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April 2020 Newsletter

posted Apr 14, 2020, 8:47 AM by c traband
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This newsletter is compiled by the Rock Spring Civic Association for residents of the Rock Spring neighborhood.

1.  Stay Safe:  Face Masks Policy and No-Sew Face Mask Video:  Please see the County’s web site on the importance of wearing face masks when out in public.  And, watch County Board Chair, Libby Garvey, demonstrate a no-sew bandana face mask that all of us can make and use.  No bandana, try a scarf or cutting up a t-shirt.  https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/covid19-cloth-face-coverings-how-to/

2.  COVID-19 Sample Collection Site Run by Virginia Hospital Center and Arlington County:

  • The COVID Scheduling Line is now open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and appointment openings are available on most days.

  • Individuals still need to receive a physician’s order to make an appointment, but they no longer need to be an Arlington resident or employee.

  • Physicians with symptomatic patients can send orders to the Virginia Hospital Center outpatient lab electronically in EPIC or via fax to 703-558-2448.

  • Once a patient has received a physician’s order, they should call the VHC COVID-19 Scheduling Line at 703-558-5766 between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Patients must schedule an appointment before visiting the collection site.

  • Individuals arriving at the drive-through site must be in a vehicle and should remain in their cars.

  • The site now collects samples from up to 100 adults each day, nearly doubling its capacity.


3.  County Board to Pilot Virtual “Open Door Mondays” During COVID-19:

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey announced that the Board will pilot a virtual format for Open Door Mondays, the informal weekly sessions where individuals or small groups can meet one-on-one with a Board Member to raise any issue, starting Monday, April 13, 2020.  “Participation is easy — just fill out a very brief RSVP on the County website, then join us virtually, or by phoning in, at 7 p.m. starting Monday, April 13 We look forward to hearing from you.”  https://countyboard.arlingtonva.us/open-door-mondays/

 4.  Arlington County Board Member Erik Gutshall Resigns       


Arlington County Board Vice-Chair Erik Gutshallannounced that he is resigning from the Board, after undergoing treatment for brain cancer for the past month. Gutshall said he will be quarantining with his family at their home. Gutshall was elected to the County Board in 2017, after Chairing the Planning Commission. He represents Arlington on several regional bodies. The County Board will consult with the County Attorney about the next steps, as required under Virginia law, for holding a special election to replace Gutshall on the County Board.

5.  Library at a Distance:  Are you new to the eCollection? Questions about downloading library eBooks and eAudiobooks, or using your eReader? You can get live help (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) from Library staff through Chat or Text (703-783-3898)!

6.  Arlington Reads: One Community, One Book:  The program brings together people to talk about books and the important topics of our time,” said Library Director Diane Kresh.  The library invites you to read and discuss Alexis Coe’s “You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington," and learn how our Founding Fathers and Mothers confronted uncertain times and harrowing situations.  Join an online watch party for Alexis Coe and Diane Kresh's conversation on Sunday, May 3, at 7 p.m.   https://library.arlingtonva.us/arlington-reads-one-community-one-book/

7.  Supporting Local Businesses:  Want to support local businesses and their employees? Consider purchasing a gift card. 

8.  Thinking about doing some gardening?  Wondering how to grow some vegetables or flowers?  This could be a great project for kids, adults, neighborhoods, and there’s lots of good information available on gardening in Arlington.  Whether you want to grow flowers for bouquets or attract butterflies and hummingbirds, or tomatoes and a few other vegetables for a fun and helpful family project, good information for beginning and experienced gardeners is available.  Here are a few good resources:

9.  Check out Parks & Recreation’s “Recreate at Home,” https://parks.arlingtonva.us/2020/03/recreate-at-home/

10.  “Parent Support In Challenging Times,” Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth & Families, https://apcyf.arlingtonva.us/parent-support/

11.  Current Arlington County Government and Schools information and updates:


Contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden  or Joan Trabandt

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