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Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova
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Sign up for the Bulova Byline
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Stay Connected
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Email
Website
Office
(703) 324-2321
Please contact my office with any comments, questions, concerns or ideas. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Did You Know?
Fairfax County has an interactive pedestrian request map?
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Greetings,
Water, water everywhere...
Last weekend I participated in a ground breaking for the future renovation of the Occoquan Regional Park. Over the next two years, this park will be rebuilt as a major waterfront destination park.
The largest feature in the  refurbished park will be the Jean R. Packard Occoquan Center. Through a future Park Bond Referendum, Fairfax County has pledged to fund the "1608 Room," which will focus on Explorer John Smith's excursion up the Potomac River in 1608 with a crew from the Jamestown Colony. They were the first Europeans to visit what is today Occoquan Regional Park.
The 1608 Room will educate visitors about this historic part of Fairfax County, including native vegetation, wildlife and people. The main room will offer stunning views of the river and will be available for gala functions and receptions, becoming one of the signature sites in the region for social gatherings. A caf� will offer park users an attractive place for a casual meal while enjoying the beautiful surroundings - a perfect complement to the Workhouse Arts Center next door.
Jean Packard attended the groundbreaking event and was as gracious and sharp as ever. For those who may not know of Jean's many contributions to Fairfax County, she served as the Board of Supervisors first woman chairman from 1972 to 1975; just 55 years after suffragettes seeking the vote for women were treated brutally at the Occoquan prison (now the Regional Park and Workhouse Arts Center grounds).
Jean went on to serve in leadership roles in pretty much every environmental board or initiative throughout the next four decades. She is best known for her efforts in protecting the County's drinking water from dense development through the downzoning of the Occoquan watershed in the 1980's. Thank you, Jean!
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While celebrating Jean Packard's contributions toward protecting one of our most important resources - water - I was reminded of another individual who stepped up to the plate at a critical time in history to ensure Fairfax County's access to clean water.
Paul Andino served as my appointee on the Water Authority Board for over 20 years, with his wife Margaret stepping in for him during Paul's illness in 2008.
In 1996, during Paul's service, Fairfax Water was attempting to build a new off-shore intake on the Potomac River to take advantage of the higher water quality deeper in the river. Maryland had permitting authority because the boundary between Maryland and Virginia is at the Virginia shoreline. In December of 1997, Maryland denied the permit, kicking off a long legal and political battle over rights to the Potomac River.
Paul was not a lawyer or a professional historian, but he was an avid reader of history. During these days prior to the Internet, when  research meant climbing over shelves and pouring through dusty volumes of books, Paul was able to produce what was later described as the "gold nugget" solution for Virginia's right to water in the Potomac.
The gold nugget was the 1785 "Mount Vernon Compact." The compact was written at Mount Vernon at the urging of George Washington with representatives of both Virginia and Maryland to try to resolve a dispute on the boundary between the states.
Virginia was represented by George Mason and Alexander Henderson. The compact's seventh article stated, "The citizens of each state, respectively, shall have full property on the shores of the Potowmack River adjoining their lands, with all emoluments and advantages thereunto belonging, and the privilege of making and carrying out wharves and other improvements, so as not to obstruct or injure the navigation of the river..." Further research uncovered the 1977 Black Jenkins Award which affirmed Virginia's "full enjoyment of her riparian rights."
The happy end to the story is that Virginia won her case which went all the way to the Supreme Court. Yea, Paul!
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I tell these stories because sometimes the seemingly little contributions we make turn out to be pivotal. We are a great County and I am reminded every day of the value our residents and businesses contribute toward our unique positive culture and quality of life.
See Inside this Byline for volunteer opportunities and for information about what is happening in our community.
1) Remember the Suffragettes and the hardships they endured to get the vote and make sure you have what you need in order to vote on November 4th. A photo ID will be required this year. Fairfax County is trying to make it as easy as possible for you to have one.
