Feb. 1, 2023

Neighbors,

Today is the first day of Black History Month, which is widely celebrated in Hunter Mill District and countywide. It is especially important for all of us take some time to learn about the legacy and achievements of Black Americans. Why? Because, despite it being 2023, we are still witnessing racism in our communities. Some of this racism is an undercurrent of perceived threats and some of it is more blatant with name calling, lack of opportunity and much worse. And sometimes the racism is structural.

One way for us to rid ourselves of racism is through education. Black History Month provides a multitude of opportunities to learn about the people and events that are so integral to our American story. I encourage everyone to do something this month to expand our minds and hearts – It can be as simple as having a conversation, reading a book or attending a service. Here are several Black History Month events and programs for your consideration:

Feb. 17: Black History Month Celebration

Unite, uplift and celebrate with neighbors at the county's Black History Month celebration on Feb. 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Learn more.

Feb. 19: The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story - Meet Nikole Hannah-Jones

The 1619 Project illuminates the legacy of slavery in the U.S. and highlights the contributions of Black Americans to American society. Nikole Hannah-Jones will discuss The 1619 Project, its reception, and her book, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story.

The event is Feb. 19, 2 to 3 p.m. at The Alden at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean. Learn more.

Monthlong: Fairfax County Public Library's Collection on Inspirational Black Inventors

The Library has put together a collection of books about Black inventors and their contributions. Examples include Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM by Tonya Bolden and A Child's Introduction to African American History by Jabari Asim. Learn more.

Saturdays in February: Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse at Frying Pan Farm Park

In honor of Black History Month, the Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse will be open each Saturday of February from noon to 2 p.m. Established in the 18th century, the original congregation of the meetinghouse included enslaved, free Black, and slaveholding members. Explore different facets of Black history in Floris and Herndon each weekend. Learn more. 

• Learn more about Black History Month activities at several other county parks.

Regards,

Walter

The Board of Supervisors held two committee meetings yesterday, Jan. 31. You can view the meeting materials, including agenda, as well as watch the meetings with the links below.

• Safety and Security Committee Watch
• Transportation Committee Watch

The Board of Supervisors is meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7. For your awareness, the county executive is scheduled to present his proposed FY 2024 Budget at our Feb. 21 meeting. Upcoming 2023 schedule of Board of Supervisors meetings.

Reston Comprehensive Plan

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.

• Board Matter: Reauthorization of Reston Comprehensive Plan Study
• Watch Jan. 24 Board Discussion
• Watch Jan. 26 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion

Reston Town Center North Task Force

The first meeting of the Reston Town Center North Task Force, which includes representatives from surrounding neighborhoods, was held on Monday at the North County Governmental Center. Review the presentation and learn more about Reston Town Center North redevelopment. The next scheduled meeting is March 6 – look for more information in an upcoming newsletter.

Site-Specific Plan Amendment Community Meetings

The Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process allows anyone to propose a land use change to the Comprehensive Plan, the guiding document for land use and development decisions in the county. Thirteen SSPA proposals (called “nominations”) in the Hunter Mill District are being reviewed during a series of virtual community meetings hosted by the county's Department of Planning and Development. The final meeting is tonight (see below), and you can watch the first three meetings here:

• Jan. 17
• Jan. 19
• Jan. 31

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.: Tysons Nominations

Link to the meeting (MS Teams)

• CPN22-HM-0012, Koons Chevrolet, 2000 and 2050 Chain Bridge Road

Fairfax Connector Service Changes Effective Saturday, Feb. 4

Connector service changes will go into effect on Feb. 4, including a new route that provides weekday, rush-hour service in the I-66 Express Lanes. Learn more.

From the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:

Virginia’s Emergency Contact Program is a free public service which allows you to store emergency contact information. This program gives law enforcement a way to notify your family or friends in the event of a serious crash or other emergency that leaves you unable to communicate. The Emergency Contact Program is available to people with a valid Virginia driver’s license, identification card, learner’s permit, commercial driver’s license, or temporary driver’s license. You can add, modify, or delete up to two emergency contacts at any time. Your information will be securely stored by DMV and will be accessible only by law enforcement in the event of an emergency.

How to Enroll:

You can add or modify emergency contact information:

• Online on your myDMV Account page, using a DMV password
• Submit a completed "Emergency Contact Application" (DL 569) either at any DMV customer service center or by mail to: Virginia DMV Attn: Data Integrity Work Center, PO Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269

Town Parking Survey

The Town’s Department of Public Works and Economic Development offices are teaming up to lead a study of Vienna’s present-day parking needs in the Town’s business districts to help inform current and future needs as the Town grows. You can provide input through the parking survey, which is open through Feb. 28.

COVID-19 Resources

• Updates from the Fairfax County Health Department
• COVID-19 Case Data
• COVID-19 Vaccine Data

Black History Month

The Fairfax County Health Department recognizes the multitude of contributions local historically Black institutions have made to public health in Fairfax. Read the community story.

Free Tax Assistance at County Library Branches

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free, individualized tax preparation for low to moderate income taxpayers – especially those 50 and older. Learn more.

Community Forum with Hunter Mill School Board Member Melanie Meren

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is hosting a series of Community Forums to provide community members with the opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. School Board Member Melanie Meren will be hosting a Hunter Mill District forum on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Hunters Woods Elementary School, 2401 Colts Neck Rd, Reston. Childcare will be provided at these in-person events as well as language interpretation services. Register in advance at this link.

Plants and Animals in Our Parks

Through the years, various studies and observations of flora and fauna have occurred at Fairfax County Park Authority parks. Learn more about several of these studies and recordings made in county parks. Although many of these are specific to one park, they can be used as an indicator of what might be in other county parks with similar habitats.