Board OKs Split of Child Care Center Property — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a special exception amendment Tuesday, allowing the owner of a piece of property along Centreville Road south of the Town of Herndon to adjust the lot lines of his property. The 2.61-acre property, which is situated east of Centreville Road and south of the West Ox Road intersection, consists of two lots.” [Reston Patch]
Hotel Rooms Help Homeless People in Fairfax County — “Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness and local partners worked to establish a hotel room program to house homeless persons based on need during the coronavirus pandemic. People are referred to hotels by homeless service providers, medical providers such as Health Works of Northern Virginia and Neighborhood Health, and county staff.”[Reston Patch]
Coronavirus Leading to Fall of Urban Village — “‘Relatively better performance of single-family homes in relation to multi-family condominium properties clearly suggest migration from the city centers to the suburbs,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association Realtors, in parsing sales data from May.'” [Inside NOVA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Volunteer Fairfax Announces 2020 Awards — “Volunteer Fairfax is proud to share the Virtual 2020 Annual Volunteer Service Awards, where the 13 competitive award winners, and the Community Champions, are recognized and celebrated. Each honoree will have a uniquely crafted celebration board, called a Kudoboard. Volunteer Fairfax encourages everyone to visit these celebration boards and join them in recognizing these amazing volunteers by posting a congratulatory message, image, or video.” [Volunteer Fairfax]
Public Art Reston Launches New Online Platform — “Designed for the whole family to enjoy together, Public Art Reston’s Public Art Explorer pages are packed full of absorbing activities to do at home or while “exploring” the public artworks realized by Valerie Theberge, Mary Ann Mears, and Gonzalo Fonseca and found at various locations throughout Reston. Each activity packet introduces a key theme inspired by the artists and their artworks. Kids of all ages and their adults will learn fun facts, explore public art from different angles, and create through writing, drawing, and making the suggested art projects.” [Public Art Reston]
Boston Media Company Buys Reston Firm — “Reston-based marketing automation company Triblio has been acquired by Boston-based tech marketing and media company IDG Communications, the companies announced Tuesday. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.” [Virginia Business]
Nearby: Search Underway for Missing 12-year-old — Local police are searching for Adi Pillau, a missing juvenile who was last seen in the 5300 block of Danas Crossing Drive. He is 5’4”, 120 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Reston Regional Library to Host Virtual Trivia Happy Hour — The library is organizing an online happy hour tomorrow (Thursday) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event takes place online and registration is required. [Reston Regional Library]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Metro to Reopen 15 Stations — “Metro today announced that 15 rail stations that had been closed as part of the transit agency’s Covid-19 response will reopen on Sunday, June 28. In addition, beginning Monday, June 29, buses will be added to the system’s 14 busiest bus lines to provide more capacity and more frequent service as the region reopens.” [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Election Day is Today — Polls are open until 7 p.m on the ballot for the Republican primary for U.S. Senate and Democratic primary for the U.S. House, district 11. Residents are reminded to wear a face-covering while voting. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Startup Raises $5 Million — “Reston, Virginia-based careMESH, curator of a healthcare communications platform, has closed on a $5 million seed funding round led by Assurance Capital and Pavey Family Investments. Dr. Peter S. Tippett, founder and CEO of careMESH, launched the company four years ago with a mission to improve healthcare communications with technology by streamlining patient information and maintaining data privacy.” [Technical.ly]
Supplies Needed for Child Care Programs — “The Office for Children (OFC) is seeking donations to support child care programs countywide in providing essential services to children and families. Donated supplies will support healthy hygiene practices and help child care centers and family child care programs maintain a clean and healthy environment.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Positive Test Rate Lowest Since Mid-March — “The Virginia Department of Health reported 551 additional cases of the coronavirus Sunday, a lower increase after four consecutive days of new daily cases increasing. The latest cumulative totals are 57,994 cases, 5,840 hospitalizations, and 1,611 deaths.” [Patch]
New Trail Offers Outdoor Classes — The small business is offering classes outdoors nearly everyday. Classes can be booked 14 days in advance online. The cycling studio is located at 1641b Washington Plaza. [New Trail Cycling Studio]
Lane Closures on Dulles Toll Road This Week — Several areas along the toll road and Autopilot Road near the Reston Town Center Metro Station will be closed this week. Most of the work is scheduled to happen between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Comstock Secures New Loan for BLVD — “Comstock Holding Companies’ capital markets group secured a $73 million loan with Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) for the BLVD I luxury apartment tower, which is located at 1908 Reston Metro Plaza. The new 10-year loan replaces a maturing construction loan provided by Citizens Bank.” [Reston Patch]
Herndon Police Department Closed Today — The department’s office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth. Officers and dispatchers will remain on duty to serve the community. [Herndon Police Department]
School Board Considers New Religious Holidays for Calendar — “The Fairfax County School Board is considering a 2021-22 Standard School Year Calendar that was developed with a focus on instruction and learning for students and includes four religious observance holidays. Two options for the 2021-22 school year were presented to the Board at its business meeting on June 18.” [Fairfax County School Board]
Photo by Ray Copson
Herndon Police Department Releases ‘Where We Stand’ Guide — The police department offers a look at its use of force policy. “Trust and respect come through a solid foundation build on professionalism, strong policies, and continuous community engagement,” HPD wrote. [Herndon Police Department]
