November 13, 2024

Neighbors,

With Thanksgving a couple of weeks away, many of us may be starting to think about gathering with family and planning a menu.

However, there are many in our community that go hungry every day. There are 8,000 kids in the county who experience food insecurity — that is not having enough to eat regularly and reliably— according to the Capital Area Food Bank. And, about 34% of Fairfax County Public School students get free and reduced-price meals.

We can help our neighbors this month. I invite you to join me in donating to the Reston Community Center’s Thanksgiving Food Drive through Nov. 22. Once again, RCC is partnering with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones on this effort.

There are 19 locations across Reston, Herndon and Tysons where you can drop off non-perishable food and other essentials, including at my office at the North County Governmental Center.

Reston Association also will be holding a "stuff the RA camp van" on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Point Village Center.

Here are some of the items needed:

• Canned fruits or vegetables
• Cooking oils (olive, canola, vegetable)
• Boxed or bagged rice, noodles, pasta, baking mixes
• Dried or canned beans
• Canned tuna
• Soups, canned or packages
• Flour, sugar, spices
• Gift cards for groceries. (Please place those in separate envelopes from food donations.)

Let’s help feed our neighbors in need.



Regards,

Walter

Do you need a warm winter coat or know someone who does?

Come to the Hunter Mill Winter Coat Closet on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll be distributing free coats, hats, gloves and scarves to any child or adult who needs one.

Once again, we held this year’s coat drive in partnership with nonprofit Cornerstones. A big thanks to everyone who donated coats, and Cornerstones for collecting and organizing them!

For more information or questions, contact Jillian O'Shea-Smith by email or call 703-478-0283.

The Vienna Town Council recently approved modifications to the site plan for the new county library and garage to replace the existing Patrick Henry Library, allowing the project to move forward towards construction as soon as February. The new library, which will be renamed the Vienna-Carter Library, is the result of a joint development project between the town and Fairfax County.

Why it Matters: As one of the busiest community libraries in the county’s system, Patrick Henry’s layout no longer meets current and future needs. While it was renovated in the mid-90s, the 53 year-old building’s infrastructure is also past its lifespan.

Green Features: This project includes eco-friendly features and design:

• It aims to achieve Net Zero energy design. To reach this goal, the project includes solar panels on the garage to generate clean energy and geothermal heating and cooling to reduce energy use.
• The main library space will incorporate skylights to offer energy efficient natural lighting.
• The project also seeks to achieve LEED Gold certification at minimum. LEED is the most widely used green building rating system for buildings like this that measures environmental sustainability.

Library’s Design: The new single-story library will remain at the same location: 101 Maple Avenue East at the intersection with Center Street South. The building will be approximately 19,000 square feet with a four-story parking garage behind it.

• The library will span the length of Maple Avenue with the front entrance on this street.
• In front of the entrance, a covered, outdoor courtyard will offer a community gathering space with tables, seating and landscaping for library patrons and pedestrians.
• The garage will provide 125 spaces for library patrons and an additional 84 public and commuter spaces for the Town of Vienna (which is contributing to the additional spaces through town funds and a regional transportation grant).
• The garage will include electric vehicle charging stations and a protected bicycle rack near the library entrance.
• Drivers will be able to get to the garage from both Maple Avenue and Center Street.

Project Timeline: The county is scheduled to solicit construction bids in December. There will be a temporary library at the Cedar Lane Shopping Center, beginning about February 2025. Then construction on the new library and garage is anticipated to begin summer 2025 with the project completed in early 2027. 

Although we finally got rain this past Sunday, the drought continues in the D.C. region, and officials are asking residents and businesses to continue to voluntarily conserve water.

The Drought Watch was declared four months ago, and regional water supply officials extended it this past week. Dry conditions are expected to continue into the fall and winter. By comparison, the last drought watch that was issued in 2010 lasted less than a month.

