March 27, 2020
To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:
Yesterday I asked you for community uplift ideas and it is wonderful to see the creativity in our Hunter Mill neighborhoods. Here are two great ideas I heard about:
A neighborhood next to Hunters Woods Elementary School put together a scavenger hunt for families. Participants put a type of animal out on their porch so that during an afternoon, families walking around for fresh air could write down the animals they saw. Animals could be stuffed, plastic, on flags, paper, coloring pages, etc. so everyone could participate.
The principal at Aldrin Elementary School, Shane Wolfe, is reading a book live every weekday at 2 p.m. on the school's Facebook page. This is open to all students - take a listen on Facebook Live next week. If you have Facebook, you also can Facebook Live yourself reading books to children or adults, or even share a cooking lesson of your favorite recipe with your older friends or those at high risk who need to stay at home and may need some social interaction.
Have a good weekend and stay safe everyone!
Respectfully,
Walter
Today's Updates (March 27)
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
Daily reported numbers as reported by the Virginia Department of Health are here.
Trash and Recycling Changes Effective Monday, March 30
Effective Monday, March 30, the county's Solid Waste Management Program is changing collection requirements for trash and recycling haulers and changing service levels at the county’s two disposal sites. These changes included the suspension of the collection of yard waste and glass recycling at purple containers countywide. Learn more.
List of Utilities Suspending Service Disconnections, Offering Other Billing Options
As COVID-19 impacts continue, area utility companies are taking actions to help offer relief during this time. Learn more.
Explaining the Increase in Positive Cases; 4 Ways We Can Stop Coronavirus from Spreading Right Now
Our COVID-19 case numbers will continue to increase, but we do have some control over how fast that increase occurs and how high it goes. Experience from other disease pandemics and from other countries that have already experienced COVID-19 outbreaks show that several measures can make an enormous difference. Learn more.
County Fire Stations Close to Public
In order to protect the health of firefighters and medics, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is closing all fire stations to the public, effective Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. These closures are in coordination with the decision to close county government buildings to the public. Learn more.
Animal Shelter Service/Program Updates
The Animal Shelter has cancelled some activities and implemented temporary changes for several programs and services. These changes will be in place through April 15, possibly longer pending discussion as the situation evolves. Learn more.
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For Students and Families
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Hear From Your School Board Member
Sign up for newsletters from Melanie Meren (left), my companion on the Fairfax County School Board representing Hunter Mill district. Enter your email address here, and select the Hunter Mill District option.
Online Storytelling from the Library
The Library has a number of online storytelling videos of many beloved children's books - Watch
Explore Nature
Explore nature with children. The county's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services team created a new field journal for kids. Explore nature through art, writing, and science...and it’s fun! Download
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Human Services
How to Help Your Neighbors in Need in Hunter Mill District
I encourage everyone who can to consider volunteering or donating to assist our local community organizations noted below or through your own faith community or civic organization. Here's how to help.
For those affected in our community, job seekers and employers have access to Virginia Career Works Centers — a comprehensive system of employment and training services and resources delivered and coordinated through one-stop employment resource centers. Services are being offered online and by phone, so please reach out if you need assistance. Learn more.
Health Care Options for the Uninsured
The county has a list of resources for the nearly 8% of residents without health insurance, including a list of clinics that offer low-cost or free medical care and pharmacies during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more.
Three Inova Respiratory Illness Clinics Open
Starting Wednesday, March 25, Inova Urgent Care locations at Dulles South, North Arlington and Tysons will staff Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. The three clinics will also be able to collect COVID-19 vehicle-side samples that have been ordered by physicians. Learn more.
Human Services: Assistance From a Distance
There are many online and phone/hotline services available for residents in need of human services support, including for domestic/sexual violence services, older adults and people with disabilities. Get help.
Interactive Map to Find Food Resources, Services
Some of our neighbors in Hunter Mill District may have food assistance needs. To make it easier for you to find food resources, the county has developed a searchable map that includes all food distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools, community meal distribution sites, food pantries and other related services. Please share this information with your neighbors and organizations. Learn more.
Housing Resources
Many residents may have concerns about mortgage payments and assistance. Here are suggested resources:
Social Distancing, Self-Isolating and Quarantine: What Do These Terms Mean?
We’ve all been hearing terms like “social distancing,” “self-isolating” and “quarantine” — but what do these terms mean and how do we use them to protect ourselves and others? Learn more.
Transportation
Metro to Close Additional 17 Stations and Selected Entrances
Seven Fairfax Connector Routes Changing Today Due to McLean and Van Dorn Metro Station Closures
Police
How to Report Non-Emergency Incidents
In order to responsibly maintain social distancing, the Fairfax County Police Department is asking residents to report eligible non-emergency incidents by using the online reporting system or calling the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Learn more.
County Operations
To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County will close all government buildings and facilities to the public starting Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m., until further notice. However, the county government remains open for business online and by phone and mail and some specific services will continue to be provided in-person. Learn more.
Fairfax County Extends Tax Payment Deadlines for Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes
The Board of Supervisors approved a one month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. The board took action today at its March 24 meeting to assist taxpayers during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more.
Park Authority Closes All Parks; Trails Remain Open
Effective Tuesday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m., all county Park Authority parks and amenities are closed to the public until further notice. This change is in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to close public access to recreational facilities. Park Authority closures include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. Learn more.
Vienna
Town of Vienna Election
Residents of the Town of Vienna are encouraged to vote absentee by mail for the May 5 town election. For more information, including how to get your absentee ballot by mail, go to the Office of Elections web page.
Census
Have you filled out your 2020 Census yet? The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count of the nation's population. For each resident who does not respond to the census, Fairfax County could lose $12,000 in potential funding over the course of a decade. Please take a few minutes to fill out yours today! #FFXCounts
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