Williams wrote in the statement The development would also boost the area’s housing supply and ridership for Metro’s Silver Line extension given its proximity to the Wiehle and Reston Town Center stations However, many local residents, led by the volunteer advocacy group Rescue Reston have been adamant that the property should remain a golf course arguing that the open space provides environmental benefits for both humans and wildlife Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who represents Reston, rejected the 2022 SSPA nomination and has stated that he’ll only support a rezoning if the surrounding community does — a stance he reiterated at a town hall on Feb and my position has not changed since before I was even elected the first time: until communities surrounding the golf course come to me and ask me to change the comprehensive plan I’m not going to support changing the comprehensive plan,” Alcorn said that both Reston golf course owners are likely to persist in advocating for redevelopment because they “paid too much to operate them profitably as a golf course.” which is no longer involved with the golf course War Horse Cities acquired Reston National from RN Golf Management for $23.57 million on May 22 which note that the “price reflects future redevelo[pment].” With the full redevelopment pitch facing an uphill battle War Horse is simultaneously pursuing an amendment to the golf course’s existing development plan that would allow renovations and 288 stacked townhomes on 14 acres of the site already zoned for medium-density housing Because the site is located in a PRC District revisions to the development plan must be reviewed by county staff to determines whether they conform with previous approvals or need to be approved by the zoning administrator or the Board of Supervisors The proposed zoning ordinance revisions — which are set to be discussed at virtual community meetings on April 10 — likely won’t apply to the Reston National Golf Course whose property owner is considering more extensive upgrades that would still require a PRC Plan Though a PRC Plan application hasn’t been officially filed with the county yet 12 concept plan included with the SSPA nomination include: lighting and technology are necessary to keep Reston National Golf Course financially viable and competitive with other golf facilities in Fairfax County The 14 acres on the western side of the property are zoned for up to 20 units per acre of residential development under a development plan approved by the Board of Supervisors in September 1966 according to Cooley’s pre-application statement meaning no public hearings or board approval are required Williams says the Reston National owner is aware of the opposition to redevelopment but submitted the SSPA nomination to ensure there are opportunities for public input — something that wouldn’t be guaranteed with just a PRC Plan application “The Residential Development will provide new housing options in Reston including affordable dwelling units as required by the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance,” Cooley’s PRC Plan statement said implementation of the proposed PRC Plan will allow the privately-owned golf course to ensure its long-term economic viability by executing necessary modern upgrades to the course itself while providing much-needed attainable housing.” After Reston Association’s board nixed a planned presentation last month representatives for War Horse shared their proposals with members of the public for the first time last night (Wednesday) About 20 people reportedly attended the meeting according to Rescue Reston President Connie Hartke Hartke encouraged community members to attend a larger meeting that Fairfax County will host at Langston Hughes Middle School (11401 Ridge Heights Road) next Monday Rescue Reston remains opposed to any redevelopment of the golf course remains committed to defending the land use designation of both Reston golf course properties as private recreation 18-hole golf courses Reston has exemplified thoughtful planning and zoning and speculative investments do not justify discarding this well-established vision While the owners of RNGC overpaid for the property that does not deter our community’s steadfast commitment to protecting our treasured green space Reston planners welcome investments and development that respect Reston’s carefully planned legacy those pursuing purely speculative ventures must either align their strategies with our community’s values and priorities or step aside This story has been corrected to reflect that Weller Development is no longer an owner of Reston National Golf Course or involved in any projects there A new restaurant concept expects to open mere steps from Lake Anne in Reston later this summer From the company behind Shipgarten in Tysons will come Reston Brats n Beers which has leased a space in the neighborhood’s eponymous Lake Anne Plaza The new brand will rely on many of the German-inspired influences that Creative Bar Concepts (CBC) has implemented in other locations “We’re gonna have your standard German bratwurst we’re gonna have jalapeno cheddar wurst,” Rofogouran said We’re gonna have all sorts of different types The restaurant’s selection of sausages will be accompanied by a wide range of German Brats n Beers, which expects