May 15, 2024
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about Older Americans Month, snakes, Weekender, the Wonder Wagon, Speech-Language-Hearing Month, mental health, SNAP benefits at our farmers markets and the Environmental Excellence Awards. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the health and well-being of our senior citizens. It's also a time to recognize the importance of screening for aging-related diseases. Rates of chronic conditions (like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, Type-2 diabetes, and cancer) have continued to rise, underscoring notable disparities in early screening and detection. Screening is an essential step towards maintaining good health and a healthy community. Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov; just search "Spring Screening".
Fairfax County is home to an array of snake species, most of which are non-venomous and pose no threat to people. Among the most frequently observed resident snakes are the Eastern rat snake, Eastern garter snake, Dekay’s brown snake, Northern water snake and Northern ring-necked snake; common and important predators in our ecosystems. These snakes, and others, are beneficial and provide a valuable service in our communities in the way of pest control. NewsCenter has more details, including a video. Check out our guide to snakes in Fairfax County at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/your-guide-snakes-fairfax-county.
“Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter, brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.
The Fairfax County Park Authority recently unveiled its brand-new mobile nature center – the Wonder Wagon. The new fully electric highly decorated van is the Park Authority’s first nature center on wheels to provide nature programs and engaging experiences to communities throughout Fairfax County, and particularly those where access to the Park Authority’s five brick-and-mortar nature centers may be challenging. The Wonder Wagon team brings free nature and stewardship education to residents of all ages through engaging guided activities. Trained naturalists help spot, identify, and teach about plants and wildlife within the community – even in urban environments. Activities and demonstrations also help residents understand their connection to their local environment and how simple everyday actions can help enhance water quality, care for land, plants and animals, and increase the enjoyment we can all experience living in a healthy environment. The Wonder Wagon is available for public events, outreach, and public school activities. For more information about the Wonder Wagon or to request a visit, go to the Wonder Wagon webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/wonder-wagon.
To raise awareness about disorders related to hearing, voice, speech, or language, the Fairfax County Health Department joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in observing National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May. This observance provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of human communication and what we can all do to prevent and address communication disorders, and to encourage people to think about their own hearing and get their hearing checked. In the United States, at least 46 million people have a hearing or other communication disorder. An estimated 17.9 million adults report having a voice problem. Throughout the month, the Health Department's Speech and Hearing program will offer free speech screenings (testing) for children ages 3–7 years at several county libraries. No appointments are necessary; screening is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nearly 1 in 5 people experience a mental health concern each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. More than 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness that interferes with or limits major life activities. Mental illness, including depression, substance use disorders, anxiety, or psychosis can happen to anyone. By talking about mental health, you can help shine a light on the presence of mental health issues and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness. Learn more online at fairfaxcounty.gov; just search "Mental Health Awareness Month."
Fairfax County residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can now double their benefit – up to an additional $40 – to purchase fruits and vegetables at five Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets. SNAP benefit matching is provided through funding received from Viginia Fresh Match and community partners Arcadia, Britepaths and Cornerstones. Bring your EBT cards to the SNAP Information Table at participating markets and receive double the amount (up to $40) to purchase extra fruits and vegetables. For example, if you take out $50 off your card, you will receive $50 in SNAP tokens and $40 in Match tokens to spend in the market. SNAP tokens can be spent on any SNAP-eligible item, while Match tokens can only be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. The following markets are participating in the program:
- McCutcheon Mount Vernon Farmers Market.
- Wakefield Farmers Market.
- Annandale Farmers Market.
- Reston Farmers Market.
- Lorton Farmers Market.
For more information about the Park Authority’s Farmers Markets and the SNAP Match program, visit the Farmers Market webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.
Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize the best examples of leadership and service to protect and enhance the natural world in Fairfax County. The awards celebrate accomplishments by individual county residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees who advance the county’s environmental goals and policies, dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal fiscal or civic responsibilities, and demonstrate leadership as an example to others. Nominations are due by June 9. To learn more and access the online nomination form, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov and search “Environmental Excellence Awards”.
Finally, get more Fairfax County news and event information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Listen to other county podcasts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. And for 24/7 news and information from and about Fairfax County, listen to Fairfax County Government Radio online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio.
That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. You also may call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.
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