December 4, 2024

Neighbors,

It’s the holiday season, and there’s a bounty of markets, concerts and performances to enjoy. As you make your plans, I invite you to join me at these three events: 

Hunter Mill Holiday Open House on Friday

I’ll be holding my holiday open house on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4-6 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.❄️

It’s open to all, and we'll celebrate the joys of the winter season, including light refreshments, a fun sing-along with Reston Chorale and a giving tree.

Come as you are and festive attire is always welcome! I hope you can stop by. For questions, email my office or call 703-478-0283.

See the Hunter Mill District Tree at Winterfest Dec. 5-7

Reston Association’s Winterfest returns to Browns Chapel Park for three nights: Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 7. Enjoy food, wine, beer, live performances, free photos with Santa, holiday lights — and the Enchanted Forest with nearly 100 decorated holiday trees, including the one ornamented by my office. When Winterfest concludes, the trees will be donated to families in need in our area. Get tickets.

Wiehle Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Dec. 11

While it opened this summer, there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the W&OD Trail Bridge over Wiehle Avenue on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. I’ll be joining Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay, NOVA Parks representatives and others from the community for this celebration.

The ceremony starts in the Reston Fire Station’s parking lot at 1820 Wiehle Avenue, followed by the ribbon cutting on the bridge. If you’re attending, park in the surface lot at 1985 Isaac Newton Square or the Reston North Park & Ride at 11300 Sunset Hills Road. Then walk to the fire station. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes since it’s a bit of a walk, and you’ll have to cross uneven or hilly ground at some points too.

Whatever your plans this month, I hope to see you soon.

Regards,

Walter

I thoroughly enjoyed the Reston Holiday Parade, along with the many members of the community who participated.

USA TODAY ranks this parade as one of the best in the nation, and I couldn’t agree more.

I also recently attended the grand opening of the Greenheart Juice Shop at North Point Village Center. I joined founder Alicia Swanstrom (left) and area manager Cheryl Strzemienski.

It’s the shop’s second store in Hunter Mill District, and Greenheart serves energy boosting juices, smoothies and nutritious, healthy quick foods.

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, Dec. 3. You can watch the meeting and review the agenda and package.

Recognizing a Day of Racial Healing

Along with my colleagues, I co-sponsored a resolution to proclaim Jan. 21 as a National Day of Racial Healing in Fairfax County. It’s an opportunity to contemplate our shared values and inspire collective action for a more just, inclusive and equitable community. During the week of Jan. 20, the county will host a series of events that conclude with a day of service on Jan. 25. Stay tuned for more details.

Adopting Our Legislative Agendas

The Board adopted its state and federal legislative agendas. Our legislative program for the General Assembly focuses on many key issues for Fairfax County, such as ensuring full, adequate state funding for K-12 education and fully restoring state funding for regional transportation projects. Our federal legislative strategy for the 119^th Congress includes a focus on the importance of keeping federal employees and facilities in our region. Find both legislative agendas in the “2025 Legislative Reports” section on this webpage.

Former Hotel Property to Become Emergency Family Shelter

The Board approved the transfer of a former hotel in the Fairfax area, allowing it to become a new emergency family shelter starting this spring.

I enthusiastically support this project that will provide shelter for unhoused families with children and domestic violence survivors. Currently, the county doesn’t have adequate emergency shelter for families, renting costly hotel rooms and apartments spread out across the county instead.

It’s also a move that will provide more capacity at the Embry Rucker Shelter as we work towards building a new shelter (along with a new regional library) at Reston Town Center North. The families currently living at Embry Rucker will move to the new family shelter that’s planned to be ready when the hypothermia program concludes for the season on March 31.

Earlier this summer, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority purchased the vacant 94-unit hotel at 3995 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax. However, the housing authority transferred the property because the Board owns public shelters in the county.

The Hypothermia Prevention Program began on Sunday, just as temperatures plummeted.

It operates from Dec. 1 to March 31 every year, and this program is administered in partnership with nonprofits, faith organizations and community groups.

If you see someone you think is at risk for hypothermia, call the police non-emergency number: 703-691-2131. An officer will respond and conduct a wellness check.

In Reston, there are currently two hypothermia shelter locations:

• Embry Rucker Shelter
• North County Human Services Center

Donations of money, food, toiletries and clothes are welcome, and you can volunteer at these two locations. Send an email to Saira Sufi with Cornerstones.

Yesterday was Giving Tuesday, and there are many organizations, children, adults and families that need your help.

To help find organizations you can support, see this list of nonprofits, and here are some opportunities to give back this season.

Alternative Gift Market Donations by Dec. 8

Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, you can buy gifts for those in our community and abroad, including clothes, school supplies, dental care, malaria medicines and more. Shop in person on Dec. 7 or do so online through Dec. 8. Participating charities include CASA Fairfax, Cornerstones, Friends of Homeless Animals, American Near East Refugee Aid, and many more. Learn more and shop.

Santa’s Ride Gift Donation by Dec. 9

During the annual Santa’s Ride, the Fairfax County Police Department, along with other local police and sheriff’s offices, will deliver gifts to children. Donate new, unwrapped toys, games and books no later than Monday, Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Reston District Police Station, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston or other locations. You also may donate online. Your gifts will be given to children at Fairfax Inova Hospital and Inova Life with Cancer.

Adopt a Family by Dec. 13

This county program helps families in need of clothing, food and toys for the holidays. While most families have been adopted already, gift cards, monetary donations and new baby items are still needed. Sign up online to adopt a family for the holidays and check out this Amazon wish list.

Gift Cards for Families Impacted by Domestic Violence by Dec. 13

Donate a gift card (in $25 increments) for big-box and grocery stores to support families impacted by interpersonal violence. Cards will be collected until Dec. 13. They may be dropped off or mailed to the Domestic Violence Action Center, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702, Fairfax, VA 22030. Learn more.

Toys for Tots Through Dec. 15

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is participating in the Toys for Tots campaign. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Fairfax County fire station through Dec. 15. In the Hunter Mill District, there are four stations: Reston (1820 Wiehle Avenue, Reston), Fox Mill (2610 Reston Parkway, Herndon), Frying Pan (2660 West Ox Road, Herndon) and Vienna (400 Center Street, S.W., Vienna).

Cornerstones Donation Match

Starting now, your donation to Cornerstones will make twice the impact, thanks to a $50,000 match from Marjie and Steve Alloy. Cornerstones provides healthy meals to families, stable housing, and affordable childcare programs. Donate now.

Land Use Update

Lake Fairfax Business Center Town Hall Dec. 9

Attend the in-person town hall on Monday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Langston Hughes Middle School, 11401 Ridge Heights Road, Reston. You’ll learn about EYA’s proposed Lake Fairfax Business Center redevelopment and Site Specific Plan Amendment. This event is hosted by the county’s Department of Planning and Development. For more information, contact Mark Goldberg-Foss by email or at 703-478-5123, or visit the Hunter Mill District Land Use and Zoning webpage.

PRC Plan and Minor Modification Zoning Amendment

Two virtual meetings will be held on Dec. 10 and 12 to gather feedback on proposed zoning changes to permit Planned Residential Community (PRC) plan waivers and minor modifications. Read the county planning staff’s white paper that also includes draft ordinance language. Community meeting details.

Reston Planning & Zoning Committee Seeks New Members

New members are sought to serve starting 2025. This independent advisory committee reviews land use and planning proposals in the Reston Comprehensive Plan area, making recommendations to me and the Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner. Reston residents interested in serving should apply by Jan. 10. Application form.

Quarterly Recycling Day Dec. 7

Drop off auto waste, electronics, scrap metal and rechargeable batteries for recycling on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Northside Property Yard, 600 Mill Street, NE, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details.

Santa’s Ride Donation

The Vienna Police are participating in Santa’s Ride, bringing gifts and cheer to children in hospitals this holiday season. Support them by donating new unwrapped toys and books by Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Drop them off at the Vienna Police Department (215 Center Street, S) Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry Street, SE) or Town Hall (127 Center Street, S) during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Learn more. 

The bright red bush in your yard may be a burning bush. While admittedly beautiful in the fall, it’s environmentally destructive. The bushes drop a large number of seeds that can be transported to nearby woodlands, and roots form a dense mat under the soil, crowding out native plants. Find out how to eradicate it and there are plenty of beautiful native alternatives. 

Friends of Reston Library Holiday Book Sale Dec. 5-8

The annual holiday sale in the library’s lobby features books and other items for all ages in gift-quality condition. Shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 5-7, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8. For questions, call 703-829-5467.

Gifts from the HeART Shopping Event Dec. 7

Find unique holiday gifts on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at RCC Lake Anne. This shopping event features beautiful original artwork, remarkable ceramics, stunning jewelry and more in conjunction with the annual “Gifts from the HeART” Exhibit. Artists are asked to donate 10% of sale proceeds to Cornerstones. Event details.

Jingle on the Lake Dec. 7

This free daylong celebration at Lake Anne Plaza includes a holiday market, children’s choirs, ornament decorating — and of course, Santa leading a decorated boat parade as he’s accompanied by elves on paddleboards. Experienced paddlers are invited to participate. While there, don’t forget to buy your South Lakes High School STEAM Team 2025 Calendar with sales supporting the team and their 2025 artwork on Lake Thoreau. Event details.

Reston Players “The Producers” Auditions Dec. 7 & 9

Do you have a secret desire to be a producer? Audition on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Monday, Dec. 9 for the Reston Community Players’ production of “The Producers.” Learn more and sign up.

Reston Chorale’s “Messiah” Sing-Along Dec 10

Join in singing the glorious Christmas portion of Handel's “Messiah” on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Bring your own score or rent one (while supplies last). Donate toiletries or non-perishable food to receive discounted admission. Buy tickets.

Run with Santa 5K Dec. 8

Ready, Set, Ho, Ho, Go! Hosted by Potomac River Running, the Run with Santa 5K is Sunday, Dec. 8 at 8 a.m. at Reston Town Center. Join live or virtually. Pre-registered participants will receive a race sweatshirt, one-of-a-kind finisher medal, post-race photos and more. Register now.

Commedia Christmas Carol Dec. 6-8

The Traveling Players present Commedia Christmas Carol based on the story by Charles Dickens. Enjoy performances on Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 at the Traveling Players Studio on the first floor of Tysons Corner Center. Performances include a variety of VIP cameos, including a member of Congress and Katie Cristol, CEO of the Tysons Community Alliance. Buy tickets.

Celebrate Fairfax’s Winter Market Dec. 14

Visit Fairfax County's own North Pole for the 4th Annual Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons on Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. The market offers 20-plus local makers, crafters and artisans selling unique holiday gifts, free family photos with Santa, and live performances from the School of Rock. Event details.