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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church NEWS BRIEFS

F.C. Announces Plans for Virtual Memorial Day Events

The City of Falls Church announced yesterday that government and services will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day, and the usual Memorial Day Parade and Festival will be cancelled, but an array of virtual Memorial Day observances and activities will be held online, including the following: a pre-recorded Memorial Day Ceremony, which will air on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. on the Falls Church Community Television Channel (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35) and the City’s YouTube channel; replays of past Memorial Day parades throughout the day on the Falls Church Community Television Channel; and, a special Memorial Day edition of the Virtual Community Center — the Recreation and Parks Department’s bi-weekly newsletter — will debut Friday, May 22 with exclusive content includ- ing a Q&A with this year’s (and next year’s) Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal, Lindy Hockenberry; a spotlight on the veteran who hosts our Senior Center Military History Forum; and stay-at-home Memorial Day themed activities for all ages. People can sign up for the Virtual Community Center at www.fallschurchva.gov/VCC-subscribe.

Free Covid-19 Testing Open to Public This Weekend

The Virginia Department of Health has expanded the efforts of the local health districts to increase the capacity of community Covid-19 testing events. This week, there will be over 25 drive-thru and walk-up testing events coordinated by the Department of Health with a capacity of 14,000 tests. In this area this weekend, there will be testing events on Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Dr., Annandale and on Sunday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bailey’s Elementary School, 6111 Knollwood Dr., in Bailey’s Crossroads. These are free of charge and no appointment, insurance, physician referral or identification are required. Only those two years or older can be tested.

F.C. Council Votes to Leave Arlington Pact, Join Fairfax

The Falls Church City Council Monday night voted unanimously at its online meeting to shift alliances from Arlington to Fairfax County for joint participation in the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Improvement Program funds effective the end of June 2021. The move, done with the encouragement of Arlington, will permit the City to potentially access the Fairfax Housing Authority’s ability to issue bonds to finance large scale affordable housing projects in the City. Tom Fleetwood, director of Fairfax County’s program, was there to endorse the move and the Council was told that the Falls Church Housing Commision “is very excited by the move.”

Northam Offers New Protections from Evictions, Foreclosures

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam Tuesday announced new resources to protect Virginians from eviction and support individuals who have lost their job or income due to Covid-19. These tools include a new website, “StayHomeVirginia.com” to help Virginians navigate housing programs, services, and resources. It offers guidance on working with landlords, financial insti- tutions, and other organizations to use eviction and foreclosure protections during this health crisis. Resources include relief for private mortgage holders, multifamily complexes, and ten- ants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This public health crisis has created unprecedented housing challenges, regardless of whether you rent or own a home,” said Governor Northam in a statement. “Right now, many Virginians are struggling to make next month’s rent or mortgage payments amid a loss in wages due to the pandemic. These resources will help Virginians get the information they need to make decisions, and ensure they have access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to live.” Gov. Northam also signed two bills approved by the General Assembly during the reconvened session on April 22 that included his proposed amendments to provide relief to tenants and mortgage holders.

Beyer Introduces At-Home Testing Incentive Act

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, joined Ohio Republican Anthony Gonzalez Tuesday to introduce the At-Home Testing Prize Competitions Act. It is legislation designed to encourage the development of new Covid-19 testing. The bill would direct the National Institutes of Health, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to quickly launch prize competitions promoting the development of a Covid-19 test that can be safely self-administered in their homes.

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