Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova

 

In This Issue
Text to 911
USAR VA-TF1
Vendor Forum
GIS Online Maps
Transforming I-66
Rethink Your Commute
Dog Tethering Public Hearing
PRS CrisisLink
Halloween Events
Nov. 3 Election Day

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               October 2015
Greetings, 
 
In mid-August I had a most memorable lunch with one of my favorite constituents. Over salad and Bloody Marys (with gin, not vodka - his preference) our discussion covered topics that ranged from the use of the atomic bomb that brought WWII in the Pacific to an end, to the establishment of a showcase Performing Arts Theatre in Reston.
My lunch companion, if you haven't guessed, was Bob Simon, 101 years young. Subjects I studied in elementary school were still current events in Bob's eyes. He possessed, however, the youthful curiosity and enthusiasm for the present and the future. Last summer, Bob sat front and center at our Board's public hearing to testify on changes to the Reston Master Plan. And in August he plunged in to play with hands-on displays at the Children's Science Museum at Fair Oaks Mall. We lost Bob Simon on September 21st, when he passed away peacefully at the home he shared with his wonderful wife, Cheryl, overlooking his creation, the Lake Anne community in Reston. Such a loss, but a life well-lived.
 
Bob has been an inspiration to many, including me, for his Joie de vivre and his enthusiastic engagement in all things past and future.
 
*****
 
These past weeks have included several opportunities to take a look back and a look forward.
 
On September 26th, I joined members of the A Look Back at Braddock Task Force (ALBB) to celebrate the 2008 saving of the Oak Hill manor house. Oak Hill (circa 1790) was one of three Colonial/Revolutionary era homes in the Annandale/Springfield part of Fairfax County. The largest was Ravensworth, a grand plantation house that tragically burned down in the 1920's.
 
Braddock's True Gold (a book I collaborated on with writers Mary Lipsey, Marion Meany and cartographer John Browne) contains the stories of Oak Hill and Ravensworth. From 2004 through 2006, our ALBB Task Force of about eighty history-loving volunteers conducted oral history interviews, collected stories and materials, and digitized photographs and maps. Chris Lipsey illustrated the book with his original artwork.
 
Our event in September not only gave neighbors a chance to visit the grounds and tour the first floor of Oak Hill, but also served as the exciting debut of the online version of Braddock's True Gold.
 
*****
 
Activities on my calendar this week began with an event that felt futuristic. It was, however, very much rooted in the present. The gathering took place in the Little Theatre of Robinson High School where an auditorium full of students were patched in to the International Space Station to interview 1991 Robinson graduate, Dr. Kjell Lindgren. Throughout his deployment, Dr. Lindgren will be conducting hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science.
 
Someday, in the not that distant future, forays even deeper into space will become commonplace. Monday's connection to Kjell (pronounced "Shell") was a real testament to our outstanding school system, and to the importance of maintaining excellence in our community to allow our young people to become future leaders and visionaries of our nation and world.
Sincerely,
  


Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Call If You Can, Text If You Can't
 

You can now send text messages to 911 in case of an emergency. This is very convenient if you find yourself in a situation where you can't talk on the phone. Maybe you spot a crime and need to subtly let the police know: texting is a great way to do that. Or maybe you're experiencing a medical emergency and find yourself physically unable to speak: texting 911 could save your life. This is a great option for many situations, and FCPD is proud to offer this new service to our residents. Remember, "call if you can, text if you can't!"

  
Urban Search & Rescue Team Assists with Flooding in South Carolina
 
Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue Team (VA-TF1) was recently activated by FEMA to help South Carolina residents experiencing major flooding in their towns and cities. The deployment included 80 team members, 4 canine team members and 8 search and rescue boats. According to updates from Fire Chief Richie Bowers, numerous roads are covered with water and impassable, and other roads were entirely washed away by the flood. The majority of the water issues at this point are slow moving/nearly standing water. Our team is standing by to provide search and rescue boat capabilities in the event that the local fire department or EMS encounter a situation where they cannot access a patient. We are staffing two swift water teams and two flat water teams.
 
