The Cook Advisory: October 10

A timely update from Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook.

Emergency Repair Work on the Guinea Road Bridge to Begin October 10

After much delay, the emergency repair work to the Guinea Road Bridge at Long Branch will begin on October 10, 2011. Last week, VDOT awarded this contract to Flippo Construction of Forestville, Maryland and the contractor is currently on site refreshing the survey stakes and bringing in signage. 

VDOT is undertaking emergency replacement of the badly deteriorated stormwater culverts under Guinea Road. These culverts actually provide part of the underpinning for the bridge itself. VDOT intends to maintain two lanes of traffic at all times during normal traffic hours. However, due to the unexpected need to encase an aging sewer line that runs parallel to the road, reroute a water line and relocate a previously uncharted gas line, the original four month project will clearly run through the winter months, and VDOT is working actively to accelerate the schedule. The complete renovation of the bridge is slated to last approximately 9 months.  

After discussions with the community during an informational meeting hosted by Supervisor Cook, VDOT does intend to close the road at the bridge to thru traffic from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday for the duration of the project.  However, VDOT will also need to close the bridge for up to 4 weekends over the duration of the 9 month contract. The contractor is required to give the community ample notice of such closures and this office will be sure to get the word out as well. Additionally, Supervisor Cook is committed to keeping the community apprised of any issues that arise with construction, including upcoming closings. 

Celebrate Braddock District History with the Oak Hill Open House

Noon to 5:00 p.m. on October 15

Oak Hill (4716 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale) is a privately owned 18th-century Georgian-style home that was preserved in October 2004 when the Board of Supervisors, Park Authority Board and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust negotiated the purchase of an historic easement from Seville Homes. The home and adjacent property are part of the original Fitzhugh land grant, the Ravensworth Tract totaling more than 22,000 acres - dating from the 1680s. Today, the original home remains intact along with much of the historic landscape, including 200-year-old boxwoods.

As part of the agreement, limited public access to the site is provided each year. Please come out on October 15 from Noon to 5:00 p.m. and enjoy the unique opportunity to tour the grounds and first floor of the house and celebrate local history - focusing especially on the Civil War in this Sesquicentennial year of the war's beginning. Self- Guided Tours of the First Floor (free tickets, timed-entry) are available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Speakers:

Mosby in Fairfax, Don Hakenson at both 1:00 & 3:20

Civil War Actions along Braddock Road, Mike Mitchell at both 1:50 & 4:10

Escaping Detection - Civil War Women Soldiers, Mary Lipsey at 2:30

Get Engaged in Your Community: Come out for the Inaugural Neighborhood Watch Conference & Police Open House

The Fairfax County Police Department and the Reston Association are hosting a free Neighborhood Watch Conference on October 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference is designed to educate communities about the importance of Neighborhood Watch, as well as the benefits of Neighborhood Watch for your community and to share ideas with each other about recruiting volunteers within your communities. It will take place at the Reston Association Headquarters, located at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191.   

In addition to the Neighborhood Watch Conference, there will also be a police open house. The department's specialty units will be available, you will get a chance to see antique police cars, there will be a moon bounce or two and McGruff the Crime Dog will be out to visit with all the kids.  

For more information, including a list of all Educational Workshops that will be offered, please visit: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/reston/2011crimepreventionconvention.htm 

Come out for the 'Fire Prevention Week' Open House

In an effort to increase awareness so that residents are better able to prevent home fires before they start, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host a Fire Prevention Week Open House, Saturday, October 15, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all stations throughout the county. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is, "It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect Your Family From Fire!" 

Firefighters and paramedics will have displays and activities emphasizing fire safety, including preventing fires and fire injuries. Residents are encouraged to visit a nearby fire and rescue station to participate in the activities and learn more about fire safety. 

To learn more about fire prevention go to www.firepreventionweek.org. 

Jeans Day 2011: Putting the Zip on Homelessness

The Fairfax Chamber has partnered with the Fairfax County Office to Prevent & End Homelessness to put on 'Jeans Day 2011: Putting the ZIP on Homelessness.' In exchange for a $5 contribution to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness, your employees can wear jeans to the office on October 21.

Jeans Day is a great way to encourage your employees to give-back to the community and enable your company to make a meaningful contribution to ending homelessness. Supervisor Cook's office is taking the challenge and participating and urges your office to do the same. Fairfax County is getting involved as well.  The Board of Supervisors will issue an official proclamation, naming October 21 as Jeans Day 2011 to End Homelessness.

Learn more about homelessness in Fairfax County here. And learn how to participate in Jeans Day here

Get Involved in 'America's Adopt a Soldier' Packing Day 2011

On October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road) volunteers will work together to assemble care packages for troops serving overseas. Care packages contain personal items, food, snacks and items used to pass the time. Some care packages will be sent to the Wounded Warriors and Children of our Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Medical Center (WRAMC)

This event is part of Volunteer Fairfax's 17th annual VolunteerFest Saturday, October 22. VolunteerFest is a region-wide day of community service. VolunteerFest mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to help nonprofits accomplish tasks that they would not have the time or resources to do on their own. For more information please visit: http://www.volunteerfairfax.org/non-profits/volunteerfest.php