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Providence District residents can give blood, pursue a county advisory role or help restore native habitat through several upcoming community opportunities.
A district blood drive with Inova is scheduled for June 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive. Donations can take up to an hour, and donors must bring identification.
Every successful donor will automatically enter Inova’s monthly drawing. One grand-prize winner will receive a $500 StubHub gift card, while three other winners will each receive a $100 StubHub gift card.
Earlier that day, volunteers can remove invasive plants and add native species near 3000 Miller Heights Road in Oakton. The cleanup runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and is open to participants of all ages.
Providence District is also seeking residents interested in serving on county boards, authorities and commissions. Vacancies are available on the Child Care Advisory Council, Health Care Advisory Board, Human Services Council, Information Technology Policy Advisory Committee and Transportation Advisory Commission.
Summer concerts return
Three outdoor entertainment series are planned around the district:
- Nottoway Nights will run at Nottoway Park on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., July 2 through Aug. 20.
- Arts in the Parks will take place at Strawberry Park in the Mosaic District on Sundays from 10 to 10:45 a.m., June 28 through Aug. 9, with no event during the July Fourth weekend.
- The Mosaic Summer Music Series will be held at Strawberry Park on Saturdays from 7 to 8 p.m., June 20 through Aug. 15, also skipping the July Fourth weekend.
Artist lineups had not yet been announced.
County initiatives advance
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors designated June as Pride Month.
At its June 2 meeting, the Older Adults Committee reviewed several initiatives, including the annual SHAPE the Future of Aging update, Goodwin Living’s StrongerMemory program and the regional “Pause. Question. Protect.” anti-scam campaign.
A randomized group of older Fairfax County residents will receive postcards for the SHAPE the Future of Aging survey. StrongerMemory, which has produced promising results at Neighborhood and Community Services senior centers, is expected to begin a pilot expansion into libraries.
County anti-fraud resources include Silver Shield and the Fairfax County Financial Crimes Intelligence and Reconnaissance unit. Officials are also working on a preventive alert system to warn residents about active scams.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has opened a second public survey for the Route 29 Active Transportation Study. Submissions are also open for the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards, which recognize public and private planning and design features that improve visitors’ and users’ experiences.
The Department of Land Development Services has streamlined its Commercial Fast Track program. Eligible projects that previously faced a 13-business-day permitting process may now receive permits in two to three business days.
The Providence District office is operating remotely through June 12 because of construction but remains reachable by phone and email.
Business, nature and arts events planned
Fairfax County’s Department of Economic Initiatives will offer drop-in, one-on-one help for small businesses at the Providence District Office. The sessions with the director of Small and Local Business Development will provide strategic guidance and information about Fairfax CORE resources. Availability is limited.
Free guided lunchtime nature walks are scheduled for June 17 and June 24 at Arbor Row Stream Valley Park. Participants will meet at Ken Lawrence Park at 12:10 p.m. for a 40-minute walk led by a Virginia Master Naturalist.
ArtsFairfax is also organizing a social hour for local performing, visual and literary artists and arts workers at 1st Stage. Participants may attend the gathering, the 7:30 p.m. performance of Indecent or both. Registration is required for the limited-capacity social hour, which includes light refreshments but not admission to the play. Discounted show tickets are available for $25.
Student art contest celebrates immigrant heritage
Fairfax County students are invited to submit artwork for the “Where We Belong” contest during Immigrant Heritage Month. Entries may explore a family journey, a cultural “treasure box,” the meaning of home or the theme “Many cultures, one community.”
Artwork may use any format but must be photographed or scanned for online submission. Each student may submit one entry, and AI-generated art will not be accepted.
Three winners will be selected in each of three divisions: kindergarten through second grade, third through sixth grade and seventh through 12th grade. Winners will receive prizes and have their work displayed in an exhibition.