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May 11, 2022
Neighbors,
Although much, much improved from last spring, the recent news on COVID-19 is challenging. For many weeks the community transmission in Fairfax County was low, according to CDC guidelines, but our cases have steadily gone up and based on available case reporting data we are currently at medium transmission. Our current chart (below) shows our average PCR test positivity rate of more than 14% and our cases have risen to a seven-day average of 477. The good news is that the vaccines are working at preventing serious illness – I can personally vouch for this after my own bout with COVID-19 several weeks ago. It wasn't pleasant but was much like having the flu for a few days. The photo was when I got my first vaccine in March 2021 and since then I have gotten three more shots, including two boosters. And unrelatedly a few more gray hairs.
The prevention tips from the Fairfax County Health Department remain the same, but are worth repeating:
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Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination is still the best way to prevent serious outcomes of COVID-19, including severe disease, hospitalization and death.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
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Get tested when you have symptoms; order free at-home tests here.
- Inform your contacts if you have COVID-19.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands frequently.
If you do get sick from COVID-19, effective treatment is now available that can prevent your illness from becoming worse leading to hospitalization and death. People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults, people with chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system, those who are overweight, and women who are pregnant. If you get sick, talk with your healthcare provider to get more information about the best treatment for you. An expert panel of the National Institutes of Health identified Paxlovid as the preferred therapy with strong evidence supporting its use. Please note that treatment must be started within the five days of when your symptoms began so call your doctor right away. Medications to treat COVID-19 are free, whether or not you have health insurance – learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns, Fairfax County has great resources for our residents:
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Call our Health Department Call Centers Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for questions about COVID-19 (703-267-3511) or vaccines (703-324-7404). You also can email [email protected].
- Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.
Please stay safe Hunter Mill District neighbors!
Regards,
Walter
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VDOT Public Hearing: Fox Mill and Pinecrest | |
Garden Events Blooming This Spring | |
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Music in the Gardens Series in May and June at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Beginning this Sunday, May 15, the Virginia Chamber Orchestra will present “Music in the Gardens,” a spring ensemble series on selected Sunday afternoons in the Korean Bell Pavilion at Vienna’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Concerts are free with admission to the park ($3 to $6), located at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Learn more.
Increase Native Vegetation in Your Garden and Yard
Join a Virginia Native Plant Society member virtually Thursday, May 12 at 4 p.m. as she discusses increasing native vegetation in her suburban yard and how landscaping with native plants helps create a habitat for local wildlife. The event is sponsored by Reston Regional Library. Register here.
Reston Gardens of Note is Saturday, June 4
Experience the sights, sounds, and fragrances of five notable private residential gardens in Reston on the self-guided 2022 Gardens of Note tour, including musical performances. Presented by The Reston Chorale in partnership with the Reston Garden Club and Hidden Lane Residential Landscapes; $20 in advance and $25 on tour day. Tickets and additional information: restonchorale.org.
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Last Call for Tour de Hunter Mill | |
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Tour de Hunter Mill
It's almost here! The Tour de Hunter Mill gets underway this Saturday, May 14 at 8:30 a.m. The event, including a five-mile family route and a 18-mile route, begins in the Town of Vienna at the Town Green at 144 Maple Avenue E. The registration fee is $30 per rider, which includes Tour de Hunter Mill socks and and a contribution to the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, which provides operational support. Please note that the event is rain or shine. More information and to register. If you have questions, email [email protected]
Additional Resources:
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Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Update; Upcoming Meetings
County staff review of the Task Force’s interim recommendations on the 14 areas of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study is underway. Upcoming Task Force meetings to discuss county staff input are:
- Monday, May 16, 5 to 7 p.m. The meeting is hosted on Webex, Use this link to attend and participate. You may also watch the meeting on YouTube.
- Tuesday, May 17, 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting is hosted on Webex, Use this link to attend and participate. You may also watch the meeting on YouTube.
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 [email protected].
Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Monday, May 16, 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: 2341 731 4210. For information, contact Lisa Connors, 703-478-0283.
Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, May 17 is canceled.
Information on the June meeting will be forthcoming.
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Vienna Wins Fitness Competition
Congrats to Mayor Linda Colbert and town residents for winning the second annual Mayors’ Fitness Challenge! The friendly annual competition between the Town of Vienna and Falls Church and Fairfax cities encourages residents to get moving and log their minutes of exercise in the name of community spirit and team pride. You set a great example for all of us in Fairfax County! Learn more.
Viva! Vienna! is Back!
Viva! Vienna! is returning on Memorial Day Weekend May 28-30. It's a fun weekend with family activities, local vendors, food and more. Learn more, including how to volunteer.
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Quarterly Joint CAC Meeting is Tomorrow, Thursday, May 12
The virtual joint quarterly meeting of the McLean District Station Community Advisory Committee and the Reston District Station Community Advisory Committee is this Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. On the agenda: Captain Rex Pagerie will make a presentation on the Fairfax County Police Department's License Plate Reader Program and take your questions. You can join the meeting here: https://meet.goto.com/633996373
You can also dial in using your phone +1 312-757-3121, Access Code: 633-996-373 followed by #.
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Juneteenth Resiliency Award Nominations
Fairfax County has opened nominations for the 2022 Juneteenth Resiliency Award. This award is meant to honor young people ages 13-21 who demonstrate courage, resilience and perseverance while remaining dedicated to their dreams and/or service to others in the Black community. Applications are due by close of business Thursday, May 19. Apply here. For more information, email [email protected]
Environmental Excellence Awards Nominations
The Environmental Excellence Awards recognize the best examples of leadership and service to protect and enhance our environment. The awards celebrate accomplishments by individual county residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees who do one or more of the following:
- Advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policies
- Dedicate personal time and expertise beyond normal fiscal or civic responsibilities
- Demonstrate leadership, acting as role models for others
Applications are due by July 15. Learn more.
4 Steps to Keep Your Home Safe During Building Safety Month
Fairfax County has several helpful tips for homeowners, including hiring contractors, getting work inspected and keeping up regular maintenance. Learn more.
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Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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