6.12.25

Dear Neighbor,

The Braddock District's Children's Entertainment Series begins this Saturday, June 14, at Wakefield Park (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) at 10:00 a.m. with La Musica - A World of Encanto with JChris!

This year marks the Arts in the Parks series' fifth season in the Braddock District, with ten different kid-friendly acts, including musicians, comedians, and even a science show!

We are in need of volunteers to assist with our t-shirt raffles and other activities. Please contact Alejandra Caballero at braddockevents@fairfaxcounty.gov if you are interested in volunteering at any of the shows.

At each event, we will raffle off two child-sized Braddock District Arts in the Parks t-shirts, so be sure to pick up a raffle ticket before the performances start!

All performances in the Arts in the Parks series are free to attend and are open to the public. I hope you'll join us!

Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is next Thursday, June 19.

The holiday's name refers to the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas were told that they had been freed. These 250,000 enslaved African Americans were the last to be given freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation—two years after it was issued, and months after the Civil War had ended.

In 2020, Virginia began recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday. Since then, it's been celebrated every June 19. It is a perfect day to recognize freedom and resiliency and appreciate African American contributions to our community's history and culture.

The Fairfax County Public Library has compiled a list of resources about Juneteenth, including a reading list, background about the holiday, and more.

The Fairfax County Park Authority commemorates Juneteenth with a series of programs, tours, and lectures. Visit the County’s Juneteenth website to learn more about the history and legacy of Juneteenth in our community. Arlington Magazine's website has a list of additional Juneteenth events in our region.

Attend an upcoming event in Fairfax County to recognize Juneteenth:

• Juneteenth Celebration
• Thursday, June 19
• Sully Historic Site (3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly)

• Historic Tour of Meeting House and Grounds
• Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon)
• Registration

My office and other County offices will be closed on Thursday in observance of the holiday. The Fairfax Connector will follow their Holiday Weekday service schedule; read more about the County's operating status.

Comments on Braddock Road Improvements Project due June 16

Comments regarding the Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Project may be submitted through June 16.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held a design public hearing on the on June 2. Hearing materials, including the PDF presentation, roadway plan display boards, and meeting brochure, are available on VDOT’s webpage.

This project proposes to construct multimodal and access management improvements along three miles of Braddock Road (Route 620) between Humphries Drive in Burke and Ravensworth Road (Route 2864) in Annandale, including the eastbound and westbound Braddock Road ramps to southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Outer Loop), and half a mile of Ravensworth Road between Braddock Road and Heritage Drive. The proposed improvements aim to improve multimodal safety, mobility, and accessibility for all users with intersection enhancements, including at Rolling Road, Wakefield Chapel Road/Danbury Forest Drive, and Burke Lake Road. The improvements also include new and upgraded shared-use paths along both sides of Braddock Road. This project will involve changes in limited access control.

Comments must be postmarked, emailed, or delivered to VDOT by June 16, 2025.

Mail:

Yuliya Esmond, P.E.

Virginia Department of Transportation

4975 Alliance Drive

Fairfax, VA 22030

Email:

meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov

include “Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements” in the subject line

Yours in service,

Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw

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Continue reading below for more information on:

• School's Out!
• Vacation Safety Reminders from FCPD
• Early Voting for June 17 Democratic Primary Elections
• Graduation Traffic Advisory Alert
• Cox Charities Nominations Open Through June 30
• Energy Conservation Assistance Program
• Pet Adoption Spotlight: Astro!

School's Out!

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are now on summer break! Below are a few resources for students and families to stay happy and healthy this summer.

Pedestrian Advisory

With school out of session, there will likely be more pedestrians out on our roads. During the next few months, drivers are reminded to use extra caution, particularly around crosswalks and neighborhoods, to keep everyone safe.

Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from Monday, June 23, through Friday, August 1. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a free 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or social worker by phone or videoconference. 

Parents of students in any grade level can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.

Students in middle and high school can request a consultation to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.

We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at (703) 503-2520.

Summer Reading Adventure

Through Sunday, August 17, youth and adults can join the Fairfax County Public Library's (FCPL) Summer Reading Adventure and earn prizes when they reach their reading goals! You can find out more and sign up on FCPL's website.

Guide to Summer

There are plenty of things to do in the County this summer. View the FCPS's summer resources to learn more.

Vacation Safety Reminders from FCPD

Home security starts with you! As vacation season ramps up, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) needs your help in preventing burglaries.

Officers from the Crime Prevention Unit have identified simple tips that can help strengthen the security of your property and deter crime:

• Install security cameras that preferably have recording capabilities.
• If you’re heading out of town, avoid announcing your plans on social media.
• Ensure your residence appears occupied, even when no one is home, by using timers on lights.
• Keep all doors and windows closed and locked.
• Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or a wooden dowel rod in the track.
• Lock the door to an attached garage.
• Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit.
• Have a trusted neighbor check on your home if you plan to be away.
• Keep landscaping trimmed near entrances and walkways.
• Organize or join a Neighborhood Watch program.
• Keep an inventory of your property.
• Store ladders, tools, and any other outside objects in a locked shed or garage.
• Set a reminder every night before bed to lock your car and home to keep them safe.
• Report suspicious activity to FCPD's non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131. If you have an emergency, use 911. 

Did you know that Crime Prevention Officers have specialized training in conducting home security surveys? Please contact your local district station to learn more and sign up.

Early Voting for June 17 Democratic Primary Elections

Early voting for the June 17 Primary Election is underway!

Early voting is available at 13 locations until this Saturday, June 14, including at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax), Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke), and the West Springfield Governmental Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield).

You can find all the locations, operating hours, and detailed information on Early Voting on the Office of Elections’ website. Find a list of qualified candidates here.

All regular polling places will be open for voting on Tuesday, June 17, from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. More information about voting is available on the Office of Elections' website.

Graduation Traffic Advisory Alert

It's that time of the year, graduations are here!

George Mason University's EagleBank Arena will host the last few 2025 high school graduation ceremonies, concluding on Monday, June 16.

Doors open at least one hour before ceremonies begin, and traffic will vary, depending on the day.

Subscribe to Mason Alerts or Fairfax Alerts for up-to-date details on high-impact areas and alternative routes. View the FCPS graduation page for more information.

Cox Charities Nominations Open Through June 30

The 2025 Cox Charities award cycle is now open!

Cox Charities Community Grants are funded by Cox employees and are awarded to organizations that align with these areas of focus: youth innovation programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math; conservation and sustainability initiatives; and social justice.

Visit the Cox Charities website to learn more about the program. Nonprofits can submit their applications until June 30.

Energy Conservation Assistance Program

The Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) is a cost-share reimbursement program that provides financial and technical assistance to property owners making energy efficiency updates, installing renewable energy solutions or enhancing the resilience of buildings and property to withstand the impacts of climate change.



Projects eligible for ECAP must be approved for reimbursement prior to equipment purchases or completion of work. Reimbursements are not given retroactively. To learn more about the program and the application process, please visit the ECAP website.  

Pet Adoption Spotlight: Astro!

Looking for a co-pilot to join you in adventuring across the galaxy? Astro the wonder-dog is ready to meet you! Though he isn't from a space-age aerial city, he's sure to be your new best friend.

Located at the Fairfax Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax), Astro is a high-energy, fun-loving fellow. Astro came to the shelter when his previous owners were no longer able to care for him. His lovely floppy ears and goofy expression are a surefire way to make everyone he meets fall in love instantly. He likes hanging with people and dogs alike, and has lived with other dogs in his previous home.