2) Fairfax County has a Sisterhood relationship with Kecioren in the Ankara area of Turkey. This fall we are once again working with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission to assist Turkey as they shelter Syrian refugees. Fairfax County's Faith Communities in Action is mobilizing to provide drop off locations for new or gently used blankets. Paxton Van Lines is once again collecting the blankets free of charge and delivering them to Maersk Shipping Company for transport to Turkey free of charge. This is a fantastic humanitarian effort and I hope you will help!
3) See inside for volunteer opportunities close to home including the K-9 Krawl to raise awareness about the domestic violence. The 5K walk begins here at the Government Center at 8:30 a.m. on October 18th.
Hope to see you there!
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Sincerely,
Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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| Recent Appointment to Governor's Ethics Commission |
Last week, Governor Terry McAuliffe appointed me to the Governor's Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government. According to the Governor's announcement, the ten member commission will recommend policy reforms to create a better state government that will attract high-quality leaders and ensure superior service for the next generation of Virginians. I look forward to serving on the Governor's Commission to restore integrity, public confidence, and trust in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The commission will discuss ethics reforms regarding gifts and disclosures for the next two months. An interim report with detailed recommendations will be published this December. In 2015, the commission will focus on other topics such as campaign finance, selection and service of judges, gubernatorial terms and other issues raised by the commission and members of the public. I am very honored to be serving the Commonwealth in this capacity.
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| Do You Have Your Photo ID? |  Under a state law that took effect this year, Virginia voters must present a driver's license or some other form of photo ID at their polling stations before they cast a vote. Virginia voters who do not have an acceptable form of photo ID can get a free Virginia Voter Photo ID Card from any of the 133 local voter registration offices located in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Elections and various locations (including many libraries and the Government Center). Obtaining a free Virginia Voter Photo ID Card is quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes to complete. Voters can visit elections.virginia.gov and click on the "Voter Photo ID" button, or call the Fairfax County Office of Elections at 703-222-0776 to get more information. In Virginia, voters must produce a driver's license or other photo ID issued by the state, a U.S. passport, a photo ID issued by the federal government, a student ID card that has a photograph and was issued by a school in Virginia, or an employee ID card with a photograph. Our Elections Office is providing Photo IDs to those who need them at many of our libraries. Review acceptable forms of ID Apply for a free photo ID
Register to Vote: Deadline is October 14, 2014 (at 5pm for in-person registration or 11:59pm for online)
Fairfax County Office of Elections
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-222-0776 phone
703-324-2205 fax
703-324-4700 for 24-hour recorded information |
| Fun and Spooky Halloween Events | 
With Halloween upon us, Fairfax County residents of all ages have many fun (and spooky!) activities from which to choOOOOose. Visit our parks website for a complete list of park events. Visit Fairfax also has a great listing of activities sure to thrill and chill. I've highlighted a couple particularly terrific (and maybe terrifying) events below!
Fall for Fairfax
October 4-5, Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
fallforfairfax.com
While it's not necessarily a Halloween celebration, Fall for Fairfax is a wonderful event hosted here at the Fairfax County Government Center. This family-centric event features trains (Thomas the Tank Engine tables, National Capital Trackers model train demonstration, and even a train ride!), hay rides and pony rides, and many more "funtivities" for the kids.
Haunted Trail - part of 31 Nights of Frights
Oct. 24 - Nov. 1
Workhouse Arts Center
Lorton, VA
$10 per person; daytime/family tours are $5 per person
www.WorkhouseArts.org
During an exclusive event for six hair-raising nights only, visitors can walk the Haunted Trail at the Workhouse Arts Center with friends and family. Visitors will experience the macabre outdoor scenes in the lesser traveled areas of the historic prison campus and enjoy special effects, live scare actors and a nightmarish, immersive storyline about a growing horde of infected drones. The fainthearted, and children and families can attend the daytime tours for a less frightening but still eerie experience. The paved, outdoor trail takes 30 minutes to complete and may not be appropriate for everyone. This event will be scary and is recommended for ages 13 and older.
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| Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1) Community Survey | |
 The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) is hosting a survey to assess people's perception of the Richmond Highway Corridor (U.S. Route 1) in Alexandria, VA. The survey results will be used as a tool to market the corridor to developers and businesses, as an indicator of demand.
