Dear Residents,
I hope you've had a healthy start to the new year! As we move further into the winter season, it's important to stay in the know. If you haven't already, please register for Fairfax County Alerts to receive traffic, weather, and closure alerts in Fairfax County.
With the availability of COVID-19 tests continuing to be a challenge, a community testing center (CTC) will be opened in Fairfax starting tomorrow, January 12. Additionally, four Library branches will have a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits tomorrow when they open at 10AM. You can find more information about this below.
The 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend of Service is coming up. My team and I are looking forward to volunteering virtually and giving back to our community. You can find more information about volunteering opportunities below.
Lastly, Celebrate Fairfax is hosting the first (of many) Shop Local Saturday Market this weekend at the PARC at Tysons. If you are able, please swing by and support our small local businesses.
You can find the following Providence District updates below in this newsletter:
- COVID-19 Updates
- Transportation Updates
- Joseph Willard Health Center Redevelopment
- Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Search
- Public Library (FCPL) Modified Operational Hours
- Teen & Community Centers Modified Operational Hours
- Pathways Out of Poverty in NOVA
- AARP Webinars
- Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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On January 7, the CDC announced that individuals 18 years and older who received the primary 2-dose series of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, may now receive their booster dose 5 months after completing the initial series.
Additionally, there are now expanded vaccination opportunities for teens and children. Following recommendations from the CDC and VDH, the Fairfax County Health Department now adopts the following:
- Individuals ages 12-17 should get a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster 5 months after finishing their 2-dose primary series;
- Individuals ages 18 and older should get any COVID-19 vaccine booster 5 months, rather than 6 months, after finishing their 2-dose primary series of the Pfizer vaccine; and
- 5-11-year-olds vaccine recipients who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible to receive a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after the second dose.
To make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, including boosters, visit www.vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 Testing
The availability of COVID-19 tests continues to be a challenge across the nation, including here in Fairfax, as a result of supply chain issues and the increased demand for testing due to rising cases and exposures. Fortunately, through a partnership with VDH, a community testing center (CTC) will be opened in the former Lord & Taylor store at Tysons, 7950 Tysons Corner Center starting tomorrow, January 12. This is one of 9 sites across the state that Governor Northam announced yesterday. The Fairfax site will be open 5 days/week and have a daily capacity of 500, initially. Our Health Department lab will be processing the PCR tests.
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A limited supply of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits will be available on tomorrow, January 12 at four Fairfax County Public Library regional branches. The tests, made available by Virginia Department of Health will be available at the Reston, George Mason, Chantilly and Sherwood regional libraries when they open at 10AM. Only 300 tests will be available at each branch. Because of the limited supply, tests are restricted to four per household while supplies last.
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Gallows Bridge Demolition
Demolition of the old Gallows Road Bridge over I-66 resumed earlier this week with demolition of the old bridge deck over I-66 East during the overnight hours through Sunday, January 16. The Gallows Road Bridge is being replaced as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. Drivers traveling on I-66 during this time should expect delays and should consider using alternate routes. More information here.
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I-495 Express Lanes NEXT Project
This month, geotechnical test borings will be performed in approximately 50 locations, including the Tysons area near/at Spring Gate Drive, for the 495 NEXT project corridor adjacent to the Capital Beltway. Depending upon weather and other factors, the borings are expected to be completed this spring.
Boring crews will try to preserve existing trees, but a limited number may need to be cleared in order to perform work safely. The borings will drill down approximately 30 to 75 feet to take samples of soil conditions that will guide design and construction. When boring rigs are in operation, moderate noise may occur.
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Joseph Willard Health Center Redevelopment |
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Fairfax City and Fairfax County are redeveloping the Joseph Willard Health Center and Sherwood Community Center sites into a single destination for health, wellness, fitness, child care and performing arts in downtown Fairfax. Located at the corner of Layton Hall Drive and Old Lee Highway, the new recreation and health service facility will be built in place of the current Willard Health Center and include a campus redesign that connects to the Sherwood Center. You are invited to offer input on various aspects of the design. You can do so either virtually or in-person. Visit here for more information.
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FCPS Superintendent Search |
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The Fairfax County School Board has contracted with the GR Recruiting Search Firm to conduct a search for the new superintendent, following the announcement of Dr. Brabrand’s departure at the end of his contract on June 30, 2022.
The search will be based on priorities and values identified during community engagement. As an important part of the process, the associates of GR Recruiting will be conducting Stakeholder Meetings with some parents and guardians, high school students, and community members on Wednesday, January 12, Thursday, January 13, and Tuesday, January 18.
The purpose of these meetings will be to gain insight into the characteristics and personality traits you would like to see in the new superintendent. Some meetings will be conducted in person and some via Zoom. Each stakeholder group meeting will last approximately 50 minutes and will consist of listening and capturing your thoughts and input through a series of questions. For more information and to register as an attendee, please visit here. You may also fill out this community survey.
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FCPL Modified Operational Hours |
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The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) system will be adjusting its operating status due to staffing impacts caused by the current surge and ongoing recruitment efforts. Effective the week of Sunday, January 16 all library branches will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. This modified schedule will be in effect through April 1, at which time libraries will revert back to their normal operating schedule. For more information, visit here. |
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NCS Facilities Modified Operational Hours |
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The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) will be adjusting its operating status due to staffing impacts caused by the current surge and ongoing recruitment efforts. Effective immediately, all NCS community centers and teen centers will be closing at 7PM Monday-Friday. Teen center drop-in sites are temporarily closed. All NCS facilities will be closed on Saturdays. It should be noted that there is no operating impact upon Senior Center hours or youth after-school programs offered by NCS. This modified schedule will be in effect until February 22, at which time NCS facilities will revert to their normal operating schedule.
