November 22, 2023

Dear Providence,


Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for all the neighbors who made this year's food drive another huge success. With your support and generosity, we collected over 1,600 food items that have been distributed to local food pantries . On behalf of the Providence community, thank you!

In the spirit of giving back, my office will collect new or gently used winter gear of all sizes beginning Monday, November 27th. With the cold weather quickly settling in, there are many in our community in need of warm winter gear. The collected items will benefit the Committee for Helping Others, Fairfax F.I.S.H., Second Story, and Lamb Center.


As a reminder, my office will be closed on November 23rd and 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Team Providence hopes that your celebration is filled with love and gratitude surrounded by loved ones.


With gratitude,

In this week's Palchik Post:

> Board Meeting Highlights

> Ways to Give Back

> Health and Human Services Updates

> What's New in Providence

> Green Corner

> Providence Spotlight

> Land Use and Transportation Updates

> Upcoming Events

Board Meeting Highlights

The Board designated November 15 as Fairfax Recycles Day.

At Tuesday's meeting, the Board designated November as Adoption Awareness Month, November 15 as Fairfax Recycles Day, and recognized Supervisor Gross for her contributions to the National Association of Counties (NACo) and her years of public service to the community. Additionally, Jennifer Girard was appointed as Performance Auditor to the Board.


I presented the following Board Matters:


The Board also took the following actions:

Providence District

  • Approved traffic calming measures as part of the Residential Traffic Administration Program on Glenbrook Road to be installed as soon as possible.


Countywide

  • Authorized the Fairfax County Police Department to apply for the Department of Criminal Justice Services' Combating Hate Crimes Grant program to fund Gesher Jewish Day School (Gesher), Little River United Church of Christ (LRUCC), Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCC), and Temple B’nai Shalom (TBS) to help assist in improvements to their locations to better secure their facilities to protect them against hate crimes in Fairfax County.
Access the Board package and meeting recording.

The Board recognized Supervisor Gross's contributions to the National Association of Counties.

Ways to Give Back

To prepare for the winter season, my office is hosting a Winter Gear Donation Drive beginning Monday, November 27th and you're invited to be a part of this heartwarming effort.


With the cold weather settling in, there are many in our community in need of warm winter gear. The collected items will benefit the Committee for Helping Others, Fairfax F.I.S.H., Second Story, and Lamb Center.


Donations can be dropped off at the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm. If you or your HOA/organization is interested in helping collect donations, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to coordinate with you.

More information about the Winter Gear Drive.

Help feed Fairfax County families in need without leaving the house. This year, giving has never been easier as the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus campaign has gone virtual. Individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County through November 30th.

More information about Virtual Stuff the Bus.

Would you like to wrap someone in warmth and remind them others care? The Adult and Aging Division of Fairfax County's Department of Family Services is seeking new throw/lap blankets to give to clients for this year's New Blanket Drive.


If you wish to make a difference by buying a blanket or more, please sign up using the link below. A confirmation email will be sent to you with additional instructions to ship or drop off new blankets by December 4th to the Area Agency on Aging.

Sign up to Participate in the Blanket Drive.

This holiday season, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, Fairfax Connector, and Transdev are partnering to collect new, unwrapped toys and coats for Fairfax County school children ages 5-10. Come show your support for kids in need and show them the power of community at the following Stuff-A-Bus locations.


Saturday, November 25th from 11 am to 3 pm

  • Wal-Mart, 7910 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria

Saturday, December 9th from 10 am to 3 pm

  • Fairfax County Gov't Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
More information about Stuff-A-Bus.

The Adopt-a-Family Program was developed to help children and families who are in need of clothing, food and toys for the holidays. Every fall the program begins taking donations to support families who are working with Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Children, Youth and Families Division.

Learn more about how you can help.

The Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services Division remains dedicated to assisting child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence. They are currently holding a Gift Card Drive and a Pajama Drive to distribute to the families they serve. Learn more below.

Health and Human Services Updates

Hypothermia Prevention Program


Since 2005, the Hypothermia Prevention Program has prevented death and serious injuries among Fairfax County's most vulnerable residents by ensuring that no one should sleep outside during the winter months. The program is available to any adult in need of immediate shelter.


