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| Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova |
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| Sign up for the Bulova Byline
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| Did You Know? |
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George Mason's Green Machine pep band performed at Game Five of the World Series!
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| Stay Connected |
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Email
Website
Office
(703) 324-2321
Please contact my office with any comments, questions, concerns or ideas.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Greetings,
November has arrived and, for state and local government officials, election season is in ultra-full throttle. If you've never been involved in a political campaign you can't fully appreciate what this feels like.
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| The ghosts of campaigns past! |
Campaigns are epic journeys. They usually start out a bit messy and disorganized, scary even. At least, that's how they've been for me. Sage advice for candidates considering a run for office: have five people in your camp "who would die for you." Among these five people are volunteers and supporters who come together to assume roles within the campaign. As the journey unfolds, issues come more sharply into focus. Within your team, leaders emerge, and characters develop. Funny things happen. Sad things happen. There is aggravation and euphoria.
By late October, the campaign is entering its final stretch and the anticipation is palpable. Yards have sprouted campaign signs. Candidates and canvassers can be identified by their worn-out shoe leather and bruised knuckles. Candidate forums and rallies consume every waking hour. Campaigns are a lot of work. But, ah! It's almost over. Time to vote.
Please vote!
This is the first time in my thirty-one-year political career that I haven't been on the ballot during what some refer to as an "off-off" election year, a year when turnout is traditionally lower than any other election cycle. It shouldn't be. Local government is the level of government closest to the people. It affects your life every day.
Fairfax County provides a world class education for our children and makes sure our streets and neighborhoods are safe. We inspect restaurants and grocery stores to ensure that food is safe to eat. When we turn on the faucet to wash or cook, clean water pours out thanks to local government. In Fairfax County we are proud of our nationally acclaimed park system and fantastic libraries. While I will be retiring at the end of this term, I am pleased that so many excellent candidates have stepped up to the plate to run for open seats or reelection.
I have many fond memories of campaigns past, but one is especially sweet. It was 1991 and I was running for a second term as the newly re-named Braddock (formerly Annandale) District Supervisor. My opponent was Red Jenkins, a popular teacher and basketball coach at Woodson High School. Audrey Moore, who had been my mentor and predecessor, was being challenged for her Chairman seat by Mason Supervisor Tom Davis. Audrey had been a fantastic Annandale District Supervisor but her four years as Chairman had not gone well. I had been picking up signs of voter discontent throughout the campaign and, in fact, a Republican tsunami was about to come crashing down.
It was dusk the night before the election and I was trying to get in a few more doors in the Wakefield precinct when, much to my surprise, I spotted Red Jenkins, also knocking on doors, a few houses away. We both laughed and walked to the sidewalk. We chatted about some of our experiences on the campaign trail and thanked each other for what had been a civil race. Then we called it a day. Needless to say, not all political races are as collegial. Maybe that's why this one stands out in my memory.
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Rain or shine, you should always vote in your local elections!
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On November 5th, Audrey Moore was defeated in a Republican landslide. I survived by a slim majority. Good thing I knocked on those last few doors!
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Sincerely,
Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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| Election Day 2019 Information | November 5 |
In Virginia, every year is an election year. This year, Election Day is
on Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open countywide from 6 am to 7 pm. This election will decide the Virginia Senate, House of Delegates, Soil and Water Directors, and seats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board. Visit the County elections website to find out what's on your ballot, where to vote, photo ID requirements, and more. Absentee voting ends November 2 at 5 pm.
Election Day Information and Resources
- Polls are open from 6:00am to 7:00pm.
- Vote in your regular polling place.
- If you are in line when the polls close, you can still vote.
- You need a photo ID (see below or click here).
- People are encouraged to report issues they see immediately to an election officer at the polling place or to contact the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776 or [email protected].
- For accessibility issues call 703-324-4735.
Acceptable Forms of Valid Identification:
- Virginia driver's license
- Virginia DMV-issued photo ID
- United States passport
- Employer-issued photo ID
- Student photo ID issued by a school, college, or university located in Virginia
- Other U.S. or Virginia government-issued photo ID
- Tribal enrollment or other tribal photo ID
- Virginia Voter Photo ID card
As a Virginia Voter, you have the following rights:
- To be treated with courtesy and respect by the election officials.
- To be notified if your voter registration has been accepted or denied.
- To vote if you have registered at your current address at least 22 days before Election Day.
- To seek help from the election officials if you are unsure about anything relating to the voting process.
- To be given a demonstration of how the voting equipment works.
- To have your paper or optical scan ballot voided before it is cast and be given a new one if you want to change your vote.
- To change your touch screen ballot before it is cast.
- To enter the full name of a write-in candidate if the candidate of your choice is not on the ballot (except in party primaries).
- To have a ballot brought to your vehicle instead of entering the polling place if you are 65 years of age or older, or if you are physically disabled.
