The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, Oct. 24. You can watch the meeting here and review the Board Agenda and Package. Some of the highlights:

The Board designated:

• November 11-18, 2023, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Photo).
• November 13-19, 2023, as Transgender Awareness Week.
• October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Board approved:

• A “Watch for Children” sign on Meadow Hall Drive. Learn more.
• The authorization to execute the deed of lease for Tysons Community Center with the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Learn more.
• Following a public hearing, the re-zoning of Fairfax Hunt property located on the West side of Lake Fairfax Dr. and generally S.E. of Hunt Club Rd., immediately North of Lake Fairfax Park and South of Green Run Ln. Learn more.

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 21.

My office is working again in partnership with Cornerstones to request donations of new or gently used winter coats. Please note that coats should be washable (no wool or dry clean only) and warm. All sizes are needed, but especially newborn to teenager. In addition, we are collecting new hats, gloves and scarves. Plastic or wooden hangers are also welcome (no wire please).

Drop off donations to:

• Cornerstones at 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston, Weekdays until Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s office. North County Governmental Center 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Friday, Oct 27 to Friday, Nov 17. There will be a collection bin by the front door, (in the shared lobby with the police station) and is accessible weekdays, evenings and weekends.

For more information about donations or volunteer opportunities, please contact Jillian Smith, 703-478-0283.

The number of early voting sites in Fairfax County will expand beginning tomorrow, Oct. 26. In addition to the North County Governmental Center, the Government Center and South County Governmental Center, you will be able to vote at these locations through Nov. 4. Hours vary by location so please double check before you go to vote.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7 and on that day, you will vote at your assigned precinct location. You can find that location here. In addition, the Office of Elections recently mailed each registered voter a mailer with your voting location and a sample ballot.

On the ballot for the Nov. 7 general election: 

• Board of Supervisors (Chairman and all districts)
• School Board (At Large and all districts)
• Commonwealth’s Attorney
• Sheriff
• Virginia House of Delegates and Senate (All districts)
• Clerk of the Court
• Towns of Clifton and Vienna (Mayor and Town Council)
• Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
• There is also a $435 million public school bond on the ballot. If approved, the public schools’ plans include using this money to plan and design, renovate and build schools.

If you have questions about voting, contact the Office of Elections at Voting@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-222-0776.

Get Information about U.S. Department of State Exchange Program for Youth

Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Avenue E, Vienna, and the Vienna Area Branch of the American Association of University Women are hosting a student exchange information program on Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Middle and high school students (and their parents) of the greater Vienna and Oakton communities are invited to learn about a U.S. Department of State Exchange Program for Youth. State Department staff will share pertinent information about programs such as the Youth Ambassadors Program, High School Study Abroad Scholarships. Learn more.

Apply to Serve on the Fairfax County Commission for Women

You can help women of all ages in our community by applying to serve on the Commission for Women. The commission works hard to ensure women's voices are heard and that local leaders, including the Board of Supervisors understand the issues imperative to women. Find out what the commission has been working on by reading their latest report.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning can help if you or someone you know needs information and/or referrals for emergency food, shelter, clothing, transportation, health care, employment or legal assistance. Call 703-222-0880

Are You Digitally Prepared in the Event of an Emergency?

With the increasing reliance on technology, it is important to understand digital preparedness and protecting your digital assets. Social media privacy settings, data backups and security software are just a few of the ways to ensure your information is secure. Learn more.

Reston Home to Tallest Mixed-Use Residential Tower in Region

Clark Construction Group has officially topped out on the construction of Skymark Reston Town Center, which the company describes as the tallest mixed-use residential tower in the D.C. region. The 40-story building will have 464 units when completed. It’s built on a podium with ground-floor retail, loft-style residential units and 80,000 square feet of office space spread over four stories. FFX Now article.

Family Festival at Cathy Hudgins Community Center Oct. 28

Neighborhood and Community Services is hosting a free family festival at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate on Saturday, Oct. 28, noon to 3 p.m. The Center is located at 12125 Pinecrest Rd., Reston. Stop by to enjoy music, games, moon bounce and refreshments. Learn more (PDF)