September 26, 2024

Dear Providence,


Happy fall! As many of you may know, early in-person voting is currently underway at three locations in the county. An additional 13 early voting sites will open on Thursday, October 17th through Saturday, November 2nd. More information is available here.


This past weekend, I was honored to join the unveiling and dedication ceremony of Gunnell's Chapel Historical Marker at Clemyjontri Park. With this marker, we honor an enslaved black man who obtained freedom before the Civil War to build a place for African Americans to worship. Watch the video by Fairfax Channel 16 here.

Lastly, our Winter Gear Donation Drive is now underway! Please consider donating warm clothing and gear to help those in need in our community. For more details, see below.


With gratitude,

In this week's Palchik Post:

> Board Highlights

> Providence Palette

> Ways to Give Back

> Nature's Notes

> Land Use and Transportation

>Health and Human Services

> Upcoming Events

Board Meeting Highlights

At Tuesday's Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board designated September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month and September 15 - October 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month.


I presented the below Board Matters:

The Board took the following actions:

Providence District:

  • Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing on October 22nd at 4:30 pm to lease county property at 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive to Inova Health Care Services.
  • Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing on October 22nd at 4:30 pm to de-create the Falls Court Area Sanitary District to remove vacuum leaf collection services.

Countywide:

  • Following a public hearing, we approved the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Carryover Budget Package.
  • Approved the county's Commuter Assistance Program Six-Year Strategic Plan.
  • Approved the Fairfax Connector's Winter/Spring 2024-2025 service changes.
Access the Board meeting materials here.

Providence Palette

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!


All are invited to our Art Opening Reception and Exhibit TODAY, September 26th, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm


The exhibit will be on display at the Providence District Office (3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax), Monday through Thursday, from 9 am to 5 pm during our regular in-person office hours until late November. For more information, email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Providence Day and Back to School Celebration


I'm thrilled to invite you to the inaugural Providence Community Day and Back to School Celebration on Saturday, October 5th from 11AM to 3PM at George C. Marshall High School! Please join us for a fun-filled day with delicious food, exciting games, crafts, contests, and entertainment for all ages. This is a great opportunity to connect with your community and learn about local organizations. More information can be found on my website.

More info here.

Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC)


Are you passionate about ensuring our students have access to high-quality educational resources? Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will soon adopt new K-12 Social Studies instructional materials, and Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch is looking for a Providence District resident to serve on the Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC). If you are interested, you can learn more about the position and apply below!


Applications are due by September 30th at 5:00 pm!

More info and application here.
More info here.

5th Annual Winter Gear Drive


With the cold weather approaching, there are many individuals and families in our community in need of warm winter gear. My office has begun collecting new or gently used winter gear of all sizes now through December 31st. Donations can be dropped off at the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.


As we prepare for the upcoming winter season, we invite you to be a part of this heartwarming effort. If you or your Association is interested in helping collect donations, please email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov and we will be happy to coordinate with you.

Ways to Give Back

Virtual Stuff the Bus


The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed September 2024 as Hunger Action Month in Fairfax County. Help address food insecurity in our community through the Stuff the Bus Virtual Food Drive. This drive allows community members and organizations to give directly to local food assistance providers so that they may fill their shelves ahead of the holiday season. 

More info about donating here.

Nature's Notes

Climate Crisis Forum


Join Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions’ 8th annual Climate Crisis Forum: Green Schools for Sustainable Communities on Monday, October 7th at 6:00 pm at Meridian High School. This event will feature Northern Virginia school superintendents and student climate activists passionate about how our local schools are tackling the climate crisis and making a difference in our communities.

More info or register here.

Pumpkin Palooza


Get ready for the return of the Annual Pumpkin Palooza! This year your post-Halloween pumpkins are turning into compost gold. From the end of October to mid-November, bring your pumpkins and gourds (minus the paint, glitter, and candles) to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.

