February 7, 2024

Dear Providence,


Black History Month, celebrated every February, serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder of African American leaders' struggles, progress, and accomplishments across the nation. In line with One Fairfax, we are committed to advancing equity and opportunities for Black Americans. Find ways to celebrate here.


Fairfax County is fortunate to have a richness of culture and tradition. With the Lunar New Year coming up this weekend, I have included events to celebrate the Year of the Dragon below.


Lastly, I was thrilled to present a resolution at Tuesday's Board meeting to recognize the Davis Career Center (DCC) for its 40th anniversary. DCC is one of two FCPS centers designed to serve students with disabilities aged 18-22 years who require instruction through a modified curriculum focused on life and career skills. You can continue reading the Board meeting highlights below.


With gratitude,

In this week's Palchik Post:

> Board Meeting Highlights

> Ways to Give Back

> Health and Human Services & Housing Updates

> Green Corner

> What's New in Providence?

> Arts Section

> Paw-vidence Patrol

> Upcoming Events

Board Meeting Highlights

The Board recognized the Davis Career Center for its 40th anniversary.

At Tuesday's meeting, the Board recognized the Davis Career Center for its 40th anniversary, designated February as Career and Technical Education Month, and recognized the Fairfax Auxiliary Police Program for its 40th anniversary.


I presented the following Board Matters:


The Board also took the following actions:

Countywide

  • Approved to authorize and execute a Project Administration Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation for the design and construction of replacement signage for Route 29 and Route 50.
  • Adopted a Zoning Ordinance amendment that permits the continuation of outdoor dining associated with a restaurant or other type of food establishment.

The Board recognized the Fairfax County Auxiliary Police Program for its 40th anniversary.

Access the meeting recording and materials here.

Ways to Give Back

The Lamb Center is seeking donations of items listed below. These items improve the quality of life for the guests they serve every day.


All supplies can be delivered to 3160 Campbell Drive, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 11 am.


  • Adult winter boots and shoes (all sizes)
  • Kraft paper utensil bags (3 x 10 inch)
  • Travel-sized toiletries
  • Ponchos
  • Notepads (5 x 7 inch)
  • Men's belts (30-48)
  • Men's sneakers (8-13)
  • Men's jersey boxer briefs (M-XL)

Volunteer facilitators are needed to support the county's Body Safety Program - a free school-based program that gives children a comfortable, non-alarming way to talk about the sensitive and complex problem of child abuse.


If you are willing to make a one-year commitment to teach at least 4 classes per month, you are strongly encouraged to start the volunteer application process!

Learn more about Body Safety Program Volunteers.

Health and Human Services & Housing Updates

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month


Dating violence is a pattern of harmful behaviors that can be used to exert power and control over a dating partner. Teens who experience dating violence in their relationship(s) may also experience mental and physical health concerns and/or domestic violence in future relationships. However, reaching out for support can help prevent them from becoming long-term effects.

Learn more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Free Tax Preparation Help

AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is offered at eight county facilities including the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive). Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. Dates and hours vary by location.

More about AARP Tax-Aide Program.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a national program sponsored by the IRS to help families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. If you or your family earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may qualify for this free service.

More about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Healthy Youth Prevention Education


Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Healthy Youth Prevention Education (HYPE) project, a youth-focused, 8-session curriculum, teaches teens about intimate partner violence and sexual assault prevention. Through hands-on activities, multimedia, role-play exercises, and facilitated discussions, teens will have opportunities to examine various elements of relationships and develop skills to identify and replicate healthy dynamics in interpersonal interactions.

Learn more about HYPE.

2023 Virginia Housing Trust Fund Report


The Virginia Housing Alliance released the 2023 Virginia Housing Trust Fund annual report, which highlights affordable housing developments funded during the 2018-19 competitive loan plan cycle.

Check out the report.

Green Corner

Are you considering going solar at your home or small business? If so, Solar Switch can help. This program from Solar United Neighbors (SUN) makes it more affordable for homeowners to install solar panels and battery storage systems.


By signing up for the program, you can access a group discount that will help you save on a turnkey solar and battery installation. Registering comes at no cost, and you're under no obligation to buy solar panels.


Fairfax County residents can take advantage of this opportunity and register by February 13th. Have questions but not ready to take action? SUN also offers a Solar Help Desk, a free resource that supports people who are considering rooftop solar. 

Learn more about Solar Switch DC.

National Battery Day is February 18th. Batteries play a vital role in our daily lives, fueling everything from remote controls to smartphones. Yet, when these power sources reach the end of their life cycle, improper disposal can lead to severe environmental consequences. Remember, never toss batteries into curbside collection carts, as they can overheat, explode, and cause fires. Instead, opt for responsible disposal by dropping them off at designated locations such as I-95 and I-66 for proper recycling. Additionally, check with your local big-box stores to see if they accept batteries.

