Hunter Mill District News, March 25, 2020

‌ March 25, 2020 To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:   Hang in there Hunter Mill folks. This is going to be a bit of a slog, but I have also heard of so much good going on in our community! Neighbors are helping neighbors in many ways from picking up groceries to providing marketing support to small businesses or collecting face masks for health care professionals. Want to help? Every day we updating our list of how to help, if you can.   As shown above, another part of our "new normal" is going virtual with meetings instead of face to face. An already planned media coffee today turned into a videoconference with our local media to ensure that they get important Hunter Mill District to our residents. Thank you to the Tysons Reporter, Reston Patch and Reston Connection for participating in my first ever media videoconference. Last but not least, a reminder to fill out your 2020 Census. You can do it online and it only takes a few minutes. It is more important than ever that we are counted! Census information. #FFXCounts   Please stay safe everyone - keep up the social distancing and hand washing!     Respectfully, Walter   Today's Updates (March 25) Briefing on March 24 Board of Supervisors Meeting from Chairman McKay Several actions were taken by the Board of Supervisors at yesterday's meeting. Details can be found in today's McKay Messenger. Metro to Close Additional 17 Stations and Selected Entrances Amid low-ridership and the need to conserve critical cleaning supplies during COVID-19 response, Metro announced the strategic closing of 17 additional stations, effective Thursday, March 26. Learn more. Social Distancing, Self-Isolating and Quarantine: What Do These Terms Mean? We’ve all been hearing terms like “social distancing,” “self-isolating” and “quarantine” — but what do these terms mean and how do we use them to protect ourselves and others? Learn more. Three Inova Respiratory Illness Clinics Open Today  Starting today, Wednesday, March 25, Inova Urgent Care locations at Dulles South, North Arlington and Tysons will staff Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. The three clinics will also be able to collect COVID-19 vehicle-side samples that have been ordered by physicians. Learn more. RA Extends Cancellations Through April 30 Reston Association has canceled all committee and board meetings through April 30 due to precautions being taken to protect employees and members during the coronavirus pandemic. The association is also cancelling all activities, programs and events until further notice. The Member Services department is closed to walk-in traffic but remains staffed to answer calls and emails Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Walker Nature Center and Central Services Facility are also closed to the public will respond to calls and email inquiries. Trails at the nature center remain open. Member Services: 703-435-6530 Walker Nature Center: 703-476-9689 Central Services Facility: 703-437-7658  Updates From Police Department How to Report Non-Emergency Incidents In order to responsibly maintain social distancing, the Police Department is asking residents to report eligible non-emergency incidents by using the online reporting system or calling the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Learn more. Drug Take Back Boxes Closed To ensure the safety of both our community members and our first responders, the Drug Take Back boxes at our Police District Stations will be closed until further notice. As of today, community members won’t be able to drop off excess medications at our stations. This includes the box at the North County Governmental Center. Please do not flush unused medications - here are alternative ways to safely dispose of medicines Fingerprinting Services Suspended until Further Notice In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 to employees and customers, the Police Department has suspended fingerprinting services until further notice. Learn more.  In Case You Missed It Human Services: Assistance From a Distance There are many online and phone/hotline services available for residents in need of human services support, including for domestic/sexual violence services, older adults and people with disabilities. Get help. Fairfax County Government Buildings Closed to the Public Starting at 5 p.m. this Friday, March 27 To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County will close all government buildings and facilities to the public starting Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m., until further notice. However, the county government remains open for business online and by phone and mail and some specific services will continue to be provided in-person. Learn more.   Fairfax County Extends Tax Payment Deadlines for Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes The Board of Supervisors approved a one month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. The board took action today at its March 24 meeting to assist taxpayers during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more.   Park Authority Closes All Parks; Trails Remain Open Effective Tuesday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m., all county Park Authority parks and amenities will be closed to the public until further notice. This change is in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to close public access to recreational facilities. Park Authority closures include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. Learn more.   Town of Vienna Election Residents of the Town of Vienna are encouraged to vote absentee by mail for the May 5 town election. For more information, including how to get your absentee ballot by mail, go to the Office of Elections web page. Interactive Map to Find Food Resources, Services Some of our neighbors in Hunter Mill District may have food assistance needs. To make it easier for you to find food resources, the county has developed a searchable map that includes all food distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools, community meal distribution sites, food pantries and other related services. Please share this information with your neighbors and organizations. Learn more.   Housing Resources Many residents may have concerns about mortgage payments and assistance. Here are suggested resources: ·   U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ·   Fannie Mae ·   Freddie Mac Stay Informed Call our Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions; open 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19. Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. Visit a web portal for coronavirus that serves as a one-stop online resource for information. Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage or FAQ page. Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page. Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.

