Dear Neighbor,

Great news! Along with the Fairfax County Health Department, we will be hosting a vaccine clinic in Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015) next week. If you haven't yet received a vaccine, please make an appointment. You can also drop by as there will be walk-in appointments available.

If you are already vaccinated, please help us by spreading the word. The clinic will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 26, Thursday, May 27, and Friday, May 28. We will be administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine to those 18 years or older. Please remember that the vaccine is available at no cost to you and there are no residency requirements. I hope to see you there!
Last week, in accordance with the CDC's new mask guidelines, Governor Ralph Northam updated his executive order. Updates include:

  • Masks are no longer required by Executive Order 72 for fully vaccinated individuals in most indoor settings. Exceptions will include public transit, health care facilities, and congregate settings. Anyone who is not yet vaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings.
  • Employees who work in certain business sectors—including restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care, and entertainment—must continue to wear masks unless fully vaccinated, consistent with CDC guidelines.
  • Masks will continue to be required in K-12 settings, given low rates of vaccination among children.
  • Businesses will retain the ability to require masks in their establishments if they choose to, and individuals will continue to be permitted to wear masks if they choose to.
  • Social distancing and capacity restrictions will be lifted on May 28, instead of June 15 as previously planned.
  • Virginia's state of emergency will remain in effect at least through June 30. The Governor of Virginia’s Office is currently reviewing implications of ending the state of emergency, and will continue to engage with localities on the timing and substance of future changes.
Watch the Governors Announcement Video Above (Released May 14, 2021)
Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Health Department are also offering COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for students (ages 12-18) at several high school locations next week. However, parent/guardian consent must be received by 8:00 p.m. today, Thursday, May 20 for your student to participate. Please register and learn more below.

I'm glad to inform you that Braddock Hall will be reopening for reservations. If you are part of an HOA or small organization that needs a meeting space, please call the Braddock District Office at (703) 425-9300 and provide the contact information for the person/group that will use the room. Use of the room is on a first-come, first-serve basis by reservation. Currently, the maximum number of people in the room is ten. Additional safety instructions and information will be provided upon reservation.
En Español:

Organizaremos nuestra propia clínica de vacunas en Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015). Por favor hagan una cita en el Registro de Invitados para programar una vacuna COVID-19, sin embargo, también habrá servicio el mismo día si no se registra. Si ya está vacunado, por favor informe a su familia y amigos. La clínica estará abierta el miércoles 26 de mayo, el jueves 27 de mayo, y el viernes 28 de mayo, de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm los tres días. Será la vacuna Johnson y Johnson y disponible para todos los mayores de 18 años. Recuerde que la vacuna está disponible sin costo para usted y no hay requisitos de residencia. ¡Espero verle allí!

Continue reading for more information on:

  • George Mason University Vaccine Clinic this Weekend
  • Fairfax County Public Schools Vaccine Clinic
  • Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel Public Forum
  • Fairfax County Black Mental Health Committee Initiative
  • Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
  • Fairfax County Public Library Branches Reopening for Normal Services
  • The Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Workforce Survey
  • Wakefield Skatepark Project Survey
  • Official Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for the New Smokewood Park Bridge
  • Walk-In Vaccine Appointments at Tysons Community Vaccination Center
Yours in service,
Supervisor James Walkinshaw
George Mason University
Offering Vaccine Clinic this Weekend
George Mason University (GMU) is offering a vaccine clinic this Saturday, May 22, at EagleBank Arena for adolescent (ages 12 to 18) dependents of Mason faculty, staff, students, contractors, alumni, families, and friends.  
 
This clinic is not exclusive to adolescent dependents. GMU encourages all members of the Mason Community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Mason faculty, staff, students, alumni, contractors, families, and friends can also schedule an appointment on May 22.  
  
To make a vaccine appointment for you, your family, or adolescent dependent on May 22 please visit the scheduling website. A list of all upcoming clinics at Mason is available online. 
  
Please note, all minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of their vaccine appointment. Unaccompanied minors will be denied entry to the clinic. 
 
