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12.18.2025
Dear Neighbor,
On Tuesday, I was proud to take the oath of office as the new Braddock District member on the Board of Supervisors. I am deeply honored by the trust that Braddock District voters have placed in me, and I accept it with gratitude, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility.
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I begin my term by honoring the leaders who came before me. Supervisors Audrey Moore, Sharon Bulova, John Cook, and James Walkinshaw each modeled what responsive, community-centered government can and should look like. They showed us the value of strong constituent service, deep community engagement, and leadership rooted in listening. My goal is to honor that legacy and build upon it while working with my new colleagues to create opportunities for all to thrive.
For the past 24 years, I have lived and raised my children in the Braddock District and love this kind and connected community of communities. While I have served on the School Board for six years, I know that some readers may not know me very well, so I hope to get to know you better and listen to you as I am out and about in the district, and I hope you can get to know me better as well.
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I firmly believe that the greatest resource of the Braddock District has always been its people—our neighbors who volunteer, our residents who speak up about their schools, their roads, their parks, and their neighborhoods, and more.
That also includes those who may not speak up because they are working tirelessly to build a better life for their families, because English is not their first language, or because they simply don’t know where to turn to be heard.
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All of those voices matter, and I intend to make sure they continue to be heard—while also reaching out to those we have not yet connected with.
I want to share a bit of my own story, because it shapes how I approach public service. My parents came to this country with nothing but their education, determination, and a deep belief in opportunity. Like so many immigrants, my parents built a good life through perseverance—with a singular desire that my brother and I would have a better future. English was not my first language, and I was the first in my family to vote. Civic engagement changed my life, and it is why I believe so strongly in making local government accessible to everyone.
My commitment to being a voice for others was also shaped profoundly by my son, Jake. When Jake was diagnosed with autism, I learned firsthand how hard families must fight to be seen, heard, and supported. Advocating for him showed me how systems can fail people—and how much better they can be when we listen, when we lead with empathy, and when we refuse to leave anyone behind. That journey led me to advocate not just for my own child, but for others who need a voice, and ultimately into public service.
But really, it was Jake who showed me that grit, determination, and the power of positivity can overcome what seem like insurmountable barriers, lessons that I hope serve me well in my new role.
We will face challenges in the years ahead, and I won’t shy away from tough conversations—even with people who disagree with me—because those conversations make us better public servants and lead to better decisions.
In service,
Rachna
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Our Promise to You
In the Braddock District Office, our goal is simple: to serve our community with care, integrity, and heart. These values guide how we work every day and how we show up for you - with empathy, optimism, and a belief in what we can accomplish together.
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Respect and Listening
We believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, especially when conversations are difficult. We listen first, assume good intentions, and work to understand and include different perspectives, because trust is the foundation of strong communities.
Responsiveness and Follow-Through
When you bring a concern to us, we take it seriously. We will acknowledge your request in a timely manner, do our best to help, take responsibility for moving things forward, and be honest about challenges or timelines. If something doesn’t go as planned, we will own it, learn from it, and work to make things better.
Thoughtful, High-Quality Work
We are thoughtful and thorough in our work, because details and follow-through matter. Braddock deserves excellence and care in how decisions are made and carried out.
Inclusion and Community Engagement
Braddock is a community of many backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our decisions are stronger when more voices are included. We are committed to reaching out, listening closely, and making sure everyone feels welcome, valued, and part of the process.
Communication and Transparency
We believe in transparency. We will share not just what decisions are made, but why they are made. Even when you don’t agree with an outcome, we hope openness helps build understanding and trust—because knowledge is power.
Leading with Humanity and Positivity
Above all, we strive to lead with humanity and positivity. Public service can be challenging, but it should always be rooted in empathy, gratitude, a genuine care for people, and even a little humor. That is how bridges are built, and how communities grow stronger together.
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Office Holiday Schedule
County government offices will be closed on December 24 and 25. Additionally, our office will be closed on Friday, December 26. We will monitor messages and respond to any urgent matters.
| | 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. | | New! Follow Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and Bluesky. | | | |
Continue reading below for more information on:
- Save the Date: Best of Braddock March 4, 2026
- Comments Welcome on Lake Accotink Technical Memorandum
- GMU President Gregory Washington Named Education Leader of the Year
- Preventing Holiday Scams
- Hypothermia Prevention Program Continues
- Step Into the New Year with First Hike Fairfax 2026
- Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Seeks Co-Chair
- The Most Wonderful Time to Recycle
| Save the Date: Best of Braddock March 4, 2026 | |
Mark your calendars! Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer invites you to the Best of Braddock Awards and Reception, which due to the recent special election has been rescheduled.
The event will take place on the evening of March 4, 2026 at our building, 9002 Burke Lake Rd., Burke VA 22015. More information will come in a future Advisory message.
| | Comments Welcome on Lake Accotink Technical Memorandum | | |
Supervisor Sizemore Heizer remains committed to continuing the office's record of engaging the community in all aspects of the studies and efforts to preserve Lake Accotink.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) invites the public to provide comments or questions on the November 2025 Permitting Assessment Technical Memorandum, which was highlighted in the December edition of the Braddock Beacon. There is a comment box for this purpose directly underneath the blue box announcing the memo’s availability on the Smaller Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study webpage.
The eight preliminary layouts shown in the September 2 Desktop Assessment Technical Memorandum were reviewed to determine what permitting might be required for each. The technical document specifically addresses permitting, taking into consideration local, state, and federal regulation. DPWES is seeking questions or comments on this particular document, not the overall project. This effort is to ensure that DPWES is covering all the applicable permits and conditions.
