Dear Neighbor,


Thank you to everyone who attended our 3rd Annual Braddock Bark festival on Sunday! Hundreds of people and their pups attended on a beautiful day at Lake Accotink Park. I'm particularly appreciative of the hardworking Braddock District staff, our volunteers, and partners who made this year's event a success!


Thank you to the vendors who joined us:


Rescue organizations that participated have already received inquiries and applications for the adoption or fostering of their dogs. I can’t wait to see everyone again at Braddock Bark 2025!


Graduations at EagleBank Arena

George Mason University will host high school graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena from Wednesday, May 29 through Tuesday, June 18.


Doors will open up to one hour before ceremonies begin and traffic impacts will vary depending on the day.

 

Subscribe to Mason Alerts or Fairfax Alerts for up-to-date details on high-impact areas and alternative routes.


View a full schedule of graduations.


May 29 Meeting on Braddock Road Traffic (Herend Place/Red Spruce Road)

There have recently 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 the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing's (APAH's) Ilda’s Overlook development. Because these entities are located in close proximity, and close to the already busy Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, traffic to and from each combine 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 my office regarding traffic patterns negatively impacting the area, most notably left turns and U-turns. We have previously spoken with the DMV, Erickson, and APAH about ways to encourage the use of the signalized intersection at Braddock Road and Burke Station Road instead of disruptive and dangerous traffic movements.

 

My office is hosting a listening session to allow these organizations to hear directly from the community about what you are seeing and experiencing in this area. We hope to facilitate a dialogue to consider and implement actions that improve safety and traffic flow. Senator Dave Marsden, Delegates David Bulova and Laura Jane Cohen, and representatives from Delegate Dan Helmer's office, the Virginia Department of Transportation (responsible for Braddock Road), the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, the DMV, Erickson, and APAH will be in attendance. Fairfax Memorial has been invited to participate.


The virtual meeting is this 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.


Memorial Day

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This Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect and defend our freedoms.


On Monday, I will join VFW Post 5412, the Burke Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and Scouting America for an observance at the Burke Centre Conservancy at 10:00 a.m., and a ceremony with local Scout troops at the Country Club View Civic Association at 11:00 a.m. to remember all who gave the ultimate sacrifice.


Fairfax County has many resources for active-duty personnel, veterans, military families, and surviving spouses, including our new Veterans and Military Families Commission.


A few reminders for this weekend:


  • The Fairfax Connector will operate their Sunday service on Monday.
  • Fairfax County Government offices and Fairfax County Schools will be closed on Monday.
  • Some facilities will be open; view operating statuses.
  • Early voting locations will be closed on Monday.
  • The Marina at Burke Lake Park will open on Monday.

Yours in service,

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.

Continue reading below for more information on:

  • Monticello Dog Park Temporarily Closed for Shade Installation Project
  • Little River Glen Wellness Fair
  • "Police Leaders of Tomorrow" Applications Due May 29
  • Nominate an Outstanding FCPA Employee! 
  • FCPS Summer Extravaganza
  • Message from School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer
  • Second Community Meeting to Present Findings on Route 29 Corridor Study Scheduled for June 5
  • Early Voting Happening Now!

Monticello Dog Park Temporarily Closed for Shade Installation Project

The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin installing two sunshades with seating at Monticello Dog Park (5315 Guinea Road, Burke) next Tuesday, May 28. These shades, funded by the office of Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, will offer visitors and their furry companions a reprieve from the summer sun as they enjoy the dog park.


Both sections of the dog park will be closed for approximately two weeks, weather permitting, to allow contractors to complete the project. 


The project includes the installation of two fabric shade structures, each with respective paving and benches.


Questions regarding this project can be directed to parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Little River Glen Wellness Fair 

The Little River Glen Senior Center and Wellness Center for Older Adults are teaming up for a Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, May 29, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Little River Glen Senior Center (4001 Barker Court, Fairfax).


This free educational event allows all to learn about different resources in our community along with a full schedule of events throughout the day.


No registration is required. If you have questions about the event, please call (703) 503-8703.

"Police Leaders of Tomorrow" Applications Due May 29

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!


Police Leaders of Tomorrow is a program for young adults wishing to explore careers in law enforcement and learn about policing. The program 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.


Police Leaders of Tomorrow runs from June 24 - 28, and applications are due by May 29. Read more or apply today.

Nominate an Outstanding FCPA Employee! 

Cox Communications and Cox Conserves, their national sustainability program, are proud to announce they will be recognizing the hardworking employees of the Fairfax County Park Authority in the first-ever “Outstanding Service to the Fairfax County Park System” campaign!


Nominate an employee who shows their love for our incredible natural resources. Five nominees with the strongest or most memorable submissions will be awarded a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice from Cox and Cox Conserves. Submit your nominations by May 29!

FCPS Summer Extravaganza

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FCPS invites all families to the Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Woodson High School (9525 Main Street, Fairfax).


This event offers students the opportunity to participate in fun and educational activities and access resources. Kickstart their summer learning journey by engaging in a variety of educational and enriching activities tailored for Fairfax County students.


Local businesses, the Fairfax County Public Library, the Fairfax County Park Authority, and community organizations like Neighborhood Community Services will be in attendance.


Attendees can look forward to a range of engaging activities, including:

  • Face painting
  • FCPS Summer Camp information
  • Learning activities
  • Food
  • Moonbounce
  • Music
  • Petting zoo
  • Storytime
  • Student performances + more


Join for a day filled with learning games, tips, strategies, and valuable information for families to enjoy and benefit from. Registration is not required but helps with logistics planning. Language interpretation services will be available. Questions? Call FCPS at (571) 502-5349.

Message from School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer

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Braddock District School Board Representative Rachna Sizemore Heizer is seeking applications from Braddock District residents interested in serving a one-year appointment to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) citizen advisory committees. 


There are 11 volunteer citizen advisory committees that focus on issues affecting FCPS students. These committees make annual recommendations to the School Board. Nine of these committees include one appointee representing each of the County’s nine magisterial districts, at-large appointees, a school board liaison, and staff liaisons. For seven of those committees, terms are one year, from July 2024 to June 2025, and most boards meet once a month, usually in the evenings.


Learn more about each committee:


If you are interested in one of these committees, apply by June 4. Reach out to Rachna.SizemoreHeizer@fcps.edu with questions.

Second Community Meeting to Present Findings on Route 29 Corridor Study Scheduled for June 5

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is conducting a study of the Route 29 corridor, between Buckleys Gate Drive/Summit Drive near the Fairfax County Parkway on the west and Jermantown Road at the line with the City of Fairfax. The purpose of this study is to reassess the long-term needs of the corridor and develop solutions that serve residents and commuters, including pedestrians and cyclists, while taking into consideration impacts on development, the environment, and cost to taxpayers.

 

As part of the study, an online survey was conducted during February 2024 and the results were presented at a community meeting on March 12. The meeting video and presentation are available on the Route 29 study webpage.

 

FCDOT will hold a second public meeting on Wednesday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of this virtual meeting will be to summarize feedback from the online survey and first community meeting, and to present potential intersection improvements and modifications that address bicycle and pedestrian comfort and safety, as well as operational efficiencies. If you live near or use this segment of Route 29, you are encouraged to participate in this meeting.

 

A final report with recommendations to help inform the Fairfax County Comprehensive Transportation Plan is anticipated later this summer.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 (Monday, 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 this Tuesday, 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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