May 26, 2022
Dear Neighbor,

A few hours after the Board designated June 3 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Fairfax County, I was heartbroken to hear the news of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. As a new parent, the thought of my daughter being anywhere near a gun is heart-wrenching. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids and everyone in our community. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action. Everything we can do, we must do. There are resources available to help prevent a gun tragedy.

Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Booster. Because protection decreases over time, boosters are recommended to help restore and provide continued protection. Staying up to date, which means getting vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible, is still the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and prevent severe disease, hospitalization, long-term complications, and death.
 
As a reminder, if you have concerns about trash collections other than those collected by Fairfax County, you may email trashmail@fairfaxcounty.gov for assistance.

You can find the Providence District updates below in this newsletter:
  • Board Meeting Highlights
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Navigating the Infant Formula Shortage
  • In-Person Early Voting
  • Green Corner
  • Fairfax County Police Department's Community Survey Pilot
  • Katherine Hanley Award for Public Service
  • Tysons West Wastewater System Enhancement
  • Code Compliance Corner
  • Transportation Updates
  • Upcoming Events

With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
Board Meeting Highlights
At Tuesday's meeting, the Board recognized FCPS Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand for his years of service to the community. It was a pleasure to have worked with Scott whose dedication and efforts are outstanding. I am so excited to have him represent superintendents across Virginia.

The Board designated May 2022 as Older Americans Month where we recognize the vitality of the County's older adults. Vulnerable older adults need protection from abuse. I will be hosting a mini-series, "Older Adults Town Hall," with the first session to be held Thursday, July 28. More details to come.

A few hours after the Board designated June 3 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Fairfax County, I was heartbroken to hear the news of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. As a new parent, the thought of my daughter being anywhere near a gun is heart-wrenching. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids and everyone in our community. Everything we can do, we must do.

The Board approved the following:
  • Authorization of a public hearing on June 7 at 4pm to amend and readopt Fairfax County Code Sections to relocate a polling place and rename precincts in the Hunter Mill, Mount Vernon, Providence, and Springfield Districts.
  • A Head Start Transportation Waiver request for the continuation of Fairfax County Public Schools 2022-2023 Transportation Services.
  • Authorization to execute a multi-year project agreement with the Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation for the Transit Ridership Incentive Program.

To access the materials or watch the meeting on demand, click here.
COVID-19 Updates
Children 5 to 11 Years of Age Now Eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Booster

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met on May 17 and amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing use of a single booster for children ages 5 through 11 years of age, at least five months after completing a primary series with the Pfizer vaccine. Following this authorization, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met May 19 and now recommends a booster for this age group to provide additional protection against the virus and to help stem community spread.

Stay Up to Date with Boosters and Vaccinations
Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Fairfax Health District, as well as around the state, and it is a good time to make sure you and your loved ones of all ages are up-to-date with boosters.

In addition to the new booster guidance for 5–11-year-olds, the CDC also strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first.

To help keep track of your vaccination status, the CDC has launched a new COVID-19 booster tool to learn if and when you (or your child) are eligible or recommended to get a booster.
Navigating the Formula Shortage
As the nationwide infant formula shortage continues due to a temporary shutdown of the plant that manufactures about half of the U.S. supply, local families are impacted, too. Our Health Department advises that if you have any questions, check with your baby’s physician or healthcare provider, especially if your baby is on a restricted diet or has any medical conditions.

Here are some tips if your formula is hard to find:
  1. Call a store to check on the stock or check the online inventory before going to purchase formula.
  2. Check smaller markets and drug stores when the big box stores and supermarkets are out.
  3. Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples or can suggest a formula that is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula that may be available in stores.
  4. Try a different formula if your baby is not on a restricted diet and has no major health problems. If you are a WIC participant, you may be able to find another type of formula. See the updated substitution form: Updated Formula Substitution Form.
  5. If you choose to shop online, purchase only from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies rather than individually sold or auction sites. You may not know what you’re actually getting, and there is little or no control over pricing. Beware of scams.
  6. Do not import formula from overseas. These products will not be FDA cleared, and may contain contaminants or ingredients inappropriate for your baby.
  7. Purchase only a 10-14-day supply each time. It appears unlikely that the supply is going to run out, and hoarding will only make shortages worse.

