Dear Neighbor,

This week, the Board adopted our Fiscal Year 2024 County Budget.

As I shared in last week's Braddock Beacon, the budget reduces the real estate tax rate by 1.5¢, fully funds our schools, fully funds employee compensation with additional targeted increases for public safety employees, invests in our parks, improves our domestic violence hotlines, and funds our expanded tax relief program for seniors and people with disabilities.

You can read more about the budget here.



Federal Public Health Emergency Ends

The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that has been in place since early 2020 ends today, May 11 because progress has been made in addressing COVID-19, and transitioning away from the emergency phase can begin.

Public health emergencies allow the government more flexibility to quickly develop new programs to support the public’s well-being. Learn more about how this affects COVID testing, vaccines, and monitoring.

I'm proud that during the pandemic, Fairfax County was able to provide grants and assistance to residents and businesses going through tough economic times; our Health Department worked overtime to get tests and vaccines out as rapidly as possible; we protected our workforce; and we updated the community on the latest developments in multiple languages, so every resident could get timely information.

The emergency ending does not mean that the virus that causes COVID-19 is no longer a threat. I encourage you to continue to take health safety precautions if you come into contact with the virus.

Braddock Bark is Sunday, May 21

The Braddock Bark festival is next Sunday, May 21, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park!

This year we are excited to offer a children's pavilion - featuring games, story time, and arts and crafts. We'll also have dogs available for adoption, local businesses, non-profits, and more.

I hope to see you, the kids, and the pups at Braddock Bark next weekend!

Yours in service,

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.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Marian Homes Shredding Event
• Traffic Advisory: Graduations at GMU
• Braddock District Council's Legislative Update
• Skate the Wake
• Bike to Work on May 19
• Caregiver Resources
• Register for LLI/NOVA's Summer Term
• Vote Early until June 17
• Braddock District's Volunteer Fairfax Community Champion
• Apply to be a Fairfax County Election Officer for June 20 Primaries
• Free Hyundai and Kia Steering Wheel Locks

Supervisor Walkinshaw and area non-profit Marian Homes will be co-hosting a shredding event on Saturday, May 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke).

Donations are accepted and benefit Marian Homes' mission to purchase and maintain affordable homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities, allowing independence and personal growth in a group home setting. More information about this event can be found here.

George Mason University will be hosting graduation ceremonies on campus at the EagleBank Arena and the Center for the Arts beginning Monday, May 15 until Tuesday, June 13 at various times of the day.

Traffic impacts will vary depending on the day but be sure to subscribe to Mason alerts for up-to-date details on high impact areas and alternative routes.

View GMU graduations and the high school ceremony schedules here.

The annual Legislative Update Meeting hosted by the Braddock District Council (BDC) is next Wednesday, May 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke) with Delegate Vivian Watts, Senator Dave Marsden, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, At-Large Fairfax County School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and Braddock District School Board Member Megan McLaughlin.

The meeting provides an informal setting to meet elected officials, learn about new laws passed during the 2023 legislative session, and find out how redistricting affects you in the November elections, when all 140 General Assembly seats come up for election – previous state election district boundaries and numbers have changed. This event is a good first step in preparing for the upcoming primary and the general election.

Learn more about this meeting and more on BDC's website.

This Saturday, May 13 at Wakefield Skate Park (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) come "Skate the Wake" from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a day filled with skating, music and all-around fun at Skate the Wake. Meet Mimi Knoop, five-time X-Games medalist and coach of the USA Skateboarding team.

The event features a Skateboard Trick Clinic and skateboard Best Trick Contest that will be judged by professionals from the local Fairfax Surf Shop as well as celebrity judges Mimi Knoop and Spike Mendelsohn (Top Chef competitor and local restaurateur). Derran Eaddy, founder of Solstik Music, will DJ this event. Visit local vendors and try your hand at graffiti art on the Wakefield skate shack.

Check out more details here.

Join Commuter Connections for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19, with more than 100 pit stops throughout DC, MD, and VA - including three in the Braddock District!

• Wakefield Park at Audrey Moore RECenter - 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
• 6:30 - 9:00 a.m.
• Burke Centre VRE Station (near the train platform) - 10399 Premier Court, Burke
• 6:30 - 9:15 a.m.
• Fairfax County Government Center - 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
• 6:30 - 9:00 a.m.

The first 15,000 commuters who register and attend this free event will receive a T-shirt. Free giveaways and refreshments are available at most pit stops, while supplies last.

Register and you'll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free bike!

For assistance with registration, please call Commuter Connections at (800) 745-7433. For general questions regarding the event, please visit Bike To Work Day's FAQ page.

Chronic Pain Caregiver Webinar

On Wednesday, May 17 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dr. Daniel Clauw will discuss advances in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain in a caregiver webinar. 

He will emphasize that some pain is not a problem in the area of the body someone is experiencing pain but instead comes from the brain and nervous system. He will also discuss a number of self-management options. Register here.

Caregiver Stroke Support Group

Helping Hands Stroke Club hosts a group that provides a safe place for family caregivers to honestly talk about challenges regarding a beloved stroke survivor. The next meeting will be on Friday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

To register and receive the updated meeting location, email Erica Wrenn at [email protected] or call (703) 246-7151.

The Lifetime Learning Institute at Northern Virginia Community College (LLI/NOVA) invites you to be part of its 2023 summer term and to participate in other activities, including monthly forums, day trips, classes, special interest groups and social activities.

The summer term is from May 30 – September 1, but dues provide unlimited access to all activities for a full year. Registration begins Monday, May 15.

At $110 per year, LLI/NOVA is one of the best bargains around - a full year of unlimited classes, access to travel at special rates, participation in forums, parties, field trips, and special interest groups, and an opportunity to learn new things and develop friendships with like-minded members. The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus, is a non-profit, member-run organization dedicated to providing continuing educational opportunities to older adults age 50+. 

Join LLI/NOVA and register today. Contact LLI/NOVA at (703) 323-3746 or email [email protected] with questions.

Early in-person voting for the June 20 Democratic Primary Election is happening now until Saturday, June 17.

Voting is available at three locations:

• Fairfax County Government Center (Conference Rooms 2/3) - 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
• Weekday hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Mt. Vernon Governmental Center - 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
• Weekday hours: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• North County Governmental Center - 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston
• Weekday hours: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

*The Republican Party has not called for a primary in Fairfax County*

Beginning Saturday, June 10, an additional 13 early voting locations will open across the County, including at Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke).

You can find all the locations, their operating hours, and information on Saturday voting on the County's Office of Elections' website.

• Find a list of qualified candidates here.
• You can verify the new districts here. 

Every year, Volunteer Fairfax brings us together as a community to celebrate volunteers across the County. As part of the annual Volunteer Service Awards, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors selects an individual to be recognized for their commitment to promoting volunteerism within their community while addressing specific needs.

Read about Braddock District Community Champion Charlotte Hannagan and others at the Volunteer Fairfax website.

Congratulations Charlotte and thank you for all that you do!

The Fairfax County Office of Elections is seeking new officers who can serve for a full-day (5:00 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., when all work is complete after polls close), on Tuesday, June 20 for the primary elections. Offered compensation for serving is $250.00 and reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities per the American with Disabilities Act.

The deadline to apply to be considered for the June primaries is May 23. Any applications received after that date will be considered for future elections.

Apply to be an officer here or contact the Office of Elections at [email protected].

In response to increasing thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles, the West Springfield District Station has partnered with the manufacturers to distribute free steering wheel locks to local residents who own, or lease affected vehicles.

If you bring in your Hyundai or Kia's current registration to the front desk of the West Springfield District Station (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield) at any time, you will be provided with a free steering wheel lock. Wheel locks are offered on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. 

Security upgrades are available through Hyundai and Kia dealerships. Owners of these vehicles are strongly encouraged to contact their dealership to learn more.

If you have any questions, please call MPO Tony Capizzi at (703) 277-2363 or send an email.