Facial Recognition Tech Pitched at Microsoft Office — Microsoft tried to sell its facial recognition technology to the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to newly released emails. The company privately hosted DEA agents at its Reston office. [Tech Crunch]
Chicago Company Acquires Reston-based PagnatoKarp — “Reston-based wealth management firm PagnatoKarp has been acquired by Chicago-based Cresset Asset Management, the companies announced Wednesday. A transaction amount was not disclosed. [Virginia Business]
State Not Ready for Phase Three — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday that statewide Covid-19 numbers ‘continue to look favorable,’ but that he will not move the commonwealth into phase 3 of reopening this week. ‘I want to have more time to see how the numbers look before we make changes, especially as we see surges in other parts of our country,’ Northam said.” [Washington Business Journal]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Reston Association to Host Meetings Today — The association’s fiscal committee will meet today (Wednesday) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and its covenants committee will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Both meetings will take place via Zoom and are open to RA members. [Reston Association]
New COVID-19 Case Count Dips — The number of new cases reported per day is decreasing in the Fairfax Health District. As of yesterday, 13 new cases were reported. More than 440 people have died from the respiratory illness. [Fairfax County Government]
Juneteenth May Become State Holiday — “Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said Tuesday that he will support legislation to make Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery, a state holiday in Virginia. He gave executive branch state employees the day off Friday — June 19 — in recognition of the event. On that date in 1865, federal troops told enslaved people in Texas they had been freed, more than two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” [Washington Post]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
Herndon Police Department on Policing — In a statement, Chief Maggie DeBoard reaffirmed her commitment to remain accountable to the community. “We reaffirm to each other and the community our duty to intervene when our actions are contrary to the safe and equitable treatment of all individuals,” she wrote. [Herndon Police Department]
Capital One Supports FCPS Distance Learning — The company donated $90,000 to the Fairfax County Public Schools system to support the purchase of MiFi units for students without internet connection at home. [FCPS]
Local News Now Operating Remotely — Since the first confirmed local coronavirus case in March, Local News Now’s employees have been working from home. We plan to continue working remotely until 2021, and may continue to have most employees work remotely most of the time after that. [Washingtonian]
FCPS to Host Town Hall Tonight — A town hall to discuss return to school plans, family surveys, health resources, and other issues is set for 6:30 p.m. today (Tuesday). People can email questions via [email protected] or by calling 1-800-231-6359. [FCPS]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Return to School Public Hearing — The Fairfax County School Board is holding a public hearing on plans to return to school for the next academic year. The virtual meeting is set for Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Herndon Police Department is Hiring — The local police department is seeking certified police officers to join the department as a lieutenant. [Herndon Police Department]
Current COVID-19 Hospitalizations Dip — “Fewer than 1,000 Virginians are now hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19, and the number of cases continued to slow both statewide and in Northern Virginia, according to reports Saturday morning. The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association reported only 959 coronavirus patients in state hospitals, the lowest number since the organization began providing data in early April… Only 342 of those patients were in Northern Virginia, down from a high of 818 on April 30.” [InsideNova]
Reston Association Updates Pool Information — A release posted by the association mistakenly included information that children under eight would not be allowed admission to four pools opening later this month. The press release has been updated. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Northern Virginia Enters Phase Two — “Eating inside a restaurant, going back to the gym and in-person worship services: Starting Friday, all of these activities will be allowed for residents of Northern Virginia as the region enters phase two of reopening. Businesses and houses of worship will have to adhere to safety standards and capacity limits to lessen the threat that customers could spread coronavirus. Virginia advises that you’re still safer at home.” [NBC4]
The Return to School — Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Scott Brabrand says that he plans to present the school system’s plan to the school board on Monday. Schools are expected to offer a mix of in-person and online learning. [FCPS]
Deadline for Boat Permits Nears — The registration and renewal deadline for permanent mooring permits is June 30. Reston Association will conduct annual boat monitoring and inspections after June 30. [Reston Association]
Members Sought for Covenants Committee — RA is also seeking members to fill three seats on the committee for a three-year term. The committee administers the use and maintenance of covenants in Reston’s deed. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Community Parade to Celebrate Lake Anne Graduates — This Friday, a community parade to celebrate Lake Anne’s sixth grade graduates will take place at 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to practice safe social distancing and wear facial coverings to avoid spreading COVID-19. [Reston Association]
‘Wrong Man’ Stunned in County Assault Case — “Prosecutors in Fairfax County, Virginia, told a judge on Tuesday that Officer Tyler Timberlake, who has been charged with assault and battery after using his stun gun last week, shocked a man he mistakenly thought he recognized.” [WTOP]
Local Fire Department’s Hosts Blood Drives — “Several Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Volunteer Fire Departments are partnering with Inova Blood Donor Services to hold blood drives in their fire station parking lots.