Homemade infant formula or diluted formula can be dangerous for your baby. Adding extra water to infant formula to “stretch it out" is not safe and can put your infant at nutritional risk and lead to serious health problems. Always follow the instructions on the formula.

Recipes for homemade formulas may be circulating on the internet, but they are NOT SAFE. Even if only safe ingredients are used, these formulas will not provide adequate nutrition. Learn more about these concerns from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In-Person Early Voting
Early in-person absentee voting is available for the June 21, 2022 - Democratic Party Primary Election, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District only until June 18 (closed Memorial Day, May 30).

If you received a ballot in the mail, you must bring it with you and surrender it if you wish to vote in person. Curbside voting is available for eligible voters.

Location: Fairfax County Government Center: 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Conference Rooms 2/3, Fairfax 22035
Hours of operation:
  • Weekdays: 8AM to 4:30PM
  • Two Saturdays (June 11 & 18): 9AM to 5PM

Additional locations available from June 11 - 18:
  • Franconia Governmental Center: 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria 22310
  • Mason Governmental Center: 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale 22003
  • McLean Governmental Center: 437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean 22101
  • Mount Vernon Governmental Center: 2511 Parkers Ln, Alexandria 22306
  • Thomas Jefferson Library: 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church 22042
Hours of operation:
  • Weekdays: 1PM to 7PM
  • Two Saturdays (June 11 & 18): 9AM to 5PM

For more information, click here.
Green Corner
Celebrate National Trails Day
This year, National Trails Day will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4. It is a great time to commit to leaving the trails and outdoor communities better than when you found them. Walking on trails has many health benefits - including building stronger muscles and bones, improving balance, improving heart health, decreasing the risk of some respiratory issues, improved mood, reduced stress, lower risk of depression and anxiety, and improved sensory perception.

This year, the Park Authority is celebrating trails day in several ways: with hikes at numerous locations, events at several sites and a new topic page filled with information about the trail system in Fairfax County and how you can enjoy this convenient resource right outside your backdoor. Visit the National Trails Day page.

This year on National Trails Day, recreation center staff is celebrating by holding a group walk near each rec center. Come make a friend and walk with us at Oak Marr at 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Hunter House parking lot at Nottoway Park.
National Pollinators Month arrives in June
National Pollinators Month encourages people to protect pollinators by providing them with the right environment for plant pollination and avoiding the use of pesticides. By protecting pollinators, we can ensure the steady production of food resources.

As part of this special time in the garden, Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria is offering some family fun with the Meet the Beekeeper program on June 4 at 10AM. This one-hour program is appropriate for those age 7 and older and costs $10 per person. Explore the buzzing world of bees with beekeeper Tatiana Lisle, and learn how beekeepers safely steward and interact with bees and the tools beekeepers use. Register for Meet the Beekeeper.

There’s also Tree-mendous! Lifeline for Wildlife. This one-hour program on June 4 at 1PM is appropriate for those 5 years old and above. Join our Extension Master Gardener docents and explore the native trees in the garden. Discover the role they play in the ecosystem and why birds and bees love them. The cost is $10 per person. Register for Tree-mendous.

For both programs, all attendees, including parents, must be registered.
Resilient Fairfax Public Comment
Through June 15, all Fairfax County residents can participate in a public comment period on the county's first-ever climate adaptation and resilience plan. Review the plan online and share your thoughts directly in the document here.
FCPD Community Survey Pilot
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) continually strives to engage with the community and to seek additional ways to understand how the community feels about the agency. In an effort to further this goal, FCPD has launched a new pilot program between FCPD and Axon’s My90.

This nine-month pilot program will send text messages in both English and Spanish to people who reach out to the police department requesting select types of service. Survey results will be paired with comprehensive analytics, which will help guide the department with future engagement strategies without collecting personal identifying information. Surveys gathered through the pilot program with My90 are confidential and will not be used to identify officers or community members, or to initiate formal complaints or commendations. Those interested in completing the survey can also do so voluntarily by clicking here.
Katherine Hanley Award for Public Service
The Katherine Hanley Public Service Award recognizes individuals who work for Fairfax County or serve on a Fairfax Board, Authority or Commission. This year's award winner is Thomas Fleetwood for his years of outstanding service to Fairfax County. This award is bestowed on a member of the community who exemplifies service above self and has had a positive impact on the County through public service. The award is named for former Board Chair and former Secretary of the Commonwealth, Katherine K. Hanley. The 2022 Honoree, Thomas Fleetwood, serves as the Director of Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and has more than 20 years of experience in the field. He has served in a number of roles within the agency including Strategic Planner, Associate Director for the FCRHA, Director of FCRHA Policy, Reporting and Communications, and Acting Director.  
 
