Dear Neighbor,

July is Plastic-Free Month, a month-long challenge to reduce single-use plastic usage and incorporate more sustainable alternatives into our lives! There are many ways to cut down on single-use plastics, including:

• Utilize reusable grocery bags and avoid Fairfax County's $.05 fee on plastic bags
• Use a reusable coffee cup
• Swap out balloons with more eco-friendly decoration options like paper lanterns, reusable bunting, DIY bubble blowers, and flowers
• There are also federal programs to reduce plastic pollution

This month, I encourage you to swap out at least one single-use plastic item for a more sustainable solution!

Learn more about recycling plastics in Fairfax County from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

Plastic Bag Fee Update

Recently, I wrote a Letter to the Editor to the Fairfax Times to correct some inaccuracies in a recent article about the County’s plastic bag fee. The article erroneously asserted that recent data demonstrate an increase in plastic bag use since the imposition of the plastic bag fee. The error was based on a misunderstanding of the ordinance and a misreading of the recent revenue reports.

In fact, since the enactment of the fee, environmental groups report seeing fewer bags in our parks, streams, and lakes.

LGBTQIA+ Resources

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:

• This Week's Braddock District Summer Entertainment Series Performers
• Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink Bi-Weekly Recap
• Fairfax Project Based Voucher Waiting List is Open for Seniors
• Lane Reduction on Monument Drive North/South Over I-66 Ends 7/17
• Automatic Real Estate Tax Payments
• FCPA Community Survey
• Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Meeting
• Greater DC Diaper Bank's Wipes Drive
• Enter the Park Authority’s Selfie Contest!
• Extreme Heat Reminders & Resources
• FCPL Updates
• Nominate August's Braddock Citizen of the Month!

This Week's Braddock District Summer Entertainment Series Performers

7/14 - Royal Lake: Honky Tonk Casanovas play an entertaining mix of country, western swing, California surf and southern soul music! Based out of the MD/VA/Washington DC area, the Casanovas feature the rich vocals of Cherith and Larry, lots of honky tonk guitar by Bob, the beautiful sounds of pedal steel guitar from Eric and the distinguished keyboards of Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame member Sam Paladino. Playing great music from Asleep At The Wheel, Linda Ronstadt, Brooks & Dunn, Patsy Cline, Martina McBride, The Beach Boys, George Strait + more!

7/14 - Lake Accotink: City of Falls Church Concert Band

This popular 50-piece community band, sponsored by the City of Falls Church Recreation & Parks Department, performs an entertaining mixture of marches, classical pieces, Broadway show medleys, regional tunes and American classics.

7/15 - Wakefield Park: Mr. Lilo



Mr. Lilo Gonzalez is a singer and songwriter who has touched the lives of many people with his fun yet thoughtful music, sending a message to adults and children of all cultures that we can and should unite to build a better world for all.

Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink Bi-Weekly Recap

The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink held its second meeting on July 10. This meeting focused on reviewing the information upon which the County based its recommendation to not dredge the lake. County Public Works and Environmental Services and their consultant, Arcadis, gave presentations outlining the engineering studies and research that had been undertaken with regard to dredging. Task Force members asked a number of questions and engaged in a robust discussion, which will be continued at their next meeting, to be held on Monday, July 24, at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 11 at the Government Center.

The biweekly meetings are open to the public and interested community members are welcome to attend to observe the task force's work or livestream the meeting on Channel 16. A recording of the 7/10 meeting is available here. Updates on the Task Force can be found here.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Association's (FCRHA) Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list is open for four senior properties located throughout Fairfax County until Sunday, July 16:

• Chesterbrook Senior (Falls Church)
• Lake Anne House (Reston)
• Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences (Alexandria)
• Residences at North Hill (Alexandria)

PBV units are subsidized by funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While residing in PBV units, residents pay a portion of the rent up to 32% of adjusted income and the County pays the remaining portion of the rent.

Applicants 62 years and older may register at Rent Café, an online housing portal, for an opportunity to be placed on waiting lists for PBV units until Sunday, July 16.

Applicants will be randomly selected to be placed on a waiting list for these properties. All applications received have an equal opportunity to be selected for the waiting lists. Once a PBV unit becomes available, the waiting list applicants will be contacted, screened, and determined eligible or ineligible for the program based upon income and household size for available units.

For those without internet access or those requiring assistance, the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development has three workstations with internet access available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at their office (3700 Pender Drive, Fairfax).

Applicants may also access public computers at libraries, community and senior centers to register online. For more information on the waiting list openings and registration, visit FCRHA's website or call (703) 246-5100.

Monument Drive over I-66 in Fairfax has been reduced to a single travel lane in each direction for bridge joint replacement and median construction. This work is expected to be completed on Monday, July 17.

Until then, the left turn lane from Monument Drive North to the 66 Express Lanes West and the left turn lane from Monument Drive South to the 66 Express Lanes East remain closed to complete this work. Right turn movements to access the express lanes remain open.

All work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if inclement conditions occur. This work is part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project.

Automatic Real Estate Tax Payments

Fairfax County Real Estate tax bills are mailed twice a year – for installments on July 28 and December 5.

You do not receive a bill if you have a mortgage with an escrow account; your bank pays the tax directly to the County.