to open within the next few months, will take over the former barbershop K.G.’s Cutz at 1610 Washington Plaza North who purchased the storefronts at both 1608 and 1610 intends to turn the ground floors into the restaurant according to a permit approved by Fairfax County officials in 2021 The upper floors were renovated into residential units so we’ve just got to build a bar and add a kitchen to the back,” Rofogouran said in a phone call last week The new restaurant will join a handful of other eateries in the plaza including Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar Kalypso’s Sports Tavern and Cafe Montmarte Creative Bar Concepts launched Shipgarten — a pop-up concept featuring restaurants and bars inside retrofitted shipping containers — in Tysons’ Scotts Run neighborhood in 2022 The company also runs Hops N Shine in Alexandria The brand’s previously announced Herndon Biergarten is “still in the works” according to Rofogouran Hundreds of residents around Lake Anne in Reston are facing new uncertainty over how they will cool down their homes as the weather heats up SpringRELAC, a resident-run nonprofit, announced yesterday (Tuesday) that its authority to operate the central air-conditioning system that provides chilled water from the man-made lake to surrounding properties hasn’t been renewed for the 2025 season There are also no plans for the nonprofit to take ownership of the cooling system known as RELAC from the Reston/Lake Anne Air Conditioning Corporation (Reston RELAC) the State Corporation Commission-governed private utility that had run the service for more than a decade “We appreciate this raises questions and concerns for customers regarding the future of the services,” springRELAC said in its announcement directing community members to contact Reston RELAC for “further commentary” on what will happen next 258 condominiums and 25 commercial units in the Vantage Hill and Lake Anne condos as well as the Waterview Coleson and Governor’s Square clusters There have been multiple attempts to scrap RA’s ban on individual AC units, most recently last spring the referendum has fallen short of the two-thirds majority required for a repeal The system’s sustainability came into question after Reston RELAC announced in December 2023 that it will halt operations after that year detailing struggles to keep up with rising electrical costs and fund upgrades in part due to “a significant number of customers” not paying their bills Financial questions held up sales agreement McKeown was working through the SCC process to get ownership of the utility transferred to springRELAC when he passed away on Dec Reston RELAC President Mark Waddell said in a message sent to customers today (Wednesday) but his death “came unexpectedly.” He was 70 years old SpringRELAC and Relac Water Cooling — both entities created by McKeown with the former designated as the future owner of the cooling system and the latter as the operator — were handed off to his widow Though a final sales agreement wasn’t yet signed 6 that it remained committed to operating the cooling service for the 2025 season Waddell says he and Reston RELAC owner Mike Coleman went to a meeting with Uhler-McKeown and her attorney on March 11 anticipating that they would sign the final deal to transfer ownership they were given an amended service agreement to let Relac Water Cooling continue operating the cooling system while the SCC approved the transfer “This amendment would allow operations through Dec 1 2025 and stated that the sale to springRELAC would not occur and they would not be responsible for preparing for the 2026 cooling season,” Waddell said Concerned about how the utility will be funded in future seasons under the amended agreement Reston RELAC leaders requested additional financial information and a due diligence period so they could determine whether to accept the changes Uhler-McKeown’s lawyer said they were withdrawing the proposed agreement with little explanation Reston RELAC was told that the requested financial information would be forthcoming “Until I get that information I cannot say whether we can get someone to operate the system or have to shut it down,” Waddell said in his message to customers “I am really sorry that this has come so close to when the cooling system should be getting prepared for the season.” Waddell told FFXnow it’s still possible that Relac Water Cooling could take over the utility but admitted “I don’t know where we go from here.” He pledged to provide another update to customers by this Friday (March 28) RA says it will continue monitoring the RELAC situation but has no direct affiliation with or oversight over the utility “The Association and its Board of Directors are very aware of the potential challenges as a result of this unique situation and are exploring ways to assist its affected members that are within the Association’s purview,” RA said in a statement The Lake Anne cooling system was established in the mid-1960s when Reston was just getting started as a community. In recent years, some residents have argued that RELAC has become inefficient and that homeowners should have a choice while others have defended it as more aesthetically acceptable and worried that allowing more people to opt out of the system will lead to increased rates for those