Dear Neighbor,
As the mom to a new baby girl, as an immigrant, and as a working professional, I am devastated that we have just taken a huge step backwards by overturning what had been the law of the land for almost half a century—especially for the most economically and socially vulnerable. At Tuesday's meeting, our Board directed staff to collect information about the reproductive healthcare resources and women’s health services available in the County through private, non-profit, and public sector organizations. Nothing has changed in Virginia (yet), and here in Fairfax, we will continue to do all we can to support women’s reproductive rights.
I want to thank all who attended and participated in the Blake Lane Safety Community Meeting on June 23rd. A recording of the meeting and all materials are now posted on my website. If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Group, please email me with your information. We are already working on the next steps of the safety improvements, which is to organize a road safety audit of the corridor with VDOT. We will share and post more information soon!
I also want to take a moment to thank all who joined our first Fam-mingle Friday! If you missed it, I will be hosting two more this summer.
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You can find the Providence District updates below in this newsletter:
- Providence Presents
- Board Meeting Highlights
- COVID-19 and Monkeypox Updates
- Wastewater Fee Changes
- Green Corner
- Know Your Local Government Survey
- Older Adults Roundtable
- Community Engagement Forums
- Fairfax Founders Fund
- Transportation Updates
- Moms in Motion - At Home Your Way
- Upcoming Events
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Welcome to the newly expanded Providence Presents! I am thrilled to announce that in addition to Nottoway Nights in Vienna, we’ve now added the Global Music & Dance in Falls Church. This new program will highlight local international arts groups, with a focus on dancing. All shows are free, outdoors, and appeal to all ages. Thank you to our corporate and private donors for making this event possible. If you would like to volunteer for the event, email us at [email protected] to coordinate. Join us to listen and dance to the world of music!
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At Tuesday's meeting, the Board recognized the members of the Joint Environmental Task Force for their work and contributions to the community. The Board also recognized Jane Miscavage for her service as a member of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees and contributions to the community. The History Commission presented their Annual Report and I am happy to share that we are including a new temporary position to help with the Historical Markers Project and others. Funds were located within the Department of Planning and Development budget and will come back for full funding in 2024.
Board Matters:
The Board approved authorizations for an economic opportunity reserve funding to the Tysons Partnership for Community Activation in the Providence and Hunter Mill Districts, and to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to continue and expand free student bus pass program on Metrobus.
The Board held public hearings and approved:
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SEA 99-P-34 (Tysons Park Place II, LLC) and Tysons Park, Inc. to permit an increase in building height and associated modifications to site design and development conditions in the Providence District.
- Amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Chapter 82, Motor Vehicles and Traffic sections.
- Effective July 1, 2022, Virginia law requires owners and drivers to operate their vehicles with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise. For motor vehicles, such exhaust systems shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment or a comparable design. A police officer can stop and enforce this law as a primary offense.
- A temporary uncodified ordinance that will provide for up to a two dollar per trip emergency taxicab fuel surcharge from June 29, 2022, through December 29, 2022.
- A proposed plan amendment 2020-CW-3CP, Airport Noise Policy.
To access the materials or watch the meeting on demand, click here. |
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COVID-19 and Monkeypox Updates |
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Children Under Age 5 Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccinations |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration met on June 16 and amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) authorizing children under age 5 to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Following this authorization, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on June 18 and now recommends vaccination for everyone over age 6 months to provide protection against the virus and to help stem community spread.
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Monday, June 27th, VDH announced the second presumed monkeypox case in a Virginia resident. Testing was completed at the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services and confirmed Orthopoxvirus infection. Confirmatory Monkeypox virus testing will be performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More information can be found here. |
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Hauled Wastewater Charges |
As of July 1st, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Wastewater Availability Charges (including the fixture unit rate) for residential and commercial permits will be increasing based on the adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Any outstanding Availability Charge payments from FY 2022 that are not paid by June 30, 2022, will be recalculated according to the new rate for FY 2023. All wastewater fees paid from June 28 - June 30 must be processed at the Wastewater Management Office located in suite 358 of the Government Center main building. Please see above for the new rates (FY 2023) that will be implemented at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
For more information, click here. |
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Only Rain Down the Drain! |
Recently 350+ drains were labeled around Oakton in the Providence district (mainly around Borge St Park, Blake Ln Park, metro, Oakton HS, along Blake Ln, across from Oakton ES)
Many residents don't realize storm drains flow directly into the closest stream, not into a sewer or filtration system, so they assume anything that goes into the curb inlets is filtered/cleaned. Only rain down the drain!