The Department of Tax Administration (DTA) has noted that many residents are finishing the payment of their mortgages but have not set up automatic real estate tax payments, which may result in late payments.

DTA can assist you with setting up an automatic payment plan option including monthly, quarterly, or full lump sum annual payment. Learn more on DTA's website, or call DTA at (703) 222-8234.

FCPA Community Survey

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking public input on the draft Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access (PROSA) Strategy report summary in preparation for the completion of the PROSA Strategy later this year. PROSA will provide a roadmap for improved park access and a balance of recreational experiences.

Building on the previous public engagement, staff is seeking community feedback on the proposed concepts included in the Draft PROSA Report Summary through participation in an online survey and/or at two virtual workshops scheduled this month.

The Draft PROSA Report Summary outlines several key areas of consideration and prioritization when it comes to park development and improvement planning, including park access, habitat connectivity, park experiences and equity. The outcomes of PROSA will inform the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), land acquisition and many other decisions once completed this year.

There are a few ways to participate:

• Complete the online survey. They survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Vietnamese.
• Additional languages are available by using the “Translate” button in the upper right-hand side of the survey.
• Register to attend a virtual workshop via Zoom:
• Tuesday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m.



You can learn more about PROSA on FCPA's website

Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Meeting

The Virginia Department of Transportation is hosting an in-person public information meeting on Wednesday, July 26, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., in the cafeteria of Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke).

Information will be presented on constructing multimodal and access management improvements along three miles of Braddock Road (Route 620), between Humphries Drive in Burke and Ravensworth Road 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.

This third Public Information Meeting will focus on updates made following last November’s public meeting. Staffed stations will also be available focusing on specific aspects of the project. The presentation is expected to be available in advance of the meeting; look for updates in upcoming Advisories.

More details are available on VDOT’s website. 

Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB), a regional nonprofit founded in 2010, is hosting its third annual Wipeout Summer campaign to collect donations of wipes from the community. GDCDB distributes diapers, baby wipes, formula, period products, and other hygiene essentials to partners throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Last year, GDCDB sent out 11 million diapers and over $500,000 worth of additional baby and adult hygiene products into the community.

This summer, the Diaper Bank is hosting its third annual Wipeout Summer campaign to raise in-kind donations of baby wipes. Beyond diapers, baby wipes are the second-most requested item for GDCDB's partners. The annual campaign helps stock warehouse shelves during a time of year when in-kind donations are typically slow, to ensure partners can continue to receive the same level of supplies year-round. Learn more about donating.

Just this week the Fairfax County Supervisors Palchik, Walkinshaw, Alcorn, and Chairman McKay recognized Fairfax Diapers for distributing their one millionth diaper on June 21.

Fairfax Diapers was founded with the goal of easing the challenge of diaper insecurity, while also raising awareness of the ongoing and pressing need with the community. Currently, 47% of families with young children struggle with getting access to diapers, so their work is crucial to our community. Fairfax Diapers distributes 30,000 diapers each month with over 70% being distributed at Food for Others during food distribution.

Fairfax Diapers is a critical asset to residents; consider donating diapers or signing up to volunteer if you can.

As part of the celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority is holding a Selfie Contest. Start taking photos now to submit them beginning Monday, July 24, at 8:00 a.m. If you plan to join members of the community in a park, on a trail or at another park amenity, this contest is for you!

Contest entries will be accepted online until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, in five categories:

• Sports and Fitness (fitness centers, golf, trail walking, running, skating, biking, athletics, etc.)
• Camps, Classes and Activities (organized FCPA programs, camps and activities, etc.)
• Water Activities (water parks, pools, boating, fishing, etc.)
• Leisure and Play (playgrounds, amusements, hiking, picnics, camping, etc.)
• Volunteer Service (service projects, volunteer groups, etc.)

Judges will select one winning entry per category and winners will be notified during the first week of August. Prizes include the choice of a Golf-themed or Water Mine-themed gift pack.

For complete contest rules and submission instructions, visit FCPA's website. Questions? Email the Park Authority.

As we experience the hottest days of summer, it’s important to know that Fairfax County provides locations for residents to stay cool while out for business or recreational purposes in the community. In addition to shopping malls, stores or movie theaters, you may also use the following county facilities designated as Cooling Centers to escape the heat during operating hours, including:

1. Libraries
2. Community Centers
3. REC Centers
4. Human Services Regional Offices
5. Shelters are available for people experiencing homelessness

You are encouraged to first check that locations are open before you arrive. Consider using the Fairfax Connector BusTracker to plan your visit. Stay safe and cool!

Fairfax County Library's Summer Reading Adventure runs through August 18, sign up today!

Fairfax County Public Libraries will resume normal hours the week of August 27.

Braddock District Community Libraries (Kings Park and Burke Centre):

• Monday - Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday - Saturday | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Regional Libraries:

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

Do you know someone who lives in the Braddock District who exemplifies selflessness, displays a love for their community, has a passion for serving others, or volunteers their time to better the Braddock District?

Nominate them today to be recognized in Supervisor Walkinshaw's monthly newsletter, The Braddock Beacon.

The nomination deadline for August Citizen of the Month is Friday, July 30, at 11:59 p.m.

Contact the Braddock District Office if you have any questions.