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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Earth Week! Over the course of the week, I've been joining community members, non-profits, County staff, and students who are working hard to make Fairfax County cleaner and greener.
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Last Thursday I joined the D.C.-based non-profit Casey Trees to plant 29 trees at Braddock Elementary School!
Students were excited to take charge of the digging and planting of the new trees. This activity gave the kids the satisfaction of reshaping their recess area and adding shade to their open field area while contributing to the County's canopy goals. It was a win for everyone!
Casey Trees' funding for the donated trees came from the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Grants - made possible through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Braddock Elementary is working to secure plaques for the trees with the name of each class that planted them so students can continue to visit, even after they've graduated, and see their trees. The positive impact on the environment and students will grow along with these kids!
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On Sunday, I visited the Fairfax Tree Stewards at Monticello Park to see the progress they made on planting 10 trees funded by my office. It was a pleasure to meet with a dozen Steward volunteers, some of whom were there for training on proper tree planting.
Since this park sits on an old fill dirt dumping site, the volunteers needed shovels, pick axes, and more to dig through the clay and rock to create holes for planting! They plan to return in the fall to plant 10 more trees. As these trees grow, they’ll provide much-needed shade to park visitors and their pets. I encourage you to check out their great work!
To wrap up Earth Week, I plan to celebrate Arbor Day tomorrow, April 26, with Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez at Annandale Terrace Elementary School.
Friday’s event will include tree planting by teachers and students on school grounds, a presentation of the Arbor Day proclamation the Board passed last week, and a Tree City USA award from the Department of Forestry. This marks the 41st consecutive year the County has received the Tree City USA honor; this year's award is for the County’s efforts to preserve its tree canopy.
As we work to improve the health of our urban forest, I encourage you to learn how you can help by visiting the Department of Public Works' website.
VRE's Long-Range Plan
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I recently spoke with the Virginia Mercury about the Virginia Railway Express' (VRE) System Plan 2050 – the long-range plan to grow VRE service.
Between now and 2050, VRE will transform from a traditional commuter rail system serving 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday commuters to a full-service 7-day-a -week system serving a broad array of riders. That transformation will begin as soon as this calendar year with the launch of VRE's first-ever Saturday service.
I hope you'll take some to review the System 2050 Plan.
Fighting Scammers
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Last Friday, I attended AARP Virginia's Seventh Annual Scam Jam, a fraud awareness and prevention seminar, at the Government Center.
Attendees heard from fraud victims, learned what Fairfax County is doing to prevent further loss and arm residents with knowledge to protect themselves, and received resources from Fairfax County, AARP, and the FBI should they get scammed.
Fairfax County's Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign is our educational arm that provides resources for prevention and reporting, shares up-to-date notices about scams that have been reported to the County, and operates information tables at community events upon request.
Along with Silver Shield, the Fairfax County Police, and more County departments, my office will continue to share scams that we are made aware of to prevent you from becoming a victim. There are several County and federal resources available:
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If you are a victim/reporting:
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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:
- Earth Week Events in Fairfax
- VDOT Text Scams
- Court Phishing Scam Alert
- Deadline for Certain Taxes and Relief Applications Due May 1
- FCRHA Academic Scholarship
- Drug Take Back Day
- FCPS Drama Productions
- Marian Homes' Shredding Event
- Potential Changes to Data Center Regulations
- Submit your Public Comment on Commuter Choice Projects
- EQAC Student Applications Open
- NVTA Public Comment for SYP Open
- Reflections from Clean Fairfax
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Earth Week Events in Fairfax | |
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Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration
Are you looking to learn more about being a good friend to our planet? Then join the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development Community Revitalization Section and Fairfax County Park Authority for their Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration!
This one-day event features County experts, kids' activities, and food trucks on Saturday, April 27, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Annandale Pop-Up Park (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale). More information is available on Eventbrite.
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Earth Daze
Clean Fairfax is excited for their annual Earth Daze event on Sunday, April 28, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Aslin Beer Company (767 Elden Street, Herndon) for a family-friendly fun day!
Activities include:
- Sustainability Workshops
- Face Painting
- Axe Throwing
- Rock Wall
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
- Live DJ
- Local Makers and Creator Market
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FLAP Watershed Clean-Up
Join the Friends of Lake Accotink (FLAP) for a clean-up at Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield) on Sunday, April 28 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Contact president@flapaccotink.org for more information.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is encouraging people to be on alert for a text message scam, also known as smishing, that is sending requests for payment of outstanding toll charges. The texts claim people owe money for unpaid tolls.