Under Mr. Fleetwood’s leadership, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and HCD have delivered a number of landmark affordable housing projects via innovative public-private partnerships, including the Residences at the Government Center, a 279-unit apartment community on the campus of Fairfax County’s government headquarters, and The Fallstead at Lewinsville, an 82-unit senior housing development in McLean. During his tenure, the FCRHA successfully converted its entire public housing stock under the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration program and has implemented critical innovations through the FCRHA’s prestigious Moving to Work designation.  
Tysons West Wastewater System Enhancements
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services recently held a public meeting that informed the community about the project, shared results of the study, and heard the concerns of the community. If you missed it, you may access the presentation materials and watch the recorded meeting here.
Code Compliance Corner
Grass Height

As warmer weather and longer daylight hours have arrived, grass is beginning to grow faster, and citizens may notice tall grass that has not been regularly mowed on properties in their neighborhoods. Chapter 119 of the Fairfax County Code regulates grass height, which must not be taller than 12 inches on any residentially developed property that is less than a half-acre (21,780 square feet). Additional information, including the grass height regulations for vacant lots and nonresidential properties, is available on DCC’s website here.

DCC accepts complaints and concerns about potential violations through the DCC website or by telephone during regular business hours, at 703-324-1300.
Transportation Updates
Fairfax Connector will Operate Sunday Service on Memorial Day

Routes not listed above do not operate on Sundays and therefore will not operate on Monday, May 30, 2022.
Left-Shoulder Lane on Northbound I-495 to Permanently Close as Early as May 31
The Green Arrow/Red X left-shoulder lane on northbound I-495 (the Capital Beltway) which is open during morning and afternoon peak travel periods from where the current I-495 Express Lanes end near the Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, will close permanently as early as May 31. The work is part of the I-495 NEXT project near the American Legion Bridge. For more information, go here.
I-495 NEXT Project Update
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host two project update meetings on June 6 and 7 to provide residents and travelers an overview of project construction and design updates. The meetings will include a virtual and in-person option, and will include a presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Project representatives from VDOT and its partners will be present at the meetings to answer questions and address comments.

In-Person Meeting:
Monday, June 6, 6:30pm to 8:30pm (presentation at 7pm)
Langley High School Auditorium: 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean VA 22101

Virtual Meeting:
Tuesday, June 7, 6:30pm to 8:30pm (presentation at 6:30pm)
Click here for the meeting link.
WMATA Fare Changes
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) implemented several temporary fare changes in September 2021 and recently proposed that these changes become permanent in FY 2023. One of the fare changes raised the discount for Bus to/from Rail Transfers from $0.50 to $2.00.

FCDOT staff performed a Title VI Fare Equity analysis based on adoption of WMATA’s proposed $2.00 transfer discount. The analysis indicated that this proposed fare change will not result in a disparate impact for minority riders or a disproportionate burden for low-income households, because it reduces costs for all riders systemwide.
Final Phase of Metro's Platform Improvement Project
Metro is reminding customers that starting Saturday, May 28 and continuing through Monday, September 5, New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood and Minnesota Ave stations will close for platform reconstruction and station improvements. Metro will provide free shuttle bus service along these routes and offer free parking for Metro customers at the closed stations.

This is the final phase of Metro’s Platform Improvement Project to reconstruct the aging concrete platforms at 20 stations to ensure the platforms are safe and accessible for years to come.

In collaboration with regional officials and transportation agencies, Metro is providing travel alternatives to customers, including free shuttle bus service and regular-route bus service offered by Metrobus and Prince George’s County TheBus.

More information can be found here.
Upcoming Events
Building Resilient Communities: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
The Fairfax County Council of PTAs is hosting Building Resilient Communities: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This presentation is designed for parents, caregivers, service providers, and other community members. It presents an overview of the original ACE public health study and how it can guide and inform us today to create communities that support resiliency for all. Register for the training, to be held over Zoom on Tuesday, May 31 at 7pm. You can find the link to join, here. 
Public Safety Career Fair
Interested in a career within public safety? You are invited to attend the public safety job fair on Saturday, June 4, 10am - 2pm, at Tyson's Corner Center on Level 1 in the storefront formerly the location of Lord & Taylor. 

