February 9, 2023
Dear Neighbor,

This morning, I had the great honor of attending Food For Others' My Market ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Market served 330 families in just the first day of being opened and this recent expansion demonstrates their continued commitment to our families' success.
Supervisor Palchik speaking at the My Market ribbon-cutting ceremony.
February is dedicated as Black History Month which serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder of African American leaders' struggles, progress, and accomplishments across the United States. Fairfax County is committed to advancing equity and opportunities for Black Americans in line with our #OneFairfax Policy. Join us in exploring Black history, and celebrating Black perseverance and resiliency on Friday, February 17th.

A new slate of officers for the Planning Commission was elected during its February 1st meeting. Congratulations to our very own Commissioner Phil Niedzielski-Eichner who was elected Chairman for the 2023 Planning Commission term! I also want to extend my congratulations to Commissioners Tim Sergeant - Vice-Chairman, Evelyn Spain - Secretary, and John Ulfelder - Parliamentarian.

As a reminder, Stuff the Bus will be at the Oakton Giant (2932 Chain Bridge Road) on Saturday, February 11th from 9:30am to 12:30pm. All donations for this event will benefit Food for Others.

Lastly, a drop-off box can be found in the lobby of Target in Mosaic to collect items to support the relief efforts for our friends in Turkey. You can find more information below.
You can read about the following Providence District updates:
  • Board Meeting Highlights
  • Ways to Give Back
  • Green Corner
  • Land Use and Transportation Updates
  • Upcoming Events

With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
Board Meeting Highlights
The Board recognized staff, students, teachers, volunteers, and community members involved in the County's Historical Marker Project.
At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board took the following actions:
The Board recognized former Fairfax City Mayor David Meyer.
Ways to Give Back
Earthquake Relief for Turkey
If you would like to support the relief efforts for our friends in Turkey, a drop-off box can be found at the lobby of Target in Mosaic until Saturday, February 26th.

Collected items will be delivered to the D.C. Turkish Embassy to be packed and prepared to have Turkish Airlines transport.

Requested items inlcude:
  • Blankets
  • Sleeping bags
  • Pocket warmers
  • Tents
  • Winter clothing
  • Over-the-counter medications
Stuff the Bus
Help fight hunger in our neighborhoods! Help support our local nonprofit food pantries as they work to provide assistance to individuals and families in need throughout our community. Access the list of most requested items here.

Saturday, February 11
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Oakton Giant
(2932 Chain Bridge Road)

All donations for this event will benefit Food for Others.
Stuff the Bus March 2022.
Pets On Wheels
Fairfax Pets on Wheels connects pets with residents of long-term care facilities in Fairfax County. Their all-volunteer program provides more than 3,000 hours of pet visits every year.

Do you have a loveable dog, cat or bunny that would enjoy putting a smile on someone's face? Become a volunteer and share the power of the human-animal bond!

HumScouts After School Program
The Humanitas4All HumScouts After School Program is an online program dedicated to helping elementary and middle school students stay on track with learning during the school term. The goal of this program is to provide homework help, fun activities, positive character development, and support to young students and their families. 
 
The HumScout after school sessions are offered for students in grades K through 8th grade and will occur after school via Google Meet. Students will be paired with mentors from Thomas Jefferson and Mclean high schools, prepared with fun and educational activities for the classes. Students will also be able to work in small groups with other fellow classmates with similar academic backgrounds. HumScouts is completely FREE, and classes run every Monday and Friday from 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Green Corner
Yard Waste Collection Changes
Yard waste is collected and processed for recycling only during the period of March 1 and December 24. Yard waste must be placed at the curb separately for collection. Yard waste must be placed in compostable paper bags or rigid containers [No plastic bags]. Small quantities of yard waste should be tied in bundles weighing no more than 50 pounds. More than 4 bundles of tied yard waste should be scheduled for a Special Pickup.

During the period December 25-end of February, yard waste can be bagged and placed in trash carts. More information about changes to yard waste collection can be found here.
Food Scrap Composting
Since the County kicked off its Food Scrap Composting Pilot Program, approximately 190 tons of food scraps have been collected. Below are food scrap collectors who offer compost services to Fairfax County residents:
FREE Workshop on Native Plants and Management of Natural Landscapes for Spanish-Speakers
Aprenda sobre plantas nativas y manejo del paisaje natural local. Abierto para propietarios, diseñadores, foremen, laborers, y empleados de garden centers. Haga clic para registrarse.

