December 6, 2023

Dear Providence,


I would like to invite you to the Inauguration Ceremony on Wednesday, December 13th for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Constitutional Officers, and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Directors. This is a good opportunity to meet your representatives and I hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed on Channel 16.


As it gets colder, many of our most vulnerable residents and neighbors need our support. In this newsletter, you will find several opportunities where you can help including our Winter Gear Drive and Tampon Tree.


In addition, the County's Hypothermia Prevention Program is open to adults in need of immediate shelter every day through March 2024. The program provides warm shelter, food, and other services. If you see someone at risk for hypothermia, call 703-691-2131.


If you are looking for things to do this holiday season, check out Visit Fairfax's December Guide and Hanukkah events. Are you looking to get some holiday shopping done? The Made in Fairfax Directory makes it easy for you to discover and support local businesses! If you prefer to stay cozy at home, check out these home-preparedness tips to stay safe this winter.


Lastly, if you attended Tysons Community Alliance's inaugural Fall Mixed Market, please take a minute to fill out this survey to share your feedback!


With gratitude,

In this week's Palchik Post:

> Board Meeting Highlights

> Ways to Give Back

> Health and Human Services Updates

> Youth Corner

> Green Corner

> Land Use and Transportation Updates

> Upcoming Events

Board Meeting Highlights

The Board recognized McLean High School Girls Softball Team.

At Tuesday's meeting, the Board designated the McLean High School Girls Softball Team for their state championship and recognized retiring elected officials, including outgoing Board members Penny Gross and John Foust, for their service to the community.


I presented the following Board Matters:


The Board also took the following actions:

Countywide

  • Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing on February 6th, 2024 on a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment related to Outdoor Dining.
  • Approved a resolution endorsing projects for submission to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission for FY 2025-26 I-66 Inside the Beltway Choice Program which includes Capital Bikeshare expansion around the Vienna Metro Station and Dunn Loring Metro Station.
  • Approved funding allocations for pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects and maintenance.
Access the meeting materials here.

The Board recognized Supervisors Gross and Foust for their contributions to the community.

Ways to Give Back

To prepare for the winter season, my office is hosting a Winter Gear Donation Drive through January 12th 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 Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov and we will be happy to coordinate with you.

More information about the Winter Gear Drive.

Help make a difference by donating essential menstrual supplies such as tampons and pads. My office is hosting a Tampon Tree through December 29th and we encourage you to drop off your donations at the Providence District Office, 3001 Vaden Drive.


Collected items will support Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters (BRAWS.)

Help make the holidays a little brighter for Oakton High School students who are in need and their families. Please check out their holiday wish list and consider signing up to provide gifts to be dropped off at Oakton High School on Monday, December 11th between 7:30 am to 10 am.

Find more information here.

Santa's Ride has been collecting toys to be donated to area hospitals and local charities. Help the County's Police Department spread the joy by donating new and unwrapped toys, books, or games at any police district station through December 11th.

The Mason Police District Station is collecting new toys and pajamas through December 14th. Help Officer Gary Claus spread joy in our neighborhoods that could use an extra dash of happiness!

The County's Fire and Rescue Department is participating in the 2023 Toys for Tots Campaign which collects new unwrapped toys to be distributed to children in need. You can drop off your donations at any fire station through December 17th.

Fire Station Locator.

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 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.

Find more information here.

George Mason Provides Mental Health Services for the Community


Mason’s new Center for Community Mental Health, located at 9900 Main Street, suite 400, Fairfax, VA, provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans. The center’s Emotional Help Line provides FREE, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Learn more.

New Healthy Communities Dashboard


In support of the County's Strategic Plan, a new Healthy Communities dashboard has been launched. The dashboard focuses on metrics that will be monitored throughout the implementation of the plan and that will inform future decision-making.

View the dashboard and learn more.

Urgent Need for Blood Donors


Multiple traumatic incidents and other medical emergencies have left Inova's blood inventory for Type O blood critically low. They are in need of all blood types, but a boost to the supply of Type O will help patients in need significantly. Call 1-866-256-6327 or visit the link below to schedule an appointment.

Inova Website.

Youth Corner

Hot Wheels Champion


The Hot Wheels Champion Experience is racing into Tysons Corner Center this month! Hot Wheels Champion Experience combines exhilarating digital and hands-on play in a 16,000 sq ft immersive environment. Visitors of all ages will imagine, create, and experience Hot Wheels like never before.

Learn more and get your tickets.

Teens in Action


Winter break is coming up and the Teens in Action program will be available to offer recreational activities for youth ages 12-18. Free nutritious lunches and snacks are served.

Learn more.

Puppet Show Coming to Frying Pan Farm Park


Join Master Puppeteer Bob Brown in a jolly, fun-filled romp through a winter wonderland as his delightful trick marionettes perform incredible feats of skill and daring that will leave your young audience shouting with laughter! Fun and fantasy – mirth and merriment, giggles and amazement all mixed together to the sound of your favorite holiday music.

