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Jan. 5, 2022

Neighbors,

While this week's snow made for some beautiful photos, it also caused hazardous road conditions, numerous power outages and school/county facility closings. Our first significant snow in a few years was a reminder that we all must be prepared for bad weather and be aware of emergency messaging from the county. With additional snow in the forecast (and months of winter weather to come), please note:
  • VDOT, not Fairfax County, is responsible for plowing snow on almost all roads in the county, outside towns like Vienna. Please follow directions by VDOT and public safety officials. Learn more.
  • We had a lot of downed trees and power outages in Hunter Mill District and countywide this week. Bookmark Who to Contact About Downed Trees and Wires (includes Dominion Energy and NOVEC information) so that you have this information handy.
  • After it snows, please clear the top of your vehicle before driving. Snow and ice left on top of roofs can fly off and make it difficult for other drivers to see, causing hazardous road conditions. Learn more snow removal tips.
  • This week's storm (and the awful traffic disaster on I-95) is also a good reminder to have an emergency kit at home and in your vehicle. The county's Office of Emergency Management has a list of recommended items to keep on hand.
  • Stay informed! My office and the county provide a number of resources to keep residents informed about storms and other weather emergencies:
  • Fairfax County’s website (www.fairfaxcounty.gov)
  • Fairfax County Snow Guide
  • Facebook (www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty)
  • Twitter (www.twitter.com/fairfaxcounty)
  • Fairfax Alerts (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts)
  • Fairfax County Emergency Information Hotline (703-817-7771, TTY 711)
  • Fairfax County Government Radio (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio)
  • I also encourage you to follow my social media accounts for updates:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Last tip – Our Fire and Rescue Department has reported numerous calls for people who have had serious falls on icy streets and sidewalks. Please be careful and watch this helpful video on the best way to walk in these conditions.

Respectfully,
Walter
COVID-19 Update (Jan. 5)
There are two types of testing available for COVID-19. These tests can detect either the virus that causes COVID-19, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated. Learn more about the types of tests available: 
Virginia Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)


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
Learn More About County Sign Regulations
A broad review of sign policies is underway in Fairfax County. Join county staff at upcoming meetings to learn about the regulations and enforcement of complaints, as well as provide ideas for the county’s review of these regulations. Virtual community information sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan.18, noon and Thursday, Jan. 28,7 p.m. More information about the meetings can be found on the Sign Regulations Phase II webpage. Contact the Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314, TTY 711, or by email with any questions, feedback, and requests for reasonable accommodations.
Land Use and Transportation
Metro Announces Service Adjustments and Protections for Customers and Employees, Effective Monday, Jan. 10
Due to growing absenteeism rates across service areas related to COVID illness and exposures, Metro is reducing service schedules and implementing new workforce actions effective this Monday, Jan.10. Learn more.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meetings
Information on upcoming Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force 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.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 11, 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: 2345 508 1375.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 18, 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 748 2436.
  • Monday, Jan. 24, 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: 2347 590 3760.
  • Monday, Jan. 31, 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: 2330 735 5445.
 
Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Discussion will be on SE-2021-HM-009, SE-2021-HM-00014, and SEA 2010-HM-004. 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: 2335 176 4535. For information, contact Jose Delcid, 703-478-0283.

Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 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: 2337 084 2106. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. More information.
Reminder: Don't Forget Your Reusable Bags
My family's cat recently provided a not so subtle reminder to bring a reusable tote bag when we were heading out to the grocery store. The 5 cent Plastic Bag Tax began on Jan. 1 in our county and in several surrounding jurisdictions.

The Virginia Department of Taxation will administer and collect the tax. Revenue will be provided to Fairfax County to support environmental programs and services to curb litter and pollution, and to provide reusable bags to those eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.
Reston Community Center's MLK Celebration
Reston Community Center's annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration takes place Sunday, Jan. 16 and Monday, Jan. 17. Learn more.
 
Heather McGhee, a renowned expert on the American economy and author of The New York Times bestseller The Sum of Us, will deliver this year’s Keynote Address at 11 a.m. on Jan. 17 at RCC Hunters Woods. Attendees are invited to the community lunch following McGhee’s speech. Public health precautions will be in place, due to the rising Omicron variant cases. The Community Lunch will be self-contained meals to eat at the tables rather than buffet style as in the past. Anyone experiencing symptoms is requested to remain at home. Masks will be required at all times indoors at RCC facilities. Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and employees, and $10 for all others. Tickets to the Community Lunch and Keynote Address are required. Tickets are available at the CenterStage Box Office or by calling 703-476-4500.

The Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration weekend is presented by Reston Community Center in cooperation with the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church, the Hunter Mill District Office, Reston Community Orchestra and local schools. 
Public Safety Update
What's News in Vienna
Enjoy Community Theater
The Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation and the Vienna Theatre Company are presenting, "The Dinner Party" at the Vienna Community Center in January and February. Get dates and tickets (you will need to scroll down).

Winter 2022 Events Guide
There is a lot to do this winter for all ages in the Town of Vienna. Winter Events Guide
3 Things to Know Today
Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation’s Pre-2022 Session Public Hearing, Saturday, Jan. 8
The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2022 session on Saturday, Jan. 8, 9 a.m. in the board room of the Fairfax County Government Center. Learn more.

Sledding Safety Tips
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds residents to be safe when sledding with these tips.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Virtual Event With the Alzheimer’s Association, Jan. 13
Get information and hands-on tools to help incorporate recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Learn more.
Stay Informed and In Touch
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711