Oct. 19, 2022

Neighbors, 

Last night the Board of Supervisors honored the 2022 Lords and Ladies Fairfax for their outstanding contribution to our communities. This tradition dates back to 1984 and every year each supervisor and the chairman selects two exceptional residents to be honored. I am very happy to announce that the Hunter Mill District honorees are Kurt Rose and Raba Letteri. Here are a few highlights of their outstanding contributions to our community:

Kurt Rose

Kurt has lived in Reston since 1974 and has been a dedicated volunteer and civic-minded business owner. He has won several awards for his service to the Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston, Kids R First and the Reston Historic Trust and Museum. He and his business partner generously support local organizations such as the Reston YMCA, Cornerstones and the South Lakes High School PTSA food pantry. Additionally, he is one of the co-founders of the RoSigle Community Giving Foundation, which provides financial assistance to charities and programs throughout Northern Virginia.

Raba Letteri

Raba moved to the U.S. from Beirut, Lebanon in 1995 and has been a Reston resident for 22 years. She is well known in our community for being a tireless advocate and philanthropic real estate professional. She has received many honors for her years of service to organizations including the Arab American Foundation Cornerstones, the Core Foundation, Kids R First and Fairfax County Public Schools. Raba generously donates 60 percent of her commissions to nonprofit organizations and recently received the Virginia Realtors 2022 Good Neighbor Award. 

Please join me in congratulating Kurt and Raba!

Regards,

Walter

NOTE: Although COVID-19 community transmission remains low, many residents still have concerns and are looking for updates. My office will continue to provide a chart and links for your reference – they have just been moved further down in the newsletter. 

The weather looks great for the Let's Go Expo this coming Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 to 4 p.m. at 1850 Cameron Glen Dr. in Reston. This free interactive event is for all ages, so please bring the kids! Some highlights for our younger residents:

• Balloon art
• Face painting
• Games
• Wiggle car village and other kid friendly ride on bikes
• Food trucks
• Bike helmet checks
• Police cars, fire trucks and more!

For adults, this is a multi-modal transportation extravaganza! You can try out transit, bicycle, and other active options available to Hunter Mill residents including Connector buses, Capital Bike Share bikes, para-transit services for our seniors and disabled residents, and much more.

Directions and more info

Fairfax County's pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety campaign "Take A Moment" has several important reminders for all of us as the days get shorter and children are out trick-or-treating:

• Cross at intersections or corners – not between parked cars.
• Do not let children run in and out of the street – keep them on sidewalks and paths.
• Slow down and stay alert in residential areas especially on Halloween night. 
• While driving, watch out for children darting into traffic. Some costumes may be hard to see.
• Leave driveways and parking spaces slowly.
• Drivers and walkers: Put your phone down and avoid distractions.

Learn more about "Take a Moment" and what you can do to make the roads safer in our neighborhoods. 

Reston Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement Underway

Residents may provide written input or ask questions about the Reston Comprehensive Plan recommendations here. Your input is critical in helping the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors make informed decisions regarding this comprehensive plan that will impact Restonians for decades. Your best reference for the comprehensive plan study is the county's Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage.

You may also listen to an overview from my recent podcast with county staff.

Proposed Affordable Housing Preservation Comprehensive Plan Policy

You are encouraged to provide feedback on the county's proposed affordable housing comprehensive plan policy by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. The proposed policy was drafted to help preserve existing affordable rental housing throughout the county and seeks one-for-one replacement of existing affordable units in locations where redevelopment occurs. Visit the plan amendment policy webpage for details.

Halloween Parade Oct. 26

The Town's annual Halloween parade is just around the corner on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. Floats and a few ghosts and goblins will march down Maple Avenue, from Branch Road to Center Street. Road closures and more information can be found here.

Silver Line Phase 2 to Tentatively Begin Service by Thanksgiving 

Today after successfully completing two weeks of simulated service, Metro leaders said that they will be able to open the extension to Dulles Airport Station in time for the start of busy Thanksgiving travel, subject to approvals this week from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) of two submissions: a data-driven Return to Service Plan for 7000-series railcars, and a safety certification report of the Silver Line extension. Learn more.

I recently had the opportunity to take the Silver Line to the new stations including Reston Town Center Station and the Dulles Airport Station (pictured). When we are finally able to begin passenger service, this Silver Line extension will be a great economic driver for the Reston area and the entire Dulles Corridor. Plans are underway to celebrate the long-awaited launch and details will be provided in an upcoming newsletter.

Community Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.

Join Reston District Station Acting Commander, Lt. Michael Gubesch and special guest presenter Detective J. Pengelly of the Department's new Auto Crime Enforcement (A.C.E.) squad at the next CAC meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at the Reston Community Center in the Hunters Woods Village Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. For additional information contact PFC Brandi Horita at Brandi.Horita@fairfaxcounty.gov

Add Non-Emergency Number to Your Contacts List 

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages you to consider adding the non-emergency number, 703-691-2131, to your phone. The non-emergency line should be used for situations such as a crash where no one is injured, a suspicious person or to file a police report. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Your Guide to Halloween in Fairfax County  

Halloween and trick-or-treating is coming up on Monday, Oct. 31. Fairfax County has put together a summary of everything Halloween-related: safety tips, how to care for pets that day, composting your pumpkin and spooky houses to check out. Learn more. 

Disaster Preparedness for Businesses Oct. 25

Join the county's Department of Emergency Management and Security for a virtual workshop on Oct. 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m. to learn how to prepare your business in the event of an emergency or disaster. Register today

Senior Issues Forum Oct. 27 

Congressman Gerry Connolly is hosting his annual Senior Issues Forum, Oct. 27 at 3:30 p.m. You are invited to join this virtual forum, which will provide resources and information on legislative measures that are being taken to better the lives of older adults in our community. Register here

Panelists include:

David Melton, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration

Tara Turner, Director for the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging

Sarah Henry, Director for the Prince William County Area Agency on Aging

Carolyn Pennington, Executive Director of the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia

For more information contact Maddy White at 703-256-3071 or maddy.white@mail.house.gov

• Community Levels By County
• Fairfax County COVID-19 Data Dashboard