News and Information
September 17, 2020
On September 16, First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam visited Fairfax County to recognize the important work of early childhood educators as part of her annual Back to School tour. She toured three sites and delivered hand sanitizer, face coverings and books to educators. First Lady Northam’s tour began at Office for Children Early Head Start provider Leticia Flores-Ortiz’s home in Herndon. She was joined by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, State Delegate Ibraheem Samirah and State Senator Janet Howell’s legislative staff.
Next, Mrs. Northam visited Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon, where she participated in the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Grab & Go food distribution and enjoyed a virtual tour through Fairfax County's Supporting Return to School (SRS) program.
Mrs. Northam concluded her time in Fairfax County with a visit to the Hopkins House McNeil Preschool Academy in Alexandria, where she was joined by State Delegate Paul Krizek. She met staff and board members, toured the program, and read a story to the children (following social distancing protocols).
Throughout the tour, Mrs. Northam thanked the educators for their continued service supporting Virginia children and families and adapting to challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. She let educators know that they are superheroes!
September 17, 2020
On Saturday, September 12, buses were parked at 21 locations throughout the county to collect nonperishable food donations for area nonprofits through the Stuff the Bus food drive. Over five hours, Fairfax County residents donated 11 tons of food to help feed hungry people throughout the county.
“We are so thankful for the generosity of our Fairfax County community. This is the second Stuff the Bus food drive held since the COVID-19 pandemic began and our residents continue to show up and give even during these uncertain times,” said Chris Leonard, Director of Neighborhood and Community Services.
For those who wish to donate to Stuff the Bus, another drive will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For donation locations, most requested items and how to donate safely, visit Stuff the Bus. To make a monetary donation to the virtual Stuff the Bus food drive, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s Donation Page.
What’s In Your Water? Find Out with the 2020 Fairfax County Virginia Household Water Quality Program
September 4, 2020
Do you know what’s in your drinking water? While public water supplies are tested daily for contaminants, most private water supplies, like wells and springs, are rarely tested. It is recommended that well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria and nitrates. Fairfax County residents can learn more about the quality of their water and how to care for their water system as part of the 2020 Fairfax County Virginia Household Water Quality Program.
Registration for the 2020 program is open now through Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon. Participants will learn about common water quality issues in the region and receive information on where to pick up water sampling kits. The program begins with a kick-off meeting via Zoom. Once water samples have been collected, they will be analyzed for iron, manganese, nitrate, lead, arsenic, fluoride, sulfate, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, sodium, copper, total coliform bacteria, and E. Coli bacteria.
Following analysis, confidential reports will be mailed to participants and an interpretation meeting will be held via Zoom to explain the report results and options for dealing with water problems. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.
Any Fairfax County resident with a private water supply system (including wells, springs, and cisterns) may participate. The program is $60 per household. Learn more and register for the program online. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. For more information, please contact the Fairfax County Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 703-324-5369.