- To have an officer of election or other person help you vote if you are physically disabled or unable to read or write (or need the ballot translated into another language). Blind voters may have any person assist them. Other voters may have anyone who is not their employer or union representative assist them.
As a Fairfax County resident in Northern Virginia, many elected officials represent you at the federal, state and local levels of government. Check out some "fast facts" about who represents you locally:
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Who Represents You in Fairfax County?
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| Congratulations, Washington Nationals! |
Congratulations to the Washington Nationals on winning the 2019 World Series!
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| Baileys' Shelter and Supportive Housing Ribbon Cutting |
On October 24, a ribbon cutting ceremony
 was held to celebrate the completion of the new Bailey's Shelter and Supportive Housing facility. This building replaces an older community shelter, which was in need of facility updates and repairs. The Community Shelter is operated by New Hope Housing and supported by County agencies like the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. This new 23,000 square foot shelter includes the following amenities:
- Fifty-two emergency shelter beds.
- 18 personal living quarters.
- 24-hour staffing, including guidance counseling.
- Hypothermia prevention program.
The average stay at shelters is less than two months. Services like these protect our most vulnerable
residents and will help to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
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| Hypothermia Prevention Program |
The Hypothermia Prevention Program
is an  integral part of Fairfax County's efforts to prevent and end homelessness that incorporates the collaborative work of area faith communities, civic organizations, businesses, and individual volunteers. The program represents a shining example of collaborative effectiveness in serving the critical needs of those experiencing homelessness when they are in most danger of exposure to cold weather.
The Hypothermia Prevention Program expands shelter capacity for individuals experiencing homelessness in two ways - overflow space at the existing shelters that serve single adults, and auxiliary off-site programs that are hosted largely in partnership with various faith communities throughout the county. All three emergency shelters that serve single adults activate a "no-turn-away" (NTA) policy by providing overflow space at the current shelter facilities. Individuals staying in a NTA Overflow shelter or the off-site program can engage in case management services, including assistance with basic needs, housing, employment, benefits, behavioral or physical health, and more.
Fairfax County continues to operate six year-round shelters for both families and single individuals experiencing homelessness.
Families with children who need shelter should contact
Coordinated Services Planning
at (703) 222-0880 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to gain access. After business hours, families with children in need of shelter should go directly to the nearest family shelter. The phone numbers and addresses for the year-round shelters are included below:
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Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter (Fairfax)
12970 Katherine Hanley Court, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 571-522-6800; Fax: 703-988-0251;
TTY 703-988-0256
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Embry Rucker Community Shelter (Reston)
11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-437-1975; Fax: 703-481-1406
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Patrick Henry Family Shelter (Falls Church)
3080 Patrick Henry Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044
Phone: 703-536-2155; Fax: 703-534-0736
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Bailey's Crossroads Community Shelter
NEW LOCATION:
5914 Seminary Road, Falls Church, VA 22041
Prior Phone: 703-820-7621; Fax: 703-671-0441
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Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter
(Richmond Highway - Fort Belvoir)
9155 Richmond Highway, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Phone: 703-799-0200; Fax: 703-799-8127
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Embry Rucker Community Shelter (Reston)
11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-437-1975; Fax: 703-481-1406
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Online Survey on Fairfax Connector Reston-Herndon Bus Service
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We want to hear from you! Fairfax County
 Department of Transportation (FCDOT) wants to know how to improve the local bus service provided by Fairfax Connector in the Herndon-Reston area.
FCDOT is looking for public input as part of a process to generate service improvement recommendations and an implementation plan for service changes, including connections to the
future Metrorail Silver Line Phase 2 stations in Herndon and Reston. FCDOT's goals for this process include increased mobility, better access to destinations, improved travel times, increased schedule reliability, more effective transit operations and increased ridership.
There are several ways to get involved and provide input:
- Attend an interactive community meeting.
- Fill out an online survey (Open until Saturday, Nov. 30).
- Click here for the survey in English.
- Click here for the survey in Spanish.
- Email your input to [email protected].
- Mail your comments to Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033.
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| Changing Communities |
Fairfax County has undergone a tremendous demographic transition over the last several decades. The NOVARegion Dashboard provides easily accessible demographic data on population, education, and income throughout the region.
Discover firsthand how Northern Virginia has become one of the fastest growing, diverse communities in the United States by visiting the NOVARegion Dashboard.
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A New Option for Your Last Mile of the Commute
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Fairfax County prides itself on maintaining  multiple options for commuters and travelers to get to their destinations. In 2016, Capital Bikeshare was introduced in Fairfax County with much fanfare. The system logged over 10,000 trips in its first year of limited operation. The system will continue to expand throughout the County in the coming years. However, the use of scooters has significantly increased in the shared mobility device marketplace. Scooters have risen in popularity due to their ability to complete the "last mile" between transit and home. During the 2019 General Assembly session, legislators requested that localities develop ordinances governing this new form of transportation by January 1, 2020.
