Hickory Cluster

LOST CAT FROM BLOCK 3

2012-02-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

'Chaos' is a 25lb scruffy version of the kitty in this photo.

My name is Devon Boatwright and my husband, Ray, and I are staying in our friend Ryan Morrow's vacant place for a week while we wait to close on our new house in another part of Reston. We have three cats and a dog in the place and I dropped the cats off yesterday afternoon (2/16) and left to go prepare our current house for the final walkthrough before closing. Unfortunately, when I got home that evening, I found the second floor balcony window cracked and my oldest cat, Chaos, was missing. I have been unable to find him anywhere. We've knocked on doors and called throughout the area but as of 2/17 he has yet to come back. I can't figure out why he would jump from a second story balcony and I also don't know how he could do it without injury. I am hoping maybe he meowed at the wrong door to be let back inside and perhaps someone who's door we haven't knocked on yet is housing him. I also think maybe he injured himself and maybe someone took him to the vet.

He's a black smoke Maine Coon... he's 12 years old, long hair that is black overcoat and grey undercoat. He's about 25 lbs and huge but also fat. His fur is matted because he loathes being groomed so I imagine he could pass off as a stray. I've had him for 12 years and he's older than my children. I am absolutely devastated to have lost him and my children are very upset as well. He's an integral part of our family.

Thank you!

Devon Boatwright
11507 Hickory Cluster
703-732-5127
sillyluc@gmail.com

Lake Anne: Freezin for a Reason Fundraiser

2012-02-15T17:13:00.001-05:00

Back on February 4th, the annual Freezin for a Reason fundraising event was held at Lake Anne to benefit Camp Sunshine camperships for children with life-threatening diseases.

13 year old Hickory Cluster resident Cyrus Crevits braved the chill waters with open arms for a great cause.

Did any other Hickory Cluster residents partake and is there a photo? Please forward your photo to me with some basic info... I'd love to post them as well!

RA's Reston Today: January 2012

2012-01-26T12:18:00.000-05:00

Highlights

Reston's Master Plan
Environmental Impact of Outdoor Cats
Summer Camps

DRB Approves Aqua, VA Cooling Tower Proposal

2012-01-25T12:12:00.006-05:00

Drawing submitted by Aqua, VA of the proposed cooling tower installation as seen from the tennis courts.

At last night's DRB meeting, the DRB voted to approve the addition of the cooling tower structure proposed by Aqua, VA to be added to the current RELAC facility. The cooling towers are intended to increase the efficiency of the operation and eliminate the need for the diesel generator at times of low lake water levels. The proposal includes sound proofing/noise reduction features designed to keep any additional plant noise levels down.

Aqua, VA will now have to decide whether to green light the project. If they do, they will start the permit process and then hope to start construction in the Spring with the goal of being operational before a diesel generator becomes necessary this coming season.

DOCUMENTS
Aqua Letter
Application
More Drawings

Tuesday 1/24/24: RELAC Cooling Towers to Be Proposed to DRB

2012-01-17T16:37:00.003-05:00

AQUA, VA (RELAC's owner) has sent the Design Review Board (DRB) at RA a packet with a proposal to DRB for installing two water evaporators (cooling towers). Proposal to be presented at the DRB meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24th. Meeting starts at RA Headquarters @ 7PM (Aqua is Item #6 on the DRB agenda).

Hickory Cluster president, Fred Swartzendruber, spoke with the engineer at AQUA who prepared the proposal and he has agreed to send PDF copies of the documentation (including before and after renderings and acoustic data) due to the short notice timing, docs below.

DOCUMENTS
Application
More Drawings

Hickory Cluster Resident in Art Show at the Reston Museum

2012-01-12T12:35:00.003-05:00

Soft 'Raku' Bowl - crocheted & felted by Alice Abrash

Reston Museum Exhibit Opening & Show
The Museum's first 2012 exhibit featuring Reston artists will show the work of five fiber artists: Lois Salazar, Luann Sievers, Anna Hayoz, Cynthia Hull and Alice Abrash (HC's own!).

The show demonstrates the variety and creativity of the art form as well as the superb techniques of these artists. It includes weavings, wearables, pins and tapestries as well as silk paper collages, floating silk hangings and a brilliant silk window disk.

A reception for the artists and preview show for Museum members will be held in conjunction with the Reston Historic Trust's Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 12, 6 - 8 PM.
The exhibit and sale runs through February 29.

Bald Eagle Visits Hickory Cluster

2011-12-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Pam Herring for the great pictures of an eagle in a tree at the Hickory Cluster entrance.

HC Cluster Clean-Up, 12/3 & 12/4

2011-12-02T11:16:00.001-05:00

FALL CLUSTER CLEANUP

Time for Cluster Cleanup ... 9:00am to 1:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4. Rain dates are December 10-11. Here's what we need your help to do:

BLOCK 1 ... stack tree debris, pull tree debris from the pond, cut and remove ivy on guest parking area trees, remove brush from around a power box, and more

BLOCK 2 ... stack tree debris, cut and remove ivy on trees guest parking area trees, and more

BLOCK 3 ... stack tree debris, remove brush from around a power box, and more

Please contact LC Co-Chairmen Michael Smith or Michael Poss before or during the cleanup for more information on how you can help.

Lake Anne Water Level to be Lowered for Repairs

2011-11-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

RA says that needed repairs to the spillway near Weihle avenue will necessitate a low water level in Lake Anne for around six weeks. Reston Patch article.

Tonight's Board Mtg 11/16: Time Changed to 6pm @ RCC-Lake Anne

2011-11-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

Reston Master Plan: Phase 2 Mtg 11/16 @ 7pm

2011-11-14T11:56:00.002-05:00

Fairfax County Supervisor, Catherine M. Hudgins, and the Department of Planning and Zoning will host an informational meeting on Nov. 16 about Phase 2 of the Reston Master Plan Special Study. The meeting will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, Va.

The meeting will include:

A 15-minute open house to review maps and other materials.
An outline of the process for reviewing and updating the existing Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan guidance for preserving residential neighborhoods throughout Reston and for four of Reston’s five village centers.
Information about the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force, the Vision and Planning Principles adopted by the Task Force, and how they will be used in Phase 2.

For further information about the Reston Master Plan Special Study, including announcements about future meetings, please visit the study website.

Hickory Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T13:22:00.002-04:00

A wonderful Halloween night in Hickory Cluster and a terrific showing for the judges of the pumpkin carving contest! Thanks to all for the wonderful display of the jack-O-lantern arts. It was difficult to choose from the wealth of fabulous carvings ... congratulations to this year's winners!

RELAC System Depressurized 10/27/11

2011-10-27T18:32:00.001-04:00

I wanted to pass along that we have shut down and depressurized the system. This will allow customers who wish to perform maintenance on their system to do so - especially those who have concerns that their valves may not hold. Please pass this along to your residents.

We will recharged the system in three weeks.

Thanks,
Greg O'Dell
Aqua America

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest

2011-10-24T19:13:00.000-04:00

A family pumpkin patch in Block III

Yes,it’s time once again to sharpen your knives for the annual Clusterjack-o-lantern carving contest. To winall you have to do is – Carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, and display itat your front door, balcony, or in a window

between 7 and 8 o’clock onHalloween night, Monday Oct. 31.

Prizeswill be awarded that very night by our very able witch/warlock judges.

1stprize is $15

2ndprize is $10

3rdprize is $5

Judges decisions are final andhad best not be challenged.

So join in the fun!

Carve away!

Come out, come out, witch ever you are, during that hour and capture themagic of the night!

RELAC/AQUA VA Billing Questions?

2011-10-23T20:55:00.001-04:00

If you have questions about your RELAC/Aqua VA invoice, a knowledgable contact in Aqua VA's billing/collections department has been recommended:

Janice Bohlin, jnbohlin@aquaamerica.com

Dulles Corridor Metrorail Resource

2011-10-13T19:13:00.002-04:00

Wiehle Ave Station--Interior Rendering

Excited about the coming of the Dulles Metrorail or apprehensive about the changes it will bring, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority has a Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project website that's a good resource for keeping up with the project. Includes construction/traffic advisories.

RELAC to Close for the 2011 Season on 10/14

2011-10-13T17:12:00.001-04:00

Landscape Committee Meeting 10-13-11

2011-10-11T23:49:00.000-04:00

The next meeting of the Landscape Committee will be on Thursday, October 13th at 8pm. See the calendar at right for venue.

This meeting is open to all HCA members. Members have the opportunity to discuss committee-specific issues at the start of each meeting. If possible, please email either Director Michael Smith or Director Michael Poss beforehand so they can plan ahead.

Telescope Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

2011-10-11T23:37:00.000-04:00

Back on Saturday morning, Sept. 24 there was an Observatory Building ribbon cutting ceremony at Observatory Park, Turner Farm, Great Falls, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s only observatory. Observatory Park is just three miles from the Hickory Cluster. The Park Authority recently completed Phase I of a multi-phase improvement plan for Observatory Park by replacing the observatory dome and automating it for future remote access. A telescope, recently installed, will provide opportunities for students and the general public to view our starry skies in the not too distant future.

The nonprofit Analemma Society has worked with the Park Authority on the improvement and operation of Observatory Park from the time the park was established. As part of Phase I, Analemma donated the observatory telescope, telescope mount, related equipment and technical expertise. Fund raising is currently underway for Phase II, bringing computer systems on line that will enable astronomy students at Fairfax County Public Schools, and other users county-wide, to configure remote access control of the Observatory dome, telescope and digital imaging, from their classroom or other remote location. (Hickory Cluster’s Bob Anderson, a member of the society, will be happy to answer any questions about the project and future development plans.) For more information see the Analemma Society's website and The Connection newspaper's story about the ribbon cutting.

