10.16.2025

Dear Neighbor,

The 2025 Climate Action Conference is this Saturday, October 18!

Join Congressman Walkinshaw, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, and climate leaders from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke) and discover your role in protecting our waterways and drinking water from the impacts of climate change.

This year's theme is “Teaming Up to Restore and Protect Healthy Waterways."

You’ll hear from Congressman Walkinshaw, Supervisor Jimenez, the Ocean Conservancy, and state and local water experts, including:

• Delegate David Bulova
• Chris Koerner, Director of Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
• Chris Herrington, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works
• Jamie Hedges, CEO of Fairfax Water

The conference will wrap up with two breakout sessions to help attendees identify ways to protect their own properties from climate change impacts and protect local waterways.

The first session will let attendees know if they live in a high flood risk area and whether they would qualify for flood mitigation assistance. The second session will provide attendees with ideas for reducing nutrient and pollution runoff as well as heavy stormwater flows from their properties. Both presentations will be packed with useful tips for protecting our watersheds and drinking water, so plan to stay for the entire event. 

This year, attendees will also have a chance to enter a drawing for free electric lawn equipment from Clean Air Partners.

There is still time to register! We look forward to seeing you there.

Yours in service,

Braddock District Office

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Continue reading below for more information on:

• Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
• Community Forum on Housing
• Government Center Visioning
• Medicare 102
• Kings Park Library Annual Fall Book Sale
• Drug Take Back Day
• Design & Environmental Achievement Awards
• Nominate the Best of Braddock
• Adopt a Hydrant Program
• Mason Arts Offers Free Tickets for Individuals Impacted by Government Shutdown
• Early Voting for November General Election
• How to Get a COVID Vaccine
• Pet Adoption Spotlight: Lily!

Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards

The Fairfax Area – Disability Services Board’s Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards are presented annually to recognize people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area and also demonstrates how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.

Do you know an individual, self-advocate or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? Nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2025 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award!

The nomination form MUST be completed and e-mailed to disabilityrights@fairfaxcounty.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17. Use “Martha Glennan 2025” as the subject line.

• 2025 Martha Glennan Award Individual or Self-Advocate Nomination Form
• 2025 Martha Glennan Award Organization Nomination Form

Community Forum on Housing

The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board invites residents with disabilities and family caregivers to attend a virtual community forum on Monday, October 20, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

The forum aims to identify gaps in service, challenges, and/or concerns related to housing in Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax.

The information collected will be shared with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to inform county officials on how to improve housing for persons with disabilities in the future. Learn more about the community forum on housing or register to attend.

Government Center Visioning

Changes are being considered to the long-term vision for the Fairfax County Government Center campus, and your input matters!

The County is reimagining the main Government Center campus (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) to better serve the community with improved services, public spaces, and access. The focus is on transforming underused parking lots into vibrant areas where people can gather, live, work, play, and connect with County services and their neighbors. The existing buildings and open spaces will remain.

To guide this effort, the Department of Planning and Development is hosting a virtual Public Open House to share some potential development ideas and hear community feedback. You can talk with planners, ask questions, and help shape the vision of this area:

• Tuesday, October 21 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• Join on Zoom
• By Phone: (305) 224-1968
• Meeting ID: 874 8387 5741 | Passcode: 108397

If you are unable to attend the session or prefer to submit your ideas in writing, send comments to ffx-center-area-study@publicinput.com. You may also call (703) 324-1380 to speak with County Planning staff.

Government Center Visioning is part of a larger areawide planning study for the Fairfax Center Area (Plan Amendment 2013-III-FC1(c)). For additional information, visit the project’s webpage.

Medicare 102

On Wednesday, October 22, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP) will hold a Medicare 102 webinar from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Patrick V. Kinlan, a 15-year VICAP volunteer with 38 years of experience in finance and an MBA from New York University, will lead the information session. The session is for family caregivers and those seeking a deeper understanding of Medicare coverage. It will cover advanced topics, including the Medicare.gov website, regulatory changes, and Medicare updates for 2026.

Register today.

Kings Park Library Annual

Fall Book Sale

The Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale begins next week!

The sale is from October 23 - 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.

Drug Take Back Day

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.

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

Not accepted:

• Illegal drugs
• Pressurized canisters (inhalers/aerosol cans)
• Needles
• Large sources of liquids
• Non-prescription ointments and lotions

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.

Adopt a Hydrant Program

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's "Adopt-A-Hydrant" initiative is designed to enhance community safety and ensure that fire hydrants remain accessible in the event of an emergency.

By adopting a hydrant in your neighborhood, you play a vital role in supporting your local fire department and protecting your community. Participation is simple, impactful, and a great way to give back to your neighborhood. Those who adopt a hydrant will receive an official certificate of adoption to celebrate their commitment. 

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 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.

Early Voting for

November General Election

Early voting for the November General Election continues through Saturday, November 1.

Early voting dates and information below do not apply to the December 9 Braddock District Special Election.

You can register to vote or update your registration by Friday, October 24.

For those planning to vote by mail, remember to apply to vote by mail before the deadline on Friday, October 24, by 5:00 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 4.

If you plan to vote early in-person, three locations will be open from September 19 - November 1:

• Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax)
• Monday-Friday (including October 13) 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Saturdays (October 25, November 1) 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 26 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Mt. Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria)
• Weekdays (including October 13) 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays (October 25, November 1) 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 26 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston)
• Weekdays (including October 13) 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays (October 25, November 1) 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 26 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

On Friday, October 24, 13 additional early voting locations will open, including Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke) and West Springfield Governmental Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield).

You can find all the locations, operating hours, and detailed information on Early Voting 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.

How to Get a COVID Vaccine

Virginia’s health commissioner signed an order last week that allows pharmacists to give the COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and others with underlying health conditions without a prescription.

• Tips to prepare for respiratory illness season

Under the order, the following individuals qualify for the vaccine without a prescription:

• Seniors who are 65 years of age and older
• People ages 18 to 64 with at least one underlying medical condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma
• See the CDC’s list of medical conditions that put you at a higher risk for severe illness

In Virginia, pharmacists may either give vaccines with a doctor’s prescription or give them without a prescription if the vaccines are on the CDC’s Immunization Schedule. Because the CDC hasn’t included the 2025-2026 COVID vaccines on its schedule yet, they could only have been administered with a prescription before the health commissioner’s order.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization is scheduled to meet today and Thursday. It’s anticipated that the committee will vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines at their meeting.   

In August, the FDA authorized the following COVID vaccines:

• Moderna’s Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE (age 6 months and older)
• Pfizer’s Comirnaty (age 5 years and older)
• Novavax’s Nuvaxovid (age 12 years and older)

Based on the FDA’s guidance earlier this year, the monovalent vaccines target the LP.8.1 variant from the JN.1 lineage.

Last week, the Virginia Department of Health reported that more than 3,100 people tested positive for COVID statewide. And virus levels are rising in wastewater monitoring samples. The CDC reported high COVID viral activity levels in Virginia’s wastewater last week and very high levels in Fairfax County. Check the Fairfax County Health Department’s Respiratory Illness Dashboard to monitor trends in COVID, flu, and RSV cases.

Pet Adoption Spotlight: Lily

Meet Lily, an affectionate girl who's been patiently waiting for her perfect match since arriving at the shelter on August 10.

Located at the Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 Wet Ox Road, Fairfax), Lily is ready to find her forever home.

Lily is a young adult black-and-white tuxedo cat with a heart as soft as her beautiful fur. This sweet girl is the epitome of charm, with a gentle personality that shines brightly.

Not only is she affectionate but also gets along wonderfully in her foster home with other cats and even large dogs, making her a great fit for a variety of homes.

Recently, Lily had eyelid repair surgery and is healing like a champ! Her resilient spirit is as inspiring as it is endearing. Whether she's exploring by your side or curling up for some quiet time, Lily is ready to bring love and companionship into your life. If you're looking for an effortlessly elegant and affectionate addition to your family, Lily is waiting to meet you!

Visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's website for more information about Lily or to view other adoptable pets, including cats, dogs, and small animals.