As the COVID-19 Delta variant spreads, case rates in Fairfax County and our region have ticked up. While our relatively high vaccination rate and strong adherence to safety measures put us in a better position than other regions, there are still risks, especially for those who are not vaccinated. The Delta variant is more transmissible and may cause more severe disease in those who are not vaccinated.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and is the best tool to protect our community from the Delta variant surge. I urge all who are eligible to get vaccinated immediately. Those who are not vaccinated should continue to take additional precautions.

Our summer entertainment series has been a huge success thus far, with record-breaking crowds and amazing performances! Last week's Friday concert at Royal Lake attracted more than 400 people and our children's series has been so popular that we're moving to a new location in Wakefield Park with more space and more shade.

The Board of Supervisors will meet next Tuesday, July 27 at 9:30 a.m. The full agenda is available and, as always, I welcome your feedback. 

Two community meetings have been scheduled to discuss the Lake Accotink Dredging Project’s Alternatives Analysis Report prepared by County staff and their team of consultants. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, July 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Drive, Annandale). In order to make sure that everyone is able to participate, a second, virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m. Here is the link to the virtual meeting. The presentation of the alternatives analysis will be the same at both meetings, so residents may attend in the format they find most comfortable.

The full Alternatives Analysis Report prepared by Arcadis will be posted on the project website so that residents have an opportunity to review it in advance of the meetings. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for community members to provide their comments. For those unable to attend or who wish to share additional thoughts, comments may also be submitted online.

West Springfield Police District – A 30-year-old Springfield woman is in custody and remains hospitalized after an officer involved shooting that occurred Monday evening. Officers responded at 5:18 p.m. to a group home in the 8000 block of Gosport Lane after a caretaker called 911 advising a woman was threatening to harm others inside the home. Two officers entered the home through the back door and were confronted by the suspect armed with a knife. Officers ordered her to drop the knife, but she refused. The woman threatened to stab the officers and advanced towards them with the knife in her hand. One of the officers discharged his service weapon, striking the woman in the upper body. Officers immediately rendered aid until relieved by fire and rescue personnel. The woman was taken to the hospital where she was admitted for further treatment. Information pertaining to the release of the woman’s identity are pending the outcome of the investigation and charges. 

Make sure to tune in and watch on YouTube or listen on-the-go on Soundcloud. Both platforms are free to use, and you do not need an account!

Community blood supply in Northern Virginia and across the country remains critically low. INOVA needs your help. Just one hour of time can save up to three lives. Scheduling an appointment is easy with Inova Blood Donor Services at 1-866-BLOODSAVES or on Inova's website.

Real estate tax payments are due Wednesday, July 28. Most homeowners pay real estate tax as part of a monthly mortgage payment. Your mortgage company then sends the taxes directly to the County. However, some homeowners must pay their real estate taxes directly.

For payment options and to learn more, visit the Department of Tax Administrations website.

The Board of Supervisors appointed the 2021 Redistricting Advisory Committee. The committee will recommend new Supervisory District Boundaries to the Board of Supervisors, who will ultimately determine the new districts that will be adopted.

The first meeting of the 2021 Redistricting Advisory Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27 from 6:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. in Conference Room 232 of the main Fairfax County Government Center. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Find the agenda and other materials on the County website.

The Commission, a constitutionally created body approved by the voters of Virginia in 2020, will draw Virginia's congressional and state legislative districts in 2021.

The commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 27 at 4:00 p.m. in Dewberry Hall of George Mason University to solicit public comment on the drawing of state and congressional legislative districts in Northern Virginia. Registration to speak in person will be open on-site between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on July 27. Comments limited to three minutes. The hearing will be livestreamed and archived online. Learn more by visiting the Virginia Redistricting Commission's website.

Neighborhood Health and Annandale United Methodist Church have teamed up to offer weekly walk-in vaccination clinics every Thursday at the Annandale United Methodist Church (7901 Heritage Dr., Annandale, VA 22003) from 4:00 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. No I.D. or health insurance is required. If you still need to get vaccinated, make sure to stop by!

Join the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) for a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, July 27 from 7:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. and learn more about initial study evaluation results for potential future transit enhancements in Fairfax and Prince William counties.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is conducting a feasibility study of enhanced public transportation services between the Franconia-Springfield Metro station in Fairfax County and the Quantico Marine Base in Prince William County. Enhanced transit could include options such as additional express bus services, VRE commuter rail expansion, bus rapid transit (BRT), or an extension of Metrorail.

Register to attend the upcoming public meeting.

It’s time to get ready for National Farmers Market Week. Now in its 22nd year, National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system. Amidst a global pandemic and nationwide change, it is now more important than ever for markets to bring people together!

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week during the first week in August with a visit to one of Fairfax County’s 10 producer-only Farmers Markets. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh meats and dairy products, and delicious baked goods, and meet the growers and bakers who produce them.

5671 Roberts Parkway

Burke, VA, 22015

Saturday | 8:00 a.m. through noon | Until December 18

8100 Braddock Road

Annandale, VA, 22003

Wednesday | 2:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. | Until October 27

Learn about Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions programs on Wednesday, July 28 from 6:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. These federally funded and utility sponsored programs provide NO COST home energy efficiency upgrades to income-qualifying households. Services include a Home Energy Audit, Health & Safety Check, Insulation, Air Sealing, LED Bulbs, HVAC Tune Up, and Low-Flow Fixtures. CHP makes homes healthier, safer, and more affordable.

Registration is required for this virtual event.

The Virtual Center for Active Adults hosts a Beginner Tai Chi class twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that incorporates a series of weight shifting, circular movements, and postural exercises. Tai Chi is low impact and can be adapted to the student’s fitness level. The exercise is in slow-motion while still providing a connection to self defense.

Key features of Tai Chi include:

Follow the instructions below to join our zoom classes on the computer, smartphone, tablet, or telephone.

Use your computer, smartphone, or tablet:

Use this direct link to meeting.