Dear Neighbor,
On Tuesday, October 18, I recognized Robbie Snow and Rafael Marin as 2022 Lord and Lady Fairfax of Providence District for their passion and dedication to giving back to our community. You may read about their contributions and service to our community below.
At Tuesday's Board meeting, the Board designated October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fairfax County. I am appreciative of the collective work our community is doing to prevent domestic violence such as raising awareness, providing resources to help and support survivors, and addressing the root causes of the problem. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence in a relationship, the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour hotline is here for you: 703-360-7273.
My office continues to receive complaints about the service of American Disposal. If you are experiencing an issue concerning missed service by American Disposal where you are requesting reimbursement for the missed service, please fill out the online complaint form to help us address this.
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My team and I walked around Circle Woods and were captivated by the beautiful fall foliage. |
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You can read about the following Providence District updates:
- Election Information
- Health and Human Services Updates
- Board Meeting Highlights
- 2022 Lord and Lady Fairfax of Providence District
- Providence Spotlight
- Green Corner
- Transportation and Land Use Updates
- Fairfax County Cooks: A Community Cookbook
- Cirque du Soleil in Tysons
- 2023 NVTC Transit Fellowship Program
- ArtsFairfax Pandemic Recovery Grant
- Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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What You Need to Know:
- Any registered Fairfax County voter may vote early at any Fairfax County early voting location
- If you received a ballot in the mail, you must bring it with you and surrender it to vote in person
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Curbside voting is available for eligible voters
- Dropboxes are available during satellite operating hours
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Health and Human Services Update |
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The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted is now available as a first booster dose for some people. To receive a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- 18 years old or older
- Completed primary series of an FDA authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago (e.g. Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines)
- Have not received a booster dose of any vaccine
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You are unable or choose not to receive an mRNA vaccine
Novavax vaccines are also available as primary series vaccines for people 12 years of age and older.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is offered by appointment at the Fairfax County Government Center or the Fairfax County South County Hyland Center vaccination clinics. Make an appointment here or call the Health Department’s call center at 703-324-7404.
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Inova Activated its Internal Emergency Operations Plan |
In response to increasing patient volume and strain on hospital capacity, effective Monday, October 24, Inova has activated its internal Emergency Operations Plan. Declaring emergency status allows Inova to better prioritize patient and team member safety, leverage operational efficiencies, and make decisions in a dynamic environment to better support the evolving needs of the community.
As part of this activation, Inova will stand up its Emergency Operations Center and Hospital Incident Command Centers, which are staffed seven days a week with a multidisciplinary team of clinical, infection prevention, emergency management and other key team members.
Inova Emergency Departments (ED), in particular, across the system are experiencing a significant surge in patient volume, due to an increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses (e.g. RSV, rhinovirus, influenza) and other illnesses. Many EDs are operating at capacity and for every patient discharged another is admitted.
In the meantime, we need the community’s support: get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19, and boosted for COVID-19 if you’re eligible. Continue to practice safety measures including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing as appropriate.
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The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax announces the 2023 Live Healthy Fairfax Awards! Nominate an individual, business, government or organization that has demonstrated exemplary, supportive leadership and action to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations in the Fairfax Community. Awards will focus on efforts in Behavioral Health, Healthy Eating and Healthy Environment and Active Living.
Submit your nominations by Dec. 15, 2022.
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The Board designated October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. |
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At Tuesday's meeting, the Board recognized the Glass Recycling Network for its service to the community, recognized Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Executive Director Chuck Bean for his service to the region, designated October 24, 2022 as Polio Awareness Day, and deisgnated October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
I presented the following Board Matters:
Prince William County has been working on a number of planning and
zoning issues, which as our neighboring jurisdiction, can affect Fairfax
County in a number of ways, including the quality of our drinking water
from the Occoquan Reservoir, our transportation network, and our
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2022 Lord and Lady Fairfax of Providence District |
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Robbie B. Snow joined the Arlington Boulevard Community Development, Org. (ABCD) in 2009 and has been the executive director since 2012. In 2003, Robbie began working with Providence Players of Fairfax at the James Lee Community Center where she assisted with costumes, hair, makeup, decorations and props and received recognition from The Washington Area Theater Community Honors. Robbie ran ABCD Summer Camp for 10 years, helped coordinate the Kingsley 4-H Club, revived the Kingsley soccer program, and organized health fairs. During the pandemic, she worked with other non-profits to bring food distribution, COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots to the Kingsley Community. |
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Rafael “Ray” Marin first came to the DC region in 1966. After his 30-year career with the Foreign Service, Ray joined George Washington University, where he codirected the Center for Latin American issues.