Photo by Ellen Huber
Reston Company Bought by McLean Contractor — “McLean-based defense contractor E3/Sentinel LLC announced Monday it has acquired Reston-based Lucid Perspectives, a software and systems engineering company. This is E3/Sentinel’s fifth acquisition in the past two years. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.” [Virginia Business]
Temporary Moratorium on Evictions in Va.— “The state’s Supreme Court issued the ban Monday following a request from Gov. Ralph Northam. It extends previous orders that had put a hold on evictions, but expired last month. Under the new rule, even renters who have been threatened with eviction but have not been served a formal notice cannot be legally removed from their homes until June 28 at the earliest.” [DCist]
Herndon Town Council to Meet Tonight — The council will meet virtually at 7 p.m. today (Tuesday) to discuss the proposed capital improvement program through fiscal year 2026. [Town of Herndon]
County Launches New 911 Service — “Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) — the county’s 9-1-1 Center and the largest public safety answering point (PSAP) in Virginia — is leading the way regionally by becoming the first jurisdiction in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland to transition to Next Generation 9-1-1.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Local Police Officer Charged with Assault After Use of Force Incident — “A white police officer in Fairfax County was charged with assault after he used a stun gun on a black man and pinned him to the ground, even though the man did not appear combative. Footage from a body-worn camera shows the officer, Tyler Timberlake, placing his knee on the man’s back Friday. Timberlake, who has been with the department eight years, was arrested Saturday and charged with three misdemeanor counts of assault and battery. He faces up to 36 months in prison if convicted. [DCist]
Beware of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams — County officials are warning residents about contact tracing and government employee impersonation scams in the county. Local health department contact tracers will never ask for your social security number, financial information, or any other personal information unrelated to COVD-19. [Fairfax County Government]
Protestors in Herndon Rally for Racial Justice — Local residents organized a car parade early Thursday evening to raise awareness about racial injustice and police brutality. The idea was created by Herndon resident Nikki Pugh. [Herndon Patch]
Missing Keys in Herndon — Someone left keys in the town’s green on Saturday. To claim them, the individual should call 703-435-6846. [Herndon Police Department]
Northern Virginia Unemployment Rate Hits 10 Percent — “A total of 163,158 Northern Virginia residents were unemployed and looking for work during the month, the Virginia Employment reported Wednesday. That number is based on a survey of households and is different from the number of unemployment claims reported weekly. Over 220,000 regional residents have filed first-time claims for unemployment since the pandemic began in mid-March, but nearly 45% of those have also returned to work.” [Inside NOVA]
IRivet Designs App to Make Employees Feel Safe — “The 12-year-old company, which often builds apps for its clients, has developed a platform to help other businesses transition back to work. MyHealthyWork is a web and mobile application that tracks employees’ self-reported health information, whereabouts and interactions. The product, now a week into its beta phase, is slated to launch by mid-June.” [Washington Business Journal]
County to Offer Free Vaccine Clinics — The county is hosting seven vaccination clinics throughout the health district. Vaccines for children will be offered free of charge. Health officials worry that routine immunization services are being delayed due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements. [Fairfax County Government]
Free Online Summer Arts Program — “Fairfax County Public Schools will offer a free online arts enrichment program for current K-12 students over for five weeks from July 6 to August 7. A variety of classes will be offered in art, music, theater, and dance.” [FCPS]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Police Now Accept Donated Face Coverings — Fairfax County police stations are now accepting donated face coverings. Each station has a donation bin to place items. [Fairfax County Government]
Nearby: Police Search for Missing Man — Local police are searching for Sheng You Ho, 80, who was last seen on May 31 leaving the 3100 block fo Colchester Brook Lane. Ho was driving a Mercury Cougar and is endangered due to mental or physical health concerns. [Fairfax County Police Department]
County Board to Receive Health Update Today — The Fairfax County Board of Directors will receive an update from Fairfax County Health Department Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu today at 1:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
Job Opportunity; County Hiring Contact Tracers — The county is hiring contact tracers to “each out to all Fairfax County, VA contacts of persons with probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection, counsel them on testing and quarantine, refer them for testing, and connect them to necessary resources throughout their quarantine.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