Learn more about safe battery disposal.

Kickstart your 2024 energy efficiency goals at your commercial facility with Dominion Energy’s new incentive programs! Healthcare, hotel and lodging facilities can now apply for industry-specific incentives for a variety of upgrades. These improvements can result in increased comfort, safety, and energy savings, potentially boosting your bottom line and increasing customer satisfaction.

Learn more and apply.

It’s easier now to claim the tax credits available for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles. Since January 1 of this year, buyers of new and used electric vehicles (EV) can reduce the upfront purchase price of their vehicle by the amount of their Clean Vehicle Tax Credit if they transfer the credit to their car dealer.

Learn more about EVs.

What's New in Providence?

New Art Installation at Capital One Center


"The Big Game" brings a playful touch to Capital One Center, reminiscent of the popular vintage game "Jacks" with a larger-than-life twist. 

Learn about artist Davin Tanych and the artwork.

Capital One Park's Second Season Schedule


Step up to the plate and mark your calendars: Capital One Park has announced its second season of baseball games which will kickoff on February 17th when Marymount University plays Hampden-Sydney College!

Check out Capital One Park Schedule.

Arts Section

Paint It, Fairfax!


Talented artists are encouraged to join the "Paint It, Fairfax!" program to create a pool of creative individuals ready to contribute to mural opportunities within designated magisterial districts.


This debut mural program will feature artists in transforming commercial revitalization districts and areas. Additionally, this initiative emphasizes a community-focused approach, ensuring that the selected artists engage in a comprehensive community engagement process.

Learn more and submit your portfolio.

ArtsFairfax Awards


ArtsFairfax will present the 2024 ArtsFairfax Awards to recognize the visionary contributions that the arts bring to Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Nominations are open to the public. Self-nominations are accepted. ArtsFairfax will announce the award winners in March 2024.


The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Thursday, February 29th.

Learn more and submit your nomination.

Library Staff Excellence Awards

The fifth annual FCPL Staff Excellence Awards is here! Staff at the Fairfax County Public Library continue to be amazing representatives of local government, providing access to a range of materials, services, and spaces for all members of our community. Show them some love by nominating individual employees for a Staff Excellence award.


Nominations will be accepted through February 14th.

Submit your nomination.

Paw-vidence Patrol

Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl


Fairfax County Animal Shelter presents the Adoption Bowl, a fee-waived adoption event for dogs 45 pounds and larger, taking place Thursday, Feb. 8th through Sunday, Feb. 11th!


Chief Kevin Davis of Fairfax County Police Department and Chief John Butler of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will go head-to-head in a chief vs. chief challenge! Each chief will lead a "team" of adoptable dogs, competing to find the most loving homes. 

Learn more and find your new four-legged bestie!

Upcoming Events

Date

Time

Location

Event Name

Thu., Feb. 8th

5:30 - 8:30 pm

Tower Club

Lunar New Year at the Tower Club

Fri., Feb. 9th

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Mather Tysons

Hiring Event

Fri., Feb. 9th

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Twin Lakes Golf Course

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the Park Authority

Fri., Feb. 9th

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Capital One Hall

Mongolian Concert

Sat., Feb. 10th

1:00 - 6:00 pm

Shipgarten

Lunar New Year Festival with Mardi Gras After Party

Sun., Feb. 11th

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Paths of Freedom Seekers

Sat., Feb. 17th

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Luther Jackson Middle School

Chinese New Year Festival

Sat., Feb. 17th

12:00 - 2:00 pm

Frying Pan Farm Park

Black History Month at Frying Pan Church

Sat., Feb. 17th

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Colvin Run Mill

Remembering Metilda-An Enslaved Child at the Mill

Sat., Feb. 17th

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Historic Huntley

Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery

Feb. 17th - 18th

1:00 - 5:00 pm

Fair Oaks Mall

21st Annual Lunar New Year Celebration

through Feb. 18th

Multiple times available

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II

DMV Winter Lantern Festival

Fri., Feb. 23rd

5:30 pm

Fairfax County Government Center

Black History Month Celebration

Fri., Feb. 23rd

8:00 - 11:00 pm

Westwood Country Club

Mardi BRAWS

Sat., Feb. 24th

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Capital One Hall

Omnium Circus

Sun., Feb. 25th

2:00 - 3:00 pm

McLean Community Center

A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School

Mar. 7th - 10th

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tysons Pimmit Regional Library

Tysons Library Book & Media Sale

Fri., Mar. 8th

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Fairfax County Government Center

2024 Conference for Spanish-Speaking Landscape Professionals

Contact Us

Office Phone: (703) 560-6946

EmailProvidence@fairfaxcounty.gov

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