For the last 55 years, Restonians have celebrated Founder’s Day in the spring to celebrate the birthday of Reston’s founder Bob Simon.
The Reston Historic Trust & Museum, which hosts the annual celebration and community gathering, has canceled this year’s event.
As a stay-at-home order remains in effect ad gatherings are limited to less than 10 people, Lake Anne Plaza will not be busy with activities, a moon bounce, exhibits and performances.
“We are very sorry for the disruption, and, like you, we hope life will return to normal sometime soon. In the interim, be safe and be kind,” the museum wrote on its website.
The museum will remain closed through June. But executive director Alex Campbell said that the organization is pushing out new online resources and content.
On Monday mornings, the museum posts tidbits of history in a series called #museumfromhome. Residents can also take advantage of kids’ activities, artifact collections, online history books, and an online exhibit.
Campbell said that the organization is adjusting its budget to remain financially stable.
“We are hopeful we can still engage with the community during our big fundraisers: the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta and Reston Home Tour.”
Founder’s Day is made possible with support from Reston Community Center and co-sponsorship by Public Art Reston.
Like other jurisdictions across the country, the Town of Herndon is shifting to essential and core services, according to town manager Bill Ashton.
At an online Herndon Town Council meeting yesterday (Tuesday), Ashton said that the town ‘s top priority is continuing essential services like police, water and sewer, road networks, and public safety.
“Our focus has been on the continuity of core services throughout this crisis and beyond so that we have the ability to serve the community,” he said.
The town is encouraging staff to telework when possible. Staff who must interact directly with the public are practicing social distancing measures and taking protective measures.
“We just want to make sure that we are staffed to meet these needs,” Ashton said.
The town has also suspended hiring unless related to public safety and frozen capital expenditures unrelated to grant-funded projects. Private home visits are also restricted unless they are related to public safety. A moratorium is in effect on overtime as well.
The council is also considering plans to delay real estate tax due date to August 28 and delay transit occupancy taxes for hotels
Photo via Town of Herndon/Facebook
Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill is pitching major revisions to his budget proposal for fiscal year 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The revised budget, which was released yesterday evening, eliminates a proposed three-cent tax rate increase and fee increases across-the-board in order to relieve pressure on the county’s taxpayers. Hill’s proposal also shifts spending to essential services only and removes all salary increases.
No net increase in the county’s revenues is expected.
The proposal maintains funding increases for the county’s health department the school’s health programs, as well as coordination for programs for those with developmental disabilities, and IT infrastructure for the November elections.
Roughly $9.6 million will be set aside in reserve funds to address the pandemic, in addition to eight new positions in the health department to address the county’s response.
“Protecting the jobs and current pay levels of the county’s existing employees continues to be of utmost importance as we progress through these challenging times,” Hill wrote in a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Hill cautioned that uncertainty about the extent of the economic downtown complicates the budget process.
“At this time, we are unsure how long the current economic downturn will last as we do not yet know how long it will take for our country to begin to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
The county expects next year’s general fund revenues will rest at the 2020 level of $4.5 billion. This estimate assumes that the health crisis is over by July and that gradual recovery prompts the resumption of economic activity, according to the county.
Major hits to revenue streams like the sales tax, transit occupancy tax, and business occupancy tax are also expected. These losses are expected to offset an expected real estate tax revenue increase of 3.7 percent or $107.4 million. Hill said it was unlikely the state would be able to absorb the impact of revenue losses without adjusting allocations to local jurisdictions.
Here’s how revenue streams could be impacted:
- Personal property tax: Decrease of $9.5 million or 1.5 percent
- Sales tax: Decrease of $26.7 million or 13.5 percent
- Transient occupancy tax: Decrease of $7 million or 30 percent
- Business, professional and occupational licenses: Decrease of $17.2 million or 10 percent
- Land development services building and inspection fees: Decrease of $4.2 million or 10 percent
- Interest on investments: Decrease of $36.7 million or 62.6 percent
Fairfax County Public Schools will receive 0.3 percent more than last year’s budget, a fraction of the previously proposed 3.65 percent increase.
Residents can provide testimony on the budget via video, phone or online for upcoming budget hearings, which are rescheduled to April 28-30. The county board is expected to adopt the budget on May 12, after a mark-up meeting on May 5.
“As Fairfax County finds itself in a different reality, we will need to think about changes that may be necessary to maintain our premier status. Our future may be leaner, and will certainly be more efficient, as we use different tools to provide the services that are needed for our community,” Hill said.
