As you have probably heard, Fairfax County is providing support to the federal government's operation to temporarily house refugees fleeing from Afghanistan. The Dulles Expo Center is a short-term transit site where refugees stay for five to eight hours on average, before heading to their intended destination, typically a military installation in our region or elsewhere in the country.
Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help these families. Donations are not being accepted at the Expo Center, but there are ways to help!
Last weekend, Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus in the Braddock District temporarily hosted hundreds of refugees. I was deeply moved by the incredible outpouring of support. Hundreds of people came in waves to donate resources, food, and personal care items. While the show of support was moving, it wasn't surprising. Welcoming immigrants and refugees with open arms is what we do in Fairfax County.
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Learn more about the Dulles Expo Center's mission and the Afghan Refugees Fleeing Afghanistan by Watching the Video Above
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Women's Equality Day
Today is Women's Equality Day -- an annual celebration that falls on the date women were granted the constitutional right to vote. This is a special day to commemorate the achievements and efforts of all women -- both past and present. While we have made significant progress, there is still much work to do. If you're interested in learning what you can do to help locally, I encourage you to reach out to Fairfax County's Commission for Women. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Correction and Update
In last week's Advisory, I incorrectly stated that booster shots will be available "starting eight months from an individual's first dose." What I should have said, of course, is that booster shots will be available starting eight months from an individual's second dose. I apologize for the mistake. Click here to learn more about vaccine booster shots.
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Read below for more information on:
- Active and Thriving Community Grants Program
- Upcoming Stuff the Bus Food Drive
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Annual Out of the Darkness Walk
- Community Engagement Meeting on Mail Theft Prevention
- Oak Leaf Itch Mite Update
- AARP Community Event
- Tonight's Virtual Public Information Meeting for Random Hills Road and Post Forest Drive Shared Use Paths
- Best Practice Guidelines to Resume Feeding Birds
- Korean and Vietnamese Speaking Election Officers Needed
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Supervisor James Walkinshaw |
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Active and Thriving Community Grants Program |
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The Active and Thriving Communities Grant Program will provide grants to selected eligible small businesses and nonprofits experiencing negative economic impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $10 million is available, with priority given to those who serve vulnerable communities.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a small business or 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating in one or more of the following areas:
- Child care, which includes regulated centers and family child care homes
- Community-based organizations providing safety net services in one or more of the categories outlined in the Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP)
- Youth athletic programs within county-based organizations
- Out-of-school-time programs for youth grades K-12
- Outdoor community pools located in HOAs and apartments/condominiums, as well as community membership-based pools
Applications will be accepted starting at 10:00 a.m. on August 31 until 11:59 p.m. on September 14, 2021, through the online portal only. Applications will be available in English and Spanish. Translation support will be provided.
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Watch the Community Pools Grant Webinar Recording from August 19 Above |
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Upcoming Stuff the Bus Food Drive |
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On both Saturday, September 11, and Saturday, October 9, Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus Food Drive will be collecting non-perishable food donations at the Braddock District office ( 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, Virginia 22105), the Oaks Community Center ( 5708 Oak Leather Dr, Burke, VA 22015), and 19 additional locations throughout Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Help fight hunger and feed hope in the community by donating!
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Congressman Gerry Connolly, Supervisor Walkinshaw, and Stuff the Bus workers collecting food donations |
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American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention
Annual Out of the Darkness Walk
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On October 2, Supervisor Walkinshaw and Supervisor Smith will lead Team Fairfax in the annual American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk. This event raises support for scientific research, evidence-based resources, training, and advocacy. AFSP does life-saving work and I invite you to register today. |
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Community Engagement Meeting on Mail Theft Prevention |
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The West Springfield District Community Advisory Committee will be hosting a Community Engagement Meeting on September 7 at 7:00 p.m. These meetings enhance communication between the residents and police department of Fairfax County. It also offers residents a chance to dialogue with the officers of the West Springfield Station.
The event speaker will be Inspector Stephen Donaghey of the United States Postal Service. The topic will be "Mail Theft Prevention". The meeting will be held via Zoom, and the link is below.
Consider joining the West Springfield District Station Community Advisory Committee (CAC). This is a free program, and all ages are welcome to attend. The meetings are generally held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. (except for July and August). If you have any questions, contact PFC Tony Capizzi at (703) 277-2363. Thank you and take care.
Password: 083601
Or Telephone: Dial:
USA 636 651 3141
USA 8774029753 (US Toll Free)
Conference code: 404496
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Oak Leaf Itch Mite Update |
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We have recently received reports of bug bites of unknown origin. Experts believe these are from Oak Leaf Itch Mites. Their presence is likely due to the cicada emergence from earlier this year—the mites are feeding on the cicada eggs that have been laid in trees - especially oak trees. The mites are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye.
By taking the following steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites when spending time outdoors, you will also be able to prevent bites of other things like the Oak Leaf Itch Mite:
1. Use repellent to prevent bites (be sure to read and follow label instructions when applying repellents)
2. Dress to minimize exposure: Consider wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when spending time outdoors
3. Shower after outdoor activities (wash away crawling ticks and do a tick check)
4. Launder clothes worn for outdoor activities (ten minutes in the dryer on high heat will kill ticks on clothing)
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Learn about the positive powers of lifelong learning, tips for determining if you are on track for a secure financial retirement, practical strategies to help you achieve retirement peace of mind, and more. You will get information about important life matters that you are faced with today or may face tomorrow. These tips and tools will help you make your own decisions about how you want to live.
Boomers and Beyond Academy Event Times:
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Tonight's Virtual Public Information Meeting for Random Hills Road and Post Forest Drive Shared Use Paths |
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The Virginia Department of Transportation will be holding a Virtual Public Information Meeting on Random Hills Road and Post Forest Drive Shared Use Paths. The meeting will take place today, August 26, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. The project website is live. Register for the virtual meeting! Please use this new link to register and disregard the link included in the August Braddock Beacon Newsletter. The comment period will run through September 7.
Today, Thursday, August 26, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Webinar ID: 273-642-779
To call in without registering and participate in listen-only mode:
Call: +1-877-309-2071
Enter Access Code: 979-679-462
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Best Practice Guidelines to Resume Feeding Birds |
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In late May, wildlife managers in multiple states, including Virginia, began receiving reports of sick and dying birds that were exhibiting eye issues (swelling, crusts, discharge, etc.), along with neurological symptoms. No definitive cause(s) of illness or death have been determined. No human health or domestic livestock and poultry issues have been documented. As of mid-August, reports of sick and dead birds have declined in many jurisdictions, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is lifting its previous recommendation to cease feeding birds in affected areas.
Residents who choose to feed birds or provide water in bird baths should remain vigilant for avian mortalities and consider the following best practice guidelines:
- Clean feeders and bird baths at least once a week, then disinfect with a 10% bleach solution to prevent potential infectious disease spread between birds and other wildlife. After cleaning, rinse well with water and allow to air dry.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling bird feeders and baths and wash your hands when finished.
- When feeding birds, follow expert recommendations, such as those listed in Audubon International’s Guide to Bird Feeding.
- Keep pets away from sick or dead wild birds.
- Avoid handling wild birds. If you must do so, wear disposable gloves or place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird. Dispose of dead birds in a closed plastic bag in household trash. Alternatively, you may bury bird carcasses at least 3 feet to prevent any disease transmission to scavenging animals.
- If you observe any additional bird mortalities in Virginia, submit a mortality event to the DWR.
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Korean and Vietnamese Speaking
Election Officers Needed
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The Fairfax County Office of Elections is looking for election officers who can speak Korean or Vietnamese, as well as English.
You’ll serve in the general election on Tuesday, November 2, as well as future elections. The Office of Elections is especially looking for officers for the Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly and Falls Church areas.
Apply today! (Please apply by September 13 for the best chance to work on November 2).
Not only will you be paid for your service (starting at $175 for the day), but also you’ll enjoy the pride that comes from playing a critical role in making our democracy work. The Office of Elections can’t run elections without thousands of dedicated election officers like you.
Learn more about becoming an election officer. You can also call the Fairfax County Office of Elections with questions at (703) 323-4735, TTY 711. |
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