Community Notice from
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust
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Dear Neighbor,
The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone in different ways. This email includes information about several opportunities to help those in need this holiday season. I have also included some information and resources on ways to manage mental health provided by the Health Department.
This email also includes a link to Dranesville District School Board Representative Elaine Tholen's recent newsletter, two events hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, and a public forum the MCA is hosting next week with Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano. In addition, there is some follow-up information on the Westmoreland Street Corridor virtual meeting held last week, including a survey on the proposed improvements.
Please share this email 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.
Sincerely,
John
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Ways to Give This Holiday Season |
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Fairfax County offers many opportunities to brighten the holidays for those in need in our community. This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for help is even greater. Here are ways you can reach out in the spirit of the season.
Ways to Give Locally
Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing
Toys for Tots
Through Sunday, December 13
Bring new unwrapped toys for toddlers through age 17 to county Fire and Rescue stations. Toys used as weapons or considered to be weapons (i.e., toy guns or knives of any kind) will not be accepted. Make checks or money orders for donations payable to Toys for Tots. More information is available here.
Gifts for Families in Need
Through Tuesday, December 15
The Department of Family Services’ Volunteer & Partner Services takes donations to help families who need a hand during the holiday season. The program accepts gift cards and new baby items including infant and toddler car seats; stationary and portable cribs; diapers and wipes; and high chairs. Monetary donations are also welcome. To find out how you can help this holiday season and throughout the year, contact Krissa Slone, 703-324-7751.
Gifts for Victims and Witnesses of Domestic and Sexual Violence
Through Friday, December 18
Donate gift cards to benefit young victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence. Gift cards from stores like Giant, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants and clothing stores let parents be active participants in purchasing gifts and needed items for each child. Gift cards can be mailed to Saly Fayez, Director, Victim Services Division, Police Department, Public Safety Headquarters, 12099 Government Center Parkway. For more information, contact Saly Fayez, 703-246-2465.
Donate Coats for Herndon Kids
Through December
The Park Authority is supporting a coat drive with one of its Rec-PAC partner schools, Hutchison Elementary in Herndon. New coats are needed in all sizes from youth medium to adult large for boys and girls. There is no specific color preference or color to avoid. Coats can be sent to or dropped off at Hutchison Elementary School (M-F, except holidays), Attn: Maureen Griffin, 13209 Parcher Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170 or at Spring Hill RECenter (open seven days), Attn: Jen Braun, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean, VA 22102. For further information about gifts and monetary donations, contact Jennifer Braun, 703-324-5540.
Animal Shelter Supplies
Always accepting donations
The Animal Shelter is always thankful to receive donations of much-needed items to help provide care and enrichment to pets in the shelter and in foster homes. Check out the donation list here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing
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6 Ways to Manage Mental Health During COVID-19 |
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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to change the way we live, work and play, it is normal for us to feel anxious, fearful and uncertain about what to expect. The social isolation of COVID-19 can affect us in different ways.
Although there is no right way to manage stress, there are many strategies for us to practice that promote positive emotional and mental health:
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Eat well/Sleep well — Practice good nutrition and getting a good night’s sleep. These healthy habits make physical and mental health a priority.
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Exercise regularly — Take a walk, practice yoga or find an at-home workout that works for you. Physical and mental health are interconnected. Regular exercise is positively connected to wellness.
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Limit news consumption — How do you balance staying informed and maintaining positive mental health? Set limits, manage news alerts, and perhaps put your phone away for a period of time.
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Connect with others — Our relationships with those in our networks and circles has greatly been impacted by the public health crisis. Take the time to connect with loved ones in different ways. Setting up a regular check-in with friends and family members may be helpful.
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Engage in self-enhancing activities — Take the time to make yourself a priority, express gratitude for what you have, nurture a positive attitude, learn how to say no, and pay attention to activities that boost your mood.
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Ask for help if you need it — We have focused a significant amount of attention and precautions on our physical well-being. It is time to practice skills that enhance our mental well-being as well. Remember there is no health without mental health and there is help available when you need it.
When to Seek Help?
- Drastic changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
- Feeling down or hopeless most of the time.
- Concentration difficulties that are interfering at work and at home.
- Self-destructive thoughts or fears that you cannot control.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
If you identify any of these warning signs, please consider contacting a mental health professional. Remember there is no shame in asking for help and a big part of improving mental health is taking this first step toward recovery.
For more information about mental health services and support, please call the Fairfax County Community Services Board at 703-383-8500 or visit the links below:
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Update from Elaine Tholen,
Dranesville District School Board Representative
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Dranesville District Representative, Elaine Tholen, shared some important FCPS meetings taking place this week, available online here. |
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Alzheimer's Association Events December 10 & 14 |
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Hear a brief overview on Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. Bring a friend who has been affected by the disease. Share your thoughts about how we can help people in your community. Registration is requested for this virtual event. Closed captioning available on Zoom.
Thursday, December 10
at 5:30 p.m.
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Join the Alzheimer's Association for an online discussion about tips on how to survive the holidays. In addition to
examining caregiver burnout, this program will identify ways to create a safe environment for loved ones during the holidays.
Monday, December 14
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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MCA to Host Public Forum on Policy and Justice Reform Featuring Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano |
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Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano will provide remarks and answer questions regarding Police and Justice Reform. This Commonwealth’s Attorney office prosecutes criminal and traffic matters in the Fairfax County General District Court and all criminal cases in the Fairfax County Circuit Court. The office prosecutes both the violation of County ordinances and the violation of state statutes.
In June 2020, the McLean Citizens Association (MCA) Board of Directors passed a resolution urging greater police and justice reform measures in Fairfax County. Mr. Descano will address several of these critical issues, including:
- Full implementation of body-worn cameras by Fairfax Police;
- The 2020 Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Resources Report and request for additional attorney funding and implications for enforcement of criminal laws in Fairfax County; and
- An update on the 2020 VA General Assembly Special Session’s legislative changes to Criminal Justice Reform and the implications for Fairfax County.
Event Details
Wednesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
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Go to MCA Public Safety Forum Calendar Event here.
Questions should be sent in advance of or during the session to VicePresident@mcleancitizens.org. The MCA will review submissions, combining similar questions, to ensure as many issues as possible will be addressed. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account to view the live streamed event. A video recording will be available after the event on the MCA website in the MCA Video Library. |
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Westmoreland Street Corridor
Future Intersection Improvements
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Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust held a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, December. 2 at 7:30 p.m. to present options for future intersection improvements along Westmoreland Street and to hear questions and concerns from residents. An online survey is available for residents to rank their top choices for intersection improvements along the corridor and provide additional improvements. The survey is open from December 4 - 18, 2020.
To view the December 2 meeting presentation, recording (coming soon), and to take the survey visit the FCDOT website here. |
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Stay Informed about COVID-19 |
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Fairfax County is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize the resources listed below:
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