Happy First Day of School! Beginning next week, students and teachers are heading back to school for a new academic year. I encourage all parents, guardians, and child care officials to check out the latest guidance on COVID-19 and immunizations as well as other resources offered by the Virginia Department of Health. Together, we can ensure that our children have a safe and healthy transition back to classrooms.
Throughout my time in office, I have been a leader in standing up for women veterans. In 2018, I successfully secured funding for a Women Veterans Coordinator, and I currently chair the committee on Women Veterans Issues. Keeping with this, I am proud to share that the 10th Annual Women Veterans Roundtable will be held here in McLean on October 6, 2022. The roundtable will serve as an opportunity for me to hear directly from women veterans about their unique issues and concerns. Additional details are listed below.
With the 2023 Session just around the corner, I am preparing to submit bills for drafting that address issues of concern faced by Virginians. I invite you to share your ideas for new legislation by contacting my Chief of Staff, Madison McCabe, in my district office at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you and having you participate in the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Delegate Kathleen Murphy
VA-34
Route 7 Upcoming Lane Closures for Aug. 21-26, 2022
Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing, storm pipe work, paving and other construction-related activities on Aug. 21-26 along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets.
As a reminder, drivers will experience lane shifts on Route 7, traffic pattern changes on neighborhood streets, and detours along the corridor. Please see the related traffic alerts. Temporary road closures are listed here.
Drivers are reminded that the speed limit along Route 7 has been temporarily reduced to 45 miles per hour in active work zones between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive.
New Flyover Ramp from I-495 N to I-66 W to Open Aug. 25, 2022
The first new exit ramp and bridge for the under-construction I-66/I-495 interchange is scheduled to open ahead of schedule beginning on or about next Thursday morning, August 25. Drivers on northbound I-495 heading to westbound I-66 will use a new flyover ramp, located one-half mile south of (prior to) the old exit ramp, and prior to the ramp heading to eastbound I-66. Once this new ramp opens, the old exit ramp that ran under and then looped onto I-66 West will close to allow construction of new ramp connections at the I-66/I-495 interchange.
Drivers should stay alert for this new travel change and use caution when traveling in this area.
Protect Yourself and Others from the Monkeypox Virus
The CDC is recommending vaccination for people who are at a higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox. The monkeypox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox. Do your part to keep yourself and other Virginians safe—if you have symptoms or were exposed, do not travel until you confirm with your healthcare provider that you do not have monkeypox.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications for Students
For the past two years, the federal government has provided no-cost meals to all public school students without the need to complete the annual Free and Reduced-Price Meal application. This pandemic-era policy has now expired, meaning families must submit an application to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year.
Learn more about the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program and apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch here.
Upcoming Events
Monday, August 22: First day of classes for Fairfax County Public Schools
Thursday, August 25: First day of classes for Loudoun County Public Schools
Sunday, October 2: McLean Artfest
Artfest is a festival held the first Sunday in October with 40 regional artists, food vendors, a music stage and kids activities. It is free and open to the public.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: McLean Central Park
1468 Dolley Madison Boulevard, Mclean, VA 22102
Thursday, October 6: Women Veterans Roundtable
Women veterans are invited to share their experiences, issues, and specific concerns with local leaders and policymakers.
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101