Recruiters from Fairfax County’s Animal Protection Police, Fire and Rescue, Police, Public Safety Communications, and the Sheriff's Office will be on-site to talk about job opportunities and answer questions. 

Please find additional information and details about the Public Safety Career Fair by clicking here.
Paws on the Plaza
Join Tysons Corner Center, Becky's Pet Care, and Paws Awhile Pet Motel for Paws on the Plaza Pet Festival: Beer Garden, Pup Splash Pads on June 4 at 11am.

Bring your pups out for a day of activities celebrating our furry friends!
  • dog park and splash pad
  • beer garden (for the humans)
  • pet vendors
  • free caricatures of your dog
  • photo booth
  • giveaways, and more!
This event is open to the public and free to attend. RSVP to enter to win a Tysons Corner Center Gift Card!
Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends Webinar
​Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with county agencies to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports on June 7 from 2pm to 3:30pm. Register for the Live Webinar.
How Racial Bias Restricts Housing, Neighborhood Choice, and Integrated Communities
This webinar, presented by the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs and the Equal Rights Center, on June 8 at 10am will discuss how discrimination because of race and racial biases restricts housing, neighborhood choice, and integrated communities. Specifically, this webinar will address topics like source of funds discrimination, the use of racially-coded language, and best practices for criminal records and credit screening. Captioning will be provided. For additional reasonable accommodation requests, please contact: communications@equalrightscenter.org by June 1.

Register in advance for this webinar here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia Summer Classes
Registration for Literacy Council of Northern Virginia's summer classes is currently underway! Classes begin on June 22 & 23. To view the class schedule and registration dates, visit here.
Summer Time at The PARC
Work from The PARC:
Looking for a change of scenery during your workday? Grab your laptop and work from The PARC with outdoor workspaces complete with free wifi and giant lawn games for when you need a little break after that particularly long zoom call.

Lunch at The PARC:
Ready for a lunch break? Head down to the PARC where there will be a food truck every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm.

Shop Local at The PARC:
Shop local on vendors, makers, and artisans from throughout Fairfax County and the greater DMV on June 11 & 25 from 12pm to 5 pm.

Tyson's Block Party and Karaoke Wildcard:
Join us on June 17​ from 4pm to 9 pm for an evening of summer fun! Featuring the Fairfax County wildcard karaoke competition, music, beer, food, and outdoor games.

The PARC at Tysons is located at 8508 Leesburg Pike. Click here for more information.
iTHRIV Community Survey
iTHRIV, the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (a partnership among the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Carilion Clinic, and INOVA Health System), is soliciting input from our community to better understand what factors may encourage or discourage participation in health research. By completing this anonymous survey, you can help improve health across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The survey is estimated to take 5-10 minutes to complete and is voluntary. Please share it with your friends, family, and community members. To take the survey, click here. The survey is currently open until June 14
Providence Presents


Welcome to the newly expanded Providence Presents! I am thrilled to announce that in addition to Nottoway Nights in Vienna, we’ve now added the Global Music & Dance in Falls Church. This new program will highlight local international arts groups, with a focus on dancing. All shows are free, outdoors, and appeal to all ages. Thank you to our corporate and private donors for making this event possible. If you would like to volunteer for the event, email us at Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov to coordinate. Join us to listen and dance to the world of music!
Traveling Players
Traveling Players offers financial
aid for theatre summer camps and conservatories for students in grades 3-12

Princess Diana Walkthrough Documentary
The first-ever walk-thru documentary tells the untold story of how a princess changed the world. Enter a stunning visual journey paired with exclusive, never-heard-before stories that trace Diana’s emotional path as she modernizes motherhood, revolutionizes fashion, and shows the world how to be human.

For more information or to get tickets, click here.
Notary Services
My office is offering free notary services Monday-Friday by appointment only. Please call 703-560-6946 or email my office at Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov to make an appointment prior to coming in.

Remember to bring a valid government issued ID that has both your picture and signature on it!
Contact Us
We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello. Please feel free to email us with events you would like to be included in my newsletter.

Office Phone: (703) 560-6946 | Email: Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov