Reston | FFXnow - Part 323

Morning Notes

Published November 15, 2023 at 8:15AM

Reston's Lake Audubon on a November morning (photo by Ray Copson)

New Study Shows Climate Change Risks in D.C. Area — “The latest National Climate Assessment shows the D.C. region is especially at risk of extreme weather, flooding, and sea level rise as the earth warms. The congressionally mandated assessment, released [Tuesday], also shows uneven progress in the region responding to a hotter planet.” [DCist]

FCPS Seeks to Address Chronic Absenteeism — At a school board meeting last Thursday (Nov. 9), Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid reported that the percentage of students missing 10% or more of the school year has climbed from 5.1% in 2021 to 17.1% this year. The school system “is looking at a multitiered approach to improve attendance.” [WJLA]

Countywide

Virginia voters gave Democrats control of the legislature. What will it mean for policy?

By Graham Moomaw / Virginia Mercury

Published November 14, 2023 at 3:30PM

The new Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond (via Virginia House of Delegates/Flickr)

The two-year period before the arrival of Gov. Glenn Youngkin was the first time in decades that Democrats controlled both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly. Come January, they’ll be back in charge.

That sets up a policymaking dynamic that hasn’t been seen in Virginia since the 1990s: A Republican governor working with a fully Democratic legislature.

News

As Reston art gallery Tephra ICA turns 50, fundraising for new location begins

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 14, 2023 at 1:15PM

The exhibit "Choosing to Portage" is currently on display at Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art in Reston (photo by Vivian Doering)

More changes may be on the horizon for Reston’s Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, following a brand and name change in recent years.

The institute — which was founded in 1974 as the Greater Reston Arts Center by local artists and residents — is actively fundraising for a new home in Reston as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Around Town

French bistro Mon Ami Gabi to close Reston location at year’s end

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 14, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated November 14, 2023 at 11:58AM

Mon Ami Gabi is set to close in Reston at the end of the year (via Mon Ami Gabi/Facebook)

(Updated at noon) The last day of 2023 will be the last day of operations for Mon Ami Gabi in Reston.

The business is set to close on Dec. 31 after 15 years of business at Reston Town Center.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published November 14, 2023 at 8:15AM

Trees surround the office building at 3110 Fairview Park Drive near Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Woodson High School Officially Renamed — “The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to rename W.T. Woodson High School during their meeting November 9. Starting in school year 2024-25, the school will be known as Carter G. Woodson High School. The vote comes after two months of public engagement.” [FCPS]

Residents Torn Over Fort Hunt Road Safety Proposals — “Officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held an Oct. 30 meeting with community members on proposed safety improvements at the intersection of Fort Hunt Road and Rollins Drive; however, many area residents voiced concerns or disagreement with aspects of the recommendations.” [On the MoVe]

Countywide

Fairfax County and Virginia leaders call for investigation into FBI HQ site selection

By Angela Woolsey

Published November 13, 2023 at 3:30PM | Updated November 13, 2023 at 4:09PM

The current FBI headquarters in D.C. (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) Virginia’s elected leaders may not agree on issues like abortion access or education, but they remain united by the conviction that the Commonwealth would be a better host than Maryland for the FBI.

After coming together to pitch a Springfield warehouse as the best site for the law enforcement agency’s new headquarters, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined Democratic senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Virginia’s bipartisan House delegation last Thursday (Nov. 9) to blast the federal government for awarding the facility to Prince George’s County instead.

News

Expansion of Herndon Elementary School moves forward following bond vote

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 13, 2023 at 1:30PM

An addition is planned at Herndon Elementary School (via FCPS)

(Updated at 1:40 p.m.) The planned expansion of Herndon Elementary School (630 Dranesville Road) is moving forward following voters approved a bond referendum last Tuesday (Nov. 7).

At a meeting tonight (Monday), the Herndon Planning Commission is set to consider a proposal by Fairfax County Public Schools to add roughly 25,000 square feet to the school, which has been in the school system’s renovation queue since 2009 and was built in 1969.

Countywide

County’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ food drive makes virtual return ahead of Thanksgiving

By Acacia James

Published November 13, 2023 at 11:45AM

A shuttle for Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus food drive from 2021 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County’s annual Stuff the Bus food drive has gone virtual, allowing people to make online donations directly to local nonprofit organizations that provide food assistance in the county.

This is the county’s 12th year partnering with local nonprofits to participate in the campaign, according to a county release. Previously, people could only make physical donations directly inside Fastran buses parked outside grocery stores or libraries.

News

Reston chamber of commerce and others urge businesses to help workers if federal government shuts down

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 13, 2023 at 10:15AM

The U.S. Capitol Building in D.C. (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is joining other local chambers and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission to offer help to federal government employees and contractors if the government shuts down.

Local businesses can sign up online to offer a discount in the event Congress fails to pass a budget by this Friday, Nov. 17.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published November 13, 2023 at 8:15AM

A walkway at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (photo by Marjorie Copson)

Teen Arrested for Hybla Valley Shooting — “Preliminarily, Major Crimes Bureau detectives determined the victim was walking to a nearby apartment. He was approached by the 14-year-old suspect who displayed a firearm and shot the victim. A nearby home was also struck by one round, where no one was injured.” The teen was taken into custody Saturday (Nov. 11) evening after his mother brought him to the Mount Vernon District Station. [FCPD]

Occoquan Dam Siren Will Go Off Tomorrow — “Fairfax Water has scheduled its annual siren system test for the Occoquan Dam on Tuesday, Nov.14, at 10 a.m. This is a routine test to ensure the siren system is functioning properly in the unlikely event of a dam failure.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]