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Braddock Bark is this Sunday, May 19, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the McLaren Sargent Pavilion at Lake Accotink Park (5650 Heming Avenue, Springfield).
Join us for pet activities like a doggy splash zone and Luring 101, adoption opportunities with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and other local partners, local vendors like veterinarian offices, canine couture outfitters, and more! All leashed and vaccinated pups are welcome!
Additional information can be found on my Facebook page. This event is rain or shine unless there is extreme inclement weather. Any changes in event status will be posted to my social media pages.
We're still looking for a few extra hands (and paws) to make this event a success, sign up to volunteer!
Recognizing Tom McCook
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Last week, Tom McCook, of the Kings Park West Civic Association and Friends of Royal Lake, was named this year's Volunteer Fairfax Community Champion from the Braddock District!
You may recognize him as the March 2023 Braddock District Citizen of the Month or maybe you've seen his friendly face cleaning up a local trail. As one of the most reliable volunteers for the Braddock District's parks, I was thrilled to nominate Tom for this year's award. His commitment to bringing people together to improve our community has made a real impact. Congratulations Tom!
Burke Centre Parkway Update
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After the fatal crash at Burke Centre Parkway last summer, my office heard from hundreds of residents with their thoughts and concerns about safety improvements at the intersection of the Parkway by the Chick-fil-A.
We convened a meeting last August to hear from community members, VDOT, and the Police Department. The overwhelming consensus from the community was that left turns out of the shopping center were a hazard. Since then, VDOT has been working on a plan to restrict left turns out of that driveway. I want to thank everyone in the community who participated in this process and advocated for this key safety improvement.
VDOT plans to begin work in the next 30 days, weather permitting. For more information, visit the project website.
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Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates. | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Friends of Kings Park Library's Spring Book Sale
- Health Matters: A Spotlight on the Health of Women and Girls in Fairfax County
- Battle of the Badges Hockey Game
- Middle School Start Time Forums
- Lake Braddock 50th Anniversary Spring Band Concert
- Free Admission at County REC Centers on May 22
- Community Police Programs for Students and Young Adults
- "Where We Belong" Art Contest
- Metro's Better Bus Network
- Early Voting Happening Now!
- May 29 Meeting to Discuss Braddock Road Traffic Between Herend Place/Red Spruce Road
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Friends of Kings Park Library's Spring Book Sale | |
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The Friends of Kings Park Library's Spring Book Sale is happening now until Saturday, May 18, at Kings Park Library (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
Books are sorted into many categories and it's easy to find something for everyone! Proceeds directly support the Kings Park Library. Book sale hours:
- Thursday, May 16 | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 17 | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Health Matters: A Spotlight on the Health of Women and Girls in Fairfax County | |
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The Fairfax County Commission for Women invites you to join them for a panel discussion on the health and well-being of women and girls in Fairfax County on Friday, May 17, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
The Commission plans to spotlight some key findings in the recently released report “The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia.” The Commission hopes to engage with the community and welcomes recommendations that would create positive change in the health of women and girls in Fairfax County.
Learn more on the event page.
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Battle of the Badges Hockey Game | |
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National Police Week is centered around Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) to show support for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and is a time to honor and appreciate the dedication of law enforcement officers.
Despite the lighthearted sibling rivalry between departments, we also recognize the critical partnership between law enforcement and emergency services (fire/EMS).
The 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey Game is this Saturday, May 18, at 3:30 p.m. at the Reston SkateQuest (1800 Michale Faraday Court, Reston).
This annual fundraiser pits the Fairfax County Police Department against the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department in a friendly game of hockey to raise money for Making Everything Good (MEG), a non-profit aiding public safety, military, veterans, and the community.
More information can be found on MEG's Facebook page. The event is free but donations will be accepted at the door.
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Middle School Start Time Forums | |
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FCPS invites the public to be part of the process of exploring options for adjusting middle school start times. Attend a forum to hear about adolescent sleep research from an expert, learn about the ongoing middle school start times study, and participate in small group discussions.
All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Breakout sessions will be held for middle school students to share their voices. Students are encouraged to attend!
Register for a forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
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Lake Braddock 50th Anniversary Spring Band Concert | |
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Join the Lake Braddock Band Program on Wednesday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke) for a memorable evening celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Spring Band Concert.
Special guests from years past have been invited back to Lake Braddock to participate in the concert. Past directors include Lou Bean, Carl Bly, and Roy Holder as well as their first director’s son (and first drum major) Clai Richardson to represent his father, Claiborne Richardson.
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Free Admission at County REC Centers on May 22 | |
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All County REC Centers are opening their doors for free on Wednesday, May 22!
Each center will have special activities from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. for you to enjoy! Explore the facility, work out in the gym, try a group fitness class, swim a lap, or drop in to meet instructors and meet like-minded people!
Open house visitors get a free 7-day trial membership. New members can buy a 30-day pass for $30 or get a 15% discount on annual memberships. Visit FCPA's website to learn more about Open House activities at each REC Center.
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Community Police Programs for Students and Young Adults | |
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The Fairfax County Police Department offers several free programs for students and young adults living in Fairfax County to see if the Police Department is the place for you! Check out the programs they'll be offering this summer:
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Police Leaders of Tomorrow (June 24 - 28, applications due by May 29)
- A program for young adults wishing to explore careers in law enforcement and learn about policing.
Police Leaders of Tomorrow offers a variety of activities and opportunities for attendees to learn about the police profession, the importance of service to the community, and maintaining good character.
Teen Police Academy (July 15 - 19, applications due by June 28)
- Considering a career in law enforcement? The Teen Police Academy provides high school students an opportunity to learn more about the Fairfax County Police Department, understand core police functions, explore careers in law enforcement, and participate in hands-on activities.
