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March 9, 2022

Neighbors,

The enormous and often unheralded contributions that women have made to our government and society are being celebrated this month during National Women's History Month. I am fortunate to have several inspiring women in my life including my first boss out of school whom many you know – Kate Hanley – who would later be elected and re-elected (twice) as chairman of the Fairfax County of Board of Supervisors. I encourage you to join me and take part in one of the many county activities honoring women past and present. Here are a few highlights:

  • Visit the new Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton: The memorial honors the women involved in the suffragist movement from 1848 to 1920, when women were given the right to vote with the passing of the 19th Amendment. Learn more.
  • While you're in Lorton, visit the Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center: Lucy and 72 other suffragists were arrested in 1917 and sent to the Occoquan Workhouse. The museum commemorates this historic event that is credited for being was a turning point in the movement. Learn more.
  • A Women's Life (or Not...) at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m. Learn about the rural farming community of Floris, where women found ways to move out of traditional roles and use their talents in new ways. Hear about Edith Rogers, first woman on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, as well as other women’s accomplishments. Learn more and register ($8 fee)
  • On Thursday, March 17, at noon, author Kayleen Reusser will share stories about some of the 350,000 American women who joined the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Army Air Corps during WWII. Advance registration is required for this virtual event.
  • Failure is Impossible: A Readers Theater Play on the 19th Amendment is at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna on Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. The play includes historical figures such as Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Clara Barton, and Woodrow Wilson, as well as other people involved in the debate about women’s voting rights. Learn more.
  • Read one of the many books curated by the Fairfax County Public Library for Women's History Month.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the county's Commission for Women for their tireless work on policies and initiatives to promote gender equality, eliminate violence against women, and honor our female residents of every age. They have put together a monthlong calendar of ways to celebrate this month – take a look.

Respectfully,
Walter
 
COVID-19 Update (March 9)

Important Note about the Weekly COVID-19 Case/Vaccine Information Chart:
As the CDC and Virginia Department of Health move toward a more endemic (versus pandemic) approach to COVID-19, reporting on data that has appeared in the weekly metrics charts is no longer as relevant as it has been throughout the pandemic. This is the last week for the chart in this format. My office is looking at an alternative format to provide you with the best available information on community transmission. We will continue to provide you with links and information on COVID-19, as well as updates from the Fairfax County Department of Health.
Data resources:

Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
  • Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here
  • Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here
How to Support Refugees
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War and conflict have forced many citizens of Ukraine and Afghanistan to leave their homes and countries with very few belongings and basics such as food. Fairfax County has put together resources for residents who are interested in supporting through donations and other means.
County Executive's FY 2023 Proposed Budget
Key Points:
 
What to Know About the Proposed Budget:
 
Provide Your Input:
  • Email: HunterMill@Fairfaxcounty.gov
  • Virtual Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, March 30, 7 to 9 p.m.: The meeting will be hosted on the Webex platform. Melanie Meren, Fairfax County School Board representative for Hunter Mill District and Christina Jackson, Fairfax County's Chief Financial Officer will also be participating. The meeting will be hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. To listen to the meeting on your phone, call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 2334 051 4882. You also can watch the meeting on YouTube Live.
  • Public Hearings: Board of Supervisors' public hearings are scheduled for April 12-14.
More information can also be found in the Feb. 23 newsletter. The FY 2023 Budget becomes effective July 1, 2022.
Board of Supervisors Update
The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, March 8 and several actions were taken, including those highlighted below. Watch the full meeting here and review materials here.
Advertised Real Estate Tax Rate – – The Board voted to cap the potential real estate tax rate at $1.14 per $100 of assessed value. As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, this is the maximum potential tax rate for FY 2023, which means that the Board can set a lower tax rate, but it can't be higher. A lot of engaged discussion on county priorities will be taking place before the tax rate is approved. Please see the information above on how you can participate in these discussions.
Changes in Election Precincts – An ordinance was approved to amend and readopt Fairfax County Code sections in response to the 2021 decennial redistricting to adjust certain election precinct boundaries, create new election precincts and establish polling places for those new precincts. The newly adopted precinct changes must now be reviewed by the Virginia Attorney General. This process could take up to 60 days.
You can review all the adopted precinct changes on page 211 of the Board Package here. The Office of Elections will notify affected voters of precinct changes before the June primary. Learn more about redistricting.
Land Use and Transportation
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Update
My office and Task Force members are beginning the first phase of community outreach of the Task Force’s interim recommendations on the 14 areas of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study. These interim recommendations have been received by the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development and are undergoing a comprehensive review. The Transportation chapter is also undergoing a thorough review by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Input by the county agencies is expected by spring/early summer and community outreach will continue through the summer.
Upcoming scheduled meetings for the Task Force members to present their interim recommendations include:
  • Coalition for Smarter Growth, March 14
  • Reston Town Center Association, March 14
  • Baltimore-DC Building Trades, March 15
  • Reston Planning & Zoning, March 21
  • Sierra Club Great Falls Group, March 29
To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the Task Force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The archive of meeting details and agendas is here. The video archive of all past task force meetings can be found on my YouTube page. If you have questions or would like to provide input, please email restonplantaskforce@fairfaxcounty.gov

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, March 15, 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 1-844-621-3956 and use code: 2330 638 6343. For information, contact Jose Delcid, 703-478-0283.

Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Monday, March 21, 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 1-844-621-3956 and use Access Code: 2342 796 1153. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. More information.
What's News in Vienna
Get Involved with Liberty Amendments Month This Summer
The Town is seeking volunteers to be a part of the second annual Liberty Amendments Month. Opportunities include volunteering at events, sponsorship, or presenting an event or program as part of the celebration. Learn more about Liberty Amendments Month or contact Lily Widman via email or at 703-255-5738. 
Public Safety Update
From Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department:
Station 25 Grand Opening
You are invited to the grand opening of Reston's new Fire Station 25 this Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. The station is located at 1820 Wiehle Ave. For more information, contact Ashley Hildebrandt

How to Prevent Fires from Discarded Smoking Materials
Recently, there have been two house fires in the county caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Both fires started on the outside of the home. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is providing the tips below to help eliminate this preventable cause of fire:
  • Never dispose of cigarette butts in potted planting soil. The soil, when it gets too dry, can become highly flammable.
  • Never flick cigarettes into mulch or shrubbery. Dispose of them in a suitable ashtray or bucket with sand.
  • Ensure designated outside smoking areas have an appropriate fireproof container, ashtray or bucket.
  • Completely douse butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire.

From the Fairfax County Police Department:
Virtual Personal Safety Presentation on Thursday, March 10
Master Police Officer (MPO) Sabrina Ruck is hosting a virtual personal safety presentation on Thursday, March 10 at 6:30p.m. via Zoom. Topics that will be discussed include:
  • Crime Prevention
  • Situational Awareness
  • Observing Your Surroundings
  • Reducing the Risk of an Attack
  • Developing a Plan of Action
If you prefer to call in to the presentation: 888-204-5984, conference code 578797
Webinar on Water Conservation in Bathrooms
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Join Fairfax County HomeWise volunteers on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. for a webinar on water conservation in bathrooms. Learn how to identify leaks in your bathroom and where, when, and how to intervene. Pick up new tips and tricks for saving water used in sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers. This webinar will include a presentation and a question and answer session. Other common issues that residents can ask about include installing low-flow aerators and showerheads, ending bad water use habits, helping kids learn to be more conscious of their water use, and dealing with basic leaks. Learn more.
3 Things to Know Today
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Applying for Child Care Assistance
Child care assistance may be available to families that are income eligible and demonstrate a need for care (due to employment, enrollment in school or participation in training). The county provides assistance with the cost of child care of children from birth to age 12 in family child care homes, centers and school-aged child care. Learn more.

Adult Day Healthcare and Resources
Insight Memory Care Center is a nonprofit adult day health and resource center providing specialized care, support, and education for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments, their families, caregivers, and the community.

Virginia Chamber Orchestra and William and Mary Symphony Perform in Concert March 26
The William & Mary College Symphony will perform in concert with Virginia Chamber Orchestra in Capital One Hall in Tysons on Saturday, March 26, 8 p.m. David Grandis, VCO Music Director and Director of Orchestras at the College of William and Mary, will conduct the combined orchestras and also lead each of the orchestras in selections by Mahler and Copland. Tickets are available on TicketMaster (search Virginia Chamber Orchestra) or at the Capital One Hall Box Office, 7750 Capital One Tower Drive, Tysons.
Stay Informed and In Touch
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711