February 2022 Civic Affairs Committee Report:

February Civic Affairs Committee Report:

Public Hearing on Running Bamboo

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on February 22, 2022, at 3:30 p.m., to consider an amendment to the Code of the County of Fairfax Virginia (County Code), Chapter 119 and to add a new Article 4 in order to establish regulations and enforcement measures for running bamboo. This topic was also discussed during the Board’s Environmental Committee meeting on September 28, 2021 (watch online / meeting documents). The County’s Department of Code Compliance has published a fact sheet on running bamboo for property owners.

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria, Virginia. For more information, visit the Green Spring Gardens website or call 703-642-5173.

Learn to Grow Your Garden from Seed at Green Spring

Despite the frigid weather, now is the time to get in the know if you want to learn how to plant and care for seeds so you can grow flowers, vegetables and herbs to expand your garden. On Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. until noon, Green Spring Gardens will present “Starting from Scratch with Seeds.” Get inspired by garden staff members as they discuss potting mixes, containers, seed treatments, lighting, fertilization, watering, seed sources and timing. Take home a few seeds to start your own collection. The cost is $22 per person. Click here to register for the event

Using native plants in your home landscape can help you attract wildlife, protect water and air quality, conserve energy, and reduce carbon emissions. This is a low-cost option for residents to purchase seedlings to enhance the urban forest and support local environmental stewardship and engagement programs. In the last 20 years, more than 100,000 native tree and shrub seedlings have been distributed to Fairfax County residents and those in the surrounding area through this annual event.For information on how you can participate, visit the Native Seedling Sale website or contact conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Annual Soil and Water Seedling Sale Benefits the Environment The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to promote the annual Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District seedling sale that begins March 1, 2022. All species sold are native to Virginia and are important to bees, as well as serving as valuable food sources for wildlife. These attributes are vital to the environment and of importance to everyone who cares about the health of the natural world and the tenets of environmental stewardship.

Provide Feedback on Renaming Magisterial Districts

Fairfax County is undergoing a process to consider renaming its magisterial districts which are represented by the Board of Supervisors and School Board members. The Redistricting Advisory Committee (RAC) is charged with making recommendations on which districts and voting precincts could be renamed, however the RAC will not propose new names. Should there be any name changes, county residents will have an opportunity to weigh in and make suggestions. Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors will decide if and how to make any name changes after it reviews the Committee’s recommendations. Learn about the history of the magisterial districts’ names

NAME EVALUATION CRITERA

The RAC will apply any of the following seven criteria to select districts or precincts when considering name changes, reflecting on if the name is:

The RAC is asking residents to lend their voices and share input by recommending any districts or voting precincts you believe should be renamed. You are welcome to express agreement or disagreement, or share your concerns, including any community or economic impacts by:

Please review the official district renaming flyer for more information about this topic.

Fairfax County Public Library shortens hours

Library branch hours will reduced from Jan. 16 to April 1: 

• Regional libraries will be open Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Community libraries will be open Tuesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn more 

 

Redistricting Update

Earlier this year, the Virginia Redistricting Commission failed to reach a consensus on a new plan for our state legislative and Congressional districts. As a result, by law, the process was turned over to the Supreme Court of Virginia. This week, the Court approved the final redistricting plan. Interactive maps are available to view your districts here: U.S. Congress State Senate House of Delegates

National Village Day

Join Fairfax County Villages in celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the Village Movement and the positive impact Villages are having on the experience of aging. On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, Villages are being recognized on National Village Day. From its beginnings in 2002 to a thriving network today of more than 300 nonprofit community-based Villages across the country, the Village model is now established as a cost-effective, sustainable solution for healthy, vibrant aging – a milestone worthy of celebration! For more information on the Fairfax County Villages, including how to start one in your neighborhood, contact Villages@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 246-8962.