Hickory Cluster Stream Restoration Project Postponed

2011-09-27T23:52:00.000-04:00

According to RA & WSSI, there has been a slow down in funds to the mitigation bank that is financing the Hickory Cluster stream restoration project. The project start date has now been pushed back to late Fall/Winter 2012. WSSI will continue to pursue all the necessary permissions from DRB, Fairfax County, ACOE and VA DEQ to be ready to move forward at the new start time.

RA at Work After 9/8/11 Rains

2011-09-16T11:01:00.000-04:00

Contact Reston Association at 703-437-7658 to report rain damage to RA property.

Yard Sale, Sat 9/17/11

2011-09-14T20:56:00.001-04:00

Hickory Cluster Yard Sale
Saturday, September 17th, 8am to 12pm
Bill Kotraba in Block I announced that there will be a family yard sale in that block this Saturday. Folks in that block as well as other blocks are welcome to join in and have yard sales of their own. They will be putting up signs and advertising the event.

Yard Sale Contact: Bill Kotraba, Block1 at hoops1@gmail.com

Landscape Committee Meeting

2011-09-09T16:09:00.000-04:00

The Hickory Cluster Association Landscape Committee will hold open monthly meetings beginning with Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 8:00pm to discuss organization, bylaws/covenants, landscape maintenance, tree maintenance, the grounds contract, and related issues.

This meeting is open to all HCA members. Members have the opportunity to discuss committee-specific issues at the start of the meeting. If possible, please email either Director Michael Smith or Director Michael Poss beforehand so we can plan ahead.

Location for this meeting will be the Manning Residence, 11561 Maple Ridge Road in Block 2. However, meeting dates, times, and locations may vary monthly. Please email either Director above, or check the Hickory Cluster website and calendar, as necessary to confirm meeting details.

High Water Levels

2011-09-08T20:22:00.000-04:00

Hickory Cluster duck pond and canal after nearly 7" of rainfall.

Dangerous Rains!

2011-09-08T17:18:00.000-04:00

A tree fell on a school bus on North Shore Drive in front of United Christian Parish church. Report from FX County official was that no one was hurt.

North Shore Drive is not passable at that section at this time (5pm 9/8). Traffic can approach MR and HC from the Lake Anne Plaza direction but traffic is heavy with cars having to u-turn in front of Hickory Cluster.

While I was taking the bus photos a tree fell in Waterview Cluster.

Our roaring river/canal.

A sincere wish that everyone's roof holds and our trees stay rooted.
Please be safe!

Cluster Grant Opportunity

2011-09-04T10:44:00.000-04:00

Please comment if you'd like to help and/or have suggestions on possible grant projects.

======================================
Fairfax County will be offering matching grants of up to $5,000 to neighborhood or civic groups and homeowner’s associations. The money will be awarded through the Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program (NEPP) for projects that improve a neighborhood’s appearance, health or safety.

Applications will be accepted starting Thursday, September 1, and are due on Monday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. Additional information about groups or projects eligible for funding can be found online at Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program.

Fairfax County staff will hold information sessions to explain how to apply:

Thursday, September 8, 6 p.m.: South County Center, Room 221C, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria
Thursday, September 15, 6 p.m.: Falls Church Human Services Building, Suite 305, 6245 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

In the past, communities have received money through NEPP to repair or expand children’s playgrounds, install community signs, plant community gardens, and build paths, bridges and outdoor pavilions to help connect neighbors and neighborhoods.As one of our region 2 partners, please plan on coming out to the September 15 meeting to learn more about this exciting grant opportunity!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-27T10:49:00.003-04:00

Block III resident Lani Young has but together some useful hurricane safety information for us here. Please view and note or print out the important contact information.Thank you Lani!

=====================

The information on this document is from the Fairfax County emergency website. I know that it is a lot of information. Most of it was just posted yesterday. But in the event that power is lost, you won’t have to depend on trying to get to a website for emergency information.

Lani Young
11513 Hickory Cluster
703 742 8142
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and Community Emergency Response Team Member

Hickory Cluster Board Special Meeting Called TONIGHT 8/15

2011-08-15T11:15:00.014-04:00

Special HC Board Meeting Monday, August 15th @ 7pm.
Meeting Place: TWC Association Management, 12110 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite 60 in Reston.

Reston Association's full Design Review Board will be considering the proposed renovation details for 11501 Maple Ridge Road during its next meeting on August 16, 2011. The DRB meeting starts at 7pm @ RA headquarters. This is planned as agenda item #6 so please be prepared for a wait.

The 11501 Maple Ridge proposal is a major re-construction project. The HC board's general position is that any renovation should follow the original architectural design as closely as possible, and any modifications such as enclosing a balcony, should follow existing precedents in keeping with the original architecture. We have already conveyed this previously in writing and in meetings with RA's covenants advisor for Hickory Cluster but this was prior to the revised design produced by the owners' new architect.

The 11501 MR renovation plans are made complicated by the scope of the reconstruction and the fact that the homeowners proposed a roof design in 1998 which was approved by the DRB (the then HC board objected to the design but it was approved by DRB, apparently without HC board awareness at the time). The homeowner's current architect has new drawings of the reconstruction.

Questions/concerns the HC board will discuss at a 8/14 meeting with the new drawings:
* Do the new roof drawings match those approved by the DRB in 1999?
* Will the roof elevation be visible from the ground or by neighbors?
* Do the windows and new enclosure match the original HC architecture and/or other precedents?
* Will all the incorrect window work that has been done to date by the previous contractor be taken out and replaced?

11501 MR homeowners and their architect have been invited to attend the special HC board meeting.

August 16, 2011 UPDATE:
DRB did not approve the proposed renovations to 11501 MR. DRB asked that the homeowners appear in one month with proposed changes that follow HC standards and precedents as well as a renovation schedule/time-line.

Special HC Board Meeting Scheduled, 8/14 @ 8pm

2011-08-12T21:47:00.000-04:00

Reston Association's full Design Review Board will be considering the proposed renovation details for 11501 Maple Ridge Road during its next meeting on August 16, 2011. The DRB meeting starts at 7pm @ RA headquarters.

This is a major re-construction project. The HC board's general position is that any renovation follow the original architectural design as closely as possible, and any modifications such as enclosing a balcony, follow existing precedents in keeping with the original architecture.

The 11501 MR renovation plans are made complicated by the scope of the reconstruction and the fact that the homeowners proposed a new slanted roof design in 1998 which was approved by the DRB (the then HC board registered their objections to the new design). The homeowner's current architect has new drawings of the reconstruction with the proposed roof which has an elevation with a portion of the roof's run-off going to the existing drain and the other portion draining to pipes and down spouts.

Questions/concerns the HC board will discuss at a 8/14 meeting with the new drawings:
* Do the new roof drawings match those approved by the DRB in 1999?
* Will the roof elevation be visible from the ground or by neighbors?
* Do the windows and new enclosure match the original HC architecture and/or other precedents?
* Will all the incorrect window work that has been done to date by the previous contractor be taken out and replaced?

11501 MR homeowners and their architect have been invited to attend the special HC board meeting.
Sunday, August 14th @ 8pm.

Meeting Place: TBA

Fairway Apartment Redevelopment Receives Fairfax County Approval Recommendation

2011-07-29T19:09:00.001-04:00

Reston Patch article here.

Fairway Apartments Redevelopment: County Approval Deferred AGAIN now til July 28, 2011

2011-07-21T16:34:00.001-04:00

Reston Patch article here.

Volleyball Court Dredging Bag

2011-07-11T21:56:00.001-04:00

RA reports that the Lake Anne dredging bag removal and volleyball court area clean up is scheduled for the week of July 25th.
UPDATE: Contractor has moved removal to week of August 1st

Fairway Apartments Redevelopment: County Approval Deferred to July 20, 2011

2011-07-08T12:59:00.000-04:00

Reston Patch article here.

Fairway Apartments Redevelopment Before FX County Tonight 7/7 @ 8:15pm

2011-07-07T11:53:00.002-04:00

JBC developers will discuss their plans for the Fairway Apartments redevelopment at an open public hearing of the Fairfax County Planning Commission tonight at 8:15pm.

Reston Patch Article

HICKORY CLUSTER PARENTS NETWORK

2011-07-05T15:23:00.001-04:00

A new blog for Hickory Cluster parents of little ones to network and share ideas and resources!

Katie Vizenor, one of Hickory Cluster's newest residents in Block II, has launched a new site for parents in and around HC. Get tuned in by becoming a follower of Katie's new site and/or leave a comment on her first post to show your interest!

Check it out here.

Ukulele Festival July 9th! - Lake Anne Plaza

2011-07-05T13:14:00.001-04:00

The 2nd Annual Ukulele Festival will take place on July 9th down on Lake Anne Plaza. This year’s line up includes blues artist Del Rey and features special guests Grammy Award winning Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. Also in the mix are The Aloha Boys, The Sweater Set & Hoa Mele Wakinekona. For the complete schedule go to the Lake Anne Fan Page! The festival will also include a Beer Garden hosted by local brewery Port City Brewery and a wine bar by Unicorn Winery, so bring a lawn chair and settle in for a great afternoon.