who stay Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn’s office has a list of resources that affected RELAC customers can turn to if the utility doesn’t continue services. This year, the county will accept applications for its cooling assistance program — which is available to households with seniors kids 5 and younger or individuals with disabilities — starting on June 17 After 11 years in Loudoun County, it wasn’t clear what the future held for Meadows Frozen Custard Having battled what he describes as an over-saturation of One Loudoun for years franchisee Michael Nassif considered shutting his doors for good — until he found the perfect new location in Reston The frozen custard shop, which served its last scoop in Ashburn back in December, will soon replace the shuttered Custom Ink location in Reston’s South Lakes Village Shopping Center. The planned move was first reported by The Burn “We live very close to the center and have established ties to the community which make owning a business here very attractive,” Nassif told FFXnow “The proximity of the shopping center to my kids’ schools and several other elementary schools will allow us to be involved in their fundraising efforts and support their various clubs.” The new shop is currently in the design phase and applications for work permits could be submitted “soon.” Nassif is eyeing an opening by May or June giving locals a new option to beat the summer heat “We are very excited to be part of the South Lakes community and give the people of South Reston an ice cream option without having to go far from their homes,” Nassif said “Summer nights with our frozen treats and sitting on the new plaza overlooking Lake Thoreau hopefully will be a new summer tradition for local families.” Meadows Frozen Custard has grown to 26 stores nationwide other Virginia locations are in Hampton and Williamsburg The shop’s menu boasts a variety of options customers can order “ultra thick shakes” known as frosts as well as Arctic Swirls that blend custard with “your favorite candy Customers can also choose from Meadows Favorites which include banana splits and other traditional fare Though operating hours for Meadows Frozen Custard’s new location at 11130 South Lakes Drive are not yet publicly available the previous Ashburn location was open daily from noon to 9 p.m residents and visitors at Reston Station will be treated to the sight of people rappelling down a 17-story office building for charity The Google-anchored building at 1900 Reston Station Blvd will be the site of an Over the Edge fundraiser tomorrow (Saturday) to benefit the National Military Intelligence Foundation (NMIF) a Clifton-based nonprofit that supports national security and intelligence workers through professional development and student scholarships 12 individuals and three teams have registered for the rappelling event Participants must raise at least $1,000 by the day of the fundraiser but no prior rappelling experience is needed People who want to support the cause without leaving the ground can make donations online Reston Station developer Comstock says it will host a VIP event from 4-7 p.m today (Friday) to “spotlight the strong community support behind the mission and set the stage for an impactful weekend.” The VIPs set to rappel this afternoon include Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, leaders of the Reston-based aerospace company SOS International and “members of the intelligence community,” according to a press release “Hosting Over The Edge at 1900 Reston Metro Plaza aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting impactful causes,” Comstock Chief Operating Officer Tim Steffan said in the release “We are honored to partner with NMIF for this exciting event that directly benefits veterans and aspiring professionals in the national security field.” supported New Hope Housing and Helping Haitian Angels proceeds from the Reston Station fundraiser will go toward NMIF’s scholarships for students pursuing careers in intelligence its Intelligence Journal and other publications which recognizes achievements by intelligence professionals “We are thrilled and deeply grateful to be partnering with Comstock and Over The Edge for what promises to be the most exhilarating fundraising event in our 51-year history as a national-level 501c(3) non-profit organization,” NMIF President Stephen Iwicki The campaign has attracted more than 140 contributions totaling over $62,000 so far putting its goal of $80,000 by May 6 within reach Several new restaurants and retail stores are in the works at Reston Town Center including a few that haven’t been previously confirmed Six new retail leases were announced today (Wednesday) by property owner which touted the signings as a mix of local and national businesses that will “continue to enhance Reston Town Center’s ability to offer something for everyone.” Started in 2015 by chef Jon Krinn, Clarity offers a regularly changing menu designed by chef Matthew Cockrell, a native Vienna resident who has experience at French restaurants across the D.C. area. Krinn left Clarity in 2022 and now runs Elyse in Fairfax City To give Reston residents a taste of what to expect dishes on tonight’s dinner menu include Hudson Valley foie gras and onion a $60 prime New York strip steak and Wester Ross