The FBI recently issued a warning about the scam, which has occurred in various states and does not specifically target E-Z Pass customers.
Since March, people across the country submitted complaints to the FBI about receiving text messages representing toll road collection services claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls. The link in the text message is created to impersonate a toll facility’s or collection service’s name, and phone numbers appear to change between states. By clicking the link, people could risk giving away sensitive data, including credit card information.
To date, VDOT is not aware of Virginia residents receiving these smishing messages.
Should anyone receive an unsolicited text message suggesting it is from E-Z Pass Virginia or a specific toll facility in Virginia, they should not click on the link, and should reach out directly to the appropriate facility to verify authenticity.
E-Z Pass account holders and toll customers can check their accounts and pay tolls by going to the Toll Roads in Virginia website and E-Z Pass website. People may also contact customer service representatives for the appropriate facility to validate their toll balance along with upcoming or past due payments.
Those who believe they received a smishing text about tolls due can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center on IC3's website and include the phone number of the text message as well as the web link listed within the text.
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Court Phishing Scam Alert | |
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The Clerk of Fairfax Circuit Court, Chris Falcon, has issued the following warning about a scam email being sent to area residents and businesses:
There is an email claiming to be from "The Florida County Circuit Court," which also mentions that the recipient has been named in a breach of contract case with a requested appearance at the Fairfax County Circuit Court on May 14th. This email is FALSE and part of a phishing scam. The email also indicates that the recipient should click on documents in an attachment.
Those who receive the email are strongly advised to delete it and not to open the attachment. The Clerk's Office has contacted the Fairfax County Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, and the Office of Public Affairs to inform them of this scam. It is believed that recipients were chosen randomly and have no relationship to any pending cases in the Circuit Court.
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Deadline for Certain Taxes and Relief Applications Due May 1 | |
FCRHA Academic Scholarship | |
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People who live in affordable housing supported by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will have the opportunity to apply for academic scholarships until April 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Up to ten applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship for postsecondary education, including technical training.
Eligibility, requirements, and more information can be found on FCRHA's website.
For assistance with the application, call (703) 246-5000 or email fcrhascholarship@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27.
Drug take back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs, and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies.
Safe disposal of unused or expired medications protects the environment, prevents drug misuse, and prevents accidental poisoning.
Drop-off locations in and around Braddock District include:
- Fair Oaks District Police Station (12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax)
- West Springfield District Police Station (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield)
More drop-off sites, a list of accepted items, substance misuse resources, and more can be found on the Community Services Board's website.
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Mean Girls the Musical (Annandale High School)
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
Adapted from Fey's hit 2004 film, Mean Girls was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. This queen bee took Broadway by storm and has joined the musical in-crowd.
The show runs April 26-May 4 at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Drive, Annandale). More information, including tickets and showtimes, is available on Annandale Theater's website or on Annandale Theater’s Instagram.
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Romeo and Juliet (Lake Braddock Secondary School)
In the city of Verona, Italy, the private feud of families (and their households of servants) has spilled into open street warfare, causing chaos and ruining the lives of the citizens of the city. Set against this violent backdrop, two young people (Romeo Montague, and Juliet Capulet) fall desperately in love with each other. To foster peace between the families, they are married in secret, but quickly the tides of fate (or is it circumstance?) turn against them, sparking even more horrible violence and rash actions that cannot be undone. Shakespeare's most famous love story, arguably, the most famous love story ever told, is the greatest cautionary tale for children and adults - be careful what actions you take, because the consequences are not always within your control.
The show runs May 2-4 in the Little Theatre at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke). Tickets are on sale now.
Content warning: this production may be inappropriate for younger audiences due to violence, blood effects, mature themes, and suicide.
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Marian Homes Shredding Event | |
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Area non-profit Marian Homes will be hosting a shredding event at Holy Spirit Parish (5121 Woodland Way, Annandale) this Saturday, April 27, 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.
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Potential Changes for
Data Center Regulations
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Beginning May 2, a series of virtual community meetings will be held to discuss proposed updates to the Zoning Ordinance that could impact how proposed data centers are reviewed. Each of the four virtual meetings will include the same content. The different dates and times offered provide flexibility for attendees. No registration is required.