Water Conservation Tips: There are a few simple things you can do:

• Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose)
• Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water
• Fix any plumbing leaks — especially toilets and faucets
• Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth
• Wash full loads of dishes and clothes

Land Use Update

Reston Planning and Zoning Meeting Nov. 18

This virtual meeting is Monday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. To attend by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and enter conference ID 933 664 369#

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Meeting Nov. 19

This virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. To attend by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and enter conference ID 450 976 170#

Lake Fairfax Business Center Site Specific Plan Amendment Town Hall Dec. 9

The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development will host an in-person town hall meeting on Monday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Langston Hughes Middle School. Read developer EYA’s original Lake Fairfax Business Center proposed redevelopment and SSPA nomination.

For more information about these meetings, contact Mark Goldberg-Foss by email or call 703-478-5123. Or visit the Hunter Mill District Land Use and Zoning webpage.

Reston District Police Station Community Engagement Meeting Nov. 20

The Community Advisory Committee meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. These meetings are open to anyone who's interested.

You’ll learn about holiday fire safety tips from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Captain Jamal Hudson. Reston District Police Station commanders will also be there to answer questions. For more information email Officer Jenette Post.

W&OD Trail Closure in Vienna Through Nov. 15

Because Dominion Energy is replacing wires on their 230 kV electric transmission line above the W&OD Trail, it is closed through this Friday, Nov. 15 between Mill Street, NE, (near mile marker 12) and Sandburg Street (mile marker 9) in Dunn Loring. Police will be patrolling the closed trail, and a detour is available for trail users (view online detour map).

As part of this work, Dominion Energy will remove shrubs and trees from their easement along the trail to provide sufficient clearance for their transmission line. Some of you will remember the last major tree clearing along the W&OD in 2005. While I understand the need for Dominion to keep nearby trees from falling on their power lines, I have asked Dominion to use their technical resources to ensure that only those trees that truly pose a threat are removed. I have been working collaboratively with Mayor Linda Colbert, members of the Town Council and NOVA Parks to try to minimize tree loss and press Dominion to implement a vegetation management plan to avoid the need to remove trees in the future. Discussions continue, stay tuned.  

In the meantime, for questions or more information, call Dominion at 888-291-0190 or email them. Or visit the project webpage to learn more.

Opportunities to Meet With the Mayor

Take a walk with Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert on Friday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. during her Mayor’s Walk. Or dine with her Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast.

Southside Park Habitat Restoration Nov. 18

Put on your gloves and help with the habitat restoration of Southside Park on Monday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Meet at the Ware-Walker entrance. While not required, registering is appreciated. For more information or to sign up, contact Jeremy Edwards by email or call 571-722-7005.

Medicare 101 Nov. 13

If you’ll be eligible for Medicare soon, learn more about it during a virtual seminar today, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. This session will address Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital services/doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans. Register now.

Lewis and Clark Lecture Nov. 14

Join a virtual talk on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: “Lewis and Clark: Heading Westward.” Participate by Zoom. Or call 301-715-8592 and use meeting ID: 905 123 5932# and password: 3636#. Find other Virtual Center for Active Adults classes.

“Radium Girls” Nov. 15-16

I’ll be attending “Radium Girls” at South Lakes High School, and tickets are still available for the performances tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Based on a true story, the play is about female watch dial painters in the 1920s who were poisoned by their factory's radium-based paint. Buy tickets.

Save the Night Nov. 17

Join me for an afternoon learning how reducing light pollution can bring the stars back into view. Attend Dark Sky Friends’ Save the Night Event on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 3-6 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Register now.

“Past Lives” Screening Nov. 20

Acclaimed by the American Film Institute as one of best films of 2023, “Past Lives” is a semi-autobiographical, romantic drama about the lives of two childhood friends over the course of 24 years. It’s written and directed by Celine Song. This film will be shown at RCC’s theCenterStage on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Details.

CHO Bike Drive Through Nov. 28

The Committee for Helping Others is collecting bikes for families in need, and 24-inch or larger bikes for teenagers are adults are especially needed. By Nov. 28, drop off a new or gently used bike in the Antioch Christian Church parking lot, 1860 Beluah Road or the driveway of 317 Church St. NE or 218 Elmar Drive SE.