Feb. 9, 2022
Neighbors,
One of the biggest impacts of the pandemic has been on our community's mental health. We all know a friend, neighbor or loved one who has struggled with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues during the last two years. And the cold, snowy weather keeping us indoors and perhaps more isolated may make this winter seem particularly difficult.
It can be overwhelming and for many, difficult to talk about mental health. But just like taking care of our physical well-being, we need to take care of our mental well-being – and look out for each other. We are fortunate that the county's Community Services Board and nonprofit partners have a number of resources for our residents. If you or someone you know is struggling, please take a look at these resources and pass along.
Free Online Mental Health Screening
Brief screenings are a quick mental health checkup to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources. Learn more.
Mental Health First-Aid Courses
About 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. in a given year has a diagnosable mental illness. Symptoms of mental illness can be difficult to detect – and even when friends and family can tell that something is wrong, they may not know how to help. Mental Health First Aid training uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Learn more.
Mental Health Assistance:
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, help is available 24/7. In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1.
- Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
- Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink.
- Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Visit the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Emergency Services Merrifield Center, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive in Fairfax.
Additional Resources:
Respectfully,
Walter
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Free Test Kits Available to Order Online
What to know:
- Limit of 1 order per residential address
- Order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship free beginning in late January
Testing Appointments Available at Fairfax County Government Center
A Virginia Department of Health Community Testing Center is open to provide free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and is now available for walk-ins. The site, set up in a large tent, is located in parking lot B of the Fairfax County Government Center.
Weekly COVID-19 Case/Vaccine Information Chart:
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Data resources:
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
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Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here
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Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here
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Federal Tax Season Resources |
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This year's deadline for filing your federal taxes is April 18. Congressman Gerry Connolly's office has provided the following information to assist you with the process:
Each tax season comes with unique challenges and 2022 is no exception. The IRS wants taxpayers to get the information they need as quickly as possible. Keep these tips in mind when you get ready to file.
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Avoid errors. Taxpayers should review their tax return so they can file a complete and accurate return and avoid refund delays. Filing electronically is the most accurate way to file. Taxpayers should check all names and double check all Social Security numbers, bank account and routing numbers.
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Gather records. Good recordkeeping makes preparing a tax return easier. It can also ensure taxpayers do not overlook deductions and credits.
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Start with IRS.gov. IRS.gov is available around-the-clock and it's the fastest way to get assistance. Use IRS.gov for filing and paying taxes, getting information about accounts or answers to tax questions. The IRS Services Guide outlines the many ways taxpayers can get help from the IRS.
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Use online tools. IRS.gov has many useful online tools. The Interactive Tax Assistant provides answers to many tax questions specific to an individual's circumstances. It gives the same answers that an IRS representative would give over the phone.
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Report all income. Taxpayers must report their taxable income from all sources, including the gig economy, Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, and Forms 1099. Other income may be taxable, even if the taxpayer does not receive a statement.
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Report unemployment benefits. Taxpayers who received unemployment benefits in 2021 must report the amount as taxable income on their tax return.
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Access online account or review IRS letters. This year, people must have the total amounts of their advance child tax credit payments and their Economic Impact Payments on hand when filing. They can check online account or review Letter 6419, 2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, and Letter 6475, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment, for their total payment amounts to help them file an accurate return.
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Choose a reputable preparer. Taxpayers can self-prepare or use a tax preparer. IRS.gov has resources to help people choose a tax pro. The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers provides information on who has a professional credential or participates in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.
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File electronically. IRS Free File online can help taxpayers claim their earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit, child tax credit and recovery rebate credit. Some Free File options are available in Spanish. MilTax online software is available for members of the military and certain veterans, regardless of income, and is offered through the Department of Defense. Eligible taxpayers may prepare and file their federal returns and up to three state returns for free.
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Choose direct deposit. Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is the safest and easiest way to file an accurate tax return and the fastest way to get a refund.
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Board of Supervisors Update |
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The Board of Supervisors' met yesterday, Feb. 8 and several actions were taken, including those highlighted below. Watch the full meeting here and review materials here.
Dominion Square West
The Board approved an Action Item to designate Dominion Square West as a Revitalization Area, which enables the project to apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. More information about this project that will provide much needed affordable housing for working families in the Tyson's area can be found at the top of my Jan. 26 newsletter. This approval was particularly noteworthy because this was the first Board Action which included an equity impact assessment. The assessment is an examination of how a proposed action or decision will likely affect the population categories identified in the One Fairfax Policy I am very proud that the first (and successful!) equity impact assessment was a Hunter Mill District project.
Adult Day Support Center
A public hearing was held and the Board approved a permit for an adult day support center operated by ServiceSource at Frying Pan Farm Park.
Watch for Children Sign
The Board approved a Watch for Children sign at Elk Point Drive as part of the Residential Traffic Administration Program, which allows for installation of these signs at the primary entrance to residential neighborhoods, or at a location with an extremely high concentration of children relative to the area, such as playgrounds, day care centers, or community centers.
The schedule of upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings, including committee meetings can be found here. Please note that the Feb. 22 meeting will include the county executive's presentation of his proposed FY 2023 Budget.
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Land Use and Transportation |
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Deadline to Replace Older Metro SmarTrip Cards is March 1
In conjunction with the rollout of the new faregates and bus fareboxes in late 2022, Metro announced last year that older SmarTrip cards will be phased out. SmarTrip cards purchased prior to 2012 contain outdated chip technology and do not work with the new faregates now installed or partially installed at nearly half of all stations. If you own older SmartTrip Cards, learn more about getting them replaced.
CANCELLATION NOTE: Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Monday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use Access Code: 2335 606 9904. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. More information.
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Update
To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the task force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The archive of meeting details and agendas is here. The video archive of all past task force meetings can be found on my YouTube page.
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“The Art of Travel” Virtual Presentation; Organized by Patrick Henry Library, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.
Joyce Turk, a member of The Vienna Arts Society, is a pastelist who has traveled extensively. She will share her portfolio of beautiful paintings of animals, people, and landscapes, and discuss her travels. Learn more.
Business Taxes Due
If you own a business in the Town of Vienna, it's time to renew your business license. 2022 renewal forms have been mailed to all active business owners. For more information, contact the business license office at 703-255-6321 or LKing@viennava.gov. Payment deadline is March 1.
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The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to enroll in Virginia’s Emergency Contact Program, a free public service that enables residents to store emergency contact information. This program gives law enforcement a way to notify your family or friends in the event of a serious crash or other emergency that leaves you unable to communicate. Your information will be securely stored by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and will be accessible only by law enforcement in the event of an emergency. Learn more.
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From VDOT: Reporting Potholes
If you spot a pot hole, please report it to VDOT's Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD or online.
Ask An Expert: Lighting and Air Leaks, Feb. 15, 6 to 7:30p.m.
Join Ryan Van Patten, Northern Virginia regional manager with the Local Energy Alliance Program, for a 10-minute one-on-one "Ask An Expert" virtual session on Feb. 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your questions specific to lighting or air leaks in your home or business and gain insight into steps you can take to make your house or workplace more energy efficient. Learn more.
Free Online Workshop Empowering Volunteers to Lead Feb. 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Do you belong or lead one of the large number of volunteer organizations in Hunter Mill District? Volunteer Fairfax is offering a workshop on Feb. 24, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.to assist with recruiting, targeting, engaging, coaching, and transforming volunteers to succeed. Register here.
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Stay Informed and In Touch |
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Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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