Scottish salmon A Clarity investor confirmed to FFXnow that the Reston location will be an addition It will be in the expanded area of Reston Town Center at 1996 Opportunity Way “Reston Town Center stood out as the ideal location for Clarity’s expansion thanks to its dynamic mix of offices and residences as well as BXP’s dedication to crafting a truly unique destination,” Vasireddy said in a press release “We’re thrilled to bring our signature dining experience to this exceptional community.” Also coming to the Reston Town Center expansion are: BXP also confirmed a lease for MidnighTreats, which is relocating to 1826 Discovery Street from Plaza America No time frames for the six newly announced retailers were provided but MidnighTreats owner and founder Johnny Nguyen told FFXnow late last year that they hope to open in late spring 2025 “It’s a thrill to be part of Reston Town Center’s organic growth and evolution,” BXP Vice President of Retail Leasing Stephanie Friedman said in addition to the four opening this year exemplify the storied nostalgia that makes up the heart of RTC We can’t wait for them to join the community.” In addition, Indochen an Asian fusion restaurant based in Alexandria hopes to open in the Hyatt Regency building at 1800 President Street this June or July Correction: This story misidentified Tracy O’Grady as Clarity’s chef. O’Grady took over the restaurant under new owner Viswa Vasireddy last April but Matthew Cockrell then replaced her in December Tucked away in Fairfax County just 20 miles west of Washington, D.C., Reston, Virginia is an unincorporated master-planned community founded in 1964 by Robert E Designed to revolutionize suburban development with its “Live Reston continues to thrive as a model for balanced urban planning Reston lives up to its guiding motto with an impressive mix of residential neighborhoods Its pedestrian-friendly design includes more than 55 miles of trails or enjoy the art scene without ever leaving town Money magazine named Reston one of the best places to live in Virginia with a density of approximately 3,989 residents per square mile and about 67% of adults hold a college degree The median household income is estimated at $120,000 Reston is served by Fairfax County Public Schools one of the largest and most reputable school districts in the U.S The primary public high school is South Lakes High School known for its strong academic and extracurricular programs The area also includes several top-rated elementary and middle schools and a few private and parochial options Reston’s culinary scene is centered around the vibrant Reston Town Center home to well-loved eateries like PassionFish — a contemporary seafood restaurant with rave reviews The Town Center also features boutique shopping Housing in Reston spans everything from contemporary condos to townhomes and lakefront properties While real estate is more expensive than the national average it offers significant value for the location and amenities Estimated cost of living: $2,873/month (source: livingcost.org) Residents can enjoy a wide variety of housing options with access to horse trails and community pools — all while being within commuting distance to D.C The region is also served by numerous outpatient clinics It offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation Picnicking and playing at Lake Fairfax Park Reston is divided into several clusters and villages South Lakes: Known for its proximity to the lake and South Lakes High School Lake Anne: Rich in history and home to Reston’s original village center Reston is connected via Metro’s Silver Line Dulles International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away and bike lanes and trails encourage car-free living You will enjoy four distinct seasons without extreme weather swings while summers are warm and ideal for outdoor activities Residents make the most of it with seasonal festivals or its unique blend of urban and suburban living Virginia remains one of the most desirable places to call home in Northern Virginia It’s a place where modern living meets small-town charm — with just enough excitement to keep things interesting there are no recent results for popular videos Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: At Reston Town Center’s newest dining venue customers will be able to munch on wagyu sliders and sip cocktails while looking over the Metro station 16 stories below SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge, which takes its name from the Greek word for “together,” is set to open on the top floor of Marriott’s recently launched AC Hotel and Residence Inn (1975 Opportunity Way) this Saturday (March 1) Laying claim to being the town center’s only rooftop bar with outdoor seating, SYN is one of two restaurants in the dual-branded hotel that’s accessible to the general public as well as guests. It joins Seven Restaurant European and Latin food on the ground floor and opened on Jan “We’re so thrilled to bring SYN to life in the heart of Reston,” SYN Food and Beverage Director Ceren Hunt said in a press release “Great hospitality isn’t just about serving food and drinks — it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome every detail is designed to make guests feel at home whether they’re here for a quick cocktail or a long Curated by