Later that day the Plaza will be host to the Lake Anne Reunion Group—also known as “I grew up on Lake Anne in the 70’s.” LAR as they are affectionately known will be descending on Lake Anne from all over the July 9th weekend. As a part of their entertainment they have a concert featuring the Curb Feelers and Jeff Smith and the band of Steves beginning at 6:00 pm. The beer garden will be open until 8:00 pm.

You can also see the full line-up here.

AAA Trash/Monday July 4th, 2011 SERVICE

2011-06-29T12:59:00.001-04:00

AAA Trash/Monday July 4th SERVICE Curbside Residential Trash and Recycling Services

--- All Counties AAA will be closed --

Due to the majority of the disposal facilities being closed on MONDAY, JULY 4th AAA will not be running trucks and services.

If your regular service day is MONDAY, July 4th service will be as follows:

Monday Trash will be serviced on Thursday, July 7th

Monday Recycling will be serviced on Saturday, July 9th

If you have questions please feel free to call AAA Customer Service Center at 703-818-8222. Please share with all involved. AAA appreciates your patience during this holiday week.

Relac Service 6/25/11

2011-06-25T08:47:00.001-04:00

From Michael Poss:
Lake anne water levels are apparently low and within one inch of what is critical for proper relac a/c chiller operation.So the relac team has brought in an external auxilliary pump. They are now hooking it up to make sure adequate service is available to customers during this period of warm summer weather. The pump should be online within a few hours.

Hickory Cluster: Meet Your Neighbors...

2011-06-24T09:35:00.002-04:00

Meet Your Neighbors at the Lakeside Café Saturdays at 9:15am

At Bob Anderson’s (Block II) suggestion some members of the HC Board gathered this past Saturday for breakfast and conversation at the Lakeside Café at Lake Anne Village. Breakfast outside was good on a perfect morning. It was such a pleasant time that it was suggested that it might be worth expanding the idea to include HC residents who would like to gather for a breakfast and to get to know one another a little bit better. Bob has agreed to be there for the next two Saturday’s at 9:15 to greet all who are interested.

Please comment if you plan to join or just drop in.

Public Works of Art - Reston Inventory

2011-06-21T13:33:00.003-04:00

The Reston Historic Trust, in conjunction with Initiative for Public Art - Reston (IPAR), is requesting help in compiling an inventory of all public works of art in Reston. This database will serve to educate and support appreciation of public art in the area.

To share any knowledge you may have about public artworks, please e-mail nejlaizadi@publicartreston.org. You may also call Reston Museum at 703-709-7700 for more information. Below is the list of artwork that IPAR is seeking information about. The information is needed by the end of June and will be used in an exhibition early next year.

View the existing working sculpture list here.

Fairway Apartments Proposal Before DRB Tomorrow 6/21 7pm

2011-06-20T12:14:00.006-04:00

Restonian reports...
Fairway to Heaven: Redevelopment Proposal to Go to DRB for Review

DRB Meeting: RA Headquarters on June 21, 2011, 7pm Agenda
Also on the agenda are stream restoration project updates.

Lake Anne Revitalization Restaurant Promotion

2011-06-17T14:43:00.003-04:00

Lake Anne Plaza is launching a new program that rewards diners who embrace local living and enjoy the lakefront restaurants on the plaza. Lake Anne announced today the launch of “Dine in the Neighborhood Program” – a rewards card that offers special deals and benefits for dining at participating restaurants.

Guests who dine at each restaurant twice will receive exclusive deals or a complimentary menu item. Dine in the Neighborhood participating restaurants include: Café Montmartre, Café Lakeside,
G Sushi, Jasmine Café, Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, and Singh Thai.

Dine in the Neighborhood Promotion Information

Selections From RA's eNews

2011-06-17T13:50:00.018-04:00

WEED WARRIORS PROJECTS – June-July, 2011

Our native trees, ferns and wildflowers are under attack by invasive exotic plants like English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle and Bamboo. We need warriors like you to join us in rescuing Reston’s beautiful parkland from these aggressive plants. These fast-growing, invasive plants escape from people’s yards and seriously threaten local ecosystems, taking away vital food and habitat from already stressed wildlife populations. Please spend a couple hours in our parkland protecting our forests every fourth Saturday of each month as we help restore Reston’s forests to their natural state.

For all projects:
Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult.
Please wear long sleeves and long pants if you are allergic to poison ivy. RA will provide tools, gloves, snacks and water. To volunteer, contact Ha Brock, RA community outreach specialist at habrock@reston.org or by phone at 703-435-7986. www.facebook.com/VolunteerReston

Each season, we need at least one volunteer to help us monitor two sites in Reston. If you are interested, join our volunteer monitors’ e-mail distribution list for notices of upcoming monitoring dates. E-mail bpetty@reston.org with the message, “add me to the stream monitors list” and you will begin receiving e-mails.

RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP
June 28, 2011. Free.
Reston Association Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive.
7 p.m.-9 p.m. Guest speaker: Ivy Main, Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter.
Virginia has opportunities to harness clean, renewable energy to meet its growing demand for electricity and to replace its older, polluting coal-fired generating plants. This slide show presentation explores the opportunities and barriers to bringing solar and wind energy to Virginia consumers, and describes an aggressive campaign to build enough offshore wind capacity off our coast to power 700,000 homes by the end of the decade.
RSVP: Arlene@reston.org or call 703-435-6503

BUTTERFLY CLASS
Thursday, June 30, 2011
7-8:30 p.m.
Sign up by June 27, 2011
Location: Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive.
$5/person (Free for count participants)
To sign up, call (703) 476-9689 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org.

BUTTERFLY COUNT
Saturday, July 2, 2011
9:30 a.m.-12:45
Sign up by June 29, 2011
Location: Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive.
Free. To sign up, call (703) 476-9689 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org.
Discover the colorful and diverse lives of Reston’s “flying flowers.” The butterfly class will focus on the basic identification and life cycles of our local butterflies. Through a combination of field guides, handouts and a Power Point presentation, learn how to identify Reston’s common butterflies, and get a basic introduction to their life history. Join staff and volunteers for the annual Butterfly Count through Reston’s natural areas. Meet fellow butterfly lovers, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping to collect important information on our fluttering friends.

STREAM MONITORING
Summer monitoring session is July 1-Aug. 31.

Reston Association is in need of volunteers to assist with stream monitoring at several locations throughout Reston during all seasons. If you are willing to learn, can work with a partner, enjoy data collection, insect identification, and are interested in the health of Reston’s streams, this is the job for you. Volunteering consists of four monitoring sessions of 3-4 hours each for a total of 12-16 hours per year. Training and practice are required and a two-year commitment is encouraged.

TOUR OF RESTON’S COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS
Saturday, July 9, 12:30-3 p.m.
Reston Museum
703-709-7700; restonmuseum@gmail.com.
Meet at Reston Museum at 12:30 p.m. to join a tour of community garden plots and hear inside stories from Claudia Thompson-Deahl, RA Environmental Resources Manager. There are 270 garden plots, in four locations, many of which go back to the earliest days of Reston. Join a carpool to a few prime spots for a firsthand look at what Reston gardeners have in the ground and hopefully pick up a few gardening tips to take home. Naturalist Thompson-Deahl will also be available to sign copies of Nature of Reston, for which she wrote the text to accompany a series of superb full-color photographs of Reston’s natural areas by Charles A. Veatch.

At least eight (and probably more) Hickory Cluster residents (including myself) maintain a community garden plot. This is an awesome RA program. If you are at all interested in gardening, check it out! -Sara

RESTORE THE NATURAL AREAS
Saturday, July 23
The Weed Warriors will pull Japanese Stiltgrass and English Ivy that has spread throughout the natural area in south Reston. Japanese Stiltgrass threatens the native understory. The only chance native plants have is the protection provided by the Weed Warriors. We need as many hands as possible to remove this aggressive grass. Please meet at the natural area on Running Cedar Road, just past Foxcroft Way, next to 11425 Running Cedar Road. Look for the RA truck.

IPAD 2 RAFFLE BENEFITS COMMUNITY

Win the new iPad 2 and help your community at the same time. Tickets are $10. Proceeds go to "Friends of Reston" for projects such as camp scholarships, green building initiatives and environmental education. The drawing will be July 11, 2011 at 5 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold. For further details and online ticket sales, go to ipad2.eventbrite.com.

FREE WOOD CHIPS
Free wood chips are available Monday-Friday at Reston Association’s Central Services Facility, 12250 Sunset Hills Road, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The supply is currently unlimited.

Lake Anne Plaza FREE Summer Concert Series

2011-06-16T21:46:00.000-04:00

Every Thursday night from 7pm-9pm over the Summer, RCC-LA hosts their annual Take-A-Break concert series on Lake Anne Plaza. Each week a different style of music is featured. Check out the lineup here.

RELAC Service 6/16/11

2011-06-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

Several residents have reported that there are grinding noises and vibrations coming from the RELAC plant, similar to what happened before the pump failure last month. I have notified Greg Odell at Aqua VA in Richmond but have not heard back. Hopefully this is not a precursor of another breakdown.

Fred Swartzendruber
fswartzendruber@gmail.com

RELAC Service 5/29/11

2011-05-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

RELAC Update: 10:28am Sunday 5/29

I spoke with Mike Coleman at the plant and had an email exchange with the head of Aqua Virginia in Richmond. At 11:30 last night a pump failed, which blew out some control switches which are now being repaired. One chiller has been restarted and they say we should start to notice some cooling by 1:00 this afternoon.

Fred Swartzendruber

Selections From RA eNews

2011-05-27T13:27:00.000-04:00

VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
June 1, 2011 at 7pm
Reston Association Headquarters Conference Room. Free.
What bills passed this session in Richmond that may impact cluster, condo, apartment and single-family residents? Find out by attending the Annual Virginia Legislative Update facilitated by Lucia Anna “Pia” Trigiani of Mercer Trigiani Law Firm. Trigiani is the president of the Virginia Bar Association and an active lobbyist in Richmond for homeowners' associations.
RSVP: Arlene Whittick, Neighborhood Outreach Specialist (703) 435-6503 or arlene@reston.org

CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Initiative for Public Art – Reston (IPAR), in partnership with the Hyatt Regency Reston Hotel (owner of the Hyatt Park), the Reston Town Center Association and Reston Community Center, seeks an artist to develop contemporary artwork in a permanent medium for the Hyatt Park located at the Reston Parkway Greens, across from the Hyatt Regency Reston Hotel in Reston Town Center. This opportunity is open to established professional artists living in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The entry deadline is June 17. For more information and to apply to this call, check CaFÉ™ Listings at http://www.callforentry.org/

FREE WOOD CHIPS
You can pick up free wood chips Monday-Friday at Reston Association’s Central Services Facility, 12250 Sunset Hills Road, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The supply is currently unlimited.

SUMMER BIRD COUNT
Saturday, June 4, 2011
6:45am-Noon.
Location: Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive.
Sign up by June 1, 2011. Free.
To sign up, call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or e-mail enviroed@reston.org.
Join us for the half-day annual Summer 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. Enjoy an optional lunch, tally results and swap stories back at Nature House after the count.

LIVING HISTORY WITH BOB SIMON AND OSCAR HAYNES

2011-05-27T13:03:00.000-04:00

LIVING HISTORY WITH BOB SIMON AND OSCAR HAYNES
Sunday, June 12, 2011 4pm
Reston Museum
703-709-7700; restonmuseum@gmail.com
Robert E. Simon and Oscar Haynes talk about their combined 190-plus years of living history. Join this unique event to hear their remembrances of the past century. There is limited seating; no reservations required. All welcome.

Lake Anne Village Center Reinvestment Plan

2011-05-25T23:26:00.001-04:00

In April 2011, the Fairfax County Office of Community Revitalization & Reinvestment contracted with Alvarez and Marsal Real Estate Advisory Services to conduct and publish a comprehensive analysis of Lake Anne Village Center's non-residential uses.

Conclusions include the potential Lake Anne revitalization as a focused dining destination. Check out the report here.

Reston Planning & Zoning Approved Fairway Expansion

2011-05-24T18:58:00.000-04:00

JGB's design to transform the 328 Fairway garden-style apartments into 804 residences including four and five story apartment buildings and townhouses was approved by the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee in April. Read about the Reston Citizens Association opposition to the proposal in the Reston Patch for more information.

Hickory Cluster Annual Meeting 2011

2011-05-21T08:31:00.001-04:00

Hickory Cluster Annual Meeting
RCC- Lake Anne
May 21st, 2011 9-11am
2011 Annual Meeting Doc
Hickory Cluster president Fred Schwartzendruber gave community updates on....

LA Canal Dredging: Dredging is complete, water bags will take a week or so to drain and will then be removed.
RELAC: Up and running and is expected to get performance benefits from the recent RA canal dredging.
Stream Restoration: The Forest Edge restoration project is coming to a close. WSSI is still on target to begin the HC stream restoration next Fall. Funding has not yet been secured but may be 'bridged' as has been done in other portions of the project throughout Reston. WSSI will present the next phase to the DRB at an upcoming meeting.
11501 Maple Ridge: Renovations have halted and the homeowner is in communication with RA and DRB concerning design issues. HC is registered as an affected party.

Hickory Cluster board member Madeline Cohen spoke about HC reserves being at a level where we can soon plan needed repairs to Block 3 stucco and rusted metalwork as well as plantings and maintenance for planters throughout the cluster.

Board member Michael Poss spoke about local efforts to gain National Historic Registry Status for Lake Anne Plaza and improvements slated for the Gonzalo Fonseca Underpass (the HC North Shore Drive underpass).
Virginia Department of Historic Resources Form 4/2011

Two board members were up for re-election, Judith Loomis & Madeline Cohen. Ralph Youngren and Michael Smith announced their interest in running for the seats as well. Ralph Youngren and Michael Smith were elected to the Hickory Cluster board.

A very special thank you with infinite gratitude to Judith and Madeline for their great work on the board and off in support of Hickory Cluster and its residents!

North Shore Heated Pool Opens

2011-05-14T11:24:00.002-04:00

Season 5 for the Reston Association pools has begun! RA complete pool schedule here.

Season 5: North Shore Pool Hours: Sept 6-25, 2011
Weekdays: 3pm-9pm (after 9/11 closed at 7pm)
Weekends: 11am-7pm

Need a pool pass? Online here or in person available at RA 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive.

Keep Swimming!

Cluster-wide Community Yard Sale on Saturday 5/14 8am-1pm

2011-05-10T23:26:00.001-04:00

Hickory Cluster & Maple Ridge Community Yard Sale

Saturday, May 14th 2011 from 8am-1pm

Set up sale items in front of your place
Signs will be posted throughout the area
Please park on North Shore Drive before the sale to free up space for shoppers
Please break down by 1:30pm on Saturday
No trash on curb until Sunday night, thanks!
PLEASE HELP! If you can assist with posting signs, please contact Madeline Cohen

Lake Anne Farmers Market 2011 Season Opener

2011-05-08T23:54:00.000-04:00

Saturdays 8am-12pm May-October

Fresh produce, plants, meats, baked goods, prepared foods, entertainment, crafts, wares, etc... check it out on any given Saturday at Lake Anne Plaza, rain or shine!

RA Projects in and Near HC

2011-04-29T14:58:00.000-04:00

LAKE ANNE CANAL DREDGING
On April 25, Reston Association began dredging Lake Anne Canal, located near North Shore Pool, and will continue for about another week. We are using a small floating dredging machine at the canal, which hydraulically pumps the soil and water from the lake bottom through hoses to dewatering bags located on the old volleyball court in Hickory Cluster. The water level will remain unaffected. There will be some engine noise from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each weekday and maybe on Saturday. There will be some turbidity in the lake during the dredging period, but this will be about the same as experienced after a strong thunderstorm.
Should you have any special needs, questions or concerns, please contact Dan Warfield at 703-435-6549 or Danny@reston.org.
Note: RA task done every six/seven years and to be complete by RELAC operation season.

MORE WORK AT LAKE ANNE – LAKE FOUNTAIN TO BE REPLACED
Along with the Lake Anne fountain replacement, there will be several upgrades necessary. These include a new electrical system to operate the fountain, removal of several abandoned conduits on the bottom of the lake and dredging the bottom to allow for proper operation of the fountain. The new fountain will be in operation by the end of May, barring any unforeseen difficulties or scheduling conflicts.
Please contact Paul Priestley at 703-435-6541 or email Paul@Reston.org if you have any questions.

Lake Anne Dredging & HC Stream Restoration Response

Reston Association has an easement giving them access through Hickory Cluster for dredging the pond to ensure the water supply needed by RELAC. In the past RA has brought-in heavy earthmoving equipment, and used our volleyball court as a staging area for the work. Any damage was then rectified by RA when the work was complete. This time, RA has hired Wetland Studies & Solutions, which is using a new technology to dredge the cove next to the RELAC inlet, without bringing in earthmoving equipment (which I consider a big advantage). The cove has a heavy build-up of silt (about 3 ft., according to the site foreman) and this was not removed in recent years because it would have required temporarily lowering the lake level, then draining water from Lake Newport to restore the level at Lake Anne when the work was done; this is also quite disruptive and again requires the use of earthmoving equipment. The tradeoff is that the filtration bags on the volleyball court need to remain for 2-3 weeks after the pumping is finished so that the silt is dry enough to haul away. Compared with the use of the volleyball court as a staging area for earthmovers, I don't consider the filtration bags to be a real nuisance, but perhaps you see it differently.

WSS is not dredging the pond at this point because that is slated to happen as part of the upcoming stream restoration project which was discussed at length at the special community meeting last October. The volleyball court will again be used as a staging area for the restoration project, and WSS has committed to restoring the area to the community's specification when the project is finished. After discussion with participants at a community forum, we have asked WSS to convert that area to low-maintenance landscaping using native species and consistent with the surrounding area which will be replanted as part of the conservation project. The engineering design of the restoration is intended to preclude the need for dredging in the future (or at least to greatly minimize it), so if things go well we would no longer have periodic disruption of the site in order to protect RELAC.

At the community meeting on the restoration project last October, the main area of concern was the design of the standard bridge which will replace our existing (and delapidated) wooden bridge next to the pond. The community was very unhappy with the visual elements of the standard bridge, and Ralph Youngren was asked to come up with a design more appropriate to the Goodman architecture in Hickory Cluster. Ralph and Richard Speier (who established the Goodman Fund) held several meetings with WSS, RA, and cluster members on the site to discuss options, and drawings were presented at a member forum during one of the Board meetings. The preferred design was sent to WSS and RA representing the Cluster's recommendation, and this design was accepted. Not surprisingly, the upgraded bridge is going to cost more ($8,850 at last estimate) and the cluster was initially asked to contribute $3,000 toward this. We were able to negotiate an agreement with WSS that they would forgo this request and fully cover the additional bridge cost if the Cluster was able to move quickly on approving the conservation and construction easements (since delays could be costly to them). After a legal review by the Cluster's attorney, and some minor wording revisions which he recommended to the text of the easements to protect the Cluster's rights, the Board approved the easements and the permitting process is now well underway.

