Nov. 30, 2022

Neighbors, 

Good evening everyone! This Friday, Dec. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. my staff and I are hosting a holiday open house at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Dr. in Reston. There will be light refreshments served and a sing-along with the Reston Chorale. We look forward to seeing you! No RSVP needed. If you have a question about the open house, please email [email protected].

I also encourage you to take a look at the opportunities for giving and the upcoming holiday happenings noted in this newsletter.

Regards,

Walter

The holiday giving season is underway and there are many opportunities to help our neighbors in need, especially during the month of December. Hunter Mill District is known for our very generous communities, so if you can, please consider supporting our local holiday drives and nonprofits. Upcoming events include the Winter Coat Closet, Elf Store and more, find details here.

Holiday on the Farm Next Two Weekends

Enjoy an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires and beautiful lights during the Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10. Tickets are $10 per person. Learn more and make reservations. 

Gifts From the HeART, Dec. 3

Head to Reston Community Center at Lake Anne,1609-A Washington Plaza, for a unique holiday gift shopping event. Beautiful original artwork, remarkable ceramics, stunning jewelry and many other one-of-a-kind items will be sold by the artists. The free event is this Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more.

Herndon WinterMarkt, Dec. 10

On Saturday, Dec.10, noon to 7 p.m. enjoy a European-style family-friendly wintermarkt. You will find food, German entertainment, authentic European and German crafts and ornaments, as well as gifts from numerous area crafts vendors. Parking is available nearby or at Herndon High School with shuttle service throughout day. Learn more.

Proposed Reston Arts Center Update

Last night I hosted a virtual town hall to discuss the proffer for a potential arts center in Reston. An overview and Q&A included preference for an arts center or ball field, as well as location and relevant financing issues. This was the second town hall for community input that will enable the Board of Supervisors to make an informed decision. You can watch the meeting here. For questions regarding the proposed arts center or to provide input, email [email protected].

Reston Comprehensive Plan Information

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.

Fairfax Connector's Temporary Bus Stop

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has installed a temporary bus at the intersection of Jonathan Way and Temporary Road. Routes 552, 558 and 574 service this stop. Until further notice, Routes 552, 574 and 578 will no longer service stop ID 3627. More.

Vienna Community Center Holiday Hours:

Friday, Dec. 23: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 24 – Monday, Dec. 26: Closed Saturday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 1: Closed

Monday, Jan. 2: 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Vienna Arts Society Exhibit

Looking for a special gift idea? Explore original artworks available for purchase at the Gallery in the Village Green located at 513 Maple Ave., West. All artwork is created by Vienna Arts Society members. Hours: Mondays thru Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

To keep you, your family and your home safe during the holiday season, the Fairfax County Police Department reminds residents to:

• Use timers on interior lights when you are away from home, even if you're going away for a short time.
• Call a sober friend, taxi or rideshare to get you home safely, if you've been drinking.
• Have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home and collect any mail, newspapers and packages.
• Be sure to lock all doors and windows, including pet doors.
• Keep your yard clean and prune shrubbery so windows and doors can be seen.
• Keep the make, model, model year, license plate, and Vehicle Identification Number easily accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen.

Resources and Technology that May Benefit Older Adult Drivers

Driving in Fairfax County can be challenging no matter your age and older adult drivers also contend with slower reaction times, mobility issues, hearing loss and diminished vision. There are new technologies available to make driving safer. Learn more.

Running Bamboo Ordinance

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, a new ordinance regulating running bamboo will go into effect in Fairfax County. Property owners who have running bamboo growing on their property must not allow it to spread from their property to any public right-of-way or adjoining property. Running bamboo is an invasive plant that can be destructive to native plants and trees. Learn more about how to remove or contain running bamboo. Fairfax County Master Gardeners are also a great resource. 

Annual Hypothermia Prevention Program Begins Tomorrow, Dec. 1

Since 2005, the Hypothermia Prevention Program has prevented death and serious injuries among Fairfax County's most vulnerable residents by ensuring that no one must sleep outside during the winter months. The program is available to any adult in need of immediate shelter. Accommodations are provided within existing shelters that serve single adults as well as in auxiliary programs that are administered in partnership with various faith communities throughout the county. The program provides warm shelter, food, and other supportive services. Learn more.

Fairfax County COVID-19 Data Dashboard

COVID-19 Booster Reminders

The Virginia Department of Health is sending text and voice message reminders to residents across Virginia (ages 50 and over) to remind them that they are eligible for COVID-19 bivalent boosters. The campaign begins in several health districts across the state this week, including in Fairfax County. Learn more. 

Inova News: Strain on Hospital Capacity

Please note this information provided by Inova:

Due to another spike in flu, COVID-19, RSV and other illnesses following the Thanksgiving holiday, Inova’s hospitals are experiencing unprecedented patient volumes and strain on hospital capacity. What you can do:

• Get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 and boosted for COVID-19 if you’re eligible.
• Continue to practice safety measures including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing as appropriate.
• Stay home and away from others if you or your children are not feeling well.