Hunt and Executive Chef Alexis Hernandez the bar’s menu focuses on “artfully-designed cocktails and shareable plates,” like truffle fries and shrimp tempura Beverage highlights include the Gin de Jardin mint and topped with a few drops of sesame oil The exquisitely-balanced cocktail pairs perfectly with SYN’s Ricotta made with Banhez Mezcal and mixed with pomegranate juice Other food offerings include the juicy Wagyu Sliders served with sweet & spicy pickles and coleslaw SYN will operate during evening hours (5 p.m In addition to an outdoor patio with a fire pit the restaurant has an indoor lounge and tables intended for diners looking to get some work done while they eat and drink SYN and Seven Restaurant in the Marriott hotel are the first dining options to arrive at the expansion of Reston Town Center, but they won’t be the last. As announced last week by developer BXP, other upcoming restaurants include a second location for Vienna’s Clarity In the main town center north of Bluemont Way residents and visitiors can expect to see MidnighTreats Kusshi Sushi and Indochen open within the next year Call Your Mother is now serving up bagels and babka to Reston customers After a soft opening limited to friends, family and other invited guests yesterday (Wednesday), the rapidly growing regional chain officially launched its newest location at North Point Village Center this morning (Thursday) The self-described “Jew-ish” deli is occupying a 1,600-square-foot space at 1484 North Point Village Center that previously belonged to Bobby’s Bagel Cafe, which left Reston at the end of November 2024 but can still be found in Herndon and Oakton “We care deeply about the best quality food and making sure your food is great every single day and great service,” Call Your Mother co-owner Andrew Dana said “We always say we’re aiming for ‘GFEs,’ which is ‘great fricking experiences,’ so come on in and we’re going to do our best to give you a GFE.” Started as a farmers’ market stall by Dana and his fellow owner and chef Daniela Moreira Call Your Mother opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in D.C.’s Park View neighborhood in fall 2018 It has expanded in recent years to 18 stores across the D.C The menu at every location is essentially the same Dana says there are variations in the store designs — for instance the Reston shop has a slightly different layout and a distinctive mosaic of a manatee on one wall Store manager and employees are also encouraged to embrace the “pizzazz” of the surrounding neighborhood including by forming partnerships with local schools “We try to keep our food quality obviously very high and the same at every location we want our staff to have its own personality and interact with each individual neighborhood,” Dana told FFXnow After signing a lease about nine months ago the Call Your Mother team is “super-excited” to finally open in Reston Customers also frequently advocated for a Reston spot through emails and Instagram and the business believes it was able to find the right location at North Point Village Center which Dana describes as “a quintessential neighborhood spot.” “We’ve always said we want to go where people want bagels and we’re pumped to be here,” he said Other snack and cafe options at North Point Village Center include Starbucks, Mochinut, Sweetfrog and Greenheart Juice Shop, which opened last November A longtime fixture of the Spectrum at Reston Town Center is gone On the Border which has occupied a standalone building at 11880 Spectrum Center since the mid-1990s closed with no apparent warning late last week The location was the Texas-based Mexican chain’s last remaining spot in Fairfax County It’s unclear when the restaurant had its final day of business but a reader alerted FFXnow to the closure on Friday (Feb we announce that this location is now permanently closed,” a message posted to the front door said “We are incredibly grateful for your support and loyalty over the years — it has been an honor to serve you The message didn’t elaborate on the decision to close and On the Border didn’t respond to a request for comment Originally known as On the Border South Texas Cafe On the Border was started by three friends who opened their first restaurant in Dallas The concept found traction with its fajitas margaritas and “lively patio scene,” per the company’s website On the Border’s presence in Virginia has been whittled down to a single site in Woodbridge According to Fairfax County property records, On the Border’s 7,097-square-foot building in Reston was constructed in 1997. It was one of eight buildings included in the original development plan for the Spectrum which got approved by the county’s planning commission with a 7-3 vote on July 14 The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an updated plan for the shopping center in 2013 that envisioned mixed-use development including 643 residential units and a 270-room hotel in the land bay where On the Border was located the plan wasn’t expected to be implemented for another decade there still hasn’t been any movement toward a redevelopment Instead, the Spectrum welcomed Barnes & Noble back in June 2023 — a decade after the bookstore closed — and construction is progressing on Whole Foods which will relocate from Plaza America to the former Best Buy space at 