School Board Votes to Ban Guns — The Fairfax County School Board voted Tuesday to ban firearms on all school properties, including those leased by a school system. [WTOP]
Herndon Fire Caused by Electrical Event — A fire in a home on the 12100 block of Eddyspark Drive in Herndon was caused by an electrical event in the AC disconnect. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Police Issue Warning About Scam — The police department is reminding residents about a common scam in which a caller claiming to represent the police department demands payment to resolve outstanding warrants. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
No injuries were reported in Herndon house fire that happened over the weekend.
According to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, crews from the Fairfax and Loudoun departments quickly extinguished the fire in a home on the 12100 block of Eddyspark Drive in Herndon.
The fire was visible at the time crews arrived on the scene. The cause of the fire was attributed to an electrical event in an AC disconnect box.
The county’s fire chief Brad Cohrane complimented firefighters in how they handled the scene.
The fire caused roughly $100,000 in damages.
https://twitter.com/ChiefBradC/status/1490367397445914632?s=20&t=-NZ2h14SNAVJWkMpFGmeeQ
Creative Ways to Fill Substitute Shortage — WTOP chronicles how the son of an elementary school principal wound up filling in as a long-term substitute. [WTOP]
Reston Firms Buys Student Financial Aid Firm — Reston-based education technology firm Ellucian has acquired CampusLogic, a Minnesota-based company. [WTOP]
First Fire Marshal and Fire Administrator Dies — The county’s first Chief Fire Marshal, Willis Bill Burton Jr.. passed away on Jan. 9. He began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Northern Virginia Cyber and IT Virtual Career Fair Later This Month — Microsoft, Amazon, Leidos, General Dynamics and other companies will take part in a Jan. 27 career fair organized by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. [FCEDA]
Photo by Terry Baranski
Sunset at a snowy Lake Thoreau (photo by Marjorie Copson)
Snow Closes Schools Again — Fairfax County Public Schools are closed again today (Friday) as the school system anticipated snowfall overnight into this morning. This is the last allotted traditional snow day of the year. The National Weather Service projected snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches for the D.C. region. [NWS]
New Reston Fire Station Gears Up for Service — Some Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel spent Thursday moving. The department gave a sneak peek inside its new Reston fire station yesterday, as staff moved to the new location from a temporary station. [FCFRD/Twitter]
More COVID Testing Centers Coming to Virginia — Gov. Ralph Northam announced $5 million for new COVID-19 community testing centers, which will be near or on the same property as existing mass vaccination centers that have been operating since October, including one in Tysons. [Governor’s Office]
Police Shoot Man Who Aimed Bow and Arrow — A 50-year-old Chantilly man was charged with attempted aggravated murder of a police officer after he aimed a compound bow at officers Tuesday, prompting one to shoot him, the Fairfax County Police Department says. The man’s injuries were not life-threatening, and no officers were injured. [FCPD]
Parents Group Press for In-person Teaching —Â “COVID is not going away,” members of the Fairfax County Parents Association said in a statement released Jan. 2. “We must learn to live in a world where COVID exists, and where children are still receiving access to a robust, in-person education.” [Inside NoVa]
Get Free Coffee for Blood Donations — In exchange for a blood donation, the American Red Cross will hand out coupons for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts packaged ground coffee that can be redeemed at Dunkin Donuts in the Reston area. To schedule a donation, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app or visit RedCrossBlood.org. [Patch]
One Year Since Capitol Was Stormed — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay joined many marking the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack, releasing a statement. “It is important for all of us to remember across the political spectrum, that democracy is something we must always defend.” [Twitter]
Firefighters rescued two residents from the top floor of an apartment building during a fire early this morning.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded around 1:18 a.m. to the 2300 block of Freetown Court in Reston and used a ladder to reach the residents.
One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Video showed a top-story unit engulfed in flames, showing nothing but the fire through a window.
Other details weren’t immediately available.
At 1:18 a.m. this morning, #FCFRD responded to Two Alarm apartment fire in 2300 block of Freetown Ct. Reston. Two residents rescued from a top floor apartment using a ground ladder. One transported to hospital w/non-life-threatening injuries. No firefighter injuries. More later. pic.twitter.com/Vh9sCT9L9h
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 23, 2021
Case Surge Prompts Changes to Contact Investigation Process — Case investigators will prioritize contact tracing and investigation for high-risk scenarios, including children who are in school, people infected through an outbreak and people who live and work in settings like group homes or long-term care facilities. The effort is part of an attempt to use staff and resources effectively. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Student Amps Up Volunteering — Aaron Letteri, a Reston resident who studies at the Lab School of Washington, has been volunteering in many different capacities. His latest effort includes collecting coats for Cornerstones. [Fairfax County Times]
Fire at Townhouse in Reston Under Investigation — Local fire crews are investigating the source of a fire on the porch of a town house on the 3200 block of Autumn Hill Court in Reston. The fire started yesterday evening. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Vaccine Clinics Closed Today — Vaccination clinics at the Fairfax County and South County government centers will be closed through Dec. 276. [Fairfax County Government]
The opening of a new fire station on Wiehle Avenue has been delayed again.
Ashley Hildebrandt, a spokesperson for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, said Station 25 is looking at a potential move-in date in mid-January.
Communications representatives for the county were unable to answer what’s causing the delay and what firefighters will need to do to prepare for the new facility.
Sharon North, a spokesperson for the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, said in an email that the work remaining to be completed is a “typical punch list of items” and “nothing major.”
Demolition on the former station began in March 2020 for the approximately $15 million project that will double the size of Station 25.
The former station was 2 1/2 bays, designed in 1972, had “become undersized” and “inadequate critical infrastructure,” and lacked “support functions to meet the needs of the expanding department and the community it serves,” according to a description by the project’s architect.
Around a year ago, the department said the station could be ready by the summer of 2021.
New School Vaccine Clinics in Reston — The county and the school system have added new school-based clinics for COVID-19 vaccines in the area. A school-based vaccine clinic is scheduled for Dec. 11 and Jan. 6 at Hunters Woods Elementary School. [Fairfax County Government]
County Adopts New Redistricting Plan — The county has adopted a new redistricting plan. Seven precincts were shifted to new districts. The Virginia Attorney General will certify the new map. [Fairfax County Government]
A Reminder to Decorate Safely — With the holiday season quickly approaching, local fire and rescue personnel are reminding risks to decorate with safety in mind. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
With giving Tuesday on the horizon, the season of charity and gift-giving has arrived.
A number of local organizations have launched year-end campaigns and donations drives. We’ve rounded up some ways to help your neighbors and local nonprofit organizations.
Santa’s Ride
Drop off new unwrapped toys, games, books, and gifts to any Fairfax County police station through Saturday, Dec. 11. The items will be donated to Fairfax Hospital, the Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center and other children in the community. The Town of Herndon’s police department is also participating.
Toys for Tots
The county’s fire and rescue department is taking part in the annual campaign. Residents can drop off unwrapped and new toys at any Fairfax County fire station through Sunday, Dec. 12.
Knitting Communities Together
Donate new or gently used handmade hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and socks for adults and children. Items are distributed to local nonprofits like Cornerstones, Homestretch and ShelterHouse. Donations can be made through Jan. 5 at a number of locations, including the Herndon Senior Center in Herndon and the Pimmit Hills Senior Center in McLean.
Reston Winter Coat Closet
The Hunter Mill District Office and Cornerstones are collecting new or gently used winter coats and new hats, scarves and gloves for neighbors in need. Donations can be dropped off at the North County Governmental Center in Reston between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 11 and Jan. 8.
Reston Elf Store
The recently renamed Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate and the Reston Teen Center are collecting a wide variety of items. Suggested donations include candles, robes, nail polish, home goods, gloves, shaving kits and flashlights. Donations can be dropped off through Dec. 10 at the center in Reston.
Gift Cards
The county’s domestic and sexual violence services office is also accepting gift card donations. Mail cards by Thursday, Dec. 9, to Vanessa Cullers at the Domestic Violence Action Center or Gulira Alieva at Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
The police department’s victim services division is also collecting gift card for child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence. Residents can drop off gift cards or send them to Saly Fayez, Victim Services Section, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Know of any other local opportunities to get into the giving spirit? Let us know in the comments below.
