Monday, September 19, 2022

Dear friend, 

Last week, I had the honor of presenting a proclamation to the Jefferson Manor Citizens Association (JMCA) in celebration of its 75th anniversary. In addition, Tammy Mannarino from the Fairfax County History Commission gave a great presentation on the neighborhood's history. Thank you, President of JMCA, Derek Cole, and Jefferson Manor residents for continuing the tradition of being a beautiful and welcoming community for all residents. 

Also, I had a great time attending the Multicultural Celebration & Health Fair held at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Springfield over the weekend! This event would not have been possible without the group effort of Neighborhood Health, St. Marks Lutheran Church, Fairfax Health Department, and Second Story. On top of enjoying the festivities and delicious food, I received my updated COVID-19 booster shot!

If you are hosting or planning an upcoming event in your community, I am happy to attend or promote the event on my social media or newsletter.

Contact my office with the name of your event and the date, my staff is happy to work with you!

Email: leedist@fairfaxcounty.gov (My team is working on an updated email)

Phone 703-971-6262

1. S.T.E.A.M. Fest at the W.I.S.H.
2. Professional Development Workshops
3. Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program
4. Fairfax County Innovation Challenge
5. Upcoming Kingstowne Library Book Sale
6. REC Center Sale
7. Phasing-Out Gas Powered Leaf Blowers
8. Volunteer for Plant Nova Trees, and Plant a Tree
9. COVID-19 Updates
10. COVID-19 Resources

Upcoming S.T.E.A.M. Fest at the W.I.S.H.

The Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.) and our partners are excited to invite you and your families to STEAM FEST on Saturday, October 15th! Enjoy 40+ kid-friendly STEAM activities and tour the new W.I.S.H. workspace. 

The event takes place at the Hybla Valley Community Center: 7950 Audubon Avenue in Alexandria. 

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2022steamfest

Professional Development Workshops

Join the Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies (NVLAA) for four professional development workshops for artists and nonprofit arts organizations.

About this Event

This series is supported by a special collaborative effort between  City of Alexandria Office of the Arts, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Arlington Arts, and ArtsFairfax.

09/28: Data + Storytelling = IMPACT (PART 2)

12-1:30pm, Facilitator: Brighter Strategies

WORKSHOP 2: DEEPER DIVE INTO DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS - This is a follow-up workshop open to a smaller audience of 20 and will allow for more personalized Q&A around techniques and methods for data collection, analysis, and use.

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professional-development-workshops-for-nonprofit-arts-organizations-tickets-390581910007

Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program

Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program continues through, February 18, 2023. The Fairfax County Deer Management Program is implemented each year to manage the abundant local white-tailed deer population (Odocoileus Virginianus).

The primary objective of the Fairfax County Deer Management Program is deer population control on public parklands. Management actions reflect a variety of interests: protecting human health and safety, reducing environmental damage, conserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy deer herds.

More Information: http://ow.ly/UYmN50KAZp8

Fairfax County Innovation Challenge

The Pitch and Pilot: Fairfax County Innovation Challenge is seeking teams to produce high-impact solutions to address carbon neutrality and clean energy in Fairfax County. The goal of the Challenge is to find, and ultimately pilot, innovative solutions that improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable electricity, or accelerate the use of electric vehicles. All teams—from college students and start-ups to entrepreneurs and technologists—are welcome to apply.  

A panel of smart city experts will assess each entry based on the significance of innovation; regional impact; practicality and scalability; and equity and inclusivity of their solution.

The winning team will have an opportunity to pilot their solution in Fairfax County, Virginia’s largest county.  

More information and registration can be found at https://www.smartcityworks.org/fairfax-challenge-oct-2022/.

Questions? Email Fairfaxinnovates@gmail.com 

Book Sale on September 24th

Kingstowne Library is hosting a book sale from 10AM - 3PM on Saturday, September 24th. All book worms are encouraged to attend and check out the book sale!

REC Center Sale

As you shift to your fall schedule and routines, there has never been a better time to use your local Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Rec Center.

Take advantage of the membership sale that starts on Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 15, 2022. Whether you’re a new or returning member, you can save up to 15% on the purchase of an annual membership. If the annual membership option doesn’t fit your needs, visit the Rec Center website; or stop by a Rec Center to discuss membership options.

More Details: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2022/psa140?utm_source=newswire&utm_medium=twitter&fbclid=IwAR2TYswEUheIQ5fAjFYjQ78mNLD5gC-w1Q3UBA0AgG6agiG0qM6JCGEfNS4

Phasing-Out Gas Powered leaf Blowers

In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, the Park Authority and Department of Public Works and Environmental Services are in the process of phasing out gas-powered blowers. Parks has discontinued the purchase of gas-powered blowers and are exclusively purchasing battery-powered blowers moving forward. The Park Authority, with a fleet of more than 100 leaf blowers, currently has a small inventory of battery-powered blowers being used at various maintenance shops. 

• Battery-powered lawn equipment is less harmful to the environment than gas-powered lawn equipment.
• Electric versions of lawn equipment such as leaf blowers are generally more cost-effective to operate. Both battery-powered and plug-in versions are available.

Volunteer for Plant Nova Trees, and Plant a Tree!

September marks the first anniversary of the launch of Plant NOVA Trees, a regionwide effort to promote and utilize native shrubs and trees throughout Northern Virginia. The goal is to plant 600,000 by 2025 to help restore the tree canopy, which has been dying off.

Learn more: https://www.plantnovatrees.org/volunteer

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 updates:

• Novavax vaccine now available for adults ages 18+. Due to limited availability, Novavax will be offered by appointment only
• CDC updates quarantine guidance
• Second boosters available for those who are eligible

For more details: http://ow.ly/GzHQ50KlcxC

COVID-19:

Contact our Health Department COVID-19 Call Center on weekdays: 9:00 am-7:00 pm at 703-267-3511.

Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.

Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

Follow the Fairfax County Government and Health Department Facebook Page

Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.

For regular updates, continue to follow the following trusted sources:

Fairfax County Health Department’s COVID-19 Homepage

Virginia Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor