November 20, 2024

Neighbors,

Yesterday, we recognized and celebrated National Family Caregivers Awareness Month.

Caregivers — whether they provide care to a family member, friend or neighbor due to age, chronic illness or disability — often go unrecognized for their contributions.

However, there are 980,000 caregivers that have been counted in Virginia — and many more who are quietly performing this vital task. Caregiving is a role that transcends age, ethnicity and economic status — but it falls disproportionately on women. Usually, this work is unpaid, but did you know caregiving’s economic impact is valued at an estimated $14.3 billion in Virginia.

Because caregivers all face different circumstances, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers a wide range of services and programs to support and empower them. Here are some:

• Monthly Webinars: Designed for family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities, these free virtual webinars cover timely topics, including how to protect a loved one from scams, understanding dementia, financial resources for caregivers and more. Today, for example, there was a presentation on managing chronic diseases from noon to 1 p.m., and you can view past webinars on YouTube.
• Caregiver Alerts: These weekly text or email alerts share essential resources, information about programs and services and support. To get these alerts, sign up for a Fairfax Alerts account (or if you already have one, sign into your account) and select “Area Agency on Aging/Caregiving.”
• Caregiver Respite: There are two county programs to help caregivers take a well-deserved break for up to six hours monthly. Call 703-324-7948 to learn more or fill out the online service request form.

If you’re a caregiver, I invite you to learn more about how the county can support you. Call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948.

Regards,

Walter

On Saturday, we distributed nearly 1,400 winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves to anyone who needed them during our Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet.

Once again, we partnered with nonprofit Cornerstones to collect and organize the coats.

A big thanks to everyone who donated coats, and our many dedicated volunteers from the community, RestonStrong, and Young Men’s Service League’s Hunter Mill and Fox Mill chapters! And to the wonderful staff in my office who make this happen, thank you also!  

This weekend I also participated in the Dark Sky Friends’ Save the Night event in Vienna, raising awareness about light pollution’s harmful effects on human health and wildlife.

Next week is also Dark Skies and Light Pollution Awareness Week in Vienna, offering a chance to learn more about what you can do.

Eileen Kragie, who founded the Friends, has also been recognized by the the county's Environmental Quality Advisory Council with a 2024 Environmental Excellence Award for her many efforts, including getting Virginia to designate the first week in April as Dark Sky Week. Congratulations Eileen!  

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, Nov. 19. You can watch the meeting and review the agenda and package.

Pinecrest Road Speed Humps Approved

Following a successful petition process by the community, two speed humps were approved for Pinecrest Road near the intersection with Fox Mill Road. One hump will be installed adjacent to 12515 and 12538 Pinecrest Road and another near 12607 and 12608 Pinecrest Road.

These traffic calming measures were requested by the neighborhood through the county’s Residential Traffic Administration Program.

If your neighborhood is interested in traffic calming measures, such as speed humps and tables, contact my office by email. To be eligible, a road must meet a number of criteria, including be owned and maintained by VDOT, have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour and fall within traffic volume guidelines.

Reston Sanitary District Approved

Following a public hearing, the Board approved adding 51 Hunter Mill District homes to the county’s Solid Waste Collection Areas. Effective Jan. 1, the county will arrange for trash, recycling and vacuum leaf collection for these homeowners between Lawyers Road, Fox Mill Road and Steeplechase Drive which petitioned to get county service.

CDC Recommends Seniors to Get Second COVID Shot

In case you missed the news, the CDC now recommends a second dose of the updated COVID vaccine for people age 65-plus or who are immunocompromised. You should get this second shot six months after your first dose.

Why It’s Important: COVID is more likely to cause severe illness, hospitalization and death among people who are age 65 or older.

• Last year, the CDC reported 44,059 COVID-related deaths among people aged 65 or older.
• While higher than the state or national vaccination rate, only 38% of people 65-plus in Fairfax County have gotten the latest COVID vaccine, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
• The vaccine also reduces the chances of suffering from long COVID, says the CDC.

CDC Lowers Recommended Age for Pneumonia Vaccination

The CDC recently lowered the recommended age to get a pneumonia vaccination from age 65 to 50.

Why it Matters: Older adults age 50-plus are at higher risk for pneumococcal diseases.

• Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. The CDC says pneumonia causes about 150,000 hospitalizations per year.
• Research also finds that 30 to 50% of adults ages 50 to 64 have an underlying condition that puts them at higher risk for pneumococcal disease.
• You’re also more likely to contract pneumonia if you have flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The Big Picture: Since last month, walking pneumonia cases have been spiking among children and teens in Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. MedStar Health Urgent Care, which operates across the region, reported a 358% increase in walking pneumonia diagnoses in October.