Fairfax County staff has been working hard to develop our ordinance for scooter use and operation. Transportation staff was able to use data and experiences from neighboring jurisdictions to craft the ordinance and increase its overall effectiveness. Staff provided a presentation about the status of the proposed ordinance on October 22. The presentation is available here. A community public hearing to discuss the proposed ordinance is scheduled for November 19. Look out for more information about scooters in upcoming issues of the Bulova Byline.
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| Fireplace Safety |
Thinking of building a fire in your fireplace this
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weekend? Please make sure you do so safely! Every fall and winter, Fairfax County experiences several home fires that were caused by improperly discarded fireplace ashes. A totally preventable and unnecessary fire!
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind all residents to be cautious and keep safety in mind when handling fireplace ashes. Following a few simple safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
- Do not place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages.
- Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
- Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
- Keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
- Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.
- Ashes can stay hot for several days. Follow the above steps even when you wait several days to remove the ashes from the fireplace.
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| Fairfax Poet Laureate Program |
I am pleased to
announce that in November a Fairfax Poet Laureate Program will be announced by ARTSFAIRFAX. The Fairfax Poet Laureate will serve as a poetry ambassador, promoting the appreciation of poetry as an art form in the county, region and state. The Poet Laureate will encourage writing and reading of poetry and all forms of literature, as well as create opportunities for civic engagement through poetry with diverse audiences around the county.
The Poet Laureate Program will be managed by ARTSFAIRFAX as a two-year appointment, selected through a competitive application process. Poets interested in applying should attend the Poet Laureate Information Session on November 13th, noon-1:30, at Mosaic Community Space, 2985 District Avenue, Suite 100, Merrifield (access on backside of building, free parking garages adjacent). Applications are due by January 9th. More details about the program will be available in early November on the ARTSFAIRFAX web site, artsfairfax.org.
The
Fairfax Poet Laureate is an investment by Fairfax County and ARTSFAIRFAX in the sustained growth and development of the arts in Fairfax County, as well as to honor a poet's commitment to their craft, their professional activity in Fairfax County, and their contributions to the quality of life in Fairfax County.
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| New Fairfax County Public Library Catalog | November 13 |
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| New Catalog Coming November 13 |
On November 13, Fairfax County Public Library will launch a brand-new library catalog system to give library users a more modern and user-friendly experience. The new library catalog will provide:
- Friendlier, smarter searching,
- Direct download of eBooks and eAudiobooks from OverDrive, RBDigital, etc.,
- Optional user-created logon (instead of library card number),
- User-curated lists for favorite authors, genres and titles,
- Auto-renewals of physical materials,
- Text notification (in addition to email notification),
- Books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more in the same catalog web page.
The library will be closed November 12 to complete the transition and services will be impacted in the weeks leading up to the change. During these service interruptions, no fees will be charged and due dates will be automatically extended. Check the library website or stop in at your local branch for additional details.
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| Upcoming Events | November 2019 |
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Veterans Day Observations,
November 11
There are many opportunities to observe Veterans Day in and
around Fairfax County. Click on the links for more information on the events.
Winter Festivals of Light
Enjoy an evening of spectacle and delight at two of Fairfax County's most enchanting light festivals, run by NOVA Parks.
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| Reston Holiday Parade | November 29 |
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the 29th annual
Reston  Holiday Parade! Come to Reston Town Center for a full day of community, charity, and cheer. Activities include visits and photos with Santa, tree lighting, a sing-along, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Reston Community Center is a proud community partner and sponsor of this special Reston tradition.
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| Farmers Markets 2019 |
Fairfax County Farmers Markets are not just for the summer - many of them run long into the fall and winter! Visit the following locations to enjoy fresh produce and support local farmers:
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WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
- Herndon
- April 18 - November 14, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Old Town Herndon, 700 Block of Lynn St., By the Red Caboose
- OPEN 4th of July
- SNAP accepted, bonus dollar program!
- Details/Directions
FRIDAY
- McLean
- May 3 - November 15, 8 a.m. - Noon
- CLOSED for Mclean day set up May 17
- Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road
- Details/Directions
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SATURDAY
- Burke
- April 13 - December 21, 8 a.m. - Noon
- VRE parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway
- Details/Directions
- Reston
- April 20 - December 7, 8 a.m. - Noon
- CLOSED for Multicultural festival September 28
- Lake Anne Village Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza
- SNAP accepted, bonus dollar program!
- Details/Directions
SUNDAY
- Lorton
- May 5 - November 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- VRE parking lot, 8990 Lorton Station Blvd.
- SNAP accepted, bonus dollar program!
- Details/Directions
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| Save the Date! Farewell Party | December 9 |
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