|
Sept. 14, 2022
Neighbors,
VolunteerFest is back! At yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting we had the opportunity to hear about some of the great projects planned countywide and here in Hunter Mill District. Coordinated by Volunteer Fairfax, VolunteerFest mobilizes residents to serve our communities either in-person or from home and this year there are more than 25 projects. Our community in Hunter Mill District is well known for its volunteerism and I encourage you to participate in VolunteerFest if you can. Learn more. I had a great time last year participating in a Cornerstones VolunteerFest event (photo).
Here are some events for your consideration:
Restore Habitat by Removing Invasive Plants, Sept. 17, 9 to 11 a.m.
Help restore habitat in Difficult Run Stream Valley Park in Oakton with Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management Area program. Through the removal of invasive species, you'll protect plants and wildlife while spending time outdoors, meeting new people, and restoring natural habitats. Location is near 3000 Miller Heights Rd., Oakton. Register here.
Help Keep Our Waterways Clean by Labeling Storm Drains, Sept. 17, noon to 2 p.m.
Storm drain labeling is an effective, low-cost method of educating residents about water quality problems in our streams, lakes, rivers, and the bay. Meet near 2018 Freedom Lane, Falls Church. Register here.
Plant Trees on Public Lands Day, Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m. to noon
This community stewardship celebration will be held at Lake Fairfax Park,1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston. Volunteers will enjoy a light breakfast and expert naturalists will be on hand to help volunteers plant trees near the park's core areas. Volunteers are also needed to remove invasive plants and help with the overall beautification of the grounds at Lake Fairfax. Register here.
Make Snack Packs for Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Ongoing
This at-home project is to pack snack packs for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter clients. Snack packs to include items such as fruit cups, granola bars, and juice boxes. Contact Cornerstones for additional information.
If you are not available during VolunteerFest, our nonprofits and community organizations always need your help: How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill
Regards,
Walter
| |
|
From the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM):
Emergency kits of various types are essential resources in an emergency. These include kits for sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating (known as a go-bag), and for keeping in your vehicle.
OEM recommends every household keep 3 to 5 days’ worth of food, water, and supplies in their kits for each member of the household. Kits should be stored in accessible locations and be easily transportable.
Emergency kits include basic supplies and are tailored to every person’s need. You will need additional supplies if your household has children, seniors, individuals with access and functional needs, or pets.
Emergency Kit Checklist
| |
Board of Supervisors Update | |
|
The Board of Supervisors was back in session yesterday after a short summer recess. You can review the Board meeting materials here and watch the meeting here. A few highlights from the meeting:
I had three Board Matters that were approved, including
The Board approved an authorization to sign standard project agreements for distribution of I-66 inside the beltway toll revenues for multimodal projects in the I-66 corridor, including in Hunter Mill District.
The Board gave also approval to the county executive to give up to $15,000 in hiring bonuses to attract highly qualified candidates for specific key positions in the county workforce that are experiencing exceptional staffing shortages. These include developmental disability support coordinators, emergency service clinicians, nurses, police officers, and sheriff deputies. The Board also directed the county executive to explore all options for county agencies to improve hiring.
| |
|
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Meetings Start Tonight!
Community outreach meetings begin tonight! Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development (DPD) staff will present an overview of study recommendations followed by comments and questions by the public. Below is the most current schedule of these community meetings for public input. Learn more.
Community Meeting (Transportation Focus)
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 5 p.m.
Virtual WebEx Meeting
Community Meeting (Economic and Social Development Focus)
Thursday, Sept. 15, 5 p.m.
Virtual WebEx Meeting
In-Person Community Meeting (Nonprofits and Community Organizations Focus)
Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston
Lunch & Learn
Friday, Sept. 23, Noon
Virtual WebEx Meeting
In-Person Community Meeting (Young Professional/Civic Leaders Focus)
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Reston Station, 1900 Reston Metro Plaza, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, Sept. 28, Noon
Virtual WebEx Meeting
All of these meetings are public and I encourage every Reston resident to attend at least one. Additional meetings may be scheduled. Your best reference for the comprehensive plan study is the county's Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage.
Residents may also provide written input or ask questions 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.