For more information, visit here.
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Pathways Out of Poverty in NOVA |
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Tysons Interfaith (TI) coalition members, Lewinsville Presbyterian Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church of McLean are jointly sponsoring a series of virtual panel discussions on “Pathways Out of Poverty in Northern Virginia.” This second event of the series addresses financial empowerment.
This Pathways panel discussion on Sunday, January 16 at 3:30PM will examine one of the key barriers to escaping poverty in Northern Virginia: financial illiteracy, how poor borrowing practices and low credit scores limit the capacity of low-income residents to access everything from affordable housing and first-time home-owner mortgages to small business loans and consumer credit, and too often entrap many borrowers in a cycle of indebtedness from which they find it difficult to escape. The event will also illustrate how some organizations are transforming lives through financial mentoring and coaching to build money management skills. Other Pathways topics include:
- Free Community College Technical Training - March 2022
- Expungement Of Misdemeanor Convictions - May 2022
- Accessing Affordable Child Care - June 2022
To register as an attendee, click here
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Prepare to Care Virtual Webinar
If you are taking care of a family member or loved one, AARP can help you plan and prepare for the future in this caregiving program. No matter where you are in the journey of family caregiving – just beginning to anticipate a need, helping to coordinate a big move, or taking care of a family member full-time – having a good framework to help guide both you and your loved one will make the process easier. During this one-hour session on Saturday, January 22 at 11am, AARP will share a framework to help you make plans to care for friends, family members, or loved ones. You will have the opportunity to connect with other family caregivers, exchange tips and advice, and learn about resources available to you and your loved ones.
The webinar is free but registration is required.
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Retirement Planning: Strategies for Today and Tomorrow
Take charge of your financial future. Retirement planning doesn’t have to be daunting. Learn tips for determining if you are on track and learn practical strategies to help you achieve retirement peace of mind. It’s never too late to take charge of your financial future.
Tuesday, January 18, 7PM
Saturday, February 19, 9AM
Tuesday, March 8, 7PM
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Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities |
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Weekend of Service
Volunteer Fairfax is hosting a Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend of Service event. Plan now to participate in the 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend of Service virtually! For more information and access to the schedule, visit here.
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Mosaic Plunge
Polar Plunge is back at Mosaic, Saturday January 15, at noon. Gather your friends (and your nerves) and Go All In. Break out your swimsuit, because it’s time for a chilly pool plunge with several hundred of the coolest Special Olympics supporters in Northern VA! All proceeds supports Special Olympics Virginia. Details can be found here.
After you Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Virginia, drop by the FCPD recruitment bus at the Mosaic on from 11AM to 3PM. We are excited to meet motivated individuals interested in a career in law enforcement. Recruiters will be available to answer any questions you may have and even help you apply!
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Shop Local Saturday Market
Shop til you drop this Saturday at our first (of many!) Shop Local Saturday Market! Make 2022 a year to shop small and support local businesses!
When: Saturday, January 15 & 29, 12PM to 5PM
Where: The PARC at Tysons - 8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
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Sign Regulations Phase II
Interested in learning more about the current sign regulations and sharing how these regulations should be amended? Join county staff to learn about the regulations and enforcement of complaints, and to provide ideas for the county’s review of these regulations. Virtual community information sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, January 18 at 12PM and Thursday, January 28 at 7PM. More information about the upcoming sign meetings is included on this webpage. Please contact the Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314, TTY 711, or by email with any questions, feedback, and requests for reasonable accommodations.
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Plan Amendment Open House
On July 28, 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized the consideration of a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the relevant Policy Plan and Area Plan sections of the Plan to allow residential uses between the 60 and 65 DNL airport noise contour with commitments to noise mitigation measures, notification requirements, and construction techniques for any such uses. For more information, visit here.
Join a Virtual Community Open House:
When: Thursday, January 27 at 7PM
When: Saturday, January 29 at 11AM
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LCNV English Classes Enrollment Open
How to Sign-up:
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Start the sign-up process for Online Classes through January 28 by texting student’s 1) full name; 2) email address; and 3) first language to 1-844-413-1929 or CALL 703-237-0866
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Sign up for In-Person Classes through January 28 by attending any in-person registration event. Locations include: Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, James Lee Community Center, Lorton Senior Center, and William Ramsay Recreation Center.
Come prepared by completing and bringing a student profile form! Don’t forget to bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. For more information, and to see their flyer, visit here.
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Blood Donations Needed
Community blood supply in Northern Virginia is critically low. Without an increase in donors, the ongoing challenge of an insufficient blood supply will impact the treatment and care for patients and community members. Northern Virginia has an urgent need for blood donation. Please consider giving blood at an upcoming Inova blood drive – when you donate blood, you save lives. Giving blood takes less than an hour, saving three lives.
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Traveling Players
Upcoming classes and camps:
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2022 NVSWCD Annual Native Seedling Sale
On March 1, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) will begin accepting orders for their annual seedling sale through which we provide a low-cost source of native trees and shrubs to Fairfax County residents. All seedlings are native to Northern Virginia and were selected with advice from our friends at the Fairfax County Urban Forestry Management Division and Virginia Department of Forestry. Seedlings can be ordered on their website.
Two packages are available featuring shrubs and trees that were specially selected because of their value to native bees, but they also serve as valuable food sources for other wildlife. Proceeds from the seedling sale help support the stewardship and engagement programs offered by NVSWCD that also reinforce Fairfax County's environment vision. The first package is offered for $15 and includes two of each of the following:
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We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello.
Office Phone: (703) 560-6946
Email us HERE if you would like events included in our newsletter or you would like a member of our team to join your HOA meeting.
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