I am still hoping that the project will be able to begin in the Fall, though there are still some approvals in the pipeline, and WSS is also facing financing gaps because of a decline in payments into the stream restoration bank (which is financing the project) from developers as a result of the financial crisis. WSS has said that they are working on bridging finance (no pun intended) to enable the project to start on-time so that they can keep their crew at work instead of demobilizing them when the Forest Edge phase is complete, and then remobilizing at a later date (which is very inefficient for them). The permits are not within their control, so they can't give any guarantees about when the work will actually begin. We will provide the latest update at the Cluster's Annual Meeting later this month.

Best regards,
Fred Swartzendruber
HC Board President

Spring 2011 Cluster Clean-Up Scheduled

2011-04-21T20:06:00.000-04:00

SAVE the DATE!
Cluster Clean-Up on Saturday & Sunday, April 30-May 1, 2011: 9am-1pm

Hickory Cluster took a beating this season and there'll be lots to do including: Ivy removal in natural areas, weeding in beds & cleaning of porches, carports and fence lines.

As you get ready for Spring, please take a look at the RA and Hickory Cluster guidelines pertaining to 'in view' storage items. Thank you!

RA Regs
HC Regs

Cookout in Block II will follow at 5pm.

Other ideas in the works...

A scheduled big item trash pick-up day
Clusterwide Yard Sale: May 14, 8am-1pm

RA: Design Review Board Agenda for March 22, 2011 @7PM

2011-03-20T21:04:00.000-04:00

Below is a link to the March 22, 2011 7PM DRB agenda. On two items to be discussed, the HC Board has registered HC as an Affected Party.

Possible design changes to 11501 Maple Ridge
North Shore tennis court conversion to 6 mini practice courts. (Courts next to the Lake Anne canal)

DRB AGENDA

Reston Association

12001 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20191-3404

RA's Proposed North Shore Tennis Court Redesign

2011-03-01T17:38:00.000-05:00

RA is proposing to convert the two North Shore tennis courts into six smaller training courts (see photo below). The HC Board objects to the proposal for the reasons posted below. If you are concerned about the proposal (con or pro), please plan to attend the DRB meeting at RA Headquarters on March 8th at 7pm.

Read RA's DRB Application here.

HCA has the following concerns about the North Shore Tennis Court Redesign proposal:

1. It will eliminate 100% of ONLY TWO existing full-size North Shore tennis courts within easy walking distance of Hickory Cluster, thus denying Hickory Cluster resident tennis players and guests future use of these courts.

2. Small dedicated teaching courts could be better accommodated at RA tennis facilities with more courts, such as Lake Newport or Hook Road, where elimination of two full-size courts would impact a MUCH smaller percentage of total existing courts, and where there is more room to expand with new construction if necessary.

3. It may add to existing traffic congestion at the North Shore Drive entrance to adjacent parking and create additional intersection safety issues near the Maple Ridge Road entrance to Hickory Cluster Blocks 1 and 2.

The Lake Anne Canal Swing is Back!

2011-03-01T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hooray for RA!

JBG to Propose New Fairway Apartments Redevelopment Plan

2011-02-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

JBG will present a their new and slightly reduced plan for redeveloping the Fairway Apartments property on North Shore Dr. to the RA Zoning and Planning Committee on Monday, February 21, 2011 – 7:30 pm

"The JBG Company, owners of Fairway Apartments located off North Shore Drive, will make a presentation of a revised redevelopment plan for this complex. It will have 810 units, no building over five stories, some underground parking. Additional details and features will be explained at the presentation." -Reston 2020

There was also a post on the Restonian

Snow Fun

2011-01-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

HC Volleyball Court Renovation

2011-01-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

Hello Neighbors,
When the Hickory Cluster Stream Restoration project is completed (projected to be some time in 2012), the WSSI staging area that is the existing common area volleyball court adjacent to North Shore Drive will need to be renovated as well. The cost of the renovation will be covered by the stream mitigation banking fund responsible for the stream restoration project.

The HC Board is requesting resident ideas/input on the volleyball court restoration. Do we...
(1) rebuild the volleyball court,
(2) re-landscape it to become part of the surrounding landscaped common area, or
(3) create another to-be-determined type of Hickory Cluster common area outdoor space?

What do YOU think Hickory Cluster should do with the volleyball court AFTER Stream Restoration work is complete? Please share your comments here and identify your comment with your name and Block#. If you'd rather keep your suggestion private, please send them to any of the board members at the email adresses at right.

Thank you,
Hickory Cluster Board

HC Stream Restoration Plan Presentation to the DRB on November 16th, 7-9PM

2010-11-12T18:58:00.000-05:00

RA's Design Review Board (DRB) will hear the WSSI presentation on the HC stream restoration project and replacement bridge at the next monthly meeting, November 16th 7-9PM.

Note From SCCI:

Frank (WSSI) will give the presentation, but please encourage HCA members to sign up to speak so DRB has an opportunity to hear the thoughts from the community.

Stream Restoration Proposal
Apologies for the quality of some of the slides.

Follow up: DRB Meeting Summary by Fred S.

Tuesday evening the DRB voted to approve the preliminary design for the stream restoration, including the bridge proposal. WSSI will come back to DRB for information updates as the plans move forward, and final approval of detailed design including bridge details. No significant issues were raised and there was not much discussion by the DRB members. One new piece of information is that the adjacent Vantage Hill stream looks as if it will not go forward due to lack of cooperation from VDOT which is reluctant to accept an easement along Baron Cameron Ave. ("in case they ever need to widen the avenue").

Friday Night Panel Discussion on the Future of the Town Center: Tonight!

2010-11-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

Tonight! (& apologies for the late notice.)
Friday night, November 5, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM is the final panel discussion on the future and vision of the Reston Town Center – Visions for the Future (2010-2030) with the coming of Metro.

The Town Center subcommittee co-chairs Robert Goudie and Pete Otteni will be presenting their PowerPoint presentation and draft report to the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force.

This panel will provide Reston citizens an opportunity for interactive an Q&A session on the subcommittee recommendations to the main Task Force.

Location: Reston Community Center at Lake Anne Village Center
Date and Time: Friday Night, November 5, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Topic and Format: Future development options of the Reston Town Center with the coming of Metro and recommendations to amend revision of Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Loren Bruce
Phone: 703-408-2931
EMail: lcbruce@verizon.net

Stream Restoration: New Bridge Design Options

2010-10-17T14:02:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the WSSI stream restoration presentation and Hickory Cluster walk and to WSSI for their comprehensive presentation and informational walk.

WSSI Slides from October 16th Presentation

As part of the stream restoration, WSSI will replace the failing HC bridge (at the duck pond). HC residents have presented two options that are quite different and there was discussion at yesterday's meeting about the options. The HC board will further discuss these two options at the monthy meeting this Wednesday (10/20/10) 7:30PM at TWC offices. If any residents are interested in the discussion, please attend this meeting. Two Important Notes: 1. Any bridge design that HC chooses will still have to be approved by the RA Design Review Board. 2. The existing bridge design can not be replicated as it does not meet existing FX Cty code.

Option #1: A wooden planked footbed bridge with metal railings that are the same as the new HC railings found throughout HC. This option will make a bold statement and announce that this is not simply another Reston bridge but Hickory Cluster specifically.

Option #2: A wood bridge that will blend in with the wooded surroundings and have detail elements that echo existing details on other HC elements such as the Goodman designed swingsets along the path.

HC Stream Restoration Information Meeting Scheduled, Sat. Oct 16th, 10:30am @ RCC-LA

2010-09-28T17:35:00.000-04:00

WSSI has sent out an information packet to all HC residents explaining the proposed stream restoration project and announcing the information meeting on Sat. Oct. 16 at 10:30am, in Room C of the Lake Anne Community Center. Click to view the documents one and two.

Informational Meeting and HC Stream Walk:
10:30 on Sat. Oct. 16, in Room C of the Lake Anne Community Center.
Coffee and pastries provided.

There will be a presentation by WSSI and a question and answer session, followed by a guided walk through the restoration area to discuss the details, including trees to be removed, how the stream will be modified, etc.

To: Hickory Cluster Homeowners

From: Bob Anderson, Block II

The Stream Restoration Information Meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, October 16th (Lake Anne Community Center, Room C at 10:30 AM). This is a very important meeting for all Cluster homeowners. Without getting into any detail on the project, I just want to say a few things at this time. This is a huge project and it will result in a major improvement in the natural area running along the stream between Blocks I and Blocks II. When it is completed it will do more than restore the stream to its original beauty, in my view; it will be a very substantial enhancement. In addition to providing an attractive space that we should all like to visit from time to time it will add to the value of the Hickory Cluster Property. During the time that the work is being done there will some pain from noise, the disappearance of trees, and the unsightliness of earth moving equipment, but if all goes according to plan it should be accomplished within 2 to 3 months. I almost forgot a not insignificant point is that this change for the better will be at no cost to Hickory Cluster homeowners.

Now with this major change for the better about to get underway perhaps it is time for us to take stock of our own immediate surroundings – i.e. our own privately owned homes and property. What might we each do to maintain our own homes and property better? Hickory Cluster is a class act, its houses created by an award-winning architect – Charles Goodman. Isn’t it time for us to make a special effort to ensure the future of this very special place by looking toward our own self-interest and the common interest, too, by re-committing ourselves to keeping our homes properly maintained and the areas around them spruced up? Don’t we owe it to ourselves to make the effort?

