Dear Neighbor,
September is National Preparedness Month. It is in place as a way to increase awareness of meaningful actions Fairfax County residents can take to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, and increase resilience to all types of threats and hazards. Each week in September, the National Preparedness Campaign will focus on preparing individuals, families, and communities using the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG) Series.
I am looking forward to hosting the "Get To Know Your Local Government" virtual series on September 21st and 28th where staff will discuss important topics such as affordable housing, civic engagement, environmental issues and more! If you haven't already, you may register here.
We have a number of events happening around the district this fall including the Mosaic Fall Festival on September 24th-25th where my office will have a booth located next to West Elm. We will also be joined by the League of Women Voters, Virginia Department of Transportation, and Fairfax County Department of Transportation. I hope you can drop by and say hello! |
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You can read about the following Providence District updates:
- Health and Human Services Updates
- Board Meeting Highlights
- Transportation and Land Use Updates
- Green Corner
- Get to Know Your Local Government Registration
- FCEDA Jobs
- Code Compliance Corner
- ArtsFairfax
- Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Health and Human Services Updates |
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Appointments to receive the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines at Fairfax County sites are now open. Those interested in receiving the bivalent doses are encouraged to make an appointment in VAMS. (Walk ins are available as well).
As of Friday, Sept. 2, Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines were no longer authorized by the EUA as boosters for people 12 years and older and the FCHD no longer administrated the vaccines at our offices and clinic sites. Both mRNA monovalent vaccines remain authorized for primary series use, and the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may be used as a single booster dose in individuals 5 through 11 years of age so our vaccinators continue to administer them to people who are eligible for those reasons.
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There are still some key times to get a COVID-19 test:
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If you have symptoms, test immediately.
- If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least five full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result.
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Consider testing before contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Community Level.
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The Board recognized the 2021 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards Recipients. |
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Tuesday, September 13 was our first Board meeting back from August recess. We recognized the 2021 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards recipients, including Brent Macolino (Volunteer Firefighter Award recipient) and Lindsey Beymer (Volunteer BLS Provider Award recipient) both from Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
Presentations:
- Designated September 2022 as Pets on Wheels Month
- Recognized Volunteer Fairfax for their 50th anniversary
- Designated September 17-23, 2022 as Constitution Week
- Recognized McLean Project for the Arts for their 60th anniversary
- Designated September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month
- Designated September 2022 as Preparedness Month
Board Matters:
The Board approved the following Administrative and Action Items:
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Approval of “$200 Additional Fine for Speeding” Signs as Part of the Residential Traffic Administration Program – Eskridge Road
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Authorization to Advertise a Public Hearing on a Proposed Amendment to Appendix Q (Land Development Services Fee Schedule) of The Fairfax County Code Re: Exemption from the Fee for Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Equipment for a Trial Period of 18 Months
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Approval of a Project Agreement Between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Fairfax County for FY 2023 I-66 Outside the Beltway Toll Revenue for the Implementation and Operation of New Fairfax Connector Bus Service
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Approval of Fairfax Connector January 14, 2023 Service Changes
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Authorization to Sign Standard Project Agreements for Distribution of I-66 Inside the Beltway Toll Revenues for Multimodal Projects in the I-66 Corridor
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Authorization to Execute a Project Agreement with the City of Fairfax for the Construction and Maintenance of CUE Bus Stops
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Approval of Request to Rename Lee Highway as Route 29 and Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway as Route 50
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Endorsement of the Residential Traffic Administration Program (RTAP) Cut-Through Traffic Operating Procedures
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Authorization for the Department of Transportation to Apply for and Accept Grant Funding from the United States Department of Transportation’s FY 2022 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Discretionary Grant Program
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The Board designated September 2022 as Pets on Wheels Month. |
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Transportation and Land Use Updates |
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In conjunction with an analysis of parking by staff and our consultant, the Zoning Administration Division will be conducting extensive outreach and listening sessions to gain important feedback from those impacted by parking and to survey the public on future proposed changes to parking and loading regulations.
Parking Reimagined Virtual Open House #4
Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Password: 585253
Call-In Number: 888 270 9936
Conference Code: 928669
Parking Reimagined Virtual Open House #5
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Password: 402439
Call-In Number: 888 270 9936
Conference Code: 928669
For additional information about the Parking Reimagined project, including project goals, task summary, and project schedule, visit here.
