Dear Neighbor,
Effective immediately, Fairfax County will no longer require masks for employees and the public in county government facilities, except in specific locations, such as where health or medical services are provided. You can find more about this change here.
In Tuesday's Board meeting, I presented a Board Matter, jointly with Supervisor Lusk, requesting to designate April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Fairfax County. Additionally, the Board presented a resolution in support of the United Nations Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted the proposed ordinance that will make adjustments to the election precinct boundaries, and authorized the advertisement of the real estate tax rate. You can read more about these items below.
I'd like to invite you to join the Providence District Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, March 23rd, from 6pm to 7:30pm. The Town Hall will be aired on Channel 1016 (COX) or Channel 16 (Verizon/Comcast) and you can also watch it streamed online. Any questions or comments you may have can be submitted to [email protected]. You can find more information about the town hall below under upcoming events.
You can find the following Providence District updates below in this newsletter:
- COVID-19 Updates
- Board Meeting Highlights
- Resources to Support the People of Ukraine
- Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Tax Information & Schedule Modification
- Student Representative to the School Board
- Transportation Updates
- Proposed Zoning Amendment: Sign Regulations
- Department of Family Services Advisory Social Services Board (DFS ASSB) 2021 Annual Report
- George Mason University's Options for Emotional Support
- One Water Regional Art Contest
- World Thinking Day
- Upcoming Events
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Masking in County Facilities Update
Effective immediately, Fairfax County will no longer require masks for employees and the public in county government facilities, except in specific locations, such as where health or medical services are provided. This decision is based on the updated guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on February 25 that includes three metrics for determining COVID-19 community levels – hospital bed use, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. According to these new metrics, Fairfax County’s current community level is low.
Regardless of the COVID-19 community level, masking and social distancing may still be used for personal risk mitigation. The CDC recommends that individuals at high risk of complications from COVID-19 consider taking additional precautions. Those with symptoms or exposure should still get tested.
Vaccination remains the leading public health prevention strategy to protect individuals and communities from COVID-19. The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older be up-to-date, which means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including a booster dose, when eligible. To find a location, visit www.vaccines.gov, schedule an appointment online or call our call center at 703-324-7404.
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To access the full Board package, click here.
- Presentations
- The Board presented a resolution in support of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Fairfax County is engaged in a broad range of strategic initiatives and activities to promote gender equality and advance educational, economic, and social opportunities for those impacted most by discriminatory policies and practices. The County affirms the importance of the principles of CEDAW which provides a comprehensive framework for governments to examine their policies and practices to raise the awareness of human rights for women and girls, and to promote measures that will eliminate inequities and discrimination experienced by women and girls in the County.
- Board Matters
- Joint with Supervisor Lusk - Request to Designate April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention Month
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Tax Rate Advertisement: The Board voted to authorize advertisement of a brief synopsis of the FY 2023 Budget and a real estate tax rate for FY 2023 of $1.14 per $100 of assessed value. Advertising an increase in the rate does not prevent the Board from lowering any advertised tax rate, but a higher tax rate cannot be imposed without having advertised the higher rate. The Board will hold public hearings on April 12 at 4pm and April 13 and April 14 at 3pm. If you would like to present your views, please sign up here.
- Additionally, I will be holding a Providence District Budget Town Hall on March 23 at 6pm. More information can be found here.
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Adjustments of Election Precinct Boundaries: The Board adopted the proposed ordinance to amend and readopt Fairfax County Code sections 7-2-4 through 7-2-13 in response to the 2021 decennial redistricting. Staff will then submit a request for a Certification of No Objection to the Virginia Attorney General before making changes to voters' records and to notify voters affected by these changes in advance of the next election, which is currently set for Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Below is a summary of proposed changes in the Providence District.
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Resources to Support the People of Ukraine |
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As war continues in Ukraine, there are several organizations seeking support that have activated local and international relief efforts. If you are looking for ways to help victims, you may view options at this page.
More information and resources will be added to the page as the situation evolves.
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FCPL Tax Information & Schedule Modification |
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The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) has created a tax guide that you can find here.
The guide provides information and resources on U.S. Federal, Virginia and Fairfax County taxes, including:
- Tax forms and instructions.
- Information to help you prepare and file income taxes.
- Free income tax preparation help.
- Recommended reading.
The guide is intended for:
- Individuals looking for tax forms and tax information.
- Small Business owners and individuals who have general questions about filing Fairfax County taxes, Virginia and U.S. Federal taxes.
