Feb. 16, 2022
Neighbors,
Climate change and environmental issues are critical priorities for the Board of Supervisors. And quite frankly, they should be a top priority for all of us. During yesterday's Environmental Committee meeting (watch here), it was very clear that the only way we can make a difference is for all of us to do our part. With that said, the concept of climate change and what we can do as individuals can be overwhelming.
To assist with this community-wide effort, the county's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is implementing a comprehensive public education and outreach program to provide residents with resources, tips and information needed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moving forward I will include this information in this newsletter and strongly encourage you to take a look and share with neighbors and friends.
Why do we all need to take action now? Climate change impacts are in the news every day and last week the county released released an in-depth climate projections report. The new report is complemented by a study from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the urban heat island effect within the county. The two reports reveal significant potential shifts in temperature, precipitation, and the frequency and intensity of severe weather events for Fairfax County in the coming 30 to 50 years. You can learn more and read the reports here.
The county is actively investing in and taking steps to reduce greenhouse emissions. Here are just a few recent highlights:
- The county's Tree Commission reported that 22,247 trees were planted or distributed during FY 2021
- With state grant funding, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation ordered 8 electric buses, which are expected to be in service by the end of 2022. The Board also directed transportation staff to accelerate conversion to all-electric buses and will hear from the staff on progress this summer.
- Electrical vehicle (EV) charging station installations are expected in March at the Government Center, Pennino Building, Herrity Building, Public Safety Headquarters and Merrifield Center parking garages.
- Fairfax County’s Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Ordinance, adopted in September became effective last month.
-
The county's HomeWise program assists low- and moderate-income residents save energy, water, and money at home. On Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. HomeWise volunteers will host a webinar on preventing heat loss and sealing air leaks. Learn more.
.
Respectfully,
Walter
|
|
COVID-19 Update (Feb. 16) |
|
Weekly COVID-19 Case/Vaccine Information Chart:
|
|
Data resources:
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
-
Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here
-
Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here
|
|
Celebrating Our BAC Volunteers |
|
I t has become a Hunter Mill District tradition to celebrate our Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BAC) volunteers on Valentine's Day. Yesterday, we hosted several volunteers virtually (and hope to go back to in-person next year) and had a great engaging conversation. Thank you to all of the 80 Hunter Mill District BAC volunteers who serve our county and the community! There are current openings for volunteers, noted below. If you are interested, contact Gwenn Minton at 703-478-0283 or Gwendolyn.minton@fairfaxcounty.gov
- Cathy Hudgins Community Center Advisory Council – Fairfax County representative
- Transportation Advisory Commission – Hunter Mill District representative
- Reston Transportation Service District Advisory Board - Commercial or retail representative
- Reston Transportation Service District Advisory Board – Residential owner or HOA or Civic Association representative
|
|
Federal Tax Season Resources |
|
Paper Forms From Fairfax County Public Library:
Paper IRS forms and instructions can generally be obtained during tax season at Library branches, but quantities are limited. Call your local library branch to make sure they have the form/s you need. Please note that the Library branches do not receive paper Virginia tax forms. Requests for Virginia forms by mail can be made by phone:
-
Individuals: 804-367-8031
-
Businesses: 804-367-8037
Documents from Fairfax County Circuit Court
You can get copies of relevant records you may need for filing your taxes from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, including marriage, divorce, adoption, or home sale information. Learn more.
Tax Preparation Assistance
There are several free resources available from county partners, including AARP, to assist residents. Learn more. |
|
Board of Supervisors Update |
|
The Board of Supervisors held three committee meetings yesterday, Feb. 15. (More information on the Environmental Committee is noted at the top of this newsletter.) You can view the agenda and presentations below.
Next Tuesday, Feb. 22, the county executive will present his proposed budget for FY 2023, which becomes effective July 1, 2022. You can find more information here. |
|
Land Use and Transportation |
|
Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Monday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use Access Code: 2335 606 9904. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. More information.
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Update
Later this month, community outreach efforts will get underway to provide highlights of the Task Force’s interim recommendations on the 14 areas of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study, which began in May 2020. These interim recommendations have been received by the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development and are undergoing a comprehensive review. The Transportation chapter is also undergoing a thorough review by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Input by the county agencies is expected by spring/early summer and community outreach will continue through the summer. More details will be available in next week's newsletter.
To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the task force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The archive of meeting details and agendas is here. The video archive of all past task force meetings can be found on my YouTube page.
|
|
Tour Historic Train Depot on Dominion Road
The Northern Virginia Railroaders provide 12 open houses a year for visitors to see a realistic, automated display of railroad operations at the historic train depot on Dominion Road in downtown Vienna. Watch the trains run during open houses on the third Saturday of most months from 1 to 5 p.m. This free event is suitable for all ages. Learn more.
Spring Concert Set for March 6
The Town of Vienna Community Band announced its Spring Concert is March 6. The band is recruiting enthusiastic new musicians in all sections. If you are interested, please attend any 6 p.m. rehearsal on Sundays at the Vienna Community Center. For more information on the Vienna Community Band, visit www.viennacommunityband.org. |
|
Free Smoke Alarms Provided by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Get free battery-powered smoke alarms by contacting your Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) station or by submitting an online form. After your request is received, a member of the Fairfax County FRD will contact you to schedule a visit to your house or apartment, to check your current alarms, and install new ones. For more information call 703-246-3801 or email
Auto Part Thefts: From Fairfax County Police Department's Reston District Station
The Reston District continues to see thefts of auto parts like wheels and tires, and catalytic converters. The removal of these parts from a car takes considerable planning and equipment. Targeted areas are parked cars in residential areas overnight. Power tools and usually more than one individual are required to remove all four wheels/tires and place the car on an elevated surface.
Call the police immediately if you see something suspicious or a crime being committed.
Write down what you saw including the date, time, and weather and lighting conditions. Sometimes those things are hard to remember when you are asked later.
Know where you are, exact addresses are great but, in most cases, officers do know common places and nicknames of areas. Be as specific as you can. The non-emergency number is 703-691-2131. If a crime is underway call 9-1-1.
|
|
Feb. 21 is County Government Holiday
Fairfax County Government offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21, in observance of the George Washington's Day/Presidents Day holiday. However, some facilities are open and schedules vary. Learn more.
Free Admission at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Feb. 21
Get free admission on Monday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for George Washington's Birthday. Admission tickets must be reserved online in advance. Learn more and reserve tickets at Free Admission.
Free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, Friday, Feb.18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you are over 50 and looking for employment, you won’t want to miss this event. There are multiple employers with available full-time and part-time salaried job opportunities. Register here.
Change in Fairfax County Public Library's Digital Content
Do you use the OverDrive app to read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks from the Library's collection? The Library recommends downloading its replacement app, "Libby," to ensure uninterrupted access to digital content when @OverDriveInc retires the old app soon. Learn more
|
|
Stay Informed and In Touch |
|
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
