May 29, 2024
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about EV charging stations, the Summer Entertainment Series, updated fees for Land Development Services, nominations for the Environmental Excellence Awards, summer fun with the Reston Community Center and the 49th Annual Sully Antique Car Show. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
Community associations in Fairfax County that are interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents are encouraged to apply now to the Charge Up Fairfax program to receive technical assistance and partial reimbursement for the costs. Community associations – including HOAs, condominiums, clusters, and co-ops - that are accepted into the program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county. If the community association decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, they’ll hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment and final inspection. Following installation, communities participating in the program can receive a reimbursement grant to cover one-third of eligible expenses. A new grant-only option is available to community associations who are ready to install charging stations but need financial support. Communities in certain equity designated areas may be eligible for up to $12,000 in some cases. Fairfax County is also waiving all electrical and building permits associated with installing an electric vehicle charging station through October 2025, to help reduce the costs even further. Applications to the Charge Up Fairfax program are due to the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination by June 30. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov and search “Charge Up Fairfax” to learn more and apply.
The Park Authority’s 35th Summer Entertainment Series returns to Fairfax County Parks! Residents can enjoy 196 outdoor concerts and movies at 17 locations across the county. This year’s lineup continues a long tradition of outdoor concerts that have brought communities together for enjoyable, memorable evenings filled with entertainment and fun for the whole family. Last summer, more than 37,000 people attended 189 concerts across the county. This summer’s schedule includes a diverse lineup of performances from classical to bluegrass and everything in between, as well as children’s performances, music and dance from around the world and drive-in movies. The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations, and volunteers who contribute to the success of the entertainment series. Explore upcoming performances by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances. Movies and performances are held outdoors and may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Call 703-324-7469 before leaving home for inclement weather updates.
Starting July 1, Fairfax County will implement updated fee schedules for Land Development Services and zoning applications. The adjustments are intended to reflect the increase in costs related to inflation and personnel over recent years while ensuring the continuation of high-quality county services. The Board of Supervisors approved these fee adjustments on April 16, marking the first significant update since 2015 for LDS and 2011 for zoning applications. The new fees will better align with the current costs of providing these services, which have risen due to increased personnel costs and other inflation-related factors. NewsCenter has more details. Just search “Land Development and Zoning Fees Increase” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news.
If you know someone, or a business or organization, that deserves recognition for the work they do to protect our environment, nominate them today for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards. Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize the best examples of leadership and service to protect and enhance the natural world in Fairfax County. The awards celebrate accomplishments by individual county residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees who advance the county’s environmental goals and policies, dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal fiscal or civic responsibilities, and demonstrate leadership as an example to others. Nominations are due by June 9. To learn more and access the online nomination form, go to www.farifaxcounty.gov and search “Environmental Excellence Awards.”
Reston Community Center recently unveiled its highly anticipated roster of summer concerts and entertainment for the Reston community. Fan favorites are returning to Lake Anne Plaza for Sunset Concerts on Wednesday evenings. Take a Break events on Thursdays this year will be presented at Halley Rise – near Wegmans. Kick off weekends with Friday evening Sip ‘n Strolls and jazz from Darden and Friends at Reston Town Square Park. Then head over to Reston Station for Summerbration cover bands that will get everyone up and grooving to songs from the Beach Boys, Taylor Swift, the 80s and more. The young and the young at heart will have a ball at Family Fun Entertainment shows in the Reston Town Square Park on Saturday mornings. Come back to the park on Sunday evenings to finish the weekend with beautiful music made by Shenandoah Conservatory musicians. For further information, contact Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, or visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than at the 49th Annual Sully Antique Car Show. This year’s event promises a spectacular day filled with live entertainment, a variety of food vendors, an eclectic craft market, a bustling flea market, and, of course, hundreds of stunning antique cars. Join us on Sunday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the beautiful Sully Historic Site in Chantilly. Advance tickets are now available: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children aged 5 to 15 years old. Don’t miss out on being part of this cherished community tradition! Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly. For more information, visit the Sully Historic Site or call 703-437-1794.
Looking to go solar? Look no further! Join Fairfax County's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination and Solar United Neighbors at Kings Park Library on Tuesday, June 11, for an in-person Solar Switch 101 session, where they’ll guide you through the intricate world of solar technology, financing options, and more. Plus, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the ongoing Solar Switch initiative currently sweeping across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The event is free and starts at 6:30 p.m. Register now by going to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination and look for “events”.
Finally, get more Fairfax County news and event information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. You can also find other county podcasts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. You also may call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.
Listen Online or On the Go.