- In the Community
- Board of Supervisor Update
- Cut Your Heating Bill by Finding Air Leaks in Your Home
- Samuel Morse Drive SSPA Meeting Feb. 9
- Winter Bike to Work Day Feb. 13
- Donate Blood Today
- Learn About Invasive Holly Trees
- What's News in Vienna
- Events and Activities
| | Photo: With Congressman James Walkinshaw and United Christian Parish Pastor Beth Williams at the vigil last week. | | I joined Congressman James Walkinshaw, faith leaders, and our neighbors at United Christian Parish for a candlelight vigil honoring Renée Good and Alex Pretti. We gathered in prayer and solidarity to remember them and support one another. | | Photos of Renée Good and Alex Pretti were displayed by the UCP pulpit. | | |
After five months of renovations, the Cathy Hudgins Community Center reopened its doors, and I participated in the celebrations that included free pizza, a raffle, vintage arcade games, and more.
Thanks to Quincy Lewis, the center's director, Caren Anton with the Friends of the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (pictured below) for a wonderful event.
| | Photo: Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation recognizing Cornerstones CEO Kerrie Wilson for her service to our community. | | Board of Supervisors Update | | |
The Board of Supervisors met yesterday Feb 3. You can watch the meeting and review the agenda and package.
Honoring Cornerstones CEO Kerrie Wilson
The Board of Supervisors honored Cornerstones CEO Kerrie Wilson as she approaches her retirement this year after nearly 25 years of service. I co-sponsored the proclamation that we presented to her yesterday (see photo above).
Over the years Kerrie has helped thousands of families and individuals through the most difficult times in their lives, including finding affordable housing, providing child care and combatting food insecurity. I’ve been honored to learn and work with her, and I wish her great happiness in her next adventures.
State Economic Development Grant Funds Accepted for CMC Electronics in Reston
What’s happening: The Board approved the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to accept a $300,000 state grant for CMC Electronics. The governor approved this Commonwealth Opportunity Fund grant in 2024 to help the county bring this avionics company to Reston.
Why it matters: CMC’s expansion to Reston marks an economic win as we focus on attracting more aerospace companies to Fairfax County.
Of the 125 aerospace firms in Northern Virginia, 70 have relocated or expanded in Fairfax County during the past four years, our Economic Development Authority says.
Our region is becoming the launch pad for this new space economy, and Fairfax County is hosting spaceNext on Feb. 18-20 at Capital One Hall. This inaugural global conference convenes leaders shaping the future of the new “space” for innovation and economic growth.
Tell me more: Based in Montreal, CMC Electronics pledged to invest $5 million in its new office and research and development facility at 12030 Sunrise Valley Drive, as well as create 89 new jobs over time.
Our Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to bring this firm to Fairfax County. CMC designs and manufactures advanced avionics, display solutions, and high-performance optoelectronics for military and commercial aviation markets.
Under the performance-based state grant, the county will pay out the funds to CMC as it achieves its agreed-upon investment and job targets. The county will also match the state’s grant under the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund’s rules. In lieu of a cash contribution, Fairfax County will build a sidewalk on Sunrise Valley Drive Walkway from Reston Parkway to Soapstone Drive — a transportation improvement that was already planned and funded.
| | Save 17% on Your Heating Bill by Sealing Air Leaks. Check out a Thermal Camera to Find Them | |
What’s happening: With the recent below freezing temperatures, have you felt any cold drafts in your home, coming from your windows, doors or elsewhere? Check out a thermal camera from the library today to find these uncomfortable and costly air leaks. (Watch the video below to learn more about borrowing one and how they work.)
Why it matters: By sealing these leaks, you can cut your heating (and cooling) bill by an estimated 17%, according to ENERGY STAR.
Thanks to our recent cold snap, it’s the perfect time to use a thermal camera since they work best when there’s a 20-degree temperature difference between the inside of your home and the air outside.
Sealing leaks: Air leaks are commonly found around doors, windows, exterior outlets, ducts and connections to the outside such as cable or plumbing fixtures. Fixing these leaks can be as simple as sealing them with weather stripping or caulk.
For more personalized advice on how to weatherize and insulate your home — or other energy efficiency projects — contact Fairfax County’s Energy Compass program for free, one-on-one, technical assistance. An “energy navigator” will provide trusted technical advice, connect you with any rebate and savings programs and help you find qualified contractors.
To schedule a no-fee, no-obligation consultation, sign up online, send an email, or call (703) 324-3721.
| | Samuel Morse Drive Plan Amendment Community Meeting Feb. 9 | | Join Me for Winter Bike to Work Day Feb. 13 | | |
What’s happening: Join me at Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, Feb. 13 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Bike Lane, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston (next to the W&OD Trail).
Stop by for free coffee, donuts, bike safety giveaways and conversation with fellow cyclists. Although not required, send an email to the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to let them know you’re planning to roll by. Hopefully the ice and snow will be melted by then!
| | Winter Blood Shortage: Donate to Save a Life | | |
Due to the recent winter weather, blood donations have slowed, leading to a shortage. Both Inova and the American Red Cross need donations, and the Red Cross says they’ve drawn down their supply 35% during the past month. They especially need platelets and type O, A negative and B negative blood. Sign up for these upcoming blood drives:
Reston
Herndon
| | Invasives Watch: Asian Holly | | |
What to know: With its bright red berries and glossy green leaves, hollies offer visual cheer during the dark days of winter — but many planted in our area are considered invasive plants.
Most hollies sold in nurseries are native to Asia or they’re hybrids introduced into the U.S. in the late 1800s. For example, Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is a common landscaping plant, along with its many cultivars. One cultivar, Ilex Nellie R Stevens, is extensively planted in this area. Another common non-native holly is Ilex crenata, sky pencil Japanese holly.
Why it matters: Hollies escape landscaped areas via bird-dispersed berries and invade forests. They form dense thickets that shade out native shrubs and seedlings, reducing plant diversity. Asian hollies provide far less ecological value than native hollies.
Plant this instead: Good native alternatives to Asian hollies are: Ilex opaca (the native American holly), Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon holly), Ilex glabra (Inkberry), Ilex verticillata.
| | Photo: The Vienna Town Council and Mayor | | |
Meet the New Vienna Police Chief on Feb. 10
Join Mayor Linda Colbert and newly appointed Police Chief Dan Janickey for “Mayor and Chief at Your Service” on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Vienna Police Community Room (215 Center St. S). Share your ideas and concerns with Chief Janickey and learn about his vision for the department’s future. Mayor Colbert will be available to talk and answer questions as well.
See “The Sunshine Boys” Before the Show Closes
The curtain rises on Vienna Theatre Company's production of “The Sunshine Boys" on Feb. 7 and 8. Follow Niel Simon’s story of a theatrical agent as he tries to re-unite his elderly uncle with his long-time stage partner for a TV reunion after not speaking for twelve years. Buy tickets online, at the Vienna Community Center or at the door before showtime, if still available.
| | Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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