1861 Fountain Drive That suggests property owner Lerner Enterprises will be on the lookout for a new retail tenant to fill On the Border’s building The developer didn’t return a request for comment by press time 2025 at 3:10 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Restaurants in and around Reston are taking reservations now for Easter brunch on Sunday VA — If you want Easter brunch and don’t want to cook it several Reston restaurants will open Sunday For Easter brunch, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse will be offering a “curated selection of seasonal dishes and timeless classics that are sure to delight everyone,” according to a release Davio’s will be open all day on Easter, with the dinner menu available from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is located at 1902 Reston Metro Plaza in Reston. Visit the Davio’s Reston website or call Davio’s directly at 888-9950-4810 to reserve your table Diners can also celebrate Easter at Founding Farmer’s, which is located 1904 Reston Metro Plaza in Reston. Reserve a table to enjoy the Farmer’s Market Buffet Brunch or A La Carte Brunch For those wanting to celebrate Easter weekend at home Founding Farmer’s restaurant is also offering holiday meals for take-out Why not add scratch-made desserts like Carrot Cake or Cream Pies or maybe handcrafted Founding Farmers Chocolate Easter Bunnies and Chocolate Eggs Visit the Founding Farmer’s website to order from the Easter takeout menu Several upscale chains with locations near Reston have announced Easter brunch hours as well, including familiar names like Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House are open on Easter It’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations Here are a few other restaurants that will be open for Easter brunch from the online reservation service OpenTable: Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Marriott’s new hotel at Reston Town Center is ready to start accepting guests Operated by Donohoe Hospitality Services, the dual-branded AC Hotel and Residence Inn opened today (Wednesday) at 1975 Opportunity Way delivering 267 rooms conveniently located along Metro’s Silver Line for travelers coming in from Dulles International Airport Today’s launch also brings a new restaurant for both patrons and the general public. Located next to the lobby on the hotel’s ground floor, Seven Restaurant will serve classic American European and Latin American cuisine developed by Executive Chef Alexis Hernandez “As much as we want to service the hotel we also want to be part of the local culture as well,” Donavon Delarosa Named as a nod to Reston founder Robert E. Simon’s seven founding principles For guests of AC Hotel which has 147 rooms on floors 10 to 15 and is designed for business travel and other short-term stays the restaurant offers a continental breakfast bar for an extra charge in addition to a la carte dishes The hotel also has a private dining area where Residence Inn guests can get a complimentary breakfast buffet Residence Inn has 120 studio rooms and one-bedroom suites on floors three through nine the private dining area can be rented out for receptions and other special events the complex’s director of sales and marketing A second publicly accessible restaurant called SYN Rooftop Bar and Lounge will open on the hotel’s 16th floor with a full bar tables where patrons can work and an outdoor terrace with a fire pit While a menu and opening date haven’t been finalized yet the food will consist of tapas-style shareable plates and Afework promises that the “cocktails are amazing.” Other amenities at the hotel include 11,300 square feet of meeting space that can be reserved by the public as well as guests and a small market in the lobby where visitors can buy drinks and snacks including chef-prepared sandwiches and salads All of the AC Hotel floors have hydration stations and complimentary reusable water bottles will be provided to those guests Residence Inn guests can use a laundry room but there’s a non-refundable fee and an 80-pound weight limit All guests can park in a 2,000-space garage across the street that costs $17 overnight. The garage is also used by workers at the nearby office buildings whose tenants include Fannie Mae and Volkswagen Group of America Arriving ahead of the JW Marriott Hotel and Residences that’s aiming to open in September at Reston Station AC Hotel and Residence Inn’s opening marks the completion of construction on the first phase of developer BXP’s over 4-million-square-foot expansion of Reston Town Center The Reston skyline has changed dramatically over the last decade but views from atop all those shiny new towers are largely reserved for the people who live and work in those residential and office high rises On March 1, a rooftop bar and lounge called SYN opens to guests and the public atop the new AC Hotel & Residence Inn by Marriott at Reston Town Center The 16th floor bar includes an outdoor lounge with panoramic views of Northern Virginia It does not have a full meal menu but instead offers sharing plates and elevated bar food SYN is Greek for “together.” It will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m SEVEN is open seven days a week for breakfast Marriott’s AC Hotel & Residence Inn opened in January It combines Marriott’s AC brand