The 2023-24 program will run from December 1st through March 31st, 2024. Hours of operation may vary per location.


If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the County's non-emergency police number at 703-691-2131. A police officer will conduct a wellness check. If you see an individual in distress, please call 911.

Find more information here.

Fairfax Area Student "Shark Tank" Technology Competition


Are you a student with an idea for a product or application that will make life easier or more enjoyable for an older adult? The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is issuing a challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. Initial project proposals are due by December 15. Cash prizes will be awarded by sponsor, INTEGRITYOne Partners. 

Find more information here.

Commission for Women's Biennial Report


The Fairfax County Commission for Women (CFW) advises the Board of Supervisors on policies and initiatives to promote gender equality, eliminate violence against women, and honor women and girls in Fairfax County. CFW recently published its biennial report which you can access below.

Find out more about CFW here.

Live Healthy Fairfax Awards


The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax (PFHF) invites nominations for the Live Healthy Fairfax Awards to recognize outstanding examples of policy, system and environmental change strategies supporting healthy practices to improve health and well-being of individuals as addressed in the Partnership’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

Find more information here.

Job Opportunities

Staff Aide to School Board Member


School Board Member Karl Frisch is seeking to hire a new staff aide to assist with constituent services, scheduling, meeting preparation, policy research, communications, and more. If you are interested, please review the job description and apply using the link below.

School Board Staff Aide Listing.

Fairfax County Career


Fairfax County is always hiring full-time and non-merit/seasonal staff. Check out the current openings and employee benefits using the link below.

Fairfax County Jobs.

What's New in Providence

LOVEwork at The PARC


Are you looking for the perfect winter-themed photo op for you and your loved ones? Look no further! The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s LOVEwork will be back at The PARC Patio from November 28th to December 5th. Come by The PARC and snap a festive photo with your family or friends in front of this iconic display.

Name Change for Oak Marr Sites


The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved of a name change for its Oak Marr facilities. Oak Park, Rec Center and Golf Center will now be called Oakmont Park, Rec Center and Golf Center respectively. The elimination of “Marr” from the name of these park facilities follows the county’s pattern of moving away from names and titles that glorify the Confederacy.

Read more.

Traveling Players Board Members


Are you inspired by Traveling Players’ mission to bring exceptional theatre education to students? They are seeking new board members to help lead Traveling Players into the future! Candidates with experience in marketing, nonprofit governance, fundraising, and finance are particularly encouraged to apply. Email [email protected] for more information.

School Board Approves New Name for W.T. Woodson High School


The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to rename W.T. Woodson High School during their meeting on November 9th. Starting in the school year 2024-25, the school will be known as Carter G. Woodson High School. The vote comes after two months of public engagement.

Read more.

Green Corner

Vacuum leaf service will continue until at least the 2025-2026 winter season following DPWES' postponement of a proposal submitted to the Board of Supervisors to discontinue the service following the upcoming 2023-2024 vacuum season. Residents who receive the service should have received information through the mail with a status update.

Read more.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is considering proposed fees for 2024 and is seeking community input. It is expected that an adopted 2024 Fee Schedule will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

Learn more and provide your feedback.

Food scrap collection will continue at regular Fairfax County Farmers Market locations and days, with adjusted drop-off times after the market closes, until December 20th. Please note that compost collection will not be available on Thursday, November 23rd in observance of Thanksgiving.

Find more information here.

The Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) seeks an Executive Director who has a passion for local climate action and climate justice. The Executive Director will lead FACS's growing organization, and manage staff, volunteers, and the budget. Also, the Executive Director cultivates relations with elected leaders, faith communities, funders, and our active Board of Directors.

Learn more and apply.

Providence Spotlight

Jeremy Hancock


Jeremy Hancock lives in the Providence District with his wife and his daughter. He recently stepped into the role as the Providence District’s representative on the Planning Commission in October.


Jeremy possesses a deep passion for civic engagement and connected communities. He most recently worked with neighborhoods across the district while being the President of the Providence District Council and President of his neighborhood civic association. Jeremy is an advocate for diverse transportation solutions, striving to cater to the varied needs of Fairfax County's residents. His impactful work includes spearheading initiatives to enhance pedestrian and bicycle pathways and ensuring safer access to public transportation and schools. Jeremy has also dedicated his time to Fairfax Families for Safe Streets and held pivotal roles on the Fairfax County Transportation Advisory Commission.


