May 22, 2024

Neighbors,

At yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we celebrated a double recognition, proclaiming May as both Older Americans and Adult Abuse Prevention Month.

When Older Adults Month was first established in 1963, only about 17 million people reached age 65 or older — or about 1 in 11 people.

Today adults age 65 or older make up about 1 in 6 residents in Fairfax County.

To help improve programs and services for seniors, we have a lot of great work going on, including the SHAPE Plan that’s being led by the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging.

Commission Chair Cathy Cole, Secretary and Hunter Mill District representative Joanne Collins and Providence District representative Joe Heastie accepted the proclamation yesterday. In her remarks, Cole stressed the need to break down the barriers between youth, working families and older adults.

One way the county works to bridge this divide is the Shark Tank Technology Challenge. Yesterday, I participated in the awards presentation to several teams of high school students that competed to create innovative apps or technology to assist older adults. I was amazed at their creativity.

The first place award went to a group of Fairfax High School students who developed a real-time communication system to empower older adults against scams. Called “ScamCops,” their project helps address the emerging challenge of scammers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to dupe older adults and other vulnerable populations. 

Thank you to the Commission and county staff for all you do for our 50+ community!

Regards,

Walter

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, May 21. You can watch the meeting here and review the Board agenda and package. I presented two proclamations:

• Congratulating ViVa! Vienna! on its 40th anniversary (see the photo below which includes Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert, Vienna Rotary Club President Mark Rogoff, and former Hunter Mill District Supervisor Bob Dix)
• Proclaiming May as Older Americans and Adult Abuse Prevention Month

This past weekend I celebrated John Lovaas, the founder of the Reston Farmers Market. For the past 26 years, he managed the market, bringing farm-fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, dairy products and more to the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association’s (LARCA) parking lot. Watch my presentation of a proclamation for John here, and follow me on Facebook for more videos and photos.

About three weeks ago, I participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ellmore Farmhouse at Frying Pan Farm Park. Nonprofit ServiceSource restored this historic building where individuals with disabilities offer tours, serve food at a café and sell handmade crafts at their gift shop. It’s a perfect place to grab a snack or a gift the next time you’re at the park.

Prevent Car Theft. Lock Your Car.

While it sounds obvious, don’t leave your keys in the car and be sure to lock it! Five out of the six cars that were stolen in our area in about the past month were left unlocked.

Coffee with a Cop May 23, 10 a.m. to Noon

Grab a free cup of coffee while you chat with police officers from the Reston District Police Station. It’s your chance to share concerns or ask questions. Thursday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Plaza America Starbucks, 11610 Plaza America, Reston.

Congratulations to the Police Department's Hockey Team for its 5-1 Win

In the Battle of the Badges, the Fairfax County Police Department came out victorious against the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's hockey team at the game that I attended this past Saturday in Reston. It was a fundraiser for an organization committed to assisting and supporting the needs of those connected with public safety, the military and veterans.

For the 40^th year, Viva! Vienna — voted best festival by Virginia Living — offers amusement rides, food, beer and live entertainment during the entire Memorial Day weekend. The Brewfest Beer Garden on Mill Street is also returning.

Festival proceeds support more than 70 local organizations, and since the event's inception it's raised more than $3 million for community organizations.

Buy discounted tickets before midnight on Friday. Join me for the fun and festivities.

Lake Thoreau Pool Reopening Ceremony May 24

Join me this Friday at 4 p.m. for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Lake Thoreau Pool, 2040 Upper Lakes Drive, Reston. Enjoy a DJ, pool games, activities and refreshments at this free event before the pool officially opens on Saturday. For more information, email events@reston.org or call 703-435-6571.

Virtual Center for Active Adults

Looking for something fun to do, meet people and stay active? Discover useful resources through the Virtual Center for Active Adults, such as fitness classes, special presentations, interactive games and more. Get engaged, connected and active!

Transforming Wiehle Avenue Meeting May 23

Take a look at three proposed concepts to transform Wiehle Avenue between Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road from a high-speed thoroughfare to a boulevard safe for travel by foot, bike and car. Show up and speak up at the May 23 community meeting at 7 p.m. to offer your feedback. Meeting details.