If you have questions about this announcement or Mason’s involvement in vaccine distribution, please email vaccine@gmu.edu.
Fairfax County Public Schools and Health Department to Host School-based COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Health Department are offering COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for students (ages 12-18) at several high school locations. Vaccine events will take place:


Transportation:

  • Transportation to and from the vaccination clinic will be provided to all students from their base school. 
  • Virtual students will need to be dropped off and picked up at the base school. 
  • In-person students will participate in their normal daily schedule before and after the appointment and will still ride their normal bus to and from school for the day. 
  • Appointments will be scheduled between 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Parents/guardians must register their students for their vaccination with the Fairfax County Health Department. Parent/guardian consent must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20 for your student to participate. Please register.
Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel Public Forum
The Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel will hold a Public Forum on Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00 pm on WebEx. The Panel will discuss civilian oversight of law enforcement with Fairfax County Police Department Chief Kevin Davis and will also allow time for the public to ask questions on civilian oversight.

For more information on the event and instructions for joining visit the County website.
Tools 2 Thrive
This virtual Zoom seminar is a Fairfax County Black Mental Health Committee initiative to continue dialogue about mental health. Topics of discussion will include: Adapting to Trauma & Stress, Processing Big Changes and Taking Time for Yourself (Self-care).

The event is Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register today.
Helping Households Stay Connected to the Internet During COVID-19
Help is available for households struggling to pay for internet service because of hardship due to COVID-19 through the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying households. Eligible households can receive:

  • Up to a $50/month discount on broadband service and associated equipment rentals.
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands.
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).

More information about eligibility requirements and how to apply are available on the Fairfax County Digital Equity website.
Watch the video above to learn more.
Fairfax County Public Library Reopening for Normal Services On June 5
All Fairfax County Public Library branches will be reopening for normal services, with no capacity or time limits, beginning on Saturday June 5. Most meeting rooms will be available for booking by the public starting on June 5. Curbside services will continue to be offered from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, in addition to unrestricted interior library usage. Some in-person public program may resume, while others may remain in a virtual format.
  In an effort to best support the community with consistent hours and weekend services, branch library hours will be changing to the following:

Regional branches:

  • Monday - Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
  • Thursday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.

Community branches:

  • Monday – Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Workforce Survey
It is well known that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the US economy and especially on women. According to a recent survey on Women’s Health by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 1 in 10 women reported quitting a job due to a pandemic-related reason. This could have been because they felt unsafe at work, they lost their childcare, or had increased family caregiving responsibilities that impacted their ability to work full time outside of the home. If you identify as a woman and have experienced a job loss or decline in hours due to the pandemic, please share your story with us using this survey The Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Workforce. Supervisor Walkinshaw will use this information to share county resources and advocate for additional support.
Take the Survey on a New Design for the Wakefield Skatepark
The Park Authority is looking for feedback on a proposed new design for the Wakefield Skatepark in Annandale, Virginia. Members of the community are invited to complete a short survey to help guide the renovation process.

Wakefield Skatepark was originally built in 2004 with an expected lifespan of about 15 years. The wooden skatepark has been repaired several times, but due to the age and makeup of the facility, it is no longer feasible to try to extend the life of the original equipment. Planners are working on an updated design that incorporates newer styles of obstacles and features typical of today’s skateparks. Another goal is to create a better flow within the skatepark. The phased renovation would include a new layout, demolition of unsalvageable equipment, and installation of new equipment.

The survey will be available until May 28, 2021, and can be found on the Wakefield Skatepark project page. Park visitors can also find the survey by scanning the QR code printed on flyers at the park.
National Trails Day with Smokewood Park Pedestrian Bridge Dedication
Supervisor Walkinshaw and the Fairfax County Park Authority will celebrate National Trails Day on June 5, 2021, with a ceremony to mark the opening of the new pedestrian bridge along a trail in Smokewood Park, south of Whitacre Road in the Olde Creek section of the Braddock District.

A damaged steel bridge was removed earlier this year to allow for the installation of the new prefabricated fiberglass structure and related work. Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw said, "As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we do so with a renewed appreciation for the parks and trails that have sustained us throughout this difficult time. That's why I'm so excited about the new Smokewood Park Bridge and appreciative of the partnership between the community, the Park Authority and my office that made it happen.”

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Smokewood Park Bridge will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Walk-In Vaccine Appointments at Tysons Community Vaccination Center
After months of waiting, Fairfax County residents are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and there is enough vaccine for everyone who wants to be vaccinated!

Walk-In Appointments at Tysons Community Vaccination Center

The Tysons Community Vaccination Center (CVC) now offers walk-in appointments! While appointments may still be scheduled ahead of time, the Tysons CVC is offering first-come, first-served walk-in appointments Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The CVC is located in the former Lord & Taylor at 7950 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA, 22102.

Please note: You can also still find appointments via VaccineFinder.
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