Alcorn to Host Virtual Budget Town Hall Today — Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn is hosting a town hall today form 7-9 p.m. on the updated budget. Christina Jackson, the county’s budget director, will join Alcorn during the meeting via Crowdcast. [Crowdcast]
Fairfax Connector Scales Back Service — The county’s transportation department is reducing service on several routes due to reduced ridership. Changes will go into effect on Saturday, April 11. [Fairfax County Government]
Hold on to Your Yard Waste — The county is strongly discouraging from taking their yard waste to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill in order to allow employees to focus on collecting trash and encouraging social distancing. [Fairfax County Government]
New Grocery Store Changes — Harris Teeter and Giant will limit the number of shoppers in their stores. Giant is also implementing one-way aisles. [Washington Business Journal, WTOP]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
The number of unemployment claims in Fairfax County skyrocketed last month, according to the most recent unemployment numbers.
Claims jumped from a mere 145 the week of March 14 to 4,345 the following week. As of March 28, that number ballooned to 12,109 claims. The latest numbers offer a glimpse into the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as thousands of county residents lose their jobs.
The county’s unemployment insurance claims data are similar to the statewide picture. The number of claims filed during the week ending on March 28 was 110,397 higher than the comparable 2019 week, representing a 5,000 percent increase.
The Virginia Employment Commission says initial claims measure the clear economic impact of the COVID-19 virus. Although many areas are reporting layoffs in service-related industries like accommodation and food services, the commission notes that there are indications that layoffs “are bordering to affect a wider range of industries.”
Photo by Evan Wise/Unsplash; Map via Virginia Employment Commission
Fairfax County has seen another jump in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Cases rose from 488 on Monday to 532 today (Tuesday), according to data from the Virginia Department of Health
As of today, there are 3,333 confirmed cases and 63 deaths statewide, including five deaths in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, has the highest number of cases in the state, followed by Henrico County (267), which is near Richmond.
Nearby Arlington County has 237 cases, while Loudoun County has 209.
Recently, Northam urged Virginians to wear cloth face masks or coverings to reduce the spread of the virus — especially by asymptomatic people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear cloth face coverings — not surgical masks or N-95 respirators that medical workers need.
Data in graph via Virginia Department of Health
Tiki Bar Opening in Reston — The team behind Sense of Thai St. a bar and restaurant in Ashburn’s One Loudoun, is currently building the bar at RTC West. Tiki Thai bills itself as the state’s “premier tiki bar and Thai restaurant.” [The Burn]
FCPS to Offer Mental Wellness Service — “Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker, for either themselves or their middle or high school student. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s emotional well-being during their time away from school. Student consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions during this unprecedented and challenging time.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
The Problem with Playdates — “If your kids do go outside of the home, it is important to maintain social distance of at least six feet from anyone from outside their own household. This guidance is in place to limit contact and slow the spread of COVID-19, because even though children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19, and often show similar but milder symptoms than adults, they can still pass the virus on to others.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
The Town of Herndon is considering a plan to extend the due date for property taxes from July 28 to August 28. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted a similar proposal at its meeting on March 24.
The move is expected to cause some financial strain. The town’s cash flow relies significantly on property taxes, which amount to roughly 31 percent of the town’s general fund revenue.
“Extending the due date delays a significant cash flow for the town,” wrote Jennie Tripoli, the town’s finance director, in a memo. “The town’s debt service payment schedules were established to coincide with cash inflows from real property taxes.”
Tripoli also noted that the town would be able to cover a third-day delay in the revenue stream. Beyond that time frame, delays in additional general fund revenues could “interfere with the town’s ability to fund core services.”
The town government has not announced any furloughs, a town spokesperson told Reston Now in a statement. But part-time, seasonal and temporary positions related to currently suspended programs are under review.
The Herndon Town Council will consider the proposal at a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7 p.m.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Fairfax County.
As of today (Monday), cases rose by 14.5 percent from 426 on Sunday to 488.
Overall, statewide cases are nearing the 3,000-th mark. So far, there are 2,878 cases, a number that rested at around 1,000 cases just a week ago.
Arlington has the second-most number cases (203), followed by Loudoun County (188).
In the state, 51 people have died as a result of the respiratory illness, five of which occurred in the county.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now encouraging residents to wear face masks in order to prevent and slow community transmission.
Herndon Police Department officers are now wearing surgical masks and non-medical face coverings in public. The change, which went into effect over the weekend, is intended to protect officers and the community.