Hunter Mill District News, March 24, 2020

‌ March 24, 2020 To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:   Every day brings a lot of new updates and important information that impacts our residents in Hunter Mill District and countywide. And it is a lot to digest and process. The Board of Supervisors and county staff are committed to making sure you have the information you need to safely get through this pandemic. Please take a few minutes to read today's updates!   Respectfully, Walter   Today's Updates (March 24)   Fairfax County Government Buildings Closed to the Public Starting at 5 p.m. this Friday, March 27 To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County will close all government buildings and facilities to the public starting Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m., until further notice. However, the county government remains open for business online and by phone and mail and some specific services will continue to be provided in-person. Learn more.   Fairfax County Extends Tax Payment Deadlines for Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes The Board of Supervisors approved a one month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. The board took action today at its March 24 meeting to assist taxpayers during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more.   Park Authority Closes All Parks; Trails Remain Open Effective Tuesday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m., all county Park Authority parks and amenities will be closed to the public until further notice. This change is in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to close public access to recreational facilities. Park Authority closures include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. Learn more.   Drug Take Back Boxes Closed To ensure the safety of both our community members and our first responders, the Drug Take Back boxes at our Police District Stations will be closed until further notice. As of today, community members won’t be able to drop off excess medications at our stations. This includes the box at the North County Governmental Center. Please do not flush unused medications - here are alternative ways to safely dispose of medicines Coronavirus 101 Presentation Fairfax County’s Health Department has produced a “Coronavirus 101” presentation that features some useful information about COVID-19. Currently, the webinar-style video is available in both English (shown here) and Spanish . This presentation also is being produced in additional languages and will be posted as soon as they are available. Learn more.  In Case You Missed It: How to Help Neighbors in Need in Hunter Mill District I am encouraging everyone who can to consider volunteering or donating to assist our local community organizations or through your own faith community or civic organization. How you can help. Census A reminder that if you haven't received your Census information in the mail, it is coming your way soon! It is critical that everyone fills out the 2020 Census, which you can do online and by other means. Learn more.  Town of Vienna Election Residents of the Town of Vienna are encouraged to vote absentee by mail for the May 5 town election. For more information, including how to get your absentee ballot by mail, go to the Office of Elections web page. Interactive Map to Find Food Resources, Services Some of our neighbors in Hunter Mill District may have food assistance needs. To make it easier for you to find food resources, the county has developed a searchable map that includes all food distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools, community meal distribution sites, food pantries and other related services. Please share this information with your neighbors and organizations. Learn more.   Housing Resources Many residents may have concerns about mortgage payments and assistance. Here are suggested resources: ·   U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ·   Fannie Mae ·   Freddie Mac Stay Informed Call our Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions; open 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19. Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. Visit a web portal for coronavirus that serves as a one-stop online resource for information. Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage or FAQ page. Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page. Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2020
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Alena Yarmosky, Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Northam Orders Statewide Closure of Certain Non-Essential Businesses, K-12 Schools

Bans public gatherings of more than 10 people

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today issued a statewide order to protect the health and safety of Virginians and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Executive Order Fifty-Three orders the closure of certain non-essential businesses, bans all gatherings of more than 10 people, and closes all K-12 schools for the remainder of the academic year. Governor Northam is also urging all Virginians to avoid non-essential travel outside the home, if and when possible.

This order goes into effect at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and will remain in place until 11:59 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

“This is an unprecedented situation, and it requires unprecedented actions to protect public health and save lives,” said Governor Northam. “I know the next several weeks will be difficult. These restrictions on non-essential businesses will create hardships on the businesses and employees affected. But they are necessary, and we do not undertake them lightly. I am calling on Virginians to sacrifice now, so that we can get through this together.”

In addition, Virginia is launching a statewide media campaign to ensure Virginians fully understand their risk and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Commonwealth’s “Health in Your Hands” campaign will include radio and television spots as well as statewide billboards and highway signs.

Public Gatherings

All gatherings of more than 10 people are banned statewide, beginning at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. This does not include gatherings that involve the provision of health care or medical services, access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; operations of the media; law enforcement agencies; or operations of government.

K-12 Schools

All schools will remain closed through the end of this academic year. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will issue guidance to help divisions execute plans to continue instruction, while ensuring students are served equitably, regardless of income level, access to technology, English learner status, or special needs. This includes options for additional instruction through summer programming, integrating instruction into coursework next year, and allowing students to make up content. VDOE will submit a waiver to the federal government to lift end-of-year testing requirements and is exploring options to waive state mandated tests.

Recreation and Entertainment Businesses

The following recreation and entertainment businesses are considered non-essential and must close to the public beginning at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020:

• Theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, museums, and other indoor entertainment centers;
• Fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities;
• Beauty salons, barber shops, spas, massage parlors, tanning salons, tattoo shops, and any other location where personal care or personal grooming services are performed that would not allow compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain six feet apart;
• Racetracks and historic horse racing facilities;
• Bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, arts and craft facilities, aquariums, zoos, escape rooms, indoor shooting ranges, public and private social clubs, and all other places of indoor public amusement.

