6.20.24

Dear Neighbor,

We're in the midst of a dangerous heat wave, and it’s critical to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to stay safe in the heat this summer.


  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
  • Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
  • Dress Appropriately! Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing to help keep cool.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable individuals who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously hot inside.


We have a number of additional resources for heat tips, weather preparedness, and precautions for extreme heat.



When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, excessive heat watch, or excessive heat warning, the County activates its Extreme Heat Response Plan, which is geared towards protecting all members of our community.


County efforts include:


  • Offering space for residents to cool off in air-conditioned areas with water available along with other heat-related supplies.
  • Spaces available include all libraries, Rec Centers, community centers, and human services buildings during operating hours.
  • Deploying homeless services outreach staff to check on unsheltered residents and provide them with supplies.


Since last year, the County has doubled the amount of heat supplies and bus passes provided to homeless services providers. Supplies have been distributed and are available at the emergency shelters, consumer wellness/day support sites, and meal sites. 


Subscribe to Fairfax Alerts for extreme weather alerts and warnings. The County has made it easier for unsheltered residents to sign up for Fairfax Alerts by texting 'FFXOPEH' to 888-777.

Arts in the Parks Continues

Last weekend, more than 125 people joined us for the first event in our Arts in the Parks Children's Series!


There will be concerts every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Wakefield Park in front of the Audrey Moore Rec Center (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) until August 17. This Saturday, we welcome Mr. Lilo. I hope you can join us!


In the event of inclement weather, call the FCPA concert hotline at (703) 324-SHOW (7469) one hour before a show's scheduled start time for an update.


View FCPA's schedule of Arts in the Parks concerts.


We are seeking volunteers to help make these concerts successful, so if you are interested in volunteering, please email my office.

MrLilo-CD-front image

6/22 Arts in the Parks: Mr. Lilo

Mr. Lilo Gonzalez is a singer and songwriter who has touched the lives of many people with his fun yet thoughtful music, sending a message to adults and children of all cultures that we can and should unite to build a better world for all.


After working with at-risk youth and elementary school children, he stumbled on a job teaching music to preschool children. He saw this as a great opportunity to bring the love of music to young children, foster their creativity, exposing them to many cultures, and helping them believe they can create a better world.

Route 29 Survey Closes Tomorrow

Earlier this month, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a second public meeting regarding the Route 29 corridor west of the City of Fairfax. At this meeting, FCDOT summarized feedback from the first meeting and survey conducted earlier this year and presented recommendations for long-term intersection improvements and modifications. The videos and presentations from both community meetings are available on the Route 29 study website.


FCDOT found that all intersections along this corridor need improvement. Long delays for making left turns topped the list of intersection concerns cited by the community. Short turning lanes at the Shirley Gate Road/Waples Mill Road and Route 29 intersection were mentioned, as was vehicle-pedestrian conflict at both the Jermantown Road/Rust Road (Walmart) and Lowe’s intersections.


To address these concerns, FCDOT has recommended corridor-wide pedestrian/bicycle improvements, including:


  • Adding a crosswalk at all legs of intersections, or wherever a segment is missing
  • Pulling crosswalks back where feasible to shorten the crossing distance
  • Providing a pedestrian push button for all crosswalks
  • Providing sufficient time for pedestrians to cross at intersections
  • Constructing missing segments of sidewalks/shared-use paths
  • Changing lane geometry at several intersections

 

FCDOT found that making these changes would significantly reduce delays at intersections and improve pedestrian/biking conditions along this segment of Route 29. The recommendations resulting from this study will be incorporated in the Comprehensive Plan, making them eligible for construction if funding is identified in the future.

 

A second public survey is open for the community to provide feedback on proposed improvements until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Your responses will help FCDOT finalize their recommendations. If you live near or travel through this segment of Route 29, you are encouraged to participate in the survey. A final report with recommendations to help inform the Fairfax County Comprehensive Transportation Plan is anticipated later this summer.

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:

  • FCDOT Daily Travel Transformation
  • School's Out!
  • Financial Steps and Resources for Family Caregivers Virtual Workshop
  • Plan Forward
  • Nominations Open for the Friends of Trees Awards


FCDOT Daily Travel Transformation

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announces a significant transformation of Fairfax Connector bus service along the I-66 corridor and beyond, starting Saturday, June 22.


Residents and visitors will benefit from expanded park-and-ride options, increased frequency, streamlined bus service routes, and new bus stop locations designed to make traveling throughout Fairfax County and the region more convenient for everyone. Read more about the transformation.


Routes Impacted:

  • 310, 321, 322, 393, 396, 423, 432, 461, 463, 574, 605, 615, 622, 630, 642, 660, 698, 699

New Service:

  • 427, 598, 625, 651, 662, 663, 671, 672

Discontinued Routes:

  • 424, 466, 621, 623, 624, 631, 632, 634, 640, 641, 650, 652, 724

*Nearly all discontinued routes are modified or replaced by new service*


The major transportation network restructuring provides Connector customers with more travel options between Centreville, Chantilly, Vienna, and Tysons (CCVT) by creating transfer points at the new Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage as well as Park and Ride locations. Buses at this newly designed Monument Drive hub, adjacent to Fairfax Corner (retail, dining, and entertainment), will run every 5 to 7 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. There are over 800 free parking spaces for passengers, with EV charging stations coming soon.


You can read more about the changes, including a new scooter policy, on FCDOT's website.

