The Cook Advisory

An Update From Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook 
August 16, 2012 

Fairfax County Police Department Prepares for Back to School

The Fairfax County Police Department will be sponsoring a variety of events in the upcoming months. To best inform the community they have released a calendar highlighting both enforcement and education initiatives that will be conducted starting August 25.

In preparation for the beginning of the school year, motorists can expect to see a heightened level of police presence throughout the County. The first wave will focus on educating the pedestrians on safe crossings, and the motoring public on right of way of walkers, joggers and bicyclists. The other campaigns will focus on some of the other poor driving behaviors officers see and write most often, such as red light violations and not wearing seat belts.   

In addition, the Fairfax County Police Department will begin conducting their annual Save Our Schools (SOS) enforcement wave. The SOS campaign is a county wide initiative and targets poor driving behavior in school zones and serves as a reminder that school is back in session and to watch out for children.

Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program:
Apply to Receive Grant Funds to Improve Your Neighborhood

 Fairfax County will be offering matching grants of up to $5,000 to neighborhood or civic groups and homeowner's associations. The money will be awarded through the Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program (NEPP) for projects that improve a neighborhood's appearance, health or safety.

Staff will be holding two information sessions for those who are interested in learning additional information on how to apply:

• Wednesday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Penino Building in room 206 A, 12011 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.
• Tuesday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kingstowne Public Library at 6500 Landsdowne Centre in Alexandria.

In the past, grant winners have used the funds to repair or expand children's playgrounds, put up community signs, plant community gardens, and build paths, bridges and outdoor pavilions to help connect neighbors and neighborhoods. Applications are due Wednesday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m.

If you would like additional information regarding the NEPP grant please call 703-787-4990 or you may visit the website at : http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cex/nepp/ .

You can print the application from this link: NEPP Application and you can print the IRS W-9 Tax Identification Form that will need to be submitted with the application.

Char-a-oke to Support Fairfax County Public Schools on August 23 at Barns of Wolf Trap!

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and the Education Foundation, a partnership between the Chamber and Fairfax County Public Schools will be holding the 2nd Annual Char-a-oke (Charity Karaoke) Fundraiser! Take the "Stairway to Heaven," belt out "ABC," look into the "Eye of the Tiger," have a "Total Eclipse of the Heart," show your "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" or be a "Dancing Queen" to raise "Money, Money, Money" to benefit our world-class school system.

Two hundred are already slated to attend the event, which will take place on Thursday, August 23, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Barns of Wolf Trap. Delicious catering from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse will be provided and the karaoke performances will not disappoint. All proceeds benefit the Education Foundation. Through this innovative Foundation, businesses work hand-in-hand with our public school system as it works to educate our region's future workforce.

To RSVP, please go to the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce's website at : Char-a-oke: A Charity Karaoke Sing-Off for Our Schools

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Proposed New Fairfax Connector Bus Service Using 495 Express Lanes

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will hold a public meeting on August 22 to discuss the proposed new Fairfax Connector service that will use the 495 Express Lanes, once opened in December 2012.  Details on the first proposed route to operate, Burke Centre to Tysons Corner, will be discussed at the meeting.

The meeting details are:
Wednesday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Braddock Governmental Center: 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke
Braddock Hall
Transit: Metrobus 17 A/B/G/H
(17 B and G do not directly serve this location, but are a short walk (0.1 mile, 3 minute walk) from the closest stop along Rolling Road)

Meeting Agenda:
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.: Open house
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.: Presentation
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.: Question and answer session, open forum

For information, visit www.fairfaxconnector.com .
For information about this news item, call Ellen Kamilakis at 703-877-5606, TTY 711. 

Upcoming George Mason Community Events 

• Relax in Fairfax! New Student BBQ, co-sponsored by George Mason University and the City of Fairfax. The BBQ will be on Saturday, August 25 at 12:30 until  2:30 p.m. in the  Veteran's Amphitheater at City Hall, Fairfax Campus. The City of Fairfax will officially welcome all new students of George Mason University at its inaugural New Student Barbecue, located only a few minutes walk away from campus. Students can come and enjoy free food from some local area restaurants, music, giveaways, and your chance to meet the people who make "your new City" feel like home! 
• The next University/Community Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers. Dr. Cabrera has been invited to give some introductory/welcoming remarks.