Dining and On-Site Alcohol Establishments

All dining and congregation areas in the following establishments must close to the public beginning at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. These establishments may continue to offer delivery and/or takeout services. Establishments include:

• Restaurants;
• Dining establishments;
• Food courts;
• Farmers markets;
• Breweries;
• Microbreweries;
• Distilleries;
• Wineries; and
• Tasting rooms.

Retail Businesses

The following retail businesses are considered essential and may remain open during normal business hours:

• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell food and beverage products or pharmacy products, including dollar stores, and department stores with grocery or pharmacy operations;
• Medical, laboratory, and vision supply retailers;
• Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;
• Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers as well as automotive repair facilities;
• Home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers;
• Lawn and garden equipment retailers;
• Beer, wine, and liquor stores;
• Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;
• Retail located within healthcare facilities;
• Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;
• Pet stores and feed stores;
• Printing and office supply stores; and
• Laundromats and dry cleaners.

All essential retail establishments must, to the extent possible, adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing practices on common surfaces, and other appropriate workplace guidance from state and federal authorities. 

Any brick-and-mortar retail business not listed above must limit all in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons per establishment, adhere to social distancing recommendations, sanitize common surfaces, and apply relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities. If any such business cannot adhere to the 10-patron limit with proper social distancing requirements, it must close.

Additional Guidance

Professional businesses not listed above must utilize telework as much as possible. Where telework is not feasible, such businesses must adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing procedures, and apply relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities, including CDC, OSHA, and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

Businesses in violation of this order may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Nothing in Executive Order Fifty-Three limits the provision of health care or medical services, access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; the operations of the media; law enforcement agencies; or operations of government.

The full text of Executive Order Fifty-Three can be found here. Additional guidance and a Frequently Asked Questions guide can be found here.

Watch the video of today’s announcement here.

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Reston Association North Shore Pool Closed for 2020 Season

Reposted from the February 28, 2020 edition of RA News:

MAINTENANCE NOTICE

North Shore Pool Closed for 2020 Season

The North Shore Pool will be closed for the 2020 season due to several planned construction and maintenance projects at the facility and surrounding Lake Anne area.

 

The following improvements will be made to the North Shore Pool facility this spring and summer:

 

• Concrete deck repairs
• Re-plaster of main pool
• Replacement of tile and coping stone
• Replacement/upgrade of facility fencing – including installation of railings for the main deck staircase
• Replacement of deck equipment (access chair, lifeguard stands, ladders, railings)
• Replacement of the shade structure
• Replacement of the flooring surface in the bathhouse
• Replacement of cabinets, countertops in the office and bathrooms

 

Additional work in the area began this week, as the lake canal and plaza areas will be dredged. Renovation of the dock at Lake Anne Plaza is scheduled to begin in March.

 

Lake Thoreau Pool will also be closed in 2020 due to major renovation work after engineers recently found the pool to be unsafe.

 

Reston Association’s remaining 13 pools will be open with adjusted schedules to accommodate members who would normally utilize the North Shore or Lake Thoreau pools. Contact AquaticsInfo@reston.org for more information.

 

Click the link below to download a map of locations of all RA pools.

 

FACILITIES MAP

The WCA BoD will meet on Monday March 2, 2020, 7pm

The Waterview Cluster Association Board of Directors will hold its next Regular Meeting on Monday March 2, 2020, 7pm at the Reston Historic Trust & Museum, 1639 Washington Plaza.

Waterview Cluster Progressive Dinner 2020

From the WCA Social Committee:

Please join us for our Waterview Cluster Progressive Dinner 2020! This event will be held on Saturday, March 7 starting at 6 p.m. This movable feast will visit four gracious Waterview hosts who will invite us into their homes for 40-45 minutes of neighborly fun, food, and festiveness! Our hosts are invited to serve heavy appetizers and beverages. An E-vite was sent out to Waterview Cluster residents from Amiee Freeman on Feb. 15. Please check your email for this electronic invitation and let us know if you are interested in attending. We are also looking for two more hosts. If you are interested in hosting, please contact Amiee Freeman (Amiee.Henderson.Freeman@gmail.com). Last year's event was a ton of fun! We are hoping to recreate the magic. Join us! 

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RA Light Fixture Felled by High Winds in the AM on Feb 7, 2020

Reston Association was notified this morning (9:30am) that one of their light fixtures (Pole #3 on their inventory, adjacent to 11424OL) blew down during strong wind gusts this morning.  The insulation of the wiring at the base, though exposed, is unbroken.  Most of the broken glass has been collected.  Please do not touch the pole or fixture - it is safe enough where it is and use caution when walking your dog in that area.

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