Juvenile Arrested in Connection with Robbery — A 16-year-old was arrested on charges of robbery and weapons offenses in connection with a robbery that happened on Nov. 16. Police said the suspect allegedly demanded a victim’s backpack while displaying a gun and then left the scene on the victim’s bike. The incident happened on the 800 block of Ferndale Avenue. [Herndon Police Department]
Reston Association Receives Award — The association was recognized for excellence in programming for its parks and recreation department’s camps in a box program. The award recognized innovative programs that contributed to the betterment of the community. [RA]
A Discussion with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department — Fire Chief John Butler told the McLean Citizens Association that the department is preparing for the future by stepping recruitment and enhancing community partnerships. [Inside NOVA]
Why You Should Leave Leaves Alone — The Fairfax County Park Authority c=enncourages residents to leave leaves on the ground in order to help hibernating insects like caterpillars and to improve the health of your lawn. [Fairfax County Government]
A Decision on Renaming Lee and Lee Jackson Memorial Highways — The Confederate Names Task Force will meet on Tuesday to determine if the highways should be renamed. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by David Taube
A Warning About Building Fires — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is encouraging residents to take an active role in practicing and promoting safe behavior during Get in STEP, which stands for Safety Takes Every Person, with FCFRD this week. This week’s highlight is heating safety. [FCFRD]
Plastic Bag Tax Goes into Effect Soon — A five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided by retailers in grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores will go into effect on Jan. 1. The county’s board passed the tax on Sept. 14. [Fairfax County Government]
Deep Dive into Effects of Segregation in Northern Virginia — A new report by the Northern Virginia Health Foundation and the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University offers new insights on the history of exclusion and segregation in Northern Virginia. [Reston Patch]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Reston-based Company Makes Acquisition — CACI International, a Reston-based company, has acquired a California-based company for $275 million. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year for SA Photonics Inc. [Virginia Business]
Reston Next Moves Forward — Boston Properties has officially delivered the first 285,000 square feet of its Reston Next development, which is anchored by Fannie Mae. The project is 85 percent leased overall. [Washington Business Journal]
Town of Herndon Budget Earns Honors — Government Finance Officers Association recognized the Town of Herndon with its budget presentation award. The honor recognizes budgets that work well as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. [Town of Herndon]
This Sunday: Change Your Clock — When you move your clock back one hour early on Sunday morning, don’t forget to also check your smoke alarms to make sure they’re working. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department issues a reminder to residents. [FCRD]
Photo by David Taube
Freeze Warning In Effect — A freeze warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday while a frost advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. today. [National Weather Service]
Toys for Tots is On — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is taking part in the annual toys for tots campaign. Stations will accept donations through Dec. 12. This year, collection boxes will be placed outside the front door of every fire station each morning. Residents have until 8 p.m. to drop off today every day. [FCFRD]
Dump Your Pumpkins Elsewhere — The Fairfax County Park Authority is reminding residents that parks aren’t for pumpkins. Residents should not discard pumpkins at county parks. [Fairfax County Government]
Candidate Call for Reston Association Board — Three seats are open for the association’s Board of Directors. The month-long election is held every March. Positions for at-large director, Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District director, and North Point district director are open. [RA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Station 25 should be complete and occupied by the end of this year.
That’s the most recent timeline for the project (1820 Wiehle Ave.), according to the department’s director of public information, Ashley Hildebrandt.
“Station personnel are very excited about the new station,” she says in an email.
Demolition on the former station began in March 2020 for the nearly $15 million project that will double the size of Station 25.
The former station was 2 1/2 bays, designed in 1972 and had “become undersized” and lacked “inadequate critical infrastructure and support functions to meet the needs of the expanding department and the community it serves,” according to a description by the project’s architect.
The new station has four bays and makes other adjustments for more firefighters to be located there, such as by providing 41 parking spaces.
Firefighters have temporarily relocated to 1840 Cameron Glen Drive during the construction to continue providing service.
Cornerstones Celebrates 50 Years — The nonprofit organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Reston Community Center tonight. The event begins at 6 p.m. [Cornerstones]
Reston Community Players Launches New Program — The organization has launched a new apprenticeship program for students between the ages of 12 and 18. The opportunity involves 10 performances at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage. [Reston Patch]
Fire Department Cancels Fill the Boot Event — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department has once again canceled its in-person “Fill the Boot” event for muscular dystrophy this year. The decision was made due to increasing cases of COVID-19. [FCFRD]