Old Paint, New Purpose


Fairfax County has kicked off an exciting new initiative that turns leftover latex paint into a force for good! In a pilot program launched by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, we’ve partnered with Operation Stream Shield (OSS) and D.C.'s Pangea Markets to give full or nearly full cans of latex paint a second chance.


If you have old paint at home, you can be part of this impactful program. Simply bring your cans to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex’s Household Hazardous Waste station

Learn more about this initiative here.

Land Use and Transportation

The Metro Message: A Community Conversation


Please join Chief Customer Experience & Engagement Officer Sarah Meyer for the next Metro Message – A Community Conversation on Thursday, September 26th at 6:30 pm.


The Metro Message is designed to connect with community leaders to share timely and pertinent Metro information and updates.

Learn more and register here.

Personal Property Tax Due


Personal property taxes are due Monday, October 7th. Save gas and time by paying online, which is quick, easy, and free when you use e-check! Extended service hours are available in-person or by phone 8:00 am - 6:00 pm through October 7th. Please note that tax offices are only open on weekdays.

More info here.

Health and Human Services

Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy and Storage Pilot


During the school year 2024-25, select middle and high schools at FCPS will be phone-free during the school day to limit classroom disruptions and improve student engagement and learning. The purpose of the pilot program is to create a more engaged learning environment for students, free of distraction from cell phones and social media. Studies show that students who use their cell phones during instructional time focus less, learn less, and achieve lower grades.

Read more about the policy here.

Food Council Seeks College Youth Representative


In an effort to engage and incorporate the perspective of youth in Fairfax County, the Fairfax Food Council is seeking a college youth representative to serve on our Advisory Council. The Advisory Council serves as a resource to the Fairfax Food Council on diverse food system issues, offering perspective, facts, and guidance.

Learn more and apply here.

Fairfax County Youth Survey Results (2023-2024)


The Fairfax County 23rd annual Youth Survey is an anonymous, voluntary survey for students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. It explores behaviors and factors affecting youth health and well-being, offering a snapshot of the community's success in promoting healthy choices.


Findings from the 2023-2024 survey include:

  • Lower rates of mental health concerns compared to prior years,
  • Near historic lows for risky behaviors including substance use and sexual activity. 
  • Reported experiences of bullying has increased.
  • Over 1 in 3 students reported being physically active
  • Most students feel supported at home and in school.  
Read the full report here.

Upcoming Events

Date

Time

Location

Event Name

Sept. 28th & 29th

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Mosaic District

Mosaic Fall Festival

Wed., Oct. 2nd

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jim Scott Community Center

Vaccine Clinic

Thu., Oct. 3rd

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Jim Scott Community Center

Discover Youth Path Career Expo

Sat., Oct. 5th

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

George C. Marshall High School

Providence Day & Back to School Celebration

Sat., Oct. 5th

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Culmore Community Library

Fairfax Fiesta 2024

Sat., Oct. 12th

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters

2024 K9 Krawl

Sat., Oct 12th

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jim Scott Community Center

LibraryCON 2024

Mon., Oct. 14th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

3119 Miller Heights Rd, Oakton

Indigenous Peoples' Day Habitat Restoration

Sat., Oct. 19th

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jim Scott Community Center

Jim Scott Community Day

Sat., Oct. 19th

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Oakton Community Park

Hunter Mill Road Corridor Historical Tour

Sat., Oct. 19th

4:00 pm- 7:00 pm

PARC at Tysons

Create - Inspire - Empower Exhibition

Sat., Oct. 19th

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

McLean

Langley Fall Tastings & Auction Benefit

Wed., Oct. 23rd

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Westwood Country Club

Second Story 2024 Beacon of Hope

Sat., Nov. 2nd

8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center

Fairfax County History Commission's Annual History Conference

Stay Connected

Office Phone: (703) 560-6946

EmailProvidence@fairfaxcounty.gov

Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/providence

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