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Little Free Food Pantries |
Little Free Food Pantries are the size of neighborhood libraries and are stocked by the community with unexpired, non-perishable foods. The goal of each Little Free Food Pantry is to provide a low-barrier resource for community members to access emergency non-perishable foods with dignity and discretion, 24/7. Be The Good Project (“BTG”) has developed a network of Little Free Food Pantries, which are professionally built by third-parties with exterior-rated materials. Each BTG Little Free Food Pantry has a plexiglass window and a magnet closure on the door to ensure it remains free of exterior moisture. Similar to the library boxes described in a zoning memorandum dated September 27, 2016, BTG Little Free Food Pantries are not incongruous with the aesthetic character of the surrounding area and will not create any hazardous situation and no part of the structure encroaches into the public right-of-way. Be The Good volunteers are instructed to check expiration dates and limit all donations to non-perishable foods that are unexpired and manufacture-sealed in non-glass containers when they visit each week.
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In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, one step at time, the Park Authority and Department of Public Works and Environmental Services are in the process of phasing out gas-powered blowers. Parks has discontinued the purchase of gas-powered blowers and are exclusively purchasing battery-powered blowers moving forward. The Park Authority currently has a small inventory of battery-powered blowers being used at various maintenance shops. The Park Authority has more than 100 leaf blowers. In support of efforts to protect the health of residents and the environment as identified in the Countywide Strategic Plan, the county is also encouraging the use of battery-powered blowers by its contractors and residents.
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Volunteer Fairfax's Volunteer Fest |
On Saturday, September 17th from 9am-11am, help restore habitat in Difficult Run Stream Valley Park in Oakton with FCPA Invasive Management Area program. Through the removal of invasive species, you'll protect plants and wildlife while spending time outdoors, meeting new people and restoring natural habitats. To sign-up, click here
From noon to 2pm, help label storm drains! Storm drain labeling is an effective, low-cost method of educating residents about water quality problems in our streams, lakes, rivers, and the bay teaching residents not to put anything down the storm drain. To sign up, click here.
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Fairfax County Innovation Challenge is seeking teams to produce high-impact solutions to address carbon neutrality and clean energy in Fairfax County. The goal of the Challenge is to find, and ultimately pilot, innovative solutions that improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable electricity, or accelerate the use of electric vehicles. All teams—from college students and start-ups to entrepreneurs and technologists—are welcome to apply.
A panel of smart city experts will assess each entry based on the significance of innovation; regional impact; practicality and scalability; and equity and inclusivity of their solution. The winning team will have an opportunity to pilot their solution in Fairfax County, Virginia’s largest county. The pilot opens with a team Q & A session on September 15th and closes on October 19th with a live pitch event.
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Oak Marr Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 8am- 12pm, ongoing until November 9th, 2022.
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Get to Know Your Local Government |
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Get to Know Your Local Government Registration- OPEN |
The "Get to Know Your Local Government" virtual series registration is now open. Over the course of two evenings, September 21 and 28, 6:30-9pm, residents will have the opportunity to participate in workshops to learn about County services and interact with County staff.
The topics will include:
- Affordable Housing
- Civic Engagement
- Public Safety
- Environmental Issues
- Land Use/Planning and Zoning
- Volunteer Opportunities
There will be a Q & A with myself, Chris Leonard, Deputy County Executive, Health, Housing, and Human Services, and Karla Bruce, Chief Equity Officer of Fairfax County.
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FY23 ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant Recipients |
Congratulations to the Providence District's Operating Support Grant Recipients! Operating Support Grants are foundational to the stability of Fairfax nonprofit arts and culture organizations by providing County funds, distributed by ArtsFairfax, for the basic operation of invaluable programs, services, and facilities these organizations provide to Fairfax County area residents.
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Now through December 31, 2022, Macerich and ArtsFairfax invite artists, artists teams, and arts organizations based in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church to activate select retail storefronts and open spaces in the shopping center with visual art.
- Professional artists, design professionals, and arts organizations are invited to apply as individuals or teams. The artist/team/organization must reside in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church.
- Contracts will be awarded on a rolling basis through December 31, 2022.
- Each temporary art exhibition will be installed for a minimum of 8 weeks. Artists/teams/organizations may apply more than once.
- Macerich will be the sole determiner of selection. All fees and project costs will be negotiated between Macerich and the artist/team/organization.
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Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities |
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Come celebrate the 1 year anniversary of The Perch at Capital One Center during this 3-day fall music festival on September 16-18. There will be 20+ craft brews at Starr Hill Biergarten, local musicians rocking the amphitheater stage, elevated miniature golf at Perch Putt and lawn game tournaments, specialty treats from community vendors, adoptable rescue dogs, and entertainment for the full family! This event is free.
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I have signed up to help Make Care Packages for Crisis Line Workers. I encourage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to join in and give volunteering a try!
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Veteran & Military Spouse Career Fair |
In support of veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses looking to advance their careers, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is leading a free, two-day career fair Sept. 21-22, 2022. All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome, and attendees do not need to live in Northern Virginia to interview with participating companies. Cleared talent is also encouraged to attend this event. To register, job seekers can click here.
