Aug. 12, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The last thing anyone should be worried about during the pandemic is losing their home. And yet a number of county and Virginia residents have been facing the very real fear of eviction due to the economic downturn from the pandemic.

I was happy to hear from Governor Northam that the commonwealth has halted all eviction proceedings related to failure to pay rent through Sept. 7. This is a critical step for keeping our residents in their homes. In addition, Fairfax County is working with local landlords to launch a housing stability pledge for residents who demonstrate a significant financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you know of someone who needs assistance with paying their rent, please pass along these resources:

If you need additional information, please contact my office by email at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283. I also encourage you to donate if you can to one of the many local organizations helping our neighbors in need.

Respectfully,
Walter
Today's COVID-19 Updates (Aug. 12)

Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
  • Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
  • Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.

COVID-19 Case Information Chart (as of publication on Aug. 12)
NOTE: We have combined the trend graphs with the chart information so you can view the available data in one place.
Become Involved in the Future
of Hunter Mill District
I encourage you to consider one of the opportunities noted below to become involved in the future of Hunter Mill District and Fairfax County. The following are vacancies to represent the District or to be an at-large member on county Boards, Authorities and Commissions:
(Photo: Several BAC members gathered at a reception in February 2020)

Athletic Council – At-Large Women’s Sports Alternate

Reston Transportation Services District Advisory Board (3 positions) – There is a residency requirement that you live in the Transportation Services District, examples of communities include:
  • West Market Community Association
  • Market Street at Town Center
  • Edgewater Townhomes at Reston Town Center
  • Reston Town Center Association
  • The Cosmopolitan
  • The Metropolitan

Southgate Community Center Advisory Council – Youth Representative (high school, age 16-19 year old)

Tree Commission – Hunter Mill District Representative

Transportation Advisory Commission – Hunter Mill District Representative

If you are interested, please submit your resume that includes your address and email, and a short statement of interest to huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov
Fairfax Prevention Coalition
Community Focus Group, Aug. 18
The Fairfax Prevention Coalition is conducting a community assessment on substance abuse and is hosting a series of virtual community focus groups in August to get input. The Hunter Mill District focus group event is Tuesday, Aug. 18, 7 to 8 p.m. Register and get more information
Land Use and Transportation
The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Resident Curator Evaluation Team for the Lahey Lost Valley property will host a virtual public meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. to score the Resident Curator Program applications received for the Lahey Lost Valley property and determine the selection outcome. The meeting will be available for public viewing. For information on how to join via computer or phone, visit the Lahey Lost Valley website. Learn more about this curatorship.

Reminder: Wiehle Pedestrian Crossing Study Group Virtual Meeting, Aug. 13
Wiehle Pedestrian Crossing Study Group virtual meeting is Thursday, Aug.13, 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform - use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-408-418-9388 and use Access Code: 129 598 0980. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. You can watch the July 30 meeting here.

The Reston P&Z virtual meeting is Monday, Aug. 17, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform - use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-408-418-9388 and use Access Code: 129 917 2791. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. For more information click here

Route 7 Lane Shifts, Traffic Changes and Detours Rescheduled
Due to inclement weather, the following lane shifts, traffic changes, and detours along Route 7 that were previously scheduled to begin the week of Aug. 3 have been postponed and are now scheduled to begin this week. More details on the updated schedule:
 
Child Protective Services Reports
Large Drop in Calls
Child Protective Services (CPS) needs your help. Calls to the CPS hotline have dropped 62 percent, from 498 during the first week of March to only 192 the last week of June. The drop in calls to the hotline began as soon as children had limited contact with teachers, counselors, school social workers, child care providers and others who normally keep an eye out for signs of abuse and neglect. Community members can help to keep eyes on children who may be experiencing abuse or neglect. If you have concerns about a child’s safety, call the CPS hotline at 703-324-7400 to make a report or discuss your concern. Learn more. 
November Election Update
You can register to vote, update your address/name and apply for an absentee-by-mail voting application safely and easily through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal. You can apply for an absentee ballot by mail today and ballots will begin to be mailed in late September. Deadlines to keep in mind:

Voter Registration
In-person: Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.
By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 13
Online: Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Absentee Voting By Mail Application Deadline
Oct. 23 by 5 p.m. Learn more.

Absentee Voting In Person (Hours of operation TBD and vary, check here before heading out to vote.)
Fairfax County Government Center - Sept. 18 to Oct. 31 -
14 Satellite Locations, including North County Government Center in Reston - Oct. 14 to Oct. 31
Saturday Hours - Oct. 17 to Oct. 31

More information from Fairfax County Office of Elections.
4 Things to Know Today
Summer Concert Series
  • Reston Community Center's Summerbration Fab Fridays are being held through Sept. 4 - learn more
  • Park Authority's 2020 Summer Entertainment Series has gone virtual. Watch the free livestream feeds from any of your devices - learn more.

Health Department Launches New Portal for Community Partners to Share COVID-19 Information
A new partner portal has been launched for local community leaders and organizations with shareable information about COVID-19 safety curated according to health messages.

100th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote
There will be more information on the celebration of the anniversary of women's right to vote in next week's Aug. 19 newsletter. However, you can celebrate now with a number of events and exhibits listed by Visit Fairfax. Learn more.


ICYMI: Virginia Launches COVIDWISE App to Provide Exposure Notifications
Governor Northam announced the launch of a free app to enable you to receive notifications that you have been exposed to COVID-19. Learn more. Washington Post article
Stay Informed and In Touch
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711