Reston Community eNotices for Dec14th-21st, 2009

Reston Association Election Information Session
Reston Association Members are invited to attend an Election Information Session on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, 7 p.m. at Reston Association, 1930 Isaac Newton Square.

Reston Association is seeking candidates to fill three open positions on the Board of Directors this spring. These positions are one at-large director, the North Point District director and the Lake Anne/Tall Oaks director. Board members determine the Association’s goals and policies, making a significant and lasting contribution to the community. For additional information log on to Reston Association’s Web site, www.reston.org or call 703-435-6512.

Invasive Exotic of the Week

There are eight “invasive exotic plants” banned on all property subject to the Reston Deed. Due to the aggressive nature of these non-native plants, they easily spread, displacing native species.

One of the most common invasive plants used in holiday wreaths and garlands is Oriental Bittersweet. While it is an attractive plant, Oriental Bittersweet can cause severe environmental damage by invading open fields, forests, wetlands, meadows and backyards and crowding out native plants.

Oriental Bittersweet is known to kill mature trees through strangling. It is difficult to control. Even when the plants are cut, segments left in the ground will re-sprout.

The placement of wreaths and garlands outdoors or disposing of them in compost piles can lead to new infestations when the fruits on Oriental Bittersweet are broadcast onto the soil. Birds and other animals also eat the fruit from wreaths and garlands and deposit seeds elsewhere.

Reston Association Holiday Closing
The headquarters office of the Reston Association will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24,2009 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The offices will reopen on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009.

Giant Menorah Lighting on Lake Anne Plaza
Thursday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.
Lake Anne Plaza
Free
RSVP at Chabdrh.org
Witness the lighting of a giant Menorah by Robert E. Simon, Jr., Reston’s founder. Enjoy live family entertainment, prize drawings, Chanukah donuts, latkes, and chocolate gelt, free dreidels and balloons and lots of holiday cheer for the whole family.

Play
Post Your Holiday Photos to Reston Association Facebook
You are invited to post a photo – or two that you have taken – of your holiday display. We are looking for decorated homes, lawns and gardens. You will need to become a fan of the Reston Association Facebook in order to post photos. You will need to have a Facebook account. The photos must be your own and you are encouraged to write a description of the photo. The deadline is Dec. 17, 2009. For more information, e-mail connect@reston.org. You can access Reston Association’s Facebook from our Web site, www.reston.org . On the home page, you will find an icon for Facebook. Just click on that and then choose “Reston Association Facebook.” Your photo could be chosen to appear on a future newsletter.

A Christmas Carol
Friday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec.19, 6 p.m.
Reston’s Used Book Shop
Free – reservations recommended. 703-435-9772
Slow down, stop shopping, and bring the family for this popular annual reading of the Dickens classic, featuring Rob Ulmer.

Lake Anne Lights Walk & ‘Reston Pioneers’ Talk
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m.
Reston Museum & Shop
Free
Meet at Reston Museum to hear and share stories from Reston pioneers, including the Rogers family who moved into their Lake Anne townhome in Dec. 1964. Enjoy a walk around the lake to see the holiday lights, then return to the Museum for hot cocoa, international carols and Hanukah songs, led by Squire Muse.

Guided Tours of Reston History by Reston Museum
Saturdays at Noon
Washington Plaza
Lake Anne
All ages. Free
Information: 703-709-7700

Learn about Reston’s early plans and the revolutionary concepts of the 1960s that have impacted the development of communities in America. The half-hour presentation includes an illustrative walking tour of Washington Plaza at historic Lake Anne.

Ice Skating
Nov.1, 2009 – mid March 2010
Reston Town Center
Public skating and skate rentals daily. Also available: private lessons, birthday parties and reservations for private and corporate parties. For information, rates and schedules call 703.709.6300 or visit www.restontowncenter.com.

Community Concerts
Reston Town Center
Free
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Fox Mill Elementary Chorus, Grade 5 & 6
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 10:45 a.m. Fairfax Christian School Fife & Drum Corps & A Capella Choir
Thursday, Dec 17, 10:30 a.m. Lake Anne Elementary Chorus
Thursday, Dec. 17, 5 – 7 p.m. Westfield High School Carolers
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Celtic Rhythm School of Dance
Friday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Hoofin’ Group Tap Dancing
Saturday, Dec. 19, Noon-3 p.m. Classical WETA Players
Sunday, Dec. 20, 1-3 p.m. Herndon High School Madrigal Singers

Get Involved
Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Committee
If you are interested in walking or biking in Reston, you may wish to volunteer for the Pedestrian & Bicycling Advisory Committee. It advises the Board of Directors on the sound development, management, and safe use of Reston’s pedestrian and bicycle systems as they relate to infrastructure improvements, accessibility, and promoting the benefits of these systems.

Covenants Committee Positions
One member each from Reston’s Hunters Woods/Dogwood District and South Lakes District are needed to serve three-year terms on the Covenants Committee. This committee is responsible for administering the Use of Property (maintenance) and Residential Property (use) Covenants and considers/determines cases concerning these areas.

Public Art Committee
Reston Association seeks volunteers to serve on its Special Committee for Public Art in Reston. This committee is charged with the task of developing, as part of the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) Public Art Master Plan, a work plan to implement art in Reston Association common areas. The deadline to apply is Jan. 4, 2009.

How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to be a member of these committees, please forward a brief statement of interest and any pertinent qualifications by fax 703 – 435-9481, e-mail cate@reston.org or U.S. mail to Reston Association, 1930 Isaac Newton Square, Reston VA 20190 ATTN: Cate Fulkerson.

Winter Bird Count
Date: Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010
Time: 7 a.m. – Noon
Location: Nature House – 11450 Glade Drive
Contact: Ha Brock, RA volunteer specialist, 703 435-7986 or via e-mail at habrock@reston.org.

Join us for our annual winter bird count throughout Reston’s natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping us obtain important information to help our feathered friends.