Founder’s Week Press Release (PDF)
RESTON, VA — Robert E. Simon, Jr. passed away on September 21, 2015 at his home on Lake Anne Plaza. Bob was 101 years young and left a community that experienced his death as a shock despite his age. As community civic and non-profit organizations began planning for Reston’s annual Founder’s Day event in 2016, it became evident that the scope and number of commemorative activities would expand. Thus Founder’s Day for 2016 has evolved into Founder’s Week. From Sunday, April 3 at Lake Anne Plaza, to Sunday, April 10 at Reston Town Center, and throughout the week at many locations throughout the community, we will remember our founder, his incredible life and the legacy he leaves. Few people can claim to have established not just a “new town” but even more remarkably, a new way of living in the United States. Planned events will celebrate Bob’s vision, his love of the arts, the impact of his bold venture on land use in the United States and how his fervent desire to create a thriving community has been realized in Reston.
The Founder’s Week celebrations will give those who live, work and play in Reston a chance to reconnect to Bob and the spirit of his life.
As a participating organization, Reston Community Center is proud to announce the Founder’s Week schedule of events. A Founder’s Week program will be distributed in the community in late March and is viewable online at RCC’s and other organizations’ websites. Additional information is available at www.restoncommunitycenter.com/foundersweek or by visiting participating organization’s websites.
FOUNDER’S WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (April 3 – 10, 2016)
A Youth Art Month exhibition: Emerging Visions: Contemplating Community
March 15 – April 9
Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market Street, Suite 103, Reston, VA)
In conjunction with National Youth Art Month, students from Herndon, Oakton, and South Lakes High Schools reflect on and are inspired by the continuing relevance of Bob Simon’s vision in today’s world. Presented by Greater Reston Arts Center and sponsored by Hughes Group Architects. Free.
MORE INFORMATION: http://restonarts.org/exhibition/youth-art-month/
League of Reston Artists’ Founder’s Day Exhibit: The Way I See…
March 28 – April 25
Reception: Sunday, April 3 • 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jo Ann Rose Gallery – RCC Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
League of Reston Artists presents a collection of art that considers that reality is not what we see but what we discover and create for ourselves. The show chair is Antonella Manganelli; the exhibit will be judged by League of Reston Artists founder Pat Macintyre. Free.
MORE INFORMATION: www.leagueofrestonartists.org
Lecture: Reston: From New Town to Metro by Roger K. Lewis, FAIA
Monday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) (12001 Market Street, Suite 103, Reston, VA)
Presented in conjunction with the Emerging Visions exhibit, Greater Reston Arts Center presents a lecture exploring Reston’s place in the New Town movement. An expert in urban design, development, suburbanization and sustainability, Professor Lewis will explore Mr. Simon’s legacy locally and more broadly. The lecture will be followed by a champagne/dessert reception from Red Velvet Cupcakery. Presented by Greater Reston Arts Center and sponsored by Hughes Group Architects. $10 suggested donation.
MORE INFORMATION: 703-471-9242 or www.restonarts.org
Documentary Screening: Levitated Mass by Doug Pray
Tuesday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
the CenterStage – RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA) This film documents the incredible and inspirational journey of a 340-ton solid granite boulder through California neighborhoods before it came to its final resting place outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. It is presented by Reston Community Center in collaboration with the Initiative for Public Art – Reston (IPAR) as part of a film series intended to foster a community conversation about public art. Free.
MORE INFORMATION: www.publicartreston.org
Lecture: The Future of the American Suburb: Lessons from Reston by Patrick Phillips
Wednesday, April 6, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Jo Ann Rose Gallery – RCC Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
Reston Historic Trust & Museum presents a lecture by an expert in land use who will discuss the impact Reston has had on suburban development. Mr. Phillips is Global CEO of Urban Land Institute (ULI) and President of the ULI Foundation. Free.
MORE INFORMATION: www.restonmuseum.org
Best of Reston Community Service Awards Gala
Thursday, April 7, 6:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency – Reston (1800 Presidents St., Reston, VA)
The 25th Annual Best of Reston Gala event highlights individuals and organizations that make our community the unique and marvelous place it is, while raising funds to support the mission of Cornerstones to provide affordable housing and help families and individuals build more stable lives. This 25-year partnership between the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones exemplifies Robert E. Simon’s vision of a vibrant, connected community where all may “live, work, play and serve.” Tickets may be purchased through Cornerstones.
MORE INFORMATION: www.cornerstonesva.org/BOR
The Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now
Friday, April 8, 8:00 p.m.
the CenterStage – RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA)
Reston Community Center presents a family-friendly performance by a hard-hitting, high-spirited tap dance ensemble featured last year on America’s Got Talent. The CenterStage was one of Bob Simon’s favorite places to enjoy the performing arts. He would have thoroughly enjoyed this show and enjoyed seeing everyone sharing the joy of a CenterStage performance. $20 Reston/$30 Non-Reston
MORE INFORMATION: www.restoncommunitycenter.com
Faith Communities Honor Robert E. Simon Jr.
