Oct. 5, 2022

Neighbors 

I am very happy to announce the upcoming Let's Go Expo!, a fun community event that my office is hosting with Celebrate Fairfax on Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 to 4 p.m. at 1850 Cameron Glen Dr. in Reston. This is a free interactive event for all ages that gives you the opportunity to learn about and try out the many choices for multimodal transit we have here in Hunter Mill District. Mark your calendar, I'll have more details in next week's newsletter or you can check the Facebook Event Page.  Here are just a few highlights:

• No Car-No Problem: Exhibitors from local county agencies and organizations will provide hands-on information and/or demonstrations for residents of all ages so that they feel more comfortable using these forms of car alternative transit on a regular basis. 

• For Bicyclists: Free Capital Bike Share ride coupons, electric bike demonstrations and bike safety information

• Get on the Bus: A Fairfax Connector bus will be on site with giveaways and information on free and reduced fare passes. 

• Public Safety: Visit our Police Department and Fire and Rescue booths for information and check out the police cars, fire engine, fire truck and medic vehicles.

• Metro Silver Line: Get information on the upcoming Phase 2 opening and play interactive games.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Let's Go Expo on Oct. 22! 

Regards,

Walter

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Caregiver's Conference: Caregiving with Hope and Inspiration (Virtual)

On Wednesday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., learn how to be a better prepared caregiver, whether at home or in assisted care outside the home. During this virtual conference hosted by the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium, you will learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia, and visit with exhibitors who offer supportive services. Topics include Unmasking Alzheimer’s: Evaluation, Treatment, and Clinical Trials, Communicating With a Loved One With Dementia, Meaningful Music, and Celebrating Creativity in Elder Care. Learn more. 

A reminder that early voting is underway for the congressional midterm elections. Candidates for the 8th, 10th and 11th Congressional Districts will be on the Nov. 8 general election ballot, along with the Town of Herndon Council and mayor.

Three locations will be open for early voting on weekdays (Click on links for Saturday and Sunday hours):

• North County Governmental Center, Reston: 1 to 7 p.m.
• Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax : 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Alexandria: 1 to 7 p.m.

These locations will be the only places available for early voting until Oct. 27, when an additional 13 sites will open. 

Any registered voter can cast their ballot at any early voting site. The last day to vote early is Saturday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. Learn more about voting in the 2022 election. For questions about voting or voter registration in Fairfax County, contact the Office of Elections. 

Reston Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement Underway

Residents may provide written input or ask questions about the Reston Comprehensive Plan recommendations through Oct. 28 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.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 822 270 997#. For more information contact Shruti Nallappa.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 PM. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial and 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 789 107 635#. For more information contact Shruti Nallappa. 

Halloween on the Green Oct. 15 

Don't miss Halloween on the Green, Saturday, Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for fall family fun including crafts, games, moon bounces and pumpkin decorating. Learn more.

Connector Service To New Metrorail Silver Line Stations

The Board of Supervisors approved Fairfax Connector bus service changes in the Reston-Herndon area last winter that include connections to the new Metrorail Silver Line stations in Fairfax County (Herndon Station, Reston Town Center Station, and Innovation Center Station). These service changes will go into effect when the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) begins service to the new Metrorail Silver Line stations.

Fire and Rescue Station Open Houses 

In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, all Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Stations will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Stop by your local station that day to meet your firefighters and paramedics, join in the activities, learn about fire safety, and see the fire trucks and ambulances. Learn more.

Fairfax County Police Department Hosts Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 19

The Fairfax County Police Department Trunk-Or-Treat event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax. The event is free and a fun way to "Trick-Or-Treat" by going "Trunk-To-Trunk" in a family-oriented atmosphere. Everyone must register to participate.  

50+ Fun Things to do Outside in Fairfax County

Like our mothers told us, if it's a beautiful day, you should be outside! Visit Fairfax has put together a comprehensive list of fun things to do outside in our county (many here in Hunter Mill District), including hiking trails, boating, camping, biking and more. Learn more. 

Do It Your Way 0.5K on Oct. 16 at Lake Anne

The South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry is hosting the 5th Annual Do It Your Way 0.5K, Oct. 16, 2 to 4 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (or virtually anytime the weekend of Oct.15-16.). You can register for this popular event online, with special pricing for students and families. The first 500 registrants will get a race packet filled with a race bib, finisher medal, and other special goodies provided by event sponsors. All proceeds will go directly toward food, toiletries, and other necessities for more than 275 students families in the South Lakes Pyramid each week. Learn more.

Virtual Venture into Volunteering Fair

The 2022 Venture into Volunteering Fair is Oct. 12-14, 10:30 a.m.to 3 p.m.. You may join the Zoom event at any time, during any of the 30-minute presentations. No pre-registration necessary. Go to http://bit.ly/VOLFAIR for the schedule, Zoom link, and details.