Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone who celebrated Easter had a lovely celebration of hope and renewal, all who are celebrating Passover are having a meaningful one, and all who are observing Ramadan are having an easy fast.
Currently, there are vacancies for Providence representatives on a few Boards, Authorities, and Commissions (BACs). You can read more about the BAC vacancies below and how you can apply.
Lastly, I want to invite you to Providence's Earth Day celebration on Friday, April 21 from 2PM to 5PM at the Providence Community Center and spend the day honoring and learning about Earth and the many ways we can preserve and protect our environment.
We will also be kicking off our diaper drive. Please bring any packages of diapers to donate. All collected items will be donated to Fairfax Diapers.
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You can read about the following Providence District updates:
- Ways to Give Back
- Board Meeting Highlights
- Green Corner
- Inova Health Equity Opportunities
- Land Use and Transportation Updates
- Congressional Art Competition
- Upcoming Events
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Since moving to a fine-free model last year, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) has replaced its popular annual “Food for Fines” drive with “Read and Feed.”
Throughout the month of April, FCPL will be collecting donations of food to be donated to Food for Others. During the food drive, community members can drop off unexpired, commercially produced food items, new and clean reusable grocery bags, and simple kitchen tools, like can openers, to any FCPL branch during regular hours. Donors will receive reusable food tote bags.
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Boards, Authorities, and Commissions (BACs) Vacancies |
The Providence District is looking for qualified individuals from our area from all different backgrounds to volunteer on one of our many community-steered advisory boards. As an extension of the Providence District Supervisor’s office, we count on our dedicated appointees to advocate for the needs of our District and the County as a whole.
Currently, we have the following openings:
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Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC): To advise the Board of Supervisors on environmental matters through ongoing review of the quality of the County's physical environment and to advocate and promote environmental preservation, protection, and enhancement.
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Tree Commission: To advise the Board based on an annual reevaluation of the experience of the administration and implementation of the provisions in Ch. 104 of the Code and Article 13 relating to vegetation preservation and planting; to provide leadership in developing an understanding of the objectives and methods of tree conservation; and to assist the Urban Forestry Branch in the development and maintenance of technical specifications and guidelines.
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Athletic Council Alternate: The Council will assist the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Park Authority, the School Board, and the Planning Commission on the allocation, use, management, and future planning of County athletic resources.
To apply, please email your resume to [email protected] and indicate the BAC you are interested in.
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At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, we were thrilled to recognize the recipients of the 2023 First Amendment Press Freedom Award from Chantilly High School, McLean High School, and West Springfield High School. Additionally, the Board designated April 9-15, 2023 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Fairfax County.
I presented the following Board matters:
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Additionally, the Board took the following actions:
- Authorized a public hearing on May 9 at 4:30PM on the readoption of the Zoning Ordinance as amended through March 22, 2023.
- Approved the Fairfax Connector Fare Policy Change which expands the fare free service for all Fairfax Connector routes to all children ages 12 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult, without a limit on the number of children, beginning May 1, 2023.
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Adopted the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program, including the following proposed certain Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) Nominations in Providence district:
- PR-001 – Briarwood Farm (Tier 2)
- PR-004 - AT&T Oakton (Tier 1)
- PR-005 - ICF Building (Tier 3)
- PR-006 – Alliance Center (Tier 1)
- PR-007 - Sequoia Capital (Tier 1)
- PR-008 - Merrifield at Dunn Loring Station (Tier 1)
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PR-009 – Fallfax (Tier 3)
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Approved funding allocations for pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects and facility maintenance including the following in Providence District:
- to install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), refuge for median, and more at Blake Lane and Bel Glade Street
- to relocate existing marked crosswalk to the south side, and add a pedestrian refuge island and/or RRFB at Eskridge Road and District Avenue
- to shift existing marked crosswalk and add pedestrian refuge island at Eskridge Road and Merrifield Cinema Drive
- to add pedestrian refuge island at existing marked crosswalk at Rosemary Lane and Graham Road
- Held a public hearing on the FY2024 effective tax rate increase and approved that the record remain open for additional testimony until May 2.
- Heard testimony and feedback during a public hearing on the proposed FY2024 advertised budget plan
- We will be holding another public hearing later today at 3PM and tomorrow at 3PM.
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This event will also kick off our diaper drive. Please bring any packages of diapers to donate. All collected items will be donated to Fairfax Diapers.
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Plant Clinics by Master Gardeners |
Starting in May through the end of September, Fairfax County Master Gardeners will staff weekly plant clinics at farmers' markets, community gardens, and libraries throughout the county. Bring your questions, gardening problems, and samples in person so Master Gardeners can diagnose them with scientific research-based information.
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Inova Health Equity Opportunities |
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Dedicated to supporting programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health, and welfare of the communities it serves, Inova is now accepting Inova Health Equity Opportunities applications from community partners, agencies, and organizations for funding related to behavioral health, health access, and/or economic stability. Grant awards will range between $25,000 and $50,000 based on certain criteria and program needs/location.
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Land Use and Transportation Updates |
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Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) |
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) recently launched the Fairfax Connector Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) which offers qualified residents 50% off all Fairfax Connector routes. For the first year of a three-year pilot, FCDOT, NCS Human Services Transportation Options (HST), Programs and Services (TOPS), and the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) are partnering to identify and distribute cards to eligible customers. This program is supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
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2023 Paving and Restriping Virtual Public Meeting |
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, April 17 at 7PM to discuss the 2023 paving and restriping plans for Providence and Hunter Mill districts. Please join us to learn more about the proposed projects and provide your feedback.
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Commonwealth Transportation Board Meeting |
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will host nine meetings across Virginia and is inviting the public to share feedback on transportation projects that have been recommended for funding, as well as other transportation initiatives. Members of the community may participate by attending public meetings or submitting comments online, by email, or by mail.
The Northern Virginia District meeting is on Monday, May 1 at 5PM at the NOVA District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax VA 22030.
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2023 Congressional Art Competition |
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Congressman Gerry Connolly is excited to announce the start of his 2023 Congressional Art Competition! This competition is open to all high school students who are residents of the 11th Congressional District regardless of where they attend school. Due to space limitations, students may not submit more than two pieces of art.
Students will get the chance to see their art exhibited at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia from May 5 to May 21, 2023.
The first-place winning entry will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol. The second place entry will be exhibited at the Workhouse Arts Gallery for a year, and with the permission of the artists, additional high-ranking pieces will be displayed in Congressman Connolly’s Capitol Hill and district offices.
All entries, including the artwork AND entry forms, must be dropped off at Congressman Connolly’s Fairfax District Office by close of business Monday, May 1, 2023.
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Very thrilled to join Dahlia Lithwick at NETWORK NOVA's Friday Power Lunch on April 14 at noon! Tune in to the discussion about Dahlia's new book, women's rights, my journey becoming the first Latina on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and more.
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English Empowerment Center Career Fair |
The English Empowerment Center is holding a Career and Opportunities Fair on April 17 from 4:30PM to 7:30PM at the James Lee Community Center. Learn about the available opportunities and meet with potential future employers!
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Traveling Players Open House |
Do you have questions about Traveling Players’ programs? Come join their Open House on April 16 from 3:30PM to 5:30PM at the Traveling Players Studio at Tysons Corner Center. Artistic Director Jeanne Harrison will be there to answer your questions about programs, sleepaway camps, and what makes Traveling Players joyous, artistically challenging, and a place for friendships to flourish!
Attendees will have a chance to meet staff, see the Studio, play some games, and get a little taste of camp.
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Pottery Sale at Northern Virginia Community College |
You'll find bargain prices on unique ceramic pieces at NOVA's Pottery sale on Wednesday, April 19 from 9:30AM to 3PM at the Northern Virginia Community College - Annandale Campus, on the patio outside the CA Building main level. Everything is handcrafted by students or faculty at the college and all proceeds benefit NOVA's ceramics program. Come early for the best selection!
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Congressman Connolly's Inflation Reduction Act Roundtable |
As April is Earth Month, Congressman Connolly will be hosting an Inflation Reduction Act Roundtable on Friday April 21 at 3PM. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) marked the most significant action Congress has taken on clean energy and climate change in our nation's history. This roundtable will highlight many of the climate change issues our region is facing and describe the steps the IRA has taken to address these. The IRA’s tax credits and climate programs will help Northern Virginians breathe cleaner air, make homes more energy efficient and expand the use of clean, renewable energy.
Panelists:
-Christopher Herrington, Director, Fairfax County Dept. of Public Works and Environmental Services
-Chris Leyen, Senior Policy Director, Virginia League of Conservation Voters
-Cheri Conca, Transportation and Smart Growth Program Manager, Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter
-Stella Koch, Northern Virginia Stream Advocate
-Sarah Karush, Chapter Co-Leader, Citizens' Climate Lobby
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On Saturday, April 22 from 10AM until 2PM, the Fairfax County Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Anyone may bring pills for disposal to any Fairfax County Police station. The service is free and anonymous.
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AARP- Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft |
Con artists don’t care how hard you worked. They steal billions from Americans every year. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is fighting back! In this session, AARP will share an inside look at how scammers think, how to safeguard against identity theft and fraud, first-hand accounts from victims, and what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim.
Join this session on Wednesday, April 26 at 1:00pm at the
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027 Olley Lane, Fairfax.
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Kingsley Spring Garden Opening |
Come out and join the Kingsley Community and gardeners to kick off the Spring Garden opening on Friday, April 28, 5-7PM at Garden II, by the computer lab. There will be food, lots of planting, community building, and lambs to pet! |
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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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