Regular updates on Lake Accotink including the dam assessment, sedimentation study, and smaller lake feasibility study, are included in the December Braddock Beacon, and the office will continue to provide information for the community.
| | GMU President Gregory Washington Named Education Leader of the Year | |
Braddock District's own George Mason University President Gregory Washington was honored Thursday as Education Leader of the Year by the Washington Business Journal as part of their CEO of the Year awards.
The Washington Business Journal article is available with a subscription. Responding to the news, GMU's communications office stated:
Under President Washington's leadership, Mason has reached historic milestones: record enrollment of 40,748 students, Virginia's largest public research institution, and recognition as Virginia's #1 university for upward mobility by U.S. News & World Report.
But what makes us most proud? Our graduates are competing at the highest levels across government, industry, and beyond—with a median starting salary of $70,000—many coming from the humblest of beginnings.
As President Washington says, "Anybody can take the best among us and just keep them being the best. But take the stones that none of the builders want to use... To take those young people and have them performing at the level of their peers … and to have our graduates compete at that level, says that we are meeting a mission that others are not."
Congratulations to President Washington!
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Avoid scams this holiday season. Stay safe by remaining vigilant against common seasonal threats like phishing emails, fake delivery notifications, and "too-good-to-be-true" online deals. To protect your finances and personal information in 2025, follow these essential tips:
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Verify Before You Click: Never click links in unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from delivery services like UPS, FedEx, Uber, or Amazon. Instead, track your packages directly through the carrier's official website or app.
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Shop Safely: Stick to reputable retailers and verify website URLs for "https" and a padlock icon to ensure your connection is secure. Use credit cards for online purchases rather than debit or gift cards, as they offer better fraud protection and the ability to dispute unauthorized charges.
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Beware of High Urgency: Scammers often use pressure tactics or claim there is an "immediate issue" with your account or a delivery. If a message feels overly urgent, slow down and contact the company directly through a verified number.
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Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for every account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security against hackers.
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Research Charities: Before donating, verify a nonprofit's legitimacy through trusted sources like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch.
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Report Suspicious Activity: Report scams and unlicensed solicitors by contacting Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131, TTY 711.
- File a report using the Financial Crimes Information and Online Reporting System (FiCOR).
- You may also report scams to the FTC or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
For additional information, consult the following link for holiday scam prevention tips: Holiday Scams — FBI. Have a safe and joyful holiday season!
| | Hypothermia Prevention Program | | The County's Hypothermia Prevention Program continues, and the County appreciates the many places of worship and other facilities who open their doors to take our neighbors in from the cold. Sites around the County are also seeking volunteers. If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the Non-Emergency number at (703) 691-2131, or 911 if you see someone in distress. | | Step Into the New Year with First Hike Fairfax | | |
Start 2026 on the right foot with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s annual First Hike Photo Contest! Community members of all ages and abilities are invited to join the fun and explore the beauty of Fairfax County parks.
How To Participate:
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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.
- Capture the Moment. Snap a fantastic photo during your adventure.
- Submit Your Best Shot. Upload your photo online by noon on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, for a chance to win great prizes!
Join a nationwide First Day Hike tradition and kick off your year with an adventure! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or stepping onto the trail for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family, friends and neighbors. This family-friendly community activity is open to photographers of all levels.
Each participant may submit one photo in one of the following categories:
- Scenery/Landscapes
- People
- Wildlife
- Pets
Multiple family members may participate individually. Please remember to follow all park rules and safety protocols. Photos depicting rule violations will be disqualified.
For information about prizes and contest rules, visit the Park Authority website.
| | Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Seeks Co-Chair | | |
Are you passionate about creating healthier communities and driving meaningful change? The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax (PFHF) is seeking its next Co-Chair—and it could be you (or someone you know)!
Established in 2010, the PFHF is a dynamic coalition of leaders and changemakers from government, business, nonprofits, healthcare, academia, community organizations and residents, working together to improve health and well-being for all in the Fairfax community. The PFHF oversees a multi-year Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a roadmap to address the most pressing health challenges in the Fairfax community.
Why Join PFHF as a Co-Chair?
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As PFHF Co-Chair, you’ll have the unique opportunity to:
✔ Be a Change Leader: Guide strategy and inspire action to improve health outcomes for all in the Fairfax community.
✔ Collaborate with Diverse Partners: Work closely with a dedicated network of multi-sector community partners and residents.
✔ Shape the Future of Public Health: Play a significant role in advancing health equity and addressing root causes of health disparities.
This is an unpaid position. However, the impact you’ll make as a leader in the Fairfax community is priceless.
If you are a dedicated, motivated leader with a commitment to community health, we invite you to step forward and help shape the future of the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax. Together, we’ll create a healthier, more equitable tomorrow for the Fairfax community.
Are you interested in this position? Read the full role description to learn more about what the position entails.
Email LiveHealthy@fairfaxcounty.gov to learn more or submit an application by Friday, February 27, 2026, at: Partnership Co-Chair Application.
| The Most Wonderful Time to Recycle | | |
It's always a wonderful time to recycle, especially during the holidays when there are usually more items to consider!
Items such as paper holiday cards, gift bags/boxes and electronics are more abundant. There may be more food scraps following large holiday dinners, as well as single-use items like red cups (not recyclable), paper plates and plastic utensils. The guide below will help you navigate all of the opportunities to recycle this holiday season.
Holiday Items That Should Be Recycled Curbside
- Most wrapping papers
- Cardboard boxes
- Paper boxes
Holiday Items That Should NOT Be Recycled Curbside
| | Follow Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer on
Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and Bluesky. | | | | |