Get your tickets.

Santa Claus is Coming to Parks!


A dash of sparkle, a pinch of holiday spice, and a sprinkle of magic — find this recipe for the perfect holiday in Fairfax County parks this season. The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting events perfect for one and all.



Enjoy holiday decorations, gather around the campfire, stargaze, birdwatch, meet Santa, find the perfect holiday gift, don a tacky holiday sweater for a skate/dance party, take a tour by candlelight or lanternlight, or take part in a magical round of mini golf.

Holiday events in the parks.

Green Corner

The popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest returns for 2024! Grab your coats and cameras and join the fun on New Year's Day along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails.


To participate, visit any FCPA trail on January 1st, 2024, take a photo to commemorate the experience, and submit it online before noon on Tuesday, January 2nd.

First Hike Fairfax 2024 Details.

Two-Degree Challenge


Heating your home can take a lot of energy, which often means higher electricity or natural gas bills over the fall and winter months. The U.S. Energy Information Administration has estimated that over 40% of annual energy consumption in American homes is for heating.

Why you should take the "Two-Degree Challenge."

Tips for a Greener Holiday Season


Did you know that the average American household creates 25% more waste during the holiday season? This is the perfect time of year to add a couple of easy, green traditions to your festivities!


  1. Choose reusable or recyclable wrapping for your gifts. Reusable wrapping could be a basket, a decorative fabric wrap, or a previously used gift bag.
  2. If you find broken holiday lights, take them to your nearest MOM’s Organic Market for recycling instead of throwing them away! They are accepting all holiday lights - working or non-working - until January 31st.
  3. Heading to a holiday party? Remember to bring your food storage containers to take home leftovers. You can also use your extra food storage containers that have been clogging up your cabinets to give away homemade treats.
  4. Are you trying to decide whether to put up a real or fake Christmas tree? This is a tough environmental question, but ultimately, real trees are the better choice. Check out Clean Fairfax's blog article on the topic. Buy locally to support Virginia Christmas tree growers and to reduce transportation miles. Find a Christmas tree farm near you
  5. Looking for a zero-waste gift idea? How about a donation to a local green organization, like our friends at Fairfax ReLeaf? You can multiply your donation if your employer offers a match, or opt for regular, sustaining monthly donations through options such as the Combined Federal Campaign (Fairfax ReLeaf CFC# 27737).


If you have questions about reducing waste this holiday season, check out the Clean Fairfax website or send a note to cfc@cleanfairfax.org.

Land Use and Transportation Updates

Guide to Snow


The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for removing snow and ice from the thousands of miles of public roads (interstate, primary, and secondary) in Fairfax County. Clearing is done on a priority basis, with interstates and high-volume roads cleared first. Once the most heavily traveled roads and emergency routes are adequately clear, snow crews move to less-traveled roads and subdivisions.

 

Resources:

Parking Reimagined Implementation


On September 26th, the Board repealed and replaced Article 6 of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance. Article 6 contains the off-street parking and loading regulations for land development in the county.


The new ordinance was adopted following a two-year study of Fairfax County's parking regulations to update and modernize these requirements to incorporating current and future parking trends.

Learn more about Parking Reimagined.

Code Compliance Corner


The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) enforces rules in response to nearly 9000 complaints about property violations each year throughout the County.

Learn more about DCC.

Upcoming Events

Date

Time

Location

Event Name

through Dec. 10

Varying times

Traveling Players Studio

Commedia Christmas Carol

Wednesdays (through Dec. 20)

9:00 - 11:00 am

Oak Marr Rec Center

Food Scrap Collection

through Dec. 23

after 5:00 pm

Neighborhoods around McLean

Santa Tour on McLean VFD's Antique Fire Engine

Thur., Dec. 7

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Zoom

Fairfax Kinship Support Group

Dec. 8 - 10

Varying times

Old Town Square

Holiday Market

Sat., Dec. 9

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Audrey Moore REC Center

Holiday Health Fest

Sat., Dec. 9

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Difficult Run Stream Valley Park

Habitat Restoration

Sat., Dec. 9

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Fairfax Government Center

Fairfax Connector's Winterfest and Santa Bus

Sat., Dec. 9

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Boro Tysons

Santa's Workshop Holiday Extravaganza

Mon., Dec. 11

7:15 pm

Cinema Arts Theater

Movie Night with Fairfax Food Council: "Common Ground"

Wed., Dec. 13

6:00 pm

Fairfax Government Center

Inauguration Ceremony

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

Sat., Dec. 16

1:00 - 6:00 pm

Shipgarten

Holiday for the Hounds

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

Sat., Jan. 20

12:00 pm

Mosaic District

Polar Plunge

through Feb. 18

5:00 - 9:00 pm

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II

Winter Lantern Festival

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

EmailProvidence@fairfaxcounty.gov

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