with its extended stay brand The property was developed by Donohoe Development and is managed by Donohoe Hospitality Services Reston Town Center now includes more than 50 retailers and 30 restaurants 2,000 residences and three million square feet of office space Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area Jeff Clabaugh has spent 20 years covering the Washington region's economy and financial markets for WTOP as part of a partnership with the Washington Business Journal and officially joined the WTOP newsroom staff in January 2016 2025 at 8:12 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}iCryo which has signed a lease with BXP to open a location at 12000 Inspiration St. offers a variety of personal health services VA — Six new retailers have signed leases with developer BXP to open locations in Reston Town Center Located adjacent to the Silver Line Metro Station a dual-branded AC Marriott/Residence Inn hotel and 60,000 additional feet of retail,” according to BXP’s release The new businesses will include four restaurants and an “urban boutique.” Here are all the details about the six business slated to open soon in Reston Town Center: “Reston Town Center stood out as the ideal location for Clarity’s expansion thanks to its dynamic mix of offices and residences as well as BXP’s dedication to crafting a truly unique destination,” said Viswa Vasireddy “We’re thrilled to bring our signature dining experience to this exceptional community.” BXP is also celebrating the arrival of four other retailers within the first four months of 2025 — Shake Shack “It’s a thrill to be part of Reston Town Center’s organic growth and evolution,” said Stephanie Friedman We can’t wait for them to join the community.” Vienna, Virginia, casual fine dining restaurant Clarity, named Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington in 2018 will open a second location at Reston Town Center Clarity is among a half dozen new restaurants and retailers signing new leases with Reston Town Center owner BXP Clarity will open at 1996 Opportunity Way, in ground floor retail space at the new Fannie Mae high-rise. Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema once referred to customer compliments calling Clarity ”a D.C Clarity’s Vienna menu includes a $110 multi-course tasting menu Other new leases announced for Reston Town Center: Other previously signed new leases at Reston Town Center include Shake Shake Corsica Wine Bar and women’s apparel chain Evereve A 39-story residential high rise and an AC Marriott/Residence Inn hotel recently opened The 5-million-square-foot development now includes 50 retailers and more than 30 restaurants (7News) — The Fairfax County Police Chief and several Virginia politicians rappelled down a building in Reston They took the risk to rappel down a 17-story building on April 4 to raise money for veterans and college students as part of an event by the National Military Intelligence Foundation The following day saw dozens of others also get involved 7News spoke with several people who took part in the Friday event Watch the full video in the media player above Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible Reverts to original layout including graphics and images Jeff Morgan has been helping create memorable summers for kids in Reston As the youth and teen program assistant at Reston Community Center Morgan oversees a diverse collection of summer camps that offer everything from cooking classes to field trips across three states Reston Community Center's summer camp program has grown significantly under Morgan’s leadership now featuring about 70 specialty camps designed for kids ages 6 to 17 These camps range from creative pursuits like woodworking and mosaics to unique experiences like “Pawtopia,” where kids learn about pet care and work with animals at local shelters What sets Reston Community Center’s program apart is its flexibility and variety Parents can choose between half-day and full-day options mixing and matching different activities to create the perfect summer experience for their children “This summer camp experience that I’ve had over these almost 18 years has been the most important work that I’ve ever done in my life,” Morgan shares The Reston Community Center offers several distinct camp programs to meet different interests and age groups Camp Good Times on the Road takes kids on daily field trips throughout the region “We go as far as Pennsylvania sometimes,” Morgan notes which is a really cool construction-themed amusement park.”  