Get Mental Health Services

Did you know the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers lifesaving help for people experiencing mental health concerns, substance misuse and developmental disabilities.

• Non-emergency: Call the CSB Entry & Referral call center at 703-383-8500 on Mondays to Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or you may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health on Mondays to Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Emergency: For emergency mental health or substance use services, help is available 24/7 by calling 703-573-5679 or walk-in to the Sharon Bulova Center.

Learn more about CSB Emergency and Crisis Services and what happens when you come for CSB Emergency Services. 

Most Fairfax County Farmers Markets are already closed for the season — but not Reston’s market which will be open into December.

The Reston Farmers Market will continue to operate through Dec. 7 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Pick up farm fresh produce and herbs for your Thanksgiving meal.

Cauliflower is in season at the market. Test out these savory recipes for soups, mashes, curries and hummus or these 35 Food Network favorites.

Do you know someone who has volunteered to educate others about the elections process or voting or facilitated voter registration?

Nominate them by Dec. 4 for a Barbara Varon Volunteer Award. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

The award honors the late Barbara Varon, former chairman of the Fairfax County Electoral Board and dedicated community volunteer.

Learn how to apply. Or contact the Clerk to the Fairfax County Electoral Board by email with questions or call 703-324-4735.

Land Use Update

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

The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development will be hosting an in-person town hall meeting on the Lake Fairfax Business Center redevelopment and site specific plan amendment proposed by EYA. The meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Langston Hughes Middle School. Meeting information flyer.

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.

Holiday Stroll on Church Street Dec. 2

Enjoy live holiday music, a tree lighting and great deals from local businesses during the Dec. 2 Church Street Holiday Stroll. Santa arrives at 6:15 p.m. on the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department's antique truck to help Mayor Colbert light the Town tree. Afterwards, he’ll be available for visits on the Freeman store front porch. Fire pits will be placed on each block of Church Street with free marshmallow roasting. Details.

Meals Tax Proposal Deferred to Dec. 9

At its Nov. 18 meeting, the Vienna Town Council voted to defer the proposal to temporarily raise the town’s meals tax from 3% to 4% to pay for a new public pool and fitness facility. The council will resume discussions at its next regular meeting on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. If the temporary 1% meals tax is approved, the facility would be constructed by 2030. Learn more.

Who are Restonians on Jeopardy?

Find out the answer if you attend Reston Museum’s lively evening celebrating Restonians who appeared on “Jeopardy!” This free event is today Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, learn trivia secrets, and participate in a fun audience quiz for a chance to win prizes. RSVP requested.

Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park Plant Sale

The Friends’ Fall Plant sale fundraiser is going on through Thanksgiving weekend. Volunteers grow the native plants, ornamentals, ferns, trees, vegetables and herbs for sale. All proceeds go to helping the farm and animals. Order now.

“The Other Witch” Nov. 23

On Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. at RCC’s the CenterStage, this multi-media and multi-lingual dance performance features elements of contemporary dance, dance ritual, text, sound and music. Choreographed and performed by Nejla Yatkin, her dance solo is a haunting visual experience that alludes to the untamable aspects of nature. The Washington Post called her “an artist to follow, a woman with deep reserves of feeling and experience and an invigorating, memorable way of expressing them.” Buy tickets.

Reston Town Center Holiday Parade Nov. 29

Join me for one of the Top 10 holiday parades in the nation, according to USA TODAY. I’ll be participating in the Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29 starting at 11 a.m. For the 8^th year in a row, the parade is a nominee among the USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice 10Best holiday parades. Vote to make this parade number one! Cast your vote daily until Dec. 2 at noon. Last year, the parade took 6th place, but I know we can make it to the top.

Reston Town Center Holiday Performance Nov. 30

Get into the holiday spirit with the stylings of the MGK Holiday Jazz Combo at Reston Town Center from noon to 3 p.m. Details.

Donate Hygiene Products for Older Adults by Dec. 2

Donate hygiene items for the holiday gift bags that the Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Adult and Aging Division is distributing to its clients. Your donations must be received by Monday Dec. 2. For questions, email Emily Swenson or call 703-324-6898.

Save the Date! Hunter Mill District Open House Dec. 6

I'm going to hold my annual holiday open house on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4-6 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. I hope you'll join me.

Adopt-a-Family Holiday Donations by Dec. 13

The Adopt-a-Family Program helps children and families who are in need of clothing, food and toys for the holidays. The Department of Family Services matches generous donors with families. Gifts must be delivered by Friday Dec. 13. Get started by filling out a donor form, and learn more about how to adopt a family.