This week kicks off the heart of the many celebrations in honor of founder Robert E. Simon’s 100th birthday and Reston’s 50 anniversary.
Simon was born on April 10, 1914, and in 1960 had a vision of starting a “new town” where there were only cow pastures near the new airport on the Fairfax-Loudoun County line.
Today, Reston is home to about 60,000 people — and many thousands more as expected to move here as Reston prepares to fully realize its “Live, Work, Play” vision with the opening of the Silver Line Metro this year.
Reston Now will have ongoing coverage of festivities this week, but meanwhile, check out this interview with Simon from Sunday’s Washington Post.
Things to do to offer your best wishes
Saturday: Founder’s Day Celebration, noon to 3 p.m., Lake Anne Plaza
Come to the plaza for tributes from local dignitaries such as Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Gerry Connolly, musical performances, and, of course, birthday cake. Free.
Saturday: A Toast to Reston and Its Founder, 8 p.m., Reston Community Center Hunters Woods
Limited tickets are available for this VIP reception and screening of The Reston Story movie. Visit Reston Celebrates for more information.
April 7: 50 Trees for 50 Years Arbor Day Celebration, 9:30 a.m., Walker Nature Center
Join in and plant 50 commemorative trees in various locations around Reston. Volunteers will be treated to a celebratory pizza lunch at the Walker Nature Center after the planting. Contact Ha Brock at ha@reston.org or 703-435-7986 to volunteer and get a location assignment. Rain or shine
April 8: Reston Association Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive
The meeting announces the coming year’s goals, newly elected board members, and the past year’s accomplishments. Refreshments will be served.
April 10: Best of Reston Gala, 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency Reston
Simon will be spending his actual birthday as the co-chair of this annual event that has a goal of raising about a half-million for Cornerstones. The gala in this milestone year will surely have many memorable moments. Some tickets still available starting at $200. Visit Cornerstones for information.
Visit Celebrate Reston for a complete calendar of upcoming events.
