Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Dear Friend, 

Thank you for joining me at the FY2025 Budget Town Hall on Friday. We received many thoughtful questions via phone, email, and Facebook. If your question was not answered, my office will reach out to you.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 19th, I submitted two Board Matters for consideration: a proclamation celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Women's Club of Springfield, and a request for final review of a legal self-help kiosk and web-based AI program.

The Women's Club of Springfield was chartered in 1954 by the Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs to serve the Springfield area, especially those in need of a helping hand. The Club was a founding partner of the Richard Byrd Library in 1955 and has provided substantial financial and volunteer support since then. In 2023, they donated pajamas and items for Cares for Kids, collected stuffed animals for the Teddy Bear Brigade, supported Richard Byrd Library’s semi-annual book sale, and donated emergency clothing to Garfield and Crestwood Elementary Schools. I look forward to celebrating with them next month.

In 2023, Fairfax County funded the first legal self-help resource center in Virginia. The resource center, located in the Fairfax County Courthouse, provides legal information, referrals, forms, and resource materials on topics related to various court matters. As an extension of the self-help resource center, we have the opportunity to implement a kiosk and web-based AI program to increase access to justice. I will continue to update you on the progress of this initiative.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

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Highlights

1. Accelerate Breakfast Series
2. Future of the Current Franconia Governmental Center
3. Fire and Rescue Graduation
4. Lewis Changemakers and ESOL Graduation
5. NCS Open Hire Events
6. New Resources for Business Owners
7. Service Opportunities
8. Free Tax Preparation



In May 2023, I submitted a Board Matter in support of the reconstitution of the Grubstake Breakfast. From 1988-2012, the quarterly Grubstake Breakfast, in partnership with George Mason University (GMU), was among Fairfax County’s most effective catalysts for connecting early-stage local companies with investors and partners already operating inside the County. Thanks to the Board of Supervisors, the Board Matter passed unanimously.

Now, the spirit of the Grubstake Breakfast lives on in the recently announced Accelerate Breakfast Series. I am grateful to the County and GMU for bringing back a regular program that will connect entrepreneurs and investors to support local business growth. 

The first breakfast event will be held April 12th. Registration required. Learn more.



In 2025, my office will be relocating to Kingstowne along with the Franconia police precinct. We want to hear your thoughts on the future of the current Franconia Governmental Center site! I am convening a series of three community meetings in partnership with a variety of county agencies.

The meetings will be held at John Lewis High School (6540 Franconia Road) on the following dates:

Saturday, April 13th from 12 to 2:00pm (receive input from community)

Monday, April 22nd from 6 to 8:00 pm (receive input from community)

Monday, May 6th from 6 to 8:00 pm (report back to community)

 Thank you in advance for your feedback in the decision-making process. 

Budget Public Hearings

There are three upcoming opportunities to learn more about the FY2025 budget. Public hearings will be held on April 16th at 4:00pm, and on April 17th and 18th at 3:00pm. The meetings are open to the public at the Fairfax County Government Center auditorium (12000 Government Center Parkway), or available virtually on Channel 16 or streamed online.



On March 22nd, I spoke at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s 160^th Recruit School graduation ceremony. Three graduates will be serving our district, so be sure to welcome them if you see them out and about!



Lewis Changemakers

Lewis Changemakers, a program of the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.) partnered with Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture and ISEC, Inc. to address the problem of food scarcity along Richmond Highway. Hundreds of students worked together to build 100 garden beds at what will soon become the raised-bed community farm at Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. Lewis Changemakers is a program of the W.I.S.H, intended to make the building trades relevant, attractive, and accessible to high school students. Thank you to all the students, Building Momentum, and Shanaal Smothers Greene. I enjoyed building with you!

Adult ESOL Graduation

On March 21st, I attended the FCPS Adult ESOL Program Beginning English graduation ceremony. This is just one of many programs hosted at the WISH Center, located in the Hybla Valley Community Center. Classes include resume writing, job skills training, and interview preparation. Learn more.

Neighborhood and Community Services Open Hire Events

NCS is holding a series of Open Hire events this spring. Apply and interview on the spot for different positions. Bring several copies of your resume to the event. The next Open Hire event is April 13th at the Gerry Hyland Government Center (8350 Richmond Highway). Job openings.

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding summer job? NCS is now hiring summer camp leaders at sites across Fairfax County. Positions include a $500 summer sign-on bonus, up to $500 in retention bonuses and the opportunity to transition to year-round employment. Summer job openings.

Talent Up Fairfax Information Session

Talent Up offers Fairfax County jobseekers temporary-to-permanent work experiences in high-demand occupations. Learn more about paid work experience, career guidance/job coaching, and job placement assistance.

The next information session is April 26th. Learn more.



Fairfax County Introduces THRIVE



Fairfax County introduces THRIVE, an expert assistance program dedicated to small business growth. Through this program, approximately 600 businesses will receive consulting services valued up to $10,000, helping them reach their business goals. Applications will close when filled or on April 30th. Learn more. Más información en inglés.

Fairfax County Introduces CORE

Fairfax County introduces Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunity and Resources for Entrepreneurs)! Fairfax CORE connects aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with experts who can help you start and grow your businesses in Fairfax County. Events include "Government Contracting 101" and "Preparing your Pitch." Learn more.

Menstrual Supply Drive

My office is accepting donations of menstrual supply products in honor of Women’s History Month, benefitting Joyful Hands. Drop off your donations at the Franconia Governmental Center until Friday, March 29th. Thank you, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, for including us in this initiative.

ECHO: Spring 2024 Most Requested Items

While the demand for food assistance has increased, supplies and donations have not. You can make a direct impact by supporting those in our community who are in need of food and other household items. Some of the most requested items for Spring 2024 include canned meat and fish, shelf-stable milk, and instant potatoes. View the comprehensive list here. You may drop off your donations at the Franconia Governmental Center.

Free Tax Preparation Help Available Until April 15

Get no-cost help filing your taxes until April 15th with AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. They can help you prepare your federal and Virginia state tax returns; some locations can also assist you with District of Columbia and Maryland taxes. There are 11 locations, including Sherwood Library. Learn more.

Scam Jam 2024

Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Task Force and AARP Virginia invite you to the 7th Annual Scam Jam on April 19th. Learn how to spot scams and protect yourself, your family, and your savings. Speakers include cyber security experts from the FBI, representatives of the American Bankers Association, and more. A shred truck will be on-site from 12pm-3:00pm. Registration required. Learn more.