Reston Community Players Win Big — The theatre company, which is based in Reston, won several awards in the 20th Annual Washington Area Theatre Community Honors. The group’s production “Time Stands Still” was selected for outstanding musical and other technical awards. [DC Metro Theater Arts]
Reston Hospital Centers Buys Former BBQ Restaurant — The Reston-based company has acquired 8240 Leesburg Pike, formerly the home of a Korean BBQ restaurant, with plans to retrofit the building for an emergency room in Tysons. [Washington Business Journal]
Number of COVID-19 Cases Continues to Climb — Fairfax County continues to have the highest number of cases. The state’s health department reported 426 confirmed cases yesterday (Sunday). Overall, there are more than 2,600 cases throughout the state. The illness has claimed the lives of 51 people. [Virginia Department of Health]
More Metro Service Reductions — Metro will close 9 p.m. every day. Metrorail will begin at 5 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Instead of our typical Friday roundup of events, we’ve included ways that you can give from the comfort of your home or vehicle as the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold in the county, country and around the world.
Below is a list of a few local initiatives and organizations that are seeking funds and donations. If you have other suggestions, feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected].
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has launched a COVID-19 fund that aims to provide “flexible funding resources” for nonprofit organizations and other programs in the area. The fund primarily helps those impacted by the virus and its economic consequences.
In addition to funds, Cornerstones, a local nonprofit organization, has an Amazon wishlist for its Reston food pantry. The list is available online. If items are not available for shipment, Cornerstones encourages residents to find another distributed to get the items to the organization. Residents can also drop-off donations at 11484 Washington Plaza-W, Suite 120. Items that are needed include gift cards for grocery stores, gas station, and fast food restaurants; rice; beans; lentils; cooking oil; oatmeal; eggs; milk; Clorox wipes; disinfectants; spray bottles; and paper towels.
The Embry Rucker Community Shelter is also looking for essential items like underwear, shampoo and clothing online.
With school buildings closed, the South Lakes High School Pantry is also seeking donations online. The pantry is seeking items like pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, pasta, dry rice, beans, cereal, oil, granola bars, bar soap, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste and maxi pads.
Fellowship Square is looking for volunteers to help with food delivery to low-income seniors at Lake Anne and Hunters Woods Fellowship Houses. Guidelines, which are in accordance with State Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home-order are available online.
Herndon-Reston FISH, which stands for Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help, is also collecting donations. The Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center (1086 Elden Street) and Connections for Hope Partnership (1141 Elden Street) are looking for cleaning products like bleach, Clorox wipes, spray bottles and paper towels. Both programs are operated under Cornerstones.
At Reston Hospital Center, residents can donate blood through the American Red Cross or make a financial contribution to HCA’s Hope Fund. The hospital is not currently accepting homemade masks.
Residents can also check in with the county’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program to help neighbors with services like grocery deliveries and check-in phone calls.
LINK, a volunteer-based Christian organization that offers emergency food to families in Reston, Herndon and Ashburn, is also seeking items via an Amazon wishlist.
Photo via SLHS Food Pantry/Facebook
Weird Brothers Adapts to Coronavirus — The local veteran-owned coffee shop has adapted to takeout curbside pick up and is offering local deliveries in the Herndon and Reston area. The owner says he’s seen a 50 percent drop in sales. [Patch]
Reston IT Company Names New CFO — “Reston-based information technology company Contegix announced Thursday that it has named Mike Dunn as its new chief financial officer. Dunn was most recently the CFO of systems integrator and managed hosting provider NeoSystems LLC.” [Virginia Business]
More Postponements for County Dockets — Although the Fairfax County Courthouse remains open, the Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court have changed their bond and arraignment schedule until further notice. [Fairfax County Government]
Verisign Inc. Donates $500,00 — The Reston-based company has donated the money to Northern Virginia’s COVID-19 response fund “as part of a broader effort to support those in the region.” [Community Foundation for Northern Virginia]
Metro Scales Back Service — “Metro will operate significantly reduced rail and bus service on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, maintaining a core network of 27 “lifeline” bus routes and providing twice-hourly rail service on all lines for the region’s essential travel need.” [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
As COVID-19 continues to cause major economic disturbances across the country, Visit Fairfax has a new program to support local businesses and people impacted by the pandemic.
Fairfax County is heavily reliant on tourism and visitors for conferences. Visit Fairfax’s president Barry Biggar said the organization is working to combat some of the economic downturn.
Biggar said restrictions on non-essential businesses coupled with the economic downturn have had “devastating” consequences for local businesses, services and eateries in the last three weeks.
While many restaurants are trying to pivot by offering delivery, curbside pickup and delivery, some have temporarily closed. Biggar said that he expects many won’t reopen.