- Read more or apply today.
Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement (July 29 - August 2, applications due by June 28)
- Haven't decided on a career path? Come and explore careers in law enforcement for women.
Learn first-hand about core police functions such as patrol, helicopter, and crime scene investigation. Meet today's women leaders in law enforcement in Fairfax County. Explore what it takes to become a police officer and the skills you will learn in the police academy. Discover your potential to become a future woman leader in law enforcement.
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"Where We Belong" Art Contest | |
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Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month by participating in an art contest!
The Fairfax County Libraries invite young Fairfax artists to draw inspiration from their families or their communities to portray the colorful, diverse County we share for their "Where We Belong" Art Contest. Not sure where to start?
Choose one of the following prompts for your art:
- We all belong in Fairfax County.
- This is my family portrait.
- This is where I am from.
- We celebrate the contributions of our immigrant community members.
Artwork can be in any format but will need to be scanned or photographed and submitted online. Three winners will be selected per category:
- Kindergarten-2nd grade
- 3rd-6th grade
- 7th-12th grade
Winners will receive a Barnes & Noble gift card and have their art displayed in a traveling exhibit throughout Fairfax County. All submissions will be uploaded to a virtual gallery.
You must be 5-18 years old and live or study in Fairfax County to participate. All art should be submitted online, the submission form is open until June 15. Winners will be announced on June 21. More information and the online form to submit art is available on the FCPL website.
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Metro's Better Bus Network | |
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This week, Metro launched the Proposed 2025 Better Bus Network which incorporates extensive input and represents Metro's commitment to improving service and connections using the resources available today.
This network prepares Metro for the future by creating building blocks of the expanded bus network the region deserves, serving recent and planned growth areas, and providing more frequent all-day, all-week service. The network also prepares Metro for the future by creating the building blocks for a Visionary Network that can be delivered as sustainable, predictable funding is made available. Explore the network.
There are many ways to provide input:
- Experience the network online by visiting the Better Bus Discovery Hub, an online space for you to explore maps and routes, play with a new trip planner, and share input in interactive ways.
- Be our special guest and attend one of Metro's events between now and July 15. There are numerous types of in-person or virtual events to choose from, including premiere Discover Days + Public Hearings. View the complete calendar.
Visit Metro's website for a complete listing of events or to discover the Proposed 2025 Better Bus Network and share your feedback online from now until July 15 at 5:00 p.m.
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Early Voting Happening Now! | |
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Early, in-person voting for the June 18 Dual Primary Election is underway and continues until Saturday, June 15. There are two separate ballots for Democratic and Republican candidates, you can view sample ballots by precinct.
Voting is available at three locations until June 15:
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Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax - Conference Rooms 2/3)
- Weekday hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Saturdays (June 8 and June 15): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Mt. Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria)
- Weekday hours: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays (June 8 and June 15): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston)
- Weekday hours: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays (June 8 and June 15): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All three locations will be closed on Memorial Day (May 27)
Beginning Saturday, June 8, voters can cast ballots at 13 additional early voting sites, including at Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke) and West Springfield Governmental Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield). These locations will be open on weekdays from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays (June 8 and June 15) from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
You can find all the locations, operating hours, and detailed information on Saturday voting on the Office of Elections’ website.
Mail-In Voting
Registered voters may request a mail-in ballot by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, through the Virginia Department of Elections citizens portal. Mail Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before June 18, and received by 12:00 p.m. on June 21.
Voters should follow the mail-in ballot instructions to return completed ballots. There is a choice to return by mail, a secure drop box with video surveillance outside the Office of Voter Registration & Elections, or at any polling place during voting hours. Mail-in ballots should be returned by 7:00 p.m. on June 18 or postmarked by June 18.
Voter Registration
The deadline for voter registration is May 28. The easiest way to register to vote or check your registration status is on the Virginia Department of Elections citizens portal.
After the voter registration deadline, same-day registration will be available for voters to cast a provisional ballot at any Fairfax County early voting location for the primaries.
Voters who turn 18 by the general election on November 5, 2024, can register to vote in the primary.
For more information on voting, visit the Office of Elections’ website.
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May 29 Meeting to Discuss Braddock Road Traffic Between Herend Place/Red Spruce Road | |
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Within the past few months, there have been three significant additions to the area near the intersection of Braddock Road and Burke Station Road in Fairfax: The Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV’s) Braddock Road Customer Service Center, Erickson Senior Living’s Woodleigh Chase development, and Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing’s (APAH’s) Ilda’s Overlook development. Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, which also generates significant vehicular traffic, is located directly across the street from Woodleigh Chase and the DMV. Because these entities are located in close proximity, traffic to and from each combines to impact the approximately four-block area of Braddock Road from Red Spruce Road on the west to Herend Place on the east.
Many community residents have contacted our office regarding traffic patterns that are negatively impacting the area, most notably left turns and U-turns. The Braddock District Office has previously spoken with the DMV, Erickson, and APAH about ways to encourage use of the signalized intersection at Braddock Road and Burke Station Road instead of disruptive and dangerous traffic movements.
Supervisor Walkinshaw has scheduled a listening session to allow these organizations to hear directly from the community about what you are seeing and experiencing in this area. Our hope is to facilitate a dialogue in order to consider and implement actions that could improve safety and traffic flow. We have invited representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation, which is responsible for Braddock Road, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, the DMV, Erickson, APAH, and Fairfax Memorial to participate. We have also invited the General Assembly members representing the area, as VDOT and the DMV are state entities.
The virtual meeting will be on Wednesday, May 29, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. We hope that those who are impacted by traffic movements in this area will be able to participate.
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