September 18, 2020
Dear Providence Residents, 

The Board is back in action and we had a full agenda at Tuesday's Board Meeting, which concluded at 2:15am. I was proud to make the motion for the removal of the John Quincy Marr statue at the old Fairfax County Courthouse. This monument no longer reflects the values of our richly diverse community, where all residents deserve an equitable opportunity to succeed. The Board also took important steps on safe gun measures, employment discrimination, and funding for FCPS and the RISE business grant program. The full Board package is available here.

You can find the following Providence District updates in this week's edition of the newsletter:
  • News From This Week's Board Meeting
  • Early Voting Begins Today!
  • Get Involved: Featured Community Events
  • Watch Our Community Conversation in Spanish: La Charla
  • Transportation Updates
  • Volunteers Needed for Tutoring Vulnerable Students

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and well.

With Gratitude, 
Supervisor Dalia Palchik 
News From This Week's Board Meeting
Gun Regulations on County Property
  • The Board voted 9-1 to ban weapons from Fairfax County owned buildings, parks, recreation centers, and community centers. This action was widely supported by Fairfax residents.
Fairfax Confederate Monuments
  • I was proud to make the motion for the removal and relocation of the John Quincy Marr monument that stands in front of the old Fairfax County Courthouse. This passed in a 9-1 vote. The County will offer the items to museums, historical society, government, or military battlefields for a period of 30 days.
Fairfax RISE Grant Program
  • The Board allocated an additional $12 million to fund eligible small businesses and nonprofits that applied to the Fairfax RISE grant program. This passed with a 10-0 vote. The Board previously approved $46 million to be able to fund as many organizations as possible.
Employment Discrimination
  • The Board approved the prohibition of discrimination in private employment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. This passed with a 10-0 vote.
FCPS Funding
  • The Board approved the allocation of $20.1 million of CARES Act funding for FCPS's response to COVID-19. This passed in a 9-0 vote, with Supervisor Herrity not present. The funding will cover health and safety expenses, such as cleaning supplies and PPE, and technology needs. 
Early Voting Begins Today!
Early Voting & Absentee In-Person Voting
Early Voting & Absentee In-Person Voting Begins TODAY September 18 at the Fairfax County Government Center

Satellite locations will not open until October 14 (including the Providence Community Center)
Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 2/3

September 18-October 13
(Closed Monday, October 12)
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

October 14 - October 31
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

ADDRESS:
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Suite 323
Important Election Dates
On Election Day Polls Are Open From 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Important Dates:
  • September 18: Absentee in-person/early voting begins at the Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA
  • October 13: Voter Registration Deadline. In-person: 5:00 p.m., online: 11:59 p.m.
  • October 23: Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail, 5:00 p.m.
  • October 31: Final day for absentee in-person/early voting, 5:00 p.m.

Returned Ballots:
  • November 3: Deadline to hand deliver absentee ballots to Office of Elections is 7:00 p.m.
  • November 6: Deadline for mailed absentee ballots to be received by Office of Elections is 12 p.m. (noon). Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3

Get Involved: Featured Community Events
zMOD Community Meeting Sept. 30th 7:00pm
Do you have questions about the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD)?

Join this virtual community outreach meeting at 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 30th on FB Live


The proposed ordinance changes are intended to modernize the ordinance in order to better serve residents. This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions and provide feedback on the zMOD Consolidated Draft.
Topics Addressed:

  • What is an Accessory Living Unit (ALU) ?

  • Will it be easier for residents to establish a home based business in their home?

  • What can I build in my back yard? 

Submit your questions to Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov

View zMOD Resources HERE

blueprint_house_sketch.jpg
Providence District Council Meeting Sept. 23rd 7:30pm
You're invited: Help the Providence District Council set priorities for the year!
The Providence District Council, a non-partisan organization of community associations in the Providence District, will be hosting a virtual meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd.  Join in for an interactive discussion on policies and issues in Fairfax County and help set the council's priorities for the year. Learn more about the Providence District Council at www.pdcfairfax.org

Providence District Council’s (PDC) September Kick-off Meeting
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23rd 
Time: 7:30p.m
Join Zoom Meeting (link active on 9/23)
Meeting ID: 872 9972 9679
Passcode: 324873
Stuff the Bus Food Drive on Saturday, Sept. 26th
Donate on Saturday, September 26th from10am - 3pm at the
Providence Community Center and James Lee Community Center
Una Charla Con Nuestra Comunidad de NoVA
I was honored to host the first Fairfax County community conversation held completely in Spanish on Wednesday night: Una Charla Con Nuestra Comunidad de NoVA. I was heartened by the comments and engagement from the Latinx community. This was a meaningful opportunity for me to listen and hear about the issues you care about most, and I thank all of you who attended and contributed to the conversation.
Muchisimas gracias to our compassionate speakers and community advocates who joined us:





Behind-the-scenes tech preparation for La Charla
Transportation Update
What’s happening on Route 50 near Prosperity? 

Design work is underway for a new sidewalk and bus stop accessibility improvements on the north side of Route 50. 

The right-of-way procedure begins next spring, and bids will be let the following year with the project scheduled for completion, December, 2022. 

For more information on this or any other roadway construction, please contact our office at Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Go Car Free Tuesday, September 22nd!

Fairfax County is asking commuters who normally drive alone to go car free on Tuesday, September 22. Fairfax County residents who take the Car Free Pledge are eligible for special raffle prizes. The annual Car Free Day is organized in more than 2,000 cities in 46 countries around the world, with the common goal of reducing the number of cars on the roads to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality. 
Volunteers Needed for Tutoring Vulnerable Students
GrandInvolve has partnered with FCPS since 2014 to place the active older adult volunteers in Title 1 classrooms as tutors. The decision from FCPS to provide distance learning has significantly increased the need for virtual tutors.  

If you are interested in exploring virtual volunteer opportunities, or if you would be willing to use your knowledge and experience in a leadership capacity, email info@grandinvolve.org, or visit www.grandinvolve.org.
Contact Us
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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