Professionally, Jeremy works in government relations and public policy with expertise in legislative and regulatory issues impacting financial services, housing, and small businesses. Jeremy has shown his deep dedication to community involvement and to ensuring the safety of our residents. Thank you, Jeremy, for your commitment and unwavering support to the Providence District!

Land Use and Transportation Updates

Fairfax Connector's Proposed June 2024 Service Changes


The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is still collecting feedback on the proposed June 2024 service changes to Fairfax Connector bus service on routes throughout the county to improve reliability, frequency, and connectivity for customers. The proposed service changes focus on Routes 335, 371, 494, 558, 559, and 598.

Learn more and provide your feedback.

New Capital Bikeshare Locations


Installations for eight Capital Bikeshare stations are planned in Providence District for December. Locations:

  • Dorr Ave. & Prosperity Ave.
  • Mission Square Dr. & Miranda Ct.
  • Tyco Rd. & Boyd Pointe Wy.
  • Old Meadow Rd. & Cathy Ln.
  • Route 29 & Circle Woods Dr.
  • Kingsbridge Dr. & Draper Dr.
  • Prosperity Ave. & Avenir Pl.
  • Old Meadow Rd. & Old Meadow Ln.

Updated Tysons Tracker


The Tysons Tracker, a crucial resource for monitoring the area's growth and development, now includes new projects from August 2022 to June 2023. The tracker showcases Tysons' land use, transportation, environmental stewardship, public facilities, parks, development, and implementation efforts.

Read more.

Landscaping & Screening Zoning Ordinance Amendment


The amendment will provide for a comprehensive review of the landscaping and screening provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, including parking lot landscaping, transitional screening, and barrier requirements.

Read more.

Upcoming Events

Date

Time

Location

Event Name

Wednesdays (through Dec. 20)

9:00 - 11:00 am

Oak Marr Rec Center

Food Scrap Collection

Fri., Nov. 24

6:00 - 9:00 pm

Mosaic District

Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa Firetruck Parade

Nov. 24 - Feb. 18

5:00 - 9:00 pm

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II

Winter Lantern Festival

Sat., Nov. 25

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Mosaic District

Santa's Magical Blizzard Foam Party

Tue., Nov. 28

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Zoom

Young Men's Panel

Nov. 30 - Dec. 3

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tysons Pimmit Regional Library

Book & Media Sale

Fri. Dec. 1

8:30 - 11:00 am

George Mason University

2023 NVTC-PRTC-VRE Legislative Forum

Sat., Dec. 2

12:00 - 5:00 pm

The PARC at Tysons

Winter Market and Seasonal Festivities

Sun., Dec. 3

9:00 - 11:00 am

Michael R. Frey Animal Shelter

Low-cost Vaccine and Microchip Clinic

Tues., Dec. 5

7:00 - 8:30 pm

Herndon Fortnightly Library

Unpacking Gender: How to Talk to Kids and Teens

Dec. 6 & 7

2:00 - 7:00 pm

Capital One Hall Tower Drive

Celebrate Fairfax Holiday pop-up (More to come)

Sat., Dec. 9

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Boro Tysons

Santa's Workshop Holiday Extravaganza

Thur., Dec. 14

9:00 - 11:00 am

Lorton Animal Shelter

Low-cost Vaccine and Microchip Clinic

Thur., Dec. 14

5:00 - 6:30 pm

Mosaic District

Community Menorah Lighting

Thur., Dec. 14

5:30 - 7:30 pm

The Aviary at The Watermark Hotel

Tysons Community Celebration

Dec. 16 & 17

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mosaic District

Holiday Village

Dec. 16 & 17

4:00 pm

Center for the Arts at George Mason University

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker

Providence District New Year Open House

Jan 24, 2024 05:30pm - Jan 24, 2024 07:00pm

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Jim Scott Community Center
3001 Vaden Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031
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Office Phone: (703) 560-6946

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