Updated July 1, 2023 — More than 24 hours after bacterial testing began on the water in Lake Accotink following a sewage spill, results show bacteria levels are not elevated. More info here.
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Fairfax County Government Department of Public Works and Environmental Services: “The Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program has identified a sewage spill upstream of Lake Accotink. Out of an abundance of caution, immediate closure of lake activities is recommended for activities involving contact with the lake, such as swimming and fishing, as the water may be contaminated. The closure is in effect until further notice.”
“Bacterial testing of the water is underway, and results are expected within 24 hours. Updates will be provided when the analysis is complete. Precautionary signage is being placed near the area of the spill.”
Fairfax County Government: “As we continue celebrating Pride Month in Fairfax County, learn about the #pride flags representing the diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Formerly used to represent gay people, the rainbow flag is used as the main LGBTQIA+ flag when addressing social issues and celebrating Pride.”
Workhouse Arts Center: “The Workhouse Arts Center will present a pre-Independence fireworks event Saturday, July 1 from 6-10 p.m. on its Lorton 55-acre campus.”
The campus can be found at 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.
“The event includes the fireworks display (beginning at dark, approximately 9:15 p.m.), live music, free access to galleries, artist studios and museum; food and beverages are available for purchase.”
“Entrance is free; parking is $40 per vehicle. VIP tickets are available for $120 and includes private reception, food, wine tasting and reserved seating for the fireworks show.”
“One of the region’s largest pre-Independence Day Fireworks show celebrates the history of this amazing nation and honors the courage and sacrifice that have made America a beacon of hope and freedom around the world.”
“This year, The Radio Sparks band will take center stage in the Rizer Pavilion with a concert featuring the greatest hits from the 60’s through today. DJ Sha The Goddess will bring energy, excitement, and entertainment before the concert and will spin tunes during the big fireworks show after dark.”
More information about general admission and VIP tickets can be found online.
Rozia Henson is the Democrat nominated for the House of Delegates 19th District seat in Woodbridge and southern Fairfax County.
Henson fended off two challengers, Makya Little, and Natalie Shorter, for his party’s nomination for the seat. There is no incumbent and no Republican challenger as of today.
Only 57 votes separated Henson and Little. Little outraised Henson by $140,000.
Henson: “We did it, team! @MakyaLittle and @NatalieLShorter
have both graciously called to offer their congratulations tonight, and I am so proud to be the Democratic nominee for Delegate in House District 19. This was an incredibly hard-fought race with thousands of doors knocked, thousands of calls made, and countless conversations with neighbors — and we earned this victory together. I’m getting to bed but will be back shortly to thank our incredible volunteers and supporters and the organizations that have stood strongly by our side. Thank you!”
In 2021, Henson ran for a House of Delegates seat in Woodbridge, the seat vacated by Jennifer Carroll Foy when she resigned from the House to run for governor. Candi Mundon King went on to win the seat which she holds today.
According to his website, Henson grew up in Prince William and Spotsylvania counties and went on to attend Virginia State University and the University of Maryland, where he earned his MBA.
VPAP: Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy beat her primary opponent Hala Ayala for her party’s nomination for the Virginia Senate 33rd District by 24 points.
Carroll Foy and Ayala both served in the House of Delegates until 2021, when both women faced each other in a Primary Election to be Lt. Governor sought higher office. Carroll Foy ran for governor, while Ayala ran for Lt. Governor.
Jennifer Carroll Foy: “We did it. I’m so grateful to our grassroots team for showing up for our campaign, to my family for supporting me, and most importantly to the voters of District 33 — thank you for making me your nominee for Democratic State Senator. It would be an honor to serve our community.”
The 33rd District includes portions of Woodbridge in Prince William County and south county in Fairfax County. The district has no incumbent and leans heavily toward Democrats.
Republican Mike Van Meter will face Carroll Foy in the November General Election.
Workhouse Arts Center: “The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. (WAF), which operates the Workhouse Arts Center, announced today that it has named Rachel Kizielewicz as its new Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Kizielewicz, an experienced executive, artist, and strong supporter of the Workhouse, officially began her role on Monday, June 5th.”
“Rachel Kizielewicz comes to the Workhouse as an artist, with 20 years of experience in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Rachel first joined the Workhouse as a member of the Board of Directors. She steps into the role of Interim President and CEO with a love for the organization and a deep commitment to its future. Believing in the Workhouse’s ability to be a thriving, vibrant arts center, Rachel understands the important roles that each group of stakeholders plays in the Workhouse Arts Center’s success.”
Editors note: This is the latest in a series of articles featuring candidates running in Virignia’s June 20, 2023, Primary Election.
Makya Little, 41, is running in a June 20 Primary Election to be the Democrat nominated by her party to run for the newly-created 19th District Virginia House of Delegates seat. The seat has no incumbent. Little has two Primary opponents, Natalie Shorter, and Rozia Henson.
The district leans strongly toward Democrats and includes a portion of Woodbridge in Prince William County and a portion of southern Fairfax County. Find your polling place.
Little followed in her mother’s footsteps and worked at the FBI for 16 years, first as a graphic designer and later as a program analyst. She retired in 2022 after 16 years to run for office.
Little is a single mother with three children in Prince William County Public Schools, ages 13, 14, and 15.
I interviewed Little about her race. You can see the entire interview video here.
Regarding transportation, what are the unmet needs in the 19th District?
FFXNow: “A massive fire broke out last night (Monday) at the Rainwater Landfill on Richmond Highway in Lorton, occupying Fairfax County firefighters for hours. As of 9 a.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department remains on scene in the 9900 block of Richmond Highway after units were dispatched to a reported outside fire at 11:03 p.m.”
“The department reported at 5:47 a.m. that the fire had been contained, but smoke was still visible from Route 1 and I-95.”
Insidenova: “Actor and musician Gary Sinise and celebrity chef Robert Irvine teamed up to give thousands an unforgettable experience at Fort Belvoir for Memorial Day weekend.”
“Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band travel to military bases across the country to perform free of charge to service members, veterans and their families. And on May 25, they took stage in front of the garrison headquarters.”