If you have a group that would like a presentation and the opportunity to provide feedback during the community outreach phase, please email my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| |
Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) Process Lunch & Learn, Tomorrow, Sept. 15
SSPA is a countywide opportunity to submit proposals (called “nominations”) to change the land use recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan for individual sites. Nominations should be submitted from Oct. 3 to 28, 2022, and will be reviewed by the community in a series of public meetings in January 2023.
You are invited to join a Lunch & Learn Thursday, Sept. 15, noon to 1 p.m. to learn more about the SSPA process. County staff will share how to participate in the process and submission requirements. Staff will also be available to answer questions about the process. The weblink and additional information can be found here: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/sspa.
You can also watch a short video to learn more about the SSPA process.
| |
|
Bowman Towne Court Redevelopment Update & Public Hearing, Tomorrow, Sept. 15
The proposed Bowman Towne Court Redevelopment project is sponsored by the Fairfax County Redevelopment & Housing Authority (FCRHA) to develop affordable housing and a library at the intersection of Bowman Towne Drive and Town Center Parkway in Reston. FCRHA is holding a public hearing tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. on the proposed Interim Agreement with Foulger-Pratt, LLC for the development of Bowman Towne Court to include affordable residences for low-income households and a new Reston Regional Library. Additional information can be found here.
The meeting will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Conference Rooms 9 and 10.
- Written comments may be submitted by email on or before Sept. 14 to Marwan.Mahmoud@fairfaxcounty.gov.
- Residents wishing to speak are encouraged to contact Avis Wiley at 703-246-5152, TTY 711, or by email at Avis.Wiley@fairfaxcouty.gov
- Additional information or questions about the public hearing may be directed to Marwan Mahmoud at 703-246-5017, TTY 711.
| |
|
Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Meeting, Monday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.
The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept,19 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: 552 104 308#. For more information contact Shruti Nallappa.
| |
|
Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.
The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 679 087 957#. For information, contact Shruti Nallappa, 703-478-0283.
| |
|
Chillin' on Church on Friday, Sept. 16
There is one Chillin' on Church this Friday, Sept. 16! Enjoy live music from Texas Chainsaw Horns, food trucks, and more from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. More here: http://viennava.gov/chillin.
Patriot Day Ceremony
I joined Mayor Linda Colbert and members of the community last Sunday at the Vienna Community Center for Vienna's Patriot Day ceremony to remember and honor the lives lost in the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Kudos to Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 and to Town leadership for a very thoughtful and inspiring event.
| |
|
K9 KRAWL on Saturday, Oct.15; Registration Opens Tomorrow
Join the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) and the Victim Services Division for the 15th annual K9 KRAWL on Saturday, Oct.15 at Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The 5K walk is held to increase awareness of the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. Come out, bring your dog, and help support your community. Registration opens Sept. 15 at http://bit.ly/k9krawl22
Activities will include:
- FCPD K9 Unit Demo
- Raffle Drawings
- Resource tables
- DJ
- Face painting
- Dog Costume Contest
| |
|
A Day for Celebrating Diversity!
Last Saturday was certainly a day of celebrating the diversity that makes Hunter Mill District and Fairfax County an inclusive and welcoming place to live. I started the day at the KORUS festival in Tysons, which celebrates Korean heritage and culture. Then on to the Afghanistan Day celebration in Centreville where there were families and friends gathered as far as you could see. Finally I ended the day at Reggae at the Lake Festival, a new annual festival at Lake Anne. Keep an eye out for these events next year and enjoy the music and food!
Reston Regional Library: Changing Demographics Discussion, Friday, Sept. 16
Join a discussion on how changing demographics impact a variety of topics ranging from development to sustainability with guest speaker Jeff Jordan, President and CEO of Population Reference Bureau. Hosted by Reston Regional Library on Sept. 16, 2 to 4 p.m. Learn more.
Bike Your Park Day, Saturday, Sept. 24
The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) is encouraging local riders to celebrate Bike Your Park Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, by exploring one or more of the many wonderful parks in Fairfax County. Details on registering to join or lead a group ride are on the FABB blog.
| |
Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
| | | | | |
