|
Dear friend,
As we move forward into July, I would like to wish you all a great month and hope you can take advantage of the slower pace of summer and the many programs and activities for county residents. I hope you also had a great Independence Day celebration.
I want to keep you updated about the continuing public meetings on the future of Lake Accotink Park, the Bus Stop Arm Cameras and Enforcement Program, and the summer programs at the WISH. I look forward to seeing many of you at Franconia Nights, held Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Franconia District Park. Stay cool and enjoy the summer.
| |
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. | |
|
Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone 703-971-6262
| |
- Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink
- Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series
- Future Kings Programs at the W.I.S.H.
- W.I.S.H. Summer Camps
- Bus Stop Arm Cameras and Enforcement Program
- Fairfax Project Based Voucher Waiting List for Seniors
- Notable New State Laws
- Registration for SACC's 2024-25 School Year Program
- Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
- Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals
- FCPS Summer Meal Program
- ECHO Food Donations
- Senior Cool Care Program
- Statewide Digital Opportunity Survey
- Mason Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
- Summer Heat Safety Tips
- Your Guide to Summer
| |
Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink - next meeting July 10th | |
|
The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink, established at the June 6 Board of Supervisors meeting, held their first meeting on Monday, June 26, at 7 p.m. at the Government Center. The video of the first meeting is available here. The task force produced findings that will inform the Board of Supervisors’ decision regarding the future of Lake Accotink.
Lake Accotink Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with its stunning trails, picturesque picnic areas and engaging waterfront activities. The 55-acre manmade reservoir, which was built by the U.S. Army, has required regular dredging due to sedimentation. However, extensive analysis by Fairfax County staff has led to the recommendation against further dredging due to significant costs, environmental impacts, and difficulties in processing and disposing of sediment. The staff proposes restarting the Park's Master Planning process with a focus on fostering a sustainable future for the lake and the park.
The task force will review past studies about dredging and ensure comprehensive exploration of all options to preserve Lake Accotink in the most sustainable, equitable and cost-effective manner. It will identify crucial questions to be addressed if the board decides to explore a managed wetland or hybrid option. The group will also consider the environmental impact, effects on surrounding communities, recreational park usage and financing implications, including ongoing maintenance.
Former Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova will lead the task force, and it will include representatives from the community, environmental groups and nonprofit organizations.
The task force meeting schedule:
Fairfax County Government Center (Conference Rooms 2 and 3)
- Monday, July 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Monday, July 24, 7 to 9 p.m.
The meeting can be watched live on channel 16 or streamed live online here.
| |
Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series | |
|
I am happy to invite you to Franconia Nights! This past Wednesday, we enjoyed the performance from the Natyabhoomi School of Dance (Indian Dance and Music)! On July 12th, we welcome fan favorite, The Pietasters!
Supervisor Rodney Lusk and the Fairfax County Park Authority present the Franconia District Summer Entertainment Series' Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater 2023 schedule:
• July 12 – The Pietasters (Ska)
• July 19 – Chuck Brown Band (Go Go/Funk/Soul)
• July 26 – Silver Tones Swing Band (Swing Dance)
• August 2 – Pablo Perez El Alcadle de La Salsa (Salsa)
• August 9 – Alexandria Harmonizers (Chorus)
• August 16 – The Nighthawks (Blues)
• August 23 – Dave Kline Band (World Jazz Fusion)
Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater are held at Franconia District Park at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30pm.
Performances are held outdoors, bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at (703) 324-7469 before leaving home. Cancellations are posted one hour prior to show time. This is the perfect occasion to bring your loved ones, dance, or just sit back and enjoy the night! I hope to see you there!
| |
Future Kings Programs at the W.I.S.H. | |
|
Here's a heads-up on what's happening in July at the W.I.S.H. workshops:
-
We have camps July 10th through the 14th as well as the 24th through the 28th
-
Our Cyber Summer Session is M/W July 12th through Aug 16th
-
Our graphic design final presentation and celebration is July 12th at 5:30pm
The online application can be found here: WISH Cyber Camp 2023 (google.com)
| |
Bus Stop Arm Cameras and Enforcement Program | |
 | |
Have you noticed drivers blowing passed stopped school buses?
At the June 27th Board of Supervisors meeting, the BOS passed an agreement with Fairfax County Public Schools to furnish and install a bus camera system into FCPS’s school buses. The initial program will include 50 school bus stop arm cameras and will go live in Spring 2024. The intent of the Bus Camera System and Enforcement Program is to enhance safety for school students and personnel by making drivers aware of the importance of following safety procedures when near school buses. A $250 dollar civil penalty will be issued to the drivers of vehicles identified by the bus camera system who pass school buses in the process of loading and unloading children. Program expansion will occur as FCPS and the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) evaluate the administrative process and effectiveness of the traffic calming technology. This Agreement authorizes FCPD to participate in and assist with the Enforcement Program for the Bus Camera System and defines fiscal and programmatic administration for both FCPS and FCPD. The Office of Public Affairs will work jointly with FCPS to inform the community of the program.
| |
Fairfax Project Based Voucher Waiting List for Seniors - open July 10th | |
|
On Monday, July 10, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. through Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 11:59 p.m., applicants 62 years and older may register at Rent Café, an online housing portal, for an opportunity to be placed on waiting lists for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units. PBV units are subsidized by funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While residing in PBV units, residents pay a portion of the rent up to 32% of adjusted income and the County pays the remaining portion of the rent.
The FCRHA is opening its PBV waiting list for four senior properties located throughout Fairfax County:
• Chesterbrook Senior in Falls Church,
• Lake Anne House in Reston,
• Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences in Alexandria, and,
• Residences at North Hill in Alexandria.
Applicants will be randomly selected to be placed on a waiting list for these properties. All applications received have an equal opportunity to be selected for the waiting lists.
For more information on the HCV waiting list openings and
registration, please visit.
or call (703) 246-5100.
| |
Notable New State Laws Effective July 1, 2023 | |
|
Here are some of the notable new state laws that went into effect, Saturday, July 1:
- Pedestrian safety and transportation
- Background checks for school staff
- Online age verification
- Virginia's official pony
| |
|
School Age Child Care (SACC) Program Registration for 2024-25 Year
Opens July 11
| |
|
Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care program (SACC) for the 2024-25 school year will open on July 11, 2023.
The SACC program, operated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, offers before- and after-school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and several community centers. Signup is alphabetical by school, so make note of your school's date here.
| |
|
Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
June 16-August 18
|
School's out for summer!
The Fairfax County Summer Reading Adventure is for YOUTH and ADULTS and participating is as easy as 1-2-3! Participate from June 16th to August 18th.
-
Go to fairfaxcounty.beanstack.org and register for the Summer Reading Adventure appropriate for you or your children.
- Depending on your age, earn ten or fifteen virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 20 or 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three.
-
Once you have earned your badges, visit your local library branch and receive prizes.
For more information, visit Youth Summer Reading 2023 and Adult Summer Reading 2023. Watch the Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.
| |
Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals at Audubon Estates | |
Capital Area Food Bank is providing summer meals throughout the region. If you are near Audubon Estates, you can get supper Monday to Friday from 6 to 7 pm. More information about locations and meal times can be found here. | |
Fairfax County Public Schools - Summer Meal Program
|  | |
Hunger doesn’t take a vacation and neither do we! The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will be hosting the Summer 2023 Summer Meal Service at schools throughout FCPS. Check out the school sites in the Franconia District:
- Cameron ES
- Garfield ES
- Groveton ES
- Hybla Valley ES
- Key MS and Key Center
- Lynbrook ES
- Mount Eagle ES
- Springfield Estates ES
Fairfax County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability or age, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be served in the school cafeteria, with a few exceptions noted in the list below, meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, at the sites and times as follows. All sites are closed on July 3rd and July 4th.
FNS will offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age and younger. There is no registration involved and everyone is welcome! Meals must be consumed on site. Click here for more info and to find a site near you.
| |
|
Over the past couple of months we have collected over 300 pounds of food for ECHO. We were so moved by the amount of food donated that we have decided to continue to accept donations at my office. We will be delivering all of the donated items at the end of the month. You still have time to donate! If you have non-perishable items that you wish to donate, please drop them off at my office. Let's continue to help lower food insecurity in our district!
More information: https://www.echo-inc.org/
| |
|
Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?
The Senior Cool Care Program is a public-private partnership sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months.
The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2023. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home, such as fans, for eligible older adults, age 60 and older.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line: 703-324-7948.
| |
Statewide Digital Opportunity Survey | |
|
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband has launched a statewide survey to gather data that will inform a Virginia Digital Opportunity Plan.
All Fairfax County residents are encouraged to complete this quick, 10-minute survey to help better understand your digital needs. Together, we can foster digital opportunity in the county and commonwealth by ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet, and have the skills necessary to use the internet to its full potential.
| |
Mason Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) | |
|
Mason Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Are you a small business owner or thinking about becoming an entrepreneur? SBDCs use business experts from George Mason University to provide no-cost business counseling and training services to the small business community. Training and workshops cover business formation, marketing, pitch preparation, financing, SEO, cybersecurity, government contracting, and more. Discover more here.
| |
|
Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of excessive heat. Summer heat can be a dangerous thing if you aren’t careful. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat rash and cramps to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Visit Summer Heat Safety Tips for some tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the hot summer months ahead.
| |
|
It’s summertime and there are plenty of things to do here in the area. Here’s a quick guide to summer in Fairfax County:
- Explore water! Pools, splash parks, lakes and more (but note health advisory about local streams).
- Summer Entertainment Series features 180+ performances at 18 venues.
- Keep reading with the Summer Reading Adventure.
- Make southern Fairfax County a staycation -- check out Potomac Banks.
- Hunger doesn't take a vacation - learn about summer meals for kids.
- Learn about using FCPS school grounds this summer.
You can find more information here: Your Guide to Summer 2023 in Fairfax County | News Center
| |
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | |
|
Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
| | | | |
