Due to increased transmission of the COVID-19 Delta variant in many parts of the country, the CDC issued new guidance that recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas of "substantial" or "high" COVID-19 transmission. Fairfax County's level of community transmission is currently "moderate," according to the CDC.

The vaccine is still the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. If you or someone you know needs the vaccine, appointments are available across our region. In Fairfax County, more than 75% of people 18 or older have received the vaccine! But our efforts must continue, and yesterday the Board approved Chairman Mckay's motion directing the County Executive to explore the adoption of a vaccine requirement for County employees, with the appropriate religious and medical exceptions.

As we shared in previous messages, we'll be holding an in-person meeting to discuss the Lake Accotink Dredging Project’s Alternatives Analysis Report tomorrow, Thursday, July 29, at 7:00 p.m. at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Drive, Annandale).

To ensure that everyone can participate, a second, virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m. Here is the link to the virtual meeting. The presentation of the alternatives analysis will be the same at both meetings, so you can participate in the format you find most comfortable. Please continue reading below for additional information.

At yesterday's meeting, the Board authorized a public hearing to hear from the public on the proposed Plastic Bag Tax Ordinance. It will take place on Tuesday, September 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Residents can sign up to provide testimony in person or by phone that day or offer written or video testimony in advance.

Meanwhile, I invite you to visit the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination’s Disposable Plastic Bag Tax FAQs List to learn more about the proposal and submit any questions of feedback.

Two community meetings have been scheduled to discuss the Lake Accotink Dredging Project’s Alternatives Analysis Report prepared by County staff and their team of consultants. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, July 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Drive, Annandale). In order to make sure that everyone is able to participate, a second, virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m. Here is the link to the virtual meeting. The presentation of the alternatives analysis will be the same at both meetings, so residents may attend in the format they find most comfortable.

The full Alternatives Analysis Report prepared by Arcadis is posted on the project website so that residents have an opportunity to review it in advance of the meetings. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for community members to provide their comments. For those unable to attend or who wish to share additional thoughts, comments may also be submitted online.

On Tuesday, July 27, the Board of Supervisors authorized a public hearing on a proposed plastic bag tax ordinance, scheduled for September 14, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. In accordance with enabling legislation passed in the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, the five-cent tax would be applied to each disposable plastic bag provided at point of checkout at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores. Should the ordinance pass in September, the tax would take effect on January 1, 2022. A two-cent discount would be available to participating retailers until January 1, 2023, at which time the discount would decrease to one cent.

The plastic bag tax is intended to discourage consumption of single-use plastic bags, which often end up as litter in local streams and waterways, harming fish and other wildlife. In addition, revenue collected from the tax may be used for environmental cleanup, litter prevention and environmental education programs. Recognizing that the tax may unduly impact certain populations, in accordance with the enabling legislation, tax revenue may also be used to provide reusable bags to recipients of certain federal food support programs.

Members of the public are encouraged to testify at the September 14 public hearing and may do so by providing in-person, written, or recorded testimony. For more information on ways to provide public hearing testimony, or to register to speak on September 14, please visit the County website or contact the Department of Clerk Services at (703) 324-3151, TTY 711.

For more information on the proposed plastic bag tax ordinance, please visit the website of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.

Stock up on qualifying school supplies, clothing, hurricane and emergency preparedness supplies, and certain ENERGY STAR™ and WaterSense™ products without paying state sales tax starting Friday, August 6 at 12:01 a.m. and ending Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Enjoy the savings whether you shop online, in-store, or by mail or phone.

School supplies, clothing, and footwear:

Hurricane and emergency preparedness products:

ENERGY STAR™ and WaterSense™ products:

For more information, see Virginia Sales Tax Holiday.

Make sure to tune in and watch on YouTube or listen on-the-go on Soundcloud. Both platforms are free to use, and you do not need an account!

In Fairfax County, the Deer Management Program is conducted in select Fairfax County Parks by the Police Department. Members of the community who live close to a park where deer management activity is planned will receive this Fairfax County Deer Management Update letter from Police Chief Kevin Davis. The letter provides an overview on why deer management is taking place in local parks and what residents need to know. A recorded webinar providing an overview of the Deer Management Program will be available in August and posted on the County's Website. I will share the updated website with the recorded webinar when it is available. 

Yesterday, Tuesday, July 27, the Board authorized creation of the Active and Thriving Community Grants Program to assist certain small businesses and nonprofits experiencing negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be funded through an allocation of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (Fiscal Recovery Funds) provided through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) under the authority to support small businesses, nonprofits or those in geographic areas disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The specific small business and non-profit sectors are:

The grant program will prioritize disproportionately impacted populations and communities where ever possible. To ensure a consistent impact of both grant programs supported by the ARPA funding, the desired outcomes of the Active and Thriving Community Grants Program have been modeled after the PIVOT grant program. Staff will provide an update to the Board no later than 45 days after the establishment of the program. Webinars and Info Sessions will be scheduled in the coming weeks. The application portal is not expected to be launched until late August. As we have additional information, we will share it through the Advisory and Beacon. For program guidelines and parameters, please see the Board’s agenda, (Action 12, pages 808-820).

Need help paying for rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic? The new Fairfax County Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program is providing help to renters experiencing negative financial impact.

Want more information about the ERA? Find out if you're eligible and learn how to apply online or call (703) 222-0880.

Curious about police officers and what they do? The Fairfax County Police Department is inviting children of all ages to come meet some of their police officers from the West Springfield Station. Watch a video tour of the station. Tour a real police cruiser and patrol wagon. Get your picture with McGruff the Crime Dog. Ask them questions. FCPD wants to meet the kids of the area. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Department will also be at the event providing FREE Child ID cards*.

Parents and other adults are welcome too. This event will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. at the West Springfield District Station (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA). It is NOT a drop off event. If you would like further information, or have questions, contact the Crime Prevention Officer at (703) 277-2363

*To protect the privacy of the family, none of the information is retained by the Sheriff’s Office. For families in our community, this card could be the key to assisting law enforcement agencies should their child ever become missing. For the children, the process of producing the card offers a fun and positive experience interacting with law enforcement officers.

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program is hosting a school supply drive for Fairfax County children in need. The greatest need is for supplies at the high school level. They are accepting $50 gift cards to big box stores like Walmart or Target through Friday, August 13, to purchase the school supplies. Would you like to help? Please contact Francesca Watson by email Francesca.Watson2@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 345-8453.

Caring for a loved one can take a physical and emotional toll. It is essential for family caregivers to make their wellness a priority and learn new ways to reduce stress and avoid caregiver burnout.

Fairfax County's Department of Family Services invites you to attend their new Caregiver Health & Wellness Series.

Join them for live demonstrations on Dance Fitness, Yoga & Meditation for Stress Reduction, Memory Engagement with Arts & Crafts, and Art Therapy: Healing Through Art.

Their new series will run from Friday, August 6, 2:00 p.m. through 3:00 p.m. to Friday, September 24, 2:00 p.m. through 3:00 p.m.