Bulletin Board: Mount Vernon

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

Fairfax County Activates Coronavirus Info Center

Fairfax County activated a Joint Information Center in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 13.

Fairfax County Health Department COVID-19 webpage – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus

Emergency Information Blog (you can subscribe by email or follow by RSS) – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center – The community may call 703-267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

Residents may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19.

Twitter – @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth

Facebook – www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty and www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyhealth

Closures Due to COVID-19

Effective Monday, March 16, Fairfax County park (indoor), library and other community facilities will be closed for two weeks. The impacted facilities include recreation (RECenters), nature, community, resource and teen centers, as well as golf courses, historic sites and (permitted use of) athletic fields and picnic shelters. The county has also closed all senior center and adult day health care facilities. Some of these facilities will be used as meal distribution centers to serve the community as needed. As the coronavirus situation continues to unfold the status of these facilities will be continuously re-evaluated.

Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage: (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus)

Call 703-267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends

Residents may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19

Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page

Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter

Participate in 2020 Census Efforts

Councilman Canek Aguirre is encouraging residents to participate in Census volunteer efforts to raise awareness about the 2020 Census and reach Alexandria’s hard-to-count populations. Aguirre serves as Chair of the City of Alexandria’s Complete Count Committee. A list of upcoming volunteer opportunities can be found below:

2020 Census Information Session – Saturday, March 28, 3 p.m., Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria.

2020 Census Information Session – Monday, March 30, 7 p.m., Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria.

2020 Census Information Session – Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m., Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria.

Saturday/March 21

CASA Info Session. 9 a.m. At Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provides volunteer advocates to abused and neglected children referred by the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is to attend an information session. RSVP to sgoldberg@casafairfax.org as space is limited.

Thursday/March 26

Community Meeting. 6-8 p.m. At T.C. Williams High School Cafeteria, 3330 King Street, Alexandria. Community Meeting and Open House for The High School Project. An update regarding ideas emerging around future programming and the use of the site.

Monday/March 28

ADU Community Meeting. 7.p.m. At the Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. The City of Alexandria will begin a series of community meetings to inform residents about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and ask for feedback on how to implement a successful ADU program. Part of the outreach efforts will also include a short survey that will launch to gauge resident opinions on ADU implementation options. A third meeting to discuss the findings of the initial open houses and survey will be held in early April. An ADU, commonly referred to as an “in-law apartment” or “granny flat” is a second, separate living unit. ADUs can be built by converting a basement into an apartment, adding an addition to an existing house, building an apartment over a garage, converting an existing detached garage, or building a new backyard cottage. An ADU is distinguished from renting out part of a house because it is a totally separate living unit, with a separate entrance, bathroom, and kitchen. For more information, visit the project webpage at https://tinyurl.com/AlexADU or contact Sam Shelby, Urban Planner, 703-746-3865.

Free Tax Preparation

The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below approximately $35,000 for individuals and $55,000 for families. Expert volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions -- especially the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which people often don’t realize they are eligible to receive. Sessions will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., from now through April 11, at the Department of Community and Human Services (2525 Mount Vernon Ave.). Persons seeking tax preparation assistance will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, and electronic filing will be provided. Spanish-speaking volunteers will be available. The following documentation is required: a social security card for each family member; photo ID for the taxpayer (and spouse, if filing jointly); W-2 forms and other source of income records; receipts or records for expenses such as child care and education; and, if possible, a copy of last year’s tax return.

Grant Helps Alexandria School

George Washington Middle School in Alexandria received an $11,000 grant as part of No Kid Hungry Virginia’s recent $32,000 investment across the state to support alternative school breakfast models, known nationwide as Breakfast After the Bell programs. Accessing traditional breakfast service in the cafeteria before the start of the school day can be challenging for youth. Breakfast After the Bell provides breakfast in a way that’s more convenient to students, resulting in more students starting their day off eating a nutritious meal. The new Breakfast After the Bell program utilizes a model called Second Chance Breakfast and gives George Washington Middle School an opportunity to pick up breakfast before the first instructional bell, at the start of first period and between first and second period each school day.

