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Laurel Hill Glass Recycling Program
It's always a perfect time to start caring about the environment. Meet South County High School students Varun Korisapati and Eshaan Shah who are doing just that as the founders of the Laurel Hill Glass Recycling Program. A few years ago, Varun and Eshaan were looking for ways to help the environment and discovered an opportunity to assist with glass recycling in Fairfax County. They began making trips to their local purple bin to recycle their own glass and quickly realized how beneficial it would be to provide a service to their neighbors. This sparked the start of their program to pick up glass and make monthly collection trips.
The two teens now do one big glass pickup and collect on average 414.7 lbs. of glass each month. Varun and Eshaan had to stop collecting for some time during COVID and just recently started back up again year. While it's just the two of them now, they hope to grow their program to help collect more glass. When they aren't helping the community, Varun and Eshaan enjoy debate club, Varsity Tennis and Track, Desi Student Association and a spikeball club which they also founded at South County.
Currently, Varun and Eshaan serve 80+ families. If you live in the Laurel Hill community and want to be included in the program or volunteer, check out their Google Form or email them at [email protected]. If you don't live in the Laurel Hill area, there are still ways to recycle your glass. Find the closest purple bin to you. Thank you Varun and Eshaan for your hard work to make our District a cleaner and more beautiful place. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed and you are an inspiration to us all!
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First Day Hike
January 1, 2023
10 a.m.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Several years ago I started my tradition of taking a First Hike on New Year's Day! I love getting out in nature to clear my head and enjoy the wildlife.
This year I will be joining the Friends of Dyke Marsh for a special Nature Walk First Hike to see the flora and fauna of this beautiful wildlife preserve. We will discuss the marsh’s many valuable natural resources, tidal marsh ecology, wetlands’ importance and challenges facing the marsh.
Where to meet: Park in the Belle Haven Park south parking lot. Walk to the Haul Road trail entrance and meet by the bulletin board. Bring water. Wear warm layers, long sleeves and pants, gloves and sturdy shoes. And, binoculars are recommended.
Please register (by email) and put New Year’s Walk in the subject box.
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Community Information & Events | |
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Celebrate Fairfax Winter Market
Friday, December 16, 4:30 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 12 - 5 p.m.
The PARC at Tysons
8508 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Find one of a kind small batch, handmade and eco-friendly goods from local small businesses! Celebrate Fairfax is holding their final weekend for the indoor Winter Market on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Enjoy the cozy and warm winter wonderland with additional FREE activities and entertainment for all ages. Check out the list of local vendors and festivity schedule.
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Holiday Celebration & Resource Fair
Saturday, December 17
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hybla Valley Community Center
7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria
Neighborhood and Community Services is holding a Holiday Celebration and Resource Fair at the Hybla Valley Community Center this Saturday. There will be a toy give away by invitation, raffles, music, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, pizza, resources and more.
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American Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, December 20
1:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mount Vernon Chapel
2000 George Washington Parkway, Alexandria
The need for donors is great at this time with the holidays, travel and illnesses. All blood types are needed, especially type O. There is also a need for Power Red donations (also called Double Red) types A-, B-, O-, O+. Anyone age 17 and older can be a donor, or age 16 with parent's signed permission. You don’t have to live in the area to donate here. Consider donating lifesaving blood. Sign up to donate or call 1-800-RED-CROSS and use the sponsor code: LDS Mount Vernon.
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Public Invited to Share Input on Consolidated Community Funding Pool
You are invited to provide feedback on the Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP) to help identify targeted community needs categories. Input will be collected via survey and will remain open through January 3, 2023. The CCFP is a competitive funding process for human services programs developed and administered by nonprofits and community-based organizations. Learn more...
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Care to Share Toolkit
The Fairfax Food Council has developed the Care to Share Toolkit to support schools, PTAs and other volunteers who want to start-up an easy to implement food rescue program at a Fairfax County school. This hands-on/how-to toolkit provides a direct, step-by-step approach to support efforts to rescue food waste in our schools. The toolkit includes a brief history of the program, the research needed before getting started, physical considerations, logistical considerations and resources. Learn more.
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Medicaid Members: Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date
Have you moved in the past three years? Has your address or contact information changed? Please make sure Medicaid has your current mobile phone number, email, and mailing address so your records are up to date. It’s important to make sure you can be reached with information about changes to your health insurance. There may be steps you need to take to keep your coverage. Update your info today!
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Thanks to the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), Fairfax Water can now offer assistance to eligible customers who need assistance with their water and wastewater bills. The application and additional info on the program are available here. Residents can call 1-888-373-9908 to apply. Information is also available on the Fairfax Water website.
Protect Against COVID, Flu and RSV
As you go out to holiday parties and begin traveling, it's important to be reminded of the many ways you can help protect yourself from getting sick. COVID booster shots are available and free to everyone and can help to prevent and protect against serious illness. Flu shots provide protection from the current strain of influenza and are available in many locations throughout the County. To protect yourself from transmission of RSV, practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly and wear a mask in indoor congregate settings. These simple tasks such as getting vaccinated and washing your hands can help prevent you from getting sick this year.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available for Children as Young as 6 Months
Updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children as young as 6 months. This follows recommendations from the CDC and authorization from the FDA. Our Health Department has shared important details for parents and caregivers online. The Health Department also reminds residents to continue to keep up the healthy habits that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses like flu and RSV. Learn more.
Free COVID-19 Testing
PCR testing is available with results in 1-2 days. There is no appointment necessary, no registration required, no ID needed and no out-of-pocket costs. Testing occurs every Wednesday at Groveton Baptist Church from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Check out the other available testing sites.
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Sunset over Justice Snowden Farm | |
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Animal Protection Police Bald Eagle Rescue Video | |
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'Safe December': Fairfax County Police Department Begins Holiday Enforcement Campaign
The Fairfax County Police Department's DUI Squad is ramping up DUI enforcement efforts with a campaign known as 'Safe December,' timed to coincide with the holiday season. "That's high visibility, zero tolerance, and aggressive patrols focused on apprehending people who are driving under the influence," said FCPD Sgt. Stephen Cicinato with the DUI Squad. Read more on WJLA.
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