12.31.2025

Hello neighbors!

As we welcome the New Year, I’m honored to begin my first full year serving as your Braddock District Supervisor. I remain deeply committed to listening, learning, and partnering with our community to deliver results that improve daily life for all our neighbors.

One of my top priorities for 2026 is Lake Accotink, a treasured community resource. I will continue working with County leadership, residents, and partner agencies to ensure a sustainable, accessible future for the park that honors both its natural beauty and recreational value. I am also focused on responsible fiscal stewardship, responsive constituent services, and advancing investments that support our community’s needs, especially as we enter budget season. This includes advocating for affordable housing, strong schools, safe communities, and policies that promote opportunity for families, seniors, and those most in need. I will also be actively engaged in discussions around transportation improvements to ease congestion and enhance safety throughout the district.

I've enjoyed the informative briefings from our County leaders and staff and the support of my new colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, and I am excited to work alongside them in my new role.

I wanted to share an update on some of my new committee assignments and priorities as we begin this important work together. I’m grateful for these committee assignments that allow me to bring Braddock’s voice and my experience as a former School Board member and educator to key Countywide decisions. 



I serve as Chair of both the Board's Health and Human Services Committee and the Housing Committee, where we focus on strengthening supports and expanding affordable options for residents. I’m also honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Environmental Committee, advocating for stewardship of our natural spaces, and on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus and Community Advisory Board, where I bring my perspective as a former professor to support this vital County partner. Additionally, I will continue to participate in the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team, where I most recently served as a School Board member and now as your Supervisor, building on my longstanding work with schools to support our youth. And I will represent Fairfax as a Principal on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, bringing a regional lens to our work here at home.

Together, we’ll tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities this new year brings.

I look forward to seeing you at local meetings, events, and around the community. Please enjoy this year-end Advisory with some news that you may find useful in the next few days.

I welcome hearing from you as we begin this new year and, as always, please reach out anytime if I or my staff can be of assistance. We are here to serve you!

Warm wishes for a happy and healthy 2026!

Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer

P.S. Our office will be closed at 12:00 p.m. today, December 31, and County government offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1. The next edition of the Braddock Beacon will be published on Friday, January 9. We look forward to serving you in the new year.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• First Hike Fairfax
• Christmas Tree Recycling
• Public Hearing with Members of the General Assembly
• Annual Report on the Environment and Public Comment Meeting
• County Food & Beverage Tax January 1
• Beware of Credit Card Skimmers and other Scams
• West Springfield Community Engagement Meeting January 6
• Regional Legislative Town Hall January 6
• Adaptive Baseball Camp at TJHSST
• Hypothermia Prevention Program Continues

First Hike Fairfax

What better way to ring in the new year than to participate in the Park Authority's annual First Hike Photo Contest?

It's easy to participate. Here's how:



1. Take a Hike. Enjoy a stroll through any of the Park Authority’s 420 parks or along more than 334 miles of trails on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
2. Capture the Moment. Snap a fantastic photo during your adventure.
3. Submit Your Best Shot. Upload your photo online by noon on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, for a chance to win great prizes!

Each participant may submit one photo in one of the following categories:

• Scenery/Landscapes
• People
• Wildlife
• Pets

For information about prizes and contest rules, visit the Park Authority website.

Christmas Tree Recycling

If you are a County trash pick-up customer, natural Christmas trees will be collected for recycling from January 5-16, 2026. All other residents, check the schedule of your private trash hauler. Lights, decorations, and stands must be removed to ensure collection.

Any County resident can drop off their tree at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for an $11 fee. Check the locations' websites for their operating hours. The sites will close at 2:00 p.m. today, December 31, and will be closed all day on January 1.

Pick up Free Mulch: The trees are placed in a wood-chipper with other brush and recycled.

Tree lights can be recycled year-round for free at electronic waste locations at I-66 and I-95.


For questions, email trashmail@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 324-5320.

Public Hearing with Members of the General Assembly

On Saturday, January 10, members of Virginia's legislature (General Assembly) will be holding a public hearing at the Fairfax Government Center to hear about your priorities for the upcoming legislative session in Richmond. Fairfax County residents who want to sign up in advance to speak at the hearing should register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at (703) 324-3151, TTY 711, by Thursday, January 8, at noon. 

Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation’s Pre-2026 Session Public Hearing
Date & Time: Saturday, January 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Fairfax County Government Center - Board Auditorium
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035

The event will also be broadcast live on Cable Channel 16 and streaming on the Channel 16 website.

For information about the program and requirements for speakers, visit the County web page about this public hearing.

Annual Report on the Environment &

Public Comment Meeting

An updated report on environmental matters in Fairfax County was recently released by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC). This 2025 Annual Report on the Environment is a valuable resource for understanding local environmental challenges and opportunities for progress. From air and water quality to transportation and climate change solutions, the report lays out key findings and recommendations to guide the County’s next steps.

Residents are also invited to attend EQAC’s annual public comment meeting on January 14, 2026 to share their environmental concerns, suggestions, and feedback directly with the Council. Your voice matters in shaping a healthier, more sustainable Fairfax County!

