8.22.24

Dear Neighbor,

On Tuesday, I spent a few hours riding with Deputy Chief Bill Betz and Captain Katja Lancing of the Fire & Rescue Department (FCFRD). We responded to calls and I had the opportunity to see firsthand the professionalism of the men and women of our department, while learning about the ways we are using cutting-edge technology and data to inform our operations.

In 2023, FCFRD responded to 125,211 incidents across the County and 9,996 in the Braddock District. Their work saved countless lives and prevented $33.7 billion in property loss.

FCFRD is only one of three agencies worldwide that is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, holds an Insurance Services Office Class 1 rating, and serves a population of over one million.

The The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) rating represents superior property fire protection, and most insurers— including the largest ones — use Public Protection Classification (PPC) information to calculate premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In addition to saving lives and property, our world-class Fire & Rescue Department is saving County residents and businesses money in the form of lower property insurance premiums.

Celebrate Lake Accotink Day

This Saturday, August 24,from 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., is Lake Accotink Day and I hope you can join us for the celebration!

Fairfax County Park Authority and Friends of Lake Accotink Park will host the Annual Lake Accotink Day at Lake Accotink Park (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield). There will be a variety of free entertainment activities to enjoy, including:

Boat Rentals
Carousel
Mini Golf
Face Painting
History Activity Pavilion
Nature Activities
Pollinator Garden Tours

There will also be a special awards presentation hosted by Cox Communications to recognize dedicated County employees (including some who have contributed to the success of Lake Accotink Park) at 11:30 a.m. in the pavillion.

For more information, visit the County's website or call (703) 569-3464.

Thank You, Team Braddock Interns!

This summer, the Braddock District Office had two interns join our team to assist the office and learn about their local government!

John is a rising senior at George Mason University studying Government and International Politics. He is originally from Alabama and applied to our internship to learn more about Fairfax County Government and to strengthen his communications skills. His favorite part of the internship was volunteering at the summer concerts. He looks forward to graduating in Fall 2025.

Mariana is a rising sophomore at Northern Virginia Community College studying Political Science. She is originally from El Salvador and moved to the United States when she was 14. Her interest in government working for all residents is what drew her to apply to our office. Her favorite part of the internship was touring different government facilities and offices to learn how they all work together. Mariana plans to transfer to George Mason University in the spring and continue studying politics.

We've been fortunate to have them both and look forward to seeing the great things they go on to accomplish!

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:

Capital Bikeshare Meeting Tonight
Clear the Shelters This Weekend
GMU Traffic Advisory
Senior Olympics
CASA AmeriCorps Recruitment
LLI September Forum
Animal Shelter Volunteer Recruitment

Capital Bikeshare Meeting Tonight

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The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a virtual meeting on expanding the Capital Bikeshare network this evening, Thursday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m.

FCDOT staff will present information on 16 proposed bikeshare stations across Annandale, Seven Corners and Bailey's Crossroads, along with general information about the bikeshare system and funding. The meeting will include time for questions and feedback from attendees.

Proposed station locations in the Braddock District include:

Americana Drive and Americana Place, Annandale (Braddock)
Patriot Drive and Inverton Road, Annandale (Braddock)

To join the meeting:

Login via Microsoft Teams
Login via the Web
Meeting ID: 260 540 206 488; Passcode: eNQBG7
Dial In at (571) 429-5982; Phone Conference ID: 915 624 530#

Comments will be accepted through Friday, September 6. An online survey will be available after the meeting on the Fairfax County Capital Bikeshare page, or community members may leave a recorded message for the team at (703) 890-5898, Code 10501.

Capital Bikeshare has more than 700 stations in the Metro D.C. area, with 77 located in Fairfax County. In addition to helping people commute, run errands, and ride to entertainment/leisure destinations, Capital Bikeshare also provides an important first mile/last mile connection to public transit options. For more information, visit the Fairfax County Capital Bikeshare page. Read the full list of proposed stops on FCDOT's website.

Clear the Shelters This Weekend

Get ready for the biggest event of the summer!

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) 10th Annual Clear The Shelters adoption event begins tomorrow, Friday, August 23 - Sunday, August 25.

All pets will have their adoption fee waived at both the Lorton (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton) and Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) locations.

Shelter Hours:

Thursday and Friday: Noon - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information about the adoption process and to view available pets, visit FCAS' website.

GMU Traffic Advisory

The George Mason Fairfax Campus is expecting heavier than normal traffic until August 25.

Mason is buzzing with activity as students have been moving into their dorms for the beginning of the fall semester. The first day of classes will begin on August 26. The final phase of move-in will take place on August 23 - August 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and the Rappahannock Parking Deck.

***The Flats and 'Main on University' apartment complexes are not affiliated with George Mason University housing***

Senior Olympics

The 2024 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) will take place September 14-29. If you're interested in participating in the NVSO, are 50 years old or older, and live in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church, or Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William Counties, register by August 29.

For more information, including events, fees and locations, or to register, visit their website.

CASA AmeriCorps Recruitment

Are you interested in improving the quality of life for immigrant and working-class communities? CASA is looking to hire an Immigrant Integration Specialist AmeriCorps Member.

The program is focused on providing a set of financial education and supportive wrap-around family services such as employment placement, pathways to higher education and trades, to support immigrant and low-income people fully engaged in the social systems in Virginia. This project is coordinated and hosted by CASA, funded in part by the AmeriCorps Program and The Virginia Service Commission (VCS).

Members may be asked to serve at any of the following locations, the main service location for each member will be identified on the individual Service Agreement and the placement will occur based on program needs. These locations may be in Fairfax and Prince William Counties.

For more information about the program and responsibilities, read the program description.

LLI September Forum

Join the Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) for their September Forum on September 4, from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Little River United Church of Christ (98419 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).

The September speaker is Makan Shirafkan, the first LLI/NOVA Scholarship recipient. He will share his story as a young immigrant who became a Top 100 national trial lawyer. Please attend the forum for this up-close look at his success story.

The social gathering starts at 9:30 a.m. and is open to the public. If you are an adult over 50 and would like more information on membership in LLI and how to enroll in Fall/Winter 2024 classes, visit LLI's website.

Animal Shelter Volunteer Recruitment

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Do you love talking about pets, connecting people with resources or helping at events? FCAS Is looking for passionate volunteers for roles like:

Tabling at events
Organizing donations for the Pet Pantry
Leading shelter tours
Assisting at Vaccine and Microchip Clinics

Their next recruitment event is Saturday, September 14, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton).

Bilingual volunteers are welcome! The Shelter's non-profit fundraising partner, the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, will also be at the event recruiting for fundraising roles. More information is available on FCAS's Facebook.

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