Miércoles 15 de febrero de 2023
9am - 1pm
Northern Virginia Community College - Campus de Annandale 
Forum Room – Ernst Community Cultural Center
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Learn about native plants and managing the local natural landscape. Open to owners, designers, foremen, laborers, and garden center employees. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register for the workshop.
Wednesday, February 15
9am - 1pm
Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus
Forum Room – Ernst Community Cultural Center
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Native Seedling Sale
Check out the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District's 2023 Native Seedling Sale lineup - filled with edible fruits and nuts, beautiful spring blooms, and vibrant fall foliage!


Seedling sale pickup:
  • Friday, March 31 from 9am-4pm and Saturday, April 1 from 9am-12pm
  • Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet Club, 3516 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church VA 22044.
Land Use and Transportation Updates
Shrevewood Elementary School Safe Routes to School
The scope of the federally funded Shrevewood Elementary School improvement project is finalized and includes three new crosswalks, a sidewalk, and expanded access to the W&OD Trail. The project is part of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program which helps schools and communities make walking and biking a safe, convenient, natural activity. The project design also includes the removal of the eastbound right turn lane to Fairwood Lane to accommodate a median refuge island.

Land Development Services Customer Experience Team Assists Residents
Are you planning home improvement projects this year? While resources are available online and through the phone system to guide you through the process, the Land Development Services Customer Experience Team is available to assist customers.
When:
  • Monday-Thursday, 8am to 4pm
  • Friday, 9:15am to 4pm
How:
  • Call 703-222-0801; or
  • Visit in person at the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324
  • Bring your laptop with you, if you have one, so staff can guide you through the process.
Metro to Run More Rush Hour Trains
Metro is boosting mid-week service for customers who use the Blue, Orange, and Blue lines during the morning and evening rush hour periods. Service on the three lines will increase to every 12 minutes instead of 15 minutes from 6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

In focusing on the busiest times and days of the week, Metro is working to provide more targeted service on #YourMetro when and where it is needed. The improvements come as Metro continues to return more 7000-series trains, increasing the number of daily trains in service by more than 40 percent since July. 

Upcoming Events
Black History Month Celebration: Unite, Uplift, and Celebrate!
Capital Youth Empowerment Program Unite Conference & Career Expo
Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) invites you to participate in the CYEP Unite Conference & Career Expo on Monday, February 20. This inaugural event will take place from 9:30 - 2 p.m. at Capital One Hall located at 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA.

The CYEP Unite Conference seeks to unite the community with higher education and industry partners to explore income inequality issues for men and boys of color. The conference will feature a town hall session, more than 20 breakout sessions, and a career expo.

Older Adults Roundtable: Affordability

Please join me on Monday, February 27th from 7-8:30pm for the third session of my Older Adults Roundtable series. This discussion will be focused on affordability and aging in Fairfax County. We will discuss the various affordable housing options and the accessibility of those options, tax relief benefits, challenges that are faced by older adults as they age in place, and resources that can be used when tackling those challenges. This event will be streamed live on Channel 16 and on my Facebook page. Any questions you may have, please call 703-560-6946 or email providence@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University Homecoming
Mason invites community members to wear their favorite green and gold Mason gear and cheer on the Patriots at a Homecoming 2023 event from February 10-18. In addition to sporting events, Mason alumni can reconnect and make new memories during this spirited week.

Tysons Library Quarterly Book & Media Sale
The Friends of Tysons Library is having their quarterly used book and media sale from March 2nd to 5th, 10am to 5pm. There will be a large selection of books and media for all ages and interests! Most are priced $0.25 to $3.
  • Tysons Pimmit Regional Library: 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043
Donations of books and media are appreciated. Volunteers are welcome and needed! For more information, email tysonslibraryfriends@gmail.com or call 703-338-3307.  
National Consumer Protection Week & Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day
Join Fairfax County Consumer Affairs in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week from March 5th to 11th. Consumer Affairs is committed to ensuring that Fairfax County consumers have the tools and resources they need to understand their consumer rights, navigate the marketplace, and make informed decisions.

IASPAW/TABOIS Galerie: Feel the Vision Festival
Don’t miss out! Attend the Feel The Vision 3-day festival at Capital One Hall in Tysons.

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