Public Comment Details:

• What: Annual Public Comment Meeting on environmental issues
• When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:15 p.m.
• Where: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Room 4/5

To share your thoughts in person, virtually, in writing, or via pre-recorded video, please contact the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) at (703) 324-7136, TTY 711, or send an email to EQAC@fairfaxcounty.gov. Learn more at the OEEC website.

County Food & Beverage Tax

The County’s Food and Beverage tax goes into effect on January 1. The new 4% tax applies to prepared meals (and beverages, if included with a meal) sold at restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and other establishments that offer ready-to-eat food and drinks. The tax does not apply to prepackaged grocery or snack items, or to drinks purchased alone. Visit the County News website for more details and background.

Beware of Credit Card Skimmers and Other Scams

The Fairfax County Police Department warns residents about credit card skimming devices which can capture your card data for illegal transactions. Skimmers are often small, discreet, and designed to blend in seamlessly with legitimate card readers. They can be found at ATMs, gas pumps, and even self-checkout machines.

Visit the County News page to learn about this and other types of scams.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of a skimming device:

• Inspect before you insert. Before using an ATM or gas pump, look closely at the card reader and keypad. If the card slot looks loose, bulky or mismatched in color or material compared to the rest of the machine, it could be a skimmer.
• Check for hidden cameras. Skimmers are often paired with tiny cameras aimed at capturing your PIN. Look for any unusual attachments, pinholes or objects positioned near the keypad.
• Do not accept assistance from anyone you don’t know while using an ATM or payment device. Scammers sometimes pose as helpful bystanders to distract you or capture your information.
• Cover your PIN. Always use your hand to shield the keypad while entering your PIN, even if you don’t see anything suspicious.
• Use familiar or well-lit locations. Whenever possible, use ATMs inside banks or high-traffic areas where criminals are less likely to install devices unnoticed.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Review your bank and credit card statements frequently for unauthorized transactions, even small ones, which can signal a compromised card.
• Use contactless payment methods. Tap-to-pay cards or mobile wallets provide an extra layer of protection, as they don’t transmit your physical card data.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of skimming or notice a suspicious device, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, call the police non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131.

West Springfield Community Engagement Meeting January 6

You're Invited: West Springfield Community Engagement Meeting

📅 Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 🕖 6:00 PM

📍 West Springfield District Police Station – 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA

Join the West Springfield District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for an in-person Community Engagement Meeting with the Fairfax County Police Department. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to connect with local officers, ask questions, and learn more about public safety efforts in your community.

This month’s featured speaker:

Fairfax County Police Department Organized Crime and Narcotics Division

A detective of the Organized Crime and Narcotics Division will discuss ways their investigations help keep Fairfax County safe. They will also be available to answer your questions during the session.


Why attend?

• Stay informed about police operations in your area
• Engage directly with officers
• Strengthen community partnership 


Everyone is welcome – all ages encouraged to attend!

Please note: FCPD follows Fairfax County Public Schools for any weather-related cancellations.

📧 Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for CAC reminders, agendas, and minutes by emailing: wscacmailbox@gmail.com

📞 Questions? Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at (703) 277-2363.

Let’s work together to keep our community informed, connected, and safe!

Regional Legislative Town Hall January 6

State Senator Stella Pekarsky, along with Delegate Irene Shin, Delegate Karrie Delaney, and Delegate Dan Helmer, are hosting a pre- legislative session, regional Town Hall on Tuesday, January 6 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (Virtual)

If you'd like to participate, fill out this google form and you'll be sent the information to join.

To find out who represents you on the Virginia General Assembly, plug your address into the County's My Neighborhood tool.

Adaptive Baseball Camp at TJHSST

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJHSST)'s Baseball Team is hosting a 3-session Adaptive Baseball Camp for kids & teens with disabilities. A fun, supportive space to learn hitting, throwing, catching, and base running with help from TJ players!

Dates & Times: February 7, 14 & 21 (Saturday mornings) 9:30-11:30 a.m. 
Ages: 6–16 
Cost: $25 per session or $60 for all three.


Limited spots are available — sign up via this Google Form.

Hypothermia Prevention Program Continues

Since 2005, the Hypothermia Prevention Program has prevented death and serious injuries among Fairfax County’s most vulnerable residents by ensuring that no one must sleep outside during the winter months. This program - available to any adult in need of immediate shelter - provides warm shelter, food, and other supportive services to help connect guests to a variety of basic needs such as clothing, employment, housing, and more.

Note: Adults with children (ages 0-17) should contact Coordinated Services Planning at (703) 222-0880 (TTY 711), Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for referrals to family-oriented support and services. If you visit one of the County’s family shelters – locations and contact information are available at fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/emergency-shelters

For more information on the Hypothermia Prevention Program, visit: bit.ly/Fairfax-Hypothermia-Program.

SEE SOMEONE IN NEED?

If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the County’s non-emergency Police phone number (703) 691-2131 TTY 711.

A police officer will respond and conduct a wellness check. 
If you see an individual in distress, please call 9-1-1.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates.