It’s hard to believe that 2021 has come and gone. I hope you've enjoyed and found value in the 72 newsletters you've received in the past 12 months. More importantly, I hope you've had a chance to relax during this holiday season.

In light of the New Year, Fairfax County Offices will be closed tomorrow, December 31. However, some facilities are open and will operate on holiday schedules.

The recent rise in COVID cases has seen an accompanying increase in the demand for tests. Some test providers are operating at or near capacity. You can visit the Fairfax Health Department’s website for information on the different kinds of tests, who should get tested, how to find a test, and more.

You can also use the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) online search tool to find testing opportunities near you, or you can contact your primary care provider.

As you may have heard, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branches have been receiving rapid antigen tests from VDH. Because of the demand in our community, initial supplies went quickly. The good news is that FCPL is awaiting further testing kit supplies from VDH. I recommend you call your local library branch and listen for the automated message to learn if they have free test kits available before heading to a branch location.

After a long wait, I'm happy to announce that VODT has scheduled a Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Public Meeting on Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. During the meeting, alternative concepts will be presented for three intersections along the Braddock Road corridor, including:

Following the presentation, the VDOT project team will answer questions for about an hour. This is a good time for residents to provide comments and feedback. Continue reading below for detailed information on the project and on additional ways to provide feedback. I’ll include a follow-up reminder in January’s Beacon Newsletter and on my social media.

Beginning this Saturday, January 1, 2022, the 5-cent plastic bag tax will take effect here in Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria. Studies have demonstrated that plastic bag fees are effective in reducing plastic bag usage and the resulting pollution to our water sources.

The modest funds collected will be reinvested into litter prevention and to providing reusable bags for low-income community members. If you'd like to learn more, visit the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's website.

Supervisor James Walkinshaw

There are two main types of COVID-19 tests: viral and antibody.

1) Viral tests: A viral test checks specimens from your nose or your mouth to find out if you are currently infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Viral tests can be performed in a laboratory, at a testing site, or at home or anywhere else.

2) Antibody tests: A test that looks for antibodies that the body has made against the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess for immunity to COVID-19 following vaccination, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody tests are not “viral” tests since they do not look for parts of the virus. Antibody tests are also NOT meant to diagnose current COVID-19 infection.

How to find a test:

Earlier this year, the Virginia Redistricting Commission failed to reach a consensus on a new plan for our state legislative and Congressional districts. As a result, by law, the process was turned over to the Supreme Court of Virginia. This week, the Court approved the final redistricting plan. Interactive maps are available to view your districts here:

This project will construct 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 a half-mile of Ravensworth Road between Braddock Road and Heritage Drive.

The improvements include:

The project's right of way and construction will be done in two phases:

Within the project limits, Braddock Road averages about 71,000 vehicles a day and Ravensworth Road averages 14,000 based on 2019 data.

Phase 1 is fully funded and Phase 2 is partially funded. The project is financed with federal, state (including Smart Scale) and local funding. Estimated project costs continue to be developed as the proposed improvements and preliminary design are refined. Learn more about the project from this online PDF.

Project Schedule*:

First Virtual Public Information Meeting - January 13, 2022

First Virtual Public Information Meeting Comment Deadline - February 24, 2022

Second Public Information Meeting - Fall 2022

Design Public Hearing - Winter 2022/23

Design Approval - Spring 2023

*The schedule will be updated over the next several months as the project team refines the design and evaluates project delivery methods.

In light of New Year, Fairfax County Government Offices will be closed tomorrow, December 31. However, some facilities are open and schedules vary.

On that note, Burke Patch recently published an online article called What's Open, Closed for New Year's 2022 in Burke. The article contains a detailed list of local schedule changes that could be relevant to many Braddock District residents.

The West Springfield District Community Advisory Committee will be hosting a Community Engagement Meeting on January 4, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. These meetings enhance communication between the residents and the police department of Fairfax County. It also offers residents a chance to dialogue with the officers of the West Springfield Station.

The meeting speaker will be APP III Sarah Paisley. The topic will be The Fairfax County Animal Protection Police Functions and Responsibilities. The meeting will be held via Zoom, and participants can use this link to join. Participants can also call in using (636) 651-3141 and enter conference code: 404496.

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.

The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2022 session on Saturday, January 8, at 9:00 a.m. in the board room of the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035). There is parking available in front of the Government Center Building. Fairfax County is assisting with the logistics of the delegation’s event. Fairfax County residents who want to sign up in advance to speak at the hearing should register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at (703) 324-3151, TTY 711, by noon on Thursday, January 6. 

Find the guidelines for those interested in speaking at the public forum on Fairfax County's website.

Anyone who sees someone who is unsheltered can easily call the Department of Public Safety Communications non-emergency phone number (703) 691-2131. Public safety personnel will respond to conduct a wellness check and assist the individual in connecting with appropriate services.

Want to learn more about the Hypothermia Prevention Program? Visit the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness website.

Come make a difference and have fun while doing it! The Fairfax County Park Authority is looking for dedicated individuals who enjoy working with kids to “lead the PAC” this summer!

Rec-PAC, affiliated with the Fairfax County Park Authority, is hosting virtual interviews and in-person open hires to fill more than 200 summer jobs.

Rec-PAC is hiring Camp Counselors, Camp Directors, and Area Supervisors. Pay is competitive. Full position descriptions, a list of job duties, and qualifications can be found on the Rec-PAC website.

Job Seekers are welcome to attend one of the following in-person open hires:

*Residents with collection services provided by Fairfax County will receive Christmas Tree Disposal services from Monday, January 3 through Friday, January 14. Lights, decorations, and stands must be removed to ensure collection. After January 14, please schedule a brush Special Pickup to have the Christmas tree removed.

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at (703) 802-3322 or email DPWESSWMPTrashCS@fairfaxcounty.gov

Fairfax County residents can self-haul and drop off their trees at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. There is a $7 fee to recycle your tree. All ornaments, decorations (including tinsel), and stands must be removed before disposal.

This year, First Hike Fairfax will be a two-day event to help promote social distancing on the trails. Once again, the Fairfax County Park Authority will join America’s State Parks and Virginia State Parks for First Day Hike Programs to encourage everyone to start 2022 with an outdoor hike. First Hike Fairfax is presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

It’s easy and fun. Visit any Fairfax County Park Authority's trail January 1-2, 2022. Pick your favorite photo to enter into the Fairfax County Park Authority’s First Hike Photo Contest by January 2. Entries will be eligible to win prizes in one of the following six categories:

Visit the FCPA website to learn more about the event and photo contest rules.