Community Notice from
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust  

 
  
Dear Neighbor,

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to impact our community, I will continue to share resources and updates that I hope you will find helpful. In this email I have included information about a new wellness resource from the County, things to do while social distancing, and a Fairfax Connector service update. 

wellnessWellness Resources for You and Your Family

Maintaining your and your family's health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic is about more than just protecting against the virus. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.

The County has compiled a range of resources and information on a newly created Wellness Resources webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19/wellness-resources. 

This page includes resources for:
  • Maintaining Youth Mental Health and Coping with Substance Use Issues 
  • Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe 
  • Adjusting to Telework 
  • Adjusting to No School/Distance Learning 
  • Maintaining Your Physical Health 
  • Emergency Services and Hotlines
It is important to practice self care, both physically (with social distancing) and emotionally. This new resource page strives to make that a bit easier.

thingstodoThings to Do While Social Distancing 

Take Classes Online through the Library
If you have a Fairfax County library card you have access to more than 500 courses online through Universal Class. Classes cover everything from math and science to parenting and "how to" projects. Learning Express is another library-supported resource that offers online test prep, career support and other success-oriented resources for users.

Don't have a library card? No problem! Sign up for a card online now and have immediate access to this and all of the library's resources. You can finalize the application process later.

Learn to Code or Experiment at Home
Follow @FCPSSTEAM on Twitter for dozens of online and at-home projects for families who want to work on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. 

Engage Your Kids in Environmental Education and Projects
The Fairfax County Office of Energy and Environment offers kid-friendly environmental activities. Learn about the power of the sun with these fun experiments or lean more about water science and conservation.

Take a Virtual Vacation
This is the perfect time to explore places you have always wanted to visit from the comfort of your couch. Visit Fairfax offers virtual tours of sites across the D.C. region, including Mount Vernon, Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center, Arlington Cemetery, and more.

Find Your Next Big Read
Overdrive provides County library users with the ability to access hundreds of books and audiobooks for free without having to step foot in a physical library. Look online to see what's available, and to learn how to use Libby and other apps to access materials on your phone or computer. Magazines are also available to read online.

Join a virtual book club or discussion group through the Fairfax County Public Library. Talk with others about what you are reading and meet authors virtually, too. Participate in Big Library Read, which connects readers around the world with the same eBook at the same time without any wait lists or holds.

All Fairfax County Public Library full-services locations are closed indefinitely. While branches are closed, wireless internet access is available from parking lots from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Visit https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/unlimited for more information about library services while branches are closed and answers to frequently asked questions.

Review Your Safety Plans with Family
While spending time home alone with your family, why not review your home fire escape plan? The County's Fire and Rescue Department has a printable family escape plan that can help you make a plan and then practice your routine with your family. You can also work together to complete a home fire safety survey to make sure your house is free of fire hazards.

Take Steps to Make Your Home Greener
Save money while helping the environment. Now is a great time to work on an energy awareness plan in your home and involve your family in an energy-conservation action plan.  

connectorFairfax Connector Service Changes

Effective Saturday, April 11, 2020, Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will make temporary adjustments to Fairfax Connector bus service due to reduced ridership associated with the impacts of COVID-19, and to protect the health and safety of Fairfax Connector passengers and operators. Fairfax County is committed to continuing to provide transit service to residents who have no alternate way to travel during this time.

Fairfax Connector Service Changes Beginning Saturday, April 11, 2020
 
Fairfax Connector will continue to provide regular service on 37 routes; provide Saturday service during weekdays on 14 routes; and discontinue service on 40 routes. These adjustments will be in effect until further notice.
 
* Routes that will operate regular service: 101, 109, 151, 152, 159, 161, 162, 171, 231, 232, 308, 310, 321, 322, 334, 335, 340, 341, 371, 372, 373, 401, 402, 461, 462, 463, 466, 467, 721, 937, 950, 951, 952, 980, RIBS 1, RIBS 3 and RIBS 5.
 
* Routes that will operate Saturday service during weekdays: 423, 605, 630, 640, 650, 505, 551, 558, 559, 574, 981, 983, RIBS 2 and RIBS 4.
 
* Routes that will not operate: 301, 305, 306, 393, 394, 395, 396, 422, 424, 432, 494, 495, 621, 622, 623, 624, 631, 632, 634, 641, 642, 644, 651, 652, 698, 699, 507, 552, 553, 554, 556, 557, 585, 599, 724, 924, 926, 927, 929 and 985.
 
Fairfax Connector customers will continue to be required to enter and exit the bus using the rear doors. This does not apply to customers who need to use a wheelchair ramp. Fare collection on buses also continues to be suspended, due to the location of fareboxes and SmarTrip equipment at the front entrance of buses.


Stay Informed

Fairfax County is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for coronavirus text alerts and to visit the frequently updated website listed below. 
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance; email Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-356-0551. 

Thank you,

John
  
John W. Foust
Dranesville District Supervisor
1437 Balls Hill Road
McLean, VA  22101
Phone:  703-356-0551
Fax: 703-821-4275