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2022 Environmental Excellence Awards Call for Nominations |
The call for nominations for the 2022 Environmental Excellence Awards is now open! If you know of an individual or organization who deserves recognition for their accomplishments in the past year, consider submitting a nomination. The awards celebrate those who advance or support the county's environmental goals and policies, those who dedicate personal time or expertise beyond their normal fiscal or civic responsibilities, and those who demonstrate leadership as a role model for others. To learn more and submit a nomination by the July 15 deadline, please click here.
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Know Your Local Government Program |
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In a joint effort with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, I am excited to announce that I will be hosting a "Know Your Local Government" Program in the coming months. This is a program that is designed to allow members of the Providence Community to learn about the wide variety of work that local government does here in Fairfax County. These workshops will be geared towards all ages and any level of expertise! So whether you are a local government expert or new to the entire process, this workshop is for you!
In order to design a program that best fits the interests of our community, we are asking you to fill out a survey that will ask you about which topics within local government you are most interested in learning more about.
The a survey is offered in seven different languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Somali, Korean, and Vietnamese. Please take a minute to fill out this short survey so we can get insight as to what our community is most interested in learning about.
Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you all later this year.
Scan the QR code to access the surveys or visit here. |
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Older Adults Roundtable with Supervisor Palchik |
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On Thursday, July 28th, I will be hosting a virtual Older Adults Roundtable discussion focusing on the importance of caregiving; touching on the challenges faced and resources available to caregivers and older adults in Fairfax County. For additional information or any question you may have, please contact my office at (703) 560-6946 or email us at [email protected]. |
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Community Engagement Forums |
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The Department of Neighborhood & Community Services is pleased to host 3 Community Engagement Sessions regarding the new 2 level NCS Community Center that will be built in Tysons Corner in 2024. During these sessions, residents will have to opportunity to learn about the history of this unique development, view floor plans, and most importantly share what type of programs and services they would like to see offered at this site.
The sessions will take place on:
July 14th (virtual) 10:30am-12pm
July 21st (virtual) 6:30pm-8:30 pm
July 28th 6:30 pm-8:30 pm- this session will be in-person at The PARC at Tysons (Childcare, light refreshments and limited transportation will be provided.)
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Fairfax Founders Fund will provide early capital to startup companies in Fairfax County. The fund will target early-stage technology companies with technical assistance grants of up to $50,000 to help them prepare for later stage investments.
Fairfax County expects the fund will bolster economic development by growing local innovation-based businesses. It will also foster the startup ecosystem by connecting young businesses with funding, local programs, and partners. Recipients will be able to use the resources for commercialization and market entry, including but not limited to prototype development, market intelligence, or technology validation. The County will allocate $1,000,000 from its Economic Opportunity Reserve Fund to capitalize the pilot program.
Potential funding recipients include companies located in Fairfax County who market an early stage, high growth product or service that has potential for future institutional investment. Applicants must provide a 50% match, which can be in capital or ‘sweat equity’, and provide progress reports over a 5-year timeframe.
Targeted outreach will focus on recruiting women, people of color, veterans, and other underrepresented groups in the technology-based business community. Studies by the Kaufman Foundation have shown that although diverse teams create more profitable companies, women, Latinx, and Black populations are underrepresented as start-up executives. As part of its commitment to “One Fairfax” the county is focused on promoting this program to diverse groups.
Rollout is expected in 3rd quarter and more information, including how to apply, will on the Fairfax County website at that time.
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Metro's 4th of July Hours |
As people across the region prepare to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, Metro is also preparing to get people to and from July Fourth activities and fireworks. Trains will operate regular weekday service on all lines, with supplemental service on the Red Line and trains positioned throughout the system to provide extra capacity when needed.
