Today I was on the phone with a business colleague, and she told me about a woman she had met in the supermarket who had stopped and talked with her. Suddenly the woman broke into tears, “This is the last basket of food I can afford for my family right now,” she said. “I lost my job, and my unemployment check hasn’t come in.”
Every single day we’re hearing stories like this, about how this pandemic has upended life as we know it. Far too many were living on the edge, and decades of neglect of our politics and our government–or worse, deliberate mismanagement by anti-government forces–has left us ill-prepared as a community to address so many basic needs.
At times of adversity, our natural inclination as a people is to come together as a community. Yet the sad truth of this pandemic is that it has made togetherness harder than ever as we practice physical distancing and live in isolation from all but our immediate family members or roommates.
You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe, and let’s work together to come out of this stronger as a community and improve the welfare of all.
Activities & Meetings
I loved having the chance to celebrate Mother’s Day with my family; my two sons and I joined my wife to play piano in the morning, we spent some quality time together outside, and the whole family got together for a Zoom game night with my mom and grandma. By the way, if you’re looking for some game inspiration while staying at home and virtually connected with extended family, check out some great options here!
I joined my colleagues Delegate Karrie Delaney & Senator Dave Marsden to meet with the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce – Centreville Committee to hear directly from small business leaders in the region about how they are navigating the effects of COVID-19 and how we as legislators can support businesses in our communities.
And I’ve continued to join constituents and local nonprofits to share updates and stay connected—even if virtually. If you’re interested in setting up a meeting, let me know!
Favorites of the 40th
Nestled across the train tracks in the charming town of Clifton, Trummer’s is a restaurant you cannot miss. Opened in 2009 by Victoria and Stefan Trummer, customers are taken on a taste journey inspired by the rich agricultural community of Virginia. Co-founder Victoria highlighted their innovative dishes & cocktails, and emphasized the importance of hospitality at their restaurant.
While these days, customers are not able to receive the unique dining experience as they would at a table in the sunlit dining room, or at the cozy bar and lounge, local residents can order food for curbside pick-up from Tuesday-Saturday. Food delivery is offered as well within a 5 mile radius. The Trummers appreciate the community’s support during these difficult times—check out their offerings here.
Small Business Relief
Fairfax County announced this week the creation of the Fairfax RISE (Relief Initiative to Support Employers) program to aid small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by COVID-19. To be eligible, small businesses must be located in Fairfax County, have between 1 and 49 full-time employees, and have a valid business license issued before March 2019. The application is currently set to open in early June; more information can be found here.
Prince William County is also in the process of developing a grant program for small business relief. The Department of Economic Development (DED) staff has been building the application process, which they aim to roll out in early June as well. DED Executive Director Christina Winn will present the program for approval to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors on May 19th at 2 PM, which you can tune into here.
Opportunities to Engage
If you have the ability to give back during this time, I wanted to close with a few ways to support those around you:
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Contributing to a local food bank
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Checking in on friends, family, and neighbors
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Joining our volunteer community check-in program
Again, if there is anything I can do to help you or your neighbors, please let me know. I hope you and your loved ones are staying well, and have a wonderful weekend.
Warm Regards,
Dan