Fairfax City News and Information

City of Fairfax, Virginia sent this bulletin at 12/21/2020 08:20 PM EST

Connecting Fairfax City for All Update

The Connecting Fairfax City for All initiative to study racial and social equity in the city is moving forward. Several important actions have been taken since city council’s approval of the initiative on October 27, 2020.

Stakeholder Group Selection
More than 80 people applied to serve on the 15-member stakeholder group, which will facilitate community voices and make recommendations to the mayor and city council based on feedback gathered throughout the process. Appointments will be announced in January.

Three slots were reserved for Matthew West, Historic Fairfax City, Inc.; Susan Olenchuk, Mosby Woods Community Association; and Laura Bowles, Neighbors for Change.

First Community Listening and Learning Sessions Announced

7 p.m., Thursday, January 28. Kim Holien, retired military historian for the Department of the Army, will present “Fairfax Court House: Crossroads of Conflict.” This program will set up the historical context for later sessions. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
7 p.m., Thursday, February 11. Dr. Karen L. Cox, professor of history at the University of North Carolina, will focus on “The Lost Cause and Confederate Monuments and Memory.” Facilitated discussion will follow her presentation.

Join the conversation on Engage Fairfax.

Watch Santa Read The Night Before Christmas

Santa Claus will read the classic story, The Night Before Christmas, at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Watch on Channel 12, the website, or YouTube.

Watch the Fairfax City Minute

Rachael Roth shares what's happening around Fairfax City. Watch now.

Students Lift Their Voices in Song to Celebrate the Holidays

More than 250 choral students from the Fairfax High School pyramid joined together for a virtual holiday concert. The 35-minute celebration can be enjoyed online.

This year’s concert includes special archived footage from past performances along with holiday classics performed by students from grades 4-12. The 60-student holiday song mashup is a must-see! Special thanks to FHS music teacher Juliana Woodill for directing the production.

The FHS pyramid includes Daniels Run Elementary, Providence Elementary, Eagle View Elementary, Willow Springs Elementary, and Katherine Johnson Middle School (formerly Lanier).

Fairfax City Schools winter choral concert

Nominate Your City Samaritans

Starting in the January Cityscene, we will recognize residents who help others and lift up the community with acts of kindness, big and small. Do you know someone whose story should be shared in the new City Samaritans feature? Please email a brief description to WeCare@fairfaxva.gov.

Jellyfish House Installed at Old Town Square

A concrete structure that will house an innovative stormwater treatment system was recently installed at the site of the new Draper’s restaurant in Old Town Fairfax. The Jellyfish Filter is designed to improve water quality by removing pollutants washed into the storm drain. This is the first stormwater "best management practice" of its kind installed in the city. Learn more.

Galaxy Piano Installed at Old Town Square

A new temporary public art piece, the Galaxy Piano, was installed at Old Town Square by the Commission on the Arts to lift spirits and spread the joy of music. Learn more.

Watch the Fairfax Ballet Company’s Nutcracker Online

In November, dancers from the Fairfax Ballet Company filmed scenes from the Nutcracker at locations around Old Town Fairfax. This virtual Nutcracker performance is available to view online until January 3. The cost is $25 to view the performance. Read more about this special performance.

Charitable Giving Opportunities

There are many opportunities to help families in need and spread holiday joy. Please consider participating in local charitable-giving programs. View list.

Save A Life! Blood Donation Event, Jan. 14

Donating blood saves lives. Inova's blood mobile will be parked at the City of Fairfax Police Station from 1 to 7 p.m. on January 14, 2021. The blood you donate could save a family member's life, or even your own. More details will be shared soon.

FY2020-21 Budget Presentation Earns National Award

The City of Fairfax received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY2020-21 Budget. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Learn more.

Daily Crime Bulletin

The City of Fairfax Police Department publishes a daily crime bulletin. Select a day and read about the types of crimes our officers respond to, investigate, and solve.

Seasons Greetings from the Mayor and City Council

The city was unable to hold a Festival of Lights this year, but the lighting of the tree was celebrated virtually. Watch a short message from the mayor and councilmembers followed by Santa counting down to the big moment. Watch the video.

Have You Read the December Issue of Cityscene?