In this Issue…
Your Chance to Support Senior Tax Relief – On December 7th at 4 p.m. you will have the opportunity to testify on proposed senior tax relief that will raise the income and net worth eligibility limits for real estate tax relief beginning January 1, 2022. After years of asking the Board to prioritize senior tax relief, I’m very glad to see this finally coming to the table. This relief is critically needed by many older adults who were the most impacted by the pandemic and have seen their property taxes, gas prices, and other living expenses significantly increase. I’ll share more details below about the proposed relief and how you can sign up to testify.
Other News and Information
- School-Located Vaccine Clinics (Starts November 16)
- JCA 50+ Virtual Job Fair (November 19)
- Webb Space Telescope Virtual Countdown Kickoff (November 20)
- Workhouse Small Business Saturdays (November 27, December 4, 11)
- More below….
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Your Chance to Support Senior Tax Relief
On December 7th at 4 p.m. you will have the opportunity to testify on proposed senior tax relief that will raise the income and net worth eligibility limits for real estate tax relief beginning January 1, 2022. After years of asking the Board to prioritize senior tax relief, I’m very glad to see this finally coming to the table. This relief is critically needed by many older adults who were the most impacted by the pandemic and have seen their property taxes, gas prices, and other living expenses significantly increase. In the past year alone, I have spoken with many older adults who are unsure if they will be able to stay in their homes because of their rising property taxes. Under the current relief requirements, some older adults are ineligible for relief even though they are barely able to pay their bills each month.
Under current tax relief eligibility limits, a resident’s gross household income cannot exceed $72,000, and they may have no more than $340,000 in total assets, excluding the home's value and one acre of land. Despite my repeated attempts to raise these limits, they have not changed since 2006. The proposed tax relief change will raise the maximum total asset limit to $400,000. I also strongly supported the motion put on the table to raise the acreage exemption from 1 acre to 5 acres. Many seniors in Springfield District are ineligible for relief because they have more than one acre of land despite the fact it is not available for development because of the R-C (Occoquan Watershed) zoning.
As Chairman of the Older Adults committee, I’ve always set a high importance on the ability of our older adults to age in place, in their homes. If these changes pass, this amendment will ease some of the tax burden that has increasingly pushed our aging population out of their homes and/or out of the area as their tax bills in some cases now exceed what their initial mortgages were.
Real estate taxes doubled between 2000 and 2008 under then-Chairman Gerry Connolly and have risen 45 percent over the last ten years. It is clear we need to do more to reduce the tax burden on all our residents. Tax bills significantly impact the affordability of homes and rents. That is why I have opposed all but two budgets in my time on the Board and have offered many opportunities to reduce the tax burden. The Board needs to do more to reduce the cost of government.
In addition to raising income and net worth eligibility limits, the proposed relief will also add a 75 percent income eligibility bracket, cap total taxes relieved at 125 percent of the mean assessed value of Fairfax County homes and create a tax deferral option for seniors and people with disabilities, all beginning January 1, 2023.
While I strongly support moving forward with these amendments, I would still like to see more done to ease the burden on those older adults who have 401(k)s and not pensions which are not counted toward total assets. I have worked with staff to see what the impact would be to exclude an additional $100,000 of 401(k) assets for those that do not have pensions. Residents should not be discouraged from saving for retirement in a 401(k) or forced to convert their 401(k) into an uninheritable annuity just so they can stay in their homes.
I strongly encourage you to testify at the public hearing on December 7th at 4 p.m. by signing up here. You can testify by phone, pre-recorded video, in-person, or send written testimony to ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov . For more information on these proposed tax relief changes, see Administrative Item 10 in the latest Board agenda.
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Other News and Information
- School-Located Vaccine Clinics (Starts November 16)
- JCA 50+ Virtual Job Fair (November 19)
- Webb Space Telescope Virtual Countdown Kickoff (November 20)
- Workhouse Small Business Saturdays (November 27, December 4, 11)
- Rotary Club of West Springfield Raffle (November 29)
- Hypothermia Prevention Program (Starts December 1)
- Shark Tank Technology Challenge Open to All High School Students (December 6)
- Virtual Health and Care Job Fair for Northern Virginia (December 8)
- Plastic Bag Tax Goes into Effect (January 1)
- Preventing Elder Fraud
- INOVA Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics for 5-11 Age Group
- Portable Heater Safety
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School-Located Vaccine Clinics (Starts November 16)
Should you desire to get your student aged 5 to 11 vaccinated, the Fairfax Health District and Fairfax County Public Schools are hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at 10 schools for students ages 5-11 years.
Here is what you need to know before you go:
- The clinics listed in the link below are providing COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 years of age. Attendees are not required to be a student at that school. All children, including those who attend private schools or are home-schooled, are welcome.
- Vaccines will not be available for those 12 years and older.
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No appointment is necessary, as registration will take place on site. If you arrive after all vaccine has been administered at a particular clinic, please visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location nearby, or call the Fairfax County Health Department's vaccine call center at 703-324-7404.
- All vaccinations are free! While the registration forms will ask you for insurance information, if you do not have health insurance, you will not be charged anything to receive the vaccine.
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or another responsible adult at all community vaccination sites.
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JCA 50+ Virtual Job Fair (November 19)
The Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expo is back for 2021! This Free Event is for jobseeksers 50+ and looking for employment opportunities, join us!
Mark your calendars for this Friday -
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Participate in two-morning workshops and then, from Noon to 2 pm, hear about employment opportunities from ten Northern Virginia Employers. In addition, you will be able to ask them questions in Zoom Chat.
Visit the JCA website (virtualexpos.accessjca.org) for information about upcoming Virtual 50+ Employment Expos, past employers, Workshop presentations, and Register for the November 19th Northern Virginia 50+ Employment Expo.
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Webb Space Telescope Virtual Countdown Kickoff (November 20)
Hear from a NASA scientist about the new space telescope that is scheduled for launch next month. Dr. Sara Faggi, of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, will be the guest speaker for the Park Authority’s “Webb Space Telescope Virtual Countdown Kickoff” event on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Dr. Faggi holds doctorate in physics and astrophysics and will be discussing how the Webb Space Telescope will expand our understanding of the universe. Her research interests include high-resolution spectroscopic studies of comets and the origin and evolution of organics and water in planetary systems.
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Workhouse Small Business Saturdays (November 27, December 4, 11)
Looking for a Christmas gift and want to support local artisans? The Workhouse Arts Center, a project of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. is excited to announce its participation in Small Business Saturday(s)!
Mark your calendars for 3 consecutive Saturdays this holiday season – when it will offer a 20% discount on all resident and associate artists original creations: Saturdays – November 27, 2021 (11am – 6pm), December 4, 2021 (11am – 6pm) and December 11, 2021 (11am – 9pm). Come out to purchase unique gifts and help the small businesses in your community!
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Rotary Club of West Springfield Raffle (November 29)
The Rotary Club of West Springfield Fall Fundraiser and Holiday Cash Raffle will offer $3,000 in prizes with net proceeds split between the Red Cross (for hurricane victims) and assistance for Afghan refugees settling in our area. Raffle tickets are 10 for $25, 25 for $50, or 60 for $100. Here's the link.
Tickets can only be purchased online and a processing fee will automatically be added. Donations (with or without ticket purchases) can also be made online with a processing fee added. You are welcome to donate by mailing a check to the Club (P.O. Box 2097, Springfield 22152) made out to the Rotary Club of West Springfield Foundation.
The raffle will be held virtually November 30. We hope you will take this opportunity for a chance to win some extra cash before the holiday season, but more importantly, provide much needed support to Afghan refugees and the victims of Hurricane Ida.
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Hypothermia Prevention Program (Starts December 1)
For those in need this winter season, the County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program will run from December 1 through March 31. Location and times may be found below.
Many of these sites are also looking for donations and volunteers, you may also find contacts below:
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Shark Tank Technology Challenge Open to All High School Students (December 6)
Calling all high school students! The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee has announced this year’s Shark Tank Technology Challenge with a focus on new or improved existing technology that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, wounded warriors, or caregivers. Students are encouraged to consider projects that offer assistance in the following areas:
- Active free time activities.
- Participation in the arts.
- Caregiving.
Students can submit an innovative or creative project as individual or a team. The deadline to submit the initial proposal is Dec. 6. Final proposals are due Feb. 22, 2022. The Shark Tank event will be held in April 2022. The winning projects will receive a cash prize. More details are available at Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge.
Virtual Health and Care Job Fair for Northern Virginia (December 8)
There are critical staff shortages at organizations and facilities serving older adults and adults with disabilities.
To help fill these jobs, the COVID-19 Impact & Response Committee of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council (LTCCC) Long Term Care Coordinating Council has partnered with the Economic Development Authority (EDA), Department of Family Services and others to host a virtual free Job Fair to help organizations serving older adults and adults with disabilities fill critical staff shortages.
Many of the jobs are entry level positions.
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Plastic Bag Tax Goes into Effect (January 1)
Reminder that the Plastic Bag Tax goes into effect January 1st. I opposed this tax for many reasons including that it was implemented during a pandemic while many residents are still struggling, there are shortages for alternatives like paper bags and the real environmental problem is litter not plastic bags. If you notice a new tax charge on your grocery receipts in the new year - this is why.
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Preventing Elder Fraud
During the pandemic criminals have become even more brazen about targeting our seniors. Please take a moment to learn about these scams so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these crimes that are perpetrated every day over the phone and by computer: https://www.ncoa.org/article/top-10-financial-scams-targeting-seniors
INOVA Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics for 5-11 Age Group
Inova will be hosting child-friendly COVID-19 vaccination clinics by appointment only for children ages 5-11 for the public.
We expect high demand in the first weeks of vaccine availability. In addition to the Inova Children’s Vaccination Clinic at the Inova Center for Personalized Health, there will be many options for children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including pediatrician and family practice offices, some retail pharmacies, and Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs). Use vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you that is offering the 5–11-year-old vaccine.
Who: All eligible members of our community in the 5-11 age group
Location: Inova Center for Personalized Health (8100 Innovation Park Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031)
Dates: Weekends
Appointments: Visit www.inova.org/vaccine for details on how to make an appointment at the Inova Children’s Vaccination Clinic and for information on all the vaccination resources available in our community
These clinics will only offer the specific reconstitution of the vaccine for 5- to 11-year-old children; vaccinations for ages 12 and up will not be available at these clinics
Inova is proud to play a key role in vaccinating this group with capacity to administer 500 shots per day
PSA - Portable Heater, Fireplace, and Stove Safety
As the weather continues to cool down this winter, stay safe by making sure you and your loved ones are aware of precautions to take when using portable heaters, a fireplace, or a stove:
Two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric space heaters. These can be prevented through awareness of hazards and following best practices.
If you use a portable heater, the National Fire Protection Association recommends the following:
- Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anything that can burn, including people.
- Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
- Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
- Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over. • Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
- Keep children away from the space heater.
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
- Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.
Likewise, if you use a wood or pellet stove, make sure you follow these safety tips from the US Fire Administration.
- Test your smoke alarms.
- Install a carbon monoxide monitor about 10 feet away from the wood or pellet stove.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter, or propane torches to light the fire.
- Never use charcoal in a stove or fireplace. It produces an excessive amount of carbon monoxide.
- Have your wood or pellet stove be professionally installed to ensure safety.
- Do not place household items on the stove.
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