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February Events Included A Book Fair and Weekend Food Packing

February in Northern Virginia has been cold and snowy, but the volunteers with Assistance League of Northern Virginia (ALNV) have been busy providing area students with food, clothing and books, helping to warm hearts and brighten days.

On Friday, February 13th, the children at one of our local Title 1 elementary schools were celebrating Valentine’s Day, the 100th day of school, and an ALNV “Build a Child’s Library” event. Each of the 856 students came to the gymnasium where they chose a new book from the assortment of books provided by ALNV. Along with the teachers, volunteers helped each student choose a book and sign their name inside the cover - making it their very own! The smiles on the children’s faces were proof of a successful event.

The following week, on February 19, ALNV had its monthly “Weekend Food For Kids” (WFFK) packing event at Dominion Energy. ALNV provides 1900 bags of non-perishable food each month to children receiving free or reduced meals at six Title 1 elementary schools in Northern Virginia. The schools distribute the bags to the children on Fridays so they can be taken home to help alleviate food insecurity over the weekend. The support of Dominion Energy, which partners with ALNV for this amazing program, is monumental. Dominion provides the space for the packing event, volunteers to help pack and load the food onto the Dominion trucks and the drivers to deliver the bags to the six Title 1 elementary schools in Fairfax and Prince William counties. The weekend food helps ensure that students arrive at school ready to learn and thrive.

Through grants, fundraisers and donations, ALNV raises every dollar needed to purchase the food, clothing and books for supporting local children in need. Check out its website at alnv.org to find out how you can get involved. It takes a village.

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Virginia health officials said Wednesday they have identified a measles case in an adult in Northern Virginia.

Here's where and when the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) says people may have been exposed:

Measles is considered highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs, VDH said in a release. It is also preventable with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

This is Virginia's fifth reported case of measles in 2026, four of which were in Northern Virginia and another that was in central Virginia, according to the VDH measles dashboard.

The U.S. is currently on the verge of losing its measles elimination status.

What to do if you're exposed

Anyone who has not received a measles containing vaccine — either the the measles, mumps,and rubella (MMR) vaccine or a measles only vaccine — is at risk for contracting measles. People who fall into this category and have been exposed should contact their health care provider, VDH said.

Anyone who has had two doses of a measles containing vaccine or was born before 1957 is considered protected and does not need to take any action, according to health officials.

People who have only received one dose should still be protected but should talk to their healthcare provider about getting a second one in order to reach the highest possible level of protection, VDH said.

Virginia residents who want to check their immunization status should call their healthcare provider or request their vaccination records through the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. For any additional questions about potential exposure, Virginia residents are encouraged to email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact their local health department.

Immunocompromised people who may have been exposed should check with their doctor, VDH said, especially if symptoms start to develop.

While 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia are vaccinated against measles, health officials said, infants are too young to be vaccinated and are at particularly high risk.

People who are at risk and have been exposed should watch out for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure. If symptoms appear, isolate immediately and then call your healthcare provider, VDH said. If it is necessary to see the healthcare provider in person or go to the emergency room, call ahead of time so they can protect staff and other patients.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of measles develop over two stages.

The first stage typically begins seven to 14 days after exposure. Here are some common symptoms, according to VDH:

The second stage starts three to five days after the initial symptoms begin and is marked by a rash on the face, which then spreads to the rest of the body.

A person with measles is contagious from four days before this rash appears until four days after it appeared, according to VDH.

An adult from Northern Virginia has come down with the measles, marking the commonwealth’s fifth case of the contagious virus this year.

While the latest case was confirmed in an adult, the prior four patients have been children ages 4 or younger, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Virginia health officials have warned that people who were around the patient late last month should take precautions and fill out a survey online to report the possible exposure to the Fairfax County Health Department.

The person with measles visited several spots around Herndon: an apartment complex, a restaurant and a grocery store. Other potential exposure sites include a Reston supermarket and an animal shelter in Fairfax.

These are the sites where Virginia health officials said people could have been exposed and the times the patient visited:

The case in Northern Virginia comes as measles surges in the Americas, with the highest numbers in the U.S. being reported in South Carolina.

South Carolina has been combating a measles outbreak since early October 2025. The state’s health department has reported 875 cases of the illness related to the outbreak, as of Feb. 3.

What to do if you’ve potentially been exposed

If there’s a chance you were exposed to measles, Virginia health officials recommend you confirm whether you’re up to date on measles vaccines.

Virginians can request their immunization status online.

People who may have been exposed should start by filling out the survey, according to the health department. Health officials said they will reach out to people who need to take additional steps.

For people who are not fully vaccinated and have never had measles in the past, health officials recommend contacting your health care provider or calling your local health department with any questions.

Virginia health officials said if you were potentially exposed, watch for measles symptoms for 21 days — until Feb. 21.

Anyone who suspects they may have measles should stay home and contact a health care provider. Symptoms of measles could include a runny nose, fever over 101 degrees, cough, red or watery eyes and a rash.

Infants, who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine, and people who are not vaccinated for measles are at the highest risk of catching the virus. Health officials recommend that infants 6 to 11 months of age get a dose of the vaccine before traveling internationally or to an area with an outbreak.

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Play-based curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, & social-emotional growth, laying strong foundation for academic readiness

This Patch article is sponsored by Beth Emeth Early Childhood Center (BEECC).

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Renee Williams, Operations Director, of Beth Emeth Early Childhood Center (BEECC).

Patch: Tell us a bit about your organization: Renee Williams: Beth Emeth Early Childhood Center (BEECC) is where your child’s journey of discovery begins. Our play-based curriculum fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth, laying a strong foundation for academic readiness. Through hands-on activities, art, music, and language exploration, we nurture each child’s natural curiosity and love for learning.

We understand each family has unique needs. That’s why we offer flexible full- and part-day options with extended care to fit seamlessly into your busy life.

At BEECC, you’ll watch your child flourish, form lasting friendships, and embrace values that will guide them through life.

Patch: How long have you been serving the communiu?Renee Williams: BEECC will celebrate our 36th Anniversary in August. We've been your community preschool since 1990.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?Renee Williams: Looking for a career that fit with my young children's schedules led me to BEECC. As my children grew, so did my love for BEECC and working with young children.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to prospective parents?Renee Williams: Preschoolers flourish with consistent routines, plenty of play, and lots of patience. Even though separating is hard, keep goodbyes short and confident, and remember that big feelings are part of learning and growing. Most of all, trust that curiosity, kindness, and a loving partnership between home and school will help your child feel safe, confident, and ready to explore the world.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?Renee Williams: The most satisfying part working at BEECC is watching each child grow, thrive, and discover who they are. Seeing confidence bloom, skills take shape, and curiosity turn into learning reminds me every day why early childhood education matters so deeply. And the joyful squeals of laughter don't hurt either!

Patch: How would you say your organization distinguishes itself from the others?Renee Williams: We believe in the power of purposeful play, because it is how young children make sense of their world. Through play, children build language, practice problem-solving, develop social skills, and gain confidence—all while feeling joyful and engaged. When play is intentional, it becomes meaningful learning that lasts. At BEECC, children experience the joy of purposeful play in a nurturing environment designed to help them grow, learn, and thrive.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your organization?Renee Williams: Renee Williams: Visit our website at www.beecc.org, follow us on Facebook, email us at beeccinfo@bethemeth.org or call (703) 860-4515 x114.