Dear Neighbor,

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.

Braddock Nights & Children's Series Continue

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.
 
  • Tomorrow, Friday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena Group Kadencia will perform at Royal Lake Park
 
  • Saturday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. Grammy-Nominated Singer Ray Owen will play children’s songs at Wakefield Park. In order to provide more shade and more room, the concert will take place in the grassy area in front of the playground near the rec center. Parking is still in the main rec center lot.

July 27 Board of Supervisors Meeting

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. 
Continue reading below for more information on:

  • Community Meetings on Lake Accotink Dredging Alternatives
  • Investigation Continues After Police Shoot Woman Armed with Knife
  • New Braddock Voices Podcast Episode
  • Summer Entertainment Series
  • INOVA Blood Drives
  • Real Estate Tax Payments Due July 28
  • Upcoming Redistricting Meetings
  • Weekly Vaccination Clinic at the Annandale United Methodist Church
  • Update on Potential Transit Enhancements for Fairfax and Prince William Counties
  • 2021 National Farmers Market Week
  • Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions
  • Beginner Tai Chi Classes
Yours in service,
Supervisor James Walkinshaw
Community Meetings on Lake Accotink Dredging Alternatives
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 meetingThe presentation of the alternatives analysis will be the same at both meetings, so residents may attend in the format they find most comfortable.

This report comes after months of site assessment, sediment sampling, and analysis. The County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and its contractor, Arcadis, will present the results of their analysis on methods for dredging the sediment from the lake, transporting the dredge material via pipeline to the dewatering location, selecting the dewatering location, methods for dewatering the dredge material, and disposing of the dredge material. Staff are recommending that four potential locations be considered for the dewatering location based on maximum flexibility, minimization of impact, and cost efficiency:

• Dominion Energy Right-of-Way at Wakefield Park
• Settling Basin on the southwestern side of Lake Accotink Park
• Maintenance Area in Wakefield Park
• Lake Island in Lake Accotink Park

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.

Please mark your calendars to participate in one of these important meetings. While there will be some disruption during the dredging process (tentatively scheduled to start in early 2023 and run through 2025), we want to make sure we have the community’s input as we all work together to identify the best way to save Lake Accotink!
Investigation Continues After Police Shoot Woman Armed with Knife
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AFTER OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN SPRINGFIELD

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. 

No officers were injured as a result of this incident and no one else inside the home was harmed.  

The officer involved in the has been identified as a 14-year veteran who is assigned to the Special Operations Division. As per department policy, the officer has been placed on a restricted duty status pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigation. 

A criminal investigation into the use of force is being conducted by the Major Crimes Bureau. Chief Kevin Davis will release footage from the Body-Worn Camera and the 911 call for service when it no longer jeopardizes the integrity of the investigation.

Chief Davis has directed our Internal Affairs Bureau to conduct an administrative investigation in accordance with policy, along with an independent review by the Police Auditor. The name of the officer will be released by Chief Davis within 10 days, unless the Chief of Police has determined there is a credible threat to the safety of those involved or if additional time is required to thoroughly complete the risk assessment process.  

All information provided in this release is based on preliminary investigative findings and may be subject to revision as the investigation progresses.

For ongoing updates, please read FCPD's blog and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
New Braddock Voices Podcast Episode
I’d like to invite you to enjoy the latest episode of the Braddock Voices Podcast. This episode I’m joined by Paul Gross and Sarah Lennon of Friends of Royal Lake (FORL). FORL is a volunteer group of individuals that work to help preserve, protect, and improve Royal Lake and its surrounding parkland. Paul and Sarah introduce viewers to FORL’s mission, share the group's recent work, and talk about local initiatives.
 
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!
Click the video above to watch the newest episode of the Braddock Voices Podcast. 
Summer Entertainment Series
INOVA Blood Drives
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 Due July 28
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.
Upcoming Redistricting Meetings
Fairfax County Redistricting Advisory Committee
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.
Commonwealth of Virginia Redistricting Commission
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.
Weekly Vaccination Clinic at the Annandale United Methodist Church
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!
Update on Potential Transit Enhancements for Fairfax and Prince William Counties
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.
2021 National Farmers Market Week
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.

Farmers Markets in Braddock District

Burke Farmers Market
5671 Roberts Parkway
Burke, VA, 22015
Saturday | 8:00 a.m. through noon | Until December 18


Wakefield Farmers Market
8100 Braddock Road
Annandale, VA, 22003
Wednesday | 2:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. | Until October 27
Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions
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.
Beginner Tai Chi Classes
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:

  • Nearly anyone can do it!
  • Regular practice addresses key fitness components including strength, flexibility, and endurance.
  • Helps reduce falls and improves balance.
  • Improves brain function.
  • Promotes serenity. This class will include chi gong standing meditation in the warm up.

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

Use your computer, smartphone, or tablet:
  • Log onto Zoom using internet or app  
  • Go to: https://zoom.us/  
  • Select Join Meeting from the top right 
  • Meeting ID: 905 123 5932  
  • Password: 3636


Use your phone:
  • Dial in by phone: 1-301-715-8592 
  • You will be asked for:  Meeting ID: 905 123 5932# 
  • Press “#” to continue 
  • Meeting password: 3636# 
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube