DELEGATE'S FLOWER Challenge
Del. Ken Plum (D-36) has grown a hollyhock in his front yard over 10 feet. The plant typically grows to heights between three and four feet. Plum has issued a challenge to anyone in the community who can prove they’ve grown a taller hollyhock. The winner, Plum said, will receive a gift basket of Virginia products. Plum has used only organic compost to grow his hollyhocks. Email Plum at kenplum@aol.com or call 703-758-9733 to enter the challenge.
ICE CREAM MAN Robbed
The operator of an ice cream truck was beaten and robbed by knifepoint Friday night in a subsidized housing section of Reston just blocks away from the new Southgate Community Center, police reported.
The victim, a 58-year-old Vienna man, who police did not identify, did not require medical attention. The two suspects, described as 15-year-old black males, approached the parked truck on the 12200 block of Laurel Glade Court around 9:15 p.m.
According to police, one suspect yelled at the victim, demanding money, while a second suspect jumped inside the truck through the driver’s side door. The second suspect, who did not have the knife, began assaulting the victim, which gave the other suspect with the knife time to steal money and the victim’s cellular phone, according to the police report.
After the robbery, both suspects fled on foot. The victim chased the suspects, but lost them in the woods, said the police report.
Both suspects wore dark bandannas pulled up over their mouths, dark shirts, pants and baseball caps.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
ASIAN FESTIVAL July 22
The 3rd annual Asian Festival is coming to Reston on July 22 from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Lake Newport Square, 11452 Baron Cameron Avenue. The one-day, free event is held to promote a greater understanding of the Asian culture from Thailand, China, India, Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Each participating country showcases its culture through music, cultural performances, food, beauty pageants, fashion, handicrafts, and entertainment. About 25 Asian restaurants will feature authentic specialty dishes, some not found on menus. The search for the “Asian Idol” and a breakdancing tournament are just a few of the activities offered this year.
In conjunction with the festival, about 100 up-and-coming tennis stars will compete in the Legg Mason Women’s Pro Circuit “Wild Card” tournament held between July 21 and 23.
Dubbed as the largest Asian festival in Northern Virginia, the event attracted more than 12,000 attendees last year. This year organizers expect 15,000 attendees.
RAGS CELEBRATES 20 Years
Reston Art Gallery & Studios (RAGS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 16 with a reception from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the gallery at 11400 Washington Plaza in Lake Anne Village Center. The public is welcome to attend. Current and former RAGS artists will be on hand to celebrate the anniversary, along with an exhibit of original works of art. Champagne and chocolate will be served. For more information, call RAGS at 703-481-8156, and visit www.restonartgallery.com.
Pat Macintyre, a local painter, opened RAGS in 1986 after the space had been vacated by the Greater Reston Arts Center. Macintyre first found out about the opportunity to buy the gallery from Embry Rucker, a Reston activist who asked Macintyre to consider purchasing the gallery to continue the legacy of fine art at Lake Anne. Ever since, Macintyre has owned the gallery, hosting exhibits, poetry readings and other community events, as well as providing studio space for 11 artists.
WATER MINE Seeks Millionth Bather
To celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer, the Fairfax County Park Authority's Water Mine Family Swimming Hole at Lake Fairfax Park will award the millionth customer with a prize package.
The western-themed water park, which is expecting to eclipse 1 million customers this summer, will give the winning family a pass for the Water Mine's 2007 season, a lifetime Water Mine pass to the individual, a fall trout fishing pass and free camping at Lake Fairfax.
The Water Mine is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information on hours of operation, rates and 2006 season passes call 703-471-5415 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks .
CALENDAR
Thursday, July 27, 7 p.m., The Reston Association Board of Directors Regular Meeting at Isaac Newton Square.