The nine-question survey asks those who live, work, and frequent the Route 1 corridor to share their present observations, and suggest changes they wish to see in the future. The survey will be live all month and will close at 11:59PM on November 1, 2014. Access the survey here or visit ww.sfdc.org.
SFDC will give away a $5 Starbucks Gift Card via email to a randomly-selected respondent every Friday during the duration of the survey.
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| Free 5K Walk with Your Dog to Support Victims of Domestic Violence | |
In honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the K-9 Krawl raises awareness of domestic violence and the link to animal cruelty. Bring your dog on a free 5K walk to support a great awareness campaign, get some exercise, and meet new friends along the way!
8:30am: Check-in and browse the vendor tables
8:45am: Fairfax County Police Department K-9 Unit demonstration
9am: Walk begins at the Fairfax County Government Center, Parking Lot C
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| Offer Time & Talent to Neighbors in Need | |
Fairfax County is one of the wealthiest Counties in the nation, but did you know that as of January 2014, more than 1,000 people in Fairfax County were reported homeless? Fairfax County is socio-economically very diverse, and there are many opportunities to help out through volunteering in your community.
Fairfax County provides top-notch programs to help residents in need, but it is the people behind the programs, not the programs themselves, that make a difference in our community. Do you want to deliver meals to families who can't afford nutritious food? Do you want to be a role model to a child needing help with his homework? Sometimes it's the personal interaction, and not just the service, that can make somebody's day, or completely turn their life around.
Fairfax County has a new webpage where you can search for volunteer opportunities by date, geographic location, types of people and program topic. You can narrow your search for family volunteering, student volunteering or even court-mandated volunteering. You can also track your service hours or indicate your willingness to serve in times of emergency. If you are interested in volunteering for one-time events or even just once a month, check out volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov for a one-stop-shop guide to volunteering in your neighborhood.
Want to serve this month? A great opportunity is just around the corner! October 25 is the 20th Annual VolunteerFest, a region-wide day of community service held in conjunction with National Make a Difference Day. VolunteerFest mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to help nonprofits accomplish tasks that they would not have the time or resources to do on their own. Join hands-on projects such as landscaping, maintaining outdoor classrooms at local elementary schools, sorting thrift shop donations, and many others. Last year, almost 700 community and corporate volunteers donated their time to participate in VolunteerFest. Visit volunteerfairfax.org to get involved.
Special Note: PRS CrisisLink is looking for volunteers. Click here to learn more.
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| Fairfax County Collecting Blankets for Syrian Refugees | |
 The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) is once again coordinating a regional effort to collect blankets for refugees who are fleeing from Syria and other countries to Turkey to escape violence in the Middle East. Last year more than 18,000 blankets (12 tons) were collected and shipped to Turkey.
Last year's collection drive was incredible with literally thousands of blankets being dropped off at Fairfax County locations, including the Government Center. We were honored to work with our community partners and faith community to help those in desperate need of warm blankets and so many other supplies. I know our community will be there once again to help our global neighbors and support our sistercity Ke�i�ren in Ankara, Turkey.
This year's blanket drive will take place from November 1 - 22, 2014, with collection locations throughout Northern Virginia (including the Government Center). Loudoun Board Chairman Scott York and I will co-chair this effort. Details on the collection drive and locations can be found at www.helpsyrianrefugees.net.
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| Back to School Report from Chairman of the School Board |
Last month, Chairman of the Fairfax County School Board Tamara Derenak Kaufax wrote a great letter to The Connection about the fiscal challenges our community is facing at the start of the school year. In the letter, she highlights the joint work our boards are doing, including my Infrastructure Financing Committee, which completed its work earlier this year, and the Joint Budget Development Committee I initiated this summer. That committee is meeting now and will produce recommendations to both of our Boards on how we can work together to invest in Fairfax County's greatest asset - our public school system.