Every Friday features a trip to a water park to keep things fun and local Road Rulz provides similar adventure-based experiences which inspired Camp Good Times on the Road takes teens to exciting destinations like Kings Dominion Morgan explains that it’s “a great time for them to pal around connect with counselors that they might find as good role models.” The Young Actors Theatre program runs year-round with special five-week summer sessions The program welcomes both experienced performers and newcomers and many alumni have continued their theater involvement through high school and college The Lake Anne Art Rave for Kids program runs biweekly at Reston Community Center's Lake Anne facility Each two-week session of classes incorporates lessons in music the Reston Community Center offers about 70 different specialty camps covering a wide range of interests Parents can mix and match morning and afternoon specialty camps to create full-day experiences with staff helping them transition between activities The 2025 summer camp season runs from June 16 through Aug 1 for Reston residents and those that work in Reston and Feb The staff-to-camper ratio stays between 8:1 and 10:1 following Fairfax County Public Schools guidelines While lunch and snacks aren’t included due to allergy concerns The Reston Community Center camps webpage offers information on scholarships and fee waiver programs for eligible families including those receiving free and reduced lunch Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least two weeks before the camp start date Tweets by fairfaxcounty 703-324-7329 Website Accessibility Translate Download Mobile App ADA Accessibility FOIA Requests Website Administrator Fairfax County Public Schools Economic Development Authority Visit Fairfax Council of Governments Commonwealth of Virginia USA.gov After a brief closure to refresh the facility Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) Reston Regional branch will welcome back cardholders and visitors when it reopens its doors to the public on Monday the building underwent many necessary and important facility modernizations to ensure its longevity Full ADA updates and refurbishment of the main public restrooms;  Updates to all public and staff area lighting fixtures;  Replacement of carpet in key areas such as the entry way and teen area;  Cleaning and updates to the public meeting rooms;  Replacement of the drinking fountain and addition of a bottle filling station which had been relocated to other branches and FCPL offices during the closure will return the week prior to the public re-opening to ensure all is ready on September 16 the branch will resume regular hours for FCPL’s regional branches: 10 a.m FCPL thanks the public for their patience during this process Staff looks forward to welcoming the public back and hopes many will stop in to enjoy the newly-refreshed building in addition to the same great services and programs offered by all of FCPL’s 23 branches Founder’s Day is out, Celebrate Reston! is in The annual festival honoring Reston founder Robert E Simon’s birthday will return to Lake Anne Plaza on April 5 from 11:45 a.m under a new name that organizers believe more clearly conveys the event’s “spirit of enjoyment and celebration,” Reston Museum Executive Director Lisa Watts says “We’re still honoring the legacy of Bob Simon and his vision for Reston and the founding of it We’re still going to do the cake cutting because it’s in honor of his birthday,” Watts explained to FFXnow “It’s just the name that has changed so that we can pull in maybe more people and have them informed about Reston and its founding.” Organized by Reston Museum and the Reston Community Center (RCC) the upcoming Celebrate Reston will be the 21st iteration of the event which began in 2004 as a commemoration of Simon’s 90th birthday In addition to live entertainment and a vendor market featuring local nonprofits and businesses, the festivities will include a revival of the book fair that was added to Founder’s Day for its 20th anniversary last year This time, Kwame Alexander, a Reston resident and Emmy-winning author and poet who recently visited Langston Hughes Middle School He will appear at Elden Street Tea Shop (1633A Washington Plaza North) for a reception Celebrate Reston had enlisted about 12 authors to participate in its book fair by hosting a table on the plaza or giving free talks at Reston Museum and Reston’s Used Book Shop (1623 Washington Plaza North) Applications for authors and other vendors are still being accepted through tomorrow (Tuesday) who noted that the participating writers so far represent a wide range of subjects “It’s a nice opportunity just to get to know the people in your community while having these authors get an opportunity to let themselves be known,” she said There won’t be many food and drink options among the vendors — aside from a possible visit by Kona Ice — because the organizers want to encourage visitors to support the restaurants around Lake Anne Plaza Attendees can also look forward to lawn games like cornhole hula hoops and other family-friendly activities in a play area that RCC will set up at the site “We’re trying to just make it an engaging time for families to be there we’re promoting literacy and the talent of Reston,” Watts said Celebrate Reston’s goal of saluting Simon’s vision of an open founded in the 1960s when much of Virginia was still fighting to maintain segregation remains “a very important and relevant message to get across,” Watts says Currently in the midst of her first year as Reston Museum’s executive director Watts says her priorities include improving the museum’s archives possibly pursuing a capital improvement grant to fund a renovation that could turn the museum into a “more immersive experience,” and partnering with other organizations and businesses to both preserve Reston’s history and document its present All of those plans ultimately boil down to a desire to expand Reston Museum’s reach and get more of the community involved and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Watts said