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Effective through April 1, all regional and community Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branches will be closed every Sunday and Monday. These branches will open in keeping with their regularly scheduled hours Tuesday through Saturday. To view a system map, listing of regional and community branches and their hours, please go here.
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Student Representative to the School Board |
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Each year FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information on this role, see FCPS Policy 1802.
Eligibility
- Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11.
- Be a resident of Fairfax County or Fairfax City and a student in Fairfax County Public Schools.
*Students do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC).
Applications are due Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Steps
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Complete and Submit the Student Representative Application. Students will need to login with their FCPS Google account to submit an application.
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Attend the Election Convention online (via Zoom) on Tuesday, April 19. Be prepared to speak in front of SAC student delegates. Additional details will be provided to candidates via email.
- The SAC student delegates will vote to elect the representative to the School Board.
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Traffic Pattern Change at Nutley Street/I-66 Interchange Starting on or about March 14
Travel lanes on Nutley Street will shift and the ramp from Nutley Street South to I-66 West will be closed as part of work planned for this weekend, March 11-14, for the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. Drivers heading from Nutley Street South to I-66 West will proceed about 500 feet farther past the current ramp to turn right at a traffic signal onto a temporary ramp to access the interstate. This detour will remain in place for approximately three weeks.
The northbound and southbound Nutley Street travel lanes will be shifted to the east, with two travel lanes in each direction running on the northbound side of the bridge over I-66. Pedestrians will also be detoured to the east side of the bridge. This temporary traffic pattern will allow construction of the new Nutley Street Interchange and shared-use path tunnel to advance while keeping Nutley Street open to vehicles and pedestrians. This shift will remain in place through June 2022 and is part of multiple traffic pattern changes planned along Nutley Street during 2022.
Work is weather dependent, with March 18-21 as a backup date. Read more here.
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I-66 Lane Closures
I-66 Construction - All lanes of I-66 West approaching Route 50 will close nightly, March 10-12, to allow for installation of bridge beams for a new access ramp as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. weekdays, and by 6 or 7 a.m., weekends.
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Proposed Zoning Amendment: Sign Regulations |
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Interested in learning more about the current sign regulations and sharing how these regulations should be amended? Head to the County’s Sign Regulations Phase II webpage, which includes recordings of previous community meetings and copies of presentation slides. Please contact the Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314, TTY 711, or by email with any questions or feedback. |
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DFS ASSB 2021 Annual Report |
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The Fairfax County Department of Family Services Advisory Social Services Board 2021 Annual Report has been released. The Advisory Social Services Board interests itself in all matters pertaining to the wellbeing of the residents of Fairfax County. The Board monitors the formation and implementation of social support programs; meets with and advises the Director of the Department of Family Services for the purpose of making recommendations on policy matters; makes an annual report to the Board of Supervisors concerning the administration of the social services programs; and submits other reports as appropriate.
You can find the 2021 annual report here.
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George Mason University's Options for Emotional Support |
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GMU's Center for Psychological Services is offering a weekly Afghan refugee peer support group for young adults ages 16-21. This is a free service and is for those who speak basic English. The group is meant to connect with other teens and young adults, exchange ideas and engage in activities.
Additionally, the Center also offers an emotional support line open from 8:30am to 8:30pm, Monday-Sunday. This is open to anyone. It is reported that 50% of those who called the hotline no longer needed long term services. More info here. |
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One Water Regional Art Contest |
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Only one percent of Earth’s water is fresh and accessible, making water one of our most valuable resources. Our drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater are all One Water, connected through our local waterways. To preserve water quality for future generations, it is important to understand where water comes from, how we use it, where it goes when it leaves our homes and businesses, and how it eventually becomes source water again.
They are looking for local student artists from Fairfax County to create visual media which captures the importance of protecting our local water sources – through wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water initiatives because they are all One Water!
All contestants must fill out the application and submit their work using this online form. Deadline for Submissions: April 8, 2022.
Age Range:
- Contestants must be in grades 9 - 12.
Location:
- This contest is only open to students living in Fairfax County.
Submission Categories:
- Painting and Drawing - Includes acrylic, pastels, watercolor, oil paints, colored pencils, crayons, gouache, spray paint or other non-digital media where pigment is applied to a physical surface such as canvas or paper.
- Photography and Digital Art - Includes art produced with a camera, on a computer, digital tablet, or phone.
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Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Service Unit 50-10 (Oakton and Vienna) recently learned about trees, their vulnerabilities, and climate change which can disproportionately and negatively impact women throughout the world.
