Providence Community Center Renamed For Former VA Del. Jim Scott

FAIRFAX, VA — For some Jim Scott will always be remembered as "Landslide Jim," who defeated Republican opponent David G. Sanders by one vote in 1991 to represent the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Others think of Scott as a community activist and a former member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia General Assembly.

For the children and parents in the county's public school system, Scott is remembered as the man responsible for starting the School Age Child Care program. SACC provides safe, educational and affordable care for K-12 students before and after school, as well as during vacations.

On Saturday morning, elected officials past and present joined Scott's widow, Nancy Scott, her children and grandchildren at ceremony to rename the Providence Community Center the Jim Scott Community Center.

During the ceremony, Supervisor Dalia Palchik (D-Providence) shared a story told to her by fellow Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) with the crowd of about 60 people who gathered outside the center located near the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU Metro Station at 3001 Vaden Drive in Fairfax.

"She said to me even before she started office, Jim said, 'We have to get lunch," Palchik said. "He took her out and he said, 'Think about the kids. Always put the kids first and make sure that everything you do, you're thinking about the kids.' I know from the SACC program to everything Jim did to ensure that our kids have the services they need, the support they need, and the kids extend to the families, the moms and the whole community, because it does take a village."

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connelly (D-11th), who, like Scott, once represented the Providence District on the county board, described Scott as an unassuming, kind, and gentle man.

"He was something that is a rare commodity among political elected officials, he was generous toward others," Connolly said. "Jim spent endless time giving other people credit and taking very little himself. He was an inspiration and mentor to so many of us."

Joining Palchik and Connolly in praising Scott's memory were Jeffrey McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Del. David L. Bulova (D-37th); Del. Marcus B. Simon (D-53rd); Lynda Q. Smyth, former Providence District supervisor; Katherine K. Hanley, secretary of the Fairfax County Electoral Board; Lloyd Tucker, director of the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services; Jessica Hudson, director of the Fairfax County Public Library; and community member Elizabeth Royal.

On behalf of her daughters and grandchildren, Nancy Scott thanked all of the speakers and the board of supervisors for unanimously voting to rename the community center in her late husband's honor.

"We all thank you and hope that Jim's spirit may spread throughout the halls here and help the Jim Scott Community Center thrive and grow as a welcome resource for all our Providence and Fairfax City neighbors," she said.