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Dear Neighbor,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Best of Braddock Awards last night! It was a wonderful evening spent with more than 100 community members to honor our award winners, who were selected by members of the Braddock District Council.
I truly appreciate Congressman Gerry Connolly, Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano, School Board Members Megan McLaughlin and Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and former Supervisor John Cook for attending and helping to honor our awardees.
In addition to the awards below, we gave special recognition to School Board Member Megan Mclaughlin for her 12 years of exemplary service on the School Board and long-time Braddock District staff member Marcia Pape for her commitment to serving our community.
The winners were:
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Braddock District Citizen of the Year - Erik DeTurk, Kings Park
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Young Person of the Year - Autumn D.
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Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District - Don Pederson, North Springfield Little League
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Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification in the Braddock District - Dave Moulton, Dunleigh
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Most “Can Do” Public Employee - Tony Capizzi, Fairfax County Police Department (West Springfield District) & Marcia Pape, Braddock District Supervisor's Office
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Civic Engagement - Ben Breaux, Kings Park West
Lake Accotink Task Force's Findings Report
This Tuesday, I brought the findings report of the Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink to the Board.
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I asked the Board to establish the Task Force to review and develop findings on the previous dredging studies, ensure all options have been considered to preserve Lake Accotink in the most sustainable, equitable, and cost-effective manner, identify information needs and questions that should be addressed should the Board proceed with studying a managed wetland or hybrid option, and consider the impacts to the environment, surrounding communities, recreational uses of the park, and financing, including ongoing maintenance.
The Board accepted the findings of the Task Force, the purpose of which, as I pointed out, was not to make a recommendation on whether or not to dredge, but to explore topics in more detail. Three subcommittees were established for these ends: the Subcommittee on the Value of Lake Accotink to Lake Accotink Park and to the County, the Subcommittee on Impacts of and Issues with the County Staff Recommendation to Not Dredge, and the Subcommittee on Options to Consider Other than Traditional Full Dredging.
Task Force Chair, and former Board Chairman Sharon Bulova, joined us on Tuesday to present the Task Force report. I’m incredibly proud of the 30+ members of the Task Force for their dedication over the past 6 months to work on this monumental task that means so much to our community.
My colleagues and I referred the report to the Board’s Environmental Committee meeting on December 12. At that meeting, we’ll receive an in-depth presentation and allow the Board to hear directly from the task force.
2023 Holiday Gift Giving Guide
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There are many ways to support your neighbors and community this holiday season.
Every year, Fairfax County creates a list called the "Holiday Gift Giving Guide" filled with giving opportunities in the County through agency drives and donation events. The 2023 Holiday Gift Giving Guide is available now.
Last week's Braddock Beacon also has a list of ongoing drive and donation events.
Office Closure
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This Monday, December 11, my office will be closed until 3:00 p.m. for Staff CPR and First Aid training. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you in advance for your understanding. | |
Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
Please share the newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news & updates. | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- FCPA Improves Boardwalk Near Lonsdale Drive
- Last Low-Cost Animal Vaccination and Microchip Clinic of the Year
- Holiday Resilience Workshop
- 10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive
- Board Approves Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects and Maintenance Funding
- 13th Annual Adopt-A-Soldier Care Packing
- Clean Fairfax Encourages Green Holiday Traditions
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FCPA Improves Boardwalk
Near Lonsdale Drive
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Fairfax County Park Authority has closed a section of the Lonsdale Drive connector trail, near Danbury Forest Drive, to renovate the boardwalk.
The repairs to the boardwalk, which provides access to the Cross County Trail in Lake Accotink Park, are planned to last until mid-December, weather permitting.
Unfortunately, there is no safe detour and this section of the trail will be closed until the project is complete.
For updates on the reopening of the trail, email Park Authority at FCPAParkMaintenance@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Last Low-Cost Animal Vaccination and Microchip Clinic of the Year | |
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The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will hold a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for dogs and cats on Thursday, December 14, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Animal Shelter's new Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton).
Space is limited to the first 150 people in line. Get there early to take advantage of these services! No pre-registration or appointment is required, and all paperwork will be completed at each clinic.
For more information about vaccines available and additional dates, visit the Animal Shelter’s website.
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Holiday Resilience Workshop | |
10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive | |
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The Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services Division is dedicated to assisting child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence, as well as those who have lost a loved one to homicide. Many of these children are unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations due to the financial strain on their families resulting from being victims of crime. In the genuine spirit of the season, they invite you to join them in bringing holiday cheer to these resilient children by participating in the 10th Annual Gift Card drive.
From now until Saturday, December 16, they are actively seeking gift cards for young and teenage child victims. These cards can be for establishments such as Giant, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants, and clothing stores. Gift cards empower parents and guardians to actively engage in purchasing gifts and essential items for each child that they might otherwise go without.
Each child selected for the holiday gift card drive has been vetted by their assigned Victim Specialist and has been personally affected by crime. Every family they choose truly represents those in need. Some will use the gift cards to buy toys and other gifts, while others will invest them in winter clothing for the children or use them to buy food for their holiday meals.
Victim Services sincerely appreciates your support. Your generosity will illuminate the eyes and hearts of child victims, bringing immense joy, and, most importantly, making a positive impact this holiday season.
Drop off or send gift cards to:
Saly Fayez
Victim Services Section
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
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Board Approves Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects and Maintenance Funding | |
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This week, the Board approved $23,403,177 in funding for active transportation capital and maintenance projects to improve the County’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
The proposed breakdown of the funding can be found in the Board package. The projects that will be funded in the Braddock District are as follows:
- Carrleigh Parkway and Donset Drive – add new marked crosswalk and pedestrian refuge island crossing Carrleigh Parkway
- Grantham Street from Victoria Road to Cromwell Drive – construct approximately 270 linear feet of missing sidewalk on the west side.
- Lake Braddock Drive and Raintree Road – Upgrade existing crosswalks with a pedestrian refuge island and curb ramps.
- Olley Lane and Eastwood Court – upgrade the existing crosswalk with a pedestrian refuge island and/or Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons.
Please keep an eye on future newsletters for further details on the timing of these projects.
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13th Annual Adopt-A-Soldier
Care Packing
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Join the American Legion Post 176 and Adopt-A-Soldier to say "Thank You for their service" by packing care packages and letters for Veterans and deployed service members in veteran homes and hospitals.
The American Legion Post 176 will pack care packages on Monday, December 25, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 176 (6520 Amherst Avenue, Springfield). Lunch will be served for volunteers and all supplies will be provided; donated items will not be turned away!
There is no age limit to volunteer and no set time slots. Lunch will be served to volunteers. Visit the American Legion Post 176's event page for more information.
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Clean Fairfax Encourages Green Holiday Traditions | |
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Did you know that the average American household creates 25% more waste during the holiday season? This is the perfect time of year to add a couple of easy, green traditions to your festivities!
- Choose reusable or recyclable wrapping for your gifts, such as a basket, decorative fabric wrap, previously used gift bag, or paper decorated with drawings and natural items (think pinecones, sprigs of greenery, or dried flowers).
- As you decorate your tree or your home, do not throw away broken holiday lights. Take them to your nearest MOM’s Organic Market for recycling! Locate your nearest MOM’s.
- Bring your own food storage containers to take home leftovers. Hint: annual cookie swaps can keep swapping the same tins back and forth each year!
- Consider purchasing a real tree for the holidays through local Christmas tree growers. Check out the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association site for a tree farm near you.
- Looking for a zero-waste gift idea? Donate to a local green organization.
Check out Clean Fairfax or email cfc@cleanfairfax.org.
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