Earlier this year, the VA-TF1 was deployed to Nepal to assist with the aftermath of a major earthquake that resulted in over 9,000 deaths and over 23,000 injuries. Our team saved lives, helped the injured, rebuilt infrastructure, and stabilized the iconic temple in Kathmandu after this catastrophic event. We are fortunate to have top-notch first responders who can help us here at home, as well as serve others around the world when needed in an emergency.
 
The Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR) is part of Fairfax County's Fire & Rescue Department. The federal government pays for most costs and expenses incurred by the USAR team when activated.

Vendor Forum Connects Small Businesses to Local Government Agencies
 
The 2015 Vendor Forum sponsored by the Fairfax County Small Business Commission and the Department of Purchasing & Supply Management will have the Government Center buzzing TOMORROW on Thursday, October 8th. As of today, we have over 475 business representatives registered and 60 exhibitors set for our Reverse Trade Show where County departments, organizations, chambers of commerce and large businesses will be available to discuss business opportunities and business development services with attendees. In addition to a plenary session and reverse trade show, there will be workshops where attendees can learn about strategies for marketing and growing their business, and doing business with the County.


Find Answers to Common Questions through Interactive Maps
  
Fairfax County's 35 interactive GIS maps provide excellent information for a wide range of topics! You can look up flood-prone roads, find out what roads are part of the illegal sign removal program, search for trails and bike routes, view election results by precinct, submit and track pedestrian improvement requests, and much more. The map called "road maintenance: who's responsible" helps you see who maintains your street, whether it's VDOT
or a private developer. This is helpful information to know, especially when snow season hits.

Did you know Fairfax County provides vacuum collection of leaves from the curb three times each season to a portion of the residences located in Fairfax County Solid Waste Collection Areas? There's a map for that too,  which could be very helpful this fall!
  
Transforming I-66 Inside and Outside the Beltway
 
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) are working on transforming I-66 Inside the Beltway. Goals include moving more people, improving connectivity in the corridor, and providing new travel options. The team is evaluating the following improvements:
  • Enhanced bus service
  • Bicycle and pedestrian access and connections
  • Transportation Demand Management strategies to manage travel demand and promote alternative travel options
  • Integrated Corridor Management involving operational and safety enhancements
  • Tolling in both directions during peak periods only, with HOV-3+ vehicles riding for free
  • Consideration of future widening
A tolling and revenue study is underway and the team is working with the FHA to determine the appropriate process needed to advance the project. Tolling construction and the first group of multimodal solutions are expected to begin in 2016, with tolling scheduled to start in 2017. It is envisioned that VDOT would manage the tolling on I-66 Inside the Beltway. All toll revenues would be used by VDOT to design, build, operate and maintain the toll facility, and to support multimodal improvements that benefit users of I-66 Inside the Beltway. 

Outside the Beltway (from I-495 to Haymarket) VDOT and DRPT are evaluating improvements that would provide:
  • Three regular lanes in each direction
  • Two express lanes in each direction
  • High-frequency bus service with predictable travel times
  • Direct access between the express lanes and new or expanded commuter lots
In July 2014, the team kicked off a year-and-a-half of environmental study and community involvement. By the end of 2016, the team is working to complete environmental work, identify funding sources, receive federal approval and begin construction in 2017.

I hope you will participate in this important process. VDOT welcomes your comments and suggestions. There are many ways to make your voice heard, including online discussion boards, comment forms, emailing Transform66@VDOT.Virginia.gov, or attending a public meeting at a location near you. Visit inside.transform66.org and outside.transform66.org to learn more about these projects for I-66.

The Board of Supervisors has been very involved in this process, and provided the following comments in in support of mitigating impacts on adjacent and nearby properties:  Inside 495 | Outside 495
 
  
Getting Around by Bus in Northern Virginia:  Rethink Your Commute!
 