School's Out!

summer-last-day-062216-1250 image

Fairfax County Public Schools are now on summer break! Below are a few resources to supplement some of FCPS' services.


Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 2. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or social worker by phone or videoconference. 


Parents of students in any grade level can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.


We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at (703) 503-2520.


Summer Reading Adventure

Youth and adults can join the Fairfax County Public Library's (FCPL) Summer Reading Adventure and earn prizes when they reach their reading goals! You can find out more and sign up on FCPL's website.


Guide to Summer

There are plenty of things to do in Fairfax County this summer. View the County's quick guide to summer.


Using FCPS Facilities

In addition to all the possibilities at County parks and other places to enjoy summer, Fairfax County Public Schools also welcome you to use campus grounds. School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals (not organized groups) without being scheduled.


Please keep the following in mind when using these facilities:

  • Use is allowed from dawn to dusk, except during school hours or when being used for school activities or other scheduled programs.
  • Facilities must be shared with anyone else who wishes to use them.
  • Please leave the facilities as you found them. Remove any waste or debris from the property.
  • Animals, alcohol, drones, and tobacco products are prohibited on school grounds.


Visit FCPS' availability webpage for more information on the usage of school grounds and facilities.

multicultural-school-age-kids-close-up-web image

Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect This Summer

Child abuse does not take a summer break.


The Department of Family Services has some suggestions on how you can help prevent child abuse and neglect:

  1. Be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect
  2. Familiarize yourself with the Child Supervision Guidelines.
  3. Refer families to the Parent Support Line available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at (703) 324-7720.
  4. If you have concerns about a child’s safety, call the Child Protective Services 24-hour hotline at (703) 324-7400.
  5. Spread the Word about free Virtual Body Safety Classes, open to any Pre-K through 6th grade student living in Fairfax County.
  6. Children thrive when they have regular interactions with responsive, caring adults. You can make a difference by mentoring or volunteering with teens, being a safe and caring adult in a child’s life, or providing support and encouragement to struggling parents.

Financial Steps and Resources for Family Caregivers Virtual Workshop

FT_15 image

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s Caregiver & Supportive Services invites the public to attend their virtual presentation, "Financial Steps and Resources for Family Caregivers," that will explore financial responsibilities and decisions frequently required across the caregiving lifecycle and educate about information and tools available to help caregivers plan ahead.


Participants will learn about common mistakes to avoid as well as the need for advanced care documents, family caregiver agreements, and tools for managing finances and expenses. Finally, attendees will learn about other resources to assist caregivers, including WISER’s Financial Caregiving Hub.

 

The virtual workshop is on Wednesday, June 26, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. For questions, contact Ayiguli.Saifuding@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (571) 407-6961.

Plan Forward

plan-forward-logo image

Fairfax County has launched Plan Forward, a project focusing specifically on the Policy Plan which is a component of the Comprehensive Plan, the county’s long-term vision for land use. The Policy Plan covers elements such as land use, transportation, housing, environment, economic development, heritage resources, public facilities, human services, parks and recreation, revitalization, and visual and performing arts.


The update is intended to integrate current County strategies such as One Fairfax and Resilient Fairfax into the Policy Plan and enhance residents’ quality of life by reflecting modern needs and values.

 

Plan Forward is an important opportunity for residents to ensure updated Comprehensive Plan policies such as land use, housing, sustainability, and transportation, enhance the quality of life for everyone in Fairfax. To get involved:

  • Join an in-person or virtual community meeting
  • Virtual Community Kick-Off Meeting on June 27 (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
  • Join on Teams or call in at (571) 429-5982 (Access Code: 354532148#)
  • In-Person Community Kick-Off on June 24 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
  • James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church)
  • Sign up for Plan Forward email updates
  • Sign up to participate in topic-specific, group meetings
  • Share what you see for the future of Fairfax County
  • Answer the Plan Forward community survey


Community input is critical to reflect the planning vision of those who live and work in Fairfax. Visit the Plan Forward website for more information and to help shape the future of Fairfax County.

Nominations Open for the Friends of Trees Awards

The Fairfax County Tree Commission recently announced that nominations for its 2023-2024 Friends of Trees Awards are now open and will close on July 31.

 

Individuals and organizations may be nominated (or self-nominated) for various tree-related projects or programs that have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions to preserve, protect or plant trees.

 

A nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Protect and preserve existing trees and associated habitats
  • Increase Fairfax County’s tree canopy and its related habitats
  • Educate and inspire people to plant more trees and properly maintain them
  • Convey an understanding of both the value and benefit of trees


 

The nomination categories include:

  • Individual volunteer
  • Non-profit group or business
  • For-profit company
  • Development Community


 

Each category highlights the achievements and contributions of individuals and groups who dedicated their time and effort to preserving tree life in our community. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2024 with a celebration to follow. Please use the nomination form online.

 

Since 1999, the Friends of Trees awards have highlighted exceptional and innovative tree conservation actions in Fairfax County that meet one or more criteria: to protect and preserve existing trees and associated habitats, to increase the urban tree canopy and its related habitats, to educate and inspire people to plant more trees and properly maintain them, and to convey an understanding of the value and benefits of trees. Developers who go “above and beyond” County requirements to preserve and protect trees and associated habitats are also eligible for this award.


For more information, visit the Tree Commission’s website. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2024 with a Board of Supervisors recognition to follow.

Email treecommission@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions about the awards.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube