Friday, April 12th, 2024

Dear Friend, 

Getting public input and keeping you informed of Board of Supervisor happenings are two of my most important responsibilities as your Franconia District Supervisor. Currently, there are two pressing topics that need your input: the future of the Franconia Governmental Center site, and the FY25 Budget.

This Saturday, April 13th, is the first opportunity to share your thoughts on the future of the current Franconia Governmental Center site. This community conversation, the first of three, is a forum for you to voice your thoughts. Representatives from multiple county agencies will be in attendance. Register here. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

As the weather warms up, I hope you take time to visit some of the beautiful green spaces in the Franconia District, like Chessie's Big Backyard at the Franconia Rec Center. Explore the 2,160-foot-long trail, designed for children of all abilities. Visit the tree house, playground, and carousel, now open on weekends and holidays from 11am-6pm.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

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Highlights

1. Visit to Mark Twain Middle School
2. First Franconia Governmental Center Community Conversation
3. Hybla Valley Community Center Mural
4. Bike Lane and Crosswalk Improvements Recap
5. National Poetry Month



Glass Recycling

Curious about the large purple dumpster in the parking lot of the Franconia Governmental Center? It's specifically for glass recycling! Curbside glass recycling is not available in most parts of the County. This Earth Month and every month, bring your unbroken glass recycling to the Governmental Center.

Have broken glass? Carefully package it into a rigid container. Label the package "GLASS" and set it out with your trash for disposal.



Visit to Mark Twain Middle School



On April 4th, I met with Principal Matthew Mough at Mark Twain Middle School. I began in the art therapy room, which has been such a valuable addition to the school. I later spoke with members of student government, who came prepared with great questions about the budget process and the role of social media in reaching Franconia District residents. Thank you for having me!

First Community Conversation on the Future of the

Franconia Governmental Center Site

Join me and my office on Saturday, April 13th from noon to 2:00pm at the John Lewis High School cafeteria (6540 Franconia Road). Registration is encouraged, but not required. Register here.

First Public Hearing on the FY25 Budget

The first public hearing on the FY25 Budget will be held on April 16th at 4:00pm. The meetings are open to the public at the Fairfax County Government Center auditorium (12000 Government Center Parkway), or available virtually on Channel 16 or streamed online.

To testify at a budget public hearing in person, by video, or by phone, sign up at this link. Individuals wishing to provide testimony in person must sign up by 12pm on the day of the hearing to be added to the Speakers List. Submit written testimony, including attachments, to ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov. Testimony can also be mailed to the Department of Clerk Services at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, VA 22035. 



My office, in partnership with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, is seeking a mural artist to design and paint the outside east wall of the Hybla Valley Community Center (7950 Audubon Avenue). Applications are due by April 30th and the artist chosen will be notified the week of May 20th. The project will start on May 28th. Learn more.

Franconia District Paving and Restriping

This past Monday, Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) hosted a virtual meeting regarding the Franconia District proposed enhancements included in the 2024 Paving and Restriping Program.

Franconia District Proposed Enhancements:

• Bike lane on Oakwood Road, westbound, between Van Dorn Street and Crown Royal Drive. 
• Crosswalk at Crown Royal Drive and Founders Hill Place, and at Crown Royal Drive and Terrapin Place.



Please contact my office if you have questions or feedback regarding the proposed enhancements.



The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. EQAC makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement in Fairfax County. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by May 6th. Learn more. 

Poetry in Fairfax County

(Ages 4-Adult) Hosted by ArtsFairfax and Fairfax Poet Laureate Danielle Badra (pictured), celebrate National Poetry Month with “Poetry in the Parks” on April 27th. Enjoy a free poetry reading, featuring the work of prominent writers in the DC/Maryland/Virginia region. Learn more about all Poetry in the Parks events.

In partnership with Fairfax County, ArtsFairfax raises the visibility of poetry through the designation of a Fairfax County Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate program recognizes a professional poet’s achievements and creates opportunities for connection between the Poet Laureate and Fairfax County communities.

The Fairfax County Poet Laureate application for 2024-2026 opens April 15th. There will be a virtual information session on April 23rd from noon-1:30pm. Learn more.



• Free Tax Preparation Help Available until April 15th (Link)
• April 17th and 18th: Budget Public Hearings (Link)
• April 19th: Scam Jam 2024 (Link)
• April 20th: Shred and Share Event at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church
• April 22nd: Franconia Governmental Center Community Conversation (Link)
• April 26th: TalentUp information session (Link)
• April 26th: Deadline to apply to Congressional Art Competition (Beyer) (Link)
• April 29th: Deadline to apply to Congressional Art Competition (Connelly) (Link)
• April 30: Deadline to apply to THRIVE (Link)