In retirement, Rafael has devoted much of his time to community and volunteer work. He believes strongly in educating the community, particularly our youth, of their rights and responsibilities as citizens in our democratic society. He was instrumental in persuading former Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth to develop an outreach program to engage the community about the functions and services of Fairfax County Government and how residents can engage as clients or advocates.
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On Tuesday, November 15th, from 7-8:30pm, I will be hosting round 2 of the Older Adults Roundtable which will be focused on transportation services and resources for older adults in Fairfax County. The event will be streamed live on Channel 16 and Facebook Live, and Spanish and Mandarin translation will be provided.
If you have any questions, please contact my office at [email protected] or 703-560-6946. |
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Dr. Melvin Murphy, a U.S Marine Corps veteran, is a 30-year resident of Fairfax, who has demonstrated his commitment, loyalty, and service to Fairfax County. Dr. Murphy is the Providence District Appointee to the Small Business Commission, and recently, he was appointed as the chair of the Small Business Commission. “To be considered one who can make a significant contribution is indeed flattering. I will continue the work of my predecessor, Marvin Powell, who served this commission honorably.” Dr. Murphy has also held positions on the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and the Consumer Services Board. Dr. Murphy has dedicated much of his time giving back to his community. Thank you, Dr. Murphy, for all you do for our community and for your dedication and unwavering commitment to Providence! |
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New Running Bamboo Ordinance, Effective January 1 |
Avoid the fine, don’t let running bamboo grow beyond your property line! Starting January 1, 2023, the new running bamboo ordinance goes into effect requiring property owners to maintain the invasive grass to their own property or incur penalties. Running bamboo is a fast-growing, invasive grass with a complex, horizontal root system called rhizomes that aggressively spread underground, as much as 15 feet per year. Once planted, running bamboo can eventually take over yards and travel across property lines. Running bamboo like many invasive plants can be destructive to the natural environment and suppress native plant species and even stifle forest regeneration by outcompeting young trees.
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It's almost time for our first Pumpkin Palooza and we're hoping you get on board to re-purpose your pumpkins when Halloween is over. Dispose of your decaying jack o'lanterns at I-95 Landfill Complex or I-66 Transfer Station. Composting stations are open seven days a week!
October 29 – November 13, 2022
- Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Land Use and Transportation Updates |
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SSPA Public Facilities Policy Plan Update |
Attend Virtual Meetings to Learn How the Public Facilities Are Planned and Reviewed – If you would like to learn how our public facilities are planned and how the county’s Public Facilities Element of the Policy Plan is being updated, please join a virtual meeting on November 2, 3 or 9. The Policy Plan’s Public Facilities Element provides recommendations as to where new public facilities like schools, libraries, community centers, police and fire stations are built. These policies guide agencies and decision makers on where and how to locate new and expanded facilities throughout the county.
As county staff works on this update to better serve community needs, public feedback is welcome and encouraged. After the virtual meetings this November, there will be additional opportunities for the community to provide input on any recommended changes.
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Updated Data Available on the Tysons Tracker |
The Tysons Tracker has been updated with new land use and development data from August 2021 through July 2022. The interactive online platform was launched last year to better showcase the monitoring data included in past Tysons Annual Reports. The Tysons Tracker provides users with a wide range of information about land use changes, transportation improvements, environmental stewardship, public facilities, parks, development activity, and implementation efforts in Tysons from August 2021 through July 2022.
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Metro Returns More Trains to Service |
On Tuesday October 25, Metro leaders welcomed the concurrence of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to gradually return all 7000-series railcars to passenger service.
"With this approval and close collaboration on the Silver Line extension safety report, Metro will be able to set an opening date in the near future,” said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke.
The revised railcar return to service plan allows Metro to place more 7Ks into passenger service. The increased availability of 7Ks will support opening the Silver Line extension before Thanksgiving and reduce crowding on the Red Line. The plan identifies specific timeframes and well-defined steps for Metro to return all trains for safe, reliable passenger service.
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Silver Line Opening by Thanksgiving |
Silver Line extension operationally ready to open for passengers by Thanksgiving. Date for opening now rests with Safety Commission concurrence on both Silver Line certification and new 7K Return to Service Plan.
After successfully completing two weeks of simulated service, Metro leaders said today that they will be able to open the extension to Dulles Airport Station in time for the start of busy Thanksgiving travel, subject to approvals this week from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) of two submissions -- a data-driven Return to Service Plan for 7000-series railcars, and a safety certification report of the Silver Line extension.
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Fairfax County Cooks: A Community Cookbook |
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Be part of a cookbook featuring our community's diverse traditions and stories from our community!
The Fairfax County Public Library is collecting recipes and the stories behind them for an eBook anthology Fairfax County Cooks: A Community Cookbook.
Recipes should be submitted online by November 23. Submissions will not be accepted by mail or in person. If your recipe is selected to be in this anthology, you will be contacted early December and will be invited to participate in the in-person “Cook and Share” library program (TBD on date and location). More information can be found here.
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Cirque du Soleil in Tysons |
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Cirque du Soleil has announced that its newest touring show: ECHO, will hold its U.S. Premiere in Fairfax County. This is the first time in Cirque du Soleil's history that the Washington, DC area will host the U.S. debut. The show will debut under the Big Top at Lerner Town Square in Tysons, VA on September 6, 2023.
ECHO, a brand-new show for the acrobatic company, will be first performed in Montreal, Canada before premiering in Tysons, kicking off the U.S. lef of the tour.
Use code VFAIRFAX to get exclusive pre-sale tickets between October 25-November 1. Public on-sale will start November 2.
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2023 NVTC Transit Fellowship Program |
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The Transit Fellow Program is an opportunity for current or future students with an interest in the transit industry and communications, public relations or marketing to gain valuable, real-world experience. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the NVTC communications staff to support the communications team and our programs – WMATA, Commuter Choice, Transit Resource Center or Transit Technology. We are seeking applicants to begin the Fellowship in January 2023 for three (3) to six (6) months.
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ArtsFairfax Pandemic Recovery Grant |
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Pandemic Recovery Grants respond to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing support to arts organizations as they build resilience and look to the future with programming, planning, and reimagining their work.
Through the Pandemic Recovery Grant Program, ArtsFairfax seeks to:
- Provide support for established and emerging arts organizations adversely affected by the pandemic.
- Contribute to the recovery of the arts sector in Fairfax County.
- Help sustain arts organizations that have not received County recovery funds previously.
- Support organizations led by BIPOC staff and/or presenting BIPOC artists.
- Support organizations that serve arts participants and audiences in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas of the County.
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Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities |
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Community Day at the Providence Community Center |
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You are invited to the Providence Community Day on Saturday, October 29 from 11am to 3pm to enjoy food, games, cake walk, photobooth, pumpkin painting, and more!
The doors to the Providence Haunted House will be wide open from
2pm to 6pm so get ready to be spooked! Entry fee will be a canned or non-perishable donation. An adult must accompany children younger than 12 years old.
For more details, call 703-865-0520.
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If you love Dogtoberfest and Bier-O-Ween, join Shipgarten on Sunday, October 30 from 1PM to 6PM for their final Oktoberfest event, Dog-O-Ween! This festival will be family friendly and free to attend! While the festival will of course revolve around our furry friends, there will be activities for adults and children of all ages.
Note: Shipgarten opens at 11AM & the festival runs from 1PM until 6PM. Restaurant closes at 2AM.
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On October 31, 9:30-11:30am, the Friends of Accotink Creek will lead an invasive removal expedition in the Accotink Gorge, an area of significant biodiversity and natural beauty threatened by severe infestation of noxious exotic wisteria.
They will be meeting at the treeline BEHIND Dos Amigos Restaurant, 7375 Boston Blvd. Springfield VA 22153.
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SHAPE the Future of Aging Town Halls |
Fairfax County, together with the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, is collecting input to learn more about the aging experience in our area to plan for a more aging-friendly community. Input will be collected during town hall meetings to inform the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, a strategic plan for aging services.
Town hall meetings will be held October 31, November 1, November 4 and November 10.