Save the date to join one of the following data center meetings:
- Thursday, May 2, at 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8, at 12:00 p.m.
As directed by the Board of Supervisors, County staff released draft text, which includes a Zoning Ordinance amendment that would strengthen the current regulations for data centers. Specifically, the draft text includes additional standards for data centers that address topics like noise, building design, and setbacks. Visit the Data Centers project website to review the draft text, get meeting details and see additional project information.
Public hearings on the Zoning Ordinance amendment are scheduled for June 5 with the Planning Commission and July 16 with the Board of Supervisors.
If you cannot attend the meetings, recordings will be available afterwards. If you have any questions or comments, email FFX-data-centers@PublicInput.com, or call Carmen Bishop at (703) 324-1314.
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Submit your Public Comment on Commuter Choice Projects | |
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The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission is accepting comments until May 13 on 15 proposed projects of the Commuter Choice program.
The Commuter Choice program funds transit (using the revenues from I-66 tolls) and other transportation projects to move more people and ease congestion in Northern Virginia.
Fairfax County has applied for funding through the Commuter Choice program for several projects now under consideration. Show your support by submitting a public comment by May 13.
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EQAC Student Applications Open | |
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The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) seeks a student member to join the council for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by May 6.
EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement, including preparing an annual report on the state of the physical environment in Fairfax County. Each year, the council also administers the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, and employees for advancing or supporting the County’s environmental goals and policies.
EQAC is composed of one citizen representative from each of nine magisterial districts, four at-large members, and one student representative. Each member is appointed to serve a three-year term, except the student member, who serves during their junior or senior year of high school. The council generally meets in person at the Fairfax County Government Center on the second Wednesday of each month, starting at 7:15 p.m.
The student member application is open to all interested sophomores and juniors living in Fairfax County (excluding the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church) who are in good standing. Eligible public school, private school, parochial, and homeschooled students are encouraged to apply.
See testimonials from past student members on the EQAC webpage under the student membership tab.
To apply, complete and submit the student application form. All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 6.
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NVTA Public Comment for SYP Open | |
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The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) invites community input on 24 candidate projects as part of the FY2024-2029 Six Year Program (SYP). Nine Northern Virginia localities and the Virginia Railway Express have submitted project proposals seeking regional funding from NVTA.
With funding requests totaling nearly $1 billion, the projects cover various transportation modes including transit, rail, roadway enhancements, technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and intersection/interchange improvements.
The project list, individual project description forms, maps, and detailed analyses can be found on NVTA's website.
The public is invited to comment on the 24 SYP candidate projects during the public comment period until May 19 at 11:59 p.m.
NVTA
2600 Park Tower Drive
Suite 601
Vienna, VA 22180
- Virtually or in person during the Public Hearing on May 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at NVTA’s Offices (2600 Park Tower Drive, Vienna)
- Register to speak
Find out more about the SYP or submit a public comment on NVTA's website.
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Reflections from Clean Fairfax | |
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Earth Month is a perfect time to assess your environmental impact. People often ask Clean Fairfax, “what simple things can each person do to live a greener lifestyle?” Here are a few actions you can take right now:
- Refuse plastic when possible, especially single-use plastic bags and bottles.
- Bring your own reusable bags and water bottles/coffee mugs everywhere you go. Keep them in your vehicle and remember them every time you get out of the car!
- Reuse what you can, when you can.
- Start looking at your waste items as resources instead. How could you put each resource to use? Could you reuse that plastic bag or wrapper? Could you take the label off of that jar and store something in it?
- Consider your daily travel.
- Now that it is getting warmer, alternative transportation options may be more workable. Could you walk or ride your bike to the store? Could you consolidate two errand trips into one, to save on gas?
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Choose native and non-invasive plants for your landscape.
- Native plants support wildlife, from insects to birds to mammals.
- Get outside for a walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park.
- Enjoy the beauty of our planet and appreciate the connections we share with natural systems around us. Every breath you breathe out contains carbon dioxide. Every plant takes that carbon dioxide in and breathes out oxygen for you to breathe in again.
We depend on Earth for our existence - let’s celebrate it! Make every day Earth Day. If you’d like Clean Fairfax to speak to your group, school, company, or community association, submit a Presentation Request on their website.
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