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10.23.2025
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you to everyone who attended the Third Annual Climate Action Conference! This year’s successful event drew over 100 community members and provided residents information about the actions they can take to protect and improve our watersheds during this time of climate change.
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A special thank you to our guest speakers Congressman James Walkinshaw, Delegate David Bulova, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Climate Policy Director of Ocean Conservancy Anna-Marie Laura, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Director Chris Herrington, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Director Chris Koerner, and Fairfax Water CEO and General Manager Jamie Bain Hedges. Each speaker brought valuable insights, information and inspiration to this year’s event.
In addition, thanks are also due to the attendees, our dedicated volunteers, and the following conference exhibitors:
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- Chesapeake Climate Action Network
- Clean Air Partners
- Climate Action Now
- Climate Reality Project
- Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
- Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
- Fairfax County Park Authority Watch the Green Grow
- Fairfax County Public Schools Get2Green
- Fairfax Master Naturalists
- Fairfax Tree Rescuers
- Fairfax Water
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- Friends of Accotink Creek
- Friends of Holmes Run
- Friends of Royal Lake
- George Mason University's Climate Consensus
- George Mason University's Institute for Sustainable Earth
- NatureForward
- Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District
- Quiet Clean NOVA
- Urban and Community Forestry Division
- VA League of Conservation Voters
- Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action
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Thirteen additional early vote sites opened today, October 23, including the Burke Centre Library and the West Springfield Government Center. Early voting for the November General Election continues through Saturday, November 1.
Tomorrow, Friday, October 24 is the last day to register to vote/update your registration (in time to guarantee you do not have to use a provisional ballot) and apply to vote by mail before the 5:00 p.m. deadline. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 4.
If you plan to vote early in-person, 16 voting sites are open until next Saturday, November 1. The locations in and close to the Braddock District are:
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Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax)
- Monday-Friday | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Saturdays | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 26 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke)
- Weekdays | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 26 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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West Springfield Governmental Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield)
- Weekdays | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 26 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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You can find all the locations, operating hours, and detailed information on early voting for the November 4 election on the Office of Elections' website.
All regular polling places will be open for voting on Tuesday, November 4, from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. More information about voting is available on the Office of Elections' website.
Voting Early for the Braddock District Supervisor's Election
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Early voting for the December 9 Special Election to fill the vacancy in the Braddock District Supervisor's Office begins tomorrow, Friday, October 24.
This election is separate from the November 4 election. If you've already voted early in that election and want to vote for the Braddock District Supervisor, you will have to take advantage of an additional opportunity to vote.
Ballots for the Braddock District Supervisor's election are not available at all early voting sites. Braddock District residents who want to cast their ballots early from October 24 through November 28 can only vote in the Braddock District Supervisor's election at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
Beginning November 29, Burke Centre Library will serve as a second early voting location until early voting for both sites ends on Saturday, December 6. Learn more on the Office of Elections' website.
Hours for early voting at the Government Center are on weekdays from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday voting for the December 9 election is available on October 25, November 1, November 29, and December 6.
If you wish to vote on December 9, your regular Braddock District polling place will be open from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Yours in service,
Braddock District Office
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Federal Government Shutdown Resources
- Kings Park Library Annual Fall Book Sale
- Marian Homes Shredding Event
- Drug Take Back Day
- Upcoming Operational Career Fair
- West Springfield Shopping Center Public Hearing
- Design & Environmental Achievement Awards
- Nominate the Best of Braddock
- Providence District Food Drive
- Metro's Strategic Transformation Plan Refresh Public Comment Period
- Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Pet Adoption Spotlight: Kiara!
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Federal Government
Shutdown Resources
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Food & Grocery Distribution
Capital Area Food Bank is responding to the increased need from federal workers and contractors in the area due to the shutdown with special supplemental distributions to assist federal workers and contractors.
They are holding drives at their existing sites in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. They will be providing 150 boxes of shelf-stable goods and an equivalent number of boxes of produce. Depending on traffic, they will scale up the following week if the shutdown is still ongoing. To receive food, visitors will need to show a government work ID.
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Virginia
- United Community (7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria)
- Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
DC
- Urban Outreach (5343 C Street SE, Washington, DC)
- Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Maryland
- No Limits Outreach Ministries (7721 Barlowe Road, Hyattsville, MD)
- Tuesdays 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- LindaBen Foundation (10739 Tucker Street, Beltsville, MD)
- Saturdays 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
- So What Else (6116 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda, MD)
- Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
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Capital Area Food Bank's Hunger Lifeline offers personalized recommendations to community food resources, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., over the phone at (202) 644-9807. There is also an interactive map with all local emergency food assistance programs and sites (available in Spanish too).
More information on where neighbors can access free groceries and other assistance can be found on the Capital Area Food Bank's website.
SNAP Benefits
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Due to the federal shutdown, November SNAP benefits may be in jeopardy, creating challenges for many in our community. That said, Governor Youngkin declared a state of emergency in Virginia to keep the SNAP benefits flowing for now.
Fairfax County stands ready to help. For immediate food assistance, call Coordinated Services Planning at (703) 222-0880.
Other programs like Medicaid & LIHEAP are not currently impacted.
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Payments
Mortgage/Rent
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Federal employees and contractors can’t be evicted or foreclosed on during a federal government shutdown, under state law.
Personal Property Tax
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In response to the shutdown, Fairfax County has extended the deadline for residents to pay their personal property tax. Residents have until November 5 to pay without penalties.
Utilities
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Coordinated Services Planning connects Fairfax County residents to County and community-based services and resources. Call (703) 222-0880, TTY 711.
- Call Dominion Energy at (866) 366-4357 to ask for short-term payment extension.
- Call 2-1-1 for information available for help with rent, utilities, housing services, clothing, jobs, health services, and other needs from anywhere in Northern Virginia, 24/7.
Phone Carriers
- AT&T
- Customers affected by the shutdown are eligible for flexible payment options to keep service including cellphones, television and internet running.
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Make payment arrangements online or call 6-1-1 from an AT&T mobile phone or (800) 331-0500.
- Sprint
- Qualified customers can work with their financial team to find a payment option that works and keep your service uninterrupted during the government shutdown.
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Impacted customers should call (888) 211-4727 or chat online.
- T-Mobile
- Short-term account assistance for customers who are federal workers including payment deferral and “flexible payment options” that allow customers to spread their service payments over time.
- Customers can call T-Mobile Customer Care to discuss options at 6-1-1 from a T-Mobile device or (877) 746-0909 from any phone.
- Verizon
- Flexible payment options and a “Promise to Pay” program that can be set up in the My Verizon app or website. Further assistance is available by calling (866) 266-1445.
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Other
Resource Websites
Mason Arts Offers Free Tickets for Individuals Impacted by Government Shutdown
George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is offering free tickets to select performances across Mason Arts venues for federal employees and/or contractors impacted by the U.S. government shutdown.
The offer extends to professional and George Mason student performances in the Center for the Arts and Harris Theatre on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, as well as the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas. Free content is also available to watch on the digital venue, Mason Arts Amplified.
Tickets for impacted individuals may be reserved by phone or in person at the venue's ticket offices. Individuals will be asked to confirm their government agency. Offer is limited to two tickets per person, per event.
Visit the GMU website for more information.
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Kings Park Library Annual
Fall Book Sale
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The Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale is underway!
The sale continues until Saturday, October 25, at Kings Park Library (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke) and proceeds directly support the Kings Park Library.
This is a great opportunity to find great books, save money, and support your local library!
Book Sale hours:
- Thursday, October 23
- 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 24
- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 25
- 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
More information is available on the library’s website.
| | Marian Homes Shredding Event | | |
Area non-profit Marian Homes will host a shredding event on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish (5121 Woodland Way, Annandale).
Information about the shredding event can be found on Marian Homes' website.
Donations to Marian Homes will be accepted.
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Safely dispose of unwanted medications at Drug Take Back Day next Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
You can take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications. The closest site accepting medication is the West Springfield Police Station (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield).
Drug take-back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs, and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies.
Safe disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug misuse and accidental poisoning and protects the environment.
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Accepted items:
- Prescription and non-prescription pills
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed
- Small liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices
- Prescription ointments
- Medications for pets
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Not accepted:
- Illegal drugs
- Pressurized canisters (inhalers/aerosol cans)
- Needles
- Large sources of liquids
- Non-prescription ointments and lotions
| | Upcoming Operational Career Fair | | |
Join Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) at the Operational Career Fair on Tuesday, October 28, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
The school division is collaborating with Fairfax County Government to showcase FCPS operational job opportunities.
This is your chance to explore careers and connect with operational offices about current and future employment opportunities. Registration is required.
| | West Springfield Shopping Center Public Hearing | | |
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 28, about whether to vacate a portion of Rolling Road across from Traford Lane. The applicant seeks to have a County-owned portion of the frontage of the West Springfield Shopping Center (featuring the Panera Bread, NTB, and other businesses) turned over to the shopping center owner.
Detail in the Board of Supervisors meeting package states: “As part of their redevelopment of the West Springfield Shopping Center, the applicant intends to relocate a monument sign on the property that is currently blocked by a tree located in the large green space. This area to be vacated along Rolling Road is no longer needed for the County’s public road system and not expected to be needed in the future.”
More background on the application can be found in the Board’s September 30 Administrative Item which authorized next Tuesday’s hearing. If the vacation of the property is approved, the applicant plans to add 18 additional parking spaces across the driveway from the existing spaces on the Rolling Road side of the shopping center.
If you have questions, you can contact the Fairfax County Department of Transportation at (703) 877-5600.
The public hearing is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. but will likely begin well after that point, since several other 4:00 hearings are preceding it on the agenda. Residents can testify in person, by phone, or by providing a video. If you’d like to testify, visit the Clerk’s website for information about ways to do so. You may also email ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov. The Board of Supervisors meeting can be viewed on cable Channel 16 or streaming on the Channel 16 website.
| | Design & Environmental Achievement Awards | | |
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Design & Environmental Achievement Awards Planning Committee invite you to join them to honor the recipients of the Friends of Tree Awards, the Environmental Excellence Awards, and the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 30, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Auditorium (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) with a reception immediately following in the Fairfax County Government Center Forum.
| | Nominate the Best of Braddock | | |
Nominations for the Best of Braddock are being accepted until Friday, October 31.
The annual awards are an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations working to make our wonderful community even better!
Take a moment to nominate a neighbor or organization for these categories:
- Citizen of the Year
- Person of the Year
- Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification
- Most "Can-Do" Public Employee
- Club or Organization Making a Difference
- Civic Engagement
Submit your nominations online by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31. Winners will be notified before the Best of Braddock Reception and Awards Ceremony.
Email braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions.
| | Providence District Food Drive | | |
The Office of Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, along with several community partners, is collecting non-perishable food items until November 15 for Food for Others, Oakton High School, Woodson High School, and Falls Church food pantries.
The following items are most requested:
- Cereal
- Shelf-stable Milk
- Granola Bars
- Fruit Cups
- Pasta
- Tomato Sauce
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Vegetables
- Juice Boxes
- Trail Mix
- Crackers
- Instant Noodles
- Chickpea Snacks
Donations may be dropped off at the following locations during the hours listed.
- Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station
- 2148 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring
- Monday-Sunday | 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Jim Scott Community Center
- 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax
- Monday-Saturday | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Arbor Row
- 7927B West Park Drive, Tysons
- Tuesday/Thursday | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Celebrate Fairfax
- 8508 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
- Wednesday-Sunday | 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Vine Church
- 2501 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring
- 24/7
- Oakton Schoolhouse
- 2841 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton
- 24/7
- Tysons Community Alliance at StarHill Brewpub
- 7730 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
- Monday, October 27, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, visit the office's website or contact the Providence team at (703) 560-6946 or providence@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| | Metro's Strategic Transformation Plan Refresh Public Comment Period | | |
Metro is inviting the public to weigh in on a refresh of their Strategic Transformation Plan, Your Metro, The Way Forward.
Adopted in February 2023, the plan serves as both a long-term strategy and a tool for annual priority setting as Metro works to meet the evolving needs of its customers, employees, and the region.
Since then, Metro has accomplished many of the goals in the plan like reducing Part 1 (serious) crimes by 50%, launching the Better Bus Network Redesign, and reducing fare evasion on rail by more than 82%. Now, the organization wants to update the plan, setting new aspirational goals for the next three years.
The public can help shape the Transformation Plan! View the draft updated plan and weigh in on WMATA's website. The comment period runs through November 4.
A hybrid in-person and online public hearing is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, at the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission headquarters (2300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington).
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To provide oral testimony in-person during the hearing, participants may pre-register by email or calling (202) 962-2511 by 12:00 p.m. the day of the hearing at which they wish to testify. Please submit only one speaker's name per request. Individuals may also sign up when at the hearing to provide testimony.
- To provide oral testimony via phone during the hearing, participants should call 206-899-2028 and enter Meeting ID: 515 197 031# while the hearing is taking place. Preregistration to provide comments via phone is not available.
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To provide oral testimony via video, participants must preregister by email by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29. Information about how to participate via video will be provided after preregistration is confirmed.
Read more about the public comment plan.
| | Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Information | | |
QUICK SUMMARY
- Getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits can help you avoid the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
- Healthy habits include washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes the proper way, cleaning surfaces regularly and staying home when sick.
- The respiratory illness dashboard provides up-to-date information in the Fairfax Health District
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines are available now, and they significantly lower the risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from the virus.
People aged 6 months and older can receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines based on individual-based decision-making with a healthcare provider. This includes pharmacists.
In Virginia, no prescription is needed for people aged 3 years and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy. However, not all pharmacies vaccinate children. Please call ahead or check the website of your local pharmacy to understand the age groups that they serve.
Health Department clinics have a limited vaccine supply and will only provide COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid.
Learn More about COVID-19
| | Pet Adoption Spotlight: Kiara! | | |
Meet Kiara, a demure girl who's been patiently waiting for her perfect match since arriving at the shelter on July 14.
Located at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton), Kiara is ready to find her forever home.
This sweetheart is still learning the ways of the world and is hoping you'll join along to cheer her on!
Kiara is working really hard to learn to trust new people, and from what the shelter has noticed, a slow and steady approach seems to work best. She hasn't spent a lot of time with people outside of the family she grew up with before coming into the shelter's care, so strangers can be a little scary to her sometimes. Offering a yummy treat and letting her lead the interactions yield the best results.
Toys also seem to be of interest to Kiara! She's not quite sure if she's comfortable showing her playful side yet, but she will appease you by picking the toy up and walking around with it (just to make you feel better). Kiara prefers to eat her meals undisturbed and away from the action. She would absolutely love a room where she can finish her meal without any interruptions. Due to Kiara's lack of socialization, she isn't quite sure of any dogs outside of the ones she grew up with. A dog-to-dog is highly recommended if you have your own resident dog at home.
The shelter wants to ensure that Kiara is a good fit for any dog she may be living with. If Kiara has stolen your heart, meet her today!
Visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's website for more information about Kiara or to view other adoptable pets, including cats, dogs, and small animals.
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