Fairfax County Awards More Than $16 Million in Business Support Grants

The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives announced this week that the county has awarded more than $16 million in PIVOT grant funds to 1,016 county businesses adversely affected by the pandemic. Businesses in the most hard-hit sectors of our economy, including hotel, food service, retail and personal services, and arts and culture industries, were targeted and received grants between $1,500 and $207,000. Learn more.

Metro Seeks Public Input on FY 2023 Budget

Whether you take Metrorail or Metrobus occasionally or for your daily commute to work – or maybe you just interested in doing so – you are encouraged to provide input on WMATA’s proposed FY 2023 budget through Feb. 15. The proposed budget focuses on providing safe, reliable and affordable transit service to the region. It also includes the planned launch of Metrorail service to six new Silver Line stations, expanding Metro access to Dulles Airport and beyond, and the opening of Potomac Yard Station on the Yellow and Blue lines. You can provide input via an online survey or a virtual/in-person public hearing on Feb. 7 (for Virginia residents). Learn more at https://www.wmata.com/about/news/FY23-Budget-Public-Comment.cfm

Human Services 

Free Retirement Strategies From AARP

Learn tips From AARP for determining if you are on track for retirement and learn practical strategies.

Saturday, Feb. 19, a.m. Register:  https://aarp.cventevents.com/VARetire02192022

Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m. Register:  https://aarp.cventevents.com/VARetire03082022

AARP: Be on the Lookout for Online Relationship Scams

Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Learn how to recognize online relationship scams in this thirty-minute webinar! Lots of people meet friends and potential love interests online through dating sites, social media, or mobile apps. It can be a great way to meet people, but recognize that not everyone is who they say they are online. These scams aren’t just targeted at people who are looking for a relationship on a dating site or app. They can occur through social media and even through email. In this 30-minute webinar, we’ll discuss the red flags to be on the lookout for anyone engaging in online relationships. Don’t let scammers ruin your Valentine’s Day!

Registration link: https://aarp.cventevents.com/ORS02102022

Osher Life Long Learning Institute Special Promotion

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason) offers a robust level of class offerings and recruits a wonderful set of teachers from all walks of life, including George Mason University, OLLI membership, and outside experts.

Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, OLLI Mason thrived as an organization. In 2021, they continued to program and deliver over 500 classes on a broad spectrum of subjects. Over 20 clubs continued to meet online, giving members the ability to stay connected. They plan to resume field trips and in-person classes during our spring term (March 28—May 20).

Currently, OLLI Mason membership is available to new members at an incredible value. They are offering a $300 special promotion rate for those who purchase an annual membership during our winter 2022 term (January 24—February 18), so act now! Curious about their class offerings or want more information about our organization? At no cost to you, please visit the OLLI George Mason University YouTube channel. You can view a sample of their recent, class offerings. You can find more information about OLLI Mason on their website or by emailing the administrator at olli@gmu.edu.

Temporary Expanded Child Care Assistance and Referral Program Eligibility

The Child Care Assistance and Referral Program (CCAR) may be able to help with your child care expenses.  Applications received through March 31, 2022 are eligible for the following expanded eligibility criteria: • Families currently looking for work • Expanded income More information on eligibility and how to apply for assistance click on the flyer or visit the the Fairfax County Office for Children website, call: 703-449-8484 or email: OFCCCARinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov 

New Family Caregiver Webinar Series

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and the Fairfax Caregiver Seminar Consortium are pleased to announce their 2022 Caregiver Webinar Series. The webinar series are designed to support family caregivers of older adults and/or adults with a disability.

 

The first webinar begins Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. through 1:00 p.m. Learn more about the webinars by visiting the Fairfax County website.

 

Speakers include experts in law, care management, finances and community resources. The webinars are easily accessed through your computer or telephone.

 

Please join Fairfax County to get helpful information and resources. All are welcome.

 

Webinars are usually recorded, so if you are unable to join us live,

please register and a recording will be sent to you if available.

 

The County would appreciate hearing from you if you have attended any of the

seminars in the past and whether the seminars were helpful. Email your comments to Caregiver@fairfaxcounty.gov.