July 12, 2023
Dear Neighbor,

Summer is in full swing and the temperature has been hitting new highs. Remember to stay hydrated, don't overexert yourself, and find ways to stay cool and in the shade! Read more about tips and resources to stay safe in the extreme heat.

I was glad to see great turnouts at Mosaic Live these past two Saturdays despite the rain! Community events like these are perfect opportunities for all of us to come together. It was wonderful to see families of different backgrounds and generations gather to enjoy beautiful live music. I hope you can join me and my team this Saturday, July 15 at 6 pm with Tommy McFly as emcee to enjoy a performance by the Vienna School of Rock.

There are a few donation drives currently underway that you can find information about below. Our diaper drive has officially ended and thanks to your generosity and support, we collected 1,400 diapers to donate to Fairfax Diapers. Currently, 47% of families with young children struggle with supplies of diapers, so donation drives like this are crucial to our community. Your donations and kindness are truly appreciated!

This week, the Fairfax County Police Department started its third wave of the successful “Road Shark” campaign in Fairfax County. Road Shark is a high-visibility and coordinated enforcement and education effort to deter aggressive driving, reduce crashes, and change driving behavior. Our police officers play a crucial role in enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety of all drivers on our roadways. Learn more about Road Shark.
You can read about the following Providence District updates:
  • Board Meeting Highlights
  • Ways to Give Back
  • Health and Human Services Updates
  • What's New in Providence?
  • Land Use and Transportation Updates
  • Green Corner
  • Upcoming Events

With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
Board Meeting Highlights
The Board designated June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month.
At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized the James Madison High School boys varsity baseball team for their championship season, recognized the Master Arts Plan Task Force for their continued work and achievements, and designated June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month.

I presented the following Board matters:

The Board also took the following actions:
  • Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the Tysons Community Alliance
  • Accepted the Fairfax County Master Arts Plan for Facilities
The Board recognized the James Madison boys varsity baseball team for their championship season.
Ways to Give Back
Meal and Supply Donations to The Lamb Center
The Lamb Center is looking for your support in donating meals and supplies this month. Whether you're a seasoned chef or simply love sharing a home-cooked meal, your contribution will nourish those in need.

They are also in need of paper plates, paper bowls, hot drink cups, cold drink cups, paper napkins, disposable spoons and forks, paper towels, and bottled water. If you can donate, items may be dropped off at 3160 Campbell Drive.
Baby Supplies Donation Drive
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services Volunteer and Partner Services needs your help with donation requests for baby items to help support children and families. Only new items are accepted.
Health and Human Services Updates
Project-Based Voucher Waiting List is Opening for Select Properties for Seniors
Through Sunday, July 16 at 11:59 pm, applicants 62 years and older may register at Rent Café, an online housing portal, for an opportunity to be placed on waiting lists for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units. PBV units are subsidized by funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While residing in PBV units, residents pay a portion of the rent up to 32% of adjusted income and the County pays the remaining portion of the rent.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is opening its PBV waiting list for four senior properties located throughout Fairfax County:
  • Chesterbrook Senior in Falls Church
  • Lake Anne House in Reston
  • Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences in Alexandria
  • Residences at North Hill in Alexandria.
Statewide Digital Opportunity Survey
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband has launched a statewide survey to gather data that will help form the basis for the Virginia Digital Opportunity Plan. 

All County residents are encouraged to complete a quick, 10-minute survey to help better understand your digital needs. Together, we can foster digital opportunity in the County and Commonwealth by ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet, and have the skills necessary to use the internet to residents' full potential.
Cooling Assistance Program

The Cooling Assistance program is designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid, or 100% Veteran’s Administration. Applications for Cooling Assistance will be accepted through August 15.
What's New in Providence?
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
I am thrilled to share that the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, will be on Saturday, September 23 from 12 pm to 5 pm at The PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike)!

This free event promises an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration that highlights Hispanic culture and embraces the diversity of our community! Delight in captivating cultural performances and entertainment that will leave you inspired. Explore an enchanting artisan market, showcasing exceptional handmade goods from talented local vendors. Engage your little ones with exciting children's activities designed to spark their curiosity and creativity. And of course, indulge your taste buds with mouthwatering traditional foods!
Land Use and Transportation Updates
Circle Woods Pond Improvement Project
The construction activities for this project resumed Monday, July 10.

Back in April, the contractor encountered an active hawk's nest located in a tree. The existing Nationwide Permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, requires us to protect the birds and nests during the nesting period. The County made the decision to pause active work to limit disruption that could impact the nesting birds and ensure we maintain compliance with the permit and federal law.
Ruckstuhl Park Construction
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on developing the new Ruckstuhl Park in Falls Church. Active construction activity will begin in early July.

During construction, neighbors may experience occasional construction traffic entering and exiting the park via Idylwood Road. Construction is projected to be completed by the summer of 2024. The 7.2-acre park will include a picnic pavilion, open play area, fitness cluster, a nature-themed playground, trail loop, and parking lot.
Women Driving Transportation Panel
I am honored to join elected women leaders in the region and industry executives for the Women Driving Transportation Panel on July 27 at 8:30 am at the offices of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce in Tysons. The panel will discuss policies and projects that are transforming our region's transportation network, including rail, road, and public-private partnerships.
Metro Updates
No more searching for spare change to pay at Metro parking meters. New centralized pay stations and ParkMobile® are now available at all of Metro’s 63 Kiss & Ride and hourly lots and on-street parking spaces, expanding the ways customers can pay.

Metro’s Park & Ride facilities make it easy for customers to travel to work, school, or other activities. You can park your car and ride without hefty parking fees. On weekends, all Metro-owned parking facilities are free and with a $2 weekend flat fare for any one-way trip, using Metro is an even better bargain.
Green Corner
Bike to Market Week
Take the “scenic route” to the farmers market by joining the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax Alliance for Better Biking (FABB) for an exciting Bike to Farmers Market Week from July 16 through July 22! Hop on your bike and cycle your way to farm-fresh produce, artisanal products, and delectable treats as we celebrate sustainable transportation and vibrant community connections.

Throughout the week, FABB partners will be at many of our local markets to share a variety of information about cycling and resources for making biking fun, safe, and more accessible for individuals and families throughout Fairfax County. The farmers markets will also have maps, activities, and prizes for riders of all ages during the week.
Park Authority Seeks Community Input on New Planning Strategy
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to engage through August 6, in preparation for the completion of the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access (PROSA) Strategy later this year. Building on the previous public engagement, staff is seeking community feedback on the proposed concepts included in the Draft PROSA Report Summary through participation in an online survey and/or at two virtual workshops on July 18 and 25.
Park Authority Seeks Community Input on New Planning Strategy
Due to the volume of latex paint the County receives and current staffing shortages, a temporary disposal location for latex paint is open at the I-95 Landfill Complex. Please review the location and hours for dropping off at our facilities.
Upcoming Events
July
August
September
Providence Presents
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: [email protected]