Please come to the meeting on Saturday, if you possibly can. It’s your future.

Fairway Apartment Re-developement Decision Moved to November 3

2010-09-23T11:08:00.000-04:00

Planning commission will decide whether to move forward on high-density changes.
Full Article here.

Background: Reston Connection, Jan 2010

Nature Walk: Hickory Cluster Stream Restoration Project, Oct 2 at 1pm

2010-09-16T13:38:00.000-04:00

Nature Walk
Saturday, Oct 2
1:00 pm

Stream Restoration Exhibit and Walk. Meet at the Reston Museum, 1639 Washington Plaza, in Lake Anne Village Center to examine the current exhibit on Reston stream restoration with Kelly Petrey and Nathan Staley of Wetland Studies and Solutions Inc.

Learn about their work on streams in South Reston, and plans to begin restoration work in the Colvin Run watershed of North Reston. Following the briefing, join WSSI on a walk to a nearby stream to see the erosion damage for yourself, and hear about plans for restoration. The walk will follow a path along the stream running south toward Lake Anne from North Shore Drive between Lake Anne Park and the covered bridge on the West and Northgate Square and Inlet Court on the East.

Cluster Clean-Up Saturday 9/18/10 9am-1pm with Cook Out at 5pm

2010-09-14T13:17:00.000-04:00

R4 Collection Day at Reston Town Center: September 15, 1-4pm

2010-09-09T20:14:00.000-04:00

Not the best hours but here's the next local opportunity to shred documents and get rid of old computers, used up compact fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, bicycles, hearing aids, etc...

Reston Town Center presents the fifth R4 Collection Day: Reduce. Re-use. Recycle. Reston! on Wednesday, September 15 from 1 pm until 4 pm. In an effort to provide awareness and options for disposal of items that can be diverted from landfill, specific items listed here will be accepted for collection at the Reston Town Center Pavilion, 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190.

More information on what's accepted here.

Reston Multicultural Festival 9/25/10

2010-08-23T14:54:00.000-04:00

All are invited to come

Discover the World in Reston!

Enjoy and experience multicultural entertainment, cultural displays, children's and adults' activities, children's passports, food, arts and crafts, and cultural demonstrations. Come dressed in your own native attire and share your culture with your neighbors.

Saturday, September 25, 2010 11am-5pm

Lake Anne Village Center

For All Ages

Free

RELAC Rate Increase Will Stand

2010-08-17T13:11:00.000-04:00

The Hearing Examiner's Report can be seen here and the following is a summary by Steve Sinclair from Fairfax County

The Hearing Examiner's report came out [August 4th]. The hearing examiner granted the rate increase agreed to in the stipulation (between the SCC and the company).

The Hearing Examiner also recommends directing RELAC to implement certain quality of service measurements. We think that is progress, but not strong enough and we may submit comments to that affect.

Excerpted below are several Findings and Recommendations of interest.

(16) In accordance with the Stipulation, RELAC should continue to provide written information to assist customers in properly maintaining their own equipment;

(17) RELAC should be directed to train its personnel to record accurately and consistently, information already required by its plant record forrns, especially as to supply and return temperatures and pressures, and outside temperatures;

(18) RELAC should be directed to record supply temperatures and pressures, and outside temperatures when the Company makes inspections or answers service complaint calls at customer premises;

(19) RELAC should be directed to document quality of service complaint calls, including whether the cooling issues customers reported resulted from problems in the system or inadequate maintenance/operation of internal units or other factors in the home;

(20) RELAC should be directed to establish a web page on the Aqua America website to provide customers with preventive maintenance information and with contact information; and

(21) RELAC should be directed to continue its discussions with neighborhood cluster presidents, with Staff and Fairfax County given an opportunity to participate in such discussions.

Any additional questions, please let me know. By the way, only formal parties to the case (and there are only 3) may file comments on the Hearing Examiner's report. However, if customers want to forward their comments to us, we will consider including them, if appropriate.

Thanks,
Steve Sinclair

DC Asian Festival: Brown's Chapel on July 31 & August 1, 2010

2010-07-17T12:06:00.000-04:00

WEBSITE

Fairway Apartments Redevelopment: FX Cty Approval Moved to September

2010-07-16T14:16:00.000-04:00

This image simulates what the Fairway Apartments redevelopment would look like if you were hovering above Whole Foods. More information on the county vote delay here.

Stream Restoration Exhibit, Walk, and Talk

2010-05-28T10:34:00.000-04:00

Stream Restoration Exhibit, Walk, and Talk
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Noon–3:30 p.m.
Location: Starts at Reston Museum, Lake Anne Plaza

Join Mike Rolband of Wetland Studies and Solutions Inc (WSSI), for a walk and talk focusing on the next phase of the stream restoration program in Reston. The Reston Museum exhibit will show the importance and benefits of restoring streams in Reston and the progress of how streams are being restored. In addition, the exhibit will feature models representing an impaired urban stream and a restored urban stream.
At 1 p.m. visitors can join WSSI staff for a stream walk to view Reston streams pre- restoration near Hickory Cluster and post-restoration at 2 p.m. near The Glade Fire Ring.

For more information, contact Bethany Bezak at bbezak@wetlandstudies.com or call 703-679-5646.

Please share this notice with your neighbors!
Thanks,
Nicki Foremsky
Watershed Supervisor
Reston Association
703-435-6560
Nicki@reston.org

Hickory Cluster Proposed Stream Restoration

2010-05-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

At Saturday's Hickory Cluster Annual Meeting, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. made a presentation specific to our portion of the planned stream restoration project.

The proposed stream restoration will be paid by the Friends of Reston Fund administered by RA and thusly offers many free benefits for HC.

Stream erosion problem will be corrected.
Exposed sewer manhole will no longer be exposed.
Exotic invasive plants in project area will be removed.
Duck pond will be dredged. (Stream restoration may help restore the pond from a stagnant pool to a healthy ecosystem.)
A new foot bridge will be built.
New plantings of all native species will replace vegetation and trees removed. (see presentation pdf below for plant list.)

Hickory Cluster Easements Required
Two special HC easements will be needed for work to start on the restoration project. Both easements require a 60% of total residents "yes" vote.

Trees
On hand at the meeting was a 10 page handout of a draft Hickory Cluster Tree Inventory. Wetland Studies completed their tree inventory over the last few months (silver tags signify trees included in the survey.) Of the 517 trees included in the inventory, the project would require the removal of 114 most of which are sapling-small trees (97). 15 medium trees (18"-29") and two large trees (30"+). Wetlands Studies will replant trees and other vegetation with native species when work is complete.

The HC board will schedule walk-through(s) with Wetlands Studies folks for those interested in seeing what would be restored and which trees would be removed.

PDF of the Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. 5/22/10 presentation.

RELAC Rate Increase Hearing 5/3/10

2010-05-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

The Fairfax County hearing addressing the proposed RELAC/Aqua Virginia rate hike occurred on May 3rd, 2010. Thank you to those who were able to attend the meeting and share comments & concerns with the State Corporation Commission.

If you did attend the meeting, you are encouraged to comment to this post (all others welcome too, of course). Below is a link to the HC president's comments presented at the hearing.

Comments of HC president Fred Schwartzendruber presented at the hearing.

Happy Spring 2010

2010-05-03T18:05:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Robert Anderson for sharing a few Spring shots taken around HC as Spring sprung.

HC Annual Meeting at RCC/LA: May 22, 2010 at 9am

2010-05-03T17:15:00.001-04:00

RELAC Start Time 2010

2010-05-01T09:58:00.000-04:00

Note From Aqua Virginia...

With the steamy forecast for the weekend, we have the opportunity to utilize the changesyou have suggested for starting the system. I wanted to let you know that we have started circulating chilled water. From what I have heard, Vantage Hill is currently not receiving chilled water, they have been doing maintenance to their system and plan to turn their valves on Monday. We have been checking the mains and bleeding air from the system but there may still be some work to do. We would expect that by day end (5/1) that all areas should be receiving chilled water. Any customers who are having issues can call our customer service at 877-987-2782 to set up an appointment with a technician.

Gregory Odell
Chief Operating Officer
Aqua Virginia, Inc.

RELAC Meeting Notes

2010-03-30T13:14:00.000-04:00

Notes on RELAC meeting at RA, March 22, 2010

The Reston Association hosted a public meeting on Monday evening, March 22nd 2010, to give RELAC customers an opportunity to meet with staff of the Fairfax County department which deals with utilities and cable companies to discuss the proposed RELAC rate increase. The county staff participating in the meeting are attorneys and utility specialists with considerable experience (though not experienced on district A/C, which is highly unusual) and their names and contact information have been posted on this blog. Please feel free to contact them direct to express any views you have regarding the RELAC rate increase.

As you know, several months ago Aqua Virginia filed a rate increase proposal with the State Corporation Commission in Richmond, which regulates utilities in Virginia. The average increase Aqua is asking for RELAC customers is about 56% over existing tariffs, which have not been changed since Aqua bought the company. The documents filed with the SCC indicate that RELAC is steadily losing money and a significant increase is needed to keep RELAC solvent. We were aware of their intent to file for an increase, as the General Manager of Aqua VA, Greg O'Dell, had met several times with a group of affected cluster presidents during the past year and mentioned that they were planning to request a “long overdue” rate increase.

At last Monday’s meeting, County staff explained that they were asked to become engaged in this case in response to concerns expressed by residents on the RELAC system. They have reviewed the materials provided by Aqua as part of the filing, and will be going to Richmond to participate in the April 20 hearing in front of an SCC examiner, and will present the County's views on the requested increase. The County has also arranged with the SCC to hold a second hearing in northern Virginia for the convenience of residents unable to go to Richmond. That meeting will be on the evening of May 3 at 7pm in the Fairfax Count Govt. Center. The Commissioners will review the transcripts of the two hearings prior to making their decision: in other words, the Richmond meeting is not “more important” than the Fairfax meeting and no decision will be made until after both have taken place and all oral and written comments have been reviewed. Aqua's management will only be present at the Richmond hearing, so anyone who is anxious to hear them in person would need to travel to Richmond. Speakers at the Richmond meeting will be under oath, and the County attorney will have the ability to cross-examine Aqua’s team in Richmond.

Based on their analysis of the RELAC accounts, the County staff feel that a slightly lower increase would be justified, since there were a couple of items included by Aqua in the rate calculation which the staff believe should not be included. However, the difference is actually quite small, and the bottom line is that County staff currently believe that RELAC will not be financially viable without a significant increase in revenues. Their analysis does not address the question why Aqua didn't apply for smaller increases before they got into such a deep hole, but simply arises from analysis of operating costs and revenues reported by Aqua.

A number of points were raised after the County staff had completed their explanation, on topics such as the future viability of RELAC, the possiblity of conversion to geothermal cooling, Aqua’s stated desire to sell RELAC in order to get out of the A/C business, asking RA to allow pilot projects to test alternatives, whether shortcomings in RELAC service are inherent in the nature of the system or due to poor maintenance by homeowners, etc. On most of these the County staff had no answers, but urged citizens to express their concerns on the record so that the SCC commissioners have a clear picture of the views of consumers before they rule on a rate increase. Dick Kennedy of Waterview Cluster asked whether service standards could be better defined and enforced, since much of the debate about RELAC is between people satisfied with present cooling service and others who are not, without much data available to inform the debate. The tariff as presently worded is not very clear on the definition of acceptable service (whether water temperature is measured at the plant or at the home, how much flow is required in order to provide adequate cooling, etc.). The County staff answered that this would be an important topic to raise for the commissioners.

In my view, this is probably the most important point coming out of Monday’s meeting: We can’t expect the SCC to engage on topics such as geothermal alternatives or to help Aqua look for a potential buyer. But we could reasonably request them to sharpen the definition of “acceptable service,” and to direct Aqua to introduce a monitoring program which establishes whether this regulated utility is meeting its legal obligation as a precondition for any rate increases.
-Fred Schwartzendruber

Trail Safety News & Information

2010-03-30T13:02:00.000-04:00

NEWS FROM RA COMMUNICATIONS DEPT.
Two announcements addressing the recent safety concerns and Reston trail scare.

Reston Trail Safety 3/17/10 Incident Report
Fairfax County Announcement

Voluteers Needed for Watershed Project

2010-03-30T12:57:00.000-04:00

Reston Association has a program to mark storm drains with tags indicating which watershed they drain to and asking people not to dump there. This is a chance for young people to earn community service credits for school and contributes to our environmental awareness.

Please contact:

Nicki Foremsky

Watershed Supervisor

Reston Association

703-435-6560

Nicki@reston.org

RELAC Rate Increase Meeting with Fairfax County Staff on 3/22/10

2010-03-25T21:31:00.000-04:00

RELAC customers met with Fairfax county staff at Reston Association headquarters on Monday evening March, 22, 2010.

RELAC Rate Case no. PUE-2009-00129
SCC home Page

The RELAC case has not been heard yet but an interim rate increase was granted by VA to effect customers beginning with the 2010 season. Notification was sent to all customers in January detailing the rate increase. Should RELAC lose their case, they will be required to reimburse customers for the rate increase.

Fairfax County staff working on the case:
Marilyn McHugh, Assistant County Attorney

Steve Sinclair, Chief, Public Utilities Branch, Department of Cable and Consumer Services, 703-324-5955

Susan Hafeli, Utilities Analyst, Public Utilities Branch, Department of Cable and Consumer Services

Important dates coming up...
April 8
RELAC rebuttal deadline to answer concerns already addressed to them by Fairfax County.

April 13
Deadline for all written comments to be submitted. Online Submission Link Case #PUE-2009-00129

April 20
Initial hearing in Richmond, VA. RELAC will be make statements and be cross examined... Public statements welcome.

May 3
Public hearing at Fairfax County Government Center, Conference rooms 2 & 3 at 7pm. Public statements welcome.

REMINDER: Stream Restoration Meeting, Saturday, 3/27/10 9:30am-Noon @ Lake Anne Elementary

2010-03-25T11:21:00.000-04:00

Hope to see a good Hickory Cluster turn out at the stream restoration meeting Saturday. Please take a moment and read HC Board president, Fred Swartzendruber's comments on what's at stake for HC. This and meeting details below. If you have concerns about how the stream restoration will effect the HC woods, duck pond and paths, this meeting is a must.

Thanks, Sara
==========================
In our situation in Hickory Cluster (shown on the Wetlands project map as part of the Colvin Run Watershed project), the erosion is also very advanced and is now threatening a sanitary (sewer) line which runs alongside the stream. Because of the threat to the sewer line, not doing anything is really not an option, therefore the issue is how to optimize a solution which

i) preserves our natural area,
(ii) stops the erosion process, and
(iii) costs the cluster as little as possible.

RA and the Wetland Studies & Solutions people are aware of our concerns and have promised to work with us to ensure the best possible outcome which satisfies their technical requirements as well as our commitment to retaining the wooded areas in Hickory. Since the Wetlands project would also finance replacement of our bridge and repair of the paths along the stream, this is a great opportunity for us provided we can find a workable compromise on the tree removal issue. In my view, if we decline to participate in the RA/Wetlands restoration project (by not voting to approve the required environmental easement) we will forego the 100% financing of their project but will eventually be forced into a less-sophisticated repair scheme because of the sewer issue, with unknown costs to the cluster and no guarantee as to the aesthetic outcome (since many trees are now undercut and in danger of falling, and realignment of the sewer line will inevitably also require major earth moving work).

The Virginia Tech letter illustrates that this is a complex issue, but the technical approach RA and Wetlands are using is considered leading-edge in the field. The letter does not mention the mitigation bank which would finance the project, which is a unique opportunity for the cluster to tackle some long-standing issues at no cost to ourselves. A conventional utility engineering solution forced on us by Fairfax Water might be much less attractive, so I urge all of you to read the materials we have posted and come prepared when the next outreach meeting takes place.

Thanks, Fred

HC Cluster Board President
==========================
Stream Restoration/Improvement Meeting
Colvin Run Watershed

Saturday, March 27, 2010
9:30 a.m. - Noon
Lake Anne Elementary School Cafeteria
11510 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190
Lunch will be provided

You are invited to hear about Reston’s Stream Restoration Project in the Colvin Run watershed which is east of Reston Parkway and north of the Dulles Toll Road.

Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. will be presenting information about the history and purpose of the stream restoration project and the plans for this watershed. Time will be provided for questions and answers.

Please pass this information along to your neighbors!

For more information, contact Nicki Foremsky, RA’s Watershed
Supervisor at 703-435-6560 or Nicki@reston.org or visit the stream
restoration project website at http://reston.wetlandstudies.com or
www.reston.org.
=====

RELAC Rate Increase Mtg 3/22/10

2010-03-05T23:44:00.000-05:00

Letter concerning the discussion & scheduled meeting re: RELAC rate hike:

Dear All,
I have had several conversations with Mr. Steve Sinclair, Chief – Public Utilities Branch (Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications & Consumer Protection), about the plans for Fairfax County to intervene in the proposed rate increase for RELAC as requested by Aqua Virginia. Attorneys from the County attorney’s Office and Mr. Sinclair have asked for RA’s assistance in arranging an initial information gathering session with users of the RELAC System. The session has been scheduled for Monday, 22 March @7:00 p.m. in RA’s Main Conference Room.

It is my understanding that Mr. Sinclair and others would like to hear your concerns and issues regarding the proposed rate increase, as well as your service related issues with the RELAC System. Additionally, they plan to explain the County’s role in the rate case; outline how the State Corporation Commission procedures are set up for the case; and walk you through the public witness process, which allows customers to provide comments at the public hearing on the rate case.

Mr. Sinclair and the others from the County are looking forward to meeting with as many of the RELAC users who can attend the session. Please reach out to others and inform them of the session.

Milton W. Matthews
Chief Executive Officer
Reston Association
703-437-9580
www.reston.org
RA Vision: Leading the model community where all can live, work, and play.

Stream Restoration Info Mtg: Lake Anne Elementary 3/27/10

2010-03-01T12:48:00.000-05:00

There is another stream restoration community meeting schedules for March 27th.
They will be giving the same presentation as the January 30th meeting.

Stream Restoration/Improvement Meeting Colvin Run Watershed
Saturday, March 27, 2010 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Lake Anne Elementary School Cafeteria
11510 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190
Lunch will be provided
You are invited to hear about Reston’s Stream Restoration Project in the Colvin Run watershed which is east of Reston Parkway and north of the Dulles Toll Road. Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. will be presenting information about the history and purpose of the stream restoration project and the plans for this watershed. Time will be provided for a questions and answers. Please pass this information along to your neighbors!

