Your Voice in Fairfax County
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In This Issue:
- Board Declares a Local State of Emergency- Today, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to declare a local state of emergency. Declaring a local state of emergency allows for the County and private businesses to be eligible for state and federal resources.
- COVID-19 & Budget Town Hall- On Thursday at 7 PM, I will host a virtual COVID-19 & Budget Town Hall. You can join us by phone or watch online.
- Commonwealth of Virginia- Governor Northam released additional guidelines and recommendations today.
- Community Food Distribution- Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is providing grab and go meals at no cost for students at locations throughout Fairfax County. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tax Relief- Fairfax County Department of Tax Relief has postponed the tax relief workshops until further notice. They have also extended the tax relief application deadline to June 1st.
- A List of Things You Can Do - We have heard many of the things that you cannot do - below are a few things you can do.
Board Declares a Local State of Emergency
Today, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to declare a local state of emergency. While as of this writing there has not been community spread in Fairfax County but it is expected. Declaring a local state of emergency grants the County Executive and County staff to swiftly act on behalf of the Board to fight the pandemic as if a natural disaster has taken place.
A local state of emergency allows for ...
- The County to apply for additional state and federal resources to fight the pandemic and the after effects.
- Activated the County's Emergency Action Plan. You can view the County's Emergency Operations plan here.
- Small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic can apply for a loan from the Small Business Administration and other assistance.
- Increased flexibility for the County Executive and County staff to swiftly act on behalf of the Board.
A local state of emergency does not allow for...
- The Board or County Executive to have emergency police powers.
- Give the Board of County Executive the ability to set a curfew.
- The Board or County Executive to force private businesses to close.
Springfield COVID 19 & Budget Town Hall
The current Advertised County Budget will need to be fundamentally changed as a result of the current pandemic and the impact on the county its residents and businesses and the economy both nationally and locally. In lieu of my in-person Annual Budget Town Hall, I will host a virtual town hall about the COVID 19 pandemic with county staff and briefly discuss the FY 2021 Advertised Budget. You can watch online on your computer and/or call in. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions. Full details will be released shortly.
Commonwealth of Virginia
Today, Governor Northam announced additional state recommendations. He has encouraged those 65 and older to self-quarantine. He has also recommended for everyone to follow federal guidelines and restrict gathering to no more more than 10 people. Finally, Governor Northam Closed all DMVs and is encouraging residents to do their business online. Details will also be released regarding a 60-day extension for driver's licenses that are about to expire. You can find more information here
Community Food Support
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is providing grab and go meals at no cost for students at locations throughout Fairfax County. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They are coordinating with community partners to ensure the locations and timing of food centers and pantries are being communicated with FCPS families. All students enrolled in FCPS schools and other County children receive one meal at no-cost; and, may have additional meals at no-cost upon request. Adults may purchase breakfast and lunch meals at a cost of $2.00. An updated list of locations is available here.
Residents, businesses and organizations who want to help fill community needs can make donations to local community-based organizations. An updated list of community-based resources for food assistance and donations can again be found here:
Residents who want to contribute are also encouraged to consider making monetary contributions and grocery gift cards donations to our community-based organizations partners. Residents can also visit the Human Services Resource Guide
here, an online, searchable guide to available human services resources in Fairfax County.
Tax Relief
Fairfax County Department of Tax Relief has postponed the tax relief workshops until further notice. My office will share the makeup dates once they are scheduled. They have also extended the tax relief application deadline for seniors and people with disabilities to June 1st.
As we move forward through the pandemic, we have heard many of the things that you cannot do - here are a few things you can do. Many of us will spend more time at home than we are used to. I wanted to share with you a list of things that can be done from home to help pass the time and keep our heads in the right place.
Stay Active & Mentally Fit
Social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to cause some secondary problems that you may not hear about on the news. I strongly encourage you to create a plan to keep your family staying active and mentally fit.
Fairfax County's parks and trails will stay open. I will also request our fields be open to the public for family visits. I strongly recommend getting outside as much as possible. I have been taking my dog, Rex, for extra long walks.
Along with limiting screen time and eating healthy, AJ Willingham of CNN compiled some tips on how to keep coronavirus fears from affecting your mental health. You can read her advice here.
If you're struggling with mental health issues during this stressful time, visit the resources below for help.
- Community Services Board Mental Health Non-Emergency
- Community Services Board Mental Health Emergency Services 703-573-5679 or visit 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive.
- The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, in partnership with PRS CrisisLink, offers a suicide prevention text line in Fairfax. Anyone can text "CONNECT" to 855-11 and a PRS CrisisLink volunteer will respond within minutes. You can also call 703-527-4077, any time 24/7.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis hotline by texting 741741
- Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
- Veteran's Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Support Our Local Business Community and Their Employees
Many of our local businesses typically operate on thin margins and will struggle as people stay home. Please consider supporting local restaurants by ordering carry out meals. If you have the resources, please consider buying gift cards for later use that will give the businesses the cash they need today to survive until tomorrow. Please call ahead as many restaurants and businesses are operating on reduced hours.
Take the Census
Last week, the US Census Bureau started mailing instructions to Fairfax County residents about how you can complete the Census online. Please take the time to fully complete the Census. Fairfax County could lose $1,200/ year for every person who isn't counted. However, it is important to know that scammers around the country will try to take advantage of this opportunity. The Census will include questions about your birthday, ethnicity, and the people who live in your home, but the Census will not ask for your social security number, bank account or credit card information, or for a donation. You can find more information
here
.
Donate Blood
According to ABC news, the Food and Drug Administration is urging healthy individuals to donate blood as American Red Cross blood drives are being canceled nationwide. If you are a healthy individual who is interested in donating blood, you can find more information on the American Red Cross website here
.
Donate to a Local Food Pantry
Families in the community are in urgent need for non-perishable food items and other supplies. Please consider donating to one of our food pantries or community partners in your neighborhood or listed below:
Check on Your Neighbors
Some of our neighbors are going to need more help than usual. Please take a moment to check in on them and let my office know if we can be of any assistance.
Keep the Little Ones Busy
Children may have a difficult time being away from school and spending less time with people their own age than they usually do. It's been suggested a structured daily routine will help students with the transition. Below is a picture that was circulated on social media as an example:
On the lighter side
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has been closed to the general public. Zookeepers took this opportunity to allow the penguins to wonder around the aquarium and say hi to the other animals. You can watch a short video
here
.
As I said in my very first COVID19 email - do not panic, have a plan and practice good hygiene. This is a time our community needs to come together (although not physically), help each other and show the grit and determination we have always shown as a nation when put to the test.
If you have any questions, thoughts or suggestions please contact us - preferably by phone or email.
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Teen Job Fairs
More details to follow
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Free Concerts in the Park
Randy Thompson Band
July 8th at 7 pm
Practically Einstein
July 15th at 7 pm
The English Channel
July 22nd at 7 pm
The Woodshedders
July 29th at 7 pm
The Johnny Artis Band
August 5th at 7 pm
The Skip Castro Band
August 12th at 7 pm
The Colin Thompson Band
August 19th at 7 pm
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Four-legged friend of the month
Chanteo is a seven-year old male German shepherd who is currently at the Mike Frey (Fairfax County) Animal Shelter waiting for his forever home. He loves to play fetch, go for walks, and even walks on the treadmill. He grew up with children of all ages, and they were able to handle him without issues. You can find more information about Chanteo
here
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