On September 21, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the purchase of new buses funded by the NVTA FY2014 and FY2015-16 Programs. Chairman Martin Nohe, City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes, PRTC Chairman John Jenkins, myself, and other NVTA members and regional leaders celebrated the acquisition of 23 new buses that will add capacity to the transit network in our region. The Authority has programmed funding for an additional 11 buses to be purchased in the next year. This $16.5 million dollar bus investment is part of the approximately $535 million dollars in regional transportation projects programmed by the NVTA in just under two years for roadway and transit congestion reducing projects.

On September 29, all passengers rode Fairfax Connector buses for free to celebrate Fairfax Connector's 30th anniversary! Having available and reliable buses in Fairfax County works to decrease congestion along with other efforts such as taking Metro, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, teleworking and employers offering flexible work schedules. Rethink your commute, and see how convenient it is for the Fairfax Connector to get you where you need to go: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector
  
Sept. 21, 2015 - NVTA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for 23 New Buses. Photo by John Nash.
 


 

Dog Tethering Public Hearing, October 20

Do you or your neighbors keep a dog tethered to a leash outside for any portion of the day? If so, this public hearing may be of interest to you. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 20 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Fairfax County Code that would  prohibit tethering of dogs for more than one hour during a 24-hour period. Violations would be considered misdemeanors, punishable by fines and possible jail time. If you would like to make your views known to the Board of Supervisors, please sign up to speak . We hope to hear from you as we discuss this proposed amendment. Read more on NewsCenter.
 
To report animal emergencies  In Fairfax County, call  Animal Control  at 703-691-2131.
 
Mental Health Awareness:  PRS Offers CrisisLink Services
 
Click to watch video
One in five Americans has a diagnosable mental illness, yet stigma and lack of knowledge regarding available services prevent many people from seeking help. A local non-profit, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS), works to break those barriers through programs such as CrisisLink.
 
CrisisLink aims to prevent crises before they occur, help people in present situations, and support families who have lost a loved one to suicide or sudden loss. CrisisLink provides a 24/7 hotline and text service for quick, confidential support. If you are feeling sad, hopeless, or suicidal or know someone who is, you can call 703-527-4077 or text CONNECT to 85511 at any time.
 
Fear of rejection and discrimination deter too many individuals from getting the treatment they need. Supportive communities bring individuals one step closer to help. Let's get rid of the stigma. Raise awareness and help others by volunteering with PRS: volunteer@prsinc.org

Mental Health Awareness Week (October 4-10, 2015) combats stigma surrounding mental illness #IAmStigmaFree

 Fall Activities & Halloween Events for All Ages
 
Cox Farms Fall Festival | Now through Nov. 3
Slides, tunnels, pumpkins, and the popular "Cornundrum"
 
Cox Farms Fields of Fear | Fridays + Saturdays in October
Dark Side Hay Ride, Bonfires, and Zombies, beware!
 
Not for the faint of heart! Money raised benefits CHS women's field hockey and soccer teams
 
Costume parade, scavenger hunt and wagon rides  
 
May the best pet costume win!
Oct. 31
 

Your Voice Counts. Vote November 3rd  

Polls are open from 6am - 7pm on Election Day November 3, 2015

ON THE BALLOT:

Board of Supervisors
School Board
State Senate and House of Delegates
Commonwealth's Attorney
Sheriff
Clerk of the Court
Soil and Water Commission

Voter Photo ID Requirements  
Sept 18: In-Person Absentee Voting Begins
Oct 13: Voter Registration Deadline (In-Person: 5pm, Online: 11:59pm)
Oct 27: Last Day to Apply for an Absentee Ballot by Mail, Fax or Email (5pm)
Oct 31: Final Day for In-Person Absentee Voting
Nov 3: Absentee Ballot Return Deadline (7pm)
 
 
Plan Now: Your Nov. 3 Election Day Checklist