Waterview Cluster: Hunter Mill District News, December 16, 2020

Dec. 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

As we close out a year that has been dark for so many, I encourage you to look for the light that surrounds us during the holidays. Our faith communities, neighborhoods and homes have been lit inside and out to celebrate our diverse faiths and the beginning of a new year. It has really been a treat to see such creative and joyous use of light all around Hunter Mill District. And for those of us interested in the visible heavens, keep an eye on the sky on Dec. 21 when Jupiter and Saturn will be so close in the sky that they will appear to be one bright star. The last time this occurred during a night sky was 800 years ago, so make sure you take a few minutes to look; learn more.

These days the most important light is the one at the end of the tunnel, and we now have that with the arrival of vaccines to end this pandemic. A lot more information will be coming from the county in the upcoming weeks and you can find several sources under the COVID-19 Updates below.

This is our 75th and last newsletter for 2020. I want to thank Lisa Connors of my staff for making this newsletter happen, and to thank you for subscribing and reading it – especially about COVID-19. The next weekly newsletter will be Wednesday, Jan. 6 and we will continue to provide updates and other important information on Twitter, Facebook and the Hunter Mill District webpage.

On behalf of the Hunter Mill District staff and myself, best wishes for a happy and healthy new year – we are all looking forward to 2021!

Respectfully,

Walter

Today's COVID-19 Updates (Dec. 16)

Watch Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Gloria Addo-Ayensu provide an update on COVID-19 and the vaccines during a recent discussion with Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton. Video

If you have questions about COVID-19, you can contact the Fairfax County Health Department:

Call 703-267-3511 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends)
Email ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov (monitored 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays)

Vaccine Updates

Testing

Data Dashboards and Charts

Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District

Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.

COVID-19 Case Information Chart (as of publication on Dec.16)

Chart data resources:

Transportation and Land Use

Community Meeting on Jan. 5 to discuss Reston Historic Resources Survey Draft

A draft of an Historic Resources Survey of Reston has been completed and is available for community review and input. I am hosting a virtual community meeting Jan. 5, 2021 at 7 p.m. to provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments on the draft survey, following a presentation by the consultant hired by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Learn more.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meeting Held Dec. 14

The task force held its last meeting of 2020 on Monday, Dec. 14. Thank you to the members who have spent many hours working on this project and I look forward to more great discussions and collaboration in 2021. You can watch the Dec. 14 meeting or the updated meeting playlist here. The next meeting is Jan. 11 and details and the agenda will be found here, when available.

Reston Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Committee Virtual Meeting, Dec. 21, 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:179 957 8138. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. More information.

Public Safety News

Search Underway for Next Fairfax County Police Chief

The county has engaged a search firm to assist with the search to replace Chief Ed Roessler, who is retiring in February. The search includes community outreach efforts to help identify key characteristics, skills, traits and issues to consider. In addition to a survey (open through Dec. 28), the county will host focus groups with key community organizations as part of the search process. Learn more.

Holiday Events

Virtual Nutcracker Performances in December

The Fairfax Ballet and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra are presenting virtual performances of the Nutcracker from Dec. 5 to 27. Learn more

Holiday Lights on the Farm

Brighten your season with a driving tour of Holiday Lights at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Tour the park in the safety and warmth of your vehicle on a one-mile route to see the farm animals, wooded wonders, and lights decorating the pastures and historic buildings. $20 per car. Learn more.

Town of Vienna Holiday Events

31 Days of Holiday Happiness from Visit Fairfax

Each day of December, Visit Fairfax reveals a new holiday fun suggestion ranging from activities to gift ideas. As part of this effort, they worked directly with the Made in Fairfax initiative to specifically support Fairfax County small businesses. Learn more.

Hanukkah Celebrations Around Fairfax County and the Capital Region from Visit Fairfax

Hanukkah ends on Dec. 18, but you'll find still events celebrating the holiday. Learn more.

“Gifts from the HeART” Exhibit to Benefit Cornerstones Dec. 1 through Jan. 4

During the 22nd annual “Gifts from the HeART” Exhibit artists will display and sell their one-of-a-kind, handmade artworks in a variety of mediums at Reston Community Center Lake Anne,1609-A Washington Plaza. Art will be displayed at Jo Ann Rose and 3D Galleries and online at our new Virtual Artist Directory. Artists will donate 10% of proceeds to Cornerstones to support families in need. Learn more.

Fresh Produce Collection Drive

Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cornerstones is holding a fresh produce drive this Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for local families in need.

Types of produce needed includes oranges and apples, potatoes, squash, onions, peppers, carrots, and other seasonal vegetables and fruits.

Deliver your produce donation to:

Assistance Services and Food Pantry

11484 Washington Plaza West, Suite 120

Reston, VA 20190

Easy, no-contact delivery support will be available.

If you or someone you know might benefit from Cornerstones' programs and services, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit cornerstonesva.org or call 571-323-9555.

4 Things to Know Today

Fairfax County Government Holiday Schedule

Fairfax County Government offices close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 24, and will be closed all day on Friday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday. Offices will also be closed on Friday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. However, some facilities are open and schedules may vary, particularly as some offices continue to feature reduced hours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

Job Opportunity: Apply to be a Classroom Monitor for FCPS

As Fairfax County Public Schools continues to make plans for a return to school, there’s a critical need to hire monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when a staff member remains virtual. The commitment would be from mid-January until June 11 and pay is $15.42 per hour. Learn more.

Update on FCPS Meals During Winter Break

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to providing all students access to meals during the FCPS Winter Break. Learn more.

Coat Closet at North County Governmental Center on Jan. 9

Thank you to everyone who donated coats at Saturday's (Dec. 12) Coat Closet. Cornerstones reported that 189 children and 195 adults were assisted and 385 coats and 426 accessories (hats/gloves/scarves) were distributed. Below is a photo of me with my friend Aaron, who collected and donated 100 coats on Saturday. The next Coat Closet is Jan. 9 at the North County Governmental Center on Jan. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for both donations and those in need of coats. There is a specific need for NEW: hats, warm and water resistant gloves, and scarves. Learn more.