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Fairfax County Park Authority's PROSA Strategy |
Additionally, the PROSA Strategy will examine the following issues:
- Identify gaps in a 10-minute walk to access parks
- Evaluate complete park experiences
- Analyze habitat connectivity between environmental corridors
- Analyze and prioritize needs and projects through an equity lens
The Park Authority is seeking your input in this process. The public is invited to participate in upcoming virtual public workshops and help shape the future of our local park system. Join these engaging workshops to learn about the project and to provide your input and ideas. FCPA invites participants to preregister using the links below. Please note registration is optional and you can visit the project website the day of each workshop to participate.
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History Commission Conference |
Please join the History Commission for the 18th annual Fairfax County History Conference - We Are Fairfax County - on Saturday, November 5, from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
This theme will continue with the second of a four-part conference series – this year focusing on the immigrants of the early 20th century and the continued contributions of the African-American community. This will be focusing on German, Irish, Jewish and Italian heritage immigrants – the contributions they each have left on the fabric of this great county. This year's conference will be hybrid with the option of attending either in person or viewing the conference on Fairfax County Channel 16 television.
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Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling: Tour of Tysons |
Join FABB for a 8-mile bike ride of Tysons on Saturday November 5 starting at 10 a.m. to explore the new communities developing near the Silver Line stations and discuss Fairfax’s plans for connecting these communities with safer, more pedestrian and bike-friendly streets.
The bike ride will avoid major roads and ride on streets with relatively light traffic. There will be stops at several places along the way to discuss new transportation and development plans, point out areas that need improvement, and talk about FABB’s efforts to make Tysons more bike-friendly.
FABB asks that riders meet at 9:45am at the parking lot of Kilmer Middle School on 8100 Wolftrap Road in Vienna. The group will ride slowly to maintain its cohesion. If the group splits up, the ride will pause until everyone is back together. The route is not flat so be prepared to do some climbing. Helmets are required, and all riders must sign a liability waiver. Limited to 20 riders.
In the event of rain, the ride will be postponed to Sunday, November 13.
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Strands of Compassion Concert |
On Saturday, November 5, from 4-7 PM, Act for Climate Today (ACT!), Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS), and the Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry will present internationally-acclaimed concert artists Christoph Wagner, cellist, and Joanne Kong, pianist in “Strands of Compassion."
These activist virtuosos will weave together music, reflections, and imagery in an inspiring event that will illuminate how embracing the connections we have to the natural world and all beings can bring about transformative spiritual growth, positive change and planetary healing. This unique event will include beautiful music by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Liszt and others, plus selections from Saint-Saëns’ delightful Carnival of the Animals.
The program will be followed by a free international plant-based supper, including favorite foods from several ethnic and cultural traditions such as Indian, Mexican and soul food among others. In addition to being live in the Sanctuary, the program will be live-streamed here.
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Pre-holiday Pottery Sale at NOVA Annandale |
You'll find bargain prices on unique ceramic pieces at NOVA's Pottery sale on Wednesday, November 9 at the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College, on the patio outside the CA Building main level, 9:30am to 3pm.
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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Friday Sensations at the Providence Community Center is back!
Registration for classes will open Friday, November 4 - Friday, November 18. Spots fill up quick!
As a reminder, please bring socks with you for each appointment.
Please see flyer for class times or call: 703-865-0520 for more information and to register.
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Visual Experience, 2022 IASPAW Film Showcase
IASPAW (International Association for Self-Proclaimed Artists and Writers) is a non-profit that fosters global harmony through the arts. In collaboration with TaBois Galerie, this Film Showcase will present films by local filmmakers, dance performance, and a variety of artwork.
Early bird tickets on sale now, and early bird ticket holders who attend with receive a special gift with our compliments, along with free popcorn and non-alcohol beverages for children and seniors.
When: Thursday, November 10 at 11am
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Leadership Fairfax Youth Leadership Network Conference |
Leadership Fairfax is proud to present a 2-day Youth Leadership Network Conference on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12 at Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center, free for all Fairfax County youth ages 12 – 22. The conference will provide opportunities for Fairfax youth to connect with other young leaders, learn about new topics and expand their knowledge of leadership skills they can use in school, at clubs and on councils.
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Volunteer at Capital One Hall |
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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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