School Board Ready to Tackle Fiscal Challenges
By Tamara Derenak Kaufax Chairman, Fairfax County School Board
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the chairman of Fairfax County School Board for the 2014-15 school year. My colleagues on the board and I - working closely with our superintendent, Dr. Karen Garza - have an ambitious agenda for the year ahead. Our top priority remains adequate funding for our schools at both the state and county levels. State support for education remains at unacceptable levelsand we will continue to work with our County Board of Supervisors (BOS) to provide our schools with an adequate level of financial support when the state fails to do its job. As a consensus builder, I will continue to urge the school board to work in partnership with the BOS to findsolutions to our budget dilemma.
We have already taken steps to build a stronger relationship with the BOS. This past year, Dr. Garza provided a new level of transparency in the budget process by meeting with the BOS and other community leaders, conducting listening tours in each of the magisterial districts, and developing the Citizens Guide to Understanding the Budget, all of which were well received by the supervisors and the community. Our boards have already met jointly in September to outline our fiscal forecasts. In addition, we have established the Joint Budget Development Committee composed of three Supervisors and three School Board members. The committee will review budget factors impacting Fiscal Year 2016 and provide guidance to both boards. The committee will deliver a report to both boards before the County Executive presents his Advertised Budget and before the Superintendent presents her Proposed Budget in early 2015. Last year, the county and school board created the joint Infrastructure Financing Committee to review the facilities needs of both FCPS and the county. The committee report released earlier this year resulted in an additional $13 million that will be invested each year beginning in FY 2016 for school infrastructure upgrades. I will continue to encourage this kind of collaboration to build trust and realistic expectations for the supervisors, the school board, and the community.
In the next few weeks we plan to make a final decision regarding school start times for the 2015-16 school year. Superintendent Garza made her recommendation to the board at a meeting in early September. We will provide the community with sufficient time to comment on the proposal before we take final action at our October 23 meeting. As you may recall, the school board adopted a resolution in April 2012 with the stated goal to start high schools after 8 a.m. The board subsequently hired Children's National Medical Center (CNMC) to serve as consultants to develop a plan to achieve that goal. CNMC developed four options. Those options were taken to the community in a series of eight public meetings held in May and June. After analyzing the feedback from parents and the community, CNMC made their recommendation and, based on school board direction, Option 3 is the framework being used to develop a final recommendation for school board consideration. I invite you to learn more at www.fcps.edu.
Other new initiatives include the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate, which will serve as a foundation on which to build a long-range strategic plan for FCPS. Once a strategic plan is in place with a direct and clear vision for our schools, our work will be very focused and the outcome will be improved student achievement for every student.
We have had great success with our launch of full day Mondays for our elementary students. The community is very supportive of the change which will increase instructional time for students and dedicated planning time for teachers. Beginning this school year, we also have a new standard school calendar in place that eliminates the need to make up inclement weather days at the end of the school year, if fewer than 13 days are missed.
The Bailey's Upper Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences opened September 2 with a community ribbon-cutting celebration scheduled for October 15. This new school was converted from a five-story office building on Leesburg Pike and will solve the overcrowding problems that have plagued Bailey's Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences. Under the leadership of one principal, the new campus houses grades 3-5 while the existing campus remains home to preschoolers through second graders.
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students, parents and teachers. As chairman, I pledge to maintain and build upon the excellence for which our schools are known. Working with our state elected officials, supervisors, superintendent and other stakeholders, I am confident that we can solve our most pressing problems while continuing to offer a world-class education for our families. Have a safe and productive school year!
- Tamara Derenak Kaufax Chairman, Fairfax County School Board
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| Environmental Committee Update | |
I wanted to share a link to a new report documenting Fairfax County's efforts to promote sustainability and conserve our community's natural resources. The Fairfax County Sustainability Initiatives Report provides a  comprehensive, approachable overview of the County's environmental programs, policies and goals.
This is a great reference document for anyone who is interested in learning about what our local government is doing to protect the environment. It covers a broad range of subjects ranging from climate change, water quality and energy efficiency, to partner organizations and regional collaborations. The Sustainability Initiatives Report also provides great information about how the Board of Supervisors develops policies and how these policies are implemented through specific programs.
The Sustainability Initiatives Report can be found on the County's website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/environment/sustainability/. Please feel free to share this with interested organizations, neighbors and friends. The County plans to update and produce this report annually.
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