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9.19.24
Dear Neighbor,
Oak Hill Day is this Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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The privately owned 18th-century Georgian-style home is a remnant of the Ravensworth Tract – originally totaling more than 22,000 acres – dating from the 1670s. Oak Hill was one of three plantations owned by the Fitzhugh family and today the original home remains intact along with much of the historic landscape.
In addition to tours of the home, we’ll feature a panel discussion from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. that will cover issues of race, transportation, economic development, education, and historic preservation.
Our moderator, Tom Shoop, explored these themes in his recent book A Place Called Ilda: Race and Resilience at a Northern Virginia Crossroads. Panelists will include:
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Sharon Bulova | Former Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; her work guaranteed Oak Hill's preservation and continued public access.
- Marion Dobbins | Historian and descendent of the founder of nearby Black community The Pines, and author of works about forgotten Black Communities in Fairfax County. Dobbins is also a Community Historian for GMU’s Center for Mason Legacy and a PH. D student at GMU.
- Brian Heintz | West Springfield High School History and Social Studies Teacher, and Braddock District representative on the Fairfax County History Commission.
Revised Design for Wakefield Park Tennis & Pickleball Court Enhancements
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In April, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and I presented a Third Quarter Budget Consideration item to authorize funding of $300,000 to reconfigure the tennis and pickleball court area at Wakefield Park to better serve both sports. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) unveiled a proposed concept, and we held a community meeting on July 9 to discuss the proposal. A public comment period followed, during which FCPA received more than 150 comments. There was general support for the court realignment, with several suggestions for the Park Authority to evaluate.
FCPA staff worked creatively to revise the court alignment within site constraints to respond to the public’s concerns. The project design will convert tennis court 11, currently in need of repair, into four dedicated pickleball courts and return the two dual-use courts (courts 9 and 10) to tennis only. A second phase of the project will replace half of the practice court with two additional dedicated pickleball courts. Based on public comment, FCPA staff increased court margins and provided a north-south orientation for all pickleball courts. As a result of the project, Wakefield Park will have ten dedicated tennis courts and eight dedicated pickleball courts. The revised layout will increase the net number of pickleball courts and alleviate competition over the use of dual-use courts.
FCPA anticipates that work on the first phase of the project will begin in Spring 2025. The start of the second phase will be dependent upon the permitting process, but once work begins, it is expected to take approximately three months to complete.
Thanks to all who provided comments to improve this project. I want to commend the Park Authority for their diligent work to redesign the proposal in response to community input. The revised design is a win-win for both the pickleball and tennis communities.
Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study Survey Now Online
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In January 2024, the Board of Supervisors approved a Joint Board Matter that I offered with Chairman McKay on the Preservation of Lake Accotink. That Board Matter built on the work of the Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink, which found that a smaller 20-40 acre Lake Accotink would "present significant environmental benefit" and "meet significant community and social goals." Our previous newsletter (beginning on Page 16) shared the work that is underway to sustainably preserve a smaller Lake Accotink.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has been moving forward with three concurrent efforts to support the project. These include a sedimentation study, dam assessment, and feasibility study for a smaller lake option as identified in the Lake Accotink Task Force’s findings. As the dam is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), they are leading the assessment of the dam with support from DPWES.
I would like to share the progress that has been made since our last update in July.
Sedimentation Rate Study – The consultant collected sediment samples in Long Branch and Accotink Creek, conducted pebble counts and began processing data, and initiated reviews of existing data and hydraulic modeling. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) obtained permits and installed a stream gage and water quality monitoring station at Old Keene Mill Road. Data are being measured, recorded, and transmitted in near-real time. USGS also completed desktop analysis to locate the ten cross-sections of the stream for monitoring and these locations will be visited by the end of September.
Preservation Feasibility Study – The project team finalized the draft scope of work to assess, evaluate, and identify feasible options to preserve Lake Accotink as a smaller lake, as identified in the Task Force’s findings. The draft scope is posted on the Smaller Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study webpage along with a survey for the community to provide feedback.
Dam Assessment - Beginning in mid- to late September, weather permitting, the water level in Lake Accotink will be lowered to conduct a planned assessment of the dam structure. The lake drawdown is expected to lower the water level by up to five feet, depending on visible lakebed conditions. This drawdown will expose the muddy lakebed in many areas. The Park Authority has specifically selected this timeframe to minimize any impacts to lake activities. During the project, residents are reminded to keep off the exposed muddy lakebed to avoid getting stuck in the exposed mud. Warning signs will be posted along the perimeter of the lake during the project. The evaluation of the dam is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, but water levels may to take up to two months to return to their normal levels depending on precipitation.
Outreach/Engagement – DPWES staff had a booth at Lake Accotink Community Day on August 24 and met with members of the public. Staff and an outside consultant are finalizing a Community Engagement Plan. As a first step in outreach, the Smaller Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Survey and materials promoting the survey have been developed. The survey is now available online.
Public input is essential to ensure that the scope of work addresses the issues of concern to the community. Please carefully read the draft scope of work and complete the survey to ensure your thoughts are considered as DPWES finalizes the document. I have my own thoughts on changes that should be made to the draft, but it is critical that we hear from the community. The survey will be open through October 20.
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Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates. | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Early Voting Begins Tomorrow
- Hispanic Heritage Month Business Roundtable
- Climate Action Conference
- September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
- BugFest
- Apply to be a Senate or House Page
- National Coffee with a Cop Day
- Nominations Open for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
- Nominate the Best of Braddock
- Marian Homes Shredding Event
- Community Wellness Center Clinics
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Early Voting Begins Tomorrow | |
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Early voting for this year’s election begins tomorrow, Friday, September 20.
In the Braddock District, you can vote in Room 251 at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax), Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and on select Saturdays (including September 21) from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Curbside voting is available at early voting and election day polling locations for people 65 or older or with a disability. When you arrive, look for the "Curbside Voting" sign near the accessible parking area. Call the phone number on the sign to contact an election officer. Learn more about curbside voting and accessible voting.
View a full list of early voting locations with available hours on the County's website.
You can also view sample ballots for precincts in the Braddock District. Please note that the second page of all ballots in Fairfax County are the same, and a sample of the second page is the very last page in the PDF.
If you haven’t registered to vote yet, there’s still time. You can register or update your existing registration on Virginia's Voter Portal. The deadline to register to vote is October 15. If you register between October 16 through Election Day, you can vote using a provisional ballot which will be counted upon confirming voter eligibility.
If you plan on voting by mail, you must request a mail-in ballot by October 25. The ballots will be mailed out beginning September 20. After receiving your ballot, it must be postmarked and sent by Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.
For more information about anything related to voting or elections, check out the Fairfax County Office of Elections’ website.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Business Roundtable
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Join Supervisor James Walkinshaw, local Hispanic and Latino business owners, representatives from Fairfax County, and local chambers of commerce on Thursday, October 10, in Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke) from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. for a Hispanic Heritage Month Business Roundtable.
The roundtable is open to the public, register today.
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Climate Action Conference | |
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Supervisor Walkinshaw's 2nd Annual Climate Action Conference will be on Saturday, October 26, at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
The event will kick off at 9:00 a.m. with a networking session before remarks from Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Congressman Don Beyer (VA-8), Chairman Jeff McKay, and other elected officials.
This year’s conference theme is “A Healthier Fairfax on the Road to Zero Emissions.” Dr. Anand Gourishankar of Children’s National Hospital and professor at George Washington University is the keynote speaker. He will address the health impacts of vehicle emissions. The conference will also feature a panel discussion and breakout sessions on the opportunities available to save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Register today to learn how easy it is to shrink your travel emissions!
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September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month | |
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Supervisor James Walkinshaw and Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith will lead the Board of Supervisors’ team in The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Annual “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk and invite you to join the team this year!
This year's walk is on Sunday, September 29, at Fairfax City Hall (10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax) from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
If you or a loved one are struggling, you are not alone; resources are available to help. Suicide Prevention Resources:
In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1.
The Community Services Board also has a suicide prevention information and resources website with information on their Mental Health First Aid Classes, and specific resources for veterans, members of the military and their families, Fairfax County Public Schools students, and older adults.
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Celebrate all things bugs with the whole family at the Fairfax County Park Authority's (FCPA) creepy-crawly BugFest on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the McLaren Sargent Pavilion at Lake Accotink Park (5660 Heming Avenue, Springfield).
Games and activities include insect safaris, live insects, insect collections, log rolling, soil stations, bug walks, critter talks, bug science, and crafts to make your own bug. Use technology to explore the world of insects. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Register on FCPA's website.
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Apply to be a Senate
or House Page
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Applications are now open for the State Senate Page Program and House of Delegates Page Program!
The prestigious Page Programs are meant to give Virginia students an opportunity to learn about civics, the lawmaking process, and leadership firsthand. Since 1847, pages have worked with the House Clerk and Senate Clerk’s offices to support to staff, legislators, and constituents.
The program is open to 13- and 14-year-olds. Learn more about the programs on Capitol Classroom.
You can apply for the Senate Page Program or the House of Delegates Page Program.
All applicants must have a letter of recommendation from their Senator or Delegate to be considered. To receive a letter of recommendation, reach out to your representatives and schedule an interview by October 1.
Find your General Assembly Representatives.
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National Coffee with a Cop Day | |
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October 2 is National Coffee with a Cop Day.
Join officers from the West Springfield District Station from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at Chesapeake Bagel Bakery (5719 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke) for a cup of joe and get to know your local police force.
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Nominations Open for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards | |
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Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area?
If so, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2024 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award. Award winners are honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities and receive an award, presented at an annual awards ceremony in December.
There are three possible award categories: Individual, Group, and Self-advocate. The requirements are to have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax, or Falls Church; and demonstration of how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.
Visit the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board's website for more information about who is eligible for nomination, the process, and how to submit a nomination. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18. If you have questions, email DisabilityRights@FairfaxCounty.Gov.
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Nominate the Best of Braddock | |
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Nominations for the Annual Best of Braddock Awards are being accepted until Thursday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m.
The annual awards are an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations working to make our wonderful community even better!
Take a moment to nominate a neighbor or organization making a difference in the Braddock District by filling out an online form. All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Only fully completed forms will be reviewed.
Email braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions.
Winners will be notified before the Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony and Reception, which will be held on Wednesday, December 4.
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Marian Homes Shredding Event | |
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Area non-profit Marian Homes will host a shredding event on Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Nativity Parrish (6400 Nativity Lane, Burke).
Information about the shredding event can be found on Marian Homes' website.
Donations to Marian Homes will be accepted.
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Community Wellness Center Clinics | |
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Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation (MCCP) is a public/private non-profit that connects kids to a medical and dental home and a wide range of vital resources.
MCCP empowers uninsured children in Fairfax County to improve their health and well-being and realize their potential to learn, grow, and thrive.
MCCP has two upcoming Community Wellness Center Clinics for children without dental insurance that are ineligible for Medicaid:
Both clinics are at the MCCP Community Wellness Clinic at the Annandale United Methodist Church's Mission Center (7901 Heritage Drive, Annandale).
For more information about the clinics or the organization, visit MCCP's website.
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