Providence Tree Commissioner Laura Beaty provided instruction to members of Providence District Troop 50073 on tree rings and how they form. The scouts carried buckets of water learning how climate change affects available resources, particularly for women who must travel to bring fresh water to their villages. The 85 attendees and host troops took the “Girl Scout Tree Promise” vowing to honor, plant, and protect five million trees by 2025. After the promise, together with Laura, host troops planted a rescue sapling at the Vienna Community Center which Laura provided.
The event celebrated “World Thinking Day,” an opportunity for the scouts to earn the exclusive “World Thinking Day Badge.”
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Shop Local Saturday Market
Looking for an excuse to spruce up your wardrobe? Mark your calendar for the first-ever Shop Local Spring Refresh! This Shop Local Market will feature vendors focused on clothing, accessories, and all things style! What are you hoping to find?
When: Saturday, March 12 and 26, from 12pm to 5pm.
Where: The PARC at Tysons - 8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
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Traveling Players Events and Programs
Traveling Players presents family-friendly plays and camps!
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Ariadne’s Thread (Theseus & the Minotaur) – Ages 6+
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The Odyssey – Ages 8+
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Hecuba – Ages 12+
Spring Classes
- Day Camp @ Tysons Corner Center
- Sleepaway Camps & Acting Conservatories by audition in Leesburg
You can find more information about these programs and events here.
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Mosaic District Community Blood Drive
Make a life-saving appointment! March in to donate blood and make sure blood types are on the hospital shelf when needed the most. Mosaic District will team up with Inova Blood Services to host a Bloodmobile on Strawberry Ln. on Sunday, March 13 from 10am to 2:30pm.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit here. |
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Stuff the Bus
Save the date! Help feed hungry people in our community by donating to Stuff the Bus.
When: Saturday, March 19, 10am to 3pm
Where: 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Find a list of all donations sites, most requested items, and more info here.
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Providence District Budget Town Hall
Please join me, School Board Member Karl Frisch, Chief Financial Officer Christina Jackson, FCPS Director of Budget Services Alice Wigington, and the Providence District Council for a Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, March 23 at 6pm as we present the proposed FY 2023 Budget Plan and answer any questions you may have.
Please email your questions to [email protected]. We look forward to your participation.
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DMV Services Available
DMV Connect will be at the Fairfax County Government Center in the South Atrium on the 1st Floor on March 23 & 24. This event is by appointment only. Residents can schedule an appointment online here.
Available services include:
- Driver's licenses and ID cards
- Titles and registrations *
- License plates
- Driver transcripts
- Disabled parking placards or plates
- Address changes
- E-ZPass transponders
- Hunting and fishing licenses
* DMV Connect can process title transactions but cannot print titles. Titles processed by DMV Connect will be mailed to customers.
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Join AARP on Friday, March 25 at 12pm and learn helpful tips and strategies for navigating your job search. Whether you’re looking for a job or considering a career change, this webinar is designed to help you make a smooth transition. You’ll learn tips and strategies to help you:
- Develop your personal brand.
- Take inventory of your skills.
- Grow your network.
- Navigate the modern job search with confidence.
- Update and age-proof your resume.
More information can be found here.
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Car Seat Inspections
There will be car seat inspections taking place at the McLean District Station, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean on Saturday, March 19 and 26, from 9am to 1pm. The inspections are done on a first come first serve basis. Be sure to install the child seat yourself, so the inspection can be performed. The seat will be properly re-installed if necessary and you will learn how to install the seat properly in the future.
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Virginia Chamber Orchestra (VCO) and William & Mary Symphony Orchestra (WMSO) in Concert
The William & Mary Symphony Orchestra, whose past tours included Paris and the Kennedy Center, will join the VCO for Dvorak’s cheerful Symphony No. 8, inspired by Bohemian folk melodies.
Violinist Benny Netzer, winner of the Symphony’s Concerto Competition, will be featured in the Allegro moderato from Wieniawski’s popular and romantic Violin Concerto in D minor.
The WMSO will perform the Adagietto from Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and the VCO will perform "Quiet City" by the beloved American composer Aaron Copland
When: Saturday, March 26 at 8pm
Where: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA
Tickets can be purchased here.
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Bike to Work Day 2022
Mark your calendars for Bike to Work Day! There are a number of pit stops in the Providence District and all over the County.
The first 15,000 riders who register for the event online and arrive at a pit stop by bike will receive a FREE T-shirt. The pit stops also offer giveaways and free food and beverages.
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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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