April 8 – April 10
Throughout Greater Reston
In conjunction with Cornerstones and its sponsoring religious organizations, various faith communities in the greater Reston area will contemplate the legacy of Robert E. Simon, Jr. during the Founder’s Week celebration of his life. Presented by Cornerstones and participating religious organizations.
MORE INFORMATION: kerrie.wilson@cornerstonesva.org
Founder’s Day
Saturday, April 9, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lake Anne Plaza
The Reston Historic Trust & Museum presents the annual family-friendly community celebration, featuring a 50-foot Ferris wheel sponsored by Reston Association (RA), children’s activities, children’s art projects in cooperation with IPAR, musical entertainment, guided walks around Lake Anne Plaza, and remarks by local elected officials. Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) and IPAR will also present The Wooden Horse, constructed by Reston artist Marco Rando. This commissioned public artwork is inspired by the Lake Anne original (of the same name) created by artist Gonzalo Fonseca in 1965. Please check out the dining and drink specials at Lake Anne all week. Founder’s Day is a free event; certain activities may require a fee.
MORE INFORMATION: 703-709-7700, restonmuseum@gmail.com or www.restonmuseum.org
Documentary Screening: Fun, Beauty, Fantasy: Reston’s Public Art
Directed by Rebekah Wingert-Jabi
Saturday, April 9 • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Screening every 15 minutes)
Jo Ann Rose Gallery – RCC Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
IPAR presents screenings of a 15-minute documentary celebrating Reston’s public art. Featuring interviews with Robert E. Simon, Jr. and others, it includes historic footage and details about the sculptures and fountains at Lake Anne and Reston Town Center, as well as the mosaic work at the Glade Drive underpass. Free.
MORE INFORMATION: www.publicartreston.org/public-art/reston-the-art-of-community
Exhibit: Joyful Color in Reston
By Joan S. Kelly
Saturday, April 9
Opening Reception: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Reston Art Gallery and Studios (11400 Washington Plaza West, Heron House, Reston, VA)
Artist Joan Kelly presents a collection of artwork honoring Robert E. Simon, the joy she has felt as a Reston resident, and the beauty of the diverse areas of Reston. Free.
MORE INFORMATION: www.restonartgallery.com or 703-481-8156
A Gift to Bob’s Community: In Celebration of Robert E. Simon, Jr.
Sunday, April 10. 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency – Reston at Reston Town Center (1800 Presidents Street, Reston, VA)
Celebrate the life of Robert E. Simon, Jr. with the Audubon Quartet, a short film about his extraordinary life created by Storycatcher Productions, and stories from his family and friends. Light refreshments will be served. Free, Reservations required. To make reservations, beginning March 29, call the CenterStage Box Office at 703-476-4500, and Press 3. There is a limit of 4 reservations per household. Presented by Reston Community Center, Reston Town Center and Hyatt Regency – Reston.
MORE INFORMATION: www.restoncommunitycenter.com
Mercury Fountain Celebration
Sunday, April 10, 4:30 p.m.
Mercury Fountain at Reston Town Center, Reston, VA
Following the Bob Simon Celebration at the Hyatt, join the community to turn on the Mercury Fountain for the 2016 season! Enjoy music, refreshments, family fun, and a brief dedication. Mon Ami Gabi and Tavern 64 are offering special cocktails to honor Bob Simon. Fountain Celebration is free.
MORE INFORMATION: www.restontowncenter.com
Outdoor Documentary Screening: Another Way of Living: The Story of Reston, VA
Directed by Rebekah Wingert-Jabi
Sunday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
Reston Town Center Pavilion (11900 Market Street, Reston, VA)
Washington West Film Festival, in cooperation with Reston Town Center Association, is proud to present an outdoor screening of this film about our community’s beloved founder, Robert E. Simon, Jr. and the creation of Reston. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on in the RTC Pavilion. Additional support provided by Moonflicks Outdoor Movies and Storycatcher Productions. Free.
MORE INFORMATION:
WASHINGTON WEST FILM FESTIVAL: www.wwfilmfest.com
ANOTHER WAY OF LIVING: www.anotherwayoflivingfilm.com
Founder’s Week is a collaborative community effort with activities presented by the following organizations:
Audubon Quartet
Boston Properties
Cornerstones
Fairfax County Government
Family & Friends of Robert E. Simon, Jr.
Greater Reston Arts Center
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce
Hughes Group Architects
Hyatt Regency – Reston
Initiative for Public Art – Reston
Lake Anne Plaza
Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association
League of Reston Artists
Moonflicks Outdoor Movies
Mon Ami Gabi
Red Velvet Cupcakery
Reston Association
Reston Art Gallery and Studios
Reston Community Center
Reston Historic Trust & Museum
Reston Town Center
Reston Town Center Association
Storycatcher Productions
Tavern 64
Washington West Film Festival