Downtown where stations are served by multiple lines, as well as the Red Line, trains will arrive every 6-8 minutes. Off-peak fares will be in effect and parking will be free at all Metro parking facilities and garages.
Metrorail closes at midnight. Check the station page for last train information which varies by station. Metrobus may also provide a convenient option as an alternative to rail. Use Metro's trip planner, enter July 4 as your travel date and select travel by bus to view the options available.
You can find more information here. |
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Metro's Silver Line Extension |
We just got w-ORD that the Silver Line Extension is around the corner! Metro declared the project reached Operation Readiness (ORD). Now, Metro will conduct extensive safety training and testing, and the official opening date will be set. Learn more about the project, stay up to date, and sign up for their newsletter by visiting wmata.com/silverline
For more information, click here. |
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Fairfax Connector Electronic Bus |
Fairfax Connector officials, by year’s end, aim to begin a pilot program featuring electric buses on eight routes in central Fairfax County – and are gearing up for a similar effort in the county’s southern reaches. The transit system already has made progress on the program, installing chargers and transformers at the electric buses’ facility in June and making other modifications there. Officials expect the bus manufacturer to start producing the electric buses in late July, said Pelfrey during a June 14 briefing of the Board of Supervisors’ Transportation Committee. Bus deliveries, operator training and maintenance support will begin in October and the pilot program is slated to begin service in December after the manufacturer delivers the final buses.
For more information, visit here. |
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Moms in Motion - At Home Your Way |
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Caring for someone with disabilities can be very rewarding... but can also be very exhausting, especially if you are doing it alone.
Does your loved one need therapies or medical supports, but you can't afford it? Do you need a little relief in taking care of them? Are you frustrated that navigating disability services is so complex and don't know what questions to ask? Your loved one may qualify for disability services that you didn't even know exist! These services can help you pay for the things they need, and to give you the break you need to help with their care. We at Moms In Motion have navigated disability services for 12 years. We can help you access the Answers & Help you need to care for your loved one and to pay for their needs. Why? Because everyone should be able to have a fulfilling quality of life.
Get the support you need physically, financially, and emotionally and contact us today. Email us at info.momsinmotion.net or call (800) 417-0908. More information can be found here.
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Latino Conservation Week is from July 16-24, 2022. Fairfax County will be celebrating the Latino community’s love of nature. Modeled after the Hispanic Access Foundation’s Latino Conservation Week, the Fairfax County Park Authority together with Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Defensores de la Cuenca, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, and other community partners will provide free bilingual (English/Spanish) conservation-themed programs, nature activities and recreational opportunities at parks around the county throughout the week.
To kick off the week, there will be activities at three parks on July 16, including Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Frying Pan Farm Park and Eakin Park. There will be a capstone event at Justice Park on July 24. Other Fairfax County Park Authority parks and partners will also offer programs that embrace Latino Conservation Week themes, while working with the Latino community. For more information, visit here.
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Crescendo Studios will be having a block party on Saturday, July 2nd from 4PM-11PM where there will be live performances, open mic, Karaoke, dj, food, and more! This is a free and family friendly event! |
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Fairfax City Independence Day Parade |
The Independence Day Parade in Fairfax City will be taking place on
Monday, July 4 from 10am-12pm. It will begin at Old Town Fairfax, and will be held rain or shine. Please see the Fairfax City Independence Day Parade map that is provided to see the set up of events.
For more information, click here. |
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Our next Fam-mingle will be taking place on Friday, July 22nd from 3:30-6pm. Come out and mingle with the community while indulging in some food and games! |
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Crescendo Studios - Thursday Mic Live |
Do you have a song you want to share with the world? Need a place to workshop your next single? You can premiere it at Crescendo Mic Live, where they have Thursday Mic Live every week from 8pm to midnight!
For more information, or to get tickets, click here.
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Every week on Thursday evening until August 25th, from 7-9:30PM, there will be a film playing at Mosaic- Strawberry Park.
To see the list of films being show, or for more information, click here.
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Applications are currently open for the next Fairfax Poet Laureate. This position is a high honor and an opportunity for a Fairfax County poet to actively engage their community in poetry. Applications due July 30. Visit ArtsFairfax.org/Poetry.
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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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