Sept. 27, 2023
Neighbors,
At yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting, I introduced a Board Matter on digital equity, which was unanimously approved. For our area, digital equity means that county residents should be able to access, understand and use digital tools needed to navigate our modern life, including applying for jobs, paying bills, enjoying recreational activities, completing homework, staying informed and connecting with government/community services. During the pandemic, we became much more aware of the importance of being connected, our computers and phones became lifelines to information and to stay connected to family and friends.
We are fortunate in our county to be well connected to internet infrastructure, but there are still many people in our community who are not fully connected - and some through a lack of hardware or, software access, or digital literacy skills. Also of note - more than 80 percent of eligible county residents are not signed up for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service.
I encourage you to take a look at several opportunities for Hunter Mill District residents to learn about being better connected and gaining new tech skills:
- During Digital Equity Week, Oct. 2-6, Fairfax County Public Libraries will host maker labs, tech clinics as well as special digital inclusion open houses. Learn more.
- Tech Day will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate in Reston. Additional dates and locations countywide
- A Digital Equity Summit will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Boro Station, 1765 Greensboro Station Place in Tysons. The summit will include a keynote address, panel discussions and workshops to advance the cause of digital equity in our community. I plan on attending and hope to see you there! Register.
- Virtual Classes on Zoom: Oct. 3, 9 to 10 a.m., Tech Tuesday Basic Skills: Zoom: https://bit.ly/VCAAzoom2 and Oct. 6, 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Understand and Use Email: https://bit.ly/VCAAzoom2
Learn more about additional events countywide.
If you have any questions about these programs or digital equity in our community, please email my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov
Regards,
Walter
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A Casino Along Silver Line - Really?
I’m aware of failed legislation in the General Assembly from earlier this year and talk of new bills being introduced in Richmond to authorize a casino on the Silver Line. And I have seen recent reports about casino interest in local media recently. My take: this is still a really bad idea on many levels, and I will continue to oppose. Thank you to the many constituents who have contacted my office regarding this issue.
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Board of Supervisors Update | |
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The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, Sept. 26. You can watch the meeting here and read the Board Package here. Highlights of the meeting include:
- I presented a proclamation to members of the South Lakes High School Girls Track and Field Team for outstanding achievements. (photo)
- The Board of Supervisors approved the County and Schools' FY 2023 Carryover Budget. Learn more.
- Following a public hearing, the Board approved (for the second time in 13 months) a rezoning to amend the proffers and conceptual development plan for property at Sunset Hills Rd. and American Dream Way. Learn more. (PDF)
- Following a public hearing, the Board adopted Affordable Housing Preservation Administrative Policy Guidelines. Learn more. (PDF)
- Following a public hearing, the Board adopted the Zoning Ordinance Parking Reimagined. Thank you to all the Hunter Mill residents who engaged on the first major update to county parking policies since 1988 - I have been listening. Learn more.
My Board Matters:
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Land Use and Transportation Updates | |
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Virtual Meetings on Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects Oct 3 and 5
Fairfax County staff have developed a proposed list of projects for input from the community to receive a portion of $100 million funding allocated by the Board of Supervisors. The funding is for one-time investments in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure through FY 2027. Information includes proposed projects in Hunter Mill District, and as there are many potential projects already identified in Hunter Mill District alone, your input on what project should be prioritized is critical. Learn more.
Virtual Meeting on Capital Bikeshare Expansion Oct. 4
The county's Department of Transportation will host a virtual meeting on expanding the Capital Bikeshare network around the Innovation Center Metro Station with five new stations in the Dranesville District and one station in the Hunter Mill District at a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at 7 p.m. Staff will provide information on the bikeshare system, funding, proposed station locations and an update regarding electric bikes (e-bikes). Learn more.
Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Click here to join the meeting You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 335 646 439#
For more information email huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283.
Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.
The Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Click here to join the meeting You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 616 407 662#
For more information email huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283.
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Reston District Station Community Advisory Committee Meeting Tonight at 7 p.m.
Learn more about public safety in the Reston community and meet Commander Oluwa (photo) at the Reston District Police Station's Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Since our community room is being used for early voting, the meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency,1800 Presidents St., Reston, in the living room attached to the hotel lobby. There is free parking in Reston Town Center parking garages after 5 p.m. For more info about the CAC email Officer Horita at brandi.horita@fairfaxcounty.gov.
We Are All Responsible for Safe Streets in our Community
The county's Department of Transportation and public safety agencies remind residents that we are all responsible for keeping our streets safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Please take a moment:
- To stop and wait for school buses to safely load and unload children.
- To give yourself enough time to allow for students walking and biking to and from school.
- To slow down and take extra care in school zones and in neighborhoods.
- To make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians at stoplights and intersections before proceeding.
Learn more.
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Farmers Market Continues to Oct. 28
Summer may be over, but the Vienna Farmers Market continues every Saturday in the Vienna Community Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. until Oct. 28. Learn more.
2023 Holiday Ornament on Sale
The 2023 Town of Vienna limited-edition ornament commemorates the 150th anniversary of Vienna Elementary School and is available now at the Vienna Community Center, Vienna Town Hall and Merle Norman Cosmetics (401 Maple Ave., E), while supplies last. Cost is $25 each. Ornament sale proceeds will be used to support Vienna public art projects. For more information, call 703-255-6300.
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Health and Human Services News | |
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Free COVID-19 Test Order Site Re-Opens
Every U.S. household can again place an order for four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home. Learn more.
How to Dispose of Your Unused or Expired Medications
National Drug Takeback Day is scheduled for Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at county police stations. In addition, the county has other ways for you to safely dispose of your unused or expired medications. Learn more.
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Cameo Appearance at the NextStep Theatre Production of The 39 Steps
Thank you to NextStop Theatre Company for the invitation to make a cameo appearance in Sunday's production of The 39 Steps. It was a lot of fun supporting arts in our community! Check out the show that runs until Oct. 8: https://nextstoptheatre.org
Photo Credit: NextStop Theatre
Donations Needed of Farm and Farm Animal Books for Frying Pan Farm Park
The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park are seeking donations of fiction and nonfiction books on farming, farm animals, history, agriculture, equestrian, or farm life. The books will be re-sold in the country store as a fundraiser to support the farm and animals. Drop off books at the Friends Group Tent in the park's farmyard on Friday Oct. 13, 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct.14,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Election Officers Needed
The county's Office of Elections is in need of election officers to serve for the Nov. 7 election and upcoming 2024 elections. Learn more.
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Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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