Friday, June 17, 2022

Dear friend, 

On June 19, 1865, the last of enslaved Black people living in Galveston, Texas were finally told the Civil War had ended despite the Emancipation Proclamation having been signed two years before in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. From that day, all Black people were free from the bondage of slavery.

This date came to be known as Juneteenth and, in modern times, became a day to celebrate freedom and resiliency after 246 years of enslavement; appreciate African American history and culture, and encourage continuous self-development.

This is the third year that I've had the honor of celebrating Juneteenth as a member of the Board of Supervisors. Each year, I've reflected on what Juneteeenth means to me. The first year I talked about what it meant to me to be the only African American serving on the Board of Supervisors, and the first African American male ever to serve in that role. Last year, I reflected on the concept of perseverance, and how decades of injustices continue to impact African Americans today.

This year my remarks reflected on another tenant of Juneteenth: intervention. Watch my full remarks during the Board Supervisors meeting below:

I encourage you and your family to learn more about Juneteenth and why this is a celebration all Americans can participate in. 

Explore Fairfax County Library's Juneteenth Resources:

https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/c.php?g=1138378&p=8309247

Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, June 20, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. Some facilities are open, but schedules may vary.

For specific schedule information: fairfaxcounty.gov/news/juneteenth-holiday-schedule-monday-june-20

P.S: I am excited to join the owners of the newest restaurant in Lee District, "All-Rice Thai" for their ribbon-cutting event Next Saturday, June 25th. They are located at 7001 Manchester Blvd, Alexandria, Virginia. Visit their website www.allricethai.com/ for more information. 

Please contact my office if we can assist you.

1. Reminder: Let us know your thoughts on the 495 Southside Express Lanes Study! 
2. Metro Seeks Public Input on Changes to Improve Access to Franconia-Springfield Station
3. New to VRE? Claim Your Free Ride!
4. Lee District Nights
5. Add Tutor.com to Your Summer To-Do List!
6. Opportunity Neighborhood's Free Informational Citizenship Workshop
7. Engaging Men and Boys in Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Prevention
8. AARP Jump Start Your Job Search
9. COVID-19 Resources

Let us know your thoughts on the 495 Southside Express Lanes Study! 

THE COMMENT PERIOD WAS EXTENDED TO JUNE 21, 2022

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites you to learn about and provide input on its I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study (495 Southside Study). 

VDOT hosted a series of public meetings in May, including three in-person meetings and a virtual meeting. A recording of the virtual meeting presentation and discussion can be viewed at by clicking here.

Materials, including a study brochure, boards, and maps are available online. The public can provide input on this round of meetings and materials by completing a public opinion survey/comment form online, or by one of the ways listed below.

For more info view the study website at virginiadot.org/495southside

Metro Seeks Public Input on Changes to Improve Access to Franconia-Springfield Station

Metro is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station to accommodate the Frontier Drive Extension Project, which is led by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Fairfax County. The project proposes to extend Frontier Drive to Loisdale Road near the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station to better connect the nearby employment center that includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) headquarters. 

The proposed design includes the following modifications to Metro facilities

• Add two new signalized intersections; one at Metro Access Road and Frontier Drive, and one reconfigured intersection to improve traffic flow and operations. 
• Reconfigure sections of the Franconia-Springfield Station circulatory road and access to parking garage entrances (all existing access points would be maintained). 
• Add three new bus bays at Franconia-Springfield Station. 
• Add new bus layover facility. 
• Eliminate the pick-up/drop-off area at Franconia-Springfield Station. 

More Details Including How to Provide Feedback: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Public-comment-frontier-drive-extension.cfm

New to VRE? Claim Your Free Ride!

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is offering new passengers a free roundtrip ticket, as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. While VRE is known for its safe, reliable, comfortable, and convenient commuter rail service, there are some who have yet to avail themselves of this high-quality travel option. So, VRE has devised a way for commuters to try its service without charge.

To get a free ticket:

·      Scan the QR code (Here is the link: vre.org/service/welcomeaboard/)

·      Click “New to VRE? Request a Free Ride”

·      Download VRE Mobile for Android or iPhone to your mobile device

·      Set up a VRE Mobile account

·      Submit the form at the bottom of the “Request a Free Ride” page

·      Then, shortly, a free ticket – which expires after six months – will be pushed out to your mobile device

VRE provides personalized assistance to those who need help setting up the mobile app. Simply call 800-743-3873 or complete the help request form at the bottom of the VRE Mobile webpage. A two-minute video also guides viewers through the set-up process.

VRE trains primarily run north into Washington, D.C. in the morning and south in the afternoon. Thirty-two daily trains serve two lines, Manassas and Fredericksburg, which parallel I-66 and I-495, respectively. Schedules are available on the rail service’s website. Parking is free at most of its 19 stations – including Backlick Road, Burke Centre, Franconia-Springfield, Lorton, and Rolling Road – and bicycles are permitted on all trains.

VRE has served tens of millions of satisfied customers since it began service in June 1992. See what you’ve been missing. Redeem a free ride, then sit back, relax, and leave the driving to VRE. Visit vre.org to learn more.

Lee District Nights

Add Tutor.com to Your Summer To-Do List!

Summer is here but the learning doesn't stop! FCPS students still have unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand online tutoring, SAT/ACT prep courses, and practice quizzes this summer through tutor.com.

See the instructions on the FCPS website: bit.ly/3tE3CfU

Opportunity Neighborhood's Free Informational Citizenship Workshop

Opportunity Neighborhood Mount Vernon (ONMV) & Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington Invites you to participate in this bilingual workshop on Saturday, June 25 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. We know the naturalization process can be daunting. That's why we want to help you navigate the system, understand the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen and access the resources to help you complete your application.

Opportunity Neighborhood Mount Vernon (ONMV) & Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Arlington Te invita a participar en este taller bilingüe el sábado 25 de junio de 9:30 am a 12:00 pm. Sabemos que el proceso de naturalización puede ser desalentador. Es por eso que queremos ayudarlo a navegar el sistema, comprender los beneficios de convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense y acceder a los recursos para ayudarlo a completar su solicitud.

Link/QR Code in Picture: bit.ly/3zeTduG

Engaging Men and Boys in Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Prevention

Men have a vital role to play in addressing unequal power dynamics and ending men’s violence against women. Inequality and oppression in all its forms is among the root causes of intimate partner and sexual violence. These forms of violence are preventable through collaborations of community members at multiple levels of society – in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, faith settings, workplaces and other settings. We all play a role in preventing intimate partner and sexual violence and in stablishing norms of respect, safety, equality and helping others.

A hybrid in-person and virtual event with panelists Equimundo co-founder Gary Barker, Neil Irvin of Men Can Stop Rape, Leila Rassekh Milani of Futures without Violence, and Equimundo's Brian Heilman leading the discussion on engaging men and boys in the work of preventing gender-based violence/intimate partner violence. This panel will provide the opportunity to learn about the latest research, practice and policies as they relate to working with men and boys in primary prevention as it relates to intimate partner and sexual violence. As many of our community partners engage with men and boys in different roles or seek to increase engagement in services, this panel is a great opportunity to learn about successful strategies. This panel discussion is free, but registration is required.

This panel discussion will be both in person at the Fairfax County Human Services Building (Pennino Building) in room 200/206 and virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 23rd from 2-4pm. 

AARP Jump Start Your Job Search

Tuesday, June 21 @ 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Learn helpful tips and strategies for navigating your job search in this new era.

Whether you’re looking for a job or considering a career change, this webinar is designed to help you make a smooth transition.

RSVP: aarp.cventevents.com/JSYJS06212022