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Dear Friend,
As we wrap up July, I hope that you've been able to use and enjoy the free programs and activities available for county residents. I want to call your attention to the Fairfax County Co-Responder program and the success of this transformational program. I co-sponsored this board matter in 2020, along with my colleague, Supervisor Walter Alcorn. Please read about it further in the newsletter.
I want to let you know about Telegraph Road ramp closure and the public meetings on the future of Lake Accotink Park. This week, I'm sharing two surveys with you - one from Metro on capacity and reliability and the other is from the Park Authority. Thank you for taking the time to give them your feedback. 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.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. | |
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Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone 703-971-6262
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- Closure of Telegraph Road Ramp to Rte 286 S Begins July 20th
- Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink
- Welcome to our newest staff member!
- Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study
- Real Estate Tax First Installment due July 28th
- Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series
- Summer Entrepreneur Program at the W.I.S.H.
- Proclamation for Mr. Robert S. Webb
- Park Authority Community Survey
- Co-Responder Program in Fairfax County
- Free Immunization Clinics for Children
- Summer Safety Tips for Families
- Kingstowne Famers Market
- Volunteer Opportunities at United Community
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
- Three Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023
- 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
- Senior Cool Care Program
- Statewide Digital Opportunity Survey
- Summer Heat Safety Tips
- Your Guide to Summer
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Closure of Telegraph Road Ramp to Rte 286 South Begins July 20th | |
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Detour in place for 11 days during stormwater pipe repairs
The ramp from Telegraph Road (Route 611) to southbound Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) will be closed from 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 31 for stormwater pipe repairs, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Traffic will be detoured via the following routes:
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Northbound Telegraph Road to southbound Fairfax County Parkway: Northbound Telegraph Road, southbound Jeff Todd Way (Route 619) and southbound Route 1 (Richmond Highway) back to Fairfax County Parkway
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Southbound Telegraph Road to southbound Fairfax County Parkway: Southbound Telegraph Road and northbound Route 1 back to Fairfax County Parkway
Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.
You can get real-time traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511virginia.org, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.
View this release online.
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Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink - next meeting July 24th | |
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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 next task force meeting is July 24th from 7 to 9pm. The meeting will take place at the Fairfax County Government Center in Conference Rooms 2 and 3.
The meeting can be watched live on channel 16 or streamed live online here.
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Welcome to our newest staff member | |
Please join me in welcoming our newest staff member, Julie Shepard, to our office. She will be our communications manager, handling all of our social media accounts, newsletter, and will be our press contact. Julie is a graduate of West Virginia University and is a long-time Franconia District resident. In her recent position, she worked as a director of a national brand running in-person and virtual events for military spouses. She has focused on military families and education advocacy in her volunteer roles. She currently serves on the George Mason University Parent and Family Council, where her oldest attends college. Julie's hobbies include hiking, wine tasting, and reading the news (she's a news junkie!). You'll see her with a phone snapping pictures at events in the near future. | |
Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study | |
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Metro wants your feedback on proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
Metro has opened its public engagement and feedback period on six options to address future capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The proposed alternatives, part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study) launched in 2019, include a set of potential infrastructure and operational improvements that will ensure quality service while meeting the needs of the growing region.
Beginning July 17, Metro will conduct a series of virtual and in-person engagement activities to provide information about the proposed alternatives and receive public input that will help Metro’s Board of Directors select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Visit wmata.com/BOSstudy for full details about the proposals and how to weigh in.
The Board’s selection of an LPA is only the first step in a long process. The type of large project needed to address the needs and opportunities on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will require federal funding as well as support and investment from Metro’s regional partners. Recognizing this, the BOS Study is structured according to federal guidelines and requirements to qualify for federal grants. Projects of this scale can take ten to twenty years or more to plan, design, fund, and build. Metro and the region need to be planning now for our growing region.
Engagement Opportunities:
Website: Members of the public are encouraged to review materials on the BOS study website, wmata.com/BOSstudy, and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives by responding to an online survey.
Online Survey: The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed alternatives through an online survey. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open until September 30, 2023, at wmata.com/BOSstudy.