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Car Free Day is a free international event celebrated every September 22nd in which people are encouraged to get around without driving alone in cars and instead ride a train, bus, bicycle, carpool, vanpool, subway, or walk. For those that have the ability to work from home, telework also counts. Car Free Day is open to all people in the Washington metropolitan area. To participate in this fun and worthwhile event, just fill out the pledge form here.
Once you pledge, you receive special promotions and are entered into a free raffle to win great prizes! Already car free? That’s great, and since you’re doing the right thing, you also get the same chance to win prizes when you fill out the pledge form.
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Mosaic Fall Festival will be on September 24th and 25th from 11am to 6pm. My office will have a booth located next to West Elm. We will also be joined by the League of Women Voters, Virginia Department of Transportation, and Fairfax County Department of Transportation. I hope you can drop by and say hello!
There will be live entertainment and musical performances, FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors, URBNmarket, Beer Garden from Caboose Brewing Company, Wine Garden, Fitness Demos from BASH Boxing, Children’s Activities: Moon bounce, balloon twisting, music, & face painting hosted by URBANO; “Glamour Tent”’ by Vienna Singing Princesses offering face painting & hair braiding; and other children’s activities such as pumpkin painting from FRESHFARM.
Fall Festival attendees can also visit Mosaic Skateland (located in between URBANO and Barnes & Noble) as they welcome four-wheeled enthusiasts and beginners alike for a spin around the rink for the ultimate disco revival!
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15th Anniversary of Oakton Library |
Join the Oakton Library on Saturday, September 24th, from 10-3pm for their 15th anniversary. There will be a live owl program, refreshments & live music, history displays, rain garden tours, children's games & crafts galore!
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Come join a fun, FREE, interactive community event focused on healthy and active living! Healthy Together Fairfax will be held on Sunday, October 2 from 12-4pm at Lee District Park (6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310).
The event includes free health screenings, access to community services and resources, fitness classes, hands-on activities and workshops for all ages. Participants can also explore the trails and playgrounds at Lee District Park and enjoy a ride on the carousel. The event will include activities and organizations in four tracks:
Physical track, focusing on ACTIVE LIVING
Environment track, focusing on SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Social track, focusing on CONNECTEDNESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Emotional track, focusing on CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
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Shepherd's Center Pickleball Event |
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 6th from 4-7pm and join the fun at the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia's Pickleball Mixer and Happy Hour. The event will be held at the Reston Lake House and the adjacent tennis/pickleball courts (11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston 20190).
Even if you don’t play pickleball, come for the great food, silent auction, entertainment and to help raise money for the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia.
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On Wednesday, October 19th, from 6-8pm, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) will be hosting a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot of the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway.) This event is free and requires registration.
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Tier One is a two-day training on the dynamics of domestic violence, systems that respond and resources available in our community. The training is designed for professionals interested in learning the dynamics of domestic violence in order to deepen their work with clients and community members, and anyone interested in volunteering with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
Participants must register for both days (Saturday, Oct. 22nd and Saturday, Oct. 29th, 8am-5pm). Those who complete both days of this training will receive a Certificate of Completion.
If you have questions about the training content or concerns about participating in Tier One, please contact: John Crownover at [email protected] or 703-324-6860.
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George Mason University Events |
Enjoy the Arts at Mason:
Mason’s Center for the Arts hosts a variety of performances delighting the entire family. Enjoy performances by Broadway’s Kristin Chenoweth, the Virginia Opera, and the 5 Browns to extraordinarily talented musicians such as Robert McDuffie.
Explore the Celestial World:
Learn more about the stars, our solar system, galaxies, and celestial events at the George Mason University Observatory on the Fairfax Campus. Public tours of the observatory are conducted on alternating Monday evenings during the academic year. Scientific talks are approximately 30 minutes long; the information presented is appropriate for ages 5 years and older.
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The Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) continues its Adventures In Learning (AIL) line up of classes with their Fall 2022 semester schedule that includes a wide range of subjects, from a Health and Wellness series to National and World Affairs. T’ai Chi is offered twice weekly.
The following classes are but a few of the classes to choose from:
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September 22: “Air Force Hurricane Reconnaissance” – Colonel Picanso
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September 29: “My Adventures Working in New Guinea for the Peace Corps” – Chris Davenport
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October 13: “Our Visit to Iceland” – Paul Wormeli
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October 27: “How Companies Acquire, Use and Protect Your Information” – Bob Reinsel
Students may attend one or all of the AIL fall classes for a $55 fee and are encouraged to create their own schedule.
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Traveling Players Upcoming Classes |
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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.
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