Dec. 8, 2021

Neighbors,

It is a privilege to serve the residents of Hunter Mill District for many reasons, but foremost are your big hearts and generosity. Every time there is a need, and especially during the pandemic, you showed up to share your time, skills and donations.

Just this past weekend, my staff and other organizations put out the word that donations were needed for residents displaced by the recent devastating fire in Herndon and your response was overwhelming. In addition, our community partner Cornerstones provided much needed coats to these residents from our Coat Closet. However, that means we need to restock for the last Coat Closet before the holidays, which is this Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1801 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston. If you can, please help us spread the word that the following is needed:
  • New or gently used/clean warm winter coats; all sizes including XXL, XL and children's sizes.
  • New (only new please) hats, gloves and scarves; all ages
  • New or gently used/clean tote bags for carrying the items.

Thank you – every donation makes a big difference for a neighbor in need!

Meet the Commanders
The Fairfax County Police Department is holding a countywide Meet the Commanders event on Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet your district commanders, get valuable public safety information and ask questions. The Reston District Station's event will take place at Langston Hughes Middle School (cafeteria), 11401 Ridge Heights Rd. in Reston. Stop by if you can to meet Captain Rex Pagerie and Lieutenant Marc Mitchell. Here is contact information if you live in the McLean or Fair Oaks districts' coverage area and would like to attend their events.

Respectfully,
Walter
COVID-19 Update (Dec. 8)
Distribution of Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits at Libraries
Fairfax County Public Library branches have received an additional 10,000 COVID-19 home test kits from the Virginia Department of Health. If you were not able to pick up one last week, contact your library branch to ensure they have availability.




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
Safe Travel With Older Adults
During the holidays and as more of us are vaccinated, many older adults are traveling again. The recent issue of the county's Golden Gazette published this helpful article:

When preparing to travel with an older adult, no matter what the season or reason, consider the factors below to lessen stress and allow for an enjoyable trip.

  • Talk with their doctor to ensure ample time to address medical issues or concerns. 
  • Seek their input so they feel involved in the planning process. You'll also learn about preferences and concerns. 
  • Consider items that you need to have readily available. This includes medications, water, snacks, change of clothing, and medical equipment. Also, be sure to pack photocopies of important documents: vaccination card, Power of Attorney, advanced directives, insurance cards, identification, list of current medications along with dosages, and emergency contact details. 
  • Inform other family members and your social support network of travel plans.
  • Adhere to a familiar routine—especially if they have a cognitive impairment. Be sensitive to situations that may increase anxiety or agitation. If they have a physical impairment, consider accessibility issues. Even with accessibility accommodations, additional assistance may be required due to an unfamiliar environment 
  • Consider traveling when they are at their best. This might be when they are less prone to agitation or anxiety. It may also be after a prescribed dose of medication has taken effect.
  • Be realistic about the amount of activity your loved one is capable of, as well as the amount of activity that you are capable of as a caregiver. Keep in mind that being outside the familiarity of the home environment, you may need to be doing more as caregiver to provide support. 
  • For longer journeys, you’ll also want to plan for the comfort level of your loved one. Schedule regular breaks to encourage movement.

Travel provides the benefits of social connection and engagement, as well as opportunities for cognitive stimulation and mental activity. Although there are bound to be stress filled moments, taking the time to carefully plan your trip will encourage cherished memories for years to come.

Article by Kristen Martin, ElderLink, Department of Family Services, Adult and Aging Services
Land Use and Transportation
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meetings
The Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force weekly meetings continue this month. Information on upcoming meetings is below. To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the task force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. Meeting details and agendas will be found here. You can watch live streams of the meetings on YouTube Live, as well as the video archive of all past task force meetings.
  • Monday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. 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 listen to the meeting on your phone, call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 2334 432 4633. 
  • Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. 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 listen to the meeting on your phone, call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 2335 913 9681.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Discussion will be on SE-2021-HM-009. 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 code: 2343 958 3841. For information, contact Jose Delcid, 703-478-0283. 

Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Monday, Dec. 20, 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: 2342 247 6886. More information.
Public Safety Update
The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to report graffiti in their neighborhoods. There are three ways to report:
Graffiti reports are taken seriously and officers will document the damage. Once documented, property owners are strongly encouraged to immediately have the graffiti removed. Products specifically formulated to remote or paint over graffiti are available at many home improvement and paint stores. Removing graffiti quickly can discourage continued activity.
Giving Season
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As winter and the holidays quickly approach, many organizations in our community are collecting and distributing donations to neighbors in need.

Produce for the Pantry, Dec. 10
Cornerstones' Produce for the Pantry is this Friday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you can, please donate oranges and apples, potatoes, squash, onions, peppers, carrots, and other seasonal vegetables or fruits. Drop off donations to 11484 Washington Plaza West, Suite 120, in Reston. The produce will be distributed to neighbors in need this weekend.

Knitting Communities Together, through Jan. 5
The annual Fairfax County Senior Centers’ Winter Warming Service Project collects new or handmade hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks for adults and children in our county. Donated items are given to local nonprofits Cornerstones, Homestretch and ShelterHouse, who distribute them to the people they serve, including adults and families experiencing homelessness. Donations of new or handmade items and yarn can be made now through Jan. 5 at any of the locations below (look for the donation box in the entry/lobby):
  • Herndon Senior Center: 873 Grace St, Herndon
  • Kingstowne Center for Active Adults: 6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria
  • Lewinsville/Pimmit Hills Senior Center: 1613 Great Falls Street, McLean
  • Little River Glen Senior Center: 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax
  • Mott Community Center: 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax
Board of Supervisors Update
The Board of Supervisors' last full meeting of 2021 was yesterday, Dec. 7 and several actions were taken, including those highlighted below. Watch the full meeting here and review materials here.
  • Recognized the tremendous work that was done by the the Chairman’s Task Force on Equity and Opportunity. (photo)
  • Approved my joint Board Matter with Supervisors Lusk and Foust to Enhance Pedestrian, Bicycle and Traffic Safety with Technology and Communications.
  • Approved project funding agreement with the Metropolitan Washington airports authority for the construction of a sidewalk along Sunrise Valley Drive.
  • Adopted new local election districts as a result of redistricting efforts. The redistricting plan maintains nine election districts for the Board of Supervisors and School Board. However, it shifts seven precincts into different districts, moving them in whole or in part. None of the changes impact the Hunter Mill District, which remains unchanged. Learn more.
  • The Real Estate Tax Relief Program for seniors and people with disabilities was expanded to offer more relief and allow more people to qualify. Learn more.
What's News in Vienna
Officers Raise Money and Awareness of Prostate Cancer
Congratulations to the Vienna police officers who participated in this year's No Shave November campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer. The officers’ collective efforts have generated more than $7,000 to support prostate cancer research and educational outreach. It is the second-highest amount generated by a public safety organization in the nation. Learn more.

Park Volunteer Opportunities
Help Vienna Parks thrive by volunteering to help remove invasive plants and make room for native plants. There are several opportunities to lend a hand:
  • Thursdays through February, 9 a.m. to noon: Glyndon Park Invasive Plant Removal. Contact Jeremy Edwards.
  • Mondays through February,10 a.m. to noon: Southside Park Invasive Plant Removal: meeting at the parking lot at the Ware-Walker Street Entrance. Contact: Jeremy Edwards.
For all these events gloves and loppers will be provided, or feel free to bring your own. Activities are sponsored by Vienna Parks.
4 Things to Know Today
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Virtual Program on Making Informed Investing Choices and Avoiding Scams
Learn how to make informed investment decisions, consider risk and fees in investing, and protect your money from scams in a virtual briefing by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Learn more.

How to Avoid Scams During the Holidays
Fairfax County's Silver Shield Program has put together tips for older adults on how to avoid being scammed this holiday season as we are bombarded with donation requests and holiday-related offers. Learn more.

Combine Holiday Shopping with a Visit to Local Parks
Check off your holiday gift list during a visit to a Fairfax County Park Authority historic site or specialty gift shop. Your purchases support your favorite park. Learn more

Holiday Gift Ideas: Made in Fairfax
Visit Fairfax has put together thMade in Fairfax directory, which features a variety of products made by local artisans, including custom furniture, baked goods, jewelry and other gift ideas. It's a great way to support our small businesses. Learn more.
Stay Informed and In Touch
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711