VISA Gift Card Giveaway: By responding to the survey, respondents may enter for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card in a drawing to be held once the survey closes.
Hybrid Public Meetings: In addition, the public is encouraged to register for and attend one of three upcoming hybrid public meetings, either in-person or virtually (online). These hybrid meetings include a live presentation by project staff, followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Tuesday, July 25 | 6:30-8 PM - George Mason University - Van Metre Hall Multipurpose Room (3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA 22201)
- Saturday, August 26 | 10:30 AM -12:00 PM - St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Omega Room (408 Addison Rd S, Capitol Heights MD 20743)
- Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-8 PM - Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ Board Room (300 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20024)
To register for an upcoming meeting, visit: wmata.com/BOSstudy
About the Study
Metro launched the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity & Reliability Study (BOS Study) in early 2019 to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions to address ridership, service, and reliability needs on these Metrorail lines. After conducting an analysis of the key issues and trends, Metro developed a broad range of potential options for addressing the study goals. Following two rounds of public engagement and extensive feedback, Metro worked with community stakeholders and local jurisdictions to evaluate and narrow these options to six potential alternatives addressing capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
Click here to view the proposed alternatives.
The BOS Study is a type of study known as an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA complies with best-practices guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This will allow Metro to move forward with the study recommendation(s) and compete for federal funding, while reducing the length and cost of any future environmental review process. The study recommendations will be based on data analysis, with input from regional stakeholders and the public to define the problems and determine the preferred solution.
For More Information
To learn more about the project, upcoming engagement activities, and complete the online survey, visit the project website at wmata.com/BOSstudy
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact the project team at 703-683-7447, ext. 115 (TTY: 711) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
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Real Estate Tax First Installment Due July 28 | |
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If you pay your real estate taxes directly, not as part of your mortgage, the first half of your taxes are due Friday, July 28. Almost all first installment bills have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please email the Revenue Collection Division at DTARCD@fairfaxcounty.gov.
In order to prevent any payment issues, I encourage you to set up an automatic payment system. You can choose either monthly, quarterly, or full lump sum to remit payment. The electronic funds transfer form can be accessed here, and FAQs can be accessed here. Any questions can be sent to DTAEFT@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 222-8234.
Online payments can be made by visiting the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) website. E-check payments are free. Additional ways to pay can also be found on their website at Pay Taxes & Fees | Tax Administration (fairfaxcounty.gov). To make a payment, residents will need their map reference number and the stub number, which is located on the tax bill.
Residents can reach out to DTARCD@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 222-8234 if they assistance. Residents who may need a payment plan are encouraged to contact the DTA.
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Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series | |
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I invite you to join me at Franconia Nights! This past Wednesday, we enjoyed the performance from the Chuck Brown Band! On July 26th, we welcome the Silver Tones Swing Band (Swing Dance).
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 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!
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Summer Entrepreneur Course at the W.I.S.H.
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Proclamation for Mr. Robert S. Webb
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I was proud to initiate the proclamation for Mr. Robert S. Webb for his long career of providing quality music to audiences throughout Northern Virginia as the Director of Northern Virginia Chorale and as the Director of Music at St Mark's Lutheran Church, in Springfield, Virginia. His contribution to music here in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia is immeasurable. Please join me in wishing him the very best in his retirement. | |
Park Authority Community Survey
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The Park Authority is seeking community feedback on the proposed concepts included in the Draft PROSA Report Summary.
The Draft PROSA Report Summary outlines several key areas of consideration and prioritization when it comes to park development and improvement planning, including park access, habitat connectivity, park experiences and equity. The outcomes of PROSA will inform our Capital Improvement Program (CIP), land acquisition and many other decisions once completed this year.
Comments can be submitted by completing the online survey below or attending one of two virtual workshops scheduled in July. Links for both options are included below. Comments will be accepted through Sunday, August 6, 2023.
Please complete the online survey! They survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Vietnamese. Additional languages are available by using the “Translate” button in the upper right-hand side of the survey.
