|
5.30.24
Dear Neighbor,
Monday was, of course, Memorial Day, and I joined community members at several local events honoring those who sacrificed their lives in service to our nation.
| |
|
I joined VFW Post 5412, the Burke Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and Scouting America for a Memorial Day observance at Burke Centre Conservancy, and Country Club View Civic Association’s annual ceremony. I want to thank the organizations and volunteers who work to plan these events and to ensure that we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, especially those from our community.
| |
|
In my remarks this week, I've shared the story of Army Sergeant James Robinson who was the first Virginia resident awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor awarded, for his heroic duty during the Vietnam War. Sgt. Robinson died on the battlefield in April 1966 after courageously and repeatedly placing himself in harm's way to rescue wounded men. His heroism lives on through James W. Robinson, Jr. Secondary School, where his Medal of Honor is displayed in the school's entryway.
Read more about Sgt. James Robinson from the Department of Defense, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, or Robinson Secondary School.
This Saturday, June 1, is Soldiers of Howrey Field Park Day – honoring the six Fort Belvoir soldiers who died at the field in Annandale. Each year I ask the Board of Supervisors to formally recognize their sacrifice with a proclamation that will be presented to family members of the men.
SPC Kenneth Steiner, PFC Marvin Harrison, and PVTs Paul Briggs, Anthony Evans, Charles Oliver, and Charles Whaley were all soldiers of the 77th Port Construction Engineer Company and were killed when the flagpole they were erecting struck a power line on June 1, 1967.
The 2024 memorial ceremony is this Saturday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m. at Howrey Field (5100 Glen Park Road). All are welcome to attend.
You can read more about the Soldiers of Howrey Field from the Washington Post, Burke Historical Society, Fairfax Times, or Inside NOVA.
Graduations at EagleBank Arena
| |
|
High school graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena began yesterday and continue through Tuesday, June 18.
Doors open up to one hour before ceremonies begin and traffic impacts vary depending on the day.
To help you plan your commute or travel near campus, subscribe to Mason Alerts or Fairfax Alerts for up-to-date details on high-impact areas and alternative routes.
Meeting on Recommendations for Route 29
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is holding a second public meeting on the Route 29 Corridor Study on Wednesday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m. FCDOT is studying 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, to reassess the long-term needs of this area 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.
At the June 5 virtual public meeting, FCDOT will summarize feedback from the online survey and first community meeting, and 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.
| |
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
- FCPS Summer Extravaganza
- Fairfax Disability First Responder & Safety Resource Fair on June 1
- Clean the Bay Day Clean Up on Americana Drive
- Message from School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer
- Stuff the Bus on June 8
- Marian Homes' Shredding Event
- Early Voting Happening Now!
| |
Monticello Dog Park Temporarily Closed for Shade Installation Project | |
|
Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Park Authority began installing two sunshades with seating at Monticello Dog Park. Their work will continue over the next week and a half; the park will remain closed to allow contractors to complete the project.
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.
You can read more about the project on FCPA's website. Questions regarding this project can be directed to parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| |
|
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.
| |
Fairfax Disability First Responder & Safety Resource Fair on June 1 | |
|
The Arc of Northern Virginia is partnering with Fairfax County public safety agencies to hold a safety fair for people with disabilities this Saturday, June 1, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy (14601 Lee Road, Chantilly). Participants will interact with first responders and learn about other available safety resources.
Participants will be able to:
- Practice police traffic stops and traffic accident response.
- Practice talking with and using fire, rescue, and EMS services.
- Learn about free, tech-based safety resources available from our Tech for Independent Living program.
- Ask questions of first responders.
- Learn about planning for natural disasters and other emergencies.
- Receive a personalized DD identification card to hand to first responders in the event of an emergency.
This event is open to anyone with any disability or general anxiety about police interactions, regardless of where they live. Participants can be a driver (licensed or unlicensed and getting ready to drive), or a passenger or bystander. Register today.
| |
Clean the Bay Day Clean Up on Americana Drive | |
|
The Fairfax County Restoration Project is joining forces with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for their annual Clean the Bay Day at Americana Drive this Saturday, June 1, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The clean-up will begin at the corner of Americana Drive and Patriot Drive. Gloves, bags, and vests will be provided.
Sign up today or email amy.gould@cox.net with questions.
| |
Message from School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer | |
|
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.
| |
|
Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus initiative began in 2011 in response to a critical need to help restock the shelves of local food pantries after the holidays.
This collaborative program is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. Now in its 13th year, Stuff the Bus continues to support food assistance efforts for families and households. Stuff the Bus has collected more than 220 tons of food to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Fairfax County since its inception.
You can help stuff the bus this Saturday, June 8, at the Cardinal Forest Giant (8320 Old Keene Mill, Springfield) from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
For a full list of requested items, visit the Stuff the Bus page.
| |
Marian Homes' Shredding Event | |
|
Area non-profit Marian Homes will be hosting a shredding event at St. Mary of Sorrows Parish (5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax) on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Information about the shred can be found on Marian Homes' website. Donations to Marian Homes will be accepted.
| |
Early Voting Happening Now! | |
|
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.
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. 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 voter registration deadline has now passed but same-day registration is 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.
| |
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube | | | | |
