Congress unanimously approved a bill Tuesday afternoon that names the Reston Post Office after Martha Pennino, a longtime member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who died on Friday, Sept. 17. Pennino, known by many as "Mother Fairfax," was instrumental in bringing to Reston county services such as police, fire and rescue, affordable housing, and more. Under her direction, Reston grew from a small bedroom development into the modern, developed community it is today. She also had a major hand in bringing Reston the following: South Lakes High School, the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, the Wiehle Avenue bridge, the Dulles Airport Access Road, Reston Town Center, Reston Hospital Center and the Fairfax County Parkway.
The bill was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D), who said the honor was conveyed because of Pennino's committment to both Reston and the less-fortunate members of Fairfax County. The newly-named Pennino Post Office is located off Sunset Hills Road.