REGISTER to attend a virtual workshop via Zoom:
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 (6:30 p.m.) – Register Here
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The Co-Responder Program in Fairfax County
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I am proud to share the Fairfax County Co-Responder program, initiated from the board matter I co-sponsored in 2020, along with my colleague, Supervisor Walter Alcorn. I want to recognize the achievements made, and thank the work from the FCPD, CSB, and the other county agencies involved in this transformational program. The Fairfax County Co-Responder Program is a partnership between the Police Department and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB).
The program pairs a Crisis Intervention Team trained police officer with a CSB crisis intervention specialist to respond to calls related to behavioral health issues. The Co-Responder Program also aligns with other Fairfax County initiatives, including the Diversion First continuum of services.
The Co-Responder Program goals include:
- Increase timely on-scene assessment and de-escalation of behavioral health crises.
- Increase linkages to ongoing behavioral health services and supports.
- Decrease involvement in the criminal justice system and arrests involving behavioral health.
- Decrease need for emergency custody orders/temporary detention orders, as appropriate.
- Decrease visits to emergency departments and address capacity issues in psychiatric hospitals by providing less restrictive community-based alternatives for people in crisis.
- Enhance relationships between law enforcement and community members.
As of May 2023, the co-responder team model has resulted in the following positive outcomes:
- Over 1100 responses.
- Over 50% of calls were resolved in the field with no further action needed.
- Close to a third were diverted from potential arrest and/or hospitalization.
- 26% of individuals were linked to a higher level of care.
Help is a phone call away. If you need support for a behavioral health issue, call the Community Services Board at 703-383-8500. You can also call the Regional Crisis Call Center at 703-527-4077, or text 85511.
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FREE Immunization Clinics for Children | |
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Fairfax County Health Department is offering FREE immunization clinics for children beginning August 1.
For more information and appointments visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3r1mqaj
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Summer Safety Tips for Families | |
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Most parents and caregivers are aware that children’s natural curiosity, innocence, and determination are a combination that can get them into trouble in the blink of an eye. Sadly, too often in the summer, the news includes reports of families forever changed by preventable accidents that led to the injury or death of a child.
The Parenting Education Programs is sharing this reminder about some seasonal dangers, and offering tips from safety experts to help you keep your children safe for many summers to come. These tips include information on:
- Preventing Falls from Open Windows
- Preventing Hot Car Deaths
- Promoting Water Safety
For more information please visit: Summer Safety Tips for Families | Family Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)
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Kingstowne Farmers Market | |
Did you know we have our very own farmers market right here in Franconia District? Open until October 27th from 3 to 7 pm on Fridays, there are Farmers Markets happening at Kingstowne Center. For more information including the vendor list, please visit: Kingstowne Farmers Market | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)
The address for the Farmers Market is:
5844-5862 Kingstowne Center
Alexandria, VA, 22315
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Volunteer Opportunities at United Community | |
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United Community is currently seeking passionate volunteers to join them in making a positive impact. We have various ongoing volunteer opportunities available (see below), and we would be thrilled to have you on board. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or can dedicate your time on specific activities, your contribution can truly make a difference. Please contact voluteer@unitedcommunity.org with any questions.
- Saturday Food Distribution (once a month)
- Help us sort, bag, and distribute food to over 100 families.
- Outdoor activities
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16 years or older. Under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- More information and sign-up here!
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Making the switch to solar power is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch, two programs that reduce the cost and complexity of going solar. For more information, see 3 Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023.
Through end of August, homeowners can sign up to receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted rate. There are even opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage.
Learn more at upcoming webinars for Fairfax County. In the sessions, you will
- Learn about solar energy,
- Learn more about the co-op purchasing programs and how they work, with no cost to join or obligation to purchase solar panels,
- Hear from solar-power installers.
Solarize Fairfax Webinar
July 27, 6 p.m.
Register now!
Fairfax County Solar Switch 101 Webinar
Aug. 9, 6 p.m.
Register now!
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School Age Child Care (SACC) Program Registration for 2024-25 Year
Opened July 11
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Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care program (SACC) for the 2024-25 school year opened 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.
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Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
June 16-August 18
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Statewide Digital Opportunity Survey | |
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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.
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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.
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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
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | |
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Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
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