For more information, contact Nicki Foremsky, RA’s Watershed Supervisor at 703-435-6560 or Nicki@reston.org or visit the stream restoration project website at http://reston.wetlandstudies.com/ or http://www.reston.org/.

Reston Master Plan Mtg: 2/27/10 at 9am

2010-02-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

COMMUNICATIONS DEPT. NOTICE

Reston Master Plan Special Study Public Meeting

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at 9 a.m.

Langston Hughes Middle School Cafeteria

11401 Ridge Heights Road

The County has appointed a 25-member Task Force to oversee the Reston Master Plan Special Study (plus 25 alternates). The purpose of the study is to develop recommendations to amend the Reston Master Plan section of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan. The first phase of the study is focusing on the three transit station areas in Reston: Herndon-Monroe, Wiehle Avenue, and Reston Parkway.The focus of the February 27 meeting will be to provide information about conditions in the Herndon Monroe Transit Station area and to receive public input. There will be subsequent meetings on conditions in the Wiehle Avenue and Reston Parkway station areas. Reston Association has set up a special section of our Web site, which provides updated information, links to the Fairfax County Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force Web site and a blog by RA Director Paul Thomas. He is RA's representative to the task force. He encourages your comment through his blog, Planning for the Future.

Reston Master Planning Special Study

Planning for the Future

Wetlands Studies Information & VT Letter

2010-02-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately none of the HC Board members made it to the Jan. 30 information meeting. The Board is in touch with Nicki Foremski about the next opportunity. Meanwhile here are some materials for people to access. The Virginia Tech letter arises from concerns raised about the loss of trees in the Snakeden site, and though rather technical, Dr. Wynn makes it clear this is cutting-edgework which offers a chance of preventing long-term erosion which is already well advanced (also true for Lake Anne, unfortunately). VT will use this case study in an upcoming graduate course on stream restoration design.
Wetland Studies & Solutions, Inc Presentation from 1-30-10
Wetland Studies & Solutions, Inc Stream Restoration Brochure
Virginia Tech Letter

In our situation in Hickory Cluster (shown on the Wetlands project map as part of the Colvin Run Watershed project), the erosion is also very advanced and is now threatening a sanitary (sewer) line which runs alongside the stream. Because of the threat to the sewer line, not doing anything is really not an option, therefore the issue is how to optimize a solution which
(i) preserves our natural area,
(ii) stops the erosion process, and
(iii) costs the cluster as little as possible.
RA and the Wetland Studies & Solutions people are aware of our concerns and have promised to work with us to ensure the best possible outcome which satisfies their technical requirements as well as our commitment to retaining the wooded areas in Hickory. Since the Wetlands project would also finance replacement of our bridge and repair of the paths along the stream, this is a great opportunity for us provided we can find a workable compromise on the tree removal issue. In my view, if we decline to participate in the RA/Wetlands restoration project (by not voting to approve the required environmental easement) we will forego the 100% financing of their project but will eventually be forced into a less-sophisticated repair scheme because of the sewer issue, with unknown costs to the cluster and no guarantee as to the aesthetic outcome (since many trees are now undercut and in danger of falling, and realignment of the sewer line will inevitably also require major earth moving work).
The Virginia Tech letter illustrates that this is a complex issue, but the technical approach RA and Wetlands are using is considered leading-edge in the field. The letter does not mention the mitigation bank which would finance the project, which is a unique opportunity for the cluster to tackle some long-standing issues at no cost to ourselves. A conventional utility engineering solution forced on us by Fairfax Water might be much less attractive, so I urge all of you to read the materials we have posted and come prepared when the next outreach meeting takes place.
Thanks, Fred
HC Cluster Board President

Hickory Cluster Stream Restoration

2010-02-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

Email note from Wetland Studies & Solutions, Inc sent in response to an inquiry from Jim Livingood in Block 1:

We are currently preparing the preliminary stream restoration plan for Hickory Cluster. The restoration in Hickory Cluster is complicated by two factors: 1) The stream pattern is currently instable with several sharp curves. This places increased stress on the stream banks, furthering erosion. 2) There are several sanitary sewer lines located within or crossing the stream. The stream has even eroded enough to expose manholes. Because of these two factors, restoration in Hickory Cluster will involve smoothing the curves to create a stable stream pattern and pulling the stream away from exposed utilities as best as possible with a minimum of tree impacts. At this point, we do not know the number of trees that will be cut or which trees specifically will be removed. This information will be calculated once we finish the first version of the preliminary plan. Then we will arrange a public meeting with the Cluster to discuss the alternatives that are possible, including any specific tree impacts. We expect to be able to have an interactive discussion(s) on the design and these types of potential impacts. As soon as we are close to asking for a meeting - the project Reach engineer, Russ Dudley, will make sure that you are copied on the request so that we are sure to have you included in the process.
Mike Rolband, Wetland Studies & Solutions, Inc

Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-08T16:51:00.000-05:00

Hickory Cluster digs out from under another blizzard!

Thank you to all who pitched in to help each other clear the roads, cars and walkways. Great community effort!

If you need assistance removing snow, there are several teens who are out of school for the next few days and available to help. Many residents are available to help get to grocery stores, etc... Comment here or contact me or someone from the HC Board if you need assistance.

Also, if you have uploaded photos of the blizzard and you would like to share them, please send the url link to me and I'll publish here.

Sara & Isabel's photos

-Sara

This item was picked up by the Restonian & then via the Restonian on WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi radio show (approx. 25 minutes in).

Stream Restoration Meeting: Jan 30, 2010

2010-01-29T12:56:00.000-05:00

Stream Restoration Meeting
Saturday, January 30, 2010: 9am-noon at Forest Edge Elementary.
Flyer for the Stream Restoration Meeting

Arlene Whittick
Neighborhood Outreach Specialist
Reston Association
1930 Isaac Newton Square
Reston, VA 20190-5093
Phone: 703-435-6503
Fax: 703-673-2040
Email: Arlene@reston.org

Fairway Apartments Expansion Plan

2010-01-08T14:21:00.000-05:00

The owner of Fairway Apartments has been planning a major expansion/revitalization for that property for some time. There have been amendments to the plan as a result of meetings with the DRB and others. Whether you this is news to you or you have heard about this before, you will find the latest plans (below) of interest.

Fairway Expansion plans as of January 5, 2010.

Comments by David Edwards

UCP Expansion Landscaping Plan

2010-01-06T12:58:00.002-05:00

Ralph Youngren and Greg Gallardo of our HC Board met with the UCP (United Christian Parish) folks, their landscape architect, and a Fairfax County arborist yesterday about their plans for plants to screen headlights.

Thank you to Ralph and Greg for attending this meeting!

From Greg:
The plan, shown on graphic, calls for native evergreen trees and shrubs (listed on the plan) to be planted along the edge of the parking lot. The county arborist would assist them in actual placement of the plants to optimize screening. He also suggested that the church have people attending night meetings to park facing the church, including backing into the parking spaces adjacent to Hickory Cluster. Neither the landscaper nor the arborist thought that planters would be a good solution as they'd require too much maintenance. They said that they'd consider planting a sample of the screening plants at some time, but couldn't think of any current example of such a planting that we could visit now.

Lakeside Pharmacy on the Market

2009-12-29T10:31:00.000-05:00

A Lake Anne institution, the Lakeside Pharmacy & Cafe, is up for sale. More info here.

Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-21T16:03:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Pam & Kristen Herring for the above three photos!

Digging Hickory Cluster out after the blizzard has been quite an undertaking. Thanks to friends and neighbors for pitching in and helping each other get the white stuff under control. If you have any HC photos from the weekend's snow you'd like to share please send them to me and I'll post. -Sara

James Rossant, Lake Anne Plaza Architect Dies at 81

2009-12-16T12:13:00.000-05:00

James Rossant, architect and Reston master planner, died on December 15, 2009 at his home in France of complications due to leukemia. obit

UCP Church Expansion Meeting

2009-11-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

Dear All,
The church will give an update on the building plans on November 19th at 7:30PM in the church.

This will be a good time to see the most recent drawings including the proposed traffic roundabout, and also find out the status of the permitting process, including outstanding DRB issues.

ps. added photo (sorry for the shadow!): click to enlarge, the traffic "roundabout" is visible in this drawing close to the proposed new entrance nearest HC. To my understanding, this end of the proposed parking lot will be excavated and will be approximately 6ft lower than the elevation of the land backing up to HC. -Sara

Cluster Pumpkin Carving Contest

2009-10-28T00:55:00.000-04:00

JOIN IN THE FUN!

It's time once again to sharpen your knives for the annual HC jack-o-lantern carving contest!

To win, all you have to do is carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern and display it at your front door, balcony or window between 7 & 8pm on Halloween night, Saturday October 31st.

Prizes will be awarded that very night by our witch/warlock judges.

1st Prize: $15.00

2nd Prize $10.00

3rd Prize $5.00

HC Cluster Clean Up

2009-10-24T09:57:00.000-04:00

Cookout moved to Sunday, Block 2 at 3pm. All residents are invited. Please come out and enjoy the afternoon!

Saturday & Sunday
October 24 & 25th, 2009
9am to 1pm

Stop by 11521 in Block 3 for free naturalizing daffodil bulbs.

Followed by Octoberfest Cookout at 3pm in Block 2 on Saturday the 24th (Weather Permitting!) The cluster will provide hamburgers, knockwurst and sodas. Neighbors are asked to bring side dishes.