Visit Fairfax staffers are trying to help coordinate tools for the community through the “Fairfax First” program, he said.
The program is a collection of tools, lists and opportunities that residents can take advantage of to support themselves and others during this turbulent time, according to the website. It includes fun things to do while at home, virtual tours of popular attractions, mental health resources and ways to support local businesses.
Visit Fairfax is also promoting “Virginia Is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week,” which runs from March 30-April 5.
“Virginians are encouraged to order takeout, delivery or curbside pickup from local restaurants and to use the hashtag #VirginiaEatsLocal to spread the word,” according to Visit Fairfax’s website.
Last year around this time, hotels in the area were at or above 70% capacity, according to Biggar, who added that now they are at or below 18%.
Around Virginia, he said more than 24,000 people in the service industry have lost their jobs permanently due to staffing cuts.
Along with other resources, Visit Fairfax coordinated with local hotels to help first responders find a list of steeply discounted rooms that will put them up if they are either self-isolating away from their families or need another place to rest, according to Biggar.
As the pandemic continues in Fairfax County without any sign of slowing, Biggar said that he can’t make a judgment yet about how this will affect the economic well being of the area going forward, but does predict an eventual rise in domestic travel around the third and fourth quarters later this year.
Though things are “changing every day,” Biggar said he wants people to “start thinking and dreaming about what you want to do when this is over” in terms of vacations and getaways to boost the economy again.
Photo courtesy James B. Crusan III
Reston resident Taruna Rijhwani knew telehealth was the way to go when she added the digital service to her Reston-based physical therapy clinic more than two years ago.
Now, as COVID-19 public health emergency prompts the restaurant industry to shift to delivery and carryout, Rijhwani says she’s shifting Health Watchers Physical Therapy and Wellness to video visits and telehealth.
Here’s more from the clinic on telehealth appointments:
They use secure HIPAA compliant platforms to connect with their patients and are able to continue to provide care without asking patients to leave their homes, keeping them safe & healthy.
Physical Therapist, Taruna Rijhwani has specialized training in the advanced system of Physical Therapy called Mckenzie Method which is especially suited for telehealth and guiding patients through right movements to help with their back, neck, shoulder or knee problems.
She notes that the number of patients coming into her office on 11250 Roger Bacon Drive has been steadily decreasing.
“We are making it up by transitioning to telehealth or video visits,” she told Reston Now.
Rijhwani initially began providing the service to keep the business relevant in the digital age.
“Look at Amazon. That’s our inspiration right there. No one goes retail shopping as much as they used to,” she told Reston Now.
This is an opinion column by Del. Ken Plum (D), who represents Reston in Virginia’s House of Delegates. It does not reflect the opinion of Reston Now.
Among the decisive moves taken by Governor Ralph Northam, also a physician, to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth was the closing of all public schools for the remainder of the school year. There is little or no opportunity for establishing social distancing in crowded school buildings with young people who are naturally inclined to do anything but keep their distance from each other. There have been many humorous references on social media to parents who find themselves unexpectedly having to home school their children. The situation created is another one during this pandemic for which there really are no good options. Classes will not be held, SOL tests will not be administered, traditional social and athletic events will not take place.
Do not make the mistake, however, of believing that learning will not be taking place while with our children and grandchildren we wait out the passing or defeat of the virus. The fact of the matter is that the children of our community as well as we adults are experiencing a lifetime event that we will never forget. Our country will have gone from a time of prosperity to the largest government bail-out ever in the history of our country. Many businesses will fail, and the breadth of our economic inequality will become even more painfully apparent. I am not sure what our social, governmental and business institutions will look like when we can proclaim that the pandemic is over, but I believe there is the potential that they will be improved.
For the children who are not in formal instruction there will be much learning beyond the fact that a virus not visible to the human eye can bring the world to a halt. Children will learn from what is happening in their own surroundings. Just how many children in our community depend on food available through the schools? Did we notice the adults who sprang into action contributing to school pantries to make sure that others are fed? Are we aware as we miss a favorite sports game or school party of the number of classmates who never had an expectation of being able to participate?
That learning on the part of our children will come from their observations of how adults around them in their homes or in the media react to what is happening. Do adults in the community play by the rules or stretch the rules to their personal advantage? Do adults hide behind words that have limited meaning in other situations to limit our response to what is needed? Do the adults in their lives show a selflessness in looking out for others?
Schools are closed for a very real emergency, but learning will continue to take place. No longer is the responsibility for teaching left to the classroom. Now more than ever it is up to us as adults to be role models in a crisis that will teach our children more than they ever would have learned otherwise!
