The Board of Supervisors met yesterday June 27. You can review the Board Package here and watch the meeting here. Highlights of the meeting include:

Presentations:

The Board recognized two Reston institutions – the award-winning Reston Community Players (pictured) and recently retired Reston Association COO Larry Butler. It was an honor to bring them before the Board for their outstanding community contributions. Click on the links to read my Board Matters requesting their recognition.

My Board Matters:

• Recognition of James Madison High School Baseball and Lacrosse Teams Winning State Championships
• Expedited and Concurrent Processing for 11600 American Dream Way

Metrobus Launches New Nighttime Courtesy Stops 

Metrobus customers who travel at night will have the option to get off between bus stops along the route, closer to their destination to provide a safer, better bus experience. Effective this past Sunday, customers may request a courtesy stop between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. If the bus operator determines it is safe to do so, the bus will pull over to the curb and allow the customer to exit. Learn more.

Planning Commission Decision Deferred Until Tonight for Reston Comprehensive Plan Study

On June 14, the Planning Commission deferred their decision for the Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment until their meeting tonight Wednesday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Plan Amendment, detailed in the Reston Comprehensive Plan Staff Report and Addendum, was informed by input from staff analysis, a multi-year community task force and public feedback. If the Planning Commission makes their recommendation as expected this evening or during their following meeting on July 12, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25. Following the public hearing, the Board of Supervisors is expected to take action on the recommended Plan Amendment text. The Reston Comprehensive Plan Staff Report, Addendum, and additional information about the Plan Amendment are available on the Reston Study webpage. Questions can be directed to  DPDUrbanCenters@FairfaxCounty.gov. 

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting: Monday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) virtual meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 17 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: 134 962 975#. For more information, email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 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: 894 530 063#. For information, email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123.

Bear Sightings: What to Know

This morning my office heard about a bear seen in Reston, which was also reported in media. According to the county's Wildlife Management staff, the bear has not shown any behaviors that indicate a public safety threat but has gotten into trash and bird feeders. Please call Virginia Wildlife Helpline 855-571-9003 to report sightings. Learn more.

Too Many Opioid Overdoses; Learn What You Can Do at Tonight's CAC Meeting

This past week, there were tragically two more teen opioid overdoses in the county. Opioids have been the driving force behind our large increases in fatal overdoses since 2013. In response, the Reston District Station CAC is meeting tonight Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. for an Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) training. The free training will be held in the Community Room of the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Youth Resources

Reston Station 25 Ride Along

On Monday I had the opportunity to do a ride along with Battalion Chief Bentley, which included stops at surrounding Fairfax County Fire and Rescue stations. It was a great opportunity to have some one-on-one time with our fire and rescue personnel and get a front seat to the great work that they do!

Battalion Chief Bentley showing me how to use

their radios.

Getting fitted for a helmet in case I needed one.

Learning how to break down a locked door in an emergency.

This Week for Liberty Amendments Month

There is a lot going on for Liberty Amendments Month this week, including:

• Vienna Heroes Bookmark Giveaway. Head to the Patrick Henry Library this week to pick up a free bookmark commemorating Vienna heroes William McKinley Carter and Lillian Brant Carter who led efforts to integrate Patrick Henry Library in 1962.
• Our American Liberty Stories. Read stories of individuals and families who were native to this country or who journeyed here, whether willingly or not, and how they came to enjoy the rights as American citizens guaranteed by the Liberty Amendments. The stories are displayed throughout the Town of Vienna. Learn more.

Affordable Housing Waiting List Opening for Older Adults

The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development announced it is opening up waiting lists for four affordable housing properties, including that Lake Anne House in Reston. Learn more.

Summer Break Updates from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)

Free Meals:

During the summer break, free breakfast and lunch meals are available to all children 18 years of age and younger at FCPS sites across the county. Learn more.

Outside Play:

FCPS invites children and families to enjoy school blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks during the summer. Use is permitted from dawn to sunset, excluding school hours or when being used for school activities or other scheduled programs. Learn more

School-Age Child Care (SACC) Registration Opens July 11

Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care program for the 2024-25 school year will open on July 11. The SACC program, operated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, offers before- and after-school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and several community centers. Learn more.

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Matters--Resources, Trainings and Videos 

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

Nominations Open for Friends of Trees Awards

If you have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions in preserving, protecting or planting trees, you may be eligible for an award from the Tree Commission. The nomination period for the commission’s annual Friends of Trees continues through Monday, July 31. Learn more.

Farmers Markets Aim to Recycle 4 Tons of Compost in June

The Fairfax County Park Authority is looking to take composting at the Farmers Market to a whole new level by recycling 4 tons – 8,000 pounds – of compost during the month of June. Expanding from a successful pilot program in 2022, all 10 farmers market locations now include food scrap drop-off sites where customers can dispose of food waste to be composted. During the month of May, customers brought 7,400 pounds of food waste – 3.7 tons – to the market drop-off sites for composting. Learn more.

County's THRIVE Program Seeks Coaches and Consultants

The THRIVE program is actively seeking firms with specialties in Marketing, Operations, and Finance to apply to be Coaches and Consultants. Applications can be made via Request for Proposals (RFP) opening on June 26 and close on Aug. 4. Qualified professionals and firms are encouraged to apply to contribute their expertise and join THRIVE in making a difference in the lives of local businesses. Learn more.

Serve your County and Hunter Mill District

My office is seeking applicants for two positions on Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BAC). Please contact Gwenn Minton if you are interested or need more information.

• Small Business Commission: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/small-business-commission
• Criminal Justice Advisory Board: To receive and coordinate all phases of planning for the Criminal Justice System in the County of Fairfax and to furnish its advice and recommendations to the County Executive and, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. Reestablished to continue in an advisory capacity though no longer required by Federal Law.