Summer Camp Registration Begins

Registration for 2020 Summer Camps offered by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has begun. Registration will be available online, or in-person at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.).

The 2020 Summer of Smiles Summer Camp Guide is available online, and free printed brochures will be available in all City of Alexandria recreation centers and library branches. The guide contains more than 75 camp options available to youth ages 2 to 17, including sports; creative arts; computers; nature; performing arts; cooking; excursions; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Camp Adventure; and Out of School Time and classic camps. To register for summer camps and other recreation activities, classes and programs, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact the Registration and Reservation Office at 703-746-5414.

Grant Helps Alexandria School

George Washington Middle School in Alexandria received an $11,000 grant as part of No Kid Hungry Virginia’s recent $32,000 investment across the state to support alternative school breakfast models, known nationwide as Breakfast After the Bell programs. Accessing traditional breakfast service in the cafeteria before the start of the school day can be challenging for youth. Breakfast After the Bell provides breakfast in a way that’s more convenient to students, resulting in more students starting their day off eating a nutritious meal. The new Breakfast After the Bell program utilizes a model called Second Chance Breakfast and gives George Washington Middle School an opportunity to pick up breakfast before the first instructional bell, at the start of first period and between first and second period each school day.

Summer Camp Registration Begins

Registration for 2020 Summer Camps offered by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has begun. Registration will be available online, or in-person at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.).

The 2020 Summer of Smiles Summer Camp Guide is available online, and free printed brochures will be available in all City of Alexandria recreation centers and library branches. The guide contains more than 75 camp options available to youth ages 2 to 17, including sports; creative arts; computers; nature; performing arts; cooking; excursions; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Camp Adventure; and Out of School Time and classic camps. To register for summer camps and other recreation activities, classes and programs, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact the Registration and Reservation Office at 703-746-5414.

Seeking Nominations

The Alexandria Commission for Women (CFW) seeks nominations of women, men and youth who have made a significant impact on women and girls in Alexandria.

Winners will be honored at the Commission’s 38th Annual Salute to Women Awards: The Future is Female event on March 23, 2020 at 6 p.m. at The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum (201 S. Washington St., Alexandria). Proceeds support the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program and other programs benefitting women and girls in the city of Alexandria.

Award categories include:

The Susan Lowell Butler Lifetime Achievement Award

The Marguerite Payez Leadership Award

Youth Community Services Award

The Marian Van Landingham Legislation and Public Policy Award

The Vola Lawson Award

Donna Bergheim Cultural Affairs Award

The Salute to Women Awards began in the 1980s to recognize the efforts and achievements of women who have made important and enduring contributions to the Alexandria community. All nominations must be submitted to the Department of Community and Human Services on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020. Late submissions will not be accepted, and the deadline will not be extended. Contact Maribel Ramos at CommissionforWomen@alexandriava.gov.

Volunteers Needed

Help the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program (DVP) and Sexual Assault Center (SAC) make a positive impact for those in need and increase awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community by becoming a volunteer. Volunteers benefit from the unique experience of interacting personally with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. There are opportunities in DVP for special events volunteers, court advocates and shelter supervisors. Call 703-746-4911 or visit alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence. To become a SAC volunteer, which includes opportunities for Volunteer Hotline Advocates, call Lydia at 703-746-3127 or visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia, a volunteer nonprofit, invites community members to join the organization to participate in its Reading Express program. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring to first grade students during the school year. To learn more contact VP Membership Mary Gronlund at gronbiz@aol.com or Program Coordinator Lynn Barron at lynnieb517@verizon.net.

United Community (formerly UCM), with main office located at 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, seeks volunteers for Food Pantry assistance, Early Learning Center teacher aides, basic needs counselors, youth tutors and mentors, office administration/data entry, and community outreach. Flexible hours and schedules. Opportunities for all ages to serve, including community service hours. More info at ucmagency.org/volunteer-opportunities or email volunteer@ucmagency.org.

Operation Paws for Homes, a Virginia based 501(c)(3) organization seeks volunteers, especially to foster dogs. See www.ophrescue.org for information and all volunteer opportunities.

RSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking service opportunities in and around Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, offers a wide array of opportunities for volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free accident and liability insurance while serving, optional mileage and meal reimbursement and are invited to volunteer group projects and social gatherings. To sign up for an upcoming orientation, email Carly Hubicki at chubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call RSVP at 703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visit www.rsvpnova.org.

Line Dance Instructor needed for the Gum Springs Senior Program once a week on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Volunteer Solutions, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711.

Volunteer Fairfax makes it easy for individuals and families, youth and seniors, corporate groups and civic clubs to volunteer. Fulfill hours, give back, or pay it forward through a variety service options. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org or call 703-246-3460.

STEM VOLUNTEERS. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) needs scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and physicians to assist K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) teachers in the Northern Virginia Area, during the 2016-17 school year. In the 2015-16 school year, the numbers of STEM volunteers in Northern Virginia were: Fairfax County - 40, Arlington - 20, and Alexandria - one. Details of the collaboration are worked out between the teacher and the volunteer, and may involve giving demonstrations, assisting in lab experiments, lecturing on special topics, assisting with homework, etc. The hours are flexible, and volunteers attend a one-day training in September before being assigned to schools. To see how volunteers are assisting their teachers, view the video clips at www.seniorscientist.org. To volunteer, contact donaldrea@aol.com.

Fairfax County’s Community Services Board is seeking volunteer office assistants. Volunteers are needed to assist CSB staff with greeting guests, making reminder phone calls, data entry, filing, shredding, stocking shelves, and other duties as needed. Hours are flexible, but would be during normal business hours. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/viva/volunteers.htm for more.

Yoga Teachers are needed. Help improve a person's well-being by teaching yoga classes to adults who are staying in a residential facility. The day/time is flexible, but would be during the week. Prior yoga instruction is required. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/viva/volunteers.htm for more.

The Northern Virginia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers of a frail older adult a break so they can go shopping, attend a doctor's appointment or just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Support and training are provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and wellness programs. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Gum Springs Senior Program in Alexandria is looking for a Line Dance Instructor. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs Instructors for the following classes: Country-Western Line Dance, Hula Hoop and African Style Dance. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Hollin Hall Senior Center in Alexandria needs instructors for the following classes: Basic Woodworking, Italian and Ballroom Dance. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care Center in Alexandria needs front desk volunteers and patient Card Players. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Advisory Board of the Joe and Fredona Gartlan Center for mental health is looking for volunteers. The board meets the second Tuesday of the month from 9-11 a.m. at Gartlan Center 8119 Holland Road.

Mount Vernon At Home is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers to assist older adults aging in place in their homes. Volunteers are needed for local transportation to medical and personal appointments, errands, and grocery store trips; light handyman chores, home technology and more. No minimum number of volunteer hours required. Call Mount Vernon At Home 703-303-4060 or e-mail info@mountvernonathome.org or visit www.mountvernonathome.org for more.

Volunteer Advocates for Nursing Home & Assisted Living Residents needed throughout Northern Virginia. Contact the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/, or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-5861, TTY 711.

Hollin Hall Senior Center is looking for a DJ ballroom and dance instructor. The Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road.

The Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care Center is looking for social companions for participants on Fridays from 3-5 p.m. and front desk volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-noon and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Located at 8350 Richmond Highway. For these and other volunteer opportunities call 703-324-5406 or visit www.fairfacounty.gov/olderadults.

Ongoing

Mobile DMV. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sherwood Hall Library. Two programs, DMV Connect and DMV 2 GO, will provide full DMV service to the Route 1 area. At the Sherwood Hall service centers, customers can apply or renew their ID cards, drivers licenses, take road and knowledge tests, apply for special ID cards, get copies of their driving records, obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals and transcripts, order disabled parking placards or plates, purchase an EZ-Pass transponder and more. A full list of services is available at www.dmv.virginia.gov.

Art Making as Meditation. 7-8:30 p.m. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. Art making as meditation can be an active form of contemplative practice. Each session begins with a short reading and a brief introduction to materials. Silence for making and meditation lasts an hour followed by sharing images or insights gained through the process, if desired. Children able to participate in silence are welcome to come with a parent’s quiet supervision. RSVP not necessary for attendance, but helpful for planning purposes. Call 703-360-4220, email info@centerforspiritualdeepening.org or visit www.staidansepiscopal.com/Center-for-Spiritual-Deepening.

Mount Vernon Preservation Challenge. George Washington’s Mount Vernon has embarked upon a special year-end fundraising campaign that will help ensure the ongoing preservation of the estate of this nation’s first president. As the country’s most popular historic home, Mount Vernon does not accept government funding, instead relying upon donations from patriotic individuals and organizations. Through the Preservation Challenge, Mount Vernon hopes to raise enough money to perform critical repairs and restoration work on original structures located in the historic area. The funds raised through the Mount Vernon Preservation Challenge will support the following projects:

  • The Spring House: This building currently does not have a roof. Money originally slated for this project was reassigned to perform emergency repairs in the Mansion.

  • The Ice House: There is a serious crack in the masonry that may result in long-term structural damage if not promptly addressed.

  • The Mansion: Mount Vernon has just begun a five-year “rustication” project, which is the method used in George Washington’s time of cutting, beveling, and sand-casting wood siding to make it appear as if it is stone.

For more information, visit www.mountvernon.org/donate.

Support Groups

Parent Support Partners, a service of the Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parents who have received training and are qualitied to offer education, support and assistance at no cost to families or caregivers. They provide reliable information that families can use in decision-making and are familiar with services and resources that can help families in distress. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.

Peer Facilitated Mental Health Support Group 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Gartlan Behavioral Health Center, 8119 Holland Road. Facilitated by trained peers with lived-experience dealing with mental health challenges. 571-414-9072 sharonmartinbsa@yahoo.com

Family Support Group. 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Gartlan Center, 8119 Holland Road. Opportunity for discussion, information and support for families with members experiencing symptoms of mental illness. Professionally facilitated. Program varies, may include guest speakers, movies. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Free. For more information contact Nga Nguyen at 703-799-2726, TTY 711.

Telephone Support Group. 7-8 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. For family caregivers of older adults. Discuss “Keeping Organized as a Caregiver: What Works?” Share experiences, gain support and get information without having to travel. Free. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices.

Alzheimer's Association support groups provide a place for people with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, family members, and/or friends to share information, caregiving tips and concerns. Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders and are ongoing, free and open to the community. Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 before attending a group for the first time to verify meeting information, obtain directions or other information about the group. A complete list of all groups in the National Capital Area region can be viewed at www.alz.org/nca.

Plant Clinics. Through September, Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon at the Mount Vernon Farmers Market at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Volunteers from the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association will conduct plant clinics during the 2016 season to answer gardening questions, identify plants and insects, and dispense soil test kits to the general public. They encourage backyard gardeners to bring samples for diagnosis or identification. Visit fairfaxgardening.org for more.

The Mount Vernon Estate has released “The Winter Patriots,” a video presentation about George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Day 1776. Buy the film for $4.99 or rent for $2.99 at mountvernon.org/winterpatriots.

Musicians are invited to join the Mount Vernon Community Band. Rehearsals are Tuesday 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Mount Vernon High School band room, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. There are no auditions. The Mount Vernon Community Band is a nonprofit community service organization that has performed in the Mount Vernon area since 1978. 703-768-4172 or www.mvbands.com.

Training Courses. The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region will host training courses in CPR, First Aid, and AED in the Alexandria and Fort Belvoir offices. These classes offer a two-year certification. Classes range from $90-$110. Advance registration is required. To register for a class or find another class in your area, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

Sponsors Needed. Britepaths Family Sponsoring. Fairfax-based non-profit Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) is seeking community members to sponsor families in need who live throughout the Fairfax County area. Sponsors are matched with an individual or family with demonstrated need, and may opt to provide a Thanksgiving meal, December holiday meal, and/or gifts for children under 18. Cash donations and gift cards are welcome to assist those who are not sponsored. Britepaths is expecting to have 3,000 households on its assistance list. A great family, company or group holiday service project. Register and learn more at britepaths.org. Contact 703-273-8829 or hpassist@britepaths.org.